How the First Letter was Written Question Answers
 

Maharashtra State Board Class 9 English How the First Letter was Written Important Question Answers from Kumarbharati Book (MCQs and Extract-based Questions)

 

How the First Letter was Written Question Answer: Looking for How the First Letter was Written question answers for Maharashtra State Board Class 9 English Kumarbharati Book? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Maharashtra State Board 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 How the First Letter was Written question answers now. The questions listed below are based on the latest Maharashtra State Board Class 9 exam pattern, wherein we have given multiple choice questions and extract-based questions (Comprehension Passage)

 

 

Maharashtra State Board Class 9 English Kumarbharati Book Lesson How the First Letter was Written Textbook Questions

 

  1. List the materials that man has used for the following purposes in the different ages.

 

Objects

Neolithic Age (Later Stone Age)

1st Century CE

Modern Age

Weapons

stone /bones/ animal teeth

   

Fuel

     

Utensils

     

Food

     

Clothes

     

Answer-

Objects

Neolithic Age (Later Stone Age)

1st Century CE

Modern Age

Weapons

stone /bones/ animal teeth

Metal tools (bronze, iron)

Metal tools (steel, alloys)

Fuel

Wood, charcoal, animal dung

Wood, charcoal, animal dung

Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro)

Utensils

Stone, wood

Clay (pottery), metal

Metal, plastic, ceramic

Food

Foraged plants, hunted animals, fish

Grains, vegetables, fruits, domesticated animals

A wide variety of agricultural products, processed foods

Clothes

Animal skins, hides

Linen, wool, silk

Cotton, synthetic fibers, natural fibers

 

  1. Write your name in Bold Capitals.

(a) Now, within 3 minutes try to make as many words as you can using the letters

in your name. You cannot use the same letter twice in a word, unless it is so in your name.

(b) You may use the above idea to devise a game with your friends.

 

Answer-

AYUSHI

  • Shy
  • Hay
  • Say

  1. List words from your mother tongue or from Hindi which do not have an exact

English equivalent. Try to write their meaning in English.

Answer-

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्): This Sanskrit phrase means “The world is one family” and is often used to promote unity and global brotherhood.

 

  1. Now, list at least twenty English words which do not have an exact equivalent in

your mother tongue.

Answer-

  1. Serendipity: Finding something good by chance
  2. Schadenfreude: Feeling happy when someone else is sad.
  3. Zeitgeist: The feeling of a certain time period.
  4. Petrichor: The smell of rain after a dry spell.
  5. Sonder: Realizing that everyone else has a life as complicated as yours.
  6. Ephemeral: Something that lasts for a short time.
  7. Ubiquitous: Something that is everywhere.
  8. Nostalgia: Feeling sad but happy about the past.
  9. Quixotic: Having big dreams that are not realistic.
  10. Melancholy: Feeling sad and thoughtful.
  11. Indefatigable: Never getting tired.
  12. Serene: Calm and peaceful.
  13. Intrepid: Brave and not afraid.
  14. Ethereal: Very light and delicate.
  15. Salient: Important or noticeable.
  16. Fortuitous: Happening by chance; lucky.
  17. Verisimilitude: Seeming real or true.
  18. Conundrum: A confusing problem.
  19. Cognizant: Aware of something.
  20. Anachronism: Something that is out of place in time.
  1. Browse the internet to find names of people /places, etc. in any language that is not

familiar to you. Can you pronounce the names correctly? How will you find the

correct pronunciation?

Answer- “Haruki Murakami”, a Japanese author.

 I will try to break the name into smaller parts and pronounce them out based on what I know about Japanese pronunciation.

Give one word for the meanings of each of the names:

-Tengumai Bopsulai

-Teshumai Tewindrow

-Taffimai Metallumai.

Answer- 

(a) Cautious 

(b) Demanding

(c) Impulsive

Who is the author telling this story to?

Answer-The author is telling the story to the readers.

 

Why had Taffy stamped her foot ? What did the stranger make of it ?

Answer– Taffy stamped her foot because she was frustrated. She saw a shoal of big fish that her father could have caught, but he was unable to because his spear was broken. The stranger was confused by Taffy’s behavior.

