Class 9 English — Practice Paper 3

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 fiery dance of creation, was drawn to the quiet intensity of her mother, Arenla, who sat at her potter’s wheel. Arenla’s hands, stained with red clay, moved with a practiced grace, coaxing a shapeless lump into a graceful pot. It was a skill passed down through generations, a tradition as old as the village itself.

Anya, however, harboured a different ambition. While her mother wished for her to become a weaver, Anya’s heart yearned for the tactile magic of clay. She would spend hours watching her mother, observing the meticulous process – from pounding the stubborn clay to the delicate shaping and firing. She yearned to feel the cool earth transform between her fingers, to create vessels that held stories and sustenance. But Arenla was hesitant. She saw the exhaustion etched on her husband's face after a long day at the forge, the pittance they earned from their crafts. Weaving, she believed, offered a more stable livelihood, a brighter future for Anya.

One afternoon, Anya, unable to contain her desire any longer, approached her mother. "Amma," she began tentatively, "can I try making a pot?" Arenla sighed, a mixture of love and concern in her eyes. She remembered her own arduous journey, the times she’d dropped moulds out of sheer exhaustion, the months of labour for meagre rewards. Yet, she saw the spark in Anya’s eyes, a reflection of her own youthful passion. "It is not easy, child," she cautioned, "It takes patience and strength. But if your heart truly desires it, then watch closely." Anya watched, mesmerized, as her mother demonstrated, her movements fluid and precise. The story of the pot maker, it seemed, was about to gain a new protagonist.

(i) What does the sound of the hammer on metal signify in the workshop?
A. Danger and destruction.
B. The father's hard work and skill.
C. The end of the workday.
D. Anya's fear of her father.

(ii) What is Arenla's primary concern regarding Anya's future?
A. Anya's lack of interest in weaving.
B. The financial instability of artistic crafts.
C. Anya's perceived lack of strength for pottery.
D. The village council's disapproval of new skills.

(iii) Anya's fascination with pottery stems from:
A. Her desire to emulate her father's blacksmithing skills.
B. The practical advice her mother gave her.
C. The tactile process and the creation of functional vessels.
D. The stories and sustenance the pots could hold.

(iv) What does Arenla's response to Anya's request reveal about her character?
A. She is dismissive and unsupportive of Anya's dreams.
B. She is concerned but willing to guide Anya if Anya is truly dedicated.
C. She is resigned to Anya's ambition, even if she disapproves.
D. She immediately agrees, seeing Anya's passion.

(v) The phrase "coaxing a shapeless lump into a graceful pot" implies:
A. The clay was stubborn and difficult to mould.
B. The potter's skill in transforming raw material.
C. The pot's inherent beauty even before shaping.
D. The quick and effortless nature of pottery.

(vi) What does the passage suggest about the tradition of pottery in Anya's village?
A. It is a recently introduced craft.
B. It is an ancient skill passed down through generations.
C. It is declining due to lack of interest.
D. It is primarily done by men.

(vii) Why did Arenla want Anya to become a weaver?
A. Because weaving was Anya's secret passion.
B. Because weaving offered a more stable livelihood than pottery.
C. Because her husband wanted Anya to be a weaver.
D. Because the village council mandated weaving.

(viii) What does Anya’s yearnings reveal about her aspirations?
A. She desires a life of leisure and no hard work.
B. She seeks a career that offers financial security above all else.
C. She is drawn to the hands-on, creative process of art.
D. She wants to rebel against her family's traditions.

(ix) The word "pittance" in the context of the passage means:
A. A large sum of money.
B. A generous reward.
C. A very small amount of money.
D. Payment for skilled labour.

(x) The central conflict in this extract is between:
A. Anya's passion for pottery and her mother's desire for her to weave.
B. The father's demanding work and Anya's fascination.
C. The tradition of pottery and the necessity of modern skills.
D. The village council's rules and Arenla's wishes.

Attempt any TEN of the following: (10 × 1 = 10 Marks)

Answer the following in the given word limits.

WRITING TASK 1: FORMAL LETTER (5 Marks)

WRITING TASK 2: ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH (5 Marks)

Data:

• Traditional crafts: Pottery, Weaving, Blacksmithing, Embroidery.
• Economic impact: Provide livelihood, tourism revenue.
• Cultural significance: Reflect history, identity, values.
• Challenges: Lack of market, competition from machine-made goods, declining interest among youth.
• Preservation efforts: Workshops, government support, showcasing in exhibitions.

Cues:

• Importance of preserving cultural heritage.
• Economic benefits for artisans and communities.
• Challenges faced by artisans.
• Role of modern initiatives in promoting traditional crafts.
  OR
  12. Based on the following data and cues, write an analytical paragraph on the importance of lifelong learning and pursuing dreams, inspired by the story "Follow That Dream". (100-120 words)

Data:

• Life Goals: Pursuing dreams requires passion, conviction, and sustained effort.
• Challenges: Time, financial investment, sacrifices, external obstacles.
• Support Systems: Family, friends, mentors play a crucial role.
• Motivation: Intrinsic drive, belief in oneself, overcoming limitations.
• Outcome: Realizing dreams leads to personal fulfillment and growth.

