NCERT Class 9 English Kaveri: Chapter 6 — Twin Melodies
This chapter, "Twin Melodies," from NCERT Class 9 English Kaveri, introduces students to musical instruments and the nuances of music appreciation. It begins with an interactive section asking students to identify stringed instruments and reflect on their personal choices in music and potential differences between children and elders. A significant part involves a fill-in-the-blanks exercise using idiomatic phrases, encouraging an understanding of literal versus figurative language. The chapter then introduces the characters for a play, including Shruti Sharma, a young violinist, her father Guru Nabin Sharma, and members of a fusion group. It sets the scene for Act I with a description of Indo-Western fusion music reaching a crescendo, preparing students for a narrative exploring musical themes and character interactions within the context of a music school and a fusion performance.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 9 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaveri |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — Twin Melodies |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 261 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify stringed musical instruments.
- Understand and use idiomatic phrases in context.
- Differentiate between literal and figurative language.
- Appreciate the concept of Indo-Western fusion music.
- Engage with character introductions for a dramatic narrative.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| distress | extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain |
| bite the bullet | to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and stoicism |
| lost in his thoughts | deeply absorbed in one's own thoughts |
| bring it up | to mention or introduce a topic for discussion |
| throw a party | to organize a celebration |
| winding up | to finish or conclude something |
| sweating on | working hard or worrying about something |
| come around | to change one's opinion or decision |
| aspiring | having ambitions to achieve something |
| fusion | the process or result of joining two or more things into one |
| crescendo | a noun referring to a piece of music that gets louder and louder |
| flutist | a person who plays the flute |
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Practice questions
- Identify three stringed musical instruments mentioned or implied in the chapter. Answer: The chapter mentions stringed instruments and implies instruments like the violin, guitar, and bass (from the first letters provided).
- Explain the meaning of the idiom 'bite the bullet' as used in the paragraph. Answer: In the context, 'bite the bullet' means to face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage, which Anil did by deciding to speak to Sunny despite his anxiety.
- What does it mean if someone is 'lost in his thoughts'? Answer: It means the person is deeply preoccupied with their own thoughts and is not paying attention to their surroundings.
- Why did Anil decide to 'bring it up' and speak to Sunny? Answer: Anil decided to bring up the issue and speak to Sunny because he didn't want to disturb Sunny further but realized he needed to resolve their disagreement.
- What is the literal meaning of 'crescendo' in music? Answer: In music, a crescendo means a piece that gradually gets louder.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of NCERT Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6?
The chapter explores themes of music, understanding idiomatic language, and interpersonal relationships, particularly through the context of a play.
Who are the main characters introduced in 'Twin Melodies'?
The main characters introduced are Shruti Sharma (a violinist), Guru Nabin Sharma (her father and principal), Leela Devi (her mother), and members of a fusion group: Avinash (tabla), Iqbal (flute), and Peter (keyboard).
What is the purpose of the 'Reflect and Respond' section?
This section aims to engage students with the topic of music, encourage personal reflection on musical preferences, and introduce idiomatic language through interactive exercises.
What does the term 'crescendo' mean in the context of the chapter?
In the chapter, 'crescendo' refers to a piece of music that gradually gets louder, setting the scene for a performance.
What kind of music is mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter specifically mentions Indo-Western fusion music.
What skill does the fill-in-the-blanks exercise help develop?
The exercise helps develop the understanding and application of idiomatic phrases and the distinction between literal and figurative meanings.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 9 English — Kaveri — Chapter 6 — Twin Melodies. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.