Twin Melodies Class 9 NCERT Solutions

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Twin Melodies Class 9 NCERT Solutions provides simple, clear, and exam-oriented answers to all the questions from the Class 9 English Kaveri chapter Twin Melodies. These solutions cover the reading comprehension, Check Your Understanding, Critical Reflection, vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, and writing activities given in the chapter.

Twin Melodies Class 9 NCERT Solutions

Reflect and Respond

I. Given below are some stringed musical instruments. Work in pairs and identify them by first letter of the spellings of their names.

Answer:

• Sitar
• Sarod
• Santoor
• Sarangi
• Mandolin
• Veena
• Guitar
• Banjo

II. Do you play a musical instrument? If given a choice, which one would you choose and why?

Answer: I don’t play any instrument now. If I get a choice, I would choose the violin because it has a sweet sound and can be used in both classical and modern music.

III. Is there any difference in the choice of music between children and elders? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Answer:

• Yes, there is a difference.
• Children like fast, modern, fusion music because it feels exciting.
• Elders prefer classical, devotional, or calm music because it gives peace and connects with tradition.
• The difference is due to age, mood, and experience.

IV. Work in pairs to complete the paragraph given on the next page by choosing the correct phrases given in the box. Discuss with your teacher whether the following phrases have a literal meaning or a figurative one.

The theatre club was 1. ___________ their practice. Anil saw Sunny was 2. ___________ and not speaking to anyone. They had a disagreement in the morning and since then, Sunny was 3. ___________. Anil did not want to 4. ___________ and disturb Sunny further but he finally decided to 5. ___________ and speak to Sunny. He was sure if he apologised first, his friend would 6. ___________. With a lot of anxiety, he 7. ___________ to apologise. And finally, Sunny smiled! Everyone clapped and asked them to 8. ___________ to celebrate.

Answer: The theatre club was 1. winding up their practice. Anil saw Sunny was 2. wearing a look of distress and not speaking to anyone. They had a disagreement in the morning and since then, Sunny was 3. lost in his thoughts. Anil did not want to 4. bring it up and disturb Sunny further but he finally decided to 5. find words and speak to Sunny. He was sure if he apologised first, his friend would 6. come around. With a lot of anxiety, he 7. bit the bullet to apologise. And finally, Sunny smiled! Everyone clapped and asked them to 8. throw a party to celebrate.

Check Your Understanding

I. Complete the table given below based on Act I of the play. Check your answers with the teacher.

II. Do you think Shruti will gather the courage to speak to her father? Give a reason.

Answer: Yes, Shruti will gather courage because her friends encouraged her and reminded her that her father will eventually understand. She also promised to bring it up at dinner.

III. What might be Shruti’s father’s reaction? Why?

Answer: Shruti’s father might react strictly and with disapproval at first because he believes only classical Hindustani music is pure and valuable. He may feel fusion music is a desecration of the violin. But later, he could understand her passion when he sees her dedication.

Check Your Understanding

I. Complete the summary of Act II by choosing the correct words from the box given below. There are two extra words that you do not need. Check your answers with the teacher.

Shruti seemed 1. ___________ during dinner. She finally gathered the 2. ___________ to inform her father, Nabin, about her wish to participate in an upcoming Indo-Western fusion concert. Nabin reacted negatively, expressing 3. ___________ of fusion music and dismissed the idea. Despite Shruti’s 4. ___________ to him to attend a practice before deciding, Nabin was 5. ___________ in his decision. Shruti’s mother, Leela, 6. ___________ her for not seeking permission earlier. The tension highlights the 7. ___________ between traditional and contemporary musical preferences within the family. Despite the 8. ___________, Shruti promises not to hide again and is urged to go to bed by her mother.

