Wednesday, 24 September 2025

SDM'S ANSWER KEY TO LANGUAGE PAPER, 1ST TERMINAL, 2025, RUCHIKA HIGH SCHOOL


RUCHIKA HIGH SCHOOL1st TERMINAL EXAMINATION 2025-26

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

                   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 Question 1 and 20 minutes in answering Question 2.

Question. 1                                                                                    [20 Marks]

Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.

Write a composition (350 words) on any one of the following topics:

a) Narrate a blood-chilling experience that you and your family had during one of your vacations.

b) “Happiness is impossible without money.” Express your views either for or against this statement.

c) Write an original short story in which a poor labourer wins a lottery that changes his/her life.

Question 2                                                                                  [10 Marks]

Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.

Select one of the following questions.

a) Your grandparents live in a very remote but beautiful village. Write a letter to a friend who lives abroad, describing the village vividly and explaining why you find it so different and beautiful.

b) There is no bus stop in your locality. Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner of your town/city complaining about the problem. Offer possible solutions.

Question 3

a) You are the cultural secretary of your school. Write a notice for the school notice board summoning the students to participate in the Inter-School Drama Competition.                                                                                            [5]

b) Write an email to the Principal of your neighbouring school to send a team to participate in the inter-School Dramatic Competition.

Question 4

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: [20]

At around half past ten, as I was speaking to Animesh Sen, I noticed Mrs. Mukherjee come out of the dining room with a covered tray in her hands and walk towards the corridor. Animesh Sen still seemed upset about how freely Preeti and my uncle were talking to each other, throwing stern glances at them every now and then. Almost in a bid to put his mind at ease, I asked him about his father. The trick seemed to work, because he spoke at length about his father and his friendship with Mr. Mukherjee. "I was very close to my father, Mr. Ray." he eventually said, "and he was very fond of your uncle. It's not without reason that I'm worried about him."

The conversation could not continue because my uncle and Janardan Maity joined us.

I'm so happy you came, Prakash. Are you enjoying yourself?" my uncle asked. I told him how lonely my usual weekends were and what a great party this was. Janardan Maity had just made a comment on how a reader is never alone and begun to elucidate his point, when suddenly, he seemed to have seen something and his face turned grave. I turned around to see what the matter was and saw Arun Mitra staggering into the hall from around the comer. His face had become almost white as if he had seen a ghost.

Mr. Rajendra Mukherjee anxiously brushed past everyone and knelt beside Arun, who was still in a state of shock. "What happened to you, Arun?" he asked. Arun looked up at his master's face in a trance, and stared into it for several seconds. Slowly, an expression of horror descended upon his face and with great effort in an almost unrecognizable voice, he somehow managed to speak a few words: "Mrs. Mukherjee………. Corridor……."

Devendra Mukherjee immediately ran towards the corridor that led to the interior of the house. An expression of horror and a fear for the obvious crept into the already anxious face to Rajendra Mukherjee. He struggled to get up on his feet, and once he managed to stand up, he tried to run towards the corridor, Janardan Maity screamed at him, "No, Mukherjee!" Then he tugged at my arm and whispered into my ear, "Stay with your uncle. Don't leave his side, no matter what,” and made a dash towards the corridor

I held my uncle's hand as he staggered, his legs clearly failing him. I put his arm around my shoulder to support him. We turned around the comer and stepped into the corridor.

I will try to describe the sight that met my eyes when I entered the corridor.

The corridor was quite wide, almost seven-eight feet wide. There was only one door to the left, which led to the kitchen. This door was now shut. On the right, there were two doors, one after the other. I knew about the last door, the one farthest from the spot where I was standing-that door opened into Narendra Mukherjee's room. After crossing that room, the corridor continued for another six feet or so before it took a sharp turn to the left and disappeared into the interior of the bungalow. It was at this turn, that I saw a pair of legs on the floor, peeping out of the corner. The colour of the churidaar was unmistakable. I had heard Nandita Chaudhuri admire Mrs Mukherjee's dress less than an hour ago. One of the sandals had come off her feet, the other still managed to cling on to her big toe. She seemed to be lying on her back. Janardan Maity was standing next to the body with a grimace (frown) on his face and I heard Devendra Mukherjee's voice say, "No, she's dead."

a) For each word given below choose the correct meaning as used in the passage.                                                                                                     [2]

1. bid           2. elucidate

b) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word difficulty'? [1]

c) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words:

(i) What did the narrator notice while speaking to Animesh?                     [2]

(ii) What did the narrator do to put Animesh's mind at ease? Did the trick [2] work?

