ICSE Total English Class 9 Solution : Chapter 5

Question 1

(i) Write a story including all of the following, in any order: (i) a marathon; (ii) police intervention; (iii) a family reunion.

Answer :- A Marathon of Reconciliation

It was a bright Sunday morning when the annual city marathon took place. People from all walks of life gathered at the starting line, eager to take on the challenge. Among them was Rahul, a young man who had been training for months to participate in the race. For him, it wasn’t just about winning; it was about proving something to himself and his family, who had always doubted his potential.
As the race began, Rahul pushed himself harder than ever before, weaving through the crowd of runners. His heart raced, not just from the physical exertion, but also from the thought of his estranged father, whom he hadn’t seen in years. They had fallen apart after a huge argument, and despite several attempts to reconnect, they hadn’t spoken since.

Halfway through the marathon, as Rahul rounded a corner, he saw a familiar face in the crowd. It was his father, standing by the sidelines, cheering on the runners. Rahul’s heart skipped a beat. In that moment, all the years of anger and frustration seemed to melt away. He stopped running and called out, “Papa!”
His father turned around, and for a moment, there was a stunned silence. Then, the crowd began to applaud, noticing the emotional reunion unfolding. Rahul’s father walked over, his eyes brimming with tears. “I’m proud of you, son,” he whispered. “I always have been.”

Just as they were about to embrace, a loud siren interrupted the moment. Police officers rushed to the scene, clearing the area for medical assistance, as a runner had collapsed from exhaustion. The police handled the situation efficiently, allowing the runner to get immediate help.

Once everything was calm, Rahul and his father sat together, away from the crowd. They talked, laughed, and shared stories. The marathon, which had started as a test of physical endurance, had turned into a beautiful family reunion—one that Rahul would cherish forever.

(iI) You had an irrational fear that haunted you despite all your efforts to overcome it. Narrate an incident or experience which helped you to overcome this fear.

Answer :- For as long as I could remember, I had an irrational fear of darkness. It wasn’t just the usual fear of being unable to see; it was a deep sense that something dangerous might be hiding in the shadows. Despite my efforts to overcome it—keeping a nightlight on or sleeping with the covers pulled tightly around me—the fear never left.
One evening, when I was about twelve years old, I was invited to a sleepover at my friend Aanya’s house. Her house, though beautiful, was on the edge of a forest and always seemed much darker at night. As we were playing outside after dinner, the sky began to turn dark, and I started to feel anxious. The longer we stayed outside, the more the fear crept in.

Aanya noticed something was wrong and asked me if I was okay. I confessed my fear of the dark and how it made me feel uneasy. Instead of laughing, Aanya smiled and suggested we go for a walk in the nearby woods. She told me that she often walked there at night and had never been scared. Hesitant but willing to try, I agreed.
As we walked through the woods, something amazing happened. With every step, I started to feel calmer. The quiet sounds of nature and the gentle rustling of leaves were soothing. Aanya pointed out small animals and explained how they were harmless. She talked to me about how darkness was just the absence of light and nothing to fear.

By the time we returned to her house, my fear had nearly vanished. That night, I slept without the need for a nightlight, realizing that the darkness was not as frightening as I had imagined. The walk helped me understand that facing my fears, rather than avoiding them, was the key to overcoming them.

(iII) ‘Participation is more important than winning medals in international sports events.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.

Answer :- For the View: Participation is indeed more important than winning medals in international sports events. Take the example of Ramesh, who had just returned home after winning a gold medal in cycling at a major international sports event. His entire family and friends gave him a warm welcome, congratulating him on his tremendous success. After the celebrations, Ramesh went to his room, where he saw an old photograph on the wall. It was a picture of him and his childhood friend, Jatin, cycling near their house, a memory from their early days.
As he stared at the photograph, Ramesh was reminded of his childhood, a time when he got his first bicycle as a birthday gift. Cycling began as a simple hobby, something that he enjoyed during his free time. His parents noticed his interest and encouraged him to pursue it further. With their support, Ramesh decided to take cycling seriously and made it his sport.

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In conclusion, participation teaches us valuable life lessons. It helps us grow as individuals, regardless of the outcome, and winning should never be the sole focus.

Against the statement : While participation in sports is important, winning medals in international sports events holds far greater significance, as it represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and talent. Take the example of an athlete like Ramesh, who recently won a gold medal in cycling at a prestigious international competition. While the joy of participation is real, it was his victory that truly defined his journey.
Ramesh’s success did not come easily. From a young age, he was determined to achieve excellence in cycling. Winning was never a casual goal; it was a serious objective that drove his every effort. Though his initial interest in cycling began as a hobby, his dedication transformed it into a competitive sport. With each competition, he learned the importance of pushing himself further, refining his technique, and focusing on victory. It was this ambition to win that led him to countless hours of training and overcoming obstacles.

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While participation is important, the truth is that winning medals brings honor and recognition not just to the athlete but also to their country and family. A gold medal elevates an athlete’s career, opens doors for future opportunities, and inspires others to dream big. The sense of pride and achievement that comes with winning a medal is unparalleled. It is not just the participation that counts; it is the victory that truly defines an athlete’s legacy and makes all the struggles worthwhile.