Welcome to “ICSE Total English Class 9 Solution: Chapter 15,” where we provide comprehensive solutions to Chapter 15 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 15 , illuminating every aspect with detailed and accurate solutions.
Table of Contents
A. Articles
I. Insert ‘a’ or ‘an’ where required in the gaps in the following sentences. Put a ’x’ mark where no article is required.
1.Their function turned out to be quite……………………….occasion.
Answer: an
2.She took……………………pen and wrote………………………letter.
Answer: a ; a
3 . …………….glass, unlike……….. water, is……………….. poor conductor of……………..electricity.
Answer: x ; x ; a ; x
4.He needs………………………….few books from the library.
Answer: x
5.I have only read…………………………….. little of the book so far.
Answer: x
6 . Sibia did…………………..exemplary act by saving the life of a woman.
Answer: an
7. I prefer……………….. classical music to ………………… rock music.
Answer: x ; x
8. Not many people liked the film, but quite…………….few liked its…………story.
Answer: a ; x
9.He takes…………… glass of………………..water before going to play football.
Answer: a ; x
10. He can’t afford such ………………………….. expensive shirt.
Answer: an
II. Insert the definite article where required in the following sentences. Put a ‘x’ mark where no article is required.
1 . ………………..earlier everybody agrees………………..sooner we can start our journey.
Answer: The ; the
2 . ……………….more he works………………………………..more tired he looks.
Answer: The ; the
3 . ……………………oil is vital to…………………… economy of America.
Answer: x ; the
4 . …………………………dosas are made of…………………..rice.
Answer: The ; x
5 . ……………..vase we bought……………………………last month needs polishing.
Answer: The ; x
6 . ………………………office he was working in was on………………..loan from………………….
bank.
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7.It was on…………………… fifth of……………………..month that he got his salary
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8. He went abroad at………………………….age of 18.
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9 . ……………………………old man was taken to …………………………hospital.
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10 . I doubt if…………………man will ever be able to avoid………………………..war.
B. Critical Composition
(i) Your class has staged The Merchant of Venice by Shakespeare. Write a short article for your school magazine giving an analysis of the play. You may comment on the characters, stage presentation, costumes, light effects and other elements of the drama.
Answer: A Memorable Performance of The Merchant of Venice
Our class staged William Shakespeare’s famous play The Merchant of Venice during the Annual Day function of our school. It was a memorable experience both for those who acted in it and for those who watched it. The preparations had started nearly a month in advance. We had several rounds of auditions before the final cast was selected. There was a lot of excitement as each student wanted to be a part of the play in some way — either as an actor, backstage helper, costume designer, or light controller.
The stage was beautifully set to resemble the streets and courts of Venice and Belmont. Great attention was paid to the costumes to match the Shakespearean time period. The lighting was done well and helped highlight the mood of each scene. The courtroom scene, especially, had dramatic lighting that added to the tension.
Among the actors, the performance of Portia stood out. She was confident, graceful, and delivered her long speeches with clarity and emotion. Her delivery of the famous “quality of mercy” speech received a lot of applause. The role of Shylock was played with great intensity and emotion. His expressions and voice were powerful, and many people from the audience felt sympathy for him, despite his character being the villain. Antonio’s performance, however, lacked confidence. He seemed nervous and could not deliver his dialogues with the same strength as others.
The audience remained glued to their seats throughout the play. They appreciated the way we tried to present Shakespeare in a simple yet dramatic manner. The background music and sound effects added to the overall impact. The courtroom scene and the casket scenes were particularly well received.
The experience of being a part of a live performance of Shakespeare was unforgettable. It helped us understand the depth of the characters and the brilliance of the storyline. Though it was a challenging play to perform, all of us learned a lot. We hope that our school will allow us to stage this wonderful play again for those who missed it the first time.
(ii) During a recent film festival, you have seen an Indian film. Write an account of the film highlighting the plot, characterisation and acting.
Answer: A Touching Film with a Powerful Message: Taare Zameen Par
During the recent film festival in our city, I watched the Indian film Taare Zameen Par, directed by Aamir Khan. The film left a deep impact on me, and I believe it is one of the most meaningful films ever made in India. It is not just a movie, but an emotional journey that touches the heart and opens the eyes of viewers to the struggles of many children.
