In this page you can find Class 9 English Extra Questions and Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Extra Questions and Answers will make your practice complete.
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Extra Question Answer
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Class 9 Extra Question Answer
Question 1.
Who was the narrator and where did she live? What profession did she adopt in the end?
Answer:
In the story, the narrator was a girl of twelve. She used to stay in a village in north Karnataka with her grandparents. She taught her grandmother of 62 . The old lady could read a novel within a year on her own only because of her guidance. In the end, the narrator became a teacher in Computer Science and taught hundreds of students.
Question 2.
Who was Triveni and what was the reason for her immense popularity among the people?
Answer:
Triveni was a very popular writer in the Kannada language. She was a wonderful and gifted writer. Her style was easy to read and convincing. She usually took up the complex psychological problems of ordinary people in her stories. Her stories were highly readable and interesting. She died young but people continued liking her novels even after 40 years. Kashi Yatre was one of her famous novels.
Question 3.
Describe Kashi Yatre of Triveni. Why was the grandmother so much influenced by it?
Answer:
Triveni’s famous novel Kashi Yatre was appearing as a serial in the Kannada weekly Karmaveera. It was the story of an old lady. Her ardent desire was to go to Kashi and worship Lord Vishweshwara. But she sacrificed all her savings and gave money to an orphan girl for her marriage. The grandmother too identified herself with the heroine as she had never been to Kashi. She would ask her granddaughter to read every episode to her.
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Class 9 Short Question Answer
Question 1.
Give two examples to show that the grandmother liked Triveni’s Kashi Yatre very much.
Answer:
Triveni was a very popular Kannada writer. Her novel Kashi Yatre was the story of an old lady whose ardent desire was to go to Kashi. She never went there. She gave away all her savings to help an orphan girl for her wedding. The grandmother also never went to Kashi. She identified herself with the old lady of the novel. Secondly, she would ask her granddaughter to read every episode of Kashi Yatre. She would discuss it with her friends at the temple.
Question 2.
Why did the narrator overstay in a neighbouring village and what did she see when she came back to her grandmother?
Answer:
Once the narrator went for a wedding with her cousins to the neighbouring village. In those days wedding used to be a great event for children. They would eat and play endlessly. They enjoyed their freedom because all the elders were busy. She went for a couple of days but stayed there for a week. When she came back to her grandmother, she saw tears in her eyes. She was surprised because she had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situations.
Question 3.
Why was the grandmother in tears?
Answer:
It was shocking to see the grandmother in tears. She had never done so before. Her mother died when she was young and her father married soon. She never went to school. She felt dependent and helpless when she opened Kashi Yatre and understood nothing. Her inability to read brought tears in her eyes.
Question 4.
Why couldn’t the grandmother go to school? Did she regret not going to school? How did she compensate that loss?
Answer:
The grandmother lost her mother when she was still young. There was nobody to look after and guide her. Her father got married and never thought of sending her to school. At times she regretted not going to school. So she made sure that her children and grandchildren studied well. She compensated for that loss by learning to read a novel on her own within a year.
Question 5.
Describe how the grandmother felt when the narrator was away in a neighbouring village. Why did she feel so much dependent and helpless?
Answer:
In the absence of the narrator her grandmother felt quite embarrassed. Karmaveera came as usual. The grandmother opened the magazine. She saw the picture that accompanied the story of Kashi Yatre. She rubbed her hands over the pages but could understand nothing. She even thought of going to the village and asking her granddaughter to read for her. She never felt so much dependent and helpless for being illiterate.
Question 6.
What decision did the 62-year-old grandmother take and why did her granddaughter childishly make fun of the old lady?
Answer:
The grandmother decided to learn the Kannada alphabet from the next day onwards. She fixed the deadline. On the Saraswati Pooja day during Dassara she would be able to read a novel on her own. The granddaughter made fun of the old lady, but she just smiled. The narrator thought the decision as childish for an old lady of sixty-two.
Question 7.
How did the grandmother learn the Kannada alphabet and language from her granddaughter? How did she prove to be a wonderful student?
Answer:
The granddaughter acted as the only teacher of her grandmother. She started her regular tuition. The grandmother was a wonderful student. The amount of homework she did was amazing. She would read, repeat, write and recite. She proved that for learning there is no age bar. She was able to read Kashi Yatre on her own within a year.
Question 8.
How did the grandmother pass with flying colours? How did she prove that for learning there is no age bar?
Answer:
The grandmother was determined to learn the Kannada alphabet and language at the age of sixty-two. Her granddaughter considered it childish. But the old lady proved to be a wonderful student. She would read, repeat, write and recite. She achieved the impossible task. She proved that age is no bar for learning. She was now able to read Kashi Yatre on her own.
