How I Taught My Grandmother to Read | Summary | Questions and Answers | Story in English By Sudha Murty | Kaveri Class 9 NCERT.
Posted
'How I Taught My Grandmother to Read' is an extract written by Sudha Murty. In this extract the narrator recalls how her illiterate grandmother, Krishtakka, loved listening to the Kannada serial Kashi Yatre by Triveni in Karmaveera. When she couldn’t read an episode, she felt helpless and decided to learn reading at 62. With determination and her granddaughter’s help, she became literate and gained independence, proving that learning has no age limit...
# Story : "How I Taught My Grandmother to Read.
Listen to the Story 👇🏼
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 systemMeans of communication. 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 eagerlyWith excitement or interest. for the bus, which used to come with the papers, weeklySomething that comes once a week. 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 convincingEasy to believe.. Her stories usually dealt with complex psychologicalRelated to the mind. problems in the lives of ordinary people and were always very interesting.
UnfortunatelySadly. for Kannada literature, she died very young. Even now, after forty years, people continue to appreciateTo admire or value. her novels.
One of her novels, called Kashi Yatre
A Novel by Triveni., was appearing as a serialA story published in parts. in the Kannada weekly Karmaveera then. It is the story of an old lady and her ardentKeen, Strong or passionate. desire to go to Kashi or Varanasi. Most Hindus believe that going to Kashi and worshipping Lord Vishweshwara is the ultimate punyaFinal or greatest Spiritual merit.. 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 orphanA child without parents. girl who falls in love but there was no money for the wedding. In the end, the old lady gives away all her savingsMoney kept aside. 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 greatest concentration. Later, she could repeat the entire text by heart. My grandmother too never went to Kashi, and she identifiedFelt connected. herself with the novel’s protagonistThe main character in a story or novel.. So more than anybody else she was the one most interested in knowing what happened next in the story and used to insistDemand strongly. that I read the serial out to her.
After hearing what happened next in Kashi Yatre, she would join her friends at the temple courtyardOpen area in a house. 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 debateDiscussion or argument. 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 thoroughlyCompletely.. We would eat and play endlessly, savouringEnjoying it to the fullest. 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 surprisedFeeling unexpected., for I had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situations. What had happened? I was worriedAnxious..
“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 affectionateLoving. hands touched my forehead. I realised she wanted to speak. I asked her, “What is the matter?”
‘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 regretFeeling sorry. not going to school, so I made sure that my children and grandchildren studied well...’
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 immenselyExtremely. 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 embarrassedFeeling shy or ashamed. to do so. I felt very dependentRelying on others. and helplessUnable to help oneself.. We are well-offbeing wealthy., but what use is money when I cannot be independentNot relying on others.?’
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 PujaWorship of the goddess of learning. 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 determinationStrong decision. 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 overcomeSuccessfully deal with. any obstacleDifficulty or problem.. I will work harder than anybody but I will do it. For learning there is no age bar.’
The next day onwards I started my tuitionTeaching lessons.. Avva was a wonderful student. The amount of homework she did was amazing. She would read, repeat, write, and reciteRepeat aloud.. 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 festivalA Hindu 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 abackSurprised by something unexpected.. 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 scripturesReligious texts. that a teacher should be respected, irrespective of the gender and age?’
I did return her namaskaraGreeting with respect. 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.
By -
Sudha Murty.
Sudha Murty
is an Indian educator, author, and philanthropist. She is the Founder-Chairperson of the non-profit charitable organization Infosys Foundation.
# Summary : How I Taught My Grandmother to Read .
● The narrator recalls her childhood spent in a village in Karnataka with her grandparents. Since newspapers and magazines arrived late, everyone eagerly waited for them.
● Her grandmother, Krishtakka, was illiterate but deeply interested in stories—especially a popular Kannada serial novel Kashi Yatre written by Triveni and published in Karmaveera. The narrator would read each episode aloud to her.
● One day, when the narrator went away for a week, her grandmother couldn’t read the new episode. This made her feel helpless and dependent. Deeply moved, she decided to learn reading and writing at the age of 62.
● With determination, she began studying under her granddaughter. She worked very hard and set a goal: to read a book independently by Saraswati Puja during Dassara.
