CBSE Class 9 English Collection of Assignments

SYLLABUS

Module : 01 :

Section - A (Reading)

A.1. Read the following passage carefully:
1. Sringeri Vidhyashankara Temple is a fine amalgamation of various architectural influences. It is a unique blend of the Hoysala-Chalukya and Dravidian architecture and was built in the 14th century.
2. The name Sringeri is derived from Shrungagiri-the hills of the Western Ghats. There is a mention of Shrungagiri in the Ramayan and the Vedic period. It is one of the most important holy places in South India. After the establishment of the great seat of learning at Sringeri, Sringeri Peetham had a continuous succession of gurus, each one a scholar of repute and philosopher with high degree of spirituality.
3. The Sringeri Math has cast tremendous influence over its followers, and hence it was patronized and protected not only by the regional rulers and king but also by far off rulers like Tipu Sultan, Hyder Ali, or Nizams of Hyderabad and later, the British Commission, too. It is a religious teaching centre with many students and a fine library. Trapped amidst the mesmerizing Shrungagiri hills and the meandering river Tunga, and enthralling lush greenery, Sringeri is the virtual abode of God, Acharyas and Advaitya philosophers. It is truly a paradise on earth.

1.1 Read the questions given below and choose the option you consider the most appropriate:
(i) The temple Sringeri is named after Shrungagiri which means
(a) the hills of western ghats
(b) architectural confluence
(c) Peetham.
(d) blend of unique cultures.
Answer: (a) the hills of western ghats
The passage explicitly states that the name Sringeri is derived from Shrungagiri, which refers to the hills of the Western Ghats.
In simple words: The name Sringeri comes from Shrungagiri, meaning the Western Ghat hills.

Exam Tip: Always look for direct lexical links between the question stem and the opening sentences of the passage paragraphs.

Question 1.1(ii). It was established as a
(a) great seat of learning
(b) great centre of religion.
(c) monument of peace
(d) holy place.
Answer: (a) great seat of learning
Paragraph 2 explicitly mentions the establishment of the great seat of learning at Sringeri.
In simple words: Sringeri was set up as a major center for education and learning.

Exam Tip: Scan for specific nouns like 'establishment' and 'seat' to locate the correct paragraph quickly.

Question 1.1(iii). It had a succession of highly reputed gurus with high degree of
(a) education and spirituality.
(b) spirituality and reputation.
(c) reputation.
(d) Knowledge.
Answer: (a) education and spirituality.
Paragraph 2 describes the gurus as scholars of repute and philosophers with a high degree of spirituality.
In simple words: The gurus were known for both their scholarly wisdom and spiritual depth.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to compound descriptive phrases in the text that match option details.

Question 1.1(iv). The Sringeri Math was
(a) invaded equally by both the Indian and British rulers.
(b) patronised equally by both the Indian and British rulers.
(c) ignored equally by both the Indian and British rulers.
(d) infamous and unrecognised.
Answer: (b) patronised equally by both the Indian and British rulers.
Paragraph 3 notes that it was patronized and protected by regional rulers, far off rulers like Tipu Sultan, Hyder Ali, Nizams, and later the British Commission.
In simple words: Both Indian and British rulers supported and protected the Sringeri Math.

Exam Tip: When options list multiple categories of people or entities, verify if all are mentioned as subjects of the main verb in the text.

Question 1.1(v). Which of the following words in the passage stands for "to bring to a hypnotic state."
(a) mesmerizing
(b) meandering
(c) enthralling
(d) magical
Answer: (a) mesmerizing
'Mesmerizing' derives from mesmerism, which relates to inducing a hypnotic state.
In simple words: Mesmerizing means casting a spell or putting someone into a trance-like state of fascination.

Exam Tip: Vocabulary questions test contextual synonyms and root word meanings.

Section - B (Writing)

Question B.1. The following notes give a sketchy description of the life and contribution of Baba Sahib Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. Explain the notes in a paragraph (about 100 words) in your own language. You can invent your own details.
Answer: Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar stands tall as one of the greatest architects of modern India. Born into a humble Dalit family, he rose above societal barriers through sheer determination and brilliance, pursuing higher education in Mumbai, England, and the United States, which made him one of the most highly qualified leaders of his time. As the principal architect of the Constitution of India, he laid down the foundational framework of a democratic and inclusive nation. A fierce crusader for the rights of the downtrodden, he later embraced Buddhism to seek spiritual and social equality. Serving as independent India's first Law Minister in Nehru's cabinet, his lifelong dedication to social justice continues to inspire millions.
In simple words: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar overcame humble beginnings to shape India's Constitution and champion social justice for all.

