Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 5: ICSE Class 9 English Language/Grammar (Total English) solved which comprises Time and Tense – II, Paragraph Writing, Letters to Newspapers and Practice Paper – 5. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
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Time and Tense – II
Assignment 1
Change the words in brackets to either the Simple Past or the Past Continuous Tense:
1. He………….(read) a newspaper when I ………… (see) him.
Answer: He was reading a newspaper when I saw him.
2. When he first………….(meet) her, she……….(work) as a typist.
Answer: When he first met her, she was working as a typist.
3. While he………..(dig) in the garden, he………(find) an old coin.
Answer: While he was digging in the garden, he found an old coin.
4. She……..(live) with her parents when the war……….(break) out.
Answer: She was living with her parents when the war broke out.
5. My sister………(cook) the meal for our guests all afternoon.
Answer: My sister was cooking the meal for our guests all afternoon.
10. I…………..(spend) a lot of money on books yesterday.
Answer: I spent a lot of money on books yesterday.
Assignment 2
Change the verbs in brackets to the Past Perfect, Past Simple or the Past Perfect Continuous Tense:
1. He………..(forget) my name, so I reminded him.
Answer: He had forgotten my name, so I reminded him.
2. After he………..(finish) his studies he…………(live) in England for two years.
Answer: After he had finished his studies, he lived in England for two years.
3. The artist…………(finish) the painting at exactly three o’clock.
Answer: The artist had finished the painting at exactly three o’clock.
4. The fire already………..(destroy) much of the building when the firemen………..(arrive).
Answer: The fire already had destroyed much of the building when the firemen arrived.
5. She………….(study) French for two years when she ………….. (go) to Paris.
Answer: She had been studying French for two years when she went to Paris.
10. She……………(cook) the meal for over an hour when we…………..(arrive) at the house.
Answer: She had been cooking the meal for over an hour when we arrived at the house.
Assignment 3
Complete the following sentences, using going to wherever possible and will or shall in other cases:
1. I………………..(read) a book tonight.
Answer: I am going to read a book tonight.
2. The sun………………..(rise) at half past five tomorrow morning.
Answer: The sun will rise at half past five tomorrow morning.
3. It is very cloudy and I am sure it…………..(rain).
Answer: It is going to rain.
4. I ……………(stay) in the town for a month.
Answer: I am going to stay in the town for a month.
5. The President………….(give) a speech tonight.
Answer: The President will give a speech tonight.
10. She……………(give) you change if you ask her.
Answer: She will give you change if you ask her.
Assignment 4
Fill in the blanks with suitable tenses of the verbs given in brackets:
1. They……………(drink) coffee when I arrived.
Answer: They were drinking coffee when I arrived.
2. When you arrive, you…………..(travel) for two days.
Answer: When you arrive, you will have been traveling for two days.
3. After I……………(wash) the car, I put it in the garage.
Answer: After I had washed the car, I put it in the garage.
4. She often………………(play) tennis.
Answer: She often plays tennis.
5. While he …………… (read) the milk boiled over.
Answer: While he was reading, the milk boiled over.
6. He………….. (work) in Kolkata for three years now.
Answer: He has been working in Kolkata for three years now.
7. Ravi thinks he……………. (lose) his watch on the road.
Answer: Ravi thinks he has lost his watch on the road.
8. You………….(stay) here until you apologise.
Answer: You will stay here until you apologise.
15. Although the event happened thirty years ago, he still………..(recall) it clearly.
Answer: Although the event happened thirty years ago, he still recalls it clearly.
Paragraph Writing
Write a paragraph of about 80 words on any one of the following sentences:
1. Good health is the most precious of all possessions.
Answer: Good health is the foundation of a happy and fulfilling life. Without it, even the greatest wealth and achievements lose their meaning. It allows us to pursue our goals, enjoy time with loved ones, and tackle life’s challenges with energy and resilience. Maintaining good health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper rest is essential. Indeed, good health is a treasure that enables us to live our lives to the fullest.
2. Sunday is my favourite day of the week.
Answer: Sunday is my favourite day because it brings relaxation and joy. It’s a break from the busy routine of the week, allowing time to rest and rejuvenate. I love starting the day with a leisurely breakfast, spending quality time with my family, and indulging in my hobbies. Sundays are perfect for unwinding with a good book or enjoying a long walk. This special day gives me the energy and motivation to face the week ahead with enthusiasm.
