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QUESTION PAPER
Exam Duration: 2 Hours Total Marks: 100
Note: Please read the instructions carefully given on the cover of the Answer Booklet which is
provided separately.
Please fill in your Roll No.
Name of Candidate: ______________________________ Signature of Candidate: ________________________________
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Q 1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given in the last. (30 Marks)
In the heart of an ancient valley, where the sun’s rays barely pierced the dense canopy, lay the
Enchanted Forest, a place whispered about in legends. Its trees, towering and gnarled, seemed to
pulse with a life of their own, their leaves shimmering with an ethereal glow. The air was thick with
the scent of moss and wildflowers, and a gentle hum, like a distant lullaby, resonated through the
undergrowth. This was no ordinary woodland; it was a realm where time seemed to bend, and the
impossible became possible. Travelers who dared to enter spoke of strange encounters—talking
animals, fleeting glimpses of fairies, and paths that shifted beneath their feet. Yet, the forest was not
without peril. Hidden within its beauty were treacherous ravines and deceptive mists that could lead
even the most seasoned explorer astray. Only those with pure intentions, it was said, could navigate
its mysteries and emerge unscathed.
At the forest’s core stood the Crystal Glade, a clearing bathed in soft, prismatic light. Here, the
Heartstone, a radiant gem pulsing with ancient magic, rested upon a pedestal of intertwined roots.
Legends claimed it was the source of the forest’s enchantment, a gift from the gods to protect the
balance of nature. Guarding it was Sylvara, a wise and ancient dryad whose form shimmered like
liquid emerald. She spoke in riddles, her voice a melody that soothed the soul, but her warnings were
clear: those who sought the Heartstone for greed would find only sorrow. Over centuries, many had
tried to claim the stone, lured by tales of its power to grant wishes. Few returned, and those who did
were forever changed, their eyes haunted by visions of the forest’s wrath.
The villagers at the valley’s edge revered the forest, offering gifts of fruit and flowers at its borders.
They told stories of a young hero, Elara, who once ventured into its depths to save her brother, lost
to the forest’s lure. Guided by courage and kindness, Elara won Sylvara’s trust and returned with her
sibling, unscathed. Her tale became a beacon of hope, teaching that the forest rewarded those who
respected its sanctity. To this day, the Enchanted Forest remains a place of wonder and danger, its
secrets guarded by the timeless magic of the Heartstone and the watchful gaze of Sylvara. (Word
count: 386)
1. What is the Enchanted Forest described as in the passage?
2. Who is Sylvara, and what is her role in the forest?
3. What is the Heartstone, and why is it significant?
4. What happened to Elara’s brother, and how was he saved?
5. What are the antonyms of the following words from the passage: ancient, enchanted, radiant,
treacherous, and revered?
6. What are the synonyms of the following words from the passage: enchanted, treacherous,
radiant, ancient, and revered?
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Q 2. Make precis of the following passage (Answer should not exceed 150 words) (30 Marks)
Tucked within a rugged mountain range, the Whispering Canyon was a place of haunting beauty and
untold secrets. Its steep, jagged walls, carved by centuries of wind and water, rose sharply against the
sky, their surfaces etched with patterns that seemed almost deliberate, as if nature itself were an
artist. The canyon floor was a mosaic of smooth pebbles and vibrant wildflowers, fed by a crystalline
stream that murmured softly, its sound giving the canyon its name. Locals believed the stream carried
the voices of ancient spirits, whispering tales of forgotten eras to those who listened closely. At dusk,
when the sun painted the cliffs in hues of amber and crimson, the canyon seemed to glow with an
otherworldly light, drawing adventurers and dreamers alike.
Yet, the canyon was not without its dangers. Narrow paths wound precariously along the cliffs, where
a single misstep could lead to a fatal fall. Strange winds howled through the ravines, disorienting
travelers and obscuring their way. Legends spoke of the Guardian, a spectral figure cloaked in mist,
who protected the canyon’s heart—a hidden chamber said to hold a relic of immense power. Only
those with humble hearts could pass the Guardian’s tests, which challenged courage and wisdom.
