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All questions of My Childhood for Class 9 Exam

Direction: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow :
One day when I was in the fifth standard at the Rameshwaram Elementary School, a new teacher came to our class. I used to wear a cap which marked me as a Muslim, and I always sat in the front row next to Ramanadha Shastri, who wore the sacred thread. The new teacher could not stomach a Hindu priest’s son sitting with a Muslim boy. In accordance with our social ranking as the new teacher saw it, I was asked to go and sit on the back bench. I felt very sad, and so did Ramanadha Shastri. He looked utterly downcast as I shifted to my seat in the last row. The image of him weeping when I shifted to the last row left a lasting impression on me.
Q. In which class was the writer studying at that time?
  • a)
    third standard
  • b)
    fourth standard
  • c)
    fifth standard
  • d)
    sixth standard
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Dhruv Banerjee answered
Class Level of the Writer
The extract clearly indicates the class in which the writer was studying during that particular incident.
Key Points from the Extract
- The writer mentions: "One day when I was in the fifth standard at the Rameshwaram Elementary School."
- This statement explicitly states that the writer was in the fifth standard at the time of the new teacher's arrival.
Social Context
- The incident highlights the social dynamics and prejudices within the classroom, as the new teacher's actions were influenced by the writer's religious identity.
- The emotional impact of being separated from his friend, Ramanadha Shastri, underscores the significance of their friendship, transcending social divisions.
Conclusion
- Therefore, based on the information provided in the extract, the correct answer is indeed option 'C', indicating that the writer was studying in the fifth standard. This is a clear reflection of the writer's experience and the societal issues present in the educational context at that time.

What were the circumstances of the narrator's father, Jainulabdeen ?
  • a)
    He was highly educated and wealthy
  • b)
    He was wealthy but lacked formal education
  • c)
    He had great wisdom despite lacking formal education and wealth
  • d)
    He was poor and ungenerous
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Nitya Tiwari answered
Understanding Jainulabdeen's Circumstances
Jainulabdeen, the narrator's father, is depicted as a figure of profound wisdom, despite lacking formal education and wealth. This aspect of his character is significant and reveals the depth of his personality and values.
Wisdom over Formal Education
- Jainulabdeen's wisdom stems from his life experiences rather than academic achievements.
- He demonstrates that knowledge is not solely acquired through formal schooling but can be gained through life's lessons, observations, and interactions.
Lack of Wealth
- Although Jainulabdeen did not possess material wealth, his richness in wisdom and moral values far surpassed any monetary measure.
- His understanding of life and ability to impart knowledge to others made him an invaluable resource in his community.
Generosity of Spirit
- Jainulabdeen's character is marked by his generosity, which is not tied to financial status.
- He is portrayed as someone who shares his wisdom and kindness freely, showing that true wealth lies in the ability to uplift others and contribute positively to society.
Conclusion
In summary, Jainulabdeen exemplifies the idea that true greatness is not defined by wealth or formal education but by the wisdom and kindness one offers to others. His character serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of inner qualities over material possessions.

What historical event marked a significant turning point for India ?
  • a)
    The Partition of India
  • b)
    The Indian Independence Movement
  • c)
    The First World War
  • d)
    The Second World War
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ritika Chauhan answered
Significance of the Second World War for India
The Second World War (1939-1945) was a pivotal event that significantly altered the course of Indian history.
Impact on British Rule
- The war strained Britain's resources and military capacity.
- India was crucial for the British war effort, providing troops and supplies.
- Post-war, Britain faced immense financial difficulties, making it difficult to maintain its empire.
Rise of Nationalist Sentiment
- The Indian National Congress and other political groups intensified their demands for independence.
- The Quit India Movement of 1942 showcased widespread discontent against British rule.
- The war catalyzed unity among diverse Indian groups advocating for freedom.
International Pressure
- Global attitudes shifted towards decolonization after the war.
- The formation of the United Nations emphasized self-determination for nations.
- Other nations' independence movements inspired Indian leaders and citizens alike.
End of British Colonialism
- The weakening of British authority led to negotiations for independence.
- By 1947, India gained independence, largely due to the combined effects of the war and the sustained freedom struggle.
In summary, the Second World War not only weakened Britain's hold on India but also galvanized the Indian independence movement, leading to significant changes in the political landscape of the subcontinent.

