Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 10: ICSE Class 9 English Language/Grammar (Total English) workbook solved which comprises Direct and Indirect Speech, Narrative Composition, Summary Writing-Objectives, and Practice Paper – 10. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
Direct and Indirect Speech
ASSIGNMENT
Change each of the following sentences into INDIRECT SPEECH.
A. Statements
1. I promised him: “I will never do it again.”
Answer: I promised him that I would never do it again.
Explanation: Imagine you made a promise yesterday. The word “promised” is in the past. So, when you tell someone about that promise today, you have to change the words a little. The word “will” from yesterday becomes “would” today. The person speaking (“I”) is still the same, so “I” stays as “I”.
2. The newspapers say: “The President died yesterday.”
Answer: The newspapers say that the President died yesterday.
Explanation: The word “say” means the newspapers are reporting this right now. Because it’s happening now, we don’t need to change the tense. What they said stays exactly the same. We just add the word “that” to connect the sentences smoothly.
3. He announced: “The show will go on.”
Answer: He announced that the show would go on.
Explanation: The word “announced” tells us this happened in the past. Because it’s in the past, we need to change the verb. The word “will” changes to its past-time partner, “would”.
4. The television predicted: “It may rain tomorrow.”
Answer: The television predicted that it might rain the next day.
Explanation: The word “predicted” is a past tense verb. So, we need to make two changes. First, the word “may” changes to its past form, “might”. Second, the word “tomorrow” is about the future from a past time. So, we change it to “the next day”.
5. The manager told us: “If you work overtime, you will get the bonus.”
Answer: The manager told us that if we worked overtime, we would get the bonus.
Explanation: The manager “told” us this in the past. He was talking to “us”, so the word “you” becomes “we”. Since it’s in the past, the verbs also need to take a step back in time. “work” becomes “worked”, and “will get” becomes “would get”.
B. Questions
1. The students asked: “Can’t we go with him?”
Answer: The students asked if they could not go with him.
Explanation: This is a question, so we use the word “asked”. Because it’s a yes/no question, we add the word “if”. We are talking about the “students”, so “we” changes to “they”. The verb “can’t” changes to its past form, “couldn’t” (or “could not”).
2. The gardener asked me: “When shall I prune the roses?”
Answer: The gardener asked me when he should prune the roses.
Explanation: This is a “When” question, so we keep the word “when”. The gardener (“I”) is a “he”, so we change “I” to “he”. The verb “shall” changes to its past-time partner, “should”. We also rearrange the words to make it a statement instead of a question.
3. The police officer asked the students: “What would you have done, if I had not arrived in time?”
Answer: The police officer asked the students what they would have done if he had not arrived in time.
Explanation: This is a “What” question, so we keep the word “what”. The officer was talking to the “students”, so “you” becomes “they”. The officer was talking about himself, so “I” becomes “he”. The verbs in this sentence (“would have done” and “had not arrived”) are special and they don’t change when we report them.
4. John wondered: “Have they seen the document yet?”
Answer: John wondered if they had seen the document yet.
Explanation: The reporting word is “wondered”. Since the question can be answered with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’, we use the word “if”. The verb “have seen” is in the present, so we change it to its past form, “had seen”.
5. He said to us, “Are you going to school today?”
Answer: He asked us if we were going to school that day.
Explanation: When a question is asked, “said to” changes to “asked”. It’s a yes/no question, so we use “if”. He was talking to “us”, so “you” becomes “we”. The verb “are going” changes to “were going”, and the time word “today” changes to “that day” because we are talking about a day in the past.
C. Commands And Requests
1. The psychologist advised them: “Keep the child in a peaceful environment!”
Answer: The psychologist advised them to keep the child in a peaceful environment.
Explanation: Imagine someone tells you, “Do this!” When you tell someone else what they said, you say, “They told me to do this.” We change the command word “Keep” into “to keep.” The reporting verb “advised” is already given, so we just connect it to the action using “to”.
2. They warned us: “Do not go near the flooded river!”
Answer: They warned us not to go near the flooded river.
Explanation: When someone tells you, “Don’t do that!”, and you report it, you say, “They warned me not to do that.” The negative command “Do not go” changes to “not to go.” We put “not” before the “to” part to show it’s a negative command.
3. The police said: “Everyone must stay indoors.”
Answer: The police ordered that everyone must stay indoors.
Explanation: The police aren’t just saying something; they are giving an order. So, we change “said” to “ordered.” Because this is a strong rule for everyone, we use the word “that” to connect the order. The word “must” stays the same because it shows a very strong obligation that doesn’t change.
