Samacheer Kalvi Class 9 English Solutions Poem 6 The Comet

9th English Guide The Comet Textbook Questions And Answers

B. Read The Following Lines And Answer The Questions.

Question 1. 1. Rampaging through the heavens
Never stopping day or night.
(a) How does the comet travel?
Answer: The comet moves through the sky loudly and causes destruction. Comets are known for their spectacular and sometimes chaotic appearance.
In simple words: The comet flies through the sky very fast, making noise and breaking things.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing a poem, try to visualize the action described to understand the comet's movement and impact.

Question 1. (b) Which word could you replace 'rampaging' with?
Answer: The word 'rampaging' can be replaced with 'speeding'. It suggests fast and forceful movement.
In simple words: 'Rampaging' means moving very fast.

🎯 Exam Tip: Replacing words with synonyms helps to understand the exact meaning of a poem line and improves vocabulary.

Question 2. Faster than a cheetah
with a tail that's miles long.
(a) Why is the comet compared to a cheetah?
Answer: The comet is compared to a cheetah because of its incredible speed. Both are known for moving very quickly.
In simple words: The comet is like a cheetah because it moves very, very fast.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to similes and metaphors in poetry; they often highlight key characteristics like speed or size.

Question 2. (b) Whose tail is compared here?
Answer: The long tail of the comet is being compared here. Comets often have impressive tails of gas and dust.
In simple words: The poem talks about the comet's long tail.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the subject of comparison to correctly interpret poetic descriptions.

Question 3. With shockwave reaching to the ground
causing the land to quake.
(a) What is reaching the ground?
Answer: The shockwave created by the comet is reaching the ground. This powerful wave can cause vibrations on Earth.
In simple words: The big wave of energy from the comet hits the ground.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand cause and effect relationships described in the poem; here, the comet causes a shockwave.

Question 3. (b) What is causing the land to quake?
Answer: The shockwave is the reason the land is shaking or 'quaking'. A shockwave is a sudden, powerful pressure change moving through a medium.
In simple words: The land shakes because of the comet's shockwave.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note powerful verbs like 'quake' which emphasize the impact of the comet.

Question 4. In the dust they leave behind could have started life
on the earth which resulted in mankind
(a) What does the word 'they' refer to?
Answer: The word 'they' in the lines refers to the comets. Comets are celestial bodies that travel through space.
In simple words: 'They' means the comets.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify pronouns and what they refer to to ensure correct interpretation of the text.

Question 4. (b) According to scientists how did life start on earth?
Answer: Scientists believe that life on Earth might have begun from the dust that comets left behind. This dust could have carried important building blocks for life.
In simple words: Scientists think that tiny bits of dust from comets helped life begin on Earth.

🎯 Exam Tip: When scientific theories are mentioned in poetry, state them clearly as presented in the text.

Question 5. But I know no better spectacle
Then a comet in full flight
(a) Who does T 'refer to?
Answer: The word 'I' in these lines refers to the poet, expressing their personal view. The poet is sharing their own feelings and observations.
In simple words: 'I' means the poet.

🎯 Exam Tip: In poetry, the pronoun 'I' often refers to the poet themselves, sharing their feelings or thoughts.

Question 5. (b) What is the best spectacle mentioned in the above lines?
Answer: The poet describes the sight of a comet in full flight as the best spectacle. This shows how beautiful and amazing comets can appear.
In simple words: The best thing to see, according to the poem, is a comet flying in the sky.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for descriptive words like 'best spectacle' to identify the main focus or highlight of the poet's admiration.

Additional Questions And Answers

Question 1. 1. A spectacle of a lifetime A comet is in full flight.
(a) What is a spectacle?
Answer: A spectacle is an unusual or impressive event that captures people's attention and interest. It is something special to watch.
In simple words: A spectacle is a rare and exciting thing that people like to see.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define key terms clearly and concisely as they appear in the text.

Question 1. (b) What is the spectacle of a lifetime?
Answer: The poem states that the flight of a comet is a spectacle of a lifetime. Such an event is so rare and magnificent that it's remembered forever.
In simple words: Seeing a comet fly is called a 'spectacle of a lifetime' because it's very special.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify descriptive phrases that convey strong emotions or significance, like 'spectacle of a lifetime'.

Question 1. (c) What is in full flight?
Answer: The comet is described as being in full flight. This means it is moving swiftly and gracefully through space.
In simple words: The comet is flying fast and fully.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on direct answers to direct questions based on the text.

Question 1. (d) What is meant by 'flight'?
Answer: In this context, 'flight' refers to a journey or movement through the air or space. It is like traveling by soaring.
In simple words: 'Flight' means to travel by flying.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain words in the context of the poem, as meanings can vary.

