Practice Paper Session: 2024-25 Class: IX Subject: English Language and
Literature Subject Code: 184 Duration:
SECTION A READING SKILLS (10 marks)
1. Read the following text. 10 I. Vultures play a critical role in the
ecosystem as nature's most efficient scavengers, skilfully cleansing
the landscape of decaying carcasses. In doing so, vultures clean the
ecosystem of dead animal matter and reduce the spread of disease.
Their unique ability to digest even the most toxic of pathogens like
rabies and anthrax, shields our entire ecosystem from outbreak of
epidemics. In the absence of these scavengers, our natural world
would be susceptible to the spread of dangerous pathogens.
2. A total of nine species of vultures are found across India. Each of the
nine species, from the widespread white rumped vulture to the
forest dwelling red-headed vulture, has a unique place in the
ecosystem. Other species such as the Himalayan griffon and the
bearded vulture are typically found at higher elevations in the
Himalayas, while the Egyptian vulture is found nearly across the
country. The slender billed vulture lives in the northern plains and
Assam valley, while its close relative, the Indian vulture, is
distributed across central and peninsular regions of India. Two other
species, the cinereous and the Eurasian griffon, are winter visitors to
our land.
3. In the 1960s, three of the vulture species -white-rumped, slender
billed and Indian that were once a common sight across many parts
of the country, started to rapidly decline. By 2003, the situation had
escalated to a major crisis with their population dropping by more
than 90% across their range. The red- headed vulture followed suit
to become critically endangered like the other three.
4. After much research, this alarming decline was attributed to the
veterinary use of diclofenac, an anti- inflammatory drug that was
commonly administered to livestock across the country. Vultures
feeding on livestock carcasses treated with diclofenac suffered from
kidney failure, leading to their death.
5. In response to this crisis, an alternative, meloxicam, a drug found
safe for vultures, began to be promoted. With vultures becoming the
centre of conservation focus, it later became clear that diclofenac
was just one of the many threats. Other veterinary drugs such as
ketoprofen and aceclofenac were also found to be lethal to vultures.
Recognising this, the two drugs were banned. VI. Today with the
support of govts, conservation NGOs and research institutions,
vulture conservation is happening at Vulture Conservation Breeding
centres in Pinjore, Haryana, Rajabhat Hawa in Bengal, and Rani in
Assam. Additionally, conservation centres were subsequently
developed by Central Zoo Authority in collaboration with various
state zoos, including Van Vihar in Bhopal, Nandankanan Zoo in
Bhubaneswar, Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad, Muta Zoo in
Ranchi, and Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh.
6. As we look to the future, it's clear that the story of India's vultures is
one of resilience and hope. Through continued conservation efforts,
we can ensure that vultures continue to soar across our skies,
safeguarding our ecosystems as they have done for millennia.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage.
i. ‘Vultures play a critical role in maintaining a healthy balance in
the eco system.’ Justify the statement.
1
ii. Why do you think some vulture species, such as the cinereous
and Eurasian griffon, are only winter visitors to India? (para 2)
2
iii. The resident vultures, like the white-rumped vulture, differ in
ecological impact from migratory species like the Eurasian griffon
in India because_______________ (para 2)
1
iv. Complete the following statement: Recognising the threat posed
by ketoprofen and aceclofenac, ________ 1
v. Vultures feeding on livestock carcasses treated with diclofenac
suffered from which ailment that led to their death?
1
vi. What does "breeding" refer to in the context of "Vulture
Conservation Breeding centres"?
1
a) Feeding vultures b) Providing medical care c) Encouraging
reproduction d)
vii. Releasing vultures into the wild vii. According to the passage,
what has led to the decline of vultures in India?
2
viii. What tone does the author use while discussing the future of
vultures in India?
1
GRAMMAR (10 marks)
Q2. Complete any ten of twelve of the following tasks, as directed.1 x
10 = 10
i. Fill in the blank with the correct option to complete the opening line
of a formal letter: Dear Sir,
We __________ to announce the grand opening of a new branch of our
company in CR Colony, Mumbai on Nov 10, 20xx.
A. are glad B. have been glad C. has been glad D. am glad
ii. Read the given sentence from a school report. Identify the error and
supply the correction in the given format.
We are dedicated to fostering a love of knowledge; promote academic
excellence, and cultivating leadership skills in our high school students
iii. Salma asked the following question to her friend, Sahil. Have you
completed the task given by the teacher yesterday?
Report Salma’s question correctly.
iv. Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete an
official announcement.
Dear Parents, It has been observed that many students are coming to
school late. Please ensure _________ (that/these/this) your child reaches
school by 8.00 a.m. sharp.
v. Read David’s reply to a customer, regarding an issue he/she has
been facing.
“I’m sorry for the trouble you’ve encountered. We’re here to help.”
Report David’s reply by completing the following sentence correctly.
vi. Identify and correct the error in the given line taken from an online
news report:
Indian Ocean warming has reduce rainfall, says Study.
vii. Complete the given announcement by selecting the correct option
to fill in the blank. We are happy to announce that our daughter Kusum
___________ her graduation from the University of Delhi.
A. completes B. complete C. has completed D. have
completed
viii. Detect the error and supply the correction for the given
observation by a statement from a story.
In a peaceful village nestled between the mountains, two friends, Raj
and Sam, live side by side.
ix. Report the dialogue between a teacher and a student, by
completing sentence.
Teacher: "Can you finish this by 5 PM?" he asked.
Student: "I will try my best," she replied.
The teacher asked if the student could finish that work by 5 pm
to which the student ______________________________.
x. Select the correct option to complete the given sentence. She
_______ swim very fast when she was younger.
A. will B. could C. should D. can
xi. Complete the given sentence about an office report. The report
___________ submitted on Monday.
A. are B. has C. was D. were
WRITING (5 MARKS)
Q3. You and your friends recently explored the picturesque beaches
of Goa, known for their vibrant atmosphere and stunning sunsets.
Write a descriptive paragraph about your trip in 100-120 words.
5