Important Questions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 2 The Sound of Music help students revise the chapter effectively and focus on key events, characters, and themes.
By practicing these questions, learners can understand the story in depth, improve their answer-writing skills, and perform confidently in exams.
Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 2 The Sound of Music
Chapter 2 of the Class 9 English Beehive titled The Sound of Music, is a story that explores the power of music and its ability to bring joy and healing. The chapter highlights the life of Maria, a character who finds happiness and solace in music, showing how music can lift spirits and create harmony. It emphasizes the emotional and therapeutic aspects of music, demonstrating its impact on individuals and communities.
Understanding this chapter helps students appreciate the cultural and personal significance of music, as well as the story’s themes of creativity, emotion, and inspiration. Practicing these Important Questions Beehive Class 9 Chapter 2 allows learners to focus on key events, character traits, and the moral lessons conveyed through the narrative.
Important Questions for Class 9 Beehive Chapter 2
Below are the Important Questions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 2 The Sound of Music along with their answers.
1. Answer these questions in a few words or a couple of sentences each.
(a) How old was Evelyn when she went to the Royal Academy of Music?
Ans: Evelyn was 16 years old when she went to the Royal Academy of Music.
(b) When was her deafness first noticed? When was it confirmed?
Ans: Evelyn's deafness was first noticed around the age of 8. It was confirmed when she was 11 years old.
2. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (30-40 words). (a) Who helped her to continue with music? What did he do and say?
Ans. Ron Forbes, a percussionist and teacher, significantly helped Evelyn to continue with music. He encouraged her to not just listen through her ears but to try and sense the music in other ways, opening up a new path for her.
(b) Name the various places and causes for which Evelyn performs.
Ans: Evelyn performs in diverse venues ranging from concert halls to music festivals globally. She is also an advocate for several charities and has performed at numerous charity events, promoting musical education and supporting deaf musicians.
3. Answer the question in two or three paragraphs (100-120 words). (a) How does Evelyn hear music?
Ans: Evelyn Glennie hears music by sensing vibrations. She often performs barefoot to better feel the music through her feet, picking up vibrations from the floor. By touching the surfaces of the instruments, she can feel the subtle differences in vibration of different instruments. This tactile sensation, combined with what residual hearing she has, and her visual perception of the musical environment, allows her to experience and interpret music. Ron Forbes helped her refine this method by encouraging her to be aware of music through her body, not just through the traditional method of hearing. This innovative approach has allowed her to become a successful solo percussionist despite her profound deafness.
4. Tick the following statements as True or False.
a) The (shehnai, pungi) was a 'reeded noisemaker.’
Ans. True
(b) (Bismillah Khan, A barber, Ali Bux) transformed the pungi into a shehnai.
Ans: False
(c) Bismillah Khan's paternal ancestors were (barbers, professional musicians).
Ans: False
(d) Bismillah Khan learnt to play the shehnai from (Ali Bux, Paigambar Bux, Ustad Faiyaaz Khan).
Ans: True
(e) Bismillah Khan's first trip abroad was to (Afghanistan, U.S.A., Canada).
Ans: True 5.
Answer these questions based on the story of Bismillah Khan.
(a) Why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of the pungi?
Ans. Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in royal residences because it had a shrill and unpleasant sound.
(b) How is a shehnai different from a pungi?
Ans: A shehnai is different from a pungi in that it has a more refined and soothing sound. The shehnai is made from a longer tube, which allows for better tonal quality, and it uses a more sophisticated reed, enhancing its musical capabilities compared to the pungi’s simpler design.
(c) Where was the shehnai played traditionally?
How did Bismillah Khan change this?
Ans: Traditionally, the shehnai was primarily played in temples and at weddings. Bismillah Khan changed this by bringing the shehnai onto the classical concert stage, thus elevating its status and making it a respected classical instrument.
(d) When and how did Bismillah Khan get his big break?
Ans: Bismillah Khan got his big break in 1938 when he performed at the All India Music Conference in Kolkata. This performance was highly successful and significantly raised his profile, leading to national recognition.
