Teachers recommend solving Kerala Syllabus 9th Standard Question Papers and Answers English Set 2 to improve time management during exams.
Kerala Syllabus Std 9 English Model Question Paper Set 2
Time : 2½ hrs.
Score : 80 Marks
Instructions:
- 15 minutes is given as cool-off time. This time is to be used for reading the question paper.
- Attempt the questions according to the instructions.
Questions 1-5:
Read the following extract from the story, ‘Half a Day’ and answer the questions that follow. (1 × 5 = 5)
“I walked with my father holding his right hand. I had to run to keep pace with him. I wore new clothes, black shoes, green school uniform and the red cap. My happiness was mixed as I had to go to school for the first time. My mother stood at the door watching us. I often looked her as I wanted her not to send me to school. We walked along a street lined with gardens. There were big fields on both sides. I requested my father not to send me to school as I would do nothing to annoy him.”
Question 1.
Why did the boy have to run?
(A) He liked to run.
(B) He was so happy.
(C) He wanted to reach the school fast.
(D) To keep pace with his father.
Answer:
(D) To keep pace with his father.
Question 2.
What was the mother doing when the boy and the father were going away?
(A) She was crying.
(B) She was smiling.
(C) She was standing at the door and watching them.
(D) She was waving to them.
Answer:
(C) She was standing at the door and watching them.
Question 3.
Where were the boy and his father going?
(A) To the school
(B) To the gardens
(C) To the fields
(D) To the market
Answer:
(A) To the school
Question 4.
Why did the boy often look at his mother?
(A) He wanted her not to send him to school.
(B) He loved his mother very much.
(C) He was angry with her.
(D) He wanted to thank her.
Answer:
(A) He wanted her not to send him to school.
Question 5.
What was the specialty of the street on which the boy and his father were walking?
(A) It was wide.
(B) It was lined with gardens.
(C) It was narrow.
(D) It had many animals.
Answer:
(B) It was lined with gardens.
Questions 6 -10:
Read the summary of the poem, ‘Nothing Twice’ and answer the questions that follow. (1 × 5 = 5)
The poem “Nothing Twice” tells us that in life nothing happens twice. We are unique. Each day, each night and each moment is unique. A day gone is a day lost. So instead of worrying about the past or fearing for the future, learn to live the present joyfully. We are mere drops in the vast ocean of the universe.
Question 6.
The poem tells us that:
(A) Things repeat themselves
(B) Things don’t repeat themselves
(C) Things often repeat themselves
(D) None of these
Answer:
(B) Things don’t repeat themselves
Question 7.
We are unique means:
(A) We are united.
(B) We are one.
(C) We are people without comparison.
(D) We are common people.
Answer:
(C) We are people without comparison.
Question 8.
A day gone is a day lost. This means:
(A) The day is wasted.
(B) A day gone will not come back.
(C) Everyday is the same.
(D) We should be happy the day has ended.
Answer:
(B) A day gone will not come back.
Question 9.
We are mere drops in the vast ocean of the universe. This means:
(A) We are insignificant.
(B) We are very important.
(C) When we die we will go to the ocean.
(D) We are more important than the ocean.
Answer:
(A) We are insignificant.
Question 10.
What is the message of this poem?
(A) Enjoy all the time.
(B) Work all the time!
(C) Always think about the past and the future.
(D) Don’t worry about the past or be anxious about the future.
Answer:
(D) Don’t worry about the past or be anxious about the future.
Question 11.
Read the poem “Sea Fever” by John Masefield and prepare and write a critical appreciation. (5 × 1 = 5)
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.
Answer:
The poem “Sea Fever”’by John Masefield is probably the finest poem about the pleasures of sailing in the sea. ‘I must go down’ is the opening line of the first verse. It is repeated at the beginning of each stanza. This repetition gives the title an obvious meaning. The poem’s central theme is a desire to go to the sea, but it also touches on the human need to interact with one of the universe’s most powerful natural forces. Masefield wants a tall ship, a star top steer the ship by, the wheel’s kick, wind’s song, the white sail’s shaking, a grey mist on sea’s face, and a grey dawn. He refers to the wild and beautiful sea as “her” and praises her “face,” expressing genuine admiration.
One can see the desire to be connected to the sea in pursuing a sailor’s life as he begs for a ship to set sail. He uses terms not often associated with beauty to describe the sea. He uses adjectives like “grey” and “lonely,” which show mystery and sorrow, even while they are enthralling.
All our five senses turn on in the second stanza. We are taken to a beachside setting where we can hear “sea-gulls crying”. We see “white clouds flying”. We feel the coolness of a “windy day”. We taste the saltiness of “flung spray and blown spume” on our tongue. The poet emphasizes the sea’s powerful attraction by using the word “call” more than once.
