Get the most accurate TN Board Solutions for Class 9 English Chapter 04 Seventeen Oranges here. Updated for the 2026-27 academic session, these solutions are based on the latest TN Board textbooks for Class 9 English. Our expert-created answers for Class 9 English are available for free download in PDF format.
Detailed Chapter 04 Seventeen Oranges TN Board Solutions for Class 9 English
For Class 9 students, solving TN Board textbook questions is the most effective way to build a strong conceptual foundation. Our Class 9 English solutions follow a detailed, step-by-step approach to ensure you understand the logic behind every answer. Practicing these Chapter 04 Seventeen Oranges solutions will improve your exam performance.
Class 9 English Chapter 04 Seventeen Oranges TN Board Solutions PDF
Question 1. Where did the narrator work?
Answer: The narrator worked for a company called Swift Delivery. This company was responsible for moving goods around.
In simple words: The narrator worked at the Swift Delivery Company.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Always identify the key details like names of places or characters to ensure a complete answer.
Question 2. What was the narrator's job in the docks?
Answer: The narrator's job was to move goods in and out of the docks. He was a delivery person, helping transport items.
In simple words: The narrator's job was to carry and deliver goods at the docks.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Focus on verbs that describe the action or role, like "carry" and "deliver," for clear answers.
Question 3. What was Clem Jones carrying in the box?
Answer: Clem Jones was secretly carrying a ship's cat inside the box. This was part of his plan.
In simple words: Clem Jones had a ship's cat in the box.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Pay attention to specific objects mentioned in the story as they often hold significance to the plot.
Question 4. What happened when the box was opened?
Answer: When the box was opened, a ship's cat suddenly jumped out. It then quickly ran back into the docks, surprising everyone.
In simple words: A ship's cat jumped out of the box and ran back into the docks.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Describe events in the correct sequence to show a clear understanding of what happened.
Question 5. Did the narrator believe Clem's story?
Answer: No, the narrator did not believe Clem's story at all. He knew that Clem was planning to steal something, so he didn't trust him.
In simple words: No, the narrator did not believe Clem because he knew Clem was planning to steal.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When a question asks about a character's belief, state their stance first (yes/no) and then give a clear reason.
Question 6. What was the narrator carrying in his pockets?
Answer: The narrator was carrying several oranges hidden in his pockets. He often took things he shouldn't have.
In simple words: The narrator was carrying oranges in his pockets.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Simple, direct answers are best for factual questions about character actions.
Question 7. Who is Pongo?
Answer: Pongo is identified as a policeman. He was responsible for security at the docks.
In simple words: Pongo is a policeman.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Always clearly state the identity of characters when asked "Who is...".
Question 8. Why did Pongo want to bring another policeman?
Answer: Pongo wanted to bring another policeman so that he would have a witness. This witness would support his case against the narrator in court.
In simple words: Pongo wanted another policeman as a witness to help prove his case in court.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When answering "why" questions, provide the motive or reason clearly and concisely.
Question 9. What did the voice in the narrator's head tell him to do?
Answer: The voice inside the narrator's head urged him to eat all the oranges. This way, there would be no evidence left to prove his theft.
In simple words: The voice told him to eat all the oranges so there would be no proof he stole them.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Identify the specific instruction given by the inner voice, which often highlights a character's desperation.
Question 10. Why did the policemen arrive a little late to the cabin?
Answer: The policemen were delayed because they saw some carts at the gate. They stopped to talk to the drivers there before coming to the cabin.
In simple words: The policemen arrived late because they talked to some drivers near carts at the gate.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Details about delays or obstacles often explain why events unfold in a particular way.
Question 11. What did the narrator do with the pips and peels?
Answer: The narrator swallowed the orange pips and peels. He did this to get rid of any remaining evidence of the stolen fruit.
In simple words: The narrator swallowed the orange seeds and skins to hide the evidence.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Extreme actions by characters, like swallowing pips and peels, usually show their desperation to avoid consequences.
9th English Guide Seventeen Oranges Textbook Questions And Answers
A. From Your Reading Of The Text, Choose The Correct Answers From The Options Given Below.
Question 1. The narrator was very fond of ....................
(a) eating oranges
(b) driving a pony-and-cart
(c) reading detective stories
(d) munching away at something
Answer: (a) eating oranges
In simple words: The narrator really liked to eat oranges a lot.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For "fill in the blank" MCQs, ensure the chosen option logically completes the sentence based on the story's details.
Question 2. The narrator was searched by the policeman, because ....................
