Unit – I

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 1

The Fun They Had

The Fun They Had dives deep into the future of education in the year 2157. Here, Margie, writing in her diary, describes how Tommy finds an old relic – a book from his grandfather’s time. This book is a foreign concept to them, as their world revolves around electronic learning through a device called a “telebook.”

Margie and Tommy are fascinated by the book’s physicality. They find the idea of turning actual pages funny and strange. As they delve deeper, they discover the concept of a “school” – a place where children physically went to learn together with a human teacher! This blows their minds.

Their current education involves a mechanical teacher on a screen that delivers lessons and tests them. There’s no human interaction or social aspect to learning. The diary entries reveal details about these old schools – students from different neighborhoods meeting up, learning the same things, and even helping each other with homework. This social aspect is unimaginable to Margie and Tommy.

The story highlights the vast contrast between their isolated, impersonal learning and the vibrant social experience of traditional schools. Margie expresses dislike for the constant testing and impersonal nature of their mechanical teacher. They grapple with the concept of fun associated with school, a word used in the diary but absent from their own educational experience.

The discovery of the diary ignites a sense of wonder in them. They yearn for a more engaging and social way of learning, filled with the human connection and camaraderie the diary describes. The story ends with Margie pondering the title “The Fun They Had” – a bittersweet realization of a past filled with a richer learning experience they can only imagine.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 1 : The Fun They Had

Activity 

I. Answer these questions in a few words or a couple of sentences each.

1. How old are Margie and Tommy?

Ans : In the story “The Fun They Had,” Margie is eleven years old and Tommy is thirteen years old. This detail is revealed early in the story.

2. What did Margie write in her diary?

Ans : May 17, 2157. Tommy found a real book today!

3. Had Margie ever seen a book before?

Ans : No, Margie had never seen a book before. The discovery of the book by Tommy is such a significant event because their world revolves around electronic learning through a device called a “telebook.”

4. What things about the book did she find strange?

Ans : In Margie’s world, everything is digital and accessed through telebooks. So, a physical book with actual pages would be a completely new experience for her. She might find it strange to have to turn the pages manually to read the next part of the story.

5. What do you think a telebook is?

Ans : Based on the clues in “The Fun They Had,” a telebook is likely a device used for education in the future (2157) that delivers lessons and information electronically.

6. Where was Margie’s school? Did she have any classmates?

Ans : Her education took place at home in a room called a “schoolroom”. She did not have any classmate.

7. What subjects did Margie and Tommy learn?

Ans : Margie studied Geography and Mathematics, while Tommy studied History and Mathematics.

II. Answer the following with reference to the story.

1. “I wouldn’t throw it away.”

1. Who says these words?
2. What does ‘it’ refer to?
3. What is it being compared with by the speaker?

Ans : 

1. Tommy

2. The television screen

3. printed books

2. “ Sure, they had a teacher, but it wasn’t a regular teacher. It was a man.”

1. Who does ‘they’ refer to?
2. What does ‘regular’ mean here?
3. What is it contrasted with?

Ans : 

1. Students of the past

2. “regular” refers to the mechanical teacher

3. It’s contrasted with a human teacher

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

1. What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have?

Ans : Margie and Tommy had mechanical teachers. These weren’t human instructors, but large machines with screens that displayed lessons, asked questions, and even graded their work. They lacked the personal touch and interaction of a real teacher.

2. Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector?

Ans : The story, “The Fun They Had,” doesn’t explicitly mention Margie’s mother calling the County Inspector. The focus is on Margie and Tommy’s discovery of the old book and the contrast between their mechanical teacher and traditional schools.

3. What did he do?

Ans : The County Inspector’s role was to visit homes and ensure mechanical teachers were functioning properly. Margie might have been struggling with her lessons or the machine might have malfunctioned, prompting her mother to call for an inspection. The Inspector would then diagnose the problem and potentially adjust the difficulty settings of the mechanical teacher to better suit Margie’s learning pace.

4. Why was Margie doing badly in geography? What did the County Inspector do to help her?

Ans : The story “The Fun They Had” doesn’t directly mention Margie struggling with geography or a County Inspector visit. The focus lies on the discovery of the book and the contrast between their mechanical teacher and traditional schools.

5. What had once happened to Tommy’s teacher?

Ans : In the story “The Fun They Had,” Tommy’s teacher, the mechanical device that delivers their lessons, had its history sector malfunction and needed repairs.

