RUCHIKA HIGH SCHOOL 1ST TERMINAL EXAMINATION 2026-27 ENGLISH LANGUAGE

 

RUCHIKA HIGH SCHOOL 1ST TERMINAL EXAMINATION 2026-27

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

(ENGLISH PAPER-1)

CLASS-IX Maximum Marks:80

Time allowed: Two hours.

Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.

 

The time given at the head of this paper is the time allowed for writing the answers This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.

 

Attempt all five questions.

 

The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [] You are advised to spend not more than 30 minutes in answering Question1 and 20 minutes in answering Question. 2.

 

Q 1. Write a composition (in 350 words) on any one of the following: [20]

(a) Love makes mothers cook thousands of meals without pay, or get up from bed endless times. Narrate an incident when your mother's sacrifice has made a lasting impression on you. Also mention in what ways it has impacted you.

(b) Write an original short story which illustrates the truth of the statement: "Man is often consumed by his pride."

(c) "Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master." Express your views in favour or against the statement.

 

Q 2. Select any one of the following: [10]

a) You, along with your family, plan to visit the hill resort of Manali in the state of Himachal Pradesh during your autumn break. Write a letter to the Tourism Department, Himachal Pradesh Tourism, enquiring about the easiest route, availability of rooms, and tariff for a seven day stay. Also enquire about the other necessary details to make your trip meaningful.

 

(b) You borrowed a book from a classmate few months back. You now realise your classmate is in another city and you still have the book. Write a letter to him/her apologizing for the mistake and say how you plan to return the book.

 

Q 3.

(a) Your school is preparing for the 'Eclectic Craft Exhibition'. Draft a notice for the school notice board asking the class monitors from Class V to X to submit the work received from the students of each class. [5]

*Eclectic Craft Exhibition means:

An exhibition that displays a wide variety of crafts collected from different styles, traditions, cultures, materials, or techniques rather than focusing on just one type.

(b) Write an e-mail to a renowned Craft Artist requesting him/her to inaugurate the Craft Exhibition to be held in your school. [5]

 

Q 4. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

 

Jenny Ringsted needed something to occupy her mind. Brendon, her husband. was out and she was fretting alone about the rows they'd been having due to dire financial problems. They were living on a pittance. They fought over silly things like Brendon having a can of beer.

 

Having nothing better to do, she decided to clean out her handbag. She picked up a folded lottery ticket, bought two weeks earlier. She decided to check it out on the internet. Her heart raced: she had five matching numbers (Rs. 52 lakh) win. a £66,364

 

She phoned Brendon. He was ecstatic, but not because the fortune meant a comfortable lifestyle or a luxury car. Without even discussing it, they both knew most of it would go into a not-for-profit project they had been planning to get off the ground in Gambia that they felt was a foolish dream.

 

They had fallen in love with The Gambia during a holiday in 2004. The locals had to carry water from the rivers, and walk long distances to school. But, they were good neighbours, cared for their elders, and the children would never dream of vandalizing property. "We British could learn a lot from them," Jenny observed. At that time Jenny called the family together and told them, "I want to do something special in Gambia in West Africa. I want to make a difference in our lives."

 

She showed her excitement. Brendon felt the same and so did Jo and Butch Preece, Jenny's parents. They decided to set up a not-for-profit residential education centre in the coastal village of Gunjir. British and other tourists started coming to meet Gambians, learn their dances, music and attitude to life. They were also encouraged to do voluntary work in the local community such as teaching children and aiding in environmental projects. They had all the skills necessary for the project to work. What was lacking was money and building. In rural Africa, the four decided to live in one house and rent out the other and got a loan of £70,000 on their house. In Gambia, there was no running water or electricity, very little local public transport, construction costs spiralled. They needed a vehicle to ferry guests. The family had put in all their money but still were £20,000 short. They couldn't go forward and there was no way out. "Anything's worth a try," she thought. She was told by her father, "You know you can keep the money for yourself," when she first won.

