Below is the extracted text from the provided PDF document, rewritten in a structured and formatted manner for clarity. The document appears to be an English question bank for Class 9 under the MP Board syllabus, covering reading comprehension, writing, grammar and textbook-based questions from Beehive and Moments. I’ll organize the content into sections as per the original structure.
MP Board Class 9 English Question Bank
Section A: Reading Comprehension
(2 passages × 5 Marks each = 10 Marks)
Q.1. Unseen Passage (5 Marks)
Passage-1
How you best improve your English depends on where you live, and particularly on whether or not you live in an English-speaking community. If you hear spoken English every day and mix freely with English-speaking people, that is, on the whole, an advantage. On the other hand, it is often confusing to have the whole language poured over you at once. Ideally, a step-by-step course should accompany or lead up to this experience. It will also help a great deal if you can easily get the sort of English books in which you are interested. To read a lot is essential. It is stupid not to venture outside the examination ‘set books or the textbooks you have chosen for intensive study. Read as many books in English as you can, not as study material but for pleasure. Do not choose the more difficult books you find, with the idea of listing and learning as many new words as possible. Choose what is likely to interest you and be sure in advance that it is not too hard.
Questions:
(i) Learning and improving English depends on –
(a) reading a lot of English books
(b) choosing difficult books
(c) living in an English-speaking community
(d) both (a) and (c)
(ii) What is essential when you learn English?
(a) try to speak English with anyone
(b) read a lot of difficult English books
(c) you should enjoy the feeling of reading
(d) none of these
(iii) What is often confusing for learners?
(a) learning step by step
(b) whole language poured over
(c) reading for enjoyment
(d) sorting books for reading
(iv) Which of these has a similar meaning to ‘accompany’?
(a) go with
(b) follow
(c) take
(d) all of these
(v) One can learn and improve English by living in an English-speaking community. (True/False)
Passage-2
Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortages, life didn’t grind to a halt. Why? Because Chewang Norphel, a retired civil engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government, came up with the idea of artificial glaciers. Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 meters above sea level, has a low average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water. Agriculture is completely dependent on glacier melt, unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the years, with the increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortages and drought situations. Given the severe winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.
Questions:
(i) What kind of landform is Ladakh?
(a) Hot desert
(b) Cold desert
(c) Dry desert
(d) Hot and Dry desert
(ii) Who was Chewang Norphel?
(a) a retired principal
(b) a retired activist
(c) a retired social worker
(d) a retired civil engineer
(iii) Ladakh is at an altitude of _ meters above sea level.
(a) 2000-2500
(b) 1500-2000
(c) 3000-3500
(d) 2500-3000
(iv) Find the word in the paragraph which means the same as ‘a body of dense ice’.
(a) river
(b) desert
(c) glacier
(d) all the above
(v) Severe shortage of water is the result of –
(a) climate changes
(b) changes in rainfall
(c) changes in snowfall pattern
(d) all of these
Passage-3
We are living in the Age of Science. Everyday new inventions are being made for the good of humanity. The scientific inventions began after the Industrial Revolution of 1789. Within these 200 years, science has made wonderful progress. The aeroplane is one of the most important inventions of science during the Modern Age. It is the fastest means of transport known so far. An aeroplane resembles a flying bird in shape. Inside there are seats for the passengers and a cabin for the pilot. This cabin is called a cockpit. It has an engine that is worked by petrol. It is all made up of metal and can fly at a very high speed. Before taking off, it runs on the runway for some distance to gather speed. Then it suddenly hops up the earth and takes off.
Questions:
(i) The scientific invention began after the Industrial Revolution of –
(a) 1889
(b) 1879
(c) 1789
(d) 1779
(ii) The cabin for the pilot is called a –
(a) cube
(b) cockpit
(c) cubicle
(d) chamber
(iii) An aeroplane has an engine that is worked by –
(a) petrol
(b) steam
(c) diesel
(d) gas
(iv) Which of the following is the fastest means of transport?
(a) motor vehicle
(b) ship
(c) train
(d) aeroplane
(v) We are living in the –
(a) age of industrialisation
(b) modern era
(c) age of inventions
(d) age of science
Passage-4
Barabati Fort, built by the Ganga dynasty on the banks of River Mahanadi, is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions of Cuttack. Located near the Baliyatra Ground, this ruined fort stands on the west side of the Millennium City. According to historians, Barabati Fort once housed a nine-storey palace. While the fort is spread over an area of 102 acres, it has a 20-yard-wide moat to protect the structure. What stands at the site today are the ruins of the palace on an earthen mound, the hyacinth-filled moat, and the fort. The area is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The construction of the fort was started in 989 AD by King Marakata Keshari while he was building embankments on the shore of River Mahanadi to protect the city from floods. Later in the 14th century, Mukundadev Harichandan, a Chalukyan King, built the nine-storey palace.
Questions:
(i) Marakata Keshari constructed an embankment on the shore of Mahanadi to protect –
(a) the fort from flood
(b) the city from attack
(c) the city from flood
(d) none of the above
(ii) A word which means a deep wide narrow channel, filled with water –
(a) moat
(b) mound
(c) site
(d) fort
(iii) Which city is called the ‘Millennium City’?
(iv) Barabati Fort once had –
(a) 2-storey palace
(b) 9-storey palace
(c) 2 gardens
(d) 3 lakes
(v) Who built the Barabati Fort?
Passage-5
Munnar derives its name from the Tamil words munu [three] and aaru [river]. The town is situated at the confluence of Mudrapuzha, Nallathani, and Kundala rivers. It is located near the Tamil Nadu border and is close to both Coimbatore and Kochi, making it a preferred weekend spot for those residing there. But its beauty lures people from far and beyond—it’s also a popular destination for foreign tourists coming to India. It used to be the favourite summer resort of the English when the British ruled India. And why not? The town and its surroundings vary in height from 1700 m-2700 m above sea level and offer stunning views of hills and valleys. It has a salubrious climate round the year, which makes it a pleasurable place to spend your vacation. Even in summer, the temperature varies from 8 degrees -16 degrees Celsius. In summer, the sudden showers turn its tea gardens into magical carpets and bestow an ethereal look to the landscape.
Questions:
(i) What was Munnar famous for during the British rule?
(a) as winter resort
(b) as spring resort
(c) as summer resort
(d) as autumn resort
(ii) What does one see everywhere in Munnar?
(a) plains
(b) tea gardens
(c) rivers
(d) lakes
(iii) Munnar gets its name from –
(a) Hindi
(b) Telugu
(c) Tamil
(d) English
(iv) The town of Munnar is situated at the confluence of –
(a) 2 rivers
(b) 3 rivers
(c) 4 rivers
(d) none of these
(v) The town and its surroundings vary in height from 1700 m-2700 m. (True/False)
Passage-6
Helen Keller lost her eyesight and hearing at the age of two because of an illness. She became deaf. She also lost the ability to speak, for we learn to speak by imitating what we hear. At first, it seemed impossible that she would ever understand others or be understood by them. Hers was thus a lonely world. But she was helped by a wonderful teacher named Miss Sullivan, who had herself been blind as a child but recovered her eyesight by an operation. Miss Sullivan volunteered to help Helen and taught her to speak, read, and write. Helen later went to a university and gained a degree. She then spent the rest of her life working to help the blind and the deaf.
