CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 4 Vitamin-M Question Answers (Important) from Kaveri Book
Class 9 English Vitamin-M Question Answers – Looking for Vitamin-M question answers (NCERT solutions) for CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Book Chapter 4? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Class 9 English question answers can significantly improve your performance in the exam. Our solutions provide a clear idea of how to write the answers effectively. Improve your chances of scoring high marks by exploring Chapter 4: Vitamin-M now. The questions listed below are based on the latest CBSE exam pattern, wherein we have given NCERT solutions (Textbook Questions) to the chapter’s, Extract Based Questions, Multiple Choice Questions, and Extra Question Answers
Also, practising with different kinds of questions can help students learn new ways to solve problems that they may not have seen before. This can ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and better performance on exams.
- Vitamin-M Textbook Questions (NCERT Solution)
- Vitamin-M Grammar Exercises
- Vitamin-M Extract-Based Questions
- Vitamin-M Multiple Choice Questions
- Vitamin-M Extra Questions
Related:
Vitamin-M Textbook Questions (NCERT Solution)
Q1. Why did Grandpa dislike living in the city with his daughter?
Ans. Grandpa disliked the noise, crowds, and the small flat. He missed his quiet brick house in town with its big mango tree, where life was peaceful. He also felt his independence was taken away when he was told not to go out alone.
Q2. Why did Vidya not want her father to go out alone?
Ans. The previous month, Grandpa had taken a double dose of medicine accidentally and had also gotten lost during a walk. His age-related forgetfulness made it dangerous for him to go out unsupervised.
Q3. Was Ravi in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a child?
Ans. No. Ravi felt embarrassed when his mother spoke to Grandpa in an over-loud tone as if he were a child who couldn’t hear or understand. This shows Ravi disagreed with her approach.
Q4. Would Ravi be able to keep up his promise to his mother?
Ans. Ravi tries his best by secretly following Grandpa. He cannot stop Grandpa from going out, but he ensures Grandpa comes to no harm, so he keeps the spirit of his promise, if not the letter.
I. Complete the flow chart by describing Grandpa’s day out.
Ans.
1. Children’s Park
2. Peanuts, children playing
3. Tea Stall
4. Angry mother and vendors
5. Sugary tea, bananas and ice cream
6. Barber Shop
7. Bus stop and boards the bus
Grandpa’s day out followed a delightful and eventful journey through the city. He first left home twirling his walking stick jauntily and made his way to the children’s park, where he bought a paper cone of peanuts and sat on a bench peacefully watching the children play. His next stop was the tea stall, where he enjoyed a sugary cup of tea, two bananas, and an ice cream, all items strictly forbidden at home. He then visited the barber shop, despite being completely bald. After that, he made his way to the bus stop, boarded a bus, and generously gave his yellow cap to a stranger because it was a hot day. Finally, he found his way back home safely and was sound asleep in his bedroom by the time Ravi returned.
II. Was Grandpa lost as feared by Ravi’s mother?
Ans. No, Grandpa was not lost. Despite Ravi’s panic, Grandpa independently found his way back home and slept peacefully.
III. How would Ravi feel after seeing Grandpa?
Ans. Ravi felt immense relief, deep affection, and slight embarrassment seeing Grandpa sleeping safely, realizing he had managed perfectly without supervision.
IV. Do you think Ravi’s mother will get to know about what had happened?
Ans. Grandpa cleverly hid the truth. Only his mischievous twinkle and detective book gift hinted that he knew everything.
Check Your Understanding
I. Describe how Ravi’s emotional reaction upon finding Grandpa safe at home reveals his feelings towards his grandfather.
Ans. Ravi’s emotional reaction clearly shows his deep love and concern for his grandfather. When he loses sight of Grandpa, he becomes very worried and panicked, thinking that something bad might have happened to him. However, when he returns home and finds his grandfather safe and relaxed, he feels a great sense of relief and happiness. This shows that Ravi is caring, responsible, and emotionally attached to his grandfather, and his actions reflect a strong bond between them.
II. What might be the significance of Grandpa’s habit of giving gifts to everyone on his birthday rather than receiving them?
Ans. Grandpa’s habit of giving gifts to everyone on his birthday instead of receiving them highlights his generous and kind nature. It shows that he believes in spreading happiness and finds joy in giving rather than taking. This behavior reflects his positive attitude towards life and his love for others. It also suggests that he values relationships and emotional connections more than material possessions, making him a warm and thoughtful person.