● She succeeded. On the festival day, she surprised everyone by reading the novel herself. In a touching gesture, she bowed down to her granddaughter, acknowledging her as her teacher.
# Character Sketch :
# Sudha Murty :
● Loving and Caring – she regularly reads the story to her grandmother.
● Responsible – Willingly take the responsibility to teach her grandmother.
● Determined – she teaches with dedication and sincerity.
● Emotional – Feels deeply when saw her grandmother crying.
● Respectful – Honors her grandmother as a teacher.
# Krishtakka :
● Determined – Decides to learn at 62.
● Hardworking – Practices reading and writing daily.
● Self-respecting – Wants independence.
● Emotional – Feels deeply when she cannot read.
● Respectful – Honors her granddaughter by touching her feet.
# Moral of the story :
● Learning has no age limit. (It’s Never Too Late to Learn)
● Education gives freedom. (Wealth is Meaningless without Literacy)
● Determination leads to success. (Strong Motivation can Overcome Limitations)
# Figure of speech :
● Hyperbole : “I will work harder than anybody” (shows strong determination).
● Alliteration : “Read, repeat, write, and recite” (Repetition of ‘r’ sound).
● Irony : "Grandmother touching granddaughter’s feet" (Opposite of what is expected).
# Word - Meanings :
- Transport System : Means of Communication.
- Eagerly : With Excitement or interest.
- Weekly : Something that comes once in a week.
- Convincing : Easy to believe.
- Psychological : Related to the mind.
- Unfortunately : Sadly.
- Appreciate : To admire or value.
- Serial : A story published in parts.
- Ardent : Keen.
- Ultimate Punya : Greatest spritual merit.
- Orphan : A child without parents.
- Savings : Money kept aside.
- Identified : Felt connected.
- Protagonist : The main charater of a story.
- Insist : Demand strongly.
- Courtyard : Open area in a house.
- Debate : Discussion.
- Thoroughly : Completely.
- Savouring : Enjoying it to the fullest.
- Surprised : Feeling unexpected.
- Worried : Anxious.
- Affectionate : Loving.
- Regret : Feeling sorry.
- Immensely : Extremely.
- Embarrassed : Feeling shy or ashamed.
- Dependent : Relying on others.
- Helpless : Unable to help oneself.
- Well-off : Being Wealthy.
- Independent : Not relying on others.
- Determination : trong decision.
- Overcome : Successfully deal with.
- Obstacle : Difficulty.
- Tuition : Teaching lessons.
- Recite : Repeat aloud.
- Taken aback : Surprised by something unexpected.
- Scriptures : Religious texts.
- Namaskara : Greeting with respect.
# Quiz : " Let's recall "
Quiz - How I Taught My Grandmother to Read.
Quiz Finished!
# NCERT Solutions :
# Page 01 : Reflect and Respond.
I. Complete the given word web.
II. Read the questions given below and share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Q1. Which language(s) do your grandparents or elderly relatives speak?
Answer. Hindi and English.
Q2. How do they spend their time? How do you spend time with them?
Answer. They spend their time by reading newspaper, magazines, etc. and by talking to their friends and neighbours. I usually spent my evening talking with my grandparents while we were having our tea and snacks.
Q3. What is your favourite experience with them?
Answer. My favourite experience with them was that when I was kid and they told me stories at bed time.
Q4. What is something that the elderly in your family cannot do easily but enjoy watching you do?
Answer. Elders in our family can not understand modern technology like computers, smartphone and Internet. but they felt happy when they see us doing it well while using the modern tools.
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.
Answer.
- (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.
# Page 06 : 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 | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1. The transport system was not very good. | (i) 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 or write. |
| 3. The grandmother identified herself as the protagonist of the novel 'Kashi Yatre'. | (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 read the next episode and felt helpless. |
| 5. In those days, education for girls was not considered important. | (v) The grandmother never went to school. |
| 6. The grandmother regretted not going to school. | (vi) She decided to learn reading and writing |
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 crying because she had always been strong and cheerful. She had never seen her cry before, so the sight surprised her.
