NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA SAMITI

SHILLONG REGION

SAADHANA PROGRAM
2024-2025

PRACTICE PAPERS
for
CLASS - XII
SUBJECT: ENGLISH CORE (301)

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DETAILS OF COORDINATOR & THE TEAM

Coordinator:
Ram Nath Yadav
Principal, JNV, Longding
Arunachal Pradesh

Contributors:
1. Mr. C.B. Deori, PGT-English
JNV, Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh
2. Mrs. Joya Kamsi, PGT-English
JNV, Roing, Arunachal Pradesh
3. Mr. Suman Paul, PGT-English
JNV, Longding, Arunachal Pradesh
4. Mr. Subhadip Datta Chaudhury, PGT-English
JNV, Dhemaji, Assam
5. Dr. Debani Deb, PGT-English
JNV Lakhimpur, Assam

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 Index
Sr. No. Contents Page No.

1. Blue Print 5-6

2. Sample Paper -I 7-18
3. Sample Paper - II 19-32
4. Sample Paper - III 33-43
5. Sample Paper - IV 44-54
6. Sample Paper - V 55-65
7. Answer key Sample Paper - I 66-70
8. Answer key Sample Paper - II 71-74
9. Answer key Sample Paper - III 75-85
10. Answer key Sample Paper - IV 86-91
11. Answer key Sample Paper - V 92-97
Section wise Practice Paper
12. Section A : Reading Skills 98-112
13. Section B : Advanced Writing Skills 113-117
Section C : Literature
14. Flamingo (Poetry) 118-120
15. Flamingo (Prose) 121-127
16. Vistas 128-137

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 Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti

Sample question Paper - I

CLASS XII SUB: ENGLISH CORE

MAXIMUM MARKS:80 TIME ALLOWED:3 HOURS

Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:

(i)This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.

(ii)This question paper contains three sections: Section A:Reading skills, Section B:Creative
Writing Skills and Section C: Literature.

(iii)Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct
question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.

(iv)Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.

(v)Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION - A

Reading Skills (22 marks)

1. Read the following passage carefully: 12

(1)South India is known for its music, arts and rich literature. Madras or Chennai can be called
the cultural capital and the soul of Mother India. The city is built low in pleasant contrast to
the ghoulish tall structures of Mumbai and Kolkata. It has vast open spaces and ample greenery.
The majestic spacious Mount Road looks like a river, wide and deep. A stroll on the Marina
beach in the evening with the sea glistening in your face is refreshing. The breeze soothes the
body, it refreshes the mind, sharpens the tongue and brightens the intellect.

(2)One can never feel dull in Chennai. The intellectual and cultural life of the city is something
of a marvel. Every street corner of Chennai has a literary forum, a debating society, music,
dance and dramatic club. The intelligent arguments, the sparking wit and dashing irony enliven
both the political and the literary meetings. There is a young men`s association which attracts
brilliant speakers and equally brilliant listeners to its meetings. It is a treat to watch the speakers
using their oratorical weapons. Chennai speakers are by and large sweet and urbane, though
the cantankerous, fire-eating variety is quite often witnessed in political campaigning. The
urbane speakers weave their arguments slowly like the unfolding of a leisurely Carnatic raga.

(3)Music concerts and dance performances draw packed houses. There is hardly any cultural
family in Chennai that does not learn and patronize music and dance in its pristine purity.
Rukmani Devi Arundale`s ‘Kalakshetra` is a renowned international centre. It has turned out
hundreds of celebrated maestros and dancers who have brought name and glory to our country.
Carnatic music has a peculiar charm of its own. It has the moon`s soft beauty and moon`s soft

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pace. Thousands of people flock to the temple ‘maidans` to get drunk with the mellifluous
melodies of their favourite singers. They sit out all night in the grueling heat, swaying to the
rhythm of ‘nadaswaram` and rollicking with the measured beats of ‘mridangam`. M.S.
Subbulakshmi is considered to be the Nightingale of the South.

(4)The Gods might descend from heaven to see a South Indian damsel dancing. There are
several varieties of South Indian dance- Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi,Kathakali,
etc. Age can neither nor custom stale its beautiful variety. Bharatnatyam is the most graceful
and enchanting dance form, whereas Kathakali is the most masculine and virile. South Indian
dances combine voluptuousness with purity. Here, every muscle and fibre of the body vibrates
into life, and as the tempo increases , a divine flame-like passion bodies forth as if making an
assault on heaven.

(5)South Indian dress, particularly of the males, is puritanically simple. There you cannot
distinguish a judge from an ‘ardali` by their dress. South Indian ladies too look charming and
graceful in their colourfulKanjeevaram and Mysore silk sarees.

(6)South Indian cuisine, especially ‘dosa`, ‘idli` and ‘vada’ are so delicious that now we can
enjoy them almost everywhere in India as well as in foreign countries. The Madras ‘idli`, which
was a favourite of Gandhiji, is served with ‘sambhar` and ‘coconut chutney`.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

(i) For what is South India mainly known? 1

(A)For tasty food

(B)For its traditional music, art, literature

(C)For scenic beauty

(D)For its delicate and precise ways

(ii) What are the main attractions of the political and literary meetings? 2

(iii)What is M.S. Subbulakshmi considered to be? 1

(iv)Why are South Indian dances special? 1

(v)What can we conclude from the dressing style of the male members? 1

(A)It fosters a sense of equality

(B)It fosters simplicity in people

(C)It highlights the discrimination that exists in society

(D)Both (B) and(C)

(vi)Which of the following dance forms is the most masculine and virile? 1

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 (A) Bharatnatyam

(B) Kathakali

(C) Mohiniyattam

(D) Kuchipudi

(vii) ‘one can never feel dull in Chennai`. Why? 2

(viii)’Carnatic music has a peculiar charm of its own`. Do people enjoy this kind of music? 2
(ix) Pick the option from the following which corresponds to the words ‘sophisticated` or
‘refined` 1

(A)Cultural

(B)Dramatic

(C)Urbane

(D)Oratorical

2. Read the following passage carefully: 10

(1)Weight gain and difficulty in losing weight are big concerns for those suffering from
hypothyroidism. When thyroid hormones are low, metabolism slows down, causing weight
gain. There is no special diet that can help cure thyroid disorders completely, but eating a well-
balanced diet can definitely help maintain proper thyroid functioning.

(2)Diet plays an important role in helping us manage the disease. While we may be good at
controlling what we eat, it is also important to think about what we drink. Healthy drinks for
people with hypothyroid should be low in calories and rich in nutrients. Thyroid inflammation
may be behind our anxiety and stress.

(3)The thyroid gland secretes several hormones, including thyroxin (T4). These hormones help
regulate metabolism and body temperature among many other things. If thyroid does not work
properly, it can do a lot of damage. For instance, when thyroid makes more hormones than the
body needs, it is called hyperthyroidism. By contrast, hypothyroidism is the result of too little
thyroid hormone. Facial swelling is a common sign in this disease.

(4)These problems can range from small to big depending on when it is getting diagnosed. In
most cases, if the thyroid is diagnosed and treated properly , it is possible for the person
suffering from the disease to keep it under control. Following a healthy lifestyle that includes
physical activities and a nutritious diet can go a long way in maintaining a healthy thyroid.
Certain food contains nutrients that help in improving the health of the thyroid glands. These
will not only help our thyroid but also support the liver, lymphatic system and digestive system.

(5)Ayurvedic practices believe that drinking warm lemon water helps balance and detoxify
body. The warm water (it should be purified and lukewarm, not boiling) warms up our body

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while the lemon, which is an excellent source of vitamin C, is powerful antioxidants that may
help flush out toxins from our body. Since lemons are highly alkalizing, they help us release
excess water(diuretic), boost our immune system, balance our body`s pH level, clear up our
skin with antioxidants, and even aid weight loss by curbing hunger, pains and cravings.

(6)But on the top of everything, we should make sure that prior advice from the doctor before
making significant dietary change is taken.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

(i)Which of the following is the correct definition of ‘hypothyroidism`? 1

(A)’Hypothyroidism` helps us gain weight

(B)’Hypothyroidism` causes weight gain and difficulty in losing weight

(C)’Hypothyroidism` causes weight loss which is a common phenomenon

(D)’Hypothyroidism` helps regulate metabolism

(ii)What causes the metabolism to slow down? How can it be cured? 2

(iii)How important is diet for people with hypothyroid? 2

(iv)What is the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism? 2

(v)Fill in the blanks.

T4 is a hormone that regulates ___________________and______________________. 1

(vi)What are the blessings of drinking warm lemon water? 1

(I)It is an excellent source of vitamin C
(II)It reduces hair fall
(III)It helps flush out toxins from our body
(IV)It helps balance and detoxify body
(V)It boosts immunity
Options:
(A)IVand v
(B)I and V
(C)All, except II
(D)Only II
(vii)Choose the best possible title for the given passage. 1

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 (A)Hormones and Metabolism
(B)Thyroid and Hypothyroid
(C)Hypothyroid-Systems and Cure
(D)None of these
SECTION B

Creative Writing Skills (18 marks)

3. Attempt any one of the two,(a) or (b), in about 50 words. 4

a) Yesterday, during lunch break, you misplaced your notes on chemistry lectures. You want
to get them back. Write a notice, in about 50 words, for the school notice board. You are
Atul/Anu, a student of class XII A.

OR
b)You are the Health Secretary of Students Council, Citizens Public School, Ram Bagh,
Varanasi. The Council has decided to start from the 2nd day of October, a week-long cleanliness
drive around the school. Draft a notice in about 50 words asking class XI students to enroll for
the drive.

4. Attempt any one of the two,(a) or (b), in about 50 words. 4

a) You are the President, Literary Society of Sunshine International School, Manali. Draft an
invitation to author,
MsManjul Bajaj requesting her to conduct a workshop on creative writing in your school. You
are Romi/Rohit.
OR
b) You are Deba/Deepa. Your father, Shri Dheeraj Garg of Gurugram, wants you to draft an
invitation to be sent to friends and relatives on the occasion of your elder sister`s marriage.
Prepare the invitation giving necessary details, in not more than 50 words.

5. Attempt any one of the two,(a) or (b), in about 120—150 words. 5

(a) You are Anil/Anita of Vasant Road, Lucknow. You saw the given advertisement in the
newspaper and wish to apply for the position advertised. Write a letter of application in 120—
150 words along with a detailed bio-data.

CREDENCE PVT. LTD

Required: Food Technologist
Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
2 years degree/diploma in Food Technology, having minimum 2 years Lab experience.
Competency in basic computer skills.
Send your bio-data within 10 days to Manager, Credence Pvt. Ltd., Hazratganj, Lucknow. For further
details, check out website-www.credence.com.
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 OR

(b) Lack of job opportunities in the rural areas is forcing people to migrate to cities. Every big
city thus, has a number of slums in it. Life in these slums is miserable. Write a letter, in 120-
150 words, to the Editor of a National Newspaper on how we can improve the living
conditions in these slums. You are Karan/Karuna, M114, Mall Road, Delhi.

6. Attempt any one of the two,(a) or (b), in 120-150 words. 5

(a) Draft an article in 120-150 words to be published in a prominent journal on the problem
of stray dogs in your colony. Give suggestions to overcome this menace. You are
Prerna/Prashant. Use the given cues along with your ideas to compose the article:

Problems of stray dogs

--aggressive, uncontrollable behavior

--litter streets by overturning dustbins

--barking and howling nuisance to the community

--risk of diseases

Solutions

--adopt

--befriend

--vaccinate

OR

b) An NGO, ‘Health for All` organized a health check-up camp in a slum at Amritsar. You are
Ruchika/ Raunak, and you visited the camp. Write a report, in 120-150words, covering
arrangements, such as registration, check-up, test carried out, etc.
SECTION C
Literature (40 marks)

7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a)
or (b): 6

(a) 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. (A Thing of Beauty)

(i)Which ‘tales` does the poet refer here? 1

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(ii)What does Keats mean by ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink`? 1

(iii)Which of the following poetic devices has been used in the second line of the stanza? 1

(A)Imagery
(B)Personification
(C)Hyperbole
(D)Metaphor

(iv)Which word from the following means the same as ‘indestructible`? 1

(A)Immortal

(B)Dead

(C)Pouring

(D)None of these

(v)What is the effect of immortal drink? 1

(vi)Which phrase from the following means the same as ‘it is immortal`? 1

(A)It will never fade

(B)It will never pass into nothingness

(C)It will never cease

(D)It will keep giving happiness for a long time

OR
(b)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.(Keeping Quiet)

(i)The poet advises not to speak in: 1

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 (A)English language

(B)Hindi language

(C)Spanish language

(D)any language

(ii)Which activity does the poet want us to stop? 1

(iii)What does the poet mean by ‘let`s not speak in any language`? 1

(iv)Here ‘arms` refers to: 1

(A)weapons and ammunition

(B)each of the two upper limbs of the human body from the shoulder to the hand

(C)both of these

(D)none of these

(v)Why does the poet use conversational style and personal pronouns as ‘you`, ‘our` and
‘us`? 1

(vi)The poet appeals to the readers to keep quiet for: 1

(A) twenty seconds

(B) one hour

(C) thirty seconds

(D) twelve seconds

8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a)
or (b): 4
(a) “There is something about him that looks American,” DrSadao said. He took up the battered
cap. Yes,there, almost gone, was the faint lettering . “A sailor,” he said, “from an American
warship.” He spelled it out:”U.S. Navy.” The man was a prisoner of war. “He has escaped.”
Hana cried softly, “and that is why he is wounded.” “In the back,” DrSadao agreed.
(i)Who took the battered cap? 1
(A)Dr. Sadao
(B)White man
(C)Author
(D)Yumi

(ii)The man was a prisoner of war. (True/False) 1

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(iii)What was written on the battered cap? 1

(iv)Why did Hana say, “he has escaped”? 1

(A)Because he was wounded in the back

(B)Because he was a prisoner of war

(C)Because he was a sailor

(D)Both (A) and (B)

OR
(b) Mr Lamb`s garden [There is the occasional sound of birdsong and of tree leaves rustling.
Derry`s footsteps are heard as he walks slowly and tentatively through the long grass. He
pauses, and then walks on again. He comes round a screen of bushes, so that when Mr Lamb
speaks to him, he is close at hand and Derry is startled]

MR LAMB: Mind the apples!

DERRY: What? Who`s that? Who is there?

MR LAMB: Lamb`s my name. Mind the apples. Crab apples those are. Windfalls in the long
grass. You could trip.

(i)Whose garden is it? 1

(ii)What is a crab apple? 1

(A)A rotten apple

(B)A cranberry

(C)A small sour apple

(D)None of these

(iii)Why was Derry startled? 1

(iv)Which word from the following means the same as ‘experimentally`? 1

(A)Startled

(B)Rustling

(C)Tentatively

(D)Trip

9. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a)
or (b): 6

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(a)Whenever they find food, they pitch their tents that become transit homes. Children grow
up in them, becoming partners in survival. And survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking.
Through the years, it has acquired the proportions of a fine art. (Lost Spring)

(i)Who are ‘they` here? 1

(ii)What does survival mean in Seemapuri? 1

(A)Begging

(B)Bangle-making

(C)Rag-picking

(D)Shoe polishing

(iii)Complete the given statement. 1

Children who grow up in transit homes

become_______________________________________________________________

(iv)What has acquired the proportions of a fine art? 1

(A)Food search

(B)Rag-picking

(C)Begging

(D)None of these

(v)What is meant by ‘transit homes`? 1

(vi)Which of the following sentences replicates the meaning of ‘acquired` as it has been used
in the extract? 1

(A)He has acquired a reputation for dishonesty

(B)The business was acquired from Orion four years ago

(C)She has acquired a good knowledge of English

(D)Infectious diseases can be acquired in several ways

OR

(b)He walked and walked without coming to the end of the wood, and finally he realized that
he had only been walking around in the same part of the forest. All at once he recalled his
thoughts about the world and the rattrap. Now his own turn had come. He had left himself
befooled by a bait and had been caught.

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(i)Who is ‘he` here? 1

(A)Peddler

(B)Crofter

(C)Ironmaster

(D)Author

(ii)What was he doing in the woods? 1

(iii)What did he realize then? 1

(A)That he was mistaken by the ironmaster

(B)That he took the wrong way

(C)That he had been walking around in the same part of the forest

(D)None of these

(iv)”Now his own turn had come.” Explain. 1

(v)Which of the following statements analyses the given extract appropriately? 1

(A)The economy couldn`t create jobs because consumers weren`t spending.

Consumers weren`t
spending because the economy wasn`t creating jobs.

(B)He spends too much on drinking because he`s worried about his financial
problems, and so the
situation gets worse and worse. It`s a vicious circle.

(C)Woman is deprived of rights from lack of education, and the lack of education
results from the
absence of rights.

(D)They enter a vicious circle where there is no way out.

(vi)Where was the rattrap seller escaping from? 1

10. Answer any five of the following six questions in 40-50 words each: 5x2=10
(i) What was the ‘thunderclap` the narrator received as M. Hamel began the lesson? (The
Last Lesson)

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(ii) Explain the sentence “an army of barefoot boys who appear like the morning birds and
disappear at noon.” (Lost Spring)
(iii) The lesson ‘The Rattrap` is both entertaining and philosophical. Do you agree with the
statement? Give reasons. (The Rattrap)
(iv) Bring out the contrast between Jansie and Sophie in the story ‘Going Places`. (Going
Places)
(v) How was there a great deal of national integration in the make-up department? (Poets
and Pancakes)
(vi) Did Umberto Eco like to be identified as a novelist? Give reasons in support of your
answer. (The Interview)
11. Answer any two of the following three questions in 40-50 words each: 2x2=4
(i) Do you think the prediction made by the state astrologer “ was indisputably disapproved”?
Give reasons in support of your answer. (The Tiger King)
(ii) “Then I lost my spirit.” What are the incidents that led Zitkala-Sa to feel this way?
(Memories of Childhood)
(iii) Tishani Doshi considered the programme ‘Students on Ice` a success. Do you agree with
her? Why/Why not? (Journey to the End of the Earth)
12. Answer any one of the following two questions in 120-150 words: 5
(a) Franz in “The Last Lesson” realizes the importance of going to school while Sahebin “Lost
Spring” yearns to go to school. Write a paragraph exploring the different perspectives of these
two young boys on learning and education.
OR
(b) Write a comparative analysis for your study group focusing on how the poems “Keeping
Quiet” and “My Mother at Sixty-six” illuminate the different facets of human introspection
and the significance of quiet reflection in understanding oneself.
13. Answer any one of the following two questions in 120-150 words: 5
(a) Justify the statement , ‘ It may take a long time for oppression to be resisted but the seeds
of rebellion are sowed early in life.’ (Memories of Childhood)
OR
(b) The story “The Tiger King” is a satire on the conceit of those in power. How does the
author employ the literary device of dramatic irony in the story? (The Tiger King)

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 NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA SAMITI
English Core (301)
Class XII (2024-25)
Sample question Paper – II

Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum

Marks: 80
General Instructions:

Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:

a. This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.

b. This question paper contains three sections Section A : Reading Skills, Section B
: Creative Writing Skills and Section C : Literature.
c. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the
correct question number and part thereof in your answer sheet.
d. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.
e. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions

Q.NO SECTION-A Marks

(READING SKILLS) 22Marks

1 Read the passage given below: 12

a. "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.
b. 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.
c. 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

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 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.
d. 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.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given
below.
i. Father's question to the narrator, about knowing how to cook rice, was 1
intended to:
(A) criticize the narrator's lack of abilities.
(B) make the process sound simple.
(C) encourage the narrator to take up cooking.
(D) showcase his own expertise in cooking rice

ii. "I switched from news to YouTube ..."- Pick the option in which 1
the meaning of 'switch(ed)' is NOT the same as it is in the passage.
(A) He switched on the radio to listen to the news while having dinner.
(B) Forget these diet supplements and switch to yoga, if you want a true
sense of well-being.
(C) Mom switched to reading fiction recently because she was bored with
cook-books.
(D) The company will switch the trucks to other routes to bring down city
pollution.
iii. Pick the option that correctly lists the final feelings of the writer with 1
reference to the cooking experience
1. Frustrating
2. Amusing
3. Satisfying
4. Disillusioning
5. Exacting
6. Enlightening
(A) (1) and (4)
(B) (2) and (5)
(C) (3) and (6)
(D) (1) and (3)
iv. Which option represents the correct ratio of water to rice for cooking 1
'perfect rice'?

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 (A) Image (1) (B) Image (2) (C) Image (3) (D)
Image (4)

v. Based on the understanding of the passage, choose the option that 1

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.
a) 4,2,1,3,5 b) 1,3,2,5,4 c) 4,1,5,3,2 d) 5,1,2,4,3

vi. The narrator says that he has dexterous hands. He would have had a 1
problem had it been the opposite. NOT BEING dexterous means,
being……………….
(A) Uncomfortable (B)clumsy (C)unclear
(D)clueless
vii. How did Mother react to the burning smell? 2
viii. According to the passage, the fact that the narrator risked 2
experimentation, on his maiden attempt in the kitchen, shows that he
was..........................

ix. What do you mean by the word 'chutzpah'? Explain in reference to the 2
passage given

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2 Read the following passage carefully:
1. A recent study revealed that less than 20% of teenagers report reading
a book, magazine, or newspaper daily for pleasure, while more than
80% say they use social media every day. This shift in media
consumption patterns is part of a larger trend in the digital age,
according to research published by the World Psychological
Association.
2. Compared to previous generations, teens in the 2010s spend
significantly more time online and less time with traditional media,
such as books and magazines. According to the lead author of the
book yGen, this displacement of traditional media by digital platforms
has transformed how young people engage with content.
3. A study analysed data from a nationally representative sample of
approximately 50,000 eighth, tenth, and twelfth-grade students.
The survey, conducted from 1976 to 2016, encompassed more than
1 million teenagers and examined their media consumption habits
over time.
4. The use of digital media increased substantially from 2006 to
2016. Among twelfth- graders, internet use during leisure time
doubled from one to two hours per day during that period.
Similarly, the study found a 75% increase in digital media use for
tenth- graders and a 68% increase for eighth-graders.
5. On average, twelfth-graders in the mid-2010s reported spending two
hours a day texting, just over two hours on the internet, and under
two hours on social media—a total of about six hours daily on
digital media during their free time. This pattern was also reflected
among younger age groups, with tenth-graders spending about five
hours and eighth-graders about four hours per day on digital
activities.
6. Time spent on digital media has significantly reduced the amount of
time students spend on traditional media, such as print books and
newspapers. In the early 1990s, 33% of tenth-graders read a
newspaper almost daily. By 2016, this figure had dropped to 2%.
Similarly, 60% of twelfth-graders in the late 1970s read books or
magazines regularly, while only 16% did so by 2016.
7. Despite having the ability to access large amounts of information,
today’s youth struggle with focusing on long-form content, which
affects their ability to grasp complex issues and develop critical
thinking skills. Their dependence on digital media often makes it
challenging to concentrate for extended periods.
Adults who use at least

One so6cial media site

22
 Answer the following questions, based on given passage. 1
i. Complete the following suitably.
In the introduction, the researcher links the shift from traditional
media to social media among teens to highlight .

ii. What would the following be classified as? 1

To explore the decline in reading traditional media and the
rise in digital media consumption among teenagers.
Select the appropriate response.
(A) Secondary objective (B) R e s e a r c h outcome
(C) Method of analysis (D) P r i m a r y objective

iii. Paragraph 6 includes words – ‘traditional media’ and ‘digital 1

media.’
Classify the following sentences as ‘traditional media’ or ‘digital
media’:
Sentence 1: Twelfth-graders spend about six hours per day on
digital activities, including texting and social media.
Sentence 2: In the early 1990s, a third of tenth-graders read a
newspaper almost daily.

iv. Read the following: 1

Arjun spends two hours each day texting and browsing the internet.
Priya, his friend, rarely reads a book and spends about five hours on
social media every day. Meanwhile, Manish, another friend,
struggles to focus on complex issues due to his heavy reliance on
digital platforms.
Select the option that identifies the correct digital media habits of
Arjun, Priya, and Manish.
(A) Arjun – two hours texting; Priya – five hours on social
media; Manish – difficulty focusing on complex issues
(B) Arjun – reading books; Priya – two hours on social media;
Manish – no internet use
(C) Arjun – texting; Priya – no internet use; Manish – reading
newspapers
(D) Arjun – social media; Priya – newspapers; Manish – difficulty
with short texts

v. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights 1

from the study?
(A) Encourage more time spent on digital media
(B) Promote a balance between digital and traditional media
consumption
(C) Limit social media usage to reduce screen time
(D) Increase access to social media for younger students

23
 vi. Why is the decline in reading traditional media considered a 1
significant issue, even though teenagers are more informed than
ever?
vii. why the increased use of digital media among teenagers is seen 2
as problematic. Explain.
viii. Analyse how the shift to digital media has impacted students’ 2
ability to focus and develop critical thinking skills. (Paragraph 7)
SECTION B-Creative Writing Skills (18 marks)

3 Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words.

a) You are Rebecca/James, head girl/boy of ABC convent school. Your 4
school is going to organize an inter-school painting competition. Write
a notice for your school notice board in not more than 50words inviting
names of all the interested students.
OR
b) You are Hamlet/Katherine, Head boy/girl of St. Mary's High School, Pune.
A charitable trust is coming to your school to distribute books to the needy
students. Draft a notice in not more than 50 words asking the students to
drop-in the names of the books that they want to get for free.

