Important Questions and Answers for Class 9 English (Kaveri) Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read | 2026-27

The Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 Important Questions focus on the grandmother's love for reading, her childhood circumstances, the influence of Triveni's Kashi Yatre, and her journey towards independence. These questions include factual, analytical and inference-based practice, along with vocabulary, grammar and writing exercises drawn from the chapter's learning activities.

Class 9 English Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Multiple Choice Questions

Q1. Why did newspapers and weekly magazines arrive late in the narrator's village?

(a) The villagers did not subscribe to them.
(b) The transport system was not very good.
(c) The nearest printing press had closed.
(d) The post office remained closed for several days.

Answer: (b) The transport system was not very good.

Explanation: In the north Karnataka village, morning newspapers arrived in the afternoon, and weekly magazines generally arrived one day late because transport facilities were limited.

Q2. Who wrote Kashi Yatre, the Kannada novel loved by the grandmother?

(a) Sudha Murty
(b) Mahadevi Verma
(c) Triveni
(d) Sarojini Naidu

Answer: (c) Triveni.

Explanation: Triveni was a popular Kannada writer whose novel Kashi Yatre appeared in the weekly magazine Karmaveera. Her stories explored the psychological problems of ordinary people.

Q3. What did the elderly woman in Kashi Yatre finally do with her savings?

(a) She purchased a new house.
(b) She donated the money to a temple.
(c) She gave the money to help a young orphan girl get married.
(d) She used the money to travel to Kashi.

Answer: (c) She gave the money to help a young orphan girl get married.

Explanation: The elderly woman chose to help the orphan girl rather than fulfil her own desire to visit Kashi. Her decision reflects compassion and concern for another person's happiness.

Q4. What made Krishtakka realise how dependent she was on others?

(a) She could not visit her friends.
(b) She could not read the latest episode of Kashi Yatre while her granddaughter was away.
(c) She forgot the ending of an earlier story.
(d) She misplaced her spectacles.

Answer: (b) She could not read the latest episode of Kashi Yatre while her granddaughter was away.

Explanation: She had the magazine but could not understand the written text. This made her feel helpless and encouraged her to become literate.

Q5. On which occasion did the grandmother want to read a novel independently?

(a) Her birthday
(b) Independence Day
(c) Saraswati Puja during Dassara
(d) The beginning of the next school year

Answer: (c) Saraswati Puja during Dassara.

Explanation: Krishtakka set herself a clear deadline. She wanted to learn enough Kannada to read a novel without help by Saraswati Puja.

Q6. Why did Krishtakka touch her granddaughter's feet at the end of the story?

(a) She wanted permission to continue studying.
(b) She was showing respect to her granddaughter as her teacher.
(c) She was apologising for not attending school.
(d) She was following a custom in which elders touch children's feet.

Answer: (b) She was showing respect to her granddaughter as her teacher.

Explanation: Krishtakka believed that teachers deserve respect irrespective of their age or gender. Her gesture recognised the role her granddaughter had played in helping her become literate.

Class 9 English Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Very Short Answer Questions

Q7. What does the word 'Avva' mean in the Kannada spoken in North Karnataka?

Answer:

'Avva' means 'mother'. The narrator affectionately uses this word to address her grandmother.

Q8. How old were the narrator and her grandmother when the teaching began?

Answer:

The narrator was twelve years old, and her grandmother, Krishtakka, was sixty-two years old.

Q9. What was the name of the Kannada weekly magazine that published Kashi Yatre?

Answer:

The novel Kashi Yatre was published in instalments in the Kannada weekly Karmaveera.

Q10. What does the expression 'passed with flying colours' mean?

Answer:

The expression means achieving excellent results or performing very successfully. The narrator uses it to describe her grandmother's success in learning to read.

Q11. Why had Krishtakka not attended school during her childhood?

Answer:

Krishtakka lost her mother when she was young, and her father was busy. At that time, education was not considered essential for girls. She later married young and became occupied with family responsibilities.

Class 9 English Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Short Answer Questions

Q12. Why was Krishtakka so interested in the novel Kashi Yatre?

