Bonku Babu’s Friend Question Answers with Extract based questions: Get exam-ready with key question answers for Bonku Babu’s Friend from the ICSE Class 9 English Treasure Chest Book. This comprehensive set includes extract-based questions aligned with the latest ICSE exam pattern. Perfect for boosting your preparation and scoring high. Clear, effective solutions make revision easy and impactful.
Extract based Practice Questions based on the story ‘Bonku Babu’s Friend’ from Class 9 ICSE Book Treasure Chest
Extract Based ICSE ‘Specimen’ Question:
Read the following extract from Satyajit Ray’s short story, Bonku Babu’s Friend, and answer the questions that follow:
‘All at once, his ears began ringing. He felt as if someone was humming loudly — a long, steady noise —- there was no way he could stop it’.
(i) Where was Bonku Babu at this point in the story?
An object came into view as he moved forward. Describe what he saw. [3]
(ii) A weird creature soon began talking to Bonku Babu. What did he say to Bonku about having made a mistake? [3]
(iii) In what way did the creature prove that he was superior to humans? [3]
(iv) How did Bonku Babu’s dreams of visiting foreign lands come true? Describe any one such land that he ‘saw’. [3]
(v) How did the creature’s advice affect Bonku Babu?
Comment on his transformation at the end of the story. What do you like about the way the story ends? [4]
Answers:
(i) Where was Bonku Babu at this point in the story?
An object came into view as he moved forward. Describe what he saw.
Ans. He was in Poncha Ghosh’s bamboo grove, walking home from Sripati Babu’s meeting.
He saw a big pink glow in the clearing near the pond. In that glow stood an object like a giant glass bowl turned upside‑down, rising and falling as if it was breathing.
(1 mark place; 2 marks description. Any two correct details earn description marks.)
(ii) In what way did the creature prove that he was superior to humans?
Ans. The creature (Ang) said his instruments were not working. He was supposed to go to Pluto but landed on Earth by mistake. He added that once before he had gone to Jupiter instead of Mars.
(Give full marks for Pluto mistake + instrument trouble; award extra/alt mark for the Jupiter/Mars mix‑up.)
(iii) In what way did the creature prove that he was superior to humans?
Ans. Any two or three of the following earn marks:
- He knew 14,000 languages (all in our solar system + more outside).
- He had visited 25 planets.
- He had a device/pebble that could freeze an enemy without harm.
- He could show distant places instantly through his viewing tube.
(iv) How did Bonku Babu’s dreams of visiting foreign lands come true? Describe any one such land that he ‘saw’.
Ans. Ang used a special tube to show him faraway places he had only taught about.
Example – North Pole: endless snow and ice, Aurora Borealis in the sky, igloos, polar bears, walruses fighting.
OR Example – Brazil: dark rainforest, huge anaconda, crocodile attacked by piranha fish.
(1 mark idea—tube let him “travel”; 2 marks description of ONE place. Extra details = bonus.)
(v) How did the creature’s advice affect Bonku Babu?
Comment on his transformation at the end of the story. What do you like about the way the story ends?
Ans. Ang told him he was too meek and must speak up against insults and injustice.
This gave Bonku Babu new courage. Next day he laughed, scolded everyone, demanded his things back, and refused to be their joke anymore.
What I like: The bullied teacher finds his voice; it is funny and satisfying; it teaches self‑respect and confidence.
Extract Based Practice Questions
Read the following extract from Satyajit Ray’s short story, Bonku Babu’s Friend, and answer the questions that follow:
Extract 1
“Through that door emerged a head—like a plain, smooth ball—and then the body of a weird creature. Its arms and legs were amazingly thin.”
(i) Who was this creature and where had it come from?
(ii) How did the creature look? Describe any two features.
(iii) What was the first thing the creature asked Bonku Babu?
(iv) How did Bonku Babu feel when he first saw this creature?
(v) Do you think Bonku Babu was brave in talking to the creature? Give reasons for your answer.
