NCERT Class 9 English Chapter 2: The Sound of Music — MCQs, Answers & Study Tips
Type of homework: Analysis
Added: day before yesterday at 13:24
Summary:
Explore NCERT Class 9 English Chapter 2 The Sound of Music with MCQs, answers, and study tips to master themes, improve understanding, and boost exam readiness. 🎵
Comprehensive Study of ‘The Sound of Music’: Insights, Learning Strategies, and MCQ Practice for NCERT Class 9 English Chapter 2
I. Introduction
“The Sound of Music” is a celebrated chapter in the Class 9 NCERT English textbook, ‘Beehive’. This lesson is much admired not only for its engaging narratives but also for the lasting inspiration it provides through real-life stories. It comes in two parts, each featuring an extraordinary personality—Evelyn Glennie and Ustad Bismillah Khan—whose journeys tell us about the deep bond between human spirit and music. In the Indian educational context, chapters like this don’t just enhance our language skills; they shape our worldview, help us empathise, and connect us with a rich musical and cultural heritage.The purpose of this essay is to delve deeply into both sections of the chapter, explore important themes, and demonstrate how Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) serve as a powerful aid in consolidating what we learn. For students preparing for CBSE exams, mastering the art of tackling MCQs is as significant as understanding the story itself. By the end, I hope to share practical strategies and sample questions that make revision both enjoyable and effective.
II. Detailed Summary and Thematic Breakdown of ‘The Sound of Music’
Part 1: Evelyn Glennie – Listening to Sound Without Hearing It
The first section introduces us to Evelyn Glennie, a Scottish percussionist who, despite becoming profoundly deaf by the age of twelve, pursued a career in music that broke all boundaries. Her hearing loss was gradual; initially, her mother noticed that she did not respond when called to breakfast. Medical diagnosis made it clear that Evelyn would soon lose her hearing completely. Rather than allowing this to dim her aspirations, Evelyn worked twice as hard.Her mother’s support and the encouragement of Ron Forbes, a percussionist, transformed her understanding of music. Ron persuaded her to “feel” the music through vibrations, a unique approach at the time. She would remove her shoes, stand on a wooden platform, and sense the sound waves through different parts of her body. This innovation gave her access to a world from which most people thought she was shut out. Evelyn’s relentless determination led her to the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London, where she graduated with the highest marks and went on to perform on global stages.
A core theme here is the triumph of determination over disability. Evelyn defied stereotypes, proving that nothing—least of all a physical challenge—can confine talent if one adapts, perseveres, and seeks new ways to reach their dreams.
Part 2: Bismillah Khan and the Shehnai
The second part of the chapter brings us home to Banaras (Varanasi), into the world of one of India’s greatest musical legends, Ustad Bismillah Khan. The shehnai, a reed instrument that was once restricted to temple and wedding rituals, underwent a metamorphosis in his hands. Historical accounts say that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had banned the playing of the pungi, a shrill reeded instrument. The shehnai, its evolved form, was considered auspicious but limited in scope on the Indian music stage.Bismillah Khan’s genius helped change that. Starting from the fields of the Ganga where he practised endlessly, Bismillah lifted the shehnai to the main stage, mesmerising audiences in India and abroad. His iconic performance during the nation’s first Independence Day at Red Fort, broadcast on All India Radio, is etched in India’s collective memory. Despite international acclaim—travels to Afghanistan, the US, and performances at the Eiffel Tower—he remained true to his roots, always returning to Banaras and its ghats, never tempted to migrate abroad though offered lucrative opportunities.
Themes such as dedication to craft, the importance of nurturing heritage, and finding pride in one’s roots are woven throughout his story. Bismillah Khan’s legacy is a reminder that Indian classical music thrives not just on stage, but in sincere, passionate practice—often in the most humble of surroundings.
III. The Educational Importance of MCQs in Understanding ‘The Sound of Music’
In today’s CBSE-oriented learning, MCQs have become a cornerstone of assessments. For a chapter as layered as “The Sound of Music,” MCQs serve multiple functions beyond testing mere recall:- Comprehension Testing: MCQs touch on events (e.g., “Who inspired Evelyn Glennie to pursue music despite her deafness?”). - Theme Understanding: Some questions prompt reflection (“What does Bismillah Khan’s refusal to settle abroad reveal about him?”). - Analytical Thinking: Others require inference (e.g., “Why is Evelyn Glennie’s approach to music described as innovative?”).
Familiarity with these question types boosts confidence and reduces last-minute stress. Practising MCQs helps students retain facts like Evelyn’s age at different milestones, or the cultural importance of the shehnai in Indian weddings and temples. Group quizzes, flashcards, and timed mock tests on websites like Diksha or CBSE’s e-learning portals help students identify strengths and areas to improve.
