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ENGLISH (CORE)
Time Allowed: 3 Hrs. Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions:
i. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.
ii. The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.
iii. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question number in your answer sheet to indicate the option/s being attempted.
SECTION – A
READING SKILLS
1. Read the passage given below.
(1) Evolution has designated vultures to be the ultimate scavengers. Enormous wingspans allow them to circle in the air for hours. Their beaks, while rather horrifying, are weak by bird standards, made to scoop and eat flesh. However unappealing they may seem, vultures serve an important role in the ecological cycle: processing the dead bodies of animals.
(2) Only 20 years ago, India had plenty of vultures-flocks so enormous they darkened the skies. But by 1999, their numbers had dropped due to a mysterious kidney ailment. By 2008, 99.9 per cent of India’s vultures are gone. It was finally discovered until they had been killed by a drug called diclofenac (a pain reliever along the lines of aspirin or ibuprofen).
Indians revere their cows, and when a cow showed signs of pain, they treated it with diclofenac. After the animal died, the vultures would eat the corpse. And though they boast perhaps the world’s most efficient digestive system vultures cannot digest the drug.
India banned the use of diclofenac for veterinary use in 2006, but it’s still widely used. The near-extinction of vultures has caused disease in the country, as rats and dogs moved in to take their place- spreading pathogens that would have otherwise been destroyed by the vultures.
Vultures need large ranges to scan for food and undisturbed areas in which to nest. They also need an abundance of prey species since they rely more on chance than their own hunting skills to eat. All of these things have been reduced by human activity. Meanwhile, there is a dramatic increase in secondary poisoning. Vultures feed on carcasses laced with poison, intended to kill jackals or other predatory carnivores. Or they are poisoned by the lead in animals left behind by hunters.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
(A) The ecological cycle have vultures playing 1 a crucial role because:
View AnswerAns. The ecological cycle have vultures playing a cracial role because they process dead bodies of animals Vultures serve important role in the ecological cycle processing dead bodies of animals.
(B) Choose the best option that suits the central idea of the paragraph from the given quotes.
(a) “It is not the strongest species that survives nor the most intelligent; but the one most responsive to change”. (Charles Darwin)
(b) Death is nature’s way of saying, “your table is ready”. (Robert Williams)
(c) “Hunger is the best sauce in the world”. (Miguel De Cervantes)
(d) “Just remember that it is the bird that suffers and not the hunter”. (George W Bush)
View AnswerAns. (a) It is not the strongest species that survives nor the most intelligent but the one most responsive to change (Charles Darwin)
Explanation: Charles Darwin’s quote is best suits the central idea of the passage.
(C) Which of the following is apt about the writer in the following context?
Meanwhile, there is a dramatic increase in secondary poisoning. Vultures feed on carcasses laced with poison, intended to kill jackals or other predatory carnivores. Or they are poisoned by the lead in animals left behind by hunters.
(I) negligent
(II) concerned
(III) caring
(IV) patient
(V) worried
(VI) Informative
(a) (I) and (II)
(b) (IV) and (V)
(c) (I) and (V)
(d) (II) and (VI)
View AnswerAns. (c) (II) and (V)
Explanation: The writer is concerned and worried in the extract mentioned in the question.
(D) Which of the following is the most suitable title for the passage?
(a) Mystery of Vultures
(b) Survival of the Fittest
(c) The Extinct Species
(d) Bird Standards
View AnswerAns. (b) Survival of the Fittest
Explanation: Survival of the Fittest is the most suitable title for the passage.
(E) Vultures were dying because:
View AnswerAns. Vultures were dying because they feed on carcasses laced with poison, intended to kill jackals or other predatory carnivores.
(F) What does the phrase ‘moved in to take their place’ mean in the passage?
(a) Contributed to the task
(b) Helped them
(c) Replaced them
(d) Removed them
View AnswerAns. (c) Replaced them
Explanation: The phrase ‘moved in to take their place’ means replaced them.
(G) Choose the option that correctly states. the two meanings of ‘boast’ as used in the passage.
(I) to brag about oneself
(II) to exaggerate
(III) to talk very proudly
(IV) to show off
(V) to show pride and arrogance
(a) (II) and (III)
(b) (I) and (II)
(c) (IV) and (V)
(d) (III) and (I)
View AnswerAns. (b) (I) and (II)
Explanation: boast means to brag about oneself and ‘to exaggerate’
(H) What is an interesting fact given in the passage about the vultures?
View AnswerAns. An interesting fact about vultures is that they cannot digest drugs.