Questions:
(i) We learn to speak _ (ii) Miss Sullivan helped Helen to _
(iii) What did Helen do for the blind and the deaf?
(iv) When did Helen Keller lose her eyesight and hearing?
(a) at birth
(b) at the age of two
(c) at the age of four
(v) Which word in the passage means ‘One who is not able to see’?
(a) deaf
(b) sight
(c) blind
(d) dumb
Passage-7
We do not always get what we want. Sometimes we succeed. Sometimes we fail. This makes us sad. We think ourselves unlucky. We must try and try again. This will make us successful at least. The example of Robert Bruce is before us. He was the king of Scotland. He wanted to drive out the English from his country. He could not do so. He was defeated many times. He lost hope of success. So he ran away from the battlefield. He hid himself in a cave. There he saw a spider. It tried to reach the ceiling. Whenever it tried to do so, it fell down. But it went on trying. At last, it succeeded. We can do the same thing. We must try and try again. This will surely give us success.
Questions:
(i) Robert Bruce wanted to drive out the English from –
(a) England
(b) Scotland
(c) Ireland
(d) Nagaland
(ii) How many times was he defeated?
(a) 2 times
(b) 4 times
(c) many times
(d) none of these
(iii) What did the spider do?
(a) It tried to reach the ceiling
(b) not tried to reach the ceiling
(c) It tried to reach the floor
(d) None of these
(iv) Who was Robert Bruce?
(a) a king
(b) a teacher
(c) God
(d) a soldier
(v) Give the opposite of ‘sad’.
(a) glad
(b) happy
(c) dead
(d) none of these
Passage-8
Sir Philip Sydney fell mortally wounded at the famous battle of Zutaphen in 1586. He called out for a cup of water. One of his friends hastened away and with great difficulty found some water and brought it to him. As Sir Philip Sydney was about to put the cup of water to his parched lips, he saw a wounded soldier, who was lying close by, looking at the water with longing eyes. Sir Philip Sydney gently pushed away the cup saying, “Give it to him; his necessity is greater than mine.”
Questions:
(i) The word “necessary” means –
(a) desire
(b) hope
(c) essential
(d) thirst
(ii) When did the battle of Zutaphen take place?
(a) 1586
(b) 1546
(c) 1578
(d) none
(iii) Whom did Sydney see?
(a) king
(b) wounded soldier
(c) boy
(d) none
(iv) Who went to bring water for him?
(a) friend
(b) brother
(c) king
(d) none
(v) The opposite of the word ‘difficult’ –
(a) easy
(b) stiff
(c) hard
(d) none
Passage-9
Robinson Crusoe lived all alone in the forest. For some time, Crusoe did not see anyone on the Island. Then, one day he saw some wild men, enjoying a feast and dancing round the fire. He also saw two prisoners; one of whom ran away for his life. Two of the men chased him, as fast as they could, to catch him. Seeing this, Crusoe fired his gun and frightened them away. The prisoner, who was now left alone, came up to Crusoe and tried to thank him for his help. Crusoe took him home and called him Friday, as he was found on a Friday. The man expressed his desire to serve Crusoe. So, Crusoe took him as his servant and taught him many things, and the two lived together happily.
Questions:
(i) Robinson Crusoe lived –
(a) in a forest
(b) on an island
(c) on a mountain-top
(d) in a village
(ii) The wild men could not catch the prisoner because –
(a) he ran very fast
(b) he disappeared in the forest
(c) he went to Crusoe
(d) the men were frightened by the firing of the gun
(iii) What were the wild men doing?
(a) enjoying a feast and dancing round the fire
(b) dancing
(c) singing
(d) crying
(iv) Why did Crusoe call the prisoner “Friday”?
(a) because he was found on a Friday
(b) because he was alone
(c) because he was hungry
(d) because he was hungry
(v) How did Crusoe and Friday live?
(a) Lived happily
(b) lived sadly
(c) lived angrily
(d) None of these
Passage-10
Once Mahatma Gandhi’s father bought him the book “Shravana Pitribhakti Natak”. He read it with great interest. He was very pleased when he saw the pictures of Shravan carrying his blind parents to holy places. The pictures had a great effect on him. “Here is an example for you to copy,” he said to himself. He could never forget Shravan’s love for his parents. One day, Mahatma Gandhi got his father’s permission to see the play Harishchandra. He liked the play so much that he watched it many times. He acted the role of Harishchandra again and again. Day and night, he asked himself, “Why should not all be truthful like Harishchandra?” The play made him cry. It inspired him to follow the path of ‘Satya’ even in difficult times.
Questions:
(i) What did Mahatma Gandhi’s father bring for him?
(a) a toy
(b) a cycle
(c) a book
(d) a chocolate
(ii) Which play did Mahatma Gandhi see many times?
(a) Ramayan
(b) Mahabharat
(c) Harishchandra
(d) Satya
(iii) What was the effect of the play on him?
(a) sad
(b) happy
(c) angry
(d) cry
(iv) The play inspired him to follow the path of –
(a) kindness
(b) satya
(c) fantasy
(d) nonviolence
(v) Find the noun form of ‘permit’ in the passage.
Passage-11
In 2006, Mark Inglis from New Zealand climbed the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. What was special about it? Every year many people climb Everest. But his story is different; Inglis did not have both legs. He became the first man without both his legs to reach the top of Mount Everest. Inglis lost his legs early. He was working as a mountain guide in New Zealand. He was caught in a snowstorm. Inglis survived, but both his legs had to be cut off. Inglis climbed Everest with artificial limbs specially made for climbing. He gained a small list of climbers, including a blind American and a Sherpa without both hands, who overcame disabilities to climb Everest. Inglis is also a professional ski guide and a cyclist. He won a silver medal in the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney. He also helps other people with disabilities.
Questions:
(i) When did Mark Inglis climb Mount Everest?
(a) 2007
(b) 2008
(c) 2006
(d) 2001
(ii) Which country does Inglis belong to?
(a) England
(b) California
(c) Japan
(d) New Zealand
(iii) What does Inglis not have?
(a) legs
(b) hands
(c) eyes
(d) kidneys
(iv) What did Inglis win in the 2000 Paralympic Games?
(a) Gold medal
(b) Silver Medal
(c) Bronze Medal
(d) None of these
(v) Where did Inglis win the silver medal?
(a) England
(b) Japan
(c) Hendon
(d) Sydney
Passage-12
The Himalayas are beautiful mountains in the North of India. They stretch for two thousand miles from Kashmir to Assam. Some of the world’s highest peaks are in the Himalayas. The highest peak is Mount Everest. The tops of the mountains are covered with snow throughout the year. Therefore, we call them the Himalayas. Many passes connect India with Tibet, Turkistan, and Afghanistan. Many rivers—the Ganga, The Yamuna, the Brahmaputra, and the Beas—flow from these mountains. Many visitors go to the hill stations for pleasure and relaxation.
Questions:
(i) Where are the Himalayas in India?
(a) South
(b) East
(c) North
(d) West
(ii) Which is the highest peak of the world?
(a) Kanchan Jangha
(b) Dhaulagiri
(c) Mount Everest
(d) None of these
(iii) Which river does not flow from the Himalayas?