Answers:
(i) Who was this creature and where had it come from?
Ans. It was Ang, an alien.
He came from the planet Craneus and landed in Poncha Ghosh’s bamboo grove on Earth.
(ii) How did the creature look? Describe any two features.
Ans. Ang had a smooth, round head with no hair.
His arms and legs were very thin.
(Students may also add: shiny pink suit; holes instead of ears and nose; bright yellow eyes.)
(iii) What was the first thing the creature asked Bonku Babu?
Ans. After coming out and looking at him, Ang asked: “Are you human?”
(Teachers may accept “Who are you?” if students refer to the earlier voice from inside the spaceship.)
(iv) How did Bonku Babu feel when he first saw this creature?
Ans. He was shocked and amazed.
He felt a little scared, but he did not run away.
He stood politely with folded hands and answered.
(v) Do you think Bonku Babu was brave in talking to the creature? Give reasons.
Ans. Yes. He stayed even though he was afraid.
He talked politely, answered questions, and even looked through Ang’s tube to see other places.
He showed curiosity and courage, not fear.
Extract 2
“Bonku Babu peered through the glass, and felt all his hair rise. Could this be true? Before him stretched an endless expanse of snow, dotted with large mounds, 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.”
(i) What was this glass tube? Who gave it to Bonku Babu? Describe what Bonku Babu saw through it.
(ii) What did Ang tell Bonku Babu about his travels and knowledge?
(iii) How did Bonku Babu react when he saw the strange sights like the North Pole or Brazil?
(iv) Why do you think Ang showed Bonku Babu these amazing places? What does this tell us about Ang’s nature?
(v) Do you think this experience changed Bonku Babu’s thinking? What lesson can we learn from Ang’s advice to Bonku Babu?
Answers:
(i) What was this glass tube? Who gave it to Bonku Babu? Describe what Bonku Babu saw through it.
Ans. The glass tube was a special device that showed pictures of faraway places.
It was given to Bonku Babu by Ang, the alien from Craneus.
When Bonku Babu looked through it, he saw the North Pole covered with snow and ice, colourful lights in the sky (Aurora Borealis), igloos, and polar animals like bears and walruses.
(ii) What did Ang tell Bonku Babu about his travels and knowledge?
Ans. Ang said that he had visited 25 planets. He also knew 14,000 languages, including many from outside our solar system. He told Bonku Babu that he was a much superior being compared to humans.
(iii) How did Bonku Babu react when he saw the strange sights like the North Pole or Brazil?
Ans. Bonku Babu was amazed and excited. He had always wanted to see the world, and now he was seeing it in a magical way. He was thrilled but also felt frightened when he saw dangerous things, like the piranha fish eating a crocodile.
(iv) Why do you think Ang showed Bonku Babu these amazing places? What does this tell us about Ang’s nature?
Ans. Ang wanted to prove that he was superior and had advanced knowledge. He also wanted to make Bonku Babu happy, since he had never travelled anywhere.
This shows that Ang was not just powerful but also kind, friendly, and helpful.
(v) Do you think this experience changed Bonku Babu’s thinking? What lesson can we learn from Ang’s advice to Bonku Babu?
Ans. Yes, the experience changed Bonku Babu’s life. Ang told him not to be meek and silent but to speak up against insults and wrongs. At the end, Bonku Babu became confident and bold, and he even scolded his friends who used to tease him.
Lesson for us: We should not let others make fun of us. We should have self-respect and courage.
Extract 3
“Friends! I have great pleasure in telling you that this is the last time you will see me at your meeting. The only reason I am here today is simply that I would like to tell you a few things before I go…”
(i) Where was Bonku Babu at this moment, and why had he come there? What had he experienced the previous night that gave him courage?
(ii) What did Bonku Babu tell Chandi Babu and Nidhu Babu?
(iii) How did Bonku Babu talk to Sripati Babu? What does it show about his mood?