4. The singer requested: “Everyone in the audience, sing along with me!”
Answer: The singer requested everyone in the audience to sing along with him/her.
Explanation: The singer is asking people to do something. The command “sing” becomes “to sing.” Also, when the singer says “me,” they are talking about themselves. When we report it, we have to change “me” to “him” or “her” because we are now talking about the singer.
5. The speaker said: “Listen carefully to my lecture!”
Answer: The speaker instructed them to listen carefully to his/her lecture.
Explanation: The speaker is giving an instruction, so we can change “said” to a better word like “instructed.” The command “Listen” becomes “to listen.” The speaker says “my lecture,” but when we report it, it’s not our lecture, it’s the speaker’s. So, “my” changes to “his” or “her.” We also add an object like “them” because the speaker was talking to people.
D. Exclamations And Wishes
1. The politician advised the citizens: “Vote only for my party!”
Answer: The politician advised the citizens to vote only for his party.
Explanation: Imagine the politician is giving an order or strong advice. When we report this, we don’t use quotation marks. We change the command verb “Vote” into an infinitive, which means we put “to” in front of it, making it “to vote”. The reporting verb “advised” is already perfect for this situation. Since the politician is talking about himself, “my party” changes to “his party”.
2. Father said to the son, “Harsh listen to what I say!”
Answer: Father ordered his son, Harsh, to listen to what he said.
Explanation: This is another command. The father is telling his son what to do. We change the reporting verb “said to” to something stronger like “ordered” or “told”. The command “listen” becomes “to listen”. The pronoun “I” changes to “he” because we are now talking about the father. Also, because the main action (“ordered”) happened in the past, the verb “say” also needs to go into the past, becoming “said”.
3. My uncle said, “Alas! He should have followed my advice.”
Answer: My uncle exclaimed with sorrow that he should have followed his advice.
Explanation: “Alas!” is a word that shows sadness or regret. To report this, we get rid of “Alas!” and change the reporting verb “said” to something that shows the feeling, like “exclaimed with sorrow” or “regretted”. We then add the word “that” to connect the two parts of the sentence. The pronoun “my” changes to “his” because we are talking about the uncle’s advice. The phrase “should have followed” does not change.
4. Father said, “Thank God! The doctor has finally come to see you.”
Answer: Father thanked God that the doctor had finally come to see me.
Explanation: The phrase “Thank God!” shows relief or gratitude. We can report this by using the verb “thanked”. So, “Father said, ‘Thank God!'” becomes “Father thanked God”. We add “that” to join the sentence. Because the reporting verb (“thanked”) is in the past, the verb inside the speech must also go back in time. So, “has come” (Present Perfect) changes to “had come” (Past Perfect). The pronoun “you” changes to “me” (assuming the father was speaking to the person who is now telling the story).
5. She said to me, “Thank you for the computer!”
Answer: She thanked me for the computer.
Explanation: This is a very simple one. When someone says “Thank you,” we can report it directly by using the verb “thanked”. The phrase “She said to me, ‘Thank you…'” is shortened to the much simpler “She thanked me…”. The reason for the thanks, “for the computer,” stays the same.
Narrative Composition
ASSIGNMENT
Write a composition on any one of the following:
(i) Riding on a bicycle on a country road with your friends, you hear the announcement that a person wearing a red cap and pink shirt has stolen a bicycle and has disappeared with it. After some time you see a person wearing a red cap and pink shirt riding desperately on a bicycle. Your friends suggest to follow him. Write an account of your reactions and any subsequent adventure.
Answer: The Chase of the Wrong Suspect
The sun was warm on our backs as my friends, Ajay and Rohan, and I pedalled our bicycles along the quiet country road. The afternoon was peaceful, a welcome change from our daily routine. Our calm was suddenly interrupted by a crackling announcement from a loudspeaker on a passing vehicle: “Attention residents! A bicycle has been reported stolen. The suspect was seen wearing a red cap and a pink shirt.” We looked at each other, finding the sudden drama amusing.
We continued our ride, joking about becoming vigilantes. Not ten minutes later, as we rounded a sharp bend, we saw him. A man in a bright red cap and a vibrant pink shirt was cycling furiously, his head down and his legs pumping. “That’s him!” Ajay whispered, his eyes wide with excitement. “We have to follow him!”
A knot of fear tightened in my stomach. “Are you serious?” I asked. “He could be a real criminal.” But my cautious words were lost on them. The thrill of a real-life chase had already taken hold of Ajay and Rohan. They were already pedalling faster, and not wanting to be left behind, I reluctantly followed.
