Chapter 5: ICSE Class 9 English Language/Grammar solved
Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 5: ICSE Class 9 English Language/Grammar (Total English) workbook solved which comprises Active and Passive Voice, Paragraph Writing, Formal Letters, Practice Paper – 5. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
Active and Passive Voice
Assignment
Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each of them:
1. Why did he deprive you of your property?
Begin: Why were you
Answer: Why were you deprived of your property by him?
Explanation: This is changing a question from Active Voice to Passive Voice. In the first sentence, “he” is the one doing the action (depriving). In the new sentence, the focus is on “you,” the person the action was done to. Think of it like this: “Why did the dog chase you?” (Active) becomes “Why were you chased by the dog?” (Passive). We changed “did deprive” to “were deprived” and added “by him” to show who did the action.
2. No one ought ever to make so false an assumption.
End: … ought never to be made.
Answer: So false an assumption ought never to be made.
Explanation: This is a change from Active Voice to Passive Voice. The first sentence focuses on “No one” doing the action. The new sentence focuses on the “assumption” and says it should not be made. The word “No one” makes the sentence negative, so in the passive form, we use “never.” It’s like changing “No one should touch the hot stove” to “The hot stove should never be touched.”
3. It is usually found that the trouble is caused by overeating.
Use: … finds that overeating
Answer: One usually finds that overeating causes the trouble.
Explanation: This is changing from Passive Voice to Active Voice. The first sentence uses “It is found,” which is passive because it doesn’t say who finds it. We change it to the active form by adding a subject, “One.” So, “It is found” becomes “One finds.” We also change the second part, “the trouble is caused by overeating” (passive), to “overeating causes the trouble” (active).
4. Three men are loading the cart.
Begin: The cart
Answer: The cart is being loaded by three men.
Explanation: This is a change from Active Voice to Passive Voice. In the first sentence, the “Three men” are doing the action (loading). In the new sentence, we start with “The cart,” which is receiving the action. Because the action is happening right now (“are loading”), we use the form “is being loaded.” It’s like saying “The chef is making the pizza” becomes “The pizza is being made by the chef.”
5. He was known to be a kind man.
End: … him to be a kind man
Answer: People knew him to be a kind man.
Explanation: This is a change from Passive Voice to Active Voice. The first sentence, “He was known,” doesn’t say who knew him. To make it active, we need to add a subject who did the “knowing.” A general word like “People” works well here. So, “He was known” becomes “People knew him.”
6. Alas! We shall hear his voice no more.
Begin: Alas! His voice
Answer: Alas! His voice will be heard no more.
Explanation: This is a change from Active Voice to Passive Voice. The first sentence says “We” are the ones who will not hear. The new sentence focuses on “His voice” and says it is the thing that will not be heard. “Shall hear” becomes “will be heard.” We don’t need to add “by us” because it’s understood.
7. We must listen to his music.
Begin: His music
Answer: His music must be listened to.
Explanation: This is a change from Active Voice to Passive Voice. The first sentence says “We” must do the action. The new sentence focuses on “his music,” the thing the action must be done to. The verb “must listen to” changes to “must be listened to.” The little word “to” stays with “listen.” It’s like “You must look after the baby” becomes “The baby must be looked after.”
8. There is reason to believe that they have saved the crew.
Begin: It is
Answer: It is believed that they have saved the crew.
Explanation: This changes an impersonal statement into a common passive form. “There is reason to believe” is a way of saying that people have a reason to think something. A simpler, more direct passive way to say this is “It is believed.” We are reporting a belief without saying exactly whose belief it is.
9. He will be elected Secretary by the group.
Begin: The group
Answer: The group will elect him Secretary.
Explanation: This is a change from Passive Voice to Active Voice. In the first sentence, the focus is on “He,” the person receiving the action. In the new sentence, we start with “The group,” which is the one doing the action. The passive verb “will be elected” changes to the active verb “will elect.”
10. Short dresses are now being worn again.
Begin: Ladies are
Answer: Ladies are now wearing short dresses again.
Explanation: This is a change from Passive Voice to Active Voice. The first sentence, “Short dresses are now being worn,” is passive because it doesn’t say who is wearing them. The new sentence gives us a subject, “Ladies,” who are doing the action. The passive verb “are being worn” changes to the active verb “are wearing.”
