Students rely on Class 9 English Extra Questions and Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Extra Questions and Answers to improve their grades.
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Extra Question Answer
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Class 9 Extra Question Answer
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Short Question Answer
Question 1.
Why did the entire village wait eagerly for the bus every day?
Answer:
The entire village waited eagerly for the bus because it brought newspapers, weekly magazines and letters. In those days, transport facilities were limited, so the bus connected villagers with news, stories, and communication from the outside world, making its arrival an exciting daily event.
Question 2.
Discuss the theme of Kashi Yatre.
Or
What is described in the novel, Kashi Yatre?
Answer:
The theme of the novel Kashi Yatre is selflessness. The old lady, who is the protagonist, saves up money to visit Kashi. Then, she learns about an orphan girl who needed money for her marriage. Therefore, she gives up all her savings to the orphan girl and decides not to visit Kashi.
Question 3.
Kashi Yatre was grandmother’s favourite novel. Why?
Answer:
Kashi Yatre was grandmother’s favourite because she deeply identified with the old lady in the story who longed to visit Kashi. The novel’s emotional message about sacrifice and kindness touched her heart, and she eagerly waited every week to know what would happen next.
Question 4.
How did the grandmother identify herself with the protagonist of Kashi Yatre?
Or
How could the grandmother relate herself to the central character of the story Kashi Yatre?
Answer:
The novel’s protagonist was an old woman who had a great desire to go to Kashi, but could not. Similarly, the grandmother too had never been to Kashi and was very eager to go there.
This was the reason that the grandmother identified herself with the novel’s protagonist.
Question 5.
The novel’s protagonist longed to go to Kashi. Yet she donated all her savings for the marriage of an orphan girl. Why?
Answer:
The novel’s protagonist longed to go to Kashi. However, when she learnt that an orphan girl was unable to get married as she had no money, she donated her savings for her marriage.
This was because she believed that her happiness was more important than worshipping Lord Vishweshwara at Kashi.
Question 6.
Krishtakka was illiterate but a very intelligent learner. Explain.
Answer:
Even though Krishtakka, the narrator’s grandmother was illiterate, she was a very intelligent learner. She could re-produce the entire story of Kashi Yatre after it was read to her by her granddaughter.
Further, at the age of 62 , with her strong willpower, she successfully learned to read and write Kannada.
Question 7.
Why did the grandmother remain illiterate?
Or
Why did the grandmother never go to school?
Answer:
When the grandmother was a young girl, she lost her mother. Her father was a busy man and had remarried. As education for girls was not considered essential in those days, the grandmother never went to school.
Besides, she got married very young and got busy with household responsibilities.
Question 8.
Why was the grandmother in tears?
Or
Which incident made the grandmother realise the importance of education?
Or
Why did the grandmother feel so helpless when her granddaughter went to attend a marriage?
Answer:
Once, when her granddaughter was not in the village, the grandmother could not hear the story of her favourite novel. She couldn’t read it nor could she ask any one to narrate it to her. She got so frustrated at her helplessness that she cried.
Question 9.
What provoked the grandmother to decide to learn the Kannada alphabet?
Answer:
The grandmother decided to learn the Kannada alphabet when no one was there to read her favourite novel while her granddaughter was away.
Feeling helpless and upset about her illiteracy, she resolved to learn to read so that she would no longer depend on others.
Question 10.
Why did the narrator grow sarcastic after learning that her grandmother wanted to learn the Kannada alphabet?
Or
How did the narrator tease her grandmother when she expressed her desire to read?
Answer:
When the grandmother announced her decision to learn the Kannada alphabet, the narrator laughed at her. She never imagined such a situation. At the age of 62, her grandmother wanted to learn how to read and write. So, she made fun of her grandmother.
Question 11.
How did the grandmother react to her granddaughter’s sarcasm?
Answer:
The grandmother did not feel hurt or angry when her granddaughter laughed at her decision to study. Instead, she calmly smiled and confidently said that there is no age limit for learning.
Her response showed determination, maturity and strong belief in the power of education.
Question 12.
How did Sudha Murty help her distressed grandmother?
Answer:
Sudha Murty helped her distressed grandmother by accepting her request to teach her. She was aware that at the age of 62, it would be difficult to learn the alphabet.
However, with her patient efforts and her grandmother’s determination, Sudha succeeded in teaching her how to read and write.
Question 13.
Why did the grandmother touch the narrator’s feet?
Or
The grandmother touched the feet of her granddaughter. How did she justify this gesture of hers?