Many sought the relic, driven by tales of its ability to reveal truths, but most returned empty-handed,
their minds clouded by visions they could not comprehend.
The nearby village of Elderglow thrived on the canyon’s mystique, its people weaving stories into
tapestries sold to visitors. They spoke of Lira, a young scholar who entered the canyon seeking
answers to her family’s lost history. Guided by respect for the land, she faced the Guardian’s trials,
emerging with a fragment of the relic—a stone that glowed faintly and whispered her ancestors’
names. Lira’s tale became legend, a reminder that the canyon rewarded sincerity over ambition. To
this day, the Whispering Canyon remains a place of wonder, its secrets guarded by the Guardian and
the eternal murmur of its stream. (Word count: 332)
Q 3. Write an essay on any one Of the following topics: - (About 600 words) (40 Marks)
a) Social Issues in India - The Burden of Inequality
b) The Indian Economy - Growth Amid Challenges
c) Artificial Intelligence in India - A Transformative Force
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ANSWERS
Answer-1: The Enchanted Forest is described as a magical, ancient woodland where time bends,
trees pulse with life, and the impossible becomes possible, filled with talking animals, fairies, and
shifting paths.
Answer-2: Sylvara is a wise and ancient dryad who guards the Heartstone, speaking in riddles and
warning those who seek the stone for greed.
Answer-3: The Heartstone is a radiant gem that is the source of the forest’s enchantment, believed
to be a divine gift to protect nature’s balance.
Answer-4: Elara’s brother was lost to the forest’s lure, and Elara ventured into the forest, earning
Sylvara’s trust through courage and kindness to rescue him.
Answers-5:
Ancient - Antonym: Modern or new
Enchanted - Antonym: Ordinary or mundane
Radiant - Antonym: Dull or dim
Treacherous - Antonym: Safe or secure
Revered - Antonym: Despised or scorned
Answers-6:
Enchanted - Synonym: Magical, bewitched, charmed, spellbound, mystical
Treacherous - Synonym: Dangerous, hazardous, perilous, deceptive, unsafe
Radiant - Synonym: Shining, glowing, brilliant, luminous, sparkling
Ancient - Synonym: Old, aged, antique, primordial, timeworn
Revered - Synonym: Honored, venerated, respected, admired, esteemed
Precis Summary
The Whispering Canyon, nestled in a rugged mountain range, is a breathtaking yet perilous place
known for its jagged, artfully carved walls, vibrant wildflower-strewn floor, and a murmuring stream
believed to carry ancient spirits’ voices. At dusk, the canyon glows with an ethereal light, attracting
adventurers, but its narrow, treacherous paths and disorienting winds pose significant risks. Legends
tell of the Guardian, a misty spectral figure, who protects a hidden chamber containing a powerful
relic that reveals truths. Only those with humble hearts can pass the Guardian’s tests of courage and
wisdom, while others leave confused or empty-handed. The village of Elderglow thrives on the
canyon’s allure, sharing tales like that of Lira, a scholar who, driven by respect, faced the Guardian’s
trials and retrieved a whispering stone tied to her ancestors. Lira’s story underscores the canyon’s
lesson: sincerity triumphs over greed. The Whispering Canyon endures as a mystical realm, its secrets
preserved by the Guardian and the stream’s eternal whispers. (Word count: 161)
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Passage 1: Social Issues in India - The Burden of Inequality
India, a diverse nation, grapples with numerous social issues that hinder its progress. Poverty remains
a pressing concern, with millions living below the poverty line, lacking access to basic necessities like
food, shelter, and healthcare. This economic disparity fuels inequality, deepening the divide between
the rich and the poor. Caste discrimination continues to plague society, despite legal prohibitions.
