CBSE Class 9 English (Moments) Important Questions Chapter 1 The Lost Child

1. Where was the child going with his parents?
Answer: The child was going to a fair with his parents to enjoy the festival of spring.

2. What did the child want at the sweetmeat shop?
Answer: The child wanted burfi, his favourite sweet, but he did not ask his parents because he knew they would call him greedy.

3.How did the child react when he realised he had lost his parents?
Answer: The child became panic-stricken, cried loudly, and frantically ran in search of his parents.

4. Why did the child refuse the garland of flowers offered by the stranger?
Answer: The child refused the garland because at that moment, all he wanted was his mother and father, not any material things.

5. What did the child say when the man offered him a ride on the roundabout?
Answer: The child refused the ride and sobbed, "I want my mother, I want my father!"

6. What were the attractions at the fair that fascinated the child?
Answer: The child was fascinated by many attractions at the fair, including toys, a sweetmeat shop with colourful sweets, garlands of flowers, a man selling balloons, a snake charmer, and a roundabout. Each time, the child hesitated to ask his parents for these things because he knew they would refuse.

7. How did the child react to the sweets, flowers, and balloons before he got lost?
Answer: Before getting lost, the child was drawn to the sweets, flowers, and balloons, but he did not press his parents to buy them for him because he knew they would refuse, either saying he was greedy or too old for such things.

8. What happened when the child reached the roundabout?
Answer: When the child reached the roundabout, he boldly asked his parents if he could go on it. However, when he turned around, he realised that his parents were no longer with him, and he became terrified.

9. How did the stranger try to comfort the lost child?
Answer: The stranger tried to comfort the lost child by offering him rides on the roundabout, balloons, sweets, and flowers. However, the child refused all these offers, crying out for his mother and father instead.

10. What lesson can be learned from the story 'The Lost Child'?
Answer: The story teaches the importance of family and parental love. Although the child initially wanted material things like toys, sweets, and rides, once he got lost, he realised that nothing was more important than his parents.

11. Describe the child’s experience in the fair before and after he lost his parents.
Answer: Before the child lost his parents, he was excited and fascinated by the various attractions at the fair, such as the toys, sweets, balloons, and roundabout. He was filled with joy but did not press his parents to buy him things because he knew they would refuse. However, everything changed when he realised his parents were missing. The child became panic-stricken, running frantically in search of his mother and father. His excitement turned to fear and despair, and he could no longer enjoy the fair. When a kind stranger offered him sweets, balloons, and rides, the child refused everything, crying out only for his parents. This shift shows that the child's happiness was ultimately tied to the presence of his parents, not the material attractions of the fair.

12. How does the story 'The Lost Child' highlight the significance of parental love?
Answer: The story 'The Lost Child' highlights the significance of parental love by showing how the child’s desires change after he gets separated from his parents. Initially, the child is attracted to various things like toys, sweets, and rides at the fair, and he constantly pleads with his parents to buy them for him. However, once he realises that he is lost, the child no longer cares about these material things. Instead, he is overwhelmed by fear and sadness, and all he wants is to be reunited with his mother and father. The offers of sweets, balloons, and rides from a stranger cannot comfort him because, at that moment, the child realises that nothing is more important than the love and security provided by his parents.

13. What role does the fair play in the story, and how does it reflect the child’s emotions?
Answer: The fair in the story serves as a backdrop that reflects the child’s changing emotions. In the beginning, the fair represents excitement, joy, and fascination for the child, as he is drawn to the colourful sights, sounds, and smells around him. The fair is full of attractions like toys, sweets, balloons, and rides that spark his curiosity. However, after the child loses his parents, the same fair becomes overwhelming and frightening for him. The once joyful place now feels confusing and chaotic, and the child’s only concern is finding his parents. The fair highlights the child’s initial innocence and happiness, which turns into fear and despair when he realises he is lost.

14. Why did the child refuse all the offers made by the stranger after he got lost?
Answer: The child refused all the offers made by the stranger after he got lost because he was deeply distressed and overwhelmed by the fear of being separated from his parents. Although he had earlier wanted toys, sweets, and a ride on the roundabout, these material things no longer mattered to him once he lost his parents. His emotional state had changed, and his only desire was to find his mother and father. The stranger’s attempts to cheer him up with sweets, balloons, and other attractions were futile because the child’s heart was set on reuniting with his parents, who provided him with a sense of love, safety, and security.

15. How does the story 'The Lost Child' explore the theme of childhood innocence?
Answer: The story 'The Lost Child' explores the theme of childhood innocence through the actions and desires of the young boy. At the beginning of the story, the child is full of curiosity and excitement, attracted to the toys, sweets, and other fun activities at the fair. He is innocent in his desires and unaware of the potential dangers of wandering away from his parents. However, when he gets lost, his innocence is shattered as he experiences fear and panic for the first time. The child’s innocence is further highlighted when he refuses all the material things offered by the stranger, showing that what he truly values is the love and comfort of his parents, which he had taken for granted earlier.