(a) Ganga
(b) Yamuna
(c) Godavari
(d) Brahmaputra
(iv) Choose the correct opposite for ‘ugly’ –
(a) Healthy
(b) proud
(c) lovely
(d) beautiful
(v) The highest peak is Mount Everest. (True/False)
Passage-13
Lalita sowed some tomato seeds in her garden. The seeds grew into little plants after a few days. She removed every weed. She never allowed any insect near her pet plants. When the days were hot, she watered the plants. She put compost under the plants. The flowers grew and became big. The tiny green tomatoes began to show. Lalita and her sister watered the plants daily. A very large beautiful tomato grew on the plant. Her father said, “It is the finest tomato I have ever seen.” The sisters were very happy.
Questions:
(i) What did Lalita sow in her garden?
(a) Plants
(b) seeds
(c) trees
(d) grass
(ii) What did she not allow?
(a) birds near plants
(b) insects near plants
(c) flies near plants
(d) pets near plants
(iii) What did she put under the plants?
(a) Water
(b) Compost
(c) Weeds
(d) Flowers
(iv) Which of the following is similar in meaning to ‘tiny’?
(a) large
(b) big
(c) small
(d) giant
(v) Why were the sisters happy?
(a) because flowers grew in their garden
(b) because a tomato grew in their garden
(c) because plants grew in their garden
(d) because their father was happy
Passage-14
Who can describe the pleasures and delight, the peace of mind and soft tranquillity one would feel in the balmy air, green hills, and rich woods of a village? These lines are rightly said by the great English writer, Charles Dickens. No doubt, city life is charming and glamorous for some and has all the facilities to make one’s life comfortable, but none can deny the pleasure of soaking in the beauty of the sun rising slowly from the horizon. The light sky, fresh white clouds, birds chirping merrily, and trees dancing to the tune of flowing air give the day a nice start. In cities, sometimes it is difficult to get even a glimpse of the sky. The hustle and bustle of city life does not give us a chance to enjoy even the simplest pleasures of life. A typical urban day wakes to the shrill buzz of the alarm and then starts the mundane activities of getting ready, having a quick bite, hurrying to the office, and sitting there in front of the boring computer screen all day long. Coming back home is nonetheless an ordeal for most of us. Compared to it, is the slow but rhythmic life of a village where one has the time to absorb the beauty of the day and thank God for his blessings. Which one do you prefer?
Questions:
(i) The supporters of city life are of the opinion that it is –
(a) charming
(b) glamorous
(c) comfortable
(d) all of these
(ii) A shortcoming of village life can be –
(a) bird’s chirping
(b) fresh air
(c) simple life
(d) fewer facilities than cities
(iii) The hustle and bustle of city life means –
(a) city life is better than village life
(b) city life is too fast
(c) city life is full of interesting activities
(d) people in city life are happy
(iv) Coming back home is an ordeal for most of us as –
(a) We are getting late
(b) There is a great traffic jam
(c) We are tired
(d) We had a fight at the office
(v) The synonym of ‘routine’ as used in the passage is –
(a) mundane
(b) typical
(c) ordeal
(d) hurry
Passage-15
In an effort to produce the largest, fastest, and most luxurious ship afloat, the British built the S.S. Titanic. It was so superior to anything else on the seas that it was dubbed ‘unsinkable’. So sure of this were the owners that they provided only twenty lifeboats and rafts, less than one-half the number needed for the 2,227 passengers on board. Many passengers were aboard the night it rammed an iceberg only two days at sea and more than halfway between England and its New York destination. Because the luxury liner was travelling so fast, it was impossible to avoid the ghostly-looking iceberg. An unextinguished fire also contributed to the ship’s submersion. Panic increased the number of casualties as people jumped into the icy water or fought to be among the few to board the lifeboats. Four hours after the mishap, another ship, the ‘Carpathia’, rescued 705 survivors. The infamous S.S. Titanic had enjoyed only two days of sailing glory on its maiden voyage in 1912 before plunging into 12,000 feet of water near the coast of Newfoundland, where it lies today.
Questions:
(i) All of the following are true except that –
(a) The Carpathia rescued the survivors
(b) The S.S. Titanic sank near Newfoundland
(c) Only a third of those aboard perished
(d) The S.S. Titanic was the fastest ship afloat in 1912
(ii) All of the following contributed to the large death toll except –
(a) fire
(b) speed
(c) panic
(d) The Carpathia
(iii) How many days was the S.S. Titanic at sea before sinking?
(a) 4
(b) 6
(c) 2
(d) 12
(iv) Maiden voyage is closest in meaning to –
(a) most elegant
(b) longest
(c) inaugural
(d) final
(v) What does this passage convey?
(a) Attempts to rescue the S.S. Titanic’s survivors were not successful
(b) Overconfidence by builders and owners was greatly responsible for the sinking of the vessel
(c) The S.S. Titanic proved itself the most seaworthy vessel in 1912
(d) A fire and panic were the only causes for the sinking of the ship
Section B: Writing
Q.3. Read the following passage and make notes on it and also give a suitable title to it. (4 Marks)
Passage-1
Biogas is a mixture of methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and hydrogen sulphide, the major constituent being methane. Biogas is produced by anaerobic degradation of animal wastes (sometimes plant wastes) in the presence of water. Anaerobic degradation means the breakdown of organic matter by bacteria in the absence of oxygen. Biogas is a non-polluting, clean, and low-cost fuel which is very useful for rural areas where a lot of animal waste and agricultural waste are available. India has the largest cattle population in the world (240 million) and has tremendous potential for biogas production. From cattle dung alone, we can produce biogas of a magnitude of 22,500 mm³ annually. Air-tight digestion/degradation of animal waste is safe as it eliminates health hazards which normally occur in the case of direct use of dung due to direct exposure to faecal pathogens and parasites.
Passage-2
When planning to go on a vacation, the tendency is to make sure that the travel plans are hassle-free before stepping out of one’s doors. This involves booking by train, bus, or even by air to one’s chosen destination. Yet the greatest holidays can be enjoyed by going on foot, and I am not referring to trekking expeditions into the wilds. Any holiday can be made into a walking trip by opting out of a bus ride, train journey, or taxi drop, by selecting to go on foot. Besides, walking is a great form of exercise and, above all, helps you to go deep into the local culture, the daily lives of people, their food, and their music. Walking helps you enhance the adventurous streak in you. If you are out on a beach holiday, instead of workouts at the gym, head out to the water for your exercise. Resort pools are a great way to have fun and stay fit and are suitable for all ages. Wake up early to start your day with a swim, and you can also recruit family and friends to join in to make the activity even more interesting.
Passage-3
In democratic countries, any effort to restrict the freedom of the press is rightly criticized. However, this freedom can be easily abused. Stories about people often attract far more public attention than political events. Though we may enjoy reading about the lives of others, it is extremely doubtful whether we would equally enjoy reading about ourselves. Acting on the basis that facts are sacred, reporters can cause untold suffering to individuals by publishing details about their private lives. Newspapers have such a great influence that not only can they bring about major changes to the lives of ordinary people but can even overthrow the government.
