9th English - Quarterly Exam 2024 - Original Question Paper | Tirupattur District

Class 9 Common Quarterly Examination 2024-25

English - Question Paper with Answer Key

PART-I

SECTION - 1 14x1=14

I. Answer all the questions.

Choose the appropriate synonyms for the underlined words.

1. The players practiced hard for the final match.

a) Performed b) Trained c) Played d) Rested

Answer: b) Trained

2. He felt elated after winning the game.

a) Disappointed b) Excited c) Proud d) Thrilled

Answer: b) Excited

3. The old man was content with his life.

a) Satisfied b) Unhappy c) Eager d) Curious

Answer: a) Satisfied

Choose the appropriate antonyms for the underlined words.

4. The river was calm during the morning.

a) Peaceful b) Turbulent c) Serene d) Quiet

Answer: b) Turbulent

5. The boy was enthusiastic about climbing the tree.

a) Eager b) Reluctant c) Passionate d) Motivated

Answer: b) Reluctant

6. Sachin was confident before the match.

a) Nervous b) Bold c) Assured d) Sure

Answer: a) Nervous

7. Choose the correct homophone for the given sentence.
The man decided to ______ his old house.

a) Cell b) Sell

Answer: b) Sell

8. Form a derivative by adding the right Prefix to the word "proper".

a) mis b) un c) dis d) im

Answer: d) im (improper)

9. Choose the appropriate preposition from the given option.
The cat jumped ______ the wall.

a) on b) in c) over d) under

Answer: c) over

10. Write the full form of the word "didn't".

Answer: did not

11. Complete the following sentence using an appropriate Prepositional Phrase.
The old man sat ______ the tree, thinking about his childhood.

a) in front of b) beside c) on top of d) beneath

Answer: d) beneath

12. Choose the appropriate infinitive form of verb.
The boy wanted ______ the mangoes from the tree.

a) to pluck b) pluck c) plucking d) plucked

Answer: a) to pluck

13. Write the Anagram of the word "EARTH".

Answer: HEART

14. Form a derivative by adding the right suffix to the word "joy".

a) able b) ful c) less d) ment

Answer: b) ful (joyful)

PART-II

SECTION - I (PROSE) Answer any three (3x2=6)

15. What was the opportunity that transformed Sachin's life?

Answer: The opportunity that transformed Sachin's life was when his brother Ajit took him to meet the famous cricket coach, Ramakant Achrekar. Getting selected to join Achrekar Sir's summer camp at Shivaji Park was the turning point in his journey to becoming a cricketer.

16. Why did the visitor return to his Old house?

Answer: The visitor, now a middle-aged man, returned to his old house not to buy it, but to revisit his past and cherish the memories of his childhood. He wanted to see the old jackfruit tree he used to climb and was looking for a sense of his lost youth.

17. Why is Jim climbing on the roof?

Answer: This question refers to Tom Sawyer (often called Jim in adaptations) from "The Cat and the Pain-killer". Tom climbs on the roof to escape from his Aunt Polly's anger after she discovers he has been giving the 'Pain-killer' medicine to the cat.

18. Where was Amy's mother?

Answer: The character 'Amy' and her mother are not from the main prose or supplementary lessons in the Samacheer Kalvi Class 9 English textbook. This question might be from a specific comprehension passage not included here.

SECTION - II (POETRY) Answer any three (3x2=6)

19. Read the following sets of poetic lines and answer.
"It takes much time to kill a tree,
Not a simple jab of the knife will do it."

a) Can a simple jab of the knife 'kill a tree'?

b) Why does it take much time to kill a tree?

Answer:

a) No, a simple jab of the knife cannot kill a tree.

b) It takes a long time to kill a tree because it has grown strong over many years by absorbing sunlight, air, water, and nutrients from the earth. Its roots are deeply anchored in the ground, making it resilient and hard to destroy.

20. "The root is to be pulled out
Out of the anchoring earth;"

a) Why should the root be pulled out?

b) What does 'Anchoring earth' mean?

Answer:

a) The root should be pulled out to ensure the tree is completely killed. If the root is left in the ground, the tree can sprout again and regrow.

b) 'Anchoring earth' means the soil that holds the tree's roots firmly, providing it with stability, support, and nourishment, much like an anchor holds a ship in place.

21. "And I watered it in fears night and morning with my tears;"

a) What does 'it' refer to?

b) How is it watered?