(iv) Why did everyone become silent and surprised when Bonku Babu spoke? What does this reveal about his character change?
(v) Do you think Bonku Babu’s boldness was the best part of the story? What message does the ending give to us about self-respect and confidence?
Answers:
(i) Where was Bonku Babu at this moment, and why had he come there? What had he experienced the previous night that gave him courage?
Ans. Bonku Babu was at Sripati Babu’s house, where the villagers met in the evening.
He came there to speak his mind for the first time and to tell them he would not attend such meetings anymore.
The previous night, he had met Ang, the alien, who gave him advice to stand up for himself and not remain silent when insulted. This gave him new courage.
(ii) What did Bonku Babu tell Chandi Babu and Nidhu Babu?
Ans. Bonku Babu scolded Chandi Babu for hiding shoes and umbrellas, calling it childish and wrong.
He also told Nidhu Babu that if Nidhu called him “Bunkum,” he would call him “Nitwit,” and Nidhu must accept that.
(iii) How did Bonku Babu talk to Sripati Babu? What does it show about his mood?
Ans. He told Sripati Babu that he would no longer be part of his group of hangers-on.
He even joked that Sripati could keep his cat instead, as it was good at licking feet.
This shows that Bonku Babu was confident, bold, and no longer afraid.
(iv) Why did everyone become silent and surprised when Bonku Babu spoke? What does this reveal about his character change?
Ans. Everyone was shocked because Bonku Babu had never spoken loudly or protested before.
This shows that he had changed from a meek, quiet man to someone strong and self-respecting.
(v) Do you think Bonku Babu’s boldness was the best part of the story? What message does the ending give to us about self-respect and confidence?
Ans. Yes, Bonku Babu’s boldness at the end is the most satisfying part of the story.
It shows that anyone can change if they believe in themselves.
The ending tells us to stand up for our dignity, not allow others to make fun of us, and have confidence in our own worth.
Extract 4.
“Some drew his picture on the blackboard; others put glue on his chair; or, on the night of Kali Puja, they lit a ‘chasing-rocket’ and set it off to chase him.”
(i) Who is being teased here? Why was he unable to get angry with the students? What did he sometimes say to them?
(ii) What was Bonku Babu’s job? How did he enjoy teaching some of his students?
(iii) How did the villagers at Sripati Babu’s meetings make fun of Bonku Babu?
(iv) Why did Bonku Babu keep going to these meetings even though he was insulted?
(v) Do you think Bonku Babu was too timid in the beginning? What can we learn from his change later in the story?
Answers:
(i) Who is being teased here? Why was he unable to get angry with the students? What did he sometimes say to them?
Ans. It was Bonku Babu who was teased.
He could not get angry because he was afraid of losing his job and finding another job was hard at his age.
Sometimes he only said, “Shame on you, boys!”
(ii) What was Bonku Babu’s job? How did he enjoy teaching some of his students?
Ans. Bonku Babu was a teacher of geography and Bengali at Kankurgachhi Primary School.
He liked teaching a few good and attentive boys.
He invited them home, gave them snacks, and told them exciting stories of foreign lands and adventures.
(iii) How did the villagers at Sripati Babu’s meetings make fun of Bonku Babu?
Ans. They called him names like “Bunkum”.
They played pranks, such as hiding his umbrella or shoes, or forcing him to sing.
Once they even frightened him by pretending to be a ghost.
(iv) Why did Bonku Babu keep going to these meetings even though he was insulted?
Ans. He kept going because Sripati Babu was an important man in the village. He also thought Sripati Babu might feel offended if he stopped coming.
Another reason was that Sripati wanted Bonku Babu there as the butt of jokes for everyone’s amusement.
(v) Do you think Bonku Babu was too timid in the beginning? What can we learn from his change later in the story?
Ans. Yes, Bonku Babu was too timid and never spoke for himself. Later, he became confident and bold after meeting Ang.
