Students rely on Class 9 English Extra Questions and Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6 Twin Melodies Extra Questions and Answers to improve their grades.
Twin Melodies Extra Question Answer
Twin Melodies Class 9 Extra Question Answer
Twin Melodies Short Question Answer
Question 1.
Explain why Shruti feels hesitant and fearful about informing her father of her involvement in the Indo-Western fusion music group, despite her deep interest in music.
Answer:
Shruti feels hesitant and fearful because she respects her father’s strict views on classical music and does not want to hurt or disappoint him. She fears he will see fusion music as disrespectful to the violin. Though she loves music deeply, fear of her father’s reaction makes her anxious.
Question 2.
Why does Shruti believe that her father twill consider fusion music a ‘desecration’ of the violin?
Answer:
Shruti believes her father will call fusion music a desecration because he strictly follows Classical Hindustani music. He feels the violin is sacred and should be played only with ragas and aalaaps. Mixing it with Western tunes, according to him, shows disrespect to tradition and discipline.
Question 3.
Analyse how Nabin’s belief that ‘familiarity breeds contempt’ reveals his attitude towards musical discipline and his strict approach to artistic practice in the play.
Answer:
Nabin’s belief that ‘familiarity breeds contempt’ shows that he values discipline and restraint in music. He feels frequent performances reduce respect for art and prefers long practice over exposure. This reflects his rigid mindset, where seriousness and control are more important than experimentation or popularity.
Question 4.
Evaluate Nabin’s criticism of orchestral and fusion music as lacking depth and discipline. Considering the situation at that point in the play, do his views appear justified? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer:
At that stage, Nabin’s criticism seems partly justified from his perspective. He believes discipline preserves the purity of classical music and fears careless mixing may reduce its value. However, he judges fusion without listening to it, making his opinion rigid and based on assumption rather than experience.
Question 5.
Why does Shruti feel guilty after speaking to her parents about the concert?
Answer:
Shruti feels guilty because she realises she should have taken her father’s permission before joining the concert. By hiding the practice, she feels she has broken his trust. She also worries that her decision may spoil the group’s performance and waste everyone’s hard work.
Question 6.
Analyse the significance of the rehearsal scene in which Shruti’s parents secretly listen to the group’s performance and explain how this moment contributes to the development of the plot.
Answer:
The rehearsal scene is important because it becomes a turning point in the play. By secretly listening, Nabin observes Shruti’s sincerity and balance in music. His positive reaction begins the change in his attitude and moves the story towards understanding, acceptance and resolution of the conflict.
Question 7.
Explain how Leela’s words and actions play a crucial role in softening Nabin’s rigid outlook towards music and help him reconsider his views on fusion and artistic expression.
Answer:
Leela plays a crucial role by reminding Nabin of his own past struggle against tradition. She helps him see Shruti’s situation with empathy and calmness. Her gentle guidance softens his rigid thinking and allows him to accept that change and tradition can exist together.
Question 8.
What does the phrase ‘each bay, its own wind’ suggest in the context of the play?
Answer:
The phrase ‘each bay, its own wind’ suggests that every individual or generation has its own path and way of expression. In the play, it means Shruti should be allowed to choose her musical style, just as her father once followed his own path.
Question 9.
How does the ending of the play reinforce the message of understanding and acceptance between generations?
Answer:
The ending reinforces understanding between generations as Nabin accepts Shruti’s choice and supports her music. He realises his fears were wrong and trusts her judgement. This acceptance ends conflict and shows that respect, dialogue and openness can bridge generational gaps.
Question 10.
Assess how the play presents the conflict between tradition and innovation through the contrasting beliefs of Shruti and her father, and how this conflict is gradually resolved.
Answer:
The play presents tradition and innovation through Nabin’s strict classical beliefs and Shruti’s interest in fusion music. Their conflict shows generational differences in thinking. Gradually, through understanding and experience, Nabin realises innovation need not destroy tradition, leading to acceptance and harmony.
Question 11.
Suggest a suitable alternative title for ‘Twin Melodies’ that reflects its central theme, and justify your choice with reference to the events and message of the play.
Answer:
A suitable alternative title could be ‘Harmony Beyond Tradition’. It reflects the play’s message that different musical styles can coexist respectfully. The title highlights the journey from conflict to understanding, where classical values remain intact while new ideas are accepted through trust and emotional growth.