 

Why did the stranger offer Taffy a big piece of birch- bark?

Answer– The stranger offered Taffy a big piece of birch-bark as a gesture of goodwill and understanding. He wanted to show her that he was willing to help, even though he didn’t fully understand her request.

 

Why did the stranger’s admiration for Taffy grow? 

Answer- The stranger’s admiration for Taffy grew because she had touched the magic shark’s tooth without getting harmed. This was a significant feat, as the tooth was believed to be dangerous and could cause harm to anyone who touched it without permission. Taffy’s ability to touch the tooth unharmed suggested to the stranger that she possessed a special quality or power, which made him respect and admire her even more.

 

Who does the author refer to when he says ‘some people’?

Answer– When the author says “some people,” they are referring to the people living in modern cities. 

 

Is Taffy’s drawing realistic ? In how many ways does it fail to show the real picture ?

Answer- Taffy’s drawing is not realistic at all. It fails to accurately depict the situation in several ways:

  1. The Spear: The drawing shows the spear as if it were stuck in Tegumai’s back, which is not the case. The spear was simply broken and needed to be repaired.
  2. Taffy’s Hair: The drawing portrays Taffy’s hair as standing on end, which is an unrealistic and exaggerated depiction.
  3. The Stranger: The drawing doesn’t accurately represent the stranger’s appearance or demeanor. It fails to capture his kindness and politeness.

These inaccuracies highlight the limitations of drawing as a means of communication, especially when dealing with complex situations.

 

Write ‘fended’ and ‘splain’ with their proper spellings.

Answer– fended-offended

splain-explain

 

How did the stranger interpret Taffy’s drawing?

Answer- The stranger misinterpreted Taffy’s drawing. He thought that the beavers she had drawn were actually the Chief’s enemies, armed with spears and ready to attack. He believed that the Chief was so afraid of these enemies that he had turned his back on the stranger and asked Taffy to draw a picture to seek help. This misunderstanding led the stranger to believe that he needed to rush back to the Chief’s tribe and warn them of the danger.

 

What mistaken notions made the stranger race off like the wind?

Answer– The stranger’s mistaken notions that led him to race off like the wind were:

  1. Misinterpretation of the Drawing: He misunderstood Taffy’s drawing, believing that the beavers represented enemy warriors.
  2. Assumption of Danger: He assumed that Tegumai was in immediate danger from these supposed enemies.
  3. Sense of Urgency: He felt a strong sense of urgency to help Tegumai, believing that he was in a life-threatening situation.

These mistaken interpretations led him to rush off without further clarification, demonstrating the power of miscommunication and the importance of accurate interpretation.

 

What was the stranger’s impression of Teshumai Tewindrow?

Answer– The stranger thought that Taffy resembled Teshumai Tewindrow, particularly her face and her eyes. This observation suggests a familial resemblance between the mother and daughter.

 

Is it possible to promise that one will be surprised ?

Answer- No, it’s not possible to promise that one will be surprised. Surprise is an unexpected emotion, and promising to be surprised implies that one is prepared for it, which defeats the purpose of surprise.

 

What terrible message had Taffy’s drawing conveyed to her mummy?

Answer– Taffy’s drawing conveyed a terrifying message to her mother, Teshumai. The drawing depicted Tegumai as being severely injured, with spears seemingly piercing his body. It also showed Taffy in a state of distress, with her hair standing on end. Teshumai misinterpreted the drawing, believing that Tegumai had been attacked by a group of people armed with spears. This misunderstanding led to a great deal of fear and confusion.

 

Point out two humorous expressions from -‘all the Neolithic ladies sitting patiently on the Stranger-man’.

Answer– a. ‘all the Neolithic ladies

  1. sitting patiently
  1. Read the remaining part of the original story. 