III. Why do you think Grandpa gave Ravi a detective story book as a gift? What might this suggest about Grandpa’s awareness of Ravi’s actions earlier in the day?
Ans. Grandpa gave Ravi a detective story book as a gift because he was aware that Ravi had been secretly following him like a detective. This shows that Grandpa is intelligent, observant, and playful. By giving this gift, he gently teases Ravi and makes him realize that he knew about his actions all along. It also highlights that Grandpa is not as forgetful or helpless as others think, and he still possesses sharp thinking and a good sense of humor.
Critical Reflection
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. Grandpa hated the noise and bustle of city life and when they were on their own, he often spoke longingly of his small brick house in town. “Such a wonderful place…! With that big mango tree in the garden! It is so quiet that at dusk you can even hear a leaf fall!” But then Grandpa had slipped and fallen in the garden late one evening while he was pottering around and lain outside all night because there was no one at home to help him up.
(i) Choose the emotion displayed by the Grandfather.
A. regretful
B. apologetic
C. nostalgic
D. wistful
Ans. C. Nostalgic
Grandpa fondly and longingly remembers his peaceful life in his small town, which clearly displays nostalgia.
(ii) Complete the following sentence with a reason. Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because ___________.
Ans. Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because he was accustomed to the calm and peaceful environment of his small town, where life was so quiet that even a falling leaf could be heard at dusk.
(iii) Why did Grandpa come to the city despite his dislike for city life?
Ans. Grandpa came to the city because he had slipped and fallen in his garden late one evening and lay outside helplessly the entire night with no one to help him. This frightening incident convinced his daughter Vidya that living alone was no longer safe for him. She locked up his small brick house and brought him to live with her family in the city to ensure his safety and care.
(iv) Choose an expression similar in meaning to, ‘you can even hear a leaf fall’.
A. end of one’s life
B. arrival of autumn
C. sign of good luck
D. pin drop silence
Ans. D. Pin drop silence
(v) State one advantage and one disadvantage of the Grandfather living in the house in town.
Ans. One advantage and one disadvantage of Grandfather living in the house in town:
Advantage: Grandpa was happy, independent, and emotionally content in his familiar surroundings, which gave him peace of mind and dignity.
Disadvantage: There was nobody around to help him during emergencies, as seen when he fell in the garden and lay outside helplessly the entire night.
2. “I had a quiet morning, but I don’t know about Ravi. He just disappeared instead of staying at home to look after me like you told him to,” answered Grandpa coolly, while Ravi just looked confused and embarrassed.
Grandpa had another surprise for Ravi. A gift-wrapped parcel!
“But, Papa, Ravi’s birthday was three months ago. Have you forgotten?” exclaimed Ravi’s mother, impatiently.
(i) Choose the option that displays the tone of the Grandfather’s response.
A. apologetic
B. hurtful
C. calm
D. puzzled
Ans. C. Calm
(ii) Why was Ravi confused and embarrassed?
Ans. Ravi was confused and embarrassed because Grandpa cleverly reversed the situation. Though Ravi had been secretly following Grandpa all day, Grandpa calmly made it appear as though Ravi was the irresponsible one who had abandoned his duties and disappeared.
(iii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason. Ravi’s mother was impatient because _________________.
Ans. Ravi’s mother was impatient because she assumed Grandpa had forgotten that Ravi’s birthday was three months ago, which she mistook as another sign of his failing memory.
(iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false.
Grandfather forgot that Ravi’s birthday was three months ago.
Ans. False
Grandpa remembered his tradition of gifting everyone on his own birthday. It was actually Vidya who had completely forgotten this beautiful family tradition.
(v) Why did Grandpa say he didn’t know what kind of morning Ravi might have had?
Ans. Grandpa said this because he was subtly and playfully hinting that he had noticed Ravi following him throughout the day. It was his clever and mischievous way of exposing Ravi without directly revealing everything to his mother.
II Answer the following questions.
1. Grandpa is portrayed as a person with failing memory in the beginning of the story. Give two evidences to disprove the statement.
Ans. Two evidences to disprove that Grandpa has a failing memory:
- He perfectly remembers thousands of chess games and specific historic moves by grandmasters like Karpov, Fischer, and Spassky.
- He remembers his long-standing tradition of gifting everyone on his own birthday, something even his own daughter had completely forgotten despite marking it on the calendar.
