This MCQ module is based on: Carrier of Words — Critical Reflection & Exercises
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Carrier of Words — Critical Reflection & Exercises
🎓 Class 9
English
CBSE
Theory
Ch 7 — Carrier of Words
⏱ ~40 min
🌐 Language: [gtranslate]
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This assessment will be based on: Carrier of Words — Critical Reflection & Exercises
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Critical Reflection — Extract 1
Khetaram on Famine
"Akaal or famine is a way of life here. In a good year, I get one crop of bajra. That cannot feed my family of five. We would starve without this job," he says. And for each family which resides in this arid land, survival is partly dependent on money orders remitted by a relative.
Apply · L3
(i) Complete the sentence: "One crop of bajra makes a little difference for people like Khetaram because ____________."
…it is not enough to feed a family of five through the year, especially in a region where rainfall is unpredictable and many years bring famine instead of harvest.
Analyse · L4
(ii) Why did Khetaram term famine as 'a way of life'?
In the Thar, famine is not a rare disaster but a recurring pattern. Drought returns so often that families build their entire economy — money orders, GDS work, multiple livelihoods — around the assumption that crops will fail. Famine has become the normal condition rather than the exception.
Apply · L3
(iii) Give one reason why Khetaram had to take up a job to help his family survive.
A single bajra crop in a good year cannot feed his five-member family, so a steady salary from India Post became necessary to ensure they did not starve.
Understand · L2
(iv) Complete the analogy: Other families : Money orders :: Khetaram : ____________
…this job (his GDS salary). Other families depend on money orders sent by relatives; Khetaram depends on his own job as the source of survival.
Analyse · L4
(v) What would 'a good year' signify for Khetaram?
A 'good year' for Khetaram means a year when there is enough rainfall to allow at least one bajra crop to ripen — modest by most standards, but a sign of relief in a region where most years bring drought.
Critical Reflection — Extract 2
The Letter He Dreads
There is one letter delivery he dreads. The envelope with the right corner torn off, which signifies that the missive bears news of death. "Ashubh Samachar cannot be carried into the house," says Khetaram. So, he stands outside, reads out the letter twice, then tears it to bits. "Bad news must be destroyed," he mutters philosophically.
Remember · L1
(i) Who could have torn the right corner of the envelope?
Option B — the sender of the letter. The torn corner is a traditional postal convention used by senders to mark a letter as carrying inauspicious news, so the postman can be careful with how he delivers it.
Apply · L3
(ii) The most likely reason for Khetaram reading the letter twice is because ____________.
…he wants to make sure the family hears every detail clearly while still standing outside the threshold — so they understand the news fully without him having to enter the house with inauspicious tidings.
Analyse · L4
(iii) What was Khetaram's philosophy regarding bad news, and how did he act upon it?
Khetaram believed that bad news must not enter the home and must be destroyed once delivered. He acted on this belief by standing outside the doorway, reading the letter aloud twice for clarity, and then tearing it into bits — refusing to let the unhappy paper survive in the house.
Understand · L2
(iv) True or false: Khetaram's action of tearing the letter differed from his beliefs.
False. Tearing the letter was completely consistent with his belief that bad news must be destroyed. His actions were a direct expression of his philosophy.
Evaluate · L5
(v) Mention one aspect of Khetaram's temperament revealed by this extract.
It reveals his quiet sensitivity and respect for traditional customs. He does not treat letter-delivery as a mechanical job — he honours local beliefs about inauspicious news, takes the time to read aloud twice, and shows philosophical acceptance ("Bad news must be destroyed") rather than detachment.
Long-Answer Comprehension
Thinking about the Text
Q1.
Justify the statement made by the Postmaster-General, Rajasthan Western Region, that the role of GDS is 'invaluable'.
The role of Gramin Dak Sewaks is invaluable for three reasons. First, they reach areas that no other government service can — beyond railheads, beyond phones, across soft sand where bicycles cannot ply. Second, they carry not only mail but also money orders that families in the arid Thar depend on for survival; without GDS, this lifeline collapses. Third, they uphold trust — villagers like those of Somarad have entrusted their savings to the post office and welcome Khetaram at every doorstep. Their service combines geographical reach with economic and social trust, making it impossible to replace by any technology or alternative officer (a scheme to transfer the work to patwaris was rejected for exactly this reason).
Q2.
How was the purpose of India Post different from that of the British postal system?
The British postal system was set up in India to relay company dak — official correspondence between administrative centres of the East India Company and later the colonial government. It served the ruling apparatus, not the public. After Independence, India Post was given a completely different mandate: to bring the entire population within the mailing ambit. From 25,000 post offices in 1947, the network has grown to over a lakh and a half post offices, designed to reach every village. The shift was from administrative service for rulers to a public service for citizens.
Q3.