Direction: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow :
One day, he invited me to his home for a meal. His wife was horrified at the idea of a Muslim boy being invited to dine in her ritually pure kitchen. She refused to serve me in her kitchen. Shivasubrahmania Iyer was not perturbed, nor did he get angry with his wife, but instead, served me with his own hands and sat down beside me to eat his meal. His wife watched us from behind the kitchen door. I wondered whether she had observed any difference in the way I ate rice, drank water or cleaned the floor after the meal. When I was leaving his house, Shivasubrahmania Iyer invited me to join him for dinner again the next weekend. Observing my hesitation, he told me not to get upset, saying, “Once you decide to change the system, such problems have to be confronted.” When I visited his house the next week, Shivasubrahmania Iyer’s wife took me inside her kitchen and served me food with her own hands.
Q. Why did Shivasubrahmania serve Kalam himself and sat with him to eat?
  • a)
    to avoid any disturbance because of biased behaviour of his conservative wife
  • b)
    to show equal respect for everybody because he wanted to prove himself great
  • c)
    to demoralize his wife
  • d)
    none
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?


Reason for serving Kalam himself:

- To avoid any disturbance because of biased behavior of his conservative wife: Shivasubrahmania Iyer served Kalam himself and sat with him to eat to avoid any disturbance caused by his wife's biased behavior. He did not want Kalam to feel unwelcome or uncomfortable in his home due to his wife's refusal to serve him in the kitchen.

- To show equal respect for everybody: Shivasubrahmania Iyer's actions demonstrated his belief in treating everyone with equal respect and dignity. By serving Kalam himself, he showed that he valued Kalam's presence and did not want him to be treated unfairly because of his religious background.

- To set an example: Shivasubrahmania Iyer's decision to serve Kalam himself also set an example for his wife and others around him. It showed that he was willing to challenge traditional beliefs and practices in order to promote inclusivity and equality.

- To encourage change: By serving Kalam himself, Shivasubrahmania Iyer may have been trying to encourage a change in mindset, both within his own household and in society at large. His actions demonstrated that it is possible to overcome biases and prejudices through individual actions and choices.

Direction: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow :
The Second World War broke out in 1939, when I was eight years old. For reasons I have never been able to understand, a sudden demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market. I used to collect the seeds and sell them to a provision shop on Mosque Street. A day’s collection would fetch me the princely sum of one aana. My brother-in-law Jallal-ud-din would tell me stories about the War which I would later attempt to trace in the headlines in Dinamani. Our area, being isolated, was completely unaffected by the War. But soon India was forced to join the Allied Forces and something like a state of emergency was declared. The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of the train halt at Rameshwaram station. The newspapers now had to be bundled and thrown out from the moving train on the Rameshwaram Road between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. That forced my cousin Shamsh-ud-din, who distributed newspapers in Rameshwaram, to look for a helping hand to catch the bundles and, as if naturally, I filled the slot. Shamsh-ud-din helped me earn my first wages. Half a century later, I can still feel the surge of pride in earning my own money for the first time.
Q. How much money did Kalam earn after selling seeds?
  • a)
    2 anna
  • b)
    3 anna
  • c)
    1 anna
  • d)
    4 anna
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Swati Verma answered
Abdul Kalam was eight years old when the Second World War broke out. Suddenly, there was a great demand for tamarind seeds. He would collect those seeds and sell them in the market. He got one anna (about six paise) for a day's collection.

Direction: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow :
One day when I was in the fifth standard at the Rameshwaram Elementary School, a new teacher came to our class. I used to wear a cap which marked me as a Muslim, and I always sat in the front row next to Ramanadha Shastri, who wore the sacred thread. The new teacher could not stomach a Hindu priest’s son sitting with a Muslim boy. In accordance with our social ranking as the new teacher saw it, I was asked to go and sit on the back bench. I felt very sad, and so did Ramanadha Shastri. He looked utterly downcast as I shifted to my seat in the last row. The image of him weeping when I shifted to the last row left a lasting impression on me.
Q. Why did Kalam feel sad when he was in 5th standard in an elementary school?
  • a)
    He didn’t do his homework.
  • b)
    Teacher scolded him.
  • c)
    His teacher didn’t let him sit with his Hindu friend in the first row because he was a Muslim.
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Samiksha Singh answered

Reason for Kalam Feeling Sad in 5th Standard

Situation in the Classroom:
- Kalam used to wear a cap marking him as a Muslim and sat in the front row next to Ramanadha Shastri, who wore the sacred thread.
- A new teacher came to their class who had a bias against Kalam being a Muslim.