Question 9.
How did the narrator respond when her grandmother touched her feet?
Answer:
The narrator was surprised and taken aback on seeing it. Traditionally youngsters touch the feet of elders. But that day the reverse had happened. However, she did return namaskara to her grandmother by touching her feet. She gave a gift to her first student. The grandmother opened it and read immediately the title Kashi Yatre by Triveni. She could read the novel on her own.
Question 10.
Justify the title ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’.
Answer:
The writer, Sudha Murty, has given a very appropriate and logical title. The title shows how a granddaughter of about twelve taught her the alphabet of Kannada to her grandmother. The granddaughter was her only teacher and took her tuition seriously. She would make her read, repeat, write and recite. At last, her student was able to read any novel on her own and had passed with flying colours. She proved that age is no bar for learning.
Question 11.
Why did the old lady in Kashi Yatre sacrifice her savings? Why didn’t she go to Kashi to worship Lord Vishweshwara there? [Inference]
Answer:
The old lady in Kashi Yatre had an ardent desire of going to Kashi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara there. But she had to sacrifice her ardent desire for marrying a young orphan girl. In the end, the old lady gave away all her savings to the girl without going to Kashi. For her, the happiness of the orphan girl was more important than worshipping Lord Vishweshwara at Kashi.
Question 12.
Why did the grandmother identify herself with the main character of the novel Kashi Yatre? [Inference]
Answer:
Triveni’s novel Kashi Yatre described the story of an old lady. Her desire was to go to Kashi and worship Lord Vishweshwara there. The grandmother too desired it. But the old lady of the novel never went to Kashi. She gave away all her savings to an orphan girl for her wedding. The grandmother identified herself with the old lady of Kashi Yatre. Like her, she never went to Kashi either.
Question 13.
Why did the grandmother touch the feet of her granddaughter? [Analysis]
Answer:
On the Dassara festival day, the grandmother called her granddaughter to the pooja place and made her sit down on a stool. She gave her a gift of a frock material. Then she did something unusual. She bent down and touched the feet of her granddaughter. The granddaughter was surprised and taken aback. The grandmother explained that she was touching the feet of a teacher and not of her granddaughter. A teacher should be respected, irrespective of the gender and age.
Question 14.
‘For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle… . For learning, there is no age bar’. Justify this statement of the grandmother. [Analysis]
Answer:
Learning the Kannada alphabet at the age of sixty-two appears to be a childish decision. Even the narrator makes fun of her grandmother. But the grandmother justifies that with determination you can overcome any obstacle. Her hardwork is rewarded. She proves that for learning there is no age bar. She can read a novel on her own. She is no more dependent and helpless now.
Question 15.
What is the message that Sudha Murty wishes to give to her readers through the lesson ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’? Doesn’t the lesson encourage ‘Adult Education’ that is the need of the hour in India? [Interpretation]
Answer:
In ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’, Sudha Murthy conveys a positive message. ‘For a good cause, if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle. For learning there is no age bar.’ These words of the grandmother sum up the message. With diligence and hardwork even an old lady of sixty-two can learn how to read a novel on her own. The lesson also highlights the need for ‘Adult Education’. The youth can help in making the senior citizens literate. Millions of adult illiterates can learn a lesson from the grandmother of the story. Again, age is no bar for learning.
Question 16.
How had the narrator planned to surprise her grandmother? How was she herself surprised? [Inference]
Answer:
The narrator planned to surprise her grandmother with the novel Kashi Yatre. However, she was surprised when her grandmother, in turn, gifted her frock material and touched her feet, expressing unexpected gratitude.
Question 17.
What was the nature of the debate in the temple courtyard, and why did the narrator struggle to comprehend its significance? [Evaluation]
Answer:
The women passionately debated the characters’ fate, actions, and societal changes depicted in ‘Kashi Yatre.’ The narrator, being just twelve years old, found it challenging to grasp the nuanced reasons and outcomes of the discussions, except for the understanding that the women were dissecting the life of the novel’s central character.
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Class 9 Long Question Answer
Question 1.
Necessity and urge for independence and learning led the grandmother to attain literacy and education in her old age. Describe the incident that made the grandmother decide to learn the Kannada alphabet and language. How did she succeed in her endeavour?