Answer:

a) 'It' refers to the poet's suppressed anger or wrath towards his foe.

b) It is watered with the poet's fears and tears, which he experiences day and night.

22. "The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep"

a) How are the woods?

b) Whom does 'I' refer to?

Answer:

a) The woods are lovely, dark, and deep.

b) 'I' refers to the speaker or the poet, who is the traveller in the poem.

SECTION – III (GRAMMAR)

Answer any three of the following. 3x2=6

23. Rewrite the following sentence into superlative degree.
"Mount Everest is higher than any other peak."

Answer: Mount Everest is the highest peak.

24. Identify the dependent clauses or phrases in the following sentences and underline them.

a) "The river flows gently in the morning"

b) "If it rains, the match will be delayed".

Answer:

a) This is a simple sentence and has no dependent clause.

b) If it rains, the match will be delayed. (The underlined part is the dependent clause).

25. Punctuate the following sentence.
"she asked are you coming to the party"

Answer: She asked, "Are you coming to the party?"

26. Rearrange the words in the coherent order to make a meaningful sentence.
"waiting / for / the / bus / at / stop / they / were"

Answer: They were waiting for the bus at the stop.

27. Make a sentence of your own using the given words.

a) Victory

b) Journey

Answer:

a) Victory: After weeks of hard work, the team achieved a glorious victory.

b) Journey: Life is a journey with many unexpected twists and turns.

SECTION – IV (WRITING)

28. Answer the following question. (1x2=2)
A stranger wants to go to the Bank. Guide him to reach his destination.

Answer:

1. Walk straight ahead on M.C. Road until you reach the main four-way intersection.

2. At the intersection, turn right onto Anna Street.

3. Walk a very short distance down Anna Street.

4. You will see the Bank on your left side opposite to Park.

PART - III

SECTION - I (PROSE) Answer any two (2x5=10)

29. Write the summary of the short story "I Can't Climb Trees Any More" by Ruskin Bond.

Summary: "I Can't Climb Trees Any More" is a nostalgic story by Ruskin Bond. The narrator, a middle-aged man, visits his old family home, now owned by a different family. He stands outside, remembering his childhood days spent climbing the huge jackfruit tree in the garden. He meets a young girl who lives there and tells her about his memories, including hiding a treasure—an Iron Cross from his grandfather—in the tree. The girl, curious, climbs the tree and finds the rusty cross. Instead of taking it back, the narrator lets her keep it, realizing that his true treasure was not the object but the memories of his youth. The story beautifully captures the theme of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the joy of reliving childhood memories.

30. Describe the challenges faced by Sachin in his early career.

Answer: In his early career, Sachin Tendulkar faced several challenges. The most significant was the demanding schedule set by his coach, Achrekar Sir. He had to practice every morning and evening, which was physically and mentally exhausting. His daily routine involved travelling a long distance from his home in Bandra to Shivaji Park, carrying his heavy cricket kit. He had only one set of cricket clothes which he had to wash himself daily. Sometimes, he would miss the bus and feel disheartened. His coach was a strict disciplinarian who once punished him for skipping a practice session to watch a match. Overcoming these hardships, including fatigue and a rigorous routine, shaped his discipline and dedication to the game.

31. What is the significance of the river in the life of the old man in "Old Man River"?

Answer: In the story "Old Man River", the river is central to the old man's life and identity. It is not just a body of water but a living entity that he deeply understands and respects. The river is his source of livelihood, providing fish for him to sell. It is also a source of his wisdom; he can predict floods and weather changes by observing its behaviour. The river represents the powerful, uncontrollable forces of nature. The old man's connection with the river is so profound that he is seen as a part of it, earning him the name "Old Man River." It symbolizes the cycle of life, destruction, and renewal, and the old man's life is inextricably linked to its rhythm.

32. Discuss the transformation of the protagonist in "I Can't Climb Trees Anymore".

Answer: The protagonist in "I Can't Climb Trees Anymore" undergoes a subtle emotional transformation. Initially, he arrives at his old home as a visitor, a man separated from his past by time. He feels a sense of loss for his vanished youth, symbolized by his inability to climb the tree anymore. However, as he interacts with the young girl and shares his memories, he transitions from a passive observer to an active participant in his own past. Finding the Iron Cross isn't the climax; the real transformation occurs when he gifts it to the girl. In that moment, he lets go of his need to physically possess his past. He realizes that youth is a state of mind and that his memories are his real treasure. He leaves not with sadness, but with a peaceful acceptance of the passage of time.

