Textbook Questions and Answers
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?
Answer:- My grandparents primarily speak Hindi and Marathi. My grandmother also understands a bit of English, but she prefers speaking in her mother tongue when she is at home.
2. How do they spend their time? How do you spend time with them?
Answer :- My grandfather spends a lot of time gardening and reading the morning newspaper. My grandmother enjoys cooking and watching old classic movies. I spend time with them by helping in the garden or listening to stories about their childhood during dinner.
3. What is your favourite experience with them?
Answer:- My favorite experience is when my grandmother teaches me how to make traditional family recipes. It’s not just about the food; it’s the way she shares life lessons while we cook together.
4. What is something that the elderly in your family cannot do easily but enjoy watching you do?
Answer:- My grandparents find it difficult to use latest smartphone apps or play fast-paced video games, but they really enjoy watching me play or show them how a new piece of technology works. They are always amazed by how quickly my generation learns these things.
| Highlighted Word | Matching 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 |
Answer:- No, the narrator did not expect to see her grandmother in tears. The text directly supports this: the narrator mentions, “I was surprised, for I had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situations.” Because her grandmother was usually a very strong and resilient woman, seeing her cry over something was completely unexpected and deeply worried the young narrator.
iii) How might the narrator help her grandmother to fulfil her desire to learn to read and write?
Answer:- To help her grandmother fulfill her desire to learn, the narrator could:
·Become her teacher: The narrator can start teaching her grandmother the Kannada alphabet and basic vocabulary.
·Set a routine: They could dedicate a specific time each day to practice reading and writing together.
Use the magazine as a goal: The narrator can use copies of Karmaveera (and the Kashi Yatre serial) as practical reading material to keep her grandmother motivated, with the ultimate goal being that the grandmother can read the next episode entirely on her own
Answer:- The clues indicating a rural setting/traditional customs are sleeping on the “open terrace of our house” and the use of the regional word “Avva” for mother.
Answer:- The line establishing a tender atmosphere is: “Her affectionate hands touched my forehead.”
Answer:- C. the grandmother’s regret over her lack of education (Note: This is revealed later in the story, not in this specific extract).
·Answer:- B. She desires self-sufficiency.
Answer:- age limit.
Answer-The narrator laughs at her grandmother’s decision because she is sixty-two years old, has grey hair, wrinkled hands, wears spectacles, and spends most of her time working in the kitchen. It seemed childishly impossible to the young narrator.
Answer:- Two qualities displayed by the grandmother: Determined and hardworking (or optimistic/humble).
Answer:-The narrator makes assumptions by associating old age and physical appearance (wrinkles, grey hair) with an inability to learn something new.
Answer:- She felt it was shameful to be a wealthy, respected adult who was entirely dependent on others just to read a magazine. It highlighted her illiteracy to the outside world.
2. Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?
Answer:- As a twelve-year-old, the narrator held the common societal stereotype that education is only for young children, not for sixty-two-year-old grandmothers who are busy with household chores.
3. What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre
have in both the grandmother’s life and the story?
Answer:- The novel’s protagonist desires to visit Kashi for ultimate peace but sacrifices it for a noble cause. Similarly, the grandmother sacrifices her hesitation and comfort for the “good cause” of learning to read, which is her own personal pilgrimage to independence.
4. What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?
Answer:- It reflects her resilience, strong willpower, and belief that true independence comes from self-reliance and education, not just financial wealth.
5. What lessons can we infer from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet?
Answer:- It teaches us that knowledge is sacred, and a teacher deserves immense respect regardless of their age or gender.
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:-This line emphasizes that with strong willpower, a clear purpose, and hard work, societal barriers like age or missed opportunities cannot stop you from achieving your goals.
7. How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?
Answer:-The story effectively shows that even if you are financially well-off (“we are well-off”), you can still feel helpless without education. Literacy is portrayed as the true key to personal independence.
1.sink or swim —————–> (vii) succeed or fail without help
2.on and off —————–>(v) sometimes, occasionally
3.mix and match —————–>(i) put different things together to get a range of possibilities
4.all or nothing —————–>(viii) something to be done completely or not at all
5.part and parcel —————–>(ii) complete part of or belong to
6.pick and choose —————–>(iii) choose only the best (things, people, etc.)
7.sooner or later —————–>(iv) at sometime in the future
8.leaps and bounds —————–>(vi) increase or develop very quickly
1.It is impossible to learn a new language without regular practice.
2.Please do not misunderstand my intentions; I only want to help.