Letters to Newspapers
Assignment
1. Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper on the impact of a flyover being built in the colony.
Answer:
To
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi
Subject: Concerns Over Flyover Construction in Shanti Nagar Colony
Date: December 5, 2024
Dear Sir/Madam,
I write to highlight the challenges faced by Shanti Nagar residents due to the ongoing flyover construction linking Vivek Vihar to Yamuna Bridge.
The relentless noise, dust, and road diversions have disrupted daily life, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues. Local businesses are suffering, with reduced customer footfall threatening their survival. Moreover, emergency vehicles face delays, and residents struggle with chaotic traffic and longer commutes.
While we support development, immediate measures like limiting work hours, dust control, and alternative routes are essential. A community consultation would further help address grievances.
Kindly publish this letter to prompt authorities into action.
Yours sincerely,
Amitesh Gupta
President, Shanti Nagar RWA
House No. 14, Shanti Nagar Colony
New Delhi – 110093
(ii) Write a letter to your local newspaper giving your views on public transport.
(iii) Write a letter to a newspaper against the violence in films. You should also suggest what you expect to see in a film.
Answer:
To
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
New Delhi
Subject: Addressing the Prevalence of Violence in Films
Date: December 5, 2024
Dear Sir/Madam,
I wish to express my concern about the rising depiction of violence in films, which is influencing audiences, particularly impressionable young minds, in harmful ways.
While creative freedom is essential, the glorification of graphic violence often promotes aggression, desensitizes viewers, and fosters a culture of intolerance. This trend not only affects societal behavior but also limits the potential of cinema to educate and inspire.
I urge filmmakers to prioritize meaningful storytelling, positive role models, and themes of hope, resilience, and community building. Films that celebrate values like compassion, diversity, and social harmony can leave a lasting impact on viewers. Genres like family dramas, comedies, and narratives exploring human struggles and triumphs deserve more focus.
The responsibility lies not only with filmmakers but also with censor boards, producers, and viewers to demand content that uplifts rather than instills fear or aggression.
I hope my views will encourage stakeholders in the industry to rethink their approach and contribute to a cinema culture that enriches society.
Yours sincerely,
Rohit Sharma
B-45, Green Park
New Delhi – 110016
Practice Paper – 5
Question 1
1. Write a story which justifies the theme: ‘Once bitten twice shy.’
Answer: Once bitten twice shy
Ravi was an adventurous young man with an insatiable curiosity. He had always been the kind of person who trusted easily and loved taking risks. One summer afternoon, while walking through the marketplace, he was approached by a well-dressed man who introduced himself as Rajesh. Rajesh spoke eloquently and offered Ravi an irresistible business opportunity that promised huge returns. Without much thought, Ravi invested his savings into the scheme.
Days turned into weeks, and the promised returns never arrived. Attempts to contact Rajesh proved futile, as his phone was switched off and his office was nowhere to be found. It was then that Ravi realized he had fallen victim to a scam. The loss of his hard-earned money left him devastated, teaching him a harsh lesson about being too trusting.
Years passed, and Ravi rebuilt his financial stability with hard work and caution. One day, he encountered another person, Neha, offering a similar investment plan. This time, however, Ravi wasn’t quick to agree. He asked for detailed documentation, did thorough research, and even consulted a financial advisor before making any decisions. Though Neha’s offer turned out to be genuine, Ravi still decided to invest only a small amount initially, taking no unnecessary risks.
This incident solidified his belief in the phrase, “Once bitten, twice shy.” The painful memory of his first mistake served as a constant reminder to tread carefully in the future. While Ravi had once trusted blindly, his experience transformed him into a prudent individual, proving that lessons learned from failure can shape a wiser future.
In the end, Ravi not only regained his financial footing but also earned a reputation for being a cautious and dependable decision-maker. His story became an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of learning from past mistakes.
(ii) You were an eyewitness to a heated argument which turned into a big fight. Narrate what you felt and did at that time.
Answer: It was a bright afternoon when I decided to take a walk in the nearby park. The usual calm and serene atmosphere was disrupted by loud voices coming from a bench near the fountain. Curious, I turned to see two men engaged in a heated argument. Their aggressive gestures and raised voices quickly drew the attention of passersby, including mine.
