Twin Melodies
Exercise Question
Questions within the Lesson
Exercise Question
Check Your Understanding
I.Work in pairs. Identify the true statements. Check the answers with your teacher
Ans:-
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: D. in a dilemma
(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: Shruti means telling her father in a proper and respectful way so that he understands her feelings and does not feel hurt or angry.
(iii) Complete the following with a suitable reason.
We can say that the extract reflects the generational gap in understanding art and tradition because ____________.
Answer: Shruti wants to try Western fusion music, whereas her father believes only in Classical Hindustani music.
(iv) Explain how Iqbal’s words were meant as an assurance to Shruti.
Answer: Iqbal assures Shruti by saying that her father will understand her because he is her father, and that all ways of telling him are right ways.
(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: connection with family
(iii) In the line, ‘Shruti hugs her parents’, which word from those given below, does not show what it conveys?
Answer: duty
(iv) What can be inferred about Shruti’s future in music following her father’s expression of trust and support?
Answer: It can be inferred that Shruti will continue to pursue her music confidently, including fusion music, with her father’s support and encouragement.
(v) Identify the phrase that refers to the uniqueness of each artist’s journey and style.
Answer: each bay, its own wind
II Answer the following questions.
1. Justify the title ‘Twin Melodies’. How does the play explore the theme of tradition and modernity?
Answer: The title ‘Twin Melodies’ is justified because it represents two types of music—Classical Hindustani music and Indo-Western fusion music. The play shows how these two styles exist together through Shruti’s journey. It explores the theme of tradition and modernity by presenting her father’s strong belief in classical music and Shruti’s interest in fusion music, finally bringing both together in harmony.
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 encourage Shruti to talk openly to her father. Iqbal believes that her father will understand her, showing his positive and trusting nature. Avinash feels that even if she gets scolded, things will improve, showing his practical thinking. Peter also supports her and motivates her. Their attitudes show that they value honesty, courage, and communication.
3. Analyse the character of Nabin Sharma. How does his attitude towards music evolve throughout the play?
Answer: Nabin Sharma is shown as a strict and traditional person who strongly believes in Classical Hindustani music. At first, he disapproves of fusion music and does not support Shruti. However, after seeing her performance, he realises his mistake and understands her talent. He becomes supportive and accepts fusion music, showing a positive change in his attitude.
4. How does the play use Shruti’s internal conflict to explore the theme of duty towards family versus personal passion?
Answer: Shruti’s internal conflict shows her struggle between respecting her father’s wishes and following her own passion for fusion music. She does not want to hurt her father but also wants to try something new. This highlights the conflict between family duty and personal dreams, which is resolved when her father understands her.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the play’s conclusion. Does it realistically address the conflicts presented?
Answer: The conclusion of the play is effective because it resolves the conflict in a positive and realistic way. Nabin understands Shruti’s feelings after watching her performance and supports her. This shows that understanding and communication can solve problems between generations.
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 story as it brings together classical Indian music and Western music. The fusion group represents this diversity. It helps in showing different perspectives and finally leads to acceptance and harmony between tradition and modern ideas.
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: (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
Answer: 1. to fill gaps while speaking
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:
hmmm
arrgh
err
whew
(Extra word: ahem-ahem)
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.
Ans:-
| Column 1 | Column 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. rhythm | (iii) | the pattern of beats or time intervals in music |
| 2. tempo | (iv) | the speed or pace at which a piece of music is played |
| 3. bass | (i) | the lowest tone or part in music |
| 4. baritone | (v) | a male voice that falls between the higher and lower ranges |
| 5. cacophony | (ii) | a mixture of loud unpleasant sounds |
| 6. pitch | (vii) | the perceived frequency of a sound, how high or low a sound is |
| 7. scale | (vi) | a series of musical notes moving upwards or downwards |
IV. Write the meanings of the underlined phrases based on your understanding of the usage in sentences.
Ans:-
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| drown your individual style | lose your uniqueness by blindly following others |
| sense of musicality | natural understanding and feeling for music |
| go down the drain | be wasted or come to nothing |
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)
Now, convert the exclamatory sentences given above to declarative sentences.