Answer:

Krishtakka was interested in Kashi Yatre because its elderly protagonist wanted to visit Kashi, a place Krishtakka herself had never visited. She identified with the character's desire and became eager to know what happened next.

Every Wednesday, her granddaughter read the latest instalment to her. Krishtakka listened with concentration, remembered the story and discussed it with her friends. Her strong interest in the novel eventually motivated her to learn to read independently.

Q13. Why was the narrator surprised to find her grandmother crying after returning from the wedding?

Answer:

The narrator had never seen her grandmother cry, even during difficult situations. She had gone to a wedding in a neighbouring village and stayed for a week.

During her absence, a new instalment of Kashi Yatre arrived, but Krishtakka could not read it. She felt helpless because she depended on her granddaughter to understand the story.

The narrator was surprised because she did not initially know that this experience had upset her grandmother so deeply.

Q14. Explain the importance of Kashi Yatre's ending in the story.

Answer:

In Kashi Yatre, the elderly protagonist dreams of visiting Kashi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara. However, a young orphan girl needs financial help for her wedding.

The elderly woman decides to give the girl her savings instead of making the pilgrimage. She believes that helping the girl is more meaningful than fulfilling her personal wish.

This ending highlights compassion and selflessness. It is also important because Krishtakka strongly identifies with the elderly protagonist and follows her story with great interest.

Q15. What made Krishtakka decide to learn the Kannada alphabet at the age of sixty-two?

Answer:

Krishtakka decided to learn Kannada after experiencing the difficulties caused by her inability to read.

When her granddaughter was away, she received Karmaveera but could not understand the latest instalment of Kashi Yatre. Although she considered asking someone else for help, she felt embarrassed.

She realised that being financially comfortable did not make her independent. She therefore decided to learn the alphabet so that she could read books without depending on others.

Q16. Complete the following sentences using the correct simple past or past perfect form of the verbs in brackets.

(i) When the narrator ______ (return) from the wedding, her grandmother ______ (already receive) the magazine.

(ii) By the time Dassara ______ (arrive), Krishtakka ______ (learn) to read Kannada.

(iii) The narrator ______ (buy) the novel after it ______ (be published) as a complete book.

Answer:

(i) When the narrator returned from the wedding, her grandmother had already received the magazine.

(ii) By the time Dassara arrived, Krishtakka had learned to read Kannada.

(iii) The narrator bought the novel after it had been published as a complete book.

Explanation: The simple past describes a completed past action, while the past perfect describes an action that was completed before another past event.

Q17. Why did the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother's decision to learn, and how did her opinion change?

Answer:

The narrator initially laughed because she thought it was unusual for a sixty-two-year-old woman to begin learning the alphabet. She mentioned her grandmother's grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles and household responsibilities.

However, Krishtakka remained determined. She completed her homework and practised regularly.

As the grandmother made progress, the narrator began to appreciate her dedication. By Dassara, she was proud of her grandmother's achievement and recognised that age need not prevent someone from learning.

Q18. Read the following adapted extract based on the story and answer the questions.

The grandmother had been waiting for her granddaughter to return. The latest issue of the magazine had arrived, but she could not read the words. She felt helpless and decided that she would no longer depend on others to enjoy her favourite story.

(i) Why was the granddaughter away from home?

Answer: She had gone to attend a wedding in a neighbouring village.

(ii) Which story did the grandmother want to read?

Answer: Kashi Yatre by Triveni.

(iii) What feeling troubled the grandmother?

Answer: She felt helpless and dependent because she could not read independently.

(iv) What important decision did she make?

Answer: She decided to learn the Kannada alphabet.

(v) Which central theme is highlighted in the extract?

Answer: The importance of literacy, self-reliance and determination.

Note: This is an adapted practice passage, not a direct quotation from the original story. 

Class 9 English Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Long Answer Questions

Q19. Describe Krishtakka's journey from being dependent on others to becoming an independent reader.

Answer:

Krishtakka's learning journey is the central focus of How I Taught My Grandmother to Read by Sudha Murty.

