HBSE Half Yearly Assessment-2025: Class-IX English Solution and download pdf.
(i) This question paper is divided into four sections: A, B, C and D. (ii) All questions are compulsory. (iii) Attempt all the parts of a question together. (iv) Stick to the word limit wherever prescribed.
HBSE Class 9 English 2024-25 Annual Exam Solution
HBSE Half Yearly Assessment-2025: Class-IX English PDF
HALF YEARLY ASSESSMENT-2025 CLASS-IX SUBJECT-ENGLISH Marks: 40
HBSE Half Yearly Assessment-2025: Class-IX English Solution
HALF YEARLY ASSESSMENT-2025 CLASS-IX SUBJECT-ENGLISH Time: 90 Minutes | Marks: 40
Instructions:
(i) This question paper is divided into four sections: A, B, C and D. (ii) All questions are compulsory. (iii) Attempt all the parts of a question together. (iv) Stick to the word limit wherever prescribed.
Section-A (Reading Skill) (1×10=10)
Q1. Read the passage and answer the following questions:
The passage discusses the benefits of reading in a digital world, where people are glued to screens. Reading transports us to other countries, times, or imaginary lands, improving vocabulary, strengthening focus, and building better conversations. It keeps the brain active like physical exercise and reduces stress. A regular reading habit, even for 15-20 minutes daily, adds value—fiction, biography, or science—and lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Parents and teachers should encourage children to develop this habit.
i) What is a benefit of reading? b) It increases vocabulary
ii) Reading can take us to: c) new and imaginary places
iii) What does the passage compare reading to? c) Physical exercise
iv) How long is a good reading habit recommended daily? c) 15-20 minutes
v) Reading helps to improve: b) writing skills
vi) Why reading is a powerful habit? (20-25 words) Reading expands knowledge, boosts imagination, reduces stress, and enhances critical thinking, making it essential for personal growth and effective communication in daily life.
vii) How does reading help in reducing stress? (20-25 words) Reading diverts the mind from worries, calms the brain like exercise, and provides a relaxing escape into stories, lowering anxiety and promoting mental well-being.
viii) Why reading is called a healthy escape? (20-25 words) Unlike screens or unhealthy distractions, reading offers a positive mental break to imaginative worlds, reducing stress without negative effects and enriching the mind.
ix) What kind of books can people read? (20-25 words) People can read fiction for entertainment, biographies for inspiration, science for knowledge, or any genre that sparks joy and adds value to life.
x) How can reading affect conversations? (20-25 words) Reading enriches vocabulary and ideas, making discussions more engaging, confident, and meaningful by providing diverse topics and clearer expression.
Section-B (Grammar) (1×5=5)
Q2. Choose the correct answer. Do any five.
i) Punctuate the following sentence: she knows sita and gopal a) She knows Sita and Gopal.
ii) Fill in the blanks with suitable article. I can read _____ Vedas. c) the
iii) Change the voice. We must respect the elders. b) The elders must be respected.
iv) Use the correct form of verb. I _____ (finish) my work before he came. c) had finished
v) Change the sentence into indirect speech. The teacher said, “Rain falls from the clouds.” c) The teacher told that rain falls from the clouds.
vi) Complete the sentence with appropriate conjunction: _____ he says is not correct. a) What
Section-C (Writing Skill) (5 marks)
Q3. Write an application to the Principal of your school requesting him to grant you full fee concession.
OR Write a paragraph on “Road Safety Rules for Children”.
Answer (Application):
To The Principal, [Your School Name], [City, PIN Code]. Date: October 25, 2025
Subject: Application for Granting Full Fee Concession
Respected Sir,
I am [Your Name], a student of Class IX, Roll No. [Your Roll No.], Section [Your Section]. I am writing this application to humbly request full fee concession due to my family’s severe financial difficulties. My father is the sole breadwinner and works as a daily wage laborer. Recently, due to his illness and medical expenses, we are unable to afford the school fees for this session.
I am a sincere and diligent student, consistently scoring above 80% in all exams, and I assure you that I will continue to excel academically. Granting this concession will enable me to continue my education without interruption. I kindly request you to consider my plea and provide the necessary support.
Thank you for your understanding and compassion.
Yours obediently, [Your Name] Class IX, Roll No. [Your Roll No.]
(Word count: 150 – Formal format followed with proper salutation, body, and closing.)
