Class 9 › English › Kaveri Vitamin-M Class 9 English · Kaveri · Chapter 4
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In this humorous story by Asha Nehemiah, twelve-year-old Ravi is left in charge of his seventy-five-year-old Grandpa during the holidays. Grandpa, a retired lawyer, has recently come to live in the family’s small city flat because his failing memory once led him to take a double dose of medicine and to get lost, and he had fallen in his village garden. Ravi’s anxious mother orders that Grandpa must not go out alone. But Grandpa, sharp and independent, slips out to buy a Tamil newspaper, and Ravi secretly follows him “like a detective.” The shadowing becomes a comedy of embarrassments: Ravi crouches behind bushes, is shooed by an angry mother in the park, is chased by street vendors, and is thrown out of a ladies’ salon. Grandpa enjoys forbidden tea, bananas and ice cream, then boards a bus. Ravi triumphantly confronts a yellow-capped man – only to find a stranger wearing Grandpa’s gifted cap. Panicking, Ravi rushes home to find Grandpa safely asleep. Grandpa then gives birthday gifts to everyone (it is his custom on his own birthday), pointedly hands Ravi a book called The Best Detective Stories, and slyly suggests that Ravi’s mother needs “Vitamin-M” for her memory. The twist reveals that Grandpa knew all along he was being followed; the story gently mocks ageist assumptions about the elderly.
G Grandpa A sharp, dignified seventy-five-year-old retired lawyer; though forgetful about names he is shrewd, generous and fully aware of Ravi following him.
R Ravi The twelve-year-old narrator who plays detective; well-meaning, loyal but easily fooled.
V Vidya / Ravi’s mother The anxious, over-protective daughter who treats Grandpa like a child – and ironically forgets Grandpa’s birthday.
“ “Vitamin-M” An imaginary memory pill – the title joke; in the twist Grandpa suggests it is the mother, not he, who needs it.
A Asha Nehemiah (author) The writer of this light, humorous story about family, ageing and clever role-reversal.
T Theme – ageism & dignity The story challenges the assumption that old people are helpless and shows Grandpa outwitting everyone.
Q1 Why was Grandpa brought to live in the city? Answer Q2 Why did Grandpa dislike living in the city? Answer Q3 Why did Ravi decide to follow Grandpa secretly? Answer Q4 What embarrassing situations did Ravi face while following Grandpa? Answer Q5 Which forbidden things did Grandpa enjoy on his outing? Answer Q6 How was Ravi fooled on the bus? Answer Q7 Give two evidences that Grandpa’s memory was not really failing. Answer Q8 Why did Grandpa give Ravi the book The Best Detective Stories? Answer Q9 What did Grandpa mean by saying his daughter needs “Vitamin-M”? Answer Q10 What is the main theme of the story? Answer Q1 I From your experience with an elderly person at home or in your neighbourhood, complete the following graphic organiser. Now, discuss the points written in the organiser with your classmates and teacher. [CARING FOR THE ELDERLY centre — prompts: Why should we care for the elderly? What are the problems faced by the elderly? What could be the possible reasons for the problems faced? How can we take care of the elderly?] Answer Q2 II Fill in the table given below. You may check your answers with the help of a dictionary. Words: 1. frail 2. shuddered 3. poky 4. forbid 5. pottering 6. winced [Columns: Not heard this word before / Have heard this word but don't know what it means / I know this word. It has something to do with... / Write the meaning of this word] Answer Q3 III Think of a tradition, story, or recipe passed down by grandparents or an elderly relative in your family. What does it mean to you? How does it connect you to your growing-up years? Share with your classmates and teacher. Answer Q1 I Why did Grandpa dislike living in the city with his daughter? Answer Q2 II Why did Vidya not want her father to go out alone? Answer Q3 III Was Ravi in favour of his mother treating Grandpa like a child? How can you say so? Answer Q4 IV Would Ravi be able to keep up his promise to his mother? Answer Q1 I Complete the flow chart by describing Grandpa's day out. Grandpa goes out to get Tamil newspaper. -> Grandpa first stops at 1. ______ buys 2. ______ and watches ______ . -> Grandpa next goes to 3. ______ -> Ravi follows Grandpa / Ravi hides behind a bush to observe. -> Ravi hides behind a banyan tree and watches. -> Grandpa drinks 5. ______ and eats ______ -> Ravi gets scolded by 4. ______ and ______ -> Grandpa then crosses the road and enters a 6. ______ -> Next Grandpa walks quickly to a 7. ______ and ______ -> Ravi enters