NCERT English Class 9 | Chapter 9 | The Accidental Tourist | Question Answer |

THINK ABOUT IT                                                                 PAGE 60

1. Bill Bryson says, "I am, in short, easily confused." What examples has he given to justify this?

Answer: Bill Bryson says he is easily confused. To prove his point, he tells the reader how he forgets to spot the lavatory in a cinema hall and ends up being in an alley on the wrong side of a self-locking door. He also says how he happened to realise that he had recently joined the British Airways' frequent flyer programme only after reaching the Logan Airport in Boston.

2. What happens when the zip on his carry-on bag gives way?

Answer: When the zip of his carry-on bag gives way, the contents of the bag are strewn around. Hundreds of documents he kept in the bag come raining down, and the lidless tin of tobacco that he is carrying is discharged of its contents.

3. Why is his finger bleeding? What is his wife's reaction?

Answer: His finger is bleeding as he has gashed it accidentally. His wife's reaction is that of wonder for all she says is, 'I can't believe you do this for a living.;

4. How does Bill Bryson end up in a "crash position" in the aircraft?

Answer: Bill Bryson ends up in a crash position while leaning forward to tie his shoelace, for the person sitting ahead of him throws his seat back into full recline

5. Why are his teeth and gums navy blue?

Answer: His teeth and gums are navy blue because he has been sucking at one end of his pen.

6. Bill Bryson "ached to be suave". Is he successful in his mission? List his 'unsuave' ways.

Answer: Bill Bryson does ache to be suave, but I don't think he is successful in his mission. His unsuave ways include sucking at the pen, ending up in a crashed position while trying to tie his shoelace in an aeroplane, and knocking two soft drinks on a lady who was sitting beside him while flying.

7. Why do you think Bill Bryson's wife says to the children, "Take the lids off the food for Daddy"?

Answer: Bill Bryson's wife asks her children to take the lids off the food for daddy because she fears he may spill the food.

8. What is the significance of the title?

Answer: The word 'accidental' refers to the catastrophes the author, a tourist, finds himself in. Thus, the title, 'The Accidental Tourist' is fully justified.  

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3. Iswaran the Storyteller Question Answer	4. In the Kingdom of Fools Question Answer
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