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Grade 9 English questions and answers

342 English questions for Grade 9, grouped by topic. Every question is free to read, and each topic page shows worked marking schemes.

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  1. Question 1

    1 mark

    "The rise of artificial intelligence presents both unprecedented opportunities and profound ethical dilemmas for humanity."

    The main idea is:

    A. AI creates jobs

    B. AI brings both opportunities and ethical challenges

    C. AI should be banned

    D. AI is dangerous

    (1 mark)

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  2. Question 2

    1 mark

    "Universal healthcare remains one of the most debated topics in development economics. While proponents argue it reduces inequality, critics cite its enormous cost."

    The author's purpose is to:

    A. support universal healthcare

    B. oppose it

    C. describe a hospital

    D. present both sides of the debate

    (1 mark)

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  3. Question 3

    1 mark

    "We must act now. Every day we delay, another species disappears forever."

    The author's purpose is to:

    A. inform

    B. describe

    C. urgently persuade

    D. entertain

    (1 mark)

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  4. Question 4

    1 mark

    "According to the report, Kenya's GDP grew by 5.2% in the third quarter."

    This is:

    A. a prediction

    B. a metaphor

    C. a factual statement

    D. an opinion

    (1 mark)

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  5. Question 5

    1 mark

    "The inauguration ceremony attracted dignitaries from across the continent."

    "Dignitaries" refers to:

    A. students

    B. soldiers

    C. journalists

    D. important/high-ranking people

    (1 mark)

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  6. Question 6

    1 mark

    The word "present" as a noun is stressed on the:

    A. third syllable

    B. both syllables

    C. first syllable

    D. second syllable

    (1 mark)

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  7. Question 7

    1 mark

    The word "increase" as a verb is stressed on the:

    A. second syllable

    B. first syllable

    C. third syllable

    D. last letter

    (1 mark)

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  8. Question 8

    1 mark

    In the word "photographer", the stress falls on:

    A. GRA

    B. PHO

    C. TO

    D. PHER

    (1 mark)

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  9. Question 9

    1 mark

    Which pair of words rhyme?

    A. rough / through

    B. womb / bomb

    C. dough / though

    D. sew / few

    (1 mark)

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  10. Question 10

    1 mark

    Which pair of words rhyme?

    A. gone / tone

    B. tomb / doom

    C. move / love

    D. comb / bomb

    (1 mark)

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  11. Question 11

    1 mark

    Which pair of words rhyme?

    A. tear (rip) / bear

    B. wear / hear

    C. fear / dear

    D. pear / bear

    (1 mark)

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  12. Question 12

    1 mark

    A tag question uses:

    A. no intonation change

    B. rising if seeking confirmation, falling if expecting agreement

    C. always rising intonation

    D. falling then rising intonation

    (1 mark)

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  13. Question 13

    1 mark

    "You're coming to the party, aren't you?" — expecting yes — uses:

    A. rising intonation

    B. no intonation

    C. flat intonation

    D. falling intonation

    (1 mark)

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  14. Question 14

    1 mark

    Effective public speaking requires all EXCEPT:

    A. eye contact

    B. clear articulation

    C. reading directly from notes without looking up

    D. appropriate gestures

    (1 mark)

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  15. Question 15

    1 mark

    When chairing a debate, you should:

    A. take sides

    B. give your opinion

    C. allow equal time for both sides

    D. interrupt frequently

    (1 mark)

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  16. Question 16

    1 mark

    _______ United Nations was established in 1945.

    A. The

    B. A

    C. No article

    D. An

    (1 mark)

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  17. Question 17

    1 mark

    She plays _______ piano beautifully.

    A. the

    B. a

    C. no article

    D. an

    (1 mark)

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  18. Question 18

    1 mark

    _______ knowledge is power.

    A. An

    B. The

    C. A

    D. No article

    (1 mark)

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  19. Question 19

    1 mark

    _______ the teacher nor the students knew the answer.

    A. Both

    B. Not only

    C. Either

    D. Neither

    (1 mark)

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  20. Question 20

    1 mark

    _______ he apologises, I will not forgive him.

    A. If

    B. Because

    C. Unless

    D. Although

    (1 mark)

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  21. Question 21

    1 mark

    She saved money _______ she could buy a laptop.

