CBSE Class 9 English Poem 7 Words Question Answers (Important) from Kaveri Book
Class 9 English Words Question Answers – Looking for Words question answers (NCERT solutions) for CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Book Poem 7? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Class 9 English question answers can significantly improve your performance in the exam. Our solutions provide a clear idea of how to write the answers effectively. Improve your chances of scoring high marks by exploring Poem 7: Words now. The questions listed below are based on the latest CBSE exam pattern, wherein we have given NCERT solutions (Textbook Questions) to the chapter’s, Extract Based Questions, Multiple Choice Questions, and Extra Question Answers
Also, practising with different kinds of questions can help students learn new ways to solve problems that they may not have seen before. This can ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and better performance on exams.
- Words Textbook Questions (NCERT Solution)
- Words Grammar Exercises
- Words Extract-Based Questions
- Words Multiple Choice Questions
- Words Extra Questions
Related:
Words Textbook Questions (NCERT Solution)
Check Your Understanding
I. Fill in the blanks with one word from the poem. One example has been done for you.
In this poem, the poet reflects that words fail to truly satisfy what the heart wants to convey. Words are compared to summer birds who 1. __________, leaving nothing behind. The heart, is equated to a 2. __________ who finds that words are as worthless as 3. __________ when needed. He feels that a few sincere words can bring more 4. __________ than many meaningless ones. He adds that a voice that brings happiness to a 5. __________ place does not say much, but the few words it does, are very precious. Moreover, if words could satisfy us, the 6. __________ would celebrate but words often fail to do that. The poem ends on the note that empty words may look impressive with lots of flowers, but they cannot produce anything valuable, like a 7.__________.
Ans.
1. Depart
2. Pilgrim
3. Weeds
4. Joy
5. Lonely
6. World
7. fruit
II. Let us appreciate the poem.
1. Read the poem again. Find any four sets of rhyming words and also write the rhyme scheme of the poem.
Ans.
Four sets of rhyming words:
heart – depart
care – air
earth – worth
needs – weeds
Rhyme scheme: ABAB
2. Read the following phrases and sentences taken from the poem. Identify the poetic device in each of them and explain what the poet wants to communicate through their usage.
(i) But words, like summer birds, depart…
(ii) heart, a pilgrim upon earth…
(iii) words are of as little worth As just so many weeds
(iv) If words could satisfy the chest … Oft satisfy the least!
(v) The world might hold a feast…
(vi) Like plants that make a gaudy show All blossom to the root
(vii) But whose poor nature cannot grow One particle of fruit!
Ans.
(i) Poetic Device: Simile
Meaning: Words disappear quickly like birds, leaving no lasting impact.
(ii) Poetic Device: Metaphor
Meaning: The heart is shown as a traveller searching for meaning and truth.
(iii) Poetic Device: Simile
Meaning: Words are useless and unwanted when they fail to express true feelings.
(iv) Poetic Device: Irony
Meaning: Though words seem powerful, they often fail to truly satisfy emotions.
(v) Poetic Device: Hyperbole
Meaning: Exaggeration to show that if words truly satisfied us, there would be great celebration.
(vi) Poetic Device: Simile
Meaning: Words may look attractive but lack real value.
(vii) Poetic Device: Metaphor
Meaning: Empty words produce no meaningful results.
3. Which words are repeated in the poem? Why does the poet use repetition?
Ans.
Repeated words: words, heart
Reason: The poet uses repetition to emphasise the importance and limitations of words and to highlight the contrast between true feelings and empty speech.
4. The stanzas 4, 5, and 6 end with exclamation marks. Choose the option that displays the emotions being expressed through them.
(i) 4. disillusionment 5. admiration and 6. frustration
(ii) 4. frustration 5. admiration and 6. disillusionment
(iii) 4. admiration 5. frustration and 6. disillusionment
(iv) 4. frustration 5. disillusionment and 6. Admiration
Ans. (ii) 4. frustration 5. admiration and 6. disillusionment
III. Identify examples of hyperbole from the given lines.
If words could satisfy the chest,
The world might hold a feast.
Ans.
Hyperbole in the given lines:
“The world might hold a feast” – This is hyperbole (exaggeration) because it overstates that the whole world would celebrate.
Work in pairs. Complete the sentences given below with hyperboles. Use the hints given in the brackets.
1. I have ______________ things to do on this weekend. (lots of/tonnes of)
2. The player missed the basket by ______________. (a mile/ an inch)
3. My mother is so tired that she can sleep for a ______________. (night/decade)
4. I will be back in ______________. (five minutes/two seconds)
Ans.
