How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Class 9 Solutions
This page provides complete NCERT Solutions for How I Taught My Grandmother to Read from Class 9 English Kaveri. The solutions include summary, themes, character sketch, textbook question answers, vocabulary, grammar, listening answers, speaking guidance, writing task and extra questions.
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Chapter Overview
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read is an inspiring story about literacy, self-respect and lifelong learning. The narrator recalls how her grandmother, Krishtakka, also called Avva, decided to learn the Kannada alphabet at the age of sixty-two because she wanted to read independently.
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Summary
The narrator, when she was about twelve years old, stayed with her grandparents in a village in north Karnataka. In those days, newspapers and magazines reached the village late. The family eagerly waited for the weekly magazine because it carried a serialised Kannada novel named Kashi Yatre by Triveni.
The narrator’s grandmother, Krishtakka, had never gone to school and could not read. Every week, the narrator read the next episode of the novel to her. The grandmother identified deeply with the old lady in the novel, who wished to visit Kashi but finally gave away her savings to help an orphan girl’s wedding.
Once, the narrator went to a neighbouring village for a wedding and stayed there for a week. During her absence, the magazine arrived, but the grandmother could not read it. This made her feel helpless and dependent. When the narrator returned, she found her grandmother in tears.
The grandmother then expressed her desire to learn the Kannada alphabet. The narrator initially laughed at her because she was sixty-two years old. However, the grandmother firmly said that determination can overcome every obstacle and that learning has no age bar.
The narrator began teaching her. The grandmother studied sincerely, read, repeated, wrote and recited with dedication. By Dassara, she became able to read. On Saraswati Puja day, she touched the narrator’s feet, not as her granddaughter but as her teacher. The story ends with the narrator proudly realising that her first student had passed with flying colours.
Themes and Message
Character Sketch
Krishtakka / Avva
Krishtakka is the narrator’s grandmother. She is loving, disciplined, determined and self-respecting. Though she never went to school, she has a deep desire to learn. Her tears show not weakness but the pain of dependence. Once she decides to learn, she works hard and becomes literate within a short time. Her respect for the narrator as a teacher shows her humility and wisdom.
The Narrator
The narrator is a twelve-year-old girl who reads the serialised novel to her grandmother. At first, she laughs at the idea of her grandmother learning at sixty-two, but she later becomes a patient teacher. Her relationship with her grandmother is affectionate and respectful. The experience also shapes her understanding of teaching and learning.
Triveni and Kashi Yatre
Triveni is the Kannada writer whose novel Kashi Yatre becomes very important to the grandmother. The novel acts as the emotional trigger that makes Krishtakka realise the importance of reading independently.
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Word Meanings
| Word / Expression | Meaning | Simple Use |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonist | Main character of a story. | The old lady is the protagonist of the novel. |
| Debate | Discussion or argument on a topic. | There was a debate about the story. |
| Episode | A part of a story or serial. | The magazine carried the next episode. |
| Community | People living in a particular area. | The community helped spread literacy. |
| Concentration | Complete attention or focus. | Avva listened with great concentration. |
| Eagerly | With excitement and interest. | They waited eagerly for the magazine. |
| Convincing | Believable or effective. | Triveni’s writing style was convincing. |
| Ardent | Very keen or passionate. | The old lady had an ardent desire to go to Kashi. |
| Savouring | Enjoying something fully. | The children were savouring their freedom at the wedding. |
| Immensely | Extremely or very much. | The narrator loved her grandmother immensely. |
| Taken aback | Surprised by something unexpected. | The narrator was taken aback when Avva touched her feet. |
| Passed with flying colours | Performed very well. | Avva learnt to read and passed with flying colours. |
Reflect and Respond – Solutions
I. Complete the given word web: Why is it important to learn how to read and write?
Answer: Reading and writing are important because they help us become independent, confident and informed. Suggested points for the word web are:
- To read books, newspapers, notices and letters
- To write applications, messages, emails and letters
- To understand instructions and important information
- To become independent in daily life
- To gain knowledge and improve thinking
- To communicate clearly with others
- To study further and get better opportunities
- To participate confidently in society
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 speak Hindi and our regional language at home. They also understand a few English words used in daily life.
2. How do they spend their time? How do you spend time with them?
Answer: They spend their time praying, reading newspapers, talking to relatives, watching news and sharing old memories. I spend time with them by listening to their stories, helping them with mobile phones and talking to them about school and family matters.
3. What is your favourite experience with them?
Answer: My favourite experience with them is listening to stories from their childhood. These stories help me understand family values, traditions and the changes that have taken place over time.