the bus only to discover that he had been fooled. Answer Q2 II Was Grandpa lost as feared by Ravi's mother? Answer Q3 III How would Ravi feel after seeing Grandpa? Answer Q4 IV Do you think Ravi's mother will get to know about what had happened? Answer Q1 I Describe how Ravi's emotional reaction upon finding Grandpa safe at home reveals his feelings towards his grandfather. Answer Q2 II What might be the significance of Grandpa's habit of giving gifts to everyone on his birthday rather than receiving them? Answer Q3 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? Answer Q1 I 1. (i) Choose the emotion displayed by the Grandfather. A. regretful B. apologetic C. nostalgic D. wistful Answer Q2 I 1. (ii) Complete the following sentence with a reason. Grandpa hated the busy and noisy city life because ___________. Answer Q3 I 1. (iii) Why did Grandpa come to the city despite his dislike for city life? Answer Q4 I 1. (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 Answer Q5 I 1. (v) State one advantage and one disadvantage of the Grandfather living in the house in town. Answer Q6 I 2. (i) Choose the option that displays the tone of the Grandfather's response. A. apologetic B. hurtful C. calm D. puzzled Answer Q7 I 2. (ii) Why was Ravi confused and embarrassed? Answer Q8 I 2. (iii) Complete the sentence with a suitable reason. Ravi's mother was impatient because _________________. Answer Q9 I 2. (iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false. Grandfather forgot that Ravi's birthday was three months ago. Answer Q10 I 2. (v) Why did Grandpa say he didn't know what kind of morning Ravi might have had? Answer Q11 II 1. Grandpa is portrayed as a person with failing memory in the beginning of the story. Give two evidences to disprove the statement. Answer Q12 II 2. Give two characteristic traits of each of the following characters. (i) Grandfather (ii) Ravi (iii) Ravi's mother Answer Q13 II 3. Why was Ravi worried about what Grandfather had at the tea stall? Answer Q14 II 4. Do you think it was easy for Ravi to follow his Grandfather? If yes, why? If no, why not? Answer Q15 II 5. 'Ravi is a good detective'. Give one argument in favour of and against the given statement. Answer Q16 II 6. Was Grandfather aware that Ravi was following him? How do you know? Answer Q17 II 7. In your opinion, who needs Vitamin-M? And why? Answer Q18 II 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. Answer Q1 I Classify the words given in the box into movement words in Column 1 and sound words in Column 2. Box: pottering boomed twirling crouch bustle crawl creeping thudded ducked shrieks zigzagging whirr evicted briskly sprinting grunted jumping darted trailing snoring Column 1 Column 2 (example: pottering / boomed) 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. Answer Q2 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. 1. QU_ ND_ _ Y DILEMMA 2. PR_ D _ C _ M _ NT Answer Q3 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 Answer Q4 IV Match the emotions/expressions in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2. Column 1: 1. embarrassed 2. countered 3. flushed 4. stricken 5. gleam Column 2: (i) affected severely by an unpleasant feeling (ii) to be confused (iii) expression of emotion (iv) reply to an argument (v) felt uncomfortable (vi) became red in the face Answer Q5 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... 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. Answer Q6 VI Read the following dialogues from the story. 1. Shall we play chess or watch the cricket match on TV, Grandpa? 2. Who are you? 3. What did you both do today? 4. Have you forgotten? 5. 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. Answer Q7 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. ___________________________________. Answer Q1 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 beneficial in comfortably tackling ________________. Answer Q1 I Intonation refers to the pitch of the voice while speaking. Now, revisit the story and select different questions. Work in pairs and practise speaking them aloud according to the examples shared. Answer Q2 II Make a presentation about a brief personal experience related to taking care of an older person. For example, mention a specific individual you cared for or an occasion when you provided assistance to that person. You may use the following prompts to structure your narration. Answer Q1 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. Title, name, grade, Paragraph 1 introduction, Paragraph 2 details how elderly inspire with examples, Paragraph 3 how they overcame challenges and impact, Paragraph 4 conclusion. Answer Q1 