III. How might the narrator help her grandmother to fulfil her desire to learn to read and write?
Answer. The narrator can help by teaching her grandmother the alphabet, simple words, and sentences regularly. With patience, practice, and encouragement, she can help her grandmother become independent in reading and writing.
# Page 09 : Check Your Understanding.
Q. State whether the following sentences are true or false.
| 01. The grandmother wanted to learn the Kannada alphabet to gain independence. | ✅ |
| 02. The grandmother asked someone in the village to read Kashi Yatre to her while the narrator was away | ❌ |
| 03. The narrator was the grandmother’s first teacher and taught her how to read Kannada. | ✅ |
| 04. The grandmother believed that there was no age limit for learning. | ✅ |
| 05. The grandmother touched the narrator’s feet as a mark of respect for her as a teacher. | ✅ |
| 06. The narrator was disappointed with the progress her grandmother made in learning to read. | ❌ |
# Page 10 : Critical Reflection.
Q. 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 difficult situations. What had happened? I was worried.
‘Avva, is everything all right? Are you okay?’
I used to call her Avva, which means mother in the Kannada spoken in north Karnataka.
She nodded but did not reply. I did not understand and forgot about it. In the night, after dinner, we were sleeping in the open terrace of our house. It was a summer night and there was a full moon. Avva came and sat next to me. Her affectionate hands touched my forehead.
(i) Complete the following sentence with the appropriate option.
The phrase ‘never seen her cry in the most difficult situations’ tells us that the grandmother was ________________________.
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 (emotional/tired) to respond.
(iii) Identify the clue from the extract that indicates a rural setting with traditional customs.
Ans. The rural setting like people gathering in temple courtyard & traditional customs like touching Elders’ feet as a mark of respect. This reflect typical village life & cultural practices.
(iv) Which lines of the extract establish a tender atmosphere?
Ans. The tender atmosphere is created by lines like “Her affectionate hands touched my forehead” and “I leaned forward and held her hand,” which shows love, care, & emotional closeness between the characters.
(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.
‘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-sufficiency.
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 . (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 she think it’s funny and unrealistic for a person to start learning at the age of 62 .
(iv) List any two qualities displayed by the grandmother.
Ans.
⁕ Determined – Decides to learn at 62.
⁕ Self-respect – Wants independence.
(v) How can we say that the narrator is making assumptions about her grandmother?
Ans. The narrator makes assumptions by believing that her grandmother is too old to learn. She laughs at her decision, thinking learning is only for the young, without realizing her grandmother’s determination and potential.
# 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 because she was ashamed of being illiterate and did not want others to know. She also valued her self-respect and did not want to depend on others for reading.
Q2. Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?
Ans. The narrator laughs because she believes that learning at the age of sixty-two is unrealistic. She assumes that education is only for the young . She underestimates her grandmother’s determination.
Q3. What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother’s life and the story?
Ans. Kashi Yatre is significant as it deeply influences the grandmother & motivates her to learn reading. Her inability to read makes her feel helpless and dependent, leading to her decision to become literate. In the story, it acts as a turning point and highlights the importance of education and independence.
Q4. What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?
Ans. The grandmother’s desire to learn Kannada alphabet reflects her determination and self-respect. It shows her strong will to become independent and that she values education despite her age.
Q5. What lessons can we infer from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet?
Ans. The grandmother’s action shows that a teacher must be respected irrespective of age. It reflects humility, gratitude, and the value of knowledge. It teaches us that respect should be given to those who guide us, even if they are younger.
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 highlights the theme “determination and hard work”. It shows that with strong willpower, any obstacle can be overcome, reinforcing the idea that learning has no age limit.
Q7. How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?
Ans. The story effectively highlights that education is essential for independence. The grandmother feels helpless when she can’t read . She realized that money is useless without knowledge. Her decision to learn at sixty-two clearly conveys that learning empowers individuals at any age.
