Brain Grain · braingrain.in
English — Practice Paper · Set 1
Class: 9Samacheer KalviMax Marks: 91
Name: ____________________Reg No: ____________
Part I — Multiple Choice Questions 15 × 1 = 15
Choose the correct answer. (Answer all questions.)
1.The cat had been waiting/was waiting for the mice to come out of its hole. (Circle the correct form)A. had been waitingB. was waiting[1]
2.11. My father doesn't drink ________ coffee.a. muchb. manyc. a lot[1]
3.Aadhav and Raghav are _____________.a. brothersb. friendsc. colleaguesd. classmates[1]
4."If any of you fellows think there is anything coming to you from me, come and take it". How did Little Cyclone prove this?a. he was afraid of bears.b. he did not have proper equipment to seize him.c. the bear fought so fiercely.d. the bear escaped and ran away.[1]
5.Find the synonyms for the underlined words: 4. Pongo carefully searched the narrator's pockets.a. attentivelyb. carelesslyc. cautiouslyd. strictly[1]
6.Begin the work tomorrow. / Let the work ____________ tomorrow.a. be begunb. beginc. is beginning[1]
7.5. Severn Suzuki condemns the people of her country for ____(a). contributing large amounts of waste and not sharing the excess with the needy.(b). being afraid of the poor.(c). being angry with the poor belonging to other countries.(d). being wealthy.[1]
8.I haven't got ________ pictures in my bedroom. (some, any, many)a. someb. anyc. many[1]
9.Pongo found no trace of the oranges on the table, because ______a. Pongo's mate had stolen them.b. all the oranges were sold.c. the narrator had eaten them all.d. they disappeared mysteriously.[1]
10.The mother was not able to understand why people wanted to leave the moon because ________.a. it was better to remain as a part of solar-systemb. it was better to remain on the earthc. it was not possible to come backd. it was a place to enjoy life[1]
11.Complete the following sentence using an appropriate connector from the box: This detergent is highly concentrated and ____________ you will need to dilute it.A. moreoverB. althoughC. meanwhileD. thereforeE. becauseF. as long asG. thusH. above allI. for instanceJ. except[1]
12.Peter sprang a couple of yards in the air as __________a. he had a teaspoon of the pain-killer.b. his tail was caught in the mouse trap.c. Tom threw him out of the window.d. Aunt gave him a push.[1]
13.She ___________ in the garden since morning. (is working, has been working, work)A. is workingB. has been workingC. work[1]
14.When the old couple became rich, theya. gave the dog better food.b. invited their greedy neighbours to a feast.c. lived a comfortable life and were generous towards their poor neighbours.[1]
15.Finally Aunt Polly said to Tom that he ____________________a. need not take any more medicine.b. has to go to school regularly.c. should not meet any of his friends.d. must take medicines every day.[1]
Part II — Fill in the Blanks 5 × 1 = 5
Fill in the blanks. (Answer all questions.)
16.(will, shall, would, should, can, could, may, might, ought to) Milk is a nutritious food enriched with vitamins and proteins. We ________take milk regularly so that we _______not develop deficiencies in our body. Aged persons, children and patients ________take milk in sufficient quantities as it provides strength to their body. We _______supplement it with fruits, vegetables and pulses for proper growth of the body. But we _______consume milk of good quality. Otherwise it _______cause harm to the body. We _______be very careful while selecting our food items because there are chances that these _______ be adulterated. We _______ protect our health.[1]
17.Saralah didn't want to see her ___________. (Complete using past perfect)[1]
18.Prabha __________ (receive) the best student award in six months' time.[1]
19.Amith and Ravi ___ (not/swim) in the lake. (Write the negative form)[1]
20.Vijay __________ (repair) his car. (Change to irregular past tense)[1]
Part III — Short Answer Questions 18 × 2 = 36
Answer briefly. (Answer all questions.)
21.What should the soldiers of India respect?[2]
22.Operator on duty, …... report to office.[2]
23.What will rise from close to the ground?[2]
24.What is the main cause of soil erosion?[2]
25.Is Peter watching TV?[2]
26.C. What are they doing? Use the verbs below and write sentences. (eat cry play read sing watch) Ex. Galen is eating. — (blanks for Galen, Anu, Sudhan, Peter, Kalai, Velu)[2]
27.Do you like Mathematics? Give reasons.[2]
28.We climbed up the hill to enjoy the view.[2]
29.3. What are the sounds heard by the poet? a) Why has the poet used the same line twice?[2]
30.When did the visitor actually hide the iron cross?[2]
31.Which University granted him a fellowship of ₹75 a month?[2]
32.Why did the policeman suspect the narrator?[2]
33.He had not to wait long before he was called into the prince's palace, and ordered to exhibit his power.[2]
34.Where did Ramanujan do his mathematical problems?[2]
35.Which historical character inspired young Indira?[2]
36.When do ordinary men and women become heroes?[2]
37.2. People speak Portuguese in Brazil.[2]
38.What will happen to the bleeding bark?[2]
Part IV — Long Answer Questions 7 × 5 = 35
Answer in detail. (Answer all questions.)
39.Identify the character or speaker of the following lines. 1. He banged against furniture, upsetting flower-pots and making general havoc. 2. She stood petrified with astonishment peering over her glasses. 3. 'That is, I believe they do.' 4. 'What has that got to do that with it?' 5. 'I done it out of pity for him.'[5]
40.Give your opinion and compare the items in each picture using -er, more, less, or an irregular form. Use the words. You may form your sentences in more than one way. 5. cozy, costly, sturdy (a)____________________________________________________ (b)____________________________________________________ (c)____________________________________________________[5]
41.Work with a partner and fill in the table with information about your locality. You may add more information, if necessary. When you finish filling the table, write a short paragraph comparing the two places. Locality Your Place Your Partner's Place proximity to the railway station proximity to the airport number of shopping centres number of temples important heritage centres sea, lakes, rivers or ponds traffic[5]
42.You are the President of GO GREEN, the Environment Club of your school. On the occasion of World Environment Day, you have been asked to address the school on the topic, 'The Nature of Our Future Depends on the Future of Our Nature'.[5]
43.And the finest of conventions ever held beneath the sun Are the little family gatherings when the busy day is done. a. When do they have their family gatherings? b. Where do they have their family conventions? c. What does the poet mean by 'finest conventions'?[5]
44.You are one of the survivors of an earthquake that has affected your city a lot. Share the trauma you underwent and what helped you to sail through it. Give a talk for two minutes.[5]
45.Write a paragraph of 100 - 120 words about your favourite personality.[5]
🔑 Show Answer Key — Set 1
- 1. A
- 2. a
- 3. (a) Brothers.
