CBSE Class 9 English Sample Paper Set 08

SECTION - A

READING

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

The Amazon is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. It covers an area of nearly 2.8 million square miles, which is nearly the size of the continent of Australia. The Amazon rainforest gets its life from the majestic Amazon river, the world’s second largest river, which runs directly through the heart of the region. The rainforest itself is simply the drainage basin for the river and its many tributaries. The vast forest itself consists of four layers, each featuring its own ecosystems and specially adapted plants and animals.

The forest floor is the lowest region. Since only two percent of the sunlight filters through the top layers to the understorey, very few plants grow here. The forest floor, however, is rich with rotting vegetation and the bodies of the dead organisms, which are quickly broken down into nutrients and decomposers such as millipedes and earth worms use nutrients for food. 

The understorey is the layer above the forest floor. Much like the forest floor, only about 2-5 percent of the sunlight reaches this shadowy realm. Many of the plants in the understorey have large, broad leaves to collect as much sunlight as possible. The understorey is so thick that there is very little air movement. As a result, plants rely on insects and animals to pollinate their flowers.

The layer above the understorey is the canopy. This is where much of the action in the rainforest occurs. Many canopy leaves have specially adapted leaves which form “drip tips”. Drip tips allow water to flow off the leaves the canopy are very dense and filter about 80 percent of the sunlight. The canopy is where the wealth of the rainforest’s fruits and flowers grow. Bromeliads, cuplike plants, provide drinking pools for animals and breeding locations for tree frogs.

Answer the following questions:

(a) Why is the Amazon rainforest called the world’s largest rainforest ?

(b) Amazon river is the world’s _________________________.

(c) How important is the Amazon river for Amazon rainforests ?

(d) Why do very few plants grow in the understorey of the rainforests ?

(e) Why is there very little air movement in the understorey ?

(f) What is the layer above the understorey called ?

(g) How are bromeliads useful for animals and tree-frogs ?

(h) Find the word from the passage which means “grand.”

(1*8=8 marks)

2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :

Our Vedas consist of ancient theories, observations and principles about the mind and body connection which is now being proven by modern medicine. There are several reasons for headache, physical, emotional and mental factors, anxiety and tension are a few. Sometimes, headache can be a signal of an underlying disease. More than medicines, yoga therapy eminently suits any need. Yoga is a comprehensive mode of culturing the body and the mind. Using an “Integrated Approach of Yoga”, the Yoga Research Centers have been able to cure some tough headaches. The integrated approach includes breathing, asanas , pranayama, meditation and devotional sessions.

Yoga, is aimed to unite the mind, the body, and the spirit. Yogis view that the mind and the body are one and that if it is given the right yoga kit and tools and taken to the right environment, it can find harmony and heal itself. Yoga, therefore, is considered therapeutic. It helps you become more aware of your body’s posture, alignment and patterns of movement. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the midst of a stress stricken environment.

Yoga asanas, especially the ones imitating the natural postures of animals, have a tremendous tranquilising effect, without having to depend on common drugs. Pranayama inhibits random agitations in Pranic (energy) flows in Pranayama kosa, stabilizing the autonomic nervous system. Dhyana and Samadhi culture the reaction of an individual to headache. By interrupting the vicious cycle of pain-agony-pain, it prevents headache from becoming a crippling problem.

Through asanas that calm you, the Pranayama exercises that inhibit random energy flows the meditation that cultivates and relaxes your mind. Yoga offers a holistic form of pain relief. It stops you from becoming locked in the vicious circle of pain-anxiety-pain.

Answer the following questions :

(a) How does Pranayama help the body?

(b) How can one stay away from medicines?

(c) What does integrated approach include?

(d) Why yoga is considered therapeutic?

(e) Answer the following questions.

(i) What is meant by ‘inhibit’? (Para 4)

(ii) What is meant by ‘eminently’? (Para 1)

(iii) Find the word opposite to ‘discord’. (Para 2)

(iv) Find the word opposite to ‘stiff’. (Para 2) 

SECTION-B

Writing and Grammar : 25 marks

3.The effects of global warming on climate change are quite evident nowadays. Write an article on climate trends in recent years, their causes and effects, especially the threat they pose to the future of mankind. Use the ideas from the Unit Environment in your MCB, along with your own ideas in not more than 175-200 words. (5 marks)

4. Write a story with a suitable title using the following hints in 150-200 words. (10 marks)

The footpath opposite to my school – an unnoticed dark corner – the beggar I meet everyday – even talked to him at times – disappears suddenly – eager and restless to know…..

5. Complete the following passage by choosing the most appropriate options from the given below.

Working in a team (a)____________ really a healer and a stress buster. Success (b)____________ failure is not an individual’s responsibility. It is a collective responsibility. (c)____________ good team work demands a perfect communication between all members.

(a) (i) is (ii) am (iii) are (iv) was

(b) (i) and (ii) or (iii) is (iv) am

(c) (i) A (ii) The (iii) In (iv) At (1*3=3 marks)

6. There is an error in each line. Write the incorrect word and the correction in your answer sheet.

                                                   Incorrect      Correct

The world for technology is (a) ____________ ____________

one area in what science is (b) ____________ ____________

isolating us. Expert predicted (c) ____________ ____________

that very soon much people (d) ____________ ____________

will be able to work from home. (1*4=4 marks)

7. Rearrange the following words and phrases to form meaningful sentences.

(a) by/vegetation/29 sq km/surrounded/it/and/is/area of/an/covers

(b) it/thousands/attracts/of/every year/migratory birds

(c) heaven/for/this/is/a/these/place/birds (1*3=3marks)

8. Read one of the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.

When two fellows stare at each other day in, day out and one can’t talk, boredom sets in.

(a) Name the two fellows referred to in the above extract.

(b) Why was one of them unable to move ?

(c) What does the phrase, ‘day in, day out’ mean?

Or

‘Behold her, single in the field,

Yon solitary Highland lass!

Reaping and singing by herself;

Stop here, or gently pass!’

(1) What does ‘Highland lass signify here?

(2) Why does the poet ask ‘to stop’ or ‘gently pass’ ?

(3) What is the girl doing ? (1*3=3 marks) 

9. Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words.

(a) How does the narrator describe her grandmother as a student ?

(b) What conflict does the poet face in “The Road Not Taken” ?

(c) Why was Lord Ullin left lamenting at the sea shore ?

(d) Why does Jeanne want to buy a villa ? (2*4=8 marks)

10. Answer one of the following questions in about 80-100 words.

Sensitivity to the feelings of the other people, friends or strangers, is an essential value of life. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your answer with reference to “The Solitary Reaper”?

Or

For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle. Do you agree ? Elaborate in about 80-100 words. (4 marks)

11. Answer one of the following questions in about 150-200 words.

Give a brief character sketch of the narrator Jerome.

Or

Why did the three men decide to go on a boating expedition?(10 marks)

Please click the link below to download CBSE Class 9 English Sample Paper Set H