Welcome to “ICSE Total English Class 9 Solution: Chapter 12,” where we provide comprehensive solutions to Chapter 12 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 12 , illuminating every aspect with detailed and accurate solutions.
Table of Contents
A. Word Order
ASSIGNMENT 1
Place the adverb in a suitable position in the sentence without emphasising it:
1. The masons have completed the work. (almost)
Answer: The masons have almost completed the work.
2. The children arrived. (half an hour ago)
Answer: The children arrived half an hour ago.
3. She does good work. (generally)
Answer: She generally does good work.
4. He doesn’t refer to a dictionary. (often)
Answer: He doesn’t often refer to a dictionary.
5. He has heard of Marconi. (never)
Answer: He has never heard of Marconi.
6. He had been in hospital. (for two months)
Answer: He had been in hospital for two months.
7. Have the workmen finished painting the ceiling? (nearly)
Answer: Have the workmen nearly finished painting the ceiling?
8. Our teacher has marked these papers. (just)
Answer: Our teacher has just marked these papers.
9. They were able to hear what he said. (hardly)
Answer: They were hardly able to hear what he said.
10. She doesn’t’ play volleyball. (still)
Answer: She still doesn’t play volleyball.
ASSIGNMENT 2
Rearrange each of the following groups of words in the normal, unemphatic order of sentences. The words within dashes must remain in the order they appear. One of these has been done for you.
Example : – were rushing about – the children – I reached home – when – in the garden.
Answer : The children were rushing about in the garden when I reached home.
1. – to his house – yesterday – I – went —three times.
Answer: Yesterday I went to his house three times.
2. – before – had – been – we – there – never.
Answer: We had never been there before.
3. – ploughing the field – almost – when I called on him – finished – yesterday afternoon —he had.
Answer: When I called on him yesterday afternoon, he had almost finished ploughing the field.
4. – the floor – nearly – have – they – in the kitchen – finished – sweeping (in question form).
Answer: Have they nearly finished sweeping the floor in the kitchen?
5. – thoroughly —last week —cleaned —the classrooms – were.
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6. – to his parent’s home – at weekends – often – goes —he.
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7. – he – in class – reminded – last year —was —to pay attention – often.
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8. – hardly —this year —able – be – her education – to complete —she will.
ASSIGNMENT 3
Arrange the adjectives in the correct order before the nouns, changing a to an where necessary:
1.a dress (cotton, yellow, cheap)
Answer: A cheap yellow cotton dress.
2.a ring (gold, cheap)
Answer: A cheap gold ring.
3.a house (new, stone)
Answer: A new stone house.
4.a pen (French, new)
Answer: A new French pen.
5.a car (grey, large, Indian)
Answer: A large grey Indian car.
6.a shirt (green, nylon, wet)
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7.a corridor (dark, narrow)
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8.a machine (modern, duplicating, large)
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9.a jacket (leather, brown, untidy)
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10.a carpet (beautiful, multicoloured, square)
B. Argumentative Composition
Express your views either for or against each of the following statements:
(i) School uniforms should be compulsory.
Answer:- For the View: School Uniforms Should Be Compulsory
School uniforms should indeed be made compulsory in schools for a number of important reasons. First and foremost, uniforms provide a sense of identity and oneness among students. When all students wear the same attire, it fosters a sense of unity, making them feel part of the same community. This shared identity encourages a collective school spirit and reduces feelings of isolation.
Uniforms also promote equality, as they eliminate the social distinctions between students of different economic backgrounds. In a school setting, students from both affluent and modest families can be treated equally because no one stands out due to their clothing. This sense of equality can reduce peer pressure, bullying, and competition over who has the latest or most fashionable clothes, thereby ensuring a more focused and inclusive learning environment.
Additionally, school uniforms are not particularly expensive. Most schools ensure that uniforms are affordable and simple to purchase, making them accessible for parents. This affordability makes them a practical option, particularly when compared to the high costs that some families might face in purchasing fashionable clothing for their children to wear to school. With uniforms, parents can avoid the hassle of buying new clothes every season to keep up with fashion trends.
Another important reason to make school uniforms compulsory is that they provide easy identification for students. If a child were to go missing or if a stranger were to approach a school campus, the uniform acts as a quick identification tool, allowing teachers and security personnel to distinguish between students and non-students. Furthermore, uniforms help to differentiate students from other people in public places, especially during school trips or events, enhancing their safety.
