‘My Childhood’ Question & Answers Class 9 English

Qustion & Answers of the lesson ‘My Childhood’ given in Class 9 NCERT Textbook Beehive. Click here for more study materials on class 9 English.

Thinking about the Text

I. Answer these questions in one or two sentences each.

1. Where was Abdul Kalam’s house?

Ans. Abdul Kalam’s house was in the island town of Rameswaram.

2. What do you think Dinamani is the name of? Give a reason for your answer.

Ans. Dinamani is likely the name of a newspaper, as the passage mentions checking headlines in Dinamani.

3. Who were Abdul Kalam’s school friends? What did they later become?

Ans. Abdul Kalam’s school friends were Ramanadha Sastry, Aravindan, and Sivaprakasan. Ramanadha Sastry became a priest, Aravindan arranged transport for pilgrims, and Sivaprakasan became a catering contractor.

4. How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?

Ans. Abdul Kalam earned his first wages by helping his cousin Samsuddin catch newspaper bundles thrown from a moving train between Rameswaram and Dhanuskodi.

5. Had he earned any money before that? In what way?

Ans. Yes, he had earned money before also. Used to sell tamarind seeds end and a day’s collection would fetch him the princely sum of one anna.

II. Answer each of these questions in a short paragraph (about 30 words)

1. How does the author describe: (i) his father, (ii) his mother, (iii) himself?

Ans. (i) The author describes his father as possessing great innate wisdom and a true generosity of spirit despite limited formal education and wealth.

(ii) His mother is portrayed as having deep kindness and faith in goodness, providing for others generously.

(iii) The author describes himself as an undistinguished-looking short boy born into a middle-class Tamil family.

2. What characteristics does he say he inherited from his parents?

Ans. The author states that he inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father, and from his mother, he inherited faith in goodness and deep kindness, highlighting the positive values instilled by his parents.

III. Discuss these questions in class with your teacher and then write down your answers in two or three paragraphs each.

1. “On the whole, the small society of Rameswaram was very rigid in terms of the segregation of different social groups,” says the author.
   
   (i) Which social groups does he mention? Were these groups easily identifiable (for example, by the way they dressed)?
   (ii) Were they aware only of their differences or did they also naturally share friendships and experiences? (Think of the bedtime stories in Kalam’s house; of who his friends were; and of what used to take place in the pond near his house.)
   (iii) The author speaks both of people who were very aware of the differences among them and those who tried to bridge these differences. Can you identify such people in the text?
   (iv) Narrate two incidents that show how differences can be created, andalso how they can be resolved. How can people change their attitudes?

Ans. (i) The social groups mentioned by the author in Rameswaram were primarily based on religious identities, specifically the distinction between Muslims and Hindus. These groups were easily identifiable, with visual markers such as the way individuals dressed, as seen in the author wearing a cap as a Muslim and Ramanadha Sastry wearing the sacred thread as a Hindu.

(ii) The text suggests that while there were social divisions, especially in terms of religious identities, the children in the author’s household, as seen through their bedtime stories and friendships, did not let these differences hinder their relationships. The pond near the author’s house, where events from the Ramayana and the life of the Prophet were enacted during ceremonies, became a common ground where shared experiences transcended religious distinctions.

(iii) The author mentions individuals who were very aware of differences, like the new teacher who enforced segregation in the classroom, and those who attempted to bridge these differences, such as the science teacher Sivasubramania Iyer. Sivasubramania Iyer’s actions in breaking social barriers demonstrate an attempt to foster unity and understanding.

(iv) One incident illustrating the creation of differences is the episode where the new teacher separates the author and Ramanadha Sastry based on their religious identities. Conversely, an incident highlighting resolution is Sivasubramania Iyer’s inclusive actions when inviting the author to his home for a meal, breaking societal norms. Attitudes can change through education, exposure, and individuals taking a stand against discriminatory practices, as exemplified by Sivasubramania Iyer.

2. (i) Why did Abdul Kalam want to leave Rameswaram?
   (ii) What did his father say to this?
   (iii) What do you think his words mean? Why do you think he spoke those words?

Ans. (i) Abdul Kalam wanted to leave Rameswaram to study at the district headquarters in Ramanathapuram. The desire likely stemmed from a quest for broader educational opportunities and exposure to new experiences beyond his hometown.

