Workbook solutions for the story ‘Bonku Babu’s Friend’ from the ‘Treasure Chest’ English book for ICSE Class 9 are available here. These provide answers to the questions in the Workbook published by Morning Star.
Morning Star Workbook- Solutions, Question and Answers
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Who among of the following was a good storyteller?
(a) Nidhu Babu.
(b) Bhairav Chakravarty.
(c) Bonku Babu
(d) Sripati Majumdar.
Ans. (c) Bonku Babu
2. Why does Bonku Babu say, “Shame on you boys!”?
(a) The boys teased Bonku Babu.
(b) The boys were fond of throwing stress to Bonku Babu.
(c) They abused him in the class.
(d) The boys insulted him in the class.
Ans. (a) The boys teased Bonku Babu.
3. Which of the following is correct about Bonku Babu?
(a) Bonku Babu was a prankster
(b) He was a storyteller.
(c) He was a bad tempered teacher
(d) He was a day-dreamer.
Ans. (b) He was a storyteller.
4. What is referred to as a “golden opportunity”?
(a) To scare Bonku Babu with a ‘spook’.
(b) To find a tamarind tree to hang a spook.
(c) To find spaceships in the village.
(d) To meet an alien.
Ans. (a) To scare Bonku Babu with a spook’.
5. Besides his injured neck what harm did the spook do to Bonku Babu?
(a) He was attacked by a “spook”.
(b) His new kurta was torn and black stains all over.
(c) He was forced to sing.
(d) His shoes were hidden.
Ans. (b) His new kurta was torn and black stains all over.
6. Why did Bonku Babu leave early that day?
(a) Everybody was hurling bitter remarks on him.
(b) He was in a hurry to correct the papers.
(c) He felt that it was not a congenial environment for him.
(d) He was very much shocked.
Ans. (c) He felt that it was not a congenial environment for him.
7. What was Ramkanai’s idea about “Saturday”?
(a) Saturday is week end.
(b) Saturday is inauspicious.
(c) Saturday is auspicious for ghosts and spooks.
(d) To avoid doing any good work on Saturday.
Ans. (c) Saturday is auspicious for ghosts and spooks.
8. Why was the silence eerie according to Bonku Babu?
(a) There was absolute silence.
(b) It was evening time.
(c) The animals were asleep.
(d) There was no light only a dull light shone on every branch.
Ans. (a) There was absolute silence.
9. Why was Bonku Babu feeling uncomfortable with the alien?
(a) The creature was unusually tall and had a weird face.
(b) Bonku Babu was afraid of him.
(c) The strange creature was examining Bonku Babu’s arms and legs.
(d) He suspected the creature to be a ghost.
Ans. (c) The strange creature was examining Bonku Babu’s arms and legs.
10. Why was Bonku Babu not able to move even an inch?
(a) Ang’s pebble like object had made him immobile.
(b) He was froze at the sight of the spaceship.
(c) He was afraid of ghost.
(d) He was puzzled at the sight of Ang.
Ans. (a) Ang’s pebble-like object had made him immobile.
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Context Questions
Extract-1
For the last twenty-two years, Bonku Babu had taught geography and Bengali at the Kankurgachhi Village Primary School. Every year, a new batch of students replaced the old one, but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued among all the students.
(i) What in the extract shows that the students were teasing Bonku Babu for a long time?
Ans. The line “every year, a new batch of students replaced the old one, but old or new, the tradition of teasing poor Bonku Babu continued” shows that the teasing had been going on for many years without stopping.
(ii) What form of teasing was used by his students?
Ans. The students teased him by drawing his picture on the blackboard, putting glue on his chair, and lighting chasing rockets to scare him during Kali Puja.
(iii) How did Bonku Babu react to the teasing by the students?
Ans. Bonku Babu never got angry. He only sometimes cleared his throat and said softly, “Shame on you, boys!”
(iv) According to the bank Babu, what made his life as a teacher worth living?
Ans. According to Bonku Babu, teaching a few good students in every class made his life as a teacher worth living. He enjoyed telling them stories about foreign lands and adventures.
(v) Why did Banku Babu put up with the teasing?