Answer:
The grandmother was deeply interested in reading Kashi Yatre of Triveni. It was appearing as a serial in the Kannada weekly Karmaveera at that time. The grandmother, Krishtakka never went to school and so couldn’t read it. She would ask her granddaughter to read every episode. Once the narrator went for a wedding in a neighbouring village for a couple of days. But she stayed there for a week. The grandmother was embarrassed. She opened the magazine. She saw the pictures that accompanied the story of Kashi Yatre.
She could not understand anything. She felt very dependent and helpless. Illiteracy had become a curse for her. Then the grandmother took the most important decision of her life. She determined to learn the Kannada alphabet from the next day. She also fixed the deadline. She would be able to read a novel on her own on the Saraswati Pooja day during Dassara. She wanted to be independent.
She worked day and night and did an amazing amount of homework. Her granddaughter was her only teacher. She would read, repeat, write and recite. Her efforts were rewarded. Traditionally. She was able to read Kashi Yatre on her own.
Question 2.
Learning has no age bar. The seemingly incredible decision of the grandmother was not an act of childishness but a determined effort to succeed and get education. How did the narrator’s grandmother learn the Kannada alphabet and language? How could she accomplish this almost impossible task in such a short time? Describe the role of the narrator in this regard.
Answer:
The grandmother of the narrator took an incredible decision. The old woman with wrinkled face and weak eyesight declared that she would start learning the Kannada alphabet from the next day. Her granddaughter was taken aback. It was an unusual decision at sixty-two. She laughed at her ‘childishness’ but the old lady just smiled. The narrator found a wonderful student in the grandmother. She started her tuition seriously. The old lady would read, repeat, write and recite. All her efforts were rewarded. The Dassara came as usual. It was the deadline set by the grandmother. On that day, she called her teacher to the pooja place and touched her feet. The narrator also touched her feet and gave a gift to her first student. It was a copy of Kashi Yatre. The old lady opened it and read immediately. There after she could read any novel on her own.
Question 3.
“For a good cause, if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle. For learning there is no age bar.” How do these words echo the message that Sudha Murty wants to convey to her readers?
Answer:
Certainly, these words were no empty words. They were prophetic. For a right cause, the determined efforts do succeed. They overcome all obstacles. And for learning there is no age bar. This message is highlighted through the struggle and achievement of the grandmother. The grandmother was an old lady of sixty-two. Her hands were wrinkled. She wore spectacles. And above all, she was totally illiterate. All these negative factors worked against her. Even her own granddaughter laughed at her and thought her decision as childish. The message is very clear. There is no age bar for learning. She was a wonderful student. Even at such a ripe age, the amount of homework she did was amazing. She would read, repeat, write and recite. And finally, she overcame all her hurdles. She was able to read any novel on her own. She was independent and didn’t need anybody’s help.
Question 4.
Highlighting her old age, vision and determination to get education, give a character-sketch of the narrator’s grandmother Krishtakka as drawn in ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’.
Answer:
Sudha Murty has drawn a very powerful and determined character in the grandmother, Krishtakka. The grandmother had not been very fortunate in her childhood. She lost her mother when she was quite young. Her father married soon. There was nobody to look after and guide her. In those days people never considered education essential for girls. Hence, she never went to school. She married young and had children and grandchildren. She was a good housewife who felt so much happiness in cooking and feeding all of her children.
The grandmother used to regret not going to school. But she grew wiser and made sure that her children and grandchildren studied well. The absence of her granddaughter for a week, made her realise that she was very dependent and helpless without education. She was dependent on granddaughter for reading her favourite novel Kashi Yatre. The grandmother was bold and visionary. At the age of sixty-two she decided to cast off illiteracy. She decided to learn the Kannada alphabet from her granddaughter. Later on, she was able to read any novel on her own. She proved that there is no age bar for learning. Hardwork can overcome all hindrances.
Question 5.
Constant help and encouragement of a teacher gives the best result out of students. Describe the role of the narrator in the life of her grandmother. Highlight her sincere efforts to educate the old lady and make he. ‘wonderful student’.
Answer:
The narrator plays a very important role in the life of her grandmother. She was a girl of twelve living with her grandparents in a village of north Karnataka.
The old lady was very much interested in Triveni’s famous novel Kashi Yatre. She could not read or write. Therefore, she would ask the narrator to read the next episode of the novel that was appearing in Karmaveera. The granddaughter did her job very dutifully. She had become an indispensable part of her grandmother’s life. The old lady realised this only when the narrator overstayed in a neighbouring village. The next episode of Kashi Yatre had come but there was no one to read it out for her. The old lady realised how much dependent she was on her granddaughter.
