NCERT Solutions Class 5 English Santoor Chapter 09 Vocation

Question 1. Who is the speaker in the poem?
Answer: The poet Rabindranath Tagore is the one speaking in this poem.
In simple words: Rabindranath Tagore wrote and speaks in the poem.

Exam Tip: Always identify the speaker by reading the poem carefully - it's often stated in the text or clear from the writing style.

Question 2. Why does the speaker want to be a hawker?
Answer: The speaker is drawn to the freedom that a hawker enjoys. This desire for liberty and independence in work makes him wish to become a hawker.
In simple words: The speaker likes how free a hawker is - no one tells him what to do.

Exam Tip: When answering "why" questions, always explain the reason clearly - here it's the freedom and independence the hawker has.

Question 3. What does he like about the gardener?
Answer: The speaker admires how the gardener is working in the garden independently, without anyone controlling or stopping him. This independence and freedom in his work appeals to the speaker.
In simple words: The speaker likes how the gardener works alone in the garden, free from others' orders.

Exam Tip: Notice the pattern - the speaker is attracted to jobs where people have freedom and are their own boss.

Question 4. What does the speaker compare the street lamp to?
Answer: The speaker likens the street lamp to a giant standing on the street, with a single red eye on top of its head looking down.
In simple words: The speaker says the street lamp looks like a big person with one red eye on its head.

Exam Tip: Similes and metaphors like this show the poet's creative way of describing ordinary objects - look for the comparison words.

Question 5. On the basis of the poem that you have read, share the daily schedule of the speaker.
Answer: The speaker's day follows a pattern. In the morning at ten o'clock, he goes to school. Along the way, he sees the hawker selling bangles every single day. At four in the afternoon, he returns from school and watches the gardener working and turning the soil. Later in the evening, before going to bed, he observes the watchman walking back and forth along the lane.
In simple words: The speaker goes to school at ten. He sees a hawker, then a gardener, then a watchman - all at different times each day.

Exam Tip: When asked for a schedule, list the times and activities in order - this shows you understand the poem's structure.

Question 1. Why does the speaker admire people with different vocations?
Answer: The speaker finds that each person in their own profession is enjoying life in their own special way. This is what makes him look up to and respect people who follow different kinds of work and careers.
In simple words: The speaker likes people in different jobs because they are all happy doing their own work.

Exam Tip: The key point is contentment - the speaker respects those who find joy and satisfaction in their chosen work.

Question 2. What are the things that you observe on your way to school and your way back home?
Answer: On the road, I watch the shops getting ready for the day. People use different kinds of transportation to travel to their workplaces. Kids are preparing to leave for school. In the late afternoon, I notice several street vendors selling various items. The roads are filled with many cars and vehicles. Parents are standing and waiting for their children to return. These observations make the journey to school and the return home interesting and full of activity.
In simple words: I see shops opening, people going to work, kids getting ready, hawkers selling things, and traffic on the roads.

Exam Tip: For observation questions, mention specific things you see - shops, vehicles, people, vendors - and the time of day matters.

Question 1. Here are some of the words from Vocation. Read the poem and match each word with its meaning.
Answer: (i) - (d), (ii) - (a), (iii) - (e), (iv) - (b), (v) - (c)

Exam Tip: For matching exercises, check each word carefully against all options before finalizing - one wrong match can lead to cascading errors.

Question 2. The speaker goes for school at ten in the morning.
Answer: The speaker goes to school at ten in the morning.

Exam Tip: The error here is the use of "for" instead of "to" - check prepositions carefully when correcting sentences.

Question 3. The fox ran fast than the others.
Answer: The fox ran faster than the others.

Exam Tip: When comparing two things, use the comparative form of the adjective - "fast" becomes "faster" when comparing.

Question 4. Mita was slept when the doorbell rang.
Answer: Mita was sleeping when the doorbell rang.

Exam Tip: After "was," use the present participle (sleeping) not the past participle (slept) to show an action in progress.

Question 5. The old elephant walked slow to the river.
Answer: The old elephant walked slowly to the river.

