Class 9 Moments Supplementary Reader Chapter 8 Question Answers - A House is Not a Home

Q1: What is the meaning of “My cat was back and so was I”? Had the author gone anywhere? Why does he say that he is also back?

Ans: Zan’s cat was brought back home after more than a month of absence. She had run away due to fear of the fire and could not be returned earlier because her collar had phone numbers that were disconnected due to the fire. Zan, too, had returned to his normal, cheerful life. His absence was emotional, unlike the physical absence of his cat. Zan says that he is also back to highlight the return of his faith in the goodness of life. He had drifted away from the joys of friendship and the comfort of familiarity after moving to a new school. By the time his cat returned, his gratitude for life had also returned, aided by the company of new friends.

Q2: What values in Zan’s mother endeared him to her? 
Ans: Some of the values that endeared Zan's mother to him included her unwavering devotion as a single parent, her courage, and her emotional strength. Despite facing numerous challenges, she consistently prioritised Zan's well-being and happiness, which he deeply respected and appreciated. This was evident when she risked her life to recover cherished memories of her late husband, demonstrating her selflessness. Additionally, her emotional resilience was clear when she sent Zan back to school immediately after the fire incident. These admirable qualities not only made Zan love and obey her wholeheartedly but also instilled in him a strong determination to save her from the fire, even at the risk of his own safety.

Fire engulfed Zan's house Q3: Describe the author’s experience at school after the fire tragedy.
Ans: The author had recently joined a new school and was struggling to fit in. Just a few days later, his house caught fire, destroying his school bag and shoes.

The next day, he went to school feeling completely lost. He wandered around aimlessly, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and overwhelmed by his circumstances. Everything felt strange and unsettling. He returned home heartbroken, burdened by the recent tragedies in his life.

However, the following day, a heartwarming change occurred. His schoolmates gathered around him, offering comfort and support. They had collected money and arranged school supplies and clothes for him. This unexpected kindness changed his perspective and helped restore his faith in life.

Q4: Have any of your classmates/schoolmates had an experience like the one described in the story where they needed help? Describe how they were helped.
Ans: Yes, two years ago, my friend Raju had a similar experience. He had gone to a crowded market to buy household items when a fire broke out in a shop due to a short circuit. Panic spread, and people began rushing in all directions.

In the chaos, Raju and three others got trapped in a nearby shop to escape the smoke. Unfortunately, the shop also filled with smoke quickly, and they began to suffocate. They feared their end was near.

Thankfully, a team from an NGO arrived, broke open the shutter, and rescued them just in time. They were quickly hospitalised. I am truly grateful to that team and the grace of God for saving my friend’s life.

Q5: Sometimes, unexpected trouble strikes our lives. But people around us come to our aid. Describe this with reference to the lesson ‘A House Is Not a Home’.
Ans: In A House Is Not a Home, the narrator experiences a series of hardships after a fire destroys his house. He and his mother are forced to shift to a rented place, and he is already struggling with loneliness after moving to a new school.

Despite feeling isolated, the kindness of his schoolmates makes a significant difference. They come together to support him by donating books, clothes, and school supplies. Their compassion helps him adjust to his new surroundings and feel less alone.

The return of his lost cat, thanks to a kind neighbour, lifts his spirits even more. These small but meaningful acts of support help him regain hope and show that community and empathy can provide strength in times of difficulty.

Q6: The value of a person in one’s surroundings is truly known in one’s hardship. Comment with reference to the story ‘A House is Not a Home’.
Ans: People around us often seem too busy with their own lives. However, their true character is revealed in times of hardship, when they step forward with empathy and support.

In the story A House Is Not a Home, the narrator initially feels uncomfortable and disconnected at his new school. But after the fire incident, when he lost all his belongings, his classmates reached out to him with compassion. They contribute school supplies, books, and clothes, and make him feel welcome.

Even the teachers become more understanding, aware of his difficult situation. This heartfelt support changes his view of the school and helps him start making friends. The story shows how genuine kindness can shine through when it's most needed.

Q7: The lady who handed over Zan’s cat to him did a noble deed. Write a few reasons to appreciate her deed.
Ans. The author loved his cat dearly, and losing her in the fire deeply saddened him. He tried his best to find her, but she remained missing for over a month.

One day, a kind woman came to him with his cat. Overwhelmed with joy, he grabbed his pet and began jumping with happiness. The woman had noticed the collar with a phone number and realised the cat must be missing and loved.

Even though the phone number was not working, she made every effort to locate the owner. Her thoughtfulness and sensitivity towards the cat's emotions and the owner's pain made her deed truly noble. For Zan, getting his cat back felt nothing short of a miracle.

Q8: Zan’s life, one month after the fire incident, was happier than his earlier life. Discuss a few reasons for this change.
Ans: A month after the fire incident, Zan’s life became more joyful and fulfilling than before. Some of the main reasons include:

• Support from schoolmates: His classmates showed immense kindness by collecting and giving him essentials like clothes, books, and stationery. This made Zan feel supported and cared for.

• Reunion with his lost cat: After weeks of emotional distress, his beloved cat was found and returned by a kind neighbour. This reunion brought Zan comfort and happiness.

• Overcoming insecurities: The warmth and friendliness of others helped Zan let go of his fear and isolation. He gradually opened up, made new friends, and gained confidence.

• Personal growth and resilience: Facing adversity made Zan stronger and more grateful. He learned to adapt, appreciate life, and find joy in human connections.

These factors together transformed his life for the better.