Morning Star ICSE Total English Class 9 Solutions and Total English Class 9 Chapter 9 Transformation of Sentences – I, Narrative Composition, Applications, Practice Paper 9 Answers Solutions make the process easier for students by providing all grammar-related topics.
Total English Class 9 ICSE Answers Chapter 9 Practice Paper 9
A. Transformation of Sentences – I
Assignment
Rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each. Change only enough to do what you are asked and make a correct sentence. Do not alter the meaning. You have to make sentences to say the same thing in a different way.
1. It was not my intention to offend you.
End: ______ intentionally.
Answer:
I did not offend you intentionally.
2. One more effort, and you shall succeed.
Begin: If you ______
Answer:
If you make one more effort, you shall succeed.
3. He is discontented notwithstanding that he gets more salary than he deserves.
Begin: Although ______
Answer:
Although he gets more salary than he deserves, yet he is discontented.
4. The new regulation made the people happy.
End: ______ to the people.
Answer:
The new regulation gave happiness to the people.
5. My belief is that he is sincere.
Begin: I ______
Answer:
I believe he is sincere.
6. Supposing it were true, we should act wisely.
Begin: We should act wisely provided ______
Answer:
We should act wisely provided it is true.
7. It is admitted that he is the greatest leader.
Begin: All ______
Answer:
All admit he is the greatest leader.
8. Persevere and you will succeed.
Begin: You will succeed only ______
Answer:
You will succeed only if you persevere.
9. Poor as he is, he does not beg.
Begin: Although ______
Answer:
Although he is poor, he does not beg.
10. My father was very generous to all.
Begin: My father treated ______
Answer:
My father treated all very generously.
11. Had I known what to do, I would have saved much time.
Begin: I would have saved much time, provided ______
Answer:
I would have saved much time, provided I had known what to do.
12. This rumour is incredible.
Begin: This rumour cannot ______
Answer:
This rumour cannot be true.
13. If he does not behave properly, he will be dismissed.
Begin: He will not be dismissed ______
Answer:
He will not be dismissed if he behaves properly.
14. Supposing you are ill, you can go home.
Begin: In case ______
Answer:
In case you are ill, you can go home.
15. If I were a rich man, I would have helped him.
Begin: Were ______
Answer:
Were I a rich man, I would have helped him.
16. He was successful in winning the race.
Begin: He succeeded ______
Answer:
He succeeded in winning the race.
17. He is rich indeed, but he does not help others.
Begin: Although ______
Answer:
Although he is rich, he does not help others.
18. He helped ungrudgingly.
Begin: He did not ______
Answer:
He did not grudge me help.
B. Narrative Composition
Assignment
Write a composition on any one of the following:
i. Riding on a bicycle on a country road with your friends, you hear the announcement that a person wearing a red cap and pink shirt has stolen a bicycle and has disappeared with it. After some time you see a person wearing a red cap and pink shirt riding desperately on a bicycle. Your friends suggest to follow him. Write an account of your reactions and any subsequent adventure.
Answer:
Riding on a bicycle on a country road with my friends on a clear day in October, I heard the announcement that a person wearing a red shirt and blue trousers had stolen a bicycle and had disappeared with it.
My friends and I continued cycling, chatting casually when ‘Lo and behold’ there was a man in front of us wearing a red shirt and blue trousers riding desperately on a bicycle. He seemed to have a nasty look about him so we thought it best not to accost him ourselves, rather let the law take its course.
My friends and I decided to follow him. We followed the guy for two blocks, and meanwhile I contacted the police on the phone, giving them location updates. I also took a photo with my cell phone. The cops were waiting for him at the next turning. They also found other stolen goods on him and made an arrest. I don’t know if the person whose bike it was ever got it back but I felt happy that I had done my duty as a citizen and reported a crime.
ii. Write an account of a religious festival at which you were present.
Answer:
Diwali is one of my favourite celebrations that I take part in with my family. Coming from a mixed heritage, my parents have always ensured that we celebrate both Parsi and Indian festivals which not only means that we receive double the amount of presents but also feel a sense of belonging to both cultures.
Diwali is also known as the festival of lights as it is traditional to light up your house with an impressive array of candles and small clay oil lamps to symbolise the triumph of good over evil. As a family we spend most of the day preparing the house by cleaning and decorating it before the evening party begins.
