Class 9 English: Sample Question Paper- 15 (With Solutions) PDF Download

Section -A

Q.1. Read the following passage carefully :
Reshma Anad has always spported the agriculture-based enterprises in the remote parts of India. Her venture, ‘Earthy Goods’ works at helping them grow into competitive and viable business. Reshma has many stories to share from her life changing and adventurous trip, but there is one incident that is very close to her heart. “I was in the Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, and the village I had to visit was a half hour trek from the place we were staying.” Reshma, though, took two hours to reach the village. Once she got there, she found out that the village, which comprised sixty odd vegetable-growing families, had no roads. “And, while I was talking to them, my phone rang. I was so surprised : the village had access to telecom but they lived in the most primitive way.” She considers herself lucky that she has never faced any awkward situations. “But I was often looked at with suspicion. They think, ‘Why has this woman with her short hair and Western clothes, come here ?” She smiles.
Talking about the relevance of natural products, derived from recipes of home remedies, in the city, she says, “Nature has given us everything. I remember whenever my grandmother had fever or cough, she used to boil some tulsi leaves in water and have it. In cities people lead busy lives and might find it difficult to grow tulsi, so just dunk a tulsi tea bag in hot water and savour the goodness.”
Unfortunately, we have always underestimated the power of simple and natural, homemade remedies that are not only effective but do not cause any side effects as well. Fortunately, the outlook is now changing, and people are resorting to home remedies for maintaining their beauty and health. The fact that economy has gone down over the years is also a contributing factor to the rise in popularity of the natural remedies.
Answer the following questions briefly :
(a) Explain the line : ‘they lived in the most primitive way’.
(b) How has Reshma helped people living in the remote parts o f India ?
(c) Why was Reshma looked at with suspicion ?
(d) Why have people in the cities resorted to ‘Tulsi’ tea bag ?
(e) What is the current trend towards home reme dies ?
(f) The village comprised of _______________families.
(g) When Grandma had a cough or fever she took _______________ boiled in water. 
(h ) Natural remedies are becoming popular becamse___________.
(1) they do not have side effects
(2) economic growth has contributed to it
(3) of research in this field
(4) outlook towards their effectiveness remains the same
(i) A risky journey means____________
(1) enterprise
(2) competitive
(3) venture
(4) adventurous
Ans. (а) It means that they did not have access to the facilities of a developed society. They, being cut off from the outside world, were living in isolation.
(b) Reshma has helped people living in remote parts of India by supporting agriculture based enterprises.
(c) Reshma was looked at with suspicion because of her short h air and Western clothes.
(d) The people in cities have resorted to Tulsi’ tea bags Jbecause they find it difficult to grow “Tulsi”.
(e) The current trend towards home remedies is That people after realising their effectiveness, without any side effects, are resorting to them.
(f) sixty vegetable growing
(g) tulsi leaves
(h) (1) they do not have side effects
(i) (3) venture

