CBSE Class 9 English Moments Chapter 1: The Lost Child NCERT Solutions

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 English (Moments) Chapter 1, 'The Lost Child'. It covers the story of a young boy's experience at a fair, his fascination with the surroundings, and his eventual panic when he gets separated from his parents. The solutions break down the narrative, exploring the child's desires, his reasons for lagging behind, the moment he realizes he's lost, and his subsequent loss of interest in the fair's attractions. It also offers a thoughtful conclusion about the child's potential reunion. These solutions are designed to help students understand the story's nuances, character motivations, and emotional arc, aiding in their exam preparation by offering clear and concise explanations of the text.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 9
Subject	Moments
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	1. The Lost Child

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for 'The Lost Child' (Class 9 English, Moments) offers a deep dive into the narrative of a young boy at a fair. It addresses key plot points, including the child's distractions on the way, his desires within the fair, the emotional turmoil of getting lost, and the shift in his priorities. The solutions provide clear answers to comprehension questions, helping students grasp the story's themes of innocence, desire, and the fear of separation.

Learning outcomes

Understand the narrative structure and plot of 'The Lost Child'.
Analyze the child's motivations and emotional responses.
Identify the various attractions that distract the child.
Explain the significance of the child's realization of being lost.
Discuss the themes of innocence, desire, and parental connection.
Interpret the possible resolution of the story.

Topics covered

Paper topics

The Lost Child story summary
Child's attractions at the fair
Reasons for lagging behind
Child's desires in the fair
Realization of being lost
Emotional impact of separation
Loss of interest in material desires
Themes of innocence and fear
Story resolution prediction
Character analysis of the child

Important topics

The child's emotional journey
The significance of distractions
The fear of being lost
The shift in the child's priorities
The narrative's resolution

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What are the things the child sees on his way to the fair? Why does he lag behind?

Solution: On his way to the fair, the child is captivated by several sights. Initially, he notices toys displayed at a shop. Further along, he is mesmerized by a vibrant mustard field, where he observes dragonflies and a lone black bee flitting among the flowers. As he walks, insects and worms on the footpath also catch his attention. Approaching the village, he sees large crowds heading towards the fair. He also encounters a sweetmeat seller offering burfi and gulab jamun, and a flower seller with a garland of gulmohar. Later, he sees a man selling rainbow-coloured balloons and a snake charmer playing a flute to a snake. Finally, he spots a roundabout in full operation.

The child lags behind his parents because he is constantly distracted by these fascinating sights. He stops to admire the beauty of nature, like collecting flowers or watching insects, and to consider buying toys or other items that catch his eye.

Question 2

In the fair he wants many things. What are they? Why does he move on without waiting for an Answer?

Solution: Inside the fair, the child's desires are numerous. He wants a particular toy that catches his attention and also desires all the rainbow-coloured balloons. He is tempted by the sweetmeats, specifically the burfi offered by the seller. He also wishes for a garland of gulmohar flowers and wants to enjoy a ride on the roundabout.

He moves on from each stall or attraction without waiting for his parents' answer because he anticipates their refusal. He understands that his parents are unlikely to buy him everything he asks for, and he doesn't want to face repeated disappointment or arguments. Therefore, he continues to move forward, perhaps hoping for a better opportunity or simply being swept along by the crowd and his own curiosity.

Question 3

When does he realize that he has lost his way? How have his anxiety and insecurity been described?

Solution: The child realizes he has lost his way when he reaches the roundabout. He had stopped to watch the roundabout in full swing, with many people enjoying the ride. When he turns to ask his parents for permission to join them, he finds they are not there. He looks around frantically but cannot see them anywhere.

His anxiety and insecurity are vividly described. A 'full, deep cry' rises in his 'dry throat'. With a sudden jerk, he starts running in fear, shouting 'Mother, Father.' Tears stream down his face. He runs back and forth in a state of panic, not knowing where to go. His yellow turban becomes untied, and his clothes get muddy. Eventually, exhausted and defeated, he stops crying loudly and his cries turn into suppressed sobs.

Question 4

Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier?

Solution: The lost child loses interest in all the things he had previously desired because his overwhelming fear and panic of being separated from his parents consume him. The joy and excitement of the fair vanish as his sole focus becomes finding his parents. The toys, sweets, balloons, and rides no longer hold any appeal. His only wish is to be reunited with his mother and father, making all other attractions seem insignificant in comparison to his distress.

Question 5

What do you think happens in the end? Does the child find his parents?

Solution: It is highly probable that the child finds his parents in the end. The story suggests that his parents, who were likely keeping track of him, would have realized he was missing and would have started searching for him. They might have retraced their steps or looked for him in areas they had visited.

Additionally, the kind man who tried to comfort the child by offering him various things might have also played a role. He could have inquired about the child's parents or helped him by asking for a description, potentially leading to a reunion. The narrative implies a hopeful resolution where the child is reunited with his worried parents.

Common mistakes

Confusing the child's initial desires with his later feelings when lost.
Underestimating the emotional impact of separation on the child.
Not fully appreciating the descriptive language used to portray the fair and the child's emotions.

Revision tips

Reread the story focusing on the child's changing emotions.
List all the things the child wanted and why he lost interest in them.
Consider the descriptive passages and their contribution to the mood.
Think about the ending and justify your prediction.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the primary reason the child lags behind his parents on the way to the fair?

Q2. Which of these was NOT something the child desired at the fair?

Q3. When does the child realize he is lost?

Q4. What is the child's main emotion after realizing he is lost?

Q5. Why does the child lose interest in the things he previously wanted?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'The Lost Child'?

The main themes include a child's innocence, his desires and fascinations, and the overwhelming fear and panic experienced when separated from his parents.

Why did the child lag behind his parents?

The child lagged behind because he was captivated by the various sights and sounds on the way to the fair, such as mustard fields, insects, toys, and a snake charmer, often stopping to admire them.

What did the child want at the fair?

At the fair, the child wanted a variety of things, including balloons, burfi, a garland of gulmohar, and a ride on the roundabout.

How does the story describe the child's feelings when he realizes he is lost?

The story describes his feelings with intense emotion, noting a dry throat, a sudden cry, panic-stricken running in all directions, and eventually, defeated sobs.

Why does the child lose interest in the things he wanted earlier?

He loses interest because his fear and anxiety about being separated from his parents overshadow all his previous desires. His only wish becomes to be reunited with them.

How can these NCERT Solutions help with exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to comprehension questions, helping students understand the story's plot, characters, and themes, which is crucial for answering exam questions effectively.

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