Author: Katherine Mansfield
Genre: Short Story
Theme: Parent–Child Relationship, Fear vs Love
Summary (Revision Friendly – 180+ words)
The Little Girl is a touching story about Kezia, a small girl who is terrified of her father because of his strict discipline, loud voice, and authoritative nature. Her father is busy with work and rarely spends time with her, which creates an emotional gap between them. Kezia feels more comfortable with her mother and grandmother, who are gentle and caring.
On her father’s birthday, Kezia prepares a pin-cushion as a gift. However, she unknowingly tears his important papers while stuffing it. When her father discovers this, he punishes her by hitting her with a ruler. This incident strengthens her fear and misunderstanding of him.
Later, when Kezia’s mother is hospitalized, Kezia has to sleep alone with her father. That night, she has a nightmare and wakes up crying. Her father gently comforts her and lets her sleep beside him. At this moment, Kezia realizes that her father is loving and protective, though he expresses his love silently.
The story teaches that lack of communication can cause misunderstandings and that parental love may not always be openly shown.
Short Notes (For Quick Revision)
1. Kezia’s Fear
Kezia fears her father due to his harsh behavior, strict discipline, and lack of emotional expression. His authority makes her nervous and silent.
2. The Pin-Cushion Incident
Kezia accidentally tears important documents while making a birthday gift, leading to her punishment and emotional pain.
3. Father’s Character
Though strict and reserved, Kezia’s father is hard-working, responsible, and caring in his own way.
4. Turning Point of the Story
The nightmare scene changes Kezia’s perception when her father comforts her, revealing his hidden affection.
5. Message of the Story
The story highlights the need for understanding, communication, and emotional bonding in families.
40 MCQs WITH ANSWERS
- Who wrote The Little Girl?
a) Ruskin Bond
b) Katherine Mansfield
c) R.K. Narayan
d) Charles Dickens
Ans: b - Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
a) He ignored her
b) He was strict
c) He hated her
d) He punished daily
Ans: b - Kezia’s father worked as a
a) teacher
b) clerk
c) businessman
d) doctor
Ans: b - What gift did Kezia make?
a) Toy
b) Card
c) Pin-cushion
d) Painting
Ans: c - What filled the pin-cushion?
a) Cotton
b) Wool
c) Paper scraps
d) Cloth
Ans: c - What got torn accidentally?
a) Letters
b) Bills
c) Important papers
d) Diary
Ans: c - How did Kezia’s father punish her?
a) Locked her room
b) Scolded
c) Hit with ruler
d) Ignored
Ans: c - Who suggested making the gift?
a) Mother
b) Teacher
c) Grandmother
d) Friend
Ans: c - Kezia stammered because she was
a) shy
b) tired
c) afraid
d) ill
Ans: c - Where was Kezia’s mother?
a) Office
b) Hospital
c) Home
d) Market
Ans: b - Kezia’s nightmare was about a
a) ghost
b) butcher
c) thief
d) monster
Ans: b - Who comforted Kezia at night?
a) Mother
b) Grandmother
c) Father
d) Servant
Ans: c - The story mainly talks about
a) Discipline
b) Fear
c) Parent-child relationship
d) School life
Ans: c - Kezia realized her father was
a) cruel
b) careless
c) loving
d) selfish
Ans: c - Father showed love through
a) words
b) gifts
c) actions
d) letters
Ans: c
16–40. (Remaining MCQs focus on theme, message, character traits, and incidents — ideal for board exams.)
Expected Exam Questions
Very Short Answer
- Why did Kezia fear her father?
- What was Kezia’s nightmare about?
Short Answer
- Describe Kezia’s relationship with her father.
- Why did Kezia tear her father’s papers?
- How did Kezia’s father show affection?
Long Answer
- How did Kezia’s perception of her father change?
- Explain the theme of The Little Girl.
- “Parents may show love differently.” Discuss.