Q.2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow.
1. It is well-known now that addressing the problem of climate change requires lifestyle changes. Some solutions might be difficult but others are not so. Consider handicrafts for instance. A range of jute products - handbags, office bags, table cloth and decorative wall hangings can replace many utility and decorative pieces produced in factories. Utility and decorative items made by skilled artisans using bamboo, different kinds of grass and leaves are equally graceful and artistic.
2. Most states in India have hundreds of such biodegradable handicraft items. The classic Odishi paintings from Odisha, the delicate woodwork of Bastar, the bamboo products from the North-East, the fine metal work from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Terracotta and Kalighat paintings from West Bengal, the Chikankari work of Uttar Pradesh, the Madhubani paintings from Bihar, Miniature paintings from Bundi, the Batua craft of Bhopal and the Kangra paintings from Himachal Pradesh are some examples of India's thriving craft traditions. Such a rich legacy notwithstanding, India's share in global handicraft market is only 2 per cent. The country's Export Promotion Council is alive to such concerns. It has pegged the handicrafts export target at 25000 crore per annum by 2018. On the face of it, the target does not seem unrealistic.
3. Eco-friendly products are regarded savvy in the West and the developed world. This could work to the benefit of India's more than five million artisans provided we have the right policy. But nurturing age-old skill amid commercialisation might not be easy. Selling handicrafts is easy but preserving the age-old skill is difficult. History is testimony to the fact that mass production is inimical to the artisan's skill.
4. The market too demands diversity. But in the mad rush to produce for the market, the artisan does not get the time and support for quality and innovation. The design of mass produced items has been watered down or averaged to a level where idiosyncrasy has almost disappeared, and often is not valued. Artisanal production is contingent on moment by moment decisions, on innovations. In modern times, this has given way to rules, standards and procedures. So, a number of artisans have lost the ability to create unique pieces in response to varying needs. The government must identify senior artisans and give them the wherewithal and the time to bring innovation.
A. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions in 30-40 words each.
(i) What is the key message given through the passage?
(ii) Name some of the traditional works of India from different states as mentioned in the passage.
(iii) What is the problem faced by the artisans? What is the solution to this problem?
(iv) How can the traditional Indian products replace the factory products?
B. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following.
(i) Which word in 'para 1' means the same as 'decorative pieces made by skilled artisans’?
(ii) Which word in 'para 3’ is the opposite meaning word of 'unfashionable'?
(iii) What does the word 'inimical' mean as used in 'para 3’?
(a) Friendly
(b) Supportive
(c) Hostile
(d) Harmless
(iv) Which word in 'para 4' will be opposite in meaning of the word 'uniformity'?
(a) Varying
(b) Diversity
(c) Idiosyncrasy
(d) Unique
Ans. A. (i) The key message given through the passage is the grim situation of artisans in India. People usually buy the readymade decorative pieces produced in factories replacing the traditional crafts different states of India. Preserving the age-old skill of making the traditional art forms is a big task. Artisans are losing the ability to create unique pieces in response to varying needs.
(ii) Some traditional works mentioned in the passage are the classic Odishi paintings from Odisha, the delicate woodwork of Bastar, the bamboo products from the North-East, the fine metal work from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Terracotta and Kalighat paintings from West Bengal, the Chikankari work of Uttar Pradesh, the Madhubani paintings from Bihar, Miniature paintings from Bundi and many others.
(iii) The problems faced by the artisans is that the market dem ands diversity. But, in a mad rush to produce for the market, the artisan does not get the time and support for quality and innovation. Due to this, many artisans have lost the ability to create unique pieces in response to varying needs. The solution to this problem is that the government can identify senior artisans and give them the resources and the time to bring about innovation.
(iv) Traditional Indian products can replace the products made in factories. A range of jute products-handbags, office bags, table cloth and decorative wall hanging can replace decorative products of factories. Products made using bamboo, leaves and different types of grass can also be used as utility and decorative items.
B. (i) The word is 'handicrafts ’.
(ii) The word is ‘savvy’
(iii) (c) ‘Hostile’
(iv) (b) 'Diversity'

Section - B

Q.3. You had the most difficult examination today, but you knew everything in the paper and are happy about it. Write a diary entry about it in about 100-120 words. Remember to mention the subject and the initial anxiety you had felt prior to the paper.
Ans.
March 18, 20.... 

Friday, 11:30 p.m.

Dear Diary
Today was my Mathematics Examination and I was very worried because I find Geometry a little tricky. Though I had practised every construction, still the fear that I might forget was nagging me. I knew last minute preparation is of no use, still I was going through the theorems and constructions once more. The bell rang and everyone settled down. The boy, sitting next to me seemed nervous, looking at him made me nervous too. But I composed myself and blocked all negative thoughts coming to my mind. When I received the question paper, I read it carefully, I was more than happy. I knew every sum, construction and theorem. I regained my confidence. And believe me, I completed the paper before time. I have checked with my teacher, all my answers are correct. I am confident of securing a hundred per cent.
Kudos to me!
Rachit
Or
You read the following news clip in the newspaper and decide to write an article based on it. Discuss what makes children heroes and what can various agencies do in order to help them do their best. Word limit 100-120 words.

Ans.

You Could be a Hero 

- by Rajan 

It is wonderful to see the President of India giving away the National Bravery Awards to child heroes. Can these awards be won by more and more children ? They can be, provided, schools, parents and the media do all they can to instill certain values in the children of India.
It is said ‘catch them young so from the Primary and preprimary level itself an effort to ingrain these values has to be made. Children must be encouraged to volunteer when the need for action arises. This could be done by giving them a chance to face challenging situations where they are able to prove themselves. Each little success builds confidence empowering children to rise to the need of the hour. The spirit of sharing and caring may be nurtured by involving them in various team activities. Also, stories of great men must be narrated, films shown to inspire them. After all extraordinary men and women are but ordinary human beings who put in a little extra and become heroes and leaders. Bravery does not need strength rather it needs an attitude and it is this which we need to nurture.