- 4. When Little Cyclone’s travelling box was opened, he found himself free in the Bear Nursery in New York. He walked stiffly with pride to the centre of the stage, halted, and calmly looked about him. His air and manner said as plainly as English, “I’m a grizzly from Alaska, and I’ve come to stay. If any of you fellows think there is anything coming to you from me, come and take it’. Usually, a newcomer would be badly scared during his first day in the Nursery and very timid during the next. But grizzlies are different. They are born full of courage and devoid of all sense of fear. Naturally, it is a good test of courage and temper to turn a new bear into that roistering crowd. But Little Cy…
- 5. c
- 6. a
- 7. (a) Contributing waste and not sharing what is in excess with people in need.
- 8. any.
- 9. c
- 10. d
- 11. D
- 12. a
- 13. B
- 14. (c) They lived a comfortable life and were generous towards their poor neighbours.
- 15. Aunt Polly finally told Tom that he need not take any more medicine. This decision came after the incident with Peter the cat, when Tom had secretly given the pain-killer to the cat instead of consuming it himself. The adverse reactions that Peter experienced after taking the medicine alarmed Aunt Polly and made her realize that the medicine was not helping Tom recover. When she discovered Tom's deception and witnessed the cat's violent reaction to the pain-killer, she understood that the remedy was ineffective and potentially harmful. Therefore, she decided to discontinue giving Tom the medicine, recognizing that his depression stemmed from emotional causes related to Becky's absence rat…
- 16. should shall can ought to should may should could should
- 17. Saralah did not want to see her friend, as she had decided to avoid her.
- 18. Prabha will be receiving the best student award in six months' time.
- 19. Amith and Ravi are not swimming in the lake.
- 20. Vijay repaired his car.
- 21. According to Nehru, the soldiers of India should respect the people of India and uphold the ideals and values of the nation. They should respect the rights, dignity, and democratic will of the common people, recognizing that they serve the nation and its citizens rather than any individual or authority. This respect for the people and national ideals should guide their conduct and duties.
- 22. A public-address announcer / official in charge
- 23. Curled green twigs will rise from close to the ground. These new shoots emerge from the base of the tree, near the soil level, demonstrating the tree's remarkable ability to regenerate even after its trunk and branches have been damaged or cut. The appearance of these fresh, green twigs shows that the tree's life force continues to push upward and outward, seeking sunlight and continuing the cycle of growth. This regeneration from the lower part of the tree is a testament to its resilience and determination to survive.
- 24. The main cause of soil erosion is running water, particularly rainwater runoff. When heavy rainfall occurs, the water flows rapidly over the land surface, carrying away the topsoil and exposing the underlying layers. This erosive action of flowing water is the primary natural force responsible for the loss of precious fertile soil from the landscape.
- 25. Yes, Peter is watching TV
- 26. Peter is watching Sudan is playing Velu is reading Anu is singing Kalai is crying
- 27. Yes, I like Mathematics because it trains logical thinking and develops problem-solving skills that are essential for academic success and personal growth. Mathematics is also highly useful in many real-life applications such as engineering, finance, science, technology, and everyday decision-making. The discipline of studying mathematics helps us understand patterns, relationships, and structures in the world around us, making it both intellectually rewarding and practically valuable.
- 28. to enjoy the view is an infinitive phrase functioning as an adverbial phrase. It modifies the verb 'climbed' and expresses the purpose or reason for climbing the hill. Infinitive phrases consist of the infinitive form of a verb (to + verb) along with any objects or modifiers, and they can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence. In this case, it answers the question 'why did they climb?' making it an adverbial phrase of purpose.
- 29. The sounds heard by the poet are the harness bells of the horse and the sweep of the easy wind along with the soft falling of downy flakes of snow. The poet has used the same line twice at the end of the poem—'And miles to go before I sleep'—to emphasize the speaker's sense of obligation and responsibility. This repetition creates a meditative and insistent close to the poem, reinforcing the idea that despite the temptation to stay in the peaceful woods, the speaker must continue on his journey to fulfill his duties and promises. The repeated line also suggests a deeper meaning about life's endless demands and the speaker's acceptance of this reality.
- 30. The visitor hid the Iron Cross in the hollow of the jackfruit tree approximately twenty-five years earlier, when he was still a boy. This was during his childhood, long before he returned to visit the tree as an adult. The passage indicates that a considerable amount of time had passed between when he concealed the Iron Cross and his return to search for it, which is why he found it difficult to locate and retrieve after so many years.
- 31. The University of Madras granted him a fellowship of R75 a month.
- 32. The policeman suspected him because his apron string broke and his pockets were visibly bulging.
- 33. The wicked old man
- 34. Ramanujan did his mathematical problems on loose sheets of paper or on a slate, and he would jot down the results in notebooks. This method of working allowed him to explore his mathematical ideas freely without the constraints of formal textbooks or structured assignments. His unconventional approach to recording his work reflected his independent and creative approach to mathematics.
- 35. Joan of Arc inspired young Indira.
- 36. Ordinary men and women become heroes when great events, national crises, or momentous occasions call for sacrifice, courage, and selfless action. During such critical times, these common people rise above their personal concerns and act for the common good and welfare of society or their nation. Their willingness to put aside individual interests and contribute to a larger cause transforms them from ordinary individuals into true heroes, demonstrating that heroism is a quality that emerges in response to extraordinary circumstances.