    A. although

    B. unless

    C. so that

    D. because

    (1 mark)

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  22. Question 22

    1 mark

    Choose the word stressed on the THIRD syllable:

    A. ECOnomy

    B. econOMic

    C. ECOnomist

    D. ecoNOMics

    (1 mark)

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  23. Question 23

    15 marks

    Write a composition on the following topic:

    Write a composition on: 'The impact of social media on today's youth.'

    (15 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Marking guide: Content, Organisation, Language, Mechanics

  24. Question 24

    15 marks

    Write a composition on the following topic:

    Write a narrative ending: '...and that experience taught me that courage is not the absence of fear, but acting despite it.'

    (15 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Marking guide: Content, Organisation, Language, Mechanics

  25. Question 25

    15 marks

    Write a composition on the following topic:

    Write a formal letter to the Principal of your school proposing the establishment of an environmental club.

    (15 marks)

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  26. Question 26

    15 marks

    Write a composition on the following topic:

    Write a descriptive essay about: 'A sunset over Lake Victoria.'

    (15 marks)

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  27. Question 27

    15 marks

    Write a composition on the following topic:

    Write a composition on: 'If I could change one thing about my country, it would be...'

    (15 marks)

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  28. Question 28

    15 marks

    Write a composition on the following topic:

    Write a letter to the editor of a national newspaper discussing the importance of mental health awareness among students.

    (15 marks)

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  29. Question 29

    15 marks

    Write a composition on the following topic:

    Write a story beginning: 'The envelope had been sitting on the table for three days before anyone dared to open it...'

    (15 marks)

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  30. Question 30

    15 marks

    Write a composition on the following topic:

    Write a descriptive essay on: 'The most inspirational person in my community.'

    (15 marks)

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  31. Question 31

    8 marks

    Read the following oral narrative and answer the questions.

    Long ago, Death did not exist. People lived forever. But one day, the Creator sent Chameleon with a message: "Tell the people they shall live forever." Chameleon walked slowly, stopping to eat berries. Meanwhile, the Creator changed his mind and sent Lizard with a new message: "Tell the people they shall die." Lizard ran fast and delivered the message first. When Chameleon finally arrived, it was too late. That is why people die — and why they despise the chameleon.

    (a) Classify this narrative and justify your classification. (2 marks)

    (b) Identify two features of oral literature in this narrative. (4 marks)

    (c) What moral lesson does this story teach? (2 marks)

    (8 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) This is an etiological/origin narrative — it explains the origin of death and why people dislike chameleons. It uses the "how things came to be" structure typical of origin stories.

    (b) 1. Use of animal characters with human qualities (personification) — Chameleon and Lizard deliver messages. 2. Etiological function — explains the origin of death. 3. Opening formula: "Long ago" signals a traditional narrative. 4. Moral lesson: procrastination/laziness has consequences.

    (c) Procrastination and laziness have serious consequences. Chameleon's delay in delivering the message of life led to death becoming permanent. One should be diligent and timely.

  32. Question 32

    5 marks

    Read the narrative.

    Hare once tricked Lion by telling him there was another lion in the river who wanted to fight him. Lion rushed to the river and saw his own reflection. He roared at it, and the "other lion" roared back. Lion jumped into the river to fight and drowned. Hare took over the kingdom.

    (a) What makes Hare a trickster figure? (3 marks)

    (b) Discuss the use of irony in this narrative. (2 marks)

    (5 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Hare uses his intelligence and cunning to deceive Lion, who is physically stronger. He exploits Lion's pride and aggression by using the river reflection as a weapon. This is typical of trickster tales where wit triumphs over brute force.

    (b) Dramatic irony: the audience knows Lion is fighting his own reflection, but Lion does not. Situational irony: the strongest animal (Lion) is defeated not by a stronger opponent but by his own image.

  33. Question 33

    4 marks

    Read the poem.

    "Still I Rise"

    You may write me down in history,

    With your bitter, twisted lies,

    You may trod me in the very dirt,

    But still, like dust, I'll rise.

    (a) What is the prevailing mood of this poem? (2 marks)

    (b) Explain the simile "like dust, I'll rise". (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) The mood is defiant and triumphant — the speaker refuses to be defeated despite oppression. There is resilience and determination.

    (b) Dust rises naturally and cannot be kept down — similarly, the speaker will always rise above adversity. The simile emphasises resilience and the impossibility of permanently suppressing the human spirit.