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This film is a must-watch for all parents and teachers. It carries an important message — every child is special and deserves love, support, and understanding. Taare Zameen Par is not just a film; it is an eye-opener.
(iii) Write a review of a book you purchased during the recent Book Fair.
Answer:- Book Review: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
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The Fountainhead is more than a novel — it is a lesson in how to live boldly and truthfully. I would strongly recommend it to all students and young readers who want to be inspired and challenged in their thinking. This book is surely one of the best reads of my life.
C. Letters Of Complaint
(i) You have noted that the local bus service has become very inefficient in recent weeks. Buses are infrequent and sometimes three or four are going to the same place at the same time. On other occasions, buses with empty seats fail to stop for you. Write a letter to the General Manager of the Transport Corporation complaining about the service.
Answer: 46, Green Park Colony
Kolkata – 700019
30th April 2025
The General Manager
City Transport Corporation
B.B.D. Bagh, Kolkata – 700001
Subject: Complaint regarding the poor condition of local bus service
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your attention the increasingly inefficient local bus service in our area. Over the past few weeks, commuters have been facing serious inconvenience due to infrequent buses and irregular timings.
It has been observed that sometimes three or four buses going to the same destination arrive together, while at other times, there is no bus for an hour. Often, buses with empty seats do not stop at designated bus stops, causing frustration among passengers. The condition of the buses is also very poor, and the behaviour of some conductors and drivers is rude and unprofessional.
I kindly request that immediate steps be taken to improve the frequency and punctuality of the bus service. Drivers and conductors should be trained and supervised properly. Strict action must be taken against those who misbehave or ignore scheduled stops. A reliable public transport system is essential for the smooth functioning of our city.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Rohit Sharma
Class X, Green Park High School
(ii)Your tenant who lives on the second floor has a habit of playing a musical instrument loudly at night, which disturbs you, specially during the examination days. Complain to him/her and suggest what steps he/she could take to solve the problem.
Answer: 46, Green Park Colony
Kolkata – 700019
30th April 2025
Mr. Rajeev Kumar
Second Floor, 46, Green Park Colony
Kolkata – 700019
Subject: Noise disturbance due to loud music at night
Dear Mr. Kumar,
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Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Rohit Sharma
Ground Floor, 46, Green Park Colony
Kolkata – 700019
D. Practice Paper - 15
Question 1
(i) Write a short story which illustrates the truth of the statement, “Actions speak louder than words.”
Answer:- Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Anuj and Amit were cousins, both studying in the same school and sharing a class. While Amit was an extrovert, always boasting about his achievements, Anuj was the quiet, introverted type. Amit loved to talk about his plans and dreams, while Anuj preferred to keep things to himself and let his work speak for him.
The school was organizing an annual science exhibition, and both Amit and Anuj decided to participate. Amit was eager to show off his project, and he wasted no time in bragging to everyone about how amazing his model would be. He even confidently announced that he would surely win the first prize. Meanwhile, Anuj worked silently on his project, paying careful attention to every detail, without saying a word about it.
As the exhibition day arrived, the hall was filled with students, teachers, and guests. Amit stood proudly next to his model, speaking to everyone who would listen about how great his work was. He claimed that his project would be the best, and everyone was eager to see what he had prepared.
Anuj, on the other hand, stood quietly near his own model, waiting for the judges and guests to arrive. When the Chief Guest and other dignitaries arrived to review the projects, they first admired Anuj’s model for its creativity and precision. They were impressed by the way it functioned and praised him for his hard work. Amit, however, was struggling to get his model to work. Despite his boasting, his project malfunctioned, and he frantically tried to fix it in front of everyone.
Seeing this, Anuj stepped forward and offered to help. With his calm and collected approach, he quickly identified the problem and helped Amit get his model working. Amit, though embarrassed, was grateful for Anuj’s help.
