SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER - 1

English Language and Literature (184)

Class IX (2025-26)

Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :

1. This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.

2. The question paper contains THREE sections -

Section - A : Reading Skills

Section - B : Grammar and Creative Writing Skills

Section - C : Literature Text Book

3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.

Section A Reading
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: [10]
"The great model of affection of love in human beings is the sentiment which subsists between parents and
children." As time goes by, things change. What was popular, and normal, in the 70's has changed. The older
generation always wonders what has gone wrong with the younger generation and the younger generation also
wonders why parents can`t understand their needs. They don`t know how to deal with the differences between
each other and that has led to a gap between parents and children. The interests, food, habits, slang,
entertainment, and way of thinking of the younger generation differ from those of the older generation. These
changes are indicative of progress. The difference in the ways of thinking and perception of the people of two
different generations, which results in behavioural differences and sometimes, conflict among them is usually
called the generation gap. The generation gap between parents and their children is generally seen in the family.
It is not only because of the age gap but also because of the way parents react to a particular situation. Children
being very young and immature do not understand the way of thinking of their parents. In many cases, the
parents, even if they are mature, do not empathize with the changing values and thinking patterns of the modern
world. This creates a communication gap between these two generations.
Parents themselves mostly cause a generation gap between parents and children. They do not talk openly to
their children and take part in solving their problems. This behaviour gives the impression of parents being
authoritative persons because they only dictate without understanding the problems faced by their children. As
a result, the children become mentally isolated from their parents. Some parents become so busy with their
work that they don't spend quality time with their family, which makes them completely unaware of how their
children are growing, what kind of mentality is being developed in them, and so on. This ultimately creates a
gap between them. They only realize it when it is too late.
Changes in technology have led to the generation gap in this modern world. Children tend to spend most of
their time with their digital devices and are so busy with social media, that they do not discuss their problems

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 with their parents. The internet provides solutions to most of the worldly problems. So children, instead of
contacting their own parents, use the help of the internet in case of any problem, thus again reducing
communication, leading to a generation gap between them.
The generation gap has greatly increased these days because the time is changing fast and people find it
difficult to cope with this change. To overcome this problem, parents should show interest in all matters of their
children and deal with them positively instead of just scolding them and leaving them alone to deal with their
problems. Giving time to the children, having open communication, and allowing the child to feel free and not
under any kind of pressure, will eventually reduce the generation gap to a tolerable extent.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i. In paragraph 1, what does the phrase ‘The interests, food, habits, slang, entertainment, and way of thinking
of the younger generation differ from those of the older generation’ emphasise? (1)
ii. Complete the following with the correct option from the two given. (1)
The generation gap is primarily caused because ________.
(a) the younger generation is immature and doesn’t understand the older generation’s thinking.
(b) the differences in values and perceptions of the two generations create conflicts. (paragraph 1)
iii. Support the writer’s idea that the generation gap is worsened by the lack of communication between parents
and children. (paragraph 2) (2)
iv. Select the option that best reflects the concept of ‘technology’s role in increasing the generation gap’.
(paragraph 3) (1)
v. State whether the following statement is True or False. (paragraph 2)
“Parents often unintentionally create a generation gap by neglecting to spend quality time with their
children.” (1)
vi. The writer mentions ‘coping with fast-changing times’ in paragraph 4.
Which of the following strategies can help bridge the generation gap? (1)
(a) Scolding children to ensure they conform to traditional values.
(b) Encouraging children to abandon modern technology completely.
(c) Engaging in open and positive communication with children.
(d) Avoiding involvement in the personal matters of children.
vii. List any two causes of the generation gap as mentioned in the passage. (paragraphs 2 & 3) (2)
viii. Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given. (paragraph 4)
In the phrase ‘dealing with them positively’, the word ‘positively’ refers to ________. (1)
(a) Approaching children’s problems with understanding and empathy.
(b) Enforcing strict rules to guide children’s behaviour.
(c) Ignoring modern influences on children.
(d) Giving children the freedom to make their own decisions without parental involvement.
2. Read the passage given below: [10]
1. Starting Monday, the country's low-cost Mars mission with the red planet for an extended period will enter
the "blackout" phase snapping communication with the satellite. From June 8 to 22 the Sun will block Mars
from the Earth snapping communication with the satellite.
2. A senior Indian Space Research Organisation official said. "This will be for the first time that there will be a
communication break for such a long period of about 15 days. During this period, there will be no
communication with the satellite", he added.

