Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 9: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar (Total English) solved which comprises Transformation of Sentences, Descriptive Composition, Summary Writing, and Test Paper-9. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
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Transformation of Sentences
ASSIGNMENT
Rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence. Change only enough to do what you are asked and make a correct sentence. Do not alter the meaning. You have to make your sentence say the same thing in a different way.
1. The mangoes are so costly that you cannot buy them.
Begin: The mangoes are too costly
Answer: The mangoes are too costly for you to buy.
2. Mona was too poor to pay her school fees.
Begin Mona was so poor
Answer: Mona was so poor that she could not pay her school fees.
3. The girl is too ill to come to school.
Begin: The girl is so ill
Answer: The girl is so ill that she cannot come to school.
4. An honest man is trusted by all.
Begin : All
Answer: All trust an honest man.
5. One should respect one’s parents.
Begin : Parents
Answer: Parents should be respected by one.
6. The criminal will be arrested.
End: the criminal.
Answer: The police will arrest the criminal.
7. I am not so rich as he is.
Begin : He is
Answer: He is richer than I am.
8. Who can forget those happy days?
Begin : No one
Answer: No one can forget those happy days.
9. Their attitude surprised us.
Begin : We
Answer: We were surprised by their attitude.
10. Shimla is cooler than Dehradun.
Begin Dehradun is
Answer: Dehradun is not as cool as Shimla.
11. Very few towns are as big as Lucknow.
Begin: Lucknow is
Answer: Lucknow is bigger than most towns.
12. Australia is the smallest continent.
End: as small as Australia
Answer: No continent is as small as Australia.
13. He was dismissed for negligence. (Use negligent instead of negligence)
Answer: He was dismissed for being negligent.
14. The rats gave us a lot of trouble. (Use troublesome instead of trouble)
Answer: The rats were very troublesome to us.
Descriptive Composition
Write a composition on any one of the following:
1. A landscape as it appeared before and after a modern highway had been built across it.
The Changing Face of a Village Landscape
The village of Chamoli once boasted a serene stretch of green fields, bordered by rows of tall neem and tamarind trees. A small river, clear and gentle, meandered through the land, watering the paddy fields. Farmers worked with quiet determination, their voices occasionally rising in song. Birds chirped from the trees, and children played by the riverside. The dirt paths crisscrossing the fields were used by bullock carts, villagers on foot, and sometimes a stray goat or cow. The landscape felt timeless, peaceful, and harmonious with nature.
When plans for a modern highway were announced, there was a mix of hope and hesitation among the villagers. Over the next few months, the peaceful scene began to change. Large machines arrived, cutting through the fields and uprooting the trees. The dirt paths were replaced with smooth asphalt, and the river’s course was redirected. Noise became a constant companion as trucks, buses, and cars roared past. The quiet songs of the farmers gave way to the hum of engines and the occasional honk of impatient drivers.
The fields were divided into smaller plots, some sold to make way for roadside shops. Brightly painted buildings with large signs selling snacks and fuel began appearing along the highway. The once-clear river now carried waste and debris, losing its sparkle. The neem and tamarind trees were replaced with electric poles, casting harsh light at night.
The highway brought speed and convenience to many, but it also took away the simple beauty of Chamoli’s landscape. The once-familiar sight of a farmer tilling his land was replaced by the rush of vehicles. While progress is often necessary, the loss of the village’s natural charm left many longing for the quiet days of the past.
2. Describe a place, either of natural beauty or of historical importance, to which you intend to take your penfriend.
Dear Amit,
When you visit India, I plan to take you to Hampi, a place steeped in history and culture. It was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled along the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, it’s a treasure trove of ancient architecture and natural beauty.
As we step into Hampi, you’ll feel as if we’ve entered a different era. Massive boulders rise dramatically against the blue sky, surrounding ancient temples and crumbling stone carvings. The Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands tall as the heart of Hampi. Its intricate carvings and towering gopuram are breathtaking.