6. Did Margie have regular days and hours for school? If so, why?

Ans : Yes, Margie likely had regular school hours. The story hints at a set schedule with the mechanical teacher turning on at the same time each day.

7. How does Tommy describe the old kind of school?

Ans : Tommy describes the old kind of school as a place with a special building where:

• All the kids went to study together.
• They had a human teacher, who was a man (contrasting with their mechanical teacher).
• They learned lessons in a classroom setting.

8. How does he describe the old kind of teachers?

Ans : Tommy describes the old teachers simply as human beings who taught all the children together.

IV. Answer each of these questions in two or three paragraphs. (100-150 words).

1. What are the main features of the mechanical teachers and the schoolrooms that Margie and Tommy have in the story?

Ans : In the futuristic world of “The Fun They Had,” Margie and Tommy’s education revolves around impersonal mechanical teachers. These teachers are essentially large screens that display lessons, ask test questions, and even grade their work through a punch card system. Imagine a giant television screen that lectures and quizzes you – that’s Margie and Tommy’s learning experience.

2. Why did Margie hate school? Why did she think the old kind of school must have been fun?

Ans : Margie disliked her schooling for several reasons. First, the mechanical teacher offered a sterile and impersonal learning experience. It lacked the warmth and guidance of a human teacher. Lessons were likely pre-programmed and inflexible, with tests delivered through a punch card system. This impersonal approach likely made learning feel robotic and monotonous for Margie.

3. Do you agree with Margie that schools today are more fun than the school in the story? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans : Schools today are far more fun and engaging than the school in “The Fun They Had.” Here’s why:

• Social Interaction: Today’s schools provide a vital social environment for children. They learn and play with classmates, fostering friendships, teamwork, and communication skills. 
• Human Teachers: Human teachers bring warmth, understanding, and the ability to adapt lessons to individual needs. 
• Active Learning: Modern schools encourage active learning with discussions, projects, and hands-on activities. 
• Diversity of Subjects: Today’s schools offer a broader range of subjects like art, music, and physical education, fostering well-rounded development. 

Thinking about language (Page 11)

I. Adverbs

Read this sentence taken from the story:

They had once taken Tommy’s teacher away for nearly a month because the history sector had blanked out completely. The word complete is an adjective. When you add -ly to it, it becomes an adverb.

1. Find the sentences in the lesson which match adverbs given in the box below,

[ awfully , sorrowfully, completely , loftily , carefully , differently , quickly , nonchalantly ]

Ans : 

awfully	… and it was awfully funny… (para 1)
sorrowfully	… until her mother had shaken her head sorrowfully… (para 3)
completely	… the history sector had blanked out completely (para 5)
loftily	He added loftily… (para 6)
carefully	… pronouncing the word carefully,… (para 6)
differently	… each kid has to be taught differently, (para 8)

2. Now use these adverbs to fill in the blanks in the sentences below.

1. The report must be read ……………….. so that performance can be improved.
2. At the interview, Sameer answered our questions ……………….., shrugging his shoulders.
3. We all behave ……………….. when we are tired or hungry.
4. The teacher shook her head ……………….. when Ravi lied to her.
5. I ……………….. forgot about it.
6. When I complimented Revathi on her success, she just smiled ……………….. and turned away.
7. The President of the Company is ……………….. busy and will not be able to meet you.
8. I finished my work ……………….. so that I could go out to play.

Ans : 

1. carefully 
2. loftiy 
3. differently 
4. sorrowfully 
5. completely 
6. nonchalantly
7. Completely
8. quickly 

3. Make adverbs from these adjectives.

1. angry …………….
2. happy …………….
3. merry …………….
4. sleepy …………….
5. easy …………….
6. noisy …………….
7. tidy …………….
8. gloomy …………….

Ans : 

1. angry – angrily
2. happy – happily
3. merry – merrily
4. sleepy – sleepily
5. easy – easily
6. noisy – noisily
7. tidy – tidily
8. gloomy – gloomily

II. If not and Unless

Complete the following conditional sentences. Use the correct form of the verb.

1. If I don’t go to Anu’s party tonight,
   ………………………..
2. If you don’t telephone the hotel to order food,
   ………………………..
3. Unless you promise to write back, I
   ………………………..
4. If she doesn’t play any games,
   ………………………..
5. Unless that little bird flies away quickly, the cat

Ans : 

1. If I don’t go to Anu’s party tonight, she might be upset (or “I might miss out on some fun”).
2. If you don’t telephone the hotel to order food, you will miss your evening meal (or “you might have to eat something else”).
3. Unless you promise to write back, I won’t write to you either (or “I might not write back”).
4. If she doesn’t play any games, she will get bored (or “she might not feel energetic”).
5. Unless that little bird flies away quickly, the cat will catch it (or “might catch it”).

