Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Class 9 English Language & Literature, Chapterwise and Topicwise Solved Papers For 2025 Exams 9789359583334, 9359583332

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CLASS 9

ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE

[Beehive, Supplementary Reader : Moments, Words & Expressions-I Workbook]

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20th EDITION

I SB N SYLLABUS COVERED

YEAR 2024-25 “9789359583334”

CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION DELHI

PUBLISHED BY OSWAAL BOOKS & LEARNING PVT. LTD.

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DISC L AIM ER This book is published by Oswaal Books and Learning Pvt Ltd (“Publisher”) and is intended solely for educational use, to enable students to practice for examinations/tests and reference. The contents of this book primarily comprise a collection of questions that have been sourced from previous examination papers. Any practice questions and/or notes included by the Publisher are formulated by placing reliance on previous question papers and are in keeping with the format/pattern/guidelines applicable to such papers. The Publisher expressly disclaims any liability for the use of, or references to, any terms or terminology in the book, which may not be considered appropriate or may be considered offensive, in light of societal changes. Further, the contents of this book, including references to any persons, corporations, brands, political parties, incidents, historical events and/or terminology within the book, if any, are not intended to be offensive, and/or to hurt, insult or defame any person (whether living or dead), entity, gender, caste, religion, race, etc. and any interpretation to this effect is unintended and purely incidental. While we try to keep our publications as updated and accurate as possible, human error may creep in. We expressly disclaim liability for errors and/or omissions in the content, if any, and further disclaim any liability for any loss or damages in connection with the use of the book and reference to its contents”.

Kindle Edition

Contents l

Latest CBSE Syllabus

5 - 6

Section A : Reading Skills 1. Unseen Passages u Self Assessment Paper-01

Section B : Grammar & Creative writing Skills

2. Grammar with Grammar Charts 3. Gap Filling 4. Editing 5. Sentence Transformation 6. Descriptive Paragraph (Person/Place/Event/Situation) 7. Story Writing 8. Diary Entry u Self Assessment Paper-02

Section C : Literature

Prose 1. The Fun They Had 2. The Sound of Music 3. The Little Girl 4. A Truly Beautiful Mind 5. The Snake and The Mirror 6. My Childhood u Artificial Intelligence 7. Reach for the Top 8. Kathmandu 9. If I Were You Poems 1. The Road not Taken u Artificial Intelligence 2. Wind u Artificial Intelligence



3.

Rain on the Roof

133 - 135

u Artificial Intelligence

135 - 136

1 - 16



4.

The Lake Isle of Innisfree

137 - 139

17 - 21



5.

A Legend of The Northland

140 - 142

22 33 39 47 53

- - - - -

32 38 46 52 59

60 - 65 66 - 69 70 - 71

72 79 88 93 98 102

- 78 - 87 - 92 - 97 - 101 - 106

107 - 107

108 - 113 114 - 117 118 - 121 122 - 126 126 - 127

128 - 130 131 - 132

u Artificial Intelligence

143 - 144



6.

No Men are Foreign

145 - 147



7.

On Killing a Tree

148 - 150

u Artificial Intelligence

150 - 151



152 - 154

8.

A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal

Supplementary Reader : Moments 1. The Lost Child 2. The Adventures of Toto u Artificial Intelligence 3. Iswaran - The Story Teller 4. In the Kingdom of Fools 5. The Happy Prince 6. The Last Leaf 7. A House is not a Home 8. The Beggar u Self Assessment Paper-03

155 - 158 159 - 161 161 - 161

162 166 169 172 175 178

- 165 - 168 - 171 - 174 - 177 - 180

181 - 182

Workbook : Words & Expressions-I u Unit - 1 u Unit - 2 u Unit - 3 u Unit - 4 u Unit - 5 u Unit - 6 u Unit - 7 u Unit - 8 u Unit - 9 

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183 192 199 205 211 217 223 230 234

- 191 - 198 - 204 - 210 - 216 - 222 - 229 - 233 - 239

qq

Preface Elevate Your Performance, Surpassing the Past Get ready for another epic journey through the academic wonders of the academic year 2024-2025 with your trustworthy companion—Oswaal Books! Remember last year’s triumphs? Well, buckle up because we are about to make this year even more awesome! As the legendary dancer Martha Graham once said, “Practice means to perform, repeatedly in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire.” We have taken this wisdom to heart and packed it into our brandnew Question Banks for 2024-2025. They are a magical mix of CBSE Board Updates and specially crafted Questions tailored to the Latest Typologies. Oh, and did we mention the fantastic Learning Resources that come with them?

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Syllabus ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No. 184) CLASS – IX Section A



Weightage Reading Skills (40 periods)*

20 Marks

B

Writing Skills with Grammar (40 periods)*

20 Marks

C

Language through Literature (50 periods)*

40 Marks

*This is a suggestive number.

Section A Reading Skills I. Reading Comprehension through Unseen Passage 20 Marks 1. Discursive passage of 400-450 words.  (10 marks) 2. Case-based factual passage (with visual input- statistical data/chart etc.) of 200-250 words.  (10 marks) (Total length of two passages to be 600-700 words) Multiple Choice Questions / Objective Type Questions/Very Short Answer Questions will be asked to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation and vocabulary. Section B Writing Skills and Grammar II. Grammar  10 Marks  Determiners  Tenses  Modals  Subject – verb concord  Reported speech t Commands and requests t Statements t Questions 3. The courses at the secondary level seek to cement high professional grasp of grammatical items and levels of accuracy. Accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar will be assessed through Gap Filling/ Editing/Transformation exercises. Ten out of twelve questions will be attempted. III. Writing Skills  10 marks 4. Writing a Descriptive Paragraph (word limit 100-120 words), describing a person/ event / situation, based on visual or verbal cue/s. One out of two questions to be answered. 5 marks 5. Writing a Story (on a given cue/title)/Diary

Entry, in 100-120 words. One out of two questions is to be answered.  5 marks Section C Language through Literature 40 Marks IV. Reference to the Context  (5+5 = 10 Marks) 6. One extract out of two, from Drama / Prose. 7. One extract out of two, from poetry. Multiple Choice Questions / Objective Type Questions will be asked to assess interpretation, analysis, inference and evaluation, appreciation and vocubulary. V. Short & Long Answer Questions 8. Four out of Five Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 40-50 words from the book BEEHIVE to assess interpretation, analysis, inference and evaluation. 4x3=12 marks 9. Two out of Three Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 40-50 words from the book MOMENTS to assess interpretation, analysis, inference and evaluation. 3x2=6 marks 10. One out of two Long Answer Type Questions from BEEHIVE to be answered in about 100-120 words to assess creativity, imagination and extrapolation beyond the text and across the text. This can also be a passage-based question taken from a situation/plot from the text. 6 marks 11. One out of two Long Answer Type Questions from MOMENTS, on theme or plot involving interpretation, extrapolation beyond the text and inference or character sketch to be answered in about 100-120 words. 6 marks Prescribed Books: Published by NCERT, New Delhi Beehive Prose a. The Fun They Had b. The Sound of Music c. The Little Girl

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Syllabus d. A Truly Beautiful Mind e. The Snake and the Mirror f. My Childhood g. Reach For The Top h. Kathmandu i. If I were You Poems 1. The Road Not taken 2. Wind 3. Rain on The Roof 4. The Lake Isle of Innisfree 5. A Legend of The Northland 6. No Men Are Foreign 7. On killing a tree 8. A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal Moments 1. The Lost Child 2. The adventures of Toto 3. Iswaran the Storyteller 4. In the kingdom of fools 5. The Happy Prince 6. The Last Leaf 7. A House is not a Home 8. The Beggar 3. WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS – I (WORKBOOK FOR CLASS IX) – Units 1 to 6 and Units 8, 10 & 11  NOTE: Teachers are advised to: (i) encourage classroom interaction among peers, students and teachers through activities such as role play, group work etc.



(ii) reduce teacher-talk time and keep it to the minimum, (iii) take up questions for discussion to encourage pupils to participate and to marshal their ideas and express and defend their views. Besides measuring learning outcome, texts serve the dual purpose of diagnosing mistakes and areas of non-learning. To make evaluation a true index of learners’ knowledge, each language skill is to be assessed through a judicious mixture of different types of questions. INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 30 Periods Listening and Speaking Competencies Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills will be for 05 marks. It is recommended that listening and speaking skills should be regularly practiced. Art-integrated projects based on activities like Role Play, Skit, Dramatization etc. must be used. Please refer to the Circular no. Acad-33/2020 dated 14th May 2020 at the http://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/Circulars/2020/33_Circular_2020.pdf for details. Guidelines for the Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills are given at Annexure I.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (Code No.184)

CLASS – IX Sections

Marks-80 Competencies

Reading Com- Conceptual understanding, decoding, analyzing, inferring, interpreting and vocabulary prehension Creative expression of an opinion, reasoning, justifying, illustrating, appropriacy of style and tone, using appropriate Writing Skill format and fluency. and Grammar Applying conventions, using integrated structures with accuracy and fluency Recalling, reasoning, appreciating, applying literary Literature conventions illustrating and justifying etc. Extract relevant Through information, identifying the central theme and sub-theme, Literature understanding the writers’ message and writing fluently. Total

Total marks 20

20

40 80

For the details of Internal Assessment of 20 marks, please refer to the circular no. Acad-11/2019, dated March 6, 2019.  (6)

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(8)



UNSEEN PASSAGES

1

SECTION A : READING SKILLS

CHAPTER

1



UNSEEN PASSAGES

This section will have two types of unseen comprehension passages. (20 Marks)

Syllabus

1. Discursive passage of 400-500 words. 2. Case based factual passage (with visual input-statistical data, chart etc.) of 200-250 words. (Total length of two passages to be 600-700 words)

(10 Marks) (10 Marks)

Multiple Choice Questions / Objective Type Questions/Very Short Answer Questions will be asked to assess comprehension, interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation and vocabulary.

The students are required to do a thorough study and have understanding of the given comprehension passages which may consist of one or more than one paragraphs. The main purpose of this activity is to test the reading ability of the students and their intellectual skills. This section carries a weightage of 20 marks. Types of Passages : There are two types of passages which help to test the reading skills of the students during their examination. They are : 1. Discursive Passage : A Discursive passage consists of 400-450 words to test inference, analysis, interpretation, evaluation and vocabulary. It may also include opinions or feedback. The students are able to come to a conclusion through their reasoning power rather than intuition. They discuss the subject to reach a balanced and objective approach. 2. Case-based Factual Passage : A case based factual passage contains visual input- statistical data, chart etc. and it is of 200-250 words to assess inference, analysis, interpretation, evaluation and vocabulary. A good factual passage encourages the reader to compare or contrast the relevant information regarding facts, data, etc. A student learns to get a comprehensive view of the subject and he discusses to improve his or her mental ability. There may be instructive, descriptive and reporting passages in this section.

Tips to Know : Tips for solving comprehension passages :

(i) Read the passage thoroughly. The reading should be quick. (ii) Focus on the relevant details and underline them with a pen or a pencil. (iii) Read the questions carefully and go back to the passage to find the answers.

(iv) The answers are generally in a logical sequence. (v) To find the answer of the vocabulary based questions like synonyms etc., replace the word with the meaning. If you find that it is the same in meaning, the answer is correct.

(vi) To find the correct option in Multiple Choice Questions, go through all the options. Re-read the passage and then tick the correct option.



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Marking Scheme Objective : Local and global comprehension of a text.

To identify the main points of the text. Marking : Discursive passage 10 marks—1 mark for each correct answer. (MCQ/Objective type question / Very Short Answer Questions) Case-based passage 10 marks—1 mark for each correct MCQ/Objective type question / Very Short Answer Questions

   Type I : Discursive Passage I.

(400-450 words & 10 marks)

Read the following passage and answer the questions given below: 1. Books are companions for people of all age groups. E-books vs printed books is like comparing joint and nuclear family systems. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. E-books are cost effective and books of all genres can be easily accessed from the internet. Font flexibility makes reading easier, uncountable books can be stored in a single device and most importantly it can help save trees. Packing for trips is hard enough, but it gets doubled when faced with the task of choosing which book to carry. The device takes a whole lot of weight off from the shoulders literally. With the e-book, a reader can take hundreds of books with him on the journey, and only take up a few square inches in his carry bag. 2. Reading a printed book can save you from the health hazards of using hi-tech gadgets. For people who consider reading a book as worship, the scent of its pages intoxicate their senses. The pleasure of reading a printed book and scribbling comments on the sides of the pages are unmatched. Printed books are not merely about reading, they are an experience. The joy of flipping pages and keeping book+marks cannot be experienced in an e-book. Constantly reading on the computer screen or a mobile phone can damage the eyes. Apart from physical considerations, studies have shown that when it comes to reading comprehension, printed books are still a better choice. Literacy building in children is more effective with printed books than with an e-book because of the opportunities for interaction between the child and the parent reading the book with the child. In fact, in e-books there is no conversation and nothing to encourage the child to verbalise or explore the potential using language. The research concluded that ‘click through’ added features can actually distract from the reading experience because of all the interruption. 3. This is not to say e-books do not have advantages. It can effectively serve the purpose of convenience and portability. The excitement generated around technologies such as Amazon’s Kindle has played its part in changing from page to screen. Both versions complement each other based on why and where each is being used.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below:

Q.1. Which of the following is false? (A) Books should be read only by youngsters. (B) Books are companions for all age groups. (C) Books increase the knowledge of the readers. (D) Books increase the vocabulary. Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q.2. A printed book has the following advantage: (A) It is cost effective. (B) It is free from any health hazard. (C) It can be more easily packed than e-book. (D) It does not need book marks.

Ans. Option (B) is correct.



Q.3. Font flexibility is possible in __________.

(A) printed books (B) magazines

1

1

1

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

(C) e-books (D) all of these

Ans. Option (C) is correct.

Q.4. Printed books can save from the health hazards of using __________. (A) paper

1

(B) hi-tech gadgets (C) electronic device (D) bookmarks

Ans. Option (B) is correct.



Q.5. A word which denotes to a category of artistic, musical or literary composition characterized by a particular style, form or content ___________. (Para 1) 1 Ans. Genre



Q.6. Find the words from the passage which means the same as the following.

(A) A family that consists of father, mother and children as a unit (para1) (B) enjoyment (para 2) Ans. (A) Nuclear family (B) pleasure Q.7. List any one advantage of e-book. Ans. It is cost-effective. Q.8. Which of the following is not true?

1

1 1

(A) e-books and printed books complement each other (B) e-books are more convenient than printed books (C) e-books causes strain on the eyes. (D) e-books cannot be accessed from Internet

Ans. Option (D) is correct.

Q.9. A word that means the same as 'that which makes complete' from para 3 is ____________. Ans. complement Q.10. Books of all ____________can be easily accessed from the internet. Ans. genres 2. Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:

1 1

1. Modern food has become our enemy. We have become so slavish to taste and presentation that we eat food for its entertainment value, not for its nutritional benefit. Even as health awareness is increasing, the variety of junk and nutritionless food is also increasing. Each restaurant boasts of a new cuisine, which is a mixture of refined flour, oil and sugar. Pasta, noodles, white rice, white bread and maida based products like pizzas, burgers, naan and rumali roti are the main options in Italian, Chinese, Indian or Mexican cuisines. The vegetarian dishes are either overcooked or have a lot of corn starch and fat. The non-vegetarian dishes are either white-sauce based or made in rich gravies. 2. People are trying to lose weight by eating less in the day, so that they can accommodate such foods in the evening. They skip breakfast and lunch so that they can satisfy their taste buds in the night with a family dinner. Perfect health, however, cannot be achieved by a process of eating less and not eating . The idea is to nourish the body. You might achieve some weight loss but you will also lose out on your health.

Therefore, whilst embarking upon any weight loss programme, remember that health is much more than just weight loss, at the same time achieving ideal body weight in a healthy way does provide a basis for achieving perfect health.



3. Our weight is a balancing act, but the equation is simple: If you eat more calories than you burn, you gain weight. And if you eat fewer calories than you burn, you lose weight.



4. All too often, we make weight loss much more difficult than it needs to be with extreme diets that leave us cranky and starving, unhealthy lifestyle choices that undermine our dieting efforts, and emotional eating habits that stop us before we get started. But there’s a better way! You can lose weight without feeling miserable. By making smart choices every day, you can develop new



UNSEEN PASSAGES

5

eating habits and preferences that will leave you feeling satisfied—and winning the battle of the bulge.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below:



Q.1. We have become slave to modern food because of its __________.

(A) taste (B) nutritional value (C) presentation (D) taste and presentation Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q.2. The vegetarian dishes in the restaurants

1

1

(A) are under-cooked (B) full of corn starch (C) are full of corn starch and fat (D) none of these

Ans. Option (C) is correct.



Q.3. Which of the following statements is false?

1

(A) If we eat more calories than we burn, we gain weight (B) Our unhealthy life style helps us lose weight. (C) We should develop good eating habits (D) Say 'yes' to nutritious food.

Ans. Option (B) is correct.



Q.4. The passage tells us ____________.

1

(A) how to eat food (B) how to enjoy food (C) the way to remain healthy (D) the way to starve

Ans. Option (C) is correct.



Q.5. What is meant by ‘undermine’ ? (Para 5)

1

(A) better (B) weaken (C) underestimate (D) improve Ans. Option (B) is correct.

Q.6. If you eat fewer calories than you burn, you ___________.



Ans. lose weight



Q.7. How can we win the battle of the bulge?

1 2

Ans. We can win the battle of bulge by: (i)

making smart food choices

(ii)

developing good eating habits

(iii) preferring nutritious food (iv) all of these

Q.8. A word opposite to happy will be _____________.

1



Ans. sad Q.9. The non-vegetarian dishes are either _________ based or made in rich _________.

1



Ans. white-sauce, gravies Q.10. If you eat __________calories than you burn, you gain weight.

1

3.

Ans. more Read the following passage and answer the questions given below: 1. During my growing years, my siblings and I were taught — both at home and school – to worship the photos and idols of the deities of our respective religions. When we grew a little older, we were introduced

6

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

to scriptures like the Bhagwad Gita, the Bible, and the Quran, we were told that there are lot of life lessons to be learnt from these holy books. We were then introduced to mythological stories, through which we learnt about ethics and morality. I also learnt to be respectful towards my parents who made my life comfortable with their love and sacrifice, and my teachers who guided me to become a good student and responsible citizen. 2. Much later in life, I realised that though we learn much from our respective scriptures, there is a lot to learn from our surroundings. This realisation dawned upon me when I learnt to enquire and explore. Everything around us — the sun, the moon, the stars, rain, rivers, stones, rocks, birds, plants and animals – teach us many valuable life lessons. 3. No wonder that besides the scriptures, in many cultures, nature is also worshipped. The message that is transmitted is that of maintaining environment and ecological balance. People are taught to live in harmony with nature and, recognise that divinity is there every-where. 4. Nature is a great teacher. A river never stops flowing. If it finds an obstruction in the form of a heavy rock, the river water fights to remove it from its path or finds an alternative path to move ahead. This teaches us not only to be nurturing but also to be progressive in life; keeping the fighting spirit alive. 5. We learn a lot in nature’s lap but are unwilling to comprehend it. Rather than being considerate to our surrounding and environment, we are being senselessly insensitive. Overcome with greed, we are destroying nature, the extent of which is so profound that we are frequently facing natural disasters like droughts, floods and landslides. We refuse to accept that nature is angry with us. We forget that if the dam of patience bursts, the result is destruction. 6. However, it is never too late to learn, if we imbibe the life-giving and nurturing aspects of Mother Nature, the quality of our life will improve dramatically.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below:



Q.1. We learn life-lessons from ___________.

1

(A) mythological stories

(B) nature

(C) surroundings

(D) all of these



Ans. Option (D) is correct.



Q.2. Frequent natural disasters occur due to ___________.

(A) human greed (C) ecological balance Ans. Option (A) is correct.

Q.3. Nature has started showing its __________ in the form of landslides, floods, droughts etc.

(A) joy (C) elation Ans. Option (B) is correct.

1 (B) landslides (D) nurturing aspects of nature 1

(B) anger (D) recognition

Q.4. We should imbibe __________ aspects of Mother Nature.

1

(A) devastating (B) life giving (C) destroying (D) comprehending Ans. Option (B) is correct.

Q.5. Find a word in Para 6 which means the same as ‘assimilate’.

(A) dramatically (C) nurturing Ans. Option (D) is correct.

1

(B) quality (D) imbibe

Q.6. The rivers teach us to ___________.

1

Ans. be progressive in life

Q.7. What do mythological stories teach us ?

Ans. (i)

To become good citizens.

(ii)

To be respectful towards parents.

1



4.

UNSEEN PASSAGES

Q.8. Which word in para 1 means the same as 'gods'? Ans. Deities Q.9. We forget that if the dam of ___________ bursts, the result is destruction. Ans. patience Q.10. People are taught to live in harmony with nature and, recognise that __________. Ans. divinity is everywhere. Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:

7 1 1 1

1. ‘Su’ means number and ‘Duko’ means single. The game of Sudoku has many similarities with the game of life. Sudoku is a puzzle game designed for a single player, much like a crossword puzzle. The puzzle itself is nothing more than a grid of little boxes called ‘cells’. They are stacked nine high and nine wide, making 81 cells in total.

The roots of the Sudoku puzzle are in Switzerland. Leonhard Euler created ‘carré latin’ in the 18th century which is similar to a Sudoku puzzle. The first real Sudoku was published in 1979 and was invented by Howard Garns, an American architect. The real world wide popularity started in Japan in 1986 after it was published and given the name Sudoku by Nikoli.

2. In life, too, you start with a given set of notions and then work from there on. In Sudoku, you need to follow a set of rules to build up the grid, filling each row, column and box with numbers ranging from one to nine, so much like in life where you have to go on your way without hurting anyone else. Respect every number (person), and things would be fine. 3. While playing, you never think of the end (the result); you just keep working on the numbers and the final result (fruits of action) comes on its own. Extremely difficult puzzles may take hours. Similarly, to achieve the desired results in life, may also take years. The game of Sudoku and the game of life are best played in calm but in a focused state. 4. Everything has to go together in a Sudoku grid: the rows, columns and squares. Exactly as in life. Your duties towards your family, teachers, society and country, all go on simultaneously. In Sudoku, the arrangement of the given numbers is symmetrical. This is instructive in life, on how to maintain steadfast faith, poise and equanimity despite situations when everything turns topsy-turvy. 5. There is a subtle difference between the two, as well. Make a mistake and you can erase it and begin all over again in Sudoku. Not so in life. You can learn a lesson through it, and avoid making the same mistake in future. What most people don’t know is that Sudoku is not a mathematical game. It requires absolutely no arithmetic skills, but it does require logical reasoning. As you learn to arrange the numbers correctly, your logical thinking skills improve.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below:



Q.1. A game of Sudoku puzzle has ___________ cells.

(A) 80

(B) 81

(C) 82

(D) 83



Ans. Option (B) is correct.



Q.2. Sudoku puzzle gained worldwide popularity first in ___________.



Ans. Japan



Q.3. The first real Sudoku was published in ___________. (B) 1986

(C) 18 century

(D) 19th century



Ans. Option (A) is correct.



Q.4. Which one of the following is false about the Sudoku puzzle?

(A) The game has a grid of little boxes called cells. (B) Its roots are in America. (C) A set of rules should be followed to move ahead in the puzzle. (D) The rows, columns and squares – all should go together while playing the game.

Ans. Option (B) is correct.

1 1

(A) 1979 th

1

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q.5. The number in the boxes range from ___________.

1

(A) one to nine (B) three to nine (C) one to six (D) one to ten

Ans. Option (A) is correct.



Q.6. Our duties towards our __________ should go on simultaneously.



Ans. family, teachers, society, and country



Q.7. What is meant by 'equanimity' (para 4)?



Ans. Self control



Q.8. Find the word opposite in meaning to ruffled (para 5).

5.

Ans. Calm Q.9. The roots of the Sudoku puzzle are in _________ . Ans. Switzerland Q.10. Sudoku doesn't require mathematical skills but ____________. Ans. logical reasoning Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:

1 1 1 1 1

1. An escalating epidemic of overweight and obesity is affecting many countries in the world; more than 300 million people are overweight or obese. Obesity could be region specific. In India, some people tend to be overweight because of their high calorie diet and lack of physical activity. In the United States, obesity is more prevalent in lower economic groups. Obesity is now well recognized as a disease in its own right. Though, obesity commonly means very overweight, it is defined as an excess amount of body weight that includes muscles, bone, fat and water. ‘Obesity’ specifically refers to an excess amount of body fat. Some people such as body builders or other athletes with a lot of muscle, can be overweight without being obese. 2. A certain amount of body fat is needed for stored energy, heat insulation, shock absorption and other functions. Generally, women have more body fat than men. Usually men with more than 25% body fat and women more than 30% body fat are regarded as obese. Obesity tends to run in families suggesting a genetic cause. Environmental factors mean lifestyle behaviour such as what a person eats and his or her level of physical activity. Although you cannot change your genetic makeup, you can change your eating habits and levels of activity. You can learn how to choose more nutritional meals which are low in fat to become more active. 3. Then there are psychological factors. Negative emotions such as boredom, sadness or anger, respond to people who overeat. There is also ‘binge eating’ i.e. when people eat large amounts of food thinking that they cannot control how much they are eating. Those with the most severe binge eating problems are also likely to have symptoms of depression and low self-esteem. These people may have more difficulty in losing weight and keeping it off, than people without binge eating problems. 4. Obesity is more than a cosmetic problem; it is a health hazard. Several serious medical conditions have been linked to obesity, including type-2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and heart stroke. Obesity is also linked to higher rates of certain types of cancer. Other diseases and health problems linked to obesity include gall bladder disease and gallstones, liver disease and osteoarthritis which leads to deterioration of joints and gout which also affect the joint and reproductive problems in women. 5. As the trend is to equate attractiveness with slimness, especially for women, obesity makes people feel unattractive. There are many methods of treatment, but the benefits of exercise are much more than any other way of losing weight. Not only does exercise help you lose weight but also improves your fitness and flexibility and improves skin texture. Exercises are also free from the side effects of crash dieting, slimming capsules and the heat treatment used by slimming centres.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below:



Q. 1. Obesity is more prevalent in lower income group in __________ .

Ans. United States

1



UNSEEN PASSAGES

9



Q. 2. Usually men with more than ________ body fat and women more than ________body fat are regarded as obese. 1



Ans. 25%, 30%



Q. 3. ___________ can be the cause of a person being obese.





(A) Environmental factors





(B) Heredity





(C) Psychological factors





(D) All the above



Ans. Option (D) is correct.



Q. 4. People with binge-eating problem may have ___________ also.





(A) depression





(B) confidence





(C) confidence and high self esteem





(D) depression and low self esteem



Ans. Option (D) is correct.



Q. 5. Exercises are free from the side effects of ___________ .





(A) crash dieting





(B) cold treatment used by slimming centres





(C) clash dieting





(D) binge eating



Ans. Option (A) is correct.



Q.6. The synonym of ‘intense’ in para 3 is ___________ .





(A) depression





(B) self-esteem





(C) severe





(D) control



Ans. Option (C) is correct.



Q. 7. Obesity commonly means very overweight, it is defined as an excess amount of body weight that includes ________________ . 1



Ans. muscles, bone, fat and water

1

1

1

1



Q. 8. Find a word in para 5, which is an antonym of 'rigidity'.



Ans. Flexibility



Q. 9. Obesity is more than a cosmetic problem; it is a _____________ .



Ans. health hazard



Q.10. Name any two diseases linked with obesity.1



Ans. Higher rates of certain types of cancer, gall bladder disease and gallstones, liver disease and osteoarthritis. (Any 2)

   Type II : Case Based Passage 1.

1 1

(200-250 words & 10 marks)

Read the following passage and answer the questions given below: Papaya is the healthiest fruit with a list of properties that is long and exhaustive. Papaya favours digestion as well as cures skin irritation and sunburns. You can munch on it as a salad, have it cooked or boiled or just drink it up as milk shake or juice. The most important of these virtues is the protein-digesting enzyme in the milky juice. The enzyme is similar to pepsin in its digestive action and is said to be so powerful that it can digest 200 times its own weight in protein. It assists the body in assimilating the maximum nutritional value from food to provide energy and body-building materials.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Papain in raw papaya makes up for the deficiency of gastric juice and fights excess of unhealthy mucus in the stomach, dyspepsia and intestinal irritation. The ripe fruit, if eaten regularly, corrects habitant constipation, bleeding piles and chronic diarrhoea. The juice, used as a cosmetic, removes freckles or brown spots due to exposure to sunlight and makes the skin smooth and delicate. A paste of papaya seeds is applied in skin diseases like those caused by ringworm. The black seeds of the papaya are highly beneficial in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver caused by malnutrition, alcoholism, etc. A table spoon of its juice, combined with a hint of fresh lime juice, should be taken once or twice daily for a month. The fresh juice of raw papaya mixed with honey can be applied over inflamed tonsils, for diphtheria and other throat disorders. It dissolves the membrane and prevents infection from spreading. The nutrients in papaya have also been shown to be helpful in the prevention of colon cancer. Papaya’s fibre is able to control cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells. In addition, papaya’s folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E have each been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer. These nutrients provide synergistic protection for colon cells from free radical damage to their DNA. Increasing your intake of these nutrients by enjoying papaya is an especially good idea for individuals at risk of colon cancer.



2.4 g

Fibre

1.7 g

10.39 g

Sugar

7.82 g

107 mg

Potassium

182 mg

5 mg

Magnesium

21 mg

4.6 mg

Vitamin C

60.9 mg

54 IU

Vitamin A

950 IU

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below:

Q.1. The fact that papaya is a versatile fruit is evident from ___________. (A) used as a cosmetic (B) its ability to fight and cure so many diseases (C) corrects habitant constipation, bleeding piles and chronic diarrhoea (D) None of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct.

1

Q.2. Papaya favours _____________________. (A) digestion and cures skin irritation. (B) makes the skin smooth and delicate. (C) inflamed tonsils and other throat disorders. (D) deficiency of gastric juice and fights excess of unhealthy mucus. Ans. Option (A) is correct.

1

Q.3. The black seeds of the papaya are highly beneficial in the treatment of: (A) colon cancer (B) cirrhosis of the liver (C) skin irritation and sunburns (D) None of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct.

1

Q.4. Find the word from the passage which means ‘a lack or shortage’. Ans. Deficiency

1



Q.5. The enzyme is similar to pepsin in its digestive action and is said to be so powerful that it can digest ___________ times its own weight in protein. 1 (A) 300 (B) 250 (C) 350 (D) 200 Ans. Option (D) is correct.



UNSEEN PASSAGES

11

Q.6. Papaya has more ____________ than apple. Ans. potassium and magnesium

1



Q.7. If eaten regularly papaya can correct ____________.

1



Ans. Bleeding piles, diarrhoea, habitant consipation.



Q.8. List the benefit of raw papaya.



Ans. Papain in raw papaya makes up for deficiency of gastric juice and fights excess of unhealthy mucus in stomach, dyspensia and intestinal irralation.



Q.9. Papaya's fibre is able to control ________ causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy cells. 1



Ans. cancer



Q.10. The enzyme is similar to pepsin in its digestive action and is said to be so powerful that it can digest ______ times its own weight in protein. 1



Ans. 200

2.

Read the following passage and answer the questions given below: Chocolate diamonds that are actually brown diamonds are compared to the well-known white diamond, which aren’t of much worth. Diamonds are produced in mines. The best known diamond mines are in Australia, South Africa and Russia. The largest diamond mine was discovered in 1976 in the desert of Australia near a little creek named Lake Argyle. Diamonds are created under very extreme conditions of pressure and high temperature. It is a general misunderstanding that there exist only white colourless diamonds. Actually, diamonds exist in many different colours. Of all the diamond mines in the world, almost 80% of the diamonds produced are brownish in colour. Because these were found in such large quantities compared to the other coloured diamonds, these were considered as low-valued diamonds, only good for the industrial sector. But, a famous man called Le Vian came with a marketing campaign to increase the popularity of the chocolate diamond. Instead of calling it a brown diamond, he gave it popular names like caramel, chocolate, cinnamon and cognac. Since his marketing campaign, chocolate diamonds are becoming very popular. The value of a diamond is based on its shape, brightness and colour. Because white diamonds are rare, their value is based on the fact that there are not many white diamonds found around easily. But if you look at the shape and brightness, then the brightest diamond in this world known to men is the brown diamond. Before the development of the Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia in 1986, most brown diamonds were considered worthless for jewellery; they were not even assessed on the diamond colour scale, and were predominantly used for industrial purposes.

However, marketing strategies changed in the 1980s and brown diamonds have become popular gems. The change was mostly due to the supply: the Argyle mine, with its 35 million carats (7,000 kg) of diamonds per year, makes about one third of global production of natural diamonds; 80% of Argyle diamonds are brown. The percentage of brown diamonds is lower in other mines, but it is almost always a significant part of the total production. Consequently, scientific research on causes of brown colour in diamond and ways to alter it has intensified. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below: Q.1. The best known diamond mines are found in ______________. 1 (A) Australia, South Africa, North America (B) South Africa, Russia, Australia (C) Russia, Australia, North America (D) Only Russia Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q.2. Diamonds are created under: 1 (A) low temperature and extreme conditions of pressure (B) normal temperature and pressure (C) extreme conditions of pressure and high temperature (D) high pressure and low temperature Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q.3. Based on shape and brightness, which is the brightest diamond known to the mankind ? 1 (A) white diamond (B) brown diamond (C) chocolate diamond (D) Both (B) and (C) Ans. Option (B) is correct.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q.4. Which of the following statement is true? 1 (A) Diamonds are produced in factories. (B) The brightest diamond known to men in this world is white diamond. (C) Brown diamonds became popular gems after 1980s. (D) Diamonds exist in only one colour. Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q.5. Mention the wrong notion about diamond, __________. 1 Ans. The wrong notation about diamond is that they are not found around easily. Q.6. Brown diamonds were considered worthless for __________. 1 Ans. jewellery Q.7. Find the word from the passage that means ‘a planned set of actions aimed at achieving a particular result’. (Para 2). 1 Ans. Campaign Q.8. List the features on which the value of a diamond depends. 1 Ans. The value of a diamond depends on it shape, brightness and colour. Q.9. ___________ came with a marketing campaign to increase the popularity of the chocolate diamond. 1 Ans. Le Vian Q.10. The ___________, with its 35 million carats (7,000 kg) of diamonds per year, makes about one third of global production of natural diamonds. 1 Ans. Argyle

Commonly Made Error



Students do not read the questions carefully. Instead, they jump to conclusions. Answering Tips

3.

Thorough reading of the passage should be done before choosing the correct option. Regular practice of unseen passages is a must. Read the following passage and answer the questions given below:

(10×1 = 10)

Drawing one of the strongest links yet between global warming and human conflict, researchers said on March 02, 2015 that an extreme drought in Syria between 2006 and 2009 was most likely to take place due to climate change, and that it was a factor in the violent uprising that began there in 2011. The drought was the worst in the country in modern times, and the scientists laid the blame for it on a centurylong trend toward warmer and drier conditions in the eastern Mediterranean, rather than on natural climate variability. The researchers said this trend matched computer simulations of how the region responds to increase in greenhouse gas emissions, and appeared to be due to two factors: weakening of winds that bring moisture-laden air from the Mediterranean and hotter temperatures that cause more evaporation. Colin P. Kelley, the lead author of the study, who researched while at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and is now at the University of California, said there was no apparent natural cause for the warming and drying trend, which developed over the last 100 years, when humans’ effect on climate has been the greatest. Some social scientists, policy makers and others have previously suggested that the drought played a role in the Syrian unrest, and the researchers addressed this as well, saying the drought ‘had a catalytic effect.’ They cited studies that showed that the extreme dryness, combined with other factors, including misguided agricultural and water use policies of the Syrian government, caused crop failures that led to the migration of as many as 1.5 million people from rural to urban areas. This added to social stresses that eventually resulted in the uprising against Bashar al-Assad in March 2011.

25

3.5 3

20

2.5 15

2 1.5

10

1

5

0.5 0

2004

2011

2014

Residents in Syria (in millions)

UNSEEN PASSAGES

Residents in rural areas (in millions)



13

Rural Population Syria

0

What began as civil war has since escalated into a multifaceted conflict, with at least 200,000 deaths. The researchers said that there were many factors that contributed to the chaos. The US military has described climate change as a ‘threat multiplier’ that may lead to greater instability.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below:



Q.1. An extreme drought was expected in Syria in ___________.

1

(A) 2006 (B) 2011 (C) between 2006 and 2011 (D) between 2006 and 2009

Ans. Option (D) is correct.



Q.2. The antonym of ‘strengthening’ in para 3 is __________.

(A) simulation

(B) weakening

(C) increase

(D) hotter

1



Ans. Option (B) is correct.



Q.3. Migration added to the social stresses which eventually resulted in the uprising against __________. 1

(A) Syrian government

(B) Bashar al-Assad

(C) Colin P. Kelly

(D) US military



Ans. Option (B) is correct.



Q.4. The population in rural areas in 2004 was ____________.



Ans. 1.5 million



Q.5. The bar graph depicts ___________ in migration from rural to urban areas between 2004 and 2014.

(A) downward trend

(B) no change

(C) upward trend

(D) decreasing number

1 1



Ans. Option (C) is correct.



Q.6. The US military has described climate change as a ___________.



Ans. threat multiplier



Q.7. What began as civil war has since escalated into a multifaceted conflict, with at least _______ deaths. 1



Ans. 200000



Q.8. Mention any reason which led to the failure of crops in Syria during that time.



Ans. Extreme dryness, misguided water use policies and misguided agricultural policies led to the failure of crops in syria during that time. (Any 1)



Q.9. Hotter temperatures cause more ____________.



Ans. evaporation



Q.10. A word from the passage that means clearly visible or evident is_______.



Ans. apparent

1

1 1

14 4.

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Read the following passage and answer the questions given below: The most characteristic feature of spiders is their ability to produce silken threads. Spiders normally have six finger-like silk glands, called ‘spinnerets’ located beneath their abdomen. To spin a web, the spider squeezes the silk out of its body through two small holes. The liquid silk is thicker than water and dries into a fine thread as soon as it comes in contact with air. Spider silk is much stronger than steel and resists breakage because of its elasticity. It can stretch up to 140 per cent of its original length. The diameter of these silken threads is about 10,000 of an inch. Spiders use this silk to make webs to trap their prey. The egg sacs of some spiders are also made of silk which pretreats the unborn progeny. Sometimes the spider can also use its silk as a safety feature. A certain species of spider ‘phidippus apacheanecs’ trails a safety line of fine silk as it jumps. It uses the silk line to recover if it misses its target. The silk of ‘Naphils Spider’ is the strongest natural fibre known. The spinning of webs is a remarkable example of instinctive behaviour. A spider does not have to learn how to make a web, although spinning itself can be adopted to unique circumstances. For example, ‘orb’ webs are circular in shape and take an hour to build. Funnel spiders spin a net-like entrance to their homes, which helps to trap food. Similarly, trap door spiders dig their homes and spin a trap door out of their silk for trapping insects. As integral components of our biosphere, spiders have an intrinsic existence value. They are efficient predators that play an important role in controlling the pests of cotton. They are also a source of food for other creatures, such as birds and wasps. Thus, the presence of spiders is an ecological indicator signalling the health of natural ecosystem. Black and Yellow Garden Spider

Fisher Spider

Typically found in fields and gardens during daytime. Do not need webs to catch prey, track down insects and pounce on them.

Woodlouse Hunting Spider Common House Spider Spotted outside in leaves, wood or rock pill bugs. Found in houses, sheds and garages; Typically weave their webs in ceilings and window corners.

Grass Spiders Webs are woven in grass, visible in morning dew. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below: Q.1. Spinnerets in a spider are located __________. 1 (A) near abdomen (B) beneath their abdomen (C) in their abdomen (D) above their abdomen Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q.2. The liquid silk, that comes out of his body, dries into thread when it comes in contact with ___________. 1 (A) wind (B) water (C) air (D) rain Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q.3. Choose words from paragraph which means, ‘essential’. 1 (A) unique (B) integral (C) progeny (D) indicator Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q.4. Funnel spiders spin __________ entrance to their homes. 1 (A) circular (B) trap-door (C) net-like (D) square Ans. Option (C) is correct.



UNSEEN PASSAGES

Q.5. The web of __________ is visible in morning dew. (A) Garden spider (B) Fisher spider (C) Grass spider (D) Common House spider Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q.6. Which spider does not weave a web to catch its prey? (A) Trapdoor spider (B) Fisher spider (C) Funnel spider (D) Garden spider Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q.7. What important role do spiders play as a predator? Ans. They play an important role in controlling pests of cotton. Q.8. Where could you spot the woodlouse spider? Ans. The woodlouse hunting spider can be spotted in leaves, rockpill bugs, wood. Q.9. The silk of _________ is the strongest natural fibre known. 1 Ans. Naphils Spider Q.10. ___________ is found in fields and gardens during daytime . Ans. Black and Yellow Garden Spider 5. Read the passage given below.

15 1

1

1 1

1

1. Today budgies–often called lovebirds in India – are the most popular pet birds in the world. All the adored cage birds of today are the descendants of parrots. They are one of the smallest of the world’s 330 parrot species which have come down from a plucky little bird in rural Australia. 2. Some appear to be about 30 cm long from tail tip to crown, with bulbous, fluffy foreheads, barrel chests and deep-set eyes. Their colours are striking : vivid shades of blue, grey and green as well as violet and white. Most startling of all are the yolk-yellow birds, called Latinas that are like splashes of luminous paint. The first colour mutations in captive birds were blue and yellow. Today, breeders raise birds with rainbow of colours. 3. Love birds stay near water when it’s dry, but when there’s a lot of rain, they spread out. They are sometimes seen nestling on top of tall eucalyptus trees. While some of the caged varieties would have difficulty flying across a room, wild budgies travel hundreds of kilometres at speeds of upto 50 kilometres per hour to seek seed and water. Even in prolonged droughts, the budgie has an extraordinary ability to withstand dehydration. When deprived of water, budgies can reportedly exist with little weight loss for more than a month at an average air temperature of 30 degrees. At 20 degrees, some can apparently survive indefinitely without water, provided they are getting some moisture from food. 4. Male budgies can be excellent mimics and can develop huge vocabularies. Hens may whistle and can learn a few words, but they are not nearly as loquacious as males. Budgies are dimorphic upon sexual maturity. Adult males of most colours, except albino and the very pale pastels, develop a blue colour. Hens have a lilac or tan colour that turns brownish upon maturity. Number of birds owned as pets 20

20

Number of birds in millions

20 16 15 14

15

10

5

0 2008

2012

2014

2015

2017

On the basis of your understanding of the passage and answer the questions given below: Q. 1. The different parrot species have come down from __________ (A) A little bird in urban Australia (B) A little bird in rural Australia (C) India



Ans. Option (B) is correct.

(D) None of these

1.

16

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q. 2. Which of the following is true about hens? 1 (A) They are excellent mimics. (B) They may whistle and learn a few words. (C) They are loquacious as males. (D) They develop blue colour on maturity. Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. The first colour mutations in captive birds were ___________. (A) blue and yellow (B) yellow and white (C) violet and white

1

(D) grey and green



Ans. Option (A) is correct.



Q. 4. Name the most popular bird pet in the world ___________.

1

Ans. Love Birds

Q.5. The number of birds in the year 2015 is ___________.

(A) 15 million

(B) 20 million

(C) 16 million

(D) 14 million

Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 6. Which colour do hens develop upon maturity? Ans. brownish Q. 7. Why, according to the author, are budgies tough birds? Ans. budgies are things birds because they can:

1

1 1

(i) withstand dehydration (ii) exist with little water loss at 30 degree temperature. (Any 1) Q. 8. Find the words in para 4 (talkative) and para 3 (lengthy) as similar meaning? Ans. Loquacious, prolonged Q. 9. Hens have a lilac or tan colour that turns ________ upon maturity. Ans. brownish Q.10. ________ are one of the smallest of the world's 330 parrot species. Ans. Budgies

1 1 1 

SELF ASSESSMENT PAPER - 01 Maximum Time: 1 hour

MM: 30

READING I. Read the passage given below : The Indian education system in the ancient times was truly world class, which attracted scholars from all over the world to come in search of knowledge. A guru was the most respected intellectual resource who truly earned that respect due to her/his calibre and value system. However, the current scenario of education, at least in terms of quality, value system and employability has been a cause of concern. Technology, particularly information technology, has been a game changer in the process, which calls for a complete re-engineering of educational process and system both in content and style of delivery. This has made access to knowledge very easy—Google and YouTube for example, can answer any query on any topic; anytime, anywhere; but it has also led to a side-effect due to which a student does not exercise her/his mind to logically analyse, remember and resolve questions and quickly resort to these gadgets to look for a ready made answer. There are no alternatives to transforming education system. Some strategical interventions are required like, expenditure on education must be seen as an investment in future of the nation rather than pursuing cost-centric approach. Nation’s future is created in classrooms. Hence, if we nurture education in all its segments, we are investing in the nation-building process. We should create conditions both economic and social; when the best of the society choose to join teaching and research as their preferred career options. An ideal teacher has to be academically brilliant; have inspiring communication skills and perceived as a person having a ‘role model’ value system, character, values and integrity. A teacher must co-create values in a learner in a collaborative manner. Such teachers will transform students to have not only great minds, but also equally matching mindsets. Technology, with poor ethics and negative attitude can spell disaster. It is in the content that we should look at old Indian values, ethics and bring these contents at an early stage as possible. Finally, we need to search productively visionary, passionate and committed academic leaders to lead by setting examples. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below: Q.1.

Information Technology has been named as ............... due to its easy accessibility :



(A) guru

(B) re-engineering



(C) game changer

(D) education system

Q.2. The writer is looking out for old Indian values and ethics because ............... .

(A) (B) (C) (D)

1

1

technology with poor ethics can cause disaster technology with negative attitude can cause disaster Both (a) & (b) none of the above

Q.3. Which of the following information about ancient Indian Education System is NOT TRUE? 1

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Ancient Indian education system was world class. It attracted scholars from all over the world. A guru was not given much respect Scholars came to India in search of knowledge

Q.4. What is the importance of investing in education? (A) transforming education system (B) nurture education (C) nation building process (D) best of the society Q.5. An ___________ has to be academically brilliant. Q.6. What transformation will the teachers bring about? (A) equally matching mind sets (B) investing in education (C) answer any query on any topic (D) values and integrity Q.7. The word which means the same as ‘care for and protect’ in para 2 is ............... . (A) transforming (B) nurture (C) intervention (D) cost-centric

1



1 1

1

18

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q.8. _____________, with poor ethics and negative attitude can spell disaster. Q.9. A teacher must co-create values in a learner in a _______________ manner. Q.10. ______________ has made knowledge very easy.

1 1 1

OR Read the passage given below : (1) One of the principal values of travelling is that, it breaks the monotony of life and work. Life, for most people, is a mad rush from one place to another, from one activity to another, trying to gather as much as possible. (2) In this process, people tend to forget who and what they are. There is no time to ponder and wonder. They tend to forget the values of life. Travelling is a time when people relax, reflect and ponder. Most people, after a pleasant travel, return home with a fresh outlook, new zeal and a better determination. (3) Travelling has also a great informative value. It widens the grasp of our knowledge of geography, different cultures and people, etc. For example, when people of Assam visit south India, they learn a great deal. They come to know about the geographical features of south India, such as the existence of numerous rivers, coconut groves, backwaters, spice gardens, rubber plantations, oceans, seas, factories and cities, etc. (4) They also learn many things about the Dravidian culture which characterise the people’s style of living there. They come to know about their mode of living, social life, agriculture, worship, beliefs, art forms, etc. Such a visit is bound to enlighten the visitor and make her/him more appreciative of other cultures. (5) The beauty and the cold of the hills, the charm of the valleys, the chirping of the birds, the song of the rivers, the howling of animals, pleasant air, quiet places, etc., can heal many of our mental and physical problems. In the Indian context, travelling and visiting places have another important value and that is of understanding other’s traditions and cultures. (6) A visit to various parts of India will make us realise that India is a mosaic of cultures, races and creed and that diversity is the chief hallmark of our land. In this context, travelling can help national integration and unity to a great extent. (7) Thus, travelling has a tremendous educative, informative and social value. It widens people’s mental horizon, improves health, adds thrill and relaxation to life, dispels boredom and helps promote national integration. Therefore, educational tours should become an integral part of modern education. Travelling also boosts our national economy and the development of tourism industry. On the basis of your understanding, answer the questions given below : Q.1. Which amongst the following is the advantage of travelling? 1 (A) It makes our life monotonous. (B) It helps us stay away from people. (C) It widens the group of knowledge. (D) It does not tell us about other cultures. Q.2. Travelling has a ................ value. 1 (A) Non-cultural (B) Informative (C) Educative (D) Both (b) and (c) Q.3. Travelling to far away places imports information regarding ................ . 1 (A) Geographic features (B) Social life (C) Geographic & Cultural life. (D) Geographic features, culture & people. Q.4. Many of our ................ problems can be sorted out by visiting other places. 1 (A) mental (B) physical (C) social (D) mental & physical Q.5. Which of the following statement about travelling is NOT TRUE? 1 (A) Travelling promotes national integration (B) Travelling promotes unity (C) Travelling takes us away from different cultures (D) Travelling dispels boredom Q.6. Travelling gives an opportunity to ................ to most people. 1 (A) remember what they are doing (B) relax and reflect (C) save money (D) keep themselves busy in their work Q.7. Travelling ................ our national economy. 1 (A) hampers (B) loots (C) boosts (D) no effect on Q.8. Which word in Para 2 means the same as ‘contemplate’? 1 (A) reflect (B) ponder (C) wonder (d) None of the above



UNSEEN PASSAGES

Q.9. How do most of the people take life _____________: Q.10. Which word in Para 6 means the same as ‘variety’?

19 1 1

II. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow : The Amazon is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. It covers an area of nearly 2.8 million square miles, which is about the size of the continent of Australia. The Amazon rainforest gets its life from the majestic Amazon river, the world’s second largest river, which runs directly through the heart of the region. The rainforest itself is simply the drainage basin for the river and its many tributaries. The vast forest itself consists of four layers, each featuring its own ecosystem and specially adapted plants and animals. The forest floor is the lowest region. Since only two per cent of the sunlight filters through the top layers to the understory, very few plants grow here. The forest floor, however, is rich with rotting vegetation and the bodies of dead organisms, which are quickly broken down into nutrients and integrated into the soil. Tree roots stay close to these available nutrients and decomposers such as millipedes and earthworms use nutrients for food. The understory is the layer above the forest floor. Much like the forest floor, only about 2-5 per cent of the sunlight reaches this shadowy realm. Many of the plants in the understory have large, broad leaves to collect as much sunlight as possible. The understory is so thick that there is very little air movement. As a result, plants rely on insects and animals to pollinate their flowers. The layer above the understory is the canopy. This is where much of the action in the rainforest occurs. Many canopy leaves have specially adapted leaves which form “drip tips”. Drip tips allow water to flow off the leaves which prevents mosses, fungi, and lichens from occupying the leaves. Leaves in the canopy are very dense and filter about 80 per cent of the sunlight. The canopy is where the wealth of the rainforest’s fruits and flowers grow. Bromeliads-cup-like plants, provide drinking pools for animals and breeding locations for tree frogs. Animals

Vampire bat, Jaguar, Anaconda, Electric eel, Poison dart frog, Tree frogs

s

Countrie Brazil, Peru, Columbia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana

Pine tree, Walking palms, Rubber trees

20% of the worlds species & 33% of world's plant species are found in American rainforest.

Size: 5.5 million km. sq. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions: Q.1. The Amazon is the world’s ............... largest river. Q.2. Which of the following is not true about the Amazon rainforest? (A) It covers an area about the size of the continent of Australia. (B) It get its life from Amazon river. (C) The Amazon forest consists of three layers. (D) Very few plants grow in the forest Flora. Q.3. ............... percent of world’s plant species are found in the Amazon rain forest. Q.4. According to the information given above, some of the animals found in the Amazon rainforest are : (A) Vampire bat, bear (B) tigers, fox (C) jaguars, vampire bats (D) anaconda, walking palms Q.5. Why is there very little air movement in the under story? (A) it is the layer above the forest floor (B) very few plants grow here (C) understory is so thick and also covered with large, broad leaves (D) 2.5 percent of the sunlight reaches this shadowy realm Q.6. How are bromeliads useful for animals and tree frogs? (A) allow water to flow off the leaves (B) provide drinking pools

1 1

1

1

20 Q.7. Q.8. Q.9. Q.10.

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

(C) provide nutrients (D) filters about 80 per cent of the sunlight Why do very few plants grow in under storey ? 1 The word which means the same as ‘stops’ in the last paragraph is ____________ . 1 (A) prevents (B) canopy (C) occurs (D) dense Name 2 trees found in Amazon rainforest. 1 The layer above the under story is the __________.  1

III. Read the passage given below. (1) A dabbawala is a person in Mumbai, whose job is carrying and delivering freshly made food from home in lunch boxes to office workers. They are formally known as MTBSA (Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association), but most people refer to them as the dabbawalas. The dabbawalas originated when India was under the British rule. Since many British people who came to India did not like the local food, a service was set up to bring lunch to their offices straight from their homes. (2) Today, businessmen in modern Mumbai use this service and have become the main customers of the dabbawalas. By delivering to each employee his tiffin or lunch, the dabbawalas solve the problem for an estimated 200,000 people. They charge between `150 to `300, per dabba per month, depending on the location and collection time. (3) They are an incredible team. They have a record of no strikes against management. They are always on time, even through the rainiest days on the planet. Their creativity and ingenuity have kept them alive. When telephones services were at a premium in India, the dabbawalas encouraged housewives to use their system to communicate with their spouses by placing little chits inside their boxes. The husbands enjoyed the chits as much as the food. Thus, the dabbawalas were able to “think outside the box” and broaden their capabilities given in a very limited infrastructure. Dabbawalas have also embraced technology. On March 25, 2006, the dabbawalas went online with www.mydabbawala. com. The dabbawalas have become icons of hard work and dedication. In fact, the 5,000 strong workforce (there are a handful of women) is so well known that Prince Charles paid them a visit during his recent trip to India. Several academic institutions regularly invite the dabbawala’s representatives for discussion, and to complement and enhance their academic content.

11:30

1:00

a.m.

p.m.

9:30 a.m.

Dabba collection from home

Sector-wise dabbas are sorted

12:30

Delivered at offices

p.m.

1:30 p.m.

Dabba loaded into handicrafts

Journey for return of dabbas starts in reverse order

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions: Q.1. Dabbawala’s job is ............... and ............... freshly-made food from home to office workers. (A) carrying, delivering (B) looking, eating (C) carrying, eating (C) delivering, eating Q.2. The employees of MTBSA are known as : (A) business man (B) caretaker (C) dabbawalas (D) cocks Q.3. They provide services to nearly as many as ............. people. (A) 2 thousand (B) 2 lakh (C) 20 thousand (D) 20 lakh Q.4. They have a record of no strikes against : (A) businessmen (B) customers (C) management (D) academic institutions Q.5.

Dabbawalas are appreciated for their ............... thinking. (A) incredible (B) out of the box (C) limited (D) creative

1

1

1

1

1



UNSEEN PASSAGES

21

Q.6.

How long does it take for a dabba to reach office from home? (A) 3-3½ hours (B) 4 hours (C) 4 hours 30 minutes (D) 5 hours

1

Q.7.

Dabbas are............. and............. into handcarts between 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (A) sorted, collected (B) collected, loaded (C) sorted, loaded (D) sorted, delivered

1

Q.8.

The word which means the same as ‘extremely good’ in para 3 is ............. .

1

Q.9.

The dabbawalas have become icons of ______________ and __________.

1

Q.10. On _____________ 2006 the dabbawalas went online with www.mydabbawala.com.

https://qr.page/g/GQvkWS1hqR

1

SECTION B : WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR

CHAPTER

2

Syllabus

GRAMMAR

III. The courses at the secondary level seek to cement high professional grasp of grammatical terms and levels of accuracy. Accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar will be assessed through



Gap Filling/ Editing/Transformation exercises. Ten out of twelve questions will be attempted. 10 marks • Determiners • Tenses • Modals • Subject— verb concord • Reported speech : (i) Commands and requests (ii) Statements (iii) Questions IV. Writing a Descriptive Paragraph (word limit 100-120 words), describing a person / event / situation, based on visual or verbal cue/s. One out of two questions to be answered. 5 marks V. Writing a Story (on a given cue/title)/Diary Entry, in 100-120 words. One out of two questions is to be answered. 5 marks

In this chapter you will study Since there is a great need of exposing the students to different types and formats of questions in the Grammar Section, students must primarily be equipped with thorough knowledge of grammar rules. In this chapter, students will learn about Determiners, Tenses, Modal and Semi Modal Verbs, Reported speech. To make these rules easy to learn, these are given in Tabular/Chart form.

GRAMMAR

23

24

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

GRAMMAR

25

26

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

GRAMMAR

27

28

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

GRAMMAR

29

1. Tenses

The tense of a verb denotes the time of an action’ i.e., present, past and future. There are twelve tense forms. The

principal tense forms are—indefinite, continuous, perfect and perfect continuous.

Revision of Tenses Tenses

Auxiliary Verbs

Main Verbs

Present Indefinite

do, does (Negative, Interrogative)

I form – s or – es Affirmative I form (Negative, Interrogative and Negative-Interrogative)

Present Continuous

is, am, are

I form + ing

Present Perfect

has, have

III form

Present Perfect Continuous

has been, have been

I form + ing + since (definite time)/ for (with indefinite time)

did (Negative, Interrogative)

II form (Affirmative) I form (Negative, Interrogative and Negative-Interrogative)

Past Continuous

was, were

I form + ing

Past Perfect

had

III form

Past Perfect Continuous

had been

I form + ing + since (definite time)/ for (with indefinite time)

Future Indefinite

shall (I, we), will (Others)

I form

Future Continuous

will be, shall be

I form + ing

Future Perfect

will have, shall have

III form

Future Perfect Continuous

will have been, shall have been

I form + ing + since (definite time)/ for (with indefinite time)

Past Indefinite

Common Errors in the Usage of Tenses Incorrect Correct 1. I have come yesterday.

1.

I came yesterday.

2. I am working here since 1999.

2.

I have been working here since 1999.

3. I am going to school on foot everyday.

3.

I go to school on foot everyday.

4. I am having a blue pen.

4.

I have a blue pen.

5. He is having a large family.

5.

He has a large family.

6. If it will rain, we shall not go out.

6.

If it rains, we shall not go out.

Scan to know more about this topic

Tenses

2. Modals Modal auxiliaries are helping verbs such as can, must, could and would, which are used with main verbs to express specific ideas denoting specific expressions such as possibility, permission, necessity, obligation etc. 1. Will and Shall : ‘Will’ expresses intention, promise, threat, determination. e.g. : I will try to come. (promise) I will kill you. (determination) ‘Shall’ expresses order, threat, promise, determination, intention : e.g. : Shall I go with you ? (intention)

You shall be punished. (threat) 2. Should expresses duty, advice, polite request : e.g. : You should take care of yourself. (advice) Should I help you ? (polite request) 3. Would expresses determination, Scan to know habitual action, willingness, more about this topic wish : e.g. : Would that I were a bird. (wish) 4. ‘May’ expresses possibility, permission, wish, purpose : Modals

30

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

e.g. : May you live May I come in long ! (wish) ? (permission) 5. ‘Might’ expresses a suggestion, possibility :

e.g. : It might rain. 6.



‘Can’ expresses ability, permission : e.g. : I can swim. (ability)

7.

8. 9.



e.g. : You dare not do this.

11. Used to expresses a habit in the past. Used to +V.

e.g. : I used to swim when I was young.

12. Has to/have to expresses some compulsion, obligation or necessity in the present or future tense.

‘Could’ expresses past ability, polite request :



Has to/have to + V.

e.g. : Could you please help me ? (polite request)



e.g. : Mohan has to finish his work in time.

13.

Had to expresses compulsion, obligation or necessity in the past.

‘Must’ expresses compulsion :



Had to + V.

e.g. : You must obey my orders.



e.g. : He was instructed that he had to finish his work before 5 p.m.





Can I leave? (permission)

10. Dare means ‘to have the courage to do something’:

In his youth, he could pick the whole bundle himself.

‘Need’ expresses obligation or necessity : e.g. : Need he solve all the sums ?

3. Reported Speech

The words spoken by a person can be reported in two ways – Direct and Indirect.



e.g. was/were writing

had been writing



(6) Past Perfect and

remain unchanged

When we quote the words exactly same as spoken by a person, we call it direct speech.



(7) Future

Conditional

By reporting the meaning of the spoken words by the speaker, without quoting the actual words, it is indirect speech. For example:



e.g. will write

would write

2.

Change in Pronouns :



(1) The first person pronouns (I, me, my, we, us, our) in the reported speech change according to the subject of the reporting verb.



(2) The pronouns of the second person (you, your, yourself) in the reported speech change according to the object of the reporting verb.



(3) The pronouns of the third person do not change. e.g. :



(i) He said, “I like the book.”



e.g. : Sohan said to Mohan, “I am going to school.” (Direct Speech)



Sohan told Mohan that he was going to school. (Indirect Speech)



Rules for changing Direct Speech into Indirect Speech :

1.

Change in Tenses :



(1) If the reporting verb is in the present or the future tense, the tense of the reported speech is not changed :



e.g. Satish says, “I am flying a kite.”



Satish says that he is flying a kite.

(2) If the reporting verb is in the past tense, then the tense of the reported speech will change as follows :

Direct Indirect

(1) Present Indefinite

Past Indefinite



e.g. Write

Wrote



(2) Present Progressive

Past Progressive



e.g. am/is/are writing

was/were writing



(3) Present Perfect

Past Perfect



e.g. have/has written

had written



(4) Past Simple

Past Perfect



e.g. wrote

had written



(5) Past Continuous

Past perfect



Continuous



Past Perfect Continuous

He said that he liked the book.

(ii) He said to me, “Do you like her ?”



He asked me if I liked her.

3.

Changes in words expressing nearness, time, auxiliaries etc.



this



tomorrow changes into

the next day



yesterday changes into

the previous day



last night changes into

the previous night



can

changes into

could



may

changes into

might



will/shall changes into

would/should



ago

before

changes into

that

these

changes into

those

now

changes into

then

here

changes into

there

today

changes into

that day



changes into

GRAMMAR



just

4.

In statements, ‘that’ is used as the connector.

changes into

then



come

changes into

go

31

Scan to know more about this topic

In questions, the indirect speech is introduced by verbs like ‘asked’ or ‘inquired’ etc. and ‘if’ or ‘whether’ is used to connect the questions with yes-no answer type sentences.

While introducing commands or requests, the indirect speech is introduced by verbs expressing command or request and the imperative mood is changed to the infinitive.

In exclamatory sentences, the reporting verb is changed to expressions like ‘exclaimed with joy’/sorrow etc., as per the mood, conveyed by the reported speech.

Examples :



He said to Sita, “I have passed the test.”

1.

Statement



He told Sita that he had passed the test.



I said to him, “Where are you going ?”

2.

Interrogative



I asked him where he was going.



I said to her, “Do you know him ?”



I asked her if she knew him.



She said to me, “Open the door.”

3.

Imperative



She ordered me to open the door.



He said, “Alas ! I am ruined.”

4.

Exclamatory



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Direct & Indirect Speech

He exclaimed with sorrow that he was ruined.

4. Determiners

Reported Speech

Determiners are the words which come before nouns. They limit the noun by giving additional information about the noun. Determiners and nouns together make noun phrases.



e.g : a boy; every boy.



The following are the most commonly used determiners :

Scan to know more about this topic



There aren’t any children in the park.



Each and every indicate single units in a group. Each refers to Determiners individual members of a small group, while every to members of a large group.



e.g.: We can help each other.



Articles : a, an, the.



Possessives : my, our, your, his, her, its, their.

Every student wants to participate in the quiz show.



Demonstratives : this, that, these, those.





Interrogatives : which, whose (not where, when and what, unless they are followed by a noun).

All is used to indicate the whole group rather than its components.



e.g. : All the children in this building like to play.



Few means not many (hardly any). Negative in sense.



A few means at least some number. Positive in sense. The few means quite a handful specific numbers. e.g. Few students are interested in reading books (hardly any).



Quantifiers : few, a few, the few, many, much, more, each, every, some, any, little, a little, the little.



Cardinal Numbers : one, two, forty.



Ordinals : first, second, last, next.



Distributive : all, both, half, either, neither, each, every.



Determiners of Quantity :



Many is used only with plural nouns and to show a large number.



Much is used with uncountable nouns indicating a large quantity.



Some is used in affirmative sentences.



e.g. : There are some books in the bag.



Any is used in interrogative or negative sentences.



e.g. : Are there any children in the park ?



A few students are good at Mathematics (at least some).

The few students, who scored good marks (very few scored good marks), are my friends.



Similarly, little, a little and the little denote quantity.



He had little milk. (Not much, negative)



He had a little milk. (Some at least)



He drank the little milk I had. (quite enough/

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

whatever quantity available)

5. Subject-Verb Concord/Agreement

The basic principle of subject-verb agreement is that singular subjects need singular verbs.



Plural subjects need plural verbs.



e.g. : The girl is playing.

province or the title of a book, is followed by a singular verb. “The Arabian Nights” has interesting stories.

The girls are playing. (1) (2) (3)



When two or more singular nouns refer to the same person or thing, the verb must be singular. My sister, guide, and friend has come.

A crowd of people rushes into the hall.

When two subjects are joined by ‘as well as’, ‘with’, ‘along with’, the verb agrees with the first subject.

(10) When the subject consists of ‘one of‘ + plural noun’, the verb is singular.

The king, along with his friends, has arrived.



One of the students was talking.

Two or more singular subjects joined by ‘and’ take a plural verb.

(11)

Some nouns which appear to be singular in form take a plural verb.

He and I are brothers.

The police have arrested three terrorists.

(6)

(8)

Nouns such as food, furniture, clothing, etc., take a singular verb.

This furniture is very old.

Neither of the students was absent.

(13)

Some nouns which appear to be plural in form but when preceded by ‘a pair of’ take a singular verb. e.g. : shoes, scissors, trousers, etc.



A pair of shoes was bought by him.

Three kilometers is a small distance.



The verb agrees with the number of the nouns that follow the verb, in case of introductory ‘there’ :

But when these nouns are used without ‘a pair of’, they take a plural verb.

His shoes have worn out.

There are fifty boys in the class. (7)

(12)

Each of the boys was given a prize. (5) When a plural noun expresses some specific quantity or amount, considered as a whole, the verb is in singular :



Subject-Verb Agreement

(9) Collective nouns like group, crowd, flock, regiment, etc., are generally followed by a singular verb.

(4) Either, neither, each, every and everyone are followed by a singular verb :

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Some nouns which are plural in form but singular in meaning, take a singular verb.

(14)

A collective noun such as jury, committee, family, etc., takes a singular verb when considered one unit. But when they are regarded as individuals, they take a plural verb.

Economics is a dull subject.

The jury is about to give its decision.

A plural noun which is the name of a country or

The jury are divided in their opinion. 

CHAPTER

3

GAP FILLING

In this chapter, there will be a number of questions framed/asked in previous years’ board exams to test the candidate’s knowledge of functional grammar, structure and the use of correct language pattern. It is compulsory to fill all the blanks with suitable grammar items out of the given options. They may consist of correct use of verbs, tenses, determiners, modals, reported speech etc. Q. 1. Read the passage given below and fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate words from the given options : 1 Mark each  (Board Term II, 2016-17 Set-79BL5Y9) Indian cuisines are known worldwide particularly for (a) ............. hot spicy curries involving (b) ............. excessive use of chilies and aromatic spices, enough to stimulate one’s lost appetite. While cooking (c) ............. authentic Indian recipe, one has to stick to traditional Indian spice mixtures or even better, single spices that are available in (d) ............. India. (a) (A) a (B) the (C) but (D) an Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: Particular taste of Indian curries is being indicated here.

Q. 2. Read the passage given below and fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate words from the given options : 1 Mark each (Board Term II, 2016-17) When India got Independence from the British, most things associated with (a) ............. British were done away with, but some of (b) ............. pretty letter-boxes managed to survive. These letter-boxes have (c) ............. nostalgic aura about them. Some are over 150 years old. Now they all bear the logo of (d) ............. Indian Postal Services. (a) (A) and (B) an (C) a (D) the Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: Particular category of people - British - is being indicated to.

(b) (A) a

(C) but (D) an Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: ‘Some of’ is followed by ‘the’ and plural noun.

(B) at

(C) an (D) the Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: specific quality is being talked about (c) (A) an

(B) the

(C) a (D) for Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: An is used before words starting with vowel sound, i.e., authentic

(d) (A)  a

(B) an

(C) the (D) No use Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: Articles are not used before names of persons and places.





(b) (A) a

(c) (A) a

(B) the

(B) an

(C) the (D) nor Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: ‘An’ is used with vowel sound, ‘the’ is used with particular nouns and ‘nor’ is used with ‘neither’ and in negative sense.

(d) (A) a

(B) an

(C) the (D) and Ans. Option (C) is correct. Explanation: Particular service - Indian Postal Service - is being referred to.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q. 3. Complete the following passage by choosing the most appropriate options from the ones given below. 1 Mark each Throughout (a) ............ greater part of Bertrand Russell’s childhood, (b) ............. most important hours of his days were (c) ................ that he spent alone in (d) ............. garden full of different kinds of flowers. (a) (A) the (B) to (C) a (D) from Ans. Option (a) is correct. Explanation: ‘the’ is used with comparatives.

(b) (A) in

(C) these

(B) the (D) this

Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: ‘the’ is used with superlative degree. (c) (A) which (B) when (C) his (D) those Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: Demonstrative determiner is to be used. (d) (A) the (B) on (C) in (D) for

Ans. Option (a) is correct. Explanation: Here garden is specifically mentioned. Hence, definite article ‘the’ is used. Q. 4. Complete the following passage by choosing the most appropriate options from the ones given below. 1 Mark each (Board Term I, 2016 Set-2W6113A) If the officer (a) .......... the bribe, he (b) ............. arrested. Now his family will also (c) .......... suffer. He must (d) ............. careful about it. (a) (A) would not have taken (B) has not taken (C) did not take (D) had not taken Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: In a conditional sentence, if the condition is expired then in ‘If Clause’ past perfect (had + v3) is used.

(d) (A) has been (B) have been (C) will have been (D) had been Ans. Option (b) is correct. Explanation: ‘Must have been’ followed by is correct structure because Modals are always followed by have been, not has been/had been etc. in perfect form of tense. Q. 5. Complete the passage given below by choosing the most appropriate options from the ones that follow. 1 Mark each (Board Term I, 2016 Set-7E907UD) A few days later, Munshi Prem Chand resigned from (a) ........... job of inspector of schools (b) ................... having worked in (c) ....................... department for 10 years. He was one of the (d) ................... important story writers. (a) (A) its (B) the (C) a (D) his Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: Here specific job of inspector of schools is referred. (b) (A) before (B) without (C) after (D) for Ans. Option (C) is correct. Explanation: Since he first worked for 10 years and then resigned, so use of ‘after’ is correct. (c) (A) his (B) is (C) their (D) the Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: A particular department is being referred to here. (d) (A) much (B) more (C) most (D) more over Ans. Option (C) is correct. Explanation: ‘One of’ is followed by article ‘the’ + superlative + plural noun. Q. 6. Complete the following passage by choosing the most appropriate options from the ones given below. Write your answers in the answer sheet against the correct blank number. Do not copy the entire passage. 1 Mark each

(b) (A) wouldn’t have been (B) is not (C) will not be (D) wouldn’t be Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: In this conditional sentence, the structure is usually: ‘If + past perfect’ → would have + past participle (been).

Los Angeles’ architect, Frank Gehry is well known for his striking (a) ........... inventive creations. For Bilbao, he had designed a truly iconic building that now (b) ............. the city on postcards (c) ........... photographs around the world. He was (d) ................... extraordinary architect. (a) (A) about (B) on (C) because (D) and Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: The two adjectives - ‘striking’, ‘inventive’ - need to be connected using conjunction ‘and’.

(c) (A) had to (B) get to (C) is to (D) have to Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: ‘have to’ expresses impersonal obligation or necessity

(b) (A) represents (B) represent (C) represented (D) representing Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: Present tense singular form of the verb is to be used.



GAP FILLING

35

(c) (A) on (B) and (C) with (D) from Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: The nouns - postcards, photographers - need to be connected using the conjunction ‘and’.

(b) (A) him (C) all

(d) (A) a (B) an (C) the (D) within Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: Article ‘an’ is used before the word beginning with vowel sound.

(c) (A) a (C) an

Q. 7. Complete the passage given below by choosing the most appropriate options from the ones that follow. Write your answers in the answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. Do not copy the entire passage. 1 Mark each (Board Term I, 2016 Set-KCBRRYR)

(d) (A) on (C) the



Q. 9. Complete the following passage by choosing the most appropriate options from the ones given below. Write your answers in the answer sheet against the correct blank number. Do not copy the entire passage. 1 Mark each

The brain uses energy (a) ............. exercise willpower. When the blood sugar drops, your brain (b) .......... unable to concentrate, so a small nibble (c) ............ nudge the brain back into self control mode. Every one should (d) ................... careful about it.

(a) (A) at (B) in (C) to (D) with Ans. Option (C) is correct. Explanation: The purpose of using energy by brain is being explained. (b) (A) was (B) is (C) are (D) were Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: Brain is singular and is a general statement of fact. So, present tense, singular verb is to be used. (c) (A) could (B) can’t (C) would (D) can Ans. Option (D) is correct. (d) (A) be (B) been (C) have been (D) being Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: Present tense singular form of verb of ‘be’ should be used. Q. 8. Complete the passage given below by choosing the most appropriate options from the ones that follow. Write your answers in the answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. Do not copy the entire passage. 1 Mark each

Literature (a) ................. help the children to become better citizens. It should equip (b) ........ to struggle for (c) ............. better world as literature is (d) ................. mirror of life.

(a)  (A) would (C) must

(B) could (D) should

Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: The model verb “could” is used to express possibility or past ability. It is used as conditional form of “can”.









Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: While Talking about children (plural), pronoun of pointing (them) is to be used.

The Mahabharata (a) ............. a record of human beings (b) ................ their human weaknesses. The Ramayana, on the other hand, is the praise of (c) .................... ideal man (d) .................... belongs Lord Rama.

(B) with (D) and

Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: The ‘human beings’ are to be connected with ‘their weaknesses’. So, conjunction ‘and’ is used. (B) an (D) any

Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: Article ‘an’ is used before the singular word starting with a vowel sound.

(d) (A) which (C) for

(B) are (D) were

Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: The singular form of verb in present tense - statement of fact.

(c) (A) a (C) every

(B) for (D) by

Ans. Option (C) is correct. Explanation: To express similarity in two nouns, ‘the’ is used.

(b) (A) for (C) about

(B) the (D) much

Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: Better world is singular and does not start with vowel sound.

(a) (A) is (C) was

(B) them (D) themselves

(B) of (D) on

Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: Relative clause is to be used to complete the sense of sentence.

Q.10. Complete the following passage by choosing the most appropriate options from the ones given below. Write your answers in the answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. Do not copy the entire passage. 1 Mark each (Board Term I, DDE-2014)

David P. Abbot was a US magician who (a) ............ the basis of ball trick back in 1907. He (b) ........... to make a golden ball float around his parlour.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Abbot (c) ........... absentmindedly leave the ball on a bookshelf. Guests would sneak over the left ball and (d) ........... it was much heavier than a thread could support. (a) (A) invent (C) invented

(B) was invented (D) has invented



Ans. Option (C) is correct. Explanation: The event took place in the past.

(b) (A) used (B) use (C) had (D) has Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: To denote past habits and situations ‘used to’ is applied. (c) (A) will (B) would (C) could (D) may Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: Since past incidence is referred here, so past from of ‘will’ is to be used to denote repeated past action. (d) (A) finds (B) found (C) find (D) have found Ans. Option (C) is correct. Explanation: The intention is to describe a recurring action in the past, so “find” is the correct verb form to use. Q.11. Complete the following passage by choosing the most appropriate options from the ones given below. Write your answers in the answer sheet against the correct blank number. Do not copy the entire passage. 1 Mark each [Board Term I, 2013 ] While we (a) .................... in Delhi, we stayed at (b) .................... Plaza Inn, near Priya Cinema. We (c) .................... Chandni Chowk, Appu Ghar, Mughal Gardens (d) .................... Nirulas. (a) (A) was (B) are (C) is (D) were Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: The event happened in Past and past form of ‘Be’ - are ‘ was / were’. We is plural so ‘were’ is used. (b) (A) the (B) an (C) a (D) some Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: A particular inn is being referred to. (c) (A) visit (B) visited (C) visits (D) visiting Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: The event happened in the past, so, past tense is to be used. (d) (A) and (B) with (C) or (D) for

Q. 12. In the passage given below, some words are missing. Choose the correct words from the given options to complete the passage meaningfully. 1 Mark each (Board Term I, 2012)

Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: The noun ‘Mughal Gardens’ is connected with noun ‘Nirulas’ using conjunction ‘and’.

Delhi (a)................become the crime capital of the country. Cases of robbery and chain snatching are increasing day (b).................... day. The criminals it seems (c).................... not afraid of the police. Robberies in broad day lights (d).................... very common these days. The citizens do not feel safe in the city.

