Booklet

DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL Assignment Booklet
Indirapuram, Ghaziabad (Class - XI : English)
EXAMINATION SPECIFICATIONS
3 Hours Marks: 80
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Unitwise Weightage
Unit Areas of Learning Marks
A Reading Unseen Passages (Three) 25
B Writing 25
Textual Questions
C (i) Textbook 30
(ii) Supplementary Reader
E Speaking and Listening Skills 20
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Section - A
Reading Comprehension (25 Marks)
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Three unseen passages (including poems) with a variety of questions including 2-3 marks
for vocabulary such as words formation and inferring meaning. The total length of both
the passages together should be around 900-1000 words.
1. The first two passages could be any one of the following two types;
(i) Factual passage e.g., instructions, descriptions, reports.
(ii) Discursive passages involving opinion e.g., argumentation, persuasive.
2. An unseen poem of about 28-35 lines.
3. The third passage carrying 08 marks should be used for testing note – making for 5
marks and summarizing for 3 marks.
Section – B Writing Skills (25 Marks)]
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3. One short writing composition task based on notice/advertisement/poster. (50
words)
4. Writing one letter based on a given input. Letter types include (a) business or
official letters (for making inquires, registering complaints, asking for and giving
information, placing orders and sending replies). (b) letters to the editors (giving
suggestions, opinions on an issue of public interest) or (c) application for a job. (d)
letter to the school or college authorities, regarding admissions, school issues,
requirements/suitability of courses etc.
5. One task such as factual description of any event or incident, a report or a process
based on verbal input provided (80–100 words).
6. One composition based on a visual and / or verbal input (in about 100 – 150
words). The output may be descriptive or argumentative in nature such as an
article for publication in a newspaper or a school magazine or a speech.
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Section – C Text books (30 Marks)

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Questions on the prescribed textbooks will test comprehension at different levels:
literal, inferential and evaluative based on the following prescribed textbooks:
(i) Hornbill – English Reader Textbook
(ii) Snapshots – Supplementary Reader
7. One extract based on poetry from the text to test comprehension and appreciation.
8. Three short answer questions on the lessons and poems from both the text books
to test local and global comprehension of text. (upto 40 words)
9. One long answer question based on the prescribed text books to test global
comprehension and extrapolation beyond the set text. (100 – 125 words)
10. One long answer question based on theme, plot, incidents or events to test global
comprehension and extrapolation beyond the texts.
11. One long answer question based on understanding, appreciation, analysis and
interpretation of the characters/events/episodes/incidents.
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Speaking and Listening Skills – 20 marks
Formal testing of Conservation skills both listening and speaking will be conducted.
(Listening+Speaking)
Conversation Skills will be tested both as part of Formative & Summative Assessment.
Out of the 20 marks allotted for Conversation, 10 marks may be used for testing listening
and 10 marks for testing speaking. The Conversation Skills Assessment Scale may be
used for evaluation.
Listening
The Listening Comprehension section tests the student’s ability to listen for basic
interpersonal, instructional and academic purposes. A number of sub-skills need to be
developed in the everyday classroom transaction. Given below are some of the sub-skills
of listening which need to be assessed in the formative and summative assessments:
(i) Listening for specific information
(ii) Listening for general understanding
(iii) Predictive listening
(iv) Inferential listening
(v) Listening for pleasure
(vi) Intensive listening
(vii) Evaluative listening
The Listening Assessment includes a variety of tasks. These tasks are graded according to
the length of the task and the difficulty level.
General Instructions for Students
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You are not allowed to ask questions or interrupt the Examiner at any point.
1. You are being tested on your Listening Skills.
2. You will hear a set of recordings of the Listening Input or listen to a reading
of the Listening Input.
3. Each of the recording will be played twice. In case there is an oral rendering
or the Listening Input, it shall take place twice.
4. You are required to answer a set of questions based on each of the Listening
Inputs.
5. The assessments consists of 4 sections.
6. You are required to attempt all 4 sections of the assessment.
7. Familiarize yourself with the questions on the worksheet. It will help you to
answer them later on.
8. After you have listened to the input, you will be given specified minutes to
answer the questions on your worksheet.
9. You may answer the questions on your worksheet while listening.
10. Do not interact/comment until you have moved out of the Examination
Room.
Speaking
The speaking skill had acquired a very important place as a communication skill. Like
listening skill – a number of sub-skills of speaking need to be consciously developed
among students. Some of the sub-skills which can be assessed are as follows:
1. Speaking intelligibly using appropriate word stress, sentence stress and
intonation patterns.
2. Narrating incidents and events, real or imaginary in a logical sequence.
3. Expressing and arguing a point of view clearly and effectively.
4. Taking active part in group discussions, showing ability to express agreement
or disagreement, summarizing ideas, eliciting the views of others, and
presenting own ideas.
5. Expressing and responding to personal feelings, opinions and attitudes.
6. Participating in spontaneous spoken discourse in familiar social situations.
General Instructions:
1. The total administration time for the speaking assessment is approximately
10-12 minutes.
2. The speaking assessment will be conducted for two students at a time.
3. There will be a single teacher to function as the Examiner.
The Speaking Assessment is divided into three sections:
I. General Introduction
The Examiner converses with the two candidates. Simple warm up questions based
on the candidates’ names, place of residence, leisure preferences etc are asked.
II. Mini Presentation
In this section, the candidates speak on a topic of their choice.
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The candidates are given 1 minute to speak.

Prior to the day of the speaking assessment, the students are given a
choice 20 to 30 topics in class so that they can prepare based on the
topics and organize their ideas.
Students are not allowed to carry pen, paper or mobile phone to the examination
room.
Pair Interaction
The third section of the test is for 3 minutes. Both students are given a problem
solving task and asked to respond to it.
Both the students are given a total of 2 minutes to interact. Both of them will talk
together. After 2 minutes the examiner can ask questions based on their discussion.
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YEAR AT A GLANCE
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Literature 1. The Portrait of a Lady.
2. A Photograph
April/May 3. The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse
Writing - Letters to editors, Factual description, Process writing,
Notice writing
Grammar- Determiners, Tenses
Literature 1. The Address
2. We’re Not Afraid to Die
3. The Laburnum top
July
Note making, Report Writing, Classified
Writing -
advertisements
Grammar – Modals, Error detection
Literature 1. Discovering Tut
2. The Voice of the Rain
August 3. Ranga’s Marriage
Writing - Display/Classified advertisements, Formal letters
1. Landscape of the Soul

Literature –
2. The Ailing Planet
September Formal Letter (Applications for job), Article, Speech,
Writing –
Debate
Listening & Speaking Assessment
Oct Literature – Childhood
Writing – Poster
Literature 1. Albert Einstein at school

2. Mother’s Day
Nov
3. Father to Son
4. The Ghat of the only World
Writing – Factual description
Literature 1. The Adventure
2. Silk Road
Dec
Grammar Clauses, listening and speaking skills,
Writing Letters (Revision)
1. Birth
Literature
Jan 2. The Tale of Melon City
Revision for Annual Examination.
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Assignment – 1
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Section – A (Reading Skills)
A.1. Read the following passage and answer the questions based on it.
REACHING THE PEAK
My dad and I both started playing tennis at the same time in 1967. Though I was
small for my age, I was fast on my feet and seemed to have an instinct for where
my opponent would hit his next shot. At age nine, I put on my white shorts and
shirt and started playing in tennis tournaments around the New York area. By the
time I was 12, I was No.7 in the country in the 12-and-unders. When I was 16, I
won my first national singles title. Then, in 1977, as a chubby-faced 18-year-old
with brown ringlets and a red headband, I came out of nowhere to reach the semi
finals at Wimbledon. Though I would not have told a soul back then, that's when I
realized I had the potential to be the best tennis player in the world.
I worked my way up the ranks and by 1979; I was world No.3, hunting down
Jimmy Connors and Bjorn Borg. I was winning a lot and I loved it-loved being the
lone gunfighter. I won the US Open in both '79 and '80. Then, more and more, the
problem became that almost everybody was somebody I shouldn't lose to. There
was so much pressure to win in the early rounds of tournaments and make it to the
finals. To conquer the pressure, I tried building defences that almost nothing (and
nobody) could get through.
But behind my defences were some very dark places. There was always a devil
inside me that I had to fight against. And that devil was fear of failure.
Eventually I had made it to the finals at Wimbledon that year, earning the rematch I
had badly wanted with Borg. Though I'd beaten the great, smooth Swede in last
year's US Open, Borg had won Wimbledon an incredible five times in a row,
including against me. I got off to a sluggish start. I was tight, over impressed with
the occasion. Borg won the first set, 6-4.
As I loosened up, the match turned into a dog fight. I won a tie breaker in the
second set, and the third set was going in that direction too. Underneath my nerves
and my certainty that I had to play every point to my utmost, a strange idea was
starting to materialize: He's not quite as hungry as last year. This match is mine to
take, if I can take it. After that, I knew in my bones that I was going to win, and I
did. The final score was 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.
When I beat Borg at the US Open a few months later, I officially replaced him as
world No.1. I had thought that No.2 was a pretty big deal. But No.1 was a very
strange place indeed-the peak of the mountain, the icy winds blowing around my
head.
For four years I was the biggest winner in men's tennis. -John McEnroe (adapted)
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l. (i) On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions
briefly:
(a) At what age, do you think, John McEnroe started playing tennis?
(b) What two distinctive qualities did the author possess at a tender age?
(c) How did he look when he reached the Wimbledon semi-finals? What
did he realize about himself?
(d) What did he try to do to overcome pressure? Which devil troubled
him?
(e) What helped McEnroe to win the match? How did he feel after
becoming world No1?
(ii) Find words in the above passage which convey similar meaning as the
following:
(a) Hidden qualities
(b) Impossible to believe
(c) Lethargic/slow-moving
(d) Become a reality / take shape
A.2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow it :-
FORGIVENESS
The parent who never praised but was quick to criticize, the unfair boss who
handed out the dismissal notice; the spouse who was unfaithful, these are people
who inflicted wounds on us that may take years to overcome, if we ever do, we
hold a grudge. We say the worst things to them - or think over what we wish we
had said. We want revenge.
Actually, the best way to feel better is the opposite of getting revenge. Saying the
words “forgive you” could be the most powerful thing you will ever do. To forgive
does not mean to give in, it means to let go. Once you forgive, you are no longer
emotionally handcuffed to the person who hurt you. If forgiveness feels so good,
why do so many people lug around so much resentment. One reason is that it may
compensate for the powerlessness they experienced when they were hurt. People
may feel more in charge when they are filled with anger. But forgiving instills a
much greater sense of power. When you forgive, you reclaim your power to
choose. It does not matter whether someone deserve forgiveness, you deserve to
be free.
Another reason why many withhold forgiveness is that it can feel like weakness.
Some think forgiving means like saying they were wrong and someone else was
right. But forgiveness is not about letting the other person off the hook. It can free
the ex-wife who remains bitter towards her former spouse, the worker passed over
for promotion, the relative not invited to a wedding. In many cases, the other
person is not even aware of your misery. While you are turning yourself inside out
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with bitterness, the one who hurt you does not feel a thing.
Forgiveness is good for the body as well as the soul. “Reliving past hurts over and
over again and is bad for your health,” says Dr. Redfold Williams. Simply
remembering an incident that made a person angry has proved to be stressful for
the heart. Negative feelings that cause stress have also been linked to high blood
pressure and increased susceptibility to other illnesses. While terrible hurt may take
only minutes to inflict, forgiving the perpetrator often requires some time. Initially
you experience negative feelings such as anger, sadness and shame. Then you try
to make sense of what happened. Ultimately you eye with greater perspective, the
one who is hurt becomes one who was flawed, weak, sick or ignorant.
Some people may never reach the final stages of forgiveness. Those hurt in
childhood by people they loved and trusted may find the process particularly
difficult, yet even partial forgiveness can be beneficial.
If you want to move towards a future, a future of forgiving but do not know how to
start, follow these suggestions. Forgiving the slights by strangers prepares you for
the tougher task of forgiving major hurts. Discuss your anger on a disappointment
with a trusted friend or counselor. This allows you the strengthening experience of
being heard. You can let go of your feelings without the danger of saying or doing
anything you will regret later. Anger – releasing methods, such as punching a
pillow, can help. If you are not so much angry as sad, keep a journal. By all means
avoid negative expressions of anger such as driving dangerously, slamming doors
or breaking things.
Spell out the truth of what happened as you experienced it, without blaming or
judging. Use ‘I’ statements: “I feel I do not understand”. Describe the impact the
person’s behaviour had on you, and express your desire to hear his or her feelings
and get the issue resolved. If there is a chance for good, send it. If the person who
caused you hurt is dead however, or incapable of listening to what you have to say,
some counselors, suggest burning the letter, a symbolic way of letting anger go up
in smoke.
Forgiveness can occur without anyone else’s involvement or awareness. The people
you forgive may never realize they wronged you or never know you forgave them.
They may deny everything. What is important is that you let go of your anger. The
act of forgiveness may be more than any of us can manage on our own. We cannot
forget hurts, nor should we. Those experiences teach us not to be victimized again
and about not victimizing others.
Forgiveness leads to inner peace. “Once you have forgiven.” says Sidney Simon,”
You’ll laugh more, feel more deeply, become more connected to others.” And the
good feeling you generate will pave the way to even greater healing.
(i) Why is forgiving the most powerful thing you can do?
(ii) Why do people withhold forgiveness? (Give 2 reasons)
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(iii) How can unforgiving behaviour adversely affect us?

(iv) Give three anger releasing methods that help you to move towards
forgiveness.
(v) Find phrases in the passage which mean the same as
(a) in a larger context (para 4)
(b) a deep feeling of happiness (para 9)
(vi) Give the meanings of the following words as used in the passage.
(a) Handcuffed (para 2)
(b) Counsellor (para 6)
Section – B (Writing Skills)
1. You are Viveka / Vivek Mehta of 3, Green Park, New Delhi – 14. Alarmed by the
deteriorating law and order situation in the country’s capital, write a letter to the
editor of a National Daily, expressing your concern. (150 words)
2. A playground in your locality is going to be used for building a Multiplex. This
news item was published in Chandigarh Express the previous day. Write a letter to
the editor of the newspaper citing the drawbacks of this project. (150 words)
3. Write a letter to the editor of a leading newspaper, highlighting the radical changes
required by the education system to foster a spirit of enquiry and creative
inclination in the students. (150 words)
4. You are Avina / Amar Mishra, a class XI student of Jagriti School, Bhopal. The
road leading to your school is very congested and full of potholes. This creates
frequent traffic jams. Inspite of repeated requests the authorities have not done
anything to improve the condition of the road. Write a letter to the editor of
Bhopal Today, drawing the attention of the government to this problem.
(150words).
Section – C (Grammar)
1. Fill the blanks in these sentences, using the verbs in this list, in the most appropriate
form.
(do, file, live, deal, spend, send, call back, attend, get through, look up, pick up,
say, write)
(i) The Bible ………………… : The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth.
(ii) Kavya usually ………………….. in black ink.
(iii) Laxmi Mittal …………….. in London but …………………… every other
week in India.
(iv) Normally she ………………… straight away.
(v) 'The Chronicles of Narnia'…………………. with the supernatural.
(vi) Ronojoy's mother always ………………….. the phone first.
(vii) She …………………. the question in the English Literature at the moment.
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(viii) Today I ………………. a workshop on Laughter Therapy.