Marginalized communities face exclusion, limiting their access to education and employment
opportunities. Gender inequality is another critical issue, with women facing discrimination, violence,
and restricted access to education and jobs. Practices like dowry and female infanticide persist in
some regions.
Illiteracy is a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas, where access to quality education is
limited. This perpetuates unemployment and poverty cycles. Additionally, communalism and
religious conflicts create social unrest, threatening India’s unity in diversity. Corruption, prevalent in
various sectors, undermines development efforts and erodes public trust. Environmental issues, such
as pollution and deforestation, also impact marginalized communities disproportionately. Addressing
these issues requires collective action, including government policies, education reforms, and societal
awareness. Empowering marginalized groups, promoting gender equality, and fostering inclusive
growth are essential for a progressive India.
India, a nation of over 1.4 billion, grapples with profound social inequalities that undermine its
progress. Economic disparity is stark: the top 10% hold 77% of the nation’s wealth, while millions
languish in poverty, with 14.6% of the population living below the international poverty line. This gap
fuels unequal access to education, healthcare, and opportunities, particularly in rural areas, where
70% of Indians reside. Caste-based discrimination persists, despite legal protections, marginalizing
Dalits and other lower-caste groups in employment, education, and social interactions. Gender
inequality compounds these issues, with women facing lower workforce participation (22.8% in 2023)
and widespread gender-based violence—over 400,000 cases reported annually. Child malnutrition
remains alarming, with 35.5% of children under five stunted, reflecting systemic failures in food
security and healthcare access.
Urban slums, housing 65 million, highlight the housing crisis, with inadequate sanitation and water
supply fostering disease. Education disparities are glaring: while urban elites access world-class
institutions, rural schools lack teachers and infrastructure, with a 17% dropout rate at the secondary
level. Unemployment, especially among youth (23.2% for ages 15-24), exacerbates social unrest, as
jobless growth fails to absorb the 12 million entering the workforce annually. Government schemes
like MGNREGA and Ayushman Bharat aim to address these, but bureaucratic inefficiencies and uneven
implementation limit impact. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) offers potential solutions, such as
AI-driven education platforms to bridge learning gaps, but risks widening disparities if access remains
unequal. India’s social fabric is strained by these issues, demanding inclusive policies and equitable
resource distribution to ensure sustainable development.
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Passage 2: The Indian Economy - Growth Amid Challenges
The Indian economy, one of the world's fastest-growing, is a complex blend of traditional and modern
sectors. With a GDP of over $3 trillion, India ranks among the top global economies. Its diverse
economic base includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services, with the latter contributing
significantly to GDP. The IT and software industries have positioned India as a global tech hub, driving
exports and job creation.
Agriculture, though declining in GDP share, remains vital, employing nearly half the workforce.
However, challenges like low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, and climate change impact its
growth. Manufacturing, under initiatives like "Make in India," aims to boost industrial output and
attract foreign investment. Despite progress, the economy faces hurdles. Unemployment,
exacerbated by a growing population, remains a concern. Income inequality is stark, with wealth
concentrated among a small elite. Inflation, supply chain disruptions, and global economic
fluctuations pose risks. Additionally, bureaucratic red tape and corruption hinder business growth.
Recent reforms, including digitalization, GST, and liberalization policies, have improved economic
efficiency. Investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and startups signal optimism. For
sustained growth, India must address inequality, enhance education, and strengthen institutions to
build a resilient, inclusive economy. India’s economy, poised to become the world’s third-largest by
2030, is a paradox of rapid growth and persistent challenges. With a GDP of $3.4 trillion in 2023, India
sustains a growth rate of 6-7% annually, driven by a robust services sector (55% of GDP) and a
burgeoning digital economy projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. The IT and business process
outsourcing (BPO) industries employ over 4 million and contribute 8% to GDP. Manufacturing,
bolstered by initiatives like Make in India, aims to increase its share from 16% to 25% by 2025.
Agriculture, employing 45% of the workforce, remains critical but contributes only 15% to GDP,
plagued by low productivity and climate vulnerabilities.