Twin Melodies Long Question Answer
Question 1.
Describe how the setting of Iqbal’s room, along with the presence of musical instruments and posters, helps to show the children’s dedication and serious attitude towards learning and practising music.
Answer:
The setting of Iqbal’s room clearly shows the children’s seriousness towards music. The room contains musical instruments like the flute, tabla, keyboard and violin, which shows regular practice.
Posters of famous classical musicians on the wall reflect respect for musical traditions and learning. Though the room is simple, it is organised around music, showing that practice matters more than comfort.
The children rehearse seriously and complete a full performance, which shows dedication. Their regular meetings and focused practice indicate that music is not just a hobby for them but an important part of their lives that they take sincerely.
Question 2.
In what way does the contrast between the children’s simple and informal practice space and Nabin’s rigid and traditional beliefs about music bring out the difference in attitudes towards music between the younger and older generations?
Answer:
The contrast between the children’s simple practice space and Nabin’s rigid beliefs highlights generational differences clearly. The children practise in an ordinary room with basic furniture, focusing on enjoyment, teamwork and learning together. For them, music is expressive and flexible. Nabin, however, values strict discipline, formal training and classical purity.
He believes music should follow fixed rules and long preparation before performance. This contrast shows how the younger generation is open to experimentation and balance, while the older generation fears loss of tradition. The play suggests that attitudes change with time, experience and exposure to new ideas. This difference creates conflict but also allows growth and understanding.
Question 3.
Evaluate Nabin’s rule of allowing only one performance in six months and explain how this rule reflects his strict philosophy regarding the proper learning of music.
Answer:
Nabin’s rule of allowing only one performance in six months reflects his strict philosophy towards learning music. He believes that frequent performances reduce the seriousness and value of art. According to him, music should be practised patiently and perfected before being presented publicly.
This rule shows his belief in discipline, control and long-term dedication. He feels that constant exposure may lead to carelessness and loss of respect for classical traditions. While his rule may appear rigid, it is based on his desire to protect the purity of music. His approach highlights a traditional method of learning where mastery comes before recognition.
Question 4.
Imagine that Shruti had openly discussed her interest in fusion music with her father before joining the group. Predict how this early communication might have altered the misunderstandings, conflicts and overall course of events in the play.
Answer:
If Shruti had openly discussed her interest in fusion music with her father earlier, many misunderstandings could have been avoided. Nabin may have reacted strictly at first, but honest communication could have reduced tension. He might have understood Shruti’s intentions sooner and guided her more calmly.
Early discussion could have prevented Shruti’s fear, guilt and emotional stress. The conflict between father and daughter may not have grown so intense. Though disagreement might still exist, trust would remain intact. This shows that open communication plays an important role in relationships. Clear conversations could have helped both generations understand each other’s views earlier.
Question 5
How does Nabin’s reaction during the rehearsal scene differ from his earlier opinion about fusion music?
Answer:
Earlier in the play, Nabin strongly criticises fusion music and calls orchestral performances noisy, undisciplined and lacking seriousness. He believes such music disrespects classical traditions and refuses even to listen to it. However, during the rehearsal scene, his reaction changes completely.
As he listens quietly, he taps his feet and becomes absorbed in the performance. He notices that Shruti does not lose the raga and maintains classical purity within fusion. Instead of anger, he feels pride and appreciation.
This scene shows that direct experience replaces prejudice. Nabin realises that fusion music can respect tradition while allowing creativity, leading to a clear change in attitude.
Question 6.
What role does Shruti’s honesty at the end of the play, play in strengthening her relationship with her parents?
Answer:
Shruti’s honesty at the end of the play plays an important role in strengthening her relationship with her parents. She openly tells them that she takes her art seriously and respects their opinions. By speaking truthfully, she removes misunderstandings and fear. Her honesty helps Nabin trust her judgement and intentions.
It also allows Leela to support her openly. When Shruti expresses her feelings clearly, her parents understand her passion instead of assuming rebellion. This honest communication creates emotional closeness and mutual respect. As a result, conflict is resolved, trust is rebuilt, and the family relationship becomes stronger and more supportive.
Question 7.
How does the play show that it is possible for children to respect their parents’ values while still exercising independence in their personal choices, without leading to lasting conflict or misunderstanding?
