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🇮🇳 ICSE Class 9 · subject
ICSE Class 9 English Syllabus
The English syllabus for ICSE Class 9 in full: 2 chapters and 9 topics, every one listed below, plus 50 English flashcards with answers.
English syllabus: all 2 chapters
Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics.
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Treasure Trove of Short Stories
4 topics- The Lumber Room
- The Blue Bead
- The Necklace
- A Day's Wait
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The Merchant of Venice
5 topics- Act 1
- Act 2
- Act 3
- Act 4
- Act 5
ICSE Class 9 English flashcards — 50 questions with answers
Who is the author of the short story "The Lumber Room" and what is its main theme?
Saki (H. H. Munro). Its main theme is the triumph of a child's imagination over rigid adult authority, exposing the hypocrisy and folly of stern, unimaginative grown-ups.
In "The Lumber Room," how does Nicholas prove that the frog was really in his bread-and-milk?
He had secretly put the frog there himself, so he could speak with the assured truth of an eyewitness; the adults' error proved that grown-ups can be wrong even when sure they are right.
In "The Lumber Room," why are the other children taken to Jagborough beach, and how does the trip turn out?
They are taken as a treat from which Nicholas is excluded for his "misbehaviour." The trip is a failure because the tide is high, there is no sand to play on, and one child's new boots hurt him.
Describe the most fascinating object Nicholas discovers in the lumber room of Saki's story.
A large, framed tapestry picture of a huntsman who has just shot a stag with an arrow, while four wolves approach; Nicholas's imagination dwells on whether the man can escape the second wolf.
In "The Lumber Room," how does Nicholas outwit his aunt when she falls into the rain-water tank?
When she calls for help to get out, he pretends he cannot help because she might be the Evil One tempting him, citing her own earlier warning that the Devil tempts people—turning her rules against her.
What is the significance of the lumber room itself in Saki's story?
It is a forbidden storeroom full of wonderful, neglected treasures; it symbolises the rich world of imagination locked away by joyless adults, which the child Nicholas joyfully unlocks.
Who wrote "The Blue Bead" and where is the story set?
Norah Burke wrote it. It is set in rural India by the banks of a river (with crocodiles), near a village in the foothills of the Himalayas.
In "The Blue Bead," who is the protagonist and what act of courage does she perform?
Sibia, a poor twelve-year-old village girl. She bravely stabs a giant crocodile with a hayfork to save a Gujar woman who is being attacked while drawing water at the river.
What is the "blue bead" in Norah Burke's story, and why is it precious to Sibia?
It is a small, ordinary blue glass bead Sibia finds in the sand by the river. Though worthless in money, it is a priceless treasure to the poor girl, filling her with simple joy.
In "The Blue Bead," how is the crocodile (the mugger) described?
As an ancient, armoured, ferocious reptile—about twice the length of a tall man, with horny skin, cruel teeth and great strength—lying like a log to ambush prey at the river crossing.
What contrast does "The Blue Bead" draw between the value of money and the value of life/joy?
Sibia ignores the dramatic, life-risking heroism she just performed and is instead overjoyed by a worthless blue bead—showing that true happiness lies in simple things, not material worth.
What is ironic about Sibia's reaction immediately after she saves the Gujar woman from the crocodile?
She makes no fuss about her heroic deed; she is far more excited about the little blue bead she found, treating the life-or-death rescue as far less important than her tiny treasure.
Who wrote "The Necklace" and what is the central theme of the story?
Guy de Maupassant. Its central theme is that vanity and the desire for wealth one cannot afford lead to ruin; it warns against valuing appearances over reality.
In "The Necklace," why does Mathilde Loisel borrow a necklace from Madame Forestier?
She has no fine jewellery to wear to a grand ministerial ball and refuses to attend looking poor, so she borrows what she believes is a diamond necklace to appear wealthy and elegant.
What disaster strikes Mathilde Loisel at the end of the ball in "The Necklace"?
She discovers that she has lost the borrowed necklace somewhere on the way home, and it cannot be found anywhere.
How do the Loisels replace the lost necklace in Maupassant's story, and at what cost?
They buy a real diamond necklace for 36,000 francs, borrowing heavily and using Loisel's inheritance; they then spend ten years of grinding poverty and hard labour repaying the crushing debt.
What is the famous ironic twist at the end of "The Necklace"?
