How I Taught My Grandmother to Read NCERT Solutions Class 9

How I Taught My Grandmother to Read NCERT Solutions Class 9 provides complete and accurate answers to all textbook questions, activities, and exercises. This guide helps students understand the chapter clearly, improve their writing skills, and prepare effectively for exams.

All answers are written in a simple, structured, and CBSE-oriented format to help students score high marks with confidence.

These NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 1 help students understand the chapter clearly, practise effectively, and prepare for exams with confidence.

Also Read

For better exam preparation, check:

• How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Question Bank & MCQs
• Class 9 English Kaveri Complete Guide

About the Chapter

These How I Taught My Grandmother to Read NCERT Solutions Class 9 help students understand the theme and message easily.

This chapter by Sudha Murty highlights the importance of education and lifelong learning. It shows how determination can help overcome any obstacle and achieve independence.

The story beautifully portrays the emotional bond between the narrator and her grandmother, along with the grandmother’s strong desire to become self-reliant. It also teaches that education gives dignity, confidence, and freedom at any stage of life.

NCERT Solutions Class 9 – How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

This section provides How I Taught My Grandmother to Read NCERT Solutions Class 9 with accurate and exam-oriented answers. The answers are written in a clear, simple, and exam-oriented format to help students understand concepts easily and score high marks in exams.

I Complete the given word web.

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

Ans:

• Helps in gaining knowledge and education
• Enables independence in daily life
• Improves communication skills
• Builds confidence and self-respect

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

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

Ans: My grandparents speak Hindi and Bengali. They are more comfortable expressing their thoughts in these languages. Hindi helps them communicate with a wider group of people, while Bengali connects them deeply with their culture and traditions. Listening to them speak both languages helps me understand my roots and improves my own language skills. 

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

Ans: My grandparents spend their time reading religious books, watching television, and talking with family members. Sometimes, they also go for walks or meet neighbours. I spend time with them by listening to their stories, helping them with small tasks, and watching TV together. These moments strengthen our bond and teach me important life lessons. 

3. What is your favourite experience with them?

Ans: My favourite experience with my grandparents is listening to their childhood stories. They share interesting and inspiring incidents from their lives. One such moment was when my grandmother told me how she struggled but remained strong. These stories not only entertain me but also teach me values like patience, hard work, and respect.

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

Ans: The elderly in my family find it difficult to use modern technology like smartphones and computers. However, they enjoy watching me use these devices, especially when I show them photos, videos, or help them make video calls. It makes them happy and connected, and they feel proud seeing me handle technology confidently. 

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

Box: 1. excitedly, 2. believable, 3. people living in one particular area, 4. discussion, 5. a part of a story, 6. focus, 7. main character, 8. directed

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 a 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.

Ans:

Village: rural area, small settlement
Transport: conveyance, travel system
Eagerly: excitedly, keenly
Popular: famous, well-known
Convincing: believable, persuasive
Complex: complicated, difficult
Psychological: mental, emotional
Ordinary: common, simple
Appreciate: admire, value
Serial: episodic, in parts
Ardent: passionate, strong
Ultimate: final, highest
Struggle: effort, hardship
Orphan: parentless child
Savings: money, funds
Insist: demand
Concentration: focus, attention
Courtyard: open yard, veranda
Debate: discussion, argument
Thoroughly: completely, fully
Savouring: enjoying, relishing
Freedom: independence, liberty
Tears: crying, weeping
Affectionate: loving, caring
Essential: necessary, important
Regret: feel sorry, remorse

I Complete the cause and effect table given below based on Part 1 of the story. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

II Do you think the narrator expected to see her grandmother in tears when she returned to the village? If yes, why? no, why not? 

Ans: No, the narrator did not expect to see her grandmother in tears when she returned to the village. Her grandmother was a strong woman who had faced many hardships in life without crying. She had never shown such emotions even during difficult situations. The narrator was therefore surprised and worried on seeing her weeping. The reason for her tears was her inability to read the next episode of the story Kashi Yatre in the narrator’s absence. She felt helpless and dependent, which made her realise the importance of education. This emotional moment deeply affected both the narrator and her grandmother. 

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

Ans: The narrator can help her grandmother fulfil her desire to learn to read and write by becoming her teacher. She can start by teaching her the Kannada alphabet, simple words, and basic sentences. The narrator can read aloud and ask her grandmother to repeat and practice daily. She can use the story Kashi Yatre as a learning tool to make lessons interesting. Regular practice, patience, and encouragement will help her grandmother gain confidence. By setting small goals and revising lessons, the grandmother can gradually learn to read independently. This will make her feel proud, independent, and happy in her old age.