Answer:
The play shows that children can respect their parents’ values while still making independent choices through Shruti’s behaviour. She deeply respects her father, Nabin and values his opinions about classical music. Even when she chooses to participate in Indo-Western fusion music, she does not reject his beliefs or argue rudely. Instead, she feels worried about hurting him and tries to explain her feelings honestly.
Her respectful attitude shows that independence does not mean rebellion. When Nabin listens to the rehearsal, he realises that Shruti has not abandoned classical traditions but has blended them thoughtfully with new styles. Through patience, dialogue, and understanding, the conflict between them gradually resolves, proving that mutual respect and open communication can balance personal freedom with family values.
Question 8.
Both ‘The Pot Maker’ and ‘Twin Melodies’ explore the relationship between tradition and personal choice in learning an art or skill.
How do Sentila and Shruti face resistance from their elders while pursuing their interests, and how do understanding, patience, and guidance eventually help resolve the conflict in both stories?
Support your answer with reference to both texts.
Answer:
Both stories show young girls facing resistance while following their passion. In ‘The Pot Maker’, Sentila wants to learn pot making, but her mother Arenla discourages her because the work is hard, tiring and poorly paid.
Sentila learns patiently by observing potters and later receives gentle guidance from Onula, which builds her confidence.
In ‘Twin Melodies’, Shruti faces strict opposition from her father, who believes only classical music is valuable. Shruti remains respectful and honest. When her father listens to the rehearsal, he understands her sincerity.
In both stories, patience, understanding, and supportive guidance help elders accept change without losing respect for tradition. This shared journey highlights growth through trust, effort and emotional maturity together.
Twin Melodies Extract Based Questions and Answers
Extract 1
The scene opens to the notes of a beautiful Indo-Western fusion music piece in its crescendo. There are four children on stage playing in a room that has a small rack and a wooden table stacked with books. On the wall are posters of famous Indian flute players Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Shashank Subramanyam. The room belongs to Iqbal, who is playing the flute. On the tabla is Avinash, Peter on the keyboard, and Shruti on the violin. Soon they wind up their performance and are packing up their musical instruments. Shruti wears a look of distress on her face.
I. Contradict the view that the rehearsal ended on a completely cheerful note.
Answer:
The rehearsal did not end on a cheerful note because Shruti is described as wearing a look of distress on her face. This shows that despite the lively musical performance and successful practice, something is troubling her deeply and affecting her mood.
II. Which of the following statements best explains the atmosphere created at the beginning of the play?
A. The scene creates a tense and silent atmosphere.
B. The scene creates a lively musical atmosphere through an Indo-Western fusion performance.
Answer:
A. The scene creates a lively musical atmosphere through an Indo-Western fusion performance.
III. What can be inferred about Shruti’s emotional state from the line, ‘Shruti wears a look of distress on her face’.
Answer:
It can be inferred that Shruti is worried and troubled about something despite the successful rehearsal.
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) playing
(ii) wind up
(iii) packing
(iv) crescendo
(v) distress
Select the option that correctly categorises (i)-(v) into Action and Emotion/Music words.
| Options | Action | Emotion/Music |
| A | i, ii, iii | iv, v |
| B | iv, v | i, ii, iii |
| C | ii, iii, iv | i, v |
| D | i, v | ii, iii, iv |
Answer:
A
Extract 2
PETER: “That was a good rehearsal. Well done guys! Let’s meet again tomorrow.”
IQBAL (picking up a newspaper from his desk): Wait, before anyone goes. Did any of you guys read what they wrote about Shruti’s performance with her father yesterday in the Bartapuri Daily Clarion? Ahem ahem, “Melody runs in the veins of Miss Shruti Sharma, daughter of the master violinist Nabin Sharma!”
I. What does the expression ‘Ahem ahem’ most likely convey in this extract?
(i) A sense of excitement and drama
(ii) An attempt to grab everyone’s attention
(iii) A sign of irritation and anger
(iv) A playful and teasing tone
(v) A moment of nervous hesitation
A. i, ii and iv
B. Only iii
C. ii and v
D. Only v
Answer:
A. i, ii and iv
II. Explain why the newspaper highlights Shruti’s connection with her father instead of praising her talent independently.
Answer:
The newspaper highlights Shruti’s connection with her father because he is a renowned violinist. This shows that her identity is strongly linked to her father’s reputation. It also suggests that people see her talent as something inherited rather than fully independent.