(iii) Why could the narrator and Animesh Sen not continue their conversation?  [1]

(iv) When did Janardan Maity's face turn grave? [2]

(v) Who were entrusted with the task of taking care of the narrator's uncle and by whom? [2]

d) In not more than 50 words, describe how it was discovered that Mrs Mukherjee was dead. [8]

Question 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]

Example: (0) One night four college students ……….. (be) out partying late and did not study for the test scheduled for the next day.

Answer: were

In the morning, they (i)……….. (think) of a plan. They (ii) ………..(make) themselves look dirty with grease and dirt. Then they (iii) ………(go) to the Dean and (iv)……….(say) they (v) ………..(go) out to a wedding last night and on their way back the tyre of their car burst and they had to push the car all the way back.

They (vi) ………(thank) him and said they would be ready.

On the day of the test, they were made to sit in separate rooms. They agreed as they (vii) ……………prepare) well. But they (viii) ………..(get) a rude shock!

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

(i) A bird …………hand is worth two in the bush.

(ii) The boy is crazy …………..football

(iii) She was tired ………..fighting and struggling all the time.

(iv) He opted …………..of the race.

(v) We borrowed the bikes …………… our uncle.

(vi) The police station is………… the right.

(vii) I looked at the stars …………… the telescope.

(viii) There was an accident …………… the crossroads.

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

1. There are fresh fruits. I bought them yesterday.

2. He has failed many times. Still, he hopes to succeed.

3. The children made terrible noise. They saw the snake crawling on the lawn.

4. I completed the work. I went out to play.

d) Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of each sentence. [8]

1. If the students do not reach the school on time, they will be punished.

(Begin: Unless…………… )

2. As soon as he reached home, he ran out to play. (Begin: No sooner………..)

3. She is weak, but is courageous (Begin: Despite…………….)

4. Jaswant's grandfather is too old to take up this job.

(Use: so………… that………)

5. The librarian ordered books for the school library every year.

(Begin: Books……………….. )

6. Father said to Sunil, "Why are you not studying?"

(Begin: Father asked …………….)

7. Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world.

(Begin: Very few…………….)

8. If you work had, you will succeed.

(Begin: Provided that………….)

…………………………………………………….

Answer key

Question 1. a)

It was during our family vacation to the hill station of Shimla that we experienced one of the most terrifying nights of our lives. The trip had begun with great excitement—we had planned to trek through forested trails, enjoy the cool breeze, and spend time away from the noise of the city. But nothing prepared us for what was about to happen. One evening, after a long day of sightseeing, we decided to take a shortcut back to our guest house through a narrow path in the woods. It was growing dark, and the only light came from the dim torches we had carried. As we walked, I felt an uneasy silence in the forest. The chirping of birds had stopped, and even the rustling of leaves seemed to fade away. Suddenly, we heard a low growl behind us. My father shone the torch, and for a split second, we saw the glowing eyes of what appeared to be a leopard. My heart pounded so loudly that I thought it would burst. My younger sister clung to my mother, trembling. The animal was clearly stalking us, waiting for the right moment. Thinking quickly, my father remembered the guide’s advice: never run, but stay together and make noise. So we huddled close and began shouting, clapping, and waving our torches wildly. The glowing eyes remained fixed on us for what felt like an eternity, and then—finally—the leopard retreated silently into the woods. We reached the guest house safely, still shaking. That night, I could hardly sleep. The thought that one wrong step could have ended our lives filled me with dread. Yet it also taught me the importance of courage, presence of mind, and unity in the face of fear. It was truly a blood-chilling experience, one I will never forget in my life.

b) It is often said that “money cannot buy happiness.” While this is true in a literal sense, it is equally true that a certain amount of money is necessary to secure the conditions in which happiness can grow. Without money, life becomes a daily struggle for food, shelter and healthcare. In such a situation, people are more concerned with survival than with joy. Thus, money acts as a foundation for stability.

