Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 Question Answer How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Class 9 Question Answer

Check Your Understanding (Page 6)

I. Complete the cause and effect table given below based on Part I of the story. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer:

II. Do you think the narrator expected to see her grandmother in tears when she returned to the village?

Answer:

No, the narrator did not expect to see her grandmother in tears. She had always seen her grandmother as a strong and cheerful woman. She never imagined that her illiteracy would trouble her so deeply. The grandmother's tears surprised her because she did not realise how helpless she felt without being able to read the story.

III. How might the narrator help her grandmother to fulfill her desire to learn to read and write?

Answer:

The narrator can help her grandmother by becoming her patient and dedicated teacher. She can teach her the Kannada alphabet step by step and help her practise reading and writing daily. By encouraging her and setting small goals, she can build her confidence. With regular guidance and support, the grandmother can successfully achieve literacy.

Check Your Understanding (Page 9)

I. State whether the following sentences are true or false. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. The grandmother wanted to learn the Kannada alphabet to gain independence.

Answer: True

2. The grandmother asked someone in the village to read Kashi Yatre to her while the narrator was away.

Answer: False

3. The narrator was the grandmother's first teacher and taught her how to read Kannada.

Answer: True

4. The grandmother believed that there was no age limit for learning.

Answer: True

5. The grandmother touched the narrator's feet as a mark of respect for her as a teacher.

Answer: True

6. The narrator was disappointed with the progress her grandmother made in learning to read.

Answer: False

Class 9 English How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Question Answer

Critical Reflection

I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. When I came back to my village, I saw my grandmother in tears. I was surprised, for I had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situations. What had happened? I was worried.

'Avva, is everything all right? Are you okay?'

I used to call her Avva, which means mother in the Kannada spoken in north Karnataka.

She nodded but did not reply. I did not understand and forgot about it. In the night, after dinner, we were sleeping in the open terrace of our house. It was a summer night and there was a full moon. Avva came and sat next to me. Her affectionate hands touched my forehead.

(i) Complete the following sentence with the appropriate option.

The phrase 'never seen her cry in the most difficult situations' tells us that the grandmother was:

(A) strong-willed

(B) understanding

(C) considerate

(D) bold

Answer:

(A) strong-willed

(ii) Grandmother did not reply when the narrator asked if she was alright because she might have been too: (emotional/tired) to respond.

Answer:

emotional

(iii) Identify the clue from the extract that indicates a rural setting with traditional customs.

Answer:

The mention of "sleeping in the open terrace" of the house and the narrator calling her grandmother "Avva" (which means mother in the local Kannada dialect) indicate a rural setting.

(iv) Which lines of the extract establish a tender atmosphere?

Answer:

The lines: "Her affectionate hands touched my forehead. I realised she wanted to speak".

(v) Which of the following aspect is NOT emphasized in the given extract?

(A) the emotional turmoil of the grandmother

(B) the affectionate bond between the narrator and her grandmother

(C) the grandmother's regret over her lack of education

(D) the narrator's concern for her grandmother

Answer:

(C) the grandmother's regret over her lack of education (This is revealed in the subsequent pages of the chapter, not this specific extract).

How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Class 9 Questions and Answers

2. 'I have decided I want to learn the Kannada alphabet from tomorrow onwards. I will work very hard. I will keep Saraswati Puja day during Dassara as the deadline. That day I should be able to read a novel on my own. I want to be independent.'

I saw the determination on her face. Yet I laughed at her.

'Avva, at this age of sixty-two you want to learn the alphabet? All your hair is grey, your hands are wrinkled, you wear spectacles and you work so much in the kitchen...'

Childishly I made fun of the old lady. But she just smiled.

'For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle. I will work harder than anybody

but I will do it. For learning there is no age bar.'

(i) What does the grandmother's statement, "I want to be independent," reveal about her character?

(A) She wanted to be literate.

(B) She desires self-sufficiency.

(C) She wants to prove her intelligence to others.

(D) She feels pressured by society to learn.

Answer:

(B) She desires self-sufficiency.

(ii) The grandmother's determination shows that learning has no: (age limit/gender bias/cultural barriers)

Answer:

age limit

(iii) The narrator laughs at her grandmother's decision to learn the alphabet at the age of sixty-two because:

Answer:

She makes childish assumptions based on her grandmother's physical appearance (grey hair, wrinkled hands) and her heavy domestic workload in the kitchen.

(iv) List any two qualities displayed by the grandmother.

Answer:

Determination (grit to achieve a goal) and Humility (willingness to learn from a child).

(v) How can we say that the narrator is making assumptions about her grandmother?

Answer:

The narrator thinks that old age and household work stop a person from learning, and she does not understand her grandmother's strong determination.

II. Answer the following questions.

Question 1.

Why do you think the grandmother felt embarrassed to ask someone else to read to her while the narrator was away?

Answer:

The grandmother felt ashamed because even though she was financially secure, she was dependent on others due to her illiteracy. She valued herself respect and did not want others in the village to see her weakness.