At first, I hesitated to get involved. The argument seemed trivial, about something as insignificant as someone cutting in line at the snack stall. However, as the shouting escalated, it became evident that neither of them was willing to back down. Soon, the verbal exchange turned physical. One of them shoved the other, causing him to stumble backward, and the situation spiraled out of control.
My immediate feeling was a mix of anxiety and helplessness. The sight of grown men fighting in public was both alarming and saddening. I felt my heart racing, and my first instinct was to seek help. I quickly dialed the local police and informed them of the situation, providing details about the location and describing the individuals involved. Meanwhile, a small crowd had gathered, but no one seemed willing to intervene directly. Fearing someone could get seriously hurt, I decided to step forward cautiously.
Keeping a safe distance, I shouted for them to stop and reminded them that the authorities were on their way. Surprisingly, this seemed to calm them down momentarily, though they continued hurling insults at each other. Within minutes, a park security guard arrived, followed shortly by the police. They managed to separate the two men and take control of the situation.
Reflecting on the incident later, I realized how important it is to stay calm and act wisely in such scenarios. Although I felt uneasy and somewhat powerless at first, I am glad I acted promptly and sought help. Watching the fight unfold reminded me of the importance of managing emotions and resolving conflicts peacefully.
Answer: On a warm summer afternoon, the village school bell rang, signaling the end of another day. A group of cheerful children spilled out into the courtyard, their laughter echoing through the air. Among them were three friends—Radha, Meena, and Sita—who decided to take a shortcut through the fields to reach home.
As they walked along the narrow dirt path, they spotted a gentle cow grazing under the shade of a large neem tree. The cow belonged to a nearby farmer and was well-known in the village for its calm and friendly nature. Radha, always fond of animals, suggested they stop and greet the cow. The others hesitated but eventually agreed.
Radha offered a handful of grass to the cow, and soon, all three girls began to feed it. The cow wagged its tail happily, enjoying the attention. Meena suddenly noticed that one of the cow’s legs was tied with a loose rope, likely from when it had been tethered earlier in the day. “Poor thing! It must be uncomfortable,” she exclaimed.
Being young and adventurous, they decided to untie the rope and help the cow move freely. However, as soon as they did, the cow, startled by its newfound freedom, began to trot away. The girls panicked and ran after it, calling out for it to stop. Their shouts caught the attention of some villagers, who soon joined the chase.
Eventually, the cow stopped near a shallow stream, where it began to drink water. The villagers calmed the girls down and tied the cow securely, laughing at the commotion. The farmer, hearing the story later, thanked the girls for their good intentions and reminded them that even kindness requires caution.
The incident became a memorable tale in the village, with the girls learning an important lesson: while helping others is admirable, it’s equally important to think things through.
Question 2
1. Write a letter to the Director of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) requesting him/her to rectify the damage caused to a famous historical monument in your city due to negligence of both visitors and civics authorities. Give a brief description of the damage.
Answer:
To
The Director
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
24, Tilak Marg
New Delhi – 110001
Subject: Request for Restoration of Damage to Red Fort Due to Negligence
Date: December 5, 2024
Dear Sir/Madam,
I write to bring to your attention the deteriorating condition of the iconic Red Fort in Delhi, caused by the negligence of both visitors and civic authorities.
Several sections of the fort’s walls exhibit alarming cracks due to unchecked vandalism, including carvings and graffiti by irresponsible visitors. Littering within the premises is rampant, diminishing the sanctity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, the civic authorities have failed to ensure regular maintenance, leading to moss growth and damaged pathways that further endanger the structure and its surroundings.
The Red Fort is not only a historical treasure but also a symbol of India’s heritage and pride. Its neglect sends a poor message to both citizens and international tourists. I request your esteemed office to take immediate action by initiating repairs, enhancing security, and launching awareness campaigns to preserve this monument. Regular cleaning and stringent penalties for defacing property could go a long way in protecting it.
I trust ASI’s commitment to heritage preservation will ensure that the Red Fort is restored to its former glory and safeguarded for future generations.
Yours sincerely,
Aarti Singh
G-12, Rajendra Nagar
New Delhi – 110060
(ii) Write a letter to your sister describing the medical camp, which was organised in your school, for an annual health check-up and the advice given to you about the lifestyle changes required to lead a healthy life.