Writing

A new revised volume of Isaac Asimov’s short stories has just been released. Order one set. Write a letter to the publisher, Mindfame Private Limited, 1632 Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi, requesting that a set be sent to you by Value Payable Post (VPP), and giving your address. Your letter will have the following parts.

• Addresses of the sender and receiver
• The salutation
• The body of the letter
• The closing phrases and signature Your letter might look like this:

Your address ……………………………………..
………………………………..
Date ………………. (DD/MM/YY)
The addressee’s address
………………………………..
………………………………..
Dear Sir/Madam,
………………………………..
………………………………..
Yours sincerely,
Your signature

Remember that the language of a formal letter is different from the colloquial style of personal letters. For example, contracted forms such as ‘I’ve’ or ‘can’t’ are not used.

Ans : 

Aditi Sharma

123 Main StreetAnytown, 

CA 12345

Date

14/05/2006

Addressee’s Address

Mindfame Private Limited 1632 Asaf Ali Road New Delhi

Salutation

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in acquiring a copy of the newly released revised volume of Isaac Asimov’s short stories. I would be grateful if you could send me a set by Value Payable Post (VPP).

For your reference, my complete mailing address is provided above.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to receiving the book.

Yours sincerely,

Aditi Sharma

Speaking 

In groups of four discuss the following topic.

‘The Schools of the Future Will Have No Books and No Teachers! ’

Your group can decide to speak for or against the motion. After this, each group will select a speaker to present its views to the entire class.

You may find the following phrases useful to present your argument in the debate.

• In my opinion . . .
• I/we fail to understand why . . .
• I wholeheartedly support/oppose the view that . . .
• At the outset let me say . . .
• I’d/we’d like to raise the issue of/argue against. . .
• I should like to draw attention to . . .
• My/our worthy opponent has submitted that . . .
• On the contrary . . .
• I firmly reject . . .

Ans : Here are some talking points to consider for each side:

FOR the Motion (No Books, No Teachers):

• Technology Advancements: We can discuss how advanced technology like VR simulations and personalized learning programs could replace traditional books and teachers.
• Focus on Skills: We might argue that future schools could focus more on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills through interactive learning experiences.

Accessibility: We could raise the point that technology could make education more accessible globally, removing geographical barriers and offering customized learning paths.

The road Not Taken

The poem describes a speaker standing at a fork in a yellow wood, symbolizing a point in his life where he has to make a difficult decision between two paths.

• The Two Paths: Both paths are described as worn equally, suggesting neither is an obvious choice. They diverge into the undergrowth, making it impossible to see where they lead.
• Internal Conflict: The speaker hesitates, unable to choose. He reflects on the potential consequences of each path, wondering if one might “make all the difference” in his life.
• The Choice is Made: Ultimately, the speaker chooses the path “less traveled by.” This suggests a desire for individuality and a willingness to take the less conventional route.
• Uncertainty of the Outcome: The poem ends without revealing whether the speaker’s choice was the right one. This emphasizes the uncertainty inherent in life’s decisions.

Key Themes:

• Difficulty of Choice
• Importance of Individuality
• The Unknown Future

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 1 : The road Not Taken

Thinking about the poem

Question 1.

Where does the traveller find himself?

What problem does he face?

Ans : In the poem “The Road Not Taken,” the traveler finds himself at a crucial point in a yellow wood. This yellow wood symbolizes a decision point in his life.

The problem he faces is a difficult choice between two paths diverging in a wood.

2. Discuss what these phrases mean to you.

1. a yellow wood
2. it was grassy and wanted wear
3. the passing there
4. leaves no step had trodden black
5. how way leads on to way

Ans : 

a yellow wood: This symbolizes a decision point in the speaker’s life. “Yellow” can suggest caution, autumn (a time of change), or even a lack of clarity. The “wood” itself represents a complex situation or a period of uncertainty.

it was grassy and wanted wear: This describes the less-traveled path. The “grassy” aspect suggests it’s less worn and potentially overgrown. “Wanted wear” implies a desire for the path to be used more, hinting at the speaker’s potential preference for this less-trodden route.

the passing there: This refers to the act of people walking on the path. It emphasizes the fact that others have chosen the alternative path, but not this one.

leaves no step had trodden black: This reinforces the idea that the path is less traveled. Leaves haven’t been crushed black by footsteps, suggesting it’s not a popular choice.

how way leads on to way: This highlights the unknown nature of both paths. The speaker can’t see where either path leads, adding to the difficulty of his decision. It emphasizes the idea that each choice opens up a series of further choices, leading to an uncertain future.

