ENGLISH CORE
CLASS - XII
SOLVED SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER 2020-21 (301)
(Rationalised Syllabus)
Time allowed : 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks : 80
English Core XII Question Paper Design
Section
Competencies
Total marks
%
Reading Comprehension
Conceptual understanding, decoding, Analyzing, inferring, interpreting, appreciating, literary, conventions and vocabulary, summarizing and using appropriate format/s
20
25%
Creative Writing Skills
Reasoning, appropriacy of style and tone, using appropriate format and fluency, inference, analysis, evaluation and creativity
16
20%
Literature
Textbooks and Supple- mentary Reading Text
Recalling, reasoning, appreciating literary convention, inference, analysis, creativity with fluency
44
55%
Total
80
100%
Assessment of Listening and Speaking Skills
20
-
Grand Total
100
CBSE-Acad/Circular/2020 Date: 07 July, 2020 Circular No: Acad 47/2020
All Heads of Institutions affiliated to CBSE
Subject: Revised Academic Curriculum for the session 2020-21
The prevailing health emergency in the country and at different parts of the world as well as the efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in loss of class room teaching due to closure of schools. Therefore the Board has decided to revise the syllabi for classes IX-XII for the academic session 2020-21. The changes made in the syllabi have been finalised by the respective Course Committees with the approval of the Curriculum Committee and Governing Body of the Board.
The revision of syllabi is a measure taken due to the extraordinary situation prevailing in the country and at different parts of the world. Considering the importance of achieving the level of learning, the syllabus has been rationalised to the extent possible by retaining the core concepts.
The Heads of Schools and Teachers may ensure that the topics that have been reduced are also explained to the students to the extent required to connect different topics. However the reduced syllabus will not be part of the topics for Internal Assessment and year-end Board Examination. Alternative Academic Calendar and inputs from the NCERT on transacting the curriculum using different strategies may also be part of the teaching pedagogy.
For Elementary Classes (I-VIII) schools may follow the Alternative Academic Calendar and Learning Outcomes specified by NCERT.
The revised syllabi are available at the link: http://cbseacademic.nic.in/Revisedcurriculum_2021.html
(Dr. Joseph Emmanuel) Director (Academics)
Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum marks: 80
PART - A
READING 20 marks
Read the passage given below: [1 × 10 = 10]
''Who doesn't know how to cook rice? Cooking rice hardly takes time.'' said my father. So I challenged myself. I switched from news to YouTube and typed, ''How to cook rice?'' I took one and a half cups of rice. Since I didn't have access to a rice cooker, I put the rice in a big pot. Firstly, the rice has to be washed to get rid of dust and starch. I thought I won't be able to drain the rice and that it will fall out of the pot. I observed the chef as I swirled the rice around and used my dexterous hands to drain it, not once, not twice, but three times. I looked down at the sink and saw less than 50 grains that made their way out of the pot. Suffice to say, I was up to the mark.
The video stated that the key to perfect rice is equal amounts of rice and water. I have heard that professionals don't need to measure everything; they just know what the right amount is. But as this was my first time in the kitchen. I decided to experiment by not measuring the water needed for boiling the rice. I wanted the rice to be firm when bitten, just like pasta. I don't enjoy the texture of mushy rice. It has to have that chutzpah; it has to resist my biting power just for a bit before disintegrating.
After what seemed like 10 minutes, all the water disappeared. I went in to give it a good stir. To my surprise, some of the rice got stuck to the pot. I tried to scrape it off but to no avail. At the same time, there was a burning smell coming from it. I quickly turned the stove off. ''What have you done to the kitchen?'' shouted Mother, while coming towards the kitchen. I managed to ward her off.
Finally, when the time came to taste my creation, I was surprised! It wasn't bad at all. The rice had the desired consistency. Sure, a little more salt would've been better, but I just added that while eating. The experience was fairly rewarding and memorable. It taught me a new sense of respect for those who cook food on a regular basis at home or engage in gourmet creations professionally.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer Any Ten questions from the eleven given below: [1 × 10 = 10]
Father's question to the narrator, about knowing how to cook rice, was intended to
criticize the narrator's lack of abilities
make the process sound simple
encourage the narrator to take up cooking
showcase his own expertise in cooking rice
''I switched from news to YouTube. '' Pick the option in which the meaning of 'switch(ed)' is NOT the
same as it is in the passage.
He switched on the radio to listen to the news while having dinner
''Forget these diet supplements and switch to yoga, if you want a true sense of well-being''
Mom switched to reading fiction recently because she was bored with cook-books
The company will switch the trucks to other routes to bring down city pollution
Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the correct sequence of the process.
1. Use water to wash the rice. 2. Repeat the process three times.
3. Drain the water off. 4. Put rice in a utensil.
5. Swirl the water in and around the rice.
(i) 4, 2, 1, 3, 5 (ii) 1, 3, 2, 5, 4
(iii) 4, 1, 5, 3, 2 (iv) 5, 1, 2, 4, 3
The narrator says that he has dexterous hands. He would have had a problem had it been the opposite.
NOT BEING dexterous means, being
uncomfortable (ii) clumsy
(iii) unclear (iv) clueless
Which option represents the correct ratio of water to rice for cooking 'perfect rice'?
1 2 3 4
image 1 (ii) image 2
(iii) image 3 (iv) image 4
How did mother react to the burning smell?
she commented on it (ii) she brushed it aside
(iii) she enquired about it (iv) she handled it
According to the passage, the fact that the narrator risked experimentation, on his maiden attempt in the kitchen, shows that he was
conscientious (ii) nervous
(iii) presumptuous (iv) courteous
Pick the option showing the CORRECT use of the word 'chutzpah'.
It is the court's duty to dispense chutzpah to everyone irrespective of caste or creed
The speaker may not have much of a stage presence, but you've got to admit she's got chutzpah
I could crack the code easily which proved me to be a chutzpah and I was the only one who could do so
After his father's demise, the daughter took over the family's chutzpah to save it from disaster
Pick the option that correctly states what DID NOT happen after the writer checked on the rice.
turning the stove off (ii) being taken aback at the condition of rice
(iii) forgetting to scrape the stuck rice (iv) smelling the delicious aroma of cooked rice
The narrator's creation was
almost perfect to taste (ii) way off from what he wanted
(iii) overly seasoned (iv) quite distasteful.
Pick the option that correctly lists the final feelings of the writer with reference to the cooking experience.
frustrating 2. amusing
3. satisfying 4. disillusioning
5. exacting 6. enlightening
(i) 1 and 4 (ii) 2 and 5
(iii) 3 and 6 (iv) 1 and 3
Read the passage given below.
The present generation is well updated in the use of internet and computers. The rapid development in computer technology and increase in accessibility of the internet for academic purposes has changed the face of education for everyone associated with it. Let's look at the data arising out of a recent survey that was done to ascertain the time spent on utilisation of the computer and internet:
At present, many schools and universities have been implementing internet-based learning, as it supplements the conventional teaching methods. The internet provides a wide variety of references and information to academics as well as scientific researchers. Students often turn to it to do their academic assignments and projects.
However, research on the Net is very different from traditional library, and the differences can cause problems. The Net is a tremendous resources, but it must be used carefully and critically.
According to a 2018 Academic Student e-book Experience Survey, conducted by LJ's research department and sponsored by EBSCO, when reading for pleasure, almost 74% of respondents said they
preferred print books for leisure whereas, 45% of respondents chose e-books rather than the printed versions, for research or assignments.
When asked what e-book features make them a favourite for research, the respondents were clear. Having page numbers to use in citations, topped the list (75%); followed by the ability to resize text to fit a device's screen (67%); the ability to bookmark pages, highlight text, or take notes for later reference (60%); downloading the entire e-book (57%); and allowing content to be transferred between devices (43%) were the varied responses.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer Any Ten questions from the eleven that follow.
[1 × 10 = 10]
According to the passage, one of the reason for the recent transformation of education is the:
techno-efficiency of the present generation
expanse of courses on technology
simplification of the teaching and learning method
easy availability of the internet
Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according to the passage.
Internet-based education can only complement familiar methods of education.
Net-based learning will replace face-to-face education.
The resources that the net provides are a danger to the education system.
The current times has seen a rise in the convenience of using the internet for academic purposes.
(i) 1 and 2 (ii) 3 and 4
(iii) 2 and 3 (iv) 1 and 4
The word 'tremendous', as used in paragraph 3, means the same as
'expensive' (ii) 'renowned'
(iii) 'innovative' (iv) 'incredible'
Based on the graphical chart in the passage, choose the option that correctly states the depiction of internet usage for work and for leisure, for once a month.
1 2 3 4
option 1 (ii) option 2
(iii) option 3 (iv) option 4
''… but it must be used carefully and critically.'' The idea of being careful and critical while using the internet, is mainly a reference to
hardware malfunction (ii) plagiarism
(iii) troubleshooting (iv) virus threats
Based on the given graphical representation of data in the passage, choose the option that lists the statements that are TRUE with respect to the usage of email.
The everyday usage of email is more than the everyday usage of computer for personal use.
About 18% people use email once a week.
There are a smaller number of email users using it 2-3 times a week than the ones using it once a month.
Less than 5% of people never use the email.
(i) 1 and 3 (ii) 2 and 4
(iii) 1 and 2 (iv) 3 and 4
Based on the given graphical chart, pick the option that lists the area of zero response from respondents
never using the internet for work and leisure
daily use of the computer for academic activities
writing and receiving emails once a week
using the internet for personal tasks once a month
In the cartoon, the student's reaction reveals that he is..........................
indignant (ii) apologetic
(iii) obedient (iv) inquisitive
Which of the following statements is NOT substantiated by information in paragraph 4?
About three-quarters of the respondents preferred print books for recreational reading
A little less than a 50% of the respondents voted for e-books for research or assignments
More than 50% respondents stated enjoying both versions of books for leisure reading
The survey was intended for understanding the e-book experience among students
According to the 2018 survey, which is the option that correctly displays the features of :
page numbers for use in citation and
content transfer between devices respectively.
1 2 3 4
option 1 (ii) option 2
(iii) option 3 (iv) option 4
Arrange the given e-book features preferred for research from the least favourite to the most favourite, from the following:
1. downloading the entire e-book. 2. choosing page numbers in critations.
3. highlighting text. 4. resizing text to fit screen.
(i) 1, 3, 4, 2 (ii) 3, 2, 1, 4
(iii) 2, 4, 3, 1 (iv) 4, 1, 2, 3
LITERATURE (20 marks)
Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY TWO of the three given by answering the questions that follow. [4 + 4 = 8]
(A)
Food is more important for survival than an identity. ''If at the end of the day we can feed our families and go to bed without an aching stomach, we would rather live here than in the fields that gave us no grain,'' say a group of women in tattered saris when I ask them why they left their beautiful land of green fields and rivers. Wherever they find food, they pitch their tents that become transit homes. Children grow up in them, becoming partners in survival. And survival in Seempuri means rag-picking. Through the years, it has acquired the proportions of a fine art. Garbage to them is gold. It is their daily bread, a roof over their heads, even if it is a leaking roof. But for a child it is even more.
The phrase 'transit homes' refer to the dwellings that are:
unhygienic (ii) inadequate
(iii) fragile (iv) temporary
Identify the figure of speech used in the sentence ''Garbage to them is gold''.
hyperbole (ii) simile
(iii) synecdoche (iv) personification
Choose the term which best matches the statement 'Food is more important for survival than an identity''?
immorality (ii) necessity
(iii) obligation (iv) ambition
What does 'acquired the proportions of a fine art' mean?
rag-picking has regained its lost status.
a segment of ragpickers are skilled in fine arts.
rag-picking has attained the position of a skill.
only a few people are experts in rag-picking.
(B)
They had merely heard that a Mahatma who wanted to help them was in trouble with the authorities. Their spontaneous demonstration, in thousands, around the courthouse was the beginning of their liberation from fear of the British. The officials felt powerless without Gandhi's cooperation. He helped them regulate the crowd. He was polite and friendly. He was giving them concrete proof that their might, hitherto dreaded and unquestioned, could be challenged by Indians. The government was baffled. The prosecutor requested the judge to postpone the trial. Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors.
The officials felt powerless because
of Gandhi's refusal to cooperate with them. (ii) of Gandhi's polite and friendly behaviour.
(iii) the crowed was listening only to Gandhi. (iv) the crowd was getting violent.
The demonstration proved that the
policies of the British had failed.
dread instilled in the hearts of Indians had begun to lessen.
dealings with the Indian citizens had been unsuccessful.
might of the British had not been understood by Indians.
Which style, from those given below, is being used by the author, when he says, ''Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors.''?
humourous (ii) dramatic
(iii) sarcastic (iv) persuasive
Gandhiji's behaviour towards the British prior to the proposal of postponement of the trial was that of.
indifference (ii) calm acceptance
(iii) ignorance of consequences (iv) polite helpfulness.
Jo was starting to fuss with her hands and look out of the window, at the crack of day that showed under the shade. She through the story was all over. Jack didn't like women when they took anything for granted; he liked them apprehensive, hanging on his words.
''Now, Jo, are you listening?'' ''Yes.''
''Because this is very interesting. Roger Skunk's mommy said, 'What's that awful smell?' ''Wha-at?''
''And, Roger Skunk said, 'It's me, Mommy. I smell like roses.' And she said, 'Who made you smell like that?' And he said, ''The wizard,' and she said, 'Well, of all the nerve. You come with me and we're going right back to that very awful wizard.''
Choose the option that best demonstrates the relevant traits of Jo and Jack respectively, based on the extract provided.
curious and irritable (ii) patient and irritable
(iii) curious and lethargic (iv) patient and lethargic
''Jo was starting to fuss with her hands''. This means that Jo was
feeling anxious (ii) getting restless
(iii) feeling lazy (iv) fighting sleep
Jo's ''Wha-at?'' indicated what she was feeling. Pick the option that correctly states these feelings.
1. terror 2. surprise
ignorance 4. displeasure
5. joy 6. approval
(i) 1 and 3 (ii) 2 and 4
(iii) 3 and 6 (iv) 4 and 5
Mommy says, 'Well, of all the nerve.'' This reveals her
approval, surprise and pleasure. (ii) pleasure, hope and approval
(iii) betrayal, disapproval and hurt. (iv) shock, anger and disapproval.
Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE of the two given by answering the questions that follow. (1 × 4 = 4)
(A)
On sour cream walls, donations. Shakespeare's head, Cloudless at dawn, civilised dome riding all cities.
Belled, flowery, Tyrolese valley. Open-handed map Awarding the world its world. And yet, for these Children, these windows, not this map, their world, Where all their future's painted with a fog,
What does the expression - sour cream walls - suggest?
display of donated artefacts on the walls. (ii) badly maintained walls.
(iii) wall-to wall furniture. (iv) a poor choice of paint for walls.
The map of the world in the classroom symbolizes
hopes and aspirations of the children. (ii) travel plans of the school authorities
(iii) a world that is unconnected to the children. (iv) interconnectivity within the world.
The expression, Shakespeare's head is an example of
pun (ii) satire
(iii) parody (iv) irony
In the extract. 'future's painted with a fog' suggests that the
classroom is as foggy as the paint on the walls.
beautiful valleys are not a part of the children's future.
life ahead for the slum childen is as unclear and hazy as fog.
fog often finds itself in the classrooms through broken windows.
OR
(B)
We have imagined for the mighty dead; All lovely tales that we have heard or read; An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.
