Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 9: ICSE Class 10 English Language/Grammar (Total English) workbook solved which comprises Prepositions, Personal Writing, Letter Writing: Invitations, Test Paper-9. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
Prepositions
Assignment
1. The stranger knocked ………. the door.
Answer: at/on
Explanation: Imagine you want someone inside a house to know you are there. You go to the door and tap it with your hand. We say you are knocking at the door because you are at that specific place. You can also say you are knocking on the door because your hand is tapping on its surface. Both are correct!
2. Suddenly he jumped ………. the pool.
Answer: into
Explanation: Think of a big box. If you are already standing inside it, you are in the box. But if you are outside the box and you jump so that you land inside it, you are jumping into the box. The pool is like a big box of water. He was outside and then moved to the inside, so he jumped into the pool.
3. He was standing ………. the pillar.
Answer: by/against/beside
Explanation: A pillar is a big, tall post. If you stand right next to it, you are standing by the pillar or beside the pillar. If you are tired and you lean your back on it for support, you are standing against the pillar. All these words tell us where he was compared to the pillar.
4. We reached the station ………. time.
Answer: in
Explanation: The book explains two phrases: “in time” and “on time”. “In time” means you arrive early enough, with some time to spare before something happens (like the train leaving). “On time” means you arrive at the exact moment something is scheduled. When you go to a station, you usually want to get there a little early, so in time is the best choice.
5. He sat ………. Harry and Manas.
Answer: between
Explanation: When you have two things, like two slices of bread, and you put cheese in the middle, the cheese is between the bread. In this sentence, Harry is like one slice of bread and Manas is the other. The person sat in the middle of them, so he sat between Harry and Manas.
6. He presided ………. the meeting.
Answer: over
Explanation: When someone is the boss of a meeting, they are in charge of it. The special word we use to say they are in charge is “presided over“. It’s like they are watching over everyone to make sure the meeting goes well. The words “preside” and “over” are a team that almost always go together.
7. The people have been waiting at the station ………. 6 o’clock.
Answer: since
Explanation: Think of a race. The race starts at a specific moment, like when someone shouts “Go!”. Here, the waiting started at a specific time: 6 o’clock. When we talk about something that started at a particular point in the past and is still happening now, we use the word since. They started waiting at 6 o’clock and are still waiting.
8. There is a bus stop ………. the end of the road.
Answer: at
Explanation: When we talk about a very specific spot, like a dot on a map, we use the word at. “The end of the road” is a specific spot. So, the bus stop is located at the end of the road.
9. He used to live ………. Mumbai.
Answer: in
Explanation: When you talk about being inside a big area, like a city, a state, or a country, you use the word in. You live in a house, in a city, and in a country. Since Mumbai is a big city, he used to live in Mumbai.
10. We will finish our homework ………. an hour.
Answer: in/within
Explanation: If you say you will finish something in an hour, it means it will take you about one hour to get it done. If you say you will finish it within an hour, it means you will be done sometime before the full hour is over. Both words work here to talk about the time it will take.
11. The boy has been missing ………. Sunday.
Answer: since
Explanation: Just like in question 7, we are talking about something that started at a specific time in the past and is still going on. The boy went missing on Sunday (that was the starting point). So, he has been missing since Sunday.
12. You must reach the place ………. sunset.
Answer: before/by
Explanation: Sunset is the time the sun goes down. The sentence means you need to get to the place before the sun goes down. You can also use the word by. “Reach the place by sunset” means you can arrive any time, but not later than when the sun sets.
13. He disposed ………. his old car.
Answer: of
Explanation: The word “disposed” needs a little helper word to mean “get rid of”. When you want to throw something away or sell it, you “dispose of” it. It’s a team of words that always work together, like peanut butter and jelly. He got rid of his car, so he disposed of it.
