Welcome to “ICSE Total English Class 9 Solution: Chapter 10,” where we provide comprehensive solutions to Chapter 10 from the Total English textbook by Morning Star. This essential resource for ICSE English Language students offers precise answers to all assignments and test papers included in the chapter. Each solution is crafted with 100% accuracy, ensuring students gain a clear understanding and excel in their studies. Whether you are navigating the ICSE syllabus or seeking thorough explanations, this post promises to be your reliable companion. Join us as we delve into Chapter 10 , illuminating every aspect with detailed and accurate solutions.
Table of Contents
A. Direct And Indirect Speech
Change each of the following sentences into INDIRECT SPEECH.
A. Statements:
1. I promised him: “I will never do it again.”
Answer: I promised him that I would never do that again.
2. The newspapers say: “The President died yesterday.”
Answer: The newspapers say that the president died the day before.
3. He announced: “The show will go on.”
Answer: He announced that the show would go on.
4. The television predicted: “It may rain tomorrow.”
Answer: The television predicted that it might rain the following day.
5. The manager told us: “If you work overtime, you will get the bonus.”
Answer: The manager told us that if we worked overtime we would get the bonus.
B. Questions:
1. The students asked: “Can’t we go with him?”
Answer: The students asked whether they could go with him.
2. The gardener asked me: “When shall I prune the roses?”
Answer: The gardener asked me when he should prune the roses?
3. The police officer asked the students: “What would you have done, if I had not arrived in time?”
Answer: The police officer asked the students what they would have done if he had not arrived in time.
4.John wondered: “Have they seen the document yet?”
Answer: John wondered if they had seen the document yet.
5. He said to us, “Are you going to school today?”
Answer: He asked us whether we were going to school that day.
C. Commands and Requests:
1. The psychologist advised them: “Keep the child in a peaceful environment!”
Answer: The psychologist advised them to keep the child in a peaceful environment.
2. They warned us: “Do not go near the flooded river!”
Answer: They warned us not to go near the flooded river.
3. The police said: “Everyone must stay indoors.”
Answer: The police ordered everyone to stay indoors.
4. The singer requested: “Everyone in the audience, sing along with me!”
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5. The speaker said: “Listen carefully to my lecture!”
D. Exclamations and Wishes:
1. The politician advised the citizens: “Vote only for my party!”
Answer: The politician advised the citizens to only note for his/her party.
2. Father said to the son, “Harsh listen to what I say!”
Answer: Father requested Harsh to listen to what he had to say.
3. My uncle said, “Alas! He should have followed my advice.”
Answer: My uncle exclaimed with regret that he should have followed his (my uncle’s) advice.
4. Father said, “Thank God! The doctor has finally come to see you.”
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5. She said to me, “Thank you for the computer!”
B. Narrative Composition
(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 se 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:- It was a beautiful day, and my friends and I were riding our bicycles down a country road, enjoying the cool breeze and the scenic view. We were laughing and chatting when suddenly, we heard a loud voice from a nearby speaker announcing that a person wearing a red cap and pink shirt had stolen a bicycle and was making his escape. The description sounded eerily familiar. To our surprise, we soon spotted a man riding a bicycle at great speed, wearing a red cap and a pink shirt—exactly as the announcement had described. Without a second thought, my friends and I shouted for him to stop.
However, the man didn’t respond. Instead, he pedaled faster, clearly trying to escape. Fueled by a sense of adventure and justice, we decided to give chase. We pedaled as fast as we could, hearts racing with excitement, determined to catch the thief. After a few minutes of intense pursuit, we finally cornered him on a narrow road.
Breathing heavily, we confronted the man and demanded to know where he had gotten the bicycle. He seemed startled and insisted that he had done nothing wrong. According to him, he was simply riding to visit his ailing mother in the hospital. His explanation didn’t seem to match the thief’s usual behavior, but we didn’t trust him completely, so we began to question him further.
Just as the tension was rising, a second announcement came over the speaker, completely changing the situation. It turned out that the real thief had already been caught by the police. The man we had chased and confronted was completely innocent. We had mistakenly targeted the wrong person, both of us dressed similarly, and both riding bicycles at high speed.