4 Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words.

a) You are Caroline/Nathan, the Captain of CCA Club at Vivek Public 4
School. The school is holding its annual function on Saturday, December
29th, 2024 at 10am. The Honourable Education Minister, Dr Hari Singh
has consented to be the Chief Guest. Design an invitation card to be sent to
the parents and other invitees. Mention necessary details.
OR
b) You are Arthur/Cynthia, an eminent educationist. You have been invited to
Delhi Public School, Sucheta Vihar, Kolkata to attend and speak at a
workshop on the topic 'The Importance of Time Management' on
December 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Draft a letter of acceptance to the Cultural
In-charge, Piyush, in about 50 words.

5 Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120-150 words.

You are Amar/Anita, a fresh MBA graduate from Singla Institute of 5
Management, Khushbagh. You saw the given advertisement in a newspaper
and wish to apply for the position advertised. Write a letter to India Helped
Company along with your bio-data, expressing your interest in the advertised
post.
OR

MANAGEMENT TRAINEES REQUIRED

by
INDIA HELPTEL COMPANY

24
 for its
INDIA-WIDE LOGISTICS Department Whom Do We Need
• Fresh MBA Graduates Specialization in Marketing
• Skills Excellent communication skills, both written and
verbal
• Languages English and State language

a) An increase in the number of vehicles on the road has increased instances

of traffic snarls, road rage and accidents. Write a letter to the editor of a
national daily showing your concern and examining the reasons for such
behaviour. Provide suggestions on how to manage the situation. Use the
given cues along with your own ideas to compose the letter. You are
Brinda/Bharat.

REASONS
• Increase in vehicles
• More cars per family
• Budgeted cab services
• People not adhering to traffic rules
SUGGESTIONS
• Improve traffic management during peak
hours
• Stricter implementation of laws
• Role of media in creating awareness

6 Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120-150 words.

a) Your school recently conducted an inter-school Heritage Quiz Contest. As 5
a student reporter, write a report of the event in about 120-150 words to be
published in your school magazine. You are Amit/Archana. Mention day,
date, time and venue.

VALUE POINTS: -“Know Your Heritage -An Inter-School Quiz

Contest”
• Friday 14th March, St. Marks School
• History
• Mythology
• Culture
• Monuments
• Handicraft
• Attractive prizes for audience question

OR

25
 b) You are Raip/Rajani, a social activist. You feel that in spite of all the hue
and cry over the protection of women in society are harassed on the road
and even at home. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic
‘Women must be given Honour’. Give suggestions on how women can
get honour in society.

SECTION C-Literature (40 marks)

7 Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given 6
two, (a) or (b):
a) A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness, but keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet Breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures of the gloomy days
Of all the unhealthy and over darkened ways
Made for our searching…
(A Thing of
Beauty)

i. Which of the following themes is best represented in the given 1

extract?
a) Beauty is illusionary.
b) Beauty is everlasting.
c) Beauty is transient.
d) Beauty is short-lived

ii. Based on the rhyme scheme in lines 3 and 4 of the given extract, 1
which word will rhyme with them ?

(A) tweet (C) help

(B) Sweep (D) self
iii. Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the 1
given extract.
Assertion : The poet believes that beauty provides eternal joy and

26
 helps us stay connected to life.
Reason : Beauty exists despite the challenges of life, but it
cannot ease the despondence or gloom completely.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:
a) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is
the correct explanation of the assertion.
b) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the
reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true

iv. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in 1
the blank.
The things that create (unhappiness/happiness) are
lack of noble nature.

v. Complete the following analogy correctly with one word: 1

Bower quiet: Metaphor :: noble natures : ______________

vi. State whether the given statement is True or False with reference to 1
the extract.
The quality of a thing ensures that its beauty lasts forever.
OR

(b) But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow supports
The flowers of cities from sinking and withering faint.”
The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead
if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts
At having the landscape marred with the artless paint
Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned wrong
(A
Roadside Stand)

i. Complete the following analogy correctly: 1

Wrong: Repetition :: Polished traffic: ___________

ii. The polished traffic in particular refers to the : 1

(A) sophisticated city dwellers in their vehicles.

(B) shiny traffic police car that the poet sees on the road.
(C) extremely affluent people living in the neighbourhood.
(D) civilized manner in which traffic is coordinated.

iii. ‘The urban and educated people have their minds ahead.’ 1

Choose the option suggesting the correct meaning behind this line.

27
 1. The people are well-educated 2. The people are
and knowledgeable about the concentrating on the road
condition of the poor. that is ahead in order to
drive safely
3. The people are preoccupied 4. The people are focused on
only by the thoughts of their their goal of bettering the
lives and nothing else country
(A) Option 1 (B)Option 2 (C)Option 3 (D) Option 4

iv. Who are referred to as ‘the flower of cities? 1

v. Why the rhyme scheme of the given extract is abc abd ,but not abc 1
abc? Give reasons.
vi. State whether the given statement is True or False with reference to 1
the extract:
The urban rich people feel very happy about the S and N signs
that have been painted wrong.
8 Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given 4
two, (a) or (b):
To make sure, I walked over to a newsboy and glanced at the stack of papers
at his feet. It was The World; and The World has published for years. The lead
story said something about President Cleveland. I found that front page since,
in the Public Library files, and it was printed June 11, 1894.
I turned toward the ticket window knowing that here on the third level at Grand
Central I could buy tickets that would take Louisa and me anywhere in the
United States we wanted to go.
(The
Third Level)

i. Why does the narrator resort to wishful day-dreaming and want to 1

travel back in time?
ii. The year 1894 holds so much importance because __________. 1
iii. The World, the news about President Cleveland what do they hint at 1
?
(A) The narrator used to like reading the newspaper.
(B) The narrator fantasises about past events.
(C) The narrator wants to escape to a world that was unaffected by the
two World Wars.
(D) The narrator tends to forget things.
iv. Give one reason why the writing style of the extract can be call 1
autobiographical.
OR 4
(b) They saw when they came toward him that indeed it was so. The
sand on one side ofhim had already a stain of red soaking through. “He
is wounded,” Sadao exclaimed. He made haste to the man, who lay
motionless, his face in the sand. An old cap stuck to hishead soaked with
sea water. He was in wet rags of garments. Sadao stopped, Hana at his

28
 side, and turned the man’s head. They saw the face. ‘A white man!”
Hana whispered. Yes, it was a white man. The wet cap fell away and
there was his wet yellow hair, long,as though for many weeks it had
not been cut, and upon his young and tortured facewas a rough yellow
beard. He was unconscious and knew nothing that they did for him.
(The Enemy)

i. Complete the sentence appropriately. 1

The white man’s face is described as ‘tortured’ because
apparently _______
ii. In the given extract, which option best suits the theme of the 1
story?
(A) Honesty (B) Punctuality
(C) Dedication (D) Humanity

iii. What is the tone in the given extract? 1

iv. The author’s description of the stranger uses the word 1

‘yellow’. What does this showabout the stranger?

9 Read the following extracts and answer the questions with reference to
context for any one of the given two,(a) or (b):
a. I went to the pool when no one else was there. The place was quiet. The 6
water was still, and the tiled bottom was as white and clean as a
bathtub. I was timid about going in alone, so I sat on the side of the
pool to wait for others. I had not been there long when in came a big
bruiser of a boy, probably eighteen years old. He had thick hair on
his chest. He was a beautiful physical specimen, with legs and arms
that showed rippling muscles. He yelled, "Hi.. Skinny! How'd you like
to be ducked. (Deep Water)

i. choose the option that displays the same literary device as in the given 1
lines of the extract, 'as white and clean as a bath tub' is
__________________
A) Just as I had this thought, she appeared and...
B) My thoughts were as heavy as lead that evening when...
C) I think like everyone else who...
D) I like to think aloud when...

ii. What impression do you form about the narrator? 1

(A) He is an expert in swimming lessons.
(B) He has made friends during his swimming lessons.
(C) The big boy was well built and handsome.
(D) The narrator lacks courage and confidence to enter the pool
alone.

29
 iii. Select the option that lists the probable reason for the big boy's 1
behaviour towards the narrator:
(A) His intention to frighten the narrator.
(B) His desire to give him a surprise.
(C) The place was quiet and odd.
(D) The narrator was skinny and alone.

iv. "Hi.. Skinny! How'd you like to be ducked’’ who said these words? 1

v. why is the writing style of the extract is autobiographical? Explain. 2

OR 6
(b) Mukesh insists on being his own master. "I will be a motor mechanic,"
he announces. "Do you know anything about cars?" I ask. "I will learn
to drive a car," he answers, looking straight into my eyes. His dream
looms like a mirage amidst the dust of streets that fill his town
Firozabad, famous for its bangles. Every other family in Firozabad is
engaged in making bangles. It is the centre of India's glass- blowing
industry wherefamilies have spent generations working around furnaces,
welding glass, making banglesfor all the women in the land it seems.

(Lost Spring)

i. ‘I will learn to drive a car,’ he answers, looking straight into my eyes. 1

This sentence highlights Mukesh was:

1. Determined 2. Funny 3. Hopeless 4. Valiant 5. Ambitious

6. arrogant
A. 1 & 5
B. 2 & 4
C. 2 & 5
D. 3 & 6

ii. The writing style of the narrator indicates that the passage can be 1
classified under a/an……………………
(A) Interview (B) Autobiography (C) Fiction (D) Biography
iii. Why does the author compare Mukesh's dream to a mirage? 1
a) Because the author thinks it might not come true.
b) Because Firozabad lies in the middle of a desert.
c) Because the author can predict the future.
d) Because the author saw a mirage in Firozabad.

iv. Choose the literary device used in this line: 'His dream looms like a 1
mirage...'
(a) Hyperbole (b) metaphor (c) simile (d) personification
v. What is the narrator trying to convey through the expression "... looking 2
straight into my eyes?" explain.

10 Answer ANY FIVE of the following questions in about 40-50

30
 words each
i. Though Sophie and Jansie were good friends, how were they basically 2
different from each other?

ii. What is Umberto Eco’s theory of interstices? Describe. 2

iii. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be 2

a turning- point in his life?

iv. How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human 2
predicament?

v. What is the weight that lies heavy on Aunt Jennifer’s hand? Hou: is 2
it associated with her husband?
vi. Why did the peddler sign himself as Captain von Stahle? 2
11 Answer any two of the following three questions in 40-50 words
each:
i. ‘Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of 2
themselves.’ What is the relevance of this statement in the context of
the Antarctic environment? (Journey to the End of the Earth)

ii. Why is Antarctica the place to go to, to understand the earth’s 2

present, past and future?

iii. The story The Tiger King is a satire on the conceit of those in power. How 2
does the author employ the literary device of dramatic irony in the story?
(The Tiger King)

12 Answer any one of the following two questions in 120-150 words:

(a) The prose sections, ‘The Last Lesson’ and ‘Poets and Pancakes’, bring5 out
situational irony and gentle humour as well as satire to point out human
foibles.
Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high
school students. Write this in about 120-150 words elaborating on
occurrences from the two texts to inspire your audience and to convince
them about the importance of humour in life.

OR
(b) Write a comparative analysis for your study group focusing on how the
poems Keeping Quiet My Mother at Sixty-six illuminate the different facets of
human introspection and the significance of quiet reflection in understanding
oneself.

31
13 Answer any one of the following two questions in 120-150 words:
(a) What are the similarities in the lives of Bama and Zitkala though they 5
belong to different cultures? How did they respond to their respective
situations? If you were in their place, how you would have reacted? Explain
in 120-150words.
‘OR’
(b) Both Derry and Lamb are physically impaired and lonely. It is the
responsibility of society to understand and support people with infirmities so
that they do not suffer from a sense of alienation. As a responsible citizen, what
would you do to bring about a change in the lives of such people.

32
 English Core (301)

Sample question Paper - III

Time Allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:

i. This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.

ii This question paper contains three sections :

Section A: Reading Skills

Section B: Creative Writing Skills

Section C: Literature.

iii. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question
number and part thereof in your answer sheet.

iv. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.

v. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION –A [READING SKILL – 22 MARKS]

1. Read the following passage carefully: 12
The catalytic fact of the twentieth century is uncontrollable development, consumerist society,
political materialism, and spiritual devaluation. This inordinate development has led to the
transcendental 'second reality' of sacred perception that biologically transcendence is a part of
human life. As the century closes, it dawns with imperative vigour that the 'first reality' of
enlightened rationalism and the 'second reality' of the Beyond have to be harmonised in a
worthy state of man. The de facto values describe what we are, they portray the 'is' of our ethic,
they are ‘est’ values (Latin ‘est’ means is). The ideal values tell us what we ought to be, they
are ‘esto’ values (Latin esto 'ought to be'). Both have to be in the ebb and flow of consciousness.
The ever new science and technology and the ever-perennial faith are two modes of one
certainty, that is the wholeness of man, his courage to be, his share in Being.
The materialistic foundations of science have crumbled down. Science itself has proved
that matter is energy, processes are as valid as facts, and affirmed the non-materiality of the
universe. The encounter of the ‘two cultures', the scientific and the humane, will restore the
normal vision, and will be the bedrock of a 'science of understanding' in the new century. It
will give new meaning to the ancient perception that quantity (measure) and quality (value)

33
coexist at the root of nature. Human endeavours cannot afford to be humanistically
irresponsible.
I. The problem raised in the passage reflects overall on
(A) Consumerism
(B) Materialism
(C) Spiritual devaluation.
(D) Inordinate development Authority
II. The 'de facto' values in the passage means
(A) What is.
(B) What ought to be.
(C) What can be.
(D) Where it is.
III. According to the passage, the 'first reality' constitutes
(A) Economic prosperity
(B) Political development
(C) Sacred perception of life
(D) Enlightened rationalism
IV. Encounter of the 'two cultures', the scientific and the human implies
(A) Restoration of normal vision
(B) Universe is both material and non-material
(C) Man is superior to nature
(D) Co-existence of quantity and quality in nature
V. The contents of the passage are
(A) Descriptive
(B) Prescriptive
(C) Axiomatic
(D) Optional

34
VI. The passage indicates that science has proved that
(A) Universe is material
(B) Matter is energy
(C) Nature has abundance
(D) Humans are irresponsible.
VII. Which states are to be harmonised in a worthy state of man?
(A) Uncontrollable development and consumerist society.
(B) 'First reality' and 'second reality'.
(C) Nature with nourishment.
(D) None of the above.
VIII. What is the meaning of the word ‘ever-perennial’ in the context of the passage?
(A) Ever-breakable.
(B) Ever-usable
(C) Ever-translatable
(D) Everlasting.
IX. What Science itself has proved?
(A) Non-materiality of the universe.
(B) Universe is all about materiality.
(C) Society progresses through inordinate development.
(D) None of the above.
X. What according to the author will restore the normal vision of the universe?
(A) The ever-new science and technology.
(B) Inordinate development.
(C) The encounter of the scientific and the humane temperament.
(D) None of the above.
XI. What do you understand by the term consumerist society? (2)
2. Read the following carefully. 10

1. Deforestation is one of the leading causes of environmental degradation, affecting both

biodiversity and climate change. As forests are cleared for agriculture, urban development, and

35
lodging, the world faces severe consequences, including the loss of species and the disruption
of ecosystems. Over 3.1 million square kilometers of forest have been lost since 1990.

2. Data from the World Resources Institute shows that over 18 million hectares of forests are
lost each year, contributing to approximately 15% of global CO2 emissions. Tropical
deforestation, especially in the Amazon, results in the extinction of 13% of species. Forests act
as crucial carbon sinks, absorbing 2.6 billion metric tons of CO2 annually, helping to mitigate
global warming.

3. The study also reveals that 80% of global deforestation is driven by agricultural expansion.
This includes crops like soy, palm oil, and areas for livestock grazing. The deforestation rate
in the Amazon alone has surged by 9.5% annually in recent years. In addition, lodging and
infrastructure contribute to the remaining 20% of forest loss. These activities increase CO2
emissions and affect rainfall patterns, leading to unpredictable climate changes.

4. Deforestation also leads to soil erosion, reducing the fertility of the land. The study highlights
that 24 billion tons of fertile soil are lost annually due to deforestation and unsustainable
farming practices. This contributes to desertification, which affects 40% of the world’s land
area, particularly in Africa and Asia. As more forests are cleared, the likelihood of land
degradation increases.

5. Efforts to combat deforestation include reforestation, sustainable farming, and stricter laws.
Reforestation can sequester up to 10% of global CO2 emissions annually. Brazil’s plan to
restore 12 million hectares of land by 2030 aims to reverse some of the damage caused by
deforestation.

6. This study emphasizes the urgent need for global cooperation to combat deforestation. By
addressing the root causes — agriculture, illegal lodging, and poor land management — the
world can reduce deforestation, preserve biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of climate
change.

Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

I. Complete the following suitably. 1

In the introduction, the researcher links deforestation with environmental degradation to

highlight __________.

II. What would the following be classified as? 1

To explore the causes of deforestation and its global environmental impacts.

Select the appropriate response.

(A) Secondary objective (B) Research outcome

(C) Method of analysis (D) Primary objective

36
III. Give two points to support why agriculture was included as a focus in the study on
deforestation. 2

IV. Paragraph 3 includes words – ‘carbon sinks’ and ‘soil erosion.’ 1

Classify the following sentences as ‘carbon sinks’ or ‘soil erosion’:

Sentence 1: Forests absorb CO2 helping to regulate atmospheric carbon levels.

Sentence 2: When trees are removed, the soil is exposed to wind and water, which removes top
soil and decreases land fertility.

V. Read the following: 1

Ravi works on a palm oil plantation where forests have been cleared to make room for crops.
Meanwhile, Mohan lives in a mountainous region where heavy rains have caused soil erosion
due to deforestation.

Select the option that identifies the correct environmental challenges faced by Ravi and Mohan.

(A) Ravi – agriculture-driven deforestation; Mohan – soil erosion

(B) Ravi – biodiversity loss; Mohan – carbon emissions

(C) Ravi – desertification; Mohan – water shortage

(D) Ravi – soil erosion; Mohan – deforestation

VI. Although both agriculture and lodging contribute to deforestation, why is agriculture the
largest driver? 1

VII. Analyse how reforestation efforts can help reduce CO2 emissions and support soil fertility.
(Paragraph 5) 2

VIII. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the study? 1

(A) Promote agricultural expansion to increase food production

(B) Preserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change through sustainable practices

(C) Prioritize industrial development over environmental concerns

(D) Reduce soil erosion without addressing other factors.

37
 SECTION –B [WRITING SKILLS – 18 MARKS]
3. Attempt any one of the two (A) or (B) in about 50 words. 1X4=4

A. Your school, Amity Public School is organising a cultural evening to collect fund for the
slum children. The Education Minister has consented to be the Chief Guest for the occasion.
Draft a notice in 50-60 words to be displayed in your school notice board. You are
Amit/Amrita, the Captain of your school.
(4)

Or

B. You are Nitin/ Neha studying at Bright Career Public School, Amritsar and an active
member of the sports club of your school. Recently, your school had organized an inter-school
Cricket Championship. After the final match was over, you found an unclaimed cricket kit at
the school playground and have been asked to draft a notice to locate its owner. (4)

4. Attempt any one of the two (A) or (B) in and about 50 words.
1X4=4

(A) You are Nitish/ Natasha, the President of Rotary Club, New Delhi which is organizing a
workshop on ‘Women Empowerment’ on January 25, 2024. Draft a formal invitation to invite
Prof. P. Satpathy, a famous professor from Utkal University as the Chief Speaker for the
workshop. (4)

Or

(B) Your friend Antariksh is staying in a school hostel. You want to invite him in your house
for Diwali Celebration. Draft an invitation in not more than 50 words. (4)

5. Attempt any one of the two (A) or (B) in 120-150 words. 1X5=5

(A) You are Tanvi of Rosewood Colony, Sagar Nagar, Lucknow. You have observed that
people waste a lot of food in hotels, at marriages and parties. You are upset at the casual attitude
of people towards wastage of food. Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily expressing
your concern and suggest ways to improve the situation. (5)

Or

(B) Draft an application for the post of an Accountant in Bright Career School that was
advertised in The Times of India. Also attach your Bio Data. You are Anil/ Anita. (5)

6. Attempt any one of the two (A) or (B) in 120-150 words. 1X5=5

A. As a newspaper reporter, write a report of a train accident. Your report should be within
120-150 words.

Or

38
B. You are Rahul/ Preeti. You feel that India with its rich and varied heritage, linguistic and
cultural diversity, is an excellent destination for tourism. Promoting tourism will surely
promote our economy. Write an article

SECTION –C [LITERATURE – 40 MARKS]

7. Read the following extract and answer the questions for any one of the given two (A) or (B).
1X6=6

A. “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.”

I. The extract represents which of the following themes in best possible way?
A. Behaving peacefully
B. War
C. Introspection
D. Aversion to any language.
II. Read the assertion and the reason below with reference to the given context.

Assertion: The poet urges humanity to remain silent and still promote unity and peace.

Reason: The poet suggests that by stopping all movement and speech, people can reflect
on their differences and resolve conflicts.

Choose the correct option regarding their relationship.

A. Both the assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
B. Both the assertion and reason are true and reason is not the correct explanation of
assertion.
C. The assertion is true but the reason is false.
D. The assertion is false but the reason is true.
III. What is the significance of counting up to twelve?
IV. “… and not move our arms so much.” – Identify the figure of speech in the
underlined word.
V. What is the significance of ‘the face of the earth’ in the extract?
VI. Based on the rhyme scheme of the poem which word will rhyme with ‘second’?
A. Section B. Pun C. Reckoned
Or
B. “Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways

39
 Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.”

I. ‘Noble natures’ would include:

A. Selflessness.
B. Kindness
C. Sympathy
D. All of these.
II. Select the phrase from the passage that suggests the following: ‘human life full
of hardships’.
III. Assertion: The poet believes that beauty helps us to stay connected to life and
lifts the gloom from our spirits.
Reason: Despite the hardships and challenges of life, beauty has the power to
ease our sorrows and bring us hope.

Choose the correct option regarding their relationship.

A. Both the assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
B. Both the assertion and reason are true and reason is not the correct explanation of
assertion.
C. The assertion is true but the reason is false.
D. The assertion is false but the reason is true.
IV. Poetic device used in the phrase ‘of noble natures’ is __________________
V. What do you understand by the phrase ‘inhuman dearth of noble nature’?
VI. What does ‘flowery band’ do according to the poet?

8. Read the following extract and answer the questions for any one of the given two (A) or (B).
1X4=4

A. DERRY: How could I? You pass people in the street and you might even speak to them, but
you never see them again. It doesn’t mean they’re friends.
MR LAMB: Doesn’t mean they’re enemies, either, does it?
DERRY: No they’re just....nothing. People. That’s all.
MR LAMB: People are never just nothing. Never.
DERRY: There are some people I hate.
MR LAMB: That’d do you more harm than any bottle of acid. Acid only burns your face.
I. The tone of Derry’s speech is ________________.
II. The author has used contraction to suggest that ……………..
A. His pessimism was hurting more than acid.
B. His optimism was hurting more than acid.
C. His acid was hurting him more than his optimism.
D. His acid was hurting him more than his pessimism.
III. Derry says, “I won’t change”--- why?

40
 IV. How would you describe Derry and Mr. Lamb’s attitude towards life from the given
passage?

Or
B. Because he was perfecting a discovery which would render wounds entirely clean, he had
not been sent abroad with the troops. Also, he knew, there was some slight danger that the old
General might need an operation for a condition for which he was now being treated medically,
and for this possibility Sadao was being kept in Japan.
I. Why was Dr. Sadao not sent with the troops?
II. What kind of a person Dr. Sadao’s father was?
A. Nationalistic
B. Traditional
C. Jealous
D. Both (A) and (B)
III. The General referred in the given extract is _________________.
IV. What kind of a person the General was?

09. Read the following extract and answer the questions for any one of the given two (A) or
(B). 1X6=6

A. And afterwards you wait there alone in the arcade for a long while, standing where he stood,
remembering the soft melodious voice, the shimmer of green eyes. No taller than you. No
bolder than you. The prodigy. The innocent genius. The great Danny Casey.
And she saw it all again, last Saturday — saw him ghost past the lumbering defenders, heard
the fifty thousand catch their breath as he hovered momentarily over the ball, and then the
explosion of sound as he struck it crisply into the goal, the sudden thunderous eruption of
exultant approbation.

I. Why the author said “And she saw it all again”?

II. What inference do you draw about Danny Casey from the passage?
III. Pick out the line from the text that bears evidence that Danny Casey was too agile
for the opponents.
IV. Which of the following conclusion matches the prodigy’s success as a professional
football player?
A. He was called an innocent genius
B. He could deftly move past the lumbering defenders and shoot crisp goals.
C. A crowd of fifty thousand regularly cheered him.
D. He was shy and soft-spoken.
V. Give a synonym of the word ‘exultant’.
VI. “…fifty thousand catch their breath as he hovered momentarily over the ball” –
which figure of speech is used in the extract?