- 37. Portuguese is spoken in Brazil.
- 38. The bleeding bark will heal itself over time. When the tree's bark is cut or wounded, it bleeds sap, but the tree possesses natural healing mechanisms that allow it to recover from such injuries. This self-healing ability is one of the reasons why killing a tree is so difficult; the tree continuously works to repair damage and restore itself, demonstrating its remarkable capacity for survival and regeneration.
- 39. 1. Peter (the cat) 2. Aunt Polly 3. (likely Aunt Polly / a bystander) — see validationNotes 4. Tom Sawyer (spoken in reply) 5. Tom Sawyer
- 40. (a) A wooden cottage is cozier than a concrete house because wood creates a warm, natural atmosphere and feels more inviting and intimate. A small cottage is cozier than a large mansion. (b) A concrete house is costlier than a wooden cottage because concrete construction requires more materials, labor, and maintenance. A modern apartment is costlier than a traditional cottage. (c) A concrete house is sturdier than a wooden cottage because concrete is more durable, resistant to weather, and less prone to damage from pests or decay. A stone building is sturdier than a wooden structure. These comparisons illustrate the trade-offs between the warmth and charm of traditional wooden structures…
- 41. Sample filled table (example): - proximity to the railway station: My place — 2 km; Partner's place — 8 km - proximity to the airport: My place — 25 km; Partner's place — 60 km - number of shopping centres: My place — 3; Partner's place — 1 - number of temples: My place — 5; Partner's place — 2 - important heritage centres: My place — old fort; Partner's place — historic church - sea, lakes, rivers or ponds: My place — small lake nearby; Partner's place — no major water body - traffic: My place — moderate; Partner's place — light Comparative paragraph: My locality is closer to transport and has more shopping centres and temples, while my partner's place is quieter with less traffic. My ar…
- 42. Short speech (approx. 1 minute): Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends, Today, on World Environment Day, I remind you that our future depends directly on the health of our environment. If we protect forests, conserve water, reduce waste and curb pollution today, we secure clean air, safe water and a stable climate for tomorrow. Small actions — planting trees, saving water, avoiding plastics and recycling — add up. Let us pledge to act, to influence our families and to make our school a model of sustainability. The nature of our future truly depends on the future of our nature. Thank you.
- 43. The family gatherings take place when the busy day is done, meaning in the evening after the day's work and responsibilities are completed. This is when family members return home and have time to spend together without the distractions and demands of daily labor. The conventions are held at home, the family place, which is described figuratively as being beneath the sun—suggesting the natural, wholesome, and universal nature of family life. The poet calls these family conventions the finest because they represent the most precious and valuable meetings that bring genuine joy and happiness. Unlike grand public conventions held for business or politics, these simple family gatherings are s…
- 44. Speech: THE EARTHQUAKE Everything was lost, instantly destroyed and commingled with a few neighbouring houses when the 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the town at night on a day last year. Many big buildings collapsed one after the other. All who were asleep were in a panic, Soon they got up, they ran out the open area. I too ran out of my house. I looked at my house and wept bitterly. Now a lot of people had gathered and witnessed the aftereffect of the earthquake. We cried for a long time over the disaster, were so scared of it. A month after the disaster it was found out that over 3000 people were killed and thousands of people were injured and hundreds of people homeless. A few houses…
- 45. Sample 100–120 word paragraph about a favourite personality.
Brain Grain · braingrain.in
English — Practice Paper · Set 2
Class: 9Samacheer KalviMax Marks: 91
Name: ____________________Reg No: ____________
Part I — Multiple Choice Questions 15 × 1 = 15
Choose the correct answer. (Answer all questions.)
1.Complete the following sentence using an appropriate connector from the box: I'll stay ________________ you need me.A. moreoverB. althoughC. meanwhileD. thereforeE. becauseF. as long asG. thusH. above allI. for instanceJ. except[1]
2.2. Comets are mostly made of _______.a. dustb. icec. sandd. snow[1]
3.12. I always keep ________ money in my wallet for emergencies.a. anyb. everyc. some[1]
4.2. "I am fighting for my future." The 'fight' refers to her_______(a). fight to win an election.(b). fight to gain a few points in share market.(c). fight against corruption.(d). fight against environmental pollution.[1]
5.I have ________ pencils with me. (a, three, third)a. ab. threec. third[1]
6.We use ______ (should/must/ought to) when something is the right thing to do.a. shouldb. mustc. ought to[1]
7.14. I have ________ pencils with me.a. ab. threec. third[1]
8.And I watered it in fears Night and morning with my tears; (a) What does 'it' refer to? (b) How is 'it' watered?[1]
9.How long __________ ? (are you waiting, have you been waiting, have you waited)A. are you waitingB. have you been waitingC. have you waited[1]
10.As part of the celebration, the brothers have planned to make their parents to ____________.a. visit an orphanageb. donate some moneyc. plant a mango saplingd. conduct a game[1]
11.Mother couldn't get home from Mrs. Brant's because_____________a. it was raining heavily.b. the bridges between home and the town were under water.c. there was an emergency at Mrs. Brant's house.d. she had broken her leg.[1]
12.The narrator was in trouble because he took the oranges.a. peaceb. difficultyc. harmonyd. comfort[1]
13.Kokila gave a pen to ______ child in the classroom on her birthday. (any, all, each)a. anyb. allc. each[1]
14.Little Cyclone will fight any other bear in ____________ notice.a. 10 minutesb. 15 minutesc. 03 seconds'd. 10 seconds'[1]
15.In New York Mr Scotti left the plane because he thought hea. had to change the plane.b. was in Rome.c. had to phone his cousins.d. had to look at the airport.[1]
Part II — Fill in the Blanks 5 × 1 = 5
Fill in the blanks. (Answer all questions.)