III. State one reason why Iqbal reads out the newspaper article aloud to the group.
Answer:
Iqbal reads the article aloud to celebrate Shruti’s achievement and make her feel proud of her success.
IV. Select the option that correctly completes the following sentence.
Iqbal reads the newspaper review because he wants to ________.
A. tease Shruti and embarrass her in front of everyone.
B. appreciate her achievement and celebrate her growing recognition.
Answer:
B. appreciate her achievement and celebrate her growing recognition.
Extract 3
AVINASH: Oh ho! Wow Shruti! You are a sensation now! The least you can do is throw a party!
PETER: Shruti Sharma for the win, sweating on the vi-o-lin!
(Shruti remains unaffected, lost in her thoughts. The boys surround her trying to distract her.)
PETER: Shruti!
IQBAL (a little loudly): Shruti!
AVINASH (very loudly): SHRUTI!
(Shruti is startled. There is silence for a few seconds while Shruti finds the words)
AVINASH: Oh god, don’t tell me you still haven’t told Nabin sir about the concert!
I. Contradict the view that Shruti was enjoying the praise given by her friends. (Answer in about 40-50 words.)
Answer:
Shruti was not enjoying the praise because she remained unaffected and lost in her thoughts even when her friends congratulated her and joked about a party. The boys had to repeatedly call her name loudly to get her attention, showing she was worried and distracted instead of feeling happy or excited.
II. Which of the following statements best explains the boys’ behaviour in this extract?
A. They are trying to distract Shruti and get her attention.
B. They are upset and angry with Shruti.
Answer:
A They are trying to distract Shruti and get her attention.
III. What can be inferred from the stage direction, There is silence for a few seconds while Shruti finds the words’?
Answer:
It can be inferred that Shruti is nervous and hesitant, as she struggles to speak and gather her thoughts.
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) loudly
(ii) startled
(iii) silence
(iv) sensation
(v) distract
Select the option that correctly categorises (i)-(v) into Sound/Expression and Emotion/Action words.
| Options | Sound/Expression | Emotion/Action |
| A | i, iii | ii, iv, v |
| B | ii, iv | i, iii, v |
| C | i, ii, jii | iv, v |
| D | iii, iv | i, ii, v |
Answer:
A
Extract 4
PETER: Does that mean you have still not told your parents about these practises? Just tell them you come for the practise from 4 to 5!
IQBAL: Yes Shruti. Just tell them you practise with us. Tell them about the concert. There is no need to worry!
SHRUTI: There is need to worry Iqbal! You don’t know papa. He is very strict about these things. He will think it a desecration of the violin to be played to Western tunes.
Papa firmly believes that Classical Hindustani music, with its ragas and aalaaps, is the only kind of music that an artist of any worth should play. I don’t want papa to feel that I don’t care about his opinions, because I do. It’s just that I want to give this a try too. I just don’t know how to tell him in the right way.
I. What does the phrase “There is need to worry Iqbal!” reveal about Shruti’s state of mind?
(i) She feels anxious about her father’s reaction
(ii) She is excited about the concert
(iii) She is confident her father will support her
(iv) She feels confused and unsure about telling him
(v) She is completely careless about her father’s opinion
A. i and iv
B. ii and iii
C. Only v
D. i, iii and v
Answer:
A. i and iv
II. How do Peter and Iqbal’s lines help in developing the situation in this part of the play?
Answer:
Peter and Iqbal try to calm Shruti and encourage her to tell her parents about the practice and concert. Their advice highlights Shruti’s fear and hesitation, while also showing their supportive friendship. Their lines help move the scene forward by bringing out the main conflict between Shruti’s passion and her father’s strict beliefs.
III. Select the option that correctly completes the following.
Shruti calls Western tunes a ‘desecration of the violin’ because she wants to
A. show her strong dislike for Western music.
B. explain her father’s strict belief about Classical Hindustani music
Answer:
B. explain her father’s strict belief about Classical Hindustani music
IV. Why is Shruti worried about telling her father about the concert?
Answer:
Shruti is worried because her father strongly believes only Classical Hindustani music is valuable. She fears he will think fusion music disrespects the violin and may feel she is ignoring his opinions.
Extract 5
IQBAL: All ways are right ways, Shruti. He is your father, he will understand.
AVINASH: I agree. You are making matters worse for yourself by not talking to him. What’s the worst that can happen? He will scold you a little, maybe. But he will eventually come round.
