Class 9 English — Practice Paper 1

The humid afternoon air hung heavy, a stark contrast to the crisp autumn mornings of her childhood. Leela adjusted her spectacles, the slight tremor in her hands a betrayer of her sixty-five years. She sat by the window, watching children play in the park across the street, their laughter a distant echo of a time when her own knees were perpetually scraped and her dreams were as vast as the sky. Her grandson, Rohan, a bright spark of thirteen, had just left for his tuition, his usual hurried goodbye a stark reminder of the growing distance between them. Leela sighed, the silence of the apartment pressing in. She missed the vibrant chaos of her joint family, the constant hum of activity, the shared meals, and the easy companionship. Now, it was just her and the ticking clock.

Her mind drifted to the letters she used to exchange with her best friend, Meena, during their university days. Weeks would pass between posts, each letter a treasure trove of shared secrets, dreams, and mundane daily occurrences. They had meticulously documented their lives, their hopes for the future, and their anxieties. Today, a quick text or an email was instantaneous, but it lacked the palpable weight, the anticipation, the sheer joy of holding a tangible piece of a loved one’s thoughts. She remembered a particular letter from Meena, describing her struggle to learn the violin, detailing the frustrating hours of practice, the aching fingers, and the eventual triumph of playing a simple melody. Leela had felt a surge of pride and inspiration, vowing to pursue her own long-forgotten dream of learning to read Telugu. She had enrolled in a community class, her wrinkled hands fumbling with the script, but her spirit undeterred. The joy of deciphering a single word, a small victory, was immense.

Rohan had initially found her endeavour amusing, even condescending. "Grandma, you're learning Telugu at this age? Why bother?" he'd asked, a hint of impatience in his voice. But Leela, her grandmother’s unwavering determination echoing within her, had simply smiled. She saw the determination in her own grandmother's eyes when she finally learned to read “Kashi Yatre” at sixty-two. That same spirit had fueled her own quest. Today, Rohan was learning about the complexities of the Indian postal system for a school project, and Leela found a quiet satisfaction in knowing she was a living testament to the enduring power of words and the lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

(i) What does Leela’s tremor in her hands reveal?
A. Her excitement about the children playing.
B. Her aging process and perhaps nervousness.
C. Her deep engagement with her past memories.
D. Her frustration with the silence of the apartment.

(ii) The passage suggests that Leela’s childhood was characterized by:
A. Solitude and quiet reflection.
B. A bustling joint family environment.
C. Early academic achievements.
D. Limited interaction with friends.

(iii) Why did Leela feel a surge of pride and inspiration from Meena's letter?
A. Because Meena had achieved a world-class standard.
B. Because it detailed Meena's struggle and eventual success in learning the violin.
C. Because Meena described her dreams of the future.
D. Because it reminded Leela of her own university days.

(iv) Which of the following best describes Leela's attitude towards learning Telugu?
A. Amused and condescending.
B. Undeterred and joyful despite difficulties.
C. Frustrated and doubtful of her abilities.
D. Embarrassed by her age.

(v) The phrase "a treasure trove of shared secrets, dreams, and mundane daily occurrences" implies that the letters were:
A. Expensive and rare.
B. Full of valuable and diverse content.
C. Primarily about important historical events.
D. Difficult to decipher and understand.

(vi) How does Leela's experience with learning Telugu compare to her grandmother's?
A. Leela's grandmother also learned Telugu at a young age.
B. Both experienced similar determination in learning despite their age.
C. Leela found it much easier than her grandmother.
D. Leela's grandmother had no desire to learn.

(vii) The author uses Rohan's initial reaction to Leela's Telugu learning to highlight:
A. The generational gap and differing perspectives.
B. Rohan's lack of respect for elders.
C. The irrelevance of learning new skills at an older age.
D. The efficiency of modern communication.

(viii) The passage implies that Leela's current life is characterized by:
A. Constant social interaction and support.
B. A sense of loneliness and a longing for past connections.
C. Excitement about new technological advancements.
D. Active participation in community activities.

