(1)

Read the passage given below.

1. Nowadays companies demand an outstanding job performance by every single employee

to be better than that of their competitors because there is competition among enterprises.
The employers make efforts to motivate the employees and optimise performance.

2. There are numerous factors affecting job performance. These can be divided into external
and internal factors. The internal factors are team spirit, competent boss, respect from
colleagues and job satisfaction. The external factors are chance for personal development,
job security, promotion prospects and monetary incentives. The decisive determinant is that
the employees remain highly motivated. One possible method to increase motivation is the
salary. Employees are willing to stay longer hours in the office and perform better, when they
have the chance to get financial rewards, for instance, a higher salary or bonuses.

3. The bar graph (given below) shows the result of a survey conducted among workers in a
company to analyse their work performance across ten different factors that contribute to
make their work environment pleasant. The workers are grouped into two categories-those
between the ages of 18-30 and those between 45-60. Interestingly, in six out of the ten
factors surveyed, the 18-30 age group is shown to be more affected than the 45-60 age
group. Factors, besides the salary, which affect the work performance of the two different
age groups are interesting. These factors are the chance for personal development, relaxed
working environment, promotion prospects, job satisfaction and monetary incentives.
Furthermore, two out of the remaining four factors namely, team spirit and work environment
have been equally influential among the two groups. The 45-60 year old workers are
impacted a lot by 'respect from colleagues' whereas the prospect of a promotion is an
important reason that drives younger employees to work better.

4. Job performance of happy employees is 31% more productive and they show three times
more creativity than their unhappy counterparts. They are more resilient and more likely to
stay in the same company for a longer period. Consequently they drive the company
towards long-term goals by being more productive and efficient.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:
10 Marks

(a) Select the option that displays the most likely reason for employees to perform better.

(i) companies demand an outstanding performance

(ii) if the company grows, their growth is assured
(iii) when there are chances to get financial gratification
(iv) to drive the company towards long-term goals

(b) Does the following statement agree with the information given in para 1? (1)
When the company has a lot of competitors, it tries to invent the most efficient technology to
stay ahead.

Select from the following:

True - The statement agrees with the information.

False The statement contradicts the information.
Not Given There is no information on this.

(c) Why do you think the companies demand exemplary performance from their employees?
Support your answer with reference to the passage. (2)
(d) Select two factors that display that work performance of both the categories of workers
remains the same. (1)
(e) Based on the bar graph, complete the following statement: (1)
The 18-30 age group is shown to be more affected than the 45-60 age group in most factors.
We can say this because—-----------.

(f) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option:
Loyalty as an attribute is there in employees who are—-------------------------------------.

(i) senior
(ii) healthy
(iii) motivated
(iv) happy

(g) Based on the reading of the passage, state a point to challenge the given statement.
(2)
Increase in salary is the only motivation for better job performance.

(h) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option: (1)

The concluding sentence of the passage makes a clear case for—---------------- by listing it as
a core component of steering the company towards long-term goals.

(i) collaboration
(ii) flexibility
(iii) happiness
(iv) adaptability

(2)

Read the passage given below.

1. Educational technology is the combined use of computer hardware, software, educational

theory, and practice to facilitate learning. When referred to with its abbreviation EdTech, it
points to the industry of companies that create educational technology. With education
growing online, India's EdTech market size is expected to grow 3.7 times in the next five
years.

2. Education in both rural and urban India is expected to be supported by technology in the
near future.

3. As per a 2019-2020 report, only 22.3 per cent of schools had an internet connection.
Moreover, 61 per cent of schools in the country didn't even have computers.

4. With the internet rate estimated to reach above 55 per cent by the end of 2025 in India,
digitisation of education will impact the country's development and become one of the
topmost priorities for the government.

5. Budget 2021-22 allocated 93,224.31 crore to the Ministry of Education. It was an increase
of over Rs. 8,100 crore from the revised estimates for the current fiscal year and the
department of higher education was allocated rupees 38, 350.65 crore.

