DAV PUBLIC SCHOOL, ODISHA ZONE

QUESTION BANK
SUB-ENGLISH, CLASS-IX (2023-24)
TEXT BOOKS: BEEHIVE,MOMENTS,WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
EXAM SCHEDULE: 2023-24
NAME OF THE EXAM DATE FULL MARKS
PA-3 1 DEC-9 DEC 40
nd
ANNUAL 2 WEEK OF FEB. 80
Periodic Assessment-3
1. Reading Comprehension: 10 marks 2. Writing and Grammar: 10 (5+5) marks 3. Literature: 20 Marks

2. Reading Comprehension: 20 marks 2. Writing and Grammar: 20 (10+5+5)marks 3. Lit. : 40 Marks

GRAMMAR SET 01

SECTION B- GRAMMAR

1. Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions. 10

i. Complete the given sentence, by filling in the blank with the correct option

She _____ at this school for over 15 years. She is still teaching here.
A) has been teaching B. had been teaching C. was teaching D. teaches
ii. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement: The employer is satisfied by the
work of Mr. Kumar. Use the following format for correction
error Correction

iii. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement: The patient died before the
doctor arrived. Use the following format for correction
error correction

iv. Read the conversation between two friends and complete the passage that follows.
Neha: I am really looking forward to the class picnic tomorrow.
Namita: Yes, after a long time we will be meeting our friends and teachers.
Neha told Namita that
___________________________. Read the following
dialogue between Marie and her friend. Complete the paragraph that follows by filling in the gaps
appropriately. Marie: Did you see my new
umbrella? Is it a fine one?
Tony: Yes, it is! Did you buy it from the
mall? Marie asked Tony …… …………… . Tony agreed and
asked if she had bought it from the mall.
v. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence.
We _________ afford a new car this year.
A. should B. might C. may D. can
vi. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence
We ___________ apologised if we had been at fault.
A. could have B. should have C. ought to have D. would have

viii. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of the letter.

Subject: Leave Application for Half a Day

Dear Sir
I _______(write) this letter to inform you that I will not be able to come to work on time on tomorrow as I have an
appointment with my dentist.

a. Am writing b. Was writing c. Will write d. Can write

ix. Choose the correct option and fill up the sentence.
Rohan __________ the movie before he read the review.
A. watches B. have watched C. had watched D. was watching
x. Soham shared some information with Manjeet about homework. Report Soham’s question.
Did you complete the holiday homework?
xi. Identify the error and supplies the correction for the following line
Each time you failed, you can learn something new.
error correction

xii. Select the correct option to complete the narration.

Jane: Do you know the school trip to Mumbai has been postponed?
Rosey: No, I didn't know that.
Jane asked Rosey if she knew the school trip to Mumbai ---------. To which she replied
in negative.
SET 02

SECTION B- GRAMMAR

Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions. 10

i. Complete the given sentence, by filling in the blank with the correct option.
He _____ at this club for over 5 years. He is still playing here.

A.has been playing B.had been playing C.was playing D.Plays

ii. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement:
The company aimed at increasing authority in areas frequently visited by the clients.

Use the following format for correction

error Correction

iii. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement:
You, he and I am friends forever and no one can prove this false.
Use the following format for correction

error correction

iv. Report the dialogue between a grandson and his grandfather, by completing the sentence:
Grandson: Grandpa, who are your superheroes?
Grandpa: Anyone who shows kindness and compassion to others.
In response to the question about his superheroes, grandfather says that___________________________.

v. Read the following dialogue between Tom and his friend Ben. Complete the paragraph that follows by
filling in the gaps appropriately.

Tom: Have you seen my new T-shirt? Is it a good one?

Ben: Yes, it is! Did you buy it from Ajio?

Tom asked Ben_____________. Ben agreed and asked if he had bought it from Ajio.

vi. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence.
We _________ not cross the road while the traffic signal is red.
 A. would B. might C. may D. must
vii. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence.
We ___________ played wholeheartedly if the weather condition favoured us.
A. would have B. should have C. ought to have D. might have
viii. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of the letter.
Subject: Need for___________(promote) Healthy Eating Routines.

Dear Sir

This is with reference to....

ix. Choose the correct option and fill up the sentence.

