Circle of Learning • New NCERT textbook "Kaveri" (2026-27) • Reflect and Respond, Check Your Understanding, Critical Reflection, Vocabulary and Structures, Listening, Speaking, Writing, Learning Beyond the Text, and the poem "Words" – complete answers
Reflect and Respond
Look at the pictures of persons engaged in the same profession. 1. Which profession do they belong to? 2. Do they face any difficulties while doing their duty? 3. How does their profession affect the people they meet?
Answer
1. They are postmen (mail carriers / dak runners) of the postal service.
2. Yes. They walk or cycle long distances carrying heavy mailbags in heat, rain and cold, and have to reach remote and difficult areas.
3. They connect people with their families and the world. They bring letters, money orders and news of joy or sorrow, so people trust them and welcome them warmly.
How can 'words' be 'carried'? 2. Who could be a carrier of words? 3. What are the means for people to stay connected?
Answer
1. Words can be carried in letters, postcards, telegrams, messages, emails and phone calls, or by a messenger who passes on spoken words.
2. A postman, a messenger, a courier, a newspaper, a radio, a mobile phone or even a pigeon in olden times.
3. Letters, phone calls, SMS, emails, video calls, social media and messaging apps.
Place the words in the box (slumped, dunes, defying, hamlets, signals, devoid) in the passage.
Answer
1. signals 2. dunes 3. hamlets 4. defying 5. slumped 6. devoid
Check Your Understanding (Part I)
Fill up the information sheet for Khetaram's identity card.
Answer
Name | Khetaram |
Position | Gramin Dak Sewak (GDS) – sole postman |
Employer | India Post (Department of Posts, Government of India) |
Official address | Somarad Branch Post Office, near Barmer, Rajasthan (about 2.5 km from the Indo-Pakistan border) |
Mode of transport used | On foot (sometimes a lift from the BSF) |
Key responsibilities | • Carrying the mailbag (up to 28 kg) across the desert • Delivering mail to the far-flung hamlets (dhaanis) within 24 hours of dispatch from Jodhpur • Delivering money orders and the BSF's dak • Reading out letters and writing replies for the villagers |
Why do you think Khetaram has taken up this challenging job?
Answer
How do you think Khetaram would feel about taking up this challenging task every day?
Answer
1. Famine is common in his area and his one crop of bajra cannot feed his family of five. The job gives him an assured income; as he says, "We would starve without this job." He also values serving the people.
2. He would feel physically tired, especially in the summer heat, but also proud, satisfied and grateful, as people trust him and welcome him. He says, "Main tayyar hoon" (I'm ready), which shows his positive spirit.
Check Your Understanding (Part II)
Complete the table with the reasons in Column 2.
Answer
Column 1 (Situation) | Column 2 (Reason) |
When the temperature is recorded as 50 degrees celsius and above, a state holiday has to be declared. | Such extreme heat is dangerous for health, so working outdoors is not safe. (That is why the temperature is officially recorded as 49.9 degrees, so work can go on.) |
Khetaram can dwell on any threshold. | The villagers trust him completely; he is a "warmly received man" who reads out their letters and drafts replies. |
BSF always gave Khetaram a lift. | The BSF men are kind to him and he distributes their dak (mail) as well. |
Why was a piece of jaggery offered in the village when he brought news of a birth or weddings?
Answer
Offering something sweet is a traditional way to celebrate good news. The villagers are poor, so a piece of jaggery was all they could offer to thank him and share their joy.
Answer
How would phone lines help Khetaram in his job?
With phone lines, he could become a Gramin Sanchar Sewak and carry a cell phone along with the post. Villagers could then make calls and get news quickly, and he could serve them better and stay connected in emergencies.
Critical Reflection
Extract 1: "'Akaal or famine is a way of life here ... We would starve without this job,' he says ... survival is partly dependent on money orders remitted by a relative."
Answer
(i) One crop of bajra makes a little difference for people like Khetaram because ______.
it grows only once a year in a good year and is not enough to feed a family of five.
(ii) Why did Khetaram term famine as 'a way of life'?
Answer
Because in the arid Thar desert, rain is scarce and famine happens so often that people have learnt to live with it as a normal part of life.