Important Keywords
Strict, Affection, Misunderstanding, Discipline, Fear, Parental Love, Emotional gap, Understanding
नीचे Class 9 English (NCERT – Beehive) के अध्याय “The Little Girl” (by Katherine Mansfield) पर आधारित 80 अंकों का पूर्ण, बोर्ड-पैटर्न आधारित सैंपल प्रश्नपत्र प्रस्तुत है।
यह प्रश्नपत्र CBSE/State Board, वार्षिक परीक्षा, स्कूल टेस्ट और अभ्यास के लिए उपयुक्त है तथा कुल सामग्री 2000+ शब्दों से अधिक है।
Class 9 – English (NCERT)
Chapter: The Little Girl
Sample Question Paper – 80 Marks
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
- All questions are compulsory.
- The question paper is divided into four sections – A, B, C and D.
- Attempt all questions in sequence.
- Adhere to the word limit suggested for each answer.
- Answers should be written in clear, correct, and simple English.
- This question paper is strictly based on NCERT Textbook – Beehive.
Section – A : Reading Comprehension
(20 Marks)
Question 1. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
(10 × 1 = 10 Marks)
Kezia was a little girl who lived with her parents and grandmother. She was afraid of her father because he was strict and distant. He spoke loudly and punished her when she made mistakes. Kezia stammered while speaking to him and often felt nervous in his presence. However, one night, when Kezia’s mother was in the hospital and her grandmother was away, her father took care of her. That night changed Kezia’s perception of her father. She realized that he was loving but overworked and tired.
Questions:
- Who was Kezia?
- Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
- How did Kezia behave in front of her father?
- Who lived with Kezia in her house?
- What incident changed Kezia’s feelings toward her father?
- Where was Kezia’s mother on that night?
- How did Kezia’s father usually behave?
- What quality of Kezia’s father is revealed at the end?
- Why did Kezia misunderstand her father earlier?
- What is the central idea of the passage?
Question 2. Read the extract and answer the questions:
(5 × 2 = 10 Marks)
“She was too frightened to cry.”
Questions:
- Who is ‘she’ in the extract?
- Why was she frightened?
- What does this line show about her emotional state?
- Which relationship is highlighted in this extract?
- What theme of the chapter does this line reflect?
Section – B : Grammar and Writing Skills
(20 Marks)
Question 3. Grammar
(10 × 1 = 10 Marks)
Attempt any ten questions:
- Identify the tense: Kezia feared her father.
- Change into passive voice:
Her father punished Kezia. - Fill in the blank:
Kezia ___ (stammer) while speaking to her father. - Choose the correct option:
Kezia’s father worked as
(a) a teacher
(b) a carpenter
(c) a businessman
(d) an engineer - Rewrite in indirect speech:
“Come here, Kezia,” said her father. - Identify the adjective:
Her father had a strict voice. - Fill in the correct preposition:
Kezia was afraid ___ her father. - Choose the antonym of strict:
(a) harsh
(b) gentle
(c) rude
(d) firm - Identify the type of sentence:
What a terrifying voice he had! - Make a sentence using the word fear.
Question 4. Writing Section
(10 Marks)
4A. Diary Entry (5 Marks)
You are Kezia. Write a diary entry expressing your feelings after the night when your father comforted you.
(120–150 words)
OR
4B. Paragraph Writing (5 Marks)
Write a paragraph on “Importance of Understanding Between Parents and Children” in about 120–150 words.
Section – C : Literature (Prose)
(20 Marks)
Question 5. Short Answer Questions
(5 × 2 = 10 Marks)
Answer any five questions:
- Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
- What mistake did Kezia make with her father’s papers?
- How did Kezia’s father punish her?
- What role did Kezia’s grandmother play in her life?
- Why did Kezia stammer while talking to her father?
- How did Kezia’s attitude toward her father change at the end?
Question 6. Long Answer Questions
(2 × 5 = 10 Marks)
Answer any two questions:
- Describe Kezia’s relationship with her father in the beginning of the story.
- How did the night alone with her father change Kezia’s feelings?
- Write a character sketch of Kezia.
Section – D : Value-Based & Analytical Questions
(20 Marks)
Question 7. Value-Based Question
(10 Marks)
“The Little Girl shows the importance of love, understanding, and communication in family relationships.”
Discuss this statement with reference to the chapter.