The evening party is a welcome excuse for family and friends to come together, enjoy a varied and plentiful selection of flavour-some Indian dishes and dance the night away. The house becomes a beacon of light and merriment full of laughter, music and fireworks that mark the celebration.
It has always been important that everyone attends the celebration and for years I watched as relatives and family friends travelled from work, home and University to make sure they were home in time. Now that I live away from home myself I have to pre-book my train to guarantee that I can make it home and don’t double book the important date.
This hasn’t always been easy and during my first year of University I prided myself on never missing the connecting train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, until I missed it on Diwali. Due to a broken down bus I missed the train by five minutes and thought I would not be able to make it back home in time to make the celebration that I had been looking forward to.
After an hour of stress and hard negotiation I managed to get myself a place on the next train which meant that I could make it after all. From that day I made myself a promise that I would not ever come that close to letting my family down again, especially when the day is that meaningful.
iii. Write an account of an event which has happened during the last year, and which you feel has affected the destiny of your country.
Answer:
On November 8, the government announced its decision to discontinue the legal tender status of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. The original objectives were stated as: eliminating fake currency; inflicting losses on those with black money; and disrupting terror and criminal activities. Later, new objectives were tacked on: enabling growth in bank credit, turning India into a cashless economy. Demonetisation is generally not seen as a tool for dealing with counterfeiting.
The analysis presented in the finance ministry’s White Paper on Black Money, 2012, shows that, on an average, the amount of cash seized during raids by income tax authorities is 4.88 % of total undisclosed income admitted in those cases. This data is from more than 23,000 warrants executed. Even if this decision inflicted a 100 % loss upon holders of unaccounted cash, this would imply a loss of only 4.88 % of their total unaccounted wealth, which is not much of a shock for those with such wealth.
The constraints of ATM recalibration and currency printing led to a long transition period. Cash is a store of value (white or black), but it is also a medium of exchange. Most people in India only transact with cash. More than 90 % of shops accept only cash or very short-term credit. Large numbers of labourers and small value suppliers are paid in cash. While these facts may change over time, it meant a sudden ban leading to disruptions in consumption and production.
While there was much talk about the GDP impact of this decision, a unique feature of this episode was that there were considerable other costs that fell disproportionately upon the poor. The rich had access to electronic payments, employees who would stand in queues to obtain cash, and savings that are used to cope with a decline in income. The poor lacked all these.
If a poor person suffers an income shock, or is not able to get medical treatment, the consequences are enormous for the individual, but the GDP impact may be negligible. In terms of welfare implications, these costs mattered a lot more than the impact on GDP.
The benefits are primarily in the form of losses inflicted upon those with black money, while costs are imposed on legitimate economic and social activities. Ordinary people, going about their lives, were suddenly asked to bear a burden associated with the project of imposing costs upon people who had unaccounted wealth. Some of the costs were incurred by poor people, whose welfare loss might be much more for a given level of rupee cost incurred. Given this difference in the nature and incidence of benefits and costs, each rupee of loss should be given a much higher weight than each rupee of benefit.
It seems, thus, that the economic costs of this decision are likely to outweigh its economic benefits and have thus affected the destiny of my country.
iv. An evening walk, looked forward to with enthusiasm, turns out to be a disaster. Write a real or imaginary account of such an occurrence.
Answer:
Kulu is one of my most favourite places. I love to visit it as often as I can. My most memorable reminiscences are associated with it, though all are not pleasant. One of them is quite scary and I shudder unto this day whenever I relive the sequence in my mind. We were staying in a rest house near a small river in a village. It is one of the most beautiful villages I have ever seen in my life.
It is situated in sylvan surroundings. All around it are thick forests inhabited by all sorts of animals. On the western side flows a sparkling rivulet. I love being in nature. No one can stop me exploring it. So in the afternoon, I along with my cousin set off to the rivulet. We soon reached the open countryside with trees by the roadside and open areas of land. The river ran all along the road.
We walked along it for some time until the underbrush began to take shape of forest. My cousin suggested we should return home. However, I insisted to go a little into the forest as I had never seen one. Reluctantly, he agreed. It was so quiet inside the forest.
