CBSE CLASS IXTH ANNUAL EXAMINATION 24-25 ENGLISH
SECTION A: READING SKILLS
Q1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions:
(i) Question:
In what ways does social media help foster a sense of community and belonging?
Answer:
Social media helps people connect with friends, family, and like-minded individuals across geographical distances. These connections help maintain relationships and foster a sense of belonging and support.
(ii) Question:
Which of the following was not a traditional form of communication before social media?
(a) Print media
(b) Telegraph messages
(c) Online forums
(d) Radio shows
Answer:
(c) Online forums
(iii) Question:
According to the passage, how does social media aid in professional development? Explain.
Answer:
It helps people broaden their professional circles to access diverse perspectives and resources. It also allows individuals to identify connections with shared interests or goals to solve challenges together.
(iv) Question:
Fill in the blanks appropriately.
The quick reach of ______ allows professionals to ______ and share ideas more efficiently.
Answer:
The quick reach of digital technology allows professionals to collaborate and share ideas more efficiently.
(v) Question:
State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE.
Social media allows people to connect only with individuals within their geographical area.
Answer:
FALSE (The text says it connects people across geographical distances ).
(vi) Question:
The word “camaraderie” in the passage most closely means:
(a) Mutual trust and friendship
(b) Strict competition
(c) Professional development
(d) Passive interest
Answer:
(a) Mutual trust and friendship.
(vii) Question:
What might be the reason behind the popularity of online educational resources on social media, especially for those in remote areas or from low socioeconomic backgrounds?
Answer:
They are popular because they make learning accessible to a global audience, often for free, regardless of the user’s location or socioeconomic status.
(viii) Question:
Social media platforms like LinkedIn have expanded exponentially over ______ to support professional connections.
Answer:
22 years.
Q2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions:
(i) Question:
What factors have contributed to the shift from ground/filter coffee to other forms of coffee in India?
Answer:
Hassle-free preparation, café culture, and the rising prices of Robusta coffee have contributed to this shift.
(ii) Question:
What percentage of coffee consumption in India is attributed to at-home consumption?
(a) 85-86%
(b) 93-94%
(c) 78-79%
(d) 50-51%
Answer:
(b) 93-94%.
(iii) Question:
Complete the following sentence appropriately.
The ______ culture has contributed to the increased preference for convenient coffee options in India.
Answer:
The café culture.
(iv) Question:
Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below.
Assertion (A): In 2022, the share of ground/filter coffee in total domestic consumption volume decreased from 82% in 2010 to 35-40% in 2022.
Reason (R): Hassle-free preparation, café culture and rising prices of robusta coffee (3.5% in the last decade) have contributed to this shift.
Answer:
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(v) Question:
Why is the domestic market for coffee important for Indian coffee producers? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer:
It is important because it helps offset (balance) the adverse impacts on producers when coffee prices drop in international markets.
(vi) Question:
State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE.
Fruit juices are the second most preferred beverage after tea and coffee.
Answer:
FALSE (Milk-based products are the second most preferred).
(vii) Question:
Complete the sentence appropriately.
Milk-based drinks, consumed regularly by ______ % of consumers, are the second most preferred beverage in India.
Answer:
9%.
(viii) Question:
Mention any two factors that have contributed to the recent increase in coffee consumption in India?
Answer:
Growing disposable incomes and the entry of popular café chains.
(ix) Question:
What are the other most preferred beverages after tea and coffees, in our country?
Answer:
Milk-based products (raw milk, chas, lassi), fruit juices, health drinks, and carbonated drinks.
SECTION B: GRAMMAR & CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
Q3. Attempt ANY TEN of the following twelve questions:
(i) Question:
Fill in the blank by supplying the correct form of the verb given in the bracket.
She insisted that the documents ______ (submit) without delay.
(a) was submitted
(b) be submitted
(c) to submitted
(d) submitted
Answer:
(b) be submitted.
(ii) Question:
Complete the sentence by selecting the correct option to fill in the blank.
The members of the jury ______ divided in their opinions on the verdict.
(a) is
(b) were
(c) was
(d) would have
Answer:
(b) were.
(iii) Question:
Complete the statement given below by choosing the most suitable option.
You ______ (inform) me earlier about the change in schedule.