Passage-4
Travelling is a means of education. The real aim of education is character building. When we travel, we have to put things in order. We have to buy our tickets and catch the train at the right time. The rich men can indeed get all this done by their servants, but India is a country of the poor. In a journey, we have to help ourselves. We learn many new things by seeing different places and by conversing with people of all kinds. In Europe, education without travelling is considered incomplete. In ancient India, great importance was given to pilgrimage. Travelling in this country is a great pleasure.
Passage-5
Global Warming is caused by the increase of carbon dioxide levels in the earth’s atmosphere and is a result of human activities that have been causing harm to our environment for the past few centuries now. Global Warming is something that can’t be ignored, and steps have to be taken to tackle the situation globally. The average temperature is constantly rising by 1.5 degrees Celsius for the last few years. The best method to prevent future damage to the earth is that cutting down more forests should be banned, and afforestation should be encouraged. Start by planting trees near your homes and offices, participate in events, and teach the importance of planting trees. It is impossible to undo the damage, but it is possible to stop further harm. Glaciers have been melting, many countries have started water shortages, flooding, and erosion, and all this is because of global warming. No one can be blamed for global warming except for humans. Human activities such as gases released from power plants, transportation, and deforestation have resulted in the increase of gases such as carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants in the earth’s atmosphere. The main question is how can we control the current situation and build a better world for future generations.
Passage-6
India is a land of unity in diversity. It is a vast country with numerous variations in races, cultures, languages, and even geographical features. In many countries of the world, major geographical features divide international borders, e.g., Nepal and China are separated by the Himalayas. However, in India, we have learned to live in diversity, and our geographical features further solidify this bond. The Punjab region is known for being one of the most potent agricultural lands on earth. The Northern Mountainous region has come across different people and different languages, though all of them are closely related to India. In the Rajasthan desert, we come across Rajasthani languages and culture, all part of India, yet distinct in their culture and language. To the further south come the people of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka, all with distinctive languages, known for their local food based on coconut oil and a variation on the Hindu religion. India is a plural society. Its unity and diversity characterize it. Despite several foreign invasions, Mughal rule, and British rule, the nation’s unity and integrity have been maintained. It is this synthesis that has made India a unique mosaic of cultures. India fought against the British Raj as one unified entity. The existence of diverse languages, religions, and cultures, foreign visitors, and immigration from other parts of the world have made India’s culture tolerant. The sources of diversity in India may be traced through a variety of ways.
Passage-7
Education holds a crucial role in human life. One needs to go to schools and colleges to get an education. As a learner and gainer of education, one’s student life takes off. This is the time when he or she has to learn and know a range of subjects. As a student, we read a lot of books, study many subjects, and involve in multiple sports, games, and other academic activities. Student life involves fewer struggles, more fun, fewer problems, and more joy. Students do a lot of mischievous activities during their student life. But they also learn moral values that make them gentlemen, providing them with a distinct identity in society. Your future totally depends on how your student life has been. But having finished our education, we are still called students because education and learning never end. If it does for you, you are not a real learner. That is why we should always keep learning and growing into a better version of ourselves. It is said that “Student life is the best life” because it keeps you growing.
Passage-8
The state of Madhya Pradesh was created on 1 November 1956. As it is the central region of India, it is also known as the ‘Heart of India’. Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Indore is the largest city in the state. After Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh is the second largest state in terms of area. Madhya Pradesh stands fifth in terms of population after Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal. The state shares its borders with Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh has a sub-tropical climate. It has a hot dry summer followed by a monsoon from July to September. Winter in this state is fairly cool and dry. Crops like rice, wheat, soybean, pulses, and mustard are grown on a large scale. The major types of soils found in the state are black soil mainly in the Malwa region, red and yellow soil in the Baghelkhand region, alluvial soil in Northern Madhya Pradesh, laterite soil in highland areas, and mixed soil in parts of Gwalior and Chambal division.
Passage-9
India is a land of art and culture, a land of devotion, and a land of proud heritage and rich legacy. India has always been known for its rich heritage and culture. This wonderful land has presented a wide range of performing arts. Dance is considered the most appealing form of performing arts that has been encouraged for centuries in India. It is a process of blossoming and unfolding of meanings, an art of expressing varied emotions and feelings. It is an artistic exploration with the body as an instrument, a search for meaning beyond words. Dance cultivates discipline. Practicing the songs by understanding the stories, thereby knowing the good and bad, cultivates good behaviour. The training process under a guru helps an individual to improve and maintain discipline. Dance training cultivates a perfect systematization. Respecting others, the standing position, walking style, behaviour, talking culture, dressing sense, and helping nature are all cultivated through classical dance. “Dance your way to better health and happiness”.
Passage-10
Kanha National Park is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India that forms the central Indian highlands. The national park is being popularized as the Tiger reserve and interestingly is being declared as one of the finest wildlife areas in the world. Spreading across two revenue districts, Mandala and Kalaghat, Kanha National Park was declared a reserve forest in 1879 and revalued as a wildlife sanctuary in 1933. Its position was further upgraded to a national park in 1955. The Kanha National Park is spread across an area of 940 sq km in the Maikal chain of hills. By bringing up the buffer and core zone all together, the Kanha Tiger Reserve has a total area of 1945 sq km. The landscapes and the surrounding luxurious meadows along with the wooded strands and the dense maroons of forests offer magnanimous sightseeing experiences for nature lovers. Making the land more beautiful and adorable, the crystal-clear streams amidst the dense jungle cleanse the surroundings and make the wildlife unrivalled. This vivacious land has been the source of inspiration for Rudyard Kipling, a famous writer for his outstanding creation—”The Jungle Book”. The Kanha National Park is the ideal home for a wide range of wild creatures; right from the mighty tigers to the most populated Barasingha and countless species of plants, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Q.4. Formal Letter Writing
- Write an application to the principal of your school asking for three days’ leave as you are ill.
- You are Amit Gupta studying in Govt. HSS Rewa. Write an application to your principal to issue a Transfer Certificate as your father has been transferred to Shivpuri.
- You are Nishi studying in Govt Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Morena. Write an application to your principal requesting him to issue books from the book bank.
- Write an application to your principal to grant you ten days’ leave as you have to go for the marriage of your brother.
- You are Arohi Sharma studying in Govt Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Sagar. Write an application to your principal requesting him for fee concession.
- Write a letter to the Superintendent of Police complaining about the incidents of theft and chain-snatching in your area.
- A new revised volume of Isaac Asimov’s short stories has just been released. Order one set. Write a letter to the publisher, Mindfame Private Limited, 1632 Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi, requesting that a set be sent to you by Value Payable Post (VPP), and giving your address.
- Write an application to your principal requesting him to sanction you a scholarship.
- Write an application to your class teacher requesting him to add your name to the list of the students going to the Kanha Kisli National Park.
- Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper to make people aware of the nuisance of loudspeakers during exams.
Informal Letter Writing
- You are Rahul, residing at 432/4, behind Govt. Hospital, Bhind. Write a letter to your friend inviting him to attend your sister’s marriage ceremony.
- You are Pawan Mishra. Write a letter to your friend Deepak Verma inviting him to attend your younger brother’s birthday party.
- You are Aarav Parihar residing at N/32 Nehru Colony, Devas. Write a letter to your father requesting him to send you Rs. 500 for purchasing some books.
- Write a letter to your friend congratulating him on his success in the examination.