(iii) Give one reason why Khetaram had to take up a job to help his family to survive.
Farming alone could not support his family, as one crop of bajra in a good year cannot feed five people.
(iv) Other families : Money orders :: Khetaram : ______
this job (his GDS job)
(v) What would 'a good year' signify?
Answer
A year with enough rainfall to grow at least one crop of bajra, without drought or famine.
Extract 2: "There is one letter delivery he dreads ... 'Bad news must be destroyed,' he mutters philosophically."
(i) Who could have torn the right corner of the envelope?
Answer
B. Sender of the letter
(ii) The most likely reason for Khetaram reading the letter twice is because ______.
the family, shocked by the sad news (and often unable to read), should hear and understand it clearly, since he cannot take the letter into the house.
(iii) What was Khetaram's philosophy regarding bad news, and how did he act upon it?
Answer
He believed that "bad news must be destroyed" and that "Ashubh Samachar cannot be carried into the house". So he stood outside the house, read the letter aloud twice and then tore it to bits.
(iv) True or false: Khetaram's action of tearing the letter differed from his beliefs.
False. His action matched his belief that bad news must be destroyed.
(v) Mention any one aspect of Khetaram's temperament revealed through this extract.
He is sensitive and respectful of local customs and people's feelings (also philosophical).
Answer the following questions.
Answer
Justify the statement made by the Postmaster-General that the role of GDS is 'invaluable'.
Answer
GDS deliver mail in interior areas that are often inaccessible by any means except on foot – the Thar desert, the frozen desert of Ladakh, the islands of Lakshadweep and the riverine villages of the northeast. They are the "sole link" between remote people and their families, deliver money orders on which families survive, help rural depositors save, and read and write letters for villagers. They make up more than half of India Post's workforce. Without them, these people would be cut off, so their role is truly invaluable.
How was the purpose of India Post different from that of the British postal system?
Answer
The British set up the postal system mainly to relay company dak (official mail) between administrative centres. After independence, India Post's mandate was to bring the entire population within the mailing ambit, reaching every citizen, even in remote villages.
People trusted Gramin Dak Sewaks. Support this statement with any two instances from the text.
Answer
(i) A scheme to scrap the GDS and give their work to patwaris was "summarily rejected", as villagers felt patwaris could not do the job.
(ii) Khetaram can "dwell on any threshold"; everyone feels comfortable asking him to read their letters and draft replies. (Also: rural depositors entrust their monthly savings to the post office through GDS.)
Infer the most likely reason that Khetaram was grateful to continue as GDS, even after the age of 60.
Answer
The job gives him an assured income in a land of famine, which his family depends on. It also lets him keep serving people who love and trust him, giving his life meaning and respect.
Explain why the author pays tribute to people like Khetaram.
Answer
People like Khetaram work silently in extreme conditions – blazing heat over 50°C, sandstorms and long walks with heavy mailbags – to keep remote communities connected with their families. They deliver joy, sorrow and money, help villagers read and write, and earn their complete trust. They are "a part and parcel of our social fabric", so the author salutes their dedication and service.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
Match the phrases in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. Use them in sentences of your own.
Answer
Column 1 | Column 2 | Sentence |
1. crumbles into sand | (iii) disappears in the desert | Beyond the last village, the road crumbles into sand. |
2. give a new lease of life | (i) get a chance to continue living | The new water pump gave the dying orchard a new lease of life. |
3. turn into a trickle before drying out | (iv) lessen gradually and then finally stop | In May, the stream turns into a trickle before drying out. |
4. bearing words across this desolate geography | (ii) carrying letters to less populated areas | For years, the old postman has been bearing words across this desolate geography. |
Identify examples of alliteration and metaphor in the extract.
Answer
Alliteration: "scorching summer winds and swirling sandstorms" (repeated 's' sound); "Khetaram's khaki" ('k' sound).
Metaphor: "the desert's furies" (the harsh weather is compared to angry spirits) and "a walking sandman" (Khetaram, covered in sand, is compared to a man made of sand).
Match the words in Column 1 to what they suggest in Column 2. Use the words in sentences.
