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Chapter 14: ICSE Class 9 English Language/Grammar solved
Get textual answers, explanations, solutions, notes, extras, MCQs, PDF of Chapter 14: ICSE Class 9 English Language/Grammar (Total English/Morning Star) workbook solved, which comprises Comparison of Adjectives, Factual Writing, Letters of Persuasion, Practice Paper-14. However, the educational materials should only be used for reference, and students are encouraged to make necessary changes.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Comparison of Adjectives
ASSIGNMENT
I. Change the Degrees of Comparison without changing the meanings:
1. This stone is less heavy than that.
Answer: This stone is not as heavy as that one.
Explanation: This is a change from the comparative degree to the positive degree. Imagine you have two stones. The first sentence says one is “less heavy” than the other. This is a comparison. The answer says the same thing but in a different way: “not as heavy as”. This is called the positive degree of comparison. It’s like saying “You are shorter than me” is the same as “You are not as tall as me.” We are just changing the words, not the meaning.
2. Our horse is better trained than yours.
Answer: Your horse is not as well trained as ours.
Explanation: The original sentence uses “better,” which is a comparative adjective. It compares your horse to our horse. To change this without changing the meaning, we can use the positive degree. The positive form of “better” is “well.” So, saying “our horse is better trained” is the same as saying “your horse is not as well trained.” We are flipping the comparison around but keeping the meaning identical.
3. Kindness is the greatest virtue in the world.
Answer: No other virtue in the world is as great as kindness.
Explanation: The first sentence uses the superlative degree (“greatest”), which means kindness is at the very top, above all other virtues. To say this using the positive degree, we start with “No other…”. This structure, “No other virtue is as great as kindness,” means that if you pick any other virtue, it won’t be as great as kindness. This makes kindness the number one, just like the original sentence said.
4. Greenland is the largest island.
Answer: No other island is as large as Greenland.
Explanation: This is just like the previous question. The original sentence uses the superlative “largest” to say Greenland is the biggest of all islands. We can change this to the positive degree by saying “No other island is as large as Greenland.” This means you can’t find any other island that is the same size or bigger. Both sentences mean Greenland is the biggest.
5. Mount K2 is less high than Mount Everest.
Answer: Mount K2 is not as high as Mount Everest.
Explanation: The sentence uses the comparative degree “less high” to compare two mountains. This means Mount K2 is shorter than Mount Everest. We can say the exact same thing using the positive degree with the “not as…as” structure. “Mount K2 is not as high as Mount Everest” has the same meaning. It’s like saying “A car is less fast than an airplane” is the same as “A car is not as fast as an airplane.”
6. There are few cities in India as hot as Agra.
Answer: Agra is hotter than most other cities in India.
Explanation: The original sentence uses the positive degree (“as hot as”) with the words “few cities.” This tells us that Agra is one of a very small group of the hottest cities. To change this to the comparative degree, we say “Agra is hotter than most other cities in India.” This means if you pick almost any other city in India, Agra will be hotter. This keeps the meaning that Agra is exceptionally hot, but not necessarily the single hottest.
7. This book is less expensive than the one we bought yesterday.
Answer: This book is not as expensive as the one we bought yesterday.
Explanation: This is another example of changing from the comparative degree (“less expensive”) to the positive degree. “Less expensive” means it costs less money. The phrase “not as expensive as” means the same thing. We are comparing the prices of two books, and both sentences tell us that today’s book is cheaper than yesterday’s book.
8. I am as strong as he is.
Answer: He is not stronger than I am.
Explanation: The original sentence uses the positive degree “as strong as” to show that two people have equal strength. To change this to the comparative degree, we have to show that neither person is stronger than the other. So, “He is not stronger than I am” is a correct way to say it. It means our strength is the same.
9. He is less intelligent than his cousin.
Answer: He is not as intelligent as his cousin.
Explanation: The sentence uses the comparative adjective “less intelligent.” This means his cousin is more intelligent. We can express the same idea using the positive degree. By saying “He is not as intelligent as his cousin,” we are making the same comparison and keeping the meaning that his cousin is the more intelligent one of the two.