The sunlight could not pierce the thick foliage. The chirpings of the birds were echoing. We had hardly walked just a few hundred meters when we heard rustling of leaves behind us. We knew something was following us. As we turned, we saw a herd of deer staring at us.
They were many. Some of them had antlers. We got scared. Fortunately I had a high intensity whistle with me that produced shrill sound when blown into. I took it out and blew as hard as I could. The piercing shrill cry of the whistle scared the herd. They disappeared in a jiffy. And we ran back to our house with our hearts thumping frantically.
We did not stop until we had reached the rest house. We narrated the incident to our family. They chided us for daring to go into the forest alone! My Father also told us that the male deer could be very dangerous as they could fatally wound anyone with their sharp antlers. I thanked God for saving us from the disaster that we had wilfully gone towards!
C. Applications
Assignment
Write an application to the Editor of the Hindustan Times, offering your services as a correspondent.
Answer:
Sridhar Gupta
Gandhi Colony
Lucknow, U.P
To,
The Editor
Hindustan Times
Lucknow
10.3.2023
Respected Sir,
Subject: Application for the post of a correspondent.
In response to your advertisement in The Hindustan Times dated February 24 -2018, I have the pleasure of offering my services for the post of a correspondent in your newspaper.
I am a young man of 28 years having good health. I am a graduate in English (Hons.) from Delhi University. Thereafter I obtained diploma in journalism from the Amity Institute ofMass Communication, Noida.
I joined the Tribune – Chandigarh as a reporter and worked in that capacity for two years. Then I got the job of a sub-editor in the Indian express as a political correspondent – Delhi edition. I have written a number of articles on current affairs. My special field of interest is the literary section and politics. I have also vast experience in all aspects of the duties of a correspondent, for example gathering news, meeting sources and researching for verification of authenticity before sending it to the press.
I am confident that I will be able to perform the tasks up to your expectations. I will be very grateful, if you give me an opportunity to work with your esteemed staff.
Thanking You
Yours Sincerely
Sridhar Gupta
Mathon
Tot al English Class 9 Practice Paper 9 Answers
D. Practice Paper-9
Question 1.
(Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.)
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following:
i. Write a story of your own to illustrate the truth of the statement, ‘Familiarity breeds contempt.’
Answer:
The old oak tree in the center of Willow Creek Park had been Amelia and Ben’s haven since childhood. They’d built elaborate forts in its sprawling branches, shared whispered secrets beneath its leafy canopy, and celebrated countless birthdays under its shade. Their laughter echoed through the park, a constant melody of friendship.
Years passed, and their bond remained strong. They were inseparable, navigating the awkwardness of adolescence and the joys of young adulthood together. Ben knew Amelia’s every dream, her deepest fears, and the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she truly laughed. Amelia held Ben’s triumphs, his first heartbreak, and the unspoken insecurities he wouldn’t share with anyone else.
However, as college acceptances arrived, a subtle shift began. Ben, eager to explore the bustling city, secured a scholarship miles away. Amelia, drawn to the familiar comfort of their hometown, enrolled at the local university. The physical distance felt insignificant they vowed to stay connected, their bond unbreakable.
But phone calls became shorter, replaced by texts. Texts turned into infrequent messages, punctuated by long stretches of silence. Ben, swept up in the college social scene, found himself surrounded by new faces and experiences. Amelia, caught up in her own studies and life.
The next summer, when Ben returned, a stranger seemed to stand before Amelia in the familiar clearing beneath the oak tree. His jokes fell flat, his stories lacked the detail that once painted vivid pictures in her mind. She felt a distance, an invisible wall built from unspoken words and unexplored feelings.
Their visit to the park ended abruptly, a tense silence hanging heavy in the air. As Ben . walked away, Amelia leaned back against the rough bark of the oak, a familiar ache in her chest. They still shared a history, woven from years of laughter and shared secrets. Yet, the comfort of familiarity had morphed into a suffocating silence. The distance, both physical and emotional, had exposed a truth neither wanted to admit – sometimes, the more we know someone, the easier it is to take them for granted, and eventually, to forget the preciousness of the bond.
