KSEEB Class 9 · English (2nd language) · KTBS Revised 2024-25
The Three Questions
Chapter summary, hard words and model exam answers for Karnataka Board Class 9 English.
Free online summary and notes (Karnataka Board Class 9 English). Read it here, no PDF download needed.
About the author
Leo Tolstoy (1885 short story). Tolstoy, the great Russian novelist, rewrote a folk tale about a king seeking wisdom on the right time, people, and actions in life.
Summary
A king announces he will reward anyone who answers: What is the right time for every action? Who are the most necessary people? What is the most important thing to do?
A king announces he will reward anyone who answers: What is the right time for every action? Who are the most necessary people? What is the most important thing to do?
Wise men give conflicting replies - some say council, others say priests or warriors. Dissatisfied, the king visits a famous hermit living plainly in the woods.
Wise men give conflicting replies - some say council, others say priests or warriors. Dissatisfied, the king visits a famous hermit living plainly in the woods.
The hermit digs garden beds alone. The king joins him. A wounded man runs from assassins and collapses. The king and hermit bandage and save him.
The hermit digs garden beds alone. The king joins him. A wounded man runs from assassins and collapses. The king and hermit bandage and save him.
The king repeats his questions. The hermit explains: the most important time is now; the necessary person is whoever you are with; the greatest action is to do them good.
The king repeats his questions. The hermit explains: the most important time is now; the necessary person is whoever you are with; the greatest action is to do them good.
The man had come to kill the king but was wounded by the king's bodyguard. Saved by the king, he repents and asks forgiveness.
The man had come to kill the king but was wounded by the king's bodyguard. Saved by the king, he repents and asks forgiveness.
The hermit says if the king had not pitied him and helped the wounded man, he would have been killed. The lesson was taught by deeds, not debate.
The hermit says if the king had not pitied him and helped the wounded man, he would have been killed. The lesson was taught by deeds, not debate.
Hard words & meanings
| hermit | one who lives alone for spiritual wisdom |
| council | a body of people who give guidance to a ruler |
| assassin | one who murders by secret attack |
| repent | to regret wrongdoing and seek forgiveness |
| conflicting | disagreeing with one another |
| necessary | absolutely needed |
| bandage | to cover and protect an injury |
| reward | something given for service or correct answer |
| wisdom | good judgment gained from experience and reflection |
Model exam answers, grammar & audio
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