Class 9 Communicative: CBSE Sample Question Paper With Solutions (2025) | English Class 9 PDF Download

 Page 1


Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
1. This question paper has 10 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. This question paper contains three sections: Section A: Reading Skills, Section B:
Writing Skills Section C: Grammar Section D: Literature Textbook
3. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
4. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
5. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (20 marks)
1. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
1. No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his
religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be
taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its
opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were
pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards,
perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going.
Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.
2. In life, every man has twin obligations - obligations to his family, to his parents,
to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community,
his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those
obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like
South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth and colour to
fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted
to live as a human being was punished and isolated. In South Africa, a man who
tried to fiilfil his duty to his people was inevitably ripped from his family and
his home and was forced to live a life apart, a twilight existence of secrecy and
rebellion. I did not in the beginning choose to place my people above my
family, but in attempting to serve my people, I found that I was prevented from
fulfilling my obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a husband.
[10]
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER - 1
Communicative English (101)
Class IX 
Page 2


Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
1. This question paper has 10 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. This question paper contains three sections: Section A: Reading Skills, Section B:
Writing Skills Section C: Grammar Section D: Literature Textbook
3. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
4. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
5. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (20 marks)
1. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
1. No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his
religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be
taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its
opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were
pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards,
perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going.
Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.
2. In life, every man has twin obligations - obligations to his family, to his parents,
to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community,
his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those
obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like
South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth and colour to
fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted
to live as a human being was punished and isolated. In South Africa, a man who
tried to fiilfil his duty to his people was inevitably ripped from his family and
his home and was forced to live a life apart, a twilight existence of secrecy and
rebellion. I did not in the beginning choose to place my people above my
family, but in attempting to serve my people, I found that I was prevented from
fulfilling my obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a husband.
[10]
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER - 1
Communicative English (101)
Class IX 
3. I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free - free in every way that
I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother’s hut, free to swim in the
clear stream that ran through my village, free to roast mealies under the stars
and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I obeyed my father
and abided by the customs of my tribe, I was not troubled by the laws of man or
God.
Is anyone born hating another person because of his colour? (i)
Does love come more unnaturally to the human heart that hate? (ii)
Can man’s flame for goodness ever be extinguished? (iii)
What true obligations does every man has? (iv)
What happened if a man of colour attempted to live as a human being in South
Africa?
(v)
Did the narrator choose to place his people above his family in the beginning? (vi)
a)True b)False
The narrator was born with a hunger to be free. (vii)
If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to ________. (viii)
a)all of these b)son
c)father d)husband
The narrator found out that he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a: (ix)
a)Glimmer b)Flame
c)Grim d)Extinguish
Which word in the passage means the same as a weak light that is not steady. (x)
2. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
Akbar and Birbal, the two historic legends are said to have shared a great bond
and have left some incredible stories for the ages ahead of them to hear and learn
from. The stories are not only amusing but carry a strong message and pose
questions on society, routine, rituals and practices strongly.
Birbal was a really wise and intelligent man, people used to admire him for his
[10]
Page 3


Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
1. This question paper has 10 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. This question paper contains three sections: Section A: Reading Skills, Section B:
Writing Skills Section C: Grammar Section D: Literature Textbook
3. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
4. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
5. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (20 marks)
1. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
1. No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his
religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be
taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its
opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were
pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards,
perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going.
Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.
2. In life, every man has twin obligations - obligations to his family, to his parents,
to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community,
his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those
obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like
South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth and colour to
fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted
to live as a human being was punished and isolated. In South Africa, a man who
tried to fiilfil his duty to his people was inevitably ripped from his family and
his home and was forced to live a life apart, a twilight existence of secrecy and
rebellion. I did not in the beginning choose to place my people above my
family, but in attempting to serve my people, I found that I was prevented from
fulfilling my obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a husband.
[10]
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER - 1
Communicative English (101)
Class IX 
3. I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free - free in every way that
I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother’s hut, free to swim in the
clear stream that ran through my village, free to roast mealies under the stars
and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I obeyed my father
and abided by the customs of my tribe, I was not troubled by the laws of man or
God.
Is anyone born hating another person because of his colour? (i)
Does love come more unnaturally to the human heart that hate? (ii)
Can man’s flame for goodness ever be extinguished? (iii)
What true obligations does every man has? (iv)
What happened if a man of colour attempted to live as a human being in South
Africa?