(ix) We hardly ever ……………………to Jalgaon so easily.
(x) We always …………………………. the documents here and
………………… copies to the head office.
(xi) Please …………………… the meaning of the word in the dictionary.
2. Complete the joke given below by inserting the appropriate words given below, in
the correct form.
(use, ask, guess, tell, continue, define, request, interrupt)
As a college recruiter, I regularly speak to high school students and always preface
my presentation by asking them (a) ___________ if they have any questions. During
one talk, I used the word "plethora," and a student’s hand shot up. He (b)
___________the meaning of the word, so I (c) ___________ it, then continued.
When I (d) ___________ "ilk" (a type), the same student again (e) ___________ for
an explanation. I defined the word, then (f) ____________. When I used "phi-
lanthropist," I give up," he sighed." I (g) ____________ that's why I have to go to
college."
3. Fill the gaps in these sentences with a suitable verb or words.
(i) I ___________ the application to IIM Ahmadabad a week ago, but I
___________ a reply yet.
(ii) Is your classmate still searching for the project? Yes, he ___________ for it for
the past half an hour.
(iii) While you _______ lunch, your friend called.
(iv) Is Santa's cell-phone switched off? Neha's ____________ to contact her all
morning.
(v) We're very busy today. The phone ____________ ringing since we started
work this morning.
(vi) Sharjeel _____________in the National School of Drama, but then he
____________to Bollywood.
(vii) In 2005 our firm ________________ two new factories in Colombia.
(viii) I ______________ as a Salsa instructor when I left school.
4. Fill the blanks in these sentences with suitable words.
(i) We shall be speaking to you to confirm your appointment when we
__________ our availability.
(ii) What time ________________ the train from Secundrabad
_________________?
(iii) Where _________________Badal before the conference?
(iv) If I _______________ you before 5 PM, _______________ at home?
(v) Stand back, everyone, he looks as if he ______________ !
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Section – D (Literature)
The Portrait of a lady
1. Answer the following questions in about 30 – 40 words –
(i) Why was it hard for the author to believe that his grandmother was once
young and pretty?
(ii) What was the turning point in the friendship between the author and his
grandmother?
(iii) What details in the story portray the grandmother as a religious lady?
(iv) What sort of relationship did the author share with his grandmother. Give
evidence to support your answer.
(v) Draw a comparison between the village school education and the city school
education.
(vi) What was the ‘the last sign’ of physical contact between the author and the
grandmother? Why did the author think that to be the ‘last’?
(vii) Everybody including the sparrows mourned the grandmother’s death.
Elaborate.
2. Answer the following in 100 – 125 words each.
(i) Give a character sketch of the grandmother.
(ii) The grandmother herself was not formally educated but she was serious
about her grandson’s education. How does the text support this?
(iii) Describe the grandmother’s journey from being a surrogate mother in the
village to a lonely old lady in the city.
A Photograph
1. The cardboard shows ………………..years or so.
(i) Who is the speaker? What has she been doing at the moment?
(ii) Who all are shown in the photograph?
(iii) What are the girls shown in the photograph doing and why?
2. All three stood………………… transient feet.
(i) What does ‘ I ’ stand for?
(ii) How does the mother look in the photograph?
(iii) Explain : Smile through their hair.
(iv) What is meant by ‘transient feet’?
3. Some twenty – thirty……………… ease of loss
(i) Explain ‘wry with the laboured ease of loss?’
(ii) Who are Betty and Dolly?
(iii) What were they doing at the beach?
4. What has not changed over the years? What does this suggest to you?
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5. The three stanzas depict three different phases. What are they?
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Assignment – 2
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SECOND VISION
From the ramparts of the Red Fort for some years now, our prime ministers have
been promising the eradication of child labour in hazardous industries.
The truth is, if the government really wanted, child labour in hazardous industries
could have been eliminated a long time ago; and yes, every Indian child would
have been in school by 2003.
The government has failed to eliminate this dehumanisation of childhood. It has
also failed to launch compulsory primary education for all, despite the rhetoric.
Between 60 and 100 million children are still at work instead of going to school and
around 10 million are working in hazardous industries. India has the biggest child
population of 380 million in the world, plus the largest number of children who are
forced to earn a living.
We have many laws that ban child labour in hazardous industries. According to the
Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, the employment of children
(below the age of 14) in hazardous occupations has been strictly banned. But each
state has different rules regarding the minimum age of employment; this makes
implementation of these laws difficult.
Also, there is no ban on child labour in non-hazardous occupations. The act applies
to the organised or factory sector and not to the unorganised or informal sector
where most children find employment as cleaners, servants, porters, waiters, among
other forms of unskilled work. Thus, child labour continues because the
implementation of the existing laws is lax.
There are industries which have a 'special' demand for child labour because of their
nimble fingers, high level of concentration and capacity to work hard at abysmally
low wages. The carpet industry in UP and Kashmir employs children to make hand-
knotted carpets; there are 80,000 child workers in J&K alone. In Kashmir, because
of the political unrest, children are forced to work while many schools are shut.
Industries like gem cutting and polishing, pottery and glass want to remain
competitive by employing children.
The truth is that its poverty which is pushing children into the brutish labour market.
We have 260 million people below the poverty line in India; a large number of
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them are women. Poor, vulnerable parents, especially women-headed families,

have no option but to push their little ones in this hard life in hostile conditions,
with no human or labour rights.
There is a lobby which argues that there is nothing wrong with children working as
long as the environment for work is conducive for learning new skills. But studies
have shown that children are made to do boring, repetitive and tedious jobs and
are not taught new skills as they grow older. In these hell-holes, like the sweatshops
of old, there is no hope.
Children working in hazardous industries are prone to debilitating diseases which
can cripple them for life. By sitting in cramped, damp, unhygienic spaces, their
limbs become deformed for life. Inside matchstick, fireworks and glass industries,
they are victims of bronchial diseases and TB. Their mental and physical
development is permanently impaired by long hours of work. Once trapped, they
can't get out of the vicious circle of poverty. They remain uneducated and
powerless. Finally, in later years, they too are compelled to send their own children
to work. Child labour perpetuates its own nightmare.
If the government was at all serious about granting children their rights, an intensive
effort ought to have been made to implement the Supreme Court's directive of
1997 which laid down punitive action against employers of child labour (Rs 20,000
per child to be paid by offending employers). Only compulsory primary education
can eliminate child labour.
Surely, if 380 million children are given a better life and elementary education,
India's human capital would be greatly enhanced. But that needs, as President
Abdul Kalam says, a "second vision". Can our political establishment see beyond
the haze of shallow realpolitik?
-Jayshree Sengupta [The Hindustan TImes] (adapted)
1. (i) On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions
briefly:
(a) On what two counts has the government failed in respect of children?
(b) We have many laws that ban child labour, even then child labour
continues. What makes implementation of laws difficult?
(c) What forces the children to work in 'hazardous' industries? Why do
these industries prefer child labour?
(d) What are the adverse effects of ‘hazardous' industries on children?
Give any two.
(e) How can India's human capital be vastly enhanced?
following:
(a) complete destruction (Para 1)
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(b) putting into practice (Para 3,4)

(c) causes to continue (Para 8)
(d) intended as punishment (Para 9)
2. Read the following passage and answer the questions based on it.
MAGIC MACHINE
(Literary-excerpt from a Story)
Mohammed Jamshed Khan replaced the ATM card in his wallet and counted the
crisp new notes he'd just withdrawn from the machine. Rs 6000? "This can't be
right!" thought the young Mumbai civil contractor. He counted again. It was indeed
Rs 6000. "All I'd asked for was Rs 1200," Khan told his friend Faisal Mukhi who was
standing nearby.
"You pressed the wrong buttons, silly," said Mukhi.
"No way!" exclaimed Khan as he pushed his card back in again, keyed in his
numeric password and asked for Rs 1000. Beep, click ……whirr, beeeep! Out
popped Rs 5000 and a little transaction slip that read. WITHDRAWAL Rs 1000.
"Let's try again," said Khan. Card, password, 2-0-0-0beeeep! But he got Rs 10,000.
By now it seemed certain that the ATM was giving away 500-rupee notes instead of
hundreds.
"May be something's wrong with your card," Mukhi told Khan, "let me try mine."
Mukhi's balance was low-only Rs 1300. He pushed his card in and asked for Rs
1000. The machine spat out 5000.
"ATMs (short for automated teller machines) are extremely secure and among the
hardiest of machines. Look up the Encyclopaedia Britannica for "ATMs" and you'll
find entered under "Locks"-it's virtually impossible to fool an ATM. And the
probability of an ATM overpaying is virtually nil. But here they were, two buddies
with Rs 26000 between them-Rs 20,800 of it free money.
There were no other customers in sight on that warm July afternoon. And they
could have kept on going. Instead, Khan and Mukhi went outside the ATM's
enclosure and summoned the guard on duty. "The machine's all mixed up," they
told him. The two men then gave the guard a demo: "Look here," said Khan as he
inserted his card one last time and hit the buttons, "I'm withdrawing Rs 500……….
but here's 2500 !
"Don't let anybody near this place," they told the guard as they hopped into an auto
rickshaw and sped off with all the money.
It looked like a daylight robbery-in reverse. For they drove two kilometres, to the
nearest branch of the bank that owned the ATM, placed the cash-Rs. 28,500 on the
bank manager's desk and complained about their faulty machine.
"We could have lost a real lot that day," says the manager. This is the kind of
honesty we can only dream about. A human error made while loading cash in the
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ATM had caused the problem. Although we could have traced the customers, it
might have meant a lot of trouble for us, had they kept our money."
But did either Mohammed Khan or Faisal Mukhi ever think of keeping the money
during their moment with the magic machine? "Not once," says Khan. Adds Mukhi :
"Never." Source-Reader's Digest
1
(i) Answer the following questions:
(a) Why was Mohammed Jamshed Khan surprised? How did he express it
and to whom?
(b) What efforts did the two friends make to verify the behaviour of the
machine?
(c) What do you know about ATM? What was peculiar about this
particular ATM?
(d) "It looked like a daylight robbery-in reverse." Substantiate this
statement.
(e) How did the manager react to the disclosure?
following:
(a) slightly stiff (b) almost (c) called (d) put in

NOTICE WRITING
1. Mother’s International School, Delhi is organising a debate on the 15 th February
20XX at 11 a.m. Two students can participate from each school. As social secretary
of your school put up a notice inviting names of students who wish to participate in
the debate. (50 words)
2. The Students Council of your school has organised an excursion to Kathmandu for
the students of class XI and XII during summer vacation. As president of the council
write a notice in not more than 50 words telling the students about this excursion
and inviting their names for joining it.
3. You are the Sports Secretary of your school. Write a notice in 50 words for the
school noticeboard, asking the students interested in Hockey to give their names for
selection for your school team (Eligibility – Class VI to VIII)
4. Avanti, a student of class X has found a wallet in the school canteen. In addition to
cash, it contains some receipts/bills. Write a notice for the school noticeboard
inviting the rightful owner to claim it after giving details of the wallet and its
contents. (50 words)
5. Your school has won the All-round Best Trophy for its achievement in sports,
academic cultural and welfare activities. The Students Council has decided to
15
celebrate the occasion. Write a notice informing the students about the proposed
celebrations. (50 words)
6. You are the secretary of ABC Colony Welfare Association. Write a notice to be
circulated to all the residents of the colony informing them that there will be no
water supply in your colony on 24th and 25th August 2005 due to maintenance
work. (50 words)
7. Raman Lamba is the Head Boy of D.P.School. On behalf of the Principal, he puts
up a notice on the school notice board cautioning children against buying eatables
from vendors outside the gate. Write a notice on behalf of Raman.
8. Ravi Menon has lost his dog. When he went for a walk in the nearby park, the dog
disappeared into the bushes. Write a notice for Ravi giving all necessary
information to be pasted in the area neighbouring Ravi’s house.
9. The Discipline Incharge of Ramjas School, Chaitanya puts up a notice on the
school notice board informing students about the Health and Medical checkup to
be held in the school shortly.
FACTUAL DESCRIPTION
10.To mark your achievement in the boards and to celebrate your admission to a
good college, your parents gift you a new personal computer. Write a factual
description of the gift. [80 – 100 words]
11.Motorola has launched its latest mobile. Write a description of the mobile with all its
features. ( 80 – 100 words.)
12.Your school has recently built a well – planned auditorium to hold academic and
cultural programmes. Write a factual description of the auditorium.
13.You saw a shady character lurking in your locality. Write a description of the person
for the police.
PROCESS WRITING
14.Your younger brother is appearing for his Boards exams. Advise him on how to
prepare for the examination.
15.Monika has just taken admission in college. She wishes to get a bas pass made. As
the Class Representation, give her instructions explaining the whole process.
Describe the process of making a cup of tea.
1. Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners.
I have met (i) ………………. people in (ii) ……………….. world. But, (iii)
……………… person who has influenced me (iv) ……………… most is (v)
………………. Dalai Lama. To me he has been (vi) …………….. symbol of true
spiritualism. (vii) ………………… people can advocate practical spirituality (viii)
16
………………… way he has done. If we adopt (xi) ……………….. ideology, the

world would become a better place to live in.
2. Find the mistakes in these sentences and strike them out. Each sentence contains
TWO mistakes.
e.g. The most people agree that the women can do the same work as men.
(i) I don't enjoy writing the letters, I prefer to send a email or talking on phone.
(ii) She's a student and she's studying the economics at Victoria Technical
University, Vellore.
(iii) The most of my friends are more interested in the sport than in academics.
(iv) You have to catch a toy train from the Kalka Station to get to this Shimla.
(v) I'm staying in the room number 55 at a Maurya Sheraton near the airport
3. Fill the blanks with determiners and complete the paragraph.
Istanbul is (i) ……………………. very beautiful city. (ii) ……………….. part of (iii)
…………………….. city lies in Europe and (iv) ………………………. rest in Asia.
The strait of Bosphorus divides (v) ……………… two sections of the city. In (vi)
…………….. past it was (vii) …………………… very important city because it lay
on (viii) ……………….. trade route between Asia and Europe.
4. Complete the passage with appropriate determiners.
(i) …………… abbreviation is (ii) …………….. shortened form of (iii) …………..
word or a group of words. It is used to save time and space. (iv) ………………
abbreviations are also used while speaking. Most of (v) …………………
dictionaries include (vi) ……………. list of commonly used abbreviations.
The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse
1. Compare and contrast Uncle Khosrove and Cousin Mourad. (100 words)
2. What traits of the Garoghlanian family are highlighted in this story?
3. What do you think, induced the boys to return the horse to its owner?
4. Describe John Byro’s meeting with his horse and the two boys. What impact did it
have on them?
5. What change did Byro find in his horse after it was returned?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
17
Assignment – 3
=============================================
A.1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions which follow :-
Coaching classes are here to stay. School and college teachers have started them,
and there are also private colleges, organizations and individuals who are into it. As
the pressure to achieve academic and professional success increases, students are
encouraged to join coaching classes right from school. Often they are lured by the
promise of scoring a good percentage. In schools, especially, both the parents and
children fear that the teacher may not grant good marks if a child does not join
his/her classes. Many students point to cases where friends were not given high
marks because they did not join the private classes of a particular teacher. The
system suits the student as the teacher may then be lenient with him in class. Many
students, on the other hand, join coaching classes simply because their friends do
so.
Teachers have their own methods of getting tuitions. Often it happens that rich
students are given poor marks and when their parents enquire about it, they are
told to send their children for private tutoring. Parent – teacher meetings are
becoming a forum for complaining about the performance of the child to the
parents. This racket exists even in those schools where tuitions are supposedly
banned.
For the students who cannot afford tuitions or does not join for other reasons, life
becomes very difficult. Parents can only hope that such students do well despite all
odds. “There was a time when tuitions were looked down upon. Students studied
on their own. That era has now gone,” says a parent who struggles to pay for the
academic expenses of two children. The culture of tuitions has spread along with
the rise in the income and ambitions of an average middle – class family. This and
the fact that young people want everything in a packaged, short – cut way have
encouraged coaching classes to mushroom.
Some students say that performance has improved as a result of these extra classes.
It is another matter whether the student is busy commuting from school to tuition
classes with little time for anything else. Many young people do not have a hobby.
It becomes a real problem when we are asked this question in interviews,” says
Jyoti Malik who is preparing for several competitive exams. “ The fact is that we do
not have any hobbies apart from chatting with friends and an occasional movie.”
Coaching classes may thus be encouraging a one-side development of an
individual. This does not seem to bother parents pushing their children for higher
achievement. Apart from patiently solving problems, private teachers also provide
the “life – saving guess questions” when the exams are near. These questions are
18
enough to help a student clear the exam.