10. Nehru was one of the greatest leaders.
Answer: Very few leaders were as great as Nehru.
Explanation: The original sentence uses the superlative degree, but with the phrase “one of the.” This means Nehru was in the top group of great leaders, but not the only one. To change this to the positive degree, we use the phrase “Very few.” The sentence “Very few leaders were as great as Nehru” means that only a small number of leaders reached the same level of greatness as him, which is exactly what “one of the greatest” implies.
II. Rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each. Change only enough to do what you are asked and make a correct sentence. Do not alter the meaning. You have to make your sentence say the same thing but in a different way.
1. Very few countries are as hot as Nigeria.
Use: ‘hotter’ instead of ‘hot’.
Answer: Nigeria is hotter than most other countries.
Explanation: This is a change in the degree of comparison. The first sentence uses the positive degree (“as hot as”) to say that only a small number of countries are as hot as Nigeria. To change this to the comparative degree (“hotter”), we compare Nigeria to the other countries. Since very few are as hot, it means Nigeria is hotter than most of them. We use “than” to make the comparison and “most other” to show that Nigeria is in the top group of hot countries.
2. A sunset on sea is one of the loveliest things in nature.
Begin: Very few things in nature…
Answer: Very few things in nature are as lovely as a sunset on sea.
Explanation: We are changing from the superlative degree (“one of the loveliest”) to the positive degree. Think of it like this: if something is “one of the best,” it means only a small group of other things are “as good as” it. So, when the sentence says a sunset is “one of the loveliest things,” it means “very few things in nature are as lovely as” it.
3. I have never seen so big a diamond as this.
End: …………. that I have ever seen.
Answer: This is the biggest diamond that I have ever seen.
Explanation: The original sentence is a special way of saying that this diamond is number one. If you have “never seen so big a diamond as this,” it means this is the biggest one you have seen. We change this to the superlative degree by using the word “biggest” to make it clear it’s the top one out of all the diamonds you’ve ever seen.
4. No other religious book is as popular in India as the ‘Gita’.
Use: ‘most popular’.
Answer: The ‘Gita’ is the most popular religious book in India.
Explanation: The phrase “No other… is as… as” is a way to say something is the absolute best in its category. If “no other book is as popular as the ‘Gita’,” it means the ‘Gita’ is at the very top of the popularity list. So, we can simply say it is “the most popular” religious book. We always use “the” before a superlative adjective like “most popular.”
5. Iron is the most useful of all the metals.
Use: ‘More useful’ instead of ‘most useful’.
Answer: Iron is more useful than any other metal.
Explanation: We are changing from the superlative degree (“most useful”) to the comparative degree (“more useful”). If iron is the top one, it means it’s better than every single other one. To say this, we compare it to all the others using “more useful than.” The words “any other” are very important because they separate iron from the group of metals we are comparing it to.
6. She is the cleverest pupil in her class.
Begin: No other……….
Answer: No other pupil in her class is as clever as she is.
Explanation: This is the reverse of question 4. We are changing from the superlative degree (“the cleverest”) back to the positive degree. If a person is “the cleverest,” it means nobody else can match her. So, we use the special phrase “No other pupil… is as clever as she is” to say that she is number one.
7. Reena is the most industrious student.
Begin: Reena is more……….
Answer: Reena is more industrious than any other student.
Explanation: This is just like the question about iron. We are changing from the superlative (“most industrious”) to the comparative (“more industrious”). If Reena is the top student, she works harder than all the others. So, we say she is “more industrious than any other student.” The phrase “any other” makes it clear we are comparing her to every single other student in the group.
8. Anita is not as good a singer as Avanti.
Use: than:
Answer: Avanti is a better singer than Anita.
Explanation: The first sentence compares two singers and says Anita is not at the same level as Avanti. This means Avanti is at a higher level. The comparative word for “good” is “better.” So, to say the same thing in a different way, we state that “Avanti is a better singer than Anita.” We use “than” to make the comparison.
9. She could not accuse her sister or her friend.
Begin: Neither………
Answer: She could accuse neither her sister nor her friend.