The oak tree, once a symbol of unwavering friendship, now stood as a silent witness to the slow erosion of their connection. Familiarity, the very thing that had strengthened their bond, had, in a twist of fate, become its undoing. It was a poignant reminder: sometimes, a little distance can be the bridge we need to rediscover the value of what we almost lost.
ii. Neither a lender nor a borrower be! Narrate an experience, when borrowing money from a friend strained the relationship between your friend and you.
Answer:
Certainly, borrowing money from a friend can sometimes strain relationships, as it involves mixing personal matters with financial ones, which can lead to tension and misunderstandings.
I remember a time when I was in a tough spot financially. I needed some money urgently to cover unexpected expenses, and I hesitantly turned to a close friend for help. At first, my friend seemed understanding and willing to assist me in my time of need. They lent me the money without hesitation, and I was immensely grateful for their support.
However, as time went on, I found myself unable to repay the loan as quickly as I had hoped. My financial situation didn’t improve as anticipated, and I struggled to meet my obligations. Meanwhile, my friend started expressing frustration and impatience with the delay in repayment. What started as a simple act of borrowing money turned into a source of tension between us.
Our interactions became strained, and there was an underlying discomfort whenever we were together. I could sense my friend’s growing resentment towards me, and I felt guilty and embarrassed about not being able to fulfil my promise to repay them promptly.
Despite my efforts to explain my situation and reassure my friend that I was doing everything I could to repay the loan, the damage to our relationship was already done. The once strong bond of friendship was overshadowed by the strain caused by the financial transaction.
In the end, I learned a valuable lesson about the potential risks involved in borrowing money from friends. While their initial willingness to help may seem like a lifeline in difficult times, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on the relationship and to approach such situations with caution and transparency.
iii. ‘Overindulgence is making children selfish and self-centred.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer:
I am inclined to agree with the statement that overindulgence can indeed make children selfish and self-centred. When children are constantly given everything they want without having to work for it or face any consequences, they may develop a sense of entitlement and become less empathetic towards others.
Overindulgence can create a mindset in children where they expect instant gratification and believe that their needs and desires are always the top priority. This can lead to a lack of appreciation for the efforts of others and a diminished sense of responsibility towards their own actions.
Furthermore, when children are overindulged, they may struggle to develop important life z skills such as resilience, patience, and the ability to delay gratification. These skills are crucial for navigating the challenges and setbacks that they will inevitably encounter in life.
Additionally, overindulged children may find it difficult to form meaningful relationships with others, as they may struggle to understand the needs and perspectives of those around them. This can hinder their ability to develop healthy social and emotional skills, which are essential for building strong and supportive relationships throughout their lives.
In contrast, setting reasonable limits and boundaries, and teaching children the value of hard work and responsibility, can help prevent overindulgence and promote healthy development. By encouraging children to earn their rewards through effort and perseverance, parents can instill important values such as gratitude, resilience, and empathy, which are essential for fostering positive social and emotional development.
iv. Describe the scene of a busy street on the eve of a festival.
Answer:
On the eve of a festival, the atmosphere on a busy street is electrifying, bustling with a flurry of activity and excitement. As dusk descends, the street comes alive with vibrant colours, dazzling lights, and the rhythmic hum of anticipation.
Stalls and shop’s lining the street are adorned with festive decorations, twinkling fairy lights, and colourful banners, each vying for attention with their enticing displays of merchandise. The air is filled with the aroma of delicious street food wafting from food carts, tempting passersby with mouth-watering treats.
On the busy sidewalks, lots of people walk with happy faces, looking forward to something exciting. Families and friends stand together, talking and laughing, which makes the street feel even more festive.
Street performers and musicians add to the sensory overload, their lively tunes and captivating performances drawing crowds of onlookers. The beat of drums and the strumming of guitars create a lively backdrop to the festivities, echoing through the bustling thoroughfare.
With the noises and activities all over, sellers are selling their goods. They have lots of things for the festival, like handmade items and shiny little things. People are busy talking and trying to get good prices for what they want to buy.
Children dart through the crowds, their faces flushed with excitement as they marvel at the colourful displays and clamour for sweets and toys. Balloons bob overhead, adding splashes of colour to the festive scene, while street performers entertain the crowds with their acrobatic feats and comedic antics.