Smith _________ to Kolkata tomorrow for the chess competition.
A. goes B. is going C. have gone D. shall be going

x. Sujit shared some information with Suhas about an event. Report Sujit’s question.
Did you attend the event yesterday?

xi. Identify the error and supply the correction for the following line

I’ve purchased few books from Amazon last week.

error correction

xii. It seems that somebody __________ to my father before the meeting, complaining that I ________ late for
school four times last week.
a.writes/ was b.wrote/ would be c.had written/ was d.has written/ have been
SET 03

Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions. 10

i. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement:
The time has come for policy makers in India to understand the damage which is caused as a result of a vast gap in
perception and reality.

error correction

ii. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence.

There Are Four Clubs Here And ……. Club Would Feel Honored To Have Vinod As Its Member. (neither, either, any,
few)Change into Indirect Speech (iii,iv,v)

iii. “If the rains don’t stop we will have to move the animals to another place,” said the zoo official.

iv. He said, “The last film I saw was such a violent one that I couldn’t sleep the whole night”.

i. The art teacher said, “I never tell my students what to draw. I tell them to imagine.”
ii. If the exam had been easier, I ---- a better mark.
iii. I’d have got, b. I would, c. I Would have d. I had
If ---- listened to me, we’d have arrived sooner.
a. You’d B.have c. must d. would
vii. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement:
The government was introduced a new law who forces farmers to sell its produce only to licensed
dealers.

error correction

viii. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence.
 You Can Buy ………. Pair Of Trousers. Both Of Them Are Equally Good.
(any, few, either, little)
ix. If you .... a lighter jacket, the car driver would have seen you earlier.
A. Worn B.Have worn C. Wear D. Had worn
x. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement:

Although the Sikhs are a regional community in India, by availing of modern opportunities they have extended their
enterprises all over the country.

error correction

xii. We ....... TV tonight if Peter hadn't bought the theatre tickets.

A. Watched B. Would have watched C. Watching D. Had watched

SET 04

SECTION B- GRAMMAR

Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions. 10

i. If we had read the book, we ...... the film.

A. Would have understood B. Will understand C. Would understand D. Understood
ii. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence.

.When Should I Come To Meet You? ………. Time You Like. (Every, A little, Each, Any)
iii. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement:

The angry at being left out of the bonanza is palpable among employees of the organisation.

error correction

Change into Indirect Speech (iv,v,vi)

iv. Mrs. Sethi said to her students, “Would you like to go outdoors for the yoga class?”
v. The lady said to the plumber, “Why didn’t you come last week? The RO machine has been making some
noise for the last ten days.”
vi. Addressing a public meeting, Rajnath Singh said, “Whatever talks take place they will be
on the issue of Pakistan occupied Kashmir.”
vii. They ...... on time if they hadn't missed the train.
A. Arrives B. Arrived C. Have arrived D. Might have arrived
viii. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement:

His comments came after the research group said that its consumer confidence index were slumped to its lowest
level

error correction

ix. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence.
………… Member Of The Group Was Given A Driving Test. (Any, Many,Every, Each)
x. He denied that he .... (Forge) my signature.
xi. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement:
The world is at a crucially phase in its fight against the virus.
error correction

xii. The learners ....(expect) to read the sources at home.

SET 05
 SECTION B- GRAMMAR

Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions. 10

i. But _______(A few, few, some, little) years later, the marriage faltered .
ii. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence.
Nature’s Beauty Is For ………. Of Us To Admire. (every, each, any, all)
iii. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement:
He is originally from Republic of Ireland and has come here for a change.
error correction

Change into Indirect Speech (iv,v,vi)

iv. Major Chaudhry said to the aspirants, “Does everyone understand English?”
v. Rani said, “We are organizing a cleaning programme in the colony tomorrow.”
vi. Pushpa said, “I arrived at the workshop an hour ago but nothing much is happening here.”
vii. I would get married to a women doctor who had _______ (Many, some, Plenty of, few) money.
viii. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement:
She faces the puzzling dilemma of disobeying her father or losing the man she loves.
error correction

ix. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence.
Did she ----- see a doctor (Need to/must)
x. The jury _________ unable to decide yet
A: has been B: have been C: are D: were
xi. Identify the error and supply the correction in the following statement:
He said that it was the first time that such a trick is discovered.
error correction

xii. As per a recent survey, 60 rupees out of every 100 rupees _____ spent by every citizen on food and clothing.
A: is B: are C: has been D: to be