Answer:
The grandmother touched her granddaughter’s feet to show respect to her as a teacher. She explained that she was not bowing to her granddaughter, but to the teacher who helped her learn to read and become independent.
According to tradition, teachers deserve respect regardless of age.
Question 14.
How had the narrator planned to surprise her Grandmother? How was she herself surprised?
Answer:
Sudha Murty planned to surprise her grandmother on Saraswati Pooja by giving her the novel Kashi Yatre. Instead, she was surprised when her grandmother touched her feet, a reversal of tradition, as it is usually the younger who touch the feet of elders to show respect.
Question 15.
Describe the relationship between Avva and the narrator in the lesson ‘How I Taught My
Grandmother to Read’.
Answer:
Krishtakka was Sudha Murty’s grandmother but she was called Avva, meaning mother, out of affection. They shared a very good relationship. They were more like friends and both understood each other very well. Sudha taught Krishtakka how to read and write, finally making her literate.
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Long Question Answer
Question 1.
Describe how the weekly arrival of the magazine Karmaveera became an important part of the narrator and her grandmother’s life.
Answer:
The weekly arrival of the magazine Karmaveera was a very special event in the village. In those days, transport facilities were poor. Hence, newspapers and magazines arrived late. Everyone waited eagerly for the bus that brought news, letters and magazines.
For the narrator and her grandmother, this weekly arrival became an exciting routine. Every Wednesday, the narrator would read the next episode of the novel Kashi Yatre aloud to her grandmother, who listened with great interest and concentration.
This reading session created a strong emotional bond between them. The grandmother eagerly waited to know what would happen next in the story. After listening, she discussed the episode with her friends in the temple courtyard. The magazine not only entertained her but also inspired her to learn reading later.
Question 2.
Explain the significance of Saraswati Puja in the story and why the grandmother chose it as her deadline .
Answer:
Saraswati Puja is the festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, who represents knowledge, wisdom and learning. In the story, the grandmother decided that she would learn to read before this special day. For her, the festival symbolised the power of education and new beginnings. Choosing this day gave her a clear goal and strong motivation to work hard every day.
The deadline made her more disciplined and determined. She practised reading and writing sincerely to achieve her goal. When the festival arrived, she successfully read the book on her own. This made the day even more meaningful and memorable for her and the narrator.
Question 3.
What life lessons does the story ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’ convey to readers?
Answer:
The story teaches that learning has no age limit. The grandmother began her education at the age of sixty-two. Her determination proves that strong willpower can help people achieve their goals.
It also shows that education brings confidence, independence and self-respect. Through her efforts, the grandmother overcomes helplessness and becomes self-reliant.
Another important lesson is the value of love and support in relationships. The narrator patiently teaches her grandmother with care and respect. Their bond grows stronger through this journey.
The story also highlights respect for teachers and the importance of knowledge in life. Overall, it inspires readers to value education and never stop learning.
Question 4.
Write a character sketch of Krishtakka, the grandmother.
Or
Give the character sketch of the grandmother as depicted in the story ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’. Mention the values that you learn from her character.
Answer:
Krishtakka is the central character of the story and a loving grandmother. She is sixty-two years old and has spent her life caring for her family. Though she never went to school, she clearly understands the value of education.
She ensures that her children and grandchildren study well. She is also religious and thoughtful, as she deeply connects with the novel Kashi Yatre and dreams of visiting Kashi.
Krishtakka is determined, hardworking and independent. At her age, she decides to learn reading and writing with strong dedication. She practises sincerely and achieves her goal. She is humble and respectful, as shown when she touches her granddaughter’s feet as a teacher. Her character teaches determination, respect for education and lifelong learning.
Question 5.
The grandmother says, “For learning there is no age bar.” Her determination inspires you deeply. Write a speech to be delivered in the school assembly on the topic ‘It Is Never Too Late to Learn’.
Answer:
Good morning respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends. Today I am going to speak on the topic ‘It Is Never Too Late to Learn’. Learning is a lifelong journey. Age should never become a barrier to gaining knowledge. With determination and hard work, anyone can learn new skills at any stage of life.
Many people think learning is only for the young. This idea is not correct. People of any age can start learning and improve themselves. Education brings confidence, independence and self-respect.
It helps us grow as better individuals and contribute to society. Let us always stay curious and never stop learning. Keep reading, keep trying, and keep believing in your abilities every day of life.
Thank you.
Question 6.