4. What is something that the elderly in your family cannot do easily but enjoy watching you do?
Answer: The elderly in my family cannot use digital devices very easily, but they enjoy watching me search for information, read messages, make video calls and show them family photographs on the phone.
III. Read the following passage. Match the highlighted words with their meanings given in the box.
Answer:
| Highlighted Word | Correct Meaning |
|---|---|
| (i) protagonist | main character |
| (ii) debate | discussion |
| (iii) episode | a part of a story |
| (iv) community | people living in one particular area |
| (v) concentration | focus |
| (vi) eagerly | excitedly |
| (vii) convincing | believable |
| (viii) guided | directed |
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read Question Answers
Check Your Understanding – Part I
I. Complete the cause and effect table given below based on Part I of the story.
| No. | Cause | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | (i) The transport system was not very good. | The morning papers arrived late in the day and weekly magazines would come one day late. |
| 2. | The grandmother, Krishtakka, never went to school. | (ii) She could not read and depended on the narrator to read Kashi Yatre to her. |
| 3. | (iii) The grandmother identified herself with the novel’s protagonist. | 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 listen to the next episode and felt helpless. |
| 5. | (v) In those days, people did not consider education essential for girls. | 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 had never seen Avva cry even in difficult situations. Therefore, she was surprised and worried when she returned from the wedding and found her grandmother crying.
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 teaching her the Kannada alphabet patiently, giving her regular reading and writing practice, revising lessons every day and encouraging her until she became confident enough to read independently.
Check Your Understanding – Part II
I. State whether the following sentences are true or false.
| No. | Statement | Answer | Reason / Correction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | The grandmother wanted to learn the Kannada alphabet to gain independence. | True | She wanted to read on her own. |
| 2. | The grandmother asked someone in the village to read Kashi Yatre to her while the narrator was away. | False | She did not ask anyone because she felt embarrassed. |
| 3. | The narrator was the grandmother’s first teacher and taught her how to read Kannada. | True | The narrator began teaching her from the next day. |
| 4. | The grandmother believed that there was no age limit for learning. | True | She believed learning has no age bar. |
| 5. | The grandmother touched the narrator’s feet as a mark of respect for her as a teacher. | True | She respected the narrator as her teacher. |
| 6. | The narrator was disappointed with the progress her grandmother made in learning to read. | False | The narrator was proud because her grandmother had learnt to read confidently. |
Critical Reflection – Solutions
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. Extract-based Question
Reference: This extract is from the part where the narrator returns from the wedding and finds her grandmother in tears.
(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 reference to sleeping on the open terrace on a summer night, the full moon and the use of the word “Avva” indicate a rural setting with traditional family life.
(iv) Which lines of the extract establish a tender atmosphere?
Answer: The lines where Avva comes, sits next to the narrator and touches her forehead affectionately establish a tender atmosphere.
(v) Which of the following aspect is NOT emphasised in the given extract?
Answer: C. the grandmother’s regret over her lack of education
2. Extract-based Question
Reference: This extract is from the part where the grandmother declares her decision to learn the Kannada alphabet and become independent.
(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 ___________________. (age limit/gender bias/cultural barriers)
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 laughs because she assumes that her grandmother is too old to learn the alphabet. She judges her by her age, grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles and kitchen work.
(iv) List any two qualities displayed by the grandmother.
Answer: The grandmother displays determination and hard work. She is also humble, self-respecting and courageous.
(v) How can we say that the narrator is making assumptions about her grandmother?
Answer: The narrator assumes that an old woman cannot begin learning at the age of sixty-two. She bases this assumption on the grandmother’s age and physical appearance, not on her willpower.
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 asking someone else would reveal that she could not read. Although she was well-off, she felt dependent and helpless without education.
2. Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?
Answer: The narrator initially laughs because she thinks that learning the alphabet at the age of sixty-two is impractical. She does not yet understand the strength of her grandmother’s determination.
3. What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother’s life and the story?
Answer: Kashi Yatre is significant because it deeply touches the grandmother’s heart. She identifies with the old woman in the novel. Her inability to read the next episode during the narrator’s absence becomes the turning point that makes her decide to learn.
4. What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?
Answer: It reflects her desire for independence, self-respect and personal growth. It also shows that she believes learning is possible at any age.
5. What lessons can we infer from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet?
Answer: We learn that a teacher should be respected regardless of age or gender. The grandmother’s action shows humility, gratitude and reverence for knowledge.
