School Academy Kallil Methala Second Midterm Exam Model Questions and Answers STD IX English

Questions 1-5: Read the following excerpt from the travel writing ‘Waiting for Rain’ and answer the questions that follow.

All around me was fear and anxiety, which manifest- ed as a reined-in silence and a determined grip on the seat handles. I must have been the only passen- ger on that flight who was happy with the turbulence. An uneventful flight meant good weather. So, turbu lence meant just one thing-wind currents, and hence the monsoon. After all, I was travelling to Kerala to re- new my acquaintance with the monsoon. For almost six weeks now, the south-west monsoon has been playing hide-and-seek. My daily calls to my parents would begin with the query: “Is it raining there?” This wasn’t a conversation filler as it tends to be, when two people have nothing to say to each other. This was a genuine query, for the answer would determine my next set of questions about leaky roofs, slippery paths, power outages, and the ground cover that, with the rain, would take over the land.

1. “All around me was fear and anxiety.” What was the reason for the fear and anxiety?

2. Why did the turbulence make the author happy?

3. What was the author’s daily query to her parents?

4. Pick out a phrasal verb from the passage that means ‘to replace something.”

5. Find out the word from the passage that indicates “violent or unsteady movement

Read the lines from the poem ‘Walk Alone’ and answer the questions that follow

If everyone turns away, oh my hapless one, If as you walk alone on a dark road. No one joins you on your journey, Then you must crush the thorns in your path With your bleeding feet and walk ahead alone. If no one holds up a light, oh my hapless one, If on a dark, stormy, and rainy night Everyone seeks refuge behind a closed door, Then, with the flame from a roaring lightning Set your own heart on fire And shine alone that many may aspire.

6. Point out the metaphor in the first stanza of the poem.

7. What does the image ‘bleeding feet’ imply?

8. Find out an example of an auditory image from the second stanza of the poem.

9. Which line in the poem represents hope and new beginning?

10. Read the lines from the poem ‘Walk Alone’and prepare an appreciation focusing on its theme and literary devices.

If no one listens to your call- Then you must walk on alone. Move on alone, move on alone, and move on alone. If no one speaks to you oh, oh my hapless one, If everyone turns the other way; if everyone is afraid, Then open your heart and speak out your mind alone.

If everyone turns away, oh my hapless one, If as you walk alone on a dark road. No one joins you on your journey, Then you must crush the thorns in your path With your bleeding feet and walk ahead alone. If no one holds up a light, oh my hapless one, If on a dark, stormy, and rainy night Everyone seeks refuge behind a closed door, Then, with the flame from a roaring lightning Set your own heart on fire And shine alone that many may aspire.

 Read the passage and answer the questions given below. 

The Importance of Biodiversity Biodiversity, or the variety of life on Earth, is essen- tial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Ecosystems provide vital services such as clean air and water, soil formation, and climate regulation. However, human activities like deforestation, pollution, and overhunting have led to a significant decline in bio- diversity. This loss can have severe consequences, including reduced crop yields, decreased water quality, and increased vulnerability to natural disas- ters. The Amazon rainforest, for example, is home to over 40,000 plant species and 1,300 bird species. But with deforestation rates exceeding 20% annual- ly, this biodiversity hotspot is under threat. Similarly, coral reefs, which support a quarter of all marine species, face destruction due to pollution and cli- mate change.Conservation efforts are underway to protect these ecosystems. National parks and wild- life reserves provide safe habitats for endangered species. Sustainable practices like reforestation and eco-tourism also promote biodiversity. Individuals can contribute by reducing their carbon footprint, using eco-friendly products, and supporting conser- vation organizations.

11. What is Biodiversity?

12. What is the percentage of the marine species that live in coral reefs?

13. What is the main threat to the Amazon rain-fortest?

14. Mention the ways in which individuals can contrib- Qu ute to biodiversity conservation.

Answer

Question 1 to 14

1. The turbulence was the reason for the fear and anxiety.

2. The turbulence meant thing wind currents and hence the monsoon, and she was travelling to Kerala to renew her acquaintance with the monsoon.

3. “Is it raining there?”

4. take over

5. turbulence

6. Life is represented as a journey.

7. Sufferings and sacrifices of life

8. Stormy and rainy night

9. ‘And shine alone, that many may aspire.”

10. For ans. refer for this issue.

11. Variety of life on Earth

12. 25%

13. Deforestation, with rates exceeding 20% annually

14. Individuals can contribute to biodiversity conservation by reducing their carbon footprint, using eco-friendly products and supporting conservation organizations

 Answer any ONE of the following  questions. 