6. The role of technology in education is more critical now than ever in addressing
educational disparity. It has already made learning affordable and accessible. In particular,
the use of technology in education in rural India is one of the biggest boons of recent times.

7. With help from apps and software, teachers can enhance their teaching ability and provide
information about the most recent developments. Students can enjoy an interactive learning
experience. Teachers can employ animation, powerpoint slides and graphs to catch the
interest of their pupils. Gamification lends interest in the subject.

8. The online education system is a sector in which growth and development will work for the
betterment of many sectors which include educating learners and increasing job
opportunities for educators and technical teams.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below:
10 Marks

a). Does the following statement agree with the information given in para1.
Educational technology is the practice of introducing formation and communication
technology tools into the classroom.
Select from the following

True- If the statement agrees with the information

False- If the statement contradicts the information
Not Given- If there is no information on this

(b) What are the two essentials for digitisation of education? (2)

© Select the option which displays that use of technology in education in rural India is one of
the boons of recent times. (1)

(I) Frees up the teacher to be able to concentrate on farming.

(II) Teachers can enhance their teaching ability and provide more value to the students.
(III) It understands what is needed and technology is subsequently developed
effectively.
(IV ) Simplifies assignment management with user-friendly methods.

(d) Complete the sentence based on the following statement: The role of EdTech is more
critical now—-------------------------. (1)
(e) The word 'critical' in para 6 most nearly means:
(i) difficult
(ii) crucial
(iii) complementary
(iv) causative

(f) Complete the given sentence appropriately: Technology in education works for the
betterment of many sectors such as…………………………………….

(g) Digital education will become a top priority for the government because……………………

(h) Based on the graph, state the items which have the highest percentage of technology
used by students of grade 9-12 and by students of grades 3-5. (2)

(3)

Read the passage given below carefully.

1. Archaeology is the scientific study of the remains of past human culture. Archaeologists
investigate the lives of early people by studying the objects those people have left behind.
Such objects include buildings, artwork, tools, bones and pottery. Archaeologists may make
exciting discoveries, such as a tomb filled with gold or the ruins of a magnificent temple in
the midst of a jungle. However, the discovery of a few stone tools or grains of hardened corn
may reveal even more about early people.

2. Archaeological research is the chief means to learn about societies that existed before the
invention of writing about 5,000 years ago. It also provides an important supplement to our
knowledge of ancient societies that left written records. In America, archaeology is
considered a branch of anthropology, the scientific study of humanity and human culture,
European archaeologists, however, think of their work as closely related to the field of
history. Archaeology differs from history in that historians mainly study the lives of people as
recorded in written documents.

3. Archaeologists look for information about how, where, and when cultures developed. Like
other social scientists, they search for reasons why major changes have occurred in certain
cultures. Some archaeologists try to understand why ancient people stopped hunting and
started farming. Others develop theories about what caused people to build cities and to set
up trade routes. In addition, some archaeologists look for reasons behind the fall of such
early civilizations as the Mayas in Central America and the Romans in Europe.

4. Archaeologists examine any evidence that can help them explain how people lived in past
times. Such evidence ranges from the ruins of a large city to a few stone flakes left by
someone making a stone tool long ago. The three basic kinds of archaeological evidence
are artefacts, features and ecofacts. Artefacts are objects that were made by people and can
be moved without altering their appearance. Artefacts include objects like arrowheads, pots
and beads. Artefacts from a society with a written history may also include clay tablets and
other written records. Features consist mainly of houses, tombs, irrigation canals and other
large structures built by ancient people. Unlike artefacts, features cannot be separated from
their surroundings without changing their form. Ecofacts reveal how ancient people
responded to their surroundings. Examples of ecofacts include seeds and animal bones.