Paragraph Writing
Assignment
Write a paragraph of about 80 words on any one of the following sentences:
(i) Good health is the most precious of all possessions.
Answer: The Value of Good Health
Good health is truly the greatest gift we can have. It is more valuable than money or fame. When we are healthy, we can enjoy life, work hard, and spend happy times with our family and friends. A healthy person has energy and feels positive. Sickness, however, can make even the richest person feel miserable and helpless. It stops us from doing the things we love. That is why we should always take care of our bodies by eating good food, exercising, and getting enough rest.
(ii) Sunday is my favourite day of the week.
Answer: My Favourite Day, Sunday
Sunday is my favourite day of the week because it is a day of rest and fun. After a busy week of school and homework, Sunday feels like a special treat. I can wake up late without the sound of an alarm clock. My family and I often have a special breakfast together. Sometimes we go out to a park or visit relatives. In the evening, I have time to read my favourite books or watch a movie. Sunday gives me the chance to relax and get ready for the new week ahead.
Practice Paper – 5
Question 1
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following:
(i) Write a story including all of the following, in any order: (i) a marathon; (ii) police intervention; (iii) a family reunion.
Answer:
Answer: The Unexpected Finish Line
The city marathon was an annual event that brought my family together, but this year was different. My older brother, Rohan, who had been estranged from us for five years after a bitter argument, was running. We had not seen or spoken to him since. My parents and I stood near the finish line, our hearts a mix of hope and anxiety. We just wanted to see him, to let him know we still loved him.
The race began, and hours passed. The sun beat down, and the crowd’s cheers rose and fell with each runner that passed. We scanned the faces, searching for Rohan’s. Suddenly, a commotion erupted a few hundred meters from the finish line. A man had collapsed from exhaustion, and another runner had stopped to help him, sacrificing his own race time. As paramedics rushed in, we saw the helper’s face. It was Rohan.
He was giving water to the fallen runner when the police arrived to clear the area. They were gentle, asking Rohan to step aside, but he refused to leave until he was sure the other man was okay. My father pushed through the crowd, calling his name. Rohan looked up, his eyes wide with surprise. For a moment, nobody moved. Then, my father wrapped him in a hug, and my mother and I joined in. Tears streamed down our faces. The police officers, seeing the emotional scene, simply smiled and gave us space.
The marathon was over for Rohan, but something more important had been won. The fallen runner was taken to the hospital and was fine. For us, the day ended not with a medal, but with a family reunion we had long prayed for. The police intervention had unexpectedly brought us together. We walked away from the race track not as spectators and a runner, but as a family, whole again. The finish line had been in a place we never expected.
(ii) You had an irrational fear that haunted you despite all your efforts to overcome it. Narrate an incident or experience which helped you to overcome this fear.
Answer: Facing the Silence
For as long as I can remember, I have been terrified of complete silence. It was an irrational fear. The absence of sound made my heart pound and my mind race with anxious thoughts. At night, I needed a fan whirring or soft music playing just to fall asleep. My parents thought it was a childish habit I would outgrow, but it followed me into my teenage years. I tried everything to overcome it: meditation, therapy, and forcing myself to sit in quiet rooms, but nothing worked. The silence always felt like a heavy blanket, suffocating me.
The change came during a family trip to my grandfather’s village in the mountains. The village was remote, with no electricity at night and surrounded by dense forests. The first night was torture. The silence was deeper than anything I had ever experienced, broken only by the distant chirping of crickets. I lay awake for hours, my fear a cold knot in my stomach.
The next evening, my grandfather, a wise and gentle man, found me sitting anxiously on the porch. He did not say much. He just handed me a pair of binoculars and pointed towards the dark forest. “Listen,” he whispered. “Not with your ears, but with your heart.”
At first, I heard nothing but the deafening silence. But as I focused, I began to notice subtle sounds I had missed before. The rustle of leaves as a gentle breeze passed through, the soft hoot of a distant owl, the faint buzz of insects. It was not a void; it was a symphony of quiet life. My grandfather then told me stories of the forest, of the animals that woke up when the world went to sleep. He taught me that silence was not empty, but full of its own secret language.