No doubt, the narrator initially laughed at the unusual decision of her grandmother. However, she did her tuition work sincerely when she realised that her grandmother was determined. She would make her read, repeat, write and recite. Her devotion bore fruit. The grandmother achieved her target well within time. She made a touching gesture. She touched the feet of her granddaughter. It was a tribute that a wonderful student was giving to a dedicated teacher.
Question 6.
Write about the following memories or experiences. Share your views with the class. [Extrapolation]
(i) A memorable holiday spent with your grandmother
Answer:
A memorable holiday spent with my grandmother: Grandmothers are more than mothers. I still remember how I spent a holiday with my grandmother. It had seen quite a long time since I met her. I found her standing at the village bus stand to receive me. She was really excited. She had prepared some of my favourite dishes only for me. She took me to the fields. We stopped at the canal. What a sight! Children were diving into it from a wooden bridge. I enjoyed fresh sugarcanes. It was evening. A herd of cattle was returning home. My grandmother would not let me sleep early. She had many interesting stories to tell. She talked of her youth, her good old times and her hobbies. She kissed me affectionately before I went to bed.
(ii) A story told by your grandmother
Answer:
A story told by my grandmother: It is difficult to imagine a grandmother without her fanciful stories. My grandmother is a great storyteller. Her narrative skill is very real and convincing. She will make you believe even the incredible.
She has stored many stories in her memory. Her favourite story is of Savitri and Yama. Savitri’s husband was cutting wood in the forest. He fell down from a tree and died. The God of death, Yama came to take him to the other world. Savitri would not let him come near the dead body of her husband. She remained glued to the dead body for many days. She didn’t eat and sleep. The God of death was moved. He had never seen such a devoted and determined wife. He was pleased and restored Savitri’s husband to life.
(iii) The things you admire the most about your grandmother
Answer:
The things I admire the most about my grandmother: My grandmother is my rolemodel. I am very much impressed with her personality. But there are certain things which I admire the most in her character. The first thing is her sense of discipline. She is very regular and punctual. She gets up at 5 a.m. in the morning. She is ready for her prayers before 6 a.m. She has always a fixed time for everything. I like her deep faith in God. Her sense of cleanliness is extremely praiseworthy. She looks noble and dignified in her spotless white clothes. All these things make her a very pleasing and dignified personality.
(iv) The difference between your mother and your grandmother
Answer:
The difference between my mother and my grandmother: Human relations generally defy comparisons. But still there are certain basic differences between my mother and my grandmother. I am also different from my mother. So is my grandmother from her daughter-in-law. Basically it is a generation gap. My grandmother is conservative. She is highly religious. She has deep faith in God and fate. But my mother is a working woman. She has a progressive outlook towards life and people. She is not so religious. She believes that everyone has a right to lead one’s own kind of life.
My grandmother thinks that home and children are the most important things for any woman. My mother thinks of other things as well. She believes that a woman must have freedom to decide what is good or bad for her.
Question 7.
After having read the story, you realise the anguish of the illiterate adults. You want to make your friends aware of it and contribute something in bringing about a change in the lives of the illiterate adults. Deliver a speech in the morning assembly at your school about the ‘Importance of Adult Education’ and ways to implement it.
[Creativity] Read the following to make your speech effective. The introduction of a speech is like the nose of an airplane. The nose sets the course and leads the plane off in a specific direction. A good introduction sets the direction of your speech by
- getting the attention of your audience
- introducing your topic
- stating your central idea or purpose
- briefly identifying the main points
- making your audience eager to hear what you have to say
Answer:
Importance of Adult Education and Ways to Implement it
Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends! India’s economic achievements may be spectacular. It has taken rapid strides in many field. But let me ask you a question. Don’t we feel ashamed at having the maximum number of illiterates in the world? Doesn’t it make a mockery of all our achievements? I want to make, particularly my friends, aware of it. I want that all of us must contribute something in bringing about a change in the lives of the illiterate adults.
I feel that every unit of N.S.S. in schools must call for volunteers. The volunteers of each unit must adopt at least five villages. They must set their targets. I think two years are enough. Scatter out in the villages. Find out the illiterate adults. Be respectful and cooperative. Give them at least 20 hours a week. I want to draw the attention of all of you to the grandmother of the story ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’. When an old and illiterate lady like Krishtakka can read a novel within a year, why can’t others? Let’s be like the granddaughter. Let’s be totally devoted to the cause of the illiterates. We can do wonders. A day will come when we will not have a single illiterate in India. It may take time. But that day will come.
Question 8.