16.In 1963 he worked for ___________ as ___________[1]
17.6. Being an astronaut will enable you __________ (achieve) great success in life.[1]
18.The fear and agony of Severn Suzuki is ______________[1]
19.9. We astronauts must keep on _______________ (prepare) for our space launch.[1]
20.20. I'm sure they would also enjoy __________ (travel) with our crew.[1]
Part III — Short Answer Questions 18 × 2 = 36
Answer briefly. (Answer all questions.)
21.I don't know when we'll see each other again.[2]
22.What does history tell us?[2]
23.Whether he attends the party or not, I have decided to go.[2]
24.Which gift did Anne value the most?[2]
25.What did the visitor hide in the jackfruit tree?[2]
26.Write the question for the answer: "Yes, We are palning to go."[2]
27.The pine tree under which I am buried, to be cut down and made into a mortar.[2]
28.Give the synonyms of 'rely' and 'sustainable'.[2]
29.4. The poet is aware of two choices. What are they? What choice does he make ultimately? b) Explain: "miles to go before I sleep"[2]
30.It isn't necessary to cram all night if you have studied a little each day.[2]
31.How did the narrator feel after eating seventeen oranges?[2]
32.What according to the writer is the real elixir of life?[2]
33.What was the old house built with?[2]
34.What is hidden inside the earth for years?[2]
35.My God, why cannot we have peace and all go home?[2]
36.Texting on his phone, the man swerved into a ditch.[2]
37.What comes out of the leprous hide?[2]
38.2. Ebin said, "Have you booked the tickets to Delhi?"[2]
Part IV — Long Answer Questions 7 × 5 = 35
Answer in detail. (Answer all questions.)
39.Write a paragraph of 100 - 120 words about a memorable anecdote/incident of your life.[5]
40.How is the "Bread sandwich method" a boon to the farmers?[5]
41.2. Water exists in all plant and animal forms — Explain.[5]
42.3. "He gives his harness bells a shake / To ask if there is some mistake." a) Whom does 'he' refer to in these lines? b) Why does 'he' give his harness bells a shake? c) How does the horse communicate with the poet?[5]
43.Look at the bar-graph. Write five sentences using the appropriate degrees of comparison. Adventure Sports in India Popularity Index (%) by sport: Paragliding, Rafting, Rock Climbing, Bungee Jumping, Surfing Years shown: 2001 and 2017 (bars for each sport for both years).[5]
44.The stick-together families are the happiest of all. Explain.[5]
45.Answer the following questions in about 80-100 words. 1. Describe the different types of remedies tried by Aunt Polly on Tom. 2. Narrate the funny sequence between Tom Sawyer and Peter, the cat.[5]
🔑 Show Answer Key — Set 2
- 1. F
- 2. (b) Ice.
- 3. c
- 4. (d) Fight against environmental pollution.
- 5. three.
- 6. c
- 7. b
- 8. (a) 'It' refers to the poet's anger, represented as a tree. (b) He 'waters' it with fears and tears — by brooding, worrying and crying, thus nurturing his anger.
- 9. B
- 10. (c) Plant a mango sapling.
- 11. (b) the bridges between Mrs Brant's house and the town were under water.
- 12. Peace.
- 13. each.
- 14. d
- 15. b
- 16. He worked as a scientist at the Agricultural Regional Research Station.
- 17. to achieve
- 18. That adults' neglect and environmental destruction will leave children a damaged world and cause suffering for future generations.
- 19. preparing
- 20. travelling
- 21. The son, who is the young astronaut and explorer, speaks these words. He is expressing the painful reality that his upcoming expedition to another galaxy will take many years to complete, and during this long period of separation, he and his mother will not be able to see each other or maintain regular contact.
- 22. History tells us that great changes and significant transformations in society are often brought about by ordinary people who rise to the occasion when circumstances demand it and act with courage and determination. These everyday individuals, when faced with critical moments or national crises, demonstrate remarkable bravery and commitment to larger causes, proving that heroism is not confined to the exceptional few but lies within the hearts of common people who are willing to sacrifice for the greater good.
- 23. Whether he attends the party or not is a dependent or subordinate clause with a concessive or conditional function. This clause presents two contrasting possibilities and indicates that the outcome stated in the main clause will occur regardless of which possibility becomes true. The speaker's decision to go remains unchanged whether the other person attends or not. Such clauses are called concessive clauses because they concede or acknowledge an alternative condition while maintaining the main point. The structure 'whether...or not' is characteristic of this type of dependent clause.
- 24. Anne valued the gift from Kitty the most.
- 25. The visitor had hidden his childhood treasures in the hollow of the jackfruit tree. These treasures included marbles, a forbidden book that he had secretly kept, a few old coins, and his grandfather's Iron Cross. These items held deep sentimental value for him as they represented precious memories from his childhood and were items he had carefully preserved in that secret hiding place within the tree.
- 26. Are we planning to go? To form a yes-or-no question in the present continuous tense, the auxiliary verb 'are' is inverted with the subject 'we'. Since the answer is 'Yes, We are planning to go', the corresponding question is 'Are we planning to go?', which follows the standard question formation rule where the auxiliary verb comes before the subject.
- 27. The dead dog.
- 28. Synonyms of ‘rely’ is depending Synonyms of sustainable is maintainable
- 29. The poet is aware of two choices: to stay and linger in the peaceful, beautiful woods, or to continue on and fulfill his obligations and duties. He ultimately chooses to keep moving forward and honor his responsibilities. The line 'miles to go before I sleep' means that the speaker has many tasks, duties, or a long journey ahead of him before he can truly rest. On a literal level, it refers to the physical distance he must travel, but on a deeper level, it suggests the many responsibilities and commitments in life that must be completed before one can find peace or rest, whether that rest is temporary relaxation or the final rest of death.