  34. Question 34

    11 marks

    Read the play excerpt and answer.

    JUDGE: (solemnly) The evidence presented before this court is clear.

    DEFENDANT: (desperately) Your honour, I swear I am innocent!

    LAWYER: (calmly) My client has an alibi for the night in question.

    JUDGE: (firmly) Order! Present your evidence.

    (a) Describe the mood of this scene. (2 marks)

    (b) Contrast the characters of the Defendant and the Lawyer. (3 marks)

    (c) What is the role of stage directions in this excerpt? (2 marks)

    (d) Identify the theme in this excerpt. (2 marks)

    (e) How does the dialogue advance the plot? (2 marks)

    (11 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) The mood is tense and dramatic — a court scene with conflicting claims of guilt and innocence. The stage directions (solemnly, desperately, calmly, firmly) create tension.

    (b) The Defendant is emotional and desperate ("I swear I am innocent!"), while the Lawyer is composed and professional ("calmly... has an alibi"). This contrast shows the difference between personal involvement and professional detachment.

    (c) Stage directions indicate how lines should be delivered (tone, emotion), helping readers and actors understand each character's state of mind. They also create the atmosphere of the scene.

    (d) Justice — the scene revolves around determining truth and guilt in a legal setting. It also touches on the theme of truth vs. appearance.

    (e) The dialogue introduces conflict (prosecution vs. defence), reveals character motivations, and builds suspense about the verdict. The Judge's demand for evidence propels the action forward.

  35. Question 35

    18 marks

    Based on your class novella, answer the following.

    (a) Analyse the protagonist's character development throughout the novella. (4 marks)

    (b) Discuss the significance of the title of the novella. (3 marks)

    (c) Explain how the author uses any two literary devices to develop the theme. (4 marks)

    (d) How is the setting significant to the plot? (3 marks)

    (e) Compare and contrast two characters in the novella. (4 marks)

    (18 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Describe initial traits, catalytic events that cause change, and the final state. Use specific evidence (quotes/events) from the text.

    (b) Relate the title to the central theme, key events, or character journey. Explain how it captures the essence of the story.

    (c) Identify devices (symbolism, irony, foreshadowing, flashback, imagery) and show specific instances where they reinforce the theme.

    (d) Show how the time, place, and social context influence characters and events.

    (e) Identify similarities and differences in personality, motivation, and role in the plot. Support with specific evidence from the text.

  36. Question 36

    1 mark

    "Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, and decision-making."

    The main idea of this passage is:

    A. All computers are intelligent.

    B. AI systems can perform tasks that typically need human intelligence.

    C. Computers are replacing humans.

    D. AI is dangerous.

    (1 mark)

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  37. Question 37

    1 mark

    "The entrepreneurial spirit in Africa is remarkable. Young people are creating innovative solutions to local problems, from mobile banking to solar energy."

    The author's purpose is most likely to:

    A. criticise traditional business models

    B. warn about youth unemployment

    C. promote mobile banking

    D. celebrate African youth entrepreneurship

    (1 mark)

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  38. Question 38

    1 mark

    In formal public speaking, the purpose of using pauses is to:

    A. make the speech seem longer

    B. show that you have forgotten

    C. allow the audience to absorb key points and signal importance

    D. confuse the audience

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme

    C. Pauses in speeches = give audience time to absorb key points

  39. Question 39

    1 mark

    Contrastive stress in speech is used to:

    A. make the sentence longer

    B. show politeness

    C. make the sentence more formal

    D. emphasise the word that differs from what was expected

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme

    D. Contrastive stress = emphasises the unexpected/contrasted element

  40. Question 40

    1 mark

    Choose the correct form: "_______ the president _______ the ministers attend the summit?"

    A. Either … or

    B. Not only … but also

    C. Both … and

    D. Neither … nor

    (1 mark)

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  41. Question 41

    20 marks

    Write a composition on the following topic:

    Write a speech to be delivered at your school's prize-giving ceremony. Address the award winners and encourage all students.

    (20 marks)

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  42. Question 42

    20 marks

    Write a composition on the following topic:

    Write an article for a student magazine about the importance of environmental conservation among youth.

    (20 marks)

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  43. Question 43

    15 marks

    Write a formal letter applying for a position as Head Prefect at your school.

    Address it to the Principal. Include: your qualifications, skills, and vision for the school.