Firstly, money ensures that the basic needs are met. A person with enough income can afford nutritious food, safe housing and medical care. These necessities reduce stress and give people time to focus on education, hobbies and relationships. Without them, life can feel insecure and anxious.

Secondly, money provides an access to opportunities. Education, travel and new experiences usually cost money. These experiences enrich our minds and create lasting memories, which contribute to happiness.

However, beyond a certain level, more money does not guarantee more happiness. Wealth without compassion, family, friends or a sense of purpose can feel empty. Many rich people suffer from loneliness and stress. True happiness also depends on good health, positive relationships, self-respect and inner peace.

Therefore, money is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for happiness. It creates a secure environment, but our values, attitudes and emotional connections ultimately determine how happy we feel. The wisest approach is to earn enough to live comfortably and then nurture gratitude, kindness and meaningful relationships.

c) Raghu was a daily-wage labourer in a small town. Every morning, he cycled to a construction site and returned home late at night with aching limbs and barely enough money to buy rice and lentils for his family. Despite the hardships, he was honest and hopeful.

One evening, while buying groceries, Raghu noticed a colourful lottery ticket at the counter. He hesitated — it cost twenty rupees, which could buy vegetables for dinner — but the shopkeeper persuaded him to try his luck. With a shy smile, Raghu slipped the ticket into his pocket.

Days passed, and he forgot about it. Then one Sunday, as he read the newspaper at the tea stall, his eyes froze on the winning numbers. They matched his ticket. He rubbed his eyes, asked the shopkeeper to check again, and almost fainted when the man shouted, “You’ve won one crore rupees!”

The news spread quickly. Reporters came, neighbours cheered and strangers offered advice. But Raghu remained calm. He paid off his debts, bought a modest house, and set up a small grocery shop so he could earn a steady income without breaking his back. Most importantly, he started a scholarship fund for poor children in his village, remembering his own hardships.

Raghu’s life changed overnight, but his values did not. Winning the lottery gave him security and dignity, but he realised that kindness and community brought deeper happiness than money alone.

Question 2. a.)

23rd September 2025.

Dear Arjun, I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. You had once asked me to describe my grandparents’ village, and as I sit here surrounded by its beauty, I felt this was the perfect time to write to you. The village is about sixty kilometres away from the nearest town, nestled between lush green fields and gentle hills. Life here is simple and peaceful, far from the constant bustle of city life. The houses have sloping tiled roofs and little gardens full of bright flowers. The air is so pure here that every breath feels refreshing. What makes the village so special to me is its rhythm of life. People rise with the sun, work in the fields, and end their day peacefully under a clear night sky. At night, when I look up, the stars appear sharper and brighter than I have ever seen in the city. A small river flows nearby, and children play along its banks. There are no loud horns or traffic jams, only the sound of birds and the rustle of trees. I find this village beautiful not only for its scenery but for the warmth of its people and the sense of belonging I feel here. It reminds me that true happiness lies in simple living and closeness to Nature. I wish you could visit one day—you would love the experience! Until then, I will send some photographs soon for you to see.

Yours lovingly,

Rahul

b)

Plot no. 628/1897,

Green Park Colony,

Ravi Talkies

BBRS, 751003

20 September, 2025

 

To

The Municipal Commissioner,

Bhubaneswar,

Khorda.

Subject: Request for a Bus Stop in Our Locality

Respected Sir/Madam,

I, Roshan Dash, a resident of the above mentioned address, would like to draw your kind attention to the absence of a bus stop in our area. At present, the nearest stop is almost two kilometres away. This causes great inconvenience to school children, elderly people and office-goers who must walk long distances, often in extreme weather, to catch a bus.

The lack of a proper stop also leads to unsafe practices. Buses halt informally on the roadside to pick up passengers, which creates traffic jams and increases the risk of accidents.