Answer:
G-14, Shanti Apartments
Jaipur
December 5, 2024
Dear Priya,
I hope this letter finds you in great health and spirits. I wanted to share something interesting that happened in school last week—a medical camp was organized for our annual health check-up, and it turned out to be quite enlightening.
The camp was set up in our school auditorium, where a team of doctors and nurses examined us thoroughly. They checked our height, weight, vision, dental health, and even conducted a few basic fitness tests. After my check-up, the doctor gave me some useful advice to improve my lifestyle.
He emphasized the importance of regular exercise, suggesting I include at least 30 minutes of brisk walking or yoga daily. He also advised me to cut down on junk food and eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Staying hydrated and maintaining a regular sleep schedule were other key recommendations.
I realized how small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in staying healthy and energetic. I’ve decided to take his advice seriously and plan to start a morning walk routine soon. You should try it too—it’s always better to stay proactive about our health!
Write back and let me know how you’ve been. I’d love to hear about what’s new with you.
Take care and stay healthy!
With love,
Riya
Question 3
(i) You are the Head Boy/Girl of your school. Write a notice to be displayed at the school notice board requesting the students of Classes VI to X to submit their names to participate in various events to be held on the occasion of the Founders Day of your school.
Answer:
Bright Future Academy
NOTICE
Date: 25th November 2024
Founders Day Events Participation
All students of Classes VI to X are hereby informed that our school will be celebrating its Founders Day on 10th December 2024 with a variety of events and activities. Interested students are encouraged to participate in the following events:
- Dance and Music Performances
- Athletic Sports Competitions
- Science and Art Exhibitions
- Inter-class Quiz and Debate
Students willing to participate are requested to submit their names to their class teachers by 1st December 2024. For any queries, feel free to contact the undersigned during school hours.
Let’s make this Founders Day a grand success with your enthusiasm and talent!
Ria Mehta
Head Girl
Bright Future Academy
(ii) Write an email to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of your school, requesting him/her to be the Guest of Honour at the Founders Day celebrations and felicitate the meritorious students.
Answer:
Subject: Invitation to Be Guest of Honour at Founders Day Celebrations
Dear Mr. Rajesh Malhotra,
I hope this email finds you in the best of health and spirits. On behalf of the students and staff of ABC International School, I am delighted to extend a formal invitation to you to be the Guest of Honour for our Founders Day Celebrations, scheduled to be held on December 20, 2024, at the school auditorium in Saket, New Delhi.
The event will showcase a variety of cultural performances and achievements, celebrating the rich legacy of our institution. We would be deeply honoured if you could felicitate our meritorious students who have excelled academically and in extracurricular activities. Your presence and words of encouragement would serve as a great inspiration to all attendees, especially the students.
We kindly request you to confirm your availability at your earliest convenience so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Looking forward to your positive response.
Warm regards,
Ritika Mehra
Head Girl
ABC International School
New Delhi
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: That all men are created equal. I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream that one day down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, that one day right down in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I will go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning, “My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrims’ pride. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.”
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage):
1. desolate (line 2)
Answer: (c) bleak
2. exalted (line-19)
Answer: (b) elevated
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) What is ‘Now the time to do?
Answer: Now is the time to fulfill the promises of democracy, rise above segregation, and establish justice and equality for all people.
(b) What does the speaker dream about Georgia?
Answer: The speaker dreams of a day when the descendants of slaves and slave owners in Georgia can sit together in unity and brotherhood.
(c) What does the speaker wish for his own children?
Answer: The speaker wishes for his children to live in a nation where they are judged by their character rather than the color of their skin.
(d) What is the speaker’s faith with which he intends to ‘go back south’?
Answer: The speaker has faith that unity and collective action will transform despair into hope and discord into harmony, ultimately achieving freedom and justice for all.
(e) In your opinion, which part of this speech is relevant today?
Answer: The dream of eradicating racial injustice and fostering unity remains highly relevant today as societies continue to grapple with inequality and discrimination.
(iv) In not more than 50 words, state the speaker’s dream for his people and country.
Answer: The speaker dreams of a nation where equality prevails, justice replaces oppression, and people are judged by character, not skin color. He envisions harmony, with former oppressors and the oppressed uniting as brothers and sisters. His faith promises freedom, hope, and a future of shared liberty for all.