- 30. The dependent (subordinate) clause in this sentence is 'if you have studied a little each day.' This is an adverbial clause, specifically a conditional clause, that modifies the main clause 'It isn't necessary to cram all night.' The conditional clause establishes the condition under which the statement in the main clause is true, explaining that avoiding all-night cramming is only unnecessary when the condition of studying regularly each day has been met. The clause provides the logical basis or reason for the main statement.
- 31. After eating seventeen oranges, the narrator felt extremely ill and uncomfortable with a bloated stomach from consuming so many oranges at once. Beyond the physical discomfort, he experienced deep guilt and shame about his actions, knowing that he had stolen from Pongo and eaten the oranges without permission. This combination of physical sickness and emotional remorse made him feel miserable and anxious about the consequences he might face.
- 32. According to the writer, the real elixir of life is water. The writer identifies water as the true elixir because it is the fundamental substance that sustains all life on Earth. Water supports growth and development in all living organisms and enables all vital biological processes including metabolism, nutrient transport, temperature regulation, and cellular function. Unlike the imaginary elixir of mythology, water is the actual, tangible substance without which no organism can survive, making it the genuine elixir that gives and maintains life.
- 33. The old house was built of stone (stone walls).
- 34. According to the poem, the roots and life force of the tree are hidden inside the earth for years. The roots lie deep within the soil, drawing nourishment and sustenance from it. This hidden network beneath the surface represents the tree's hidden strength and resilience, which is why merely cutting the trunk above ground is not enough to kill the tree completely.
- 35. This question asks who is speaking these words in the text. The narrator expresses this sentiment, reflecting the deep human desire for peace during the horrors of war. The English captain and a German officer also share similar feelings about the futility of conflict. An older German soldier might also voice such sentiments, representing the weariness and longing for peace that transcends national boundaries. The question highlights how soldiers on both sides, despite being enemies, shared a common humanity and yearning to end the bloodshed and return to their loved ones.
- 36. The underlined dependent phrase is 'Texting on his phone.' This is a non-finite participial phrase, specifically a present participle phrase, that functions as a modifier. It describes the action the man was performing at the moment he swerved into the ditch, providing additional information about the circumstances that led to the accident. The phrase modifies the noun 'man' and helps explain the cause of his dangerous driving behavior.
- 37. Sprouting leaves come out of the leprous hide, or bark, of the tree. Even after the bark is wounded or damaged, new green leaves continue to emerge from it, demonstrating the tree's remarkable ability to recover and regenerate. This growth represents the tree's vitality and its determination to survive despite attempts to harm it. The emergence of fresh leaves from the damaged bark shows that superficial wounds cannot prevent the tree from continuing its life processes and growth.
- 38. Ebin asked whether the listener had booked the tickets to Delhi. This is a conversion from direct speech to indirect speech, where the direct question posed by Ebin is transformed into a reported question. The auxiliary verb 'have' changes to 'had' to maintain the past tense consistency, and the pronoun 'you' becomes 'I' from Ebin's perspective when reporting the question.
- 39. Sample 100–120 word paragraph describing a memorable incident.
- 40. It is called the bread-sandwich method because, once the soil is prepared and the recommended practices are followed, no second working is needed; crops can be sown and reaped throughout the year.
- 41. Title: Water – The Elixir of Life Author: Sir CV.Raman Theme: Water exists in all plant and animal forms. “World without water is unimaginable” According to Sir C.V. Raman, water is the basis of life. Every animal or plant contains a substantial proportion of free or combined water in its body. No kind of physiological activity is possible in which the fluid does not play an essential part. Water is necessary for animal life. Moisture in the soil is equally imperative for the life and growth of plants and trees. But the quantity necessary varies largely with the species. Much of our agriculture also depends on seasonal rainfall and is therefore very sensitive to any failure or irregularit…
- 42. a) 'He' refers to the horse. b) The horse shakes the bells to signal surprise and to ask if stopping was a mistake. c) By shaking its harness bells (making sound).
- 43. 1. Paragliding was more popular in 2017 than it was in 2001. 2. Rafting became more popular in 2017 compared with 2001. 3. Rock climbing was less popular in 2001 than in 2017 (i.e., it grew by 2017). 4. Bungee jumping was less popular than paragliding in both years. 5. Surfing remained among the least popular sports in both 2001 and 2017.
- 44. Stick-together families, those that remain united and support one another, are the happiest of all because they experience continuous joy, emotional security and lasting contentment. The poem illustrates such families sitting in a fireside circle whose unity nothing except death can break, symbolizing the strength and permanence of their bonds. United families celebrate simple gatherings after the busy day, where they share fun, companionship and create lasting memories together. They find the joys of earth, sweetest music and finest mirth through their togetherness. The poem contrasts this with those who break family ties or wander far from home seeking pleasure, suggesting that such peo…
- 45. Aunt Polly resorted to many remedies because Tom had become dull and dejected after Becky stopped coming to school. She tried home remedies and consoling measures, altered his diet, and administered tonic medicines and nostrums commonly used during that period. When gentle measures failed, she finally resorted to giving him a pain-killer, hoping it would improve his spirits and restore his health. Her repeated efforts demonstrate a loving but anxious aunt trying every available cure to restore Tom's health and cheerfulness. Regarding the funny sequence between Tom and Peter the cat, Tom pretended to like the pain-killer and asked for it very often, though he had no intention of taking it.…
Brain Grain · braingrain.in
English — Practice Paper · Set 3
Class: 9Samacheer KalviMax Marks: 91
Name: ____________________Reg No: ____________
Part I — Multiple Choice Questions 15 × 1 = 15
Choose the correct answer. (Answer all questions.)