Explanation: The word “neither” is a negative word that is paired with “nor.” It’s used to connect two things that are not true or not done. Instead of saying “not this or that,” you can say “neither this nor that.” So, the sentence “She could not accuse her sister or her friend” becomes “She could accuse neither her sister nor her friend.”
10. The aeroplane flies faster than birds.
Begin: Birds………..
Answer: Birds do not fly as fast as the aeroplane.
Explanation: The first sentence says the aeroplane wins a speed race against birds. To start the new sentence with “Birds,” we have to flip the comparison around and say that the birds lose the race. We do this by saying they are not as fast. So, “The aeroplane flies faster than birds” means the same thing as “Birds do not fly as fast as the aeroplane.” We use “not as… as” to show that one thing is less than the other.
11. India is the largest democracy in the world.
Use: as large as:
Answer: No other democracy in the world is as large as India.
Explanation: The first sentence uses the superlative degree (“the largest”) to say India is number one in size. To change this to the positive degree (“as large as”), we need to say that no one else can match it. The phrase “No other…” is perfect for this. It’s like saying, “If you look at all the other democracies, you won’t find one that is as large as India.”
12. Very few Indian cricketers are as famous as Sachin Tendulkar.
Use: more famous:
Answer: Sachin Tendulkar is more famous than most other Indian cricketers.
Explanation: The first sentence tells us that only a small group of cricketers are at the same level of fame as Sachin. This means he is in the top tier. To use the comparative word “more famous,” we compare him to the rest. Since only a few are his equals, he is more famous than the big majority of other cricketers. We use the phrase “most other” to show this. It means he is more famous than almost everyone else in that group.
Letters of Persuasion
ASSIGNMENT
Write a letter to the head of your District, Municipal or City Council asking for the provision of more amenities to the young people of your area.
Answer:
15, Nehru Park
Vasant Vihar
New Delhi – 110057
October 26, 2023
To
The Chairperson
Municipal Corporation of Delhi
Civic Centre, Minto Road
New Delhi – 110002
Subject: Request for more amenities for young people in Vasant Vihar
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you as a resident of Vasant Vihar. I wish to bring to your attention the lack of facilities for the young people in our area. We need better spaces for them to learn and play.
Currently, our locality has only one small park. The swings are broken, and there is no proper ground for sports. The park is not maintained well and is not large enough for the number of children and teenagers living here. There are no other places like a library or a community centre where they can spend their time in a useful way.
This shortage of amenities has a negative effect on our youth. With no place to play, many children stay indoors and spend hours on mobile phones and computers. Some older children can be seen loitering near market areas, which is not safe. A lack of physical activity and positive engagement is affecting their health and development.
We request the council to look into this matter. We would be grateful if the existing park could be repaired and a small basketball or badminton court could be built. A small community reading room or library would also be a great help for students. These facilities would give our young people a safe and healthy environment to grow.
I hope you will consider our request for the well-being of the children in our community.
Yours faithfully,
Rohan Sharma
Practice Paper-14
Question 1
(Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.)
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following:
(i) Write a story of your own with the theme, “Cut your coat according to your cloth.”
Answer: Cut Your Coat According to Your Cloth
Rohan had always dreamed of a life filled with luxury. He grew up in a modest household where his father, a wise old tailor, would often say, “Son, always remember to cut your coat according to your cloth.” But Rohan, mesmerized by the lavish lifestyles of his wealthy friends, paid little heed to this advice. When he started his first job, he immediately took out a large loan to buy a fancy car and a high-end apartment he couldn’t afford. He bought expensive gadgets and designer clothes, all on credit, believing he could manage the payments with his future earnings.
For a while, Rohan enjoyed the facade of wealth. He hosted parties and went on extravagant trips, impressing his friends. However, the bills soon started piling up. The monthly installments for his car and apartment consumed most of his salary, leaving him with very little for daily expenses. He began borrowing from friends to make ends meet, but soon, even they grew wary of his constant requests for money. The stress was immense. He lost sleep, his work performance suffered, and the joy he once felt from his possessions turned into a source of constant anxiety.
