ABU DHABI INDIAN SCHOOL - BRANCH 1, AL WATHBA

TERM -I EXAMINATION (2023 -2024)

GRADE: IX _ MAX MARKS: 80
SUBJECT: ENGLISH TIME: 3 HRS.
NAME /GR NO: Date: 9/10/2023
______________________________________________________________________
General Instructions:
1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING & GRAMMAR, and
LITERATURE.
2. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
3. You may attempt any section at a time. Attempt all the questions of that particular section in
the correct order.
SECTION A: READING
I. Read the passage given below. (10x1=10)

1. In a new finding, climate change has now become a national issue in America as a recent study
has deduced that warming-induced drought in the Middle East is leading to increased conflicts over
food and water, leading to its consequences on America and the world. The accelerating rate of
climate change poses a severe risk to national security and acts as a catalyst for global political
conflict. This is the conclusion drawn up by US experts, according to a government report. At the US
Centre for Naval Analyses, the Military Advisor- Board found that climate change had induced
drought in the Middle East and Africa. The lack of food and water was affecting the populations of
these countries to take recourse to extreme measures. It was escalating long-standing ethnic
tensions into violent clashes in the affected countries. In addition, the report predicted that an
increase in catastrophic weather conditions worldwide would create more demand for American
troops, even as flooding and extreme weather could damage naval ports and military bases.
2. According to official findings, the report signalled that it would influence American foreign policy
as well. The report vitalizes situations caused by the massive dislocation or massive drying up of the
waters of the Nile or of the major rivers of India and China. Pentagon officials also feel that the
reports would affect the military of their country as climate change is having an impact on national
security, whether by increasing global instability, opening the Arctic, or increasing sea level and
storm surge close to coastal installations. This is the first major study to draw the link between
climate change and national Security. Thus, American leaders are delivering major speeches
wherein they are linking up climate change with that of national security. New regulations would
also be put in place to cut pollution from coal-fired power options.
3. The report follows a recent string of scientific studies that warn that the effects of climate change
are already occurring and that more flooding, droughts, extreme storms, food and water shortages,
and damage to infrastructure will occur in the future. There is thus, a link in some quarters between
rising sea waters and terrorism. These effects are stress multipliers that will aggravate stressors
abroad, such as poverty, environmental degradation, political instability, and social tensions.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
1. According to the passage, what is the latest finding regarding climate change?
The latest finding regarding climate change is that -------------and -----------.
2. Identify the way the lack of food and water affects countries in the Middle East and Africa.
(i)It has damaged naval ports and military bases.
(ii) It poses a severe risk to national security.
(iii)It had escalated long-standing racial discrimination tension into violent clashes in the
affected areas.
1
 (iv) It has multiplied the stress.
(a) II and III (b) III (c) I and II (d) I, II and IV
3. The unique thing about the latest report on climate change is ................
(a) That it would influence American foreign and military policy as climate change is having an
impact on their national security.
(b)That the lack of food and water was affecting the populations of the countries.
(c)That new regulations would also be put in place to cut pollution from coal-fired power options.
(d)That the effects of climate change are already occurring.
4. .................. affected the populations of the Middle East and Africa to take recourse to extreme
measures.
5. Choose the option that makes the correct use of ‘aggravate’, as used in paragraph 3.
(a) She thought that eating chocolate would aggravate her happiness, but it only made her feel
worse.
(b) The soft, gentle rain did nothing to aggravate the drought-stricken land; instead, it provided
much-needed relief.
(c) Military intervention will only aggravate the conflict even further.
(d) The laughter of children at the park can aggravate the serene atmosphere.
6. An increase in catastrophic weather conditions worldwide would create more demand for
American troops why?
(a)Because it will create a link in some quarters between rising sea waters and terrorism.
(b)Because climate change has become a national issue.
(c)Because flooding and extreme weather could damage naval ports and military bases.
(d)Both (b) and (c)
7. What does the author mean when he says “ethnic tensions”?
8. State any one reason why new regulations will also be put in place.
9. Complete the given analogy correctly with a word from paragraph 1.
Signalled: reflected: ………………: increase
10. List 2 major stressors highlighted in the passage.
1. --------------- 2. --------------------
II. Read the following passage. (1X10=10)
(1) Dealing with nervousness can sometimes be a difficult thing to do. When you feel nervous,
you tend to lose control to some extent. You can start to shake and tremble a bit or you can start to
sweat and even get a bit dizzy. It may seem like a bad thing but this feeling that you experience is
your body’s way of telling you something. Nervousness is a signal to your mind that you need to get
ready. It can sometimes be mixed with the feeling of excitement as well.
(2) There are many situations that can cause a person to feel nervous. It can be a situation where
you are about to make a speech, appear for an interview, or take an exam. All of these things can
bring out that feeling of anxiety. It can cause you to stumble on your words. It can cause you to
make a fool out of yourself in public. It can cause you to just plain freeze up. It can even cause you
to turn around and go back to the way you came from.
(3) However, there are ways and means by which you can learn to control nervousness and use it to
your advantage. The first thing you need to do is understand the reason for your nervousness. Most
of the time when you get anxious, it means that you aren’t as prepared as you think you should be.
Often when it’s our first time doing something that is outside of our comfort zone, we will feel a bit
nervous but after we have done it over and over, we feel more confident about it. In other words, in
order to feel less nervous about whatever is causing you to feel that feeling of nervousness, you
need more practice. There is a difference between feeling nervous because you aren’t prepared and
feeling excited because you’re anxious to show what you can do.
(4) We often get nervous because we are afraid of what others might think of us. You don’t have to
worry about that because often, people are too concerned with their own selves to focus on your
2
faults. According to a study conducted on Americans, most of the people are afraid of ‘public
speaking’. What are you so afraid of?