He seems to be stressing the simplicity of the sea, maybe in contrast to the complexity of daily life, with the second repetition of the line “And all I ask,” as if the water’s untamed character is consolingly constant and familiar.
The theme of wanderlust is emphasized in the poem. Masefield identifies as a “vagrant gypsy” and longs for a “laughing fellow-rover” who will tell him merry stories. He wants to go to the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind is like a sharpened knife. Masefield refers to the wind in the poem’s three stanzas, presumably highlighting the interaction between man and the sea and the wind – two of nature’s most potent elements. He then wants quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long journey is over.
The poem is in thyme and the scheme is abab. It was excellent rhythm. Apart from repetition we find the poet uses alliteration as,-in “the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife”. There is also a simile here. In “And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing” we find a good example of assonance. It is full of fine imagery that thrills all our senses. John Masefield is best remembered for-lhis particular poem. It is one of the finest treasures of English Literature.
Questions 12 – 16:
Read the following extract from “Debts of Gratitude” by Selma Lagerlof and answer the questions that follow. (1 ×5 = 5)
A few days ago I was sitting in a train going to Stockholm. It was early evening. It was dark. My fellow passengers were dozing. I thought of the other times I came to Stockholm. Usually I went there to pass examinations. Now I was coming to receive the Prize in Literature. Inside, I was happy to get the Prize. I thought of the people who would be happy at my getting the Prize. Most important of them was my old mother. Then there were my friend; my brothers and sisters. I felt sad as my father was not alive. I could not tell him that 1 was awarded the Nobel Prize. He would have been the happiest person if he had been alive.
Question 12.
Why was the narrator going to Stockholm?
(A) To spend her vacation.
(B) To attend a marriage function.
(C) To write an examination.
(D) To receive the Nobel Prize.
Answer:
(D) To receive the Nobel Prize.
Question 13.
Why did the author usually go to Stockholm?
(A) To meet friends.
(B) To pass examinations.
(C) To attend important meetings.
(D) To pass her time in a leisurely way.
Answer:
(B) To pass examinations.
Question 14.
Who is/are the most important person (s) who would be happy at the narrator’s getting the NobelPrize?
(A) Her mother.
(B) Her brothers
(C) Her sisters
(D) Her friends.
Answer:
(A) Her mother.
Question 15.
Is the narrator’s father alive?
(A) Yes, he is.
(B) Yes, but he is very sick.
(C) No, he is not.
(D) It is not mentioned in the extract.
Answer:
(C) No, he is not.
Question 16.
Why did the narrator feel sad?
(A) She was tired of her travel in the train.
(B) Her mother is very old.
(C) Her friends are not with her.
(D) Her father is dead.
Answer:
(D) Her father is dead.
Questions 17-18:
Answer any ONE of the following. (7 × 1 = 7)
Question 17.
Write a critical appreciation of the poem “Nothing Twice” by Wislawa Szymborksa showing the poetic devices she has used.
Answer:
“Nothing Twice” is a fine lyrical poem by the renowned Polish poet Wislawa Szymborksa, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1996.
The poem tells us that in life nothing happens twice. We are unique. Each day, each night and each moment is unique. A day gone is a day lost. So instead of worrying about the past or fearing for the future, learn to live the present joyfully. We are mere drops in the vast ocean of the universe.
“Nothing Twice” is a poem of 7 stanzas, each stanza having 4 lines. The poet has used many poetic devices in the poem to make it a fine poem. There are instances of Alliteration: only offered once; it’s in its; nature not. There are also examples of Assonance: treat the fleeting day; seek …beneath. The rhyming scheme is mostly abab. But in the first stanza it is aaba and in the last stanz’a it is aaaa.
There are superb images in the poem. Visual images are seen in rose, and smiles. Auditory image in “some idle tongue mentions your name”; olfactory image in the scent of the rose; kinaesthetic image in fleeting day and tactile image in “kisses*’. There is symbolism in the poem as it symbolises the transient nature of life, the inevitability of death. There are different figures pf speech like similes – as if a rose were flung; we’re different just as two drops of water are. There is metaphor when the poet asks “Is it (a rose) a flower or a rock?” Metonymy is seen when the tongue is used to represent a person. We see onomatopoeia in “fleeting”. There are many rhetorical questions.
The poem gives us a fine message. Enjoy the present without regretting the past and worrying about the uncertain future. Nothing Twice. We are unique.
Question 18.
Prepare a character sketch of the narrator of the story ‘Half a Day’ based on his experiences, thoughts, and interactions throughout the story.
Answer:
Questions 19-21:
Answer any TWO of the following questions. (5 × 2 = 10)
Question 19.