One evening, sitting alone in his expensive but empty apartment, his father’s words echoed in his mind. He finally understood their meaning. He had tailored a life for himself based on a cloth he did not possess. The next day, with a heavy heart but a clear mind, he sold the car and moved into a smaller, more affordable apartment. He created a strict budget, paid off his debts one by one, and started living within his means. It was a difficult and humbling process, but for the first time in a long time, Rohan felt a sense of peace. He learned that true contentment doesn’t come from owning many things, but from appreciating what one has and living a life free from the burden of pretense and debt.
(ii) Write about a time when you were really frightened. This could be when you were in real or imagined danger or when you were afraid of the consequences of something you had done or not done.
Answer: A Night in the Haunted House
The old house at the end of our street had always been a subject of local legend. People said it was haunted, a place where shadows moved on their own and whispers echoed in empty rooms. As a dare, my friends and I decided to spend a night there. I tried to act brave, but a knot of fear was already tightening in my stomach. Armed with flashlights and snacks, we slipped through a broken window just after dusk.
Inside, the air was thick with the smell of dust and decay. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of the wind outside, sent a shiver down my spine. We settled in the large living room, our flashlight beams dancing across furniture draped in white sheets, looking like silent ghosts. For the first hour, we joked and told stories, our laughter a nervous attempt to fill the oppressive silence.
Then, we heard it. A soft, dragging sound from the floor above. We froze, our eyes wide in the gloom. “It’s just the wind,” someone whispered, but nobody believed it. The sound grew louder, closer, as if something heavy was being pulled across the floorboards directly above us. Suddenly, a door upstairs slammed shut with a deafening bang. That was it. Panic erupted. We scrambled towards the window, fumbling in the dark, our only thought to escape. I remember tripping over something and falling, the cold floor shocking my skin. For a terrifying moment, I thought I would be left behind. A friend grabbed my arm and pulled me up, and we tumbled out of the window, not stopping until we were safely under a streetlight, gasping for breath. We never found out what made those noises, but the sheer, primal fear of that night has stayed with me. It was a fear born from the unknown, a chilling reminder of how fragile our sense of security can be.
(iii) ‘Online shopping is better than traditional shopping.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer: Online Shopping is Better
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience and efficiency are paramount, and in this regard, online shopping is undeniably superior to its traditional counterpart. The primary advantage of shopping online is the unparalleled convenience it offers. One can browse and purchase items from the comfort of their home, at any time of the day or night, without the need to travel to a physical store, find parking, or navigate crowded aisles. This saves a tremendous amount of time and energy.
Furthermore, the variety available online is virtually limitless. A physical store is constrained by its floor space, but an online platform can host millions of products from countless brands and sellers across the globe. This allows consumers to find exactly what they are looking for, compare prices from different vendors with a few clicks, and read reviews from other buyers to make an informed decision. Price comparison tools and access to customer feedback are powerful features that traditional shopping simply cannot match.
Online shopping also often leads to better deals. E-commerce sites frequently offer discounts, coupon codes, and special sales that are not available in brick-and-mortar stores. Since online retailers have lower overhead costs—no need for expensive storefronts or large sales staffs—they can pass these savings on to the consumer. The ability to have goods delivered directly to one’s doorstep is another significant benefit, eliminating the hassle of carrying heavy bags. While some may miss the tactile experience of traditional shopping, the overwhelming advantages in convenience, choice, price, and accessibility make online shopping the better option for the modern consumer.
(iv) Describe your feelings on the day when you were made the Head boy/Head girl of your school.
Answer: The Day I Became Head Boy
The morning of the investiture ceremony was a blur of nervous energy. My school uniform, freshly pressed, felt different that day—heavier, somehow, with the weight of expectation. As I sat in the assembly hall with the other prefects, my heart hammered against my ribs. The Principal was at the podium, his voice echoing through the silent hall as he spoke about leadership and responsibility. I tried to listen, but my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. What if I wasn’t good enough? What if I let everyone down?