(a) his pockets were bulging
(b) he was singing songs
(c) he was carrying a box
(d) the oranges could be smelt
Answer: (a) his pockets were bulging
In simple words: The policeman searched the narrator because his pockets looked full and noticeable.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Always look for direct physical clues or actions that trigger the event in the question.
Question 3. The narrator kept his mouth shut when questioned by Pongo, because
(a) anything said would be held as evidence against him.
(b) the oranges would fall out
(c) he did not steal the oranges
(d) he was scared of Pongo
Answer: (a) anything said would be held as evidence against him.
In simple words: The narrator stayed quiet because he knew anything he said could be used as proof against him.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Understand the legal implications in a story; characters often remain silent to avoid self-incrimination.
Question 4. The voice in the narrator's head advised him to ....................
(a) confess the truth to Pongo
(b) eat all the oranges
(c) deny his guilt
(d) hide all the oranges
Answer: (b) eat all the oranges
In simple words: The inner voice told the narrator to eat all the oranges.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Inner thoughts or voices often guide a character's desperate actions in a story.
Question 5. Pongo found no trace of the oranges on the table, because ....................
(a) Pongo's mate had stolen them
(b) all the oranges were sold
(c) the narrator had eaten them all
(d) they disappeared mysteriously
Answer: (d) they disappeared mysteriously
In simple words: Pongo could not find the oranges because they had mysteriously vanished.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Pay attention to how a situation is resolved, especially when evidence disappears, as it can indicate a clever act.
B. Answer The Following Questions Briefly In One Or Two Sentences.
Question 1. Why did the narrator call Clem Jones a careful planner?
Answer: The narrator called Clem Jones a careful planner because Clem planned his thefts very well and carried them out successfully. He was good at thinking ahead.
In simple words: The narrator called Clem Jones a careful planner because he planned thefts well and carried them out perfectly.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When a character is described with a specific trait, ensure your answer provides a supporting example from the story.
Question 2. What was Clem Jones carrying in the box during his second attempt?
Answer: During his second attempt, Clem Jones was carrying a large Dutch cheese in the box. This showed his cunning way of replacing one item with another.
In simple words: Clem Jones was carrying a large Dutch cheese in the box on his second try.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Distinguish between different events or attempts by noting specific details like what was carried at each time.
Question 3. Why did the policeman suspect the narrator?
Answer: The policeman suspected the narrator because the string of his apron broke, and the officer saw that the narrator's pockets were bulging. This was clear evidence of something hidden.
In simple words: The policeman suspected the narrator because his apron string broke, showing his bulging pockets.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Identify the specific physical clues that lead to a character's suspicion in the story.
Question 4. What did Pongo consider as evidence against the narrator?
Answer: Pongo considered the oranges that the narrator was carrying to be the evidence against him. The presence of the stolen fruit was proof of the crime.
In simple words: Pongo saw the oranges the narrator had as proof against him.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Always state what the evidence was and why it was considered as such in the context of the story.
Question 5. How did the narrator feel when he was alone in Pongo's cabin?
Answer: When the narrator was locked alone in Pongo's cabin, he felt very afraid. He lost all hope and worried he would lose his job, which made him feel desperate.
In simple words: The narrator felt afraid and lost hope when he was alone in Pongo's cabin, fearing he would lose his job.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Describe a character's emotions and their underlying reasons to show deeper understanding.
Question 6. What did the narrator do to get rid of the evidence?
Answer: To get rid of the evidence, the narrator swallowed the pips and peels of the oranges along with the fruits themselves. This left no trace.
In simple words: The narrator swallowed the orange pips and peels to destroy the evidence.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Focus on the specific actions taken by a character to achieve their goal, especially when dealing with evidence.
Question 7. What did Pongo do when he found no oranges on the table?
Answer: When Pongo found no oranges, he searched everywhere, including the narrator's pockets and apron. He became very angry and shouted at the narrator, frustrated by the lack of evidence.
In simple words: Pongo searched everywhere, including pockets and apron, then became angry and shouted.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Detail the character's reaction and actions when faced with an unexpected situation or outcome.
Question 8. Why were the policemen not able to bring any charges against the narrator?
Answer: The policemen could not bring any charges against the narrator because there was no evidence left. The narrator had destroyed all proof of the theft.
In simple words: The police could not charge the narrator because there was no evidence.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Legal outcomes in stories often depend on the presence or absence of concrete evidence.
Question 9. How did the narrator feel after eating seventeen oranges?
Answer: After eating seventeen oranges, the narrator felt sick for a whole week. The oranges bothered his stomach for a long time afterward.