(5) The problem is that we are our own worst critics. American psychologist William James believes,
“Human beings by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their
lives.” Visualise yourself doing a great job. Visualise yourself getting the results you want. Visualise
receiving praise and appreciation. Visualisation and affirmations have the power to bring about a
positive change in your thought patterns. Nervousness is something that can be dealt with through
practice as well as realizing that life is too short to spend too much time worrying. If you want to do
a good job, be prepared, think positively, and practice as much as you can.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. (1 × 10 = 10)
(1) According to the passage, one of the reasons for feeling nervous is the:
(a) the situation of taking an exam (b) lack of physical strength in person
(c) problem with mood swings (d) lack of mental strength
(2) Pick the option that lists the statements that are NOT TRUE according to the passage.
(I) There is only a single situation that can cause a person to feel nervous.
(II) The problem that makes us nervous is the fact that we are our own worst critics.
(iii)Most of the people are afraid of ‘height’ according to a study conducted on Americans.
(IV) Nervousness is normal, and it can happen during any important activity.
(a) (I) and (II) (b) (II) and (IV) (c) (I) and (III) (d) (III) and (IV)
(3) The word ‘stumble’, as used in paragraph (2), means the same as:
a) Fall (b) Stammer (c) Skip (d) Misspell
(4) Based on the graphical chart in the passage, choose the option that correctly states the
depiction of the most feared thing among Americans