Ashamed and embarrassed, we apologized profusely to the man, who, to his credit, was very understanding. We had learned an important lesson that day: not everything is as it seems, and it’s better to be sure before acting on assumptions. We left the scene, feeling sheepish but also relieved that the real thief had been apprehended. It had been an unexpected adventure, and one we wouldn’t forget anytime soon.
(II) Write an account of a religious festival at which you were present.
Answer:- The religious festival I attended was the grand Durga Puja, celebrated with great zeal at the local Kali Bari. The festivities spanned four days, with each day bringing something special. The entire area was decorated with colorful lights and vibrant pandals, creating an atmosphere of joy and devotion. The air was filled with the scent of incense and the rhythmic beats of the dhaak (drum), which added to the festive spirit.
Each evening, the community organized cultural events, featuring songs, dances, plays, and live music. It was a treat to watch local performers showcase their talents, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement. People from all walks of life, dressed in their finest clothes, gathered together to celebrate, sharing laughter and stories. The vibrant sarees and crisp kurtas created a beautiful sea of colors, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the food stalls, which were filled with a variety of Bengali delicacies. I indulged in mouth-watering dishes like mishti doi, rasgulla, and bhog (offerings to the goddess), along with some Kolkata-style street food like puchkas (pani puri) and kathi rolls. The food stalls, brought in from Kolkata, were always crowded, as everyone wanted to savor these delectable treats.
On the final day of Durga Puja, the most moving part of the celebration took place. We followed the procession as the idol of Goddess Durga, beautifully adorned and mounted on a decorated truck, was carried to the river for immersion. The crowd marched behind the truck, singing devotional songs and chanting prayers, creating a sense of unity and devotion. It was an emotional moment as the idol was slowly lowered into the river, marking the end of the festival.
The entire experience was a beautiful blend of culture, devotion, and community spirit. It left me with a deep sense of fulfillment and a greater appreciation for the significance of this religious celebration.
(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:- One of the most significant events in the last year that has had a profound impact on the destiny of our country is the launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This national cleanliness campaign was aimed at transforming India into a cleaner and healthier nation, focusing on cleaning streets, roads, and infrastructure. It not only targeted urban areas but also took a special initiative to eradicate open defecation, especially in rural areas, by constructing toilets.
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(IV) An evening walk, looked forward to with enthusiasm, turns out to be a disaster. Write areal or imaginary account of such an occurrence.
Answer:- An evening walk had always been an essential part of my daily routine. It was the time I looked forward to after a long day’s work, a refreshing and rejuvenating escape to clear my mind and recharge for the evening. Saturday evenings were special because I would be joined by my best friend, and we would chat away as we strolled through the quiet streets.
Read the following passage and summarise the disadvantages of living in a city.
City dwellers pay dearly for the doubtful privilege of living in a city. They pay exorbitantly for accommodation which is frequently inferior to the counterparts in rural areas. They spend huge sums on food which they could have grown for themselves in a village or rural ‘town’ and they waste what little is left no expensive entertainments, which they would have no need for in a rural area. In addition to the financial cost, they also pay dearly in terms of physical and mental health as their bodies and minds are threatened daily by pollution, accidents, robbery, violence and the diseases caused by overcrowding.
Answer:- Disadvantages of Living in a City
Living in a city comes with high costs, such as expensive accommodation and food, which are often inferior to what can be found in rural areas. People also spend a large portion of their remaining income on costly entertainment. Additionally, the city’s overcrowding leads to poor physical and mental health, with increased risks of pollution, accidents, violence, and diseases.
D. Practice Paper - 10
Question 1
Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following: [20]
(i) Write an original story which illustrates the truth of the statement, “The apple does not fall far from the tree.”
Answer:- The Apple Does Not Fall Far from the Tree
Nitya, a bright and beautiful girl, was known for her intelligence and charm in Class 5. She was excellent in academics, but never showed interest in extra-curricular activities. One day, during rehearsals for a school dance drama, the dance teacher was in search of a talented girl who could dance. She noticed Nitya’s sharp, expressive eyes and graceful face and thought she would be perfect for the role.
At first, Nitya was reluctant to participate, but she agreed. After just a few rehearsals, Nitya amazed everyone. Her movements were fluid and graceful, as though she had been dancing for years. The teachers and classmates were astounded by how quickly she picked up the dance steps, and many began to call her a “gifted dancer.”
