NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 How I Taught My Grandmother to Read 2026-27

Reflect and Respond (Pages 1-2).

Question 1. I. Complete the given word web.
Answer: Students should complete the word web using ideas and words related to grandparents, such as love, care, wisdom, guidance, affection, experience, and storytelling.

II. Read the questions given below and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Question 1. Which languages(s) do your grandparents or elderly relatives speak?

Answer: My grandparents and elderly relatives usually speak Hindi at home.

Question 2. How do they spend their time? How do you spend time with them?

Answer: My grandparents and elderly relatives spend their time praying, reading newspapers, watching television, gardening, and speaking with their neighbours. I spend time with them by listening to their experiences, helping them with everyday tasks, and talking to them in the evening.

Question 3. What is your favourite experience with them?

Answer: My favourite experience with my grandparents and elderly relatives is listening to stories about their childhood. These stories help me understand our family history, traditions, and the way people lived in earlier times.

Question 4. What is something that the elderly in your family cannot do easily but enjoy watching you do?

Answer: The elderly members of my family find it difficult to operate smartphones and other modern devices. However, they enjoy watching me use them and often ask me to explain how different features work.

III. Read the following passage. Match the highlighted words with their meanings given in the box below.

The casting for the (i) protagonist of our school’s annual play was done after a lot of (ii) debate, as many good actors had auditioned for the role. We had decided to present an (iii) episode from an inspirational story. It was the life story of a group of children who worked with the (iv) community to spread literacy. Every day, we reached school early to practise with (v) concentration. We waited (vi) eagerly for the final presentation. All of us played our roles in a very (vii) convincing manner as our theatre teacher had (viii) guided us well.

Answer:

Check Your Understanding (Pages 6-7)

I. Complete the cause-and-effect table given below based on Part I of the story. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer:

II. Do you think the narrator expected to see her grandmother in tears when she returned to the village? If yes, why? If not, why not?

Answer: No, the narrator did not expect to find her grandmother crying. She had always known her to be a strong woman who remained calm even in difficult situations, so seeing her in tears was surprising.

III. How might the narrator help her grandmother to fulfil her desire to learn to read and write?

Answer: The narrator could help her grandmother by teaching her the Kannada alphabet step by step. She could give her regular reading and writing practice, patiently correct her mistakes, and encourage her to practise every day.

Check Your Understanding(Pages 9-10)

I. I State whether the following sentences are true or false.

Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Answer:

1. → True

2. → False
   Reason: She did not ask anyone else in the village to read Kashi Yatra to her because she felt ashamed of being unable to read independently.

3. → True

4. → True

5. → True

6. → False
   Reason: The narrator was not disappointed. She felt extremely happy and proud because her grandmother successfully completed her studies and passed “with flying colours.”

Critical Reflection (Pages 10-13)

I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

1. When I came back to my village, I saw my grandmother in tears. I was surprised, for I had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situations. What had happened? I was worried. ‘Avva, is everything all right? Are you okay?’ I used to call her Avva, which means mother in the Kannada spoken in north Karnataka.
She nodded but did not reply. I did not understand and forgot about it. In the night, after dinner, we were sleeping in the open terrace of our house. It was a summer night, and there was a full moon. Avva came and sat next to me. Her affectionate hands touched my forehead.

(i) Complete the following sentence with the appropriate option.
The phrase ‘never seen her cry in the most difficult situations’ tells us that the grandmother was _________ .
A. strong-willed
B. understanding
C. considerate
D. bold

Answer: A. strong-willed

(ii) Complete the following with the correct option from those given in the brackets.
Grandmother did not reply when the narrator asked if she was alright because she might have been too _________ (emotional/tired) to respond.

Answer: emotional

(iii) Identify the clue from the extract that indicates a rural setting with traditional customs.

Answer: The description of the family sleeping on the open terrace during a summer night under the full moon suggests a simple rural lifestyle and traditional living practices.

(iv) Which lines of the extract establish a tender atmosphere?

Answer: The lines in which Avva sits beside the narrator and gently touches her forehead with her affectionate hands create a tender atmosphere. They reflect the warmth and loving relationship between the grandmother and granddaughter.

(v) Which of the following aspects is NOT emphasised in the given extract?
A. The emotional turmoil of the grandmother
B. the affectionate bond between the narrator and her grandmother
C. the grandmother’s regret over her lack of education
D. the narrator’s concern for her grandmother

Answer: C. the grandmother’s regret over her lack of education.

2. ‘I have decided I want to learn the Kannada alphabet from tomorrow onwards. I will work very hard. I will keep Saraswati Puja day during Dassara as the deadline. That day I should be able to read a novel on my own. I want to be independent.’
I saw the determination on her face. Yet I laughed at her.
‘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 work so much 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.’