15. The process involved in the flawless system of dab- bawalas is a unique service, that has stood the test 21 of time to meet the needs of the city’s diverse pop- ulation. Prepare a write-up in support of your points with evidence from the lesson. (Hints: collect tiffin boxes – sort out – carry through train – Alpha-numerical markings – deliver tiffin – Mumbai – cost of living high – cannot depend on downtown eateries – home cooked meals)

Answer 

15. The Dabbawalas start collecting the tiffin boxes from 8:00 in the morning. They are sorted out office-wise and stacked in crates called ‘trays’. About forty to forty five tiffin carriers fit into a tray. A laden tray weighs 85 to 100 kilos. They are carried to different changing points through train. They offload the trays from the train change them into other trays and then change them again very fast and very accurately. There are alpha-numercal markings on every tiffin carrier and they indicate the location of the flat, the changing points, the delivery points and the dabbawalas in- volved. They deliver the tiffin by 1:00 pm sharp or earlier. They collect the empty tiffin carriers by 2:00 pm and deliver them to the customers by 5:30 in the evening, latest. In the modern society, people often depend on fast food centres or downtown eateries for their daily meals. But in Mumbai, where people from all over India live, each person has their own dietary foibles and taboos. Since the cost of living is very high in Mumbai, people cannot regularly depend on downtown eateries. The unique service of the dab- bawalas has stood the test of time. They meet the needs of the city’s diverse population effectively by delivering hot, home-cooked meals to their customers.

16. The shark attack shattered the surfer in Belhany. In the whirlpool of despair she survived with the support of others. Now, prepare a narration on Bethany’s life. (Hints: 13-year-old professional surfer – shark attack severed left arm – saved – family supported – returned to the surfing world – with one arm)

Answer 

16. Life is unpredictable, and tragedy can strike anyone at any moment. Bethany Hamilton, a 13-year-old professional surfer encountered the attack of a tiger shark while surfing in the ocean at Kauai in the HНа- waii Island state in the United States of America. The attack was sudden and severe leaving Bethany wilh a severed left arm just below the shoulder. Byron and Holt, her friend Alana’s brother and father, rescued her and rushed her to the hospital. DR. Rovinsky, the surgeon explained to Bethany and her Mom that she had lost her left arm and they focusing on saving her life. Her mom stayed by her side the whole time. Her father and brothers supported her with positive and motivational words. Defying medicalexpectations, Bethany recovered remarkably quickly. Her strong faith, family support and determination helped her to overcome the physical and emotional trauma. There was a mob of TV people eagerly waiting to shove microphones in her face. Though she didn’t enjoy being

in the spotlight, she agreed to do interviews for the benefit of others. People approached her for autographs and to be in photo with her. Her friends told her that she was something more than a surfer to the world.

She became a bearer of hope for those who had been handed a bad deal in the card game of life.

Just three weeks after the shark attack, Bethany returned to the sea, learning to surf with one arm. Bethany’s courage and resilience inspired the surfing world. She continued to practise surfing with one arm. She was a bit discouraged when her first couple of tries didn’t work. But her father’s presence in the water with her and his suggestions and motivation helped her adapting new techniques to accommodate her new reality. She had now words to express her joy after she stood up and rode a wave in for the first time after the attack. She was incredibly thankful and happy inside. Bethany proved to herself and others that she could still surf, despite her physical loss, The most significant factor that transformed a tragedy into success in Bethany’s life was her positive attitude. Another crucial element was her resilience which enabled her to bounce back from adversity, adapt to new situations and find ways to overcome obstacles. Moreover her faith helped her find strength. She wrote about her experience in her autobiography, ‘Soul Surfer: A true Story of Faith, Family and Fighting to Get Back on the Board’ which was adapted in to the 2011 feature film, ‘Soul Surfer

Answer any TWO of the following questions. 

17. After the shark attack, Bethany returned to the surfboard with her Dad. It was like learning to surf all over again. Her father supported her with inspiring words. Write the likely conversation between Bethany and her father.

Answer 

17. Father: Bethany, a wave is near, hold on.

Bethany: Dad, I feel like having to learn everything all over again.

Father: Don’t worry. You can do it. Be quick.

Bethany: No father, I’m not able to balance with one arm. I cannot get up.

Father Bethany, try it one more time.

Bethany: Dad, it is not as easy as I thought. I don’t think I can surf again.

Father: Bethany, don’t be discouraged. This one will be it.