I kindly request the Municipal Corporation to approve and construct a designated bus stop near the main market of our locality. A shelter with seating and proper lighting would greatly benefit the residents. Additionally, displaying a timetable of buses will help passengers plan their journeys more efficiently.

 

I hope you will consider this matter urgently and take the necessary steps to improve public transport in our area.

 

Thanking you in anticipation.

 

Yours faithfully,

Roshan Dash

Question 3. a.

NOTICE: INTER-SCHOOL DRAMA COMPETITION

All the students are hereby informed that our school will be hosting an Inter-School Drama Competition on 10th October 2025 in the school auditorium at 10:00 a.m. Students interested in participating are requested to give their names to the undersigned on or before 3rd October 2025. Auditions will be held to select the final team. Come forward and showcase your talent! For further information, contact the undersigned.

Sruti Pattnaik

(Cultural Secretary)

b.

Date: 23rd September 2025

To: principal.stmarysschool@gmail.com

Subject: Invitation to Participate in Inter-School Drama Competition

Respected Principal, I hope this email finds you well. On behalf of Ruchika High School, I am privileged to invite your institution to participate in our Inter-School Drama Competition, scheduled to be held on 10th October 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in our school auditorium. Each participating school may send a team comprising 8–10 students. Attractive prizes will be awarded to the best performers and the winning team. We would be grateful if you could kindly confirm your school’s participation by 5th October 2025.We look forward to your positive response and to welcoming your team.

Warm regards,

Sruti Pattnaik

(Cultural Secretary)

Ruchika High School

Question 4.

a. 1. bid – effort 2. elucidate – describe/explain

b) ease

c) (i) While speaking to Animesh, the narrator noticed Mrs. Mukherjee come out of the dining room with a covered tray and walk towards the corridor.

(ii) To put Animesh’s mind at ease, the narrator asked him about his father. Yes, the trick worked and Animesh began speaking at length.

(iii) The narrator and Animesh Sen could not continue their conversation because the uncle and Janardan Maity joined them.

(iv) Janardan Maity’s face turned grave when he suddenly saw Arun Mitra staggering into the hall, looking pale as if he had seen a ghost.

(v) The narrator was entrusted by Janardan Maity with the task of taking care of his uncle and not leaving his side.

d)  Arun Mitra staggered in shock and whispered “Mrs. Mukherjee………. Corrido……….” Devendra and others rushed there, while the narrator supported his uncle. As they reached the corridor, they saw Mrs. Mukherjee’s body lying at the corner with one sandal off her foot. Janardan stood near her, and she was declared dead.

Question 5.

a) (i) In the morning, they thought of a plan. (ii) They made themselves look dirty with grease and dirt. (iii) Then they went to the Dean and  (iv) said they (v) went out to a wedding last night and on their way back the tyre of their car burst and they had to push the car all the way back.

They(vi)  thanked him and said they would be ready. On the day of the test, they were made to sit in separate rooms. They agreed as they (vii) had prepared well. But they (viii) got a rude shock!

b) (i) A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

 (ii) The boy is crazy about football.

(iii) She was tired of fighting and struggling all the time.

(iv) He opted out of the race.

(v) We borrowed the bikes from our uncle.

(vi) The police station is on the right.

(vii) I looked at the stars through the telescope.

(viii) There was an accident at the crossroads.

c) 1. There are fresh fruits which I bought yesterday.

2. He has failed many times, however he hopes to succeed.

3. As/When the children saw the snake crawling on the lawn, they made a terrible noise.

4. Having completed the work, I went out to play.

d) 1. Unless the students reach the school on time, they will be punished.

2. No sooner did he reach home than he ran out to play.

3. Despite being weak, she is courageous.

4. Jaswant's grandfather is so old that he cannot take up this job.

5. Books were ordered by the librarian for the school library every year.

6. Father asked Sunil why he was not studying.

7. Very few monuments in the world are as beautiful as the Taj Mahal.

8. Provided that you work hard, you will succeed.

Or, You will succeed provided that you work hard.