2. Give two characteristic traits of each of the following characters.
(i) Grandfather
(ii) Ravi
(iii) Ravi’s mother
Ans. Two characteristic traits:
| Character | Trait 1 | Trait 2 |
| Grandfather | Independent and dignified | Witty and sharp-minded |
| Ravi | Caring and responsible | Empathetic and determined |
| Ravi’s Mother | Loving but overprotective | Anxious and ironically forgetful |
3. Why was Ravi worried about what Grandfather had at the tea stall?
Ans. Grandpa consumed sugary tea, two bananas, and an ice cream , all items strictly forbidden by his doctor. Ravi was worried because his mother would be extremely upset and angry upon finding out, and he was also genuinely concerned about the harmful effect on Grandpa’s health.
4. Do you think it was easy for Ravi to follow his Grandfather? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Ans. No, it was not easy at all. Ravi faced numerous comic and embarrassing mishaps throughout the day. He was confronted by an angry mother in the park, surrounded by loud vendors near the banyan tree, thrown out of a ladies’ salon, and ultimately lost track of Grandpa completely near the bus stop. It was a thoroughly difficult and humiliating experience.
5. ‘Ravi is a good detective’. Give one argument in favour of and against the given statement.
Ans.
In favour: Ravi showed strong dedication by following Grandpa across the entire city, jumping onto a moving bus, and never giving up on his mission to ensure Grandpa’s safety.
Against: Ravi caused several noisy scenes, was nearly spotted multiple times, and ultimately lost his subject completely at the bus stop, proving he was far from a skilled detective.
6. Was Grandfather aware that Ravi was following him? How do you know?
Ans. Yes, Grandpa was certainly aware. At the end of the story he gifted Ravi a detective story book and specifically mentioned tips about not being fooled when trailing a suspect. His cool remark that Ravi had disappeared and the mischievous twinkle in his eye further confirm that he knew everything all along.
7. In your opinion, who needs Vitamin-M? And why?
Ans. Ironically, Ravi’s mother Vidya needs Vitamin-M the most. Despite carefully marking her father’s birthday on the calendar in red at the beginning of the year, she completely forgets it. Grandpa, whom everyone assumes has a failing memory, actually remembers chess games, family traditions, and even notices that Ravi was following him all day.
8. Some people believe society shows bias based on age (being young or old). Give an example where you might have experienced or observed such discrimination, when opinions were disregarded because of age.
Ans. A common example is when elderly people’s opinions are dismissed in family discussions because they are considered outdated. Similarly, young students’ ideas are often ignored in group settings because adults assume they lack experience. Both situations show that opinions are unfairly judged based on age rather than their actual merit or wisdom.
Vitamin-M Grammar Exercises
I. Classify the words given in the box on the next page into movement words in Column 1 and sound words in Column 2. One example has been done for you.
| pottering | boomed | twirling | crouch |
| bustle | crawl | creeping | thudded |
| ducked | shrieks | zigzagging | whirr |
| evicted | briskly | sprinting | grunted |
| jumping | darted | trailing | snoring |
Ans.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| Pottering | Boomed |
| Twirling | Thudded |
| Crouch | Shrieks |
| Crawl | Whirr |
| Creeping | Grunted |
| Ducked | Snoring |
| Zigzagging | Bustle |
| Evicted | |
| Briskly | |
| Sprinting | |
| Jumping | |
| Darted | |
| Trailing |
Now, fill in the blanks with appropriate words from Column 1 or Column 2.
Detective Shankar, 1. _____________ the mysterious suspect through the dimly lit side lanes, away from the 2. _____________ of the city, quickened his pace 3. _____________. The suspect’s heavy footsteps 4. _______________ across the street, unaware of the pursuit. Shankar 5. _____________ his magnifying glass had to 6. ______________ behind the market stalls, 7. ______________ through the lanes to avoid being seen. Shankar 8. ______________ when he hit himself against a pole. This alarmed the suspect and he 9. ______________ into the night leaving only the distant 10. ______________ of the sleeping city behind.
Ans.
1. Trailing
2. Bustle
3. Briskly
4. Thudded
5. Twirling
6. Crouch
7. Creeping
8. Grunted
9. Darted
10. Whirr
II. Study the highlighted word in the given sentence from the text and fill in the boxes with synonymous words. You may refer to a dictionary.
