Vocabulary Flashcards – Tamil Nadu Class-9 English Reader (Selected Extracts)

40 key vocabulary terms drawn from the extracts of the Tamil Nadu Standard IX English Reader, covering literary, linguistic and thematic concepts encountered in units 1-7.

Communicative Approach

A language-teaching method that emphasises real-life communication and fluency over rote grammar study.

Inclusivity

The practice of ensuring that people of all backgrounds and abilities feel welcomed, respected, and able to participate.

ICT Corner

A textbook section suggesting Information and Communication Technology resources that support independent learning.

Summer Camp (Cricket)

An intensive coaching session held during summer vacation, often involving two practice periods a day.

Nuances

Subtle differences in meaning, expression, or sound.

Stamina

The physical or mental strength that enables continued effort over a long period.

Farsightedness

Prudent awareness of and preparation for future possibilities.

Melee

A confused, noisy fight or crowd.

Induction (Cricket)

The formal process of being introduced or admitted into a particular group or activity.

Tremor

A slight trembling movement; here, a minor earthquake or earth movement.

Silt

Fine soil or mineral particles carried by water and deposited as sediment.

Soil Erosion

The wearing away and removal of topsoil by water, wind or human activity.

Afforestation

The process of planting trees in an area where there was no previous tree cover.

Gerund

A verb form ending in –ing that functions as a noun (e.g., ‘Swimming is fun’).

Participle

A verb form used as an adjective or to form verb tenses (e.g., ‘broken glass’, ‘was running’).

Infinitive

The base form of a verb usually preceded by ‘to’, used as a noun, adjective or adverb (e.g., ‘to read’).

Finite Verb

A verb form that shows tense and agrees with its subject.

Auxiliary Verb

A ‘helping verb’ (be, do, have, can, will, etc.) used with a main verb to express tense, mood or voice.

Determiner

A word placed before a noun to show which thing you mean (e.g., ‘this’, ‘some’, ‘my’).

Modals

Auxiliary verbs such as can, could, may, must that express ability, possibility, permission or obligation.

Passive Voice

A sentence construction in which the subject receives the action (e.g., ‘The ball was kicked’).

Reported Speech

A way of expressing what someone else has said without quoting their exact words.

Connector

A linking word or phrase that joins ideas (e.g., ‘however’, ‘therefore’).

Vocabulary Flashcard

A study tool displaying a term on one side and its definition on the other.

Paralympics

International multi-sport events for athletes with disabilities, held shortly after the Olympics.

Elixir

A magical or medicinal potion; figuratively, something believed to be a remedy for all ills.

Comet

An icy celestial body that, when near the Sun, displays a visible atmosphere and tail.

Partition Theory

Ramanujan’s number-theory concept dealing with ways of expressing integers as sums.

Civilised Forest

A managed, planted area of trees distinguished from untamed jungle, aimed at soil and water conservation.

One-Rupee Coin (Cricket Drill)

A training challenge in which a coin placed on the stumps is won if the batter avoids dismissal for a set period.

Truce

An agreement between enemies to stop fighting for a certain time.

‘Stick-together’ Family

'A family whose members stay emotionally close, sharing time and support.

Moral

A lesson that can be learned from a story or experience.

Bunk (v.)

To stay away from school or practice without permission.

Indigenous Folk Art

Traditional local artistic expressions reflecting the customs and culture of a community.

Karagattam

A Tamil folk dance performed balancing a decorated pot on the head.

Kavadi Aattam

A Tamil folk dance performed during pilgrimages, carrying a decorated pole on the shoulders.

Silambam

A traditional Tamil martial art that uses bamboo staves dually as folk dance.

Sustainability

The principle of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Hydro-electric Power

Electricity generated by harnessing the energy of falling or flowing water.