K.P.

C PUBLIC SCHOOL
ASSESSMENT III – 2024-25

Std: IX Time: 3 Hrs

Sub: English (Answer Key) M: 80 Marks
___________________________________________________________________________________
Section A: Reading Skills
Passage 1
1)“But snakes can’t be neatly divided into poisonous and non-poisonous categories.” Choose the term which best
matches the statement.
(a) Over-confidence
(b) Certainty
(c) Dilemma
(d) Ignorance
(ii) Which of the characteristics is apt about the writer in the context: “If I spit it out or refuse, our hosts
would be offended”?
(a) Reckless
(b) Compelled
(c) Patient
(d) Negligent
(iii) Hunting animals try their worst to kill their prey. What does their prey do to avoid becoming their meal?
(a) It develops strength to fight with them.
(b) It develops immunity to poison/venom.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)
(iv) Some snake killers have partial immunity to:

(a)Dangerous bacteria
(b)Dangerous virus
(c) poisonous air
(d)Poison

(v) The narrator chews and chews the leather-tough meat until his jaws ache, for fear of:
(a) His hosts
(b) His guests
(c) Pythons
(d) Choking
(vi) Which one of these animals is NOT a reptile?

(a) Option (1)

(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
(vii) Select the option that makes the correct use of ‘driving’, as used in para 3.
(a) Don’t talk while driving your car.
(b) He is driving his sheep into a field.
(c) Hunger is driving him to speak lie.
(d) He is driving his team efficiently.
(viii) A mongoose cannot kill a cobra. (True/False)
(ix) Snakes strive to evolve a more deadly poison, so that their prey have no chance to ………..
(x) Choose the option that correctly states the meanings of ‘offended’, as used in pare 4.
1. disgusting
2. upset
3. wrong
4. displeased
5. unlawful
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 5 (d) 4 and 5
Answers ( 10 M)
(i) (c) Dilemma
(ii) (b) Compelled
(iii)(b) It develops immunity to poison/venom.
(iv)(d) poison
(v) (d) choking
(vi)(c) Cat
(vii)(c) Hunger is driving him to speak lie.
(viii)False
(ix) have no chance to escape/develop immunity
(x) (b) 2 and 4 (upset, displeased)
Passage 2

(a) Which of the following alternatives is a synonym for the word, 'contemporary', as used in the passage?
(i) permanent (ii) co-existent (iii) temporary (iv) old
(b) Which of the following alternatives, is a substitute for the word, 'fatal', as used in the passage?
(i) normal (ii) serious (iii) deadly (iv) sudden
(c) Which of the following alternatives, is a substitute for the word, 'poses', as used in the passage?
(i) causes (ii) affects (iii) position (iv) invites
(d) Which of the following alternatives, is an antonym for the word, 'prone to', as used in the passage?
(i) inclination (ii) not affected (iii) like (iv) assume
(e) Find an antonym of ‘allow’ as given in para 3.
(i) Fatal (ii) ban (iii) pass (iv) use
(f) Why have cell phones been banned in some areas?
(i)Due to their high cost
ii)For health and safety reasons
iii)To promote social interaction
iv)To increase productivity
(g)At what age do children in many locations regularly carry cell phones?
i) High school age
ii) Elementary school age
iii) College age
iv) Post-graduate age
(h) What is the policy of most schools regarding cell phone usage?
 i) Encourage usage in classrooms
ii) Allow usage during breaks only
iii) Ban usage completely
iv) Limit usage to emergencies
i)Why is cell phone use banned while driving?
(i) Due to health risks
(ii) To reduce social interactions
(iii) To prevent distracted driving
(iv) To minimize fuel consumption
j)Why was cell phone use initially banned on airplanes?
(i) To reduce noise
(ii) To limit in-flight purchases
(iii) To prevent interference with sensitive cockpit equipment
(iv) To reduce air pollution
Answers ( 10 M)

(a) (ii) co-existent

(b) (iii) deadly
(c) (i) causes
(d) (ii) not affected
(e) (ii) ban
(f) (ii) For health and safety reasons
(g) (ii) Elementary school age
(h) (iii) Ban usage completely
(i) (iii) To prevent distracted driving
(j) (iii) To prevent interference with sensitive cockpit equipment
Section B: Grammar and Writing Skills

1.Fill in the blanks with ‘if’ or ‘unless’.