Answer
Column 1 | Column 2 | Sentence |
1. arid | (iii) farmland without much yield | Little grows in the arid fields of western Rajasthan. |
2. concessional | (i) interest rate for the farmers | Farmers can get loans at a concessional rate from the cooperative bank. |
3. gaunt | (v) farmer waiting for the rains | The gaunt farmer looked up at the empty sky every morning. |
4. remote | (ii) corner of the world | The postman reaches even the most remote villages. |
5. desolate | (iv) desert stretching far and wide | We drove for hours through a desolate stretch of sand. |
Fill in the blanks by using the present perfect form of the verbs.
Answer
1. I have just got a collection of postage stamps from my grandfather. He 2. has collected these stamps over a period of 20 years. I 3. have studied most of the stamps in his collection and loved all of them. I 4. have begun my own collection of postage stamps. Grandfather 5. has truly inspired me.
Complete the paragraph about Khetaram's advice using the passive voice.
Answer
To begin with, a lot of stamina will be needed for this job. Next, reading clearly A. should be practised, as you B. will be expected to read out the letters by some of the villagers. Words C. should be written neatly as you D. will be asked to draft replies by some villagers. Full-sleeved shirts and trousers E. should be worn to protect yourself from the heat.
Listen and Respond
Listen to a girl talking about an event and fill in the blank: The speaker concluded her talk with a ______ (suggestion/request/advice).
Answer
request ("I request all the students to actively participate and make this event a grand success.")
Listen again and choose the correct option for each question.
Answer
1. (iii) Indian Postal Day (celebrated on 10 October with 'Daakroom', a letter writing carnival)
2. (ii) in the world
3. (iii) forgotten ("a forgotten art form")
4. (i) calligraphy and graphology
5. (i) interactive demonstrations
Speaking Activity
The postcard, inland letter, envelope, and money order form discuss who is the most important. Select one each and reason logically using the points (utility, cost, privacy, space to write, enclosures) and cues.
Answer
Sample discussion:
Postcard: It seems to me that I am the most useful. I am the cheapest, and anyone can send a quick message with me.
Inland letter: That's one way to look at it, but your message can be read by anyone! I would like to point out that I fold and seal, so I give privacy, and I offer more space to write.
Envelope: I totally agree that privacy matters, but I am even better. You can write as many pages as you like and enclose photographs, certificates and documents in me.
Money order form: Some people say that words are most important, but I carry money to families who depend on it to survive. In remote villages, I am a lifeline.
Postcard: Then perhaps each of us is important in our own way – we serve different needs of the people.
Writing Task
On behalf of your parents, draft an imaginary condolence message for your aunt on the recent passing away of her father.
Answer
Model answer:
12 March 2026
Dear Sunita Didi,
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of your dear father, Shri Ramesh Chandra ji. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
He was a kind and gentle soul who always welcomed us with warmth and wisdom. We will always remember his love and blessings.
We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family in this hour of grief. May God give eternal peace to the departed soul and strength and courage to the family to bear this loss.
With love and prayers,
Yours affectionately,
Rajesh and Meena
Learning Beyond the Text
Read about the 'Daakroom' carnival.
Answer
This is an information section about the Ministry of Culture's letter-writing carnival, supported by India Post, which aims to revive letter writing and give people a "digital detox".
Study the postage stamps given and discuss who or what they depict. 2. Find information about stamps in different categories and prepare a class board on 'Philately – Upholding Our Heritage'.
Answer
The stamps depict (left to right):
(i) Sarojini Naidu (1879–1949) – poet and freedom fighter, known as the "Nightingale of India".
(ii) Kishore Kumar – the famous Indian playback singer and actor.
(iii) Teej – the festival of the monsoon, celebrated by women with songs, swings and fasting.
(iv) The Painted Stork – a large wading bird found in Indian wetlands.
(v) The Sun Temple, Konark (Odisha) – a 13th-century temple built like a giant chariot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Answer
Sample notes for the class board:
Answer
• Personality: Mahatma Gandhi – Father of the Nation, leader of the freedom struggle.