SECTION - II (POETRY) Answer any two (2x5=10)

33. How does the poet bring out the pain of the tree?

Answer: In the poem "On Killing a Tree," the poet Gieve Patel portrays the tree as a living being to emphasize its pain. He uses strong, violent imagery to describe the act of killing it. Words like "jab," "hack," "chop," and "pulling out" suggest a brutal assault. The "bleeding bark" metaphorically compares the tree's sap to human blood, making its suffering relatable. The poet describes the most sensitive part of the tree as its "white and wet" root, which has been hidden in the earth for years. The final act of "scorching and choking" in the sun and air highlights a slow, agonizing death. By personifying the tree and detailing the violence inflicted upon it, the poet effectively conveys its immense pain and resilience.

34. Describe the poet's emotions when he reflects on his friend in "A Poison Tree".

Answer: In "A Poison Tree," the poet, William Blake, contrasts his emotions towards his friend and his foe. When angry with his friend, his emotions are open and honest. He expresses his anger ("I told my wrath"), and this act of communication resolves the conflict, ending the anger ("my wrath did end"). This indicates a healthy, transparent relationship built on trust. The emotion is one of temporary anger followed by relief and reconciliation. The process is quick and leads to emotional clarity. This is in stark contrast to the suppressed, festering anger he feels for his foe, which grows into a destructive force. The emotion towards the friend is a passing storm, while for the foe, it's a cultivated poison.

35. Read the following stanza and answer the questions given below:

I was angry with my friend;
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.

a) Identify the figure of speech in the second line.

b) Pick out the rhyming words.

c) Pick out the alliterating words in the third line.

d) What is the rhyme scheme of the stanza?

Answer:

a) Figure of speech: Repetition. The word 'wrath' is repeated to emphasize the feeling of anger.

b) Rhyming words: friend/end, foe/grow.

c) Alliterating words: Aliterating words : was and with

d) Rhyme scheme: aabb.

36. Paraphrase the following stanza.

It takes much time to kill a tree,
Not a simple jab of the knife
Will do it. It has grown
Slowly consuming the earth,

Paraphrase:

The poet explains that destroying a tree is a difficult and lengthy process. A quick, simple strike with a knife is not enough to kill it. This is because the tree has become strong over a long period, slowly drawing its nourishment and life force from the earth.

Section-III (Supplementary)

Answer any ONE of the following: 1x5=5

37. Rearrange the following sentences in coherent order.

1. Brij searches for his sister for hours
2. Brij is grateful to the Army Officer
3. Brij and his sister Bhuli live in a small village
4. A passing Army Officer sees Brij and offers to help him
5. One day, an earthquake devastates the village

Answer: The coherent order is:

1. (c) Brij and his sister Bhuli live in a small village.
2. (e) One day, an earthquake devastates the village.
3. (a) Brij searches for his sister for hours.
4. (d) A passing Army Officer sees Brij and offers to help him.
5. (b) Brij is grateful to the Army Officer.

Correct sequence: c, e, a, d, b

38. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.

Margie even wrote about it that night in her diary. On the page headed 17 May 2157, she wrote, "Today Tommy found a real book!" it was a very old book. Margie's grandfather once said that when he was a little boy his grandfather told him that there was a time when all stories were printed on paper. They turned the pages, which were yellow and crinkly, and it was awfully funny to read words that stood still instead of moving the way they were supposed to on a screen, you know. Tommy said, "Gee! What a waste. When you're through with the book, you just throw it away. I guess."

1. What did Margie write in her diary on 17 May 2157?
2. How did Margie's grandfather describe books from his childhood?
3. What did Margie and Tommy find unusual about the old book they discovered?
4. How did Tommy feel about the idea of throwing away a book after reading it?
5. What does Margie's reaction to the old book suggest about her feelings toward her own education?

Answers:

1. On 17 May 2157, Margie wrote in her diary, "Today Tommy found a real book!"
2. Margie's grandfather described books from his childhood as having stories that were all printed on paper.
3. Margie and Tommy found it unusual and funny that the book had yellow, crinkly pages and that the words on the pages stood still instead of moving like on a screen.
4. Tommy felt that a real book was a waste because once you were done reading it, you would just throw it away, unlike a television screen that could hold millions of books.
5. Margie's fascination with the "real book" suggests she is curious and perhaps a bit dissatisfied with her own mechanical and impersonal form of education, where learning happens on a screen.