14. We find it difficult to cope ………. Hindi.
Answer: with
Explanation: “Cope” is another word that needs a partner. When you are trying to handle something difficult, you “cope with” it. You might have to cope with a lot of homework or cope with a problem. Here, they find it hard to handle the Hindi language, so they find it difficult to cope with Hindi.
15. We must conform ………. the school regulations.
Answer: to
Explanation: “Conform” means to follow the rules or be the same as everything else. The special word that connects “conform” to the rules is to. You must conform to the rules. It means you have to make your actions match what the rules say.
Personal Writing
Assignment
1. After your schooling, you went to join a college in another city. Describe your thoughts and feelings on leaving your home and school.
Answer: The First Step Into Adulthood
The day my school life officially ended felt like closing a cherished book. The final bell, the last walk down the familiar corridors, and the tearful goodbyes to friends marked the end of an era. Ahead lay a new chapter: college in a different city. The prospect was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions—a thrilling sense of adventure mixed with a deep, aching sadness for what I was leaving behind.
The last few days at home were filled with a quiet melancholy. My mother moved around the house with a forced cheerfulness, helping me pack my bags. Each item she folded seemed to hold a memory—the old t-shirt from a school trip, the worn-out novel I had read a dozen times. My room, my sanctuary for eighteen years, began to feel like a temporary space. The morning of my departure was heavy with unspoken words. My father’s firm grip on my shoulder, my younger sister’s tight hug, and my mother’s glistening eyes said more than words ever could. As the train pulled out of the station, I watched their figures shrink on the platform, and a wave of homesickness washed over me, sharp and real. I was leaving the unconditional love and comfort of my family for a world of unknowns.
Leaving school was just as difficult. It had been my second home, a place of learning, laughter, and friendship. The farewell party was a blur of promises to stay in touch and heartfelt hugs. My friends, who had been my constant companions through every triumph and failure, were now scattering across the country to pursue their own dreams. The thought of navigating a new life without them by my side was daunting. School had given me not just an education but an identity, and leaving it felt like shedding a part of myself.
As the train sped towards my new destination, my apprehension battled with excitement. I was heading towards independence, a life where I would make my own decisions. The idea was liberating. Yet, when I finally arrived in the new city and stood before the imposing gates of my college, a feeling of being utterly alone set in. The campus was vast, the faces were unfamiliar, and the air buzzed with an energy that was both exciting and intimidating. For the first time, I was truly on my own.
This transition was the most significant one of my life. It was a journey from the sheltered world of childhood to the demanding reality of adulthood. Leaving home and school was painful, but it was also necessary. It was the first step towards building my own future, armed with the lessons from my past and a heart full of hope for what was to come.
2. State, with relevant incidents, how the reading habit has made you a better human being.
Answer: The Life Lessons I Found in Books
From the colourful picture books of my childhood to the complex novels I read today, books have been more than just a source of entertainment; they have been my teachers, my guides, and my windows to the world. The habit of reading, cultivated over many years, has profoundly shaped my character and, I believe, made me a better human being.
One of the most significant changes I’ve noticed in myself is a greater sense of empathy. I remember reading a story about a young boy living in poverty who had to drop out of school to support his family. The vivid descriptions of his struggles and his quiet determination to learn on his own moved me deeply. Shortly after, a new boy joined our neighbourhood, whose family was visibly struggling financially. Before, I might have kept my distance, unsure of what to say. But the book’s story resonated with me. I recalled the loneliness and pride of the character and made a conscious effort to befriend the new boy, sharing my notes and inviting him to play. Reading had bridged the gap between his reality and my understanding, teaching me compassion in a way no lecture ever could.
Reading has also broadened my horizons immeasurably. I recall an incident during a history class discussion on World War II. While our textbook provided the facts and figures, a historical novel I had recently finished gave me a perspective on the lives of ordinary German citizens during that time. I was able to contribute a point about the human cost of the war on all sides, something that wasn’t explicitly covered in our syllabus. This experience was empowering. It taught me that knowledge isn’t just about memorizing dates; it’s about understanding the human stories behind them. This curiosity, sparked by reading, has pushed me to explore topics beyond my academic curriculum, making me a more informed and engaged individual.