1.Find the synonyms for the underlined words: 1. The voice in his head asked the narrator to eat the evidence.a. proofb. contradictc. disproved. refute[1]
2.I would like to order coffee__________tea.a. instead ofb. instead fromc. instead to[1]
3.I was angry with my friend I told my wrath, my wrath did end. (a) Whom does 'I' refer to? (b) How did the anger of the poet come to an end?[1]
4.Which of the following statement is not true?a. Canada is a rich country and people have in plenty.b. Canadian children are privileged.c. A Brazilian child was willing to share because she was rich.d. Northern countries will not share with the needy[1]
5.They speak English in New Zealand. / English _______________ in New Zealand.a. is speakingb. is spokenc. is being spoken[1]
6.In the morning glad I see My foe outstretched beneath the tree (a) How did the poet feel in the morning? (b) Who is the 'foe' referred to here? (c) Why was the 'foe' found lying outstretched beneath the tree?[1]
7.The narrator was searched by the policeman, because __________a. the oranges could be smelt.b. he was singing songs.c. he was carrying a box.d. his pockets were bulging.[1]
8.There aren't ________ students in the library. (much, many, a lot)a. muchb. manyc. a lot[1]
9.The story is set during the _____________.a. World War Ib. World War IIc. Kargil Ward. Indo-China War[1]
10.3. Animals and fish are becoming extinct because _____(a). they have no place to go.(b). they die of diseases.(c). their food and habitat are polluted.(d). all the above.[1]
11.7. He said that he wanted to become ________ engineer.a. ab. anc. the[1]
12.6. I haven't got ________ pictures in my bedroom.a. someb. anyc. many[1]
13.Complete the following sentences using appropriate Connectors from the box: moreover, although, meanwhile, therefore, because, as long as, thus, above all, for instance, except 5. I can play quite a few instruments.______________, the flute, the guitar and the piano.A. moreoverB. althoughC. meanwhileD. thereforeE. becauseF. as long asG. thusH. above allI. for instanceJ. except[1]
14.The Germans had placed Christmas trees in front of their__________.a. housesb. trenchc. tanksd. cars[1]
15.A friend of mine is repairing the car. / The car _______________ by a friend of mine.a. is repairingb. is repairedc. is being repaired[1]
Part II — Fill in the Blanks 5 × 1 = 5
Fill in the blanks. (Answer all questions.)
16.You ____________ drive fast. It's not safe.[1]
17.Read _______[1]
18.Listen to the passage on 'Comet' and fill in the blanks by choosing the correct answer. 1. Comets are believed to be remnants of the materials created by the _____.a. Moonb. Sunc. stard. asteroids[1]
19.2. This restaurant has some of the best chefs in the town. _____________ their service is excellent.[1]
20.Don't let _________on the road_____________.[1]
Part III — Short Answer Questions 18 × 2 = 36
Answer briefly. (Answer all questions.)
21.Complete the summary by filling in the given spaces with suitable words/phrases given below: a trail spectacular spectacular scene outer ice a cheetah day or night emerging of life powerful and strong shock wave scientists The poet describes a moving comet which speeds through the heavens and never takes a break by ____________. When a comet is in full flight, it gives a ____________ which can never be compared to anything else for a lifetime. The comet is compared to ____________ for its speed and a mountain as it is ____________. The ____________ melts which causes a vapour from the force and leaves behind _________ as it travels on its way. If it comes very close to the atmosphere, it causes a shake which in turn produces a ____________ that reach the Earth's surface. According to the ______________ the comets leave behind chemicals in the form of dust which resulted in the ____________ on earth and mankind came into existence. But the poet is not sure whether this principle is true or not but he knows for sure that whatever the truth may be, the sight of the comet in full flight is ____________.[2]
22.Where do you get your drinking water from?[2]
23.2. How does water help in the formation of fertile lands?[2]
24.1. What were the important objects that the girls and Jim try to move to the attic? Why?[2]
25.Why did Shepherd-Barron reduce the PIN number from six digits to four?[2]
26.How many types of bear do you think are there living in the world today?[2]
27.Why did Nehru dislike sermonizing?[2]
28.4. "The woods are lovely, dark and deep, / But I have promises to keep" a) How are the woods? b) Whom does 'I' refer to? c) What are the promises the speaker is talking about?[2]
29."Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be, I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!" a) Is the fly willing to enter the spider's pantry? b) Can you guess what was in the pantry?[2]
30.How does the water in rainfed tanks get its colour?[2]
31.What does the phrase 'great drama' refer to?[2]
32.6. "Tomorrow I have to take a test in English", said Sudha.[2]
33.What do ordinary men and women usually think of?[2]
34.Read the following pairs of sentences. Identify the direct object. They do not appreciate my singing. They do not appreciate my assistance.[2]
35.Look at the action words in bold. Identify whether they are either finite or non-finite verb. They want to try a new approach. Trying is easy. Having tried everything , he gave up. All I can do is try. If she tried, she would succeed.[2]
36.I'm looking for my bag. (Write the negative sentence)[2]
37.What is the poem about?[2]
38.It's so easy to walk here, son![2]
Part IV — Long Answer Questions 7 × 5 = 35
Answer in detail. (Answer all questions.)
39.Complete the summary by filling in the spaces with suitable words. The poem begins with the spider's_________ of the fly. He __________ to the fly to come into its home. The spider describes his parlour as the _______ one. The spider kindles the curiosity of the fly so that she may enter his home. Fortunately, the fly was _________ and refused to get into his home. Now the spider pretends to be a __________and asks her to come and rest in his home. He offers her __________ and a __________ to rest. This time also the fly __________ the spider's offer very politely. The next weapon that the spider uses is_________. The spider praises the ______ and _____of the fly and also praises her ________. He invites her to look at herself in the ______which is in his parlour. The fly is_______ by the words of the spider and she falls a _________ to his ________.[5]
40.D. Write a Diary entry each day for a month and compile them into a book. You may also name your diary as Anne Frank did. Diary writing is one of the most personal and informal categories of writing. A diary writing can be based on an experience, a scene, a description or narration of certain event or any other thing or activity that the writer considers worth writing in his/her personal diary. The style and tone is generally informal and personal. However, it depends on the subject. You can freely express your viewpoints and feelings. As the diary is writer's personal document, the diary entry doesn't need any signature.[5]
41.23. We're on our way! Which planet are the astronauts heading to first? Add the infinitives. Neptune-10 Venus-09 Mars-18 Jupiter-11[5]
42.Based on the understanding of the poem, write down the summary of the poem by filling in the blanks.[5]
43.How did the Marshall save the children?[5]
44.The old farmer was a kind person. Justify the statement with suitable examples from the story.[5]
45."Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "You're witty and you're wise, How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes! I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf, If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself." a) List the words used by the spider to describe the fly. b) Why does the spider say that the fly is witty?[5]
🔑 Show Answer Key — Set 3
- 1. Proof.
