NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 7 – Packing & The Duck and the Kangaroo

Packing (Prose)

Thinking about the Text

I. Short Paragraph Answers (30–40 words)

Question 1. How many characters are there in the narrative? Name them.
Answer: The story features four characters: Jerome, the narrator; George; Harris; and Montmorency, the dog. Montmorency adds humor and mischief to the events, making the packing process chaotic and entertaining.

Question 2. Why did Jerome volunteer to do the packing?
Answer: Jerome volunteered because he believed he knew more about packing than anyone else. He wanted to control the process and boss over George and Harris, thinking he could organize the items efficiently.

Question 3. How did George and Harris react? Did Jerome like it?
Answer: George and Harris immediately accepted Jerome’s offer, but their relaxed attitude annoyed him. George lounged in the chair while Harris rested his legs on the table, leaving Jerome to manage all the work.

Question 4. What was Jerome’s real intention in volunteering?
Answer: Jerome’s true purpose was to supervise the packing himself and ensure George and Harris followed his orders, giving him authority over the task rather than merely helping.

Question 5. What did Harris say after the bag was packed? Why did he wait?
Answer: Harris asked, “Ain’t you going to put the boots in?” He deliberately waited until the bag was shut to irritate Jerome, knowing it would provoke him.

Question 6. What “horrible idea” occurred to Jerome?
Answer: Jerome suddenly worried that he might have forgotten to pack his toothbrush, a recurring concern he always faced whenever packing, though he never knew why he panicked over it.

Question 7. Where did Jerome find the toothbrush?
Answer: Jerome unpacked everything and shook the items individually, eventually discovering the toothbrush inside one of the boots he had packed.

Question 8. Why did Jerome have to reopen the bag?
Answer: Jerome reopened the bag because he accidentally packed his spectacles inside and needed to retrieve them before continuing with the rest of the packing.

Question 9. What did George and Harris offer to pack and why?
Answer: George and Harris offered to pack the hamper, suggesting that they could handle it while Jerome took a break. They wanted to avoid serious responsibility while still appearing helpful.

Question 10. Which of these are true about George and Harris’s packing?
Answer: The true statements are:

They started by breaking a cup.
They squashed a tomato.
They trod on the butter.
They misplaced things behind them and could not find them.
They stepped on other items during packing.

II. Montmorency’s Role and Personality

Question: What was Montmorency’s ambition? What do you think of him?
Answer: Montmorency aimed to get in the way, cause chaos, and be scolded. He enjoyed creating mischief by stepping on objects and confusing George and Harris. Montmorency is a playful, attention-seeking dog whose antics add humor and liveliness to the story.

III. Long Paragraph Answers (100–150 words)

Question 1: Who is the best and worst packer?
Answer: Jerome is the best packer because he knows how to arrange things, though he occasionally forgets items like his toothbrush or spectacles. George and Harris are the worst; they step on objects, misplace items, and ruin pies by placing heavy things on top. They create disorder and confusion in the room, showing no organizational skill. Jerome’s methodical approach contrasts sharply with George and Harris’s careless handling, highlighting his diligence and their comic irresponsibility.

Question 2: How did Montmorency contribute?
Answer: Montmorency’s goal was to interfere and provoke annoyance. He sat on objects, disturbed teaspoons, and pretended lemons were rats. He even got into the hamper and destroyed three items before Harris could stop him. His antics intensified the chaos, showing that even small, playful actions can have a large impact in a group activity.

Question 3: Identify humorous elements.
Answer: The story is humorous because of Jerome’s authoritative attitude, George and Harris’s incompetence, and Montmorency’s mischief. Jerome wants control but is constantly undermined. George steps on butter, which sticks to Harris, creating a comical mess. Montmorency pretends lemons are rats and disturbs everything, making the packing chaotic and entertaining for the reader.

Thinking about Language

I. Word Matching

A	B
Slaving	(viii) working hard
Chaos	(vi) complete confusion and disorder
Rummage	(v) search for something hurriedly or carelessly
Scrape out	(ii) remove something from inside using a sharp tool
Stumble over, tumble into	(vii) fall or step awkwardly
Accomplish	(iv) finish successfully, achieve
Uncanny	(iii) strange, mysterious, difficult to explain
(to have or get into) a row	(i) a quarrel or an argument

II. Paragraph Completion

During power cuts, when traffic lights go off, there is utter chaos at crossroads. Drivers add to the confusion by getting into a row over their right of way. Sometimes passers-by, seeing a few policemen slaving to regulate traffic, step in to help. This gives them a feeling of having accomplished something.

Instructions, Commands, and Directions

Examples:

Commands: Sit properly. Respect your elders.
Dos and Don’ts:
- Do your homework regularly.
- Stand whenever a teacher enters.
- Don’t leave lunch unfinished.
- Don’t fight in school.
Directions: From Globe Chowk, turn right onto Street 21, first left to find a park, continue to street 36, house with two palm trees.
Exercise Instructions: Sit straight, palms near head, forefingers above eyebrows, hum while breathing (Bhramari Pranayam).

Proverbs:

Positive	Negative
Save for a rainy day	Don’t cry over spilt milk
Make hay while the sun shines	Don’t put the cart before the horse
Look before you leap	Don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill
Live and let live	Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Keep your mouth shut, eyes open	Don’t bite off more than you can chew
Cross the stream where shallow	Don’t blow your own trumpet
Hope for best, prepare worst	Don’t judge a book by its cover

Writing Task – Packing Tips

Answer:
First pack heavy items not needed immediately. Then, arrange fragile items on top. Next, place soft goods around delicate items. Remember to label the bags. Don’t forget essentials like toothbrush or spectacles. Finally, double-check before closing the bags.

Speaking Task – “Had Better” Usage

You had better return the library book.
You had better bring your lunch tomorrow.
You had better get enough bus change.
You had better reveal the secret you found.
You had better not misplace your English textbook.

The Duck and the Kangaroo (Poem)

I. Poem Summary & Understanding

Uniforms Meaning: The poet refers to the different clothes humans wear. Beneath these uniforms, we are all the same.
Similarity: All humans breathe, walk on the same earth, and will lie in it one day.
Stanza 1 Features:
- No men are strange
- No countries foreign
- A single body breathes
- The land our brothers walk on
- Same earth in which all shall lie
Stanza 2 Features:
- Aware of sun, water, air
- Fed by peaceful harvests
- Hands similar to ours
- Labor like ours in lines
Hate & Wars: People are told to hate others by selfish leaders to create conflicts. We should resist such instructions. The poet emphasizes universal equality and peace.

II. Moral: Appreciate differences but recognize the fundamental human similarity.

NCERT Solutions Class 9 English Chapter 7 – Packing & The Duck and the Kangaroo