Furthermore, books have been a source of strength during personal challenges. There was a time when I failed to get selected for the school basketball team, an event that left me feeling dejected. I happened to pick up the biography of a famous sportsperson who was once cut from his high school team. Reading about how he used that rejection as fuel to work harder than ever before was a revelation. His story taught me a powerful lesson about resilience and the importance of perseverance. Instead of giving up, I spent the next year practicing relentlessly. That incident, inspired by a book, taught me how to face setbacks with a stronger spirit and a determination to improve.
The habit of reading has been a transformative journey. It has filled my heart with empathy, my mind with knowledge, and my spirit with resilience. Through the lives of countless characters and the wisdom of numerous authors, I have learned to see the world with greater understanding and to navigate my own life with more courage and compassion. It is a habit that continues to shape me, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Test Paper – 9
Question 1
(Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question)
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following:
(i) Write an original short story by continuing the following: ‘We set off in the silence of early morning…..’
Answer: The Hidden Cabin
We set off in the silence of early morning, the air was crisp and carried the scent of pine and damp earth. A thin veil of mist clung to the forest floor, muffling our footsteps as my friends, Rohan, Sameer, and I, began our trek up Eagle’s Peak. The world was still asleep, painted in shades of grey and deep blue, with only the faintest hint of gold on the eastern horizon promising the arrival of the sun. For the first hour, the only sounds were our own steady breathing and the occasional snap of a twig under our boots.
It was Rohan who heard it first. He stopped abruptly, his hand raised. “Listen,” he whispered. We froze, straining our ears. A faint, rhythmic tapping sound echoed through the trees, soft but persistent. It was out of place in the wilderness. We exchanged curious glances and, abandoning our planned route, decided to investigate. We moved cautiously towards the sound, pushing through thick ferns and ducking under low-hanging branches.
The tapping grew louder, leading us to a small, hidden clearing we had never seen before on any map. In the centre of the clearing stood a dilapidated wooden cabin, its windows dark and empty. The sound was coming from inside. With our hearts pounding, we crept towards the door, which was slightly ajar. Sameer, the bravest among us, gave it a gentle push. It swung open with a low creak, revealing a room bathed in the soft glow of a single lantern. An old man with a long white beard sat at a wooden table, his back to us, meticulously carving a small wooden bird. He seemed completely absorbed in his work, the source of the rhythmic tapping.
He hadn’t noticed our arrival. We stood there, mesmerised by the unexpected sight, the mystery of the forest replaced by the quiet wonder of a craftsman lost in his art, hidden away from the world.
(ii) You had gone to the railway station to receive your uncle who was coming from Mumbai. Since the train was late by two hours, you had to wait for the arrival of the train. Narrate what you saw and experienced during these two hours of waiting at the railway platform.
Answer: Stories on the Platform
The digital display board at the railway station flashed the words I was dreading: “Mumbai Express – Delayed by 2 Hours.” A groan escaped my lips. I had arrived full of excitement to welcome my uncle, but now I was faced with a long, unplanned wait. The initial wave of annoyance soon gave way to a sense of resignation, and I decided to make the most of my time by observing the world around me.
The platform was a theatre of human life. I found a vacant spot on a metal bench and watched the constant flow of people. A family with two restless children argued over a packet of chips, their loud voices momentarily drowning out the station announcements. A group of college students, with oversized backpacks and even bigger dreams, laughed and joked, their energy infectious. An elderly couple sat quietly, sharing a flask of tea, their comfortable silence speaking volumes about their long journey together. Hawkers moved through the crowd with practised ease, their calls of “Chai-garam!” and “Samosa!” creating a rhythmic background score.