Immensely: greatly, deeply
Expression: look, appearance
Worried: anxious, troubled
Leaned: bent forward, inclined
Embarrassed: ashamed, uncomfortable
Dependent: relying on others, helpless
Independent: self-reliant, self-sufficient
Determination: strong will, firmness
Obstacle: difficulty, barrier
Tuition: teaching, coaching
Amazing: surprising, wonderful
Repeat: say again, revise
Recite: repeat from memory, narrate
Festival: celebration, occasion
Secretly: quietly, privately
Unusual: uncommon, different
Surprised: amazed, astonished
Tradition: custom, practice
Respect: honour, regard
Scriptures: holy books, sacred texts
Affection: love, care
Confidently: boldly, assuredly
Namaskara: greeting, salutation
Publisher: printing authority, book producer
Immediately: instantly, at once
Flying colours: great success, high achievement 
taken aback: surprised by something unexpected

1 State whether the following sentences are true or false. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. The grandmother wanted to learn the Kannada alphabet to gain independence. – True

2. The grandmother asked someone in the village to read Kashi Yatre to her while the narrator was away. – False

3. The narrator was the grandmother’s first teacher and taught her how to read Kannada. – True

4. The grandmother believed that there was no age limit for learning. – True

5. The grandmother touched the narrator’s feet as a mark of respect for her as a teacher. – True

6. The narrator was disappointed with the progress her grandmother made in learning to read. – False

Q.1 Read the extract and answer the following questions:

“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

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 clue is “sleeping in the open terrace of our house… it was a summer night and there was a full moon”, which reflects a rural lifestyle and traditional way of living.

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

Answer: The lines “Avva came and sat next to me. Her affectionate hands touched my forehead” establish a tender and loving atmosphere.

(v) Which of the following aspect 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. Read the extract and answer the following questions:

“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?

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 __________.

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: The narrator thinks that her grandmother is too old to learn, as she has grey hair, wrinkled hands, wears spectacles, and is busy with household work.

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

Answer: 1. Determination. 2. Strong will (confidence)

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

Answer: The narrator assumes that old age is a barrier to learning. She believes her grandmother cannot learn because of her age and physical condition, without considering her strong determination and willingness to work hard. This shows that the narrator judges her grandmother based on appearance rather than ability.

II. 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?

Ans: The grandmother felt embarrassed because she was an elderly woman who could not read, which made her feel ashamed and dependent. Although she lived in a well-off family, she realised that money was of no use without education. She clearly says that she could have asked someone in the village to read the story, but she was too embarrassed to do so. Her self-respect prevented her from seeking help. She felt helpless when she could not understand even the pictures in the magazine. This incident made her realise the importance of education and independence. As a result, she decided to learn the Kannada alphabet and become self-reliant.

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

Ans: The narrator initially laughs at her grandmother because she considers her too old to learn something new. She notices her grandmother’s grey hair, wrinkled hands, and spectacles, and assumes that learning at such an age is difficult or impossible. She also mentions that her grandmother works a lot in the kitchen, which makes her believe that she would not have time or the ability to study. Her reaction is childish and based on outward appearance rather than understanding her grandmother’s inner strength. The narrator fails to recognise her grandmother’s determination and confidence. Later, she realises her mistake and understands that learning has no age limit.

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

Ans: The story of Kashi Yatre plays a very important role in both the grandmother’s life and the narrative. The grandmother listens to the story every week with great interest and becomes emotionally attached to it. She identifies herself with the old lady in the novel and eagerly waits to know what happens next. When the narrator goes away, she is unable to read the story and feels extremely helpless. This situation makes her realise her dependence on others. As a result, the story becomes the main reason behind her decision to learn to read and writing. Thus, Kashi Yatre acts as a turning point and motivates her towards independence.

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

Ans: The grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflects her strong determination, courage, and self-respect. Despite being sixty-two years old, she does not hesitate to take up a new challenge. She clearly expresses her wish to become independent and not depend on others for reading. She sets a deadline for herself to achieve her goal, which shows her seriousness and commitment. Her willingness to work hard and practise regularly highlights her dedication. She also believes that there is no age limit for learning. Her attitude shows that education is valuable at every stage of life and that strong determination can help overcome any obstacle.

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

Ans: The grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet teaches us the importance of respecting teachers and valuing education. Even though the narrator is her granddaughter and younger in age, the grandmother considers her as a teacher who helped her become literate. This shows her humility and gratitude. It reflects the Indian tradition of giving high respect to teachers, regardless of age or relationship. The act also highlights that knowledge is greater than age or social position. By touching her feet, the grandmother expresses her deep appreciation for learning. It teaches us to respect those who guide us and to remain humble even after achieving success.

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.”

Ans: This line clearly highlights the central theme of the story, which is determination and lifelong learning. It shows that strong willpower and dedication can help a person overcome any difficulty, including old age and lack of education. The grandmother proves this by learning to read at the age of sixty-two. She faces many challenges but does not give up. Her determination helps her achieve her goal successfully. The line also encourages readers to pursue their goals with confidence and hard work. It emphasises that education is important and can be achieved at any stage of life if one is truly determined.

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

Ans: The story effectively highlights the importance of education in achieving personal independence. The grandmother feels helpless and dependent when she cannot read the story on her own. This makes her realise that money and comfort cannot replace education. Her strong desire to become independent motivates her to learn to read and write. With the narrator’s help and her own hard work, she successfully achieves her goal. By the end of the story, she is able to read independently, which fills her with confidence and pride. The story clearly shows that education empowers individuals and helps them live a self-reliant and dignified life.