WRITING
DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH
1. As the prefect of the Readers Club of your school, you have recently visited the
boat library for children at the Dangamal Nature Camp inside Bhitarkanika National Park to celebrate ‘World
Book Day’. Write your experience in the form of a paragraph in about 100 to 120 words.
Hints
Boat library housed in a stationary boat at the gateway of the forest – specially
designed for the children of the visitors – students of nearby school can use it as
a library – world book day celebration in boat library – books gifted to the poor
children – new books donated by the visitors
2.You have recently visited a Buddhist Monastery in Darjeeling. You met a monk who was in his nineties.
You were deeply impressed to witness his simple lifestyle. His words of wisdom have left a deep impression
on your mind. Write a descriptive paragraph about the Buddhist Monk using your memory and experience in
about 100 to 120 words.
3.You were going to play an important character in a drama which was to be staged on the Annual Day of
your school. You could not turn up on the day since you were suffering from a contagious disease. On the
other hand, the drama could not be staged in the absence of your character. Write a paragraph in about 100-
120 words describing how you dealt with the situation.
4.Motion sickness is a great hurdle when you travel. One day you boarded a crowded bus and started feeling
nauseous and woozy. You could not even manage a seat and continued your journey in such an uncomfortable
state. Write a paragraph in about 100-120 words describing how you dealt with the situation.
5.A health camp for canines was organized by your school to provide treatment to the street dogs. Renowned
veterinary doctors were present at the camp and provided treatment to the animals. Write a paragraph in about
100-120 words describing the event.
DIARY ENTRY
1.Your friend is addicted to buying lottery tickets. You have persuaded him/her to give up the unhealthy
compulsion of purchasing lottery tickets but he/she is unwilling to pay heed to you. Write a diary entry in
about 100-120 words expressing your feelings.You may take help from the clues given below.
Friend fallen into bad habits- duty towards friend –measures taken by you – result - probable solutions
2.You are Rishi/Ritu, a student of Std. IX. You had written a letter to the Chief Minister of Odisha without
expecting to get a reply. To your utter surprise, you received a response letter from the Chief Minister's office
within a few days. Write a diary entry in about 100-120 words expressing your feelings.
3.You are Anil/Anita. You are the monitor of your class. You are disturbed to see your class mates eating junk
food like pizzas, burgers, kachoris during tiffin break. You have warned them several times not to consume
such unhealthy items but they do pay heed to you. Write a diary entry in about 100-120 words expressing your
feelings.
4. You are Anju/Anjan, a student of Std. IX. A new student has joined your class. He does not know Odia as
he is from the neighbouring state. You took the initiative of teaching him Odia and he is making impressive
progress under your guidance. Write a diary entry in about 100-120 words expressing your feelings.
5.Today while visiting the local fair with your father, you noticed a little child selling balloons. You were
heartbroken to see the future of our nation striving to earn his daily bread. Write a diary entry in about 100-
120 words expressing your feelings.
STORY WRITING
1. Write a story in about 100-120 words with the help of the following outline.
Give a suitable title for the story.
Mohit – walking through the forest – found a little animal – looked like a cat – actually bigger in size –
decided to keep it as a pet – strange behaviour of the animal– the neighbours said it was a fishing cat – forest
department was informed – they took the animal – released it into the wild.
2. Write a story in about 100-120 words with the help of the following outline.
Give a suitable title for the story.
A nobleman gives a feast - a fisherman brings some fish-demands a hundred lashes as the price- the man
sticks to the demand-lashes are given-fisherman stops them after fifty are given – says the gatekeeper has
demanded half the price-the nobleman understands-whips and dismisses the gatekeeper-rewards the
fisherman.
3. Write a story in about 100-120 words with the help of the following outline.
Give a suitable title for the story.
A gentleman interviews candidates for a post-selects one without any testimonial – his friend wonders-
gentleman explains-selected candidate wiped feet on door-mat-picked up books purposely laid on floor-
clothes neat and clean-spoke frankly, distinctly and respectfully.
4. Write a story in about 100-120 words with the help of the following outline.
Give a suitable title for the story.
After capturing Troy, the Greeks began to plunder the city-each Trojan was permitted to carry away only
one thing he valued most-Aeneas, the Trojan Prince saved his family gods-Greeks, pleased at his piety,
allowed him another valuable thing-he carried away his aged father on his shoulder-the Greeksallowed him
everything he had.
5. Write a story in about 100-120 words with the help of the following outline.
Give a suitable title for the story.
Father pained to see his son fond of evil company- tries to reform him- buys a few tempting mangoes- puts a
rotten mango in their midst - boy finds all mangoes rotten next day - father's reply- boy learns the lesson