The Vittala Temple is another marvel. Its famous stone chariot and musical pillars will leave you amazed. The pillars, when tapped, produce musical notes. We can climb the Hemakuta Hill to watch the sunrise or sunset—it offers a panoramic view of the ruins and the golden landscape around it.
The market streets, where traders from faraway lands once gathered, now lie silent, but their stories remain alive in the air. Walking through these streets, you can almost imagine the bustling activity that once filled them.
Hampi is not just about history. The serene beauty of the river, the playful monkeys near the temples, and the hospitality of the local people make it unforgettable. I am sure you’ll be fascinated by the charm of this timeless place.
Looking forward to exploring Hampi with you!
3. Visit to a multispeciality hospital.
A Visit to a Multispeciality Hospital
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit a multispeciality hospital in the city. It was a modern, well-equipped facility named Akash Multispeciality Hospital. The building stood tall, with large glass windows and a clean, welcoming entrance. Inside, the atmosphere was calm, despite the constant flow of patients and visitors.
The reception area was spacious, with soft chairs for people to wait. The staff at the front desk was polite and efficient, guiding everyone to their respective departments. As I walked through the corridors, I noticed the hospital was divided into various wings, each dedicated to a specific speciality—cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, and many more.
The diagnostic area had advanced equipment like CT scanners, MRI machines, and X-ray units. The laboratories were bustling with technicians conducting various tests. I saw nurses moving swiftly, attending to patients with care and patience. The doctors were kind and approachable, explaining treatments to patients in simple terms.
In the paediatrics ward, colourful paintings adorned the walls to comfort the young patients. The ICU area was silent, with strict rules for entry. The entire hospital seemed to function like a well-oiled machine, ensuring every patient received timely attention.
What impressed me most was the focus on hygiene. Hand sanitiser dispensers were placed at every corner, and cleaning staff worked tirelessly to maintain cleanliness. There was also a pharmacy and a cafeteria for visitors, offering fresh food and drinks.
Visiting the hospital made me realise how much effort goes into ensuring people receive the best care. It was an eye-opening experience to see such dedication from the medical staff.
Test Paper-9
Question 1
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any of the following:
(i) Write a short story which begins with ‘I do not believe in ghosts………
The Unseen Visitor
“I do not believe in ghosts,” I said firmly, as we walked through the overgrown garden of the old bungalow. My friends had dared me to spend a night in what the locals called “the haunted house” on the edge of our village. The house had been abandoned for years, and stories of strange sounds and shadows had kept people away. Determined to prove them wrong, I took up the challenge.
With a flashlight and a blanket, I entered the house at sunset. The air inside was cool and damp, and the furniture, though covered in dust, remained intact. The faint smell of old wood filled the rooms. I set up my spot in the main hall, brushing off cobwebs from a nearby chair.
For the first hour, it was quiet except for the occasional sound of leaves rustling outside. I was beginning to feel proud of myself when I heard it—a soft creak, as though someone was walking upstairs. I froze, my flashlight pointing at the staircase. “It’s just the wood settling,” I whispered to myself.
But then came another sound—a faint laugh, almost like a child’s, echoing through the house. My heart raced. I climbed the stairs, trying to convince myself that it was the wind. The corridor above was dark, with doors on either side. I moved cautiously, my flashlight flickering slightly.
Suddenly, I saw it—a shadowy figure at the far end of the corridor. My legs felt heavy, and my mouth went dry. “Who’s there?” I managed to call out. The figure didn’t reply but vanished into a room. Gathering all my courage, I followed, but when I opened the door, the room was empty.
As the first light of dawn seeped through the windows, I hurried out of the house, shaken but alive. To this day, I tell myself it was my imagination, but deep down, I am no longer certain.
(ii) Narrate an incident from your experience which brings out the following message, “Never leave till tomorrow what you can do today.”
The Forgotten Homework
It was a bright Sunday morning, and I was in no mood to sit at my study table. My teacher had assigned us a history project on Friday, and it was due on Monday. I had the entire weekend to complete it, but as I looked at the cricket bat leaning against the wall, I decided the project could wait. “I’ll do it later,” I told myself, grabbing the bat and rushing outside to join my friends.