Section- IV (Writing)

Answer any FOUR of the following 4x5=20

39. Prepare an attractive advertisement using the hints given below. Footwear for all-all sizes- endless variety- all brands -under one roof- attractive offers-Shoes and heels-43, M.G. road, Villupuram

Advertisement:

STEP IN STYLE!

Your Ultimate Footwear Destination

Find the perfect pair for every foot and every occasion!

ENDLESS VARIETY UNDER ONE ROOF!

• 👟 All Sizes Available
• 👠 All Top Brands of Shoes and Heels
• 🎉 Attractive Inaugural Offers!
• 🌟 Step out with confidence!

Visit us today!

WALK-IN
43, M.G. Road, Villupuram

40. Write a letter to the Inspector of Police, complaining about the theft of your bicycle.

Letter:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, Pincode]
[Date]

The Inspector of Police
[Police Station Name/Area]
[City, Pincode]

Subject: Complaint regarding theft of a bicycle

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am writing to report the theft of my bicycle, which occurred yesterday, [Date of Theft], between [Time Frame, e.g., 6 PM and 8 PM]. I had parked and locked my bicycle outside the [Location, e.g., local library] at [Address of Location]. When I returned, I was shocked to find it missing.

The bicycle is a [Brand Name, e.g., Hero Jet] model, black in colour, with the serial number [Bicycle's Serial Number]. It has a distinctive green bell and a small sticker on the front mudguard. The purchase receipt is attached for your reference.

I request you to kindly register an FIR and take the necessary steps to trace my bicycle. I would be very grateful for your prompt action in this matter.

Thank you for your assistance.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]

41. 'Preserve Our Forests' is the need of the hour. Draft a poster with attractive slogans or phrases for the same in not more than 50 words. Use attractive drawings.

Poster Content:

PRESERVE OUR FORESTS!

(Imagine a drawing of a large green tree here)

• Save Trees, Save Life.
• Forests are the Lungs of our Planet.
• Plant a tree, green the earth.
• Don't be a fool, keep our planet cool!

ACT NOW! OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT.

42. Look at the given picture and express your views.

Picture Description:

This delightful picture shows a lively scene in a park, likely on a sunny day. Several children are enjoying various activities, while an adult watches over them with a warm smile. Some children are playfully climbing a tree, showing their adventurous spirit. Others are running around, one with a scooter and another with a small dog, adding to the joyful atmosphere. It's a wonderful depiction of childhood, filled with freedom, friendship, and the simple pleasures of outdoor play.

43. Make notes or write a summary of the following passage:

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. It has transformed the way we communicate, learn, and work. With the advent of the internet, information is now at our fingertips. However, the over-reliance on technology has its drawbacks. It can lead to a lack of face-to-face communication, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns. It is essential to find a balance between utilizing technology and maintaining human connections.

Answer:

Option 1: Note-Making

Title: Technology: A Double-Edged Sword

1. Role of Tech. in Daily Life
   • 1.1 Integral part
   • 1.2 Transformed comm., learning & work
   • 1.3 Info. at fingertips (Internet)
2. Drawbacks of Over-reliance
   • 2.1 Lack of face-to-face comm.
   • 2.2 Cyberbullying
   • 2.3 Privacy concerns
3. The Way Forward
   • 3.1 Essential to find balance
   • 3.2 Utilize tech. wisely
   • 3.3 Maintain human connections

Key to Abbreviations: Tech. - Technology, Comm. - Communication, Info. - Information

OR

Option 2: Summary

Title: Balancing Technology and Human Connection

Technology is now a fundamental part of our lives, changing how we communicate, learn, and work, and making information easily accessible via the internet. However, depending too much on it has negative consequences, such as reduced face-to-face interaction, the rise of cyberbullying, and threats to privacy. Therefore, it is crucial to use technology responsibly while making sure to preserve our essential human relationships.

PART - IV

44. Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

1. He has good knowledge of English grammar.
2. His son-in-laws have come home.
3. She love her father.
4. I don't know who is she.
5. He is taller then me.

Corrected Sentences:

Incorrect Sentence	Corrected Sentence
He has good knowledge of English grammar.	He has a good knowledge of English grammar.
His son-in-laws have come home.	His sons-in-law have come home.
She love her father.	She loves her father.
I don't know who is she.	I don't know who she is.
He is taller then me.	He is taller than me.