Or

B. ‘‘But of course it is you, Nils Olof!’’ he said. “How you do look!” The man with the rattraps
had never before seen the ironmaster at Ramsjo and did not even know what his name was. But

41
it occurred to him that if the fine gentleman thought he was an old acquaintance, he might
perhaps throw him a couple of kronor. Therefore he did not want to undeceive him all at once.
‘‘Yes, God knows things have gone downhill with me’’, he said. ‘‘You should not have
resigned from the regiment’’, said the ironmaster.
I. Why does the protagonist not reveal his true identity?
A. He was happy-go-lucky fellow and behaved casually with the ironmaster.
B. He hoped some monetary help.
C. He apprehended that he will be arrested if he knows his identity.
D. He was afraid of not getting food and shelter.
II. What does the expression “things are going downhill” mean?
III. It seems that the rattrap seller is an incorrigible person as ________________
IV. Pick evidence from the extract that helps one infer important information about Nils
Olof.
V. Which inference you can draw about the ironmaster’s character from the passage?
VI. Which of the following idiomatic expression best expresses the action of the
peddler?
A. To err is human, to forgive is divine
B. Pull wool over someone’s eyes
C. The sleep of the just
D. The birds of a feather flock together.

10. Answer any five of the following questions in 40-50 words each. 5X2=10
I. Why are the bangle-makers unable to organize themselves into a co-operative?
II. What are the three things that surprised Franz the most on the day of the last lesson?

III. What is the significance of the sprinting trees in the poem My Mother at Sixty-Six?

IV. What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?

V. Why did the author appear to be doing nothing at the studios?

VI. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?

11. Answer any two of the following questions in 40-50 words each. 2X2=04
I. Why did the Maharaja decide to get married?
II. Why did Charley run away from the third level?
III. What did Annan say about his community to the narrator?
12. Answer any one of the following questions in and about 120-150 words. 1X5=5
A. Imagine a child from a farmer’s family who has migrated to a town for education. As a
child, write back to your family telling them whether one would or would not turn into a city
person. Use the context of the poem A Roadside Stand.
Or
B. The prose sections Going Places and Lost Spring describe the aspirations and dreams of the
youth and the pain of unfulfilled promises and shattered dreams.

42
Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker and give a speech in and about 120-150 words
elaborating on occurrences from two texts and inspire your audience and convince them about
the importance of realistic dreams over unrealistic ones.
13. Answer any one of the following questions in and about 120-150 words. 1X5=5
A. The actual pain or inconvenience caused by physical impairment is often much less than the
sense of alienation felt by person with disabilities. Explain with ref. to On the Face of It.
Or
B. The Maharaja’s servants were obedient and adoring. Do you find them truly sincere towards
him or are they driven by fear when they obey him?
Do you find similarity in today’s political order? Elucidate. (The Tiger King)

43
 Sample Question Paper - IV

SUBJECT: ENGLISH
SUB. CODE: 301

General Instructions:
• Read and understand the questionsproperly.
• Give a neatpresentation.
• The question paper is divided into threesections.
• All questions of that section must be attempted in the correctorder
• You may attempt any section at atime
• Section A: ReadingComprehension 22 Marks
Section B: Writing Skills 18 Marks
Section C: Literature 40 Marks

SECTION – A (READING COMPREHENSION)

Q-1. Read the given passage carefully.
1. Millions of people in the United States are affected by eating disorders. More than
90% of those afflicted are adolescents or young adult women. Although all eating
disorders share some common manifestations, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa,
and binge eating, each have distinctive symptoms and risks. People who
intentionally starve themselves (even while experiencing severe hunger pangs)
suffer from anorexia nervosa.
2. The disorder, which usually begins around the time of puberty, involves extreme
weight loss to at least 15% below the individual’s normal body weight. Many people
with the disorder look emaciated but are convinced they are overweight. In patients
with anorexia nervosa, starvation can damage vital organs such as the heart and brain.
To protect itself, the body shifts into slow gear: Menstrual periods stop, blood
pressure rates drop, and thyroid function slows. Excessive thirst and frequent
urination may occur. Dehydration contributes to constipation, and reduced body fat
leads to lowered body temperature and the inability to withstand cold. Mild anemia,
swollen joints, reduced muscle mass, and light-headedness also commonly occur in
anorexia nervosa.
3.Anorexia nervosa sufferers can exhibit sudden angry outbursts or become socially
withdrawn. One in ten cases of anorexia nervosa leads to death from starvation,
cardiac arrest, other medical complications, or suicide. Clinical depression and
anxiety place many individuals with eating disorders at risk for suicidal behavior.
4.People with bulimia nervosa consume large amounts of food and then rid their
bodies of the excess calories by vomiting, abusing laxatives or diuretics, taking
enemas, or exercising obsessively. Some use a combination of all these forms of
purging. Individuals with bulimia who use drugs to stimulate vomiting, bowel
movements, or urination may be in considerable danger, as this practice increases the
risk of heart failure. Dieting heavily between episodes of binging and purging is
common.
5.Because many individuals with bulimia binge and purge in secret and maintain
normal or above normal body weight, they can often successfully hide their problem

44
 for years. But bulimia nervosa patients-even those of normal weight can severely
damage their bodies by frequent binge eating and purging. In rare instances, binge
eating causes the stomach to rupture; purging may result in heart failure due to loss
of vital minerals such as potassium. Vomiting can cause the esophagus to become
inflamed and glands near the cheeks to become swollen. As in anorexia nervosa,
bulimia may lead to irregular menstrual periods. Psychological effects include
compulsive stealing as well as possible indications of obsessive-compulsive disorder,
an illness characterized by repetitive thoughts and behaviors. Obsessive compulsive
disorder can also accompany anorexia nervosa. As with anorexia nervosa, bulimia
typically begins during adolescence. Eventually, half of those with anorexia nervosa
will develop bulimia. The condition occurs most often in women but is also found in
men.
6.Binge-eating disorder is found in about 2% of the general population. As many as
one-third of this group is men. It also affects older women, though with less
frequency. Recent research shows that binge-eating disorder occurs in about 30% of
people participating in medically supervised weight-control programs.
7.This disorder differs from bulimia because its sufferers do not purge. Individuals
with binge eating disorder feel that they lose control of themselves when eating. They
eat large quantities of food and do not stop until they are uncomfortably full. Most
sufferers are overweight or obese and have a history of weight fluctuations. As a
result, they are prone to the serious medical problems associated with obesity, such
as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
8.Obese individuals also have a higher risk for gallbladder disease, heart disease, and
some types of cancer. Usually they have more difficulty losing weight and keeping it
off than do people with other serious weight problems. Like anorexic and bulimic
sufferers who exhibit psychological problems, individuals with binge-eating disorder
have high rates of simultaneously occurring psychiatric illnesses, especially
depression.
A) Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
i) Majority of people suffering from eating disorders are ____. (1)
a)adolescents b)young adult women c)obese people d)both (a) and
(b)
ii Obese individuals also have a risk of . (1)
a)heart disease b)some types of cancer c)gallbladder disease d)all of these
iii) How many cases of anorexia nervosa can have fatal consequences? (1)
a)90 per cent b)Ten out of twenty c)50 per cent d)1 in 10
iv) “Many people with the disorder look emaciated but are convinced they are (1)
overweight. The word ‘emaciated’ here means .
a)fat b)skeletal c)nervous d)depressed
v) According to the passage, which of the following is correct? (1)
a)Among the suffers of anorexia nervosa, half of them will eventually develop
bulimia.
b)Binge eating disorder is found mainly in children.

45
 c)People with bulimia nervosa keep themselves in starvation.
d)More than 90% of those afflicted with eating disorders are men and old-age
people.
B) Answer the following questions in brief.
vi) The word ‘binge’ means________. (1)
vii) What is the most common consequence due to anorexia nervosa? (1)
viii) To what slow gears do the body shift? (1)
ix) What makes people socially withdrawn? (1)
x) What danger do the people with bulimia who use drugs face? (1)
xi) What is obsessive-compulsive disorder? (1)
xii) What are the typical eating bahaviours of individuals with binge-eating disorder? (1)

Q-2. Read the given passage carefully.

1.We sit in the last row, bumped about but free of stares. The bus rolls out of the dull
crossroads of the city, and we are soon in open countryside, with fields of sunflowers
as far as the eye can see, their heads all facing us. Where there is no water, the land
reverts to desert. While still on level ground we see in the distance the tall range of
the Mount Bogda, abrupt like a shining prism laid horizontally on the desert surface,
it is over 5,000 meters high, and the peaks are under permanent snow, in powerful
contrast to the flat desert all around. Heaven Lake lies part of the way up this range,
about 2,000 metres above sea- level, at the foot of one of the higher snow-peaks.
2.As the bus climbs, the sky, brilliant before, grows overcast. I have brought nothing
warm to wear: it is all down at the hotel in Urumqi. Rain begins to fall. The man
behind me is eating overpoweringly smelly goat’s cheese. The bus window leaks
inhospitably but reveals a beautiful view. We have passed quickly from desert
through arable land to pasture, and the ground is now green with grass, the slopes
dark with pine. A few cattle drink at a clear stream flowing past moss-covered stones;
it is a Constable landscape. The stream changes into a white torrent, and as we climb
higher I wish more and more that I had brought with me something warmer than the
pair of shorts that have served me so well in the desert. The Stream (which, we are
told, rises in Heaven Lake) disappears, and we continue our slow ascent. About noon,
we arrive at Heaven Lake, and look for a place to stay at the foot, which is the resort
area. We get a room in a small cottage, and I am happy to note that there are thick
quilts on the beds.
3.Standing outside the cottage we survey our surroundings. Heaven Lake is long,
sardine-shaped and fed by snowmelt from a stream at its head. The lake is an intense
blue, surrounded on all sides by green mountain walls, dotted with distant sheep. At
the head of the lake, beyond the delta of the inflowing stream, is a massive snow-
capped peak which dominates the vista; it is part of a series of peak that culminate, a
little out of view, in Mount Bogda itself.
4.For those who live in the resort there is a small mess-hall by the shore. We eat here
sometimes, and sometimes buy food from the vendors outside, who sell kabab and

46
 naan until the last buses leave. The kababs, cooked on skewers over charcoal braziers,
are particularly good; highly spiced and well-done. Horse’s milk is available too from
the local Kazakh herdsmen, but I decline this. I am so affected by the cold that Mr.
Cao, the relaxed young man who runs the mess, lends me a spare pair of trousers,
several sizes too large but more than comfortable. Once I am warm again, I feel a
pre-dinner spurt of energy - dinner will be long in coming - and I ask him whether
the lake is good for swimming in.
5.“Swimming?” Mr. Cao says. “You aren’t thinking of swimming, are you?”
6.“I thought I might,” I confess. “What’s the water like?”
7.He doesn’t answer me immediately, turning instead to examine some receipts with
exaggerated interest.Mr. Cao, with great off-handedness, addresses the air. “People
are often drowned here:’ he says. After a pause, he continues. “When was the last
one?” This question is directed at the cook, who is preparing a tray of mantou (squat
white steamed bread rolls), and who now appears, wiping his doughy hand across his
forehead. “Was it the Beijing athlete?” asks Mr. Cao.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given (10)
below:
i) According to the narrator, the advantage of sitting in the last row of the bus is that
__________
ii) What did the narrator see soon after reaching the countryside?
a) Fields of b) A shining prism c) Tall range of Mount d) Green
sunflower Bogda pastures
iii) The word ‘brilliant’ as given in paragraph 2 means
i) dazzling ii) talented iii) ingenious iv) shining v)
virtuous
a) 1 and 2 b) 3 and 4 c) 1 and 4 d) 2 and 5
iv) Pick out the options that explains how the scene looked like a constable landscape?
1.The ground filled with green grass.
2.The rising full-moon.
3.The slopes dark with pine.
4.The flowing Heaven lake in the middle of the landscape.
5.A few cattle drinking at a clear stream flowing past mass-covered stones.
a) 1, 3, and 5 b) Both 2 and 4 c) only 5 d) 2, 4 and 5
v) Which word means the same as ‘steep’ from paragraph 1?
vi) What did the narrator wish for as the bus climbs higher?
a) That he must not be travelling alone.
b) That he had brought some eatables with him.
c) He was scared and thought that he should not have come to this trip.
d) That he had brought some warm clothes with him.
vii) The pair of trousers that Mr. Cao sent for the narrator was
a) fitted nicely to him b) very comfortable
c) too short for him d) too large but more than comfortable
for him.

47
viii) The correct antonym of the word ‘arable’is _____________.
ix) Mr. Cao warned the narrator against swimming in the lake because ____________.
x) Mantou is a kind of bread, traditionally used in ____________.

SECTION – B (CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS)

Q-3. Attempt the following question. (4)
i) As the head of your school's student council, write a notice informing all students
about an upcoming fundraising event for a charitable cause. Include details such as
the date, time, venue, and how students can contribute.
OR
ii) You are a member of a residential society's management committee, and there will
be a temporary disruption in the water supply due to maintenance work. Write a
notice to all the residents, informing them about the scheduled maintenance, the
duration of the water disruption, and any alternative arrangements made during that
period. Provide contact details for any urgent concerns or queries.
Q-4. Attempt the following question. (4)
i) Your school is hosting its annual graduation ceremony, and you have been assigned
the task of inviting the chief guest. Write a formal invitation to a notable public figure,
inviting them to be the chief guest at the graduation ceremony.
OR
ii) You are Arav/Aravika. You have been invited by the Secretary of the Lions Club,to
participate in a seminar on ‘The Role of Ethics in Science and Technological
Advancements’organised by the Lions Club of your district. Respond to the invitation
by writing to the Secretary.
Q-5. Attempt the following question. (5)
i) The HR at Jim& Jones Pvt. Ltd. Meghalaya has posted an advertisement as given
under. You saw the given advertisement in the newspaper and wish to apply for the
position advertised. You are Shridhar/Sridevi.
Situation Vacant
Wanted a qualified accountant for a reputable cosmetics firm. Should be a CA with 2 years’
experience in company accounts and audit. Sound knowledge of computers essential. Age
between 25 and 35 years. Salary negotiable, contact:Malang, Head HR, Jim& Jones Pvt.
Ltd., New Nizam Road, Meghalaya. 9835XXXXXX

Write a letter to Jim& Jones Pvt. Ltd. along with your bio-data, expressing your
interest in the situation vacant.
OR
ii) Write an editorial letter discussing the importance of affordable housing in our
community and proposing strategies to address the housing crisis.

Q-6. Attempt the following question. (5)

i)
In recent years, India has witnessed a significant growth in online shopping, driven
by factors such as increasing internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and a shift

48
 in consumer behavior. Keeping in mind the shift in consumer preferences; write an
article on ‘The Evolution of Online Shopping and Its Impact on Retail Stores’.
OR
ii) Addiction to mobile phones is becoming a cause of concern today. It is impacting
both physical and mental health of young and old alike. You attended a workshop
on Joy of Missing Out organized by Home Association. As the local correspondent,
write a report on the event. You are Rita/Rakesh of Indiranagar.

SECTION – C (LITERATURE)
Q-7. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow. (Any One) (6)
A) ‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
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.

i) State whether True or False: The first two lines of the extract demonstrate the poet’s
powerful use of imagery.

ii) The phrase "pouring unto us from the heaven's brink" suggests:
a) A natural b) Divine inspiration c) Emotional turmoil d) Physical
disaster exhaustion
iii) Based on the extract, complete the following analogy:
have heard: alliteration :: ___________________: oxymoron
iv) According to the extract, which of these bring joy to human life?
(i) shady trees
(ii) delightful drinks
(iii) fragrant flowers
(iv) changing seasons
(v) enchanting stories
a) (i) and (iii) b) (iii) and (v) c) (i), (iv) and (v) d) (ii), (iii) and
(iv)
v) Complete the given sentence appropriately.
When the poet mentions 'an endless fountain of immortal drink', he refers
to__________.

vi) Which of the following best describes the tone of these lines?
a) Joyful and exuberant b) Melancholic and reflective
c) Serious and authoritative d) Humorous and lighthearted
OR

49
 B) The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead,
Or if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts
At having the landscape marred with the artless paint
Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned wrong…
Offered for sale wild berries in wooden quarts,
Or crook-necked golden squash with silver warts,

i) In the given lines, the phrase "polished traffic" is an example of which figure of
speech?
a) Metaphor b) Transferred Epithet c) Personification d) Hyperbole
ii) What is the overall tone of these lines?
a) Optimistic and hopeful b) Frustrated and annoyed
c) Serene and peaceful d) Curious and contemplative

iii) ‘The urban and educated people have their minds ahead.’
Choose the option suggesting the correct meaning behind this line.

a) Option 1 b) Option 2 c) Option 3 d) Option 4

iv) The passers-by find the sign artless but the landscape ___________.
a) animated b) aesthetic c) amusing d) appalling
v) What are the things that the villagers are selling?

vi) Complete the analogy:

Expert chess players: Strategy calculated :: _____________:mind ahead
Q-8. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given below: (4)
A) You lose all earthly sense of perspective and time here. The visual scale ranges from
the microscopic to the mighty: midges and mites to blue whales and icebergs as big
as countries (the largest recorded was the size of Belgium). Days go on and on and
on in surreal 24-hour austral summer light, and a ubiquitous silence, interrupted only
by the occasional avalanche orcalving ice sheet, consecrates the place. It’s an
immersion that will force you to place yourself in the context of the earth’s geological
history. And for humans, the prognosis isn’t good.
i) What effect does the surreal 24-hour austral summer light have on the sense of time?
a) It makes time feel elongated and never-ending.
b) It makes time pass quickly and unpredictably.
c) It creates a distorted perception of time.
d) It has no impact on the sense of time.

50
ii) The author's statement that "the prognosis isn't good" for humans suggests:
a) Humans are well-adapted to the Antarctic environment.
b) Humans face challenges and risks in the Antarctic.
c) Humans have a positive future in the Antarctic.
d) Humans are unaffected by the geological history of the Antarctic.
iii) Select the option that correctly fits the category of 'microscopic to the mighty' out
of the ones given below:
1)A bacteria cell: A blue whale 2)A pebble: A mountain range
3) A raindrop: An ocean 4)A mosquito: A forest
a) Option 1 b) Option 2 c) Option 3 d) Option 4
iv Which of the following best describes the purpose of the author's use of the phrase
"an immersion that will force you to place yourself in the context of the earth’s
geological history"?
a) To emphasize the importance of understanding geological history in the
Antarctic.
b) To encourage readers to explore the diverse marine life in the Antarctic.
c) To highlight the significance of human presence in the Antarctic environment.
d) To suggest the transformative impact of the Antarctic experience on individuals.
OR
B) At midnight when the town slept in peace, the dewan and his aged wife dragged the
tiger into the car and shoved it into the seat. The dewan himself drove the car straight
to the forest where the Maharaja was hunting. When they reached the forest, the tiger
launched its satyagraha and refused to get out of the car. The dewan was thoroughly
exhausted in his efforts to haul thebeast out of the car and push it down to the ground.
On the following day, the same old tiger wandered into the Maharaja’s presence and
stood as if in humble supplication, “Master, what do you command of me?” It was
with boundless joy that the Maharaja took careful aim at the beast. The tiger fell in a
crumpled heap.
i) What can be inferred about the dewan's motivation for taking the tiger to the forest?
a) The dewan wanted to satisfy the Maharaja and save his job.
b) The dewan wanted to protect the town from the tiger's presence.
c) The dewan wanted to dispose of the tiger without causing harm to it.
d) The dewan wanted to assist the tiger in finding its natural habitat.

ii) The phrase "launched its satyagraha" suggests that the tiger:
a) Took a violent action against the dewan.
b) Engaged in a peaceful protest or resistance.
c) Suddenly attacked the dewan inside the car.
d) Demonstrated cunning and strategic behavior.
iii) Why did the tiger refuse to get out of the car in the forest?
a) The tiger was comfortable and wanted to rest inside the car.
b) The tiger sensed danger and wanted to hide from the Maharaja.
c) The tiger was expressing its protest against captivity and wanted freedom.

51
 d) The tiger was waiting for the dewan to remove it forcefully from the car.
iv) What was the emotional state of the Maharaja when he aimed at the beast?

Q-9. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given below:

A) …it was a big and confusing forest which he had gotten into. He tried, to be sure, to (6)
walk in a definite direction, but the paths twisted back and forth so strangely! He
walked and walked without coming to the end of the wood, and finally he realised
that he had only been walking around in the same part of the forest. All at once he
recalled his thoughts about the world andthe rattrap. Now his own turn had come. He
had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught. The whole forest, with its
trunks and branches, its thickets and fallen logs, closed in upon him like an
impenetrable prison from which he could never escape.
i) The phrase "closed in upon him like an impenetrable prison" is an example of:
a) Simile b) Metaphor c) Hyperbole d) Personification

ii) What realization does the protagonist have about his own situation?
a) He realizes that he has been deceived and trapped.
b) He understands the true nature of the forest's beauty and complexity.
c) He discovers a hidden path that leads to his desired destination.
d) He recognizes the importance of patience and perseverance in life.

iii) How would you characterize the mood of the above extract?
a) mysterious, restful b) ominous, despairing
c) thoughtful, whimsical d)philosophical, anguished
iv) By what bait had the peddler been fooled?
a) He had chosen to take the ‘safe’ forest route.
b) He had decided to avoid the public highway.
c) He had stolen money from the trusting crofter.
d) He didn’t realize the power of his rattrap analogy.
v) What was the outcome or result of "his own turn" coming for the peddler?
a) The peddler had become hopelessly trapped in the dense and twisted forest.
b) The peddler had fallen victim to deception and found himself imprisoned.
c) The peddler had unknowingly been circling the same area of the forest.
d) The peddler had traversed the entire forest without reaching its end.
vi) The phrase "he had let himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught" is an
example of:
a) Paradox b) Alliteration
c) Irony d) Onomatopoeia

OR

B) This morning, Saheb is on his way to the milk booth. In his hand is a steel canister.

52
 “I now work in a tea stall down the road,” he says, pointing in the distance. “I am
paid 800 rupees and all my meals.” Does he like the job? I ask. His face, I see, has
lost the carefree look. The steel canister seems heavier than the plastic bag he would
carry so lightly over his shoulder. The bag was his. The canister belongs to the man
who owns the tea shop. Saheb is no longer his own master!
i) State whether True or False: Saheb was well-paid but still he lost his carefree look.

ii) What does the author mean when she writes “The steel canister seems heavier than
the plastic bag he would carry so lightly over his shoulder.”?

iii) Which of the following changes has occurred in Saheb's life?

a) He has started working at a tea stall.
b) He has started volunteering at a community center.
c) He has recently moved to a new city.
d) He has developed an interest in photography.
iv) The chapter discloses Saheb’s name as Saheb-e-Alam which is ___________ to
what Saheb is.
a) sarcastic b) ironic b) satirical d) paradoxical
v) Complete the following statement: The canister belongs to the _________ whereas
the bag was his own.
vi) Explain the statement- ‘Saheb is no longer his own master!’

Q-10. Answer Any Five of the following questions each in about 40-50 words. (10)

i) What different images does the poet use to convey the idea of her mother’s old age?
(My Mother at Sixty-six)
ii) Choose a quiet corner and keep still physically and mentally for about five minutes.
Do you feel any change in your state of mind? (Keeping Quiet)
iii) What are ‘interstices’ according to Umberto Eco? (The Interview)
iv) Bring out the contrast between Sophie and Jansie in the story ‘Going Places.’ (Going
Places)
v) What were Franz’s regrets after M. Hamel announced his last lesson? (The Last
Lesson)
vi) What do the tigers symbolize in the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’? (Aunt Jennifer’s
Tigers)

Q-11. Answer Any Two of the following questions each in about 40-50 words. (4)

i) What is common between Zitkala-Sa and Bama? (Memories of Childhood)

ii) What arguments does Charley offer to show his disagreement with the
psychiatrist’s diagnosis? (The Third Level)
iii) Compare the perspectives of Derry and Mr. Lamb. How do their differing
viewpoints shape their actions and interactions? (On the Face of It)

53
Q-12. Answer Any One of the following questions in 120-150 words. (5)
i) The chapter Indigo, points out how effective leadership can assist in overcoming any
problem.
Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high school
students. Write this address in 120-150 words elaborating on occurrences from the
text to inspire your audience and to convince them about the importance of
leadership. (Indigo)
OR
ii) “Poets and Pancakes” probes into the follies and foibles of humankind. Discuss how
the author brings in humour and satire as a weapon to illustrate this idea. (Poets and
Pancakes)

Q-13. Answer Any One of the following questions in about 120-150 words. (5)
i) Consider yourself as the prisoner of war and write a letter of gratefulness mentioning
how beautifully Dr. Sadao Hoki celebrated humanism over parochial nationalism.
(The Enemy)
ii) There is an intersection of time and space in the story ‘The Third Level’. The sense
of time and space gets blurry when Douglas has a near-death experience. Imagine
yourself to be Douglas, and express your thoughts on the abovementioned issue in
about 120-150 words. (Deep Water)

54
 Sample Question Paper – V

SUBJECT : ENGLISH CORE SUBJECT CODE: 301

CLASS: XII

General Instructions-:

i) This paper comprises 13 questions. All questions are compulsory with internal options in
some.

ii) The paper contains 3 sections namely: Section A: Reading Skills

Section B: Creative Writing Skills

Section C: Literature

iii) Write correct question numbers and sub-parts thereof in your answer sheet and attempt all
the questions following specific instructions carefully.

iv) Adhere to prescribed word limits while writing answers. Read and follow all instructions
carefully and strictly.

