Chapter 1: How I Taught My Grandmother to Read
Hello dear students! Welcome to the solutions for Chapter 1. As your English teacher, I have broken down the answers step-by-step so that they are easy for you to understand and learn. Let's dive right in!
Reflect and Respond
I. Complete the given word web. (Why is it important to learn how to read and write?)
Answer: Learning to read and write is important because it helps us to:
- Gain knowledge and understand the world.
- Become independent and self-reliant.
- Communicate our thoughts effectively.
- Stay safe from being cheated or misled.
II. Read the questions given below and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: (Students should answer these based on their personal experiences. Here is a sample response.)
1. My grandparents speak Hindi and their regional dialect.
2. They spend their time reading newspapers, gardening, and praying. I spend time with them by listening to their old stories and helping them use their smartphones.
3. My favourite experience is cooking traditional recipes with my grandmother.
4. They enjoy watching me play video games or use the computer, as they find modern technology fascinating.
1. My grandparents speak Hindi and their regional dialect.
2. They spend their time reading newspapers, gardening, and praying. I spend time with them by listening to their old stories and helping them use their smartphones.
3. My favourite experience is cooking traditional recipes with my grandmother.
4. They enjoy watching me play video games or use the computer, as they find modern technology fascinating.
III. Read the following passage. Match the highlighted words with their meanings given in the box below.
Answer:
- 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 given below based on Part I of the story.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1. The transport system was not very good. | (i) The morning papers and weekly magazines would come one day late. | 2. The grandmother, Krishtakka, never went to school. | (ii) She could not read the story 'Kashi Yatre' on her own. |
| 3. She identified herself with the novel's protagonist. | (iii) She was deeply interested in the story and discussed it with her friends. |
| 4. The narrator went to a wedding for a week. | (iv) The grandmother could not know what happened in the next episode and felt helpless. |
| 5. In those days, people never considered education essential for girls. | (v) The grandmother never went to school. |
| 6. The grandmother regretted not going to school. | (vi) She made sure 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?
Answer: No, the narrator did not expect to see her grandmother in tears. She was surprised and worried because she had never seen her grandmother cry, even in the most difficult and challenging situations.
III. How might the narrator help her grandmother to fulfil her desire to learn to read and write?
Answer: The narrator could help her grandmother by becoming her teacher and patiently teaching her the Kannada alphabet, allowing her to read the story independently.
Check Your Understanding (Part II)
I. State whether the following sentences are true or false.
Answer:
- The grandmother wanted to learn the Kannada alphabet to gain independence. - True
- The grandmother asked someone in the village to read Kashi Yatre to her while the narrator was away. - False (She was too embarrassed to ask anyone else.)
- The narrator was the grandmother's first teacher and taught her how to read Kannada. - True
- The grandmother believed that there was no age limit for learning. - True
- The grandmother touched the narrator's feet as a mark of respect for her as a teacher. - True
- The narrator was disappointed with the progress her grandmother made in learning to read. - False (The narrator was amazed by her hard work and proud when she passed with flying colours.)
Critical Reflection
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
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 O.K.?' 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 the 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?’"
Extract 1 Questions:
- Based on the extract, what is the usual nature of the grandmother?
- What was the grandmother's state of mind in the given lines?
- Quote a line from the text that shows the setting or the bond between the narrator and the grandmother.
- Which phrase indicates the grandmother's love for the narrator?
- What is the real reason behind the grandmother's tears?
Answers:
(i) A. strong-willed
(ii) emotional
(iii) "I used to call her Avva, which means mother in the Kannada spoken in north Karnataka" OR "sleeping in the open terrace of our house."
(iv) "Her affectionate hands touched my forehead."
(v) C. the grandmother's regret over her lack of education (This detail is revealed later in the story, not in this specific extract).
(i) A. strong-willed
(ii) emotional
(iii) "I used to call her Avva, which means mother in the Kannada spoken in north Karnataka" OR "sleeping in the open terrace of our house."
(iv) "Her affectionate hands touched my forehead."
(v) C. the grandmother's regret over her lack of education (This detail is revealed later in the story, not in this specific extract).
Extract 2: "‘I have decided I want to learn the Kannada alphabet from tomorrow onwards. I will work very hard. I will keep Saraswati Pooja 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 an 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.’"
Extract 2 Questions:
- What does the grandmother’s decision reveal about her?
- Fill in the blank: The grandmother believed that for learning there is no _______.
- Why did the narrator laugh at her grandmother's decision?