LITERATURE

MY CHILDHOOD
Extract Based Questions:
1. After school, we went home and told our respective parents about the incident. Lakshmana Sastry
summoned the teacher, and in our presence, told the teacher that he should not spread the poison of
social inequality and communal intolerance in the minds of innocent children. He bluntly asked the
teacher to either apologize or quit the school and island. Not only did the teacher regret his behavior,
but the strong sense of conviction Lakshmana Sastry conveyed ultimately reformed this young
teacher.
(i) What would you have done had you been in Lakshmana Sastry’s place? Elucidate in 30-40
words. (2)
(ii) Choose the appropriate synonym of ‘summoned’. (1)
(a) Send for (b)Banish(c)Dismiss(d)Divide
(iii) LakshamanaSastry commanded the teacher to apologise or quit because________ (1)
(a) The teacher was not a good human being
(b) He disliked a teacher spreading social inequality and sowing the seeds of hatred and
communal intolerance in the young minds.
(c) He wanted the teacher to teach other subjects.
(d) He wanted to maintain innocence of kids and sanctity of school.
(iv) State any one inference about the teacher mentioned in the above extract. (1)
2. Then the second world war was over and India’s freedom was imminent. “Indians will build their
own India”, declared Gandhiji. The whole country was filled with an unprecedented optimism. I
asked my father for permission to leave Rameshwaram and study at the district headquarters in
Ramanathapuram.
(i) Mention the reason for sudden optimism among the Indians. (2)
(ii) “I asked my father permission to leave Rameshwaram………..”. Illustrate what you think the
main idea was? (1)
(iii) Choose the correct antonym of ‘unprecedented’. (1)
(a) Miraculous (b)Extraordinary (c)Outlandish (d)Familiar
(iv) Which of the following best describes the speaker’s attitude in “Indians will build their own
India”. (1)
(a) Desperate (b)Indifferent (c)Fearful (d)Sanguine
3. Short Answer Type Questions (1x3)
(i) How did the second world war open up new opportunities for Kalam?
(ii) From the very childhood Kalam was an enterprising child. Support your stance providing proper
evidence from the lesson ‘My Childhood’.
 (iii) Dinamani played a pivotal role in Kalam’s life. Elucidate .
(iv) Kalam was born and brought up in a society which believed in secularism, harmony and
universal brotherhood. Reason your answer in connection to the lesson ‘My Childhood’.
(v) ‘Teachers are role models for the society’. How did the new teacher of the school did not fit into
the given description of the teacher?
4.Long Answer Type Questions
(i) ‘Behind every child who believes in himself is a parent who believed in them first’.
Briefly explain how Ashiamma and Jainulabdeen were the guiding souls for the little Kalam.
Also explain how they are a source of inspiration for other parents. (6)
(ii) Imagine yourself as the new science teacher of Kalam’s school. After completing almost 10 years
of your service you came to know that Kalam has become a successful scientist and that day you
feel a sense of contentment on the astounding success of your student. Write a diary entry
expressing your views in 100-120 words. (6)

REACH FOR THE TOP

I. Read the given extract and answer the following questions:
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 chose a correct and a rational path, the others around me had to
change, not me.”
State any one inference about Santosh and her family from the given context: (1)
She began living life on her own terms from the start.
ii. State TRUE or FALSE.
None of the terms (a)-(d) below, can be applied to the statement-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.
(1)
(a) A hypothesis-a proposed explanation for a phenomenon
(b) An assumption-something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true without proof.
(c) A premise- a proposition that forms the basis of an argument.
(d) A theory- a well substantiated explanation for a natural phenomenon.
iii.'Santosh's choices in clothing and her determination to live life on her own terms challenge the expectations
of her family and traditional values'.Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract
(2)
iv.Which phrase would correctly substitute 'rational' in the given sentence from the extract.
If I chose a correct and a rational path,the others around me had to change,not me. (1)

