DAV PUBLIC

SCHOOL
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QUESTION
BANK
CLASS -IX
(2024-25
 UNSEEN PASSAGE (8 Marks)
I.

Passage on Women Empowerment

Women empowerment has become a central topic in discussions on social progress and equality. It refers to
the process of granting women the power and opportunity to make life choices independently, ensuring they
have equal rights and opportunities as men in all aspects of society. Empowerment includes access to
education, equal pay, healthcare, political participation, and protection from discrimination and violence.
Despite global efforts, women in many parts of the world continue to face barriers that prevent them from
achieving their full potential.

In the workplace, for instance, women are often paid less than men for the same work, a phenomenon known
as the gender pay gap. This disparity limits financial independence and discourages women from seeking
higher roles. Furthermore, cultural stereotypes often lead to women being sidelined for leadership positions,
as traditional views suggest that men are better suited to lead. Overcoming these biases requires not only
policy changes but also shifts in societal attitudes and beliefs.

Education is another critical aspect of women empowerment. Educated women are more likely to contribute
economically, make informed health choices, and raise children who are healthier and better educated. Many
organizations advocate for girls' education as a foundational step toward empowerment, recognizing that when
women succeed, entire communities benefit.

Women empowerment is not merely about helping women; it’s about building a fair and balanced society.
Achieving gender equality leads to stronger economies, improved health, and more cohesive communities.
Therefore, promoting women empowerment should be a priority for individuals, communities, and
governments worldwide.

Questions

1. Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is a significant barrier to women’s economic independence?

(A) The gender pay gap

(B) Access to technology
(C) Higher taxation
(D) Lack of transportation

2. According to the passage, how does educating women benefit society?

(A) It primarily helps men advance in their careers.

(B) It leads to improved health and better-educated communities.
(C) It decreases the gender pay gap.
(D) It only benefits the women themselves.
3. What is one focus of women empowerment as discussed in the passage?

(A) Reinforcing traditional cultural roles

(B) Promoting equal rights and opportunities for women
(C) Limiting political participation for women
(D) Reducing women’s access to healthcare

4 True or False (1 Question, 1 Mark)

• Educating women only benefits the women themselves.

5. Identify the Image

Question: Identify the message of this image. How does it relate to women empowerment?

6. Explain why the gender pay gap is considered a barrier to women empowerment.

7. In your own words, describe why women empowerment is essential for building a fair society.

8. Find a synonym for the word "barriers" as used in the passage.

II.

Passage on the Importance of Sports

Sports play a crucial role in our lives, benefiting individuals physically, mentally, and socially. Regular
participation in sports helps people maintain physical fitness, which can prevent diseases like obesity, diabetes,
and heart conditions. Beyond physical health, sports also positively impact mental well-being by reducing
stress, anxiety, and depression. Engaging in physical activities releases endorphins, commonly known as
"happy hormones," which elevate mood and promote relaxation.

Moreover, sports instill essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. When people
participate in team sports, they learn how to cooperate with others, communicate effectively, and work toward
a common goal. These skills are valuable both on and off the field, helping individuals succeed in various
aspects of life, including academics and careers.

Sports also unite people across different cultures and backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and mutual
respect. Major sporting events like the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup bring together athletes from around
the world, promoting international understanding and goodwill. The shared enthusiasm for a game or a team
can bring together fans, bridging cultural and social gaps.

However, some challenges persist. Access to sports can be limited by factors like cost, infrastructure, and
social attitudes, which may prevent certain groups, such as women or economically disadvantaged
communities, from participating. Recognizing and addressing these barriers is essential to ensure everyone
has the opportunity to benefit from sports.
In conclusion, sports contribute to a healthier, happier, and more connected society. Encouraging participation
in sports should be a priority for communities and governments to build a well-rounded, resilient population.

Questions

1. According to the passage, what is a mental benefit of participating in sports?

(A) Increased competitiveness

(B) Higher income

(C) Reduced stress and anxiety

(D) Improved memory retention

2. Which life skill is commonly developed through team sports?

(A) Multitasking

(B) Teamwork and cooperation

(C) Scientific reasoning

(D) Individualism

3. What challenge is mentioned in the passage regarding access to sports?

(A) Limited fan interest

(B) High cost and lack of infrastructure

(C) Lack of online resources

(D) Restricted by government regulations

4. True or False

Sports participation can improve physical, mental, and social well-being.

5. Identify the game in the image:

6. Explain how sports can help in building a connected society.

7. Describe one challenge that prevents people from participating in sports

8. Find a synonym for the word "perseverance" as used in the passage.

 UNSEEN PASSAGE (12 Marks)

Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, affecting how people think, feel, and act. It influences
our daily functioning, decision-making, relationships, and ability to handle stress. Mental health issues are
common worldwide, with conditions like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder affecting millions of people
each year. Unfortunately, due to stigma and a lack of understanding, mental health is often neglected, leading
to further complications for individuals and society as a whole.

Mental health problems can stem from various factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle, and trauma.
For example, a family history of mental health conditions may increase the likelihood of developing similar
issues. Environmental stressors, such as financial hardship, discrimination, or traumatic experiences, can also
significantly impact mental well-being. Furthermore, lifestyle factors, like inadequate sleep, lack of exercise,
and substance abuse, can worsen mental health conditions.

One of the most effective ways to promote mental health is through awareness and early intervention.
Educating people about mental health helps to reduce stigma and encourages individuals to seek help when
they need it. Counseling, therapy, and, in some cases, medication can support those dealing with mental health
conditions. Studies have shown that regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep contribute positively
to mental health. Additionally, maintaining strong social connections provides emotional support, which is
essential for mental resilience.

Mental health awareness campaigns, such as World Mental Health Day, highlight the importance of talking
openly about mental health and the need for accessible mental health services. Many countries are now
investing in mental health programs, recognizing that mental health is as important as physical health. By
fostering an environment of understanding and support, society can help individuals lead happier, healthier
lives.