- What traits of the grandmother's character are evident here?
- What does the narrator's reaction reveal about her initial mindset regarding education?
Answers:
(i) B. She desires self-sufficiency.
(ii) age limit
(iii) ...because all her hair is grey, her hands are wrinkled, she wears spectacles, and she already does so much work in the kitchen.
(iv) She was determined and hardworking.
(v) The narrator assumes that learning is only for young people and that physical signs of aging (like grey hair and wrinkles) are obstacles to education.
(i) B. She desires self-sufficiency.
(ii) age limit
(iii) ...because all her hair is grey, her hands are wrinkled, she wears spectacles, and she already does so much work in the kitchen.
(iv) She was determined and hardworking.
(v) The narrator assumes that learning is only for young people and that physical signs of aging (like grey hair and wrinkles) are obstacles to education.
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?
Answer: The grandmother felt embarrassed because she was a wealthy, respected, sixty-two-year-old lady, yet she lacked the basic skill of reading. She felt ashamed to reveal her dependency and helplessness to outsiders.
2. Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother's determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?
Answer: The young narrator laughs childishly because she associated learning only with young age. She thought her grandmother's grey hair, wrinkled hands, and busy kitchen routine made it impossible for her to learn the alphabet now.
3. What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother's life and the story?
Answer: The grandmother closely identified with the old lady in 'Kashi Yatre' who had a strong desire but faced obstacles. Just as the protagonist in the story gave up her savings for a good cause, the grandmother sacrificed her time and ego to achieve her own noble goal: independence through literacy.
4. What does the grandmother's desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?
Answer: It reflects her immense willpower, resilience, and her firm belief that "for learning there is no age bar." It shows she deeply valued independence and self-reliance.
5. What lessons can we infer from the grandmother's action of touching the narrator's feet?
Answer: We learn that true respect is based on knowledge and guidance, not just age or gender. The grandmother taught us the traditional Indian value of revering a 'Guru' (teacher), even if the teacher is your own young granddaughter.
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 highlights the central theme of the story: strong willpower and dedication can conquer any barrier. Whether it is old age, societal norms, or lack of early opportunities, true determination always leads to success.
7. How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?
Answer: The story highlights this very effectively. The grandmother was wealthy, but she clearly stated, "What use is money when I cannot be independent?" Her inability to read made her feel helpless. Only after gaining education did she truly feel confident and independent.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context
I. Match the binomials in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.
Answer:
1. In this new job, you either sink or swim.
2. It has been raining on and off since morning.
3. Stress is part and parcel of modern life.
4. He is improving in his studies by leaps and bounds.
5. You must finish this work sooner or later.
- sink or swim - (vii) succeed or fail without help
- on and off - (v) sometimes, occasionally
- mix and match - (i) put different things together to get a range of possibilities
- all or nothing - (viii) something to be done completely or not at all
- part and parcel - (ii) complete part of or belong to
- pick and choose - (iii) choose only the best (things, people, etc.)
- sooner or later - (iv) at sometime in the future
- leaps and bounds - (vi) increase or develop very quickly
1. In this new job, you either sink or swim.
2. It has been raining on and off since morning.
3. Stress is part and parcel of modern life.
4. He is improving in his studies by leaps and bounds.
5. You must finish this work sooner or later.
II. Make words by adding suitable prefixes (un, im, dis, in, mis, extra).
Answer:
- popular - unpopular
- belief - disbelief
- important - unimportant
- respect - disrespect
- correct - incorrect
- continue - discontinue
- understand - misunderstand
- ordinary - extraordinary
- interesting - uninteresting
- possible - impossible
III. Identify any five words with prefixes from the story and make sentences using each.
Answer:
- Unfortunately: Unfortunately, we missed the train by just two minutes.
- Immensely: I love my parents immensely.
- Unusual: It is highly unusual to see snow in this city.
- Independent: Education helps you become an independent citizen.
- Irrespective: Everyone should be treated fairly, irrespective of their background.
