ICSE Total English Class 9 Solution : Chapter 13

Question 1

(i) Write an original story which illustrates the truth of the statement, ‘An empty bag cannot stand upright.

Answer:- The proverb, “An empty bag cannot stand upright,” means that a person without knowledge, values, or hard work cannot succeed in life. This truth was fully realised by Mahesh, a man who once had big dreams but chose the wrong path to fulfil them.

Mahesh had always believed in shortcuts. While his friends pursued education or learnt professional skills, he was busy dreaming of getting rich overnight. He would often say, “Why study when you can earn without effort?” He started cheating people through small tricks and schemes. He would sell duplicate products, spread false rumours to earn commissions, and even trick old people into buying useless gadgets. In no time, Mahesh had made a lot of money and opened a small shop.

His success, however, was short-lived. Since he lacked basic business knowledge and had no ethics, his shop ran into huge losses. Customers stopped coming because they realised they had been cheated. His suppliers stopped trusting him. His bank account drained quickly, and soon Mahesh was left with nothing. One day, as he sat outside his closed shop, hungry and alone, he said to himself, “If only I had studied, learnt a skill, and worked honestly, I would not have ended up like this.”

In just a few minutes, his past flashed before him. He remembered how his parents had asked him to focus on school, how his friends used to warn him about his tricks, and how he ignored every good advice. He had taken pride in fooling others, but now he realised he had fooled himself the most.

From that day on, Mahesh changed his ways. He worked as a helper in a grocery store and slowly began to learn the trade. Years later, he opened a new shop, this time built on honesty and hard work.

Mahesh’s story is a perfect example that an empty bag — a person without skills, knowledge, or values — cannot stand upright for long. Real success comes only with substance, and shortcuts always lead to downfall.

(ii) Write about an occasion when you just could not stop laughing.

Answer:- It was my cousin’s wedding, and I had been looking forward to the grand celebration for weeks. However, on the wedding day, our flight got delayed due to bad weather, and we reached the city only in the evening. As soon as we arrived, I rushed to a beauty parlour to get ready for the wedding function. After dressing up in traditional attire and getting my makeup done, I hired a taxi and left for the venue.

Just as luck would have it, it started raining heavily, and the roads were full of traffic. After being stuck for nearly an hour, I finally reached the banquet hall that was written on the invitation card. But strangely, I couldn’t see any familiar faces from my cousin’s side. I assumed that they must have been delayed in traffic too. I was also very hungry, so I started enjoying the delicious food that was being served.

While I was eating, a kind lady approached me and asked who I was. I introduced myself politely and told her I was from Bengaluru and the cousin of the groom. She smiled warmly and introduced me to the rest of the bride’s family. They welcomed me kindly, and I even chatted with a few of them.

Just then, my uncle called and asked me where I was. I told him the name of the banquet hall. There was silence for a few seconds, and then he said, “What are you doing there? That’s not our venue! We are two blocks away.” I was completely shocked and embarrassed. I had entered the wrong wedding hall and had been happily enjoying food and conversations with strangers.

I quickly tried to leave the hall, but just then, I saw a group of ladies walking toward me. I thought they had figured out my real identity and were coming to confront me. I panicked and rushed out of the venue in full speed. Once I sat in the taxi, I burst into uncontrollable laughter. The entire situation was so unexpected and hilarious that I just couldn’t stop laughing the whole way to the correct venue.

(iii) ‘School students should not be allowed to use Internet.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.

Answer:- For the View: 

In today’s digital age, the Internet has become a powerful tool for communication and information. However, I strongly believe that school students should not be allowed to use the Internet freely. At such a young and impressionable age, students lack the maturity and self-discipline required to use the Internet wisely and safely.

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Many students are also affected physically. Excessive use of the Internet can lead to eye strain, sleep problems, and a lack of outdoor physical activity. It makes them inactive and weak over time.

Therefore, it is in the best interest of school students to stay away from the Internet unless strictly supervised by parents or teachers. They should be encouraged to read books, talk to elders, and learn through real-life experiences rather than through screens.

Against the View: 

In today’s world, where technology is progressing rapidly, the Internet has become an essential tool for learning, especially for school students. I believe that students should be allowed to use the Internet under proper guidance, as it offers several advantages that are vital in modern education.

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In conclusion, the Internet is a powerful tool for education. It makes learning fun, easy, and effective. Rather than banning it, we should teach students how to use it wisely. Denying access to the Internet means denying students a chance to grow in the digital world.

(iv) Give an interesting description of your best friend —his/her appearance, his/her view of life-likes and dislikes, attitude towards the family, elders, peers, religion, country and his/her convictions.

Answer:- My Best Friend

Everyone needs someone they can trust completely and share their joys and sorrows with. For me, that person is Sonakshi, my best friend. She is not just my closest companion but also an inspiration in many ways.

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Sonakshi has stood by me through thick and thin. In my moments of doubt or sadness, she has always been there to guide, cheer, or simply listen. Her friendship means the world to me. I feel truly blessed to have a friend like her in my life—one who is not only supportive and fun but also inspiring in every sense.

(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 Power of Meditation in Student Life

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