When the day of the performance arrived, Nitya’s dance was met with thunderous applause. Her expression conveyed deep emotion, and every movement seemed flawless. After the show, her mother, who had been in the audience, had tears in her eyes. She explained to everyone that she herself was a trained Bharatnatyam dancer. Years ago, she had performed on stages both in India and abroad, but had stopped dancing after an accident.
As everyone looked at Nitya with newfound admiration, they realized that the apple truly does not fall far from the tree. Nitya had inherited her mother’s natural talent for dance, something she had never expected to reveal. The hidden potential in Nitya had emerged, just like her mother’s had many years ago.
(II) They can, who think they can. Narrate an incident or an experience to bring out the truth of this statement.
Answer:- They Can, Who Think They Can
The famous quote by the Roman poet Virgil, “They can, who think they can,” holds great truth. It means that only those who believe in themselves are able to achieve their goals. This self-belief acts as a guiding light during moments of despair and rejection, pushing individuals to continue striving, even when faced with setbacks. A great example of this can be seen in the story of Thomas Edison, the inventor of the electric light bulb.
Edison faced many failures before his success. In his early years, he was considered a poor student and was told by his teachers that he would never amount to much. Later, as an inventor, he encountered thousands of unsuccessful attempts while trying to perfect the light bulb. Despite these repeated failures, he never lost faith in his ability. In fact, when asked about his many failures, Edison famously replied, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Edison’s self-belief was crucial in his eventual success. If he had given up or listened to the doubts of others, the world would not have had the electric light bulb. Similarly, many great people in history have shown that it is the unwavering belief in oneself that leads to success. Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system, was blind, but he believed in his ability to help other blind people read and write. Mahatma Gandhi, despite many challenges, fought for India’s independence with an unshakeable belief in his mission.
The truth in Virgil’s statement is evident in these examples. Those who think they can, truly can, because self-belief fuels perseverance, making impossible tasks achievable.
(III)’Private tuitions are a necessary evil.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer:- For the View:
Private tuitions are often regarded as a necessary evil because they have become a staple of modern education, particularly in competitive academic environments. Many parents feel an overwhelming need to provide extra help for their children, leading them to invest large sums of money in private tutoring. This creates a sense of dependency on external support rather than fostering independent learning and self-reliance in students.
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Against the View:
In today’s cut-throat academic world, the pressure to perform well is immense, and students are constantly worried about securing their future. With an uncertain job market and increasing competition, many parents feel that relying solely on school education is not enough to ensure their children’s success. As a result, they seek private tuition as a means to help their children cope with the academic demands and secure a brighter future.
(IV) You were travelling with your family to a hill station. There was a landslide and you got stranded on the road for a night. Describe how you all managed to pas that horrible night in your car, without food and water.
Answer:- We were traveling to a beautiful hill station for a long-awaited family vacation. The journey was filled with excitement, and we were looking forward to the cool breeze and scenic views. However, our journey took a sudden turn for the worse when a massive landslide occurred, blocking the road. The heavy rainfall from earlier in the day had loosened the rocks on the hillside, and within moments, we were stuck, unable to move forward.
Our car was one of the many stranded vehicles. The road was completely blocked, and no one was able to pass through.
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(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:- The image of four women in a field, with one actively working the soil while the others stand by, paints a vivid picture of rural life and communal effort. In the heart of a small village, the sun rose over golden fields, signaling the start of another day for Priya and her companions. The women, dressed in colorful sarees, gathered in the field as they had for generations. Priya, bent over with a hoe, dug into the earth with practiced ease, her hands calloused from years of toil.
Question 2
(i) You participated in a music festival and stayed in a hotel in Goa for four days. While checking out, you forgot your guitar at the hotel. Write a letter to the manager of the hotel, requesting him/her to locate the guitar and if he/she succeeds in finding it, to send it to you by courier.Also mention specifically that you would pay for the expenses incurred. Give relevant details which you think will assist in tracing the instrument.
Answer:-
[Your Address]
[City – Postal Code]
10th June, 20..
The Manager
[Hotel Name]
[Hotel Address]
Goa – [Postal Code]
Dear Sir,
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Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
(II) You have gone to an ecologically sensitive beach during the summer vacation. Write a letter to your cousin telling him/her about the beach and what is being done to protect it.