(a) should have informed
(b) might inform
(c) shall inform
(d) must informed
Answer:
(a) should have informed.
(iv) Question:
Fill in the blank by supplying the correct form of the verb given in brackets, for the given portion of a diary entry.
“Today, my best friend ______ (choose) the best birthday present for me from my favourite shop.”
Answer:
chose.
(v) Question:
Read the given sentence from an article, identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence.
“Coffee is a beloved beverage know for its ability to fine-tune your focus…”
Answer:
Error: know | Correction: known.
(vi) Question:
Write down Sonali’s reply in reported speech.
“I am a quick learner and can work well under pressure.”
Answer:
Sonali said that she was a quick learner and could work well under pressure.
(vii) Question:
Select the correct option to complete the conversation in reported speech.
Ravi: Did you book the movie tickets?
Samarth: No, I was too busy. I’ll do it by tomorrow.
Ravi asked his friend Samarth whether he had booked the movie tickets, to which Samarth replied in the negative and said that ______
Answer:
(c) He had been too busy and he would do it by the following day.
(viii) Question:
Identify the error and supply the correction.
“The books are laying on the desk, but they will be moved soon.”
Answer:
Error: laying | Correction: lying.
(ix) Question:
Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line:
“In a groundbreaking initiative for promote environmental awareness…”
Answer:
(B) Error: for | Correction: to.
(x) Question:
Select the correct option to complete the conversation in reported speech.
Jerry: “Yes, I already did.” → Jerry said that he ______ so.
Answer:
(a) had already done.
(xi) Question:
Complete the following conversation in reported speech.
Somya: Are you coming to the party tonight?
Suman: I can’t, I have an important meeting, tomorrow.
Somya asked Suman if she was coming to the party that night to which Suman replied that she ______
Answer:
…she could not because she had an important meeting the next day.
(xii) Question:
Complete the health advisory.
In the wake of recent incidents of viral infections, all the employees ______ wear a mask everyday to office.
(a) Need
(b) Must
(c) Can
(d) Might
Answer:
(b) Must.
Q4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B.
Option A Question:
Write a descriptive paragraph in about 120 words on how you celebrated Diwali with your friends and family this year. Focus on the decorations, the food, the music, and the general atmosphere.
Answer:
This year, Diwali was a truly magical celebration at my home. We started the day by cleaning the house and decorating the entrance with vibrant rangolis made of flower petals and colors. As the sun set, we lit dozens of earthen diyas and hung fairy lights, making the whole house glow warmly. My mother prepared a grand feast with sweets like laddoos, kheer, and spicy snacks. We all wore new traditional clothes and gathered for the Laxmi Puja in the evening. Later, friends and cousins came over, and we exchanged gifts. The air was filled with laughter and the smell of incense. We avoided loud crackers to keep it eco-friendly, enjoying sparklers instead. It was a night full of love, light, and happiness.
OR
Option B Question:
You visited the busy market of Chandni Chowk last week. Write a descriptive paragraph in about 120 words, elaborating your experience about the crowd, shopping experience and the vibe of the place.
Answer:
Visiting Chandni Chowk last week was an unforgettable experience. As soon as I stepped out of the metro, I was hit by the massive crowd and the loud energy of Old Delhi. The narrow lanes were packed with people, rickshaws, and carts. The noise was deafening but exciting. The market was a treasure trove of colorful fabrics, shiny jewelry, and electronics. The aroma of street food was everywhere—I couldn’t resist trying the famous parathas and jalebis. Despite the heat and the pushing, the vibe was electric and historic. It felt like the heartbeat of the city, chaotic yet beautiful, blending the old world charm with the rush of modern life.
Q5. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B.
Option A Question:
You are Sonakshi/Soham, you were taught the importance of ‘Gratitude’ at school today. This made you think about what exactly you feel grateful for in life. Write a diary entry in about 120 words, listing out the things you’re thankful for today…
Answer:
Date: 15th January 2025
Dear Diary,
Today in school, our teacher spoke about ‘Gratitude,’ and it really touched my heart. It made me realize how many blessings I take for granted. I am so grateful for my loving parents who work hard to provide me with a comfortable home and good education. I am thankful for my health, which allows me to run, play, and enjoy life without pain. I also appreciate my supportive friends who are always there to make me laugh. Even simple things like a warm meal and a safe place to sleep are things to be thankful for. Acknowledging these blessings makes me feel happier and lighter. I promise to appreciate my life more every day.
