Class 9 Writing & Grammar

Writing:

1. Story Writing

2. Letter to the Editor

Grammar:

1. Determiners

2. Subject – verb concord

3. Modals

4. Reported Speech

WORDSMITH

1. STORY WRITING

Practice question 1:

The Hidden Diary

I didn’t expect to find anything unusual, but the torn leather cover caught my eye as I was dusting behind the old bookshelf in the school library. Curious, I pulled it out, and a small cloud of dust rose into the air. The diary was old, with yellowed pages and neat handwriting that seemed almost alive.

As I flipped through the pages, I realised it belonged to a student named Arjun, who had attended the school decades ago. His diary was filled with secrets—hidden passageways in the library, forgotten classrooms, and notes about a mysterious treasure supposedly buried under the school grounds.

Excited and a little nervous, I decided to follow the clues. Each day after school, I explored the library and its hidden corners, piecing together Arjun’s puzzle. Finally, behind a loose brick near the auditorium, I found a small wooden box. Inside were old medals, letters, and photographs—a forgotten treasure of memories from a time long past. Holding it in my hands, I felt a connection with the school’s history and with Arjun himself, as if his diary had chosen me to keep his stories alive.

Practice question 2:

The Mysterious Voice

I was walking home late one evening, the streets almost empty and quiet. Suddenly, I heard someone calling my name from a narrow alley ahead. My heart skipped a beat. I paused, looking around, but there was no one in sight. Hesitant, I stepped closer, trying to see who it was.

Out of the shadows, a small boy appeared, shivering and lost. He looked terrified and held a torn school bag. I realised he must have wandered away from home and couldn’t find his way back. I took his hand and gently guided him to the main road, asking him questions to figure out where he lived. Soon, we reached his house, and his grateful parents welcomed him back with tears in their eyes.

I walked home feeling a mix of relief and wonder. That night changed how I saw my neighbourhood forever.

Practice question 3:

The Midnight Call

The power had gone out, and the whole house was in darkness when the phone rang. The shrill sound made me jump. Fumbling for a flashlight, I picked up the receiver. A strange, raspy voice whispered, “I’m inside the house.” My heart raced, and I froze.

I glanced around, the beam of the flashlight trembling in my hand. I heard a faint creak upstairs. Gathering courage, I quietly moved toward the staircase, trying to make as little noise as possible. The voice came again, closer this time, “Don’t turn around.”

Suddenly, the lights flickered back on, and I saw my little brother giggling, holding the phone upside down. He had wanted to play a prank on me! I laughed nervously, relief flooding in—but my heart was still pounding. That night taught me to always stay alert during a blackout.

Practice question 4:

Lost at the Monument

During our school trip to the Red Fort, I got separated from my group while taking pictures of the beautiful architecture. The towering walls, intricate carvings, and vast courtyards were mesmerizing, but I suddenly realised I couldn’t see any of my friends. My heart raced, and I felt a wave of panic.

I wandered around, trying to remember the path we had taken, and noticed a small map at the entrance. Using it, I retraced my steps slowly, looking for familiar faces. I asked a security guard for help, and he pointed me toward the main gate where our teachers were waiting.

Finally, I spotted my classmates near the flagpole, waving at me. I ran over, relieved and a little embarrassed. I promised myself to stay close next time, but the experience taught me to stay calm in tricky situations.

2. INFORMAL LETTER

Practice question 1:

1. You are Priya Sharma, a resident of Lajpat Nagar, Delhi. Write a letter to the Editor of The Times of India expressing concern about the increasing noise pollution in your locality due to loudspeakers and traffic. (Word limit: 100-120 words)

R-24, Lajpat Nagar
Delhi – 110024

5 October 2025

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi

Subject: Rising Noise Pollution in Lajpat Nagar

Sir

I wish to draw attention to the increasing noise pollution in Lajpat Nagar due to loudspeakers, traffic, and construction activities. The constant honking and high-volume music have made daily life stressful for residents. Many people, especially the elderly and children, are experiencing headaches, disturbed sleep, and anxiety.

Immediate steps are needed to reduce this problem. Authorities should regulate the use of loudspeakers, enforce traffic discipline, and promote noise awareness campaigns. Residents must also cooperate to maintain a peaceful environment.

I hope the concerned authorities take urgent action to restore calm in our locality.