Cues:

• The need for unwavering passion and conviction.
• The importance of assessing costs and commitment.
• The role of a support network.
• The value of intrinsic motivation and self-belief.

"Avva, is everything all right? Are you okay?" I used to call her Avva, which means mother in the Kannada spoken in north Karnataka. "Yes, dear," she said, "your father is going to fetch me. I was so anxious to see you and the children. I have been longing to see you. I have been longing to see you, and now you are here. I am very happy." She had been suffering from a high fever for the past week, but she never complained. I was surprised, for I had never seen her cry even in the most difficult situations. The narrator went for a wedding for a short period. Now I am independent. It is my duty to respect a teacher. Is it not written in our scriptures that a teacher should be respected, irrespective of the gender and age?’ I did return her namaskara to her by touching her feet and gave my gift to my first student. She opened it and read immediately the title Kashi Yatre by Triveni and the publisher’s name. I knew then that my student had passed with flying colours.

(i) What does the narrator’s grandmother's behaviour reveal about her character?
A. She is weak and complains often.
B. She is stoic and rarely shows distress.
C. She is overly emotional and dramatic.
D. She is indifferent to her illness.

(ii) Why was the narrator surprised to see her grandmother?
A. Because her grandmother usually cried a lot.
B. Because her grandmother was usually stoic and did not complain.
C. Because her grandmother had never been ill before.
D. Because her grandmother didn't want to see her.

(iii) What significant event had just occurred before this interaction?
A. The grandmother had recovered from a high fever.
B. The narrator had returned from a wedding.
C. The grandmother had learned to read.
D. The narrator had gifted her grandmother a book.

(iv) Which statement best reflects the grandmother's attitude towards education and teachers?
A. She believed age and gender were barriers to learning.
B. She felt that education was only for the young.
C. She respected teachers regardless of their age or gender.
D. She regretted not being able to read.

(v) The phrase "passed with flying colours" means:
A. Failed miserably.
B. Achieved moderate success.
C. Succeeded brilliantly.
D. Faced significant difficulties.

The 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 or wool used for decoration. The craftsmanship is so exquisite that it commands a high price. It is heartening to see that even with the advent of modern technology, there are efforts to preserve this art. The National Crafts Museum in Delhi showcases a wide array of such hand fans.

(i) What makes the palm leaf and bamboo hand fans of Odisha and Bihar significant?
A. Their modern technology.
B. Their antiquity and rarity.
C. Their resemblance to machine-made fans.
D. Their low cost and mass production.

(ii) How do tribal communities incorporate their unique styles into hand fans?
A. By using only machine-made materials.
B. By embedding grass and metal, and using bamboo, cane, and palm leaves.
C. By abandoning traditional designs for modern ones.
D. By focusing solely on the functional aspect.

(iii) The passage states that the craftsmanship is so exquisite that it commands a high price. This suggests that:
A. The fans are cheaply made.
B. The quality and artistry are highly valued.
C. The fans are not in demand.
D. The price is determined by market trends alone.

(iv) The mention of the National Crafts Museum in Delhi aims to highlight:
A. The declining popularity of hand fans.
B. The lack of preservation efforts for traditional arts.
C. The existence of efforts to preserve traditional hand fan making.
D. The irrelevance of museums in today's world.

(v) The phrase "advent of modern technology" in the passage suggests:
A. The complete replacement of traditional crafts.
B. The ongoing development of new tools and techniques.
C. The increasing difficulty in preserving old skills.
D. The irrelevance of traditional crafts in the modern era.

Attempt any FOUR of the following in 40-50 words each: (4 × 3 = 12 Marks)

Attempt any TWO of the following in 40-50 words each: (2 × 3 = 6 Marks)

Attempt any TWO of the following in 100-120 words each: (2 × 6 = 12 Marks)

Answer Key

(Notice)
NOTICE
INTER-SCHOOL CAREER MELA

This is to inform all students that our school is organizing a ‘Career Mela’ on [Date] from [Time] to [Time] in the school auditorium. This event aims to provide valuable insights into various career paths and opportunities. Students from all classes are encouraged to attend and explore their future options. Experts from different fields will be present.

[Your Name]
Head Boy/Head Girl

(Analytical Paragraph - Dreams)
Pursuing one's dreams is a journey that demands unwavering passion, conviction, and sustained effort, as highlighted in "Follow That Dream." Merely wishing is insufficient; one must be prepared to assess the costs involved – years of dedication, financial investments, and personal sacrifices. A strong support network of family and friends is crucial to navigate challenges. Intrinsic motivation, the belief in oneself, and the ability to overcome limitations are powerful drivers. Ultimately, realizing dreams leads to profound personal fulfillment and growth, transforming aspirations into tangible achievements.

Attempt any FOUR of the following in 40-50 words each:

Attempt any TWO of the following in 100-120 words each:

OR

OR

OR

OR

OR

OR