In this post, ‘Iswaran the Storyteller Question Answer Class 9 English’, we’ll read NCERT Solutions for Iswaran the Storyteller Class 9th English. Below are clear, exam-friendly answers to each Think About It & Talk About It question (based directly on the NCERT text). I’ve kept them precise so you can write them easily in the exam. You can also read the summary of Iswaran the Storyteller to understand these questions better.
Iswaran the Storyteller Think About It
Below are the NCERT “Think About It” questions and answers for Chapter 3 – Iswaran the Storyteller (Class 9 English, Moments):
Q1. In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra?
Ans. Iswaran is an asset to Mahendra because he is a multitalented and loyal companion. He cooks delicious meals, washes clothes, keeps the living place clean, and even finds vegetables and ingredients in desolate areas. He is also an excellent storyteller who entertains Mahendra with fascinating tales every evening. His cheerful nature and devotion make Mahendra’s difficult and lonely life comfortable and enjoyable.
Q2. How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create in his listeners?
Ans. Iswaran never narrates any incident in a simple manner. He adds drama, suspense, and emotion to make it interesting.
For example, instead of saying that he saw an uprooted tree on the highway, he says, “I saw something like an enormous bushy beast lying sprawled across the road!” He then describes how he was afraid to go closer until he realized it was just a fallen tree.
By narrating it this way, he wants to create suspense and excitement in his listeners and keep them completely absorbed in his story.
Q3. How does he narrate the story of the tusker? Does it appear to be plausible?
Ans. Iswaran narrates the story of the mad elephant (tusker) with great enthusiasm and dramatic gestures. He describes how the elephant destroyed shops, fences, and even entered a school ground. Then, like a true hero, he claims that he knocked it down with a single blow of a cane on its toenail.
The story, however, is not plausible (believable) because it is impossible for a schoolboy to bring down a wild elephant with one hit. It shows Iswaran’s imagination and love for exaggeration, not a real incident.
Q4. Why does the author say that Iswaran seemed to more than make up for the absence of a TV in Mahendra’s living quarters?
Ans. Mahendra lived in remote places where there were no modern means of entertainment like TV or radio. But Iswaran’s storytelling provided Mahendra with excitement, suspense, and laughter; just like watching a TV show or movie every night.
His ability to tell stories in a lively, expressive, and detailed way kept Mahendra completely entertained. That’s why the author says that Iswaran more than made up for the absence of a TV.
Q5. Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of the imagination. What happens to him on a full-moon night?
Ans. Although Mahendra firmly believes that ghosts are just figments of imagination, he is influenced by Iswaran’s eerie ghost story. On a full-moon night, he hears strange moaning sounds near his window and sees a dark shadowy figure holding a bundle. Terrified, he hides in his bed, sweating in fear.
Even though he tries to convince himself it was just a dream, the next morning Iswaran mentions that he also heard the ghost’s cries. This frightens Mahendra so much that he resigns from his job and leaves the place the next day.
Q6. Can you think of some other ending for the story?
Ans. Yes. Instead of running away, Mahendra could have faced his fear and investigated the ghostly figure. He might have discovered that it was just Iswaran himself, playing a prank or collecting something outside.
This ending would highlight the theme that superstition and fear exist only in our minds, and one should always seek truth instead of blindly believing in stories.
Iswaran the Storyteller Talk About It
Below is a complete answer for the “Talk About It” question from Class 9 English – Moments, Chapter 3: “Iswaran the Storyteller”:
Q1. Is Iswaran a fascinating storyteller? Discuss with your friends the qualities of a good storyteller. Try to use these qualities and tell a story.
Ans. Yes, Iswaran is a truly fascinating storyteller.
He has a natural gift for narration. He uses dramatic expressions, gestures, tone changes, and suspense to make even simple incidents sound thrilling. He can turn an ordinary event, like seeing a fallen tree, into an exciting adventure. His stories are full of imagination, humour, and surprise endings, which keep the listener completely engaged.
Even though many of his tales are exaggerated or unbelievable, the way he tells them makes them enjoyable and memorable. Mahendra, his master, listens to him every night as if watching a movie or TV show; that’s the charm of Iswaran’s storytelling.
Qualities of a Good Storyteller:
A good storyteller should have the following qualities:
- Imagination – to create interesting and unique stories.
- Expression and Voice Modulation – to change tone and pitch for different situations.
- Sense of Timing – to build suspense and deliver surprises at the right moment.
- Observation – to add real-life details that make the story believable.
- Confidence and Clarity – to hold the listener’s attention.
- Humour and Emotion – to make the story lively and relatable.
Iswaran possessed all these qualities, which is why his stories never felt dull.
Try to Tell a Story Using These Qualities (Example):
Here’s a short sample story using Iswaran-like storytelling style:
“It was a stormy night. The wind howled like a hungry wolf outside my window. Suddenly, I heard a soft tapping sound — tok… tok… tok. My heart skipped a beat. Was it a thief? Or worse… a ghost?
I slowly tiptoed to the door, holding my breath. The tapping grew louder. With trembling hands, I opened it — and there stood my cat, drenched in rain, demanding dinner! I laughed so hard that my fear vanished into the night.”
Below is another short 1-minute storytelling script written in Iswaran’s dramatic style that you can actually perform in your class as your “Talk About It” activity for Chapter 3 – Iswaran the Storyteller. It can help you score well in your oral exam or speaking activity.
Story Title: The Mysterious Knock at Midnight
(Begin in a dramatic tone, like Iswaran!)
You know, sir… it was a night darker than coal!
The wind was howling, the trees were bending, and I was all alone, reading a ghost story — foolish me!
Suddenly — knock! knock! knock!
A sound came from my door. My hands froze.
The second knock was louder — KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
My heart began to beat faster than a drum in a festival!
I whispered to myself, “Who could it be at this hour?”
A thief? A spirit? Or perhaps… something worse?
Gathering all my courage, I tiptoed towards the door, my hands shaking. I opened it slowly — creeeaaak! — and what do you think I saw?
(Pause for effect, raise eyebrows like Iswaran)
My neighbour’s goat! Standing there, chewing my newspaper!
I laughed so loudly that even the wind stopped to listen!
(End with a cheerful smile)
So you see, sir, not every knock in the dark comes from a ghost — sometimes it just wants your newspaper!
Tips for Performing Like Iswaran:
- Use hand gestures and facial expressions — widen your eyes when surprised.
- Add pauses before suspenseful moments.
- Change your voice tone — soft for fear, loud for surprise, cheerful for ending.
- Keep your energy high and smile at the end.
Read all chapter: NCERT Solutions for Class 9th English