Yours sincerely
Priya Sharma

Practice question 2:

Q. You are Rohan Mehta from Bhopal. Write a letter to the Editor of The Hindustan Times highlighting the problem of waterlogging in your area during the rainy season and suggesting possible solutions. (Word limit: 100-120 words)

R-18, Shanti Nagar
Bhopal – 462001

5 October 2025

The Editor
The Hindustan Times
New Delhi

Subject: Severe Waterlogging in Shanti Nagar During Rainy Season

Sir

I wish to highlight the persistent problem of waterlogging in Shanti Nagar during the rainy season. Heavy rains cause streets to flood, making it difficult for residents to commute and leading to traffic jams and health hazards. Stagnant water also increases the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Immediate action is required. Authorities should improve drainage systems, clean existing drains regularly, and ensure proper maintenance of sewer lines. Residents must also avoid dumping waste in water channels to prevent blockages.

I hope the concerned authorities take urgent measures to resolve this recurring issue.

Yours sincerely
Rohan Mehta

Practice question 3:

3. You are Anjali Verma, living in Sector 15, Gurugram. Write a letter to the Editor of The Tribune about the rising problem of stray dogs in your neighbourhood, causing fear and inconvenience to the residents. (Word limit: 100-120 words)

R-22, Sector 15
Gurugram – 122001

5 October 2025

The Editor
The Tribune
Chandigarh

Subject: Rising Problem of Stray Dogs in Sector 15

Sir

I wish to draw attention to the growing problem of stray dogs in Sector 15, Gurugram. These dogs roam freely in streets and parks, often causing fear and inconvenience to residents. Children are particularly at risk, and several incidents of bites and aggression have been reported.

Immediate measures are needed. Authorities should implement a proper stray dog management program, including sterilisation, vaccination, and safe shelters. Residents should also be educated on avoiding feeding or provoking them unnecessarily.

I hope the concerned authorities take prompt action to ensure the safety and comfort of our neighbourhood.

Yours sincerely
Anjali Verma

GRAMMAR

TOPIC 1: Determiners

Definition:
Determiners are words that are placed before nouns to provide information such as which one, how many, or whose. They help identify or quantify nouns.

TYPES OF DETERMINERS

1. Articles

a, an, the

a and an – Indefinite articles (used for general things)
➤I saw a dog.
➤She ate an apple.
the – Definite article (used for specific things)
➤He found the book he lost.

2. Demonstratives

this, that, these, those

➤This pen is mine.
➤Those shoes are new.

3. Possessives

my, your, his, her, its, our, their

➤Her dress is beautiful.
➤Our team won the match.

4. Quantifiers

Words that show quantity or amount
some, any, much, many, few, little, several, a lot of, all, both

➤She has some friends in London.
➤There are many books on the shelf.

5. Numbers

one, two, three, first, second, etc.

➤I have two brothers.
➤He came first in the race.

6. Interrogative Determiners

what, which, whose

➤What colour do you like?
➤Whose bag is this?

❌When determiners are not needed:

With uncountable nouns when speaking generally:

✔️ Sugar is sweet.
✔️ Information is useful.

With plural nouns when speaking generally:

✔️ Dogs are loyal animals.
✔️ Teachers work hard.

With proper nouns (names):

✔️ Riya is my friend.
✔️ India is a large country.

Rules to Remember

A determiner comes before a noun.
You can’t use two determiners together for one noun.
❌The my book → ✔️ My book or The book
Use 'a' before consonant sounds and 'an' before vowel sounds.
➤a cat, an orange

Practice Sentences (Fill in the blanks)With answers:

1. I saw an elephant at the zoo.

2. The book on the table is mine.

3. He doesn’t have any money.

4. Some friends came to visit us.

5. Whose pen is this?

6. The apples in the basket are ripe.

7. She has no idea what happened.

8. I bought an umbrella yesterday.

9. There isn’tany sugar left in the jar.

10. The dog is barking outside our house.

11. Can you lend me a pencil?

12. Which colour do you prefer – blue or green?

13. He invited all of his classmates to the party.

14. My brother is in the army.

15. The girl who won the prize is my cousin.

16. I would like to have one more piece of cake.

17. They don’t have enough books to study from.

18. Whose house is that across the road?

19. We spent several days at the beach.

20. She has read many interesting stories.

21. The boy in the front row is very tall.

22. We must help those people in need.

23. These shoes are too tight for me.

24. I gave her a gift on her birthday.

25. Which of these bags belongs to you?

TOPIC 2: Subject–Verb Concord (Agreement)

Subject–Verb Concord means that the verb must agree with the subject in number and person.

A singular subject takes a singular verb.
A plural subject takes a plural verb.

Basic Rules with Examples

Rule 1: Singular subjects take singular verbs.