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 expresses the broader theme of the story: strong determination can overcome age, social barriers, lack of opportunity and self-doubt.
7. How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?
Answer: The story highlights this value very effectively. Before learning, the grandmother feels helpless because she cannot read on her own. After learning, she gains confidence and dignity. Her ability to read Kashi Yatre by herself proves that education gives personal freedom.
Vocabulary and Structures in Context – Solutions
I. Match the binomials in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.
| No. | Binomial | Answer | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 or people |
| 7. | sooner or later | (iv) | at some time in the future |
| 8. | leaps and bounds | (vi) | increase or develop very quickly |
Now, use any five of the above binomials in sentences of your own.
Answer:
- In the new school, I had to sink or swim on my own.
- She visits her grandparents on and off.
- You can mix and match these ideas for your project.
- Hard work is part and parcel of success.
- He improved by leaps and bounds after regular practice.
II. Make words by adding suitable prefixes given in the box to the words from the text in Column 1. Write the prefixed words in Column 2.
| No. | Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | popular | unpopular |
| 2. | belief | disbelief |
| 3. | important | unimportant |
| 4. | respect | disrespect |
| 5. | correct | incorrect |
| 6. | continue | discontinue |
| 7. | understand | misunderstand |
| 8. | ordinary | extraordinary |
| 9. | interesting | uninteresting |
| 10. | possible | impossible |
III. Identify any five words with prefixes from the story and make sentences using each.
| Word | Sentence |
|---|---|
| unhappy | The grandmother looked unhappy when she could not read the magazine. |
| unusual | It was unusual for an elder to touch the feet of a child. |
| unfortunately | Unfortunately, many girls did not get education in earlier times. |
| irrespective | A teacher should be respected irrespective of age. |
| independent | Avva wanted to become independent by learning to read. |
IV. Match the idioms related to ‘learning’ given in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.
| No. | Idiom | Answer | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Now, use these idioms in sentences of your own.
Answer:
- I must hit the books before the English test.
- I tried to remember the answer, but I drew a blank.
- The new student soon learnt the ropes.
- She had to rack her brain to solve the puzzle.
- We should not simply learn by heart; we should understand.
- He burnt the midnight oil to finish his project.
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.
Answer: 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.
Answer: I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours.
(i) Fill in the blanks with simple past and past perfect tense form of the verbs given in brackets.
| No. | Answer |
|---|---|
| A. | When the delegates arrived at the conference, the keynote speaker had already begun the session. |
| B. | After the students had learnt how to identify fake news online, they started verifying information before sharing it. |
| C. | Before Kiran started using digital payment platforms, she had ensured her understanding of online fraud prevention. |
| D. | By the time Varun recognised the importance of budgeting, he had exhausted most of his savings. |
| E. | When Raghu logged in to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor had already discussed the importance of strong passwords. |
(ii) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verbs given in brackets.
| Blank | Answer |
|---|---|
| A. | took |
| B. | reviewed |
| C. | had spent |
| D. | had discussed |
| E. | opened |
| F. | set |
| G. | had already introduced |
| H. | hurried |
| I. | had completed |
| J. | enjoyed |
Listen and Respond – Answers
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.
| No. | Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Literacy these days includes the ability to use _____________. | digital tools |
| 2. | Digital literacy is also about protecting _____________. | personal data |
| 3. | Digital literacy enables the elderly to ______________. | stay connected |
| 4. | Digital literacy encourages using the internet safely by helping us recognise ______________ and _______________. | misinformation, scams; cyber threats |
| 5. | The National Digital Literacy Mission helps people across the country by imparting ______________. | IT training |
Speaking Activity – Sample Answers
I. 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.
For the topic
To begin with, I would like to speak for the topic. Learning a new language apart from our mother tongue is important because it helps us communicate with more people. It also helps us understand different cultures and improves our confidence. In today’s world, knowing more than one language can support higher studies, travel and career opportunities.
Against the topic
On the other hand, I feel that one must first become strong in one’s mother tongue. Our mother tongue connects us with our family, culture and emotions. Learning another language is useful, but it should not reduce respect for our own language. A strong foundation in the mother tongue makes learning other languages easier.
Topic 2: Learning can happen only when you are young.
For the topic
To begin with, I would like to speak for the topic. Young learners usually have more time, energy and curiosity. Their minds are flexible and they learn new languages, skills and habits quickly. In school, children have teachers, books and regular practice, so learning becomes easier. Therefore, childhood is a very important stage for learning.