# Page 13 : 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 |
|---|---|
| 1. sink or swim | (i) put different things together to get a range of possibilities |
| 2. on and of | (ii) complete part of or belong to |
| 3. mix and match | (iii) choose only the best (things, people, etc.) |
| 4. all or nothing | (iv) at sometime in the future |
| 5. part and parcel | (v) sometimes, occasionally |
| 6. pick and choose | (vi) increase or develop very quickly |
| 7. sooner or later | (vi) succeed or fail without help |
| 8. leaps and bounds | (vi) something to be done completely or not at all |
Answer.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. sink or swim | (vii) succeed or fail without help |
| 2. on and of | (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 |
Now, use any five of the above binomials in sentences of your own.
Answer.
- He visits us on and off during the year.
- She likes to mix and match her clothes.
- Don’t pick and choose; accept what is given.
- Sooner or later, you will understand the truth.
- This project is all or nothing, we must complete it fully.
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 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.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. popular | (i) unpopular |
| 2. belief | (ii) disbelief |
| 3. important | (iii) unimportant |
| 4. respect | (iv) disrespect |
| 5. correct | (v) incorrect |
| 6. continue | (vi) discontinue |
| 7. understand | (vii) misunderstand |
| 8. ordinary | (viii) extraordinary |
| 9. intresting | (ix) uninteresting |
| 10. possible | (x) impossible |
III. Identify any five words with prefixes from the story and make sentences using each.
Answer.
- Unhappy : She felt unhappy when she could not read the story.
- Independent : She worked hard to become independent.
- Unable : She was unable to read the magazine on her own.
- Disappear : Her worries slowly disappeared after she learned to read.
- Return : She waited for her granddaughter to return home.
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 |
|---|---|
| 1. to hit the books | (i) to memorise something |
| 2. to draw a blank | (ii) to think very hard |
| 3. to learn the ropes | (iii) to study seriously |
| 4. to rack one’s brain | (iv) to study or work late into the night |
| 5. to learn by heart | (v) to be unable to remember |
| 6. burn the midnight oil | (vi) to understand how to do an activity |
Answer.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| 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 need to hit the books before my exams.
- I tried to answer the question but drew a blank.
- It took me time to learn the ropes at my new job.
- I racked my brain to solve the problem.
- She learned the poem by heart.
- He burned the midnight oil to complete 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.
2. I knew, then, that my student had passed with flying colours.
In sentence 1, verb ‘bought’ is in simple past tense.
In sentence 2, verb ‘had passed’ is in past perfect tense.
We use past perfect tense to indicate two completed actions — one occurring earlier (later past) and the other more recently (recent past). The more recent action is expressed in the simple past, while the earlier action takes the past perfect tense.
Examples :
- By the time I reached the party, everyone had finished eating.
- When she returned home, her brother had finished the project
(i) Fill in the blanks with simple past and past perfect tense form of the verbs given in brackets.
A. When the delegates arrived (arrive) at the conference, the keynote speaker had already begun (already begin) the session.
B. After the students had learned (learn) how to identify fake news online, they started (start) verifying information before sharing it.
C. Before Kiran started (start) using digital payment platforms, she had ensured (ensure) her understanding of online fraud prevention.
D. By the time Varun recognised (recognise) the importance of budgeting, he had exhausted (exhaust) most of his savings.
E. When Raghu logged in (log in) to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor had already discussed (already discuss) the importance of strong passwords.
(ii) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verbs given in brackets.
Last year, my parents and I A. took (take) a financial planning course. When we B. reviewed (review) our expenses, we realised we C. had spent (spend) too much on unnecessary purchases. After my parents D. Discussed (discuss) ways to save, I E. opened (open) a savings account.
By the time we F. set (set) our budget, the course G. had already introduced (already introduce) investment strategies. We H. hurried (hurry) to take notes, but many participants I. had completed (complete) their financial plans. Despite that, we J. enjoyed (enjoy) learning how to manage money wisely.
# Page 17 : 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 -
Good morning, everyone. Today, I would like to discuss an essential skill in our daily lives—digital literacy. Earlier, literacy meant just reading and writing. Now, it includes the ability to use digital tools effectively and responsibly.
Digital literacy means accessing, creating, and sharing information using technology. It’s not just about using gadgets but also understanding digital platforms, identifying reliable sources, and protecting personal data.
So, why do you think digital literacy is important?