After ten years of toil to repay the debt, Mathilde learns from Madame Forestier that the original borrowed necklace was a fake, worth at most 500 francs—their suffering was needless.
How does Mathilde Loisel change over the course of "The Necklace"?
She begins as a discontented, vain young woman longing for luxury, but after ten years of poverty she becomes a coarse, hardened, aged working woman who has lost her beauty and youth.
Who is the author of "A Day's Wait" and who is the young boy in the story?
Ernest Hemingway wrote it. The boy is his nine-year-old son, Schatz, who falls ill with influenza and a fever.
In "A Day's Wait," what misunderstanding causes Schatz such silent terror?
At school in France he learned that a person cannot live with a temperature above 44 degrees (Celsius). Hearing his fever is 102 degrees (Fahrenheit), he believes he is certain to die.
Show the other 30 English flashcards
What does the doctor say is Schatz's temperature and prognosis in "A Day's Wait"?
The doctor measures a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, says it is nothing to worry about (epidemic flu), and prescribes medicines; there is no danger if pneumonia is avoided.
How is Schatz's bravery shown throughout the day in "A Day's Wait"?
Believing he is dying, he quietly waits all day for death without complaint—refusing to sleep, holding himself rigidly, and even telling his father not to stay if it would trouble him.
What is the resolution and lesson of Hemingway's "A Day's Wait"?
The father explains the Fahrenheit–Celsius difference, and Schatz realises he will not die. The story shows a child's quiet courage and how misunderstandings can cause needless suffering.
In Act 1 of The Merchant of Venice, why is Antonio melancholy and how does he raise money for Bassanio?
Antonio is inexplicably sad at the start. Since his wealth is tied up in ships at sea, he borrows 3,000 ducats for Bassanio from the moneylender Shylock, pledging his own bond as security.
What are the terms of the bond Shylock proposes to Antonio in Act 1 of The Merchant of Venice?
If the 3,000 ducats are not repaid within three months, Shylock may cut off and take a pound of Antonio's flesh from any part of his body he chooses.
In Act 1 of The Merchant of Venice, why does Bassanio need the loan, and who is Portia?
Bassanio needs money to travel to Belmont and woo Portia, a rich and beautiful heiress, hoping marriage to her will restore his fortunes and let him repay his debts.
What is the casket condition imposed by Portia's dead father in Act 1 of The Merchant of Venice?
Portia may not choose her own husband; suitors must pick among three caskets—gold, silver and lead—and only the one who chooses the casket containing her portrait may marry her.
State the reasons Shylock gives in Act 1 for hating Antonio in The Merchant of Venice.
Antonio is a Christian who insults Shylock, spits on him and calls him a dog; Antonio also lends money without interest, which lowers the rate of usury and harms Shylock's trade.
In Act 1 of The Merchant of Venice, what does Shylock call the bond, and how does Antonio respond?
Shylock calls it a "merry bond," pretending it is offered in friendship and kindness. Antonio confidently agrees, certain his ships will return a month before the bond falls due.
Who is Gratiano in Act 1 of The Merchant of Venice and how is he characterised?
Gratiano is a friend of Antonio and Bassanio, known for talking too much and too lightly; Bassanio warns him to behave more soberly when they go to Belmont.
In Act 2 of The Merchant of Venice, which casket does the Prince of Morocco choose and what does he find?
He chooses the gold casket, lured by its outward worth ("Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire"). Inside he finds a skull (death's head) with a scroll: "All that glisters is not gold."
In Act 2 of The Merchant of Venice, which casket does the Prince of Arragon choose and what does he find?
He chooses the silver casket ("Who chooseth me shall get as much as he deserves"). Inside he finds the portrait of a blinking idiot/fool's head, mocking his self-conceit.
Who is Launcelot Gobbo in Act 2 of The Merchant of Venice and what does he decide to do?
He is Shylock's clownish servant. After a comic inner debate between his conscience and the devil, he decides to leave Shylock and become a servant to Bassanio instead.
In Act 2 of The Merchant of Venice, how does Jessica escape, and what does she take?
Shylock's daughter Jessica elopes with the Christian Lorenzo, disguised as a boy/page; she takes with her a casket of her father's gold and jewels.
How does Shylock react to Jessica's elopement in Act 2 of The Merchant of Venice?
He is furious and grief-stricken, crying out for both his ducats and his daughter, and is mocked in the streets; this loss intensifies his hatred toward Christians like Antonio.