The chase led us off the main road and onto a narrow, dusty path. The man in the pink shirt was surprisingly fast, and we struggled to keep pace. My heart pounded with a mix of fear and adrenaline. He glanced over his shoulder, saw us, and pushed himself to go even faster. Just as we thought we might lose him, his bicycle chain snapped with a loud crack, and he tumbled onto the grassy verge.
We skidded to a stop a few feet away, panting heavily. We expected him to run or fight, but instead, he just sat up, looked at his broken chain, and groaned in frustration. “Oh, no! I’m going to lose for sure now.”
Confused, I asked, “Lose what?”
He looked up at us, then down at his colourful attire, and a look of understanding dawned on his face before he broke into laughter. “You thought I was the bicycle thief, didn’t you? This is the annual village fair’s treasure hunt! The announcement was the first clue, and this outfit is my team’s uniform!”
We stood in stunned silence for a moment before we all started laughing. Our dangerous criminal was just a competitive participant in a local game. We helped him fix his chain, and he told us about the treasure hunt. Our great adventure had turned into an amusing misunderstanding. As we cycled back, we couldn’t stop talking about our brief career as detectives and the lesson we learned about jumping to conclusions.
(ii) Write an account of a religious festival at which you were present.
Answer: The Light of Togetherness
The air, thick with the scent of marigold and incense, hummed with a unique energy. From our balcony, the city below looked like a fallen piece of the night sky, with countless earthen lamps, or diyas, twinkling in every window and on every wall. It was Diwali, the festival of lights, and the excitement in our home was a tangible thing.
My younger sister, Riya, her eyes wide with anticipation, kept peeking out at the firecrackers being set off by our neighbours. “Just a few more minutes,” my mother would say, arranging sweets on a silver platter. “The puja comes first.”
Our grandfather led the evening prayer in the small temple in our home. The gentle chime of the bell and the soft chanting of hymns created a serene atmosphere, a stark contrast to the celebratory chaos outside. As Grandma lit another diya to place on the altar, its flame flickered and danced dangerously close to a silk curtain. For a moment, a collective gasp filled the room. Before any of us could react, Grandfather calmly reached out and moved the lamp to a safer spot. He simply smiled and said, “Even light needs guidance.” His quiet presence always had a way of bringing peace.
After the prayers and a feast of delicious food, the moment Riya had been waiting for finally arrived. We went to the terrace, armed with boxes of sparklers, flower pots, and rockets. The night sky erupted in a cascade of colours. Riya squealed with delight as I helped her light a sparkler, its golden sparks showering around us. My father showed us how to safely light a ‘chakri’, which spun on the ground like a fiery wheel, casting intricate patterns in the darkness.
We were not just lighting fireworks; we were creating memories together. The loud bangs were punctuated by laughter and cheerful shouts. Looking at the happy faces of my family, illuminated by the flashing lights, I understood that Diwali was more than just a tradition. It was about the warmth of being together, the joy of shared moments, and the light that family brings into our lives, a light far brighter and more lasting than any firework.
(iii) Write an account of an event which has happened during the last year, and which you feel has affected the destiny of your country.
Answer: When India Touched the Moon
The air on August 23, 2023, was thick with a unique mixture of anxiety and hope. Across the nation, in living rooms, classrooms, and public squares, millions of eyes were fixed on screens, watching the live feed from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The final fifteen minutes of the Chandrayaan-3 lander’s descent to the lunar south pole were underway. This was more than just a space mission; it was a moment that held the collective breath of a nation, a moment poised to alter the course of our country’s destiny.
The memory of the previous mission’s heartbreaking end, just moments from success, lingered in everyone’s mind. This time, however, the silence in the ISRO control room was one of intense focus, not fear. As the lander, Vikram, performed its complex braking manoeuvres, a nation prayed. Then, the voice of the mission director cut through the tension, confirming a soft landing. An eruption of joy swept through the country. Strangers hugged each other on the streets, sweets were distributed, and the tricolour waved from every corner. We had not just reached the moon; we had become the first nation to land on its challenging south pole.
This single event has fundamentally shifted India’s trajectory. On the world stage, it cemented our position as a major space power, not with borrowed technology, but with homegrown ingenuity and perseverance. It opened new avenues for scientific research and economic opportunities in the burgeoning space industry. The world, which often viewed our nation through a narrow lens, was forced to see us as a hub of innovation and technical skill.
More importantly, the landing reshaped our national consciousness. For millions of young Indians, it was a powerful demonstration that no dream is too big. The images of the ISRO scientists, celebrating their success with quiet dignity, became an inspiration. It fostered a renewed sense of pride and self-belief, a conviction that we can achieve the extraordinary. The success of Chandrayaan-3 was not just a scientific milestone; it was a declaration. It was the moment India told the world, and more importantly, itself, that its destiny is not to follow, but to lead. The dust that settled on the lunar surface that day marked the beginning of a new chapter for India.