Off he went, twirling his walking stick jauntily, leaving Ravi in a dilemma.
Ans.
1. Quandry
2. Predicament
III. Fill in the table given below. Check your answers with the help of a dictionary.
| Word | Meaning | Part of Speech | Synonym | Antonym |
| 1. craftily | ||||
| 2. dilemma | ||||
| 3. furious | ||||
| 4. boomed | ||||
| 5. humiliation | ||||
| 6. attire |
Ans.
| Word | Meaning | Part of Speech | Synonym | Antonym |
| Craftily | Cleverly and cunningly | Adverb | Cunningly | Honestly |
| Dilemma | A difficult choice between two options | Noun | Predicament | Solution |
| Furious | Extremely angry | Adjective | Enraged | Calm |
| Boomed | Spoke in a loud deep voice | Verb | Thundered | Whispered |
| Humiliation | A feeling of shame and embarrassment | Noun | Embarrassment | Dignity |
| Attire | Clothing or dress | Noun | Outfit | Nakedness |
IV. Match the emotions/expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. One meaning is extra.
| Column 1 Emotions/Expressions |
Column 2 Meanings |
| 1. embarrassed | (i) affected severely by an unpleasant feeling |
| 2. countered | (ii) to be confused |
| 3. flushed | (iii) expression of emotion |
| 4. stricken | (iv) reply to an argument |
| 5. gleam | (v) felt uncomfortable |
| (vi) became red in the face |
Ans.
| Column 1 Emotions/Expressions | Column 2 Meanings |
| 1. Embarrassed | (v) Felt uncomfortable |
| 2. Countered | (iv) Reply to an argument |
| 3. Flushed | (vi) Became red in the face |
| 4. Stricken | (i) Affected severely by an unpleasant feeling |
| 5. Gleam | (iii) Expression of emotion |
V. Read the highlighted words in the following phrases from the story. Now, revisit the story and underline the prepositions.
1. I’ll just walk across to the corner shop…
2. … he felt a shadow fall over him…
3. …the vendors sitting under the tree…
4. Ravi took position behind a big banyan…
| Prepositions are words used to show the relationship of a noun or pronoun to other words in a sentence, often indicating direction, location, time, or manner. |
Now, fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.
I walked (i) _____________ (through, between, against) the village, crossed a bridge (ii) _____________ (over, under, beside) a brook, and found a quiet garden (iii) _____________ (among, near, across) a cottage. Sitting on a bench (iv) _____________ (on, at, in) the garden, I enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. Later, I strolled (v) _____________ (beside, through, along) a riverbank, exploring the forest and heading (vi) _________________ (into, towards, beyond) the unknown.
Ans.
(i) through
(ii) over
(iii) near
(iv) in
(v) along
(vi) towards
VI. Read the following dialogues from the story.
1. “Shall we play chess or watch the cricket match on TV, Grandpa?” asked Ravi.
2. “Who are you?” said the little boy’s mother.
3. “What did you both do today?” asked Ravi’s mother.
4. “Have you forgotten?” countered Grandpa.
5. A small child came up to him and asked, “Are you playing hide and seek?”
Now, choose the correct answer.
A. The words in the quotes are (i) _____________ (exclamatory/interrogative) sentences.
B. Sentences 1, 4, and 5 are (ii) _____________ (Wh-/Yes, No type) interrogative sentences.
C. Sentences 2 and 3 are (iii) ______________ (Wh-/Yes, No type) interrogative sentences.
So, there are (iv) _____________ (two/three) types of interrogative sentences.
Ans.
A. The words in the quotes are (i) interrogative sentences.
B. Sentences 1, 4, and 5 are (ii) Yes/No type interrogative sentences.
C. Sentences 2 and 3 are (iii) Wh- type interrogative sentences.
So, there are (iv) two types of interrogative sentences.
| The words in quotes are the exact words of the speaker, hence known as direct speech. In indirect speech or reported speech, somebody else reports these words at some other time and at some other place. |
D. Let us have a quick glance at a few guidelines to remind you of the changes while transforming from direct form of speech to indirect. You can ask your teacher for more inputs.
| Direct Speech | Indirect Speech | Direct Speech | Indirect Speech |
| Present | Past | here | there |
| Past | Past Perfect | today | that day |
| Present Progressive | Past Progressive | tomorrow | the following day |
| Past Progressive | Past Perfect Progressive | now | then |
|
Pronouns |
|||
| I | he/she | we | they |
| you | he/she/they | our | their |
| Direct to Indirect | Steps to Remember |
| Both Wh- type and Yes/No type | Converting the interrogative sentence into declarative sentence. |
| Yes/No type | Use of ‘if’ or ‘whether’ next to the reporting verb |
| Wh- type | Use of the same ‘wh’ word next to the reporting verb |
VII. Read the following conversation.
Arvind: Do you help in taking care of your grandparents at home?
