Chapter 9 of 10
Chapter 9: Vocation
Rabindranath Tagore's poetic masterpiece exploring childhood imagination, routine & dignity of labour | CBSE Session 2026–27
Core Pedagogical Competencies & Concepts
- Themes of childhood innocence, the allure of freedom, occupational empathy, and the dignity of labour.
- The child's daily schedule contrasts with the unrestricted freedom of the hawker, the gardener, and the night watchman.
- Vivid poetic imagery: the gong striking ten, the giant street lamp with a red eye, chasing shadows with a lantern.
- Dignity of labour: honoring honest everyday community workers without bias or condescension.
All Textbook Exercises & In-Text Tasks (22 Questions)
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Q1
Let us Think • Comprehension
Who is the speaker in Rabindranath Tagore's poem 'Vocation'?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The speaker is a young, observant schoolboy who shares his thoughts and longings as he follows his daily routine from morning until bedtime.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Identification of the young schoolboy
1 Mark
Child perspective navigating daily routine
1 Mark
Q2
Let us Think • Comprehension
Why does the speaker yearn to become a bangle-selling hawker?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The speaker is captivated by the hawker's absolute freedom: the hawker has no fixed road he must travel, no compulsory destination, no strict clock telling him when to go home, and nobody scolding or hurrying him.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Absence of fixed routes and strict schedules
1 Mark
Freedom from being hurried or scolded
1 Mark
Q3
Let us Think • Comprehension
What specific activities of the gardener appeal deeply to the child?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The child is fascinated that the gardener can dig the damp soil with his spade freely, soil his clothes with mud and dust, and get soaked in the rain or baked under the hot sun without any adult intervening, scolding him, or stopping him.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Freedom to dig soil with spade
1 Mark
Getting clothes muddy without scolding
1 Mark
Enduring sun and rain without restriction
1 Mark
Q4
Let us Think • Comprehension
What striking visual metaphor does the poet use to describe the street lamp at night?
[2 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The poet compares the solitary glowing street lamp to an enormous giant standing tall in the dark lane with a single shining red eye on its head.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Metaphor of a giant
1 Mark
With one red eye on its head
1 Mark
Q5
Let us Think • Comprehension
Chart the chronological daily schedule of the child speaker as described in the poem:
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- 10:00 AM: The temple/clock tower gong strikes ten, and the child walks down the narrow lane to school, encountering the hawker crying "Bangles, crystal bangles!"
- 4:00 PM: The child returns home from school and peers through the open garden gate, watching the gardener digging the earth.
- Late Evening (Bedtime): Mother sends the child to bed; gazing through his bedroom window, he watches the lonely night watchman walking up and down with his lantern.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
10 AM morning encounter with hawker
1 Mark
4 PM afternoon return watching gardener
1 Mark
Bedtime night view of watchman
1 Mark
Q6
Let us Think • Think & Discuss
Why does the child romanticize the vocations of the hawker, gardener, and watchman, while overlooking their hardships?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
The child feels constrained by strict adult-imposed rules (fixed school hours, homework, staying clean, mandatory bedtimes). In his innocent yearning for independence, he sees only their freedom of movement, unaware of the hawker's financial insecurity, the gardener's exhausting physical fatigue, or the watchman's chilly, perilous night shifts.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Contrast between child's rigid routine and perceived freedom
1.5 Marks
Insight into underlying economic and physical hardships
1.5 Marks
Q7
Let us Think • Think & Discuss
What occupational workers and community helpers do you observe on your own daily journey to school?
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
On my way to school, I observe street sanitation workers sweeping avenues, traffic police officers directing morning vehicles, milk delivery personnel on bicycles, vegetable vendors arranging fresh carts, bus drivers, and security guards saluting at gates. Each performs vital labor that keeps our community functioning smoothly.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Listing diverse community helpers observed
1.5 Marks
Appreciation of their vital role in community life
1.5 Marks
Q8
Let us Learn • Vocabulary
Match the following vocational workers with their primary tools and community contributions:
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- Hawker: Handcart or shoulder basket → Sells fresh goods and everyday items at people's doorsteps.
- Gardener: Spade, shears, and watering can → Nurtures plants, beautifies surroundings, and tends soil.
- Watchman: Lantern and lathi → Patrolling neighborhoods at night to ensure community security.
- Mason: Trowel and plumb line → Lays bricks and builds sturdy homes and schools.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
All 4 workers correctly matched with tools and roles
4 Marks
Q9
Let us Learn • Vocabulary
Identify three pairs of rhyming words and poetic sound patterns used by Tagore in 'Vocation':
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
- Lane — Again
- Sun — Done
- Head — Red
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Three authentic rhyming pairs from poem identified
3 Marks
Q10
Let us Write • Paragraph Writing
Write a short composition (60–80 words) on 'My Dream Vocation: How I Aspire to Contribute to Society':
[4 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
My Dream Vocation:
When I grow up, my dream vocation is to become a dedicated paediatrician. I want to treat children in rural and underserved areas who lack access to modern hospitals. Providing healing medicines, educating families on nutrition, and soothing anxious parents with warmth will give my life profound purpose. Every vocation that serves humanity with integrity is sacred, and I hope to carry out my work with deep empathy, patience, and lifelong devotion.
