How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Class 9- Summary & NCERT Solutions

Back to Class 9 English Notes

At a Glance

Author	Sudha Murty
Genre	Autobiographical narrative
Setting	A village in north Karnataka
Theme	Education, determination, dignity, and the bond between grandmother and granddaughter

NCERT Solutions

Reflect and Respond

I. Complete the given word web

Why is it important to learn how to read and write?

1. To gain knowledge and information
2. To become independent and self-reliant
3. To communicate effectively with others
4. To improve confidence and self-respect

II. Read the questions and share your answers

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

My grandparents speak Hindi and their regional language. They are more comfortable communicating in their mother tongue than in English.

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

They spend their time reading religious books, watching television, and talking to family members. I spend time with them by listening to their stories, helping them with small tasks, and sometimes watching television or going for walks together.

3. What is your favourite experience with them?

My favourite experience is listening to the stories they tell about their childhood and past experiences. These stories are interesting and also teach valuable life lessons.

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

They cannot use modern technology like smartphones or computers easily, but they enjoy watching me use them and often ask me to show them how things work.

III. Match the highlighted words with their meanings

Word	Meaning
(i) protagonist	7. main character
(ii) debate	4. discussion
(iii) episode	5. a part of a story
(iv) community	3. people living in one particular area
(v) concentration	6. focus
(vi) eagerly	1. excitedly
(vii) convincing	2. believable
(viii) guided	8. directed

Check Your Understanding (Part I)

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

Cause	Effect
1. The transport system was not very good.	The morning papers arrived late in the day and weekly magazines would come one day late.
2. The grandmother, Krishtakka, never went to school.	She could not read and had to depend on the narrator to read the story to her.
3. The grandmother listened carefully to the story every week.	She was deeply interested in the story and discussed it with her friends.
4. The narrator went to a wedding for a week.	The grandmother felt helpless and upset because she could not read the new episode by herself.
5. In those days, people never considered education essential for girls.	The grandmother never went to school.
6. The grandmother regretted not going to school.	She ensured that her children and grandchildren studied well.

II. Do you think the narrator expected to see her grandmother in tears when she returned to the village? If yes, why? If no, why not? No, the narrator did not expect this at all. She had always seen her grandmother as a strong and composed person who handled difficulties without showing emotion. Seeing her cry was unusual, which is why it surprised and worried the narrator.

III. How might the narrator help her grandmother to fulfil her desire to learn to read and write? The narrator can help by patiently teaching her grandmother step by step, starting with the alphabet and simple words. She can set small, achievable goals, revise lessons regularly, and encourage her grandmother to practise daily. By staying supportive and consistent, she can build her grandmother’s confidence and help her become independent in reading and writing.

Check Your Understanding (Part II)

State whether the following sentences are True or False

1. The grandmother wanted to learn the Kannada alphabet to gain independence. True – Her main aim was to stop depending on others and be able to read on her own.

2. The grandmother asked someone in the village to read Kashi Yatre to her while the narrator was away. False – She did not ask anyone else for help; instead, she realised her helplessness and decided to learn reading herself.

3. The narrator was the grandmother’s first teacher and taught her how to read Kannada. True – The granddaughter took on the role of a teacher and patiently taught her grandmother from the basics.

4. The grandmother believed that there was no age limit for learning. True – Her determination to study at an old age shows that she strongly believed learning can happen at any time.

5. The grandmother touched the narrator’s feet as a mark of respect for her as a teacher. True – She did this during the Dassara festival, on Saraswati Puja day, to express gratitude and respect.

6. The narrator was disappointed with the progress her grandmother made in learning to read. False – The narrator was proud and happy to see her grandmother’s dedication and improvement.

Critical Reflection

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

Extract 1 Solutions

(i) Complete the sentence: The phrase ‘never seen her cry in the most difficult situations’ tells us that the grandmother was strong-willed. Correct Answer: A. strong-willed

(ii) Complete the sentence: Grandmother did not reply when the narrator asked if she was alright because she might have been too emotional to respond.

(iii) Identify the clue that indicates a rural setting with traditional customs. The line describing them sleeping on the open terrace on a summer night under the full moon reflects a rural lifestyle and traditional way of living.

(iv) Which lines establish a tender atmosphere? ‘Her affectionate hands touched my forehead.’ This line clearly shows warmth, love, and emotional closeness between the grandmother and granddaughter.

(v) Which aspect is NOT emphasised in the extract? Correct Answer: C. the grandmother’s regret over her lack of education This particular extract focuses on the grandmother’s emotional state and her bond with the narrator; her regret over never being educated is only revealed afterwards, in her own words later that night.