That day, Amit learned an important lesson — that actions speak louder than words. While he had spent all his energy talking about how great his project was, it was Anuj’s quiet dedication and helpfulness that truly shone. The exhibition ended, and although Amit didn’t win the first prize, he couldn’t deny that Anuj had earned the respect of everyone present with his actions.
(ii) Narrate an incident when it was necessary to tell the truth irrespective of the consequences.
Answer:- Telling the Truth Regardless of the Consequences
Suresh was known as the naughtiest and most irritating boy in our class. He always managed to get into trouble, but on one particular occasion, he had actually outdone himself. Our Science teacher had given us an assignment to create working models based on scientific principles, and to everyone’s surprise, Suresh made the best model in the class. It was both creative and functional, and everyone expected him to win the top grade.
On the day the teacher came to check the models, I stood there watching nervously. I don’t know what got into me, but I secretly removed one of the screws from Suresh’s model when he wasn’t looking. My mind raced as I watched the teacher approach. When Suresh was asked to demonstrate how his model worked, to everyone’s shock, it didn’t work at all. The teacher began scolding Suresh in front of the whole class, and I felt guilty instantly.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that Suresh had actually made the best model, and I was the one who had sabotaged it. The guilt weighed heavily on me, and I knew that it was time to do the right thing, even if it meant facing the consequences. I quickly walked up to the teacher, apologized, and confessed that I had removed the screw from Suresh’s model.
The teacher looked at me sternly, and though I could see that he was disappointed, he appreciated my honesty. He warned me about the importance of integrity and trust, and as punishment, he cut a mark from my project report. It was a small consequence compared to the moral lesson I learned that day — telling the truth, no matter how difficult, is always the right choice.
Though I was punished, I felt a sense of relief. I knew that by telling the truth, I had done the right thing, and that was more important than avoiding punishment.
(iii) ‘Success favours the talented. Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer:- For the View: “Success favors the talented”
Success often favors the talented because talent provides individuals with an advantage that can set them apart in a competitive world. Talented people tend to excel in their chosen fields more quickly than others because they possess innate abilities that give them a head start. For instance, a person with a natural flair for music or art can master these skills with greater ease than someone who is not as gifted. This initial edge allows them to make significant progress early in their careers or academic pursuits.
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In conclusion, while hard work and perseverance are crucial for success, talent undoubtedly plays a significant role in determining how quickly and effectively a person can achieve their goals. It provides individuals with an initial advantage, attracts opportunities, fuels passion, and allows them to stand out, ultimately leading to greater chances of success.
Against the View: “Success favors the talented”
While talent is undeniably an important factor in achieving success, it is not the only determining factor. In today’s world, the role of hard work, determination, and the ability to adapt is just as significant, if not more so, than raw talent. Many people who are not necessarily “naturally gifted” in a particular area have achieved remarkable success through perseverance and effort.
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In conclusion, while talent may provide an initial advantage, it is not the sole determinant of success. Hard work, resilience, opportunities, and adaptability all play vital roles in achieving success. Talent may open doors, but it is often the qualities of perseverance, effort, and the ability to overcome obstacles that truly lead to lasting success.
(iv) You were sleeping on your terrace at night and suddenly got up hearing a strange noise. You were shocked to see an alien landing on your terrace from a spacecraft. Describe the appearance of the alien and narrate what happened thereafter.
Answer:- One quiet night, I was lying on my terrace, enjoying the cool breeze, when I was suddenly jolted awake by a strange noise. My heart raced as I heard a peculiar humming sound. I tried to locate the source, and then, out of nowhere, a flash of bright light lit up the sky above me. My eyes widened in disbelief as I saw a saucer-shaped spacecraft descending slowly onto my terrace. I froze, unable to move, too shocked to even scream.
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As the spaceship vanished into the night, I stood in awe, unable to shake the surreal experience. My mind raced, wondering whether what I had witnessed was real or just a dream. But the gold coins on my bed were all too real, and they remained as a silent reminder of the strange encounter that night.
(v) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what ti 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) Write a letter to the Manager of the firm of dry-cleaners, that heavily advertises about providing best care for clothes, complaining about the damage done to the original colour of your expensive suit during dry-cleaning and seeking compensation for the same.