Some teacher can provide “guess questions” with remarkable accuracy, raising
doubts whether the question paper was leaked by someone who had actually set it.
Since it is the teacher who marks the papers, it appears as if they help the students
who come to them for coaching.
Though students swear that this actually happens, none of the school boards such
as CBSE ICSE or even the university has thought about controlling this
phenomenon. And if the questions are only intelligent guesses, it speaks poorly of
an examination system where just a few questions are repeated every alternative
year.
In any case, coaching classes are a hit with students. In fact, parents start looking for
them as early as pre – school stage, so that the child can get admission into a
prestigious school. Older students say the classes are more focused while the years
spent in school and college are seen as a waste of time.
In preparing for entrance exams for engineering and other professional courses,
these classes help a great deal. Some coaching institutions are so large that they
have branches and franchises. They also have misleading names, implying that
they actually have something to do with IIT. The bigger coaching schools have low
success rates but considering the large number of students, some always get
through. This is exploited in their advertisements. Sometimes successful candidates
are paid to state that they were part of some institute, though they may never have
been there.
1. On the basis of your reading of the passage make notes on it, using
recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. Use a format you consider
suitable. Supply suitable title. Use at least 4 abbreviations.
2. Write a summary of the passage in 80 words.
2. Read the article given below carefully.
Where do we go from here? One thing is clear: we cannot go back to the old days.
With population growth of nearly three per cent per year there was hardly any
improvement in the standard of living. Poverty was rampant and reaching a level of
50 per cent or more. Human deprivation in terms of access to wealth, education,
nutrition was extremely serious. Under a highly protectionist regime competition
was effectively thwarted with the consumers paying high prices for goods of shoddy
quality. The only silver lining was the improvement in agriculture productivity,
mainly because of the small farm -dominated agrarian structure. We are still paying
the price of an inefficient and oligarchic industrial structure mid inadequate
investment in social and physical infrastructure. The earlier system was both unjust
and inefficient. If we compare things as they existed in the pre-reform days with
what we have obtained since then, the current situation with all its imperfections is
better than the bad old days.
19
There is another fact to be reckoned with. Thanks mainly to information

technology; penetration of ideas and images has become all-pervasive. Whether
one likes it or not, people's aspirations have changed and it is a common desire to
reach the standard, at least the content, of the western style of living. Most of the
advocates of old thought, in their own lifestyle, are no exception to this general
trend. Nor it is possible, and much less desirable, to shun all western
communications and immunise the society from these influences.
Aping western styles without any discrimination and ignoring the brighter aspects of
our own heritage will put us in double jeopardy. What is true for the general
approach to lifestyle is also true for economic activities. We should take advantage
of the emerging, integrating, world economy without sacrificing our own priorities
to build a just and caring society.
Till date the experience of globalisation for the developing countries, including India
is not happy. If we wish to make globalisation contribute to the objectives of equity
and growth we will have to take action at two levels: to strive for changing the rules
of globalisation, and to equip the country to face the challenges of, rather take
advantages from, the emerging world economy.
(i) Make a comprehensive set of notes on the passage given above.
Provide suitable abbreviations and symbols. Give a suitable heading
also.
(ii) Write a summary of the passage in 80 words.
(iii) Find words in the passage which are antonyms of:
(a) controlled (Para. 1)
(b) unwanted (Para. 2)
(c) inequality (Para. 4)
Section – B (Writing Skill)

Report writing
1. Your school celebrated Van Mahotsav on August 24th. Write a report of the
programme for the school magazine. (100 – 125 words)
2. An Inter – school Declamation Competition on ‘Conserving Resources’ was held at
Greeenfield School, New Delhi. Your school team also participated. Mentioning the
date, the number of participation schools, the position held by your school etc, write a
report for your school newsletter. (100 – 125 words)
3. You are Paromita / Paritosh Ray, a press reporter. Write a report on a road accident
that took place the previous day. (100 – 125 words)
4. Helpage organized a ‘Filmstar Nite‘ in aid of promotion of the cause of the elderly. As
a newspaper reporter, write a report on it in 100 – 125 words.
20
5. You are a reporter with a leading national daily. Your city is witnessing spiralling
increase in the prices of essential pulses, cereals and vegetables. Due to this, the
common man is extremely hard pressed. Write a report on this undesirable
situation. (100 – 125 words)
1. There is one error in each line, in the passage given below. Follow the example and
do the needful to correct the errors.
Language teaching at a higher secondary
stage aims to revitalising education
by giving him a new direction,
by making it social and individually
relevant and by relating it for
national aspirants and learners'
social, emotions and cognitive development.
Accordingly, a NCERT developed new syllabi
with English, for different school stages.
e.g. at the higher
2. There is one word missing in each line, in the passage given below. Follow the
example and insert the appropriate word.
I will give you talisman. Whenever
you are doubt or when the self
becomes too much with you,
apply the following test; recall the face the
poorest and the weakest man
you may have seen and ask if
the step you contemplate going
to be of any use to him. he gain
anything it?
e.g. you a talisman
3. Given below are six Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Indian Constitution. But,
in a jumbled form. Taking cue from the example, form the correct sentences.
Fundamental Duties
It shall be the duty of every citizen of India:
(i) and the National Anthem/ and respect its ideals/ the National Flag/ to abide
by the Constitution / and institutions,
(ii) which inspired our national / to cherish / the noble ideals / for freedom / and
follow / struggle
(iii) to uphold / unity and integrity / and protect the sovereignty / of India
21
(iv) our composite culture / and preserve / of/ the rich heritage / to value
(v) and reform; / to develop the scientific temper, / the spirit of inquiry /
humanism / and
(vi) and / to safeguard/ abjure violence/ public property
The Address
1. Describe the narrator’s first post war meeting with Mrs. Dorling. What impression
do you form of her?
2. Give a brief account of the narrator’s second visit to Mrs. Dorling’s place. What did
she realise after the visit? (100 – 125 words)
3. Comment on the significance of the title of the story ‘ The Address’.(100 – 125
words)
4. Answer the following questions briefly:-
(i) ‘I was in a room I knew and did not know’ What prompted the narrator to
make this observation?
(ii) Why did the narrator decide to leave?
How did she reconcile herself to the loss of her mother’s precious belongings?
We’re Not Afraid to Die………………..
1. What adventurous task did the narrator take on? How did he prepare for this
onerous task?
2. Describe the ordeal that awaited the narrator on Jan. 02. What measures did he
take to counter it?
3. ‘But our respite was short – lived.’ Why does the narrator say so?
4. Which remark of Jonathan is the essence of the entire episode and how?
5. Justify the title of the lesson.
6. What message is conveyed through this lesson?
7. The children braved the situation more maturely than their years. Discuss.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
22
Assignment – 4
=============================================
GENETIC MAP TO FORETELL DEATH
One of the world's most renowned scientists is setting up a service to map
individuals’ entire genetic codes that could help predict how and when they might
die.
For 400,000 pounds, Craig Venter, who helped decipher the human genome-man's
genetic code-plans to provide details of a person's genes within a week. Armed with
such information, the individual will be able to check for mutations linked with
illnesses such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Although at present, scientists know the genetic abnormalities to blame for only a
few dozen diseases, thousands more are expected to be discovered in the coming
decades.
Venter, who has annoyed the scientific establishment with his commercial
approach, said he had already signed up several millionaires, though he declined to
name them.
"I have been approached by a number of people who want to have their individual
genome decoded," he said. "Initially, we will be able to decode people's genes in
less than a week but hope eventually to bring it down to less than a day."
Venter, an American, is spending 25 million pounds on the new facility, which will
offer the service from later this year. Individuals will get a CD enshrining a full
description of all their genes to pass on to their descendants. The technique maps
the genes unique to the individual and then matches them with DNA common to
all humans.
Venter says his main aim is to use the customers' genes-and money-to test out new
ultra-fast techniques for analysing DNA that could one day enable everyone to
have a map of their genome.
Other researchers are sceptical. Among geneticists, Venter is renowned as the
brilliant but abrasive researcher who dropped out of the publicly-funded
international Human Genome Project (HGP), which was set up in the mid-1980s to
map humanity's genetic code.
He established his own rival laboratories and, to the fury of his former colleagues,
started working on the human genome. He even suggested that he might take out
patents on humanity's "blueprint for life".
The HGP accelerated its work on the genome to publish it before Venter until, after
23
a series of rows, both teams agreed to make their work publicly available.
Venter's new facility will enable him to crack the genetic codes faster than ever
before. His scientists are already working on the genomes of 40 species. However,
other experts are sceptical about the value of mapping individuals' genes.
Tim Hubbard, head of human genome analysis at the Sanger Institute in
Cambridge, said knowing some one's genome was not the same as understanding
it. Jonathan Leake-The Times
1. (i) Answer the following questions briefly:
(a) What new service is being offered? How will it help mankind and how
much will it cost?
(b) How far is present knowledge about genes confined? What's expected
in the coming decades?
(c) What do you learn about Craig Venter's personality and his new
facility?
(d) What according to Venter is the aim of the new facility? How far is it
likely to help mankind?
(e) How do other scientists react to mapping individuals' genes?
following:
(a) alterations (Para 2) (c) harsh, offensive (Para 8)
(b) coming generations (Para 6) (d) full of doubts (Para 11)
A.2. Read the following passage and answer the questions given.
Certain foods can rejuvenate and activate the body, including even mental health. To
understand the remarkable healing power of food, one needs to recognise, isolate and
increase the intake of foods that have large amounts of disease-fighting antioxidants; to
identify the 2 kinds of fats; the beneficial Omega-3 and the Omega 6, in which foods are
commonly cooked; to alienate allergies caused by foods that work against the human
metabolism.
Even oxygen, the life giver, has certain toxic forms, called oxides, which spark of lethal
reactions that have been linked to 60 odd chronic diseases, one of which is ageing.
Antioxidants minimize the effects of the oxidants. Plant foods, thankfully, are packed
with antioxidant agents. Scientists are now researching into an antioxidant "status report"
based on individual blood tests; if the antioxidants are running low, specific food should
be prescribed to boost the levels.
Fat comes in 2 types; Omega-3 which is found in marine life and Omega-6 which is
concentrated in vegetable oils. The first is good, the other is plain rotten. The best source
of Omega-3 is preferably sea-fish. But frying it in Omega-6 rich vegetable oil kills all its
goodness. The third imperative in codifying food health is through identifying irritants.
24
While some foods cause obvious and easily identified allergies like rashes, other cause
either delayed reactions or minor irritants which are a serious deterrent to general well-
being. Obstinate amoebiosis, nagging depression, persistent headaches are the most
obvious symptoms. Food play a dramatic role in the alerting and fine tuning of brain
cells to give them sharper concentration. An innocuous combination of red wine and
cheese can trigger off migraine. Ageing brains have low levels of thiamin, which is
concentrated in wheat germ and bran, nuts, meat and cereals. Better brain food comes
from liver, milk and almonds, which are rich in riboflavin and extremely good for
memory.
Carotene, available in deep green leafy vegetables and fruits, is also good for geriatric
brains. So is a high iron diet: it can make old brains gallop hyperactively like young
ones. Iron conies from greens, liver, shellfish, red meat and soybeans. Seafood, very
high in zinc, is an excellent diet supplement.
The new England Journal of Medicine reported in its May 1985 issue that 30 grams
offish a day could result in a dramatic drop in the chances of acquiring a cardiovascular
disease. Sea-fish, particularly shellfish, crabs, mackerel and sardine, are more effective
then river fish because the latter is more vulnerable to chemical effluents. Eating cabbage
more than once a week cuts cancer odds in men by 66 percent.
Raw cabbage juice has great anti-ulcer properties, as was scientifically proved by Garnet
Cheney of the Stanford University School of Medicine about 30 years ago.
The onion is listed by the Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical
Association as a cardiovascular drug. Doctors advise an intake of at least half an onion a
day to ward off heart diseases. Onions both cooked and raw have chemicals that
promote thinning of blood. Raw onion is most effective and can lower dangerous LDL
cholesterol levels most drastically. The home yoghurt bacteria in the stomach can knock
out other bacteria which cause stomach upsets and infections. A cup of yoghurt a day
spruces up the immune system.
Garlic has near magical powers: it can decrease blood cholesterol levels; unclog closed
arteries, lower blood pressure and kill pain very effectively. According to M. W. Me
Duffie of the Metropolitan Hospital, New York, garlic contains a volatile oil called allyl
sulphate which is a strong antiseptic with the ability to inhibit the growth of Koch's
bacillus,
(i) On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it in points only
using headings and sub-headings. Also use recognisable abbreviations and
symbols wherever necessary (minimum 4). Supply a suitable title.
(iii) Find words in the report which mean the same as:
(a) to make one look and feel younger or livelier (Para. 1)
(b) a thing that makes something’s less likely to do something (Para. 4)
(c) likely to change suddenly (Para. 9)
25

ADVERTISEMENTS (CLASSIFIEDS)
1. You are the General Manager of ABC Ltd. You want to appoint two sales representatives
for your company. Draft an advertisement to be published in the classified columns of a
local daily.
2. You are a graduate in Commerce and require a job. Draft an advertisement for a
newspaper, giving particulars of qualifications and experience.
3. You want to sell your car. Draft an advertisement to be published in a local daily in the
classified columns.
4. You want to rent a flat. Draft an advertisement detailing your requirements and your
capacity to pay.
5. You want to sell certain household goods as you have been transferred to another city.
Draft a suitable advertisement to be inserted in a newspaper.
6. You want to let out a portion of your house. Draft a suitable advertisement giving all
necessary details.
7. As the Managing Director of a Bureau providing tutors for home coaching, write an
advertisement to be published in the classified columns of a newspaper.
8. Write an advertisement for the ‘Missing Pet’ columns of a newspaper about your missing
pet dog.
9. You lost your briefcase while travelling by bus. Write a suitable advertisement for the ‘Lost
and Found’ columns of a newspaper.
10.You are running a travel agency. Draft an advertisement giving information about a
holiday package to Singapore for 3 nights and 4 days.
11.Write a matrimonial advertisement for publication in a newspaper for a suitable match for
your sister.
1. The following paragraph has an error in each line. Identify and correct it as directed in
the example.
Dr. Radhakrishnan bought to the Presidency e.g. brought to
a mental equipment, a degree in erudition
and wealth from experience rarely to be
found somewhere. During a lifetime
devoted on the pursuit of knowledge
and truth, he has done most than probably
any other man in bring out and explaining
Indian philosophical thought and an oneness
of every true spiritual values.
2. There is a word missing in each line of the passage given below. Insert the missing word
as directed in the example:
When you want to find something about e.g. find out something
subject which is new to you, a good
place to start be an encyclopedia.
26
Encyclopedia are intended for non-specialists,

but they cover most areas human knowledge.
Most of them bibliographies at the end
of article. Although encyclopedia are
very large, they are fairly simple use and
extremely informative for and all.
C.3. Complete the following dialogue by inserting suitable phrases in the blanks.
Pallavi : Well, what do you think of this, Siddharth? Do you like this restaurant?
Siddharth : _____________. One can get a lovely view of the river from the window.
Pallavi : ____________________________________________
Siddharth : This is awesome. Well, I wonder _________________
Pallavi : Oh yes! I'm starving.
Siddharth : The _________________ today is Bolognese Pasta.
Pallavi : __________________. I love even Mom's Pasta.
The Laburnum Top
1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
(i) She enters the thickness, and a machine starts up of chitterlings, and a tremor of
wings, and trillings
a) Who is ‘she’ here?
b) How was the tree before ‘she’ entered it?
c) Explain: ‘the machine starts up’.
(ii)With eerie delicate whistle- chirrup whisperings