 

COURTESY: Meta AI, ChatGPT, Perplexity & Dr. Shankar D Mishra

Compiled and edited by Dr. Shankar D Mishra

 

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RUCHIKA HIGH SCHOOL1st TERMINAL EXAMINATION 2025-26

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

                   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 Question 1 and 20 minutes in answering Question 2.

Question. 1                                                                                    [20 Marks]

Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.

Write a composition (350 words) on any one of the following topics:

a) Narrate a blood-chilling experience that you and your family had during one of your vacations.

b) “Happiness is impossible without money.” Express your views either for or against this statement.

c) Write an original short story in which a poor labourer wins a lottery that changes his/her life.

Question 2                                                                                  [10 Marks]

Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.

Select one of the following questions.

a) Your grandparents live in a very remote but beautiful village. Write a letter to a friend who lives abroad, describing the village vividly and explaining why you find it so different and beautiful.

b) There is no bus stop in your locality. Write a letter to the Municipal Commissioner of your town/city complaining about the problem. Offer possible solutions.

Question 3

a) You are the cultural secretary of your school. Write a notice for the school notice board summoning the students to participate in the Inter-School Drama Competition.                                                                                            [5]

b) Write an email to the Principal of your neighbouring school to send a team to participate in the inter-School Dramatic Competition.

Question 4

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: [20]

At around half past ten, as I was speaking to Animesh Sen, I noticed Mrs. Mukherjee come out of the dining room with a covered tray in her hands and walk towards the corridor. Animesh Sen still seemed upset about how freely Preeti and my uncle were talking to each other, throwing stern glances at them every now and then. Almost in a bid to put his mind at ease, I asked him about his father. The trick seemed to work, because he spoke at length about his father and his friendship with Mr. Mukherjee. "I was very close to my father, Mr. Ray." he eventually said, "and he was very fond of your uncle. It's not without reason that I'm worried about him."

The conversation could not continue because my uncle and Janardan Maity joined us.

I'm so happy you came, Prakash. Are you enjoying yourself?" my uncle asked. I told him how lonely my usual weekends were and what a great party this was. Janardan Maity had just made a comment on how a reader is never alone and begun to elucidate his point, when suddenly, he seemed to have seen something and his face turned grave. I turned around to see what the matter was and saw Arun Mitra staggering into the hall from around the comer. His face had become almost white as if he had seen a ghost.

Mr. Rajendra Mukherjee anxiously brushed past everyone and knelt beside Arun, who was still in a state of shock. "What happened to you, Arun?" he asked. Arun looked up at his master's face in a trance, and stared into it for several seconds. Slowly, an expression of horror descended upon his face and with great effort in an almost unrecognizable voice, he somehow managed to speak a few words: "Mrs. Mukherjee………. Corridor……."

Devendra Mukherjee immediately ran towards the corridor that led to the interior of the house. An expression of horror and a fear for the obvious crept into the already anxious face to Rajendra Mukherjee. He struggled to get up on his feet, and once he managed to stand up, he tried to run towards the corridor, Janardan Maity screamed at him, "No, Mukherjee!" Then he tugged at my arm and whispered into my ear, "Stay with your uncle. Don't leave his side, no matter what,” and made a dash towards the corridor

I held my uncle's hand as he staggered, his legs clearly failing him. I put his arm around my shoulder to support him. We turned around the comer and stepped into the corridor.

I will try to describe the sight that met my eyes when I entered the corridor.

The corridor was quite wide, almost seven-eight feet wide. There was only one door to the left, which led to the kitchen. This door was now shut. On the right, there were two doors, one after the other. I knew about the last door, the one farthest from the spot where I was standing-that door opened into Narendra Mukherjee's room. After crossing that room, the corridor continued for another six feet or so before it took a sharp turn to the left and disappeared into the interior of the bungalow. It was at this turn, that I saw a pair of legs on the floor, peeping out of the corner. The colour of the churidaar was unmistakable. I had heard Nandita Chaudhuri admire Mrs Mukherjee's dress less than an hour ago. One of the sandals had come off her feet, the other still managed to cling on to her big toe. She seemed to be lying on her back. Janardan Maity was standing next to the body with a grimace (frown) on his face and I heard Devendra Mukherjee's voice say, "No, she's dead."

a) For each word given below choose the correct meaning as used in the passage.                                                                                                     [2]

1. bid           2. elucidate

b) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word difficulty'? [1]

c) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words:

(i) What did the narrator notice while speaking to Animesh?                     [2]

(ii) What did the narrator do to put Animesh's mind at ease? Did the trick [2] work?