1. tonnes of
2. a mile
3. decade
4. two seconds.
Critical Reflection
I Read the following lines and answer the questions.
1. The heart, a pilgrim upon earth,
Finds often, when it needs,
That words are of as little worth
As just so many weeds.
(i) Why has the poet referred to the heart as ‘a pilgrim’?
Ans. The poet calls the heart a ‘pilgrim’ because it is always searching for true feelings, meaning, and emotional satisfaction in life.
(ii) When would a heart ‘need’ words?
Ans. A heart needs words when a person wants to express deep emotions like love, pain, sadness, or happiness.
(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
The words are like weeds because ____________.
Ans. they are often useless and fail to express true feelings effectively.
(iv) Mention two emotions the heart might be experiencing when it finds words to be of ‘little worth’.
Ans. Two emotions: sadness and frustration
(v) What do these lines suggest about the nature of communication?
Ans. These lines suggest that words are often insufficient to express true emotions, and real feelings go deeper than what words can convey.
2. If words could satisfy the chest,
The world might hold a feast;
But words, when summoned to the test,
Oft satisfy the least!
(i) How can words ‘satisfy the chest’?
Ans. they fulfill emotional needs or feelings of the heart.
(ii) How can words be ‘summoned to the test’?
Ans. they are used in real situations to express true feelings.
(iii) What does ‘the world’ holding ‘a feast’ imply?
Ans. everyone would be happy if words could truly satisfy emotions.
(iv) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
The poet mentions that words satisfy the least because ______________.
Ans. they often fail to express deep and genuine emotions effectively.
(v) Select the word that does not mean the same as ‘oft’.
A. always
B. usually
C. frequently
D. often
Ans. A. always
II Answer the following questions.
1. What is the comparison that the poet draws between words and ‘empty air’?
Ans. The poet compares words to ‘empty air’ to show that words often seem meaningful but actually have no real emotional value or impact.
2. According to the poet meaningful words are more precious than a lot of them. Explain.
Ans. The poet believes meaningful words are more precious because a few sincere and heartfelt words can deeply touch the heart, whereas many empty words fail to create any emotional impact.
3. Do you agree that the poet presents contrasting ideas related to ‘words’ in the poem? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Ans. Yes, the poet presents contrasting ideas because he shows that while words are important, they often fail to express true feelings; however, a few genuine words can be very powerful.
4. The theme of loneliness hovers over the poem. Support this statement with examples from the text.
Ans. The theme of loneliness is shown when the poet says “a lonely home to cheer”, indicating that words are often needed to comfort someone who feels alone.
5. How does the poet convey the superficial nature of words? What ought to be done to address this?
Ans. The poet conveys the superficial nature of words by comparing them to weeds and showy plants that look attractive but have no real value.
To address this, people should use fewer but sincere, honest, and meaningful words.
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Words Grammar Exercises
Vocabulary in Context
I. The poet has used some figurative phrases. Match the phrases in Column 1 with their correct meanings in Column 2. Use each phrase in a sentence of your own.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1. satisfy the heart | (i) many words |
| 2. depart and leave but empty air | (ii) cheers up a person |
| 3. hosts of words | (iii) there is no outcome |
| 4. never touch the heart | (iv) makes one happy |
| 5. wins its sunny way | (v) does not appeal to our emotions |
| 6. plants that cannot grow fruit | (vi) makes no impact |
Ans.
| Column 1 (Phrases) | Column 2 (Meanings) | Sentence |
| 1. satisfy the heart | (iv) makes one happy | Her kind words truly satisfied my heart. |
| 2. depart and leave but empty air | (vi) makes no impact | His promises departed and left but empty air. |
| 3. hosts of words | (i) many words | He used hosts of words but said nothing meaningful. |
| 4. never touch the heart | (v) does not appeal to our emotions | His speech was long but never touched the heart. |
| 5. wins its sunny way | (ii) cheers up a person | Her smile always wins its sunny way into everyone’s life. |
| 6. plants that cannot grow fruit | (iii) there is no outcome | Their efforts were like plants that cannot grow fruit. |
II. Create a ‘Word Map’ for each of the words from the poem given in the box.
| depart | pilgrim | cheer | word |
| sunny | satisfy | heart |
To complete the word map include:
- Meaning (in your own words)
- Synonyms of the word
- Antonyms of the word
- Sentence using the word
- A quick sketch or symbol that represents the word
One example has been done for you
- Word: cheer
- Meaning: to give a loud shout of approval or encouragement
- Synonym: comfort
- Antonym: sadden
- Sentence: The audience cheered her for great performance.
