The NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Reader Chapter 3 The Man Who Knew Too Much answers based on the latest CBSE Class 9 English syllabus and exam pattern. This chapter narrates the story of Private Quelch, a know-it-all soldier whose excessive display of knowledge annoys everyone around him.
The solutions help students understand the key character traits, plot development, and moral lessons of the story. These answers are ideal for quick revision, exam preparation, and practising questions from previous year papers. They also enhance students' writing skills and conceptual clarity in English literature.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Reader Chapter 3 The Man Who Knew Too Much
The Man Who Knew Too Much is a humorous and satirical story from the Class 9 English Literature Reader that revolves around Private Quelch, a soldier in training who irritates others with his habit of showing off his vast knowledge. Nicknamed “Professor” by his peers, Quelch constantly corrects others and tries to impress superiors, but eventually faces consequences for his behavior.
The chapter highlights the fine line between knowledge and arrogance. Through engaging narration and wit, the story teaches readers the importance of humility, respect in communication, and how overconfidence can lead to social isolation and setbacks.
The Man Who Knew Too Much Class 9 Question Answer
Below are the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Literature Reader Chapter 3 The Man Who Knew Too Much. These answers are prepared as per the latest CBSE syllabus and exam pattern. They cover all textbook questions in a clear and accurate manner, helping students understand the story and prepare effectively for exams and class assessments.
3. The 'Professor' knew too much. How did he prove himself? Fill up the space with suitable examples from the story, using the given clues:
(a) about muzzle velocity:
He corrected the Sergeant by saying the exact muzzle velocity: “Two thousand, four hundred and forty feet per second.”
(b) after a thirty-mile walk:
He remained energetic and cheerful, irritating others by suggesting, “What about a song, chaps?”
(c) his salute on payday:
His salute was precise and perfect, considered a model to behold, especially when officers were watching.
(d) the loud sound of a high flying invisible aeroplane:
Without even looking up, he identified the aircraft as “a North American Harvard Trainer” and explained its harsh engine note.
(e) about hand grenades:
He interrupted Corporal Turnbull, stating the grenade had forty-four segments and insisted the Corporal should have started with the five characteristics.
(f) during cookhouse duties:
Even in the kitchen, he lectured the cooks about the unscientific and unhygienic method of peeling potatoes, commenting on waste of vitamin values.
4. Based on your reading of the story, answer the following questions by choosing the correct options:
(a) Private Quelch was nicknamed 'Professor' because of
(ii) his knowledge.
(b) One could hammer nails into Corporal Turnbull without his noticing it because
(i) he was a strong and sturdy man.
(c) The author and his friend Trower fled from the scene as
(ii) they could not stand Private Quelch exhibiting his knowledge.
5. Answer the following questions briefly:
(a) What is a 'nickname'? Can you suggest another one for Private Quelch?
A nickname is an informal, often humorous name given to a person based on some characteristic. Another suitable nickname for Private Quelch could be “Mr. Know-it-All.”
(b) Private Quelch looked like a 'Professor' when the author first met him at the training depot. Why?
He was lanky, stooping, wore horn-rimmed glasses, and had a serious, frowning look, all of which gave him the appearance of a professor.
(c) What does the dark, sun-dried appearance of the Sergeant suggest about him?
It suggests he was experienced and had served in tough, outdoor conditions for a long time, likely in areas like the North-West Frontier.
(d) How was Private Quelch's knowledge exposed even further as the Sergeant's classes went on?
He answered all the Sergeant's questions correctly, quoted technical data from memory, and corrected others publicly, showing his wide knowledge.
(e) What did the Professor mean by "intelligent reading"?
He believed that by reading manuals and books attentively and analytically, he could master any subject without formal training.
(f) What were the Professor's ambitions in the army?
He aimed to earn a stripe (promotion) and later become a commissioned officer.
(g) Did Private Quelch's day-to-day practices take him closer towards his goal? How can you make out?
Although he worked hard and studied seriously, his arrogant behaviour alienated others. His overconfidence ultimately led to his being assigned cookhouse duties instead of earning a promotion.
(h) Describe Corporal Turnbull.