Extract 2 Solutions

(i) What does the grandmother’s statement, ‘I want to be independent,’ reveal about her character? Correct Answer: B. She desires self-sufficiency. Her words show that she wants to rely on herself rather than depend on others for reading.

(ii) Fill in the blank: The grandmother’s determination shows that learning has no age limit.

(iii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason: The narrator laughs at her grandmother’s decision to learn the alphabet at the age of sixty-two because she assumes that old age makes learning difficult and unnecessary.

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

1. Strong determination
2. Positive attitude towards learning

(v) How can we say that the narrator is making assumptions about her grandmother? The narrator judges her grandmother’s ability based on her age and physical appearance, thinking she cannot learn at that stage. This shows she underestimates her grandmother without considering her determination.

V. Answer the following questions

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

The grandmother likely felt uncomfortable asking others because she was conscious of her inability to read. Depending on someone else might have made her feel inadequate, and she preferred not to reveal her weakness openly.

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

The narrator laughs because she sees learning at such an advanced age as unusual and difficult. She assumes that her grandmother may not be able to cope with the effort required, and her reaction comes from this limited understanding.

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

Kashi Yatre plays a crucial role as it sparks the grandmother’s desire to learn reading. Her interest in the story makes her realise how dependent she is on others, which becomes the turning point that motivates her to become literate.

4. What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her? Her desire shows that she is determined, self-aware, and eager to improve herself. It reflects her belief that learning is valuable at any stage of life and that independence is worth striving for.

5. What lessons can be inferred from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet?

This action teaches the importance of respecting knowledge and the person who imparts it, regardless of age. It also highlights humility and the value of recognising a teacher’s role in one’s life.

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.’ This line expresses the central idea that strong willpower and dedication can help a person achieve even difficult goals. It reinforces the theme that learning and growth are possible despite challenges.

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

The story presents this idea very effectively through the grandmother’s journey. Her transformation from dependence to self-reliance clearly shows how education builds confidence and allows individuals to take control of their own lives.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I. Binomials – Match the following

Binomial	Meaning
sink or swim	succeed or fail without help
on and off	sometimes, occasionally
mix and match	put different things together to get a range of possibilities
all or nothing	something to be done completely or not at all
part and parcel	a complete or essential part of something
pick and choose	choose only the best (things, people, and so on)
sooner or later	at some point in the future
leaps and bounds	increase or develop very quickly

Using five binomials in sentences

1. sink or swim: In the final exam, everyone had to sink or swim on their own without any help.
2. on and off: It rained on and off throughout the day.
3. mix and match: She likes to mix and match her clothes to create new styles.
4. part and parcel: Hard work is part and parcel of achieving success.
5. leaps and bounds: With regular practice, his reading skills improved by leaps and bounds.

II. Prefixes – Form opposite/negative words

Prefixes given: un, im, dis, in, mis, extra

Word	Opposite/Negative Form
popular	unpopular (given as example)
belief	disbelief
important	unimportant
respect	disrespect
correct	incorrect
continue	discontinue
understand	misunderstand
ordinary	extraordinary
interesting	uninteresting
possible	impossible

III. Five words with prefixes from the story, used in original sentences

(The words unhappy, unusual, unfortunately, irrespective and independent are already given as worked examples in the vocabulary box above; the sentences below show each used independently.)

1. unhappy (prefix: un-) — Her face was unhappy, and her eyes were filled with tears when she felt helpless.
2. unusual (prefix: un-) — Touching a younger person’s feet was unusual, since elders are traditionally the ones whose feet are touched.
3. unfortunately (prefix: un-) — Unfortunately, the talented author Triveni passed away at a young age.
4. irrespective (prefix: ir-) — A teacher deserves respect, irrespective of gender or age.
5. independent (prefix: in-) — After months of practice, the grandmother was finally able to read independently.

IV. Idioms Related to Learning – Match the following

In the sentence ‘I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours,’ the phrase ‘passed with flying colours’ is an idiom meaning an outstanding performance.

Idiom	Meaning
to hit the books	to study seriously
to draw a blank	to be unable to remember
to learn the ropes	to understand how to do an activity
to rack one’s brain	to think very hard
to learn by heart	to memorise something
to burn the midnight oil	to study or work late into the night

Using the idioms in sentences

1. to hit the books: Revision time means it is time to hit the books before the examinations begin.
2. to draw a blank: When asked the answer, a nervous student sometimes draws a blank.
3. to learn the ropes: It took her a few days to learn the ropes of using the new software.
4. to rack one’s brain: He had to rack his brain to solve the difficult mathematics problem.
5. to learn by heart: The class was asked to learn the poem by heart for recitation.
6. to burn the midnight oil: She had to burn the midnight oil to complete her project on time.