I Revisit the story and choose the image that correctly displays Grandpa's walking stick. Answer Q2 II A picture is worth a thousand words! Explore and revisit memories. Collect a few memorable photographs of yourself and your family. Make a slide show. Mention the following: When and where was it clicked? Who are the people in the photograph? Why is it memorable for you? Answer Q3 III You must have read stories about taking care of the family members of all age groups in English and also in your own language. Now, read the story given below. Discuss with your classmates and teacher. [The Lost Child by Mulk Raj Anand] Answer Q1 I Discuss with your classmates the memories you have of your early childhood. Answer Q2 II Discuss how children's relationship with their mother influences their emotions and memories. Answer Q3 III Match the words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2: hover Answer Q4 III Match the words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2: hum Answer Q5 III Match the words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2: cradle Answer Q6 III Match the words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2: shiuli Answer Q7 III Match the words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2: morning service Answer Q8 III Match the words in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2: gaze Answer Q1 I Fill in the blanks with appropriate words. Stanza 1 1. The poet remembers his mother while he ____________. 2. The poet remembers the ____________ but not the ____________. Setting: ____________ (outdoor/indoor) Stanza 2 1. The poet remembers his mother in the ____________ season. 2. The poet remembers his mother by the smell of ____________. Setting: ____________ (outdoor/indoor) Stanza 3 1. The poet feels that his mother ____________ at him from the ____________. Setting: ____________ (outdoor/indoor) Answer Q2 II The senses of olfactory (smell), auditory (hearing), and visual (sight), are three of the five basic senses in humans. Give examples of references to senses from the poem. Complete the table given below. Stanza Lines from the Poem Senses 1. _____________________________ ...the tune of some song that she used to hum while rocking my cradle 2. _____________________________ olfactory 3. ... Answer Q3 III Read the poem silently once again and complete the following. 1. Two examples of alliteration from the poem are (i) __________ and (ii) ___________. 2. An example of onomatopoeia is ________________. 3. The poem uses imagery extensively. Explain. 4. Although the poem does not have a rhyme scheme, it is enjoyable because ______________. 5. What is the tone of the poet? Why do you say so? 6. What impact does the title of the poem have on the overall mood of the poem? 7. The poet uses 'I cannot remember my mother' as a refrain because __________________. 8. The poet uses symbolism to indicate the memory of his mother's presence. Identify the symbols used in the poem. Answer Q1 I 1. (i) Complete the following sentence appropriately. The poet is reminded of his mother during his ________________. Answer Q2 I 1. (ii) What is the primary emotion conveyed by the line 'a tune seems to hover over my playthings'? A. It enhances the joy of play. B. It disrupts the playtime atmosphere. C. It activates memories of the mother. D. It symbolises the carefree nature of childhood. Answer Q3 I 1. (iii) In the context of the poem, what role does the hovering tune play during the speaker's playtime? Answer Q4 I 1. (iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false. The poet experiences the tune lingering over playthings only occasionally during playtime. Answer Q5 I 1. (v) How could the poet feel his mother's presence, even though she isn't there? Answer Q6 I 2. (i) What does the poet suggest about the stillness of his mother's gaze spreading over the sky? A. The mother's gaze is physically present in the sky. B. The sky is a symbolic extension of the mother's presence. C. The sky mirrors the mother's emotions. D. The stillness is fleeting and unrelated to the mother. Answer Q7 I 2. (ii) What emotion does the poet associate with the 'stillness' of his mother's gaze? A. a sense of grief B. a sense of anticipation C. a sense of nostalgia D. a sense of serenity Answer Q8 I 2. (iii) State whether the following sentence is true or false. The poet suggests that the mother's gaze has a tangible and visual effect on the sky. Answer Q9 I 2. (iv) What is the purpose of likening the mother's gaze to the sky? Answer Q10 I 2. (v) Complete the sentence appropriately. The tone of the poet in the given extract is _____________ because _____________. Answer