NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

By Sudha Murthy

4A. Now that you have enjoyed reading the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option
(a) The grandmother could relate to the central character of the story ‘Kashi Yatre’ as __________.
(i) both were old and uneducated
(ii) both had granddaughters who read to them
(iii) both had a strong desire to visit Kashi
(iv) both were determined to learn to read
Answer
(iii) both had a strong desire to visit Kashi

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

(b) Why did the women at the temple discuss the latest episode of ‘Kashi Yatre’?
(i) to pass their time
(ii) the writer, Triveni, was very popular
(iii) they could relate with the protagonist of ‘Kashi Yatre’.
(iv) women have a habit of discussing serials
Answer
(iii) they could relate with the protagonist of ‘Kashi Yatre’.

(c) The granddaughter found her grandmother in tears on her return as__________.
(i) the grandmother had been unable to read the story ‘Kashi Yatre’ on her own
(ii) the grandmother had felt lonely
(iii) the grandmother wanted to accompany her granddaughter
(iv) she was sad she could not visit Kashi
Answer
(i) the grandmother had been unable to read the story ‘Kashi Yatre’ on her own

(d) Why did the grandmother touch her granddaughter’s feet?
(i) She did it as a mark of respect to her teacher.
(ii) It was a custom in their family.
(iii) Girls should be respected.
(iv) She had read the story of ‘Kashi Yatre’ to her.
Answer
(i) She did it as a mark of respect to her teacher.

(e) “Childishly I made fun of the old lady. But she just smiled.” The smile of the grandmother explains that she understood that her granddaughter
(i) was determined to teach her.
(ii) might be too immature to understand her pain.
(iii) would ridicule her later.
(iv) could be contemplating.
Answer
(ii) might be too immature to understand her pain.

(f) “Those days, the transport system was not very good, so we used to get the morning papers only in the afternoon.” What can you infer from this?
(i) The transport system, especially the bus service, was running at loss.
(ii) The transport system, especially the bus service, was not fully functional in rural areas.
(iii) The transport system, had stopped services in villages.
(iv) The transport system failed to introduce the bus service in rural areas.
Answer
(ii) The transport system, especially the bus service, was not fully functional in rural areas.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

4B. Answer the questions based on the extracts by selecting the correct options.
I. Many times, I rubbed my hands over the pages wishing to understand what was written. But I knew it was not possible. If only I was educated enough …. I waited eagerly for you to return. I felt you would come early and read for me. I could have asked somebody in this village but I was too embarrassed to do so. I felt so very dependent and helpless. We are well-off, but what use is money when I cannot be independe?
i. What made the grandmother feel inadequate?
a. She was unable to read the story.
b. She was unable to stay attentive.
c. She was unable to buy the magazine.
d. She was unable to understand the story.
Answer
a. She was unable to read the story.

ii. Select the relevant option that best supports the context of the given extract:
1. Grandmother was elated to get the magazine
2. Grandmother was embarrassed to ask for help
3. Grandmother eagerly waited for her granddaughter’s arrival
4. Grandmother loved gazing at the pictures from the story
a. only 1 and 2 b. only 2 and 3 c. only 3 and 4 d. only 1 and 4
Answer
b. only 2 and 3

iii. Select the option that tracks the progression of emotions experienced by the grandmother in the given extract.
a. reassured – inquisitive – thankful – uncertain
b. surprised – grateful – perplexed – excited
c. yearning – uncertain – dejected – helpless
d. perplexed – uncertain – panic-stricken – appreciative
Answer
c. yearning – uncertain – dejected – helpless

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

II. She said, “I am touching the feet of a teacher, not my granddaughter; a teacher who taught me so well, with so much of affection that I can read any novel confidently in such a short period. Now I am independent. It is my duty to respect a teacher. Is it not written in our scriptures that a teacher should be respected, irrespective of the gender and age”? I did return namaskara to her by touching her feet and gave my gift to my first student. She opened it and read the title Kashi Yatre by Triveni and the publisher’s name immediately. I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours.
1. Choose the option that lists the most likely response to “…. I am touching the feet of a teacher”.
a. feel shy
b. get anxious
c. feel overwhelmed
d. get upset
Answer
a. feel shy

2. “A teacher should be respected irrespective of gender and age.” Select the quote that suggests a reason for this sentiment.
a. Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education.
b. A teacher aims to give equal attention to all the students.
c. A teacher elevates the mind and gives energy to the character.
d. Teaching is a profession that teaches all other professions.
Answer
d. Teaching is a profession that teaches all other professions.