V. Tenses – Simple Past & Past Perfect

In the sentence ‘Secretly, I bought Kashi Yatre which had been published as a novel by that time,’ the verb ‘bought’ is simple past, while in ‘I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours,’ the verb ‘had passed’ is past perfect.

Past perfect tense is used to show that one action was completed before another past action — the earlier action takes the past perfect, and the more recent one takes the simple past.

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

A. When the delegates arrived at the conference, the keynote speaker had already begun the session.

B. After the students had learnt how to identify fake news online, they started verifying information before sharing it.

C. Before Kiran started using digital payment platforms, she had ensured her understanding of online fraud prevention.

D. By the time Varun recognised the importance of budgeting, he had exhausted most of his savings.

E. When Raghu logged in to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor had already discussed the importance of strong passwords.

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

Last year, a family took (A) a financial planning course. When expenses were reviewed (B), it was realised that too much had been spent (C) on unnecessary purchases. After ways to save were discussed (D), a savings account was opened (E). By the time the budget was set (F), the course had already introduced (G) investment strategies. Notes were hurried through (H), but many participants had completed (I) their financial plans. Despite that, the process of learning how to manage money wisely was enjoyed (J) by all.

Listen and Respond

1. Literacy these days includes the ability to use digital tools.
2. Digital literacy is also about protecting personal data.
3. Digital literacy enables the elderly to stay connected.
4. Digital literacy encourages using the internet safely by helping recognise misinformation, scams and cyber threats.
5. The National Digital Literacy Mission helps people across the country by imparting IT training.

Speaking Activity

‘Turncoat’ is a solo debate format where the speaker argues ‘for’ and ‘against’ a topic, switching sides after a set time.

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

‘For’ the topic

To begin with, speaking in favour of the topic is easy to justify. Learning a new language opens doors to new opportunities and helps people connect with those from different cultures. The first argument in favour of this idea is that it improves communication skills and broadens thinking. Moreover, knowing more than one language increases confidence and helps in education and career growth. Most importantly, it allows a person to understand different perspectives and traditions. In a few words, learning a new language makes a person more aware, capable, and open-minded.

‘Against’ the topic

On the other hand, there are two sides to this topic. Learning a new language is not always necessary for everyone. If a person is comfortable and successful using their mother tongue, they may not feel the need to learn another language. Not everyone has the same interest or ability to learn multiple languages, and focusing too much on new languages might take time away from mastering other important skills. One can therefore argue that learning a new language is useful, but not essential for all.

Topic 2: Learning can happen only when you are young

‘For’ the topic

To begin with, speaking in favour of the topic reflects a common belief. There is no doubt that children learn faster because their minds are more flexible and active. The first argument in favour is that young learners can easily grasp new ideas, languages and skills. In addition, they have fewer responsibilities, which gives them more time to focus on learning. Early learning builds a strong foundation for the future, so it can be said that youth is the best time for effective learning.

‘Against’ the topic

On the contrary, there is good reason to believe that learning is not limited to any age. Adults can also learn if they are determined, and experience often helps older people understand things more deeply. Many people successfully learn new skills later in life through practice and dedication. The idea that learning stops after a certain age is not true. To sum up, learning is a continuous process that can happen at any stage of life.

Writing Task

Task: As a socially responsible citizen, 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, and suggest effective ways to spread awareness.

Sample Answer

5, Hill View Bengaluru

25 April 2026

The Editor The Hindu Times Bengaluru

Subject: Promoting Student Participation in Adult Literacy Camps

Sir/Madam,

This is with reference to recent reports highlighting the persistent issue of adult illiteracy in various parts of the country. As a concerned citizen, attention is drawn towards the importance of involving students in adult literacy camps conducted by different organisations. Despite several efforts, a large number of adults still lack basic reading and writing skills, which affects their independence and quality of life.

The issue at hand affects a significant section of society and slows down overall development. It is imperative that students contribute to such initiatives, as they can play a meaningful role in spreading literacy. Such programmes not only help adults become self-reliant but also instil values like empathy, responsibility, and social awareness among students. By participating in these camps, students enhance their communication skills and gain real-life experience beyond the classroom.

A possible solution to this issue could be the integration of literacy programmes into school activities as part of community service. Authorities could consider organising awareness drives through schools, social media, and local communities to encourage more student volunteers. Incentives such as certificates or recognition may further motivate participation. This matter, it is trusted, will be considered seriously for the benefit of society, and it is hoped that this letter gets published in the columns of the esteemed daily.