Question 5
(i) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
Example: (0) stripped
There stood the oak, ….0…. (strip) of all its leaves, ….1…. (leave) to rest during the whole of a long winter, and to dream many dreams of events that ….2…. (happen) in its life, as in the dreams of men. According to human computation, it was now in the fourth century of its…3… (exist). It was the ….4…. (large) and best tree in the forest. Its summit ….5…. (tower) above all the other trees, and could be seen far out at sea, so that it served as a landmark to the sailors. It had no idea how many eyes ….6…. (look) eagerly for it. In its topmost branches the wood-pigeon ….7… (build) her nest, and the cuckoo carried out his usual vocal performances, and his well-known notes ….8…. (echo) amid the boughs.
Answer:
- left
- had happened
- existence
- largest
- towered
- looked
- built
- echoed
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) The old lady soon got………over………her illness.
Answer: over
(b) I heard the news………on………the radio.
Answer: on
(c) He is………on………the school committee.
Answer: on
(d) I did not find it difficult to cope………with………mathematics.
Answer: with
(e) Some people quarrel………over………silly matters.
Answer: over
(f) I will come back………at………six o’clock.
Answer: at
(g) The epidemic broke………out………in 2022.
Answer: out
(h) What are they talking………about………?
Answer: about
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. Raji is very silly. She will believe anything.
(a) Raji is too silly to believe anything.
(b) Raji is silly to believe anything.
(c) Raji is not silly to believe anything.
(d) Raji can be so silly to believe anything.
Answer: (b) Raji is silly to believe anything.
2. A deer defends its young ones. It fights with courage.
(a) A dear fight with courage to defend its young ones.
(b) A deer fights with courage to defend its young ones.
(c) Only a deer can fight with courage to defend its young ones.
(d) A deer who defend its young ones fights with courage.
Answer: (b) A deer fights with courage to defend its young ones.
3. We have to water the plants. Otherwise they will
(a) We have to water the plants for they will die.
(b) Water the plants before they will die.
(c) Unless we water the plants, they will die.
(d) The plants will die without water.
Answer: (c) Unless we water the plants, they will die.
4 The lawyer was clever. We hired the lawyer.
(a) The lawyer we hired was clever.
(b) Clever as he was, we hired the lawyer.
(c) The lawyer hired by us was clever.
(d) We hired the lawyer as he was clever.
Answer: (a) The lawyer we hired was clever.
Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions after each sentence.
1. When their parents died their uncle took care of them. (Use: brought up)
(a) After their parents’ death, they were brought up by their uncle.
(b) When their parents died, their uncle had them brought up.
(c) When their uncle brought them up, their parents had died.
(d) As soon as their parents died, they were brought up by their uncle.
Answer: (a) After their parents’ death, they were brought up by their uncle.
2. How foolish of me to forget his name! (Begin with: It was …)
(a) It was rather foolish to forget his name.
(b) It was foolish of me to forget his name.
(c) It was foolish though I forget his name.
(d) It was foolish of me that I have forget his name.
Answer: (b) It was foolish of me to forget his name.
3. We are preparing for his birthday. (Begin with: Preparations …)
(a) Preparations are being made by us for his birthday.
(b) Preparations are to be made for his birthday by us.
(c) Preparations are in the making by us for his birthday.
(d) Preparations are on for his birthday by us.
Answer: (a) Preparations are being made by us for his birthday.
4. He could never have imagined that he would be the General Manager. (Begin with: Never…)
(a) Never that he imagined would be the General Manager.
(b) Never imagined by him to become the General Manager.
(c) Never could he ever imagine he would be the General Manager.
(d) Never could he imagine that he would be the General Manager.
Answer: (d) Never could he imagine that he would be the General Manager.
5. You may pay him a great deal of money; nevertheless, he will not work any (Begin with: However much …)
(a) However much you paid him, he will not work any harder.
(b) However much you pay him, he will not work any harder.
(c) However much you pay, unless he works hard.
(d) However much you pay him, nevertheless he will not work any harder.
Answer: (b) However much you pay him, he will not work any harder.
8. He assumed that you would be present at the wedding. (Use: granted)
(a) He took it for granted, your presence at the wedding.
(b) He took it for granted for you to be present at the wedding.
(c) He took it for granted that you will be present at the wedding.
(d) He took it for granted you being present at the wedding..
Answer: (c) He took it for granted that you will be present at the wedding.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
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