II. Read the extract and answer the following questions:-

Maria Sharapova cannot be pigeon-holed or categorized. Her talent, unwavering desire to succeed and
readiness to sacrifice have lifted her to the top of the world. Few would grudge her the riches she is now
reaping. This is what she has to say about her monetary gains from tennis: “Of course, money is a
motivation. Tennis is business and a sport, but the most important thing is to become number one in the
world. That’s the dream that kept me going.”
 i.State one inferenceabout Maria Sharapova from the given context: (1)
'Of course, money is a motivation in tennis.Tennis is a business and a sport, but the most important
thing is to become number one in the world'

(ii) Define "sacrifice" in the context of the passage. What sacrifices Maria Sharapova has made in her
career? (1)
(iii)Maria Sharapova's primary dream was to become number one in the world. If she were to achieve this
dream and retire from professional tennis, how might her motivation for financial success change? (1)
a) She would no longer be motivated by money.
b) Financial success would become her sole motivation.
c) Her financial focus would shift to investments and entrepreneurship.
d) She might continue to play tennis for financial gains.
(iv)The passage mentions that Maria Sharapova's talent, desire to succeed, and willingness to sacrifice have
elevated her to the top of the world. Justify in about 40 words. (2)
II. Answer the following questions in 40 to 50 words. (3 Marks each)
1. Santosh was a patriot. Justify.
2. Santosh loved humanity.Explain with examples from the text.
3. Success in mountain climbing was not the only goal of Santosh. She was equally concerned of
environment. Elucidate it with evidence.
4. All the parents do not show the same attitude towards their children. Compare and contrast the
attitude of the parents Santosh Yadav and Maria Sharapova.
5. The life of Maria was not a bed of roses. Comment.
6. Maria was loyal to her motherlandlike Santosh Yadav. Explain the way both of them exposed their
nationalistic fervour.

III. Answer the following questions in 100 to 120 words.(6 marks each)

1. The height of the success depends on the weight of the obstacles. Discuss the statement in the life of
Santosh Yadav.
2. One should not forget one's duty as a citizen in specific and human in general. Justify it in the life of
Santosh.
3. Every cloud has a silver lining. Draft a speech establishing it in the life of Maria Sharapova.
4. Nothing is permanent in this world. Therefore, the problems are also temporary. This great
understanding enables a person to be an achiever. Write a diary entry using information from the life
of Maria Sharapova.
5. Sacrifice of the parents never goes unrewarded. Write a paragraph on the exemplary dedication and
commitment of Maria Sharapova's parents in making Maria a wonderful tennis star.
NO MEN ARE FOREIGN
1. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow.
A) 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

i. Identify the type of imagery used in the above lines. 1

ii. Comment on the poet’s use of language in these lines. 1
iii. What is the significance of the use of the word “single body” to describe the attitude of the speaker with
regard to warring countries across the Globe ? Answer in about 40 words. 2
iv. Complete the sentence with the appropriate option. The lines from the poem tell us that the speaker is willing
to_________. 1
a. claim that equality can bring success for us.
b. travel together to destinations.
c. understand that we belong to a single village i.e World
d. live without fear from wars
B) They too, aware of sun and air and water,
Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war’s long winter starv’d.
Their hands are ours, and in their lines, we read
A labour not different from our own.