OR (Paragraph – Road Safety Rules for Children):
Road Safety Rules for Children Road safety is crucial for children to avoid accidents and stay protected while traveling or playing near roads. First, always use footpaths for walking and cross only at zebra crossings after looking left, right, and left again. Never run across roads or chase balls into traffic. While cycling or skating, wear helmets and reflective clothes, and obey traffic signals—red means stop, green means go. Hold an adult’s hand in busy areas and avoid distractions like phones. Parents should teach these rules early, and schools can conduct awareness programs. Following these simple habits ensures a safe journey and promotes responsible behavior.
(Word count: 120 – Covers key rules with introduction, body, and conclusion.)
Section-D (Literature) (5+3=8 marks)
Q4. Read the passage and answer the questions given below. (1×5=5)
Passage: In 1900, at the age of 21, Albert Einstein was a university graduate and unemployed. He worked as a teaching assistant, gave private lessons and finally secured a job in 1902 as a technical expert in the patent office in Bern. While he was supposed to be assessing other people’s inventions, he was developing his own ideas in secret. He said he only called his desk drawer at work the “bureau of theoretical physics.”
i) When did Einstein pass his graduation? 1900
ii) What job did he get in 1902? Technical expert in the patent office in Bern
iii) What was supposed to be his duty? To assess other people’s inventions
iv) What did he call his desk-drawer? “Bureau of theoretical physics”
v) Name the chapter from which this passage has been taken. Albert Einstein at School
OR (Poem Extract: Wind by Subramania Bharati)
So, come, let’s build strong homes. Let’s joint the doors firmly. Practise to firm the body— Make the heart steadfast. Do this, and the wind will be friends with us. The wind blows out weak fires. He makes strong fires roar and flourish. His friendship is good. We praise him every day.
i) Why does the poet ask us to build strong houses? To withstand the destructive force of the wind and protect ourselves from its fury.
ii) What should we do to our hearts and bodies? Practise to make the body firm and the heart steadfast.
iii) When will the wind be our friend? When we build strong homes, firm bodies, and steadfast hearts.
iv) What is the effect of the wind on the fire? It blows out weak fires but makes strong ones roar and flourish.
v) Name the poem and the poet. Poem: Wind Poet: Subramania Bharati
Q5. Answer the question in about 60-70 words. (3 marks)
How does Tommy describe the old kind of school? (The Fun They Had)
Answer: Tommy describes the old kind of school as a special, physical building where all kids gathered daily to learn together under a real human teacher. They sat in rows, shared books, laughed, shouted, and helped each other with lessons. Unlike mechanical teachers at home, it was fun and social, with history, geography, and games in one place. Tommy finds it exciting yet strange compared to his isolated, screen-based learning.
(Word count: 65)
OR
What important and earth-shaking decisions did the doctor take while he was looking into the mirror? (The Snake and the Mirror)
Answer: Gazing into the mirror, the young doctor made three “earth-shaking” decisions out of vanity. First, he resolved to grow a thin moustache and always keep a smiling face to appear attractive. Second, he decided to marry a woman doctor who was rich, fat, and beautiful, so she could forgive his mistakes and run away if needed. Third, he vowed to improve his looks and always remain handsome. These reflected his superficial priorities before the snake’s interruption.
Q.5. How does Tommy describe the old kind of school? (60–70 words)
Tommy describes the old kind of school as a special building where all children went to study together. There was a human teacher who taught them, gave homework, and asked questions. The students sat in a classroom and learned the same things. Tommy found it funny that children of the same age learned together and that there were real books made of paper.
Q.6. Narrate the story “The Little Girl” in your words. (100–120 words)
“The Little Girl” by Katherine Mansfield is about a small girl named Kezia who is afraid of her strict father. She considers him harsh and unkind because he always scolds her and gives orders. Once, she tries to surprise him with a handmade birthday gift but accidentally spoils his papers. He punishes her, and she cries bitterly. Later, when her mother is away and she has a nightmare, her father comforts her with love and care. Kezia realizes that her father is not cruel but busy and tired. The story beautifully shows the bond between parents and children and how love hides behind strictness.
Q.7. What is the central idea of the poem “The Road Not Taken”? (60–70 words)
The poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost highlights the importance of choices in life. It shows that our decisions shape our future. The poet stands at a point where two roads meet, symbolizing life’s options. He chooses the road “less traveled by,” showing courage and individuality. The poem teaches that wise and bold decisions make life unique and meaningful.
Q.8. Why does the lost child lose interest in the things that he had wanted earlier? (60–70 words)
The lost child loses interest in all the things he had wanted earlier because he is separated from his parents at the fair. Before losing them, he was excited about toys, sweets, and rides. But once he realizes they are missing, fear and sadness take over. He only wants his mother and father back. All his earlier desires disappear, and his only wish is to find his parents again.