Teacher's Discrimination:
- The new teacher, based on social ranking as he saw it, asked Kalam to go and sit on the back bench, separating him from his Hindu friend.
- This discriminatory act made Kalam feel sad.

Impact on Kalam:
- Kalam felt sad because he was separated from his friend due to his religious identity.
- He was upset to see his friend also feeling downcast because of the situation.

Conclusion:
- The incident left a lasting impression on Kalam, highlighting the unfair treatment he faced based on his religion at a young age.
- This experience of discrimination stayed with Kalam and shaped his perspective on social harmony and unity.

Direction: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow :
The Second World War broke out in 1939, when I was eight years old. For reasons I have never been able to understand, a sudden demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market. I used to collect the seeds and sell them to a provision shop on Mosque Street. A day’s collection would fetch me the princely sum of one aana. My brother-in-law Jallal-ud-din would tell me stories about the War which I would later attempt to trace in the headlines in Dinamani. Our area, being isolated, was completely unaffected by the War. But soon India was forced to join the Allied Forces and something like a state of emergency was declared. The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of the train halt at Rameshwaram station. The newspapers now had to be bundled and thrown out from the moving train on the Rameshwaram Road between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. That forced my cousin Shamsh-ud-din, who distributed newspapers in Rameshwaram, to look for a helping hand to catch the bundles and, as if naturally, I filled the slot. Shamsh-ud-din helped me earn my first wages. Half a century later, I can still feel the surge of pride in earning my own money for the first time.
Q. Which seeds did Kalam collect during the Second World War?
  • a)
    guava seeds
  • b)
    tamarind seeds
  • c)
    flax seeds
  • d)
    mango seeds
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Simran Yadav answered


Collecting Tamarind Seeds during the Second World War

Collecting tamarind seeds was a way for Kalam to earn money during the Second World War. The sudden demand for tamarind seeds in the market prompted him to collect and sell them to a provision shop on Mosque Street.

Reasons for Collecting Tamarind Seeds

The reason behind the sudden demand for tamarind seeds remains unclear to Kalam. However, this activity provided him with an opportunity to earn some income during a challenging time.

Personal Experience during the War

Kalam's brother-in-law, Jallal-ud-din, would share stories about the War with him. Despite their area being isolated and unaffected by the War, India eventually had to join the Allied Forces, leading to a state of emergency being declared.

Impact on Daily Life

The suspension of the train halt at Rameshwaram station due to the War brought about changes in daily routines. Newspapers had to be thrown out from moving trains, leading Kalam's cousin Shamsh-ud-din to seek assistance in catching the bundles. Kalam stepped in to help, earning his first wages in the process.

In conclusion, during the Second World War, Kalam collected tamarind seeds as a means of earning money. This experience, along with the impact of the War on daily life, left a lasting impression on him.

Direction: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow :
The Second World War broke out in 1939, when I was eight years old. For reasons I have never been able to understand, a sudden demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market. I used to collect the seeds and sell them to a provision shop on Mosque Street. A day’s collection would fetch me the princely sum of one aana. My brother-in-law Jallal-ud-din would tell me stories about the War which I would later attempt to trace in the headlines in Dinamani. Our area, being isolated, was completely unaffected by the War. But soon India was forced to join the Allied Forces and something like a state of emergency was declared. The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of the train halt at Rameshwaram station. The newspapers now had to be bundled and thrown out from the moving train on the Rameshwaram Road between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. That forced my cousin Shamsh-ud-din, who distributed newspapers in Rameshwaram, to look for a helping hand to catch the bundles and, as if naturally, I filled the slot. Shamsh-ud-din helped me earn my first wages. Half a century later, I can still feel the surge of pride in earning my own money for the first time.
Q. Who was Shamsh-ud-din?
  • a)
    Kalam’s brother
  • b)
    Kalam’s friend
  • c)
    Kalam’s neighbour
  • d)
    Kalam’s cousin
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Pranjal Sharma answered
Understanding the Relationship
The question about Shamsh-ud-din's identity in the extract is clarified by examining the text closely.
Contextual Clue
- In the passage, the narrator mentions, "my cousin Shamsh-ud-din," which directly indicates that Shamsh-ud-din is the narrator's cousin. This statement explicitly categorizes their relationship without ambiguity.
Importance of the Role
- Shamsh-ud-din plays a significant role in the narrator's early life by helping him find a job as a newspaper distributor when the suspension of the train halt impacted local newspaper delivery. This relationship not only highlights familial ties but also emphasizes the support system during challenging times.
Elimination of Other Options
- Option 'a' (Kalam’s brother) is incorrect because the text does not mention any brother.
- Option 'b' (Kalam’s friend) is ruled out because there is no indication in the passage that they share a friendship.
- Option 'c' (Kalam’s neighbour) is also incorrect, as the text specifically identifies him as a cousin, not a neighbor.
Conclusion
- Therefore, the correct answer is option 'd', as Shamsh-ud-din is indeed Kalam's cousin, as clearly stated in the extract. This direct reference eliminates any confusion, confirming the familial relationship.

