How I Taught My Grandmother to Read NCERT Solutions - English Class 9

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS (SOLVED)

Ques 1. 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.

Ans: (iii) both had a strong desire to visit Kashi.

(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 the serial.
(iv) Women have a habit of discussing serials.

Ans: (iii) They could relate with the protagonist of the serial.

(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.

Ans: (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) 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.

Ans: (i) As a mark of respect to her teacher.

Ques 2. Answer the following Quesuestions briefly.

(a) What made Triveni a popular writer?

Ans: Triveni was very famous because her stories generally dealt with the psychological problems of ordinary people. Her writing style was very easy, interesting and convincing. She was the best known novelist in Kannada literature.

(b) Why did the grandmother depend on her granddaughter to know the story?

Ans: The grandmother was not literate and had no knowledge of Kannada alphabet. Every Wednesday, the granddaughter would read the next episode of grandmother’s favourite story ‘Kashi Yatre’ and the grandmother would try to memorize it.

(c) Pick out two sentences which state that the grandmother was desperate to know what happened in the story.

Ans: (i) I saw the picture that accompanies the story of ‘Kashi Yatre’. I couldn’t understand anything that was written.
(ii) I rubbed my hands over the pages ........

(d) Could the grandmother succeed in accomplishing her desire to read? How?

Ans: Yes, the grandmother’s dedication, diligence and determination made her learn the Kannada alphabet before the deadline i.e. the Dussehra festival. She proved to be an ideal student who was also very persevering and could recite, write and read the alphabet fluently.

(e) Which of the following traits would be relevant to the character of the narrator’s grandmother?
 (i) determined (ii) selfish (iii) emotional (iv) mean

Ans: Determined and Emotional–
(i) determined, because the grandmother proved that despite her age she was no less than a young student, who could learn all aspects of learning with equal ease.
(ii) Emotional: Her involvement with the trials of the main character and feelings that upset her at not being able to read.

Ques 3. 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.

Ans: (a) Speaker : The Narrator
Quality Highlighted : Sympathetic; tender; concerned

(b) Speaker : The Grandmother
Quality Highlighted : Wise; helplessness; sense of sacrifice

(c) Speaker : The Narrator
Quality Highlighted : Helpful; concerned; sympathetic; amiable

(d) Speaker : The Grandmother
Quality Highlighted : Wise; prudent; understanding

(e) Speaker : The Grandmother
Quality Highlighted : Determined; systematic, focused

(f) Speaker : The Grandmother
Quality Highlighted : Determined, enthusiastic; diligent

(g) Speaker : The Grandmother
Quality Highlighted : Humble; traditional; religious