CBSE Class 9 English Moments Chapter 2: The Adventures of Toto - NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This chapter delves into the mischievous escapades of a monkey named Toto, acquired by the narrator's grandfather. The NCERT Solutions for 'The Adventures of Toto' provide detailed answers to the questions based on the story. Students will explore Toto's unique characteristics, his journey to the grandfather's private zoo, his peculiar bathing habits, and the reasons why he proved to be a difficult pet to keep. The solutions explain Toto's mischievous nature, his interactions with other animals and people, and the eventual decision to return him. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the narrative's nuances, understand character behaviour, and prepare effectively for their English examinations by offering clear and concise explanations.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 9
Subject	Moments
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	2. The Adventure Of Toto

Chapter summary

Chapter 2, 'The Adventures of Toto,' from the NCERT Class 9 English Moments textbook, narrates the story of a lively and mischievous monkey. These NCERT Solutions offer in-depth answers to the chapter's questions, focusing on Toto's acquisition, his playful yet destructive behaviour, his unique way of bathing, and the challenges he presented as a pet. The solutions clarify the author's perspective on keeping Toto and the grandfather's final decision, aiding students in comprehending the story's events and themes.

Learning outcomes

Understand the narrative structure and key events in 'The Adventures of Toto'.
Analyze Toto's character traits, including his mischievousness and intelligence.
Explain the reasons behind Toto's problematic behaviour as a pet.
Interpret the author's tone and the grandfather's actions.
Develop comprehension skills by answering questions based on the text.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Character analysis of Toto
Toto's acquisition by the grandfather
Toto's mischievous behaviour
Toto's bathing habits
Interactions with other animals and people
Challenges of keeping Toto as a pet
Narrative comprehension
Story themes and interpretation

Important topics

Toto's character and mischief
The grandfather's role and decisions
Toto's unique bathing ritual
Reasons for Toto being a difficult pet
Understanding the narrative's humour and underlying message

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Questions and Solutions

1. How does Toto come to grandfather's private zoo?

How does Toto come to grandfather's private zoo?

Solution: Toto was initially owned by a tonga driver who kept him tied to a feeding trough. The grandfather, upon seeing the monkey, felt a sense of pity for its condition and decided to rescue it. He purchased Toto from the tonga owner for a sum of five rupees, intending to add him to his collection of animals in his private zoo.

2. "Toto was a pretty monkey." In what sense is Toto pretty?

"Toto was a pretty monkey." In what sense is Toto pretty?

Solution: Toto is described as 'pretty' not just in appearance but also in his lively and engaging manner. His eyes were bright and mischievous, set beneath deep-set eyebrows. He had pearly white teeth that he often displayed in a smile, which could be quite startling. Although his hands appeared weathered, his fingers were quick and nimble. His tail was an attractive feature that also served as a useful 'third hand', helping him to hang from branches or reach for food.

3. Why does grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?

Why does grandfather take Toto to Saharanpur and how? Why does the ticket collector insist on calling Toto a dog?

Solution: Grandfather decided to take Toto to Saharanpur because Toto's mischievous antics were causing too much trouble and disruption within the household, even disturbing the other animals. Toto was placed in a large black canvas kit-bag, with straw at the bottom to make him comfortable. The bag was then securely closed, which confined Toto and prevented him from escaping. The ticket collector insisted on calling Toto a dog because there was no specific rule or fare category for monkeys. Following his rulebook, he treated Toto as a dog, which was a common practice for classifying pets of a certain size when specific regulations were absent.

4. How does Toto take a bath? Where has he learnt to do this? How does Toto almost boil himself alive?

How does Toto take a bath? Where has he learnt to do this? How does Toto almost boil himself alive?

Solution: Toto had a peculiar and human-like way of taking a bath. He would first test the temperature of the water in a tub, then gradually step in. He would then apply soap and rub himself thoroughly. When the water became cold, he would run to the kitchen fire to dry himself. Toto learned this bathing ritual by observing the narrator performing the same actions. Toto almost boiled himself alive when he got into a large kettle of water on the stove to bathe. As the water began to boil, he kept his head sticking out of the open kettle, popping it up and down. He was only saved when the narrator's grandmother discovered him and pulled him out just in time.

5. Why does the author say, "Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long"?

Why does the author say, "Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long"?

Solution: The author states that Toto was not a pet they could keep for long due to his incorrigible mischievousness and destructive behaviour. Despite being clever and pretty, Toto caused considerable damage: he tore clothes and curtains, broke dishes, and scared visitors by ripping their dresses. His behaviour escalated when he snatched a dish of pulao and threw it on the ground when scolded. These constant acts of mischief and the resulting damage made it clear that Toto was too much of a handful to be kept as a pet in the long run.

Common mistakes

Misinterpreting Toto's mischief as mere playfulness without understanding the consequences.
Overlooking the details of Toto's bathing routine and how he learned it.
Failing to connect Toto's behaviour to the author's conclusion about him being a difficult pet.

Revision tips

Reread the story, paying close attention to descriptions of Toto's actions and personality.
Use the solutions to clarify any doubts about specific events or character motivations.
Practice answering the questions in your own words to improve understanding and expression.
Discuss Toto's behaviour with classmates to gain different perspectives.

Practice MCQs

Q1. How did the grandfather acquire Toto?

Q2. What made Toto's teeth noticeable and often displayed?

Q3. Why did the ticket collector classify Toto as a dog?

Q4. How did Toto learn to take a bath?

Q5. What incident nearly caused Toto to boil himself alive?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'The Adventures of Toto'?

The main theme revolves around the unpredictable and mischievous nature of pets, particularly exotic ones like Toto, and the challenges they present to their owners.

Why did the grandfather buy Toto?

The grandfather bought Toto out of sympathy for the monkey, which was being mistreated by its tonga owner, and intended to keep it in his private zoo.

How is Toto described in the story?

Toto is described as a pretty monkey with bright, mischievous eyes, pearly white teeth often displayed in a smile, quick fingers, and a tail that served as a third hand. However, he was also extremely mischievous and destructive.

What was Toto's peculiar habit regarding bathing?

Toto had a peculiar habit of taking baths like humans. He would test the water temperature, step in, apply soap, and then dry himself by the fire. He learned this by watching the narrator.

Why couldn't the family keep Toto for long?

The family couldn't keep Toto for long because his mischievous and destructive behaviour caused significant damage to the house and belongings, and he was also a nuisance to visitors and other animals.

How did the ticket collector react to Toto on the train?

The ticket collector insisted on calling Toto a dog and charging a fare for him, as there was no specific rule for a monkey's fare, and he categorized pets of a certain size as dogs.

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