(I) (Select the option that makes the correct use of ‘designated’ as used in the passage to fill in the blanks.
(a) He was __________ as prime minister.
(b) Uttarakhand is ________ as the land of gods.
(c) Reeta was ________ as the chief secretary of her club.
(d) The _________ officer did not reach the accident site.
View AnswerAns. (b) Uttarakhand is _______ as land of gods.
Explanation: The word ‘designated’ is correctly used in the sentence ‘Uttarakhand is designated as land of gods
(J) What is the message conveyed in the last paragraph of the passage?
(a) Human activities need to be controlled to provide vultures open space to scan for food and nest.
(b) Jackals kill vultures.
(c) Vultures are an extinct species now.
(d) Vultures themselves are responsible for their own extinction.
View AnswerAns. (a) Human activities need to be controlled to provide vultures open space to scan for food and nest.
Explanation: The meaning conveyed in the last passage is that human activities need to be controlled to provide vultures open space to scan for food and nest.
Read the passage given below.
(1) The present generation is well updated in the use of the internet and computers. The rapid development in computer technology and increase in accessibility of the internet for academic purposes has changed the face of education for everyone associated with it. Let’s look at the data arising out of a recent survey that was done to ascertain the time spent on utilisation of the computer and internet:
(2) At present, many schools and universities have been implementing internet-based learning, as it supplements the conventional teaching methods. The internet provides a wide variety of references and information to academics as well as scientific researchers. Students often turn to it to do their academic assignments and projects.
(3) However, research on the Net is very different from traditional library research, and the differences can cause problems. The Net is a tremendous resource, but it must be used carefully and critically.
(4) According to a 2018 Academic Student e-book Experience Survey conducted by LJ’s research department and sponsored by EBSCO, when reading for pleasure. almost 74% of respondents said they preferred print books for leisure whereas, 45% of respondents chose e-books rather than the printed versions, for research or assignments
(5) When asked what e-book features make them a favourite for research, the respondents were clear. Having page numbers to use in citations, topped the list (75%) followed by the ability to resize text to fit a device’s screen (67%); the ability to bookmark pages, highlight text, or take notes for later reference (60%); downloading the entire e-book (57%); and allowing content to be transferred between devices (43%) were the varied responses.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY EIGHT of the following questions.
(A) Education has gone through some transformation recently because:
(a) expanse of courses on technology
(b) techno-efficiency of the present generation
(c) simplification of the teaching and learning- method
(d) of easy availability of the internet
View AnswerAns. (d) of easy availability of the internet
Explanation: The present generation is well updated in the use of the internet and computers. The rapid development in computer technology and increase in accessibility of the internet for academic purposes has changed the face of education for everyone associated with it.
(B) Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according to the passage.
(I) Internet-based education can only complement familiar methods of education.
(II) Net-based learning will replace face- to-face education.
(III) The resources that the Net provides are a danger to the education system.
(IV) The current times has seen a rise in the convenience of using the internet for academic purposes.
(a) (II) and (II)
(b) (III) and (IV)
(c) (II) and (III)
(d) (I) and (IV)
View AnswerAns. (c) (II) and (III)
Explanation: Statement I: internet-based education can only complement familiar methods of education and statement the current times has seen a rise in the convenience of using the internet for academic purposes are true.
(C) The word ‘tremendous’, as used in paragraph 3, means the same as:
(a) ‘expensive’
(b) ‘renowned”
(c) innovative’
(d) ‘incredible’
View AnswerAns. (d) ‘incredible’
Explanation: In the line, the Net is a tremendous resource, but it must be used carefully and critically, the word ‘tremendous’ means incredible in paragraph 3.
(D) Based on the graphical chart in the passage, choose the option that correctly states the depiction of internet usage for work and for leisure, for once a month.
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)
(c) Option (3)
(d) Option (4)
View AnswerAns. (c) Option (3)
(E) “________ but it must be used carefully and critically.” The idea of being careful and critical while using the internet, is mainly a reference to:
(a) hardware malfunction
(b) plagiarism
(c) troubleshooting
(d) virus threats
View AnswerAns. (b) hardware malfunction
Explanation: The idea of being careful and critical while using the internet, is mainly a reference to plagiarism.
(F) Based on the given graphical representation of data in the passage, choose the option that lists the statements that are TRUE with respect to the usage of email.
(I) The everyday usage of email is more than the everyday usage of computer for personal use.
(II) About 18% people use email once a week.
(III) There are a smaller number of email. users using it 2-3 times a week than the ones using it once a month.
(IV) Less than 5% of people never use the email.