Lastly, parents can afford the purchase of uniforms because they are a one-time investment, unlike the continuous need to buy regular clothes. Given that uniforms are worn daily, the cost remains reasonable, and many schools even have provisions for second-hand uniforms, making them even more accessible.
Against the View: School Uniforms Should Not Be Compulsory
While the idea of school uniforms being compulsory is often presented as a way to promote equality and unity, there are several compelling reasons why students should not be required to wear uniforms to school. One of the major concerns is that school uniforms suppress individuality and take away freedom of expression. Every student is unique, with their own personality, style, and preferences. Forcing them to wear the same outfit every day stifles their ability to express themselves through their clothing, which is a crucial part of adolescent development. Clothes are an important medium through which young people can demonstrate their creativity, interests, and personality. When this opportunity is denied, it can lead to frustration and a sense of being restricted.
Additionally, wearing the same uniform every day can be monotonous and boring for students. Over time, the routine of putting on the same clothes each morning can dampen their enthusiasm for school. Unlike a casual dress code, which allows for variety, uniforms can feel repetitive and uninspiring. This lack of choice can negatively impact a student’s overall engagement with school life.
Another practical concern is the financial burden that uniforms can place on some families. While schools might argue that uniforms are affordable, they can be an expensive necessity for some parents, particularly when uniforms are required to be replaced every six months. For low-income families, this continuous expenditure on uniforms can be a strain, and it may not be a priority compared to other essential needs. Additionally, uniforms can sometimes be overpriced, especially when sourced from specific suppliers or brands, further exacerbating the financial burden.
Furthermore, school uniforms pose a potential security risk. When students wear uniforms, it becomes easier for outsiders to identify them as school children, and in some cases, individuals with ill intentions may take advantage of this easily identifiable clothing. In contrast, when students are allowed to wear their own clothes, they are less conspicuous and potentially less vulnerable to harm.
Lastly, school uniforms do not teach children how to dress according to different occasions. Understanding how to dress for specific events, such as parties, interviews, or formal gatherings, is an important life skill that uniforms do not address. Allowing students to wear their own clothes would help them learn how to make choices based on the event or the context, helping them develop a sense of responsibility and personal style.
In conclusion, while school uniforms may seem like a simple solution to promote equality, they also come with a range of drawbacks that hinder students’ personal development, put financial pressure on families, and potentially pose safety risks. Therefore, students should not be required to wear uniforms to school.
(ii) Living in the countryside is far more advantageous than living in the city.
Answer:- Advantages of Living in the Countryside
Living in the countryside offers several compelling advantages over urban life. One of the most noticeable benefits is the fresh, clean air. The countryside is far less polluted than cities, where smog, car emissions, and industrial fumes create a thick blanket of air pollution. The clean air in rural areas is vital for maintaining good health and well-being.
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Rural areas are generally more affordable than cities. The cost of living is lower, with cheap accommodation and fewer daily expenses, which makes it easier to save money. Moreover, the slower pace of life allows people to enjoy their lives with less tension, contributing to longer, happier lives with fewer serious health issues.
Disadvantages of Living in the Countryside
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The lack of proper hygiene and sanitation is also a significant concern in some rural areas. In many villages, proper sewage systems, waste management, and clean water supply may be inadequate. This can lead to health problems, particularly during seasonal changes or when there are natural disasters. While rural life may be quieter and more peaceful, it is not always as safe or healthy as life in cities.
B. Letter Of Apology & Explanation
Owing to illness, you are unable to keep an appointment to met your friend the following Sunday. Write a letter of apology and explanation.
Answer:
2046, Ferozeshah Road,
Delhi 110 001.
28th May, 20….
Dear Ishaan,
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With best wishes,
Yours sincerely,
Rehan.
D. Practice Paper - 12
Question 1
(i) Write a short story of your invention by continuing the following: “I dived deep under the blanket.”
Answer:- I dived deep under the blanket—it was a cold wintry night—my family members had gone for a wedding—I was alone at home. After the day’s hectic schedule, I was totally exhausted, yet sleep seemed elusive because of the dull ache in my neck and shoulders. I tried to distract myself by picking up a book, a horror story I had been meaning to finish. As I read, my imagination took flight, painting vivid images in my mind.