That night, I slept without any noise for the first time in years. The fear was still there, a small whisper in the back of my mind, but it was no longer a monster. The silence of the mountains had taught me to listen differently. It was no longer an enemy to be fought, but a peaceful presence to be understood.
(iii) ‘Participation is more important than winning medals in international sports events.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer: The True Spirit of Sport
In the world of international sports, winning medals is often seen as the ultimate goal. Nations celebrate their champions, and athletes dedicate their lives to standing on the podium. While winning is a great achievement, I firmly believe that participation itself holds a greater and more lasting value. The spirit of sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and personal growth that comes from taking part in these events is far more important than the final medal tally.
When athletes from different countries come together, they do more than just compete. They share their cultures, build friendships, and learn from one another. An Olympic Village is a small world where people from diverse backgrounds live together, breaking down barriers of nationality and politics. This interaction fosters mutual respect and understanding, which is a victory for humanity itself. The image of two athletes from rival nations embracing after a tough competition sends a powerful message of peace and unity that no medal can represent.
Furthermore, the journey of an athlete to an international event is a story of immense dedication, discipline, and perseverance. The years of hard work, the sacrifices made, and the determination to push one’s limits are what truly define a sportsperson. Every participant, whether they win or not, is a symbol of human potential and resilience. They inspire millions of young people in their home countries to take up sports, lead healthier lives, and dream big. This inspiration is a legacy that extends far beyond a single victory.
Winning a medal brings temporary glory, but the experience of participation builds character and fosters global harmony. It teaches us that the effort is as valuable as the outcome and that coming together to celebrate human ability is the real prize. Therefore, in international sports, the act of participating and representing one’s country with honour and integrity is the most significant achievement.
(iv) Describe your experience of attending a book signing event of a famous writer. What was your take after the event?
Answer: Meeting the Storyteller
I had been an admirer of the author Vikram Seth for years. His words had transported me to different worlds and taught me about the complexities of human emotions. When I heard he was coming to our city for a book signing of his latest novel, my excitement knew no bounds. I clutched my worn-out copy of ‘A Suitable Boy’, the book I wanted him to sign, and stood in a long queue that snaked around the bookstore. The air was filled with a buzz of anticipation, as fellow readers discussed their favourite characters and moments from his books.
The event began with a short talk by Mr. Seth. He spoke with a gentle and humble voice, sharing anecdotes about his writing process and the inspirations behind his new book. He was witty, intelligent, and surprisingly down-to-earth. Listening to him felt like having a conversation with an old friend. He read a passage from his novel, and his voice brought the characters to life in a way that reading on my own never could. The room was silent, everyone captivated by the magic of his storytelling.
When it was finally my turn to meet him, my heart was pounding. I handed him my book, my hands slightly trembling. He looked at me with kind eyes and a warm smile. “This one’s been well-loved,” he said, noticing the frayed edges of the book. I managed to tell him how much his work meant to me, and he listened patiently. He signed the book with a personal message and thanked me for coming. The interaction lasted only a minute, but it felt timeless.
Walking away from the event, I felt a deep sense of connection. It was more than just getting an autograph. It was about meeting the mind behind the stories that had shaped my own thoughts. The experience reminded me that writers are not distant figures but real people who pour their hearts into their work. My take after the event was that stories are powerful because they connect us, and meeting the storyteller makes that connection even more real and personal.
(v) 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: A Promise of Health
The village of Sonapur had long been caught in a cycle of illness and old beliefs. Clean water was a luxury, and basic hygiene was a concept few understood. For generations, preventable diseases had claimed lives, especially those of young children. The women of the village, who were the primary caregivers, felt helpless, relying on remedies that often did more harm than good. They prayed for a miracle, unaware that help was already on its way.
The change began with the arrival of Dr. Meera, a young health worker from a nearby city. She saw the suffering in the village and decided to act. She set up a weekly health camp under the large peepal tree in the village square. The picture captures one of her first sessions. With a simple table and a few colourful charts, she spoke to the women who had gathered. They sat on the ground, their faces filled with a mix of doubt and curiosity. Dr. Meera spoke to them not as a distant expert, but as a friend. She explained the importance of washing hands with soap and drinking boiled water.