(i) What does the grandmother’s statement, “I want to be independent,” reveal about her character?
A. She wanted to be literate.
B. She desires self-sufficiency.
C. She wants to prove her intelligence to others.
D. She feels pressured by society to learn.

Answer: B. She desires self-sufficiency.

(ii) Fill in the blank with the appropriate option from those given in brackets.
The grandmother’s determination shows that learning has no _________ . (age limit/gender bias/cultural barriers).

Answer: age limit

(iii) Complete the following with a suitable reason.
The narrator laughs at her grandmother’s decision to learn the alphabet at the age of sixty-two because _________ .

Answer: She believed that beginning to learn at the age of sixty-two was unusual, especially because her grandmother had grey hair, weak eyesight, wrinkled hands, and many household responsibilities.

(iv) List any two qualities displayed by the grandmother.

Answer: The grandmother displays determination and perseverance.

(v) How can we say that the narrator is making assumptions about her grandmother?

Answer: The narrator assumes that her grandmother will be unable to learn because of her age and household duties. She laughs without recognising her grandmother’s determination, discipline, and ability to work hard.

II. Answer the following questions.

Question 1. Why do you think the grandmother felt embarrassed to ask someone else to read to her while the narrator was away?

Answer: The grandmother felt embarrassed because asking another person to read the story would reveal that she was illiterate and dependent. She was comfortable seeking help from her granddaughter but felt hesitant to admit her inability before other villagers.

Question 2. Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?

Answer: The narrator initially laughs because she finds it surprising that her grandmother wants to begin learning the alphabet at sixty-two. She assumes that her age, poor eyesight, wrinkled hands, and household responsibilities will make learning difficult.

Question 3. What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother’s life and the story?

Answer: Kashi Yatre plays an important role because the grandmother becomes emotionally attached to its characters and message. The novel reflects ideas of desire, sacrifice, and selflessness that she understands deeply. Her inability to read its latest episode independently makes her realise the importance of literacy and inspires her to learn the Kannada alphabet.

Question 4. What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?

Answer: Her desire to learn reflects her strong determination, love of knowledge, and wish to become independent. Although she is elderly and has never attended school, she refuses to allow age or circumstances to prevent her from learning.

Question 5. What lessons can we infer from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet?

Answer: The grandmother’s action teaches us that a teacher deserves respect regardless of age or relationship. By touching her granddaughter’s feet, she honours her as the person who gave her the gift of literacy. The action also reflects humility, gratitude, and deep respect for education.

Question 6. What does the following line tell us about the broader theme of the story?
‘For a good cause, if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle.’

Answer: The line expresses the central idea that sincere determination and continuous effort can help people overcome difficulties. It shows that age, lack of prior education, and social expectations cannot stop a person committed to achieving a meaningful goal.

Question 7. How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?

Answer: The story clearly demonstrates that education gives people confidence and independence. Before learning to read, the grandmother had to depend on others despite being financially secure and experienced. Literacy enabled her to read on her own, reduced her dependence, and gave her a sense of dignity and accomplishment.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context (Pages 13-16)

I. The expression ‘hide and seek’ is used in the text. This is called a binomial.
Binomials are expressions consisting of two words, usually linked by a conjunction like ‘and’ or ‘or’, that are commonly used together in a fixed order.
For example: odds and ends, right or wrong.
Match the binomials in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary.

Now, use any five of the above binomials in sentences of your own.

Answer:

Binomials Used in Sentences are as follows:

1. Managing the entire project alone became a sink-or-swim situation for her.

2. Because of his busy schedule, he attends the music classes on and off.

3. You can mix and match these shirts and trousers to create different outfits.

4. Making mistakes is part and parcel of the learning process.

5. Her reading ability improved by leaps and bounds after she began practising regularly.

II. Read the following words from the text given in the box below.

These words are made by adding suitable prefixes (‘un’, ‘ir’, and ‘in’) to give an opposite or negative meaning to the words.

Now, make words by adding the suitable prefixes given in the box to the words from the text in Column 1. Write the prefixed words in Column 2. One example has been done for you.

Answer:

III. Identify any five words with prefixes from the story and make sentences using each.

Answer:

1. Unhappy – The grandmother felt unhappy when she realised that she could not read the story independently.

2. Unusual – It seemed unusual to the narrator that her grandmother wanted to start learning at age sixty-two.

3. Unfortunately, many girls in earlier times did not have the opportunity to attend school.

4. Independent – Learning to read made the grandmother confident and independent.

5. Irrespective – Everyone has the right to receive education irrespective of age, gender, or social background.

IV. In the sentence, “I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours”, the phrase “passed with flying colours” is an idiom. It means outstanding performance.

Now, match the idioms related to ‘learning’ given in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. You may refer to a dictionary.