In 2006 the two families took unpaid leave from their job and got into the project full time. They had lots of problems but in January 2007 work was completed and the centre started. They bought a 12-seater vehicle for guests. Children from all over visited Gunjir and have learnt how easy it is to make a difference in the world. Money poured in from all sides as people saw selfless work.

 

(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage): [2]

(1) pittance

(2) vandalizing

(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word 'commercial"? [1]

(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words:

(a) Why did Jenny and Brendon have a problem with their marriage? [2]

(b) Why were they ecstatic? [2]

(c) What problems did the Gambians have? [2]

(d) What problems did the couple have when they started on their projects? [2]

(e) How were the problems solved ultimately? [1]

(iv) In not more than 50 words of your own, explain how the Ringsteds were totally selfless people who served others. [8]

Q 5

(a) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage, but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space: [4]

At Hawaii, Cook and his men .........(1).......... (find) rest and fresh food after the hardships of their long and bitter voyage. The Hawaiians were very friendly and (2)........... (treat) Cook as a god, and the two ships ..(3).......... (remain) for some time, .......(4).......... (take) fresh supplies of food and water and ............(5)........... (repair) the weather-beaten ships. At last, in February 1779, they ..........(6)........... (leave); but soon after, a gale …………(7)…… (damage) the foremast of the ship and they.........(8)…… (force) to return to Hawaii.

[* Hawaii is a U.S. state located in the central North Pacific Ocean.

Here are some key facts:

·       It is about 3,200 km (2,000 miles) southwest of the mainland United States (California).

·       It is the 50th state of the United States.

·       It is an archipelago (a group of islands) consisting of 137 islands, though 8 main islands are the most well known.

·       The capital is Honolulu, located on the island of Oʻahu.]

 

(b) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words. [4]

(1) The cliff hangs ………………. the sea.

(2) The repairman climbed ………………. the ladder to reach the roof.

(3) The boy ………………. red hair is the culprit.

(4) Cloth is sold ………………. the yard.

(5) You must abide ………………. the regulations of the school.

(6) Smita was cautioned ………………. believing rumours.

(7) I found it difficult to cope …………Mathematics at the advanced level.

(8) Do not subscribe ………………. the idea that all men are born equal.

(c) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using 'and' 'but' or 'so'. [4]

1. He is not happy with his relatives. He is not happy with his friends.

2. They were waiting for the bus. They saw two cars collide.

3. I spoke to the Chief Clerk. He was a friendly, helpful man.

4. We were thirsty. We wanted some water to drink.

(d) Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each sentence in brackets. Do not change the meaning of the sentences and ensure they are grammatically correct. [8]

1. The District Magistrate declared Friday as a holiday.

(End: ……...District Magistrate.)

2. He says, "God might give us strength to serve our country."

(End: ……………. country.)

3. I did not intend to offend you.

(Use: intentionally)

4. Sara is the cleverest pupil in the class.

(End: ……………. Sara)

5. As soon as the bell rings, the students run out of their classes.

(Begin: No ..........)

6. If you want me to help you, you must listen to me carefully.

(Begin: Unless ...........)

7. Nothing has changed in the last twenty years in this village.

roof.

(Begin: Everything..........)

8. Though he woke up early, he missed the train.

(Begin: Despite...........)

ANSWER KEYS TO CHANGE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES FROM DIRECT SPEECH INTO INDIRECT SPEECH.

 ANSWER KEYS TO CHANGE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES FROM DIRECT SPEECH INTO INDIRECT SPEECH.

CHANGE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES FROM DIRECT SPEECH INTO INDIRECT SPEECH.

Change the following sentences from Direct Speech into Indirect Speech.