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 3. Expressing confidence about regaining control over the satellite once the blackout phase is over, he said,
"the scenario has been tested and the line of communication will be established." The spacecraft's life has
been extended for another six months in March due to surplus fuel.
4. Stating that the spacecraft has been "configured" for the blackout, the ISRO official said, "we are not
sending any commands to the spacecraft now, till 8th June few hours of signals will be sent by the
spacecraft that will be for about two to three hours per day". In May next year, the mission will have to go
through a similar phase once again, if there is another extension of mission life when the Earth will come
between the Sun and Mars.
5. Scripting space history, India on September 24 last successfully placed its low-cost Mars spacecraft in orbit
around the red planet in its very first attempt, breaking into an elite club of three countries.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below: (10)
i. What is the "blackout" phase in the context of the Mars mission, and how long will it last? (2)
ii. Choose the appropriate option to fill in the blank. (1)
From paragraph 1 & 2, we can infer that there will be ________.
1. no communication with the people.
2. blackout phase.
3. satellite will get no communication.
4. moon will block the earth.
5. the communication break will be for 15 days.
a. 1, 2 & 3
b. 1, 3 & 4
c. 2, 3 & 5
d. 3, 4 & 5
iii. Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phase from paragraph 2: (1)
aroma: cooking:: ________: space research
(Clue - just like aroma is integral to cooking, similarly ________ is/are integral to Space Research.)
iv. According to ISRO official till 8th July, when Sun will block Mars, ________ signal/signals per day will be
sent to the spacecraft. (1)
a. no
b. considerable
c. indefinite
d. only for few
v. Select the correct option to complete the following sentence: (1)
The ISRO officials are ________ about their control over the spacecraft after the blackout phase.
a. doubtful
b. apprehensive
c. confident
d. jittery
vi. How has the spacecraft's mission been managed to handle the blackout phase and what is planned for
communication during this period? (2)
vii. Read the following sentences: (1)

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 A. The blackout was a sudden development.
B. Because of this, the officials are very nervous about the success of the spacecraft.
a. Both (A) & (B) are true.
b. Both (A) & (B) are false.
c. (A) is true and (B) is false.
d. (A) is false and (B) is true.
viii. Substitute the word 'nonpareil' with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from paragraph
5. (1)
India managed to get into the nonpareil club of Mars spacecraft in orbit.
Section B Grammar
3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed [10]
(a) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter: [1]
Dear Madam
This is with reference to posters ________ (bear) the message of ‘crash diet’ being posted around our
school premises.
(b) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following: [1]

VACCINATE YOURSELF TO COMBAT CORONA

No prior appointment required, Walk-in & get your jab
Facility are available for 18 years and above
Health Department, Chandigarh Administration

Use the given format for your response.

error correction

(c) Read the conversation between a policeman and a driver. [1]

Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly.
Policeman: Do you need any help to reach your destination?
Driver: Yes, I am not sure which direction to take.
The policeman asked the driver whether he needed any help to reach his destination to which the
driver replied ________.
(d) Before preparing a dish, the cook asked the children something. Report the cook’s question. [1]
Who doesn’t like cheese?
(e) He is an expert on languages, but he knows _________ about mathematics. [1]

a) few b) Some

c) little d) a lot of
(f) Identify the error and supply correction for the given sentence taken from a case study: [1]
"We specializes in arranging bespoke tours to exotic locations around the world."

Error Correction

(g) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the words of Pablo Picasso. [1]
Inspiration does exist, but it ________ find you working.

a) can b) must

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 c) will d) may
(h) Whoever ____ the cooking ______ a great deal of work to do. [1]

a) has done / has b) do / has

c) is doing / had d) does / had had

(i) If I were rich, I ________ buy an airplane. [1]

a) should b) must

c) would d) could
(j) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets: [1]
Last week it ________ (rain) heavily and my house was flooded with water.
(k) Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blank with the correct option. [1]
The opportunity to volunteer at the local food bank made me ________ the challenges faced by
underprivileged communities.

a) realize b) realizing

c) realized d) to realize
(l) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option. [1]
Summer is an ideal time to take a hike, especially if you ________ the opportunity to explore one of
our country's many state and national parks.

a) has b) have

c) will have d) are having

Section B Writing
4. You recently visited the city of Jaipur, famous for its Hawa Mahal, the palace and forts. Shopping in Jaipur is [5]
also exciting as there are many things to buy. Write a description.
OR
'Career Fair’ was organised this year as well in your school. As many as 30 Institutes had put up their stalls. Some of
the participants included NIFT, NID, IIPM, and Computer Academy, etc. The school had invited career counsellors
as well. Write a description.
5. Write a Diary Entry about your experience of a concert which you attended. [5]
OR
I hit a six and the ball flew over the wall. It was an old derelict building. As I went to get the ball, I saw... Complete
the story.
Section C Literature
6. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. [5]
(a) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: [5]
“Look here, it seems to me I met you the day before yesterday in Sadovya Street,” he said; “but you
told me then that you were a student who had been expelled, and not a village school teacher. Do you
remember?” “N-no, that can’t be so,” mumbled the beggar, taken aback. “I am a village school
teacher, and if you like I can show you my papers.” “Have done with lying! You called yourself a
student and even told me what you had been expelled for. Don’t you remember?” Sergei flushed and
turned from the ragged creature with an expression of disgust. “This is dishonesty, my dear sir!” he
cried angrily. “This is swindling — I shall send the police for you, damn you!” “Sir!” he said, laying