Question 2.

Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother's determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?

Answer:

The narrator laughed "childishly" because she associated learning with youth. She viewed her grandmother's age, grey hair, and spectacles as physical barriers that made starting the basics of the alphabet seem impossible and humorous.

Question 3.

What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother's life and the story?

Answer:

Kashi Yatre reflects the grandmother's own wish to visit Kashi. It inspires her to learn to read and becomes the test that proves she has succeeded brilliantly. By reading it on her own, she finally feels confident and independent.

Question 4.

What does the grandmother's desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?

Answer:

It shows her strong determination and her wish to become independent. It proves that she believes there is no age limit for learning and that self-respect is more important than money. Her success inspires others to never give up on their goals.

Question 5.

What lessons can we infer from the grandmother's action of touching the narrator's feet?

Answer:

This act teaches that a teacher deserves respect irrespective of age or gender. It emphasizes that knowledge is sacred and that the person who provides the gift of independence through education holds a supreme status.

Question 6.

What does the following line tell us about the broader theme of the story?

"For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle."

Answer:

This highlights the theme of grit and perseverance. It suggests that with a noble purpose and strong willpower, one can transcend physical or social limitations like age or a lack of prior schooling.

Question 7.

How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?

Answer:

The story shows that even though the grandmother was financially secure, she felt helpless without education. Learning to read gave her confidence and independence. It proves that knowledge is the real key to self-reliance.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I. The expression 'hide and seek' is used in the text. This is called a binomial.

Binomials are expressions consisting of two words, usually linked by a conjunction like 'and' or 'or', that are commonly used together in a fixed order. For example: odds and ends, right or wrong.

Match the binomials in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary.

Now, use any five of the above binomials in sentences of your own.

Answer:

Binomials in Sentences:

1. Leaps and bounds: After starting her lessons, the grandmother's reading skills improved in leaps and bounds.
2. Part and parcel: Determination is part and parcel of the learning process for any student.
3. Sooner or later: The grandmother knew that sooner or later, she would reach her goal of independence.
4. All or nothing: For the grandmother, learning the Kannada alphabet was an all or nothing commitment.
5. On and off: Due to the village's poor transport, magazines and papers arrived only on and off.

II. Read the following words from the text given in the box below.

These words are made by adding suitable prefixes ('un', 'ir', and 'in') to give an opposite or negative meaning to the words.

Now, make words by adding the suitable prefixes given in the box to the words from the text in Column 1. Write the prefixed words in Column 2. One example has been done for you.

Answer:

III. Identify any five words with prefixes from the story and make sentences using each.

Answer:

1. Unhappy: The grandmother looked unhappy and her eyes were filled with tears when she couldn't read.
2. Unusual: Touching a youngster's feet was an unusual action for an elder in their tradition.
3. Irrespective: A teacher should be respected irrespective of their gender and age.
4. Unfortunately: Unfortunately for Kannada literature, the writer Triveni died very young.
5. Independent: The grandmother's goal was to become independent and read on her own.

IV. In the sentence, "I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours", the phrase "passed with flying colours" is an idiom. It means outstanding performance.

Now, match the idioms related to 'learning' given in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary.

Answer:

V. Read the following sentences from the text and underline the verbs.

1. Secretly, I bought Kashi Yatre which had been published as a novel by that time.

2. I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours.

In sentence 1, verb 'bought' is in simple past tense. In sentence 2, verb 'had passed' is in past perfect tense.

We use past perfect tense to indicate two completed actions-one occurring earlier (later past) and the other more recently (recent past). The more recent action is expressed in the simple past, while the earlier action takes the past perfect tense.

Examples

1. By the time I reached the party, everyone had finished eating.
2. When she returned home, her brother had finished the project.

(i) Fill in the blanks with simple past and past perfect tense form of the verbs given in brackets.

A. When the delegates ............ (arrive) at the conference, the keynote speaker ............ (already begin) the session.

Answer:

arrived, had already begun

B. After the students ............ (learn) how to identify fake news online, they ............ (start) verifying information before sharing it.

Answer:

learned, started

C. Before Kiran ............ (start) using digital payment platforms, she ............ (ensure) her understanding of online fraud prevention.

Answer:

started, had ensured

D. By the time Varun ............ (recognise) the importance of budgeting, he ............ (exhaust) most of his savings.

Answer:

recognised, had exhausted

E. When Raghu ............ (log in) to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor ............ (already discuss) the importance of strong passwords.

Answer:

logged in, had already discussed

(ii) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verbs given in brackets.

Last year, my parents and I A. ............ (take) a financial planning course. When we B . ............ (review) our expenses, we realised we C . ............ (spend) too much on unnecessary purchases. After my parents D. ............ (discuss) ways to save, I E. ............ (open) a savings account. By the time we F . ............ (set) our budget, the course G. ............ (already introduce) investment strategies. We H. ............ (hurry) to take notes, but many participants I. ............ (complete) their financial plans. Despite that, we J. ............ (enjoy) learning how to manage money wisely.