Q.4. Using the following hints, develop a short story in 150-200 words.

Ans. Once; on a stormy night, a traveller went to a Dharmshala to seek shelter. He was highly disappointed to find the door locked. When he knocked at the door, the keeper of the Dharmshala called out from inside, "I am sorry, I cannot open the door because I have lost the key. However, the door can be unlocked with a silver key. Do you have a silver key?" The traveller, who was quite intelligent, got the hint and pushed a rupee coin under the door. The keeper opened the door and let him in.
As soon as the traveller got inside, he said to the keeper, "I have left my box outside, please bring it". The moment the keeper stepped outside, the traveller shut the door and locked it. “What is this joke? Please open the door immediately”, shouted the keeper from outside. “It is not a joke", answered the traveller. “I am sorry, I have lost the key. The door can be opened only with a silver key,"
The keeper had to push the silver coin under the door. Thus, the traveller got his rupee back before he let the dishonest man in.

Q.5. In the passage given below, some words are missing. Choose the correct words from the given options to complete the passage meaningfully.
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 (d)..................broad day lights are very common these days. The citizens do not feel safe in the city.
(a) (i) have
(ii) had
(iii) has
(iv) having
(b) (i) in
(ii) by
(iii) from
(iv) about
(c) (i) is
(ii) are
(iii) was
(iv) be
(d) (i) in
(ii) into
(iii) up
(iv) upon
Ans. (a) (iii) has
(b) (ii) by
(c) (ii) are
(d) (i) in

Q.6. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line. The first one has been done for you. Write the incorrect word and the correction in the space provided against the correct blank number.
My box was lift into the cart.
I got into and we moved on.
We can have gone about
half the mile when
a cart suddenly stopped

Ans.


Q.7. Read the following conversation and complete the passage given below.
Coach : Are you ready for the competition?
Rahul : I am ready to beat the best swimmer in this region.
Coach : I expect you to qualify for the nationals.
Rahul : I promise to put in my best.
Coach : May you get success!
Rahul : Thank you Sir!
The coach asked Rahul (a) ................. Rahul replied that he was ready to beat the best swimmer in that region. The coach told Rahul (b) ............... to qualify for the nationals. Rahul promised (c) ................. The coach blessed him that (d) .................
Ans. (a) if he was ready for the competition
(b) that he expected him
(c) to put in his best
(d) he might get success

Section - C

Q.8. Read the following extract and answer any one of the following questions given below :
He passed over the river, and saw the Lanterns hanging on the masts of the ships. At last he came to the poor woman's house and looked in. The boy was tossing feverishly on his bed, and the mother had fallen asleep, she was so tired. In he hopped, and laid the great ruby on the table beside the woman's thimble.
Questions : (a) ‘He' in the above extract is ______________ .
(b) His destination was the ___________.
(c) Do you think the great ruby can bring about a change in the life of the poor woman ?
(d) He had got the ruby from ______________ .
(i) had plucked it from the Prince's eye
(ii) he had plucked it from the statues' body
(iii) he had plucked it from the Prince’s sword
(iv) he had plucked it from the Prince’s crown
Ans. (a) the little swallow
(b) seamstress’ house
(c) Yes, the great ruby can bring about a change in the life of the poor woman because she could sell it, and use the money for herself and her son. Then, she would not have to work so hard to earn her livelihood.
(d) (iii) he had plucked it from the Prince’s sword
Or
"The snake trying
To escape the pursuing stick,
with sudden curvings of thin
long body. How beautiful
and graceful are his shapes!"
Questions : (a) Before the snake was being chased away by a man it was.
(b) How has the poet described the movement of the snake ?
(c) What does the poet wish ?
(d) the depiction of the snake being hit with a stick symbolises ______________ .
(i) the snake attacking the children on the beach
(ii) the snake is about to bite the man who hit it with a stick
(iii) the man trying to protect himself from the snake biting him
(iv) the fear of man which stops him from admiring the beauty of the snake
Ans. (а) resting on the beach
(b) The poet has described it by referring to the sudden curvings of his thin long body as graceful and beautiful.
(c) The poet wishes the snake is able to escape unharmed.
(d) (iv) the fear of man which stops him from admiring the beauty of the snake.

