Welcome to “ICSE Total English Class 9 Solution: Chapter 4,” where we provide comprehensive solutions to Chapter 4 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 4, illuminating every aspect with detailed and accurate solutions.
Table of Contents
A . The Sequence Of Tenses
Fill in the blanks with the correct tenses of the verbs given in brackets:
1. Uma finished first though she………………………………..(begin) late.
Answer: had begun
2. She believed that God………………….(be) everywhere.
Answer: is
3. The garden is now better kept than it…………………..(be) last year .
Answer: was
4. I am sorry that you………………………(keep) waiting so long yesterday.
Answer: were kept
5. Her face lighted up as he…………………(turn) towards her.
Answer: turned
6. I asked him where he…………….(leave) the book.
Answer: had left
7. Amit told me that he…………………..(will) come.
Answer: would
8. He would die before he……………………(lie).
Answer: lied
9. We all knew that sugar…………………..(produce) from sugarcane.
Answer: is produced
10. She cannot read unless she………………..(wear) glasses.
Answer: wears
11. It was eleven o’clock last night when I ..……………(go) to bed.
Answer: went
12. After the rain………………….. (stop), the sun was up again.
Answer: stopped
13. Who taught you that two and two ……………….(make) four?
Answer: make
14. She carried flowers whenever she………………….(visit) the shrine.
Answer: visited
15. They made so much of noise that it……………….(be) difficult to study.
Answer: was
16. I……………………..(wonder) why we did not go abroad for higher studies.
Answer: wondered
17. They…………………….(meet) regularly for two years.
Answer: have been meeting
18. Political tensions…………………….(spill) over into violence.
Answer: spilled
19. For about a week, he………………..(complain) of a bad headache.
Answer: complained
20. He……………………(work) for the company for ten years.
Answer: has been working
B. Style
1. Match the proverbial expressions to their meanings:
to upset someone’s apple cart → (d) to throw someone’s plans into disorder
to bell the cat → (h) to do the most dangerous part of a suggested scheme
to play one’s last card → (a) to take the last chance one has of achieving success
to be between the devil and the deep sea → (e) to choose between two undesirable situations
to eat out of someone’s hand → (j) to fall in meekly, with a person’s wishes
to lose face → (b) to lose one’s good name and reputation
to play with fire → 🔒 Get Full Textbook Answers – View
to play to the gallery →🔒 Get Full Textbook Answers – View
to do something by halves → 🔒 Get Full Textbook Answers – View
to make one’s mark → 🔒 Get Full Textbook Answers – View
3. Word Economy
Write one word from the box in place of the italicised phrase in each of the following sentences:
impassable, inimitable, incorrigible, incombustible, inaccessible, indelible, impotent, inaudible, inarticulate, incommunicative
1.The antics of Raj Kapoor are not able to be imitated.
Answer: inimitable
2.The speaker was not able to express himself fluently.
Answer: inarticulate
3.The voice of the lecturer was so faint that it was not able to be heard.
Answer: inaudible
4.The incriminating evidence was not able to be burnt.
Answer: incombustible
5.The highway, blocked with snow, was not able to be traversed.
Answer: impassable
6.A morose individual is not disposed to converse freely.
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7.A ruler in name only is not possessed of power.
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8. A marking ink may be bought that is not to be effaced.
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9. A pupil who cannot profit from his mistakes is not able to be reformed.
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10. A hideout is a retreat, that, except to a few, is not able to be got at.
C. Comprehension Words In Context
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided.
1.wearisome (line 1)
(a) forceful
(b) tiresome
(c) worn-out
(d) current
Answer :- (b) tiresome
2.innumerable (line 5)
(a) countless
(b) numbered
(c) hundred
(d) single
Answer :- (a) countless
3.impelled
(a) hinted
(b)wanted
(c)urged
(d)nudged
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(ii) For each word given below choose the correct antonym from the options provided.
1. habitable (line 10)
(a) sustainable
(b) unliveable
(c)comfortable.
