GRADE-9

ENGLISH HOLIDAYS HOMEWORK

A.Read the following text.
1. For most of us, concerns about the environment are often reduced to just global
warming. With forests disappearing, animals being hunted to extinction, and wildlife
holidays becoming a luxury for a few, connecting with nature seems like a distant
dream. For many people, zoos and wildlife parks are now the only places left to
experience nature up close.
2. Zoos have always been an affordable form of recreation for people from different
backgrounds, whether rich or poor, educated or not. They provide a great opportunity
to educate and make people more aware of wildlife. In India, there are over 150 zoos,
attracting around 50 million visitors every year, according to CEE India.
3. Today’s children are increasingly disconnected from nature. We need a fun,
engaging place for nature education that can compete with the internet, TV, and video
games. Zoos are where children can actually see real animals, turning their
imagination into reality and sparking curiosity. Some of these children grow up to be
wildlife protectors.
4. In India, Reuben David, a wildlife conservation hero, founded the Ahmedabad zoo.
Under his leadership, it became one of India’s most important zoos, contributing a lot
to conservation and research. Zoos around the world also exchange animals with each
other.
5. Conflicts between humans and wild animals are still increasing. The Wildlife
Protection Society of India reported that between 1994 and 2010, 3,189 leopards were
killed. Leopards often become targets because they attack livestock and enter human
settlements. Wild animals need protection now more than ever.
6. Some animal activists suggest shutting down zoos. But what’s the alternative plan
to save endangered species? Closing zoos could make their extinction happen faster.
Zoos provide safe spaces for endangered species to breed. If animals are only left in
the wild, they face the risk of being wiped out by diseases, starvation, or epidemics.
Many species are bred in zoos and then returned to the wild.Page 2
7. The issue should not be about shutting down poorly maintained zoos but rather
improving them. More money should be spent on creating natural habitats for
animals,
ensuring they are healthy, supporting breeding programs, conducting research, and
protecting endangered species. Zoos play an important role in conservation,
education,
and research, helping people learn about and understand wildlife.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i.In paragraph 1, why do zoos and wildlife parks play a crucial role in connecting
people with nature?
ii.Complete the following with the correct option :
Zoos are important because :
(a) They only provide fun for people.
(b) They help educate and raise awareness about wildlife among people from different
backgrounds.
(paragraph 2)
iii.How do zoos help children reconnect with nature, as mentioned in the passage?
(paragraph 3)
iv. Select the option that best explains why zoos are important for conservation :
(a) Zoos only focus on entertaining visitors.
(b) Zoos provide breeding grounds for endangered species and help protect them from
extinction. (paragraph 6)
v. State whether the following statement is True or False.
Reuben David’s efforts in creating the Ahmedabad zoo significantly contributed to
wildlife conservation and research. (paragraph 4)
vi. The writer mentions that shutting down zoos could accelerate extinction.
Which of the following is a key reason for this?
(A) Zoos protect animals from hunters.
(B) Zoos allow animals to be bred in captivity and reintroduced into the wild.
(C) Zoos entertain visitors and raise money for wildlife protection.
(D) Zoos provide opportunities for visitors to interact with animals.
\(paragraph 6)
vii. List two roles zoos play in wildlife protection and education, as mentioned in the
passage. (paragraph 7)
viii. Fill in the blank with the correct option :
The focus should be on improving poorly maintained zoos by :
(A) Banning all zoos worldwide.
(B) Closing zoos that don’t meet standards.
(C) Investing in better habitats and care for animals.
(D) Moving animals to different countries.
(paragraph 7)

B.Read the following text.