3. Select the sentence that best brings out the meaning of ‘confidently’ as used in the extract.
a. Some of the information was confidently misleading.
b. The report asserts confidently that the world economy will boost from the market collapse.
c. The present memoir is confidently a tribute to his ability and character.
d. The pandemic has confidently brought down the market.
Answer
b. The report asserts confidently that the world economy will boost from the market collapse.

4. Which of the given option stands closest in meaning to “flying colours”?
a. risky
b. courageous
c. profitable
d. successful
4. Which of the given option stands closest in meaning to “flying colours”?
a. risky
b. courageous
c. profitable
d. successful
Answer
d. successful

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

Question 5:
(a) Why did the grandmother depend on her granddaughter to know the story?
Answer
The Grandmother depended on her granddaughter to know the story for two reasons. The first one was that she did not go to school and hence she couldn’t read. The second one that she was too embarrassed to ask anyone else.

(b) Pick out two sentences which state that the grandmother was desperate to know what happened in the story.
Answer
1) I waited eagerly to return.
2) I even thought off going to the village and asking you to read for me.

(c) Could the grandmother succeed in accomplishing her desire to read? How?
Answer
Yes, The grandmother succeed in accomplishing her desire to teach her to read as she wanted to be independent so she set a deadline for herself and with determination she learnt the Kannada alphabet when she was 62 years old.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

(d) Which of the following traits would be relevant to the character of the narrator’s grandmother?
(i) determined
(ii) selfish
(iii) emotional
(iv) mean
Give reasons for your choice.
Answer
(i) determined: Despite her old age, she took the decision to learn how to read Kannada alphabet and also completed her determination which showed her determination towards learning.
(iii) emotional: When her granddaughter went to a wedding event, there was no one who can read and told the story of ‘Kashi Yatre’ as she was illiterate. She cried for her helplessness and felt upset at not being able to read.

(e) “Good fiction’s job is to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” How does this apply to the grandmother after she had finished reading Kashi Yatre? Explain with a reason.
Answer
The grandmother was psychologically anxious about reading ‘Kashi Yatre’ that appeared weekly. Each week there was a new episode and being unable to read she had to be dependent on her granddaughter to read out. Her absence would make her anxious. She didn’t want to be dependent on anyone and strived to learn reading. After reading the entire story, it would bring grandmother a feeling of achievement and comfort.

(f) ‘Kashi Yatre,’ was the catalyst in the transformation of the grandmother. Support with an example.
Answer
Kashi Yatre played a crucial role in transforming the grandmother’s life. She was deeply interested in the story but couldn’t read it herself. When her granddaughter was away, she missed an episode and felt helpless and dependent. This emotional experience sparked a strong desire in her to become literate. Inspired by the story’s message and determined not to rely on others, she decided to learn the Kannada alphabet at the age of 62, proving that learning has no age limit.

(g) What message does the story, “How I Taught My Grandmother” hold for the present generation and the elders?
Answer
The story “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read” conveys a powerful message to both the present generation and elders. It teaches the youth to be patient, respectful, and supportive toward elders, valuing their determination and wisdom. For the elderly, it highlights that age is no barrier to learning and self-improvement. The story encourages lifelong learning, mutual respect across generations, and the idea that with dedication and willpower, anyone can overcome limitations and achieve their goals.

(h) Grandmother comes across a post online: ‘Don’t let age be a concern. Live your dream!’ As grandmother, write a short paragraph expressing your heartfelt emotion on your achievement.
Answer
Seeing the post, “Don’t let age be a concern. Live your dream!” touched my heart deeply. It reminded me of my journey—how I, at 62, learned to read because I no longer wanted to depend on anyone. Holding a book and reading on my own was a dream come true. It gave me immense pride and a sense of independence. I now truly believe that determination can overcome any age barrier. Dreams don’t come with an expiry date.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

Question 6:
Here are some direct quotations from the story. Identify the speaker and write what each quotation suggests about the speaker. You can use the adjectives given in the box and may also add your own.