As the sun sets and darkness covers the sky, the street lights up with colourful decorations and bright lights. Lanterns and fairy lights sparkle everywhere, making the street look magical. Everyone feels happy and excited, and the whole place is filled with laughter and happiness because everyone is ready to celebrate.
v. Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.
Answer:
As I gaze at the picture, I am immediately struck by the resilience and determination of the woman depicted within. Gayatri in a simple white suit, her face adorned with lines of experience and perseverance, she carries a bundle of sugarcane effortlessly balanced on her head. A cloth wrapped around her head acts as a cushion, providing support between her head and the weighty load she bears.
The setting of the sugarcane plantation surrounding her suggests a life deeply intertwined with the land, where the rhythm of planting and harvesting dictates the passage of time. It is evident that this woman is no stranger to hard work; her weathered hands and steadfast gaze speak volumes about her dedication to her craft.
In her presence, I sense a quiet strength and resilience, forged through years of toil and dedication to her profession. Perhaps she is the hardworking owner of the sugarcane field, tirelessly overseeing every aspect of its cultivation to ensure its success. Alternatively, she may be one of the workers in the field, contributing her labour and expertise to the collective effort of bringing in the harvest.
Being around her makes me think about how people are linked to nature. I see the beauty in working hard and staying committed to what you believe in. She’s a great example of resilience, showing that if you keep going and stay determined, you can achieve anything.
Question 2.
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)
Select any one of the following:
i. Write a letter to the District Magistrate of your area complaining about the scarcity of water in your area.
Answer:
24, Garden Avenue
Balaji Road
Jodhpur
25th June, 2023
The District Magistrate
Jodhpur
Subject: Complaint Regarding Water Scarcity Issue in Our Area
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your urgent attention the severe water scarcity that residents of Garden Avenue have been facing for the past 8 months. This problem has significantly impacted our daily lives and is causing immense hardship for all residents.
Our taps run dry for most of the day, and the little water that trickles through is often insufficient for even basic needs like drinking, cooking, and sanitation. This situation is especially concerning for families with young children and elderly residents.
We understand that there might be reasons behind this water shortage. However, the lack of any communication or contingency plan from the local authorities has heightened our anxieties. We are worried about hygiene standards deteriorating and the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases if this problem persists.
Therefore, we urge you to take immediate action to address this critical water shortage in Garden Avenue. Firstly, a thorough investigation into the cause of this problem is essential. Once the reason is identified, corrective measures can be implemented to prevent future occurrences.
In the meantime, to alleviate the immediate hardship, we request an increase in the water supply to our area. This could be achieved through the deployment of water tankers or by exploring any other temporary solutions available. However, a long-term plan is crucial. We need a sustainable strategy to ensure a consistent and adequate water supply for Garden Avenue in the future. Finally, open communication with residents is vital. Keeping us informed about the situation and the steps being taken to resolve it will help alleviate anxiety and foster cooperation amongst the community.
We, the residents of Garden Avenue, urge you to intervene and provide a solution to this critical problem. We are confident that with your prompt action, we can overcome this water crisis.
Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
Mukesh Nanda,
President, Joint Action Committee,
Garden Avenue
ii. You are living in a hostel in Shimla. Write a letter to your mother expressing your apologies for not being able to perform up to her expectations in the First Terminal Exams and promising her that you will work hard and do well in the final exam.
Answer:
Room No 24,
Girls Hostel
BBK Girls School
23rd Mar, 2023
Dear Mom,
I’m writing this from my hostel room with a bit of a lump in my throat. I know you were hoping for stellar results in the first terminal exams, and I’m so sorry to say I fell short Looking back, I have to admit there were distractions. Maybe I got a little swept up in the hostel life, or perhaps underestimated the workload. Whatever the reason, it’s clear I haven’t been giving my studies the focus they deserve. The responsibility for these results lies squarely on my shoulders, and I’m truly disappointed in myself.
You’ve always been my biggest supporter, Mom. From sleepless nights helping with projects to endless cups of coffee during late-night study sessions, I know how much you’ve sacrificed for my education. The thought of letting you down hurts most of all.