Answer:-
[Your Address]
[City – Postal Code]
10th June, 20..
Dear Monika,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I know you were unwell, and I hope you have fully recovered by now.
As part of my summer vacation, I recently visited an ecologically sensitive beach, and I just have to tell you all about it! The beach is located in a pristine area with clear blue waters, golden sand, and lush greenery surrounding it. It’s a truly beautiful and peaceful place, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the natural beauty all around.
What’s even more impressive is the effort that is being made to protect this beach. The local authorities have implemented strict rules to prevent littering, and there are regular awareness campaigns for visitors on the importance of keeping the beach clean. In addition, there are organizations working on marine conservation, protecting the delicate marine life and coral reefs.
I think it’s wonderful that such steps are being taken to preserve the environment, and I wish more places followed this example. It’s truly an experience worth having, and I hope you can visit this place with me someday.
Take care of yourself, and I look forward to catching up with you soon!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Question 3
(i) The Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) of your colony organising a ‘Dental Check-up Camp’ for the residents of the area. Write a notice to be put up outside the RWA Office informing them about the event and inviting them to get their dental check-up done. [5]
Answer:-
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(II) Write an email to het Superintendent of a hospital in your area requesting him/her to send a team of dentists to conduct the Dental Check-up Camp. [5]
Answer:-
To: [email@example.com]
Subject: Request for Dentists for Dental Check-up Camp
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this email finds you well. The Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) of our colony is organising a Dental Check-up Camp on 10th June 2025, and we would be grateful if your esteemed hospital could send a team of qualified dentists to conduct the check-ups.
The camp will be held at the RWA Community Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will serve the residents of our colony, offering free dental check-ups and consultations. Your support in providing medical expertise will be greatly appreciated and will go a long way in improving the health of our community.
We look forward to your positive response and hope for your kind cooperation in making this event a success.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
President, RWA Rosewood Colony
Question 4
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning(as used in the passage) from the options provided: [2]
1. captivating (line 2)
(a) repulsive
(b) irksome
(c) charming
(d) repellent
Answer:- (c) charming
2.solemn (line 8)
(a) comic
(b) serious
(c) obscure
(d) mediocre
Answer:- (b) serious
(II) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word simple? [1]
(a) complicated
(b) rivalry
(c) competition
(d) imaginary
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(III) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) Who were Robi and Quin? What was the nature of their relationship with each other? [2]
Answer:- Robi and Quin were comedians in the Theatre Supreme. In spite of being professional rivals, they were good friends.
(b) What condition was laid down by Madam Suzanne? [1]
Answer:- Madam Suzanne, laid down the condition that she would marry the better actor of the two, Robi and Quin.
(c) What opportunity came Robi’s way? [2]
Answer:- Robi and Quin decided to compete against each other by playing a solemn part in a play, to prove their supremacy. The only hindrance to their plan was that they would not compete as actors in a comedy, as in it neither of them could be proved better than the other.
(d) How was Robi’s performance? How did the audience react? [2]
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(e) Who was Victor? What did Robi say about him? [2]
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(IV) Describe how Robi duped the audience and Quin duped Robi. Answer in not more than fifty words. [8]
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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.
….0…… (Synchronise) swimming or artistic swimming is a discipline in which competitors perform ….1…… (choreograph) routines, accompanied by music. The discipline ….2…..(be) a part of the Summer Olympics programme since 1984 and the World Aquatics Championships since its ….3…. (begin) in 1973.
Example: (0) maintains
The New Delhi Municipal Committee (NDMC) …0…. (maintain) around 1,500 acres of green area with around 180,000 trees, which suffer from various issues. NDMC……..1……. (obtain) anew CNG-powered tree ambulance, ……2…… (equip) with modern infrastructure, to efficiently treat trees…..3……. (ail) from diseases or…4…. (infest) of pests and termites. This ambulance ……5…. (carry) out free surgeries that normally take two to three hours. “The procedure of tree surgery……6……(start) with removing the….7…(infect) or hollowed-out part,….8….. (clean) it, washing ti properly, applying insecticides, fungicides, filing the hollow trunk with inert material such as foam, covering it with chicken mesh, and then sealing it,” an official said.