Ans. Bonku Babu put up with the teasing because he feared losing his job if he got angry and left. At his age, it would be difficult to find another job.
Extract-2
Only the other day — less than two months ago, they were talking about ghosts. Usually, Bonku Babu kept his mouth shut. That day, for some unknown reason, he open it and declared that he was not afraid of the ghost that was all! but it was enough to offer a golden opportunity to others. On his way back home later, that night Banku Bhaiya was attacked by a spook.
(i) What made his associates arrange and attacked on Bonku babu by a spook? How is it shown in the story that the attack was arranged by associates?
Ans. Bonku Babu said he was not afraid of ghosts. This gave the men a chance to play a prank on him. It is clear in the story that the attack was planned because the figure had covered itself with black ink, probably as suggested by someone at the meeting.
(ii) Describe in your own words the attack by the spook.
Ans. While Bonku Babu was walking under a tamarind tree, a tall, thin figure suddenly jumped down on his back. The figure was covered in black ink and pretended to be a ghost to scare him.
(iii) What happened to Bonku Babu as a result of the attack?
Ans. Bonku Babu was not frightened, but he got hurt. His neck ached for three days, and his new kurta was torn and had black stains all over it.
(iv) What was the favourable conditions for the spook to attack?
Ans. The attack happened at night when it was dark and lonely. The path under the tamarind tree was quiet, making it easy for someone to frighten him.
(v) Why did Bonku Babu attend a meeting despite the attack by the spook? If he were not to attend the meeting what would happen? what does it show about rural life in this area?
Ans. Bonku Babu still attended the meeting because he was afraid of what Sripati Babu, the important man in the village, would think if he stopped coming.
If he did not attend, they would send someone to fetch him, because Sripati Babu always needed someone to be the target of jokes.
This shows that in the village, people followed the powerful men and did not want to upset them, even if they were humiliated.
Extract-3
That particular evening Bonku Babu was the first to spot the strange light. Then he call Nidhu Babu and showed it to him. However, when he arrived at the meeting, he found that Nidhu Babu has coolly claimed full credit for being a person to see it, and was boasting a great deal about it. Bonku Babu said nothing
(i) Why did Nidhu Babu say that he was the first person to spot the strange light? What does it say about his character?
Ans. Nidhu Babu lied that he was the first to see the strange light because he wanted to take credit and show off in front of others. This shows that he was dishonest, selfish, and liked to boast.
(ii)what does Bonku Babu’s silence show about his character?
Ans. Bonku Babu’s silence shows that he was humble, patient, and never argued, even when someone treated him unfairly.
(iii) Later, why did they change the topic of satellites?
Ans. They stopped talking about satellites because most of them did not know much about the topic. Instead, they started speaking about rockets and imaginary situations, as they found it easier to joke about.
(iv) What did Ramkanai say about human achievement?
Ans. Ramkanai said that even if space travel was not directly useful to them, it was still a great human achievement.
(v) What is the prospect of a rocket landing in the village? Why? What was Bonku Babu’s view on this?
Ans. he men joked that there was no chance of a rocket landing in their village. Chandi Babu said that it would only be meaningful if a rocket was made in their country, took off from Kolkata, and they could buy tickets to watch it.
Bonku Babu, however, believed it was possible for creatures from other planets to come anywhere, even to their village. He thought it should not be seen as impossible.
Extract-4
“Consider his looks, not to mention his brains… yes, Bunkum would be the ideal specimen!”
“Right. Suitable for keeping in a museum. Or a zoo,” Ramkanat chipped in.
Bonku Babu did not reply, but wondered silently: if anyone were to actually look for a specimen, weren’t the others just as suitable? Look at Sripati Babu. His chin was so much like a camel’s. And that Bhairav Chakravarty his eyes were like tortoise. Nidhu Babau looks like a rat, Ramkhanai is like a goat and Chandi Babu is like a flittermouse. If a zoo really had to be filled up…!
Tears sprang to his eyes.
(i) Why did he call Bonk Babu an ‘ideal specimen’ and for whom?