But here’s the good news: I’m not throwing in the towel. These results are a wake-up call, a reminder that I need to buckle down. I’ve already started making changes. I’ve created a detailed study schedule, found a quiet corner in the hostel for focused work, and I’m even reaching out to professors and classmates for any additional resources they can offer. There’s still time before the finals, and I plan to make the most of it.
I promise to keep you updated on my progress, Mom. This next round, I’ll give it my all and strive for results that make you proud.
Lots of love,
Varuna Malhotra
Question 3.
i. Your school is organising an Inter-House Fancy Dress competition on the occasion of Children’s Day. Write a notice to be put up in your school inviting students of Classes VIII to X to submit their names for participating in the event.
Answer:
Greenwood International School
Notice
Inter-House Fancy Dress Competition
November, 1, 2024
We are excited to announce that our school will be organizing an Inter-House Fancy Dress Competition on the occasion of Children’s Day.
The competition is open to students from Classes VIII to X, and we encourage all interested students to participate. To enter the competition, students must submit their names along with their chosen theme or character for the fancy dress by November 5 th.
The Inter-House Fancy Dress Competition will be held on November 14th in the School Auditorium.. Participants are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time for registration and final preparations.
Let’s make this Children’s Day celebration a memorable one!
For any inquiries or to submit your name for participation, please contact Mrs Rashika Sharma, at 90xxxxxxxx
Manisha Sharma
Head, Co curricular activities
ii. Write an email to a famous TV actor requesting him/her to be the judge at the Fancy Dress Competition.
Answer:
To : [email protected]
Subject: Invitation to Judge Inter-House Fancy Dress Competition
Dear Mr Ranbir Kapoor
My name is Neelima Gupta, and I am reaching out to you from Greenwood International School in Mumbai. We are organizing an Inter-House Fancy Dress Competition as part of our Children’s Day celebrations, scheduled to take place on [Date].
As a renowned TV actor known for your remarkable talent and charisma, we believe you would be the perfect fit to judge our competition. Your presence would not only add prestige to our event but also inspire our students, who admire your work and look up to you as a role model.
The competition will feature participants from Classes VIII to X, showcasing their creativity and talent through various themed costumes. We are confident that your expertise and discerning eye would greatly contribute to the success of our event.
We understand that your schedule may be busy, but we sincerely hope you can spare some time to join us;as our esteemed judge. Your presence would mean a lot to our school community and make our Children’s Day celebrations truly memorable.
Please let us know at your earliest convenience if you would be available to participate in our event. We are flexible and can accommodate any scheduling preferences you may have.
Thank you for considering our invitation. We look forward to hearing from you soon and hopefully welcoming you to our school.
Best regards,
Neelima Gupta
Vice Principal
Greenwood International School
97 xxxxxxx
Question 4.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The idea of robots originated in 1920. At that time the Czech author Karl Capek made a great impression with his futuristic drama of artificial men, a play entitled R.U.R. This mysterious title stood for ‘Rossum’s Universal Robots’, machines built in the outward appearance of men, but free from human weaknesses.
These curious creatures were provided with thinking apparatus, nerves and muscles, like later genuine robots. In the last act of the play there occurred what the playgoers had expected from the beginning: the mechanical men revolted and destroyed their creators, and then each other.
Only two experimental models escaped destruction; a scientist had secretly given them the capacity to reproduce themselves and they now set about founding a new race of artificial men. Futuristic stories of this kind were very popular in the twenties; the golden years of science fiction emerged is in later years.
Over and over again, in all fields of science and technology as well as in the intellectual activities of mankind, events initially attract little attention. However, these relationships which are earlier underestimated, later assume great importance when seen from another angle.
This was the case with cybernetics, the branch of control of machines which in 1947 reached a very high level with the automatic flight. Automatic flight over the Atlantic, attracted no interest for several years. Only the specialists paid some attention to it, and they raised the important question as to whether control of machines would bring in a new industrial revolution.
A distinction must be made between the enormous new calculators, which are calculating machines working at very high speeds, and “automation”, which is the automatic execution of entire manufacturing processes, in which machines take over the functions of large number of human operators.
Towards the end of the Second World War, not even the boldest scientists would have imagined the extent to which automation would be introduced to replace human work by mechanical operation. But ten years later a commentator in the New York Times wrote: “And now we are in the middle of a second industrial revolution which is proceeding at a sensational speed.