(d)endurable
Answer :- (b) unliveable
2.offended (line 15)
(a) praised
(b) defamed
(c) taunted
(d) distressed
Answer :- (a) praised
3.disappointed (line 18)
(a) frustrated
(b) discontented
(c) depressed
(d) gratified
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(iii) For each word given below choose a word from the passage (given as an option) that is opposite in meaning to the word [For example the answer for 1. hesitant is (a) insistent (line 2)].
1. hesitant
(a) insistent
(b) essential
(c) surrounded
(d) non-existent
Answer :- (a) insistent
2.undecayed
(a) missing
(b) cracked
(c) rotting
(d) peeling
Answer :- (c) rotting
3. calmly
(a) practically
(b) ugly
(c) feverishly
(d) ghostly
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4. endurable
(a) essential
(b) habitable
(c) haunted
(d) intolerable
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D. Practice Paper - 4
Question 1
(i) Write a story including all of the following, in any order: car salesman, a confused man and a lost bag.
Answer :- The Lost Bag and the Honest Salesman
It was a hot summer afternoon when Mr. Rajiv, a car salesman at Speed Motors, was waiting for his next customer. He had been working there for five years and had seen all kinds of people walk into the showroom. That day, he noticed a man standing outside the gate, looking around with a puzzled expression. The man, wearing a wrinkled shirt and holding a map, seemed confused and unsure of where he was.
Rajiv stepped out and asked politely, “Sir, are you looking for someone?” The man nodded slowly and replied, “I was supposed to meet someone here, but I think I’ve lost my way. Also, I think I left my bag in the taxi I took.” Rajiv noticed the worry on the man’s face and invited him inside to sit and drink some water.
While the man rested, Rajiv tried to make him feel comfortable. The man introduced himself as Mr. Sen, a school teacher who had come from another city to buy a second-hand car for his daughter. He had saved money for many years and finally decided to make the purchase. But losing the bag, which had all his money and documents, had left him shocked and nervous.
Rajiv, being kind-hearted, decided to help. He asked Mr. Sen to describe the taxi and quickly made a few calls to local taxi stands. After almost an hour of calling and checking, a driver called back saying he had found a bag in his back seat. Rajiv arranged for the driver to come to the showroom.
Within half an hour, the driver arrived and handed over the bag. Mr. Sen opened it quickly and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw everything was inside—his documents, money, and even a small packet of sweets he had brought for his daughter.
Mr. Sen was so thankful that he decided to buy the car from Rajiv’s showroom. Rajiv showed him a small, well-maintained hatchback that was perfect for city use. Mr. Sen bought the car happily and left the showroom with a big smile on his face.
That day, Rajiv not only sold a car but also helped a man in need. It reminded him that kindness and honesty are more important than anything else in life.
(ii) You were all dressed up to go to a fancy restaurant when, at your gate, there was a furious argument based on a case of mistaken identity. Narrate the incident.
Answer :- It was a pleasant Saturday evening, and I was all dressed up to go to a fancy restaurant with my family to celebrate my sister’s birthday. I wore my best outfit, polished shoes, and even used a little perfume, feeling excited about the evening ahead. Just as I stepped out of the house and locked the gate behind me, I heard loud voices coming from the corner of our lane.
To my surprise, I saw two men shouting at each other right outside our gate. One of them was a tall man wearing a black jacket, and the other was an old man with a walking stick. The younger man was very angry and kept accusing the old man of stealing his phone. The old man looked confused and kept denying the accusation. He said he was just passing by and had never seen the young man before.
I went closer to try and understand what was going on. A few neighbours had also gathered by then. The young man pointed at the old man and shouted, “You were the one who bumped into me at the bus stop and took my phone!” The old man replied, “Son, I don’t even travel by bus. I was coming from my daughter’s house and took a rickshaw.” His voice trembled as he spoke.
It was clear to me and the others that this was a case of mistaken identity. The two men looked nothing alike, and the old man was clearly frightened. Just then, a woman from the next street came running. She was the young man’s sister and said, “Wait! I just called your phone, and someone picked it up. He found it at the bus stop and is waiting at the tea stall to return it.”
The young man’s face turned red with embarrassment. He quickly apologized to the old man and looked very sorry for what he had done. The old man forgave him but advised him to think before accusing someone next time.