In simple words: The narrator felt sick for a week after eating seventeen oranges, and his stomach was upset.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Consequences of a character's actions, even physical ones, are important details to include.
Question 10. When did the narrator's love for the orange vanish?
Answer: The narrator's love for oranges disappeared after the incident. He felt bad and became sick from eating them to hide evidence, which made him dislike them.
In simple words: His love for oranges vanished after the incident because he felt sick and bad from eating them all.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Major events in a story can often change a character's feelings or habits significantly.
Additional Questions And Answers
Question 1. What made the narrator be quiet when Pongo enquired him?
Answer: The narrator was quiet during Pongo's questioning because he was gripped by fear. His fear of being caught prevented him from speaking.
In simple words: The narrator stayed quiet because he was afraid when Pongo questioned him.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Character emotions often dictate their actions, so explain the feeling that led to the behavior.
Question 2. Where did Pongo lock the narrator?
Answer: Pongo locked the narrator inside the cabin. This was where he held the narrator while going to get a witness.
In simple words: Pongo locked the narrator in the cabin.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Note the specific locations mentioned in the story, as they are crucial for setting the scene.
Question 3. Where did Pongo go, after locking the narrator in the cabin?
Answer: After locking the narrator in the cabin, Pongo left to bring another policeman. He wanted this second officer to be a witness against the narrator.
In simple words: Pongo went to get another policeman as a witness after locking the narrator in the cabin.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Track characters' movements and their intentions to understand the progression of the plot.
Question 4. How did the narrator get the idea of eating all the oranges?
Answer: The idea of eating all the oranges came to the narrator from a voice in his head. This voice instructed him to consume them to destroy the evidence.
In simple words: A voice in the narrator's head told him to eat the oranges to get rid of the proof.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Character's internal struggles or sudden ideas can significantly influence the plot.
Question 5. Did the voice tell him anything else?
Answer: Yes, the voice also told him to eat the pips and peels of the oranges. It specifically mentioned consuming the seeds and skins to ensure all evidence was gone.
In simple words: Yes, the voice also told him to eat the seeds and skins of the oranges.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Look for additional instructions or details that add to the character's desperate plan.
Question 6. Why did the voice tell him to eat the seeds and peels?
Answer: The voice told him to eat the seeds and peels to leave absolutely no evidence of the theft. The goal was to remove any trace that could incriminate him.
In simple words: The voice told him to eat the seeds and peels so no proof of the theft would be left.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: The thoroughness of a character's plan often reveals their level of desperation or cunning.
Question 7. How did the narrator eat the pips and peels?
Answer: The narrator swallowed the pips and peels. He quickly consumed them to ensure no evidence remained.
In simple words: The narrator swallowed the pips and peels.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Actions performed under pressure are often quick and decisive, as seen in this desperate act.
Question 8. Why did the narrator swallow everything?
Answer: The narrator swallowed everything because time was running out. He knew the policemen would soon return, so he had to dispose of the evidence quickly.
In simple words: He swallowed everything because he was running out of time.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Time constraints are a common plot device that drives characters to take drastic actions.
Question 9. How did the narrator eat the remaining oranges after the first one?
Answer: After eating the first orange, the narrator cut the remaining ones into large pieces. He then swallowed these chunks one after another, in a rush.
In simple words: He cut the rest of the oranges into big pieces and swallowed them quickly.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Describe the method or process of an action to provide a complete picture of the event.
Question 10. When did the narrator's love for the orange vanish?
Answer: The narrator's love for oranges completely vanished after the incident. He felt sick and upset from being forced to eat so many oranges to destroy evidence, leading to a permanent aversion.
In simple words: The narrator stopped loving oranges after the incident because eating them made him sick and upset.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Significant life events can profoundly alter a character's preferences or feelings, as seen here.
C. Answer The Following In About 80-100 Words.
Question 1. Narrate the clever strategy followed by Clem Jones to deceive Pongo.
Answer: Clem Jones, a friend of the narrator, was known for being very smart at stealing from the docks. One day, he carried a box out of the docks, and Pongo, the police officer, stopped him to check it. Clem claimed the box held a cat, but Pongo insisted he open it. When Clem did, a ship's cat jumped out and quickly ran back into the docks. Later, Clem returned with a box containing a large Dutch cheese. He looked angrily at Pongo, making the policeman feel bad about forcing him to open the box earlier. By making Pongo feel guilty, Clem cleverly avoided further checks and successfully stole the cheese. His planned act of having a cat escape helped him later get away with stealing cheese easily.