The phrase immortal drink refers to
blessings of our ancestors (ii) the teachings of nature
(iii) a life-giving force (iv) the beauty of heaven.
''All lovely tales' evoke the feeling of
sadness and nostalgia (ii) only nostalgia
(iii) inspiration and pride (iv) only pride
The rhyme scheme of the above extract is:
aabb (ii) abab
(iii) aaab (iv) abbb
The literary device used by the poet in the following lines is....................... :
An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.
personification (ii) allegory
(iii) imagery (iv) synecdoche
Attempt Any Eight questions from the ten given below:
The writer tones down the philosophical load inherent in ''The Rattrap'' with the inclusion of
ironical situations (ii) satirical dialogues
(iii) classical references (iv) humour and wit
Choose the statement that is NOT TRUE with reference to Douglas:
Douglas's fear kept him away from leisurely activities in water.
the fall in the pool at YMCA taught Douglas a life lesson.
the fear of drowning was the source of Douglas's anxiety and terror.
Douglas decided to practice relentlessly to overcome his fear.
Spender's use of imagery in ''His eyes live in a dream, of squirrel game, in tree room, other than this'', brings out.
the similarity between the frail bodies of a squirrel and the children in the classroom.
the contrast between studying in the dreary classroom and playing outside freely.
the comparison of the dingy home of the squirrel and the dreary classroom.
the difference between the game of the squirrel and those of the children.
Keats celebrates trees as a ''boon'' in the poem A Thing of Beauty. With reference to this statement, which of the following options is NOT TRUE?
trees give us sustenance. (ii) trees provide relief from heat.
(iii) trees help keep the Earth clean. (iv) trees appear beautiful to the eye.
Concluding his last lesson by writing 'Vive la France!' on the blackboard shows that M. Hamel
was overwhelmed with emotions.
wanted to distract all attending class that day
was keen on not leaving the country
wanted to teach French participles through it.
Rajkumar Shukla's efforts resulted in Gandhiji's fight for the farmer's cause. This showcases that he was
meticulous and kind (ii) sincere and curious
(iii) enterprising and persistant (iv) respectful and congenial
It is clear that the speaker in Aunt Jennifer's Tigers has an attitude of. towards her.
empathy (ii) wonder
(iii) sympathy (iv) gratitude
'Keeping Quiet' uses fishermen to symbolize man's
persistent pollution of the natural environment
rapid degradation of human values
limitless exploitation of natural resources
constant participation in acts of terror
Saheb's discarded and worn out tennis shoes are
an indication to procure different ones. (ii) a dream come true.
(iii) a sign of his proverty (iv) an insult to the sport itself.
In the poem, My Mother at Sixty-six, all that the poet did was smile and smile and smile. ,Her smile
is:
sudden, in responses to her mother's
meaningful and loaded with love
accompanied with tears of farewell
put on to cheer her mother
PART - B
WRITING (16 marks)
Attempt Any One of the following: [1 × 3]
You are Sameera/Sameer the owner of Pink Power, a café run only by women. You are looking for an interior designer to design the interiors of the café. Draft a suitable advertisement for the same, in about 50 words to be published in the classified columns of the National Daily, the local newspaper.
OR
You are Rachael/Rueben, President of the Wellness Cell of your school, You decide to organise a workshop, to raise awareness of the importance of mental health. This workshop would be conducted by the school counsellor. Write a notice in about 50 words, informing the students of class XI-XII about the workshop.
Attempt Any One of the following [1 × 3]
You are Dr. Stanzin, a certified art therapist from Leh. You have been invited by G. D Public School. Jammu, to conduct a seminar for students on 'Art Therapy the Way Forward''. This seminar is to introduce students to the usefulness of art in dealing with personal and social problems. Write your reply, in about 50 words accepting the invitation.
OR
You are Rukmini/Raja of R-201, Fort Road, Chennai. You have just purchased a new house. You decide to have a house-warming ceremony and invite your cousin Balaji. Write the invitation in 50 words giving all necessary details.
Attempt ANY ONE of the following: (1 × 5)
You are Shubha/Krushna Mohanty, residing in Subhadra Apartments, Bhuvneshwar, Orissa. You have observed, with increasing concern, that garbage collection continues to be done without segregation in your neighbourhood, Write a letter to the editor of The Real Times, Bhuvneshwar, in about 120-150 words, explaining your concern along with the rationale behind the importance of garbage segregation. Suggest ways in which the R.W.As can participate in this program.
OR
You are Aami/Ajoy Sarkar of 83, Model Town, Guwahati, Assam. You are a sports enthusiast. Rangshala School. Guwahati, has advertised the requirement of a Sports teacher, in the local newspaper. You are exicited and decide to apply for the post. Write a letter in 100-120 words, responding to the given advertisement, submitting your canditature with a detailed bio-data.
Attempt Any One of the following: (1 × 5)
While reading about new places and searching for them online has its merits, the advantages of actually travelling to various destinations far exceed them. Write an article in 120-150 words for the magazine Travel Times, evaluating both these options. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas. You are Amrit/Amrita.
Builds confidence ⧫ Make friends and memories
Experience new cultures ⧫ Expands knowledge
OR
Ranikhet district, Uttarakhand, on the occasion of Basant Panchami celebrations had organized a three-day cultural festival. You are Bhupinder/ Priyanka Bhisht. Your newspaper had deputed you to cover the inaugural event of this festival. As a newspaper reporter, use the given cues along with your own ideas to write a report about the same in 120-150 words.
Big crowds - main grounds of the marketplace
Colourful decorations
Inauguration-local panchayat member to inaugurate
Folk dance and songs
Speeches
LITERATURE (24 marks)
Attempt Any Five out of the six questions given below, in 30-40 words each. (2 × 5 = 10)
What does Neruda mean by 'an exotic moment without rush' in his poem. 'Keeping Quiet'?
Explain the metaphor of the rattrap in context of the story by Selma Lagerlöf .
Kamala Das speaks of 'an old familiar ache. ' What do you think is the reason for this feeling?
Comment on the significance of the villagers sitting at the back in M. Hamel's classroom.
'Little has moved with time, it seems, in Firozabad.' State any one reason why the writer says this.
How does the poet use the poet use the image of 'fingers fluttering through the wool' to highlight Aunt Jennifier's victimisation?
Attempt Any Two out of the three questions given below in 30-40 words each. (2 × 2 = 4)
In his letter to Charley, Sam writes,' then I got to believing you were right.' What could have made
Sam begin to believe?
It was important that the recaptured Evans keep up the faҫade till the very last moment of his
interaction with the Governor. Support this statement with a rationale.
Sadao's acceptance of the General's plan to assassinate Tom was counterproductive to having put him on the path of recovery. Substantiate with reason/s.
Attempt Any One of the following questions in 120-150 words (1 × 5 = 5)
The story Deep Water talks about Douglas' attempts to overcome his fear of water. The story can also be viewed as a figurative manifestation of life's many challenges. Elaborate with reference to the text.
OR
How does the story, 'Rattrap' highlight the importance of community over isolation? Support your rationale with textual evidence.
Attempt Any One out of the following questions in 120-150 words. (1 × 5 = 5)
Mr. Lamb calls Derry his friend while Derry refuses his affirmation. Would you consider their relationship with each other as friendship? Support your answer with reference to the instance(s) from the text.
OR
How does the story, 'Should Wizard Hit Mommy', who would you support, Wizard or Mommy? Justify your choice.
PART - A
(a) (ii) make the process sound simple.
READING
(b) (i) He switched on the radio to listen to the news while having dinner.
(c) (iii) 4, 1, 5, 3, 2 (d) (ii) clumsy
(e) (i) image 1 (f) (iii) she enquired about it
(iii) presumptuous.
(ii) The speaker may not have much of a stage presence, but you've got to admit she's got chutzpah.
(iv) smelling the delicious aroma of cooked rice.
(i) almost perfect to taste. (k) (iii) 3 and 6
(a) (iv) easy availability of the internet. (b) (iii) 2 and 3
(c) (iv) ‘incredible’. (d) (iii) option 3
(e) (ii) plagiarism. (f) (ii) 2 and 4
(i) never using the internet for work and leisure
(i) indignant
(iii) more than 50% respondents stated enjoying both versions of books for leisure reading.
(j) (ii) option 2 (k) (i) 1, 3, 4, 2
LITERATURE
3. (A)
(a) (iv) temporary. (b) (i) hyperbole
(ii) necessity
(iii) rag-picking has attained the position of a skill.
(B)
(iii) the crowd was listening only to Gandhi.
(ii) dread instilled in the hearts of Indians had begun to lessen.
(iii) sarcastic (d) (ii) calm acceptance.
(i) curious and irritable (b) (ii) getting restless.
(c) (ii) 2 and 4 (d) (iv) shock, anger and disapproval.
4. (A)
(a) (ii) badly maintained walls. (b) (i) hopes and aspirations of the children.
(iv) irony.
(iii) life ahead for the slum children is as unclear and hazy as fog.
(B)
(iii) a life-giving force.
(i) sadness and nostalgia.
(i) aabb
(iii) imagery
5. (a) (iv) humour and wit.
(iv) Douglas decided to practice relentlessly to overcome his fear.
(ii) the contrast between studying in the dreary classroom and playing outside freely.
(ii) trees provide relief from heat.
(i) was overwhelmed with emotions.
(iii) enterprising and persistent.
(iii) sympathy
(iii) limitless exploitation of natural resources.
(ii) a dream come true.
(iv) put on to cheer her mother.
PART - B
WRITING
6. (A)
OR
(B)
7. (A)
OR
(B)
8. (A)
Subhadra Apartments Bhuvneshwar
Orissa
12th October, 20XX The Editor
The Real Times
Bhuvneshwar
Subject: Highlighting the Importance of Garbage Segregation
Sir/Madam
Through the columns of you esteemed newspaper I, Shubha/Krushna Mohanty, resident of Subhadra Apartments, want to highlight the fact that proper segregation of garbage is still a problem everywhere. The garbage is collectively dumped in dumping sites without its segregation due to which not only the futile organic waste rot but also the recyclable products are lost. Moreover hazardous waste can cause long term health problems. Sometimes it is due to the negligence of sweepers who generally mix all the waste which is already kept in blue and green bins meant for dry and wet waste and dump them in landfills. Separate bins with proper labels must be kept outside every society to segregate paper, plastic, metal, glass, cardboard etc.
Hence, there is an urgent need to effectively segregate the waste generated, so that the dry waste or the recyclable wastes are recycled or recovered. The authorities must implement the waste hierarchy; reduce, reuse, recycle other recovery and disposal. The concerned staff must take care of this and RWA’s of different societies should also keep an eye on this.
I am writing to you only because I feel media is a great medium of communication. Through your renowned newspaper you can highlight this issue and I hope the government takes some action regarding it.
Thanking you Yours sincerely
Shubha/Krushna Mohanty
OR
(B)
83, Model Town Guwahati Assam
10th May, 20XX
The Principal Rangshala School 108, Model Town Guwahati
Subject: Application for the post of Sports Teacher
Sir
With reference to your advertisement in ‘The Guwahati Times’ for the post of a Sports teacher in your renowned school, I wish to offer my services for the same. Since my school I have been an excellent player of Volleyball. In my opinion sports is the most crucial element in the life of a student and to teach this subject is my passion. I am enclosing my bio-data for your perusal and kind consideration. I am available for the interview on any day of your convenience. If given a chance to serve you, I assure you that I will work hard with utmost sincerity and dedication up to your expectations.
In anticipation of an early response. Thanking you
Yours faithfully Aami/Ajoy Sarkar Encl.: Bio-data
9. (A)
Advantages of Travelling
By Amrit/Amrita
There is a huge variety of people and cultures in the whole world. Exploring a new place or a new country opens up different traditions for us. Further it builds confidence and provides an opportunity to study about the lives and principles of a distinctive culture with a deep history. It expands social network and we make friends and create lifetime memories.
Our sphere of knowledge magnifies when we learn a new language and see a new tradition. Another benefit that comes from travelling to new lands is the opportunity to try an entirely different cuisine which would be completely unusual from what we eat daily. We might even be encouraged to try our hand at restructuring the dishes back home.
Travelling gives us a chance to take a break from our routine life. Plunging into a new place permits us the chance to learn more about its past, living style of its people, its development, cultural practices and economics. We can learn more from the experiences of travel than we can learn from reading a book on any place.
OR
(B)
Basant Panchami Celebrations
By Bhupinder/Priyanka Bisht (staff reporter)
6th February, 20xx : Recently Ranikhet district, Uttarakhand had organised a three day cultural festival on Basant Panchami, the auspicious festival of the Hindus which marks the end of winter season and the onset of spring in North India. It is also celebrated to worship Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
It was celebrated on a grand level with great fervour and enthusiasm. People in large numbers thronged the markets and the grounds. All over there were colourful decorations. People were dressed in yellow coloured clothes to mark the sanctity of the occasion –the colour which is a representative of spiritual knowledge. The programme was inaugurated by the member of local panchayat. The celebration commenced with Saraswati Puja for seeking the blessings of goddess. It was followed by divine chanting of Shlokas, Saraswati Vandana and Bhajans. After this, yellow flowers were offered to Goddess Saraswati.
A huge crowd had gathered to be a part of the grand ‘Aarti’. Inaugural day of Basant Panchami was filled with remarkable events which included stage performances like folk dances and songs by small kids in the evening. The programme concluded with the speech given by the Chief Guest. By the end, yellow barfi in the form of Prasad was distributed among all.
LITERATURE
(i) Poet Neruda desires to have total inactivity. He rejects the pointless rush and hurry, the noise of machines that has bothered and disturbed us. He promotes the idea of world peace, that when everything is at rest, it will be an exotic moment.
The metaphor of the rattrap signifies that the whole world is a big rattrap which sets baits for the people. Whenever someone is tempted to touch this bait in the form of luxuries, he is caught in a dangerous trap.
When the poet looks at her mother at the airport before boarding the flight, she feels the familiar pain which she had earlier of losing her mother. As her mother is old and pale and her health is deteriorating, the poet feels that she might not be able to see her mother again.
The villagers were sitting at the back benches in M. Hamel’s classroom as it was their way of showing respect to their master for his forty years of honest services. Moreover they realised the value of their native language and were guilty of disregarding their lessons.
The writer says that 'little has moved with time in Firozabad' because the bangle making industry has not changed at all over the period of time. Where the world has made so much progress, Firozabad has not observed any sign of change. The illegal child labourers are still working in glass furnaces with high temperature as they used to do years ago.
Aunt Jennifer is living under the restraints of married life. She is panicky, fearful and frightened of her married life. She is a victim of gender domination at the hands of her husband. Her husband’s authoritative attitude makes her so nervous that her fingers flutter while weaving.
(i) When Charley visited Sam and told about the third level, Sam initially called it a waking dream wish fulfillment. But because Sam was also insecure and wanted to be in a world free from fears and conflicts, he slowly began to believe in the existence of the third level. He wished that Charley was right. This can be inferred from the letter which he wrote.
The Governor of the prison was an extra cautious person. He was intelligently able to locate the hotel where Evans had been hiding. It was only due to his over confidence that Evans escaped otherwise he had no chance of escaping. That’s why it was important that Evans should remain in disguise till the very last moment.
The General told Sadao that he would send his personal assassins to kill the soldier but he didn’t do that for his self- interest. On the other hand, Dr. Sadao remembered that “I have been trained not to let a man die if I can help him”. Therefore he rose above narrow prejudices of race and country and thought of saving Tom’s life. Dr. Sadao was overpowered by the human goodness.