(e) What did Evelyn want to be? What challenges did she face?
Ans: Evelyn Glennie wanted to be a solo percussionist. The major challenge she faced was her profound deafness, which was fully diagnosed by the time she was 12 years old. Despite this, she pursued her passion for music, learning to sense and interpret music through vibrations in her body rather than through traditional hearing.
6. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words.
(a) Where did Bismillah Khan play the shehnai on 15 August 1947? Why was the event historic?
Ans. Bismillah Khan played the shehnai at the Red Fort on 15 August 1947. This event was historic as it marked India's independence from British rule.
(b) Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A.?
Ans: Bismillah Khan refused to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A. because he was deeply attached to India, particularly to the city of Benaras.
(c) Find at least two instances in the text which tell you that Bismillah millah Khan Kh loves India and Benaras.
Ans: One instance is his refusal to start a school in the U.S.A., showing his deep roots in India. Another is his emotional connection to playing in Benaras and on the Ganges.
7. Evelyn did not succumb to her disability. Comment.
Ans. Evelyn Glennie's life and career vividly illustrate her refusal to succumb to her disability. Despite becoming profoundly deaf by the age of 12, she pursued her passion for music with unwavering determination. By learning to sense vibrations in her body, she adapted her perception of sound, enabling her to perform as a solo percussionist at a professional level. Her innovative approach not only allowed her to continue her musical career but also transformed her into an inspirational figure for both musicians and the deaf community worldwide. Evelyn Glennie's achievements demonstrate her resilience and commitment to overcoming obstacles, showing that her disability did not define her limits but rather highlighted her extraordinary capabilities.
8. “If you work hard and know where you are going, you’ll get there,” remarks Evelyn Glennie. What does it reveal about her character?
Ans. Evelyn Glennie's remark, "If you work hard and know where you are going, you’ll get there," reveals her strong determination, resilience, and optimistic outlook. It underscores her belief in the power of perseverance and goal-oriented drive, qualities that have clearly guided her through the challenges of her deafness. This statement also reflects her proactive and positive approach to life, suggesting that she views obstacles as surmountable with dedication and clear vision. Her words inspire a mindset of self-empowerment and assert her character as someone who refuses to be defined or limited by her circumstances.
9. Answer the following question in 100-120 words. “There is always a teacher to bring out the latent potential of a pupil/’ Justify with reference to the role played by Ron Forbes and Ustad Faiyaz Khan in the lives of Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan.
Ans. The saying "There is always a teacher to bring out the latent potential of a pupil" perfectly exemplifies the roles played by Ron Forbes and Ustad Faiyaz Khan in the lives of Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan, respectively. Ron Forbes taught Evelyn Glennie to feel music through vibrations after her profound deafness threatened her musical career. His innovative teaching allowed her to perceive and perform music at an international level, using her body as an instrument of sensation. Similarly, Ustad Faiyaz Khan was instrumental in molding Bismillah Khan into a maestro of the shehnai. He provided not only technical instruction but also a deep cultural appreciation of the instrument, elevating Bismillah’s stature in Indian classical music. Both mentors exemplify how visionary teaching can unlock extraordinary talent, enabling students to surpass limitations and achieve greatness.
10. How did the young Bismillah develop his interest in Shehnai?
Ans. Bishmillah Khan developed his interest in Shehnai when he was only three years old. He was awestruck by his uncle who also played the Shenai and was deeply fascinated by the kindly of music the Shehnai produced. Bismillah Khan started accompanying his uncle (Vishnu Baux) to the Vishwanath temple in Benaras, where he used to play the Shehnai. As Bismillah grew older, he picked the nuances of playing the Shehnai from his uncle and continued to practice playing the shehnai on the banks of the Ganga river in Benaras.