Yours truly,

 Sarthika

Learning Beyond the Text

I. Sample table using five Indian languages

Family Member	Kannada	Hindi	Tamil	Bengali	Marathi
Grandmother	Avva	Dadi/Nani	Paati	Thakuma/Didima	Aaji
Grandfather	Ajja	Dada/Nana	Thatha	Thakurda/Dadu	Ajoba
Mother	Amma	Maa	Amma	Ma	Aai
Father	Appa	Papa/Pita	Appa	Baba	Baba
Sister	Akka	Behen	Akka	Bon	Tai
Brother	Anna	Bhai	Anna	Bhai	Bhau

II. Do You Know?

• National Literacy Mission Authority (NLMA) designs, develops, and implements the Adult Education Programme in India. The Directorate of Adult Education (DAE), under the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, facilitates the implementation of adult education programmes across the country.
• Financial literacy refers to the ability to understand and effectively apply financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. The National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) plays a leading role in implementing financial education programmes, conducting awareness surveys, collaborating with educational institutions, and organising annual financial literacy tests.
• The Early Literacy Project (ELP) is an integrated, intensive, and culturally sensitive early literacy-training programme. It primarily targets out-of-school children and youth, as well as under-achieving school-going children in Grades 1 to 3 attending rural government primary schools, many from marginalised communities with high illiteracy rates.
• Cultural literacy refers to the awareness, understanding, and appreciation of a country’s diverse traditions, languages, arts, and social practices. In India, organisations such as the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) promote cultural literacy by integrating regional languages, arts, and traditions into learning frameworks, and by highlighting the role of culture across science, agriculture, housing, and sport.

III. A Small Gesture

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.

Short Chapter Summary

‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’ is a heartwarming autobiographical story by Sudha Murty that highlights the power of education and the emotional bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter. The story revolves around an elderly woman who feels helpless because she cannot read her favourite novel independently. Determined to overcome her limitation, she asks her young granddaughter to teach her how to read and write.

Set against the backdrop of a small village in north Karnataka, the narrative shows how deeply literacy is connected to dignity and independence. Within a few months, through dedication and consistent effort, the grandmother learns the alphabet and eventually reads a complete book on her own. The story reaches an emotional peak when she touches her granddaughter’s feet as a mark of respect on Saraswati Puja day during the Dassara festival, acknowledging her as her teacher.

Author Biography & Literary Style

Sudha Murty is a renowned Indian author, educator, and social worker known for simple yet impactful storytelling. She has written extensively in English and Kannada, focusing on themes such as education, values, rural life, and human relationships. Her works often draw from real-life experiences, making them relatable and emotionally engaging. This particular story is autobiographical: the young narrator would, in later life, go on to teach Computer Science to hundreds of students — a detail the author includes herself, foreshadowing her own path from student to teacher.

Style & Tone

• Simple and lucid language: Murty uses clear, straightforward narration, making her stories accessible to readers of all ages.
• Emotional and inspiring tone: The narrative evokes empathy while subtly motivating readers to value education.
• Autobiographical realism: The story feels authentic because it is based on personal experience.
• Value-driven storytelling: Themes like respect, determination, and lifelong learning are central to her writing.

Background Influence

Growing up in a traditional Indian setting, Murty often reflects cultural values and everyday realities in her work. In this story, she emphasises the importance of literacy in rural India and the dignity it brings, especially to older generations who missed formal education opportunities.

Detailed Explanation – Part I

The narrator recalls her childhood, when she was about twelve years old and used to stay with her grandparents in a village in north Karnataka. In those days, the transport system was poor, so the morning paper arrived only in the afternoon, and the weekly magazine came a day late. Everyone waited eagerly for the bus that brought the papers, magazines, and post.

At that time, Triveni was a very popular Kannada writer, known for prose that was easy to read yet deeply convincing, often exploring the psychological struggles of ordinary people. She died young, but her novels continued to be admired even forty years later.

One of her novels, Kashi Yatre, was being serialised in the Kannada weekly Karmaveera. It told the story of an old lady with an ardent desire to visit Kashi (Varanasi), considered by many Hindus to be the ultimate pilgrimage. In the end, however, she gives away all her savings to help a poor orphan girl get married, choosing never to make the journey herself — placing another’s happiness above her own religious devotion.

The narrator’s grandmother, Krishtakka, had never been to school and could not read. Every Wednesday, when the magazine arrived, the narrator read the latest episode of Kashi Yatre aloud to her. The grandmother listened with total concentration, later repeating parts of it from memory, and identified so strongly with the novel’s protagonist — who, like her, had never been to Kashi — that she eagerly discussed each new episode with her friends at the temple courtyard afterwards.

