Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF and guide of Class 9 English textbook, chapter 2 All about a dog by A.G Gardiner which is part of the syllabus of students studying under West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE). These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
The story by A.G. Gardiner recounts an event on a bitterly cold evening when the author witnessed a confrontation on a bus. A young woman with a Pekinese dog boarded the bus, only for the conductor to insist she take the dog to the top deck, as the rules prohibited dogs on the lower deck. The woman refused, citing the freezing weather and her poor health. Passengers sided with her, expressing anger toward the conductor, who remained firm and refused to compromise.
Despite protests, the conductor stopped the bus, causing passengers to argue, leave, or call for refunds. A policeman briefly intervened but offered no resolution, leaving the passengers frustrated. Eventually, the woman conceded and went to the upper deck, but she later returned during a stop. The conductor spotted her and stopped the bus again, reigniting the dispute.
As the bus emptied, the author remained and had a conversation with the conductor. The author pointed out that while rules are essential, some are flexible and should be followed in a way that aligns with their purpose—ensuring comfort and fairness. The conductor seemed to understand, responding politely as the author departed.
The story reflects on how rigid adherence to rules can clash with compassion and common sense, especially when rules serve as guidelines rather than absolutes. The conductor’s actions highlight the tension between authority and humanity, leaving readers to consider the value of empathy in enforcing rules.
Video tutorial
Textbook solutions
Exercise 1 (MCQs)
Tick the correct answer from the given alternatives:
1. The younger woman carried a little
A. spaniel
B. bull dog
C. Pekinese dog
D. spitz
Answer: C. Pekinese dog
2. The younger woman was suffering from
A. stomach pain
B. back pain
C. fever
D. cough
Answer: D. cough
3. The bell was pulled by the
A. conductor
B. driver
C. younger woman
D. older woman
Answer: A. conductor
4. The number of policemen to whom the woman expressed her anger was
A. Three
B. four
C. five
D. six
Answer: A. Three
5. The problem the bus faced was with the
A. tyre
B. engine
C. brake
D. horn
Answer: B. engine
Exercise 2 (short)
Answer the following questions within fifteen words:
(1) How many people got into the bus with the younger woman?
Answer: Two people got in with the younger woman.
(2) What was the conductor’s order to the younger woman?
Answer: The conductor ordered the younger woman to take the dog out.
(3) Why did the conductor stand triumphant?
Answer: The conductor stood triumphant because he enforced the rule despite opposition.
(4) What is that rule which cannot be broken without danger to life and limb?
Answer: The rule of the road cannot be broken without danger to life and limb.
Exercise 3 (medium)
Answer the following questions within twenty-five words:
(1) When did the author feel that trouble was coming up?
Answer: The author felt that trouble was coming up when the conductor’s eye rested on the beady-eyed dog.
(2) Mention two demands made by the passengers when the bus stopped.
Answer: The two demands made by the passengers were: “Call the police!” and “Let’s make him give us our fares back.”
(3) How are rules of guidance to be observed?
Answer: Rules of guidance are to be observed in the spirit, not in the letter, for the comfort of the passengers.
Exercise 4 (verb)
In the following sentences, underline the verb forms which show that the person denoted by the subject does something. Circle the verb forms which show that something is done to the subject:
(a). She has sung a song.
Answer: The verb form “has sung” shows that the person denoted by the subject does something.
(b). A song has been sung by her.
Answer: The verb form “has been sung” shows that something is done to the subject.
(c). He will draw a picture.
Answer: The verb form “will draw” shows that the person denoted by the subject does something.
(d). A picture will be drawn by him.
Answer: The verb form “will be drawn” shows that something is done to the subject.
Exercise 5 (voice change)
Change the voice of the following sentences:
(a). Nila has bought a book.
Answer: A book has been bought by Nila.
(b). They will have seen the cricket match.
Answer: The cricket match will have been seen by them.
(c). Bhola had seen a tiger.
Answer: A tiger had been seen by Bhola.
(d). The nurse will attend to the patient.
Answer: The patient will be attended to by the nurse.
Exercise 6 (voice change)
Change the voice of the following sentences:
(a). Do the sum.
Answer: Let the sum be done.
(b). The poem was written by her.
Answer: She wrote the poem.
(c). Open the door.
Answer: Let the door be opened.
(d). The man is known to me.
Answer: I know the man.
Exercise 7 (voice change)
Change the voice of the following sentences:
(a) They agreed to my plan.
Answer: My plan was agreed to by them.
(b) My brother lost my favourite pen.
Answer: My favourite pen was lost by my brother.
(c) The man is writing a letter.
Answer: A letter is being written by the man.
(d) Titli is looking for her watch.
Answer: Her watch is being looked for by Titli.
Exercise 8 (tick correct alternative)
Tick the correct alternative given in the brackets:
(a). It (rains / has been raining / is raining) since morning.
Answer: It has been raining since morning.
(b). Last Sunday I (went / had been going / go) to the zoo.
Answer: Last Sunday I went to the zoo.
(c). I (will be / was / am) in class X next year.
Answer: I will be in class X next year.
(d). Rina (have reached / had reached / has reached) home just now.
Answer: Rina has reached home just now.
Exercise 9 (paragraph writing)
Use the following flow chart to write a paragraph within 100 words on how to prepare orange juice:
oranges bought from the market—sorted—rotten ones removed—cleaned—peeled—put in juicer—juice extracted—sugar and preservatives added—poured in bottles—sealed—ready to be sold
Answer: How to Prepare Orange Juice
Oranges are bought from the market and sorted properly. Rotten ones are removed, and the remaining oranges are cleaned thoroughly. Then, the oranges are peeled carefully, and the peeled fruits are put in a juicer. Juice is extracted from the oranges. Sugar and preservatives are added to the extracted juice to enhance flavor and preserve it. Afterward, the juice is poured into bottles, which are then sealed tightly to ensure freshness. Finally, the bottles of orange juice are ready to be sold.
Exercise 10 (paragraph writing)
Write a paragraph within 100 words on how you plan to take care of street dogs. Use the following hints:
cruel actions towards street dogs—necessity of looking after them—ways of taking care of the dogs—conclusion
Answer: How to Take Care of Street Dogs
Street dogs often face cruel actions from people, such as beating and neglect, which is unfair and inhumane. It is necessary to look after them as they are an integral part of our environment and deserve kindness. To care for street dogs, we can provide them with food and clean water regularly, ensure they receive proper vaccinations, and arrange for medical treatment when needed. Additionally, creating shelters to protect them from harsh weather is essential. Educating others about treating animals with compassion can make a big difference. Taking these steps will help improve their lives and foster a kinder society.
Extras
Additional MCQs
Coming soon
Additional questions and answers
Coming soon
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
Get notes of other boards, classes, and subjects