- Write a letter to your friend inviting him to your birthday party.
- Write a letter to your sister telling her about your recent visit to a hill station.
- Write a letter to your friend inviting him to stay with you during summer vacation.
- You are Vaishnavi Dubey, living at A-10 Astha Parisar, Adhartal, Jabalpur. Write a letter to your friend Aarti telling her about your summer holidays programme and invite her to join you.
- Write a letter to your friend suggesting some tips regarding the conservation of water.
- Write a letter to your father to send you Rs 500/- as you have to pay your fees and buy some books and stationery.
- Write a letter to your friend narrating your visit to a tribal village.
Q.5. Essay/Article/Paragraph on any one of the following topics in 180 words (5 Marks)
- An Indian Festival
- Wonders of Science
- Importance of Trees
- My Hobby
- Environment Protection
- Trees are Green Gold
- Internet: A Bane or Boon
- How to Balance Digital Revolution with Our Life
- Modern Technology
- Man and Mobile
Q.6. Picture-Guided Composition (3 Marks)
- On the basis of the picture given below, describe how we can keep ourselves fit and healthy? (In about 75 words)
- On the basis of the picture given below, write a short paragraph about the importance of trees.
- Last year you went on a picnic with your family. Look at the picture given below and write a short paragraph about how you enjoyed your picnic.
- On the basis of the given picture, write a paragraph in 75 words.
- On the basis of the picture given below, describe in 75 words how we can keep ourselves fit and healthy.
- Study the picture and describe the wise deed of a crow in short.
- On the basis of the given picture, write a paragraph in 75 words.
Section C: Grammar
Q.7. Fill in the blanks choosing the correct alternative given in the brackets. (1 × 5 = 5 Marks)
- Sun rises in the East. (a/an/the)
- I didn’t buy _ mangoes. (some/any)
- He is _ engineer. (a/an/the)
- We _ to watch the movie yesterday. (go/went)
- There is not _ water in the pool. (much/many)
- They _ completed their work. (has/have)
- Christmas is celebrated _ 25th December. (in/on)
- How _ pages did you read? (much/many)
- The bank _ some interest for your money. (give/gives)
- The rainy season starts _ the summer. (before/after)
- Hindi _ the official language of Madhya Pradesh. (is/are)
- Sharad _ watching TV when the power went off. (was/were)
- He is an American but his wife is _ European. (a/an/the)
- Honesty is _ best policy. (a/an/the)
- Walk carefully _ you will fall down. (but/and/otherwise)
- _ she works hard, she will fail. (If/Unless)
- Anita is taller _ Sanjay. (from/than)
- How _ water is left in the bottle? (much/many)
- We need _ money. (some/any)
- _ I take your pen? (may/can)
- Ravan was killed _ Ram. (from/by)
- We were making kites when Father _ (arrive/arrived)
- He wanted to _ an engineer. (become/becomes/becoming)
- _ is a good exercise. (Walk/Walking)
- The book is _ the table. (on/upon)
- She is not going to the office _ she is ill. (and/so/because)
- Anita is the _ student in the school. (wise/wiser/wisest)
- Mohan is _ M.A. in English. (a/an/the)
- Health is _ than wealth. (good/better/best)
- Every year thousands of people die _ cancer. (of/from/than)
- Physics _ not a difficult subject. (is/are)
- The table was _ by the student. (break/broken)
- Everyone _ wear a mask in crowded places. (should/used/ought)
- How _ students are present today? (many/much)
- How _ milk do you take in tea? (much/many)
- You have been playing here _ morning. (since/for)
- We have been studying in this college _ three years. (since/for)
- Did you see _ lion in the forest? (some/any)
- He did not work hard _ he failed. (so/because)
- _ you taken my pen? (have/has/did)
- Pramod will see you _ Monday _ 11:00 am. (at/on/in)
- The news _ not updated timely. (are/is/have)
- The stars _ bright at night. (shine/shines/shining)
- Shantanu _ all the chocolates. (eating/eat/ate)
- _ you please lend me your novel? (must/need/would)
- Neha _ from the vacation just now. (has returned/had returned/returns)
- He _ daily for a year now. (exercise/have been exercising/has been exercising)
- I like the songs _ 90s. (of/off/for)
- The bread was placed _ the table. (at/on/by)
- The cat was hiding _ the table. (over/under/in)
- I will call at your house sometime _ the evening. (into/in/at)
- She said that she _ help me. (will/would/shall)
- You _ brush your teeth after every meal. (should/need/must)
- The boys _ train hard if they want to win the competition. (should/must/will)
- We _ obey our parents. (should/must/ought to)
Q.8. Do as directed (1 × 5 = 5 Marks)
- Simran knows the answer to the questions. (Make negative)
- Rohan speaks English. (Change the sentence into negative)
- Anita cut her finger. (Change into negative)
- Amit ate all the sweets. (Change into negative)
- our / we / protect / should / forests. (Rearrange the jumbled words into a meaningful sentence)
- your pen? / Can / give me / you (Rearrange the jumbled words into a meaningful sentence)
- young man/the/dressed/was/./poorly (Rearrange the jumbled words into a meaningful sentence)
- sing/can/a song/you/? (Rearrange the jumbled words into a meaningful sentence)
- I/stand/on/one leg/can/. (Rearrange the jumbled words into a meaningful sentence)
- Children are playing in the park. (Change into present perfect tense)
- Ankit played Hockey. (Change into Present Indefinite Tense)
- They walked in the dark. (Change the sentence into Past Continuous Tense)
- He saw a snake. (Change into Past Perfect Tense)
- He is rich. He is not happy. (Combine the sentences using ‘yet’)
- The train was delayed. The weather was bad. (Combine the sentences using ‘because’)
- He is very tired. He cannot work anymore. (Combine using ‘so-that’)
- He worked very hard. He could not pass the exam. (Combine the sentence using ‘but’)
- Ajay is ill. He has not come to school today. (Combine the sentences using ‘so’)
- It was a good idea. It was a dangerous idea. (Combine the sentence using ‘but’)
- My cat was hungry. It had not eaten since breakfast. (Combine the sentences using ‘because’)
- She went to work. She did not want to go. (Combine the sentence using ‘but’)
- A book can be a lot of fun to read. A book can be boring. (Combine the sentence using ‘or’)
- He wanted to be a doctor. He could not stand the sight of blood. (Combine the sentences using ‘yet’)
- Karan is too weak to walk himself. (Rewrite using ‘too — to’ in place of ‘so — that’)
- Simran is too poor to deposit her fee. (Rewrite using ‘so — that’ in place of ‘too — to’)
- Karan is too weak to walk himself. (Rewrite using ‘too — to’ in place of ‘so — that’)
- He is too weak to lift this box. (Rewrite the sentence using ‘so…. that’)
- He eats bananas. (Change into passive voice)
- They played hockey. (Change into passive voice)
- The boys are flying kites. (Change into passive voice)
- Seema has written a letter. (Change into passive voice)
- Pramod sells toys in the market. (Change into interrogative)
- You have taken tea. (Change into interrogative)
- You went there yesterday. (Change into interrogative)
- He is taller than you. (Change into positive degree)
- Unless you work hard, you can’t pass. (Use “if” in place of “unless”)
- If you work hard, you will pass. (Rewrite using ‘unless’ in place of ‘if’)
- If Himanshu does not act now, he will lose everything. (Rewrite using ‘unless’ in place of ‘if not’)
- If you don’t study regularly, you won’t learn your lessons. (Rewrite using ‘Unless’ in place of ‘if’)
- Sunil is the strongest boy in the group. (Rewrite using Comparative degree)
Section D: Textbooks
Q.9. Objective Type Questions from the Textbook Beehive (4 Marks)
Lesson-1: The Fun They Had
- What did Tommy find?