Once, the narrator went with her cousins to a wedding in a neighbouring village, intending to stay only a couple of days but ending up staying for a week. On returning, she was shocked to find her grandmother in tears — something she had never witnessed before, even in difficult times. That night, on the open terrace under a summer full moon, the grandmother — whom the narrator affectionately called Avva, meaning ‘mother’ in the north Karnataka dialect of Kannada — finally opened up. She explained that she had lost her own mother young, that her father had remarried and was too busy for her, and that girls’ education was not valued in her time, so she never went to school. She married young, raised her family, and found real joy in caring for them — but always carried quiet regret at never being educated, which is why she made sure her own children and grandchildren studied well.

Word Meanings – Part I

Word/Phrase	Meaning
transport system	the means of travel, slow and limited in the village
convincing	making the story believable and engaging
psychological problems	emotional struggles of the mind
ardent desire	a very strong wish
protagonist	the main character
serial	a story published in parts
identified herself with	felt personally connected
concentration	full attention
debate	discussion with different opinions
regret	feeling sad about something in the past
savouring	enjoying something to the fullest
taken aback	surprised by something unexpected

Literary Devices & Terms – Part I

• Allusion: Reference to Kashi and religious beliefs.
• Characterisation: The grandmother is shown as loving, emotional, and thoughtful.
• Theme: Education, selflessness, emotional bonding.
• Imagery: ‘Summer night’ and ‘full moon’ create vivid visuals.
• Contrast: The grandmother’s usual strength against her emotional breakdown.
• Realism: Reflects real-life issues, such as the lack of education for women.

Detailed Explanation – Part II

Continuing that night’s conversation, the grandmother explains what had upset her. While the narrator was away, the magazine Karmaveera had arrived as usual, but she could not understand the picture accompanying the new episode of Kashi Yatre, no matter how many times she ran her hands over the pages, wishing she could simply understand the words. She had even thought of asking someone in the village to read it to her, but felt too embarrassed. This experience made her question the value of being financially comfortable while still being unable to be independent.

This becomes the turning point. The grandmother firmly resolves to learn the Kannada alphabet from the very next day, setting Saraswati Puja day, during the Dassara festival, as her deadline to be able to read a novel entirely on her own. Seeing her grandmother’s determined face, the narrator nonetheless laughs, childishly pointing out her grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles, and busy kitchen routine. The grandmother only smiles in response: ‘For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle… For learning there is no age bar.’

From the next day, the tuition begins. The grandmother proves an outstanding student, reading, repeating, writing, and reciting with real dedication. The narrator, though young, becomes a teacher for the first time — and the grandmother, her very first student. (Sudha Murty notes, with a touch of foresight, that she had no idea then that she would one day become a Computer Science teacher to hundreds of students.)

When the Dassara festival arrives, the narrator secretly buys a printed copy of the now-published novel Kashi Yatre as a gift. Her grandmother calls her to the puja place, seats her down, and first gives her a gift of frock material. Then, unexpectedly, she bends down and touches the narrator’s feet — a striking reversal, since tradition holds that the young touch the feet of elders, not the other way round. She explains that she is honouring her as a teacher, not simply as a granddaughter, since a teacher deserves respect irrespective of gender or age. The narrator, taken aback, returns the namaskara by touching her grandmother’s feet in turn, and then presents her own gift — the copy of Kashi Yatre. The grandmother opens it and reads aloud, correctly and immediately, the title, the author’s name (Triveni), and the publisher’s name. The narrator knows, in that moment, that her student has passed with flying colours.

Word Meanings– Part II

Word/Phrase	Meaning
embarrassed	feeling shy or uncomfortable asking for help
dependent	relying on others for support
independent	able to manage on one’s own
determination	strong will to achieve something
tuition	teaching given personally by someone
recite	repeat aloud from memory
taken aback	surprised or shocked
tradition	customs followed over time
irrespective	without considering differences like age or gender
passed with flying colours	achieved success with excellent performance
immensely	extremely
namaskara	a traditional Indian gesture or greeting of respect

Literary Devices & Terms – Part II

• Theme: Importance of education, self-respect, determination, independence.
• Characterisation: The grandmother is shown as determined, humble, and respectful.
• Symbolism: Touching feet represents respect for knowledge and teacher; reading the book represents achievement and independence.
• Contrast: The granddaughter’s doubt against the grandmother’s confidence.
• Climax: The grandmother touches the narrator’s feet and reads independently.
• Moral Insight: Learning is lifelong and gives dignity.