She launches away, towards the infinite
And the laburnum subsides to empty
a) Why is chirruping ‘eerie’?
b) What happens when the gold finch goes off to the infinite?
c) How did the gold finch’s arrival transform the tree?
2. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words.
(i) What is significant about the beginning and ending of the poem?
(ii) What does the colour ‘yellow’ signify in the poem?
(iii) How does the poem create the musical atmosphere generated by the goldfinch?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Assignment – 5
=============================================
RIDING DYNAMITE
27
The good news first, the government is on the verge of approving the use of eco-friendly,
rather easily available liquefied petroleum gas-the good old cooking gas as a fuel to run
automobiles. The proposal, it is learnt, is awaiting the President's stamp of approval.
People can look forward to a bit of decline in the pollution levels in the air, as LPG
emissions are cleaner than petrol or, horror of horrors, diesel, and the air around the
Capital might conceivably lighten up for the Delhite to heave a sigh of relief without
choking.
Now the bad news, legislation might not have yet been passed, but motorists all over the
country had already been running their vehicles on LPG for months now. In fact, the
friendly neighbourhood 'conversion garage' has become as ubiquitous as the cycle
mechanic used to be in less hectic times. As of now, such conversion of vehicles is
outright illegal, according to the office of the Delhi Transport Secretary Ashok Pradhan.
However, the gas rush continues unabated and the gaswallahs vehemently deny any ille-
gality. "Vehicles with LPG kits cannot be challenged any more," declares Sanjay
Chauhan, proprietor of a garage in east Delhi (incidentally, located virtually adjoining
the local police station). He is right; they are not challenged-simply because the traffic
police has not been instructed to do so. Exactly why, is a question for which no one in
authority has an answer. This rush to switch to LPG is not born out of any eco-friendly
motives, but due to pure commerce. A 14-kg cylinder of cooking gas costs (post-price
hike) Rs 240, i.e., about Rs 17 a kg, in Delhi. The cost of installing an LPG kit ranges
from Rs 6,000 to about Rs 12,000.
And on one kilo of gas, the vehicle logs, if anything, a couple of kilometres more than it
would on petrol. In a kitted Maruti car, for instance, according to Chauhan, this
translates to running cost of less than a rupee a kilometre-a ridiculously low input, and a
huge incentive to make the switch.
However, what is lost in the fine print of conversion is that the domestic cooking gas
cylinder is not intended to be installed on automobiles. To make it fit into the skimpy
boots of most cars, they are installed horizontally-which is just asking for trouble. Says a
scientist with the Tata Institute of Energy Research who does not wish to be identified:
"When the cylinder is horizontal, there is risk of the fuel reaching the engine in liquid
form, especially when there is a great deal of moving and jerking.
The kit installed in automobiles cannot handle LPG in liquid form, and this gives rise to
chances of fire. (A few months ago one car did catch fire in the Capital). Even in homes,
gas cylinders have to be kept upright," he points out.
Moreover, he fears, with winter around the corner, chances of this eventuality occurring
become greater. It is not as though no one is unaware of the risk factor. Though
Chauhan and his ilk staunchly deny it, the insurance companies refuse to insure
automobiles with LPG kits installed. Says S.K.Jain, an insurance agent, "Once the
original configuration is tampered with, insurance is denied. Only permitted alterations
like CNG conversion are insured."
The equally cheap CNG has not really taken off, despite its proven safety record,
primarily because of the high installation cost, and refilling difficulties. The cost ranges
28
from Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000. And though the number of filling stations in the Capital
has increased, filling up is still difficult. LPG, on the other hand, is easily procurable
throughout the country.
However, when the pending legislation to legalize LPG in automobiles does go through,
it will be a different kettle of fish altogether. Vehicles will have to be installed with
approved tanks-which are installed horizontally but whose vent would be at the top.
Refilling will be done only at gas stations (one petrol pump in south Delhi has already
equipped itself with a filling point, albeit dysfunctional at the moment). And, most
importantly, the subsidy factor-the biggest incentive-will go. That will effectively peg the
gas price on level with petrol and rob it of its attraction, as far as the consumer is
concerned. Says S Sreekumar, an insurance clerk in Kochi whose Maruti car runs on
LPG: "Right now conversion to gas is rampant, but if gas costs the same as petrol, not
many people are going to be so 'environment-friendly'!"
And, may be, the cops will finally start fining cars running on subsidised gas meant for
the kitchen. K. Hari Warrier-The Hindustan Times
A.1(i) On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions
briefly:
(a) Why does the author hope for a decline in pollution? What other thing has
he noticed?
(b) Why does the gas rush continue unabated? Give two reasons.
(c) Why do you think, the LPG cylinder should not be used to run
automobiles? (d) What hurdles are CNG fuels driven vehicles facing?
(e) When will people become not so 'environment-friendly'?
(ii) Find words in the above passage which convey similar meaning as the following:
(a) present almost everywhere (lines 1 to 10)
(b) absurdly (lines 15 to 25)
(c) flourishing excessively (lines 43 to 53)
(d) firmly (lines 31 to 40)
A.2. Read the given passage carefully.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) attract many young people deeply committed
to working for the upliftment of the disadvantaged. Both freshers and people with
experience who "want to give something back to society" are increasing in numbers and
seek an opportunity in this sector-in the West, dissatisfaction with money-centred careers
led many young people to work in the field of social problems and some of that has been
felt in India of late.
Many have indeed found their real calling in certain social organisations. They can not
only use their skills for the welfare of society but are also paid well. The sector gets an
estimated Rs. 3,000 crore annually from government and foreign funding agencies. You
can pick your area of work from a wide spread that covers culture, women's issues, child
labour, public health, handicapped children, environment and more.
There are two kinds of NGOs. One is the activist types, who work in villages and with
29
tribal. Working with them involves a certain amount of hardship. There is much to do,
and money may be limited. Moreover, a city person may not be able to work in remote
villages. Yet, many do so and discover a life that goes beyond job satisfaction. "The poor
need educated people who can help them or deal with the district administration for
them. The idea is to give a voice to the poor," says an activist. An engineer, he has given
up his job to work in a backward area.
Among the second lot, fall the urban NGOs. But here one has to pick and choose the
dedicated ones, for many have been floated by academicians, politicians and
bureaucrats merely to corner development funds or prime plots through contacts in
government or foreign bodies. The flow of foreign aid skews the sector towards
organisations which organise seminars and meetings just to please the foreign donor.
Leaflets and magazines are published which are mostly distributed free and get very few
concerned readers. Tickets to international meetings are obtained by working in this
sector. The sector, as a whole, suffers on account of certain organisations which virtually
act as agents for foreign funding agencies.
You have to decide which one you would like to work for. Since there is little regulation
of these organisations, usually set up as trusts, many exist only on paper. The Council for
Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) had sometime ago
blacklisted 564 shady agencies but actually the number may be much more.
Some other organisations are doing commendable work. Many people have discovered
their real vocation working with them. If you are a fresher, a degree in social welfare or
rural management might help. But if you have experience, any background will do. The
voluntary sector needs doctors, teachers, lawyers, artists, managers and so on. All you
need is interest and desire. Personnel with fund-raising capability are in particular
demand.
Making a career in this sector is, however, another matter. There are many reasons for
this. First, funding of NGOs is for particular projects and when the project finishes, so
does the job. Second, many are poorly managed. They are usually run by the founder or
the principal fund raiser as a small business. This, together with lack of objectives or a
managerial approach, is the reason why the sector has not been able to attract many
professionals from the corporate sector even though many executives are keen to work
in the social sector, at least on a part-time basis.
There is an urgent need for the voluntary sector to become professional in their
approach, or to pattern themselves on NGO in other countries. The perception in the
corporate sector is that it is run by a closed lot who network among themselves.
(i) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it in points
only, using headings and sub-headings. Also use recognisable abbreviations and
symbols wherever necessary (minimum 4). Supply a suitable title.
(iii) Find words in the passage which mean the same as:
(a) To change or influence (Para. 4)
(b) an official rule made by a government or some other authority (Para. 5)
(c) the way you assess things (Para. 8)
30

DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT
1. You are going to hold an exhibition of handicrafts in the ladies club. Draft a display advertisement for
the publicity of the event.
2. International Trade Fair Authority is organizing an International Book Fair at Pragati Maidan for a
week. The exhibition will be inaugurated by the H.R.D. Minister. Draft a suitable advertisement to be
published in the News Paper.
3. You have recently started an institute for personality development for school children. Draft a display
advertisement to be published in a local daily giving all the relevant details about the institute.
4. Fresh Food Ltd. is launching their new package product. Draft a suitable advertisement giving details
of the product and launch offer.
LETTER WRITING – BUSINESS/OFFICIAL LETTERS
5. This winter vacation you are planning to visit Jodhpur. Write a letter to a travel agency in
Jodhpur requesting them to book you a room in a five star hotel. Also mention other
details of your journey, the other facilities you require there. Sign yourself as Karuna /
Karan Jindal, Kailash Colony, Nagpur – 2.( 80 – 100 words)
6. You are Devki / Devesh Dasgupta, Librarian, Navyug School, Area Colony, Bhopal –
12. Write a letter to M/s. Galgotia Booksellers, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 1, placing
an order for books for the library. (80 – 100 words)
7. You are Shyam Sunder, Manager, Great Printers, write a reply to the above letter (B.4).
(80 -100 words)
8. You are Nikita / Nikhil Nanda, rlo 41. Saraswati Road. Jammu – 23. Two weeks back
you bought a cordless electric iron from Jiwan Electronics, Darya Ganj, Jammu – 02.
Now you discover that the iron isn’t functioning properly. Its heat hardly lasts for a few
seconds after it’s taken off the mains. Write a letter to the dealer complaining about it.
Also request him to change the defective iron against the two year warranty that goes
with it. (80 – 100 words)
9. You are Babli / Bunty Bose, r/o of 43, Vigyam Nagar, Agra – 11. Write a letter to the
commissioner of Police, Agra complaining about poor police – patrolling in your area.
Mention the rising incidents of criminal activities there. (80 – 100 words)
GRAMMAR
1. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals to complete the letter.
Dear Amit
I lost the opportunity of seeing Leander Paes, the ace tennis player. He was in town on a
short visit. I…………………………..have reached the airport before time but my bike
failed me. I…………………………..not reach there in time to get his autograph. But I
missed him by a few minutes. I think I…………………………have taken a cab instead. I
31
am sure I……………………..get his autograph some day.

2. Fill the gaps in these sentences with the correct form of the verb, adjective or noun +
preposition from the list below.
(i) Infosys’ turnover has been so good that it shall be able to invest in more new
projects.
(ii) We are one of a large number of firms which are____________ environmentally
safe projects.
(iii) The uncertainty about syllabus change could _____________ the student’s studies.
(iv) The teacher asked the class to ______________ the worksheet first.
(v) HCL is encouraging customers to____________their old PCs and buy the latest
models.
(vi) If you are studying English Literature be sure to ____________ going through
critical reviews.
(vii) In many countries the price of a car is ___________ ten years" wages for a worker.
(viii) Most people buying Tata products ____________ them.
(ix) Our company has been _____________ the same bank for 30 years now.
(x) Most foreign bound travellers___________ sickness or accident just to be safe.
(deal with /dispose of /equivalent to /give priority to /have a look at/ have
confidence in / insure against / interfere with / invest in / involved in)
Discovering Tut
1. What generated the interest of the world in King Tut?
2. Why was Carter’s investigation not approved by the experts?
3. What made a guard remark ‘curse of the pharaoh’?
4. What do you come to know of the beliefs of the ancient Eqyptians through this mummy?
5. Answer the following questions in 100 – 125 words.
(i) Nature echoed the unnatural happening with King Tut’s body. Comment.
(ii) Describe the changing attitude of the archaeologists over a span of time.
(iii)Explain the statement ‘King Tut’s is one of the first mummies to be scanned – in
death, as in life.’
Ranga’s Marriage
1. Who was Ranga? What was special about him?
2. “What has happened is disgraceful, believe me,” What does the speaker refer to? How
does he illustrate his point of view?
3. What were Ranga’s views on marriage?
4. Ranga did not believe in arranged marriages. Bring out the irony in the statement.
5. Bring out the humour in the lesson.
6. The author/narrator manages the show of Ranga’s marriage. Elucidate.
7. Comment on the narrator’s views on astrology.
32
Assignment – 6

THE STRESS FACTOR
While there is no denying that the world loves a winner. It is important that you
recognise the signs of stress in your behaviour, and be healthy enough to enjoy your
success. Stress can strike anytime, in a fashion that may leave you unaware of its
presence in your life. While a certain amount of pressure is necessary for performance, it
is important to be able to recognise your individual threshold. For instance, there are
some individuals who accept competition in a healthy fashion. There are others who
collapse into weeping wrecks before an exam, or on comparing mark sheets and finding
that their friend has scored better.
It is a body reaction to any demands or changes in its internal and external environment.
Whenever there is a change in the external environment such as temperature, pollutants,
humidity and working conditions, it leads to stress. In these days of competition when a
person makes up his mind to surpass what has been achieved by others, leading to an
imbalance between demands and resources, it causes psycho-social stress. It is a part
and parcel of everyday life.
Stress has a different meaning depending on the stage of life you’re in. The loss of a toy
or a reprimand from the parents might create a stress shock in a child. An adolescent
who fails an examination may feel as if everything has been lost and life has no further
meaning. In an adult, the loss of his or her companion, job or professional failure may
appear as if there is nothing more to be achieved.
Such signs appear in the attitude and behaviour of the individual, as muscle tension in
various parts of the body, palpitation and high blood pressure, indigestion and hypera-
cidity and ultimately in self destructive behaviour such as eating and drinking too much,
smoking excessively, relying on tranquillisers, trembling, shaking, nervous blinking, dry-
ness of throat and mouth and difficulty in swallowing.
The professional under stress behaves as if he is a perfectionist followed by depression,
lethargy, weakness for further work. Periodic mood shifts also indicate the stress status of
students, executives and professionals.
In a study sponsored by World Health Organisation and carried out by Harvard School
of Public Health, the global burden of diseases and injury indicated that stress diseases
and accidents are going to be the major killers in 2020.
The ischemic heart diseases and neurological depression, both stress diseases, are going
to rank first and second in 2020. Road traffic accidents are going to be the third largest
killers. These accidents are also an indicator of psycho-social stress in a fast-moving
society. Other stress diseases like ulcers, hypertension and neuronal disorders including
insomnia have assumed epidemic proportions in modern societies.
33
A person behaves in different ways in stress but the common ones are flight, fight and
flow. Depending upon the nature of stress and capability of the person, the three re-
sponses can be elegantly chosen to cope up with the stress so that stress does not
damage the system and become distress.
When stress crosses the threshold peculiar to an individual, it deteriorates his
performance capacity. Frequent jumps over that threshold may result in a syndrome
called chronic fatigue in which a person feels lethargic, disinterested and is not easily
motivated to achieve anything. This may make the person mentally undecided, confused
and accident prone as well. Sudden exposure to un-nerving stress may also result in a
loss of memory.
The best technique is self inner control. This arises by having faith in oneself, on the
usefulness of the job he is doing and on any superpower who would deliver the result of
the effort made.
There are many stress modifiers or stress busters. Some of these are diet and massage
from Naturopathy, food supplements and herbs from herbal medicine. Hobbies and
relaxation techniques, homeopathy and modern medicine, physical exercise and dance
movements are excellent stress modifiers.
Based on an interview of Dr KK Srivastava, Director (Projects),
Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (Source-HT Enhance)
A.1 (i) Answer the following questions briefly:
(a) What is stress? What factors lead to stress?
(b) Does the age of a person have any impact on stress levels? How / how not?
(c) What are the symptoms or signs by which a person can recognise he is
under stress?
(d) What are the different diseases a person gets due to stress?
(e) How can a person cope with stress?
(ii) Find words in the above passage which convey similar meaning as the following:
(a) person whose physical or mental health has been seriously damaged. (Para
1)
(b) inactivity; apathy (Para 5)
(c) limit (Para 9)
(d) rebuke (Para 3)
A.2. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
It’s all quiet on the roads of Delhi for the time being. Violent protests sparked off by the
closure of polluting industries in residential areas of the capital and their relocation to
Bawana and Narela industrial areas in Outer Delhi ‘seem’ to have died down. However,
scratch the surface and the underlying controversy pertaining to the relocation becomes
visible.
The National Capital Region (NCR) has emerged as one of the biggest centre of small-
scale industries in the country. Pollution is rampant. The municipal facilities except in a
34
few elite colonies are bursting at their seams and Delhi has expanded and ballooned
beyond redemption. “The result is poor quality of environment created by deplorable
sanitary conditions – overflowing gutters, choked sewers, stagnant rainwater, and
polluted effluent waste – encounter you in any part of the capital,” says Fred Zobrist of
Tetratech a US environmental multinational.
However, can we afford a repetition of the current scenario? Is it a sheer chance that
Delhi has the highest number of respiratory tract diseases? Is this the development we
are striving for? “No,” says Zobrist, pointing out that “the growth is not sustainable and
further degradation of the environment has to be stopped”. Keeping this in view, a
judgment for the relocation of industries from residential or non-conforming areas to new
industrial estates was passed by the Supreme Court in 1996. Subsequently, it was
approved by the Delhi government in 1998.
While 1,943 hectares (4,800 acres) of land has been identified in the rural zone for
relocation of industries (out of which notification to acquire 528.50 hectares (1,300
acres) has already been issued), Bawana alone constitutes 750 acres, Alipur, Khera
Khurd, Bans Khrea Kalan and Jindpur 250 acres and Holambi Khurd, Holambi Kalan,
Khera Khurd, Naya Bans 300 acres.
“The objective of the project is to decongest Delhi and to relocate the industries in
approved plotted and flatted industrial estates. The goal is to reduce environmental
pollution in residential areas and to provide an environmental friendly condition in
alternative localities,” says Zobrist. Adds R. K. Gupta, Chief Engineer, DSIDC, “The
coming of MRTS will solve all transportation and commuting problems as Bawana and
adjacent areas will be well connected. Moreover, an environmental study recently carried
out has confirmed that the pollution levels here will not go up with the relocation of the
industries”.
Even as construction of basic infrastructure like approach roads and levelling of land is
already in full swing in Narela Industrial Estate, the area earmarked for relocation in
Bawana only sports a notification board to this effect and acres and acres of barren
wilderness. “Land was acquired way back in 1997-98 with notices pasted outside our
homes. Nobody even asked us and we had no say. However, nothing seems to have
come of it and the land continues to lie barren and wasted,” laments Satpal Singh, a
villager whose land was incorporated in the Bawana Industrial Area.
Industry owners too do not seem to be happy. Says Ajit Choudhary, President, Delhi
Manufacturers Federation, “The relocation process is progressing only on paper as only
16,000 out of the one-and-a-half lakh industrial units are being shifted. Also, it is not just
the shifting of the industries but also of pollution”.
“We can always build the sewage treatment plants at the present locations rendering the
relocation anon-starter,” he says pointing out that as the distance too is very far, the
pollution on roads too will increase. “With no housing arrangement for the labour made
as yet, a natural corollary of relocation would be a splurge in slums, leading to large-
scale pollution in the neighbourhood, something which the planners seem to have
glossed over.” Varun Soni and Shelly Anand-HT Estate
35
A.2. (i) On the basis of your reading of the passage, make notes on it, using recognisable
abbreviations wherever necessary. Use a format you consider suitable. Supply a
suitable title.
(ii) Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words.
1. You are Renuka / Ritesh Deshmukh, Purchase Officer, Satyam Electronics, Lal Market,
Srinagar 92. Write a letter to the Sales Manager of Onida Electronics, Onida World,
Ludhiana – 10, Placing order for frost – free refrigerators, washing machines, CTV s, air
– conditioners, microwave ovens, etc. (80 – 100 words)
2. You are Zohra / Zubin Sehgal, the Cultural Co-ordinator of Pathways School. Your
school is celebrating its silver jubilee in a grand manner. A plethora of events, the
highlight being- The Ramayan Ballet, is going to be held. Write a letter to the Manager,
Great Printers, Bela Market, Jullundhur – 7, ordering leaflets, posters, handbills, entry
tickets and invitation cards for the gala event. (80 – 100 Words)
3. You are Deeksha / Dipankar Singh from Bikaner. Last month you purchased a colour
television from Das Electronics, Malviya Market, Bikaner, with four years warranty.
Already the set has started giving problems. Write a letter to the dealer complaining
about them and request him to change the piece under the warranty it enjoys. (80 – 100
words)
4. You are the proprietor of Rakheja Garments, 73, Kalkaji Market, New Delhi – 19. You
had placed an order with M/s Sparsh Garment, Mansarover Market, Ludhiana – 65 for
the supply of hosiery T-shirts. But, they have delayed the execution of the order. Write a
letter to them cancelling the order. (80 – 100 words)
5. As the Secretary of LaI Cricket Academy, Dalhousie, you had placed an order for cricket
equipment, with Grand Slam, 37, G.K. II, New Delhi – 48. The order is overdue by 15
days. Write a letter to the supplier cancelling the order. (80–100 words)
6. You are Parul/Pradeep of New Model Public School, Delhi. You are interested in doing a
short term course in computer programming during summer vacations. Write a letter to
the Director of Institution enquiring about the duration of the course and the terms and
conditions for admission.
7. You are Prantik/Prantika, the secretary of the Historical Society of Nalanda Senior
Secondary School, Mumbai. You want to take a group of forty students of your school,
on a trip from Mumbai to Delhi by a Deluxe Bus. Write a letter to Global Travels,
Mumbai, enquiring about their terms and conditions for package tours. You can ask
about duration of the trip, boarding and lodging charges, mode of payment and discount
available, if any.
Section – C (Applied Grammar)
1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals:-
(i) You seem to be having trouble there._________ I help you? (Would /will /shall)
(ii) I don’t have enough money to buy lunch._______________ you lend me some
36
money? (may / could / shall)