(a) an old book with yellow crinkly pages
(b) a telebook
(c) a brand-new book
(d) a diary - Where did Tommy find the book?
(a) in the library
(b) in Margie’s house
(c) in his house
(d) in his friend’s house - How old is Margie?
(a) 10 years
(b) 11 years
(c) 12 years
(d) 13 years - Which year has the story been set in?
(a) 2057
(b) 1957
(c) 2157
(d) 2257 - What was strange about the book for Margie?
(a) its title
(b) its pages
(c) its still words printed on page
(d) its colour - Who was teaching the students in the modern era?
(a) a teacher
(b) parents
(c) computer
(d) a mechanical robot teacher - Where was Margie’s school?
(a) in a village
(b) in a city outskirt
(c) in her own house
(d) in her friend’s house - According to Margie, in older times, the schools were –
(a) big
(b) small
(c) funny
(d) good - “Why would anyone write about school” – Who said this?
(a) Tommy
(b) Margie
(c) Mrs. Jones
(d) Blair - The County Inspector had a whole box of –
(a) Tools and chocolates
(b) Tools with dials and wires
(c) Pins
(d) Both (a) and (c) - What did the teacher in the real book do?
(a) taught through computer
(b) gave lessons online
(c) taught and gave questions in person
(d) mailed them the lesson - Why did Margie find the old schools interesting?
(a) because of the fun
(b) because of human teachers
(c) because of many friends
(d) all of these - What did the County Inspector do to help Margie?
(a) he reset the teacher to Margie’s level
(b) he changed the module
(c) changed the teacher
(d) changed the syllabus - Whose father knew as much as a teacher?
(a) Tommy
(b) Margie
(c) Blair
(d) Evelyn
Poem-1: The Road Not Taken
- What does Yellow woods mean?
(a) falling leaves
(b) forest with yellow leaves
(c) wood yellow in colour
(d) none - What does the poet’s long stare at the path signify?
(a) making a choice
(b) poet loves nature
(c) idling away of time
(d) relaxation hours - Who is the poet of the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’?
(a) James
(b) William James
(c) William Wordsworth
(d) Robert Frost - What does ‘diverge’ mean?
(a) common
(b) separated
(c) joined
(d) connected - What is the dilemma of the poet?
(a) whether he will be able to come back to the second road or not
(b) whether he will get time for himself
(c) whether he will be successful
(d) whether he will be able to walk - Why was the poet able to travel one road only?
(a) because he had to walk alone
(b) because he had no vehicle
(c) because he was one person
(d) all of these - Which thing decides a person’s future according to this poem?
(a) the path one chooses to walk
(b) the path one leaves behind
(c) the regrets
(d) the success - What does the poem speak about?
(a) about the plight of roads
(b) about the people
(c) about two roads
(d) about the choices made by people
Lesson-2: The Sound of Music
Part I
- Which award was given to Evelyn in 1991?
(a) painter of the year
(b) teacher of the year
(c) soloist of the year
(d) student of the year - What did Evelyn want to spread through her music?
(a) happiness
(b) music is for all
(c) music is not easy
(d) deaf people can learn music - What was Ron Forbes’ advice to Evelyn?
(a) To score well in the exam
(b) To play the guitar
(c) To hear the music through other parts of the body rather than ears
(d) To travel the world - Which foreign languages did Evelyn learn?
(a) French
(b) Chinese
(c) Basic Japanese
(d) Both (a) and (c) - What is the name of the master percussionist who praised Evelyn?
(a) James Brown
(b) James Blades
(c) James Horn
(d) James Woodson - When was Evelyn’s deafness confirmed?
(a) by the age of 5
(b) by the age of 6
(c) by the age of 8
(d) by the age of 11 - Who helped Evelyn to continue with her music?
(a) her mother
(b) teacher
(c) father
(d) Ron Forbes
Part II: The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan
- Where did Bismillah play the Shehnai on 15th August 1947?
(a) Ganga Ghat
(b) Banaras
(c) Red Fort
(d) Montreal - Which national award was conferred on Ustad Bismillah Khan?
(a) Padmashri
(b) Padma Bhushan
(c) Padma Vibhushan
(d) all of these - Shehnai is a refined version of which instrument?
(a) musical instrument (incomplete in original text)
Lesson-6: My Childhood
- Who is the author of the lesson “My Childhood”?
(a) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
(b) Katherine Mansfield
(c) Isaac Asimov
(d) Deborah Cowley - When did Kalam become India’s 11th President?
(a) 2000
(b) 2001
(c) 2003
(d) 2002 - Where was Kalam born?
(a) Rameswaram, Madras State
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Karnataka
(d) Chennai - What did Kalam’s father teach him?
(a) to fish
(b) honesty and self-discipline
(c) to fight
(d) to be arrogant - Who gave emotional and material security to Kalam?
(a) his society people
(b) his friends
(c) his teachers
(d) his parents - Who was Kalam’s close friend?
(a) Ramanadha Sastry
(b) Samsuddin
(c) His father
(d) his brother - Who used to avoid all essential comforts and luxuries?
(a) his friends
(b) his uncle
(c) his grandmother
(d) his austere father - How was his childhood?
(a) secure
(b) insecure
(c) troublesome
(d) full of struggle - Dinamani is …
(a) a newspaper
(b) newsletter
(c) magazine
(d) employment newspaper - Who invited Dr. Kalam to his home for a meal?
(a) his best friend
(b) his arts teacher
(c) his science teacher
(d) none of the above - Dr. Kalam used to collect …
(a) tamarind seeds
(b) mango seeds
(c) cucumber seeds
(d) papaya seeds - Who used to arrange boats now carrying idols of the lord?
(a) Kalam’s family
(b) Aravindan’s family
(c) Ramanadha’s family
(d) Sivaprakashan’s family
Poem-6: No Men Are Foreign
- What does the title of the poem ‘No Men Are Foreign’ convey?
(a) all the people belong to the same earth
(b) people belong to one country
(c) all people should live in one country
(d) none of these - What message does the poem ‘No Men Are Foreign’ convey?
(a) equality and brotherhood
(b) individuality of everyone
(c) everyone is different
(d) none - What is ‘No Men Are Foreign’ poem emphasizing?
(a) All people are equal
(b) All people are different
(c) Different people live in different countries
(d) none - Who have created borders, discriminations, and countries according to the poet?
(a) nature
(b) God
(c) people themselves
(d) all of these - How do we pollute the earth according to the poet?
(a) by throwing waste
(b) by hating and killing others
(c) by cutting plants
(d) all of these - What do we do when we hate others according to the poet?
(a) we hate ourselves
(b) we protect ourselves
(c) we save ourselves
(d) we love ourselves - Who is the poet of the poem ‘No Men Are Foreign’?