(iv) An evening walk, looked forward to with enthusiasm, turns out to be a disaster. Write a real or imaginary account of such an occurrence.
Answer: Lost in the Pines
All week, I had been looking forward to my evening walk on Saturday. The plan was simple: a long, peaceful stroll through the pine forest that bordered our town, with my dog, Leo, for company. When Saturday evening arrived, the sky was a clear, brilliant blue, and a cool breeze promised relief from the day’s heat. With a sense of happy anticipation, I clipped the leash onto Leo’s collar, and we set off.
The first hour was perfect. The setting sun filtered through the tall pine trees, creating long, dancing shadows on the forest floor. Leo, a golden retriever with endless energy, bounded ahead, chasing squirrels and sniffing at every interesting scent. The path was familiar, and I walked with a light step, enjoying the silence and the fresh, pine-scented air. I decided to explore a smaller, less-used trail that branched off the main path, thinking it would be a small adventure.
That was my first mistake. The trail, which started out clear, soon became overgrown and difficult to follow. I told myself the main path must be just ahead. Suddenly, the sky, which had been so clear moments before, turned a menacing shade of grey. The wind picked up, howling through the trees, and a cold, heavy rain began to fall. Within minutes, I was completely soaked and shivering. Leo whined and pressed close to my leg. Panic began to set in as I realised I was lost. Every direction looked the same—a dark, wet, and forbidding wall of trees.
The pleasant walk had turned into a nightmare. Darkness fell quickly, and the rain was relentless. I stumbled over roots and slipped in the mud, my enthusiasm replaced by a growing fear. After what felt like an eternity of wandering aimlessly, I saw a faint light through the trees. Hope surged through me. Leo and I half-ran, half-stumbled towards it, and emerged onto a road. It was the main highway, miles from where I had started. A passing car, seeing my drenched and miserable state, stopped and the kind driver gave me and Leo a ride home. As I sat in the warm car, I knew my disastrous evening walk was an adventure I would never forget, and a lesson in not straying from the known path.
Summary Writing-Objectives
ASSIGNMENT
Read the following passage and summarise the disadvantages of living in a city.
City dwellers pay dearly for the doubtful privilege of living in a city. They pay exorbitantly for accommodation which is frequently inferior to the counterparts in rural areas. They spend huge sums on food which they could have grown for themselves in a village or rural ‘town’ and they waste what little is left on expensive entertainments, which they would have no need for in a rural area. In addition to the financial cost, they also pay dearly in terms of physical and mental health as their bodies and minds are threatened daily by pollution, accidents, robbery, violence and the diseases caused by overcrowding.
Answer: Living in a city has many disadvantages. People pay very high rent for houses that are often of poor quality. They spend large amounts on food that could be grown cheaply in villages. They also waste money on costly entertainment. Besides money, city life affects health badly. Pollution, accidents, crime, violence, and diseases from overcrowding harm both body and mind.
Practice Paper-10
ASSIGNMENT
(Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.)
Write a composition (300-350 words) on any one of the following:
1. Write an original story which illustrates the truth of the statement, “The apple does not fall far from the tree.”
Answer: Like Father, Like Son
Raghav was a quiet boy from a small town. He loved fixing old radios and clocks. His mother often said he reminded her of his father, Mohan, who worked as a mechanic. Raghav never paid much attention to these words. He thought he was just curious by nature.
Mohan had built a small workshop years ago. People trusted him because he was honest and skilled. He could repair almost anything with his hands. Raghav often sat in a corner of the workshop after school. He watched how his father handled tools, how he spoke gently to customers, and how he never gave up on a broken machine.
One day, the school announced a science fair. Students had to create a working model. Raghav decided to make a small water pump using waste materials. He collected pipes, wires, and an old motor from the workshop. For a week, he worked hard, sometimes getting frustrated when the motor did not start. Mohan did not solve the problem for him but encouraged him to keep trying.
On the day of the fair, Raghav’s pump worked perfectly. Water flowed smoothly, and his teachers were impressed. He won the first prize. At home, he ran to show his father the medal. Mohan smiled and said, “You have my hands, son.” For the first time, Raghav understood what his mother meant. He had inherited not just his father’s skills but also his patience and determination.
As the years passed, Raghav became an engineer. People often praised his talent. He would laugh and say, “The apple does not fall far from the tree.” He knew that whatever he became was shaped by the man who had once repaired bicycles and radios with steady hands and a calm heart.