The situation calmed down, and everyone returned to their homes. Though we were a little late, my family and I still made it to the restaurant. The incident stayed in my mind the whole evening. It taught me how easily mistakes can happen and how important it is to stay calm and not jump to conclusions.
(iii) ‘A long life is a blessing.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.
Answer:- For the View:
A long life is truly a blessing, as it allows us to experience the many stages of life and enjoy its full journey. When we live longer, we get more time to achieve our dreams and complete our goals. Life is not always easy, and success often takes time. A long life gives us the chance to work patiently towards our aims and enjoy the satisfaction that comes when we finally reach them.
With more years, we can watch our children grow, settle down, and succeed in their own lives. This brings great joy and pride to any parent. Seeing our children become responsible and independent is one of the greatest blessings of life. It gives us a feeling of contentment and peace.
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In conclusion, a long life is indeed a blessing when it is lived with purpose, health, and happiness. It gives us more chances to love, to grow, and to make a difference in the world. Life becomes more beautiful when we live it fully and use our time wisely.
Against the View:
Some people believe that a long life is a blessing, but I feel that it is not always so. In fact, a long life can often become a burden rather than a gift. It is not the number of years we live that matters, but how we live those years. With strong willpower and determination, one can achieve great success even in a short span of time. History has many examples of people who lived short lives but made a big impact on the world.
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In conclusion, a long life is not always a blessing. If it is filled with poor health, loneliness, and sadness, then living longer only adds to the pain. What really matters is the quality of life, not the length of it. A short, happy, and meaningful life is far better than a long and unhappy one.
(iv) You woke up at night and saw a house across the road on fire. Describe what happened next.
Answer:- It was around midnight when I suddenly woke up to the sound of loud cries coming from outside. At first, I thought I was dreaming, but the cries grew louder and clearer. I quickly got out of bed and opened my bedroom window. What I saw filled me with shock and fear—a house across the road was on fire.
Flames were rising high into the sky, lighting up the darkness with a fiery glow. Thick black smoke was pouring out of the windows. The smell of burning wood and plastic filled the air. I could hear the panicked voices of people gathering outside. Some were shouting for help while others were calling the fire brigade.
The house belonged to the Roy family, a family of four who had lived there for many years. To everyone’s horror, we realised that all four of them were trapped inside. Their cries for help could be heard clearly, but the fire was too strong. The front door was blocked by flames, and no one had the courage to enter. Some people tried to throw water from buckets, but it was of no use against such a big fire.
Minutes felt like hours until the sound of sirens broke through the chaos. The fire brigade had arrived. The firemen acted quickly and bravely. They sprayed water from their hoses, and within minutes, the fire began to lose its strength. Two firemen entered the burning house with protective gear and managed to bring the family out, one by one.
The Roy family had suffered burns, but they were alive. An ambulance arrived soon after, and they were rushed to the hospital. The firemen continued working until the flames were completely put out. By then, a large crowd had gathered, and everyone watched silently, shocked by what had happened.
That night taught me how quickly life can change and how important it is to have emergency services. It also showed me the courage of those who risk their lives to save others. The Roy family was lucky to survive, and their story became a reminder to everyone about the dangers of fire and the value of being prepared.
(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) Write a letter to the Manager of a renowned chain of restaurants complaining about the poor quality of the food served at a particular outlet. Give details of the nature of complaint and request for immediate action.
Answer :- [Your Address]
[Your Street]
[City-Postal Code]
10th June, 20..
The Manager
Foodies Delight Restaurants Pvt. Ltd.
[Restaurant Address]
[City-Postal Code]
Dear Sir,
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Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
(ii)Recently you visited a place that made you feel totally rejuvenated. Write a letter to your friend telling him/her about your experience at that place.
Answer :- [Your Address]
[Your Street]
[City-Postal Code]
10th June, 20..
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I wanted to share with you my recent visit to a beautiful place that truly rejuvenated my mind and soul. Last weekend, I went to the serene hill station of Darjeeling, and it was an experience like no other.
