ANNUAL EXAMINATION (2023-24)

SET A

CLASS – IX
Time:3 Hours M. M.:80 ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE No. of Q.11 No. of
(184) Pages.14

NAME:- ROLL.NO
General Instructions:
• This Question paper contains 3 sections and 11 questions.
• SECTION A: READING (20 MARKS)
• SECTION B: GRAMMAR AND WRITING SKILLS (20 MARKS)
• SECTION C: LITERATURE (40 MARKS)
• All questions are mandatory.
• Read the instructions carefully and adhere to the word limit.

SECTION- A (READING SKILLS)

Read the following passage carefully: 10X1=10

Q.1
1. There was a time when human interference was minimal, the number of wild animals
was quite high and there was no problem of their protection or conservation.
2. Due to the irrational use of natural and biotic resources of the Earth in the past, most
of the wildlife has been destroyed beyond retrieval. According to an estimate, in India,
about 200 species of wild animals and birds have become extinct and another 2500 are
on the verge of extinction. Some of them are black buck, chinkara, wolf, swamp deer,
nilgai, Indian gazelle, antelope, tiger, rhinoceros, gir lion, crocodile, flamingo, pelican,
bustard, white crane, grey heron, mountain quail, etc.
3. In India, the Government and NGOs are taking a keen interest in the protection of
wildlife. The Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972, has several provisions for the
conservation of wildlife. As many as 165 game sanctuaries and 21 national parks have
been deployed to protect the natural habitat and wild animals. Apart from this, Wildlife
Conservation Week is also celebrated from the 1st to the 7th of October every year. But
still, there is a long way to go in this direction.
4. Preservation of wildlife does not mean blanket protection to all faunal and floral
species; rather it implies a proper, judicious control over the multiplication of plants and
animals which interact together to provide a proper environment to man whose very
existence is in peril today.
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 5. It is our urgent duty to protect the natural splendour of ecosystems and to evolve a
system of coexistence with every living creature on Earth.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given

below:
1.1 Infer one reason for the following, based on the information in the passage. 1
The number of wild animals was quite high and there was no problem of their
protection or conservation.
1.2 Select the appropriate options to fill in the blanks. 1

Most of the wildlife has been __________ beyond _________due to the irrational
use of natural resources on the Earth.

I. destroyed
II. retrieval
III. desertion
IV. build
V. revived

(a) I and II
(b) II and III
(c) III and IV
(d) IV and V

1.3 Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from the passage. 1

Flowers: Garden: ____________: Sanctuaries

(Clue: Just like flowers are in a garden, similarly________are in the sanctuaries.)

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1.4 Select the correct option to complete the sentence. 1
Judicious control over the multiplication of plants and animals provides__________
(a) the natural splendour of the ecosystem
(b) proper environment for man
(c) blanket protection
(d) happy and comfortable living
1.5 According to the graph, which is the most vulnerable animal species and the least 1
vulnerable from the graph.
I. Birds
II. Insects
III. Fishes
IV. Reptiles
V. Insects
VI. Mammals
VII. Molluscs

(a) I and II
(b) III and IV
(c) V and VI
(d) VI and VII
1.6 Fill in the blanks by selecting the correct option. 1
The Wildlife Protection Policy has several provisions for _________ of wildlife.
(a) conservation
(b) safety
(c) habitation
(d) well, being
1.7 Substitute the word extinction with another word similar in meaning from the 1
passage.
Many species are on the verge of extinction because of the carelessness of the
human race.
(a) multiplying
(b) disappearance
(c) diseased
(d) poaching

1.8 List any two examples of governments and NGOs trying to protect wildlife. 2

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 1.9 Select the option that can be the best title for the passage. 1
(a) Wild Animals
(b) Sanctuaries
(c) Natural Resources
(d) Conservation of Wildlife

Q.2 Read the passage carefully.