Priya: Yes, I do. We take turns making sure they’re alright. Do you have grandparents living with you?
Arvind: No. My parents and I visit my grandpa every weekend. How do you manage your grandparents’ medical needs?
Priya: We have a schedule for giving medications and visits to the doctor.
Now, complete the following sentences in reported speech.
Arvind asked Priya if she 1. _______________________ ________________________ for which Priya replied in the affirmative and said that they 2. _____________. Priya further asked Arvind 3. _________________________ ___________________. Arvind replied in the negative and said that 4. ____________________________ every weekend. He further enquired 5. ________________________________ _________________. Priya responded by saying that they 6. ___________________________________.
Ans.
1. helped in taking care of her grandparents at home
2. took turns making sure they were alright
3. if he had grandparents living with him
4. his parents and he visited his grandpa
5. how she managed her grandparents’ medical needs
6. had a schedule for giving medications and visits to the doctor
Listen and Respond
I. You will listen to a podcast on meditation. As you listen, complete the sentences with not more than three exact words that you hear. (Transcript for teacher on page 266)
1. Meditation is a form of yoga that usually refreshes the mind and helps with _____________.
2. Meditation leads to a better health condition both ________________.
3. Meditation also aids in lessening undesirable feelings and improving __________________.
4. It is advised that we meditate every day so that it becomes a _______________.
5. Meditating on a daily basis is bene࠸cial in comfortably tackling ________________.
Ans.
1. Concentration.
2. physically and mentally
3. emotional well-being.
4. daily habit.
5. stress and problems.
Writing Task
I. As you read in the story, we have a lot to learn from our elderly. Based on the lessons learned from them, write an article for your school magazine on the topic ‘Our Inspiring Elderly’.
Organise the article in the manner given below.
Follow the steps given below to write an article about your skills and passions.
- Write the title at the top and your name and grade below it.
- Paragraph 1: Give a brief introduction to the topic. Focus on the main idea, but do not give any details.
- Paragraph 2: Give details to support the main idea, how the elderly inspire. Include examples, facts, and quotations.
- Paragraph 3: Elaborate on how they overcame challenges and the inspiring impact on you.
- Paragraph 4: Conclude with a final comment on the topic and leave the reader with the most important ideas to think about.
‘Our Inspiring Elderly’.
By diksha
Elderly people are an important part of our lives. They have a lot of experience and knowledge which helps guide us. They teach us good values and help us become better human beings.
Our elders inspire us through their life lessons and behaviour. They teach us honesty, kindness, and patience. For example, our grandparents share stories about their struggles and how they faced them with courage. Their experiences help us learn how to deal with problems in life.
Elderly people have faced many challenges like health problems and difficult situations, but they stay strong and positive. Their strength inspires me to be patient and brave. I learn from them to never give up and always stay hopeful.
In conclusion, our elderly are a great source of inspiration. We should respect, love, and care for them. Their guidance is very valuable and helps us in our life.
Learning Beyond the Text
I. Revisit the story and choose the image that correctly displays Grandpa’s walking stick.
Ans.
CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 4 Vitamin-M Extract-Based Questions
A.
“I wish,” said Ravi’s mother, hurriedly putting some green, red and orange tablets on a saucer, “that somebody would invent a memory, Vitamin-M, they could call it, and we could give it to old people to help them improve their memories.” “Shh … Grandpa’ll hear you,” said Ravi, pointing to the frail old figure sitting in the rocking chair, holding the newspaper inches from his nose to read it.
Q1. Why did Ravi’s mother wish for Vitamin-M?
Ans. Ravi’s mother wished for Vitamin-M because she was frustrated with Grandpa’s failing memory. She wanted someone to invent a medicine that could be given to old people to help them improve their memory and make life easier for everyone around them.
Q2. What was Grandpa doing when Ravi’s mother was talking?