5. Any place where archaeological evidence is found is called an archaeological site. To

understand the behaviour of the people who occupied a site, archaeologists must study the
relationship among the artefacts, features and ecofacts found there. For example, the
discovery of stone spearheads near bones of an extinct kind of buffalo at a site in New
Mexico showed that early human beings had hunted buffalo in that area. If objects are buried
deep in the ground, their position in the earth also concerns archaeologists. The scientists
study the layers of soil and rock in which objects are found to understand the conditions that
existed when the objects were placed there. In some places, archaeologists find many levels
of deposits called strata. The archaeological study of strata, called stratigraphy, developed
from the study of rock layers in geology.
6. Archaeologists use special techniques and equipment to gather archaeological evidence
precisely and accurately. They also keep detailed records of their findings because much
archaeological research destroys the remains being studied. Locating sites is the first job of
the archaeologist. Sites may be above ground, underground or underwater. Some large sites
are located easily because they are clearly visible or can be traced from descriptions in
ancient stories or other historical records. Such sites include the pyramids of Egypt and the
ancient city of Athens in Greece.

7. Archaeologists use systematic methods of discovering sites. The traditional way to find all
the sites in a region is through a foot survey. In this method, archaeologists space
themselves at measured distances and walk in preset directions. Each person looks for
archaeological evidence while walking forward. Scientific methods are used to help discover
underground sites. Aerial photography, for example, can reveal variations in vegetation that
indicate the presence of archaeological evidence. Archaeologists describe, photograph and
count the objects they find. They group the objects according to type and location. Three
steps are followed to interpret the evidence found. They are classification, dating and
evaluation.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given
below.

12 Marks

(a) Select the best option that classifies the sources of finding out archaeological facts
correctly.

(i) artwork, buildings, bones and pottery.

(ii) tombs filled with gold.
(iii) aerial photography.
(iv) ruins of a magnificent temple.

(b) The basic kinds of archaeological evidence are……………………….

(i) artefacts, features and ecofacts.
(ii) Mayas and Roman civilizations.
(iii) cultural developments in written documents.
(iv) cities and trade routes.

(c) Share any two evidences from the text to show that archaeological site is one where
archaeological evidence is found. (2)

(d) Complete the sentence appropriately with its description. (1)

Based on the information given in the passage, one can infer that in America, archaeology is
taken as —-----------------------------the study of humanity and human culture.

(e) Which of the following do archaeologists NOT study? (1)

(i) ancient hunting and farming.

(ii) ancient cities and trade routes.
(iii) fall of some civilisations.
(iv) weather and climate.

(f) Explain, in about 40 words, how does aerial photography help archaeologists. (2)
(g) In the line ... the discovery of stone spearheads near bones of an extinct kind of buffalo at
a site in New Mexico showed that early human beings had hunted buffalo in that area', which
word / phrase means the same as 'no longer in existence?

(h) How is archaeology different from history? (2)

(i) Read the five options given below: (1)

1. History of Archaeology
2. Disciplines of Archaeology
3. Principles and Methods of Archaeology
4. The Idea of Archaeology
5. The Great Archeologists and Excavation

Identify the option/s that could be suitable titles of the passage.

(i) Only 1
(ii) 2,
(iii) Only 3
(iv) 4, 5

(4)

Read the passage given below carefully.

1. South India is known for its music and for its 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 forum, a debating society and
music, dance and dramatic club. The intelligent arguments, the sparkling 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 use 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 more urbane speakers weave their arguments slowly like the unfolding of
a leisurely Karnataka 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. 'Rukmini 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. Karnataka music has a peculiar charm of its own. It has the moon's soft
beauty and moon's soft 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 gruelling
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 Bharatanatyam, MohiniAttam, Odissi, Kathakali etc.
age cannot wither nor custom stale its beautiful variety. Bharatanatyam is the most graceful
and enchanting dance form whereas Kathakali is 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 lathes too look charming and
graceful in their colourful Kanjeevaram and Mysore silk saris.

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 some foreign countries. The Madras,
which was a favourite of Gandhiji is served with 'sambhar' and 'coconut chutney.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage answer, the questions that follow:

(a) South India is known mainly for its

(i) delicious and healthy food.
(ii) traditional art, music and literature.
(iii) scenic beauty and landscapes.
(iv) delicate and precise ways.