 A. ASSERTIVE SENTENCES (1)

1.    Rahul said, "I write letters."

2.    The teacher said, "The students are listening carefully."

3.    My uncle said, "I have completed the project."

4.    Anita said, "I have been waiting for two hours."

5.    The captain said, "We won the match yesterday."

6.    The doctor said, "The patient did not take the medicine."

7.    Grandmother said, "You were not sleeping."

8.    The scientist said, "The machine has not been working properly."

9.    The manager said, "We will start the meeting today."

10. My neighbour said, "I would not have helped without your advice."

A. ASSERTIVE SENTENCES (2)

1.    Rahul said, "I write letters every week." (Will not change – habitual action.)

2.    Anita said, "I visit my grandparents every Sunday." (Will not change – regular routine.)

3.    Mohan said, "I play chess after dinner." (Will not change – habit.)

4.    Riya said, "I drink two glasses of milk every day." (Will not change – daily habit.)

5.    The teacher said, "The Earth revolves around the Sun." (Will not change – universal truth.)

6.    The scientist said, "Water boils at 100°C." (Will not change – scientific fact.)

7.    Grandfather said, "Honesty is the best policy." (Will not change – proverb/general truth.)

8.    The principal said, "The school opens at 8 a.m." (Will not change – fixed timetable.)

9.    The guide said, "The museum closes at 6 p.m." (Will not change – fixed schedule.)

10. The doctor said, "Exercise keeps the body healthy." (Will not change – general fact.)

These will change (Simple Present, but not expressing a general truth or habit)

11. Rahul said, "I like this book." (Will change – present feeling/opinion.)

12. Meena said, "I know the answer." (Will change – present state of knowledge.)

13. Amit said, "I need your help." (Will change – present need.)

14. Seema said, "I live in Pune." (Will change – present situation.)

15. Father said, "I work in a bank." (Will change – present employment.)

16. She said, "I want a new dress." (Will change – present desire.)

17. The child said, "I feel hungry." (Will change – present feeling.)

18. Ravi said, "I believe you." (Will change – present belief.)

19. The customer said, "I prefer tea to coffee." (Will change – personal preference.)

20. Neha said, "I remember your birthday." (Will change – present mental state.)

Key Rule: Simple Present does NOT change when it expresses:

·       Habit or routine

·       Universal truth

·       Scientific fact

·       Proverb or general truth

·       Fixed timetable/schedule

Simple Present DOES change when it expresses:

·       A present action, state, feeling, opinion, preference, possession, need, or situation specific to the speaker.

B. IMPERATIVE SENTENCES (1)

1.    Father said to me, "Study regularly."

2.    The coach said to the players, "Run faster."

3.    The librarian said to the visitors, "Maintain silence."

4.    Mother said to Riya, "Close the window."

5.    The judge said to the police, "Arrest the culprit."

6.    The principal said to the students, "Do not waste your time."

7.    The guide said to the tourists, "Do not touch the paintings."

8.    My brother said to me, "Do not leave me alone."

9.    The nurse said to the patient, "Do not remove the bandage."

10. The officer said to the soldiers, "Do not fire."

B. IMPERATIVE SENTENCES WITH ("LET") (2)
1. Father said to me, "Let him enter the room." (Permission)
2. The teacher said to the students, "Let Rohan answer the question." (Permission)
3. Rahul said to his friends, "Let's play football." (Suggestion)
4. The captain said to the players, "Let's practise for another hour." (Proposal)
5. The prisoner said to the guard, "Let me meet my family." (: Request)
6. The child said to his mother, "Let me go to the park." (Request)
7. The officer said to the soldiers, "Let no one leave the camp." (Order)
8. The judge said to the police, "Let the accused be produced before the court." (Command)
9. The priest said, "Let there be peace in the world." (Prayer)
10. The old woman said, "Let God bless every child." (Blessing / Prayer)