Question 2. Bigger than a mountain
So powerful and strong
(a) What is bigger than a mountain?
Answer: The poem describes the comet as being bigger than a mountain. This comparison highlights its massive size.
In simple words: The comet is larger than a mountain.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a direct comparison is made, clearly state both items being compared.

Question 2. (b) Which is so powerful and strong?
Answer: The comet is portrayed as being very powerful and strong. Its immense force can be seen in its impact.
In simple words: The comet is very strong and powerful.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the adjectives used to describe the comet, such as 'powerful' and 'strong', to understand its characteristics.

Question 3. And leaves a trail behind
it As it travels on its course
(a) What does 'it' refer to?
Answer: The pronoun 'it' in the lines refers to the comet. The comet is the subject performing the action.
In simple words: 'It' means the comet.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to pronouns and their antecedents to avoid confusion in understanding the poem.

Question 3. (b) What does the comet leave behind it?
Answer: As the comet travels, it leaves a trail of dust and gas behind it. This trail is often visible as a bright streak.
In simple words: The comet leaves a long path, or trail, behind it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Directly extract information about visible features of the comet mentioned in the poem.

Question 3. (c) What is a trail?
Answer: A trail is a mark or path left behind something that has moved. It can be a visible track.
In simple words: A trail is like a path that something leaves when it moves.

🎯 Exam Tip: Provide a clear and simple definition for common nouns used in the poem.

Question 3. (d) Where does the comet travel?
Answer: The comet travels along its own fixed path, or 'course', through space. Each comet follows a specific orbit.
In simple words: The comet moves along its own route.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the exact wording from the poem when referring to specific actions or locations.

Question 3. (e) What is meant by "course” here?
Answer: In this context, "course" means its path or direction of movement. It describes the trajectory of the comet.
In simple words: Here, "course" means the way or path something moves.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define words based on their specific usage in the poem, not just general dictionary definitions.

Question 4. The outer ice is melting
causing vapor from the force.
(a) What is melting?
Answer: The outer layer of ice on the comet is melting. This process is called sublimation when ice turns directly into gas.
In simple words: The ice on the outside of the comet is melting away.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the specific parts of the comet mentioned and their actions as described in the lines.

Question 4. (b) What is outer ice?
Answer: The 'outer ice' refers to the frozen layer that covers the comet's core. This layer is often made of water, methane, and ammonia ice.
In simple words: Outer ice is the layer of ice covering the comet.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect descriptions to the physical characteristics of a comet, as understood in science.

Question 4. (c) How is vapor caused?
Answer: The vapor is caused by the strong force exerted on the comet. This force heats the ice, turning it into gas.
In simple words: The vapor happens because of the strong force.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on direct cause-and-effect statements from the poem, like 'vapor from the force'.

Question 5. If one should come too close to
earth The atmosphere will shake
(a) What does 'one' refer to?
Answer: The word 'one' in these lines refers to a comet. It's a general way to speak about any comet.
In simple words: 'One' means a comet.

🎯 Exam Tip: Confirm the reference of indefinite pronouns to understand the subject of the action.

Question 5. (b) What will happen if a comet comes too close to the earth?
Answer: If a comet gets too close to Earth, its gravitational pull and speed would cause the atmosphere to shake. This could lead to significant disturbances.
In simple words: If a comet gets too near Earth, our air will shake.

🎯 Exam Tip: State the direct consequence mentioned in the poem for specific hypothetical situations.

Question 5. (c) What is meant by the atmosphere?
Answer: The atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds the Earth. It provides the air we breathe and protects us from space.
In simple words: The atmosphere is all the air around the Earth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Give a clear and simple definition for geographical or scientific terms as needed by the question.

Question 6. I cannot say if this is true
I do not have the right
(a) Who is T?
Answer: The word 'I' in the poem refers to the poet. The poet is expressing personal thoughts and doubts.
In simple words: 'I' means the poet.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that 'I' in a poem usually refers to the poet's voice or perspective.

Question 6. (b) What doubt does the poet raise here?
Answer: The poet expresses uncertainty about whether everything written or believed about the comet is actually true. They are questioning the facts.
In simple words: The poet isn't sure if all the things said about comets are true.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify phrases that convey doubt or uncertainty to understand the poet's mindset.

Question 6. (c) What does he admit?
Answer: The poet admits that he does not have the authority or definite knowledge to confirm the truth. This shows humility in their understanding.
In simple words: He says he doesn't have the right to know for sure.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize when the poet expresses limitations in their knowledge or ability to judge.

Question 6. (d) What is meant by 'right'?
Answer: Here, 'right' means having the authority, power, or correct information to make a judgment. It refers to a moral or legal entitlement.
In simple words: 'Right' means having the power or permission to do something or know something.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider different meanings of a word and choose the one that fits the context of the poem best.