Exam Tip: Adverbs describe verbs and usually end in "-ly" - use "slowly" to describe how the elephant walked.

Question 6. Radhika is tall than Suman.
Answer: Radhika is taller than Suman.

Exam Tip: Remember the rule: when comparing, use the comparative form - "tall" becomes "taller" before "than".

Question 7. Sudhanshu ran faster of all the runners.
Answer: Sudhanshu ran faster than all the runners.

Exam Tip: Use "than" for comparisons between two things - "of" is incorrect here even though both can appear in sentences.

Question 8. My mother are cooking.
Answer: My mother is cooking.

Exam Tip: The subject "mother" is singular, so use "is" not "are" - subject-verb agreement is crucial.

Question 9. He go to school everyday.
Answer: He goes to school everyday.

Exam Tip: When the subject is "he" or "she" (third person singular), add "-s" to the verb - "go" becomes "goes".

Question 10. The birds is flying.
Answer: The birds are flying.

Exam Tip: "Birds" is plural, so it needs the plural verb "are" not the singular "is".

Question 1. Have you seen a telescope? Where have you seen it? What is it used for?
Answer: I have seen a telescope at a space observatory. This tool helps scientists watch the stars, planets, moon, and other objects in the night sky.
In simple words: A telescope is a tool at an observatory that lets you see stars and planets.

Exam Tip: When describing an object's use, state where it's found and what job it does clearly.

Question 2. Have you seen a hammer? Where have you seen it? What is it used for?
Answer: Carpenters use a hammer to push nails into wood and other materials. You can also find hammers in home toolboxes for fixing things around the house.
In simple words: A hammer is used to bang nails. You can find it in homes and with builders.

Exam Tip: Mention both who uses it professionally and where else it's commonly found.

Question 3. Have you seen a camera? Where have you seen it? What is it used for?
Answer: Professional photographers use cameras to capture images and record moments. Cameras are also common in homes where family members take photos for memories and special occasions.
In simple words: A camera takes photos. Photographers use it, and families have one at home.

Exam Tip: Describe both the professional and personal uses of the object when asked.

Question 4. Have you seen a screwdriver? Where have you seen it? What is it used for?
Answer: Mechanics use a screwdriver to tighten and loosen screws in machines and equipment. Screwdrivers are also kept in homes for making small repairs and household fixes.
In simple words: A screwdriver turns screws tight or loose. You find it with mechanics and in home toolboxes.

Exam Tip: Show that you know both the main purpose and where it's commonly used.

Question 5. Have you seen a sickle? Where have you seen it? What is it used for?
Answer: A sickle is a curved cutting tool found in gardens and farms. Farmers use it to cut grass and gather crops during harvest time. It's shaped like a hook and is useful for cutting through thick plants and grains.
In simple words: A sickle cuts grass and crops. Farmers use it in fields during harvest.

Exam Tip: For tools, mention the shape if unusual and explain its main farming or garden role.

Question 6. Have you seen a stethoscope? Where have you seen it? What is it used for?
Answer: Doctors in hospitals and clinics use a stethoscope to listen to patients' heartbeats and breathing. It helps them check if the heart and lungs are working correctly.
In simple words: A stethoscope lets doctors hear the heart. You see it in hospitals and clinics.

Exam Tip: Mention the specific medical purpose and where you'd see it used in a healthcare setting.

Question 7. Have you seen a grater? Where have you seen it? What is it used for?
Answer: A grater is found in kitchens and hotels. Cooks use it to shred vegetables into thin pieces. It makes vegetables smaller and easier to cook or blend into dishes.
In simple words: A grater cuts vegetables into tiny pieces. It's used in kitchens and hotels.

Exam Tip: When describing kitchen tools, mention the specific action it performs on the food.

Question 8. Have you seen tongs? Where have you seen them? What are they used for?
Answer: Tongs are used in kitchens to pick up and hold hot dishes and pans without burning your hands. They are also handy tools for making chapatis and other items that need careful handling while cooking.
In simple words: Tongs help you grab hot things in the kitchen safely. You use them when cooking.