1. Happiness is like the sun; it is often hidden by the clouds of thoughts, worries, and
desires. We have to scatter and dissolve these clouds to experience happiness. You
don’t have to create it, all you have to do is calm your mind because when there is
a quiet mind and inner peace, there is happiness. It is not something far away and
unattainable and does not depend on circumstances, objects, or events. Happiness
is an inseparable part of our consciousness, of our essence, but hidden and covered
from sight by our thoughts, desires, and worries.
2. The mind is always in a constant race from one thought to another, from one worry
to another. It constantly moves from one object or task to another. This restlessness
hides the happiness that is within you. It is like a choppy sea that hides the bottom.
When the sea gets calm, you can see the bottom. In the same way, when the mind
gets quiet, you sense the happiness that is within you.
3. You cannot see a treasure at the bottom of a stormy and muddy lake although it is
there. However, when the wind stops, the water becomes still and the mud sinks,
you can see the treasure. The treasure is there, whether you see it or not. So is
happiness. It is always there, only hidden by thoughts, desires, and worries.
4. You can experience more happiness in your life. Only your thoughts stand in your
way of experiencing it. Next time you feel happy, stop for a moment and watch the
state of your mind. You will be surprised to discover that it is calm, and there are
almost no thoughts in your mind. Since the mind is not accustomed to stay in this
peaceful state for long, it soon becomes active again, and the sense of happiness
disappears.
5. Many people connect happiness to the achievement of certain goals. This makes
happiness a reward and not an emotion that must be felt. We forget that it is
something that comes by looking inward rather than waiting for an external trigger.
Once you start looking inward, you will have to treat yourself as you would treat a
valued friend. This will lead to happiness. Take time to appreciate yourself, your
work, and your accomplishments. Surround yourself with happy people and recall
positive memories. It is important to recognise that you have the power to feel
happy within you and with practice, it will be felt frequently.

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 Based on your reading and understanding of the above passage, answer

the following questions:

2.1 1
Why does the writer say that you have to scatter and d i ss ol ve these
clouds to experience happiness?

(a) Our thoughts and worries hide the true essence of our happiness.
(b)Our inner peace has to be dissolved to enhance true happiness.
(c) Our desires, thoughts, and worries are a part of our consciousness and
bring happiness
(d) These clouds don’t show us the real truth.

2.2 Select the option that corresponds to the following relation below: 1
Happiness is like the sun, hidden by clouds of worry.
(a) Happiness is where there is a quiet mind and inner peace.
(b) Less work is like a breeze that brings happiness.
(c) The choppy sea hides the treasure of happiness.
(d) The wind blows and brings happiness.

2.3 Select the option that displays what the writer projects, with reference to the 1
following: (Paragraph 1)
Happiness is not something far away and unattainable.
(a) doubt
(b) caution
(c) conviction
(d) denial

2.4 1
Select the phrase that states reference to the following reason (Paragraph 2):

Opinion Reason
This restlessness hides the
happiness within.

2.5 1
The writer compares the choppy sea hiding in the bottom to __________

2.6 Based on your reading of the text, list two reasons why the writer says, 1
“Happiness is an inseparable part of our consciousness.”
(a)____________________________________
(b)____________________________________

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2.7 What connection does the writer draw between happiness and the treasure that 1
cannot be seen? (Paragraph 3)

2.8 The writer says, “Time you feel happy, stop for a moment and watch the state 1
of your mind”. The state of your mind will be:
(a) resolute
(b) calm
(c) firm
(d) decisive

2.9 Write one point to justify the following: 1

Connecting happiness to the achievement of certain goals makes it a reward, not an
emotion.

2.10 Evaluate the inappropriate reason for having the power to feel happy to be 1
within ourselves.
(a) recalling positive memories
(b) appreciating yourself
(c) achievement of certain goals
(d) looking inwards

SECTION – B (GRAMMAR AND WRITING SKILLS)

1x10=10
Q.3 Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions.