Sonakshi
OR
Option B Question:
It’s a quiet evening when you hear a knock at the door. You open it to find no one there, except for a letter with your name on it. The letter says….. Complete the story in about 100-120 words. Give your story a suitable title too.
Answer:
Title: The Mystery Letter
It was a quiet evening when I heard a knock at the door. I opened it to find no one there, except for a letter with my name on it. The letter said, “If you want to find what was lost, look beneath the old banyan tree in the park at midnight.” My heart raced. I remembered my grandmother’s lost locket that vanished years ago. Overcome by curiosity, I grabbed a flashlight and went to the park. The night was silent. I dug near the roots of the tree and my shovel hit something hard. It was a small, rusted box. Inside lay the gold locket, shining as if it were new. I looked around, but there was no one. It remains a mystery who left that letter.
SECTION C: LITERATURE TEXT BOOK
Q6. Read the extract (The Happy Prince) and answer:
(i) Question:
What does the seamstress’s son ask for while lying ill in bed?
(a) Apples
(b) Milk
(c) Chocolates
(d) Oranges
Answer:
(d) Oranges.
(ii) Question:
Why does the seamstress have coarse, red hands? Explain in about 40 words.
Answer:
Her hands are coarse and red because she works very hard as a seamstress. Her hands have been pricked by the needle while she embroiders flowers on a satin gown.
(iii) Question:
Find a word similar in meaning to ‘rough’ from the extract.
Answer:
Coarse.
(iv) Question:
State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE.
The seamstress was embroidering flowers on the gown for the Queen.
Answer:
FALSE (She was embroidering it for the Queen’s maids of honour ).
Q7. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions from ANY ONE.
Option A (Rain on the Roof):
(i) Question:
Identify the figure of speech used in the expression: ‘Now in memory comes my mother’.
(a) Metaphor
(b) Personification
(c) Enjambment
(d) Simile
Answer:
(b) Personification.
(ii) Question:
Why does the poet mention, ‘darling dreamers’?
Answer:
He mentions them to refer to himself and his siblings as children, who were sleeping sweetly while their mother watched them.
(iii) Question:
Which word in the stanza means, ‘Melody or repeated tune’?
Answer:
Refrain.
(iv) Question:
How does the poet describe his mother in the stanza? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer:
The poet describes his mother as affectionate and loving. She used to look at her children with a “fond look” before leaving them to sleep until the morning.
OR
Option B (The Lake Isle of Innisfree):
(i) Question:
Which figure of speech is used in the phrase, ‘veils of the morning’?
(a) Alliteration
(b) Simile
(c) Personification
(d) Repetition
Answer:
(c) Personification.
(ii) Question:
What does the phrase “midnight’s all a glimmer” mean?
Answer:
It means the midnight scene is faintly lit, likely by the stars or glowworms.
(iii) Question:
What can be inferred from the linnet’s wings?
Answer:
It infers that the evenings are full of the sounds and sights of small birds (linnets) flying back to their nests.
(iv) Question:
How does the poet describe ‘peace’ in the stanza? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer:
The poet describes peace as something that comes slowly (“dropping slow”) from the natural environment—falling from the morning sky to the ground where the cricket sings.
Q8. Answer ANY FOUR of the five questions given below:
(i) Question:
Wordsworth does not explicitly express sorrow in the poem. Does this understated expression make the poem more impactful? Why or why not? (A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal)
Answer:
Yes, the understated expression makes the poem more impactful. Instead of loud crying, the simple statement that she has “no motion now” conveys a deep shock and numbness. This silence highlights the finality of death more powerfully than words of grief could.
(ii) Question:
How does the character of the old woman in the poem, ‘A Legend of The Northland’, act as a symbol of human vices, and how does her transformation at the end convey the moral of the story?
Answer:
The old woman symbolizes greed and selfishness because she couldn’t share even a small cake. Her transformation into a woodpecker conveys the moral that greedy people do not deserve human comforts and must work hard for their food.
(iii) Question:
How does the character of Gerrard contrast with that of the intruder in terms of their response to the situation? Explain. (If I were You)
Answer:
Gerrard is calm, cool, and quick-witted, using his intelligence to outsmart the intruder. In contrast, the intruder is anxious, violent, and easily frightened. Gerrard controls the situation with words, while the intruder fails to control it with a gun.