(ix) What is the significance of "Kashi Yatre" in the context of the passage?
A. It was a difficult Telugu novel Leela struggled to read.
B. It was a story Leela's grandmother read, inspiring Leela.
C. It was the name of the community class Leela attended.
D. It was a letter Meena wrote to Leela.

(x) The overall theme of the passage revolves around:
A. The challenges of modern technology.
B. The importance of intergenerational relationships.
C. The lifelong pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of human connection.
D. The difficulties faced by the elderly in today's society.

The rhythmic clang of the hammer on metal echoed through the small workshop, a sound as familiar to Anya as her own heartbeat. Her father, a blacksmith of thirty years, was bent over the anvil, sparks flying as he shaped a glowing piece of iron. Anya, though fascinated by the raw power and transformation she witnessed, had always been drawn to a different kind of creation – the delicate artistry of pottery. Her mother, Arenla, a weaver by profession, often lamented Anya's perceived lack of interest in weaving, a skill that promised a more stable income. But Anya's heart lay with the earth, with the pliable clay that yielded to her touch.

She recalled her first attempts at pot making, clumsy and frustrating. The clay stubbornly refused to take the desired shape, collapsing under her unsteady hands. Her mother, observing her daughter's persistent efforts, had once gently remarked, "Sentila, dear, don't you think weaving is a more practical skill? It doesn't require such strenuous effort, and the rewards are quicker." Anya, however, was not deterred. She would spend hours watching the village potters, mesmerized by the way a shapeless lump of clay, with practiced hands and the rhythmic turning of the wheel, transformed into elegant vessels. The repetitive pounding of clay, though tedious, held a strange allure for her.

One afternoon, while visiting the market, Anya saw a stall laden with beautiful terracotta pots, each unique in its design and finish. The potter, an old woman named Onula, noticed Anya's intense gaze. "You have an eye for clay, child," Onula had said, her voice raspy but kind. Onula, noticing Anya's clumsy efforts at making a pot later, didn’t scold. Instead, she offered, "Don't worry, little one, I shall teach you how to make a perfect pot." Under Onula's patient guidance, Anya began to understand the nuances of the craft – the way to slacken the rhythm, the importance of the elongated dough rim, and the sheer joy of coaxing form from raw material. She learned that it wasn't just about physical strength, but about understanding the clay, its temperament, and working with it, not against it.

Months later, Anya stood proudly beside a row of perfectly formed pots, a testament to her perseverance. Her father, initially skeptical, now looked at her work with a newfound respect. He understood that while weaving might offer financial security, Anya's passion for pottery was a different kind of wealth, a fulfillment that came from mastering a craft and creating beauty with her own hands. The village council, which had initially questioned her father about Arenla's refusal to pass on weaving skills, now saw the undeniable talent Anya possessed, a talent that contributed to the village's rich artistic heritage.

(i) What does Anya's fascination with pottery reveal about her?
A. Her disinterest in financial security.
B. Her preference for strenuous physical labor.
C. Her artistic inclination and appreciation for creation.
D. Her desire to inherit her father's profession.

(ii) Anya's initial attempts at pot making are described as:
A. Effortless and successful.
B. Clumsy and frustrating.
C. Quick and efficient.
D. Boring and tedious.

(iii) Why did Anya's mother, Arenla, suggest weaving?
A. Because it was Anya's childhood dream.
B. Because it was a more practical skill with quicker rewards.
C. Because Anya showed a natural talent for weaving.
D. Because it required less physical effort than pottery.

(iv) What did Onula, the potter, notice about Anya?
A. Her impatience and frustration.
B. Her clumsiness and lack of skill.
C. Her keen interest and aptitude for working with clay.
D. Her desire to learn weaving from her mother.

(v) The phrase "yielded to her touch" suggests that the clay:
A. Was stubborn and difficult to shape.
B. Was receptive and easily molded by Anya.
C. Was brittle and prone to breaking.
D. Was already pre-formed into shapes.