In simple words: Clem Jones tricked Pongo by first pretending to carry a cat, which then escaped. This made Pongo feel bad. Later, Clem used Pongo's guilt to steal a large cheese without being checked again.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When describing a strategy, clearly explain the steps and how each step contributed to the overall deception.
Question 2. Describe the confrontation between the narrator and Pongo.
Answer: The confrontation between the narrator and Pongo, a policeman, occurred at the docks. The narrator, who loved stealing oranges, was caught by Pongo because his apron string broke, revealing his bulging pockets full of oranges. Pongo saw this as proof and locked the narrator in a cabin, intending to use him as an example for other workers to prevent stealing. While Pongo went to get another policeman as a witness, the narrator ate all seventeen oranges, including their pips and peels, to destroy the evidence. This desperate act saved him from charges. When the policemen returned, they found no evidence. This experience was very bitter for the narrator, and he never again felt the same about oranges.
In simple words: The narrator was caught by Pongo for stealing oranges when his apron broke. Pongo locked him up. To destroy evidence, the narrator ate all the oranges. When Pongo returned, there was no proof, so the narrator escaped charges, but the experience was very upsetting.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Structure your answer by clearly outlining the cause of the confrontation, the key actions of each character, and the final outcome or impact.
Paragraph For Slow Learners
"Look before you leap"
The narrator was very fond of oranges, eating them constantly. He worked in the shipyard, and his great love for oranges often led him to steal them from boats and ships. One day, Pongo, the policeman, caught him with oranges in his pockets. Pongo planned to use this case to scare other workers and stop them from stealing. He locked the narrator in a cabin and left to find another policeman to act as a witness. The narrator then decided to destroy the evidence. He ate all the oranges, including the pips and peels. This was a very unpleasant experience for him. The policemen could not do anything as there was no proof, so they had to let him go. After this, the narrator never felt like stealing oranges again.
"Covet all, Lose all"
Vocabulary:
D. Find The Synonyms For The Underlined Words Given In The Passage.
Question 1. The voice in his head asked the narrator to eat the evidence.
(a) proof
(b) contradict
(c) disprove
(d) refute
Answer: (a) proof
In simple words: "Evidence" means proof, something that shows if an event happened or not.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Synonyms are words with similar meanings; always choose the option that best replaces the underlined word without changing the sentence's sense.
Question 2. Clem looked at Pongo furiously.
(a) politely
(b) gently
(c) angrily
(d) calmly
Answer: (c) angrily
In simple words: "Furiously" means with great anger, so "angrily" is the correct synonym.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When matching synonyms, consider the intensity and emotion conveyed by the original word.
Question 3. When Pongo caught the narrator with the oranges, he was very frightened.
(a) undaunted
(b) afraid
(c) valiant
(d) brave
Answer: (b) afraid
In simple words: "Frightened" means scared, so "afraid" is the best synonym.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Simple vocabulary often has clear synonyms, making these questions straightforward if you know the basic meaning.
Question 4. The narrator was quiet when Pongo questioned him.
(a) calm
(b) noisy
(c) silent
(d) agitated
Answer: (c) silent
In simple words: "Quiet" means not making noise or not speaking, so "silent" is a perfect match.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Consider the context in which the word is used. "Quiet" in this case refers to not speaking, rather than a state of mind like "calm."
E. Find The Antonyms For The Underlined Words In The Following Sentences.
Question 1. Seventeen oranges were hidden in the narrator's pockets.
(a) exposed
(b) masked
(c) concealed
(d) buried
Answer: (a) exposed
In simple words: "Hidden" means kept out of sight, so its opposite is "exposed," meaning revealed or brought into view.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Antonyms are words with opposite meanings; choose the option that is the direct contrary of the underlined word.
Question 2. Clem Jones was ordered to open the box.
(a) prepared
(b) arranged
(c) forced
(d) requested
Answer: (d) requested
In simple words: "Ordered" means being told strongly to do something, so its opposite is "requested," which means asking politely.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Consider the power dynamic in the original sentence; "ordered" implies authority, so its antonym should imply choice or politeness.
Question 3. Pongo locked the narrator inside the cabin.
(a) closed
(b) sealed
(c) released
(d) chocked
Answer: (c) released
In simple words: "Locked" means to keep someone inside, so its opposite is "released," which means to let someone go free.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Think about the core action of the word; "locked" is about confinement, so the antonym is about freedom.
Question 4. Pongo carefully searched the narrator's pockets.