The shadows in my room began to look oddly threatening. I felt a chill crawl up my spine as I imagined a figure lurking in the darkness. Suddenly, I thought I heard a faint scratching sound coming from the window. I froze. The footfalls of an unseen entity seemed to get closer, and I could almost feel the weight of someone’s presence beside my bed. My heart raced in terror. I wanted to scream, but my throat felt paralyzed, my body unwilling to move.
Just then, the lights flickered and went out, plunging the room into complete darkness. I was left in the eerie quiet, with only the sounds of my own rapid breathing filling the silence. Panic began to rise in my chest as I felt something tugging at my blanket. The sensation was cold and unsettling, like fingers brushing against my legs. My mind raced, imagining a ghostly figure pulling at me, inch by inch.
I braced myself for the worst. But then, just as I thought I might faint, the power came back. The lights flickered on, and I quickly looked around. There, sitting on my bed with its piercing eyes staring back at me, was a cat. It had somehow slipped into my room through the window, which I had left unlatched.
Relieved but still shaken, I pushed the cat gently off the bed and hurried to bolt the window shut. As I settled back into the warmth of my blanket, I couldn’t help but laugh at my own wild imagination. Still, I was in no mood to test it further, so I stayed deep under the blanket, hoping for a peaceful night of sleep.
(ii) Give an account of an embarrassing experience of your life, explaining how ti came about, what exactly happened, and what was the outcome.
Answer:- The most embarrassing experience of my life occurred one afternoon when I was on my way home from college. It was my sister’s birthday, and I was excited to celebrate with her. My mother had called earlier and asked me to return home early, so I made sure to return the library books I had borrowed before heading out. After that, I boarded a special bus to go home, planning in my mind how I would celebrate my sister’s special day with a nice gift.
As I sat in the bus, I was lost in thought, thinking about the surprise I had in store for her. I was eagerly looking forward to the evening. Suddenly, the ticket-checkers entered the bus and began asking everyone for their tickets. When my turn came, I reached into my bag to grab my Student Pass, only to realize with horror that I had left it inside one of the library books I had just returned. I quickly searched through my bag, but there was no sign of the pass.
The ticket-checkers, unimpressed by my apology, informed me that I would be fined for traveling without a valid pass. I was devastated. Not only was I embarrassed in front of the other passengers, but the fine also drained my funds, leaving me unable to buy the gift I had planned for my sister. I felt like I had let her down, and my excitement for the evening turned into disappointment.
The whole experience was a lesson in being more careful with my belongings. While I eventually managed to explain the situation to my sister and make up for the gift in other ways, I will always remember the embarrassment I felt that day. It taught me to double-check things, especially when I’m in a hurry, and to stay focused even in moments of excitement.
(iii)’Competition leads to progress.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer:- Competition Leads to Progress:
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In addition, competition leads to greater efficiency and productivity. Companies and individuals are encouraged to optimize their resources and workflows to stay competitive, which results in higher productivity levels and improved performance. This, in turn, accelerates economic development and growth, creating new job opportunities, generating wealth, and enhancing living standards for individuals.
In conclusion, competition, when constructive and well-regulated, undoubtedly leads to progress by fostering innovation, improving efficiency, enhancing quality, and promoting economic and social development. It is a powerful force that drives advancement in every sphere of life.
Against the View: Competition Creates Pressure that Hinders Progress
While competition is often hailed as a catalyst for progress, it can also bring about significant negative effects that hinder personal growth, creativity, and overall well-being. The intense pressure to excel in a competitive environment can diminish an individual’s ability to think freely, explore new ideas, and engage in creative activities.
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In conclusion, while competition may drive progress for some, it can also create unnecessary pressure that undermines personal growth, creativity, and mental well-being. The stress of having to constantly excel and the fear of failure can deter individuals from exploring their true potential and lead to burnout, ultimately hindering rather than fostering progress.
(iv)Describe a weekly market in your area. Your description must include a scene which one frequently comes across in such places and which you find interesting.
Answer:- I live in a small town, where every Saturday, a bustling weekly market is set up in the large mela ground. This market is a vibrant hub of activity, drawing in people from all over the town and even nearby areas. The hawkers set up their stalls early in the morning, arranging their goods meticulously to attract customers. As I walk through the market, I can see a wide variety of items for sale, ranging from fresh food articles, clothes, and bed sheets to household utensils, artificial jewellery, mats, and chairs. There is something for everyone here.