3.Treating elders with disrespect is frowned upon in our culture.
4.Her performance on the stage last night was truly extraordinary.
5.The mechanic gave us incorrect information about the car’s engine.
1.to hit the books —————–>(iii) to study seriously
2.to draw a blank —————–>(v) to be unable to remember
3.to learn the ropes —————–>(vi) to understand how to do an activity
4.to rack one’s brain —————–>(ii) to think very hard
5.to learn by heart —————–>(i) to memorise something
6.burn the midnight oil —————–>(iv) to study or work late into the night
·I need to hit the books this weekend because my finals are starting.
·I tried to remember the author’s name, but I completely drew a blank.
·It took me a few weeks to learn the ropes at my new job.
·I had to rack my brain to solve the final puzzle.
·My grandmother was able to learn by heart the entire story.
·She had to burn the midnight oil to finish her science project on time.
Answer:- When the delegates arrived at the conference, the keynote speaker had already begun the session.
Answer: After the students had learned how to identify fake news online, they started verifying information before sharing it.
Answer:- Before Kiran started using digital payment platforms, she had ensured her understanding of online fraud prevention
Answer:- By the time Varun recognised the importance of budgeting, he had exhausted most of his savings.
Answer:- When Raghu logged in to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor had already discussed the importance of strong passwords
Last year, my parents and I took a financial planning course. When we reviewed our expenses, we realised we had spent too much on unnecessary purchases. After my parents had discussed ways to save, I opened a savings account. By the time we set our budget, the course had already introduced investment strategies. We hurried to take notes, but many participants had completed their financial plans. Despite that, we enjoyed learning how to manage money wisely.
1.Literacy these days includes the ability to use digital devices/technology.
2.Digital literacy is also about protecting personal information/data privacy.
3.Digital literacy enables the elderly to access online services.
4.Digital literacy encourages using the internet safely by helping us recognise and avoid cyber threats/scams.
5.The National Digital Literacy Mission helps people across the country by imparting basic computer skills.
III Read the following passage. Match the highlighted words with their meanings given in the box below.
- excitedly
- believable
- people living in one particular area
- discussion
- a part of a story
- focus
- main character
- 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.
Reading for Meaning
I
When I was a girl of about twelve, I used to stay in a village in north Karnataka with my grandparents. Those days, the transport system was not very good, so we used to get the morning paper only in the afternoon. The weekly magazine used to come one day late. All of us would wait eagerly for the bus, which used to come with the papers, weekly magazines and the post.
At that time, Triveni was a very popular writer in the Kannada language. She was a wonderful writer. Her style was easy to read and very convincing. Her stories usually dealt with complex psychological problems in the lives of ordinary people and were always very interesting.
Unfortunately for Kannada literature, she died very young. Even now, after forty years, people continue to appreciate her novels.
to One of her novels, called Kashi Yatre, was appearing as a serial in the Kannada weekly Karmaveera then. It is the story of an old lady and her ardent desire to go to Kashi or Varanasi. Most Hindus believe that going Kashi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara is the ultimate punya. This old lady also believed in this, and her struggle to go there was described in that novel. In the story there was also a young orphan girl who falls in love but there was no money for the wedding. In the end, the old lady gives away all her savings without going to Kashi. She says, ‘The happiness of this orphan girl is more important than worshipping Lord Vishweshwara at Kashi.’
My grandmother, Krishtakka, never went to school so she could not read. Every Wednesday the magazine would come and I would read the next episode of this story to her. During that time she would forget all her work and listen with the
ardent: keen
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read
greatest concentration. Later, she could repeat the entire text by heart. My grandmother too never went to Kashi, and she identified herself with the novel’s protagonist. So more than anybody else she was the one most interested in knowing what happened next in the story and used to insist that I read the serial out to her.
After hearing what happened next in Kashi Yatre, she would join her friends at the temple courtyard where we children would also gather to play hide and seek.
She would discuss the latest episode with her friends. At that time, I never understood why there was so much of debate about the story.
Once I went for a wedding with my cousins to the neighbouring village. In those days, a wedding was a great event. We children enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. We would eat and play endlessly, savouring the freedom because all the elders were busy. I went for a couple of days but ended up staying there for a week.