3
(a) Option (I) (b) Option (II) (c) Option (III) (d) Option (IV)
(5) “The problem is that we are our own worst critics….” The idea of being own worst critics is
mainly a reference to
(a) self-criticism (b) self-analyses (c) self-confidence (d) self-interrogation
(6) Based on the given graphical representation of data in the passage, choose the option that lists
the statements that are TRUE with respect to the fears of the Americans.
(I) Heights are the second most feared thing for Americans.
(II) Claustrophobia is the only phobia that makes it to the list of top fears.
(III) 20% of the Americans are afraid of flying.
(IV) Same percentage of Americans fear ghosts and drowning.
(a) (I) and (IV) (b) (I) and (II) (c) (III) and (IV) d) (II) and (IV
(7) In the chart, the people’s reaction towards fears depicts that they often get ..............
(a) excited (b) nervous (c) ecstatic (d) melancholic
(8) Which of the following statements is NOT substantiated by the information given for American
psychologist William James' belief?
(a) Human beings cannot change the outer aspects of their lives by changing the inner attitudes of
their minds.
(b) Human beings can change the outer aspects of their lives by changing the inner attitudes of their
minds (c) Human beings can change the outer aspects of their lives by being positive about
themselves.
(d) Human beings need to change the inner thoughts of their mind.
(9) How does paragraph 3 differentiate between feeling nervous and feeling excited?
(a) Nervousness and excitement are the same emotions.
(b) Nervousness comes from overthinking, while excitement is natural.
(c)Nervousness is a sign of being well-prepared, while excitement indicates inexperience.
(d) Nervousness is linked to a lack of preparation, while excitement is driven by the eagerness to
showcase abilities.
(10) Arrange the given fears from being least frightening to the most frightening as per the given
data, from the following
(I) drowning (II) clowns (III) blood (IV) snakes
(a) (I), (II), (III), (IV) (b) (II), (IV), (III), (I) (c) (I), (IV), (II), (III) (d) (II), (III), (I), (I)

SECTION B: GRAMMAR

III. Attempt ANY TEN of the following (10x1-10)

1. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the sentence.
The bridge is being _____ at the moment so it can’t be used.
(a) repaired (b) repairing (c) repair (d) repairs
2. Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line:
The people of India show remarkable unity at the time of the Kargil Conflict.
4
3. Complete the given sentence, by filling in the blank with the correct option:
When I was a child, I _____ to school every day instead of going by cycle.
(a) walked (b) have been walking (c) had walked (d) have walked
4. Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket.
Many a student _____ hard to pass this entrance exam.
(a) try (b) tries (c) trying (d) have tried.
5. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.
At the age of seventeen, Galileo know that he had discovered an important law- the law of a
pendulum.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

6. Complete the given sentence, by filling in the blank with the correct option:
_____ one of my batchmates knows my birthday, but _____ of them wished me.
(a) Every/few b) no/someone c) any/some d) each/ all
7. Sudha or her brothers -------- to be blamed.
(a) is b) has c) are d) was
8. According to the prevailing rates, two dozen --------- ( cost) rupees one hundred.
9. Identify the error in the given sentence
Overeating is one of the most wonderful practices among those which think that they can afford it.
Error Correction

10. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option to fill in the blanks.
An essay with the ------- mistakes is not always the best.
a) least b) fewest c) lowest d) lesser
11. Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option.
Not only did Mayank work hard to win the trophy, ------------ helped the juniors improve their
skills.
a) he as well as b) but he also c) and he also d) just as he
12. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.
I walk 3 kilometres each day to reach my school.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction

5
 SECTION B-CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
IV. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B (5X1=5)
A. Write a descriptive paragraph of not more than 120 words on “The Annual Day of my school
based on the following cues:
Arrangements-chief guest …… welcome of guests ……. annual report by Principal…….
Cultural programmes ……… prize distribution………. Speech by chief guest…….. a light
refreshment-----your feeling about the function.