As a tourist to Mumbai, you witnessed the unique and internationally acclaimed dabbawala system at Church-gate station. Write your feelings in your diary.
Answer:
July 20, 2024
During my recent tour of Mumbai what impressed me most was the dabbawala system which is found in no other city in the world. Because of the prohibitive cost of land and the very high rates of rent charged by flat owners, lakhs of employees who work in the heart of Mumbai live far away from their work places. The eateries in the city of Mumbai are too expensive and they are not affordable by most employees. Indians have a dislike for fast foods, salads, and cold food. They want hot, homemade food. So, the Mumbai workers have only two options. One option is to starve through the working day. The other option is to think of someone to deliver your hot, home-cooked meal at your office. The second option is possible because of the dabbawalas.
I saw these dabbawalas, wearing white caps, hurrying into the commuter trains and getting out at terminuses and rushing through crowded roads, carrying coffin-sized crates laden with lunches. They are very disciplined and efficient. They are given rigorous training before they are taken into the system. Punctuality is their unique feature. The dabbawalas ensure the punctuality of the customers by being very strict. If a customer does not bring the tiffin carrier in time, he is given just one more chance. The next time it is delayed, the customer is removed from the list. The dabbawalas collect the empty tin boxes by 2.00 pm. If late, the customer will be excused only once. I was surprised to hear that in Mumbai there are more than 5000 dabbawalas serving more than 200,000 customers. The International Business schools wanted to know how the dabbawala system worked so punctually and efficiently. Even Prince Charles of England, later King Charles, was impressed by the system.
Question 20.
You wish to send an e-mail to Mhlope, the author of “The Toilet”, congratulating her on her achievements. Draft the email.
Answer:
gcinamhlope@gmzil.com
Dear Madam Mhlope,
I am a great fan- of yours and I am writing this ‘ mail to congratulate you on your achievements. You are a real inspiration for young people like me who wankto be different and want to do things the way they like. I read “The Toilet” and noticed how much you suffered and sacrificed to fulfil your dream. The negative attitude of your family members did not prevent you from doing things the way you wanted. You had to live in secret with your sister and spend hours in the public toilet reading and writing. But all your pains have been well rewarded. You are listed as one of BBC’s 100 Women. From 2019, your birthday is recognised as National Story Telling Day in South Africa and you have received honorary doctorates from seven universities across the world. Your work has been translated into German, French, Italian, Swahili and Japanese.
Congratulations to you once again!
Rosy Jose
Question 21.
You are asked to make a speech on Gandhi Jayanti. Draft the speech.
Answer:
Questions 22- 25:
Answer any TWO of the following questions. (6 × 2 = 12)
Question 22.
Imagine you are one of the women who took part in the freedom struggle. Prepare a write-up on the hardships faced by your friends and yourself.
Answer:
Gandhiji’s call to the women of India brought me out of the four walls of my home. I realised that getting freedom was not a task only of the men but also the women. I was impressed by the concept of non-violence propagated by Gandhiji. Hp showed us that bravery is not matter of physical strength. I was impressed when he said to people, “Killing and getting killed in a battle are acts of bravery. But to stand the blows of your enemies and not to hit back is a greater form of bravery. We decided to fight against the White rulers.
We made our heart strong. We took part in the processions. We defied the law and bore the lathi blows without showing any resistance. The heads of many of us were broken and were bleeding profusely. But we encouraged one another to bear the pain and not hit back. Not hitting back is the essence of non-violence. When the freedom fighting organizations were banned and the male leaders were sent to jail, we came to the forefront. We remained unflinching in our resolve. Many of us were sent to jail. But we were ready to make sacrifices to make our people free.Gandhi was our inspiration. We continued to fight for freedom till we got it and I am glad to say the mighty British Raj had to leave India giving us freedom on 15 August 1947.
Question 23.
You have been chosen to design a beautifully crafted certificate of appreciation to honour Selma Lagerlof, the Nobel Prize Winner. The Certificate should be visually appealing, highlighting the admiration and gratitude of those honouring her.
Answer:
THE SWEDISH ACADEMY STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
This Certificate is awarded to Selma Lagerlof for winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1909. The Members of the Swedish Academy found that Selma Lagerlof has a literary style that is unmatched. Her way of story-telling, her characterization and superb climaxes make her novels gripping and they have become popular all over the world. The Academy chose her to be the Nobel Laureate “in appreciation of the lofty idealism, vivid imagination, and spiritual perception that characterize her writings”. The Academy wishes her best of luck and encourages her to continue in her efforts to enrich world literature.
1 November 1909
Sd /-
Secretary
Swedish Academy
Question 24.
