Samacheer Kalvi Class 9 English Solutions Chapter 6 Mothers Voice

A. Choose the best answer.

Question 1. Mother was excited because
(a) her son would be home in the spring
(b) he son was coming back to earth
(c) it was her first visit to the moon
(d) her son was going to another galaxy
Answer: (c) it was her first visit to the moon
In simple words: The mother was very happy because it was her first time visiting the moon. It was a new and exciting experience for her.

🎯 Exam Tip: When answering multiple-choice questions, always read all options carefully before selecting the best fit, even if the first few seem plausible.

Question 2. On weekdays, as Mother went about the chores
(a) she constantly thought of her son
(b) she was always tired
(c) her singing would be soft and almost inaudible
(d) her singing was muted and a little sad
Answer: (d) her singing was muted and a little sad
In simple words: The mother's singing was quiet and a bit sad while she did her daily chores. This shows her feelings about her son.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to descriptive words like "muted" and "sad" as they reveal the character's emotional state or the atmosphere of the scene.

Question 3. ................ occupies more than a hundred square kilometers on the moon.
(a) Selenopolis
(b) Metropolis
(c) Astrodrome
(d) Orchards
Answer: (a) Selenopolis
In simple words: Selenopolis is a large place on the moon, covering more than 100 square kilometers. It is a major settlement there.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember specific names of places or objects mentioned in the story, as they often come up in factual recall questions.

Question 4. The Community of Nations Square is where people
(a) live on the moon
(b) work on the moon
(c) walk on the moon
(d) of different nationalities come after work
Answer: (d) of different nationalities come after work
In simple words: The Community of Nations Square is a place where people from various countries meet after they finish their work. It's a gathering spot for different people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the purpose and function of important locations in a story, as this helps in understanding the setting and characters' interactions.

Question 5. They are planning an expedition to a neighbouring ................
(a) galaxy
(b) country
(c) planet
(d) star
Answer: (a) galaxy
In simple words: The people in the story are getting ready to travel to a galaxy that is close by. This shows their adventurous spirit.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note key plot points like upcoming journeys or major events, as they often form the basis of comprehension questions.

Question 6. The mother was not able to understand why people wanted to leave the moon because ................
(a) it was better to remain as a part of solar-system
(b) it was better to remain on the earth
(c) it was not possible to come back
(d) it was a place to enjoy life
Answer: (d) it was a place to enjoy life
In simple words: The mother found the moon to be a pleasant place and could not understand why anyone would want to leave it. She felt life there was enjoyable.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the main character's opinions and feelings about their surroundings, as this reveals their perspective and drives the narrative.

Additional Questions and Answers

Question 1. The astronaut's mother looked around and admired the ................
(a) landscape
(b) waterscape
(c) moonscape
(d) escape
Answer: (c) moonscape
In simple words: The astronaut's mother looked at the view on the moon and really liked it. The moon's scenery was new and amazing to her.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific vocabulary related to settings (like "moonscape" for the moon) is important to recall when describing the environment.

Question 2. His mother had a young ringing ................
(a) noise
(b) voice
(c) choice
(d) toy
Answer: (b) voice
In simple words: His mother had a clear and lively voice that sounded young. This shows her cheerful nature.

🎯 Exam Tip: Character descriptions, including details about their appearance or voice, help in visualizing the characters and understanding their personality.

Question 3. His mother was a great ................
(a) dancer
(b) singer
(c) runner
(d) winner
Answer: (b) singer
In simple words: The mother was very good at singing. Her singing was a noticeable part of her character.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for specific talents or hobbies attributed to characters, as they can sometimes play a role in the plot or reveal more about them.

Question 4. The astronaut almost told her mother about the ................
(a) excursion
(b) execution
(c) expedition
(d) entertainment
Answer: (c) expedition
In simple words: The astronaut nearly told his mother about the special trip they were planning. This trip was a major secret.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between similar-sounding words (excursion, expedition) to choose the one that best fits the context of a planned, significant journey.

Question 5. A moving pavement was covered with ................ plastic strips.
(a) pink
(b) red
(c) yellow
(d) green
Answer: (d) green
In simple words: The moving path was covered with strips of green plastic. This detail helps to imagine the advanced technology on the moon.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to sensory details like colors and textures, as they add richness to the description of the setting.

Question 6. The enormous lily-shaped tent over a crater was atleast a ................ in diameter.
(a) mile
(b) hectametre
(c) kilometre
(d) few yards
Answer: (c) kilometre
In simple words: There was a very big tent shaped like a lily that covered a crater, and it was at least one kilometer wide. This shows how grand the structures on the moon were.

🎯 Exam Tip: Specific measurements or quantities are important facts to remember for questions that test attention to detail.

Question 7. It is quite an exotic experience to have a swim on the ................
(a) Earth
(b) Mars
(c) Galaxy
(d) Moon
Answer: (d) Moon
In simple words: Swimming on the moon is a very unusual and special experience. The low gravity makes it feel different from swimming on Earth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note unique events or activities that highlight the unusual nature of the story's setting, such as lunar swimming.

Question 8. At the ................ there were two spaceships the size of the Ostankino TV tower.
(a) aerodrome
(b) syndrome
(c) astrodrome
(d) helipad
Answer: (c) astrodrome
In simple words: At the astrodrome, there were two huge spaceships, each as big as the Ostankino TV tower. This shows the scale of space travel.

🎯 Exam Tip: Learn terms related to space travel and infrastructure (like "astrodrome") to accurately answer questions about the story's technological elements.