Character Sketches

Grandmother (Krishtakka / Avva)

Trait	Evidence	Significance
Determined	Decides to learn reading at sixty-two	Shows strong willpower
Humble	Touches her granddaughter’s feet	Values knowledge above social hierarchy
Emotional	Cries when unable to read	Deeply aware of her limitations
Hardworking	Completes homework sincerely	Proves dedication overcomes age

Granddaughter (Narrator)

Trait	Evidence	Significance
Supportive	Teaches daily without complaint	Encourages learning
Patient	Explains lessons repeatedly	Ensures understanding
Respectful	Gifts the novel on Saraswati Puja	Celebrates the grandmother’s achievement

Important Exam Questions (NEP 2020 Aligned)

Section A: Extract-Based Questions

Extract 1

‘I felt so helpless. I could not even read a simple novel on my own. I decided that I would learn to read and write.’

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The grandmother felt helpless because:

(a) she was ill (b) she could not read ✓ (c) she was alone (d) she was old

2. The decision reflects her:

(a) fear (b) determination ✓ (c) confusion (d) anger

3. The tone of the extract is:

(a) humorous (b) regretful and determined ✓ (c) casual (d) excited

4. Which statement is correct?

(a) She ignored the problem (b) She accepted her weakness (c) She decided to overcome it ✓ (d) She blamed others

Very Short Answer

5. What change in mindset is visible here?

The grandmother shifts from feeling helpless to becoming determined. She decides to take control of her situation rather than remain dependent on others.

Extract 2

On Saraswati Puja day, the grandmother read a few sentences on her own. She was able to read slowly, but correctly.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. This moment represents:

(a) failure (b) success ✓ (c) confusion (d) fear

2. The word ‘slowly’ suggests:

 (a) lack of ability (b) careful effort ✓ (c) hesitation (d) disinterest

3. Who is ‘I’ in this extract?

(a) A professional teacher (b) The granddaughter ✓ (c) A friend (d) A neighbour

4. This event highlights:

(a) conflict (b) achievement ✓ (c) confusion (d) failure

Very Short Answer

5. What emotion is reflected here?

Pride and fulfilment. Both grandmother and granddaughter feel joy at this achievement — proof that dedication leads to success.

Section B: Short Answer Questions (40–50 words)

Q.1. The grandmother felt ashamed of her dependence on others. Explain the reason behind this feeling.

Ans. The grandmother felt ashamed because she was unable to read the magazine on her own during her granddaughter’s absence. Her complete dependence on others for something as basic as reading made her feel helpless, and this awareness of her own limitation left her deeply embarrassed about never having been educated.

Q.2. Discuss how the granddaughter helped her grandmother learn to read and write.

Ans. The granddaughter took on the role of a patient and dedicated teacher. She taught her grandmother the Kannada alphabet every day, gave her regular homework, and encouraged her consistently through the process. Her steady support gradually transformed a sixty-two-year-old illiterate woman into a confident, independent reader.

Q.3. “Determination was central to the grandmother’s success.” Justify this statement with reference to the story.

Ans. Despite her advanced age, the grandmother set herself a clear deadline of Saraswati Puja, practised her lessons without fail every day, and refused to give up even when the task seemed difficult. Her willpower proved that sincere effort can overcome any obstacle, justifying the statement fully.

Q.4. Comment on the relevance of this story in today’s context.

Ans. This story remains highly relevant today because a significant number of adults still lack basic literacy skills. It encourages the idea of lifelong learning and demonstrates that education can empower individuals at any age, reflecting a core principle behind modern policies that promote adult literacy across the country.

Q.5. Elaborate on what the grandmother’s success symbolises.

Ans. The grandmother’s success symbolises the triumph of determination over limitation. Her achievement demonstrates that education brings independence, self-respect, and dignity to a person’s life. These values apply equally to every individual, regardless of their age, gender, or social circumstances, making her journey a universal example of empowerment.

Q.6. In your own words, describe the central message conveyed by the story.

Ans. The story conveys the important message that learning has no age limit. It shows that with sufficient willpower and the right support, anyone can acquire new skills at any stage of life. The story also highlights the importance of respecting teachers and recognises the truly transformative power of education.

Section C: Long Answer Questions (120–150 words)

Extrapolation Questions

1. A person learns a new skill at an old age. How is this similar to the grandmother’s journey?

Learning a new skill at an old age mirrors the grandmother’s journey in several ways. Both situations require overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations. The grandmother initially felt embarrassed about her illiteracy, just as an elderly person today might feel hesitant about learning technology or a new language.

The key similarity lies in the process: setting a goal, practising consistently, and refusing to give up despite challenges. The grandmother set Saraswati Puja as her deadline and worked diligently. Similarly, anyone learning a new skill must commit to regular practice.

Both journeys also demonstrate that age is merely a number. What matters is determination, patience, and access to supportive guidance. The grandmother’s success proves that the human capacity to learn never truly fades — it simply requires the courage to begin.