Questions

1. What is a common barrier to seeking mental health support?

(A) High cost of exercise programs
(B) Stigma and lack of understanding
(C) Lack of mental health conditions
(D) Public transportation availability
2. Which of the following can worsen mental health conditions?
(A) Family history only
(B) Regular sleep and exercise
(C) Lifestyle factors like substance abuse and lack of sleep
(D) Avoiding social connections
3. Which of these is a recognized method to improve mental health?
(A) Isolation
(B) Substance use
(C) Counseling and therapy
(D) Excessive work hours
4. What is one focus of mental health awareness campaigns?
(A) Increasing physical health requirements
(B) Encouraging open discussions about mental health
(C) Discouraging medical intervention
(D) Eliminating mental health services
5. Studies show that maintaining strong __________ connections is beneficial for mental
resilience.
6. True or False:
Exercise, diet, and adequate sleep contribute positively to mental health.
7. Assertion (A): Lack of sleep can negatively impact mental health.
Reason (R): Sleep plays a critical role in regulating mood and stress levels.

(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) explains (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) does not explain (A).
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are false.
8. Assertion (A): Talking openly about mental health reduces stigma.
Reason (R): Mental health discussions help people understand the importance of seeking help
when needed.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) explains (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) does not explain (A).
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are false.
9. Describe one environmental factor that can contribute to mental health issues.
10. Why is early intervention important for individuals dealing with mental health conditions?
11. How can society help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues?
12. Find a synonym for the word "resilience" as used in the passage.

II. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today. It refers to long-term shifts in
temperatures and weather patterns, primarily due to human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels
like coal, oil, and gas. This process releases large amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide,
methane, and nitrous oxide, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, creating a "greenhouse
effect" that causes the Earth's temperature to rise.

Over the past century, global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius. While this may
not sound significant, even small increases in temperature can have serious consequences for the environment.
For instance, warmer temperatures contribute to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, leading to rising
sea levels. This can cause flooding in coastal areas, putting millions of people at risk of losing their homes.
Furthermore, climate change intensifies extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires,
which can devastate communities and disrupt ecosystems.

One of the biggest challenges in addressing climate change is the reliance on fossil fuels for energy.
Alternative sources, like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, are cleaner but often require significant
investment and infrastructure changes. Additionally, certain industries, like agriculture and transportation,
contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing these emissions requires coordinated efforts
from governments, industries, and individuals.

Several initiatives have been introduced to combat climate change. International agreements, like the Paris
Agreement, aim to unite countries in efforts to reduce global emissions. Many countries are setting goals to
reduce carbon emissions by specific target dates. Simple actions, such as conserving energy, reducing waste,
and adopting sustainable practices, can also contribute positively.

In conclusion, combating climate change requires global collaboration and individual action. While the
problem is complex, every step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions can make a difference in preserving
the planet for future generations.

Questions
1. What is the primary cause of climate change, as mentioned in the passage?

(A) Agricultural practices

(B) Natural geological processes
(C) Human activities, like burning fossil fuels
(D) Solar flares
2. What is the greenhouse effect?
(A) The trapping of heat by greenhouse gases
(B) A method to grow plants indoors
(C) Cooling caused by certain chemicals
(D) A natural reduction in atmospheric gases
3. How does climate change affect sea levels?
(A) It causes them to decrease.
(B) It has no impact on sea levels.
(C) It causes sea levels to rise due to melting ice caps.
(D) It increases the number of beaches.
4. Which of the following is an example of an alternative energy source?
(A) Coal
(B) Gasoline
(C) Solar power
(D) Plastic
5. Climate change can lead to extreme weather events, such as _______, which impact
communities and ecosystems.
6. True or False:
The Paris Agreement is an international effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
7. Assertion (A): Climate change can cause severe flooding in coastal areas.
Reason (R): Rising global temperatures lead to melting polar ice caps, which increases sea
levels.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) explains (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) does not explain (A).
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
8. Assertion (A): Switching to renewable energy sources is an easy transition.
Reason (R): Renewable energy sources like solar and wind require significant investment and
infrastructure development.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) explains (A).
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) does not explain (A).
(C) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
(D) Both (A) and (R) are false.
9. Explain one way climate change can impact human communities.
10. Why is global collaboration essential in the fight against climate change?
11. What are some individual actions people can take to help combat climate change?
12. Find a synonym for the word "preserving" as used in the last paragraph.

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WRITING

I. NOTICE WRITING

1. Your school is organizing a Tree Plantation Drive next week. Write a notice informing students about the
date, time, and location, and encourage them to participate in the event to promote environmental awareness.
2.The Sports Department of your school is holding trials for the upcoming inter-school basketball tournament.
As the Head of the Sports Club, write a notice for the school notice board inviting interested students to attend
the trials. Include details about the date, time, and venue.

3.You are the Cultural Secretary of your school. Write a notice informing students about an upcoming Talent
Show, inviting participants for various categories like singing, dancing, and acting. Provide information on
where and how to register, along with the deadline for registration.

4. The school library is organizing a Book Donation Drive to support a local orphanage. As the Library Prefect,
write a notice urging students and staff to donate books in good condition. Mention the collection date, place,
and any guidelines for book donations.

5. Your school’s Science Club is organizing a visit to the local Science Museum. Write a notice informing
students of Class 9 about the visit, including the date, timing, and transportation details, along with a reminder
to submit permission slips.

II. DIALOGUE WRITING

1. Write a dialogue between two friends discussing their preparations for the upcoming exams. One friend is
well-prepared and confident, while the other is feeling stressed and seeking advice.

2. Imagine a conversation between a teacher and a student about the importance of time management. The
student is struggling to balance studies and extracurricular activities, and the teacher offers practical tips to
help.

