NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 7

Communication is the exchange of thoughts, feelings, news, and information through words, gestures, signs, writing, or other forms of expression.

In Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 7, communication is shown through Khetaram’s work as a Gramin Dak Sewak who connects remote families, while the poem “Words” explains why sincere words matter more than long but empty speech.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 7 help students answer textbook questions from Carrier of Words and Words by Charles Swain. The chapter focuses on Gramin Dak Sewaks, India Post, rural communication, trust, service, letter writing, the emotional power of words, present perfect tense, active and passive voice, figurative language, condolence message writing, and essay writing. These Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 7 solutions are written in a clear school-answer format for prose, poem, vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and writing tasks.

Key Takeaways

• Prose focus: “Carrier of Words” highlights the difficult but valuable work of Khetaram, a Gramin Dak Sewak in the Thar desert.
• Main idea: Postal workers in remote regions connect people with families, savings, money orders, and important news.
• Poem focus: “Words” shows that truthful and heartfelt words are more valuable than many empty words.
• Language skills: The chapter practises figurative phrases, alliteration, metaphor, present perfect tense, passive voice, word maps, condolence messages, and essay writing.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 7 Structure 2026

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 7: Carrier of Words

Reflect and Respond

I. Which profession do the people in the pictures belong to?

Answer:
They belong to the postal service. They may be postmen, postal workers, or Gramin Dak Sewaks who deliver letters, parcels, money orders, and important information to people.

II. Do they face any difficulties while doing their duty?

Answer:
Yes, they may face many difficulties. They may have to travel long distances, walk through remote areas, face heat, rain, cold, bad roads, and carry heavy mailbags. In villages and border areas, their work can be physically tiring and risky.

III. How does their profession affect the people they meet?

Answer:
Their profession connects people with their families, official information, savings, letters, money orders, and emotional news. They are trusted because they bring messages of joy, sorrow, hope, and support.

IV. How can words be carried?

Answer:
Words can be carried through letters, postcards, messages, emails, phone calls, books, newspapers, and spoken communication. In the chapter, words are carried physically through letters delivered by a Gramin Dak Sewak.

V. Who could be a carrier of words?

Answer:
A postman, messenger, teacher, writer, journalist, speaker, poet, storyteller, or even a family member can be a carrier of words.

VI. What are the means for people to stay connected?

Answer:
People stay connected through letters, phone calls, mobile messages, emails, video calls, social media, postcards, newspapers, and face-to-face conversations.

Vocabulary Warm-up

Fill in the blanks.

Answer:

We stepped out of the vehicle at the end of the road. Immediately, our body sent signals that our decision to visit the sand dunes in the afternoon was insane. We had passed a few hamlets on our way to the desert. We could not find even a single soul outdoors, defying the blazing sun. Even the camels were slumped in the little shade offered by the khejri trees. In this remote place people relied on Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to connect to the world as the area was devoid of any other network service.

Check Your Understanding: Carrier of Words Part I

I. Complete Khetaram’s information sheet.

II. Why do you think Khetaram has taken up this challenging job?

Answer:
Khetaram has taken up this challenging job because farming alone cannot support his family. The desert region faces famine often, and even in a good year he gets only one crop of bajra. His job gives him an assured income and helps his family survive.

III. How would Khetaram feel about taking up this task every day?

Answer:
Khetaram may feel tired because the work is physically difficult, especially in extreme heat. At the same time, he may feel proud and responsible because people trust him. His work gives him dignity, income, and a chance to serve remote communities.

Check Your Understanding: Carrier of Words Part II

I. Complete the table.

II. Why was a piece of jaggery offered when he brought news of birth or weddings?

Answer:
A piece of jaggery was offered as a simple gesture of joy, gratitude, and celebration. In the village, people may not have much to offer, but jaggery symbolises sweetness and happiness when good news arrives.

III. How would phone lines help Khetaram in his job?

Answer:
Phone lines would help Khetaram connect people faster. If he becomes a Gramin Sanchar Sewak, he may carry a cell phone along with the post from house to house. This would make communication quicker and help remote families receive news more easily.

Critical Reflection: Carrier of Words

I. Extract-based Questions

Extract 1

1. Complete the sentence.
   One crop of bajra makes a little difference for people like Khetaram because it is not enough to feed his family of five throughout the year.
2. Why did Khetaram call famine “a way of life”?
   Khetaram called famine “a way of life” because drought and crop failure are common in his arid region. People there have learnt to live with scarcity and uncertainty.
3. Why did Khetaram have to take up a job?
   He had to take up a job because farming did not provide enough food or income for his family. His GDS job gave him an assured income.
4. Complete the analogy.
   Other families: Money orders :: Khetaram: job
5. What would “a good year” signify?
   A good year would signify a year with enough rainfall and at least one crop of bajra. However, even this would not be enough to fully support the family.