• Celebration: Diwali – festival of lights, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
• Centenary: 100 years of the Indian cinema (2013) – marking the release of Raja Harishchandra (1913).
• Nature: The Tiger – India's national animal; stamps support "Project Tiger" and wildlife conservation.
• Heritage: Bharatanatyam – classical dance of Tamil Nadu; or the Taj Mahal – a world-famous Mughal monument.
Read about the telegram and the form used for sending it.
Answer
This is an information section. Because telegrams were charged by the number of words, messages were short and precise, e.g. "CONGRATULATIONS ON SUCCESS. BLESSINGS. PAPA" or "DEEPLY GRIEVED. HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES. RAJESH". (Telegram services in India ended in 2013.)
Words (Poem) – Reflect and Respond
Why are words important? Can we communicate without words? How?
Answer
Sample answer: Words help us share ideas, feelings, information and knowledge clearly, and they build relationships. Yes, we can also communicate without words – through gestures, facial expressions, body language, a smile, a hug, eye contact, signs, sign language, pictures, music and silence.
Use the sentences as clues to find words from the grid and fill the blanks.
Answer
Example: My mother summoned me to introduce her friends. (vertical)
1. We eat food to satisfy our hunger. (horizontal, row 1)
2. The train will depart from the station at 5.00 p.m. (horizontal, row 7)
3. The gardener was removing the weeds to clean the flower beds. (horizontal, row 4)
4. The view from the top of the hill was worth the difficult climb. (vertical)
5. The herbs and spices impart flavour to food. (This word comes from the poem – "Can deeper joy impart"; "add" or "lend" would also fit the sentence.)
6. Flowers blossom in spring. (vertical)
7. We enjoyed a delicious feast after the ceremony. (vertical)
Words – Check Your Understanding
Fill in the blanks with one word from the poem.
Answer
1. depart 2. pilgrim 3. weeds 4. joy 5. lonely 6. world 7. fruit
Let us appreciate the poem.
Answer
Find any four sets of rhyming words and write the rhyme scheme of the poem.
Answer
Rhyming words: heart–depart, care–air, earth–worth, needs–weeds, said–head, impart–heart, way–say, cheer–dear, chest–test, feast–least, show–grow, root–fruit.
Rhyme scheme: ABAB in every stanza (ABAB, CDCD, EFEF ...).
Identify the poetic device and explain what the poet wants to communicate.
(i) "But words, like summer birds, depart…" – Simile. Words are like migratory summer birds that fly away; they do not stay and leave nothing behind.
(ii) "heart, a pilgrim upon earth…" – Metaphor. The heart is a traveller on a spiritual journey through life, searching for comfort and truth.
(iii) "words are of as little worth / As just so many weeds" – Simile. Empty words are as useless as weeds, which grow in plenty but have no value.
(iv) "If words could satisfy the chest … Oft satisfy the least!" – Irony/contrast. Though we expect words to fulfil our needs, when tested they satisfy the least.
(v) "The world might hold a feast…" – Hyperbole. If words could satisfy hunger, the whole world would be celebrating with a feast.
(vi) "Like plants that make a gaudy show / All blossom to the root" – Simile. Empty words are like showy plants covered in flowers – attractive but shallow.
Answer
(vii) "But whose poor nature cannot grow / One particle of fruit!" – Metaphor (extended from the plant image). Like such plants, empty words produce no real result or benefit.
Which words are repeated in the poem? Why does the poet use repetition?
Answer
"Words", "heart", "satisfy" and "If words could satisfy" are repeated. The repetition emphasises the main theme – the contrast between hollow words and the true needs of the heart – and gives the poem rhythm.
Stanzas 4, 5 and 6 end with exclamation marks. Choose the option that displays the emotions.
Answer
(iii) 4. admiration 5. frustration and 6. disillusionment
Identify examples of hyperbole and complete the sentences with hyperboles.
Answer
Hyperbole in the lines: "The world might hold a feast."
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.
Underline the syllables that are stressed in all the lines of the poem.