SECTION –A
READING SKILLS (22 MARKS)
Q. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: 12
NO.
1. Passage 1

1. From the moment a baby first opens its eyes, it is learning. Sight and
sensation spark off a learning process which will determine in large
measure, the sort of person it will become. Language stands head and
shoulders over all other tools as an instrument of learning. It is the
language that gives man his lead in intelligence over all the other
creatures. No other creature can assemble a list of ideas, consider them,
draw conclusions and then explain his reasoning. Man can do all this
because he possesses language. And if thought depends on language, the
quality of an individual’s thought will depend on that person’s language-
rudimentary or sophisticated, precise or approximate, stereotyped or
original.

2. Very young babies are soothed bv human voice uttering comforting

words close to them. This essentially-emotional response provides early
evidence that feeling is an important component of language learning.
Children learn to use language in interaction with other human beings and
this learning proceeds best against a background of affectionate feedback
from the person who is closest to them. This is seen to perfection in the
interaction between parent and a baby: eyes locked together, the adult

55
almost physically drawing ‘verbal’ response from the baby, both engulfed
by that unique experience of intimate and joyful ‘connecting’, which sets
the pattern of the relationship between two people.

3. Thus, long before they can speak, children are involved in a two-way
process of communication, which is steadily building a foundation on
which their later use of language will be based. Constantly surrounded by
language, they are unconsciously building structures in their minds into
which their speech and reading will later fit grammatical constructions,
tense sequences and so on. The forms of these structures will depend on
the amount and complexity of speech they hear. Fortunate are those
children who listen to articulate adults, expressing ideas and defending
opinions. They will know, long before they can contribute themselves and
understand, that relationships are forged through this process of speaking
and listening; that warmth and humour have a place in the process, as
have all other human emotions.

4. Using books is the most important means of ensuring a child’s adequate

language development. None of us can endlessly initiate and maintain
speech with very small children; we run out of ideas or just get plain sick
of it. Their lives are confined to a limited circle and they do not have
enough experience to provide raw material for constant verbal interaction.

5. Parents and children who share books share the same frame of
reference. Incidents in everyday life constantly remind one or the other of
a situation, a character, an action, from a jointly enjoyed book, with all the
generation of warmth and well-being that is attendant upon such sharing.
All too often, there is a breakdown of communication between parents
and children when the problems of adolescence arise. In most cases, this
is most acute when the give-and-take of shared opinions and ideas have
not been constantly practised throughout childhood. Books can play a
major role in the establishment of this verbal give-and-take because they
are rooted in language.

6. Young children’s understanding greatly outruns their capacity for

expression as their speech strains to encompass their awareness, to
represent reality as they see it. Shades of meaning which may be quite
unavailable to the child of limited verbal experience are startlingly talked
to toddler. All the wonderful modifying words-later, nearly, tomorrow,
almost, wait, half, lend, etc. begin to steer the child away from the simple
extremes of “Yes” and “No” towards the adult word of compromise from
the child’s black and white world to the subtle shades and tints of the real
world. The range of imaginative experience opened up by books expands
the inevitably limited horizons of children’s surroundings and allows
them to make joyful, intrigued, awestruck acquaintance with countless
people, animals, objects and ideas in their first years of life.

56
 7. Books also open children to new points of view, besides their own as
they unconsciously put themselves into other people’s places-‘if that
could happen to him, it could happen to me’. This imaginative self-
awareness brings apprehensions and fears as well as heightened hopes and
joys.

8. In books, children can experience language which is subtle,

resourceful, exhilarating and harmonious; languages that provide the
human ear (and understanding) with a pointed and precise pleasure, the
searing illuminating impact of good and true words.

A. Answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate option from the
options provided.
i) What is an important component of language learning? 1
a. Feeling b. Linguistics c. Emotions d. Environment
ii) What are the things that enable a baby to learn about the world around it? 1
a. See and hear b. Sense and analyse c. Understand and d. See, hear and
use language sense
iii) What are the most important means of ensuring a child’s adequate 1
language development?
a. Using books b. Two-way process c. Uttering d. Drawing verbal
of communication comforting words response
iv) Why do books help in the establishment of verbal give-and-take? 1
a. Because they help b. Because they are c. Because they are d. Because they
in interaction with rooted in language beautiful to look at have varied topics
others
v) How do books help children see things from other’s points of view? 1
a. Books help in b. Books have a c. Books generate a d. Books create
imaginative self- beautiful cover lot of discussions awareness about
awareness various topics
B. Answer the following questions in brief:
i) How does the range of language affect a person’s thinking? 1

ii) What advantages do children, who listen to articulate adults, enjoy in 1

comparison to others?
iii) Why, according to the writer, is ‘talking alone’ an inadequate base for 1
language development?
iv) What is the role of books in maintaining a good relationship? Explain. 1
v) Pick out two advantages of the books mentioned in the passage. 2
vi) Find words from the passage which mean the following: 0.5+0.5=1
a. ‘pronounce distinctly’. (para 3)
b. ‘give-and-take’ (para 6)

Q. Read the Given passage carefully and based on your understanding of it, 10
NO. answer the questions that follow:
2. Passage 2

57
 (1) A survey was conducted on student preferences with respect to the most
popular means of communicationamong them. Surprisingly, the students
didn’t seem much interested in traditional means of communication. Only
7%were interested in writing letters to their friends or kins as compared to
those who preferred e-mails.

Popular Means of Communication

among students

Telephone, 27%

Text Message, 23%

E-mail, 17%

Instant
Messenger,
16%
Letter, 7%

Fax, 10%

(2) However, the chief competition is between users of Instant Messenger

and those of Emails. The users of faxline as a medium of communication
are only marginal. There are supporters of text messaging also. Overall, the
survey
had a mixed response from the students.
(3) The students informed that out of the choices given in the survey
questionnaire, they have indicated the mostpreferred option. But, most of
the students are of the view that video calling needs to be mentioned in the
questionnaireas it is the most effective and most popular means of
communication. Further, voice messages are the second most
preferred means of communication.
A. Answer the questions by selecting the most correct option from the options
provided.
i) Which means of communication is liked by more than one-fourth of the 1
students?
a. Telephone b. Text message c. e-mail d. fax

58
ii) Which means of communication is liked by exactly one-tenth of the 1
students?
a. Letter b. Fax c. E-mail d. Instant messenger
iii) What is the overall response of the studentsto the survey? 1
a.Biased b. Unbiased c. Mixed d. None of these
iv) What is the correct order of the medium of communication in decreasing 1
order of preference?
a. Voice message, b. Text message, c. Instant d. Text message,
Text message, Instant Messenger, Messenger, Fax, Instant Messenger,
Instant Voice Voice message, Fax,
Messenger, Fax message, Fax Text message Voice message
v) Pick out the word or phrase from the passage which means opposite to 1
‘gradual’ (used inPara 2).
a.Chief b. Instant c. Marginal d. Mixed
vi) The correct grammar forms for the words “competition” and “compete” 1
are:
a. noun and verb b. adjective and c. verb and noun c. verb and adjective
noun
B. What according to students are not mentioned in the survey form but are 1
vii) very popular as means of communication today?
viii) What does the study indicate to be a surprising finding? 1
ix) How will you justify the mixed response of the participants of the study 2
conducted?
SECTION B
CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (18 marks)
3. Answer any one of A or B in about 50 words: 1x4
A. Your school is going to organize a mandatory health camp for classes VI-
XII in the Multipurpose hall of the Vidyalaya headed by your Vidyalaya
Doctor and Staff Nurse. Prepare a notice as the head of the institution, to
inform all the students and staff with necessary details in a box format.
B. As the President of the English club, invite articles and sketches for your
Vidyalaya’s Magazine by drafting a suitable notice for students including
details with regard to submission, deadline and so on. You are
Ankur/Ankita Saikia of Modern Public School, Aurangabad.
4. Attempt any one of the two in about 50 words: 1x4
A. Draft an invitation for the Annual function of ABC Public school which
will be held in the month of December, 2024 in Sanskar Auditorium. A
prominent Sattriya dancer, Ms. Ragini Das has agreed to be the chief guest
and will grace the occasion with her performance followed by awards for
academic excellence for last year’s performance in Board examinations.
You are Atul/Ahalya, Head Boy/Girl of DAV School, Lucknow.
B. Your childhood friend Gautam Bose has invited you for his house warming
party for a new flat purchased near Bandra, Mumbai. Reply to accept/reject
the invitation with reasons. You are Prapti/Parichay Borah of Nataraj
colony, Guwahati.
5. Attempt any one of A or B in about 120-150 words 1x5
A. Reality shows these days exhibit more drama than reality. They are
allegedly scripted at times and this makes talented individuals to be
eliminated or not being selected in them. Write a letter to the Editor of a

59
 national daily highlighting the merits/demerits of reality shows in India
today. You are Papon/Papiya Dutta.
B. DVC Financial Pvt. Ltd., 46- Nayak Lane, New Delhi, has invited
applications for the post of Manager for heading the audit department.
Write an application with suitable bio-data for the said job advertised in the
The Hindu. You are Punit/Punita Bisht of C-36, Carol Bagh, New Delhi.
6. Attempt any one of the following from A or B in about 100-130 words. 1x5
A. All around you see people buying foreign breed pets for hefty amounts, but
you feel that true animal lovers should adopt stray animals and take care of
them. Write an article for your school magazine on “Adopt animals instead
of buying”. You are Karan/Kiran Saxena of class XII-Science.
B. The recent Dana cyclone has destroyed property and lead to the loss of
lives in spite of early warnings issued along the coastal areas of Bengal and
Odisha. Write a report for the Hindustan Times as a correspondent who has
visited the cyclone affected areas after the natural calamity took place. Use
details like:
• Date, Place and Time of Reporting
• Damages to houses/property/lives that you have witnessed
• Action taken by Government and NGOs
• Future Concerns and Public feedback
SECTION C
LITERATURE (40 marks)
7. Answer any one of the questions that follow the given extracts/passages: 6
A. ‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
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.
(A Thing of Beauty)
i) Based on the extract, complete the following analogy: 1
have heard: alliteration:: _____: oxymoron
ii) Name the poet and discuss his significance in English Literature. 2
iii) ii. Which of these best indicates the phrase 'mid-forest brake'? 1
a. hidden pond
b. mass of shrubs
c. canopy of trees
d. sparkling stream
iv) Complete the given sentence appropriately. When the poet mentions 'an 1
endless fountain of immortal drink', he refers to __________.
v) According to the extract, which of these brings joy to human life? 1
1. shady trees
2. delightful drinks
3. fragrant flowers
4. changing seasons
5. enchanting stories
a. (1) and (3)
b. (3) and (5)

60
 c. (1), (4), and (5)
d. (2), (3), and (4)
B. 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
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
(Keeping Quiet)
i. What do you think is the mood of the poet in the above extract? 1
a. gloomy, cynical
b. reflective, inspired
c. introspective, aware
d. critical, demotivated
ii. Look at the images given below. Choose the image to which the above 1
extract can be seen as an appropriate response.

a. Option (i)
b. Option (ii)
c. Option (iii)
d. Option (iv)
iii. What might the “huge silence” signify? 1
a. melancholy
b. understanding
c. discomfort
d. Flexibility
iv. Complete the following sentence with your understanding of the extract: 1
Threatening ourselves with death __________
v. What is a prominent theme reflected in the poem 'Keeping Quiet'? 1
vi. “Now I’ll count up to twelve and you keep quiet and I will go.” Why 1
does the poet wish to go at the end of the poem?
8. Answer any one of the questions that follow the given two extracts: 4
A. The man moaned with pain in his stupor but he did not awaken.
“The best thing that we could do would be to put him back in the sea,”
Sadao said, answering himself. Now that the bleeding was stopped for the
moment he stood up and dusted the sand from his hands.
“Yes, undoubtedly that would be best,” Hana said steadily. But she
continued to stare down at the motionless man.

61
 “If we sheltered a white man in our house we should be arrested and if we
turned him over as a prisoner, he would certainly die,” Sadao said.
“The kindest thing would be to put him back into the sea,” Hana said. But
neither of them moved. They were staring with curious repulsion upon
the inert figure. (The Enemy)
i. Which of the following options cannot replace the word ‘stupor’?
a. slumber.
b. sluggishness.
c. trance
d. daze
ii. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: Sadao and Hana cared about the soldier but were worried about
the consequences of being considerate.
Statement 2: Sadao and Hana wanted to shirk their responsibilities of looking
after an injured soldier, who could be an American.
a. Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
b. Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
c. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
d. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.
iii. Pick the option that best describes Sadao and Hana in the passage.
a. Sadao: scrupulous, Hana: wary
b. Sadao: daring, Hana: prudent
c. Sadao: prudent, Hana: suspicious
d. Sadao: wary, Hana: daring
iv. The extract shows Sadao and Hana mutually agree on a particular
decision. Comment on the nature of their relationship from the lesson.
B. If you are always ahead in your lessons, people will come to you of their
own accord and attach themselves to you. Work hard and learn.” The words
that Annan spoke to me that day made a very deep impression on me. And I
studied hard, with all my breath and being, in a frenzy almost. As Annan had
urged, I stood first in my class. And because of that, many people became
my friends. (Memories of Childhood)
i) Bama’s brother told her that if she wanted to make progress, she had to 1
(a) learn to cook
(b) study
(c) learn to stitch and knit
(d) learn to drive
ii) The lesson ‘Memories of Childhood’ is 1
(a) an autobiographical episode
(b) a fable
(c) a legend
(d) a play
iii) Why was Bama’s brother asked about the street on which they resided? 1
iv) How can education counter casteism in society? Explain. 1
9. Answer any one of the questions that follow the given two extracts: 6
A. “Some might make quite extravagant claims for it as being, in its highest
form, a source of truth, and, in its practice, an art. Others, usually celebrities
who see themselves as its victims, might despise the interview as an
unwarranted intrusion into their lives, or feel that it somehow diminishes

62
 them, just as in some primitive cultures it is believed that if one takes a
photographic portrait of somebody then one is stealing that person’s soul.”
(Interview)
i What is the most likely reason some people consider the practice of 1
interview to be an art? This could be because it requires:

(a) Fluency of words.

(b) Sensitive and careful handling.
(c) Creativity and imagination.
(d) Probing and focusing on details.
ii Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its 1
inference.
Celebrities feel that an interview diminishes them.
iii On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the 1
two statements given below.

Celebrities don’t consent to be interviewed.

Interviews intrude the privacy of celebrities.
Options:

(a) (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.
(b) (1) cannot be inferred from the extract but (2) can.
(c) (1) is true but (2) is false.
(d) (2) is the reason for (1)
iv Rationalise, to support the given opinion: 1
To say that an interview, in its highest form, is a source of truth, is an
extravagant claim.
v Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract. 1

Some celebrities hate the idea of having to give an interview because it

makes them feel like supporters.

vi The author’s views on interviews, in the extract, can best be described as 1

statements based on _____________.
(a) Facts
(b) Hypothesis
(c) Beliefs
(d) Superstitions
B. My last French lesson! Why, I hardly knew how to write! I should never
learn any more! I must stop there, then! Oh, how sorry I was for not learning
my lessons, for seeking birds’ eggs, or going sliding on the Saar! My books,
that had seemed such a nuisance a while ago, so heavy to carry, my
grammar, and my history of the saints, were old friends now that I couldn’t
give up. And M. Hamel, too; the idea that he was going away, that I should
never see him again, made me forget all about his ruler and how cranky he
was.
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

63
 his forty years of faithful service and of showing their respect for the country
that was theirs no more.
-The Last Lesson
i What is the protagonist’s emotional state at the beginning of the extract, and 1
how does it change by the end?
ii What does the protagonist regret not doing instead of studying? 1
iii What is the significance of M. Hamel wearing his fine Sunday clothes? 1
iv What do the old men sitting in the back of the room represent? 1
v In what way is the ending of the extract an example of irony? 1
vi Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the 1
extract?
A. The Importance of Education
B. The Regrets of a Student
C. The Appreciation of a Teacher
D. The Nostalgia of Old Age
10. Answer any 5 of the following questions in 40-50 words each: 5x2
i. What was written in Sam’s letter to Charley? (The Third Level)
ii. Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of 25% with the British landlords at
the court? (Indigo)
iii How does the contrasting imagery used in Kamala Das’s poem, depict the
phases in human life? (My Mother at Sixty Six)
iv. Identify an instance of resilience and hope in the lesson “Lost Spring” and
analyze how it reflects any major theme of the story.
v. What steps did Douglas take to overcome his fear of water after his near-to-
death experience at the YMCA pool? (Deep Waters)
vi. Imagine yourself as young Franz and your favourite Assamese teacher in
school as M. Hamel from The Last Lesson. Your school is going to apply an
‘only English and Hindi’ language teaching policy from tomorrow and you
are seated in the last class of Assamese with your favourite teacher in Class
VI. Having neglected your mother tongue for the last few months of
schooling, now, you deeply regret the changing circumstances that are on the
way. How would you react to it?
11. Answer any 2 of the following questions in 40-50 words: 2x2
i. Reflect upon the significance of the “massive weight of uncle’s wedding
ring” in the poem “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers”.
ii. What is the importance of the “Students on Ice” program? Who initiated it
and why? (Journey to the end of the Earth)
iii. Do you think Dr. Sadao was wise in saving an enemy soldier? Justify with
reference to the text.
12. Answer any one of the following questions in detail (120-150 words): 5
i. Draw an analogy between the poems “A Roadside Stand” and “Aunt
Jennifer’s Tigers on the theme of inequality and the impact upon its bearers.
OR

64
ii. Why was Subbu regarded as a ‘many sided-genius’ at Gemini Studios?
Mention briefly about the other poets in Asokamitran’s story and comment
on the significance of its title.
13. Answer any one of the following questions in detail (120-150 words): 5
i. Self-reliance, help to the sharecroppers, and Indian independence were all
tied together in “Indigo”. Comment upon these inter-related concepts with
ample textual references highlighting and also mention how Gandhiji
championed on solving socio-cultural problems in Champaran.
OR
ii. “The Rattrap” is not only literal in the life of the peddler but also serves as a
metaphor on human life and predicament. Highlight how the author has used
this image of the rattrap in different ways throughout the story.

65
 MARKING SCHEME

(Sample Paper-I)

SECTION—A

Q.1. Answer the following questions, based on the above passage: 12 marks

(i)Ans. (B) For its traditional music ,art, literature

(ii) Ans. Brilliant speakers and equally brilliant listeners are the main attractions of the
political and literary meetings. It is a treat to watch the speakers use their oratorical weapons.
Chennai speakers are by large sweet and urbane. They weave their arguments slowly like a
Carnatic raga.

(iii) Ans. M.S. Subbulakshmi is considered to be the Nightingale of the Sought.

(iv) Ans. South Indian dances are special because they are pure and sensuous.

(v) Ans. (A). It fosters a sense of equality

(vi) Ans. (C). Mohiniyattam

(vii) Ans. The intellectual and cultural life of Chennai is something of a marvel. Every street
corner of Chennai has a literary forum, a debating society, and music, dance and dramatic
club.

(viii) Ans. Thousands of people flock to the temple maidans to get drunk with the mellifluous
melodies of their favourite singers. They sit out all night in the grueling heat, swaying to the
rhythm of ‘nadaswaram` and the beats of ‘mridangam`.

(ix) Ans. (C). Urbane

Passage 2

Q.2. Answer the following questions, based on the above passage: 10 marks

(i) Ans. (B). ‘Hypothyroidism` causes weight gain and difficulty in losing weight.

(ii)Ans. When thyroid hormones are low, metabolism slows down, causing weight gain.
There`s no special diet that can help cure thyroid disorders completely, but eating a well-
balanced diet can definitely help maintain proper thyroid functioning.

(iii) Ans. Diet plays an important role in helping us manage the disease. While we may be
good at controlling what we eat, it`s also important to think about what we drink. Healthy
drinks for people with hypothyroid should be low in calories and rich in nutrients.

66
(iv) Ans. If thyroid doesn`t work properly, it can do a lot of damage. When thyroid makes
more hormones than the body needs, it is called hyperthyroidism. By contrast,
hypothyroidism is the result of too little thyroid hormone.

(v) Ans. Metabolism; body temperature

(vi) Ans. (C) All, except 2

(vii) Ans. (B). Thyroid and Hypothyroid

SECTION B—Creative Writing Skills

Q. no 3.NOTICE WRITING

Answer: Distribution of marks: 4 marks

Format-1, Content-2

Expression: Grammar and Spelling-1/2, Coherence of ideas-1/2

FORMAT- Name of the issuing authority- organization/agency, heading, date of issue,

signature/name, designation.

Q. 4. INVITATION

Answer: Distribution of marks

Format-1, Content-2,Expression: Grammar and Spelling- ½, Coherence of ideas-1/2

-Suggested value poents

-card form

-chief guest-invitees

Q. 5.

Answer: Distribution of marks

Format-1, content-3

Expression(grammar and spelling)-1/2, coherence of ideas-1/2

Format—sender`s address, date, receiver`s address, subject and salutation, complementary

close, name.

Suggested value points: Covering Letter:

-Reference to the advertisement

-suitability for the post

67
-offer candidature

Bio-Data/Resume/CV:

-personal profile

-qualifications

-experience

-skills/ references

Q. 6.

Answer: ARTICLE WRITING

Distribution of marks

Format-1, Content-3, Expression (grammar and spelling)-1/2, Coherence of ideas-1/2,

FORMAT –Title and byline

Suggested value points:

(inputs given in the question to be included) (any other relevant point).

OR

REPORT WRITING

Distribution of marks

Format-1, Content-3, Expression (grammar and spelling)-1/2, Coherence of ideas-1/2,

FORMAT-Title and byline

Suggested value points:

(inputs given in the question to be included) (any other relevant point).

SECTION—C—Literature (40 marks)

Q. 7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a)
or (b)

(a)(A Thing of Beauty)

(i)Ans. The poet refers to the tales of beautiful stories that we have either heard or read.

(ii) Ans. By ‘endless fountain of immortal drink`, the poet means an endless source of
motivation and inspiration.

(iii) Ans. (C) Hyperbole

68
(iv) Ans.(A) Immortal

(v) Ans. We experience immense joy and happiness because of the immortal drink.

(vi) Ans. (B) It will never pass into nothingness.

OR

(b)(Keeping Quiet)

(i) Ans. (D) any language

(ii) Ans. The poet wants us not to speak and move our arms.

(iii) Ans. The poet is requesting us to be silent and introspect.

(iv) Ans. (A)weapons and ammunition

(v) Ans. The poet uses conversational style personal pronouns because he tries to reach out to
the readers.

(vi) Ans. (D) twelve seconds

Q. 8. Read the following extracts and answer the questions for any one of the given two, (a)
or (b):

(a) (The Enemy)

(i) Ans. (A) Dr. Sadao

(ii) Ans. True

(iii) Ans. It was written ‘U.S Navy` on the battered cap.

(iv) Ans. (D) Both (A) and (B)

OR

(b) (ON The Face Of It)

(i) Ans. It is Mr. Lamb`s garden.

(ii) Ans. (C) A small sour apple

(iii) Ans. Derry was startled because of Mr. Lamb`s presence.

(iv) Ans. (C) Tentatively

Q. 9.

(a) (Lost Spring)

(i) Ans. Here, ‘They` are the poor people.

69
(ii) Ans. (C) Rag-picking

(iii) Ans. Partners in survival.

(iv) Ans.(B) Rag-picking

(v) Ans. ‘Transit homes` means temporary homes.

(vi) Ans. (C) She has acquired a good knowledge of English.

OR

(b) (The Rattrap)

(i) Ans. (A) Peddler

(ii) Ans. He was lost and walking in search of an end to the forest.

(iii) Ans. (C) That he had been walking around in the same part of the forest.

(iv) Ans. It means that he has been caught in a trap for getting fooled by a bait.

(v) Ans. (D) They enter a vicious circle where there is no way out.

(vi) Ans. The rattrap seller was escaping from the crofter`s house.

70
 MARKING SCHEME (Sample Paper-II)

SUBJECT:ENGLISH

SECTION—A

Q.1. passage-1(12marks)

(i) d) showcase his own expertise in cooking

(ii) a) He switched on the radio to listen to the news while having dinner.
(iii) c) 3 and 6
(iv) a) Image 1
(v) c) 4,1,5,3,2
(vi)b)clumsy
(vii) She enquired about it (points can be given to any relevant answer)
(viii) presumptuous - confident that something will. Therefore, the fact that the
narrator risked experimentation, on his maiden attempt in the kitchen, shows that he
was presumptuous, as he seemed to be confident enough to make a pot of rice.
(ix)The word ‘chutzpah’ means extreme self- confidence, audacity etc.