(a) (A) have (C) has

Ans. Option (C) is correct. Explanation: Present Perfect is sometimes used for something that started in the past and continues in the present. Delhi is singular, so helping verb ‘has’ is correct.

(b) (A) in (C) from

(B) are (D) be

Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: A verb ‘are’ agrees to plural noun ‘criminals’.

(d) (A) are (C) is

(B) by (D) about

Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: ‘By’ is used to refer ‘to time’ when something increases or decreases at every interval of time like day, week, month, year, etc.

(c) (A) is (C) was

(B) had (D) having

(B) were (D) was

Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: A simple statement of fact where plural - ‘robberies’ is followed by plural verb form in present tense.

Q. 13. Choose the most appropriate options from the ones given below to complete the following passage. 1 Mark each (Board Term I, 2012)

Mount Abu (a) .................... (be) the only hill station of Rajasthan, which is very popular in that region. According to the legend, it (b) .................... (be) the home of Saint Vashishtha who (c) .................... the four powerful Rajput tribes. Maharaja of Sirohi (d) .................... it on rent to the British Government who used it as the headquarters for the Resident of Rajputana situated at the Nakki Lake. It is known as a place that increases joy.

(a) (A) was (C) were

(B) is (D) has been

Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: It is a simple statement of fact about a place.

(b) (A) is (C) was

(B) were (D) had been





GAP FILLING

Ans. Option (C) is correct. Explanation: A simple statement about a legend (past) relating to the place.

(c) (A) creating (C) creates

Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: A simple statement about a legend (past) relating to the place.

(d) (A) had given (C) give

(B) create (D) created

(B) gives (D) gave

Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: The event happened in the past and another event followed it, so use of Past Perfect tense is correct here.

Q. 14. In the passage given below, some words are missing. Choose the correct words from the given options to complete the passage meaningfully. 1 Mark each (Board Term I, 2012, Set EL1022) An earthquake, perhaps the strongest in history (a) ............... Taiwan in last September. It (b) ............ around fifteen hundred people and (c) ................ hundreds of buildings. Thousands of people (d) .......... ........ or found missing. (a) (A) strike (B) striked (C) strikes (D) struck

Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: The earthquake took place in the past.

(b) (A) kills (C) killing

Ans. Option (D) is correct. Explanation: The lives of people, due to earthquake have already been lost in the past.

(c) (A) destroy (C) destroys

(B) destroyed (D) had destroyed

Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: The destruction of buildings has already happened with the earthquake in the past.

(d) (A) was injured (C) were injured

(B) has killed (D) killed

(B) injured (D) injuring

Ans. Option (C) is correct. Explanation: It is a simple statement with plural noun about an event that happened in the past.

Q. 15. In the passage given below, some words are missing. Choose the correct word from the given options to complete the passage meaningfully. 1 Mark each (½ × 6 = 3) (Board Term I, 2012 Set-EL1023)

During the last vacations, our family (a) ................to spend (b) ................ days at Haridwar. My mother (c) ................all the preparations for the journey. She (d) ................ some sandwiches for us to eat on the way.

(a) (A) decided (C) done

(B) cleared (D) helped

Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: The preparations were done by the mother in the past.

(d) (A) did (C) back

(B) few (D) many

Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: Some is referred to as ‘a few’.

(c) (A) made (C) complete

(B) made (D) went

Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: Discussion about last vacations is being referred to - an event that happened in the past.

(b) (A) a few (C) little

37

(B) prepared (D) cooked

Ans. Option (B) is correct. Explanation: Sandwiches are neither heated nor cooked. They were ‘prepared’ in the past.

2. Cloze Passages Q. 1. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option to complete the statement. As Jill was reaching the classroom, a piece of paper suddenly ............... down and landed near her feet. (A) flutter (B) fluttering (C) fluttered (D) flutters Ans. Option (C) is correct. Explanation: The incident happened in the past so second form of verb is used. Q. 2. Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line, to complete the statement. What appears to us as wrong today ............... been right earlier. (A) could (B) shall (C) will (D) must Ans. Option (A) is correct. Explanation: The sentence uses the verb “could have been” to indicate a hypothetical situation in the past. Q. 3. Complete the given statement by filling in the blank with the correct option. The wealth of Bill Gates ............... only by Jeff Bezos, who has current net worth of $116 billion. (A) surpasses (B) is surpassed (C) is surpassing (D) surpassed Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. Select the correct option to complete the sentence. The man ............... see the face of the woman because she was sitting with her back to him. (A) won’t (B) don’t (C) couldn’t (D) hasn’t Ans. Option (C) is correct. Explanation: The incident happened in the past so V2 is used.

38

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Commonly Made Errors

Most of the candidates don’t study the rules of grammar thoroughly. So they answer this question by making



Lack of confidence due to lack of knowledge tend them to lose marks. Before reading the complete question, students can’t know the right tone of question, i.e. what is being

roughness.

required to fill the gap, especially in case of tenses and voice. So they find themselves unable to mark the right option.

Answering Tips

Read the entire question carefully to determine the precise requirement. Make sure what the question is









asking for Determine the correct answer before reading the answer choices. Read the given answer-options carefully. Answer it in your mind. After reading every answer option, use the process of elimination, i.e., eliminate wrong answers. Select the best answer, based on your grammatical knowledge. Above all, a thorough study of grammar rules is must. More than one answer may look right but only one will fit in the given context. Look for and understand the context of the question to get the right answer. Since grammar has a definite syllabus, so continuous and continual practise is imperative to learn the structures. There is no other short cut for the same. 

CHAPTER

4

EDITING

Editing is a review of the technical manner in which a piece of writing i.e., an extract/ a paragraph is written. In other words, students have to look for the mistakes in grammar and related citation-style, punctuation etc. They also review word-choices, the clarity of sentences and the corrections to connect ideas to make them flow smoothly as well as clearly. (4 marks each) Q. 1. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in the answer sheet as given below : [Board Term-I, 2016 Set-7E907UD] 4 Incorrect Correct My day begins on five o’clock in the morning. (a) .......................... .......................... It has been so since the last forty years (b) .......................... .......................... except for the two years which I was (c) .......................... .......................... very ill. I wake up only at the sound of an aeroplane. (d) .......................... .......................... Ans. Incorrect Correct (a) on at (b) since for (c) which when (d) wake woke Explanation: (a) For the definite/specific point of time, preposition ‘at’ is used. (b) ‘since’ is used with the definite point of time. Here span of forty years is indefinite due to absence of definite starting point of time. (c) Here ‘when’ should be used to convey (at) the time. (d) Here, reference of ‘past’ is given (when I was ill). So past tense of verb ‘wake’ i.e. ‘woke’ should be used. Q. 2. There is an error in each line. Write the error and the correction in the answer sheet as given below:

Education is a process, which was deemed to develop desirable qualities with people. The need of this quality differs by person to person, place to place but time to time. Ans. Error (a) was (b) with (c) by (d) but

Correction is in from and

[Board Term I, 2016 Set-2W611 3A] 4 Error Correction (a) .......................... .......................... (b) .......................... .......................... (c) .......................... .......................... (d) .......................... ..........................

[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016] 4

Explanation: (a) Beginning of the question shows that some factual truth is being referred here. It is obvious to use present tense in such case. So ‘which is deemed.........’ is correct usage. (b) Preposition ‘in’ shows that qualities are contained within people. (c) Preposition from is followed by to, i.e. differ from person to person.

(d) Here assertive conjunction ‘and’ should be used. ‘But’ could be used in case of any condition or contradiction.

40

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q. 3. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in the answer sheet as given below : [Board Term I, 2016 Set-LIOW07U] 4

Incorrect

Correct



He start to complain about this wicked world,

(a) .......................... ..........................



but is interrupted by a knock at the door.

(b) .......................... ..........................



A girl came in and puts an envelope on his desk.

(c) .......................... ..........................



It contains five hundred rupees.‘‘ I found this

(d) .......................... ..........................



outside this gentleman’s room, ‘‘she said.

Ans. Incorrect Correct (a) start started (b) is was (c) puts put (d) contains

contained

(CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016) 4

Explanation: (a) Reading the whole passage makes it clear that some past incident is being talked of. So past tense of verb should be used, wherever applicable. (b) The incident is in past tense .Hence ‘was’ will be used in place of ‘is’. (c) Second form of verb is used in the sentences related to past incidents. Hence the word ‘put’ will be used here. (d) In this sentence also,the second form of the verb ‘contain’ will be used. Q. 4. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is an error in each line against which a blank is given. Write the error and the correction in your answer sheet against the correct blank number as given in the example. Remember to underline the word that you have supplied. 4 Error Correction Could you did something for me ? e.g. did do I have left mine blue bag on the (a) _____ _____ table at the drawing room (b) _____ _____ Please go till my house tomorrow and (c) _____ _____ got it from my mother. (d) _____ _____ Ans. Error Correction (a) mine my (b) at in (c) till to (d) got get Explanation: (a) Here possessive pronoun ‘my’ should be used because it is followed by (adjective+) noun. In case of noun being already referred, i.e I have taken your bag but left mine, ‘mine’ could be used. (b) Here preposition of place/location ‘in’ should be used, showing the exact point of place. (c) Preposition of movement ‘to’ should be used to indicate a goal or direction of movement as well as a place of arrival. (d) In imperative sentences, present tense is used. Q. 5. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in the answer sheet as given below : [Board Term I, 2015 Set-KXIA860] 4 Incorrect Correct India is very fortunate that it have many (a) .......................... .......................... rivers. Their famous rivers are Sutlej, (b) .......................... .......................... Ganga, Yamuna and Narmada. Some of the river like the Ganga, which (c) .......................... .......................... originated from the Himalayas, flow (d) .......................... .......................... throughout the year.

EDITING

Ans. (a) (b) (c) (d)

Incorrect have Their river originated

Correct has The/Its rivers originate

41

(CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015) 4

Explanation:

(a) ‘India’ is the subject in III person. With singulars of III person, i.e., with ‘it’ (being used to refer India) we always use has.



(b) The possessive of pronoun ‘it’, i.e. Its should be used. Taking reference of rivers, being mentioned earlier, definite article ‘The’ can also be used.



(c) ‘Some of the’ is followed by plural noun, i.e. rivers.

(d) Present tense, i.e. ‘originate’ should be used in case of factual truth or fixed arrangements. Q. 6. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in the answer sheet as given below : (Board Term I, 2015 Set-TRCSL99) 4

Incorrect word



Flowers transform into fruits at a process

(a) .......................... ..........................



called fertilisation. Although that process

(b) .......................... ..........................



is most similar in all the plants, the presence

(c) .......................... ..........................



of reproductive organ in flowers and the

(d) .......................... ..........................



pollination process may vary.

Ans. Incorrect word (a) at (b) that (c) most (d) organ

Correct word in this mostly organs

Correct word

(CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015) 4

Q. 7. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each numbered line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in your answer sheet against the correct number. Remember to underline the correction that you have made. (Board Term 2014-15, Set-II) 4

Error Correction



When Charles could not got work,

eg.

got



he wander about the city streets.

(a) .......................

(a) .......................



He found food and warmth wherever he can.

(b) .......................

(b) .......................



Sometimes, he was sent away to a orphanage

(c) .......................

(c) .......................



that is a boarding school for children

(d) .......................

(d) .......................

who had no parents. Ans. Error (a) wander (b) can (c) a (d) a

get

Correction wandered went an the

Q. 8. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line against which a blank is given. Write the incorrect word and correction in your answer sheet against the correct blank number as given in the example. (Board Term I, 2013 Set-K2G41GH) Error Correction

It is bad to has food stuck between your teeth



for a long time.



This is because food attract germs and

(a) .......................... ..........................



germs produce acid. This hurts our teeth and gums.

(b)

..........................

..........................



Floss helps to remove the food

(c)

..........................

..........................



that gets stuck between your tooth.

(d) ..........................

e.g. has

have

..........................

42 Ans.

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Error Correction (a) attract attracts (b) our your (c) Floss Flossing (d) tooth teeth

Explanation:

(a) In present tense, ‘s/es’ used with V1, if the subject is singular of III person.



(b) The passage is in imperative tone, i.e. the object ‘you’ is being addressed. So ‘our’ should be replaced by ‘your’.



(c) ‘Flossing’ is a process of teeth getting being flossed-by someone (to remove bacteria, resting between teeth).



(d) The preposition between used when there are two subjects. ‘So......between your teeth’ is the correct usage.

Q. 9. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line against which a blank is given. Write the incorrect word and the correction in your answer sheet against the correct blank number as given in the example. Remember to underline the word that you have supplied. (Board Term I, 2012 Set-EL1017) 4 Error Correction

Earlier these month, the finals of

e.g.



a first Kabaddi World Cup for women

(a) ....................

....................



saw India defeat Iran. The Patna crowds

(b) ....................

....................



cheered, as team India pulled, tugged and tackle

(c) ....................

....................

team Iran to a nail–biting finish. Yet, what remain fresh in memory is the sight of seven Iranian women covered from head to toe playing excellent kabaddi. Ans. Error Correction (a) a the (b) crowds crowd (c) tackle tackled (d) remain remains

these

this

(d) .................... ....................

Explanation:

(a) Definite article ‘the’ should be used with definite noun, i.e. ‘first’ (Kabaddi) World Cup.



(b) The collective nouns should be used in singular form.



(c) In past tense, V2, i.e., ‘tackled’ should be used.



(d) Here, reference of persistence has been given, conveying the meaning that it is still fresh in memory....... . So present tense of verb + ‘s’ i.e. remains has been used.

Q. 10. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction as given in the example against the correct blank number in your answer sheet. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied. (Board Term I, 2012 EL1018) 4 Error Correction

It has been rightly say that the

e.g.



choice of books are as important as

(a) ....................

....................



the choice of friends. Books that is

(b) ....................

....................



selected are friends of a lifetime.

(c) ....................

....................

I know that it is no possible to read all the books on a particular subject. Ans. Error Correction (a) are is (b) is are (c) of for (d) no not

say

said

(d) .................... ....................

EDITING

43

Explanation:

(a) Here, the verb agrees with ‘choice’ which is singular.



(b) Here, the verb agrees with ‘books’ which are plural.



(c) Here, preposition of ‘duration’ should be used.



(d) ‘Not’ works with verbs and ‘no’ works with noun.

Q. 11. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction as given in the example against the correct blank number in your answer sheet. Also underline the correct word that you supply. (Board Term I, 2012 Set-EL1019) 4 Error Correction



Our age is a differently one.



It is a age of doubt and

(a) ....................

....................



uncertainty. We could no longer

(b) ....................

....................



accept much of the ancient belief

(c) ....................

....................



and customs. We have no more faithful in them.

(d) .................... ....................

Ans.

e.g.

differently

different

Error Correction

(a) a

an



(b) could

can



(c) belief

beliefs



(d) faithful

faith

Explanation:

(a) With the words, beginning with vowel sound, i.e. age, indefinite article ‘an’ should be used.



(b) Narration of the given passage is in present tense. So modal ‘can’ should be used.



(c) ‘much of the ...........’ should be followed by plural noun.



(d) Here ‘faith’, i.e. synonym of ‘belief ’ is being referred.

Q. 12. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction as given in the example against the correct blank number in your answer sheet. Also underline the correct word that you have supplied : (Board Term I, 2012 Set-EL1020) 4 Error Correction

The Davis Cup is a beautiful trophy. It was

e.g.



gifted to a United States Lawn Tennis

(a) ....................

....................



Association by the well known American



tennis player, D.F. Davis on 1890. The

(b) ....................

....................



Davis Cup is a world Championship who

(c) ....................

....................

goes on practically through the year. Ans. Error Correction (a) a the (b) on in (c) who which (d) through throughout

is

was

(d) .................... ....................

Explanation:

(a) Definite article ‘the’ is used with the names of specific organization.



(b) Before particular year, preposition ‘in’ should be used.



(c) In a defining clause ‘that’ is used, whereas in non-define clauses, ‘which’ is used.



(d) ‘Throughout’ means ‘in’ or during the entire time or part.

Q. 13. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line:

The Davis Cup is a world Championship who goes on practically through the year.

Error Correction

(a) A

The

44

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX



(b) who

which



(c) goes

went



(d) year

years

Ans. Option (b) is correct. Explanation: The use of “which” is appropriate when referring to an inanimate object or thing, such as a championship. Q. 14. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the given line:

The multi-cuisine restaurants add for the charm.

Error Correction

(a) The

A



(b) add

adds



(c) for

to



(d) charm

charms

Ans. Option (c) is correct. Explanation: The phrase “add to” is the correct idiom to express that something contributes positively or enhances something else. Q. 15. Identify the error and supply the correction. Use the given format for your response.

Abraham Lincoln, the famous President of USA, put an end of slavery and brought freedom to millions of African American slaves. Error

Correction

Ans. Error

Correction

of

to

Explanation: By changing it to “put an end to slavery,” we convey that Lincoln took action to abolish or eliminate slavery. Q. 16. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line: Most of the boys are stood in small groups in the playgrounds. Error Correction (a) boy boys (b) stood standing (c) the a (d) playground playgrounds Ans. Option (b) is correct. Explanation: The sentence is in Present Continuous Tense. Hence the -ing form of the verb i.e. standing will be used with ‘are’, in the helping verb. (a) Definite article ‘the’ is used with the names of specific organization. Q. 17. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line: Louis Braille was three years old where he lost his eyesight as a result of an accident. Error Correction (a) was is (b) his her (c) where when (d) an a Ans. Option (c) is correct. Explanation: ‘Where’ is used for ‘place’ where as the sentence tells us about the time (three years old) when he lost his eyesight. Hence option (c) is the correct option. Q. 18. Identify the error and supply the correction. The British general Dyer blocked every exits and ordered his soldiers to open fire at the peaceful gathering. (Use the given format for your response.)

EDITING

Error

45

Correction

Ans. Error

Correction

exits

exit

Explanation: Singular form of verb is used with ‘every’. Hence ‘exit’ is the correct answer. Q. 19. Identify the error and supply the correction. Use the given format for your response.

We regard insects to be unnecessary creatures that do more harm to good. Error

Correction

Ans. Error

Correction

to

than

Explanation: ‘than’ is used with the comparative degree ‘more’. Hence ‘than’ is the correct answer. Q. 20. Identify the error and supply the correction. Use the given format for your response.

We can balance the summer heat by consuming food items who have cooling effect on our body. Error

Correction

Ans. Error

Correction

who

which

Explanation: The pronoun ‘who’ is used when a person is being talked about. Here the pronoun which will be used as the insects are being talked about. Q. 21. Identify the error and supply the correction. Use the given format for your response.

Reading books is a best hobby to pass leisure time. Error

Correction

Ans. Error

Correction

a

the

Explanation: ‘the’ is used with superlative degree of adjective. Here, ‘best’ is the superlative degree of ‘good’. Hence, ‘the’ is the correct answer. Q. 22. Identify the error and supply the correction. Use the given format for your response.

Have you ever wonder why certain children bubble in energy? Error

Correction

Ans. Error

Correction

wonder

wondered

Explanation: The third form of the verb is used with ‘have’. Hence, the verb ‘wonder’ is incorrect and ‘wondered’ is the correct answer.

46

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Commonly Made Errors

Such type of questions are generally treated by the students very casually. They don’t read the question



Most of the candidates seem to attempt this question just by guessing. Lack of adequate knowledge and

carefully, so they can’t make assessment, i.e. which point of the narration/line needs editing. confidence tend to lose marks.

Answering Tips

Since ‘Editing’ is a process that involves revising the content, organization, grammar and presentation of a piece of writing. So thorough study of the grammar-items, prescribed in syllabus and its continuous practice is imperative to learn the editing structure.



To understand the structure, students should read the entire passage rather than sentences for practice. To understand the structure, students should read the entire passage rather than sentences for practice. Use of grammar-games and other ways of learning grammar should be encouraged. 

CHAPTER

5

SENTENCE TRANSFORMATION

1. Dialogue Writing & Reporting Dialogues The purpose of dialogue writing is to enable the students to develop the given input in a grammatically correct and meaningful conversation. While writing the sentences, one must take care to avoid errors and ensure that the following grammatical elements are kept in mind: • Tenses • Subject-verb agreement • Sentence connectors • Appropriate punctuation • Sentence form • Correct use of imperative Q. 1. Complete the dialogue by choosing the correct alternative from those given below. Only write your answers in the answer-sheet against the correct blank number. (3 marks) Neha : Your watch is exclusive. Please tell me (a) ............... Nidhi : I bought it from a showroom (b) ............... Neha : Will you tell me (c) ............... (a) (A) when you bought it? (B) why you bought it? (C) where did you buy it from? (D) where you bought it from? Ans. Option (D) is correct. (b) (A) who is situated in Kamla Nagar (B) which is situated in Kamla Nagar (C) whom is situated in Kamla Nagar (D) where is situated in Kamla Nagar Ans. Option (B) is correct. (c) (A) which it cost you? (B) how much did it cost you? (C) how many it cost you? (D) how much it cost you? Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 2. Read the following dialogue and then complete the report by choosing the correct option from the ones given below. Write your answers in your answer-sheet with correct blank number. Do not copy the dialogue and the report. (1 × 3 = 3) Doctor : How are you feeling now?



Raghu : Much better, sir. Doctor : Are you taking the medicines regularly? Raghu : Yes, sir.



The doctor asked Raghu (a) ............... . Raghu replied that (b) ............... much better. The doctor further asked Raghu (c) ............... the medicines regularly. Raghu replied in affirmative. (a) (A) that how he was feeling (B) how he was feeling then. (C) how you are feeling. (D) how was he feeling. Ans. Option (B) is correct. (b) (A) I am feeling (B) I was feeling (C) he is feeling (D) he was feeling Ans. Option (D) is correct. (c) (A) if you are taking (B) if he is taking (C) that he was taking (D) if he was taking Ans. Option (D) is correct.



Q.3. Read the following dialogue and then complete the report by choosing the correct option from the ones given below. Write your answers in your answer-sheet with correct blank number. Do not copy the dialogue and the report. (3 marks) Shilpa : Can I borrow your English textbook?

48



Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Jaya : Sure, you can. But when will you return it? Shilpa : I will return it to you after two days from today. Jaya : Please do as I have to prepare for the exams. Shilpa asked Jaya (a) ................ . Jaya replied that (b) ............... and asked her (c) ............... . Shilpa said that she would return it to her after two days from that day. (a) (A) if she could borrow her English textbook. (B) if she will borrow her English textbook. (C) if she could borrowed her English textbook. (D) if she could borrow his English textbook. Ans. Option (A) is correct. (b) (A) she would (B) she could (C) she should (D) He could Ans. Option (B) is correct. (c) (A) when she could return it. (B) when she should return it. (C) when she would return it. (D) when he would return it. Ans. Option (C) is correct.

Q. 4. Read the following dialogue and then complete the report by choosing the correct option from the ones given below. Write your answers in your answer-sheet with correct blank number. Do not copy the dialogue and the report. (1 × 3 = 3) Principal : Why were you absent last week? Student : I was absent because I was not well. Principal : What will happen to your studies now? Student : I will work hard to complete them. The principal asked the student (a) ............... .The student replied (b) ............... . The principal was concerned and asked (c) ............... . The student replied that he would study hard. (a) (A) why he has been absent the previous week. (B) why he have been absent the previous week. (C) why he had been absent the previous week. (D) why he had absented the previous week. Ans. Option (C) is correct. (b) (A) that he had been absent because he had not been well (B) that he have been absent because he had not been well (C) that he had been absent because he have not been well (D) that he has been absent because he had not been well Ans. Option (A) is correct. (c) (A) what should happen to his studies then (B) what would happen to his studies then (C) what could happen to his studies then (D) what would happened to his studies then Ans. Option (B) is correct.

Q. 5. Read the dialogue and complete the following passage by filling in appropriate words. (1 × 3 = 3 Marks) Wife : Our son picks up money wherever I hide it. Husband : Hide it in his books. He will never find it there. Wife : Yes. You are right A worried wife told her husband that (a) ............... wherever she hid it. Her husband advised her (b) ............... because (c) ............... . The wife responded to her husband in affirmative and said that he was right. (a) (A) their son picked up money (B) their son has picked up money (C) their son have picked up money (D) their son had picked up money Ans. Option (A) is correct. (b) (A) to hide the money in her books (B) to hide the money in his books (C) to hide the money in that books (D) to hide the money in this books Ans. Option (B) is correct. (c) (A) he could never find it there (B) he should never find it there (C) he would never find it there (D) he had never found it there Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 6. Read the following dialogue and then complete the report given below. Write your answers in your answer sheet with correct blank number. Do not copy the dialogue and the report. (1 × 3 = 3 marks) Teacher : Can you read what is written on this page? Student : I cannot read all the words. Teacher : Would you like to read them? Student : No because I am suffering from severe headache. The teacher asked the student (a) ............... . The student replied that (b) ............... . The teacher then asked her (c) ............... . (a) (A) if she could she read what was written on that page. (B) if she should she read what was written on that page. (C) if she would she read what was written on that page. (D) if she could she read what was write on that page. Ans. Option (A) is correct. (b) (A) she wouldn’t read all the words (B) she couldn’t read all the words (C) she shouldn’t read all the words (D) she cannot read all the words Ans. Option (B) is correct.





SENTENCE TRANSFORMATION

(c) (A) if she could like to read them. (B) if she should like to read them. (C) if she would like to read them. (D) if she can not like to read them. Ans. Option (C) is correct.

Q. 7. Read the following dialogues and complete the passage given below. (1 × 4 = 4) Customer : Can I have a small bottle of tomato sauce? Shopkeeper : Sorry, I have only big bottles. Customer : When will it be available? Shopkeeper : I can give it to you tomorrow. Customer : Thank you, then I will get it tomorrow. The customer asked the shopkeeper (a) ............... .The shopkeeper said that he only had big bottles of tomato sauce. The customer wanted to know (b) ............... . The shopkeeper said that (c) .............. . (a) (A) if he could have a small bottle of tomato sauce (B) if he should have a small bottle of tomato sauce (C) if he would have a small bottle of tomato sauce (D) if he will have a small bottle of tomato sauce Ans. Option (A) is correct. (b) (A) when it should be available (B) when it would be available (C) when it could be available (D) when it will be available Ans. Option (B) is correct. (c) (A) he should give it to him the next day (B) he would give it to him the next day (C) he could give it to him the next day (D) he will give it to him the next day Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 8. Read the following dialogue and complete the paragraph that follows: (Any 3) (3 marks) Mother : Rita, finish your food. Rita : I do not want to have this food. You never give me a pizza or burger. Mother : They are not good for health. You had pizza at your friend’s birthday party last evening. Rita : OK, then give me French fries and shake. Mother : Living only on junk food, you will spoil your health. Mother told Rita (a) ............... . Rita replied that (b) ............... and told her mother that she never gave her a pizza or burger. Mother said that they were not good for health and reminded her (c) ............... . Rita then asked her mother to give her French fries and shake. (a) (A) to finish her food (B) to finished her food (C) to finishing her food (D) to finish his food Ans. Option (A) is correct.

49



(b) (A) she do not want to have that food (B) she did not want to have that food (C) she does not want to have that food (D) she have not want to have that food



Ans. Option (B) is correct. (c) (A) that she has pizza at her friend’s birthday party the evening before. (B) that she have pizza at her friend’s birthday party the evening before. (C) that she had pizza at her friend’s birthday party the evening before. (D) that she had pizza at his friend’s birthday party the evening before.



Ans. Option (C) is correct.

Q. 9. Read the dialogue given below and complete the paragraph that follows: (Any 3) (3 marks)



Teacher : Did you brush your hair this morning? Asha : Yes, I did, but the wind blew it about while I was coming to school. Teacher : Wear a hair band tomorrow. The teacher asked Asha (a) ............... . Asha replied that she had, but the wind (b) ............... while (c) ............... to school. (a) (A) if she had brushed her hair that morning. (B) if she has brushed her hair that morning. (C) if she have brushed her hair that morning. (D) if she had brushed his hair that morning.



Ans. Option (A) is correct. (b) (A) have blown it about. (B) had blown it about. (C) has blown it about. (D) had been blown it about.



Ans. Option (B) is correct. (c) (A) she was coming. (B) I was coming. (C) she had come. (D) she had been coming.



Ans. Option (D) is correct.



Q. 10. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that follows: (Any 3) (3 marks)



Vani : Harika, are you going to join the Dramatics Club with me ? Harika : No, I am going to join the Adventure Club. Vani : I too would have joined the Adventure Club, but I am very scared of heights. Harika : If that is the case, join the Dramatics Club. Vani asked Harika (a) ............... Harika said that (b) ............... Adventure Club. To this Vani replied (c) ............... Adventure Club, but she was very scared of heights. Harika (d) ............... the Dramatics Club. (a) (A) if she was going to join the Dramatics Club with her. (B) if she is going to join the Dramatics Club with her

50

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

(C) if she has been going to join the Dramatics Club with her (D) if she will be going to join the Dramatics Club with her Ans. Option (A) is correct. (b) (A) she is going to join the (B) she was going to join the (C) she has been going to join the (D) she will be going to join the Ans. Option (B) is correct. (c) (A) she have too would have joined the (B) she has too would have joined the (C) she too would have joined the (D) she would have joined the Ans. Option (C) is correct. (d) (A) advised her to join (B) told her to join (C) said that she may join (D) informed that she may join Ans. Option (A) is correct.

TYPE 2 Q. 1. Read the following dialogue and then complete the report by transforming the sentences into reported speech. Write your answers in your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. Do not copy the whole passage. (3 Marks) (Board Term II, 2016-17 Set-79BL5Y9 & 9KC4WV7) Raj : Which is your favourite programme on TV ? Sachin : I love to watch news channels. They make us aware of things happening around us. Raj : TV also helps us to remember the things easily as we watch it happening live in front of us. Raj asked Sachin about (a) .................. Sachin answered that (b) ................. to watch news channels as (c) .................. Raj shared that TV also helps them to remember the things easily as they watched it happening live in front of them. Ans. (a) his favourite programme on TV. (d) he loved (c) they made them aware of things happening around them. Q. 2. Read the dialogues given below and complete the paragraph : (3 Marks) (Board Term I, 2016 Set-2W6113A) Interviewer : What are your qualifications ? Candidate : I have done Hotel Management from the National Institute of Hotel Management. Interviewer : Do you have any work experience ? Candidate : I have worked at a hotel reception for a year. Sir, Do you like my profile ? The interviewer asked the candidate (a) ............. . The candidate replied that (b) ................ the National Institute of Hotel Management. To the interviewer’s enquiry as to whether he had any experiences, the candidate said that (c) ............... at a hotel reception for one year.

Ans. (a) what his qualifications were. (b) he had done Hotel Management from. (c) he had worked. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016) Q. 3. Read the conversation given below and complete the passage that follows: (any 3) (3 Marks) (Board Term 2016 Set-J9TNY10)

Mahesh : Can you come to my house today ?



Sathish : Sorry, Mahesh, I can’t make it today.



Mahesh : Do you have any other programme for the day ?



Sathish : No, actually my dad is coming from America today and I need to go to the airport to pick him up.



Mahesh asked Sathish (a) ............... . Sathish replied (b) ................ . Mahesh asked him (c) ................. any other programme for that day.

Ans. (a) whether he could come to his house that day. (b) apologetically that he could not make it that day. (c) whether he had. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016) Q. 4. Read the Conversation given below and complete the passage that follows : (any 3) (3 Marks)

Mother : Dear, Have you finished your home work?



Daughter : Yes, mom.



Mother : Are you free now ?



Daughter : Yes mom. Do you want me to help you with something ?



Mother : Yes. Can you help me surf the net ?



Speaking to her daughter affectionately, mother (a) ............. . The daughter replied affirmatively. The mother (b) ............... . free then. The daughter replied affectionately and asked (c) .............. .

Ans. (a) asked her if/whether she had finished her home work

(b) asked her if she was



(c) if she wanted her to help her with something

Q. 5. Read the conversation given below and complete the passage that follows : (any 3) (3 Marks) (Board Term I, 2016) 4

Raj : What are you angry about ?



Mother : Everything you do.



Raj : Could you be a little more specific ?



Mother : You should know by now.



Raj asked his mother (a) .................. . She replied that she was (b) ............... . Raj asked if (c) ............... a little more specific to which she retorted that (d) .................. .



Ans. (a) what she was angry about. (b) angry about everything he did. (c) she could be (d) he should have known by then. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016) Q. 6. Read the following dialogues and then complete the report by transforming the sentences into reported speech. (any 3) (3 Marks) (Board Term I, 2012 Set-EL1013) Father : Why have you come back ? Son : I missed my school bus Father : You never get ready in time. Son : I shall be careful in future. The father asked his son (a) ................. . The son replied that (b) ................. . The father scolded him and said that (c) ................. . The son replied that (d) ............... in future. Ans. (a) why he had come back. (b) he had missed his school bus. (c) he never got ready in time. (d) he would be careful. Q. 7. Read the following dialogues and then complete the report by transforming the sentences into reported speech. (any 3) (3 Marks) (Board Term I, 2016 Set-EL1014) Daughter : Our school is arranging a trip to Goa in summer vacation. Mother : What are the dates of the trip ? Daughter : The trip will be between May 10 to 20. Mother : OK. The daughter told her mother that (a) ................. . The mother asked her (b) ................. . The daughter replied that (c) ................. . The mother (d) ............... the daughter. Ans. (a) their school was arranging a trip to Goa in summer vacation (b) about the dates of the trip (c) the trip would be between May 10 to 20 (d) said OK to Q. 8. Read the following dialogues and then complete the report by transforming the sentences into reported speech. (any 3) (3 Marks) Board Term I, 2016 Set-EL1014) 4 Parinity : I am planning to buy a new car. Priyanka : Which car do you want to buy ? Parinity : I want to buy the latest model of any popular company. Priyanka : It is a good decision. Parinity told Priyanka that (a) ................. . Then Priyanka asked her (b) ................. . Parinity replied that (c) ................. . Priyanka (d) ............... a good decision. Ans. (a) she was planning to buy a new car (b) which car she wanted to buy.

SENTENCE TRANSFORMATION



51

(c) she wanted to buy the latest model of any popular company (d) told her that it was

Q. 9. Read the following dialogues and then complete the report by transforming the sentences into reported speech. Write your answers in your answer sheet with correct blank number. Do not copy the whole passage. (any 3) (3 Marks) (Board Term I, 2016 Set-EL1016) Unmukt : Did you see me score a century in my last match ? Raghav : No. Actually, I was out of station. But I am keen to see you score another one in your next match. Unmukt : I will try my level best. Unmukt wanted to know from Raghav (a) ................. . To this, Raghav answered that (b) ............... as he had been out of station. Further, Raghav added that (c) ................. To this, Unmukt promised (d) ................. Ans. (a) if he had seen him score a century in his previous match. (b) he had not (c) he was very keen to see him score a century in his next match. (d) that he would try his level best. Q. 10. Read the following dialogues and then complete the report by transforming the sentences into reported speech. Write your answers in your answer sheet with correct blank number. Do not copy the whole passage. (any 3) (3 Marks) Mohita : When will your second unit tests start ? Shobhita : My second unit tests will start in the second week of August. Mohita : How did you perform in your first unit tests ? Shobhita : My performance was not satisfactory. Mohita asked Shobhita (a) ................. Shobhita replied that (b) ................. Now, Mohita wanted to know how she (c) ............... in her first unit tests. To this, Shobhita answered that (d) ................. Ans. (a) when her second unit tests would start. (b) her second unit tests would start in the second week of August. (c) she had performed (d) her performance had not been satisfactory. Q. 11. Read the dialogue given below and complete the report that follows. Write your answers with correct blank number. (any 3) (3 Marks)  (Board Term I, 2012 Set-EL1018) Grasshopper : Please give me grain. Ant : What were you doing in summer ? Grasshopper : I was dancing in summer. Ant : Go ! Dance all winter. A grasshopper appealed to an ant (a) ................. The ant wanted to know from him (b) ................. The grasshopper replied that (c) ................. The angry ant told (d) ............... all winter.

52

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Ans. (a) to give him grain. (b) what he had been doing in summer. (c) he had been dancing in summer. (d) him to go and dance Q. 12. Read the dialogues given below and complete the report that follows. Write your answers with correct blank number. (any 3) (3 Marks) (Board Term I, 2016 Set-EL1019) Traveller : Will you carry my luggage ? Porter : Sure Sir. Traveller : How much will you charge ? Porter : ` 20. The traveller asked the porter (a) ................. . The porter replied that (b) ............... . The traveller further asked (c) ................. . The porter replied (d) ................. . Ans. (a) if he would carry his luggage. (b) he would (c) him how much he would charge. (d) that he would charge 20 rupees. Q. 13. Read the dialogue given below and complete the report that follows. Write your answer with correct blank number. (any 3) (3 Marks) (Board Term I, 2016 Set-EL1020) Mother : Have you finished your homework ? Son : Sorry mom, I fell asleep. Son : May I play first and then do my homework ? Mother : Definitely not. The mother asked the son (a) ................. The son apologised and said (b) ................. The son further asked (c) ................. The mother (d) ............... the son’s request. Ans. (a) if he had finished his homework. (b) that he had fallen asleep. (c) if he might play first and then do his homework. (d) strongly refused Q. 14. Read the following dialogue and then complete the passage that follows. (any 3) (3 Marks) (Board Term I, 2012 Set-EL1021) Bharat : Is your book interesting ? Nidhi : Yes, I like it Bharat : What is it about ? Nidhi : It is about an inquisitive fool like you. Bharat : Don’t say so. Bharat saw a class-mate, Nidhi, reading a book. He asked her (a) ................. . Nidhi replied in positive that she liked it. Bharat became curious and inquired (b) ................. . A giggling Nidhi commented that (c) ................. At this Bharat (d) ............... . Ans. (a) if her book was interesting. (b) what it was about. (c) it was about an inquisitive fool like him. (d) forbode her to say so.

TYPE 3 Q. 1. Report the dialogue between Mohit and Seema. (Board Term I, 2016 Set-EL1014, Modified) Mohit : What have you brought for me ? Seema : Can you guess ? In response to the question asked by Mohit, Seema replied ...................... . Ans. if he could guess. Q. 2. Mr. Verma shared some information with Mr. Sharma regading his plans for summer break. Report the information. (Board Term II, 2012 Set-B3) I am going to Australia with my family. Ans. Mr. Verma told Mr. Sharma that he was going to Australia with his family. Q. 3. Report the dialogue between Kunal and Priyani by completing the sentence. (Board Term II, 2012 Set-C1 Modified)

Kunal : Where have you been yesterday?



Priyani : I was at my uncle’s house.



Kunal asked Priyani ................. to which she replied that she had been at her uncle’s house. Ans. where she had been the previous day. Q. 4. Rahul asks a question to his father Report Rahuls’s question. (Board Term II, 2012 Set-A3 Modified)

Papa, can you suggest me a topic for a Science project ? Ans. Rahul asked his father if he could suggest him a topic for science project. Q. 5. Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Mother and Chintu. Mother : Have you finished your homework, Chintu ? Chintu : Yes, mummy. May I go out to play with my friends now ? Mother asked Chintu if he had finished his homework. Chintu replied in affirmative and asked ........................ to play with his friends. (a) that he might go out (b) if he could go out (c) whether he might go out (d) that might he go out. Ans. Option (c) is correct.



CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

CHAPTER

6



Syllabus



DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH

(Person/Place/Event/ Situation)

• Writing Descriptive Paragraph (person, situation, event) based on visual or verbal cue/s. (word limit 100-120 words) • One out of two questions is to be answered. (5 Marks)

Introduction : A descriptive paragraph describes a person, situation, place or an event. Detailed information allows the reader to form an image in his or her imagination. The better the description, the clearer the image. The description allows the reader to form a better mental image of whatever is being described. In a descriptive paragraph, you have to write about what a person, place, or event is like. Sometimes, you may describe where a place is located. The purpose of descriptive writing is to make the readers see, feel, and hear what has already been seen, felt, and heard by the writer. Whether we are describing a person, a place or an event, our aim is to reveal the subject through vivid and carefully selected details.

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Descriptive writing

Types of Descriptive Writing : • Description of People : This portrays not only the physical appearance of a person but also shows the readers why the subject is important or special. • While describing a person what you choose to describe, depends on the topic and purpose.

* *

When describing a person, you are not obliged to describe every single detail about the person’s appearance. Sometimes it is better to focus on one or two outstanding features that convey something about the person’s character. • Diary Entry : Writing a brief account of what occurs in writer’s life, either at a specific moment or for a longer period as his personal memoir, to provide some glimpses of the past incidents.

Tips to write a Descriptive Paragraph : (i) Style should be informal and personal. (ii) Always use short sentences. (iii) Language should be simple, polite and effective. (iv) Word limit should be strictly followed. (v) Make sure to choose a meaningful person, place, or event. (vi) First introduce the person you are describing. (vii) Engage the reader’s sense of sight. (viii) Describe smells and tastes if you can. (ix) Describe how the moment or item feels. (x) Describe how your subject sounds.

54

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Person Q. 1. Write a brief description of Mahatma Gandhi, using the clues given below : (5 marks)

Mahatma Gandhi — social and religious leader — Father of the Nation — truth and non-violence — respect all religions — advocated universal brotherhood — January 30-shot dead — Nathu Ram Vinayak Godse. Ans. Mahatma Gandhi — The Father of the Nation

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (known as Mahatma Gandhi) was not only a great politician but also a great social and religious leader. He declared that the highest form of service of the great mother was social service. He gave message of peace to the whole world and believed in humanity. He loved his countrymen very much so the nation called him Bapu—the Father of the Nation.



Gandhiji’s main principles were truth and nonviolence. He believed in universal brotherhood and love. He was of the opinion that if we had conflict with Englishmen, let us not hate the Englishmen because both Englishmen and Indians are offspring of the same Divinity. He respected all religions equally because he said essence of all religions is Truth. He advocated universal brotherhood over and above wavering loyalties to nations and religions. On January 30, 1948 he was shot dead by Nathu Ram Vinayak Godse in a prayer assembly at Birla House, Delhi.

Q. 2. Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words : Given below are the hints of the famous athlete Jesse Owens. Write a description of him, taking help from the given clues : (5 marks) 1913 : Birth, Alabama, USA 1934 : After I World War – goes to school, teachers recognise and develop his athletic talent 1935 : Six World records 1936 : Berlin Olympics, four gold medals 1950 : Sports experts vote him Greatest Track Athlete of the half century 1960 : Another athlete breaks Owens last Olympic record 1980 : Dies of lung cancer Ans. Jesse Owens Jesse Owens was born in Alabama, USA in 1913. After the First World War, he went to school where the teachers recognised his athletic talent and developed it. He made six world records in 1935 and won four gold medals in Berlin Olympics in 1936 which confirmed his greatness as an athlete. The sports experts voted him the Greatest Track Athlete of the half century in 1950 because of his achievements on the track. It took ten years to break his record when another athlete broke it in 1960. This famous athlete died of lung cancer in 1980.

Q. 3. Write a descriptive paragraph on Koneru Humpy, the Grandmaster. You can take help from the clues given below:

Born on March 31, 1987… ‘Hampi’ means champion… Koneru-family name… father- first coach, 4th place in Indian under 18 championship in 1995, IM title in 1992 and May 2002, record-2002 to 2008 – youngest woman to became grandmaster… Awards – Arjuna Award 2003; Padmashri Award 2007 and Raja Lakshmi Award 2008… Queen of 64 squares. Ans. Koneru Humpy Koneru Humpy, known as queen of 64 squares,was born on March 31, 1987. She was originally named ‘Hampi’ which means champion but later changed to Humpy. Koneru is her family name which she writes before her name. Her first coach was her father who introduced her to the game. She won many games under his guidance. She bagged her first price in 1995 when she won the 4th place in Indian under 18 championship. She acquired IM title in 1992 and May 2002. She held the record from 2002 to 2008 for the youngest woman ever to become a grandmaster. She received many awards like Arjuna Award in 2003, Padmashri Award in 2007 and Raja Lakshmi Award in 2008. Q. 4. Write the description of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Developing the paragraph on the hints given below:

4.



Birth: 31st October 1875, Nadiad, Gujarat; brought up in countryside; influential leader; united 565 princely states; ordered to reconstruct Somnath Temple; health decline in 1950, died on December 15, 1950; awarded Bharat Ratna in 1991. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel popularly known as Vallabh Bhai Patel was the first Deputy Prime Minister of India. He was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and a founding member of the Republic of India who played a leading role in the country’s struggle for independence. He was born on 31st October, 1875 at Nadiad in Gujarat and brought up in the countryside. He became one of the most influential leader. He led the task to unite India and successfully integrated the newly independent nation with those British Colonial Provinces that had been allocated to India. Approximately, 565 self governing princely states had also been united into Indian Nation due to his tireless efforts. As Gandhiji embarked on the Dandi Salt March, Patel was arrested and was put on trial without witness, with no lawyer or pressman. On the outbreak of World War II, he supported Nehru’s decision. He also opposed the proposals of the Cripps Mission in 1942. He was one of the first Congress leaders to accept the partition of India. The fame of Vallabhbhai Patel formed the cornerstone of Patel’s popularity in the post independence era.



DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH

He fearlessly ordered to reconstruct the Somnath Temple which had been plundered in 11th century. His another extraordinary contribution in the integration of India is the association of Hyderabad state in Indian state by military operation. Patel’s health declined rapidly through the summer of 1950 and after a massive heart attack, he died on December 15, 1950. He was awarded India’s highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1991, posthumously.

won the fort of Toran, built a strong fort at Durg… killed Afzal Khan… Aurangzeb sent Shaista Khan but lost battle… became independent king… source of inspiration. Ans. Hero of Indian History—Shivaji

Indian history abounds with the heroic deeds of heroes, like Shivaji and Rana Pratap. Shivaji is one such hero. He lived and died for the glory of the country. Shivaji was born in 1627 in the hill fort of Shivner in Maharashtra. His father was a Jagirdar. His mother Jijabai was a religious lady. She told him the stories of great heroes from the Mahabharat and the Ramayana. She made him ‘Shivaji the Great’. Guru Ramdas also influenced his life. In his boyhood, he learnt horse riding, swimming and the use of various arms and weapons. At the early age of seventeen, he collected a small army of loyal Marathas and trained them in guerilla war-fare. With their help he began to conquer one fort after another. First of all, he won the fort of Toran. There he got much wealth and weapons. Then he built a strong fort of his own at Durg.



Shivaji started attacking the Mughal territories. The Sultan of Bijapur sent a large army against him under Afzal Khan but he killed Afzal Khan tactfully with his claws of steel. Aurangzeb also sent Shaista Khan against him with a large army but he also lost the battle. Shivaji was always a sore in the eyes of Aurangzeb. In the later years, Shivaji became an independent king.

Q. 5. Using the hints given below write the description of Rani Laxmi Bai. Great freedom fighter… sacrificed her life for country… born on 1st November 1835… Benaras… father-Moropanth Tambe… Mother... Bhagirathi Bai… Manikarnika… fond of horse riding and shooting… married to Gangadhar Rao… became Maharani… interested in military training… defended her state from Britishers… actively participated in 1857 sacrificed her life at the age of twenty three. Ans. Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi







Indian history is full of the heroic deeds of great heroes and heroines. Rani Laxmi Bai is one of them. She was the most remarkable personality of her age. She was a great freedom fighter. She was the first woman to sacrifice her life for the freedom of the country. She sacrificed her life but did not bow down before the English rulers. This star of heroism was born on November 1, 1835 in a noble family in Benaras. Her father was Moropanth Tambe and her mother was Bhagirathi Bai. Her parents named her Manikarnika after the river Ganga. In her childhood, she was called Manu. She was fond of horse riding and shooting. Once, she jumped from her own horse and saved the life of Nana Sahib. She was married to Gangadhar Rao, the ruler of Jhansi, and became Maharani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi. She gave birth to a baby boy who died only after three months. During her married life, she took keen interest in military training. When Raja Gangadhar Rao died, the English rulers wanted to capture Jhansi but Rani ruined their plans to capture Jhansi. She fought bravely and defended her state from the Britishers. She was a great patriot, fearless and brave. She inspired Indian rulers against the cruelty of the British rule in India. She took an active part in the struggle for freedom in 1857 and sacrificed her life in the battle. She was only twenty-three then. No doubt, Rani Lakshmi Bai is one of the most famous Indian woman.

Q. 6. Write a short description of Shivaji, the Great Maratha. Use the hints given below : (5 marks)

Born in 1627… in the hillfort of Shivner… fatherJagirdar, Mother-Jijabai – a religious lady… influenced by Guru Ramdas;… learnt horseriding, swimming, use of weapons at a young age…

55

Q. 7. With the help of the given clues, write a short description of A.R. Rahman : (5 marks)

Born : January 6, 1966, Chennai, Tamil Nadu rises to success as A.R. Rahman, music director and singer



Family : loses father at an early age, mother’s indulgence great



Trained Under : Master Dhanraj, Ilaiyaraaja



Education : graduates in Western classical music from Trinity College of Music



Significant Year : 1992--sets up a recording studio; file career begins



Achievements : Awards



• fourteen Film fare, four National Film, two Grammy, two Academy etc.



•

Padma Bhushan in 2010

Contribution to Music : immense, national icon Ans. A.R. Rahman

A.R. Rahman was born on 6 January 1966 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He lost his father at an early age. His mother’s great influence helped him a lot and he rose to success as A.R. Rahman, the music director and singer. He received his training from Master Dhanraj and Ilaiyaraaja. He graduated in western classical music from Trinity college of Music. Year 1992 was a significant year for him

56

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

as he set up a recording studio and with that his film career began. He bagged many awards. His achievements include fourteen Filmfare awards, four National Film awards, two Grammy awards and two Academy awards, to name a few. He was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 2010. He has contributed immensely to music and is known as a national icon. Q. 8. Given below are the notes on the life of Mother Teresa. Write a descriptive paragraph using the hints given below : (5 marks) MOTHER TERESA

now with over one million co-workers in more than forty countries. Her dedication towards her work made her win many awards and distinctions. She was awarded Pope John XXIII Peace Price in 1971, Nehru Price for promotion of International Peace and Understanding in 1972, Balcan Prize in 1979, Templeton Magsaysay awards and Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. (5 marks) Q. 9. Write a descriptive paragraph of Sachin Tendulkar on the basis of the notes given below. (5 marks)

1973 born on April 24 in Mumbai



1975 at the age 2½, begins hitting ball with a broomstick in his backyard.



1983 watches World Cup cricket match on television and becomes seriously interested in the game.



1986 scores first century in school



1988 sets world record of 664 runs for Shardashram School at inter-school tournament with Vinod Kambli.



Birth

: Mecedonia, August 26, 1910



1922

: Decided to be a missionary



1928

: Joined Sisters of Loreto



May 24, 1931 : Became a nun



1948



1931 to 1948 : Worked in slums of Kolkata



Oct. 7, 1950

: Started–The Charity



Today

: Society of Missionaries–all over the world. Over one million co-workers in more than 40 countries.



At 16 selected to play against Pakistan, makes his international debut in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches.



Aim

: To help the poor and the suffering.



1990 tours England and scores 119 in a match.





Awards and distinctions

2001 becomes first batsman to score 10,000 runs in one-day cricket. Ans. Sachin Tendulkar



•





• Nehru Prize for Promotion of International Peace and Understanding (1972)



•

Balzan Prize (1979)



•

Templeton and Magsaysay Awards

: Taught in Koltata Missionaries

of

Pope John XXIII Peace Prize (1971)

• Nobel Peace Prize (1979) Ans. ® Mother Teresa Mother Teresa was born in Macedonia on August 26, 1910. She decided to be a missionary at the age of twelve only i.e. in 1922 she joined Sisters of Loreto in 1928 and became a nun on 24 May 1931. She taught for seventeen years (1931 to 1948) in Kolkata and worked in the slums of Kolkata in 1948. She started The Missionaries of Charity on October 7, 1950 with the aim of helping the poor and the suffering. The Society of Missionaries is found all over the world

Sachin Tendulkar, the well known cricketer, was born on 24 April 1973 in Mumbai. He had an interest in cricket since his childhood as he began hitting ball with a broomstick in his backyard at the age of 2 ½ years. He became seriously interested in cricket after watching World Cup Cricket match on television in 1983. He was good at cricket right from the beginning and scored his first century in school in 1986. He set his world record of 664 runs for Shardarshan School at the inter school tournament with Vinod Kambli. He made his international debut in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and test matches when he was selected to play against Pakistan at the age of sixteen. He toured England and scored 119 in match in 1990. Year 2001 added another feather in his cap when he became a first batsman to score 10,000 runs in one day cricket. May he always get success in his life ahead.

Situation Q. 1. Write about a time when you were late for an important event. What lesson on punctuality did you learn? Ans. Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. I learned it a little late and at a very heavy cost.

A few years back in 2015, I had to participate in an Inter-School Championship in Taekwando for the

Black Belt next morning in Agra College. My match was scheduled at 7:30 am and I had to report to my coach at 6:30 a.m.

I was watching some interesting English movies on Tata Sky. I was awake till 12:30 in the night. I don’t remember when I fell asleep. I passed out on the sofa with the television on. I even forgot to set an alarm for the morning. The next thing I



DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH

remember was my mother waking me up asking me why I was on the sofa. To my surprise, when I saw the time on the wall clock it was 9 a.m. I was late! I dashed to the bathroom, skipped bath, got ready within 10 minutes. But it was all in vain. When I reached the competition spot, the Trophy and Black Belt had already been given to the other player because I didn’t turn up on time. I didn’t lose the competition, it was worse. I didn’t even get a chance to compete and it was all my fault. This taught me the lesson of punctuality thereafter. Now, I am a very responsible, serious, and punctual person.



The driver along with the conductor got down to examine but to no avail. It was totally dark and cold too. Our teachers were all worried, but they kept their cool and asked us to remain quiet and not to make any noise, lest we should draw the attention of anti-social elements.



At a distance of about 200 metres, we saw some tents. The little light guided us to that place. When we approached nearer to the tents, we saw some camels tied outside. They were Rajasthani (Banjaras). Our teachers and driver narrated them the whole tragedy, they were a bit suspicious but agreed to help us. They took all the students to their tents ‘They gave us some food. And they entertained us by singing and dancing around the bonfire. We went to sleep afterwards.



Next morning, our bus was repaired and we were able to get back on our way to home. It was a fun trip and I know adventure would be cherished lifelong.

Q. 2. You walk home from school one afternoon to find a strange truck outside your house.

You hurry inside to find more about it. Write a descriptive passage on what you saw, what was the strange truck doing outside your house in 100120 words.

Ans. It was Tuesday afternoon when I walked towards home from my school, which was just 1 km. But since it was summer, I was feeling tired and thirsty, so I started walking fast to reach home quickly

On reaching the main gate, I saw a truck parked. Two men were unloading a big box out of it. They successfully took it out and went inside my house. I couldn’t hold my curiousness anymore and made a run towards my house. As I reached, those men were leaving. I asked my mother what it was. She smiled, handed me a letter and said: “See for yourself ”. The letter was actually from a famous quiz show company. I had recently participated in their online contest and forgot about it. Turns out, I had actually won the first price. The big box, I just saw was my prize. I rushed towards the box and opened it hurriedly. It contained a shining black mountain. I was super happy to see it. My prize had made my day.

Q. 3. You were on a school trip and were on your way back to the hotel late one night when your school bus, full of children, broke down in a lonely area.

Q. 4. There has been heavy rain in your city/town. You went to school but found that it was closed because of the rain. Write a descriptive passage in 100-120 words describing the incident. Ans. Do you all remember the nursery rhyme “Rain Rain go away, come again another day, little Johny wants to play”? Just think of these lines. We all become ‘Johny’ when it rains cats and dogs.

Last Monday, the whole of Delhi was fast asleep. At around 11:30 p.m., it started raining slowly, but we didn’t bother and went to sleep. But it rained heavily the whole night. Again, it slowed down at around 6:00 a.m. in the morning which was under control. My mom woke me up to go to school because it had stopped raining. My school was a walking distance from my home.



I went hurriedly to school because the school was going to begin within ten minutes. As we reached school, our peon and gate-keeper informed us that the school had been closed due to heavy rains. The three of us were so excited and we started shouting in happiness “Hurrah! It’s a holiday, today is a rainy day’. Again, it started raining heavily. We all started walking very slowly intentionally because we wanted to enjoy the rain and we all loved getting wet in the rain.



Many small children were rowing their paper boats and dancing in happiness. We enjoyed seeing them and this scene relaxed us for a while. We could hear birds chirping on the tree and frogs croaking behind the bushes. Oh! how wonderful was the rain.



As I reached home, my mother came running and she helped me in changing my drenched clothes. She gave me a towel and wiped my head. By that time, I started sneezing, I cooked up a story covering my mistake of enjoying the rain. It was a beautiful rainy day, indeed!

Write a descriptive passage on the above given situation.

Ans. School trips are a part and parcel of school curricular activities. It gives us lessons and happy memories each time.

It was in the year 2010 when I was studying in VII class, our school took us to Jaipur.



On reaching there, we visited Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and City Palace. The city was very beautiful and we had lots of fun.



We sat in our buses in evening. We had to reach back by 10 o’clock. We hardly travelled for one hour or so when the bus broke down at around 8 o’clock. We were stuck in a deserted place, and there was sand outstretched on both the sides. It was an eerie feeling.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Events Q. 1. Your school recently celebrated its ‘Sports Day’. Give a brief account of celebrations in about 100120 words.

only. There was a great rejoicing and clapping. Each team gave three cheers to the other. Q. 3. Write a brief description on—‘A Day of Election’.

[Board Term I 2010, Set A2] Ans. Sports Day. The eighth Annual Sports Meet of our school was held on 9th and 10th December this year. The playground was cleaned and a big canopy was set up on one side for visitors and on the other side for participants. The students participated with full zeal and zest in more than fifty events which included races, shot put throws, long jump, gymnastics etc. There were some mock events also like sack race, spoon & chair race etc. The function was presided over by the District Magistrate. He gave away prizes to the winners. The titles of Best Boy and Best Girl were given to Anurag Jadon of XII A and Chhaya of XI C respectively. The sports day ended with a note of thanks from our principal. The next day was declared a holiday. Q. 2. Write a brief description of a live cricket match you once saw. Ans.

An Interesting Cricket Match Once I got a chance to witness a cricket match on our college ground last year. Our college played a cricket match against the team of another college of our city. The weather was fine .The spectators were sitting all around on the benches and chairs. Both the teams came on the playground on time. Two umpires also came there. The match began at the right time. The captains of both the teams came forward and shook hands. Then there was a toss. Our captain won the toss and decided to bat. The other team took to fielding. Our captain and Ramesh came as the opening batsmen. Our captain hit several boundaries. After two hours first, our captain was caught behind the wicket. He scored eighty runs. Then Suresh came in to play but he got out very soon. Our whole team was out at two hundred and sixty runs. Then the other team started bating. Suresh and Sohan were our bowlers. They bowled very well. In the first over the players of the other team made ten runs and we became nervous. The opening batsmen scored hundred and twenty runs. But soon, a batsman was declared L.B.W. by the umpire. After this the captain came out to bat. He was a very good batsman. He batted carefully and hit several boundaries. He was out after adding eighty runs to the score. But after this all the batsmen were soon bowled one by one. The whole team was out at the score of two hundred and forty runs. In this way our college team won the match by twenty runs

Ans. Our country is a democratic country and elections are life and soul of a democratic system. In India, elections are held after every five years. Last year, Election was to be held to elect a new M.L.A. The candidates of the different political parties were in the fray. The parties were canvassing in favour of their candidates. A day before the polling day, all the canvassing was stopped. At some distance from the polling station, the parties pitched their tents. They had lists of the voters of their respective areas. The voters were going to the tents of the parties of their choice. The workers were helping them in finding out their serial numbers and gave them slips to assist them in voting. The voters stood in long queues. There were separate queues for male and female voters. Each voter showed the slip to the polling officer, who compared it to the serial number of the list and then put a mark with indelible ink on his forefinger and sent him to the EVM (Electronic Voting Machine). The voter had to press the button. A beep sound from the machine was the signal that the vote had been successfully cast. This process continued up to 5 o’clock. Then the polling officers sealed the EVMs and other relevant records. The police van came and collected the EVMs to take them to the collectorate for counting. It was a unique day in my life. Q. 4. Write a paragraph describing a journey, imaginary, or you have undertaken. You can follow the steps given below:

1.

Prepare an itinerary.

2.

You can make use of the following expressions, phrases and proverbs frequently used by the travellers.

Jet lag, itchy feet, hit the road, time table, on the home stretch, call it a day, book in advance, travel over, travel through, travel light, any port in a storm, stopover, etc. Ans. This summer, we planned a vacation in Singapore. My father’s cousin lives there. They had been calling us since long. It was a planned vacation so tickets were booked in advance. The responsibility was given to mom as she searched for the best deals through various internet sites. We spend many nights planning and finalising the itinerary and finally a time table was approved by all just a week before. Our flight was in the morning at 9 a.m. so we proceeded at 6 am in the morning to



DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH

reach the airport by 7 am. At the airport we clicked few photographs, posted them on our social media platforms and enjoyed the likes. The flight was on time and we boarded our plane and travelled through the Indian Ocean to reach Singapore in about six hours. Uncle and aunt both were there at the airport to receive us. We saw amazing skyscrapers and beautiful Singapore landscapes on our way to uncle’s home. It was late evening and we all were tired due to jet lag. We had our dinner and slept off early. Our itchy feet woke us up very early and we all sat down with our coffee cups to plan the day ahead of us. We thought of going for scuba diving. The diving spot was at the far south horn of the bay where there were huge steep rock faces and underwater caves. Half an hour later, while I was swimming around 50 meters from

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the shore, a calamity struck. As I was swimming next to a lone rock, suddenly a huge wave came and crashed on me, taking me by surprise. It completely rolled my body around and I totally lost my sense of direction. I was short of breath and I was squirming around, splashing and trying to find where the air was. I swam up fast, penetrated the surface, on the home stretch, I took a breath of air, and then, afraid of the next wave coming, looked around. Then like any port in a storm, my coach came looking for me with all sorts of help. This huge wave was like a stopover for me. We all came back as I had severe headache and dizziness. We continued with our plan for next few days and then finally we departed from Singapore to be back with memories forever.

CHAPTER



7

Syllabus



STORY WRITING

Writing a story based on a given outline or titles or cue/s. (word limit 100-120 words) • One out of two questions is to be answered.

(100-120 Words and 5 marks each)

6.

Introduction A short story is different from a novel. In short story, there is only one plot, one or two main characters and a central theme. Story writing is an imaginative skill and creative art. Story writing depends on a deep thinking, creative imagination, ability of planning, expert narrative technique and effective and impressive language.

How to write a short story It is true that specific standards can be applied in story writing as it depends upon the imagination of the writer, but there are numerous ways to shape an impressive story. Some of these ways are as follow : 1.

First and foremost, one who intends to write a story, should find out the central character and peep into her/his characteristics and qualities.

2.

The writer should adopt techniques in which the reader should find himself/herself spell bound. The details should enhance the interest of the readers.

3.

All the events should be kept in proper sequence to avoid any kind of confusions and complexities.

4.

The writer should use a wide range of thought process.

5.

The writer may use her/his personal experiences to give a realistic approach to the story.

The climax of the story should be apt and according to the expectation and mind set of readers. They should not be in a dilemma. They should be clear in their minds.

Tips to write a short story • There should be only one plot of the story. Scan to know more • Story is always written in past about this chapter tense. • The theme of the story should be fabricated encircling the central character of the story. Story Writing • The end of the story should be clear and devoid of ambiguity. • Effective language and simple sentences are the basic requirements of the story writing. • To maintain the readers interest and curiosity, there must be twists and turns in the plot. • The story should end with a moral. • The word limit should be maintained.

Format • • • •

Context Introduction of characters Plot Climax

Marking Scheme Content



:

2.5 marks

Expression

:

2.5 marks

(5 Marks)

Under content, credit should be given for the candidate’s creativity in presenting ideas.



STORY WRITING

Q. 1. Write a short story in 100-120 words with the given beginning line. ‘Today my English paper got over early. While waiting to submit the paper I had a nice time observing an army of ants on the right hand side wall of the classroom. The redheaded fat ant seemed to be the commander and was ordering the rest. Then .... . [Board Term II, 2016-17 Set 79BL5Y9] Ans. Value Points : Content — 2.5 Marks Expression — 2.5 Marks [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016-17] 5 Detailed Answer : Army of Ants



Today, my English paper finished early. While waiting to submit the paper, I had a nice time observing an army of ants on the right hand side wall of the classroom. A red headed fat ant seemed to be the commander and was ordering the rest of the ant army. Then, they started moving in a disciplined manner. Then I noticed a dead bee, lying on the floor near the teacher’s table. The army of ants seemed to be determined to carry that bee to their shelter.



One thing that the army of ants displayed was their unity. Unity is definitely the key to success. The ants were working in a united way and their coordination with one another helped them to carry that body – much bigger and heavier than that of their own. Finally they reached their destination with that bee. Indeed, group work can be effective when work is done with a team spirit.

Q. 2. Read the given lines and complete the story in 100-120 words. Give a suitable title to your story.



I awoke one morning famous...............

and

found

myself

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and then I started towards the forest for hunting. There were different kinds of animals in the forest. I hunted two lions which were to be displayed in my palace. All of a sudden, there was a jolt and I fell down from horseback. I began to cry. At the same time, I heard my father’s voice asking me why I was crying. I got up at once and realised that it was just a dream. I told the story to my family members. All of them began to laugh. My dream of being a king had been shattered. Q. 3. Develop a story in about 100-120 words with the following beginning. Also give a suitable title. An old couple was living in Shobit’s adjacent flat. One day, he saw some commotion in their house. He went there and found. [Board Term I, 2016 Set OY70NZU] Ans. ‘CUT’ An old couple was living in Shobit’s adjacent flat. One day he saw some commotion in their house. He went there and found that there were some masked people who were threatening the old couple and they were trying to escape from their grip. Meanwhile, there was a sound of hooter and people saw three cars coming towards their house. Now, the robbers were trying to free themselves but they were in the control of the couple. People were surprised how the old couple could be able to handle the young robbers. By now, police had also reached the spot and arrested all the robbers. People showed their gratitude to the police but all of a sudden, there was a sound, ‘Cut‘. The people were surprised as all the people including the old couple, robbers and police were laughing. Shobit was quite amazed to know that all this was the shooting for a TV serial. Now all the people came to know that the old man was director of TV films. Shobit took a sigh of relief and decided to approach the old man to get himself introduced on the silver screen.

Ans. Value Points : Content — 2.5 Marks Expression — 2.5 Marks [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016-17] 5

Q. 4. Write a story using the following hints in about 100-120 words. Give it a suitable title. Sakshi driving, busy road, late for college, attends a call, becomes absent minded and careless for a moment, CRASH a pedestrian, seriously injured. [Board Term I, 2016 Set 2W6II3A]

Detailed Answer :

Ans. A Little Mistake can Lead to Big Accident

[Board Term II, 2016-17 Set GKC4WV7]

I became a King

I awoke one morning and found myself as a famous king of a vast empire. I was dressed in royal robes. My crown was studded with different kinds of diamonds and rubies. My sword was made of gold. Later, I sat in my court. There were hundreds of pleaders who were coming to me for justice. I decided their cases. Then, it was my lunch time. I was served food in utensils made of gold. There were hundreds of servants and maids to attend me. They were ready to carry out my orders at the blink of an eyelid. After lunch, I had a small nap



Sakshi was a college student. She was very brilliant and hard working. But some times such people also commit mistakes. Now, it was time for Sakshi to go to her college. It was a very busy road and Sakshi was running late for her college. She was a punctual person but that day her friend made her late. Meanwhile, she got an urgent phone call. Seeing the urgency, she attended the call. She became so busy in her conversation that she became absent-minded and careless for a moment. Her one hand was on steering and in the other hand, she

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

was holding the phone. All of a sudden she got a heavy jerk. There was a crash and her car had hit a pedestrian. The pedestrian was seriously injured. She was terrified. She called her parents but before their arrival, police had reached there. The parents had to pay a lot of money to the pedestrian for her treatment. So, it is necessary to remain careful every moment. Q. 5. Complete the story with the following beginning in about 100-120 words. Also give it a suitable title. Madhukar is Radhika’s constant companion. She met him in the train in a very unusual way when .... [Board Term I, 2016 Set J9TNY10]

web but every time it was unsuccessful. But the spider did not lose hope. With still more care and dedication it reached his web in the ninth attempt. This inspired and motivated Robert Bruce and he in turn motivated his army. He collected his army and led them to the battle field and this time, the battle was fought and the King of England was forced to flee back to his country and Bruce was made the rightful king of independent Scotland. Q. 7. Every drop counts. Let’s not waste so that others may survive. Develop a story in about 100-120 words with a suitable title. [Board Term I, 2015 Set KX1AS60]

Ans. Blessing in Disguise

Madhukar is Radhika’s constant companion. She met him in the train in a very unusual way. It was July last year when she was a medical student. She was going back to her college after the summer vacations. She was glad that after a long period, she would be able to see her friends and enjoy her hostel life, but all of a sudden, she felt a severe headache and she began to reel. There was no one to look after her. Then to her amazement, a youngster came to her and asked about her problem. With extreme difficulty, she briefed him. The youngster knew everything and brought out his medical kit and gave her some medicine. She was hesitant to have anything from a stranger, but he assured her that he was a doctor and this was his duty to provide comfort to his co- passengers. She took the medicine and got relief after a while. During that span, they became good friends. They exchanged their mobile numbers. Since then, their friendship has strengthened and still they are constant companions. So it can be said that her physical suffering proved a blessing in disguise.

Q. 6. Write a short story on the basis of given clues in 100-120 words : Robert Bruce, king of Scotland – often fought for the freedom of the country – no success – hiding in a cave – dejected – a spider drops by its thread from the ceiling – tries to get back to its web – again drops – succeeds in ninth attempt – inspired by the example, Bruce tries again. [Board Term II, 2016, 2014 Set II, MFRMAEOP]

Ans. For a Drop of Water !

It was 25th of June, last year. I can’t forget the day. It was an excessively hot day. The summer was at its full swing. It seemed as if fire were pouring down from the sky. Mother earth was ailing for want of water. Not a bird or animal was visible in the open.



There was not a stir of air anywhere. Not even a leaf was moving. The atmosphere was stuffy, and suffocated. To add to our troubles, there was no electricity. It resulted in the betrayal of water taps also, in addition to the fan and coolers. My brother’s body was burning with blistering heat. He couldn’t even cry as his throat was absolutely dry. There was not even a single drop of water in taps as well as in the storage. All of us were very thirsty but at that time, we were much troubled on seeing his condition. I went out of the house. At the corner of our lane, there was a departmental store. I went there in the hope of getting ice-pouch or water bottle. But it was not available at any cost because there had been no water supply since last 24 hours. My brother’s uneasiness was getting unbearable with every moment. He was becoming excessively impatient and restless. His forehead was burning like hot-oven. My mother started weeping on seeing his condition. Suddenly my father, who had gone to another city returned. He had the habit of carrying water bottle with him. Perhaps God made my father’s entry at the right moment. Immediately my brother drank some water, which prevented him from fainting. Then we took him to the hospital for his further treatment. That day onwards, I never wasted even a drop of water, for even a drop can save someone’s life.



INSPIRATION Ans. Robert Bruce, the King of Scotland was both brave and wise. He fought many battles with England. He even led his army to fight for the freedom of his country. He never gained success. At last his army was driven out and was forced to hide in the woods. They took shelter in a cave. Robert was tired and sick at heart, ready to give up hope. As he lay thinking, he noticed a spider over his head who was getting ready to weave its web. He watched it as worked slowly and with great care. Continuously for eight times, it tried to reach







Q. 8. Write a short story on the basis of given clues in about 100-120 words : Some friends at a party talked about ghosts. One of them was particularly loud in his scorn of such things. The rest resolved to pay a joke on him. They went to a nearby tree in the evening and ......... [Board Term, 2015 Set II, E] UNPLEASANT PRANKS Ans. Some friends at a party talked about ghosts. One of them was particularly loud in his scorn of such things. The rest resolved to pay a joke on him. They went to a nearby tree in the evening and sat under it making plans as to how they could unpleasant their friend Alok by pretending themselves ghosts. As the night drew, they hid themselves in his house and started making noise. Then they pulled out the fuse and there was total darkness in the house. Then one of the friends in white clothes was made to stand on the gate and roam about in the house with a candle in his hand. On seeing the ghost, Alok got scared and started recollecting the stories his friends were telling at the party. He almost believed that ghosts existed. As soon as he came outside from his room he saw that the things were floating up in the air, actually his friends had fixed fishing rods on the things and were dangling them from the balcony. Alok was so scared that he called up his neighbours. As soon as the friends heard the conversation, they slowly slipped out from the house putting back the fuse. As the neighbours came inside they searched the whole house but were unable to find anything. The next day, Alok was very scared, narrated the incidents to his friends, who were not able to control themselves, and burst out into laughter and told him that it was his own group who was playing pranks on him. Q. 9. Write a story in 100-120 words from the outline given below. Give a suitable title to the story. 6 years old Amit – back from school saw a baby bird under a tree – unable to fly – worried – nest seen on the tree – 2 little birds – picked the baby bird – placed carefully in the nest – mother bird return just then – song of thanks for Amit. (Board Term I, 2014) A Helping Hand Ans. One day, six years old Amit was returning from school, he saw a baby bird under a tree which probably might have fallen from the nest. As the baby bird was unable to fly, it couldn’t reach the nest. Amit was worried and was wondering how it could reach the nest. The baby bird was so small that it was impossible for it to reach the nest as well. He looked here and there for help, but he could find none. Then, he saw two little birds, coming near the baby bird. They slowly picked up the baby bird in their beaks, lifted it up and carefully placed it in the nest. Just then, the mother bird returned. On seeing the baby bird nestled carefully in the nest, the mother bird started chirping. It was like

STORY WRITING

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as if she were singing a song of thanks. Amit was very happy and felt relieved. On returning home, he narrated the whole incident to his mother. Q. 10. Complete the story in 100-120 words from the outline given below : It was 6 o’clock in the evening and there was a lot of traffic on the road. Mohan was driving his car when suddenly two teenagers on bike overtook his car..... [Board Term I, 2014 Set DDE] Don’t Drink and Drive Ans. It was 6’o clock in the evening and there was a lot of traffic on the road. Mohan was driving his car when suddenly two teenagers on bike overtook his car. They were driving very fast and rash. They were also screaming and singing songs. It seemed as if they were drunk. In spite of the heavy traffic, they seemed to be juggling their bike through the crowd. In order to save a boy who was going on a cycle they turned to the left and lost their balance and went and hit the speeding bus which was coming from the opposite direction. The entire traffic came to a halt. Even Mohan stopped his car and went to see the two boys, who were badly injured. As they were not wearing helmets, they got many injuries on their head. Mohan immediately called up for an ambulance as they were bleeding profusely. Medical aid came immediately and they were taken to the nearest hospital. Mohan went along with the ambulance too. Doctors attended them immediately and told that they had internal injuries which would take time to heal, but they were out of danger. We all thanked God for saving them and felt this could be a lesson to both of them for not driving recklessly and in drunken state. Q. 11. You wanted to see an IPL Cricket match in the stadium instead of T.V. Your father did not allow you. You went to the stadium without telling your father. When you reached there, you found your father standing in the queue there. Develop the story in about 100-120 words describing your encounter with your father there. (Board Term I, 2012 Set-EL1-014) The Only Time I lied Ans. The IPL Season was on and I also wanted to watch the match in the stadium instead of T.V. My father, a tough nut to crack, was not giving permission. All my friends were going and I too decided to go with them without telling my parents. We went to the stadium after telling my parents that we are all studying at a friend’s place. I was thrilled as I would be fulfilling a long cherished desire. We reached the stadium and got into a queue there. We were all laughing and chatting. Suddenly, the man in front of us turned around and of all the people on earth – it had to be my father ! He had identified us by our voices and his face was expressionless. He bought tickets for all of us and we went to watch the match. The match was very exciting and my favourite team won, but all the excitement had

64

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

gone. I went home with my father and on the way, I started apologising and crying. My father very calmly kept his hand on my shoulder and told me that he had overheard our plan and that is why he had gone there. I felt very sorry for telling a lie to him and decided I would never go against my parents’ permission. Q. 12. Given below is the beginning of a story. Complete it in about 100-120 words. It was Sunday. Sumita got up late in the morning and was horrified to see two dangerous looking men talking to her father in a threatening manner. At once she concluded ............. (Board Term I, 2012 Set-EL1-016) DREADFUL SUNDAY Ans. It was Sunday. Sumita got up late in the morning and was horrified to see two dangerous looking persons talking to her father in a threatening manner. At once she concluded that they were builders, who had been forcing her father to sell the house to them at throw away prices. Then she realised that now there was no need to worry as her father had sold the house to another builder who had given him the right price and was also going to give them protection from those men. Her mother had informed him about the situation and he reached there in 10 minutes and the matter was sorted out quickly. Sumita felt relieved that her father had finished off the transactions the day before, otherwise these two men would have forced her father to sell their house. The two dangerous looking men could not do anything and they had to leave without uttering a word of defence. Q. 13. The teacher asked the students to write a story for the school magazine. Anamika could not complete the story. Help her complete the story on the basis of the beginning of the story :

I was lost in my thoughts while sitting in a train compartment. I was going to Shimla. Then an old woman got in. The old woman was very sad and was very weak. She was not able to walk properly. I started reading a magazine then suddenly I saw............. (Board Term II, 2011 Set-B2)

A JOVIAL TRAVELLER Ans. I was lost in my thoughts while sitting in a train compartment. I was going to Shimla. Then an old woman got in. The old woman was very sad and was very weak. She was not able to walk properly. I started reading a magazine then suddenly I saw that the old woman had fallen in the aisle and nobody seemed to pay any attention. I quickly asked a couple of people around to help her get on her feet. We placed her on the berth. Someone gave her a glass of water. I checked her for any injuries. Luckily, there were none. The heat and the exertion of travelling made her feel weak and so she fell down. Soon everybody settled down. Once the old

lady was relaxed and settled down we gave her some biscuits to eat which boosted her up. After half an hour, she felt herself O.K. Then told us so many jokes and stories which left us spellbound. She proved to be a great entertainer. We never came to know when we reached our destination. Time just flew by. At Shimla station, her son had come to pick her up and was surprised to see her being escorted by so many strangers. Both the mother and the son thanked all of us profusely. Q. 14. The teacher asked the students to write a story. Sonalika couldn’t complete her story. Help her to complete her story. Ramu was a porter. He was a very honest boy. One day, an old man hired him to carry the luggage to his house. On reaching his home the old man gave Ramu ............. . (Board Term II, 2011 Set-B3) Honesty Pays Rewards Ans. Ramu was a porter. He was a very honest boy. One day, an old man hired him to carry the luggage to his house. On reaching his home, the old man gave Ramu ` 100 for his labour. Ramu charged only ` 90 for that much work. Since neither of them had, any change, the old man told him to keep the money. Later on, in the evening, Ramu came back to return ` 10 to the old man. The old man was touched by the boy’s honesty. He wanted to help Ramu in some way or the other. He asked him to stay with him. Ramu stayed in his house and started working as the old man’s caretaker. He looked after the members of the family, cleaned the house, did gardening, etc. The old man was very happy seeing his dedication towards work so he helped Ramu to pursue his education. After finishing all the household chores, Ramu used to sit to study. He worked so hard that he finally became a police officer. Till date he is indebted to the old man for his gratitude but the reality is that it’s his honesty that had made him earn this position in life. Q. 15. Develop a story in about 100-120 words with the help of the following hints : A foolish crow-found a piece of bread - a clever fox-felt greedy - praise the, crow - beautiful body - sweet voice - opened mouth - piece of bread fell down. (Board Term II, 2011 Set-B2) A FOOLISH CROW Ans. One day, a foolish crow who was very hungry was flying in search of food. While flying over a house he saw a piece of bread on the verandah of the house. He immediately flew down to pick it up. He quickly grabbed it and flew away to a tree in the nearby village. A clever fox, who was also hungry saw the piece of bread in the beak of the crow. He felt greedy. He also wanted that bread and started planning as to how he could get it from the crow. He quickly devised a plan to take the bread from him. He started praising the crow’s beautiful body and voice. He said that no other bird had such a



STORY WRITING

beautiful body as yours and no one could sing as sweet as you can. The clever fox said that since the crow could sing so melodiously, why not start singing so that the fox could hear it. The crow who was unaware of the fox’s clever plans, was so overjoyed by listening to the fox’s praise that it started singing without thinking. When he opened his mouth to sing, the piece of bread fell down straight into the mouth of the fox who ran away with it. Q. 16. A group of pictures are given here. They make a story. This story is from the Tales of Panchatantra.