Ans. Grandpa was sitting in his rocking chair, holding the newspaper very close, inches from his nose, to read it, showing that his eyesight had also weakened considerably with age.
Q3. Why did Ravi say “Shh” to his mother?
Ans. Ravi said “Shh” to his mother because he was worried that Grandpa might overhear her talking about his failing memory, which would hurt Grandpa’s feelings and wound his dignity and pride.
Q4. What does the word “frail” tell us about Grandpa?
Ans. The word “frail” tells us that Grandpa was physically weak, delicate, and fragile due to his old age. It paints a picture of a thin, vulnerable old man who needed care and attention from his family.
Q5. What does this extract tell us about Ravi’s character?
Ans. This extract reveals that Ravi is a sensitive, empathetic, and mature boy. Unlike his mother who speaks openly about Grandpa’s weaknesses, Ravi is considerate enough to worry about Grandpa’s feelings and immediately tries to protect his grandfather’s dignity.
B.
Grandpa had got very upset when his daughter, Ravi’s mother, insisted that he shouldn’t go out alone again. “I’ll have you know, Vidya, my dear,” he had told his daughter with a trace of the firmness that had been a natural part of his job as a lawyer, “that I’ve been looking after myself for the better part of my seventy-five years. After your mother died ten years ago, I took over her duties as well and have been cooking, shopping and keeping house too. First you force me to come and live with you in this poky little flat, in this horrible, crowded city and then you think you have the right to forbid me to go out on my own!”
Q1. Why did Grandpa get upset with Vidya?
Ans. Grandpa got upset because Vidya insisted that he should not go out alone anymore. He felt this was a direct attack on his independence and dignity, as he had been looking after himself successfully for seventy-five years, even taking over household duties after his wife’s death.
Q2. What does the phrase “a trace of the firmness” tell us about Grandpa?
Ans. The phrase tells us that Grandpa was once a strong, firm, and authoritative person in his professional life as a lawyer. Though old age had weakened him physically, traces of that old confidence and firmness still remained in his voice and personality.
Q3. How did Grandpa describe the city and the flat?
Ans. Grandpa described the city as horrible and crowded, completely opposite to the peaceful life he was used to. He called Vidya’s flat a “poky little flat,” meaning it was small and uncomfortable compared to his spacious brick house in town.
Q4. What does this extract reveal about Grandpa’s life after his wife’s death?
Ans. This extract reveals that after his wife’s death ten years ago, Grandpa independently took over all household duties including cooking, shopping, and keeping house. This shows he was a remarkably self-sufficient, capable, and strong-willed person despite his age.
Q5. What is the main conflict shown in this extract?
Ans. The main conflict shown is between Grandpa’s fierce need for independence and dignity on one side, and Vidya’s genuine but overbearing concern for his safety on the other. This conflict between love and freedom is the central tension of the entire story.
C.
Ravi winced at the over-loud tone his mother used when speaking to Grandpa, as though she were speaking to a child who couldn’t hear or understand too well. Grandpa continued to rock gently and gave no sign that he had heard her at all. “Shall we play chess or watch the cricket match on TV, Grandpa?” Ravi asked after his mother left. Grandpa played a great game of chess, very cool and cunning, and Ravi found that his own game had improved greatly ever since Grandpa had come to live with them.
Q1. Why did Ravi wince at his mother’s tone?
Ans. Ravi winced because his mother spoke to Grandpa in an unnecessarily over-loud tone, as though Grandpa were a child who could neither hear nor understand properly. Ravi found this disrespectful and embarrassing, as it hurt Grandpa’s dignity as an intelligent and capable adult.
Q2. How did Grandpa react to Vidya’s loud tone?
Ans. Grandpa continued to rock gently in his chair and gave absolutely no sign that he had heard her at all. This could suggest either that he genuinely did not hear her, or more likely, that he chose to ignore her condescending tone with quiet dignity.
Q3. What does Ravi’s offer to play chess or watch cricket tell us about him?
Ans. Ravi’s offer shows that he is a caring, thoughtful, and considerate grandson. After his mother leaves, he immediately tries to engage Grandpa in activities he enjoys, showing his genuine concern for Grandpa’s happiness and comfort at home.
Q4. How did Grandpa’s chess skills benefit Ravi?
Ans. Grandpa was a cool and cunning chess player who remembered historic games and specific moves by grandmasters. Playing regularly with Grandpa had greatly improved Ravi’s own chess game, showing that the elderly have much to teach the younger generation.