What significance did earning his first wages hold for the narrator?
  • a)
    It marked his entry into adulthood
  • b)
    It instilled a sense of responsibility
  • c)
    It symbolized financial independence
  • d)
    It enabled him to support his family
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Significance of Earning First Wages
Earning his first wages is a pivotal moment for the narrator, symbolizing financial independence. This significance can be understood through various perspectives:
1. Transition to Financial Independence
- Earning money for the first time marks a crucial step towards self-sufficiency.
- It signifies a shift from relying on family or guardians for financial support to being able to manage personal expenses.
2. Empowerment and Freedom
- Financial independence provides the narrator with a sense of empowerment.
- With his own income, he can make choices about spending, saving, and investing in his interests or needs.
3. Responsibility in Financial Decisions
- Earning wages also brings a new level of responsibility.
- The narrator learns to budget and prioritize spending, enhancing his decision-making skills.
4. Impact on Personal Growth
- This newfound financial independence contributes to the narrator's personal growth.
- It fosters confidence and a sense of accomplishment, as he learns to navigate the world of work and finance.
5. Social and Economic Contribution
- By earning wages, the narrator also becomes a contributing member of society.
- This marks a step towards adulthood where he can support not just himself but potentially assist his family or community.
In summary, the act of earning his first wages is a significant milestone that symbolizes financial independence, empowering the narrator to take charge of his life and responsibilities.

Direction: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow :
The Second World War broke out in 1939, when I was eight years old. For reasons I have never been able to understand, a sudden demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market. I used to collect the seeds and sell them to a provision shop on Mosque Street. A day’s collection would fetch me the princely sum of one aana. My brother-in-law Jallal-ud-din would tell me stories about the War which I would later attempt to trace in the headlines in Dinamani. Our area, being isolated, was completely unaffected by the War. But soon India was forced to join the Allied Forces and something like a state of emergency was declared. The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of the train halt at Rameshwaram station. The newspapers now had to be bundled and thrown out from the moving train on the Rameshwaram Road between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. That forced my cousin Shamsh-ud-din, who distributed newspapers in Rameshwaram, to look for a helping hand to catch the bundles and, as if naturally, I filled the slot. Shamsh-ud-din helped me earn my first wages. Half a century later, I can still feel the surge of pride in earning my own money for the first time.
Q. Where did Kalam sell seeds?
  • a)
    in a market
  • b)
    to other children
  • c)
    people of his society
  • d)
    to a provision store on mosque street
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Athul Singh answered
Context of the Extract
The extract narrates a personal experience from the childhood of the author, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, during the Second World War. It reveals the backdrop of his life, showcasing how he engaged in entrepreneurial activities by selling tamarind seeds.
Where did Kalam sell seeds?
The correct answer is option 'D': "to a provision store on Mosque Street."
Explanation of the Correct Answer
- Specific Location: The extract explicitly mentions that Kalam sold the tamarind seeds to "a provision shop on Mosque Street." This indicates a specific place rather than a general marketplace or to other children.
- Nature of Transaction: The transaction was not informal; he was selling to a shop, which implies a more structured business environment.
- Earning Money: By selling the seeds to a provision store, Kalam earned a regular income, as indicated by the phrase "A day’s collection would fetch me the princely sum of one aana." This highlights that his selling activities had a direct impact on his financial situation.
- Market Demand: The mention of a sudden demand for tamarind seeds in the market suggests that there was an opportunity available for him to capitalize on, but the specific buyer mentioned is the provision shop.
Conclusion
In summary, the details in the extract clearly point to Kalam's activity of selling tamarind seeds specifically to a provision store on Mosque Street, making option 'D' the correct choice. This illustrates not only his entrepreneurial spirit at a young age but also the context of his life during a tumultuous time in history.