Bethany: Okay Dad, I’m trying. Oh! I have just caught the wave. See Dad! I’m standing. I have got the technique.

Father : Well done, my girl. I am sure you will do it again. Congratulations!

Bethany: Thank you, Dad! Thank God! You have helped me a lot Dad. I’m glad, i can surf again.

18. Read the passage given below and prepare five questions based on it

The hijackers had gained access to the aircraft posing as airport security personnel. After the pas- sengers and crew boarded the aircraft in Karachi, the hijackers took control of the plane. The incident lasted around seventeen hours and the passengers and crew were held hostage. The passengers were from various countries, including the United States. The hijackers demanded the release of certain pris- oners and threatened to kill the passengers if their demands were not met. Neerja, the senior flight purs- er, played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the passengers. She managed to hide the passports of American passengers, preventing the hijackers from identifying them. This helped save lives as they were targeting Americans. As hours passed, tension esca- lated. The hijackers became increasingly agitated, and the situation grew more and more dangerous. Neerja’s leadership and quick thinking were instrumental in guiding the passengers to escape through emergency exits, taking advantage of the chaos and confusion.

Answer 

18.

1. How did the hijackers gain access to the aircraft?

2. What was the demand of the hijackers?

3. What did they threaten to do if their demands were not met?

4. Whom did they target in particular?

5. How did Neerja Bhanot prevent the hijackers from identifying American passengers?

19. Anita Nair was waiting for the arrival of the monsoon. But the monsoon was reluctant to come. Finally the monsoon announced its arrival by drumming on her tile roof. What emotions and sensations did the author expenience when the monsoon finally arrived. Prepare the possible diary entry of Anita Nair.

Answer 

19. Saturday, July 18, 2019 Finally, the monsoon, like a much awaited visitor arrived. It was like the arrival of the prodigal son, who came back home after along time. I was awakened by the drumming of the downpour on my tile roof. I felt immensely happy. I pulled the sheet to my chin, snuggled deeper into the bed, listening to the lullaby of the rain. It was one of the many pleasures of the monsoon. When I woke up at daybreak, the music of the rain was still playing. I made a cup of tea and sat on the swing seat on the verandah watching the rain as if it were an exotic migratory bird. I was afraid to even sigh in pleasure, for I might frighten it away. I wondered what tales each raindrop held. What gifts would it offer? The magic of the monsoon resonated in me as a sense af well-being. The world seemed a truly beautiful place to me.

Answer any THREE of the following questions. 

20. The news of the shark attack on Bethany Hamilton was reported by the leading dailies. Prepare a likely News report to be published in one of the dailies.

Answer 

20.

SHARK ATTACK, Surfer Bethany Hamilton Loses Her Arm

– By Jennifer Vinson, Sports Reporter..

Honolulu, Hawaii October 31, 2003. Bethany Hamilton, 13-year-old surfing sensation miraculously survived a tiger shark attack of the coast of Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii, yesterday morning but When: lost her left arm in the horrific incident. Hamilton a rising star in pro- fessional surfing, was attacked by a tiger shark while surfing with her friends yesterday morning around 7:30 am. Her left arm had been bitten off almost to the shoulder. She was rushed to the hospital and underwent an emergency surgery. The incident has sent shock waves through the surfing community, with many expressing support for Hamilton’s recovery. “I’m just grateful to be alive. I’m looking forward to getting back in the water and continuing to pursue my pas- sion” said Hamilton. “Bethany’s courage and resilience are an inspiration to us all,” Tom Hamilton said.

21.Bethany faced the shark attack when she was thirteen. She achieved her dream of returning to the surfboard because of her strong will. Prepare a char- acter sketch of Bethany Hamilton.

Answer 

21. Bethany Hamilton is a rising star in professional surf- ing. She hails from the Hawaii Island state of the United States of America. She is an extraordinary woman whose life is a testament to resilience and tenacity. At the age of 13, she faced a life-altering shark attack while surfing which lost her left arm. Remark-ably, within a month, Bethany returned to surfing, and with unwavering determination she went on to achieve remarkable success as a professional surfer, defying the odds and becoming an inspiration to many. Her emotional strength, resilience and perseverance are extraordinary which led her to triumph over adversity. It was not easy for a girl of 13 years to accept the reality that she had lost her left arm. Though the shark attack shattered the surfer in Bethany, she came out of the w mimpool of despair with the support of her fam-ily. While at hospital, she tried to console herself and regain her self-confidence. She achieved her dream of returning to the surfboard because of her strong will and determination; she is an inspirational leader who motivates others through her story and a role model of courage and resilience for young athletes. Her optimism and unwavering faith are remarkable

