Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations Class 9 Solutions

I. Given below are four riddles. Read and identify who these people are.

1. In furrows deep, secrets I sow, As time passes, I watch them grow. Who am I?

Answer: Farmer

2. From wheel to kiln, my skill is born, Step by step, an art takes form. Who am I?

Answer: Potter

3. I lay foundations, brick by brick, To build a house, it’s me you pick. Who am I?

Answer: Mason

4. I work with pots, pans, and spice, Creating dishes that taste so nice. Who am I?

Answer: Cook

II. What is the role and relevance of the people you identified in the riddles? How do they contribute to society?

Answer: The people identified in the riddles are farmer, potter, mason and cook. Each of them contributes to society in an important way.

• Farmer: Grows food and supports the life of the whole community.
• Potter: Makes useful clay items and preserves traditional craft.
• Mason: Builds houses, schools and other important structures.
• Cook: Prepares food and contributes to health, comfort and hospitality.

These vocations are relevant because society depends on both physical labour and skilled craftsmanship. Their work deserves respect and recognition.

I. Based on your understanding of the poem, state whether the following statements are true or false. Also, rectify the false statements.

II. Let us appreciate the poem.

1. Rhyme Scheme and Lineation

(i) Does the poem strictly adhere to a rhyme scheme, or is it in free verse?

Answer: The poem does not strictly adhere to a rhyme scheme. It is written in free verse.

(ii) What is the impact of the varying length of lines in the poem?

Answer: The varying length of lines gives the poem a flowing, expansive and celebratory quality. It reflects the diversity of vocations and allows each worker’s contribution to be described naturally.

(iii) What is the pattern in the structure of most lines of the poem?

Answer: Most lines name a vocation or worker and then describe the action, skill or contribution associated with that work. This creates a list-like celebratory structure.

2. Speaker

(i) Who appears to be the speaker and what is her/his role here?

Answer: The speaker appears to be an observer who listens to and celebrates the varied vocations of Bharat. The speaker’s role is to honour the dignity, skill and identity of workers.

3. Tone and Mood

(i) Fill in the blanks with suitable options from the box.

A. The tone is __________ and __________, depicting a sense of admiration and respect for the artisans and craftspersons.

Answer: celebratory and reverential

B. There is a __________ mood throughout the poem, capturing the vibrancy and richness of cultural traditions and skills.

Answer: joyful

4. Imagery

(i) Select any two descriptions from the poem that evoke visual images.

Answer: Two descriptions that evoke visual images are:

• Craft woven with colours and myriad hues.
• Boatmen gathering their nets from the shore.

(ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable phrases. The poem includes auditory imagery through mentions of artisans with lutes, _______________, and _______________, emphasising the sounds associated with each vocation.

Answer: electricians humming; boatmen singing

5. Metaphor

(i) State whether the following sentence is true or false. The mention of ‘delicious singing’ of the cook is a metaphor because it implies that the quality of the singing is so enjoyable or pleasing that it can be equated to the experience of tasting something delicious.

Answer: True

6. Personification

(i) Select the line that tells us that the poet personifies vocations by attributing human-like qualities to them.

Answer: “The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity.” This line gives a “voice” to vocations, as if work itself can speak.

7. Repetition

(i) Why might the poet have begun and ended with the same line — ‘I hear Bharat celebrating, the varied vocations I hear!’?

Answer: The repetition frames the poem and emphasises its central idea. It shows that Bharat’s many vocations together create a national celebration of skill, labour and identity.

8. Alliteration

(i) Identify two examples of alliteration from the poem.

Answer: Two examples of alliteration are:

• varied vocations
• voice of their vocation
• sailing and singing

9. Symbolism

(i) Each vocation in the poem symbolises something more than just a job. What does it symbolise?

Answer: Each vocation symbolises identity, dignity, skill, creativity and service to society. The poem suggests that work is not merely a way to earn money; it is also a source of pride, individuality and cultural value.

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

Reference: This extract refers to shoemakers, cooks, designers and masons, and celebrates the distinct value of their work.

1. The poet says that the shoemakers ‘affirm’ the quality of their work. What does ‘affirm’ refer to here?

Answer: (ii) to declare with confidence

2. What do quality shoes help with, according to the poet?

Answer: Quality shoes help people walk, dance, run, jump and return home. They support movement, comfort and daily activity.

3. What does ‘return home’ symbolise besides the literal act of returning?

Answer: Besides the literal act of returning, “return home” symbolises safety, belonging, comfort and the completion of the day’s journey.

4. Identify the phrase that tells us that every worker’s contribution is distinct.

Answer: The phrase is: “each celebrating what belongs to them and to none else.”

5. Complete the following with suitable words. “…for the feet that walk, dance, run, jump, return home” refers to ___________.

Answer: “…for the feet that walk, dance, run, jump, return home” refers to the many movements and activities of daily life that are supported by the shoemaker’s work.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. Why does the poet say, ‘I hear Bharat celebrating, the varied vocations I hear’?

Answer: The poet says this because the many vocations of Bharat together create a celebration of work, skill and identity. Each worker contributes to society in a meaningful way, and their work becomes part of the nation’s living rhythm.

2. What does the electrician ‘humming’ while getting ready for work suggest?

Answer: The electrician “humming” suggests cheerfulness, confidence and pride in work. It also creates an image of rhythm and energy in everyday labour.