The story teaches us that we should speak up when someone insults us and respect ourselves.
Extract 5
“Puzzled, Bonku Babu walked another twenty yards, and then saw the light. At first, he thought a fire had broken out. Bang in the middle of the bamboo grove, in the clearing near a small pond, quite a large area was glowing pink.”
(i) Where was Bonku Babu going at this time and why did he take this path? What unusual thing did he notice in the bamboo grove?
(ii) What did Bonku Babu see in the clearing near the pond?
(iii) How did Bonku Babu feel when his ears began ringing and he could not move?
(iv) What was the “giant glass bowl” and how did it behave?
(v) Do you think Bonku Babu’s curiosity was stronger than his fear? What can we learn about him from this scene?
Answers:
(i) Where was Bonku Babu going at this time and why did he take this path? What unusual thing did he notice in the bamboo grove?
Ans. Bonku Babu was going home after leaving Sripati Babu’s meeting. He took the bamboo grove path because it was a shortcut and he knew the way well.
He noticed something unusual — the crickets were silent and the area ahead was glowing with a pink light.
(ii) What did Bonku Babu see in the clearing near the pond?
Ans. He saw a large pink glow covering the clearing.
In the middle of the glow, there was an object that looked like a giant glass bowl turned upside down on the pond. The light was shining through the bowl, making the whole area bright and strange.
(iii) How did Bonku Babu feel when his ears began ringing and he could not move?
Ans. He felt shocked and scared. It was as if an electric current had passed through his body. He could not move forward or backward, which made him feel helpless.
(iv) What was the “giant glass bowl” and how did it behave?
Ans. The “giant glass bowl” was Ang’s spaceship.
It was glowing with a soft pink light and seemed to be breathing, as if rising and falling like a chest.
It looked alive and mysterious.
(v) Do you think Bonku Babu’s curiosity was stronger than his fear? What can we learn about him from this scene?
Ans. Yes, his curiosity was stronger than his fear. Instead of running away, he went closer to see what it was.
This shows that Bonku Babu, though timid with people, was brave and curious when faced with something 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 weird face, was superior to man? Bonku Babu nearly burst out laughing.”
(i) Who was Ang and how did he meet Bonku Babu? Why did Bonku Babu find it hard to believe that Ang was superior?
(ii) What proof did Ang give to show that he was superior to humans?
(iii) What device did Ang have that made Bonku Babu feel an electric current? What was its purpose?
(iv) How did Bonku Babu react to Ang’s knowledge of languages and travels?
(v) Do you think Ang’s meeting with Bonku Babu was meant to teach him something? [Analysis] What life lesson do you think Ang wanted Bonku Babu to learn?
Answers:
(i) Who was Ang and how did he meet Bonku Babu? Why did Bonku Babu find it hard to believe that Ang was superior?
Ans. Ang was an alien from the planet Craneus. He met Bonku Babu in Poncha Ghosh’s bamboo grove when his spaceship landed there.
Bonku Babu found it hard to believe because Ang was very small, thin, and looked strange.
(ii) What proof did Ang give to show that he was superior to humans?
Ans. Ang said that he knew 14,000 languages and had visited 25 planets. He also showed Bonku Babu amazing places like the North Pole and Brazil using his glass tube. He explained that his species was far ahead of humans in knowledge and power.
(iii) What device did Ang have that made Bonku Babu feel an electric current? What was its purpose?
Ans. Ang had a small object like a pebble. When Bonku Babu touched it, he felt an electric current.
The device could make anyone completely powerless, stopping them from moving.
(iv) How did Bonku Babu react to Ang’s knowledge of languages and travels?
Ans. Bonku Babu was surprised and impressed. He felt small and ordinary compared to Ang’s great knowledge. He even started believing that Ang’s species was truly superior.
(v) Do you think Ang’s meeting with Bonku Babu was meant to teach him something? What life lesson do you think Ang wanted Bonku Babu to learn?
