Class 9 Scholarship-cum-Admission Test Model Paper

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Class 9 Scholarship-cum-Admission Test

Subject: English Language & Literature Max Marks: 20
Class: IX Time Allowed: 45 Minutes

General Instructions:

  • This paper is divided into two sections: Section A and Section B.
  • Section A: Reading Skills (10 Marks)
  • Section B: Grammar and Writing Skills (10 Marks)
  • All questions are compulsory. Separate instructions are given with each section and question.
Section A: Reading Skills (10 Marks)
1. Read the following passage carefully. (10 Marks)

(1) The stereotype of the lazy teenager sleeping until noon is a common one, but it is actually rooted in biology rather than attitude. During adolescence, the human body’s internal clock undergoes a significant shift, completely altering a student’s natural sleep cycle. Sleep is not a luxury; it is the fundamental process that recharges the brain’s battery, repairing cells and consolidating memory.

(2) The primary culprit for this shift is a physiological change in how the brain releases melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep. For teenagers, melatonin is released much later in the evening compared to adults and young children. This delayed circadian rhythm makes it nearly impossible for teens to naturally fall asleep before 11:00 PM, even if they feel exhausted from a long day.

(3) This biological shift creates a major conflict with early school start times. When alarms ring at 6:00 AM, a teenager’s brain is often still in a deep sleep phase. Waking up feels incredibly difficult, and this daily struggle leads to chronic sleep deprivation. Medical experts state that teenagers require 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night to function at their highest capacity. However, most average only 6 to 7 hours.

(4) Over time, this lack of rest severely impacts cognitive functions. It makes it harder to concentrate, learn, and retain new information in class. Furthermore, sleep deprivation weakens the immune system and triggers severe mood swings and anxiety. To combat this, health experts recommend that students practice good ‘sleep hygiene’. Avoiding the blue light of smartphones at least an hour before bed can help regulate melatonin levels, ensuring they get the vital rest required for academic success.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions: (1 x 10 = 10 Marks)
  1. What is the main reason teenagers struggle to fall asleep early?
    1. They have a lazy attitude towards school.
    2. Their brains release melatonin much later in the evening.
    3. They consume too much caffeine during the day.
    4. They do not need as much sleep as adults.
  2. In paragraph 1, what metaphor is used to describe the function of sleep?
  3. Select the word from Paragraph 3 that means the opposite of ‘temporary’ or ‘short-term’.
    1. Conflict
    2. Chronic
    3. Capacity
    4. Deprivation
  4. Complete the sentence appropriately:
    According to medical experts, teenagers require ________ to ________ hours of sleep per night to function optimally.
  5. State any two negative impacts of sleep deprivation mentioned in Paragraph 4.
  6. Based on the passage, state whether the following statement is True or False:
    Early school start times perfectly align with a teenager’s natural biological clock.
  7. What does the term ‘sleep hygiene’ refer to in the context of the final paragraph?
    1. Washing your face before going to bed.
    2. Sleeping in a completely clean and sterilized room.
    3. Practices and habits that promote good quality sleep, like avoiding screens.
    4. Taking medication to force the brain to sleep.
  8. Why does the author state that waking up at 6:00 AM feels incredibly difficult for teenagers?
  9. Complete the analogy by choosing the correct word from the passage:
    Food : Digestion :: Information : ____________ (Paragraph 4)
  10. Find a word in Paragraph 2 which means “causes to happen” or “brings about”.
Section B: Grammar and Writing Skills (10 Marks)
2. Complete the paragraph by choosing the correct option for each blank. (3 Marks)

Last week, our school (a) (organize / organized / organizes) a grand science exhibition. Many students from neighboring schools (b) (participate / participated / participating) enthusiastically in the various events. The chief guest (c) (was / were / is) highly impressed with the innovative working models created by the children.

3. Read the conversation below and complete the passage that follows. (2 Marks)
Rahul: “I am going to the public library to study.”
Mother: “When will you return home?”

Rahul told his mother that (a) . Hearing this, his mother asked him (b) .

4. Attempt ANY ONE of the following writing tasks in 100-120 words. (5 Marks)

A. You recently met a person who deeply inspired you (e.g., a teacher, a sports coach, or a relative). Write a Descriptive Paragraph detailing their physical appearance, their personality traits, and why they inspire you so much.

OR

B. Today, your school organized a visit to a local orphanage. You spent the day talking to the elderly inmates and realized the importance of family and gratitude. Write a Diary Entry expressing your thoughts and emotions about the visit.

Section A: Reading (10 Marks)

  1. (b) Their brains release melatonin much later in the evening. (1 mark)
  2. It recharges the brain, repairing cells and consolidating memory. (1 mark)
  3. (b) Chronic (1 mark)
  4. 8 to 10 (1 mark)
  5. Any two: Weakens immune system / Triggers mood swings / Causes anxiety / Harder to concentrate or learn. (1 mark)
  6. False (1 mark)
  7. (c) Practices and habits that promote good quality sleep, like avoiding screens. (1 mark)
  8. Because their brain is often still in a deep sleep phase at that time due to delayed melatonin release. (1 mark)
  9. Retain (1 mark)
  10. Induces (1 mark)

Section B: Grammar & Writing (10 Marks)

2. Gap Filling (3 Marks)

  • (a) organized (1 mark)
  • (b) participated (1 mark)
  • (c) was (1 mark)

3. Reported Speech (2 Marks)

  • (a) he was going to the public library to study. (1 mark – deduct ½ mark for tense/pronoun error)
  • (b) when he would return home. (1 mark – deduct ½ mark if written as a question ‘when would he…’)

4. Writing Skills (5 Marks)

Format: 1 Mark | Content: 2 Marks | Expression (Grammar & Vocabulary): 2 Marks

  • Descriptive Paragraph (A): Must include a clear title. Should follow a logical flow (Physical appearance ➔ Traits ➔ Reason for inspiration).
  • Diary Entry (B): Must follow format (Day, Date, Time at top-left. Salutation: Dear Diary). Must be written in First Person (I, we). Tone should be emotional and reflective.
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