Evelyn’s secret of success was strong determination and hard work. The message that she gives to the achievers is that work hard and get what you want.
Key Concepts Covered
This question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Sound of Music: Evelyn, Secret, Success, Message, Achievers, Board. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.
A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.
How to Approach This Question
Read the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.
Key Points to Remember
- Use quotations from the text to support your points.
- Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
- Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Practice more questions from The Sound of Music — English, Class 9 CBSE
Overview: The Sound of Music
Part I tells the story of Evelyn Glennie, a Scottish girl diagnosed profoundly deaf at age eleven, who became one of the world's leading percussionists by learning to feel music through vibrations in different parts of her body. Ron Forbes, her teacher, encouraged this unconventional approach. Part II chronicles Ustad Bismillah Khan, who elevated the shehnai from a wedding/folk instrument to classical concert stage. Born in Dumraon, Bihar, he remained devoted to Benaras and Indian classical music throughout his life, refusing lucrative offers abroad.
Key Points
- Part I: Evelyn Glennie — Scottish, profoundly deaf since age 11
- Percussionist Ron Forbes taught her to sense music through vibrations
- She plays barefoot to feel vibrations through the floor
- She became one of the most acclaimed percussionists in the world
- Part II: Bismillah Khan — shehnai maestro from Dumraon, Bihar
- He elevated shehnai from folk/wedding instrument to concert classical
- Played shehnai at Red Fort on India's first Independence Day (1947)
- Awarded Bharat Ratna — India's highest civilian honour
- Refused to settle abroad — deeply attached to Benaras and the Ganga
- Both parts share themes of passion, dedication, and overcoming obstacles
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Evelyn Glennie hear music despite being deaf?
Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to leave India?
Common Mistakes
- Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
- Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
- Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
- Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).
Scoring Tips
- For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
- For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
- For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
- Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.