 

  1. Make as many 5 to 8 letter words as you can within 5 minutes, from the name.

 

TESHUMAI TEWINDROW

Five-letter words

Six-letter words

Seven-letter words

Eight-letter words

       

 

Answer-

TESHUMAI TEWINDROW

Five-letter words

Six-letter words

Seven-letter words

Eight-letter words

Theme

Drawn,

Shore,

Sword 

Window

Wander

Estate

Shutter

Maestro

Estimate

Meditate

 

  1. How do the following characters in the story live up to their names? Provide points from the story. 

(a) Tengumai Bopsulai : …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

(b) Taffimai Metallumai :  …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

(c) Teshumai Tewindrow : ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Answer-

(a) Tengumai Bopsulai : The name “Tengumai Bopsulai” means “Man-who-does-not-put-his-foot-forward-in-a-hurry.” This name accurately reflects Tengumai’s cautious and deliberate nature throughout the story. He is not impulsive or rash in his actions. Instead, he is careful and thoughtful, even when faced with challenging situations.

 

(b) Taffimai Metallumai : The name “Taffimai Metallumai” means ‘Small-person-without-any-manners-who-oughtto-be-spanked’. 

She told the stranger to come here, stomped her foot, and called him silly. She wanted the stranger to do what she wanted, and she made him do it. She took the shark’s tooth from his necklace without asking. She didn’t tell her father what she did, and she wanted him to be surprised. This was a silly thing to do.

 

(c) Teshumai Tewindrow : Teshumai means “Lady-who-asks-very-many-questions.” Even though she didn’t ask many questions, she kept talking and yelling at the poor stranger. She thought the wrong things and talked to her friends about what she thought she understood from Taffy’s drawing.

 

  1. The story is written in an informal, colloquial style – the way it would be told orally.

Find and write the expressions where the author addresses the audience directly in the story – for example, ‘but we, O Best Beloved, will…’, ‘Now attend and listen!’

Answer- 

 

  • ‘but we, O Best Beloved, will…’
  • ‘Now attend and listen !’ 
  • ‘He did this, Best Beloved’
  • “Did you know he was a Tewara?” 

 

  1. Write a character-sketch of the ‘Stranger-man’ using examples from the story to support the following attributes.

(a) ignorant, innocent and polite

(b) calm and cool

(c) jumps to wrong conclusions

(d) hasty and unwise at times

 

Answer-

The Stranger-man is depicted as a naive and innocent character. He is unfamiliar with the customs and language of the people he encounters, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. His politeness is evident in his interactions with Taffy and Teshumai, even when he is treated harshly or accused of wrongdoing.

His eagerness to help Taffy clouded his judgment, leading him to take unnecessary risks without sufficient evidence.

 

  1. Note the punctuation used in the story. Here, single inverted commas or quotation marks have been used to show conversation. Rewrite the following using double quotation marks:

(a) ‘Here’s a pretty kettle of fish!’ said Tengumai.

(b) ‘It will take me half the day to mend this.’

 

Answer-

(a) “Here’s a pretty kettle of fish!” said Tengumai. 

(b) “It will take me half the day to mend this.”

 

  1. Underline the main clauses in the following sentences:

(a) And she was Tegumai Bopsulai’s Best Beloved and her own Mummy’s Best Beloved, and she was not spanked half as much as was good for her; and they were all three very happy. 

 

(b) One day Tegumai Bopsulai went down through the beaver-swamp to the Wagai river to spear carp-fish for dinner, and Taffy went too. 

 

(c) They were miles and miles from home and Tegumai had forgotten to bring any extra spears. 

 

(d) Just then a Stranger-man came along the river, but he belonged to a far tribe, the Tewaras, and he did not understand one word of Tegumai’s language.

 

Answer-

(a) And she was Tegumai Bopsulai’s Best Beloved and her own Mummy’s Best Beloved, and she was not spanked half as much as was good for her; and they were all three very happy. 

 

(b) One day Tegumai Bopsulai went down through the beaver-swamp to the Wagai river to spear carp-fish for dinner, and Taffy went too

 

(c) They were miles and miles from home and Tegumai had forgotten to bring any extra spears

 

(d) Just then a Stranger-man came along the river, but he belonged to a far tribe, the Tewaras, and he did not understand one word of Tegumai’s language.

 

  1. Imagine Taffy comes to you for help to write a letter of apology, in the modern script we use. She wants to express her regret to the stranger-man for her mother’s action. Write that letter of apology (informal) on her behalf.