C. YES/NO (VERBAL) INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES

1.    Ramesh said to me, "Do you play cricket?"

2.    The inspector said to the driver, "Did you see the accident today?"

3.    Seema said to her friend, "Are you feeling better now?"

4.    The professor said to the students, "Have you finished your assignments?"

5.    The tourist said to the guide, "Will the museum open tomorrow?"

6.    The mother said to her son, "Do you not like milk?"

7.    The officer said to the clerk, "Did you not send the letter?"

8.    The doctor said to the patient, "Are you not feeling well?"

9.    The journalist said to the actor, "Have you not signed the agreement?"

10. The customer said to the shopkeeper, "Will you not replace this item?"

D. WH-INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES

1.    Mohan said to me, "Where do you live?"

2.    The child said to his father, "Why did the train stop?"

3.    The teacher said to the monitor, "Who has broken the window?"

4.    The visitor said to know, "When will the programme begin?"

5.    The detective said to the witness, "How had the thief escaped?"

6.    The officer said to the guard, "When did you lock the gate?"

7.    The mother said to her daughter, "What are you eating now?"

8.    The manager said to the accountant, "Why have you not submitted the report till today?"

9.    The coach said to the player, "Who will not participate in tomorrow’s match?"

10. The lawyer said to the accused, "Why have you not informed the police yet?"

E. EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES (1)

1.    Rita said, "What a beautiful flower it is!"

2.    The tourists said, "How wonderful this palace is!"

3.    My sister said, "What a pleasant surprise!"

4.    The audience said, "How brilliantly she sings!"

5.    The old man said, "What a glorious victory!"

6.    The boy said, "How unfortunate I am!"

7.    The woman said, "What a terrible mistake!"

8.    The child said, "How sad this story is!"

9.    The farmer said, "What dreadful weather we have been facing!"

10. The passengers said, "How horrible the accident was!"

E. EXCLAMATORY SENTENCES (2) (WITH INTERJECTIONS)

Common Interjections and Their Senses

Wow! :- exclaimed with admiration / surprise

Oh! :- exclaimed with surprise / dismay (depends on context)

Ouch! :- exclaimed in pain

Ah! :- exclaimed with realization / satisfaction / relief (depends on context)

