📘 ENGLISH - SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT III
Std IX · Total score: 80
🛡️ Questions 1–5 · A Shield of Courage
1 How did the hijackers gain access to the aircraft?
The hijackers gained access to the aircraft by posing as airport security personnel.
2 Why was hiding the passports of American passengers a crucial decision?
C) It prevented the hijackers from identifying their main targets.
3 Which actions of Neerja helped in saving the passengers?
A) i, ii and iv (hiding passports, guiding escape, remaining calm)
4 What do we infer about Neerja from the passage?
We can infer that Neerja was a brave, courageous, and quick-thinking leader. She was calm under pressure and selflessly put the safety of the passengers above her own.
5 Identify the Noun Phrase and Verb Phrase:
"Neerja's leadership and quick thinking were instrumental in guiding the passengers to escape."
"Neerja's leadership and quick thinking were instrumental in guiding the passengers to escape."
Noun Phrase: Neerja's leadership and quick thinking
Verb Phrase: were instrumental in guiding the passengers to escape.
Verb Phrase: were instrumental in guiding the passengers to escape.
🚶 Questions 6–9 · Walk Alone (poem)
6 What should a person do when no one joins him on a dark road?
C) Walk ahead alone despite the pain
7 Significance of "crush the thorns with your bleeding feet"?
It signifies the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of immense pain and hardship. One must continue forward even if it causes suffering.
8 What does "dark, stormy, and rainy night" imply?
It implies a period of great difficulty, hardship, and adversity; challenging times without external support.
9 Identify an instance of auditory image.
B) Roaring lightning
🎤 Question 10 [A] · Appreciation of "Let it Go"
Appreciation: The song "Let it Go" is a powerful anthem of self-acceptance and liberation. The central theme is the release of pent-up emotions and the courage to embrace one's true identity. The opening lines, "The snow glows white on the mountain tonight / Not a footprint to be seen," create a vivid visual image of isolation, mirroring the protagonist's inner state. The simile "The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside" brilliantly connects the external world with internal turmoil, using an auditory image of the howling wind. The pre‑chorus effectively builds tension before the climactic release.
🌱 Questions 11–14 · The seedling
11 What challenges did the seedling face in the beginning?
The seedling faced the harsh sun, was pecked at by birds, and was battered by heavy rains.
12 How did the people react to the growth of the seedling?
People admired its strength and patience. They realised that determination, persistence, and patience could overcome tough challenges.
13 What helps the seedling cope with challenges?
A) Perseverance and resilience
14 Which statements are TRUE? (i‑iv)
A) i and iii (seedling learned from neighbouring plants; tree's shade provided relief)
📝 Question 15 [A] · Evolution of a consumer
The Evolution of a Consumer from Early Childhood to Adolescence
Advertisements powerfully shape consumer behaviour from a very young age. Children are prime psychological targets: early ads focus on toys, using bright colours and the "nag factor". As children grow, their interest shifts to appearance‑based products (clothing, beauty). Marketers build brand loyalty early, aiming for a “cradle to grave” strategy. By adolescence, spending power increases, and the lifelong consumer is fully established.
⭐ Question 16 [A] · Character sketch: Neerja Bhanot
Neerja Bhanot was an epitome of courage, quick thinking and selfless heroism. As senior flight purser on Pan Am Flight 73, she displayed exceptional leadership under danger. She bravely hid American passports to shield passengers. Her presence of mind, calmness, and ability to guide people to emergency exits saved many lives. Her ultimate sacrifice — giving her own life — showcases the highest selflessness, making her an enduring symbol of bravery.