1. Air pollution is one of the leading environmental health risks, causing
approximately 7 million deaths annually. Major sources of air pollution include
emissions from vehicles, \industrial activities, and the burning of fossil fuels. The
World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 91% of the world’s population lives
in areas where air quality exceeds recommended limits.
2. Fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, is especially harmful. These tiny
particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to
respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that a 10 µg/m³ increase
in PM2.5 levels is associated with a 6% increase in the risk of premature death.
3. In response to rising air pollution levels, many cities are adopting measures such as
promoting public transportation, reducing industrial emissions, and encouraging the
use of renewable energy. Countries that have implemented stricter air quality
standards have seen up to a 30% decrease in PM2.5 levels over the past decade.
4. While these efforts have made progress, much more needs to be done. Experts warn
that without global cooperation and stricter regulations, air pollution-related deaths
could rise by 50% by 2050.
5. Addressing air pollution is critical for protecting public health, reducing healthcare
costs, and combating climate change. By adopting cleaner technologies and more
sustainable practices, the world can reduce the deadly impact of air pollution on both
people and the planet.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i.What does the use of the phrase “leading environmental health risks” by the writer,
in paragraph 1, tell us about the severity of air pollution?
(A) The writer believes air pollution has no major health impact.
(B) The writer is highlighting air pollution as a significant global health threat.
(C) The writer is downplaying the seriousness of air pollution.
(D) The writer is unsure about the effects of air pollution.
ii. Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below :
1 Assertion : Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) poses a major threat to public health.
Reason : PM 2.5 particles can enter the bloodstream and increase the risk of
respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
(A) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
iii.Identify the percentage of the world’s population that lives in areas where air
quality exceeds recommended limits, as mentioned in the passage.
iv.According to the passage, what are two main sources of air pollution?
v.Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the
blank :
Efforts to reduce air pollution levels have been implemented in many countries, with
positive results. The percentage decrease in PM2.5 levels in countries with stricter air
quality standards is _____ (10% / 20% / 30%).
vi.What are some of the strategies mentioned in the passage that cities are using to
combat rising air pollution levels?
vii. Complete the sentence suitably.
Air pollution increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases by _____.
viii. Complete the following with a suitable reason :
Experts emphasize the importance of addressing air pollution because _____.
ix. In the context of paragraph 5, why is addressing air pollution critical for the future
of public health and the environment?

C.Read the following text.

1. A black vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a bird that feeds on dead animals. Pilots and
air traffic experts have always seen them as a risk because of their large size and how
they fly. In Brazil, 8% of animal-related aircraft accidents in 2020 involved black
vultures. Although they are seen as symbols of death and decay, vultures play a vital
role in environments shaped by humans.
2. These birds fly in groups and when they are not flying, they sit together on large
piles of trash, looking like dirty beggars covered in feathers. With their black feathers
and rough skin, they seem to belong in the dirty surroundings. They have a wingspan
of about five feet and can fly faster than Usain Bolt at his peak. They are used to
seeing humans who work at the dump, waiting for the right moment to eat.
3. A trash pile becomes a home and feeding ground for black vultures, who evolved to
eat dead animals but now survive by eating garbage. In areas where humans do not
manage waste properly, these vultures help by eating the waste.
4. For every potential aircraft accident caused by the birds, they help by recycling
millions of tons of nutrients and other materials back into nature. They eat everything
from dog poop to fish bones. The average Brazilian household throws away 353
grams of trash each day, and a black vulture eats about 140 grams a day. While not all
trash is edible, these birds even eat pieces of plastic bags. Their stomach acid is so
strong that it can destroy dangerous germs like cholera, brucellosis, and anthrax.
5. As the planet faces environmental issues like wildfires and the loss of biodiversity,
vultures continue to adapt and survive. Their numbers are increasing in both South
and North America, which means they will likely keep clashing with humans.
6. In rural areas of Latin America, waste is often scattered around communities.
Vultures take care of cleaning the waste, as the city itself is unable to manage it.
Considering their help, the vultures’ ugly appearance, and the occasional aircraft
collision, seem like a small price to pay. “They are the best thing that has ever
happened to the Amazon town,” says a conservationist.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i.In paragraph 1, why are black vultures considered a danger to airplanes?
ii. Complete the following with the correct option :
Black vultures are seen negatively because :
(a) They cause damage to the environment.
(b) They are linked with death and decay, even though they help clean the
environment. (paragraph 1)
Iii. How do black vultures fit into the dump environment, and what makes them
effective at waste management? (paragraph 2 and 3)
iv. Select the option that best explains the role of black vultures in recycling waste :
(a) They cause more problems than they solve by eating waste.
(b) They help recycle nutrients and reduce waste in areas without proper management.
(paragraph 4)
v. State whether the following statement is True or False.
Black vultures can break down harmful germs with their strong stomach acid.
(paragraph 4)
vi. The writer mentions that black vultures are opportunistic survivors.
Which of the following explains how they continue to thrive despite environmental
challenges?
(A) They avoid humans and only eat in the wild.
(B) They adapt to human-created waste and find new ways to survive.
(C) They rely on animal carcasses only.
(D) They live in protected nature reserves away from human contact.
(paragraph 5)
vii. List two reasons why black vulture populations are increasing, as mentioned in
the passage. (paragraph 5)
viii. Fill in the blank with the correct option :
According to the passage, black vultures are considered beneficial because :
(A) They have no impact on the environment.
(B) They help clean up waste in areas where humans struggle with proper waste
management.
(C) They do not interfere with human activities.
(D) They only clean up animal carcasses. (paragraph 6)