“For learning there is no age bar”, says the grandmother at sixty-two. How do these words express the anguish and hope of the illiterate adults? How can these words of the grandmother be a message of hope for the ‘Adult Education’ in India? [Interpretation]
Answer:
The grandmother can be a source of inspiration for all illiterate adults. It is never too late for learning. The young students can act as teachers. Like the narrator, they can make the illiterate adults learn alphabets and make them literate.
Question 9.
How did Sudha Murty bridge the generational gap in her approach to teaching her grandmother? [Analysis]
Answer:
Sudha Murty bridged the generation gap by incorporating elements from her grandmother’s world into the teaching process. In the captivating story “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read,” Sudha Murty uses a thoughtful approach to bridge the gap between different generations. She is patient and understanding, realizing that her grandmother’s way of learning comes from a different time. Sudha Murty’s teaching style reflects a deep empathy that is felt throughout her storytelling, creating an environment where learning can happen effectively. A crucial aspect of Sudha Murty’s approach is her respect for her grandmother’s cultural background.
She cleverly includes traditional elements in her teaching, showing sensitivity to her grandmother’s culture. This not only helps in making her literate but also preserves and honours her grandmother’s heritage. By connecting the lessons to familiar aspects of her grandmother’s life, she makes the learning experience meaningful and relatable. Through stories and anecdotes, she creates a connection that goes beyond the boundaries of generations. She finds a delicate balance between holding onto tradition and being open to change. This blend harmoniously bridges the gap between generations, making the journey of learning a shared and enriching experience for both Sudha Murty and her grandmother.
Question 10.
Explain the symbolism of the grandmother touching Sudha Murty’s feet in the context of their relationship. [Interpretation]
Answer:
The grandmother’s touching Sudha Murty’s feet symbolized a powerful transformation in their relationship, transcending traditional generational roles. Sudha Murty, usually considered the younger in the relationship, became a symbol of wisdom and guidance, prompting the grandmother to express her reverence through this traditional gesture. In Indian culture, touching someone’s feet is a profound sign of respect, often reserved for elders, gurus, or revered figures. In this context, it signified the grandmother acknowledging Sudha Murty as a source of knowledge and inspiration.
The act carried a deeper meaning, suggesting that the exchange of wisdom and experiences had created a unique connection between them. Sudha Murty’s role as a storyteller and the grandmother’s receptivity to these stories transformed their dynamic into a beautiful interplay of learning and teaching. It showcased the universality of learning, where age and societal norms became secondary to the shared understanding and appreciation of wisdom.
Question 11.
As a grandmother in the story ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’ write a short diary entry on your transformation. [Extrapolation]
8 May 20XX
8:00 pm
Answer:
Dear Diary
Today has unfolded as a chapter of metamorphosis in my life. My granddaughter introduced me to Kashi Yatre, a literary world that had been distant from me due to the absence of formal education in my younger days. As she read aloud, I sensed a profound shift within me-a thirst for knowledge and a longing for the stories I could now comprehend. In her absence, the quiet in the room echoed the void left by the unspoken words of the story.
This day revealed a newfound appreciation for education, a key to unlocking worlds previously inaccessible. The written word, once a mystery, is now a source of liberation. My granddaughter’s patient teachings have unraveled the magic of letters, and I embark on a journey of learning, embracing the transformative power of literacy. Today, I realized that it’s never too late to embrace the joy of education.
Sunita
Question 12.
Imagine you are the grandmother. In about 150 words, write a letter to share your thoughts, feelings, ambitions, and resolutions as a neo-literate.
[Imagination]
Answer:
My Dearest Krishna
As I pen down these words, I find myself on a new and exhilarating journey-the journey of a neoliterate. The gift you bestowed upon me, Kashi Yatre, unfolded worlds of wonder, and with each turned page, I sensed a profound awakening within. The magic of literacy has opened doors to realms I never dared to dream.
Feelings of gratitude and joy intertwine as I embark on this educational expedition. My ambitions, once limited by the confines of illiteracy, now soar boundlessly. I yearn to explore literature, absorb knowledge, and perhaps even share my own stories someday. My heart swells with resolutions-to devour every book within my reach, to relish the power of words, and to bridge the generational gap through shared tales.
As a neo-literate, I pledge to cherish this newfound treasure, valuing education as a lifelong companion.
Thank you, my dearest, for being my guiding light on this enchanting path.
Arpana Sharma
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Extract Based Questions and Answers
Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow:
1. One of her novels, called Kashi Yatre, was appearing as a serial in the Kannada weekly Karmaveera then. It is the story of an old lady and her ardent desire to go to Kashi or Varanasi. Most Hindus believe that going to Kashi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara is the ultimate punya. This old lady also believed in this, and her struggle to go there was described in that novel. (Page 3)
(i) Who is the author of the novel Kashi Yatre and where did it appear?