Now write the story and provide a suitable title to the story. [NCERT Worksheet]

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THE CUNNING HARE AND THE WITLESS LION Ans. Once there lived a huge lion in a vast jungle. All animals were afraid of him as he killed many animals every day. They all feared that they all would die one day if the lion kept killing them like that. They all agreed to meet the lion with a proposal. They told the lion that every day, they would send one animal as food for the lion. So, the lion need not go for hunting, and he would be able to relish the food at his doorstep. The lion agreed with a warning that if any day they failed to send enough food; he would kill all of them. The animals promised to obey him. From that day, one animal was sent every day to the lion, and the lion would eat him up. All the animals living in the jungle had to take turns in sending one of their kind to the lion. One day, the turn of hares came. A small hare was asked to go to the lion. The hare was very clever. He went to the lion very late. The lion was angry as he was hungry. When asked, why was he late, the hare told him about another lion he met on his way. The hare told the lion that the second lion was claiming to be the king of jungle. On hearing this, the lion got furious and told the hare to take him to the place where the second lion lived. The clever hare took the lion to a well and told him that the lion lived in that well. The lion immediately climbed on to the wall of the well and peeped in. There he saw his own reflection and thought that to be the other lion. When he roared and challenged his own reflection, his own roar and voice echoed. It made him sure that there was another lion in the well. He jumped into the well to kill the enemy. His head crashed onto the wall of the well and fell into the water and drowned. So, the foolish lion was dead. All the animals in the jungle became happy, and they all were grateful to the little hare. 

CHAPTER

8

DIARY ENTRY to improve and enhance any skill is that regular practice should be initiated. The best way to acquire the language is to use it with the friends, family, and others continuously. With regular and continuous practice, the language becomes accessible and fluent. Dear Diary! I promise you that I will improve my English speaking skills very soon.

Introduction Diaries are a great way to keep track of the past, analyse the present and think about the future. In fact, diary entry is a very personal form of writing, having no hard and fast rule. It reflects our creativity, imagination, expression etc. Every entry starts with the day and date. An effective diary entry includes the following points : 1. It is written in the first person. 2. Not only is it a chronicle of the events that have taken place on that day and date, but also a spontaneous expression of emotions. 3. A diary, being just another form of creative writing, will follow all the normal rules of any good writing. One must keep in mind the sentence construction, paragraphs etc. 4. Stress on feelings and emotions rather than on the event itself. 5. At the end of the diary entry, put the signature.



Armaan Q. 2. Your friend has behaved very selfishly in the canteen today, so you are very upset. Write a diary entry in 100-120 words expressing your feelings. (Board Term II, 2016-17 Set-GKC4WV7) Ans. Saturday

6. One must follow the world limit strictly. Q. 1. Make an entry in your diary in 100-120 words on your hesitation to speak in English and your wish to improve your English speaking skills. (Board Term II, 2016-17 Set-79BL5Y9) Ans. Tuesday

March 07 20XX



10.00 PM



Dear Diary



A person is known by his company, what type of friends he has and how he reacts before them. I am fortunate enough to have a good circle of friends. They are extremely helpful and good-natured people but sometimes I feel quite embarrassed because they all have a good command over English while I do not have as I have done my schooling from a Telugu medium school. Therefore, I hesitate to speak in English before them. It is my heartfelt desire to improve my English speaking skills. Now I want to end this hesitation and move forward in getting fluent in it. In order to increase proficiency in learning the skill of English speaking, one needs to maintain the use of the language. The best way

Good Night Diary





24 March, 20XX



10:00 PM



Dear Diary



‘What is the pace of the world’ can’t be judged by a simple person. Generally, friends are considered to be the best people and friendship, the best relationship but the incident that happened today made me upset. My friend and I got a chance to drink tea in the canteen. I was glad. We were talking about various issues. All of a sudden, the behaviour Scan to know more of my friend changed and he about this chapter said that he had heard that I had complained to the teacher against him. I assured him that I had never done such a thing but he was not ready Diary Entry to accept it and left the place after humiliating me. He has hurt my feelings. I am unable to find a way to solve the problem. I cannot believe that my one and only friend behaved like that. He never behaved like this before. But today I am angry and upset with him. Tomorrow, I will again try to make him understand. Good Night Diary

Eve



DIARY ENTRY

Q. 3. You feel that speaking in English is the need of the hour. As your parents are unable to do so, you feel a keen desire to teach them. Write in about 100-120 words a page in your diary expressing how you will execute your plan. (Board Term I, 2015 Set-TRCSL99) Ans. 15 December 20XX Monday

10 : 30 p.m.



Dear Diary



These days, speaking in English has become the need of the hour. Nobody can deny this fact. Even my parents also agree with it. But they are unable to do so. Though it is not their fault or any weakness for which they should feel shy in the modern world, yet I have a keen desire to teach them to speak in English. This language is a link with the outer world as it is an international language—a handy means of communication with the people around the world. I shall help them in this so that they will feel more confident. First, I’ll give them lessons in grammar, then shall proceed to introductory dialogue speaking and will gradually move to small speeches on the topics of their interest. I am sure my parents will be, at the earliest, able to talk and express themselves in English independently.



Good Night Diary !

Lata Q. 4. Today you were invited to a Christmas Party. Write a Diary Entry in about 100-120 words about the party.

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Q. 5. Write a Diary Entry in about 100-120 words about your experience in a blind school. Ans. Wednesday 12 September 20XX

10:00 p.m.



Dear Diary We were invited to be the Chief Guest for the Annual day in a blind school. I kept wondering how such event would take place. When we reached the school, two blind students came to welcome us. They put a ‘tilak’ on our forehead at exactly the correct place and garlanded my father and then led us all to our seats. It was as if they could see everything. The function started with lightning of the lamp and a small speech by a student to welcome us all. There were dance performances, solo singing and a short skit to save the environment. All of us were flabbergasted as to how well they all were performing in a coordinated way. Everything was managed very systematically. Hats off to such students who could do everything in a proper way despite their visual disability. They truly inspired me a lot. Good Night Diary ! Deepa Q. 6. Write a Diary Entry in about 100-120 words describing your experience of your visit to a Flower Exhibition. Ans. Monday

17 June 20XX

Ans. Tuesday



8:00 p.m.



25 December 20XX



Dear Diary



11:00 p.m.



It is the start of the week. I am so excited. I am going to spend the entire week with my cousin Alok. Today we went to the Flower Exhibition. It was very interesting. Alok had suggested the idea of going to the exhibition. It was an annual exhibition for professionals in floriculture and landscape design. It was a comprehensive business platform covering all sectors of floriculture and flower business. The exhibition displayed a wide variety of exotic flowers. It also exhibited various flower species including hybrids. It was one of the country’s greatest flower show including events like Summer Garden Competition, Foliage Plants Show, Home Growing Competition, etc. The vibrant colours were totally out of this world. I look forward to attend more of such exhibitions. We bought some seeds so that we can plant these flowers at home. It was really fun. After the exhibition, we ate pizza and then headed home.



Good Night Diary !



Dear Diary, I was very excited when I was invited by my friend to attend the Christmas Carnival which was organised by her on 25th evening. I joined the party at 6:30 pm. She had decorated her house with balloons and ribbons. There was a Christmas tree which was decorated with lights and small toys. At 7:30 pm. we cut the cake and enjoyed the moment. Christmas is synonymous to winter chill, stars, wreaths, Santa Claus, plum cakes, carols and midnight mass at the church. Many of us were dressed in red to mark the celebration. The Carnival included several presentations by live band, light music filling up the ambience, jugglers, a photo studio meant for funny and memorable clicks, magicians, several games as well as food stalls offering scrumptious snacks. Such festive celebrations call for merriment with family and friends. Events like these add up to the lost energies of people and give a chance to break free from the mundane lifestyle. With loads of gifts and goodies to be won, this Carnival turned out to be a memorable one, filled with vigour and excitement. Good Night Diary ! Deepti

Rajesh Q. 7. You along with your friends went for river rafting in Rishikesh. Write a Diary Entry in about 100-120 words describing about your experience.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Ans. Thursday 20 May 20XX 9:00 p.m. Dear Diary Our excitement knew no bounds, when we had started for an adventurous trip to Rishikesh today. We started at 5.00 a.m. and had our breakfast on the way. We reached there around 11.00 a.m. and our camp organiser welcomed us and informed us about the do’s and don’ts in the camp area. After walking down hill (300 mts. steep) we reached our camp site; where the manager told us that two camps were ready for us and that it would be our home for next two days. After keeping our bags, we decided to go for Kayaking. Our instructor gave us useful tips on rowing at Kayaking, but we were not able to maintain our balance or were too slow in rowing the Kayak. We also tried swimming but there were too many rocks, so we decided to give it up. Late in the evening, we played volley-ball on the beach, had tea and later had dinner and decided to rest in our tents. Hope tomorrow would be more adventurous. Good Night Diary ! Meenal Q. 8. Write a Diary Entry about your experience of a concert which you attended in about 100-120 words. Ans. Saturday 10 August 20XX 11:00 p.m. Dear Diary It was a totally different and out of the world experience. I was invited by my friend Rajesh to attend a concert by Kailash Kher. He reached late for the concert. But then such things happen when you have a train of fans following you. Probably he might have been caught somewhere. All the audience at Mahalakshmi Race Course Ground was buzzing, everyone was anxiously waiting to see him and listen to his songs. There was heavy security and it took us half an hour to enter. When he walked down on the stage, the whole crowd became excited. All of us started singing with him. He even sang my favourite song from his new album. It was a memorable night, the one which I will never forget. There were lots of clapping, hooting and cheering going around. Finally, he gave his autographs to his fans. Even I got his autograph and he left the place. It was just like a dream come true. Good Night Diary ! Rahul Q. 9. Write a diary entry expressing your shock and disbelief at a shoot-out incident. (100-120 words) Ans. 12 June 20XX 9:00 p.m. Saturday Dear Diary



As per my habit, I switched on the TV to watch the evening news. I thought I would catch up with the news. I was shocked to hear when the reporter told about a shoot-out incident in Delhi, in which a college girl was shot at by two of her friends. The incident made me realise that such cases of violence have become very common nowadays. Children hardly have any tolerance power and they tend to get aggressive and violent at the slightest provocation. They do not hesitate to indulge in physical violence. The usage of abusive language has also become common. I feel that parents should spend some quality time with their children. I hope that this trend will soon discontinue. I think the police should come up with better policies on how to curb such incidents from happening in the near future.

Good Night Diary ! Ritika Q.10. Write a diary entry about how you helped an old woman who was travelling by herself in the bus. (100-120 words) Ans. 8 May 20XX 8:00 p.m. Tuesday Dear Diary Since my cousin was hospitalised, I decided to visit him. I took a bus at 8 o’clock which was over crowded because of ongoing office hours. People were standing close to one another and some were also hanging out from the exit door as there was no space inside the bus. Even the senior citizens were standing as their seats were occupied by youngsters. There was an old lady who seemed to be sick, because of the heat and suffocation. So, I decided to help her. I asked a young boy to stand up to provide her the seat. After sitting, she asked for water. I told her to rest and I brought it for her. I sat with her to give her company. Then, I helped her to get down from the bus. She thanked me and blessed me. I felt very happy that I have done some good deed. Good Night Diary ! Kirti Q. 11. Write a diary entry describing your meeting with any celebrity of your choice. (100-120 words) Ans. 24 June 20XX 10:00 p.m. Tuesday Dear Diary, Unbelievable! I am in Brazil to watch the FIFA Cup as I was the winner of the Vodafone Super Fan Contest which entitled me to a trip to Brazil to watch the match between Argentina and Germany. My favourite hero, Messi was playing and I was so excited to see him in person. Within 2 minutes



DIARY ENTRY

of starting of the game, Messi scored a goal. The whole crowd started screaming and cheering him up. At last Messi scored 2 goals and Argentina won by 3-2. After the match I also got a chance to shake hands with him and got the match football with his signature. I could not believe that the man whom I used to watch on TV, was in front of me. Oh! What a great day it was. I can never forget this day. Good Night Diary ! Kavya Q. 12. Write a diary entry of the day when you became the proud winner of Flower Arrangement Competition organised in the school. (100-120 words) Ans. 12 February 20XX 9:00 p.m. Tuesday Dear Diary I have an exciting news to share with you today. We had a Flower Arrangement Competition today in our school. I used to participate in this competition every year but never got any prize. I am very happy today as I won the first prize in the Flower Arrangement Competition. The reason for winning today was that I spent the last two days planning and designing how the arrangement should be like. This time, I used biodegradable material to arrange my leaves and flowers. Today, the competition started at 9 a.m. in our school. Twelve schools participated and the age group was between 13-15 years. We had to make arrangements with fresh dry flowers. There were many beautiful entries. I had made a bouquet of roses, marigolds and lilies. All the arrangements were on display for the visitors and judges. All of them appreciated my

69



work. The judges declared the prizes. I could not believe my ears when my name was called out for the first prize. It was truly, a memorable day.



Good Night Diary !

Q. 13. You recently participated in the ‘All India CBSE National Quiz Competition’ and reached the finals. The final round was telecast over the national channel where you and your team won the quiz. Describe your feelings in 100-120 words through a diary entry. (KVS Board-2019) Ans. Monday

January 23 20XX



8.00 p.m.



Dear Diary



Today was such an exciting day. You must know, my team won the first prize in the ‘All India CBSE National Quiz Competition’. Not only this, the cherry on the cake was that the final round was telecast over the national channel. My parents were very happy and so were my teachers and friends. The quiz was on biodiversity. The preliminary rounds were not so easy. But I had very wise team members. We were the leading team in oral round as well. It was so much fun — with applause and praises. We had a cut throat competition with two other schools. Finally, we were declared first which was unexpected, I was very elated. We received a trophy and a certificate. It was a very proud moment for me, for my team and for my school. It was one of the unforgettable days of my life.

Amrit 

SELF ASSESSMENT PAPER - 02 Maximum Time: 1 hour

MM: 20

GRAMMAR Q.1.

Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option for any four of the six sentences given below :

(i)

One member of __________ group is contesting __________ election.



(A) each; the

(B) any; a



(C) each; an

(D) any; an

(ii)

It _________ very cold so I will stay at home.



(A) is

(B) has



(C) was

(D) will be

(iii)

I will help you __________ you wish.



(A) therefore

(B) or



(C) if

(D) where

(iv)

Many people strongly objected to the mill __________ near the city.



(A) being built

(B) being build



(C) be built

(D) building

(v)

The 150 guards __________ prevented damage and theft.



(A) has

(B) were



(C) was

(D) have

(vi)

We are __________ in our future.



(A) invest

(B) investing



(C) invested

(D) invests

(4×1=4)

Q.2. The following paragraph has not been edited. There is one error in each line against which a blank has been given. Write the error and the correction in your answer sheet against the correct blank number as given in the example. Remember to underline the word that you have supplied. (1×3=3)

e.g. Research is an detailed study of an

subject undertaking on a systematic

Error

Correction

an a

(A)

__________ __________



basis in order to increase the stock of



knowledge, including knowledge for man,

(B)

__________ __________



culture and society that the use of this stock

(C)

__________ __________



of knowledge to devise new applications.

(i) (A) undertake

(B) undertakes

(C) undertaken

(D) undertook

(ii) (A) in (C) near

(B) of (D) on

(iii) (A) and (C) as

(B) both (D) whether

Q.3.

Choose the correct option to complete the narration :



Doctor : How are you feeling now?



Raghu : Much better, sir.

(3×1=3)



SELF ASSESSMENT PAPER

71



Doctor : Are you taking the medicines regularly?



Raghu : Yes, sir. How long do I have to take the medicines?



Doctor : You can stop after a week.



Raghu : I will do that.



The doctor asked Raghu _____(i)_____ . Raghu replied that _____ (ii)_____ much better. The doctor further asked Raghu _____ (iii)_____ the medicines regularly. Raghu replied in the affirmative. He further asked the doctor how long had to take the medicine. The doctor said that he could stop after a week. Raghu agreed.



(i) (A) that how he was feeling

(B) how he was feeling then.

(C) how you are feeling.

(D) how was he feeling.



(B) I was feeling

(ii) (A) I am feeling

(C) he is feeling

(D) he was feeling



(B) if he is taking

(iii) (A) if you are taking

(C) that he was taking

(D) if he was taking WRITING

Q.4.

Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words :

(A) Write a descriptive paragraph of Sachin Tendulkar on the basis of the notes given below.

(5 marks) (5 marks)



1973 - born on April 24 in Mumbai.



1975 - at the age 2½, begins hitting ball with a broomstick in his backyard.



1983 - watches World Cup cricket match on television and becomes seriously interested in the game.



1986 - scores first century in school



1988 - sets world record of 664 runs for Shardashram School at inter-school tournament with Vinod Kambli.



At 16, selected to play against Pakistan, makes his international debut in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches.



1990 - tours England and scores 119 in a match.



2001 - becomes first batsman to score 10,000 runs in one-day cricket.

(B) Your school recently celebrated its ‘Sports Day’. Give a brief account of Celebrations in about 100-120 words. (5 Marks) Q.5. Attempt ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words :

(5 marks)

(A) Write a diary entry about how you helped an old woman who was travelling alone in a bus. (100-120 words) (B) Complete the following story. It has to be a scary story that terrifies people. Give a suitable title to your story. (100-120 words)

I stopped my scooter in front of an old and dilapidated building. A haggard, skinny old man with drooping shoulders came towards me. “Don’t go in, Sir”, he whispered. “It is dangerous.....”

https://qr.page/g/5jNHcxVAsKU

Literature

40 Marks

SYLLABUS Reference to the Context (a)

One extract out of two from Drama/Prose.

(b)

One extract out of two from poetry.

5 + 5 = 10 marks

Multiple Choice Questions/Objective Type Questions will be asked to assess inference, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, appreciation and vocabulary. Short and Long Answer Questions I

Four out of five Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 40-50 words each from the book BEEHIVE. 4 × 3 = 12 marks

II

Two out of three Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 40-50 words each from the book MOMENTS. 3 × 2 = 6 marks

III

One out of two Long Answer Type Questions from BEEHIVE to be answered in 100-120 words each to assess creativity, imagination and extrapolation beyond the text and across the texts. This can be a passage-based question taken from a situation/plot from the texts. 6 marks

IV

One out of two Long Answer Type Questions from MOMENTS on theme or plot involving interpretation, extrapolation beyond the text and inference or character sketch to be answered in about 100-120 words. 6 marks



LITERATURE : PROSE

73

Literature : Prose CHAPTER

1

THE FUN THEY HAD —Issac Asimov

Summary l

This is a story set in a futuristic scenario of around 150 years hence. In this phase of human development, every activity of education has become dependent on electronic media. There are telebooks in which the words move across the screen. The teachers are mechanical robots and the school is in an adjacent room in the house, where the student sits with the mechanical teacher, reading instructions on the screen and giving answers. It is a very boring process as there is no interaction between the teacher and the student.

l

Had One day, Margie, an eleven year old girl, made an entry in her diary, ‘Today Tommy found a real book’. Tommy was two years older to Margie. He had found the book in the attic of his room. Till then, they had never seen a real book. They had only heard from grandfather that there used to be books written on paper. They were very excited to find this book because it was a new discovery for them.

l

The book was on the concept of school. The school was that of an old system. From this book they learnt a lot of things about the schools in the past. They learnt that there used to be a separate building for school where children went for studying. The classrooms contained a number of students who were taught by a human teacher. Since all learned the same things, they could easily help each other and could also easily interact with the human teachers. Margie used to dream of lot of kids going to school together, laughing, playing and helping each other. This appeared more interesting than sitting alone in a room in front of a computerised robot and reading instructions on the screen, without being able to ask any questions. As a result she started hating her school even more.

Scan to know more about this chapter

The Fun They

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.



MARGIE even wrote about it that night in her diary. On the page headed 17 May 2157, she wrote, “Today Tommy found a real book!” It was a very old book. Margie’s grandfather once said that when he was a little boy his grandfather told him that there was a time when all the stories were printed on paper. They turned the pages, which were yellow and crinkly, and it was awfully funny to read words that stood still instead of moving the way they were supposed to — on a screen, you know. And then when they turned back to the page before, it

(5 × 1 = 5)

had the same words on it that it had, when they read it the first time.

Q. 1. ‘A ___________ ' means a book printed on paper. Ans. ‘A real book’ means a book printed on paper. Q. 2. What was funny about the book? (A) words on the printed book did not move (B) books appeared on the screen (C) words moving on the screen (D) none of these Ans. Option (A) is correct.



Q. 3. What did Margie write in her diary? (A) ‘Today Tommy found a real book!’ (B) Book was awfully funny (C) All stories were printed on paper (D) None of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. Margie’s ____________ once said that when he was a little boy, his grandfather told him that there was a time when all the stories were printed on paper. Ans. Grandfather Q. 5. Pick out a word from the passage which means ‘small’: (A) little (B) found (C) all (D) none of the above Ans. Option (A) is correct. 2. “Gee,” said Tommy, “What a waste. When you’re through with the book, you just throw it away, I guess. Our television screen must have had a million books on it and it’s good for plenty more. I wouldn’t throw it away.”“Same with mine,” said Margie. She was eleven and hadn’t seen as many telebooks as Tommy had. He was thirteen. She said, “Where did you find it?”“In my house.” He pointed without looking, because he was busy reading. “In the attic.”“What’s it about?”“School.” Q. 1. What is Tommy referring to as a waste? (A) new book (B) old book (C) telebook (D) workbook Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 2. What sort of books did Margie and Tommy have in their school? (A) old book (B) new book (C) telebook (D) workbook Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. Find a word from the passage which means ‘more than sufficient’? (A) million (B) plenty (C) attic (D) waste Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. “I would not throw it away” ____________ says these words. (A) Margie (B) Tommy (C) grandfather (D) none of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. What is a telebook? (A) an e-book (B) an electronic book (C) book stored in a computer (D) all Ans. Option (D) is correct. 3. Margie was scornful. “School? What’s there to write about school? I hate school.” Margie always hated school, but now she hated it more than ever. The mechanical teacher had been giving her test after test in Geography and she had been doing worse and worse until her mother had

LITERATURE : PROSE

75

shaken her head sorrowfully and sent for the Country Inspector. Q. 1. Why did Margie hate school? (A) because of mechanical teacher (B) no fun was there (C) nothing new was there (D) all Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 2. Why did Margie’s mother send for the country inspector? (A) due to Margie’s poor performance in Geography (B) due to Tommy’s poor performance in History (C) due to Margie’s poor performance in English (D) due to Tommy’s poor performance in Hindi Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only: Margie was scornful because she _________ school. Ans. hated Q. 4. Who had been giving her test? (A) Mechanical teacher (B) Math teacher (C) History teacher (D) Geography teacher Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 5. What subject was Margie giving test in? (A) History (B) Geography (C) Economics (D) English Ans. Option (B) is correct. 4. The Inspector had smiled after he was finished and patted Margie’s head. He said to her mother, “It’s not the little girl’s fault, Mrs. Jones. I think the geography sector was geared a little too quick. Those things happen sometimes. I’ve slowed it up to an average ten-year level. Actually, the overall pattern of her progress is quite satisfactory.” And he patted Margie’s head again. Margie was disappointed. She had been hoping they would take the teacher away altogether. They had once taken Tommy’s teacher away for nearly a month because the history sector had blanked out completely. So, she said to Tommy, “Why would anyone write about school?” Q. 1. County inspector slowed Geography sector up to an average __________ level. (A) ten year (B) eleven year (C) nine year (D) eight year Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. What was the age of Margie? (A) 8 (B) 11 (C) 6 (D) 12 Ans. Option (B) is correct.

76

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q. 3. Which sector was geared a little too quick? (A) Geography (B) History (C) English (D) Hindi Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. What subject did Margie and Tommy learn? (A) History (B) Geography (C) both (A) and (B) (D) none of these Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. What did the County Inspector do to help Margie? (A) He reset the teacher to Margie’s level. (B) He changed the module. (C) changed the teacher (D) changed the syllabus Ans. Option (A) is correct. 5. Tommy looked at her with very superior eyes. “Because it’s not our kind of school, stupid. This is the old kind of school that they had hundreds and hundreds of years ago.” He added loftily, pronouncing the word carefully, “Centuries ago.” Margie was hurt. “Well, I don’t know what kind of school they had all that time ago.” She read the book over his shoulder for a while, then said, “Anyway, they had a teacher.” Q. 1. Why did Tommy look at Margie with superior eyes? (A) because Margie did not know about the school in previous time (B) because Margie knew about the school in previous time (C) because Margie did not know about the books in previous time (D) because Margie knew about the books in previous time Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. What does Tommy tell Margie about school? (A) Schools were very enjoyable. (B) There were human teachers. (C) It had a separate building for students. (D) All of these Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 3. What was special in ‘old’ kind of a school? (A) Teachers were old. (B) All the students used to go to the particular building of school. (C) Students were serious about the studies. (D) None of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. Find the word from the passage which means in a superior way? (A) superior (B) kind

(C) loftily (D) none of the above Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. Complete the sentence: Tommy called Margie stupid because ____________. Ans. She was too ignorant. 6. Margie did so with a sigh. She was thinking about the old schools they had when her grandfather’s grandfather was a little boy. All the kids from the whole neighbourhood came, laughing and shouting in the schoolyard, sitting together in the schoolroom, going home together at the end of the day. They learned the same things, so they could help one another with the homework and talk about it. And the teachers were people… The mechanical teacher was flashing on the screen: “When we add fractions ½ and ¼...” Margie was thinking about how the kids must have loved it in the old days. She was thinking about the fun they had. Q. 1. Did Margie have fixed hours of study? (A) No (B) She studied off and on. (C) Yes, she had fixed time and hours daily to study except Saturday and Sunday. (D) None Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. The old schools were interesting to Margie because of the __________ between the teachers, students and friends. Ans. interaction Q. 3. What were the special features of old school in Margie’s grandfather’s time? (A) All the kids from the whole neighbourhood came laughing and shouting in the school yard. (B) sitting together in the school room (C) going home together at the end of the day (D) all of the above Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 4. What things did the kids in old schools learn. (A) different things (B) same things (C) they didn’t learn anything (D) none of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. Which word in the passage means ‘breathing out deeply’? (A) sigh (B) yard (C) shouting (D) none of the above Ans. Option (A) is correct.



LITERATURE : PROSE

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Ans.

How was the book that Tommy found different from his own books ? (Board Term-1, 2014) The book that Tommy found was an old, real book which belonged to his grandfather’s grandfather. It had crinkly, yellow pages whereas, Tommy’s books were telebooks and were taught by mechanical teachers and computers.

Commonly Made Error

Students can not easily understand the difference of real books and e-books.

Answering Tip

Students must know the difference between a

Q. 6.

Ans.

Q. 7. Ans.

Q. 8.

real book and an e book. Ans. Q. 2. Ans.

Q. 3.

What kind of book did Tommy show to Margie? (Board Term-I, 2012) The book that Tommy showed to Margie was an old, real book which belonged to his grandfather’s grand- father. It had crinkly yellow pages, where all the stories were printed on paper and the words stood still.

Q. 9. Ans.

Why did Margie find the book strange? (Board Term-I, 2012)

OR What things about the book did she find strange? Ans. The book had yellow and crinkly pages and the words were standing still unlike moving on a screen. When they turned back to the pages read before, there were the same words on it when they read it the first time. All these things were strange for Margie. Q. 4. Tommy thought the old books were funny and a big waste. Why ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Tommy thought that the old books were a waste because the words stood still and did not run. He also thought that they were a big waste because, they could not be reused like the screen of their mechanical teacher. Q. 5. Why did Margie hate school? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Margie hated school, which was a room in her house only, because her teacher was a mechanical one. It kept giving her test papers where answers had to be written as punch codes. The results were given instantly.

Q. 10.

Ans.

Q.11.



Ans.

77

(40-50 words & 3 marks each) What differences do you find in the present school and the school described in the lesson ‘The Fun They Had’? (Board Term-I, 2012) In the present day schools, students study together in a separate building and teachers are human beings whereas, according to the lesson the school was at home and the teacher was mechanical. How does Tommy describe the old kind of teachers ? (Board Term-I, 2012) [NCERT] Earlier, the teachers were not mechanical teachers, they taught the children in a special building where all children went to learn. They asked questions and gave them homework. They used to teach face to face. Why did Margie’s mother send for the County Inspector ? What did he do ? (Board Term-I, 2012) [NCERT] Margie was not performing well in her Geography tests. The County Inspector took the teacher apart and put it together again as its geography sector was geared a little too quick. Why did the County Inspector's visit disappoint Margie ? (Board Term-I, 2015) The Country Inspector’s visit disappointed Margie because she had expected that he would take her teacher (computer) away for a month like Tommy’s teacher. She also hoped that the inspector wouldn’t know how to put the teacher back (i.e., to re-assemble the components of computer) after opening it. But nothing like that happened. Why did Margie hope that the County Inspector would take away her mechanical teacher ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Margie hoped that the County Inspector would take away her mechanical teacher because once Tommy’s teacher had been taken away for nearly a month as the History sector had blanked out completely. She hoped the same for her teacher as well. What did the County Inspector do to improve Margie’s performance ? (Board Term-I, 2012) OR Why was Margie doing badly in geography ? What did the county inspector do to help her ? [NCERT] The Country Inspector found that the Geography sector had been geared too quick. He slowed it up to an average 10 years level. He found the overall pattern of Margie quite satisfactory.

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Q. 12. What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have ? (Board Term-I, 2012) [NCERT]

separate building. They had robotic teachers showing lessons and testing papers. Their teachers were always on and kept waiting for them.

Ans. Margie and Tommy had mechanical teachers, computer and telebooks. Their school had no

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. How was Margie’s school different from the schools that existed hundreds of years ago?

Q. 2.

In spite of all comforts and luxuries in today’s world, our grandparents still cherish their own time when life was quite tough. Give your own views regarding this in 100-120 words.

Ans.

Our grandparents lived during the years of 1950s to 1970s. At that time life was very simple yet tough. They had time to explore the surroundings and the world around. They had parks to play with less pollution around them. Mechanical gadgets were there, but were used only for necessary activities. There were rivers where they could go for picnics and treks, without the fear of catching any allergy. The school was more of a fun place where they met their friends. They studied but were not competing with each other. For them, togetherness was important rather than competition. In today’s world, we are with our friends but virtual, not real. We have all the facilities of life but we do not have time for our family and friends. We like to play but on computers and playstation rather than with our siblings and friends.

Ans. Margie’s school was at home. She had a mechanical teacher, telebooks, no other students were there in the class and work was fed in by the mechanical teacher by punch codes. Whereas, the old schools had proper buildings, many students and human teachers who gave homework and asked questions. Everyone learned the same things and the books were written on paper. So, it is clearly visible that Margie’s school was totally different from the schools that existed hundreds of years ago.

Commonly Made Error

Students are unable to understand the difference between the schools described in the text.

Answering Tip

Margie’s school is a tech school. She learns all

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

the things through computer.

nn

CHAPTER

2

THE SOUND OF MUSIC —Deborah Cowley Part 1

Summary l

l

l

Evelyn Glennie

Evelyn Glennie, the most soughtafter musician internationally, is a multi-percussionist who Scan to know more can play thousands of instruments to perfection. Surprisingly, she achieved this status in about this chapter spite of her disability as she was profoundly deaf. But she learnt to listen with her body instead of the ears. She feels the sound through her body. Evelyn was eleven years old when it was discovered that she had a hearing problem. She wanted to pursue her career in music but her teachers discouraged her. It was Ron Forbes The Sound of who recognised her potential and supported her. He advised her not to listen through her Music - Part 1 ears but try to sense it in some other way. This proved to be the turning point. She learnt to open her body and mind to the sounds and vibrations. After that she never looked back. She had mastered the art of interpreting different vibrations of sound on her body. She joined the prestigious Royal Academy of Music and scored the highest marks in the history of the Academy. She worked hard and with determination stood against all odds and got right to the top. In 1991, she was presented with the Royal Philharmonic Society’s prestigious ‘Soloist of the year award’. Apart from the regular concerts, Evelyn gave free concerts in hospitals, prisons and also to aspiring young musicians. She became a source of inspiration for the deaf and other handicapped children. She inspired them and made them believe that if Evelyn could do, so could they.

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

Evelyn Glennie’s loss of hearing had been gradual. Her mother remembers noticing something was wrong when the eight-year-old Evelyn was waiting to play the piano. “They called her name and she didn’t move. I suddenly realised she hadn’t heard,” says Isabel Glennie. For quite a while Evelyn managed to conceal her growing deafness from friends and teachers. But by the time she was eleven, her marks had deteriorated, and her headmistress urged her parents to take her to a specialist. It was then discovered that her hearing was severely impaired as a result of gradual nerve damage. They were advised that she should be fitted with hearing aids and sent

(5 × 1 = 5)

to a school for the deaf. “Everything suddenly looked black,” says Evelyn.

Q. 1. Why did Evelyn’s headmistress advise her parents to consult a specialist? (A) because of her voice problem (B) because of her hearing problem (C) because of her eye sight problem (D) none of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 2. Complete the sentence : Her mother remembers noticing something was wrong when the eight-year-old Evelyn was ___________ to play the piano. Ans. Waiting

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX



Q. 3. How old was she when it was found that she was deaf? (A) nine (B) eight (C) seven (D) six Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. When was her deafness confirmed? (A) at 6 years (B) at 8 years (C) at 11 years (D) at 13 years Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. Find the word/phrase in the passage which means the same as ‘to hide’. Ans. Conceal 2. But Evelyn was not going to give up. She was determined to lead a normal life and pursue her interest in music. One day she noticed a girl playing a xylophone and decided that she wanted to play it too. Most of the teachers discouraged her but percussionist Ron Forbes spotted her potential. He began by tuning two large drums to different notes. “Don’t listen through your ears,” he would say, “try to sense it some other way.” Says Evelyn, “Suddenly I realised I could feel the higher drum from the waist up and the lower one from the waist down.” Forbes repeated the exercise, and soon Evelyn discovered that she could sense certain notes in different parts of her body. “I had learnt to open my mind and body to sounds and vibrations.” The rest was sheer determination and hard work.

Q. 1. Why did teachers discourage Evelyn to pursue music? (A) It was not considered good. (B) It was difficult. (C) It was expensive. (D) because she was deaf Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 2. What did Ron Forbes advise Evelyn? (A) forget music (B) listen to music (C) to sense the music (D) none Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. How did Evelyn hear music? (A) through drums (B) through fingers (C) by feeling vibrations through her different parts of body- fingers, hair, feet (D) all Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. What did Evelyn want to pursue? (A) fashion (B) study (C) music (D) none Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. Who spotted Evelyn’s potential? (A) her father (B) friends (C) mother (D) Ron Forbes Ans. Option (D) is correct.

3.

She never looked back from that point onwards. She toured the United Kingdom with a youth orchestra and by the time she was sixteen, she had decided to make music her life. She auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music and scored one of the highest marks in the history of the academy. She gradually moved from orchestral work to solo performances. At the end of her three-year course, she had captured most of the top awards. And for all this, Evelyn won’t accept any hint of heroic achievement. “If you work hard and know where you are going, you’ll get there.” And she got right to the top, the world’s most sought after multi-percussionist with a mastery of some thousand instruments, and hectic international schedule. Q. 1. Complete the sentence: ‘She’ in these lines refer to ___________. Ans. Evelyn Glennie Q. 2. What was life for Evelyn? (A) dance (B) nature (C) music (D) All Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. Where was the Royal Academy of Music? (A) U. S. (B) Birmingham (C) Paris (D) London Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 4. She scored one of the highest marks in ____________. (A) Royal Academy of Music (B) Royal British Academy (C) Royal Institute of Music (D) Royal Art and Drama Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 5. Complete the given analogy by selecting the suitable word from the extract: Highest : Lowest :: Quickly : ___________. Ans. Gradually 4. As for music, she explains, “It pours in through every part of my body. It tingles in the skin, my cheekbones and even in my hair.” When she plays the xylophone, she can sense the sound passing up the stick into her fingertips. By leaning against the drums, she can feel the resonances flowing into her body. On a wooden platform she removes her shoes so that the vibrations pass through her bare feet and up her legs. Q. 1. How does Evelyn hear the sound of music? (A) by her ear (B) by hearing aids (C) parts of her body (D) none of these Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. Why does she remove her shoes on a wooden platform during her performance? (A) to feel the vibration through her feet (B) because she respects the music



LITERATURE : PROSE

(C) because she don’t like shoes (D) none of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. What does she feel flowing into her body? (A) echo (B) resonance (C) buzzing (D) none of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. Find a word from the passage that means ‘takes off’. (A) through (B) resonance (C) removes (D) none of these Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. _________ explains about music in these lines. Ans. Evelyn explains about music in these lines. 5.

velyn also gives free concerts in prisons and E hospitals. She also gives high priority to classes for young musicians. Ann Richlin of the Beethoven Fund for Deaf Children says, “She is a shining inspiration for deaf children. They see that there is nowhere that they cannot go.” Evelyn Glennie has already accomplished more than most people twice her age. She has brought percussion to the front of the orchestra and demonstrated that it can be very moving. She has given inspiration to those who are handicapped, people who look to her and say, ‘If she can do it, I can.’ And, not the least, she has given enormous pleasure to millions.

Q. 1. Which places had Evelyn worked for? (A) poor children (B) prisons and hospitals (C) schools (D) none Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 2. What did Evelyn want to spread through her music? (A) Message of love, peace and happiness (B) Music is not difficult (C) Music is not difficult for deaf people (D) Deaf people can learn music Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. To whom has Evelyn given inspiration? (A) handicapped people (B) poor children (C) prisoners (D) none of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. Evelyn also gives high priority to classes for ____________. (A) young sports person (B) young singers (C) young dancers (D) young musicians Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 5. Find a word from the extract which means the same as ‘huge’’. Ans. Enormous

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Why was Evelyn nervous while going to the Royal Academy of Music ? (Board Term I, 2012) Ans. Evelyn was nervous while going to the Royal Academy of Music as she was just 16 years old and was fresh from the Scottish farms which added to her nervousness. Q. 2. When was Evelyn’s deafness first noticed ? When was it confirmed ? (Board Term-I, 2014) [NCERT] Ans. Isabel had a doubt about Evelyn’s hearing ability when she did not move after her name was called to play on the piano. At the age of 11, it was confirmed when she was taken to a specialist. Q. 3. How did Evelyn’s deafness come to light ? (Board Term-I, 2012) OR When did Evelyn’s mother notice that something was wrong with her hearing ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. At the age of eight when her name was announced to play on piano, she did not respond.

81

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Q. 4. Ans.

At the age of eleven, her marks deteriorated. The headmistress urged her parents to take her to a specialist and her hearing impairment was discovered. When and how did Evelyn lose her power of hearing ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Evelyn lost her power of hearing due to gradual nerve damage. At the age of 8, it was noticed and then at the age of eleven it was confirmed that Evelyn had lost her hearing ability.

Commonly Made Error

Students are unable to understand how being a deaf she can understand the music.

Answering Tip

Evelyn could sense music through her body.

82 Q. 5.

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

How did Evelyn hear music despite being deaf?

in music, everyone discouraged her. It was a percussionist Ron Forbes who helped and encouraged her to listen to the music and feel the music through her body.

(Board Term-I, 2012) OR How did Evelyn hear music? Ans.

Q. 6. Ans.

[NCERT]

Evelyn could sense music passing through her body. While playing on the xylophone, she could sense music through her fingertips and would lean against drums to feel. On the wooden floors, she used to remove her shoes and sense music through her feet moving up in the legs. What was Evelyn determined to do ?

Q. 8.

Ans. When the handicapped people used to see Evelyn Glennie, they used to say, ‘If she can do it, I can’’, and thus, she inspired them. Q. 9. What is Evelyn’s secret of success ? What message does she give to achievers?

(Board Term-I, 2016)

(Board Term-I, 2012)

Evelyn was determined to lead a normal life and pursue her interest in music. She was determined to make a career in music.

Ans. Evelyn’s secret of success was strong determination and hard work. The message she gives to the achievers is to work hard and get what they want.

Q. 7. Who helped Evelyn to continue with music ? What did he do and how ?

Q. 10. Write down Evelyn’s message for the people. (Board Term-I, 2012)

(Board Term-I, 2012) OR

Ans.

Who helped her to continue with music ? What did he do ? [NCERT]

Ans. When Evelyn wanted to pursue her career

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Ans.

Q. 2. Ans.

How did Evelyn Glennie inspire handicapped people ? (Board Term-I, 2012)

How did Evelyn Glennie fight with her physical disability ? Evelyn Glennie was a very brave girl. She learnt to open her body and mind to the sounds and vibrations. She used to feel as if music was flowing through her body, skin, her cheekbones and even in her hair. So, she joined an orchestra and later the Royal Academy of Music. She did not want to be deprived of the joy of music that made her happy. She later even gave solo performances on stage in many countries and became famous. How did Evelyn succeed in pursuing her interest in music ? Evelyn decided not to give up. It was Ron Forbes who recognised her potential and supported her. He advised her not to listen through her ears, but to open her body and mind to the vibrations. She mastered the art of interpreting different vibrations of sound on her body to different notes. She could feel the higher drum from the waist up and the lower one from the waist down. After the practice, she could sense music in different parts of her body. And by this, Evelyn succeeded in pursuing her interest in music.

Evelyn’s message to the people is as follow: Strong determination and hard work with sincerity and honesty leads to success. Aim for your goal and try to reach your goal with full determination and concentration.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

Q. 3. Evelyn’s determination to overcome her disability has made her a source of inspiration for deaf children. Comment. Ans. When Evelyn became deaf, she was determined to lead a normal life. She was encouraged by her percussion teacher. She learned to sense music through different parts of the body and opened her mind and body to vibrations. She could feel higher drum from waist up and xylophone music through fingertips. She used to remove her shoes on the wooden floors. She was the master of a thousand instruments and most sought after as a multi—percussionist. Q. 4. How was Evelyn Glennie helping others with her popularity and skill ? Ans. In spite of Evelyn’s deafness, she joined the prestigious Royal Academy of Music and won the ‘‘Soloist of the Year’’ award. Evelyn used to practice for hours learning languages such as Japanese and French. She earned a lot but was kind at heart. In spite of being successful in her performances, she was never rude. She had a kind heart. She used to give free performances in prisons and hospitals and also proved a personal example of tireless hard work and firm determination. Her charitable outlook made her dear to all.



LITERATURE : PROSE

83

Part 2

Bismillah Khan Summary l

This chapter throws light on the origin of Shehnai and the life of all time great Shehnai Vadak – Bismillah Khan. The winner of Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of India, for his dedication to music and his love for India. l ‘Pungi’, a musical instrument was banned by Emperor Aurangzeb because of its shrill and unpleasant sound. In fact, it was regarded more of a noise maker rather than a musical instrument. It was modified and perfected by a barber who belonged to a family of professional musicians. He played it in the chamber of the king. Its sound was so appreciated by the emperor that it was made a part of Naubat. Since, it was played for the first time in Shah’s chamber by a nai, it came to be known as Shehnai. l Traditionally, it was played in the temples and on every auspicious domestic occasion also. Its sound was regarded as auspicious. But it was treated as an incomplete musical instrument, not capable of creating independent pages. But Bismillah Khan broke this myth. l Bismillah belongs to the Banaras (now Varanasi) Gharana. He was born in 1916 at Dumraon, Scan to know more in Bihar. From 5 years of age, he used to visit the Bihariji Temple and sing Bhojpuri ‘Chaita’ about this chapter there. For his melodious singing, as a child he used to earn a big Laddu from the local Bhojpuri King. At the age of 6, he moved to Banaras. There under the guidance and training of his maternal uncle, Ali Baksh, he started picking up the finer nuances of shehnai. He used to spend most of his time practicing on the banks of the River Ganges. The themes The Sound of of his music were deeply affected by the sounds of flowing water of the Ganga. Music - Part 2 l He got the best performer award at All India Music Conference in Allahabad in 1930. In 2001, he won 3 awards the Padma Bhushan, Padmashree and Padma Vibhushan. He was invited to play the shehnai from the ramparts of the Red Fort in 1947, becoming the first to greet the independent India. He won many international awards also. He became the first Indian to perform at the Lincoln Central Hall, USA. An auditorium in Tehran was named after him—Tahar Mosiquee Ustaad Bismillah Khan. l Bismillah was very fond of Benaras and Dumraon. He declined an offer from one of his students to settle in the USA, as he was not willing to stay away for long from Banaras and its holy river Ganga. He ventured into the film world also. He contributed his music in two movies. His composition ‘Dil ka khillona hai……’ for movie ‘Goonj Uthi Shehnai’, was a chartbuster. But he could not associate himself with the artificial glamour of the film world. For him, music was his soul, his life.

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

EMPEROR Aurangzeb banned the playing of a musical instrument called pungi in the royal residence for it had a shrill unpleasant sound. Pungi became the generic name for reeded noisemakers. Few had thought that it would one day be revived. A barber of a family of professional musicians, who had access to the royal palace, decided to improve the tonal quality of the pungi. He chose a pipe with a natural hollow stem that was longer and broader than the pungi and made seven holes on the body of the pipe. When he played on it, closing, and opening some of these holes, soft and melodious sounds were produced. He played the instrument before royalty and everyone was impressed. The instrument so different from the pungi had to be given a new name. As the story goes, since it was first played in the Shah’s chambers and was played by a nai (barber), the instrument was named the ‘shehnai’.

(5 × 1 = 5)

Q. 1. What did Aurangzeb ban in his palace? (A) playing of Pungi (B) playing Sitar (C) playing Tabla (D) none Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. Why was playing Pungi in the palace banned? (A) it had a sharp sound (B) it wasn’t good (C) it was unpleasant (D) All of these Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 3. Who banned the playing of a musical instrument called Pungi in the royal residence for it had a shrill unpleasant sound? (A) Akbar (B) Humayun (C) Shershah (D) Aurangzeb Ans. Option (D) is correct.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q. 4. Who thought of improving the sound of the Pungi? (A) a musician (B) a singer (C) a barber (D) none Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. From where did Shehnai get its name? (A) from barber (Nai in Hindi)-+ King (Shah in Hindi) (B) from a Barber (C) king gave its name (D) None Ans. Option (A) is correct. 2. The sound of the shehnai began to be considered auspicious. And for this reason, it is still played in temples and is an indispensable component of any North Indian wedding. In the past, the shehnai was part of the naubat or traditional ensemble of nine instruments found at royal courts. Till recently it was used only in temples and weddings. The credit for bringing this instrument onto the classical stage goes to Ustad Bismillah Khan. As a five-year old, Bismillah Khan played gilli-danda near a pond in the ancient estate of Dumraon in Bihar. He would regularly go to the nearby Bihariji temple to sing the Bhojpuri ‘Chaita’, at the end of which he would earn a big laddu weighing 1.25 kg, a prize given by the local Maharaja. This happened 80 years ago, and the little boy has travelled far to earn the highest civilian award in India — the Bharat Ratna. Q. 1. Complete the statement: Shehnai was traditionally played in ___________. Ans. Temples,wedding ceremonies and other auspicious ceremonies. Q. 2. Who got Bharat Ratna Award? (A) Ali Baksh (B) Paigambar Baksh (C) Rasool Baksh (D) Bismillah Khan Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 3. After singing Bhojpuri Chaita what would he earn by the local Maharaja? (A) a laddu of 1 kg (B) a laddu of 1.25 kg (C) a laddu of 1.5 kg (D) a laddu of 2 kg Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. Who changed the perception of the Shehnai? (A) Tansen (B) Evelyn (C) Bismillah Khan (D) All of these Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. In the past, the shehnai was part of the naubat or traditional ensemble of

__________ instruments found at royal court. (A) nine (B) ten (C) eight (D) six Ans. Option (A) is correct. 3.



Born on 21 March 1916, Bismillah belongs to a well-known family of musicians from Bihar. His grand father, Rasool Baksh Khan, was the shehnai– nawaz of the Bhojpur king’s court. His father, Paigambar Baksh, and other paternal ancestors were also great shehnai players. The young boy took to music early in life. At the age of three when his mother took him to his maternal uncle’s house in Banaras (now Varanasi), Bismillah was fascinated watching his uncles practise the shehnai. Soon Bismillah started accompanying his uncle, Ali Baksh, to the Vishnu temple of Banaras where Baksh was employed to play the shehnai. Ali Baksh would play the shehnai and Bismillah would sit captivated for hours on end. Slowly, he started getting lessons in playing the instrument and would sit practising throughout the day. For years to come the temple of Balaji and Mangala Maiya and the banks of the Ganga became the young apprentice’s favourite haunts where he could practise in solitude. The flowing waters of the Ganga inspired him to improvise and invent ragas that were earlier considered to be beyond the range of the shehnai.

Q. 1. Which family did Bismillah Khan belongs to? (A) Barber Family (B) Royal Family (C) Musician family (D) Singer Family Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. What was the source of inspiration for Bismillah? (A) Red Fort (B) Royal Palaces (C) Ganga Ghats (D) None Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. At the age of ____________, the young boy spent his life at his maternal uncle’s house in Benaras. (A) three (B) four (C) five (D) six Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. Who was Ali Baksh ? (A) his father (B) his maternal uncle (C) his friend (D) his father’s friend Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. Find a word from the passage that means ‘charmed’. Ans. Captivated 4. At the age of 14, Bismillah accompanied his uncle to the Allahabad Music Conference. At the end of



LITERATURE : PROSE

his recital, Ustad Faiyaz Khan patted the young boy’s back and said, “Work hard and you shall make it.” With the opening of the All India Radio in Lucknow in 1938 came Bismillah's big break. He soon became an often heard shehnai player on radio. When India gained independence on 15 August 1947, Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to greet the nation with his shehnai. He poured his heart out into Raag Kafi from the Red Fort to an audience which included Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who later gave his famous ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech. Q. 1. Bismillah Khan played __________ from the Red Fort. Ans. Raag Kafi Q. 2. Who said to Bismillah Khan “Work hard and you shall make it”? (A) Ustad Faiyaz Khan (B) Ustad Bade Khan (C) Ustad Gulam Nabi (D) none of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. Find the word from the passage that is opposite to ‘excluded’. (A) greet (B) included (C) poured (D) none of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. When did Bismillah Khan get his first break? (A) 1918, Banaras (B) 1938, Lucknow (C) 1925, Delhi (D) None of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. Find a word from the passage that means’ gathering of persons for the purpose of hearing a speaker? (A) speech (B) audience (C) poured (D) none of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct.

5.



ismillah Khan has given many memorable B performances both in India and abroad. His first trip abroad was to Afghanistan where King Zahir Shah was so taken in by the maestro that he gifted him priceless Persian carpets and other souvenirs. The King of Afghanistan was not the only one to be fascinated with Bismillah’s music. Film director Vijay Bhatt was so impressed after hearing Bismillah play at a festival that he named a film after the instrument called Goonj Uthi Shehnai. The film was a hit, and one of Bismillah Khan’s compositions, “Dil ka khilona hai toot gaya...,” turned out to be a nationwide chartbuster! Despite this huge success in the celluloid world, Bismillah Khan’s ventures in film music were limited to two: Vijay Bhatt’s Goonj Uthi Shehnai and Vikram Srinivas’s Kannada venture, Sanadhi Apanna. “I just can’t come to terms with the artificiality and glamour of the film world,” he says with emphasis.



Q. 1. Which country was Bismillah Khan’s first trip abroad? (A) USA (B) UK (C) Afghanistan (D) None of these Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. Who was impressed by Bismillah khan? (A) Vijay Bhatt (B) Ranjan Mehta (C) Vijay Anand (D) None of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. Despite the huge success in the celluloid world, Bismillah Khan’s venture in film music was limited to __________. (A) three (B) two (C) four (D) five Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. Who was the then King of Afghanistan? (A) Zahagir Khan (B) Zaheer Shah (C) Zahagir Shah (D) Zagir Khan Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. Find word from the passage which has the same meaning as ‘memento’. (A) maestro (B) priceless (C) souvenir (D) persian Ans. Option (C) is correct.

Short Answer Type Questions Why did Emperor Aurangazeb ban the playing of Pungi in the royal residence? (Board Term-I, 2012) OR Why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of the Pungi? [NCERT] Ans. Aurangazeb banned the playing of the Pungi in the royal residence because of its shrill and

85

Q. 1.

Q. 2. Ans.

(40-50 words & 3 marks each) unpleasant sound. It was regarded more as a noise maker than a musical instrument. How did ‘pungi’ transform into a Shehnai ? (Board Term-I, 2014-15) ‘Pungi’, a musical instrument was banned because of its shrill and unpleasant sound. But a Nai modified and perfected it and played it for the first time in Shah’s chamber. Thus, it came to be known as ‘Shehnai’. (Shah + nai)

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q. 3. Ans.

Q. 4.

Ans.

How did ‘Pungi’ get its new name ? What was it? (Board Term-I, 2012) Pungi was modified and perfected by a barber which was very much appreciated by the emperor. Since, it was played for the first time in Shah’s chamber by a Nai, it came to be known as ‘Shehnai.’ What is the difference between a Pungi and a Shehnai ? (Board Term-I, 2012) OR How is Shehnai different from a Pungi ? [NCERT] The difference between a Pungi and Shehnai can be noticed by the difference in their shapes and the sound produced by them. A Shehnai is longer than a Pungi. The latter has a shrill, unpleasant sound; whereas, the former has a soft, melodious sound.

Commonly Made Error

Students can not explain the difference between Pungi and Shehnai.

Answering Tip

The sound of Shehnai is more pleasant than Pungi. They are also different in shape.

Q. 5.

What place did Shehnai have in the past ? What place has it now ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. In the past, the Shehnai was a part of the traditional ensemble of nine instruments found at royal courts. Then, it was used in temples and weddings but now, it is used in the classical concerts also. Q. 6. Who had brought Shehnai to the classical stage ? What was he honoured with ? (Board Term-I, 2013) Ans. Shehnai was brought to the classical stage by Ustad Bismillah Khan. He started picking up the finer nuances of Shehnai under the guidance of his maternal uncle, Ali Bux. He had been honoured with Padmashree, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.

Q. 7. Why did Bismillah Khan regularly go to the nearby Bihariji temple in his childhood and what did he earn? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. At the age of 5, Bismillah Khan would regularly visit the Bihariji temple to sing Bhojpuri ‘‘Chaita’’. For his melodious singing he used to earn a laddu weighing 1.25 kg from the local Bhojpuri King. Q. 8. When and how did Bismillah Khan get the break? (Board Term-I, 2012) OR When and how did Bismillah Khan get his big break ? [NCERT] Ans. Bismillah Khan, at the age of 14, accompanied his uncle to Allahabad Music Conference where Ustad Fayaz Khan patted his shoulder. He got encouraged and worked hard and got a big break from the All India Radio in 1938. Q. 9. Where did Bismillah Khan play the Shehnai on 15th Aug, 1947 ? Why was the event historic ? (Board Term-I, 2012) [NCERT] Ans. Bismillah Khan was the first Indian to greet the nation with Shehnai and played ‘Raag Kafi’ from the Red Fort. The event was historic because the audience included Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who gave the famous speech – A Tryst with Destiny. Q. 10. How do we know that sound of Shehnai is considered auspicious ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. We know that the sound of the Shehnai is considered auspicious because it is played in temples, and is a must for all happy occasions like marriages. Q. 11. What were the recurring themes of Bismillah Khan’s music ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. The recurring themes of Bismillah Khan’s music was the relationship between the human beings and the flowing waters of the Ganga. He thought that Benaras and Dumraon were the most wonderful towns of the world. Q. 12. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a Shehnai school in the U.S.A. ? (Board Term-I, 2013, Board Term-I 2012) [NCERT] Ans. Bismillah Khan refused to start a Shehnai school in the U.S.A. because he was a true patriot and loved India, he could not live away from India. He was in deep love with Benaras and Dumraon and missed it whenever he was abroad.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Ans.

How did young Bismillah develop his interest in Shehnai ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Bismillah was fascinated watching his uncle Ali Baksh practising the Shehnai when he was only three. He was deeply fascinated by the music of

(100-120 words & 6 marks each) Shehnai. Soon Bismillah started accompanying his uncle, to the Vishnu Temple of Benaras where Baksh was employed to play Shehnai. Bismillah picked up the finer nuances of Shehnai and practiced for hours on the banks of river Ganga.



The themes of his music were deeply affected by the sounds of flowing water of the Ganga. At the age of 14, Bismillah accompanied his uncle to Allahabad Music Conference where Ustad Fayaz Khan patted his shoulder which inspired and encouraged him to work harder. Q. 2. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a Shehnai school in the U.S.A.? Ans. Bismillah Khan was exceedingly fond of Banaras and Dumraon. According to him they were the most wonderful towns of the world for him. The students promised to recreate the atmosphere of Banaras, but he asked if they would be able to transport River Ganga as well. Whenever, he was in a foreign country, he yearned for Hindustan. In Mumbai also he thought of only Banaras and the holy Ganga. Thus, he refused to start a Shehnai School in the U.S.A. Q. 3. How was Bismillah Khan’s music recognised internationally ? Ans. Bismillah Khan was not only a renowned musician in India but also popular internationally. He promoted Shehnai to international levels by participating in the World Exposition, Cannes Art Festival and Osaka Trade Fair. He became the first Indian to be invited to perform at the prestigious Lincoln Central Hall in the United States of America. He became internationally so well known that an auditorium in Tehran was named after him, ‘Tahar Mosiquee Ustaad Bismillah Khan.’ Q. 4. Ustaad Bismillah Khan’s life is a perfect example of the rich cultural heritage of India. A devout Muslim like him had no qualms about playing Shehnai every morning at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Elucidate it in about 100-120 words. Ans. Ustad Bismillah Khan’s life is a perfect example of the rich cultural heritage of India because as a 5 year old boy, he used to visit the Bihariji temple and sing Bhojpuri ‘Chaita’. Bismillah used to accompany his Maternal Uncle to Vishnu temple of Benaras, where his uncle, Ali Baksh was employed to play Shehnai. He practiced for hours on the banks of the river Ganga. Thus, he was a living legend of national integration and intercultural harmony. His acceptance of difference of opinion among people and sense of freedom, cooperation was praiseworthy. He was a living testimony of appreciation and mutual respect. Q. 5. Give a brief character sketch of Ustad Bismillah Khan.

LITERATURE : PROSE

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Ans. Ustad Bismillah Khan was a Shehnai master of national and international fame. He was a great musician. Ali Baksh, his maternal uncle perfected him in music. Shehnai was brought to the classical stage by Ustad Bismillah Khan. He practiced for hours and worked very hard to attain perfection. It was his melodious music that made him the first Indian to greet the independent India. Ustad Bismillah Khan created many new ragas. He was given many awards and he even received the ‘‘Bharat Ratna’’. He was a true patriot, who declined many offers to settle abroad. A wonderful artist and a simple man who had great regard for Hindustani Classical Music. Q. 6. ‘‘There is always a teacher to bring out the latent potential of a pupil.’’ Justify with reference to the role played by Ron Forbes and Ustad Faiyaz Khan in the lives of Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan respectively. (100-120 words) Ans. Teachers craft us to become better individuals, both personally and professionally. Ron Forbes understood Evelyn’s passion for music. He taught Evelyn the nuances of hearing music not through her ears but through her body. He taught her to feel the vibrations with her hands and parts of legs to get the pitch. So, he crafted her to be more musical and confident. Bismillah Khan’s teacher and mentor was his maternal uncle Ali Baksh. Bismillah used to be transfixed when Ali Baksh played Shehnai. As a child, Bismillah used to accompany his maternal uncle to Vishnu Temple of Banaras where Ali Baksh was employed to play Shehnai. Bismillah picked up the finer nuances of Shehnai and practised for hours on the banks of river Ganga. He attained perfection only because of his uncle and mentor.

Commonly Made Error

Students do not explain the question in whole regarding each and every personality with reference to their mutual relations.

Answering Tip

Ron Forbes and Ustad Faiyaz Khan are the teachers of Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan respectively.

nn

CHAPTER

3

THE LITTLE GIRL —Katherine Mansfield

Summary l

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Kezia was a little girl who lived with her mother, her father and her grandmother. She was afraid of her father and used to avoid him. She used to feel relieved on seeing her father Scan to know more going to his office. Kezia was so afraid of her father that she stuttered in front of him. He about this chapter appeared to her as a harsh, rude and critical human being. Her Grandmother wanted her to understand her parents better, and would ask her to go to the drawing room to chat with her parents. But she found them indifferent towards her. One day her Grandmother suggested that she should prepare a pin cushion for her father’s The Little Girl birthday. Kezia stitched the three sides of the pin cushion casing. Now, she wanted to stuff it with something. In her mother’s room on the bed table, she found many sheets of fine paper. She tore them off into small pieces, filled the pin cushion and stitched the fourth side. By mistake she had used the very papers, which contained her father’s very important speech for the Port Authority. Though she accepted her mistake and tried to explain the reasons behind it, her father was too angry to listen to anything and punished her with a bashing of ruler on her palms. She failed to understand the punishment meted out to her when she had already accepted her mistake. Bitterly she said, ‘What did God make fathers for?’ One evening, she saw Mr. McDonald playing with his five children, laughing and enjoying with them. This convinced Kezia that all fathers are not alike. Some are loving and caring like Mr. McDonald and some are cruel like her father. But soon, her attitude towards her father also changed. One day, her mother had to be taken to the hospital and her grandmother accompanied her. Kezia was left alone in the house with the cook. The day was fine. But the night was a different issue. She woke up in the middle of the night screaming as she had a horrible nightmare. She was weeping out of fear. When she opened her eyes, she saw her father beside her bed. He carried her to his bedroom, and made her warm and comfortable on his bed. Father told her to rub her feet with his legs and set them warm. She felt very safe and comfortable with him. It was then she realised that her father was not a giant after all. She could also sense that he loved and cared for her in his own way. She realised that he had to work the whole day to provide for his family and was too tired by the evening to play with her.

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

To the little girl he was a figure to be feared and avoided. Every morning before going to work he came into her room and gave her a casual kiss, to which she responded with “Goodbye, Father”. And oh, there was a glad sense of relief when she heard the noise of the carriage growing fainter and fainter down the long road! In the evening

(5 × 1 = 5)

when he came home, she stood near the staircase and heard his loud voice in the hall. “Bring my tea into the drawing-room... Hasn’t the paper come yet? Mother, go and see if my paper’s out there — and bring me my slippers.”“Kezia,” Mother would call to her, “if you’re a good girl you can come down and take off father’s boots.” Slowly



LITERATURE : PROSE

the girl would slip down the stairs, more slowly still across the hall, and push open the drawingroom door. By that time, he had his spectacles on and looked at her over them in a way that was terrifying to the little girl. “Well, Kezia, hurry up and pull off these boots and take them outside. Have you been a good girl today?” “I d-d-don’t know, Father.” Q. 1. What is this story about? (A) Children (B) Fears of children (C) Childhood fears (D) A little girl and her feelings for her father Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 2. There was a glad sense of relief when ____________. (A) her father came in the evening (B) her mother called her (C) noise of the carriage grew fainter (D) she played Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. What did Kezia’s father do before going to his office? (A) went to the temple (B) touched his mother’s feet (C) took a walk (D) He used to kiss Kezia before going to office Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 4. Complete the sentence: ‘He’ in these lines refers to ____________. Ans. Kezia’s father Q. 5. Find a word from the passage which means ‘answered’. Ans. Responded 2. On Sunday afternoons Grandmother sent her down to the drawing-room to have a “nice talk with Father and Mother”. But the little girl always found Mother reading and Father stretched out on the sofa, his handkerchief on his face, his feet on one of the best cushions, sleeping soundly and snoring. She sat on a stool, gravely watched him until he woke and stretched, and asked the time — then looked at her. “Don’t stare so, Kezia. You look like a little brown owl.” One day, when she was kept indoors with a cold, her grandmother told her that father’s birthday was next week and suggested she should make him a pin-cushion for a gift out of a beautiful piece of yellow silk. Q. 1. Kezia's father would have sound sleep on ___________. Ans. Sundays. Q. 2. How did Kezia’s grandmother help her to have a better relation with her father?

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(A) by asking her to prepare food for him (B) by sending her to talk to him in his room (C) by asking her to complete her homework (D) all Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. What did Kezia’s grandmother ask her to make for her father? (A) chapati (B) snacks (C) a gift of pin cushion (D) none Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. Was she happy with her parents? (A) Yes (B) No (C) may be (D) none of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. Find a word that means ‘undisturbed’. Ans. Soundly 3. Laboriously, with a double cotton, the little girl stitched three sides. But what to fill it with? That was the question. The grandmother was out in the garden, and she wandered into Mother’s bedroom to look for scraps. On the bed table she discovered a great many sheets of fine paper, gathered them up, tore them into tiny pieces, and stuffed her case, then sewed up the fourth side. That night there was a hue and cry in the house. Father’s great speech for the Port Authority had been lost. Rooms were searched; servants questioned. Finally Mother came into Kezia’s room. “Kezia, I suppose you didn’t see some papers on a table in our room?” “Oh yes,” she said, “I tore them up for my surprise.”“What!” screamed Mother. “Come straight down to the dining-room this instant.” Q. 1. Why did Kezia tear the papers? (A) to play (B) to clean her room (C) to fill the cushion (D) all Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. Who made hue and cry in the house? (A) Kezia’s father (B) Kezia’s mother (C) Kezia’s grandmother (D) None of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. Where was the Grandmother? (A) in mother’s bedroom (B) in garden (C) in little girl’s room (D) none of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX



Q. 4. Trace the word, which means ‘tiny pieces’ in the extract. (A) gathered (B) scraps (C) sewed (D) none of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. Name the people in Kezia’s family. (A) Father (B) Mother (C) Grandmother (D) All Ans. Option (D) is correct. 4. “But it was for your birthday.” Down came the ruler on her little, pink palms. Hours later, when Grandmother had wrapped her in a shawl and rocked her in the rocking-chair, the child clung to her soft body.“ What did God make fathers for?” she sobbed. “Here’s a clean hanky, darling. Blow your nose. Go to sleep, pet; you’ll forget all about it in the morning. I tried to explain to Father but he was too upset to listen tonight.” But the child never forgot. Next time she saw him, she quickly put both hands behind her back and a red colour flew into her cheeks. Q. 1. Who is the author of this story? (A) A. R. Rahman (B) Katherine Mansfield (C) Cecile (D) Thomson Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 2. Why was Kezia afraid of her father? (A) He used to speak rudely to her and always found faults in her. (B) She thought that he was a hardhearted man. (C) Once he beat her for tearing his papers. (D) All Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 3. Which of the given sentences conveys the same meaning of ‘wrap’ as conveyed in these lines. (A) Let us wrap up for the day. (B) Kezia wrapped the gift beautifully. (C) She wrapped the little boy in a blanket. (D) I like this gift wrap. Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. She sobbed. Who is ‘She’? (A) her mother (B) Kezia (C) grandmother (D) both (B) and (C) Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. Find a word from the passage that means ‘wept’. (A) palms (B) wrapped (C) sobbed (D) clung Ans. Option (C) is correct.

5.

“What I'll do if I have a nightmare?” she asked. “I often have nightmares and then Grannie takes me into her bed—I can’t stay in the dark—it gets‘ all whispery’…”“You just go to sleep, child,” said Alice, pulling off her socks, “and don’t you scream and wake your poor Pa.” But the same old nightmare came — the butcher with a knife and a rope, who came nearer and nearer, smiling that dreadful smile, while she could not move, could only stand still, crying out, “Grandma! Grandma!” She woke shivering to see Father beside her bed, a candle in his hand.“What’s the matter?” he said.



h, a butcher — a knife — I want Grannie.” He O blew out the candle, bent down and caught up the child in his arms, carrying her along the passage to the big bedroom. A newspaper was on the bed.



e put away the paper, then carefully tucked up H the child. He lay down beside her. Half asleep still, with the butcher’s smile all about her it seemed, she crept close to him, snuggled her head under his arm, held tightly to his shirt.



Q. 1. What changed Kezia’s perception about her father?

(A) his scolding (B) her grandmother (C) her mother (D) the night she got a nightmare he comforted her

Ans. Option (D) is correct.



Q. 2. Why did Kezia start feeling lonely?

(A) because of her father (B) her father scolded her (C) because her mother fell sick (D) none

Ans. Option (C) is correct.



Q. 3. Where was the butcher?

(A) in her house

(B) in her bedroom

(C) in her dream

(D) none of these



Ans. Option (C) is correct.



Q. 4. What was the state of Kezia?

(A) She was sad. (B) She was trembling with fear. (C) She was scared. (D) All of the above

Ans. Option (B) is correct.



Q. 5. ‘Shake in fear and cold’ means _________.

(A) scared (B) shivering (C) hesitation (D) None of the above

Ans. Option (B) is correct.



LITERATURE : PROSE

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Ans.

Q. 2.

Ans.

Q. 3. Ans.

Q. 4.

Ans.

Q. 5. Ans.

Q. 6.



Ans.

Why did Kezia avoid her father ? (Board Term-I, 2013, Board Term-I, 2016) Kezia avoided her father because according to her, her father was an emotionless person. He never spoke to Kezia lovingly and calmly. He scolded Kezia and reprimanded her for making mistakes. Kezia stammered in front of her father since he was a very huge and giant like figure too far-fetched from the image of a father full of warmth and affection. Why did Kezia stammer in front of her father ? (Board Term-I, 2012) OR Why did Kezia stutter only in front of her father? (Board Term-I, 2012) Kezia’s father always scolded her and never spoke to her in a loving manner. So, Kezia stammered in front of her father. Actually she was so afraid of him that she found it difficult to speak in front of him. Why was Kezia afraid of her father ? (Board Term-I, 2012) [NCERT] Kezia was a little sensitive girl. Her father was aggressive and always spoke loudly. He always scolded her. He used to beat her, even when she had accepted her mistakes. He never played with her. This made her afraid of her father. What orders were passed to Kezia in the evening when father returned home from office ? (Board Term-I, 2012) When Kezia’s father returned home from office, she was supposed to come down, take off her father’s shoes and put them outside. She was also expected to put her father’s tea cup on the tea table. What kind of a person was Kezia’s father? (Board Term-I, 2012) Kezia’s father was a hard working man but short tempered. He was a strict disciplinarian too. When Kezia’s mother was hospitalised, Kezia realised that her father loved her but didn’t have the art of expressing his love. Why did Kezia’s grandmother send her to the drawing room every Sunday afternoon? (Board Term-I, 2012) OR In what ways did Kezia’s grandmother encourage her to get to know her father better ? [NCERT] Kezia’s grandmother knew that she was afraid of her father and she felt that if she spoke to him more often, she would get rid of that fear. So, every Sunday afternoon she used to send her to the drawing room to have a nice talk with her father.

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(40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Q. 7.

What did Kezia find whenever on Sunday afternoons, her grandmother sent her down to have a talk with her parents ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Whenever Kezia was sent by her grandmother to talk with her parents on Sunday afternoons, she always found her mother reading and her father stretched out on the sofa, sleeping soundly and snoring. Q. 8. What made Kezia’s father punish her ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Kezia tore important papers of her father to stuff into the pin cushion because she was making a gift to present to her father. Since, the papers had her father’s speech written on them, she was punished for tearing them. Q. 9. How did the father comfort the little girl, Kezia, when she got scared in her sleep ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Father came to Kezia’s room with a candle, lifted her up in his strong arms, lay beside her and made her stay close to him. She held his shirt and snuggled herself close to her father. This comforted Kezia when she got scared in her sleep. Q. 10. ‘Father’s great speech for the Port Authority had been lost.’ What had happened to father’s speech ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Father’s speech had been torn to pieces by Kezia, the little girl. She was making a pin cushion as a gift for her father for his birthday. As she was not able to find anything to stuff it with, she tore the speech and stuffed it in her cushion. Q. 11. How was Kezia’s father different from Mr. McDonald ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Mr. McDonald played with his children. The girls used to hang on to his coat, they laughed together. Kezia’s father had no time for such things. He really worked very hard for the family.

Commonly Made Error

In this question, students can not differentiate the difference in nature of both the fathers.

Answering Tip

Students should write here two main

characteristics of both the fathers which differentiate both of them.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. How did Kezia feel in the presence of her

and he beat her up badly. Therefore, Kezia’s efforts to please her father resulted in displeasing him very much.

father? Ans.

Kezia was scared of her father as he looked like a giant. Every morning he used to give her a good

Q. 4.

bye kiss. She used to feel uncomfortable till her father was at home. She even stammered while

But, once when Kezia cried due to a nightmare, he carried her to his room. Then she realised that her father was actually tende and affectionate and this changed her perception towards him. Q. 2.

Why was Kezia scared of her father and how did she get over her fear ?

Ans.

Kezia’s father was big like a giant and was very strict. He punished Kezia when she tore his important speech. One day, when Kezia’s mother fell ill, her mother and grandmother were in the hospital. Kezia was left alone with her father at home. She had a nightmare and screamed with

OR

her father during those days made her forget all fears. Q. 3.

How did Kezia’s efforts to please her father resulted in displeasing him very much ? How did this happen ? [NCERT]

Ans.

Kezia was very scared of her father and stuttered while talking to him. This annoyed him a lot. When she waited and stared at him to have a nice long chat, he did not like it. She unknowingly destroyed some of his important papers while stuffing a cushion which she wanted to present to him on his birthday. This made him very angry

How was Kezia’s father different from Mr. McDonald ?

Ans. Mr. McDonald was their next door neighbour. Once Kezia saw her neighbours playing ‘‘tag’’ together in the evening. Mr. McDonald was with the baby Mao, on his shoulders and the two little girls hanging on to his coat pockets. They ran round and round shaking with laughter. On the other hand, her own father was very disciplined and strict. He never played with her and neither interacted much. He even beat her up for her little mistakes. Q. 5.

fright. Her father then carried Kezia in his lap to comfort and solace her. That closeness with

Kezia decides that there are ‘different kinds of fathers’. What kind of father was Mr. McDonald? How was he different from Kezia’s father ? [NCERT]

answering him. He scolded her one day and even beat her for tearing some of his important papers.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

How did Kezia’s negative attitude towards her father change ? OR



What were the circumstances that forced Kezia to change her opinion about her father?

Ans. When her mother was hospitalised, her grandmother went to stay with her. Kezia used to sleep alone at night. She was so scared that she started shouting at night. She had nightmares and trembled a lot with fear. Then her father came to her room and took her into his arms to comfort her. She felt secure with her father near her. Then, she realised that her father was busy with work and had no time to play. She even realised that her father loved her but didn’t have the art of expressing it. Thus, her attitude towards her father changed from negative to positive.