2. They can, who think they can. Narrate an incident or an experience to bring out the truth of this statement.
Answer: They Can, Who Think They Can
Last year, in my school, a boy named Arjun surprised everyone. He was never good at sports. He was always the last to be picked for football. One day, our school announced an inter-school football match. No one expected Arjun to even try, but he said he wanted to join. Many laughed at him. Even his friends told him he had no chance. But he did not listen.
Arjun practised every morning. He woke up at 5 a.m. and went to the ground. He kept missing shots, but he did not stop. Our coach saw his effort and began to guide him. Slowly, he improved. He was not the fastest, but he became steady. He worked on his passes and learned how to support his teammates.
When the match day arrived, our team was nervous. The other school was strong. In the second half, the score was 1-1. In the last few minutes, one of our players got injured. The coach had no choice but to send Arjun in. Everyone thought it was over. But Arjun played calmly. He passed the ball at the right time and stayed focused. In the final minute, he got the ball close to the goal. No one believed he could score. But he kicked with full power, and the ball went in. We won the match.
The entire school cheered for Arjun. That day, he proved that belief matters more than others’ doubts. He had no special talent. What made the difference was his faith in himself and his effort. Arjun showed us that those who think they can, will surely find a way.
3. Private tuitions are a necessary evil. Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer: Private Tuitions: A Necessary Evil?
Private tuitions have become very common today. Many parents feel their children cannot do well without them. Schools alone do not seem enough. Students like Ravi and Meena from my class rush to tuition after school every day. This shows how deep the need has become. But the question remains: are private tuitions really necessary?
There is no doubt that tuitions help students. Teachers in school have to handle many children at once. They cannot give full attention to each child. In tuitions, the group is smaller. The tutor can explain lessons again in a simple way. This builds confidence. Weak students also get more practice. Marks often improve because of this extra help. Parents, too, feel relaxed as they know their children are being guided.
But there is another side. Tuitions add pressure to a child’s life. After six hours in school, more classes in the evening leave no time for rest. Children miss play, hobbies, and family time. It turns into a cycle of school and tuition with no break. Also, tuitions are costly. Not every family can afford them. This creates inequality. Those who cannot pay may feel left behind. It also makes school teaching look less important, which is unfair to hardworking school teachers.
Many students depend so much on tuition that they stop paying attention in class. They think the tutor will explain later. This is harmful in the long run. Real learning should happen in school. Private tuitions should be only for special help, not a rule for every child.
So, private tuitions may seem necessary, but they also come with many problems. They are a support, but they should not replace the real purpose of schooling. If schools improve teaching methods and if students study with discipline, the need for tuition will reduce. Till then, they remain what many call them—a necessary evil.
4. You were travelling with your family to a hill station. There was a landslide and you got stranded on the road for a night. Describe how you all managed to pass that horrible night in your car, without food and water.
Answer: Stranded on the Hill Road
Last winter, my family and I went to Manali for a holiday. We were excited about the trip. The car was full of laughter, music, and snacks. But as we moved up the hills, the weather changed. It started raining heavily. Soon after, we heard that there had been a landslide ahead. We had no choice but to stop. Huge rocks blocked the road, and traffic came to a halt.
At first, we thought it would clear in a few hours. But as night fell, we realised we would have to stay in the car. There was no food left, and we had only a little water. My younger sister, Riya, was scared. My mother tried to comfort her by telling stories. My father kept checking outside, but the road remained blocked. Other cars were also stuck, and we could see people sitting quietly inside them.
The cold grew stronger as the night went on. We wrapped ourselves in shawls and jackets. I tried to sleep but could not. The hunger made it worse, and the sound of stones still sliding down the hill was frightening. My father said we must stay calm and wait till morning. So, we all sat close together to keep warm.
Hours passed very slowly. We talked about home, our friends, and even the silly fights we had at school. Sharing those stories made us forget the discomfort for some time. By dawn, machines came to clear the rocks. We felt relief when the road opened again.
That night in the car taught me how difficult life can be without basic things like food and water. It also showed me how family support gives strength in hard times. Though the night was terrible, we managed because we stayed together.
5. Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.
Answer: The Strength of Women in the Fields
One summer, I visited my grandmother’s village in Odisha. It was sowing season, and the fields were full of activity. Everywhere I looked, people were busy preparing the land. What caught my attention most was a group of women working together. They wore simple saris and carried tools in their hands. There was laughter and chatter among them even as they worked hard under the hot sun.
Among them was my aunt, Savita. She bent down with a spade and struck the ground with steady force. The earth turned soft, and seeds were ready to be sown. Her friends stood nearby, waiting to spread the seeds and cover them with soil. They worked like a team, each one knowing what to do next. None of them complained about the heat or the weight of the task.