Q.2. Passage-2(10 marks)

i) The increasing reliance on social media and digital platforms at the expense of
traditional media like books and newspapers.
ii) (D)Primaryobjective
iii) Sentence 1: digital media
Sentence 2: traditional media
iv) A) Arjun–twohourstexting;Priya–fivehoursonsocialmedia;Manish–difficulty
focusing on complex issues
v) Promoteabalancebetweendigitalandtraditionalmediaconsumption
vi) The declineinreadingtraditionalmediaconsideredasignificantissue because it
impacts teenagers’ ability to focus and engage with long form text, essential
for developing deeper understanding and critical thinking.
vii) Excessive time on digital platforms reduces the time on reading traditional media
and heavy reliance on social media and texting has led to understand complex
issues and concentrate for long periods.
viii) theshifttodigitalmediahas made it difficult for students to focus, impairs their
ability, weaker critical thinking etc.
SECTION B -Creative Writing Skills

Question no.3:NOTICE WRITING

Distribution of marks 4 marks

Format -1 Content – 2

Expression: Grammar & Spelling – 1⁄2 Coherence of Ideas- 1⁄2

71
FORMAT - Name of issuing authority- organisation/ agency, NOTICE, heading, date of
issue, signature / name, designation (bottom left)

Question 4: Invitation

Answer: Distribution of marks

Format -1 Content – 2 Expression: Grammar & Spelling – 1⁄2 Coherence of Ideas- 1⁄2

-Suggested value points

- card form

- chief guest - invitees

(inputs given in the question to be included) (any other relevant points)

Question 5:

Answer:Distribution of marks for Job Application

Format -1 Content – 3

Expression (Grammar & Spelling) – 1⁄2 Coherence of ideas - 1⁄2

FORMAT –Sender’s address, Date, Receiver’s address, Subject and Salutation/ Salutation
and Subject, Complimentary Close, Name

Suggested value points: Covering Letter :

- reference to the advertisement

- suitability for the post

- offer candidature

Bio-Data / Resume / CV:

- personal profile

- qualifications

- experience

- skills

- references

72
 Question 6:

REPORT WRITING

Distribution of marks

Format -1 Content – 3 Expression (Grammar & Spelling) – 1⁄2 Coherence of ideas - 1⁄2
FORMAT – Title and byline

Suggested value points :

(inputs given in the question to be included) (any other relevant point)

(any three)

OR

Answer: ARTICLE WRITING 5 marks

Distribution of marks

Format -1 Content – 3 Expression (Grammar & Spelling) – 1⁄2 Coherence of ideas - 1⁄2
FORMAT – Title and by line

Suggested value points :

(inputs given in the question to be included) (any other relevant point)

SECTION C-Literature (40marks)

Question 7:

A Thing of Beauty

i) b) Beautyiseverlasting.
ii) (b) Sweep
iii) (b)
Boththeassertionandthereasonaretrue,butthereasonisnotthecorrecte
xplanation of the assertion.
iv) Unhappiness
v) Alliteration
vi) True
(ARoadsideStand)

i) Transferred epithet
ii) A) sophisticatedcitydwellersintheirvehicles.
iii) (c)Option3
vi. false

73
 Question 8:4marks

(The Third Level)

(i) This shows the writer’s discontent with the present time / his wish to
escapemonotony / stress and anxiety / his wish to escape insecurity, fear and worry
(ii) it was a peaceful world/ pre world war period / there was stability and calm
(iii) (c) The narrator wants to escape to a world that was unaffected by the two World
(iv) The writer uses personal pronoun i.e. ‘I’ and connects the narration to his personal
Life.

(b) (The Enemy)

i) he had been tortured by the Japanese army

ii) humanity

iii. Suspenseful or any other relevant answer

iv.
Isolation, detachment and this also shows that he was not a Japanese and thus does
not belong to their nationality
QUESTION 9:

(Deep Water)

i) a) My thoughts were as heavy as lead that evening when...

ii) d) Thenarratorlackscourageandconfidencetoenterthepoolalone
iii) a or b
iv) The big boy
v) The writer uses personal pronoun i.e. ‘I’ and connects the narration to his personal
life or any other relevant point
OR

(LostSpring)

i) a. 1 & 5
ii) (b)Autobiography
iii) a) Becausetheauthorthinksitmightnotcometrue.
iv) (c)simile

74
 Marking Scheme (Sample Paper- III)
English Core (301)
SECTION –A [READING SKILL – 22 MARKS]
1. I. (C) Spiritual devaluation.

II. (A) What is.

III. (D) Enlightened rationalism

IV. (B) Universe is both material and non-material

V. (A) Descriptive

VI. (B) Matter is energy

VII. (B) 'First reality' and 'second reality'.

VIII. (D) Everlasting.

IX. (A) Non-materiality of the universe.

X. (C) The encounter of the scientific and the humane temperament.

XI. Consumerist society refers to that society which is based on owning or possessing things
beyond survival. In this society, possession of a thing is valued over quality of healthy living.

2. I. The severe environmental consequences of deforestation including biodiversity loss and

climate disruption.

II. (D) Primary objective.

III. Two pints to support why agriculture was included as a focus in the study on
deforestation:

A. 80% of deforestation is driven by agricultural expansion for crops like soy and palm
oil.
B. Agricultural deforestation not only increases CO2 emissions but also disrupts local
ecosystem and rainfall patterns, making it a critical issue.

IV. Sentence 1: Carbon sinks

Sentence 2: Soil erosion.

V. (A) Ravi – agriculture-driven deforestation. Mohan: Soil-erosion.

75
VI. Agriculture is the largest driver because it accounts for 80% of deforestation, with forests
cleared to make way for crops and livestock.

VII. Reforestation helps by sequestering CO2 and reducing the atmospheric carbon load
while also restoring soil fertility by preventing soil erosion.

VIII. (B) Preserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change through sustainable practices.

SECTION –B [WRITING SKILLS – 18 MARKS]

3. A.
Amity Public School, Pune

NOTICE

22nd November, 2024

Cultural evening to collect fund for slum children

It is hereby notified for the information of all concerned that our school is going to
organize a cultural evening on 28th November, 2024 in the school auditorium from 6
pm to collect fund for providing books, pen, pencil etc. for the slum children. Those
who want to participate in the programme must submit their names to the undersigned
on or before 25th November, 2024. The programmes must be decent and fit the
ambience of the school. Hon’ble State Education Minister has consented to be the Chief
Guest for the programme.

____________

(AMIT/ AMRITA)

School Captain

76
3. (B)

Bright Career School, Amritsar

NOTICE

22nd November, 2024

Unclaimed Cricket Kit bag found

It is hereby notified for the information of all concerned that an unclaimed cricket kit
bag was found after the final match of Inter-School Cricket Championship on 18th Nov.,
2024. The bag is of black colour with blue border. The owner of the bag is requested
to collect the bag immediately from the undersigned after giving necessary proof of
ownership.

____________

(NITIN/ NEHA)

Member

Sports Club

77
4. (A)

The President

Rotary Club

New Delhi – 114569

Date: 25th Nov., 2024

Prof. P. Satpathy

Dept. of Social Science

Utkal University

Odisha – 365894

Subject: An invitation to become the Chief Speaker.

Respected Sir,

The Rotary Club, New Delhi is going to organize a workshop on ‘Women Empowerment’ on
25th January, 2024 from 9.30 am. Your hallowed presence as Chief Speaker for the occasion
is earnestly solicited.

Kindly consent to become Chief Speaker for the occasion.

Thank you,

Yours faithfully,

Nitish Praksah/ Natasha Singhania

4. B.

Vivekananda Palli,

Uttarpara, Hooghly

West Bengal – 712369.

23rd Nov., 2024

Dear Antariksh,

I hope you are all well by the blessing of the Almighty. I know that you cannot go to your
house during Diwali Vacation as your house is far away from your school hostel. Therefore, I
cordially invite you to my house during Diwali celebration. Please do join us and celebrate
Diwali with me and my family.

Looking forward to meet you soon.

78
Your bosom friend,

Nitish.

5. A.

Rosewood Colony,

Sagar Nagar, Lucknow,

U.P. – 895632.

23rd Nov., 2024

The Editor

The Times of India,

Lucknow, U.P. -895632

Sir/Madam,

I want a little space in the appropriate column of your esteemed daily to ventilate my opinion
regarding the problem of huge wastage of food during marriages and parties.

More often than not we find people wasting a lot of food during marriages and parties. In
India, still, many people find it difficult to make both ends meet. But, rich people waste a lot
of food. They do not understand that if one wastes food one is actually stealing the poor. The
Govt. should impose strict rules to curb wastage of food during marriages and parties. People
should also act responsibly and take the amount of food which is required only.

Therefore, you are requested to take your powerful sword i.e. pen and write an editorial
column on this grave issue so that the Govt. and the concerned authority may stir up and take
drastic step against this serious issue.

Thank you,

Yours faithfully,

Tanvi.

79
5. B

Samser Nagar, Lucknow

U.P. – 895642

23rd Nov., 2024.

The Principal,

Bright Career School,

Lucknow, U.P. – 895756

Subject: Application for the post of Accountant

Sir/Madam,

In response to your advertisement dated 20th Nov., 2024 in the Times of India for the post of
an Accountant in your highly reputed school, I, Anil/Anita, would like to offer my
candidature for the above-mentioned post. My Bio-Data along with all the necessary details is
attached herewith for your kind reference.

If selected for the post, I will discharge my duties whole-heartedly and sincerely.

Thank you,

Yours faithfully,

Anil/Anita

80
 Bio-Data

Name: Anil/ Anita Desai

Address: Samser Nagar, Lucknow, U.P.

Sex: M/F

Contact No. 95XXXXXXX

Email Id: [email protected]

Educational Qualification:

Exam Name Passing Year Board Percentage of Grade

Marks

Secondary 2018 CBSE 92.1 AA

Exam

Higher 2020 CBSE 89.6 A+

Secondary
Exam

B.COM. 2023 UNIVERSITY 78.3` A

OF
LUCKNOW

Languages Known: Hindi, English

Computer Knowledge: Diploma in Computer Application.

Experience: Nil

Ref.

1.

2.

Date: Signature

81
6. A. One may begin the answer in the following manner.

Sabarmati Express Derailed: 15 Dead

By Staff Reporter

Ahmedabad, 23rd Nov.,2024:

The following points may be included:

1. Time and place of occurrence.

2. Possible cause
3. Casualties
4. Rescue work
5. Reaction of local people
6. Compensation announced by the Govt.

6. B. Promote Tourism, Promote Economy

By Rahul/ Preeti

The following points may be included:

1. India is a land of diverse culture, religion, ethnicity etc.

2. If proper infrastructure can be erected, it will boost our economy.
3. Tourism will also help to globalise the local market.

SECTION –C [LITERATURE – 40 MARKS]

7. A.

I. C. Introspection

II. B. Both the assertion and reason are true and reason is not the correct explanation of
assertion.

III. As there are twelve points in a clock, perhaps the writer is suggesting us to give pause for
one day.

IV. Pun.

V. The writer appeals to all the citizen globally to introspect about their behavior.

VI. C. Reckoned.

Or

B.

I. D. All of these.

82
II. unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways.

III. A. Both the assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

IV. Alliteration.

V. Selfishness and self-centred attitude of people.

VI. Makes us connected to the earth.

8. A. I. Sorrowful/ Pessimistic

II. His pessimism was hurting more than acid.

III. He thinks that his face will not change and therefore everybody will make fun of him.

IV. Derry – Depressed and confused

Mr. Lamb – Practical

B. I. First, Dr. Sadao was perfecting a discovery.

Secondly, the Old General might need an operation.

II. D. Both (A) and (B)

III. Japan’s army General.

IV. Benevolent and helpful.

09. A.
I. Sophie had fantasized the situation before also.
II. Talented and attractive personality.
III. ‘last Saturday — saw him ghost past the lumbering defenders’.
IV. B. He could deftly move past the lumbering defenders and shoot crisp goals.
V. Joyful/happy
VI. Hyperbole.
Or
B.
I. B. He hoped some monetary help.
II. Worsen any situation/ Having any bad time.
III. he cheats even after understanding that the whole world is a rattrap.
IV. An old colleague of the ironmaster who resigned prematurely from the army.
V. Gullible and impulsive personality.
VI. B. Pull wool over someone’s eyes

10. I. First, unholy nexus between the middleman, the police and the bureaucrats.

83
Secondly, Crushing poverty which does not give them courage to get organized.
II. 1. Mr. Hamel’s dress
2. The whole school was solemn and silent.
3. The old villagers were also there in the classroom.
III. It presents a contrast between the poet-speaker’s dozing old mother and running trees.
IV. Academic writers write about the conclusion of any hypothesis. But, Eco takes the readers
through the journey of his research quoting all trials and errors to reach conclusion.
V. His job was to cut newspaper clippings and file them. For other employees, it is not a work
at all.
VI. She realized that she had succeeded in bringing about a transformation in the peddler.
11. I. Tiger became extinct in his own kingdom. So, he decided to get married to the daughter
of that king who has a kingdom with so many tigers.
II. Charley was planning to buy two railway tickets to Galesburg. But, when he took out his
money, the clerk found it fake and threatened him to call the police. Seeing that there is nothing
good about jail and police in hundred years old Galesburg, he ran away.
III. They belonged to low-caste people and were deprived of any right or respect. If they want
progress, they need to study.
12. A. One may begin the answer in this way:
50 C/3 , E Block
Teachers’ Colony, Vatpara
Guwahati, Assam – 762893.
23rd Nov., 2024.

Dear mom,
B.
Value points:
1. Sophie always builds castle in the air.
2. She ends up getting frustrated and disappointed
3. Mukesh wants to be a motor mechanic.
4. He works very hard to reach his goal.
5. His realistic attitude towards life will give him success subsequently.
13. A. Value points:

1. Both Derry and Mr. Lamb are caught in similar situation in the play.

2. Mr. Lamb, being an adult copes up with the situation.

3. Derry could not bear the sense of alienation and feels himself inferior to others.

4. His pessimism was hurting him more than his burnt face.

5. After coming in contact with Mr. Lamb, he started developing a positive attitude towards
life.

B. Value Points:

1. There are numerous examples in the text which proves that the servants were obedient to the
king because they were driven by fear.

2. Today’s political situation is very much similar to the situation in the text. The rulers are
surrounded by a group of sycophants who shamelessly flatter them, making them blind to the

84
realities. One may refer to Hans Christian Anderson’s folktale The Emperor’s New Clothes
where everybody is watching that the king walking naked but nobody has the courage to say it
to the king except one little boy.

85
 Marking Scheme Sample Paper - IV

SECTION—A Reading Skills (22)

Q-1. i. d both (a) and (b) (1)
ii. dall of these (1)
iii. d1 in 10 (1)
iv. bskeletal (1)
v. aAmong the sufferers of anorexia nervosa, half of them will eventually (1)
develop bulimia.
vi. To consume large amounts of food in a short period. (1)
vii. Extreme weight loss, at least 15% below the normal body weight, along (1)
with damage to vital organs such as the heart and brain.
viii. The body shifts to slow gears such as stopping menstrual periods, (1)
dropping blood pressure, slowing thyroid function, and reducing
muscle mass.
ix. Anorexia nervosa sufferers can become socially withdrawn due to (1)
psychological effects of the disorder.
x. They face the danger of heart failure due to loss of vital minerals such (1)
as potassium.
xi. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an illness characterized by (1)
repetitive thoughts and behaviors, often associated with compulsive
actions.
xii. They eat large quantities of food uncontrollably and do not stop until (1)
they feel uncomfortably full.
Q-2. i. They are free from stares. (1)
ii. a) Fields of sunflower (1)
iii. c) 1 and 4 (dazzling and shining) (1)
iv. a) 1, 3, and 5 (The ground filled with green grass, the slopes dark with (1)
pine, and a few cattle drinking at a clear stream flowing past moss-
covered stones)
v. Abrupt (1)
vi. d) That he had brought some warm clothes with him. (1)
vii. d) too large but more than comfortable for him. (1)
viii. Barren (1)
ix. People often drowned in the lake. (1)
x. China/Beijing (1)

SECTION B Creative Writing Skills (18)

Q-3. Distribution of marks Format -1 Content – 2 Expression: Grammar & Spelling (4)
– ½ Coherence of Ideas- ½ FORMAT - Name of issuing authority-
organisation/ agency, NOTICE, heading date of issue, signature / name,
designation (bottom left)

86
 Q-4. Distribution of marks Format -1 Content – 2 Expression: Grammar & Spelling (4)
– ½ Coherence of Ideas- ½
Q-5. Distribution of marks Format -1 Content – 3 Expression (Grammar & (5)
Spelling) – ½ Coherence of ideas - ½ FORMAT –Sender’s address, Date,
Receiver’s address, Subject and Salutation/ Salutation and Subject,
Complimentary Close, Name
Note: No marks to be deducted if the Resume/CV/Bio-data is included in the
covering letter
Q-6. Article Writing (5)
Distribution of marks Format -1 Content – 3 Expression (Grammar &
Spelling) – ½ Coherence of ideas - ½ FORMAT – Title and byline
Report Writing
Distribution of marks Format -1 Content – 3 Expression (Grammar &
Spelling) – ½ Coherence of ideas - ½ FORMAT – Title and byline
SECTION C Literature (40)
Q-7. A i. True (1)
ii. b) Divine inspiration (1)
iii. mighty dead (1)
iv. b) (iii) and (v) (1)
v. he refers to eternal beauty and inspiration that nourishes the human (1)
soul.
vi. Joyful and exuberant (1)
B i. b) Transferred Epithet (1)
ii. b) Frustrated and annoyed (1)
iii. c) Option 3 (1)
iv. d) appalling (1)
v. wild berries, golden squash (1)
vi. urban passers-by (1)
Q-8. A i. c) It creates a distorted perception of time. (1)
ii. b) Humans face challenges and risks in the Antarctic. (1)
iii. a) Option 1 (1)
iv. To emphasize the importance of understanding geological history (1)
in the Antarctic.
B i. a) The dewan wanted to satisfy the Maharaja and save his job. (1)
ii. b) Engaged in a peaceful protest or resistance. (1)
iii. a) The tiger was comfortable and wanted to rest inside the car. (1)
iv. boundless joy (1)
Q-9. A i. a) Simile (1)
ii. a) He realizes that he has been deceived and trapped (1)
iii. d) philosophical, anguished (1)
iv. c) He had stolen money from the trusting crofter. (1)
v. a) The peddler had become hopelessly trapped in the dense and (1)
twisted forest.

87
 vi. c) Irony (1)
B i. True (1)
ii. Burden of responsibility seems heavy. (1)
iii. a) He has started working at a tea stall. (1)
iv. b) ironic (1)
v. Tea-stall owner/ master (1)
vi. Saheb lost his freedom (1)
Q-10. • The Pale Face Comparison: (2)
i. The poet compares her mother’s face to a "late winter’s moon." This
image emphasizes her mother’s physical decline, as the moon in late
winter is pale and devoid of brightness, symbolizing fragility and the
fading of life.
• The Ashen Face:
The poet describes her mother’s face as "ashen" like that of a corpse,
which indicates her mother’s aging and approaching death. This
comparison evokes a sense of lifelessness and reinforces the idea of
mortality.
• Dozing and Open-Mouthed:
The poet observes her mother dozing with her mouth open, which is a
common posture of weakness and tiredness often associated with old
age. This image suggests her mother’s helplessness and declining
vitality.
(Any Two value points)

ii. • Calmness and Clarity: (2)

Initially, you may feel your mind wandering, but as you continue to stay
still, you might experience a sense of calm. Your thoughts may begin to
settle, leading to a clearer state of mind.
• Heightened Awareness:
By staying still, your awareness of your surroundings and your inner self
could increase. You might become more conscious of subtle sensations,
sounds, and feelings that you typically overlook.
• Reflection and Introspection:
The silence may invite self-reflection, as you become more aware of your
thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It could lead to a deeper
understanding of yourself, as the poet suggests in the poem.
• Sense of Unity and Connection:
As Neruda advocates for collective silence in the poem, staying quiet
might give you a sense of connection with others and the world around
you, fostering a sense of unity and peace. (Any Two value points)

iii. • In the essay "The Interview" by Christopher Silvester, Umberto Eco uses (2)
the term ‘interstices’ to describe the small gaps of time between his
various commitments, which he efficiently utilizes to write and be
productive. Eco explains that his secret to being able to accomplish so

88
 much is by making the most of these interstices—moments of free time
such as waiting for an appointment or traveling.
• Eco, a renowned scholar, and writer, managed to produce a vast body of
work by filling these intervals with productive activity, rather than seeing
them as wasted time. He suggests that many people overlook such
opportunities, but for him, they represent valuable chances to work,
reflect, or write, contributing to his overall intellectual output.
iv. In "Going Places," Sophie is a dreamy, imaginative girl who fantasizes about (2)
a glamorous future, while Jansie is practical and grounded. Sophie indulges in
unrealistic aspirations, like meeting her football hero, while Jansie accepts
their working-class reality and tries to keep Sophie realistic.
• Dreamer vs. Realist:
• Optimistic vs. Pragmatic:
• Escapist vs. Realist:
• Naive vs. Mature:
v. After M. Hamel announced his last lesson, Franz regretted not valuing his (2)
education and missing many classes. He felt remorse for not learning French
properly and realized the importance of his language and heritage. He
mourned the lost opportunity to appreciate his teacher and the language he had
taken for granted.

vi. In "Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers," the tigers symbolize strength, freedom, and (2)
confidence. Unlike Aunt Jennifer, who is constrained by her oppressive
marriage, the tigers represent the power and independence she yearns for.
They embody the fearless spirit she admires but cannot embody due to her
societal limitations.
Q-11. Zitkala-Sa and Bama share a common struggle against oppression and cultural (2)
i. alienation. Both authors recount their experiences of discrimination—Zitkala-
Sa facing prejudice as a Native American and Bama confronting caste-based
oppression as a Dalit. Their narratives highlight the quest for identity, dignity,
and empowerment against societal injustices.
ii. Charley argues against the psychiatrist's diagnosis by insisting that the third (2)
level is a real place, not a figment of his imagination. He describes his
experiences there, highlighting the charm and tranquility of the world he
found, which starkly contrasts with his stressful reality in modern life.
iii. Derry views himself as a victim of his disfigurement, leading to bitterness and (2)
isolation. In contrast, Mr. Lamb embodies positivity and acceptance,
encouraging Derry to embrace life despite his appearance. Their differing
perspectives shape their interactions; Mr. Lamb's optimism gradually
influences Derry, prompting him to reconsider his self-perception and opening
him to new possibilities.
Q12. i. Good morning, everyone! (5)

89
 Today, I want to talk to you about the power of effective leadership, inspired
by the remarkable story in Indigo. Gandhi's leadership during the Champaran
movement demonstrates that strong leadership can transform struggles into
triumphs. When the indigo farmers faced exploitation from British landlords,
it was Gandhi’s vision and courage that united them. He encouraged them to
stand up for their rights, emphasizing that their collective strength could
challenge injustice.
Leadership isn’t just about authority; it’s about inspiring others, fostering
hope, and creating a sense of community. Remember, every great leader
started as a follower. Each of you has the potential to be a leader in your own
right, whether it’s in your school, community, or future careers. Embrace your
voice, support one another, and take action against challenges. Together, like
the indigo farmers, you can make a difference. Leadership begins with you!
Thank you.

ii. In his essay "Poets and Pancakes," Ashokamitran employs humor to critique (5)
the pretentiousness of the literary world. He humorously describes the chaotic
atmosphere of the Gemini Studio.
(any relevant points to show humour in the text)
Q13. i. Dear Dr. Hoki, (5)
I hope this letter finds you well. As a prisoner of war, I want to express my
heartfelt gratitude for your remarkable compassion and humanity. Your
decision to save my life, despite the overwhelming pressures of nationalism,
speaks volumes about your character.
In a world often divided by borders and ideologies, you chose to uphold the
sanctity of human life over parochial loyalties. Your act of kindness, providing
me medical care and shelter, not only saved my life but also reinforced the
values of empathy and understanding.
Your actions remind us that true humanity transcends national boundaries,
fostering hope in a time of conflict. You exemplify the belief that compassion
can unite us, even amidst adversity. I will forever be grateful for your
selflessness and the profound lesson you have imparted.
Thank you once again for your unwavering humanity.
Warm regards,
POW
ii. As I plunged into the icy depths of the lake, a surreal calm enveloped me. (5)
Time and space became indistinct; moments stretched endlessly, and the world
above faded into oblivion. I felt as though I were suspended in a bubble,
detached from the chaos of my struggles.
In that fleeting moment, the instinct to survive clashed with an overwhelming
sense of surrender. My lungs screamed for air, yet I was caught in a strange
stillness, where fear and clarity intertwined. I recalled my life, my fears, and
the suffocating grip of the water around me.

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As darkness closed in, I realized how fragile life is, and how often we take our
breaths for granted. The experience reshaped my understanding of existence; it
was both terrifying and enlightening. Emerging from the water, I emerged not
just alive, but profoundly changed, with a newfound appreciation for every
moment and the preciousness of life.