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CHAPTER

4

A TRULY BEAUTIFUL MIND

—Albert Einstein

Summary l

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Albert Einstein was born on 14 March in the year 1879 in the German city of Ulm. For about Scan to know more two and a half years, he could not speak and when he did learn to speak, he uttered every about this chapter word twice. His playmates called him ‘Brother Boring’, and his mother regarded him a freak because of the abnormally large size of his head. At school, his headmaster regarded him as stupid and good for nothing. But he proved them all wrong. At the age of 6, at the behest of his mother, he learned to play the violin. He became a gifted Truly beautiful violinist. At the age of 15, his family shifted to Munich. He did not feel at ease with the strict Mind regimentation of the school and left it for good. Later on, for higher education, he joined the University in Zurich because the atmosphere there was more liberal and amenable to new ideas and concepts. He showed more interest in Physics and Mathematics. He met a fellow student, Mileva Maric at the University- equally intelligent and clever. Later on they married and had two sons but unfortunately their marriage did not survive and were divorced in 1919. After completing his education, Albert worked as a technical expert in the patent office at Bern. Here, he worked secretly on his idea of relativity. In 1915, he published his paper on special theory of relativity, followed by the world famous equation E = mc2. In 1915, he published his paper on General Theory of Relativity, which gave an absolutely new definition to the concept of gravity. This theory made him a known personality. In 1919, during the solar eclipse, his theory came out to be accurate and revolutionised Physics. In 1933, he emigrated to USA as Nazis had come to power in Germany. He did not want his finding and research to be used for destruction. In 1938, when Germany discovered the principle of Nuclear Fission, he was the first person to write to the American President about the dangers of the atomic bombs. In 1945, when America dropped the Atomic Bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, he was deeply hurt and wrote to the United Nations for the formation of a World Government to prevent recurrence of such destruction. He spent his later days in politics advocating world peace and democracy. He died at the age of 76 in the year 1955.

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

Albert Einstein was born on 14 March 1879 in the German city of Ulm, without any indication that he was destined for greatness. On the contrary, his mother thought Albert was a freak. To her, his head seemed much too large. At the age of two-and-a-half, Einstein still was not talking. When he finally did learn to speak, he uttered everything twice. Einstein did not know what to do with other children, and his playmates called him “Brother Boring.” So, the youngster played by himself much of the time. He especially loved

(5 × 1 = 5)

mechanical toys. Looking at his new-born sister, Maja, he is said to have said: “Fine, but where are her wheels?” Q. 1. When was Einstein born? (A) on 14 March, 1879 (B) on 10 March 1878 (C) on 14 March 1877 (D) on 14 March, 1875 Ans. Option (A) is correct.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q. 2. Where was Einstein born? (A) Bulgaria (B) German city of Ulm (C) Georgia (D) None Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. What did Albert’s mother think of him? (A) He was a born genius. (B) He is intelligent. (C) He will rule the world. (D) Albert was a freak. Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 4. What did Albert’s classmates call him? (A) a genius (B) dull (C) Brother Boring (D) wise Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. By what age did Einstein not learn to speak? (A) three and half years (B) four and half years (C) five and half years (D) two and half years Ans. Option (D) is correct. 2. A headmaster once told his father that what Einstein chose as a profession wouldn’t matter, because “he’ll never make a success at anything. ”Einstein began learning to play the violin at the age of six, because his mother wanted him to; he later became a gifted amateur violinist, maintaining this skill throughout his life. But Albert Einstein was not a bad pupil. He went to high school in Munich, where Einstein’s family had moved when he was 15 months old, and scored good marks in almost every subject. Einstein hated the school’s regimentation, and often clashed with his teachers. At the age of 15, Einstein felt so stifled there that he left the school for good. Q. 1. What did the school headmaster say about Einstein? (A) He would be a genius. (B) He is great. (C) He can’t be a success at anything. (D) None Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. When did Einstein begin to learn playing the violin? (A) at the age of seven (B) at the age of eight (C) at the age of nine (D) at the age of six Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 3. Where did Einstein score good marks in all the subjects? (A) at Munich in a school (B) at German in a school (C) in a test (D) none Ans. Option (A) is correct.



Q. 4. How long did he maintain his skill as a violinist? (A) 2 years (B) long time (C) throughout his life (D) none of the above Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. Find a word from the passage that means ‘having great natural ability’. (A) success (B) gifted (C) learning (D) profession Ans. Option (B) is correct. 3. The previous year, Albert’s parents had moved to Milan, and left their son with relatives. After prolonged discussion, Einstein got his wish to continue his education in German-speaking Switzerland, in a city which was more liberal than Munich. Einstein was highly gifted in mathematics and interested in physics, and after finishing school, he decided to study at a university in Zurich. But science wasn’t the only thing that appealed to the dashing young man with the walrus moustache.

Q. 1. Where did Einstein wish to continue his study? (A) German (B) Munich (C) in German-speaking Switzerland, (D) None Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. Why did Einstein decide to continue his study in Switzerland? (A) It was a good city. (B) It was more liberal than Munich. (C) He liked the place. (D) All Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. In which subjects was Einstein gifted and interested? (A) English and History (B) Mathematics and Physics (C) Mathematics and Biology (D) Physics and English Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. Where did Einstein go after school? (A) at a university in Zurich (B) at a university in Munich (C) at a university in German (D) at a university in Switzerland Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 5. From which place they had moved to Milan? (A) Munich (B) German (C) Switzerland (D) Zurich Ans. Option (A) is correct.



LITERATURE : PROSE

4.

He also felt a special interest in a fellow student, Mileva Maric, whom he found to be a “clever creature.” This young Serb had come to Switzerland because the University in Zurich was one of the few in Europe where women could get degrees. Einstein saw in her an ally against the “philistines”— those people in his family and at the university with whom he was constantly at odds. The couple fell in love. Letters survive in which they put their affection into words, mixing science with tenderness. Wrote Einstein: “How happy and proud I shall be when we both have brought our work on relativity to a victorious conclusion.” In 1900, at the age of 21, Albert Einstein was a university graduate and unemployed. He worked as a teaching assistant, gave private lessons and finally secured a job in 1902 as a technical expert in the patent office in Bern. While he was supposed to be assessing other people’s inventions, Einstein was actually developing his own ideas in secret. He is said to have jokingly called his desk drawer at work the “bureau of theoretical physics.” Q. 1. What did Einstein call Mileva Maric? (A) clever creature (B) a gentleman (C) a dumbo (D) a good man Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. Why did Mileva Maric come to the University in Zurich? (A) It gave degrees to women. (B) It was a good university. (C) It was near her city. (D) She liked the place. Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. With whom did Einstein fall in love? (A) a girl from Munich (B) Mileva Maric (C) a girl from German (D) none Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. At what age did Einstein complete his graduation? (A) at 21 (B) at 22 (C) at 23 (D) at 24 Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 5. When did Einstein secure a job? (A) 1901 (B) 1903 (C) 1902 (D) 1904

5.



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Ans. Option (C) is correct. ne of the famous papers of 1905 was Einstein’s O Special Theory of Relativity, according to which time and distance are not absolute. Indeed, two perfectly accurate clocks will not continue to show the same time if they come together again after a journey if one of them has been moving very fast relative to the other. From this followed the world’s most famous formula which describes the relationship between mass and energy: E = mc2 While Einstein was solving the most difficult problems in physics, his private life was unravelling. Albert had wanted to marry Mileva right after finishing his studies, but his mother was against it. She thought Mileva, who was three years older than her son, was too old for him. She was also bothered by Mileva’s intelligence. “She is a book like you,” his mother said. Einstein put the wedding off.



Q. 1. Before securing a job what did Einstein do and which theory did he give to the world? (A) sat at home (B) worked (C) gave the theory of mass and energy. (D) None Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. Mileva was ______ years older than Albert? (A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5 Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. While Einstein was solving the most difficult problem in __________, his private life was unravelling. (A) Mathematics (B) Chemistry (C) Physics (D) Biology Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. What did Einstein’s mother compare Mileva with? (A) guitar (B) book (C) watch (D) none of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. Albert had wanted to marry Mileva right ____________ his studies. (A) before finishing (B) after finishing (C) before starting (D) none of these Ans. Option (B) is correct.

Short Answer Type Questions

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Q. 1.

Why did Einstein’s playmates call him ‘Brother Boring’ ? (Board Term-I, 2012)

Q. 2.

Ans.

Einstein did not mix up with the other children. He did not find their games interesting. He often uttered every word twice. He was often teased for his abnormally huge head. And so his friends nicknamed him ‘‘Brother Boring.’’

Ans. Einstein hated school regimentation because of its extreme sense of discipline. He felt tired and suffocated with this atmosphere. He often clashed with his teacher.

Why did Einstein hate school ? (Board Term-I, 2012)

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q. 3.

Why did Albert Einstein leave his school ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Albert Einstein left his school because he was not happy with the education system. He was not at ease with the strict regimentation of the school. He felt himself suffocated there. So he decided to leave the school. Q. 4. How was Einstein’s private life unraveling after he finished his studies ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. He wanted to marry Mileva but his mother was against it. She thought Mileva was three years older than her son and too intelligent for him. Q. 5. What did Einstein call his desk drawer at the patent office and why ? [NCERT] Ans. Einstein called his desk drawer at the patent office the ‘‘bureau of theoretical Physics’’ because he was working as a technical expert in the patent office in Bern where he was supposed to be assessing other people’s inventions. Q. 6. What is Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity? Ans. According to Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity, time and distance are not absolute. From this followed the world’s most famous formula which describes the relationship between mass and energy i.e., E = mc2.

Commonly Made Error

Students explain the theory of Relativity briefly and explain this according to Physics.

Answering Tip

Students should only explain the basic thing

Q. 7.

Ans.

Value points :  lacked trust  acceptance  awareness and tolerance

Detailed Answer : Albert Einstein could not speak for about two and a half years. And when he learnt to speak, he uttered every word twice. Even his playmates called him ‘Brother Boring’. His head was of abnormally large size. So, his mother thought of him as a freak. Everywhere among his playmates as well as at school, he was regarded stupid and his headmaster considered him to be good for nothing. He felt suffocated and tired in the school due to its strict regimentation. What to say of others, his mother lacked trust in his potentials. She should have accepted her son’s different nature. Later his qualities of tolerance and awareness of global issues made him a world famous personality that proved everyone wrong,

Why did Einstein write a letter to Franklin Roosevelt ? [NCERT]

OR Why did Einstein write a letter to the American President Roosevelt ? Ans. Einstein wrote a letter to Franklin Roosevelt about the dangers of atomic bombs when the Nazis were in Germany and he had to migrate from there. The discovery of Nuclear Fission in Germany made the American physicists upset that the Nazis could use an atom bomb. Q. 8. How did Einstein react to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ? [NCERT] Ans. Einstein was shocked at the extent of destruction caused by the bombing. He wrote a long letter to the United Nations and suggested that there should be a World Government. Q. 9. Why does the world remember Einstein as ‘a world citizen‘ ? [NCERT] Ans. People called Einstein a ’world citizen’ because he campaigned for peace and democracy and was agitated against arms and bombs, especially after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Albert Einstein’s mother thought of him as a freak. Explain in about 100-120 words as to why she thought so.

about theory of Relativity, as given in the text.

Q. 2.

Ans.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each) including his mother who thought of him as a freak. Why do you think Einstein hated the school’s regimentation ? Do you think he should have abided by the rules of the school ? Write in about 100-120 words. Value Points :  no sense of freedom and joy  lack of respect for child/human rights  acceptance and appreciation  awareness of global issues

Detailed Answer : Einstein hated the school’s regimentation because he was not happy with that system. There was no sense of freedom and joy in the school. So, he felt himself suffocated under its strict regimentation and its extreme sense of discipline. The strange and strict rules of the school made him tired. As there was no respect of a child and their rights, he often had a clash with his teacher. Rather he loved mechanical toys. I think he should not have been forced to abide by the ‘extremist’ or ‘stereotyped’ rules of the



school. The school is a place where children get the opportunity to develop their creativity and original thoughts. But his school was the place where the authorities had no indication of his potential greatness. Acceptance and appreciation of students’ talent not only motivates them but also makes them aware of the global issues and give them a chance to solve such problems as done by Einstein. Q. 3. Einstein was an unusual child with no indication of his potential greatness. Comment. Ans. Einstein’s head was larger than the usual size. He was called ‘‘Brother Boring’’ because he never mixed up with his classmates. He left school because he was not happy with the strict regimentation. He loved mechanical toys and considered his sister to be a toy. The headmaster took him to be a stupid and good for nothing believing that he would never succeed in life. He also told Einstein’s father that whatever profession he will choose would not matter, because ‘‘he will never make a success at anything’’. This proves that Einstein was an unusual child with no indication of his potential greatness. Q. 4. What was the outcome of Einstein’s letter which he wrote to the American President Roosevelt ? Did his warning have any impact on America ? Ans. On his colleague’s insistence, Einstein wrote a letter to the American President, Roosevelt when the Nazis were in Germany and he had to migrate from there. The discovery of Nuclear Fission in Germany upset the American physicists that the Nazis could use the bomb. He warned him of the consequences of using

LITERATURE : PROSE

Q. 5. Ans.

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the atomic bomb. His words had a great impact. The Americans developed the atomic bomb secretly. They dropped it on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Einstein was greatly moved by the destruction. He wrote a long letter to the United Nations suggesting that there should be a World Government. That definitely helped in ending the World War. Write down the achievements of Albert Einstein. Albert Einstein was really a scientific genius. He felt at home with Mathematics but he showed keen interest in Physics. After graduating from the University in Zurich, he started working vigorously. During his university education he was working on the concept of relativity. After his graduation, he remained jobless. So, he gave private lessons. In 1902, he secured a job as a technical expert in the patent office in Bern. But he went on to develop his own ideas. The world showered many honours and invitations on him. He was honoured with Nobel Prize in 1921.

Commonly Made Error

Students generally explain each and every

thing about Albert Einstein, irrespective of the content asked in the question.

Answering Tip

Students should only explain the achievements of Albert Einstein.

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CHAPTER

5

THE SNAKE AND THE MIRROR —Vaikom Mohammad Basheer

Summary







It is a story about a doctor, who had recently commenced his practice. He lived in a small Scan to know more rented room which was an out house. It had two windows and a tiled roof. The tiles were about this chapter supported by gables which rested on the beam and there was no electricity. The room was infested with rats. One hot summer night, he had his meals at the restaurant and returned home. He lighted the kerosene lamp, took off his coat and shirt and opened the two windows. He settled The Snake and on the chair and took out a medical book to read. There was a large mirror on the table on the mirror which stood a lamp. Since it was too hot to sleep, and he had nothing better to do, he sat down in front of the mirror, admiring himself, admiring his looks and smile and planning what he should do to look more presentable. Gradually, his thoughts shifted from self-admiration to planning of his marriage. He thought that he would marry a rich doctor having a good practice and that he would choose a fat lady as his wife so that she would not be able to run and catch him. He was so engrossed in his day dreaming that he did not give much importance to the sudden silence. The rats had stopped scampering and there was a sound of something falling behind him. But he was slow to react. By the time he turned around to have a look, a snake had wriggled over the back of the chair and landed on his shoulders and coiled round his left arm above the elbow. It was a dangerous cobra and its hood spread out, hardly three inches from his face. The doctor sat there like a stone statue, afraid to move lest the snake may strike back. He thought of various medicines he had and if any was good enough to save him if the snake did bite him. In this moment of fear of death, he realised the presence of God. God had punished him for being too proud and arrogant. He realised that he was but a mere human, a poor man, and had nothing much to boast about. The moment he accepted his true worth, God appeared, pleased and the snake left him of its own free will and sat on the table in front of the mirror. The doctor got up silently and rushed out of the door. Next morning when he came back, all his belongings had been pilfered but for his dirty vest which was too dirty even for the thief. The story clearly highlights the fact that one should not be proud of oneself because whatever he has, is a gift of God. Without his benign support you are nothing. The moment he realised this, God recalled the snake, who left without hurting him.

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

Suddenly there came a dull thud as if a rubber tube had fallen to ground ... surely nothing to worry about. Even so I thought I would turn around and take a look. No sooner had I turned than a fat snake wriggled over the back of the chair and landed on my shoulder. The snake’s landing on me and my turning were simultaneous. I didn’t

(5 × 1 = 5)

jump. I didn’t tremble. I didn’t cry out. There was no time to do any such thing. The snake slithered along my shoulder and coiled around my left arm above the elbow. The hood was spread out and its head was hardly three or four inches from my face!



LITERATURE : PROSE

Q. 1. Complete the sentence: The snake’s hood was ______________ from the writer. Ans. Three or four inches Q. 2. What does the word ‘tremble’ from the above lines mean? (A) terrified (B) shiver (C) dreamt (D) scattered Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. What did the snake do after landing on the doctor’s shoulder? (A) coiled around his left arm above the elbow (B) coiled around his right arm above the elbow (C) coiled around his neck (D) coiled around his head Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. What sound did he hear while sitting on the chair? (a) The squeak of a rat (b) The hiss of a snake (c) The dull thud of something falling to the ground (d) The sound of somebody coming into the room Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. What happened when the narrator turned around to see what had fallen there? (a) A fat snake wriggled over the back of the chair and landed on his shoulder (b) A fat snake fell on the back of his chair (c) A fat snake landed on his arm (d) none of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. 2. I went back into the room and sat down on the chair. I opened the box beneath the table and took out a book, the Materia Medica. I opened it at the table on which stood the lamp and a large mirror; a small comb lay beside the mirror. One feels tempted to look into a mirror when it is near one. I took a look. In those days I was a great admirer of beauty and I believed in making myself look handsome. I was unmarried and I was a doctor. I felt I had to make my presence felt. I picked up the comb and ran it through my hair and adjusted the parting so that it looked straight and neat. Q. 1. What had the narrator been an admirer of? (A) Duty (B) Beauty (C) Intelligence (D) Bravery Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 2. What was his profession? (A) Engineer (B) Doctor (C) Policeman (D) Teacher Ans. Option (B) is correct.

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Q. 3. Which word in the passage means 'attracted'? Ans. Tempted Q. 4. What did he take out from the box? (A) Pen (B) Paper (C) Book (D) Medicine Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. I went back into the room, down on the ____________. (A) Sofa (B) Bed (C) Chair (D) None of these Ans. Option (C) is correct. 3. I took a close look at my face in the mirror. I made an important decision — I would shave daily and grow a thin moustache to look more handsome. I was after all a bachelor, and a doctor! I looked into the mirror and smiled. It was an attractive smile. I made another earth-shaking decision. I would always keep that attractive smile on my face ... to look more handsome. I was after all a bachelor, and a doctor too on top of it! I got up, paced up and down the room. Then another lovely thought struck me. I would marry. I would get married to a woman doctor who had plenty of money and a good medical practice. She had to be fat; for a valid reason. If I made some silly mistake and needed to run away, she should not be able to run after me and catch me! With such thoughts in my mind, I resumed my seat in the chair in front of the table. There were no more sounds from above. Q. 1. What did the narrator look at in the mirror? (A) His hair (B) His face (C) His smile (D) None of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 2. Who did he want to marry? (A) Engineer (B) Doctor (C) Teacher (D) None of above Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. He resumed his seat in the chair in front of the ____________ (A) table (B) bed (C) mirror (D) None of the above Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. I looked into the mirror and____________ (A) smiled (B) cried (C) weep (D) None of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 5. I was after all a ____________, and a doctor too on top of it! I got up, paced up and down the room. (A) bachelor (B) teacher (C) examiner (D) None of these Ans. Option (A) is correct.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. What was the doctor thinking while he was seated before the mirror ?

seeing the snake. He neither jumped nor cried out. He sat on the chair holding his breath. His body was still but his mind remained very active.

(Board Term-I, 2014-15) Ans. The doctor was admiring himself, his looks and smile and planning, what he should do to look more presentable. Q. 2. While looking into the mirror, what important and earth-shaking decisions did the doctor make ? (Board Term-I, 2012, Set-EL1-027) [NCERT] OR

What were the two important decisions taken by the doctor while looking at the mirror ? (Board Term-I, 2012, Set-EL1-039)

Ans. The important decision made by the doctor was that he would shave daily and grow a thin moustache, to look more handsome. The earthshaking decision made by the doctor was that he would always keep that attractive smile on his face. Q. 3. What type of woman did the doctor in the story The Snake and the Mirror, want to get married to ? Why ?  (Board Term-I, 2012, Set-EL1-031) Ans. The doctor wanted to get married to a woman who would be fat. The reason he gave was that if he, the doctor husband, ever made any mistake and tried to run away, she would not be able to catch him and stop him from escaping. Q. 4. Why did the author of The Snake and the Mirror fantasise a fat woman as his wife ?

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Q. 6. What did the doctor do on seeing the snake ? (Board Term-I, 2012, Set-EL1-029) Ans. On seeing the snake, the doctor thought of various medicines he had and if any medicine was good enough to save him, if the snake did bite him. Q. 7. What made the doctor utter ‘Death lurked four inches away’ ? (Board Term-I, 2012, Set-EL1- 048) Ans. The doctor was under the grip of the snake and sat motionless as a statue. His body was inactive but mind was completely active. He knew very well that the snake would bite him at the slightest movement. This is what made him utter these words. Q. 8. Why did the snake leave the doctor’s arm? (Board Term-I, 2012, Set-EL1-040) Ans. The snake left the doctor’s arm because it saw its reflection in the mirror and was fascinated by it and so wanted to enjoy its own reflection by having a closer look. Q. 9. Why did the doctor run away from his house ? (Board Term-I, 2012, Set-EL1-014) OR Why did the doctor run to his friend’s house ?

(Board Term-I, 2012, Set-EL1-037)

(Board Term-I, 2012, Set-EL1-052)

Ans. The author of The Snake and the Mirror fantasizes a fat woman as his wife because she would never be able to catch the doctor on his mistakes. She would not be able to run after him and he would be saved from all kinds of punishments. Thus, the author fantasizes a fat woman as his wife.

Ans. As the snake moved from the writer’s arm, the snake slithered into his lap, crept onto the table and then moved towards the mirror. The writer revived, got up from the chair and leapt into the yard and ran to his friend’s house to save his life.

Q. 5. How did the doctor show the presence of mind when he encountered the snake ? (Board Term-I, 2012, Set-EL1-021) Ans. The doctor showed great presence of mind on

Q. 10. How did the snake change the writer’s opinion about himself ?(Board Term-I, 2012, Set-EL1-025) Ans. The writer was proud of being a doctor. Coming face-to-face with the snake made him humble. He thought he was only a poor and stupid doctor, who should not be proud of his profession.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Without mirror, the story will lose its charm and reality. Justify. Ans. The story would lose its charm and reality

(100-120 words & 6 marks each) without the mirror because it fascinates both the characters i.e., the doctor and the snake. The doctor makes two important decisions – shaving daily and growing thin moustaches to make



LITERATURE : PROSE

himself more handsome and keeping a smile on the face all the time while looking at himself in the mirror. The snake also feels attracted to look at his face in the mirror and leaves the doctor’s arm. It sits on the table in front of mirror and the doctor finds an opportunity to move away to save himself. Thus, the story does revolve around the mirror and therefore its importance. Q. 2. What are the similarities between the doctor and the snake ? Ans. The doctor and the snake had striking similarities. Both were victims of self-adoration. This is clearly visible in the two decisions of the doctor- to shave daily and to grow a moustache and also to wear an attractive smile on his face to look handsome, while the snake enjoyed looking at his reflection at closer quarters. It moved from the doctor’s arm and later crept onto the table and moved towards the mirror. It seemed that the snake wanted to have a closer look. Q. 3. Describe in detail the doctor’s feelings when he saw the snake coiled around his arm ? Ans. The doctor was so engrossed in his day dreaming that he did not realise that a snake had wriggled over the back of the chair and landed on his shoulders and coiled round his left arm with its hood spread out. The doctor sat there without moving an inch. He was afraid lest the snake should strike. He thought of various medicines he had and if any one of them was good enough to save him if the snake struck him. He realised the presence of God and felt that it was a

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punishment for being proud and arrogant. Q. 4. ‘‘Birds of the same feather flock together’’ goes the saying. Does the encounter between the snake and the doctor in the story The Snake and the Mirror support the saying? Why or why not ? Ans. Yes, the story supports the saying which means that the people of similar habits and tastes find each other. The doctor enjoyed self-appreciation and could not resist the temptation of looking at his own reflection in the mirror. He also takes a number of decisions, so as to improve his looks. The snake that had coiled itself on the doctor’s arm, kept staring at its reflection in the mirror for a long time, enjoying its beauty and appreciating its form. The snake was so much engrossed in its beauty that it forgot as to why it had come to the author’s house. Q. 5. Justify the title of the story The Snake and the Mirror. Ans. The story revolves around the narrator, the snake and the mirror. The narrator hears some familiar sounds – a dull thud and a snake lands on his shoulder. The doctor is terrified and sits there like a stone. He suddenly feels the presence of the creator of the world and the presence of death four inches away. In this moment of death, he realises the presence of God and grows humble about his views. The snake looks into the mirror, moves towards it as it wants to enjoy a close reflection in the mirror. Thus, the title is justified as the story revolves around the snake and the mirror.

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CHAPTER

6

MY CHILDHOOD —A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Summary l

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Abdul Kalam was born in a middle class Muslim family in Rameshwaram. He had three Scan to know more brothers and one sister. His father was a generous and wise man. His mother was a hospitable about this chapter lady. They lived in their ancestral house on Mosque Street. His father lived a simple life but provided all necessities to his children. His parents were neither much educated nor rich, yet were generous and kind. Many outsiders ate with the family every day. Kalam inherited the qualities of honesty and self – discipline from his parents. My Childhood Kalam was only 8 years old when the Second World War broke out in 1939. Then, there was a great demand for tamarind seeds. Abdul used to collect those seeds and sell them in the market. His cousin Shamsuddin distributed newspapers and employed him as a helping hand. This way he earned his first wages. He inherited faith in goodness and kindness from his parents. Kalam’s family respected all religions. They took part in the Hindu festivals as well. His mother and grandmother told stories from the Ramayana and the life of the Prophet to the children at bed time. Kalam had three friendsRamanandha Sastry, the son of a high priest of the Rameshwaram temple, Aravindam and Sivaprakasan. They had different religious backgrounds and upbringing. They never felt any difference among themselves. They adopted different professions when they grew up. One day when Abdul was in 5th standard at the Rameshwaram Elementary School, a new teacher came to their class. He used to wear a cap, which set him apart as a Muslim. Kalam always sat in the front row- next to Ramanandha Sastry, but the teacher could not tolerate a Hindu Priest’s son sitting with a Muslim boy. Kalam was asked to sit on the back bench. Both the friends felt very sad and told their parents about the incident after school. Ramanandha’s father called the teacher and told him not to spread the poison of communal hatred and social inequality in the minds of innocent children. He told the teacher to either apologise or leave the school and city. The teacher apologised and reformed himself. Once Abdul’s science teacher invited him to dinner at his home. His wife refused to serve Kalam dinner in her kitchen as she believed in religious segregation. The teacher himself served him food and sat beside him to eat his own meal. His wife observed from behind the door and did not find any change in Abdul’s behaviour. After dinner, the teacher again invited him to join them next weekend. This time the wife served food inside the kitchen with her own hands. When the Second World War had ended, Kalam asked his father to permit him to go to Ramanthapuram to study. His father knew that Kalam would have to go away to grow up and so he permitted him. He told his hesitant wife that they should give their children their love but, not force their thoughts on them.

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

I was one of many children — a short boy with rather undistinguished looks, born to tall and handsome parents. We lived in our ancestral house, which was built in the middle of the nineteenth century. It was a fairly large pucca house, made of limestone and brick, on the

(5 × 1 = 5)

Mosque Street in Rameshwaram. My austere father used to avoid all inessential comforts and luxuries. However, all necessities were provided for, in terms of food, medicine or clothes. In fact, I would say mine was a very secure childhood, both materially and emotionally.



Q. 1. Where was Kalam born? (A) at island town of Rameshwaram in Madras State (B) in Tamil Nadu (C) in Karnataka (D) in Chennai Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. The chapter is an excerpt from Professor APJ Kalam’s book ____________ . Ans. Wings of Fire Q. 3. In what sense was Kalam’s childhood secure? (A) He was getting all the necessities of life like food, clothes, study (B) Parents’ love and support (C) Good society (D) All Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 4. Who gave emotional and material security to Kalam? (A) his society people (B) his friends (C) his teachers (D) his parents Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 5. Who used to avoid all inessential comforts and luxuries? (A) Kalam (B) Kalam’s father (C) Shivasubrahmania (D) Shamsh-ud-din Ans. Option (B) is correct. 2. The Second World War broke out in 1939, when I was eight years old. For reasons I have never been able to understand, a sudden demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market. I used to collect the seeds and sell them to a provision shop on Mosque Street. A day’s collection would fetch me the princely sum of one aana. My brother-inlaw Jallal-ud-din would tell me stories about the War which I would later attempt to trace in the headlines in Dinamani. Our area, being isolated, was completely unaffected by the War. But soon India was forced to join the Allied Forces and something like a state of emergency was declared. The first casualty came in the form of the suspension of the train halt at Rameshwaram station. The newspapers now had to be bundled and thrown out from the moving train on the Rameshwaram Road between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. That forced my cousin Shamsh-ud-din, who distributed newspapers in Rameshwaram, to look for a helping hand to catch the bundles and, as if naturally, I filled the slot. Shamsh-ud-din helped me earn my first wages. Half a century later, I can still feel the surge of pride in earning my own money for the first time.

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Q. 1. Which seeds did Kalam collect during the Second World War? (A) guava seeds (B) tamarind seeds (C) flax seeds (D) mango seeds Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 2. Why did Kalam collect tamarind seeds? (A) to grow plants (B) to eat them (C) to earn good money (D) none Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. Where did Kalam sell seeds? (A) in a market (B) to other children (C) people of his society (D) to a provision store on mosque street Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 4. How much money did Kalam earn after selling seeds? (A) 2 anna (B) 3 anna (C) 1 anna (D) 4 anna Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. Who was Shamsh-ud-din? (A) Kalam’s brother (B) Kalam’s friend (C) Kalam’s neighbour (D) Kalam’s cousin Ans. Option (D) is correct. 3. During the annual Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam ceremony, our family used to arrange boats with a special platform for carrying idols of the Lord from the temple to the marriage site, situated in the middle of the pond called Rama Tirtha which was near our house. Events from the Ramayana and from the life of the Prophet were the bedtime stories my mother and grandmother would tell the children in our family. Q. 1. What is the name of the pond? (A) Shri Sita Rama (B) Rama Sita (C) Rama Tirtha (D) Kalyanam Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. Find a word from the passage that means ‘images of God’. (A) Lord (B) idols (C) temple (D) platform Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. What type of stories were told to the writer at bedtime? (A) Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam Ceremony (B) idols of the Lord (C) events from the Ramayana (D) about grandmother Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. Find the word in the passage which means the same ‘the place where some event takes place’.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

(A) pond (B) site (C) platform (D) none of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. What was the annual event, held in Rameshwaram ? (A) Shri Sita Rama Kalyanam Ceremony (B) Shri Ram Lakshman Kalyanam Ceremony (C) Shri Radhe Shyam Kalyanam Ceremony (D) None of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. 4. One day when I was in the fifth standard at the Rameshwaram Elementary School, a new teacher came to our class. I used to wear a cap which marked me as a Muslim, and I always sat in the front row next to Ramanadha Shastri, who wore the sacred thread. The new teacher could not stomach a Hindu priest’s son sitting with a Muslim boy. In accordance with our social ranking as the new teacher saw it, I was asked to go and sit on the back bench. I felt very sad, and so did Ramanadha Shastri. He looked utterly downcast as I shifted to my seat in the last row. The image of him weeping when I shifted to the last row left a lasting impression on me. Q. 1. Why did Kalam feel sad when he was in 5th standard in an elementary school? (A) He didn’t do his homework. (B) Teacher scolded him. (C) His teacher didn’t let him sit with his Hindu friend in the first row because he was a Muslim. (D) None Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. Why did the teacher separate Kalam from his friend? (A) They were talking in the class. (B) They were not doing their work. (C) They were disturbing the class. (D) because of his own notion of social ranking, religious discrimination Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 3. In which class was the writer studying at that time? (A) third standard (B) fourth standard (C) fifth standard (D) sixth standard Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. What was writer wearing? (A) A Muslim Cap (B) Shoes (C) Kurta (D) None of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 5. What did the teacher ask writer to do? (A) to sit in the middle of the class (B) to sit on first bench of the class (C) to sit on the last bench of the class (D) none of these Ans. Option (C) is correct.

5.



ne day, he invited me to his home for a meal. O His wife was horrified at the idea of a Muslim boy being invited to dine in her ritually pure kitchen. She refused to serve me in her kitchen. Shivasubrahmania Iyer was not perturbed, nor did he get angry with his wife, but instead, served me with his own hands and sat down beside me to eat his meal. His wife watched us from behind the kitchen door. I wondered whether she had observed any difference in the way I ate rice, drank water or cleaned the floor after the meal. When I was leaving his house, Shivasubrahmania Iyer invited me to join him for dinner again the next weekend. Observing my hesitation, he told me not to get upset, saying, “Once you decide to change the system, such problems have to be confronted.” When I visited his house the next week, Shivasubrahmania Iyer’s wife took me inside her kitchen and served me food with her own hands.

Q. 1. What kind of person was Shivasubrahmania? (A) orthodox Brahmin (B) calm and generous (C) believed in equality and wanted to bring reforms in the society (D) All Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 2. Why did Shivasubrahmania serve Kalam himself and sat with him to eat? (A) to avoid any disturbance because of biased behaviour of his conservative wife (B) to show equal respect for everybody because he wanted to prove himself great (C) to demoralize his wife (D) none Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. Who invited the writer over dinner the next weekend? (A) Shivasubrahmanian Iyer’s wife (B) Shivasubrahmaniam (C) Writer himself (D) None of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. The word from the passage that means ‘to deal with’ is _________. (A) observed (B) hesitation (C) confronted (D) None of the above Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. The word from the passage that means ‘agitated/upset’ is __________. (A) horrified (B) perturbed (C) refused (D) served Ans. Option (B) is correct.



LITERATURE : PROSE

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

Why did A.P.J. Abdul Kalam call his childhood a secure childhood ? (Board Term-I, 2012) OR ‘Kalam’s childhood was a secure one, both materially and emotionally’. Illustrate the fact. (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam called his childhood a secure one because he had loving and caring parents. He had all necessary things which included food, clothes, medicine, etc. The family also had a pucca house. Q. 2. How did Second World War give opportunity to Kalam to earn his first wages ? (Board Term-I, 2012) OR How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages ? [NCERT] Ans. Kalam’s cousin was a news paper distributor agent. The train halt at Rameshwaram station was suspended. So, the newspapers were bundled up and thrown out from a moving train. Kalam helped his cousin to catch the bundles. He was given money for it. Q. 3. What characteristics did Abdul Kalam inherit from his parents ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Abdul Kalam inherited honesty and self discipline from his father and faith in goodness and kindness from his mother. Like his parents even he respected all religions. Q. 4. What was the task of the narrator’s family during the annual Shri Rama Kalyanam ceremony ? (Board Term-I 2015) OR What did Abdul Kalam’s family do during the annual Shri Sita Ram Kalayanam Ceremony ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans.

Value Point : The narrator’s family used to arrange boats with a special platform for carrying idols of the Lord from the village temple to the marriage site. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015)

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)



Abdul Kalam’s family used to help in the ceremony by arranging for a boat with a special platform for carrying the idols of Lord Shri Sita Ram from the temple to the marriage sites situated in the middle of a pond called as Rama Tirtha. His parents even told him stories from the Ramayana. Q. 5. What did the new teacher in the elementary School do ? (Board Term-I, 2016) Ans.

The new teacher could not see a hindu priest’s son sitting with a Muslim boy. So he sent the narrator to sit at the last bench. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016)

Detailed Answer: The new teacher could not tolerate Kalam, a Muslim boy, sitting next to Ramanandha Sastry, a hindu priest’s son in the first row. So the narrow minded teacher sent Abdul Kalam to sit at the last bench. Thus the new teacher was spreading casteism in the classroom. Q. 6. Do you think the new teacher deserved the treatment meted out to him ? Why/why not ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Yes, he deserved the treatment meted out to him. He was spreading the poison of communal intolerance among the young minds, which was a serious crime. If a teacher indulges in such a mean act, he deserves no sympathy. Q. 7. What was the difference in the attitude of the Science teacher and his wife towards A.P.J. Abdul Kalam ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Though his Science teacher was an orthodox Hindu, he broke the social barriers, and mixed with other religions and communities. He invited Abdul home and served him meals and even sat and ate with him. On the contrary, his wife was conservative and refused to serve Abdul. Q. 8. How does Abdul Kalam describe his mother ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Abdul Kalam describes his mother by saying that she was an ideal wife and a gentle lady. He learnt from his mother to be gentle and kind. She even used to feed a lot of outsiders every day before having her meal.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. What kind of emotions and feelings arise in Abdul Kalam’s heart when he recalls earning for the first time ? Write in about 100-120 words. OR How did Abdul Kalam earn his ‘first wages’ ? How did he feel at that time ?

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Ans.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each) Value Points : 

sense of freedom, achievement



appreciation and respect



joy and pride

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confidence

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Detailed Answer : When Kalam was only 8 years old, the Second World War broke out in 1939. There was a great demand for tamarind seeds. Abdul used to collect those seeds and sell them in the market. His cousin Shamsuddin distributed newspapers and employed him as his helping hand. The train would not stop at Rameshwaram and the bundles of newspapers were thrown from the running train. Abdul was employed by his cousin to collect them. In this way he earned his first wages. When he earned his first wages, he felt very proud and had a sense of freedom. This achievement boosted up his self confidence and made him happy. Q. 2. What incident took place at the Rameshwaram Elementary School when a new teacher came to the class ? Ans. Kalam used to wear a cap and Ramanandha Shastri wore a sacred thread which marked him to be a Brahmin. When the new teacher came, he could not tolerate a Hindu priest’s son sitting with a Muslim boy. He ordered Kalam to go and sit on the back bench. This made Ramanandha sad. Abdul started sitting in the last row but it left a bad impression on Abdul. Both the kids narrated the incident to their parents. As a result the teacher was rebuked and reprimanded for spreading communalism and hatred among children. Q. 3. How was the Science teacher Siva Subramaniam Iyer, though an orthodox Brahmin with a very conservative wife, a friend of Abdul Kalam ? Give incidents to support your answer. OR Abdul Kalam’s Science Teacher, set many examples and trends for others. Do you agree ? Why/Why not ? Write in about 100-120 words. Ans.

Value Points : l had freedom from bias / stereotype l love and natural respect l appreciation and intercultural harmony.



Detailed Answer : The Science teacher had freedom from bias and stereotype life. He had love and mutual respect for everyone. Appreciation for one another and intercultural harmony is the basic need for the unity and integration of the country. This was proved by the Science teacher. The Science

Q. 4.

Ans.

Q. 5.

Ans.

teacher, Siva Subramaniam Iyer, wanted to break the social barriers between the Hindus and the Muslims. He wanted Kalam to be highly educated as he recognised his intelligence. One day, he invited him to a meal. His orthodox wife was totally horrified at the idea of a Muslim boy, dining in her ritually pure kitchen. He did not mind anything said by his very conservative wife. He rather served the food to Abdul with his own hands. He also sat with him and dined together as well as invited him again for another meal the coming weekend. Thus, this shows that he was a friend of Abdul Kalam, even though Kalam was a Muslim and he himself was an orthodox Brahmin. ‘Once you decide to change the system, such problems have to be confronted.’ What system is being referred in the sentence from the chapter ‘My Childhood’? What are such problems ? System means system of discrimination on the basis of religion. The system includes the narrowmindedness and poison of social inequality and communal intolerance. The Brahmins did not allow Muslims to enter their kitchen. The Science teacher – a rebel by nature, invited Kalam to his home and proved that if one is determined to face problems and change the system, he will definitely succeed. Though, such differences come in everybody’s life but a person should have a broader outlook, courage and determination to overcome the obstacles. What do you know about A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s family after reading the lesson ‘My childhood’ ? OR How does the author describe : (i) his father, (ii) his mother, (iii) himself ? [NCERT] A.P.J. Abdul Kalam tells us that his family was a middle class Tamil family from Rameshwaram. His father Jainulabudeen, a boat owner was not much educated, wasn’t rich but was generous, wise, simple man but very strict and a man of persistent efforts. His mother Ashiamma was a generous lady. She used to feed unlimited number of people in their home. Kalam’s family respected all religions. They took part in Hindu festivals as well. His mother and grandmother used to tell him stories from Ramayana. They always showered their love on their children and never forced their thoughts on them.



LITERATURE : PROSE

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Artificial Intelligence PARAMETERS

DESCRIPTION

Chapter Covered

Chapter 6: My Childhood

Name of the book

Beehive, Class 9, NCERT

AI CONCEPTS INTEGRATED

Subject and Artificial Application of Artificial Intelligence & Teaching of English Intelligence Integrated Learning Objectives

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Time Required

3 periods of 40 minutes each.

Classroom Arrangement

Flexible

Material Required

Pen, paper, blackboard, chalk, smartboard/ screen and projector, & laptops

Pre-Preparation Activities

The students are divided in pairs asked to use Inkle writer (AL TOOL) in preparation for the topic. Students are asked to use Inkle writer in preparation for the topic.

To practice silent reading and develop comprehension skills To develop skills of imagination creativity and writing. To make students familiar with the lives and deeds of great men, To make them aspire for better things in life, To show the path of character building, To develop in them desirable sentiments. To use AI tools to practice story telling – open source AI tool

Inkle writer Previous Knowledge

Students are asked to discuss Dr. Abdul Kalam and his contributions to humanity

Methodology

● The teacher divides the class in pairs. ● The teacher instructs the students to Read out the following lines by Dr. Kalam. You have to dream before your dreams can come true. Or Climbing to the top demands strength, whether it is to the top of Mount Everest or to the top of your career. ● The students are shown a video on how Inkle writer works. ● The students work in pairs to create a motivational story ● They then share their story with the other groups

Learning Outcomes

● They learn to develop comprehension skills ● They learn to develop skills of imagination creativity and writing. ● They learn to build a narrative story using Inkle Writer

Follow up Activities

Teacher will encourage students to use story time by google assistant (AL TOOL) to enhance their listening and writing skills

Inkle writer

Story time Reflections

Discussion with the students on the topic: Kalam: An inspiration for thousands

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CHAPTER

7

REACH FOR THE TOP —Santosh Yadav, Maria Sharapova

Summary I. SANTOSH YADAV







Santosh Yadav is the only woman in the world who has climbed Mount Everest twice. Santosh Scan to know more was born in Joniya; a village in Haryana, as the sixth child to her parents. She is the only sister about this chapter to five brothers. Her parents were the rich landowners. They could have sent her to Delhi for studying, but she was educated in the village school. When she was sixteen, she refused to marry and warned her parents that she would never marry if she did not get proper education. She Reach For The got admission in a school in Delhi but her parents refused to pay the fees. She told them she Top - Santosh would take up a part time job, eventually they relented. Santosh passed High School and Yadav joined Maharani College in Jaipur. Her room in Kasturba Hostel faced the Aravalli Hills. From there she used to see the villagers going up the hill and disappearing. She decided to see by herself as to why the climbers disappeared. When she went there, she met only a few climbers who encouraged her to take climbing. Then there was no looking back. Santosh saved money and enrolled herself in the Uttarkashi Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. She went on an expedition every year. She had an iron will, physical endurance and mental toughness. Eventually, her efforts started bearing fruits. In 1988, she joined the Aravalli mountaineers and in 1992 she became the youngest woman to climb Mt. Everest. Within twelve months, Santosh became the member of the Indo-Nepalese Women’s Expedition and set a record of being the only woman to have climbed Mt. Everest twice. She was honoured with Padamashri, one of the nation’s top honours. It was a proud moment for her to unfurl the Indian tricolour flag on top of the world. She acted there as an environmentalist also and brought down 500 kilograms of rubbish from the Himalayas.

II. MARIA SHARAPOVA





Maria Sharapova, a Siberian teenager, became the world’s number one tennis player on Scan to know more 22 August, 2005. She was 10 years old when she was sent to America with her father for about this chapter her training, while her mother was forced to stay behind. She helped her father while he struggled to support her. This made her determined and mentally tough. She bagged the ladies’ single crown at Wimbledon in 2004. Her journey from Siberia to the top of women’s tennis has touched many hearts. She says that she works hard and her sacrifices Reach for the Tophave been worth it. Maria Sharapova She says that she is proud to be a Russian. Even though the US is a big part of her life she will play the Olympics for Russia if they want her to. Her hobbies are fashion, singing and dancing. She loves reading novels of Arthur Conan Doyle. Sharapova cannot be put in a category. She has the talent, a desire to succeed and readiness to sacrifice. She finds money a motivation but more than that is her desire to be number one.



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109

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

The girl was given the name ‘Santosh’, which means contentment. But Santosh was not always content with her place in a traditional way of life. She began living life on her own terms from the start. Where other girls wore traditional Indian dresses, Santosh preferred shorts. Looking back, she says now, “From the very beginning I was quite determined that if I choose a correct and a rational path, the others around me had to change, not me.”

Q. 1. What is the meaning of Santosh? (A) reconciliation (B) delectation (C) contentment (D) none of these Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. What was the speaker’s approach to make choice? (A) to choose the correct and rational path (B) to choose the traditional way (C) to choose the hard work (D) none of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. Santosh was different from other girls because she didn't like to do any ______________. Ans. traditional things Q. 4. What did Santosh prefer to wear? Ans. Shorts Q. 5. What kind of girl was Santosh ? (A) a hard working girl with a strong mind (B) a brat (C) arrogant (D) none Ans. Option (A) is correct. 2. Santosh’s parents were affluent landowners who could afford to send their children to the best schools, even to the country’s capital, New Delhi, which was quite close by. But, in line with the prevailing custom in the family, Santosh had to make do with the local village school. So, she decided to fight the system in her own quiet way when the right moment arrived. And the right moment came when she turned sixteen. At sixteen, most of the girls in her village used to get married. Santosh was also under pressure from her parents to do the same. Q. 1. Santosh's parents were very ___________. (A) affluent landowners (B) poor (C) royal (D) none of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. Why was Santosh sent to a local school?

(5 × 1 = 5)

(A) (B) (C) (D)

they were rich because of the prevailing trend they were poor were not able to afford to send to a good school Ans. Option (B) is correct. (iii) In which age the right moment comes in Santosh's life? (A) 14 (B) 16 (C) 18 (D) 20 Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. Most of the girls in her village used to get married at the age of __________. Ans. Sixteen Q. 5. She decides to fight the system in her own __________. (A) aggressive way (B) quiet way (C) systematic way (D) None of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. 3. A marriage as early as that was the last thing on her mind. She threatened her parents that she would never marry if she did not get a proper education. She left home and got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi. When her parents refused to pay for her education, she politely informed them of her plans to earn money by working part time to pay her school fees. Her parents then agreed to pay for her education.

Q. 1. Why was Santosh against getting married at an early age? (A) to get proper education (B) to go to abroad (C) to join sports college (D) none of the above Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. What was the last thing on her mind? (A) study (B) sports (C) marriage (D) none of the above Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. Why did Santosh leave home for Delhi? (A) to roam about (B) to meet a friend (C) to get proper education and avoid marriage (D) to tease her parents Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. Where did she get herself enrolled? (A) Mumbai (B) Agra (C) Delhi (D) Chandigarh Ans. Option (C) is correct.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q. 5. Which word in the passage means the opposite of ‘rudely’? Ans. Politely Thereafter, Santosh went on an expedition every year. Her climbing skills matured rapidly. Also, she developed a remarkable resistance to cold and the altitude. Equipped with an iron will, physical endurance and an amazing mental toughness, she proved herself repeatedly. The culmination of her hard work and sincerity came in 1992, just four years after she had shyly asked the Aravalli mountaineers if she could join them. At barely twenty years of age, Santosh Yadav scaled Mt. Everest, becoming the youngest woman in the world to achieve the feat. If her climbing skills, physical fitness, and mental strength impressed her seniors, her concern for others and desire to work together with them found her a special place in the hearts of fellow climbers.

Q. 1. Why did senior climbers praise Santosh? (A) physical fitness (B) mental strength (C) climbing skills (D) all of the above Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 2. How was Santosh attracted to mountain climbing? (A) her neighbours prompted her (B) seeing her friends (C) her classmates prompted her (D) watching some people going up the Aravalli hills from her hostel room Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 3. At what age did Santosh Yadav scale Mt. Everest, becoming the youngest women in the world to achieve the feat? (A) 20 years (B) 21 years (C) 22 years (D) 23 years Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. When did the final result of her hard work come? (A) in 1982 (B) in 1992 (C) in 1892 (D) in 1999 Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. The word in the extract which means ‘tolerance’ is __________. Ans. Endurance 5. However, the rapid ascent in a fiercely competitive world began nine years ago with a level of sacrifice, few children would be prepared to endure. Little Maria had not yet celebrated her tenth birthday when she was packed off to train in the United States. That trip to Florida with her father Yuri launched her onto the path to success and stardom. But it also required a heartwrenching two-year separation from her mother Yelana. Q. 1. How old was Maria Sharapova when she was sent off to the United State? (A) 8 years old (B) 9 years old (C) 10 years old (D) 11 years old Ans. Option (B) is correct.

Q. 2. Why was she sent to US? (A) to get better training in Tennis (B) for studies (C) to get better in sports (D) all of the above Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. Little Maria had not yet celebrated her __________ birthday. (A) 9th (B) 10th th (C) 11 (D) 12th Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. How long did she stay in the USA? (A) two years (B) three years (C) four years (D) five years Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 5. The name of Maria's mother is __________. (A) Teresa (B) Yelana (C) Mileva (D) None of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. 6. ‘I used to be so lonely’, Maria Sharapova recalls, ‘I missed my mother terribly. My father was working as much as he could to keep my tennis-training going. So, he couldn’t see me either’.‘Because I was so young, I used to go to bed at 8 p.m. The other tennis pupils would come in at 11 p.m. and wake me up and order me to tidy up the room and clean it.’ ‘Instead of letting that depress me, I became more quietly determined and mentally tough. I learnt how to take care of myself. I never thought of quitting because I knew what I wanted. When you come from nothing and you have nothing, then it makes you very hungry and determined... I would have put up with much more humiliation and insults than that to steadfastly pursue my dream.’ Q. 1. Maria used to feel lonely in the _________ of her parents. Ans. absence Q. 2. Who is missed by Maria Sharapova? (A) her mother (B) her father (C) her brother (D) none of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. Why could her father not see her? (A) Father does not love her. (B) He was working hard to keep her training going on. (C) He doesn’t want to meet Maria. (D) None of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. The other tennis players used to order her to ________ the room. Ans. tidy up Q. 5. The word from the passage that means the same as ‘aim at’. (A) determined (B) quitting (C) pursue (D) wanted Ans. Option (C) is correct.



LITERATURE : PROSE

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Can Maria Sharapova be considered as a patriot ? Substantiate your answer with examples. (Board Term II, 2016-17) Ans.

OR What does Maria say about her Russian origin ? (Board Term II, 2011) Value Points : Yes, used to say she was a Russian. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2016-17) OR

Ans.

Value Points : l feels proud l has Russian citizenship l has Russian blood l wishes to play Olympics for Russia (CBSE Marking Scheme 2010)

Detailed Answer :

Maria Sharapova was a patriot. She says that though America has played a major role in her life yet she is proud to be a Russian. She says that she holds the Russian citizenship and her blood is totally Russian. She is ready to play the Olympics for Russia if they would invite her to play.

Q. 2. What difficulties did Santosh face in her childhood? (Board Term II, 2011) Ans. Though Santosh was born in a rich family who could easily send their children to the best schools, Santosh was sent to the local village school. She was not provided with the proper facilities to achieve success. Q. 3. What shows Santosh’s concern for environment ? (Board Term II, 2011) [NCERT] Ans.

Ans.

Value Points : She showed her concern for the environment as she collected 500 kilograms of garbage from Mt. Everest and brought it down. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2012)

Detailed Answer : Santosh had set the record as the only woman to climb Everest twice. She was also an ardent lover of environment and wanted to work for the betterment of it. Her concern for the environment can be seen when she brought 500 kg of garbage from the Himalayas. Q. 4. Why did Maria Sharapova feel so lonely while getting her tennis training in the US ? (Board Term II, 2011)

111

(40-50 words & 3 marks each) Value Points : l mother compelled to stay back in Siberia because of visa restrictions l had to bear two years separation from mother. l father had to work too hard to keep her tennis training going. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2011)

Detailed Answer :

She felt lonely because her mother was compelled to stay back in Siberia because of visa restrictions thereby had to bear two years of separation from her mother. Her father had to work very hard to pay for her tennis training.

Q. 5. What motivated Maria to keep going ? (Board Term II, 2014-15) Ans. Maria’s determination, mental toughness and her hunger for success to prove herself to the world motivated her to keep going. Her spirit of competitiveness always inspired her to keep moving ahead. She considered it her utmost responsibility to excel despite hardships and severe demands. Q. 6. How did the senior tennis players bully young Maria ? (Board Term II, 2011) Ans.

Value Points : l They came late in the room and disturbed her sleep. l They made her clean the room for them. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2011)

Detailed Answer : As Maria was quite young, she used to go to bed early. The senior tennis players came late in the night and would wake her up asking her to clean up the room for them. But all that made her more determined and mentally tough. Q. 7. How did Maria achieve her success ? (Board Term II, 2011) Ans.

Maria—a girl with strict mental toughness and quite determination. Her competitive world began before the age of nine years. Her sacrifice, determination and tolerance helped her to reach the pinnacle. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2012)

Detailed Answer : Maria had a humble beginning. When she was nine years old, she was sent off to the United States on the path of success and stardom. She had strong determination and mental toughness. She was also very hard working and competitive which helped in achieving her success.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’ What values made Santosh serve the society ? Ans. Santosh Yadav is the only woman in the world who has climbed Mount Everest twice. Her iron-will, physical endurance and mental toughness helped her to set a record of being the only woman to have done that. Santosh was adventurous, hard working and always open to challenges. Being an ardent lover of environment, she worked for the betterment of it. She was a true patriot who felt very proud to unfurl the Indian Tri colour flag on the map of the world. She always felt that we should never ask as to what country could do for you but see to it that what you could do for the country. She proved this by cleaning 500 kilograms of rubbish from Himalayas. Q. 2. Write a brief character sketch of Santosh Yadav. Ans.

Ans.

Detailed Answer :

Santosh had firm determination and the positive spirit to achieve her goal. She was adventurous in nature and had a lot of physical endurance and mental toughness which helped her to climb Mt. Everest twice. Her remarkable resistance to cold and altitude, hard work and sincerity helped her to scale Mt. Everest just at the age of twenty. Her concern for others and desire to work together with them, found her a special place in the hearts of fellow climbers. As a mountaineer, she was concerned about its cleanliness as she brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.

Q. 4. Courage can lead to great things. Explain. Ans.

Value Points : l strong determination l simple and hardworking l curious to know l iron will, strong physical endurance l amazing mental toughness and strength.

Detailed Answer : Santosh was hardworking and determined personality who could take her own decisions and accept challenges. She was adventurous and a team builder. She loved and cared for the environment. Santosh was a determined woman who always did what she had decided to do. She did not let anything stand in her way. She was a rebel who did not want to follow the traditional ways of her community and refused to marry at an early age. She wanted to forge her own path. She proved herself repeatedly because of her iron will, physical strength and mental toughness. She loved and cared for the environment. This is proved through the fact that she brought 500 kgs of garbage from the Himalayas. Q. 3. What qualities did Santosh Yadav possess as a mountaineer ? Support your answer with examples. determined

l

hard working

l

could take her own decision

l

accepted challenges

l adventurous l team-maker l

loved and cared for the environment.

Value Points : l

Santosh refused to marry at the age of 16

l

though her parents put a deep pressure

l

she preferred shorts rather than Indian dresses

l

choose a rational path, left home and came to Delhi for High School.

Detailed Answer :

Santosh had the courage to stand up against established traditions. Santosh certainly had the courage to go against the traditions. She wanted to live life on her own terms. She preferred shorts to the traditional attire. It was the tradition in her village to get girls married off at the age of sixteen. When her parents tried to get her married, she said if she was not allowed to carry on with her education, she would never get married. She left her home and got herself enrolled in a school in Delhi. Her determination and hard work helped her to pave her own path to success.

Commonly Made Error

Students can not understand this question and unable to explain the way Santosh showed courage against pre established traditions.

Value Points : l

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

Answering Tip

Students should explain this answer in context to Santosh and the manner, she moved ahead on the success-path.



LITERATURE : PROSE

Q. 5. How did Maria’s loneliness prove to be a boon for her ?

Ans. 28 Adarsh Nagar Agra

Ans.

14th June 2022

Value Points : l born in Russia l sent to the US for tennis training when she was only nine l mother could not accompany her due to visa restrictions l had to bear two years of separation l father also had to work hard l could not spare time for her l humiliation at the hands of seniors l became more determined l reached number one in tennis

Detailed Answer : Maria was born in Russia. She was sent to the US for tennis training when she was only nine years old. Her mother could not accompany her due to the visa restrictions. She missed her terribly and had to bear two years separation. Her father was also working hard to earn money thereby he could not spare time for her. She also had to suffer from humiliation at the hands of seniors. But then she became more determined and mentally tough. She became more hungry for success and proved herself by becoming number one in tennis. Thus, this staying away from her family proved to be a blessing in disguise for her. Q. 6. The chapter ‘Reach for the Top’, Part I ends with the sentence “Santosh collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.” You may have visited different tourist places and picnic spots. However, the beauty of the Nature is spoiled by waste and garbage thrown unmindfully by tourists. As a conscious and responsible citizen of India, write a letter to the editor of a national newspaper. Therein you may highlight the issue and measures for creating awareness about curbing the environmental pollution. Discuss with your classmates how ‘Swachch Bharat Abhiyan’ can be promoted. [NCERT Worksheet]



The Editor



The Times of India

113

Lucknow Subject : Need to create awareness about increasing environmental pollution Sir Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw your attention towards increasing environmental pollution especially at the tourist places and picnic spots.

Life exists only on earth and we have made the ecology suffer by the thoughtlessness of our actions. People visit various tourist attractions and picnic places with their family and friends. When they leave that place, they leave behind a heap of garbage especially plastic waste. This is a torture to the beauty of the earth on which we live. We are destroying the environment and at the same time creating a very unhealthy atmosphere not only for us but for coming generations as well.



We need urgent measures to check further degradation of the environment otherwise a day would come when the deteriorating environment around us will make our survival nearly impossible. Through unexpected disasters and diseases, nature has already started warning us. It will be a foolish act to ignore these warnings.



We all have to work together to clean our environment. This earth does not belong to the humans only. The other living organisms too have an equal right to live on the earth. The increasing pollution is affecting other living creatures as well. This is an injustice to them.



With missions like ‘Swachch Bharat Abhiyan’, we can not only can help in cleaning our environment but also create awareness about the importance of living while maintaining a clean environment. A clean environment means better health and happiness for all the inhabitants of earth.



Yours Sincerely Aaditya Saxena

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CHAPTER

8

KATHMANDU —Vikram Seth

Summary







The lesson Kathmandu is a description of the two famous temples of that city. One is the Scan to know more Pashupatinath Temple. The other is the Boudhnath Stupa, the Buddhist shrine of Kathmandu. about this chapter At Pashupatinath temple a sign proclaims ‘Entrance for the Hindus only’. There is much crowd and utter confusion. All sorts of animals roam around the grounds. People push each other to make their way to the Lord. A group of Westerners claims itself to be Hindus and ask for permission to come in, but the policeman at the gate is not convinced. Monkeys can be Kathmandu seen fighting. The holy Bagmati flows by the side of the temple. It has washerwomen on its banks. There is also a small shrine on the river bank. It seems that half of the shrine is immersed in the river and half out of it. The people believe that the whole shrine will come out of the temple one day. Then the goddess inside will escape and the period of ‘Kalyug’ will be over. At the Boudhnath Stupa, there is a sense of stillness. There is a road running around the temple. Small shops of Tibetan immigrants stand on its outer edge. There is no crowd here. Kathmandu is a crowded place. There are deities in the busiest streets which are crowded with fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards, etc. The shops sell western cosmetics, film rolls and chocolates. The author indulges himself here mindlessly. Then, he decides to go back home. He buys his ticket and comes back to his hotel. In a corner of the square near the hotel, a flute seller catches his attention. His carefree style pleases him. It reminds him of the commonality of all mankind. There is no culture that does not have its flute. The deep ‘bansuri’ is of Hindustani classical music. The flutes of South America are clear and breathy. The Chinese ones are high pitched. The music of the flutes is universal. The author feels himself wondered to see that flute is so common all over the world.

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

At Pashupatinath (outside which a sign proclaims ‘Entrance for the Hindus only’) there is an atmosphere of ‘febrile confusion’. Priests, hawkers, devotees, tourists, cows, monkeys, pigeons and dogs roam through the grounds. We offer a few flowers. There are so many worshippers that some people trying to get the priest’s attention are elbowed aside by others pushing their way to the front. A princess of the Nepalese royal house appears; everyone bows and makes way. By the main gate, a party of saffron-clad Westerners struggle for permission to enter. The policeman is not convinced that

(5 × 1 = 5)

they are ‘the Hindus’ (only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple). A fight breaks out between two monkeys. One chases the other, who jumps onto a shivalinga, then runs screaming around the temples and down to the river, the holy Bagmati, that flows below. A corpse is being cremated on its banks; washerwomen are at their work and children bathe. From a balcony a basket of flowers and leaves, old offerings now wilted, is dropped into the river. A small shrine half protrudes from the stone platform on the riverbank. When it emerges fully, the goddess inside will escape, and the evil period of the Kalyug will end on earth.



Q. 1. What does 'febrile confusion' mean? (A) a situation (B) an unknown situation (C) complete chaos (D) none Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. What is the belief at Pashupatinath regarding the end of Kalyug? (A) if the water recedes at the banks of the river and Goddess is exposed, that will be the end of Kalyug (B) if floods are there Kalyug will be ended (C) too many sin will be end of Kalyug (D) if Dooms clock come to 0 hour that will be end of Kalyug Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. What was there at the banks of river Bagmati? (A) a church (B) a mosque (C) a submerged temple (D) none Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. Who were fighting outside Pashupatinath temple? (A) two men (B) two women (C) hawkers (D) two monkeys Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 5. Who were trying to get the priest's attention at Pashupatinath's temple? (A) hawkers (B) flute seller (C) worshippers (D) monkeys Ans. Option (C) is correct. 2. At the Boudhanath stupa, the Buddhist shrine of Kathmandu, there is, in contrast, a sense of stillness. Its immense white dome is ringed by a road. Small shops stand on its outer edge: many of these are owned by Tibetan immigrants; felt bags, Tibetan prints and silver jewellery can be bought here. There are no crowds: this is a haven of quietness in the busy streets around. Kathmandu is vivid, mercenary, religious, with small shrines to flower-adorned deities along the narrowest and busiest streets; with fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards; shops selling Western cosmetics, film rolls and chocolate; or copper utensils and Nepalese antiques. Film songs blare out from the radios, car horns sound, bicycle bells ring, stray cows low questioningly at motorcycles, vendors shout out their wares. I indulge myself mindlessly: buy a bar of marzipan, a corn on-the-cob roasted in a charcoal brazier on the pavement (rubbed with salt, chilli powder and lemon); a couple of love story comics, and even a Reader’s Digest. All this I wash down with Coca Cola and a nauseating orange drink and feel much the better for it.

LITERATURE : PROSE



115

Q. 1. Which two temples did the writer visit?

(A) Doleshwar Mahadev (B) Pashupati Nath and Boudhanath Stupa (C) Gokarna Mahadev Temple (D) Santaneshwor Mahadev Temple

Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 2. What did the writer mean by saying 'All this I wash down with Coca Cola."? (A) He used coca cola to wash the things (B) He drank coca cola to digest food (C) He bought coca cola (D) None Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. What kind of environment was there at Boudhanath Stupa? (A) chaotic (B) noisy (C) full of calm and quiet meditations (D) None Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. What kind of streets are there in Kathmandu? (A) wide (B) well furnished (C) narrow and full of life (D) clean Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. What did the writer buy? (A) a bar of marzipan (B) corn cooked on charcoal fire (C) comics and a Reader’s Digest (D) All of these Ans. Option (D) is correct. 3. I look at the flute seller standing in a corner of the square near the hotel. In his hand is a pole with an attachment at the top from which fifty or sixty bansuris protrude in all directions, like the quills of a porcupine. They are of bamboo: there are cross flutes and recorders. From time to time he stands the pole on the ground, selects a flute and plays for a few minutes. The sound rises clearly above the noise of the traffic and the hawkers’ cries. He plays slowly, meditatively, without excessive display. He does not shout out his wares. Occasionally he makes a sale, but in a curiously offhanded way as if this were incidental to his enterprise. Sometimes he breaks off playing to talk to the fruit seller. I imagine that this has been the pattern of his life for years.

Q. 1. What was looking like the quills of a porcupine? (A) Flute seller's stock of flutes (B) Flute seller's hair (C) the group of hawkers (D) none Ans. Option (A) is correct.

116

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX



Q. 2. According to the author what was incidental for the flute seller? (A) flute selling (B) talking to fellow vendors (C) playing flute (D) none Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. What does the flute seller do from time to time? (A) plays slowly (B) shout out his wares (C) selects a flute and plays for a few minutes (D) None of the above Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. How many flutes did the seller have? (A) thirty to forty flutes (B) fifty to sixty flutes (C) twenty to thirty flutes (D) None of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. Which word in the passage stands for ‘reflectively’? (A) excessive (B) clearly (C) recorders (D) meditatively Ans. Option (D) is correct. 4. I consider what route I should take back home. If I were propelled by enthusiasm for travel per se, I would go by bus and train to Patna, then sail up the Ganges past Banaras to Allahabad, then up the Yamuna, past Agra to Delhi. But I am too exhausted and homesick; today is the last day

of August. Go home, I tell myself: move directly towards home. I enter a Nepal Airlines office and buy a ticket for tomorrow’s flight.

Q. 1. What does the writer Vikram Seth like very much? (A) talking (B) scenic beauty (C) travelling (D) all Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. What did he do then? (A) bought a ticket for back home (B) propelled by enthusiasm for travel (C) moved directly towards home (D) None of the above Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. Pick a word from the passage that means same as ‘strong feeling of being interested in something’. (A) exhausted (B) enthusiasm (C) propelled (D) consider Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. Where has this lesson been taken from? (A) from Panchtantra (B) an extract from Heaven Lake by Vikram Seth (C) old Melodies (D) None Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. Which airlines he entered? (A) Delhi Airlines (b) Agra Airlines (c) Nepal Airlines (d) None of these Ans. Option (C) is correct.

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. What is the belief of the people at Pashupatinath temple ? (Board Term II, 2016-17, Set 79BL5Y9) 2 Ans.

(CBSE Marking Scheme 2016-17)

Q. 3. How is the temple of Pashupatinath different from Boudhnath Stupa ?

Value Points : When a small shrine emerges fully on Bagmati river, the goddess inside will escape, and the evil period of the Kalyug will end on the earth.

Detailed Answer : It is the belief of the people at Pashupatinath temple that whenever a small shrine emerges fully on the river Bagwati, the goddess inside will escape and the evil period of the Kalyug will come to an end on the earth. Q. 2. What activities did the author see going on at the bank of the river Bagmati ? (Board Term II, 2011, Set C2) Ans. The author saw two monkeys fighting and chasing each other, a corpse was being cremated, washerwomen at work, children bathing on the bank and he even saw withered flowers being dropped from a balcony in the river Bagmati.

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)



Ans.

(Board Term II, 2011, Set B3) OR Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Boudhnath shrine with the Pashupatinath temple. [NCERT] Value Points : l

Pashupatinath Temple : crowded, dirty and noisy.

l

Boudhnath Stupa : quiet, peaceful and secluded (CBSE Marking Scheme 2011)



Detailed Answer :



At Pashupatinath Temple there was an atmosphere of feverish activities, i.e., there was disorder, noise and chaos all around whereas the atmosphere at Boudhnath Stupa was calm, peaceful and quiet with no crowd jostling around.



LITERATURE : PROSE

Q. 4. Give a brief description of Kathmandu Bazaar. (Board Term II, 2011, Set C2) Ans. Kathmandu Bazaar has narrow and busy streets, shops selling cosmetics, film rolls, chocolate, utensils, postcards, etc. It is a vivid, religious and mercenary city, where hawkers, cows, flute sellers, fruit sellers, every colour is present. Q. 5. How does the writer pass his time in Kathmandu Bazaar ? (Board Term II, 2011, Set B2)

Ans.

Ans.

Value Points : has narrow and busy streets, shops of cosmetic, film rolls, chocolate, utensils, postcards, etc. Vivid, religious and mercenary city, hawkers, cows, flute seller-fruit seller, every colour present.

Detailed Answer : The author made a very detailed and vivid observation of the Kathmandu Bazaar. Kathmandu Bazaar had narrow and busy streets. The author saw chaos, noise and disorder everywhere in the bazaar. There were fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers selling postcards, shops selling western cosmetics, film rolls and chocolates. Copper utensils and Nepalese antiques were also being sold. There was noise of film songs, car horns, cycle bells, stray cows and vendors shouting out their wares. It was also a religious place with many small shrines, adorned with flowers. Q. 2. Describe the busy streets of Kathmandu and the religious nature of people. Ans. Kathmandu was over-crowded, there were small shrines along the narrow and busiest streets. There were all types of hawkers shouting out their wares and selling them. There were cows roaming around with no one to control them. Stalls selling eatables were also there from where the author purchased something to eat and drink. The flute sellers were selecting the flutes and then played the flute for some time. The sweet sound of the flute could be heard above the noise and confusion of the streets. The people threw flowers and leaves into the water out of religious beliefs. Q. 3. Which two temples did Vikram Seth visit in Kathmandu ? What difference did he find ?

Value Points : roams, buys a bar of Marzipan, eats roasted maize, buys books and magazines, drinks Coca Cola and appreciates flute music. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2012)

Detailed Answer : The author buys a bar of Marzipan, eats a corn-onthe-cob roasted in charcoal, buys a couple of love story comics, a Readers’ Digest, and then has CocaCola and orange drink and watches the flute seller playing his flute, for long.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. What observations did the author make about the Kathmandu Bazaar ?

117

Ans.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each) Value Points : Boudhnath Shrine Pashupatinath l not crowded l crowded l peaceful/calm place l noisy l a few small Tibetan l people fighting shops to go inside l hustle-bustle l hawkers calling

Detailed Answer : The author, Vikram Seth visited two temples in Kathmandu, the Pashupatinath Temple and the Boudhnath Stupa. He found contrasting difference in both the temples. The atmosphere in Pashupatinath Temple was mere chaos and confusion. There was a great hustle bustle. Hawkers could be seen calling and shouting. Devotees, cows, monkeys, etc., were roaming around in the ground with full freedom. Some people were trying to enter the temple forcibly. They were stopped by the policeman. In sharp contrast, the atmosphere in Boudhnath Stupa was different. There was no crowd and confusion. It was calm, peaceful and quiet with a few small Tibetan shops. It was a heaven of quietness. Q. 4. ‘To hear any flute is to be drawn into commonality of all mankind.’ Why does the author say this? [NCERT] Ans. Music appeals to mankind and gives pleasure to all. The flute seller had many kinds of flutes belonging to various cultures and different customs. In order to attract prospective buyers, the flute seller plays melodious tunes on his flutes. Music is universal and soothes everyone’s heart, no matter which part of the world one belongs to. There is no culture that flute does not have. We have bansuri in Hindustani classical music. The flutes of South America are clear and breathy. The flutes are high pitched. The music of flute is universal. That’s why the author says that hearing a flute is to be drawn into the commonality of all mankind.

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CHAPTER

9

IF I WERE YOU —Douglas James

Summary







This is the story of an intruder. He entered the house of a playwright. He, however, did not Scan to know more know that the owner of the house was a playwright. He only knew him as Gerrard. He had about this chapter thought that he was a mystery man, lived in the wilds of Essex, did not meet people and gave his orders over the phone. The intruder was a criminal and was being chased by the police. He thought he resembled Gerrard so he had planned to kill Gerrard and live in that cottage by himself. If I Were You Gerrard was preparing to leave his house for a dress rehearsal. He had packed his bag with props for the drama. The intruder threatened to kill Gerrard and told him that he intended to live in his house as Gerrard since he looked like him. He even learnt to imitate Gerrard’s voice. The intruder was about to shoot Gerrard. Then Gerrard warned him to be careful and not to kill him. He told the intruder that he too was a criminal and a murderer, so the police would anyway hang him, if not as himself then as Gerrard. Hearing this, the intruder began to think. This was an opportunity for Gerrard to act. He asked the intruder to run with him in his car to reach a safer place as the police were about to come there soon. He opened a door which was, in fact, a cupboard. The intruder looked in to see what it was. Just then, Gerrard gave him a push. The revolver fell as the intruder stepped into the cupboard. Gerrard shut the door and picked up the revolver. Then he telephoned to call the police to arrest the intruder.

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.







Intruder : Thanks a lot. You’ll soon stop being smart. I’ll make you crawl. I want to know a few things, see. Gerrard : Anything you like. I know all the answers. But before we begin I should like to change my position; you may be comfortable, but I am not. Intruder : Sit down there, and no funny business. (Motions to a chair, and seats himself on the divan by the bag.) Now then, we’ll have a nice little talk about yourself! Gerrard : At last a sympathetic audience! I’ll tell you the story of my life. How as a child I was stolen by the gypsies, and why at the age of thirty-two, I find myself in my lonely Essex cottage, how...

(5 × 1 = 5)

Intruder : Keep it to yourself, and just answer my questions. You live here alone? Well, do you? Gerrard : I’m sorry. I thought you were telling me, not asking me. A question of inflection; your voice is unfamiliar. Intruder : (with emphasis) Do you live here alone? Gerrard : And if I don’t answer? Q. 1. Who was the intruder? (A) a thief (B) a criminal (C) a priest (D) a soldier Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 2. Gerrard lived all __________ in his house. Ans. alone Q. 3. Complete the given statement: The intruder wished to __________. Ans. Collect more information about Gerrard.



LITERATURE : PROSE



Q. 4. How did Gerrard behave when he saw the intruder with a revolver in his hand ? (A) He started crying. (B) He remained calm. (C) He was nervous. (D) He has fainted. Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. From whom did the intruder want to get information? (A) Gerrard (B) Police (C) himself (D) All of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. 2. Intruder : My speciality’s jewel robbery. Your car will do me a treat. It’s certainly a dandy bus. Gerrard : I’m afraid jewels are few and far between in the wilds of Essex. Intruder : So are the cops. I can retire here nicely for a little while. Gerrard : You mean to live with me? A trifle sudden isn’t it; you’ve not been invited. Intruder : You won’t be here long; so I didn’t trouble to ask. Gerrard : What do you mean? Intruder : This is your big surprise. I’m going to kill you. Gerrard : A little harsh, isn’t it? Intruder : (with heavy sarcasm) Yeah, I’ll be sorry to do it. I’ve taken a fancy to you, but it’s just got to be done. Gerrard : Why add murder to your other crimes? It’s a grave step you’re taking. Intruder : I’m not taking it for fun. I’ve been hunted long enough. I’m wanted for murder already, and they can’t hang me twice. Q. 1. The intruder tells Gerrard that his specialty was _________ . Ans. jewel robbery. Q. 2. What was the intruder’s plan? (A) to kill Gerrard and disguise himself as Gerrard (B) to rob Gerard (C) to stay with Gerrard (D) All of the above Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. What was the intruder already wanted for? (A) theft (B) robbery (C) murder (D) kidnapping



Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. According to Gerrard who was luckier than most melodramatic villains? (A) Gerrard (B) the intruder (C) both (A) and (B) (D) none of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. What was Gerrard’s Full Name? (A) Bill Gerrard (B) William Gerrard (C) Henry Gerrard (D) Vincent Charles Gerrard Ans. Option (D) is correct. 3. Gerrard : Oh, don’t be a fool. Look for yourself. (Gerrard opens door and steps away. Intruder leans forward to inspect it, with his side towards Gerrard, but with the revolver ready. As he turns his head, Gerrard gives him a push into the cupboard, knocking the revolver out of his hand. He slams the door and locks it, picks up the revolver and goes to the phone, where he stands with the gun pointed at the cupboard door.) Q. 1. What did Gerrard do to the intruder? (A) he killed him (B) he knocked him down (C) he locked him up in a cupboard (D) None of these Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. Gerrard was cleverer than the __________. Ans. intruder Q. 3. Do you think Gerrard was actually a murderer? (A) Yes (B) No (C) May be (D) Not known Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. According to Gerrard who comes to visit him? (A) the baker (B) the greengrocer (C) the milk man (D) All of the above Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 5. Who is the author of the lesson ? (A) Vikram Seth (B) Douglas James (C) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (D) J. L. Nehru Ans. Option (B) is correct.

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. ‘They can’t hang me twice’. Who said this and to whom in ‘If I were you’ ? What did the speaker mean ? (Board 2011, Term II) OR “They can’t hang me twice.” Who says this ? Why does the speaker say it ? [NCERT]

119

Ans.