The day flew by in excitement, and by the time I returned home, I was too tired to think about homework. “I’ll wake up early tomorrow and finish it,” I reassured myself before going to bed.
Monday morning arrived with a jolt. I had overslept, and now there was barely any time to get ready for school, let alone complete the project. Panic set in as I scrambled to find my history book and some chart paper. My handwriting was hurried and messy as I tried to finish it in the few minutes I had left, but the school bell rang before I could do much.
In class, my teacher asked us to submit our projects. When she saw mine, she looked disappointed. “This doesn’t look like your best effort,” she said, shaking her head. I felt a deep sense of regret. If only I had worked on it over the weekend, I could have done a much better job.
The incident taught me an important lesson. Procrastination not only made me rush but also led to poor work that didn’t reflect my abilities. From that day on, I decided to tackle tasks immediately rather than delaying them. As my grandmother often says, “Time waits for no one,” and I’ve realised how true that is.
(iii) ‘Advertisements lead to wasteful expenditure.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.
Advertisements Lead to Wasteful Expenditure
Advertisements have become an inseparable part of our lives, appearing on TV, social media, billboards, and even in mobile apps. While they can be informative, I firmly believe that advertisements often lead to wasteful expenditure.
Firstly, advertisements create a desire for things we do not need. Companies use flashy visuals, catchy slogans, and celebrity endorsements to make their products seem irresistible. For example, a person may already have a functional phone but is tempted to buy the latest model just because it’s advertised as “better and faster.” This kind of spending is unnecessary and drains money that could be saved or used for meaningful purposes.
Secondly, advertisements play on emotions. They make people feel that buying a product will bring happiness, prestige, or social acceptance. A luxury watch or an expensive car, often shown as a symbol of success, might not actually add value to someone’s life but can lead to unnecessary spending just to keep up with trends.
Moreover, advertisements often promote items that are overpriced. Many products in the market, such as branded clothes, cosmetics, or snacks, cost much more than similar unbranded items simply because of heavy advertising. People end up paying for the brand name rather than the actual product quality.
However, some argue that advertisements help consumers make informed choices. While this may be true in a few cases, the overall impact of advertisements is to create artificial needs and encourage impulsive buying.
In a world where money is hard-earned, advertisements push people to spend beyond their means, often leading to regret later. Instead of falling for these traps, it is wiser to think critically and spend only on what is genuinely necessary. This way, we can avoid wasteful expenditure and make better financial decisions.
(iv) Describe a day at home when everything went wrong. Explain what happened to you and how the day ended.
A Day of Chaos
It was a Monday, and I woke up late. My alarm clock had run out of battery, and I had overslept by an hour. In my rush to get ready for school, I spilled toothpaste on my uniform. With no time to spare, I quickly changed and hurried to the kitchen for breakfast, only to find that there was no milk for my tea. Frustrated, I grabbed a banana and dashed out.
On the way to school, I realised I had forgotten my homework on the dining table. Panic gripped me, as I knew the teacher would not spare me. When I reached class, my worst fears came true. My teacher was furious, and I was given extra work as punishment.
The chaos didn’t stop there. During lunch, I accidentally dropped my tiffin box, and my food spilled all over the floor. I spent the rest of the afternoon feeling hungry and irritated.
When school finally ended, I hoped to find some peace at home. But as soon as I stepped in, I saw my younger brother had taken over the living room with his toys scattered everywhere. I tripped over one and hurt my knee. My mother, seeing the mess and my foul mood, scolded both of us.
To make matters worse, a sudden power cut disrupted my evening. I had planned to study for an important test, but with no electricity and a dead laptop, I couldn’t do much. I sat in the dim light of a candle, feeling utterly defeated.
As the day ended, my father suggested we play a board game together as a family. Surprisingly, it lifted my spirits a little. Though the day had been a series of mishaps, it reminded me that even the worst days can end on a better note with a little family time and laughter.
(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.
[Image description: A few girls playing football]
The Final Goal
It was the final match of the inter-school girls’ football tournament, and the excitement in the air was electric. The two best teams, St. Mary’s High and Vidya Mandir School, were battling it out for the championship. The stands were packed with students, teachers, and parents, all cheering loudly for their teams.