When the Principal announced the name of the Head Girl, I barely registered it. But then, he cleared his throat and said, “And the Head Boy for this academic year is…” He paused, and in that brief moment, the entire world seemed to hold its breath. “…Rohan Sharma.”
For a second, I was frozen in my seat. A wave of disbelief washed over me, followed by an overwhelming surge of pride and joy. My friends nudged me, their faces beaming, and I slowly made my way to the stage, my legs feeling like jelly. As the Principal pinned the badge onto my blazer and handed me the school flag, a profound sense of responsibility settled upon me. Looking out at the sea of faces—my teachers, my friends, the entire student body—I felt a mix of exhilaration and humility.
The applause was thunderous, but all I could hear was the steady beat of my own heart. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated happiness, a feeling that I had earned this trust. The fear I had felt earlier was replaced by a quiet determination. I knew the path ahead would be challenging, but on that day, standing on that stage, I felt ready to face it. The feeling was not just of being a leader, but of being a representative of my school’s values, and it was a feeling I will cherish for the rest of my life.
(v) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.
Answer: The Final Goal
The roar of the small crowd was a distant hum in Leo’s ears. All he could hear was the frantic thumping of his own heart and the sound of his cleats tearing at the damp grass. The ball was a loyal friend, glued to his foot as he weaved past two defenders from the opposing team. His red jersey was soaked with sweat and a smear of mud decorated his cheek, a testament to the fierce battle on the field.
This wasn’t just any game; it was the final of the inter-school championship. The score was tied, and the clock was ticking down its final minute. For Leo, this was more than a match. It was his one chance to prove himself, to show the scout from the city academy, who was rumored to be in the stands, that he had what it took.
He could see his teammate, Sam, breaking free on the right wing, but the path was blocked. The goal loomed ahead, guarded by a formidable-looking goalkeeper. A voice in his head, the voice of his coach, screamed at him to pass, to play it safe. But another, more instinctive voice urged him on. This was his moment.
With a final burst of energy, he pushed the ball slightly ahead and drew back his leg. The world seemed to slow down. He saw the goalkeeper dive, a flash of green against the net. He saw the determined look on the face of the striped-jersey defender rushing to block him. He struck the ball with all the power he could muster. It flew, a perfect arc, sailing just over the keeper’s outstretched hands and into the top corner of the net.
A split second of silence was shattered by an eruption of cheers. His teammates engulfed him in a jubilant pile-on. Lying at the bottom, gasping for air but with a massive grin on his face, Leo knew he had given it his all. Whether the scout noticed him or not, in that moment, he was a champion.
Question 2
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)
Select any one of the following:
(i) Write a letter to the Editor of a newspaper, seeking attention of all concerned to the problem of security for the elderly people in your city.
Answer:
12-B, Sunrise Apartments
Green Park
New Delhi – 110016
15th October 2023
To
The Editor
The Times of India
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi – 110002
Subject: Urgent Need for Enhanced Security for Elderly Citizens
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities and the public to the growing problem of inadequate security for the elderly residents in our city.
Recent incidents of robbery, assault, and fraud targeting senior citizens have created a palpable sense of fear and vulnerability among them. Many elderly people live alone, making them easy targets for criminals. The lack of regular police patrolling in residential areas, poorly lit streets, and the absence of community support systems have compounded the issue. My own neighbourhood has witnessed two such unfortunate events in the last month, leaving the elderly community feeling helpless and anxious.
It is imperative that immediate steps are taken to address this serious problem. The authorities should increase police visibility in residential colonies, especially during late hours. Installing CCTV cameras at strategic points and establishing a dedicated helpline for senior citizens to report emergencies or suspicious activities could prove highly effective. Furthermore, resident welfare associations (RWAs) should be encouraged to launch ‘neighbourhood watch’ programs and maintain a database of elderly residents living alone to ensure regular check-ins.
I hope this letter will awaken the civic authorities from their slumber and prompt them to take concrete measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our senior citizens, who deserve to live their golden years in peace and security.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
Amrita Singh
(ii) Write a letter in reply to a penfriend abroad who has asked you for information about what is being done in your country to reduce the effects of climate change.