(a) James Williams
(b) James Austen
(c) James Kirkup
(d) None - In what ways are people alike?
(a) all are born the same
(b) all breathe to live and die in the same way
(c) all wear clothes
(d) all of these - What are the things in nature that a man needs to live with?
(a) sun
(b) air
(c) water and plants
(d) all of these - What causes war?
(a) hatred
(b) love
(c) religion
(d) countries - How is man’s vision clouded?
(a) by hate and narrow thinking
(b) by other people
(c) by other countries
Lesson-8: Reach for the Top
- Which incident showed that Santosh was concerned about her teammates?
(a) giving artificial respiration to them
(b) help during climbing
(c) giving sticks during climbing
(d) greeting during climbing - Why was Santosh sent to a local school?
(a) they were rich
(b) because of the prevailing trend
(c) they were poor - Why did Santosh leave home for Delhi?
(a) to roam about
(b) to meet a friend
(c) to get proper education and avoid marriage
(d) to tease her parents - How was Santosh attracted to mountain climbing?
(a) her neighbours prompted her
(b) seeing her friends
(c) her classmates prompted her
(d) watching some people going up the Aravali hills from her hostel room - What happened when Santosh scaled up Mount Everest for the first time?
(a) She won
(b) She hoisted the flag
(c) She became the youngest woman to achieve the feat
(d) None of the above - During her training period, other pupils would come in at 11 pm and order Maria to –
(a) To clean the room
(b) To cook for them
(c) To make them desserts
(d) All of the above - Sharapova loved reading novels of –
(a) Sydney Sheldon
(b) Charles Dickens
(c) William Shakespeare
(d) Arthur Conan Doyle - What’s Sharapova’s mantra for success?
(a) being competitive
(b) working hard
(c) respecting her job
(d) All of these - Maria Sharapova belongs to –
(a) England
(b) Russia
(c) Germany
(d) America - What is the name of Santosh Yadav’s village?
(a) Joniyawas
(b) Hariyawas
(c) Bariyawas
(d) Jennawas - Depressing treatment in the U.S. made Maria –
(a) weak
(b) nervous
(c) timid
(d) tough
Poem-8: On Killing a Tree
- What does the tree symbolise in this poem?
(a) prosperity
(b) greenery
(c) deep-rooted evil
(d) none - What helps the tree to grow?
(a) earth
(b) air
(c) gardener
(d) none - What killed the tree?
(a) scorching and chopping
(b) floods
(c) irresponsible behaviours
(d) all of these - How do the trees die?
(a) when they don’t get water
(b) when they don’t get manure
(c) when their roots are uprooted
(d) when we cut it with a knife or jab - What does the poet equate killing trees with?
(a) killing animals
(b) killing insects
(c) killing human beings
(d) None
Lesson-10: Kathmandu
- Why does the author find himself unable to tear away from the square?
(a) the flute music was very sweet
(b) there were many things to eat
(c) he was watching a magic show
(d) he was buying flutes - The flutes on the pole of the fruit seller are compared to –
(a) a beehive
(b) a bunch of oranges
(c) quills of a porcupine - What atmosphere is there around the Baudhnath Stupa?
(a) a sense of stillness
(b) febrile confusion
(c) excitement and noises
(d) all of these - Which famous Hindu temple is situated in Kathmandu?
(a) Jagannath
(b) Kedarnath
(c) Pashupatinath
(d) Deenanath - Kathmandu is the capital city of –
(a) China
(b) Nepal
(c) Bhutan
(d) Bangladesh
Poem-10: A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal
- Who is the poet of the poem ‘A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal’?
(a) Edward Lear
(b) Gieve Patel
(c) W.W.E. Ross Ms.
(d) William Wordsworth - What does Lucy move with –
(a) rocks
(b) stones
(c) trees
(d) all of these - What sealed the poet’s spirit?
(a) a joke
(b) a victory
(c) a slumber
(d) a prize - What was Lucy doing after her death?
(a) coming to the poet’s dreams
(b) was disturbing
(c) moving here and there in the earth’s course of rotation - How did the poet feel after his beloved’s death?
(a) grief-stricken
(b) happy
(c) burden-free
(d) all of these
Lesson-11: If I Were You
- Where did Gerrard live?
(a) in a hotel
(b) in a house
(c) alone in a cottage
(d) in a city - Who entered in a cottage?
(a) a hawker
(b) a thief
(c) a criminal
(d) a milkman - What was the criminal’s intention?
(a) to steal money
(b) to have food
(c) to kill Gerrard and take on his identity
(d) none - Who is the writer of the lesson ‘If I Were You’?
(a) Jane Austen
(b) Douglas James
(c) Hillary
(d) none - What is the story of ‘If I Were You’?
(a) about a playwright, Gerrard
(b) about an incident from a poet’s life
(c) about a thief
(d) none - When did the intruder enter Gerrard’s house?
(a) when he was sleeping
(b) early morning
(c) when he was about to leave for a rehearsal
(d) midnight - What was the intruder carrying in his channel?
(a) a stick
(b) a gun
(c) a knife
(d) a sword - Why was the police looking for the intruder?
(a) because he had a charge of theft
(b) because he had robbed a bank
(c) because he had committed a murder
(d) because he had escaped from jail - Why did the intruder want to know everything about Gerrard before killing him?
(a) to imitate him
(b) to steal his wealth
(c) to fool people
(d) to take his place - How did Gerrard fool the intruder?
(a) by mimicking
(b) telling jokes
(c) by asking him to peep out to look for police outside
(d) none - How did Gerrard save himself from the intruder?
(a) by pushing him inside a cupboard and locking it from outside
(b) by showing him a gun
(c) by calling the police
(d) by shouting - “At last a sympathetic audience” – who said this?
(a) the intruder
(b) the sergeant
(c) Gerrard
(d) none - Why did the intruder choose only Gerrard as his mask player?
(a) He enjoyed a good rapport
(b) He was easy to approach
(c) His face and body were identical to him
(d) none - What was Gerrard’s profession?
(a) a singer
(b) a poet
(c) a playwright
(d) a teacher
Q.10. (A) Extract from Prose from Beehive (1 × 3 = 3 Marks)
Extract-1
“Gee,” said Tommy, “what a waste. When you’re through with the book, you just throw it away, I guess. Our television screen must have had a million books on it and it’s good for plenty more. I wouldn’t throw it away.”
“Same with mine,” said Margie. She was eleven and hadn’t seen as many telebooks as Tommy had. He was thirteen.
She said, “Where did you find it?”
“In my house.” He pointed without looking because he was busy reading. “In the attic.”
“What’s it about?”
“School.”
Extract-2
Margie was scornful. “School? What’s there to write about school? I hate school.” Margie always hated school, but now she hated it more than ever. The mechanical teacher had been giving her test after test in geography, and she had been doing worse and worse until her mother had shaken her head sorrowfully and sent for the County Inspector.
Questions:
(i) Name the writer of the story ‘The Fun They Had’.
(a) Isaac Asimov
(b) Deborah Cowley
(c) William Butler Yeats
(ii) What was Margie’s opinion about school?
(a) She liked school
(b) She slightly liked it
(c) She hated school
(iii) What was wrong with her mechanical teacher?