Ans. Yes, Ang wanted to teach Bonku Babu a lesson about courage and self-respect. Ang told him not to be so meek and mild and to stand up against insults or injustice.
The lesson is that we should value ourselves and never let others treat us badly.
Extract 7
“Bonku Babu realized that he was no longer walking. With a spring in every step, he was actually dancing.”
(i) Why was Bonku Babu so happy at this moment? What had just happened that filled him with such joy?
(ii) How did Bonku Babu feel about his meeting with Ang?
(iii) What made Bonku Babu feel ‘unique in the whole wide world’?
(iv) How does this moment show a change in Bonku Babu’s character?
(v) Do you like the way the story ends? What does the ending teach us about self-confidence and courage?
Answers:
(i) Why was Bonku Babu so happy at this moment? What had just happened that filled him with such joy?
Ans. Bonku Babu was happy because he had just met Ang, the alien, and had a wonderful experience.
Ang showed him amazing places like the North Pole and Brazil through his special tube.
This made Bonku Babu feel special and lucky.
(ii) How did Bonku Babu feel about his meeting with Ang?
Ans. He felt that it was an extraordinary and unforgettable event. He was amazed that among so many people on Earth, he alone had met a being from another planet. He felt proud and excited.
(iii) What made Bonku Babu feel ‘unique in the whole wide world’?
Ans. He realized that no one else in the world had experienced what he had. Meeting Ang and learning about other planets made him feel important and unique. It gave him a new sense of self-worth.
(iv) How does this moment show a change in Bonku Babu’s character?
Ans. Earlier, Bonku Babu was meek, shy, and sad because people teased him. Now he felt confident, cheerful, and full of energy. This moment shows the start of his transformation into a bold person.
(v) Do you like the way the story ends? What does the ending teach us about self-confidence and courage?
Ans. Yes, the ending is very inspiring. It teaches us that we should believe in ourselves and not let others make fun of us.
Like Bonku Babu, we should gain confidence and face life bravely.
Extract 8
“Anyway, it was nice to have met you, although I wasn’t really supposed to be here at this time. There’s no point in wasting more time on your Earth. I had better go.’
(i) Who is speaking these words, and to whom? Why was the speaker not supposed to be there?
(ii) What mistake had the speaker made earlier during his journey?
(iii) How did this meeting affect Bonku Babu’s life?
(iv) What qualities of the speaker do you notice from this statement?
(v) Do you think Ang’s visit to Earth was important for Bonku Babu’s personal growth? What lesson do you learn from this part of the story?
Answers:
(i) Who is speaking these words, and to whom? Why was the speaker not supposed to be there?
Ans. The speaker is Ang, the alien, and he is talking to Bonku Babu.
Ang was not supposed to be there because his spaceship was meant to go to Pluto, but it landed on Earth by mistake.
(ii) What mistake had the speaker made earlier during his journey?
Ans. Ang explained that his instruments were not working properly. He had earlier missed his way and gone to Jupiter instead of Mars. Now again, he had accidentally landed on Earth instead of Pluto.
(iii) How did this meeting affect Bonku Babu’s life?
Ans. The meeting gave Bonku Babu new confidence and courage. Ang’s advice taught him to stand up for himself and not allow others to insult him. This changed Bonku Babu’s personality and self-respect.
(iv) What qualities of the speaker do you notice from this statement?
Ans. Ang is honest about his mistake. He is also friendly and polite, as he says it was nice to meet Bonku Babu. He appears to be wise and practical, as he does not waste time unnecessarily.
(v) Do you think Ang’s visit to Earth was important for Bonku Babu’s personal growth? What lesson do you learn from this part of the story?
Ans. Yes, Ang’s visit was very important because it changed Bonku Babu from a timid man into a brave and confident person.
The lesson is that self-respect and courage can change our life, and we should never let others look down on us.