(vi) Anya’s father’s reaction to her pottery work shifted from skepticism to respect because:
A. He realized pottery could be more profitable than weaving.
B. He witnessed Anya’s undeniable talent and dedication.
C. The village council pressured him to change his mind.
D. Anya gave up on her dream of pottery.

(vii) The village council's initial concern was about:
A. Anya’s lack of interest in weaving.
B. The declining art of pottery making.
C. Arenla's refusal to pass on weaving skills to her daughter.
D. The lack of skilled artisans in the village.

(viii) What does the passage imply about the nature of craft mastery?
A. It requires only physical strength.
B. It involves understanding the material and working harmoniously with it.
C. It is solely dependent on the tools used.
D. It is easily acquired with minimal effort.

(ix) The word "tedious" in the passage means:
A. Exciting and engaging.
B. Monotonous and tiring.
C. Quick and efficient.
D. Creative and innovative.

(x) The story emphasizes the value of:
A. Financial security over personal passion.
B. Following societal expectations at all costs.
C. Perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of one's passion.
D. The superiority of machine-made products over handmade ones.

39. Writing Task: Formal Letter (5 Marks)

You are Anya, a young girl from the village who has developed a passion for pottery despite societal pressures and family expectations. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper highlighting the importance of pursuing one's passion, even if it deviates from traditional or financially secure paths. You can mention your personal experience as an example.

OR

You are Leela, an elderly woman who decided to learn Telugu at the age of sixty-five. Write a letter to the Principal of your local community centre, expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to learn and highlighting the benefits of lifelong learning for the elderly.

40. Writing Task: Analytical Paragraph (5 Marks)

(i) Based on the text from Question 1, write an analytical paragraph on the theme of intergenerational relationships and the challenges posed by the generational gap. (100-120 words)

OR

(ii) Based on the text from Question 2, write an analytical paragraph discussing how Anya’s journey illustrates the importance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s dreams. (100-120 words)

41. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (10 Marks)

Extract A (From ‘How I Taught My Grandmother to Read’):
“Avva, is everything all right? Are you okay?” I used to call her Avva, which means mother in the Kannada spoken in north Karnataka. My grandmother looked at me and said, “Yes, child. I am alright. Come and sit with me.” She patted the seat next to her. I sat beside her. She took my hand in hers. I noticed her hands were wrinkled. She said, “For sixty-two years I have cooked for my family, fed them, and done all the chores. Days people never considered education essential for girls, so I never went to school. I got married very young and had children. I became very busy. Later I had grandchildren and always felt so much happiness in cooking and feeding all of you. At times I used to regret not going to school, so I made sure that my children and grandchildren studied well...”

(i) What does the narrator’s question, “Avva, is everything all right? Are you okay?” reveal about their relationship?
A. It shows concern and affection.
B. It indicates suspicion and distrust.
C. It reveals an expectation of trouble.
D. It suggests annoyance with the grandmother.

(ii) The phrase "She patted the seat next to her" suggests:
A. A formal invitation.
B. A gesture of comfort and intimacy.
C. An order to sit down.
D. A sign of disapproval.

(iii) What does the grandmother’s statement, "At times I used to regret not going to school," reveal about her?
A. She was ungrateful for her life.
B. She felt unfulfilled due to lack of education.
C. She blamed her family for her situation.
D. She believed education was only for the young.

(iv) The narrator’s observation of the grandmother’s “wrinkled hands” serves to:
A. Emphasize her old age and the life she has lived.
B. Highlight her physical weakness.
C. Suggest that she was unhygienic.
D. Indicate her disinterest in the narrator.

Extract B (From ‘The Pot Maker’):
Pounding the stubborn clay inside bamboo cylinders to soften it, is also tedious. So many times, I’ve dropped the mould out of sheer exhaustion and have had to start all over again. It takes months to bring out a batch of pots after so much labour. And the reward? A few rupees. But if Sentila learns weaving, she can make much more money besides Kaveri keeping the tradition alive. My daughter’s interest in pottery, she realised, was not something she would outgrow.

