ICSE Total English Class 9 Solution : Chapter 14

Question 1

(i) Write a story of your own with the theme, “Cut your coat according to your cloth.”

Answer:- Cut Your Coat According to Your Cloth

Suniti had always lived a modest life in a quiet suburban colony. Her husband, a schoolteacher, earned a fixed salary and they managed their expenses wisely. Life was simple but peaceful. One day, her friend Nandita, who lived in a posh apartment in the city, moved to London with her family. She offered Suniti the flat on rent at a low price. Excited by the thought of living in such an upscale area, Suniti immediately shifted.

At first, it was a dream come true. The building had a lift, a security guard, and well-dressed neighbours who drove luxury cars. Suniti, however, soon began to feel that her humble belongings made her look small in comparison. She noticed how the neighbours had lavish furniture, modern appliances, and branded clothes. She began to feel embarrassed when guests came over.

To match the status of others, Suniti began to buy things on monthly instalments. A large LED TV, a new refrigerator, a stylish sofa set, air-conditioners for every room, and even a second-hand car—all on EMIs. Her husband warned her, “Suniti, don’t stretch beyond what we earn.” But Suniti brushed it off, saying they deserved to live well.

Very soon, the combined EMIs exceeded their monthly income. To pay the difference, Suniti started borrowing money from relatives and friends. But the burden grew heavier each month. The calls from the bank and finance companies became more frequent and more aggressive. Tension grew at home.

Eventually, they had no choice but to return some of the items, sell Suniti’s jewellery, and even mortgage their old house. Still unable to cope, they left the flat in the posh colony and returned to their smaller home in the suburbs. It was a painful experience, but a powerful lesson.

Suniti now understood the meaning of the saying, “Cut your coat according to your cloth.” Trying to live beyond one’s means only brings debt, stress, and unhappiness. Today, she lives within her limits and values the peace that comes with financial discipline.

(ii) Write about a time when you were really frightened. This could be when you were in real or imagined danger or when you were afraid of the consequences of something. you had done or not done.

Answer:- A Time When I Was Really Frightened

It was a normal school day, and I was getting ready in a hurry when I realised that my pen was not working. I had an important exam that day, and writing with a smooth pen was very important. I requested my father to lend me one of his pens. He took out a brand-new pen from his cupboard, handed it to me carefully, and said, “Use it properly and return it in the evening.”

The pen was beautiful. It wrote effortlessly, and I was sure I would score well in the exam. After the exam, one of my classmates, who loved collecting pens, noticed it. He asked, “Is this yours?” Without thinking, I proudly replied, “Yes, my father gifted it to me. It’s imported and cost ₹500.” Impressed, he immediately gave me ₹1500 and asked me to request my father to buy one for him too.

I was shocked but didn’t know how to refuse. I took the money and went from shop to shop trying to find the same pen, but I couldn’t. As I had no choice, I packed my father’s pen in a box and gave it to my classmate. He smiled and said, “I will come tomorrow and personally thank your father.”

My heart sank. What would I tell my father? I came home very disturbed. I couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, and started to feel sick. The fear of being caught and scolded made me shiver. That night, I had a high fever, and in that half-conscious state, I cried and revealed everything to my parents. I asked my father to forgive me for lying and giving away his pen.

The next morning, when I woke up, my fever had gone down. My father sat next to me and gently said, “I forgive you, but always speak the truth. Never show off or lie to impress others.” When my classmate came, I returned his money and told him the truth. Thankfully, he understood.

That incident taught me a lifelong lesson. Lies and boasting may seem easy in the beginning, but they always lead to fear and guilt. It is always better to be honest and simple.

(iii) ‘Online shopping is better than traditional shopping.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.

Answer:- For the View: Online Shopping is Better than Traditional Shopping

In today’s fast-paced world, online shopping has become an essential part of our lives. With the rise of technology and internet access, more and more people prefer shopping online rather than going to physical stores. I strongly believe that online shopping is better than traditional shopping for many reasons.

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In addition to that, online shopping saves valuable time. People with busy schedules, students preparing for exams, working parents — all benefit from the ease of placing orders without disrupting their routine.

To sum up, online shopping is faster, smarter, and more flexible. It has revolutionised the way we shop, offering ease, variety, and savings — all from the comfort of our homes. In this digital age, online shopping definitely has an edge over traditional shopping.

Against the View: Traditional Shopping is Better than Online Shopping

While online shopping has gained popularity in recent years, traditional shopping still holds its own charm and advantages. I strongly believe that traditional shopping is better than online shopping for several important reasons.

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Lastly, online shopping is not for everyone. It is mainly used by those who are tech-savvy and have access to smartphones, computers, and digital payment options. On the other hand, traditional shopping is open to all — rich or poor, young or old — and gives equal opportunity to everyone.

(iv) Describe your feelings on the day when you were made the Head boy/Head girl of your school.

Answer:- The Day I Was Made the Head Girl of My School

The day I was made the Head Girl of my school is one of the most memorable and proudest days of my life. It was a moment that I had only dreamt of when I joined Senior Secondary School in Class XI, after my father was transferred to Mumbai.

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That day I felt on top of the world. My eyes were filled with tears of happiness. I had proved to myself and to others that hard work and dedication can break even the strictest rules. It was truly a golden day in my life.

(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.

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