(iii) That ice is dangerously thin now. You ________________ go ice-skating
today.(mustn’t / mightnot / would mind not to )
(iv) It’s way past my bedtime and I’m really tired. I__________________go to bed.
(should / ought / could)
(v) He _____________have committed this crime. He wasn’t even in the city that
night. (might/shouldn’t/ couldn’t)
(vi) John is over two hours late already. He_________ missed the bus again.(should
have/ must have/ will have)
(vii) I’m really quite lost _____________ showing me how to get out of here?(would
you mind / would you be/ must you be)
(viii) That bus is usually on time. It ______________ to be here any time now.
(might/has/ought)
(ix) I read about your plan’s disaster. You________ terrified! (might have been / must
have been / shall have been )
Voice of the Rain
1. And who art thou? Said I to the soft falling shower which, strange to tell, gave me an
answer, as here translated I am the poem of Earth, said the voice of the rain.
(i) Who does ‘I’ refer to in the first and third line of the extract?
(ii) What does the phrase ‘strange to tell’ mean?
(iii) Who are the two participants? What is the reason for this?
(iv) How does the rain justify its claim ‘I am the poem of Earth’?
2. Eternal I rise…………….latent, unborn
(i) What is the origin of the rain?
(ii) What happens to the rain in the sky?
(iii) How does the rain help the seeds?
3. And forever, by day and night………………returns
(i) How does the rain help its own origin?
(ii) There is a parallel drawn between rain and music. Explain.
Why are the last two lines put within brackets?
Assignment – 7

FEARLESSNESS
Our ancient sages and forefathers had taught us the importance of three qualities as
essential requisites to preserve our culture eternally. They relate to our intellectual,
emotional and physical aspects involving moment to moment transactions. They are
37
fearlessness, non-attachment and non –violence.

The most important among the three is fearlessness. Whenever our culture or our values
are threatened, we should have the courage to stand against the inimical forces. The
conflict between truth and untruth or right and wrong, is a phenomenon that has baffled
people right from the beginning of creation. Many times, we feel that wickedness is over-
running righteousness. But we should rganiz that this is temporary. Ultimately, truth
alone will win. This is the law of nature. The main weapon in the battle for the victory of
Dharma (Righteousness) is fearlessness.
To develop fearlessness, we have to shed our ego that often clouds our mind and
intellects. First of all we must develop a firm conviction in the principles and beliefs, we
value. We should then remain ready to sacrifice everything that we hold dear to us.
Some people merely sacrifice their possessions, that too mainly for the sake of name and
fame. That is not true sacrifice. Giving up one’s ego with a spirit of surrender or
submission to the unseen power of Almighty to attain fearlessness is true sacrifice. We
understand submission as mere obedience of our superiors or others in authority,
forgetting our basic responsibility that we should resist any attempt from any quarters to
impose wrong practices and unrighteous acts.
Fearlessness can be attained only if another equally important quality like non-
attachment can be cultivated. This calls for discrimination (Viveka). The ability to
distinguish between the permanent and the temporary is called Viveka. There is no
attachment to any person or a thing, be it a family or property. But this value comes only
when we seek for higher levels of knowledge to attain wisdom, which is different from
the skills or techniques or literary proficiency.
Supplementing both these qualities of fearlessness and non-attachment is the ability to
remain non-violent under all circumstances. Non-violence is not limited to the physical
body. One should practice non-violence in speech and thought too. It calls for immense
will power. Jains, as a community, led by their monks have shown clearly the path non-
violence in day-to-day life. When we combine fearlessness and non-attachment with
non-violence, we unleash forces which can bring down even powerful armies and mighty
empires. Take the case of the United States of America, which had a fearless leader like
Abraham Lincoln, who rganized the urges of the people against slavery for freedom.
Mahatma Gandhi inspired us for freedom from foreign rule by inspiring us through
fearlessness, non-attachment and non-violence.
However, epics teach us that it is impossible to correct men like Duryodhana. In such
cases, use of force is not only necessary, but it also becomes mandatory. The physical
punishments, parents give out to their children for a positive purpose also cannot be
considered as violence as long as no love is lost in the relationship.
1. On the basis of reading of the above passage, answer the following questions to the point:
(a) Which characteristics of paramount importance are needed to preserve our
culture?
(b) How can you say that fearlessness is the best weapon to encounter inimical
forces?
38
I What is the true sacrifice according to the passage?

(d) What is Viveka and in what way it is different from literary proficiency?
(e) How did Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi help their countries in attaining
freedom?
(f) In what circumstances can one resort to force?
(ii) Trace words from the passage which convey the same meaning as the following:
(a) natural occurrence (Para. 2)
(b) to be able to do something well (Para. 4)
(c) compulsory (Para. 6)
The third great defect of our civilization is that it does not know what to do with its
knowledge. Science has given us powers fit for the gods yet we use them like small
children. For example, we do not know how to manage our machines. Machines were
made to be man’s servants. Yet he has grown so dependent on them that they are in a
fair way to become his masters. Already most men spend most of their lives looking after
the waiting upon machines. And the machines are very stern masters. They must be kept
at the right temperature. And if they do not get their meals when they expect them, they
grow sulky and refuse to work or burst with rage and glow up and spread ruin and
destruction all round them. So we have to wait upon them very attentively and do all
that we can to keep them in a good temper. Already we find it difficult either to work or
play without the machines and a time may come when they will rule us altogether just as
we rule the animals.
And this brings me to the point at which I asked, what we do with all the time which the
machines have saved for us and the new energy they have given us? On the whole, it
must be admitted, we do very little. For the most part we use our time and energy to
make more and better machines which will give us still more time and still more energy
and what are we to do with them? The answer I think is that we should try to become
more civilized. For the machines themselves and the power which the machines have
given us, are not civilization but aids to civilization. But you will remember that we
agreed at the beginning that being civilized meant making and liking beautiful things,
thinking freely and living rightly and maintaining justice equally between man and man.
Man has a better chance today to do these things than he ever had before; he has more
time, more energy, less to fear and less to fight against. If he gives his time and energy
which his machines have won for him to making more beautiful things, to finding out
more and more about the Universe, to removing the causes of quarrels between nations,
to discovering how to prevent poverty, then I think our civilization would undoubtedly be
the greater, as it would be more lasting that it has ever been. -C. E.
M. Joad
A.2.
(i) On the basis of your reading of the passage, make notes on it, using recognizable
suitable title.
39

1. As a result of a sedentary lifestyle, obesity among children is on the rise. Deliver a speech in
the morning assembly of your school on the importance of regular exercise.
2. These days, advertisers are targeting children to sell their products. Write a speech to put
forward your views.
3. Extra – Curricular activities should be accorded equal importance as academics. Write your
views on the subject.
4. You are Jagriti / Jameel Agarwal. You have noticed the mushrooming of health clubs and
beauty parlours everywhere. You attribute this to the growing awareness of health and
beauty among the masses. Write a report on this development for publication in a
magazine. (100-125 words)
5. Your school celebrated ‘Library Week’ in the last week of August. As the school editor, write
a report on it to be published in your school Newsletter. (100-125 words)
6. You have conducted a critical analysis of your home state, for instance West Bengal,
Gujarat, etc. You have touched upon its various aspects, including its past; present scenario
as well as future prospects. Write an article on your state, sign yourself as Chandni / Chirag
Baig. (200 words)
7. The concept of an ideal student has undergone many changes, over the years. Trace the
evolvement of the thinking, questioning, aware and rationalising students of today. Write an
article on the same. (200 words)
8. Cut-throat competition, rampant materialism and consumerism, disillusionment and stress,
these are the hall marks of the present society. Write an article on how a simple approach to
life, complemented by a good sense of humour can be the panacea to these ills. You are
Disha / Darshan Dhawan. (200 words)
Section – C (Applied Grammar)
1. Re-order the phrases to create appropriate sentences.
(i) of the world’s sugar cane / in Asia / over 40 percent / is produced
(ii) can be used as fuel / ethyl alcohol / for cars / extracted / sugar cane / from
(iii) not the only thing / can power automobiles / gasoline is / that
(iv) can be / alternative energy source / an / hydrogen also
(v) is plentiful / any number of things / hydrogen / and found in
(vi) generate electricity / no harmful by – products / hydrogen used to / in a / produces
/ fuel cell
(iv) Tarini had borrowed ‘The Da Vinci Code’ from her office colleague, Siddhi.
But she hasn’t returned it as yet. Complete the dialogue between them by
inserting appropriate phrases in the blanks.
Siddhi : Hi Stranger! How have you been?
Tarini : Hi buddy! Oh my God! I still (a) ____________.
Siddhi : Well, honestly, I was (b) ___________.
Tarini : Actually I still haven’t been able to complete it. The book is I_______
40
Siddhi : It’s awesome. (d) _____________

Tarini : (e) _____________. I promise.
Landscape of the Soul
a) Nek Chand followed the notions of ‘art brut’ or ‘raw art’. Justify.
b) What is the fundamental notion of Daoism?
c) How does a man become ‘the eye of the landscape’?
d) What was the importance of tales in China’s classical education?
2. Long Answer Questions-
a) How are the European paintings different from Chinese paintings?
b) “The landscape is an inner one, a spiritual and conceptual space”. Discuss.
Assignment – 8

A.1. Read the following poem and answer the questions based on it.
The Best of School
The blinds are drawn because of the sun,
And the boys and the room in a colourless gloom
of underwater float; bright ripples run
Across the “walls as the blinds are blown
To let the sunlight in; and I,
As I sit on the shores of the class, alone,
Watch the boys in their summer blouses
As they write, their round heads busily bowed:
And one after another rouses,
His face to look at me,
To ponder very quietly,
As seeing, he does not see.
And then he turns again, with a little, glad
Thrill of his work he turns again from me.
Having found what he wanted, having got what was to be had.
And very sweet it is, while the sunlight waves
In the ripening morning, to sit alone with the class
And feel the stream of awakening ripple and pass
From me to the boys, who’s brightening souls it laves
For this little hour.
This morning, sweet it is
To feel the lads’ looks light on me
Then back in a swift, bright flutter to work
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Each one darting away with his

Discovery, like birds that steal and flee.
Touch after touch I feel on me
As their eyes glance at me for the grain
Of rigour they taste delightedly
As tendrils reach out yearningly
Slowly rotate till they touch in tree
That they cleave unto, and up which they climb
Up to their lives — so they to me.
I feel them cling and cleave to me
As vines going eagerly up, they twine
My life with other leaves, my time
Is hidden in theirs, their thrills are mine.
– D. H. Lowrence
(i) What does the speaker observe as he sits on the shores of the class?
(ii) Why was he sitting alone?
(iii) How do the poet and the boys exchange the ‘stream of awakening ripple’ the pass
between them?
(iv) Why has the boy’s glance been compared to the movements of birds?
When a group of astronomers found it difficult to spot stars in the Tucson township sky,
they knew it was time to act. The night sky was getting polluted from excessive light. This
group, called the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), has now come up with a
prize for the best night sky: a World Heritage status.
IDA Director Reg R Wilson said in an interview to the Hindustan Times that the proposal
would perhaps motivate countries to draw up rules to protect the night sky. Several
countries have now enacted light pollution laws.
The IDA is an association of astronomers and lighting engineers formed 12 years ago by
Chief Astronomer Kitt Peak National Observatory, USA.
Light pollution, a relatively unheard form of pollution, happens with excessive outdoor
lighting. A great deal of ‘waste light’ is generated when this light is thrown upwards. This
gives an artificial glow to the night sky, making it difficult to spot stars. Other kinds of
pollution do their bit to damage the night sky.
Wilson said ‘waste light’ meant loss of precious electrical energy and thereby contributing
to green house gas emission. Fifteen to 35 per cent light is wasted this way and the US
loses about 5 billion dollars this way, he said.
Professional light engineers for safety and comfort should design exterior light, he said.
Countries such as the USA, Australia and Italy have framed laws against light pollution.
Six months ago, Czechoslovakia made a law that all exterior lights must be shielded so
that no light goes up. Australian standard allows a maximum of 6 per cent waste upward
light which is to be reduced to 3 per cent.
Iiz Sianey, facade of buildings can’t be lit up with flood lights.
High intensity flood lights aimed at high angles can reflect up 70 per cent of the intensity
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into the night sky. Structural elements of buildings can be enhanced with low light, giving
it a more dramatic effect than “blasting a whole lot of light”.
Lights from bill boards, street lights, service stations, car parking, sports lighting also add
up to light “clutter”, create glare and waste upward light.
Satyen Mohapatra-The Hindustan Times
(i) On the basis of your reading of the passage, make notes on it, using recognizable
suitable title
1. Sandhya Bajaj reads the following advertisement and wishes to apply. Draft a job
application for any of the following posts.
ICFAI
UNIVERSITY
Welcomes
Branch Manager / Marketing Executive /
Councellor/Accounts & Admin. Executive
at New Delhi
The ICFAI University requires the following personnel for its Campus Programs
Admissions Department (CPAD) center at New Delhi
Branch Manager (BMND-CP)
The candidates will be responsible for the business development and operations of the
CPAD Center at New Delhi. He should be an MBA (Marketing) from reputed Institute
with 4-5 years of experience at managerial level in the field of management /marketing
in an educational/service industry. Age around 26-30 years. The candidate should be a
self-starter with excellent managerial abilities, good communication skills and strong
leadership qualities.
Marketing Executive (MEND-CP)
Candidates should be MBAs in marketing with 2-3 years of experience in sales and
marketing preferably in the educational / service industry and between 23-26 years of
age. Candidates should be willing to travel extensively and achieve set targets.
Councellor (CNND-CP)
Candidates should be graduates, age around 22-25 years with 1-2 years experience in
counseling / client servicing with an educational Institute / service industry. Working
knowledge of computers is an essential prerequisite. Candidate with good
communication skills, pleasing personality, fluency in English and local language will be
preferred.
Accounts/Admin. Executive (AEND-CP)
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B.Com with CA (Inter) having 2-3 years of experience in maintenance of accounts.