11. Do you think Bismillah Khan had very pure and deep feelings for India?
Ans. Yes, indeed. Bismillah Khan had a profound sense of connection and love for India. He was so deeply attached to his country that he turned down opportunities he received of moving to the U.S. His love for India, and especially for Benaras, stems from his childhood memories and his connection to the ghats of Benares where he grew up learning and playing the shehnai.
12. How is Evelyn Glennie helping others with her popularity and skill?
Ans. Apart from the regular concerts, Evelyn also gives free concerts in prisons and hospitals. She also gives high priority to classes for young musicians. Evelyn also serves as an inspiration for deaf children and reminds that of their endless capabilities.
13. In spite of her towering success Evelyn Glennie does not accept any hint of heroic achievement. Explain.
Ans. Although Evelyn Glenie has achieved remarkable success in her field, what sets her apart the most is her humility and refusal to accept any suggestion of heroic achievement. Despite her hearing impairment, Evelyn persevered through her circumstances and has achieved unwavering success. It is due to her sheer down-to-earth nature that she does not accept any hint of heroic achievement.
14. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow.
A. But Evelyn was not going to give up. She was determined to lead a normal life and pursue her interest in music. One day she noticed a girl playing a xylophone and decided that she wanted to play it too. Most of the teachers discouraged her but percussionist Ron Forbes spotted her potential.
He began by tuning two large drums to different notes. (The Sound of Music)
I. What effect does the experience, as described in the lines below, have on Evelyn? "Most of the teachers discouraged her but percussionist Ron Forbes spotted her potential." Choose the most suitable option.
A. demotivates
B. inspires
C. frustrates
D. confuses
Ans: Inspires
II. How does the author's use of descriptive language enhance the narrative technique in the paragraph?
Ans: The author's use of descriptive language, such as "determined to lead a normal life" and "noticed a girl playing a xylophone," helps to highlight Evelyn's perseverance and curiosity. The vivid details make her journey more engaging and relatable for the reader.
III. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket. The phrase “spotted her potential” suggests a sense of (encouragement / hesitation) in the extract.
Ans: Encouragement
IV. How does Evelyn's feelings towards the end of the extract contrast with her initial feelings of uncertainty?
Ans: Initially, Evelyn faced discouragement and uncertainty as most teachers doubted her ability. However, by the end of the extract, her emotions shift to determination and hope as Ron Forbes recognizes her talent and helps her begin her musical journey.
B. The sound of the shehnai began to be considered auspicious. And for this reason it is still played in temples and is an indispensable component of any North Indian wedding. In the past, the shehnai was part of the naubat or traditional ensemble of nine instruments found at royal courts. Till recently it was used only in temples and weddings. The credit for bringing this instrument onto the classical stage goes to Ustad Bismillah Khan. I. What impact did Ustad Bismillah Khan have on the shehnai as described in the extract? Choose the most suitable option.
(A) He introduced it to royal courts.
(B) He restricted its use to temples.
(C) He made it a part of classical music.
(D) He replaced it with other instruments.
Ans: He made it a part of classical music.
II. How does the author’s use of historical references enhance the significance of the shehnai in the extract?
Ans: The mention of the shehnai’s role in temples, weddings, and royal courts highlights its cultural and historical importance. By tracing its evolution, the author emphasizes Ustad Bismillah Khan’s role in elevating the instrument to classical status.
III. Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket. The phrase “an indispensable component of any North Indian wedding” suggests the shehnai’s (casual / essential) role in traditional ceremonies.
Ans: essential
IV. How does the shehnai’s status in classical music contrast with its earlier use?
Ans: Earlier, the shehnai was limited to temples, weddings, and royal courts. However, with Ustad Bismillah Khan’s contribution, it gained recognition on the classical stage, expanding its reach beyond traditional settings.
Important Questions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 2 The Sound of Music PDF Download
Students preparing for exams can refer to the Important Questions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 2 The Sound of Music to revise effectively. These questions cover the main events, characters, and themes of the chapter, helping learners focus on the key points of the Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 2 Sound of Music syllabus.
To make revision easier, students can download the PDF of these important questions from below.