(A) We all have to face tough challenges in our life out of which many are unexpected and many are difficult to overcome but we must also learn to conquer those challenges with inner-strength, effective coping skills and support. The story ‘Deep Water’ gives such message in which a boy named Douglas tries hard to face the challenge and wins in the end.
Douglas had developed a kind of repugnance towards water because of the misadventure that happened with him twice. To overcome his fear, he took the help of a swimming instructor. He took rigorous training of six months before he gained full confidence to go under water.
Douglas still felt terror-stricken when he was alone in the pool. The fragments of the old shock were still alive in his memory. But then he thought that he would reproach it and go for another length of the pool. When he was not still satisfied, he went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire, dived off a dock at Triggs Island and swam two miles across the lake to Stamp Act Island. He had his residual doubts. So, he went to Conrad Meadows to Meade Glacier, dived into Warm Lake and swam across to the other shore and back. Thus, he made sure that all the terror had left.
He drew a deeper meaning from this experience. Those who have known stark terror and conquered it can appreciate. There is terror only in the fear of death. He had experienced both the sensation of dying and the terror that fear of it can produce. So, the will to live somehow grew intensely. He felt relieved; free to walk the mountain paths, climb the peaks and brush aside fear.
OR
(B) Loneliness is a disagreeable emotional response to apparent isolation. Loneliness is also described as social pain—a psychological mechanism which persuades individuals to look for social connections. It is often associated with an unwanted lack of association and familiarity.
In ‘The Rattrap’, the peddler is devoid of love, friends and family in his life. And all this is due to his poverty. He wanders lonely on the roads selling rattraps and begging for food or shelter. Sometimes he has to steal for surviving. People’s behaviour towards him is unkind and therefore he develops a negative attitude to them and thinks ill of others. He has a very pessimistic perspective and wants to succumb alone than trust anyone. He believes that everyone is greedy and blinded by the pursuit. He cannot build any kind of friendships. He prefers to lead a monotonous life until he meets Edla Williamson. She treats him with kindness and her benevolent act helps him realise that there is also good in this world. She tells him to be optimistic. This reveals that one must spend time together with other people instead of depriving themselves from social attachments.
(A) Derry was suffering from a severe sense of self-hatred and elimination because of his burnt face. He thought that he was very ugly and that’s why no one would ever love him. He always remained suspicious of others’ intentions. When Mr. Lamb heard about it, he felt very sad. He was disheartened to know that a fourteen year old boy was giving up on life just because of his physical disability. Mr. Lamb tried to befriend him but Derry showed no interest.
At first he shocked Derry with his strange talk. He tried to arouse Derry’s interest in everything created by God. He persuaded him that he could get better than others. His encouraging words had charmed Derry. Mr. Lamb explained him that everyone and everything is essentially the same and the notion of beauty is relative. Mr. Lamb’s ideas left a great impact on him and Derry began to see the world with a new perspective. Thus we can see that there developed an invisible kind of friendship between them which was not bound by age.
OR
(B) Going through the story and understanding the viewpoints of both the parent and the child, I would support the Mommy as the adults are mature enough and have the capacity to foresee the good or bad of their children. Moreover they have their expectations too from their children according to which they always desire the best for them.
In the story, we see that Roger Skunk’s mummy got angry with him because she did not like her son smelling of roses. Roger was a skunk and so he must smell like a skunk only. She was not bothered how the other animals kept away from him because he smelled foul. She decided to take him back to that ‘awful’ wizard so that he could get back his old smell. A child’s perspective is different from an adult’s perspective. A child can think mother wicked and cruel and may be infuriated at her for making Roger smell bad again. But the adults are experienced and have a practical approach. Their reactions are instructed and their actions replicate their thoughts whereas the children are impulsive. Here the wizard must have taken the permission of Mommy before converting Roger into a good smelling skunk as little Roger didn’t have that intelligence. In fact, the wizard had interfered with nature by using his magical powers and so he deserved to be punished by Mommy Skunk.
●●
PART - A
Read the passage carefully:
READING
No student of a foreign language needs to be told that grammar is complex. By changing word sequences and by adding a range of auxiliary verbs and suffixes, we are able to communicate tiny variations in meaning. We can turn a statement into a question, state whether an action has taken place or is soon to take place, and perform many other word tricks to convey subtle differences in meaning. Nor is this complexity inherent to the English language. All languages, even those of so-called ‘primitive’ tribes have clever grammatical components. The Cherokee pronoun system, for example, can distinguish between ‘you and I’, ‘several other people and I’ and ‘you, another person and I’. In English, all these meanings are summed up in the one, crude pronoun ‘We’. Grammar is universal and plays a part in every language, no matter how widespread it is. So, the question which has baffled many linguists is—who created grammar?
At first, it would appear that this question is impossible to answer. To find out how grammar is created, someone needs to be present at the time of a language’s creation, documenting its emergence. Many historical linguists are able to trace modern complex languages back to earlier languages, but in order to answer the question of how complex languages are actually formed, the researcher needs to observe how languages started from scratch. Amazingly, however, this is possible.
Some of the most recent languages evolved due to the Atlantic slave trade. At that time, slaves from a number of different ethnicities were forced to work together under colonizer’s rule. Since, they had no opportunity to learn each other’s languages, they developed a make-shift language called a pidgin. Pidgins are strings of words copied from the language of the landowner. They have little in the way of grammar, and in many cases it is difficult for a listener to deduce when an event happened, and who did what to whom. Speakers need to use circumlocution in order to make their meaning understood. Interestingly, however, all it takes for a pidgin to become a complex language is for a group of children to be exposed to it at the time when they learn their mother tongue. Slave children did not simply copy the strings of words uttered by their elders, they adapted their words to create a new, expressive language. Complex grammar systems which emerge from pidgins are termed creoles and they are invented by children.
Further evidence of this can be seen in studying sign languages for the deaf. Sign languages are not simply a series of gestures; they utilise the same grammatical machinery that is found in spoken languages. Moreover, there are many different languages used worldwide. The creation of one such language was documented quite recently in Nicaragua. Previously, all deaf people were isolated from each other, but in 1979 a new government introduced schools for the deaf. Although children were taught speech and lip reading in the classroom, in the playgrounds they began to invent their own sign system, using the gestures that they used at home. It was basically a pidgin. Each child used the signs differently, and there was no consistent grammar. However, children who joined the school later, when this inventive sign system was already around, developed a quite different sign language. Although it was based on the signs of the older children, the younger children’s language was more fluid and compact, and it utilised a large range of grammatical devices to clarify meaning. What is more, all the children used the signs in the same way? A new creole was born.
Some linguists believe that many of the world’s most established languages were creoles at first. The English past tense –ed ending may have evolved from the verb ‘do’. ‘It ended’ may once have been ‘It end-did’. Therefore, it would appear that even the most widespread languages were partly created by children. Children appear to have innate grammatical machinery in their brains, which springs to life when they are first trying to make sense of the world around them. Their minds can serve to create logical, complex structures, even when there is no grammar present for them to copy.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any ten of the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option:
Complexity in language is inherent to......
all the languages (ii) English
(iii) tribal languages (iv) primitive languages
The Cherokee pronoun system can distinguish between......
you and I (ii) several other people and I
(iii) you, another person and I (iv) all of these
Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the correct sequence of the sentences associated with the formation/ creation of grammar.
In order to answer the question of how complex languages are actually formed, the researcher needs to observe how languages started from scratch.
Slaves developed a make-shift language called a pidgin.
Some linguists believe that many of the world’s most established languages were creoles at first.
To find out how grammar is created, someone needs to be present at the time of a language’s creation.
(i) 1, 2, 3, 4 (ii) 3, 4, 1, 2
(iii) 4, 1, 2, 3 (iv) 2, 1, 3, 4
All the following sentences about Nicaraguan sign language are true except:
the language has been created since 1979
the language is based on speech and lip reading
the language incorporates signs which children used at home
the language was perfected by younger children
Which option represents who partly invented the complex grammar system even for the most widespread languages?
image 1 (ii) image 2
(iii) image 3 (iv) image 4
Some of the most recent languages evolved due to the......
atlantic slave trade (ii) complex grammar system
(iii) weak pronunciation (iv) none of these
What is common to all languages?
basic grammar (ii) the sign rules
(iii) grammar is common to all languages (iv) series of gestures
According to the passage what can be attributed as a consequence of the Atlantic slave trade?
language’s creation and documenting its emergence
evolution of some of the most recent languages
many word tricks can be performed to convey subtle differences in meaning
a statement can be turned into a question
What are creoles?
sign languages of deaf
complex grammar systems which emerge from pidgins
strings of words copied from the language of the landowner
logical grammar invented by children
Which word in the passage means opposite to ‘easy’? (para 1)
sequences (ii) variation
(iii) crude (iv) complex
Pick the option that correctly tells how the younger children’s mind work in the absence of grammatical knowledge.
They create logical structures. 2. They imitate others.
They have innate grammatical machinery in their brains.
They learn other languages.
(i) 2 and 3 (ii) 1 and 3
(iii) 2 and 4 (iv) 3 and 4
Read the passage carefully:
When plastic waste is burnt, a complex weave of toxic chemicals is released. Breaking down Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) used for packaging, toys and coating electrical wires. It produces dioxin, an organochlorine which belongs to the family of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). A recent Dioxin Assessment Report brought out by the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) says the risk of getting cancer from dioxin is ten times higher than reported by the agency in 1994.
Yet the Delhi government is giving the green signal to a gasification project which will convert garbage into energy without removing plastic waste. Former transport minister Rajendra Gupta, the promoter of this project, says this is not necessary.
He claims no air pollution will be caused and that the ash produced can be used as manure. An earlier waste-to-energy project set-up in Timarpur failed. The new one, built with Australian assistance, will cost ` 200 crore. It will generate 25 megawatts of power and gobble 1,000 tonnes of garbage everyday.
“Technologies like gasification are a form of incineration,” says Madhumita Dutta, central coordinator with Toxics Link, New Delhi. Incineration merely transfers hazardous waste from a solid form to air, water and ash, she points out. Toxins produced during incineration include acidic gases, heavy metals as well as dioxins and furans. “The ‘manure’ will be hazardous and a problem to dispose,” says Dutta.
Municipal solid waste contains a mix of plastics. Breaking down this waste emits hydrochloric acid which attacks the respiratory system, skin and eyes, resulting in coughing, vomiting and nausea. Polyethylene generates volatile compounds like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, both suspected
carcinogenic. Breathing styrene from polystyrene can cause leukaemia. Polyurethane is associated
with asthma. Dioxin released by PVC is a powerful hormone disrupter and causes birth defects and reproductive problems. There is no threshold dose to prevent it and our bodies have no defence against it.
“Even the best run incinerators in the world have to deal with stringent norms, apart from contaminated filters and ash, making them hugely expensive to operate,” says Dutta. In Germany, air pollution devices accounted for two-thirds the cost of incineration. Despite such efforts, the European Dioxin Inventory noted that the input of dioxin into the atmosphere was the highest from incineration.
How has global plastic waste disposal method changed over time? In the chart, we see the share of global plastic waste that is discarded, recycled or incinerated from 1980 through to 2015. Prior to 1980, recycling and incineration of plastic was negligible; 100 percent was therefore discarded. From 1980 for incineration and 1990 for recycling, rates increased on average by about 0.7 percent per year.In 2015, an estimated 55 percent of global plastic waste was discarded, 25 percent was incinerated and 20 percent recycled.
“India does not have the facility to test dioxin and the cost of setting one up is prohibitively expensive,” says Dutta.Besides, Indian garbage has a low calorific content of about 800 cal/kg, since it has high moisture and requires additional fuel to burn. Toxics link calculates that the electricity generated from such technology will cost between ` 5-7 per unit, which is six times higher than conventional energy. India has chosen a dioxin preventive route and burning of chlorinated plastics is prohibited under Municipal Solid Waste and Biomedical Rules.
Nearly 80 percent of Indian garbage is recyclable or compostable. Resident associations, the informal sector and the municipal corporation can make Delhi’s garbage disappear in a sustainable manner. “Instead, the government promotes end of pipeline solutions,” says Dutta.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any ten of the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option:
Dioxine causes ………………..
cancer (ii) heart attack
(iii) hypertension (iv) sickness
Which statements are NOT TRUE according to the passage?
India has adopted a preventive measure under which burning of chlorinated plastics is prohibited.
USEPA says that the risk of getting cancer from dioxin is hundred times higher than reported by the agency in 1994.
Incineration merely transfers hazardous waste from a solid form to air, water and ash.
Hydrochloric acid attacks the digestive system, nose and eyes which results in diabetes and nausea.
(i) 2 and 4 (ii) 1 and 3
(iii) 3 and 4 (iv) 1 and 2
Garbage can be converted into energy by ………………..
gasification (ii) gratification
(iii) a chemical process (iv) incinators
Based on the graphical chart in the passage, chose the option that correctly states the ratio between discarded waste to recycled global plastic waste in 2015.
option 1 (ii) option 2
(iii) option 3 (iv) option 4
Before 1980, how much global plastic waste was discarded? (i) 40% (ii) 60%
(iii) 80% (iv) 100%
Based on the given graphical representation of data in the passage, choose the option that lists the statements that are TRUE.
In the year 2015, the incinerated plastic waste disposal was 80%.
In the year 1980, share of discarded plastic waste was 100%.
Discarded plastic waste was 60% in the year 2010.
Recycled plastic waste in the year 2000 was less than 70%.
(i) 1 and 3 (ii) 2 and 3
(iii) 1 and 4 (iv) 3 and 4
Former transport minister Rajendra Gupta claims that during gasification, ash produced can be used as ......................................
fuel (ii) manure
(iii) pesticide (iv) none of these
Converting waste to energy project will consume how much energy?
20 megawatts (ii) 200 megawatts
(iii) 250 megawatts (iv) 25 megawatts
(i) By 2015, how much global plastic waste has been incinerated? (i) 55% (ii) 25%
(iii) 20% (iv) 0.7%
Which word in the passage means same as ‘waste material’? (para 2)
gasification (ii) garbage
(iii) pollution (iv) manure
Arrange the sentences in the order in which they occurred year wise.
From 1980, rates increased on average by about 0.7 percent per year for incineration.
20 percent waste was recycled in 2015.
Prior to 1980, recycling and incineration of plastic was negligible.
In 2015, an estimated 55 percent of global plastic waste was discarded. (i) 2, 1, 4, 3 (ii) 4, 2, 3, 1
(iii) 1, 3, 4, 2 (iv) 3, 1, 4, 2
LITERATURE
Read the extract given below and answer any two of the questions that follow:
Gandhi told Shukla he had an appointment in Cawnpore and was also committed to go to other parts of India. Shukla accompanied him everywhere. Then Gandhi returned to his ashram near Ahmedabad. Shukla followed him to the ashram. For weeks he never left Gandhi’s side. “Fix a date,” he begged.
Why was Gandhiji going to Cawnpore?
to attend his relatives (ii) to attend some family function
(iii) due to some appointment (iv) to his ancestral house
What does Shukla’s following Gandhiji everywhere reflect about his nature?
sheer determination (ii) obstinate nature
(iii) obsequiousness (iv) shamelessness
Where was Gandhiji’s ashram?
near Cawnpore (ii) in Lucknow
(iii) in Champaran (iv) near Ahmedabad
For how long did Shukla remain with Gandiji?
for several weeks (ii) for few months
(iii) for a year (iv) for few days
Reading the bulletin, called after me, “Don’t go so fast, bub; you’ll get to your school in plenty of time!’’ I thought he was making fun of me and reached M. Hamel’s little garden all out of breath.