Exam Tip: Ensure all bullet points are smoothly integrated into a chronological and cohesive paragraph without using bullet points.

Question B.2. Study the notes given below and develop them into a paragraph in about 100 words. You can invent your own details. A Visit to Surajkund Mela
Answer: The Surajkund Arts and Crafts Mela, held annually in February, is a vibrant celebration of India's rich cultural heritage. Last month, I visited this magnificent fair with my friends, and the experience was nothing short of magical. The venue was thronged by a massive crowd, buzzing with excitement and energy. Artisans and craftsmen from all corners of India, as well as international participants from abroad, displayed breathtaking handloom fabrics, intricate woodwork, and traditional pottery. The rhythmic folk music and dance performances added to the festive fervor. It was a wonderful exhibition that offered great business to local craftsmen and left us with unforgettable memories.
In simple words: Our visit to the bustling Surajkund Mela allowed us to experience incredible art, crafts, and cultures from around the world.

Exam Tip: Use descriptive adjectives and lively verbs to bring biographical and travelogue paragraphs to life.

Question B.3. Describe the 'Bihu festival' using the hints given below: (i) Bihu - a festival of Assam - the word 'Bihu' derived from the Sanskrit word 'Biswa' (ii) pomp and show - express joy - welcoming Spring (iii) first day spent in prayer - goes on for a week (iv) dance, song, feast and entertainment etc.
Answer: Bihu is the most prominent and vibrant festival of Assam, with its name believed to be derived from the Sanskrit word 'Biswa'. Celebrated with immense pomp and show, it is an occasion for the community to express boundless joy and welcome the spring season. The festivities begin with the first day dedicated entirely to prayers and seeking blessings, setting a pious tone for celebrations that continue for an entire week. The air fills with traditional folk songs and energetic Bihu dances. Elaborate feasts, community gatherings, and endless entertainment mark this joyous occasion, binding people together in cultural harmony.
In simple words: Bihu is Assam's lively week-long spring festival filled with prayers, traditional dances, music, and feasts.

Question C.1. Read the following conversation carefully. Some words are missing in the conversation. Choose the correct word from the choices given below.
Lady : Do you have (i) .................. change? I have a five hundred rupee note.
Shopkeeper : That's alright. Tell me what you want.
Lady : I don't want (ii) .................. things. Just (iii) .................. loaf of bread and (iv) .................. other items.
Shopkeeper : Can you specify (v) ..................?
Lady : Well, a few loose sheets of paper and (vi) .................. kerosene oil for the lamp.
Shopkeeper : Your sheets are here, ma'am. Hmm, let me see if there is (vii) .................. oil in the stock right now. I am afraid there isn't (viii) .................. left in the can.
Lady : Oh ! That's fine. I need only (ix) .................. much.
Shopkeeper : Are there any (x) .................. items on your list?
Lady : No, thank you.
(i) (a) some (b) any (c) the
(ii) (a) many (b) any (c) much
(iii) (a) a (b) the (c) any
(iv) (a) some (b) many (c) the
(v) (a) some (b) them (c) many
(vi) (a) a (b) some (c) much
(vii) (a) some (b) much (c) many
(viii) (a) much (b) few (c) any
(ix) (a) that (b) this (c) a
(x) (a) some (b) more (c) many
Answer:
(i) (b) any
(ii) (b) any
(iii) (a) a
(iv) (a) some
(v) (b) them
(vi) (b) some
(vii) (a) some
(viii) (c) any
(ix) (a) that
(x) (b) more
In simple words: Determiners and quantifiers like 'any', 'some', 'a', and 'more' are correctly used based on whether sentences are interrogative, negative, countable, or uncountable.

Exam Tip: Test determiners by checking noun countability and sentence polarity (affirmative vs. negative/interrogative).