I joined them for a short while. The work was tiring, but I felt proud to share that moment. They told me that farming was not just about growing crops but also about feeding their families. Sometimes they faced drought, sometimes heavy rains, yet they never gave up. The spirit of togetherness kept them going.
At noon, they sat under a tree and shared food they had carried from home. There was rice, dal, and some vegetables, all wrapped in banana leaves. They offered me some too, and I realised how little they had yet how generous they were. After a short rest, they returned to the fields with the same energy as before.
That day taught me more than any book could. I understood the dignity of labour and the quiet courage of village women. Their hands may have been rough from work, but their hearts were strong. Watching them, I felt respect for every farmer who toils on the soil so that we can eat.
Question 2
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question)
Select any one of the following:
1. You participated in a music festival and stayed in a hotel in Goa for four days. While checking out, you forgot your guitar at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel, requesting him/her to locate the guitar and if he/she succeeds in finding it, to send it to you by courier. Also mention specifically that you would pay for the expenses incurred. Give relevant details which you think will assist in tracing the instrument.
Answer:
24 September 2025
B-14, Shanti Nagar
Andheri East, Mumbai – 400069
July 25, 2023
To
The Manager
Hotel Suncrest
Calangute, Goa – 403516
Subject: Request to locate and send my guitar left at your hotel
Respected Sir,
I stayed at Hotel Suncrest from 18 September 2025 to 22 September 2025 during the Goa Music Festival. While checking out on 22 September, I mistakenly left my guitar in Room 304. It is a black Yamaha acoustic guitar with a brown strap and a small sticker of “Sangeet Kala Kendra” on the case.
I kindly request you to check your lost and found section or with the housekeeping staff. If you succeed in finding it, please send it to my Mumbai address by courier. I will pay all expenses for the courier charges or any other related costs.
I hope you will help me recover this instrument as it is very dear to me.
Thank you for your kind assistance.
Yours sincerely,
Rahul Mehta
(ii) You have gone to an ecologically sensitive beach during the summer vacation. Write a letter to your cousin telling him/her about the beach and what is being done to protect it.
Answer:
Dear Kavya,
I hope you are well. I came to visit Puri beach in Odisha this summer. The beach is very calm and has clean white sand. Many turtles come here during this season. I felt happy to see them walking slowly towards the sea.
The local people and the Odisha State Pollution Control Board are trying to protect the place. They have put boards asking visitors not to throw plastic. Some school groups also came here and were collecting waste. There are guards from the Forest Department who stop anyone from disturbing the turtles. Nets are fixed in some places so that fishing boats do not harm them.
I liked sitting in the evening, watching the sun go down. I wish you were here. Next time we can come together.
Yours lovingly,
Ananya
Question 3
(i) The Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) of your colony is organising a ‘Dental Check-up Camp’ for the residents of the area. Write a notice to be put up outside the RWA Office informing them about the event and inviting them to get their dental check-up done.
Answer:
THE RESIDENTS’ WELFARE ASSOCIATION
SUNSHINE COLONY
15th October 2023
NOTICE
Free Dental Check-up Camp
This is to inform all the residents of Sunshine Colony that the RWA is organising a ‘Dental Check-up Camp’ to promote dental health and hygiene within our community.
The details for the event are as follows:
- Date: Sunday, 22nd October 2023
- Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Venue: The Colony Community Hall
A team of qualified dentists will be conducting the examinations. All residents, young and old, are invited to attend and benefit from this free service.
For further details, please contact the undersigned.
Amit Singh
Secretary, RWA
(ii) Write an email to the Superintendent of a hospital in your area requesting him/her to send a team of dentists to conduct the Dental Check-up Camp.
Answer:
To: superintendent@cityhospital.org
Subject: Request to provide a team of dentists for a Dental Check-up Camp
Dear Superintendent,
On behalf of the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) of Green Valley Colony, I am writing to request the support of your esteemed institution for a community health initiative. We are organising a free ‘Dental Check-up Camp’ for the residents of our colony.
The camp is scheduled to be held on Sunday, 21st July 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in our colony’s community hall. The primary objective of this event is to raise dental health awareness and provide basic check-ups for approximately 300 residents, including children and senior citizens.
We would be very grateful if you could send a team of two or three dentists from your hospital to conduct the check-ups. Your hospital is renowned for its community service, and your participation would be invaluable to the success of our camp. We will manage all logistical arrangements, including providing the necessary space and support for your team.