However, structural issues loom large. High inequality limits broad-based prosperity, with 77% of
wealth concentrated among the top 10%. Jobless growth generates low-quality, informal jobs, with
90% of workers in the unorganized sector lacking social security. Inflation, averaging 5-6%, erodes
purchasing power, while fiscal deficits strain public finances. AI’s emergence poses both opportunities
and risks: it could add $500 billion to GDP by 2025 through automation and productivity gains but
threatens the BPO sector, potentially displacing low-skill jobs. India’s digital infrastructure, with 790
million mobile broadband users and Aadhaar’s universal ID system, supports AI adoption, but rural
digital divides and skill gaps hinder inclusive growth. Government policies, like the AI for India 2030
initiative, aim to harness AI for agriculture, healthcare, and education, but ethical concerns and data
privacy issues require robust governance. India’s economic trajectory hinges on balancing
technological innovation with inclusive development to uplift its diverse population. (Word count:
600)
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Passage 3: Artificial Intelligence in India - A Transformative Force
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping India’s socio-economic landscape, offering solutions to
systemic challenges while introducing new complexities. With a projected $7.8 billion AI market by
2025, India leverages its position as the third-largest AI talent pool globally, with investments
growing at a 30.8% CAGR. AI’s economic impact is significant: it could add $500 billion to GDP by
2025 and $957 billion by 2035, boosting productivity in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and
education. In healthcare, AI tools like XraySetu enhance diagnostics in rural areas, addressing the
shortage of medical staff, with over 5 million deaths annually linked to medical errors. In agriculture,
startups like CropIn use AI for precision farming, optimizing crop yields and reducing pesticide use,
critical for the 45% of Indians dependent on farming.
Socially, AI drives inclusion through initiatives like the Bhashini platform, enabling language
processing for India’s 19,500 dialects, and iGOT Karmayogi for government training. However, risks
abound: AI could exacerbate inequalities if access remains urban-centric, and job displacement in the
BPO sector, employing 4 million, is a concern. Ethical challenges, including data privacy and
algorithmic bias, demand robust regulation, yet India lacks specific AI laws, relying on the Digital
Personal Data Protection Act and proposed Digital India Act. The AI for India 2030 initiative
emphasizes ethical AI for social good, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals. Government
efforts, like establishing three AI Centres of Excellence, foster innovation, but skill gaps and rural
infrastructure deficits challenge scalability. India’s AI journey, balancing economic growth with social
equity, positions it as a global leader if navigated responsibly. (Word count: 600)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming India’s technological and economic landscape, positioning
the country as a global leader in innovation. With a robust IT sector, a vast pool of skilled
professionals, and government support, India is leveraging AI across diverse domains, including
healthcare, agriculture, education, and finance. The AI market in India is projected to grow
significantly, driven by startups, multinational corporations, and research institutions. In healthcare,
AI enhances diagnostics, predicts disease outbreaks, and personalizes treatment plans, addressing
challenges in a country with limited medical infrastructure. In agriculture, AI-powered tools optimize
crop yields, predict weather patterns, and enable precision farming, supporting millions of farmers.
The financial sector uses AI for fraud detection, credit scoring, and customer service automation,
improving efficiency and inclusion.
The Indian government’s initiatives, such as the National AI Strategy (AI for All) and Digital India,
promote AI adoption, skill development, and ethical frameworks. Centers of excellence and
collaborations with global tech giants foster innovation. However, challenges persist, including a
shortage of specialized talent, data privacy concerns, and unequal access to technology, particularly
in rural areas. Ethical considerations are critical, as biases in AI systems could exacerbate social
inequalities in a diverse nation like India. Ensuring inclusivity and transparency in AI deployment is
essential. Additionally, the digital divide must be addressed to democratize AI benefits. India’s startup
ecosystem, with over 2,000 AI-focused companies, is a key growth driver. Investments in AI education,
infrastructure, and public-private partnerships will further strengthen India’s position.
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