Answer:
Triveni is the author of the novel Kashi Yatre. The book appeared as a serial in a Kannada weekly named ‘Karmaveera’.
(ii) Which word used in the extract can be replaced by the word given in the brackets? (desirable/keen)
Answer:
ardent.
(iii) Why did the old lady have this ardent desire to go to Kashi?
Answer:
Like most Hindus, the old lady believed that going to Kashi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara is the ultimate punya and so she had this ardent desire to go to Kashi to worship Lord Vishweshwara.
(iv) Complete the following sentence with the appropriate option.
The phrase ‘the ultimate punya’ used in the extract means ______.
(a) The highest or greatest good deed
(b) A small act of kindness
(c) A material reward
(d) A casual activity
Answer:
(a) The highest or greatest good deed
(v) What is the main theme of the novel Kashi Yatre mentioned in the passage?
(a) The adventures of a young boy
(b) The struggle of an old lady to go to Kashi and perform a holy pilgrimage
(c) A story about education and literacy
(d) The life of a famous writer
Answer:
(b) The struggle of an old lady to go to Kashi and perform a holy pilgrimage
2. In the story, there was also a young orphan girl who falls in love but there is no money for the wedding. In the end, the old lady gives away all her savings without going to Kashi. She says, ‘The happiness of this orphan girl is more important than worshipping Lord Vishweshwara at Kashi.’ (Page 3)
(i) Which word or phrase in the extract indicates that the story mentioned had a sad and melancholy tone weaved in it?
Answer:
Young orphan girl
(ii) Which of the following aspect is not emphasized in the extract?
(a) The poverty of the orphan girl
(b) The love affairs of the girl
(c) Grandmother’s keen desire to go to Kashi for worshipping Lord Vishweshwara
(d) The pious and noble nature of the lady
Answer:
(c) Grandmother’s keen desire to go to Kashi for worshipping Lord Vishwes̄hwara
(iii) How do you interpret the act of the old lady?
Answer:
The old lady was highly generous and pious, and for her, giving happiness to a needy person is more important than earning punya by worshipping Lord Vishweshwara at Kashi.
(iv) What did the orphan girl wish to do?
Answer:
The poor orphan girl fell in love with a boy but she did not have money for wedding.
(v) Complete the following with the correct option from those given in the brackets.
The old lady gives away all her savings in order to get the poor girl married which establishes a new ______ in the society. (tradition/moral)
Answer:
moral
3. During that time, she would forget all her work and listen with the greatest concentration. Later, she could repeat the entire text by heart. My grandmother too never went to Kashi, and she identified herself with the novel’s protagonist. So, more than anybody else, she was the one most interested in knowing what happened next in the story and used to insist that I read the serial out to her. (Pages 3 & 4)
(i) Why was the grandmother most interested in the novel Kashi Yatre?
(a) She wanted to travel to Kashi immediately.
(b) She could relate to the struggles of the protagonist.
(c) She wanted to write a similar story.
(d) She disliked the story but wanted to read it anyway.
Answer:
(b) She could relate to the struggles of the protagonist.
(ii) How did the grandmother show her interest in the story?
Answer:
She listened to the story with great concentration, could repeat the entire text by heart, and insisted that the narrator read the serial out to her.
(iii) Fill in the blank with correct word.
My grandmother too never went to Kashi, so she ______ herself with the novel’s protagonist.
Answer:
identified
(iv) What does the grandmother’s ability to repeat the text by heart tell us about her character?
Answer:
It shows her strong memory, dedication, and eagerness to learn despite her old age.
(v) Identify the tense used in the sentence: “Later, she could repeat the entire text by heart.”
Answer:
(Past tense (with modal verb “could”)
4. ‘When I was a young girl, I lost my mother. There was nobody to look after and guide me. My father was a busy man and got married again. In those days people never considered education essential for girls, so I never went to school. I got married very young and had children. I became very busy. Later I had grandchildren and always felt so much happiness in cooking and feeding all of you. At times I used to regret not going to school, so I made sure that my children and grandchildren studied well…’ (Page 6)
(i) Why didn’t the grandmother go to school?
(a) She was not interested in learning.
(b) Her father did not allow her to study.
(c) People in those days did not consider education essential for girls.
(d) She moved to another city
Answer:
(c) People in those days did not consider education essential for girls.
(ii) How did the grandmother feel about her own education later in life? Complete the sentence. Grandmother regretted not going to school and wanted to ______ .