(v)
Did the narrator choose to place his people above his family in the beginning? (vi)
a)True b)False
The narrator was born with a hunger to be free. (vii)
If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to ________. (viii)
a)all of these b)son
c)father d)husband
The narrator found out that he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a: (ix)
a)Glimmer b)Flame
c)Grim d)Extinguish
Which word in the passage means the same as a weak light that is not steady. (x)
2. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
Akbar and Birbal, the two historic legends are said to have shared a great bond
and have left some incredible stories for the ages ahead of them to hear and learn
from. The stories are not only amusing but carry a strong message and pose
questions on society, routine, rituals and practices strongly.
Birbal was a really wise and intelligent man, people used to admire him for his
[10]
character and rich knowledge he possessed regarding every field. Almost all the
decisions of the reign were taken after consulting with him. He was one of the
most important ministers and closest to Akbar. Birbal was just so very dear to
Akbar, not just because of his skills but because of the way their bond had grown
strong over the years.
During Emperor Akbar's reign, there was a poor man in Agra who was thought to
bring bad luck. People believed that if anyone looked at his face in the morning,
they would have a bad day.
"Get lost, you ugly fellow!" he would be cursed by one and all. "Hide your face
before you kill someone with your evil eye!"
The Emperor soon heard of this man's reputation and wanted to see him. The poor
fellow, who had not harmed a single person in his life, was brought to Akbar.
Akbar took a look at him and asked him to be brought back in the evening.
That particular day was especially full and tiring day for the Emperor and his
courtiers.
So many matters had to be attended to, that Akbar even forgot to eat. By the end
of the day, the emperor was exhausted. To make matters worse, Akbar was
informed that his favourite child, little Prince Salim, had fallen ill.
Then the Emperor suddenly remembered that he had seen the face of the 'unlucky'
man that morning. That was it. It was that man’s entire fault, Akbar decided.
Akbar called his courtiers and told them that he was going to have the ’unlucky'
man executed. All of them agreed immediately.
All except Birbal. Instead, Birbal let out a short laugh.
"What’s the matter, Birbal?" asked the emperor, "You seem to find something
funny!"
"Nothing, your Majesty", replied Birbal.
"You say this man brings bad luck because you had to go without food ever since
you saw him this morning.
Look at his luck. Yours was the first face he saw today and he has to die because
of it."
Akbar immediately realised his folly and rewarded Birbal for his wisdom. The
above story of a man with unlucky face is one such story where Bubal's quick wit
and strong logical reasoning is showcased.
a)He is sad b)He was not feeling well.
Why had the king not eaten his food? (i)
Page 4


Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
1. This question paper has 10 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. This question paper contains three sections: Section A: Reading Skills, Section B:
Writing Skills Section C: Grammar Section D: Literature Textbook
3. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
4. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
5. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (20 marks)
1. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
1. No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his
religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be
taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its
opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were
pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards,
perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going.
Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.
2. In life, every man has twin obligations - obligations to his family, to his parents,
to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community,
his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those
obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like
South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth and colour to
fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted
to live as a human being was punished and isolated. In South Africa, a man who
tried to fiilfil his duty to his people was inevitably ripped from his family and
his home and was forced to live a life apart, a twilight existence of secrecy and
rebellion. I did not in the beginning choose to place my people above my
family, but in attempting to serve my people, I found that I was prevented from
fulfilling my obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a husband.
[10]
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER - 1
Communicative English (101)
Class IX 
3. I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free - free in every way that
I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother’s hut, free to swim in the
clear stream that ran through my village, free to roast mealies under the stars
and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I obeyed my father
and abided by the customs of my tribe, I was not troubled by the laws of man or
God.
Is anyone born hating another person because of his colour? (i)
Does love come more unnaturally to the human heart that hate? (ii)
Can man’s flame for goodness ever be extinguished? (iii)
What true obligations does every man has? (iv)
What happened if a man of colour attempted to live as a human being in South
Africa?
(v)
Did the narrator choose to place his people above his family in the beginning? (vi)
a)True b)False
The narrator was born with a hunger to be free. (vii)
If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to ________. (viii)
a)all of these b)son
c)father d)husband
The narrator found out that he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a: (ix)
a)Glimmer b)Flame
c)Grim d)Extinguish
Which word in the passage means the same as a weak light that is not steady. (x)
2. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
Akbar and Birbal, the two historic legends are said to have shared a great bond
and have left some incredible stories for the ages ahead of them to hear and learn
from. The stories are not only amusing but carry a strong message and pose
questions on society, routine, rituals and practices strongly.
Birbal was a really wise and intelligent man, people used to admire him for his
[10]
character and rich knowledge he possessed regarding every field. Almost all the
decisions of the reign were taken after consulting with him. He was one of the
most important ministers and closest to Akbar. Birbal was just so very dear to
Akbar, not just because of his skills but because of the way their bond had grown
strong over the years.