IQBAL: Yes Shruti. And what is a little bit of scolding? I basically have a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day! (all laugh)
SHRUTI: You are right guys; I guess it is time to bite the bullet.
Thanks for encouraging me again! Tonight, at dinner, I promise to bring this up.
PETER: That’s the spirit!
I. What does the phrase ‘bite the bullet’ most likely convey in this extract?
(i) a moment of courage and determination
(ii) a sense of fear and refusal
(iii) readiness to face a difficult situation
(iv) a feeling of excitement and celebration
(v) acceptance of a challenging decision
A. i, iii and v
B. Only ii
C. iii and iv
D. Only iv
Answer:
A. i, iii and v
II. How does Iqbal’s humorous line about ‘a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day’ contribute to the mood of the scene?
Answer:
Iqbal’s humorous remark lightens the tense atmosphere. It reduces Shruti’s fear and makes the situation seem less serious.
III. Select the option that correctly completes the following. Shruti promises to talk to her father because she ________.
A. feels forced and unhappy about her decision
B. feels encouraged and supported by her friends
Answer:
B. feels encouraged and supported by her friends
IV. What does this scene reveal about Shruti’s character and her sense of responsibility towards her father?
Answer:
The scene reveals that Shruti is respectful and thoughtful. She does not want to hurt her father’s feelings or disregard his opinions. At the same time, she wishes to follow her own passion. Her hesitation shows maturity.
Extract 6
NABIN: Shruti, staring at the dosa is not going to make it disappear. I am afraid you will have to eat it.
LEELA: Shruti, why are you lost in thought, my dear child? If you are trying to find the right words to tell your dad that I make much better dosa than him, I suggest you abandon the mission. He doesn’t have the strength to face the truth.
I. What does Nabin’s line ‘staring at the dosa is not going to make it disappear’ most likely convey?
(i) He is teasing Shruti lightly
(ii) He is encouraging Shruti to eat her food
(iii) He is angry and scolding Shruti
(iv) He notices Shruti is distracted
(v) He is ignoring Shruti completely
A. i, ii and iv
B. Only iii
C. iii and v
D. Only v
Answer:
A. i, ii and iv
II. How does Leela’s humorous remark about making ‘much better dosa’ contribute to the mood of the scene? (Answer in about 40-50 words.)
Answer:
Leela’s humorous remark lightens the atmosphere at the dinner table and shows the warmth and comfort in the family. Her playful joke about dosa helps reduce tension and shows she senses Shruti’s hesitation, trying to make her feel relaxed before she speaks.
III. Select the option that correctly completes the following. Leela’s dialogue suggests that she wants to ________.
A. lighten the situation with humour.
B. create an argument with Nabin.
Answer:
A. lighten the situation with humour
IV. What can be inferred about the family atmosphere from this conversation?
Answer:
The conversation suggests that the family atmosphere is warm and informal. There is teasing and humour, which shows closeness among them.
Extract 7
SHRUTI: Yes, actually I … er … was finding the right words to say something to you papa. But please promise to not get too angry with me.
NABIN: (suddenly serious. Sits down opposite to Shruti in an upright formal manner) No promises, child. But speak up.
SHRUTI: Papa, actually … there … there is a concert next week. I …
I. What do the pauses shown by “…” in Shruti’s dialogue most likely convey?
(i) Nervousness and hesitation
(ii) Excitement and joy
(iii) Fear of her father’s reaction
(iv) Confidence and boldness
(v) Difficulty in expressing herself
A. i, iii and v
B. Only ii
C. iii and iv
D. Only v
Answer:
A. i, iii and v
II. What conflict is hinted at in this extract?
Answer:
The extract hints at a possible conflict between Shruti’s personal desires and her father’s expectations. Her fear of his anger suggests that the concert may not align with his traditional views. This scene prepares the audience for a clash between modern ideas and strict classical beliefs.
III. Select the option that correctly completes the following.
Nabin’s line “No promises, child. But speak up.” suggests that he is
A. ready to listen but firm and serious.
B. joking and relaxed.
Answer:
A. ready to listen but firm and serious
IV. What do the pauses in Shruti’s speech reveal about her feelings?
Answer:
The pauses show that Shruti is nervous and hesitant. She is afraid of her father’s reaction and finds it difficuit to express her thoughts clearly.
