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CBSE Class 9 English Question 21 of 33

The Little Girl — Question 24

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24
Question
“Father’s great speech for the Port Authority had been lost.” What had happened to father’s speech ? (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-031)
Answer

Father’s speech had been tom to pieces by Kezia, the little girl. She was making a pin cushion as a gift to her father, for his birthday. As she was not able to find anything to stuff it with, she tore the speech and stuffed it in her cushion.

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.