3. Write a dialogue between two siblings debating where to go on their family vacation. One sibling wants to
go to a beach destination, while the other prefers a mountain location.

4. Create a dialogue between a shopkeeper and a customer who is looking to buy a gift for a friend’s birthday.
The customer is unsure about what to buy, and the shopkeeper suggests different options based on the friend’s
interests.

5. Write a conversation between a parent and a teenager about using social media responsibly. The parent is
concerned about the teenager’s screen time, while the teenager tries to explain its benefits.

III. INFORMAL LETTER WRITING

1. Write a letter to your friend, describing your experience of participating in a school play. Share details about
the rehearsals, the role you played, how you felt performing in front of an audience, and what you learned
from the experience.

2. Write a letter to your cousin who lives in another city, sharing your excitement about your recent summer
vacation. Describe the places you visited, the people you met, and the activities you enjoyed. Invite them to
visit you next holiday.

3. Write a letter to your friend, giving your opinion on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Include suggestions like eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep, and explain why it is
important for students.

4. Write a letter to your friend, telling them about a book you recently read. Describe the plot, your favorite
characters, and why you think your friend should read it too.
5. Write a letter to your friend who is feeling stressed about exams. Offer words of encouragement, share tips
on how to manage stress, and remind them to take breaks and stay positive.

IV DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH

1. Describe a beautiful sunset that you witnessed. Include details about the colors in the sky, the atmosphere,
and how the scene made you feel.

2. Describe your favorite season of the year. Focus on the weather, the changes in nature, and how you spend
your time during this season.

3. Describe the interior of your classroom. Include details about the seating arrangement, the decorations, and
the atmosphere during a typical school day.

4. Describe a bustling market scene that you have observed. Highlight the variety of shops, the crowd, the
sounds, and the activity around you.

5. Describe an unforgettable journey or trip you took. Focus on the places you visited, the people you met,
and the feelings you had throughout the trip.

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GRAMMAR
Rearrange the words to form a meaningful sentence:
Set-1
1. saw / last Sunday / we / a movie / at the theater / very interesting
2. decided / to visit / the museum / after lunch / we / because it was raining
3. friend / to the park / my / in the afternoon / we / went / with

Set 2:
Rearrange the words to form a meaningful sentence:
1. yesterday / we / a charity event / for the homeless / organized / at the community hall
2. can’t wait / my friends / we / weekend / to go / because / on the trip
3. the weather / perfect / was / for a picnic / so we / decided / to go / to the beach
Set-3
Rearrange the words to form a meaningful sentence:
1. school / the competition / won / our team / the trophy / for football / last week
2. was / delicious / the dinner / the chef / prepared / for the special guests
3. the library / to study / in the evenings / my friends / and I / often go
II.
1. Locate errors in the passage and rectify them.
Error Correction
Books help us to knew more about our civilization knew know
Through books, we come in contact to great scholars ______ ______
poets and philosophers. Book never misguide us. . ______ ______
They help us in building their character. ______ ______
2. Fill in the gaps:
i. Last weekend, my family and I (a) ____________ invited to a friend's house for a barbecue. As we (b)
____________, we were greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of grilled burgers and hot dogs. The host,
along with his wife (c)_________ a variety of delicious dishes. Everyone enjoyed the outdoor setting
and friendly atmosphere.
a. i. was ii. were iii. has iv.is
b. i. arrives ii. arrived iii. arriving iv. will arrive
c. i. served ii. serves iii. is serving iv. were serving
ii. Last summer, I (a) ____________ on a trip to the mountains with my friends. As we (b) ____________
up the trail, we could hear the sound of birds chirping and the rustling of leaves. By the time we (c)
____________, the sun had set, and we had to use flashlights to find our way back to the camp.
a. i. went ii. was going iii. have gone iv. goes
b. i. climb ii. climbed iii. climbing iv. climbs
c. i. reached ii. reach iii. reaching iv. had reached
3. Convert to Reported Speech: (TYPE-1)
a. She said, "I will finish the project today."
b. "I have lost my keys," she told me.
c. She said, "I will call you later."
d. He said, "I am going to the market."
e. They said, "We have been waiting for hours."
f. John said, "I forgot my homework at home."
g. She asked, "Can you help me with this task?"
h. The teacher said, "You must complete your assignments on time."
i. He said, "I was reading a book when you called me."
j. They said, "We will visit the museum tomorrow."
Convert to Reported Speech: (TYPE-2)
. Direct : Sara: "I'm going to the concert on Saturday."
Indirect: Sara says that____________ on Saturday.
a. she goes to the concert
b. she went to the concert
c. she is going to the concert
d. she will go to the concert
Direct: Tom: "I finished my homework. Did you complete yours?"
Indirect: Tom said he ____________
a. finished his homework and asked if I completed mine.
b. finishes his homework and asked if I had completed mine.
c. finished his homework. Did you complete yours?
d. he has finished his homework. Did you complete yours?
Direct: Mary: "John, can you help me with this assignment?"
Indirect: Mary asked ____________ assignment.
a. if John could help her with that
b. if John can help her with this
c. that John can help her with this
d. if John can help her with that
Direct: Reporter: "The mayor said, 'We are implementing new policies for better city
planning.'"
 Indirect: The mayor said____________ city planning.
a. that they implement new policies for better
b. We implemented new policies for better
c. that they were implementing new policies for better
d. We will implement new policies for better
4. Choose the correct verb forms:
a. The number of accidents on the road [has/have] increased recently.
b. The staff [was/were] divided in their opinions about the new policy.
c. The number of students in the class __________ (has/have) increased this year.
d. The news about the project __________ (was/were) announced yesterday.
e. The team __________ (has/have) been practicing for the match for weeks.
f. The players __________ (was/were) excited after winning the championship.
g. The majority of people __________ (believe/believes) in the new policy.

