KSEEB Class 9 · English (2nd language) · KTBS Revised 2024-25
The Wonderful Words
Chapter summary, hard words and model exam answers for Karnataka Board Class 9 English.
Free online summary and notes (Karnataka Board Class 9 English). Read it here, no PDF download needed.
About the author
Mary O'Neill (American poet). O'Neill's poem from Hailstones and Halibut Bones compares words to coins and jewels - precious tools to express the worlds inside our minds.
Summary
The poet compares words to coins in a purse - each one valuable, each capable of purchasing meaning in the market of conversation.
The poet compares words to coins in a purse - each one valuable, each capable of purchasing meaning in the market of conversation.
Every person carries private worlds of ideas and feelings; only words can transport those worlds to another mind.
Every person carries private worlds of ideas and feelings; only words can transport those worlds to another mind.
Wonderful words are not used carelessly. Like spending money wisely, we select the exact word that fits the thought.
Wonderful words are not used carelessly. Like spending money wisely, we select the exact word that fits the thought.
Some words glitter; others work quietly. Poets and speakers polish vocabulary so ideas shine clearly.
Some words glitter; others work quietly. Poets and speakers polish vocabulary so ideas shine clearly.
Children are urged to collect words - read, listen, and store new ones - building wealth for life.
Children are urged to collect words - read, listen, and store new ones - building wealth for life.
The poem ends affirming that mastering words is mastering oneself - language shapes how we think and are understood.
The poem ends affirming that mastering words is mastering oneself - language shapes how we think and are understood.
Hard words & meanings
| vocabulary | all the words a person knows |
| precious | of great worth |
| currency | something passed from person to person in trade |
| express | to communicate a thought or feeling |
| polish | to improve by careful effort |
| glitter | to sparkle - often superficially |
| precision | the quality of being accurate |
| imagination | forming new ideas and images mentally |
| hoard | to collect and keep carefully |
Model exam answers, grammar & audio
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