Options:
(a) (I) and (III)
(b) (II) and (IV)
(c) (I) and (II)
(d) (III) and (IV)
View AnswerAns. (b) (II) and (IV)
Explanation: The option that lists the statements that are true with respect to the usage of email is b. (II). About 18% people use email once a week and (IV). Less than 5% of people never use the email are correct.
(G) Based on the given graphical chart, pick the option that lists the area of zero response from respondents.
(a) Never using the internet for work and Leisure.
(b) Daily use of the computer for academic activities.
(c) Writing and receiving emails once a week.
(d) Using the internet for personal tasks once a month.
View AnswerAns. (a) Never using the internet for work and leisure.
Explanation: The option that lists the area of zero response from respondents is option (a).
(H) In the cartoon, the student’s reaction reveals that he is ___________
(a) indignant
(b) apologetic
(c) obedient
(d) inquisitive
View AnswerAns. (a) indignant
Explanation: In the cartoon, the student’s reaction revealed that he is indignant.
(I) Which of the following statements is NOT substantiated by information in paragraph 4?
(a) About three-quarters of respondents preferred print books for recreational reading.
(b) A little less than a 50% of the respondents voted for e-books for research or assignments.
(c) More than 50% respondents stated enjoying both versions of books for leisure reading.
(d) The survey was intended for understanding the e-book experience among students.
View AnswerAns. (c) More than 50% respondents stated enjoying both versions of books for leisure reading.
Explanation: More than 50% stated enjoying both versions of books for leisure reading is not substantiated in paragraph 4.
(J) Arrange the given e-book features preferred for research from the least favourite to the most favourite, from the following-
(I) downloading the entire e-book.
(II) choosing page numbers in citations.
(III) highlighting text.
(IV) resizing text to fit screen.
Options:
(a) (I), (III), (IV), (II)
(b) (III). (II). (I). (IV)
(c) (II), (IV), (III), (I)
(d) (IV), (I). (II), (III)
View AnswerAns. (a) I, III, IV, II
Explanation: Following is the correct sequence:
1. downloading the entire e-book
3. highlighting text.
4. resizing text to fit screen.
2. choosing page numbers in citations.
3. Read the passage given below.
In life, you’ll always come across situations where there will be someone else who’s better than you, especially if there is no one quality or standard that people can be judged on. There will always be someone who looks better, has more money or is more intelligent than you. How you choose to approach these situations, of course, depends on the perspective you take. People in themselves aren’t intimidating, it’s the opinions you form about them that make you feel so. Rather than judging people on a single attribute and getting intimidated be comfortable with who you are and approach other people as complete individuals rather than a bundle of good or bad attributes.
The key to not letting others intimidate you is to know your own worth. Don’t let your sense of if be defined by what others think of you or how you compare yourself to them. Know what you
are, and be comfortable in your skin. Instead of feeling threatened and letting your ego in the way, you could benefit a great deal by being around people who might be better than you in some ways. Respect others for what they are and use these opportunities to learn from the strengths and virtues of others. Don’t get bogged down by what you don’t have or can’t do. We all have limitations. Learn to accept them and focus on your strengths. A lot of times, we come under pressure from what people we believe to be more popular and influential than us, in a bid to fit in with them. However, at times like these, it’s important for you to stay true to yourself and say ‘no’ when you’re expected to do something that makes you uncomfortable. Your first response to an intimidating person or situation would probably be to avoid them altogether. However, avoidance only goes on to increase your anxiety Confront these situations head on, with more and more practice, you’ll start finding these situations easier to deal with Always keep in mind that everybody has flaws and everyone has his/her own share of struggles, even if you aren’t able to spot them. Our self-esteem gets lowered when we focus too much on our weaknesses and neglect what we get right. Change this pattern and start giving yourself credit for your strengths and success
(A) On the basis of your reading of the passage make notes on it, using headings and sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary- minimum 4) and a format you consider suitable. Also supply an appropriate title to it.
View AnswerAns. Avoid Getting Intimidated
(1) Right approach
1.1. sitn. someone better
1.2. no set quality or std.
1.3. more money/intelligence
1.4. prospective matters
1.5. complete indiv.- no intimidation
(2) Things to understand
2.1. own worth
2.2. sense of self
2.3. others views
2.4. futility of comparison
2.5. your comfort
(3) Things to learn
3.1. fearless
3.2. keep ego away
3.3. benefit/credit self
3.4. respect ppl.
3.5. Avail opportunities
(4) Things to accept
4.1. det.