3. Is there any difference between the two roads as the poet describes them?

1. in stanzas two and three?
2. in the last two lines of the poem?

Ans : 

Stanzas Two and Three:

• Similarities: The poem emphasizes that both paths are described as worn about the same. They are both “yellow” (uncertain), and neither has a clear destination.
• Possible Difference (Subtle): One path might be slightly less traveled based on the line “it was grassy and wanted wear.” This suggests the other path might be a bit more worn down. However, it’s a subtle difference, and the emphasis is on their overall similarity.

Last Two Lines:

• Clear Difference: Here, the speaker reveals a key difference – he chooses the path “less traveled by.” This implies the other path is the more popular choice.

4. What do you think the last two lines of the poem mean? (Looking back, does the poet regret his choice or accept it?)

Ans : The last two lines have the quintessence of the poem. The poet expresses his opinion that it becomes difficult for a normal human being to change his/her decision. The poet intends to walk on the first road but he couldn’t do so because life does not offer multiple chances to choose. The decision taken may mar one’s future or lead one to success. It makes all the differences. He now repents for not getting a chance to travel on the first road.

II

1. Have you ever had to make a difficult choice (or do you think you will have difficult choices to make)? How will you make the choice (for what reasons)?

Ans : Such situations arise in everyone’s life. In today’s world, people have numerous alternatives. However, decisions should be made after thoroughly considering all aspects of the situation. It’s important to also reflect on the potential disadvantages.

2. After you have made a choice do you always think about what might have been, or do you accept the reality?

Ans : One should live in the present, not dwell on the past. Embracing the philosophy of ‘now’ is essential for success. Life isn’t always easy; its challenges must be faced with courage. It’s important not to feel nervous or dejected in difficult times. In certain situations, confidence in one’s choices is crucial.

FAQ’s

What is “The Fun They Had” about?

“The Fun They Had” is a science fiction story by Isaac Asimov that explores the contrast between traditional and futuristic education systems. It follows two children, Margie and Tommy, who discover an old book about schools from the past.

How do NCERT Solutions for “The Fun They Had” help students?

The NCERT Solutions for “The Fun They Had” provide comprehensive explanations, summaries, and answers to textbook questions. These solutions help students understand the story’s themes, characters, and settings, aiding in better exam preparation.

What are some important themes in “The Fun They Had”?

Key themes in “The Fun They Had” include the evolution of education, the impact of technology on learning, and the nostalgic view of traditional schooling. The NCERT Solutions delve into these themes to enhance students’ understanding.

Can you provide a summary of “The Fun They Had”?

In “The Fun They Had,” Margie and Tommy find an old book about schools from the 20th century, which makes them curious about the past. They compare it to their own computerized education and imagine the fun children had in traditional schools. The NCERT Solutions offer a detailed summary for better comprehension.

What is “The Road Not Taken” about?

“The Road Not Taken” is a poem by Robert Frost that reflects on the choices we make in life. It describes the narrator’s decision to take a less-traveled path and the impact of that choice on their life.

How do NCERT Solutions for “The Road Not Taken” assist students?

The NCERT Solutions for “The Road Not Taken” provide detailed analyses, explanations, and answers to questions related to the poem. These solutions help students understand the poem’s themes, literary devices, and deeper meanings.

What are the main themes in “The Road Not Taken”?

The main themes in “The Road Not Taken” include choices and consequences, individuality, and the passage of time. The NCERT Solutions explore these themes to help students gain a deeper understanding of the poem.

Can you summarize “The Road Not Taken”?

In “The Road Not Taken,” the narrator stands at a fork in the woods and chooses the less-traveled path, reflecting on how this decision has made all the difference in their life. The NCERT Solutions provide a comprehensive summary to aid students’ understanding.

What literary devices are used in “The Road Not Taken”?

“The Road Not Taken” employs literary devices such as metaphor, imagery, and symbolism to convey its themes. The NCERT Solutions highlight these devices and explain their significance in the poem.