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This weekly market is not just a place to shop; it is a gathering spot where people connect, share, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. The variety of goods, the lively bargaining, and the delicious food make it an interesting and important part of our town’s weekly routine.
(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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Question 2
(i) In order to save money for other useful purposes, your Principal has decided to cancel all field trips for the remainder of the year. Write a letter to your Principal requesting him/her to allow students to continue field trips.
Answer:- [Your Address]
[City – Postal Code]
10th June, 20..
The Principal
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City – Postal Code]
Respected Sir,
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Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
Class IX
(ii) Write a letter to a friend, who is upset at being ousted from a competition just before het final round, encouraging him/her not to lose heart and to try again with renewed vigour.
Answer:- Your Address]
[City – Postal Code]
10th June, 20..
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I was really sorry to hear that you were ousted from the competition just before the final round. I can only imagine how disappointing it must be, but I want to encourage you not to lose heart.
Remember, every setback has its reasons. It’s important to reflect on what happened and identify the areas where you can improve. Perhaps you can seek advice from your mentors or teachers, work on your weaknesses, and come back even stronger.
Treat this experience as a stepping stone toward future success. I know you have immense potential, and this moment does not define you. You can try again with renewed vigour, and I am confident that with hard work and determination, you will achieve what you deserve.
Don’t let negative thoughts take over your mind. You’ve always amazed us with your abilities, and I am sure you will continue to surprise us all with your brilliant performance in the future. Keep going, and never give up!
Take care, and I’m here if you need anything.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Question 3
(i) Your school has started a Relief Fund for the people affected by landslides in Uttarakhand and Kerala. Write a notice to be put in your school requesting the students of Classes VI to X to contribute towards the Relief Fund. [5]
Answer :-
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(ii)Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school, requesting him/her to ask het students of his/her school to contribute towards the Relief Fund for the people affected by landslides in Uttarakhand and Kerala. [5]
Answer :-
To: [email@example.com]
Subject: Request for Contribution to Relief Fund for Landslide Victims
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this email finds you well. Our school has initiated a Relief Fund to support the people affected by the recent landslides in Uttarakhand and Kerala. We are reaching out to neighbouring schools to join us in this compassionate effort.
We kindly request you to encourage the students of your school to contribute towards this Relief Fund. Any contribution, big or small, will go a long way in helping those affected by this natural disaster. Donations can be made at the school office by 20th June 2025.
Your support in spreading this message would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
Secretary, Social Service Club, [School Name]
Question 4
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided: [2]
1.drown (line 2)
(a) delight
(b) overwhelm
(c) patience
(d) calmness
Answer:- (b) overwhelm
2. resolutely (line 16)
(a) firmly
(b) rudely
(c) seriously
(d) adamantly
Answer:- (a) firmly
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word gleaming? [1]
(a) shabby
(b) dumb
(c) lustreless
(d) bare
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(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) Where did Cleophas play the fiddle and why? [2]
Answer:- Cleophas played his fiddle among his hungry children. He did so to drown out the cries or hunger of those children or perhaps his own conscience.
(b) For which opportunity was Fifine waiting? [1]
Answer:- Fifine did not like her father’s fiddle and was waiting with it at the fair for a buyer, who could buy his father’s fiddle.
(c) Describe the customers who wanted to buy the fiddle and how the fiddle was sold. [2]
Answer:- Of the three customers who wanted to buy the fiddle, one had very long hair, hanging down; the second had equally long hair but standing up and the third had no hair at all. They bought the fiddle from Fifine in exchange for a fiddle twice as beautiful as her father’s fiddle and a large amount of money.
(d) What did Fifine do after selling the fiddle? [2]
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(e) What did Cleophas say when he played upon the new fiddle? [2]
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(iv) Describe the attachment Celophas had for the fiddle. 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. [4]
Example: (0) has recreated
The horticulture department of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) ….0….(recreate) replicas of 20 Indian monuments and temples, …1…. (carry) the UNESCO World Heritage site tag, from 20 tonne of scrap waste. The waste-to-wonder park ….2…. (locate) in a …..3…(congest) part of Karol Bagh and is spread across 4.5 acres. The green cover .…4…. (augment) with 22,000 plants. It features ….5….. (illuminate) canopies of trees along with replicas of the monuments. A defunct musical fountain ….6…(revive) and a large seating area is developed around it.