* NOTE: Prepare Integrated grammar

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LITERATURE SECTION

POEM - 1 THE BROOK

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. Describe four movements that the brook makes during its journey. [CBSE 2010]
2. What is the message given by the brook? [CBSE 2010]
3. How is the poem a symbol of life? Pick out examples of parallelism between man’s life
and the brook.
4. What does the poet want to convey through the poem, ‘The Brook’?
5. What is the symbolic meaning conveyed by “For men may come and men may go, but I go on forever”?
Answer the following questions in 80-100 words:
1. What is the moral message in the poem ‘The Brook’?
OR
How is the brook a symbol of human life?
2. Describe the journey of the Brook, originating from the ‘haunts of coot and heron’, joining the river, as its
final destination.
Extract 1:
“I come from haunts of coot and hern,
I make a sudden sally,
And sparkle out among the fern,
To bicker down a valley.”
Questions:
a. What creatures are mentioned as the "haunts" of the brook?
b. How does the brook describe its movement as it starts its journey?
c. What is the effect of the brook "sparkling out among the fern"?
d. What does the phrase "bicker down a valley" suggest about the brook’s nature?
Extract 2:
“I wind about, and in and out,
With here a blossom sailing,
And here and there a lusty trout,
And here and there a grayling.
Questions:
a. How does the brook describe its movement in this stanza?
b. What role do the "blossoms" and "trout" play in the imagery of the poem?
c. How does the presence of fish like trout and grayling add to the natural setting?
d. What is meant by the brook "winding about" in its journey?
Extract 3:
“For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.”
Questions:
a. What is the significance of the line "For men may come and men may go"?
b. What does the brook mean by saying, "But I go on for ever"?
c. How does this line highlight the theme of immortality in the poem?
d. How does the brook's continuous movement contrast with human life in the poem?
Extract 4:
“I chatter, chatter, as I flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.”
Questions:
a. What does the brook mean by "I chatter, chatter, as I flow"?
b. Why does the brook want to "join the brimming river"?
c. How does this stanza repeat the idea of the brook’s eternal journey?
d. What role does sound ("chatter") play in the imagery of the brook?
Extract 5:
“I steal by lawns and grassy plots,
I slide by hazel covers;
I move the sweet forget-me-nots
That grow for happy lovers.”
Questions:
a. What does the brook mean by saying it "steals by lawns and grassy plots"?
b. How is the movement of the brook described in this stanza?
c. Why are "forget-me-nots" mentioned in the context of the brook’s journey?
d. What mood or atmosphere is created by the description of the brook’s path?

POEM-2 The Road Not Taken

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. What is the message of the poem?
2. Why did the poet choose that road?
3. What do the roads represent?
4. What was the poet’s dilemma?
5. How does the outcome of our life depends on the choice we make to reach our destinations?
Answer the following questions in 80-100 words:
1. In the poem “The Road Not Taken,” what do the woods symbolize?
2. What is the theme or the message of the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’?
Extract 1:
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden back
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted it if I should ever come back
Questions
a. Which road does the poet choose?
b. Why was the poet doubtful about the first road?
c. Find a word from the extract that means ‘crushed’
Extract 2:
Then took the other, just as fair,”
And having perhaps the better chance,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same.
Questions
a. What made the poet choose such a road?
b. What does the poet mean by “just as fair”?
c. Find the phrase from the extract that mean “had not been used”
Extract 3:
I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence;
Two roads diverged in a wood, and 11 took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Questions
a. Write the name of the poem and the poet.
b. Why did the poet take the road which was less travelled by ?
c. Why was the poet in dilemma?
Extract 4:
And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden back.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
Questions
a. What does “both” refer to in the stanza?
b. Explain “in leaves no step had trodden back”.
c. Write the rhyming scheme of the extract.
Extract 5:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.
Questions
a. What problem does the poet faces?
b. Where is the poet standing?
c. Find a word from the extract that means “separated”.

POEM-3 The Solitary Reaper

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words

1. How does the speaker compare the girl’s voice to other natural sounds?
2. What is the poet’s initial impression of the reaper?
3. Who is the solitary reaper? Where does the poet encounter the solitary reaper?
4. Discuss the girl’s song in the poem “The Solitary Reaper”.
5. How does the speaker describe the girl’s song? What emotions does it evoke in him?

Answer the following questions in 80-100 words:

1. Discuss the central theme of the poem.
2. Imagine that you are the poet, William Wordsworth. You continue on your walk, and when
you reach home you write a letter to a friend about what you saw and felt.
Extract 1:
"Behold her, single in the field,
Yon solitary Highland Lass!
Reaping and singing by herself;
Stop here, or gently pass!"
a. Who is the "solitary Highland Lass" referred to in the poem?
b. What is the solitary reaper doing in the field?
c. Why does the poet ask the reader to "stop here, or gently pass"?
d. How does the phrase "single in the field" contribute to the theme of isolation in the poem?
Extract 2:
"Alone she cuts and binds the grain,
And sings a melancholy strain;
O listen! for the Vale profound
Is overflowing with the sound."
a. What is the solitary reaper doing while she sings?
b. How does the poet describe the song of the reaper?
c. What effect does the reaper’s song have on the surroundings according to the poet?
d. Why does the poet call the song “melancholy”?