Answer:

A. took

B. reviewed

C. had spent

D. discussed

E. opened

F. set

G. had already introduced

H. hurried

I. had completed

J. enjoyed

Listen and Respond

I. You will listen to a speaker talk about digital literacy. As you listen, complete the following sentences with one to three exact words that you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 259)

1. Literacy these days includes the ability to use ............

Answer: digital tools.

2. Digital literacy is also about protecting .............

Answer: personal information.

3. Digital literacy enables the elderly to .............

Answer: stay connected.

4. Digital literacy encourages using the internet safely by helping us recognise ............ and ............

Answer: scams and risks

5. The National Digital Literacy Mission helps people across the country by imparting .............

Answer: digital skills.

Speaking Activity

Turncoat is a type of solo debate where the speaker argues for and against a topic, switching sides after a certain period of time.

I. Choose your topic and speak 'for' and 'against' for not more than one minute each.

Topic 1: It is important to learn a new language apart from your mother tongue.

Topic 2: Learning can happen only when you are young.

Use the guidelines given below.

1. Begin with speaking 'for' the topic for one minute.
2. Your teacher will signal that it is time to switch sides.
3. Then speak 'against' the topic for one minute.

You may use the following sentence prompts.

Answer:

Topic 1: It is important to learn a new language apart from your mother tongue.

'For' the Topic (1 Minute)

1. To begin with, I would like to speak 'for' the topic that learning a new language apart from our mother tongue is extremely important.
2. My first argument in favour of this is that knowing multiple languages improves communication skills and helps us connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
3. Most importantly, I want to mention that learning a new language enhances cognitive abilities such as memory, problem solving, and concentration.
4. I strongly feel that in today's globalised world, being multilingual increases career opportunities and gives a competitive advantage in education and employment.

'Against' the Topic (1 Minute)

1. On the contrary, I would now like to speak 'against' the topic by saying that learning a new language may not always be necessary for everyone.
2. There are two sides to this topic; while additional languages can be beneficial, one can still succeed professionally and socially with strong command over their mother tongue and a widely spoken language like English.
3. If I could make a point here, learning a new language requires time, effort, and consistent practice, which may be difficult for individuals who already have heavy academic or professional commitments.
4. So, to put it in a few words, although learning a new language is valuable, it should be a choice based on interest and need rather than a compulsory requirement.

Topic 2: Learning can happen only when you are young.

'For' the Topic (1 Minute)

1. To begin with, I would like to speak 'for' the topic that learning is most effective during youth.
2. My first argument in favour of this is that the young brain has higher neuroplasticity, making it easier to absorb complex subjects like languages and mathematics.
3. Most importantly, I want to mention that young people have fewer domestic and professional responsibilities, allowing them to dedicate their full attention to education.
4. I strongly feel that a formal school environment provides a structure for learning that is often missing later in life.

'Against' the Topic (1 Minute)

1. On the contrary, I would now like to speak 'against' the topic because I believe learning has no age bar.
2. There are two sides to this topic; while youth may have speed, adults have the determination and life experience to understand the practical value of what they learn.
3. If I could make a point here, our story's protagonist, Krishtakka, proved that even at sixty-two, one can achieve literacy if they are determined.
4. So, to put it in a few words, the "ardent desire" to be independent is a stronger driver of learning than biological age.

Writing Task

I As a socially responsible citizen, you strongly believe that students can contribute significantly in promoting adult literacy. Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper emphasising the importance of student participation in adult literacy camps conducted by various organisations. Discuss the benefits of such initiatives for both students and society. Suggest effective ways to spread awareness and encourage more students to volunteer for this noble cause. A letter to the editor is a formal letter in which the writer gives suggestions and creates awareness on an issue of public interest or an issue already raised in an article/write-up/published letter.

Answer:

A-102, Green Apartments

Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi

3rd February, 20XX

The Editor

The Times of India

New Delhi

Subject: Promoting Student Participation in Adult Literacy Camps

Sir/Madam

Through the column of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the public and relevant authorities toward the significant contribution students can make in promoting adult literacy. Literacy is no longer just a skill; it is a tool for independence. Many elderly citizens in our community feel "dependent and helpless" because they cannot read or write, which restricts their ability to navigate a modern world.

The issue at hand affects a large section of our society, particularly those who were denied education in their youth due to socio-economic reasons. It is imperative that students volunteer for literacy camps conducted by various organizations. Such initiatives nurture a sense of social responsibility in the youth while bridging the generation gap. By teaching the elderly, students gain empathy and a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by previous generations.

A possible solution to this issue could be for schools to integrate community service into their curriculum, encouraging students to spend a few hours each week at local literacy centers. Authorities could consider implementing a recognition system for student volunteers. I am hopeful that my article will be punished to encourage this noble cause, as students are the most effective catalysts for social change.

Yours truly

ABC

Kaveri Book Class 9 Solutions