(i) What does the phrase "stubborn clay" imply about the raw material for pottery?
A. It was easy to shape.
B. It required significant effort to prepare.
C. It was brittle and easily broke.
D. It was already in a refined state.

(ii) Why does Arenla mention weaving as an alternative to pottery?
A. Because Anya had a hidden talent for weaving.
B. Because weaving offered a more practical and financially rewarding path.
C. Because she wanted Anya to follow in her footsteps.
D. Because pottery was a dying art.

(iii) The word "tedious" in the passage most closely means:
A. Exciting
B. Difficult
C. Monotonous and tiring
D. Creative

(iv) What does Arenla’s realization that Anya would not "outgrow" her interest in pottery suggest?
A. She was resigned to Anya's passion.
B. She was annoyed by Anya's persistence.
C. She began to accept Anya's chosen path.
D. She secretly supported Anya's dream.

Extract A (From ‘Winds of Change’):
These large palm leaf fans of Odisha as well as Bihar’s colourful and sturdy bamboo hand fans, are all recognised across India due to their antiquity and rarity. Many tribes in India have adopted this handicraft to make their own versions of the handheld fan. Materials such as grass and metal are embedded into the fans using bamboo sticks and grass. Cane and palm leaves are used, with silk threads and beads woven through them. The painted hand fan, a cardboard pankha featuring various images, is usually offered to gods. The adjoining state of Gujarat has its own indigenous take on pankhas. These hand fans are elegant pure cotton-based fans embellished with mirror work. The beads hand fan is covered with colourful beads and has a silver handle. Gujarat is known for its appliqué hand fan, which is decorated with appliqué work and embroidery, and its temple hand fans, which are decorated with gold thread.

(i) The passage highlights that pankhas are recognized across India due to their:
A. Modern designs and advanced technology.
B. Antiquity, rarity, and distinct regional variations.
C. Low cost and mass production.
D. Limited use and exclusive availability.

(ii) Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a material used in making pankhas?
A. Silk threads
B. Cardboard
C. Silver
D. Clay

(iii) The phrase "indigenous take on pankhas" suggests:
A. A foreign influence on pankha designs.
B. A local, unique style or variation of pankhas.
C. A traditional method of mass production.
D. An imitation of foreign designs.

(iv) What is the significance of the "painted hand fan" being offered to gods?
A. It signifies the utilitarian aspect of hand fans.
B. It highlights the religious and cultural importance of pankhas.
C. It shows the artistic skill of the artisans.
D. It indicates the commercial value of the fans.

Extract B (From ‘Vitamin-M’):
"Don’t worry, Mamma," Ravi promised, looking at his mother’s anxious face. He felt sorry for her. "You go to work. Grandpa’ll be fine at home with me." "Shall we play chess or watch the cricket match on TV, Grandpa?" Ravi asked after his mother left. Grandpa played a great game of chess, very cool and cunning, and Ravi found that his own game had improved considerably. Grandpa let Ravi win most of the time, but on occasion, he would win too, especially when Ravi got overconfident. Grandpa was not like the old people Ravi had seen in films. He was agile and alert. "Did you know," Grandpa would say, "that the big mango tree in the garden! It is so quiet that at dusk you can even hear a leaf fall!" But then Grandpa had slipped and fallen in the garden late one evening while he was pottering around and lain outside all night because there was no one at home to help him up. That was a month ago and it made Ravi’s mother lock up the tiny apartment.

(i) Ravi’s promise to his mother shows he is:
A. Annoyed and resentful.
B. Responsible and caring.
C. Overconfident and naive.
D. Fearful of his grandfather.

(ii) What does Grandpa's chess playing style, "very cool and cunning," suggest about him?
A. He was easily defeated.
B. He was strategic and intelligent.
C. He was overly aggressive.
D. He was impatient.

(iii) The description of the mango tree scene ("so quiet that at dusk you can even hear a leaf fall!") emphasizes:
A. The oppressive silence of the apartment.
B. The natural beauty and tranquility of the garden.
C. Grandpa's imaginative storytelling.
D. Ravi's fear of the dark.