Answer:
ensure her children and grandchildren studied well.
(iii) What is the speaker’s agony?
Answer:
The speaker’s agony is that she could not go to school to get proper education because of the prevailing family circumstances and social norms.
(iv) What does the extract reveal about the social attitude towards girls’ education in the past??
Answer:
It shows that in those days, society did not consider education important for girls, so many girls, like the grandmother, missed the opportunity to go to school.
(v) Identify the tense used in the sentence:
“Later I had grandchildren and always felt so much happiness in cooking and feeding all of you.”
Answer:
Past tense
5. I felt you would come early and read for me. I even thought of going to the village and asking you to read for me. I could have asked somebody in this village but I was too embarrassed to do so. I felt so very dependent and helpless. We are well-off, but what use is money when I cannot be independent?’ (Pages 7 & 8)
(i) Why did the grandmother not ask anyone in the village to read for her?
(a) She did not trust them.
(b) She was too embarrassed.
(c) They were not available.
(d) She did not like the story.
Answer:
(b) She was too embarrassed.
(ii) Why does grandmother feel very dependent and helpless?
Answer:
Grandmother was illiterate. She was not able to read even a word from the magazine. So in the absence of her granddaughter, she feels herself dependent and helpless.
(iii) What does the phrase ‘well-off’ mean here?
Answer:
The phrase ‘well off’ means prosperous that the family of the narrator is.
(iv) Explain the phrase ‘What use is money…’ in the context of the story.
Answer:
The phrase ‘what use is money…’ means that the prosperity and money of the family are of no use if it cannot buy education for children and the speaker expresses her agony as she could not read or write and felt helpless and dependent.
(v) What does this extract reveal about the grandmother’s character?
Answer:
It shows that she values self-respect and independence more than wealth and feels deeply troubled by her illiteracy.
6. ‘Avva, at this age of sixty-two you want to learn the alphabet? All your hair is grey, your hands are wrinkled, you wear spectacles and you have so much work in the kitchen…’ Childishly I made fun of the old lady. But she just smiled. ‘For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle. I will work harder than anybody but I will do it. For learning, there is no age bar.’ (Page 8)
(i) The old lady was ridiculed and laughed at. Why?
Answer:
The old lady, the grandmother of the narrator, was ridiculed as she decided to learn Kannada alphabet at the age of 62 when her hair had become grey and hands wrinkled.
(ii) Explain the sentence ‘For learning there is no age bar’ used in the extract.
Answer:
It is never too late to learn anything and there is no age bar, as any person of any age can start learning and get educated.
(iii) How did the narrator react when the grandmother said she wanted to learn the alphabet?
(a) She encouraged her immediately.
(b) She was indifferent.
(c) She made fun of her childishly.
(d) She refused to teach her.
Answer:
(c) She made fun of her childishly.
(iv) Complete the sentence drawing inference from the extract: The smile of the grandmother also explains that she understood that her granddaughter.
Answer:
might be too immature to understand her pain and suffering she was going through.
(v) What does the grandmother’s statement “For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle” convey about her personality?
Answer:
It shows that she is determined, hardworking, patient, and believes in perseverance.
7. She said, ‘I am touching the feet of a teacher, not my granddaughter; a teacher who taught me so well, with so much of affection that I can read any novel confidently in such a short period. Now I am independent. It is my duty to respect a teacher. Is it not written in our scriptures that a teacher should be respected, irrespective of the gender and age? (Page 9)
(i) Why did the grandmother touch her granddaughter’s feet?
(a) Because she is her granddaughter
(b) To show respect to a teacher
(c) To apologise for being slow in learning
(d) To ask for more lessons
Answer:
(b) To show respect to a teacher
(ii) How does the grandmother describe her teacher in the extract?
Answer:
She describes her teacher as affectionate and capable of teaching her so well that she can read any novel confidently in a short time.
(iii) What has been written in the scripture regarding the teacher?
Answer:
In the Hindu scriptures, a teacher is considered equivalent to God and hence she/he must be respected irrespective of her/his age and social status.
(iv) What is the position of a teacher in the society?
Answer:
A teacher in our society is respected irrespective of their gender, caste or age.
(v) What values does the grandmother demonstrate by touching the teacher’s feet?
Answer:
The grandmother demonstrates humility, respect for education, gratitude, and recognition of the teacher’s efforts, irrespective of age or gender.
8. She said, ‘I am touching the feet of a teacher, not my granddaughter; a teacher who taught me so well, with so much of affection that I can read any novel confidently in such a short period. Now I am independent. It is my duty to respect a teacher. Is it not written in our scriptures that a teacher should be respected, irrespective of the gender and age’?