Who was called ‘bub’?
M. Hamel (ii) villagers
(iii) Franz (iv) postmaster
Identify the tone in which the speaker said the words , “Don’t go so fast, bub; you’ll get to your school in plenty of time!’’?
sarcastic (ii) humorous
(iii) depressive (iv) cheerful
(c) M. Hamel taught the children.............................
(i) German (ii) French
(iii) Russian (iv) English
Who advised him not to hurry?
the teacher (ii) the classmates
(iii) friends (iv) a villager
I turned into Grand Central from Vanderbilt Avenue, and went down the steps to the first level, where you take trains like the Twentieth Century. Then I walked down another flight to the second level, where the suburban trains leave from, ducked into an arched doorway heading for the subway and got lost!
The trains in Twentieth Century can be boarded ....................
from the first level (ii) from the second level
(iii) from the third level (iv) nowhere
“where you take trains like the Twentieth Century”, means that the narrator was living presently in
21st Century (ii) 19th Century
(iii) 20th Century (iv) 18th Century
(c) The suburban trains leave ................................
(i) from the first level (ii) from the second level
(iii) from the third level (iv) from the ground level
From where did the narrator enter the Grand Central?
from the ground level (ii) from Vanderbilt Avenue
(iii) from Times Square (iv) from Roosevelt Hotel
Read the extract given below and answer any one the questions that follow:
All lovely tales that we have heard or read: An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
Which lovely tales does poet mention here?
the mythological stories (ii) glorious stories of ancestors
(iii) the stories of bravery (iv) the folk tales
Which image used by the poet tells that the beauty is never ending?
‘endless fountain of joy’ (ii) ‘lovely tales’
(iii) ‘immortal drink’ (iv) ‘heaven’s drink’
Which literary device is used by the poet in “An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink”?
personification (ii) allegory
(iii) imagery (iv) metaphor
From where is this ‘immortal drink’ pouring?
from the river (ii) from the mountains
(iii) from the angel’s palms (iv) from nature’s endless fountain
Far far from gusty waves these children’s faces.
Like rootless weeds, the hair torn around their pallor The tall girl with her weighed-down head.
The paper-seeming boy, with rat’s eyes.
With what the children are compared to?
paper (ii) rat’s eyes
(iii) rootless weeds (iv) gusty waves
(b) The tall girl’s head is ......................................
(i) depressed (ii) humiliated
(iii) embarrassed (iv) all of these
Which literary device is used in the first line?
imagery (ii) alliteration
(iii) symbol (iv) synecdoche
Which words in the above lines show the malnourishment in children?
gusty (ii) waves
(iii) pallor (iv) head
Answer any eight of the following given ten questions:
What happened when the ‘big bruiser of a boy’ tossed Douglas into the YMCA pool?
Douglas began fighting with him. (ii) Douglas pushed him back and ran away.
(iii) Douglas sprang out of the water. (iv) Douglas went at once to the bottom.
Pick the options which best suits to the reasons for which Franz did not want to go to school that day?
Franz wanted to enjoy the weather.
Franz had already been late for school.
Franz had not even prepared the topic of participles for which he was going to be tested that day.
Franz’s mother had asked him to bring some groceries from the market.
(i) 2 and 3 (ii) 2 and 4
(iii) 3 and 4 (iv) 1 and 4
Which option is TRUE with reference to Gandhiji’s meeting with the Commissioner and the Secretary of British landlords’ association?
the Commissioner asked Gandhiji to settle down the matter.
the Commissioner threatened Gandhiji to leave Champaran immediately.
the Commissioner asked Gandhiji to join his service
the Secretary of British landlords’ association offered bribe to Gandhiji.
Saheb started working at a tea stall but he was not happy. Pick the option which shows the reason of his unhappiness.
Saheb was no longer his own master.
Saheb wanted to earn more money.
Saheb didn’t like the meals provided to him there.
Saheb’s master was a cruel man who took too much work from him.
What did ironmaster tell his daughter when she pleaded him to let the rattrap seller stay for Christmas?
she should leave the house immediately.
she shouldn’t be so compassionate.
he didn’t want her to regret later over her decision.
she must not disobey her father’s decision.
Why did Mr. Lamb used to spend much of his time in the garden?
because the garden kept him busy.
because he liked his garden very much.
because he didn’t want anyone to enter his garden.
because his house was too small.
Dr. Sadao’s helping the white soldier displays which qualities of his?
he was above the narrow predispositions.
he was a bit selfish when it came to his country’s matter.
he considered his duty above all the other things.
he was a cunning and egoist person.
(i) 1 and 2 (ii) 2 and 3
(iii) 1 and 3 (iv) 3 and 4
Which option describes the feelings/behaviour of Roger Skunk’s Mommy when he again began smelling awful?
wrathful (ii) shameful
(iii) delighted (iv) wretched
Why did the ticket clerk accused Charley of cheating and threatened to hand him over to the police?
because Charley gave the clerk the modern currency which was not applicable.
because Charley had stolen the old currency from the window.
because Charley had picked up the tickets without paying money.
the money Charley paid to the clerk was fake.
‘Evans had the last laugh’, what does it reflect about Evans’ character?
he was an unpretentious man (ii) he was not as cunning as he seemed to be
(iii) Evans had full dedication in learning German (iv) he was a crafty and calculative man
PART - B
WRITING
You are Suyash, Head Boy of Shanti Public School. Write a notice in not more than 50 words urging the students to lend a helping hand in more and more numbers to the less privileged during Covid-19 crisis.
OR
You have lost your important property lease documents somewhere between Tilak Nagar and Patel Nagar, New Delhi. Draft a suitable advertisement in 50 words for the ‘LOST & FOUND’ column of the newspaper.
Draft an invitation on behalf of Mr. & Mrs. Sharat Raj of 29, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, inviting their friends and relatives on the 1st birth anniversary of their son Tarun at their residence on 8th March 20xx.
OR
You are Hemant/Hema. You have been invited to attend a seminar on ‘Conservation of Water’ organised by department of water supply of your district. Send a formal reply in not more than 50 words accepting the invitation.
You are Vinit/Vinita of 34, Model Town, Lucknow. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper in 120- 150 words expressing your concern over the increasing cases of chain snatching and daylight robbery in your locality.
OR
You are Anchit/Anchal of 21, Brij Nagar, Rajkot. You saw an advertisement in The Hindustan Times for the post of Marketing Manager in a reputed firm in Mumbai. You would like to apply for the same. Write a letter to the Public Relations Officer, Chahat Enterprises, Mumbai, applying for the job. Write the letter in 100- 120 words submitting your candidature with a detailed bio-data.
The increasing stress and today’s lifestyle has affected the people a lot. They are becoming the victim of many ailments and diseases and the only way to curb it, is to stay healthy. Write an article on the topic ‘Health and Fitness’ in 120-150 words. You are Mohan/Mohini. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas.
Healthy mind resides only in a healthy body
Avoid junk food
Regular exercise, proper sleep
Prime Minister’s initiative of International Yoga Day
Eat healthy and stay fit
OR
You are Sanjay/Sanjana. Recently when you were going to office in the morning, you witnessed a road accident. Write a report in 120-150 words for the local newspaper. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to write a report about the same.
15 killed in Road Accident
The accident took place around 9:00 a.m.
Speeding truck rammed a tempo and then hit another car
Injured taken to the local medical college
The Chief Minister expressed his condolences
A magisterial enquiry has been ordered, said by the ADG of Police
LITERATURE
Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words:
Why was M. Hamel kind to Franz even though he was late for school?
How did Edla persuade her father to let the peddler stay in their home till Christmas?
In the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’, what is the contrast between the reality of Aunt’s life and her imagination?
How was the scene outside the car different from the scene inside in the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty Six’?
“But promises like mine abound in every corner of his bleak world.” What promise did the author recall? Why did she say so?
How did the peddler earn his livelihood?
Answer any two of the following questions in 30-40 words:
How did Jo respond to her father’s story telling?
Why did Charley suspect that Sam had gone to Galesburg?
How did Dr. Sadao help the American soldier to escape?
Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words:
Which two incidents made Douglas develop an aversion to water?
OR
How did Gandhiji’s efforts made the poor peasants self-reliant?
Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words:
Mr. Lamb and Derry are two different sides of the same coin. Do you agree? Justify your answer with evidence from the text.
OR
How did Charley reach the third level of Grand Central? How was it different from the other levels?
PART - A
READING
1.1. (a) (i) all the languages (b) (iv) all of above
(c) (iii) 4, 1, 2, 3 (d) (i) the language has been created since 1979.
(e) (iii) image 3 (f) (i) atlantic slave trade
(iii) grammar is common to all languages.
(ii) evolution of some of the most recent languages
(ii) complex grammar systems which emerge from pidgins
(iv) complex (k) (ii) 1 and 3
2.1. (a) (i) cancer (b) (i) 2 and 4
(c) (i) gasification (d) (i) option 1
(e) (iv) 100% (f) (ii) 2 and 3
(g) (ii) manure (h) (iv) 25 megawatts
(i) (ii) 25% (j) (ii) garbage
(k) (iv) 3, 1, 4, 2
LITERATURE
(a) (iii) due to some appointment (b) (i) sheer determination
(c) (iv) near Ahmedabad (d) (i) for several weeks
(a) (iii) Franz (b) (iii) depressive
(c) (ii) French (d) (iv) a villager
(a) (i) from the first level (b) (i) 21st Century
(c) (ii) from the second level (d) (ii) from Vanderbilt Avenue
(a) (ii) glorious stories of ancestors (b) (i) ‘endless fountain of joy’ age
(c) (iii) imagery (d) (iv) from nature’s endless fountain
(a) (iii) rootless weeds (b) (iv) all of these
(c) (ii) alliteration (d) (iii) pallor
5. (a) (iv) Douglas went at once to the bottom. (b) (i) 2 and 3
(ii) the Commissioner threatened Gandhiji to leave Champaran immediately.
(i) Saheb was no longer his own master.
(iii) he didn’t want her regret later over her decision.
(i) because the garden kept him busy.
(iii) 1 and 3 (h) (iii) delighted
(i) (i) because Charley gave the clerk the modern currency which was not applicable.
(j) (iv) he was a crafty and calculative man.
PART - B
WRITING
1.
OR
2.
OR
34, Model Town Lucknow
5th May, 20XX
The Editor Lucknow Times Lucknow
Subject: Increasing cases of chain snatching and robery
Dear Sir,
I am Vinit/Vinita, a resident of Model Town, Lucknow. I am writing this letter to express my concern over the increasing cases of chain snatching and daylight robbery in our locality. It has become a menace and people are too scared to go out, especially the ladies.
Two days ago, an old lady was going to purchase vegetables in the evening from the local shop nearby when a motorcyclist came and snatched her chain from her neck and rode away. The old lady fell down and got minor injuries. In another case, a family had gone to attend their relative’s marriage and on their return they found their house looted. The robbers had taken away jewellery and cash worth rupees 2 lac. One more incident happened where two men with their faces covered came close to an elderly man, sprinkled chilli powder in his eyes and snatched away his watch and bag.
The sudden rise in the number of these incidents is a serious threat and it needs an immediate action. The police should be more alert regarding the safety and security of the life and property of the citizens. I hope my voice would reach the concerned authorities and expect a remedial action at the earliest.
Thanking you, Your sincerely Vinit/Vinita
OR
21, Brij Nagar Rajkot
20th April, 20XX
Public Relations Officer Chahat Enterprises Mumbai
Subject: Application for the post of marketing manager
Sir,
In response to your advertisement published in The Hindustan Times dated April 15, 20xx, I wish to offer my services as one of the candidates. I fulfil the conditions laid down in your advertisement. I have completed my MBA in Marketing Management from Bombay University with 91% marks. I have also got one year working experience in GET Enterprises, Mumbai. Enclosed herewith is my biodata and testimonials for your reference.
Hoping for a favourable response. Your sincerely
Anchit/Anchal
Health and Fitness
By Mohan/Mohini
Health is the most important thing that a person should take care of. Leading a healthy lifestyle leads to happiness, success and achievements.
Being healthy and fit means taking good care of the body. There is an age old saying that a “Healthy mind resides only in a healthy body”. Good health of both mind and body is very much essential for maintaining the required energy level to carry out the work and achieve success in life. It is the most important thing as if a person is healthy, then he or she is capable of doing any type of task.
Protecting your body from the intake of junk food, doing regular exercises, having proper food at proper time and sleep for the essential eight hours are some of the important instances that defines a healthy lifestyle. Being fit permits us to perform our activities without being lethargic, restless or tired. Even our Prime Minister has also focused on the fitness drive along with the successful initiative of International Yoga Day. It maintains your blood sugar and immunity level.
A healthy and fit person is capable of enjoying the life to the fullest, without any major medical or physical issues. Being healthy is not only related to the physical well-being of a person, it also involves the mental stability or the internal peace of a person. One should take a healthy diet which includes eating green and fresh vegetables, fruits, having milk, eggs, minerals, proteins and vitamins essential for body. So in the end I would like to say that ‘Eat healthy and stay fit’.
OR
15 Killed in Road Accident
By Sanjana/Sanjay
25th August, 20xx , xyz city: Fifteen people, including three women and two children were killed after a speeding truck rammed a tempo and then hit another car which fell into a ditch in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district on Wednesday. The accident took place around 9:00 a.m. at the Moli crossing on NH-24 while I was on my way to the office. I stayed there for some time and saw that five people were injured and they were immediately taken to the local medical college with the help of other people. Their condition is stated to be critical according to N.K. Agrawal, the emergency medical officer of the government district hospital. The Chief Minister expressed his condolences to the families of the dead. Search was on to locate the driver of the truck. “A magisterial enquiry has been ordered to find out the reasons behind the accident”, said the police Commissioner of Ghaziabad division. Additional Director General of Police, Rakesh Mehra also visited the site. “We will organise a drive against overloading by truck drivers”, he told in an interview.
LITERATURE
(a) It was the last lesson of M. Hamel in the school as the new German teacher was arriving the following day. M. Hamel was gloomy and sentimental as he had to leave the school after forty years of service as a teacher for French. He was very emotional, gentle and thoughtful. So, he did not scold Franz even though he was late.
Edla told her father that the whole year long, the stranger had been walking and walking. There was probably not a single place in the whole country where he was welcomed or he could feel at home. Wherever he went, he was chased away. He was afraid of being arrested and cross examined Therefore, she asked her father to have him enjoy a day of peace with them.
The Tigers that Aunt Jennifer creates are her ways of expressing pain through art and the way she wanted her life to be. The tigers represent fearlessness and power. They walk with elegance, grace and confidence.But in reality, she leads her life on her husband’s terms without opposing to any restrictions laid on her.
The scene outside was totally in sharp contrast to the scene inside. The poet’s pale and aged mother was compared to the late winter’s moon. The young running trees outside implies that youth passes away very quickly. Thus, the running trees and happy children presented a sharp contrast to the sick mother.
The author asked Saheb whether he went to school. Saheb explained that there was no school in his neighbourhood. He promised to go to school when they would build one. The author asked whether he would come in case she started one, to which Saheb replied in affirmative. It was a promise that was totally meaningless.