- Sketch: Picture of sunshine, sunflower, or a smiling face
1. Word: depart
Meaning: to leave or go away
Synonym: leave
Antonym: arrive
Sentence: The train will depart at 6 p.m.
Sketch: (train moving away)
2. Word: pilgrim
Meaning: a person on a journey, especially for a purpose
Synonym: traveller
Antonym: resident
Sentence: The pilgrim walked a long distance to reach the temple.
Sketch: (person walking to a temple)
3. Word: cheer
Meaning: to make someone happy or encourage
Synonym: encourage
Antonym: discourage
Sentence: Her smile always cheers me up.
Sketch: (smiling face or flower)
4. Word: word
Meaning: a unit of language used to express ideas
Synonym: term
Antonym: silence
Sentence: Choose your words carefully.
Sketch: (speech bubble)
5. Word: sunny
Meaning: bright and full of light or happiness
Synonym: bright
Antonym: gloomy
Sentence: It was a sunny day at the beach.
Sketch: (sun)
6. Word: satisfy
Meaning: to fulfill a need or desire
Synonym: fulfill
Antonym: disappoint
Sentence: Good results satisfy hard work.
Sketch: (happy face/thumbs up)
7. Word: heart
Meaning: the center of feelings and emotions
Synonym: soul
Antonym: mind (in contrast to emotion)
Sentence: Her words touched my heart.
Sketch: (heart symbol)
Listen and Respond
I You will listen to a conversation between a girl and a boy. As you listen, mark four statements from 1–6 that are true. (Transcript for teacher on page 273)
- The girl was excited to participate in the declamation contest.
- The boy was doubtful about the suitability of the topic chosen for the contest.
- The girl explained that people prefer to keep their personal experiences to themselves.
- The boy was unaware of the role played by body language in reflecting the speaker’s confidence.
- According to the girl, body language had an insignificant role to play in communication.
- The girl had issued the book on body language earlier from the library.
Ans. Correct set: 1, 2, 4, 6
Writing Task
I. Write an essay on any one quotation from speaking activity. Follow the guidelines given below while drafting the essay.
| Column 1 Paragraph Division | Column 2 Paragraph Content |
| 1. Introduction |
|
| 2. and 3. Body of the essay |
|
| 4. Counterargument |
|
| 5. Conclusion |
|
Ans.
Essay on the Quotation: “Music is a friend when no one seems to care.”
Introduction
The quotation “Music is a friend when no one seems to care” beautifully expresses the emotional power of music. Though the poet is not specifically mentioned, the idea strongly reflects the universal role of music in human life. This quotation appealed to me because it highlights how music comforts us in moments of loneliness. The purpose of this essay is to explain how music acts as a true companion in different situations.
Body Paragraph 1
Firstly, music has the ability to understand and reflect our emotions. When we feel sad or lonely, it often becomes difficult to share our feelings with others. In such moments, music provides comfort without judgment. For instance, listening to a soothing song can calm the mind and reduce stress. In addition, music connects deeply with our inner feelings, making us feel understood even when no one else is around.
Body Paragraph 2
Secondly, music not only comforts but also motivates and strengthens us. During challenging times such as exams or personal struggles, music can boost confidence and energy. For example, motivational songs can inspire us to keep going despite difficulties. Consequently, music acts as a constant support system that helps us overcome negative emotions and stay positive.
Counterargument
However, some people may argue that music cannot replace real human relationships and support. While this is true to some extent, it does not reduce the importance of music. In fact, music complements human connection by providing emotional relief when people are unavailable. Therefore, this criticism is not strong enough to dismiss the value of music as a companion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the quotation rightly presents music as a dependable friend in times of need. It comforts us, understands our emotions, and motivates us to move forward. Music may not speak in words, but it communicates directly with the heart. Thus, it truly becomes a friend when no one else seems to care.
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CBSE Class 9 English Poem 7 Words Extract-Based Questions
A.
If words could satisfy the heart,
The heart might find less care;
But words, like summer birds, depart,
And leave but empty air.
Q1. What does the poet say would happen if words could satisfy the heart?
Ans. The poet says that if words could truly satisfy the heart then the heart would find less care.
Q2. What does the simile “words like summer birds depart” mean?
Ans. This simile means that words are temporary and fleeting, coming briefly and then disappearing leaving nothing meaningful behind just like the birds that appear in the summer season.
Q3. What does the phrase “empty air” suggest about words?
Ans. The phrase “empty air” suggests that words spoken without genuine feeling dissolve into nothingness leaving absolutely nothing real or meaningful behind.