Against the topic
On the contrary, I strongly feel that learning is not limited to childhood. The story of Krishtakka proves that determination is more important than age. Adults and elderly people can also learn if they have a clear purpose and regular practice. Learning is a lifelong process, and there is no age bar for knowledge.
Writing Task – Letter to the Editor
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.
12, Shanti Vihar
New Delhi – 1100XX
31 May 2026
The Editor
The National Herald
New Delhi
Subject: Student Participation in Adult Literacy Camps
Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the importance of student participation in adult literacy programmes. Even today, many adults are unable to read newspapers, sign forms, understand instructions or use basic digital services. This affects their confidence and independence.
Students can play a meaningful role in solving this problem. By volunteering in adult literacy camps, they can help adults learn basic reading, writing, counting and digital skills. Such participation benefits both society and students. Adults gain confidence, while students develop empathy, responsibility and communication skills.
Schools, local organisations and resident welfare associations should organise weekend literacy camps. Awareness can be spread through posters, morning assemblies, social media and community meetings. I request the concerned authorities to encourage more students to volunteer for this noble cause.
I hope this letter gets published and inspires young citizens to support adult literacy.
Yours truly,
A Concerned Student
Learning Beyond the Text – Suggested Answers
I. India has 22 major languages according to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Each language has its own unique identity. Talk to your classmates and teacher and complete the given table with words from any five Indian languages.
Note: Family terms may vary from region to region. This is a sample table.
| Relation | Kannada | Hindi | Bengali | Tamil | Telugu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grandmother | Avva / Ajji | Dadi / Nani | Thakuma / Dida | Paati | Ammamma / Nannamma |
| Grandfather | Ajja | Dada / Nana | Dadu | Thatha | Thatha |
| Mother | Amma | Maa | Ma | Amma | Amma |
| Father | Appa | Pita / Papa | Baba | Appa | Nanna |
| Sister | Akka | Didi / Behen | Didi / Bon | Akka | Akka / Chelli |
| Brother | Anna | Bhai | Dada / Bhai | Anna | Anna / Tammudu |
II. Do you know?
1. National Literacy Mission Authority and Adult Education
Answer: Adult education helps people who missed formal schooling to develop reading, writing, numeracy and life skills. It supports independence, confidence and active participation in society.
2. Financial Literacy
Answer: Financial literacy helps people understand budgeting, saving, banking, investing and safe money management. It helps citizens make informed financial decisions.
3. Early Literacy Project
Answer: Early literacy programmes support young learners and under-achieving children by strengthening basic reading and language skills.
4. Cultural Literacy
Answer: Cultural literacy helps people understand and appreciate languages, traditions, arts, history and social practices. It helps citizens respect India’s diversity.
III. Talk to your grandparents and find out which book or magazine they enjoy reading. Buy a copy of it and present it to them as a gift.
Answer: I spoke to my grandparents and found that they enjoy reading religious stories, health magazines and newspapers. I would like to gift them a book in their preferred language so that they can enjoy reading comfortably.
Extra Questions for Revision
Question 1. Why did the grandmother wait for the weekly magazine?
Answer: She waited for the magazine because it carried the next episode of Kashi Yatre, which she loved listening to.
Question 2. Why did Avva identify with the protagonist of Kashi Yatre?
Answer: She identified with the protagonist because both were old women who had a deep desire to go to Kashi.
Question 3. Why did the grandmother feel helpless?
Answer: She felt helpless because she could not read the magazine when the narrator was away.
Question 4. What was the grandmother’s deadline for learning?
Answer: She kept Saraswati Puja during Dassara as her deadline.
Question 5. Why did the grandmother touch the narrator’s feet?
Answer: She touched the narrator’s feet because she considered her a teacher who had helped her become literate.
Question 6. How does the story prove that learning has no age bar?
Answer: The story proves that learning has no age bar through the example of Krishtakka. Though she is sixty-two years old and has never gone to school, she decides to learn the Kannada alphabet because she wants to read independently. Her granddaughter initially laughs at her, but the grandmother remains determined. She studies sincerely, reads, writes, repeats and practises regularly. By Dassara, she succeeds in reading the novel on her own. Her success shows that age cannot stop a person who has determination, discipline and a clear purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author of How I Taught My Grandmother to Read?
The story is written by Sudha Murty.
What is the main theme of How I Taught My Grandmother to Read?
The main theme is that education gives independence and learning can happen at any age.
Why did the grandmother want to learn Kannada?
She wanted to read the Kannada novel Kashi Yatre independently and no longer feel dependent on others.
What does the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet show?
It shows respect for the teacher and gratitude for the knowledge she received.