I did return namaskara to her by touching her feet and gave my gift to my first student. She opened it and read the title Kashi Yatre by Triveni and the publisher’s name. I knew then that my student had passed with flying colours.
(i) Choose the option that lists the most likely response to “… I am touching the feet of a teacher”.
(a) feel shy
(b) get anxious
(c) feel overwhelmed
(d) get upset
Answer:
(c) feel overwhelmed
(ii) Complete the sentence with the correct option from those given in the brackets.
“A teacher should be respected irrespective of ________ ” (gender and age/caste and creed)
Answer:
gender and age
(iii) Select the sentence that best brings out the meaning of ‘confidently’ as used in the extract.
(a) Some of the information was confidently misleading.
(b) The report asserts confidently that the world economy will get a boost from the market collapse.
(c) The present memoir is confidently a tribute to his ability and character.
(d) The pandemic has confidently brought down the market.
Answer:
(b) The report asserts confidently that the world economy will boost from the market collapse.
(iv) What does the phrase ‘flying colours’ used in the extract mean?
Answer:
successful
(v) Who wants to be independent and what does the narrator mean by the term ‘independent’?
Answer:
The grandmother wants to be independent, and by ‘independent’ the narrator means being able to read and write on her own without depending on others.
Extra Questions of How I Taught My Grandmother to Read for Practice
I. Reference to Context
Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow:
1. I could not understand why my sixty-two-year-old grandmother was telling me, a twelve-year-old, the story of her life in the middle of the night. But I knew, I loved her immensely and there had to be some reason why she was talking to me. I looked at her face. It was unhappy and her eyes were filled with tears. She was a goodlooking lady who was almost always smiling. Even today, I cannot forget the worried expression on her face. I leaned forward and held her hand. (Page 7)
(i) Why was the narrator surprised by her grandmother’s behaviour?
(a) Her grandmother was angry with her.
(b) Her grandmother was telling her life story late at night.
(c) Her grandmother refused to speak to her.
(d) Her grandmother was laughing loudly.
(ii) Complete the following sentence with an appropriate possible reason.
The grandmother chose to talk about her life at night because ________ .
(iii) What does the narrator’s action of holding her grandmother’s hand show?
(a) She wanted to stop the conversation.
(b) She was afraid of the night.
(c) She cared deeply for her grandmother and wanted to comfort her.
(d) She wanted her grandmother to sleep.
(iv) What does the grandmother’s worried expression and tears reveal about her feelings at that moment?
(v) What does the phrase ‘filled with tears’ mean in the passage?
2. The next day onwards, I started my tuition. Avva was a wonderful student. The amount of homework she did was amazing. She would read, repeat, write and recite. I was her only teacher and she was my first student. Little did I know then that one day I would become a teacher in Computer Science and teach hundreds of students.
(i) What qualities of Avva are highlighted in the passage?
(a) Laziness and carelessness
(b) Determination and hard work
(c) Anger and impatience
(d) Fear and hesitation
(ii) What does Avva’s dedication to homework suggest about her attitude toward learning?
(iii) How did teaching her grandmother influence the narrator’s future?
(iv) What does the line “I was her only teacher and she was my first student” mainly suggest?
(a) The narrator did not like teaching.
(b) The narrator had many students before.
(c) The narrator and her grandmother shared a special learning relationship.
(d) The grandmother refused to study with others.
(v) What does the phrase ‘Little did I know’ mean in the passage?
II. Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Why was Triveni so popular among the people? Give two reasons.
Question 2.
Describe Triveni’s Kashi Yatre. Why did the grandmother like it so much?
Question 3.
How did the grandmother know the text of every new episode of Kashi Yatre by heart in spite of not able to read anything?
Question 4.
Why did the narrator go to a neighbouring village? What change did she notice when she came back to her village?
Question 5.
Why couldn’t the grandmother learn anything even after her marriage?
III. Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Give a character sketch of the grandmother highlighting her dedication and determination to achieve her target.
Question 2.
Describe the role of the granddaughter in educating the grandmother.
Question 3.
Why did the grandmother take the most unusual decision of her life and how did she succeed?
Question 4.
“For learning age is no bar.” Doesn’t this message highlight the importance of ‘Adult Education’ in India? Write your opinion.
Question 5.
The old lady realised rather late – at the age of sixty-two-that she was very dependent and helpless. Critically analyse the change that came in the grandmother and what the result was of such a change. What can we learn from the extraordinary story of the grandmother?