Answer:
Dear Alex,
It was great to receive your last letter and hear about your school project. I’m happy to share some information about what’s being done in India to tackle climate change, as you asked. It’s a huge topic here, and the efforts are happening on many levels.
At the government level, there’s a massive push towards renewable energy. You can see vast solar parks being set up in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, and wind farms are becoming a common sight along the coastlines. The goal is to reduce our dependence on coal and other fossil fuels. India is also part of the International Solar Alliance, a global initiative to promote solar energy. Another big project is the ‘National Mission for a Green India,’ which focuses on increasing our forest cover through large-scale tree plantation drives.
On a city level, things are changing too. In major cities like Delhi and Mumbai, there’s a growing focus on improving public transport with more metro lines and electric buses to cut down on vehicle emissions. Many cities are also promoting waste segregation at the source and better waste management to reduce landfill methane emissions.
Even ordinary people are becoming more aware. Many schools, including mine, have eco-clubs that organize tree planting events and awareness campaigns about saving electricity and water. It’s now common to see people carrying their own cloth bags for shopping to avoid single-use plastics.
Of course, there’s still a long way to go for a country as large as India, but it feels like we are moving in the right direction. I hope this gives you a good starting point for your project!
Write back soon and tell me how it goes.
Best wishes,
Rohan
Question 3
(i) Your school is organising a friendly hockey match with the hockey team of a neighbouring school. Write a notice informing the students about the match and requesting them to assemble on the playground to cheer and encourage their team.
Answer:
GREENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
NOTICE
15th October 2023
Friendly Hockey Match
This is to inform all students that our school is hosting a friendly hockey match between our school’s hockey team and the team from St. Xavier’s School. Let’s come together to support our players and boost their morale.
- Date: 20th October 2023
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Venue: School Playground
All students are requested to assemble around the playground during the match to cheer for our team. Let’s show our sporting spirit and be the best hosts.
Aarav Mehra
(Sports Captain)
(ii) Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school requesting him/her to send the hockey coach of his/her school to be the referee at the hockey match.
Answer:
To: principal.stxaviers@email.com
Subject: Request for Hockey Coach to Referee a Friendly Match
Dear Principal,
I hope this email finds you well.
Our school, Greenwood High School, is organising a friendly hockey match with your esteemed school’s team on 20th October 2023, at 10:00 AM on our school grounds. We believe such events are wonderful opportunities to foster sportsmanship and goodwill between our students.
In the spirit of fair play, we would be very grateful if you could allow your experienced hockey coach, Mr. Suresh Kumar, to officiate the match as the referee. His expertise and impartial judgment would be invaluable in ensuring the match is conducted smoothly and fairly.
We look forward to hosting your team and hope for a positive response to our request.
Thank you for your consideration.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Anjali Sharma
Principal
Greenwood High School
Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
My family was not rich. We just managed to make both ends meet. We economised on everything. We bought food on subsidised rates and our meals had no variety. My sisters made their dresses at home and I used to go through terrible scenes on account of lost buttons and torn trousers. Uncle Jules, my father’s brother, was the only hope of the family. I had heard about him since childhood; so I knew details of his life up to the day of his departure for America. Uncle Jules had visibly diminished my father’s share of the inheritance after he had swallowed his own.
Once, he wrote to us saying that he would soon make up for the damage done by him. After two years, another letter arrived informing us that he was undertaking a long sea voyage on account of his business and he hoped to see us once he would return. Uncle Jules, who up to that time had not been worth his salt, suddenly became a good man. For ten years, nothing was heard from him; but as time went on, my father’s hope grew.
His letter became the gospel of the family. It was read on the slightest pretext and it was shown to everybody. Thousands of schemes were planned on the strength of his expected return. One day, following the wedding of one of my sisters, all of us took a trip to America.
At a distance on the deck, an old ragged sailor was opening oysters with his knife and passing them to some gentlemen. He was dirty, wrinkled, and did not lift his eyes from his work. Both my sisters and my brother-in-law, gathered around the old man to buy some oysters. My father suddenly appeared to be worried and said in a low voice, “It is strange that the man opening the oysters looks like Jules.”
