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A House is Not a Home - Moments - Class 9 - CBSE English
A House is Not a Home, Class 9, Moments, Discover a heartfelt story of resilience as a teen overcomes a house fire, finds new friends, and reunites with a beloved pet. Inspiring & uplifting.
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About the Author - A House is Not a Home | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
Zan Gaudioso is a writer and speaker who focuses on personal growth, self-discovery and overcoming adversity. Her work often features relatable stories that highlight the importance of compassion, empathy, and resilience in the face of life's challenges. Through her writing, Gaudioso aims to inspire readers to reflect on their own experiences and find strength and hope even in difficult times.
In "A House is not a Home," Gaudioso shares a moving account of a high school student's journey through loss and rebuilding after a house fire. The story showcases the power of human connection and kindness as the protagonist discovers a newfound sense of belonging and acceptance in their new school community. It also highlights the value of perseverance and the importance of cherishing the things that truly matter in life.
Zan Gaudioso's work serves as a reminder that even when faced with unexpected obstacles, we can find solace and strength in support of others and emerge from adversity with a renewed appreciation for the people and experiences that shape our lives.
Summary - A House is Not a Home | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
In "A House is not a Home" by Zan Gaudioso, the story revolves around a teenager who experiences a series of life-altering events that ultimately lead to personal growth and newfound connections. The protagonist starts high school feeling awkward and isolated, missing their old friends and teachers. To overcome this, they are encouraged to participate in school activities and adapt to their new environment.
One Sunday afternoon, while doing homework at home, a fire breaks out and engulfs their house. The protagonist's mother manages to save some important documents and sentimental items, but the family loses almost everything, including their beloved cat. The protagonist is devastated by the loss of their home, belongings, and pet.
Despite the tragedy, the protagonist goes to school the next day, feeling embarrassed and out of place. However, the school community comes together to support them by collecting clothes and school supplies and offering friendship. This display of kindness helps the protagonist realize that things will be okay, and they begin to forge new friendships.
A month later, as their house is being rebuilt, the protagonist is with their new friends when a woman returns their long-lost cat. This reunion, along with the support from friends and the kindness of a stranger, helps the protagonist come to terms with their losses and feel gratitude for the positive changes in their life. The story demonstrates the power of resilience, the importance of community support, and the transformative nature of challenging experiences.

Themes - A House is Not a Home | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
Resilience and Personal Growth:
The protagonist experiences significant challenges, such as adjusting to a new school, losing their home in a fire, and the temporary loss of their cat. Despite these hardships, they display resilience by continuing to attend school and adapting to their new situation. Through these experiences, they grow personally, learning to appreciate the kindness of others and the value of friendship.
The Power of Community and Support:
The story highlights the importance of community and the impact it can have on an individual's well-being. The protagonist's classmates ...
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Important Lines - A House is Not a Home | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
"I remember watching my house burn down and thinking that there was nothing I could do about it."
This line conveys the protagonist's feelings of helplessness and despair as they face the loss of their home. It emphasizes the magnitude of the tragedy they are experiencing.
"In that instant, I finally breathed a sigh of relief and thought for the first time that things were going to be okay."
This line marks a turning...
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Vocabulary - A House is Not a Home | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
- Awkward (adjective) - causing difficulty; hard to do or deal with; uncomfortable or inconvenient
Example: The situation was awkward because she didn't know anyone at the party. - Isolated (adjective) - feeling alone and without friends or support
Example: He felt isolated after moving to a new city where he didn't know anyone. - Groping (verb) - to feel about or search blindly or uncertainly with the hands
Example: They were ..
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A House is Not a Home - Questions and Answers | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
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He held on to me while other firefighters ran into the house. he knew that I wasnβt acting very logically and that if were to let go, Iβd run. He was right. a. Who is βheβ in these lines? Who did βheβ hold on to? b. Why did the other firefighters run into the house? c. What was the illogical action? d. Why was βheβ right?
a. βHeβ refers to the fireman. βHeβ held on to Zan as he was planning to run behind his mother in the burning house. b. The other firefighters ran into the home to rescue the authorβs mother. c. The illogical action was to run inside a burning home behind his mother. d. βHeβ was right as it could be dangerous and he could get hurt.
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Now I was sitting there watching my house being rebuilt when I realized my life was doing the same thing. a. Who is the speaker? b. Why was his house being rebuilt? c. Why does the speaker feel that his life too was being rebuilt? d. Who was rebuilding the house and who was rebuilding the speakerβs life?
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As I sat there with my friends and my cat curled up in my lap, all the overwhelming feeling of loss and tragedy seemed to diminish. a. Who is 'I' in the above extract? Where was 'Iβ sitting with his friends? b. Why did 'I' have his cat curled up in his lap? c. Why did'!' earlier have feelings of loss and tragedy? d. Why did his negative feelings begin to diminish?
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Zan's start at the new school was not happy at all? Why?
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How did Zan's old teachers encourage him to get involved in school activities?
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How had Zan given his cat a good life?
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"I smelled something strange". When and why did Zan feel so?
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How did the fire in Zan's house start?
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Why did Zan's mother run into the burning house twice?
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Why did Zan try to follow his mother into the burning house?
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What first aid was given to Zan's mother? Why?
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Where did Zan and his mother spend the first night after the fire tragedy? Why?
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Why wouldn't Zan's mother let him be home the next day after the fire?
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From whom did Zan's mother have to borrow money and why?
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What was the 'bad news' that had spread quickly in Zan's new school?
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Why did Zan wish to die?
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What damage had the fire caused in Zanβs house?
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Why did Zanβs schoolmates take him to gym?
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How did Zan feel about the genuine outpouring of concern by his schoolmates?
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How was Zan reunited with his cat?
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Why did Zan feel gratitude after his cat was restored to him?
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Comment on the attitude of the school towards the boy who lost his home in the fire.
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What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is his motherβs reaction? What does she do?
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Why does he break down in tears after the fire?
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Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show his fear and insecurity?
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The cat and the author are very fond of each other. How has this been shown in the story? Where was the cat after the fire? Who brings it back and how?
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What actions of the schoolmates change the authorβs understanding of life and people, and comfort him emotionally? How does his loneliness vanish, and how does he start participating in life?
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What is the meaning of βMy cat was back and so was Iβ? Had the author gone anywhere? Why does he say that he is also back?
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Quiz - A House is Not a Home | Moments | Class 9 Literature | CBSE English
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