People trusted Gramin Dak Sewaks. Support this statement with any two instances from the text.
First, villagers entrust their monthly savings to the post office in their area; every post office has many operational accounts, reflecting absolute confidence in the system. Mulk Raj Anand notes that nowhere else in the world is a remote village person so dependent on the post for transmission of small sums of money. Second, Khetaram is welcomed at every threshold — people ask him to read their letters and write replies, knowing he will treat them with care. The BSF camp, jaggery offered for happy news, and the rejection of a scheme to transfer GDS work to patwaris all confirm this trust.
Q4.
Infer the most likely reason that Khetaram was grateful to continue as GDS, even after the age of 60.
For Khetaram, the GDS role is more than employment — it is identity. After more than fifteen years he says his spine is strong; he speaks of being able to "serve the people even after sixty" with quiet pride. The work gives him assured income in a region of famine, the respect of his neighbours, and a sense of purpose that ties him to every dhaani he reaches. The chance to extend service to age sixty-five (and possibly to become a Gramin Sanchar Sewak when phone lines arrive) means he can keep contributing — and continue to be needed — well beyond the typical retirement age.
Q5.
Explain why the author pays tribute to people like Khetaram.
The author pays tribute because Khetaram and his fellow Gramin Dak Sewaks form the quiet backbone of rural India's social fabric. They walk where wheels cannot, deliver in heat that turns sand to fire, and carry not just paper but news of births, deaths, savings and survival. They keep distant families connected, uphold the post office as a place of trust, and accept their work with grace rather than complaint. The closing line — "Our salute to all the people like Khetaram!" — is a deliberate national gesture: in honouring one postman, the author honours the three lakh hidden hands that hold the country's communication network together.
Vocabulary & Structures in Context
I. Match the Phrases
Match each phrase from Column 1 with its meaning in Column 2.
| Phrase from the text | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. crumbles into sand | (iii) disappears in the desert |
| 2. give a new lease of life | (i) get a chance to continue living |
| 3. turn into a trickle before drying out | (iv) lessen gradually and then finally stop |
| 4. bearing words across this desolate geography | (ii) carrying letters to less populated areas |
• The dirt road from Jaisalmer eventually crumbles into sand, leaving travellers to walk.
• The scholarship gave the village school a new lease of life.
• The applause began to turn into a trickle before drying out.
• For fifteen years he has been bearing words across this desolate geography.
• The scholarship gave the village school a new lease of life.
• The applause began to turn into a trickle before drying out.
• For fifteen years he has been bearing words across this desolate geography.
II. Identify Alliteration and Metaphor
"Khetaram's khaki turban and uniform are his only protection against the desert's furies, the scorching summer winds and swirling sandstorms which turn him into a walking sandman."
Alliteration: "Khetaram's khaki" — repeated /k/ sound; "scorching summer winds and swirling sandstorms" — repeated /s/ sound that mimics the hiss of wind-blown sand.
Metaphor: "the desert's furies" — the desert is given the nature of an angry being; "a walking sandman" — Khetaram is compared directly to a sandman, suggesting how thoroughly the dust covers him.
Metaphor: "the desert's furies" — the desert is given the nature of an angry being; "a walking sandman" — Khetaram is compared directly to a sandman, suggesting how thoroughly the dust covers him.
III. Match the Words to What They Suggest
| Word | Suggests |
|---|---|
| 1. arid | (iii) farmland without much yield |
| 2. concessional | (i) interest rate for the farmers |
| 3. gaunt | (v) farmer waiting for the rains |
| 4. remote | (ii) corner of the world |
| 5. desolate | (iv) desert stretching far and wide |
• The land here is arid — only one bajra crop a year.
• Farmers receive concessional loans during a year of drought.
• The gaunt farmer scanned the sky for the first signs of rain.
• Khetaram's beat covers some of the most remote dhaanis of Rajasthan.
• The desolate stretch of the Thar tested every postman who served it.
• Farmers receive concessional loans during a year of drought.
• The gaunt farmer scanned the sky for the first signs of rain.
• Khetaram's beat covers some of the most remote dhaanis of Rajasthan.
• The desolate stretch of the Thar tested every postman who served it.
Grammar — Present Perfect Tense
Present Perfect — Mind Map
Click each branch to see the rule and an example from the chapter or daily life.
Formula: Subject + has/have + past participle (V3)
Finished action — present result. "She has found her book." The action is over, but its result (she has the book now) is the focus.
Recently completed action. "I have just eaten a mango." The word just is a clue — the action is fresh.
Life experiences. "Have you ever seen a play before?" Used with ever / never / before to ask about life experience without specifying when.
Accomplishment. "I have finished my project." Emphasises completion as an achievement.
Change over a stretch of time. "Ajay has become a good bowler in five years." Connects past development with the present result.
Multiple actions at different times. "I have seen this book in the library many times." Repetition over a stretch of time.