The peddler made rattraps of wire and went around selling them. He got material for making them by begging in the big stores or at big farms. Since his trade was not quite lucrative, he would beg or steal in order to survive.
(a) Jo was a four-year- old girl. Her father Jack used to tell her stories which were created by himself. Jo was in a habit of listening stories and never fell asleep before her father told her a new tale. She enjoyed all the stories and showed her interest by asking many questions related to the story.
When Sam disappeared all of a sudden and no one knew about his whereabouts, Charley suspected he had gone to Galesburg as Sam was a city boy and liked Galesburg very much. Then Charley found an envelope mailed to Sam by his grandfather from his home in Galesburg and so it confirmed that Sam was indeed in Galesburg.
Dr. Sadao gave his boat to the young American soldier, arranged food for him, gave him Japanese clothes, a black cloth to wrap around his blonde head and some valuable information which helped him escape successfully.
Douglas developed an aversion to water in his childhood. There were two incidents which made him fear the water. When he was a child, he underwent a horrific experience. Once he went to the beach in California with his father, a powerful wave knocked him down and almost drowned him. All that time, Douglas was hardly three or four years old. He was buried in water and his breath was gone. He was too frightened and the fear for water remained in his heart. Another incident happened at the YMCA pool when Douglas was learning swimming in his boyhood there. One day, he was sitting at the edge of the pool. A strong boy came and tossed Douglas into the deep water. Douglas hit the water in the sitting position and slowly went to the bottom. He tried to come out three times but failed. Before he touched the bottom, his lungs were ready to burst and his head was throbbing. Finally, he gave up and fainted. Although he was saved later, but the fear of water stayed with him. For many days he could not sleep or eat and did not go near the water for years.
OR
The poor peasants of Champaran were illiterate and did not know about their rights. Gandhiji wanted to educate the people of Champaran. He made an appeal to the teachers and their wives volunteered for work. Several others also joined Gandhiji. He rebuked the lawyers for collecting heavy fees from the poor peasants. He saw that the poor peasants needed liberation from fear. Therefore, Gandhiji started a kind of movement and fought a long battle for the poor peasants for one year and succeeded in getting justice for them. He gathered facts and information and told the authorities that the British planters should abandon their estates which were reverted to the poor peasants. The poor peasants gathered courage and became aware of their rights. Gandhiji struggled not only for their political and economic upliftment but he worked
on the social front also. He aimed towards education, health and hygiene for the poor peasants and their families. He also taught them lesson of self-reliance which he considered was the only way to forward the
struggle for Indian independence.
Yes, Mr. Lamb and Derry are two different sides of the same coin. Derry has developed a sense of inferiority complex because of his burnt face. He tries to escape from the people and keeps himself away from the world. But Mr. Lamb has a different attitude towards life. He doesn’t allow his physical disability to come in his way. He accepts life as it is and sees positivity in everything. Derry avoids the company of people and he doesn’t trust them. He thinks that no one will ever love him except his mother. He doesn’t like people staring at him whereas Mr. Lamb is open-minded and open-hearted. He loves everyone and everything. He teaches Derry how to handle the problems and the people. He has a garden in which there are orchards of apple, pears and flowers. He spends much office time in the garden and talk to those who come in his garden. Derry’s meeting with Mr. Lamb brings a major change in his life. He becomes confident and Mr. Lamb teaches him that he can do much better than the other people. He tells not to hate the people as hatred burns oneself from within. This affected Derry too much and leaves a positive impression on him.
OR
One night, Charley worked late at the office. Therefore, he was in a hurry to get back to his apartment. So, he decided to take the subway from Grand Central. He went down the steps and came to the first level. Then he walked down to the second level from where the suburban trains leave. He ducked into an arched doorway that headed to the subway. Then he got lost. Knowing that he was going wrong, he continued to walk downward. The tunnel turned a sharp left and then taking a short flight of stairs he came out on the third level at the Grand Central Station. There he saw many unusual things. There were very few ticket windows and train gates that were old-looking and made of wood. Dim gaslights flickered and a man wore derby hats and four-button suits. Everyone on the station was dressed like 1890s. It was a rather strange world of sideburns, beards and fancy moustaches.
●●
PART - A
Read the passage carefully:
READING
The youth is a dynamo, an ocean, an inexhaustible reservoir of energy. But this energy cannot be kept caged in prison. Its basic nature is to flow, to express itself. The youth energy on the basis of the nature of its expression can be divided into four categories.
The vast majority of the youth today is with the establishment, whose formula of life is learn, earn, burn and enjoy. It means learn to operate the modern devices and employ them to earn the maximum amount of wealth to the point of burning the natural resources of the earth, as well as yourself out, and then enjoy your own funeral. This category of youth is intelligent, skilful and hardworking but it lacks insight and foresight. They are self-indulgent and any sense of moral code of conduct is alien to their nature. Neither are they able to see in depth, to find out whether there is a deeper meaning and purpose to their human life, nor have they the capacity to look beyond the tips of their nose to find out the consequences of their way and approach, where it is leading them to. They are the ends into themselves and enjoyment is the motto of their life.
The second category of youth in nature and approach is the same but as it is less privileged and less qualified and skilled; it has lesser opportunities for earning and enjoying. Such youth may be incited to be against the establishment. This opposition takes various forms. When it is well-organised and systemic it may take the form of political opposition and even go to the extent of expressing itself in unjust ways. When the opposition is not so intense and organised, it remains contended with giving verbal expression to its resentment periodically. The youth of the above two categories need to be shown the right path to positively channelise their energy.
The third section of youth is a sober and thoughtful class of people, which objectively observes and studies the phenomenon of development of the world. These youth find that man in his insatiable thirst for consumption has become blind and lost the sense of distinction between milk and blood. Today man in his mad rush for exploitation is sucking the blood of Mother Earth; leading to their destruction and is thereby digging his own grave. This responsible category of young people is looking for an alternative mode of development based on co-operation between man and man. This development based on mutual love, friendship and harmony is not only sustainable but leading to endless prosperity mutually. To bring about his natural revolution from death-movement to life-movement is the aim of this group.
The fourth and most vital group of youth which is going to steer humanity into the third millennium and act as the pioneer for the future development of planetary life is engaged in evolving a new way of life and releasing a new principle of global consciousness through a fundamental research in the science of life. The science of life is a new branch of knowledge which takes the whole man into account without dividing him into subjective and objective halves of spirituality and physicality and does not treat him either as a refined (thinking) animal or an ethereal entity, having its base in some other non-physical world. It rather, recognises man as a basic unit of conscious life which has got immense, practically inexhaustible, possibilities and potentialities for evolution, development and growth.
As per the Vedic formula, man is the micro-cosmos and his fullest flowering and enfoldment lies in his identification with the cosmos.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any ten of the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option:
Which trait is lacking in the youth that is dexterous with the modern devices?
intelligence (ii) perseverance
(iii) foresight (iv) skillfulness
Which category of youth supports the view that man’s growth lies in his identification with cosmos?
the youth that will take us to the third millennium
that which supports sustainable development
youth that opposes the establishment
youth that is self-indulgent and unscrupulous
Which of the following options accurately describes the third category of youth?
1. Intelligent and skillful 2. Thoughtful and observant
3. Less intelligent and skillful 4. Problem solver and caring
(i) 1 and 3 (ii) 2 and 4
(iii)3 and 4 (iv) 1 and 4
The thoughtful class of people wants cooperation between
man and man (ii) man and nature
(iii) man and animals (iv) man and environment
Which two categories of youth need to be shown the right path to help them channelise their energy?
first and third (ii) second and fourth
(iii) first and second (iv) third and fourth
As per the Vedic formula, man’s fullest flowering and enfoldment lies in the......
opposition of the cosmos (ii) cosmos
(iii) identification of the cosmos (iv) none of these
Which option represents the CORRECT traits of fourth group of youth?
option 1 (ii) option 2
(iii) option 3 (iv) option 4
How does the dissatisfied youth express itself?
engage in political opposition (ii) engage in theft
(iii) engage in wrong doings (iv) engage in immoral acts
In how many categories can youth energy be divided?
three (ii) four
(iii) two (iv) one
Which word in the passage means same as ‘important’? (para 5)
pioneer (ii) entity
(iii) vital (iv) ethereal
Which of the following options accurately describes the second category of youth?
less privileged and less skillful
intelligent and skillful
thoughtful and observant
may resort to unjust ways and can be incited against the establishment
(i) 1 and 3 (ii) 2 and 4
(iii) 3 and 4 (iv) 1 and 4
Read the passage carefully:
Over 100 persons have died in the floods in Assam so far while another 147 were killed in lightning strikes in Bihar last month. But with the monsoon season less than half way through, more loss of lives and property are expected if the trend in the past five years is anything to go by.
Take for instance human lives lost. In 2015, a little less than 1,000 persons died of flood and rain-related incidents, but in 2019, nearly 2,500 persons had lost their lives, according to government data. The loss of cattle also increased. While in 2015, less than 30,000 cattle died, in 2019, it was nearly 72,000.(See graphic 1)
To sum up the flood and its impact in the past five years, over 8,700 people were killed, over 2 lakh cattle died and more than 36 lakh houses were destroyed in floods. The cost of damage to property has also shot up in these five years. While in 2015, the damage suffered totaled ` 33,257 crore, in 2018, the last year for which data is available, it went up to ` 95,736 crore. The cost of damage is likely to be more in 2019 as over a dozen states, including Bihar, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra, witnessed large-scale devastation.
Besides the rising damages, the cost to the exchequer towards relief work has also increased. In 2016- 17, the Centre released ` 11,441 cr under the National Disaster Relief Fund while its share under the State Disaster Relief Fund was ` 8,375 crore. This increased to ` 14,108 cr and ` 10,429 cr respectively in 2019-20. (See graphic 2)
The flood’s increasing loss of lives and property appears to make a mockery of all the expert committees, task forces and commissions the government has formed. In 1972, the Ganga Flood Control Commission was set-up in Patna to address the flood problem and erosion in the Ganga basin states. In 1980, the Brahmaputra Board came into existence to address the flood erosion problem in the northeastern states and Sikkim. (See table)
The government also launched a Flood Management Programme in the Eleventh Plan (2007-12) for providing financial assistance to state governments to undertake work related to river management, flood control, anti-erosion, drainage development, flood proofing, among others. The FMP was continued for three years under the Twelfth Plan from 2017-18 to 2019-20. It has subsequently been included as a component of the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme in the Ministry of Jal Shakti. But all these appear to have come to a naught as the government’s approach is more reactive than proactive, according to experts. Instead of focusing on the real problem, it was only concerned about relief measures, they said.
They pointed out that the area affected by floods has doubled since 1950. “The flood-affected area in 1950 was 25 million hectare, now it has doubled to nearly 50 million hectare. But, what is surprising is that nobody looks concerned about the real issues. Earlier, only villages used to be affected but now cities are also getting flooded. Chennai and Patna are just examples. I had written to the government in 2015, highlighting the poor drainage system in cities,” said former IIT professor Dinesh Kumar Mishra.
Himanshu Thakkar, the coordinator of the South Asia Network of Dams, Rivers and People, said effective management of dams could bring down the damage caused by floods. “We have over 5,000 dams. Every dam can help moderate floods in the downstream area but only if it is operated properly,” Thakkar said.
Committees & commissions
Aim
Work
Ganga Flood Control
Commission
Flood, erosion in Ganga
basin states.
Prepared 23 comprehensive
master plans.
Rashtriya Barh Aayog
To evolve coordinated, integrated approach for flood control.
Submitted report in 1980 recommending measures Brahmaputra Board.
Brahmaputra Board
Flood, erosion problems in northeastern states.
Prepared 57 master plans for implementation.
Task Force-2004
Flood management and erosion control.
Submitted report in December 2004, recommending short, long-term measures.
Flood Management Programme
To provide financial assistance for river management, flood control, erosion.
Other than allocating financial aid, it is involved in flood forecasting.
2.1. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any ten of the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option:
How many people were killed due to lightning in Bihar? (i) 142 (ii) 157
(iii) 147 (iv) 137
Pick the option from the list below that is NOT TRUE according to the passage.
The floods only affect villages and not cities
The Flood Management Program continued for three years under the Twelfth Plan from 2017-18 to 2019-20
If operated properly, dams can help control floods in the downstream areas.
The area affected by floods has decreased nearly by half since 1950
(i) 1 and 3 (ii) 2 and 4
(iii) 3 and 4 (iv) 1 and 4
The number of cattle that died due to floods in 2019 was …………………
(i) nearly 72,000 (ii) 72,000
(iii) 30,000 (iv) less than 30,000
Arrange the following events in chronological order according to the passage.
Flood Management and Border Areas Programme was added as a component to the Twelfth Plan in the Ministry of Jal Shakti
A Flood Management Plan was set-up in the Eleventh Plan to provide financial assistance to State Governments
The Ganga Flood Control Commission was set-up to address flood and erosion problems in the Ganga Basin states
The Brahmaputra Board was formed to address flood erosion problems in the north-eastern states and Sikkim
(i) 1, 4, 3, 2 (ii) 2, 1, 4, 3
(iii) 3, 4, 2, 1 (iv) 1, 2, 3, 4
According to the figure, which option best represents the money spent by the National Disaster Relief Fund and the State Disaster Relief Fund in the year 2019-2020?
(i) option 1 (ii) option 2
(iii) option 3 (iv) option 4
How much cost of damage to property has risen in the year 2018?
(i) ` 33,257 crore (ii) ` 26,396 crore
(iii) ` 95,736 crore (iv) ` 95,675 crore
Which states have witnessed a large-scale devastation in the year 2019?
(i) Bihar (ii) Assam
(iii) Himachal Pradesh (iv) all of these
The FMP was continued for three years under the Twelfth Plan for which period? (i) 2016-17 to 2018-19 (ii) 2015-16 to 2017-18
(iii) 2014-15 to 2016-17 (iv) 2017-18 to 2019-20
Examples of which two cities have been taken which have poor drainage system?
(i) Mumbai and Patna (ii) Chennai and Patna (iii) Chennai and Mumbai(iv) Assam and Chennai
Which word in the passage means same as ‘illustration’? (para 2)
(i) related (ii) according
(iii) instance (iv) nearly
Pick the option from the list below list that is TRUE according to the passage.
The floods only affect villages and not cities
The Flood Management Program was discontinued after three years under the Twelfth Plan from 2017-18 to 2019-20
The Task Force – 2004, submitted a report which recommended short and long term measures for flood management and erosion control
The area affected by floods has doubled from 25 million hectares to 50 million hectares since 1950
(i) 1 and 3 (ii) 2 and 4
(iii) 3 and 4 (iv) 1 and 4
LITERATURE
Read the extract given below and answer any two of the questions that follow:
“Why not organise yourself into a cooperative?” I asked a group of young men who have fallen into the vicious circle of middlemen who trapped their fathers and forefathers.
Who is asking to organise into a cooperative?
Gandhiji (ii) Rajkumar Shukla
(iii) Rajendra Prasad (iv) none of these
Why does the writer say that the young men have fallen into the vicious circle of middlemen?
because they are not able to form cooperative societies for their betterment.
because they are exploited by them
because they fall prey to middlemen
all of these
Which of the following words cannot replace the word, ‘vicious’?
ruthless (ii) remorseless
(iii) malevolent (iv) benevolent
Since when the so called ‘young men’ had been exploited?
since their childhood (ii) when they grow up
(iii) since the time of their father (iv) since the time of their ancestors
Then, from one thing to another, M. Hamel went on to talk of the French language, saying that it was the most beautiful language in the world — the clearest, the most logical; that we must guard it among us and never forget it, because when a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the key to their prison. Then he opened a grammar and read us our lesson.