We look forward to a positive response and a potential collaboration. Please let us know if this is possible and what arrangements would be required from our end.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Ranjan
Secretary,
RWA, Green Valley Colony
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Both Robi and Quin wanted to win the affections of Madam Suzanne, who was a captivating actress. Robi and Quin were comedians with her in the Theatre Supreme. Professional rivalry apart, the two were good friends. Both were equally popular amongst their audience.
One fine day, tired of their constant competition for her, Suzanne laid the condition that she would marry the one that was the better actor; and the judge shall be Paris. Robi and Quin concluded that in comedy, neither of them could prove supremacy, and so the competition should be to play a solemn part.
The issue became increasingly complicated till one evening a brilliant opportunity came Robi’s way. Jacques, a public executioner, who had to deliver a lecture on the horrors of his job, offered Robi to take his place, as he suffered from severe stage fright. Robi jumped at the offer.
Suzanne and Quin accompanied him to the hall for the lecture. Robi was made up to resemble Jacques as closely as possible. The opening of the address consisted of imaginary incidents of his boyhood. Gradually the anecdotes grew gruesome and hideous based on the facts Jacques had provided. The hall shivered. There was no applause when he finished; he bowed and withdrew amid tense silence. After the mesmerising performance he received a card from the Marquis requesting him for an interview at his home.
“An invitation from a noble! It is an honour. I shall assuredly go,” exclaimed Robi. He arrived at the given address at the scheduled time. Marquis, his host, appeared old-so old that he seemed to be falling to pieces as he tottered forward. He began, “Sir, your lecture was wonderful, most interesting and instructive.” Robi bowed at his compliments.
As he offered Robi some wine, he asked about a prisoner, Victor, he had mentioned in his lecture.
“He was brave. I shall always recall his courage,” declared Robi.
“But you still executed him. He was innocent, my boy, my only son-he died by your hands. You are his murderer. I hope the wine is to your taste. Do not spare it! It is poisoned,” said the old man, “In an hour you will be dead and my revenge achieved,” he added.
Robi was paralysed with terror, the host wore the smile of a lunatic. And then the host slowly removed the make-up and lifted his wig. It was Quin. While Robi had duped his audience, Quin had duped Robi himself with his performance. Finally, Suzanne married Quin; and Robi became the best man at the wedding.
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:
1. captivating (line 2)
(a) repulsive
(b) irksome
(c) charming
(d) repellent
Answer: (c) charming
2. solemn (line 8)
(a) comic
(b) serious
(c) obscure
(d) mediocre
Answer: (b) serious
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word simple?
(a) complicated
(b) rivalry
(c) competition
(d) imaginary
Answer: (a) complicated
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) Who were Robi and Quin? What was the nature of their relationship with each other?
Answer: Robi and Quin were comedians who worked together in the Theatre Supreme. They were good friends but also professional rivals, as they were both in love with the same actress, Madam Suzanne.
(b) What condition was laid down by Madam Suzanne?
Answer: Madam Suzanne laid down the condition that she would marry whichever of the two men proved to be the better actor by playing a solemn, or serious, part.
(c) What opportunity came Robi’s way?
Answer: The opportunity that came Robi’s way was to take the place of Jacques, a public executioner, and deliver a lecture on the horrors of his job, as Jacques was suffering from severe stage fright.
(d) How was Robi’s performance? How did the audience react?
Answer: Robi’s performance was mesmerizing, with anecdotes that grew gruesome and hideous. The audience shivered and was left in a state of tense silence, with no applause at the end.
(e) Who was Victor? What did Robi say about him?
Answer: Victor was a prisoner whom Robi had mentioned in his lecture. Robi said that Victor was brave and that he would always recall his courage.
(iv) Describe how Robi duped the audience and Quin duped Robi. Answer in not more than fifty words.
Answer: Robi duped the audience by disguising himself as Jacques, the executioner, and delivering a chilling lecture. Quin then duped Robi by posing as an old Marquis who, after praising Robi’s performance, convinced him that he had been poisoned as revenge for executing the Marquis’s innocent son.
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) maintains
The New Delhi Municipal Committee (NDMC) …0… (maintain) around 1,500 acres of green area with around 180,000 trees, which suffer from various issues. NDMC …1… (obtain) a new CNG-powered tree ambulance, …2… (equip) with modern infrastructure, to efficiently treat trees …3… (ail) from diseases or …4… (infest) of pests and termites. This ambulance …5… (carry) out free surgeries that normally take two to three hours. “The procedure of tree surgery …6… (start) with removing the …7… (infect) or hollowed-out part, …8… (clean) it, washing it properly, applying insecticides, fungicides, filling the hollow trunk with inert material such as foam, covering it with chicken mesh, and then sealing it,” an official said.