The ball was currently with Vidya Mandir’s star midfielder, Kavya. She dribbled past two defenders from St. Mary’s with quick, nimble moves. Her teammates positioned themselves strategically, shouting for a pass, but Kavya was determined to take a shot at the goal herself.
Just as she closed in, the opposing captain, Meera, stepped in to block her. Meera’s focus was razor-sharp, and she lunged forward, trying to steal the ball. The clash between the two players left the crowd on edge, with everyone holding their breath. It was a moment of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.
Kavya managed to dodge Meera and kicked the ball with all her strength. The ball soared through the air, heading straight for the goalpost. St. Mary’s goalkeeper dived to her right, trying to stop it. For a second, everything seemed to pause. Then, the ball hit the back of the net.
Cheers erupted from Vidya Mandir’s side, as the final whistle blew. Kavya’s team had won by a single goal. The players from both teams shook hands, showing sportsmanship despite the fierce competition.
This match wasn’t just about winning; it was about the spirit of the game, teamwork, and pushing one’s limits. As the victorious team lifted the trophy, everyone, even those who had lost, left the field with a smile, carrying the memories of a hard-fought match.
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Sophie was a socialist by conviction. She held very advanced views on the equal distribution of wealth among all people. She spoke eloquently against the evils of capitalism at drawing-room meetings and weekly conferences.
One spring evening, Sophie sat between her mirror and her maid, undergoing the process of having her hair made up according to the prevailing fashion. The Duke of Syria had consented to come beneath her roof as a guest and would shortly be sitting at her dining table. As a good socialist, Sophie disapproved of social distinctions, but the Duke of Syria was a special guest and was very welcome beneath her roof.
The Duke was fond of the Byzantine Omelette during his meals, and Sophie had hired Gaspar, the omelette specialist. Before Gaspar became an omelette specialist, he was a valet and one of the strike-breakers in the great strike at Lord Grimford’s two years ago. As soon as Sophie’s household staff learned that she had engaged him, they resolved to “down tools” as a protest. They demanded that Gaspar be immediately dismissed.
“This is too awful,” said Sophie. “A strike of servants at a moment like this, with the Duke of Syria staying in the house.”
“Quick,” she said to her maid, “finish my hair, and I will go and see what I can do to bring them round.”
“I cannot finish your hair, madame,” said the maid quietly. “I belong to the union, and I cannot do anything till the strike is settled. I am sorry to be disobliging.”
“But this is inhuman!” exclaimed Sophie tragically. “I have always been a model mistress and I have refused to employ any but union servants, and this is the result. I cannot finish my hair myself; I do not know how to. What am I to do? It is wicked!”
“Wicked is the word,” said the maid. “I believe in capitalist principles, and I have no patience with this socialist foolery. But I have my living to make, same as other people, and I have got to belong to the union. I could not touch another hair-pin without a strike permit, even if you were to double my wages.”
“Have they all struck?” Sophie asked her maid.
“Not the kitchen staff,” said she. “They belong to a different union.”
“Dinner at least will be assured,” said Sophie. “That is something to be thankful for.”
Then Sophie said to her maid, “Go and tell the Strike Committee that Gaspar is herewith dismissed. And ask Gaspar to see me presently in the library, where I will pay him what is due to him.”
Two hours later, Sophie guided her guests towards her dining room. She talked at random to her royal guest and was looking towards the great doors through which would presently come the announcement that dinner was served.
The doors opened suddenly, and the butler entered the room. “There is no dinner, madame,” he said gravely. “The kitchen staff have ‘downed tools.’ Gaspar belongs to the Union of Cooks and Kitchen Employees, and as soon as they heard of his dismissal, they struck work. They demand his instant reinstatement and an apology to the union.”
It was a sad experience for Sophie.
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage):
1. conviction (line 1)
(a) imprisoned
(b) strong belief
(c) compelled to admit the truth
(d) existence of proof
Answer: (b) strong belief
2. prevailing (line 5)
(a) traditional
(b) unique
(c) distinct
(d) current
Answer: (d) current
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word wisdom?
