The Pot Maker Question Answer Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 2

Students can use Kaveri Book Class 9 Solutions and Class 9 English Book Kaveri Chapter 2 Question Answer The Pot Maker as a quick reference guide.

The Pot Maker Class 9 Question Answer

Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 2 Question Answer

Kaveri Book Class 9 Chapter 2 The Pot Maker Question Answer

Reflect and Respond (NCERT Page 33)

I. Look at the pictures given below and identify the vocations. Now, list at least five more vocations.

Answer:
Vocations shown in the pictures:

1. Basket weaver
2. Potter
3. Weaver (handloom worker)
4. Carpenter/Woodworker

Five more vocations

• Blacksmith
• Tailor
• Cobbler (shoemaker)
• Mason
• Plumber

II. Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Question 1.
What is common among these pictures?
Answer:
All the pictures show people engaged in traditional, skill-based work where they create things by hand using their expertise.

Question 2.
We refer to such skill-based work as v_ _a_ _o_s.
Answer:
vocations

Question 3.
Mention a few differences between handmade and machine-made products.
Answer:
A few differences between handmade and machine-made products
(a) Handmade products are created using human skill and effort, while machine-made products are produced using machines.
(b) Handmade items are often unique, whereas machine-made products are uniform.
(c) Handmade products take more time to make, while machine-made products are produced faster.

Check Your Understanding (NCERT Page 37)

I. Do you think pot making is easy? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Answer:
I think pot making is not an easy task. Though it may appear simple, it requires physical strength, patience, and refined skill. A potter must knead the clay, control the wheel, and shape vessels very carefully, all of which require long practice. A slight lack of concentration can ruin an entire pot. Moreover, the work is physically exhausting, often causing hand ache and fatigue. Arenla herself associates it with hardship. Pot making also offers uncertain financial returns, adding to the difficulty as shown in The Pot Maker.

However, the story shows that while the craft is hard, it becomes meaningful and easy when guided by passion. Sentila’s success proves that natural talent and dedication can overcome difficulty, although the labour involved remains significant. Therefore, pot making is challenging both physically and emotionally, and should be respected as a skilled craft rather than considered easy work.

II. Would Sentila be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a pot maker? Explain.

Answer:
Yes, Sentila would be able to fulfil her dream of becoming a pot maker. The extract shows her deep fascination and constant observation of expert potters.
She carefully watches every step of the process and learns by observing their movements. Her interest, persistence, and eagerness indicate that she has the potential to master the craft.

III. Do you think Mesoba and Arenla would support Sentila? Give a reason.

Answer:
Sentila observing her mother while she makes pots shows that she is curious, patient, and deeply interested in pot making. She learns quietly through careful observation and notices even small details like how her mother shapes the mouth of the pot, which reflects how passionate she is about pottery. This habit also reveals her determination and natural inclination towards the craft.

Check Your Understanding (NCERT Pages 41 & 42)

I. Do you think Onula’s support helped Sentila? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Answer:
Yes, Onula’s support greatly helped Sentila. Unlike others, Onula understood that Sentila’s failure was due to fear and tension, not lack of ability. She encouraged Sentila gently, removed her fear, and built her confidence. This emotional support helped Sentila relax, learn naturally and finally succeed in making a pot.

II. Sentila observes her mother making pots. What does this tell us about her?

Answer:
Yes, Mesoba and Arenla would support Sentila. Although Arenla initially resists teaching her because pot-making is tiring and poorly paid, Mesoba explains to the elders that skills are passed down over time. The elders remind Arenla that such traditional skills belong to the community and must be taught, leading to support for Sentila.

III. Arrange the following events of the story in the correct sequence. Share your answer with your classmates and teacher.

Answer:
4 → 6 → 3 → 1 → 8 → 5 → 2 → 9 → 7

Critical Reflection (NCERT Pages 42-45)

I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

Extract 1

Pounding the stubborn clay inside bamboo cylinders to soften it, is also tedious. So many times I’ve dropped the mould out of sheer exhaustion and have had to start all over again. It takes months to bring out a batch of pots after so much labour. And the reward? A few rupees. But if Sentila learns weaving, she can make much more money besides providing enough cloth for the family. Weaving is not messy like pot making and can be done indoors in all seasons. Also, the time spent on weaving one shawl is much less and the return is handsome.