Answer:
- has obtained
- equipped
- ailing
- infested
- will carry
- starts
- infected
- Cleaning
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) The storm almost lifted me ………….. my feet.
Answer:off
(b) She has given…………………. the idea of learning Mandarin.
Answer: up
(c) It is difficult to come………………. such a rare picture of that era.
Answer: across
(d) He did not comply……………… the wishes of his father.
Answer: with
(e) She furnished the lawyer………………… the facts surrounding the case.
Answer: with
(f) He let ………………….his friends.
Answer: down
(g) My mother dissuaded me………………….. going abroad.
Answer: from
(h) It was a touching farewell, he broke ……………………in the middle of his speech.
Answer: down
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. What did the teacher say? This was it.
(a) This was it the teacher said.
(b) This was what it was said the teacher.
(c) This was what the teacher said.
(d) This was it what the teacher said.
Answer: (c) This was what the teacher said.
2. Take a cheque. The cash may not be sufficient.
(a) Take a cheque unless the cash may not be sufficient.
(b) Since the cash may not be sufficient take a cheque.
(c) Although the cash may not be sufficient, take a cheque.
(d) The cash may not be sufficient to take a cheque.
Answer: (b) Since the cash may not be sufficient take a cheque.
3. It is not a very costly camera. However, it is useful.
(a) It is very costly a camera to be useful.
(b) It is not a very costly camera, nonetheless it is useful.
(c) However a costly camera, it is very useful therefore.
(d) Nonetheless it is useful for a very costly camera.
Answer: (b) It is not a very costly camera, nonetheless it is useful.
4. He might not be sure about it. In that case, he would not agree to it.
(a) Unless he is sure about it, he would not agree to it.
(b) In the case he is not sure about it, he will agree to it.
(c) Not only he is sure about it, but also would agree to it.
(d) He is sure about it such that he would not agree to it.
Answer: (a) Unless he is sure about it, he would not agree to it.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. We all stood up as soon as the Chief Guest arrived. (Begin with: No sooner …)
(a) No sooner we all stood up, as the Chief Guest arrived.
(b) No sooner the Chief Guest arrived, we all stood up.
(c) No sooner the Chief Guest had arrived, we all stood up.
(d) No sooner had the Chief Guest arrived than we all stood up.
Answer: (d) No sooner had the Chief Guest arrived than we all stood up.
2. The officer examined the documents carefully. (End with: … with care.)
(a) The documents are examined by the officer with care.
(b) The officer had to examine the documents with care.
(c) The officer examined the documents with care.
(d) The documents had to be examined by the officer with care.
Answer: (c) The officer examined the documents with care.
3. “Do not forget to take your passport, Karan,” the mother reminded him. (Begin with: The mother reminded …)
(a) The mother reminded Karan not to forget to take his passport.
(b) The mother reminded Karan that he should not forget to take his passport.
(c) The mother reminded Karan do not forget to take his passport.
(d) The mother reminded him, do not forget to take your passport Karan.
Answer: (a) The mother reminded Karan not to forget to take his passport.
4. A new car is beyond my means at present. (Use: afford)
(a) Affording a new car is beyond my means at present.
(b) I cannot afford a new car at present.
(c) To afford a new car is beyond my means at present.
(d) At present, a new car is beyond my means to afford.
Answer: (b) I cannot afford a new car at present.
5. He was accused of stealing. (Begin with: People accused him …)
(a) People accused him for stealing.
(b) People accused him to steal.
(c) People accused him of stealing.
(d) People accused him as he was stealing.
Answer: (c) People accused him of stealing.
6. She not only saved me from the accident but also took me to the hospital. (Begin with: In addition)
(a) In addition of saving me from the accident, she also took me to the hospital.
(b) In addition to save me from the accident, she also took me to the hospital.
(c) In addition to saving me from the accident, she took me to the hospital.
(d) In addition to saving me from the accident, she also taking me to the hospital.
Answer: (c) In addition to saving me from the accident, she took me to the hospital.
7. January is the coldest month of the year. (Begin with: Is…?)
(a) Is January the coldest month of the year?
(b) Is the coldest month of the year is January?
(c) Is any other month in the year as cold as January?
(d) Is January only the coldest month of the year?
Answer: (a) Is January the coldest month of the year?
8. I prefer going out with friends to staying alone at home. (Begin with: I would rather…)
(a) I would rather going out with friends than staying alone at home.
(b) I would rather go out with friends, than stay alone at home.
(c) I would rather like to go out with friends to staying alone at home.
(d) I would rather prefer to going out with friends rather than alone at home.
Answer: (b) I would rather go out with friends, than stay alone at home.
Get notes of other classes and subjects