(iv) Question:
When Kalam says, “My parents were both very kind-hearted, very generous people. They would go out of their way to help people in distress,” how does this statement help in understanding his values? (My Childhood)
Answer:
This statement shows that Kalam values kindness, generosity, and service to others. Growing up with such parents taught him that true humanity involves helping those in need, regardless of their background, which shaped his own character.
(v) Question:
In what ways does Santosh Yadav’s experience on Mount Everest reflect the theme of overcoming adversity? Elaborate. (Reach for the Top)
Answer:
Santosh Yadav faced societal opposition against girls climbing mountains and endured extreme physical conditions on Everest. Her success in becoming the only woman to scale Everest twice reflects the theme that with iron will, hard work, and mental toughness, one can overcome any challenge.
Q9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions:
(i) Question:
What is the significance of the Swallow’s decision to stay with the Happy Prince and help him in his mission of charity, even when it means sacrificing his own journey? (The Happy Prince)
Answer:
The Swallow’s decision is significant because it shows the power of love and selflessness. He sacrifices his life (dying of cold) to help the Prince serve the poor. It proves that helping others is a higher purpose than personal comfort.
(ii) Question:
What do you think is the significance of the beggar’s decision to stop begging and choose a different path in life? (The Beggar)
Answer:
The beggar (Lushkoff) decides to stop begging because the cook, Olga, showed him unconditional kindness and cried for him. Her empathy touched his heart, signifying that love and compassion can transform a person more effectively than punishment or scolding.
(iii) Question:
What is the symbolic significance of the last leaf in the story? (The Last Leaf)
Answer:
The last leaf symbolizes hope and life. It saves Johnsy by giving her the will to live. It also symbolizes self-sacrifice, as the artist Behrman gave his life to paint it in the storm so that Johnsy would not lose hope.
Q10. Answer ANY ONE of the following questions:
Option A Question:
The Road Not Taken uses the metaphor of a journey to represent life’s choices, while No Men are Foreign uses the journey of understanding humanity’s unity. How do these metaphors deepen the central messages of the poems?
Answer:
In The Road Not Taken, the “journey” represents life, and the roads are the choices we make. By choosing the path “less traveled,” the poet emphasizes how difficult decisions shape our destiny. In No Men Are Foreign, the “journey” is a mental one—understanding that despite different uniforms and borders, the human body and earth are the same. This metaphor deepens the message that we are all one family, and war is futile because hurting others is hurting ourselves.
OR
Option B Question:
The Happy Prince finds happiness in giving, while Behrman achieves fulfillment through his final act of painting the leaf. What do these stories suggest about the nature of true happiness?
Answer:
Both stories suggest that true happiness and fulfillment come from selfless sacrifice. The Happy Prince gave away his beauty and wealth to help the poor, finding spiritual peace. Behrman gave his life to paint a masterpiece that saved a girl. These stories teach that living for others and making sacrifices for their well-being brings a higher form of happiness than living only for oneself.
Q11. Answer ANY ONE of the following questions:
Option A Question:
The Guru uses deception to save his own life and the lives of others. In what ways were his actions morally justified? What does the story suggest about the ethics of using wit or cleverness in such situations? (The Kingdom of Fools)
Answer:
The Guru’s deception (lying that the stake would make the victim a King) was morally justified because he was saving an innocent man from an unjust execution. The story suggests that when dealing with irrational, dangerous, or foolish people who cannot be reasoned with, using wit and trickery is an ethical way to ensure justice and protect lives.
OR
Option B Question:
How do the characters of Iswaran and Mahendra represent two different worldviews in the story? What might each character’s perspective tell us about the way individuals relate to their environment… Do you think the story favors one worldview over the other? (Iswaran-the story teller)
Answer:
Iswaran represents the worldview of imagination, emotion, and storytelling; he finds magic and drama in daily life. Mahendra represents the rational and scientific worldview; he dismisses ghosts and believes only in facts. The story shows that while rationality is important, the human mind is susceptible to fear and imagination (as Mahendra eventually gets scared). It does not strictly favor one view but suggests that storytelling has the power to influence even the most rational minds.