Many were skeptical at first. “We have always drunk water from the river,” an old woman said. “Why should we change now?” Dr. Meera did not argue. Instead, she showed them pictures of germs through a small microscope she had brought. The women gasped as they saw the tiny creatures swimming in a drop of their river water.
The real turning point came a week later when a young boy fell sick with a high fever and stomach pains. His mother, remembering Dr. Meera’s advice, gave him a simple solution of salt and sugar in clean water. The boy recovered in two days. The news spread through the village like wildfire. The next week, every woman in Sonapur was at Dr. Meera’s session. The gathering in the picture was no longer just a meeting; it was a classroom of hope, where knowledge was the medicine that would heal the entire village.
Question 2
Select any one of the following:
(i) Your neighbour plays music loudly every night. You have been politely asking him/her to turn down the volume but he/she has not relented. Write a letter of complaint to the landlord of the apartment listing your problem as well as the possible solution.
Answer:
Flat 12-B, Sunshine Apartments
Green Park
New Delhi – 110016
15 July 2024
To
The Landlord
Sunshine Apartments
Green Park
New Delhi – 110016
Subject: Complaint regarding loud music from a neighbouring flat
Dear Sir,
I am writing to you to bring to your attention a persistent problem I am facing with my neighbour in Flat 12-A, Mr. Sharma. For the past month, Mr. Sharma has been playing very loud music every night, often continuing late past 11:00 PM. This has been causing a great deal of disturbance to my family and me.
As a student, I find it very difficult to concentrate on my studies in the evening due to the noise. My elderly parents are also unable to get proper rest. I have approached Mr. Sharma on several occasions and politely requested him to lower the volume, but my requests have been ignored. The situation has not improved, and the loud music continues to disrupt the peace of our home.
I would be very grateful if you could intervene in this matter. Perhaps you could speak to Mr. Sharma and remind him of the building’s regulations regarding noise levels, especially during late hours. A formal warning from you might be more effective. I believe this would be a reasonable solution to resolve the issue peacefully.
I hope for your prompt action in this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Arjun Verma
(ii) Your cousin plays online games all the time, sometimes all night long. Write a letter convincing him/her to spend less time in front of the gaming console and utilising this time on other useful pursuits.
Answer:
Dear Rohan,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you because I have been a little worried since Auntie told me that you have been spending a lot of time playing online games, sometimes even staying up all night.
I know how much fun gaming can be, and it is a good way to relax. However, spending too much time on it, especially at night, can be harmful to your health. It can affect your sleep, strain your eyes, and might also have an impact on your studies. Life has so much more to offer, and I feel you might be missing out on other wonderful experiences.
Have you thought about joining a sports club? We used to love playing cricket together. Playing a sport would be a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. You could also try picking up a new hobby, like learning to play the guitar or joining a book club. These activities would not only be enjoyable but would also help you develop new skills and meet new people.
Please think about what I’ve said. I am not asking you to stop gaming completely, but just to find a better balance. Your health and future are very important.
I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
With love,
Amit
Question 3
(i) This is the Silver Jubilee Year of your school. 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 this occasion.
Answer:
St. Xavier’s High School, Kolkata
NOTICE
15 July 2024
Silver Jubilee Celebrations
This is to inform all students of Classes VI to X that our school is celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year. To mark this special occasion, a series of cultural and sports events will be organised in the last week of August.
Events will include debates, quizzes, solo and group singing competitions, dance performances, and various track and field events.
Students who are interested in participating in any of these events are requested to submit their names to their respective class teachers on or before 25 July 2024. Let us come together to make this celebration a grand success.
Anjali Sharma
Head Girl
(ii) Write an email to the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of your school, requesting him/her to be the Guest of Honour at the Silver Jubilee celebrations and to felicitate the meritorious students.
Answer:
To: chairperson.trustees@stxaviers.org
From: headgirl.stxaviers@gmail.com
Subject: Invitation to be Guest of Honour for Silver Jubilee Celebrations
Dear Sir,
On behalf of St. Xavier’s High School, I am writing to you with great pleasure to inform you that our school is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To commemorate this Silver Jubilee, we are organising a grand cultural event on 30 August 2024, in the school auditorium.