(iii) Why could the narrator and Animesh Sen not continue their conversation?  [1]

(iv) When did Janardan Maity's face turn grave? [2]

(v) Who were entrusted with the task of taking care of the narrator's uncle and by whom? [2]

d) In not more than 50 words, describe how it was discovered that Mrs Mukherjee was dead. [8]

Question 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]

Example: (0) One night four college students ……….. (be) out partying late and did not study for the test scheduled for the next day.

Answer: were

In the morning, they (i)……….. (think) of a plan. They (ii) ………..(make) themselves look dirty with grease and dirt. Then they (iii) ………(go) to the Dean and (iv)……….(say) they (v) ………..(go) out to a wedding last night and on their way back the tyre of their car burst and they had to push the car all the way back.

They (vi) ………(thank) him and said they would be ready.

On the day of the test, they were made to sit in separate rooms. They agreed as they (vii) ……………prepare) well. But they (viii) ………..(get) a rude shock!

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

(i) A bird …………hand is worth two in the bush.

(ii) The boy is crazy …………..football

(iii) She was tired ………..fighting and struggling all the time.

(iv) He opted …………..of the race.

(v) We borrowed the bikes …………… our uncle.

(vi) The police station is………… the right.

(vii) I looked at the stars …………… the telescope.

(viii) There was an accident …………… the crossroads.

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

1. There are fresh fruits. I bought them yesterday.

2. He has failed many times. Still, he hopes to succeed.

3. The children made terrible noise. They saw the snake crawling on the lawn.

4. I completed the work. I went out to play.

d) Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other changes that may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of each sentence. [8]

1. If the students do not reach the school on time, they will be punished.

(Begin: Unless…………… )

2. As soon as he reached home, he ran out to play. (Begin: No sooner………..)

3. She is weak, but is courageous (Begin: Despite…………….)

4. Jaswant's grandfather is too old to take up this job.

(Use: so………… that………)

5. The librarian ordered books for the school library every year.

(Begin: Books……………….. )

6. Father said to Sunil, "Why are you not studying?"

(Begin: Father asked …………….)

7. Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world.

(Begin: Very few…………….)

8. If you work had, you will succeed.

(Begin: Provided that………….)

…………………………………………………….

Answer key

Question 1. a)

It was during our family vacation to the hill station of Shimla that we experienced one of the most terrifying nights of our lives. The trip had begun with great excitement—we had planned to trek through forested trails, enjoy the cool breeze, and spend time away from the noise of the city. But nothing prepared us for what was about to happen. One evening, after a long day of sightseeing, we decided to take a shortcut back to our guest house through a narrow path in the woods. It was growing dark, and the only light came from the dim torches we had carried. As we walked, I felt an uneasy silence in the forest. The chirping of birds had stopped, and even the rustling of leaves seemed to fade away. Suddenly, we heard a low growl behind us. My father shone the torch, and for a split second, we saw the glowing eyes of what appeared to be a leopard. My heart pounded so loudly that I thought it would burst. My younger sister clung to my mother, trembling. The animal was clearly stalking us, waiting for the right moment. Thinking quickly, my father remembered the guide’s advice: never run, but stay together and make noise. So we huddled close and began shouting, clapping, and waving our torches wildly. The glowing eyes remained fixed on us for what felt like an eternity, and then—finally—the leopard retreated silently into the woods. We reached the guest house safely, still shaking. That night, I could hardly sleep. The thought that one wrong step could have ended our lives filled me with dread. Yet it also taught me the importance of courage, presence of mind, and unity in the face of fear. It was truly a blood-chilling experience, one I will never forget in my life.

b) It is often said that “money cannot buy happiness.” While this is true in a literal sense, it is equally true that a certain amount of money is necessary to secure the conditions in which happiness can grow. Without money, life becomes a daily struggle for food, shelter and healthcare. In such a situation, people are more concerned with survival than with joy. Thus, money acts as a foundation for stability.