Extract 2

1. Who could have torn the right corner of the envelope?
   The correct answer is B. Sender of the letter.
2. Why does Khetaram read the letter twice?
   The most likely reason is that the news is serious and painful, so he wants to make sure the family hears and understands it clearly.
3. What was Khetaram’s philosophy regarding bad news?
   Khetaram believed that bad news should not be carried into the house. He stood outside, read the death-news letter twice, and then tore it into bits because he felt that “bad news must be destroyed.”
4. State whether true or false.
   Khetaram’s action of tearing the letter differed from his beliefs.
   Answer: False.
5. What aspect of Khetaram’s temperament is revealed?
   The extract shows that Khetaram is sensitive, respectful, thoughtful, and philosophical. He understands the emotional weight of bad news.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. Why is the role of GDS “invaluable”?

Answer:
The role of Gramin Dak Sewaks is invaluable because they reach remote areas that are inaccessible by road or transport. They deliver letters, money orders, and official communication to people who may have no other link with the outside world. In regions like the Thar desert, they connect far-flung hamlets with families and services.

2. How was the purpose of India Post different from the British postal system?

Answer:
The British postal system in India was mainly set up to carry official company dak between administrative centres. After independence, India Post aimed to bring the entire population within the mailing network. Its purpose became public service, especially reaching rural and remote people.

3. Support the statement: People trusted Gramin Dak Sewaks.

Answer:
People trusted Gramin Dak Sewaks because they allowed Khetaram to sit at their thresholds, read out letters, and write replies. Rural depositors also entrusted their monthly savings to post offices. These examples show the deep confidence people had in the postal system and its workers.

4. Why was Khetaram grateful to continue as GDS even after 60?

Answer:
Khetaram was grateful because the job gave him income, dignity, and purpose. In a famine-prone region, his family depended on this income. Continuing as GDS after 60 allowed him to keep serving people and supporting his household.

5. Why does the author pay tribute to people like Khetaram?

Answer:
The author pays tribute to people like Khetaram because they perform difficult work with dedication. They walk through heat, sandstorms, and remote areas to carry messages, money orders, and emotional news. They are part of the social fabric and support people who might otherwise remain disconnected.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I. Match phrases with meanings.

Sentences

1. The narrow road crumbles into sand near the desert border.
2. The new job gave him a new lease of life.
3. The river turned into a trickle before drying out in summer.
4. The postman spent years bearing words across this desolate geography.

II. Alliteration and metaphor

Answer:
In the line “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”
• “scorching summer”
• “swirling sandstorms”

Metaphor:

• “desert’s furies”
• “walking sandman”

The metaphor shows how harsh the desert is and how sand covers Khetaram completely.

III. Match words with what they suggest.

Sentences

1. The arid land produced very little crop.
2. The bank offered a concessional loan to the farmers.
3. The gaunt farmer waited for rain.
4. The village was in a remote part of the desert.
5. The traveller crossed a desolate stretch of land.

IV. Present perfect tense

Answer:

I have just got a collection of postage stamps from my grandfather. He has collected these stamps over a period of 20 years. I have studied most of the stamps in his collection and loved all of them. I have begun my own collection of postage stamps. Grandfather has truly inspired me.

V. Active and passive voice

Answer:

To begin with, a lot of stamina will be needed for this job. Next, reading clearly will have to be practised, as you will be expected to read out the letters by some of the villagers. Words will have to be written neatly as you will be asked to draft replies by some villagers. Full sleeved-shirts and trousers should be worn to protect yourself from the heat.

Writing Task: Condolence Message

Answer:

22 May 2026

Dear Aunt,

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of your father. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We understand that this is a very painful time for you and the family.

May God give peace to the departed soul and strength to all of you to bear this great loss. We are with you in this hour of grief and will keep him in our prayers.

Yours sincerely,
Anirudh and family

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 7: Words

Reflect and Respond

I. Why are words important?

Answer:
Words are important because they help us share thoughts, feelings, ideas, questions, promises, memories, and information. Words can comfort, hurt, guide, inspire, or connect people.

II. Can we communicate without words?

Answer:
Yes, we can communicate without words through facial expressions, gestures, body language, sign language, silence, drawings, symbols, music, and actions.

Word Grid Answers

Check Your Understanding: Words

I. Complete the summary.

Answer:

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 depart, leaving nothing behind. The heart is equated to a pilgrim who finds that words are as worthless as weeds when needed. He feels that a few sincere words can bring more joy than many meaningless ones. He adds that a voice that brings happiness to a lonely place does not say much, but the few words it does are very precious. Moreover, if words could satisfy us, the world 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 fruit.

II. Let us appreciate the poem.

1. Rhyming words and rhyme scheme

Answer:

Four sets of rhyming words are:

• heart / depart
• care / air
• earth / worth
• needs / weeds

The rhyme scheme is ABAB in each stanza. It gives the poem a balanced and lyrical rhythm.

2. Poetic devices

3. Which words are repeated and why?

Answer:
The words words, heart, and satisfy are repeated. The poet repeats them to emphasise the central idea that words often fail to truly satisfy the heart unless they are sincere and meaningful.

4. Emotions expressed through exclamation marks

Answer:
The correct answer is (iii) 4. admiration, 5. frustration, and 6. disillusionment.

5. Hyperbole

Answer:
The lines “If words could satisfy the chest, / The world might hold a feast” are an example of hyperbole. The poet exaggerates to show how rare truly satisfying words are.