Extract 3:
"No nightingale did ever chant
More welcome notes to weary bands
Of travellers in some shady haunt,
Among Arabian sands."
a. What comparison is made between the reaper’s song and the nightingale’s song?
b. Why does the poet say that the nightingale's song is more welcome to travelers in Arabia?
c. What effect does the song of the reaper have on the poet, according to this extract?
d. What is the significance of the "Arabian sands" in this comparison?
Extract 4:
"A plaintive song! Yet very sweet,
And a little sad, and very sweet,
To my ear, it seemed a dream."
a. How does the poet describe the tone of the reaper’s song in this extract?
b. What does the poet mean by "it seemed a dream"?
c. Why does the poet emphasize that the song is "sweet" despite its plaintive nature?
d. What is the emotional impact of the song on the poet?
Extract 5:
"Will no one tell me what she sings?
Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow
For old, unhappy, far-off things,
And battles long ago."
a. What question does the poet ask about the song of the reaper?
b. What are some of the possible themes of the reaper’s song suggested by the poet?
c. Why does the poet refer to "old, unhappy, far-off things" in the context of the song?
d. How does the mention of "battles long ago" enhance the mood of the poem?

POEM-4 The Seven Ages

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words

1. Describe the second stage of life as elaborated by Shakespeare in the poem ‘The Seven Ages’.
2. Why does a man in his life play many parts?
3. Explain the stage of justice.
4. Explain the line ‘the lean and slippered pantaloon’.
5. Compare the sixth stage with seventh stage.
6. What is the significance of the words ‘entrances’ and ‘exits’ in the poem ‘The Seven Ages’?
7. Explain ‘All the world’s a stage’ with reference to the poem.

Answer the following questions in 80-100 words:

1. Discuss “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players”.
2. What message does Shakespeare’s ‘The Seven Ages’ convey?
Extract 1:
And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon’s mouth.
a. What image is used to compare the passionate lover’s sighs?
b. What form of expression does the lover use to woo his mistress?
c. Which animal is used to compare the soldier’s beard?
d. What motivates the soldier’s actions, according to the passage?
Extract 2:
All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms;
And then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school.
a. Identify the poetic device in the first line.
b. Which stage comes first in life, according to the passage?
c. Which word is used to describe the infant’s crying?
d. What comparison is used to describe the schoolboy’s slow pace?
Extract 3:
All the world’s a stage And all the men and women merely players : They have their exits and their
entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages.
 a. What is the world compared to?
b. Exits and entrances mean ………….
c. What do you mean by ‘acts’ in the last line.
Extract 4:
In fair round belly with good capon lined, With eyes severe and beard of formal cut, Full of wise saws and
modern instances.
a. Which stage of life has been described here by Shakespeare?
b. What are the features of this stage?
c. Explain the last line.
Extract 5:
Last scene of all, That ends this strange eventful history, Is second childishness and mere oblivion, Sans
teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
a. What is man’s condition in the last stage of life?
b. What do you mean by ‘sans’ ?
c. What does ‘second childishness’ mean?

POEM-5 Oh I Wish I’d Looked after Me Teeth

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words :

1. What are the different kinds of sweets that the poet ate which led to the cavities?
2. Why has the line, “Oh ! I wish I’d looked after me teeth’ been repeated in the poem by Pam?
3. What should the poet have known?
4. What were the consequences of the poet’s actions in her childhood according to the poem ‘Oh!I wish
I’d looked After Me Teeth’?
5. “Two amalgum”. What does this expression mean?
Or
6. Why has the word ‘amalgum’ been misspelt in the poem ‘Oh ! I wish I’d looked After Me Teeth’?
7. Why does the child find brushing a useless activity?
8. What perils did the poet spot?
9. How does the poem successfully ‘awaken the reader to his dental hygiene and care’?
10. Who is whining a ‘drill’ in the poem, ‘Oh, I wished ’, and why?
11. “But up-and-down brushing and pokin’ and fussin”. What do you understand by the line.

Answer the following questions in 80-100 words:

1. “The body is a temple”. It is believed that the body given by God should be treated with care, as it is
one’s temple. Comment on this thought with reference to the poem ‘Oh I wish I’d looked After Me
Teeth’.
2. What is the role of parents and teachers in teaching dental care to children ? Discuss it with reference
to the poet’s experience in the poem ‘Oh ! I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth’.

Extract 1:
“When I think of the lollies I licked,
And the liquorice all- sorts I picked,
Sherbet dabs, big and little,
All that hard peanut brittle,
My conscience gets horribly pricked.”
 a. What does the line—“My conscience gets horribly pricked” signify?
b. Why has the narrator listed the sweets she ate?
c. What has been the result of the narrator’s fondness for sweets?
Extract 2:
“Oh I showed them the toothpaste all right,
I flashed it about late at night,
But up-and-down brushin’ And pokin’ and fussin’
Didn’t seem worth the time—I could bite!”

a. Explain “Showed them the toothpaste”

b. Explain “pokin’ and fussin”
Extract 3:
“If I’d known, I was paving the way
To cavities, caps and decay,
The murder of fillin’s Injections and drillin’s,
I’d have thrown all me sherbet away”
a. What are the narrator’s feelings regarding her visits to the dentist?
b. What was it that the narrator did not realise when she ate those sweets?
c. Explain ‘paving the way’?
Extract 4:
“So I lay in the old dentist’s chair, ‘
And I gaze up his nose in despair,
And his drill it do whine,
In these molars of mine.
‘Two amalgum,’ he’ll say, ‘for in there’.”
a. Why i.s the narrator lying in the “old dentist’s chair”?
b. Explain “drill it do whine”.
c. What is the dentist doing to her molars?
Extract 5:
As they foamed in the waters beneath.
But now comes the reckonin’
It’s me they are beckonin’
Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth.”
a. How had the narrator behaved when her mother had lost all her teeth?
b. Explain “As they foamed in the waters beneath”.
c. “But now comes the reckonin’/It’s me they are beckonin’”. Explain.