OR
B. During your recent trip to a mall, you came across a salesman who lured you to get registered for
a promotional holiday package of his company. You tried hard to turn his offer down; however, his
wit, reasoning, and negotiation skill is still fresh in your mind. Write a paragraph describing the man
in about 100-120 words. Use the given cue box along with your creative imagination.

wheatish complexion… tall …. mustard suit… agile… a pleasing smile… gurgling voice…
square jaw… brown eyes… curly hair… centre parting… thick moustache… humour…
carried brochures… tempting packages… waved off courteously…

V. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B (5X1=5)

A. You are Neha/Namit. Today is your birthday and your father has gifted you a laptop. You are very
happy to own it as you wanted to have it for a long time. Before going to bed you intend to share
your joy with your diary. Write a diary entry in 100-120 words expressing your feelings.
OR

B. Your Summative Assessment examinations are around the corner. The syllabus is vast and
whenever you sit down to study you are unable to concentrate as you are very nervous. You feel
you may let down your parents and your teachers who have a lot of expectations from you. Write a
diary entry about your feelings in about 100-120 words. You are Arun/Aruna.

SECTION C: LITERATURE
VI. Reference to context
1. Read the extracts given below and attempt any ONE by answering the questions that follow:
( 5x 1 =5)
(A) To the little girl he was a figure to be feared and avoided. Every morning before going to work,
he came into her room and gave her a casual kiss, to which she responded with ‘Good Bye Father’.
And oh, there was a glad sense of relief when she heard the noise of the carriage growing fainter
and fainter down the long road!
(i) Which of the following option is NOT TRUE about Kezia’s father?
(a) Visit his daughter’s room
(b) Speaking at the pitch of his voice
(c) Kiss the little girl before going to work
(d) He always spoke softly while talking to his daughter
(ii) The daughter felt relieved when ________________
(a) her father went to work (b) her father came back home
(c) her father called her (d) her father read stories to her
(iii) What image is projected in Kezia’s mind about her father?
6
 (a)Promising (b) Horrified
(c)adorable (d) Amiable
(iv) Find a word from the passage which means ‘answered’.
(a) avoided (b) feared
(c) responded (d) carriage
(v) The tone of the speaker in these lines is:
(a) affectionate (b) loving
(c) authoritative (d) sorrowful

(OR)

B. HIGH above the city, on a tall column, stood the statue of the Happy Prince. He was gilded all
over with thin leaves of fine gold, for eyes he had two bright sapphires, and a large red ruby glowed
on his sword hilt. One night there flew over the city a little swallow. His friends had gone away to
Egypt six weeks before, but he had stayed behind; then he decided to go to Egypt too. All day long
he flew, and at night-time, he arrived at the city. “Where shall I put up?” he said. “I hope the town
has made preparations.” Then he saw the statue on the tall column. “I will put up there,” he cried.
“It is a fine position with plenty of fresh air.” So he alighted just between the feet of the Happy
Prince.

(i) Why was the Prince called the Happy Prince?

(a) because he never cried (b) because he was very lucky
(c) because he had everything (d) because he always smiled and was living in a palace of happiness
(ii) What was done after the prince’s death?
(a) His statue was kept in the square (b) he was forgotten
(c) people cried (d) people became corrupt
(iii) Why did the swallow decide to stay with the Happy Prince always?
(a) Because the Happy Prince had a lot of gold.
(b) Because the Happy Prince had given away his sapphires for the poor.
(c) Because the Happy Prince looked very sad now.
(d) Because the Happy Prince had become blind.
(iv)When the Happy Prince was alive; he did not know what______ was.
(a) joys (b) amusements (c) sorrow (d) blessings