✉️ Question 17 [A] · Letter to Anita Nair
The Literary Club [School Name, Address] [Date] To Ms. Anita Nair [Address] Subject: Invitation for World Book Day Dear Ms. Nair, I am the Secretary of the Literary Club. On behalf of our school, I cordially invite you as Chief Guest for our World Book Day celebration on April 23rd, 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM). Your works like Ladies Coupe and The Better Man have inspired us deeply; your presence would motivate our students. Please confirm your availability at your earliest convenience. Yours sincerely, [Your Name] Secretary, Literary Club
🚦 Question 18 [A] · Road safety paragraph
India's road safety crisis demands strict adherence to rules: wearing helmets/seatbelts, obeying speed limits, no drunk driving, and avoiding red-light jumping. Punishments include heavy fines and imprisonment for severe offences. Road safety literacy can save precious lives.
📌 Question 19 · Profile: Anita Nair
Anita Nair (born 26 January 1966, Shoranur, Kerala) is a celebrated Indo-Anglian writer. She graduated from NSS College, Ottapalam, and earned a fellowship from the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, USA. She began as a creative director before becoming a full‑time writer. Founder of 'Anita's Attic'. Notable works: The Better Man, Ladies Coupe, Lessons in Forgetting. Awards: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (2012), Bal Sahitya Puraskar (2013), and appointed UNHCR supporter.
🖼️ Question 20 · Story from picture (sample)
Rohan was rushing to catch his bus when he saw an old man struggling with heavy grocery bags. The man's face was red with effort. Remembering his grandmother's words, Rohan stopped and offered to carry the bag. The man's weary face broke into a grateful smile. They walked together, sharing stories. Rohan missed his bus, but the warmth in his heart and the man's thanks felt more valuable.
❓ Question 21 · Framing questions (Gandhi passage)
Wh‑question 1: Where did the students of France organise a reception for Gandhiji?
Wh‑question 2: What did Gandhiji learn about during his visit to France in 1890?
Wh‑question 3: How did Gandhiji address the students of France?
Yes/No question: Did Gandhiji find heartening the welcome he received from the French students?
Wh‑question 2: What did Gandhiji learn about during his visit to France in 1890?
Wh‑question 3: How did Gandhiji address the students of France?
Yes/No question: Did Gandhiji find heartening the welcome he received from the French students?
🏏 Questions 22–25 · Cricket tournaments
| 22. First held in 1975? | C) ICC Cricket World Cup |
| 23. ODI only tournaments? | A) i and ii (World Cup & Champions Trophy) |
| 24. Two countries share equal titles? | Asia Cup (India & Sri Lanka) |
| 25. First title holder later most successful? | Australia (or West Indies first, Australia most wins) |
🔤 Question 26 · Fill prepositions/relatives
(a) toward (b) which (c) to (d) through (e) of (f) who
✏️ Question 27 · Edit the passage
(a) remember (b) play (c) children (d) fell (e) me (f) tales
💬 Question 28 · Dabbawala conversation
(a) aren't you?
(b) Do you deliver tiffin boxes in the Churchgate area?
(c) How much do you charge per customer?
(d) keep it ready by 8:00 am.
(e) we may not be able to guarantee the delivery.
(b) Do you deliver tiffin boxes in the Churchgate area?
(c) How much do you charge per customer?
(d) keep it ready by 8:00 am.
(e) we may not be able to guarantee the delivery.
🗣️ Question 29 · Reported dialogue
a) Bethany asked Dr. Rovinsky if he could explain to her what the treatment was going to be like.
b) Dr. Rovinsky told Bethany that she had lost her arm and that his focus was on saving her life.
b) Dr. Rovinsky told Bethany that she had lost her arm and that his focus was on saving her life.
⚠️ Question 30 · Phrasal verbs
(Paragraph & phrasal verb list missing – cannot be answered)
🔁 Question 31 · Idioms
(a) beat around the bush (b) put on a brave face
📚 Question 32 · Choose appropriate words
(a) incredible (b) summon (c) commendable (d) courteous
⭐ Answers are developed based on the question paper. For Q15[B], 16[B], 17[B], 18[B] (alternatives) similar model answers can be prepared; the key focuses on the chosen variants.