22. Prepare a profile of Neerja Bhanot from the given data.

Born : 7 September 1963, Chandigarh, India

Nationality: Indian

Alma mater: St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

Occupation: Flight attendant

Employer: Pan American World Airways

Known for saving passengers on board Pan Am Flight 73, which had been hijacked

Death : 5 September 1986 (aged 22) Karachi i Airport, Pakistan

Awards: “Ashoka Chakra 1987 (India) Tamgha-e-Pakistan 1987 (Pakistan) Flight Safety Foun- dation Heroism Award 1987 (United States)

23. The remarkable efficiency of the dabbawalas is truly admirable. As the secretary of a youth welfare organ- iv isation of your locality, you decide to write a letter to the office bearers of the dabbawala association, expressing your sincere appréciation of their service. Draft the letter.

Answer 

23. Aswin T. S. Secretary Youth Welfare Organisation Chennai

25 November 2024

The President

Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association

Dadar, Mumbai

Sub: – A note of appreciation for your outstanding work

Sir,

I am Aswin, secretary of the youth welfare organistion, Chennai. At the last meeting of our members, we had a useful discussion on how to find employment for the unemployed youth of our locality. Our Mayor was also present at the meeting. He said that he was greatly impressed by the work of dabbawalas in Mumbai, and suggested that a similar initiative should be started in Chennai as well. We have formed a team to study your system in detail. We are greatly impressed by the discipline, efficiency and profes- sionalism of your system. The commitment of the members of your organisation is truly admirable. Your organisational skills are outstanding. On behalf of the Youth Welfare Organization, Chennai, I congratulate all of you on continuing your commendable service for the benefit of everyone in your city, and we do appreciate your hard work and dedicated service. Yours faithfully

Sd/-

Aswin

 

24. Read the conversation between the President of the Mumbai Tiffin Box suppliers association and the author given below and complete the sentences that follow.

Author : How do you know which tiffin carrier goes into which tray?

President: We have alpha-numerical markings on every tiffin carrier.

The author asked ………(a)…

The president replied.

25. Edit the following passage.

My parents too had an (a) rough lime, neither (b) them were of (c) able to work at (d) at (d) almost three months.

26. Complete the following using appropriate forms of the phrase given in brackets. 

I. To commemorate her courage, Neerja’s family (a)…… the Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust.

II. He…..(b)…. his long grey sleeve rash guard and tied it around the stub of my arm.

III. Holt told me to keep talking to him to make sure that I didn’t….. (c)…… in the middle of the ocean.

IV. We learned that all dabbawalas are…..(d)…. rigorous training.

(put on, took off, set off, pass out, put through)

27. Complete the following passage choosing suit- able words given in brackets.

It came literally out (a) the blue. I had no warning(b) all. Not even the slighted hint of danger (c) the horizon. It was like swimming (d) (at, about, in, on, from, of) a pool.

28. Fill in the blanks using the words ets. given in brack- 

i. The plane experienced severe (a) flight causing passengers to panic during the

ii. The siblings had a (b) relationship sharing secrets and supporting each other.

(light-knit, open-minded, turbulence)

29. Read the converstation between Sneha, the editor of Choice School’s magazine and Anita Nair and complete it suitably. 

Sneha : Hello, Is this Ms. Anita Nair?

Anita Nair: Yes, speaking.(a)———–

Sneha Ma’am I’m Sneha, the editor of Choice School’s magazine.

Anita Nair: (b)————- ?

Sneha : Quite recently you shared your experience with Kerala Monsoon, (c)—————–?  We would like to have an interview with you. 

Anita Nair: Okay. If you suggest me a few tendative dates for the interview, (d)——————

30. In the hospital Bethany went though a current of emotions. Complete the thought overflowed her mind. 

i. I wish…………

 ii. I wish …………

Answer

Questions 24 to 30 given below

24. The author asked how they knew which tiffin carrier went into which tray.

The president replied that they had alpha-numerical markings on every tiffin carrier.

25.

a. a

b. Neither

c. was

d. for

26, i. set up ii. took off iii. pass out iv. put through

27.

a. of

b. at

c. on

d. in

28.

a. turbulence

b. light-knit

29.

a. May I know who is speaking?

b. How can I help you?

c. didn’t you?

d. I shall choose one of the dates

30. i. I wish I were at the tides now.

ii. I wish I hadn’t gone to surf that day.