The moment I arrived, the fresh mountain air and the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks instantly lifted my spirits. I spent my days exploring the tea gardens, taking long walks through the lush greenery, and visiting the famous Batasia Loop. The toy train ride was a major highlight, and I couldn’t get enough of the panoramic views it offered.
One evening, I sat by the side of a small lake, surrounded by pine trees, and watched the sunset. It was the most peaceful moment I’ve ever had, and I felt completely connected with nature. I also indulged in some local delicacies, which were simply delicious, especially the momos and thukpa.
I truly believe this visit has left me feeling recharged and more at peace. I can’t wait for you to experience this place with me someday!
Take care and write back soon.
Yours affectionately,
[Your Name]
Question 3
(i) Your school is organising a slogan writing contest on July 3, on the occasion of the International Plastic Bag Free Day, to create awareness about the harmful effects of plastic bags and to encourage people to use eco-friendly alternatives. Write a notice to be put up in the school informing the students about the event and requesting them to register their names. [5]
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(ii) Write an email to a noted journalist requesting him/her to judge the slogan writing contest. [5]
Answer :-
To: [email@example.com]
Subject: Request to Judge Slogan Writing Contest
Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. Our school is organising a slogan writing contest on 3rd July 2025 in celebration of the International Plastic Bag Free Day, aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic bags and promoting eco-friendly alternatives.
We would be honoured if you could kindly serve as a judge for this event. Your expertise and insight would greatly inspire the participants and add immense value to the contest.
We look forward to your positive response and hope you can join us for this meaningful initiative.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
Secretary, Eco Club
Question 4
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided: [2]
1.atone (line 6)
(a) spoil
(b) redeem
(c) touch
(d) refresh
Answer :- (b) redeem
2.presentiment (line 14)
(a) foreboding
(b) belief
(c) deceived
(d) robbed
Answer :- (a) foreboding
(ii)Which word in the passage means the opposite of the word energised? [1]
(a) worn
(b) torment
(c) broke
(d) deal
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(iii) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.
(a) How did Vanya feel before going out to take his Greek exam? [2]
Answer:- Before going out for his exam, Vanya has anxiety and extreme nervousness, which is seen through symptoms like upset stomach, throbbing heart and the terror of the unknown.
(b) What did Vanya do before setting of for his exam? [2]
Answer:- Vanya kissed all the holy images in his house, took his mother’s blessings six times, requested his aunt to pray for him and gave two kopecks to a beggar.
(c) What did Vanya give the beggar? Why? [2]
Answer :- Vanya gave the beggar two kopecks in the hope that the donation would atone for his ignorance, and he believed it might help him avoid getting bad marks in his examination.
(d) What premonition did Vanya’s mother have when she saw him crying? [1]
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(e) Whom did Vanya’s aunt blame for Vanya’s failure? [2]
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(iv) According to Vanya’s mother, how had his failure affected her? Finally, what solution did she give? 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) managed
A monk arrived at a monastery ….0…. (manage) by an old abbot, Sylvan, and ….1… (ask) to be admitted. He found al the monks busy ….2…. (make) baskets and mats. He said to them, “Why do you work for a meal that is…..3….. (perish)? What one should seek is the ….4….. (sustain) of the imperishable spirit!”
The abbot had the monk put up in an empty room and he ….5…. (leave) there. Mealtime came and the guest anxiously …..6…. (wait) to be called to dinner, since it was getting late and he was very hungry. He finally went to the abbot and said, “Father, aren’t the brethren in this house eating today?”
“Of course, they are!” came the reply.
“Then why haven’t I…..7….. (call)?” asked the monk. “Because you are a….8……(spirit) man and do not need earthly food; we do. We are flesh-and-blood men and therefore work to earn our meals.” Said the wise old abbot.
Answer:-
1. asked
2. making
3. perishable
4. sustenance
5. 🔒 Get Full Textbook Answers – View
6. 🔒 Get Full Textbook Answers – View
7. 🔒 Get Full Textbook Answers – View
8. 🔒 Get Full Textbook Answers – View
(ii)Fill in the blanks with appropriate words. [4]
(a) His part-time job brings………………..a small amount of money.
(b) There has been a small reduction ………………the price of paper.
(c) I was shocked ………………….. the sudden news.