My father enquired from the captain, who confirmed that it was indeed Jules, my Uncle Jules. My father murmured: “What a catastrophe!” My parents were visibly upset, and it was decided that in my brother-in-law’s presence none of us would acknowledge Uncle Jules as our family member. It would be such a shame if we did. I was given five francs to pay for the oysters my sisters had bought. As Jules returned the change, I gave him a generous tip, carefully observing him all the time.
As we approached the harbour, a violent desire seized me to see my legendary uncle who had fallen from grace. I wanted to say something consoling to him, something tender but by then no one was eating any more oysters and he had disappeared.
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:
1. subsidised (line 2)
(a) reduced
(b) financed
(c) enhanced
(d) assisted
Answer: (a) reduced
2. swallowed (line 7)
(a) ingested
(b) gulped
(c) finished
(d) repressed
Answer: (c) finished
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word meagre?
(a) ragged
(b) worried
(c) subsidised
(d) generous
Answer: (d) generous
(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) What kind of life did the narrator’s family lead?
Answer: The narrator’s family led a poor life, just managing to make ends meet. They had to economise on everything, buying food at reduced rates, eating meals with no variety, and making their own clothes.
(b) What damage did Uncle Jules do to the family?
Answer: Uncle Jules had diminished the narrator’s father’s share of the inheritance after having spent or wasted his own share.
(c) How did the family react to the expected return of Uncle Jules?
Answer: The family treated Uncle Jules’s letter promising to return as gospel. It was read frequently and shown to everyone, and they planned thousands of schemes based on the hope of his prosperous return.
(d) State the circumstances that led to the recognition of Uncle Jules on the ship.
Answer: While on a trip to America, the narrator’s father noticed an old, ragged sailor opening oysters on the deck. The father was struck by the man’s resemblance to Jules, and upon enquiring with the ship’s captain, his suspicion was confirmed.
(e) How did the narrator’s parents react after recognising Jules?
Answer: The narrator’s parents were visibly upset upon recognising Jules. The father called it a “catastrophe,” and they decided not to acknowledge him as a family member out of shame, especially in front of their son-in-law.
(f) Who was Jules? How did he shatter the great hopes of the family at the end? Answer in not more than fifty words.
Answer: Jules was the narrator’s uncle and the family’s only hope for a better future. He shattered their hopes when they found him working as a poor, ragged oyster-shucker on a ship. This revealed he was not the successful man they had imagined, and their dreams of wealth collapsed.
Question 5
(i) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space.
Example: (0) visited
A peasant ….0…. (visit) the king to present him with a large pumpkin—the largest in the kingdom. The humble donor …1… (treat) with great …2… (kind), and a soup was made of the pumpkin, of which he was invited to partake.
A few days later several people …3… (come) before the king and demanded …4… (hospital). “Who are you?” asked the king. “We are neighbours of the man who …5… (give) you the pumpkin.” “Ah! Yes, you are welcome.” They were kindly received and entertained.
Not long afterward a large number of people suddenly …6… (appear) at the palace and introduced themselves as neighbours of the neighbours of the man who gave the pumpkin. With a smile, the king …7… (lead) them into his palace, seated them at a table and set before each of them a cup of clear water.
“The man …8… (lose) his mind,” they whispered to one another. But their host overheard their comments and replied, “This water, my friends, is the soup of the soup of the pumpkin.”
Answer:
- was treated
- kindness
- came
- hospitality
- gave
- appeared
- led
- has lost
(ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) Our team put ________ a good fight in the debate.
Answer: up
(b) The enquiry officer is trying to get ________ the facts.
Answer: at
(c) My friend has not changed much ________ the years.
Answer: over
(d) The price of sugar has not come ________ this year.
Answer: down
(e) Mahesh has set ________ as a property dealer.
Answer: up
(f) Inflation brought ________ our standard of living.
Answer: down
(g) The two families are living ________ the same roof.
Answer: under
(h) My sister dissuaded me ________ going abroad for studies.