We would be deeply honoured if you would grace the occasion as our Guest of Honour. Your presence would be a source of great inspiration for all our students and staff. We would also like to request you to felicitate the meritorious students who have excelled in academics and co-curricular activities during the past year.
We eagerly await a positive response from you. We will be happy to provide any further information you may require.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Anjali Sharma
Head Girl
St. Xavier’s High School, Kolkata
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The little stone Saint occupied a retired niche in a side aisle of the old cathedral. No one quite remembered who he had been. The Goblin was a very fine specimen of quaint stone carving, and lived up in the corbel on the wall opposite the niche of the little Saint. The little stone Saint and the Goblin got on very well together, though they looked at most things from different points of view. The Saint was a philanthropist in an old fashioned way; he thought the world, as he saw it, was good, but might be improved. In particular he pitied the church mice, who were miserably poor. The Goblin, on the other hand, was of opinion that the world, as he knew it, was bad, but had better be let alone. It was the function of the church mice to be poor.
One day the Saint thought of doing something for the mice before winter came on. Whilst he was thinking the matter over he was startled by something falling between his feet with a hard metallic clatter. It was a bright new coin; one of the cathedral jackdaws, who collected such things, had dropped it between his feet. He told the Goblin that now he would be able to do something for the church mice.
“How will you do it?” asked the Goblin.
“I will appear in a vision to the vergeress who sweeps the floors. I will tell her that she will find a silver coin between my feet, and that she must take it and buy a measure of corn and put it on my shrine. When she finds the money she will know that it was a true dream, and she will take care to follow my directions. Then the mice will have food all the winter.”
The Saint then began to reflect that such an opportunity was too rare to be hastily disposed of and that indiscriminate charity might be harmful to the church mice. After all, it was their function to be poor; the Goblin had said so and the Goblin was generally right.
He often wished, that people would sometimes burn candles at his shrine; but as they had forgotten who he was, it was not considered a profitable speculation to pay him that attention. So he thought that candles instead of corn would be worth buying and that the mice could have the ends to eat; candle-ends are most fattening.
The vergeress the next morning took the shining coin, put it to her mouth and bit it. “Well,” said the woman, in a somewhat shriller key, “Who would have thought it! A Saint, too!” Then she hunted an old piece of tape, tied it crosswise with a big loop round the coin, and hung it round the neck of the little Saint and went away. “The only possible explanation,” said the Goblin, “is that the coin is a bad one.”
And the news went round the Cathedral that the shrine of the little stone Saint had been enriched by a priceless offering.
“After all, it is something to have the conscience of a Goblin,” said the Saint to himself. The church mice were as poor as ever. But that was their function.
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:
1. retired (line 1)
(a) pensioned
(b) secluded
(c) receded
(d) withdraw
Answer: (b) secluded
2. hunted (line 31)
(a) searched
(b) stalked
(c) chased
(d) attempted
Answer: (a) searched
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word ‘planned’?
Answer: The word in the passage that means the opposite of ‘planned’ is ‘hastily’.
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) What was the Saint’s view of the world? How was it different from the Goblin’s?
Answer: The Saint believed that the world was good but could be improved. He felt pity for the poor church mice. The Goblin, however, thought the world was bad and should be left alone. He believed it was the natural role of the church mice to be poor.
(b) How did the Saint want to help the church mice?
Answer: The Saint found a coin and planned to appear in a dream to the vergeress. He would tell her to find the coin, buy corn with it, and place the corn on his shrine so the mice would have food for the winter.
(c) On second thoughts, what did the Saint decide to do for the mice?
Answer: On second thoughts, the Saint decided that giving corn might be harmful. He thought it would be better if the vergeress bought candles for his shrine. The mice could then eat the leftover candle-ends.
(d) What was the Saint’s wish for himself? How would his wish, if fulfilled, help the mice?
Answer: The Saint wished that people would burn candles at his shrine. If his wish were fulfilled, the mice would be able to eat the leftover candle-ends, which he thought would be a good source of food for them.
(e) What was the Saint’s reaction after getting the priceless offering?
Answer: After the vergeress hung the coin around his neck, the Saint felt a bit cynical. He said to himself, “After all, it is something to have the conscience of a Goblin,” accepting that his plan had failed and the mice remained poor.
