Class 9 English Test Paper Chapter 1 How I taught my grandmother to read and Poem 1 Bharat Our land | CBSE Board | Detailed Solutions & Marking Scheme

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VEDANT CLASSES – A Pathway to Success...

Date:                       Subject: English     Marks: 30

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Section A – Discursive Passage (10 Marks)

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

"Education is a powerful tool that shapes the future of individuals and society alike. It does more than simply provide knowledge; it develops skills, builds confidence, and instills moral values. Children who receive education not only learn about the world but also acquire the ability to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions. Education also bridges social and economic gaps by giving everyone a fair chance to succeed. Despite this, many children, especially in rural areas, remain deprived of basic education due to poverty, lack of resources, and social discrimination. Governments, communities, and families must work together to ensure that education reaches every child. Modern education is not restricted to classrooms; it extends to online learning, skill development programs, and informal learning in daily life. By encouraging curiosity, creativity, and discipline, education empowers individuals to face challenges and contribute positively to society. In essence, an educated nation is a strong nation, and efforts to improve literacy and learning opportunities are investments in the future. Every child deserves access to knowledge, as education unlocks doors to opportunity, freedom, and progress."

Answer the following questions:

1. Education is described as a __________ that shapes the future. (Fill in the blank) (1 mark)

2. What are the three main benefits of education mentioned in the passage? (1 mark)

3. True or False: Education only provides knowledge and nothing else. (1 mark)

4. According to the passage, why do some children remain deprived of education? (1 mark)

5. Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way education is provided today?
   a) Classroom learning
   b) Online learning
   c) Skill development programs
   d) Watching television shows (1 mark)

6. Education helps individuals to develop __________ and problem-solving skills. (Fill in the blank) (1 mark)

7. According to the passage, education helps bridge __________ gaps in society. (1 mark)

8. Who should work together to ensure that education reaches every child? (1 mark)

9. What qualities does education encourage according to the passage? (1 mark)

10. In your own words, explain why an educated nation is considered a strong nation. (1 mark)

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Section B – Prose: How I Taught My Grandmother to Read (10 Marks)

Answer the following questions:

1. Who is the narrator of the story and what is her relationship with her grandmother? (2 marks)

2. Why was the grandmother unable to read initially? (2 marks)

3. Describe the methods the narrator used to teach her grandmother to read. (3 marks)

4. What does the story teach us about patience and determination? (3 marks)

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Section C – Poem: Bharat Our Land (5 Marks)

Answer the following questions:

1. What are the natural features of Bharat mentioned in the poem? (2 marks)

2. How does the poet describe the people of Bharat? (2 marks)

3. Explain the poet’s feelings towards his country in your own words. (3 marks)

4. What is the central theme of the poem? (3 marks)

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Marking Scheme:

• Section A: 10 marks (10 sub-questions, 1 mark each)

• Section B: 10 marks

• Section C: 10 marks
  Total: 10 marks

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ANSWER KEY & MARKING SCHEME

Class 9 – English
Total Marks: 30

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Section A – Discursive Passage (10 Marks)

1. Fill in the blank
Education is a powerful tool that shapes the future.
✔ 1 mark for correct phrase

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2. Three main benefits of education:

• Develops skills

• Builds confidence

• Instills moral values
  ✔ Any 2 correct = 1 mark

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3. True/False
False
✔ 1 mark

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4. Reason for lack of education:

• Poverty

• Lack of resources

• Social discrimination
  ✔ Any one = 1 mark

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5. MCQ
Correct answer: d) Watching television shows
✔ 1 mark

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6. Fill in the blank
Education helps individuals to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✔ 1 mark

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7. Fill in the blank
Education helps bridge social and economic gaps.
✔ 1 mark

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8. Who should work together?

• Government

• Communities

• Families
  ✔ Any two = 1 mark

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9. Qualities encouraged by education:

• Curiosity

• Creativity

• Discipline
  ✔ Any two = 1 mark

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10. Explanation (Own words)
Sample Answer:
An educated nation is strong because educated people can make better decisions, contribute to development, and improve society.

✔ Marking:

• Relevant idea = 0.5

• Clear explanation = 0.5

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Section B – Prose: How I Taught My Grandmother to Read (10 Marks)

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1. Narrator and relationship (2 marks)
Answer:
The narrator is Sudha Murty. She is the granddaughter of the grandmother.

✔ Marking:

• Name = 1 mark

• Relationship = 1 mark

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2. Why grandmother couldn’t read (2 marks)
Answer:
She could not go to school in her childhood due to social restrictions and family responsibilities.

✔ Marking:

• Reason explained = 2 marks (partial = 1 mark)

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3. Methods used to teach (3 marks)
Answer:
The narrator taught her grandmother regularly by reading aloud, explaining the story, and helping her learn the Kannada alphabet. She made her practice daily with dedication.

✔ Marking:

• Any 3 valid points = 3 marks

• 2 points = 2 marks

• 1 point = 1 mark

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4. Lesson of story (3 marks)
Answer:
The story teaches that age is no barrier to learning. With determination, patience, and hard work, anyone can achieve their goals.

✔ Marking:

• Value (determination/patience) = 1 mark

• Explanation = 1 mark

• Clarity/Example = 1 mark

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Section C – Poem: Bharat Our Land (10 Marks)

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1. Natural features (2 marks)
Answer:
The poem mentions rivers, mountains, fertile land, and natural beauty.

✔ Any two = 2 marks

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2. Description of people (2 marks)
Answer:
The people are described as united, hardworking, and diverse in culture but living in harmony.

✔ Any two qualities = 2 marks

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3. Poet’s feelings (3 marks)
Answer:
The poet expresses deep love, pride, and respect for the country. He admires its beauty, unity, and cultural richness.

✔ Marking:

• Emotion identified = 1 mark

• Explanation = 1 mark

• Expression clarity = 1 mark

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4. Central theme (3 marks)
Answer:
The central theme is patriotism, unity in diversity, and pride in the nation’s natural beauty and culture.

✔ Marking:

• Theme identified = 1 mark

• Explanation = 1 mark

• Relevance = 1 mark

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Final Mark Distribution

Section	Marks
Section A	10
Section B	10
Section C	10
Total	30

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