Hurrah! :- exclaimed with joy / triumph / celebration

Hurray! :- exclaimed with joy / triumph / celebration

Alas! :- exclaimed with sorrow / grief / regret

Bravo! :- applauded / praised

Good heavens! :- exclaimed with horror / shock / astonishment

My goodness! :- exclaimed with surprise / astonishment

Phew! :- exclaimed with relief

Yippee! :- exclaimed with delight / excitement

Aha! :- exclaimed with discovery / sudden understanding

Ugh! :- exclaimed with disgust

Oops! :- admitted the mistake / exclaimed with regret

Excellent! :- exclaimed with approval / appreciation

Yikes! :- exclaimed with fear / alarm

Shh! :- urged (someone) to keep silence / told (someone) to be quiet

Psst! :- called out softly to attract someone's attention

Ahem! :- cleared his/her throat to attract attention

Interjection :- Indirect Speech

1.    Wow! :- exclaimed with admiration / surprise

2.    Oh! :- exclaimed with surprise / dismay (depends on context)

3.    Ouch! :- exclaimed in pain

4.    Ah! :- exclaimed with realization / satisfaction / relief (depends on context)

5.    Hurrah! :- exclaimed with joy / triumph / celebration

6.    Hurray! :- exclaimed with joy / triumph / celebration

7.    Alas! :- exclaimed with sorrow / grief / regret

8.    Bravo! :- applauded / praised

9.    Good heavens! :- exclaimed with horror / shock / astonishment

10. My goodness! :- exclaimed with surprise / astonishment

11. Phew! :- exclaimed with relief

12. Yippee! :- exclaimed with delight / excitement

13. Aha! :- exclaimed with discovery / sudden understanding

14. Ugh! :- exclaimed with disgust

15. Oops! :- admitted the mistake / exclaimed with regret

16. Excellent! :- exclaimed with approval / appreciation

17. Yikes! :- exclaimed with fear / alarm

18. Shh! :- urged (someone) to keep silence / told (someone) to be quiet

19. Psst! :- called out softly to attract someone's attention

20. Ahem! :- cleared his/her throat to attract attention

1. Wow! (Admiration / Surprise)

1.    Rahul said, "Wow! This waterfall is magnificent."

2.    The teacher said, "Wow! You have solved the puzzle correctly."

3.    Meera said, "Wow! I never expected such a wonderful gift."

4.    The tourists said, "Wow! What a breathtaking view!"

2. Oh!

(A) Dismay

1.    Riya said, "Oh! I have forgotten my passport."

2.    Father said, "Oh! We have missed the last train."

3.    Aman said, "Oh! My wallet is missing."

(B) Surprise

4.    Neha said, "Oh! You are here already!"

5.    The children said, "Oh! It is snowing!"

6.    Mother said, "Oh! You cooked dinner yourself!"

(C) Understanding

7.    Ravi said, "Oh! Now I understand your idea."

8.    The student said, "Oh! So this is how the machine works."

3. Ouch! (Pain)

1.    The boy said, "Ouch! My finger is bleeding."

2.    The player said, "Ouch! I have twisted my ankle."

3.    Grandma said, "Ouch! My back hurts badly."

4. Ah!

(A) Realization

1.    Anita said, "Ah! Now I know the answer."

2.    The detective said, "Ah! I have found the real culprit."

(B) Satisfaction

3.    Grandfather said, "Ah! This tea tastes wonderful."

4.    The traveller said, "Ah! What a peaceful place!"

(C) Relief

5.    Father said, "Ah! The electricity has returned."

6.    The doctor said, "Ah! The patient is out of danger."

5. Hurrah! / Hurray!

(A) Joy

1.    The children shouted, "Hurrah! We have won the match."

2.    The team cried, "Hurray! We are the champions!"

3.    Rohan said, "Hurrah! Our holidays begin tomorrow."

(B) Celebration

4.    Everyone shouted, "Hurray! India has won the trophy!"

5.    The villagers cried, "Hurrah! The bridge has finally opened."

6. Alas!

(A) Sorrow

1.    The old man said, "Alas! My best friend is dead."

2.    She said, "Alas! We have lost the match."

(B) Regret

3.    Mohan said, "Alas! I cannot help you now."

4.    The farmer said, "Alas! The crops have been destroyed by the storm."

7. Bravo! (Praise)

1.    The judge said, "Bravo! Your performance was outstanding."

2.    The audience shouted, "Bravo! What a brilliant speech!"

3.    The coach said, "Bravo! You played wonderfully."

8. Good heavens!

(A) Shock

1.    Mother said, "Good heavens! The kitchen is on fire!"

2.    The teacher said, "Good heavens! Who broke the window?"

(B) Horror

3.    The traveller said, "Good heavens! The bridge has collapsed."

4.    The doctor said, "Good heavens! The patient has stopped breathing."

9. My goodness!

(A) Surprise

1.    Father said, "My goodness! You have grown so tall!"

2.    She said, "My goodness! What a beautiful necklace!"

(B) Astonishment

3.    The teacher said, "My goodness! Everyone has passed."

4.    The visitor said, "My goodness! This palace is enormous."

10. Phew! (Relief)

1.    Ramesh said, "Phew! I finally found my keys."

2.    The climber said, "Phew! We reached the top safely."

3.    Mother said, "Phew! The storm has passed."

11. Yippee!

(A) Delight

1.    The children shouted, "Yippee! We are going to the zoo!"

2.    Tina said, "Yippee! I stood first in the class!"