Answer:-
46, Green Park Colony
Kolkata – 700019
30th April 2025
The Manager
XYZ Dry Cleaners
123, Park Street
Kolkata – 700002
Subject: Complaint regarding damage to my suit during dry-cleaning
Dear Sir/Madam,
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Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Rohit Sharma
46, Green Park Colony
Kolkata – 700019
(ii) You went to a village on the outskirts of your city as a part of a theatre group to conduct small plays to raise awareness about the ‘Swachch Bharat Mission.’ Write a letter to your grandfather describing your experience, your expectations and the lessons you learnt.
Answer:-
46, Green Park Colony
Kolkata – 700019
30th April 2025
Dear Grandpa,
I hope this letter finds both you and grandma in good health and high spirits. I apologise for not responding sooner to your last letter, as I have been busy with the activities of the theatre group I recently joined.
As part of a collaboration with an NGO, our theatre group went to some villages on the outskirts of our city to raise awareness about the ‘Swachch Bharat Mission.’ We conducted small plays in these villages, highlighting the dangers of unhygienic conditions and how they contribute to diseases and other health problems. We also demonstrated how villagers could avail themselves of government assistance to build toilets in their homes.
In addition, we undertook a cleanliness drive, installing dustbins and composting units to help manage waste. It was an eye-opening experience for me. I realised that while raising awareness is essential, it’s just as important to offer practical solutions and support for people to implement the changes.
It was truly a rewarding experience to be part of such a mission, and I have learned so much about community engagement and the real impact one can make through small actions.
I am looking forward to your visit to Delhi soon. Please give my regards to dear grandma.
With love,
Rohit
Question 3
(i) You are the Head Boy/Girl of your school. Write a notice asking students of classes IV to X to submit an artwork on the theme of Friendship for an art exhibition to be held in the foyer of your school on the occasion of Friendship Day. [5]
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(ii) Write an email to an artist inviting him/her to the art exhibition and asking him/her to select the best entry. [5]
Answer :-
To: [artist@email.com]
Subject: Invitation to Judge Art Exhibition on Friendship Day
Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. Our school is organising an art exhibition on the theme of Friendship to celebrate Friendship Day, and we would be honoured to invite you as a special guest.
The exhibition will be held on 7th August 2025 in the school foyer, and we would greatly appreciate it if you could attend and help us by selecting the best entry from the students’ submissions. Your expertise and experience would add immense value to the event.
Please let us know if you are available to grace the occasion. We look forward to your positive response.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
Head Girl/Head Boy
[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.pellets (line )3
(a) a small mass
(b) bullets
(c) stones
(d) small hard balls
Answer:- (c) stones
2. plenteously (line 11)
(a) scantily
(b) abundantly
(c) completely
(d) painfully
Answer:- (b) abundantly
(ii) Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word disrespect? [1]
(a) reverence
(b) devout
(c) thimble
(d)distracted
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(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) What was Professor Plumb’s newly invented form of food? [2]
Answer:- Professor Plumb’s newly invented food comprised a highly concentrated form of food containing all the essential nutritive elements packed in the form of small balls.
(b) What was lying under the thimble? [1]
Answer:- A pill of concentrated nutrients was lying under the thimble.
(c) Why did the father raise his voice in benediction? [2]
Answer:- The father raised his voice in benediction perhaps to seek God’s blessings because he was not sure, about the effects Of the new form of food.
(d) What did the little baby, Gustavus Adolphus do with the pill? [2]
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(e) Whose idea was fatal and why? [2]
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(iv) Describe the drawback of the food developed by Professor Plumb. 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) residential
During the Vedic period, Gurukuls were ….0… (resident) schools where shisyas (learners) ….1…… (receive) formal education. Gurus were …2…. (instruct) as well as practitioners of their subject which …3…. (facilitate) students in having deep insights about the practical ….4… (signify) of their ……5…… (education) domain.
In the Vedic era, ….6…. (teach) followed an interesting trilogy of ….7….. (listen),
contemplation and realisation of the knowledge imparted by the instructor. The trilogy urged the learners to deliberate and practice the instructions till they became a part of their life and ….8…. (exist).