POEM-6 Song of The Rain

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. Who plucks the pearls from the Crown of Ishtar? Why does she do so?
2. Who drops the silver threads in the poem ‘Song of the Rain’ and who takes them?
Or
List any two things that happen when the ‘dropped silver threads from heaven’ fall on the earth.
3. How do the hills, flowers and fields respond to the arrival of the rain?
 4. How does the rain embrace the flowers and trees in the poem ‘Song of the Rain’?
5. Why are all the things elated when the rain falls?
6. How is the rain a “messenger of mercy”?
7. Explain the line ‘All can hear hut only the sensitive can understand’ from the poem ‘Song of the Rain’.
Answer the following questions in 80-100 words:

1. Selfless giving in the spirit of love is the greatest virtue. Do you agree?
Discuss it in relation to the poem ‘Song of the Rain’
2. Comment upon the following extract and draw a parallel to the fate . of the rain and the fate of man.
‘I am the sigh of the sea;
The laughter of the field;
The tears of heaven’.

Extract 1:
I am dotted silver threads dropped from heaven By the gods.
Nature then takes me to adorn
Her fields and valleys.
a. Name the poem and the poet of the above extract.
b. Who is T ? Why is T being compared to silver threads?
c. Explain the line ‘Nature…. valleys’.
Extract 2:
I touch gently at the windows with my Soft fingers,
and my announcement is a Welcome song.
All can hear, but only
The sensitive can understand.
a. How is the arrival of rain announced?
b. Why is it welcomed?
c. What is the difference between hearing and understanding?

Extract 3:
‘The voice of thunder declares my arrival,
The rainbow announces my departure.
I am like earthly life which begins at The feet of the mad elements and ends Under the wings of death’.
a. Whose arrival is declared by ‘the voice of thunder’?
b. ‘I am like earthly life’. Explain.
c. What do you mean by ‘wings of death’?

Extract 4:
T am the sigh of the sea, the laughter of the field The tears of heaven’.
a. Who is the speaker in these lines?
b. How is the speaker the ‘laughter of the field’?
c. ‘I am the sigh of the sea’. Explain.

Extract 5:
The field and the cloud are lovers
And between them I am a messenger of mercy.
I quench the thirst of the one I cure the ailment of the other.
a. How is the rain ‘a messenger of mercy’?
b. What does the rain do?
c. What do you mean by ‘ailment’?
CHAPTER-1 How I Taught My Grandmother?

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. How had the narrator planned to surprise her grandmother? How was she herself surprised?
2. Why did the narrator stay longer in a neighboring village, and what did she see when she came back
to the village?
3. The grandmother in the story “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read” was a very determined
woman, yet at the same time very emotional. Justify.
4. The grandmother touched the feet of her granddaughter. How did she justify this gesture of hers?
5. Why did the grandmother think of learning to read and write at the age of sixty-two?

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. Explain the symbolism of the grandmother touching Sudha Murthy’s feet in the context of their
relationship.
2. “But I know it was not possible. If only I was educated enough…..” Describe the circumstances that
made the grandmother realize the importance of education.

Extract 1:
‘When I came back to my village, I saw my grandmother in tears. I was surprised, had never seen her cry
even in the most difficult situations. What had happened? I was worried.”
a. Why was the grandmother in tears?
b. Where had the narrator gone?
c. Why was the grandmother so depressed?
d. What kinds of emotion were expressed in this extract? What is the word/phrase used to
describe sadness?
d. What does the last line of the extract tell you about the grandmother’s character?

Extract 2:
“We have always touched the feet of God, elders and teachers. We consider that as a mark of respect. It is a
great tradition but today the reverse has happened.”

a. To which traditional Indian custom is the speaker referring to in the above extract?
b. What does the speaker consider as a mark of respect in the context of the story?
c. What is the meaning of ‘reverse’? What reverse had happened on that day?
d. What does the term “great tradition” refer to?
e. Why had this reverse happened?

CHAPTER- 2 A Dog Named Duke

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. What might be the long-term emotional impact on Chuck if he were to lose Duke unexpectedly?
2. How did the accident change Chuck's life?
3. “On January 4, Hooper made his big move." What move did Hooper make? In what sense was it big?
4. Throw light on Duke’s tragic end.
5. Duke coaxed his master to make an effort to walk. Explicate.
6. What kind of person was Charles Hooper before the tragic accident?
Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. Why is Charles Hooper’s appointment to the position of Assistant National Sales Manager regarded
as a tribute to Duke?
2. Give a character sketch of Chuck Hooper in your own words citing examples from the story.

Extract 1:
Those who saw it said the dog knew instantly. He never jumped on Chuck again. From that moment, he took
up a post beside his master’s bed around the clock.
a. What had Duke realised?
b. Where did he settle himself?
c. What do we understand by the phrase ‘The dog knew instantly’?
Extract 2:
A few weeks ago, worded as if in special tribute to Duke, an order came through from the chemical
company’s headquarters.

a. Who is Duke? What has happened to him?

b. What did the order say?
c. How was it a tribute to Duke?

CHAPTER- 3 The Man Who Knew Too Much

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. Who was Private Quelch? Where did the narrator meet him?
2. Why was Private Quelch labelled as the ‘Professor’?
3. Who is an Orderly Officer in lesson ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’? How did the Professor
behave in front of him?
4. Describe Private Quelch.
5. Aircraft recognition was a matter of pride for the narrator and his friends in the lesson “The Man
Who Knew Too Much”. How did the Professor humiliate them?
6. How did Private Quelch respond to mistakes made by his colleagues in the army training camp in the
lesson ‘The Man Who Knew Much’?
7. What was Private Quelch’s attitude to his juniors? Give examples to support your answer.
8. What was Private Quelch’s attitude to his seniors? Give examples to support your answer.
9. What was Tumbull’s reaction to Private Quelch’s answer?
10. What was the announcement made by Corporal Turnbull in the lesson The Man Who Knew Too
Much’? Why did he make the announcement?