Which is M.Hamel’s language?
French (ii) German
(iii) English (iv) Spanish
Identify the literary device in ’from one thing to another’.
metaphor (ii) personification
(iii) allusion (iv) hyperbole
What is Hamel asking the people to do for their language?
forget their language (ii) begin learning German
(iii) guard their language (iv) learn their language
How could the enslaved people have the key to the prison?
if they ask the prisoner for it (ii) if they do not leave their language
(iii) if they snatch the key (iv) if they do not leave their country
Now Sadao remembered the wound and with his expert fingers he began to search for it. Blood flowed freshly at his touch. On the right side of his lower back Sadao saw that a gun wound had been reopened. The flesh was blackened with powder. Sometime, not many days ago, the man had been shot and had not been tended. It was bad chance that the rock had struck the wound.
Who was wounded?
Sadao (ii) Hana
(iii) soldier (iv) Yumi
Which word best suits ‘trained’ in the extract?
touch (ii) tended
(iii) expat (iv) expert
What kind of wound the man had?
it was a knife stab (ii) it was an injury
(iii) it was a gun shot (iv) it was due to spikes on rocks
How old was the wound?
few days old (ii) a month old
(iii) a week old (iv) many days old
Read the extract given below and answer any one of the questions that follow:
It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines, we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
What will happen if there will be no rush or running of engines?
it will be boring (ii) people will suffer a lot
(iii) it will be a moment of tranquility (iv) all the animals will come on the road
Why the moment is called ‘exotic’?
there will be pollution free environment (ii) as we all will be enveloped in quietness
(iii) flora and fauna will grow (iv) there will be heavenly flow of wind
What is the poetic device used in the phrase ‘we would’?
imagery (ii) alliteration
(iii) antithesis (iv) repetition
Which strangeness is the poet talking about?
feeling of loneliness
feeling of oneness with their fellow human beings
feeling of depression
terrible feeling of strangeness
On their slag heap, these children
Wear skins peeped through by bones and spectacles of steel with mended glass, like bottle bits on stones.
All of their time and space are foggy slum.
So blot their maps with slums as big as doom.
Which two images are used to describe the slums?
foggy slum & wear skins (ii) spectacles of steel & Foggy slums
(iii) foggy slums & slums as big as doom (iv) slag heap & slums as big as doom
What sort of life do these children lead?
carefree (ii) happy
(iii) deprived (iv) dependent
What is the figure of speech used in ’So blot their maps with slums as big as doom’.
analogy (ii) simile
(iii) personification (iv) hyperbole
What type of spectacles do these children wear?
the glasses of the spectacles are broken (ii) they wear steel rimmed spectacles
(iii) they wear discarded spectacles by the rich (iv) all of these
Answer any eight of the following questions:
Why did M. Hamel blame himself?
for not having taught them enough French (ii) for not being strict
(iii) for not being responsible (iv) for giving students a holiday at times
Why did Saheb not go to school?
he had no money to pay fees
he wanted to be a businessman
he wanted to earn money
he had problems comprehending his school work
What was the peddler’s cherished pastime?
to think highly of the world.
to think of plans to rob people
to think of people whom he knew caught in the dangerous snare
to think richly of himself
What was written in the letter that Gandhiji received from the magistrate?
a warrant for arrest by the court
to give up the fight
not to hold demonstrations
Lieutenant-General had decided to drop the case against him.
Why did Douglas go to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire?
for a campfire picnic
to keep away from friends
to test whether he had overcome the fear of water
to practice for a swimming competition
How did Hana correlate General Takima’s attitude towards his wife and the prisoner?
he was cunning (ii) he was cruel
(iii) he was self-centred (iv) all of these
What did Jo want to listen from her father the next day after Skunk was given his original smell back?
Jo wanted her father to change the ending of the story.
she wanted the wizard to hit mommy Skunk on her head
she wanted the wizard to leave Roger with the smell of roses.
all of these
Why did Mr. Lamb help Derry?
he wanted to see Derry happy and confident
he wanted him to feel sorry for himself.
he wanted Derry to fear the world
he wanted Derry to lose confidence in himself.
Describe the town of Galesburg, Illinois?
Galesburg had huge buildings with small gardens
Galesburg had big old frame houses, and huge lawns
Galesburg had busy streets
Galesburg had shopping malls
What did the Governor tell the Secretary of the Examination Board about Evans?
Evans was one of the stars at the Christmas concert
Evans could imitate well-known persons
Evans was a congenital kleptomaniac
all of these
PART - B
WRITING
You have lost your class XII Physics book in the playground while playing football. Draft a notice in not more than 50 words for your school notice board informing the students about it. You are Chetan/Chetna of Nav Public School, Indore.
OR
You are Ram/Rama. Draft a classified advertisement, in not more than 50 words, to be published in Hindustan Times for the sale of a used motor car giving all the necessary details.
The literary club of your school is putting up the motivational story ‘Thinking Out of the Box’. As secretary of the club, draft a formal invitation inviting the famous writer Ruskin Bond to be the guest of honour at the function. Write the invitation in not more than 50 words. You are Rakshit/Rakshita of Vibgyor Public School, Pune.
OR
You are Girish of 78-C, Sector-12, Income Tax Colony, Thane. You have received an invitation for your friend Harit’s daughter’s wedding. Write an informal reply accepting the invitation in about 50 words.
Write a letter to the editor of a national newspaper in 120-150 words on the state of unemployment in the country. Give your suggestions too to solve the problem. You are Pratyush, 345, Mayur Vihar, Noida.
OR
You came across an advertisement in ‘The Times of India’ regarding the post of a graphic designer in Mumbai. Draft an application in about 120-150 words for the post of the same in response to the advertisement giving your resume. You are Darshan/ Darshana of 34, Thakur Complex, A Wing, Kandivli, Mumbai.
You are Sumit/ Sumita. Write an article in 120-150 words on the topic ‘Grow More Trees to Reduce Pollution’
for your school magazine. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas.
Increase of pollution
Cutting down of trees
Increase of respiratory diseases because of the lack of oxygen
Benefits of trees
Human’s dependency on trees for survival
OR
Cultural Society Daisy Public School, Vellore organised an adult literacy camp in its neighbourhood. Write a report in 120-150 words on the camp for your school letter. You are Rakesh Nair, Secretary. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas.
Date of the camp
Location of the camp
Number of volunteers
Atmosphere of the camp
Amenities provided to the participants
LITERATURE
Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words:
Why was Franz not scolded that day when he reached late without being prepared for participles?
Why was the crofter so talkative and friendly with the peddler?
How did Douglas make sure that he had conquered the terror of water?
According to the poet Keats, what are the things that cause pain?
Why are the tigers of aunt Jennifer described as denizens of a world of green?
How did Kamala Das put away the thought of her mother’s old age?
Answer any two of the following questions in 30-40 words:
Why did Jack insist that it was the wizard that was hit and not the mother?
How did Mr. Lamb pass his leisure time?
What is being inferred from Sam’s letter to Charley?
Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words:
How did the peddler feel after robbing the crofter? What course did he adopt and how did he react to the new situation? What does his reaction highlight?
OR
Douglas fully realized the truth of Roosevelt’s statement, “All we have to fear is fear itself.” How did this realization help him push aside his fear and become an expert swimmer?
Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words:
In the modern world, one feels depressed, displayed, fear, insecurity and anxiety. Do you think that the third level was the medium of escape for Charley?
OR
Why did Jo disapprove of Jack’s ending of the story of Roger Skunk? How did she want it to end?
PART - A
Read the passage carefully:
READING
There were hundreds of us in the lecture hall, watching the descent of the Vikram Lander, with the Pragyan rover, descending on the lunar surface, its thrusters in full force, slowing down the free fall of the delicate component of the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft, all 1498 kg of it hurtling down, pulled by the gravity of Moon. It had separated from the rest of the spacecraft four days ago, leaving the orbiter in its path about 100 km above the lunar surface, where it is going to spend at least 7 years, with its eight excellent instruments sending back crucial scientific information about the Moon, its environment and even the Sun.
We were applauding as the green dot on the plot of the landing trajectory, showing the altitude and the range of the lander, reached about two km above the surface, at which point its speed was about 50 m/s. Far too high still, we thought- it had to come well below 5 m/s for a soft landing as it reached the ground. Then our spirits fell as it deviated from the expected course, and got stuck, indicating that we had lost communication. This is the phase, which the ISRO Chairperson Dr. K. Sivan had described as the, “15 minutes of terror”. We still haven’t recovered communication, but thermal imaging from the orbiter’s cameras has located the site of the landing on Sunday. The extent of the damage to Vikram is still being assessed. If things had gone according to plan, India would have joined an elite club of three other nations that have landed in one piece on an extra-terrestrial surface–the Moon, Marsor an asteroid. If the Rover had been out on its 14 days prowl, we would have learnt about the traces of gaseous elements near the surface of the Moon and also about the low level Moonquakes from the embedded seismometer.
Chandrayaan-2 was launched in July on the GSLV-3, taking a complicated, fuel efficient path to the Moon lasting over 40 days. In contrast with the Apollo missions being launched on the more powerful Saturn-V launchers in the 1960s, this mission was kept affordable, but sent the mission on a long journey fraught with possible pitfalls. Till the last minute, the entire manoeuvre had worked like clockwork, showing the high level of sophistication that ISRO is capable of in its planning, design, fabrication and execution. This in my mind is the major success story of ISRO so far in this mission.
We are now hopeful that were gain contact with Vikram, lovingly named after the founder of ISRO in its birth centenary year. Even if some of the instruments can be made to work, we would have valuable information and images close to the lunar surface and learn more about what to do and what not to in our next attempt. It is also time to look beyond the landing event. Chandrayaan-2 is so much more than the landing event, which seemed to have caught most of the attention of the public and the media. On the rest of the vehicle in orbit, we have two very sophisticated imagers. The high-resolution Orbiter Camera photographs the lunar surface to a resolution of 0.3 m, the best in any Moon mission so far, by any nation. Another terrain-mapping camera takes photos in multiple colours. Since all previous missions have concentrated on the equatorial region and northern hemisphere of the Moon, Chandrayaan-2’s work in the southern polar region will be unique.
The CLASS instrument on the orbiter will quantify the amount of calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium and other useful elements on or below the lunar surface through X-ray fluorescence. The IIRS instrument, also on the orbiter, will tell us about water and minerals under the surface. In addition to detecting them, it can also help us quantify and tell us about how hard they would be to extract. Why do we need this information? It is inevitable that one day humans will have to go out into the solar system to look for resources, and even for habitation. India as the most populous nation of the earth will have to play a leading role.
Even if we choose not to live on the Moon, we need a Moon base, as a refuelling station, or as an assembly or service station. We have to know what resources are available on the Moon. What is a small part of this mission is not successful? In my mind, the journey of ISRO team that has brought the mission to where it is now is more important than the task that will be performed. Similarly, the complicated journey of the spacecraft from the Earth to and around the Moon has adequately demonstrated what Indian technology can achieve.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any ten of the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option:
How many days ago was Vikram Lander separated from the spacecraft?
one day (ii) two days
(iii) three days (iv) four days
For how long was it suppose to remain upon the lunar surface?
5 years (ii) 6 years
(iii) 7 years (iv) 8 years
Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the CORRECT order of the sentences.
The extent of the damage to Vikram is still being assessed.
The IIRS instrument, also on the orbiter, will tell us about water and minerals under the surface.
Vikram Lander deviated from the expected course, and got stuck, indicating that we had lost communication.
Chandrayaan-2 was launched in July on the GSLV-3.
(i) 1, 2, 4, 3 (ii) 3, 1, 4, 2
(iii) 3, 2, 4, 1 (iv) 2, 3, 4, 1
Chandrayaan-2 was supposed to land on......
Southern Pole (ii) Northern Pole
(iii) Lunar surface (iv) Equatorial region
The CLASS instrument on the orbiter will quantify the amount of which of the following element?
(1) (2) (3) (4)
image 1 (ii) image 2
(iii) image 3 (iv) image 4
Chandrayaan-2 was launched in July on the.............. .
ALSV-5 (ii) GSLV-3
(iii) IIRS (iv) GSLV-4 1.2
Why were the scientists happy when they saw the green dot on the trajectory?
because it told about water and minerals under the surface.
because it indicated the altitude and the range of the lander
because it told about the presence of gaseous elements
because it reached in expected course of time
What is the function of CLASS instrument on the orbiter?
it gives information about the moon
it shows images of the moon
it quantifies the amount of calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium and other useful elements on or below the lunar surface
it measures the air pressure on moon
Which things are required on the moon even if we don’t make it our habitat?
a moon base (ii) a refueling station
(iii) a service station (iv) all of these
Which word in the passage means same as ‘distinctive’? (para 4)
concentrated (ii) unique
(iii) valuable (iv) sophisticated
Pick the option that tells the feeling of the writer when the Lander deviated from the expected course, and got stuck, indicating that it had lost communication.
frustrating (ii) provoking
(iii) disheartening (iv) hostile
Read the passage carefully:
Education in India is primarily provided by public schools (controlled and funded by the government at three levels: central, state and local) and private schools. Under various articles of the Indian Constitution, free and compulsory education is provided as a fundamental right to children aged 6 to
14. The approximate ratio of public schools to private schools in India is 7:5.
India has made progress in increasing the attainment rate of primary education. In 2011, Approximately 75% of the population, aged between 7 and 10 years, was literate. India’s improved education system is often cited as one of the main contributors to its economic development. Much of the progress, especially in higher education and scientific research, has been credited to various public institutions.
At the primary and secondary level, India has a large private school system complementing the government run schools, with 29% of students receiving private education in the 6 to 14 age group. Certain post-secondary technical schools are also private. The private education market in India had a revenue of US$450 million in 2008, but is projected to be a US $40 billion market.
Education in Republic of India
Ministry of Education
Minister of Education Ramesh Pokhriyal
National education budget
Budget 4.1% of GDP
General details
Primary languages Indian languages,English
System type Federal, State or Private
Established 1 April 2010 Compulsory
Education
Literacy (2011)
Total
74%
Male
82.2%
Female
69.5%
Enrollment
Total
(N/A)
Primary
95%
Secondary
69%
Post Secondary
25%
As per the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2012, 96.5% of all rural children between the ages of 6-14 were enrolled in school. This is the fourth annual survey to report enrollment above 96%. India has maintained an average enrolment ratio of 95% for students in this age group from year 2007 to 2014. As an outcome the number of students in the age group 6-14 who are not enrolled in school has come down to 2.8% in the year academic year 2018 (ASER 2018). Another report from 2013 stated that there were 229 million students enrolled in different accredited urban and rural schools of India, from Class I to XII, representing an increase of 23 lakh students over 2002 total enrolment, and a 19% increase in girl’s enrolment.
While quantitatively India is inching closer to universal education, the quality of its education has been questioned particularly in its government run school system. While more than 95 percent of children
attend primary school, just 40 percent of Indian adolescents attend secondary school (Grades 9-12). Since 2000, the World Bank has committed over $2 billion to education in India. Some of the reasons for the poor quality include absence of around 25% of teachers every day. States of India have introduced tests and education assessment system to identify and improve such schools.