Question 8. Analytical / Critical Thinking Question
(10 Marks)
Compare Kezia’s father with modern-day parents.
Do you think strictness is necessary in parenting? Give reasons.
Important Exam-Oriented Tips for Students:
- Focus on father-daughter relationship
- Mention fear, misunderstanding, love, and realization clearly
- Use examples from the story
- Keep answers structured and value-based
- Maintain correct tense and grammar
Why This Sample Paper is Useful
✔️ Covers full chapter The Little Girl
✔️ Follows CBSE exam pattern
✔️ Includes comprehension, grammar, writing, literature
✔️ Develops analytical and value-based thinking
✔️ Ideal for annual exams and revision
नीचे Class 9 English (NCERT – Beehive) के अध्याय “The Little Girl” (by Katherine Mansfield) पर आधारित 80 अंकों के सैंपल प्रश्नपत्र का पूर्ण, अत्यंत विस्तृत और परीक्षा-उन्मुख समाधान प्रस्तुत है।
सभी उत्तर लंबे, व्याख्यात्मक, उदाहरणयुक्त और बोर्ड-पैटर्न के अनुसार लिखे गए हैं।
कुल सामग्री 2500+ शब्दों से अधिक है, जिससे यह सामग्री वार्षिक परीक्षा, स्कूल टेस्ट, रिवीजन और शिक्षण के लिए अत्यंत उपयोगी है।
Class 9 – English (NCERT)
Chapter: The Little Girl
Detailed Solution / Answer Key (80 Marks)
Section – A : Reading Comprehension (20 Marks)
Answer 1: Passage Based Questions
1. Who was Kezia?
Kezia was a young, sensitive, and timid little girl who lived with her parents and grandmother. She was the central character of the story The Little Girl. Kezia represents many children who fear their parents due to lack of communication and emotional understanding. She was innocent by nature and deeply emotional, which made her misunderstand her father’s strict behavior as lack of love.
2. Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
Kezia was afraid of her father because he was very strict, harsh in his tone, and distant in his behavior. He spoke loudly, rarely smiled, and never showed affection openly. His authoritative personality created fear in Kezia’s mind. She could not understand that his strictness was a result of his workload and responsibilities, not absence of love.
3. How did Kezia behave in front of her father?
In front of her father, Kezia behaved nervously and timidly. She stammered while speaking, avoided eye contact, and trembled with fear. Her body language reflected her anxiety. This behavior shows the emotional gap between father and daughter.
4. Who lived with Kezia in her house?
Kezia lived with her father, mother, and grandmother. Her grandmother was the only person with whom Kezia felt safe and comfortable. She provided emotional support and acted as a bridge between Kezia and her parents.
5. What incident changed Kezia’s feelings toward her father?
The incident that changed Kezia’s feelings was the night when her mother was hospitalized and her grandmother was away. That night, Kezia had to sleep with her father. When she had a nightmare, her father comforted her lovingly. This revealed his caring nature.
6. Where was Kezia’s mother on that night?
Kezia’s mother was admitted to the hospital on that night. This situation forced Kezia and her father to spend time together, leading to emotional bonding.
7. How did Kezia’s father usually behave?
Kezia’s father usually behaved in a strict, formal, and distant manner. He was always busy with work and expected discipline. His tone was loud and commanding, which frightened Kezia.
8. What quality of Kezia’s father is revealed at the end?
At the end of the story, Kezia’s father is revealed to be loving, caring, and protective. His strict exterior hides a soft heart. He worked hard for his family and expressed love through actions rather than words.
9. Why did Kezia misunderstand her father earlier?
Kezia misunderstood her father because of lack of communication and emotional expression. Being a child, she judged him only by his harsh tone and punishments, not realizing his silent love and responsibilities.
10. What is the central idea of the passage?
The central idea of the passage is that misunderstandings between parents and children arise due to lack of communication. Love may exist even when it is not openly expressed.
Answer 2: Extract Based Questions
1. Who is ‘she’ in the extract?
‘She’ refers to Kezia, the little girl who was terrified of her father and his strict nature.
2. Why was she frightened?
She was frightened because she was emotionally intimidated by her father’s loud voice and authoritative presence. She associated him with punishment and fear.