Answer: Shruti seemed 1. absent-minded during dinner. She finally gathered the 2. courage to inform her father, Nabin, about her wish to participate in an upcoming Indo-Western fusion concert. Nabin reacted negatively, expressing 3. disapproval of fusion music and dismissed the idea. Despite Shruti’s 4. plea to him to attend a practice before deciding, Nabin was 5. firm in his decision. Shruti’s mother, Leela, 6. scolded her for not seeking permission earlier. The tension highlights the 7. clash between traditional and contemporary musical preferences within the family. Despite the 8. setback, Shruti promises not to hide again and is urged to go to bed by her mother.

II. Will Shruti’s father go for the rehearsal? Support your answer with a reason.

Answer: At first, Shruti’s father will not go for the rehearsal because he strongly disapproves of fusion music. He feels it is against tradition and his strict rules.

III. Do you think Shruti and her parents would understand one another? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Answer: Yes, later they will understand one another. Shruti’s father will realise that music can be expressed in different ways, and her mother will help him see Shruti’s passion. Finally, they will support her because they love her and respect her talent.

Check Your Understanding

I. Work in pairs. Identify the true statements. Check the answers with your teacher.

Answer: Correct True Statements: 1, 2, 5

Critical Reflection

I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. Shruti: There is need to worry Iqbal! You don’t know papa. He is very strict about these things. He will think it a desecration of the violin to be played to Western tunes. Papa firmly believes that Classical Hindustani music, with its ragas and aalaaps, is the only kind of music that an artist of any worth should play. I don’t want papa to feel that I don’t care about
his opinions, because I do. It’s just that I want to give this a try too. I just don’t know how to tell him in the right way!

iqbal: All ways are right ways, Shruti. He is your father, he will understand.

(i) Select the option that correctly identifies Shruti’s situation.
A. confident
B. indifferent
C. content
D. in a dilemma

Answer: Answer: D. in a dilemma
(She is confused between obeying her father and following her passion.)

(ii) What does Shruti mean by ‘the right way’, in the sentence, “I just don’t know how to tell him in the right way!”?

Answer: She wants to find a polite and respectful way to tell her father about her interest in fusion music, without hurting his feelings.

(iii) Complete the following with a suitable reason. We can say that the extract reflects the generational gap in nderstanding art and tradition because __.

Answer: The extract shows a generational gap because Shruti wants to try modern fusion music, while her father believes only classical Hindustani music is valuable.

(iv) Explain how Iqbal’s words were meant as an assurance to Shruti.

Answer: Iqbal tells Shruti that “all ways are right ways” to give her confidence. He assures her that her father will eventually understand and accept her choice.

(v) Fill in the blank with a phrase from the extract. The critics argued that only films which provoke thoughtful discussion are _.

Answer: of any worth.

2. NabiN: I underestimated the power of our own music. I was afraid you would be lost to us. I realise that my fears were baseless. After all each bay, its own wind. I trust you Shruti and I will root for your group at the concert!
(Shruti hugs both of her parents)

(i) Select the suitable option to complete the sentence.

Nabin’s breakthrough in his understanding of artistic freedom, highlights a bridge between __.
A. personal ambition and professional success
B. traditional values and modern expressions
C. strict discipline and casual learning
D. historical techniques and futuristic innovations

Answer: B. traditional values and modern expressions

(ii) Fill in the blank with a suitable phrase.
The extract uses the word ‘lost’ both in the sense of losing _ and physical separation.

Answer: musical identity

(iii) In the line, ‘Shruti hugs her parents’, which word from those given below, does not show what it conveys?

Answer: In the line “Shruti hugs her parents”, the word that does not show what it conveys is duty. (It shows reconciliation, acceptance, harmony, and understanding — not duty.)

(iv) What can be inferred about Shruti’s future in music following her father’s expression of trust and support?

Answer: Shruti’s future will be bright and supportive. Her father now trusts her and will encourage her to perform fusion music while still respecting classical traditions. This means she can follow her passion freely.

(v) Identify the phrase that refers to the uniqueness of each artist’s journey and style.

Answer: The phrase is “each bay, its own wind.”
(It means every artist has their own path and style.)