3. Explain the significance of the line, ‘The voice of their vocation is the voice of their identity.’

Answer: This line means that a person’s work becomes an important part of who they are. Vocation gives workers dignity, recognition and self-expression. Their skill speaks for their identity.

4. Do you think the role of all the people belonging to different vocations is important in our daily lives? Support your answer with a reason.

Answer: Yes, the role of all people belonging to different vocations is important. Farmers grow food, electricians bring light, carpenters make furniture, cooks prepare meals, and masons build homes. Society functions smoothly because of the contributions of many kinds of workers.

5. Why is the poet celebrating all the vocations in the poem? Explain by giving examples from your context.

Answer: The poet celebrates all vocations because each one requires skill and contributes to society. For example, a teacher shapes young minds, a doctor treats the sick, a tailor stitches clothes, a driver helps people travel, and a sanitation worker keeps the surroundings clean. All these vocations deserve respect.

6. How does the poet use sensory imagery to bring out the beauty of everyday work?

Answer: The poet uses sensory imagery through colours, sounds and movement. Visual imagery appears in craft woven with colours and myriad hues. Auditory imagery appears in lutes, humming and singing. The phrase about feet that walk, dance, run and jump creates movement. These images make everyday work appear beautiful and meaningful.

I. People of different vocations are being described in the poem. Match the vocations given in the box with the descriptions that follow.

II. Identify the word from Column 2 that is not the synonym of the words given in Column 1.

I. You will listen to two friends, a boy and a girl discussing the occupations of their parents. As you listen, answer the following question in two to three words only.

Question: What does the boy use to understand the details of the tools?

Answer: toy cars

II. You will listen to the girl and the boy once again. As you listen, answer the questions by selecting the correct option.

Create groups of five. Allot the role of any five vocations that the poet talks about. Each student speaks for 1–2 minutes about their vocation.

Sample 1: Carpenter

I am a carpenter. I work with wood and create useful things such as tables, chairs, doors and cupboards. I work in workshops, homes and construction sites. My work requires measurement, precision and patience. Sometimes I face difficulty because good wood is costly and customers want quick work. My message is that handmade work requires skill and should be respected.

Sample 2: Electrician

I am an electrician. I work with wires, switches and electrical fittings. I help bring light and power to homes, schools and offices. My work requires technical knowledge and safety. I face risks while working with electricity, so I must be careful. My message is that every home depends on skilled workers like us.

Sample 3: Boatman

I am a boatman. I work near rivers and seas. I help people travel by boat and sometimes catch fish or carry goods. My work connects me closely with water and weather. I face challenges such as storms, strong currents and uncertain income. My message is that nature must be respected and every honest worker deserves dignity.

Sample 4: Shoemaker

I am a shoemaker. I make and repair shoes. My work helps people walk, run, dance and travel comfortably. I work with leather, tools, thread and polish. My challenge is that factory-made shoes have reduced demand for handmade shoes. My message is that quality work and traditional skill should be valued.

Sample 5: Cook

I am a cook. I prepare food with care, taste and cleanliness. I work in homes, restaurants, schools and community kitchens. My work brings health, comfort and joy to people. I face heat, pressure and long working hours. My message is that food connects people, and cooking is a creative and valuable vocation.

I. Your school will be organising a ‘Career Mela’ in which students are to be made familiar with the different career options. Complete the poster for the event.

I. You must have read poems and songs related to childhood fascination about different vocations in English and in your own language. Now, read and enjoy the poem given in the textbook.

Answer: The poem given in the textbook encourages children to imagine different vocations and admire the work people do. It shows that children often find certain occupations fascinating and may dream of doing them when they grow up.

II. Visit the website mentioned in the textbook. Collect information on any one vocation of your choice. Prepare a presentation.

Sample Vocation: Electrician

Reason for my choice: I chose the vocation of an electrician because electricity is essential in modern life, and electricians help keep homes, schools and workplaces safe and functional.

How is it helpful to society and self? Electricians install and repair wiring, lights, fans, switches and other electrical systems. Their work helps society by providing safe access to electricity. It also gives the worker a useful skill and a source of livelihood.

Skills required:

• Knowledge of electrical tools and safety rules
• Problem-solving ability
• Careful observation
• Practical training
• Discipline and responsibility

III. Create a Haiku poem and share with your classmates and teacher.

Sample Haiku:

Tools wake at sunrise
Hands shape dreams with patient skill
Work sings through Bharat

Question 1. What is the main theme of Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations?

Answer: The main theme is the dignity of labour and respect for all vocations.

Question 2. Why does the poem refer to Bharat celebrating vocations?

Answer: The poem refers to Bharat celebrating vocations because different workers together sustain society and represent the country’s diversity, skill and identity.

Question 3. What do carpenters symbolise in the poem?

Answer: Carpenters symbolise skill, precision and creativity in practical work.

Question 4. How are electricians important in the poem?

Answer: Electricians are important because they brighten our lives by working with cables and wires.

Question 5. What does the poem suggest about identity?

Answer: The poem suggests that a person’s vocation becomes part of their identity. Work gives dignity, recognition and meaning.

Question 6. Why should every vocation be respected?

Answer: Every vocation should be respected because every worker contributes to society. No work is small when it is done with skill, honesty and dedication.