Answer-

Cave 12

XYZ Hills

 

Date: 23 October xxxx

 

Cave 20

PYQ Hills

Subject: Apology Letter

Dear Stranger-man

I’m writing this letter to say sorry for what my mom did to you. I know it was wrong and mean. I’m really sorry you got hurt.

I hope you can forgive us. My mom was just scared and angry due to the misunderstanding. She didn’t mean to be so violent.

I hope you’ll come back to visit us someday. We can be friends.

Sincerely

Taffy

  1. Imagine the Stranger-man narrates how the Neolithic ladies overpowered him. Write an account of the same making him the narrator.

Answer- I got to the cave and saw the little girl’s mom standing there with other women. I knew her right away because she looked a lot like the little girl. I felt happy and gave her the birch bark. I thought she would quickly ask the other people in the tribe to help the Chief, but she didn’t do that. She yelled at the other women, and they quickly jumped on me and pushed me down. I was surprised and fell to the ground. Those big and strong women sat on my back so I couldn’t get away. The little girl’s mom started yelling and pulling my hair. I wonder why they are doing all this instead of helping their poor Chief.

 

  1. Making suitable groups, convert the entire episode into a short skit and write it down. Each group leader must discuss at first with the others and add a different end to the skit.

(1) Happy ending 

(2) Sad ending 

(3) Surprise ending 

(4) Humorous ending

 

Answer-

(1) Happy ending  

[Teshumai and the tribe members see the Stranger-man arriving.]

Teshumai: What is this?

Stranger-man: (Shows the drawing) Taffy sent me to get the spare spear.

Teshumai:Ok, I’ll get it for you from my cave. Thank you so much for helping us.

 

(2) Sad ending 

[Teshumai sees the drawing and misunderstands.]

 

Teshumai: (Angry) You killed my husband!

[Teshumai and the tribe members attack the Stranger-man.]

 

Stranger-man: No, wait! It’s a misunderstanding!

 

Teshumai:He’s a danger to our tribe.

 

[The stranger-man is never found. His tribe mourns his loss.]

 

(3) Surprise ending 

 

[Teshumai sees the drawing and recognizes it.]

 

Teshumai: (Shocked) This is Taffy’s drawing!

Stranger-man: Yes, she asked me to help. Tegumai has broken his spear and needs the other spear to fish. 

[On his way back, the stranger-man breaks the other spear as well.]

Taffy: Did you bring the spear that I asked for.

Stranger-man: Yes, but I am not sure if it’s of any help. 

Taffy: What do you mean?

Stranger-man: I broke it on the way.

Taffy: Oh! You should have been careful.

Stranger-man: Sorry.

(4) Humorous ending

[Teshumai sees the drawing and recognizes it.]

 

Teshumai: (Shocked) This is Taffy’s drawing!

Stranger-man: Yes, she asked me to help. Tegumai has broken his spear and needs the other spear to fish. Please hurry and come with me with the spear.

[It turns out that Taffy had drawn the picture as a prank.]

Taffy: (Laughing) Just kidding! I wanted to see if you’d believe me.

  1. Write a short passage / essay on ‘Women Power’ in the Neolithic, Medieval and Present Times.

Answer- Women have always been a vital part of society, contributing in countless ways. Let’s look at how their roles and influence have changed over time.

Neolithic Times: Back in the Neolithic Age, women were often the gatherers. They knew the best places to find food like berries, nuts, and mushrooms. They also took care of the children and made sure everyone had enough to eat. Some women even helped with hunting and building shelters.

Medieval Times: During the Middle Ages, women’s roles were a bit different. Many women were housewives, taking care of the home and children. Some women also worked in fields or helped with crafts like weaving. There were also some strong women who ruled kingdoms or led armies.

Present Times: Today, women can do almost anything! They can be doctors, scientists, teachers, business leaders, and even astronauts. Women have fought for equal rights and now have more opportunities than ever before. They are making a big difference in the world.