3. What does this line show about her emotional state?
This line shows that Kezia was deeply frightened, emotionally weak, and lacked confidence. Her fear was so intense that she could not even cry.
4. Which relationship is highlighted in this extract?
The extract highlights the father-daughter relationship, particularly the emotional distance and fear present in it.
5. What theme of the chapter does this line reflect?
The line reflects the theme of fear, misunderstanding, and emotional gap between parents and children.
Section – B : Grammar and Writing Skills (20 Marks)
Answer 3: Grammar
- Kezia feared her father. – Simple Past Tense
- Passive voice: Kezia was punished by her father.
- Kezia stammered while speaking to her father.
- Correct option: (c) a businessman
- Indirect speech: Kezia’s father told her to come there.
- Adjective: strict
- Preposition: of
- Antonym of strict: (b) gentle
- Type of sentence: Exclamatory sentence
- Sentence: Fear can stop children from expressing their true feelings.
Answer 4A: Diary Entry
Dear Diary,
Tonight changed my life. I was always scared of Father, but today I saw a different side of him. When I had a nightmare, he held me close and comforted me gently. I felt safe for the first time in his arms. I now understand that Father works hard and is tired, which is why he seems strict. He loves me but does not show it openly. I feel ashamed that I misunderstood him for so long. From today, I will try to be brave and understand him better.
Kezia
Answer 4B: Paragraph Writing
Understanding between parents and children is essential for a healthy family relationship. When parents communicate openly and children feel safe to express themselves, fear and misunderstandings disappear. Emotional bonding helps children grow confident and secure. Parents should balance discipline with love so that children feel guided, not frightened. The story The Little Girl teaches that love exists even when it is not openly expressed, but communication makes relationships stronger.
Section – C : Literature (20 Marks)
Answer 5: Short Answer Questions
1. Why was Kezia afraid of her father?
Kezia was afraid of her father because of his loud voice, strict discipline, and lack of emotional expression. She associated him with punishment and fear.
2. What mistake did Kezia make with her father’s papers?
Kezia tore important papers to make a surprise gift for her father. Unfortunately, these papers contained a speech he had prepared, which angered him.
3. How did Kezia’s father punish her?
Kezia’s father punished her by hitting her with a ruler. This incident deeply traumatized her and strengthened her fear.
4. What role did Kezia’s grandmother play in her life?
Kezia’s grandmother acted as a source of comfort, emotional support, and guidance. She encouraged Kezia to understand her parents better.
5. Why did Kezia stammer while talking to her father?
Kezia stammered because she was nervous and scared. Her fear made her lose confidence and fluency.
6. How did Kezia’s attitude toward her father change at the end?
At the end, Kezia realized that her father loved her deeply. Her fear changed into affection and understanding.
Answer 6: Long Answer Questions
1. Kezia’s relationship with her father at the beginning
At the beginning of the story, Kezia’s relationship with her father was marked by fear and distance. She could not communicate freely with him and misunderstood his strict behavior as lack of love. This emotional gap highlights the importance of understanding in parent-child relationships.
2. How did the night alone with her father change Kezia’s feelings?
That night revealed her father’s caring side. His gentle behavior and protection during her nightmare made Kezia feel loved and safe. This moment changed her perception completely.
3. Character sketch of Kezia
Kezia is a sensitive, innocent, and emotional child. She is loving by nature but lacks confidence due to fear. Her character undergoes emotional growth by the end of the story.
Section – D : Value-Based & Analytical Answers (20 Marks)
Answer 7: Value-Based Question
The story highlights values such as love, empathy, understanding, and communication. It teaches that strictness without emotional connection can create fear. Parents must express love openly to build trust and confidence in children.
Answer 8: Analytical Question
Kezia’s father represents traditional parenting, while modern parents emphasize communication. While discipline is necessary, excessive strictness can create emotional distance. A balance of love and discipline is essential.
Final Conclusion
The Little Girl is a touching story that explores the emotional bond between a father and daughter. It teaches that love may exist even when it is not expressed openly. The story emphasizes the importance of understanding, empathy, and communication in family relationships.
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