(a) attentively
(b) carelessly
(c) cautiously
(d) strictly
Answer: (b) carelessly
In simple words: The word "carefully" means to do something with great attention. Its opposite, "carelessly," means to do something without much thought or concern.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When finding an antonym, first identify the precise meaning of the given word, then look for the option that expresses the direct opposite.
Question 5. The narrator of the story felt very sick for a week
(a) healthy
(b) disordered
(c) feeble
(d) unhealthy
Answer: (a) healthy
In simple words: The word "sick" means unwell or ill. The opposite of "sick" is "healthy," which means being well and strong.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For antonyms, think about extreme opposites; sometimes a word might have several related opposites, but choose the most direct one.
F. Complete the table with suitable responses.
| S.No. | CAUSE | ACTION | EFFECT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Krishna Deva Raya wants all the best things in the world. | He pays 1000 gold coins for the red peacock. | The king banishes him from the court for a month. |
| 2. | Chatur Pandit is greedy and wants to get rich. | He paints a peacock red and brought it to the king. | The king banishes him from the court for a month. |
| 3. | Tenali wants to find out the truth and disprove Chatur Pandit and his trick. | He hires a painter and paints four peacocks red. | He proves that the king spends money needlessly. |
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When completing tables, ensure each entry directly corresponds to its respective column and row header, maintaining logical consistency.
G. Answer the following questions based on your listening.
Question 1. Why did Chatur Pandit ask the king for 1000 gold coins?
Answer: Chatur Pandit told the king he needed 1000 gold coins because he claimed he had spent that much money to catch a rare red peacock. This shows how some people might invent stories to get money or favors from powerful individuals.
In simple words: Chatur Pandit asked for 1000 gold coins, saying he spent that much to catch the red peacock.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Always connect the "why" directly to the stated reason in the text, avoiding assumptions.
Question 2. Where did Chatur Pandit find the 'red peacock'?
Answer: According to Chatur Pandit, he found the special red peacock in the jungle. In stories, the jungle is often a place where rare and mysterious creatures are found.
In simple words: Chatur Pandit said he found the red peacock in the jungle.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When answering a "where" question, provide the specific location mentioned in the story.
Question 3. What sort of person was Chatur Pandit?
Answer: Chatur Pandit was a greedy and cunning person who wanted to get rich by tricking the king. He often planned clever deceptions to achieve his goals. Characters like Chatur Pandit in stories often serve to highlight the importance of honesty and cleverness in facing challenges.
In simple words: Chatur Pandit was a greedy and clever person who liked to trick others, especially the king, to become rich.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When asked about a character's nature, look for actions and motives described in the text to support your answer.
Question 4. State whether the statement is True or False. Tenali was given three weeks to bring more red peacocks.
Answer: The statement "Tenali was given three weeks to bring more red peacocks" is False. The story does not mention Tenali being given such a task or duration. Tenali Raman was known for his wit and wisdom, often outsmarting cunning characters with his intelligence rather than relying on such tasks.
In simple words: The statement is False. Tenali was not asked to bring more red peacocks for three weeks.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When determining true or false, strictly compare the statement with the information provided in the story, not outside knowledge.
Question 5. Why did the people feel that they were lucky to have Krishna Deva Raya as their king?
Answer: The people felt lucky to have King Krishna Deva Raya as their ruler because he was not afraid to admit when he had made a mistake. A good leader acknowledges errors and learns from them.
In simple words: People felt lucky because their king, Krishna Deva Raya, was honest and brave enough to admit his own mistakes.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Focus on the king's specific characteristic mentioned in the text (admitting mistakes) as the reason for the people's feeling.
Speaking:
H. Work in groups of four. Choose one of the situations given below. Discuss how the story would have been different if,
Question 1. Pongo had pardoned the narrator after scolding him.
Answer: If Pongo had forgiven the narrator after scolding him, the story would have ended differently. The narrator, who often stole things from the docks, was caught with seventeen oranges in his bulging pockets. Pongo, seeing him scared, would have felt sorry for him. Because Pongo was a kind policeman, he would have advised the narrator to stop stealing and then let him go. The narrator would have been very grateful and gone home happily, probably learning his lesson without the need for extreme measures. Sometimes, kindness and a stern warning can be more effective than punishment in changing someone's behavior.
In simple words: If Pongo had just forgiven the narrator, the narrator would have been very thankful and learned his lesson without further trouble, because Pongo was kind.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For "what if" scenarios, describe the sequence of events and the characters' reactions based on their known personalities and the new condition.
Question 2. Pongo had arrived on the scene before the last orange was eaten.