3.1 Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for 1
the following line:
Nearly all the sports practised nowadays is competitive.

3.2 Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line. 1
With your cooperation, we_______win the match.
(a) must
(b) ought
(c) shouldn’t
(d) might

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3.3 Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option: 1

When he ____________is not known.

(a) will arrive
(b) has arrived
(c) will have arrived
(d) arrived
3.4 Report the dialogue between Priti and Meeru, by completing the sentence. 1

Priti: Life is pretty dull. I need a job.

Meeru: What kind of job are you interested in?
In response to Preeti’s claim that she needed a job Meeru asked _______________

3.5 1
Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.
Honesty not only succeeds in the long run but also brings about mutual trust
and confidence.
Use the given format for your response.

Error Correction

3.6 1
Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option.

We ______________________obey the natural laws.

(a) can
(b) could
(c) must
(d) might
3.7 Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between 1
the Postmaster and Rama.
Postmaster: Rama, show me a document to verify your identity.
Rama: Sure, I will show you my driving licence.
The postmaster asked Rama to show him a document to verify her identity to
which Rama affirmed and said________.
(a) that was her driving licence.
(b) this was her driving licence.
(c) this is her driving licence.
(d) that she would show him her driving licence.

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3.8 Identify the error and provide the correction. 1
Both the boys have got a scolding but either of them paid heed. Use the given format
for your response.

Error Correction

3.9 Complete the sentence using the correct option:

When (do) the next bus (leave)? 1

(a) do, leave

(b) does, leave
(c) do, leaves
(d) does, leaves

3.10
Fill in the blank with the correct option to complete the sentence below. 1
You must have been selected in the final match. I could _______you
celebrating.
(a) hear
(b) hears
(c) heard
(d) hearing
3.11
Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the text message 1
below.

Let's meet another day since neither Riya nor Rajat_______free today as they
have tennis practice.
(a) were
(b) are
(c) be
(d) is
3.12 1
One of the greatest problems ............(is/are) the growing population.

Q.4 Write a short story in 100-120 words with the help of the given outline: 5
Outline –
One day, a mysterious book appears in Tommy's possession. This book, however, has
the extraordinary ability to predict the future, but only through the dreams of those who

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 read it. Write a story about how Tommy struggles with the responsibility and
consequences of possessing this book. Give a suitable title to it.
Hints: Discovery of the mysterious book----------the power of dream prophecy--------
struggling with the responsibility------------personal sacrifices and conflicts arise, forcing
Tommy to re-evaluate his priorities

OR

“Where there is a will, there is a way”. Use this proverb to write a story with the
help of key points provided below.

➢ Introduce the main character.

➢ Establish the setting, perhaps a small town with limited resources.
➢ Highlight the importance of a personal goal or dream.
➢ Describe the significant challenge or obstacle.
➢ Illustrate the impact of strong willpower.
Q.5 You recently participated in the All-India CBSE National Quiz Competition and reached 5
the finals. The final round was telecast over the national channel where you and your
team won the quiz. Describe your feelings through a diary entry in about 100-120 words.

OR

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 Write a descriptive paragraph on ‘A Scene at the Polling Booth in your school’ in
about 100-120 words based on the following cues:
Your Locality: polling booth in school – tents of various political parties outside booth
– banners displayed – volunteers guiding voters – giving slips of voter numbers – rush
outside – law and order kept –– patrolling inside booth – long queues – no canvassing
allowed on last day– one party worker of the candidate was allowed to sit in –
supervises – no cheating – ballot paper given – ink-mark put – secret voting by turns.