First, it empowers individuals—students learn to research critically, professionals handle digital transactions, and senior citizens stay connected. Second, it promotes safe internet use by helping us recognise misinformation, scams, and cyber threats. Third, it prepares us for a digital future, where skills in online services, job applications, and governance are essential. Being digitally literate is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.
This is the reason the Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) or National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) Scheme has been formulated to impart IT training to people across the country.
Listen to the Transcript 👇🏼
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 misinformation and scams .
5. The National Digital Literacy Mission helps people across the country by imparting IT training .
# Page 17 : 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.
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 :
Learning a new language beyond your mother tongue is extremely important in today’s world. It opens doors to better career opportunities, especially in global companies where communication across cultures is essential. It also helps us understand different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, making us more tolerant and open-minded. Moreover, learning a new language improves cognitive skills like memory, problem-solving, and multitasking. It boosts confidence when interacting with people from different backgrounds. In a world that is increasingly connected, knowing more than one language is not just an advantage—it is becoming a necessity.
# AGAINST :
However, learning a new language is not always necessary. One can succeed in life by mastering their mother tongue and basic communication skills, especially with the growing use of translation technology. Not everyone has the time, resources, or interest to learn another language. It can also create pressure on students who are already managing multiple subjects. Instead of focusing on many languages, it may be more beneficial to develop deep knowledge and skills in one’s own field. After all, clear thinking and effective communication matter more than the number of languages one knows.
Topic 2 : Learning can happen only when you are young
# FOR :
It is often believed that learning happens best when you are young, and there is strong truth in this idea. Young minds are more flexible, curious, and quick to absorb new information. Children can easily learn languages, skills, and habits that become difficult later in life. At a young age, there are fewer responsibilities, allowing more time and energy to focus on education. Early learning also shapes personality, values, and future success. Therefore, childhood and youth are considered the most effective periods for learning.
# AGAINST :
On the other hand, learning is not limited to youth—it is a lifelong process. Adults continue to learn new skills, change careers, and adapt to new technologies even in later stages of life. In fact, older learners often have better discipline, focus, and real-life experience, which helps them understand concepts more deeply. Many successful people achieve great things later in life, proving that age is not a barrier to learning. With motivation and the right mindset, anyone can learn at any stage of life.
# Page 19 : Writing Task.
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.
The Editor
Times of India, Agra.
Date : 01-April-2026
Subject : Importance of student participation in adult literacy camps conducted by various organisations.
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to an important social issue "the urgent need to promote adult literacy, and the valuable role students can play in this mission".
Despite significant progress in education, a large section of our adult population still lacks basic reading and writing skills. This not only limits their opportunities but also affects the overall development of society. Students, being energetic, educated, and socially aware, are in a unique position to contribute meaningfully to adult literacy campaigns conducted by various organisations.
Participation in such initiatives benefits both students and society. For adults, literacy opens doors to better employment, informed decision-making, and improved quality of life. For students, volunteering in literacy camps nurtures empathy, communication skills, and a sense of social responsibility. It also helps them understand real-world challenges beyond textbooks and fosters leadership qualities.
To encourage greater student involvement, awareness must be spread through schools, colleges, and social media platforms. Educational institutions should integrate community service into their curriculum and provide incentives such as certificates or academic credits. Workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions can motivate students by highlighting success stories of literacy drives. Additionally, collaboration between schools and local organisations can make participation more accessible and structured.
I urge educational authorities and social organisations to work together in mobilising students for this noble cause. With collective effort, we can move closer to building a literate and empowered society.
Yours truely,
[Your Name]
# Page 20 : Learning Beyond the Text.
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.
| Language | Kannada | Hindi | Bengali | Tamil | Marathi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grandmother | Avva | Dadi | Didima | Paati | Aaji |
| Grandfather | Ajja | Dada | Thakurda | Thaatha | Ajoba |
| Mother | Amma | Maa | Ma | Amma | Aai |
| father | Appa | Papa | Baba | Appa | Baba |
| Sister | Akka | Didi | Didi | Akka | Tai |
| Brother | Anna | Bhai | Dada | Anna | Bhau |
# Still have some Doubts ?
Tags : Literature | Kaveri (Class-9) | Stories