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 realised she wanted to speak. I asked her, “What is the matter?”
savouring:
enjoying it to the fullest
‘When I was a young girl, I lost my mother. There was nobody to look after and guide me. My father was a busy man and got married again. In those days people never considered education essential for girls, so I never went to school. I got married very young and had children. I became very busy. Later I had grandchildren and always felt so much happiness in cooking and feeding all of you. At times I used to regret not going to school, so I made sure that my children and grandchildren studied well…’
Check Your Understanding
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
1.
(i) The morning papers arrived late in the day and weekly magazines would come one day late.
grandmother, 2. The Krishtakka, went to school. never
(ii)
Effect
3.
(iii) Sheeply Waterested in the story and discussed it with her friends.
- The narrator went to a wedding for a week.
(iv)
5.
(v) The grandmother never went to school.
- The grandmother regretted not going to school.
(vi)
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?
III How might the narrator help her grandmother to fulfil her desire to learn to read and write?
II
I could not understand why my sixty-two-year-old grandmother was telling me, a twelve-year-old, the story of her life in the middle of the night. But I knew I loved her immensely and there had to be some reason why she was talking to me. I looked at her face. It was unhappy and her eyes were filled with tears. She was a good-looking lady who was usually always smiling. Even today, I cannot forget the worried expression on her face. I leaned forward and held her hand.
‘Avva, don’t cry. What is the matter? Can I help you in any way?’
‘Yes, I need your help. You know when you were away, Karmaveera came as usual. I opened the magazine. I saw the picture that accompanies the story of Kashi Yatre and I could not understand anything that was written. Many times I rubbed my hands over the pages wishing they could understand what was written. But I knew it was not possible. If only I was educated enough. I waited eagerly for you to return. I felt you would come early and read for me. I even thought of going to the village and asking you to read for me. I could
have asked somebody in this village but I was too embarrassed to do so. I felt very dependent and helpless. We are well-off, but what use is money when I cannot be independent?’
I did not know what to answer. Avva continued.
‘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.’
was a The next day onwards I started my tuition. Avva wonderful student. The amount of homework she did was amazing. She would read, repeat, write, and recite. I was her only teacher and she was my first student. Little did I know then that one day I would become a teacher in Computer Science and teach hundreds of students.
The Dassara festival came as usual. Secretly I bought Kashi Yatre which had been published as a novel by that time. My grandmother called me to the puja place and made me sit down on a stool. She gave me a gift of frock material. Then she did something unusual. She bent down and touched my feet. I was surprised and taken aback. Elders never touch the feet of youngsters. We have always touched the feet of God, elders, and teachers. We consider that as a mark of respect. It is a great tradition but today the reverse had happened. It was not correct.
She said, ‘I am touching the feet of a teacher, not my granddaughter; a teacher who taught me so well, with so much of affection that I can read any novel confidently in such a short period. Now I am independent. It is my duty to respect a teacher. Is it not written in our scriptures that a teacher should be respected, irrespective of the gender and age?’
I did return her namaskara to her by touching her feet and gave my gift to my first student. She opened it and read immediately the title Kashi Yatre by Triveni and the publisher’s name. I knew then that my student had passed with flying colours.
Sudha Murty
Check Your Understanding
I 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.
2.
The grandmother asked someone in the village to read Kashi Yatre to her while the narrator was away.
3.
The narrator was the grandmother’s Irst teacher and taught her how to read Kannada.
- The grandmother believed that there was no age limit for learning.
5.
The grandmother touched the narrator’s feet as a mark of respect for her as a teacher.
6.
The narrator was disappointed with the progress her grandmother made in learning to read.
Critical Reflection
I Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow. - 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 di cult 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 di cult situations’ tells us that the grandmother was
A. strong-willed
B. understanding
C. considerate
D. bold
(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.
(iii) Identify the clue from the extract that indicates a rural setting with traditional customs.
(iv) Which lines of the extract establish a tender atmosphere?
(v) Which of the following aspect is NOT emphasised in the given extract?
A. the emotional turmoil of the grandmother
B. the allectionate 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
- 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-sulciency.
C. She wants to prove her intelligence to others.
D. She feels pressured by society to learn.
(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)
(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
(iv) List any two qualities displayed by the grandmother.
(v) How can we say that the narrator is making assumptions about her grandmother?
II Answer the following questions.
- Why do you think the grandmother felt embarrassed to ask someone else to read to her while the narrator was away?
- Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?
- What signilcance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother’s life and the story?
- What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?
- What lessons can we infer from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet?
- 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.’ - How electively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
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.