(i) Choose the correct reason for the given assertion.
(A) The effort in making pots is far greater than the returns.
A. The process of pot making is quite tiresome and long, and one hardly earns much.
B. The process of pot making is exhausting, takes a long time, yet gives a sense of satisfaction.
Answer:
A. The process of pot making is quite tiresome and long, and one hardly earns much.

(ii) Why does Arenla want Sentila to learn weaving?
Answer:
Arenla wants Sentila to learn weaving because it is not as exhaustive and messy as pot making. At the same time, she can earn more money while providing clothes for the family. Moreover, it could be done indoors at any time of the year.

(iii) State one advantage that weaving has over pot making, as per the extract.
Answer:
One advantage of weaving is that it can be done indoors in all seasons, unlike pot making, which is physically exhausting and dependent on outdoor conditions.

(iv) Choose the sentence that uses the word ‘handsome’ in the same way as in the extract.
A. My father is a handsome man.
B. They will make a handsome profit selling this property.
Answer:
B They will make a handsome profit selling this property.

(v) “And the reward?” What is the author’s purpose of using a question mark here?
Answer:
The author uses a question mark to express irony and disappointment. It highlights the contrast between the long, tiring labour involved in pot making and the very small financial reward received, thereby emphasising Arenla’s frustration.

Extract 2

Onula saw her taking out some clay and the implements from her basket quietly. She watched Sentila’s clumsy efforts to make a pot and noticed that Sentila was too tense. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape. When Sentila wearily let the misshapen lump fall flat on the ground, Onula went to her and said, “Don’t worry, little one, I shall teach you how to make a perfect pot.” Sentila watched in amazement as Onula fashioned a beautiful pot and asked her to try again.

(i) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason. Onula feels Sentila’s effort at making a pot is clumsy because ________ .
Answer:
Sentila was tense and afraid, which made her hands stiff and uncoordinated while shaping the clay.

(ii) Choose the correct option to complete the following sentence.
“Don’t worry, little one, I shall teach you how to make a perfect pot.”
This shows that Onula was ________.
A. sincere and generous
B. forgiving and thoughtful
C. thoughtful and generous
D. forgiving and sincere
Answer:
C. thoughtful and generous

(iii) Which among the following is the effect of a cause?
A. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape.
B. Onula saw her taking out some clay and the implements from her basket quietly.
Answer:
A. As a result, the clay seemed unable or unwilling to yield the right shape.

(iv) “Onula fashioned a beautiful pot.”
Here, the word ‘fashioned’ means ________ (created/styled)
Answer:
created

(v) How might Sentila have felt when she saw ‘the misshapen lump fall flat on the ground’?
Answer:
Sentila might have felt disappointed and frustrated when she saw ‘the misshapen lump fall flat on the ground.’

II. Answer the following questions.

Question 1
Describe the process of pot making followed by expert pot makers, as observed by Sentila.
Answer:
Sentila observed that expert pot makers dug clay from riverbanks, carried it home, kneaded and pounded it to soften it. They shaped it on the wheel with steady hands and dried the pots in the sun. These pots are then finally baked in a kiln to make them strong and usable.

Question 2
What warning was given to Mesoba by the village council?
Answer:
The village council warned Mesoba that traditional skills like pot making did not belong to individuals but to the community.
They said that refusing to pass on such skills could lead to their loss and reminded him of his responsibility to ensure the craft was taught to the next generation.

Question 3
How did Sentila feel when she failed at pot making even after a year of training with her mother?
Answer:
Sentila felt deeply disappointed, embarrassed and discouraged when she failed at pot making despite a year of training. Her repeated failures made her lose confidence, and she began to feel tense and fearful. She started believing that she might never be able to master the skill she admired so much.

Question 4
“Onula stood there for a long time as if trying to absorb a new phenomenon.” Explain.
Answer:
Onula stood silently because she realised something unexpected had happened. On seeing two perfect rows of pots, she understood that Sentila had finally mastered pot-making. The moment symbolised a quiet transformation, and Onula paused to fully grasp the significance of Sentila’s achievement.