An hour passed. I bought a newspaper but found my attention drifting back to the scenes unfolding before me. I saw a soldier in uniform bid a tearful farewell to his wife, his stoic expression crumbling for just a moment. I watched a young man, glued to his phone, almost miss his train, making a frantic dash at the last second. The air was thick with a mixture of smells – spicy food from the stalls, diesel from the engines, and the faint scent of rain on hot concrete. The constant announcements, the rumble of passing trains, and the cacophony of a thousand conversations created a unique symphony.
Finally, the announcement for the Mumbai Express crackled over the speakers. A wave of relief washed over me as the train pulled into the station. The two-hour wait, which had seemed like an eternity, had turned into an unexpectedly rich experience, offering me a glimpse into the countless stories that converge and diverge on a railway platform.
(iii) ‘Animals should not be used for drug development or medical research.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer: Beyond Animal Testing
The practice of using animals for drug development and medical research is a contentious issue, but I firmly believe that it is an outdated, unethical, and often scientifically unreliable method that should be discontinued. The moral argument against animal testing is perhaps the most compelling. Animals are sentient beings, capable of experiencing pain, fear, and distress. To subject them to painful procedures, confine them in sterile, unnatural environments, and ultimately end their lives for human benefit is a profound ethical failure. We, as the dominant species, have a responsibility to protect the vulnerable, not exploit them. The argument that human lives are more valuable does not give us a license for cruelty.
Beyond the ethical concerns, the scientific validity of animal testing is increasingly being questioned. There are significant physiological, metabolic, and genetic differences between humans and the animals typically used in research, such as mice and rabbits. Consequently, results from animal trials do not always accurately predict human responses. This can be dangerous, as drugs that appear safe in animals may have adverse effects on humans. Conversely, potentially life-saving treatments might be discarded because they are ineffective or harmful in an animal model. This makes the entire process not only cruel but also inefficient and potentially misleading.
Fortunately, we are no longer limited to these archaic methods. The advancement of science has provided us with a range of sophisticated and humane alternatives. Techniques such as in-vitro testing on human cells and tissues, advanced computer-modelling (in-silico), and micro-dosing in human volunteers offer results that are not only obtained without cruelty but are also more relevant to human health.
These modern methods are often faster, more cost-effective, and provide a more accurate understanding of how a substance will affect the human body. Therefore, by shifting our resources and focus towards these alternatives, we can foster scientific progress that is both more effective and compassionate. It is time to evolve beyond animal testing and embrace a future of research that respects all forms of life.
(iv) Describe what you saw and did at a religious festival celebrated in your colony. Also state your feelings on being a part of the festivities.
Answer: Diwali in Our Colony
Every year, the celebration of Diwali transforms our quiet colony into a spectacle of light, sound, and communal joy. This year was no different. The preparations began days in advance, but on the evening of the festival, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. As I stepped out of my house, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight. Every building was adorned with strings of colourful, twinkling lights, and the warm, gentle glow of earthen diyas lined the balconies and windowsills, casting a magical golden hue on everything. Intricate rangoli patterns, vibrant with colour, decorated the entrance of each home, acting as beautiful welcome mats for guests and the goddess Lakshmi.
My family and I, dressed in our new traditional clothes, first visited our neighbours to exchange boxes of homemade sweets and festive greetings. This ritual of sharing is my favourite part of the festival, as it strengthens the bonds within our community. Later, everyone gathered in the colony park for a small, informal celebration. The air was filled with the happy chatter of adults and the excited squeals of children. The sound of firecrackers, though intermittent, added to the celebratory mood with their loud cracks and brilliant flashes of light in the dark sky. I joined my friends, and we lit sparklers, carefully drawing patterns in the air with the fizzing light, our faces illuminated with joy.
Being a part of these festivities filled me with an immense sense of happiness and belonging. It was more than just a religious observance; it was a celebration of togetherness, of light over darkness, and of the simple joys of community life. Seeing people from different backgrounds come together, sharing food and laughter, reinforced my belief in the power of festivals to unite us. The warmth was not just from the diyas but from the collective spirit of our colony. As the night drew to a close, I felt a deep sense of peace and gratitude for being part of such a connected community.