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 Marking Scheme Sample Paper - V

Reading Skills
Sl.No. Answer Marks
1. A. i) (a) Feeling 1
ii) (b) Sense and analyse 1
iii) (a) Using books 1
iv) (b) Because they are rooted in language 1
v) (a) Books help in imaginative self-awareness 1
B. i. The range of language helps assemble a list of ideas, consider these ideas, 1
draw conclusions based on these ideas and explain his/her reasoning.
ii. They learn how to use language for interaction with other human beings; 1
language becomes a unique experience of joy. It also helps build
relationships with other people
iii. Talking alone is inadequate because a child is not always exposed to the 1
complexity of speech if the adult is not articulate.
iv. Parents and children who share books share situations, share characters, 1
and share action. This fosters a good relationship that will grow into
adolescence.
v. Children are exposed to a range of vocabulary; imaginative experience 2
expanded; see things from other’s points of view; creates self-awareness.
(Any 2)
vi. a. articulate 0.5
b. compromise 0.5
2. A. i. A is correct 1
ii. Option (B) is correct. 1
iii. Option (C) is correct. 1
iv. Option (A) is correct. 1
v. Option (B) is correct 1
vi. Option (A) is correct. 1
B. vii Video-calling and voice messages are not mentioned in the survey but are 1 (0.5 for
very popular. each)
viii. The surprising finding was that the students did not seem much 1
fascinated by traditional means of communication
ix. The study shows varied uses of mediums of communication and their 2
relative popularity with students ranging from the more used telephone,
text messages, instant messengers and e-mails, to the less used letter and
fax as of today.
Writing Skills
3. Notice: Format 1
Content 2
Expression (grammar/spelling/coherence of thought) 1
4. Invitation/Reply: Format 1
Content 2
Expression (grammar/spelling/coherence of thought) 1
5. Formal Letter: Format 1
Content 3
Expression (grammar/spelling/coherence of thought) 1

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6. Article/Report: Format 1
Content 3
Expression (grammar/spelling/coherence of thought) 1
Literature
7. A. i) Mighty dead 1
ii) John Keats. He was an English Romantic poet. 1+1
Counted amongst the second generation of English romantics, Keats’
poetry essentially talked about the beauty embedded in nature and art that
provided an everlasting joy to human life which was otherwise mundane in
the face of wordly challenges. He died at an young age having contributed
poems like “Ode to a Nightingale” and “Ode on a Grecian Urn” among
other poetic marvels.
iii) Option (b) 1
iv) the eternal joy that beautiful things give / the everlasting joy things of 1
beauty bring.
v) Option (b) 1
B. i) Option (c) 1
ii) Option (d) 1
iii) Option (b) 1
iv) makes us restless and impatient/keeps us rushing through life/ feeds on 1
the fear of death
v) Silent reflection on life/the importance of being content with our 1
lives/necessity of a brotherhood among fellow humans in spite of
differences
vi) The poet will move on and seek to inspire others by the end of the 1
poem.
8.A. i) b. sluggishness 1
ii) Option a 1
iii) Option c 1
iv) Sadao and Hana share a compatibility and friendship which is the 1
essence of their happily married life and companionship. They share
mutual respect, support each other through thick and thin and almost
always agree with each other on issues as seen in the extract as well as
in the lesson “The Enemy”.
B. i) b) study 1
ii) (a) an autobiographical episode 1
iii) The street on which they lived, pointed to their caste and the 1
landlord’s man wanted to know whether he belonged to an upper caste
or was a Dalit/untouchable. This refers to the caste system and
associated discrimination prevailing in southern India.
iv) Education can uplift one’s status in society as educated individuals 1
transcend the cycle of poverty and social discrimination through financial
and knowledge economies. This is what Bama’s Annan advises her and she
thus obeys and finds it true.
9.A. i) (b) Sensitive and careful handling – Conducting an interview can be 1
considered an art because it often requires handling complex or personal
topics with sensitivity and skill.
ii) Celebrities feel that an interview lessens their personal dignity or 1
makes them feel vulnerable.

93
iii) (b) (1) cannot be inferred from the extract but (2) can. – The extract 1
mentions that celebrities view interviews as intrusive, but it does not
imply that celebrities never consent to interviews.
iv) This opinion can be supported by arguing that interviews, while 1
providing insights, are often influenced by both the interviewer’s
biases and the interviewee’s selective responses. Therefore, calling it a
“source of truth” might be excessive, as interviews may only capture
fragments of reality rather than objective truth.
v) “victims” 1
vi) (c) Beliefs – The passage reflects opinions and beliefs about interviews 1
rather than objective facts or proven hypotheses.

B. i) At the beginning of the extract, the protagonist is regretful and feels 1

sorry for not having learned enough in school. By the end, the
protagonist’s perspective has shifted, and they have developed a
newfound appreciation for their education and their teacher.
ii) The protagonist regrets not spending more time studying and instead 1
engaging in activities like seeking birds’ eggs or going sliding on the
Saar.
iii) The significance of M. Hamel wearing his fine Sunday clothes is that it 1
is in honour of his last lesson and his forty years of faithful service as a
teacher.
iv) The old men sitting in the back of the room represent the people of the 1
village who regret not having gone to school more and who are
showing their respect for their country and their appreciation for M.
Hamel’s service as a teacher.
v) The ending of the extract is an example of irony because the 1
protagonist has only developed a newfound appreciation for their
education and their teacher on the day when M. Hamel is giving his
final lesson and leaving the village forever.
vi) C. The Appreciation of a Teacher 1
10. i. The letter of Sam confirms that the third level is not a figment of Charley’s 2
imagination and that Sam, too, had found it and settled in the past. This adds a
sense of mystery and wonder to the story, suggesting that the third level is a kind
of portal that offers escape to a calmer, earlier time.
ii. Gandhiji’s agreement to the 25% settlement was a calculated move to bring 2
immediate relief to the farmers while maintaining the principles of non-
violence and legal action. It was a compromise that, in his view,
represented a partial but significant victory for the farmers in their struggle
against exploitation.It was a strategic decision aimed at achieving a fair and
peaceful resolution for the poor indigo farmers who were suffering in Champaran
as it compelled the Britishers to surrender part of their prestige in the process.
iii. In Kamala Das’sMy Mother at Sixty-Six, the contrasting imagery of the mother's 2
"ashen" face and the vibrant life outside the window underscores the inevitable
phases of human life: the fragility of old age, the unrelenting passage of time, and
the painful but inevitable realization of mortality. The imagery helps to convey the
emotional complexity of the poem, where there is both love and sorrow, and the
recognition that life must continue even as loved ones age and pass away.
Through this contrast, Das powerfully evokes the universal experience of facing
the aging and eventual loss of a loved one.

94
iv. In Lost Spring, an instance of resilience and hope is seen when Saheb-e- 2
alam, despite enduring hardships as a rag-picker, dreams of a better life.
His endurance inspite of working in a tea-shop, reflects the theme of hope
amidst poverty and the desire for change, highlighting the strength of the
human spirit in the face of adversity. (or Mukesh’s aim to be a motor
mechanic someday)
v. Douglas took the following steps to overcome his fear of drowning by 2
confronting his fear. The first step in overcoming his fear was to face it
directly. He decided to challenge himself to conquer it.

1. Learning to Swim: Douglas took swimming lessons. His lessons

focused on controlled, deliberate movements, which helped him
regain confidence in his ability to manage the water.
2. Persistence and Patience: Douglas was persistent, practicing
regularly and slowly building up his strength and comfort in the
water.

Through these steps—facing his fear, gradually exposing himself to the

water, learning the necessary skills, and using mental techniques—Douglas
ultimately overcame his intense fear of water. This process was
transformative, and he went on to enjoy swimming as an adult, finding it to
be a source of joy and liberation rather than anxiety.
vi. Ability to connect textual references with personal experiences of 2
ignoring learning of Assamese language and the melancholy and
nostalgia about losing opportunity to learn and missing a good teacher
from the next day should come across.
11.i) The "massive weight of uncle's wedding ring" in "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" 2
symbolizes the oppressive burden of marriage and traditional societal
expectations. It reflects Aunt Jennifer's sense of entrapment and subjugation,
contrasting sharply with the freedom and vitality of the tigers she embroiders,
which represent her suppressed desires and autonomy.
ii) The "Students on Ice" program, initiated by Geoff Green, aims to educate and 2
inspire young people by taking them on expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic.
Its importance lies in fostering environmental awareness and global citizenship,
encouraging students to witness firsthand the impacts of climate change and the
beauty of polar ecosystems.
iii) Yes, Dr. Sadao was wise in saving the enemy soldier. Despite the conflict, he 2
adhered to his humanitarian values, recognizing the soldier's life as valuable
regardless of nationality. His decision reflected his commitment to his medical
ethics and humanity, even in the face of personal and societal risks.
12. i) Both "A Roadside Stand" by Robert Frost and "Aunt Jennifer's 5
Tigers" by Adrienne Rich explore the theme of inequality and the
emotional and social burdens it imposes on its bearers, though in
different contexts. In Frost's poem, the roadside stand symbolizes the
economic disparity faced by rural people who are marginalized by
urban consumers. The owners, though eager to share their humble
goods, are ignored by passersby who are indifferent to their struggles.
This neglect mirrors the social and economic isolation that the poor
endure.

95
 Similarly, in Rich's poem, Aunt Jennifer, trapped in an oppressive
marriage, expresses her inner turmoil through her embroidery of
tigers. The tigers, vibrant and free, contrast with Aunt Jennifer’s own
constrained existence. Both works highlight how inequality—whether
economic or social—crushes the spirit of the oppressed. The road
dwellers’ ignored efforts and Aunt Jennifer’s silent suffering both
reflect how inequality stifles potential and autonomy, leading to
internal and external frustration.
ii) Subbu, in Asokamitran’s story, was regarded as a "many-sided genius" at 5
Gemini Studios because of his versatility and multifaceted talents. Not only
was he an accomplished actor, but he also excelled in writing scripts,
dialogue, and music, earning admiration for his creative contributions
across various domains of filmmaking. His ability to adapt and contribute
in multiple ways made him indispensable.

The other poets in the story, like the ones who composed film lyrics or
wrote scripts, were also skilled but were often more narrowly focused on
their specific craft. Subbu’s genius lay in his ability to blend these diverse
skills, making him a unique figure at the studio.

The title, "The Poet and the Cinema," reflects the intersection of art
forms—poetry and cinema—highlighting the creative synergy between the
two. It emphasizes how poetry, often seen as a solitary art, can find its
place in the collaborative world of filmmaking, where every role, like
Subbu’s, is integral to the creative process.
13. i) In "Indigo," written by Louis Fischer, the themes of self-reliance, aid 5
to sharecroppers, and Indian independence are intricately linked.
Gandhiji’s efforts in Champaran were centered on empowering the
impoverished sharecroppers who were exploited by British indigo
planters. The farmers, forced into unfair contracts, were living in dire
poverty, and Gandhi saw their struggle as a microcosm of India’s
larger fight for freedom.

Gandhiji’s intervention began with his self-reliant approach—he

refused to accept the British authorities' invitation to resolve the issue
in their terms, insisting on taking direct action. He encouraged the
sharecroppers to stand up for their rights through nonviolent
resistance. His legal victory in Champaran, where the farmers received
compensation, marked a turning point in their struggle.

Gandhi’s method of solving socio-cultural problems was by fostering a

sense of self-respect, dignity, and collective action, not only for the
Champaran peasants but also as a model for India's broader
independence movement. Through nonviolent protest and legal
redress, Gandhi showed that true freedom came from self-reliance and
empowerment.
ii) The rattrap serves as both a literal and metaphorical image, symbolizing the 5
entrapment and struggles of human life. The peddler, who initially sees life
as a rattrap—offering temporary pleasures that ultimately lead to
destruction—embodies this philosophy. He views himself as a victim of

96
society, exploiting the world for his own survival, much like a rat drawn to
a trap. His life, full of deceit and hopelessness, mirrors the inescapable
nature of the trap.

However, the metaphor of the rattrap evolves. When the peddler is offered
kindness by the ironmaster and his daughter, he is unexpectedly freed from
his self-imposed prison. The rattrap shifts from being a symbol of
entrapment to one of redemption. The peddler’s choice to return the
money, instead of keeping it, reveals how compassion and human
connection can offer a way out of life's traps. The rattrap thus symbolizes
both the danger of greed and the possibility of grace.

97
 Section wise Practice Paper
Section A: Reading Skills
SECTION-A (READING SKILLS)

Q.1: read the following carefully. 10

1. Air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, with 1.1 billion people globally
breathing unhealthy air. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), urban air
pollution leads to approximately 800,000 deaths worldwide each year, and 4.6 million
people lose their lives due to pollution-related causes annually.
2. Several factors contribute to the aggravation of air pollution, including traffic,
inadequate drainage facilities, lack of open spaces, carbon emissions, and waste
accumulation. In developing countries, air pollution is linked with an increased risk of
Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), which is a leading cause of child mortality.
3. Urban air quality in mega cities such as Kolkata is particularly concerning. An Exceed-
ance Factor (EF) analysis of ambient air quality in Kolkata found that out of 17
monitoring stations, five fell under the “critical” category, while 12 were classified as
having high pollution levels. The pollutants identified include RPM, SPM, NO, and
SO2, with major sources being vehicular emissions (51.4%), industrial sources (24.5%),
and dust particles (21.1%).
4. A health assessment conducted near highly polluted areas revealed that 85.1% of
respond- ents had respiratory diseases, compared to 14.9% who suffered from
waterborne diseases. Common respiratory ailments included Acute Respiratory
Infections (ARI) (60%), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (7.8%), and
Influenza (12.7%).
In order to promote well-being, it is essential for individuals to adopt pollution-
avoiding practices in their daily lives. Public awareness campaigns about the dangers of
polluted air can encourage these changes, helping people protect themselves and their
communities

98
Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

i. Complete the following suitably. 1

In the introduction, the researcher links urban air pollution with the global death toll to
highlight .

ii. What would the following be classified as? 1

To examine the contribution of various sources, such as vehicular emissions and industrial
sources, to air pollution in Kolkata.

Select the appropriate response.

(A) Secondary objective (B)Research outcome

(C) Method of analysis (D) Primary objective

iii. Whyis awareness about air pollution critical?.Give two points to supportbased on the
passage. 2
iv. Paragraph 3 includes words – ‘vehicular emissions’ and ‘dust particles.’ 1
Classify the following sentences as ‘vehicular emissions’ or ‘dust particles’:

Sentence 1: The majority of pollutants in Kolkata come from cars and other motor
vehicles.

Sentence 2: Air quality deteriorates significantly due to dust from construction sites.

V. Read the following : 1

Ravi works in an industry that is a major contributor to air pollution. Priya lives in an
area where dust particles are the primary source of pollution. Meanwhile, Arvind, who
drives a truck, contributes to vehicular emissions.

Select the option that identifies the correct sources of pollution associated with Ravi,
Priya, and Arvind.

i. Ravi – industrial pollution; Priya – dust particles; Arvind – vehicular

emissions
ii. Ravi – vehicular emissions; Priya – industrial pollution; Arvind – dust
particles
iii. Ravi – dust particles; Priya – vehicular emissions; Arvind – industrial
pollution
iv. Ravi – industrial pollution; Priya – vehicular emissions; Arvind – dust
particles

b. Why is the increased incidence of respiratory diseases in polluted areas

considered a major health concern?
1

c. Analyse how the major sources of pollution in Kolkata contribute to

deteriorating air quality. (Paragraph 3)
2

99
 d. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the
study? 1
i. Encourage more use of industrial resources
ii. Increase awareness of pollution-avoiding practices
iii. Promote the use of diesel generators for energy
iv. Limit the availability of medical assessments in polluted areas

QUESTION 2: read the following carefully. 10

1. Introduction :
Climate change has significantly impacted global weather patterns, resulting in more
frequent and severe natural disasters. This case study explores the frequency of various
natural disasters over the last two decades and examines their geographical
distribution. The study aims to understand how regions are affected differently and
what measures can be taken to mitigate the impacts of such disasters.
2. Methodology :
Data was collected from multiple international agencies, tracking the occurrence of
natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, droughts, and earthquakes. The data was
analysed to observe trends in disaster frequency and geographical distribution over the
years. A detailed comparison of regions most affected by each type of disaster was
conducted, leading to actionable insights for disaster preparedness.
3. Survey Examination:
The data from the survey focused on natural disasters that have occurred globally be-
tween 2000 and 2020. The disasters were classified by type, and their frequency in
various regions was compared. The study aimed to identify which regions are more
vulnerable to specific disasters and why. Factors like climate, geography, and human
activities were examined to understand their roles in increasing disaster risk.
4. Results:
The chart below illustrates the frequency of major natural disasters in different regions
of the world over the last 20 years.

Region Floods (%) Cyclones (%) Droughts (%) Earthquakes (%)

North America 30% 15% 10% 45%

South America 40% 5% 35% 20%

Africa 25% 10% 60% 5%

Asia 35% 40% 15% 10%

Europe 50% 5% 5% 40%

5. Implications for Interventions:

Understanding regional vulnerability to different natural disasters is critical for devising
effective disaster management strategies. Regions like Africa, where droughts
dominate, need to focus on water conservation and sustainable agriculture. In contrast,

100
 Asia, which is prone to cyclones, should invest in early warning systems and coastal
defenses. International collaboration is essential to build resilience and reduce the loss
of life and property from future disasters.
6. Conclusion :
This study highlights the need for targeted interventions based on the types of natural
disasters each region faces. By addressing specific vulnerabilities, regions can improve
their disaster preparedness and reduce the impact of future catastrophic events.

Answer the following questions, based on given passage.

i. Complete the following suitably. 1
In the introduction, the researcher links climate change with natural disasters to high-
light___________.
ii. What would the following be classified as? 1
To examine the frequency and geographical distribution of natural disasters. Select
the appropriate response.
(A) Research outcome
(B) Primary objective
(C) Secondary objective
(D) Method of analysis
iii. Give two points to support why geographical distribution was included as a focus in
the study on natural disasters. 2
iv. Paragraph 3 includes words – ‘climate’ and ‘geography.’ 1
Classify the following sentences as ‘climate’ or ‘geography’:
Sentence 1: The high frequency of droughts in Africa is due to prolonged dryseasons.
Sentence 2: The occurrence of earthquakes in North America is due to tectonic plate
movement.
v. Read the following : 1
Sarah lives in North America, where earthquakes are frequent, while her friendCarlos
lives in South America, which is more prone to floods. Meanwhile, Fatima in Africa
struggles with droughts that affect her community’s livelihood.
Select the option that identifies the correct disaster vulnerability for Sarah, Carlos, and
Fatima.
(A) Sarah – cyclones; Carlos – droughts; Fatima – floods
(B) Sarah – floods; Carlos – cyclones; Fatima – earthquakes
(C) Sarah – earthquakes; Carlos – floods; Fatima – droughts
(D) Sarah – droughts; Carlos – earthquakes; Fatima – cyclones
vi. Although Asia and Europe experience different natural disasters, why does Europe
have a higher percentage of floods? 1
vii. Analyse how targeted disaster preparedness interventions can reduce the impact of
natural disasters in regions like Africa and Asia. (Paragraph 5) 2
viii. What is the ultimate goal for stakeholders, based on the insights from the study? 1
(A) To predict future natural disasters with certainty
(B) To build international cooperation for disaster relief
(C) To reduce the loss of life and property from natural disasters
(D) To focus on preventing only specific types of disasters

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 PRACTICE PAPER ANSWER KEY
Question 1:
i. The link between air pollution and the high number of pollution-related deaths
worldwide.
ii. (D) primary objective
iii. A) Air pollution contributes to a range of respiratory diseases, which significantly
affect the population’s health, particularly in urban areas.
B) Increasing awareness can lead to pollution avoiding practices helping people
protect themselves and reduce the risk of developing severe health conditions.
iv. sentence 1: vehicular emissions sentence 2: dust particles
v. A) Ravi – industrial pollution; Priya – dust particles; Arvind – vehicular emissions
vi. The high incidence of respiratory diseases is concerning because these diseases
severely impact quality of life and lead to higher mortality, particularly in areas
with poor air quality.
vii. Vehicular emissions, industrial sources and dust particles all contribute
significantly to air pollution in Kolkata. The majority of pollutants come from
motor vehicles, followed by emissions from factories and dust from construction
sites. Together this sources worsen air quality leading to severe health problems,
particularly respiratory diseases and making urban environments increasingly
unsafe for residents.
viii. (B) Increase awareness of pollution-avoiding practices

QUESTION 2:
i. The impact of climate change on the increasing frequency and severity of natural
disasters.
ii. (B) Primary objective
iii. Different regions face varying types of natural disasters due to geographical and
climate conditions….and it allows for the allocation of resources and interventions
based on specific regional vulnerabilities, improving disaster preparedness.
iv. Sentence 1: climate
Sentence 2: geograpgy
v. C) Sarah – earthquakes; Carlos – floods; Fatima – droughts
vi. Europe has a higher percentage of floods due to its excessive river systems and
frequent rainfall patterns, which increase the flooding.
vii. Targeted disaster preparedness interventions such as improving water
conservation in drought prone regions like Africa and investing in coastal
defenses and early warning systems in cyclone prone areas like Asia , can
significantly reduce the human and economic toll of these disasters.
C) To reduce the loss of life and property from natural disasters

Q. 3. Read the passage carefully given below.

Twenty years after the U.S. publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the "Boy Who
Lived" shows no sign of dying. One theory holds that the Harry Potter stories are so potent in
part because they rework the "mythic pattern": a hero goes from the workaday world into a

102
supernatural one, battles magical forces, and comes back with an enhanced ability to help
others. It's no mistake that the Harry Potter books tap into some of the most iconic hero story
structures of Western culture. Many 'themes, characters, and plot structures' of medieval
romance appear in the series. Although the Muggle (non-wizard) society outside Hogwarts, has
moved into the twenty-first century-with automobiles, telephones and trains - Hogwarts school
itself is still rooted in the Middle Ages, from the sealing wax used on their letters to their
heraldic insignia. Indeed, much of the fauna of the wizarding world seems to have tromped
straight over from a medieval romance, including unicorns, dragons, basilisks, werewolves,
and the phoenix. While the medieval romantic hero Perceval is a natural fighter and
extraordinarily fast, Harry has an exceptional facility at broomstickflying and is a master of the
sport of Quidditch. King Arthur is famously loyal and courageous, as is Harry. Many of the
books' magical plot points are modernized versions of what happens in the fourteenth-century
Arthurian tale, Claris et Laris. In both stories, characters are able to transform into the likeness
of other characters and even experience magical time changes. Both stories involve a magic
mantle, magically opening doors, and an extraordinary underwater adventure. Like the
Arthurian knight, Harry is sometimes accompanied by loyal companions who aid and abet him
in fulfilling his tasks, although in the end he must usually confront the evil knight alone. Like
Arthur, Harry pulls a sword out of an object in The Chamber of Secrets). Like Arthur, Harry is
fated to marry a girl named Ginevra (a derivation of Guinevere). And like Arthur, Harry is the
result of divine and human commingling. This is fundamentally a pattern of double-
outsiderness. Like Arthur and Perceval. Harry is removed from his (supernatural) family, then
removed from his secondary (Muggle) family. While a significant place in the wizarding world
is his birthright, he nonetheless enters Hogwarts as an outsider who must prove himself through
various trials. And if there's one thing readers love, and have since the days of medieval
Arthurian romance, it's a plucky outsider who turns out to be the Chosen One.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the questions that follow.
(1x10=10)

1. Identify the FALSE conclusion among the options:

Harry like Arthur and Perceval
A. Is able to transform himself. C. Is a loyal friend.
B. Is skilled in sports. D. Is a natural fighter, fast and skilful.
Ans. Is able to transform himself.

103
2. Identify the correct option:
Identify the correct meaning of the highlighted word, according to the context it is used
in the passage, below:
A hero goes from the workaday world into a supernatural one, battles magical forces,
and comes back with an enhanced ability to help others.
A. Improved
B. Revised
C. Stretched
D. Amended
Ans. Improved

3. Which ONE of the following statements is TRUE:

The Harry Potter series, like medieval romances, includes unicorns, dragons, basilisks,
werewolves, and the phoenix. Consequently,
A. The series comes closer to fantasies and sounds more unreal and extra-ordinary,
denying them more fame.
B. The movies based on them became more popular among all movie-goers, especially
children.
C. Its hero's supernatural abilities come across as natural, even as he resembles romantic
heroes such as Arthur and Perceval.
D. The fauna and the animal kingdom play crucial roles in the development of the plot in
the books of the series.
Ans. Its hero's supernatural abilities come across as natural, even as he resembles romantic
heroes such as Arthur and Perceval.

4. Identify the correct option:

Identify the correct synonym of the highlighted word, according to the context it is used in
the passage, below:
'And if there's one thing readers love,… it's a plucky outsider who turns out to be the chosen
one.
A. Gutsy
B. Fussy
C. Choosy
D. Busy
Ans. Gutsy

5. Which one of the following statements is FALSE?

104
 Identify the correct option
A. Arthur and Harry are legendary characters.
B. Arthur and Harry perform supernatural feats.
C. Arthur and Harry are loyal and unselfish.
D. Arthur and Harry are courageous.
Ans. Arthur and Harry are legendary characters

6. Identify the correct option:

The proposition that 'the Harry Potter stories are potent because they rework the iconic
hero stories of medieval French Arthurian romances’
A. Is corroborated with the help of specific details in the passage.
B. Is exemplified through a list of parallels with Claris et Laris.
C. Is fleshed out with details from the series and the legend of Arthur.
D. Is augmented with extra details and reiterated in the passage.