Now, use these idioms in sentences of your own.

Answer:

Idioms used in Sentences are as follows:

1. I must hit the books to prepare properly for the final examination.

2. I drew a blank when the teacher suddenly asked me to explain the answer.

3. It took the new student a few days to learn the ropes of the school system.

4. I had to rack my brain to solve the challenging puzzle.

5. She learnt the entire poem by heart for the recitation competition.

6. The students burnt the midnight oil to complete their science project on time.

V. Read the following sentences from the text and underline the verbs.

1. Secretly, I bought Kashi Yatre which had been published as a novel by that time.

2. I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours.

In sentence 1, verb ‘bought’ is in simple past tense.

In sentence 2, verb ‘had passed’ is in past perfect tense.

We use past perfect tense to indicate two completed actions-one occurring earlier (later past) and the other more recently (recent past). The more recent action is expressed in the simple past, while the earlier action takes the past perfect tense.

Examples

By the time I reached the party, everyone had finished eating.

When she returned home, her brother had finished the project.

(i) Fill in the blanks with simple past and past perfect tense form of the verbs given in brackets.

A. When the delegates _________ (arrive) at the conference, the keynote speaker _________ (already begin) the session.

B. After the students _________ (learn) how to identify fake news online, they _________ (start) verifying information before sharing it.

C. Before Kiran _________ (start) using digital payment platforms, she _________ (ensure) her understanding of online fraud prevention.

D. By the time Varun _________ (recognise) the importance of budgeting, he _________ (exhaust) most of his savings.

E. When Raghu _________ (log in) to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor _________ (already discuss) the importance of strong passwords.

Answer:

A. arrived, had already begun

B. had learnt, started

C. started, had ensured

D. recognised, had exhausted

E. logged in, had already discussed

(ii) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verbs given in brackets.

Last year my parents and I A. _________ (take) a financial planning course. When we B. _________ (review) our expenses, we realised we C. _________ (spend) too much on unnecessary purchases. After my parents D. _________ (discuss) ways to save, I E. _________ (open) a savings account. By the time we F. _________ (set) our budget, the course G. _________ (already introduce) investment strategies. We H. _________ (hurry) to take notes, but many participants I. _________ (complete) their financial plAnswer: Despite that, we J. _________ (enjoy) learning how to manage money wisely.

Answer:

A. took

B. reviewed

C. had spent

D. had discussed

E. opened

F. set

G. had already introduced

H. hurried

I. had completed

J. enjoyed

Listen and Respond (Page 17)

I. You will listen to a speaker talk about digital literacy.

As you listen, complete the following sentences with one to three exact words that you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 259)

1. Literacy these days includes the ability to use _________ .

Answer: digital tools

2. Digital literacy is also about protecting _________ .

Answer: personal data

3. Digital literacy enables the elderly to _________ .

Answer: stay connected

4. Digital literacy encourages using the internet safely by helping us recognise _________ and _________ .

Answer: misinformation, scams and cyber threats

5. The National Digital Literacy Mission helps people across the country by imparting _________ .

Answer: IT training

Speaking Activity (Pages 17-18)

Turncoat is a type of solo debate where the speaker argues for and against a topic, switching sides after a certain period of time.

I. Choose your topic and speak ‘for’ and ‘against’ for not more than one minute each.

Topic 1: It is important to learn a new language apart from your mother tongue.

Topic 2: Learning can happen only when you are young.

Use the guidelines given below.

Begin with speaking ‘for’ the topic for one minute.

Your teacher will signal that it is time to switch sides.

Then speak ‘against’ the topic for one minute.

You may use the following sentence prompts.

Answer:

Topic 1: It is important to learn a new language apart from your mother tongue.

For the topic:

To begin with, I would like to speak in favour of the topic. Learning a language apart from our mother tongue helps us communicate with people from different regions and cultural backgrounds. It makes travelling easier and allows us to build new friendships.

Knowing more than one language can also improve career opportunities because many employers value multilingual workers. Learning another language strengthens memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. It also gives us a deeper understanding of different cultures and increases our confidence. Therefore, learning a new language can enrich both our personal and professional lives.

Against the topic:

On the other hand, learning a new language may require a great deal of time and regular practice. Students who are already occupied with schoolwork may find it difficult to devote enough attention to another language.

In some situations, becoming highly skilled in one’s mother tongue may be more practical. A person may also not need another language if it is rarely used in their daily life. Therefore, although learning a new language has many benefits, it should depend on an individual’s interests, needs, and available time.

Topic 2: Learning can happen only when you are young.

For the topic:

To begin with, I would like to speak in favour of the topic. Children and young people often learn new languages, skills, and ideas quickly because their minds are flexible and curious.