(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: The Potter’s Day
In a small yard, a man sits near a kiln, shaping clay with steady hands. His clothes are simple, his body bent forward in concentration. The wall behind him is marked with years of smoke and dust, and before him lies a spread of fresh earthen pots, lined up in neat rows.
The air is warm, and the sun hardens the vessels as they rest on the ground. Each pot looks alike, yet each carries its own small differences, showing the touch of the maker. The man’s hands are rough, covered with clay, but they move with skill, as if the work is second nature.
This work is slow and demanding. He kneads, shapes, and smooths the clay, then waits for the kiln to fire the pots. The process repeats day after day. For many, these vessels are just objects of daily use, but for him they mean survival. Every pot sold brings food to his family’s table.
The craft is old, passed down through generations. Perhaps his father once sat by the same kiln, teaching him how to form the right curve, how to judge the thickness of clay. The man’s labour may not bring wealth, but it brings purpose. The pots he makes will carry water, cook meals, and store grain in homes far beyond this small yard.
As evening comes, the fire will be lit. The pots will glow red inside the kiln, gaining strength from the heat. By morning, they will be ready for the market. The man will begin again, his hands once more deep in the earth, shaping something useful from soil and sweat.
Question 2
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)
Select any one of the following:
(i) A recent article in your local newspaper suggested that students of your age group are selfish and do not care for the rights and needs of others. Write a letter to the Editor, replying to this criticism.
Answer:
12-B, Sunlight Colony
Mumbai – 400051
15th July 2023
The Editor
The Daily Chronicle
Mumbai – 400001
Subject: Response to the article on today’s youth
Dear Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to respond to an article published on 14th July, which labelled the students of my age group as “selfish and uncaring.” I believe this is an unfair generalization that overlooks the positive contributions of many young people.
While it is true that some individuals may appear self-absorbed, it is incorrect to paint an entire generation with the same brush. Many students today are actively involved in community service, environmental campaigns, and social awareness programs. Our school, for instance, regularly organizes visits to orphanages and old-age homes, where students volunteer their time and effort. We also participate in cleanliness drives and fundraising events for various social causes.
These activities show that we are not indifferent to the needs of others. We are conscious of our social responsibilities and strive to make a positive impact on society. It would be encouraging if the media also highlighted these aspects of student life to present a more balanced perspective.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Rohan Sharma
(ii) Write a letter to your friend, describing the science project you are working on to be exhibited at the Inter-school Science Exhibition.
Answer:
Flat 5A, Harmony Apartments
Green Park
New Delhi – 110016
15th July 2023
Dear Sameer,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you today because I am very excited about the upcoming Inter-school Science Exhibition, and I wanted to tell you about the project my team and I are working on.
We are building a model of a “Smart Irrigation System.” The main idea is to create a system that can automatically water plants based on the moisture level in the soil. We are using a soil moisture sensor connected to a microcontroller. When the sensor detects that the soil is dry, it sends a signal to a small water pump, which then turns on and waters the plants. Once the soil has enough moisture, the pump automatically shuts off.
The goal of our project is to demonstrate a practical way to conserve water in agriculture, which is a major concern today. It has been challenging to get the programming right, but it is also a lot of fun. We just successfully tested the prototype yesterday, and it worked perfectly!
I really wish you could be here to see it. I will be sure to send you pictures from the exhibition.
Write back soon and tell me what you have been up to.
Your friend,
Amit
Question 3
(i) Your school is organising an Inter-school Maths Wizard Exam. Write out a notice to be put up in your school informing students about the event and inviting them to participate.
Answer:
GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, PUNE
NOTICE
16 July 2025
INTER-SCHOOL MATHS WIZARD EXAM 2025
This is to inform all students from Classes IX and X that our school is organising an Inter-school Maths Wizard Exam. This is a great opportunity for all mathematics enthusiasts to test their skills and compete with students from other prestigious schools.