(a) discretion
(b) prudence
(c) sanity
(d) foolery
Answer: (d) foolery
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly, in your own words:
(a) Sophie disapproved of social distinctions. However, what exception did she make to her socialistic philosophy?
Answer: Sophie made an exception for the Duke of Syria, considering him a special guest, despite her disapproval of social distinctions.
(b) Sophie’s maid believed in capitalist principles, why did she belong to the union and strike work?
Answer: The maid joined the union to secure her livelihood and comply with union rules, even though she personally supported capitalist principles.
(c) Who was Gaspar? Why was he hired?
Answer: Gaspar was an omelette specialist hired to prepare the Duke of Syria’s favourite dish, the Byzantine Omelette.
(d) What impact did Gaspar’s dismissal have on Sophie’s plans?
Answer: Gaspar’s dismissal led to a strike by the kitchen staff, causing a disruption in Sophie’s plans for the dinner.
(e) What happened when the guests were guided to the dining room?
Answer: When the guests were guided to the dining room, they were informed by the butler that there was no dinner, as the kitchen staff had gone on strike demanding Gaspar’s reinstatement and an apology to the union.
(iv) In not more than 50 words, state how the socialistic principles had an adverse impact on Sophie’s life.
Answer: Sophie’s socialistic principles backfired as her unionised staff went on strike when she hired Gaspar, a strike-breaker. Her loyalty to unions led to chaos, with her maid refusing to work, and the kitchen staff striking after Gaspar’s dismissal, leaving her unprepared to host the Duke of Syria properly.
Question 5
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) Dishing
0 Dishing out a 1 (perform) for the ages, India’s men’s badminton team 2 (lift) the Thomas Cup title with a 3 (command) 3-0 win over powerhouse Indonesia in May 2022, a historic triumph that 4 (enhance) country’s status in the sport.
World Championships medallist Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth and doubles players Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy delivered when it 5 (matter) the most, as they stunned the 14-time champions. 6 (win) the prestigious team championship for the first time ever.
An incredible week culminated in a fitting manner for Indian badminton as the country never 7 (reach) the summit clash of the world’s most prestigious team event before. The underdog Indian side had not even reached the last-four stage since 1979. But this time they ended up 8 (upset) formidable Malaysia and Denmark en route the summit clash.
Answers:
- performance
- lifted
- commanding
- enhanced
- mattered
- won
- reached
- upsetting
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words:
1. The students did not look up, but carried _______ writing.
Answer: on with
Explanation: “Carried on with” is a phrasal verb that means to continue an activity. Here, the sentence implies that the students continued their writing. For example, “She carried on with her work despite the noise.”
2. My teacher enquired _______ my mother’s health.
Answer: about
Explanation: The preposition “about” is used after the verb “enquired” to indicate the subject of the inquiry. For example, “He enquired about the train timings.”
3. Will you look _______ this list and tell me what you think?
Answer: through
Explanation: “Look through” means to examine something carefully. In this context, the person is being asked to check the list. For example, “She looked through the documents to find the error.”
4. The new government has brought _______ many changes.
Answer: about
Explanation: “Brought about” is a phrasal verb meaning to cause something to happen. Here, it indicates that the government caused changes. For example, “The new policy brought about significant improvements.”
5. The roof gave way _______ the weight of the snow.
Answer: under
Explanation: “Gave way under” means to collapse due to pressure or weight. In this case, the snow’s weight caused the roof to collapse. For example, “The bridge gave way under the heavy load.”
6. Courage will carry him _______ difficulties.
Answer: through
Explanation: “Carry through” means to help someone endure or succeed despite challenges. Here, courage helps the person overcome difficulties. For example, “Her determination carried her through tough times.”
7. I moved myself _______ the fireplace.
Answer: towards
Explanation: “Towards” is a preposition indicating direction. Here, it means the person moved in the direction of the fireplace. For example, “He walked towards the door.”
