CBSE Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 14: Reach for the Top - NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This section provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive, focusing on Chapter 14, 'Reach for the Top', which includes the poem 'On Killing a Tree'. The solutions break down the poem's core themes, explaining the resilience of trees and the process required to truly kill one. It covers the meaning of a tree's growth, the significance of its roots, and the actions needed to end its life. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the nuances of the poem, understand its imagery, and prepare effectively for their exams by clarifying complex ideas with step-by-step explanations.

Home

Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 9
Subject	English Beehive
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 14

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive delve into the poem 'On Killing a Tree'. It explains the metaphorical and literal aspects of a tree's life, growth, and the specific actions required to end it. The solutions clarify the poem's message about nature's resilience and the superficiality of mere damage versus complete destruction, focusing on the importance of roots and the process of uprooting.

Learning outcomes

Understand the resilience and life cycle of a tree as depicted in the poem.
Analyze the imagery and metaphors used to describe a tree's strength and vulnerability.
Explain the process and effort required to kill a tree, as described by the poet.
Identify the key elements (like roots) essential for a tree's survival.
Interpret the poem's message about nature and human impact.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Understanding poetry
Nature and environment
Tree resilience
Life cycle of a tree
Metaphor and imagery in poetry
Human impact on nature
Poem analysis: On Killing a Tree
Vocabulary: bleeding bark, anchoring earth

Important topics

The process of killing a tree as described in the poem
The role of roots in a tree's survival
Imagery of life and activity in trees
The contrast between superficial damage and complete destruction

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …

Page of

Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Can a "simple jab of the knife" kill a tree? Why not?

Solution: No, a simple jab of the knife cannot kill a tree. This is because trees take many years to grow to their full size, drawing strength from the earth. Their roots penetrate deep into the ground, absorbing sunlight, air, and water over extended periods. A superficial cut does not harm these deep roots or the tree's core structure, allowing it to recover and continue growing.

Question 2

How has the tree grown to its full size? List the words suggestive of its life and activity.

Solution: The tree has grown to its full size slowly by consuming the earth's crust and absorbing sunlight, air, and water over many years. It has risen out of the earth and sprouted leaves from its 'leprous hide'.

The words suggestive of its life and activity are:

grown slowly consuming the earth
rising out of it
feeding upon its crust
absorbing years of sunlight, air and water
out of its leprous hide sprouting leaves

Question 3

What is the meaning of "bleeding bark"? What makes it bleed?

Solution: The phrase "bleeding bark" refers to the sap that oozes out from the tree's bark when it is wounded or cut. This bleeding is caused by the harsh blows of an axe or knife used by someone trying to harm or cut down the tree. The continuous and rough cutting action makes the tree 'bleed'.

Question 4

The poet says "No" in the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this?

Solution: The word "No" at the beginning of the third stanza signifies a shift in the poet's argument. It emphasizes that merely hacking or chopping the tree is not enough to kill it. The poet uses this negation to stress that the tree's deep roots, firmly embedded in the earth, protect it and allow it to heal and grow back, making such superficial actions ineffective for its destruction.

Question 5

What is the meaning of "anchoring earth" and "earth care"?

Solution: "Anchoring earth" refers to the deep roots of the tree that hold it firmly in the ground, providing stability and support. These roots are crucial for the tree's nourishment, as they draw water and nutrients from the soil. "Earth care" in this context implies the nurturing and protective role of the earth, providing the necessary conditions for the tree's roots to anchor and sustain its life.

Question 6

What does he mean by "the strength of the tree exposed"?

Solution: "The strength of the tree exposed" refers to the tree's roots being pulled out from the earth. The poet suggests that the tree's true strength lies in its roots, which are hidden deep within the soil. When these roots are completely removed and left bare to the sun and air, the tree's fundamental source of life and power is revealed, making it vulnerable and leading to its eventual death.

Question 7

What finally kills the tree?

Solution: The tree is finally killed when its roots are completely pulled out of the earth. This process involves 'snapping' the roots, exposing them to the harsh elements like sun and air, and leaving them to dry, wither, and die. This complete uprooting signifies the end of the tree's life.

Common mistakes

Confusing superficial damage (like a knife jab) with actual destruction.
Underestimating the importance of the tree's roots for its survival.
Misinterpreting the poet's ironic tone regarding the ease of killing a tree.

Revision tips

Read the poem 'On Killing a Tree' carefully to understand its literal and figurative meanings.
Focus on the specific actions described in the solutions that are necessary to kill a tree.
Pay attention to the words and phrases used to describe the tree's life and strength.
Discuss the poem's central message about nature's resilience with classmates.

Practice MCQs

Q1. According to the poem, what is the primary reason a 'simple jab of the knife' cannot kill a tree?

Q2. Which words from the poem suggest the tree's active life and growth?

Q3. What does the phrase 'bleeding bark' metaphorically represent?

Q4. The poet's use of 'No' at the beginning of the third stanza serves to:

Q5. What is the significance of the 'anchoring earth' in relation to the tree?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem 'On Killing a Tree' in Chapter 14?

The main theme is the resilience of nature, specifically trees, and the significant effort required to truly destroy them, contrasting superficial harm with complete uprooting.

How do the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 14 help students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each question related to the poem 'On Killing a Tree', helping students understand its deeper meanings, vocabulary, and themes for better exam preparation.

What does 'bleeding bark' mean in the context of the poem?

'Bleeding bark' refers to the sap that oozes out when a tree is wounded or cut, symbolizing the tree's injury and pain.

Why is the 'anchoring earth' important for a tree?

The 'anchoring earth' refers to the tree's roots, which hold it firmly in the ground and absorb essential nutrients and water, making them vital for its survival and growth.

What actions are necessary to kill a tree, according to the poem?

According to the poem, killing a tree requires more than just hacking or chopping. It involves uprooting it completely, exposing its roots to the sun and air, and letting it wither and die.

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.