Answer:-
1. received
2. instructors
3. facilitated
4. significance
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(ii)Fill in the blanks with appropriate words. [4]
(a) We should not deviate……………………….our objective.
Answer :- from
(b) His lack of manners will be held………………………. him.
Answer :- against
(c) She has enough assets to fall back…………………….in her old age.
Answer :- on
(d) The soldiers fought………………….. the last man.
Answer :- to
(e) Aarti has a craving…………………… more money.
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(f) Yash promised to come but he never turned……………………………
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(g) The family always failed …………………………..want of money.
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(h) There was a dispute………………………… the father and the son.
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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. How shall we arrange the room for the party? Ido not know.
(a) Ido not know how we are to arrange the room for the party.
(b) Ido not know how we shall arrange the room for the party.
(c) I do not know to arrange the room for the party.
(d) I do not know if we can arrange the room for the party.
Answer:- (d) I do not know if we can arrange the room for the party.
2.Pull the chain. The train will stop.
(a) Pull the chain if the train stops.
(b) The train stops before pulling the chain.
(c) The train will stop unless the chain is pulled.
(d) The train will stop if you pull the chain.
Answer:- (d) The train will stop if you pull the chain.
3.A fisherman saved me. Otherwise I would have drowned.
(a) Had the fisherman saved me, I would have drowned.
(b) If the fisherman had not saved me, I would have drowned.
(c) If the fisherman had not saved me, otherwise would have drowned.
(d) Unless the fisherman had not saved me, I would have drowned.
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4.A deer defends its young ones. It fights with courage.
(a) A deer fights by courage to defend its young ones.
(b) A deer that fight courageously defend its young ones.
(c) A deer fights courageously to defend its young ones.
(d) A deer fights from courage defending its young ones.
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(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence. [8]
1. He requested her to wait there till he returned. (End with: .…..till I return.”)
(a) He requested her, “Wait there till I return”.
(b) He asked her, “Wait here till he return”
(c) He said to her, “Wait here till I return.”
(d) He says to her, “Wait here till I return.”
Answer:- (c) He said to her, “Wait here till I return.”
2. The musician performed admirably on the stage. (Begin with: The musician’s ).
(a) The musician’s performance on the stage was admirable.
(b) The musician’s performance was admired on the stage.
(c) The musician’s performance got admiration on stage.
(d) The musician’s performed on the stage admirably.
Answer:- (a) The musician’s performance on the stage was admirable.
3. He is said to have been in the Indian Army. (Begin with: People…)
(a) People say that he has been in the Indian Army.
(b) People said that he was in the Indian Army.
(c) People say that he has been from the Indian Army.
(d) People said that he had been in the Indian Army.
Answer:- (a) People say that he has been in the Indian Army.
4.We will not buy the book fi we do not like it. (Begin with: Unless…)
(a) Unless we do not like the book, we will not buy it.
(b) Unless the book is liked by us, we will buy it
(c) Unless we liked the book, we will not buy it.
(d) Unless we like the book, we will not buy it.
Answer:- (d) Unless we like the book, we will not buy it.
5. Hydrogen is the lightest of al gases. (Use: lighter)
(a) Hydrogen is lighter than of all gases.
(b) Hydrogen is lighter than any other gas.
(c) Hydrogen is the lighter gas.
(d) Of al gases, hydrogen is the lighter.
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6. He needed the money to pay off his debt. (Use: for)
(a) He needed the money for pay off of his debt.
(b) He needed the money for his debt to be paid off.
(c) He needed the money for his debt paid.
(d) He needed the money for payment of debt.
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7. Ravi said, ‘I am going to watch a movie tonight.” (Begin with: Ravi said that.).
(a) Ravi said that he is going to watch a movie this night.
(b) Ravi said that I am going to watch a movie that night.
(c) Ravi said that he was going to watch a movie that night.
(d) Ravi said that I was going to watch a movie that night.
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8. My mother cooks delicious food. (Begin with: Delicious…)
(a) Delicious food is cooked by my mother.
(b) Delicious food is being cooked by my mother.
(c) Delicious food has been cooked by my mother.
(d) Delicious food was cooked by my mother.
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