Ans. They called Bonku Babu an “ideal specimen” to make fun of him. They were talking about aliens coming to Earth, and they joked that if aliens wanted to take a human as a sample, Bonku Babu would be the best choice because of his simple looks and quiet nature.
(ii) Why did he call him as “Bunkum”? what does it say about his perception of Bonku Babu?
Ans. They called him “Bunkum” to mock him and insult his intelligence. The name shows that they saw Bonku Babu as someone foolish, weak, and not worthy of respect.
(iii) Name three of his associates whom Bonku Babu says could be other specimens. what reasons does he gave for his choice?
Ans. Three of his associates were:
- Nidhu Babu – because he looked like a rat.
(He also thought Ramkanai looked like a goat and Chandi Babu like a flittermouse.) - Sripati Babu – because his chin looked like a camel’s.
- Bhairav Chakravarty – because his eyes looked like a tortoise’s.
(iv) Why didn’t Bonku Babu wonder silently about his associates what would have happened if he had spoken?
Ans. Bonku Babu only wondered silently because he was too meek to insult them openly. If he had spoken, they would have laughed even more, insulted him further, and maybe even stopped inviting him just to humiliate him.
(v) How did Bonku Babu reply to each of his associates mentioned in the extract and the end of the story?
Ans. At the end of the story, Bonku Babu changed completely. He firmly replied to each of them:
- To Bhairav Chakravarty, he gave a hard slap on his back as he left.
- To Chandi Babu, he told him to return his umbrella and shoes.
- To Nidhu Babu, he said if Nidhu called him Bunkum, he would call Nidhu “Nitwit.”
- To Sripati Babu, he said that from now on, Sripati could count him out of the group.
Extract-5
Puzzled, Bonku Babu walked another 20 yards and then he suddenly saw the light. At first, he thought that a fire had broken out. Bang in the middle of Poncha Ghosh’s the bamboo groove, in the clearing near a small pond, quite a large area was glowing pink. A dull light on every branch and every leaf. Down below the ground behind the pond was lit by much stronger, pink light.
(i) From where Bonku Babu was coming? Was he in a hurry that day?
Ans. Bonku Babu was coming back home after attending the evening meeting at Sripati Majumdar’s house. He was not in a hurry; he was taking his usual shortcut through Poncha Ghosh’s bamboo grove.
(ii) Describe what Bonku Babu saw in front of him?
Ans. He saw a large area in the middle of the bamboo grove glowing with a pink light. The glow spread over every branch and leaf, and the ground behind the pond was lit with an even stronger pink light.
(iii) What made Bonku Babu think that fire had broken out in the area? How did he react?
Ans. The sudden bright glow made Bonku Babu think a fire had broken out. He was puzzled and stopped to look carefully, trying to understand what was happening
(iv) Briefly describe the object that Bonku Babu saw?
Ans. The object looked like a giant glass bowl turned upside down, covering the pond. A soft pink light shone through it, making the whole place look bright and strange.
(v) Imagine yourself to be in Bonku Babu’s place. What would you have done? Why?
Ans. If I were in Bonku Babu’s place, I would also be surprised and curious. I would try to go closer carefully to see what it was, because such a sight is very unusual and exciting. However, I would also be scared because it could be dangerous or unknown.
Extract-6
“I am Ang, from the planet Craneus. A far superior being than man”. What! This creature, barely four feet tall, with such thin limbs and a weird face. Was superior to man? Bonku Babu nearly burst out laughing. Ang read his mind immediately. “There’s no need to be so sceptical. I can prove it. How many languages do you know?”
(i) Who was Ang? and describe his appearance according to the extract.
Ans. Ang was an alien from the planet Craneus. He was very small, only about four feet tall. His head was round and smooth like a ball. His arms and legs were very thin, and his whole body, except his head, was covered with a shiny pink outfit.
(ii) Why does he say he is superior to human beings?
Ans. Ang claimed to be superior to humans due to his advanced age of 833 years, fluency in over 14,000 languages, and his experiences on various planets. He also mentioned that his species had stopped eating meat centuries ago, showing a form of moral or intellectual superiority.
(iii) what does Ang say about his knowledge of language?
Ans. Ang said that he knew 14,000 languages, including every language in the solar system, as well as 31 languages spoken on planets outside it. He had also visited 25 planets.