(iv) What did the vergeress do with the coin? Why? What effect did it have on the Saint? Answer in not more than fifty words.
Answer: The vergeress found the coin and thought it was a miraculous offering. Instead of spending it, she tied it with tape and hung it around the Saint’s neck as a decoration. This action meant the Saint’s plan failed, and the mice remained poor.
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) reported
An Italian-led team of scientists ….0…. (report) that there is evidence for a sizeable cave ….1…. (access) from the deepest known pit on the moon. It is located at the Sea of Tranquility, just 400 km from Apollo 11’s ….2…. (land) site. The pit, like the more than 200 others discovered up there, ….3…. (create) by the collapse of a lava tube.
Most of the pits seem to be ….4…. (locate) in the moon’s ancient lava plains. There also could be some at the moon’s south pole. The findings suggest there could be hundreds of pits on the moon and thousands of lava tubes. Such places could ….5…. (serve) as ….6…. (nature) shelter for astronauts, ….7…. (protect) them from cosmic rays and solar ….8…. (radiate) as well as from micrometeorite strikes.
Answer:
- accessible
- landing
- was created
- located
- serve
- natural
- protecting
- radiation
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) The new coach is popular __________ his team.
Answer: with
(b) I always mix __________ the names of the twins.
Answer: up
(c) The old man being hard __________ hearing was unresponsive.
Answer: of
(d) The factory turns __________ 5,000 bags of sugar per day.
Answer: out
(e) The burglars made __________ with our money.
Answer: off
(f) The High Court set __________ the decree of the Lower Court.
Answer: aside
(g) I prevailed __________ him to join our team.
Answer: upon
(h) I was taken __________ by the rude attitude of my friend.
Answer: aback
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. We went to the market. We bought some biscuits.
(a) We brought some biscuit at the market.
(b) We brought some biscuit by the market.
(c) We bought some biscuits on the market.
(d) We bought some biscuits from the market.
Answer: (d) We bought some biscuits from the market.
Explanation: This sentence correctly combines the two ideas into one simple statement. It clearly says what was done and where it was done. The other options use the wrong word (‘brought’ instead of ‘bought’) or sound awkward.
2. We all enjoyed the story. Our teacher told us the story.
(a) We all enjoyed the story our teacher told us.
(b) We all enjoyed the story which our teacher told to us.
(c) We all enjoyed the story telling by our teacher.
(d) We all enjoyed the story being told by our teacher.
Answer: (a) We all enjoyed the story our teacher told us.
Explanation: This is the best way to join the two sentences. It uses ‘our teacher told us’ to describe ‘the story’. It is short and clear. Option (b) is also correct but adds an extra word, ‘which’. Options (c) and (d) are grammatically incorrect.
3. When will the function start? I want to know.
(a) I want to know when will the function starts.
(b) I want to know the timings when the function will start.
(c) I want to know when the function will start.
(d) I want to know the time of the function to start.
Answer: (c) I want to know when the function will start.
Explanation: When you put a question inside a statement, you change the word order. The question ‘When will the function start?’ becomes ‘when the function will start’ in the statement. Option (c) does this correctly.
4. Clear your dues. Then you will be given roll numbers.
(a) Unless you clear your dues you will not be given roll numbers.
(b) Clear your dues unless you will not be given roll numbers
(c) When you clear your dues else you will not be given roll numbers.
(d) If you clear your dues when you will be given roll numbers.
Answer: (a) Unless you clear your dues you will not be given roll numbers.
Explanation: The word ‘Unless’ means ‘if not’. So, ‘Unless you clear your dues’ means the same as ‘If you do not clear your dues’. This correctly shows the condition for getting the roll numbers, matching the meaning of the original sentences.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. I am too tired to walk any further. (End with: … cannot walk any further.)
(a) I am being so tired that I cannot walk any further.
(b) I am so tired for I cannot walk any further.
(c) I am so tired that I could not walk any further.
(d) I am so tired that I cannot walk any further.
Answer: (d) I am so tired that I cannot walk any further.