- 2. instead of.
- 3. (a) 'I' refers to the poet/speaker. (b) The poet expressed his anger (told his wrath) to his friend, and by speaking it out the anger ended.
- 4. (c) The poor child in Brazil, because despite not being rich, that child would still be willing to share.
- 5. b
- 6. (a) The poet felt glad/happy. (b) The 'foe' is the person with whom the poet was angry (his enemy). (c) The foe had eaten the poisonous fruit (the result of the poet's nurtured anger) and was felled — lying outstretched, apparently dead or unconscious.
- 7. His pockets were bulging.
- 8. many.
- 9. a
- 10. (c) Their food and habitat are polluted.
- 11. b
- 12. b
- 13. I
- 14. b
- 15. c
- 16. You mustn't drive fast. (You must not drive fast.)
- 17. reading
- 18. (b) The Sun.
- 19. moreover
- 20. "Don't let small bumps in the road throw you back."
- 21. The poet describes a moving comet which speeds through the heavens and never takes a break by day or night. When a comet is in full flight, it gives a spectacular scene which can never be compared to anything else for a lifetime. The comet is compared to a cheetah for its speed and a mountain as it is powerful and strong. The outer ice melts which causes a vapour from the force and leaves behind a trail as it travels on its way. If it comes very close to the atmosphere, it causes a shake which in turn produces a shock wave that reach the Earth's surface. According to the scientists the comets leave behind chemicals in the form of dust which resulted in the emerging of life on earth and ma…
- 22. Drinking water sources vary depending on location and infrastructure. In urban areas with municipal supply systems, water typically comes from tap water supplied by local water authorities. In rural areas or regions without reliable municipal systems, people may obtain drinking water from household borewells, hand pumps, open wells, or water tankers delivered periodically. The source depends on factors such as local groundwater availability, proximity to rivers or lakes, and the presence of water distribution networks in the area.
- 23. Water helps in the formation of fertile lands by carrying silt and finely divided soil particles in suspension as it flows. When this water deposits these suspended particles on land, particularly in river valleys and deltas, it creates new layers of fertile soil. The land formed by this silt deposition is proved to be extremely fertile because silt is rich in nutrients and organic matter. This process has historically created some of the world's most productive agricultural regions, such as the Nile Delta and the Indo-Gangetic plains, where annual flooding deposits nutrient-rich silt and transforms the landscape into highly fertile farmland.
- 24. The girls and Jim tried to move water, food, blankets, coats and lights to the attic. They did this because these items were essential supplies that would help them survive safely during the flood emergency. Having these necessities in the attic, where they planned to take shelter above the rising water, would ensure they had access to drinking water, food for nourishment, blankets and coats for warmth and protection, and lights to see in the darkness.
- 25. Shepherd-Barron reduced the PIN number from six digits to four because users found six digits hard to remember and difficult to recall quickly. Four digits were much easier for customers to memorize and more practical for everyday use at ATM machines. This reduction in PIN length made the system more user-friendly while still maintaining reasonable security, striking a balance between accessibility and protection of customer accounts.
- 26. There are eight living species of bears in the world today.
- 27. Nehru disliked sermonizing because he believed that preaching moral lessons to people in a preachy or didactic manner was ineffective and undesirable. He preferred to communicate through action, personal example, and genuine dialogue rather than through moralistic lectures or sermons. He felt that telling people what to do in a sanctimonious or lecturing tone was less honest and less likely to inspire genuine change than demonstrating ideals through one's own conduct and choices.
- 28. a) The woods are lovely, dark and deep. b) 'I' refers to the speaker/the poet. c) The "promises" are the speaker's duties or obligations (worldly responsibilities) that require him to leave.
- 29. a) No, the little Fly refuses to enter the spider's pantry. She politely but firmly declines the spider's invitation, showing that she is aware of the danger. b) The pantry likely contains the spider's prey, including trapped insects and other victims that the spider has caught. It may also contain the spider's food stores and various traps designed to capture unsuspecting insects. The fly's knowledge of what is in the pantry suggests she has heard warnings or stories about the spider's dangerous lair and understands the fate that awaits her if she enters.
- 30. The water in rainfed tanks gets its colour from suspended soil particles, including clay and silt, as well as organic matter that are washed into the tanks during rainfall. When heavy rain falls, it carries these fine particles and decomposed plant material into the tanks, giving the water a brownish or muddy appearance. This coloration is a natural result of the erosive action of rainwater on the surrounding land.
- 31. The phrase 'great drama' refers to the national struggle for independence and the unfolding events of the country's movement for freedom. It encompasses the significant historical events, the collective efforts of people, and the dramatic moments that characterize a nation's journey towards liberation and self-governance. The term suggests the grandeur, intensity, and historical importance of this struggle.
- 32. Sudha said that she had to take a test in English the next day. In this indirect speech conversion, the direct statement is transformed using the reporting verb 'said that'. The pronoun 'I' changes to 'she' to reflect third-person perspective. The present tense 'have to take' changes to past tense 'had to take' to maintain consistency with the reporting verb. Additionally, the time reference 'Tomorrow' is changed to 'the next day' to reflect the temporal shift in reported speech.
- 33. Ordinary men and women usually think of their immediate personal concerns such as their home, family, daily duties, responsibilities, and individual welfare rather than focusing on heroic deeds or public matters of national importance. Their minds are naturally occupied with the practical aspects of everyday life, earning a livelihood, caring for loved ones, and managing household affairs, which form the core of their daily existence.