Krishtakka had never attended school because of the circumstances of her childhood. After losing her mother, she grew up at a time when girls' education was not considered essential. She married young, raised her children and became occupied with family responsibilities.

Despite being unable to read, she enjoyed listening to stories. Her favourite was Triveni's Kashi Yatre, which her granddaughter read aloud from the Kannada weekly Karmaveera.

The turning point came when her granddaughter went to a wedding and remained away for a week. During that time, a new instalment arrived, but Krishtakka could not read it herself. She felt embarrassed and helpless.

This experience made her realise that literacy was necessary for independence. She decided to learn the Kannada alphabet at the age of sixty-two and set Saraswati Puja during Dassara as her deadline.

Her granddaughter became her teacher. Krishtakka studied regularly, completed homework and practised reading, writing and reciting.

By Dassara, she could read the title and publisher's name of Kashi Yatre independently. Her happiness came from achieving a goal through her own effort.

The story shows that age does not limit learning and that determination can help people overcome long-standing difficulties.

Q20. How does the relationship between the grandmother and granddaughter highlight respect for teachers and lifelong learning?

Answer:

Sudha Murty presents a special relationship in which a twelve-year-old girl becomes the teacher of her sixty-two-year-old grandmother.

At the beginning of the story, the granddaughter reads Kashi Yatre aloud because Krishtakka cannot read Kannada. This shared activity brings them closer.

When the grandmother decides to learn the alphabet, the granddaughter initially laughs at her ambition. She assumes that old age will make learning difficult.

However, Krishtakka does not become discouraged. Her determination encourages the girl to take the responsibility of teaching her seriously.

The grandmother becomes a dedicated student. She practises regularly, completes her homework and works towards the deadline she has chosen.

During Dassara, Krishtakka touches her granddaughter's feet. The narrator is surprised because younger people traditionally touch the feet of elders.

The grandmother explains that she is showing respect to her teacher. She believes that teachers deserve respect regardless of age or gender.

The granddaughter responds by touching her grandmother's feet and gifting her a copy of Kashi Yatre.

This moment highlights mutual respect and affection. The granddaughter has helped her grandmother become literate, while the grandmother has taught her an important lesson about humility and determination.

The story suggests that learning is a lifelong process and that people of different generations can learn valuable things from one another.

Q21. Compare the elderly protagonist of Kashi Yatre with Krishtakka. How do their decisions reflect different forms of personal fulfilment?

Answer:

Triveni's Kashi Yatre and Sudha Murty's How I Taught My Grandmother to Read feature elderly women whose wishes influence their decisions.

The protagonist of Kashi Yatre wants to visit Kashi and worship Lord Vishweshwara. She considers the pilgrimage an important religious achievement.

However, she learns that a young orphan girl wants to marry but lacks the money needed for the wedding. Instead of using her savings for the pilgrimage, the elderly woman gives them to the girl.

Her decision shows compassion and the willingness to place another person's happiness before her own wish.

Krishtakka also has an important personal desire. She wants to read Kashi Yatre independently.

Her inability to read becomes especially painful when her granddaughter is away, and the next instalment arrives.

Instead of continuing to depend on others, Krishtakka decides to learn the Kannada alphabet. She studies hard and achieves her goal by Dassara.

Both characters show that personal fulfilment does not always come from wealth or external achievements.

The protagonist of Kashi Yatre finds meaning in helping someone, while Krishtakka finds confidence through literacy. Their decisions make both stories meaningful.

Q22. Read the following adapted extract and answer the questions based on Krishtakka's determination and the narrator's response.

The grandmother firmly announces that she wants to learn the Kannada alphabet. She knows that she is sixty-two years old, but she believes she can succeed through hard work. Her granddaughter is initially amused by the idea. The grandmother remains confident and sets a clear deadline for herself.

(i) What does the grandmother's decision reveal about her character?

Answer: Her decision shows that she is determined, courageous and willing to improve herself.

(ii) Why does the granddaughter initially find the decision amusing?

Answer: She assumes that the grandmother's age and household responsibilities will make learning difficult.

(iii) Which festival becomes important in the grandmother's learning journey?