Explanation: The words ‘too…to’ can be replaced with ‘so…that’. ‘I am too tired to walk’ means my tiredness stops me from walking. ‘I am so tired that I cannot walk’ expresses the same idea of cause and result.
2. Besides being honest, he is intelligent. (Use: not only … but also)
(a) He is not only honest but also intelligent.
(b) He is not only being honest but also intelligent.
(c) He is not only having his honesty but also intelligence.
(d) He was not only honest but also intelligent.
Answer: (a) He is not only honest but also intelligent.
Explanation: The phrase ‘not only…but also’ is used to join two qualities about a person. It correctly replaces ‘Besides being’ to show that the person has both honesty and intelligence.
3. Kate eats only fruits and vegetables. (End with: … on fruits and vegetables.)
(a) Kate lives to eat fruits and vegetables only.
(b) Kate lives only for fruits and vegetables.
(c) Kate lives only on fruits and vegetables.
(d) Kate lived only on fruits and vegetables.
Answer: (c) Kate lives only on fruits and vegetables.
Explanation: The phrase ‘lives on’ means to eat a certain type of food as your main diet. This is a good way to rephrase ‘eats only’ and correctly ends the sentence as instructed.
4. Dev said, “I will be there at the reception.” (Begin with: Dev promised that …)
(a) Dev promised that he will be there at the reception.
(b) Dev promised that he would be there at the reception.
(c) Dev promised that I will be there at the reception.
(d) Dev promised being there at the reception.
Answer: (b) Dev promised that he would be there at the reception.
Explanation: When we change direct speech to indirect speech, words change. ‘Said’ becomes ‘promised’. ‘I’ changes to ‘he’. The verb ‘will’ changes to ‘would’. This rule is correctly followed in option (b).
5. My children miss the train on a regular basis. (Use: regularly)
(a) My children did missed the train regularly.
(b) My children missed the train on the basis of regularly.
(c) My children regularly missed the train.
(d) My children miss the train regularly.
Answer: (d) My children miss the train regularly.
Explanation: The word ‘regularly’ is an adverb that means the same as ‘on a regular basis’. The sentence is in the present tense, so the verb should be ‘miss’. Option (d) correctly places the adverb and uses the right verb tense.
6. You spoke to Ravi last night. (Rewrite using a question tag)
(a) You do not speak to Ravi last night, didn’t you?
(b) You spoke to Ravi last night, didn’t you?
(c) You speak to Ravi last night, did you?
(d) You spoke to Ravi last night, did you?
Answer: (b) You spoke to Ravi last night, didn’t you?
Explanation: A question tag is a small question at the end of a statement. If the statement is positive (‘You spoke…’), the tag is negative (‘didn’t you?’). We use ‘did’ because the main verb ‘spoke’ is in the past tense.
7. My aunt seldom calls me. (Begin with: Seldom…)
(a) Seldom my aunt calls me.
(b) Seldom can my aunt call me.
(c) Seldom does my aunt call me.
(d) Seldom does my aunt calls me.
Answer: (c) Seldom does my aunt call me.
Explanation: When a sentence starts with a negative word like ‘Seldom’, the word order changes. The helping verb (‘does’) comes before the subject (‘my aunt’). The main verb then changes from ‘calls’ to ‘call’.
8. How the fugitive managed to flee is not clear. (Rewrite using ‘It’)
(a) It is not clear how the fugitive manages to flee.
(b) It is not clear how did the fugitive managed to flee.
(c) It is not clear how had the fugitive manage to flee.
(d) It is not clear how the fugitive managed to flee.
Answer: (d) It is not clear how the fugitive managed to flee.
Explanation: We can start the sentence with ‘It is not clear’. The rest of the sentence, ‘how the fugitive managed to flee’, stays the same. The verb tense ‘managed’ is correct, and the word order is for a statement, not a question.
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Question Paper 5,
Question 5,
Part iv,
Subpart 5.
In the explanation of your answer(option c,) you have mentioned that since the given statement is in past tense, the verb should be in past tense too. However, the statement given is, “My children miss the train on a regular basis.” It is clear to the reader that the statement is in present tense. Thus, the correct answer should be option d.
It is imperative that the editors of this page rectify the error as soon as possible so as to not mislead students.
Editor’s response
Thank you. We have corrected.