Dear Teachers and Students,
Join School of Educators' exclusive WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal groups for FREE access
to a vast range of educational resources designed to help you achieve 100/100 in exams!
Separate groups for teachers and students are available, packed with valuable content to
boost your performance.
Additionally, benefit from expert tips, practical advice, and study hacks designed to enhance
performance in both CBSE exams and competitive entrance tests.
Don’t miss out—join today and take the first step toward academic excellence!
Join the Teachers and Students
Group by Clicking the Link Below
Series ARSP/04 Set ~ 4
Roll No. Q.P Code 15/4/4
Candidates must write the Q.P Code
on the title page of the answer-book.
Please check that this question paper contains 09 printed pages.
Q.P. Code given on the right hand side of the question paper should be written
on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate.
Please check that this question paper contains 11 questions.
Please write down the serial number of the question in the answer-book
before attempting it.
15 Minute times has been allotted to read this question paper. The question
paper will be distributed at 10:15 a.m. From 10.15 a.m to 10.30 a.m, the students
will read the question paper only and will not write any answer on the answer –
book during this period.
ENGLISH(LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE )
Time allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them :
1. This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory.
2. The question paper contains THREE sections -
Section - A : Reading Skills
Section - B : Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section - C : Literature Text Book
3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part.
Section A Reading
1. Read the following passage carefully: [10]
1. Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing
production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world's ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution
is most visible in developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often
inefficient or nonexistent. But the developed world, especially in countries with low recycling rates, also
has trouble properly collecting discarded plastics. Plastic trash has become so ubiquitous that it has
prompted efforts to write a global treaty negotiated by the United Nations.
2. Plastics made from fossil fuels are just over a century old. Production and development of thousands of new
plastic products accelerated after World War II. It transformed the modern age so much that life without
plastics is unrecognizable today. Plastics revolutionized medicine with life-saving devices, made space
travel possible, lightened cars and jets - saving fuel and pollution - and saved lives with helmets, incubators,
and equipment for clean drinking water.
3. The conveniences plastics offer, however, led to a throw-away culture that reveals the material's dark side:
today, single-use plastics account for 40 percent of the plastic produced every year. Many of these products,
such as plastic bags and food wrappers, have a lifespan of mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the
environment for hundreds of years.
4. Most of the plastic trash in the oceans, Earth's last sink, flows from land. Trash is also carried to sea by
major rivers, which act as conveyor belts, picking up more and more trash as they move downstream. Once
at sea, much of the plastic trash remains in coastal waters. But once caught up in ocean currents, it can be
transported around the world.
5. Millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, from birds to fish to other marine organisms. Nearly
700 species, including endangered ones, are known to have been affected by plastics. Nearly every species
of seabirds eats plastics. Most of the deaths of animals are caused by entanglement or starvation. Seals,
whales, turtles, and other animals are strangled by abandoned fishing gear or discarded six-pack rings.
6. The solution is to prevent plastic waste from entering rivers and seas in the first place, many scientists and
conservationists - including the National Geographic Society - say. This could be accomplished with
improved waste management systems and recycling, better product design that takes into account the short
life of disposable packaging, and reduction in manufacturing of unnecessary single-use plastics.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage: (10)
i. Which of the following statements best describes the reason why plastic pollution has become one of the
most pressing environmental issues? (1)
A. Plastic trash collection systems have become inefficient or nonexistent.
B. Rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world's ability to deal with
them.
C. Some plastics have a lifespan of mere minutes to hours, yet they may persist in the environment for
hundreds of years.
D. The developed world, especially in countries with low recycling rates, has trouble properly collecting
plastics.
ii. What is the tone of the writer in the given lines from paragraph 2? Rationalise your response in about 40
words. It transformed the modern age so much that life without plastics is unrecognizable today. (2)
iii. The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other. From the sets (A) - (E) below, identify
two sets of synonyms. (1)
A. garbage and trash
B. starvation and strangled
C. disposable and reduction
D. persist and downstream
E. transformed and revolutionized
iv. Complete the sentence appropriately: (1)
The writer says that most of the plastic trash is found in the Earth s last sink and the reason it is transported
around the world is ________.
v. Based on the reading of the passage, examine, in about 40 words, the downside of the convenience that
plastic offers. (2)
vi. Complete the sentence appropriately: (1)
According to conservationists, the two ways in which most of the deaths of animals are caused are
____________.
vii. Based on the passage, how can we contibute to the reduction of plastic waste? (1)
A. by internationalising the waste management system
B. by minimizing the use of single-use plastics
C. by not abandoning fishing gear
D. by not using helmets made of plastic
viii. State one reason why plastic pollution is most visible in developing Asian and African nations. (1)
2. Read the passage given below: [10]
1. Starting Monday, the country's low-cost Mars mission with the red planet for an extended period will enter
the "blackout" phase snapping communication with the satellite. From June 8 to 22 the Sun will block Mars
from the Earth snapping communication with the satellite.
2. A senior Indian Space Research Organisation official said. "This will be for the first time that there will be a
communication break for such a long period of about 15 days. During this period, there will be no
communication with the satellite", he added.