Answer
The poem follows a regular pattern of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one (iambic metre). Stressed syllables are shown in capitals:
if WORDS could SAT-is-FY the HEART, / the HEART might FIND less CARE; / but WORDS, like SUM-mer BIRDS, de-PART, / and LEAVE but EMP-ty AIR.
the HEART, a PIL-grim UP-on EARTH, / finds OF-ten, WHEN it NEEDS, / that WORDS are OF as LIT-tle WORTH / as JUST so MAN-y WEEDS.
a LIT-tle SAID, and TRU-ly SAID, / can DEEP-er JOY im-PART / than HOSTS of WORDS, which REACH the HEAD, / but NEV-er TOUCH the HEART.
the VOICE that WINS its SUN-ny WAY, / a LONE-ly HOME to CHEER, / hath OFT the FEW-est WORDS to SAY; / but, OH! those FEW, how DEAR!
if WORDS could SAT-is-FY the CHEST, / the WORLD might HOLD a FEAST; / but WORDS, when SUM-moned TO the TEST, / oft SAT-is-FY the LEAST!
like PLANTS that MAKE a GAU-dy SHOW, / all BLOS-som TO the ROOT; / but WHOSE poor NA-ture CAN-not GROW / one PAR-ti-CLE of FRUIT!
Words – Critical Reflection
Extract 1: "The heart, a pilgrim upon earth, / Finds often, when it needs, / That words are of as little worth / As just so many weeds."
Answer
(i) Why has the poet referred to the heart as 'a pilgrim'?
Answer
Like a pilgrim on a journey, the heart travels through life searching for comfort, love and meaning; its stay on earth is a journey.
(ii) When would a heart 'need' words?
Answer
In times of sorrow, loneliness, pain or trouble, when it needs comfort, sympathy and support.
(iii) The words are like weeds because ______.
they grow in large numbers but are useless; they give no real comfort or value.
(iv) Mention two emotions the heart might be experiencing when it finds words to be of 'little worth'.
Disappointment and loneliness (also sadness, emptiness).
(v) What do these lines suggest about the nature of communication?
Answer
True communication depends on sincerity and feeling, not on the number of words; empty words cannot comfort anyone.
Extract 2: "If words could satisfy the chest, / The world might hold a feast; / But words, when summoned to the test, / Oft satisfy the least!"
(i) How can words 'satisfy the chest'?
Answer
By fulfilling a person's deep inner needs and feelings (the chest stands for the heart and emotions, and also for hunger) – which, the poet says, words alone cannot really do.
(ii) How can words be 'summoned to the test'?
Answer
When they are called upon in real situations of need – to comfort, help or keep a promise – and must prove their worth through action.
(iii) What does 'the world' holding 'a feast' imply?
Answer
That everyone would be happy and satisfied, and the whole world would celebrate, because there are so many words.
(iv) The poet mentions that words satisfy the least because ______.
empty words without sincere feeling or action cannot meet people's real needs.
(v) Select the word that does not mean the same as 'oft'.
A. always
Answer the following questions.
Answer
What is the comparison that the poet draws between words and 'empty air'?
Answer
The poet compares words to summer birds that fly away and "leave but empty air". Words disappear as soon as they are spoken, leaving nothing lasting behind to comfort the heart.
According to the poet meaningful words are more precious than a lot of them. Explain.
Answer
The poet says "A little said, and truly said" gives deeper joy than "hosts of words" that only "reach the head". A voice that cheers a lonely home has few words to say, "but, oh! those few, how dear!" A few sincere words touch the heart, while many empty words are forgotten.
Do you agree that the poet presents contrasting ideas related to 'words' in the poem? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Answer
Yes. The poet contrasts empty, showy words with few, sincere ones. Many words are like birds that depart, weeds, or gaudy plants without fruit, while a few true words bring deep joy and are "dear". He also contrasts words that reach the head with those that touch the heart.
The theme of loneliness hovers over the poem. Support this statement with examples.
Answer
The heart is shown as "a pilgrim upon earth", travelling alone, and it finds words worthless "when it needs" them. Words depart and leave "but empty air". The poet mentions "A lonely home" that is cheered only by a voice with few words. These images show a lonely heart seeking true comfort.
How does the poet convey the superficial nature of words? What ought to be done to address this?
