Reflect and Respond
I. Complete the given word web.
Ans
- To broaden my understanding of the world
- To express ideas clearly and connect with others
- To develop self-reliance and confidence
- To enhance future job prospects and growth
II. Read the questions given below and share your answers.
- Which languages do your grandparents or elderly relatives speak?
My grandparents are fluent in Hindi and Punjabi. - How do they spend their time? How do you spend time with them?
They enjoy reading, praying, and watching television. I cherish spending time with them by having conversations, assisting them with daily tasks, and listening to their stories. - What is your favourite experience with them?
My favourite experience is hearing about their childhood memories and gaining wisdom from their life lessons. - What is something that the elderly in your family cannot do easily but enjoy watching you do?
They find it difficult to use modern technology, but they love watching me navigate smartphones and computers.
III Read the following passage. Match the highlighted words with their meanings given in the box below.
The casting for the (i) protagonist of our school’s annual play was done after a lot of (ii) debate as many good actors had auditioned for the role. We had decided to present an (iii) episode from an inspirational story. It was 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
- protagonist → main character
- debate → discussion
- episode → a part of a story
- community → people living in one particular area
- concentration → focus
- eagerly → excitedly
- convincing → believable
- guided → directed
Check Your Understanding (Part I)
I. Complete the cause and effect table based on Part I of the story.
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?
Ans: No, the narrator did not expect to see her grandmother in tears. It surprised her because her grandmother was always strong and never showed her emotions, even during tough times. The narrator did not anticipate that her absence would affect Avva so deeply, particularly since missing Kashi Yatre left her grandmother feeling helpless and emotional.
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 learn to read and write by patiently introducing the Kannada alphabet, starting with basic letters and gradually moving on to simple words and sentences. By offering regular, encouraging lessons, she can make the process enjoyable for her grandmother. Setting a clear and meaningful goal, such as being able to read a novel by Saraswati Puja during Dassara, would keep her grandmother motivated and focused on her progress.
Check Your Understanding (Part II)
I. State whether the following sentences are True or False.
Critical Reflection
I. Read the extracts and answer the questions.
Extract 1:
When I came back to my village, I saw my grandmother in tears. I was surprised, for I had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situations. What had happened? I was worried.
“Avva, is everything all right? Are you okay?”
I used to call her Avva, which means mother in the Kannada spoken in North Karnataka.
She nodded but did not reply. I did not understand and forgot about it. At night, after dinner, we were sleeping on the open terrace of our house. It was a summer night, and there was a full moon. Avva came and sat next to me. Her affectionate hands touched my forehead.
(i) Complete the following sentence with the appropriate option.
The phrase ‘never seen her cry in the most difficult situations’ tells us that the grandmother was ____________.
A. strong-willed
B. understanding
C. considerate
D. bold
Ans: A. strong-willed.
The grandmother had always handled challenges without ever showing her emotions, proving she was strong-willed. This made it even more shocking for the narrator to see her grandmother cry.
(ii) Grandmother did not reply when the narrator asked if she was alright because she might have been too ________(emotional/tired) to respond.
Ans: emotional.
The grandmother felt a deep sense of helplessness and longing because she couldn’t read the story she cherished. The weight of her emotions left her unable to respond right away, as she struggled to process her disappointment and sadness.
(iii) Identify the clue from the extract that indicates a rural setting with traditional customs.
Ans: Evidence of a rural, traditional setting is found in the description of sleeping on the open terrace under a summer night’s full moon—something common in Indian villages. Additionally, the use of the word “Avva” (Kannada for grandmother) reflects local customs and language.
(iv) Which lines of the extract establish a tender atmosphere?
Ans: The lines — “It was a summer night and there was a full moon. Avva came and sat next to me. Her affectionate hands touched my forehead.”
These lines evoke a gentle, loving atmosphere by describing the peaceful night and the grandmother’s soft, caring touch, highlighting the deep emotional bond between them.
(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
Ans: C. the grandmother’s regret over her lack of education.
This extract highlights the grandmother’s emotions, the close bond she shares with the narrator, and the narrator’s concern for her. However, the regret over the grandmother’s lack of education isn’t explored here; that aspect comes up later in the story.