4.2. limitations
4.3. own strength
4.4. struggle
Abbreviation Word
Sitn Situation
Std standard
Indiv Individual
PpL People
Det Determination
(B) Write a summary of the above passage in about 50 words.
View AnswerAns. One should not get intimidated by smarter people. People who are better than us in some way or the other are not themselves intimidating, rather it’s our approach towards them which makes us feel so. Let us know our worth and be comfortable in our own skin. Company of such people gives us an opportunity to learn from their strengths and virtues. We need to accept our limitations and focus on our strengths. Learning to say no is important for something that makes us uncomfortable. We must start giving ourselves the credit for our strength and success.
SECTION B GRAMMAR
4. Attempt ANY SEVEN of the following questions.
(A) Fill in the blanks using the correct form of the verb given in the bracket.
An elephant (i)… (excel) other animals in intelligence.
Whenever it is (ii)… (face) with difficulty, it (iii)…. (find) a way out.
Thus (iv) …. (be) one of the most difficult animals in the world to tame.
View AnswerAns. (i) excels, (ii) faced, (iii) finds, (iv) is
(B) Rearrange the following jumbled words to make meaningful sentences.
(i) Below/not/must/age/of /eighteen / years/drive/the/ children.
View AnswerAns. The children of age below eighteen years must not drive.
(ii) Their/room/boys/the/are/revising/the/lesson/in
View AnswerAns. The boys are revising the lesson in their room.
(iii) USA/tomorrow/ along / will/leave/ musicians/director/the/with/their/the/for
View AnswerAns. The musicians along with their director will leave tomorrow for the USA.
(iv) crowded/ railway platform/ last Sunday/ the/was/ unusually.
View AnswerAns. The railway platform was unusually crowded last Sunday.
CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
5. Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below.
(A) Dinesh Rao wishes to let out a portion of his newly built house. Draft an advertisement for publication in “To Let” column of HT, giving all the necessary details.
View AnswerAns.
OR
(B) Write an advertisement for the “Matrimonial’ column of a newspaper for a Bisa Aggarwal girl, working as Sales Officer in a leading export house.
View AnswerAns.
6. Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below.
(A) Your school, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Burdwan is going to organise a Diwali Mela. Design a poster to inform the students about various activities connected with it. Ask them to participate in the Mela. You are Divya /Dewan.
View AnswerAns.
OR
(B) You are making an effort to spread the message of communal harmony. Prepare a poster with catchy slogans to be displayed in the school premises. (Word Limit: 50 words)
View AnswerAns.
7. Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below.
(A) You are Ankit/Ankita. You have to deliver a speech on the topic “Education Gives One Power”. You have jotted down the following notes:
Education trains mind-sharpens skill and abilities-Education: a source of power-Improve self-be independent- earn money-ignorance to knowledge- removes superstition-develops a free spirit-important for women: gives them freedom from social ills-independent- responsible.
Write your speech in 120-150 words.
View AnswerAns. Respected Principal, teachers and friends!
Today I Ankit/Ankita, stand before you to speak on the topic ‘Education Gives one power’.
Education is a powerhouse of knowledge. Its function is to hone our skills and sharpen our minds. Education moulds our preferences and constructs our perspective. Vocational courses have played a crucial role in making young boys independent. Professional courses open up a plethora of new employment opportunities. Some of these highly-skilled professionals seek placements or jobs in esteemed companies and business concerns. Thus, education is important for our survival. Decent living is impossible without a good income or high salary. Education improves the quality of our life and frees us of superstition, foolish, meaningless mind-blocks and rituals. If women are educated the whole family benefits as the food is hygienically prepared, children are healthy, well-mannered and disciplined. Education gives us power over our environment. We can control the situation and shape our destiny. Education spreads awareness among people and gives them freedom from social ills. It makes people independent by providing them means to learn how to live. They become responsible citizens and realise their rights and duties. In short, it is true that education gives one power.
Thank you.
OR
(B) The number of HIV positive people is increasing exponentially. Many people who are infected don’t suspect they have acquired the infection because they don’t belong to the so-called high-risk groups. Many others have no knowledge of the disease.
As a volunteer of the National AIDS Foundation, deliver a speech for the students of classes IX-XII on the causes, spread, and prevention of this disease. You are Uday Man Singh.
View AnswerAns. Respected Principal, teachers and friends!
Today I Uday Man Singh, stand before you to speak on the topic ‘AIDS.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is an infection that causes cells in the body that help it fight infections, making a person more susceptible to other infections and diseases. Interaction with certain bodily secretions of an HIV positive individual, most commonly during unprotected intercourse (sex without the use of a condom), or sharing injection drug equipment spreads the virus.