2. Do you think learning should have an age limit? Explain with reference to the story.

Learning should never have an age limit, and the grandmother’s story powerfully illustrates this truth. At sixty-two, Krishtakka decided to become literate — an age when many assume learning is impossible. Yet she succeeded through sheer determination and consistent effort.

The story challenges the misconception that education belongs only to the young. The grandmother memorised lessons, completed homework, and practised daily, proving that cognitive abilities remain active throughout life when properly engaged.

The grandmother’s transformation from dependence to independence shows that learning empowers people regardless of when they begin. Her journey is a reminder that it is never too late to start.

Theme and Character Questions

1. The grandmother is a symbol of determination. Discuss.

Krishtakka embodies determination throughout the story. Despite being sixty-two and having never attended school, she resolved to learn reading after experiencing the helplessness of illiteracy.

Her determination is evident in her systematic approach. She set a clear goal — reading independently by Saraswati Puja — maintained a disciplined routine of daily practice, and never let her age become an excuse. She completed homework diligently, repeated lessons, and gradually mastered the Kannada alphabet.

What makes her determination remarkable is its source: not external pressure, but internal desire for independence and dignity. She refused to remain dependent on others for something as fundamental as reading.

Her success on Saraswati Puja day — reading the novel’s title correctly — represents the triumph of willpower over circumstance. The grandmother proves that determination can overcome any limitation, making her an inspiring symbol for learners of all ages.

2. Describe the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter.

The relationship between grandmother and granddaughter in this story is one of mutual respect, love, and role reversal. Traditionally, grandparents teach grandchildren, but here the roles switch — the twelve-year-old becomes the teacher.

The granddaughter demonstrates patience and dedication. She reads stories aloud every week, and later commits to teaching her grandmother daily. She never mocks the elderly woman’s struggle but instead encourages her progress.

The grandmother shows humility by accepting her granddaughter as a teacher. On Saraswati Puja day, she touches the young girl’s feet — a profound gesture indicating that she values knowledge above social hierarchy.

This relationship illustrates that learning transcends age and conventional roles. The bond between them strengthens through the teaching process, with both gaining from the experience: the grandmother acquires literacy, while the granddaughter learns the joy of helping someone transform their life.

Section D: Case-Based Question (Competency-Based)

Scenario: A sixty-year-old woman joins a literacy class in the neighbourhood.

1. How is this similar to the grandmother’s story?

Both situations involve elderly women overcoming the fear of learning late in life. Like Krishtakka, this woman has recognised that literacy is essential for independence. Both require courage to admit their limitation and seek help.

2. What qualities are required to succeed in such situations?

Success requires determination, humility, patience, and consistent effort. The learner must be willing to start from basics without embarrassment. A supportive environment — whether a patient teacher or encouraging peers — also plays a crucial role.

3. What lesson can others learn from this?

Others can learn that age should never be a barrier to self-improvement. Every person deserves the dignity that education brings, and communities should encourage adult literacy by providing accessible, judgement-free learning opportunities.

Section E: Higher-Order Thinking Questions (HOTS)

Analytical Thinking

Q.1. The grandmother’s transformation is both emotional and intellectual. Analyse how both aspects are connected.

Ans. The grandmother’s transformation begins with a deep emotional experience and gradually leads to intellectual growth. Unable to read the magazine during her granddaughter’s absence, she feels deeply helpless and ashamed of depending on others even for reading a simple story. Her tears reflect not only sadness but also a painful awareness of her illiteracy, and this emotional realisation becomes the turning point in her life.

Her transformation takes place through three important factors: realisation, determination, and support. First, she recognises her limitation and understands how dependence has affected her self-respect. Second, she shows strong determination when she declares that she would learn to read and write herself. Finally, she receives constant support from her granddaughter, who patiently teaches her every day. The grandmother sincerely follows a routine of reading, repeating, writing, and reciting her lessons, showing discipline and commitment towards learning.

By the end of the story, the grandmother is emotionally stronger and intellectually independent, her learning journey having replaced shame with pride and dependence with self-respect. The story shows that emotional determination can lead to intellectual growth, while education can transform a person’s confidence and identity.

Q.2. Comparing the grandmother at the beginning and the end of the story, examine the factors that led to this transformation.

Beginning	End
Dependent on others to read	Reads independently
Feels helpless and embarrassed	Confident and proud
Illiterate	Literate

Ans. At the beginning of the story, the grandmother is presented as loving and caring, but also uneducated and dependent on others for reading. Although she enjoys listening to Kashi Yatre, she silently carries the regret of never having gone to school, and when her granddaughter is away and she cannot read the magazine herself, she feels deeply upset and powerless. This incident makes her realise how education is connected with dignity and independence.