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 his hand on his heart, “the fact is I was lying! I am neither a student nor a school teacher. All that was
fiction. Formerly I sang in a Russian choir and was sent away for drunkenness. But what else can I
do? I can’t get along without lying. No one will give me anything when I tell the truth, what can I
do?”
i. State one inference about beggar from the given context (1)
ii. What is Sergei's reaction to the beggar's confession, and what does it reveal about Sergei's
character? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract. (2)
iii. State TRUE or FALSE. (1)
None of the options (a)-(d) below, can be applied to the question - What was the beggar's actual
occupation?
a. Student
b. Teacher
c. Advocate
d. Singer
iv. Which phrase or word would correctly substitute ''expelled” in the given sentence from the
extract? (1)
“but you told me then that you were a student who had been expelled, and not a village school
teacher.
(b) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. [5]
I took a close look at my face in the mirror, I made an important decision, I would shave daily and
grow a thin mustache to look more handsome. I was after all a bachelor and a doctor! I looked into the
mirror and smiled. It was an attractive smile. I made another earth-shaking decision. I would always
keep that attractive smile on my face ... to look more handsome. I was after all a bachelor, and a
doctor too on top of it! I was unmarried and I was a doctor. I felt I had to make my presence felt. I
picked up the comb and ran it through my hair and adjusted the parting so that it looked straight and
neat.
a. Which of the following statements is NOT true about the protagonist in the given extract? (1)
i. The protagonist decided to shave daily.
ii. The protagonist wanted to grow a thin mustache.
iii. The protagonist was already married.
iv. The protagonist aimed to maintain an attractive smile
b. What was the doctor's motivation for growing a thin mustache and maintaining an attractive
smile? (2)
c. How did the doctor decide to enhance his appearance? (1)
d. Which word or phrase would correctly substitute 'earth-shaking' , in the given sentence from the
extract? (1)
I was after all a bachelor and a doctor! I looked into the mirror and smiled. It was an attractive
smile. I made another earth-shaking decision.
7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. [5]
(a) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. [5]
Then took the other, just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,

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 Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.
a. The road taken by the poet was ________ to the other road. (1)
b. Explain the phrase, 'just as fair' in context to the given lines. Explain in 40 words. (2)
c. The rhyming scheme of the given stanza is: (1)
i. abaab
ii. abbba
iii. aaabb
iv. abab
d. Which road did the poet opt for? (1)
(b) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. [5]
A slumber did my spirit seal-
I had no human fears.
She seemed a thing that could not feel
The touch of earthly years.
a. ‘slumber’ refers to ________. (1)
b. What does she not possess now? Explain in 40 words. (2)
c. What could she not feel? (1)
d. Who composed the given lines? (1)
i. William Shakespeare
ii. Robert Frost
iii. William Wordsworth
iv. W.W.E Ross
8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words [12]
(a) Why did Einstein leave the school in Munich? [3]
(b) What shows that the poet loved his mother? Write your answer in the context of the poem, 'Rain on [3]
the Roof'.
(c) What made Sivasubramania Iyer’s wife change his mind? [3]
(d) How does the author describe the fight that breaks out between the two monkeys around the temple of [3]
Pashupatinath?
(e) What kind of days and nights are there in the Northland? [3]
9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. [6]
(a) Describe the strange belief of Johnsy. Did it come out to be true? Write your answer in the context of [3]
The Last Leaf.
(b) Who brought out Zan’s mother from the burning house? Why was an oxygen mask put on her? [3]
(c) Describe Iswaran’s ‘amazing capacity to produce vegetables etc. [3]
10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words [6]
(a) There is always a teacher to bring out the latent potential of a pupil. Justify with reference to the role [6]
played by Ron Forbes and Ustad Faiyaz Khan in the lives of Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan
respectively. (100-120 words).
(b) Why was the holy man, who gave Santosh’s mother his blessings, surprised? Write your answer in the [6]

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 context of Reach for the Top.
11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. [6]
(a) Describe in brief the strange case brought to the king and the king’s judgement in the kingdom of [6]
fools.
(b) The spring season is a festive season that brings people together: The Lost Child. Write about the [6]
qualities of the stranger who tried to soothe and help the lost child.

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