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.

1. You must sink or swim in this competition without anyone’s help.
2. He comes to school on and off due to health issues.
3. You can mix and match colours to design your project creatively.
4. For success, you need an all or nothing attitude.
5. Respect for teachers is part and parcel of our culture.
6. Do not pick and choose only easy questions in the exam.
7. Sooner or later, hard work always brings success.
8. Her skills improved by leaps and bounds after regular practice.

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

unhappy, irrespective, independent, unfortunately

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

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.

im, mis, dis, extra, un, in

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

• Unhappy (prefix: un): The grandmother looked unhappy when she could not read the story.
• Independent (prefix: in): She wanted to become independent by learning to read and write.
• Unable (prefix: un): The grandmother felt unable to understand the magazine.
• Disappointed (prefix: dis): She felt disappointed when she missed the next episode of the story.
• Return (prefix: re): She waited eagerly for the narrator to return home.

IV In the sentence, “1 knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours”, the phrase “passed with flying colours” is an idiom. It means outstanding performance.

Now, use these idioms in sentences of your own.

• To hit the books: I need to hit the books because my exams are near.
• To draw a blank:  I studied well, but I drew a blank during the test.
• To learn the ropes:  It took me a few days to learn the ropes of the new subject.
• To rack one’s brain:  I racked my brain to solve the difficult question.
• To learn by heart: We had to learn the poem by heart for the class.
• Burn the midnight oil:  She burned the midnight oil to complete her 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 arrived (arrive) at the conference, the keynote speaker had already begun (already begin) the session.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 digital tools effectively and responsibly

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 us recognise misinformation and cyber threats

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

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.

Asta  Basu
Student
Jhargram, West Bengal

20 March 2026

Subject: Promoting Adult Literacy Awareness

Sir/Madam,

This is with reference to the article titled “Rising Need for Adult Literacy” dated 15 April 2026 in your newspaper. As a concerned citizen, I would like to draw your attention to the importance of student participation in adult literacy programmes. 

The issue at hand affects a large section of society. Students must come forward, whether they sink or swim, to support such initiatives. By participating in literacy camps, students can help adults read and write, becoming independent step by step. Such programmes are part and parcel of social responsibility and help students learn the ropes of real-life situations. These efforts nurture empathy and build strong community bonds.

A possible solution could be organising regular literacy drives and awareness campaigns. Authorities should encourage students to take part actively. I hope this letter gets published.

Yours truly,
Asta  Basu

Important Questions Class 9 – How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

This section includes the most important and frequently asked questions from the chapter How I Taught My Grandmother to Read. These questions are carefully selected to help students revise key concepts, understand the theme, and prepare effectively for exams.

1. Why did the grandmother feel helpless?

Ans: The grandmother felt helpless because she could not read the story on her own. She had to depend on the narrator, which made her feel embarrassed and dependent despite being well-off.

2. What inspired the grandmother to learn to read?

Ans: Her inability to read the story Kashi Yatre and the feeling of helplessness inspired her. She wanted to become independent and not depend on others for reading.

3. What is the message of the story?

Ans: The story conveys that learning has no age limit. It highlights the importance of education, determination, and self-reliance in achieving independence.

4. Why did the grandmother touch the narrator’s feet?

Ans: She touched the narrator’s feet as a mark of respect for her as a teacher. It shows her humility and respect for knowledge and learning.

Also Read

For better exam preparation, check:

• How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Question Bank & MCQs
• Class 9 English Kaveri Complete Guide

FAQs – How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Class 9

These frequently asked questions help students understand key concepts and prepare better for exams.

Q1. What is the theme of “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read”?

Ans: The theme focuses on the importance of education, lifelong learning, determination, and self-respect. It shows that learning can happen at any age.

Q2. Why did the grandmother decide to learn reading?

Ans: She decided to learn reading because she felt dependent and embarrassed when she could not read the story herself. She wanted to become independent.

Q3. Is this chapter important for exams?

Ans: Yes, this chapter is very important for exams. Questions are often asked from its theme, character, and message in MCQs and descriptive answers.

Q4. What role does the narrator play in the story?

Ans: The narrator acts as a teacher who guides and supports her grandmother in learning to read. She plays a key role in her transformation.

People Also Ask – How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

1. How to prepare “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read” for exams?

Ans: Study the theme, important events, and character of the grandmother. Practise important questions and revise key points regularly.

2. What is the message of the story?

Ans: The story teaches that education brings independence and that determination can help overcome any obstacle in life.

3. Who is the author of “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read”?

Ans: The story is written by Sudha Murty, a well-known Indian author and social worker.

4. Why is education important in this story?

Ans: Education is important because it gives independence, confidence, and self-respect, as shown by the grandmother’s transformation.

These How I Taught My Grandmother to Read NCERT Solutions Class 9 are useful for revision and scoring high marks in exams.

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