Extract 8
NABIN: (getting up) I never thought any of my students, let alone my own child, would lose their sense of musicality to such an extent. Since my views on fusion music have been iterated in this house on several occasions, I think there remains nothing for me to say now.
SHRUTI: Please papa! I request you to consider.
NABIN: (with a slight mocking tone) Sure, there’ll be a practice, for ‘phoo’ music when making noise starts needing practice.
(Nabin gets up with a start and leaves. Shruti looks at her mom.)
I. What does the stage direction ‘with a slight mocking tone’ most likely convey?
(i) Disapproval and sarcasm
(ii) Encouragement and pride
(iii) Disrespect towards fusion music
(iv) Happiness and excitement
(v) Anger and frustration
A. i, iii and v
B. Only ii
C. iii and iv
D. Only iv
Answer:
A. i, iii and v
II. What does Shruti’s plea, ‘Please papa! I request you to consider’, reveal about her character?
Answer:
Shruti’s plea reveals that she is respectful and hopeful despite rejection. She does not argue rudely but requests her father to reconsider. Her words reflect maturity, patience and emotional strength.
III. Select the option that correctly completes the following.
Nabin refers to fusion music as ‘phoo music’ because he wants to
A. praise and encourage the practice.
B. show his strong dislike and ridicule it.
Answer:
B. show his strong dislike and ridicule it
IV. Why does Nabin mock fusion music in this extract?
Answer:
Nabin mocks fusion music because he strongly disapproves of it and believes it lacks true musical value. His sarcastic tone shows his anger and disappointment with Shruti’s decision.
Extract 9
SHRUTI: (Aside) Oh, how much I enjoy performing this picce. Perhaps I can practise one last time and soon after that I will tell them that I can’t join them for the performance.
(They begin to practice. In the middle of the performance, Shruti’s parents enter the room and stand in a corner. Slowly, her parents become engrossed and Shruti’s father taps his feet and is seen evidently enjoying. As soon as the performance comes to an end, her parents move towards the centre of the stage in the room as they clap. Nabin claps furiously. He wears an expression of pride on his face. Shruti is startled at once with the clapping.)
I. Explain why Nabin’s reaction in this scene marks a significant turning point in the conflict between him and Shruti.
Answer:
Nabin’s reaction marks a turning point because it shows a transformation in his attitude. Earlier, he strongly criticised fusion music, but after witnessing the performance, he genuinely enjoys it. His applause and proud expression suggest acceptance.
II. State one reason why Shruti decides to practise the piece ‘one last time’.
Answer:
Shruti decides to practise the piece one last time because she truly enjoys performing it and wants to experience that joy before giving it up due to her father’s disapproval.
III. What does Nabin tapping his feet and clapping furiously most likely convey?
(i) A reluctant acceptance of the performance
(ii) Genuine enjoyment of the music
(iii) A shift in his rigid attitude
(iv) Polite appreciation without emotional involvement
(v) Pride in his daughter’s talent
A. Only i
B. ii, iii and v
C. i and iv
D. Only iv
Answer:
B. ii, iii and v
IV. Select the option that correctly completes the following sentence.
Shruti is startled at the end of the performance because she ________
A. expected her parents to criticise her again.
B. did not expect her father to appreciate the fusion performance.
Answer:
B. did not expect her father to appreciate the fusion performance.
Extract 10
NABIN: Wah, how soulful! You all have done a wonderful job! You too Shruti! You did not miss a sight of the notes of the raga even once and performed it to excellence.
LEELA: Oh yes children. You all were amazing. If this is the result, then we can say you have run your practice sessions very successfully! (Children giggle) NABIN: Yes, Leela. In fact, I was planning to offer the children the music room. (To the children) You’ll have more equipment there and will be able to practise regularly.
I. What does the exclamation ‘Wah, how soulful!’ most likely convey?
(i) Admiration and appreciation
(ii) Surprise at the children’s effort
(iii) Anger and disappointment
(iv) Pride in the performance
(v) Mockery of the practice sessions
A. i, ii and iv
B. Only iii
C. iii and v
D. Only v
Answer:
Ai, ii and iv
II. How does the stage direction ‘(Children giggle)’ contribute to the mood and understanding of the scene? (Answer in about 40-50 words.)
Answer:
The stage direction shows that the children feel happy and relaxed after receiving praise. Their giggling adds a light and cheerful mood to the scene and shows that they feel encouraged and comfortable with Nabin and Leela’s appreciation.