If HIV is not treated, it can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV cannot be eradicated by the human body, and there is no effective HIV cure. As a result, whether you have HIV, you will have it for the rest of your life.
You can get AIDS through unprotected sex, blood transfusion from on HIV positive person sharing contaminated needles or from an infected mother to the foetus. There are certain myths as well related to the spreading of AIDS such as it spreads by shaking hands, hugging, sharing food, using common toilets, social kissing and living with an AIDS patient. All of these are assumptions are completely baseless. Let’s be aware and prevent it from happening.
Thank you
8. Attempt ANY ONE from (A) and (B) given below.
(A) Should schools promote coaching institutes? Taking a cue from the points given below and using your own ideas, write a debate for or against the topic in about 120-150 words.
- Despite CBSE’s ban, coaching centres running classes in schools
- Teachers from coaching institutes teach subjects like physics, chemistry. mathematics, english and physical education continue to be taught by the school faculty
- Classes in separate sections from 8 a.m. to 12 noon for the CBSE and competitive examinations.
Ans. Respected Chairperson, honourable member of the jury, my worthy opponents and dear audience, I,XYZ, would like to speak for the motion, ‘Should schools promote coaching institutes. CBSE has banned coaching centres from running classes in school, yet it seems to flourish in both public and private schools as many parents and guardians are very much in favour of it. Firstly, if we look into the monetary aspect from the point of view of both, then we find that both benefit from it by saving on the huge fee and regular conveyance attached to this.
Time management is the second factor. Coping with the CBSE syllabus and the competitive exams, maintaining the required attendance percentage and keeping good health come after. It is not possible for all parents to judge the quality of the faculty. Now, it is the school’s responsibility to see to these factors and provide the best service at an affordable cost. The safety of the students who willingly join these extra or coaching classes beyond the regular school schedule is also their choice. Competition in some fields is so much that there can hardly be an alternative to this for those who are ambitious and make it to the best educational institutions.
Thank you.
OR
(B) Write a debate on the topic: Laziness and not bad luck is the only obstacle in one’s success in life. You are Ritika/Ritik.
View AnswerAns. When we curse our luck when things have not turned out the way we expected them to or when we give unnecessary explanations as to why we could not do something are actually subtle signs of laziness that have prevented us from completing our task. Good Morning everyonel
I. Ritika/Ritik, have come before you all to speak in favour of the motion ‘Laziness and not bad luck is the only obstacle to one’s success in life. The only silver lining in this cloud of laziness is that it is not a personality disorder, it is just a habit and can be broken. It is also not something we are born with; it is a behaviour we have acquired along the way. Butust as we learn to be lazy we can also teach ourselves to be industrious and then we will never feel the need to curse our luck each time we fail.
Laziness is a major obstacle in one’s success so what we need to do is to project ourselves as being productive. We must make sure to include in our visualisation the positive feeling that results from being productive. Changing the habit of laziness will require a lot of effort and mental toughness but when we understand that this habit, which is a major obstacle to our success in life, is self- imposed and, we always have the choice to overcome it, we are sure to rise above it. We must always remember the only difference between being lazy and working hard is similar to the difference between expecting and creating miracles. Hard work is our protection and shield against bad luck.
Thank you.
SECTION – C
LITERATURE
9. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given.
“Now she’s been dead nearly as many years
As that girl lived. And of this circumstance.
There is nothing to say at all
Its silence silences”
(A) The poet says that she has nothing to soy of ‘this circumstances’. What does this signify of her feelings?
(a) She could not understand what happened in this circumstance
(b) She is unhappy and lonely
(c) She is astounded about the circumstance
(d) She is indecisive about the situation
View AnswerAns. (b) She is unhappy and lonely
Explanation: Circumstances refer to the present status of the writer. She feels really unhappy and lonely without her mother. The present situation of the poet is the painful memories of her mother who died twelve years ago. Looking at the old photograph of the poet’s mother’s childhood makes her miss her more. She remembers her laughing and how the photograph was her favourite past memory.
(B) According to the poet, why is “Its silence silences”?
(a) Because of the absence of the girls in the photo
(b) Because of the poet’s loneliness
(c) Because of her mother’s death
(d) Both (b) and (c)
View AnswerAns. (d) Both (b) and (c)
Explanation: “Its silence silences” because the truth and mystery of the poet’s mother’s death has filled her with disappointment. The constant pain she experiences on account of her loss makes her silent. It is due to the loss of her mother’s death. Its silence” refers to the mother’s death and ‘silence’ refers to the prevalence of more silence.