Although there are private schools in India, they are highly regulated in terms of what they can teach, in what form they can operate (must be a non-profit to run any accredited educational institution) and all other aspects of operation. Hence, the differentiation of government schools and private schools can be misleading.
In January 2019, India had over 900 universities and 40,000 colleges. In India’s higher education system, a significant number of seats are reserved under affirmative action policies for the historically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. In universities, colleges, and similar institutions affiliated to the federal government, there is a maximum 50% of reservations applicable to these disadvantaged groups, at the state level it can vary. Maharashtra had 73% reservation in 2014, which is the highest percentage of reservations in India.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any ten of the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option:
The approximate ratio of public schools to private schools in India is............................
(i) 5 : 7 (ii) 1 : 9
(iii) 7 : 5 (iv) 9 : 7
Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according to the passage.
India’s improved education system is often cited as one of the main contributors to its economic development.
At the primary and secondary level, India has a large private school
Report from 2013 stated that there were 329 million students enrolled in different accredited urban and rural schools of India.
Maharashtra had 33% reservation in 2014, which is the lowest percentage of reservations in India.
(i) 3 and 4 (ii) 2 and 4
(iii) 1 and 2 (iv) 1 and 3
India’s improved education system is often cited as one of the main contributors to its ......................
(i) overall development (ii) social development
(iii) economic development (iv) political development
Based on the Statistical data in the passage, which option represents the correct graphical representation of enrollment rate in Primary and Secondary schools?
(i) image 1 (ii) image 2
(iii) image 3 (iv) image 4
According to table, what was the literacy rate of females in the year 2011? (i) 74% (ii) 82.2%
(iii) 69.5% (iv) 69%
Based on the given statistical data in the passage, choose the option that lists the statements that are TRUE with respect to the education policy.
Enrolment in Secondary Schools was 69%.
National Education Budget passed by the ministry is 3.1%
The literacy rate of women was 69.5% in 2011.
As per 2011 census, total literacy rate was 82.2%.
(i) 1 and 4 (ii) 2 and 4
(iii) 3 and 4 (iv) 1 and 3
Much of the progress, especially in higher education and scientific research, has been attributed to……
(i) private institutions (ii) public institutions
(iii) government institutions (iv) semi government institution
One of the reasons for the poor quality of education in Government-run schools in India is...........
(i) poor infrastructure (ii) absence of around 25% of teachers every day
(iii) low enrollment of girls (iv) no aid given by the government
Which State of India has the highest percentage of reservations in Universities and Colleges?
(i) Maharashtra (ii) Odisha
(iii) Bihar (iv) Uttar Pradesh
Which word in the passage means same as ‘registered? (para 4)
(i) survey (ii) accredited
(iii) enrolled (iv) representing
Arrange the given sentences in the sequence in which they appeared in the passage.
In universities, colleges, and similar institutions, there are a maximum 50% of reservations applicable to the disadvantaged groups.
Certain post-secondary technical schools are also private.
The approximate ratio of public schools to private schools in India is 7:5.
While more than 95 percent of children attend primary school, just 40 percent of Indian adolescents attend secondary school.
(i) 1, 2, 4, 3 (ii) 4, 1, 2, 3
(iii) 3, 2, 4, 1 (iv) 3, 1, 4, 2
LITERATURE
Read the extract given below and answer any two of the questions that follow:
The young girl opened the package, which was so badly done up that the contents came into view at once. She gave a little cry of joy.
What is meant by ‘badly done’?
poorly packed (ii) unpleasantly done
(iii) hatefully done (iv) unwillingly packed
Why did she give a cry of joy?
because it contained surprise for her
it was awfully packed
because it contained a small rattrap and 10 kronor notes
because she was expecting the package
Why did the contents come into view as soon as the package was opened?
because it was neatly packed (ii) because it was awkwardly packed
(iii) because it was not packed (iv) because the girl opened it clumsily
‘She gave a little cry of joy’, the sentence shows that the young girl was feeling …………
excited (ii) sorrow
(iii) content (iv) happy
Gandhi never contented himself with large political or economic solutions. He saw the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran villages and wanted to do something about it immediately. He appealed for teachers.
What was Gandhiji’s main concern?
his own political growth (ii) his desire for everyones liking
(iii) economic solution of any problem (iv) removing social and cultural backwardness
What does Gandhiji’s concern tell about his nature?
he was a sensitive person (ii) he was a selfless worker
(iii) he was an attentive politician (iv) all of these
Gandhiji appealed to the teachers because they
are the most intelligent community
are the most vulnerable class
can instill the lesson of cleanliness among villagers
can easily be convinced for anything
At which place did he want some development?
Champaran town (ii) Champaran village
(iii) in all the villages (iv) in Bihar
Sometimes I think Grand Central is growing like a tree, pushing out new corridors and staircases like roots. There’s probably a long tunnel that nobody knows about feeling its way under the city right now, on its way to Times Square, and maybe another to Central Park. And maybe. because for so many
people through the years Grand Central has been an exit, a way of escape maybe that’s how the
tunnel I got into. But I never told my psychiatrist friend about that idea.
Why did he think that Grand Central was growing like a tree?
because it had a lot of trees in it
because it had a lot of corridors and staircases
because it had a lot of trees around it
because it had a continuously been under construction
Identify the figure of speech used in the sentence ‘pushing out new corridors and staircases like roots’.
metaphor (ii) imagery
(iii) simile (iv) personification
Why did anybody not know about the long tunnel?
it is a secret tunnel under the city (ii) it is kept hidden from public
(iii) it is a kind of magical tunnel (iv) because nobody went to that part
What were the speaker’s feelings when he described the Grand Central?
he was shocked (ii) he got upset
(iii) he got anxious (iv) he was fascinated
Read the extract given below and answer any one of the questions that follow:
Now we will count to twelve, and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth, let’s not speak in any language, let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
For how long does the poet want to stay still?
for twelve hours (ii) for twelve days
(iii) for twelve months (iv) for twelve seconds
What could be achieved by keeping quiet?
mental peace (ii) war could be avoided
(iii) knowledge for the importance of silence (iv) rest to our body
The literary device used by the poet in the lines ‘Now we will count to twelve’ is
alliteration (ii) symbol
(iii) metaphor (iv) simile
Why is the poet asking not to speak in any language?
to retain harmony (ii) languages may create trouble
(iii) no one will understand each other’s language (iv) to simply be quiet for an instant
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all, Some shape of beauty moves away the pall From our dark spirits.
What are ‘unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways’?
unjust means to achieve goals (ii) dark alleys of the city
(iii) miscreants of the society (iv) unhealthy ways of living
What are the different shapes of beauty?
physical loveliness (ii) mental beauty
(iii) all the beautiful things (iv) religiousness and spiritualism
The rhyme scheme of the above extract is
aabc (ii) abab
(iii) aaab (iv) abbc
Which of these is similar to the meaning of the word ‘pall’?
apple (ii) jumping
(iii) a dark cloud (iv) shocked
Answer any eight of the following questions:
In peddler’s view, leads people to several griefs.
greed (ii) acquaintances
(iii) friends (iv) poverty
What was the reason for which Douglas wanted to overcome his fear?
he was challenged by his friend (ii) he wanted to show it to his mother
(iii) he wanted to swim in the waters of Cascade (iv) he was an egotistical person
Why did the rag picker children choose to remain barefoot?
it was their helplessness (ii) it was a fashion in their community
(iii) it was a tradition (iv) they liked to remain without footwear
’The Last Lesson’ showcases the .
human dogmatism (ii) negligence on the part of human being
(iii) deferment tendency (iv) political issues
Which option does not support the aspects around which the story ‘The Third Level’ revolves?
fantasy and reality (ii) psychoanalytical
(iii) escapism and harsh reality (iv) imagination and authenticity
How do you see ‘Evans Tries an O Level’?
conflict between government and accused (ii) compromise between officials and criminal
(iii) satire on the judicial system (iv) combat of minds
Mommy Skunk’s behaviour towards the wizard was .
amiable (ii) hostile
(iii) indifferent (iv) aggressive
What does Gandhi’s battle for poor sharecroppers in Champaran imply?
the authority of lawyers (ii) the power of effective leadership
(iii) the power of money (iv) the power of unity
What made Derry share his feelings and fear with Mr. Lamb?
because Mr. Lamb loved children
because Derry had no one to share his feelings with
because Mr. Lamb showed confidence in him
because Mr. Lamb threatened him to tell
What amused the rattrap seller most when he thought of the whole world as the rattrap?
it was a foolish idea (ii) it was humorous
(iii) he could compare two things perfectly (iv) he wasn’t good at jokes
PART - B
WRITING
You are Naresh, student of XII std. of Kothari Public School. You found a blue coloured bag in the school canteen. Draft a notice in not more than 50 words for your school notice board asking the owner to collect it from you after giving valid proof.
OR
You are looking for a lady teacher for your school. Draft an advertisement in about 50 words for the classified columns of a local newspaper.
The principal of your school is retiring this month. The students and the teachers want to give him a farewell party. Draft a formal invitation for the same in not more than 50 words.
OR
You are Rishi/Rishika. You received an invitation letter from your friend Manish to join him/her on a two days trip to Mussorie. Write a reply accepting the invitation in about 50 words.
Bapunagar is a thickly populated locality inhabited mainly by the working class people. Unfortunately, there is no milk booth in the locality. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a local daily drawing the attention of the authorities to the problem faced by the people, requesting them to open a milk booth. You are Rachit/Rachna, 23, Bapunagar, Bikaner.
OR
You are Deepak/Deepika, of 12-A, Ramanujam Road, Chennai. You have come across an advertisement in The Times of India for recruitment of computer engineer trainees by Compro Software. Apply in response to this advertisement in 120-150 words, giving your detailed bio-data. Invent all necessary details.
Write an article in 120-150 words on the topic ‘Importance of Sports’ for the school newsletter. You are Karun/Karuna. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas.
Educational system is definitely incomplete without Sports.
Partially development through classroom education
Balanced development impossible without outdoor activities
Motivational quote by famous person
OR
You are Krishna/Kavita, a resident of Sunshine Helios. Recently the festival of Janmashtmi has been celebrated enthusiastically in your society. Write a report on the same in 120-150 words. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas.
Devotion and enthusiasm seen everywhere
Nicely decorated Balgopal was kept inside the temple
Devotees offered prayers
Cultural programs conducted
Program ended with singing of bhajans
LITERATURE
Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words:
How are people single-minded? What does the poet advice to such people in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’?
What was the reaction of the peasants of Champaran when they came to know that a Mahatma had come to help them?
What was Douglas plan when he realised that he was drowning?
About which windows does the poet talks in the poem ‘An Elementary School Classroom In A Slum’?
What was the content of the letter written by the peddler to Edla ?
What is the sadness that the poet refers to in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’?
Answer any two of the following questions in 30-40 words:
Why did the servants leave Dr. Sadao’s house?
Why was Roger Skunk’s mother angry when she found him smelling like roses?
How did the Governor react to the phone calls he received in quick progression?
Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words:
How did Gandhiji secure justice for the poor share croppers of Champaran?
OR
“I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell.” Which instance did Douglas remember that almost killed him and he developed a strong repugnance to water?
Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words:
Jo was not satisfied with the ending of the story. How did she want it to end and why?
OR
What change did Mr. Lamb bring in Derry’s attitude towards life?
PART - A
Read the passage carefully:
READING
Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk and one of the most celebrated spiritual leaders of India. He was more than just a spiritual mind; he was a prolific thinker, great orator and passionate patriot. He carried on the free-thinking philosophy of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramhansa forward into a new paradigm. He worked tirelessly towards betterment of the society, in servitude of the poor and needy, dedicating his all for his country. He was responsible for the revival of Hindu spiritualism and established Hinduism as a revered religion on world stage. His message of universal brotherhood and self-awakening remains relevant especially in the current backdrop of widespread political turmoil around the world.
The young monk and his teachings have been an inspiration to many and his words have become goals of self-improvement especially for the youth of the country. For this very reason, his birthday, January 12, is celebrated as the National Youth Day in India. Born Narendranath Dutta, into an affluent Bengali family in Calcutta, Vivekananda was one of the eight children of Vishwanath Dutta and Bhuvaneshwari Devi. He was born on January 12, 1863, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Father Vishwanath was a successful attorney with considerable influence in society. Narendranath’s mother Bhuvaneshwari was a woman endowed with a strong, God-fearing mind who had a great impact on her son.
As a young boy, Narendranath displayed sharp intellect. His mischievous nature belied his interest in music, both instrumental as well as vocal. He excelled in his studies as well, first at the Metropolitan institution, and later at the Presidency College in Calcutta. By the time he graduated from the college, he had acquired a vast knowledge of different subjects. He was active in sports, gymnastics, wrestling and body building. He was an avid reader and read up on almost everything under the sun. He perused the Hindu scriptures like the Bhagvad Gita and the Upanishads on one hand, while on the other hand he studied western philosophy, history and spirituality by David Hume, Johann Gottlieb Fichte and Herbert Spencer.
Although Narendranath’s mother was a devout woman and he had grown up in a religious atmosphere at home, he underwent a deep spiritual crisis at the start of his youth. His well-studied knowledge led him to question the existence of God and for some time he believed in Agnosticism. Yet he could not completely ignore the existence of a Supreme Being. He became associated with Brahmo Movement led by Keshab Chandra Sen, for some time. The Bramho Samaj recognised one God unlike the idol-worshipping, superstition-ridden Hinduism. The host of philosophical questions regarding the existence of God roiling through his mind remained unanswered. During this spiritual crisis, Vivekananda first heard about Sri Ramakrishna from William Hastie, the Principal of the Scottish Church College.
Earlier, to satisfy his intellectual quest for God, Narendranath visited prominent spiritual leaders from all religions, asking them a single question, “Have you seen God?” Each time he came away without a satisfying answer. He put forward the same question to Sri Ramkrishna at his residence in Dakshineshwar Kali Temple compounds. Without a moment’s hesitation, Sri Ramakrishna replied: “Yes, I have. I see God as clearly as I see you, only in a much deeper sense.” Vivekananda, initially unimpressed by the simplicity of Ramkrishna, was astonished with Ramakrishna’s reply. Ramakrishna gradually won over this argumentative young man with his patience and love. The more Narendranath visited Dakshineshwar, the more his questions were answered.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any ten of the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option:
Swami Vivekananda was a.......
spiritual leader (ii) philosopher
(iii) reader (iv) motivational speaker
Narendranath believed in Agnotism which meant.......
believing in existence of God (ii) believing in non- existence of God
(iii) following religion strongly (iv) not following the religion
Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that CORRECTLY lists the chronological order of events in the life of Swami Vivekananda:
Narendranath was also associated with the Brahmo Movement.
He studied both the Hindu scriptures and western philosophy and spirituality.
Narendranath was born on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti.
Ramkrishna’s simplistic nature eventually won over Narendranath. (i) 1, 2, 3, 4 (ii) 4, 2, 1, 3
(iii) 3, 2, 1, 4 (iv) 1, 4, 2, 3
What was Vishwanatha Datta’s profession?
attorney (ii) spiritual leader
(iii) teacher (iv) none of these
Which option represents INCORRECT data related to the life of Swami Vivekananda?
Swami Vivekananda preached the message of universal brotherhood.
Swami Vivekananda showed more interest in music than in academics.