By the end of the story, the grandmother emerges as a determined and self-reliant person. She successfully learns to read and write at the age of sixty-two and gains the confidence to read the novel independently. Her act of touching her granddaughter’s feet symbolises her respect for knowledge and her gratitude towards her teacher.

Several factors contribute to this transformation: her self-realisation of the limitations caused by illiteracy, her strong determination to overcome this weakness, and the granddaughter’s patient teaching combined with the grandmother’s disciplined habit of reading, repeating, writing and reciting. Together, these factors transform her from a dependent listener into an independent reader.

Q.3. The story highlights a shift from dependence to independence. Examine how this shift is developed.

Ans. The shift occurs gradually through specific events. Initially, the grandmother depends completely on her granddaughter for reading the magazine. Her granddaughter’s absence exposes this dependence painfully, and the decision to learn marks the beginning of change. Daily practice represents the transition phase, and reading independently on Saraswati Puja day finally completes the shift. Each stage builds logically upon the previous one.

Evaluation-Based Questions

Q.1. Justify whether the grandmother’s decision was driven more by self-respect or by necessity.

Ans. While the immediate necessity of wanting to know the story triggered the decision, self-respect was the deeper motivation. The grandmother could have simply asked someone else to read. Instead, she chose to learn because she felt embarrassed about her dependence. Her statement about feeling helpless and wanting to be independent reveals that dignity, rather than mere convenience, drove her decision.

Q.2. “The granddaughter acts as both teacher and learner.” Evaluate this statement.

Ans. This statement is accurate. As a teacher, the granddaughter imparts the Kannada alphabet and guides her grandmother’s practice. As a learner, she discovers the value of patience, the joy of teaching, and the importance of respecting determination regardless of age. When her grandmother touches her feet, the granddaughter learns that knowledge deserves reverence, and both roles enrich her understanding of education’s true meaning.

Application-Based Questions

Q.1. Consider someone today who cannot use digital technology. Discuss how their situation is similar to the grandmother’s.

Ans. A person unable to use smartphones or computers faces a similar dependence on others for tasks like online banking, booking tickets, or accessing information, much as the grandmother depended on others for reading. Both situations create feelings of helplessness in a world where such skills are assumed. The solution, too, is similar: patient instruction, consistent practice, and a supportive learning environment.

Q.2. Discuss whether the grandmother’s journey would have been different had she had access to modern tools such as mobile apps and audiobooks.

Ans. Modern tools might have accelerated her learning. Audiobooks could have provided the story without waiting for her granddaughter, and language-learning apps offer repetition and self-paced study. However, the core elements of determination and effort would remain essential, since technology assists learning but cannot replace the learner’s commitment.

Assertion-Reason Questions

Q.1. Assertion (A): The grandmother valued education deeply.
Reason (R): She decided to learn reading despite her age.

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A ✓
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true

Q.2. Assertion (A): The granddaughter plays a minor role in the story.
Reason (R): The grandmother learns independently.

(a) Both true
(b) Both false ✓
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true

Ans. The granddaughter plays a major role as the teacher. The grandmother does not learn independently; she requires daily instruction and guidance throughout.

Section F: Language and Literature (Competency-Based)

Understanding the Author’s Style: The author uses simple, direct language rather than elaborate figurative expressions. This stylistic choice serves the narrative well.

Q.1. Discuss the author’s choice of simple language over elaborate figurative expressions.

Ans. Simple language makes the story realistic and relatable. The grandmother is an ordinary woman from a village, and straightforward narration reflects her world authentically. Excessive figurative language might distance readers from the emotional truth of her experience.

Q.2. What effect does the absence of elaborate figures of speech create?
(a) exaggeration (b) realism and relatability ✓ (c) humour (d) suspense

Q.3. Rewrite the following using a figure of speech: ‘The grandmother was eager to learn.’

Ans. ‘The grandmother’s eagerness to learn burned like a steady flame that nothing could extinguish.’ (Simile)

Q.4. Compare the following sentences and evaluate which is more effective for this story:
Sentence A: She was determined to learn.
Sentence B: Her determination was like a flame that never faded.

Ans. Sentence B is more effective in literary contexts because the simile creates a vivid mental image. However, Sentence A suits this story’s realistic tone better. The choice ultimately depends on the desired effect.

Q.5. Error Analysis: A student writes, “The sentence ‘She was like a child learning to read’ is a metaphor.” Correct this statement with reasoning.

Ans. This is a simile, not a metaphor. Similes use ‘like’ or ‘as’ to compare two things. A metaphor would state the comparison directly without these words, for example, ‘She was a child discovering the world of words.’

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