Question 9. The astronauts' mother pleaded him to come atleast in the ................
(a) Autumn
(b) Spring
(c) Summer
(d) Winter
Answer: (a) autumn
In simple words: The astronaut's mother begged him to visit, even if it was just during the autumn season. This shows her deep longing for him to come home.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emotional pleas or requests from characters often highlight their core desires and fears, which are important for understanding the story's theme.

Question 10. The mother thought that her son might be lost to his ................ forever.
(a) friends
(b) playmates
(c) relatives
(d) neigbours
Answer: (c) relatives
In simple words: The mother was worried that if her son left, he would never see his family again. She feared losing him from their family circle.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the fears and concerns of characters, especially parents, as these often reflect universal themes of love and separation.

B. Identify the characters or speaker of the following lines.

Answer:
1. The speaker is the Mother.
2. The speaker is the Son.
3. The speaker is the Mother.
4. The speaker is the Son.
5. The speaker is a loud speaker (or an operator's voice). This voice is heard publicly in the astrodrome.
In simple words: This section identifies who said each specific line from the story. It helps to understand different characters' thoughts and actions.

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying speakers, pay close attention to the context, what is being said, and who might typically say such things in the story.

C. Answer the following question in about 100-120 words.

Question 1. Write a paragraph listing all the sentimental and the scientific reasons given by the mother against the expedition to the neighbouring galaxy?
Answer: The mother gave both emotional and practical reasons against her son's trip to another galaxy. She strongly felt that Earth was a miracle and a beautiful place, highlighting its many fruits, the River Dnieper for swimming, and the joys of autumn harvests like apples and pears. She missed the simple pleasures of fishing in their pond. She asked why people would seek trouble by going into the unknown. From a more logical view, she suggested that humans should first settle properly on the moon and other planets within their own solar system before venturing to distant galaxies. She also pointed out that the moon already offered a similar gravitational pull to Earth. Her deep desire was for her son to return home, especially in autumn to enjoy nature's beauty and be with his family.
In simple words: The mother didn't want her son to go to another galaxy. She loved Earth for its fruits and rivers and wished he would stay or at least visit the moon first. She worried about the dangers of exploring unknown places and just wanted her son to come home.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to list reasons, categorize them (e.g., sentimental, scientific) if possible, and ensure you cover all points mentioned in the story for a complete answer.

D. Think and answer.

Question. "The explorer in this story is travelling to another galaxy. The final destination is an unknown planet in another galaxy. The travel will take many years'. What qualities and life skills do you think an explorer-like him must possess? Why? Do you have any of these skills and qualities? Explain.
Answer: An explorer like the astronaut needs several important qualities and life skills for space travel and selection. These include:
Intelligence: Astronauts need to be very smart, with above-average intelligence, to handle complex tasks and problem-solving in space.
Adaptability: They must be able to adjust to new situations quickly, as space missions involve many different responsibilities and unexpected challenges.
Education: A basic requirement is a bachelor's degree in engineering, biological science, physical science, or mathematics. They also need three years of professional experience, often including 100 hours of pilot-in-command time in a jet aircraft. Additionally, candidates must pass NASA's astronaut physical examination.
Physical requirements: This includes good eyesight (20/100 or better uncorrected, correctable to 20/20), normal blood pressure (140/90 while sitting), and a height between 62 and 75 inches (5'2" and 6'3"). These strict rules ensure they can handle the physical stress of space.
Mental Endurance: An astronaut needs to be mentally strong. They must undergo a psychological evaluation to confirm they can handle the stress and isolation of a long mission.
Regarding myself, I am currently an average student but aim to improve my intelligence through higher studies. I am good at math and science. My blood pressure is normal, and I have 20/20 eyesight. I believe I possess mental endurance and am adaptable, as I can manage responsibilities without getting easily upset.
In simple words: An astronaut needs to be very smart, able to adapt to new things, well-educated in science, physically fit, and mentally strong. They also need to pass many tests. As for me, I am good at studies and healthy, and I try to be adaptable and mentally strong for future challenges.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing character qualities, provide specific examples or reasons for each quality, linking them back to the demands of their role in the story.

E. Based on the understanding of the story discuss in groups, and make a note of the following settings.

Answer:
Setting: The story takes place on the moon, where a young astronaut and his mother live. It's the mother's first time on the moon, and she admires its moonscape but wishes to live back on Earth. She also disagrees with people exploring other planets.
Plot: The main story is set on the moon. The astronaut's mother is amazed by strange spaceships and people planning trips to other galaxies. She is surprised by the large tunnels and a huge lily-shaped tent that covers a crater with a diameter of one kilometer. She admires the moon's view but also praises Earth's wonderful life.
Conclusion: The mother is excited by the strange things she sees on the moon and surprised by people preparing to leave for other planets even before fully settling on the moon. She pleads with her son to visit Earth during autumn. However, the astronaut knows he might not see his mother again because he has orders to leave for another planet. The mother, who longs to see her son, will face disappointment, as it will take many years for them to meet again.
In simple words: The story is set on the moon, where a mother and her astronaut son are. The mother is amazed by the moon but misses Earth and worries about her son's long journey to another galaxy. The plot involves people planning new space trips and the mother's sadness that her son might not return for a very long time, if ever.

🎯 Exam Tip: For settings and plot summaries, ensure you cover the 'where' and 'what happens' clearly, including the main conflict and resolution from the story.