1.I will take this job _____ the working hours suit me.
2.Put the adverbs given at the end of the sentence at the appropriate place within the sentence.
My grand father arrived to avoid the traffic rush. (early)
3.Rearrange the set of words to form meaningful sentence .Use appropriate punctuation marks .
Wise, every, a, is, proverb, saying
4.Fill in the blanks with appropriate comparative adjective.
He was not audible. His voice was not loud .Can you request him to be a bit_____( loud)?
5.Choose the correct reporting work from the options given.
He ____me against eating junk food.
(a) advised (b)suggested (c)told (d)said
6.Fill in the blanks to complete the process of washing clothes in a machine. Use passive form of the verb given in
the bracket .
Dirty clothes are _____(take )for washing.
7.Read the conversation and complete the blanks given in the reported speech by choosing from the options given .
Mrs Lisa :Harry, I’m sick .But I don’t have any money.
Harry :That’s OK .
Mrs Lisa went to the clinic and told Harry that she was sick but _______
a)I don’t have any money
b) she did not have any money
c)I did not have any money
d) she had no money
8. Complete the headlines by choosing the correct answer from the options below:
Chemical in plastics affects intestine.
The chemical Biphenol A used in plastic containers and drink cans ______the intestine as per a French study
(a) affects (b) has affected (c) will affect (d) affected
9.Edit the letter given below by giving appropriate answer:
Dear Sunny,
I hope that you study well for your JAC examination.
Practise, as practise makes a man perfect.
With blessings
Your elder brother
Rakesh
10.The following passage has not been edited. Write the error and the correction in your answer sheet.
Kodaikanal or Kodai hills is a serene hill station who remains still and unspoilt by the evils of urbanisation.
Error Correction

11.Read the conversation given below and complete the report.

Patient :Can I have an appointment with the doctor this evening?
Receptionist: I’m sorry .

A Patient went to the doctor’s clinic and asked the receptionist__________.

The receptionist said she was sorry

12.Choose the best word from the option given below and complete the sentence .
Education is _____(such ,so, much, as )important for human beings as is food.
Answers ( 10 M)

1. If
2. My grandfather arrived early to avoid the traffic rush.
3. Every proverb is a wise saying.
4. louder
5. (a) advised
6. Dirty clothes are taken for washing.
7. (b ) she didn’t have any money
8. (a) affects
9. Dear Sunny,
I hope you are studying well for your JAC examination. Practice makes a man perfect.

With blessings,

Your elder brother

Rakesh

10. Error: Kodaikanal or Kodai hills is a serene hill station who remains still and unspoilt by the evils of urbanisation.
Correction: Kodaikanal, or Kodai hills, is a serene hill station which remains still and unspoilt by the evils of
urbanisation.

11. A patient went to the doctor’s clinic and asked the receptionist if he could have an appointment with the doctor
that evening.

12. As
Creative Writing Skills
4 A (a) Letter to the Editor: (5 M)
To,

The Editor,

Times of India ,

Mumbai.

Subject: Misuse of Technology among Youth

Sir/Madam,

The alarming rate at which technology is being misused by the youth today is a pressing concern. Easy access to
smartphones and the internet has led to addiction, health issues, and waste of time and money.

To curb this menace, parents and educators must take proactive measures. Implementing responsible technology
usage policies in schools and homes can help. Moreover, promoting extracurricular activities and outdoor games can
divert their attention from screens.

We must act now to ensure our youth utilize technology wisely.

Yours sincerely,

XYZ
OR
(b) Surprise Birthday Party: ( 5 M)
My heart still skips a beat remembering that unforgettable night. My best friend, Rupa, planned a surprise birthday
party for me. The decorations, cake, and gifts left me speechless. The effort and love put into making me feel special
touched my heart.

As we cut the cake and sang, I felt grateful for such wonderful friends. The memories of that evening
will forever be etched in my mind.
4B
(a) Diary Entry: ( 5 M)
Wednesday, 11th December, 2024.

9:30 pm

Today, I witnessed some students littering our school corridors and field. Their nonchalant attitude towards
cleanliness and disregard for the cleaning staff's efforts saddened me.

This behavior not only harms the environment but also reflects poorly on our school. We must take responsibility for
our actions and maintain a clean and respectful environment.

Possible solutions include organizing cleanliness drives, imposing fines for littering, and promoting awareness about
environmental conservation.

Yash
OR
(b) Story Completion: (5 M)
An Accomplished Marksman.

The celebrated archer Guru Dronacharya taught the royal princes the finer points of archery. One day he wanted to
test the archery skill of his pupils. They came to a forest.