D.Read the following text.

1. Water scarcity is a growing global concern, affecting over 2.2 billion people
worldwide. This issue is driven by factors such as population growth,
industrialization, climate change, and unsustainable water management practices.
According to the United Nations, by 2030, global water demand is expected to exceed
supply by 40%.
2. Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater, accounting for approximately
70% of global freshwater withdrawals. However, inefficient irrigation systems lead to
nearly 60% of this water being wasted. Modern solutions like drip irrigation and
rainwater harvesting have shown the potential to reduce water waste by up to 30%,
significantly improving water use efficiency.
3. Climate change has further intensified water scarcity. Regions such as sub-Saharan
Africa and South Asia have seen a 40% increase in the frequency of droughts over the
last 50 years, while unpredictable rainfall patterns have disrupted water availability in
other parts of the world.
4. Various solutions to combat water scarcity are being explored. These include the
development of water-efficient technologies, desalination plants, and policies aimed
at sustainable water management. Countries that have implemented stricter water
regulations have seen up to a 20% decrease in water wastage.
5. Experts agree that addressing water scarcity is critical for ensuring food security,
maintaining ecosystems, and supporting economic development. Without urgent
action, the global water crisis will continue to worsen, impacting millions more by
mid-century.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
i.What does the use of the phrase “growing global concern” by the writer, in
paragraph
1, suggest about the issue of water scarcity?
(A) The writer believes water scarcity is not a major problem.
(B) The writer is emphasizing the increasing seriousness of water scarcity.
(C) The writer is downplaying the effects of water scarcity.
(D) The writer is showing indifference to water scarcity.
ii. Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below :
Assertion : Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater globally.
Reason : Agricultural practices, particularly inefficient irrigation systems, contribute
to significant water wastage.
(A) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation
of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
iii. Identify the percentage by which global water demand is expected to exceed
supply by 2030, as mentioned in the passage.

iv. According to the passage, what are two major causes of water scarcity?
v. Read the given prompt and select the correct option in the brackets to fill in the
blank :
The efficiency of modern irrigation systems like drip irrigation has the potential to
improve water usage. The percentage of global freshwater withdrawals attributed to
agriculture is _____ (50% / 60% / 70%).
vi.What are some of the methods mentioned in the passage that can help address
water scarcity?
vii.Complete the sentence suitably.
Water scarcity has been intensified by_____.
viii.Complete the following with a suitable reason :
Experts believe addressing water scarcity is crucial because _____.
ix. In the context of paragraph 5, why is it critical to address water scarcity for long-
term sustainability?
E. You are Rohan/Rohini, a student of grade 9. today you have been scolded
badly by your mathematics teacher for something you have not done. You tried
to explain but it was all in vain. Share your feelings in the form of a diary entry
in about 100-120 words.
F. Read the chapter- My Childhood. Hence write a descriptive paragraph on
APJ Abdul Kalam.