Q.9. Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words each.
(i) How did the doctor escape from the snake's grip?
(ii) What harm does the wind do when it blows hard?
(iii) How does Gerrard convince the intruder to follow his plan?
(iv) Describe the feeling of separation when Bruno and the narrator's wife separated.
(v) How had the teeth and gums of Bill Bryson got blue?
(vi) Why did the servants of the king catch the disciple?
Ans. (i) When the snake coiled around the doctor’s left arm, he remained perfectly still. The snake, seeing its reflection in the mirror, uncoiled itself and moved towards the mirror. The doctor slowly got up and ran out of the room, thus escaping the snake’s grip.
(ii) Many times the wind blows very hard. Sometimes, it breaks the glasses or shutters of the windows. It can also scatter the papers all around or bring down the bookshelf or uproot the trees.
(iii) Gerrard tells the intruder that he himself is a criminal who is planning to run away the same night and the intruder can accompany him in the car. To convince the intruder he adds that, if he finds that he is being deceived, he can take both the car and gun.
(iv) Bruno and the narrator’s wife were very close to each other and shared a bond of love. When they got separated, both of them felt very sad, worried and didn’t eat for a few days. The separation was too painful for both of them.
(v) The teeth and gums of the Bill Bryson had got blue as he sucked the other end of a pen while writing. It resulted in leakage of the ink from the pen which coloured his teeth and gums blue.
(vi) The merchant who was to be executed on the stake was too thin. On the king’s instructions, his servants looked for a fat man who would fit the stake. The disciple had become fat due to overeating and was found fit for the stake. Thus, the servants caught him.

Q.10. Answer any one of the following questions in about 100-120 words.
How did Kezia feel in presence of her father ?
OR
Does the poem, The Road Not Taken, symbolize or reveal a meaning or aspect of freedom or responsibility ?
Ans. Keezia was scared of her father as he looked like a giant. She was afraid of her father and used to avoid him. She used to feel relieved on seeing her father go to his office. He appeared to her as harsh, rude and critical. Every morning he used to give her a good bye kiss. She used to feel uncomfortable till her father was at home. She even stammered while answering him. He scolded her one day and even beat her for tearing some of his important papers. But when Kezia used to cry during the night, he would carry her to his room. She then realized that her father was actually tender and affectionate and this changed her perception towards him. He was not all that of a giant.
OR
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 of the usage 'Had worn them really about the same/ he could not help wondering, but then doubled 'if he would ever come back'. He was even trying to convince himself that he had made the best choice, as when he looked back 'Somewhere ages and ages hence', he was 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 life-changing decisions. Apparently for the narrator, this is life-changing. At least the choice is his to make.

Q.11. Answer one of the following questions in about 100-150 words :
Prashant did not let adversity overpower him rather he took it as a challenge and became a beacon of hope for the victims of the cyclone which hit Orissa. Do you agree ?
Ans. The Red Cross shelters provided some relief to the survivors of the cyclone. Prashant, who was also a victim, could sense the feeling of deathly grief amongst the survivors. Rendered homeless they were full of despair and gloom. Prashant resolved to solve the problems of the survivors rather than becoming a part of it. His first was acute shortage of food in the shelters. He made the children lie down with empty utensils on their stomachs forcing the authorities to take note of it. He organised people, to clean the shelters, arrange food and tend to the injured. He boosted the morale of the inhabitants and uplifted their spirits by organising matches and  other activities. He set up polythene shelters for orphans, helped them resettle through adoptions and foster families. Thus, he did not let adversity overpower him rather he took it as a challenge and brought light into their dark lives.
Or
The Happy Prince was endowed with basic goodness, he was a noble soul but his virtues remained suppressed because he had not experienced misery and suffering. Why/Why not ?
Ans. All human beings are born in the image of God, therefore, endowed with basic goodness. But environment and circumstances suppress their virtues, which remain dormant in them. The Happy Prince was a kind soul but he could not be kind and merciful because he had not experienced misery and suffering. When he saw the suffering around him his leaden heart melted and he tried to help the miserable and poor with whatever he could give. Thus, his nobility could not be revealed as the Happy Prince, protected and surrounded by the camforts of life, oblivious of misery and suffering. But his true self could not be suppressed and was revealed through the extreme sacrifices made by him to provide succour and joy to people who were suffering. The symbolic melting of his leaden heart reflects that no human being is good or bad and man’s inherent nobility does find expression in some way or the other.