Its effects seem likely to be as far-reaching as those of the first. A typical trend in this development is the attempt to use machines for the operation and control of other machines. This process is known as automation.” “Cybernetics and Automation, electronic calculators and unmanned factories.” these features of the latest chapter of technology’s history are typical of the struggle for innovation.
i. For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:
Question 1.
artificial (line 2)
(a) natural
(b) mechanical
(c) spurious
(d) ordinary
Answer:
(b) mechanical
Question 2.
secretly (line 8)
(a) privately
(b) publicly
(c) openly
(d) deceitfully
Answer:
(a) privately
ii. Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word restrained?
(a) weaknesses
(b) destruction
(c) importance
(d) sensational
Answer:
(d) sensational
iii. Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
a. State two qualities of the robots as they are portrayed by the Czech author.
Answer:
The robots were portrayed as machines built in the outward appearance of men but free from human weaknesses, provided with thinking apparatus, nerves, and muscles.
b. What happened to the creators of the robots in the last act of the play?
Answer:
In the last act of the play, the robots revolted against their creators and destroyed them, along with each other.
c. Which truth is revealed, ‘in all fields of science and technology as well as in the intellectual activities of mankind!’ (lines 12-13)?
Answer:
The truth revealed is that events initially attracting little attention later assume great importance when seen from another angle.
d. Distinguish between ‘the new calculators’ and ‘automation’.
Answer:
Calculators: High-speed machines for complex calculations.
Automation: Automatic execution of entire manufacturing processes, replacing human labour.
e. What could not have been anticipated at the end of the Second World War? Give the meaning of automation as per the report of the New York Times.
Answer:
The extent to which automation would replace human work by mechanical operation could not have been anticipated at the end of World War II. Automation refers to the automatic execution of entire manufacturing processes by machines.
iv. In not more than 50 words, state how the process of machines doing the work of human beings developed.
Answer:
The process of machines doing the work of human beings developed gradually, with automation replacing human labour by mechanical operation. This involved machines taking over functions of human operators in entire manufacturing processes, leading to a second industrial revolution characterized by cybernetics and automation.
Question 5.
i. 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.
Example: (0) were playing
A boy and a girl ….0…. (play) together. The boy had a collection of marbles. The girl had some sweets with her. The boy ….1… (tell) the girl that he …..2….. (give) her all his marbles in exchange for her sweets. The girl ….3…. (agree). The boy …4…. (keep) the biggest and the most beautiful marbles aside and gave the rest to the girl. The girl gave him all her sweets just as she …5…. (promise). That night the girl slept peacefully. But the boy could not sleep as he kept ….6…. (wonder) if the girl ….7…. (hide) some sweets from him the way he had hidden his best marbles! If you do not give a hundred per cent in a relationship, you keep ….8….. (doubt) if the other person has given his hundred per cent.
Answer:
A boy and a girl were playing together. The boy had a collection of marbles. The girl had some sweets with her. The boy told the girl that he would give her all his marbles in exchange for her sweets. The girl agreed. The boy kept the biggest and the most beautiful marbles aside and gave the rest to the girl. The girl gave him all her sweets just as she had promised.
That night the girl slept peacefully. But the boy could not sleep as he kept wondering if the girl had hidden some sweets from him the way he had hidden his best marbles! If you do not give a hundred per cent in a relationship, you keep doubting if the other person has given his hundred percent.
ii. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.
a. Heat turns water ______ steam.
Answer:
Heat turns water into steam.
b. He excels ______ speaking English.
Answer:
He excels in speaking English
c. Why are you so rude ______ your brother?
Answer:
Why are you so rude to your brother?
d. One king fought ______ another.
Answer:
One king fought against another
e. He has a passion ______ reading detective stories.
Answer:
He has a passion for reading detective stories.
f. The sky was blue ______ our heads.
Answer:
The sky was blue above our heads.
g. She is looking ______ the glass.
Answer:
She is looking at the glass.
Or
She is looking into the glass
h. Divide this cake ____ five parts.
Answer:
Divide this cake into five parts.
iii. Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option.
Question 1.