Answer: from
(iii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
1. Who has snatched the tourist’s camera? The police will soon find out.
(a) The police will soon find out the tourist’s camera snatched by whom.
(b) The police will soon found out the snatcher of the tourist camera.
(c) The police will soon find out who snatched the tourist’s camera.
(d) The police will soon found the snatcher of the tourist’s camera.
Answer: (c) The police will soon find out who snatched the tourist’s camera.
2. I have completed my studies. I am looking for a job.
(a) Having completed my studies, I am looking for a job.
(b) Having to complete my studies, I am looking for a job.
(c) After having completed my studies, I will be looking for a job.
(d) After completion of my studies, I will have to look for a job.
Answer: (a) Having completed my studies, I am looking for a job.
3. What happened in the meeting? Nobody has an idea.
(a) Nobody has an idea of what happened in the meeting.
(b) Nobody knows of what happened in the meeting.
(c) What happened in the meeting nobody has an idea about it.
(d) Nobody has an idea for what would happen in the meeting.
Answer: (a) Nobody has an idea of what happened in the meeting.
4. They should hurry up. Otherwise they will miss the flight.
(a) Unless they hurry up otherwise they will miss the flight.
(b) Unless they must hurry up for they will miss the flight.
(c) They should hurry up unless they will miss the flight otherwise.
(d) Unless they hurry up they will miss the flight.
Answer: (d) Unless they hurry up they will miss the flight.
(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
1. “Have dinner with me on Sunday,” she said to us. (Use: invited)
(a) She invited us for dinner with her on Sunday.
(b) She invited for us to dinner on Sunday with her.
(c) She invited us to have dinner with her on Sunday.
(d) She invited us for a Sunday dinner with her.
Answer: (c) She invited us to have dinner with her on Sunday.
2. We have to study a third language up to Class VIII. (Use: compulsory)
(a) For us to studying a third language up to Class VIII is compulsory.
(b) It is compulsory for us to study a third language up to Class VIII.
(c) Study a third language is compulsory up to Class VIII for us.
(d) A third language study is compulsory for us up to Class VIII.
Answer: (b) It is compulsory for us to study a third language up to Class VIII.
3. Nobody in the world can sing as melodiously as Beena. (Begin with: Beena …)
(a) Beena is the most melodious singer in the world.
(b) Beena has been the world’s most melodious singer.
(c) Beena can sing as melodious as no one can in the world.
(d) Beena sings as melodiously as no one can in the world.
Answer: (a) Beena is the most melodious singer in the world.
4. There is no point in taking my car if I cannot find a place to park it. (Begin with: What is …?)
(a) What is the point to take my car if I will not find a place to park it?
(b) What is the point in taking my car if I cannot find a place to park it?
(c) What is the point to take my car if I could not find a place to park it?
(d) What is the point in taking my car if there is no place to park it?
Answer: (b) What is the point in taking my car if I cannot find a place to park it?
5. People say that he was a cheat. (Begin with: He is …)
(a) He is said to be a cheat.
(b) He is declared as a cheat by people.
(c) He is a cheat according to the people.
(d) He is a cheat, people declared.
Answer: (a) He is said to be a cheat.
6. I think you should come back tomorrow. (Begin with: You had …)
(a) You had to come back the next day.
(b) You had better come back tomorrow.
(c) You had come back tomorrow.
(d) You had better to have come back.
Answer: (b) You had better come back tomorrow.
7. In spite of having high fever the girl came to school. (Begin with: Despite…)
(a) Despite of having high fever the girl came to school.
(b) Despite to have high fever, the girl come to school.
(c) Despite having high fever, the girl came to school.
(d) Despite high fever, the girl come to school.
Answer: (c) Despite having high fever, the girl came to school.
8. As soon as he heard the news, he rushed home. (Begin with: No sooner …)
(a) No sooner he hears the news than he rushed home.
(b) No sooner did he hear the news than he rushed home.
(c) No sooner did he hear the news then he rushed home.
(d) No sooner he heard the news and he rushed home.
Answer: (b) No sooner did he hear the news than he rushed home.
