Class 9 English Chapter 1 Practice Question Answers - Rain on the Roof

Q1: What is the memory that comes to the poet’s mind repeatedly?
(a) His mother
(b) His friends
(c) His siblings
(d) None of these
Ans: (a)
The memory that repeatedly comes to the poet's mind is that of his mother. He fondly remembers her even though she has passed away. This memory brings both comfort and longing to the poet, and it is evoked by the soothing sound of raindrops falling on the roof.

Q2: What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
(a) abcbdefe
(b) aabbccdd
(c) abbccdde
(d) aaabbbab
Ans: (a)
The rhyme scheme of the poem is 'abcbdefe'. This means that the end words of certain lines rhyme with each other. The rhyme scheme helps create a musical and rhythmic quality to the poem, enhancing its overall flow and making it more enjoyable to read.

Q3: What does starry spheres mean?
(a) Places where stars are born
(b) Sky filled with stars
(c) Star groups in the sky
(d) All of these
Ans: (c)
"Starry spheres" refers to the groups or clusters of stars in the sky. It represents the beautiful and vast expanse of the night sky filled with stars. The poet uses this phrase to describe the enchanting sight that can be seen in the sky during the rainy night when the raindrops reflect the starlight.

Q4: What haunts the poet in the poem?
(a) His friends
(b) Sounds of rainfall
(c) His mother’s memory
(d) None
Ans: (c)
The memory of the poet's mother haunts him in the poem. Though she is no longer alive, her presence is strongly felt through the sound of rain on the roof. This memory brings a mix of emotions, both comforting and sorrowful, making her absence felt even more during the rainy moments.

Q5: Which memories of the poet are revived with the pitter patter sound of rainfall?
(a) College days
(b) Young age
(c) Office days
(d) Childhood memories
Ans: (d)
The memories of the poet's childhood are revived by the pitter-patter sound of rainfall. These memories are dear to the poet and are associated with the joyful moments of his early years. The raindrops falling on the roof trigger these cherished recollections from his past.

Q6: Where does the poet’s mother live?
(a) In another town
(b) In a village
(c) With the poet
(d) She has died
Ans: (d)
The poet's mother is no longer alive. She has passed away, and therefore, she doesn't live anywhere physically. However, her memory lives on in the poet's heart and mind. He remembers her fondly and her absence is deeply felt, especially during moments like the sound of rain on the roof.

Q7: What revives the sweet memories in the poet’s mind?
(a) Busy schedule
(b) Daily routine
(c) Raindrops falling on the roof
(d) None of these
Ans: (c)
The sound of raindrops falling on the roof revives the sweet memories in the poet's mind. This natural sound triggers his reminiscences, particularly those related to his childhood and his mother. The gentle and soothing rhythm of the raindrops acts as a catalyst, bringing back these cherished moments.

Q8: What is a bliss for the poet?
(a) Bathing in the rain
(b) Getting a lot of money
(c) Going to an office in rain
(d) Lying on the bed in a joyful mood
Ans: (d)
A bliss for the poet is the simple pleasure of lying on the bed and listening to the joyful sound of raindrops falling on the roof. This experience brings him a sense of happiness and contentment. The combination of the cozy atmosphere and the soothing rain creates a state of blissful tranquility for the poet.

Q9: What does the poet listen?
(a) The sweet music of insects
(b) Sweet music of piano
(c) The sweet music of raindrops
(d) All the options are incorrect
Ans: (c)
The poet listens to the sweet music of raindrops. He finds joy and comfort in the rhythmic and melodious sound of rain falling on the roof. This natural symphony of raindrops creates a soothing and peaceful atmosphere, which the poet finds delightful to listen to.

Q10: What tinkles on the shingles?
(a) Raindrops
(b) Hailstones
(c) Brass-bells
(d) Silver bangles
Ans: (a)
Raindrops tinkle on the shingles. Shingles are the small, flat pieces that make up the roof of a building. When raindrops fall on these shingles, they create a tinkling or gentle, metallic sound. This sound is one of the elements that contribute to the poet's experience of the sweet music of raindrops.