- 34. In the first sentence 'They do not appreciate my singing,' the direct object is 'my singing,' which is a gerund phrase that receives the action of the verb 'appreciate.' In the second sentence 'They do not appreciate my assistance,' the direct object is 'my assistance,' which is a noun phrase that receives the action of the verb 'appreciate.' The direct object is the noun or noun phrase that directly receives the action performed by the subject.
- 35. In the given sentences, the action words in bold need to be identified as either finite or non-finite verbs. A finite verb shows tense and agrees with the subject, while a non-finite verb does not show tense and does not change with the subject. In the sentence 'They want to try a new approach,' the word 'to try' is a non-finite verb because it is an infinitive form that does not show tense. In 'Trying is easy,' the word 'Trying' is a non-finite verb in the gerund form, functioning as a noun. In 'Having tried everything, he gave up,' the word 'tried' is a non-finite verb in the past participle form used in a participial phrase. In 'All I can do is try,' the word 'try' is a non-finite verb…
- 36. I am not looking for my bag. The negative form is created by inserting 'not' after the auxiliary verb 'am'. The contraction 'I'm' expands to 'I am', and when 'not' is added, it becomes 'I am not looking for my bag', which means the speaker is not currently searching for their bag.
- 37. The poem 'On Killing a Tree' describes the complete and difficult process required to kill a mature tree. It explains that simply cutting down the trunk is not sufficient to destroy a tree, as it will regenerate and grow again. The poem details the violent and prolonged effort needed to uproot the tree completely, extract its roots from the earth, and expose them to the elements until the tree finally dies.
- 38. This line is spoken by the mother, commenting on the ease of walking in the Martian environment and addressing her son directly. The statement reflects her observation that walking on Mars is easier than on Earth, likely due to the lower gravitational pull on Mars compared to Earth. By addressing him as 'son', she is speaking affectionately and sharing her experience of the Martian environment with him, expressing wonder or relief at how simple physical movement has become in this alien world.
- 39. The poem begins with the spider's invitation of the fly. He invites the fly to come into its home. The spider describes his parlour as the prettiest one. The spider kindles the curiosity of the fly so that she may enter his home. Fortunately, the fly was wary and refused to get into his home. Now the spider pretends to be a friend and asks her to come and rest in his home. He offers her comfort and a seat to rest. This time also the fly politely refused the spider's offer. The next weapon that the spider uses is flattery. The spider praises the wings and eyes of the fly and also praises her wit. He invites her to look at herself in the looking-glass which is in his parlour. The fly is tem…
- 40. Diary writing is a highly personal and reflective form of writing that allows individuals to record their daily experiences, thoughts, and emotions in an informal manner. To complete this task, you should maintain a diary entry for each day of a month and then compile all thirty entries into a bound book. You may choose to name your diary after a significant person, event, or concept that resonates with you, similar to how Anne Frank titled her famous diary. Each entry should focus on a specific experience, scene, observation, or event that you find meaningful or worth documenting. The style of diary writing is characteristically informal and conversational, reflecting the writer's authen…
- 41. This exercise requires students to fill in infinitives in a space-themed activity where astronauts are traveling to different planets. Each planet is assigned a numerical code: Neptune-10, Venus-09, Mars-18, and Jupiter-11. To determine which planet the astronauts are heading to first, the numbers must be arranged in ascending order. The smallest number is 09, which corresponds to Venus. Therefore, the astronauts are heading to Venus first. The infinitive form that would be used in this context is 'to go to Venus' or simply 'to Venus,' maintaining the infinitive structure required by the exercise. This type of activity helps students practice infinitive forms while engaging with a creativ…
- 42. The poet explains the process of killing a tree. A lot of work has to be done in order to kill it completely. It cannot be accomplished by merely cutting it with a simple jab of the knife. The tree has grown strong with the help of sunlight, air and water for countless years. Even the leprous hide of the tree gives rise to sprouting leaves. The bleeding bark sprouts new twigs and leaves. In a short period, they grow into a new tree. So, to kill it completely, one should take out its roots completely from the soil. Then they should be exposed to scorching and choking in sun and air. Only then the tree will be completely killed.
- 43. Miss Marsh played a crucial role in saving the children by providing immediate and professional medical assistance. When she arrived at the house with Mr. Peters, she quickly assessed Sara's condition and provided first aid treatment for her injuries. Miss Marsh carefully splinted Sara's broken leg using proper medical techniques to stabilize the injury and prevent further harm. Working together with Mr. Peters, she helped carry Sara safely into the boat, ensuring the injured girl was transported without causing additional pain or damage. Miss Marsh then accompanied Sara, Rose, and Betty to safety, taking them away from the flood-stricken house to the Red Cross emergency hospital where th…
- 44. The old farmer was a kind man. He helped the poor and the needy with what he had. He had a pet dog, which they used to feed with fish and tit-bit from their kitchen. One day, when their dog helped them in getting wealth, they did not take it all for themselves. But gave alms to the poor and then bought for themselves rice fields and corn-fields. When his neighbour killed his dog, he did not scold him. He just wept for his pet, kept some food, burnt incense, and adorned its grave with flowers. He also showed his kindness to his envious neighbours, as they were distressed, by giving them a share of his own riches.
- 45. a) The spider uses several flattering words to describe the fly. He calls her 'sweet creature' and praises her as 'witty and wise'. He also compliments her physical appearance, describing her 'gauzy wings' as beautiful and her 'eyes' as brilliant. These words are carefully chosen to appeal to the fly's vanity and make her feel special and appreciated. b) The spider says the fly is witty not because he genuinely believes it, but as part of his cunning strategy to gain her trust and lower her guard. By flattering the fly and calling her intelligent, the spider attempts to make her feel confident and valued, which makes her more likely to accept his invitation. This is manipulative flattery…