(iv) The incident of Grandpa slipping and falling in the garden led to:
A. Ravi's mother deciding to hire a caretaker.
B. Grandpa being admitted to a hospital.
C. Ravi's mother restricting Grandpa's freedom out of concern.
D. Grandpa refusing to go outside again.

(i) How did the narrator’s grandmother realize the importance of education? (How I Taught My Grandmother to Read)
(ii) What was the village council's concern regarding Arenla’s decision, and how was it resolved? (The Pot Maker)
(iii) Explain the significance of the ‘pankhi’ in ancient times, as mentioned in the text. (Winds of Change)
(iv) How did Ravi's mother try to ensure Grandpa's safety after his fall? What was Grandpa’s reaction to this? (Vitamin-M)
(v) Dr. Deepa Malik states, "physical limitations don’t define one’s potential." How did she embody this belief in her life? (The World of Limitless Possibilities)
(vi) What conflict does Shruti face regarding her passion for fusion music and her father's traditional beliefs? (Twin Melodies)
(vii) What challenges does Khetaram face as a Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) in delivering mail to remote areas? (Carrier of Words)
(viii) What advice does Ming's mother give her about pursuing dreams, and why is it important? (Follow That Dream)

(i) How does the poem 'Bharat Our Land' evoke a sense of national pride in the reader? (Bharat Our Land)
(ii) Explain the role of Behrman's masterpiece in the story "The Last Leaf" (provided as an extract in 'Winds of Change' context, though it's from another text).
(iii) What is the central message of the poem 'Nine Gold Medals'? (Nine Gold Medals)

(i) Option A: The story 'How I Taught My Grandmother to Read' beautifully illustrates the theme that it is never too late to learn. Elaborate on this theme, using examples from the text to support your answer.
Option B: The character of Khetaram, the Gramin Dak Sevak, symbolizes dedication and service to the community. Discuss his role and the challenges he faces, highlighting his contribution to society.

(ii) Option A: The poem 'Follow That Dream' emphasizes the importance of passion, conviction, and perseverance in achieving goals. Discuss these elements using examples from the text.
Option B: The play 'Twin Melodies' explores the conflict between tradition and modernity in music and family relationships. Discuss how this conflict is portrayed and resolved in the play.

Answer Key

Section A

Section B

Section C

41.
Extract A:
(i) A. It shows concern and affection.
(ii) B. A gesture of comfort and intimacy.
(iii) B. She felt unfulfilled due to lack of education.
(iv) A. Emphasize her old age and the life she has lived.

Extract B:
(i) B. It required significant effort to prepare.
(ii) B. Because weaving offered a more practical and financially rewarding path.
(iii) C. Monotonous and tiring.
(iv) C. She began to accept Anya's chosen path.

42.
Extract A:
(i) B. Antiquity, rarity, and distinct regional variations.
(ii) D. Clay
(iii) B. A local, unique style or variation of pankhas.
(iv) B. It highlights the religious and cultural importance of pankhas.

Extract B:
(i) B. Responsible and caring.
(ii) B. He was strategic and intelligent.
(iii) B. The natural beauty and tranquility of the garden.
(iv) C. Ravi's mother restricting Grandpa's freedom out of concern.

(ii) Option A: The poem stresses that dreams are achieved through unwavering passion, a deep-seated conviction, and relentless perseverance. Ming's mother advises her to 'count the cost' in terms of effort, finances, and sacrifice. She emphasizes that only a 'burning conviction' after considering obstacles will lead to action, distinguishing achievers from mere dreamers.
Option B: The play 'Twin Melodies' effectively portrays the tension between traditional values (Nabin's belief in classical music) and modern artistic expression (Shruti's fusion music). This conflict is resolved when Nabin witnesses the power and beauty of fusion music firsthand, realizing his own past struggles and embracing his daughter's passion, leading to a harmonious acceptance of diverse musical forms.