Answer: If Pongo had arrived before the narrator ate the last orange, the situation would have been much worse for the narrator. The narrator was already caught red-handed with oranges in his pockets due to a broken apron string. Pongo had locked him in a cabin and gone to get another policeman as a witness. While alone, a voice in the narrator's head told him to eat all the oranges, including the seeds and peels, to destroy the proof. He quickly ate almost all of them, with just one orange left when the policemen returned. If Pongo had arrived earlier, he would have found more oranges, and the narrator's attempt to hide the evidence would have been less successful. This would have given the police stronger proof to take the narrator to court and teach him a lesson. Destroying evidence is a serious offense, and its success often depends on timing and desperation.
In simple words: If Pongo had come back sooner, the narrator would have had less time to eat the oranges. This means there would have been more proof, making it easier for the police to take action against him.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: In a hypothetical situation, clearly explain how the change in circumstances would alter the outcome based on the established plot points.
Question 3. Pongo had forgotten to lock the door properly but the narrator only discovered it just before pongo returned.
Answer: If Pongo had forgotten to lock the cabin door properly, and the narrator found this out just before Pongo returned, the story would show the narrator's true character. The narrator, though a habitual petty thief of oranges, was afraid of losing his job and being jailed. Despite seeing the unlocked door and having a clear chance to escape, he chose to stay inside. When Pongo and the other policeman returned, they would be astonished to find the narrator still there, even with the door unlocked. This act of honesty and discipline would greatly impress them. Instead of punishment, they would admire the narrator's integrity, release him, and the narrator would leave feeling thankful and peaceful. This scenario highlights the narrator's underlying moral compass and his decision to face the consequences, showcasing an unexpected act of honesty.
In simple words: If the narrator found the door unlocked just before Pongo came back, he had a chance to escape. But he stayed, showing he was honest and disciplined, which made Pongo respect him and let him go.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When discussing a character's decision in a moment of opportunity, consider their internal conflict and the moral implications of their choices.
Writing:
I. Work in groups and discuss. Then write a diary entry in about 60-80 words describing your feelings and actions for the given situations. Imagine, you are Pongo.
Question 1. Your feelings when you caught the boy?
Answer: As Pongo, the security guard, when I caught the boy, I noticed his pockets were bulging with seventeen oranges. I saw he was a scared teenager who loved oranges. Initially, I felt a duty to check him. However, seeing his fear and recognizing he wasn't a malicious thief, I felt pity instead of anger. I decided not to punish him. I spoke to him kindly, gave him advice, and then let him go. I felt a sense of peace and forgiveness, continuing my work with a gentle heart. This experience shows that sometimes, understanding and compassion can be more powerful than strict enforcement of rules.
In simple words: As Pongo, when I caught the boy with oranges, I felt pity because he was scared and just a teenager who loved oranges. I advised him and let him go, choosing kindness over punishment.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When writing from a character's perspective, describe their emotions and actions in a way that aligns with their personality and the story's context.
Question 2. Your feelings and emotions when you came back and found oranges gone?
Answer: As Pongo, when I returned to the cabin with another policeman, I was shocked to find all the oranges gone. The boy, whom I had locked up to make an example of, had eaten all the evidence! This made me feel utterly helpless and frustrated because, without the oranges, we had no proof to take him to court. I was trying to teach him a lesson, but he outsmarted us. We had no choice but to release him. It was a surprising turn of events, showing that even the best plans can go wrong. This incident demonstrates that quick thinking in a tough spot can sometimes change the entire outcome of a situation.
In simple words: When I came back and saw all the oranges were eaten, I felt shocked and helpless. The boy had destroyed the evidence, so we had no proof against him and had to let him go, which was very frustrating.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For an emotional response question, use strong feeling words and describe the direct impact of the event on the character's plan or mindset.
j. Complete the following table with information from the anecdote about Mr. Scotti's short trip.
| Name | Occupation | Reason for his trip | Means of transport | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholas Scotti | Journalist | To visit some cousins | Aeroplane, Bus | Rome (Italy) |
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When filling in tables, extract precise details from the given text to ensure accuracy in each cell.
K. Circle the best option.
Question 1. In New York Mr. Scotti left the plane because he thought he
(a) had to change the plane
(b) was in Rome
(c) had to phone his cousins
(d) had to look at the airport
Answer: (b) was in Rome
In simple words: Mr. Scotti got off the plane in New York because he wrongly believed he had already arrived in Rome.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For comprehension questions, always refer back to the text to confirm the exact reason for a character's actions.