Q4. What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza?
Ans. The rhyme scheme of this stanza is ABAB where “heart” rhymes with “depart” and “care” rhymes with “air.”
Q5. What is the central idea of this stanza?
Ans. The central idea is that words without genuine feeling are temporary and empty, leaving nothing meaningful behind just like summer birds that come and go.
B.
The heart, a pilgrim upon earth,
Finds often, when it needs,
That words are of as little worth
As just so many weeds.
Q1. Why does the poet compare the heart to a pilgrim?
Ans. The heart is compared to a pilgrim because like a pilgrim, it journeys through life, constantly searching for genuine, sincere and truly meaningful emotional connection and communication.
Q2. What does the comparison of words to weeds suggest?
Ans. Comparing words to weeds suggests that empty words, without sincerity are as worthless, unwanted and useless as weeds that serve no meaningful purpose anywhere.
Q3. When does the heart find words to be of little worth?
Ans. The heart finds words of little worth when it truly needs genuine comfort, connection and sincere emotional support during its most difficult and painful moments in life.
Q4. What poetic device is used in “words are of as little worth as just so many weeds”?
Ans. The poetic device used is a simile comparing words to weeds using the word “as” to show that empty words are completely worthless and useless.
Q5. What does this stanza tell us about the nature of words?
Ans. This stanza tells us that words without sincerity and genuine feeling are completely worthless and useless, especially when the heart truly needs real comfort and meaningful connection.
C.
A little said, and truly said,
Can deeper joy impart
Than hosts of words, which reach the head,
But never touch the heart.
Q1. What does the poet mean by “a little said and truly said”?
Ans. The poet means that a few words spoken with complete sincerity and genuine feeling are far more valuable and powerful than many empty words.
Q2. What is the difference between words that “reach the head” and words that “touch the heart”?
Ans. Words that reach the head are intellectually understood but emotionally empty while words that touch the heart are deeply felt sincere and genuinely meaningful creating lasting impact.
Q3. What does the phrase “hosts of words” mean?
Ans. The phrase “hosts of words” means a very large number of words suggesting that quantity of words alone without sincerity and genuine feeling has no real value or power.
Q4. What is the central message of this stanza?
Ans. The central message is that a few sincere and truly heartfelt words always bring deeper joy than a flood of empty meaningless words that never genuinely touch the human heart.
Q5. Which poetic device is used in “hosts of words”?
Ans. The poetic device used is hyperbole, exaggerating the number of words to emphasize that even a very large number of insincere empty words cannot match the power of a few truly sincere ones.
D.
Like plants that make a gaudy show,
All blossom to the root;
But whose poor nature cannot grow,
One particle of fruit!
Q1. What does the poet compare empty words to in this extract?
Ans. The poet compares empty words to plants that make a beautiful gaudy show of flowers but cannot produce even a single real fruit showing their ultimate emptiness and worthlessness.
Q2. What does the word “gaudy” suggest about empty words?
Ans. The word “gaudy” suggests that empty words may appear impressive showy and attractive on the surface but they lack any real depth substance or genuine meaning underneath their beautiful appearance.
Q3. Do you agree with the poet’s contention that a plant with flowers but lacking fruits is a gaudy show? Give reason.
Ans. No, I think that a plant with flowers only has ornamental value which is a thing of beauty. Thus, it is not a gaudy show.
Q4. How does this stanza bring the poem to a powerful conclusion?
Ans. This stanza concludes powerfully by showing that empty words like fruitless plants may look beautiful but ultimately produce nothing valuable or lasting, making it the perfect and memorable final image.
Q5. What is the overall message of the entire poem that this extract reinforces?
Ans. This extract reinforces the poem’s central message that empty and insincere words, however beautiful and impressive they may appear, are ultimately hollow, worthless and completely without any real lasting value or meaning.
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Class 9 Words Multiple Choice Questions
1. What are words compared to in the poem?
A. Flowers
B. Summer birds
C. Rivers
D. Stars
Ans. B. Summer birds
2. What do words leave behind after departing?
A. Joy
B. Memories
C. Empty air
D. Silence
Ans. C. Empty air
3. The heart is compared to a ______.
A. King
B. Pilgrim
C. Teacher
D. Child
Ans. B. Pilgrim
4. What does the heart often realise about words?
A. They are powerful
B. They are meaningful
C. They are of little worth
D. They are inspiring
Ans. C. They are of little worth
5. Words are compared to weeds because they are ______.
A. beautiful
B. harmful
C. useless
D. rare
Ans. C. useless
6. What brings deeper joy according to the poet?
A. Many words
B. Loud speech
C. Few sincere words
D. Long speeches
Ans. C. Few sincere words
7. “Hosts of words” means ______.