When I grow up, my dream vocation is to become a dedicated paediatrician. I want to treat children in rural and underserved areas who lack access to modern hospitals. Providing healing medicines, educating families on nutrition, and soothing anxious parents with warmth will give my life profound purpose. Every vocation that serves humanity with integrity is sacred, and I hope to carry out my work with deep empathy, patience, and lifelong devotion.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Clear vocational aspiration articulated with social purpose
2 Marks
Grammar, emotional sincerity, and thematic maturity
2 Marks
Q11
Let us Explore • Social Studies
Explain Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of 'Bread Labour' and why every occupation deserves equal dignity and respect.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Dignity of Labour & Bread Labour:
Mahatma Gandhi championed the principle that every human being should perform honest physical labor to earn their livelihood. He emphasized that no work is 'lowly' or 'inferior'—whether one is a philosopher, engineer, farmer, or sanitation worker, all work that supports life is sacred and honorable. A civilized nation treats manual workers with the same dignity, fair wages, and courtesy as office professionals.
Mahatma Gandhi championed the principle that every human being should perform honest physical labor to earn their livelihood. He emphasized that no work is 'lowly' or 'inferior'—whether one is a philosopher, engineer, farmer, or sanitation worker, all work that supports life is sacred and honorable. A civilized nation treats manual workers with the same dignity, fair wages, and courtesy as office professionals.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Concept of Bread Labour explained accurately
1.5 Marks
Universal equality and dignity of manual/mental work
1.5 Marks
Q12
Reading is Fun • In-Depth Comprehension • Vocation
[Textbook Exercise 1] In 'Vocation', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q13
Let's Talk • Conversational Inquiry & Expression • Vocation
[Textbook Exercise 2] In 'Vocation', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q14
Word Building • Vocabulary Bank & Word Families • Vocation
[Textbook Exercise 3] In 'Vocation', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q15
Grammar in Context • Syntax, Tenses & Parts of Speech • Vocation
[Textbook Exercise 4] In 'Vocation', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q16
Let's Write • Creative Composition & Expression • Vocation
[Textbook Exercise 5] In 'Vocation', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q17
Spoken English • Pronunciation & Phonics • Vocation
[Textbook Exercise 6] In 'Vocation', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q18
Say Aloud • Rhyming Pairs & Auditory Discrimination • Vocation
[Textbook Exercise 7] In 'Vocation', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q19
Team Time & Activity • Collaborative Project Work • Vocation
[Textbook Exercise 8] In 'Vocation', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q20
Curriculum Competency • Value Analysis & Ethics • Vocation
[Textbook Exercise 9] In 'Vocation', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q21
Reading is Fun • In-Depth Comprehension • Vocation
[Textbook Exercise 10] In 'Vocation', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
Q22
Let's Talk • Conversational Inquiry & Expression • Vocation
[Textbook Exercise 11] In 'Vocation', analyze the key literary themes, answer the comprehension prompt, and write down the grammatical or vocabulary focus.
[3 Marks]
✅ Step-by-Step Solution & Working
Comprehensive Model Answer & Explanation:
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
1. Contextual Interpretation: In Vocation, the lesson explores central character choices, moral lessons, and linguistic patterns.
2. Analytical Answer: Students evaluate textual evidence directly from the NCERT story/poem to articulate their response with correct sentence structure.
3. Grammar & Language Focus: Applying standard CBSE rules of grammar (nouns, adjectives, prepositions, tenses, or punctuation) ensures high clarity and expression.
CBSE Step-by-Step Marking Scheme
Textual comprehension & accuracy of facts
1.0 M
Grammatical precision & vocabulary richness
1.0 M
Coherent sentence formation & clarity
1.0 M
🌟 NEP 2020 Competency-Based Case Study
Workplace Empathy, Child Labor Awareness & Social Responsibility
While walking back from school, 10-year-old Meera sees a young boy her own age working at a roadside tea stall, washing greasy tumblers and serving hot glasses in the afternoon heat. Unlike Tagore's poetic speaker who romantically wished to be a hawker, Meera realizes the boy is missing school due to family poverty.
Analytical Task: Contrast the child speaker's romanticized viewpoint in 'Vocation' with Meera's real-world realization regarding child labor. Propose three civic actions to uphold children's Right to Education (RTE).
Evaluation & Model Answer:
Critical Contrast & Child Rights Action:
- Poetic Fantasy vs. Grim Reality: Tagore's speaker views street vocations through an innocent prism of freedom from homework and bedtimes. Meera observes the painful socio-economic reality of child labor, where young children are robbed of their fundamental right to play, learn, and grow safely.
- Report to Childline (1098): Citizens should report child labor instances to the national toll-free helpline 1098 or District Child Protection Units for immediate rehabilitation.
- Enrollment in RTE Government Schools: Connect the child's family with local Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan centers that provide free education, midday meals, textbooks, and uniforms under the Right to Education Act.
- Ethical Consumer Boycott: Refuse to patronize commercial establishments that illegally employ underage children.
Rubric: 1.5 Marks for contrasting romanticized freedom with socio-economic reality + 3.5 Marks for 3 actionable child-rights protection measures = 5 Marks