She writes neatly.
The dog barks loudly.

Rule 2: Plural subjects take plural verbs.

They play football.
The boys run fast.

Rule 3: Two subjects joined by ‘and’ take a plural verb.

Ria and Tara are best friends.
The teacher and the principal have arrived.

Rule 4: If the two subjects refer to the same person or thing, use a singular verb.

My friend and guide is here.
The owner and manager is on leave. (One person with two roles)

Rule 5: With ‘either…or’ / ‘neither…nor’, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.

Neither Rani nor her friends are coming.
Either the teachers or the principal is responsible.

Rule 6: Indefinite pronouns like everyone, someone, each, nobody take singular verbs.

Everyone is happy.
Each of the boys was present.

Rule 7: Collective nouns take a singular verb when seen as one unit, plural when individuals are emphasised.

The team is winning. (acting as a unit)
The team are wearing their new jerseys. (individuals)

Rule 8: Amounts of time, money, and distance usually take singular verbs.

Five hundred rupees is a lot of money.
Ten kilometres is a long walk.

Rule 9: Titles of books, movies, etc., are singular.

The Chronicles of Narniais a great book.

Rule 10: When "there" or "here" begins the sentence, the verb agrees with the subject that follows.

There is a book on the table.
There are many books on the shelf.

Subject	Correct Verb	Why?
The news	is	'News' is uncountable/singular
Mathematics	is	Names of subjects are singular
Children	are	'Children' is a plural noun
A bouquet of flowers	is	'Bouquet' is the subject
Ten dollars	is	Amount is treated as singular

Practice: Fill in the blanks

Use the correct form of the verb in the blanks: (with answers)

1. Each of the students is present.

2. The dogs and the cat are in the yard.

3. The jury is divided in their opinion.

4. My mother and my best friend are coming over.

5. Either my shoes or your bag is under the table.

6. The pair of shoes is new.

7. Neither John nor his friends are responsible.

8. A lot of water is wasted every day.

9. There is a book and a pen on the desk.

10. Politics is a sensitive topic.

11. The list of items is on the table.

12. Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.

13. My trousers are too tight.

14. The team is practising hard.

15. Ten rupees is not enough.

16. Everyone is happy.

17. Either Rina or her sisters are going.

18. Mathematics is easy for her.

19. There is a pen and two books on the desk.

20. Bread and butter is served.

21. Each of the boys is doing well.

22. A bouquet of roses is on the table.

23. The news is not good.

24. The police are looking for the thief.

25. A number of students are absent.

26. The number of students is increasing.

27. Measles is a serious disease.

28. The children are playing outside.

29. Neither she nor I am responsible.

30. Here are your shoes.

31. The list of items is on the table.

32. Each of the boys has been given a prize.

33. Neither Rohan nor his friends are coming to the party.

34. The quality of the apples is not very good.

35. Mathematics is my favourite subject.

36. The children are playing in the park.

37. Everyone is ready for the trip.

38. Either the cat or the dogs are to be taken to the vet.

TOPIC 3: Modals

Modals: Modals are auxiliary (helping) verbs used to express ability, permission, possibility, necessity, advice, obligation, requests, or future predictions. They are used before the main verb in a sentence and do not change form according to the subject.

Common modals include:

Can / Could – ability, permission, possibility
Will / Would – future prediction, polite requests, offers, hypothetical situations
Shall / Should – suggestions, obligation, future actions
May / Might – permission, possibility
Must – necessity, strong obligation
Ought to – advice, obligation
May – permission, possibility
Would – polite requests, hypothetical situations, future in the past

1. Types and Usage of Modals

1. Can / Could

Can is used to express ability or permission in the present or future.

Example: She can speak Spanish.
Example: You can go out after you finish your homework.

Could is the past form of can, and it is used for polite requests or to talk about past ability.

Example: I could swim when I was a child.
Example: Could you help me with this task?

2. Will / Would

Willis used to express a future action or to make promises, offers, and requests.

Example: I will go to the party tomorrow.
Example: Will you help me with my homework?

Would is the past form of will and is used for polite requests, offers, and hypothetical situations.

Example: Would you like some coffee?
Example: I would go, if I had enough time.

3. Shall / Should

Shall is used to make suggestions, usually in the first person (I/we), or for formal future actions.

Example: Shall we go for a walk?
Example: I shall be there at 7 o’clock.

Should expresses advice, recommendations, or expectations.

Example: You should eat healthy food.
Example: We should leave by 5 p.m.

4. May / Might

Mayis used to ask for permission or to express possibility.