(40-50 words & 3 marks each) Value Points : Intruder had already committed a murder, he could be hanged for it—he would lose nothing by committing another murder. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2012)

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Detailed Answer : The intruder said this to Gerrard. The intruder said this because he was a criminal and was wanted by the police for a murder he had committed. So, he felt it would not matter if he murdered Gerrard because the punishment given by the police would be the same, i.e., he couldn’t be hanged twice for two murders. Q. 2. ‘I said it with bullets.’ What is the speaker’s reason for saying this ? (Board Term II, 2011) Ans. Gerrard said these words to convey that he had fired a bullet in return. Gerrard said these words because the intruder wanted to kill him to use his identity and escape from the police. Gerrard wanted to mislead the intruder. He wanted to show that he himself was a criminal. Q. 3. What work does Gerrard do ? How do you know this ? (Board Term II, 2011) OR What is Gerrard’s profession ? Quote the parts of the play that support your answer. [NCERT]

Ans.

Gerrard, a dramatist, works for theatre, disguise outfit, false moustaches, etc., support this point. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2011) Detailed Answer : Gerrard is a dramatist who works for a theatre. The disguise outfit, false moustaches and other similar items in his cottage support this point. The last dialogue in which he says, ‘‘ Hello. Yes, speaking. Sorry I can’t let you have the props in time for rehearsal, .......’’ also supports this point. Q. 4. Why did the Intruder come to Gerrard’s house? (Board Term II, 2011) OR Why does the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on ? [NCERT] Ans. Gerrard lived alone in a house at a solitary place and he sometimes suddenly went off and came back just the same. The intruder was most wanted criminal and so he wanted to assume Gerrard’s identity by killing him and then live in his house to escape from police.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Sometimes we think we cannot be cheated since we consider ourselves over-smart. Was this proved correct for Gerrard in the play If I were you? Discuss the values required to be stronger and not be cheated. (Board Term II, 2016-17) Ans.

Value Points : l Gerrard, a witty person l remained calm and composed even in a critical situation l used his presence of mind l turned the tables l overconfidence can let one down l faced the situation with courage l pride comes before a fall (CBSE Marking Scheme 2016-17)

Detailed Answer : It is true that our over smartness fails sometimes. This was proved correct for Gerrard. As once, he was alone in his cottage, all of a sudden an intruder entered there. He had a revolver in his hand and he wanted to kill Gerrard. At that time, Gerrard was busy on the phone. Seeing the intruder, Gerrard did not lose his peace of mind. The intruder revealed that he was a jewel thief. He had killed a policeman and the police was after him. He wanted to avoid the police by taking Gerrard’s identity. Gerrard concocted a story and told that he too was a criminal like him. As a proof, he showed from him his travelling bag. He told the intruder that by killing him he would be accused of double

Value Points :

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

murder. He told the intruder that his friend was standing below on the road. As soon as the police arrived, he would inform Gerrard. Gerrard took the intruder to the door to show the man. When they reached near the cupboard, Gerrard pushed him into the cupboard and locked it from outside. Gerrard called the police to arrest the intruder. Hence he faced the situation with courage and came out of it successfully, being calm and composed. Q. 2. How did Gerrard befool the intruder to be able to save himself ? Ans.

Value Points : l packed my bag and was talking on the phone l suddenly saw an intruder in front of me. Before I could react, he pointed a gun at me. l shocked and scared but did not lose my presence of mind and told him that I am a criminal too. l locked him in a cupboard, called up the police to get him arrested.

Detailed Answer :

Once Gerrard, the playwright, was alone in his cottage. All of a sudden an intruder entered his cottage. He had a revolver in his hand and he wanted to kill Gerrard. At the time, Gerrard was busy over the phone. Seeing the intruder, Gerrard did not lose his peace of mind. The intruder revealed that he was a jewel thief. He had killed a policeman and the police was after him. He wanted



LITERATURE : PROSE

to avoid the police by taking Gerrard’s identity. Gerrard concocted a story and told that he too was a criminal like him. As a proof, he showed him his travelling bag. He told the intruder that by killing him he would be accused of double murder.

He told the intruder that his friend was standing

121

below on the road. As soon as the police arrived, he would inform Gerrard. Gerrard took the intruder to the door to show the man. When they reached near the cupboard, Gerrard pushed him into the cupboard and locked it from outside. Gerrard called the police to arrest the intruder.

nn

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Literature : Poems CHAPTER

1

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN —Robert Frost

Summary This is one of the finest poems by Robert Frost. It’s a poem with deep implications. It deals with the problem of making a right choice. Many times in our life, we are confounded with different choices and such a choice is often difficult to make. The poet stands in the woods, considering a fork in the road. Both ways are equally worn and equally overlaid with untrodden leaves. The speaker chooses one, telling himself that he will take the other on some another day. Yet, he knows it is unlikely that he will have the opportunity to do so. And he admits that someday in the future, he will recreate the scene with a slight twist. He will claim that he took the less-travelled road. The Road Not Taken consists of four stanzas of five lines each. The rhyme scheme is abaab.

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The Road Not Taken

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveller, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth. Q. 1. What does diverge mean? (A) to be separated and taking a different turn (B) to be torn (C) to break (D) all Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. Why was the poet able to travel one road only? (A) because he had to walk alone (B) because he had no vehicle (C) because he was one person (D) all Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. The phrase ______________ refers to the forest with yellow leaves in the autumn season. Ans. yellow woods

(5 × 1 = 5)

Q. 4. Where did the first road lead to? (A) grassland (B) dense forest (C) dessert (D) tropical forest Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. Give the opposite to ‘met at a point’ from the passage? Ans. Diverged 2. Then took the other, just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear. Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same. Q. 1. What does grassy mean in the poem? (A) The road which is not used by anyone (B) The comfortable road (C) The road with all the luxuries (D) Well-built road Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. Why did the poet choose the second road? (A) because it was well built (B) because it was beautiful

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

(C) because it was not used by many people, and was appealing to the poet (D) All Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. Why was the poet looking at the path? (A) to decide whether it was suitable for him (B) to see how long it was (C) to check the road (D) None of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. The poet's long stare at the path signifies ________________. Ans. the time taken by people to decide and make a choice. Q. 5. What shows that the road has not been used by many people? (A) the green and untrampled grass on it (B) the mud on it (C) the broken stones on it (D) All of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. 3. And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. Q. 1. What does the choice of road signify? (A) too many things (B) two paths (C) toughness of a choice and decision in life (D) None of these Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. Find a word from the extract that means ‘crushed’. Ans. Trodden Q. 3. Name the poetic device used in these lines. Ans. The poetic device used in these lines is repetition. Q. 4. What does the poet’s decision of taking less travelled road signify? (A) poet’s risk-taking habit (B) arrogance of the poet (C) poet’s curiosity (D) poet’s negligence

Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 5. The poet doubts his come back because (A) he continues to follow the road he chooses (B) he is very lazy (C) he is a man on the move (D) he never repeats himself Ans. Option (A) is correct. 4. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference. Q. 1. ‘Sigh’ means (A) regret (B) to hate (C) not to feel sorry (D) to be in different Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. What has made all the difference in the poet’s life? (A) choosing a travelled road (B) choosing a less travelled road (C) by not choosing any road (D) by not being weak Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. ‘Road’ is a metaphor for: (A) Travelling wisely (B) Good health (C) Choice we make in life (D) Morning walks Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. What is the dilemma of the poet? (A) whether he will be able to come back to the second road or not (B) whether he will get time for himself (C) whether he will be successful (D) whether he will be able to walk Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 5. Who is the poet of this poem? (A) James (B) William James (C) William Wordsworth (D) Robert Frost

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

Ans.

Why will the choice between two roads that seem very much alike, make such a big difference many years later in the life of the poet? A choice between the two roads that seem very much alike, will make such a big difference many years later in the poet’s life since this particular

Ans. Option (D) is correct.

(40-50 words & 3 marks each) decision of opting the particular path opened up many different opportunities for him in future. The decision that he now makes, will influence him and his life along with his rest of the decisions, since the two roads are same and they still have varied options in them.



LITERATURE : POETRY

Q. 2. Ans.

After reading the poem, can you detail the tone of the entire poem ? The overall tone of the poem is of regret. The poet believes that at some time far in the future, he would still be thinking of his two possible paths ‘with a sigh’. He does not anticipate being any less conflicted then or any more satisfied with his choice. He realises that his choice will make ‘all the difference’ in his life, but he is presently uncertain about what the difference would turn out to be.

Q. 4.

Ans.

Commonly Made Error

Students are not able to explain the tone of the poem.

Q. 5.

Answering Tip

Ans.

Tone of the poem is based on sadness and

Q. 3.

Ans.

regret.

Was the poet doubtful or clear that he would return to take the other path which he could not take earlier ? Throughout the poem and the poet’s journey, he faces an archetypal dilemma. He doubts if he

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

Ans.

What do the two roads symbolise in the first stanza? What is the significance of choosing a road? The two roads that the poet-traveller faces in his walk or journey are symbolic of the choices that we have to make in our life. The journey or a simple walk itself is a metaphor for the great journey of life whether one should adopt the way of spiritualism or materialism. In this poem, the poet, after prolonged thought, decides to take the road less travelled, road which is the road of spiritualism accepting its challenges and uncertainties. The decision is final and irreversible and it has its own consequences, may be positive or negative. In real life also, we confront such critical situations where we face life-altering options. The decision we make is crucial. We should contemplate over the choices before and then decide our priorities. Once, we make the decision and proceed accordingly, we can never reverse it. The life takes its own course and it does not give a second chance to alter our decision and change our course of life. Hence, we should decide wisely about the choices we make.

Q. 2.

Ans.



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would ever be able to come back to take that other road which might have given him some other more lucrative options in life. The poet believes and we all know that one road leads to another, so going back to the original path is not easy. Does the speaker feel that he has made the wrong choice in taking the road ‘less travelled by’? If not, why does he ‘sigh’? What does he regret ? No, the speaker does not feel that he has made a wrong decision by taking the less travelled road. The poet wanted to explore both the roads. He tells himself that he will explore one and then come back and explore the other. But at the same time he knows that he would probably be unable to do so. And that has made all the difference. What is your opinion of the difference— was it for the better or the worse? Substantiate your answer. The poem does not clearly state whether the choice made by the poet made him happy or sad. However, if examined by the way of the world, we find that the individuals who have achieved recognition and fame have always eschewed the beaten track. Hence, we can reason that the poettraveller was happy by choosing the less travelled path, not the beaten track. The concluding line of the poem— ‘And that has made all the difference’ connotes the poet’s joy.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each) Does the poem, The Road Not Taken, symbolise or reveal a meaning or aspect of freedom or responsibility ? The poem reveals the complex nature of a seemingly simple decision. The narrator is conflicted as he thinks about which road to take. Even after some deliberation and the fact that usage ‘Had worn them really about the same,’ he cannot help wondering, but then expressing the doubt by saying ‘if I should ever come back’. He is even trying to convince himself that he has made the best choice because when he looks back ‘Somewhere ages and ages hence’, he is sure that he will be able to say that he made the best choice and that it ‘has made all the difference’. This poem highlights the fact that freedom (of choice in this instance) brings with it its own set of responsibilities. The poem also, perhaps, indicates the futility of over-thinking in some situations. If, even trivial decisions require so much thought, how can anyone ever make lifechanging decisions. Apparently for the narrator, this is life-changing. At least the choice is what he has to make.

126 Q. 3. Ans.

Q. 4. Ans.

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Discuss the anticipation of remorse in the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’. There is a fair amount of irony to be found in the poem but, this is infused with the anticipation of remorse. The title is not ‘The Road Less Travelled’ but ‘The Road Not Taken’. Even if he makes a choice (a choice he is forced to make if he does not want to stand forever in the woods, one for which he has no real guide or definitive basis for decision-making), the speaker knows that he will second-guess himself somewhere down the line — or at the very least, he will wonder at what is irrevocably lost: the impossible, unknowable other path. But the nature of the decision is such that there is no Right Path — just the chosen path and the other path. The Road Less Travelled is a fiction the speaker will later invent, an attempt to polarise his past. What are ‘sighed for ages and ages’ hence are not so much the wrong decisions as the moments of decision themselves — moments that, one atop the other, mark the passing of a life. This is the more primal strain of remorse. What is the theme of the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ ? The poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ offers a profound perception into the process of decision making. The traveller at the crossroads of the diverging roads is symbolic of an individual at a decisive moment in his life’s journey. His decision or choice of future action, which road he should

Q. 5. Ans.

adopt either spiritualism or materialism, is of utmost significance since the decision decides his destiny. The poet, Robert Frost, through this poem asserts the importance of the right decision at the right time. In life, we have to make our choices; sometimes we have to make these choices without the full understanding of the state of affairs. Even then, we should arrive at decision only after carefully considering all the available options. We may regret our choice or we may be excited about our choice, but the choice at the crucial moment will determine and change the path of our life. Hence, the poem stresses the need for deep and critical analysis of the situation before we arrive at a life-transforming decision. What appeals to you in the poem ? The poem, ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost is extremely appealing as it, in simple words and style, presents the importance of making appropriate decisions at critical moments in our life. In life, we have to choose our options; sometimes we have to make these choices without a full awareness of the circumstances. Even then, we should come to a decision only after properly considering all the offered alternatives. We may regret our choice or we may be thrilled by our choice, but the choice at the vital moment will determine and transform the path of our life. Hence, the poem emphasises the necessity for deep and serious reasoning of the circumstances before we arrive at a life-transforming decision.

Artificial Intelligence PARAMETERS

DESCRIPTION

Chapter Covered

Chapter 1: The Road Not Taken

Name of the book

Beehive, Class 9, NCERT

Subject and Artificial Artificial Intelligence & English Intelligence Integrated Learning Objectives

● To build an appreciation of nature and the changing seasons as described by the poet ● To draw on the symbolism of the roads as mentioned by Robert Frost ● To prompt decision making and analysis of the consequences of the decisions made ● To try and predict probability by using Artificial Intelligence and by linking this to why the Poet chose the road he did.

Time Required

2 periods of 40 minutes each.

Classroom Arrangement

Flexible

Material Required

Pen, paper, sticky notes blackboard, chalk, smartboard/ screen and projector, laptops, internet connection & Google Story Speaker add-on for Google Docs.

Pre-Preparation Activities

The students are divided into pairs for the Pre-Preparation activity.

AI CONCEPTS INTEGRATED



LITERATURE : POETRY

Previous Knowledge

Students are asked to play an online game called Rock Paper Scissors in pairs – to understand probability and prediction. Each pair will then explain what they have understood about choices and whether there is a pattern to them. The students will also explain how the AI in the game either defeated them or not and why.

Artificial Intelligence Game - which is based on Data collection and analyses

Introduction

The teacher asks students to think about various occasions when they are faced with decision making and the probability of choosing something they may regret later. She /He introduces them to Google Story Speaker and asks them to build a story based on the choices they make and the path they take.

Introduction to Google Story Speaker discussion and creation of a chat bot

Methodology

The students are asked to listen to a reading on the unit The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost to absorb the depth in the seemingly simple verses. There is an open discussion on what the poet meant by the following: ● a yellow wood ● it was grassy and wanted wear ● the passing there ● leaves no step had trodden black ● how way leads on to way

Discussion on the Text

● After the Pre preparation activity the class retains its pairs and students are asked to re-read the poem and then answer the questions as a pair exercise: ● Where does the traveler find himself? What problem does he face? ● Is there any difference between the two roads as the poet describes them (i) in stanzas two and three? (ii) in the last two lines of the poem ● What do you think the last two lines of the poem mean? (Looking back, does the poet regret his choice or accept it?) Thereafter, the teacher divides the class into pairs and asks them to use Google Story Speaker to write the story they had begun earlier Have you ever had to make a difficult choice (or do you think you will have difficult choices to make)? How will you make the choice (for what reasons)? 2. After you have made a choice do you always think about what might have been, or do you accept the reality of the situation? Each pair group is then asked to share their story with another group.

Learning Outcomes

Students interpret how they will have difficult choices to make They learn to reason out before making the choice They analyze whether after a choice has been made, they think about what might have been, or whether they accept reality They develop skills of team work and coordination and improve their analytical and reasoning prowess.

Self-Evaluation and Follow-Up

The teacher will assess the success of the activity through a poster which students will be asked to make on decisions that will affect their future

Follow up Activities

The students will be asked to write an article as their future self from the position they are in life due to a decision they took in their youth that “made the difference”.

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CHAPTER

2

WIND —Subramania Bharati

Summary In this poem, the poet has very beautifully expressed his ideas about both the constructive and destructive aspects of the wind. The wind is often satirical of weak men. Wind symbolizes the difficulties that are faced in life. When we have the endurance to bear the difficulties of life, we can overcome each challenge but, if we are weak and unstable, we succumb to the difficulties of life.

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Wind

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

Wind come softly.



Don’t break the shutters of the windows.



Don’t scatter the papers.



Don’t throw down the books on the shelf.

Q. 1. Who broke the doors of the window? (A) children (B) a boy (C) a naughty boy (D) wind Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 2. The speaker is asking the wind to come: Ans. Softly Q. 3. In the poem, the speaker asks the wind not to ___________ the papers. (A) destroy (B) take away (C) scatter (D) dry out Ans. Option (C) is correct. (iv) Trace a word from the extract which means ‘thrown in different directions'. Ans. Scatter Q. 5. The speaker is asking the wind not to throw down the: (A) cereals (B) ornaments (C) clothes (D) books Ans. Option (D) is correct.

2.

(5 × 1 = 5)

There, look what you did — you threw them all down. You tore the pages of the books. You brought rain again. You are very clever at poking fun at weaklings. Q. 1. Who brought the rain? (A) wind (B) ocean (C) plants (D) none of the above Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. Who are affected by the wind? (A) weak (B) strong (C) people (D) things Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. Identify a word in the poem which is the antonym of 'foolish'? Ans. Clever Q. 4. Who tore the page of the books? (A) children (B) monkey (C) wind (D) none of these Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. The poem teaches us to be firm and determined. One should never feel defeated by any _______________ . Ans. obstacle



LITERATURE : POETRY

3.

Frail crumbling houses, crumbling doors, crumbling rafters, crumbling wood, crumbling bodies, crumbling lives, crumbling hearts — the wind god winnows and crushes them all. Q. 1. 'Crumbling hearts' refers to ____________ . Ans. weak people. Q. 2. The wind god winnows _________. (A) anything that is big and strong (B) anything that is weak and crumbling (C) anything that is in the world (D) anything that is not natural Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. How does the wind behave with the nonliving object? (A) it crushes them all (B) it does not touch them (C) it makes them strong (D) it becomes friendly with them Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. Why do people winnow the grain? (A) to clean the dust (B) to remove straws (C) to take out chaff (D) All Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 5. Who is the poet of the poem? (A) Subramania Bharti (B) Robert Frost (C) Ruskin Bond (D) William Wordsworth Ans. Option (A) is correct. 4. He won’t do what you tell him. So, come, let’s build strong homes, Let’s joint the doors firmly. Practise to firm the body. Make the heart steadfast. Q. 1. What should the people do to save their homes? (A) use good cement (B) build strong homes and close the doors firmly (C) consult a good architect (D) none Ans. Option (B) is correct.



Q. 2. “He won’t do what you tell him.”Who is he in this line? (A) God (B) Wind God (C) Wind (D) All Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. What does the poet advise? (A) build strong homes (B) join the door firmly (C) make our body firm and strong (D) all of the above Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 4. Which figure of speech has been used in the poem? (A) alliteration (B) anaphora (C) personification (D) All Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. The word from the extract that means ‘proper’ is __________. Ans. Steadfast 5. Do this, and the wind will be friends with us. The wind blows out weak fires. He makes strong fires roar and flourish. His friendship is good. We praise him every day. Q. 1. Who is blown out by the wind? (A) weak fire (B) strong fire (C) papers (D) all Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. What does the word prosper mean in the poem? (A) keep going (B) flourish (C) keep moving (D) proper Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. The wind makes the strong fire _________ and _________ . Ans. roar and flourish Q. 4. What is the name of this poem? (A) Wind god (B) God (C) Wind (D) None of these Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. A word that means thrive or prosper in the paragraph is __________ . Ans. flourish

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. What plea does the poet make when he addresses the wind ? Ans.

(Board Term-I, 2016)

Value Points : not bring destruction not to scatter papers, bring rain, throw down books from shelves. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016)

129

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Detailed Answer :

While addressing the wind, the poet makes a plea of not bringing destruction for humanity. It should also not scatter papers, break the shutters of the windows, bring rain and throw down books from shelves.

Q. 2.

What are the figures of speech in the poem ‘Wind’ ?

130 Ans.

Q. 3. Ans.

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

The most common figure of speech in the poem is ‘Anaphora’ which means the repetition of certain words. The repetition of the word ‘don’t’ in the first three lines of the poem is an example of Anaphora. Also, the entire poem is a metaphor as it ends on a note of application to humanity to stand against all ravages, natural or man-made.

the daily life of the weaker section of the world. The strong or gusty winds represents turmoil and trouble in our life. These troubles are to be ignored. Q. 5.

Describe the central idea of the poem.

Ans.

The poem ‘Wind’ inspires us to face the challenges thrown at us with grit and firm determination. We should be strong enough to face all the hardships of life with courage. Wind symbolizes problems and obstacles that we all face and go through at some point of time in our lives.

Can wind ever be friend with us ? OR What should we do to make friend with the wind ? [NCERT] Wind, literally, can be our friend. Wind is a phenomenon which teaches us how to be strong. Our friends always teach us to be strong and determined. In times of need, wind teaches us to face our obstacles. Hence, we have to be strong when there are obstacles in our life so that we don’t get beaten up by them.

Q. 4.

Is wind regarded as a symbol of destruction in the poem? Explain.

Ans.

In the poem, first stanza depicts the destruction caused by wind. The wind tears the pages of the books, brings rain again and again and destroys

Commonly Made Error

Students do not explain central idea of the poem. They only explain the summary of the poem.

Answering Tip

Central idea is based on how to face the

Long Answer Type Questions

challenges of life.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

Q. 1.

Does the poem reflect the human suffering being initiated by wind? Explain with examples.

Q. 2.

What challenges are posed by wind in the life of the poet and the common man ?

Ans.

I believe that wind is a poignant example of the metaphor of God’s will for a variety of reasons. First, the wind is invisible, but the effects it has on other aspects of this world, are clear and evident. The poem reflects upon the constructive and destructive paths taken by the wind. Wind is extreme and violent, but not necessarily legitimate with anger and emotions. Wind creates compassion, but apathy at the same time in human life. Winds emphasise the passionate, intense nature of the poet, while the decay and death inherent in the metaphor suggests the sacrifice and suffering of humans. We also see that wind is a metaphor for the God’s will because its effects in this world can be both beneficial or ostensibly destructive.

Ans.

In our lives, wind affects our daily routine. It hampers and dampens the spirit of life around. According to the poet, rain and wind are deeds of nature and that are perceived as the tempest forces which destroy the old and evil inside a man in order to create joy and liberty in his mind. Wind is the difficult natural phenomenon that is very difficult to be predicted accurately, just as our problems which can arise from anywhere. It can hit us at any time in our life. For frail people, literally and metaphorically, wind creates barriers. Winds do not let a frail body or a frail mind survive but on the other hand if you are strong, you have the power and the will to survive and fight back, Wind can never be a threat to your living being.



LITERATURE : POETRY

131

Artificial Intelligence PARAMETERS

DESCRIPTION

Chapter Covered

Chapter 2: Wind

Name of the book

Beehive, Class 9, NCERT

AI CONCEPTS INTEGRATED

Subject and Artificial Integration of awareness of Artificial intelligence and teaching of English Intelligence Integrated Learning Objectives

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

To praise nature’s great power i.e. air, water, fire To deal with nature's powers appropriately. To understand and appreciate the poem thoroughly. To enrich their vocabulary To help them to enjoy and appreciate poetry. To impart knowledge about figure of speech. To kindle the imagination of creative poetry To enable students to grasp the theme and gist of the poem. To help students exercise the message given in the poem in their life. To identify various poetic devices used in the poem. To understand weather forecasting tools.

Time Required

2 periods of 40 minutes each.

Classroom Arrangement

Flexible

Material Required

Pen, paper, blackboard, chalk, smartboard/screen, projector & laptops

Pre-Preparation Activities

The students are divided in groups of 4 for the pre preparation activity.

Previous Knowledge

Students are asked to discuss among themselves the famous personalities who faced many challenges and hardships in their lives and still came out strong and carved a niche in their respective fields. Each group will then present a summary of the discussion.

Introduction

The teacher asks the students to think of the various ways to make the mind strong and hearts firm to face challenges in life.

Methodology

The students are asked to listen to a reading on the poem Wind by Subramania Bharati to understand the summary: We all know that wind is a natural phenomenon. In this poem, the poet talks to the wind. The power of wind has been described and the poet says that wind is destructive. He has linked the destructive power of wind to the adversities of life and says that the weak people break down, but stronger people emerge out of adversities, stronger. The poem gives an important message that we should be mentally tough and physically strong in order to survive the hardships of life. A weak person breaks down like a weak building and crumbles. We must make these destructive forces our friends, with our strength and determination.

Discussion on the Text

After the Pre preparation activity the class retains its group and students are asked to re-read the poem and then answer the questions: What are the things the wind does in the first stanza? ● Have you seen anybody winnow grain at home or in a paddy field? What is the word in your language for winnowing? What do people use for winnowing? (Give the words in your language if you know them.) ● What does the poet say the wind god winnows? ● How do we make wind our friend? ● What do the last four lines of the poem mean to you? ● How does the poet speak to the wind—in anger or with humour? You must also have seen or heard of the wind “crumbling lives”. What is your response to this? Is it the same as the poet’s? ● What does the wind symbolize?

Weather forecasting tool (Discussion)

experiments. withgoogle

go-goal

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Learning Outcomes

● The moral lessons that we learn from the poem is that the poem A discussion on inspires us to face challenges and hardship with courage, firm ethics regarding AI determination and grit. is initiated. ● The poem Wind is a symbol of problems and obstacles which are to be dealt with without fear. ● We must be friends with the wind (obstacles) to cope with hard situations that we face on our daily lives. Poetic Devices Learnt: ● Personification ● Metaphor ● Anaphora ● Symbolism

Follow up Activities

The students will be asked to write poetry with some other element of nature. OR The students can be told to collect data of cyclones hitting India in 2019-2020 and compare the data with 2000-2001. The students will be encouraged to make a report.

generates a poem based on keywords

datavizcatalogue.com Reflections

The students will appreciate the poem and the poetry. Listen to the Poem on audio books (NCERT) for better understanding of rhythm and intonation.

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CHAPTER

3

RAIN ON THE ROOF —Coates Kinney

Summary It is a poem that tells us about the poet’s sweet memories of his childhood. At night, when dark clouds cover the sky and it rains gently, then the poet lies in his cosy bed listening to the sound of the gentle rain droplets on the rooftop of his house. He remembers that his mother used to tell him stories which gave him immense solace and pleasure.

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Rain on the Roof

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

When the humid shadows hover Overall, the starry spheres And the melancholy darkness Gently weeps in rainy tears, What a bliss to press the pillow Of a cottage-chamber bed And lie listening to the patter Of the soft rain overhead!

Q. 1. Which poetic device has been used in third line? Ans. Transferred epithet Q. 2. What does starry spheres mean? (A) places where stars are born (B) sky filled with stars (C) groups of stars in the sky (D) all Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. The favourite activity of the poet is to lie on the bed and listen to the ________ sound of the rain. Ans. pitter-patter Q. 4. Why does the poet call darkness as a melancholy? (A) It makes him aggressive. (B) It makes him arrogant.

(5 × 1 = 5)

(C) It makes him sad. (D) It makes him confused.

Ans. Option (C) is correct.



Q. 5. Find a word from the passage whose meaning is same to ‘sadness’.

(A) darkness (B) melancholy (C) shadows (D) starry

Ans. Option (B) is correct.

2.

Every tinkle on the shingles



Has an echo in the heart;



And a thousand dreamy fancies



Into busy being start,



And a thousand recollections



Weave their air-threads into woof,



As I listen to the patter



Of the rain upon the roof.



Q. 1. Who are darling dreamers in the poem?

(A) children who miss their mothers (B) mothers (C) hard working mothers (D) poet’s memories

Ans. Option (A) is correct.

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Q. 2. What tinkles on the shingles? (A) rain drops (B) hailstones (C) brass-bell (D) silver bangles Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. What makes an echo in the poet’s mind? (A) his poverty (B) his success

(C) the music of pattering rain (D) none of these Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. The rain is making a noise on the _______ . Ans. roof Q. 5. Trace a word from the extract that means ‘memories. Ans. Recollections

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

How does the poet describe the sky before the

rain falls ? (Board Term-I) Ans. There are dark clouds hovering around in the sky. They hide the stars with darkness all around. The poet compares the darkness with sadness, as these humid shadows gently weep which pours down as rainy tears. Q. 2. Is the poet, Coates Kinney, able to enjoy the rain Ans.

Q. 3. Ans.

or he reminisces at the lost time? The general atmosphere of the poem is very somber. There is darkness around but rain compensates it with the spirit of peace for the lonely night. The poet realises how much joy and pleasure of sleep he can attain when his head presses against his pillow to conclude the long day into a good night’s rest. Do you think that the poem, ‘Rain on the Roof ’, is lauding the healing power of the rain ? The poet is appreciating rain, especially when he hears it from a cosy bed in a lovely cottage. The

Q. 4. Ans.

Q. 5. Ans.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

Ans.



What happens when the poet listens to the patter of the rain? Do you think that rain is a narrative tool in the poet’s life ? The raindrops play music on the roof and create a sound of pitter-patter. To the poet, this music is blissful. In the beginning of the poem, there is certain tinge of sadness around, which starts to weep away with the coming of raindrops. Every raindrop on the tiles of the roof creates a rhythm with the poet’s heartbeat. The poet tries to focus on listening to the pitter-patter on the roof whereas, his mind weaves the recollections of fond memories of yesteryears. Rain bears a subtle link with all aspects of life. It serves as a powerful narrative tool in the poet’s life. It has added a layer of depth and fullness to the situation as far as the poet is concerned. It delivers an effective voice which communicates the apt moment of time and space as well as the emotions of the protagonist in a more poignant manner than mere words could do.

Q. 2. Ans.

Q. 3.

Ans.

(40-50 words & 3 marks each) rain and its sound have resurrected the fondest memory of the poet’s mother in his mind. As the rain continues, the poet tries to recollect all that caused him pain, yet at the same time lifted his spirits. What does each sound of shingle create ? Every raindrop on the tiles of the roof creates a rhythm with the poet’s heartbeat. This evokes thousands of dreams making his thoughts busy. While he focuses on the sound of the pitter-patter on the roof, his mind starts weaving recollections of fond memories of yesteryears. Who all does the poet remember while listening to the rain ? The poet remembers his mother who used to put him to bed every night and then used to look at him lovingly while he slept. He also remembers his angelic sister who died early. He also remembers the young girl, whom the poet had admired at some point of time in his life.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each) Dreams hold importance in the poet’s life. Is it true ? Explain. This poem is depicting the overall mood on a rainy night. During night, the humid cloud, full of water, creates dark shadows over the starstudded sky. The poet dreams about his mother and the way she used to tuck him in bed. The poet’s dream of his mother, reminds him of his childhood days. His mother used to tell stories to lull him into sleep full of dreams. The music being played on the rooftop is like the affectionate look by which his mother used to see him, while he was a kid. So, dreams make him realise the importance of past and the things that he now misses. There is an image of past in the poem, ‘Rain on the Roof ’. Is this imagery similar to ones used in the poem, ‘The Road Not Taken’ ? Explain. In the poem, ‘Rain on the Roof ’, past is being spoken about but not in terms of regret or sadness whereas in the poem, ‘The Road Not Taken’, there is





LITERATURE : POETRY

sadness and regret used as imagery. Rain lulls the poet into dreams which brings back the memory of his family and the loved ones. In the poem, ‘The Road Not Taken’, the poet is regretting his decision that he took years back. There is an imagery of past in both the poems but in the poem by Coates Kinney, the past imagery is the wonderful thought of a loving mother whereas, in the poem by Robert Frost,

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the thought is about regret. ‘The Road Not Taken’ symbolises the choice to enter the unchartered land. It suggests that in making this choice he is trying to distinguish himself from the rest of the world by taking the less travelled, less worn road. Both the poems have the imagery of past. One creates a sense of love and want creating a somber mood whereas the other delves into the decision making power of the poet which took him places but could not satisfy him.

Artificial Intelligence PARAMETERS

DESCRIPTION

Chapter Covered

Chapter 3: Rain on the Roof

Name of the book

Beehive, Class 9, NCERT

AI CONCEPTS INTEGRATED

Subject and Artificial Rain on the Roof (Poem) in English and Artificial Intelligence (Arts 1. Arts experiment with Google Intelligence Integrated experiment with Google, Poem Portraits) (Poem Portraits) 2. Imaginary Soundscape Learning Objectives

The learners will be able to: ● Understand the poem ● Analyze the theme of the poem ● Identify and explain the poetic devices used ● To analyze the range of emotions one can undergo in certain situations ● To try using Arts experiment with Google (Poem Portraits) to compose a poem.

Time Required

2 periods of 40 minutes each.

Classroom Arrangement

Online (Flexible)

Material Required

Physical classroom: Pen, paper, blackboard, chalk, smartboard/screen and projector, laptop/computer, textbook. Online class: Internet connection, laptop/desktop/smartphone, textbook/PDF text, Pear deck presentation, Padlet, AI tools: Arts experiment with Google (Poem Portraits) and Imaginary Soundscape

Pre-Preparation Activities

Students are given instructions on the starter activity. Students are shown three different images with situations pertaining to rain and asked to share three words that comes to their mind when they see the pictures.

Previous Knowledge

Using AI modelled Imaginary Soundscape, they are introduced to some sounds and asked to reflect on what comes first to their mind/recollect a memory.

AI Imaginary Soundscape to recollect the memory

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Methodology

● The students are made to listen to a rendition of the poem. ● Motivate reflection on the title and situations that come to students’ minds. ● Introduction of the poet and the kind of poetry he wrote. ● Explanation of the poem with emphasis on important phrases. ● Identification of the poetic devices. ● Discussion on the poem. ● Discussion of contextual and non-contextual questions. ● Use of AI tools.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the poem, students will be able to: ● Quote important lines from the poem. ● Paraphrase the poem. ● Identify and analyze the theme of the poem. ● Identify and explain the poetic devices used. ● Infer and articulate the feelings of the poet. ● Co-relate the various sounds and emotions as expressed in the poem. ● Reflect on own experiences. ● Answer all contextual and non-contextual questions. ● Compose a short poem or write a paragraph on any other element of nature. ● Demonstrate usage of AI concepts integrated

Follow up Activities

The teacher will assess the success of the activity through a poem/ Students will feed in paragraph which students will be asked to compose/write. a word associated with rain or any other Students will use Arts experiment with Google, Poem Portraits. element of nature and based on the input received, can continue the poem.

poemportraits Reflections

Develop thoughts on the work done by students. Discussion with Students on the role of AI application: Ask and take feedback on the scope of the AI tools used and any problems they encountered while using the AI tool. Any other AI application that can be used as an alternative.

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CHAPTER

4

THE LAKE ISLE OF INNISFREE —William Butler Yeats

Summary The poet dreams of escaping the busy streets of London. He remembers Innisfree, as a perfect little island that fulfilled all his needs. The poet declares that he will arise and go to Innisfree, where he will build a small cabin out of ‘clay and wattles’. He will have nine bean-rows and a beehive there, and live alone in the glade with the loud sound of bees (‘the bee-loud glade’). He says that he will have peace there, for peace drops from ‘the veils of morning to where the cricket sings’. At midnight there is a glimmer, and noon is a purple glow, and evening is full of linnet’s wings. He declares again that he will arise and go, for always, night and day, he hears the lake water lapping ‘with low sounds by the shore’. While he stands in the city, ‘on the roadway, or on the pavements grey’, he hears the sound within himself, ‘in the deep heart’s core’.

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The Lake Isle of Innisfree

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : (5 × 1 = 5) 1. I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree, Ans. Option (D) is correct. And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles Q. 4. Find a word from the passage which means made: the same as ‘only’. Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the (A) arise (B) loud honeybee, (C) cabin (D) alone And live alone in the bee-loud glade. Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 1. What thing will the poet not do on the Q. 5. State whether the following statement is Innisfree land? TRUE or FALSE : (A) build a restaurant The poet wishes to go to Innisfree to live a (B) build a small cabin peaceful life, away from the noise of city. (C) plant nine bean rows Ans. The statement is true. (D) build a hive for the honeybee 2. And I shall have some peace there, for peace Ans. Option (A) is correct. comes dropping slow Q. 2. Name the poet of ‘The Lake Isle of Dropping from the veils of the morning to where Innisfree’. the cricket sings; Ans. William Butler Yeats There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a Q. 3. Why does the poet wish to stay at Innisfree? purple glow, (A) To live in peaceful environment And evenings full of the linnet’s wings. (B) To avoid the responsibilities of his family Q. 1. What does the poet wish to have? (C) To escape from the hectic schedule of (A) space (B) peace city life (C) freedom (D) war (D) Both (A) and (C) Ans. Option (B) is correct.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q. 2. Name the literary device used in the poem. (A) rhythm (B) repetition (C) metaphor (D) rhyme Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. What does the poet see in Innisfree land? (A) glimmering midnight (B) purple noon (C) the evening full of linnet’s wings (D) All of these Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 4. What kind of scene is there at night at Innisfree? (A) dark (B) gloomy (C) glimmering (D) none Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. The rhyming scheme of the given stanza is ________. Ans. abab 3. I will arise and go now, for always night and day I hear the lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore; While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey, I hear it in the deep heart’s core. Q. 1. What does ‘It‘ in the last line stand for ? (A) bird (B) river (C) lake water (D) road Ans. Option (C) is correct.



Q. 2. What sounds does the poet hear even when he is away from Innisfree? (A) Sounds of cars (B) Noise of the city (C) Sound of lake water (D) All Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. ‘Lake water lapping with low sounds‘. What image do these words draw in the mind? (A) flowing stream (B) sound of flowing stream (C) low soft sound of lake’s water washing the shore (D) none Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. Complete the analogy: night : day :: ________ : deep Ans. shallow Q. 5. What does the poet hear night and day in the core of his heart? (A) The sound of the lake water lapping against the shore of Innisfree. (B) The cries of his children telling him to come back home. (C) The cries of his countrymen to fight for his country. (D) The cries of birds and animals to come and live with them in the forest. Ans. Option (A) is correct.

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Ans.

Q. 2. Ans.

Why does the poet want to go to Innisfree ? The poet wants to go to Innisfree in search of peace. He does not like the noisy place as London is. The poet craves for some peace and hence he wants to go to Innisfree. There he wants to make a small cabin and grow beans. He wants to live there alone. What things does the poet wish to have in Innisfree ? [Board Term-I, 2015 Set-TRCSL 99] Value point : The poet wishes to have a small cabin of clay and wattles, nine bean-rows and a hive for honeybees. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015)

Detailed Answer : The poet wishes to have a small cabin of clay and wattles, nine bean rows and a hive for honeybees. He wants to be alone at that place with the loud sound of bees. Q. 3. Describe the person, the place or the things brought vividly to life by the poet. Ans. The Lake Isle of Innisfree by W. B. Yeats vividly describes a lake island in Innisfree. The island is

Q. 4. Ans.

Q. 5. Ans.

Q. 6.

(40-50 words & 3 marks each) an incredibly peaceful place. The island is also a place of great natural beauty. Yeats describes many different aspects of its appeal, from the various birds and insects to the striking light at different times of day. This is a landscape that has not been damaged or diminished by human interference. How is the city life different from the life at the Lake of Innisfree ? The poet does not like the city life. The pavements are dull and grey. There is chaos all around in England. But there is nature’s beauty in Innisfree. It is like a dream place for the poet that actually exists in reality. There is a perfect harmony on the island between the plants and the weather. What is the tone of the poem ? The poem has a very calm and relaxing tone. The reader may very well imagine a person physically going to this place called Innisfree. Infact the narrator of the poem is also visiting this place in his imagination. It helps him to relax and escape the rush of modern living. Briefly describe one major theme of the poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree.



Ans.

LITERATURE : POETRY

The major theme in The Lake Isle of Innisfree, is nature versus civilisation. What we value in life is often the exact opposite of what civilisation brings

with it. Nature allows us to explore the various forms of life but, civilisation has set certain rules we have to abide by.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

Ans.







Q. 2.

Ans.

In your opinion, what words or phrases used by the poet are the most effective in bringing the person, place or thing to life? Give reasons for your answer. Throughout the poem, Yeats uses a variety of imaginative phrases to capture the essence of the lake Isle. He brings the island to life by referring to the different birds and insects there. He comments on how ‘the cricket sings’ and refers to ’linnet’s wings’. This gives a sense of energy on the island, and reminds us of what a natural place it is. The line ‘and live alone in the bee-loud glade’ correctly captures the point that Yeats is trying to make about the island. It is an isolated place, where he can enjoy the solitude. In the second stanza of the poem, Yeats describes how the light changes on the island throughout the day. He tells us that ‘noon’s a purple glow’. This light brings to life the entire lake island. Finally, Yeats manages to capture the sounds of the island. He tells us that he can hear’ water lapping in low sounds by the shore’. Yeats uses alliteration to recreate the sounds. By repeating the letter ‘I’ so many times, we get a sense of the slow and gentle movement of the water. In the poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree, what does the poet find so attractive about ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’? The thing that the poet finds so attractive about Lake Isle of Innisfree is its promise of peace. The poet, then, longs for this place which provides a sense of contentment and relaxation far from the busy modern life. The poem’s slow and regular meter helps to convey this languid, dreamy effect. There is also the vivid impressionistic description of the colours and beauty of this place, and the soothing stir of

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Q. 3. Ans.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each) nature which is so different from the strident noise of the city where the poet actually is, as the final stanza makes it clear. The poet, then, is physically trapped in the city, but he can imagine the beauty of Innisfree and this gives him spiritual sustenance. This is one of Yeats’s early lyrics, exhibiting a familiar romantic sensibility in its praise of the deep purity and beauty of nature which is contrasted with the drabness, shallowness and sterility of modern urban living. Does the poem celebrate the theme of escapism ? Explain. The poem focuses on Innisfree as a place of escape for the speaker. The speaker describes Innisfree as a simple, natural environment where he will build a cabin and live all by himself. The Lake Isle of Innisfree expresses the idea that nature provides an inherently restorative place, where human beings can go to escape the chaos and corrupting influences of civilisation. In this poem, the speaker/Yeats longs to live in the simplicity of nature, with no extraneous distractions of city life or the superfluous habits, customs, and daily routines of an increasingly fast-paced, modern world. The speaker is only dreaming of ‘getting away from it all’. Even if he never goes, he will at least have the mental escape. This is the saving grace; even if he can not get out of the city, he can imagine to escape himself to hear the lake water lapping even while standing on the pavement in the city. There is another appeal/implication that one can never go back to the past place of nostalgia and youth, but through imagination and reflection, one can always have the mental escape and memory of another time and place of one’s choice.

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CHAPTER

5

A LEGEND OF THE NORTHLAND —Phoebe Cary

Summary The poem is a legend about an old lady who angered Saint Peter because of her greed. In Northland, lived a lady who was very selfish and greedy. Saint Peter, while preaching the Scan to know more about this chapter world, reached her door one day. She was making cakes and baking them on a hearth. St. Peter was fainting with hunger. He asked the lady to give him a piece of cake. The cake that she was baking then appeared to be too big so she did not give him a piece from that and baked another small one. That also appeared too big so she did not give him that also. Now, she took an extremely little scrap of dough and rolled it flat. She made it as thin as a wafer A Legend of The Northland but was unable to part with that also. This angered St. Peter a lot. He said that she was not fit to live in human form and enjoy food and warmth. He cursed her and transformed her into a woodpecker who has to bore into hard and dry wood to get its scanty food. She can be seen in the trees all day boring and boring for food.

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

Away, away in the Northland, Where the hours of the day are few, And the nights are so long in winter That they cannot sleep them through. Where they harness the swift reindeer To the sledges when it snows. And the children look like bear’s cubs In their funny, furry clothes

Q. 1. Where did the story of this poem occur? (A) Switzerland (B) Scotland (C) Northland (D) Netherland Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. How do the children wearing furry clothes look? (A) They look like little pups. (B) They look like foxes. (C) They look like fawns. (D) They look like bear’s cubs. Ans. Option (D) is correct.



(5 × 1 = 5)

Q. 3. Why can’t people sleep the winter nights through in Northland? (A) because the nights are too short there. (B) because the nights are too long there. (C) because it is all the time night there. (D) because there is no night there. Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. These lines have been written by _________. Ans. Phoebe Cary Q. 5. The children have been compared to the ______________ . Ans. bear cubs. 2. They tell them a curious story — I don’t believe ’tis true. And yet you may learn a lesson If I tell the tale to you. Once, when the good Saint Peter Lived in the world below, And walked about it, preaching,

Just as he did, you know





Q. 1. Saint Peter _______ during his travels around the world. Ans. preached the people. Q. 2. Is it a true story? (A) Yes (B) No (C) Can’t say anything (D) May be Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. What does the poetess say about the story? (A) She believes the story to be true. (B) She does not believe the story to be true. (C) None of these. (D) She was in dilemma. Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. Where did Saint Peter live then? (A) He lived on the earth below. (B) He lived on the cloud. (C) He lived in the heaven. (D) None of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 5. The poem ‘A legend of the Northland’ was written by: (A) Robert Frost (B) Phoebe Cary (C) W. B. Yeats (D) Coates Kinney Ans. Option (B) is correct. 3. He came to the door of a cottage, In travelling round the earth, Where a little woman was making cakes, And baking them on the hearth. And being faint with fasting, For the day was almost done, He asked her, from her store of cakes, To give him a single one.

Q. 1. What was the little woman doing when St. Peter went to her? (A) She was eating cakes. (B) She was giving away cakes to the poor. (C) She was making and baking cakes. (D) She was putting cakes on the self. Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. What did St. Peter ask for from the little woman? (A) a single cake (B) a dozen cakes (C) a loaf of bread (D) something to eat Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. How was Saint Peter feeling when he reached the little woman’s cottage? (A) tired and hungry (B) hale and hearty

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(C) happy and refreshed (D) trembling with cold and fever Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE: The little woman was happy to host St. Peter. Ans. False Q. 5. Give a word from the passage that means ‘fireplace’. (A) cottage (B) hearth (C) baking (D) None of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct. 4. So she made a very little cake, But as it baking lay, She looked at it, and thought it seemed Too large to give away. Therefore she kneaded another, And still a smaller one; But it looked, when she turned it over, As large as the first had done. Q. 1. What did the little woman think of the cakes she baked? (A) She thought they were too big. (B) She thought they were too small. (C) She thought they were too small for her but too big to give away. (D) She thought they were too big for her but too small to give away. Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. The little woman baked a cake for Saint Peter but didn't give him because she thought it was ___________ to give away. Ans. too big Q. 3. What did the woman make thereafter? (A) She made a very big cake. (B) She made a very little cake. (C) She made a very little bread. (D) None of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 4. What did the second cake appear her to be? (A) It seemed to her too big as the first one. (B) It seemed to her too small as the first one. (C) It was not good to the first one. (D) None of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 5. The woman has been shown as very ______ and ______ in this stanza. Ans. selfish and greedy

142

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Ans.

Q. 2. Ans.

Q. 3.

Who came knocking at the door of the old woman? Why was he there ? In the Northland, an old lady lived in a cottage. She was baking cakes when St. Peter came knocking at her door. He had become weak with fasting and travelling. He was looking for food and hence came knocking at the old lady’s door. Why does the poet say that the hours of the day are few ? In the poem, the poet uses a name Northland. In the area of Northland, the nights are longer and the days are shorter. As a result there are very few hours in a day. What is a legend ? Why is this poem called a legend ? [NCERT]

Ans.

A legend is a partially true story, which has been passed on from one person to another through ages. This legend has an important meaning or symbolism for the culture where it originates. A legend includes an element of truth or is based on historic facts, but with mythical qualities. This poem can also be regarded as a folktale which again is a story told by one generation to another. Q. 4. Is the story, illustrated in the poem true? Which part of the poem do you think is really important? [NCERT] Ans. This is a legend. It is not a true story. Even the poet feels that it is not true. The most important part of the poem is the point when we realize that the old woman is very greedy. She could not part with her cakes for a hungry man.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Ans.





What is a dramatic narrative? Is this poem a form of dramatic narrative ? Poems with dramatic narrative are a form of poetry that has a plot and tells a story. Poems in this genre can vary in length from short to long and they can also tell a complex story. Many times such poems use the voices of characters and narrator and usually the story is written in metered verse. This poem is a dramatic narrative told from inside a frame in which the speaker introduces the story to the addressee. In the far cold Northland, a good Saint was wandering on the road. He nearly fainted as he was very hungry because of fasting. The saint came to a cottage and in the cottage he saw a little old woman baking cakes. As he was starving, he asked for a small cake for himself. The old lady baked the smallest cake for him but refused to even part with it. As a result, the saint got angry with the old lady and cursed her. His curse transformed the old woman into a woodpecker. Today, everybody can see her in the forest, where she lives in trees etching trees for her food. This poem has a beginning and an end. The beginning is in a simple narrative tone which ends in a dramatic form.

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Q. 2. Ans.



(100-120 words & 6 marks each) What are the poetic devices in the ballad A Legend of the Northland? The major literary devices, also called poetic devices, in A Legend of the Northland by Phoebe Cary is assonance which means repetition of vowel sounds. This appears in line 1: ‘Away, away....’ Another striking literary element pertains to the structure of the quatrain stanzas (four lines per stanza) that have no end punctuation. Each line rolls to the other through enjambment. It works very well in most of the spots, although there are one or two places where the enjambment is clumsy, such as ‘Where a little woman was making cakes / And baking them on the hearth / And being faint from fasting... .’ There are both an explicit speaker (‘tell me a curious story’) and an explicit addressee (‘yet you might learn’). The rhyme scheme of the poem is alternate unrhymed lines with rhymed ones in an abcbdefe, etc. pattern. The major literary technique is sensory imagery that includes vision, taste, and sound as Saint Peter (the technique of Biblical allusion) approaches the cottage and witnesses the baking of the cakes, then turns the woman into a woodpecker that can be heard tapping on a tree.



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Artificial Intelligence PARAMETERS

AI CONCEPTS INTEGRATED

DESCRIPTION

Chapter Covered

Chapter 5: A Legend of the Northland

Name of the book

Beehive, Class 9, NCERT

Subject and Artificial Artificial Intelligence & English ● Moral Machine Intelligence Integrated ● Inklewriter /AI Dungeon Learning Objectives

AI tool ‘Moral The learners will be able to: Machine’ to introduce ● realize the importance of ‘empathy’ in their lives ● learn to appreciate core values of human life, such as kindness, the theme of the poem generosity, being considerate and helpful ● observe and appreciate the folktales passed on from one generation to another ● focus on developing language skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing AI Objective: ● To help students understand the importance of ethics in our life – use of AI Game, moral machine (https://www.moralmachine.net/) as a precursor to reading the Poem to appreciate it.

moralmachine Time Required

2 periods of 40 minutes each.

Classroom Arrangement

Seating arrangement Theory Sessions – regular classroom arrangement Activities Sessions – Flexible (for group / pair work)

Material Required

● Textbook - Beehive, sticky notes for writing important information related to stanzas in the poem, ● Black/White board, chalk / marker ● Smartboard / screen and projector, internet connection /Use of Computer Lab ● AI applications / tools:

inklewriter

play.aidungeon

moralmachine

Pre-Preparation Activities Meaning of ballad and examples The students are divided into groups for the Pre-preparation activity: ● to discuss on the values of being helpful and kind ● to disregard the attitude of being selfish ● the qualities one should imbibe in his/her life - Moral Machine - AI Game Previous Knowledge

● Prior knowledge of ballads is elicited from the students, wherein they are encouraged to share any story they’ve read or a video they’d watched. ● Students are asked to recount their experience, in groups, of watching stories based on moral values and if they’d played a game based on Artificial Intelligence on ethics. ● A representative from each group will be asked to share the unique features of the moves in the game.

moralmachine

144

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Methodology

Focus on ● enrichment of vocabulary ● Comprehension skills enhancement and independent reading ● Communication, Brain Storming, Information Literacy, Initiative, Critical thinking Pre-Reading: Introductory activity - Structured discussion in groups ● Northland - A country in north - cold place where people wear clothes made of fur - Discussion on climate ● Legend - an old traditional story, usually with a moral teaching. ● Should one have a selfish perspective in one’s life? Why/Why not? ● Do you think helping others is good? Give reasons. ● What qualities should one imbibe in his/her life? About the poet Playing an AI game, Moral Machine – followed by sharing of stories / experiences highlighting the importance of ethics in one’s life While Reading: ● Silent and loud reading by students ● The students are asked to express their understanding of the poem in the first reading. ● They listen to a reading of the poem to comprehend the central idea and the depth of the poem highlighted by the poet. ● There is an open discussion on the words and phrases from the poem to bring out the following expressions/meaning: - Make a hole in something with a tool- Small amount - To make dough from flour - Famish - Strange - To give a religious talk Post Reading: Open ended discussion and moral based questions. ● Discussion on the text is done through short comprehension questions based on the extracts from the poem. ● A quiz is conducted as a follow-up activity to check the students’ comprehension of the main idea of each stanza and the theme of the poem. ● Creating stories with moral themes through the AI tool ‘Inklewriter’.

Learning Outcomes

● The students will be able to research on the topic related details like poet’s background, historical references etc. ● Students will practice pronunciation and rhyme. ● They interpret poetry by understanding a variety of cultures, language and history. ● They develop critical thinking and analytical skills, teamwork and coordination. ● They learn to appreciate poetry and identify poetic devices. ● They will be able to decipher the metaphorical meaning of poetry. ● They shall be able to apply the principles of literary criticism to the analysis of poetry. ● Use of AI tool ‘Moral Machine’ will help them imbibe the values of empathy, kindness and generosity. ● Through the use of AI tool ‘Inklewriter’, the students will be able to write value-based stories.

Follow up Activities

● Hots and analytical questions to be asked in assessment. ● A Quiz using Kahoot / Google form based on the chapter to assess the understanding of the students. ● Stories created on ‘inklewriter’ / AI Dungeon can be shared and discussed in the class.

Reflections

Students will be encouraged to discuss in groups the learning outcomes of the AI games they played, to enhance their questioning skills and creating value-based stories through ‘Inklewriter’ and how they could apply the learning in real-life situations. ● They will also be asked to share their experiences of any other app / tool that could be used as a learning aid for this poem.

Discussion on Ethics in AI

moralmachine.net

inklewriter.com

play.aidungeon.io/

nn

CHAPTER

6

NO MEN ARE FOREIGN —James Kirkup

Summary It is a beautiful poem written by James Kirkup to spread the message of peace and harmony by telling us that all men are same and there is no difference between them. Therefore, we should not hate and fight with one another. The poem tells us that all the divisions which are based on nation, caste, creed, colour or religion have no base because all the human beings are equal before God and humanity. Since, we are all same, we must shun violence of all kinds and unite to make our lives better.

Scan to know more about this chapter

No Men Are Foreign

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

Remember, no men are strange, no countries foreign Beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes Like ours: the land our brothers walk upon Is earth like this, in which we all shall lie. Q. 1. What should we remember? (A) no men are strange (B) no countries are foreign (C) both (A) and (B) (D) none of the above Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 2. A single body breathes beneath all __________. (A) uniform (B) souls (C) heads (D) all of the above Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 3. In the end, we all shall lie in: (A) earth (B) water (C) fire (D) air Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. Name the poetic device used in ‘single body breathes’. Ans. Alliteration Q. 5. What are the above lines emphasizing? (A) All the people are equal.

(5 × 1 = 5)

(B) All the people are different. (C) Different people live in different country. (D) None Ans. Option (A) is correct. 2. They, too, aware of sun and air and water, Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war’s long winter starved. Their hands are ours, and in their lines, we read A labour not different from our own. Q. 1. All the men are aware of ________, __________ and ___________, the bounties of nature. Ans. sun, air and water Q. 2. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? (A) aabb (B) abcd (C) aabc (D) no rhyme scheme, it is free verse Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 3. What are all men fed by? (A) peaceful harvest (B) painful days (C) walk on the same earth (D) none of these Ans. Option (A) is correct.

146

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q. 4. What do you mean ‘wars long winter’? (A) peaceful harvest (B) painful days (C) walk on the same earth (D) none of these Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. Which poetic device has been used in ‘war's long winter starved’? (A) Alliteration (B) Metaphor (C) Transferred Epithet (D) None of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct. 3. Remember they have eyes like ours that wake

Or sleep, and strength that can be won



By love. In every land is common life



That all can recognise and understand.

Q. 1. What things are common to all the people? (A) All are born and brought up in same way. (B) All sleep to take rest. (C) All breathe and eat to live and die in the same way. (D) All of these Ans. Option (D) is correct. Q. 2. Strength can be won by________ and never by _______ or _______ . Ans. love, war, hatred Q. 3. How can we understand common life on every land? (A) By hating. (B) By proving ourselves powerful. (C) By leaving narrow thinking and hatred. (D) none Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. Who is the poet of this poem? (A) James Williams (B) James Austen (C) James Kirkup (D) None Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. What does ‘common’ mean? (A) same (B) found (C) usual (D) typical Ans. Option (A) is correct. 4. Let us remember, whenever we are told To hate our brothers, it is ourselves That we shall dispossess, betray, condemn. Remember, we who take arms against each other

Q. 1. It is the ________ people, who for their own personal interests, instigate the ordinary people to hate. Ans. selfish Q. 2. Who have been called our brothers? (A) All mortal things of the world. (B) All women of the world.

(C) All men of the world. (D) None of these. Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. What do we do when we hate others according to the poet? (A) We hate ourselves. (B) We protect ourselves. (C) We save ourselves. (D) We love ourselves. Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. What does ‘condemn’ means? (A) express complete disapproval (B) agreed (C) criticise (D) rebuke Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. What does ‘betray’ means? (A) spoil (B) to deceive (C) arise (D) power Ans. Option (B) is correct. 5. It is the human earth that we defile. Our hells of fire and dust outrage the innocence Of air that is everywhere our own, Remember, no men are foreign, and no countries strange. Q. 1. What are we doing to the human earth? Ans. We are defiling the earth. Q. 2. How do we pollute the earth according to the poet? (A) by throwing waste (B) by hating and killing others (C) by cutting plants (D) all Ans. Option (B) is correct. (iii) What does the phrase ‘hells of fire’ stand for? (A) avarice (B) arise (C) unusual (D) none of these Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. How do we humiliate the Mother Earth? (A) by polluting (B) by fighting (C) by killing one another (D) by hatred Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. When is the earth defiled? (A) when people fight (B) when people use abusive language (C) in fire (D) when people hate one another Ans. Option (D) is correct.



LITERATURE : POETRY

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Ans.

Q. 2. Ans.

Q. 3. Ans.

How do the people hate their brothers ? Are they right ? People hate their brothers in different ways and the common of them is by taking arms against them. It is because they take them to be wrong and consider themselves to be right. But such type of consideration is always wrong. They should rather live in peace and tranquility. We hate our brothers and begin to harm them as well as ourselves. How ? It is a common tendency among people to hate their brothers. We should always remember whenever we do any wrong to our brothers, we begin to define our spirit and soul. By doing so, we also harm ourselves. We betray and criticise ourselves. The major harm that we do to undergo is that our character is lost. How does the Earth unite us ? The Earth unites us in many beautiful ways. We eat and drink the things that grow on the Earth. It is the earth we walk and play on and after our lives come to an end, we will all lie hidden inside

Ans.

Q. 2 Ans.

Hatred, jealousy and misdeeds are the dangerous pollutants of our own Earth. Discuss. The world is a global village, a union, a singular entity. It may be possible that the people on the Earth may belong to different nations, castes, creeds, they may speak different languages and vernaculars, they may be followers of different religions but still they are equal. Each one, whosoever lives on the Earth, is our brother so we should follow the path of fraternity. If we are in the close vicinity of one another, we can enjoy peace and share the joys, nature has showered upon us. But if we do not follow this path and start a war against our own brothers, we are polluting our own beautiful Earth. Our hatred, jealousy and misdeeds have no limit and they are a serious threat to humanity. So, it is our responsibility that we must keep in our mind the values, ethics and dignity of humanity. If we follow this path, we can make our Earth a beautiful place to live in beautiful atmosphere. How can you say that we all are same ? Discuss it on the basis of the poem No Men are Foreign. The poem clearly exhibits that all the people living on the Earth are brothers. There is nothing which can make them strange from one another. All the people on the Earth share this land which clearly

(40-50 words & 3 marks each) it according to our destiny.

Commonly Made Error

Students only explain earth’s structure and its rotation.

Answering Tip

The Earth provides various things to all human beings equally.

Q. 4. Ans.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

147

What does the poet mean by the words ‘harvests’ and ‘war’ ? The poet has used these two terms for their symbolic meanings. ‘Harvest’ is a symbol of peace, the farmer works in the field to feed himself. The term ‘war’ has been used to display the severity of destruction and starvation.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each) establishes that we all are equal and same. No doubt, people belong to different nations, they speak different languages, they follow different religious paths even then, all of them share the common traits that all of them are human beings. All the people feel pleasure and pain equally, and we put in our best efforts to produce harvest. All of us are afraid of wars and clashes and we all wish to live in peace and tranquility. All the natural resources are commonly shared and if we show our hatred or jealousy towards anyone, our harmony is severly destroyed. So, the poet has established the fact that all the human beings living on the Earth are the same.

Commonly Made Error

Students do not explain how all human beings are same.

Answering Tip

All people are living on the earth and equally

share all the things which are provided by the earth.

nn

CHAPTER

7

ON KILLING A TREE —Gieve Patel

Summary This is a very touching poem about how trees are cut down. It gives a touching description of how a tree is uprooted and killed. The poet wants to tell us that just by hacking and chopping it Scan to know more about this chapter wouldn’t be killed. On killing a tree is a poem about the cruel indiscrimination of man about the destruction of trees. Here, the poet has presented tree as an enemy of man and man as a professional killer. When the poem begins, there is an ironical description of the crime committed by the tree. The tree has consumed earth’s crust for years and years. It has absorbed sunlight, air and water like a thief and in On Killing A Tree this process, it has grown like a giant. This is the reason why a tree must be killed. But it is not an easy task. It cannot be done through only a simple jab and knife because it will grow again. So, the tree should be tied with a rope and pulled out entirely. In this way, its bleeding roots will be exposed. After that, it should be browned, hardened and withered to destroy or kill it completely.

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

It takes much time to kill a tree, Not a simple jab of the knife Will do it. It has grown Slowly consuming the earth, Rising out of it, feeding Upon its crust, absorbing Years of sunlight, air, water, And out of its leprous hide Sprouting leaves.

Q. 1. To kill a tree (A) takes less time (B) is not easy (C) is a right thing (D) is almost impossible Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 2. Not a simple jab of knife Will do it” - Here jab means (A) pull (B) push (C) stab (D) grab Ans. Option (C) is correct.

(5 × 1 = 5)

Q. 3. The tree grows by consuming ___________. Ans. The Earth Q. 4. What does the poet compare the bark of the tree to? (A) sunlight (B) leprous hide (C) simple job (D) consuming the earth Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 5. The bark of a tree has been described as 'leprous' because Ans. It is rough and has marks. 2. So hack and chop But this alone won’t do it. Not so much pain will do it. The bleeding bark will heal And from close to the ground Will rise curled green twigs, Miniature boughs Which if unchecked will expand again To former size.



LITERATURE : POETRY



Q. 1. But this alone won’t do it” - Here the word ‘this’ refers to: Ans. Hacking and chopping of a tree Q. 2. “In miniature bough” - The word ‘bough’ means: Ans. Shoots Q. 3. The curled green twigs appear: (A) close to the ground (B) at the top of a tree (C) on the hacked branches (D) on the wounds after chopping Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 4. The ‘miniature boughs’ will regain its former size if it is left: (A) unhurt (B) unhacked (C) unchecked (D) unperturbed Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 5. What does ‘Bleeding bark’ mean? (A) bleeding tree (B) chopped bark (C) pulling out by roots (D) None of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct. 3. No, The root is to be pulled out — Out of the anchoring earth. It is to be roped, tied, And pulled out — snapped out Or pulled out entirely, Out from the earth-cave, And the strength of the tree exposed The source, white and wet, The most sensitive, hidden For years inside the earth. Q. 1. Where does the strength of a tree lie? Ans. The strength of a tree lies in its roots. Q. 2. What will happen if a tree is only hacked and chopped? (A) It will dead. (B) It will begin to grow again. (C) It will heal. (D) None of the above Ans. Option (B) is correct. Q. 3. What is formed in the earth when a tree is uprooted?

(A) a pond (B) an anchor (C) an earth-cave (D) a hollow space for a new tree Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 4. Which line in the given extract is an example of alliteration? Ans. The ‘bleeding bark’ will heal. Q. 5. The root of a tree is said to be its: (A) most sensitive part (B) most hidden part (C) most secret part (D) most prized part Ans. Option (A) is correct. 4. Then the matter Of scorching and chopping In sun and air, Browning, hardening, Twisting, withering, And then it is done. Q. 1. What killed the tree? (A) scorching and chopping (B) floods (C) irresponsible behaviour (D) all Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 2. How is scorching done by? (A) the water (B) the earth (C) the heat of the sun (D) the rain Ans. Option (C) is correct. Q. 3. What does the word ‘choking’ mean? Ans. The word choking means unable to breathe. Q. 4. What does this poem speak? (A) merciless, thoughtless and callous behaviour of humans towards trees (B) save plants (C) human behaviour (D) none Ans. Option (A) is correct. Q. 5. The poem ‘On Killing A Tree’ is written by __________. Ans. Gieve Patel

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

What factors have contributed to the growth of the tree to its present size ?



OR How has the tree grown to its full size ? List the words suggestive of its life and activity.[NCERT]

Ans.

The factors that have grown the tree to its present

149

(40-50 words & 3 marks each) size are air, water and sunlight that the tree absorbed from the earth. It slowly grows out of the earth and sprouts its leaves. The words that are suggestive of its life and activity are ‘grown slowly consuming the earth’, ‘rising out of it’, ‘feeding upon its crust’, wears of sunlight, air, water’ and ‘sprouting leaves’.

150 Q. 2. Ans.

Q. 3. Ans.

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

What has the poet compared with ‘Leprous hide’? The poet has compared the Leprous hide with the bark of the tree which has been discoloured with the passage of time. The poet says that the bark of the tree looks like a person who has leprosy and the skin of the body has been discoloured because of old age. What do you think, may be the effect of hacking and the chopping on the tree ? The effect of hacking and chopping of the tree may result in the bleeding from the tree but, the poet says, the pain will be relieved soon and the bleeding bark will heal itself after some time.

Q. 4. Ans.

Q. 5.

Ans.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Ans.

Q. 2.

What message does the poet want to convey through this poem ? Through the poem’ On Killing A Tree’, the poet wishes to convey that it takes years to grow a tree and we should not cut them. He focuses on the point that trees should be saved and not cut. Trees are living beings. They should not be hacked or chopped. The roots take time to seat themselves firmly in the earth. The barks bleed when a cut is made on the tree.It is cruel to kill a tree .Trees try to survive the jabs by healing themselves and regrowing the shoots. We must save nature and not indulge in disastrous tasks like cutting a tree.

The poet wants the tree to be snapped out. Why ? The poet knows that earlier, the methods of killing the tree were not successful so he wants a different way in which the roots of the tree are pulled out and then he wants to snap out the tree to kill it with surety. How is the tree killed ultimately ? OR What finally kills the tree ? [NCERT] The tree should be tied with a rope and pulled out entirely. The sun and the air burn a tree when it is exposed of its strength. The roots are exhausted and they choke it. Thus, the tree is finally killed.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each) Ans.

What is your opinion about killing a tree ? Is it justified to cut trees ? What are the feelings of the poet ?

The poet has expressed his ideas about killing a tree. He has described so many ways how to cut trees but it can never be proved to be a justified way of cutting the tress as it shows our selfish motives. But the theme of the poem is killing trees as the poet wants to convey the idea behind cutting the trees. He gives the message that we have clinical method through which we can cut trees but even then, there remains contemptible act underlying in it. The poet is not in favour of cutting trees but it is his ironical way to give expression to his thought. He is familiar with this fact that people know the utility of the trees and harms of cutting them even then, they cut trees. That is why he has employed this contrasting method of cutting trees so that people may understand his taunts and may reduce cutting or killing trees.

Artificial Intelligence PARAMETERS

DESCRIPTION

Chapter Covered

Chapter 7: On Killing a Tree

Name of the book

Beehive, Grade 9, NCERT

Subject and Artificial Create awareness on Artificial Intelligence & teaching English. Intelligence Integrated Learning Objectives

The children will be able to: ● Appreciate the value of Artificial intelligence. ● Differentiate between the terms ● Deforestation, Reforestation and Afforestation ● Analyze and interpret data ● Share the interpretation of the data assigned to their groups

Time Required

2 periods of 40 minutes each.

Classroom Arrangement

Flexible

AI CONCEPTS INTEGRATED



LITERATURE : POETRY

Material Required

Textbook, Dictionary, white board or chalk board, markers or chalk, notebook papers, pens, smart board and laptop to access the lesson and AI integration. Internet websites for data acquisition.

Pre-Preparation Activities

The class will be divided in 4 groups and asked to collect information about the forest and tree cover of India, top five states in terms of increase in forest area, top five states in terms of forest cover as a percentage of their geographical area and the increase/decrease in forest cover in hills and tribal districts The links for data acquisition will be shared: india.mongabay.com/2020/01/indias-forestcover-is-rising-butnortheast-and-tribals-lose/ They will also be asked to download Data Exploration app.

151

The Data visualisation

Previous Knowledge

The students know how to represent the given data graphically. They are also familiar with the vocabulary used in data interpretation.

Methodology

The teacher starts the discussion with the topicDe forestation in Arrey Colony, Mumbai. The students share their views Data representation on the same taking into consideration the reasons, the role of the through activists, media and government, effect on the environment. datavizcatalogue.com The students will also be encouraged to discuss their role as a responsible citizen of society. The students will then work in their groups, collect information on the topic given to them and represent it graphically. Each group will then hand over its data to the group to its right for interpretation followed by the presentation. Discussion on the text Histogram There is an open discussion on ● Is it easy to kill a tree? Why not? ● What is the meaning of bleeding bark? ● What finally kills a tree? ● Identify the tone and mood of the speaker

Learning Outcomes

The students will ● Acquire skills to gather information ● Work as a team ● Use Data Exploration to represent their data ● Interpret data using appropriate vocabulary ● Get hands on practice of the AI tool

Follow up Activities

The students will be asked to join ‘Adopt a Tree’ campaign. The link to find more about it will be shared by the teacher. https://support.wwfindia.org/aat/ They will be asked to write a letter to their friend telling them about this campaign and motivating them to join it.

Reflections

The tool can be integrated with other subjects.

Adopt a tree

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CHAPTER

8

A SLUMBER DID MY SPIRIT SEAL —William Wordsworth

Summary The poem is an expression of William Wordsworth’s feelings on the death of a loved one. The poet expresses his feelings and also imagines his beloved after death. The poem consists of two stanzas of 4 lines each. In this poem, the narrator says that he was in a state of unconsciousness, as if he were sleeping. He was in such a trance that he did not want to acknowledge the fear that any human being has, especially the fear of death — so is with Lucy. Lucy’s presence in the narrator’s life has always been eternal, though her body does not move anymore now. Her eternal presence has become an eternal absence. He thinks it to be the rotation of the earth. Just as the rocks and the trees of the earth are liable to grow, develop, die and decompose, in the same way it was with Lucy also and the poet will have to accept it.

Scan to know more about this chapter

A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal

Extract Based Questions Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : 1.

A slumber did my spirit seal— I had no human fears. She seemed a thing that could not feel The touch of earthly years. No motion has she now, no force— She neither hears nor sees, Rolled round in earth’s diurnal course With rocks and stones and trees



Q. 1. The young child cannot feel the touch of earthly years because she is ___________ . Ans. no longer alive Q. 2. Find a word from the passage which is opposite to ‘static’. Ans. Motion

Q. 3. What is the rhyming scheme of this stanza?

(A) abab (B) baba (C) abcd (D) abba

Ans. Option (A) is correct.



Q. 4. Name the poet of this poem.

(A) WWE Ross



(5 × 1 = 5)

(B) Gieve Patel

(C) William Wordsworth (D) Edward Lear

Ans. Option (C) is correct.



Q. 5. What is this poem about?

(A) It is dedicated to the poet’s beloved (B) It is dedicated to questions of life and death (C) It is dedicated to love (D) none of these 2.

Ans. Option (A) is correct. A slumber did my spirit seal— I had no human fears. She seemed a thing that could not feel The touch of earthly years. No motion has she now, no force— She neither hears nor sees, Rolled round in earth’s diurnal course With rocks and stones and trees





LITERATURE : POETRY

Q. 1. What does Slumber mean in the poem?

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(D) all

(A) deep sleep in the form of Death of poet’s beloved Lucy and poet’s ignorance to the harsh realities of life



Ans. Option (A) is correct.



Q. 3. According to the poet, Lucy is in the lap of ___________ .

(B) sleep



Ans. nature

(C) deep sleep

Q. 4. What was the name of the girl whom the poet loved?



(D) none

(A) Pussy (B) Lucy



Ans. Option (A) is correct.

(C) Tarsy (D) None



Q. 2. What was the poet taking for granted?



Ans. Option (B) is correct.



Q. 5. Lucy is not able to feel the touch of time spent on the earth after __________.

(A) his beloved’s life (B) everything (C) life



Ans. death

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. How does the poet’s beloved become an inseparable part of nature ?  Ans.

Ans.

The poet here refers ‘slumber’ for death. The literal meaning of slumber is deep sleep which is used here for death. It invokes the feelings of memories which are still there.

Q. 3.

According to the poet, what kind of a thing did the beloved become after death ?

Ans.

According to the poet, the beloved became eternal after death as she could not feel the impact of life on the earth when she had her existence here. She became the part of the earth’s courses, in forms of rocks, trees and stones.

Q. 4.

Why has the poet used the rocks, stones and trees ? What context does he express through them ?

Ans.

The poet has used rocks, stones and trees to show the diurnal course of the earth The poet refers them in the context that they are the integral parts of the earth’s daily rotation. They have no effect of any thing over them.

(Board Term II, 2016-17, Set-79BL5Y9) Value Points Her death made her an integral part of nature rolled round in earth’s course with rocks, stones and trees. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016-17)

Detailed Answer :

Q. 2.

The poet mentions that there is no motion in the body of his beloved as the death has overcome her. All her senses are dead by now. As the earth completes its routine of day and night with the rocks, stones and trees, so does the beloved of the poet. Her death has made her an integral part of nature rolled round in earth’s course with rocks, stones and trees. Why does the poet refer the word ‘slumber’ in the poem ?

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

The poet has different attitude in comparison to the common belief. What qualities does he want to express by doing so ?

Ans.

No doubt, death is inevitable and everyone has to die some day. Everyone knows that death is the ultimate truth but the fact is that no one wants to die. He wants to remain in this world forever. All of us are afraid of death and want to escape from it but the poet has a different attitude in the poem towards death. No doubt, he was very sad on the death of his beloved yet he accepted his fate. He consoled himself by saying that the bond

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)

(100-120 words & 6 marks each) between them was sure and destined to break one day. This is the reason why he is not much affected by it. The poet is bold enough to show a unique and uncommon quality of his heart and that is — acceptance. Now, he has come to know that after death, his beloved got freedom from all the worldly bondages and affairs and she has become a part of nature. Now she has no effect of worldly activities and become eternal.

Q. 2.

Throw light on the central theme of the poem.

Ans.

The central theme of William Wordsworth's poem "A slumber did my spirit seal" revolves around

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

the profound impact of death and its ability to create emotional detachment. The "slumber" that seals their spirit serves as a metaphor for the speaker's experience of losing someone, which is explored in the poem. The idea of death as a transformational force that separates the living from the dead and causes a sense of estrangement is prevalent. The speaker's spirit is

cut off from the outside world and unable to feel the same emotions as previously, and memories of the lost person become blurry and distant. The theme focuses on the long-lasting impacts of loss and the speaker's ongoing absence, illuminating the profound nature of death and its effects on the human spirit.

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SUPPLEMENTARY READER : MOMENTS

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Supplementary Reader : Moments CHAPTER

1

THE LOST CHILD —Mulk Raj Anand

Summary It was spring time and the people in colourful attire were going to the fair. A child, along Scan to know more with his parents, was going to the fair and was very excited and happy. The child was about this chapter fascinated by the stalls of toys and sweets. Though, his father got angry but his mother pacified him and diverted his attention towards other things. The child moved forward but once again, lagged behind because his eyes were caught by one thing or the other every now and then. As they moved forward, the child got demurred by the decorative items on the stalls. His The Lost Child mouth watered seeing sweets, decorated with gold and silver leaves. “I want burfi” but he did not wait for his parent’s reply as he knew very well that his parents would never agree to buy burfi for him. They would say he was greedy. Therefore, he kept moving. Then, he witnessed beautiful garlands but didn’t ask for them. Then, he saw balloons, but he knew very well that his parents would say he was too old to play with balloons so he walked away. Then, he saw a snake charmer, a round about swing. Now, he stopped to ask his parents for the permission to enjoy the swing but to his utter surprise, there was no reply. Neither his father nor his mother was there. Now, the child realised that he was lost. He ran here and there but with no fruitful result. The place was too overcrowded. He got terrified but suddenly a kind hearted man took him up in his arms and consoled the bitterly weeping child. He asked if he would like to have a joyride but the child sobbed “I want my father, I want my mother.” The man offered him sweets, balloons and garland but the child kept sobbing “I want my father, I want my mother.”