Ans. Is exemplified through a list of parallels with Claris et Laris.

7. Identify the correct option:

Which ONE of the following options provides an accurate interpretation of this statement?
A. In both stories, characters are able to assume the shape of other characters.
B. In both stories, characters are able to change the nature of other characters
C. In both stories, characters are able to transform the shapes of other characters
D. In both stories, characters are able to function like the other characters.
Ans. In both stories, characters are able to assume the shape of other characters.

8. The passage avers: Many ‘themes, characters, and plot structures' of medieval
romance appear in the (Harry Potter) series.
Identify a characteristic given below that does not belong to or is not an inherent one
of medieval romance?
Identify the correct option:
A. Idealizes Chivalry.
B. Women are idealized and held in high regard by hero-knight.
C. Idealizes the noble hero-knight and his daring deeds.
D. Real, vast, fairy-tale like setting.
Ans. Real, vast, fairy-tale like setting.

9. Identify the correct option:

Explain and justify double-outsiderness.

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 A. The hero has no sense of belonging and feels he is an outsider everywhere, so that his
struggles appear inspiring.
B. The hero is rejected by his natural family and then by his supernatural family - he is
rejected twice.
C. The hero loses all the advantages that are his birth right and (re)gains his skills through
and after an epic struggle.
D. The hero is removed from his natural family and is an outsider in the foster-family:
when he goes back to his natural family, he is not recognized and is still an outsider.
Ans. The hero is removed from his natural family and is an outsider in the foster-family:
when he goes back to his natural family, he is not recognized and is still an outsider.

10. Identify the correct option.

Which ONE of the following statements about Claris et Laris is FALSE:
A. It inspired the Harry Potter series.
B. It extended the Arthurian legends.
C. It is a novel of fantasy set in the middle ages.
D. It describes events at Hogwarts.
Ans. It describes events at Hogwarts.
Q. 4. Read the passage carefully given below.
As India and other energy importing countries struggle with runaway oil prices, Russia earned
more than $ 300 billion in oil export earnings. This has driven its economic growth. Today,
Russia is the eighth largest economy in the world in purchasing Power Parity. According to the
World Bank, it is poised to overtake France to become the world's sixth largest economy.

The oil industry was the prime target of a sweeping privatization drive launched after the break-
up of the Soviet Union. However not all Russians have been rolling in oil wealth. The Russian
government has failed to do for its people even a fraction of what the Soviet Union, with twice
the population, did with the revenue generated from oil. While the Soviet Government bought
grain and other foreign consumer goods to be sold in domestic markets at heavily subsidized
rates, Russia rejected socialism. Instead it embraced capitalism in which money earned from
oil has enriched only tycoons and corrupt government officials. Oil tycoons in Russia have
made huge fortunes by using gaping holes in tax legislation to pay far below the standard 24
percent corporate rate.

Recently, Russia introduced a stiff tax system in which the government takes eighty percent of
the oil revenues. With the oil wealth tricking down to the other sectors, millions have been

106
lifted out of poverty in the last ten years. Russia has also overtaken Germany as Europe's
biggest car market. Demand has outpaced supply with Russians having to wait a year to get the
car of their choice. But the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen with 19 million
people still below the poverty line. The fact that Russia has the second largest number of
billionaires in the world does not measure up to the size of the economy and level of the
country's development.

Revenue generated from oil is now going to play a key role in overcoming Russia's oil curse -
over dependence on energy. Russia is one of the few places in the world with significant
unexplored and unexploited reserves of oil in order to lay a stable foundation for the economy
when the oil price boom comes to an end. Russia is slowly moving form a resources dependent
to a science-based economy. The government has raised funding for infrastructure (outmoded
transport networks put a brake on the economy), aviation and nuclear energy among other
sectors. The biggest challenge is to manage this huge investment programme without fuelling
rapidly rising inflation. Driven by high global energy and food prices, the Russian central bank
has been forced to rise the interest rate four times this year in order to keep inflation down.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the questions that follow.
(1x10=10)
1. Why are a large number of the world's very rich people found in Russia?

(a) Russia is one of the most developed countries in the world.

(b) Russia is the world's largest automobile supplier

(c) Russian oil businessmen took advantage of ambiguity in Russia's tax laws.

(d) Russia is the world's largest supplier of oil.

Ans. Russian oil businessmen took advantage of ambiguity in Russia's tax laws.

2. Which of the following is / are impact(s) on Russia’s economic growth?

A. Russia's population has doubled.

B. Foreign consumer goods are heavily subsidized

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C. There is a huge gap between the haves and the have-nots.

(a) Only (A)

(b) (B) & (C)

(c) Only (C)

(d) Both (A) & (B)

Ans. Only (C)

3. Which of the following factors is responsible for Russia's economic growth?

(a) Russia imports fuel from developing countries like India at low cost.

(b) Receiving aid worth 300 billion dollars from energy importing countries.

(c) Funding received from the “World Bank and developed countries like France.

(d) The revenue Russia has earned from exporting oil.

Ans. The revenue Russia has earned from exporting oil.

4. What step(s) has the Russian Government taken to control inflation?

A. It has raised the amount of money allocated for exploring new oil reserves.

B. Taxes have been hiked.

C. Subsidies on essential commodities like food have been introduced.

(a) None of the above

(b) Only (A)

(c) Only (C)

(d) Both (A) & (B)

Ans. Only (C)

5. Which of the following can be said about Russia's economy?

(a) Russia is the fastest growing economy in the world.

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(b) The Russian economy is being transformed into a technology based one.

(C) Oil wealth has been invested in Russia's energy sector only.

(d) Russia's economy is more developed than that of Germany.

Ans. The Russian economy is being transformed into a technology based one.

6. What does the phrase 'Russia's oil curse’ imply?

(a) High prices of oil products have meant that common people in Russia cannot afford them.

(b) Russia oil resources will be completely depleted in the next ten years.

(c) Mismanagement of the Russian oil industry led to the fall of the Soviet Union.

(d) None of the options imply Russia's oil curse.

Ans. None of the options imply Russia's oil curse.

7. Which of the following factors is responsible for inflation in Russia?

(a) Depleted Russian oil reserves

(b) Low investment in new Russian oilfields.

(c) Utilization of nuclear energy which his expensive.

(d) High prices of grocery products all over the world.

Ans. Utilization of nuclear energy which his expensive.

8. Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage?

(a) Russia is a Communist country

(b) Most of Russia's wealth has gone into exploring new oil fields

(c) There is a great demand for automobiles in Russia.

Ans. There is a great demand for automobiles in Russia.

(d) Privatizing the oil industry has lifted 19 million Russians out poverty.

9. Why has Russia increased its spending on its transport system?

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(a) It is outdated and will hinder Russia's economic growth

(b) To boost tourism which has been falling.

(C) To create jobs and reduce the high rate of unemployment.

(d)There have been a substantial number of accidents.

Ans. outdated and will hinder Russia's economic growth

10. Why was the Russian oil industry privatized?

(a) As part of the agreement with the Soviet Union.

(b) It was not profitable in the long term.

(c) The government wanted to concentrate on developing other sectors

(d) None of the above.

Ans. None of the above.

Q. 5. Read the passage given below.

1. It is rather the self importance of man that he thinks he owns this world. Theories have
developed since the very beginning of cultural and religious development on these lines. There
is an Adam and Eve. There is a Manu having brought life on this planet after Pralaya. All
religious preceptors have preached that the world is meant for men. They talk of communion
between Man and God. But science has exploded such myths. It was not really so that man
owned the world in the beginning, Man developed physically to the form as we find him now,
over a period of time, at a very late stage. The planet started with micro life. There is a period
of millions of years even between the existence of the micro life and the huge dinosaur who
owned the world and ruled over it.
2. But nature has been rather cruel to this animal world for whom, actually everything in the
world was meant. Nature bestowed man with a developed brain that it did not develop in any
other creature. This partiality of nature made him Homo sapiens. It was only man who could
think and plan about his existence and welfare, polluting in the process, the land, the space and
the seas that nature had made for all. His own creation may one day go against him. But now
he owns the world and is the master of all that he surveys. He feels that all the creatures on the
earth and even beyond the earth are meant for him.

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3. The ego of ownership had made man the cruelest animal in the world. He builds palatial
buildings and big cities on the abodes of small creatures like ants and other burrow dwellers.
They are all meant to die for his facilities.
4. Nature made vegetation that is meant for all living beings. But man felt that all the animals
are meant for him. He liked elephant for its tusks, deer for its horns, and a large number of
animals for their hide for shoes, decoration and dresses. He killed musk deer to have the musk
from its stomach. He kills a large number of animals for his food. His number is increasing in
such a way that he will have no fear, even of animals, owning the world again.
5. Man uses monkeys, rabbits, rats, dogs, cats and other small animals for experiments in
laboratories. He tortures and kills thousands and thousands of animals to prepare medicines,
nail polish, lipstick, floor polish, etc. Medical world has made its mansions on the blood and
torture of these mute creatures whom man thinks his property.
6. Man justifies his killing of animals by a strange theory "One living being is the food of
another living creature." Who will remind him of the doomsday after which the animal world
would claim back from man their due right and man may then become "meant" for animals!
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below: 10
(i) Man is able to impose his will on other creatures because of his. 1
(A) deceitful nature (B) muscular power
(C) developed brain (D) necessities in life.
Ans. developed brain
(ii) The author debunks the idea that 1
(A) animals are subservient to man
(B) the world is meant for man
(C) the world is meant for animals
(D) religious beliefs are false
Ans. (B) the world is meant for man

(iii) How is man superior to other creatures? 1

Ans. Man is superior to other creatures because of developed brain.
(iv) Choose the option that best captures the central idea of the passage. 1
1. Man masters nature not by force but by understanding.
2. Man and nature must work hard hand in hand.
3. Man is not the sole master of the world
4. Man's heart away from nature becomes hard - Standing Bear.
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(A) Option 3 (B) Option 2
(C) Option 1 (D) Option 4
Ans. Option 3
(v) What have the religious preceptors preached? 1
Ans. All religious preceptors have preached that the world is meant for men. They talk of
communion between Man and God.
(vi) Which of the following will be the most appropriate title for the passage? 1
(A) Man and Animal
(B) Man and His World
(C) Who has the Claim on the World?
(D) The World Not only for Man
Ans. The World Not only for Man
(vii) Which of these characteristics are apt for the writer? 1
1. inhuman
2. lover of man and nature
3. lover of nature
4. anti-man
5. protector of animal world
6. advocate of harmony between human and animal worlds
(A) 2 and 3 (B) 1 and 5
(C) 4 and 5 (D) 2 and 6
Ans. 2 and 6
(viii) How has the ego of ownership adversely affected man? 2
Ans. The ego of ownership has adversely affected man as they have started thinking that the
world is meant for man only. He liked elephant for its tusks, deer for its horns, a large number
of animals for their hide for shoes, decoration and dresses. He killed musk deer to have the
musk from its stomach. He kills a large number of animals for his food.
(x) Man's selfishness arises from his ____________ 1
Ans. ego of ownership.

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 Section B: Advanced Writing Skills

3. Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words. 4

(a) You are the President of the Cultural Club of Marigold Public School, Vir Nagar. As part of the
Annual Community Service Week, you are planning to put up a cultural performance in ‘Ahista`, a
senior citizens home. Draft a notice for the school notice board inviting participation by the
students. Invent necessary details.

OR

(b) As Chief Librarian of Little Wood Library, Birpur, draft a notice informing members about the
change in winter timings, effective from April 1 , 2024. Also inform the members about the newly
introduced electronic international journal support service with a remote accessing facility. Invent
necessary details.

4. Attempt any one of the two, (a), or (b), in about 50 words. 4

(a) You are the Secretary of the Civil Medical Doctors Association, Sheech Nagar. On the occasion of
World Health Day, you are arranging a workshop on Drug Free Pain management and Reversal. Draft
a formal letter of invitation to be sent to all the members to attend the workshop. Request them to
be punctual. Invent relevant details.

OR

(b) You are Shri E. A. S. Prasad, a well known local cricketer. You have been invited as a chief guest
for an inter- school cricket championship in K. P. S. School, Mahabagh. Create an appropriate formal
letter of acceptance.

5. Attempt any one of the two, (a), or (b), in 120—150 words. 5

(a) You are Priti/Pramod Vats, a resident of 317, Rajdhani Enclave, Rajbagh. You saw the given
advertisement in the newspaper and wished to apply for the same. Write a letter to the Personnel
Manager along with your bio-data, expressing your interest in the advertised post.

HARRISON & SIMPSON LTD.

Want
College graduates
For
Marketing a new cosmetic range
‘ I Wish`
Whom do we need
Graduates, comfortable in English and Hindi,
good interpersonal skills.
Contact: Director Personnel—10:00 am—5:00 pm
#9877763240
OR

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(b) You have been making documentaries on how rivers, the lifelines of our nation, are under serious
threat due to river pollution. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, examining the reasons
for this pollution and suggesting ways of tackling the issue. Use the given cues along with your own
ideas to compose this letter. You are Srishti/Suraj, a concerned student.

Reasons:
• Pollution
• Industrial waste
• Agricultural runoff
• Human sewage
Solutions:
• Strict laws
• Monitoring committees
• Waste handling process
• Educate the masses

6. Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120—150 words. 5

(a) With rapid digitalization , students have started depending on digital devices for entertainment.
This has impacted their lives, both positively and negatively. Write an article with the help of the given
cues and your own ideas, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of using digital devices. You
are Rohini/Rohit.

Digital Devices and Children Enhance skills

• Academics
• Psychomotor
• Visual intelligence
• Research
Ill effects of long use
• Physical inactivity
• Poor interpersonal skills
• Addictive disorders
• Aggressive behavior
• Lack of concentration
Solutions
• Adult supervision
• Strict timings
• Spread awareness of addiction
OR

(b) The student counseling department in your school put up the following poster regarding an event
in the community center.

Be-Do-Live

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 Well
6th ,7th , and 8th February
10 am—6:30 pm
A Wellness Workshop
◼ Sharing common concerns
◼ Reducing stress
◼ Motivation strategies
◼ Joy of living
Theatre in Action

As Rita/Rahul, student editor, write a report on the above workshop for the school magazine.

Creative Writing Skills (18 marks)

3. Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words. 4

(a) Write a notice for the school notice board requesting Class 8 students to participate in the Earth
Day celebrations by each bringing a sapling to school for the Tree Plantation Drive in school. Invent
necessary details. You are Radha/Rahul, President of the Eco Club, Shakti School.

OR

(b) Write a notice informing the residents about the limited water supply on the 7 and 8 of April,
2024 due to annual maintenance. Inform them of the availability of tankers at a subsidised cost in case
of an emergency. You are Meera/Mohan, Secretary of Uphill Society, Anand Nagar.

4. Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in about 50 words. 4

(a) You are Arushi/Anand, Secretary of the Fashion Design Club in your school. Create a formal letter
of invitation, inviting renowned designer, PiyushBahl as the chief guest to the fashion show,
conceptualized and choreographed by the students themselves. Invent necessary details.

OR

(b) You have been invited to the grand opening of your neighbour, Ms. Latha`s new restaurant. Write
a letter of acceptance and congratulate her expressing your support for their business venture. You are
Shruti/Sharad.

5. Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120—150 words. 5

(a) You are Simran/Sukhbir, a fresh graduate from the Summit College of Education, Divyabagh.
You saw an advertisement in the newspaper and wish to apply for the position advertised. Write a
letter to the Director, Maavile Public School, Khushi Nagar. Share your bio-data, expressing your
interest in the advertised post.

MAAVILE PUBLIC SCHOOL, KHUSHI NAGAR

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 REQUIRES

A qualified physics teacher for middle and secondary school

-- Job description –

* Teach in an engaging, stimulating manner

* Supervise lab activities

* Provide extra support to weak students

OR

(b) The early identification of talent has become increasingly important to attain an international status
in different sports. Write a letter to the editor of a local daily to highlight the need to tap the sports talent
at a young age by the sports coaches so that it does not go unrecognized. You are Amit/Amita, 78-B,
Inderpuri, Jai Nagar. You may use the following cues along with your ideas.

* coaches are talent scouts

* create opportunities for underprivileged

* groom development-- strength building and technique practicing

* encourage structured participation in sports tournaments

* motivate sportsmen and sportswomen

* create a larger pool of sportspersons

* More opportunities for more athletes

6. Attempt any one of the two, (a) or (b), in 120-150 words. 5

(a) Social media today has become an unavoidable element in the lives of people. You are concerned
when you see young people spending increasing number of hours on free platforms and chat rooms.
Write an article highlighting the consequences of ‘Fear of Missing Out` addiction. You may use the
following cues along with your ideas. You are Radhu/Rakesh.

Social Media

Advantages Disadvantages
• Connectivity • Affects socio-emotional connection
• Information and updates • Invades privacy
• Stress reliever • Causes distress
• Cyber bullying
• Distracting
• Peer pressure

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Suggestions
--set reasonable timings
--encourage face-to-face interaction
OR

b) The RWA (Resident Welfare Association), Medinipur, launched a ‘Clean the Park Drive` engaging
the colony children in responsible activities. As Rita/Rahul, the local correspondent of the
neighborhood newsletter, write a report covering this event. Support your ideas with the outline cues
given below. Invent necessary details.

Activities

• Picked up litter
• Made posters
• Put up street play on “Keep your environment clean”

Purpose

• Children engagement and responsibility

• Create awareness of community service
• Awareness of cleanliness and its importance
• Respect for the environment and nature

117
 Flamingo (Poetry)
Reference to Contexts:
1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (6)
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.

1. How are aunt Jennifer’s tigers described? (1)

2. Why are they described as denizens of a world of green? (1)
3. Why are they unafraid of the men? (1)
4. What do Aunt Jennifer’s tigers symbolize? (2)
5. State the meaning of the word chivalry and use it in a sentence. (1)

Answers:
1. Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are described as powerful, strong and fearless.
2. The tigers are inhabitants of the dense green forests so they are described as dwellers of a
world of green.
3. Their courage and fearlessness give them a confidence due to which they are not afraid of
men.
4. Aunt Jennifer’s tigers are symbolic of the fearlessness and wish to roam freely and
confidently and lead a life of dignity in natural surroundings. This was in stark contrast to
aunt’s situation whereby she was trapped in a marriage dominated by her husband.
5. Chivalry means gallantry or thoughtfulness.
In the ancient times, chivalry was more commonly seen in men than it is seen today.

2. The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead,

Or if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts
At having the landscape marred with the artless paint
Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned wrong
Offered for sale wild berries in wooden quarts,

1. What does the poet mean by ‘with a mind ahead? (1)

2. What are N and S signs? (1)
3. Why have these sings turned wrong? (1)
4. What has been contrasted by the poet in the poem “A Roadside Stand”? (1)
5. State two poetic devices used in the poem? Explain briefly. (2)

Answers:
1. The phrase ‘with a mind ahead’ suggests that the people who pass the roadside stand in their
polished cars conveniently overlook the roadside stand as their mind is focussed only on their
destination.
2. The N and S signs stand for the North and the South direction.

3. These signs have turned wrong because they have been painted in the wrong way and so
these signboards are wrongly presented.

118
4. In this poem, the poet contrasts the lives of poor and deprived countryside people who
struggle to live, with the thoughtless city people who don’t even bother to notice the roadside
stand that these people have put up to sell their goodies.

5. Transferred epithet – ‘polished traffic’ and ‘selfish cars’

Personification – ‘the sadness that lurks behind the window’, ‘the roadside stand that too
pathetically pled’

Alliteration – ‘greedy good doers’ and ‘beneficent beasts of prey’, ‘pathetically pled’

Oxymoron – ‘greedy good doers’ and ‘beneficent beasts of prey’ (Any Two)

Short Questions:

Answer the following in about 40-50 words: (2 marks each)

1. What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tigers when she is dead?

2. What kind of married life did Aunt Jennifer lead?
3. Why do the people who run the roadside stand wait for the squeal of brakes so eagerly?
4. What does, ‘beauty rest in a mountain scene’ mean?
5. Why money is never found in the villages?
6. What childhood fear did Kamala Das refer to in her poem? How did she hide it?
7. What is the exotic moment the poet Pablo Neruda wishes for in “Keeping Quiet”?
8. What does the “flowery bands that bind us to the earth” refer to in the poem “A Thing
of Beauty”?

Answers:

1. Aunt Jennifer’s tigers will survive even after she is dead. She has created the tigers in
a panel out of wool. These objects of art are immortal. They will continue prancing,
proudly and fearlessly. To express her desire for freedom she had created the chivalrous
tigers who will survive long after her death but her own longing for freedom will remain
unfulfilled.
2. Aunt Jennifer’s wedding band lies heavily on her hand. It reminds her of her unhappy
married life. It is symbolic of male authority and power of her husband who had
suppressed her and made her a nervous wreck. He had dominated over her for so long
that she had lost her identity.
3. The “squealing of brakes” means that a car has stopped at their roadside stand. It raises
their hopes that the city-folk have stopped there to buy something from their roadside
stand and some city money will come into their hands.
4. Beauty resting in a mountain scene is probably a scenic painting made by the
inhabitants of the roadside stand meant for selling to the rich people.
5. It is a common truth that countryside is backward and therefore it remains poor and
penniless. Moreover the country folks are easy targets of the politicians and business-
men and therefore they are easily cheated and looted. Besides, if these poor people are
given money then they will migrate to prosperous cities or make a city in the place of
their village.

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 6. Kamala Das childhood fear was that she would lose her mother to the cruel hands of
death and thus would be separated from her forever. She attempts to hide her fear
through her elongated and superficial smile.
7. Pablo Neruda wishes for that exotic moment when mankind will be free from greed,
cruelty and harmful actions. Unnecessary rush and noise have caused unpleasantness
and troubles. The poet wishes the noise of engines and machines should cease and peace
and tranquility should prevail.
8. The flowery band that binds us to earth is beauty in one shape or the other. It removes
all sufferings and sorrow that covers our mind and spirit. There is disappointment and
dejection all around but the presence of some objects of beauty removes this sadness
from our hearts.

Long Questions: (5 marks each)

1. Justify the title of the poem “Keeping Quiet”. How does Neruda distinguish between stillness
and total inactivity in the poem?
2. Discuss the poetic devices used in the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’.
3. What spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits and how is it removed? What is
the significance of ‘the mighty dead’ in the poem?

Answers:

1. The poem’s title is both appropriate and logical. It implies the importance of quiet
introspection. People all over the world are hyperactive and constantly on the move.
Their actions have caused untold misery and suffering. According to the poet, they will
benefit greatly from remaining silent. It will protect them from a variety of harmful and
violent activities. Furthermore, it will aid in reflecting on man’s fate and creating a
sense of mutual understanding among humans.
Pablo Neruda prefers silence or stillness, in which we sit still and quietly for a while.
Total inactivity, on the other hand, is a permanent suspension of work. It is the same as
death. The terms ‘stillness’ and ‘total inactivity’ should not be used interchangeably.
Life continues as usual. There can be no such thing as total inactivity. Therefore, by
saying “I want no truck with death” the poet refuses to associate with or confront death.
2. Adrienne Rich’s Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ a beautiful short poem rich in symbolism and
imagery. The metaphor ‘bright topaz’ depicts the shining yellow complexion of her
tigers. The effective use of alliteration in ‘sleek, chivalric certainty’ describes the pace
of the tigers effectively. ‘The massive weight of wedding band’ symbolises ordeals and
hardships of Aunt Jennifer’s married fife. The images ‘terrified hands’ and ‘ringed with
ordeal’ create the effect of oppression and terror as well as captivity.
3. According to the poet, man is the source of his problems. His own personality and
actions make his life a living hell. He experiences misery and pain. His dark spirits are
shrouded in gloom. A thing of beauty gives man a ray of hope. Among these sorrows
and sufferings, some shape of beauty works wonders. It is a thing of beauty that lifts
the gloom from our dark spirits.
“The mighty dead” are people who have done brave and noble things. They live on in
the stories and legends, which have now become a source of beauty for us. They will
be rewarded with “grandeur” on doomsday or judgment day because of the noble life
they have led.