During Emperor Akbar's reign, there was a poor man in Agra who was thought to
bring bad luck. People believed that if anyone looked at his face in the morning,
they would have a bad day.
"Get lost, you ugly fellow!" he would be cursed by one and all. "Hide your face
before you kill someone with your evil eye!"
The Emperor soon heard of this man's reputation and wanted to see him. The poor
fellow, who had not harmed a single person in his life, was brought to Akbar.
Akbar took a look at him and asked him to be brought back in the evening.
That particular day was especially full and tiring day for the Emperor and his
courtiers.
So many matters had to be attended to, that Akbar even forgot to eat. By the end
of the day, the emperor was exhausted. To make matters worse, Akbar was
informed that his favourite child, little Prince Salim, had fallen ill.
Then the Emperor suddenly remembered that he had seen the face of the 'unlucky'
man that morning. That was it. It was that man’s entire fault, Akbar decided.
Akbar called his courtiers and told them that he was going to have the ’unlucky'
man executed. All of them agreed immediately.
All except Birbal. Instead, Birbal let out a short laugh.
"What’s the matter, Birbal?" asked the emperor, "You seem to find something
funny!"
"Nothing, your Majesty", replied Birbal.
"You say this man brings bad luck because you had to go without food ever since
you saw him this morning.
Look at his luck. Yours was the first face he saw today and he has to die because
of it."
Akbar immediately realised his folly and rewarded Birbal for his wisdom. The
above story of a man with unlucky face is one such story where Bubal's quick wit
and strong logical reasoning is showcased.
a)He is sad b)He was not feeling well.
Why had the king not eaten his food? (i)
SECTION B : WRITING SKILLS (24 marks)
c)He had seen the face of the
unlucky fellow.
d)He was very busy that day.
a)Birbal b)Prince Salim
c)King Akbar d)The King’s courtiers
Who was not well on that particular day? (ii)
a)He had lost his senses. b)He was a famous merchant.
c)He was very poor. d)He possessed good logical
thinking.
Which of the following describes Birbal? (iii)
a)conflict b)mistake
c)argument d)Words
Choose the word that has most nearly the same meaning as the word folly used m
the passage.
(iv)
a)He laughed slightly. b)He was silent and wanted to
give a chance to the poor
man.
c)He was angry because Akbar
had not taken his advice.
d)He smiled a lot
What was Birbal’s initial reaction when he heard that the poor man would be
executed?
(v)
What was Akbar informed about his favourite child? (vi)
Why did Akbar decide to execute the poor man? (vii)
What was the courtiers reaction when they heard that the poor man would be
executed?
(viii)
What made Akbar realize his mistake? (ix)
Why was Birbal rewarded? (x)
Page 5


Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
1. This question paper has 10 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. This question paper contains three sections: Section A: Reading Skills, Section B:
Writing Skills Section C: Grammar Section D: Literature Textbook
3. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
4. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
5. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions
SECTION A : READING SKILLS (20 marks)
1. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
1. No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his
religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be
taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its
opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were
pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards,
perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going.
Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.
2. In life, every man has twin obligations - obligations to his family, to his parents,
to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community,
his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those
obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like
South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth and colour to
fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted
to live as a human being was punished and isolated. In South Africa, a man who
tried to fiilfil his duty to his people was inevitably ripped from his family and
his home and was forced to live a life apart, a twilight existence of secrecy and
rebellion. I did not in the beginning choose to place my people above my
family, but in attempting to serve my people, I found that I was prevented from
fulfilling my obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a husband.
[10]
SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER - 1
Communicative English (101)
Class IX 
3. I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free - free in every way that
I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother’s hut, free to swim in the
clear stream that ran through my village, free to roast mealies under the stars
and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I obeyed my father
and abided by the customs of my tribe, I was not troubled by the laws of man or
God.
Is anyone born hating another person because of his colour? (i)
Does love come more unnaturally to the human heart that hate? (ii)
Can man’s flame for goodness ever be extinguished? (iii)
What true obligations does every man has? (iv)
What happened if a man of colour attempted to live as a human being in South
Africa?
(v)
Did the narrator choose to place his people above his family in the beginning? (vi)
a)True b)False
The narrator was born with a hunger to be free. (vii)
If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to ________. (viii)
a)all of these b)son
c)father d)husband
The narrator found out that he was prevented from fulfilling his obligations as a: (ix)
a)Glimmer b)Flame
c)Grim d)Extinguish
Which word in the passage means the same as a weak light that is not steady. (x)
2. Read the text carefully and answer the questions:
Akbar and Birbal, the two historic legends are said to have shared a great bond
and have left some incredible stories for the ages ahead of them to hear and learn
from. The stories are not only amusing but carry a strong message and pose
questions on society, routine, rituals and practices strongly.