(b) South Indian dances are special because

(i) Gods come from heaven to see them.
(ii) there aren't many varieties of dance.
(iii) they are pure as well as sensuous.
(iv) they make an assault on heaven.

(c) What are the main attractions of the political and literary meetings? (2)
(d) M.S. Subbulakshmi is considered to be……………………………..

(e) From the dressing style of the male members, one can conclude that

(i) it fosters a sense of equality

(ii) it fosters simplicity in people
(iii) it highlights the discrimination that exists in society
(iv) it complements the sarees worn by the ladies

(f) One can never feel dull in Chennai.' Why? (2)

(g) Why are South Indian dances special?

(h) 'Carnatic music has a peculiar charm of its own.' Do people enjoy this kind of music?
Why? (2)

(i) Pick the option from the following which corresponds to the words 'supplicated' or
'refined'.. (1)

(i) Cultural
(ii) Dramatic
(iii) Urbane
(iv) Oratotia

(5)

Read the passage given below carefully.

1. As a form of expression, graffiti is famously characterized by outlaw values; the creation

and display of graffiti countered societal rules and was considered by some as vandalism.
Not only was it symbolic of rebel values but was also linked to destruction of property. These
links between graffiti culture and rebellion were age-old and some say, were popularized by
hip-hop culture.

2. Imagine waking up one morning, to see your walls smeared with black paint-names,
symbols, messages. The most interesting bit is that these wall artists were never caught
red-handed. It was all done stealthily. It was almost as though people were marking their
territory using painted symbols and slogans. The change was creeping in. Mobile numbers
and captivating phrases gradually became marketing tools for free advertising. Catchy
phrases tickled the curiosity and calls were made to those numbers.

3. Over a period of time, there was a shift in perception. Blank walls beckoned invitingly and
artists saw whitewashed walls as an opportunity to display their work in free and open
settings. The city became one large canvas; the illegal 'gang activity became an art form on
display in walking galleries. Graffiti was gradually being replaced and the stigma of illegality
was being dropped. There was a move to embrace rather than condemn.

4. The colours, shapes, and subjects became cultural themes. What was once rebellious
expression is artistic talent at its vibrant best, rich in images of plants, animals and unspoiled
landscapes. The painted walls encouraged by residents and governments have created their
own ecosystem a reconciliation of nature with man-made forces.

5. The monotony and uniformity of urban life is today infused with human vitality and beauty.
Cities speak proudly about the painted walls and clamour to be the first to preserve culture
and history through these. Graphic displays of social awareness issues effectively and
economically reach out to the common man. Silent art speaks volumes. Be it hygiene,
conservation, education, or rights and duties the message is conveyed in an animated,
colourful manner without being an imposition.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer each of the
questions given below:

(a) Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option.

Graffiti in the earlier years was

(i) done by prominent artists.

(ii) considered a valuable legacy.
(iii) an expression of rebellion.
(iv) supported by society.

(b) Comment on the writer's statement, It was all done stealthily'.

(c) Select the word from para 2 of the passage that conveys the opposite of 'boring'. (1)

(d) The writer would agree with all of the following EXCEPT:

(i) Graffiti art was a paid activity.

(ii) Wall art was an age-old tradition.
iii) Graffiti became popular as a marketing tool. (iv) People were curious by what was
scribbled on walls.

(e) Which word from the following most nearly means 'reconciliation' with reference to the
given context? (para 4)
(i) cease fire
(ii) resolution
(iii) combination
(iv) reunion

(f)Why does the writer say that the stigma of 'illegality' was dropped?

(g) Complete the following sentence with reference to the passage:

The city became one large canvas because—-----------------------------

(h) The passage states a shift in attitude. Identify the best option that indicates this shift.

(i) rejection to dismissal

(ii) confusion to clarity
(iii) imposition to acceptance
(iv) dislike to acceptance

(i) List two ways in which wall art is beneficial to society.