After reading the story, you realise the importance of respecting teachers and education. Write an article for your school magazine on the topic ‘Respect for Teachers and the Value of Education’.
Answer:
Respect for Teachers and the Value of Education by XYZ
Teachers play a very important role in shaping our lives. They guide us, inspire us and help us discover our abilities. A good teacher not only gives knowledge but also teaches values, discipline and confidence.
Respecting teachers means appreciating their efforts and understanding the hard work they put into building our future every day.
Education is the key to independence and success. It helps us think clearly, make wise decisions and live with dignity. An educated person can face life’s challenges with confidence.
When we respect teachers and value education, we open the door to a brighter future. Therefore, we should always honour our teachers and never take learning for granted in life.
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Extract Based Questions and Answers
Extract 1
My grandmother said that when the magazine arrived during my absence, she saw the picture that accompanied the story but could not understand the words. She rubbed her hands over the pages, wishing she could read them. She felt dependent and helpless and was too embarrassed to ask others for help. She realised that money and comfort were useless if she could not be independent. That moment made her determined to learn the Kannada alphabet.
I. Contradict the statement that the grandmother was happy and satisfied with her life despite being uneducated.
Answer:
The grandmother was not satisfied with her life because she felt helpless and dependent when she couldn’t read the magazine. This made her determined to learn and become independent through education.
II. Which statement best explains the grandmother’s decision to learn reading?
A. She wanted to become a famous writer.
B. She wanted to become independent and not depend on others.
Answer:
B. She wanted to become independent and not depend on others.
III. What can be inferred about the grandmother’s emotional state in this extract?
Answer:
The grandmother felt helpless and dependent because she couldn’t read. This motivated her to learn the alphabet and become independent through education.
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) rubbed
(ii) wishing
(iii) embarrassed
(iv) realised
(v) determined
Select the option that correctly categorises them into action and feeling/thought words.
| Options | Action | Feeling/Thought |
| A | i, ii | iii, iv, v |
| B | i | ii, iii, iv, v |
| C | ii, iv | i, iii, v |
| D | i, v | ii, iii, iv |
Answer:
B
Extract 2
At that time, Triveni was a very popular writer in Kannada. Her writing style was simple, easy to read and very convincing. Her stories often dealt with the complex psychological problems of ordinary people and were always interesting. Even many years after her death, people continued to admire her novels. One of her novels, Kashi Yatre, was being published as a serial in the weekly magazine Karmaveera, and readers waited eagerly for each new episode.
I. What does the phrase ‘readers waited eagerly for each new episode’ convey?
(i) a sense of excitement and curiosity
(ii) the popularity of the serialised story
(iii) boredom among readers
(iv) a habit of reading magazines regularly
(v) strong emotional involvement of readers
A. i,ii, v
B. Only iii
C. iii and iv
D. Only iv
Answer:
A. i,ii, v
II. In what way does Triveni’s writing style explain her popularity among readers?
Answer:
Triveni’s writing was si
mple, convincing and focused on ordinary people’s lives, making her stories relatable and engaging. This explains why readers admired her work and eagerly waited for each new episode.
III. Select the option that correctly completes the following.
The narrator mentions the continued admiration for Triveni’s novels to ________.
A. emphasise the lasting impact and quality of her writing.
B. suggest that readers had no other books to read.
Answer:
A. emphasise the lasting impact and quality of her writing.
IV. What emotion is most strongly conveyed through the phrase ‘waited eagerly’?
Answer:
Excitement and anticipation
Extract 3
The novel Kashi Yatre tells the story of an old lady who longs to go to Kashi or Varanasi. Many Hindus believe that visiting Kashi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara brings great spiritual merit. In the story, there is also a young orphan girl who falls in love but has no money for her wedding. In the end, the old lady gives away her savings to help the girl and says that the girl’s happiness is more important than her own pilgrimage.
I. What does the phrase “the girl’s happiness is more important than her own pilgrimage” convey?
(i) a sense of selfishness
(ii) sacrifice and kindness
(iii) importance of religious duty
(iv) compassion for others
(v) regret for giving money away
A. ii and iv
B. Only iii
C. i and v
D. ii, iii and iv
Answer:
A. ii and iv
II. How does the old lady’s decision contribute to the theme of the story?
Answer:
The old lady’s decision highlights the theme of selflessness and compassion. By giving her savings to help the orphan girl instead of fulfilling her own wish to visit Kashi. She shows that helping others and bringing happiness to them is more important then personal desires.