 

 

Maharashtra State Board Class 9 English Kumarbharati Book Lesson How the First Letter was Written Extra Questions

 

Multiple Choice Questions

 

  1. What was the name of the Neolithic man mentioned in the story?
  1. Tegumai Bopsulai
  2. Teshumai Tewindrow
  3. Taffimai Metallumai
  4. None of the above

 

  1. Who was Tegumai’s wife?
  1. Tegumai Bopsulai
  2. Teshumai Tewindrow
  3. Taffimai Metallumai
  4. None of the above

 

  1. Name the little girl in the story. 
  1. Tegumai Bopsulai
  2. Teshumai Tewindrow
  3. Taffimai Metallumai
  4. None of the above

 

  1. What happened to Tegumai’s spear while fishing?
  1. He lost it in the river.
  2. He accidentally broke it.
  3. He gave it away.
  4. Stranger-man stole it.

 

  1. Where did Tegumai and Taffy go to spear fish?
  1. The ocean
  2. A lake
  3. The Wagai river
  4. A pond

 

  1. What did Taffy think would have been helpful in their situation?
  1. A map
  2. A boat
  3. A compass
  4. The ability to write

 

  1. Who came along the river?
  1. A friend of Tegumai
  2. A stranger from a Tewara tribe
  3. A fisherman
  4. A hunter

 

  1. Why was the Stranger-man more polite to Taffy after she touched his necklace?
  1. He realized she was a special child.
  2. He was afraid of her.
  3. He wanted to impress her.
  4. None of the above

 

  1. What did the Stranger-man do after seeing the picture?
  1. He left immediately to get help
  2. He asked Taffy for more information
  3. He tried to draw a picture himself
  4. He refused to help. 

 

  1. Why did Tegumai not notice the Stranger-man?
  1. He was afraid of being seen by his enemies
  2. He didn’t like the Stranger-man
  3. He was busy mending his broken spear.
  4. He did not talk to strangers.

 

Answer-

 

  1. A. Tegumai Bopsulai
  2. B. Teshumai Tewindrow
  3. C. Taffimai Metallumai
  4. B. He accidentally broke it.
  5. C. The Wagai river
  6. D. The ability to write
  7. B. A stranger from a Tewara tribe
  8. A. He realized she was a special child.
  9. A. He left immediately to get help
  10. C. He was busy mending his broken spear.

 

 

Vocabulary Based MCQs

Q 1 – 6: Choose the most suitable synonym of the underlined word. 

 

  1. She must be the daughter of that noble Chief who is so great that he won’t take any notice of me.
  1. Honorable
  2. Vile
  3. Common
  4. Mean

 

  1. I greatly fear that, haughty Chief, Man-who-turns-his-back-on-callers, will be angry.
  1. Modest
  2. Affable
  3. Unassuming
  4. Arrogant

 

  1. I’ve made her holding up her hands, because I know she’ll be so pleased to see you.
  1. Glad
  2. Disgruntled
  3. Disappointed
  4. Angry

 

  1. He will be slain by his enemies who are coming up on all sides with spears.
  1. Murdered
  2. Escape
  3. Rescue
  4. Survive

 

  1. Let the wise and wonderful child draw the terrible picture showing me his difficulties.
  1. Foolish
  2. Astute 
  3. Gullible
  4. Ignorant

 

  1. Hurried away with the picture and ran for some miles
  1. Leisurely
  2. Slow
  3. Relaxed
  4. Rapid

 

Q 7 – 10: Choose the most appropriate antonym of the underlined word.

 

  1. A whole pack of people’ ‘coming up behind Tegumai. Isn’t it shocking!’
  1. Astounding
  2. Startling
  3. Reassuring
  4. Outrageous

 

  1. He has stuck my Tegumai all full of spears, and frightened poor Taffy so that her hair stands. all on end.
  1. Terrified
  2. Timid
  3. Scared
  4. Intrepid

 

  1. He brings me a horrid picture of how it was done.
  1. Horrible
  2. Awful
  3. Terrible
  4. Delightful

 

  1. Talking to some other Neolithic ladies who had come into a Primitive lunch.
  1. Rudimentary
  2. Ancient
  3. Archaic
  4. Civilized

 

Answer-

  1. A. Honorable
  2. D. Arrogant
  3. A. Glad
  4. A. Murdered
  5. B. Astute 
  6. D. Rapid
  7. C. Reassuring
  8. D. Intrepid
  9. D. Delightful
  10. D. Civilized