(B) Excitement

3.    The fans shouted, "Yippee! Our team has qualified for the final!"

4.    The little girl cried, "Yippee! It's my birthday today!"

12. Aha!

(A) Discovery

1.    The detective said, "Aha! I have found the missing necklace."

2.    The scientist said, "Aha! This is the missing formula."

(B) Sudden Understanding

3.    Rahul said, "Aha! Now I understand the trick."

4.    The student said, "Aha! I know how to solve this problem."

13. Ugh! (Disgust)

1.    The child said, "Ugh! This medicine tastes awful."

2.    She said, "Ugh! The room smells terrible."

3.    The tourist said, "Ugh! The water is dirty."

14. Oops!

(A) Mistake

1.    Ravi said, "Oops! I pressed the wrong button."

2.    The girl said, "Oops! I dropped the glass."

(B) Regret

3.    Mohit said, "Oops! I sent the message to the wrong person."

4.    Mother said, "Oops! I forgot to lock the door."

15. Excellent! (Approval)

1.    The teacher said, "Excellent! Your handwriting has improved."

2.    The coach said, "Excellent! That was a perfect shot."

3.    The manager said, "Excellent! You completed the project on time."

16. Yikes!

(A) Fear

1.    The child said, "Yikes! There is a snake in the garden."

2.    The tourist said, "Yikes! That dog is chasing me."

(B) Alarm

3.    Mother said, "Yikes! The milk is boiling over!"

4.    The driver said, "Yikes! The brakes are not working!"

17. Shh! (Silence)

1.    The librarian said, "Shh! Please keep quiet."

2.    Mother said, "Shh! The baby is sleeping."

3.    The teacher said, "Shh! Do not make any noise."

18. Psst! (Attracting Attention)

1.    Rahul whispered, "Psst! Come here for a moment."

2.    The boy said, "Psst! Listen carefully."

3.    She whispered, "Psst! Don't tell anyone."

19. Ahem! (Clearing the Throat)

1.    The principal said, "Ahem! May I have your attention, please?"

2.    The speaker said, "Ahem! Let us begin the meeting."

3.    Grandfather said, "Ahem! I have something important to say."

A Mixed Practice Set

1.    She said, "Wow! What a lovely garden!"

2.    He said, "Oh! I forgot my homework."

3.    The child cried, "Ouch! My knee is bleeding."

4.    The detective said, "Aha! The mystery is solved."

5.    The players shouted, "Hurrah! We have won the championship!"

6.    The old woman said, "Alas! My house has been destroyed."

7.    The audience shouted, "Bravo! What a performance!"

8.    The climber said, "Phew! We escaped safely."

9.    The teacher said, "Excellent! You deserve full marks."

10. The librarian said, "Shh! Others are studying."

F. OPTATIVE SENTENCES

1.    The priest said to the child, "May God bless you!"

2.    Grandfather said to me, "May you succeed in life!"

3.    The teacher said to the students, "May you prosper always!"

4.    The audience said to the singer, "May you achieve great success!"

5.    The villagers said, "May peace prevail everywhere!"

6.    The king said to the traitor, "May you never find happiness!"

7.    The old woman said to the thief, "May you never prosper!"

8.    The hermit said, "May no one suffer from hunger!"

9.    The mother said, "May my son never fall into bad company!"

10. The saint said, "May no child ever remain uneducated!"

G. GREETINGS, COURTESIES & SOCIAL EXPRESSIONS

1. The students said to the teacher, "Good morning, Sir." (Greeting)
2. Riya said to her aunt, "Good evening, Aunt." (Greeting)
3. The guests said to the host, "Good night." (Greeting)
4. The children said to their grandparents, "Happy New Year!" (Greeting / Wish)
5. My friend said to me, "Congratulations on your success!" (Congratulation)
6. The audience said to the singer, "Well done!" (Praise / Appreciation)
7. The customer said to the shopkeeper, "Thank you very much." (Gratitude / Thanks)
8. The shopkeeper said to the customer, "You are welcome." (Response to Thanks / Courtesy)
9. The child said to his mother, "Sorry, I broke the vase." (Apology)
10. The teacher said to the students, "Good afternoon, everyone." (Greeting)
11. The principal said to the chief guest, "Welcome to our school." (Welcome)
12. The girl said to her friend, "Excuse me for stepping on your foot." (Courtesy / Apology)
13. The coach said to the player, "Best of luck for the final match." (Good Wish)
14. The parents said to their son, "Happy Birthday!" (Birthday Wish)
15. The neighbours said to the family, "Happy Diwali!" (Festival Greeting)
16. The principal said to the winners, "Keep it up!" (Encouragement / Appreciation)
17. The customer said to the waiter, "Please accept my compliments. The food is excellent." (Compliment / Appreciation)
18. The old lady said to the little child, "God bless you, my child." (Blessing)
19. The teacher said to the students, "Have a nice day." (Farewell Wish)
20. The neighbours said to the family, "Merry Christmas!" (Festival Greeting)
21. The doctor said to the patient, "Get well soon." (Wish for Recovery)
22. The receptionist said to the visitors, "Please come again." (Courtesy / Invitation)