III. Select the option that correctly completes the following.
The old lady gives away her savings because she wants to
A. postpone her journey to Kashi for some time.
B. help the orphan girl and prioritise human happiness over personal desires.
Answer:
B. help the orphan girl and prioritise human happiness over personal desires.
IV. What emotion is the old lady most likely conveying through her decision?
Answer:
The old lady conveys compassion and selflessness, as she sacrifices her lifelong dream of pilgrimage to help the orphan girl achieve happiness.
Extract 4
My grandmother never went to school, so she could not read. Every Wednesday, when the magazine arrived, I would read the next episode of the story to her. She would forget all her work and listen with great concentration. Later, she could repeat the entire text by heart. She strongly identified with the old woman in the novel and was always eager to know what happened next. After listening to the story, she would discuss it with her friends in the temple courtyard.
I. What does the extract reveal about the bond between the narrator and her grandmother?
Answer:
The extract shows a loving, caring bond where the narrator reads to her grandmother regularly, strengthening their relationship through shared interest and affection.
II. Which of the following statements best explains the grandmother’s reaction to the story?
A. She listened casually without much interest.
B. She was deeply interested and emotionally connected to the story.
Answer:
B. She was deeply interested and emotionally connected to the story.
III. Why did the grandmother listen to the story with great concentration? What does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
The grandmother listened with deep concentration because she was emotionally connected to the story and eager to know what happened next. This shows she was curious, imaginative, enthusiastic about learning, and deeply interested in stories despite being uneducated.
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) listen
(ii) repeat
(iii) identified
(iv) eager
(v) discuss
Select the option that correctly categorises them into action and feeling words.
| Options | Action | Feeling |
| A | i, ii, v | iii, iv |
| B | iii, iv | i, ii, v |
| C | i, iii | ii, iv, v |
| D | ii, iv | i, iii, v |
Answer:
A
Extract 5
Once I went to a neighbouring village to attend a wedding with my cousins. Weddings were big events in those days, and we children enjoyed ourselves endlessly. We ate delicious food, played games and enjoyed our freedom because the elders were busy. I planned to stay for a couple of days but ended up staying for a week. When I returned home, I saw my grandmother in tears. I had never seen her cry before, and I was deeply worried.
I. Why were weddings considered big events in those days?
Answer:
Weddings were considered big events because families gathered, elders stayed busy, and children enjoyed freedom, games, and special food, making the celebration exciting and memorable for everyone.
II. Which of the following statements best explains the narrator’s reaction on seeing her grandmother?
A. She ignored the situation and went to sleep.
B. She felt worried and surprised because she had never seen her grandmother cry.
Answer:
B. She felt worried and surprised because she had never seen her grandmother cry.
III. What can be inferred about the grandmother’s usual personality from this extract?
Answer:
The grandmother was usually strong and cheerful.
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) enjoyed
(ii) planned
(iii) worried
(iv) returned
(v) cried
Select the option that correctly categorises them into action and emotion words.
| Options | Action words | Emotion words |
| A | i, ii, iv | iii, v |
| B | iii, v | i, ii, iv |
| C | i, iii | ii, iv, v |
| D | ii, iv | i, iii, v |
Answer:
A
Extract 6
That night, after dinner, we were sleeping on the open terrace under the full moon. My grandmother came and sat beside me. She told me about her childhood and how she never went to school because education for girls was not considered important. She married young and became busy with household responsibilities. Though she found happiness in caring for her family, she always regretted missing the chance to study and promised herself that her children and grandchildren would receive a good education.
I. What does the phrase ‘always regretted missing the chance to study’ convey?
(i) a sense of sadness and regret
(ii) acceptance of her past happily
(iii) a desire for education
(iv) pride in her life choices
(v) concern for future generations
A. i, iii, v
B. Only ii
C. ii and iv
D. Only v
Answer:
A. i, iii, v
II. How does the description of the grandmother’s childhood contribute to the understanding of the theme of education in the story?
Answer:
The description highlights how lack of education caused lifelong regret and limited independence, reinforcing the story’s message that education empowers individuals and helps future generations avoid similar struggles and missed opportunities.
III. Select the option that correctly completes the following.
The grandmother promised herself that her children and grandchildren would study because she wanted to ________.
A. keep them busy with school work.
B. ensure they did not face the same regret she experienced.
Answer:
B. ensure they did not face the same regret she experienced.
IV. What emotion is the grandmother most likely conveying through her life story?
Answer:
She conveys regret about missing education and determination to ensure her children and grandchildren receive proper schooling and opportunities.