II. Answer the following questions.

1. Justify the title ‘Twin Melodies’. How does the play explore the theme of tradition and modernity?

Answer: The play is called Twin Melodies because it shows two different kinds of music — classical Hindustani music and fusion music. Shruti represents modern fusion, while her father Nabin represents tradition. These two “melodies” run side by side in the story. The play explores how tradition and modernity can clash but also blend together, showing that both are valuable forms of art.

2. What are the different perspectives of Peter, Iqbal, and Avinash regarding confronting figures of authority? How do their attitudes towards Shruti’s dilemma with her father provide insight into their own characters and values?

Answer: Peter, Iqbal, and Avinash each have different ways of supporting Shruti. Peter is cheerful and playful; he motivates Shruti with jokes and encouragement. Iqbal is calm and positive; he assures her that her father will understand. Avinash is bold and humorous; he tells Shruti not to fear scolding. Their attitudes show that they value courage, honesty, and friendship. Together, they help Shruti face her dilemma with confidence.

3. Analyse the character of Nabin Sharma. How does his attitude towards music evolve throughout the play?

Answer: Nabin Sharma is strict and traditional at the beginning. He strongly believes that only classical Hindustani music is pure and valuable. He disapproves of fusion music and refuses Shruti’s request. However, his attitude changes when he hears the children’s rehearsal. He realises that fusion can also respect classical notes. By the end, he becomes supportive and proud of Shruti. His character evolves from rigid and disapproving to understanding and encouraging.

4. How does the play use Shruti’s internal conflict to explore the theme of duty towards family versus personal passion?

Answer: Shruti struggles between her duty to her father and her passion for fusion music. She respects her father’s opinions and does not want to hurt him, but she also wants to explore new styles. This conflict shows the common struggle of children who want to follow their dreams while still respecting family expectations. The play uses this conflict to highlight the balance between tradition and personal freedom.

5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the play’s conclusion. Does it realistically address the conflicts presented?

Answer: The conclusion is effective because it resolves the conflict in a positive way. Shruti’s father accepts her choice after seeing her dedication and talent. The family comes together in understanding and support. This ending is realistic because it shows that dialogue, respect, and love can bridge generational gaps. It also gives hope that tradition and modernity can coexist.

6. Assess how well the role of cultural diversity contributes to the storyline of the play.

Answer: Cultural diversity plays an important role in the play. The children perform fusion music, which mixes Indian classical ragas with Western instruments like the keyboard and guitar. This diversity makes the story rich and relatable. It shows how different cultures can blend together to create new art forms. It also highlights the importance of accepting change while respecting tradition.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I. Read the highlighted word given in the brackets.

SHRUTI (Aside): Oh, how much I enjoy performing this piece. Perhaps I can practise one last time and soon after that I will tell them that I can’t join them for the performance.

1. What is ‘aside’ used for?
(i) enables characters to talk about the story
(ii) shows what a character thinks or feels
(iii) makes a direct link between the audience and the character
(iv) (i), (ii), and (iii)

Answer: The word aside is a theatrical device. It is used when a character speaks directly to the audience, sharing their thoughts or feelings. Other characters on stage do not hear this.

So, the correct option is:
(iv) (i), (ii), and (iii)

II. Read the following words from the text.

Ahem ahem, I … er…
Now, select the correct answer for the question given below.

Why are they used?

1. to fill gaps while speaking
2. to increase clarity
3. to provide confidence

Now, choose suitable non-lexical fillers given in the box to describe the emoticons 1 to 4. There is an extra word you do not need.

Answer:

1. arrgh
2. ahem-ahem
3. whew
4. hmmm

III. Read the following words from the text and their meanings.

Notes—a single sound at a certain pitch, usually shown as a symbol on music sheet.
crescendo [kri-SHEN-doe]—a gradual increase in the volume or intensity of sound.

Now, on the next page, match the meanings of other music-related words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.