In his youth, Swami Vivekananda believed in Agnosticism.
Swami Vivekananda heard about Sri Ramakrishna from the principal of the Scottish Church College.
Which option represents the CORRECT traits of Swami Vivekananda?
option 1 (ii) option 2
(iii) option 3 (iv) option 4
Vivekananda’s birthday, January 12, is celebrated as ..................
The National Religious Day (ii) The National Youth Day in India
(iii) The Youth Parliamentary Day (iv) The Awakening Youth of India
What other qualities did Vivekanand possess besides having spiritual mind?
a prolific thinker (ii) a great orator
(iii) a passionate patriot (iv) all of these
Why did Narendranath visit prominent spiritual leaders from all religions?
to understand different religions properly (ii) to get the knowledge of different faiths
(iii) to get the knowledge of whereabouts of God (iv) to spread religious thoughts
Which word in the passage is opposite to ‘half-hearted’? (para 3)
perused (ii) belied
(iii) affluent (iv) avid
Pick the options that CORRECTLY list the feelings that Swami Vivekananda had in his youth towards God.
agnostic 2. confused
3. faithful 4. atheist
(i) 1 and 2 (ii) 1 and 4
(iii) 2 and 3 (iv) 1 and 3
Read the passage carefully:
At least a third of the huge ice fields in Asia’s towering mountain chain are doomed to melt due to climate change, according to a landmark report, with serious consequences for almost 2 billion people.
Intellectual 2. Intellectual 3. Intellectual 4. Orator
Even if carbon emissions are dramatically and rapidly cut and succeed in limiting global warming to 1.5°C, 36% of the glaciers along in the Hindu Kush and Himalaya range will have gone by 2100. If emissions are not cut, the loss soars to two-thirds, the report found.
The glaciers are a critical water store for the 250 million people who live in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region, and 1.65 billion people rely on the great rivers that flow from the peaks into India, Pakistan, China and other nations.
“This is the climate crisis you haven’t heard of,” said Philippus Wester of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (Icimod), who led the report. “In the best of possible worlds, if we get really ambitious [in tackling climate change], even then we will lose one-third of the glaciers and be in trouble. That for us was the shocking finding.”
Wester said that, despite being far more populous, the HKH region had received less attention than other places, such as low-lying island states and the Arctic, that are also highly vulnerable to global warming. Prof. Jemma Wadham, at the University of Bristol, said: “This is a landmark piece of work focused on a region that is a hotspot for climate change impacts.”
The new report, requested by the eight nations the mountains span, is intended to change that. More than 200 scientists worked on the report over five years, with another 125 experts peer reviewing their work. Until recently the impact of climate change on the ice in the HKH region was uncertain, said Wester. “But we really do know enough now to take action, and action is urgently needed,” he added. The HKH region runs from Afghanistan to Myanmar and is the planet’s “third pole”, harbouring more ice than anywhere outside Arctic and Antarctica. Limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels requires cutting emissions to zero by 2050. This is felt to be extremely optimistic by many but still sees a third of the ice lost, according to the report. If the global rise is 2°C, half of the glaciers are projected to melt away by 2100.
Since the 1970s, about 15% of the ice in the HKH region has disappeared as temperatures have risen. But the HKH range is 3,500 km long and the impact of warming is variable. Some glaciers in Afghanistan and Pakistan are stable and a few are even gaining ice, most probably due to increased cloud cover that shields the sun and changed winds that bring more snow. But even these will start melting with future warming, Wester said.
The melting glaciers will increase river flows through to 2050 to 2060, he said, pushing up the risk of high-altitude lakes bursting their banks and engulfing communities. But from the 2060s, river flows will go into decline. The Indus and central Asian rivers will be most affected. “Those areas will be hard hit,” said Wester. Lower flows will cut the power from the hydrodams that generate much of the region’s electricity. But the most serious impact will be on farmers in the foothills and downstream. They rely on predictable water supplies to grow the crops that feed the nations in the mountains’ shadows.
But the changes to spring melting already appear to be causing the pre-monsoon river flow to fall just when farmers are planting their crops. Worse, said Wester, the monsoon is also becoming more erratic and prone to extreme downpours. “One-in-100 year floods are starting to happen every 50 years,” he said.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any ten of the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option:
By how much percentage will the glaciers have gone in the Hindu Kush and Himalaya range by 2100? (i) 32% (ii) 34%
(iii) 36% (iv) 38%
Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according to the passage.
36% of the glaciers in the Hindu Kush and Himalaya range will have gone by 2100.
1.65 million people rely on the rivers that flow from the peaks into India, Pakistan and China.
The Hindu Kush-Himalaya region runs from Afghanistan to Nepal.
River flows will decline from 2060s.
(i) 2 and 3 (ii) 1 and 4
(iii) 3 and 4 (iv) 2 and 4
If carbon emissions are lowered quickly then the temperature in mountains of HKH range will rise up to.........................
(i) 1.2°C (ii) 2.0°C
(iii) 1.5°C (iv) 2.1°C
Based on the information given in the passage, choose the option that CORRECTLY states the depiction of loss of ice if carbon emissions are slashed.
1 2 3 4
(i) image 1 (ii) image 2
(iii) image 3 (iv) image 4
According to the 2019 assessment of Hindu Kush Himalaya range, which option CORRECTLY displays the percentage of ice that has disappeared since 1970s.
1 2 3 4
(i) option 1 (ii) option 2
(iii) option 3 (iv) option 4
Based on the given graphical representation of data in the passage, choose the option that lists the statement that is TRUE with respect to the slashing of emissions.
If global warming is limited to 1.5°C then only a third of ice will be lost by 2100
If global warming is limited to 2.0°C then only two thirds of ice will be lost by 2100
If global warming is limited to 5.6°C then only two thirds of ice will be lost by 2100
If global warming is limited to 4.5°C then only half of ice will be lost by 2100
If the carbon emission is not cut at all then how much ice will be lost by 2100?
(i) one-third (ii) one-fourth
(iii) two-third (iv) three-fourth
The HKH region runs from and is the planet’s “third pole”.
(i) Afghanistan to Myanmar (ii) India to Pakistan
(iii) Pakistan to China (iv) Myanmar to Afghanistan
For how many people who live in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region, the glaciers are a critical water store?
(i) 1.65 billion (ii) 1.65 million
(iii) 250 million (iv) 250 billion
Which word in the passage means same as ‘promptly’? (para 1)
(i) rapidly (ii) emissions
(iii) dramatically (iv) soars
Arrange the given statements according to the sequence in which they occur in the passage.
Rise in temperatures since 1970 has led to the disappearance of about 15% of ice in HKH region.
More than 200 scientists worked on the HKH Assessment report for over five years.
The Indus and central Asian rivers will be most affected by the rise in temperature.
If carbon emissions are left uncut then by 2100 loss of glaciers soars by two-thirds. (i) 1, 2, 3, 4 (ii) 4, 2, 1, 3
(iii) 3, 2, 1, 4 (iv) 1, 4, 2, 3
LITERATURE
Read the extract given below and answer any two of the questions that follow:
“You do preach worse than a parson”, said the ironmaster. “ I only hope you won’t have to regret this”.
Who was the ironmaster talking to?
to his workers (ii) to the peddler
(iii) to his daughter (iv) to his companion
Identify the figure of speech used in the phrase “preach worse than a parson”?
simile (ii) metaphor
(iii) personification (iv) symbolism
What was she preaching?
the holy Bible (ii) to be kind to the employees
(iii) to be kind to the people around (iv) not to chase away the peddler
Why did the ironmaster ask her not to regret in future?
because the peddler was a thief
because he was mistaken and took him to be his old acquaintance
because his daughter didn’t know the ways of the world
because his daughter was persuading him to allow the peddler to stay
Poor man! It was in honour of this last lesson that he had put on his fine Sunday clothes, and now I understood why the old men of the village were sitting there in the back of the room. It was because they were sorry, too, that they had not gone to school more. It was their way of thanking our master for his forty years of faithful service and of showing their respect for the country that was theirs no more.
Who was called ‘Poor man’?
Hauser (ii) the Frenchman
(iii) M. Hamel (iv) blacksmith
What kind of feelings were expressed by the villagers when they sat for the last class?
remorseful (ii) joyful
(iii) anxious (iv) confused
Why did the old men come for the class?
to honor the Hamel’s services (ii) to learn the French last time
(iii) to see the commotion in the school (iv) to Bid farewell to the teacher
Why did the country belong to them no more?
because they were leaving the country
because Germans had taken over their country
because it was destroyed in the war
because their country was merging into some other country
Jack rapped on the window sill, and under the covers Jo’s tall figure clenched in an infantile thrill. “And then a tiny little old man came out, with a long white beard and a pointed blue hat, and said, “Eh? Whatzis? Whatcher want? You smell awful.” The wizard’s voice was one of Jack’s own favourite effects; he did it by scrunching up his face and somehow whining through his eyes, which felt for the interval rheumy.
Why did Jack knock on the window sill?
to wake up Jo (ii) to make the wizard listen to him
(iii) to create the sound effect (iv) to call his wife
Which word in the above extract has the meaning closest to ‘immature or childish’?
tiny (ii) infantile
(iii) robust (iv) scrunching
How did the wizard look like?
wizard was a tiny and old creature (ii) wizard had a long white beard
(iii) wizard was wearing blue pointed hat (iv) all of these
How did Jack show that wizard’s voice was his favourite one?
he said this to Jo (ii) he did it by scrunching up his face
(iii) he had written about it in his diary (iv) he often made sounds of wizard generally
Read the extract given below and answer any one of the questions that follow:
Children, these windows, not this map, their world, Where all their future’s painted with a fog,
A narrow street sealed in with a lead sky
Far far from rivers, capes, and stars of words.
Where is the world of these children?
in their classrooms (ii) in their houses
(iii) outside the windows of the school (iv) in the map
What kind of future do these children have?
bright (ii) cheerful
(iii) bleak (iv) sad
Identify the literary device in ‘future’s painted with a fog’.
simile (ii) metaphor
(iii) alliteration (iv) personification
What does ‘lead sky’ symbolise?
despair (ii) hopefulness
(iii) fancy world (iv) dark sky
If we were not so single-minded About keeping our lives moving, And for once could do nothing, Perhaps a huge silence
Might interrupt this sadness…
(a) ‘We’ refers to ..........................
the poet and his friends (ii) the poet and his family
(iii) the working class of the society (iv) the whole mankind
On which point should we be single-minded?
on the choices of profession (ii) while choosing the educational institute
(iii) on our own advancement (iv) about the welfare of the human beings
What is the rhyming scheme used in the poem?
enclosed rhyme (ii) mon rhyme
(iii) sonnet (iv) free verse
What will huge silence do to sadness?
it will aggravate sadness (ii) it will balance sadness
(iii) it will diminish sadness (iv) none of these
Answer any eight of the following questions:
What were the things being taken for granted by the people of Alsace?
school teachers (ii) time and school
(iii) villagers (iv) money and power
What is the metaphorical symbol of Seemapuri in the lesson?
poverty (ii) exploitation
(iii) enjoyment (iv) a little hell
(c ) “I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell”. What does ‘oblivion’ mean?
(i) stupefied (ii) changing room
(iii) unconsciousness (iv) death
Sitting in the carriage with the young girl, the rattrap seller was deep in thought. He felt .
guilty at having stolen the crofter’s money (ii) ashamed at coming with the girl
(iii) nervous and tense (iv) confident
Which incident was the turning point in Gandhiji’s fight for freedom in India?
Non- co-operation Movement (ii) Quit India Movement
(iii) Dandi March (iv) Champaran episode
Who had sent that ‘First Day cover’ in the ‘The third Level’?
Sam’s father (ii) Sam’s uncle
(iii) Sam’s psychiatrist (iv) Sam’s grandfather
What did Dr. Sadao do to stop the soldier’s bleeding temporarily?
filled the cut with bandages (ii) filled the cut with sea moss
(iii) gave him anesthesia (iv) gave him an injection
How did the other animals of the woods react when Roger Skunk began smelling good?
the animals invited roger skunk to their homes
the animals shunned roger skunk away
the animals played with him
the animals teased him
What did the two women in the street say to hurt Derry?
it was a face no one could love
it was a face everyone could love
it was a face only a mother could love
it was a face kids would be scared of
What was filled in the plastic ring in McLeery’s suitcase?
red colour (ii) human blood
(iii) pig’s blood (iv) goat’s blood
PART - B
WRITING
Draft a notice in not more than 50 words for your school notice board informing the students of the Prefectorial Board about the upcoming meeting. You are Manjit/Manjita, Coordinator of Pragyan Public School.
OR
Keeping in view the situation of COVID-19, your tuition teacher has decided to start Online coaching classes. Write an advertisement in not more than 50 words on behalf of her.
Recently your showroom ‘Swag Fashions’ opened a fashion outlet. You announced the opening and inauguration of ‘Swag Exclusive Outlet’ to be held at 12, M.G. Road, Chennai. Write a formal invitation for the same in not more than 50 words.
OR
Write a formal reply on behalf of Mr. Ashutosh regretting his inability to attend the Silver Jubilee wedding anniversary of Mrs and Mr. Vohra in about 50 words.
You are Sujatha/Sujoy, resident of 112- B, Anmol Nagar, Ujjain. You are pained to see the increasing cases of female foeticide. Write a letter to the editor of News-24, giving some suggestions to make the people aware of this in 120-150 words.
OR
You are Nitin/Nitima living in Mysore. You have just completed Hotel Management Course and looking for a job. While browsing through The Times of India, you came across an advertisement for the requirement of an executive chef in Hotel Marriott . Write an application in about 120-150 words for the same giving your resume.
The importance of a newspaper cannot be overlooked in this fast moving era. The people lay down their grievances for the consideration of the government through the newspaper. Write an article on the ’Functions of a newspaper’ in 120-150 words. You are Ankit/Ankita.’ You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas.
Importance of the newspaper
Main mode of communication
Keeps people updated with global and local news
Mode of contemporary history
Government and people
Grievances of people
OR
You are Vijay/Vijaya, Assembly Secretary of Army Police Public School, Vasant Kunj. Write a report in 120- 150 words on the felicitation ceremony held in your school. You may use the cues given below along with your own ideas.
Felicitation ceremony for academic and co-curricular achievers
Chief Guest of the programme
Introductory dance
Address by principal and chief guest
Cash tokens to the toppers and all round topper
LITERATURE
Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words:
How does the metaphor of rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of the tiger’s attitudes?
Why was Saheb not bothered about wearing the torn shoes?
‘ The next day both men got up in good, season.’ Who are the men who are mentioned in the line and what did they both do when they got up?
‘Those who prepare green wars’, who are ‘those’ in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’?
What does the image of merry children imply in the poem ‘My Mother At Sixty Six’ by Kamala Das?
Answer any two of the following questions in 30-40 words:
Do you think doctor’s decision was good in the chapter ‘The Enemy’?
What did you feel about Evan’s having the last laugh?
Why was the wizard’s house so dirty?
Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words:
What was author’s experience at Mukesh’s home?
OR
‘The blacksmiths glanced only casually and indifferently at the intruder’ but ‘The ironmaster did not follow the example of the blacksmiths who had hardly deigned to look at the stranger’. How was the attitude of both the persons different?
Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words:
What message is conveyed through the story ‘On the face of it’?
OR
What is the moral issue that the story ‘ Should Wizard Hit Mommy’ raises?