Q11: What is the favourite activity of the poet during the rainy season?
(a) Listening to music
(b) Eating snacks
(c) Roaming on the roof
(d) Listening to the pitter-patter sound of the rain
Ans: (d)
The favourite activity of the poet during the rainy season is to lie on the bed and listen to the pitter-patter sound of the rain. He finds immense pleasure and comfort in this simple act, as it allows him to connect with his memories and experience the soothing ambiance of the rain.

Q12: What is the poet listening to?
(a) The sweet music of insects
(b) Sweet music of piano
(c) The sweet music of raindrops
(d) All the options are incorrect
Ans: (c)
The poet is listening to the sweet music of raindrops. The gentle and rhythmic sound of rain falling on the roof creates a musical and calming effect, which the poet finds enchanting. This auditory experience brings him a sense of peace and nostalgia, evoking memories and emotions.

Q13: What poetic device has been used in ‘Starry Spheres’ and ‘darling dreamers’?
(a) Metaphor
(b) Alliteration
(c) Personification
(d) All of these
Ans: (b)
The poetic device used in 'Starry Spheres' and 'darling dreamers' is alliteration. Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in adjacent or closely connected words. In these phrases, the repetition of the "s" sound in 'Starry Spheres' and the "d" sound in 'darling dreamers' creates a melodious and rhythmic effect.

Q14: What is the rain making a noise?
(a) In the room
(b) On the roof
(c) In the garden
(d) In the lanes
Ans: (b)
The rain is making a noise on the roof. The poet describes the sound of raindrops falling on the roof, which creates a distinct noise or sound. This sound contributes to the overall atmosphere and mood of the poem, adding to the sensory experience of the rainy scene.

Q15: What are the humid shadows doing in the sphere?
(a) Steeping
(b) Resting
(c) Floating in the air
(d) Doing nothing
Ans: (c)
The humid shadows are floating in the air in the sphere. The poet uses this imagery to describe the mist or dampness that accompanies the rain. These "humid shadows" are the result of the moisture in the air, giving the surroundings a hazy and dreamy quality.

Q16: Who are darling dreamers in the poem?
(a) Children
(b) Mothers
(c) Family members
(d) Poet’s memories
Ans: (a)
The "darling dreamers" in the poem refer to children. The poet uses this term to affectionately describe the young ones who are lost in their innocent and imaginative dreams. The sound of raindrops on the roof might evoke such dreamy thoughts and memories in the minds of children.

Q17: What revives the sweet memories in the poet’s mind?
(a) Busy schedule
(b) Daily routine
(c) Raindrops falling on the roof
(d) None of these
Ans: (c)
The sound of raindrops falling on the roof revives the sweet memories in the poet's mind. This natural sound triggers his reminiscences, particularly those related to his childhood and his mother. The gentle and soothing rhythm of the raindrops acts as a catalyst, bringing back these cherished moments.

Q18: What is the favourite activity of the poet during the rainy season?
(a) Listening to music
(b) Eating snacks
(c) Roaming on the roof
(d) Listening to the pitter-patter sound of the rain
Ans: (d)
The favourite activity of the poet during the rainy season is to lie on the bed and listen to the pitter-patter sound of the rain. This simple act allows the poet to enjoy the soothing and rhythmic sound of raindrops falling on the roof, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.

Q19: What is the memory that comes to the poet’s mind repeatedly?
(a) His mother
(b) His friends
(c) His siblings
(d) None of these
Ans: (a)
The memory that comes to the poet's mind repeatedly is that of his mother. Despite her absence, he holds onto the memory of her and her nurturing presence. The sound of raindrops on the roof serves as a trigger for this memory, reminding him of the comfort and love he experienced with his mother.

Q20: What does starry spheres mean?
(a) Places where stars are born
(b) Sky filled with stars
(c) Star groups in the sky
(d) All of these
Ans: (c)
"Starry spheres" refers to groups or clusters of stars in the sky. The poet uses this phrase to describe the sparkling constellations and arrangements of stars that adorn the night sky. The raindrops falling on the roof reflect the starlight, creating a magical and celestial ambiance, which the poet likens to starry spheres.