Answer:

IV. Write the meanings of the underlined phrases based on your understanding of the usage in sentences.

Answer: Meanings of the Underlined Phrases

• “drown your individual style” : Meaning: To lose your own unique way or personality by blindly following trends.
• “sense of musicality” : Meaning: The natural ability to understand and express music beautifully.
• “practise would go down the drain” : Meaning: All the effort and practice would be wasted or useless.

V. Read the dialogues given below.

1. Oh, how much I enjoy performing this piece!
2. Wah, how soulful! You all have done a wonderful job!

Sentences 1. and 2. are _ sentences. (declarative/interrogative/exclamatory/imperative)

Answer: Both are exclamatory sentences because they show strong feelings (joy, admiration).

Now, convert the exclamatory sentences given above to declarative sentences.

Answer:

• Shruti exclaimed that she enjoyed performing that piece very much.
• Nabin (or the speaker) exclaimed with admiration that the performance was soulful and the children had done a wonderful job.

VI. Write the sentences given below in reported speech. One example has been done for you.

1. “Wow Shruti! You’re a sensation!” suggested Avinash.
Avinash exclaimed with wonder that Shruti was a great sensation.

Answer: Iqbal exclaimed that it was an incredible achievement and that he couldn’t believe they had pulled it off.

2. “What an incredible achievement! I can’t believe we pulled it off!” said Iqbal.
Iqbal exclaimed that it _________________.

Answer: Shruti’s mother applauded that each note had been executed perfectly and the performance was flawless.

3. “Bravo! Each note was executed perfectly, and the performance was flawless!” said Shruti’s mother. Shruti’s mother applauded that __________.

Answer: Shruti’s mother applauded that each note had been executed perfectly and the performance was flawless.

4. Iqbal: I basically have a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day!

Answer: Iqbal joked that he basically had a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day.

5. Shruti: Sorry mummy, won’t hide from you again. I promise!

Answer: Shruti apologised to her mother and promised that she would not hide from her again.

6. Avinash: You are a sensation now! The least you can do is throw a party!

Answer: Avinash exclaimed that Shruti was a sensation now and added that the least she could do was throw a party.

VII Report the following dialogue in the indirect form of speech.

• Asma: Wow! What a unique experience I had at the art studio today!
• Deepa: Tell me! I’m eager to hear!
• Asma: I accidentally spilled paint all over my canvas.
• Deepa: Oh, my goodness! What a pity!
• Asma: No worries! The painting now looks better than my original plan!
• Deepa: That’s incredible!

Asma exclaimed excitedly that she 1.___. Deepa urged her to tell her as she was eager to hear. Asma said that 2. _________. Deepa pitied Asma. However, Asma replied to her not to worry as 3. ________. Deepa exclaimed that 4. __________.

Answer: Asma exclaimed excitedly that she 1. had had a unique experience at the art studio that day. Deepa urged her to tell her as she was eager to hear. Asma said that 2. she had accidentally spilled paint all over her canvas. Deepa pitied Asma. However, Asma replied to her not to worry as 3. the painting now looked better than her original plan. Deepa exclaimed that 4. it was incredible.

Listen and Respond

I. Look at the given stringed musical instruments and decide which one could be the yazh [yāḻ].

II. Now, listen to a musician describing the yazh and check if your choice was correct. (Transcript for teacher on page 270)

III. Listen to the musician’s description of the yazh once again. As you listen, complete the notes below with not more than three words.

The Yazh

Type of instrument – The Indian
(i) Was used in: _
(ii) Earlier version of: __

Answer:

• (i) Was used in: ancient Tamil music
• (ii) Earlier version of: veena

Design

• (i) stem tip – shaped like _ of mythological animal
• (ii) resonator

A. shape of a _
B. material –

Answer:

• A. Shape of a: boat
• B. Material: wood

Design variety

• (i) peacock, , _, and bow string

Answer: The peacock and bow string are visible in the textbook question, but the two middle design varieties are not provided in the text extracted from your source.

Speaking Activity

I. Stress and intonation exercises can be a great way to understand the emotional and rhythmic feelings associated with dialogues in a play.