Direction: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow :
One day, he invited me to his home for a meal. His wife was horrified at the idea of a Muslim boy being invited to dine in her ritually pure kitchen. She refused to serve me in her kitchen. Shivasubrahmania Iyer was not perturbed, nor did he get angry with his wife, but instead, served me with his own hands and sat down beside me to eat his meal. His wife watched us from behind the kitchen door. I wondered whether she had observed any difference in the way I ate rice, drank water or cleaned the floor after the meal. When I was leaving his house, Shivasubrahmania Iyer invited me to join him for dinner again the next weekend. Observing my hesitation, he told me not to get upset, saying, “Once you decide to change the system, such problems have to be confronted.” When I visited his house the next week, Shivasubrahmania Iyer’s wife took me inside her kitchen and served me food with her own hands.
Q. Who invited the writer over dinner the next weekend?
  • a)
    Shivasubrahmanian Iyer ’s wife
  • b)
    Shivasubrahmaniam
  • c)
    Writer himself
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anand Chavan answered
Explanation:

Shivasubrahmaniam
Shivasubrahmania Iyer invited the writer over dinner the next weekend.

Reason
The reason for the invitation was to show acceptance and break the barriers of discrimination based on religion.

Outcome
This gesture from Shivasubrahmania Iyer and his wife's change in attitude towards the writer reflects a positive change in their mindset towards the writer's religion.

Lesson
The lesson from this incident is that changing the system and confronting issues of discrimination requires patience, understanding, and efforts from both sides.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - Shivasubrahmaniam.

Direction: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow :
The Second World War broke out in 1939, when I was eight years old. For reasons I have never been able to understand, a sudden demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market. I used to collect the seeds and sell them to a provision shop on Mosque Street. A day’s collection would fetch me the princely sum of one aana. My brother-in-law Jallal-ud-din would tell me stories about the War which I would later attempt to trace in the headlines in Dinamani. Our area, being isolated, was completely unaffected by the War. But soon India was forced to join the Allied Forces and something like a state of emergency was declared. The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of the train halt at Rameshwaram station. The newspapers now had to be bundled and thrown out from the moving train on the Rameshwaram Road between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. That forced my cousin Shamsh-ud-din, who distributed newspapers in Rameshwaram, to look for a helping hand to catch the bundles and, as if naturally, I filled the slot. Shamsh-ud-din helped me earn my first wages. Half a century later, I can still feel the surge of pride in earning my own money for the first time.
Q. Why did Kalam collect tamarind seeds?
  • a)
    to grow plants
  • b)
    to eat them
  • c)
    to earn good money
  • d)
    none
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Aditi Sharma answered
These seeds were collected by Kalam as they were in great demand in the market during the Second World War and could be sold easily for a good sum of money.

What lesson did the narrator's father impart to him using the metaphor of a seagull?
  • a)
    The importance of independence and freedom
  • b)
    The necessity of leaving home for personal growth
  • c)
    The significance of familial ties and responsibilities
  • d)
    The value of staying rooted in one's community
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

Metaphor of a Seagull:
The metaphor of a seagull used by the narrator's father symbolizes the idea of leaving home for personal growth, much like a seagull who ventures out to sea in search of new experiences and opportunities.

Lesson of Leaving Home for Personal Growth:
By comparing the narrator's journey to that of a seagull, the father imparts the lesson of the necessity of leaving home for personal growth. Just as a seagull must leave the safety of the shore to explore new horizons, the narrator must also venture out into the world to learn, grow, and discover his true potential.

Symbolism of Independence and Exploration:
The seagull symbolizes independence, freedom, and the spirit of exploration. It teaches the narrator the importance of breaking free from the constraints of home and familiar surroundings to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal development.

Encouragement for New Experiences:
Through the metaphor of the seagull, the father encourages the narrator to embrace new experiences, challenges, and opportunities that lie beyond the comforts of home. He instills in him the courage to spread his wings and soar into the unknown, just like a seagull taking flight over the vast expanse of the sea.
In conclusion, the metaphor of the seagull conveys the lesson of leaving home for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of independence, exploration, and embracing new experiences. It serves as a powerful reminder that true growth and fulfillment often come from stepping out of one's comfort zone and venturing into the unknown.

Chapter doubts & questions for My Childhood - English Class 9 2025 is part of Class 9 exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the Class 9 exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for Class 9 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.

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