Question C.2. Edit the following paragraph with the best option:
Coral reefs (i) grows under the water along sea coast and (ii) around island. They grow (iii) from a seabed to surface. They (iv) is formed by very tiny animals living (v) on large colonies. The limestone reef is (vi) are formed with millions of their skeletons. When sand (vii) but soil cover reef, (viii) an coral island is formed.
(i) (a) growing (b) grow (c) will grow (d) grew
(ii) (a) inside islands (b) into island (c) across island (d) around islands
(iii) (a) from the (b) to a (c) to the (d) from an
(iv) (a) is forming (b) are forming (c) are formed (d) will be forming
(v) (a) at (b) into (c) in (d) upon
(vi) (a) formed from (b) forming with (c) forming by (d) formed through
(vii) (a) along with (b) in addition to (c) and (d) accompanied by
(viii) (a) a coral islands (b) a coral island (c) the coral island (d) the coral islands
Answer:
(i) (b) grow
(ii) (d) around islands
(iii) (c) to the
(iv) (c) are formed
(v) (c) in
(vi) (a) formed from
(vii) (a) along with
(viii) (b) a coral island
In simple words: Subject-verb agreement, prepositions, and articles are corrected to maintain grammatical accuracy throughout the passage.

Exam Tip: Look closely at pluralization and tense consistency when editing factual passages.

Section - D

Question D.1. Identify the various figures of speech used in the following poem.
Lightly, O lightly we bear her along,
She sways like a flower in the wind of our song;
She skims like a bird on the foam of a stream,
She floats like a laugh from the lips of a dream.
Gaily, O gaily we glide and we sing,
We bear her along like a pearl on a string.
Softly, O softly we bear her along,
She hangs like a star in the dew of our song;
She springs like a beam on the brow of the tide,
She falls like a tear from the eyes of a bride.
Lightly, O lightly we glide and we sing,
We bear her along like a pearl on a string.
Answer: The primary figure of speech used extensively throughout the poem is **Simile**, as the bride is directly compared to various objects using the words 'like' or 'as' (e.g., "sways like a flower", "skims like a bird", "hangs like a star", "falls like a tear"). Additionally, **Alliteration** is prominent in sounds (e.g., "Lightly, O lightly", "Softly, O softly", "Gaily, O gaily"). **Personification** and **Imagery** are also employed to create vivid visual and emotional pictures of the palanquin bearers' gentle motion.
In simple words: The poem uses similes (comparisons using 'like') and repetitive sounds to paint a graceful picture of a bride being carried.

Exam Tip: When identifying poetic devices, quote specific lines as evidence for each device.

Module : 01 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader : Figures of speech

2. Writing Skill         : Descriptive writing (people, place, event) / Bio Sketch.

Module : 02 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader    : The Brook

2. Main Course Book : People

3. Writing Skill            : Descriptive Writing

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Module : 03 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader : How I Taught My Grand Mother To Read

2. Writing Skill          : (i) Diary Entry

(ii) E-mail Writing

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Module : 04 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader : The Road Not Taken

2. Writing Skill         : Informal Letter Writing /Formal Letter Writing.

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Module : 05 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader  : Lord Ullin‘s Daughter

2. Main Course Book : Adventure

3. Writing Skill           : Notice Writing/ Story Writing.

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Module : 06 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader : A Dog Named Duke

2. Writing Skill         : Article Writing / Debate Writing

Module : 07 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader : The Solitary Reaper

2. Writing Skill         : Data Interpretation/Message Writing/ Report Writing

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Module : 08 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader   : Villa For Sale

2. Main Course Book : Environment

3. Writing Skill          : Speech Writing /Dialogue Writing.

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Module : 09 : Revision SA1

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Module : 10 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader : The Man Who Knew Too Much

2. Writing Skill         : Message Writing/Report Writing

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Module : 11 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader      : Oh, I wish I‘d Looked After Me Teeth

2. Main Course Book    : Class IX Radio Show

3. Writing Skill              : Formal Letter / Informal Letter

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Module : 12 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader : The Seven Ages

2. Writing Skill         : Dialogue Writing / Bio-Sketch

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Module : 13 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader : Keeping It From Harold

2. Writing Skill         : Story Writing / Diary Entry

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Module : 14 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader    : Song of The Rain

2. Main Course Book : Mystery

3. Writing Skill            : Debate Writing / E-mail Writing

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Module : 15 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader     : Best Seller

2. Main Course Book   : Children

3. Writing Skill             : Data Interpretation / Notice Writing

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Module : 16 :

Content:

1. Literature Reader   : The Bishop‘s Candlesticks

2. Main Course Book  : Sports and Games

3. Writing Skill            : Speech Writing

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Module : 17 :

Content:

1. Writing Skill : Article Writing

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Module : 18 : Revision for SA – II

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Click on link below to download CBSE Class 9 English Collection of Assignments