In Act 3 of The Merchant of Venice, which casket does Bassanio choose and why does he succeed?
Bassanio chooses the lead casket ("Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath"), rejecting outward show for true value. Inside is Portia's portrait, so he wins her hand.
What gift does Portia give Bassanio in Act 3 of The Merchant of Venice, and what condition is attached?
She gives him a ring as a token of her love, on the condition that he must never part with, lose or give it away; doing so would mean the ruin of his love.
What news reaches Bassanio in Act 3 of The Merchant of Venice that interrupts his happiness?
A letter arrives reporting that all of Antonio's ships are lost at sea, so he cannot repay Shylock; the bond is forfeit and Shylock demands his pound of flesh.
Quote and explain the theme of Shylock's "Hath not a Jew eyes?" speech in Act 3 of The Merchant of Venice.
Shylock argues a Jew has the same eyes, hands, senses and feelings as a Christian ("If you prick us, do we not bleed?"), justifying his revenge by saying he merely follows the cruel example Christians set him.
In Act 3 of The Merchant of Venice, what plan do Portia and Nerissa make after Bassanio leaves for Venice?
They disguise themselves as men—Portia as a young lawyer (Balthazar) and Nerissa as his clerk—and secretly go to Venice to save Antonio at the trial.
Why does Shylock refuse all offers of money in Act 3 of The Merchant of Venice and insist on the bond?
He is driven by deep hatred and a thirst for revenge against Antonio for past insults and for Jessica's flight; he prefers Antonio's flesh to any sum of money, swearing he will have his bond.
In the trial scene (Act 4) of The Merchant of Venice, who appears disguised as the lawyer, and what is Portia's famous plea to Shylock?
Portia, disguised as the lawyer Balthazar. She delivers the "quality of mercy" speech, urging Shylock that mercy is not strained, blesses both giver and receiver, and is an attribute of God.
How does Portia legally defeat Shylock in Act 4 of The Merchant of Venice?
She allows the bond but rules he may take exactly one pound of flesh and not one drop of blood, since the bond mentions no blood; cutting any blood or more/less than a pound would forfeit his life and goods.
What penalties fall on Shylock at the end of the trial in Act 4 of The Merchant of Venice?
As an alien plotting against a citizen's life, half his wealth goes to Antonio and half to the state; his life is spared by the Duke. He must also become a Christian and leave his estate to Lorenzo and Jessica.
In Act 4 of The Merchant of Venice, what payment does the disguised Portia ask of Bassanio, and why?
As the lawyer's fee she asks for the ring Bassanio gave her. She does this to test his loyalty; he reluctantly sends it after Antonio urges him to.
What is the central theme highlighted in the Act 4 trial scene of The Merchant of Venice?
The conflict between justice (the letter of the law) and mercy; Portia shows that strict justice without mercy becomes cruelty, and that the law can be used to defeat a merciless plaintiff.
What is the setting and mood at the opening of Act 5 in The Merchant of Venice?
It is a moonlit night in the garden at Belmont; Lorenzo and Jessica exchange poetic, romantic talk about famous lovers and the beauty of music, creating a peaceful, harmonious mood after the tension of the trial.
How is the "ring quarrel" resolved in Act 5 of The Merchant of Venice?
Portia and Nerissa scold Bassanio and Gratiano for giving away their rings, then reveal that they themselves were the lawyer and clerk who received them—so the husbands were unknowingly faithful.
What good news does Portia bring Antonio in Act 5 of The Merchant of Venice?
She gives him a letter revealing that three of his merchant ships have safely returned to port richly laden, restoring his fortune.
What is the overall function of Act 5 in The Merchant of Venice?
It provides a light, comic, harmonious resolution: love and friendship triumph, misunderstandings are cleared, the ring test ends happily, and Antonio's wealth is restored—ending the play on joy and reconciliation.
ICSE Class 9 English FAQ
What is in the ICSE Class 9 English syllabus?
ICSE Class 9 English is split into 2 chapters: Treasure Trove of Short Stories and The Merchant of Venice. Together they contain 9 topics.
How many chapters are in ICSE Class 9 English?
2 chapters, containing 9 topics. The largest chapter is The Merchant of Venice, with 5 topics.
Are there flashcards for ICSE Class 9 English?
Yes — a 50-card English deck, printed in full in the flashcards section of this page and available in the Examius app with spaced repetition. The free plan covers one exam of your choice, including its flashcards; Examius Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks every other exam and deck.