Knowledge of accounting packages preferred. They should have experience in office
administration, maintenance of records and attendance also.
For all the above positions candidates should be computer savy and should have
adequate local experience.
All interested candidates may send their bio-data within 7 days quoting respective codes
by courier / E-mail / Fax / Post to or may visit our website ww.icfai.org/careers and file
their applications electronically quoting respective codes.
2. Study the advertisement given below and draft a job application. Sign yourself as Neeraj
Bajaj.
XYZ Public School, Gwalior
under the aegis of The Deepalaya Society
requires
PRINCIPAL in the salary scale of
Rs. 15,000-400-23,000
other perks and fringe
benefits as per XYZ Society rules
Essential Qualifications/ Experience
MA/ M.Sc., B.Ed with
15 years teaching
experience, including 5 years in
administrative capacity.
Desirable: Proficiency in
Sports and Cultural
activities
Age : Upto 45 years
(relaxable)
Application with recent
passport sized
photographs and
essential personal and professional
details of teaching experience and
administrative work, mentioning
clearly on the top of the envelop
“Application for the post of
Principal XYZ Gwalior” should reach with 10 days to
Secretary,
The Deepalaya Public School Society
F-Block East of Kailash
New Delhi – 110065
3. As the proprietor of ‘Food for Heaven’, You had placed an order with Wadhwa
44
Furniture, 38, Park Circus, Shillong – 10 for furniture items for your restaurant. But the
execution of the order has got delayed. Write a letter cancelling it. Sign yourself as Eeti
Khanna with the address A – 14, Tibetan Road, Shillong – 64. (80 – 100 words)
4. You are Urvika / Upamanyu Arora, a class XI student of Daisy /School, 14th Cross
Chandigargh 30. You have lost you library card. Write a letter to the librarian of your school
requesting her to issue a new car.
5. Wangchuk Construction, 8, New Market, Aizwal – 87, has placed with you an order for two
wagons of ACC cement. Write a letter asking them to supply you with two references
because this will be your first transaction with them.
6. City finance 4 National Point Mumbai 74 had placed an order with Camelin Stationers for
stationery items. Due to delay in supply, they cancelled the order. As Sales Manager of
Camelin Stationers, send a suitable reply to them.
1. The following passage has one error in each line. Do as directed in the example.
People who are orally challenging, – e.g. orally challenged
our blessed with the
gift of speech. Freedom for speech is
something fundamental for what the human
craves and yearned. Without this freedom,
the human personality felt curbed,
confined but constricted. A man can’t
grow to his fullest status without
freedom of speech. That is vital.
2. The following passage has a word missing in each line. Do as directed in the example.
An essay is longer composition. Different e.g. is a longer
topics may demand shorter longer treatment.
But experience suggests 300-400 words
is length that is usually required.
The essay should deal one main subject
and all the parts the essay should
clearly connected
to that subject to make it appropriate.
3. Complete the following sentences by using appropriate changes
(i) There me met a boy………………….
(ii) No one can tell……………………
(iii) It was so dark…………………..
(iv) The fact is…………………
(v) She is as…………………..
(vi) The boy……………………is absent today.
(vii) God helps……………………..
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4. Complete the following using clauses, as shown in the example

eg. The person who stole the bread was a hungry boy.
(i) The family……………….. is rich.
(ii) Isn’t that the man……………..
(iii) Here is a letter…………………..
(iv) We have one cat………………..and another……………………..
The Ailing Planet
1. How does the author point out the importance of green movement?
2. How have human beings shifted their perception?
3. What is ‘sustainable development’?
4. What are the earth’s biological systems and how do they sustain humanity?
5. How can overfishing and decimation of forests prove harmful?
6. What is the emerging new world vision?
7. What is meant by ‘population perpetuates poverty’?
8. What is the role of the industrial sector in this ‘Era of Responsibility’?
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Assignment – 9

Once upon a time......there was a storyteller
No fairytales, please. We want our children to grow up as reasonable human beings, a
teacher in a Bombay school told Indira Mukherjee. An understandable sentiment, but for
Indira, a ‘storyteller’, an unforgivable one. “If adults have such attitudes, the children are
losing out” she says.
In fact, in the age of electronic media, when a toddler learns to sway to Daler Mehendi
even before she has taken her first baby steps and is addicted to Cartoon Network before
she can speak her first complete sentence, where ‘s the place for the simple homespun
story or folktale?
There are many wonderful programmes on TV, Indira admits, but unfortunately; the
medium has the ability to make things appear all too real A child watching it begins to
forget that it’s a make-believe world, and then you have children imitating dangerous
feats after watching TV. “Fairytales, by the very way they begin, ‘Once upon a time. . . .
.’ make it clear that it’s nothing more than just that: A fairy tale, a make-believe world.”
Besides, one can’t argue with her when she says: “Stories are the best way to convey
love and affection to our children.”
The clear-cut rganized tion between good and evil in fairytales is important, insists
Delhi based Indira, who has made story-telling a full-time occupation. In fact, she has
been telling tales for a long time now – mostly to children at schools – and has just
brought out her first audio tape, the first one in a series of three. “A child has to first
understand that there is good and there is bad. Only later, he understands that people
are both good and bad. First we have to accept variety, only then can we accept-
oneness,” she says. But do we want our children to grow up in a fantasy world?
Fairytales actually help our ability to draw a line between fiction and reality, believes
Indira. “Up to a particular age-group, we all grow up with fantasies. We want to believe
in them, at the same time, we know it’s fiction. That faraway land exists inside us.”
Her own story began not so long ago in her grandmother’s lap in Nagpur. Two ancient
wooden cupboards crammed with storybooks only fuelled her appetite, and imagination,
for more stories and lore from different regions of the country as well as outside. When
she read an article about a storyteller, she knew in which direction her own story would
lead.
It has not exactly been an easy choice: While people don’t want to give money for this,
there’s also the dilemma about accepting it, says Indira, who has tried to find a way
around it by taking up writing assignments in between. For a while she also taught Public
Administration at IGNOU. “So much can be done through stories,” she says. Stories
help children understand other people. And through the children’s responses and the
questions they ask, Indira is always able to distinguish between the ones who listen to
stories – she finds these children to be more articulate and more imaginative.
47
Her storytelling takes her to all parts of the country. As part of the ongoing project, Indira
will be telling stories and holding 60 workshops with teachers in Government and NGO-
run schools in Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Her first tape, with
two stories, is for the very young; the second one, for slightly older children, will consist
of adventurous stories drawn from real life; the third will have stories about lesser-known
women who have taken part in the freedom struggle. Gender-sensitisation is the theme –
‘women are not given the chance to rganiz their potential.” What Indira found
fascinating was how gender bias unconsciously showed up in many of the stories of the
teachers who took part in her workshops. She draws upon the rich folklore of other
countries and uses paper-cut-outs while retelling them to children, to make the
experience vivid. And every country’s tales have their own story to tell. “For example, in
our folktales, the protagonist always comes back home after an adventure and Japanese
folk-tales are woven around nature.”
Stories are also invaluable for the simple way they present the eternal good-vs.-evil
conflict. “These messages remain in their subconscious,” she says. “We all wait for good
to triumph in the end. A child, and even adults, has to believe in this – which ultimately
good will wins.”
1. On the basis of your reading answer the following questions:
(i) The first paragraph mentions ‘an understandable sentiment.” What is this
sentiment about?
(ii) Why does the narrator say that there is now no place for the simple homespun
fairytale?
7. Mention any two advantages of a fairytale?
(iv) How has Indira improved the concept of fairytales?
A bacterium in water is bad news. If any form of bacterial pathogen is found in drinking
water, it should be immediately tested again and a search for alternative sources should
start. That is what the Bureau of Indian Standards suggests in a set of clearly laid out
specifications. Even if the water supplied through the distribution network is clean at
source, it can get polluted as it passes through corroded or leaking pipelines.
The Hindustan Times survey found that at least four samples of water contained
bacteria. The sample taken from Sukhdev Vihar in South Delhi had a count of 141
organisms, Sheikh Sarai had 94, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences had 14, and
the sample from Dilshad Garden had 11.
The BIS says that 10 micro-organisms in 100 ml of water is the maximum permissible
limit. Most water sampling tests are only indicative, says a scientist with a reputed testing
institute. “Depending on the type of pathogen it is, bacteria can cause diseases ranging
from acute dysentery, renal failure, neurological disorders, typhoid and meningitis,” she
said.
 E. Coli, carried by faecal contamination, causes dysentery, stomach ache, nausea,
vomiting. At least one strain of this pathogen can trigger bloody diarrhoea and
48
renal failure, and can also be fatal.

 Campylobacter, again carried by faeces, causes fever, nausea, diarrhoea.
 Clostridium, which also spreads through faecal contamination, causes diarrhoea.
 Salmonella spreads through faeces, bird excreta, and environmental
contamination. All
 Strains are pathogenic and a few strains of the bacteria cause typhoid and Para-
typhoid, besides fever, headache, vomiting, and stomach pain.
 Shigella is carried by faeces. It causes bloody diarrhoea, abdominal cramps.
 Vibrocholerae, carried by faeces, causes acute and watery dysentery and can be
fatal. Vibrio parahaemolytis, carried by sea food, is restricted to coastal areas. It
causes gastro-enteritis and severe abdominal pain.
 Yersina enterocolitica spreads through environmental and faecal contamination. It
causes fever, stomach pain, vomiting, and dysentery.
 Listeria monocytogenes also spreads through environmental and faecal
contamination.
It causes meningitis and a pregnant woman can lose her child if it contracts foetal
meningitis.
Boiling the water is the easiest and surest way of killing bacteria.
Sutirtho Patranobis-The Hindustan Times
A.2. (i) On the basis of your reading of the passage, make notes on it, using recognizable
abbreviations wherever necessary. Use a format you consider suitable, suitable
reply a suitable title.
5. Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words.
1. 6th August is celebrated as Hiroshima Day. On this occasion a Poster-making
Competition is being held to spread the message of brotherhood and the horrors of war.
2. To make the children aware of the Menance of Drugs , your school is holding a Poster-
making Competition. Design a poster for the purpose.
3. Yamuna River Cleanliness Drive is being launched in the city where you live. To
increase awareness among children and adults about clean surroundings and sanitation
habits design a poster for you colony.
4. Rotary Club is holding a Health Camp in your school. Design a poster to make children
aware of the importance of good health, neatness and hygiene in daily life.
5. This week (7th June to 14th June) is being celebrated as Pollution Free Week. To spread
awareness amongst people design a poster.
6. During the rainy season, there is an increase in the cases of stomach and bowel
diseases. Prepare a poster to be issued by the Health Department suggesting ways how
one can prevent these diseases.
7. Draw a poster to bring about awareness against the reckless use of plastics.
8. Prepare a poster appealing to the students to celebrate Eco-friendly Diwali.
49
9. You have been allotted a room at the school hostel. Write a letter to your parents
describing the room and expressing your satisfaction about the available facilities.
10.Describe in 80-100 words your new dog Candy.
1. The following passage has not been edited. Identify the error in each line and supply the
correction. The first one has been done for you.
Ever year most people visit the temple town, many
(i) of Kanchipuram. Pilgrims has been going ______
(ii) in large numbers since many centuries ______
(iii) because they wanted to see the ______
(iv) splendid architecture by the temples. ______
(v) Unluckily, they have very problems to face. ______
(vi) Though their streets are narrow ______
(vii) hundred of tourist buses are found in the city. ______
(viii) The silk sarees at Kanchipuram are ______
(ix) also a source of attraction to the pilgrims ______
(x) which enjoy watching the weavers at work. ______
2. Rewrite the following sample sentences as directed.
(i) Seeing the rain coming on, the travellers took shelter under a tree. (compound)
(ii) Besides educating Oliver, Mr. Brown also set him up in business.(compound)
(iii) inspiteof his popularity, Gulshan Nanda could never enjoy the status of a
mainstream novelist(compound)
(iv) Out of desire for revenge, he agreed to this(compound)
(v) On being punished, we wept (complex)
(vi) Of Nitin and Chetan, the latter works harder(complex)
(vii) She is too lazy to succeed (complex)
(viii) Do you wish me to go? (complex)
Childhood
1. ‘When did my childhood go…………….. Hell and Heaven’
(i) When did the speaker lose his childhood?
(ii) What did he believe about ‘hell and heaven’?
(iii) How did his view change?
2. What contradiction did the poet notice in the behaviour of the adults?
3. What does the poet realise about his mind?
4. ‘It went to some forgotten place’. What is ‘it’? What has replaced it?
5. Explain: ‘That’s all I know’
6. Is the poet being sarcastic about the adult world? If so, how?
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Assignment – 10

A vast blanket of pollution stretching across South Asia is cutting down sunlight by 10
per cent over India, damaging agriculture, modifying rainfall patterns and putting
hundreds of thousands of people at risk, a new study revealed on Sunday.
The startling findings by scientists working with the UN Environment Programme
(UNEP) indicate that the spectacular economic growth seen in this part of the world in
the past decade may soon falter as a result of the “Asian brown haze.”
Research carried out in India indicated that the haze might be reducing winter rice
harvests by as much as 10 per cent, the 53-page UNEP report said.
“Acids in the haze may, by falling as acid rain, have the potential to damage crops and
trees. Ash falling on leaves can aggravate the impacts of reduced sunlight on earth’s
surface. The pollution that is forming the haze could be leading to several hundreds of
thousands of premature deaths as a result of higher levels of respiratory diseases,” it said.
Results from seven cities in India alone, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmadabad and
Kolkata, estimate that air pollution was annually responsible for 24,000 premature
deaths in the early 1990s. “By the mid-1990s they resulted in an estimated 37,000
premature fatalities,” the report said.
“The haze has cut down sunlight over India by 10 per cent (so far)-a huge amount. As a
repercussion the North West of India is drying up,” Prof. V Ramanathan of Scripps
Institute of Oceanography (US), a key member of the UNEP scientific panel which
produced the report, said when asked specifically about the impact of the haze over
India.
Stating that sunlight was going down every year, Prof Ramanathan said, “we are still in
an early stage of understanding of the impact of the haze. If our initial model stimulation
regarding rainfall reduction is correct then it raises the question of sustain ability. “
Asked whether the current drought in most part of India after over a decade of good
monsoon was owing to the haze, he said it was too early to reach a conclusion.
“If the drought persists for about four to five years, then we should start suspecting that it
may be (because of the haze),” he said.
“India, China and Indonesia are the worst affected owing to their population density,
economic growth and depleting forest cover,” Prof Ramanathan said.
He said the preliminary results of the haze indicate that the build up of the haze, a mass
of ash, acids, aerosols and other particles, was disrupting weather systems, including
rainfall and wind patterns and triggering droughts in Western parts of the Asian
Continent.
“The concern is that the regional and global impacts of the haze are set to intensify over
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the next 30 years as the population of the Asian region rises to an estimated five billion
people,” he said.
abbreviations wherever necessary. Use a format you consider suitable. Supply a suitable.
(ii) Write a summary of .the passage in about 80 words.
1. You visited the world Book Fair organised by National Book Trust at Pragati Maidan,
New Delhi, Write an account of the visit in about 100 words
2. On a recent visit to Delhi, you took a ride on the underground Metro at Delhi. Write a
brief account of the journey.
3. Write a brief profile of your favourite sports person for the school magazine.
C.1. Rearrange the following to make meaningful sentences –
(i) identity / learning / us / an / provides / with
(ii) self/ once / the / we / beyond / identity / realize / move / this / we
8. service / this / us / spirit / movement / self/ the / teaches / the / of/ from
9. virtue / of / mankind / is / greatest / the / service
10. DPS / what / this / we / is / at / uphold.
Mother’s Day
1. Answer the following in 30 – 40 words.
(i) What problems does Mrs. Pearson face? Who do you think is responsible for the
state of affairs?
(ii) “That’s a nice way to talk. What would happen if we all talked like that?” says
Cyril. In what context does he say so? What argument does he get in return?
(iii) How does Mrs. Pearson teach her children to be responsible adults?
(iv) What objection does Mrs. Pearson have against George’s going to club so
frequently?
(v) What is Mrs. Fitzgerald’s final advice to Mrs. Pearson after reversion to their
original personalities?
2. Answer in 100 words.
(i) Write a note on the title of the play.
(ii) ‘The shock treatment makes the thoughtless and selfish persons realise the real
position of the lady of the house.’ How far do you agree with the statement? Give
reasons for your answer.
(iii) Give a character sketch of Annie Pearson.
Albert Einstein at School
1. ‘I think it’s not facts that matter, but ideas’. To whom does Einstein say this and why?
2. Comment on the role of Yuri as described in the lesson.
52
3. Why was Einstein nervous when he met the doctor?