i. Identify the tone of the speaker as he uses repetition in the 3rd line. 1
ii. Comment on the poet’s use of language in these lines. 1
iii. What is the significance of the use of the word " peaceful harvest " to describe poet’s feelings towards our
means of survival? Answer in about 40 words. 2
iv. Complete the sentence with the appropriate option. The above lines of the poem tell us that ______.
1
a. We should agree to the poet’s idea and march ahead with pride .
b. We invite destruction of our planet by defying nature’s laws
c. Wars are merely long winters.
d. We can save our planet by spreading equality.
2. Answer the following questions in 30 to 40 words. (3 marks each)
a. Justify the fact that harvest is ‘peaceful’ and war is ‘winter’?
b. Justify the poet’s repeateduse of the word “Remember” and infer from it about the attitude of the speaker.
c. Elaborate the central idea of the poem? Has the poet done justice to the title with its help?
3.Answer the following questions in 100 to 120 words. (6 marks each)
a. Examine the message of equality and universal brotherhood as comprised in the poem?
b. A great persons tell us to live cordially and as brothers. But we people tend to fight over trivial issues. Why
don’t we live with others harmoniously? What makes us fight and hurt others?
c. Evaluate the claim of the speaker that we can we can relinquish the feelings of superiority in context with
the poem.
A SLUMBER DID MY SPIRIT SEAL
Q 1. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions given below : (5)
‘A slumber did my spirit seal –
I had no human fears.
She seemed a thing that could not feel
The touch of earthly years .’
i. Infer in your own words ‘a slumber did my spirit seal’ (1)
ii. Which human fears does the poet talk about? (1)
(a)The haunting of ghosts.
(b) The fear of unknown events
(c) The fear of death
(d) The fear of natural calamities.
iii. What is the tone of the poet? Brief the meaning of the extract . (2)
iv. Complete the analogy (1)
Slumber: Sleep:: Soul: ________.

Q 2. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions given below : (5)
‘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.’
i. What does the poet realize ? (1)
ii. The poet is in a state of shock.Explain . (2)
iii. Which words from the poem describe death ? (1)
(a) Rocks ,stones and trees
(b) Rolled ,diurnal and course
(c) No motion ,no force ,neither hears?or sees.
(d) None of the above.
iv. ‘The touch of earthly years’ has been personified .State the reason. (1)
Q3. Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40 to 50 words (4x3=12)
i. ‘Time and tide waits for none’How does time not affect the poet’s beloved.
ii. How does the poet imagine her to be after death ?
iii. What does ‘The touch of earthly years’ signify? According to the poet who will not be affected
by it ?
iv. Life on earth is very hectic and tragic.The human is sometimes fed up of his/her life .How does
the poet give a positive note by mentioning ‘Earth’ diurnal course.’
v. How does the poet react to his loved one’s death ?

Q4. Answer the following in 100 to 120 words (6)

Death is inevitable and is a natural process .It has a deep impact on human life.Describe
how the poet was affected and how did he console himself .
OR
The poet is very much affected by the death of his beloved .Write the diary page of the poet about the whole
incident and how he could come out of this tragedy

THE LAST LEAF

1. Answer the questions from the given extract.
She rushed down. Behrman lived on the ground floor. He was a sixty-year-old painter. His lifelong dream
was to paint a masterpiece but that had remained a dream. Sue poured out her worries to Behrman. She told
him how Johnsy was convinced that she would die when the last leaf fell. ‘She is stupid?’ asked Behrman.
“How can she be so foolish?” “She is running a high temperature,” complained Sue. “She refuses to eat or
drink and that worries me a lot.”
a) Who was Behrman? 1
b) Why did Sue discuss the problem of Johnsy with Mr. Behrman? 1
c) Why was sue worried about Johnsy? 2
d) What was Behrman’s dream? 1
i. To make a house ii.To make a masterpiece iii.To live a healthy life
iv.To enjoy the nature
OR
It was raining heavily and an icy-cold wind was blowing. It seemed as though the leaf would fall any minute
now. Behrman did not say a word. He went back to his room. Johnsy woke up next morning in a feeble
voice she asked Sue to draw the curtains. Sue was nervous. She draw back the curtains very reluctantly.
“Oh!” Sue exclaimed as she looked at the vine creeper. “Look, there is still one leaf on the creeper. It looks
quite green and healthy. In spite of the storm and the fierce winds, it did not fall.”
a) Why did the last leaf not fall in spite of the storm and the fierce winds? 2
 b) Why Sue was hesitating before opening the curtains? 1
c) How was the weather that night? 1
i. Quite ii.Dry iii.Stormy iv.suspicious
d) Write the meaning of the word ‘feeble’ 1
2. Answer the following questions in about 40-50 words. (5x3)
a) What fear did Johnsy have in her mind?
b) What worried the doctor?
c) Why was Johnsy counting the leaves on the creeper outside her window?
d) What did Sue confide in Behrman?
e) How did the sight of the last leaf affect Johnsy?
3.Answer the following questions in 100-120 words. (6x2)
a) Do you think Johnsy was a good friend? Give reasons for your answer.
b) Do you think the feeling of depression Johnsy had is common teenagers? Give reasons for your
answer.