Corporal Turnbull was a young but tough soldier who had returned from Dunkirk with honour. He was respected by the platoon and known for being firm and no-nonsense.
(i) How did Private Quelch manage to anger the Corporal?
He publicly corrected the Corporal during a lecture on grenades, pointing out segments and suggesting a different approach, which was seen as disrespectful.
(j) Do you think Private Quelch learnt a lesson when he was chosen for cookhouse duties? Give reasons for your answer.
Probably not. Even while peeling potatoes, he continued lecturing others about hygiene and food waste, showing that he hadn’t changed his know-it-all attitude.
6. At first, Private Quelch was a hero in the eyes of his fellow soldiers. Support this observation with suitable examples from the story in about 100 words.
Initially, Private Quelch impressed his fellow soldiers with his deep knowledge of army training. He knew technical details like muzzle velocity and the number of segments in a grenade. He read manuals, stayed up late studying, and drilled with unmatched enthusiasm. His sharp memory and discipline earned him respect. Everyone believed he would quickly get promoted. His precise salutes, perfect behaviour in front of officers, and endless energy during marches made him stand out. At first, the others saw him as an ambitious and intelligent man destined for success in the army.
7. Private Quelch knew 'too much'. Give reasons to prove that he was unable to win the admiration of his superior officers or his colleagues in about 100 words.
Although Private Quelch was intelligent and hardworking, his arrogance made him unpopular. He constantly interrupted superiors, corrected their lectures, and displayed his knowledge in a condescending way. His fellow soldiers felt irritated and humiliated by his behaviour, especially when he corrected their mistakes publicly. Corporal Turnbull, after being embarrassed by Quelch during a lecture, punished him by assigning cookhouse duties. Quelch failed to understand the importance of humility and respect, which prevented him from earning genuine admiration, even though he had the potential to succeed.
8. (a) Write down the positive and negative traits of Private Quelch's character with instances from the story:
| Positive traits |
Instances from the story |
| i) Hardworking |
Studied late at night using army manuals |
| ii) Intelligent |
Knew technical details like muzzle velocity and grenade structure |
| iii) Ambitious |
Aimed to earn a stripe and a commission |
| iv) Disciplined |
Gave perfect salutes, marched properly in front of officers |
| Negative traits |
Instances from the story |
| i) Arrogant |
Interrupted superiors during lectures |
| ii) Show-off |
Lectured others constantly, even during personal time |
| iii) Lacked humility |
Corrected others publicly and looked down on them |
| iv) Disrespectful |
Embarrassed Corporal Turnbull by pointing out his teaching faults |
(c) Character Sketch of Private Quelch (100 words):
Private Quelch, nicknamed “Professor,” was a man of remarkable intelligence and ambition. He had a sharp memory, worked tirelessly, and aspired to become a commissioned officer. He was deeply committed to learning and military discipline.
However, his downfall came from his arrogance and habit of showing off. Quelch constantly corrected his peers and superiors, which made him unpopular. His lack of social tact and humility led to resentment among his colleagues and punishment from his superior. While he had the potential to succeed, his inability to respect others and work as a team player prevented his growth in the army.
9. Diary Entry by 'Professor' after First Day at Cookhouse (about 175 words):
Diary Entry – Private Quelch
Date: [Your Date]
Today marked my first day at the cookhouse, and what a strange turn of events it was! Only days ago, I was the centre of attention in the platoon, admired (or so I thought) for my knowledge and discipline. But my detailed lecture on grenades—meant only to assist—seems to have angered Corporal Turnbull. In a moment I’ll never forget, he declared me best suited for permanent cookhouse duties. A clear reprimand.
Still, I shall not let this hinder my aspirations. Even here, I observed appalling inefficiencies in food preparation. I took the liberty to instruct the cooks on hygiene and nutrition, especially the wasteful peeling of potatoes. However, their reaction was far from welcoming. Some fled upon hearing me speak!
Regardless, I remain undeterred. My thirst for knowledge and drive to improve systems—military or kitchen—will never falter. Perhaps one day, they’ll see the value of intelligent reading and discipline. Until then, I shall peel and lecture.