Extract 9
“Bravo! What a thing to say! Where is a creature from another planet going to land? Not Moscow, not London, not New York, not even Calcutta, but here? In Kankurgachhi? You do think big, don’t you?”
(i) Who is speaking these words and to whom? What had Bonku Babu suggested that caused this reaction?
(ii) How did the others at the meeting react to Bonku Babu’s idea about aliens?
(iii) How did Bonku Babu feel after being teased in this way?
(iv) Why do you think the group enjoyed making fun of Bonku Babu?
(v) Do you think it was right for the group to tease Bonku Babu for his imagination? What does this part of the story tell us about respecting others’ thoughts?
Answers:
(i) Who is speaking these words and to whom? What had Bonku Babu suggested that caused this reaction?
Ans. These words are spoken by Bhairav Chakravarty to Bonku Babu.
Bonku Babu had gently suggested, “Suppose someone from a different planet came here?” This made Bhairav and others laugh and tease him.
(ii) How did the others at the meeting react to Bonku Babu’s idea about aliens?
Ans. They mocked him and made fun of his imagination. Chandi Babu and Nidhu Babu joked that aliens might take Bonku Babu as a specimen. Ramkanai also added rude comments, making everyone laugh at Bonku Babu.
(iii) How did Bonku Babu feel after being teased in this way?
Ans. Bonku Babu felt hurt and sad. He had come to the meeting to enjoy himself but instead felt insulted. Tears came to his eyes, and he decided to leave early.
(iv) Why do you think the group enjoyed making fun of Bonku Babu?
Ans. They found him quiet, simple, and easy to tease. Sripati Babu even felt the group needed someone to mock for fun. They laughed at Bonku Babu to entertain themselves, without caring about his feelings.
(v) Do you think it was right for the group to tease Bonku Babu for his imagination? What does this part of the story tell us about respecting others’ thoughts?
Ans. No, it was wrong to tease him. Everyone should be free to share ideas without fear of being mocked.
This part of the story teaches us to respect other people’s thoughts and not hurt them with rude jokes.
Extract 10
“Then it swung into action. Bonku Babu burst into a guffaw, and laughed uproariously for a whole minute, the like of which no one had heard before, not even Bonku Babu himself.”
(i) Where was Bonku Babu at this moment, and why were the others shocked to see him like this?
(ii) What did Bonku Babu tell the group about their behaviour and jokes?
(iii) How did Bonku Babu address Nidhu Babu and Chandi Babu?
(iv) What do Bonku Babu’s words to Sripati Babu reveal about his change of character?
Answers:
(i) Where was Bonku Babu at this moment, and why were the others shocked to see him like this?
Ans. Bonku Babu was at Sripati Babu’s house, where the evening meeting was held. The others were shocked because Bonku Babu laughed loudly and looked confident, something they had never seen before. He had always been quiet and timid, so this new behaviour surprised them.
(ii) What did Bonku Babu tell the group about their behavior and jokes?
Ans. He told them they spoke a lot of nonsense about things they didn’t understand. He also said their pranks and teasing were childish and wrong. He made it clear that he would not join their meetings anymore.
(iii) How did Bonku Babu address Nidhu Babu and Chandi Babu?
Ans. He told Chandi Babu to return his umbrella and brown canvas shoes that he had hidden.
To Nidhu Babu, he said if Nidhu called him “Bunkum,” he would call Nidhu “Nitwit”, and Nidhu must accept it.
(iv) What do Bonku Babu’s words to Sripati Babu reveal about his change of character?
Ans. He boldly told Sripati Babu that he no longer wanted to be part of his group. He even joked that Sripati could keep his cat instead of him.
This shows that Bonku Babu had become fearless, confident, and self-respecting.
(v) Do you think this ending is satisfying? What message do we get from Bonku Babu’s bold speech?
Ans. Yes, the ending is very satisfying and inspiring. It shows how Bonku Babu changed into a brave and confident man after meeting Ang.
The message is that we should stand up for ourselves and not let others treat us badly.