3. Expressing confidence about regaining control over the satellite once the blackout phase is over, he said,
"the scenario has been tested and the line of communication will be established." The spacecraft's life has
been extended for another six months in March due to surplus fuel.
4. Stating that the spacecraft has been "configured" for the blackout, the ISRO official said, "we are not
sending any commands to the spacecraft now, till 8th June few hours of signals will be sent by the
spacecraft that will be for about two to three hours per day". In May next year, the mission will have to go
through a similar phase once again, if there is another extension of mission life when the Earth will come
between the Sun and Mars.
5. Scripting space history, India on September 24 last successfully placed its low-cost Mars spacecraft in orbit
around the red planet in its very first attempt, breaking into an elite club of three countries.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below: (10)
i. What is the "blackout" phase in the context of the Mars mission, and how long will it last? (2)
ii. Choose the appropriate option to fill in the blank. (1)
From paragraph 1 & 2, we can infer that there will be ________.
1. no communication with the people.
2. blackout phase.
3. satellite will get no communication.
4. moon will block the earth.
5. the communication break will be for 15 days.
a. 1, 2 & 3
b. 1, 3 & 4
c. 2, 3 & 5
d. 3, 4 & 5
iii. Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phase from paragraph 2: (1)
aroma: cooking:: ________: space research
(Clue - just like aroma is integral to cooking, similarly ________ is/are integral to Space Research.)
iv. According to ISRO official till 8th July, when Sun will block Mars, ________ signal/signals per day will be
sent to the spacecraft. (1)
a. no
b. considerable
c. indefinite
d. only for few
v. Select the correct option to complete the following sentence: (1)
The ISRO officials are ________ about their control over the spacecraft after the blackout phase.
a. doubtful
b. apprehensive
c. confident
d. jittery
vi. How has the spacecraft's mission been managed to handle the blackout phase and what is planned for
communication during this period? (2)
vii. Read the following sentences: (1)
A. The blackout was a sudden development.
B. Because of this, the officials are very nervous about the success of the spacecraft.
a. Both (A) & (B) are true.
b. Both (A) & (B) are false.
c. (A) is true and (B) is false.
d. (A) is false and (B) is true.
viii. Substitute the word 'nonpareil' with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from paragraph
5. (1)
India managed to get into the nonpareil club of Mars spacecraft in orbit.
Section B Grammar
3. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed [10]
(a) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter: [1]
Dear Madam
This is with reference to posters ________ (bear) the message of ‘crash diet’ being posted around our
school premises.
(b) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following: [1]
VACCINATE YOURSELF TO COMBAT CORONA
No prior appointment required, Walk-in & get your jab
Facility are available for 18 years and above
Health Department, Chandigarh Administration
Use the given format for your response.
error correction
(c) Bela shared some information about her visit to her grandmother with Malini. Report Malini’s [1]
question.
Is your grandmother feeling better now?
(d) Before preparing a dish, the cook asked the children something. Report the cook’s question. [1]
Who doesn’t like cheese?
(e) The river had crept ________ the banks and spread across the flat plains. [1]
a) into b) over
c) below d) under
(f) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line, from a [1]
news report:
Education plays a important role in building an individual’s identity and personality.
Option no. Error Correction
A plays play
B a an
C in for
D an the
(g) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the words of Pablo Picasso. [1]
Inspiration does exist, but it ________ find you working.
a) must b) will
c) may d) can
(h) Fill in the blank by using the correct word in the bracket. [1]
Anyas ________ (eat) all the chocolates kept in the tray.
a) ate b) have eaten
c) eating d) eaten
(i) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line, from an online paper on Global [1]
Warming.
Over the long term, such changes ________ result in a loss of biodiversity on the planet. Some
ecosystems, such as coral reefs and coastal mangrove swamps, are likely to disappear completely.
a) would b) may
c) could d) shall
(j) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets. [1]
The hikers trudged up the narrow ________ (wind) path on the fourth day of the trek.
(k) There ________ more calories in a bowl of chocolate-broccoli breakfast cereal than you might think. [1]
a) are b) is
c) were d) will be
(l) Few students who ________ playing football missed the class. [1]
a) were b) could be
c) was d) had
Section B Writing
4. Use notes in the following box to write a paragraph. [5]
Trip Malshej
Located at a height of 700 meters in the Western Ghats in Thane District of Maharashtra.
An off beat summer get away-very scenic-low lying clouds.
Hot spot of trekkers - serpentine paths leading to forests and rugged hills, the more enthusiastic ones can
take the gruelling climb to Harish chandragad peak at 4,670 feet-incredible view once atop.
Famous Shivneri fort-birthplace of legendary Maratha Chieftain, Shivaji.
OR
Childhood is the time when adequate nutrition is very essential for healthy growth. Improper diet in this age may
result in heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes. Based on the following cartoon in a newspaper showing the
effect of unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary life-style on children these days, write a descriptive paragraph on
Healthy Life-Style for Children.
5. Write a Diary Entry about your experience of a concert which you attended. [5]
OR
Read the given lines and complete the story. Give a suitable title to your story.