Extract 2:
“I have decided I want to learn the Kannada alphabet from tomorrow onwards. I will work very hard. I will keep Saraswati Puja day during Dassara as the deadline. By 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, and I will do it. For learning, there is no age bar.”
(i) What does the grandmother’s statement “I want to be independent” reveal about her character?
A. She wanted to be literate.
B. She desires self-sufficiency.
C. She wants to prove her intelligence to others.
D. She feels pressured by society to learn.
Ans: B. She desires self-sufficiency.
The grandmother’s wish to be independent shows she values self-reliance and dignity. Despite her family’s comfortable status, she feels powerless because she cannot read, making her dependent on others. Her determination to learn reflects her strong desire for autonomy and the importance she places on being able to manage her life without help.
(ii) The grandmother’s determination shows that learning has no ________.(age limit/gender bias/cultural barriers)
Ans: age limit.
At sixty-two, despite her grey hair, wrinkles, and spectacles, the grandmother chooses to learn the alphabet. Her determination proves that a strong will to learn can break through any barrier, age included.
(iii) The narrator laughs at her grandmother’s decision to learn the alphabet at the age of sixty-two because ________.
Ans: The narrator laughs at her grandmother’s wish to learn because she assumes that old age means someone can’t pick up new skills. She focuses on her grandmother’s grey hair, wrinkles, and spectacles, and fails to see her determination. This initial reaction shows the narrator’s youthful inexperience, but she eventually learns that age is not a barrier to learning.
(iv) List any two qualities displayed by the grandmother.
Ans:
- Determination and willpower: The grandmother sets a clear goal for herself—to learn to read by Saraswati Puja during Dassara—and dedicates herself wholeheartedly to reaching it, showing perseverance and resolve.
- Self-respect and dignity: Instead of asking someone else to read for her and feeling embarrassed, she takes it upon herself to learn, valuing her independence and self-worth.
(v) How can we say that the narrator is making assumptions about her grandmother?
Ans: The narrator mistakenly believes her sixty-two-year-old grandmother is too old to learn, basing her judgment on outward signs like grey hair, wrinkles, and spectacles. However, the grandmother’s determination leads her to succeed, disproving the narrator’s assumptions and showing that age is not a barrier to learning.
II. Answer the following questions.
Q1: 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 to ask others for help because she valued her self-respect and independence. Even though her family was well-off, she saw her inability to read as a personal shortcoming and didn’t want to appear dependent. This hesitation highlights her strong sense of pride and dignity.
Q2: Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?
Ans: The narrator laughs at her grandmother’s determination to learn because, at the age of twelve, she holds immature beliefs. She looks at her grandmother’s age, grey hair, wrinkles, spectacles, and kitchen work, and wrongly concludes that learning is only for the young. In time, she understands that this assumption is mistaken and that anyone can learn at any age.
Q3: What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother’s life and the story?
Ans: Kashi Yatre is central to the story in several ways:
- The grandmother feels a strong connection with the novel’s elderly protagonist, which makes her invested in every episode.
- The story’s emphasis on compassion over personal gain mirrors Avva’s own generous and selfless character.
- When she misses an episode because the narrator is away, it becomes a pivotal moment, inspiring her determination to learn to read so she won’t be dependent again.
- Ultimately, her ability to read the novel’s title and publisher’s name by herself marks not only her achievement but also brings a satisfying and emotional resolution to the story.
Q4: What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?
Ans: The grandmother’s desire to learn at the age of sixty-two reflects several admirable qualities:
- Thirst for knowledge: The grandmother regrets not having received an education and eagerly embraces the chance to learn when it arises.
- Determination and courage: She refuses to let age, physical limitations, or societal expectations prevent her from pursuing literacy.
- Strong desire for independence: She strives for self-reliance, determined not to depend on others for something as essential as reading.
- Self-awareness and perseverance: She recognizes the opportunities she missed and is committed to working hard to overcome them.
Her resolve embodies the message that it is never too late to learn.
Q5: What lessons can we infer from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet?