Birbal was a really wise and intelligent man, people used to admire him for his
[10]
character and rich knowledge he possessed regarding every field. Almost all the
decisions of the reign were taken after consulting with him. He was one of the
most important ministers and closest to Akbar. Birbal was just so very dear to
Akbar, not just because of his skills but because of the way their bond had grown
strong over the years.
During Emperor Akbar's reign, there was a poor man in Agra who was thought to
bring bad luck. People believed that if anyone looked at his face in the morning,
they would have a bad day.
"Get lost, you ugly fellow!" he would be cursed by one and all. "Hide your face
before you kill someone with your evil eye!"
The Emperor soon heard of this man's reputation and wanted to see him. The poor
fellow, who had not harmed a single person in his life, was brought to Akbar.
Akbar took a look at him and asked him to be brought back in the evening.
That particular day was especially full and tiring day for the Emperor and his
courtiers.
So many matters had to be attended to, that Akbar even forgot to eat. By the end
of the day, the emperor was exhausted. To make matters worse, Akbar was
informed that his favourite child, little Prince Salim, had fallen ill.
Then the Emperor suddenly remembered that he had seen the face of the 'unlucky'
man that morning. That was it. It was that man’s entire fault, Akbar decided.
Akbar called his courtiers and told them that he was going to have the ’unlucky'
man executed. All of them agreed immediately.
All except Birbal. Instead, Birbal let out a short laugh.
"What’s the matter, Birbal?" asked the emperor, "You seem to find something
funny!"
"Nothing, your Majesty", replied Birbal.
"You say this man brings bad luck because you had to go without food ever since
you saw him this morning.
Look at his luck. Yours was the first face he saw today and he has to die because
of it."
Akbar immediately realised his folly and rewarded Birbal for his wisdom. The
above story of a man with unlucky face is one such story where Bubal's quick wit
and strong logical reasoning is showcased.
a)He is sad b)He was not feeling well.
Why had the king not eaten his food? (i)
SECTION B : WRITING SKILLS (24 marks)
c)He had seen the face of the
unlucky fellow.
d)He was very busy that day.
a)Birbal b)Prince Salim
c)King Akbar d)The King’s courtiers
Who was not well on that particular day? (ii)
a)He had lost his senses. b)He was a famous merchant.
c)He was very poor. d)He possessed good logical
thinking.
Which of the following describes Birbal? (iii)
a)conflict b)mistake
c)argument d)Words
Choose the word that has most nearly the same meaning as the word folly used m
the passage.
(iv)
a)He laughed slightly. b)He was silent and wanted to
give a chance to the poor
man.
c)He was angry because Akbar
had not taken his advice.
d)He smiled a lot
What was Birbal’s initial reaction when he heard that the poor man would be
executed?
(v)
What was Akbar informed about his favourite child? (vi)
Why did Akbar decide to execute the poor man? (vii)
What was the courtiers reaction when they heard that the poor man would be
executed?
(viii)
What made Akbar realize his mistake? (ix)
Why was Birbal rewarded? (x)
SECTION C : GRAMMAR (10 marks)
3. You are Karan/Kanishka. As the Secretary of the Social Service League of your
school; you have organised a cultural benefit show in aid of mentally handicapped
children of your town, Tirupati. Write a notice in not more than 50 words for your
school notice board, giving necessary information about the programme.
[4]
4. Write a dialogue between a customer and a shopkeeper of shoes. Opening lines
have been given for your help.
Shopkeeper : Hello! What can I do for you?
Customer : Hello! I need a fine pair of shoes.
[5]
5. You are Shiv living at H.N 200, Sector 18, Gurugram. Write a letter in about 150-
200 words to your friend living at M-18, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, describing your
return journey from your ancestral village and the fantastic memories of village life
that you still cherish.
[7]
OR
You are Poonam living in Chennai. You have just completed your ninth grade under the
revamped system of CBSE. Write a letter in about 150-200 words to your friend living
in Kolkata telling her about your experience. You may take clues from the notes below:
Initially doubtful.
Less stress and tension but need to study regularly, participation in variety of
activities gives confidence.
Attendance has improved, classes have become more interactive, fun-filled and
enjoyable—
No need to burn the midnight oil during exam days—no one-time-paper-pen exam to
decide our fate—assessment in wide parameters—gives scope to build up on one's
strengths.
Grades have cut down narrow competition.
6. Your school organized a free eye camp for the students of your school during
autumn break. Well known eye specialists were invited on this ocassion. Write a
descriptive paragraph of this camp.
[8]
OR
Do you know about Project Tiger? Undertake a research on the same and write a
paragraph on the need to protect them.