Answer: Dassara, particularly Saraswati Puja.

(iv) How does the grandmother respond to the granddaughter's doubt?

Answer: She remains calm and confident. She believes that consistent effort can help her overcome difficulties.

(v) What is the broader message of this extract?

Answer: Learning has no fixed age limit. Strong determination and regular practice can help people achieve meaningful goals.

Q23. Formal Letter Writing – Encouraging Student Participation in Adult Literacy Programmes

Students can make a difference by helping adults learn to read and write. Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper explaining the importance of adult literacy and suggesting ways students can contribute.

Answer:

24, Green Park
Bengaluru

21 October 2026

The Editor
The City Herald
Bengaluru

Subject: Encouraging Students to Support Adult Literacy

Sir/Madam,

Through the columns of your newspaper, I would like to highlight the importance of adult literacy and encourage students to participate in programmes that help adults learn to read and write.

Many adults have not had the opportunity to attend school because of financial difficulties, family responsibilities or social circumstances. As shown in How I Taught My Grandmother to Read, literacy can help people become more independent and confident.

Schools and community organisations can conduct weekend literacy camps where student volunteers teach basic reading, writing and numeracy. Libraries and local authorities can provide suitable learning materials and spaces. Students can also encourage elderly family members and neighbours who wish to learn.

Such programmes will benefit adults while teaching young volunteers patience, empathy and social responsibility.

I request you to publish this letter to encourage greater participation in adult literacy initiatives.

Yours truly,
A Concerned Student
Class 9

Q24. Why is the title How I Taught My Grandmother to Read appropriate? Explain the main message of the story.

Answer:

The title How I Taught My Grandmother to Read is appropriate because the story describes how a young girl helps her grandmother achieve literacy.

At the beginning, Krishtakka cannot read Kannada because she never attended school. She depends on her granddaughter to read Kashi Yatre, the novel she eagerly follows in a weekly magazine.

When the granddaughter leaves for a wedding, Krishtakka receives a new instalment but cannot read it. This makes her realise the importance of being able to read independently.

She decides to learn the Kannada alphabet at the age of sixty-two. Her granddaughter becomes her teacher, and the grandmother begins practising regularly.

By Saraswati Puja during Dassara, Krishtakka achieves her goal. She can read the title and publisher's name of the novel on her own.

The emotional importance of the title becomes clear when the grandmother touches her granddaughter's feet as a mark of respect.

The story communicates several important ideas:

1. Education helps people become independent.

2. Learning is possible at any age.

3. Determination and consistent effort can overcome difficulties.

4. Knowledge and teaching deserve respect regardless of age or gender.

5. Family members can help one another grow through patience and affection.

The title captures both the practical achievement of teaching someone to read and the deeper experience of learning from one another.

Important Topics to Practise for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 Exams

Students preparing for How I Taught My Grandmother to Read should focus on the grandmother's personal experiences, the importance of education, the connection with Kashi Yatre, and the emotional ending. The chapter also contains vocabulary, grammar and writing activities that support English language preparation.

Students should connect every major event with its cause and result. For example, the unread magazine creates the grandmother's desire to learn, while her regular practice leads to independence.

Download Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 Important Questions PDF from Vedantu

Vedantu's Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 Important Questions and Answers PDF is intended to bring together chapter-specific practice on How I Taught My Grandmother to Read, including MCQs, short answers, long answers, grammar exercises and extract-based questions.

Students can use the question collection in the following ways:

• Offline Revision: Save the PDF on a device once the download is available.

• Concept-Based Questions: Revise the importance of literacy, determination and independence.

• Character Analysis: Practise explaining Krishtakka's qualities and the granddaughter's changing attitude.

• Reading Comprehension: Answer extract-based questions about emotions, decisions and relationships.

• Grammar Practice: Revise the simple past and past perfect tenses, contextual vocabulary and idioms.

• Writing Skills: Practise a formal letter on adult literacy.

• Self-Assessment: Compare written responses with solved answers and identify areas for improvement.

The Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 Important Questions PDF Download can support independent preparation for the 2026–27 school examinations when the downloadable resource is published.

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