(d) He has taken ………………………painting as a hobby.
(e) He made ambitious plans, but all of them fell………………………
(f) I take exception……………………… your remark.
(g) The manager called ……………………..an explanation from the receptionist.
(h) My aunt has to bring………………….five children single-handed.
Answer:-
(a) In
(d) to
(c) at
(d) to
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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. He is wealthy. He can easily buy the best car here.
(a) Being wealthy, he can easily buy the best car here.
(b) Being having wealth, he can buy the best car here.
(c) There being wealth, he can easily buy the best car here.
(d) Being able to easily buy the car, he is wealthy here.
Answer:- (a) Being wealthy, he can easily buy the best car here.
2. Eva is very clever. No problem is difficult for her.
(a) Since Eva is very clever, every problem is difficult for her.
(b) Since Eva is very clever, no problem is difficult for her.
(c) There has been no problem difficult for clever Eva.
(d) Eva is very clever for any problem to be difficult for her.
Answer:- (b) Since Eva is very clever, no problem is difficult for her.
3.He spoke to the man. The man is a magistrate.
(a) He spoke to the man that is a magistrate.
(b) The man he spoke to, who is a magistrate.
(c) The man, he is speaking with a magistrate.
(d) The man, he spoke to, is a magistrate.
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4.Where shall we stay in the city? This is the problem.
(a) The problem is staying in the city.
(b) The problem is about where we shall stay in the city.
(c) The problem is where we shall stay in the city.
(d) The problem is of our stay in the city.
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(iv) Choose the correct option to rewrite the following according to the instructions given after each sentence. [8]
1. He was known to be a kind man. (End with:. him to be a kind man.)
(a) Everyone had known him to be a kind man.
(b) Everyone knows him to be a kind man.
(c) Everyone knew him to be a kind man.
(d) Everyone know him to be a kind man.
Answer:- (c) Everyone knew him to be a kind man.
2. You must not be late or you will be fined. (Begin with: In the event…)
(a) In the event of your getting late, you will be fined.
(b) In the event of your getting late, you would be fined.
(c) In the event of your getting late, you will get fine.
(d) In the event of your getting later, you will be finer.
Answer:- (a) In the event of your getting late, you will be fined.
3. As soon as she received the good news, she began to celebrate. (Begin with: No sooner…)
(a) No sooner did she received the good news than she began to celebrate.
(b) No sooner had she received the good news than she began to celebrate.
(c) No sooner had she received the good news than she begun to celebrate.
(d) No sooner had she received the good news then she began to celebrate.
Answer:- (a) No sooner did she received the good news than she began to celebrate.
4. “Why did I not get a computer before?” thought Maya.
(Begin with: Maya wondered …)
(a) Maya wondered why she had not get a computer before.
(b) Maya wondered why have she not got a computer before.
(c) Maya wondered why she had not got a computer before.
(d) Maya wondered why did she not got a computer before.
Answer:- (c) Maya wondered why she had not got a computer before.
5. He was not sure if he could walk so far. (Use: doubtful)
(a) He was doubtful if he can walk so far.
(b) He was doubtful if he could walk so far.
(c) He was doubtful if he could walked so far.
(d) He was doubtful if he could walk far.
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6. Bhavya prefers reading a novel to watching a movie. (Begin with: Bhavya would rather)
(a) Bhavya would rather read a novel to watch a movie.
(b) Bhavya would rather read novels than watching movies.
(c) Bhavya would rather read a novel then watch a movie.
(d) Bhavya would rather read a novel than watch a movie.
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7. Jack was too late to catch the bus. (Rewrite using so……that)
(a) Jack was so late that he could not catch the bus.
(b) Jack was so late that he cannot catch the bus.
(c) Jack was so late that he could not caught the bus.
(d) Jack was so late that he could not catch up with the bus.
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8. Sudha is more graceful than most of the professional dancers I know. (Use: few)
(a) Few professional dancers I know are not as graceful as Sudha.
(b) Few professional dancers I know are as graceful as Sudha.
(c) Professional dancers I know have few talents as Sudha.
(d) Professional dancers I have known do not have few talents as Sudha.
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