A. Few words
B. Many words
C. Sweet words
D. Harsh words
Ans. B. Many words
8. Words that reach the head but not the heart are ______.
A. emotional
B. logical only
C. meaningful
D. powerful
Ans. B. logical only
9. What kind of voice cheers a lonely home?
A. Loud voice
B. Silent voice
C. Few meaningful words
D. Angry voice
Ans. C. Few meaningful words
10. What does “sunny way” symbolise?
A. Anger
B. Happiness
C. Fear
D. Sadness
Ans. B. Happiness
11. Words often fail when they are ______.
A. spoken loudly
B. tested in real situations
C. written
D. repeated
Ans. B. tested in real situations
12. “The world might hold a feast” suggests ______.
A. happiness
B. exaggeration
C. sadness
D. confusion
Ans. B. exaggeration
13, Words satisfy the least because they are ______.
A. powerful
B. emotional
C. often empty
D. meaningful
Ans. C. often empty
14. Words are compared to plants that ______.
A. grow fast
B. bloom beautifully
C. cannot produce fruit
D. spread quickly
Ans. C. cannot produce fruit
15. The tone of the poem is ______.
A. humorous
B. critical
C. angry
D. playful
Ans. B. critical
16. What does the poet suggest about “a little said, and truly said”?
A. It is meaningless
B. It creates confusion
C. It gives deeper joy
D. It is ignored
Answer: C. It gives deeper joy
17. What does “empty air” represent?
A. silence
B. uselessness
C. happiness
D. beauty
Ans. B. uselessness
18. What does the poet value more?
A. Long speeches
B. Many words
C. True and few words
D. Loud words
Ans. C. True and few words
19. What message does the poem convey?
A. Speak more
B. Speak loudly
C. Speak meaningfully
D. Avoid speaking
Ans. C. Speak meaningfully
20. The central idea of the poem is:
A. Words are powerful
B. Words are always helpful
C. Words often fail to express true feelings
D. Words create happiness
Ans. C. Words often fail to express true feelings
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CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Book Poem 7 – Words Extra Question and Answers
Answer the following questions
Q1. Who is the poet of the poem “Words”?
Ans. The poet is Charles Swain, a nineteenth century English poet known for his thoughtful and lyrical poetry about human emotions and the power and limitations of words in communication.
Q2. How many stanzas are there in the poem “Words”?
Ans. There are six stanzas in the poem. Each stanza explores a different and deeply meaningful aspect of the nature power and fundamental limitations of words in human communication and emotional connection.
Q3. Why does the poet compare words to summer birds?
Ans. The poet compares words to summer birds because like summer birds empty words arrive briefly and then disappear leaving nothing meaningful or lasting behind showing their temporary and completely fleeting nature.
Q4. Why does the poet compare the heart to a pilgrim?
Ans. The heart is compared to a pilgrim because like a pilgrim journeying through life it constantly searches for genuine sincere and truly meaningful communication and emotional connection with others.
Q5. What does the poet mean by “words are of as little worth as just so many weeds”?
Ans. The poet means that empty words without sincerity and genuine feeling are as completely worthless and useless as weeds that serve no meaningful or valuable purpose in a garden or in life.
Q6. According to the poet what kind of words can bring deeper joy?
Ans. According to the poet a few words spoken with complete sincerity and genuine feeling can bring deeper joy than a flood of empty meaningless words that reach only the head but never truly touch the heart.
Q7. What does the poet say about the voice that cheers a lonely home?
Ans. The poet says that the voice which warmly and cheerfully brings joy to a lonely home uses the fewest words. But those few simple and genuinely sincere words are extraordinarily precious and deeply meaningful.
Q8. What does the poet mean by “words satisfy the least”?
Ans. The poet means that when words are truly tested in real situations of genuine emotional need they most often fail to provide real comfort satisfaction or lasting meaning showing their fundamental limitations.
Q9. What do the gaudy plants symbolize in the poem?
Ans. The gaudy plants that make a beautiful show of flowers but cannot produce any fruit symbolize empty and insincere words that appear impressive and attractive on the surface but have no real depth substance or lasting value.
Q10. What is the central message of the poem “Words”?
Ans. The central message is that a few sincere and genuinely heartfelt words are always far more valuable and powerful than a flood of empty hollow ones. True communication always requires sincerity truth and genuine feeling rather than quantity and surface eloquence.
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