Ans: The grandmother’s action of touching her granddaughter’s feet teaches us several important lessons:
- Respect for the teacher: By touching the feet of her granddaughter as a teacher, the grandmother upholds the Indian value of showing utmost respect to one’s guru, regardless of age or familial ties.
- True humility: The act of a sixty-two-year-old bowing to a twelve-year-old demonstrates profound humility and greatness of character, highlighting the grandmother’s willingness to learn from anyone.
- Learning transcends social barriers: This gesture shows that, in the pursuit of knowledge, traditional boundaries of age and family roles become irrelevant.
- Sincere gratitude: The grandmother’s action is a heartfelt expression of gratitude, showing her deep appreciation in the most meaningful way she knows.
Q6: 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 emphasizes that determination enables people to overcome any obstacle, no matter their age or circumstances. The grandmother’s resolve to learn to read at sixty-two and achieve her goal before Dassara clearly demonstrates this message. The story reinforces the idea that education is universal, and with motivation and perseverance, barriers such as age or limited time can be conquered.
Q7: How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?
Ans: The story effectively illustrates the value of education in achieving personal independence through the grandmother’s experience. Despite being financially secure and respected, she feels powerless because she cannot read, making her reliant on others. She comes to understand that wealth cannot substitute for the self-reliance that literacy offers. When she finally learns to read and is able to identify the book’s title on her own, it becomes a powerful symbol of her independence. This transformation demonstrates that true freedom comes from education and the ability to manage one’s life without depending on others.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I. Match the binomials with their meanings.
Now, use any five of the above binomials in sentences of your own.
Ans
Use any five binomials in sentences of your own:
- Sink or swim: Moving to a new school mid-year, I had to quickly adapt and manage everything myself—it was truly a sink or swim situation.
- On and off: She practised the piano on and off for years, never sticking with it long enough to master the instrument.
- All or nothing: For him, friendship was all or nothing—he gave his complete trust or kept his distance entirely.
- Sooner or later: Sooner or later, perseverance brings success, even if the results aren’t immediate.
- Leaps and bounds: After joining the coaching class, Riya’s mathematical skills improved by leaps and bounds, astonishing her teachers.
II. Read the following words from the text given in the box below.
These words are made by adding suitable prefixes (‘un’,‘ir’, and ‘in’) to give an opposite or negative meaning tothe 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.
Add suitable prefixes to the following words.
Ans
III. Five words with prefixes from the story with sentences:
- Unhappy – She looked unhappy when she struggled to read the magazine by herself.
- Unusual – It was unusual to see an elder respectfully touch the feet of someone much younger.
- Unfortunately – Unfortunately, Triveni’s life ended early, and she could not reach her full potential.
- Irrespective – Teachers deserve respect irrespective of their age, background, or position.
- Independent – Learning to read gave the grandmother a new sense of independence.
IV. Match the idioms related to ‘learning’ with their meanings.
Ans
Use these idioms in sentences of your own:
- Hit the books: With the board exams approaching, Arjun decided to hit the books every evening.
- Draw a blank: When the teacher asked me the capital of Kazakhstan, I drew a complete blank.
- Learn the ropes: It took her a few weeks to learn the ropes of the new job.
- Rack one’s brain: I racked my brain trying to remember where I had kept my notebook.
- Learn by heart: The grandmother could learn by heart the entire text of every episode read to her.
- Burn the midnight oil: She burned the midnight oil to finish her project before the deadline.
V. (i) Fill in the blanks with simple past and past perfect tense form of the verbs given in brackets.
A. When the delegates ________ (arrive) at the conference, the keynote speaker ________ (already begin) the session.
B. After the students ________ (learn) how to identify fake news online, they ________ (start) verifying information before sharing it.
C. Before Kiran ________ (start) using digital payment platforms, she ________ (ensure) her understanding of online fraud prevention.
D. By the time Varun ________ (recognise) the importance of budgeting, he ________ (exhaust) most of his savings.
E. When Raghu ________ (log in) to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor ________ (already discuss) the importance of strong passwords.