(ii) Abdul Kalam’s father, understanding the importance of growth and change, responded positively to his son’s request. He invoked the metaphor of a seagull flying across the sun, expressing that the son must leave to grow and likening it to the seagull flying alone without a nest.

(iii) The father’s words convey a profound understanding of the necessity for independence and personal growth. By referencing the seagull and quoting Khalil Gibran, he suggests that children are not possessions; they are individuals with their own paths and thoughts. The father likely spoke these words to encourage Abdul Kalam to pursue his aspirations and contribute to the broader world.

Thinking about Language

I. Find the sentences in the text where these words occur:

Look these words up in a dictionary which gives examples of how they are used. Now answer the following questions.

Ans. Occurrences of the words in the text:

1. Erupt: When Kalam was a child, demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market. (in 3rd Para)
2. Surge: I felt the surge of pride in earning my own money for the first time. (in 3rd Para)
3. Trace: He would later try to trace the headlines in Dinamani. (in 3rd Para)
4. Undistinguished: He was a short boy with rather undistinguished look. (in 2nd Para)
5. Casualty: “The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of the train halt at Rameswaram station.” (in 3rd Para)

Definitions and Examples from a Dictionary:

1. Erupt:

• Dictionary Definition: (1) Burst or break out suddenly and dramatically. (2) (of a volcano) become active and eject lava, ash, and gases.
• Examples: (1) Violence erupted in the city after the controversial verdict. (2) The volcano erupted, spewing ash into the sky.

1. Surge:

• Dictionary Definition: (1) A sudden powerful forward or upward movement. (2) A sudden large increase, typically a temporary one.
• Examples: (1) The crowd surged forward when the gates opened. (2) There was a surge in demand for the product after the advertisement.

1. Trace:

• Dictionary Definition: (1) Find or discover by investigation. (2) Copy (a drawing, map, or design) by drawing over its lines on a superimposed piece of transparent paper.
• Examples: (1) The detective tried to trace the missing person’s whereabouts. (2) She traced the outline of the painting onto a fresh canvas.

1. Undistinguished:

• Dictionary Definition: Lacking distinction; unexceptional.
• Example: The undistinguished performance failed to leave a lasting impression.

1. Casualty:

• Dictionary Definition: (1) A person killed or injured in a war or accident. (2) A person or thing badly affected by a situation or condition.
• Examples: (1) The hospital treated numerous casualties from the car crash. (2) The economic downturn had casualties among small businesses.

1. What are the things that can erupt? Use examples to explain the various meanings of erupt. Now do the same for the word surge. What things cannsurge?
2. What are the meanings of the word trace and which of the meanings is closest to the word in the text?
3. Can you find the word undistinguished in your dictionary? (If not, look up the word distinguished and say what undistinguished must mean.)

Answers:

1. Erupt and Surge:

• Erupt Examples: Volcanoes can erupt, releasing lava and ash. Conflict can erupt suddenly in a peaceful region.
• Surge Examples: Waves can surge during a storm. There may be a surge in enthusiasm during a sports event.

1. Trace:

• Meaning in Text: In the text, the word “trace” is not used, but it can mean to discover or investigate, as in tracing the source of a problem.

1. Undistinguished:

• Dictionary Definition: Lacking distinction; unexceptional.
• Example: The undistinguished performance failed to leave a lasting impression.

II. 1. Match the phrases in Column A with their meanings in Column B.

Answer:

2. Now form the opposites of the words below by prefixing un- or in-. The prefix incan also have the forms il-, ir-, or im- (for example: illiterate –il + literate, impractical – im + practical, irrational – ir + rational). You may consult a dictionary if you wish.

Ans. Here are the opposites formed by prefixing un-, in-, il-, ir-, or im- to the above given words:

1. Adequate: Inadequate
2. Acceptable: Unacceptable
3. Regular: Irregular
4. Tolerant: Intolerant
5. Demanding: Undemanding
6. Active: Inactive
7. True: Untrue
8. Permanent: Impermanent
9. Patriotic: Unpatriotic
10. Disputed: Undisputed
11. Accessible: Inaccessible
12. Coherent: Incoherent
13. Logical: Illogical
14. Legal: Illegal
15. Responsible: Irresponsible
16. Possible: Impossible

IV. Rewrite the sentences below, changing the verbs in brackets into the passive form.

1. In yesterday’s competition the prizes (give away) by the Principal.
2. In spite of financial difficulties, the labourers (pay) on time.
3. On Republic Day, vehicles (not allow) beyond this point.
4. Second-hand books (buy and sell) on the pavement every Saturday.
5. Elections to the Lok Sabha (hold) every five years.
6. Our National Anthem (compose) Rabindranath Tagore.