Imagine you are Mahadev Desai addressing a gathering of students about the transformative power of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles as depicted in “Dreams Realised” by Mahadev Desai. Prepare a speech highlighting Gandhi’s key philosophies and their relevance in today’s world, drawing examples from the book.
Answer:
Question 25.
You wish to send an e-mail to Mhlope, the author of “The Toilet”, congratulating her on her achievements. Draft the e-mail.
Answer:
Question 26.
Imagine that Gandhiji is interviewed by some of the French students who organised the reception. Frame a few questions that they would ask. (6 × 1 = 6)
Answer:
(a) We came to know that you had visited France before. When did you come and why?
(b) What are your impressions about the French people and the French culture?
(c) We have heard you saying that you have read Rousseau and Victor Hugo? What did you like in them?
(d) It was the French Revolution of 1789 that gave the world the slogan, “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”. Did this slogan influence you?
(e) You studied in England and you are a lawyer. You could have had a very successful career. Then why did you decide to sacrifice everything and lead the freedom struggle?
(f) You have been propagating the use of the spinning wheel. In this modern world of industrialization, do you think the spinning wheel can change things?
(g) Do you think your methods of non-violence and non-cooperation will bring you freedom? ‘
(h) What is your advice to students like us?
Questions 27-31:
Use the correct forms of the phrasal verbs given in brackets and fill in the blanks. (1 × 5 = 5)
(put up with, put off, put out, put in, put up)
Question 27.
If you want to pass the examination you have to (a) _____ more efforts.
Answer:
(a) put in
Question 28.
The fire men tried their best to (b) _____ the fire.
Answer:
(b) put out
Question 29.
The meeting was (c) _____ for a week as the chairman had to travel out.
Answer:
(c) put off
Question 30.
The municipality is (d) _____ a new shelter for the homeless people.
Answer:
(d) putting up
Question 31.
We can’t (e) _____ his foolish behaviour any more.
Answer:
(e) put up with
Questions 32-35:
Fill in the blanks with ‘a’, ‘an’; or ‘the’ where no article is necessary. Where articles not necessary, write “not necessary”. (1 × 4 = 5)
Question 32.
He thinks that _____ love is what will save us all.
Answer:
not necessary
Question 33.
I bought _____ new TV set yesterday.
Answer:
a
Question 34.
I think _____ man over there is very ill. He can’t stand on his feet.
Answer:
the
Question 35.
I received _____ umbrella as a gift from the supermarket.
Answer:
an
Question 36.
Read the dialogue given below and complete the report by transforming the sentences into reported
Simi : Do you know which city is the capital of Sweden?
Ammini : I don’t know. Please tell me.
Simi : I am not very sure. I think it is Stockholm.
Ammini : Let us ask our English teacher for confirmation.
Answer:
Simi asked Ammini if she knew which city was the capital of Sweden. Ammini replied that she did not know and requested Simi to tell her. Simi said that she was not very sure, but she thought it was Stockholm. Then Ammini said they should ask their English teacher for confirmation.
Question 37.
Edit the passage given below. There are 5 mistakes in it. (1 × 5 = 5)
I was not happy on his answer. I thought there was no need to remove me from a comfort of the home and put me in the school which looked like a high-walled fortress. When we copie to the gate we saw the courtyard. It was full of boy and girls. My father asked me to go in and join them. He wanted me to smile and be a good example to others. I did not wanted to leave his hand.
Answer:
I was not happy with his answer. I thought there was no need to remove me from the comfort of the home and put me in the school which looked like a high-walled fortress. When we came to the gate we saw the courtyard. It was full of boys’ and girls. My father asked me to go in and join them. He wanted me to smile and be a good example to others. I did not want to leave his hand.
Question 38.
Identify the noun phrase in the subject position and the verb phrase from the sentences given below. (1 × 2 = 2)
(A) The young people of today understand the importance of good health.
(B) Unity in diversity is the most important feature of India.
Answer:
A. Noun Phrase – The young people of today
Verb Phrase – understand the importance of good health.
B. Noun Phrase – Unity in diversity
Verb Phrase – is the most important feature of India.
Question 39.
Fill in the blanks with suitable options given in the brackets. (1 × 5 = 4)
I knew I had (a) _____ cross Abu Khoda to reach home. But I could not get (b) _____ the road because of the heavy traffic. The fire engine’s siren was shrieking, but it was moving at (c) _____ slow pace. I am sure that the fire will (d) _____ consumed everything before the fire engine reaches (e) _____ destination. I was wondering when I could cross the road. Then a boy came to me and said to me, “Grandpa, let me take you across.”
(have, its, to, across, a)
Answer:
(a) to
(b) across
(c) a
(d) have
(e) its