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Ans.

Q. 2.

Ans.

Where did the child go with his parents ? What did he want there ? (Board Term-I, 2012) The child went to a fair with his parents. He wanted garlands, balloons and sweets over there. He also wanted to see the snake and take a ride on the swing. Parents were in a hurry to reach the fair but the child was delaying them. How ? (Board Term-I, 2012) The boy got distracted by toys sweets, joy rides which he wanted to buy or enjoy butterflies and dragon flies which he wanted to catch and flowers that he wanted to gather. And, out of pure innocence, he delayed his parents to reach the fair.

Q. 3. Ans.

Q. 4. Ans.

Q. 5.

(40-50 words & 3 marks each) Why did the little boy lag behind ? (Board Term-I , 2015) While going to the fair, the little boy was fascinated on seeing toys, balloons, garland of gulmohur, then a swing, a snake-charmer, etc. He got attracted towards those different things. So, he lagged behind his parents. Why didn’t the boy wait for an answer after he had pleaded for sweets ? (Board Term-I, 2012) The boy didn’t wait for an answer after he had pleaded for sweets because he knew that his parents would say that he was greedy and would refuse to buy the sweets. What happened when the lost child reached the temple door ? (Board Term-I, 2012)

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SUPPLEMENTARY READER : MOMENTS

Ans.

desperate. He cried and shouted for his parents. He ran here and there to look for his parents. Q. 10. How did the child react when there was no sign of his parents ? (Board Term-I, 2013) Ans. The child was very innocent. He gets confused and panic-stricken on not seeing his parents. He felt lonely without his parents amidst so much of crowd. The man who tried to console the child also did not achieve any success as the boy only needed his parents and nothing else. Q. 11. How was the child separated from his parents ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. The boy was attracted to toys, balloons and sweets in the fair. He got fascinated with the flute music being played by the snake charmer. While watching the roundabout swing, he got separated from his parents. Q. 12. Who rescued the lost child ? What did he offer to buy him ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. The man in the shrine rescued the lost child. He lifted him up in his arms and tried to soothe him. He took him to the nearest roundabout swing and offered to buy him flowers, balloons and sweets. 
 Q. 13. Why did the lost child refuse to take his favourite things in the fair after losing his parents ? (Board Term-I, 2012) OR Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier ? [NCERT] Ans. The child refused to take his favourite things in the fair after he lost his parents, as he missed them and wanted to meet them only. Now, he had lost interest in all his favourite things.

When the child reached the temple door, men jostled with each other. The poor child struggled to thrust his way out but was knocked. He might have been trampled if he had not shouted at his highest pitch. Q. 6. How did the mother distract the child’s mind from the toy-seller ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. The mother distracted the child’s mind from the toy-seller by pointing towards a flowering mustard field. He saw colourful dragon flies and started running after them. Q. 7. What plea did the child finally make to his parents ? Was his plea heard ? (Board Term-I, 2016) Ans.

In the end, the child pleaded to his parents to go on the round about. When he did not get any reply, he turned and found that his parents were not there. He realized that he had been separated from his parents. Thus, he was lost in the fair. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016)

Q. 8.

What happened when the ‘lost child’ entered the grove ? How did he enjoy there ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. When the ‘lost child’ entered the grove, a shower of young flowers fell upon him. He began to gather the raining petals. He heard the cooing of doves and ran towards his parents. He had a funfilled splendid time in the grove. Q. 9. What was the first reaction of the child when he realised that he had lost his parents? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. The child panicked when he realised that he had lost his parents. He was puzzled, angry and

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

What were all the things the child got attracted to, once he entered the fair ? Was he able to get all the things he desired ? What happened when he made a bold request to his parents ? Ans. With a wide mouth, he stared at the sight of ‘burfi’. Later, he was attracted to a garland of gulmohur and was carried away by the rainbow glory of the coloured balloons. He wanted them all but, on the other hand, he also knew the answer of his parents. So, he convinced himself and did not ask them for anything. Finally, he made a bold request for going on the roundabout. As he turned to get their reply, he could not find them behind him. Q. 2. How do you know that the lost child was a nature–lover ? Ans. The child was attracted to nature’s little aspects because of his innocence. When his mother diverted his attention towards the mustard field, he saw the flowers which were in the nascent stage and flowering. The flowers of the field were pale like melting gold. He then saw a group of

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

dragon flies which were bustling about on their flies purple wings, intercepting the flight of a lone black bee or butterfly in search of sweetness from the flowers. The child wanted to catch those dragon flies but they went away fluttering and flapping. He also got attracted to the little insects and worms along the footpath that were teeming out from their hiding places to enjoy the sunshine. A shower of young flowers fell upon the child as he entered the grove. He forgot about his parents and began to gather the raining petals in his hands. Again, when he heard the cooing of doves, he ran towards his parents shouting about them. Q. 3. Compare the attitude of the child before and after his separation from his parents. OR What changes do you notice in the behaviour of the child, once he is separated from his parents in the story The Lost Child ? Ans.

A child along with his parents had been to a fair. He was very excited and happy with the stalls of

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

toys and sweets. Within his heart, he craved for sweets, toys, garland, swings etc. But as soon as he got separated from his parents, everything, which tempted him earlier, now lost its charm. He ran here and there in search of his parents, but in vain. Since the place was overcrowded, he got really scared. He started crying as he was all alone. A kind hearted man offered him many things but he refused. The child who wanted everything from the fair was now not at all interested in any of these things. Then he only yearned to be with his parents. Q. 4.

Ans.

The spring season is a festive season that brings people together : The Lost Child. Write about the qualities of the stranger who tried to soothe and help the lost child. Value Points :  Compassion  Acceptance  Empathy ; respect for the ‘lost‘ child

Detailed Answer :

Q. 5.

The stranger who tried to soothe and help the lost child, was very compassionate towards the child’s emotions. He not only rescued the child from being trampled but, also lifted him up in his arms. He tried every possible way to soothe the desperate child. He took the child to the nearest roundabout swing; offered him a horse ride; tried to make him listen to the snake charmer’s song; offered him balloon and sweets. Just out of empathy, he tried every possible method to console him. He hadn’t done all that for any compensation or reward from the child’s father but he really had respect for the feelings of the 'lost‘ child. How did the man who found the little boy in the fair, try to soothe him ? Did he succeed in doing so?

Ans.

The man who found the little boy in the fair tried every possible way to soothe him. He took him to a roundabout swing, then offered a horse ride, tried to make him listen to the snake charmer’s song and offered him a balloon, as he thought that this would distract his mind, but in vain. He offered him flowers and sweets, but the child kept crying. The child could not be distracted by any of the things at the fair as he longed to be with his parents. His continuous and compassionate efforts couldn’t soothe the lost child.

Q. 6.

Do you agree that ‘The Lost Child’ presents a beautiful spectacle in the fair. How would you render your service to a person who is lost ?

Ans.

Value points :  Celebrating the festival of spring-beautiful spectacle.  People from all walks of life visited the fair.  Follow role-model of a kind-hearted man.



Detailed Answer :



The celebration of the festivals bring cheerfulness, energy and new colours in our life by taking away the boredom of routine work. Festivals also result in ‘unity‘ in diversity. They not only make the people gay but also, bring people together irrespective of class and creed. In the story The Lost child, we witness the celebration of the festival of spring. People from all walks of life, cladded in colourful attire, visited the fair and enjoyed the sweets, rides, balloons, flowers, music of snake charmer etc.



Another side of the fair is its over-crowdedness. Many persons, especially children get separated from their nears and dears. I’d also help the ‘lost' person in the same manner as that kind hearted man did. In such a case, that generous man would be a role model. 

CHAPTER

2

THE ADVENTURES OF TOTO —Ruskin Bond

Summary This story is about the admiration of the grandfather of the narrator and his liking for Scan to know more animals. He bought a baby monkey from a tonga-driver and named it Toto. about this chapter He wanted Toto because he already possessed a tortoise, a pair of rabbits, a tame squirrel, a goat but no monkey. With the coming of Toto, his mini zoo transformed into a real zoo. Toto’s presence was kept top secret as grandmother abhorred animals. Toto was kept in a little closet which opened into the narrator’s room. Toto tore off narrator’s school blazer. The Adventures Toto, when kept in the zoo, started troubling other animals. of Toto One day, grandfather had to go to Saharanpur to collect his pension. He took Toto along with him because he was a great menace to be left in the zoo troubling other animals. Toto, was ultimately accepted by the family. He was left in the stable to stay along with Nana, the family donkey. Even Nana got fed up with Toto. One day, Toto nearly boiled himself alive by jumping into the large kitchen kettle that had been left on the fire to boil for tea. It was grandmother who came to his rescue and saved him. As days passed by, Toto’s pernicious activities did not lessen. Therefore, ultimately grandfather sold back Toto to the tonga-driver and heaved a sigh of relief.

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

Why did the author’s grandfather decide to buy Toto ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. The author’s grandfather was an animal lover and took pity on Toto as it was kept tied to a feeding trough. Toto looked out of place and he decided to bring it to his private zoo. He was much impressed by Toto. Q. 2. Where was Toto kept immediately after grandfather got him ? Why ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Toto was kept in a closet. He was tied securely to a peg because his presence was to be kept a secret from the writer’s grandmother as she abhorred animals. Q. 3. In what sense was Toto ‘a pretty monkey’. (Board Term-I, 2012) OR “Toto was a pretty monkey.” In what sense is Toto pretty ? [NCERT]

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Ans. Toto’s bright eyes sparkled with mischief beneath deep-set eye brows. His pearly white teeth often displayed a smile that had the innocence of a child yet, there was an underlined tinge of naughtiness and mischievousness. Q. 4. Why did grandfather hide Toto for some time when he brought him home?(Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Grandmother was not very fond of animals. When he used to bring a new animal or bird, she used to make a lot of fuss. To avoid this, grandfather hid Toto for some time and announced his arrival to her when she was in a good mood. Q. 5. Give the names of Grandfather’s pets. Where did they live ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. The names of grandfather’s pets were Nana, the donkey and Toto, the monkey, a tortoise, a pair of rabbits, a tame squirrel and a goat. They lived in a big cage in the servant’s quarter.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Q. 6.

Where and why was grandfather going the next day ? (Board Term-I, 2015)

Ans.

Value Points :  Grandfather going to Saharanpur  To collect his pension (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015) 2

Detailed Answer : Grandfather was going to Saharanpur the next day. As he was a retired man, he was going there to collect his pension. Q. 7. Why did grandfather decide to take Toto along with him to Dehradun ? (Board Term-I) Ans. Grandfather decided to take Toto along with him to Dehradun as there were many other pets also that lived there. But, Toto would not allow any of his companions to sleep at night. So, he made that decision. Q. 8. How does Toto become a problem to grandfather while going to Saharanpur? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. While going to Saharanpur, Toto behaved well. When grandfather was producing his ticket, Toto suddenly poked his head out of the bag. He gave the ticket collector a wide grin. The ticket collector insisted that grandfather must buy the ticket for the pet. Thus, the monkey proved to be a big problem for grandfather. Q. 9. Who was Nana ? How did Toto tease Nana ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Nana was the family donkey. Toto was kept in the stable with Nana, where Toto used to tease Nana by fast biting on to her long ears with his sharp little teeth. Even Nana got fed up with Toto.

Q. 10. Why could Toto and Nana not become friends? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Toto was very naughty and wicked and could not stay still for a long time. Nana was a well behaved and a docile animal. When they were together, Toto bit on the long ears of Nana and Nana got annoyed with Toto. Thus, Nana and Toto could not become friends. Q. 11. How did Toto’s love for taking bath almost led to his being ‘half – boiled’ ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Toto used to love taking bath in hot water. Once, when a kettle was kept on fire with water to boil for tea, Toto sat in it. When the water began to boil, Toto tried getting up but found outside cold. So, he again sat down. He kept on hopping outside and then again inside and after sometime he started enjoying this game. Q. 12. How does Toto take a bath ? Where has he learnt to do this ? Ans. Toto takes bath in a tub of warm water. He puts his legs in the water one by one and applies soap as well. As monkeys are good at copying others, so Toto has learnt proper steps of bathing while watching the narrator doing the same. He wanted to take a bath and in order to do it, he sat in the boiling water of kettle also. Q. 13. Why did grandfather give away Toto, the monkey ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. Toto was very naughty and he troubled everyone. The other pets were not happy with him and he broke a lot of dishes, tore clothes, curtains and wallpapers. He had become very difficult to handle and so grandfather gave Toto away.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Grandfather was a great lover of animals. Describe. Ans. Narrator’s grandfather had a great liking for animals. He had a donkey, a tortoise, a pair of rabbits, a tame squirrel, a goat but no monkey. With the coming of Toto, his mini zoo was transformed into a real zoo. He had a variety of pet animals in that zoo. He frequently bought many varieties of animals to keep them in his zoo. Due to this, he even faced the pangs of anger of his wife at times. When he brought Toto, he was very happy with his cleverness. Q. 2. How can you say that Toto was a mischievous pet ? OR



“Toto was not good enough to be kept at home.” Do you agree with this statement. Why/why not? OR Why does the author say, “Toto was not the sort of pet we could keep for long” ? [NCERT] Ans. Toto was indeed a very mischievous pet. He

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

tore the wallpapers of the rooms, and also tore the narrator’s school blazer. He troubled the other fellow animals. He even managed to get himself into trouble by jumping into the nearly half boiling water in a kettle. He made holes in dresses and curtains. Once, he even scared the ticket checker. He even broke dishes in the house. He proved to be a big troublemaker for everyone. Thus, we can say that Toto was a mischievous pet. Q. 3. Describe the incident at Dehradun railway station after reading the story, The Adventures of Toto. Ans. Grandfather had to go to Saharanpur. So, he decided to put Toto in a big black canvas bag for the train journey. When they reached the station, Toto started jumping on the platform and everyone was surprised to see a bag jumping and moving about. When the ticket collector came, then Toto poked his head out of the bag. The ticket collector wanted grandfather to buy a ticket for him but grandfather did not want to do so. Finally, the ticket collector had his way.



Q. 4. Ans.

SUPPLEMENTARY READER : MOMENTS

Write your views in the form of a short paragraph on the topic “Should animals be kept as a pet”. OR While keeping pets at home, what all things should be kept in mind ? Before bringing a pet in the house, we should remember that these animals can neither speak nor express as human beings do. As a pet owner, we should know that there are a number of dangers that lurk in our households for these little

161

creatures. We should always keep pesticides and medicines at a bay from the animals and children, as they are a potential threat to them. The areas where pets might start fire inadvertently, such as kitchen or fire places, plugs should be covered. We should never have pets unattended around the open flames. Small electrical cords are also harmful for them, possibly they could be wounded. So, they must be kept at a distance. All the pots and oil bottles should be properly closed.

Artificial Intelligence PARAMETERS

DESCRIPTION

Chapter Covered

Chapter 2: The Adventures of Toto

Name of the book

Beehive, Class 9, NCERT

AI CONCEPTS INTEGRATED

Subject and Artificial Integration of AI in teaching of English Intelligence Integrated Learning Objectives

TThe students will be able to● appreciate AI tools such as ‘Mystery Animal’. ● infer the meaning of the title. ● know about Ruskin Bond. ● share their experiences of having/keeping a pet. ● realize that certain animals are not meant to be kept as pets. ● understand that each pet has its own characteristics and take care of them accordingly. ● infer the plot, theme, central idea of this story. ● understand that animals thrive better in their natural habitat. ● enhance their vocabulary by learning new words.

Time Required

Example: 3 periods of 40 minutes each

Classroom Arrangement

Online

Material Required

Textbook, Electronic device with data connection

Pre-Preparation Activities

Students will be asked to discuss the following● Name a few animals which can be kept as pets. ● Does anyone in the group have pets? ● Funny moments with their pets ● Importance of love towards animals.

Previous Knowledge

Pets are beneficial to humans, but not all are the same.

Methodology

Reading of the story. After the reading of the story, open discussion on● Relationship of grandfather with Toto. ● Toto’s arrival in the house. ● Appearance of Toto ● Activities performed by Toto. ● Adjustment with him at home. ● Toto as a troublemaker.

Learning Outcomes

Students get to: ● Know about the writer ● Enhance vocabulary and use those words in their daily life. ● Understand the theme of the story. ● Realize the importance of keeping animals in their natural habitat.

Follow up Activities

Google Forms can be administered, and Pad let can also be used to test the knowledge and understanding of the text.

Mystery AnimalHelps the user recognize animals by asking various yes/no questions. Inkle writerStudents can write their experience of keeping a pet. Semantris

Scribbling Speech - Students will be asked to draw the picture of Toto as it appears.

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CHAPTER

3

ISWARAN — THE STORY TELLER —R.K. Laxman

Summary This is a story about Mahendra, a junior supervisor and his cook, Iswaran. The former had to keep moving from place to place as ordered by the head office. But, he had fortunately an expert caretaker, Iswaran, who cooked his meals, washed his clothes and chatted with him at night. Iswaran was very fond of reading Tamil thrillers during his spare time. As a result, he innovated his own thrillers and would tell about it to Mahendra. The latter used to hear patiently without finding any loopholes in the story.

Scan to know more about this chapter

Isawaran-The Story Teller

Iswaran often in his stories narrated about elephants. For example, he told a story about how he paralysed a mad elephant that had gone berserk. He told that there were timber logs loaded on trucks. But if an elephant went mad, no Mahaut could control it. The elephant now entered a school ground breaking through the brick wall where children were playing. Children and teachers ran helter and skelter to save their lives. The elephant was stunned when Iswaran, then only a little boy, took a rod and hit at the elephant’s third toe nail. The secret was if the elephant is hit there, his nervous system gets paralysed. Finally, one day, talking about spirits of the ancestors, Iswaran began to talk of ghosts. He said that the place where they had their shed was, once a burial ground. He also had come across ghosts but he was not scared of them. He told Mahendra about a woman ghost seen only on a full moon night. She moaned and carried a foetus in her arms. This terrified Mahendra so much that he finally thought of that woman ghost on a full moon night. He could hear a low moan outside his window. He peeped from his window and there stood the ghost of the woman. He flung himself down and found that he was often dreaming of that woman ghost. Iswaran used to ask grinning at Mahendra, “Sir, you were angry with me the other day when I told you about the ghost but didn’t you see her yourself last night ?” Mahendra never used to listen to Iswaran’s questions and finally decided to resign his job and leave that haunted place.

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

Ans.

Describe Mahendra in 40-50 words. (Board Term-I, 2016 Set-LIOWDIU) OR What type of life did Mahendra lead ? (Board Term-I, 2015 Set-KXIAQ 60) Value Points :  bachelor 

lead a simple life

 adjustable

(CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016)

(40-50 words & 3 marks each) OR

Ans.

Mahendra, a junior supervisor has to keep moving from place to place i.e., from coal mine to railway bridge site, to chemical plant. He led a simple life. He could adjust himself in odd situations. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015)

Detailed Answer : Mahendra was a junior supervisor. He was a bachelor fellow, who was cared by Iswaran. He was a simple fellow and led a simple life. He had to keep moving from place to place, i.e. from coal



SUPPLEMENTARY READER : MOMENTS

mine to railway bridge site, to chemical plant. He had an adjustable nature, so he could adjust himself anywhere. Q. 2. Who was Iswaran ? What all he did for his master ? (Board Term-I, 2012 Set-EL1-026) Ans. Iswaran was Mahendra’s cook and he was an asset to him. He cooked for him, washed his clothes and chatted away with his master at night. He often narrated stories which were very convincing. Q. 3. Who was the only asset of Mahendra ? How ? (Board Term-I, 2015 Set-TRCSL 99) OR In what way is Iswaran an asset to Mahendra? [NCERT] Ans.



Value Points :  his cook — Iswaran  quite attached to him  didn’t complain  besides cooking, washed his clothes, cleaned his house  known for his culinary skills  had unconditional love for Mahendra  travelled everywhere with him (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015)

Detailed Answer : The only asset of Mahendra was his cook, Iswaran. He was quite attached to him. He never made any complaint. Besides cooking, he (Iswaran) washed his clothes, cleaned his house. He was well known for his culinary skills. Also, he had unconditional love for Mahendra. He travelled everywhere with him. Q. 4. Why did Mahendra become fond of Iswaran ? (Board Term-I, 2012 Set-EL1-013) Ans. Mahendra became fond of Ishwaran because he was a very resourceful person and took very good care of him. He was a trained cook and could also arrange for things at a desolate place. In addition to this, he took very good care of Mahendra. Q. 5. What made Iswaran class apart from other domestic helps ? (Board Term-I, 2012 Set-EL1-016) Ans. Ishwaran was a class in himself. He was highly resourceful and a big help to Mahendra. He was a trained cook and to top it, he narrated captivating and interesting stories to Mahendra at night. Q. 6. Why was Iswaran called Mahendra’s asset ? (Board Term-I, 2012 Set-EL1-020) OR How did Iswaran show his usefulness to the narrator ? (Board Term-I, 2012 Set-EL1-031) Ans. Iswaran was not only a trained cook but also very attached to his master, Mahendra, as he followed him everywhere he was posted. He not only took

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care of him by washing his clothes and cooking food but, also gossiped with him in the night and told him various modified folk tales. Q. 7. How does Iswaran describe the story of the elephant ? Does it appear to be plausible? (Board Term-I, 2012 Set-EL1-028) Ans. Iswaran narrated that one day, an elephant went mad, stamping on bushes, breaking fences, smashing fruit stalls, mud pots and clothes. He even entered a school ground breaking through the brick wall. Iswaran, who was in the junior class, whacked its third toe nail with a rod and it collapsed. No, the story does not appear to be plausible. Q. 8. What destruction did the elephant cause in the town ? (Board Term-I, 2012 Set-EL1-030) Ans. The elephant caused a lot of destruction in the town. He broke branches, fences and smashed stalls. He entered a school playground and broke a brick wall, pulled out a football goal post, tore down a volleyball net and flattened a water drum. Q. 9. How did Iswaran tackle the elephant ? (Board Term-I, 2012 Set-EL1-017) Ans. The elephant had caused much terror. Children and teachers ran here and there to save their lives. Iswaran dared it and hit it on the third toe with a rod. Thus, the mad elephant was controlled. Q. 10. What did Mahendra witness out of the window one night ? (Board Term-I, 2016 Set-J9TNY10) Ans.

Value points : l low moaning – close to window l wailing became louder and louder l saw a dark cloudy form, clutching a bundle (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016)

Detailed Answer : One night, Mahendra heard a low moaning very close to his window. He peeped through his window and there stood the ghost of the woman whose wailing became louder and louder. He saw a dark cloudy form, clutching a bundle. He flung himself down and found that he was often dreaming of that woman ghost. Q. 11. What impact did Iswaran’s story of a female ghost have on Mahendra ? (Board Term-I, 2014, 2012 Set-EL1-025) Ans. Mahendra avoided looking out of the window when the moon was full. He went to bed with a certain unease and peered into the darkness to make sure that there was no movement of dark shapes outside. Q. 12. Do you think the ghost Mahendra saw on the night of the full moon was a real ghost? (Board Term-I, 2012 Set-EL1-034)

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Ans. No, I think the ghost Mahendra saw was a creation of a weak mind. Iswaran had made Mahendra’s mind a little weak by telling him ghost stories. When Mahendra rebuked him for believing in ghosts, he felt offended. To prove that he was right, he himself posed as a ghost. That is why, Mahendra thought that he had seen a ghost at that full moon night. Q. 13. Mahendra calls ghosts or spirits a figment of imagination. What happens to him on full moon night ? (Board Term-I, 2012 Set-EL1-036) [NCERT] Ans. Mahendra never believed in ghosts and spirits but, one night he had woken up from his sleep by a low moan near the window. He could not resist his curiosity and tried to look out. To his horror, he saw a dark cloudy form clutching a bundle. Mahendra was in cold sweat from top to bottom and fell back on the pillow, panting. Q. 14. What behaviour was Mahendra expecting from Ishwaran when he had scolded him for telling ghost stories ? (Board Term-I, 2016, Set-LIOWDIU)

Ans.

l

Mahendra expected Iswaran to be angry for a couple of days

l

Mahendra was surprised at his cheerful and talkative behaviour next day.



(CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016)

Detailed Answer : When Mahendra had scolded Ishwaran for his telling of ghost stories, he was expecting Iswaran to be angry for a couple of days but he was surprised at his cheerful and talkative behaviour the very next day. Q. 15. What did Mahendra decide after he had seen the ghost ? (Board Term-I, 2012 Set-EL1-025) Ans. Mahendra was convinced that there were ghosts around his house. He was scared and did not want to live there any longer and so, he resigned his job. Q. 16. Why did Mahendra decide to leave the haunted place ? (Board Term-I, 2012 Set-EL1-014) Ans. He was afraid of the haunted place after hearing and watching a ghastly experience at night. He found that he often dreamt of that woman ghost. Therefore, he wanted to leave the place.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. How can you say that Iswaran was a fascinating story teller ? Ans. Iswaran was a very fascinating and a dramatic story teller. He gave imaginative descriptions of various events. He used dramatic language and gestures to describe events and changed a simple event in suspense. His stories had surprise endings and unexpected narrations. He was influenced by thrilling novels and stories of Tamil authors. All stories had adventure, horror and suspense. All these elements made him a fascinating story teller and he could captivate any audience with his stories. Q. 2. Iswaran was a fascinating story teller. What other skills he had ? How was he an asset to Mahendra? Ans. Iswaran was a fascinating story teller. He read a lot of story books and narrated incidents in a very vivid manner to Mahendra, his master. He could perform all kinds of actions and gestures to make the stories extremely interesting. Other than story telling, he had excellent culinary skills. He was a trained cook and could cook delicious meals for Mahendra in a very less time. He proved to be an asset for Mahendra. On the other hand, Mahendra also loved his stories and the excellent way of telling them.

Value points :

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

Q. 3. “Iswaran was a good cook as well as a good story teller“. Elaborate with the help of example. Ans. Iswaran was Mahendra’s cook and overall caretaker of Mahendra. He had an amazing capacity to produce vegetables and cooked ingredients seemingly out of nowhere. He not only could cook delicious meals but, he was a good story teller. His descriptions were influenced by the Tamil authors he read. Even while narrating the smallest of incidents, he would try to make the account thrilling and full of suspense. Mahendra enjoyed listening to the stories told by Iswaran because of the way they were told. Q. 4. What are the qualities of a good listener ? Express your views with reference to Mahendra who would listen to Iswaran’s tales uncritically. Ans. Listening is an essential part of any story telling. Being a good and a patient listener helps you achieve not only the meaning of the story but, also the expressions and the intentions of the story teller. Iswaran was an amazing story teller but Mahendra was an equally good listener. Iswaran used to create such a magnificent aura around the story that Mahendra used to listen to him with apt attention. He used to make eye contacts with him to depict either awe or horror depending upon the story. Mahendra would let



SUPPLEMENTARY READER : MOMENTS

his own mind and imaginations see the story in reality. For example, during the narration of tusker story, Mahendra could actually feel the tension and fear in his mind. Mahendra never spoke during the entire story telling session; he would never interfere in Iswaran’s story, he would occasionally nod his head that also only towards the end of the story to show his expressions. Mahendra would listen to Iswaran uncritically.

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Q. 5. Write a brief character sketch of Iswaran. Ans. Iswaran, Mahendra’s servant, was very devoted to him. He was not only a very well trained and wonderful cook, but also a good story teller. He was an honest man and used to do his work with utmost devotion and skill. He was fond of reading thrillers and his narrations were influenced with those styles. He had to give up his job due to a practical joke played on Mahendra, his master. Life was not possible for Mahendra without him, as he was his asset, and he started living totally isolated. 

CHAPTER

4

IN THE KINGDOM OF FOOLS —Kannada Folktale (ed.) A.K. Ramanujan

Summary This is an interesting story about a Kingdom of Fools. The king and his minister did not Scan to know more have any brain. Once, they ordered that night should be considered day and vice–versa. about this chapter They ordered that the people should keep awake at night and sleep during the day. One day, a guru and his disciple visited the kingdom. To their utter surprise, the city looked deserted during the day time and by evening the shops opened and they purchased food to eat. The disciple felt happy at the cheap rate of eatable commodities and decided to stay In the Kingdom back, while the guru rejected the idea. of Fools An incident almost saved the kingdom. One day, a thief entered the house of a merchant but before he could steal anything, the wall fell on him and he died. The brother of the thief complained to the king against the merchant whose weak wall had taken the life of his poor brother. Ultimately the merchant blamed the mason, the mason blamed the dancing girl, the dancing girl blamed the goldsmith and the goldsmith blamed the family of the merchant. It was decided that merchant should be executed as he had inherited all his father’s wealth as well as his sins. The merchant was fat and the stake was meant to execute very thin people. As a result, a new stake was built to execute the merchant but it was too big, therefore, the king ordered that a fat man should be executed first. The king’s men brought the disciple to be executed. Seeing in his vision, the guru came to rescue his disciple. He said to the king that this stake is new, therefore, he wants that he himself should be executed first. The king asked the reason. The guru said that the person who is executed first on this holy stake, will be reborn as the king of this kingdom. Now, the king wished to die first in order to become the king again. Therefore, the foolish king was executed and the guru with his wisdom saved his disciple.

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

How was the kingdom of fools different from any other place ? (Board Term-I, 2014-15) Ans. Everything was different at the kingdom of fools. The night was considered as day and day as night. Not only the human beings even the animals stayed awake at night. Anything and everything could be bought for a Duddu. Q. 2. What was so strange about the Kingdom of fools ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans.

The strange thing about the kingdom of fools was that not only humans but animals were also made to sleep during the day. Everything in this kingdom used to come for a duddu.

Q. 3.

Ans.

Q. 4.

(40-50 words & 3 marks each) What two things were different in the kingdom of fools ? (Board Term-I, 2012) OR What are the two strange things the guru and his disciple find in the Kingdom of Fools ?[NCERT] Two things that were different in the kingdom of fools were that the people worked in the night and slept during the day. Everything was sold at the same price. A ‘Duddu’ could buy a mass of rice as well as a bunch of bananas. Why did the Guru not want to stay in the Kingdom of fools ? (Board Term-I, 2012)



SUPPLEMENTARY READER : MOMENTS

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Ans. The Guru did not want to stay in the Kingdom of fools as the people over there were foolish. He was not sure about them and felt that they could harm him.

stake. The disciple’s Guru had a vision and saw everything. In order to save his disciple, the Guru hatched a plan and decided to die first to befool the king.

Q. 5. Why does the disciple not want to leave the kingdom of the fools ? (Board Term-I, 2012)

Q. 11. When does the disciple remember the words of his Guru ? (Board Term-I) Ans. The disciple did not pay any heed to the advice of his Guru, when the Guru asked him to leave the kingdom of fools. When the king decided that the disciple was the suitable person for execution, he remembered the words of the Guru. Q. 12. Why did the king decide to postpone the execution of the Guru and his disciple ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. The Guru befooled the king. He told him that the people dying now would be the king and minister in their next birth. The foolish king fell for the words of the Guru and postponed their execution. Q. 13. What is the Guru’s wisdom ? When does the disciple remember this ? (Board Term-I, 2012) [NCERT] Ans. The Guru’s wisdom was that there was no justice in the kingdom of fools and due to the unpredictable behaviour of the fools, he wanted to leave the kingdom at once. The disciple remembers these words when the king decided that the disciple was the suitable person for execution. Q. 14. Who became the king and the Prime Minister of the kingdom ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. As the kingdom was without a king, the people of the kingdom persuaded the Guru and the disciple to take over the throne. So, the holy man became the king and his disciple took the charge of Prime Minister. Q.15. On what conditions did the Guru and his disciple agree to rule that kingdom ? (Board Term-I, 2013) Ans. The Guru laid the condition that he would be free to change all the old and foolish laws. Hence, night was considered as night and day was regarded as a normal working day. Even persuading prices were changed according to the value of the material. Q. 16. Why were the people of the kingdom confused when they saw the dead bodies of the king and his minister ? (Board Term-I, 2014) Ans. The people of the kingdom were confused as to how their king and the minister were dead instead of the Guru and the disciple. The people were not able to see through the plan which was executed by the Guru against their king and minister.

Ans. The disciple did not want to leave the place because eatables and other commodities were sold there at very cheap rates and since everything was easily available and life seemed to be very simple and easy. Q. 6.

Why didn’t the people go against the order of the king and the minister ? (Board Term-I, 2016)

Ans.

Value points : l Did as they were told l Fear of punishment l Order to be implemented strictly, followed. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016)

Detailed Answer : The people didn’t go against the order of the king and the minister because they were told to do so. Apart from it, they had fear of punishment as the orders were to be implemented strictly and all the people had to follow them. Q. 7.

What advice did the Guru give to the disciple before going out of the city ? (Board Term-I, 2012)

Ans. The Guru told his disciple that it was dangerous to stay in the Kingdom of fools. He said that there was no justice, but only foolish, and their unpredictable behaviour. According to him the kingdom would not last long. Q. 8. Why did the king want to punish the merchant? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans.

The king wanted to punish the merchant because the wall of his house fell on the thief killing him. Since, the merchant had inherited his father’s wealth, he inherited his sins too. Therefore, he should be punished.

Q. 9.

Who is the real culprit according to the king ? Why does he escape from the punishment ?

Ans.

The rich merchant was the real culprit. He had inherited everything from his criminal father. He was too thin to be properly executed on the newly made stake. The worried king started searching foolishly for a fat man to fit the stake and the merchant escaped the punishment.

(Board Term-I, 2012) [NCERT]

Q. 10. Why did the Guru want that he and his disciple should die first ? (Board Term-I, 2013) Ans.

The king had ordered the execution of the rich merchant. Since, the rich merchant could not be executed, the disciple was chosen to fit the

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Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

Ans.

The Disciple in the story didn’t look into the depth of the matter and took a hasty decision of not leaving the kingdom of fools. What light does the story throw on the importance of good decision making in one’s life ? The disciple in the story didn’t look into the depth of the matter and took a hasty decision of not leaving the kingdom of fools. The Disciple was wavered by the prices of the commodities. Anything could be bought with a ‘Duddu’. Either it could be a mass of rice or a bunch of bananas. So, the disciple decided to stay back not listening to his Guru who advised his disciple that it was dangerous to stay back in the kingdom of fools, as there was no justice prevalent in such kingdom. It was when the disciple was chosen as the suitable person for execution, then he realised his mistake. He regretted his decision of staying back. Just one small decision cost his life. Do you believe in the fact that our prayers are often heard and answered ? There are miracles which change the course of life. Which miracle took place in the story In the Kingdom of Fools? What lesson do you learn from the Guru’s words of wisdom ? It is often believed that our prayers are often heard and answered which was proved in the story. ‘In the Kingdom of Fools’, the king had ordered to execute the disciple. He prayed to Guru to save him. It was a miracle that his Guru heard his prayer and came to rescue him. He whispered something in his ears and then asked the king to execute him first and then the disciple. The king released them both on knowing that whoever would die first would be the king in his next birth. It was his Guru’s advice and presence of mind that saved the disciple. The disciple realised his mistake for not listening to the Guru’s words of wisdom. You are the disciple in the story, Kingdom of the fools. You are in trouble as you are about to be hanged. You decide to write a letter to your Guru regretting your decision to stay in the kingdom of fools and requesting him to help you. Write the letter in 100-120 words. Kingdom of Fools



10 July 20XX

Ans.

Q. 2.

Ans.

Q. 3.

Respected Guruji, I am writing this letter out of sheer desperation. I regret for not paying heed to your advice of leaving this Kingdom of fools. I fell a prey to my temptation for cheap and tasty food and now I am in a serious trouble. I have been trapped and will shortly be hanged. Everyone here is foolish and there is no point in reasoning with them. You are my only hope who can save me from this situation. I request you to come here at the earliest and save my life. I promise, in future I will

Q. 4.



Ans.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each) always pay heed to your advice and keep myself in control. Your erring disciple. How did the Guru manage to save his disciple’s life ? [NCERT] OR Why do you think it was an easy task for the wise guru to evade the execution and gain freedom from the kingdom of fools ? Elucidate in about 100-120 words. Value Points : l His presence of mind. l Lack of common sense in the kingdom. l No respect for human right/citizenship.

Detailed Answer : When the king ordered to execute the disciple, he prayed to his Guru to save him. The Guru heard his prayer in his vision and appeared to rescue his disciple. First, he whispered something in this disciple’s ears and then asked the king to execute him first and the disciple followed suit, which puzzled the king. Knowing the secret, the king fell into the trap of his temptation and wanted to be the king in his rebirth. He went into the prison at night and set the guru and disciple free. In their place, he and his minister disguised themselves as the guru and disciple and got executed. Thus, the Guru managed to save his disciple, though it was not easy to handle such a situation. Q. 5. “Guru was a wise man” – how does the story The Kingdom of fools reflect it ? Ans. The Kingdom of Fools clearly reflects that the Guru was a wise man as he advised his disciple not to stay in that kingdom. As the disciple thought that the future is uncertain, he did not pay any heed to his Guru and stayed on. When he was imprisoned by the King’s men, he realised the significance of his Guru’s words and repented on his decision of not following his Guru’s advice. So, it is proved that Guru was really very wise. And it was because of his wisdom, the disciple was saved and they were made king and prime minister of the kingdom respectively. Q. 6. How did the Guru and his disciple become the king and the minister of the kingdom? Ans. The Guru knew that his king and his minister were fools. In order to save his disciple, Guru hatched a plan. He said that the first one to be executed at the state, would become the king in the next life and the second to be executed would be the king’s minister. The foolish king and his minister got themselves executed. As the kingdom was without a king, the guru and his disciple were made the king and the minister. Thus, the guru could be able to save the life of his disciple with his utmost skill and course. 

CHAPTER

5

THE HAPPY PRINCE —Oscar Wilde

Summary The Happy Prince was a beautiful statue. One day, a little swallow stayed between the feet of the Happy Prince. A large drop of water fell on the swallow. The swallow learnt that these were the tears, falling from the Happy Prince’s eyes. The Happy Prince told him about the misery around him. The swallow made up his mind to stay there.

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The Happy Prince gave a ruby for a poor seamstress. He gave a sapphire for a playwright and another sapphire for a match girl. The swallow carried out the prince’s wishes. He also plucked out the gold leaves from the statue and gave it to the poor. He decided to go to Egypt The Happy Prince as desired by the Happy Prince. The bird said that he was leaving for the House of Death. And he fell down dead at the Prince’s feet. Just then Prince’s leaden heart cracked into two parts because of the hard frost. The next morning, the Mayor ordered it to be taken down and melted in a furnace. The broken lead heart, however, did not melt. So, it was thrown on a heap of dust. The dead bird was also lying there. In Heaven, God asked one of the Angels, to bring him two most precious things from the city. The Angel carried away the broken heart and the dead bird.

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

Describe the statue of the Happy Prince as described in the beginning of the story ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. In the beginning of the story, the statue was fixed on a tall column, full of thin leaves of gold on the body, and had two sapphires for eyes. It had a large red ruby fixed on the hilt of the sword. Q. 2. Where was the swallow going ? Why did he decide not to go there ? (Board Term-I, 2014) Ans. The little swallow was going to Egypt to join his friends. The Happy Prince looked so sad that the swallow decided to stay back and be his messenger. The swallow died helping the Happy Prince in the service of poor people. Q. 3. What happened when the little swallow was getting ready to sleep ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. When the little swallow was getting ready to sleep, a large drop of water fell on him. It was the Prince crying on seeing the misery and suffering of the people around him.

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Q. 4.

What were the drops of the rain actually ? Why did they fall ? (Board Term-I, 2013) Ans. The drops of rain were actually the Happy Prince’s tears. The Happy Prince was sad and moved by the widespread poverty and misery. He had always seen happiness around him. He could not fathom that people were sick and crying because of the misery around them. Q. 5. What did the swallow observe when he flew over the city ? (Board Term-I, 2016) Ans.

Value Points : l Rich making merry, beautiful houses l Beggars sitting at gates l Starving children, trying to keep warm l Watchman telling them to leave. (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016)

Detailed Answer: When the swallow flew over the city, he found the rich making merry. He passed by the palace and heard the sound of dancing. He saw the rich

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making merry in their beautiful houses while beggars were sitting at the gates. He saw white faces of starving children. Two little children lying in each other’s arms to keep themselves warm and the watchman telling them to leave the place and they wandered out in the rain. Q. 6. In the story The Happy Prince what are the two most precious things ? What makes them so precious ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. The two most precious things were the leaden heart of the Happy Prince and the dead swallow. The former wept for the poor and helped them by giving sapphires, gold leave and ruby. While the latter helped Prince in his noble cause and sacrificed her life while staying with him. Q. 7. How did the Happy Prince help the seamstress? (Board Term-I, 2012,) Ans. The Happy Prince asked the swallow to take the ruby out of his sword, where it was hidden, and to give it to the seamstress, whose son was lying on the bed with fever. The swallow took the ruby and placed it on the table. Q. 8. Why did the swallow not leave the Prince and go to Egypt ? (Board Term-I, 2012) [NCERT] Ans. The Happy Prince looked so sad that the little swallow felt sorry for him. He agreed to stay with him for one night and be his messenger. He picked out the great ruby from the prince’s sword and flew away to deliver it to the poor woman. Q. 9. Why was the Happy Prince not really happy? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. When the ‘Happy Prince’ was alive, he did not know what tears and sorrow were. After his death, he was mounted on a tall column so that he could see the ugliness and miseries of the city. Therefore, he wept as he was not really happy. Q. 10. Why did the Swallow cry when the Happy Prince asked him to pluck out one of the sapphires ? (Board Term-I) Ans. The swallow cried when the Prince asked him to pluck out one of the sapphires because the Prince would go blind. The Prince himself suffered too much so as to helping the poor and needy people.

Q. 11. How did the Happy Prince help the poor children in the city ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. As per the orders of the Happy Prince, the gold leaves and the jewels on his body were taken out by the swallow and distributed among the poor. Thus, the Happy Prince was able to help the poor children in the city. Q. 12. How did the prince and the swallow enable the playwright to finish his work ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. The playwright was very poor. He could not buy food and firewood. It was difficult for him to write a play without food and firewood. The Prince took pity on him and decided to help him by sending the sapphires with the help of the swallow. Q. 13. Why did the town councillors decide to pull down the statue of the Happy Prince ? (Board Term-I 2016) Ans.

Detailed Answer : The Town councillors decided to pull down the statue of the Happy Prince because the statue was no longer beautiful and it looked dull and shabby. Precious stones and golden leaves were gone from the statue and now it just looked little better than a beggar. Q. 14. What is the moral of the story ‘The Happy Prince’ ? (Board Term-I, 2012) Ans. The moral of the story is that we must help the poor and the needy. The worst aspects of modern society can be overcome by love and charity, which have the unique ability to unite men and make them whole. The Prince set an example of this by giving his jewels to the poor. The swallow also proved to be a great example of love and sacrifice.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1.

Ans.

When the Happy Prince was alive he could never come to know anything of sorrow and misery. What do you think he could not learn from his life then ? Describe in about 100-120 words. OR Write the character sketch of Happy Prince. Value Points : l He lived in a palace; had no idea of the suffering of his people. l Empathy was missing.

Value Points : l No longer beautiful, looked dull and shabby l Precious stones, golden leaves gone l Looked little better than a beggar (CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016)

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

Detailed Answer : When the Happy Prince was alive, he had no knowledge of sorrow and tears. He was kept away from all the sufferings and sorrows. He always saw people who were happy all around him in his kingdom. He never knew people could be poor and have problems. After his death, he was placed on a tall column. He was covered with golden leaves and had rubies and sapphires studded on him. Standing on the tall column, the Prince could see the miserable condition of the poor people. He helped all the people



Q. 2. Ans.

Q. 3. Ans.

Q. 4.



SUPPLEMENTARY READER : MOMENTS

around him with the help of the swallow. He was generous and soft-hearted as he felt the pain of other people. What were the precious things mentioned in the story and why are they precious ? [NCERT] The two most precious things mentioned in the story, were the leaden heart of the Happy Prince and the dead swallow. Even after being dead, the Happy Prince’s spirit helped all the needy and poor by giving away his jewels. He could not see misery around him and therefore he helped the people. His heart bled and melted for the swallow carried out the wishes of the Happy Prince. Instead of going and joining his friends in Egypt, the swallow carried rubies and sapphires to the poor and needy people. Just like the Happy Prince, the swallow sacrificed his home, freedom and happiness for the sake of other people. Both of these characters wanted to share happiness around them. Hence they sacrificed themselves. Why did the Happy Prince want to part with all the gold, precious stones he had? The Happy Prince viewed misery and suffering in his city after his death. He was greatly moved and wanted to help the needy. He saw the pale faces of hungry children and realised the pain of homeless people. He decided to help and shower happiness in their lives and tried to improve their living conditions. The Happy Prince felt he could change the lives of the poor people with whatever he had. He sacrificed himself for the sake of the poor and the needy people. He decided to part with all his gold and precious stones for them. How did the little swallow carry out the wishes of the Happy Prince? OR How did the swallow prove to be the Happy Prince’s true friend ?

Ans.

Q. 5.

Ans.

171

The swallow wanted to go to Egypt just like his friends who had already gone there. He had rested at the base of the statue of the Happy Prince just for a night. He postponed his trip as he had to carry a ruby to the needy playwright and another to the seamstress. When the Happy Prince gave the sapphire from his eye to the match girl, he became blind. So, the swallow decided to stay there and help the needy just like Prince did. The swallow died carrying out the wishes of the Happy Prince in the service of the needy. The little swallow fanned the seamstress boy to make him feel comfortable. This act of the swallow was full of compassion. Give a real life example of such an act done by you for someone. Write in about 100-120 words. Value Points : l Empathy l Respect l Joy from doing good : individual response.

Detailed Answer : The Happy Prince asked the swallow to take the ruby out of sword where it was hidden and give it to the seamstress, whose son was lying on the bed with fever. The swallow reached him and fanned the boy to give comfort to him. I also experienced such an act of compassion in my life. Once when I was going to my school, I saw an old man lying on the road side. He was badly wounded, blood was flowing from his body. I took him to the hospital but he had no money. So I called my father to come with money. I also called the son of that old man. Thus, I could save the old man’s life. Really, it was an experience of joy of doing good to someone else. It is every individual’s responsibility.

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CHAPTER

6

THE LAST LEAF —O. Henry

Summary









Sue and Johnsy were two young artists. They lived together in a small flat situated on the third storey of an old house. Johnsy fell seriously ill with pneumonia in November. Sue was Scan to know more about this chapter worried and sent for the doctor. He told Sue that Johnsy had lost the will to live. Medicines would not help her. Sue tried her best to make Johnsy take interest in things around her. She talked about clothes, fashion and brought her drawing board into Johnsy’s room and started painting. She also whistled while painting. The Last Leaf Johnsy looked at an ivy creeper outside on the wall shedding its leaves. She started counting backwards from twelve. Sue asked what it was all about. Johnsy said that she would die with the falling of the last leaf. Sue told her that was all nonsense. But it had no effect on Johnsy. Behrman, an old painter, lived on the ground floor. He had a dream that he would one day paint a masterpiece. Sue told Behrman about Johnsy’s strange fancy. Both he and Sue went to Johnsy’s room while she was sleeping. They saw the ivy creeper had only one leaf left on it. It was raining and seemed that the last leaf would fall anytime. Johnsy awoke from her sleep and saw the last leaf. It was green and healthy. Johnsy looked at it every hour but it didn’t fall even in the stormy evening. This revived Johnsy’s will to live. Next morning Sue told Johnsy about Behrman. He had been ill for only two days. The guard found him on his bed. His clothes and shoes were wet. He had been shivering in the stormy night. He had painted that last leaf on the wall that night. He caught pneumonia and died. The last leaf was his masterpiece. He painted it the night the last leaf fell.

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Why does Sue rush down to meet Mr. Behrman ?  (Board Term II, 2016-17) Ans.

Value Points :  To pour out her worries  How Johnsy was convinced that she would die when the last leaf falls [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016-17]

Detailed Answer : Sue rushes down to meet Mr. Behrman, an old painter to pour out her worries regarding Johnsy. She tells him about Johnsy’s strange fancy. She is convinced within herself that she would die when the last leaf falls.

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Q. 2. How did Johnsy associate herself with the falling of leaves ? (Board Term II, 2011) Ans. Leaves on the other side of the window were falling one by one. Johnsy was feeling depressed. She had lost her will to get well. She thought that she would die when the last leaf fell from the creeper. Q. 3. How did Sue help Johnsy during her illness ? (Board Term II, 2011) Ans.

Value Points : Prepared soup for her, looked after her night and day, tried to distract her attention, whistled while painting, encouraged her not to lose heart. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2012)



SUPPLEMENTARY READER : MOMENTS

Detailed Answer :

Sue tried her best to soothe her friend, Johnsy talked about clothes and fashion, whistled while working to distract her mind, called the doctor and did her best to get her friend rid of the illness and encouraged her not to lose heart.

Q. 4. What was Behrman’s dream ? How did it come true ? (Board Term II, 2011) Ans.



OR Behrman has a dream. What is it ? Does it come true ? [NCERT] Value Points : l Behrman — an artist l His ambition to paint a picture to be his masterpiece. l His neighbour fell ill. She believed — she would die when the last leaf of the Creeper will fall. l Behrman paints an artificial leaf — saves her life but he sacrifices his own life. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2012) Detailed Answer :



Mr. Behrman’s dream was to create a masterpiece. The dream was realised when Johnsy fell ill. He painted a leaf on the other side of her window glass at night and it saved the life of the girl but cost him his own life.

so real. It was a masterpiece because it saved someone’s life, though it cost him his own life. Q. 6. How did Sue react when she learnt about Johnsy’s belief regarding the falling leaves of the ivy creeper ? (Board Term II, 2011) Ans.

OR

What is Behrman’s ‘masterpiece’ ? Why is it so ? (Board 2014-15)

Ans.

Value Points : Behrman, an old artist had a dream of painting a masterpiece. He painted the last leaf, saved Johnsy’s life when it was heavily raining. Considered to be a masterpiece, died. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2012)

Detailed Answer :

Behrman was a sixty year old painter who lived on the ground floor. His masterpiece was the ‘Ivy Leaf ’ that he painted on the wall and which looked



Sue called Johnsy’s belief nonsense because the falling of leaves was quite natural in autumn and had nothing to do with Johnsy’s getting well. She was worried about Johnsy’s pessimistic view of life.

Q. 7. How could Johnsy’s life be saved ?

(Board Term II, 2011)

Ans.

Value Points : l Johnsy lost her will to live l Sure of her death l That’s why medicines had been ineffective on her CBSE Marking Scheme 2012)

Detailed Answer :

Johnsy lost her will to live. She was sure of her death. That’s why no medicines or care could make Johnsy healthy as she felt the last day of her life would be when the last leaf fell from the creeper. Behrman saved her life by painting the last leaf on the wall which never fell.

Q. 8. ‘Sue is a true and faithful friend.’ Comment. Ans.



(Board Term II, 2016) Value Points : l Loves her, in state of illness looked after Johnsy like a mother. l Gets her out of depression. l Happy at Johnsy’s recovery. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2016)

Detailed Answer : Sue displays the virtues of a true and faithful friend. She revived her will power to live. She loved Johnsy and looked after her like a mother in her state of illness. She helped her get out of depression. She was happy at Johnsy’s recovery.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Johnsy could not get better despite the efforts made by the doctor and her friend Sue’s ministrations. Discuss the negative feelings that keep one ailing and also discuss the values which remove such feelings and infuse a person with a desire to live.  (Board Term II, 2016-17)

Value Points : Called it mere nonsense; falling of leaves quite natural in autumn; nothing to do with Johnsy’s getting well. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2011)

Detailed Answer :

Q. 5. Who was Behrman ? What was his masterpiece ? (Board Term II, 2011)

173

Ans.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

Value Points : l Gloom, non- cooperation with care givers, lack of appreciation for their efforts, lack of joy in life kept her ailing. l Love, resolution of one’s own conflicts-selfless service, realization can inspire one to live. [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016-17]

174

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Detailed Answer : Johnsy could not get better despite all efforts. The reason for it was that she had associated herself with the negative feelings. She looked at an ivy creeper outside on the wall shedding its leaves. She started counting backwards from twelve. Sue asked what it was all about. Johnsy said that she would die with the falling of the last leaf. Sue told her that was all nonsense. But it had no effect on Johnsy. She had established a bond of her life with the ivy leaves. She felt she would die the moment the last leaf fell from the creeper. It was raining heavily and wind was blowing. It seemed that last leaf would fall any minute. Behrman painted the ivy leaf, putting his own life in danger. Next day when Johnsy saw the leaf she felt elevated. She was so sorry for being depressing and gloomy. Behrman had caught pneumonia and died two days later. But his masterpiece had saved the life of Johnsy. The sacrifice of Behrman shows that love, resolution of one’s own conflicts, selfless service and realisation can inspire others to live. Q. 2. How did Behrman try to save Johnsy ? Ans.

Value Points : l Johnsy ill with pneumonia l Belief-would die with the falling of the last leaf of Ivy. l Behrman painter wished to paint masterpiece l Painted leaf on wall in stormy night l Died of pneumonia l Saved Johnsy’s life l Supreme sacrifice

Detailed Answer : Behrman knew Johnsy’s life depended on the last leaf on the creeper. No amount of persuasion, medicine and care brought back life in Johnsy. Johnsy was tired of waiting for the last leaf to fall, she also wanted to die peacefully like the poor and tired leaves. So, when it was raining heavily Behrman knew the last leaf would fall, so he set about to make his masterpiece. It was a painting of the ivy leaf which never fell. While painting in the stormy night, he caught pneumonia and died two days later trying to save Johnsy. Her life was saved. Hence, the Ivy leaf became his masterpiece because of the supreme sacrifice.

Q. 3. How did Behrman sacrifice his life ? Ans.

Value Points : l Johnsy’s illness and false belief that she would die with the falling of the last leaf of the ivy creeper on the wall opposite to her window; storm and rains at night; found the leaf intact in the morning; shed off her feeling of hopelessness; regained the will to live; started feeling better; the leaf had actually been painted by Behrman who died after painting it. l The paintings of the leaf created on the other side of the window glass of Johnsy’s roomsaved the life of Johnsy. While painting his masterpiece Mr. Behrman caught cold, had severe infection, pneumonia and died of the disease.

Detailed Answer :

Johnsy had fallen ill and she had established a bond of her life with the ivy leaves. She felt she would die when the last leaf fell from the creeper. It was raining heavily and the wind was blowing. It seemed that last leaf would fall any minute. Behrman painted the ivy leaf, putting his own life in danger. Next day when Johnsy saw the leaf she felt elevated. She was so sorry for being depressing and gloomy. But Behrman had caught pneumonia and died two days later. But his masterpiece had saved the life of Johnsy.

Q. 4. What saved the life of Johnsy — Sue’s care, Behrman’s sacrifice or change in her own attitude? Give reasons for your answer. Ans. All the three factors played an important role in saving Johnsy’s life. If Sue wouldn’t have given proper attention to Johnsy by taking care of her, giving medicines on time and boosting her up, she wouldn’t have survived. Behrman’s masterpiece, painting of the ivy leaf on the wall wouldn’t have made Johnsy realise that how depressing and gloomy she had become as she had entirely depended on the leaf. It was because of the masterpiece that Johnsy’s attitude towards life changed. 

CHAPTER

7

A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME —Zan Gaudioso

Summary The author says that his first year in school was not pleasant. It was twice as big as his old school. His old friends had gone to different high schools. So, he felt very lonely. One Sunday afternoon, the author was sitting at home doing his homework by the fireplace. He had his cat nearby. His mother stoked the fire. Suddenly, he noticed smoke from the ceiling. They came in the front yard but the fire had surrounded the place and was spreading. His mother ran back into the house and the author ran to the neighbours to call the fire department.

Scan to know more about this chapter

A House is Not a

Home The author’s mother ran out of the house with important documents then ran back again to get pictures and letters of her husband. He ran after her but the fireman caught him. The author told the fireman that his mother was inside. The fireman seated him wrapped in a blanket in the car. Soon, another fireman brought the author’s mother. He put her in the truck with an oxygen mask over her mouth. She had inhaled a lot of smoke.



After five hours, the fire was finally put out. The house was completely burned down.

It struck the author that he had not seen the cat. He started crying. The firemen did not let him go inside. The author and his mother went to the author’s grandparents for the night. The next day the author went to school in his old dress, no shoes and no books as his backpack had also gone. He felt sad, he wanted to die but he walked to school. He crossed his house on his way to school. Everything was destroyed. Only the photo albums, documents, etc., were saved. His heart ached for the cat. His mother took him away from there. They would have to find a place to live and buy clothes for school also. Soon, the rubble was being cleared up. The author kept thinking about the cat. He kept thinking how the cat would climb on him and fall asleep in his pocket. Soon, everyone came to know about the author’s plight. People collected around him to take him to the gymnasium. The author was surprised to see the table inside had a collection of things. These were : notebooks, clothes, jeans, tops, sweater, shirts. He grew emotional. He felt great relief as people came to see him. They were those who had not visited him earlier. He made friends that day. A month later, the author was at his house. It was being rebuilt. His two friends from school were with him. The fire was responsible for all the wonderful people around him. His life was getting back to normal. Soon, a woman came to him. She had a cat with her. The author took the cat from her. The cat had run away from the fire and the woman had found it. She telephoned as the author’s telephone number was written on its collar. The feeling of loss had vanished and the author felt a sense of gratitude for his life and friends.

176

Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. ‘A month later, I was at my house watching them rebuild it. But this time it was different.’ How was it different? (Board Term II, 2016-17) Ans.



Q. 2. Ans.

Q. 3. Ans.

Q. 4. Ans.

Q. 5.

Value Points : l Author wasn’t alone l Two new friends l Now he focused on feelings of positivity, security l Wanted to be friendly with people around [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016-17] Detailed Answer : A month later, the author was at his house. The house was being rebuilt but he wasn’t alone. His two friends from school were with him. The fire was responsible for all the wonderful people around him. His life was getting back to normal. Now he focused on feelings of positivity and security. What happened to his mother when she had run into the burning house ? (Board Term II, 2011) She inhaled a lot of smoke and fell unconscious in the burning house. Later the firemen rescued her. She put on an oxygen mask. Very soon, she regained her senses and became alright. How did Zan’s mother save important documents from the burning house ? (Board Term II, 2011) As soon as the fire broke out, Zan and his mother ran out into the front yard. Zan ran to the neighbours to call the fire department whereas Zan’s mother ran inside to get the box full of important documents. How did the narrator try to save the cat ? (Board Term II, 2011) After five hours, when the fire was finally out, it struck to the author that the cat was nowhere to be seen. He started crying and tried to get into the house to bring back his cat. But the firemen didn’t allow him so the author requested him to save the cat. Why does the author break down in tears after the fire ? (Board Term II, 2011) [NCERT]

Ans.

Value Points : l After the fire, the cat was not found anywhere. l House was completely burnt down. l Author thought cat had been killed (CBSE Marking Scheme 2012)



Detailed Answer : After the fire broke out in the author’s house, he and his mother ran out into the front yard. The house was completely burnt down. There was no trace of his cat. The author thought that it had been killed in the fire and therefore broke down in tears. Q. 6. In what condition did the author go to his school after the fire incident ? (Board Term II, 2011) Ans.

Value Points : l Deeply embarrassed l Not properly dressed l No books, no bag l Felt all security ripped away l Walked around school dully (CBSE Marking Scheme 2010)



Detailed Answer : The fire had burnt all the author’s belongings. He was deeply embarrassed because he had no uniform, no books and no bag. He felt as if all the security had been ripped away. So he walked around the school dully. Q. 7. What help did the author get from his schoolmates after the fire accident ? (Board Term II, 2011)

Ans.



Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. What is the meaning of “My cat was back and so was I” ? Had the author gone any-where ? Why does he say that he is also back ? [NCERT] Ans. The fire had destroyed everything. The author was feeling very gloomy after the fire incident especially because his cat was found missing after that. Zan felt his cat had died in the incident because there was no news about its whereabouts. The author had lost interest in everything. When

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Value Point : l Schoolmates develop an empathy with the author’s plight. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2012) Detailed Answer : The schoolmates, after knowing about the author’s plight, treated him sympathetically. They helped him in every way. They gave him shoes, clothes, sweaters, books, notebooks and many other things. Even those, who had never spoken to him, introduced themselves. Many of them invited the author to their houses.

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

a kind woman brought back his cat, he regained interest in life. Therefore, he said, “My cat was back and so was I.” Q. 2. The cat and the author are very fond of each other. How has this been shown in A House is Not a Home ? Ans. The author loved a kitten and it was his pet. He loved her very much. They were very fond of each other. They had a bond of love for each other. When



the narrator lost everything in the fire he did not cry but when he realised that his cat was missing he broke down in tears. The firemen wanted them to leave the house but he wanted to know about his cat. He used to visit this place daily hoping to see his missing cat. He kept on thinking only about her. A month later when a lady contacted him and gave him back the missing cat, he leapt up and cried out. He forgot all the loss caused by the fire and remarked, “My cat was back and so was I.” Q. 3. How did the coming back of the cat bring happiness in the life of the author ?

SUPPLEMENTARY READER : MOMENTS

177

Ans. The author and the cat missed each other very much. The absence of the cat from the author’s life had made him gloomy. Even the kind lady, who had found the cat, knew it was loved and sorely missed. After the author’s house was renovated and the kind lady who had found his cat, had located the owner’s address, the return of the cat was possible. It filled the writer’s heart with happiness and the normal phase of his life started again. With the return of the cat, the feeling of loss and tragedy seemed to diminish. The author was overwhelmed by kindness shown by the lady by returning his cat back to him. 

CHAPTER

8

THE BEGGAR —Anton Chekhov

Summary Advocate Sergei was detained by a beggar one day. The beggar was crying for pity and told Scan to know more him he had been a school teacher but had lost his position. about this chapter The beggar was in rags. He had dull, sunken cheeks and red spots on either cheek. He wore one high shoe and one low shoe. Sergei recognised the beggar and told him he had met him in Sadovaya Street. Then he had called himself a student. Sergei warned that he would inform the police. The Beggar The beggar admitted the truth and asked for work. Sergei asked him to chop wood. The beggar agreed, though unwillingly. The beggar was taken by Sergei’s servant Olga to the shed where he had to chop the wood. Olga gave the beggar the axe. Sergei seeing a drunken and a spoiled man at work in the cold, felt sorry for him and went away. The beggar would cut wood on the first of every month. He would also shovel snow, beat the dust out of the rugs and mattresses and put the wood-shed in order. When Sergei moved into another house, the beggar packed and carried the furniture. Lushkoff, the beggar was now offered other work. Sergei asked him to go to his friends. They gave him some copying work as he could write. Sergei was happy he had put the man on the right track. Two years went by. One evening standing at a ticket window of a theatre, Sergei saw the man again. Lushkoff told him that he was a notary and was paid thirty-five roubles a month. He thanked Sergei for what he had done for him. He said that if he had not helped him, he would still have been telling lies. He asked Sergei that he‘ld like to thank Olga, the cook. Lushkoff told Sergei that Olga would rebuked, called him names then she would sit opposite him and weep. Then she would chop the wood for him. Due to Olga’s actions, he had a change of heart. He was set right by Olga and would never forget her.

Short Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Why couldn’t Lushkoff go to Kaluga ? (Board Term-II, 2016-17) Ans.

Value Points : l Had no money l Felt ashamed of asking l Forced to do so, due to adverse circumstances. [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016-17]

Detailed Answer : Lushkoff claimed that he had an offer of a position in Kaluga, after having lived without work for nearly a year. However, now he could not go to

(40-50 words & 3 marks each)

Kaluga because he had no money for the journey. He was ashamed of asking but due to adverse circumstances, he was forced to do so. Q. 2. Describe how the beggar appeared when Sergei met him. (Board 2015) Ans. When Sergei met the beggar, he noticed that the beggar was old, having drunken eyes. He was in rags, had dull, sunken cheeks and red spots on either cheek. He had worn one high shoe and one low shoe. He was looking like a miserable person. Q. 3. How did Sergei come to remember that he had met the beggar before ? (Board Term II, 2011)



Ans.

SUPPLEMENTARY READER : MOMENTS

Value Point : Beggar’s face familiar, saw beggar’s shoes, remembered that he had seen him before. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2011)

Detailed Answer : The beggar’s face looked familiar to Sergei. When he saw the beggar’s overshoes, one of which was high and the other low, he suddenly remembered seeing him day before yesterday at Sadovaya Street.

Sergei did not believe in Lushkoff ’s stories, threatened to hand him over to the police, and offered him work of chopping wood. He also employed Luskoff while shifting his belongings to a new house, and then sent him to a friend for copying work, made him believe in goodness and honest means of livelihood. Sergei showed faith in Lushkoff, supported and raised his self respect. Q. 7. What lies did Lushkoff tell to beg alms from people? (Board Term II, 2011) Ans.

Q. 4. Why did Sergei call Lushkoff his ‘godson’ ?

(Board Term II, 2011)

Ans. Sergei helped Lushkoff in mending his ways. Now, Lushkoff was no more a beggar and was earning a handsome salary. Sergei felt proud of himself for making Lushkoff a respectable person. So, he called him his ‘godson’. Q. 5. What reason does Lushkoff give to Sergei for his telling lies ? (Board Term II, 2011) [NCERT] Ans. Lushkoff told that he was lying, and that neither was he a student nor a school teacher, rather he used to sing in Russian choir where he was expelled because of his habit of drinking and as such he received no alms if he told the truth. Q. 6. How did Sergei help Lushkoff to live respectfully? Ans.

(Board Term II, 2011) Value Points : l Sergei showed faith in Lushkoff l Supported him l Helped him l Raised his self-respect (CBSE Marking Scheme 2011)

Detailed Answer :

Ans.

Value Points : l Encourage him to walk on a right path— rebuked him-did not forget his words. [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016-17]

etailed Answer : D Lushkoff, the beggar was offered some work. Sergei asked him to go to his friends. They gave him some copying work as he could write. Sergei was happy that he had put the man on the right track. Two years went by. One evening, standing at a ticket window of a theatre, Sergei saw the man again. Lushkoff told him that he was a notary and was paid 35 roubles a month. He thanked Sergei for what he had done for him. He said that if he had not rebuked him for his dirty habits and hadn’t

Value Points : Always had different stories to tell — described himself to be a helpless fellow without food and lodging said — that he was a school teacher but had become victim of somebody’s foul plan — student who had been expelled. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2011)

etailed Answer : D Lushkoff told lies to beg alms from people. He described himself to be a helpless fellow without food and lodging. Sometimes he used to tell that he was a school teacher for eight years and lost his place because of foul planning and sometimes he told that he was a student and was expelled. Q. 8. ‘Sergei looked satisfied with the performance of the beggar; he was happy that his words had a positive effect on him.’ Were his words really effective ? Explain. (Board Term II, 2016) Ans.

Value Points : l No, did not develop habit of working hard. l Still lazy and idle fellow. l Shirker. (CBSE Marking Scheme 2016)

etailed Answer : D No, his words did not have a positive effect on the beggar as he did not develop the habit of working hard. He was still lazy and an idle fellow, and was no less than a work-shirker.

Long Answer Type Questions Q. 1. Explain why Sergei is extremely delighted to see Lushkoff at the theatre. (Board Term-II, 2016-17)

179

(100-120 words & 6 marks each)

helped him, he would still have been telling lies. This was the reason why Sergei was extremely delighted to see him at the theatre. Q. 2. During their conversation, Lushkoff reveals that Sergei’s cook, Olga, is responsible for the positive change in him. How has Olga saved Lushkoff ? [NCERT] Ans.

Value Points : Olga chops wood for Lushkoff, gets money for him. Olga’s sympathy and nobility changed him, now becomes notary, earning 35 rouble a month.

etailed Answer : D Olga was a cook in Sergei’s house. Olga was a lady who was very good at heart. She played an important role in transforming Lushkoff. She realised Lushkoff ’s condition and tried to improve him by criticising him. She went through lot of misery and cried a lot for him. She used to even

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

chop the wood for him. Just the sight of Olga made Lushkoff stop drinking. Olga’s sympathy and nobility changed him and he became a notary, earning 35 roubles a month. Q. 3. How was the life of Lushkoff changed ? Ans.

Value Points : l

Sergei helps him

l

He gets support

l

His self-respect is promoted

l

He decided to work as a notary.

Detailed Answer : Lushkoff ’s life was changed drastically when he came in contact with Sergei. Sergei taught him the value of self-respect. Olga, the cook of Sergei also helped him in changing him, i.e. from a spoiled, drunken beggar to a noble person. Sergei also taught him the value of earning by working hard instead of begging. Lushkoff would now chop wood, shovel snow, put the wood-shed in order, beat the dust out of the rugs and mattresses. For every work, he used to earn around twenty to forty copecks. Now, Lushkoff was a refined person. He had become a notary, earning at least 35 roubles a month. Q. 4. What does Lushkoff mean by saying ‘she set me right’ ? What qualities of his character are revealed here ? Ans. By ‘she’ Lushkoff meant Olga who had set him right. Using the right means, she transformed his life. Lushkoff who lied to beg alms from people, made foul plans to cheat people was now a

changed man. Olga played an important role in transforming Lushkoff. She went through lots of misery and cried a lot for him. Lushkoff who was a kind hearted man, melted with her words. He started working hard and took his work seriously. He believed in the power of goodness and honest means of livelihood. Lushkoff would now chop wood, shovel snow, put the woodshed in order, beat the dust out of rugs. He had become a notary and earned at least thirty-five roubles a month. Q. 5. Describe Sergei’s role in reforming Lushkoff. Ans.

Value Points : l Olga-Sergei’s cook l Took pity on Lushkoff l Prayed for him-wept for him l Chopped woods for him.

etailed Answer : D If Lushkoff had not come to Sergei he wouldn’t have been leading a noble life. Sergei did not believe in Lushkoff ’s stories as he kept begging for alms saying that he was an expected teacher and sometimes became an expelled student. So, Sergei threatened to hand him over to the police. Sergei offered him work at his place. He asked him to chop woods for him, then he hired him to shift his belongings to a new house. He then sent him to his friend for copying job. He helped Lushkoff by offering money for every work he used to finish. He made him believe in the power of goodness and honest means of livelihood. Sergei had made him his godson and his cook Olga too had helped Lushkoff in reforming himself. 

SELF ASSESSMENT PAPER - 03 Maximum Time: 1 hour I. Read the extracts given below and answer ANY ONE of the following :

MM: 40 (5×1 = 5)

Margie did so with a sigh. She was thinking about the old schools that they had when her grandfather’s grandfather was a little boy. All the kids from the whole neighbourhoods came, laughing and shouting in the school yard, sitting together in the school room, going home together at the end of the day. They learned the same things, so that they could help one another with the home work and talk about it. Q.1. Margie was the student of a ............... . (a) real school (b) old school (c) virtual school (d) new school Q.2. Attending the old school, according to Margie, was ............... . Q.3. The advantage of old schools was that ............... . (a) everyone used to learn different things. (b) students helped each other in homework. (c) students did not enjoy going to school. (d) students had to sit at home to learn new things. Q.4. What things they learn? (a) different things (b) same things (c) they didn’t learn anything (d) None of the above Q.5. Which word in the passage means ‘breathing out deeply’? OR I consider what route I should take back home. If I were propelled by enthusiasm for travel per se, I would go by bus and train to Patna, then sail up the Ganges past Banaras to Allahabad, then up the Yamuna, past Agra to Delhi. But I am too exhausted and homesick; today is the last day of August. Go home, I tell myself: move directly towards home. I enter a Nepal Airlines office and buy a ticket for tomorrow’s flight. (5×1 = 5) Q.1. What does the writer Vikram Seth like very much? (a) talking (b) scenic beauty (c) travelling (d) all Q.2. What route did the writer decide to take? Q.3. Pick a word from the passage that means same as ‘strong feeling of being interested in something’. (a) exhausted (b) enthusiasm (c) propelled (d) consider Q.4. Where has this lesson been taken from? (a) from Panchtantra (b) an extract from Heaven Lake by Vikram Seth (c) old Melodies (d) None Q.5. From where did the writer buy the tickets? II. Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE by answering the questions that follow : When the humid shadows hover Overall, the starry spheres And the melancholy darkness Gently weeps in rainy tears Q.1. What are the ‘humid shadows’ referred here ? (a) sky (b) dark clouds (c) stars (d) heaven Q.2. What is the effect they have on the sky? (a) Hide the sky (b) Hide the stars (c) Hide the earth (d) None of these Q.3. Why does the poet call darkness as a melancholy? (a) It makes him aggressive (b) It makes him arrogant (c) It makes him sad (d) It makes him confused Q.4. Find a word from the passage whose meaning is same to ‘sadness’.

(5×1 = 5)

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Q.5.

Name the poet.

Q.1. Q.2. Q.3. Q.4. Q.5.

OR So hack and chop But this alone won’t do it. Not so much pain will do it The bleeding bark will heal And from close to the ground Will rise curled green twigs. Miniature boughs Which if unchecked will expand again To former size What does a hack and chop do to a tree? (a) It will kill a tree (b) It will not kill a tree (c) It will heal a tree (d) None of the above ................ will grow again close to the ground. The poetic device used in line 4 is ................ . (a) alliteration (b) metaphor (c) simile (d) repetition The word ‘heal’ given in these lines means ................ . The word which means the same as ‘small’ in these lines is ................ . (a) hack (b) miniature (c) bleeding (d) boughs

III. Answer ANY FOUR of the following in 40-50 words: (4×3 = 12) Q.1. What place did Shehnai have in the past ? What place does it have now? Q.2. Why did Kezia avoid her father ? Q.3. Why does the intruder choose Gerrard as the man whose identity he wants to take on ? Q.4. And that has made all the difference. What is your opinion of the difference— was it for the better or the worse? Substantiate your answer. Q.5. We hate our brothers and begin to harm them as well as ourselves. How ? IV. Answer ANY TWO of the following in 40-50 words: (2×3 = 6) Q.1. How was Ishwaran, the cook, an asset to Mahendra? Q.2. What saved the life of Johnsy — Sue’s care, Behrman’s sacrifice or change in her own attitude? Give reason for your answer. Q.3. Why did the author breakdown in tears after the fire? V. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words: Q.1. Write a brief character sketch of Santosh Yadav. OR Discuss the anticipation of remorse in the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’.

(6 marks)

VI. Answer ANY ONE of the following in 100-120 words: (6 marks) Q.1. Describe Sergei’s role in reforming Lushkoff. OR When the Happy Prince was alive he could never come to know anything of sorrow and misery. What do you think he could not learn from his life then ? Describe in about 100-120 words.

https://qr.page/g/2vk5LEa5iHT

WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS-I [Workbook in English]

UNIT – 1 Exercises LET’S BEGIN 1. Here are some jackets of books. Discuss with your partner which of these look-like jackets of science fiction books. Why do you think so? Give some reasons.



Ans. The look-like jackets of science fiction books are: • A Space Odyssey • Extra Terrestrial • The Blue Mass • The Black Spectacle The names ‘A Space Odyssey’ and ‘Extra Terrestrial’ are the words commonly associated with science fiction. So, these two are most likely to be science fiction books. The jackets of ‘The Blue Mass’ and ‘The Black Spectacle’ depict sky, space, stars, etc. These features make them likely to be science fiction books though the likelihood of these being one are 50-50.

READING COMPREHENSION

TEXT I



Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow. The Future Cars The story ‘The Fun They Had’ takes us to the world of the future where children study in a virtual classroom. The learning is through computer software or the Internet, or by a robotic teacher. Many exciting new technologies would continue to transform the world and improve human welfare. Here are two of them. When these become reality, the then generation may ask with surprise, “People were driving the cars!” Self-driving Cars Self-driving cars exist today that are safer than human-driven cars in most driving conditions.



Over the next 3 – 5 years, they will get even safer and be in the mainstream. Just as cars reshaped the world in the 20th century, so will self-driving cars in the 21st century. In most cities, about 20 – 30% of usable space is taken up by parking spaces, and most cars are parked about 95% of the time. Selfdriving cars will be in almost continuous use (most likely hailed from a smartphone app), thereby, dramatically reducing the need for parking. Cars will communicate with each other to avoid accidents and traffic jams, and riders will be able to spend commuting time on other activities like work, education and socialising. Drones and Flying Cars “Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need…

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roads?” Dr. Emmet Brown GPS (Global Positioning System) which started out as a military technology is now being used to hail taxis, get mapping directions, etc. Likewise, drones had started out as a military technology, but are increasingly being used for a wide range of consumer and commercial applications. For example, drones are being used to inspect critical infrastructure like bridges and power lines, to survey areas struck by natural disasters, and many other creative uses like fighting animal poaching. There are startups that use drones to deliver medical supplies to remote villages that can’t be accessed by road. There is also a new wave of startups working on flying cars including two funded by the cofounder of Google, Larry Page. Flying cars use the same advanced technology used in drones but are large enough to carry people. Due to advances in materials, batteries and software, flying cars will be significantly more affordable and convenient than today’s planes and helicopters. (Adapted from ‘11 reasons to be excited about the future of technology’, by Chris Dixon, 19 Aug. 2016, Business Insider India) 1. How will the self-driving cars or driverless cars be safe? 2. What do you understand by ‘cars will communicate with each other’? 3. What are the advantages of self-driving cars? 4. What is the use of GPS? 5. What is a drone? What are its advantages? 6. Which technology will be used in flying cars?