(C) There is nothing to say why?
View AnswerAns. It has been a long time, since the poet’s mother died. In a life without her mother, the poet has only got her mother’s photograph and memories to reminisce about her. The poet knows that her mother’s death is a fact and she can’t do anything about it. The poet has nothing to say about her mother’s death and the emptiness left after her death shatters the poet.
OR
He won’t do what you tell him.
So, come, let’s build strong homes,
Let’s join the doors firmly.
Practice to firm the body.
Make the heart steadfast
Do this, and the wind will be friends with us
The wind blows out weak fires
He makes strong fires roar and flourishes.
His friendship is good.
We praise him every day.
(A) What is the tone of the poet in the extract?
(a) Depressing
(b) Encouraging
(c) Friendly
(d) Taunting
View AnswerAns. (b) Encouraging
Explanation: The poet is encouraging people to face the problems boldly and use them as a stepping stone towards moving further. His tone is not depressing, friendly or taunting, so (b) is the correct option.
(B) How does the wind make strong fires flourish and roar? Interpret the reason behind it.
View AnswerAns. When faced with any problem or adverse situation, it is our perspective that makes us stronger or gets destroyed.
(C) Which two words in the extract mean the same?
(a) Firm and steadfast
(b) Roar and good
(c) Strong and friends
(d) Joint and practice
View AnswerAns. (a) Firm and steadfast
Explanation: Firm and steadfast are synonyms to each other. Other word pairs have different meanings. So (a) is the correct option.
10. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given.
My grandmother, like everybody’s grandmother, was an old woman. She had been old and wrinkled for the twenty years that I had known her. People said that she had once been young and pretty, and had even had a husband, but that was hard to believe. My grandfather’s portrait hung above the mantelpiece in the drawing room. He wore a big turban and loose fitting clothes. His long, white beard covered the best part of his chest and he looked at least a hundred years old. He did not look the sort of person who would have a wife or children. He looked as if he could only have lots and lots of grandchildren. As for my grandmother being young and pretty the thought was almost revolting. She often told us of the games she used to play as a child. That seemed quite absurd and undignified on her part and we treated it like the fables of the Prophets she used to tell us
(A) Which literary device has been used in “Like everybody’s grandmother”?
(a) Metaphor
(b) Simile
(c) Transferred epithet
(d) Enjambment
View AnswerAns. (b) Simile
Explanation: ‘Like everybody’s grandmother’ is an example of a simile.
(B) How do you feel about the character of the grandmother in the chapter?
(a) Emotional
(b) Strong
(c) Selfless
(d) Loving
View AnswerAns. (b) Strong
Explanation: The grandmother’s character is strong in the chapter.
(C) It was hard for the author to believe that the grandmother was once young and pretty because.
View AnswerAns. It was hard for the author to believe that the grandmother was once young and pretty.
In fact, the thought was almost revolting. He had seen her for the last twenty years. He felt she could age no further. The very thought of her playing games as a child seemed quite absurd and undignified.
OR
I rushed on deck and gazed with relief at the stark outline of Me Amsterdam. It was only a bleak piece of volcanic rock, with little vegetation the most beautiful island in the world! 2022-23 18 HORNBILL We anchored offshore for the night, and the next morning all 28 inhabitants of the island cheered as they helped us ashore.
(A) Which of the words has been used in the extract to mean ‘went quickly’?
(a) Rushed
(b) Gazed
(c) Anchored
(d) Cheered
View AnswerAns. (a) Rushed
Explanation: The word that means went quickly’ is rushed.
(B) Why did the residents of the island cheer that the author has his team?
(a) They were happy to help the team
(b) They wanted to arrest the team
(c) They wanted to rob the team
(d) They wanted to capture the ship
View AnswerAns. (a) They were happy to help the team
Explanation: the residents of the island cheered that the author has his team. because they were happy to help the team.
(C) Ile Amsterdam has been described as ‘the most beautiful island in the world’ because.
View AnswerAns. Ile Amsterdam has been described as ‘the most beautiful island in the world because the side of the island represented success of the crew
11. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given.
Perhaps I was mistaken, I thought, perhaps it isn’t her. I had seen her only once, fleetingly. and that was years ago It was most probable that I had rung the wrong bell. The woman let go of the door and stepped to the side. She was wearing my mother’s green knitted cardigan. The wooden buttons were rather pale from washing. She saw that I was looking at the cardigan and half hid herself again behind the door. But I knew now that I was right.