Question 2. He decided to find his cousins home without their help. He asked the policeman
(a) thought he was in Italy
(b) knew the policeman
(c) didn't speak any other language
(d) liked the language.
Answer: (c) didn't speak any other language
In simple words: Mr. Scotti asked the policeman for directions because he did not speak any language other than his own, making it hard to communicate.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Look for clues in the passage about communication difficulties or a character's language skills to answer questions about their interactions.
Question 3. On the next day, Mr. Scotti was .......... at how the local people responded to the queries.
(a) Surprised
(b) unhappy
(c) glad
(d) upset
Answer: (a) Surprised
In simple words: Mr. Scotti was surprised by how the local people answered his questions, finding their responses unexpected.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Identify the emotion that best fits the context of an unexpected or unusual interaction with others.
Question 4. Circle three words that best describe Mr. Scotti clever clever/ unlucky/ stupid/ successful/ miserable/ happy
Answer: unlucky/ stupid/ miserable
In simple words: The three words that best describe Mr. Scotti are unlucky, stupid, and miserable, reflecting his bad luck, poor decisions, and unhappy situation.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When selecting descriptive words, choose adjectives that are directly supported by the character's actions and experiences in the story.
L. Have you experienced any unexpected turn of events in your life? what happened? How did you feel about it at that moment? How do you feel about it now?
Answer: A Memorable Day in my life: The happiest day for me was our trip to Ooty last month. We enjoyed a lot at the beautiful hill station. On a breezy Saturday, my family and my uncle's family started the trip in a hired vehicle, arriving at our lodge by 10 AM. The weather was cold, and we felt refreshed. After getting ready, we visited the unique Thunder World, botanical garden, and rose garden, where millions of flowers looked stunning. They seemed to welcome us with cheerful faces. The next day, we had a thrilling boating experience at Pykara and saw wild animals in the Mudhumalai forests. It was a truly wonderful, informative, and educational trip, one of the most memorable experiences in my life. Such trips not only create lasting memories but also teach us about nature and different places.
In simple words: My trip to Ooty was the happiest day, full of beautiful sights, exciting activities like boating, and seeing wildlife. It was a wonderful and educational experience with my family that I will always remember.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For personal experience answers, use vivid but simple language to describe events, emotions, and lessons learned.
Grammar
A. Given below in Column A are some phrasal verbs taken from the text. Find the meanings by using a dictionary and complete Column B.
| S.No. | Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | fond of | liking something pleasant |
| 2. | hidden away | concealed |
| 3. | lock up | imprison |
| 4. | laughed at | ridiculed |
| 5. | look at | examine closely |
| 6. | bring up | raise |
| 7. | gave up | left/relinquished |
| 8. | went through | examined carefully |
| 9. | finish off | destroy something |
| 10. | figure out | think about/work out |
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When memorizing phrasal verbs, try to use them in example sentences to understand their context and meaning better.
B. Can You do It?
1. Talking about the abilities of your class members is a great way to review the use of the modal can.
2. Work in pairs and discuss things a person might be able to do.
Question. Create questions about abilities starting with "Can you?" and provide possible answers.
Answer:
Can you Play drums?
Can you draw a picture?
Can you buy a car?
Can you ride a bicycle? The modal verb 'can' is very versatile and is used to express ability, possibility, and permission in everyday conversations.
In simple words: We use "Can you?" to ask about someone's ability to do something, and the answers show different skills a person might have.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When asking about ability, use "can" for present or general ability, and "could" for past ability or polite requests.
C. Do's and Don'ts (Necessity, Obligation and Permission)
Question. Choose the correct option:
1. We use .......... (should/must/ ought) when something is compulsory, obligatory and important.
2. We use .......... (should/must/ought) when something is the right thing to do.
3. We use .......... (should/must/ought) when something is suggested or recommended.
Answer:
1. We use **must** when something is compulsory, obligatory, and important.
2. We use **should** when something is the right thing to do.
3. We use **should** when something is suggested or recommended. Modal verbs like 'must' and 'should' help us express different levels of requirement or advice.
In simple words: "Must" is for things you have to do, while "should" is for things that are good to do or are advised.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: "Must" implies a stronger obligation or necessity than "should," which is more for advice or recommendation.
D. Complete the sentences with one of the modal verbs given below. can, can't, could, couldn't, may, shouldn't
Question. Complete the sentences with the given modal verbs.
1. Students .......... be quiet when they write the examination.
2. You .......... wear a coat, it's quite warm
3. .......... open the window? It is very hot in the room.