My neighbour is rich. He can easily buy the best car here.
(a) My neighbour is rich for buying the best car here.
(b) My rich neighbour easily buys the best car here.
(c) Being rich, my neighbour is to buy the best car here.
(d) Being rich, my neighbour can easily buy the best car here.
Answer:
(d) Being rich, my neighbour can easily buy the best car here.
Question 2.
How shall we arrange the money? I do not know.
(a) I do not know how we arrange the money.
(b) I do not know how we will arrange the money.
(c) I do not know how shall we arrange the money.
(d) I do not know how money will be arranged by us.
Answer:
(b) I do not know how we will arrange the money.
Or
(a) I do not know how we arrange the money.
Question 3.
Let us hope your parents will agree. If so, we shall go out for a picnic.
(a) Provided your parents agree, we shall go out for a picnic.
(b) I hope your parents agree to let us go out for picnic.
(c) As soon as your parents agree, we go out for a picnic.
(d) When your parents will agree, then we go out for a picnic.
Answer:
(a) Provided your parents agree, we shall go out for a picnic.
Question 4.
You should work hard. Otherwise you may fail.
(a) As long as you work hard, you will fail.
(b) Work hard as you might fail.
(c) You should work hard to not fail.
(d) If you work hard, you will not fail.
Answer:
(d) If you work hard, you will not fail.
iv. Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence.
Question 1.
Her beauty is beyond praise. (End: … be praised.)
(a) Her beauty is to be praised.
(b) She is so beautiful that her beauty cannot adequately be praised.
(c) Her beauty is such that it cannot be praised.
(d) Her beauty is beyond to be praised.
Answer:
(a) Her beauty is to be praised.
Or
(b) She is so beautiful that her beauty cannot adequately be praised
Question 2.
Nobody in the world can sing as melodiously as Lata. (Begin with: Lata ..)
(a) Lata is melodious than any singer in the world.
(b) Lata is more melodious than any singer in the world.
(c) Lata is the most melodious singer in the world.
(d) Lata is more melodious than singers of the world.
Answer:
(c) Lata is the most melodious singer in the world.
Question 3.
“You would better see the doctor, Arun,” the teacher said.
(Begin with: The teacher suggested …)
(a) The teacher suggested that Arun would better see the doctor.
(b) The teacher suggested to Arun that he should see the doctor.
(c) The teacher suggested to Arun so that he sees the doctor.
(d) The teacher suggested to Arun to better see the doctor.
Answer:
(b) The teacher suggested to Arun that he should see the doctor.
Question 4.
I had not gone for any outing for five years. (Begin with: The last time …)
(a) The last time I had gone for any outing was five years ago.
(b) The last time five years ago I went to any outing.
(c) The last time I went to any outing was five years ago.
(d) The last time I have gone for any outing was five years ago.
Answer:
(a) The last time I had gone for any outing was five years ago.
Question 5.
A new cellphone is beyond my means at present. (Use: afford)
(a) I am not to afford a new cellphone at present.
(b) It is beyond me to afford a new cellphone at present.
(c) I cannot afford a new cellphone at present.
(d) I am unable to afford a new cellphone now.
Answer:
(c) I cannot afford a new cellphone at present.
Question 6.
He works hard that he may become rich. (Begin with: He aims …)
(a) He aims that he may become rich by working hard.
(b) He aims to become rich by working hard.
(c) He aims at becoming rich by working hard.
(d) He aims for hard work because he wants to become rich.
Answer:
(c) He aims at becoming rich by working hard.
Or
(b) He aims to become rich by working hard.
Question 7.
Mohan will not resign unless he is compelled. (Begin with: Mohan will resign only …)
(a) Mohan will resign only when compelled to.
(b) Mohan will resign only to be compelled.
(c) Mohan will resign only if he is compelled.
(d) Mohan will resign for being compelled.
Answer:
(a) Mohan will resign only when compelled to.
Question 8.
I am too tired to walk any further. (End: … cannot walk any further.)
(a) I am so tired that I cannot walk any further.
(b) I am tired, I cannot walk any further.
(c) Tired as much as I am, I cannot walk any further..
(d) Since being tired, I cannot walk further.
Answer:
(a) I am so tired that I cannot walk any further