NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Moments Chapter 2 - The Adventures of Toto

Q1. How does Toto come to the grandfather’s private zoo?

Ans:  Toto had been enslaved by a tonga owner. The grandfather becomes sympathetic to the monkey and decides that Toto would be better off in his own private zoo. So he paid five rupees to the tongawallah for Toto.

Q2. “Toto was a pretty monkey.” In what sense is Toto pretty?

Ans: Toto is a pretty monkey due to his charming features. He had bright, mischievous eyes that sparkled beneath thick eyebrows. His teeth are perfectly aligned and shine like pearls, and he possesses a long, attractive tail. These characteristics contribute to his overall beauty.

Q3. Why does Grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?

Ans: Toto was a mischievous monkey. He kept disturbing all the other animals in his grandfather’s private zoo. It seemed that only the grandfather could manage him properly. To give the other animals some relief, he arranged to take Toto along when he had to collect his pension. Grandfather placed Toto inside a strong canvas bag for the journey by train. The ticket collector insisted on calling Toto a dog because there was no specific fare for monkeys. Following the rules, he charged Grandfather three rupees for Toto's ticket.

Grandfather taking Toto to Saharanpur

Q4. How does Toto take a bath? Where has he learned to do this? How does Toto almost boil himself alive?
Ans: Toto took a bath by first checking the temperature of the water with his hand. Then he would put one foot in the water, then the other, until he was in the water up to his neck. He would take the soap in his hands or feet and rub himself all over.

One day, when a large kitchen kettle had been left on the fire to boil for tea, Toto decided to remove the lid. He found that water was just warm enough for a bath, and he got in with his head sticking out from the open kettle. The water began to boil. He continued hopping up and down for some time until his grandmother arrived. She rescued him just in time; otherwise, he would have boiled himself alive.

Q5. Why does the author say, “Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long”?
Ans:  Although Toto was cute and smart, he was very naughty. He caused a lot of damage by breaking dishes, tearing clothes and curtains. He also scared visitors by ripping holes in their dresses. On top of that, he didn’t get along with the other animals in the house.

One day, Toto crossed the limit by grabbing a dish of pulao and running up a tree branch to eat it. When he was scolded, he threw the plate and broke it. That’s when grandfather decided he had had enough of Toto, as he could no longer bear the damage caused by Toto’s mischief.