Example: May I use your phone?
Example: It may rain tomorrow.

Might is used to express a slight possibility or hypothetical situations.

Example: I might go to the beach if it’s sunny.
Example: She might come to the party.

5. Must / Have to

Must expresses necessity or strong obligation.

Example: You must wear a helmet when riding a bike.
Example: I must finish my homework by tonight.

Have to also expressesnecessity or obligation, but it is more commonly used in general situations.

Example: I have to attend a meeting tomorrow.
Example: We have to leave now.

6. Ought to

Ought tois used to give advice or express moral obligation.

Example: You ought to apologize for what you did.
Example: She ought to study for her exams.

2. Negative Forms of Modals

To make modals negative, simply add not after the modal verb.

Cannot (can't) – I can’t swim.
Will not (won’t) – I won’t go there tomorrow.
Would not (wouldn't) – I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
Must not (mustn't) – You mustn't lie.
Should not (shouldn't) – You shouldn't eat so much sugar.

3. Common Mistakes with Modals

Can and Could are often confused in the wrong context, such as using could for ability in the present.

Correct: She can dance well.
Incorrect: She could dance well (in present context).

Willis sometimes incorrectly used in place of going to for plans.

Correct: I am going to meet her later.
Incorrect: I will meet her later (unless it's an immediate decision).

4. Practice: Fill in the Blanks with the Correct ModalWITH Answers:

1. You must finish your homework before going out.

2. She can speak three languages fluently.

3. We will arrive at the station before 10 a.m. tomorrow.

4. You should go to the doctor if you're feeling unwell.

5. He will help you if you ask him politely.

6. I cannot understand this topic; could you explain it again?

7. Could you please pass me the salt?

8. You must not park here; it's a no-parking zone.

9. I cannot believe the news I just heard!

10. She could play the piano when she was younger.

11. We must not leave the house until the rain stops.

12. He must be at the library right now.

13. You must bring your textbooks to class every day.

14. Shall we go to the park after school today?

15. I cannot find my keys anywhere!

16. They didn't know the answer to the question.

17. I would suggest you study harder for the upcoming exam.

18. We could buy a new car if we had more money.

19. She should be here by now. She was supposed to arrive at 3 p.m.

20. You should take the umbrella with you, it looks like rain.

21. They might be tired after the long journey.

22. Could you help me with my homework?

23. We must not make noise in the library.

24. You should choose a gift for her birthday.

25. He might be the winner of the competition if he had tried harder.

TOPIC 4: Reported Speech

Reported speech (also called indirect speech) is used to report what someone said without quoting them directly.

🔹Direct speech: She said, "I am tired."
🔹Reported speech: She said that she was tired.

1️. REPORTED STATEMENTS

Rules:

Change the pronouns according to context.
Backshift the tense (if the reporting verb is in the past).
Change time and place words.

Direct Speech (Tense)	Reported Speech (Tense)
Present simple	Past simple
Present continuous	Past continuous
Present perfect	Past perfect
Past simple	Past perfect
Will	Would
Can	Could

🔹 Time/Place Word Changes:

Direct	Reported
today	that day
tomorrow	the next day
yesterday	the day before
now	then
here	there

🔹 Examples:

Direct: He said, "I work at a bank."
Reported: He said that he worked at a bank.
Direct: She said, "I will call you tomorrow."
Reported: She said that she would call me the next day.

2. REPORTED QUESTIONS

🔹 Yes/No Questions:

Use if/whether.
Change word order to statement form.
Do not use question marks.

🔸 Direct: He asked, "Do you like chocolate?"
🔸 Reported: He asked if I liked chocolate.

🔹 WH- Questions:

Keep the WH-word.
Change the structure into a statement.

🔸 Direct: She asked, "Where are you going?"
🔸 Reported: She asked where I was going.

🔹 Examples:

Direct: "Did you enjoy the party?"
Reported: He asked if I had enjoyed the party.
Direct: "What is your name?"
Reported: She asked what my name was.

3️ REPORTED COMMANDS & REQUESTS

🔹 Rules:

For commands, use told + to + base verb.
For requests, use asked + to + base verb.
For negative commands, use not to + base verb.

🔹 Examples:

Direct: He said, "Open the window."
Reported: He told me to open the window.
Direct: She said, "Please help me."
Reported: She asked me to help her.
Direct: The teacher said, "Don't talk!"
Reported: The teacher told us not to talk.