Guru Dronacharya selected a tree in the forest, placed a wooden bird on a bare branch, and asked the princes to hit
the bird's eye.

Yudhishthir stepped forward, but when asked if he saw the tree, the river, or Dronacharya, he replied, "Yes."
Dronacharya asked him to put down the bow.

Each prince replied similarly, and Dronacharya asked them to retire from the competition.

Finally, Arjuna stepped forward. When asked, "Arjuna, do you see me?" he replied, "I see only my target." With
focus and determination, Arjuna hit the bird's eye.

Section C: Literature and Supplementary Reader

5A.(a) For the training of which game had Maria being sent to the United states?

(b) Why could Maria’s mother not accompany her to the United states?
(c) What important lesson had Maria learnt early in life ?
(d)Which word in the passage means the opposite of ‘ failure’?
(e) Why could her father not see her?
(A) Answers ( 5 M)

(a) Tennis
(b) Visa restrictions
(c) Tennis excellence comes at a price.
(d) Success
(e) He was working hard to keep her training going .
B(a)Who invited Abdul Kalam for a meal?

(b)Why was his wife horrified?

(c)Why did she refuse to serve him?
(d) Which word in the passage means the same as ‘disturbed’?
(e)Why did Abdul Kalam ask his father for permission to leave Rameshwaram?
(B) Answers ( 5 M)

(a) Sivasubramania Iyer

(b) A Muslim boy was invited to dine in her ritually pure kitchen.
(c) She was a pure Hindu woman.
(d) Perturbed
(e) For further education
5B. A .(a)What feeds them ?
(b) Why is war’s long winter starved?
(c)Explain :’in their lines we read...’
(d) Give the meaning of ‘aware’
(e) Write the antonym of the word,’ strength’.
(A) Answers ( 5 M)

(a) Peaceful harvests

(b) War causes starvation.
(c) The lines of luck that astrologers read in one’s palm.Their hard work is similar to ours.
(d) Aware: to know ,conscious
(e) Weakness
(B) (a) What are we told of ?By whom?
(b) What shall happen if we hate our brothers ?
(c)What shall happen to the earth?
(d) Give the antonym of’ remember’.
(e) From the above stanza find a word which means ‘an act of violence’.
B. Answers (5M)

(a) To hate our brothers, by those who have a narrow outlook of life.
(b) We shall deprive ourselves of what we are .Betray, condemn ourselves.
(c) The earth will be defiled.
(d) Forget
(e) Outrage
6 A .( 1) How did Abdul kalam earn his first wages?
(2) Why did the new teacher ask Kalam to go and sit on the back bench ?
(3) What should a man remember according to James Kirkup in the poem ‘ No Men are Foreign ‘?
(4) How did Santosh begin living her life on her own terms?
(5) What are Maria Sharapova’s other interests and hobbies as given in ‘Reach for the top’?
6A Answers (3 M each)

(1) Abdul Kalam’s First Wages

1. Abdul Kalam earned his first wages by distributing newspapers.

2. He was just a young boy when he started working.
3. This job helped him support his family financially.
(2) Kalam’s New Teacher

1. The new teacher asked Kalam to sit on the back bench because he was unhappy with Kalam’s
friendship with Ramanadha Sastry’s son.
2. The teacher was biased against Kalam due to his Muslim background.
3. This incident taught Kalam about social inequality.
(3) James Kirkup’s Poem

1. According to James Kirkup, a man should remember that we are all human beings.
2. He emphasizes unity and shared humanity across nations.
3. The poem urges readers to recognize our commonalities.
(4) Santosh’s New Life

1. Santosh began living her life on her own terms by joining a residential school.
2. She overcame her struggles with disability and poverty.
3. Education empowered Santosh to become independent.
(5) Maria Sharapova’s Interests

1. Maria Sharapova enjoys reading and learning languages.

2. She is interested in fashion and has modeled.
3. Sharapova also enjoys music and attending concerts.
B.( 1)How did Johnsy associate herself with the falling of leaves?

2)How does the last leaf become Behrman’s Masterpiece?

3)What kind of a friend was sue to Johnsy ?