Past action — present impact. "I have studied in this school for six years." The action started in the past and continues / its effect continues now.
IV. Fill the Blanks — Present Perfect Practice
Fill the blanks with the present perfect form of the verb in brackets.
I (1) __________ just __________ (get) a collection of postage stamps from my grandfather. He (2) __________ (collect) these stamps over a period of 20 years. I (3) __________ (study) most of the stamps in his collection and loved all of them. I (4) __________ (begin) my own collection of postage stamps. Grandfather (5) __________ truly __________ (inspire) me.
1. have just got 2. has collected 3. have studied 4. have begun 5. has truly inspired.
Grammar — Active & Passive Voice
V. Voice Change
Active voice — the subject performs the action. "GDS delivers the mail at the border."
Passive voice — the subject receives the action. "The mail is delivered by the GDS at the border."
Formula (passive): Object of active + form of be + past participle (+ by + subject)
Khetaram's nephew wants to join the GDS. Read Khetaram's advice and complete the paragraph using the passive voice.
Active advice (from Khetaram):
(i) You will need a lot of stamina for this job.
(ii) Practise reading clearly as some villagers will expect you to read out the letters.
(iii) Write words neatly as some villagers will ask you to draft replies.
(iv) Wear full-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect yourself from the heat.
(i) You will need a lot of stamina for this job.
(ii) Practise reading clearly as some villagers will expect you to read out the letters.
(iii) Write words neatly as some villagers will ask you to draft replies.
(iv) Wear full-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect yourself from the heat.
Passive paragraph (to complete): To begin with, a lot of stamina will be needed for this job. Next, reading clearly (A) __________ as you (B) __________ to read out the letters by some villagers. Words (C) __________ neatly as you (D) __________ to draft replies by some villagers. Full-sleeved shirts and trousers (E) __________ to protect yourself from the heat.
A. should be practised B. will be expected C. should be written D. will be asked E. should be worn.
Listen and Respond
Indian Postal Day — Listening Activity
A girl talks about an event at her school. Listen and answer. (Transcript provided to the teacher.)
Fill the blank: The speaker concluded her talk with a __________. (suggestion / request / advice)
request — she ended by inviting her classmates to take part in the letter-writing carnival.
1. What was the occasion that the speaker was talking about?
- (i) Letter writing carnival
- (ii) Philately day
- (iii) Indian Postal Day
2. India Post is famous for having the most extensive network __________.
- (i) in India
- (ii) in the world
- (iii) among design institutes
3. Letter writing is being revived as this art form has been __________.
- (i) celebrated
- (ii) appreciated
- (iii) forgotten
4. Which of the following will be a part of the letter writing carnival?
- (i) calligraphy and graphology
- (ii) origami and designing
- (iii) letter posting and philately
5. What will the postal department add to the event?
- (i) interactive demonstrations
- (ii) theatre and dance
- (iii) workshop for letter writing
Speaking Activity
Who Is the Most Important?
Imagine the postcard, the inland letter, the envelope and the money order form are arguing about who is most important. In groups of four, take one each and reason logically using the points and verbal cues below.
Points to discuss
- utility
- cost-effectiveness
- privacy
- space to write
- possibility of enclosures
Verbal cues to express opinion
- It seems to me that…
- Some people say that…
- I would like to point out that…
- I totally agree that…
- That's one way to look at it, but…
(Speaking as the Postcard): "It seems to me that I am the most useful and cost-effective of all. I cost the least, anyone can read me, and I demand no envelope. Some people say I lack privacy — but that is exactly why I have travelled across India for over a hundred years, carrying short, joyful messages: greetings, weddings, festivals. I would like to point out that the inland letter wins on space, the envelope wins on privacy, and the money order wins on value — but I, alone, am affordable for every Indian. That's one way to look at it: importance is not always about scale; sometimes it is about reach."
Writing Task — Condolence Message
Write a Condolence Message
A condolence message communicates your feelings to someone whose relative or close person has just passed away. It mentions sorrow for the loss and offers prayers and strength to the family.
Format Guide
Date
Salutation (Dear ____,)
Paragraph 1 — Express deep sorrow on hearing the news.
Paragraph 2 — Extend sympathy to the family; speak of the
person's qualities or your shared memories (briefly).
Paragraph 3 — Offer prayers for peace to the departed soul
and strength to the family.
Closing (Yours sincerely / With love,)
Your name
Your address (if formal)
Sample Response — Sawant Singh's Letter to Cousin Bhawar Singh
16 July 20XX
Dear Bhawar Bhai,
I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Kunwar uncle. Please accept my condolences. I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family in this hour of grief. May God give eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to the family to bear the loss.