C. Complete The Summary By Filling In The Given Space With Suitable Words Phrases Given Below.

Question. Complete the summary by filling in the given space with suitable words phrases given below.
Answer: Here are the words that fill the blanks in the summary:
(1) day
(2) spectacular scene
(3) a cheetah
(4) powerful and strong
(5) outer ice
(6) a trail
(7) a shock wave
(8) scientist
(9) emerging of life on earth
(10) spectacular. This helps understand the poem's narrative flow and key details.
In simple words: Match the words from the list to fill in the missing parts of the summary about the comet.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read the full summary first to understand the context, then choose the most logical word for each blank from the given options.

D. Poem Appreciation

Question 1. Pick out the rhyming words.
Answer: The rhyming words in this section are 'shake' and 'quake'. These words sound similar at the end, creating a poetic effect.
In simple words: 'Shake' and 'quake' are words that rhyme.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identifying rhyming words helps you recognize the sound patterns and musicality of a poem.

Question 2. Mention the rhyme scheme of the stanza.
Answer: The rhyme scheme of the stanza is 'abcb'. This pattern means the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme, while the first and third do not.
In simple words: The rhyming pattern for the poem part is 'a b c b'.

🎯 Exam Tip: To find the rhyme scheme, assign a letter to the last word of each line, starting with 'a', and use the same letter for rhyming words.

Question 3. When you read the poem aloud, you can feel/hear a rhythm. What according to you gives rhythm to the poem- the rhymes or the words in a line. Support your answer with examples from the poem?
Answer: When reading the poem aloud, a musical rhythm is noticeable, created by a regular sound pattern. This rhythm comes from the similar number of syllables in lines 1 and 3 compared to lines 2 and 4. The poem's verses are carefully crafted, with a consistent meter even though the first and third lines don't rhyme. This structure, along with simple language, makes the poem enjoyable and rhythmic. A poet often uses meter and syllable count to create a pleasing flow.
In simple words: The poem has a musical sound because the lines have a similar number of beats. Even if words don't rhyme, the way the words are put together makes it feel rhythmic and nice to read.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on both rhyme and meter (the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables) to fully understand a poem's rhythm.

D. Answer The Following Questions In About 80 -100 Words.

Question 1. Narrate how the poet describes the comet.
Answer: The poet, Norman Littleford, describes the comet as a beautiful sight in the sky, moving extremely fast without stopping, day or night. He says its full flight is a spectacular scene, unlike anything else, and that it moves faster than a cheetah. The poet also sees the comet as more powerful and stronger than a mountain. He notes that the outer ice of the comet melts, creating vapor as it travels, leaving a trail behind. If a comet gets too close to Earth, it could shake the atmosphere and cause a shockwave. Scientists believe that dust from comets might have started life on Earth, leading to mankind. The poet isn't entirely sure about this theory but firmly believes that a comet in full flight is an incredible and incomparable spectacle. This detailed description shows the poet's awe and wonder.
In simple words: The poet sees the comet as a fast, strong, and amazing sight. It flies day and night, faster than a cheetah. Its melting ice makes vapor and leaves a trail. If it comes too close, it can shake Earth's air. Scientists think comet dust helped start life here. But for the poet, just watching it fly is the most wonderful thing.

🎯 Exam Tip: To narrate effectively, organize the poet's descriptions into categories like movement, appearance, and impact, ensuring all key details are included.

Question 2. Give a detailed account of various effects caused by the comet to the earth.
Answer: Comets, which are cosmic snowballs of frozen gases, rock, and dust, orbit the sun and can have several effects on Earth. If a comet comes very close to our planet, its immense force can cause the Earth's atmosphere to shake, leading to shockwaves that reach the ground and can even cause earthquakes. Additionally, as comets travel, they leave behind chemicals in the form of dust. Scientists suggest that this comet dust could have played a role in the beginning of life on Earth and the existence of humankind. While the poet is unsure about this scientific theory, they still see the comet's full flight as a magnificent and incomparable spectacle. Comets therefore have both potential destructive and life-starting effects.
In simple words: Comets are icy space rocks that can affect Earth. If one comes too close, it can make our air shake and cause shockwaves that feel like earthquakes. Scientists also think that the dust comets leave behind might have helped life begin on Earth. So, comets can be powerful and might have even helped create life.

🎯 Exam Tip: When detailing effects, separate the physical impacts (like shockwaves) from the biological or historical impacts (like starting life) for clarity.

F. Listening

Question 1. Comets are believed to be remnants of the materials created by the
(a) Moon
(b) Sun
(c) Star
(d) Asteroids
Answer: (b) Sun
In simple words: Comets are leftover pieces from when the Sun was formed. They are like tiny parts that were not used to make the sun itself.

🎯 Exam Tip: For listening comprehension, listen for keywords related to the origin or composition of comets.