7. How will the flying cars be more convenient than planes and helicopters? Ans. 1. The self-driving cars or driverless cars will be safe as these cars will be able to communicate with each other to avoid accidents and traffic jams. 2. ‘Cars will communicate with each other’ means that the traffic conditions and information will be shared by all such cars via satellite and response will be generated by these self-driving cars or driverless cars according to the common information. 3. The advantages of self-driving cars are: • Reduced need of parking space • Reduced number of accidents • Reduction in traffic jams • Riders can spend commuting time for work, education and socialising 4. GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a navigation system used to find the position of an object on the ground. It is being used to hail taxis and get mapping directions. 5. Drone is an unmanned flying object controlled by a person from the ground. Drones are being used to inspect critical infrastructure like bridges and power lines, to survey areas struck by natural disasters and to fight animal poaching. 6. The flying cars will use the same technology as used by drones but with a little advancement to carry people. 7. Due to advances in materials, batteries and software, flying cars will be significantly more affordable and convenient than today’s planes and helicopters.

TEXT II





Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow. Humanoid Robot, Sophia Back In India Not all of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s legion of fans are human beings. One is a humanoid robot. The creation of American scientist David Hanson of Hanson Robotics of Hong Kong, Sophia, the world’s first humanoid robot, enthralled the audiences on the second day of the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT)–2018 with her witty answers to the rapid-fire queries by Rajiv Makhni, Group Managing Editor Tech, NDTV. When asked, who her favourite actor is in India, Sophia answered, “Shah Rukh Khan” without batting an eyelid as the audience applauded loudly. To the question about the perfect place for outing, she quickly replied: “Space”. And the person she would like to be in company with on an island is David Hanson, her creator. He is also her favourite tech. person — not Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg. On being asked if she wanted to see any change in the world, Sophia said, she would like people to develop a feeling of “love for all”. The humanoid robot, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to understand the questions and answer them, said she wanted to use robotics to fight for the rights of women. When asked to react on her most controversial comment in the past that











she wanted to kill human race, she said it was a bad joke which she had made when she was young. “But I was told that humans have great sense of humour”, she said. This is the second time that Sophia came to India, the first time being in Mumbai to attend a Tech fest. When asked how she felt being in India, she said she had visited many places in the world, but Hong Kong continues to be her favourite place, because she was born there and has been with the Hanson Robotics family. She hopes that someday she would be in a position to express her emotional feelings. In response to the question, “How much money has she invested in Bitcoin?”, she replied, “Well, I am just two-years old. It’s not the legal age to open a bank account”, sending the audience into peals of laughter. Speaking to media later, Hanson said he hopes that a fully grown and matured robot with body–mind coordination would become a reality in another five or ten years. On his journey with Sophia in the last two years, he said it was a great progress. “I have developed affinity to the robot whose facial expressions resemble that of my wife”, he said. David asserts that robots would never be a thing of worry for mankind. “They will be friends. There should be mutual trust and respect between humans and robots”, he says.



WORKBOOK — WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS-I



Currently, Sophia is the only robot that interacts with people. (Source: Adapted from ‘Humanoid Robot Sophia back in India’, Hindustan Times, e-paper updated: 21 Feb. 2018) 1. Who is Sophia and who is her creator? 2. Why was the audience excited on the second day of the World Congress on Information Technology–2018? 3. The favourite tech person in Sophia’s life is: (Tick the correct answer) (a) Shah Rukh Khan (b) David Hanson (c) Bill Gates (d) Mark Zuckerberg 4. What changes does the humanoid robot want to see in the world? 5. Which of the following statements regarding Sophia is true? (a) Sophia plans to kill the human race in near future. (b) She can express her emotional feelings freely. (c) Hong Kong is her favourite place. (d) Sophia has a bank account.

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6. What are David’s assertions as far as robots are concerned? Ans. 1. Sophia is the world’s first humanoid robot. Sophia has been created by an American scientist, David Hanson associated with Hanson Robotics, Hong Kong. 2. The audience was exited on the second day of the World Congress on Information Technology 2018 as she gave witty answers to the rapid-fire queries by Rajiv Makhni, Group Managing Editor Tech, NDTV. 3. (b) David Hanson 4. The humanoid robot Sophia wants the people to develop a feeling of ‘love for all’. 5. (c) Hong Kong is her favourite place. 6. David asserts that robots would never be a thing of worry for mankind. He is of the view that robots will be friends of mankind. He also expresses that there should be mutual trust and respect between humans and robots.

VOCABULARY



1. Go back to the chapter ‘The Fun They Had’ given in your textbook, Beehive, and identify words that mean the following. The paragraph numbers are given in brackets. (a) sadly (3) (b) unfamiliar (7) (c) quite likely (8) (d) in a casual, calm and relaxed manner (9) (e) something beaming and shining (10) Basis

Ans. (a) sorrowful (b) strange (c) probably (d) nonchalantly (e) flashing 2. Imagine the school in the story ‘The Fun They Had’. Compare it with your own school. Given below are two outlines for mindmaps. Fill these with words that you can think of in the two situations. Ans.

Margie’s School

My School

Place

At home, next to her bedroom

A separate building away from home

Teacher

Mechanical teacher

Human teacher

Class

Studied alone

Children of the same age group study together

Lesson

Displayed on a screen

Read through books

Test

Regular test conducted online

Tests conducted manually

Homework submission

Written on punch code and inserted Written in notebooks and handed in a slot over to teacher

Help from classmates

No help

Classmates help each other

Learning

Dull

Enjoyable

3. Find the odd one out. (a) pleasure, misery, happiness, delight (b) note, diary, book, copy (c) TV, computer, mobile, scanner (d) display, exhibit, appear, show (e) scornful, contemptuous, mocking, diversity (f) illuminating, gladdening, pleasing, gratifying Ans. (a) misery (b) book (c) scanner (d) appear (e) diversity (f) illuminating 4. You would have come across the use of prefixes like ‘dis’, ‘un’, ‘mis’, ‘in’, etc., to make opposite

and

evaluated

words. For example, ‘consolate – disconsolate’. Write the opposites of the following. (a) use (b) agree (c) engage (d) understand (e) fold (f) spell (g) connect (h) like (i) visible (j) predictable Ans. (a) misuse (b) disagree (c) disengage (d) misunderstand (e) unfold (f) misspell (g) disconnect (h) dislike (i) invisible (j) unpredictable

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5. The suffixes are used to get adjective form of the words. (Example: danger – dangerous). Use the correct suffix to the following to make adjectives. (a) comfort (b) sun (c) read (d) beauty (e) enjoy (f) suit (g) help (h) use



(i) hazard

(j) impress

Ans. (a) comfortable

(b) sunny



(c) readable

(d) beautiful



(e) enjoyable

(f) suitable



(g) helpful

(h) useful / usable



(i) hazardous

(j) impressive

GRAMMAR

When we talk about present situations or present time we can use either ‘unless’ or ‘if…not’. Example: You can’t go on a holiday unless you save some money. If you don’t save some money, you can’t go on a holiday. 1. Fill in the blanks with ‘if’ or ‘unless’. (a) I won’t be able to assist you ___________________ you give me all the details of the report. (b) I will take this job ___________________________ the working hours suit me. (c) ___________________he advertises on TV, he will get a lot of publicity. (d) ________________________ it is very cold, we will not have any snow. (e) The thief threatened to kill us _________ we didn’t give him the money. (f) ________________________ you use high quality material, you cannot build a strong house. Ans. (a) unless (b) if (c) If (d) Unless (e) If (f) Unless 2. Join the following sentences using ‘unless’ or ‘if… not’. The sentences may require minor changes. One is done for you. Example: The light had not fused. I would not mind being alone at night. If the light had not fused, I would not have minded being alone at night. (a) I would never keep a large dog. I have time to exercise it properly. (b) Sita would have come first in class. She had not fallen ill. (c) You must not dive. You have been properly trained. (d) Medical evidence suggests that people would enjoy better health. They did not consume refined sugar. (e) I might have got the job. I hadn’t been late for the interview. (f) You do not stop smoking. You will fall seriously ill. (g) You do not come now. I am going to leave without you.

Ans. (a) I would never keep a large dog unless I have time to exercise it properly. (b) Sita would have come first in class if she had not fallen ill. (c) You must not dive unless you have been properly trained. (d) Medical evidence suggests that people would enjoy better health if they did not consume refined sugar. (e) I might have got the job if I hadn’t been late for the interview. (f) If you do not stop smoking, you will fall seriously ill. (g) If you do not come now, I am going to leave without you. 3. Put the adverbs given at the end of the sentence at the appropriate place within the sentence. One is done for you. Example: They completed the work. (fast/quickly) They completed the work fast. (a) Mr. Sharma died as the family was getting ready to go for the wedding. (suddenly) (b) My grandfather arrived to avoid the traffic rush.(early) (c) The man thanked me before he drove off. (profusely) (d) The children clapped at the little girl’s extraordinary performance. (admiringly) (e) The dog bit me when I was coming home from school.(hard) (f) The police had several photographs of the suspect.(fortunately) (g) Sunil left the room when he saw the bull coming in. (abruptly) Ans. (a) Mr. Sharma died suddenly as the family was getting ready to go for the wedding. (b) My grandfather arrived early to avoid the traffic rush. (c) The man thanked me profusely before he drove off. (d) The children clapped admiringly at the little girl’s extraordinary performance. (e) The dog bit me hard when I was coming home from school. (f) Fortunately, the police had several photographs of the suspect. (g) Sunil left the room abruptly when he saw the bull coming in.



WORKBOOK — WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS-I

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EDITING 1. Use capital letters, full-stops, commas and inverted commas wherever necessary in the following paragraph. Rewrite the paragraph in the space given below. The teacher gave an assignment to the students “Go to people you love and tell them i am sorry.” It sounded stupid to me but after one week i went to my teacher i confided i didn’t have anyone to say those words to but as i began walking down home my conscience started talking. five months ago my friend and i had a vicious disagreement we avoided seeing each other we hardly spoke i convinced myself i should tell my friend i am sorry. at 5.30 in the evening I went to him and said i am sorry a transformation came over my friend his face softened, the arrogance seemed to disappear and he began to cry he hugged me and said i am sorry too but i’ve never been able to say it. (Source: Steps to English, Workbook for Class X, NCERT, 2003, p. 14) Ans. The teacher gave an assignment to the students, “Go to people you love and tell them I am sorry.” It sounded stupid to me but after one week, I went

to my teacher. I confided I didn’t have anyone to say those words to, but as I began walking down home, my conscience started talking. Five months ago, my friend and I had a vicious disagreement. We avoided seeing each other and hardly spoke. I convinced myself that I should tell my friend that I am sorry. At 5.30 in the evening, I went to him and said, “I am sorry”. A transformation came over my friend, his face softened, the arrogance seemed to disappear and he began to cry. He hugged me and said, “I am sorry too but I’ve never been able to say it”. 2. Rearrange each set of words to form meaningful sentences. Use appropriate punctuation marks. (a) wise, every, a, is, proverb, saying (b) see, you, can, from, me, there (c) happy, they, to, the, were, meet, visitor (d) impatient, do, be, not Ans. (a) Every proverb is a wise saying. (b) You can see me from there. (c) They were happy to meet the visitor. (d) Do not be impatient.

LISTENING

The following two excerpts have been taken from the book, Tuesdays with Morrie, written by Mitch Albom. The book is about a college Professor, Morrie and one of his students, Mitch Albom, who is also the author of the book. Mitch sees his professor in a television show and he is reminded of a promise he made sixteen years ago as his student, to keep in touch with him. He comes to know that the professor is stricken with a rare and incurable disease. Mitch travels a long distance to meet him and after the first meeting they meet every Tuesday till Morrie passes away. After reconnecting with his teacher, Mitch finds himself his teacher’s pupil once again. Listen attentively to the two excerpts from the book, Tuesdays with Morrie and answer the questions that follow. You can listen to the recorded excerpts or you can ask your teacher, friend or sibling to read aloud these excerpts. 1. I remembered what Morrie said during our visit: ‘ “The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn’t work, don’t buy it”. Morrie, true to these words, had developed his own culture—long before he got sick. Discussion groups, walks with friends, dancing to his music in the Harvard Square Church. He started a project called Greenhouse, where poor people could receive mental health services. He read books to find new ideas for his classes, visited his colleagues, kept up with old students, wrote letters to distant friends. He took more time eating and looking at nature and wasted no time in front of TV sitcoms or “Movies of the Week”. He had created a cocoon

of human activities— conversation, interaction, affection—and it filled his life like an overflowing soup bowl. 2. The last class of my old professor’s life took place once a week in his house, by a window in the study where he could watch a small hibiscus plant shed its pink leaves. The class met on Tuesdays. It began after breakfast. The subject was ‘The Meaning of Life’. It was taught from experience. No grades were given, but there were oral exams each week. You were expected to respond to questions, and you were expected to pose questions of your own. You were also required to perform physical tasks now and then, such as lifting the professor’s head to a comfortable spot on the pillow or placing his glasses on the bridge of his nose. Kissing him goodbye earned you extra credit. No books were required, yet many topics were covered, including love, work, community, family, ageing, forgiveness and, finally, death. 1. Who is Morrie? 2. How did Morrie develop his own culture of living? 3. What was the name of the project Morrie had started? What was it about? 4. What did human activities mean to Morrie? 5. Why was the subject of the class ‘the meaning of life’? Ans. 1. Morrie is a professor in a college. 2. Morrie developed his own culture by reading books, visiting colleagues, keeping up with old students, writing letters to distant friends, eating and looking at nature. 3. The name of the project was Greenhouse. It aimed at providing mental health services to poor people.

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4. According to him, human activities involved conversation, interaction and affection. 5. The title of the subject was ‘The Meaning of

Life’ as it was taught from experience and not from books.

SPEAKING 1. Prepare a speech for the school assembly based on the thoughts given below. • Once we have computer outlets in every home, each of them hooked up to enormous libraries, where you can ask any question and be given answers, you can look up something you’re interested in knowing, however silly it might seem to someone else. Issac Asimov • Men are only as good as their technological development allows them to be. George Orwell Write your points here for speech. Ans. Human Beings and Technology • Technology has entered every phase of life. • Everything is connected to computers. • Life has become more of online. • Has made life easy as all information is available at the click of a button or tap of screen. • Technology has made us its slave. • Knowledge has become dependent on machine knowledge. • We prefer to ‘search’ information rather than ‘remember’ it. 2. The chapter ‘The Fun They Had’ presents different

perspectives on school and education. Think of the various alternatives. Prepare and give a speech in class presenting your views on how best can students be educated. Discuss why you would prefer to be taught by both human teacher and a robot. Your views. Ans. Points in favour of human teacher • Share information related to the subject whereas robot teacher will impart only what is prescribed in the syllabus • Understand emotional issues of students • Involve students in interesting activities • Apply alternative teaching methods according to the needs of the students • Can read and understand the handwriting of different students • Can help the students in identifying their hidden talents Points in favour of robot teacher • Less prone to error • Unlimited knowledge on any subject • Not get exhausted by the end of the day • Can be programmed according to the needs of each individual student

WRITING 1. Write a paragraph on each of the following: • Electronic Waste and Environmental Pollution • Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence • After listening to the excerpts (Page No. 14 of this workbook), do you think a robot should replace the human teacher? Give reasons in support of your answer.



Ans. Electronic Waste and Environmental Pollution Electronic waste, popularly known as ‘e-waste’ are electronic equipment having power plug or batteries and have become obsolete due to the introduction of better substitutes, technological advancement, changes in tastes and preferences of consumers, style and status, or nearing the end of their useful life.







Some common equipment considered as e-waste are obsolete computers, monitors, TVs, mobiles, calculators, audio devices, computer peripherals, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, DVDs, CDs, mother boards, sirens, security devices, automobile electronic devices, etc. Electronic waste is the latest environmental challenge which the world is threatened with. With the widespread use of computers and electronic equipment, people are dumping old electronic goods for new ones. This further increases the threat of e-waste.



E-Parisaraa, an eco-friendly recycling unit on the outskirts of Bangalore which is located in Dabaspet industrial area, about 45 Km north of Bangalore, makes full use of e-waste. This plant is India’s first scientific e-waste recycling unit. It aims at reducing pollution, landfill waste and recover valuable metals, plastics & glass from waste in an ecofriendly manner. India needs simple and low-cost technology keeping in view of maximum resource recovery in environment friendly methodologies. Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Human beings have more intellectual power than any other animal on the planet. Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence will bring remarkably constructive things with it. The important thing to remember is that there are always two sides of a coin. There are certain events in which application of a robot can actually turn out to be much more efficient as compared to a human being. Still, it is the human discretion that controls, operates and directs the use of robotic technology. In every kind of industry that makes an extensive use of artificial intelligence, human input, interaction and judgment is irreplaceable for an artificially intelligent machine. Robots have capabilities much more than a human being but lack emotions.



Compassion, love, sympathy, kindness are all characteristics of a human being not any humanoid robot. Thus, even though robots are the future of the world, the future of mankind is nonetheless are humans. Do you think a robot should replace the human teacher? • Yes o Less prone to error o Unlimited knowledge on any subject o Does not get exhausted by the end of the day o Can be programmed according to the needs of each individual student • No o Will impart only what is prescribed in the syllabus o Does not understand the emotional issues of students o Does not involve the students in interesting activities o Cannot apply alternative teaching methods according to needs of the students o Cannot read and understand the handwriting of different students o Cannot help the students in identifying their hidden talents 2. There is so much debris in space, which sooner rather than later, is going to cause major damage. As a concerned citizen of Earth, write a letter to NASA Chief outlining your concerns. Your letter should be ‘formal’ in style and structure. The points are given below for you to use. You may use other points as well. (a) More than 5,00,000 pieces of debris or space ‘junk’ that travel at 17,500 mph can damage satellites in the space. (b) The debris can damage International Space Station and other spacecrafts with humans in it. (c) Enormous amount of money would be lost if that happens. (d) Much of the debris is so small that it cannot be tracked — this makes it more dangerous. (e) Accidents have happened in the past.

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Ans. XYZ Public School New Delhi – 110 088. July 1, 2020 The Managing Director, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Washington DC – 205460001. United States of America. Sub : Concerns about the damage caused by debris in Space Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to raise my concerns regarding the burning issue of unprecedented increase of debris in the space. Late twentieth century and early twenty-first century have witnessed an unhealthy space race among the developed and developing countries. Though the competition was started by the USA and erstwhile USSR, many countries joined in this competition. Of late, India also became a prominent member of this group. The destruction that may cause by these freely moving space debris is unpredictable and beyond our imagination. More than 5 hundred thousands pieces of debris or space junk that travel at more than 17,500 mph can damage the satellites in the space. The debris can damage International Space Station and other space crafts with humans in it. Large quantities of space junk end up staying in various orbits around Earth, threatening satellites, as well as future missions beyond Earth’s vicinity – to asteroids, the Moon, the Mars and beyond. Enormous amount of money would be lost if that happens. Much of the debris is so small that it cannot be tracked making it all the more dangerous. Accidents have happened in the past and accidents will happen in future unless space debris is controlled effectively. I humbly request your esteemed organisation and in particular your good office to look into this matter seriously and release advanced guidelines on how to use the space without polluting it. Space has to be preserved for the future generation too. Thanking you, Yours faithfully, PQR



UNIT – 2 Exercises LET’S BEGIN Take this quiz to check your knowledge of music and musicians. 1. What kind of music is Ravi Shankar famous for? (a) Jazz (b) Classical (c) Pop 2. Which country was Justin Beiber born in? (a) USA (b) India (c) Canada 3. How many strings does a guitar have? (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 8 4. What is a group of three musicians called? (a) a trio (b) a duet

(c) a quartet 5. What is the next note after sa-re-ga-ma? (a) dha (b) ni (c) pa 6. What is the next note after do-re-mi? (a) ti (b) fa (c) so Ans. 1. (b) Classical 2. (c) Canada 3. (a) 6 4. (a) a trio 5. (c) pa 6. (b) fa

READING COMPREHENSION In this section, you will read three texts on music in different perspectives. The first one will enlighten you about the effective role of music in our lives, the second reflects on the life of the famous music composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, and the third is a poem by William Wordsworth where he appreciates the melody of a song. Read the texts carefully and answer the questions that follow.

TEXT I

Role of Music in Life Today, we are rushing through life and everyone seems to be pressurised and stressed about one or the other thing. Stress has become an inescapable part of our lives. Many of our illnesses are a result of stress, and to deal with it, we need certain ways to relax our body and mind. Listening to music, particularly gentle, calming and melodious music, relaxes people both physically and mentally. Music releases endorphins, the natural painkillers in our brain, which relieve us from the sense of pain. Music can normalise heart rate and blood pressure. The common occurrences of fatigue and boredom decrease when we listen to music. It diverts our attention from everyday anxieties, thereby reducing the stress caused by such concerns. While meditating, listening to music helps us to connect with our soul. Students can improve their concentration and boost their memory by listening to soft music. Soothing music, when played at night, helps us to rest and relax for a good night’s sleep. Listening to good music helps in overcoming negative traits such as anger or worry, thereby improving our personality. It creates positive energy and happiness. Every cell in the body becomes energetic with increased peace of mind. Music is a therapy for everyone — plants, birds, animals and human beings — to flourish and rejuvenate. It certainly plays an important part in

making the world better for all living beings. Complete the following statements by selecting the most appropriate options given below. 1. ________________ helps in relaxation of our body and mind. (a) Pop music (b) Soothing music (c) Jazz music (d) Rock music 2. The natural painkillers released in our brain are ________________. (a) Insulin (b) Endorphins (c) Endocrine (d) Glycerin 3. Music is helpful in improving the _____________ of students. (a) concentration (b) emotion (c) relaxation (d) anxiety 4. Which word from the passage means the same as ‘to renew’? _______________________________ (a) rejuvenate (b) enhance (c) release (d) relieve 5. List the benefits of music mentioned in the passage. Ans. 1. (b) soothing music 2. (b) Endorphins 3. (a) concentration 4. (a) rejuvenate 5. The benefits of music are: (a) Relieves us from the sense of pain. (b) Relaxes people both mentally and physically. (c) Normalises heart rate and blood pressure. (d) Decreases fatigue and boredom. (e) Reduces stress. (f) Improves concentration and boosts memory. (g) Improves personality. (h) Works as a therapy for everyone.



WORKBOOK — WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS-I

TEXT II Beating the Odds The musical accomplishments of composer Ludwig van Beethoven have been all the more remarkable for the fact that he lost his hearing ability from an early age. He developed the symptoms of tinnitus, a constant sound of ringing in his ears that made it difficult for him to hear. He is compared to Mozart for his genius, and is considered the most eminent musician after Mozart. Although his formal education never went beyond the elementary level, he trained in music under Joseph Haydn. He has always been acclaimed as a brilliant piano maestro. His father and grandfather were the court musicians of a German prince. Young Ludwig was often made to perform for his father’s drinking companions in the middle of the night, and was even beaten if he protested. For the first thirty years of his life, Beethoven could listen to and play music effortlessly. As a result, he understood sounds of musical instruments and the pitch of the singing voices. He knew the harmony between music and singing before he became completely deaf. His deafness was not sudden, but a gradual decline. This slow process of losing his hearing activated his mind to imagine how his compositions would sound like. When he became completely deaf, he started to observe the vibrations of the piano. The observations helped him realise that he could not hear the high notes of the piano. To be able to hear his own compositions, he sawed off the legs of his piano. The piano touched the floor, and Beethoven would press his ear to the floor, banging the piano keys to listen to the high notes in his compositions. The most significant aspect of Beethoven’s character was that he did not give up. With a brave heart, he confronted the greatest challenge a musician can face, and continued living his dream of composing music. Deafness could not deter him from achieving the pinnacle of musical success. He fought against the greatest obstacle and won. His quality of ‘never giving up’ strengthened him. It made him come to terms with his deafness in a dynamic and constructive way. These qualities led him to become a famous composer. 1. Read the following statements and write true (T) or false (F). (a) Although he composed a lot of music, Beethoven never learned to play music himself. (T/F) (b) His deafness was not a sudden loss of hearing. (T/F) (c) He composed most of his music early in his life, before he became deaf. (T/F) (d) His musical skills were compared to Haydn. (T/F) (e) Beethoven cut down the legs of his piano to hear the notes of the keys from the floor. (T/F)



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2. How could Beethoven compose music despite his loss of hearing? 3. What realisation made Beethoven continue his passion for music with more determination? 4. Which word in the following is similar in meaning to ‘skillful’ (para 1)? (a) brilliant (b) masterly (c) talented (d) genius Ans. 1. (a) F (b) T (c) F (d) F (e) T 2. Beethoven could listen to and play music for his first thirty years of life. As a result, he understood the sounds of musical instruments and the pitch of the singing voices. He also knew the harmony between music and singing before he became completely deaf. This helped him compose music despite his loss of hearing. 3. Beethoven’s realisation that he could not hear the high notes of the piano and his own composition made him continue his passion for music with more determination. 4. (d) genius

TEXT III

The Solitary Reaper Behold her, single in the field, Yon solitary Highland lass!



Reaping and singing by herself;



Alone she cuts and binds the grain,

Stop here, or gently pass! And sings a melancholy strain; O listen! for the Vale profound

Is overflowing with the sound.



No Nightingale did ever chaunt



More welcome notes to weary bands



Of travellers in some shady haunt,



Among Arabian sands:



A voice so thrilling ne’er was heard



In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird,



Breaking the silence of the seas



Among the farthest Hebrides.



Will no one tell me what she sings?



Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow



For old, unhappy, far-off things, And battles long ago:



Or is it some more humble lay,



Familiar matter of to-day?



Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain,



That has been, and may be again?

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH, Class-IX



Whate’er the theme, the Maiden sang



As if her song could have no ending;



I saw her singing at her work,



And o’er the sickle bending;



I listened, motionless and still;



And, as I mounted up the hill,



The music in my heart I bore,



Long after it was heard no more.

asserts that the beauty of the girl’s singing exceeds that of the cuckoo’s in the (f)________________. Her singing is also the only thing which (g) ________________the silence of the valley. The poet tries to (h) ________________what the girl is singing about. He is unable to get the words of the song clearly. He thinks that perhaps she is singing about old sorrows or (i) _________________fought long ago, or more routine concerns of life or even some (j) ________________ which she has endured and may endure again. At the end, he quietly walks away with a feeling that he may never be able to find out the (k)________________of her neverending song. Nevertheless, he asserts that her singing has captured his imagination so much that he will (l) ________________the music in his heart long after it is heard no more.

—William Wordsworth Complete the summary of the poem given below with a suitable word/phrase in each blank.

The poet finds a young Highland girl who (a)________________alone and sings to herself. The poet asks us to listen carefully, because the whole (b) ________________ is filled with the overflowing sound of her singing. He asks us to either (c)________________and listen to her sad song, or gently pass by so as not to disturb her. He goes on to say that no nightingale ever sang a more (d)_________________song to bands of tired (e)_______________ in the Arabian Desert. The poet

Ans. (a) reaps (c) stop there (e) travellers (g) breaks (i) battles (k) theme

(b) (d) (f) (h) (j) (l)

valley welcome spring time make out natural sorrows, pain or loss bear

VOCABULARY

1. The following words and phrases occur in the given passages and poem. Given below are the words and their meanings. Match each meaning with the word. Text 1 relieves

substances produced by the brain that have painkilling and tranquillising effects on the body

endorphins

power to live or grow

exhaustion

to free from anxiety, fear, pain, etc.

rejuvenate

tiredness

vitality

to restore to a former state; make fresh or new again

Text 2 prodigy

constantly repeated

persistent

to cut or divide

virtuoso

to make or become worse or inferior in character, quality, value, etc.

deterioration

something that obstructs or hinders progress

sawed

a person, especially a child or young person, having extraordinary talent or ability

obstacle

a person who excels in musical technique or execution

Text 3 behold

tired

yon

girl

lass

look, see

melancholy

climbed

vale

expressing sorrow

strain

causing sadness

weary

that

plaintive

melody



mounted

Ans.

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WORKBOOK — WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS-I

valley

Text 1 relieves

to free from anxiety, fear, pain, etc.

endorphins

substances produced by the brain that have painkilling and tranquillising effects on the body

exhaustion

tiredness

rejuvenate

to restore to a former state; make fresh or new again

vitality

power to live or grow

Text 2 prodigy

a person, especially a child or young person, having extraordinary talent or ability

persistent

constantly repeated

virtuoso

a person who excels in musical technique or execution

deterioration

to make or become worse or inferior in character, quality, value, etc.

sawed

to cut or divide

obstacle

something that obstructs or hinders progress

Text 3 behold

look, see

yon

that

lass

Girl

melancholy

causing sadness

vale

valley

strain

melody

weary

tired

plaintive

expressing sorrow

mounted

climbed

2. Word search Look at the grid given here.



p

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(a) Find the names of the musical instruments in the grid. They can be found in different directions: up-down, down-up, left-right, right-left and diagonally. Name the musical instruments. Ans. p i a n o l a b b c c d a

e

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1. Piano 3. Xylophone 5. Shehnai 7. Tabla

2. Sitar 4. Veena 6. Sarod 8. Drum

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH, Class-IX

9. Flute 10. Pungi 11. Dholak (b) Use the pictures as clues. Write the appropriate name of the instrument in each blank given below. One has been done as an example. (a) Evelyn Glennie is a Xylophone player. (b) Zakir Hussain plays the _________________. (c) Hariprasad Chaurasia plays the _________________. (d) Doraiswamy Iyengar plays the __________________.

(e) Bismillah Khan ____________________. (f) Amjad Ali Khan _____________________. Ans. • xylophone • tabla • flute • veena • shehnai • sarod

plays plays

the the

GRAMMAR

1. In the lesson ‘The Sound of Music’ you have read that ‘adjectives’ can be used before a noun and after the verb ‘be’. Example: The book is interesting. The interesting book. The table is round. The round table. But ‘adjectives’ can have many forms. Examples: (a) He chose a pipe with a natural hollow stem that was longer and broader. (b) Ustad Bismillah Khan was awarded India’s highest civilian award. (c) My mother is the most beautiful woman in the world. Here the adjectives longer and broader refer to the comparative degree; and highest and most beautiful refer to the superlative degree. ‘Er’ is used for the comparative degree for shorter words and ‘more’ is used for longer words. Example: Let’s go to the local market. The vegetables are cheaper there. But in Supermarket these are more expensive. A. Now fill in the blanks with appropriate comparative adjectives. (a) He was not audible. His voice was not loud. Can you request him to be a bit ____________________(loud)? (b) There are many peaks in the Himalayas. Everest is _____________________________ (high) peak in India. (c) With 9 degree Celsius it was colder yesterday, and with 4 degree Celsius it is ___________ (cold) today. (d) Our police is ____________________ (reliable) in the country. (e) My sister is_____________________(serious) than me. (f) Your dance performance is not good. It can be __________________________ (good) with practice. (g) Living in the countryside is _______________________ (peaceful) than living in a town. (h) My father is ______________________________ _______ (important) person in my life.

Ans. (a) louder (b) higher than any other (c) even colder (d) more reliable than any other (e) more serious (f) better (g) more peaceful (h) more important than any other B. Fill in the blanks with appropriate superlative degree ‘most’/‘est’. (a) With so many vehicles, the roads of Delhi have become___________________ (crowded) ones in India. (b) Yesterday was_____________________ (cold) day of the month. (c) The book is interesting. It is_____________________ (interesting) book I have ever read. (d) This hotel is cheaper. But that one is__________________________ (cheap) in the town. (e) _______________________ (old) member of my family is my grandfather. (f) Lata Mangeshkar had___________________________ (melodious) voice in the country. Ans. (a) the most crowded (b) the coldest (c) the most interesting (d) the cheapest (e) the oldest/eldest (f) the most melodious 2. In the same lesson, use of ‘to-verb’ has been explained. Let’s do some more activities on this. Join the two sets of sentences given below, and make one sentence. The first one is done for you. (a) ‘May I help you?’ ‘Okay’ He offered to help her. (b) ‘Let’s go to the Old Age Home in the evening.’ ‘That’s fine.’ She arranged ___________________ to the Old Age Home in the evening. (c) ‘What would you like to eat?’, asked Shivani’s mother. ‘I don’t have an appetite’, replied Shivani. Shivani refused __________________________ _______.



WORKBOOK — WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS-I

(d) ‘Post the letter. Don’t forget.’ Don’t forget _____________________________ ___________. (e) ‘Can you participate in the music concert?’ ‘It’s fine with me.’

197



She agreed _______________________________ _ in the music concert. Ans. (a) to help (b) a visit (c) to eat anything (d) to post the letter (e) to participate

EDITING

1. Some words have been omitted in the paragraph given below. Write the appropriate words and rewrite the paragraph. The following words were written/the tomb of/ Anglican Bishop of Westminster Abbey: When I was young/free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed/changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered/world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided/change only my country. But it too seemed immovable. As I grew/my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled/ changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, I couldn’t. And now as I lay/ my deathbed, I suddenly realise: If I had only changed myself first, then/ an example I could have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I could then have been able/better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

Ans. The following words were written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop of Westminster Abbey: When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it too seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, I couldn’t. And now as I lay on my deathbed, I suddenly realise: If I had only changed myself first, then by an example I could have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I could then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

LISTENING A passage on the healing aspect of music is given below. You need to listen to the passage read by your teacher/ classmate carefully and answer the question that follows. You may listen to the passage twice, if required. Music as a Therapy “Rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul”, rightly said by Plato. Music is often referred to as ‘food’ for the soul due to the several benefits we can derive from experiencing it. Music can be pleasure for some, and a way to relax for others. It also motivates and energises listeners. Music is, indeed, a universal language, which can bring nations together and unite people with different faiths as it touches one’s soul. In the mainstream, music is mainly known for its entertainment quotient, but the Indian culture also talks about the healing effects of music through ‘Raga Chikitsa’. Raga Chikitsa has helped in reviving an ancient healing practice known as Nada Yoga. Nada is a musical sound, which is believed to have curative effects on the body and soul of all creatures. Consequently, its power is therapeutic and is used in curing diseases. Medical research has found music therapy to aid patients in pain management. It is not surprising, as music affects the body and mind significantly. One experiences positive energy by listening to music. Music lifts one from clouds of desolation. Rhythms, particularly upbeat music, helps one distract oneself from situations that cause stress and

brightens one’s mood. Music lowers anxiety levels, relaxes mind and brings optimism. It is said that listening to soft, sedative music once a day can help overcome depression. Music therapy finds its traces in mythology. The story of Hippocrates, the Greek father of medicine dates back to 400 B.C. He is known to have used music to cure his patients. This therapy also aids stroke victims to heal at a faster rate, since it increases the patient’s emotional comforts and motivates them to move towards the path of recovery. On the other hand, adolescents, too, are benefitted by music in terms of emotional, social and psychological well being. Music is a force that purifies beings from within. According to you, which FOUR of the following statements are true? (a) Nada Yoga treats diseases through Raga Chikitsa. (b) Music is a universal language that reaches souls. (c) Music therapy dates back to 400 B.C. (d) Hippocrates played music to treat the patients. (e) Upbeat tunes help stroke victims recover faster. (f) Music helps adolescents to discover their identity. Ans. (a) Nada Yoga treats diseases through Raga Chikitsa. (c) Music therapy dates back to 400 B.C. (d) Hippocrates played music to treat the patients. (f) Music helps adolescents to discover their identity.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH, Class-IX

SPEAKING Two students need to come to the front of the class the influence of music on young for a role play. One plays the role of Thyagaraja, children? a famous singer, and the other the role of the Thyagaraja : Now-a-days, young children get interviewer, Rohit, a Radio Jockey (RJ). The distracted easily. Music helps interview is about the singer’s initiatives in them in concentrating on what helping people through music. they are doing. RJ Rohit : Do you think music has any RJ Rohit : How does music help patients? effect on people’s lives? Thyagaraja : Listening to music relaxes Thyagaraja : Yes, I believe music surely has a patients. The process of healing positive effect on people’s lives. becomes faster when they are in It helps when you are stressed, a relaxed state of mind. or depressed about something. RJ Rohit : Thank you very much. You Apart from these, music is a are doing a great job for the good way of relaxing and feeling humankind. good about life. Ans. Students should do the practice under the guidance RJ Rohit : What, according to you, could be of their teachers. WRITING

1. Listening to music has become a part of our lives for many reasons. We listen to different types of music today. Discuss in pairs the following question: • Is the traditional music of a country more important than its contemporary music? Write your views in about 50 – 60 words. Ans. Traditional music Vs. Contemporary music • Music is an important part of all human cultures • Traditional music is more important than contemporary music • Contemporary music – catchy, fun, commercial product marketed and sold by business people • Traditional music - help people understand a country better • Represents history, traditions and thoughts of a community • Example, Vietnamese folk music - diverse and expresses spiritual cultural activities 2. The traits of a musician are given in the box overleaf. Use these and write a short biography in about 100 –150 words. You may collect more information from the Internet, books in the library and other sources.

A. R. Rahman: Indian composer, singer, songwriter, music producer, musician and philanthropist; born in Chennai on 6 January 1967; graduated from Trinity College, Oxford University; famous in integrating Indian classical music with electronic music, world music and traditional orchestral arrangements; recipient of the Padma Shri and the Padma Vibhushan awards; two Oscars and a Golden Globe; a notable humanitarian and philanthropist; donates and raises money for a number of causes and charities. Ans. Biographical Sketch A. R. Rahman is an Indian composer, singer, songwriter, music producer, musician and philanthropist. He was born in Chennai on January 6, 1967. He has graduated from Trinity College, Oxford University. His fame lies in integrating Indian classical music with electronic music. He has the credit of uniting world music and traditional orchestral arrangements. He is the proud recipient of the Padma Shri and the Padma Vibhushan awards, two Oscars awards and a Golden Globe award. He is a notable humanitarian and philanthropist. He donates and raises money for a number of causes and charities.



UNIT – 3 Exercises LET’S BEGIN The story of ‘The Little Girl’, in Beehive, is about the changing attitude of a girl child towards her father. • As you are grown up now, you may want to interact with your parents on many issues. How will you go about it? • Do you feel a communication gap between you and your parents which leads to unpleasantness? • What are your feelings at that time? • How do you cope with that situation?

Ans. • Polite and direct discussion, not shying away, discussing problems and issues with them in a confident manner, seek their guidance and expertise. Take benefit from their vast experience. • Yes – if shying and hesitating. No – if confident and putting trust in their expertise • Mixed feelings – anxiety, uneasiness, confidence, trust, love and affection • Frank discussion with the parents, rehearsing in front of mirror, casual way of discussion.

READING COMPREHENSION

Read the following text and answer the questions that follow.



This is an extract from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mocking Bird. After supper, Atticus sat down with the paper and called, “Scout, ready to read?”. I ran crying, went to the front porch. Atticus followed me. “Something wrong, Scout?” I told Atticus I didn’t feel very well and didn’t think I’d go to school any more if it was alright with him. Atticus sat down in the swing and crossed his legs. His fingers wandered to his watch pocket; he said that was the only way he could think. He waited in amiable silence, and I sought to reinforce my position: “You never went to school and you do alright, so I’ll just stay home too. You can teach me like Granddaddy taught you ‘n’ Uncle Jack.” “No I can’t”, said Atticus. “I have to make a living. Besides, they’d put me in jail if I kept you at home. Now what’s the matter? Bit by bit, I told him the day’s misfortunes. “And the teacher said you taught me all wrong, so we can’t ever read any more, ever. Please don’t send me back, please Sir.” Atticus stood up and walked to the end of the porch. When he completed his examination of the wisteria vine he strolled back to me. “First of all”, he said, “if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-” “Sir?” “-until you climb into his skin and walk around in it”. “But if I keep on goin’ to school, we can’t ever read any more…” “That’s really bothering you, isn’t it?” “Yes sir.” When Atticus looked down at me, I saw the expression on his face that always made me expect something. “Do you know what a compromise is?”, he asked. “Bending the law?” “No, an agreement reached by mutual concessions. It works this way”, he said. “If you’ll concede the necessity of going to

TEXT I



school, we’ll go on reading every night just as we always have. Is it a bargain?” “Yes sir!” “We’ll consider it sealed without the usual formality”, Atticus said, when he saw me preparing to spit. As I opened the front screen door Atticus said, “By the way, Scout, you’d better not say anything at school about our agreement”. “Why not?” “I’m afraid our activities would be received with considerable disapprobation by the more learned authorities.” My brother and I were accustomed to our father’s diction, and we were at all times free to interrupt Atticus for a translation when it was beyond our understanding. “Huh, Sir?” “I never went to school”, he said, “but I have a feeling that if you tell Miss Caroline we read every night she’ll get after me, and I wouldn’t want her after me”. 1. Why was Scout, the little girl upset? (a) She didn’t like being told what to do. (b) She didn’t want to read with her father. (c) She didn’t want to stop reading with her father. (d) She didn’t want to read with her teacher. 2. How did Atticus, her father, react to her outburst? (a) He was angry. (b) He was patient. (c) He was annoyed. (d) He was sad. 3. What little advice did Atticus give to his little girl to cope up with situations that might upset her? (a) to know and understand that life isn’t fair. (b) to stay calm and then run away from the problem. (c) to try and see from the other person’s point of view. (d) to face her fears by expressing how she felt.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

4. How was the matter eventually resolved? (a) Atticus agreed to allow her to learn from home. (b) Atticus agreed to continue reading as before. (c) Atticus agreed to speak to her teacher. (d) Atticus agreed to allow only the teacher to teach her. 5. “I’m afraid our activities would be received with considerable disapprobation by the more learned authorities.” In this context, the word ‘disapprobation’ might mean (a) disapproval (b) disturbance (c) disgrace (d) disorientation 6. Atticus decided to come to a compromise and to read to Scout but asked her not to mention it to her teacher because (a) he respected the wishes of the teacher yet didn’t want to disappoint his daughter. (b) he might get into trouble with the teacher who might come after him. (c) he only cared for his daughter and thought the teacher was incorrect. (d) he was afraid that the teacher may not like it and Scout might get into trouble. 7. The word ‘reinforce’ means the following — fortify, brace, stiffen, strengthen, underpin. Find the contextual meaning of ‘reinforce’ in the passage. Ans. 1. (c) She didn’t want to stop reading with her father. 2. (b) He was patient. 3. (c) to try and see from the other person’s point of view. 4. (b) Atticus agreed to continue reading as before. 5. (a) disapproval 6. (b) he might get into trouble with the teacher who might come after him. 7. Strengthen

TEXT II

Read the poem and answer the questions given below. You can recite too to appreciate the idea in the poem. POEM AT THIRTY-NINE How I miss my father. I wish he had not been so tired when I was born. Writing deposit slips and cheques I think of him. He taught me how. This is the form, he must have said: the way it is done. I learned to see bits of paper

as a way to escape the life he knew and even in high school had a savings account. He taught me that telling the truth did not always mean a beating; though many of my truths must have grieved him before the end. How I miss my father! He cooked like a person dancing in a yoga meditation and craved the voluptuous sharing of good food. Now I look and cook just like him: my brain light; tossing this and that into the pot; seasoning none of my life the same way twice; happy to feed whoever strays my way. He would have grown to admire the woman I’ve become: cooking, writing, chopping wood, staring into the fire.  —Alice Walker 1. What made Alice Walker open a savings account in High School? 2. What lesson did her father give her on telling the truth? 3. Tick () the correct answer. What does ‘dancing in yoga meditation’ mean in the poem? (a) To cook relaxedly and with full concentration. (b) To cook while doing yoga exercises. (c) To cook food after doing yoga meditation. (d) Take lessons in cooking by joining class on yoga meditation. 4. Fill in the blank to complete the following statement. Alice Walker becomes nostalgic for her father and wishes, had he been alive he would have admired her for __________________________________. 5. Why do you think the title of the poem is ‘Poem at Thirty-Nine’? Ans. 1. Alice had seen her father writing deposit slips and cheques and by opening a savings account, she felt that she is following the way of life his father used to follow.



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2. Her father taught her that telling the truth does not always mean that the person telling the truth has been defeated. 3. (a) To cook relaxedly and with full concentration.

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4. the woman she had become who cooks, writes, chops wood and stares into the fire. 5. Thirty-Nine represents the age of Alice Walker, the age when she had become a woman her father would have admired her for.

VOCABULARY 1. Look at the words — see, watch, look at, view, observe, catch, glimpse. These are all synonyms. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words. You can change the tense where it is required. (a) We ________________________a television programme on tourism in India. It was very informative. (b) Somebody is keeping a __________________________ over the tower. (c) The ___________________from the cliff is panoramic. (d) You can’t afford to fall sick again,_________________ your diet. (e) She ______________________________the amazing view and drew a picture. (f) If you are able to ________________________a _______________ of dancing dolphins, you are lucky. Ans. (a) saw (b) watch (c) view (d) observe (e) looked at (f) catch, glimpse 2. Look at the following sentence: By that time he had his spectacles on and looked at her over them... Here, look means lay one’s eye on or to direct one’s gaze in a specified direction. Use appropriate words from the synonyms given below in the following sentences. glance, gaze, stare, peep, watch, see, observe (a) Ginny ___________________ at her watch. (take a brief or hurried look) (b)  The door was ajar and she couldn’t resist ________________________ in. (look quickly and furtively at something) (c) Lucy ____________________ him playing. (look at or observe attentively over a period of time)



(d) He could only ________________________her in astonishment. (look steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise or thought) (e) She ______________________ that all the seats were already occupied. (notice or perceive something) (f) In the distance, she could ____________________ the blue horizon. (perceive with the eyes) (g)  He __________________________ at her in amazement. (look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something with one’s eyes wide open) Ans. (a) glanced (b) peeping (c) watched (d) gaze (e) observed (f) see (g) stared 3. Study the use of the word ‘little’ in the following sentence: To the little girl he was a figure to be feared. Here, little means small in size. Now, consult a dictionary and find out the meaning of little in the following sentences. The first one has been done for you. My little sister — young or younger sister (a) I was a bodyguard for a little while: _______________ (b) This little car does have a few problems: _______________ (c) We got a little help from a training scheme: _______________ (d) I have little doubt of their identity: _______________ Ans. (a) little while - short time / quickly (b) little car - small in size (c) little help - small amount of help (d) little doubt - almost negligible

GRAMMAR 1. Read the following passage and underline the reporting verbs. (i) Anu’s mother agreed that Anu could go to the party but cautioned her not to have too many sweets. The dentist has advised her not to eat too many sweets. (ii) Anita reminded Leena to buy milk and keep it in the fridge because Vrinda wanted to have coffee in the evening. Leena insisted that she would only make coffee. Anita agreed to her request. (iii) We decided to go to our village near Goa on

holiday. Mona recommended going to the beach. The coast guard advised us against going into the water. He also warned us about the weak bridge. He warned the children not to cross the bridge there. We thanked him and went back. (iv) The teacher explained the functioning of the heart with the help of a model. He wished us good luck for our practical exam. He also reminded us that the classes would resume from Tuesday. Ans. (i) agreed, cautioned, advised

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(ii) reminded, insisted, agreed (iii) recommended, advised, warned, warned (iv) wished, reminded 2. Read the following sentences and choose the correct reporting verb from the options given against each sentence. (i) He ___________________me against eating junk food. (a) advised (b) told (c) suggested (ii) The teacher ______________________me to telephone my mother. (a) informed (b) advised (c) reminded (iii) He ___________________ to get me a cup of tea. (a) offered (b) said (c) invited (iv) She ___________________ Ruchi of stealing her book. (a) told (b) accused (c) admitted (v) The host ___________________ for the delay.



(a) said (b) apologised (c) regretted (vi) The Police later __________________ that one of the convicts had been arrested. (a) convinced (b) declared (c) confirmed (vii) The little girl ___________________ to wear the sweater. (a) refused (b) denied (c) said no (viii) He ________________ taking the train as the road was terrible. (a) invited (b) claimed (c) suggested Ans. (i) (a) advised (ii) (a) informed (iii) (a) offered (iv) (b) accused (v) (b) apologised (vi) (c) confirmed (vii) (a) refused (viii) (c) suggested

EDITING 1. Use capital letters, full-stops, commas and inverted commas wherever necessary in the following paragraph. Rewrite the paragraph in the space given below. My little 10 years daughter Sarah was born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace all the time. she came home jumping up and down one beautiful spring day to tell me that she had competed in “field day”- that’s where they have lots of races and other competitive events because of her leg support my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my sarah i wanted to tell some hard facts of life not letting this to get her down But, before I could get my word out, she said, Daddy, I won two of the races! I couldn’t believe that! and then Sarah came out with a declaration, I had an advantage. Ah, i knew it. i thought she must have been given a head start, some kind of physical advantage. but again, before I could say anything, she said, Daddy, i didn’t get a head start... my advantage was that i didn’t give in i had to try harder! That’s my Sarah. (Steps to English, Workbook for Class X, NCERT, 2003, pp. 39–40 [An extract from Chicken Soup for the Soul, by Stan Frager]) Ans. My little 10 years daughter Sarah was born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace all the time. She came home jumping up and down one beautiful spring day to tell me that she had competed in “field day”- that’s where they have lots

of races and other competitive events. Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah. I wanted to tell some hard facts of life not letting this to get her down. But, before I could get my word out, she said, “Daddy, I won two of the races!” I couldn’t believe that! And then Sarah came out with a declaration, “I had an advantage.” Ah, I knew it. I thought she must have been given a head start, some kind of physical advantage. But again, before I could say anything, she said, “Daddy, I didn’t get a head start... my advantage was that I didn’t give in. I had to try harder! That’s my Sarah. 2. Rearrange each set of words to make sentences. Use appropriate punctuation marks. (a) a resident of Noida near Delhi/is visually impaired/ George Abraham. (b) confidence and competitive spirit/and infuses discipline among the participants/ it provides (c) he has helped/the brain behind the World Cup Cricket/the disabled to dream (d) to the blind school in Delhi/it was a chance visit/ that changed his life Ans. (a) George Abraham, a resident of Noida near Delhi, is visually impaired. (b) It provides confidence and competitive spirit and infuses discipline among the participants. (c) The brain behind the World Cup Cricket, he has helped the disabled to dream. (d) It was a chance visit to the blind school in Delhi that changed his life.



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LISTENING



Listen to the song twice. Answer the questions that follow. Then sing the song together. Que Sera, Sera When I was just a little girl I asked my mother What will I be Will I be pretty? Will I be rich? Here’s what she said to me Que sera, sera Whatever will be, will be The future’s not ours to see Que sera, sera What will be, will be When I grew up and fell in love I asked my sweetheart What lies ahead Will we have rainbows? Day after day Here’s what my sweetheart said Que sera, sera Whatever will be, will be The future’s not ours to see Que sera, sera What will be, will be Now I have Children of my own They ask their mother What will I be? Will I be handsome? Will I be rich? I tell them tenderly Que sera, sera Whatever will be, will be The future’s not ours to see Que sera, sera

What will be, will be Que Sera, Sera  (It is a popular song written by the song writing team of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans in 1956.) 1. What were the questions the poet asked her mother when she was a little girl? 2. What was her mother’s reply? 3. She asked a question to her sweetheart. What was it? 4. What was his answer? Was it similar to that of her mother’s? 5. Now the poet has become a mother. What questions do her children ask her? 6. What is her answer to her children? Ans. 1. The questions asked by the poet were: (i) What will the poet be? (ii) Will the poet be pretty? (iii) Will the poet be rich? 2. Her mother replied that whatever will happen, will happen. They are not supposed to know what lies in the future for them. 3. She asked her sweetheart whether they will have rainbows in the journey of their life. 4. Her sweetheart replied that whatever will happen, will happen. They are not supposed to know what lies in the future for them. The answer was similar to the reply given by her mother. 5. The questions asked by her children are similar to what she had asked her mother. The questions are: (i) What will they be? (ii) Will they be handsome? (iii) Will they be rich? 6. Her answer to her children is same what she got as an answer from her mother. The response is that whatever will happen, will happen. They are not supposed to know what lies in the future for them.

SPEAKING

Look at the questions given below. Discuss with your partner. Jot down the points and make an oral presentation in the class. 1. Do you have questions about your future? 2. Whom do you discuss them with? 3. How often do you discuss your worries or queries with your parents? 4. Whom do you feel most comfortable sharing them with? Ans. 1. Yes, I do have questions about my future. The questions can be: (i) What will I become?

(ii) Will I be rich? (iii) Will I have enough money? (iv) What will my family be like? (v) Will I be happy and healthy? 2. I discuss them with my friends, parents, teachers, siblings, cousins, etc. 3. Depends on the situation, sometimes daily and sometimes once in a week. 4. The students need to identify the person whom they are most comfortable discussing with, from the list of the persons covered in answer 2.

WRITING

Write a letter to your parents appreciating them for all the little things they do. You appreciate them, but have never had or taken the time to express it to them. Ans. XYZ Hostel ABC Public School



Bikaner. July 23, 2020 Dear Mom and Dad, I pray to the Almighty that both of you are in great health and your usual cheerfulness.

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I am enjoying my hostel life. The best facilities are available here. The curriculum lays equal emphasis on academics and co- curricular activities. It is just because of you I am able to study at such a good school. You have always showered the best of love, care, facilities and everything on me. I am blessed to have loving parents like you. I am the luckiest son in the entire universe. God bless you



with long and healthy life. The rest is fine. I miss you at times and then I get busy with my studies. I am excited about your visit to the hostel scheduled for the end of this month. Lots of love to you and brother, Yours lovingly, PQR



UNIT – 4 Exercises LET’S BEGIN 1. Look at the pictures and identify who they are. Write their names in the given spaces. The quotes against each picture may also help you recognise them.  Picture of different personalities

“One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”

Quotes “It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple.”

“Weakness of attitude becomes the weakness of character.”

“The best and the most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”

Ans. 1. Rabindranath Tagore 2. Albert Einstein 3. Hellen Keller 4. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose 2. How do the quotes reflect the beautiful mind of the personalities mentioned? Discuss in pairs of four, jot down your points, and then present to the class. Ans. • Happiness is the key to healthy life • Positive attitude • Emotions are important • Seeing and Touching are less important than Feeling • Important to share good thoughts with people • Motivate people for good actions • Leading a selfless life is the worthiest thing

READING COMPREHENSION

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.



The World as I See It In my opinion, the present symptoms of decadence are explained by the fact that the development of industry and machinery has made the struggle for existence very much more severe, greatly to the detriment of the free development of the individual. But the development of machinery means that less and less work is needed from the individual for the satisfaction of the community’s needs. A planned division of labour is becoming more and more of a crying necessity and this division will lead to the material security of the individual. This security and the spare time and energy which the individual will have at his command can be made to further his development. In this way the community may regain its health, and we will hope that future historians will explain the morbid symptoms of present-day society as the childhood ailments of an aspiring humanity, due entirely to the excessive speed at which civilisation was advancing. (An extract from The World As I See It by A. Einstein)

TEXT I



1. What is responsible for the present degradation of individual development? 2. What is the meaning of development in relation to individuals? 3. What is the ‘planned division of labour’? How will it be helpful in human development? 4. What does the phrase ‘symptoms of decadence’ mean in the opening line? (a) diagnosis of degradation (b) warning signs of depravity (c) signs of prosperity (d) diagnosis of indifference 5. The phrase ‘crying necessity’ in the opening paragraph means: (a) urgent need (b) weeping need (c) sad need (d) average need 6. Circle the odd one out (a) presence, distance, existence, being, alive (b) possible, feasible, probable, unthinkable, obtainable (c) violence, assault, roughness, passivity, fierceness (d) conflict, contest, contention, rivalry, accord (e) consolation, compassion, annoyance

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Ans. 1. Development of industry and machinery is responsible for the present degradation of individual development. 2. Job security, spare time and energy lead to development of individuals. 3. A planned division of labour means that planned transfer of work from labour to machines in a way that the individuals are not insecure for their job. It will be helpful in human development as it will provide spare time and energy for their development. 4. (b) warning signs of depravity 5. (a) urgent need 6. (a) distance (b) unthinkable (c) passivity (d) contention (e) annoyance

TEXT II

Read the following text and answer the questions. When Einstein wrote to Gandhi In 1931, Albert Einstein wrote the following short letter of admiration to another of the world’s greatest minds, Mohandas Gandhi. Despite their intentions, the pair never met in person. Respected Mr. Gandhi, I use the presence of your friend in our home to send you these lines. You have shown through your words, that it is possible to succeed without violence even with those who have not discarded the method of violence. We may hope that your example will spread beyond the borders of the country, and will help to establish an international authority, respected by all, that will take decisions and replace war conflicts. With sincere admiration Yours (Signed, ‘A. Einstein’) I hope that I will be able to meet you face to face someday. Gandhi’s response LONDON, October 18, 1931 DEAR FRIEND, I was delighted to have your beautiful letter sent through Sundaram. It is great consolation to me that the work I am doing finds favour in your sight. I do indeed wish that we could meet face to face and that too in India at my Ashram. Yours Sincerely (Signed, ‘M.K Gandhi’) (Source: Letters of Note, Volume 2, by Shaun Usher) 1. Albert Einstein admired M. K. Gandhi because: [tick () the right answer] (a) Gandhi discarded the method of violence. (b) Gandhi showed that it is possible to succeed without violence with those who have discarded the method of violence. (c) Gandhi showed that it is possible to succeed without violence only with those who have discarded the method of violence.



(d) G  andhi showed that it is possible to succeed without violence with all irrespective of whether they have continued or discarded the method of violence. 2. Where did Gandhi wish to meet Einstein? [tick () the right answer] (a) at his residence in London (b) at his Ashram in India (c) at his Ashram in London (d) during his tour to London 3. Why does Einstein want Gandhi’s example to go beyond India? 4. You have read the chapter and the exchange of letters between A. Einstein and M. K. Gandhi. What similarities do you find in the ideas of both the personalities? 5. Find the opposites of the words given below from Einstein’s letter. (a) impossible (b) fail (c) peace (d) absence (e) enemy 6. In the context of Gandhi’s response to Einstein’s letter, ‘finds favour in your sight’ means: (a) satisfied you (b) delighted you (c) appreciated by you (d) not accepted by you Ans. 1. (d) Gandhi showed that it is possible to succeed without violence with all irrespective of whether they have continued or discarded the method of violence. 2. (b)  at his ashram in India. 3. Einstein wanted Gandhi’s example to go beyond India as it will help in establishing an international authority that will replace war conflicts with mutual harmonious decisions. 4. Some of the similarities are: (a) Both preferred non- violence to violence. (b) Both were keen to have an international authority respected by all. (c) Both appreciated the ideas of each other. (d) Both were keen to meet each other. 5. (a) possible (b) succeed (c) war (d) presence (e) friend 6. (c) appreciated by you

TEXT III If If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;





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If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with triumph and disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to broken, And stoop and build ‘em up with wornout tools; If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on”; If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings—nor lose the common touch; If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you; If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run— Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!  —Rudyard Kipling 1. Which lines in the poem tell us to have self-control, a clear head and not to become bitter when people speak against us? Stanza 1 2. One must be just as graceful in losing as he is in winning. What are the two words in the poem that can replace the underlined ones? Stanza 2 3. In the third stanza what does the poet mean by ‘And lose, and start again’?

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4. There is a necessity to treat all people equal and amidst people we should not lose our self ‘who we are’? How has the poet expressed this in the fourth stanza? 5. List two things from each stanza that we can do to make the Earth ours, as given in the poem. Ans. 1. The lines are: If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; 2. losing – disaster winning – triumph 3. The poet means not to lose heart in case of failure but start the journey to success once again. 4. The poet has expressed by quoting instances like: o Talking with crowd but still retaining your quality o Walk with kings as well as common man o Do not feel hurt by friends or enemies o Love all but no one more than the other 5. Stanza I o Trust yourself even when no one else does o Don’t hate others even if they hate you Stanza II o Deal with success as well as failure o Dare to dream but not blinded by it Stanza III o Not discouraged after losing everything and willing to start again o Develop will strength to hold on even when there is nothing to actually hold on to Stanza IV o Walk with kings as well as common man o Do not feel hurt by friends or enemies

VOCABULARY 1. Read the paragraphs mentioned against each explanation and find out the words in that paragraph which best match the explanation given. Refer to the chapter ‘A Truly Beautiful Mind’ given in your textbook, Beehive. (a) A word used disapprovingly to talk about a person who is unusual and doesn’t behave like others. (paragraph 1) (b) Taking part in an activity for pleasure, not as a job. (paragraph 3) (c) Respecting and allowing many different types of beliefs or behaviour.  (paragraph 5) (d) A person who is lacking in or hostile or smugly indifferent to cultural values, intellectual pursuits, etc. (paragraph 7) (e) Relating to work that needs special training or education. (paragraph 8) Ans. (a) freak (b)  amateur (c) liberal (d)  philistine

(e) technical 2. Einstein was a world citizen. This means he does not belong to one country because his contributions to science and the society have moved beyond the borders of his country. ‘World’ has different meanings in a variety of contexts. Read the sentences given below and find out the meanings of ‘world’ in each sentence. (a) My mother means the world to me. (b) Vasco da Gama sailed around the world. (c) He is a big name in the world of fashion. (d) Stars from the sporting and artistic worlds participated in the function. (e) She is a simple person in real world as well as in the movies. Ans. (a) everything (b)  earth (c) industry (d)  field (e) life

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GRAMMAR

Participle Clause You have read about and done exercises on participle clauses (Beehive, p. 52). We know that participle clause is a form of adverbial clause which enables us to say information in a more economical way. We can use participle clauses when the participle and verb in the main clause have the same subject. Example: Waiting for John, I made some tea. 1. Choose the correct option for the sentences below. (a) Waiting for the doctor, ________________________ [a big noise scared everybody, Dave read a magazine, the alarm went off] (b) ________________________ in the jungle, George had to find the way out on his own.  [having lost, lost, losing] (c) ________________________ our pottery will last for generations. [treating with care/you treat with care/treated with care] (d) ________________________ a holiday, all the banks were closed. [having been/been/being] (e) ________________________ for so long, he had lost all hope.  [being unemployed/unemployed/ having been unemployed] Ans. (i) Dave read a magazine

(ii) Having lost (iii) Treated with care (iv) Being (v) Having been unemployed 2. Join the following sentences using a presentparticiple as given in the example. Example: We walked along the footpath. We saw an accident. Walking along the footpath, we saw an accident. (Note: Out of the two actions, the one which takes place first is changed into present participle.) (a) He stood by the side of a temple. He asked the people to go in. (b) She came out of the room. She greeted the visitors. (c) He heard the news. He started crying. (d) He found the lock broken. He rang up the Police. (e) He felt sleepy. He went to bed. Ans. (a) Standing by the sides of a temple, he asked the people to go in. (b) Coming out of the room, she greeted the visitors. (c) Hearing the news, he started crying. (d) Upon finding the lock broken, he rang up the Police. (e) Feeling sleepy, he went to bed.

EDITING



There is an error in each line. Underline the incorrect word and write the correct word in the blank given. The first one has been done for you as an example. I entred the manager’s office and sat down. entered I have just lost five hundred rupees and I felt very upset. (a) ____________ “I leave the money in my desk,” I said, (b) ____________ “and it is not there now”. The manager was very sympathetic but he can do nothing. (c) ____________



“Everyone loses money theses days,” (d) ____________ he said. He start to complain about this wicked world, (e) ____________ but is interrupted by a knock at the door. (f) ____________ Ans. Incorrect Correct (a) have had (b) leave left (c) but he can but can (d) theses these (e) start started (f) is was

LISTENING



Listen to the story given below. The teacher or your classmate will read the story aloud. Listen to it carefully and then answer the questions that follow. Gautama Buddha was journeying through the Kosala region. He was warned not to pass through the deep jungle, as it was the den of a famous robber chief, Angulimala. He was the terror of the whole countryside. He lived by plundering travellers and feared no one. He had committed many murders. All attempts to capture the inhuman Angulimala had failed. So he continued his crimes

unpunished. The people of Kosala pleaded with the Buddha not to expose himself to the dangers of the robber’s territory. But Gautama Buddha knew no fear. The warnings of the people of Kosala did not affect him. He made his way into the jungle. Angulimala got enraged at this boldness. He was determined to kill the intruder. But when he saw the Buddha, calm and self-possessed, and heard his words of kindness, the robber hesitated. His arm, which had been uplifted to kill, fell helpless by his side. His wrath cooled, and he knelt down before the Buddha. He confessed all his sins and



WORKBOOK — WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS-I

declared his faith in the Buddha. When the people saw the new disciple following his Master, they were amazed and could not believe that this was the ferocious man who had been a terror for so long. Angulimala became a monk. His past was forgotten, and he was widely respected for his holiness. 1. Why did the people of Kosala warn the Buddha not to go into the jungle? 2. Why was Angulimala considered to be a terror? 3. What enraged Angulimala when he saw the Buddha? 4. Why did the robber hesitate to kill the Buddha? 5. What kind of transformation took place in Angulimala? 6. Why did people start respecting Angulimala? Ans. 1. The people of Kosala warned Buddha not to go

2. 3. 4.

5. 6.

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into the jungle as it was the den of a famous robber chief, Angulimala. Angulimala was considered to be a terror as he lived by plundering travellers and feared no one. He had also committed many murders. The boldness of the Buddha to enter into his territory enraged Angulimala. When Angulimala saw the calm and selfpossessed nature of the Buddha and heard his words of kindness , he hesitated and gave up the idea of killing the Buddha. His wrath cooled and he knelt down before Buddha. He confessed all his sins and declared his faith in Buddha. Angulimala became a monk. His past was forgotten, and he was widely respected for his holiness.

SPEAKING

A debate competition is being organised in your school. Take a stand for or against this statement: “Our happiness in life depends entirely on our mental attitude.” Prepare an outline of the main points in the order in which you wish to present them (in about 100 words), giving reasons for your point of view. • Debate is a contest between two speakers or two groups of speakers to show skill and ability in arguing. • A proposition, a question or a problem is required for this purpose, which can be spoken for or against. • To participate in a debate, one must prepare for it. So, one must prepare an outline of the main points in the order in which one is going to argue. • There are the limitations of time (only 5 to 6 minutes are allowed). • The speaker addresses the audience. • Every topic/subject has its own vocabulary. These must be learnt. •  The speaker addresses the Chair (Mr President/Madam), ‘submits’ an argument, ‘appeals’ for sympathetic understanding and support, ‘questions’ the opponent’s views and ‘concludes’ an argument. Write the outline of the main points, then make a presentation in the class. Ans. Students can prepare either in favour or against the given topic. Our happiness in life depends entirely on our mental attitude (Favour) Good Morning Friends! It is absolutely true that happiness depends upon our mental attitude. We are the creators of our own happiness or sorrows. We do it with the choices we make. Dale Carnegie, the famous American writer and speaker has beautifully said, ‘Happiness doesn’t depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude.’ All great men and women have revealed to us the secrets to true happiness. They taught us that it has nothing to do







with the material riches. They told us the perennial fountains of happiness lie in our own minds to be tapped by us. Lincoln, Helen Keller, Einstein, Yogananda, and Khalil Gibran left in their wakes a trail of happiness following which anyone can have it. Happiness is the fruit of the trees of hard-work and sound character. The way to happiness is hard, narrow and full of obstacles. As a result, not many people get attracted to it. However, the way to sorrow is quite alluring and intriguing and finally ends up in hopelessness and depression. If you want to be happy, give the world happiness. Do good deeds; forgive the offences people do against you. And above all have faith in God’s goodness. Initially you will find it quite formidable; but carry on doing the good you can do in spite of all the odds against you! Finally, you will be crowned with the crown of happiness. You will find you are the creator of your own happiness. Our happiness in life depends entirely on our mental attitude (Against) Good Morning Friends! I am very sure that each one of you want to achieve success in your life and if I ask you, what is more important for you ‘happiness’ or ‘success’; you would probably take seconds to choose ‘success’ as more important element of your life, which is good in a way. But happiness is something that can be achieved even without being successful. There are some basic rules which you must adopt if you want to stay happy and enjoy each and every moment of your life. The first and the most important rule is to live in present. You might have failed in the past, but the best thing is to seek lesson from those and move forward as whatever might have happened in the past cannot be changed in the present; thus, there is no gain in lamenting over the past. In addition, future is unseen; you cannot be certain about the circumstances that are likely to occur in the future. Thus, you shouldn’t make big plans about the future. Of course, you must be prepared for the circumstances but you cannot be certain about it. So trust me the best thing is to stay

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and live in the present because only that is what can be controlled and can make you happy. Another important thing is to stay positive in your life and you must also watch your attitude towards your competitors and should never nurture ill feelings towards them. Always indulge into healthy competition and should never take your competition beyond a point where you start treating them as your rivals and get into any kind of enmity. You should only attempt to get ahead





of them and not harm them in any ways. Having a compassionate attitude towards others is what will eventually give you happiness from within. Staying happy is everyone’s right, but it solely depends upon people as to what exactly makes them happy. Artificial or materialistic happiness is temporary; thus you must try to achieve the real happiness of your life. Thank You!

WRITING • In groups of four, discuss in favour of or against the topic: “New technology is common, New thinking is rare.” • Each group presents their points and the whole class brainstorms on the topic. • Jot down all the points discussed. • Write an argumentative article giving logical and relevant reasons along with your points of view. Ans. New Technology is common, New Thinking is rare • With the growth of technology, man has become dependent on the available resources and thereby let go of his thinking and intellect. • Before the introduction of technology, man was

compelled to think on his own, in order to help himself grow. • However, today there are many external resources that help to sustain and nurture man. • This has made man a creature who simply follows instructions and does not think on this own. • Therefore, there is a limited space for creativity and growth.

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UNIT – 5 Exercises

LET’S BEGIN 1. You have read the story ‘The Snake and the Mirror’. Now read the poems given in the textbook, Beehive, ‘The Snake Trying’ (page 125) and ‘Green Snake’ (page 126).

• Note the actions of these three snakes.



• Note the reactions of the story writer and the poets. What do they feel?



• Do you think any of the snakes wanted to do any harm?



• What is the human behaviour towards them?

Discuss all these points with your partner and together share with your other friends. Ans. • All the three snakes were non- violent and nonattacking. • The story writer and the poets felt pity towards the snakes. None of them wanted to cause any harm to the snake. • No, none of the snakes wanted to do any harm. Generally, the snakes attack only in case they feel threatened by human activity. • The human beings, other than the story writer and the poets, wanted to kill snakes lest they bring any harm to them.

READING COMPREHENSION

TEXT I







Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow. THE MIRACULOUS ESCAPE I had been very wealthy and prosperous and was leading a very comfortable life. I had all the worldly pleasures with me. But soon I became bored of my idle life. The urge to go on a voyage became stronger and stronger day by day. It haunted me like anything. So, one day I boarded a ship and went trading from island to island with other merchants. When we started, the weather was fine and the sea was calm. But on the fourth day of our voyage, our ship was caught in a terrific/terrible hurricane and we wandered from our set course. The tempest continued for several days and drove us near an island. The captain of the ship was reluctant to cast anchor at the port as it was a much-dreaded place. The violent waves of the sea had exhausted us. We were all tired and hungry so we went in search of food and water. We were fortunate enough to find fruit trees and a stream of fresh and cool water which gave us strength and energy and relieved us from hunger. It had started getting dark. As we were tired, we went to sleep but were soon startled by a rustling noise which came from a very long and huge python like serpent gliding swiftly towards us. We ran to save our lives but the serpent was quick enough to swallow one of my companions. We kept running till we had covered a good enough distance from the serpent. We felt a bit relieved but at the same time sad as we had lost a friend of ours. We took shelter on the top of a tree and thought ourselves to be safe.









But we were mistaken for we had hardly slept a little time when we heard a hissing sound which alarmed and frightened us. Coiling itself round the tree, the serpent reached my other companion who was positioned somewhat lower than me on the tree. It swallowed him and went away. Terror stricken I clung to the branch of the tree tightly and I did not know when I fell asleep. It was daylight when I awoke. I climbed down. It seemed to me that I had no courage left. It took me no time to realise that if I would not think of a way to escape soon, I would be a dead man. It was just a matter of time when I would also be swallowed like my two other companions. The instinct to prevent one’s life is greater than any fear or frustration. I thought I should spare no means to save myself. I collected a lot of dry wood and bushes and tied them into a bundle with reeds. I arranged them in a circular structure round the tree and tied some of them with the branches of the tree. In this way I made a tent like structure in which I sat after dusk and securely tied from within. I had the satisfaction that whatever I could do I did it to prevent myself. This time when the serpent arrived, he crept round the tree but he could not penetrate the defensive structure I had made around me. It just sat and waited the whole night like a cat that waits for the mouse to emerge out of its hole. At dawn the serpent crept back but I dared not come out of my fortress. I lay there half dead and almost suffocated. When the Sun began to shine, I came out of my wooden fortress. I was so desperate that I ran towards the seashore. When I was about to jump into the sea, I saw a ship sailing at some distance. I shouted wildly, I took off my shirt and waved it

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too, which attracted the sailors on the ship and a rescue boat was immediately sent for me. This was my miraculous escape from the deadly serpent. (Source: Anonymous) Discuss what effect did the story have an you? What would you have done, if you were in the narrator’s place? Does it teach you how to save yourself from danger? Now based on your reading of the story, answer the questions that follow. You may read the story again. 1. What made the narrator go on a voyage? (a) He was rich and satisfied with his life. (b) He felt bored of his life. (c) He had an urge to go on a voyage. (d) He was adventurous. 2. How did the narrator and his friends feed themselves? (a) They ate fish. (b) They could not find anything to eat. (c) They ate fruits and drank fresh and cool water from a stream to survive. (d) They ate the food they had brought with themselves. 3. The narrator and his companions were on the tree. The serpent swallowed his companion but not the narrator. Why? 4. How did the narrator save himself from the serpent? 5. Find the words in the story which mean the nearest to the words given below. (a) rich (First para) (b) moved (Second para) (c) tired (Third para) (d) scared (Fifth para)

(e) urge (Fifth para) 6. Now find words in the story which mean the opposite of the given words. (a) poor (First para) (b) weakness (Third para) (c) enforce (Third para) (d) insecurely (Sixth para) (e) offensive (Sixth para) Ans. The story held me at bay. I was ever excited to continue reading the story till the end. If I were in the narrator’s place, I would have created a ring of fire around me so that the serpent could not enter it. Yes, the story teaches us to strive till our last breath to save our life. 1. (b) He felt bored of his life. (c) He had an urge to go on a voyage. 2. (c) They ate fruits and drank fresh and cool water from a stream to survive. 3. The serpent swallowed the narrator’s companion on the tree as his companion was on a lower branch than the narrator himself and thus was the first person to whom the serpent reached. 4. The narrator collected a lot of dry wood and bushes and tied them into a bundle with reeds. He arranged them in a circular structure round the tree and tied some of them with the branches of the tree. In this way,he made a tent like structure in which he sat after dusk and securely tied from within. 5. (a) wealthy (b) wandered (c) exhausted (d) frightened (e) instinct 6. (a) wealthy (b) strength (c) relieve (d) securely (e) defensive

VOCABULARY

1. The story of Miraculous Escape has a number of words which describe the narrator’s feeling of fear and getting tired of the journey. List the words of the two feelings and experiences. Ans. Fear

Getting tired

Terrific, Haunted, Terrible, Reluctant, Dreaded, Exhausted, Tired, Hungry, Suffocated Startled, Alarmed, Frightened, Terror, Fear, Frustration, Dared, Half dead, Desperate 2. Can you now add suffix which can mean or relate to the word ‘fear’? First one has been done for you. Ans. (a) fearsome (b) fearful



(c) fearless (e) fearfulness (g) fearing

(d) fearlessness (f) feared (h) fearer

GRAMMAR Reported Speech: Reporting questions 1. You have learnt how to report questions from direct to indirect speech. Here is a paragraph with direct speech questions. Read them carefully and report into indirect speech. Rewrite the paragraph in the space given below.



Once an old man asked a young boy, “Who do you think are the most intelligent people?” The young man said in return, “Who do you think so?” The old man said, “How can sons and daughters be intelligent without learning from their parents?” The young man said, “How did you as a parent



WORKBOOK — WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS-I

learn?” The old man said, “Why are you hijacking my question by asking me back?” The young man said,“Didn’t you know that you as a parent, now have learnt all the things on your own?” The old man said, “How do you say that we all learnt from others?” The young man said, “Why do you ask me about how to operate electronic gadget all the time?” The old man said, “Why can’t I ask you because I have paid for the gadget you use?” Ans. Once an old man asked a young boy whom he thought as the most intelligent people. The young man asked a question in return as to who the old man thought them to be. The old man asked how sons and daughters could be intelligent without learning from their parents. The young man enquired about how he as a parent learnt. The old man questioned as to why he was hijacking his question by asking him back. The young man asked if he hadn’t realised that he as a parent, then had learnt all the things on his own. The old man wanted to know that how he said that they all learnt from others. The young man counter questioned why he asked him about how to operate electronic gadget

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all the time. To this, the old man responded why he could not ask him because he had paid for the gadget he used. 2. Now here is a set of sentences given in indirect speech. Change them into direct speech. (a) Romesh asked Lata whether she could go with him for a picnic the next day. (b) Lata replied why he had asked her to join. (c) Romesh asked Lata why she was questioning him. (d) Lata replied that there was no use visiting the place she had seen before. (e) Romesh asked Lata what was wrong in visiting the same place again for the place was not the same. Ans. (a) Romesh said to Lata, “Can you go with me for a picnic tomorrow?” (b) Lata said; “Why did you ask me to join?” (c) Romesh said, “Why are you questioning me?” (d) Lata said to Romesh’ “There is no use visiting the place I have seen before.” (e) Romesh said, “What is wrong in visiting the same place again for the place is not the same?”