Exercise 1: Change into reported speech

She said, "I am happy."
Answer: She said that she was happy.
He said, "We have finished our homework."
Answer: He said that they had finished their homework.
John said, "I saw her yesterday."
Answer: John said that he had seen her the day before.
They said, "We will visit our grandma."
Answer: They said that they would visit their grandma.
She said, "I can swim very well."
Answer: She said that she could swim very well.

Exercise 2: Report the questions

She asked, "Do you speak French?"
Answer: She asked if I spoke French.
He asked, "Where do you live?"
Answer: He asked where I lived.
They asked, "Is she your sister?"
Answer: They asked if she was my sister.
The teacher asked, "Why were you late?"
Answer: The teacher asked why I had been late.
Mom asked, "Have you eaten lunch?"
Answer: Mom asked if I had eaten lunch.

Exercise 3: Rewrite as reported commands/requests

The officer said, "Stand in a line."
Answer: The officer told them to stand in a line.
My mother said, "Please be careful."
Answer: My mother asked me to be careful.
He said, "Don't touch that!"
Answer: He told me not to touch that.
The doctor said, "Take this medicine every day."
Answer: The doctor told me to take that medicine every day.
She said to me, "Help your brother."
Answer: She told me to help my brother.

Mixed Practice: Convert to reported speech

He said, "I am reading a novel."
Answer: He said that he was reading a novel.
She said, "We have finished our homework."
Answer: She said that they had finished their homework.
They said, "We will go to the park tomorrow."
Answer: They said that they would go to the park the next day.
The teacher said, "The earth revolves around the sun."
Answer: The teacher said that the earth revolves around the sun.
I said to him, "You look tired."
Answer: I told him that he looked tired.
The teacher said, "Close your books."
Answer: The teacher told the students to close their books.
The guard said, "Do not enter the building."
Answer: The guard told us not to enter the building.
She said to the child, "Clean your room."
Answer: She told the child to clean his room.
He said to me, "Wait here till I return."
Answer: He told me to wait there till he returned.
The officer said, "Stand in a queue."
Answer: The officer told them to stand in a queue.
She said, "Please help me with my luggage."
Answer: She asked me to help her with her luggage.
He said to the waiter, "Please bring some water."
Answer: He asked the waiter to bring some water.
I said to my friend, "Please explain this topic again."
Answer: I asked my friend to explain that topic again.
The old man said to the boy, "Please call the doctor."
Answer: The old man asked the boy to call the doctor.
The student said to the librarian, "Please issue this book."
Answer: The student asked the librarian to issue that book.
He said, "Where do you live?"
Answer: He asked me where I lived.
She said, "What are you doing now?"
Answer: She asked what I was doing then.
They said, "Will you join us for lunch?"
Answer: They asked if I would join them for lunch.
He said to me, "Have you seen this movie?"
Answer: He asked me if I had seen that movie.
She said to her friend, "Do you like coffee?"
Answer: She asked her friend if she liked coffee.

Convert the following sentences to direct speech

He said that he was going to the market.
Answer: He said, "I am going to the market."
She told me that she had completed her project.
Answer: She said to me, "I have completed my project."
They said that they would join us later.
Answer: They said, "We will join you later."
The teacher said that the sun rises in the east.
Answer: The teacher said, "The sun rises in the east."
I told him that he looked very happy.
Answer: I said to him, "You look very happy."
The teacher told the students to open their books.
Answer: The teacher said, "Open your books."
The policeman ordered the man not to cross the road.
Answer: The policeman said, "Do not cross the road."
She told the child to keep quiet.
Answer: She said to the child, "Keep quiet."
He told me to wait outside the room.
Answer: He said to me, "Wait outside the room."
The coach told the team to practise every day.
Answer: The coach said to the team, "Practise every day."
She requested me to lend her my book.
Answer: She said, "Please lend me your book."
The boy asked the teacher to help him solve the sum.
Answer: The boy said to the teacher, "Please help me solve the sum."
I requested my friend to wait for me.
Answer: I said to my friend, "Please wait for me."
The woman requested the conductor to stop the bus.
Answer: The woman said to the conductor, "Please stop the bus."
The tourist asked the man to show him the way.
Answer: The tourist said to the man, "Please show me the way."
He asked me where I lived.
Answer: He said to me, "Where do you live?"
She asked what I was doing at that moment.
Answer: She said, "What are you doing now?"
They asked if I would come to the party.
Answer: They said, "Will you come to the party?"
He asked me whether I had seen his phone.
Answer: He said to me, "Have you seen my phone?"
She asked her friend if she liked the movie.
Answer: She said to her friend, "Do you like the movie?"

Pranshu's English Classroom (CBSE)

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