ICSE Total English Class 9 Solution : Chapter 7

Question 1

Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following: [20]

(i) Write a story of your own with the theme: A” Stitch in Time saves Nine”.

Answer:- A Stitch in Time Saves Nine :  The proverb “A stitch in time saves nine” teaches us that solving a small problem early can prevent it from becoming a big one later. Mr. Roy’s story is a perfect example of this truth.

Mr. Roy was an intelligent and well-qualified officer in a reputed company. He was smart, confident, and had a bright future. However, he had one major flaw—he always overlooked small details and never took minor issues seriously. He would often say, “Why waste time on little things?” and preferred to delegate most of his work to his subordinates, trusting them blindly.

One day, a minor error appeared in one of the reports that needed urgent correction. His junior pointed it out, but Mr. Roy ignored it, thinking it was not important enough to bother with. Days passed, and the error remained in the document. This small mistake grew into a serious issue when the final report reached the hands of top clients. The company’s reputation was at stake, and an investigation was launched.

During the inquiry, it was found that Mr. Roy had been careless for a long time and had allowed his subordinates to handle critical responsibilities without proper checks. The company felt that such negligence could not be tolerated. Sadly, Mr. Roy was asked to resign from his job.

Sitting alone at home, Mr. Roy reflected on what had gone wrong. He remembered the day when he had been warned about that small mistake. If only he had taken the time to correct it, everything could have been avoided. His promising career was ruined, not because of a lack of intelligence, but because of neglecting small responsibilities.
That day, Mr. Roy truly understood the value of the proverb, “A stitch in time saves nine.” It was a hard lesson, but one that he would never forget.

(II) Narrate an encounter with a celebrity whom you admire and always wished to meet.

Answer:- A Chance Meeting with a Legend :  We all idolize different people in our lives—sports stars, film actors, writers—but there is always that one person we dream of meeting at least once. For me, that person has always been the legendary actor of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan. His voice, his expressions, and his dignified presence have fascinated me since childhood. I never thought I would actually get the chance to meet him, but life had a surprise in store.

It happened during our family vacation to Dubai. We were at the airport, waiting for our flight back to India. The place was crowded, and the usual buzz of announcements and people moving around filled the air. Suddenly, I noticed a group of youngsters running and whispering excitedly. I heard someone say, “It’s Amitabh Bachchan!”
At first, I thought it was a rumour. But then, there he was—tall, graceful, and elegant in a simple kurta-pajama, walking with a quiet charm. I stood frozen, my eyes wide with disbelief. Without thinking, I shouted, “I want to see him too!” My voice probably reached his ears because to everyone’s surprise, he stopped, turned around, and began walking toward me.

I couldn’t believe it. The great Amitabh Bachchan was now standing in front of me. He smiled warmly, placed his hand on my shoulder, and asked my name. I stammered with excitement as he gently laughed and handed me his autograph. He even hugged me lightly before walking away, leaving me in a daze.

That moment felt unreal. I was overjoyed and overwhelmed. It wasn’t just about meeting a famous person—it was about being acknowledged by someone I had admired all my life. I returned home with a memory that I would always hold close to my heart. Meeting Amitabh Bachchan was truly one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

(III) ‘Grades in exams indicate neither intelligence nor efforts.’ Express your views either for or against this statement.

Answer:- Against the View : Grade s in Exams Indicate Both Intelligence and Efforts I do not agree with the view that grades in exams indicate neither intelligence nor efforts. On the contrary, grades are a true reflection of both. They are awarded on the basis of marks obtained, and these marks come only through focused preparation, understanding of concepts, and hours of dedicated study.

Firstly, grades are not given randomly. They are based on the marks a student scores in various subjects. These marks are earned only after months of learning, revision, and practice. It is not possible to get good grades without putting in serious effort. In fact, even a single mark can make a difference between an A and a B grade, which shows how finely detailed the grading system is.

Secondly, while intelligence is a broad term, academic intelligence includes comprehension, logical thinking, and memory—all of which are tested in exams. A student who consistently scores high grades demonstrates the ability to understand and retain concepts, apply logic, and solve problems efficiently.

Moreover, students who aim to get admission into good colleges or universities work hard to achieve top grades. Educational institutions often consider grades as the primary factor during admissions. This proves that grades are widely accepted as a measure of both intelligence and hard work.

Finally, even during job interviews, an employer usually checks a candidate’s grades. It gives them a clear idea of the candidate’s ability to handle responsibilities and their sincerity during studies. Good grades create a good first impression.

Hence, although grades might not reflect every kind of intelligence or skill, they definitely show how much effort a student has put in and how intelligently they have prepared. Therefore, grades do indicate both intelligence and efforts.