CBSE Class 9 English Question 8 of 33

The Little Girl — Question 8

Back to all questions
8
Question
Use an appropriate word from the synonyms given above in the following sentences. Clues are given in brackets. She was ………. by the news of her brother’s wedding, (very pleased) I was ………. to be invited to the party. (extremely pleased and excited about) She was ………. at the birth of her granddaughter, (extremely happy) The coach was ……….. with his performance, (satisfied about) She was very …………. with her results. (happy about something that has happened)
Answer

thrilled
delighted
overjoyed
pleased
happy.


Source: This question is from The Little Girl, English — Class 9, CBSE Board.

Key Concepts Covered

This question tests your understanding of the following concepts from the chapter The Little Girl: Use, Word, Synonyms, Sentences, Clues, Brackets. These are fundamental topics in English that students are expected to master as part of the CBSE Class 9 curriculum.

A thorough understanding of these concepts will help you answer similar questions confidently in your CBSE examinations. These topics are frequently tested in both objective and subjective sections of English papers. We recommend revising the relevant section of your textbook alongside practising these solved examples to build a strong foundation.

How to Approach This Question

Read the question carefully and identify what is being asked. Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Use the terminology and concepts discussed in this chapter. Structure your answer logically — begin with a definition or key statement, then provide supporting details. Review your answer to ensure it addresses all parts of the question completely.

Key Points to Remember

  • Use quotations from the text to support your points.
  • Analyse literary devices and their effects on the reader.
  • Structure essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Practice more questions from The Little Girl — English, Class 9 CBSE

Overview: The Little Girl

Kezia, a small girl, is terrified of her stern, authoritarian father. She stutters in his presence and sees him only as a figure of punishment. Her grandmother encourages her to make a birthday gift (a pin-cushion) for him, but Kezia accidentally tears up his important papers to stuff it. He punishes her. She compares him unfavourably with the gentle Mr. Macdonald next door. However, when her mother is away and Kezia has a nightmare, her father holds her close and comforts her. She realises he is simply a tired man who works hard and loves her in his own way.

Key Points

  • Kezia is afraid of her father — stutters in his presence
  • Grandmother encourages her to make a pin-cushion for father's birthday
  • She tears up his important speech papers to stuff the cushion
  • Father punishes her with a ruler
  • She compares her father with the gentle Mr. Macdonald
  • During a nightmare, father comforts her — holds her close
  • She feels his heartbeat and realises he has "a big heart"
  • Theme: Different people express love differently
  • Theme: Children often misunderstand parents' behaviour
  • The story shows growth in understanding — Kezia's perception changes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
Kezia's father appeared stern, cold, and authoritarian. He gave orders, spoke in a commanding voice, and punished her strictly. She saw him as a figure of fear and discipline, not warmth.
How did Kezia's view change?
When Kezia had a nightmare and her father held her close, she felt his warmth and heartbeat. She realised he worked hard all day and was too tired for playfulness. She understood that he loved her in his own way — different from Mr. Macdonald but equally genuine.

Common Mistakes

  • Not reading the text carefully before attempting questions.
  • Giving vague answers without specific textual references.
  • Confusing characters, events, or themes from different chapters.
  • Writing too much for short-answer questions (should be 30-40 words).

Scoring Tips

  • For extract-based MCQs: read the passage carefully; eliminate wrong options systematically.
  • For short answers: be concise (30-40 words), use key vocabulary from the text.
  • For long answers: structure with introduction, body, conclusion. Quote from the text.
  • Always identify the chapter/poem name and author when answering.