Firstly, money ensures that the basic needs are met. A person with enough income can afford nutritious food, safe housing and medical care. These necessities reduce stress and give people time to focus on education, hobbies and relationships. Without them, life can feel insecure and anxious.

Secondly, money provides an access to opportunities. Education, travel and new experiences usually cost money. These experiences enrich our minds and create lasting memories, which contribute to happiness.

However, beyond a certain level, more money does not guarantee more happiness. Wealth without compassion, family, friends or a sense of purpose can feel empty. Many rich people suffer from loneliness and stress. True happiness also depends on good health, positive relationships, self-respect and inner peace.

Therefore, money is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for happiness. It creates a secure environment, but our values, attitudes and emotional connections ultimately determine how happy we feel. The wisest approach is to earn enough to live comfortably and then nurture gratitude, kindness and meaningful relationships.

c) Raghu was a daily-wage labourer in a small town. Every morning, he cycled to a construction site and returned home late at night with aching limbs and barely enough money to buy rice and lentils for his family. Despite the hardships, he was honest and hopeful.

One evening, while buying groceries, Raghu noticed a colourful lottery ticket at the counter. He hesitated — it cost twenty rupees, which could buy vegetables for dinner — but the shopkeeper persuaded him to try his luck. With a shy smile, Raghu slipped the ticket into his pocket.

Days passed, and he forgot about it. Then one Sunday, as he read the newspaper at the tea stall, his eyes froze on the winning numbers. They matched his ticket. He rubbed his eyes, asked the shopkeeper to check again, and almost fainted when the man shouted, “You’ve won one crore rupees!”

The news spread quickly. Reporters came, neighbours cheered and strangers offered advice. But Raghu remained calm. He paid off his debts, bought a modest house, and set up a small grocery shop so he could earn a steady income without breaking his back. Most importantly, he started a scholarship fund for poor children in his village, remembering his own hardships.

Raghu’s life changed overnight, but his values did not. Winning the lottery gave him security and dignity, but he realised that kindness and community brought deeper happiness than money alone.

Question 2. a.)

23rd September 2025.

Dear Arjun, I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. You had once asked me to describe my grandparents’ village, and as I sit here surrounded by its beauty, I felt this was the perfect time to write to you. The village is about sixty kilometres away from the nearest town, nestled between lush green fields and gentle hills. Life here is simple and peaceful, far from the constant bustle of city life. The houses have sloping tiled roofs and little gardens full of bright flowers. The air is so pure here that every breath feels refreshing. What makes the village so special to me is its rhythm of life. People rise with the sun, work in the fields, and end their day peacefully under a clear night sky. At night, when I look up, the stars appear sharper and brighter than I have ever seen in the city. A small river flows nearby, and children play along its banks. There are no loud horns or traffic jams, only the sound of birds and the rustle of trees. I find this village beautiful not only for its scenery but for the warmth of its people and the sense of belonging I feel here. It reminds me that true happiness lies in simple living and closeness to Nature. I wish you could visit one day—you would love the experience! Until then, I will send some photographs soon for you to see.

Yours lovingly,

Rahul

b)

Plot no. 628/1897,

Green Park Colony,

Ravi Talkies

BBRS, 751003

20 September, 2025

 

To

The Municipal Commissioner,

Bhubaneswar,

Khorda.

Subject: Request for a Bus Stop in Our Locality

Respected Sir/Madam,

I, Roshan Dash, a resident of the above mentioned address, would like to draw your kind attention to the absence of a bus stop in our area. At present, the nearest stop is almost two kilometres away. This causes great inconvenience to school children, elderly people and office-goers who must walk long distances, often in extreme weather, to catch a bus.

The lack of a proper stop also leads to unsafe practices. Buses halt informally on the roadside to pick up passengers, which creates traffic jams and increases the risk of accidents.