(a) It was giving her test after test in English
(b) It was giving her test after test in history
(c) It was giving her test after test in geography
Extract-3
It was her first day at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London and daunting enough for any teenager fresh from a Scottish farm. But this aspiring musician faced a bigger challenge than most:
Questions:
(i) Who is referred to as the ‘aspiring musician’?
(a) Evelyn Glennie
(b) Ron Forbes
(c) her friend
(ii) What was likely to daunt Evelyn?
(a) Royal Academy of Music
(b) London
(c) her background
(iii) What do you understand by the expression: “fresh from a Scottish farm”?
(a) new in the city
(b) belonged to a Scottish farm
(c) both (a) and (b)
Extract-4
Till recently it was used only in temples and weddings. The credit for bringing this instrument onto the classical stage goes to Ustad Bismillah Khan.
Questions:
(i) Which instrument is being referred to in the extract?
(a) shehnai
(b) pungi
(c) tabla
(d) none of these
(ii) Why, do you think, it was used only in temples and weddings?
(a) because of its melodious sound
(b) because it’s difficult to play
(c) because of its harsh sound
(iii) Who was Ustad Bismillah Khan?
(a) shehnai player
(b) pungi player
(c) drum player
Extract-5
To the little girl, he was a figure to be feared and avoided. Every morning before going to work he came into her room and gave her a casual kiss.
Questions:
(i) Who does ‘he’ refer to in this extract?
(a) the father of the little girl
(b) the mother of the little girl
(c) the brother of the little girl
(ii) What were the feelings of the little girl towards her father?
(a) She was afraid of him
(b) She loved him
(c) She hated him
(iii) What did ‘he’ do before going to work every morning?
(a) He casually kissed her
(b) He woke her up
(c) He asked her to sing
Extract-6
At the age of two-and-a-half, Einstein still wasn’t talking. When he finally did learn to speak, he uttered everything twice. Einstein did not know what to do with other children, and his playmates called him “Brother Boring.” So, the youngster played by himself much of the time. He especially loved mechanical toys. Looking at his newborn sister, Maja, he is said to have said: “Fine, but where are her wheels?”
Questions:
(i) By what age did Einstein not learn to speak?
(a) three and a half years
(b) four and a half years
(c) two and a half years
(ii) What did Albert’s classmates call him?
(a) a genius
(b) dull
(c) brother boring
(iii) What did Einstein love to play with?
(a) plastic toys
(b) mechanical toys
(c) friends
Extract-7
Evelyn Glennie’s loss of hearing had been gradual. Her mother remembers noticing something was wrong when the eight-year-old Evelyn was waiting to play the piano. ‘They called her name and she didn’t move. I suddenly realised she hadn’t heard,’ says Isabel Glennie. For quite a while Evelyn managed to conceal her growing deafness from friends and teachers. But by the time she was eleven her marks had deteriorated and her headmistress urged her parents to take her to a specialist.
Questions:
(i) Evelyn’s loss of hearing took place …
(a) at birth
(b) eight years old
(c) eleven years old
(ii) Evelyn managed to hide her deafness from –
(a) her mother
(b) her friends
(c) her specialist
(iii) Who urged her parents to take her to a specialist?
(a) friends
(b) teachers
(c) headmistress
Extract-8
Her mother remembers noticing something was wrong when the eight-year-old Evelyn was waiting to play the piano. “They called her name and she didn’t move. I suddenly realized she hadn’t heard,” says Isabel Glennie. For quite a while Evelyn managed to conceal her growing deafness from friends and teachers. But by the time she was eleven her marks had deteriorated and her headmistress urged her parents to take her to a specialist.
Questions:
(i) What made Isabel suspect Evelyn’s hearing ability?
(a) She didn’t hear her name
(b) She missed her music lessons
(c) She lost interest in studies
(ii) Evelyn’s headmistress advised her parents to consult a specialist because she didn’t score good marks. (True/False)
(iii) Find the word/phrase in the passage which means the same as “to hide”.
Extract-9
To the little girl, he was a figure to be feared and avoided. Every morning before going to work he came into her room and gave her a casual kiss, to which she responded with ‘Goodbye Father’. And oh, there was a glad sense of relief when she heard the noise of the carriage growing fainter and fainter down the long road!
Questions:
(i) The little girl feared and avoided –
(a) her mother
(b) her father
(c) her grandfather
(ii) Her father visited her –
(a) in the evening
(b) in the morning
(c) in the afternoon
(iii) Find out a word from the passage which means “answered”.
Extract-10
For reasons I have never been able to understand, a sudden demand for tamarind seeds erupted in the market. I used to collect the seeds and sell them to a provision shop on Mosque Street. A day’s collection would fetch me the princely sum of one anna. My brother-in-law Jallaluddin would tell me stories about the War which I would later attempt to trace in the headlines in Dinamani. Our area, being isolated, was completely unaffected by the War. But soon India was forced to join the Allied Forces and something like a state of emergency was declared.
Questions:
(i) From which lesson has the above passage been taken?
(a) The Little Girl
(b) My Childhood
(c) The Fun They Had
(ii) Abdul Kalam earned money by selling –
(a) newspaper
(b) tamarind seeds
(c) sweets
(iii) Dinamani was a –
(a) book
(b) newspaper
(c) magazine
(B) Extracts from Poetry (Beehive) (1 × 3 = 3 Marks)
Extract-1
When the humid shadows hover
Over all the starry spheres
And the melancholy darkness
Gently weeps in rainy tears,
What a bliss to press the pillow
Of a cottage-chamber bed
And lie listening to the patter
Of the soft rain overhead!
Questions:
(i) From which poem has the above extract been taken?
(a) The Road Not Taken
(b) Rain on the Roof
(c) Wind
(ii) The opposite of the word ‘bliss’ is –
(a) wish
(b) curse
(c) desire
(iii) Where do the shadows hover?
(a) on pillow
(b) on starry spheres
(c) on rainy tears
Extract-2
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth
Questions:
(i) What does ‘yellow wood’ mean?
(a) spring
(b) autumn
(c) winter
(ii) Why was the traveller feeling sorry?
(a) because he could not travel
(b) because he could not travel both the roads
(c) because he could travel
(iii) From which poem have the above lines been taken?
(a) Wind
(b) The Road Not Taken
(c) Rain on the Roof
Extract-3
Now in memory comes my mother
As she used in years agone,
To regard the darling dreamers
Ere she left them till the dawn:
O! I feel her fond look on me
As I list to this refrain
Which is played upon the shingles
By the patter of the rain.
Questions:
(i) Which sound is the poet listening to?
(a) sound of wind
(b) sound of insects
(c) sound of rain
(ii) The sound reminds the poet of –
(a) his father
(b) his mother
(c) his brother
(iii) Which word in the extract means “the ability to remember things”?
Extract-4
Wind, come softly
Don’t break the shutters of the windows
Don’t scatter the papers
Don’t throw down the books on the shelf.
Questions:
(i) Whom does the poet request in the above lines?
(ii) Write any one action of the wind.
(iii) Find out a word from the extract which means “thrown in different directions”.
Extract-5
Then took the other, as just as fair,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
Questions:
(i) How was the other road?
(a) It was still grassy
(b) The other road was dusty
(c) The road was full of stones
(ii) Why did the second road present a better claim than the first