Answer:
Sentences 1 and 2 are exclamatory sentences.
Conversion into declarative sentences:
He exclaimed that he enjoyed performing that piece very much.
He exclaimed with admiration that they had done a very 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.
Answer: Avinash exclaimed with wonder that Shruti was a great sensation.
2. “What an incredible achievement! I can’t believe we pulled it off!” said Iqbal.
Answer: Iqbal exclaimed that it was an incredible achievement and that he could not believe they had pulled it off.
3. “Bravo! Each note was executed perfectly, and the performance was flawless!” said Shruti’s mother.
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 said 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 she was a sensation then 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 had had a very unique experience at the art studio that day. Deepa urged her to tell her as she was eager to hear. Asma said that she had accidentally spilled paint all over her canvas. Deepa pitied Asma. However, Asma replied to her not to worry as the painting then looked better than her original plan. Deepa exclaimed that it was incredible.
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.
Ans:-
Title: The Beat of Courage
Characters:
Anuradha (a young tabla player)
Father (a strict vocalist and teacher)
Mother (supportive and caring)
Brother (encouraging and cheerful)
Setting:
A middle-class home. Evening time.
Scene 1
(Anuradha is sitting quietly, thinking. Tabla is kept beside her.)
Anuradha (aside): Oh… what should I do? I want to perform at the event… but Papa will never agree.
(Mother enters)
Mother: Why are you so quiet, Anuradha?
Anuradha: Maa… I have been invited to perform at a big event. But Papa won’t allow me.
Mother: You should at least tell him. He may understand.
Scene 2
(Father enters with a book)
Father (firmly): What is this I hear? A performance? You should focus on singing, not tabla!
Anuradha (nervously): Papa… I love playing the tabla. Please let me try just once.
Father: No! Music should be respected. Tabla is not your path.
(Anuradha looks sad. Father exits.)
Scene 3
(Brother enters happily)
Brother: Didi, don’t worry! You play so well. You must perform!
Anuradha: But Papa…
Brother: Sometimes, we must follow our heart.
Scene 4
(Event day. Anuradha is on stage playing tabla beautifully. Father enters quietly and watches.)
Father (softly): She… plays with such passion.
(Performance ends. Audience claps.)
Scene 5
(At home)
Father: Anuradha… I was wrong. You have great talent. Follow your passion.
Anuradha (happily): Thank you, Papa!
Mother: We are all proud of you.
Brother: I knew it!
(All smile. Curtain falls.)
Questions within the Lesson
NCERT Intext Questions for Class 9 English (Page no – 169 & 170)
Reflect and Respond
Q I.Given below are some stringed musical instruments. Work in pairs and identify them by first letter of the spellings of their names.
Ans:-
Q II. Do you play a musical instrument? If given a choice, which one would you choose and why?
Answer: Yes, I would like to play a musical instrument. If given a choice, I would choose the violin because it produces very sweet and expressive music. It can convey different emotions like happiness, sadness, and excitement, which makes it very interesting to learn.
Q 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 in the choice of music between children and elders. Children usually prefer modern, fast, and energetic music, while elders often like classical, traditional, or soft music. This difference exists because of their age, experiences, and personal tastes.
Q 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. 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. found 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.
NCERT Intext Questions for Class 9 English (Page no – 174)
Check Your Understanding – I
Ans:-
II. Do you think Shruti will gather the courage to speak to her father? Give a reason.
Answer: Yes, Shruti will gather the courage to speak to her father because her friends encourage her and she decides to talk to him at dinner.
III. What might be Shruti’s father’s reaction? Why?
Answer: Shruti’s father might react angrily or disapprove because he strongly believes in classical Hindustani music and does not support fusion music.
NCERT Intext Questions for Class 9 English (Page no – 177 & 178)
Check Your Understanding – II
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. 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: No, Shruti’s father will not go for the rehearsal because he is strongly against fusion music and remains firm in his decision.
III. Do you think Shruti and her parents would understand one another? If yes, why?
Answer: Yes, they will understand one another because they love and care for each other, and with time they can respect each other’s views.















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