Answer:

1. In yesterday’s competition, the prizes were given away by the Principal.
2. In spite of financial difficulties, the labourers were paid on time.
3. On Republic Day, vehicles are not allowed beyond this point.
4. Second-hand books are bought and sold on the pavement every Saturday.
5. Elections to the Lok Sabha are held every five years.
6. Our National Anthem was composed by Rabindranath Tagore.

V. Rewrite the paragraphs below, using the correct form of the verb given in brackets.

1. How Helmets Came To Be Used in Cricket

Nari Contractor was the Captain and an opening batsman for India in the 1960s. The Indian cricket team went on a tour to the West Indies in 1962. In a match against Barbados in Bridgetown, Nari Contractor (seriously injure and collapse). In those days helmets (not wear). Contractor (hit) on the head by a bouncer from Charlie Griffith. Contractor’s skull (fracture). The entire team (deeply concern). The West Indies players (worry). Contractor (rush ) to hospital. He (accompany) by Frank Worrell, the Captain of the West Indies Team. Blood (donate) by the West Indies players. Thanks to the timely help, Contractor (save). Nowadays helmets (routinely use) against bowlers.

Answer:

How Helmets Came To Be Used in Cricket:

Nari Contractor was the Captain and an opening batsman for India in the 1960s. The Indian cricket team went on a tour to the West Indies in 1962. In a match against Barbados in Bridgetown, Nari Contractor was seriously injured and collapsed. In those days, helmets were not worn. Contractor was hit on the head by a bouncer from Charlie Griffith. Contractor’s skull was fractured. The entire team was deeply concerned. The West Indies players were worried. Contractor was rushed to the hospital. He was accompanied by Frank Worrell, the Captain of the West Indies Team. Blood was donated by the West Indies players. Thanks to the timely help, Contractor was saved. Nowadays, helmets are routinely used against bowlers.

2. Oil from Seeds

Vegetable oils (make) from seeds and fruits of many plants growing all over the world, from tiny sesame seeds to big, juicy coconuts. Oil (produce) from cotton seeds, groundnuts, soya beans and sunflower seeds. Olive oil (use) for cooking, salad dressing etc. Olives (shake) from the trees and (gather) up, usually by hand. The olives (ground) to a thick paste which is spread onto special mats. Then the mats (layer) up on the pressing machine which will gently squeeze them to produce olive oil.

Answer:

Oil from Seeds:

Vegetable oils are made from seeds and fruits of many plants growing all over the world, from tiny sesame seeds to big, juicy coconuts. Oil is produced from cotton seeds, groundnuts, soya beans, and sunflower seeds. Olive oil is used for cooking, salad dressing, etc. Olives are shaken from the trees and gathered up, usually by hand. The olives are ground to a thick paste which is spread onto special mats. Then the mats are layered up on the pressing machine which will gently squeeze them to produce olive oil.

Writing

Think and write a short account of what life in Rameswaram in the 1940s must have been like. (Were people rich or poor? Hard working or lazy? Hopeful of change, or resistant to it?).

Answer:

Life in Rameswaram in the 1940s was likely characterized by a mix of simplicity, traditional values, and a close-knit community. The majority of the population was probably of modest means, with a significant number belonging to the middle class. Economic conditions may have been challenging for many, and formal education might not have been widely accessible.

People in Rameswaram were likely hardworking, engaged in occupations related to agriculture, fishing, and other local trades. The town’s island setting and its historical and cultural significance, with the presence of the Rameswaram temple, might have contributed to a unique way of life.

Hope for change may have been present, especially given the political and social developments happening in the country during that period. The 1940s saw India on the brink of independence, and the people of Rameswaram would likely have been aware of the larger national movements. However, the resistance to change might also have existed, rooted in the deeply ingrained traditions and conservative values of the community.

Overall, life in Rameswaram in the 1940s was probably characterized by a tight-knit community, reliance on traditional occupations, and a mix of hope and resistance in the face of imminent changes in the larger socio-political landscape of India.

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