    (15 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Formal letter structure, persuasive content, specific examples of leadership qualities.

  44. Question 44

    10 marks

    Write a descriptive essay about life in your community after a significant change (e.g., a new road, school, or hospital).

    Contrast the "before" and "after" situations.

    (10 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Vivid contrast between before and after; clear structure; rich language.

  45. Question 45

    1 mark

    Which feature is characteristic of African oral literature?

    A. It is passed down through performance and memory.

    B. It was created in Europe.

    C. It is always written down.

    D. It uses complex scientific language.

    (1 mark)

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  46. Question 46

    1 mark

    The hare is a common trickster figure because:

    A. it is respected in all cultures

    B. it is the most dangerous animal

    C. it represents cleverness overcoming physical weakness

    D. it is the largest animal

    (1 mark)

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  47. Question 47

    7 marks

    (a) Describe the characteristics of ONE oral narrative form you have studied. (3 marks)

    (b) Analyse how this form reflects African cultural values. (4 marks)

    (7 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Credit: named form (e.g., trickster tale), specific characteristics, cultural values with examples (communalism, respect for elders, etc.)

  48. Question 48

    1 mark

    Which statement about free verse poetry is correct?

    A. It must have exactly 14 lines.

    B. It does not follow a regular rhyme scheme or metre.

    C. It always has a strict rhyme scheme.

    D. It has a fixed number of syllables per line.

    (1 mark)

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  49. Question 49

    8 marks

    Discuss the theme of ONE poem you have studied.

    (a) State the theme. (1 mark)

    (b) Show how the poet develops this theme. (4 marks)

    (c) State the relevance of the theme to modern life. (3 marks)

    (8 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Credit: correct theme, textual evidence for development, perceptive connection to modern life.

  50. Question 50

    10 marks

    From the play you have studied:

    (a) Describe the central conflict. (3 marks)

    (b) How does this conflict drive the plot? (4 marks)

    (c) What does the resolution of the conflict reveal? (3 marks)

    (10 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Credit: clearly identified conflict, specific plot links, insightful reading of resolution's significance.

  51. Question 51

    1 mark

    Foreshadowing in a play is used to:

    A. change the setting

    B. introduce new characters

    C. give hints about future events

    D. summarise past events

    (1 mark)

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  52. Question 52

    1 mark

    The denouement of a play is:

    A. the climax

    B. the introduction of the villain

    C. the opening scene

    D. the final resolution of the plot

    (1 mark)

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  53. Question 53

    10 marks

    From the novella you have studied, discuss the development of the protagonist.

    (a) Describe the protagonist at the beginning of the story. (3 marks)

    (b) What key experiences change them? (4 marks)

    (c) Evaluate the significance of this character journey. (3 marks)

    (10 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Credit: clear initial description, specific turning points with evidence, perceptive evaluation of character arc significance.

  54. Question 54

    1 mark

    Choose the correct form: "_______ exhausted she was, she finished the report."

    A. Because

    B. Although

    C. Despite

    D. However

    (1 mark)

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  55. Question 55

    1 mark

    In literary criticism, "motif" refers to:

    A. the setting

    B. the main character

    C. the plot summary

    D. a recurring element with symbolic significance

    (1 mark)

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  56. Question 56

    1 mark

    A sonnet traditionally has:

    A. 10 lines

    B. 12 lines

    C. 14 lines

    D. 16 lines

    (1 mark)

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  57. Question 57

    1 mark

    Which type of irony involves the audience knowing more than the character?

    A. Dramatic irony

    B. Verbal irony

    C. Cosmic irony

    D. Situational irony

    (1 mark)

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  58. Question 58

    1 mark

    The resolution of a novel typically occurs:

    A. during the exposition

    B. at the very beginning

    C. after the climax, when conflicts are resolved

    D. before the rising action

    (1 mark)

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  59. Question 59

    1 mark

    A Bildungsroman is a novel that:

    A. focuses on crime

    B. traces the moral and psychological growth of the protagonist

    C. is told from multiple perspectives

    D. is set in a fantasy world

    (1 mark)

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  60. Question 60

    1 mark

    Which literary technique involves revealing backstory by interrupting the current narrative?

    A. Dramatic irony

    B. Stream of consciousness

    C. Flashback

    D. Foreshadowing

    (1 mark)

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