The details of the event are as follows:
- Date: 5th August 2025
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Venue: School Auditorium
Interested students are requested to register their names with their respective mathematics teachers on or before 30th July 2023. For further details, please contact the undersigned.
Anjali Singh
(Head of Mathematics Department)
(ii) Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school requesting him/her to send the names of the students who wish to participate in the Maths Wizard Exam.
Answer:
To: principal.sunshine@email.com
From: principal.greenwood@email.com
Subject: Invitation to Participate in Inter-school Maths Wizard Exam 2023
Dear Principal,
Greetings from Greenwood High School.
We are pleased to inform you that our school is organising an Inter-school Maths Wizard Exam for students of Classes IX and X. The event aims to foster a spirit of healthy competition and encourage students to excel in mathematics.
The examination is scheduled to be held on 5th August 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in our school auditorium.
We would be honoured to have students from your esteemed institution participate in this event. We kindly request you to send us a list of interested participants from your school by 30th July 2023, so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
We look forward to your school’s enthusiastic participation.
Thank you.
Warm regards,
Mr. R. K. Sharma
Principal
Greenwood High School
Pune
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Dr. James entered the room, and bowed slightly to a young lady standing by the side of a bed. There lay a man as still as the dead. Dr. James examined him and turned to the lady with questioning eyes.
“I am Mrs. Chandler,” she responded. “My husband was taken suddenly ill about ten minutes before you came. He has had attacks of heart trouble before-some of them were very bad.” Saying this, the lady fell, white and swooning, into the arms of an old woman. She was carried to her room, and laid on the bed. She passed from the swoon, into a profound slumber.
The physician returned to the man on the bed; his eyes were open. His lips seemed to form words. Dr. James bent his head to listen. “The money! the money! the twenty thousand dollars.” And the man closed his eyes again.
There arose in Dr. James’s brain and heart the instincts of his other profession. He decided to learn the whereabouts of this money. Going to the door of the inner room, he softly called the old woman, gave her the prescription, and bade her take it to some drug store and fetch the medicine.
“Where-should the money be?” mused the physician, looking about the room. Suddenly, he perceived a small iron safe, half-concealed by the trailing end of a window curtain. He stepped there swiftly with his medicine case which actually contained an elegant set of the latest conceived tools used by an ingenious safe burglar. Underneath the tools was a mass of crumpled banknotes amounting to eight hundred and thirty dollars, a sum the physician had obtained after breaking an old-style safe a few hours ago.
Dr. James examined the safe. With his clamps he drew the knob, punched the tumblers and opened the door in two minutes. The interior of the safe was bare-not even a scrap of paper rested within the hollow iron cube.
Dr. James walked back to the bed. There was a mocking, grim smile on the lips of the dying man. He had been watching the physician at work. “Medicine and burglary wedded! I never saw it before,” he said, painfully. Suddenly, a deep blush suffused the man’s face-the respiration ceased, and, with scarcely a tremor, he expired. Closely following upon his last breath came the old woman bringing the medicine. Dr. James told her of the end.
“Dear now! It is in the Lord’s hands. The Madam paid out the last bit of money for this bottle of medicine, and it never came to any use.”
“Do I understand,” asked Dr. James, “that Mrs. Chandler has no money?”
“Money, sir? Why, the Madam had twenty thousand dollars. Mr. Chandler played at the races and lost every cent of it. There is nothing to eat in this house but some crumbly crackers in three days.”
Some ten minutes later, Mrs. Chandler entered. Dr. James pointed to the safe with its still wide-open door and spoke kindly and briefly, “Your husband, Mrs. Chandler, toward the end, felt that he could not live; and directed me to open that safe, giving me the number upon which the combination is set. In that safe he said he had placed a sum of money-not large. The money is there on the table-as he described it-eight hundred and thirty dollars.”