III. Select the option that correctly completes the following. Nabin offers the children the music room because he wants to ________
A. discourage their practice sessions.
B. support and encourage their regular practice.
Answer:
B. support and encourage their regular practice.
IV. What does Nabin offering the music room show about his attitude?
Answer:
Nabin offering the music room shows that Nabin now supports the children’s practice. It reflects his appreciation, encouragement and growing acceptance of their music and effort.
Extract 11
NABIN: I underestimated the power of our own music. I was afraid you would be lost to us. I realise that my fears were baseless. After all each bay, its own wind. I trust you Shruti and I will root for your group at the concert!
(Shruti hugs both of her parents)
I. Contradict the view that Nabin still opposes Shruti’s decision to perform in the fusion concert. (Answer in about 40-50 words.)
Answer:
Nabin no longer opposes Shruti’s decision because he admits that he underestimated the power of their music and that his fears were baseless.
He openly expresses trust in Shruti and promises to support and cheer for her group at the concert, showing complete acceptance.
II. Which of the following statements best explains Nabin’s change in attitude?
A. He continues to doubt Shruti’s abilities.
B. He realises his fears were baseless and supports Shruti.
Answer:
B. He realises his fears were baseless and supports Shruti.
III. Explain the meaning of the phrase ‘each bay, its own wind’ in the context of the extract.
Answer:
The phrase suggests that every individual has their own path and style. Just as different bays have different winds, each person has unique talents and choices.
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) underestimated
(ii) feared
(iii) trust
(iv) root
(v) baseless
Select the option that correctly categorises (i)-(v) into Past Doubt/Fear and Support/Confidence words.
| Options | Past Doubt/ Fear | Support/Confidence |
| A | i, ii, v | iii, iv |
| B | iii, iv | i, ii. v |
| C | i, iii | ii, iv, v |
| D | ii, iv | i, iii, v |
Answer:
A
Extra Questions of Twin Melodies for Practice
Extract-Based Questions
Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.
NABIN: (calmly but firmly) No is the answer. You know my rule-one performance in every six months. More than that, familiarity breeds contempt. Work on your art and everything will follow. And which concert is this anyway, of which I haven’t heard?
SHRUTI: It is a group performance papa, next week.
NABIN: And this is what you have judged best for yourself? To drown your individual style in the hubbub of an orchestra is hardly a wise choice, Shruti. Besides, what exactly is this concert? I don’t know of any scheduled next week?
SHRUTI: (timidly) Papa, it’s a … um … an … Indo-western fusion concert …
I. Contradict the view that Nabin calmly accepts Shruti’s decision to perform in the concert.
II. Which of the following statements best explains Nabin’s attitude towards the concert?
A. He strongly disapproves of Shruti performing in the concert.
B. He happily supports Shruti’s decision.
III. What can be inferred from the stage direction ‘(timidly)’ used for Shruti’s dialogue?
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) firmly
(ii) timidly
(iii) drown
(iv) contempt
(v) wise
Select the option that correctly categorises (i)-(v) into Tone/Expression and Emotion/Judgement words.
| Options | Tone/ Expression | Emotion/ Judgement |
| A | i, ii | iii, iv, v |
| B | iii, iv | i, ii, v |
| C | i, iii | ii, iv, v |
| D | ii, iv | i, iii, v |
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1
Explain how Shruti’s respect for her father influences the way she handles her interest in fusion music.
Question 2
Do you think Nabin’s refusal to listen to fusion music at first limits his understanding of Shruti’s talent? Give reasons.
Question 3
How does Shruti’s behaviour during the rehearsal scene show her emotional struggle even before she speaks?
Question 4
Suggest one step Shruti could have taken earlier to reduce conflict with her father while continuing her music practice.
Question 5
How does listening to the rehearsal change Nabin’s opinion about fusion music?
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1
Explain how the behaviour and words of Iqbal, Peter, and Avinash in the opening act show the difference between their confidence and Shruti’s emotional stress.
Question 2
Examine how the conversation at the dinner table brings out the emotional distance between Shruti and her father, and explain how this scene prepares the ground for the later change in Nabin’s attitude.
Question 3
Analyse how Nabin’s appreciation of Shruti’s control over the raga becomes a bridge between classical discipline and modern experimentation.