Ans
A. When the delegates arrived at the conference, the keynote speaker had already begun the session.
B. After the students learned 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 verbs.
Last year, my parents and I A. ________ (take) a financial planning course. When we B. ________ (review) our expenses, we realised we C. ________ (spend) too much on unnecessary purchases. After my parents D. ________ (discuss) ways to save, I E. ________ (open) a savings account.
By the time we F. ________ (set) our budget, the course G. ________ (already introduce) investment strategies. We H. ________ (hurry) to take notes, but many participants I. ________ (complete) their financial plans. Despite that, we J. ________ (enjoy) learning how to manage money wisely.
Ans
Last year, my parents and I A. took a financial planning course. When we B. reviewed our expenses, we realised we C. had spent too much on unnecessary purchases. After my parents D. discussed ways to save, I E. opened a savings account.
By the time we F. set our budget, the course G. had already introduced investment strategies. We H. hurried to take notes, but many participants I. had completed their financial plans. Despite that, we J. enjoyed learning how to manage money wisely.
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:
- Begin with speaking ‘for’ the topic for one minute.
- Your teacher will signal that it is time to switch sides.
- Then speak ‘against’ the topic for one minute.
You may use the following sentence prompts.
Ans
Topic 1: It is important to learn a new language apart from your mother tongue
FOR:
Learning a new language besides our mother tongue is highly valuable. It expands our ability to communicate with a wider range of people and helps us appreciate different cultures. In the globalized world, multilingualism opens doors to more career opportunities and builds self-confidence. Additionally, it sharpens cognitive abilities such as memory and problem-solving skills. Being able to speak more than one language also makes travel more enjoyable and allows us to form connections across regions. For these reasons, acquiring a new language is an important and rewarding skill.
AGAINST:
Although there are benefits to learning a new language, it is not always a must. Our mother tongue is usually sufficient for daily communication and meeting essential needs. Learning an additional language can require significant time and effort, which might be better spent on mastering other valuable skills. Furthermore, not everyone has equal access to language learning resources or opportunities. With technological advancements like translation apps, we can now interact with people from different linguistic backgrounds more easily, even without knowing their language. Therefore, learning another language, while helpful, is not absolutely necessary for everyone.
Topic 2: Learning can happen only when you are young
FOR:
Learningis generally easier during childhoodg becauseyoungr minds arehighly adaptable and receptive to new information. Children tend to pick up languages, concepts, and skills more quickly than adults. At a young age, there are fewer obligations and distractions, allowing for greater focus on education. Structured guidance from schools and teachers also supports efficient learning. As a result, youth is often seen as the optimal stage for acquiring new knowledge and skillsg.
AGAINST:
Learning is a journey that continues throughout life, regardless of age. With determination, anyone can acquire new skills at any stage. In fact, adults may have an advantage in learning due to their prior experience, motivation, and clear objectives. There are countless examples of people achieving remarkable success later in life by embracing new opportunities to learn. Age is not a limitation—true learning knows no boundaries and can happen at any point in life.
Writing Task
I. Sample Letter to the Editor on Student Participation in Adult Literacy Camps
Rahul Sharma
Class IX StudentGreen Valley Public School
45, Sector 1
Chandigarh – 16001218 March 2026
The Editor
The TribuneSector 29, Chandigarh
Subject: The Importance of Student Participation in Adult Literacy Camps
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing in response to your article on adult illiteracy dated 15 March 2026. As a concerned student, I wish to highlight the significance of involving students in adult literacy camps organized by various groups. Many adults in our country continue to lack basic education, which restricts their personal and professional growth.
This issue affects a significant portion of society and impedes national development. Illiteracy is linked to unemployment, lack of awareness, and poor decision-making skills. It is crucial for students to come forward and participate in literacy campaigns. Such participation fosters a sense of responsibility, empathy, and social commitment among students. It also helps them develop valuable skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork, while empowering others to become self-reliant.
To address this challenge, schools and authorities should make student involvement in literacy programs more systematic and appealing. Initiatives such as awareness drives, workshops, and recognition through certificates or awards can motivate students to take part actively. I hope this suggestion will be taken seriously for the greater good. I look forward to seeing this letter published in your esteemed daily.
Yours sincerely,Rahul Sharma