1. Let us pick a few lines from the play and speak them aloud. Focus on how stress and intonation can change their meaning or emotional impact.

Answer:

1. “I don’t want papa to feel that I don’t care about his opinions, because I do.”
Stress: On don’t and do.

Intonation: Start with a soft, low tone to show Shruti’s concern. Rise at the end to show her sincerity.

Effect: It shows Shruti’s inner conflict. She respects her father but also wants freedom.

2. “Tonight, at dinner, I promise to bring this up.”

Stress: On promise and bring this up.

Intonation: Firm tone at the start, rise slightly on bring this up.

Effect: It shows Shruti’s courage and determination to talk to her father.

3. “Why are you lost in thought, my dear child?”

Stress: On lost and thought.

Intonation: Gentle tone, rise on lost.

Effect: It shows Leela’s care and curiosity about Shruti’s feelings.

4. “Each bay, its own wind.”

Stress: On each and own.

Intonation: Calm, thoughtful tone, rise gently on own.

Effect: It shows wisdom. Every person has their own path in life.

2. Practice speaking aloud a few other sentences from the play on your own. Understanding what is being said and why, will help you stress the suitable portions and use the appropriate tone.

Answer:

1. “There is need to worry, Iqbal!”
   Stress: On need and worry.
   Intonation: Start firm, rise slightly on worry.
   Effect: Shows Shruti’s fear and seriousness.
2. “No is the answer.”
   Stress: On No.
   Intonation: Calm but firm tone, no rise at the end.
   Effect: Shows Nabin’s strict and final decision.
3. “Wah, how soulful! You all have done a wonderful job!”
   Stress: On soulful and wonderful.
   Intonation: High pitch with excitement, falling tone at the end.
   Effect: Shows Nabin’s pride and happiness.
4. “Sorry mummy, won’t hide from you again. I promise!”
   Stress: On sorry and promise.
   Intonation: Gentle tone on sorry, rise on promise.
   Effect: Shows Shruti’s regret and determination.

Writing Task

I. Read the beginning of a story given below.
Anuradha, a teenager, has been learning tabla at school since her primary years and is an extraordinary tabla player.

Her father, a vocalist, is a music teacher in a school. He has never been supportive of her learning the tabla and rather feels she should focus on becoming a vocalist. She has been invited to perform at a prestigious event, and decides to participate in it, despite her father’s disapproval. However, Anuradha’s mother and brother have always rooted for her. Anuradha sat wondering. In groups of four, create a play script based only on the beginning of the story given above. To write the script, you may refer to the play you have just read.

Answer: Play Script – Anuradha’s Choice

Characters:

• Anuradha – a teenager, tabla player
• Father – a vocalist, strict
• Mother – supportive and kind
• Brother – cheerful, encourages Anuradha

Setting:

A small living room. A tabla is kept near the sofa. Father is reading a book. Mother is arranging things. Brother is sitting with Anuradha.

• Brother: (excitedly) Anu, you got the invitation! A big event!
• Anuradha: (aside, softly) Oh… I love tabla. But papa never supports me. What should I do?
• Mother: (smiling) Don’t worry, dear. You play so well. We are proud of you.
• Father: (firmly) Anuradha, I told you before. You should focus on singing, not tabla.
• Anuradha: (hesitant, with pauses) Papa… er… I… was invited to perform… at a big concert.
• Father: (serious tone) No. I don’t agree. Singing is our family tradition. Tabla is not for you.
• Brother: (a little loudly) But papa, she is extraordinary! Everyone praises her!
• Mother: (calmly) Please listen. She has talent. Let her try once.
• Anuradha: (aside, whispering) Should I go against papa’s wish? Or should I follow my heart?
• Father: (getting up) I don’t want to hear more.
• Mother: (gently) Anu, be strong. Sometimes you must bite the bullet.
• Anuradha: (decisive tone) Tonight… I promise… I will perform.

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