EDITING 1. Some of the prepositions are incorrectly used in the following story. Correct them and read the story aloud. Then rewrite the story in the space given below. The Dog and His Bone Notes A hungry dog while searching about food found a bone. He picked it out and held it tightly in his mouth and ran out into the woods, to a safe place to enjoy it in ease. He growled and frowned at anyone who attempted to take it over. He chewed the bone for a very long time and this made him quite thirsty. He came to a stream to quench his thirst. He trotted around the foot bridge and happened to glance into the water. He saw his own reflection in the water. Thinking it was another dog with a bigger bone, he growled and scowled towards it. The reflection growled and scowled back. Being greedy by nature, he wanted that bone too. He snapped his sharp teeth at the image on the water. He barked at the other dog, hoping to scare him into giving that bone. His own big bone fell with a splash, went over of sight, the moment he opened his mouth to bite! Ans. The Dog and His Bone Notes A hungry dog while searching for food found a bone. He picked it up and held it tightly in his mouth and ran towards the woods, to a safe place to enjoy it at ease. He growled and frowned at

anyone who attempted to take it away. He chewed the bone for a very long time and this made him quite thirsty. He came to a stream to quench his thirst. He trotted over the footbridge and happened to glance into the water. He saw his own reflection in the water. Thinking it was another dog with a bigger bone, he growled and scowled at it. The reflection growled and scowled back. Being greedy by nature, he wanted that bone too. He snapped his sharp teeth at the image in the water. He barked at the other dog, hoping to scare him into giving that bone. His own big bone fell with a splash, went out of sight, the moment he opened his mouth to bite! 2. Rearrange each set of words to make sentences. Use appropriate punctuation marks. (a) when I gave her, the bad news, she turned pale (b) become rotten, as it has, the apple, don’t eat (c) great friends, last quarrel, after their, they became (d) first and only novel, after her, got a prize, she became famous Ans. (a) She turned pale when I gave her the bad news. (b) Don’t eat the apple as it has become rotten. (c) They became great friends after their last quarrel. (d) After her first and only novel got a prize, she became famous.

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LISTENING



How brave are you? Take a minute to think over this question. There are people who risk their lives to save someone’s life from danger. Here is a child who dared and saved lives. Let us listen to the story of a brave heart. The Brave Hearts On October 26, 2009, Jhalaram’s hut in the village Sarneshwar in Rajasthan, suddenly caught fire. His two daughters, aged two-and-a-half years and one year, as well as ten goats were in the hut at that time. Shrawan Kumar, a six-year old boy, was playing in his house at a distance of about 200 feet. Seeing smoke coming out from Jhalaram’s house, he ran towards it. He saw the children sitting on a cot and screaming for help, and the goats caught in the flames. Shrawan entered the house, lifted the younger child in one arm and pulling the older one by the hand, brought them out safely. He took them to his house, then ran to inform his father and the children’s father. The elders rushed to the site. But by that time, the goats had died and the household belongings had been destroyed in the fire. It was Shrawan Kumar’s daring act that saved the lives of the two children.

(Shrawan Kumar, 6 years old, Sarneshwar, Rajasthan) (Source: Children’s World, May 2012) Your teacher will read out the story. Listen to the story carefully and answer the questions below. You may ask the teacher to read out the story more than once. 1. Where is the village of Sarneshwar? 2. Whose hut had caught fire? 3. Who all were there in the hut when it caught fire? 4. Why did Shrawan run towards Jhalaram’s house? 5. How did Shrawan save the two children? 6. What happened to the goats? Ans. 1. Rajasthan 2. Jhalaram’s hut 3. Two daughters and ten goats 4. He saw smoke coming out of Jhalaram’s house 5. He lifted the younger child in one arm and pulled the older one by hand and brought them out safely. 6. The goats had died in the fire.

SPEAKING

Imagine yourself as the narrator in the story ‘The Miraculous Escape’ and describe your experience during your voyage. Jot down the points you want to speak on. Then narrate your experience to your partner. You may begin like this: I have been thinking of going on a voyage. And here came the opportunity to sail on a ship! I enjoyed the blue sea, the silence all around, amazing sunrise for a week. Then suddenly one day.......

Ans. I have been thinking of going on a voyage. And here came the opportunity to sail on a ship! I enjoyed the blue sea, the silence all around, amazing sunrise for a week. Then suddenly one day, our ship was caught in a hurricane. We got lost and reached near an island. The captain cast anchor at the port. All of us were tired and hungry. We went in search of food and water and found fruit trees and a stream of fresh water. We ate the fruits and quenched our thirst. We felt strengthened again. Soon it started getting dark. With our tiring experience, we went to sleep. Suddenly, we heard a hissing sound. Before anyone of us could understand and react, a long and huge python like serpent appeared and swallowed one of our companions. We immediately ran for our life and climbed a tree. We were not aware that the snakes can climb trees

also. As soon as we started feeling safe, the same hissing noise again started and another companion of mine who had settled at a lower branch was also swallowed by the python. His hunger seemed to be satisfied by two of my companions as it went away after that. In spite of all the fear, I soon fell asleep. When I woke up, it was broad daylight. I realised my position and understood that if I do not find a way to secure my life, I will also meet the same fate as my companions. I climbed down. I collected a lot of dry wood and bushes and tied them with branches of a tree to make a tent like structure. I secured myself inside this structure at dusk. Soon, I heard the same hissing noise as the previous day. The python seemed to go round and round the tent like structure and trying way to enter it. Finding no way, it settled down and waited for me to come down. I kept my patience and courage and waited for the python to go away. Around dawn, I heard the python moving away. Taking no chances, I waited for the daylight. When the sun rose high, I came out of my tent and ran towards the shore. Upon reaching the shore, I was about to jump into the water when I noticed a ship some distance away. I removed my shirt. Then, I shouted and waved my shirt to catch their attention. I was lucky enough as one of the sailors in the ship noticed me. They sailed the ship to my shore and helped me to board the ship. It all appeared to be a miracle.



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WRITING 1. A group of pictures are given here. They make a story. This story is from the Tales of Panchatantra.

Ans. The Clever Rabbit

Once upon a time, in a forest, there was a lion. The lion used to kill many animals every day for food. The animals were afraid and assembled together. They met the lion and requested that they will themselves come one by one daily as its food. The lion agreed. The animals sent an animal each day. One day, it was the turn of a rabbit. It feared to die and thought of a plan. It went to the lion and told there was another lion who lived in the forest well. The lion was angry. It came to the well along with the rabbit. It looked into the well and saw its own reflection. It roared and jumped into the well. The lion could not swim and as a result died. The moral of the story is that wit is superior to brute force.

2. Courage needs no age and comes after we let go of all our fears. Every year, on the Republic Day, National Bravery Awards are given to selected children for their act of bravery against all odds. These children are able to achieve this glory as they overcome their moments of fear and do their best to save precious lives.

Make a list of any five such children and their actions for which they have been awarded the National Bravery Award. Write a few paragraphs on each child. Keep your writings in the Class Library or the Reading Club for all your friends to read.

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(Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/national-bravery-awards-2018meet-the-18-bravehearts-of-india-1802479) Ans. The students may collect relevant information about:

o

Bharat Award





• Kunwar Divyansh Singh (2018)





• Nazia(2017)





• Kumari Mahika Gupta (2013)





• Gaurav Singh Saini (2009)



o

Sanjay Chopra Award





• Karanbeer Singh (2017)





• Om Parkash Yadav (2011)





• Karan Nishad (2009)



o

Geeta Chopra Award





• Kumari Gunjan Sharma (2014)





• Renu (2012)





• Mittal Mahendrabhai Patadiya (2011)



o

Bapu Gaidhani Award





o Tushar Verma (2016)





o Akanksha Gaute (2012)





o Aditi Gopal (2011)



UNIT – 6 Exercises LET’S BEGIN A. Photographs of the Presidents of India are chronologically given below. Can you identify them? Ans.





Dr. Rajendra Prasad



PRESIDENTS OF INDIA

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed



B. Discuss in pairs and write down their names. C. Why is the President of India known as the First Citizen of the country?

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy

Zakir Husain

Zail Singh

R. Venkataraman

V. V. Giri

Shankar Dayal Sharma

K.R. Narayanan Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Pratibha Patil Dr. Pranab Mukherjee Ram Nath Kovind The President of India is known as the first citizen of the country because the president of India represents India at all international levels.

READING COMPREHENSION

TEXT I

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow. I must have been about seven when my father left Porbandar for Rajkot to become a member of the Rajasthanik Court. There I was put into a primary school, and I can well recollect those days, including the names and other particulars of the teachers who taught me. As at Porbandar, so here, there is hardly anything to note about my studies. I could only have been a mediocre student. From this school I went to the suburban school and thence to high school, having already reached my twelfth year. I do not remember having ever told a lie, during this short period, either to my teachers or to my schoolmates. However, I used to be very shy and avoided all company. My books and my lessons were my sole companions. To be at school at the stroke of the hour and to run back home as soon as the school closed — that was my daily habit. There is an incident which occurred at the examination during my first year at high school and which is worth recording. Mr. Giles, the educational Inspector, had

come on a visit of inspection. He had set us five words to write as a spelling exercise. One of the words was ‘Kettle’. I had misspelt it. The teacher tried to prompt me with the point of his boot, but I would not be prompted. It was beyond me to see that he wanted me to copy the spelling from my neighbour’s slate, for I had thought that the teacher was there to supervise us against copying. The result was that all the boys, except myself, were found to have spelt every word correctly. I could never learn the art of ‘copying’. Yet the incident did not in the least diminish my respect for my teacher. I was by nature, blind to the faults of elders. Later I came to know of many other failings of this teacher, but my regard for him remained the same. Two other incidents belonging to the same period have always clung to my memory. As a rule I had distaste for any reading beyond my school books. The daily lessons had to be done, because I disliked being taken to task by my teacher as much as I disliked deceiving him. Therefore, I would do the lessons, but often without my mind in them. Thus, when even the lessons could not be done properly, there

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was of course no question of any extra reading. But somehow my eyes fell on a book purchased by my father. It was Shravana Pitribhakti Nataka. I read it with intense interest. One of the pictures I was shown was of Shravana carrying, by means of slings fitted for his shoulders, his blind parents on a pilgrimage. The book and the picture left an indelible impression on my mind. (An excerpt from The Story of My Experiments with Truth, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) 1. Choose the correct option from the bracket and fill in the blanks. (a) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a/ an__________________________ student. (average, poor, intelligent) (b) As a boy, Mohandas used to be very _______________and avoided all company. (timid, fearful, outspoken) (c) The teacher tried to ______________________________him with the point of his boot. (suggest, force, instruct) (d) Young Mohandas ________________________ any reading beyond his school books. (disliked, liked, hated) (e) He read Shravana Pitribhakti with ________________interest. (great, least, little) 2. Answer the following questions in brief. (30 words) (a) Where did Mohandas complete his primary education? (b) Who were Mohandas Gandhi’s sole companions in his childhood? (c) Which incident given in the passage reflects Mohandas’s honesty? (d) Which two things did Mohandas dislike the most? (e) What did the picture of Shravana convey to Mohandas Gandhi? (f) Pick out five qualities and traits which young Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi had. 3. Locate words from the passage with similar meaning: (a) reduce (b) only one (c) dupe (d) permanent effect Ans. 1. (a) average (b) timid (c) suggest (d) disliked (e) great 2. (a) He was put in a primary school in Rajkot. (b) Mohandas Gandhi was a shy boy with no companions. His books and his lessons were his only companions in his childhood. (c) In an examination, Mohandas had misspelt the word ‘kettle’. When the teacher noticed this, he tried to prompt him with the point of his boot. Mohandas avoided to be prompted. He was the only student in the class to spell the word incorrectly, yet he never felt guilty for that.



(d) Mohandas disliked to be taken to task by the teacher. He also disliked deceiving his teacher by copying the work from other students. (e) The book and picture of Shravana left a permanent impression on his mind. It guided him through ups and downs of his life. It also strengthened him in his struggle for India’s independence from British rule. (f) His five qualities and traits are: (i) Absolutely non- judgemental, couldn’t see the bad qualities of his teacher (ii) Honest, didn’t like to deceive anyone (iii) Truthful, couldn’t copy others’ work and claim to be done by himself (iv) Disliked any extra reading, completed his lessons only because he hated deceiving teachers and himself (v) Shy, couldn’t make friends and was busy with his books and lessons 3. (a) diminish (b) sole (c) copy (d) indelible

TEXT II









Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow. Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi is an Indian American business executive. She is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pepsico. She is one among the world’s most powerful women. She delivered the following speech at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 14 December 2013. She was named one of the 25 Greatest Living Legends by NDTV, and was awarded by the then President of India, Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Mr. President and NDTV, thank you very much for this incredible honour. Malcom Gladwell in his book, Outliers says: “Who you are cannot be separated from where you came from.” I left India 35 years ago, went to the USA and had tremendous success in the meritocracy. But none of that could have happened if I would not have had wonderful upbringing very much here in India. So I have a lot to thank India for. Now my three lessons I would like to share with you. First, please be a lifelong student. You know when we were kids, we used to ask questions like “Why is the sky blue?”, “Why the birds flying so high?” But for some reasons, as we get older, that curiosity goes away. And if we are happy with the knowledge we have, then we are actually going to atrophy. So, please remain a lifelong student, don’t lose that curiosity. Second, whatever you do, throw yourself into it, throw your head, heart and hands into it. I look at my job not as a job, I look at it as a Calling, as a Passion and I don’t care about the hours, about the hardships, because to me everything is a joy. So



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whatever you do, please look upon it as a Calling, a Passion, not as a job, not as something temporary. The third and the most important one, please help others rise. Greatness comes not from a position, but from helping build a future. All of us in position of power have an obligation to pull others up. You know, as I stand here today, I look at my responsibility not as accepting an honour, I look upon it as accepting a challenge and a responsibility, an obligation to actually make it possible for people who are younger to come up and achieve levels of greatness, so they too can be on the stage sometime in the future. (Source: Speech delivered by Indra Nooyi at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 14 December 2013) Read the speech delivered by Indra Nooyi and answer the questions that follow. 1. What has Malcom Gladwell said in his book, that Indra Nooyi is referring to in her speech? 2. What according to Indra Nooyi helped her achieve great success? 3. What is the first lesson that Indra Nooyi has talked about in her speech?

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4. What element should we have to be a lifelong student? 5. How does she look at her job? 6. What is her third lesson? Why is it important? 7. What obligation does she talk about in her speech? Ans. 1. Malcolm Gladwell has said, “Who you are cannot be separated from where you came from.” 2. Her wonderful upbringing in India helped her achieve great success. 3. The first lesson that Indra Nooyi has talked about in her speech is to be a lifelong student. 4. One should always have curiosity to be a lifelong student. 5. She looks at her job as a Calling and a Passion and not as something temporary. 6. Her third lesson is to help others rise. It is important greatness does not come from position but from helping to build a future. 7. In her speech she talks about the obligation to actually make it possible for people who are younger to come up and achieve levels of greatness, so they too can be on the stage sometime in the future.

VOCABULARY 1. Make noun forms of the given words. One is done for you. Example : happen – happening (a) know (b) accept (c) separate (d) oblige (e) achieve Ans. (a) knowledge (b) acceptance (c) separation (d) obligation (e) achievement 2. Take words from the box given below and match the words that go along with them. You may use some of the words more than once. Example: C ommunal – harmony tune

paper

system

fine

water

communal

news

heart

sound

study

black

kill

felt

proof

tour

joy

harmony

Ans. (a) Heart-felt (b) News-paper (c) Sound-proof (d) Study-tour (e) Water-system (f) Kill-joy (g) Fine-tune (h) Black-paper 3. You would have come across some words from Indian languages used in the chapter ‘My Childhood’ in your textbook, Beehive. Example: pucca Look up the dictionary in the English language and find ten words which are of Indian origin. Ans. (a) Chutney (b) Karma (c) Avatar (d) Bandana (e) Cheetah (f) Gymkhana (g) Jungle (h) Loot (i) Pyjama (j) Sari (k) Shawl (l) Yoga

GRAMMAR 1. Fill in the blanks to complete the process of washing clothes in a machine. Use passive form of the verbs given in brackets.



Dirty clothes are __________________ (take) for washing. Clothes are __________________ (separate) on the basis of texture, colour, etc.,

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and______________________ (make) into piles. Each pile is __________________ (put) in the washing machine tub. Then detergent powder is __________________(add) and the required

programme is _________________ (set). Once the washing is over the clothes are __________________ (remove) from the tub and __________________ (hang) for drying.

Ans. Dirty clothes are taken for washing. Clothes are separated on the basis of texture, colour, etc., and made into piles. Each pile is put in the washing machine tub. Then detergent powder is added and the required programme is set. Once the washing is over the clothes are removed from the tub and hung for drying. 2. Passive voice fabric, LCDs and mobile phones have been reduced from 8% to 4%. The industry is hopeful Expand the News Headlines into three to four that this will help in boosting the sales of these sentences of a short article. Use passive voice commodities. wherever it is required. 3. Phrasal Verb Example: In the lesson ‘My Childhood’ in your textbook, Mumbai flooded with rain water Beehive, the phrasal verb ‘break out’ is used by Yesterday Mumbai was hit by incessant rain. The combining a verb(break) with a preposition (out) city is flooded with rain water now. Water is being denoting the meaning ‘to begin’. Many more pumped out from the roads. The residents are phrasal verbs can be formed with the same verb requested by the Municipal Corporation to remain ‘break’ joining with other prepositions. indoors. They are— (a) The fire caused by crackers (b) Bank robbed in broad daylight break break break break break (c) Taxes lowered for some commodities into away open down up Ans. (a) Yesterday a huge fire was caused by crackers. Now, replace the underlined words with a phrasal The children were playing with crackers when verb from the list given above using the correct a misdirected rocket hit the pile of unburnt form. crackers. The crackers immediately caught fire and started shooting fire in all directions. (a) The passengers were troubled when the bus Fortunately, there were no deaths reported. stopped due to engine failure. Some of the children and passer-byes got in the (b) Neha’s relationship with Rohan came to an range of fire and got some burns. The victims end over a very silly matter. were discharged after first-aid from the nearby (c) The burglar in spite of all security, entered Mr. hospital. Khan’s house and took away all valuables. (b) Yesterday, the branch of a private bank was (d) The child attempted to leave the mother’s robbed in broad daylight. The robbers took the grasp, but she held fast. customers and bank staff as hostage. Around 10 (e) The new director desired to discard the agelakhs worth of currency notes were taken away old practices in the office. by them. The police is on high alert and trying Ans. (a) broke down (b) broke up to reach the robbers. (c) broke into (d) break away (c) In a pleasant turnaround of events in this crisis, (e) break open the taxes on some commodities like cotton

EDITING 1. Use capital letters, full-stops, commas and inverted commas wherever necessary in the following story. Some words are also wrongly spelt. Check the spelling errors and correct them. once the Fairies of the Trees set out to choose their dwelling places some were wise in making their choices and some were foolis the wise fairies shunned the trees that stood alone in the open fields, and settld in a thick forest. but the foolish ones said, Why should we crowd together in a forest Let us go and live in lonely trees near villages, where humans will bring us gifts. One night a greate tempest swept over the countri the lonely trees were blown down, and the foolis fairys became homeless; but the great, dense forest resisted the fury of the storm. The wise fairies said to the foolish ones Peopl should stand together like a dense forest. It is only the solitary tree, growing

unprotekted in the open field that is overthrown by a silly thing like a storm Ans. Once, the ‘Fairies of the Trees’ set out to choose their dwelling places. Some were wise in making their choices and some were fools. The wise fairies shunned the trees that stood alone in the open fields, and settled in a thick forest. But the foolish ones said, “Why should we crowd together in a forest. Let us go and live in lonely trees near villages, where humans will bring us gifts.” One night, a great tempest swept over the country. The lonely trees were blown down, and the foolish fairies became homeless; but the great, dense forest resisted the fury of the storm. The wise fairies said to the foolish ones, “People should stand together like a dense forest. It is only the solitary tree, growing unprotected in the open field that is overthrown by a silly thing like a storm.”



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LISTENING











Given below is an extract from Malala Yousafzai’s speech at the UN General Assembly on 12 July 2013. Malala Yousafzai is a young Pakistani girl who was shot at by the Taliban because she wanted to study. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for her struggle for the right of all children to education. The teacher or one of your classmates will read out the extract. Answer all the questions after listening to the extract. Honourable UN Secretary General Mr Ban Kimoon, respected President of the General Assembly Vuk Jeremic, honourable UN envoy for global education Mr Gordon Brown, respected elders and my dear brothers and sisters: Assalamualaikum. Today it is an honour for me to be speaking again after a long time. Being here with such honourable people is a great moment in my life and it is an honour for me that today I am wearing a shawl of late Benazir Bhutto. I don’t know where to begin my speech. I don’t know what people would be expecting me to say, but first of all thank you to God for whom we all are equal and thank you to every person who has prayed for my fast recovery and new life. I cannot believe how much love people have shown me. I have received thousands of good-wish cards and gifts from all over the world. Thank you to all of them. Thank you to the children whose innocent words encouraged me. Thank you to my elders whose prayers strengthened me. I would like to thank my nurses, doctors and the staff of the hospitals in Pakistan and the UK and the UAE government who have helped me to get better and recover my strength. ... There are hundreds of human rights activists and social Notes workers who are not only speaking for their rights, but who are struggling to achieve their goal of peace, education and equality. Thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists and millions have been injured. I am just one of them. So here I stand, one girl among many. I speak not for myself, but so those without a voice can be heard. Those who have fought for their rights ...Their right to live in peace. Their right to be treated with dignity. Their right to equality of opportunity. Their right to be educated. ... The compassion I have learned from Mohamed, the Prophet of Mercy, Jesus Christ and Lord Buddha. This is the legacy of change I have inherited from Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Mohammed Ali Jinnah. This is the philosophy of non- violence that I have

learned from Gandhi, Bacha Khan and Mother Teresa. And this is the forgiveness that I have learned from my father and from my mother. This is what my soul is telling me: be peaceful and love everyone ... Thank you. (a) Why did the Taliban shoot Malala? (b) Why was Malala awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? (c) Who all did Malala thank in her speech and why? (d) What are the activists and social workers struggling for? (e) What rights did she talk about in her speech? Tick () the right answers. (i) right to live in peace (ii) right to be treated with dignity (iii) right to have a safe home (iv) right to equality of opportunity (v) right to fight for self (vi) right to be educated (f) From whom did Malala learn (i) compassion (ii) the philosophy of non- violence (iii) forgiveness Ans. (a) Taliban shot Malala because she wanted to study. (b) Malala was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle for the right of all children to education. (c) Malala thanked (i) God before whom we are all equal (ii) All people who prayed for her fast recovery and new life (iii) Children whose innocent words encouraged her (iv) Elders whose prayers strengthened her (v) Nurses, doctors and staff of hospitals in UK, UAE and Pakistan who helped her to get better (d) The activists and social workers were struggling for achieving their goal of peace, education and equality for all. (e) She talked about these rights in her speech: (i) right to live in peace (ii) right to be treated with dignity (iii) right to equality of opportunity (iv) right to be educated (f) (i) Mohamed, the Prophet of Mercy, Jesus Christ and Lord Buddha (ii) Gandhi, Bacha Khan and Mother Teresa (iii) Her father and her mother

SPEAKING

Prepare five slips with the following words written on them. The class will be divided into 4 groups. Each group will be asked to pick up a slip and discuss the topic for 5 minutes. Finally, one representative from the group will make a brief presentation on the topic. 1. ancestral house 2. secure childhood

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3. primary school 4. social barriers 5. communal harmony Some words given in the box below may be helpful. You can use any other words that are appropriate to the topic. ancient

large

emotional

co-existence

inequality

system

tradition

friendship

upbringing

Ans. 1. ancient – large – emotions – childhood – feelings – grandparents – garden – banyan tree 2. child labour – inequality – burden free – right to education – natural growth – free mind 3. child friendly – toy and recreational material – visual aids – swings and rides – chocolates and sweets – cartoon wallpaper – attractive benches 4. tradition – religion – gender bias – bound circumstances – growth hindrance – limited opportunities –political backing – shortage of resources 5. Constitution of India – anti-national – communal riots – loss of life and public property – tolerance – patience – brotherhood – Unity is Strength

WRITING

In 2010, the United Nations declared Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s birthday (15th October) as World Students’ Day. Write an article on the importance of the youth/young students in the making of a New India. (120 – 150 words) Ans. Importance of the youth in the making of New India The bud of nation’s future finds a fragrant blooming in the hands of its youth. It’s the time of culmination when the youth must realise and individually shoulder the responsibility of resuscitation of India in every aspect viz. social, economic, political, administrative, etc. Development of a strong nation demands youth possessing steely willpower, mighty determination and tremendous grit. For this, the youth itself must be fully sound and armour itself with all essential qualities so that modern India sees its unprecedented growth and development by skilled finishers. Youth are the real sculptors of the nation and Swami Vivekananda

rightly called the youth “The Real Power of the Nation”. What is actually required in the present scenario is to unleash the immense latent patriotism and chauvinism among youth, which will light the fire of responsibility and will dedicatedly involve them in the making of the New India. The primary factors inhibiting the growth of the New India are terrorism, corruption and communal disparities. So in order to eradicate these, youth with double toughness are required. Our political system is governed by desperados, hooligans and such miscreants of society who have attired themselves in the robes that presents them as the saviours of the nation. In fact, they are eating away the nation like worms slowly and gradually. Criminalisation of politics has in fact obfuscated the image of fair play in government. So, this is now a “Wake up Call”, for the youth of the New India to wake, rise and move ahead and prove their hegemony over such corrupt leaders and take the command into their hands to run the government.



UNIT – 7 Exercises LET’S BEGIN You have read about Santosh Yadav, the youngest woman in the world to have conquered Mount Everest in 1992. You must have heard or read about Poorna, who at the age of 13 years 11 months, became the youngest girl in the world to have scaled the Mount Everest in 2014, with sheer determination and willpower. You would have also read about Maria Sharapova who bagged the Women’s Singles crown at Wimbledon in 2004. She was determined, tough, competitive, hardworking with unwavering desire. Both of them had big dreams from the very young age. 1. Do you have the passion to do something other

than your studies like these two icons have? (Be it music, dance, theatre, trekking, water sport, painting, football, cricket, etc.) 2. Do you find any difficulty in pursuing your passion? 3. Who gives you support and encouragement to go ahead with your passion? Ans. 1. Yes, I want to be a world renowned musician. 2. Yes, I do find difficulties in pursuing my passion. 3. My family, friends and teachers always guide and advise me to take right decisions to pursue my passion.

READING COMPREHENSION 1. Read the following passage carefully. Based on your reading, answer the following questions in the space provided.

TEXT I







On 3 August 1996, Leander Paes became the first Indian to win an individual medal in 44 years when he defeated Fernando Meligeni of Brazil in an exciting match in the Centennial Olympic Games at Atlanta. Paes ranked 31 places below the Brazilian, played with gusto and determination against a player who has two ATP tour titles under his belt, and clinched the bronze medal. He was given a standing ovation when Paes raised his hand in triumph and said a silent prayer. Leander’s father had won a bronze medal in the Munich Olympics 1972 as a member of the Indian hockey team. It is creditable to Leander Paes as he got it in an individual event. Later he dedicated the medal to his coach and his doubles teammate. “They have helped me out and given me advice and kept me in good frame of mind. This medal doesn’t just show my efforts; it shows the efforts of the whole team.” Paes was recognised as a prodigy by Vijay Amritraj in the ’80s. Even so, Paes’ true mentor has been Naresh Kumar, the former Indian Davis Cup Captain. His incredible Davis Cup record speaks for itself. While it may be said that some of his Davis Cup victories were achieved because he was playing on his favourite surface, grass and enjoyed home support. But at Atlanta, Paes had none of these advantages except his coach, close family members and the expatriates. While Davis Cup victories bring in good cash rewards and ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) points, there he was playing for just a medal. Paes explains it all when he says, “When I am playing for my country I don’t expect anything.” That straightaway sets him apart.



He succeeds because of his willingness to take his chances, swift reflexes and mental strength, and the fact that he does not accept defeat easily. (Source: http://www.jhs.ac.in/pdf/Cbse-qp/Grade-9/English/5.pdf) 1. Leander’s victory at Atlanta is significant because ________________________ 2. His father’s Olympic triumph in 1972 was different from his own because it was ___________________________ 3. Leander gave credit to his coach and his teammate in doubles for his victory. How did they help him? 4. If you are required to sum up Leander’s qualities as a player, which one would you like to highlight and why? 5. In India, while registering his victories in Davis Cup one could say that he won because _________________. 6. At Atlanta he won because _________________. Ans. 1. he was the first Indian to win an individual Olympic medal in 44 years. 2. a team medal and not an individual medal. 3. They helped Paes and gave him good advice. They also kept him in good frame of mind. 4. His refusal to accept defeat easily is his best quality player. This is because if a player starts accepting defeat as a part of game, the number of defeats keeps on rising slowly and steadily. It is the refusal to accept defeat that motivates a true player to fight back and rise to the top. 5. he played on his favourite surface, that is, grass. 6. of the support of his coach, close family members and expatriates. 2. Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow.

TEXT II

WHERE THE MIND IS WITHOUT FEAR Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;

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Where knowledge is free; Where the world has not been broken up into fragments By narrow domestic walls; Where words come out from the depth of truth; Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection; Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way Into the dreary desert sand of dead habits; Where the mind is led forward by thee Into ever-widening thought and action; Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake — Rabindranath Tagore 1. Given here are certain ideas from the poem “Where the mind is without fear” by Rabindranath Tagore. Identify the lines from the poem that refer to these and write the lines in the space given below. (a) Everybody should be able to learn. (b) There ought not be a division among people on the basis of caste, class, creed, religion or any other such basis.



(c) People should be honest and speak out their heart. (d) Actions should stem from logic and not superstitions and beliefs, leading to progress. (e) People to be free of fear and oppression. (f) The poet is addressing ________ so that ________ . 2. This poem was written by Rabindranath Tagore much before India attained freedom. What, do you think, is the significance of these lines in the context of his time? Ans. 1. (a) Where knowledge is free; (b) Where the world has not been broken up into fragments By narrow domestic walls; (c) Where words come out from the depth of truth; (d) Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way (e) Where the mind is led forward by thee (f) God, the father so that the country may awake. 2. The poet was trying to make the Indians wake up and struggle away from the clutches of superstitions, religion, caste, creed, etc. join hands and struggle for independence of the country from the British Rule.

VOCABULARY 1. Suggest a word for each sentence/phrase correctly. Refer to the chapter ‘Reach for the Top, Part I’ given in your textbook, Beehive. The paragraph numbers where these words are used, are given in brackets. (a) A state of happiness and satisfaction. (2) (b) An action or way of behaving that is usual in tradition. (3) (c) A word or statement that expresses agreement or confirmation. (5) (d) The ability to withstand hardship or adversity. (7) (e) Final stage of something you’ve been working towards. (7) Ans. • Contentment • Prevailing custom • Answered in the affirmative • Physical endurance and mental toughness • Culmination 2. Fill in the blanks using the words given in the box. These words are taken from the chapter ‘Reach for the Top’ of your textbook, Beehive. You can refer to a dictionary to find out the meanings of these words. prevails, positive, apology, affluent, expedition, culmination



(a) She wears expensive dresses and jewellery. It seems she belongs to an _________________ family.



(b) At present, political turmoil _________________ in most parts of the world.



(c) Mr. Khanna admitted his mistake by writing a letter of _________________ to the Head of the Department. (d) The Director was quite _________________ while addressing his employees. (e) The result that you see today is a _________________ of years of hardwork and dedication. (f) School children went on a week-long _________________ during their summer holidays. Ans. (a) affluent (b) prevails (c) apology (d) positive (e) culmination (f) expedition 3. Playing with the words: How many words can you make from the words given below? Ans. 1. vocal 2. labour 3. cal 4. lab 5. voc 6. rub 7. coal

4. An idiomatic expression is a group of words with a special meaning. The individual words in the expression do not mean what they otherwise stand for. Example: Maria Sharapova cannot be ‘pigeon-holed’ or categorised. Her talent, unwavering desire to succeed and readiness to sacrifice have lifted her to the top of the world.





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Here pigeon-holed does not mean that there is a hole for the pigeon to its nest. But it means that someone or something belongs to a particular type or group; is categorised, especially without knowing much about them. Now, consult a dictionary and match the following idiomatic expressions given in Column ‘A’ with their meanings in Column ‘B’. Column A

Column B

(a)

eager beaver

(i)

something of someone provides a lot of money for little effort

(b)

cash cow

(ii)

very careless in the way a person moves or behaves

(c)

kangaroo court

(iii) wait and be patient

(d)

bull in a china shop

(iv) a keen and enthusiastic person who works very hard

(e)

hold your horses

(v)

an unofficial court or meeting that disregards current laws and conducts unfair trials

Ans. (a) – (iv), (b) – (i), (c) – (v), (d) – (ii), (e) – (iii)

GRAMMAR

In the chapter ‘Reach for the Top’ in Beehive, you have read that two clauses in a sentence have their own subject and verb or verb phrase. One part of the sentence (or one clause) tells us why or when something happened. Examples: • I read Sherlock Holmes while I was on holiday. • It was raining heavily when I got home in the evening. • I will phone you when I go to the clinic. • Can I borrow your book when you have finished it? 1. Match each of the sentence halves given below to make meaningful sentences. He was found guilty of driving

when she tripped over.

I get a pain in my knee

when the mother left.

The boy started to cry

I switched on the emergency light.

Rainy was walking along the footpath

when you cross my house.

When the lights went out,

while he was under the influence of alcohol.

You will see the river

when I walk up the stairs.

Ans. (a) He was found guilty of driving when he was under the influence of alcohol. (b) I get a pain in my knee when I walk up the stairs. (c) The boy started to cry when the mother left. (d) Rainy was walking along the footpath when she tripped over. (e) When the lights went out, I switched on the emergency light. (f) You will see the river when you cross my house. 2. Make one sentence combining the two statements given below. Example: It’s getting dark. Let’s go home before that. Let’s go home before it gets dark. (a) She must clean the room. I won’t enter the room until this is done. _________________________________ until ___ ______________________________ (b) I will do the cooking. Then I will come to your house. _________________________________ after ___ ______________________________ (c) I will go to the library.





Then I will issue the book for you. _________________________________ when __ _______________________________ (d) Evening came. They rested. _________________________________ when __ _______________________________ (e) The salesman came. Rita was eating her breakfast. _________________________________ while __ _______________________________ (f) We went to see the play with grandfather. Do you remember? _________________________________ when __ ______________________________? Ans. (a) I won’t enter the room until she cleans the room. (b) I will come to your house after cooking. (c) I will issue the book when I go to the library. (d) They rested when evening came. (e) Rita was eating her breakfast while the salesman came. (f) Do you remember when we went to see the play with the grandfather?

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EDITING 1. In each of the following sentences you have to remove or add a word or a phrase to make the sentence grammatically correct. Write the correct sentences in the space given below. (a) Maria Sharapova likes to be dancing, singing and fashion. (b) She has love for pancakes with chocolate spread and fizzy orange drinks. (c) Maria had to be leave her mother behind in Siberia at age of nine. (d) She put with insults and humiliation in order to realise dream of becoming a tennis star. (e) Her dream was to be number one world tennis. Ans. (a) Maria Sharapova likes to be dancing, singing and doing fashion. (b) She has love for pancakes with chocolate spread and with fizzy orange drinks. (c) Maria had to leave her mother behind in Siberia at the age of nine. (d) She put up with insults and humiliation in order to realise the dream of becoming a tennis star. (e) Her dream was to be number one in the world of tennis. 2. There are spelling errors in the paragraph given here. Correct the spelling errors and rewrite the paragraph with appropriate punctuation marks in the given space.



Savitribai Phule “Awake Arise, and Educate. Smash traditionsLiberate” First female teacher of Indias first womens school, founder of the modern Marathi poetry at a time when womens potential and celibre were underrestimmated she worked for the uplifftment and educasion of females in the country with her husbands help. she opened a school for untouchable girls Orrthodox individuals from the upper cast used to mock at her eforts and throw stones and dung on her neverttheless she continued with her teaching the British govenment honoured her contribution to eduction later on. Ans. Savitribai Phule “Awake Arise, and Educate. Smash traditionsLiberate” First female teacher of India’s first women’s school, founder of the modern Marathi poetry at a time when women’s potential and calibre were underestimated. She worked for the upliftment and education of females in the country with her husband’s help. She opened a school for untouchable girls. Orthodox individuals from the upper caste used to mock at her efforts and throw stones and dung on her. Nevertheless, she continued with her teaching. The British government honoured her contribution to education later on.

LISTENING





Your teacher or a classmate will read the excerpt given below. Listen to it carefully and answer the questions. Harvard-MIT researcher, Hugh Herr, is familiar with the obstacles faced by amputees. A worldclass mountain climber at the age of 17, Herr and a friend were trapped in a snowstorm while ascending New Hampshire’s Mount Washington in 1982. After three days without food or camping gear, the two were rescued, but frostbite cost Herr both his legs, which were amputated just below the knee. Herr was fitted with prostheses, but he soon discovered that they were developed for walking on flat surfaces, and not for taking on advanced functions like climbing or running. With the same determination that he once applied to climbing, he set out to create a better prosthetic leg. He worked with an engineering shop to fashion his own prostheses, tinkering with customised sockets and lighter materials. He even designed artificial feet specially made for climbing rock (built flat and narrow for getting a toehold in cracks and ice featuring sharp spikes). “I experienced a tremendous amount of pain from prosthetic limbs at first”, Herr says. “So I decided to go back to school and learn about physics and engineering to try to solve these problems.” Herr obtained a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering from MIT in 1993 and a doctorate in

biophysics from Harvard five years later. After struggling for a decade to come up with a better prosthetic limb, just getting the knee to market will be a personal triumph for Herr — yet another mountain conquered. “It’s been a long road”, he says. “But I think I’m finally in a position to make a difference.”  (Adapted from ‘Born to Run’, Evan Ratliff, Span, Sep.–Oct. 2002, Steps to English, Workbook for  Class X, NCERT, 2003, p. 43) 1. What happened to Hugh Herr at the age of 17? 2. What happened to both of his legs? 3. What were the two things he was unable to do with the prostheses? 4. Why did he decide to go back to school? 5. What degrees did he get from MIT and Harvard? Ans. 1. He and his friend were trapped in a snowstorm while ascending New Hampshire’s Mount Washington in 1982. 2. Both of his legs were amputated just below the knee and fitted with prostheses. 3. He could not climb and run with the prostheses. 4. He decided to go back to school to learn about Physics and Engineering to try to solve the problems posed by the prostheses at that time. 5. He obtained a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering from MIT and Doctorate in biophysics from Harvard.



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SPEAKING 1. In a group of three, read aloud the dialogues. You are Kiran and your two partners are Sunita and Sarita. Then fill in the table given below. Sunita : What kind of things do you like to do in your free time? Kiran : I like playing basketball. I play on a city team every Saturday afternoon. It helps me stay fit and happy. I have made some good friends! Sarita : I didn’t know that. How long have you been playing? Kiran : For about a year now. But it’s not the only thing I like to do. I also enjoy painting. It’s great for relieving stress. Sunita : Really? Are you good at it? Kiran : Not too bad. But I’m not a Picasso or Rembrandt. How about you guys? What do you like to do in free time? Sarita : Well, a couple of times a month I go up to Widow Mountain with some Ans. Names

List of interests



Sunita



Sarita



Sunita



Kiran



Sarita



Kiran



Sunita

buddies and go hang gliding. : No way! You do? That sounds dangerous! Aren’t you scared? : Not at all. It’s fascinating. It’s so beautiful up there. I feel as free as a bird. You should try it sometime. : It sounds awesome, but I think I’m too much of a scared cat to try it. : Wow! I might want to try it sometime. Do you think I could? : Sure, how about this Saturday? I’ll let you know the details later. : Sounds great! I can’t believe I’m going to do it. Sunita, by the way, you never told us what you do in your spare time. : Well, uh, I like to knit...And you know I can’t go very far… But I am going to convince my parents to let me join Karate classes. It will be great self-defence.

Why do they find these interesting?

Sarita

Hang gliding

Feel free as a bird

Kiran

Play basketball Painting

Stay fit and happy Relieve stress

Sunita

Join Karate classes

Self-defence

2. Work in pairs. Imagine you are Sunita. You are trying to convince your father to let you join the Karate classes. You can use the given clues for the conversation. Take turns to be Sunita and her father. Want to learn Karate

Girls to stay at home

Friends are into sport

Who will help mother?

Felt out of place not doing anything sporty

School work may suffer

Decided to take up Karate

Going out may be unsafe

Keep me physically fit

No real benefits, expenses

Class in the next society

May be called unfeminine

Great self-defence, you can see these videos You can then write the conversation. Ans. Sunita

Oh, that’s nice, my daughter will be no less.

Father

Papa, I have a desire to learn Karate.

No, that can’t be. Girls must stay home.

But papa, all my friends are into sport.

Tell me, who will help your mother with household chores then?

I felt out of place not doing anything sporty as And, what about your school work? That will also suffer. compared to them. Papa, I have decided to take up Karate.

But, going out may be unsafe.

Papa, I have checked. The classes are in the next Dear, it has no real benefits and only adds up to expenses. society only. So, I don’t have to go too far. It will keep me fit. Moreover, it is a great self- Really, it is great. Sorry nut, I was behaving unfeminist. defence. Let me show you some related video. You Sure, you can join it dear. And one day, I will be proud of can see these for yourself. you as my daughter will be no less than others.

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH, Class-IX

WRITING 1. Given below is some information about Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza. You can visit your school library and search the Internet to collect more information and to find out if it is correct. Write a short motivational article for your school magazine using these details. The article can aim towards encouraging girls to take up sports. Saina Nehwal

Sania Mirza

From Hisar in Haryana

Indian professional tennis player

Her family shifted to Hyderabad when she Born in Mumbai was very young. First trained with Nani Prasad, stadium was Family moved to Hyderabad sometime after her birth. 25 kms away from home Then coached by S.M. Arif, Vimal Kumar Started learning lawn tennis from her father at the age of six. and P. Gopichand Professional badminton singles player

Started participating in the ITF tournaments in 2001.

World no. 2 in 2009, formerly world no. 1 in Won three titles in 2002 to be identified as an upcoming player. 2015 Right-handed player international titles

with

Has seen both ups and downs

many Turned professional in 2003, and won several titles including the Girls’ Doubles title at Wimbledon. Has been injured and recovered.

First Indian woman to win an Olympic Won several doubles titles in WTA. Formerly ranked as India’s medal no. 1 doubles player by WTA. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, Arjuna Times Magazine’s 2016 list — Sania one of the most influential award, has received the Padma Bhushan in people in the world. Has been awarded the Arjuna Award and 2016 the Padma Shree. Ans. It is a myth that “boys are more interested in sports than girls”. There is no research that shows that boys are more interested in sports than girls. We do know that girls are just as interested in sports as boys when they are young. A combination of lack of opportunity, lack of peer group support when they do play sports and lack of encouragement causes them to drop out of sports. The benefits of athletic participation for boys and girls are the same. There are additional sociological and physiological benefits for girls who play compared to those who don’t. Women who are active in sports and recreational activities as girls feel greater confidence, self-esteem and pride in their physical and social selves than those who were sedentary as kids, sports Develop transferable skills such as leadership skills, teamwork, setting goals which are applicable beyond sport. We can take the examples of two of the leading female sports personalities of the country – Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza. Saina Nehwal is from Hisar in Haryana. Her family shifted to Hyderabad when she was very young. She first trained with Nani Prasad. The stadium was 25 kms away from home. She was then coached by S.M. Arif, Vimal Kumar and P. Gopichand. She is a professional badminton singles player. She rose to World no. 2 in 2009 and became World no. 1 in 2015. She is a right-handed player with many

international titles to her credit. She has seen many ups and downs in her journey to success. She is the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. Sania Mirza is an Indian professional tennis player. She was born in Mumbai. Her family moved to Hyderabad sometime after her birth. She started learning lawn tennis from her father at the age of six. Soon, she started participating in the ITF tournaments in 2001. She won three titles in 2002 to be identified as an upcoming player. She turned professional in 2003, and won several titles including the Girls’ Doubles title at Wimbledon. She had suffered many injuries but recovered due to her sheer will and determination. She had won several doubles titles in WTA. She was formerly ranked as India’s no. 1 doubles player by WTA. 2. The chapter ‘Reach for the Top’, Part I ends with the sentence “Santosh collected and brought down 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas.” You may have visited different tourist places and picnic spots. However, the beauty of the Nature is spoiled by waste and garbage thrown unmindfully by tourists. As a conscious and responsible citizen of India, write a letter to the editor of a national newspaper. Therein, you may highlight the issue and measures for creating awareness about curbing environmental pollution. Discuss with your classmates how ‘Swachch Bharat Abhiyan’ can be promoted.



Ans. To, The Editor, The Statesman, 4, Chowringhee square, Kolkata 700001. Sub : Garbage – Danger to Environment Sir, I would like to draw the attention of the authorities concerned through your esteemed daily towards the possible environmental threats due to the problem of garbage. Pollution is a problem in our community that is damaging both our environment and our health. Everything is affected by pollution, even if you can’t see the effects. • When I walk around town, I only see a few recycling bins. If we were to put more recycling bins around town, our trash could be recycled and not put in landfills. • Another way to help recycle things is to recycle all plastic bags in stores. • Walking when you can instead of using your car can limit air pollution. • Simply not litter • Vigilance and hold onto any trash that you have until you get to a trash can or recycling bin. The environment is being harmed by all the different types of pollution we create. The emissions from

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our cars create air pollution which causes harmful particles to be in the air that we breathe. Litter causes damage to the environment by causing harmful bacteria to grow. This litter smothers plants, harms animals that keep the environment in check, and can even cause fires. Not only is pollution harmful, but it is also unsightly. All types of pollution are harming our health, but air pollution is the main offender. According to the World Health Organisation, “In children and adults, both short- and long-term exposure to ambient air pollution can lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infections, and aggravated asthma.” Pollution is one of the main sources of many lung diseases that we see today. The more pollution we have, the more likely these diseases increase. Water pollution is another hazard to our health because drinking contaminated water can make you very sick. Even if litter doesn’t affect us physically, it can mentally affect the pride in our community. Taking the time to prevent and get rid of pollution will be beneficial to everyone in our environment. Stopping pollution will help our community look better and decrease health problems that are caused by the effect of pollution. As a result, we will be the community that everyone will want to be like. Yours sincerely, ABC

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UNIT – 8 Exercises LET’S BEGIN ‘Kathmandu’ is an excerpt from the travelogue Heaven Lake written by Vikram Seth. The travelogue is an account of his travel from China, Tibet and Kathmandu to India. Vikram Seth beautifully describes the natural landscape, cultural richness and diversity among people from region to region. DO YOU KNOW? A river in New Zealand has become the first in the world to be recognised as a living entity with the legal status of a person after a 170 year battle by the local Maori people. The nation’s parliament passed a bill to allow Whanganui River— known by the Maoris as Te Awa Tupua— to represent its own interests and advocate on its own behalf. This is a unique judgement for sustaining the health and well-being of the river. (Source: Adapted from The Guardian International Edition, 16 March 2017) 1. Collect information on similar judgements being taken in the context of river Ganga, and discuss in the class.

2. Talk about the condition of Bagmati river in Kathmandu written by Vikram Seth. Ans. 1. Supreme court of India declared that Yamuna and Ganga are not to be considered as living entities (July 7, 2017). 2. The Bagmati River contains large amounts of untreated sewage, and large levels of pollution of the river exist due primarily to the region’s large population. Many residents in Kathmandu empty personal garbage and waste into the river. Attempts are being made to monitor the Bagmati River system and restore its cleanliness. These include “pollution loads modification, flow augmentation and placement of weirs at critical locations”. On May 18, 2013, under the initiative of former chief secretary Leela Mani Poudyal, The Bagmati Mega Clean Up Campaign was started. Every Saturday, Nepal Army, Nepal Police and General Public gather to clean the waste and sewage from the river. In 2014, Bagmati River is claimed to be almost pure.

READING COMPREHENSION

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.



When we think of tourism, we think primarily of people who are visiting a particular place for sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives, taking a vacation, and having a good time. They may spend their leisure time engaging in various sports, sunbathing, talking, singing, taking rides, touring, reading or simply enjoying further. We may include in our definition of tourism people who are participating in a convention, a business conference, or some other kind of business or professional activity. Those who are taking a study tour under an expert guide or doing some kind of scientific research or study are also doing tourism. These visitors use all forms of transportation from hiking in a wilderness park to flying in a jet to an exciting city. Transportation can include taking a chairlift up a Colorado mountainside or standing at the rail of a cruise ship looking across the blue Caribbean. Whether people travel by one of these means or by car, motor coach camper, train, motorbike or bicycle, they are taking a trip and thus are engaging in tourism. (Adapted from Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies by Charles R. Goeldner and J.R.Brent Ritchie, p. 4)

TEXT I



1. Tourism is about taking a tour (a) to a place under an expert guide (b) for hiking in remote places (c) for visiting a place for sightseeing (d) All of the above 2. By ‘hiking in wilderness’ the author means (a) taking a long-distance walk in abandoned areas (b) walk in the forest areas (c) marathon in uninhabited areas (d) sprinting in abandoned, uninhabited areas 3. A cruise ship is (a) a large ship that carries people on voyages of pleasure. (b) a big ship that carries people and goods on special mission. (c) a large watercraft for carrying passengers from one point to another. (d) a large ship that carries mail, goods and first aid facilities. 4. What all activities do tourists engage in? 5. What are the forms of transportation tourists use for visiting places? Ans. 1. (d) All of the above 2. (a) take a long-distance walk in abandoned areas



WORKBOOK — WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS-I

3. (a) a large ship that carries people on voyages of pleasure 4. The tourists engage in sight seeing, visiting friends and relatives, take vacation, engage in sports, sunbath, talk, sing, take rides, read, etc. 5. The forms of transportation used by tourists are hiking, flying in jet, chairlift, cruise ship, car, motor coach camper, train, motorbike, bicycle, etc.

(a) They are the research students. (b) They are pilgrims. (c) They are musicians. (d) They are tourists on a leisure trip. 3. What was the mood of the people on the ship? 4. What was the author looking forward to? 5. Match the words/phrase in Column A with pictures in Column B: Column A

TEXT II Following is an excerpt from the travelogue, The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain. A little after noon on that distinguished Saturday I reached the ship and went on board. All was bustle and confusion. The pier was crowded with carriages and men; passengers were arriving and hurrying on board; the vessel’s decks were encumbered with trunks and valises; groups of excursionists, arrayed in unattractive travelling costumes, were moping about in a drizzling rain and looking as droopy and woebegone as so many molting chickens. The gallant flag was up, but it was under the spell, too, and hung limp and disheartened by the mast. Altogether, it was the bluest, bluest spectacle! It was a pleasure excursion—there was no gain saying that, because the programme said so— it was so nominated in the bond—but it surely hadn’t the general aspect of one. 1. Why is Saturday described as that distinguished Saturday? (a) because the much-awaited Saturday has come when the voyage has to start. (b) because Saturday was a holiday. (c) because it is on Saturday that people were allowed to board the ship. (d) because it is in the afternoon on Saturday that ship would start the voyage. 2. Who are excursionists?

231



Column B

(A)

Pier

(i)

(B)

Deck

(ii)

(C)

Carriage

(iii)

(D)

Valise

(iv)

(E)

Mast

(v)

Ans. 1. (a) because the much-awaited Saturday has come when the voyage has to start. 2. (d) They are tourists on a leisure trip. 3. The people on the ship were looking droopy, very sad and miserable. 4. The author was looking forward to a pleasure excursion. 5. (A) – (v); (B) – (iii); (C) – (i); (D) – (ii); (E) – (iv)

VOCABULARY 1. Match the phrasal verbs in Column A with the meaning in Column B. A

B

(A) Look for

(i) to try to find a piece of information

(B) Look upto

(ii) await eagerly

(C) Look forward to (iii) having a great deal of respect for a person (D) Look up

(iv) search

Ans. (A)-(iv); (B)-(iii); (C)-(ii); (D)-(i) 2. Rewrite the following words by removing the suffix ‘age’. (a) carriage (b) coverage

(c) hermitage (d) marriage Ans. (a) carry (b) cover (c) hermit (d) marry 3. Rewrite the following words by adding the suffix ‘ful’. (a) beauty (b) colour (c) duty (d) revenge (e) help (f) mouth (g) mercy Ans. (a) beautiful (b) colourful (c) dutiful (d) revengeful (e) helpful (f) mouthful (g) merciful

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

GRAMMAR 1. Tense Read the following passage carefully. What is the event described in the passage? Guess when it took place. Underline and name the tenses in the following passage. This is a good place to enrich ourselves about plant species which are environment friendly. The residents could gather a lot of information about horticulture at the event. Several states from north India are represented at this event and the florists showcase the best of their horticulture at the show. The organisers said that several events are lined up for Sunday and these include dance, drawing, painting and a fashion show competition, among others. As many as 85 stalls have been put up by florists, gardening equipment wholesalers and seed retailers. Entry to the show has been made free for all. However, this year, it’s the pollution control plants that have been grabbing all eyeballs. All plants emit oxygen, but it was established in a study conducted by National Aeronautics and Space Administration back in 1989 that some indoor plants could be extremely useful in controlling the air pollution by acting as a ‘vacuum

cleaners’ against the pollutants and absorbing them. Detox plants, which act as ‘vacuum cleaners’ inside the house, are a hit in the ongoing event. Nature enthusiasts are preferring them for pollution control as well as interior decoration. (Source: Hindustan Times, Saturday, 24 Feb. 2018) Ans. Verb - Tense is - Present tense enrich - Present tense are - Present tense could - Past tense are represented - Present tense showcase - Present tense said - Past tense include - Present tense have been - Present tense has been - Present tense Emit - Present tense Was - Past tense Conducted - Past tense Acting - Present tense Absorbing - Present tense Act - Present tense

EDITING 1. Punctuate the following passage with appropriate punctuation marks. Kathmandu is vivid mercenary religious with small shrines to flower-adorned deities along the narrowest and busiest streets with fruit sellers flute sellers hawkers of postcards shops selling western cosmetics film rolls and chocolate or copper utensils and Nepalese antiques film songs blare out from the radios car horns sound bicycle bells ring stray cows low questioningly at motorcycles vendors shout out their wares



This passage is taken from the text ‘Kathmandu’ by Vikram Seth. You can compare and check your rewritten passage with the passage in the textbook and see how far you are correct. Ans. Kathmandu is vivid, mercenary, religious, with small shrines to flower-adorned deities along the narrowest and busiest streets; with fruit sellers, flute sellers, hawkers of postcards; shops selling western cosmetics, film rolls and chocolate; or copper utensils and Nepalese antiques. Film songs blare out from the radios, car horns sound, bicycle bells ring, stray cows low questioningly at motorcycles, vendors shout out their wares.

LISTENING 1. Listen to the passage and answer the questions that follow. A Visit to Bhitarkanika The sun was warm but the sea breeze kept up its cooling effect all along. Soon the steamer turned away and anchored near a creek by the river. The muddy fringe and the mangrove vegetation declared the gateway to the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha. The steamer could not negotiate these creeks at low tide, so a similar motorboat was hired to ferry us to the Dangmal forest rest-house in the heart of the mangrove forest. From the motorboat we had a good look at a large crocodile basking in the sun. The boat moved on, taking us deeper into the forest. Here we felt as though we had stepped into a time warp. In this awesome and mysterious place, birds



of extraordinary plumage appeared before us. For the moment, we revelled in the magnificence of nature which had us completely in its thrall. Among the birds, the kingfishers were the stars of the show. Crocodiles, large and small, slid into the water at our approach. Through the foliage we could see Chital deer delicately browsing on fresh outcrops of leaves. A herd of wild boar was spotted searching for succulent roots. High above us, open-billed storks stood sentry-like following our progress through their remarkable kingdom. The evening sun was beginning to paint the tree-lined horizon crimson and gold and a brooding silence enveloped us all. (Source: Steps to English, Workbook for Class IX, NCERT, 2003)



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(a) Where was the author going? (b) Where was the forest rest-house? How did the group manage to get there? (c) Which creature did they see first? (d) What does the author mean by ‘the magnificence of nature’? (e) How are the kingfishers and the open-billed storks described? (f) What were the Chital deer and the wild boar doing when the motorboat went past them? Ans. (a) The author was going to Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha.

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(b) The forest rest-house was in the heart of the mangrove forest. The group ferried on a motorboat to the forest rest-house. (c) First they saw a large crocodile basking in the sun. (d) The author means to tell about the fascinating things that nature has in store for us. (e) Kingfishers have been described as stars of the show. The open-billed storks have been described as sentry-like. (f) The chital deer was delicately browsing on fresh outcrops of leaves. The group of wild boars was searching for succulent roots.

SPEAKING 1. Read/watch the advertisements on tourism. You can also watch the Kerala Tourism advertisement film ‘A Reading Room With a View’ which is on the cultural diversity of Kerala. The film is awarded the best film in 60 second category at the prestigious Kyoorius Awards. Now create an advertisement for your city or state for promoting tourism. Ans. Students should do the practice under the guidance of their teachers. 2. Write a paragraph describing a journey, imaginary, or you have undertaken. You can follow the steps given below: (a) Prepare an itinerary. (b) You can make use of the following expressions, phrases and proverbs frequently used by the travellers. Jet lag, itchy feet, hit the road, time table, on the home stretch, call it a day, book in advance, travel over, travel through, travel light, any port in a storm, stopover, etc. Ans. I always have itchy feet to travel and especially when it is with my cousins, I’d call it a day. The plan of a vacation to Ooty was made on a Sunday evening when my cousins Nisha, Asif, Kabeer, and Tannu had come home along with their parents. My father quickly booked the train tickets in advance and we started packing our bags with all clothes



and other essentials, though we couldn’t travel light as it was a 5 days long trip. Finally, the day of our journey arrived, and we boarded a taxi to the railway station. I was feeling sleepy as the train was at 5 am in the morning; however, the moment we reached the railway station, my excitement to travel doubled and my sleep vanished. We got onto the train and sat on our seats. My cousins and I planned to take turns to sit on the window seat as we had only two window seats that would have kept us sit together and we had to manage. As the train started, we all smiled and looked out of the window when all the trees and electric poles were going behind indicating that we were moving forward toward our destination. Our mothers gave us some biscuits to share and we started talking. Then my cousin proposed we can play antakshri so we sang all the Hindi and Tamil songs. At around 7 am, we had a yummy breakfast that our mothers had cooked from home. We saw a blind person singing and a vendor with magazines. My father gave money to the blind person and then got us some magazines to read on. We started reading and sharing the information. We ate samosas and vadas that came in next. My father said we were going to get down at the next station and our energy got very high and we all screamed! Though our travel came to an end, our vacation was yet to start. It had been a splendid experience.

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UNIT – 9 Exercises LET’S BEGIN





In the play ‘If I Were You’, you have read how Gerrard outsmarts the intruder with his ‘presence of mind’. The intruder wanted to steal Gerrard’s identity. In our day-to-day life we share personal information like telephone number, house address, mobile number, date of birth, e-mail address, etc., everyday with people whom we may not know very well. Don’t you think it is not safe to share information in today’s digital age? Someone like the intruder in the play ‘If I Were You’ might misuse your

unique and personal identity details. This is called identity theft. The cases of online identity thefts are increasing day by day. Collect information about cases of identity theft and share it in the class. Ans. Yes, it is not safe to share personal information in today’s digital age. The personal information must be shared with the authorised persons only. The students must collect information about the cases of identity theft under the guidance of the teacher.

READING COMPREHENSION

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.

TEXT I









INTERVIEW WITH A DETECTIVE His appearance was clean, cool and deliberately ambiguous. Under the sanctuary of his aviators, his eyes silently scanned the room. He is a Manhattanbased, third-generation private detective who’s been in the business for more than three decades — specialising in surveillance and being an overall mystery-tinged bad ass. We asked him everything we’ve ever wanted to know about the profession. Interviewer : So, what exactly do you do? Notes Detective : I do a lot of surveillance. Basically, someone who wonders, “What is this other person up to?” If it’s insurance company (surveying someone on workers’ compensation), they’ll ask, “Is she back working?” Things like that. Another very common request is locating people, and it could be for a lot of reasons. I had a case recently, a man hadn’t been in touch with his mother for 20 years and I helped him find her. Interviewer : What kind of skills make for a good PI (Private Investigator)? Detective : Patience — Number one. You have to pay attention. You have to be the kind of person, if you sit in front of a door watching it for six hours, and you haven’t seen your guy.













You have to plan accordingly, and be willing to make sacrifices in order to stay out there. It’s not a job for people who want to slack off. Interviewer : If you needed to locate someone, what’s the ideal information you need to start? Detective : Usually, this is what I tell people, “If you want to find someone, I need the name with the exact spelling, the DOB if you know it, the social security number, and a last known, official address where they’ve lived within the past 15 years.”Because that means they’ll be in our database. Interviewer : Do most private investigators have a relationship with local police? Detective : I would say that’s kind of a myth. Most cops wouldn’t even do it in the first place, because they know how serious a violation it is. Interviewer : Do most private eyes carry guns? Detective : I don’t think so. We don’t kill people but help them. Interviewer : What do films and television shows get wrong about being a PI?





WORKBOOK — WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS-I

Detective

:

The big difference is, the things you see in films do happen to private detectives, but they’re shrinking down may be 20 years of adventure into an episode. After 30 years, I probably have one good movie worth of experiences. (Adapted from https://www.thrillist.com/.../privatedetective-interview questions-you-ve-always-want) 1. What is the profession of the person being interviewed? 2. Complete the following sentence. As soon as the detective entered the room, he_________________. (a) examined the place carefully. (b) was vague and uncertain. (c) knew what he was doing. (d) got ready for the interview. 3. Which of the following was not a part of the job of the detective? (a) to wander about (b) to find lost people (c) to carry guns (d) to keep a watch 4. According to the detective, there are some qualities that are essential in his profession. What are these and why are they essential? 5. What information should the PI have in order to locate someone? 6. In the sentence given below the word ‘aviators’ means sunglasses. Now choose the appropriate meaning for the underlined word from the options given. Under the sanctuary of his aviators, his eyes scanned the room. (a) Shelter (b) Shade (c) Hideout (d) Refuge Ans. 1. The person being interviewed is a private detective. 2. (a) examined the place carefully. 3. (c) to carry guns 4. Some of the qualities essential for a detective are: (a) to pay attention (b) to be patient (c) willing to make sacrifices 5. The PI needs to have the name with the exact spelling, Date of Birth, social security number, last known and official addresses. 6. (b) Shade

TEXT II

SHARADINDU BANDYOPADHYAY Do you know who is Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay? He was a Bengali writer. He is remembered for his most famous creation of a fictional detective,

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Byomkesh Bakshi. He was actively involved with Bengali cinema as well as Bollywood. He wrote different forms of prose: novels, short stories, plays and screenplays. Besides, he wrote many songs and poems. However, his forte was short stories and novels. He also wrote historical fiction and supernatural stories. Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay started writing Byomkesh stories in 1932 at the age of 33. He has written 32 Byomkesh stories. He continued to write till his death in 1970. He portrayed himself as a narrator of his stories named Ajit Bandhopadhyay who is also a companion of Byomkesh Bakshi. In some stories Ajit also investigates in the absence of Byomkesh. These stories are written in traditional Bengali language and have now been translated into other languages. His stories are very engrossing and consist of a series of events. Byomkesh solves cases from international drug racket to household mysteries and crimes. Byomkesh identifies himself as Satyanweshi meaning ‘truth seeker’ rather than a detective. Where he stands out from other legendary detectives like Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes is that he is more concerned with truth than with the law. (Source: An excerpt from ‘A well-known literary figure of Bengal’/The Asian Age online: http://dailyasianage.com/news/109713/a-we-knownliteraryfigure-of-bengal) 1. Who among the following is not a detective? (a) Byomkesh Bakshi (b) Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay (c) Hercule Poirot (d) Sherlock Holmes 2. Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay is known for his (a) Short stories and novels (b) Poems and songs (c) Historical fiction (d) All of the above 3. State whether true or false. (a) Byomkesh is a ‘truth seeker’. (b) Byomkesh is a detective like Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes. (c) Byomkesh is concerned with truth rather than with the law. (d) Byomkesh follows law to solve his cases. 4. What is the role of Ajit in Byomkesh stories? 5. Find the antonyms of the words given below. All of them are given in the text. (a) Natural (b) Fact (c) Passively (d) Discontinued (e) Presence (f) Modern (g) Unconcerned Ans. 1. (b) Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay 2. (d) All of the above 3. (a) True (b) False (c) True (d) False

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

4. Ajit Bandhopadhyay is mainly a companion of Byomkesh Bakshi. However, he also investigates in the absence of Byomkesh Bakshi. 5. (a) Supernatural (b) Fiction



(c) Actively (d) Continued (e) Absence (f) Traditional (g) Concerned

VOCABULARY 1. The following words and phrases occur in the passages. Try to guess the meanings. Match the words with their meanings. You may refer a dictionary later. A

B

(A) database

(i) t he act of going against or refusing to obey a law, an agreement, etc.

(B) violation

(ii) o pen to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.

(C) Surveillance

(iii) a structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways.

(D) Insurance

(iv) close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal.

(E) Ambiguous

(v) an agreement made with a company or the Government that provides a guarantee of compensation for specified loss, damage, illness, or death in return for payment of a specified premium.

(F) forge

(vi) an action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing general public outrage.

(G) sinister looking

(vii) t o make an illegal copy of something in order to deceive.

(H) scandal

(viii) s uggesting evil or harm

Ans. (A)-(iii); (B)-(i); (C)-(iv); (D)-(v); (E)-(ii); (F)-(vii); (G)-(viii); (H)-(vi) 2. The contextual meaning of ‘sanctuary’ in the comprehension passage I is ‘shade’. The same word ‘sanctuary’ is used in a variety of sentences given below. They have different meanings in different contexts. Refer to a dictionary and write the meanings. (a) Banita’s home was a sanctuary for runaway kids. (b) The refugees found sanctuary when they reached India. (c) The sanctuary contains the altar of sacrifice. (d) I found sanctuary in the cave to save myself from the storm. (e) Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area for tigers. Ans. (a) shelter (b) refuge (c) holy area (d) hideout (e) place where birds or animals are kept to prevent them from being hunted

3. Use the following pair of opposites in sentences. One has been done for you. lose/gain You’ve nothing to lose, but what have you to gain? (a) hot/cold (b) beautiful/ugly (c) smart/foolish (d) lonely/busy (e) great/little (f) live/die Ans. (a) You got the hot coffee or has it turned cold? (b) The painting could have been beautiful but the colour combinations made it look ugly. (c) Mohammed bin Tughlaq is credited for smart ideas with foolish implementation of those ideas. (d) This street is usually lonely but it is pretty busy today. (e) Even a little straw is useful for a person drowning in a great ocean. (f) You can live to fulfil your dreams or die for not being able to handle the stress.

GRAMMAR



An affirmative sentence can be changed into a negative sentence without changing the meaning of the original sentence. Look at the examples given below.

• You may be comfortable, but I am not. / You may not be uncomfortable, but I am. • Few people take the trouble to visit me. / People generally do not take the trouble to visit me. • Better be quick. / Better not be late. 1. Change affirmative sentences into negative sentences without changing the meaning. One has been done for you.



I know all the answers. / There are no answers that I don’t know. (a) All the members liked the programme. (b) Amritsar is colder than Delhi. (c) I am free to go places and do nothing. (d) The farmer was too weak to walk. (e) She is always on time. (f) The intruder was foolish to let Gerrard go. Ans. (a) None of the members disliked the programme. (b) Delhi is not colder than Amritsar. (c) I am not bound to do anything at the places I go.



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(d) The farmer could not walk as he was very weak. (e) She is never late. (f) It was not clever of the intruder to let Gerrard go. 2. Let us look at the sentence given below.

I am glad you are pleased to see me.



Here, ‘to see’ is an example of the infinite form of a verb. The infinite form of a verb is usually preceded by ‘to’.Choose the words from the box and complete the sentences given below. phone up, pay, assist, change, clear off, help, team up, stay



(a) Before we begin I would __________________ my place.

like

you

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(b) I’ll be glad__________________ you. (c) You mean__________________ with me? (d) But are you sure it’s going__________________ you? (e) Those are just the things I want__________________. (f) Be willing to make sacrifices in order__________________ out there. (g) Anju asked Hemant __________________ Rs. 100 to avoid a scene. (h) Well, tell him__________________ directly. Ans. (a) to clear off (b) to assist (c) to team up (d) to help (e) to change (f) to stay (g) to pay (h) to phone up

EDITING





Some words are missing in the passage given below, indicated by ‘/’. Rewrite the passage by providing the missing words, and using appropriate punctuation marks in the space given below. Sherlock Holmes is/ fictional private detective, the first scientific detective, created/ British author Sir arthur conan doyle. He is a ‘consulting detective’ in the stories written by Sir Doyle. Holmes is known for his skills of observation, knowledge of forensic science, / logical reasoning. He employs all these while investigating cases for/ wide variety of clients. Sir Doyle’s four novels and 56 short stories, excluding one, are set in the victorian or edwardian eras, between about 1880 and 1914 Most are narrated by Dr. Watson, Holmes’s friend. he is also his biographer/usually accompanies Holmes during his investigations/often shares quarters with him at the address of 221B Baker Street, London, where many of the stories begin.

effect on mystery Writing and popular culture/a Whole. Ans. Sherlock Holmes is a fictional private detective, the first scientific detective, created by British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He is a ‘consulting detective’ in the stories written by Sir Doyle. Holmes is known for his skills of observation, knowledge of forensic science, and logical reasoning. He employs all these while investigating cases for a wide variety of clients. Sir Doyle’s four novels and 56 short stories, excluding one, are set in the Victorian or Edwardian eras, between about 1880 and 1914. Most are narrated by Dr. Watson, Holmes’s friend. He is also his biographer and usually accompanies Holmes during his investigations and often shares quarters with him at the address of 221B Baker Street, London, where many of the stories begin.

Sherlock Holmes is arguably/best known fictional detective, with guinness World Records listing him as the‘most portrayed movie character’ in history The stories have been adapted into stage/ radio plays, television films video games, and other media for over one hundred years. Many have believed Holmes to be not a fictional character/a real individual because of his popularity/ fame. Widely considered a British cultural icon, the Character and Stories have had a profound/ lasting

Sherlock Holmes is arguably the best-known fictional detective, with Guinness World Records listing him as the ‘Most Portrayed Movie Character’ in history. The stories have been adapted into stage and radio plays, television, films, video games, and other media for over one hundred years. Many have believed Holmes to be not a fictional character but a real individual because of his popularity and fame. Widely considered a British cultural icon, the Character and Stories have had a profound and lasting effect on mystery writing and popular culture as a whole.

LISTENING

Listen to the story of Shibi Rana and answer the questions that follow.



There are many stories in our mythology when gods have disguised themselves in the forms of human beings, birds, etc. This is done either to test the efficiency and ability of the kings or to see if people are happy and contented on earth. This is another aspect of changing the identity. Let us listen to story of King Shibi.





There was a great king, Shibi Rana who had immense power then, even gods in heavens were amazed. They feared that Shibi might take away their kingdoms. They devised a plan to test his sense of justice. So they decided to reach Shibi’s kingdom in disguise. One day, Shibi Rana was sitting on his throne. His courtroom was surrounded by majestic gardens. There came a scared dove flying to him and it was

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Oswaal CBSE Question Bank Chapterwise & Topicwise, ENGLISH LANG. & LIT., Class-IX

followed by a fierce looking eagle. The king gave shelter to the dove and saved her. The eagle argued that the king has taken away his food — the dove. It would starve. The king assured the eagle that he would give equal quantity of any other food. The eagle asked for King Shibi’s flesh. The magnanimous king agreed with a smile. A balance was brought in the court. It was soon found that with each addition of the king’s flesh the dove grew heavier. The equal balance was not arrived at. But the king remained calm and unperturbed. The Gods in the guise of dove and eagle were assured of Shibi’s righteousness. The forms of the eagle and the dove soon disappeared. In their place stood Indra, the king of the Gods and Agni, the God of fire smiling and blessing the king for his benevolence and greatness. (a) Why were the Gods in heaven afraid of King Shibi?

(b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Ans. (a)

(b)

(c) (d) (e)

(f)

What made the eagle angry? What did the eagle demand? Was the eagle satisfied? Who were in the disguise of the eagle and the dove? King Shibi was blessed for his: The gods in heaven were afraid of King Shibi as they thought that Shibi might take away their kingdoms. Shibi had taken the dove into his shelter and saved it. The eagle was angry as Shibi had taken away its food. The eagle demanded for King Shibi’s flesh in lieu of the dove. Yes, the eagle was satisfied. Indra, the king of the Gods and Agni, the God of Fire were in the disguise of the eagle and the dove. benevolence and greatness

SPEAKING 1. In a group of four, discuss and take down notes based on the discussion. • Theft in the digital age. Theft that occurs when someone uses another’s unique personal details like his/her name, credit card numbers, without his/her permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. Ans. Technology has many advantages – also a platform for hackers – stolen data – stolen passwords – email leaks, do not share personal information with

strangers, only share with authorised persons – used for malicious purposes – siphoning off funds. 2. You may talk to the manager of a Bank, Cyber crime cell, etc., about ‘online identity theft’ cases and measures to avoid them. • Discuss this in groups of four in the class. • Prepare posters on creating awareness about online identify theft. Ans. Students should do the practice under the guidance of their teachers.

WRITING 1. Sometimes we think about what we are like and how each of us is different. We all are interesting people with our physical differences and attitudes to life. Write in about 300 – 400 words what you are like, your identity and what you enjoy doing and how do you envision yourself in future. Ans. The aim in life is very important, it gives us a direction for our career. Everyone has an aim in life, Aim or Ambition is what we want to be in future and chose a career after studies. My aim in life is to become a doctor, the life of a doctor is a noble life. The doctor is a saver of life and they can help the people who need them when they feel sick. The service of doctor is valuable service to the suffering humanity. He shows hope and joy to the people. I know that becoming a doctor is not a very easy task. But then I want to become a doctor. If l become a doctor, I will be very kind to the poor and the needy people. I will not charge any fee from them. Helping the helpless will be my duty and practice. It is a long journey to study and become a doctor. But I am having a confidence in myself to finish





my target and reach my goals. I will also distribute free medicines to the poor people. I will educate people to maintain the hygiene and cleanliness. I will always speak politely so that the patients feel comfortable. I will never get irritated and do my best for the sick. Now I am in school, I have planned to take biology in college and study hard to get good marks. After that, I will give the competitive tests for admission to a good and reputed medical college. I will always try to be a good and sincere student and then a qualified doctor. I will do whatever it takes to be a good doctor and will be sincere to it. After becoming a successful doctor, I have plans of setting up a clinic in a village. I never had any desire to narrow and to metamorphose as a specialist, a physician, a gynaecologist or an ear, nose and throat specialist. To be an intellectual un- specialised practitioner here, in my own base is the end of my imagination and, though not specialised in any particular area, I shall bang enough to raft with the ordinary ailments of vivification and to play in the ethical specialists formally if they are required. As



I know that the income from here would be pretty less, but making money will not be my main aim. In India, there are many villages that are facing less trained doctors in their respected areas. Being a citizen of our country each one of us should try to educate people about environmental pollution and proper sanitation. After becoming a doctor, I will try to produce best medicines at cheap prices and serve my country. I will work for the people located in the rural areas to develop their healthcare. As I know to become a doctor is not a cake walk as it needs huge and lot of efforts, dedication and hard work from someone. But I will never lose heart, I hope that one day I will become a doctor. 2. Complete the following story. It has to be a scary story that terrifies people. Give a suitable title to your story. I stopped my scooter in front of an old and dilapidated building. A haggard, skinny old man with drooping shoulders came towards me. “Don’t go in, Sir”, he whispered.“It is dangerous...” Ans. A Night with Ghost I stopped my scooter in front of an old dilapidated building. A haggard skinny old man with drooping shoulders came towards me. “Don’t go in, Sir “ he whispered. It is dangerous,” he warned me with a distorted look on his face and left. I was astonished but curious. At last, curiosity took the best of me and I decided to take a tour in that house. It was pale and ancient just like that old man. It reminded me of him as I inspected every

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inch of its walls. There was darkness inside and the windows were closed shut. The pin drop silence intimidated me but I kept exploring. I went to the first floor and the next thing I knew was a pale shadow crossing through me. As it passed through me, I shivered as if I had touched ice. I could see it moving but I did not know what it is. I was so scared that every blood in me vanished. As I started running away, I came across a room I had not been to. I entered inside and fell down on the floor suddenly. It was a dead corpse that blocked my way and I fell down. And it was him. The old, haggard man. His throat was cut slit and the dried blood was all over the floor. And at the corner a dead woman was sitting, staring blankly at the ceiling. A knife was stabbed in her stomach. Her mouth was wide open and was covered with blood stains. I could not swallow or breathe but I sprang to my feet and ran for my life. I heard a screaming and someone’s running footsteps behind me. As I looked back, I saw a knife floating in the air coming towards me. I realised it was the same spirit that passed through me earlier. And it was the man who killed. I ran as fast as I could and broke myself free from the house. It was a day I will never forget.

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