8. We could not help laughing _______ his mimicry.
Answer: at
Explanation: The preposition “at” is used to indicate the reason for laughter. Here, the mimicry caused laughter. For example, “They laughed at his jokes.”
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and,but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. He was returning from school. He was caught in a shower.
(a) When he was caught in a shower he was returning from school.
(b) He was caught in a shower because he was returning from school.
(c) He was caught in a shower while returning from school.
(d) He was returned from school he was caught in a shower.
Answer: (c) He was caught in a shower while returning from school.
2. We may sail tomorrow. It depends on the weather.
(a) We may sail tomorrow depending on the weather.
(b) We may sail tomorrow if the weather permits.
(c) We may sail tomorrow unless the weather permits.
(d) Depending on the weather we might sail tomorrow.
Answer: (b) We may sail tomorrow if the weather permits.
3. We are moving to Bengaluru. Bengaluru is in the South.
(a) We moved to Bengaluru that is in the south.
(b) We are moving in the south to Bengaluru.
(c) We are moving to Bengaluru which is in the south.
(d) We were moving to Bengaluru in the south.
Answer: (c) We are moving to Bengaluru which is in the south.
4. You must hurry. You will miss the train otherwise.
(a) Unless you hurry you will miss the train.
(b) You will miss the train otherwise you have to hurry.
(c) If you do not hurry otherwise you will miss the train.
(d) Unless you will hurry you will otherwise miss the train.
Answer: (a) Unless you hurry you will miss the train.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. Everyone knows Rina is prettier than Leela. (Use: aware in place of know)
(a) Everyone is aware that Rina is not prettier than Leela.
(b) Everyone has to be aware that Rina is prettier than Leela.
(c) Everyone is aware that Rina is prettier than Leela.
(d) Everyone was aware that Rina was prettier than Leela.
Answer: (c) Everyone is aware that Rina is prettier than Leela.
2. The boy was obedient, and so the teacher rewarded him. (Use: ‘obedience’)
(a) The boy was rewarded by the teacher by his obedience.
(b) The teacher rewarded by the boy as he had obedience.
(c) The teacher rewarded the boy for his obedience.
(d) The boy was obedience so the teacher rewarded him.
Answer: (c) The teacher rewarded the boy for his obedience.
3. They were waiting for you to arrive. (Use: your in place of you)
(a) They were waiting for your arrival.
(b) They are waiting for your arriving.
(c) They were waiting for your to arrive.
(d) They have been waiting for your arriving.
Answer: (a) They were waiting for your arrival.
4. Pupils who work hard may win. (Begin with: Hardworking…)
(a) Hardworking pupils may win.
(b) Hardworking pupils might to win.
(c) Hardworking pupils may won.
(d) Hardworking pupils might won.
Answer: (a) Hardworking pupils may win.
5. “What are you doing here?”, said the teacher to Ravinder. (Begin with: The teacher asked Ravinder…)
(a) The teacher asked Ravinder what is he doing here.
(b) The teacher asked Ravinder what he was doing there.
(c) The teacher asked Ravinder what were he doing there.
(d) The teacher asked Ravinder what he is doing here.
Answer: (b) The teacher asked Ravinder what he was doing there.
6. Has Deepak been sent to prison? (End with: …he?)
(a) Deepak has not been sent to prison, has he?
(b) Deepak has been not sent to prison, is not he?
(c) Deepak has not been sent to prison, not he?
(d) Deepak has not been sent to prison, is not he?
Answer: (a) Deepak has not been sent to prison, has he?
7. You will get over this illness only if you rest. (Use: recover)
(a) You will recover over this illness only if you rest.
(b) You will recover from this illness only if you rest.
(c) You can recover this illness only if you rest.
(d) You can recover only if you rest.
Answer: (b) You will recover from this illness only if you rest.
8. Postmen do not deliver letters on holidays. (Change the voice)
(a) Letters do not deliver by postmen on holidays.
(b) Letters were not delivered by postmen on holidays.
(c) Letters are not delivered by the postmen on holidays.
(d) Letters are not delivered by postmen due to holidays.
Answer: (c) Letters are not delivered by the postmen on holidays.
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