Column 1
Column 2 - sink or swim
(i) put dillerent things together to get a range of possibilities - on and o
(ii) complete part of or belong to - mix and match
(iii) choose only the best (things, people, etc.) - all or nothing
(iv) at sometime in the future - part and parcel
(v) sometimes, occasionally - pick and choose
(vi) increase or develop very quickly - sooner or later
(vii) succeed or fail without help - leaps and bounds
(viii) something to be done completely or not at all
Now, use any five of the above binomials in sentences of your own.
II Read the following words from the text given in the box below.
unusuahhappy
independepective
unfortunately
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.
un
in
im
mis
dis
extra
Column 1
Column 2
- popular
(i) unpopular - belief
(ii) - important
(iii) - respect 5.
(iv)
correct
6.
(v)
continue 7.
(vi)
understand 8.
(vii)
ordinary 9.
(viii)
interesting
(XI) - possible
(x)
III Identify any five words with prefixes from the story and make sentences using each.
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.
Column 1
Column 2
- to hit the books
(i) to memorise something - to draw a blank
(ii) to think very hard - to learn the ropes
(iii) to study seriously - to rack one’s brain
(iv) to study or work late into the night - to learn by heart
(v) to be unable to remember - burn the midnight oil
(vi) to understand how to do an activity
Now, use these idioms in sentences of your own.
V Read the following sentences from the text and underline the verbs. - Secretly, I bought Kashi Yatre which had been published as a novel by that time.
- I knew, then, that my student had passed with ying 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
V By the time I reached the party, everyone had finished eating.
V 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 speaker conference, the keynote (already begin) the session.
B. After the students fake news online, they information before sharing it. (learn) how to identify (start) verifying
C. Before Kiran platforms, she (start) using digital payment (ensure) her understanding of online fraud prevention.
D. By the time Varun importance of budgeting, he (recognise) the (exhaust) most of his savings.
E. When Raghu (log in) to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor (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. financial planning course. When we B. (review) our expenses, we realised we C. (take) a (spend) too much on unnecessary purchases. After my parents D. (discuss) ways to save, I Ε.. (open) a savings account.
By the time we F. G. We H. (set) our budget, the course (already introduce) investment strategies. (hurry) to take notes, but many participants I. (complete) their financial plans. Despite that, we J. (enjoy) learning how to manage money wisely.
Listen and Respond
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)
- Literacy these days includes the ability to use
- Digital literacy is also about protecting
- Digital literacy enables the elderly to
- Digital literacy encourages using the internet safely by helping us recognise and
- The National Digital Literacy Mission helps people across the country by imparting
Speaking Activity
Turncoat is a type of solo debate where the speaker argues for and against a topic, switching sides after a certain period of time.
[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.
V Begin with speaking ‘for’ the topic for one minute.
V Your teacher will signal that it is time to switch sides.
V Then speak ‘against’ the topic for one minute.
You may use the following sentence prompts.
‘For’
‘Against’
V To begin with, I would like to speak ‘for’ the topic…
V On the contrary/On the other hand…
V My Orst argument in favour of…
V There are two sides to this topic…
V Most importantly I want to mention that…
V There’s no doubt that …
V In addition to that…/Moreover, I feel…
V If I could make a point here…
V I strongly feel…
V I am pretty sure that..
V I have a reason to believe…
V Well, I am not sure can whether really… you
V There’s no doubt that…
V So, to put it in a few words…
Writing Task
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
V Name, designation, address
V Date
V Subject: 4-5 words in title case
V Salutation: Sir/Madam
V Body of the letter: In at least three paragraphs
V P aragraph 1: Statement of problem: Raise the issue by citing some latest news items, survey report or personal experience, etc.
h This is with reference to the article about in your newspaper. dated
h As a concerned citizen I would like to draw your attention towards…
V P aragraph 2: Analyse the issue in terms of its causes and consequences.
h The issue at hand allects a large section of society and…
h It is imperative that…
h It would be beneficial if…
h Such initiatives nurture a sense of…
h By engaging in these programmes students…
Paragraph 3: Offer suggestions/solutions.
V Request the relevant authorities to take the action and request the editor to publish your views.
h Apossible solution to this issue could be…
h One ellective way to address this might be…
h Authorities could consider implementing…
h Itrust this matter will be considered seriously for the benellt of all.
h lam hopeful that necessary steps will be taken to…
h Ihope this letter gets published in the columns of your esteemed daily.
V Complimentary close: Yours truly,
V
Language
h Formal, clear, and specific
h Short and to the point sentences
h Purpose stated clearly and concisely
h Relevant details to be given