I awoke one morning and found myself famous...
Section C Literature
6. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. [5]
(a) Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: [5]
You spoke finely then, and I shall be indebted to you to my dying day; but, strictly speaking, it was
your cook, Olga, who saved me.” “How is that?” “When I used to come to your house to chop wood
she used to begin: ‘Oh, you sot, you! Oh, you miserable creature! There’s nothing for you but ruin.’
And then she would sit down opposite me and grow sad, look into my face and weep. ‘Oh, you
unlucky man! There is no pleasure for you in this world and there will be none in the world to come.
You drunkard! You will burn in hell. Oh, you unhappy one!’ And so she would carry on, you know, in
that strain. I can’t tell you how much misery she suffered, how many tears she shed for my sake. But
the chief thing was - she used to chop the wood for me. Do you know, sir, that I did not chop one
single stick of wood for you? She did it all. Why this saved me, why I changed, why I stopped
drinking at the sight of her I cannot explain. I only know that, owing to her words and noble deeds, a
change took place in my heart; she set me right and I shall never forget it.
i. State one inference about Olga from the given extract. (1)
ii. What was the beggar's previous lifestyle, and how did Olga's actions and words contribute to his
decision to stop drinking? Elaborate in about 40 words, with reference to the extract. (2)
iii. State TRUE or FALSE. (1)
None of the terms (a)-(d) below, can be applied to the question - What was the beggar's initial
state of mind before Olga's intervention?
a. Content
b. Energetic
c. Alcoholic
d. Successful
iv. Which phrase or word would correctly substitute ''misery”, in the given sentence from the extract?
(1)
I can’t tell you how much misery she suffered, how many tears she shed for my sake.
(b) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. [5]
I took a close look at my face in the mirror, I made an important decision, I would shave daily and
grow a thin mustache to look more handsome. I was after all a bachelor and a doctor! I looked into the
mirror and smiled. It was an attractive smile. I made another earth-shaking decision. I would always
keep that attractive smile on my face ... to look more handsome. I was after all a bachelor, and a
doctor too on top of it! I was unmarried and I was a doctor. I felt I had to make my presence felt. I
picked up the comb and ran it through my hair and adjusted the parting so that it looked straight and
neat.
a. Which of the following statements is NOT true about the protagonist in the given extract? (1)
i. The protagonist decided to shave daily.
ii. The protagonist wanted to grow a thin mustache.
iii. The protagonist was already married.
iv. The protagonist aimed to maintain an attractive smile
b. What was the doctor's motivation for growing a thin mustache and maintaining an attractive
smile? (2)
c. How did the doctor decide to enhance his appearance? (1)
d. Which word or phrase would correctly substitute 'earth-shaking' , in the given sentence from the
extract? (1)
I was after all a bachelor and a doctor! I looked into the mirror and smiled. It was an attractive
smile. I made another earth-shaking decision.
7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given. [5]
(a) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. [5]
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
a. The color yellow symbolizes the ________ season. (1)
b. What is the cause of the poet's feelings of sorrow? (2)
c. What was the emotional state of the poet in the provided lines? (1)
i. he was confused
ii. he was indifferent
iii. he was agitated
iv. he was excited
d. What does the phrase 'long I stood' reflect about the poet? (1)
(b) Read the extract and answer the questions that follow. [5]
A slumber did my spirit seal-
I had no human fears.
She scented a thing that could not feel
The touch of earthly years.
No notion has she now, no force-
She neither hears nor sees,
Rolled round in earth’s diurnal course
With rocks and stones and trees
a. ________ composed the poem. (1)
b. What does ‘the slumber’ refer to in the first line? (1)
c. What can she "not feel"? Explain in 40 words. (2)
d. What is the rhyming meter implemented by the poet? (1)
i. abdc abdc
ii. abcd abcd
iii. abab cdcd
iv. free verse
8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions, in about 40-50 words [12]
(a) What was the headmaster’s opinion about Einstein? [3]
(b) What is the cloud’s birthplace? How does it go upward to heaven? Write your answer in the context of [3]
poem Rain on the Roof.
(c) Do you think the new teacher deserved the treatment meted out to him? Why/why not? [3]
(d) Why does the author call Baudhnath stupa a haven of quietness? [3]
(e) Who was Saint Peter? [3]
9. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. [6]
(a) How did Behrman save Johnsy's life? Write your answer in the context of The Last Leaf. [3]
(b) When did the author realise that his cat was missing? Write your answer in the context of A House is [3]
Not a Home.
(c) How does Iswaran describe the uprooted tree on the highway? What effect does he want to create in [3]
his listeners?
10. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words [6]
(a) Which traits of Evelyn’s personality enabled her to overcome the challenge of deafness? [6]
(b) What type of a social system was there is in the village when Santosh was born? Write your answer in [6]
the context of Reach for the Top.
11. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 100-120 words. [6]
(a) Why did the people choose and crown the Guru and his disciple? [6]
(b) What changes do you notice in the behaviour of the child, once he is separated from his parents in the [6]
story The Lost Child?