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:
1. swooning (line 6)
(a) crying
(b) fainting
(c) falling
(d) dying
Answer: (b) fainting
2. profound (line 8)
(a) deep
(b) confusing
(c) hard
(d) majestic
Answer: (a) deep
(ii) Which word in the passage is the opposite of ‘deprived’?
(a) ceased
(b) suffused
(c) expired
(d) played
Answer: (b) suffused
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) What made Mrs. Chandler swoon?
Answer: Mrs. Chandler swooned due to the shock and distress of her husband’s sudden and severe illness, which she was explaining to Dr. James.
(b) What was Dr. James’ other profession? State evidence to show that Dr. James had come prepared for his ‘other profession’.
Answer: Dr. James’ other profession was that of a safe burglar. The evidence is that his medicine case contained “an elegant set of the latest conceived tools used by an ingenious safe burglar.”
(c) What precaution did Dr. James take to ensure that nobody could see what he was going to do?
Answer: To ensure that nobody could see him, Dr. James sent the old woman away to a drugstore with a prescription to fetch medicine.
(d) State the evidence to show that Dr. James had done some of his other business recently.
Answer: The evidence is the “mass of crumpled banknotes amounting to eight hundred and thirty dollars” found underneath his tools, which was a sum he had “obtained after breaking an old-style safe a few hours ago.”
(e) What kindness did Dr. James show to Mrs. Chandler? What explanation did he give for his kindness?
Answer: Dr. James showed kindness by giving Mrs. Chandler the eight hundred and thirty dollars he had recently stolen. He explained this by lying that her dying husband had directed him to open the safe and that this sum of money was inside it for her.
(iv) Describe how was Dr. James both a medical doctor as well as a cautious burglar. Answer in not more than fifty words.
Answer: Dr. James acted as a doctor by examining the patient. He revealed his cautious burglar side by carrying burglary tools in his medicine case, sending the old woman away before cracking the safe, and cleverly concocting a story to give the widow his own stolen money without revealing his identity.
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) have resulted
Marine heatwaves starting October 2023 ….0…. (result) in widespread coral ….1…. (bleach) in the Lakshadweep Sea, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) said in a statement with some experts ….2…. (put) the damage at around 75 per cent of the corals around the eponymous archipelago.
Marine heatwaves are rare extreme weather events that involve ….3…. (prolong) periods of abnormal high ocean temperatures. These temperatures often exceed the 90th percentile of typical ….4…. (region) ocean temperatures based on ….5…. (history) data. In Lakshadweep, the Degree Heating Week (DHW) indicator, which measures accumulated heat stress, ….6…. (surge) above 4°C. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this level of DHW ….7…. (pose) a substantial risk of coral bleaching, ….8…. (threaten) the region’s diverse marine ecosystems.
Answer:
- bleaching
- putting
- prolonged
- regional
- historical
- surged
- poses
- threatening
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) The doctor advised him ………………………… driving.
Answer: against
(b) Mr. Gupta is beset ………………………… grave health problems.
Answer: with
(c) Ritu is indifferent ………………………… joy or sorrow.
Answer: to
(d) The team was elated with joy ………………………… their victory.
Answer: at
(e) The police resorted to lathi charge ………………………… extreme provocation.
Answer: on
(f) They have not yet decided ………………………… the venue for the concert.
Answer: on
(g) He waited for the applause to die ………………………… before playing the next piece.
Answer: down
(h) Her best friend came ………………………… from London to attend her wedding.
Answer: all the way
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. Perhaps he will accept my plan. I shall be delighted then.
(a) Perhaps I shall be delighted when he will accept my plan.
(b) I shall be delighted unless he will accept my plan.
(c) Though I shall be delighted that he will accept my plan.
(d) I shall be delighted if he will accept my plan.
Answer: (d) I shall be delighted if he will accept my plan.