Complete the sentences with hyperbole.

1. I have tonnes of things to do on this weekend.
2. The player missed the basket by a mile.
3. My mother is so tired that she can sleep for a decade.
4. I will be back in two seconds.

Critical Reflection: Words

I. Extract-based Questions

Extract 1

1. Why has the poet referred to the heart as “a pilgrim”?
   The poet calls the heart a pilgrim because it keeps searching for true comfort, meaning, love, and emotional fulfilment in life.
2. When would a heart need words?
   A heart may need words during sorrow, loneliness, confusion, grief, love, apology, encouragement, or emotional pain.
3. Complete the sentence.
   The words are like weeds because they may be many in number but useless when they do not carry sincerity or emotional meaning.
4. Mention two emotions the heart might be experiencing.
   The heart might be experiencing loneliness and disappointment.
5. What do these lines suggest about communication?
   These lines suggest that communication is not valuable merely because of the number of words used. Words become meaningful only when they are sincere, timely, and emotionally true.

Extract 2

1. How can words “satisfy the chest”?
   Words can satisfy the chest by bringing emotional comfort, relief, courage, peace, or joy to the heart.
2. How can words be “summoned to the test”?
   Words are summoned to the test when they are needed in difficult moments, such as grief, loneliness, fear, apology, or emotional support.
3. What does “the world” holding “a feast” imply?
   It implies that if words could truly satisfy human emotions, the whole world would celebrate.
4. Complete the sentence.
   The poet mentions that words satisfy the least because they often fail to comfort the heart when they are empty, careless, or insincere.
5. Select the word that does not mean the same as “oft”.
   The correct answer is A. always.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. What comparison does the poet draw between words and empty air?

Answer:
The poet compares words to empty air because many words disappear without leaving any real comfort or effect. Like air, they may pass quickly and fail to satisfy the heart.

2. Why are meaningful words more precious than many words?

Answer:
Meaningful words are more precious because they touch the heart. A few sincere words can bring deeper joy than long speeches that only reach the mind but not the emotions.

3. Does the poem present contrasting ideas about words?

Answer:
Yes, the poem presents contrasting ideas. It shows that many words can be empty and useless, but a few truthful words can be deeply comforting. The poet criticises hollow speech but values sincere expression.

4. How does the theme of loneliness hover over the poem?

Answer:
The theme of loneliness appears in lines about the heart being a pilgrim and in the phrase “a lonely home to cheer.” These suggest that the heart often seeks comfort but does not always find words that can truly help.

5. How does the poet convey the superficial nature of words?

Answer:
The poet compares empty words to summer birds, weeds, empty air, and showy plants without fruit. These images suggest that words may look attractive or sound impressive but have no real value unless they are truthful. To address this, people should speak with care, sincerity, and compassion.

Vocabulary in Context: Words

I. Match figurative phrases with meanings.

Sentences

1. A kind apology can satisfy the heart.
2. His careless promise departed and left but empty air.
3. The speech had hosts of words but little meaning.
4. Empty praise can never touch the heart.
5. Her gentle voice won its sunny way into the lonely room.
6. False promises are like plants that cannot grow fruit.

II. Word maps

Word: Depart

Word: Pilgrim

Word: Sunny

Word: Satisfy

Word: Heart

Writing Task: Essay on a Quotation

“Words empty as the wind are best left unsaid.” — Homer

Words have the power to comfort, inspire, guide, and heal. The quotation “Words empty as the wind are best left unsaid” by Homer appealed to me because it reminds us that speech should carry meaning. The purpose of this essay is to explain why careless and empty words can be harmful, while thoughtful words can create trust and kindness.

Words should be chosen with care because people are affected by what they hear. A careless comment can hurt someone’s confidence, while a kind sentence can encourage them. For instance, a student who is struggling may feel better if a teacher says, “You can improve with practice.” Such words are simple, but they carry strength.

In addition, empty words reduce trust. If a person makes promises but never fulfils them, others stop believing in that person. Words that are spoken only to impress, flatter, or escape responsibility are like wind. They come and go without creating value.

However, some people may argue that speaking freely is better than staying silent. This is true when speech is honest and respectful. But freedom of speech does not mean speaking without thought. Words should be truthful, useful, and kind.

In conclusion, Homer’s quotation teaches that words must have meaning. Empty words are better left unsaid because they waste time and may hurt others. A few sincere words are always better than a long speech without heart.

Topics Covered in NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 7

• Carrier of Words Class 9
• Khetaram postman Class 9
• Gramin Dak Sewak Class 9 English
• India Post Class 9 English
• Postal service in remote regions
• Thar desert and far-flung hamlets
• Money orders and rural trust
• Role of post office in communication
• Condolence message writing Class 9
• Words poem Class 9
• Charles Swain Words poem
• Importance of sincere words
• Words, heart, loneliness, and meaning
• Simile, metaphor, hyperbole, irony, repetition
• Present perfect tense Class 9 English
• Active and passive voice Class 9 English
• Word maps
• Essay writing on quotation

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Structure 2026