6B Answers ( 3 M each )

(1) Johnsy and the Falling Leaves

1. Johnsy associated herself with the falling leaves, believing her life would end with the last leaf's
fall.
2. She felt a deep connection, thinking her fate was tied to the leaves'.
3. This symbolic link reflected her struggle with illness and mortality.
(2) The Last Leaf, Behrman's Masterpiece
1. The last leaf became Behrman's masterpiece as it symbolized hope and resilience.
2. Behrman painted the leaf on the ivy vine to save Johnsy's life.
3. The leaf's presence gave Johnsy the will to live, making it Behrman's most meaningful work.
(3) Sue as a Friend to Johnsy
1. Sue was a selfless and caring friend, dedicating herself to Johnsy's recovery.
2. She stayed by Johnsy's side, providing emotional support.
3. Sue's unwavering optimism and encouragement helped Johnsy find strength.
6C

(i) Childhood experiences, lessons from school and home, and mentors shaped Abdul Kalam into a great achiever.

( 6M)
Answer :
Abdul Kalam's childhood experiences, lessons from school and home, and mentors played a pivotal role in shaping
him into a great achiever:

1. Strong Family Values: Kalam's parents instilled in him honesty, hard work, and compassion, laying the foundation
for his future success.

2. Mentorship of Father Pakshi: Father Pakshi, a Catholic priest, recognized Kalam's potential and encouraged him to
pursue science and mathematics.
3. Schooling in Rameswaram: Kalam's school experiences, though challenging due to social inequality, taught him
perseverance and resilience.

4. Influence of Teachers: Teachers like Rev. Scottish and Prof. P.N. Kunzru recognized Kalam's talent and nurtured
his interest in science and mathematics.

5. Supportive Community: The community in Rameswaram, including friends and neighbors, supported Kalam's
educational pursuits.

6. Self-Discipline and Determination: Kalam's own self-discipline, determination, and passion for learning propelled
him to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

These factors combined to shape Abdul Kalam into the renowned scientist, leader, and 11th President of India.

Or
(ii) Describe Maria Sharapova’s journey to the summit of Women’s Tennis. ( 6 M)

Answer :

Maria Sharapova's journey to the summit of Women's Tennis :

1. Early Beginnings: Born in Nyagan, Russia, Sharapova started playing tennis at age 4, coached by
her father Yuri.
2. Move to Florida: At 7, Sharapova moved to Florida with her father to train at the Nick Bollettieri
Tennis Academy.
3. Junior Success: Sharapova won numerous junior titles, including the 2002 Junior Wimbledon
championship.
4. Professional Breakthrough: Sharapova turned pro in 2001 and won her first WTA title in 2003,
defeating Jelena Dokic.
5. Grand Slam Victories: Sharapova won five Grand Slam titles: Wimbledon (2004), US Open (2006),
Australian Open (2008), French Open (2012, 2014).
6. World No. 1: Sharapova achieved the world No. 1 ranking in 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2012,
cementing her status as a tennis legend.
6D

(i) Describe how Johnsy regained her will to live through Behrman’s selfless act and Sue’s support. (
6M)
Answer:
Johnsy regained her will to live through Behrman's selfless act and Sue's support :
1. Despair and Hopelessness: Johnsy had given up on life, believing her fate was tied to the falling
leaves outside her window.
2. Behrman's Selfless Act: Behrman, an old artist, painted a lasting leaf on the ivy vine during a
snowstorm to save Johnsy's life.
3. Renewed Hope: The appearance of the painted leaf gave Johnsy renewed hope and a reason to live.
4. Sue's Unwavering Support: Sue, Johnsy's friend and caregiver, provided emotional support and
encouragement throughout her illness.
5. Shift in Perspective: Johnsy's focus shifted from death to life, thanks to Behrman's act and Sue's
care.
6. Recovery and Renewal: Johnsy regained her will to live, eventually recovering from her illness and
rediscovering her passion for life.
This heart-warming story highlights the transformative power of selfless acts and supportive
relationships.
Or

(ii) The Last Leaf symbolizes hope and willpower that helps Johnsy recover. Elaborate . ( 6 M)

Answer :

“The Last Leaf” symbolizes hope and willpower, aiding Johnsy’s recovery :
1.Symbolism of Life: The last leaf represents life, vitality, and resilience.

2.Connection to Johnsy’s Fate: Johnsy believes her life is tied to the leaf’s existence, creating a psychological link.

3.Behrman’s Masterpiece: The painted leaf, Behrman’s selfless act, rekindles hope in Johnsy.

4.Renewed Purpose: The leaf’s presence gives Johnsy a reason to live, shifting her focus from death.

5.Emotional Resilience: The leaf represents Johnsy’s inner strength, helping her overcome despair.

6.Triumph of Willpower: Johnsy’s recovery demonstrates the power of hope and determination.

This poignant story by O. Henry showcases the transformative impact of hope and human connection.