PERIODIC TEST – I (2024-25)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

GRADE – IX
Time allowed: 1 hr 30 mins Maximum Marks: 30
*The question paper contains three sections – Reading, Writing & Grammar and
Literature.
*All questions are compulsory.
* Separate instructions are given with each question , wherever necessary. Read these
instructions very carefully and follow them.
*Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
Section A – Reading
Q1. Read the given passage and answer the following questions: (8*1= 8marks)
1. Cardamom, known as the queen of all spices, boasts a history as ancient as the human race
itself. It is the dried fruit of a herbaceous perennial plant. A warm, humid climate, loamy soil
rich in organic matter, distributed rainfall, and specialized cultivation and processing methods
all combine to render Indian cardamom truly unique in aroma, flavor, size, and its distinct
parrot green color.
2. Two types of cardamom are produced in India. The first type, the larger variety, holds less
significance as it is not traded in the futures market. It is cultivated in the north-eastern
regions of the country. The second type, produced in the southern states, is actively traded in
the futures market. This variety is primarily cultivated in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
As per the futures market rules, only the 7 mm quality was initially traded in exchanges.
However, the norms were relaxed, and now the 6 mm quality is also traded.
3. Cardamom is an expensive spice, second only to saffron. Indian cardamom is known in
two main varieties: Malabar and Mysore. The Mysore variety, containing high levels of
cineol and limonene, is more aromatic. India has emerged as the world’s largest producer and
exporter of cardamom.
4. The main harvest season for cardamom in India spans from August to February.
Cardamom reaches the yielding stage two years after plantation. The primary physical
markets for cardamom include Kumily, Vandiperiyar, Thekkady, Puliyarmala in Kerala, and
Bodinayakanur and Cumbum in Tamil Nadu.
5. Kerala is the principal producer of cardamom, contributing up to 60% of the total
production. Karnataka accounts for around 25% of the production. In Tamil Nadu, Ooty is
the major producer, contributing approximately 10-15% of the total output. Besides India,
Guatemala also produces around 1,000-2,000 tons of cardamom annually. However, due to
its lower quality, Guatemalan cardamom is available at cheaper rates.

1- Why does the passage describe cardamom as the “queen of all spices”?
A. Due to its ancient history.
B. Because of its versatile usage in cooking.
C. Owing to its unique aroma and flavor.
D. Because it is the most expensive spice.
2- What does the passage imply about the role of climate and soil in the cultivation of
Indian cardamom?
A. They are essential but not unique to India.
B. They uniquely contribute to the quality of Indian cardamom.
C. They have little impact on the cultivation process.
D. They are more important for cardamom than other spices.
3- According to the passage, why might the larger variety of cardamom be less
significant in the market?
A. It has a weaker aroma and flavor.
B. It is not traded in the futures market.
C. It is only cultivated in limited areas.
D. It is more expensive than the smaller variety.

4- What does the passage suggest about the global production of cardamom?
A. India and Guatemala are the only producers of cardamom.
B. Guatemala rivals India in the quality of cardamom.
C. India leads in quality, while Guatemala competes in price.
D. Indian cardamom is less expensive than its global counterparts.
5- Complete the following sentence based on the passage: “Indian cardamom is distinct
because of its _______, which contributes to its high demand in the global market.”

6- Based on the passage, how does the cultivation of cardamom in India reflect the
country’s agricultural practices and climate?

7- True or False: According to the passage, the main reason for the lower market
significance of the larger variety of cardamom is its limited cultivation area.

8- Which of the following titles would be the most appropriate for the passage?
A. “The Global Spice Trade: A Comprehensive Overview”
B. “Cardamom: The Queen of Spices and Its Journey”
C. “Agricultural Practices in India: A Case Study”
D. “The Economic Impact of Spices in the International Market”
Section B – Grammar & Writing
Q2. Fill in the blanks with appropriate determiners: (6*0.5=3 marks)
Once upon (a)___ time, there lived (b)___ man named Mahesh Das. He was well known for
(c)___ intelligent and witty answers. (d)____ people came from far away areas to ask advice
on (e) ____ things. One day he decided to meet king Akbar, so he travelled to Agra. But
while entering through (f) ___ gates of the palace, one of the guards stopped him.
Q3. You recently visited an ‘Old Age Home’ in Bangalore with your friends. Using the
hints given below together with your own ideas, make a diary entry in 80-100 words of
what you saw and experienced there.
Hints: • Old home • Mostly senior citizens above 60 • Peaceful surroundings • Spacious •
Clean rooms and baths • Regular medical check-ups • A good library • Means of
recreation • A home away from home.
OR
Write a diary entry in 80-100 words on one of the luxurious weddings that you have
attended. Write your opinions on the wastage of resources at the wedding. (1*5=5 marks)
SECTION C- Literature
Q4: Read the given extract and answer the given questions. (4*1=4marks)
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden back
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted it if I should ever come back
(a) Which road does the poet choose?
(i) first road (ii) second road (iii) none from the two
(b) Why was the poet doubtful about the first road ?
(i) because it was taken by many people.
(ii) because it was taken by less people
(ii) because no one has ever travelled on it.
(c) Find a word from the extract that means ‘crushed’.
(d) Why was the poet doubtful about his coming back?

Q5. Answer ANY TWO from the following questions in 40-50 words: (3*2=6 marks)
(a) What did Margie hate the most about her school?
(b) Why did Margie feel that learning was fun in the schools of the past?
(c) The kind-hearted stranger tried his best to calm down the lost child but failed. Why did
the child remain inconsolable?

Q6. Answer ANY ONE of the given questions in 60-80 words: (4*1=4marks)
“A child longs for toys, sweets and other things but not at the cost of his parents.” Comment.
OR
What is the role of a teacher in the life of a student? How is a human teacher better than a
mechanical teacher?