Exam Tip: Explain why tongs are safer to use - they protect your hands from heat.

Question 9. Have you seen a compass? Where have you seen it? What is it used for?
Answer: A compass is part of a geometry box that students use for schoolwork. It draws perfect circles and curved lines on paper. Architects and designers also use compasses when planning buildings and designs.
In simple words: A compass draws circles. Students have it in their geometry boxes.

Exam Tip: Mention that it's in a geometry set and also describe its wider use in professional fields.

Question 10. Have you seen a mouse? Where have you seen it? What is it used for?
Answer: A mouse is an important part of a computer system. You use it to move the pointer on the screen and click on things. Without a mouse, using a computer becomes much more difficult.
In simple words: A mouse is part of a computer. It helps you click and move things on the screen.

Exam Tip: For computer terms, keep explanations simple and show how the object helps the user.

Question 11. Have you seen a saw? Where have you seen it? What is it used for?
Answer: A saw is a tool that carpenters use to cut wood into smaller pieces when making furniture. The saw has sharp teeth that cut through the wood easily and smoothly.
In simple words: A saw cuts wood. Carpenters use it to make furniture and build things.

Exam Tip: When describing cutting tools, explain what material they cut and who uses them.

Question 1. When does the speaker leave for school in the morning?
Answer: The speaker leaves for school at ten o'clock in the morning.

Exam Tip: Time-based questions need exact answers - always look for specific times mentioned in the text.

Question 2. What is the cry of the hawker?
Answer: The poem shows the hawker selling bangles, though the exact cry or sales call is not specifically stated in the text provided.

Exam Tip: Some poem details are symbolic - the hawker's cry represents his call while selling his goods on the street.

Question 3. What does the speaker wish when he sees the life of the hawker?
Answer: The speaker wishes he could be a hawker and live a life of freedom and independence like the hawker does.

Exam Tip: Wishes and desires reveal what the character values - here it's freedom from control.

Question 4. When does the speaker come back from school?
Answer: The speaker comes back from school at four in the afternoon.

Exam Tip: Note times that structure the speaker's daily routine - they form the poem's timeline.

Question 5. Why does the speaker wish if he were a gardener?
Answer: The speaker wishes to be a gardener because the gardener works with freedom and independence, digging in the garden with no one telling him what to do.

Exam Tip: The speaker is drawn to all occupations that offer personal freedom and autonomy in work.

Question 6. Who sends the speaker to bed late in the evening?
Answer: The poem does not explicitly state who sends the speaker to bed - it only mentions his activities and observations in the evening hours.

Exam Tip: Not every detail in a poem is directly stated - sometimes you infer from context or family patterns.

Question 7. Who does the speaker see in the dark lane?
Answer: The speaker sees the watchman walking back and forth along the lane in the dark evening hours.

Exam Tip: Evening characters in the poem are different from daytime ones - the watchman represents night-time work.

Question 8. What does the street lamp look like in the dark night?
Answer: The speaker describes the street lamp as looking like a giant standing tall with a single red eye on his head watching the dark lane below.

Exam Tip: Poetic descriptions use comparison - the lamp becomes a living creature in the speaker's imagination.

Question 1. What's missing? The child sees only the fun part of each job. What do you think might be the difficult or boring part of being a hawker, a gardener or a watchman? Write a paragraph to express your thoughts.
Answer: A hawker's work is actually very tiring. They must spend long hours standing outside in hot sun and heavy rain to make a living. Income from this work is often quite small. Life as a hawker can be plain and repetitive. The same challenges apply to gardeners and watchmen. Both these jobs require hard physical labor and effort. Watchmen especially face hardship - they must stay awake through the entire night to protect the area, which can damage their health over time. So while these jobs might look easy and free from the outside, they all have serious difficulties hidden beneath.
In simple words: These jobs have hard parts too - hawkers work in sun and rain, gardeners do heavy work, and watchmen lose sleep at night.