Extract 7
My grandmother said that when the magazine arrived during my absence, she saw the picture that accompanied the story but could not understand the words. She rubbed her hands over the pages, wishing she could read them. She felt dependent and helpless and was too embarrassed to ask others for help. She realised that money and comfort were useless if she could not be independent. That moment made her determined to learn the Kannada alphabet.
I. What does the phrase ‘money and comfort were useless if she could not be independent’ convey?
(i) importance of wealth in life
(ii) value of independence
(iii) regret for being uneducated
(iv) pride in her lifestyle
(v) desire to depend on others
A. ii and iii
B. Only i
C. iii and iv
D. i and v
Answer:
A. ii and iii
II. How does the grandmother’s feelings contribute to the theme of independence in the story?
Answer:
The grandmother’s feelings shows that illiteracy made her feel helpless and dependent, highlighting how education brings confidence, self-reliance and true independence.
III. Select the option that correctly completes the following.
The grandmother decided to learn the Kannada alphabet because she wanted to ________
A. impress the villagers with her reading skills.
B. become independent and stop feeling helpless.
Answer:
B. become independent and stop feeling helpless.
IV. What emotion is the grandmother most likely conveying through her determination to learn?
Answer:
The grandmother conveys strong determination and hope. She feels motivated to overcome helplessness, become independent, and prove that learning is possible at any age through hard work and dedication.
Extract 8
I returned her gesture by touching her feet and gave her the book as a gift. She opened it and read the title Kashi Yatre by Triveni and the publisher’s name. At that moment, I knew that my student had passed with flying colours. My grandmother had achieved independence through education, and the experience left a deep impression on me. It was the proudest moment of my life as her teacher.
I. Why was this moment described as the proudest moment of the narrator’s life as a teacher?
Answer:
This moment was the proudest because the narrator successfully taught her grandmother to read, helping her achieve independence. Seeing her grandmother read confidently proved the value of education and her role as a teacher.
II. Which of the following statements best explains why this moment was special for the narrator?
A. She received an expensive gift from her grandmother.
B. She felt proud seeing her grandmother become independent through education.
Answer:
B. She felt proud seeing her grandmother become independent through education.
III. What can be inferred about the grandmother’s achievement from this extract?
Answer:
The grandmother successfully learnt to read independently, proving her determination and showing that education can be achieved at any age.
IV. Read the following words from the extract.
(i) returned
(ii) achieved
(iii) proudest
(iv) independence
(v) impression
Select the option that correctly categorises them into action and feeling/idea words.
| Options | Action | Feeling/Idea |
| A | i, ii | iii, iv, v |
| B | iii, iv | i, ii, v |
| C | i, iii | ii, iv, v |
| D | ii, iv | i, iii, v |
Answer:
A
Extra Questions of How I Taught My Grandmother to Read for Practice
Extract-Based Questions
Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow.
She told me that she wanted to learn to read before the Saraswati Puja during Dassara. I laughed at her childish ambition because she was sixty-two years old. But she smiled and said that there is no age limit for learning. From the next day, I began teaching her. She was a dedicated student who completed all her homework sincerely. She read, repeated, wrote and practised every day with great determination and enthusiasm.
I. What does the phrase ‘there is no age limit for learning’ convey?
(i) Learning is only for children
(ii) determination to study at any age
(iii) confidence and motivation
(iv) regret about old age
(v) belief in lifelong learning
A. ii, iii, v
B. Only i
C. iii and iv
D. Only v
II. How does the description of the grandmother’s daily practice contribute to the theme of determination in the story?
III. Select the option that correctly completes the following.
The narrator laughed at her grandmother because she thought the idea was ________.
A. unrealistic for her age.
B. very easy to achieve.
IV. What emotion is the grandmother most likely conveying through her smile and hard work?
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
How did the grandmother spend her time after listening to the weekly episode of the novel?
Question 2.
How did the narrator feel when her grandmother shared her life story in the middle of the night?
Question 3.
What qualities made the grandmother a wonderful student?
Question 4.
Why was the Saraswati Puja chosen as the deadline for learning to read?
Question 5.
What lesson did the narrator learn from her grandmother’s determination to study?
Question 6.
The grandmother had some great qualities. Elaborate the ones that impress you the most?
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Explain how the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’ influenced the grandmother emotionally and personally.
Question 2.
Narrate how the grandmother expressed her desire to learn reading and how the narrator initially reacted.
Question 3.
How does the story highlight the importance of education and independence in one’s life?