I kindly request the Municipal Corporation to approve and construct a designated bus stop near the main market of our locality. A shelter with seating and proper lighting would greatly benefit the residents. Additionally, displaying a timetable of buses will help passengers plan their journeys more efficiently.

 

I hope you will consider this matter urgently and take the necessary steps to improve public transport in our area.

 

Thanking you in anticipation.

 

Yours faithfully,

Roshan Dash

Question 3. a.

NOTICE: INTER-SCHOOL DRAMA COMPETITION

All the students are hereby informed that our school will be hosting an Inter-School Drama Competition on 10th October 2025 in the school auditorium at 10:00 a.m. Students interested in participating are requested to give their names to the undersigned on or before 3rd October 2025. Auditions will be held to select the final team. Come forward and showcase your talent! For further information, contact the undersigned.

Sruti Pattnaik

(Cultural Secretary)

b.

Date: 23rd September 2025

To: principal.stmarysschool@gmail.com

Subject: Invitation to Participate in Inter-School Drama Competition

Respected Principal, I hope this email finds you well. On behalf of Ruchika High School, I am privileged to invite your institution to participate in our Inter-School Drama Competition, scheduled to be held on 10th October 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in our school auditorium. Each participating school may send a team comprising 8–10 students. Attractive prizes will be awarded to the best performers and the winning team. We would be grateful if you could kindly confirm your school’s participation by 5th October 2025.We look forward to your positive response and to welcoming your team.

Warm regards,

Sruti Pattnaik

(Cultural Secretary)

Ruchika High School

Question 4.

a. 1. bid – effort 2. elucidate – describe/explain

b) ease

c) (i) While speaking to Animesh, the narrator noticed Mrs. Mukherjee come out of the dining room with a covered tray and walk towards the corridor.

(ii) To put Animesh’s mind at ease, the narrator asked him about his father. Yes, the trick worked and Animesh began speaking at length.

(iii) The narrator and Animesh Sen could not continue their conversation because the uncle and Janardan Maity joined them.

(iv) Janardan Maity’s face turned grave when he suddenly saw Arun Mitra staggering into the hall, looking pale as if he had seen a ghost.

(v) The narrator was entrusted by Janardan Maity with the task of taking care of his uncle and not leaving his side.

d)  Arun Mitra staggered in shock and whispered “Mrs. Mukherjee………. Corrido……….” Devendra and others rushed there, while the narrator supported his uncle. As they reached the corridor, they saw Mrs. Mukherjee’s body lying at the corner with one sandal off her foot. Janardan stood near her, and she was declared dead.

Question 5.

a) (i) In the morning, they thought of a plan. (ii) They made themselves look dirty with grease and dirt. (iii) Then they went to the Dean and  (iv) said they (v) went out to a wedding last night and on their way back the tyre of their car burst and they had to push the car all the way back.

They(vi)  thanked him and said they would be ready. On the day of the test, they were made to sit in separate rooms. They agreed as they (vii) had prepared well. But they (viii) got a rude shock!

b) (i) A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

 (ii) The boy is crazy about football.

(iii) She was tired of fighting and struggling all the time.

(iv) He opted out of the race.

(v) We borrowed the bikes from our uncle.

(vi) The police station is on the right.

(vii) I looked at the stars through the telescope.

(viii) There was an accident at the crossroads.

c) 1. There are fresh fruits which I bought yesterday.

2. He has failed many times, however he hopes to succeed.

3. As/When the children saw the snake crawling on the lawn, they made a terrible noise.

4. Having completed the work, I went out to play.

d) 1. Unless the students reach the school on time, they will be punished.

2. No sooner did he reach home than he ran out to play.

3. Despite being weak, she is courageous.

4. Jaswant's grandfather is so old that he cannot take up this job.

5. Books were ordered by the librarian for the school library every year.

6. Father asked Sunil why he was not studying.

7. Very few monuments in the world are as beautiful as the Taj Mahal.

8. Provided that you work hard, you will succeed.

Or, You will succeed provided that you work hard.

 

COURTESY: Meta AI, ChatGPT, Perplexity & Dr. Shankar D Mishra

Compiled and edited by Dr. Shankar D Mishra

 

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