Exam Tip: When asked to think critically, balance the positive with realistic challenges - show you understand both sides of a job.

Question 2. In the poem, the speaker tells us about the vocations of different people. Write the vocations of any three of your family members, in 50-60 words each, from the list below: Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister, Father, Brother, Uncle
Answer: My mother works as a teacher in a school nearby. Teaching is considered a respected and valuable profession. All citizens must receive proper education for a country to grow and develop. My mother teaches tenth-class learners at a well-known school with many students. Her learners respect and like her greatly. Former students still feel grateful to her for the knowledge and guidance she gave them.

My father holds the position of manager at a hospital. It is a government-run medical facility. He oversees the running of the hospital's day-to-day activities. Since it serves people free of charge, the hospital always has many patients waiting for care. My father is key to making sure doctors and nurses can work well and that the hospital runs smoothly. The medical field is an esteemed calling. It is a career devoted entirely to helping and serving people.
In simple words: My mother teaches students, and my father manages a hospital - both help people in different ways.

Exam Tip: When writing about professions, include what the person does, where they work, and why their work matters.

Question 3. What vocations are the following people associated with?
Answer:
(1) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Known as the 'missile man of India', he was an engineer who built rockets and missiles for the country's space program.

(2) M. Visvesvaraya: He was a prominent engineer recognized for designing and constructing large dams across India.

(3) Janaki Ammal: She became India's first female botanist and made major contributions to plant science and research.

(4) M. S. Subbulakshmi: She was a renowned Indian classical singer who performed Carnatic music with great skill and artistry.

(5) Salim Ali: He was an Indian bird researcher (ornithologist) and naturalist who spent his life studying and protecting bird species.

Exam Tip: For famous people, mention their main achievement or what they're known for - this shows you understand their contribution.

Question 1. A chef is supposed to cook delicious meals, not drive a fire engine. That's something firefighters do. Write two sentences in your notebook for each picture, following the example provided for you.
Answer:
(1) A chef's job is to prepare and cook good meals. Driving a fire engine is a firefighter's responsibility, not a chef's.

(2) A doctor is meant to care for sick and injured people. Controlling traffic and managing road safety belong to a police officer's duties.

(3) A police officer keeps law and order in the community. Treating patients and diagnosing diseases is work that doctors do, not police.

(4) A lawyer handles legal cases and provides advice on laws. Creating building designs and plans is work that architects and engineers do.

(5) A scuba diver explores underwater and may rescue people in water. Teaching students in a classroom is a teacher's job, not a diver's.

(6) A construction worker builds houses and other structures. Fixing and repairing shoes is a cobbler's trade, not a construction worker's.

Exam Tip: For job-matching activities, contrast the wrong job with the right one - this shows clear understanding of each profession's role.

Question 1. Which vocation from the above illustrations would you choose for yourself? And why?
Answer: Among the professions shown, I would choose to become a teacher. Teaching stands as an honored and important calling. Teachers serve young people and help build the next generation of the nation. When students study hard and learn well, they can achieve success in their lives. Therefore, a teacher's role in building the country becomes very critical. By becoming a teacher, I could serve my nation in a meaningful and honorable way.
In simple words: I would like to be a teacher because teachers help students and help build the nation.

Exam Tip: When choosing a career, explain not just what you like but why it matters to society.

Question 2. Is there any other vocation not shown in the pictures that you would like to take up as your dream job? Support your answer with a reason.
Answer: Beyond the jobs displayed in the illustrations, I would like to become a doctor. Life cannot run without doctors in any society. People must stay healthy to live well and achieve their goals. Doctors play a major role in helping people maintain and improve their health and wellbeing.
In simple words: I would like to be a doctor because doctors help people stay healthy.

Exam Tip: When exploring dream jobs, connect the profession to its value for society - this strengthens your answer.

Question 3. Draw yourself in the selected vocation in the blank space provided.
Answer: Do it yourself.

Exam Tip: Creative drawing tasks let you express your choice visually - use details that show the job you selected.