IV. Match the idioms related to 'learning' with their meanings.
Answer:
1. Exams are approaching, so I need to hit the books.
2. I tried to remember his name, but I completely drew a blank.
3. It will take a few weeks to learn the ropes at my new job.
4. I had to rack my brain to solve that difficult puzzle.
5. Our teacher asked us to learn the poem by heart.
6. She had to burn the midnight oil to finish her science project.
- to hit the books - (iii) to study seriously
- to draw a blank - (v) to be unable to remember
- to learn the ropes - (vi) to understand how to do an activity
- to rack one's brain - (ii) to think very hard
- to learn by heart - (i) to memorise something
- burn the midnight oil - (iv) to study or work late into the night
1. Exams are approaching, so I need to hit the books.
2. I tried to remember his name, but I completely drew a blank.
3. It will take a few weeks to learn the ropes at my new job.
4. I had to rack my brain to solve that difficult puzzle.
5. Our teacher asked us to learn the poem by heart.
6. She had to burn the midnight oil to finish her science project.
V. Fill in the blanks with simple past and past perfect tense form of the verbs.
Answer (i):
A. When the delegates arrived at the conference, the keynote speaker had already begun the session.
B. After the students had 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.
Answer (ii):
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. had 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.
A. When the delegates arrived at the conference, the keynote speaker had already begun the session.
B. After the students had 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.
Answer (ii):
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. had 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.
Listen and Respond
I. Complete the following sentences with one to three exact words that you hear.
Answer:
1. Literacy these days includes the ability to use digital tools effectively.
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, scams, and cyber threats.
5. The National Digital Literacy Mission helps people across the country by imparting IT training.
1. Literacy these days includes the ability to use digital tools effectively.
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, scams, and cyber threats.
5. The National Digital Literacy Mission helps people across the country by imparting IT training.
Writing Task
I. Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper emphasising the importance of student participation in adult literacy camps.
Sample Answer:
A-14, Green Park
New Delhi
20 April 2026
The Editor
The Daily Times
New Delhi
Subject: Importance of student participation in adult literacy camps
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, as a concerned citizen, I would like to draw the attention of the public and school authorities towards the urgent need for student participation in adult literacy camps.
The issue of illiteracy affects a large section of our society, particularly the elderly who missed out on education in their youth. It is imperative that we help them become self-reliant. By engaging in these literacy programmes, students can pass on their knowledge and bridge the generational gap. Such initiatives nurture a sense of empathy, social responsibility, and community bonding among the youth, while empowering adults to read, write, and handle simple day-to-day tasks independently.
A possible solution to this issue could be schools making it mandatory for senior students to volunteer a few hours monthly for local literacy drives. Authorities could consider implementing a recognition system to encourage active volunteers. I trust this matter will be considered seriously for the benefit of all.
I hope this letter gets published in your esteemed daily to awaken the spirit of service among our youth.
Yours truly,
[Your Name]
A Socially Responsible Citizen
A-14, Green Park
New Delhi
20 April 2026
The Editor
The Daily Times
New Delhi
Subject: Importance of student participation in adult literacy camps
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, as a concerned citizen, I would like to draw the attention of the public and school authorities towards the urgent need for student participation in adult literacy camps.
The issue of illiteracy affects a large section of our society, particularly the elderly who missed out on education in their youth. It is imperative that we help them become self-reliant. By engaging in these literacy programmes, students can pass on their knowledge and bridge the generational gap. Such initiatives nurture a sense of empathy, social responsibility, and community bonding among the youth, while empowering adults to read, write, and handle simple day-to-day tasks independently.
A possible solution to this issue could be schools making it mandatory for senior students to volunteer a few hours monthly for local literacy drives. Authorities could consider implementing a recognition system to encourage active volunteers. I trust this matter will be considered seriously for the benefit of all.
I hope this letter gets published in your esteemed daily to awaken the spirit of service among our youth.
Yours truly,
[Your Name]
A Socially Responsible Citizen
Learning Beyond the Text
I. Complete the given table with words from any five Indian languages.
Answer: (This is an experiential learning task. Here is a sample with common Indian languages).
| Language | 1. Kannada | 2. Hindi | 3. Tamil | 4. Marathi | 5. Bengali |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grandmother | Avva/Ajji | Dadi/Nani | Patti | Aaji | Thakurma/Didima |
| Grandfather | Ajja | Dada/Nana | Thatha | Ajoba | Dadu |
| Mother | Amma | Maa | Amma | Aai | Maa |
| Father | Appa | Pita ji / Papa | Appa | Baba | Baba |
| Sister | Akka (elder) / Thangi (younger) | Behen | Akka / Thangai | Tai | Didi / Bon |
| Brother | Anna (elder) / Thamma (younger) | Bhai | Anna / Thambi | Dada / Bhau | Dada / Bhai |
Great job completing Chapter 1! Keep revising these exercises to master your vocabulary and grammar. Remember, like the Grandmother in the story, determination is the key to all success!