Answer:-
1. has obtained
2. equipped
3. ailing
4. infestation
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(II)Fill in the blanks with appropriate words. [4]
a) The storm almost lifted me……………………………….my feet.
Answer :- off
(b) She has given……………………….the idea of learning Mandarin.
Answer :- up
(c) It is difficult to come……………….such a rare picture of that era.
Answer :- across
(d) He did not comply…………………..the wishes of his father.
Answer :- with
(e) She furnished the lawyer……………………..the facts surrounding the case.
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(f) He let………………………………his friends.
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(g) My mother dissuaded me…………………………….going abroad.
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(h) It was a touching farewell, he broke………………………in the middle of his speech.
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(III) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option. [4]
1. What did the teacher say? This was it.
(a) This was it the teacher said.
(b) This was what it was said the teacher.
(c) This was what the teacher said.
(d) This was it what the teacher said.
Answer:- (a) This was it the teacher said.
2. Take a cheque. The cash may not be sufficient.
(a) Take a cheque unless the cash may not be sufficient.
(b) Since the cash may not be sufficient take a cheque.
(c) Although the cash may not be sufficient, take a cheque.
(d) The cash may not be sufficient to take a cheque.
Answer:- (b) Since the cash may not be sufficient take a cheque.
3. It is not a very costly camera. However, it is useful.
(a) It is very costly a camera to be useful.
(b) It is not a very costly camera, nonetheless it is useful.
(c) However a costly camera, it is very useful therefore.
(d) Nonetheless it is useful for a very costly camera.
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4. He might not be sure about it. In that case, he would not agree to it.
(a) Unless he is sure about it, he would not agree to it.
(b) In the case he is not sure about it, he will agree to it.
(c) Not only he is sure about it, but also would agree to it.
(d) He is sure about it such that he would not agree to it.
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(IV) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence. [8]
1. We all stood up as soon as the Chief Guest arrived. (Begin with: No sooner…… )(a) No sooner we all stood up, as the Chief Guest arrived.
(b) No sooner the Chief Guest arrived, we all stood up.
(c) No sooner the Chief Guest had arrived, we al stood up.
(d) No sooner had the Chief Guest arrived than we al stood up.
Answer:- (d) No sooner had the Chief Guest arrived than we al stood up.
2. The officer examined the documents carefully. (End with: … with care.)
(a) The documents are examined by the officer with care.
(b) The officer had to examine the documents with care.
(c) The officer examined the documents with care.
(d) The documents had to be examined by the officer with care.
Answer:- (c) The officer examined the documents with care.
3. “Do not forget to take your passport, Karan,” the mother reminded him . (Begin with: The mother reminded …)
(a) The mother reminded Karan not to forget to take his passport.
(b) The mother reminded Karan that eh should not forget to take his passport.
(c) The mother reminded Karan do not forget to take his passport.
(d) The mother reminded him, do not forget to take your passport Karan.
Answer:- (b) The mother reminded Karan that eh should not forget to take his passport.
4. A new car is beyond my means at present. (Use: afford)
(a) Affording a new car is beyond my means at present.
(b) I cannot afford a new car at present.
(c) To afford a new car is beyond my means at present.
(d) At present, a new car is beyond my means to afford.
Answer:- (b) I cannot afford a new car at present.
5. He was accused of stealing. (Begin with: People accused him …)
(a) People accused him for stealing.
(b) People accused him to steal.
(c) People accused him of stealing.
(d) People accused him as he was stealing.
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6.She not only saved me from the accident but also took me to the hospital. (Begin with: In addition)
(a) In addition of saving me from the accident, she also took me to the hospital.
(b) In addition to save me from the accident, she also took me to the hospital.
(c) In addition to saving me from the accident, she took me to the hospital.
(d) In addition to saving me from the accident, she also taking me to the hospital.
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7. January is the coldest month of the year. (Begin with: Is… ?)
(a) Is January the coldest month of the year?
(b) Is the coldest month of the year is January?
(c) Is any other month in the year as cold as January?
(d) Is January only the coldest month of the year?
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8. I prefer going out with friends to staying alone at home. (Begin with: I would rather… )
(a) I would rather going out with friends than staying alone at home.
(b) I would rather go out with friends, than stay alone at home.
(c) I would rather like to go out with friends to staying alone at home.
(d) I would rather prefer to going out with friends rather than alone at home.
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