Class 9 English Chapter 1 Question Answers - Moments

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. Why did the author’s grandfather decide to buy Toto?

Ans: Grandfather had a deep affection for animals. When he saw little Toto tied to a feeding trough, he felt sorry for him and wanted to care for him. Toto seemed out of place, and Grandfather decided to bring him to his private zoo. He found Toto to be quite amusing.

Q2. Why could not Toto and Nana become friends?

Ans: Toto was very naughty and could not stay calm for even a moment. He constantly found things to destroy around him. In contrast, Nana was a well-behaved and disciplined animal. Whenever they were together, Toto would tease her by biting her long ears, which made Nana very angry. As a result, Toto and Nana could never become friends.

Q3. How does Toto become a problem to grandfather while going to Saharanpur?

Ans: While travelling to Saharanpur, Toto initially behaved well. However, when Grandfather was getting his ticket, Toto unexpectedly poked his head out of the bag and grinned at the ticket collector. This surprised the collector, who insisted that Grandfather must pay for Toto as if he were a pet dog. Despite Grandfather's attempts to explain that Toto was a monkey, the ticket collector classified him as a dog, resulting in a fare of three rupees.

Q4. Where was Toto kept immediately after grandfather got him? Why?

Ans: Toto was kept in a closet and tied securely to a peg. This was done to keep his presence a secret from the writer's grandmother, who disliked animals.

Q5. Who was Nana? How did Toto tease Nana?

Ans: Nana was the family donkey. She shared the stable with Toto, the mischievous monkey. Toto often teased Nana by biting her long ears with his sharp little teeth. This behaviour frustrated Nana, who eventually could no longer tolerate Toto's antics.

Q6. In what sense was Toto “a pretty monkey”.

Ans: Toto was a pretty monkey. His bright eyes sparkled with mischief beneath his deep-set eyebrows, and his pearly white teeth often displayed a smile that frightened elderly Anglo-Indian ladies. Although his hands appeared dried up, as if pickled in the sun, his fingers were quick and mischievous. His tail, which added to his good looks, served as a third hand. He could hang from a branch and scoop up any delicacy that was out of reach of his hands.

Q7. How did Toto’s love for taking bathe almost led to his being half–boiled?

Ans: Toto had a strong affection for bathing in hot water. One day, he discovered a kettle on the fire, filled with water for tea. Finding the water warm enough, he jumped in, leaving his head sticking out. Initially, he enjoyed the warmth, but as the water began to boil, he felt the heat and tried to escape. However, the cold air outside made him return to the kettle. He kept hopping in and out, playing until his grandmother arrived and rescued him, just in time to prevent him from being half-boiled.

Q8. Why did the grandfather give away Toto, the monkey?

Ans: Toto was very naughty and caused trouble for everyone. The other pets were unhappy with him, and he broke many dishes, tore clothes, and damaged curtains and wallpapers. His behaviour had become very difficult to manage, leading Grandfather to decide to give Toto away.

Q9. Why did the grandfather hide Toto for some time when he brought him home?

Ans: Grandfather loved animals, but Grandmother did not share this affection. She often became annoyed when he brought home new pets. To prevent any conflict, he decided to hide Toto until he could introduce him to her when she was in a good mood. They kept Toto in a small closet connected to my bedroom, where he was tied securely. However, when they returned to release him, they discovered that he had caused quite a mess, tearing down the wallpaper and shredding my blazer.

Q10. Why did grandfather decide to take Toto along with him to Dehradun?

Ans: Grandfather decided to take Toto with him to Dehradun because there were other pets living there. However, Toto was known for not allowing his companions to sleep at night. Therefore, Grandfather made the choice to bring him along.

Q11. Give the names of Grandfather’s pets. Where did they live?

Ans: The names of Grandfather's pets included Nana the donkey, Toto the monkey, a tortoise, a pair of rabbits, a tame squirrel, and a goat. They all lived together in a large cage located in the servants' quarters.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. Write your views in the form of short paragraph on the topic “Should animals be kept as a pet”.