Question 2. Comets are mostly made of
(a) dust
(b) ice
(c) sand
(d) snow
Answer: (b) ice
In simple words: Most of a comet is made of ice. It's like a big, dirty snowball flying in space.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that comets are often called "dirty snowballs" due to their composition of ice and dust.

Question 3. The can be seen in the night sky as bright, quickly-moving light.
(a) head
(b) star
(c) tail
(d) wings
Answer: (c) tail
In simple words: The bright, moving part you see in the sky is usually the comet's tail. This tail is made of gas and dust.

🎯 Exam Tip: Visual descriptions of a comet in the night sky typically refer to its glowing tail.

Question 4. Comets orbit at the very edge of the galaxy, past the
(a) Earth
(b) Neptune
(c) Pluto
(d) Saturn
Answer: (c) pluto
In simple words: Comets usually travel far out, beyond where Pluto is in our solar system. They come from the outer edges.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recall the general location of comets in our solar system, often beyond the major planets.

Question 5. State whether the statement is true or false. The melting process causes bits of dust and debris to trail behind the comet.
Answer: True
In simple words: It is true that when a comet's ice melts, it releases dust and small pieces that form a trail. This trail is often what we see.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that the melting of a comet's ice is what creates its visible tail of gas and dust particles.

G. Speaking

Imagine you are interviewing an astronaut about his/her experiences in space. Select a partner to be an astronaut and present the interview as a role-play in front of the class.

"Interviewing an astronaut"
You: We are lucky to welcome you, sir. I would like to ask you a few questions.
Astronaut: Thank you. It'll be my pleasure to answer your questions.
You: What is the view like from space?
Astronaut: The first time you look out the window once you're in space, I think the reaction of every astronaut is the same; first there's a huge gap. It goes 'AW, Wow!' You just can't believe what you're looking at. I was amazed at the blackness of space. It was a darker, richer colour than I had ever seen before.
You: What are the best views of Earth from space?
Astronaut: I always loved passing over Egypt. To see the Nile River the bright green pathway cutting through the centre of Egypt was just spectacular. You see the blue water of the Mediterranean and the brown desert areas. This contrast between, green and bright blue was just breathtaking and, because I had been there on Earth, it was extra special for me to see from space.
You: What's the in-flight food and entertainment like on a spacecraft?
Astronaut: The food is not good, but it is not horrible. I think the most popular entertainment for astronauts is looking out the window. I love sitting near the window and just watching the Earth go by.
You: Do you think space is the future of travel?
Astronaut: Space tourism is definitely coming and we're very close to it. I think there's going to be a long line of people who want to get in on that. The more people that can get up to space to look back at planet Earth, I think the better off we're all going to be. I wanted everybody to see the perspective that I just had.

H. Writing

Question. Imagine that you and your friend get a chance to visit another planet there you befriend an alien who takes you around the planet. After reaching the earth, write a letter thanking him for all the help he did.
Answer: Dear alien,
We want to thank you very much for everything. We had an amazing time visiting your planet. Your help made our trip a great success. We truly enjoyed your friendship and the fun times we shared. We hope to visit again soon! We believe you are very friendly and kind, and we would love for you to visit Earth too. We know you would like it here. On behalf of everyone on Earth, we welcome you. We are excited for your visit.
Yours Sincerely,
Jegan Kumar. Writing a thank-you letter helps express gratitude and builds good relationships.
In simple words: Thank you for our amazing trip. We loved being friends with you. Please visit Earth soon!

🎯 Exam Tip: In a thank-you letter, include specific details about what you are grateful for and express hope for future interactions.

Writing

Question H. Imagine that you and your friend get a chance to visit another planet. There, you befriend an alien who takes you around the planet. After reaching Earth, write a letter thanking him for all the help he did.
Answer:

Dear Alien,

We safely landed back on Earth. Our trip to your planet was an amazing experience. My friend and I were very lucky to become your friends on the strange planet. We felt very welcome and comfortable after meeting you. Without your help, our visit would not have been so successful. We are very thankful for your friendship and for keeping us entertained.

We are confident we can visit again because you are there to host us. It makes us happy to know we are not alone in the universe. We are sure you are friendly, as we have seen how you are. We invite you to visit us. Please come and live among us and share your wisdom. We really need it. If you come to Earth, we are sure you will like it. On behalf of everyone on Earth, we welcome you. We look forward to your visit soon.

Yours Sincerely,
Jegan Kumar

In simple words: Write a thank you letter to an alien friend. Express gratitude for their hospitality and help during your visit to their planet, and invite them to visit Earth.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a letter, remember to include a clear salutation, express gratitude, maintain a friendly tone, and end with a proper closing. Imagine the situation from a child's perspective to keep the language simple and heartfelt.