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 Flamingo (Prose)
Reference to context. (All the questions are compulsory) (30)
Q-1. Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
A. While I was wondering about it all, M. Hamel mounted his chair, and, in the same grave
and gentle tone which he had used to me, said, “My children, this is the last lesson I shall
give you. The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace
and Lorraine. The new master comes tomorrow. This is your last French lesson. I want
you to be very attentive.”
What a thunderclap these words were to me!
Oh, the wretches; that was what they had put up at the town hall!
i) The phrase ‘wondering about’ most likely suggests that the narrator was 1
________________.

a) a) surprised b) upset c) c) doubtful d) shocked

ii) Pick out two adjectives that were used to describe M. Hamel's tone when he was 1
addressing the children.

iii) If the following sentence is the effect of a certain event, what is the cause behind it? 1

“The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and
Lorraine”

iv) “The new master comes tomorrow.” What would the new master teach to the children? 1

a) French b) English c) German d) Political

Science
v) Which proverbmatches with the following expression? 1

“What a thunderclap these words were to me!”

a) A journey of a b) All good c) Bolt from d) A clear sky

thousand miles things the blue fears not the
begins with a must come thunder.
single step to an end
B. My acquaintance with the barefoot ragpickers leads me to Seemapuri, a place on the
periphery of Delhi yet miles away from it, metaphorically. Those who live here are
squatters who came from Bangladesh back in 1971. Saheb’s family is among them.
Seemapuri was then a wilderness. It still is, but it is no longer empty. In structures of
mud, with roofs of tin and tarpaulin, devoid of sewage, drainage or running water, live
10,000 ragpickers. They have lived here for more than thirty years without an identity,
without permits but with ration cards that get their names on voters’ lists and enable
them to buy grain. Food is more important for survival than an identity. “If at the end of

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 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 Seemapuri 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.

i. What does the narrator mean in the following statement? 1

“Seemapuri, a place on the periphery of Delhi yet miles away from it, metaphorically.”

a) Seemapuri b) Seemapu c) Both d) Seemapuri

does not have ri is not options a & and New
the amenities very far b Delhi are far
offered in New from New away.
Delhi Delhi
ii. Pick out the word from the extract that means the same as ‘refugees.’ 1

iii. State whether true or false: The ragpickers have voter cards so that they can buy grain 1
but they are not treated like human beings.

iv. What is the only means of survival for people like Saheb in Seemapuri? 1

v. Which of the following best explains the expression: 1

“it has acquired the proportions of a fine art”
a) Rag-picking is b) Rag- c) They are d) They have
a satisfying job picking artists in perfected the
as creating cannot be making. job of rag-
fine-arts an picking
honourabl through hard
e work
professio
n
C. I went down, down, endlessly. I opened my eyes. Nothing but water with a yellow glow
— dark water that one could not see through. And then sheer, stark terror seized me,
terror that knows no understanding, terror that knows no control, terror that no one can
understand who has not experienced it. I was shrieking under water. I was paralysed
under water — stiff, rigid with fear. Even the screams in my throat were frozen. Only my
heart, and the pounding in my head, saidthat I was still alive.

i. What effect does the repetition of terror and a ‘that clause’ after it create in the extract? 1

122
 a) It makes the b) It makes c) It d) It
narrative the fear of undermines exaggerates
poetic and the the fear of the fear of
rhythmic narrator the narrator the narrator
more
palpable
ii. Complete the analogy: 1

seized: grasp : : __________ : immobilize

a) stark b) terror c) paralysed d) frozen

iii. Arrange these events in the correct sequence: 1

1. The narrator was screaming under the water.

2. The narrator felt he is still alive.
3. The narrator becomes paranoid because of extreme terror.
4. The narrator was going down and the dip felt unfathomable.
a) 4,3,2,1 b) 1,3,4,2 c) 2,1,4,3 d) 4,3,1,2
iv. State whether true or false: 1

It isn't easy to comprehend the narrator’s harrowing experience for us.

v. What lesson can one learn from the narrator's experience in the above extract? 1

D. No one can imagine how sad and monotonous life can appear to such a vagabond, who
plods along the road, left to his own meditations. But one day this man had fallen into a
line of thought, which really seemed to him entertaining. He had naturally been thinking
of his rattraps when suddenly he was struck by the idea that the wholeworld about him
— the whole world with its lands and seas, its cities and villages — was nothing but a big
rattrap. It had never existed for any other purpose than to set baits for people. It offered
riches and joys, shelter and food, heat and clothing, exactly as the rattrap offered
cheese and pork, and as soon as anyone let himself be tempted to touch the bait, it
closed in on him, and then everything came to an end.The world had, of course, never
been very kind to him, so it gave him unwonted joy to think ill of it in this way. It became
a cherished pastime of his, during many dreary ploddings, to think of people he knew
who had let themselves be caught in the dangerous snare, and of others who were still
circling around the bait.
i. Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with another word. 1
No one can imagine how sad and monotonous life can appear to such a vagabond, who
plods along the road, left to his own meditations.
ii. Explain the following metaphor: 1

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 The whole world with its lands and seas, its cities and villages — was nothing but a big
rattrap.
iii. How did the world treat the rattrap peddler in general? 1

a) Ruthlessly b) In a kind c) By offering d) Indifferently

manner help
iv. What are the things that life offers as baits to us? 1

v. What impression do you form of the rattrap peddler from the above extract? 1

1. Cunning
2. Philosophical
3. Cynical
4. Angry
a) 1, 2 b) 2, 3 c) 3, 4 d) 1, 4
E. The Champaran episode was a turning-point in Gandhi’s life. ‘‘What I did,” he explained,
“was a very ordinary thing. I declared that the British could not order me about in my own
country.” But Champaran did not begin as an act of defiance. It grew out of an attempt to
alleviate the distress of large numbers of poor peasants. This was the typical Gandhi
pattern — his politics were intertwined with the practical, day-to-day problems of the
millions. His was not a loyalty to abstractions; it was a loyalty to living, human beings. In
everything Gandhi did, moreover, he tried to mould a new free Indian who could stand
on his own feet and thus make India free.
i. What is the most likely reason behind Gandhi’s success in his political career? 1

1. Gandhi’s politics was for the people, not for any abstract idea.
2. Gandhi knewhow to change the conscience of Indians to stand independently.
3. Gandhi always believed India was for Indians not for the British Raj.
a) 1, 2 b) 1, 2, 3 c) Only 1 d) Only 3
ii. State whether the given sentence is true or false: 1

Gandhi’s claim that the British Raj did not have any right to dictate Indians in their own
country is actually an act of treason.

iii. Gandhi was loyal to living human beings. Which qualities of his character are evident in 1
this statement?

1. Selfishness
2. Kindness
3. Selflessness
4. Humanity
5. Empathy

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 a) 1, 2, 5 b) 2, 4, 5 c) 2, 3, 4, 5 d) Only 1
iv. What was the primary motive behind Gandhi’s stance in Champaran? 1

v. Which word/phrase in the extract can you derive from the following image? 1

F. “She thinks money grows on trees, don’t she, Dad?’ said little Derek, hanging on the
back of his father’s chair. Their mother sighed.

Sophie watched her back stooped over the sink and wondered at the incongruity of the
delicate bow which fastened her apron strings. The delicate-seeming bow and the
crooked back. The evening had already blacked in the windows and the small room was
steamy from the stove and cluttered with the heavy-breathing man in his vest at the table
and the dirty washing piled up in the corner. Sophie felt a tightening in her throat. She
went to look for her brother Geoff.

i. Derek’s remark, “She thinks money grows on trees, don’t she, Dad?” is an example of 1
_____.

a) Hyperbole b) Understateme c) irony d) sarcasm

nt
ii. Complete the following sentence with ONE word. 1
The extract evokes a feeling of _________________ in the hearts of the readers.
iii. Complete the analogy with an appropriate phrase/expression from the extract: 1

Lack of harmony : incongruity : : Feeling depressive : ______________.

iv. Why did Sophie go to look for Geoff? 1

a) Because Geoff b) Sophie c) Sophie d) Sophie’s parents

was the go-to wanted some wanted to tell did not treat Sophie
person for her. money to Geoff how well.
open her much she loved
boutique him.

v. Pick out any one image/expression from the extract that tells us it was already evening 1
when Sophie reached her home.

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Q-2. Short AnswerType Questions. (Attempt Any Ten) (20)
i) “Our native language is part of our culture, and we are proud of it.” How does the 2
presence of village elders in the classroom in M. Hamel’s last lesson show their love
for French?

ii) Bangles are an indispensable part of Indian weddings but the Bengal makers live in 2
perpetual poverty. How far this statement is true in the context of ‘Lost Spring’?

iii) Why do the bangle makers fear to form a cooperative? 2

iv) There is a popular catchline in an Indian advertisement, “Darr k aage Jeet Hai!” How 2
would you relate this to the story ‘Deep Water’?

v) What Christmas present did the peddler leave for Edla? 2

vi) Why did Gandhi agree to take only 25% of the compensation from the landlords? 2

vii) What qualities can one learn from Rajkumar Shukla? 2

viii) Why was the Gemini studio a favourite haunt for the poets? 2

ix) Justify the title ‘Poets and Pancakes.’ 2

x) What did Umberto Eco mean by the term ‘Interstices’? 2

xi) Why do you think Sophie went to meet Danny Casey even though she knew it was all 2
fiction?

Q-3. Long Answer Type Questions. (Attempt Any Six) (30)

i. In the chapter ‘Poets and Pancakes’ the author uses humour to point out human foibles. 5
Pick out instances of this from the text to show how it made the extract engaging.
ii. You have studied the art of conducting interviews in the chapter ‘The Interview’. Using 5
insights from ‘Indigo’, create a fictional interview between Mahatma Gandhi and
Rajkumar Shukla after winning the battle of Champaran.

iii. “It is his karam, his destiny,” says Mukesh’s grandmother, who has watched her own 5
husband go blind with the dust from polishing the glass of bangles. “Can a god-given
lineage ever bebroken?she implies.

In what ways does poverty shape and influence perspectives? Discuss this with
particular reference to the outlook of Mukesh’s grandmother.
iv. Imagine you are Edla. The rattrap peddler has left you a rattrap and a letter, and you feel 5
pleased to see his transformation. Write a letter to the peddler, who elevated himself to
‘Captain Von Stahle,’ congratulating him and wishing him good fortune for the future.

126
 v. Imagine you are Danny Casey, and you've learned about Sophie’s fascination with you. 5
What advice would you offer her to help her adopt a more realistic outlook?
vi. Do you agree with the view that interview in its highest form, is a source of truth, and in 5
its practice, an art? Substantiate your view with relevant examples.
vii. How would you evaluate M. Hamel's contribution to the society?Support your 5
perspective with reasons.

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 Vistas
Practice Questions
Q.1: Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:

He said I was unhappy. That made my wife kind of mad, but he explained that he meant the
modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and all the rest of it, and that I just want
to escape. Well, who doesn’t? Everybody I know wants to escape, but they don’t wander
down into any third level at Grand Central Station. But that’s the reason, he said, and my
friends all agreed. Everything points to it. they claimed. My stamp collecting, for example;
that’s a ‘temporary refuge from reality.’ Well, maybe, but my grandfather didn’t need any
refuge from reality; things were pretty nice and peaceful in his days, from all I hear, and he
started my collection.

i. Why did Sam’s verdict make Charley’s wife ‘mad’? 1

A. It made it difficult for her to accept that Charley would consult a psychiatrist.
B. It seemed to suggest to her that she was the cause of Charley’s unhappiness.
C. It made her aware of Charley’s delicate state of mind.
D. It offended her that Charley and Sam collectively accused her.

ii. Sam’s explanation to the reaction of Charley’s wife was ___________ in nature 1
A. critical
B. aggressive
C. clarifying
D. accusatory
iii. Select the option that signifies the condition of people of the ‘modern world’
mentioned in the extract. 1
(1) unsure
(2) lazy
(3) offensive
(4) anxious
(5) afraid

A. (1) and (3)

B. (2) and (5)
C. (2), (3) and (4)
D. (1), (4) and (5)

128
iv. Select the option that displays a cause-effect set. 1

v.Why didn’t Charley’s grandfather need refuge from reality? 1

A. He was too busy to bother.
B. He had chosen to deny his reality.
C. He lived in peaceful times.
D. He was a very secure person.

Q.2: 1

Q.2:Read the extract given below and answer the following questions by choosing

the correct option.

Have you ever been there? It's a wonderful town still, with big old frame houses, huge lawns,
and

tremendous trees whosebranches meet overhead and roof the streets. And in 1894, summer
evenings

were twice as long, and people sat out on theirlawns, the men smoking cigars and talking quietly,
the

women waving palm-leaf fans, with the fire-flies all around, in apeaceful world. To be back
there with

the First World War still twenty years off, and World War II over forty years in the future...I
wanted two

tickets for that.

i) Who does 'you' refer to? 1

A) Charley's psychiatrist, Sam Weiner

B) Charley's wife, Louisa

129
C) The reader

D) Nobody in particular, it is a figure of speech.

ii) Choose the option that best describes the society represented in the above extract. 1

A) content, peace-loving

B) leisurely, sentimental

C) orthodox, upper class

D) comfortable, ancient

iii) Imagine that the city of Galesburg is hosting a series of conferences and workshops.
In which of the following conferences or workshops are you least likely to find the
description of Galesburg given in the above extract? 1

A) Gorgeous Galesburg: Archiving a Tourist Paradise

B) Welcome to the Home you Deserve: Galesburg Realtors

C) Re-imagining a Warless Future: Technology for Peace

D) The Woman Question: The World of Women at Home

iv) 1

"tremendous trees whose branches meet overhead and roof the streets” is NOT an
example of

(i) imagery

(ii) metaphor

(iii) alliteration

(iv) anachronism

A) Options (i) and (ii)

B) Options (i) and (iii)

C) Options (ii) and (iii)

D) Options (ii) and (iv)

v) The genre of the lesson "third level" is 1

130
A) historical fiction

B) tragedy

C) science fiction

D) fantasy

vi) 'The Third Level' refers to the third level at the Grand Central Station. As a
metaphor, which of the following would NOT be an appropriate explanation of the
title? 1

A) The convergence of reality and fantasy.

B) The bridge between the past and the present.

C) The oppressive monotony of modern life.

D) The need for an alternate plane of understanding.

vii) Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
1

Statement 1: The narrator finds it strange that only he could see the third level.

Statement 2: The third level according to his friend is a place in the narrator's mind.

A) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.

B) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.

C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred

D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred

viii) How does Charley describe Galesburg as it used to be in 1894? 1

A) As a deserted place

B) As an overpopulated place

C) As a quiet, simple and peaceful place

D) As a chaotic place

ix) "I wanted two tickets for that". This shows the narrator's______________. 1

A) nostalgia for the old world

B) desire to go back to the old pre-world war world

131
C) requirement of peace

D) desire to remove the insecurities and stresses of life

Q.3 : SHORT AND LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS:

i. Both Sam and Charley experienced the presence of the third level at Grand Central
Station. Instead of coming out from this illusion, Sam, being a psychiatrist got trap in
this illusion. It is a story about time travel. Imagine yourself to be Sam, and express
your thoughts whether the third level exists or not.
ii. Do you see an intersection of time and space in the story? Give reasons.
iii. In his letter to Charley, Sam writes, ‘…then I got to believing you were right.’ What
could have made Sam begin to believe?
iv. Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley? Why?

CHAPTER-2 THE TIGER KING (VISTAS)

Q.4: Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:

The Maharaja’s anxiety reached a fever pitch when there remained just one tiger to

achieve his tally of a hundred. He had this one thought during the day and the same

dream at night. By this time the tiger farms had run dry even in his father-in-law’s

kingdom. It became impossible to locate tigers anywhere. Yet only one more was need.

ed. If he could kill just that one single beast, the Maharaja would have no fears. left. He

could give up tiger hunting altogether. (The Tiger King)

i. Complete the sentence appropriately. 1

The writer refers to the dreams of the Tiger King to highlight _____.

ii. ‘The Maharaja’s anxiety reached a fever pitch…’ Which of these sentences DOES
NOT use the phrase ‘reached a fever pitch’ correctly? 1

a. When the bidding reached a fever pitch, one of the team’s absences was notable.

b. The excitement of the audience reached a fever pitch when they saw the
starperform.

c. The scenic beauty of the place reached a fever pitch when it began to snow.

d. The climax of the film reached a fever pitch when the protagonist was assassinated.

iii. Select the most suitable title for the given extract. 1

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(A) The Selfish King

(B) On the Way of Killing a Hundred Tigers

(C) Maharaja’s Determination

(D) Killing Other Creatures

iv. Pick the statement that is NOT an example of satire from the story. 1

a. The twist of fate when the toy tiger proved to be fatal for the king.

b. News of the king’s ailment got the attention of not one, but three surgeons.

c. King wilfully exploiting nature and subjects for his selfish interests.

d. The king celebrates his triumph but readers anticipate his doom.

v. ‘By this time the tiger farms had run dry even in his father-in-law’s kingdom.’What
does this line tell us about the Maharaja? 1

Q.5: Read the following extract and answer the questions:

From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers inhabiting

Pratibandapuram. The state banned tiger hunting by anyone except the Maharaja. A

proclamation was issued to the effect that if anyone dared to fling so much as a stone at

a tiger, all his wealth and property would be confiscated. The Maharaja vowed he would

attend to all other matters only after killing the hundred tigers. Initially the king seemed

well set to realise his ambition.

Not that he faced no dangers. There were times when the bullet missed its mark, the

tiger leapt upon him and he fought the beast with his bare hands. Each time it was the

Maharaja who won. (The Tiger King)

i. The tone of the author when he says ‘it was celebration time for all tigers’ is
_________. 1
ii. Pick the pair of TRUE statements based on the extract. 1

1. Tiger hunting was absolutely banned in the kingdom.

2. The Maharaja was extremely courageous and fearless.
3. The Maharaja paid no heed to matters related to his kingdom.
4. The Maharaja was able to fulfill his ambition, without any perils.
Options

133
 a. 1 and 2

b. 2 and 4

c. 2 and 3

d. 1 and 4

iii. Why did the Maharaja want to kill tigers specifically? 1

iv. What does the proclamation show us about the authority possessed by the
Maharaja? 1

Q.3 : SHORT AND LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS:

i. The story The Tiger King is a satire on the conceit of those in power. How does the
author employ the literary device of dramatic irony in the story? (The Tiger King)
ii. How would you describe the behavior of the Maharaja’s minions towards him? Do
you find them truly sincere towards him or are they driven by fear when they obey
him? Do we find a similarity in today’s political order?
iii. ImagineyouareanardentenvironmentalistwhoisinvolvedintheSavetheTigercampaign.Y
ouhavebeenaskedtodeliveraspeechinaseminarrelatedtoyourcampaignandtheneedforthe
youthtobeinvolvedinsuchcampaigns.Draftyourspeech
iv. ‘Flattery is eating into roots of our society and polity.’ The Tiger King or the
Maharajapursue the same. Discuss with reference to the lesson in about 120-150
words.
1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions. 4X1=4

In the afternoon the second thing happened. Hana, working hard on unaccustomed labour, saw
a messenger come to the door in official uniform. Her hands went weak and she could not draw
her breath. The servants must have told already. She ran to Sadao, gasping, unable to utter a
word. But by then the messenger had simply followed her through the garden and there he
stood. She pointed at him helplessly.
Sadao looked up from his book…
“What is it?” he asked the messenger and then he rose, seeing the man’s uniform. “You are to
come to the palace,” the man said. “The old General is in pain again.”
“Oh,” Hana breathed, “is that all?” (The Enemy)

I. Why did the messenger come to Sadao’s house?

Ans. The messenger came to Sadao’s house to look after the General who was ill.

II. What does the phrase ‘unaccustomed labour’ mean in the context?

Ans. The word ‘unaccustomed labour’ means the laborious task which Hana is not accustomed
to do.

III. Why was Hana afraid in the context of the text?

Ans. Hana was apprehensive of the fact that the army official must have come to know about
the American soldier and that is why they may be in great danger.

134
 IV. Name the writer of the above text.

Ans. The name of the writer of the above text is Pearl S. Buck.

2. Answer the following questions in 40-50 words. 2X2=4

I. How does Derry cope up with his loneliness? (On the Face of It)

Ans. Derry copes up with his loneliness by making himself busy through gardening and
making apple jam. He also keeps his garden open for visitors and reads books. Thus, he
always tries to find out inner happiness which helps him to develop a positive attitude
towards life.

II. “I will tell Yumi now. She can leave the children for a few minutes and she can
wash him.” – Who is Yumi? Did she agree to wash ‘him’? Why/Why not? (The
Enemy)
Ans. Yumi is the maid-servant in the household of Dr. Sadao.
She did not want to wash the American Soldier as he belonged to enemy camp.
Moreover, according to local superstitious belief as his body was found in the sea, it
would be unjustified to save such a person.

3. Answer the following questions in 120-150 words. 1X5=5

I. How did Dr. Sadao resolve conflict between his loyalty to his country and his duty
as a doctor? Discuss with ref. to The Enemy.

Value points:

1. In the story The Enemy, we find that Dr. Sadao is in dilemma whether to save the
American soldier from his impending death.
2. But, if he does so, he would actually go against his country as the soldier belongs to the
enemy camp.
3. Looking at the dying soldier, he rises above his narrow nationalistic viewpoint.
4. He realizes that as a doctor his primary objective is to save a person whose life is in
danger, irrespective of his/her class, caste, creed, religion etc.
5. This thought helped him resolve the conflict in his mind.

Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:

But this eating by formula was not the hardest trial in that first day. Late in the morning, my
friend Judewin gave me a terrible warning. Judewin knew a few words of English; and she had
overheard the paleface woman talk about cutting our long, heavy hair. Our mothers had taught
us that only unskilled warriors who were captured had their hair shingled by the enemy. Among
our people, short hair was worn by mourners, and shingled hair by cowards!
(6)

1. What was the paleface woman planning to do? (1)

A To take their surprise test
B To punish them
C To beat them like hell
D To cut their long hair

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Ans D To cut their long hair

2. What view did the narrator’s mother have about shingled hair? (1)
A Keeping it was a sign of bravery
B Keeping it was a sign of cowardice
C Keeping it was a sign of pride
D None of these
Ans B Keeping it was a sign of cowardice

3. What does the narrator mean by mourners? (1)

A Griever
B Lamenter
C Sorrower
D All of these
Ans D All of these

4. Name the chapter from which the above extract is taken. (1)
A The Third Level
B The Enemy
C On the Face of It
D Memories of Childhood
Ans D Memories of Childhood

5. What did ‘cutting’ of their long hair signify in the story? (1)

Ans. The cutting of long hair for women in the tribe or community of the narrator signified
cowardice of people who were victims of war and captured by the enemy. It was also a
symbol of mourning – a cultural loss, as taught to her by her mother during her childhood.

6. State True or False: (1)

The narrator considered that cutting of their hair was less hard a trial than eating by formula,
as stated in the above extract.

Ans. False.
Short Questions: (2 marks each)
1. Zitkala-Sa mentioned the indignities she had to suffer as a child in a boarding school. How
do such indignities break the morale of a minority child in a mainstream school? Rationalize.
2. The world’s geological history is trapped in Antarctica.’ How is the study of
Antarctica crucial in knowing earth’s history and how does it affect its future?
3. Name the ship in which students were taken to Antarctica by Geoff Greene and the name
of the programme and its objective.

Answers:

1. Zitkala Sa came from a culturally backward community in a dominantly White,

mainstream boarding school. She was forced to endure severe indignities due to
cultural differences very early in the school even before she could adjust to the new,
unfamiliar setting. Such humiliations could crush a child’s spirit, and they can choose
the incorrect road to fight for their fundamental rights, which could lead to them being

136
 cold-hearted. She had been gazed at, moved around like a wooden puppet, forced to
wear tight clothing, and had her hair shingled.
2. The geological phenomena of separation of the landmass into various continents and
water bodies almost six hundred and fifty million years ago marks the beginning of
the human race on the Earth. Mammals started existing after dinosaurs became extinct
which happened once the landmarks separated. The melting ice shelves in Antarctica
suggests that in future it would be difficult to sustain life with the rising temperatures
and global warming. One could estimate the trouble that mankind was headed to
through a study of this continent.
3. Under the direction of Canadian Geoff Green, the Russian ship
‘AkademikShokalskiy’ was sailing towards Antarctica with a crew of 52 people to
investigate and explore human history.The programme was named “Students on Ice”
and it was created with the motive to give high school students the educational
opportunity to do the study of Antarctica.

Long Questions:

1. The two accounts that you read in “Memories of Childhood” are based in two
distant cultures. Yet there is commonality of themes found in both of them.
Comment. (5)

Ans. Zitkala-Sa, a young Native American woman, is mentioned in the first narrative. The
European settlers were prejudiced against the aboriginal people. Native Indians are nothing
more than enemies to them. Somewhat against Zitkala’s wishes, they shingled her hair. They
were not interested in honouring their culture.
Bama’s account is the second. She came from a community that was struggling in southern
India due to discrimination of Dalits as untouchables. The upper caste individuals regarded
them with contempt. They believed that the simple act of interacting with members of her
community would contaminate them. Hence, it is clear that Zitkala and Bama belonged to
various societies and cultures. Nonetheless, the essential themes of both stories are the same:
racial/casteist prejudice exists practically everywhere in the globe and people from oppressed
communities are treated like animals.

2. Take care of small things and big ones will take care of themselves.’ What is the
relevance of this statement in the context of Antarctica? (5)

Ans. The little things have their own importance in their own right. When small things are
collated, they have an impact on larger things. Phytoplankton are the micro-organism of the
Southern Oceans, and through the process of photosynthesis, they convert light energy into the
chemical energy that provides food and oxygen to all marine life. Phytoplankton are very tiny
single-celled plants, but they nourish and sustain the entire Southern Ocean’s food processes
(animals and birds). Thus, very small plants are necessary for other life forms to exist on Earth.
Yet, the activity of these plants as well as the entire Earth’s ecology may be impacted by global
warming. These plants use the sun’s energy to absorb carbon and create organic molecules.
The rapidly increasing depletion of the Ozone layer will surely adversely affect this natural
system. By any means, the depletion should be stopped to preserve our ecological balance and
save all mankind and all creatures from extinction. So, by opening our eyes to such phenomena,
we should take care of little things in order to care for the bigger things automatically and
naturally.

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