IV. Analyzing Key Characters and Their Symbolism
Evelyn Glennie: The Spirit of Resilience and Innovation
Evelyn is not just the story of defeating disability. She stands tall as a role model who redefined what music means. In her, we see a person who interpreted sound with her body, echoing the philosophies of ancient Indian musicians who believed the entire body could be an instrument. Her success tells us that innovation isn’t always about machines; sometimes, it’s how we perceive the world differently.Bismillah Khan: Pride in Heritage and Artistic Purity
Bismillah Khan symbolises the bridge between tradition and modernity. He could have sought fame or wealth abroad, yet his heart remained with the sacred rivers of Banaras and his faith. His music is a prayer, a legacy, and an embodiment of the secular, syncretic ethos of India—where a Muslim musician rose to pre-eminence playing an instrument central to Hindu ceremonies.The Subtle Connection
Though the two stories differ in background—one rooted in Indian classical traditions, the other shaped by Western classical institutions—they underline music as a universal language. Both protagonists rise above limitations—be it physical, social, or cultural—and inspire generations to pursue excellence with humility.V. Exploring Broader Educational Themes Through the Chapter
Overcoming Obstacles
Evelyn and Bismillah Khan both grew through hard work and creativity. Their perseverance shows students that life’s barriers often exist more in the mind than in reality.Celebrating Heritage
In an era where many are drawn towards Western influences, Bismillah Khan’s pride in Indian roots underscores the significance of preserving one’s cultural identity. This resonates with celebrated works like “Raag Darbari” by Shrilal Shukla, where cultural intricacies take centre stage.Innovation within Tradition
Like Pandit Ravi Shankar, who made the sitar internationally famous, these figures demonstrate that innovation and tradition can coexist. Evelyn’s tactile music and Bismillah’s modernisation of the shehnai are prime examples.VI. Learning Strategies Specific to This Chapter
- Active Reading: Mark key dates, names, and events. Annotate margins with personal insights. - Summarisation: Write your own summary. Try creating a flowchart—Evelyn’s journey from Scotland to London, Bismillah Khan from childhood in Dumraon to national fame. - Use of Multimedia: Listen to shehnai performances (try the 21-gun salute on AIR for a classical mood) or watch Evelyn Glennie’s TED performances online for live demonstrations. - Peer Discussion: Explaining concepts to friends or quizzing each other can be more effective than solitary study.VII. Common Exam Questions and How to Approach Them
- For MCQs: Read every option; often ‘all of the above’ can be tricky. If unsure, eliminate the most obviously incorrect ones. Remember that factual accuracy is key. - For Descriptive Questions: Refer directly to texts—quote dialogues, mention specific incidents (like Evelyn’s audition at the Royal Academy or Bismillah Khan’s refusal to settle abroad). - Time Management: Don’t linger too long on one question. Mark it for review and come back if possible.VIII. Conclusion
“The Sound of Music” is not merely a chapter but a tapestry of triumphs, cultural pride, and artistic innovation. Through well-structured MCQs and active engagement with the text, students develop not just exam acumen but also empathy, cultural sensitivity, and resilience. Learning the stories of Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan encourages us to see challenges as opportunities, embrace our heritage, and value the power of unconventional thinking. As students, we must balance MCQ drills with deeper reading—so we remember not just answers, but the profound lessons music and life offer.Let’s internalise the message: like Evelyn and Bismillah Khan, the journey matters as much as the destination, and every note—heard, felt, or played—contributes to the music of life.
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IX. Appendix: Sample MCQs, Glossary, and Further Learning
1. Sample MCQs (Original Questions with Answers)
1. What method did Evelyn Glennie use to feel music after her hearing loss? a) Through vibrations sensed in her body b) By reading musical notes c) By observing others play d) Through sign language Answer: a) Through vibrations sensed in her body _Explanation: Ron Forbes guided her to sense music through different parts of her body._2. Why did Aurangzeb ban the pungi? a) It was considered inauspicious b) Its sound was too shrill c) It was associated with royal ceremonies d) It was difficult to play Answer: b) Its sound was too shrill _Explanation: The pungi, a predecessor to the shehnai, was banned for its unpleasant sound._
3. Which city is most associated with Bismillah Khan’s musical career? a) Mumbai b) Kolkata c) Banaras d) Hyderabad Answer: c) Banaras _Explanation: Khan Saheb loved Banaras, often calling it his home despite global offers._
4. How did Evelyn defy expectations at the Royal Academy of Music? a) By teaching music b) By winning the highest marks c) By inventing a new instrument d) By composing for films Answer: b) By winning the highest marks _Explanation: She topped her class despite her hearing disability._
5. What does Bismillah Khan’s life teach about heritage? a) Pursue fame abroad b) Preserve and respect local traditions c) Avoid classical genres d) Learn many instruments Answer: b) Preserve and respect local traditions _Explanation: Despite global fame, he treasured Indian roots and culture._
2. Glossary
- Shehnai: A traditional North Indian wind instrument, usually played at weddings and religious events. - Royal Academy of Music: Prestigious music college in London, England. - Vibrations: Movements causing sound, perceived by touch in the absence of hearing. - Banaras (Varanasi): Spiritual city in India and an important cultural hub.3. Suggested Further Reading and Viewing
- _“Wings of Fire” by Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam_—another tale of overcoming odds. - YouTube: Performances by Evelyn Glennie and archival AIR broadcasts of Bismillah Khan. - NCERT Spark series: Supplementary material on Indian musicians.---
This essay endeavours to make “The Sound of Music” a lived experience for Class 9 learners, equipping them not only for exams but for life’s larger symphony.
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