Q11 II 1. What is the emotional impact of the refrain, 'I cannot remember my mother'? Answer Q12 II 2. Interpret the connection between the poet's mother and the following: (i) shiuli flowers (ii) humming tune Answer Q13 II 3. What role does nature play in the poet's description of the memory of his mother? Answer Q14 II 4. What can be inferred about the poet's perception of the mother–child relationship? Answer Q1 I Work in pairs to classify the sensory words given in the box below. One example has been done for you. Box: rustle sticky glowing hiss rough chilled aroma gigantic stale sizzle minuscule scent gloomy deafening vibrant pungent squeaky stinky crimson fluffy fragrant smooth slimy ear-splitting hairy Visual Auditory Olfactory Tactile glowing hiss aroma sticky Answer Q2 II Fill in the blanks with sensory words in the box for the following passage written by Sarojini Naidu. There are two extra words. Box: scarlet shrill sizzle perfumes flaming scents sweetness essence smooth Passage: Come and share my exquisite March morning with me: this sumptuous blaze of gold and sapphire sky; these 1. _____________ lilies that adorn the sunshine; the voluptuous 2. _____________ of neem and champak and serisha that beat upon the languid air with their implacable 3. _____________; the thousand little gold and blue and silver breasted birds bursting with the 4. _____________ ecstasy of life in nesting time. And, do you know that the scarlet lilies are woven petal by petal from my heart's blood, these little quivering birds are my soul made incarnate music, these heavy 5. _____________ are my emotions dissolved into aerial 6. _____________, this 7. _____________ blue and gold sky is the 'very me'... Answer Q3 III Write numbers against each picture with the phrases that describe them with their sensorial associations. One example has been done for you. 1. beats of music echo in air 2. melody of soothing scent, dancing in the air 3. fragrant breeze of blooming buds 4. gentle lullaby, a soft melody 5. colourful sky, painting a lively sight 6. attractive canvas painting the horizon Answer Q1 I You will listen to four short extracts of people expressing their childhood memories. As you listen, match each statement 1–6 to each speaker (i)–(iv). There are two statements that you do not need. (Transcript for teacher on page 266) Statement Speaker 1. The precious memories by the seaside are not the same anymore. 2. My grandfather's encouragement influences me in moments of difficulty. 3. The school days are a source of recollection to stay in touch. 4. Childhood days are about freedom and ordinary pleasures in outdoor activities. 5. Memories of school days are grandparents and my funny tales. 6. Parents urge us to be adventurous and discover nature but with limitations. Answer Q1 I Work in pairs. Think of an object, song, or a place that is memorable for you. Take turns to speak about it using the prompts given below. Introduce it briefly Describe it in detail including sensory details Narrate the specific memory associated with it Explain how it has impacted your life Summarise why this memory is meaningful to you even now You may use the following phrases. During my childhood... Growing up, I fondly remember... etc. Answer Q1 I Imagine you had been on a school trip to a scenic place which appealed to all your senses. Write a diary entry describing the place and why it was a memorable experience. Contents: begin with day, date, and time use only first person capture sensory details express emotions focus on significant moments conclude with reflection Note: Anne Frank and Zlata Filipovic considered their diaries as friends... Answer Q1 I You read about the shiuli flowers from the poem. Gather more information on unique flowers of India—where they are found, how they look, what smell they emit, and what the historical significance is, if any. [For example, Kurinji or Neelakurinji that blooms once in twelve years.] Add more flowers to this list. Shiuli Flowers: known as Parijat, Parijata, and Harsingar revered and used for various ceremonial purposes release a sweet fragrance associated with numerous Indian legends bloom exclusively during the night Answer Q2 II You must have read poems and songs related to the theme of family, friends and their reminiscences, in English and also in your own language. Collect these poems and songs, and share with your classmates and teacher. Now, read and enjoy the poem given below. I Remember, I Remember by Thomas Hood Answer
Who is the author of the humorous story "Vitamin-M"?
A R. L. Stevenson B Sudha Murty C O. Henry D Asha Nehemiah
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