(A) Which of the following doubts the author had about the lady of the house:
(a) Author had made a mistake
(b) Author was not wearing red cardigan
(c) Author forgot to carry the proof of his address
(d) (a) and (b)
View AnswerAns. (a) Author had made a mistake
Explanation: The doubt that the author had about the lady of the house is that he had made a mistake.
(B) Based on the above extract classify the following as facts or opinions
(I) Author was mistaken initially.
(II) Author had seen the lady years ago.
(III) The cardigan was knitted by mother of the author.
(IV) Later author was sure that she had come at the right address.
(V) At first author thought that she had wrung the wrong bell
Options:
(a) F-.(I), (V) and O-(I), (III), (IV)
(b) F-(I). (II). (IV) and O-(III), (V)
(c) F-(I). (IV). (V) and O-(II), (III)
(d) F-(IV), (V) and O-(I), (II), (III)
View AnswerAns. (a) F-(I). (V) and O-(II), (III), (IV)
(C) The lady hid herself behind the door because
(a) The author was looking at the cardigan
(b) The lady was scared
(c) The author was looking at the nameplate
(d) The lady did not want to show her face
View AnswerAns. (a) The author was looking at the cardigan
Explanation: The lady hid herself behind the door because the author was looking at the cardigan.
(D) The colour of the cardigan faded because.
View AnswerAns. The colour of the cardigan faded because of its poor condition.
OR
It wasn’t morning yet, but it was summer and with daybreak not many minutes around the corner of the world it was light enough for me to know I wasn’t dreaming. My cousin Mourad was sitting on a beautiful white horse. I stuck my head out of the window and rubbed my eyes. Yes, he said in Armenian. It’s a horse. You’re not dreaming. Make it quick if you want to ride.
(A) Which of the following expressions has not been used by the speaker to talk about the time of the day?
(a) It was not morning yet.
(b) Daybreak not many minutes around.
(c) It was light enough.
(d) It was evening time.
View AnswerAns. (a) It was not morning yet.
Explanation: ‘It was not morning yet’ hos not been used by the speaker.
(B) Who was sitting on the horse?
(a) No one
(b) Cousin of the speaker
(c) Mourad
(d) Both (b) and (c)
View AnswerAns. (c) Mourad
Explanation: Mourad was sitting on the horse.
(C) What did Mourad say?
View AnswerAns. Mourad said “Yes, it is the horse. You are not dreaming. Make it quick if you want to ride
(D) The phrase ‘make it quick’ has been used in the extract. Which of the following is not the correct use of ‘make it’.
(a) Make it slow
(b) Make it big
(c) Make a popular
(d) Make it house
View AnswerAns. (d) Make it house
Explanation: ‘make it house’ is not the correct usage of the phrase ‘make it quick
12. Attempt ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words.
(A) In the chapter “We are not afraid to die… if we all can be together”, why did the narrator feel that he was not the best captain? What was the surprise in store for him?
View AnswerAns. When Jon called him the best daddy in the whole world and the best captain, the narrator was dejected for not being able to locate the island, so he refuted the statement. The truth was that the island was just in front of them.
OR
With King Tut being finally laid to rest, nature was at rest too. Explain with reference to the chapter ‘Discovering Tut’.
View AnswerAns. When King Tut was finally laid to rest, the wind stopped blowing and was still like death itself. Orion, the constellation that the ancient Egyptians knew as the soul of Osiris, the God of the afterlife, was sparkling. It seemed to be watching over the boy king.
(B) What values do you learn from the goldfinch in the poem ‘The Laburnum Top”?
View AnswerAns. The goldfinch has its nest on the top of the Laburnum tree in the poem, The Laburnum Top. Her chicks stay in the nest while she (the mother goldfinch) keeps going out at regular intervals to get food to feed her chicks. This shows her caring nature and highlights the values of motherly care and affection of a mother towards her offspring.
OR
The poem, ‘The Voice of The Rain’ has a conversational tone throughout. Who are the two participants? Is there any advantage of this method?
View AnswerAns. The two participants are the poet and the voice of the rain which answers the poet’s questions. The advantage of this method. is to maintain continuity of thoughts and ideas expressed by the poet and to bring about clarity in what he wants to express
13. Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in about 40-50 words.
(A) What does the writer suggest by beginning the story with the following words, “One day back there in the good old days…”?
View AnswerAns. The beginning of the story is suggestive of the fact that the episode that is going to be narrated is not one from the recent past. On the contrary, it is something that happened years back. The words ‘good old days. suggest that the times in the past were better than what they are at present.