Section V Memoriter (Compulsory)

45. Quote from memory: (1x5=5)

He gives his harness .... Dark and deep.

Answer: (From "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening")

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

PART - VI (Supplementary)

46. Write a paragraph of about 150 words by developing the following hints. (1x8=8)

a) Disaster - earthquake - shaking - ground - destruction - panic - rescue - tremors - buildings - safety - chaos - response - survivors - aftershocks - damage - community - recovery - aid - shelter - fear - courage - relief - evacuation - rebuilding - safety - support - unity - survivors - bravery - aftermath - disruption - help - assistance - resilience - compassion - preparedness - impact-destruction -response - aid - shelter - recovery - hope.

(OR)

b) Jealousy - neighbour - wealth - rivalry resentment secret schemes - deception - friendship - conflict - tension - betrayal - resolution - misunderstandings - character - envy - dispute - moral-surprise deceit trust quarrel - community - change compassion - reconciliation - bitterness-outcome - respect - harmony - generosity - bitterness - character - rivalry - discord - honesty-peace - relationship - misunderstanding - surprise - unity.

Answer (a): The Aftermath of a Disaster

A disaster like an earthquake strikes without warning, causing immense destruction and chaos. The violent shaking of the ground leads to the collapse of buildings and widespread damage, creating an atmosphere of panic and fear among people. In the immediate aftermath, the primary response is rescue and aid. Rescue teams work tirelessly to find survivors trapped under debris, while the community shows incredible unity and support. Survivors, grappling with shock and loss, are moved to temporary shelters. The journey to recovery is long, involving clearing rubble, providing medical assistance, and eventually, rebuilding homes and lives. This process tests the resilience and courage of the affected community. Despite the tragic impact and disruption, such events also highlight the best of humanity—compassion, bravery, and the collective hope for a new beginning.

(OR)

Answer (b): The Web of Jealousy

Jealousy is a powerful emotion that can poison relationships and communities. It often begins with envy towards a neighbour's wealth or success, sparking rivalry and resentment. This bitterness can lead to secret schemes, deception, and betrayal, turning friendship into conflict and tension. Misunderstandings and disputes erode trust, leading to quarrels and discord within the community. The character of a person is truly tested in such situations. However, resolution is possible through compassion, honesty, and a willingness to change. Reconciliation can overcome the bitterness, leading to a surprising outcome of peace and harmony. By choosing generosity over envy and respect over rivalry, a relationship can be healed, transforming a moral crisis into an opportunity for unity and stronger community bonds.

PART - V (General Comprehension)

47. a) Read the following paragraph and answer the questions given below: (4x2=8)

The Olympic games began in Greece about three thousand years ago. All wars stopped for the Olympics in those days. The discus and the Pentathlon began in these early Olympic Games. In 394, the Romans stopped the Greek Olympic Games, because they didn't like them. In 1896, a Frenchman-Pierre de Coubertin began the Olympic Games again. These days the Olympic Games usually happen every four years. But how did the Paralympic for disabled begin? In the 1940s Sir Ludwig Guttmann was a doctor at the Stoke Mandeville hospital in England. At the hospital there were many disabled Soldiers from World War II and Guttmann wanted these soldiers to get better by doing Sports.

Questions:

1. Where did the Olympic Games begin?
2. Why did the Romans stop the Olympic Games?
3. How did the Paralympic for disabled begin?
4. Who was Sir Ludwig Guttmann?

Answers:

1. The Olympic Games began in Greece.
2. The Romans stopped the Olympic Games because they didn't like them.
3. The Paralympic Games for the disabled began when Sir Ludwig Guttmann encouraged disabled soldiers from World War II at Stoke Mandeville hospital to participate in sports for their recovery.
4. Sir Ludwig Guttmann was a doctor at the Stoke Mandeville hospital in England in the 1940s.

(OR)

b) Read the following poem and answer the questions given below:

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!

1. What is the speaker wondering about in the poem?
2. How is the star described in the poem?
3. Where is the star located according to the poem?
4. What repetitive phrase is used in the poem?

Answers:

1. The speaker is wondering what the little star truly is.
2. The star is described as being "like a diamond in the sky."
3. According to the poem, the star is located "up above the world so high."
4. The repetitive phrase used in the poem is "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are!".

Class 9 English Quarterly Exam 2024 Samacheer Kalvi English Question Paper English Answer Key Tamil Nadu Board 9th Standard English Solutions Grammar Prose Poetry