(v) A phrasal verb is a verb combined with an adverb, a preposition, or sometimes both, to give a
new meaning. The following line possesses a phrasal verb.
“Where shall I put up?” he said.
Identify the phrasal verb used in the given line and write its meaning.
VII. Read the extracts given below and attempt any ONE by answering the questions that follow.
(5x 1=5)
A. When the humid shadows hover
Overall the starry spheres
And the melancholy darkness
Gently weeps in rainy tears,
What a bliss to press the pillow
Of a cottage-chamber bed
And lie listening to the patter
Of the soft falling rain overhead!
(i) What are the ‘humid shadows’ referred to here?
(a)sky (b)dark clouds
7
 (c)stars (d)heaven
(ii) What is the effect they have on the sky?
(a)Hide the sky (b)Hide the stars
(c)Hide the earth (d)None of these
(iii) Why does the poet call darkness as melancholy?
(a)It makes him aggressive (b)It makes him arrogant
(c)It makes him sad (d)It makes him confused
(iv) What are the two contradictory thoughts expressed by the poet in the given stanza?
(a)The poet contradicts the sky and the land
(b)The poet contradicts rain with drought.
(c ) The poet does not have any contradictory thoughts.
(d)The poet contradicts his previous thoughts of sadness with those of bliss to hear the soft falling
rain.
(v) A ‘transferred epithet’ is a figure of speech created by transferring an epithet. How does the
phrase ‘melancholy darkness’ qualify as a transferred epithet?
OR
B. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.
(i)The first scene conveys the _____________ season.
(a)Rainy (b)Spring
(c)Autumn (d)Summer
(ii)’I’ in these lines refers to ______________.
(a)Robert Frost (b)W.B.Yeats
(c)Coates Kinney (d)James kirkup
(iii)Where did the first road lead to?
(a)Grassland (b)Dense forest
(c)Desert (d)Tropical Forest
(iv)Give the opposite of “meet at a point” from the passage.
(a)Diverged (b)Departed
(c)Developed (d)Subdivided
(v)The rhyme scheme of the given lines is ______________.
(a)ababa; abbaa (b)abbab; aabab
(c)aabba; aabba (d)abaab; abaab

VIII. Answer any FOUR of the following in 40 – 50 words each: (4x 3=12)
i. “Music has no religion.” How did Bismillah Khan’s Shehnai prove it?
ii. The poem ‘The Road Not Taken’, consistently talks about making choices and uncertainty in
human life. What problems of choice and issues of uncertainty does the poet face as reflected in the
poem?
iii. Einstein succeeded in his professional life but failed miserably in his personal life. Why could
Einstein not balance his family and professional lives?
8
Iv. ‘Wind’ is a poem that wonders at the power of nature. Like Shelley’s ‘Ode to the West Wind’, this
poem also describes the destructive nature of wind. How does the poem describe the nature and
strength of the wind in contradiction to human fragility?
V. Technology should not replace human interaction and traditional methods of education. How is
this message delivered in the chapter The Fun They Had?

IX. Answer any TWO of the following in 40 – 50 words each: (2 x 3=6)

i) A good story becomes interesting only when the narrator twists and turns the action to make the
narrative surprising yet plausible. How does Iswaran manage to fulfill these requisites as a master
storyteller and make others believe in his stories?
ii) A folk tale is a tale or legend originating in popular culture and becoming traditional among
people or folk, especially one forming part of the oral tradition of the common people to convey a
message. What essential message is imparted through the chapter In the Kingdom of Fools?
iii) The underlying theme of the story “The Lost Child” is the universality of a child’s desire for
everything that he claps his eyes on. However, another theme dominates the child's childlike
attitude when he gets lost in the fair. Write about your understanding of the obvious change in the
child’s attitude.

X. Answer any ONE of the following in about 100 – 120 words.

(1x6=6)
(i)Even though the story ‘The Little Girl’ is not an Indian one, we can closely associate with it
because the characters portrayed are not unusual in the Indian context. Ours is a patriarchal
society, and authoritative fathers like Kezia's are standard. Comment.
Or
(ii)‘The Road Not Taken' is a timeless masterpiece that inspires readers to reflect on life's choices
and the path they choose to take. Discuss the theme of the poem and comment on the invaluable
life lessons one can derive from it.

XI. Answer any ONE of the following in about 100 – 120 words. (1x6=6)
(i)Write your views in the form of a short paragraph on the topic “Should animals be kept as pets?”
taking reference from the chapter ‘The Adventures of Toto.’
Or
(ii)The story ‘The Happy Prince’ describes the exploitation of the poor and weak by the rich and
affluent. Elaborate on this with various pieces of evidence from the text.