SECTION – C (LITERATURE)

Q.6 Read the extract and answer the following questions. (Attempt any one extract out 1x5=5
of the two)
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.
(The Sound of Music)
6.1 Where was the Shehnai traditionally played? 1
(a) In temples
(b) In wedding ceremonies
(c) Auspicious ceremonies
(d) All of the above

6.2 What aspect of the shehnai began to be considered auspicious? 1

(a) Loud
(b)Audio
(c) Sound
(d) None

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6.3 What is the highest civilian award in India? 1
I. Bharat Ratna
II. Padma Bhushan
III. Gallantry Award
IV. None
Which of the options given above is/are correct:
(a) IV and II only
(b)I only
(c) I, IV, and II only
(d)III only

6.4 Who changed the perception of the Shehnai? 1

(a) Tansen
(b) Evelyn
(c) Bismillah Khan
(d)All of the above

6.5 Describe the brief journey of Shehnai from temple to stage. 1

OR
She was never far from me. I had rescued her when she was a kitten, and somehow, she
knew that I was the one responsible for giving her ‘the good life’. My mother kept
stoking the fire to keep the house nice and warm. Suddenly, I smelled something strange,
and then I noticed it… smoke pouring in through the seams of the ceiling. The smoke
began to fill the room so quickly that we could barely see.

6.1 Who is “she” and “I” in the above extract? 1

6.2 Choose the antonym of “barely” 1

(a) Scarcely
(b) Hardly
(c) Narrowly
(d) None of these
6.3 What do you understand by “the good life”? 1

6.4 Which word in the passage means the same as “stay-ups”? 1

6.5 When did the speaker rescue her? 1

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Q.7 Read the stanza and answer the following questions. (Attempt any one extract out 1X5=5
of two)
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.

7.1 The word ‘diurnal’ means-- 1

(a) constant
(b) heavenly
(c) common
(d) earthly
7.2 The rhyme scheme of the poem is - 1
(a) a-a-b-b
(b) a-b-a-b
(c) a-b-b-a
(d) a-b-c-a
7.3 The poet uses the above lines to imply that- 1
(a) Lucy is no more.
(b) Lucy is in a deep sleep.
(c) Lucy is separated from society.
(d) Lucy lives a secluded life.
7.4 Explain the gist of the given stanza. 2

OR

Then took the other, as 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

7.1 What is the ‘other’ in these lines? 1

(a) forest
(b) road
(c) friend
(d) choice

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7.2 Why does the poet choose the other ‘What’? 1
(a) less travelled
(b) more beautiful
(c) less leaves
(d) more travelled

7.3 What does the poet’s choice signify? 1

(a) He is ambitious.
(b) He is adventurous.
(c) He is lazy.
(d) He does not take risks.
7.4 The rhyme scheme of the poem is ______________________________ 1

7.5 Explain the line “Because it was grassy and wanted wear.” 1

Q8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40-50 words each.
3x4=12
(a) How did Kezia’s feelings towards her father change?
(b)What message did Evelyn Glennie leave for the people about music?
(c) What pleasure does one gain from the rain falling on the roof?
(d)“So, hack and chop. But this alone won’t do it.” What does hack and chop do to a
tree?
(e) What happened when the wild elephant entered the school playground?

Q.9 Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 3X2=6

(a) What unusual thing happened, when the Swallow died?

(b)“Iswaran used to read Tamil Thriller.” Do you think this affected his behaviour in
any way? How?
(c) Do you think, it is advisable to keep a monkey-like Toto as part of pets in the
house? Why/Why not?

Q.10 Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words: 6X1 =6

(a) “Birds of the same feathers 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?
OR
(b) Bagmati is the holy river in Kathmandu where some religious and non-religious
activities are undertaken. Rivers are considered pious in our country and are
worshipped. According to you, what is the best way to show our reverence to the holy
rivers?

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Q.11 Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words: 6X1 =6

(a) “Don’t offer a fried fish to a hungry boy, help him learn how to catch and fry a fish.”
Do you think Sergei believed in this statement? What would have happened to
Lushkoff if Sergei had given him money rather than offering him work?
OR
(b) Why, according to you, is it always risky to live among fools? Elaborate your answer
with reference to the story ‘In the Kingdom of Fools.’

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