Ans: Before bringing a pet into our homes, it is essential to remember that animals cannot communicate like humans. As responsible pet owners, we must be aware of the various dangers that can threaten these creatures in our households. For instance, pesticides and medicines should be kept out of reach, as they pose serious risks to both pets and children. Additionally, areas where pets could accidentally start a fire, such as kitchens, fireplaces, or near electrical plugs, need to be secured. It is crucial to never leave pets unattended around open flames. Small electrical cords can also be hazardous, so they should be kept at a safe distance. Lastly, all pots and oil bottles should be properly closed to prevent any accidents.

Q2. How can you say that Toto was a mischievous pet?

Ans: Toto was a very mischievous pet. He often tore the wallpapers in the rooms and even damaged a school blazer. Toto caused trouble for other animals and once nearly boiled himself in a kettle. He also made holes in dresses and curtains, and even frightened a ticket checker. Additionally, he broke dishes around the house, proving to be a significant troublemaker for everyone. Therefore, it is clear that Toto was indeed a mischievous pet.

Q3. Describe the incident at Dehradun railway station after reading the story, The Adventures of Toto.

Ans: Grandfather needed to travel to Saharanpur and decided to take Toto, his pet monkey, along. He placed Toto inside a large black canvas bag, which had some straw at the bottom for comfort. When they arrived at the Dehra Dun railway station, Toto began to jump around inside the bag, causing it to roll and attract a crowd of curious onlookers.

As Grandfather approached the ticket turnstile, Toto unexpectedly poked his head out of the bag and grinned at the ticket collector. This surprised the collector, who insisted that Grandfather pay for Toto, claiming he was a dog. Despite Grandfather's attempts to explain that Toto was a monkey and not a dog, the collector insisted on charging a fare of three rupees. In a moment of mischief, Grandfather then took out their pet tortoise and asked what he owed for it. 

Q4. “Toto was not good enough to be kept at home.” Do you agree to this statement? Why/why not.

Ans: Yes, Toto was not good enough to be kept at home. He was constantly up to some kind of mischief. For instance, he tore the wallpapers in the rooms and damaged a school blazer. He also troubled other animals and even got himself into trouble by nearly boiling himself in a kettle. Additionally, he made holes in dresses and curtains, scared the ticket checker, and broke dishes in the house. Therefore, it was quite challenging to keep him at home.

Q5. “Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long.” Explain giving examples from the text.

Ans: Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long because he was extremely mischievous. He caused significant damage by scratching the plaster off the walls, and tearing my school blazer and my aunt’s dresses. On one occasion, he threw plates at my grandmother and splashed water on one of my aunts. His antics included breaking dishes of pulav into pieces. The family could not afford the constant loss of dishes, clothes, curtains, and wallpaper, which ultimately led Grandfather to sell Toto back to the tonga-driver for only three rupees.

Q6. Grandfather was a great lover of animals. Describe.

Ans: The narrator's grandfather was a true animal lover. He had a variety of pets, including a tortoise, a pair of rabbits, a tame squirrel, and a goat. However, he did not have a monkey until Toto arrived, transforming his small collection of animals into a lively zoo. Grandfather enjoyed acquiring different animals, often facing his wife's displeasure when he brought home new additions. Despite this, he was particularly delighted with Toto's cleverness, which added to the charm of his mini zoo.

Q7. How does Toto take a bathe? Where has he learned to do this?

Ans: Toto takes a bath in a tub of warm water. He carefully puts his legs in one by one and uses soap to clean himself. Monkeys are good at imitating others, so Toto learned how to bathe by watching the narrator. He enjoys bathing in warm water and, after testing the temperature with his hand, he steps into the kettle, often with his head sticking out. Toto does not seem to understand the danger of boiling water, so he hops up and down in the kettle until his grandmother rescues him, having nearly boiled himself.