Answer the following questions in 80-100 words:

1. “Too much knowledge is also a bane’. Comment on the statement with reference to Private Quelch’s
character.
2. Self-promotion always brings resentment from others. Keeping the above statement in mind,
comment on the character of Private Quelch.
3. Private Quelch’s ambition had blinded him. Analyse Corporal’s reaction to his behaviour.
 4. ‘It’s all a matter of intelligent reading’, said Private Quelch. Evaluate the statement on the basis of
Professor’s character.
5. Although the Professor was knowledgeable and willing to share his knowledge with his mates, they
avoided crossing paths with him. Comment with reference to ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much.’
6. What were the negative characteristics of Private Quelch’s character? Explain any four.

Extract 1:
remember the first lesson we had in musketry. We stood in an attentive circle while a Sergeant, a man as
dark and sun-dried as raisins, wearing North-West Frontier ribbons, described the mechanism of a service
rifle.
a. What is the meaning of musketry?
b. Describe the Sergeant.
c. What does the phrase ‘North-West Frontier Ribbons’ convey about the person
mentioned?
Extract 2:
When, after a hard morning’s work cleaning out our hut, we listened in silence to the Orderly Officer’s
praise, the Professor would break out with a ringing, dutifully beaming, “Thank you, sir!” And how
superior, how condescending he was. It was always, “Let me show you, fellow,” or “No, you’ll ruin your
rifle, that way, old man.”
a. Give the meaning of the word ‘condescending’.
b. Why did Private Quelch behave in this manner with his superiors ?
c. Which expression tells us that Private Quelch was always cheerful ?

CHAPTER- 4 Keeping It From Harold

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. Why did Mrs Bramble address her son as “dearie”?

2. Bill and his wife were a little afraid of their wonderful child’. Why?
Or
‘His very perfection had led to a series of ‘evasions’ on the part of Mr and Mrs Bramble.
Explain.
3. Why did Bill think of trying out a job as an instructor?
4. Which event was Mrs Bramble waiting for that could end all her anxieties?
5. Bill Bramble brought about major changes in his life after the birth of his son Harold. What were
they?
6. Why did Bill stop Jerry from uttering anything?
7. What changed Bill’s outlook towards life?
8. How did Harold react on learning about his father’s profession?
9. What was the end of their (Jerry and Harold’s) incidental meeting?
10. Who was Jerry Fisher? What did he say to try and convince Bill to change his mind?
Answer the following questions in 80-100 words:

1. One should take pride in one’s profession. Comment upon the statement in the context of the story
‘Keeping It from Harold’.
Or
Are Mrs and Mr Bramble justified in not taking pride in their profession. Do you agree? Give
reasons for your answer.
2. Harold is considered to be fond of only intellectual activities. He proves to be much
 3. Jerry Fisher, in his pursuit to unravel the secret that the Brambles had hidden so long from Harold,
actually helped the Bramble family. Discuss.
4. As Harold, express year feelings in a diary entry in 80-100 words on learning about your father’s
profession.
Extract 1:
“Goodness know I’ve never liked your profession, Bill, but there is this to be said for it, that it’s earned you
good money and made it possible for us to give Harold as good an education as any duke ever had, I’m sure.
a. What profession is being talked about?
b. Who is the speaker?
c. What has prompted the speaker to say this?
Extract 2:
Before him on the tablecloth lay an open book. His powerful brain was plainly busy.
a. Who is he referred to here?
b. What kind of person he is?
c. Give the meaning of‘plainly’.

CHAPTER- 5 Best Seller

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. Who is the protagonist in the story, and what is his occupation?

2. What is Pescud’s opinion about best-selling novels and their typical plots?

3. How does Pescud describe himself, and what are his beliefs about life and behavior in one’s home
town?
4. How does Pescud introduce himself to Jessie, the girl he is interested in?
5. What is Colonel Allyn’s initial reaction to Pescud’s visit, and how does the conversation evolve
between them?
6. How does Pescud react to Jessie’s revelation of her name, and what does he promise to do?
7. What is the reason behind Pescud’s decision to get off the train at Coketown?
8. What motivates Pescud to travel to Philadelphia, and how does it relate to Jessie’s preferences?
9. How does Pescud’s decision to gather petunias for Jessie reflect his understanding of her likes and
dislikes?
10. In the end, what does Pescud’s choice to live in the East End signify about his priorities and values?

Answer the following questions in 80-100 words:

1. Who is the secondary character that significantly influences Pescud’s journey, and what role do they
play in the narrative?
2. How does the setting, particularly Elmcroft, contribute to the overall atmosphere and themes in the
story?
3. What challenges does Pescud encounter during his pursuit of Jessie, and how do these challenges
shape his character?
Extract 1:
‘My chair-car was profitably well-filled with people of the kind one usually sees on chair-cars. Most of them
were ladies in brown-silk dresses cut with square yokes, with lace insertion and dotted veils, who refused to
have the windows raised. Then there was the usual number of men who looked as if they might be in almost
any business and going almost anywhere. I leaned back idly in chair No. 7, and looked with tepidest
curiosity at the small, black, bald-spotted head just visible above the back of No.9.’
a. What is the significance of the term “tepidest curiosity” in describing the narrator’s observation of the
 passengers?
b. How are the ladies on the chair-car dressed?
c. What is the author’s attitude or tone in describing the scene
d. Why did the ladies refuse to have the windows raised?
e. How does the author use humor or irony in describing the best-selling novel being discarded by No.
Extract 2:
‘During my acquaintance with him earlier I had never known his views on life, romance, literature and
ethics. We had browsed, during our meetings, on local topics and then parted.Now I was to get more of his
ideas. By way of facts, he told me that business had picked up since the party conventions and that he was
going to get off at Coketown.’
a. How does the narrator’s past acquaintance with John A. Pescud differ from the current situation, and
what does this suggest about the evolving nature of their relationship?
b. How did the author and John A. Pescud typically spend their time together?
c. What change in the narrative tone or atmosphere is signaled by the statement, “Now I was to get more
of his ideas”?
d. In what ways might the narrator’s eagerness to learn more about Pescud’s ideas reflect a broader theme
or motif in the story?
e. What might be the implications of Pescud and the author avoiding discussions on life, romance,
literature, and ethics in their earlier interactions?