Young learners usually have more time to practise, make mistakes, and improve gradually. Habits formed during childhood may also continue throughout life. Early education creates a strong foundation for future learning and development. Therefore, youth can provide several natural advantages when acquiring knowledge and new skills.

Against the topic:

On the contrary, learning is not restricted to childhood or youth. Adults and elderly people can successfully learn languages, technologies, professions, and creative skills.

Older learners may have stronger discipline, clear goals, and valuable life experience. Determination, regular practice, and confidence are more important than age. The grandmother in the story proves that a person can begin learning even at sixty-two. Therefore, education can take place at every stage of life.

Writing Task (Pages 19-20)

I. As a socially responsible citizen, you strongly believe that students can contribute significantly in promoting adult literacy. Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper emphasising the importance of student participation in adult literacy camps conducted by various organisations. Discuss the benefits of such initiatives for both students and society. Suggest effective ways to spread awareness and encourage more students to volunteer for this noble cause.

A letter to the editor is a formal letter in which the writer gives suggestions and creates awareness on an issue of public interest or an issue already raised in an article/write-up/published letter.

Points to Remember:

Format:

Name, designation, address

Date

Subject: 4-5 words in title case

Salutation: Sir/Madam

Body of the letter: In at least three paragraphs

Paragraph 1: Statement of problem: Raise the issue by citing some latest news items, survey report or personal experience, etc.

This is with reference to the article about _______ dated _________ in your newspaper.

As a concerned citizen I would like to draw your attention towards…

Paragraph 2: Analyse the issue in terms of its causes and consequences.

The issue at hand affects a large section of society and…

It is imperative that…

It would be beneficial if…

Such initiatives nurture a sense of…

By engaging in these programmes students…

Paragraph 3: Offer suggestions/solutions. Request the relevant authorities to take the action and request the editor to publish your views.

A possible solution to this issue could be…

One effective way to address this might be…

Authorities could consider implementing…

I trust this matter will be considered seriously for the benefit of all.

I am hopeful that necessary steps will be taken to…

I hope this letter gets published in the columns of your esteemed daily.

Complimentary close: Yours truly,

Language

Formal, clear, and specific

Short and to the point sentences

Purpose stated clearly and concisely

Relevant details to be given

Answer:

123, Lajpat Nagar
New Delhi – 110024

31 January 2027

To
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi

Subject: Students’ Role in Adult Literacy

Respected Sir/Madam,

This is with reference to the article on adult literacy campaigns published in your newspaper on 25 January 2027. Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw attention to the important role students can play in promoting adult literacy.

Many adults still face difficulties in reading signs, completing forms, using digital services, and understanding written information. Students can volunteer at literacy camps and teach basic reading, writing, numeracy, and digital skills. Such participation helps adults become more confident and independent. At the same time, students develop patience, empathy, leadership, and a sense of social responsibility.

Schools can work with local organisations to conduct weekend literacy classes. Awareness can be spread through posters, assemblies, social media, and community meetings. Certificates and public recognition may also motivate more students to volunteer. I hope this letter is published to encourage educational institutions and young people to support this meaningful cause.

Yours truly,
Riya Sharma

Learning Beyond the Text (Pages 20-22)

I. India has 22 major languages according to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Each language has its own unique identity. Talk to your classmates and teacher and complete the given table with words from any five Indian languages.

Answer:

II. Do you know?

Answer: Students should carefully read the information provided on pages 21 and 22 of the textbook and discuss the important points with their classmates and teacher.

III. Talk to your grandparents and find out which book or magazine they enjoy reading. Buy a copy of it and present it to them as a gift.

Answer: Students should speak with their grandparents to learn which book or magazine they enjoy. They can then purchase a copy, present it as a gift, and share their experience with the class.

What Students Learn from Vedantu’s NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 1: How I Taught My Grandmother to Read?

After studying this chapter, students will be able to:

• Explain how literacy supports personal freedom.

• Describe the qualities of Krishtakka and the narrator.

• Understand why learning should continue throughout life.

• Identify themes such as determination, gratitude, and independence.

• Answer extract-based questions using evidence from the text.

• Use prefixes, idioms, binomials, and past-tense forms correctly.

• Prepare a turncoat speech presenting both sides of an argument.

• Write a formal letter on student participation in adult literacy.

• Appreciate India’s linguistic diversity and the value of education.

CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 1 Study Materials

Students can use the Chapter 1 study materials below to revise the lesson, practise extra questions, and strengthen their understanding of the story and language exercises.

Explore More NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapters

The chapter-wise NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri help students revise all lessons from the textbook in a structured way. These resources provide clear explanations and answers for textbook questions, grammar activities, vocabulary tasks, and writing exercises.

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The following Class 9 English study materials support regular learning, grammar practice, writing improvement, and exam preparation. Students can use them along with the Kaveri textbook solutions for better understanding.