Q5. What does this extract reveal about the relationship between Ravi and Grandpa?
Ans. This extract reveals a warm, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationship between Ravi and Grandpa. Unlike Vidya, Ravi treats Grandpa as an equal and a companion. Their shared love of chess brings them closer and shows the beautiful bond between the two generations.
D.
“I had a quiet morning, but I don’t know about Ravi. He just disappeared instead of staying at home to look after me like you told him to,” answered Grandpa coolly, while Ravi just looked confused and embarrassed. Grandpa had another surprise for Ravi. A gift-wrapped parcel! “But, Papa, Ravi’s birthday was three months ago. Have you forgotten?” exclaimed Ravi’s mother, impatiently. “No. But you know I always give a gift to every child in the house on my birthday.”
Q1. What was clever about Grandpa’s answer to Vidya’s question?
Ans. Grandpa’s answer was extremely clever because he subtly turned the situation around. Instead of revealing that he had gone out alone and been followed by Ravi, he calmly made it appear as though Ravi was the irresponsible one who had abandoned his duties, leaving Ravi confused and embarrassed.
Q2. Why was Ravi confused and embarrassed by Grandpa’s answer?
Ans. Ravi was confused and embarrassed because Grandpa had cleverly reversed the roles. Though Ravi had spent the entire day secretly following Grandpa to keep him safe, Grandpa made it sound as if Ravi had irresponsibly disappeared instead of staying home to look after him.
Q3. Why did Grandpa give Ravi a gift even though it was not his birthday?
Ans. Grandpa gave Ravi a gift because it was actually Grandpa’s own birthday. He explained that his tradition was to give gifts to every child in the house on his own birthday rather than receiving gifts. This beautiful tradition shows his generous and selfless nature.
Q4. What is ironic about Vidya’s reaction to the gift?
Ans. The irony is that Vidya, who had worried about Grandpa’s failing memory throughout the story, had herself completely forgotten her own father’s birthday, despite having marked it on the calendar in red at the beginning of the year. This makes Grandpa’s joke about Vitamin-M turn perfectly on her.
Q5. What does Grandpa’s gift of a detective story book to Ravi suggest?
Ans. The gift of a detective story book strongly suggests that Grandpa knew all along that Ravi had been following him throughout the day. His specific mention of tips on “how not to be fooled when trailing a suspect” is his playful and witty way of telling Ravi he was aware, without directly embarrassing him in front of his parents.