Yours sincerely,
Sawant Singh
(to Bhawar Singh, Village: Veer Nagar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan — 342 001)
Dear Bhawar Bhai,
I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Kunwar uncle. Please accept my condolences. I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family in this hour of grief. May God give eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to the family to bear the loss.
Yours sincerely,
Sawant Singh
(to Bhawar Singh, Village: Veer Nagar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan — 342 001)
Your Task
On behalf of your parents, draft an imaginary condolence message for your aunt on the recent passing away of her father (your grandfather).
27 April 20XX
Dearest Mausi,
We were profoundly saddened to learn of Nanaji's passing yesterday morning. On behalf of our entire family — Mummy, Papa and the children — please accept our heartfelt condolences. Nanaji was a warm-hearted man whose stories of his childhood by the river will always remain with us; the kindness he showed every grandchild is something we shall never forget. We share in the immense loss the family has suffered, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and Mausaji during these difficult days.
May Nanaji's soul rest in eternal peace, and may God give you, Naniji and the entire family the courage to bear this loss with grace.
With love and prayers,
(Your name) — on behalf of Mummy and Papa
Dearest Mausi,
We were profoundly saddened to learn of Nanaji's passing yesterday morning. On behalf of our entire family — Mummy, Papa and the children — please accept our heartfelt condolences. Nanaji was a warm-hearted man whose stories of his childhood by the river will always remain with us; the kindness he showed every grandchild is something we shall never forget. We share in the immense loss the family has suffered, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and Mausaji during these difficult days.
May Nanaji's soul rest in eternal peace, and may God give you, Naniji and the entire family the courage to bear this loss with grace.
With love and prayers,
(Your name) — on behalf of Mummy and Papa
Learning Beyond the Text
Daakroom & Philately
The unique Daakroom carnival was conceptualised by the Ministry of Culture to re-introduce children to letter writing in innovative, creative and engaging ways. It hosts competitions and workshops around writing and post — supported by India Post, the Ministry of Culture, and Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti — and aims to give a digital detox while reviving the lost art of letter writing.
Did You Know? The study of postage stamps and postal history is called philately. You can be a philatelist without owning a single stamp — sometimes the rarest stamps you study live only in museums.
Group Activity — A Class Board on 'Philately: Upholding Our Heritage'
In groups of five, find information about Indian stamps in these categories and prepare a class board.
- Personalities — name and the field they belong to (e.g., Rabindranath Tagore — Literature)
- Celebrations — festivals/national events (e.g., Diwali, Republic Day)
- Centenaries — name of person/occasion and significance (e.g., 100 years of Indian cinema)
- Nature — name and significance (e.g., Asiatic lion, lotus)
- Our heritage — monuments, music, dance (e.g., Taj Mahal, Bharatanatyam)
Continue with Part 3
Reading for Appreciation — Charles Swain's poem "Words" · Theme Web · Stanza-by-stanza analysis · Hyperbole · Rhythm & Metre · Critical Reflection · Word Map · Listening · Speaking · Essay Writing · Bonus poem "Weigh Your Words"
Frequently Asked Questions — Carrier of Words — Critical Reflection & Exercises
What is in the Carrier of Words exercises section in NCERT Class 9 Kaveri?
The exercises section covers Critical Reflection on two extracts (famine + the dreaded death-letter), five long-answer comprehension questions, vocabulary matching (phrases, alliteration & metaphor identification), Present Perfect Tense practice, Active/Passive Voice transformation, a five-question listening activity on Indian Postal Day, a four-role speaking debate, and a guided condolence-message writing task.
How is the Present Perfect Tense explained in Carrier of Words?
Present Perfect Tense is presented through a 7-branch interactive Mind Map. Each branch shows one function of the tense — finished action with present result, recently completed action, life experiences, accomplishment, change over time, multiple past actions, and past action with present impact — with examples drawn from the chapter and a paragraph-fill exercise.
How do you write a condolence message in CBSE Class 9?
A condolence message follows a clear three-paragraph format — paragraph 1 expresses deep sorrow on hearing the news, paragraph 2 extends sympathy and recalls the person’s qualities or shared memories, and paragraph 3 offers prayers for peace to the departed soul and strength to the family. The lesson includes a sample by Sawant Singh and a 120-word model on a grandfather’s passing.
What vocabulary exercises are in Carrier of Words?
Vocabulary practice includes matching idiomatic phrases (“crumbles into sand”, “new lease of life”), identifying alliteration and metaphor in an extract, matching desert-life words to their connotations, and using each in original sentences. Sample sentences and answers are revealed by clickable buttons.
How does Carrier of Words exercises help CBSE Class 9 board preparation?
Carrier of Words exercises follow the CBSE Class 9 board pattern: Bloom-tagged extract questions (L1–L6), 100-150 word long answers, integrated grammar with passage-linked examples, listening MCQs, and formal writing tasks. Each task includes a model answer to help students self-evaluate.
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