Question 5
“The tradition and history of the people did not belong to any individual.” What does this symbolise?
Answer:
This statement symbolises that cultural traditions and heritage are collective property, not personal possessions. Pot making belongs to the entire community and must be preserved through shared responsibility rather than controlled by individuals. The line suggests that no one has the authority to deny access to tradition based on personal fear or preference. Sentila’s success reinforces this idea, showing that tradition survives when it is allowed to flow freely across generations. The author emphasises that culture remains alive only when individuals are permitted to connect with it naturally.

Question 6
What is the significance of the concluding line of the story, “A new pot maker was born”?
Answer:
The concluding line signifies Sentila’s successful transformation into a skilled pot maker. It marks the moment when learning occurs naturally through patience and observation. The line also symbolises continuity of tradition and the quiet passing of skill from one generation to the next.

Question 7
What is the role of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams? Elaborate with reference to Sentila.
Answer:
Perseverance plays a vital role in achieving dreams, as shown by Sentila’s journey. Despite repeated failures and discouragement, she did not give up her passion for pot making.
Her patience, continuous observation, and determination eventually helped her master the craft and fulfil her dream.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context (NCERT Pages 45-48)

I. Read the highlighted words in the following sentences from the text.

1. She taught Sentila how to dig the clay with a dao, load it onto her carrying basket…
2. Sentila was a quick learner and turned the clay into malleable dough. Pounding the stubborn clay inside bamboo cylinders to soften it …
The highlighted words describe the tools and materials required in the process of pot making.
Now, classify the words/phrases given in the box as shown in the table below. One example for each category has been done for you.


Answer:

Tools/Implements	Raw Materials	Process
dao	dough	pounding
spatula	clay	rotating
basket	bamboo	shaping
cylinders	bed of hay
kiln

II. Notice the use of the following words in the text. 

These words relate to livelihood and economic aspects that are crucial for any enterprise/business/vocation.
Work in pairs and find the meanings of the following words related to economy. You may refer to a dictionary.

Now, frame sentences using each word.
Answer:
(i) Bankrupt
Meaning: Having no money left and being unable to pay debts.
Sentence: The small business went bankrupt after suffering heavy losses during the lockdown.

(ii) Credit
Meaning: The ability to borrow money with a promise to repay it later.
Sentence: The shopkeeper bought goods on credit and paid the supplier at the end of the month.

(iii) Currency
Meaning: The system of money used in a particular country.
Sentence: The currency of India is the rupee.

(iv) Fiscal
Meaning: Related to government revenue, spending, and financial management.
Sentence: The government announced a new fiscal policy to control public expenditure.

(v) Inflation
Meaning: A rise in prices that reduces the purchasing power of money.
Sentence: Due to inflation, everyday goods like food and fuel have become expensive.

(vi) Investment
Meaning: The act of putting money into a business or project to earn profit.
Sentence: He made a wise investment in a small manufacturing unit.

(vii) Debt
Meaning: Money that is owed to someone and must be repaid.
Sentence: The farmer fell into debt after repeated crop failures.

(viii) Interest
Meaning: Extra money paid for borrowing money or earned on savings.
Sentence: The bank charges high interest on personal loans.

III. Read the following sentences from the text. The main clause has been underlined and the subordinate clause has been circled.

Subordinate clauses that act like nouns and perform the same functions as subject or object are called noun clauses.

Question 1.
Complete the following sentences with suitable noun clauses.

(i) The elders emphasised that ________ .
Answer:
traditional skills must be passed on to the next generation

(ii) Mesoba explained why ________ .
Answer:
Arenla had delayed teaching Sentila the skill of pot making

(iii) Onula’s promise was that ________ .
Answer:
she would teach Sentila how to make a perfect pot

(iv) Sentila observed her mother when she was shaping the mouth of the pot, which ________ .
Answer:
helped her understand the correct technique

(v) The kiln, where ________ required careful attention to prevent over-or-under firing.
Answer:
the pots were fired

Question 2
Read the following sentences from the text. Underline the main clause and circle the subordinate clause.
(i) Arenla took Sentila to the riverbank where the grey and red clay was found.
Answer:

(ii) She started on the next one, and like a sprinter who had suddenly found momentum…
Answer:

(iii) …skills such as pot making, which not only catered to the needs of the people…
Subordinate clauses that act like adjectives and give further description of the noun in the main clause are called adjectival or relative clauses.
Answer:

Question 3.
Complete the following sentences with suitable relative clauses.
(i) Sentila, whose ________ practised the craft diligently.
Answer:
determination was strong

(ii) The village council, where ________ sought an explanation for Arenla’s reluctance.
Answer:
Mesoba was summoned

(iii) The potter’s hands, which ________ shaped the clay into beautiful creations.
Answer:
were rough but skilled

(iv) Arenla, her mother wanted her to learn weaving, which _______.
Answer:
she believed was easier and more profitable than pot making

(v) Mesoba went home and discussed the matter with Arenla, who ________ .
Answer:
agreed to teach Sentila the craft

Question 4.
Read the highlighted words in the following lines from the text.

• Onula saw her taking out some clay…
• … make as many pots as they could.
• … did not belong to any individual.
• Slowly she walked away from this place of wonder.
• … they would not have enough days of sunshine …

The highlighted words are determiners.
Determiners are words that come before nouns and specify something about their quantity, definiteness or ownership.
Here is a list of the most frequently used determiners

• a, an, the (Articles)
• this, that, these, those (Demonstratives)
• my, our, your, his, her, its, their, one’s (Possessives)
• one, two, three, etc. (Definite numerals)
• some, any, no, all, both, much, many, few, less, several, little (Indefinite numerals)
• each, every, eithér, neither (Distributives)

(i) Find out some more determiners from the text.
Answer:

• her (mother) – the (riverbank, clay, kiln)
• some (clay) – many (pots)
• one (batch) – another (layer)
• every (possible way)

(ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners. The first two blanks have been done for you.
A. The florist arranged five bouquets for her clients, that were displayed in ________ elegant floral shop.
B. The carpenter crafted ________ unique tables, and ________ became the centrepiece in ________ furniture collection.
C. ________ of ________ apprentices in ________ culinary class demonstrated ________ knife skills during the intense cooking session.
D. ________ of ________ sculptures were displayed at ________ art exhibition, showcasing ________ diverse artistic skills.
Answer:
B. several; one; his
C. Some; the; the; excellent
D. Many; the; the; their

Writing Task (NCERT Pages 50 & 51 )

Reflective Writing – Identifying Skills and Passion
Reflective writing encourages introspection and thoughtful exploration of personal experiences, skills, and aspirations. It helps individuals gain deeper insights into themselves and their goals through structured reflection.

I. Follow the steps given below to create a write-up about your skills and passions.

Step 1: Introduction. Reflect on your passions and the skills you currently possess or are developing. Consider why these activities or interests are meaningful and enjoyable to you.
Step 2: Describing skills. Describe specific activities or practices you engage in to nurture your skills. This could include hobbies, classes (art, music, coding, etc.), workshops, or personal projects.
Step 3: Passion into profession. Identify which of these skills you believe have the potential to turn your passion into a profession. Explain why you think these skills are crucial or advantageous in your chosen field.
Step 4: Examples and reflection. Provide examples or anecdotes that illustrate how your skills and passions complement each other. Reflect on how these experiences have shaped your career aspirations and personal growth.
Step 5: Conclusion Summarise your reflections. Discuss any insights gained about yourself, your skills, and your career ambitions through this exercise.
Answer:
Identifying My Skills and Passion
I have many interests, but I especially enjoy writing and reading. I like writing short answers, diary entries, and small paragraphs. Reading stories and poems helps me understand ideas better. These activities are meaningful to me because they make me feel confident and help me express my thoughts clearly.
To improve my skills, I practise writing regularly at school and at home. I complete my written work carefully and try to learn new words. I also read textbooks, storybooks, and poems to improve my language. Sometimes, I rewrite my answers to make them better.
I believe my writing and reading skills can become my profession in the future. These skills are useful for careers like teaching, content writing, or journalism. Good writing helps in sharing ideas clearly, and reading helps in gaining knowledge.
For example, when my teacher appreciates my written work, I feel encouraged. These moments help me believe in myself and work harder.
In conclusion, this reflection helped me understand my interests and abilities better. I realised that with practice and effort, my skills can help me achieve my career goals.