Class 9 Vitamin-M Multiple Choice Questions
1. What is Grandpa’s profession before retirement?
A. Doctor
B. Teacher
C. Lawyer
D. Engineer
Ans: C. Lawyer
2. What did Ravi’s mother call the imaginary memory medicine?
A. Vitamin-A
B. Vitamin-C
C. Vitamin-B
D. Vitamin-M
Ans: D. Vitamin-M
3. Where was Grandpa sitting at the beginning of the story?
A. On the sofa
B. At the dining table
C. In the rocking chair
D. In the garden
Ans: C. In the rocking chair
4. Why had Grandpa been admitted to hospital the previous month?
A. He fell down the stairs
B. He got lost in the city
C. He had a heart attack
D. He took a double dose of medicines
Ans: D. He took a double dose of medicines
5. How did Grandpa describe his hometown?
A. Noisy and crowded
B. Dull and boring
C. Quiet and peaceful
D. Cold and lonely
Ans: C. Quiet and peaceful
6. What was carved on the handle of Grandpa’s walking stick?
A. A lion’s head
B. A snake’s head
C. A horse’s head
D. An eagle’s head
Ans: D. An eagle’s head
7. What colour was Grandpa’s cap?
A. Red
B. Blue
C. White
D. Yellow
Ans: D. Yellow
8. Where did Grandpa go first during his day out?
A. Tea stall
B. Barber shop
C. Children’s park
D. Bus stop
Ans: C. Children’s park
9. What did Grandpa eat at the tea stall?
A. Samosas and tea
B. Peanuts and juice
C. Biscuits and coffee
D. Tea, bananas, and ice cream
Ans: D. Tea, bananas, and ice cream
10. What did Ravi hide behind in the children’s park?
A. A large tree
B. A parked car
C. A vendor’s stall
D. A bush trimmed like an elephant
Ans: D. A bush trimmed like an elephant
11. Why did Ravi secretly follow Grandpa?
A. He wanted to go out
B. He was curious about the city
C. He wanted to buy a newspaper
D. He wanted to ensure Grandpa’s safety
Ans: D. He wanted to ensure Grandpa’s safety
12. What did Grandpa do with his yellow cap on the bus?
A. Lost it in the crowd
B. Left it on the seat
C. Threw it out the window
D. Gave it to a stranger
Ans: D. Gave it to a stranger
13. What book did Grandpa gift Ravi?
A. The Best Chess Games
B. The Best Mystery Novels
C. The Best Adventure Stories
D. The Best Detective Stories
Ans: D. The Best Detective Stories
14. How old is Grandpa in the story?
A. Sixty-five
B. Seventy
C. Eighty
D. Seventy-five
Ans: D. Seventy-five
15. What does the word “winced” mean in the story?
A. Smiled happily
B. Laughed loudly
C. Looked confused
D. Showed embarrassment
Ans: D. Showed embarrassment
16. Who said “My daughter needs some Vitamin-M”?
A. Ravi
B. Ravi’s father
C. Ravi’s mother
D. Grandpa
Ans: D. Grandpa
17. What smell did Ravi notice on Grandpa while he slept?
A. Perfume and soap
B. Coconut oil and talcum powder
C. Medicine and camphor
D. Eucalyptus ointment and shaving cream
Ans: D. Eucalyptus ointment and shaving cream
18. What game had Ravi improved at since Grandpa came to live with them?
A. Cricket
B. Carrom
C. Football
D. Chess
Ans: D. Chess
19. What is the wood of Grandpa’s walking stick made of?
A. Teak
B. Rosewood
C. Sandalwood
D. Mahogany
Ans: D. Mahogany
20. Where did Grandpa originally live before moving to the city?
A. A large bungalow
B. A rented apartment
C. A farmhouse in the village
D. A small brick house in town
Ans: D. A small brick house in town
CBSE Class 9 English Kaveri Book Chapter 4 – Vitamin-M Extra Question and Answers
Q1. Why did Ravi’s mother wish for Vitamin-M?
Ans. Ravi’s mother wished for Vitamin-M because Grandpa’s memory was failing. She wanted someone to invent a medicine to help old people improve their memories and make caregiving easier.
Q2. Why did Grandpa dislike living in the city?
Ans. Grandpa disliked the city because it was noisy, crowded, and uncomfortable. He missed his peaceful small brick house in town where it was so quiet that even a falling leaf could be heard.
Q3. Why was Grandpa brought to live with Vidya?
Ans. Grandpa had slipped and fallen in his garden at night and lay there helplessly until morning. His daughter Vidya felt it was unsafe for him to live alone anymore.
Q4. Why did Ravi wince at his mother’s tone?
Ans. Ravi winced because his mother spoke to Grandpa in an unnecessarily over-loud tone, as though he were a child. Ravi found this disrespectful and embarrassing towards Grandpa’s dignity.
Q5. How did Grandpa trick Ravi into letting him go out?
Ans. Grandpa cleverly asked Ravi if his mother had told him to keep him a prisoner. When Ravi denied it, Grandpa used this against him and walked out confidently.
Q6. What problems did Ravi face while following Grandpa?
Ans. Ravi was confronted by an angry mother in the park, surrounded by loud vendors, thrown out of a ladies’ salon, and ultimately lost track of Grandpa completely near the bus stop.
Q7. What did Grandpa eat at the tea stall?
Ans. Grandpa enjoyed sugary tea, two bananas, and an ice cream at the tea stall , all items strictly forbidden by his doctor at home, which worried Ravi greatly.
Q8. How did Ravi feel when he found Grandpa sleeping safely?
Ans. Ravi felt immense relief and deep affection. He knelt beside Grandpa, placed his cheek against his wrinkled face, and hugged him, overcome with love and emotion.
Q9. What was ironic about Vidya forgetting Grandpa’s birthday?
Ans. Vidya had marked Grandpa’s birthday on the calendar in red yet forgot it completely. Meanwhile Grandpa, whom everyone assumed had a failing memory, remembered perfectly and brought gifts for everyone.
Q10. What did Grandpa’s gift of a detective book suggest?
Ans. The detective book strongly suggested Grandpa knew Ravi had been following him all day. His mention of tips on trailing suspects was his playful way of revealing his awareness.