2. The test was difficult. I did my best.
(a) I did my best for the test was difficult.
(b) Although the test was difficult, I did my best.
(c) Unless the test was difficult, I did my best.
(d) If the test was difficult, I did my best.
Answer: (b) Although the test was difficult, I did my best.
3. The door of the temple is very narrow. An elephant cannot go through it.
(a) The elephant cannot go through the narrower door of the temple.
(b) The door of the temple is too narrow for an elephant to go through it.
(c) The door of the temple which is too narrow cannot let an elephant to go through it.
(d) Although the door of the temple is too narrow, the elephant cannot go through.
Answer: (b) The door of the temple is too narrow for an elephant to go through it.
4. This music is noisy. My grandmother cannot stand it.
(a) My grandmother cannot stand this music for it is noisy.
(b) My grandmother cannot stood this noisy music.
(c) My grandmother cannot stand this noisy music.
(d) My grandmother cannot stand for noisy music.
Answer: (a) My grandmother cannot stand this music for it is noisy.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. This shop does not accept cheques. (Begin with: Cheques…)
(a) Cheques are unacceptable by this shop.
(b) Cheques are not to be accepted at this shop.
(c) Cheques are not accepted by this shop.
(d) Cheques are not to be accepted by this shop.
Answer: (c) Cheques are not accepted by this shop.
2. Besides making a promise, he kept it. (Use: not only, but also)
(a) He not only kept a promise but also made it.
(b) He made a promise not only, but also kept it.
(c) He not only promised but also kept it.
(d) He not only made a promise but also kept it.
Answer: (d) He not only made a promise but also kept it.
3. It does not matter if we lose. (Begin with: What…)
(a) What does not matter if we lose?
(b) What matters if we lose?
(c) What does it matter if we lost?
(d) What does it matter if we lose?
Answer: (d) What does it matter if we lose?
4. He has suffered loss, yet he is cheerful. (Begin with: Though…)
(a) Though he has suffered loss, he is cheerful.
(b) Though for suffering loss, yet he is cheerful.
(c) Though even he has suffered loss, yet he is cheerful.
(d) Though unless he suffer loss, yet he is cheerful.
Answer: (a) Though he has suffered loss, he is cheerful.
5. Nobody in our team can run as fast as Tom. (Begin with: Tom…)
(a) Tom is more fastest runner in our team.
(b) Tom is the fastest running man in our team.
(c) Tom is as fast as fastest runner in our team.
(d) Tom is the fastest runner in our team.
Answer: (d) Tom is the fastest runner in our team.
6. I hoped to win the prize. (Begin with: I hoped that…)
(a) I hoped that I would win the prize.
(b) I hoped that I would won the prize.
(c) I hoped that I would have won the prize.
(d) I hoped that the prize would be mine.
Answer: (a) I hoped that I would win the prize.
7. The boy is strong and intelligent. (Begin with: The boy has…)
(a) The boy has strong intelligence.
(b) The boy has strength and intelligence.
(c) The boy has strength of intelligence.
(d) The boy has strength to be intelligent.
Answer: (b) The boy has strength and intelligence.
8. He said, “I know what will happen tomorrow.” (Begin with: He said that…)
(a) He said that I know what will happen tomorrow.
(b) He said that he knew what would happen the next day.
(c) He said that he knew what shall happen the next day.
(d) He said that he know what could happen tomorrow.
Answer: (b) He said that he knew what would happen the next day.
Words Often Confused
Assignment
Choose one of the words from the pairs given in brackets in each of the following sentences:
1. The parcel has been (all ready/already) delivered.
Answer: already
2. We went to the picnic (all together/altogether).
Answer: all together
3. Now it is a different story (all together/altogether).
Answer: altogether
4. We are (all ways/always) spilling milk on the table.
Answer: always
5. Anne comes (all ways/always) late.
Answer: always
6. It is (all ready/already) eight o’clock. Let us go.
Answer: already
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