DRAMA- 1. Villa For Sale

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. How did Juliette’s neighbourhood react to the “for sale” sign? Is the response what Juliette expected?
2. Why does Juliette say, “I begin to feel as though it no longer belongs to me”?
3. What does Juliette mean by, “For fifteen years everybody has had money at the same time and has
wanted to sell. Now nobody has any money and nobody wants to buy.”?
4. What sort of relationship could exist between Juliette and the maid? Justify your answer.
Answer the following questions in 80-100 words:

1. Discuss the character of Juliette.

2. Comment on the character of Jeanne.
3. As Juliette, write a diary entry the day you find out how Gaston has tricked you.

Extract 1:
“But the sign has been hanging on the gate for over a month now and
I am beginning to be afraid that the day
I bought it was when I was the real fool.”
a. What is Juliette trying to do?
b. Why is Juliette disappointed?
c. Why does she call herself a fool?

Extract 2:
“Mind you, if someone had bought it on the very day I placed it for sale, then I might have felt sorry because
I would have wondered if hadn’t been a fool to sell at all. ”
 a. How long ago had the speaker put up her villa for sale?
b. Why would she have considered herself a fool if she had managed to sell it on the day she put up the
notice?
c. In what way is her remark ironic?

DRAMA- 2. The Bishop Candlesticks

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. What makes Persome angry with Marie?

2. How does the convict behave when he encounters the Bishop?
3. Why was the convict caught and imprisoned?
4. Why does the convict call the prison a hell?
5. Who was Jeanette? What was the cause of her death?
6. Why does the Bishop lie to the Sergeant?
7. Do you justify the Bishop’s behaviour in not handing over the convict to the police?
8. What brings about real transformation in the convict?
9. Do you think the punishment given to the convict was justified? Why/ Why not?
10. Before leaving, the convict asks the Bishop to bless him. What brought about this change in him?

Answer the following questions in 80-100 words:

1. ‘It is easy to close the doors but difficult to open a window.’ Comment with reference to the play ‘The
Bishop’s Candlesticks’
2. ‘Minds are open only when hearts are open. Keeping this in mind, the Bishop’s house had
unshuttered windows and unbarred doors for thirty years. Discuss.
3. The prison is meant for reformation, not punishment. Justify this statement with reference to the
lesson ‘The Bishop’s Candlesticks’.
4. Bishop’s character encompasses vibrant colours of compassion. Discuss.
5. Persome is more practical than the Bishop. Discuss.
6. The Convict goes to Paris, sells the silver candlesticks and starts a business. The business prospers and
he starts a reformatory for ex-convicts. He writes a letter to the Bishop telling him of this reformatory
and seeks his blessings. As the convict, John, write a letter to the Bishop.
Extract 1:
“Persome: And now my beautiful-beautiful (sob) salt-cellars. (She breaks down crying.)
Marie: Madam, I am sorry, if I had known
Persome: Sorry, and why pray? If Monseigneur the Bishop chooses to sell his salt-cellars he may do so, I
suppose. Go and wash your hands, they are disgracefully dirty.
Bishop: Ah! how nice and warm! It is worth going out in the cold for the sake of
the comfort of coming in.
Bishop: Thank you, dear. (Looking at her.) Why, what is the matter ? You have been
crying. Has Marie been troublesome, eh ?”
1. What reason does Persome give for their desperate situation?
a) The Bishop has become ill.
b) They have a large debt to pay.
c) The Bishop has been extravagant with his charity.
 d) All of the above
2. How does the Bishop react upon entering the scene?
a) He notices Persome’s distress immediately.
b) He is unaware of the tension in the room.
c) He is preoccupied with the cold weather.
d) He scolds Persome for her appearance.
3. Choose the most appropriate meaning of the word “Monseigneur”.
a) A supreme religious and political leader
b) A title before the name of a French prince or other dignitary
c) A title for a married Frenchwoman
d) A title for an unmarried person
4. Who is Persome?
a) Bishop’s wife
b) Bishop’s sister
c) Bishop’s daughter
d) Bishop’s niece
5. Based on the extract, what can you infer about the Bishop’s relationship with Persome?
a) He is oblivious to her struggles and feelings.
b) He is aware of her distress but chooses to ignore it.
c) He is concerned about her but feels helpless to help.
d) He is dismissive.

Extract 2:
“Persome : You told him she was feeling poorly did you? And so my brother is to be kept out
of his bed, and go without his supper because you told him she was feeling poorly. There’s
gratitude for you!
Marie: Madam, the soup is boiling!
Persome: Then pour it out, fool, and don’t chatter.No, no, not like that. Here, let me do it, and do you put
the salt-cellars on the table-the silver ones.
Marie: The silver ones, Madam?
Persome: Yes, the silver ones. Are you deaf as well as stupid?
Marie: They are sold, madam.
Persome: Sold! (with horror) Sold! Are you mad? Who sold them? Why were they sold?”

1. Who is Persome referring to when she says “my brother” in the first line?
a) The Convict
b) The Bishop
c) A priest at the church
d) None of the above
2. Why is Persome upset with Marie in the beginning?
a) Marie forgot to make soup.
b) Marie told the Bishop about her mother’s illness.
c) Marie sold the silver salt-cellars without permission.
d) Marie spoke back to Persome.
3. What is the likely reason Persome is horrified that the salt-cellars were sold?
a) They were family heirlooms.
b) They were very valuable.
 c) The Bishop needed them for a ceremony.
d) They were a gift from Monseigneur Gervais.
4. Who is Marie?
a) The househelp at bishop’s house
b) The landlady
c) A visitor
d) A distant relative

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