4. I .......... go to school yesterday because I was ill.
5. When she was eighteen, she run fast.
6. You .......... drive fast, it's no safe.
7. He is a famous cricketer. He ................. bat well.
Answer:
1. Students **may** be quiet when they write the examination. (Expresses permission or possibility)
2. You **shouldn't** wear a coat, it's quite warm. (Expresses advice against something)
3. **Could** I open the window? It is very hot in the room. (Polite request)
4. I **couldn't** go to school yesterday because I was ill. (Expresses past inability)
5. When she was eighteen, she **could** run fast. (Expresses past ability)
6. You **shouldn't** drive fast, it's not safe. (Expresses advice against something)
7. He is a famous cricketer. He **can** bat well. (Expresses present ability) Choosing the right modal verb helps us convey the exact meaning, whether it's an ability, permission, or a suggestion.
In simple words: Each blank needs a modal verb that fits the sentence's meaning, like "may" for permission, "shouldn't" for advice against something, "could" for a polite request, and "can" for ability.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: Pay attention to the context of each sentence (e.g., politeness, past ability, advice) to select the most suitable modal verb.
E. You are Andhav. While you were away on a holiday, your house was burgled. Use appropriate models and complete the letter to your friend telling him/her about it-
Answer:
No. 36, Gandhi
Road Chennai - 45
04 August 2018
Dear Ramesh,
How are you? I feel sad to inform you that my house was burgled last week when I was on a holiday. Burglars (1) **should** have known from the accumulated newspaper pile that I had gone away. When I came back last Sunday, I found the back-door lock broken. I (2) **should** have forgotten to bolt the back-door from inside and they **should** have entered through it. My room was ransacked. They took my laptop and other valuables. I (3) **must** have deposited the jewellery in a bank locker to avoid this loss. I (4) **should** have informed my neighbours about my week-long trip. Well, I have registered an FIR with the police. They are investigating the case. They have assured that I (5) **should** get my jewels back. The burglars (6) **must** be caught very soon. Convey my regards to all at home.
Your lovingly,
Aadhav
Using modal verbs correctly helps to express regret, obligation, and expectation clearly in formal and informal writing.
In simple words: This letter explains how Andhav's house was broken into while he was on holiday. It uses words like "should" to talk about what he should have done and "must" for what he believes happened or will happen.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When using modals in a letter, choose them carefully to reflect the tone (e.g., regret, strong expectation, advice) that the writer intends to convey.
F. Match the squares to form proper sentences.
Answer:
1. I/She should take some pills.
2. She/They shouldn't wear warm clothes.
3. She/They shouldn't go home.
4. Sam and Jai should see a doctor. Understanding sentence structure helps in forming grammatically correct and coherent expressions.
In simple words: These sentences show how to put together subjects, modals like "should" or "shouldn't," a verb, and the rest of the sentence to give advice or say what is not allowed.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: When forming sentences with modals, ensure the main verb is in its base form (without "to") after the modal.
G. Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals. (will / shall, would / should, can / could, may / might, ought to)
Question. Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals.
Milk is a nutritious food enriched with vitamins and proteins. We (1) .......... take milk regularly so that we (2) .......... not develop deficiencies in our body. Aged persons, children and patients (3) .......... take milk in sufficient quantities as it provides strength for their body. We (4) .......... supplement it with fruits, vegetables, and pulses for proper growth of the body. But we (5) .......... consume milk of good quality. Otherwise it (6) .......... cause harm to the body. We (7) .......... be careful while selecting our food items because there are chances that these (8) .......... be adulterated. We (9) .......... protect our health.
Answer:
Milk is a nutritious food enriched with vitamins and proteins. We (1) **should** take milk regularly so that we (2) **shall** not develop deficiencies in our body. Aged persons, children and patients (3) **can** take milk in sufficient quantities as it provides strength for their body. We (4) **ought to** supplement it with fruits, vegetables, and pulses for proper growth of the body. But we (5) **should** consume milk of good quality. Otherwise it (6) **may** cause harm to the body. We (7) **should** be careful while selecting our food items because there are chances that these (8) **could** be adulterated. We (9) **should** protect our health. A balanced diet and careful food selection are crucial for maintaining good health and preventing diseases.
In simple words: This paragraph talks about the importance of milk and how to ensure its benefits. It uses modals like "should," "shall," "can," "ought to," "may," and "could" to give advice, show ability, and explain possibilities about health and food choices.
๐ฏ Exam Tip: For filling in modal verbs, consider the degree of certainty, obligation, or advice needed in each sentence.
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TN Board Solutions Class 9 English Chapter 04 Seventeen Oranges
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