16. Why do you think the child stopped desiring the toys and sweets after he got lost?
Answer: The child stopped desiring the toys and sweets after he got lost because his emotional state shifted from excitement to fear and panic. Once he realised that his parents were no longer with him, his primary concern became finding them. The material things that had interested him earlier no longer held any value because he realised that the love and security provided by his parents were far more important. This change in the child’s priorities shows how emotional needs can override material desires in moments of distress.

17. Do you think the stranger’s efforts to comfort the lost child were effective? Why or why not?
Answer: The stranger’s efforts to comfort the lost child were not effective because the child was too distressed by the loss of his parents to be distracted by material offers like sweets, balloons, or rides. The child’s emotional attachment to his parents was so strong that no amount of gifts or entertainment could comfort him. The stranger’s attempts were kind and well-meaning, but they could not replace the child’s deep desire to be reunited with his parents. This shows that emotional connections are more powerful than material possessions, especially in times of fear and uncertainty.

18. How does the story portray the relationship between the child and his parents?
Answer: The story portrays the relationship between the child and his parents as one of both dependence and affection. Although the child desires many things at the fair, he refrains from pressing his parents for them because he knows they will refuse. This shows a level of respect and understanding. However, once the child gets lost, his dependence on his parents becomes clear, as he is overcome with fear and can think of nothing but finding them. The child’s desperation to be reunited with his parents highlights the deep emotional bond he shares with them, even though it is not openly expressed at the beginning of the story.

19. What message does the author convey through the story 'The Lost Child'?
Answer: The author conveys the message that the love and security provided by family are far more important than material possessions. While the child is initially excited by the various attractions at the fair, his priorities shift drastically when he loses his parents. The things he desired earlier—sweets, toys, and rides—lose all meaning in the face of his fear and longing to find his parents. The story emphasises the importance of family and suggests that material desires are insignificant compared to the emotional connection we have with our loved ones.

20. Why do you think the child’s fear intensified when he entered the crowded shrine?
Answer: The child’s fear intensified when he entered the crowded shrine because the sheer number of people and the confusion of the crowd made it even harder for him to find his parents. The pushing and jostling of the crowd added to his sense of panic, as he felt

21. How does the author use the fair to reflect the child’s emotions?
Answer: The author uses the fair as a reflection of the child’s shifting emotions. At the beginning of the story, the fair is a place of wonder and excitement, full of colours, sweets, toys, and joyful crowds. However, after the child loses his parents, the same fair becomes a source of confusion and fear. The bright, happy environment now seems overwhelming and chaotic to the child, reflecting his internal state of panic and distress.

22. Why did the child move on without insisting on his parents buying him the toys, sweets, or balloons?
Answer: The child moved on without insisting on his parents buying him the toys, sweets, or balloons because he already knew that his parents would refuse. He understood that his parents would consider him either too greedy for asking for sweets or too old to play with toys and balloons, so he didn’t press the matter further and quietly moved on.

23. What was the child’s first reaction after realising that he was lost?
Answer: The child’s first reaction after realising he was lost was one of shock and fear. He began crying loudly and frantically ran in all directions, calling out for his mother and father. His sense of security vanished, and he was consumed by panic, unsure of where to go or what to do.

24. Why did the child not enjoy the attractions of the fair after losing his parents?
Answer: The child did not enjoy the attractions of the fair after losing his parents because his focus shifted entirely to finding them. The joy and excitement of the fair were replaced by fear and anxiety. Even when a kind stranger offered him sweets, balloons, and rides, the child refused them all, as nothing could replace the comfort and security he felt in the presence of his parents.

25. How does the story ‘The Lost Child’ depict the emotional transition of the child?
Answer: The story ‘The Lost Child’ depicts the emotional transition of the child from excitement and joy to fear and panic. At the beginning of the story, the child is filled with wonder as he explores the fair and is attracted to the various things it offers. However, when he realises that he has lost his parents, his emotions change dramatically. The happiness and curiosity he felt earlier are replaced by overwhelming fear and distress, as he becomes solely focused on finding his parents. The story effectively captures the innocence of childhood and the deep emotional bond between a child and their parents.

Benefits of Important Questions for Class 9 English (Moments) Chapter 1: The Lost Child 

• Focused Preparation: The PDF provides a curated list of important questions that align with exam patterns, helping students focus on key topics without feeling overwhelmed.

• Time Management: By practising questions likely to appear in exams, students can save time and avoid unnecessary effort on less relevant topics.

• Concept Clarity: The questions are designed to deepen understanding of the chapter and enhance critical thinking skills through comprehensive answers.

• Accessible Format: Being in PDF format, it is portable and accessible across devices, allowing students to study anytime and anywhere.

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• Expert Insights: As the PDF is prepared by Vedantu experts, it ensures high-quality, error-free content that aligns with CBSE guidelines.

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Conclusion:

The Lost Child is a touching story that highlights the emotional shift a child experiences when separated from his parents. It shows how material desires fade when faced with the fear of losing loved ones. The story reflects the bond between parents and children, reminding us of the irreplaceable value of family. Vedantu’s FREE PDF of Important Questions for this chapter, designed by master teachers, provides valuable insights to help students understand the story deeply. The questions are aligned with the current syllabus and can be accessed for quick, on-the-go study sessions.

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