Answer
The poet uses images of summer birds that fly off, weeds that are worthless, and plants that "make a gaudy show" with blossoms but cannot grow "one particle of fruit". Words, he says, often "reach the head, but never touch the heart". To address this, we should speak less but sincerely, mean what we say, and support our words with kind actions.
Words – Vocabulary in Context
Match the figurative phrases in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. Use each phrase in a sentence.
Answer
Column 1 | Column 2 | Sentence |
1. satisfy the heart | (iv) makes one happy | A kind letter from an old friend can truly satisfy the heart. |
2. depart and leave but empty air | (vi) makes no impact | His promises always depart and leave but empty air. |
3. hosts of words | (i) many words | The speaker used hosts of words but said very little. |
4. never touch the heart | (v) does not appeal to our emotions | Speeches full of big words often never touch the heart. |
5. wins its sunny way | (ii) cheers up a person | Her cheerful voice wins its sunny way into every patient's room. |
6. plants that cannot grow fruit | (iii) there is no outcome | Plans without action are like plants that cannot grow fruit. |
Create a 'Word Map' for each word: depart, pilgrim, cheer, word, sunny, satisfy, heart.
Answer
Word | Meaning | Synonym | Antonym | Sentence | Sketch/Symbol |
depart | to leave or go away | leave | arrive | The flight will depart at noon. | an aeroplane taking off |
pilgrim | a person who travels to a holy place | traveller, devotee | resident (stay-at-home) | Thousands of pilgrims visit Kedarnath every year. | a person with a walking stick and a temple |
cheer | to give a loud shout of approval or encouragement | comfort | sadden | The audience cheered her for a great performance. | sunshine, a sunflower or a smiling face |
word | a single unit of language that has meaning | term, expression | silence | Choose your words carefully when you are angry. | a speech bubble |
sunny | bright with sunlight; cheerful | bright, cheerful | gloomy, cloudy | Her sunny smile made everyone happy. | a shining sun |
satisfy | to fulfil a need or wish; to please | fulfil, content | disappoint | A glass of cold water can satisfy your thirst. | a thumbs-up or an empty plate |
heart | the organ that pumps blood; the centre of feelings | soul, core | mind (head) | She spoke from her heart. | a heart shape |
Words – Listen and Respond
Listen to a conversation between a girl and a boy and mark four true statements from 1–6.
Answer
Statement | True/False |
1. The girl was excited to participate in the declamation contest. | True – she was among the first few students to register. |
2. The boy was doubtful about the suitability of the topic chosen for the contest. | True – he asks whether the topic can lead to an engaging talk. |
3. The girl explained that people prefer to keep their personal experiences to themselves. | False – she says people want to share information, express ideas and relate their experiences. |
4. The boy was unaware of the role played by body language in reflecting the speaker's confidence. | True – he asks, "Body language? How?" |
5. According to the girl, body language had an insignificant role to play in communication. | False – she says communication takes place through gestures and postures too. |
6. The girl had issued the book on body language earlier from the library. | True – she knows exactly where such books are kept (the reference section) and how to get them issued. |
True statements: 1, 2, 4 and 6.
Words – Speaking Activity
Select the quotation you like most, explain it and share the reason for your choice.
Answer
Sample answer: I chose Mahatma Gandhi's quotation, "It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart", because it teaches that sincerity matters more than speech. It means that a prayer said silently with true feeling is more meaningful than long prayers recited mechanically. When my grandmother was in hospital, I could not find the right words, so I just sat beside her and held her hand. Later she told me that it comforted her more than anything anyone said. That experience showed me that the heart speaks louder than words, just as the poem "Words" says.
Words – Writing Task
Write an essay on any one quotation from the speaking activity, following the given paragraph plan.
Answer
Model answer:
Choose Your Words with Care
Gautama Buddha said, "Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill." This quotation appeals to me because we speak hundreds of words every day without thinking about their effect. In this essay, I will explore why our words carry such power.
Firstly, words can heal or hurt. A word of praise from a teacher can give a shy student the confidence to try again, while a careless insult can stay in someone's heart for years. For instance, many great people say that a single word of encouragement changed their lives.