A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME

Q.1. Read the given extracts and answer the questions. (5 x 2 = 10)
A. ‘He held on to me while other firefighters ran into the house. He knew that I wasn’t acting very logically
and that if he were to let go, I’d run. He was eight.’
i. One of the firefighters held on to Zan because ________ . (1)
ii. Mention the reason of other firefighters’ running into the house. (1)
iii. Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the passage.
happy : cheerful : : wisely : __________ (1)
iv. Highlight the characteristic of the speaker as per the extract with proper justification. (2)
B. ‘As I sat there with my friends and my cat curled up in my lap, all the overwhelming feelings of loss and tragedy
seemed to diminish. I felt gratitude for my life, my new friends, the kindness of a stranger and the loud purr of my
beloved cat. My cat was my back and so was I.’
i. The adjective of the word ‘gratitude’ is ________ . (1)
ii. ‘The feelings of loss and tragedy’ refer to ___________. (1)
iii. Highlight the completeness of the writer’s life. (1)
iv. If you were in the same situation like the writer, what would you have done? (2)
Q.2. Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words each. (3 x 5=15)
i. Do you agree that the fire at the narrator’s house was really horrible. Provide evidence in support of your
answer.
ii. Highlight the circumstances which forced the writer believe that his cat was missing
iii. Briefly discuss how the narrator developed a sense of belongingness towards the new school.
iv.Adjustment with any new surrounding may not be always easy. Select some of the emotions of the author
in the new school as per the lesson ‘A House is not a Home’.
v.As a fire victim, you received immense support from your friends and people around. How would you
carry those values within yourself and discharge responsibilities in future?
Q.3. Answer the following questions in about 100-120 words each. (6x2=12)
i. Hardships help in recognizing the real colours of the people in one’s surrounding. Justify the statement in
reference to the story ‘A House is not a Home’.
ii.Imagine yourself as the lady who is very happy after returning back the cat to its owner. Share your
feelings in the form of a diary entry.
KATHMANDU
Q1. Read the given extract and answer the questions. (5)
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)State whether the statement is TRUE or FALSE
Copper utensils and Nepalese antiques are sold in Kathmandu

(ii)Read the following statements (a)-(c) and identify which correctly corresponds to the extract (1)
(a) A peaceful place to attain self-enlightenment.
(b) A religious place and is famous as per commercial sense.
(c) Vendors very quietly sell their wares

(iii)State the tone of the author. Describe the wares the shopkeepers are selling in Kathmandu? Answer in 40
words. (2)

(iv)Which phrase would correctly substitute ‘mercenary’ in the given sentence from the extract (1)
Kathmandu is a vivid, mercenary, religious, with small shrines to flower-adorned deities along the
narrowest and busiest streets.

B. EXTRACT
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.

(i)State whether the statement is TRUE or FALSE (1)

The author entered an Indian Airlines Office the buy a ticket.
(ii). The phrase ‘sail up the Ganges’ means (1)
(a) To downstream through a river
(b) To upstream through a river
(c) To cross the river
(d) None of the above
(iii). Explain how the author was feeling and why was he feeling so in the above extract? Answer in 40
words (2)
(iv)Read the following statements (a)-(c) and identify which correctly corresponds to the extract (1)
(a) The gifts the author should take for his family
(b) The route the author should take back home
(c) The clothes the author should buy.
Q2. Answer the following questions in about 40-50 words (3)
(i)Describe the picture of Baudhnath stupa as portrayed by the author?
(ii)The writer says, “ All this I wash down with Coca-Cola”. What does all this refer to?
(iii)Describingthe streets around the Baudhnath stupa, why does the narrator say this is a haven of quietness
in the busy streets around
(iv) Listening to the music of the flute in the square, the author is reminded of various kinds of flutes. Which
kinds does he describe?
(v)Explain what the saffron clad westerners want?
Q3. Answer the following questions in about 100-120 words (6)
(i)The chapter Kathmandu is a travelogue where the author, Vikram Seth, talks about his visit to two sacred
places in Kathmandu.
Imagine that you were with Vikram Seth and travelling with him to the Pashupatinath temple write a diary
entry on your experiencewith the help of the points given below.
• What you see when you reach the temple
• What happens inside the temple
• What you see outside the temple
• Your impression about the place