The visitor entry area is lined with three 30-foot-tall replicas of Ten Darwaza, which….7…. (install) in Ahmedabad in 1415 by Sultan Ahmed Shah. A few feet away, the entry gateway …8… (follow) by a 13-foot-high replica of the “Varaha avatar”, which is a replicate of the idol of Lord Vishnu at the fifth-century Eran temple in Madhya Pradesh.
Answer:-
1. carrying
2. is located
3. congested
4. has been augmented
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(ii)Fill in the blanks with appropriate words. [4]
(a)His kidnapper is still…………….. Large.
Answer :- at
(b) Amit refused the job, but he soon came……………………and accepted the offer.
Answer :- round
(c)Malaria has broken………………………in the colony.
Answer :- out
(d) After the modifications, things are looking…………………………………….
Answer :- up
(e)We should bear………………………………….him while he is in difficulty.
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(f)He spoke so softly that I could not make……………………………….what he said.
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(g) Do not run………………………..your rivals.
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(h)He was fascinated…………………………………the idea of becoming an engineer.
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(ii) Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using and, but or so. Choose the correct option. [4]
1. Here is the lady. Her son is a pianist.
(a) Here is the lady’s son a pianist.
(b) Here is the lady, her son is a pianist.
(c) Here is the lady whose son is a pianist.
(d) Here is the lady, whom son is a pianist.
Answer:- (c) Here is the lady whose son is a pianist.
2. Maya came to school. She had high fever today.
(a) Maya came to school today though she had high fever.
(b) Maya came to school today therefore she had high fever.
(c) Maya came to school being in high fever.
(d) Maya came to school today with high fever.
Answer:- (a) Maya came to school today though she had high fever.
3. There is something in store for him. He does not know it.
(a) He does not know that if something was in store for him.
(b) He does not know what has been in store for him.
(c) He does not know if there is something in store for him.
(d) He does not know that something is in store for him “.
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4. She is an actor. She is a painter.
(a) Being an actor, she is a painter.
(b) Besides being an actor, she is a painter.
(c) Even though being an actor, she is a painter.
(d) Not only being an actor she also is a painter.
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(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence. [8]
1. In spite of being fat, he runs very fast. (Begin with: Although ).
(a) Although fat he is, he runs very fast.
(b) Although being fat, he runs very fast.
(c) Although he is fat, he runs very fast.
(d) Although he is fat, he has to run fast.
Answer:- (c) Although he is fat, he runs very fast.
2.”How beautiful the sunset looks today!”said Neelam (Begin with:Neelam exclaimed…..)
(a) Neelam exclaimed that the sunset looks beautiful today.
(b) Neelam exclaimed the sunset looked beautiful today.
(c) Neelam exclaimed the beauty of the sunset today.
(d) Neelam exclaimed that the sunset looked beautiful that day.
Answer:- (d) Neelam exclaimed that the sunset looked beautiful that day.
3. He informed the police of the murder. (Use: reported)
(a) He reported the murder to the police.
(b) He reported about the murder to the police.
(c) He reported of the murder to the police.
(d) He reported for the murder to the police.
Answer:- (a) He reported the murder to the police.
4.No other king was as wise as Ashoka. (Use: wiser)
(a) Ashoka was the wiser than any other king.
(b) Ashoka was wiser than any other king.
(c) No other king was as wiser as Ashoka.
(d) Ashoka was the wiser of all other kings.
Answer:- (b) Ashoka was wiser than any other king.
5. Varun got abad cough because he started smoking cigarettes. (End with:.
bad cough.)
(a)Varun started smoking cigarettes and he got a bad cough.
(b)As soon as Varun started smoking cigarettes, he got a bad cough.
(c)Varun had started smoking cigarettes to get a bad cough.
(d) If Varun had not started smoking cigarettes, he would not have got a bad cough.
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6. The culprits have been caught. (Begin with: The police…)
(a) The police caught the culprits.
(b) The police have caught the culprits.
(c) The police has caught the culprits.
(d) The police have to caught the culprit.
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7. That roof is not worth repairing. (Begin with: It is pointless …)
(a) It is pointless to repairing that roof.
(b) It is pointless not to repair that roof.
(c) It is pointless to repair that roof.
(d) It is pointless having to repair the roof.
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8.Everyone wants to become successful. (Begin with: Who…?)
(a)Who do not want to become successful?
(b)Who does not want to become successful?
(c)Who has not want to become successful?
(d)Who does not wants to become successful?