OR
(B) Explain: “I stopped, horrified. I was in a room I knew and did not know.”
View AnswerAns. When the narrator went to Mrs Dorling’s house the second time, a girl of about fifteen let her in. She saw familiar things but arranged differently that lent unfamiliarity to the surroundings. She found herself surrounded by things that she had wanted to see again but which really oppressed her in that strange atmosphere.
14. Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in about 120-150 words.
(A) The poem ‘Childhood’ exposes man and presents him in his true colours. All adjectives displaying negative qualities are not enough for such a man. This poem very innocently goads him to his real self. Explain.
View AnswerAns. Childhood symbolises innocence, purity, softness and love. As a child grows, these
qualities start receding. Man becomes impure, cunning, shrewd, and a hypocrite. Grown-ups become blatant liars. They talk of love but practise hatred. They preach brotherhood and mankind but perpetuate hatred and killing. Simplicity and honesty evaporate into thin air the moment man crosses the threshold of innocent childhood.
Every effort should be made to revive that innocence of childhood. Every step should be taken to fill the vacuum created by the greed and selfishness of man with the warmth of the innocence and laughter of a child. There would be less hatred and more peace everywhere if a man starts practising what he preaches. It can happen if a man brings forth his true noble qualities to the fore. Layers of hatred have covered the purity and innocence of man. If a man removes this facade, the world would become a better place to live in.
OR
(B) The lesson ‘Discovering Tut’ allows us a peep into the past or history. For many, history is a dry subject but its study does make us wiser. What do you think?
View AnswerAns. Real history is the objective portrayal of events and facts that depicts development and destruction. True history is never coloured in the hues of politics. It reflects the myriad facets of society. Modern technology has made its portrayal objective. History puts forward lessons for us and provides us with chances to improve. So, it is true that those who do not pick up these lessons are condemned to repent.
Shrewd people have used history to rouse mass hysteria to grind their own axe. Distortion of history causes havoc in society. To intelligent people, history is a window through which they peep into the past to collect facts and interpret them in an objective manner.
By and large, history is the study of past events, political, economic and social development of a country and many a time we feel belittled knowing that our forefathers were better than us in many respects. We can learn a lesson from them. and refrain from making the same mistakes.
15. Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in about 120-150 words.
(A) Bookish knowledge is theoretical. It is practice and observation which makes a man with theoretical knowledge a man perfect in his field. Discuss with reference to the chapter ‘Birth’.
View AnswerAns. Bookish knowledge is very important as it imparts theoretical knowledge. It teaches many intricacies of a problem and its probable solutions. If a man having theoretical knowledge has no practical experience he may fail in his job. ‘On the other hand, a man with practical knowledge and experience has more chances of achieving the desired results. In our day to day life, we meet compounders surpassing the doctors and the physicians. A physician who has read the process of administering an injection but has not done it with his own hands. will fail in his attempt to administer the injection. On the contrary, a compounder I can surpass the physician because he has practical experience. Similarly, if you have minutely observed a man doing his job to perfection, you can apply that very practical experience based on your keen observation and achieve success. Dr Andrew could save the child because he had observed somebody saving an almost lifeless child. He applied that practical experience and knowledge, and did his job efficiently. So for success especially in the medical field especially, both bookish knowledge and practical experience are indispensable. So bookish knowledge or oral knowledge, if not seasoned with practical experience, may prove futile and worthless.
OR
(B) Give a brief character-sketch of Mrs S’s daughter in the chapter “The Address’.
View AnswerAns. The narrator was a Jewish girl living in Holland with her mother. When the World War II started, the Nazi army started evacuating all the Jews from Europe. This made the narrator and her mother very scared. During this period, an old acquaintance of Mrs S befriended her and offered to keep all her valuable belongings in her safe custody. Mrs S was a noble and trusting lady. She allowed Mrs Dorling to take away her precious antiques and cutlery etc. The narrator had some doubts about Mrs Dorling but her mother silenced her.
The narrator survived the war and came back to her old city. Now her mother was dead, her house belonged to someone else and she had no worldly possessions. Still, she is happy to be alive and trying to make a life for herself. One day she feels an urge to go to Mrs Dorling’s house and see all her mother’s precious belongings. But when she sees that all her mother’s beautiful things were kept by Mrs Dorling in a tasteless manner and she was even using them, the narrator loses all interest in those things. With a feeling of detachment, she goes back to her own rented room and decides to start life afresh. She is a brave and self- respecting girl. She does not want to live in her past glory. She wants to live in the present.