In addition to affecting individuals, words influence society. Leaders, writers and even ordinary people on social media can spread hope or hatred. Rumours and fake news, carelessly shared, have caused panic and conflict. Consequently, responsible speech is a duty of every citizen.
Some may argue that people should be free to say whatever they feel and that being careful makes us dishonest. However, choosing words with care does not mean hiding the truth; it means speaking the truth kindly and thoughtfully, so that it helps rather than harms.
Finally, the Buddha's words remind us that speech is a powerful tool. If we think before we speak, our words can build friendships, solve problems and spread goodness. Let us speak in a way that makes the world a little kinder.
Words – Learning Beyond the Text
Play the 'Non-verbal' game in groups of six.
Answer
Sample slips: Expressions – tired (yawning, drooping shoulders), surprised (wide eyes, open mouth), angry (frown, crossed arms), confused (scratching head). Gestures – united (hands joined together), stop (palm held out), victory (V sign), welcome (folded hands/namaste). Each student enacts a slip in 30 seconds while others guess.
Do you know? Charles-Michel de l'Épée is 'The Father of Sign Language and Deaf Education'.
Answer
This is an information section. It reminds us that people can communicate fully without spoken words, using sign language.
Read and enjoy the poem 'Weigh Your Words' by E. F. Hayward.
Answer
This is a reading-for-enjoyment activity. The poem advises us to "weigh" our words and speak only what we mean, because idle words and broken promises can hurt others, and words written on a heart can never be erased – a message similar to Charles Swain's "Words".
Extra Important Questions
Short Answer Questions
How far is the Somarad Branch Post Office from the last railhead and the border?
Answer
It is about 120 km beyond the last railhead at Barmer and just 2.5 km short of the Indo-Pakistan border.
Why is the temperature recorded as 49.9 degrees celsius even when it crosses 50 degrees?
Answer
Because a temperature of 50 degrees celsius would mean a state holiday, so it is recorded as 49.9 degrees.
What did Mulk Raj Anand say about the money order?
Answer
He said that in no other country is a person in remote villages so dependent on the post office for small sums of money, which reflects the absolute confidence Indians place in the post office.
What special conditions apply to the selection and work of Gramin Dak Sewaks?
Answer
They must have access to another means of livelihood, work only five hours a day, and may serve after 60, till the age of 65.
According to the poem "Words", what kind of voice is precious?
Answer
The voice that cheers a lonely home with the fewest words, because those few sincere words are very dear.
Long Answer Questions
Describe the hardships faced by Khetaram in his work as a Gramin Dak Sewak.
Answer
Khetaram works in the Thar, the harshest desert of India, where roads crumble into sand so soft that even bicycles cannot ply. He walks long distances, covering 20 km for even a single delivery, with a mailbag weighing up to 28 kg, which has made his left shoulder slump. In summer, the sand sizzles under his mojri-clad feet and temperatures cross 50 degrees celsius, sometimes forcing him to deliver after sundown. Scorching winds and sandstorms turn him into "a walking sandman", and water is too precious even for a wash. Yet he faces all this cheerfully to serve the people.
"Khetaram is more than a postman to the villagers." Discuss.
Answer
For the villagers of the remote dhaanis, Khetaram is a friend, a messenger and a helper. He brings letters and money orders on which many families survive. As many villagers cannot read, he reads their letters aloud and writes replies in his "slightly shaky hand". He shares their joy, receiving jaggery for news of births and weddings, and respects their customs, reading bad news outside the house and tearing the letter. The BSF gives him lifts and tea. He can "dwell on any threshold", which shows the deep trust and affection he has earned. Thus, he is a vital part of their social fabric.
What is the central idea of the poem "Words" by Charles Swain?
Answer
The poem says that words alone cannot satisfy the heart. Empty words are like summer birds that fly away, like worthless weeds, and like gaudy plants that bloom but bear no fruit. When the heart truly needs comfort, many words often satisfy the least. On the other hand, "a little said, and truly said" can give deeper joy, and a voice with few words can cheer a lonely home. The poet teaches us to value sincerity over quantity and to speak words that touch the heart, not just the head.