(ii)Compare and contrast the atmosphere in and around the Baudhnathshrine with that in the Pashupatinath
temple.
IF I WERE YOU
I.A. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Gerrard : Don't be a fool. If you shoot, you'll hang for sure. If not as yourself, then as Vincent Charles Gerrard.
Intruder : What is this?
Gerrard : This is your big surprise. I said you wouldn't kill me and I was right. Why do you think I am here
today and gone tomorrow, never see trades people? You say my habits would suit you. You are a crook. Do
you think I am a Sunday-school teacher?
(i) What does the expression 'Sunday school teacher' mean?
(a) Part time teacher (b) Teacher in a church
(c) Very religious person (d) Very honest person
(ii) Choose the options that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract.
1. Gerrard is a criminal.
2. Gerrard is trying to befool the listener.
3. The listener is an intruder who wants to take Gerrard's identity.
4. The police are waiting outside for Gerrard while he is talking.
5. Gerrard is a Sunday-school teacher.
6. The intruder does not believe Gerrard.
(a) 1,3,5 (b) 2,4,6 (c) 1,4,6 (d) 2,3,5
(iii) Find out a word similar in meaning to'crook'given in the context.
(iv) Describe the reason for telling the intruder that he can be hanged as Vincent Charles Gerrard also in about
40 words.
B. 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.
(i) State any one inference about the intruder from the given statements.
"Your car will do me a treat. It's certainly a dandy bus."
(ii) Why does the intruder choose Gerrard's house?
(a) Because he was safe there (b) Because he could hide from the police.
(c) Because he could be peaceful (d) All of the above
(iii) The phrase 'few and far between' means __________________________________ .
(iv) Find out tone of Gerrard in the above context and rationalize your answer in about 40 words.
II. Answer the following questions in about 40-50 words. (1X3)
(i) Out of the two character of this play, which character has impressed you more? Why?
(ii) Suppose you get a chance to live the life of Gerrard after the incident. Mention the changes you would
like to bring in your life style.
(iii) Do you consider the Intruder to be a successful man in his life? Give reason for your answer.
(iv) Gerrard tells the Intruder "A mystery propose to explain." Mention the mystery that he proposes to explain.
(v) The Intruder announced, "I'm going to kill you". Was Gerrard nervous? How would you describe Gerrard's
reactions?
III. Answer the following questions in about 100-120 words. (1x6)
(i) 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.
(ii) Bring out Gerrard's intelligence, presence of mind and sense of humour. How did these traits help him
outwit the Intruder?
THE BEGGAR
1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions given below. (5+5=10)
A. On the first of the month the waif made his appearance and again earned half a rouble, although he could
barely stand on his legs.
(a)Who is referred to as 'waif'? Where did he make an appearance? (1)
(b)What work was given to him? (1)
(c)Why could he not' stand his legs'? (2)
(d)Give the synonym of 'appearance'. (1)
(i)entrance (ii)vanish
(iii)disappearance (iv)reference
B.'Thank you, too', said Lushkoff. If I hadn't come to you then I might still have been calling myself a teacher
or a student to this day. Yes, by flying to your protection I dragged myself out of a pit.
(a)Whom does Lushkoff address? Where did the two meet? (2)
(b)What did Lushkoff do before coming to the person headdresses? (1)
(c)Give the antonym of 'protection'. (1)
(i)safeguard (ii)defence
(iii)destruction (iv)reformation
(d)Why does Lushkoff say 'Thank you, too'? (1)
2.Answer the following questions in 50- 60 words. (2x3=6)
A. Bad habits ruin a person. Lushkoff turned to begging because of his drinking habit. What lesson do you
learn from his life?
B. Compassion and pity can bring desirable changes in a human being. How does the story 'The Beggar' prove
it?
3. Answer the question in about 120 words. (6)
Lushkoff decides to visit Olga to thank her for the change she brought in his life. Develop a conversation
between the two based on your understanding of the story 'The Beggar'. You may begin like this
Lushkoff - Hey Olga! It's so nice to see you again. I can't thank you enough.
Olga - You have come a long way, my dear boy ! I am _ _ _ _ _

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