CBSE English Class 9 (Moments) Chapter 8 - FREE PDF Download
Chapter 8 of the Class 9 English Syllabus, titled “A House Is Not a Home" a young boy shares his experience of moving to high school after a fire destroys his home. At first, he feels lonely and out of place. He misses his old school and friends, and things get even harder when a fire breaks out, leaving him without a house or his beloved cat. But as he faces these challenges, he learns about kindness and friendship from new people in his life. The story shows how tough times can help us find support and rebuild our lives.
Table of Content
Vedantu’s FREE PDF of Important Questions for Class 9 English from this chapter are prepared by master teachers and as a result are sure to be relevant and updated for the latest CBSE curriculum.
FAQs on CBSE Class 9 English (Moments) Important Questions Chapter 8 - A House is Not a Home
1. What are the most important questions likely to appear from Chapter 8, A House Is Not A Home, for Class 9 English CBSE 2025–26 exams?
- Explain how the fire incident impacts the author's feelings about friendships and community support.
- Discuss the significance of the title: A House Is Not A Home.
- Describe how the loss and return of the author's cat influences his recovery after the tragedy.
- Analyze how the support from classmates after the fire shapes the narrator’s outlook.
- List three major themes from the chapter and explain their relevance to the protagonist’s journey.
2. How does the experience of loss shape the narrator’s understanding of what a home truly means in A House Is Not A Home?
The narrator learns that a home is made by relationships, memories, and support rather than just physical walls. The fire destroys his belongings but brings out the kindness of others, which helps redefine his sense of belonging after loss.
3. In CBSE exams, how can students effectively answer 5-mark questions on A House Is Not A Home?
- Begin with a direct thesis statement linked to the question.
- Cite specific incidents (like the fire, help from classmates, or finding the cat).
- Analyze themes such as resilience, friendship, and recovery.
- Conclude with a reflective or lesson-focused comment.
4. Why is the author initially reluctant to accept help after the fire, and how does this change?
The author feels embarrassment and wants to be self-sufficient, but the empathy and generosity shown by his classmates helps him realize that accepting help can build stronger friendships and trust.
5. What exam traps should students avoid when writing answers about the central idea of A House Is Not A Home?
- Avoid confusing the physical house with the concept of home—focus on the theme of emotional connection and support.
- Do not give only a summary; always relate the answer back to character growth and lessons learned as expected by CBSE for higher marks.
6. Hot Q: How does the loss of belongings in the fire compare to the loss of relationships, according to the chapter’s outcome?
The loss of belongings causes deep sadness, but the temporary loss of his cat and initial isolation hurt the narrator far more. Supportive relationships and the eventual return of the cat prove that emotional bonds outweigh material loss, reinforcing the story's core message.
7. According to CBSE 2025–26 trends, what types of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions can be framed from this chapter?
- Analyze the ways adversity impacts personal growth—give relevant textual examples.
- Debate whether community support can truly replace irreplaceable personal losses.
- Predict how the narrator’s experience will affect his future relationships or decisions.
8. What evidence from the chapter supports the idea that friendship can be rebuilt even after traumatic events?
The narrator is surprised by the support from new classmates who contribute supplies and offer encouragement, showing that friendship can begin again when people show kindness in difficult times.
9. Why does the author’s cat symbolize more than just a pet in A House Is Not A Home? (CBSE long answer context)
The cat represents comfort, lost memories, and hope for the future. Its return signals recovery, emotional healing, and the narrator’s renewed sense of belonging—key points for CBSE 4–5 mark questions.
10. How should students approach 3-mark vs. 5-mark questions from Chapter 8 in their board papers?
- 3-mark: Focus on concise, factual responses with direct reference.
- 5-mark: Include analysis, personal reflection, and theme linkage.
11. How does the chapter illustrate differences between a house and a home? (Frequently asked concept)
A house refers to the physical structure, but a home is defined by love, security, and belonging, as seen when the narrator finds comfort in relationships and not just material possessions—an often-examined theme.
12. What role do old teachers play in helping the narrator adjust to his new environment?
Old teachers encourage the narrator to join new activities, facilitating a smoother transition and subtly reinforcing the support systems present beyond family and immediate friends—reflecting the story’s emphasis on community.
13. Explain how resilience is demonstrated by the narrator after the house fire.
The narrator shows resilience by gradually accepting changes, forming new connections, coping with loss, and finding hope in small positives despite adversity—an answer expected in CBSE important questions.
14. Why do CBSE board examiners frequently select questions about “the importance of community support” from this chapter?
Because the chapter offers direct examples of how collective empathy and action can uplift someone in crisis, a critical value CBSE wants students to internalize for both exams and societal development.
15. What marking pattern should students follow for answers on A House Is Not A Home to secure full marks?
- Address all parts of the question explicitly.
- Use relevant vocabulary: loss, support, resilience, community, belonging.
- Give organized points with textual evidence.
- Always conclude with a CBSE-expected lesson or moral.