(iv) How does Bonku Babu react when Ang greeted him?
Ans. When Ang greeted him, Bonku Babu felt nervous but replied politely. He was amazed and confused but did not run away.
(v) Compare Ang and Bonku Babu.
Ans. Ang and Bonku Babu are very different.
Bonku Babu is meek, quiet, and ordinary. He knows only a few languages and has never travelled anywhere far. However, both are polite and gentle in nature.
Ang is powerful, intelligent, and confident. He can travel across planets and knows thousands of languages.
Extract-7
Bonku Babu peered through the glass and felt all his hair rise. Could this be true? Could he really believe eyes? Before him stretched and endless expanses of snow dotted with large Hill locks also covered with ice and snow. Above him, against a deep blue sky, all the colours of a rainbow were forming different patterns, changing every second. The Aurora Borealis what was that? An igloo. There was a group of polar bears wait, there was another animal, a strong, peculiar creature…
(i) What did Bonku Babu think he wanted to see?
Ans. Bonku Babu thought he would like to see the North Pole the most. He wanted to see snow and ice because he came from a warm country and had never experienced such places.
(ii) what was ‘the glass’ who gave it to Bonku Babu? Why?
Ans. The “glass” was a tube-like instrument with a piece of glass at one end. Ang gave it to him so that he could see the places he had always wished to visit, like the North Pole and Brazil, without actually travelling there.
(iii) which was the strange peculiar creature?
Ans. The strange and peculiar creature was a walrus. Bonku Babu saw two walruses fighting, their large tusks bared and blood spilling on the snow.
(iv) when Ang mentioned Brazil what was the first thought that come to Bonku Babu? What does it show about Banku Babu’s character?
Ans. When Ang mentioned Brazil, Bonku Babu immediately thought of the deadly piranha fish that eat flesh. This shows that he had good knowledge of geography and liked sharing facts about the world.
(v) After watching through the tube for sometime, why could not Bonku Babu beer to watch anymore? what did and ask after Bonku Babu was it through the instrument?
Ans. Bonku Babu could not bear to watch anymore because he saw the deadly piranhas eating the flesh of a crocodile, leaving only its bones.
After showing this, Ang asked Bonku Babu if he now believed that beings like Ang were far superior to humans.
Extract-8
Look, I have been observing you and I have examined your arms and legs you belong to a much inferior species. There is no doubt about that. However, as human beings go you are not too bad. I mean you are a good man but you have a major fault you a must to make and build. That is why you have have made so little progress in life. You must always speak up against injustice and protest. If anyone hurts or insult you without any provocation to take things quietly is wrong. Not just for Ma’am but for any creature anywhere anyway it was nice to have meet you all though. I wasn’t really supposed to be here at this time. There’s no point investing more time on your earth. I had better go.”
(i) According to Ang what was Bonku Babu measure fault? Why did Ang says that manga Bonku Babu made little progress in life?
Ans. According to Ang, Bonku Babu’s major fault was that he was too meek and mild. He never protested when someone insulted or hurt him. Ang said Bonku Babu had made little progress in life because he always stayed quiet and never stood up for himself.
(ii) What did Ang advise Bonku Babu to do if anyone hurt him without any provocation?
Ans. Ang advised Bonku Babu that if anyone insulted or hurt him without any reason, he must speak up and protest. Staying quiet in such situations was wrong for any creature.
(iii) Why did Ang leave the planet in a hurry?
Ans. Ang left the planet quickly because he had landed on Earth by mistake. He was supposed to go to Pluto but came to Earth due to a problem in his instruments.
(iv) State whether Ang really existed or was a literary device to show one’s selfconfidence.
Ans. In the story, Ang really exists as a character, but he also works as a literary device. He helps to bring a change in Bonku Babu’s character by making him realise his own worth and giving him confidence.
(v) How did Bonku Babu take Ang’s advise what was its result?
Ans. Bonku Babu took Ang’s advice seriously. The next day, at the meeting, he spoke boldly for the first time, answered back to those who insulted him, and decided not to attend their meetings again.
This showed that he had gained courage and self-respect.