4. Why did Einstein feel the certificate burning a hole in his pocket?
5. Why was Einstein miserable in Munich?
6. What did the head teacher tell Albert when the latter asked him what ‘crime’ he had
committed?
7. Why does Yuri call Albert ‘the world’s worst liar’?
8. What opinion do you form of Dr. Ernst Weil?
9. Discuss the character of Albert Einstein as revealed in the extract. (100 words)
10. What changes in the education system do you think, are required to help the children
realise their potential? (100 words)
Father to Son
1. Yet have I killed.
The seed I spent or sown it where
The land is his and none of mine?
(i) What does the speaker mean by ‘seed’?
(ii) How do you think the two – father and son – exist?
(iii) Why is the father complaining so much about his son?
2. I Know
Nothing of him, so try to build
Up a relationship from how
He was when small
(i) Who is the speaker of these lines? Who is he speaking about?
(ii) What does the speaker say about his relationship with ‘him’?
3. The speaker says ‘silence surrounds us’. What does he mean by this?
4. What does the speaker wish? How does he intend to behave in case his wishes come
true?
5. Pick out a metaphor from the poem and explain it.
6. The poem ‘Father to son’ indirectly points towards the necessity of a sensitivity towards
the old age. Comment.
The Ghat of the Only World
1. What reasons could Amitav Ghosh have searched to avoid writing about Shahid’s
death?
2. ‘Shahid was himself no mean practitioner of repartee’. Quote an instance to prove his
point.
53
3. What was Shahid’s outlook on politics and religion? Which factors were responsible for
it?
4. Point out some of the common bonds between Shahid and the author.
5. What helped Shahid to face his inevitable end?
6. ‘Shahid was the centre of a perpetual carnival, inspite of malignant tumour and
awareness of approaching death. Elucidate (100 words)
Assignment – 11
Section – A (Advanced Reading Skill)

Present water demand in Delhi is about 750 mgd whereas the supply from all the
available sources is 640 mgd. The gap between demand and supply is widening with
every passing day. The deficit is being partly met by extraction of ground water through
wells, tube-wells, hand-pumps, etc. Some of the areas in Delhi viz. South and West Delhi
are almost completely dependent on ground water supply.
No other city has grown so phenomenally as Delhi in the recent past. Its population has
shot up to 135 lakhs from a pre-independence figure of 17 lakhs. Relentless
urbanisation, industrialisation and unprecedented growth have caused tremendous
pressure on civic amenities including availability of potable water.
Due to rapid urbanisation, infiltration of rainwater into the ground has decreased
drastically and recharging of ground water has diminished. Over exploitation of ground
water resources has resulted in decline in water levels by 4 to 10 metres. Deterioration in
quality of ground water with increases in salinity has made it totally unfit for human
consumption. Vegetation is also affected adversely. Wells and bore wells are drying up.
And we may be inching towards Rajasthan and Gujarat like severe drought conditions.
Rooftop rainwater harvesting-a simple, economical and eco-friendly method of water
harvesting is an ideal solution to recharge the ground water.
1. The rainwater that falls on the rooftop is guided to bore well splits, new old or
abandoned wells through small diameter pipes to recharge the underground
storage which can be used later at the time of need.
2. If the entire rooftop area (approx. 140 sq. Km.) in Delhi gets utilised for rainwater
harvesting, the expected rise in ground water level due to additional recharge of
ground water would be 0.5 metre.
3. One can capture and recharge about 65,000 litres of rainwater in Delhi from a
100 sq. Metre size rooftop and meet drinking and domestic water requirements of
a family of four for 160 days.
Rooftop rainwater harvesting provides many benefits:
(i) Quality of water improves.
(ii) Mitigates the effects of drought and achieves drought proofing.
(iii) An ideal solution to water problem in areas of inadequate water resources.
(iv) Reduces the run off which chokes the storm water drains.
(v) Flooding of roads get reduced.
(vi) Saving of energy per well for lifting of ground water-one metre of water level saves
about 0.40 kW of electricity.
District administration in Dewas (MP) has made rainwater harvesting mandatory for all
54
houses having tube wells. This has improved the soil moisture and ground water level
has risen.
Chennai Metro Water Board also made rooftop rainwater harvesting mandatory under
the city’s building regulations.
There are several successful examples in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and
Rajasthan.
Rooftop rainwater harvesting in lIT, Delhi Campus has led to a rise of 0.51 metre in
water levels.
- Source: [The Hindustan Times]
suitable title.
1. You are Zara / Zeeshan Abbas, a Class XI student. You saw an advertisement regarding
a course for training students for the TOFEL – Test of English as a foreign Language.
You wish to join the course as you want to apply to foreign universities. Write a letter to
the Director of Princeton English Centre, 56, Anna Road, Hyderabad. Enquire about all
the details you require.(100 words)
2. Go Air has created a scheme offering special discount to school and college students, on
all its sectors. You are the Tour Coordinator of K.R. Birla School, Guwahati. A group of
30 Class XI students want to visit Mumbai. Write a letter to the Marketing Manager of Go
Air, 71, Ahom Building, Guwahati – 18, enquiring about availability of discounted fares
on the Guwahati – Mumbai sector. Invent other necessary details. (80 – 100 words)
3. M/s Modi Electronics, Modi Market, Meerut – 62 sell electrical goods on easy instalments.
Write a letter asking for their offer on Godrej Refrigerator 250 litres. You are Masoom /
Mrinal Prakash, from 32, M.K. Rai Road, Meerut – 4. (80 – 100 words)
4. You are Pushpita / Prabhakar Das, Sales Manager of M/s Modi Electronics. Write a reply
to the above enquiry. (B3) (80 – 100 words)
1. The following passage has one error in each line Correct it.
Kut Kut was an hardworking eg., an – a
Squirred, she lived on a tree – hole. (i)__________
She was over the impression that (ii)__________
she has enough food in store for the (iii)__________
bad days, until she find that (iv)__________
Someone had been stealing his nuts (v)__________
She go to the old owl to (vi)__________
find an solution to her problem. (vii)__________
The old owl listen to her problem (viii)__________
patient. (ix)__________
55
2. One word is omitted in each line in the following passage. Write the missing word as
done in the example.
The old owl said, “It is someone your eg., Someone amongst your
neighbours,”Kut Kut surprisingly by. (i)__________
How you be so sure? “The old owl, (ii)__________
looking thick glasses replied” That’s (iii)__________
the thief knows the exact time when (iv)__________
you not at home. As if he watches (v)__________
you nearby, “ He then told a plan to (vi)__________
catch the thief the morning. Kutkut told (vii)__________
all her neighbours that she kept sweets (viii)__________
inside and kept a vigil for the thief.
The Adventure
a) What ‘blow’ was totally unexpected?

b) How was ‘the Bombay’ different for Gangadharpant?
c) Explain: ‘You have passed through a fantastic experience: or, more correctly, a
catastrophic experience.”
d) Why could not Gangadharpant help comparing the country he knew?
e) Why did professor Gaitonde conclude that history had taken a different turn?
f) What do you understand by ‘the lack of determinism is quantum theory’?
g) Why was there ‘a grave expression’ on Rajendra’s face?
2. Long Answer Questions-

a) Professor Gaitonde was given enough explanation by Rajendra Deshpande for
his experience. What was the explanation? Do you think if the Professor was
satisfied?
b) What changes would have been there if the Marathas had won the battle of
Panipat?
c) Justify the title ‘The Adventure’?
Silk Road
1. How does the author describe the Tibetan mastiff?

2. What is the importance of Hor? How did the author feel there?
3. Did the author stick to his original plan to make the trek? Give reason in support of your
answer.
4. Why was the author disappointed with Darchen?
5. What qualities of Norbu, do you think, made him an ideal companion to the author?
56
6. Give an account of the author’s visit to the medical college at Darchen and the effect of
the Tibetan medicines on him. (100 Words)
7. What impression do you form of the author on the basis of the lesson?
Assignment – 12

1. Read the following passage and answer the questions based on it.
In a discovery with chilling implications for humans’ dominance of the Earth, scientists
have discovered that a massive comet or asteroid, similar to the one which killed off the
dinosaurs, wiped out the giant reptiles’ predecessors 200 million years earlier.
The finding suggests that regular collisions between our planet and large objects act as an
evolutionary dice-shaker, sending dominant species back to the starting square and
advancing obscure species to dominance. We could be next.
Students of the fossil record have long pondered the greatest catastrophe ever to strike
life on Earth: the “Great Dying”, 251m years ago, when suddenly, 90 per cent of all
marine animals and 70 per cent of land vertebrates perished.
The impact of a comet or asteroid similar to that which brought doom to the dinosaurs
65m years ago was suspected, but the latest edition of the journal Science reports on the
first evidence that such a collision actually happened.
Scientists at the universities of Washington and Rochester in the US have found that
molecules of helium and argon gas, locked since the Great Dying in carbon, are present
in proportions which could only have come from space. As in the later impact, the strike
came from a body between six and twelve kilo metre wide (four to eight miles).
Researcher Robert Poreda said the effect would have been to release energy 1m times
greater than the biggest earthquake of the past century.
“It was the proverbial blast from the double-barrelled shotgun,” said Dr Poreda. “We’re
not sure of all the environmental consequences, but with the impact and the volcanic
activity, we do know that Earth was not a happy place.
The nemesis of the dinosaurs also coincided with a gush of lava from below the Earth’s
crust, in what is now India. In both cases, the impact of the comet or asteroid may have
caused the eruption.
Alternatively, the coincidence of the two events could have meant the end for the
dinosaurs and their predecessors.
The dinosaur-killing impact has been tied to a crater on the Yucatan peninsula in
Mexico, but it is not known where the earlier collision happened.
The age immediately prior to the dinosaurs was called the Permian. Although there were
amphibious reptiles, early versions of the dinosaurs, the dominant life form was the
trilobite. In their heyday there were 15,000 kinds of trilobite. Around the time of the
impact, they disappeared. Something similar happened to the dinosaurs 65m years ago.
57
In the same way that the earlier impact seems to have cleared the way for them, the later
crash made room for our ancestors, the mammals.
“The two extinctions are like bookends for the age of the dinosaurs,” said Dr Poreda.
“The first boundary helped usher in the age of the dinosaurs and the second snuffed it
out.” Although it is likely to be millions of years before the next big asteroid or comet
impact, there is a growing call for a defence system to be put in place.
James Meek-Guardian News Service
1. (i) On the basis of your reading of the passage, make notes on it, using recognisable
suitable title.
(ii). Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words.
1. Your city is reeling under incessant power cut. Compounding the problem is water
scarcity. Write a letter of complaint to the Lieutenant Governor of your city, voicing
your anguish.
2. ‘Value education is the dire need of the hour, in our education system. ’Write an
article on the above statement in 200 words. Sign yourself as Charu / Chetan
Palekar.
1. Fill in the blanks with the passive form of the verbs given in brackets.
(i) I am really glad to inform you that the scene for holding the General Elections has
been set. In fact, all the arrangements from small to big ones _______________
(complete). For example, the ballot papers having been printed _______________
(send) to their proper places.
The polling booths ____________________ (set) up and all the polling officers
_________________ (appoint) in all the constituencies. The task of appointing
observers for sensitive points is over. I can now confidently say that the Elections
_______________ (complete) without anything going wrong.
2. A one-day orientation programme was rganized by CBSE for teachers of English in
schools teaching course A. The programme ________________ (conduct) in two
sessions. The first session _________________ (devote) to the main theme of introducing
such a new and unique course. The second session_________ (devote) to explaining
how the course ___________________ (teach) to students and in that, the teacher’s role
_______________ (emphasis). They_______________ (explain) how to keep themselves
updated by collecting cuttings of advertisements, pictures from various magazines,
newspaper, etc.
58
Birth
1. How did Andrew put the old woman’s fear to rest?
2. What does the author mean when he says desperate sense of defeat pressed on him’?
3. What dilemma was Andrew caught in? How did he resolve it?
4. What was the ‘miracle’?
5. How does Andrew Manson show grit and determination in the face of difficulty?
6. Compare and contrast Andrew’s thoughts at the beginning of the story and at the end
[100 – 125 words]
The Tale of MelonCity

1. Why did the king succumb to public demand?
2. What was the result of the king’s thoughtless order?
3. What ‘custom’ of the citizens is referred to in the tale? How did the ministers decide to
observe it?
4. What impression do you form of:
a. The state where the king was just and placid?
b. The king.
5. Comment on the title of the poem.
6. Do you think the author is poking fun at the system of governance in the Tale of Melon
City?
================================================
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
===============================================
59
HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION

Unsolved Paper
Time Allowed: 3 hours Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions
(i) The paper is divided into three Sections — A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
(ii) Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.
Read these instructions and follow them carefully.
(iii) Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions. Marks will be
deducted if this limit is crossed.
(iv) Please write down the serial number of the question in the answer script before
attempting it.
===========================================
Section – A (Reading Skills) [25 Marks]

Q.1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
[10]
SAVE THE CAVES
(i) One thousand and five hundred years ago, when craftsmen began cutting rocks and
sculpting them into magnificent statues of gods, little did they realize that in the second
millennium the Elephanta caves would not just be a major tourist attraction but would
also be a World Heritage site.
(ii) Now the world’s oldest island caves are getting a new lease of life. The Indian National
trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has teamed up with the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) to spruce up the caves and protect them from further decay and
degeneration.
(iii) Elephanta Caves date back to the sixth century and boast of some of India’s most
magnificent rock-cut sculptures of Lord Shiva. Situated about 11 Km from the Gateway
of India, these caves are reached by small boats. Once on the island, visitors have to
climb over 1,000 stone steps to get to caves.
(iv) The caves were originally built during the reign of the Rashtraputa kings. They contain
huge images of Brahma, Parvati, Natraja and Shiva. The best and most famous of these
is Maheshmurti–a three headed bust of Shiva which is about six metres high.
(v) The great elephant structure in black stone which gave the island its name was removed
in 1864 by British to take it to England. However, it was later returned to India and now
stands at the Victoria Gardens, a park with a small zoo in the centre of Mumbai. On top
of the caves are two huge cannons installed by the British in order to protect Bombay
harbour.
(vi) In the main cave there are nine carvings which depict the life of Lord Shiva in different
manisfestations–the dancer (Natraja), shiva killing demon Andhaka, marriage ceremony
of Shiva and Parvati, Shiva’s descent to the Ganges, Shiva as Ardhnarinateshwar, Shiva
as Maheshmurti, Shiva lifting Mount Kailash, Goddess Parvati on Mount Kai
-lash and Shiva as ascetic.
(vii) Back in the mid-eighties, a team of leading international archaeologists, conservators
and historians visited the site and forwarded a proposal to UNESCO to grant heritage
60
status to the caves. The proposal was accepted and Elephanta Caves were declared a
World Heritage site in 1987.
(viii) The most important part of the effort is to clean up the surroundings of the heritage site.
For example, there is an ancient site built adjacent to the gate which houses some of the
best frescoes and showcases the art of carving out statues by cutting rock.
(ix) The next phase was to clean up the littered surroundings and also to discourage visitors
from carrying eatables and plastic bags inside the caves. This step too was roundly
criticized but gradually people were educated on the historic and religious importance of
the caves and the incidents of littering have considerably reduced.
(x) To protect the caves from vandalism security personnel were deployed a year ago. “This
has helped authorities to implement regulations stringently,” says an INTACH volunteer
of the organisation’s Mumbai chapter.
(xi) Elephanta Caves have for years been threatened by the rapid industrial development in
their vicinity. A toxic chemical storage terminal has been planned just 400 metres away.
Bilge from oil-exploring activities and plastic dumped in the sea, have seriously
threatened marine and bird life of the area.
1.1 Answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option: [6]
(i) The most distinguishing feature of the Elephanta Caves is ……..
(a) that they date back to one thousand and five hundred years ago
(b) that these are the world’s oldest island caves
(c) that rocks have been cut and sculpted into magnificent statues of gods
(d) that they have some of the most magnificent rock-cut sculptures of Lord
Shiva.
(ii) The six metres high three heads bust of Shiva is known as …….
(a) Natraja (c) Maheshmurti
(b) Ascetic Shiva (d) Ardhnarinateshwar
(iii) Before being declared a World Heritage Site, the caves were …………
(a) in a filthy state
(b) in a dilapidated state
(c) in a magnificent state
(d) in a precarious state
(iv) Security personnel were deployed in order to …..
(a) protect caves from vandalism
(b) help authorities to implement regulations
(c) help clean up the surroundings
(d) discourage visitors from carrying eatables inside.
(v) The most potent threat the caves suffer from is ………
(a) a toxic chemical storage terminal
(b) the bilge from oil exploring activities
(c) plastic dumped in the sea
(d) the rapid industrial development in their vicinity
(vi) The word ‘degeneration’ in para 2 means ……..
(a) become bad
(b) the process of becoming worse
(c) losing too much water
(d) stop production
1.2 Answer the following questions in brief: [4]
(i) How can one reach the cave?
(ii) Name any two carvings depicted in the main cave.
61
(iii) What do these words mean:

(a) Deployed (para 10) (b) Spruce (para 2)
Q.2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:
[7]
DISPOSAL OF NUCLEAR WASTES
(i) Just a century ago it would have been hard to imagine that human beings could
significantly pollute the oceans. Human beings constitute the greatest threat to the
oceans since the development for the nuclear industry. Nuclear power has become a
major source of the world’s electric energy. But nuclear power plants also produce a
great amount of nuclear waste which remains hazardous for thousands of years.
(ii) For the purpose of disposal, nuclear wastes are of two categories: Low Level Waste
(LLW), which includes several substances used in connection with nuclear reactors an
High Level Waste (HLW) which consists primarily of spent fuel from nuclear reactors
and weapons. Currently, there is no permanent method of disposal for HLW. All the
HLW that has been produced so far is being stored near the reactor sites in swimming
pools or in dry casks. These storage pools are not designed to store the waste for an
indefinite period of time. As high level nuclear waste presents a tremendous storage
problem, dumping it into the ocean was considered as the most cost-effective solution.
(iii) Even though dumping of highly radioactive wastes at sea was banned worldwide for
more than three decades, it still continues. Russia has been dumping highly radioactive
materials in the Arctic Sea. Until the London Dumping Convention in 1983, the Atlantic
Ocean was a favourite dumping ground for nuclear nations like Great Britain, Germany,
Japan, France, Switzerland and Sweden.
(iv) The dumping of nuclear wastes not only goes against international practice, but is also a
violation of international treaties. Dumping of the wastes is regulated by the 1972
convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other
matter (the 1972 London Convention). The Convention outlawed the disposal of high
level wastes at sea. It required the nations disposing of low-level radioactive wastes to do
so in ocean basins at depths greater than 12,000 feet. But the depths at which the actual
dumping took place was within the range of 200 to 1,000 feet, which is a clear violation
of the convention.
(v) Although the dumping of any radioactive waste at sea has been prohibited by law since
1994, the status of sub-seabed disposal has been ambiguous. If a resolution is made to
extend the definition of “dumping” to include “any deliberate disposal or storage of
wastes or other matter in the sea-bed and the subsoil thereof” and accepted by the
convention, sub-seabed disposal will be prohibited, and the decision may not be
appealed for twenty five years. If it is so, then sub-seabed disposal will be subjected to
regulation and subsequent banning by the London Dumping Convention. Article III,
section 1(a) of the convention defines dumping as “any deliberate disposal at sea of
wastes or other matter from vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures at
sea.
(vi) On the contrary, United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), reveals
that the seabed, ocean floor and subsoil is beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. The
seabed area is beyond the territorial jurisdiction of any nation and is open to use by all
in accordance with commonly acceptable rules. Even though UNCLOS may not directly
prohibit sub-seabed disposal, there are other provisions such as “to protect and preserve
the marine environment” which will put a legal binding on the member states while
undertaking the disposal.
62
(vii) Clifton Curtis, a political adviser to Greenpeace International, who has fought against
sub-seabed disposal method since 1978 favours land-based disposal as a better option:
1.1 Answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option: [7]
(i) Human beings are the greatest threats to oceans because ……..
(a) they conduct hazardous nuclear experiments
(b) they explore the oceans for its hidden treasures
(c) their lust for sea-food makes them plunge into the waves
(d) they pollute oceans by dumping nuclear waste
(ii) The nuclear waste produced by the nuclear power plants is dreaded as …….
(a) it is a health booster
(b) it remains hazardous for thousands of years
(c) it is biodegradable
(d) it is major source of electric energy
(iii) Nuclear nations practiced dumping high level nuclear waste into the ocean
because …………
(a) it was the easiest option
(b) it was the safest way
(c) it involved the least risk
(d) it was the most cost effective solution
(iv) The London Dumping convention is important because …..
(a) it outlawed the disposal of high level nuclear wastes at sea.
(b) it outlawed the disposal of all man-made structures in the sea
(c) it prohibited the disposal of wastes of man-made arms and ammunition
(d) it defined the limits of national jurisdiction of sea
(v) The status of sub-seabed disposal has been ambiguous because ………
(a) nuclear waste has been dumped at the depth of 200 to 100 feet
(b) the UN law of the sea makes it open to use by all
(c) the definition of “dumping” does not include sub-seabed
(d) the sub-seabed area is under the territorial jurisdiction of the nearest
country
(vi) The word ‘deliberate’ in para 5 means ……..
(a) done on purpose
(b) done slowly and carefully
(c) happening by chance
(d) intentional
1.2 Answer the following questions in brief:
(i) Write the word similar in meaning from the passage:
(a) Unclear (para 5)
Q.3. Read the passage given below and make notes using suitable
symbols and abbreviation. Give a suitable title. [5]
If there is anything in the world that is forever, it is a diamond. This precious little
gem has beautiful women and wealth conscious men craving after it. Its lustre
combined with its value makes it a king among gems.
This gem that has evolved to glorious heights from time immemorial, has matured
with our agelessness, and has always been a statement of affluence among the
royalty and the upper strata of society. Its glitter announcing the owner’s sound
63
financial position and its beauty enhancing the charm of womanhood make people
clamour for the once-upon-a-time carbon turned into a beautiful diamond.
Diamonds always exuded awe and mystery. This rendered them more and more
prized. In fact, before the 15th century, they were so rare that only the truly blue-
blooded held possession of them. It was not until 1430 that the custom of flaunting
the diamond as a personal ornament was introduced. A French lady named Agnes
Sorel started this trend in the French royal court and the craze spread throughout
Europe like wild fire. As a result, there was feverish activity in India for more than
300 years to supply diamonds. It was one industry that seemed to be monopolised
for that period. Finally, the available-source was exhausted by endless mining to
quench the thirst of Europe's pleasure seekers. Thankfully, it wasn't the end. On the
other extreme of the planet, diamonds were found. Brazil discovered a fortune in
diamonds in the year 1625. The jungle and tropical climate made the conditions
very difficult for mining. Yet, for more than 160 years, Brazil was the chief source of
diamonds.
Today, the capital of the diamond empire is South Africa, where, in the year 1857,
a diamond was found accidentally by a farmer's child. Within a year, three great
diamond fields were found. The city of Kimberley, the heart of the diamond empire,
was born thus. In the wake of its discovery in Kimberley, young diamond seekers
from all over the world began to rush to South Africa in the hope of unearthing a
good-sized crude diamond. Those who were lucky to find them, ended up as
millionaires! But the soil was also enriched with the frustrated fossilised souls. The
diamond's capacity to reflect light, its rarity and beauty combine to enhance its
monetary value. Its capacity to reflect light gives the diamond a unique appearance.
It is also the hardest substance known. In their crude form diamonds are not
beautiful. They have to be worked on to produce the million dollar glitter and
sparkle. Experienced diamond cutters decide how to bring out each diamond's
inherent beauty and dimension, on examination. They have developed a whole
series of shapes for cutting diamonds in, such as the emerald cut, the bequette, the
Marquis and so on. Those sold for jewellery vary considerably in colour and quality.
The most valued diamonds are those that are tinged with a red or blue or those that
are clean and colourless.
An industrial diamond is of an inferior grade and is yet called the "emperor of
industry". About three fourths of all diamonds found are used in industry where
they are mounted on drills used by mining companies, in grinding lenses etc. The
word diamond comes from a Greek word, which means unconquerable. It is truly
so as nothing in this world can cut a diamond except another diamond!
3(a). Write a summary of the passage in 80 words. [3]
Section – B (Writing Skills) [25 Marks]
Q.4. Write a notice announcing the launching of a Tree Plantation Drive in
your school. You are Vasudha, Secretary of the Environment Club of
Greenfield Public School. [4]
64
Q.5. A young boy on a motor cycle snatched the purse of a woman walking on
the road and sped away. You were an eyewitness to the incident. Give
the police an account of the incident in not more than 125 words. Sign
yourself as Bindiya / Barin. [6]
Q.6. The growing terrorist attacks across the globe prove how unsafe we are
and that man has decided to dig his own grave. Write a letter to the
Editor of the Times of India discussing the problem and suggesting
possible solutions. [7]
Q.7. Of all senior citizens of the world, one out of ten is an Indian. The
population of old people in India is the 4th highest in the world. By
official estimates, there are over 77 million old people in the country
now. Majority of whom are not provided the respect and care they
deserve. Write an article for The Week discussing how the working
population and the government can help improve the situation and bring
a smile to some old, wrinkled faces. [8]
Section – C (Text Books and Long Reading Text) [30 Marks]
Q.8. Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. [3]
Some twenty thirty years later
She’d laugh at the snapshot. “See Betty
And Dolly.” She’d say, “and look how they
Dressed us for the beach.” The sea holiday
was her past, mine is her laughter. Both wry
with the laboured ease of loss.
(i) Where are these lines from and who is the poet?
(ii) ‘Sea holiday was her past.’ Explain.
(iii) Identify the poetic device.
Q.9. Answer the following questions in 30 – 40 words each. [8]
(i) How do the rain and the song achieve fulfilment?
(ii) What was the grandmother’s routine in the village?
(iii) ‘More problems arose’. What were these problems the author was talking
about?
(iv) Why was ‘Tut’s demise a big event? Why is it still in shrouds of mystery?
Q.10. I thought no one had come back’ What does this statement of Mrs.
Dorling show about her? [5]
Q.11. ‘The Portrait of a lady’ partly dwells on the loneliness and insecurity of
the old age and the effort of the old to fit in. Write an article in about
100 words on ‘Growing old.’ [4]
65
HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION

Solved Paper
General Instructions —
(i) The paper is divided into three Sections — A, B and C. All the sections are
compulsory.
(ii) Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever
necessary. Read these instructions and follow them carefully.
(iii) Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions. Marks will
be deducted if this limit is crossed.
attempting it
=========================================
Section – A (Reading Skills) [25 Marks]
Q.1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
[10]
1. The chain reaction spreads out like a rapidly burning forest fire. It gives rise to a vast amount
of energy. If this chain reaction is allowed to go on at its natural speed, the result is an
explosion. This is how the atomic bomb works. But if we slow down the chain reaction, we
get a great deal of heat at a controlled rate and we can use it.
2. When we burn something, the heat comes from the changes in the way its atoms are joined
to other atoms. But the atoms themselves remain the same. In fission, the splitting atoms
give energy millions of times greater, and the atoms themselves change. An orange sized
piece of uranium will explode with as much force as 20000 tons of ordinary high explosive
and lay waste an entire city. Used for peaceful purposes, a piece of uranium can give as
much energy as 47000 times its weight of coal.
3. Nuclear reactors are built to control the chain reaction for peaceful purposes. A nuclear reactor
has rods of uranium. These rods are separated from each other by a substance called the
moderator. This substance is usually graphite (pencil lead) or special kind of water called
heavy water. The moderator controls the spread of the neutrons from the splitting uranium
atoms in the rods. By controlling the spread of the neutrons we can keep the chain reaction
going at a steady rate.
4. Some special control rods are also used in a reactor. These rods stop some neutrons
altogether. Usually these rods are made of boron or cadmium, both of which are metals.
By moving the control rods in and out of a reactor, we can control the number of atoms that
are splitting. In this way, we can control the amount of heat that is produced.
5. In an ordinary electric power station we burn fuel to get heat. In a nuclear power station,
we get this heat from a nuclear reactor. Nuclear power stations are now in use in several
66
countries, particularly, America, Britain and Russia. India has three nuclear reactors at
Trombay Island. These are being used for research. India has also built three nuclear
power stations at Tarapur near Mumbai, at Rana Pratap Sagar in Rajasthan and at
Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu.
6. We can also use another metal called thorium to give us nuclear power. When thorium is
put into a reactor and hit by neutrons from uranium, thorium changes into uranium. Thus a
reactor can be made to produce more uranium than it uses. Such a reactor is called a
breeder reactor. There are larger quantities of thorium than uranium in the earth's
crust. Thus the breeder reactor opens the way to still larger supplies of nuclear power. India
and West Africa are the richest in thorium.
7. The energy needs of the modern world have increased much. We can meet these needs
with the help of nuclear power. There is enough uranium and thorium in the world to give
us all the energy we need. We can make a better world for everyone by taming the atom.
I. Answer the following questions choosing the most appropriate options:
(a) The Chain reaction, if slowed down, we get __________ [1]
(a) a lot of heat and energy at a controlled rate and we can use it
(b) a lot of heat that can destroy
(c) a lot of energy that is wasted
(d) a lot of heat that may become intolerable
(b) By controlling the spread of the neutrons, _____________ [1]
(a) we can stop the chain-reaction
(b) we can use its effects in cooking
(c) we can keep the chain-reaction going at a steady rate
(d) we can help the world from getting destroyed
(c) The three nuclear reactors at Trombay Island are being used for ______ [1]
(a) generating heat (c) doing research
(b) training the students (d) using energy
(d) We can make a better world by _________ [1]
(a) splitting the atom (c) taming the atom
(b) using uranium (d) inventing more reactors
(e) Find a word in the passage which means opposite to ‘slowly’. (para 1) [1]
(a) rashly (c) haltingly
(b) recklessly (d) rapidly
(f) The verb form of ‘moderator’ is __________ [1]
(a) rate (c) date
(b) mate (d) moderate
II. Answer the following questions briefly:
(a) What happens if we allow the chain-reaction to go on? [1]
67
(b) When we burn something, what happens? What is the condition of the
atoms? [1]
(c) What is fission? [1]
(d) Find a word in the passage that has a meaning similar to the following
expression: [1]
‘Bursting with a loud sound’ (para 1)
Q.2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: [7]
1. Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of learning.
They can solve the most complex mathematical problems or put thousand unrelated
data in order. These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can provide
information on the best way to prevent traffic accidents. They work accurately and at
high speed. They save research workers years of hard work. This whole process by
which machines can be used to work for us has been called 'Automation'. In future,
automation may enable human beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The
coming of automation is bound to have important social consequences.
2. Some years ago, an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit pointed out that it was a
mistake to believe that these machines could think. There is no possibility that human
beings will be controlled by machines. Though computers are capable of learning from
their mistakes and improving on their performances, they need detailed instructions from
human beings to be able to operate. They can never lead independent lives or rule the
world by taking decisions of their own.
3. Sir Leon said that, in future, computers would be developed which would be small
enough to be carried in one's pocket. Ordinary people would then be able to use them to
obtain valuable information. Computers could be plugged into a wireless network and can
be used like radios. For instance people, going on holiday, could be informed about
weather conditions. Car drivers can be given an alternative route, when there is a traffic
jam. It will also be possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people
who do not share a common language to talk to each other without any difficulty or to
read foreign publications.
4. It is impossible to assess the importance of a machine of this sort, for many international
misunderstandings are caused simply due to our failure to understand each other.
Computers will also be used in ordinary public hospitals. By providing a machine with
a patient's systems, a doctor will be able to diagnose the nature of his illness. Similarly,
machines could be used to keep a check on a patient's health record and bring it up to
date. Doctors will, therefore, have immediate access to great many facts which will help
them in their work. Book-keepers and Accountants too could be relieved of dull clerical
work. For the tedious task of compiling and checking lists of figures could be done
entirely by machines. Computers are the most efficient servant man has ever had, and
there is no limit to the way they can be used to improve our lives.
I. Answer the following questions choosing the most appropriate Options:
1. Write out the correct option : [1]
(a) There is no possibility that human beings can be on their own with no need of machines.
69
(b) Human beings are likely to be controlled by machines one day.

(c) There is no possibility that human being will ever be controlled by machines.
(d) Machines can replace humans.
2. Write out the correct Option: [1]
(a) Computers can solve only certain mathematical problems.
(b) Computers can't solve any mathematical problems.
(c) Computers can solve the most complex mathematical problems.
(d) Computers can solve only very complex mathematical problems.
3. Computers can be used [1]
(a) to find a cure for the patient's illness
(b) to prescribe a medicine for the patient
(c) to diagnose the nature of patient's illness
(d) to keep the patient in good mood
4. Many international misunderstandings are caused due to [1]
(a) our failure to understand ourselves
(b) our failure to understand other nations
(c) our failure to understand our friends
(d) our failure to understand each other
5. The antonym of the word 'complicated' is [1]
(a) difficult (b) simple (c) easy (d) strange
6. The verb form of the word 'alternative' is ______________ [1]
(a) alternate (b) alter (c) late (d) elate
7. Find form the given passage the synonym of the following word: [1]
‘monotonous’ (para 4)
Q.3. (i) Read the passage given below and make notes on it using suitable
abbreviations. [5]
Plastic is man made material that is produced from oil and natural gaseous
raw materials. Plastic cannot be destroyed. When burnt, it emits toxic gases,
inhalation of which leads to lung infections, respiratory problems, bronchitis,
etc. Thus plastic becomes a major-toxic hazard, which taxes the
environment. The pigments used for colouring plastics contaminate food,
causing food poisoning, kidney failure and bone abnormality especially in
children. Therefore, only certified food-grade plastics should be used in the
food industry. Plastics if used excessively and not disposed off carefully,
choke the drainage system. It becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes,
flies and bacteria. If allowed to become a part of unattended garbage it
prevents the growth of plants and affects soil fertility and water percolation in
the ground. It kills animals when food-smeared bags are consumed by
animals, leading to a painful slow death. Plastic is major threat to cows, dogs,
birds and insect population. Flora and fauna are necessary part of the life-
chain, and if disturbed, can cause harm to human health, therefore, plastic
70
are not just dangerous, they are lethal. They pollute the environment and are
a health hazard. There are some good and bad plastics used in our daily
lives. Bad plastics are "mostly polymers and poly propylene inert material.
They decompose and release hazardous substance. Polystyrene and vinyl
chloride are toxic. Harmful substance like pesticides oil or food residues may
have been absorbed by scraped plastic used for recycling.
Hence it should not be used for products that come in contact with food.
Sixty percent of the plastic we use are' good plastics' as they stay in use for
years. They are used in radios, cars, pipes, boxes, furniture, doors etc. There
are thermoset plastics which cannot be recycled. But they save our forest,
hence they can be considered as environment friendly. The bottom-line is to
be discerning, informed and aware consumers.
Plastics can be a boon as they are cheap, durable, easy to maintain, clean, as
well as light weight. They also help reduce the use of non-renewable natural
resource like metal and used as durable goods have a life of several decades.
If disposed off properly, plastics are acceptable. The danger however lies in
the discriminate use of cheap quality hazardous & toxic plastics in packing
and food industry, where they should be reduced, weeded out or used under
a strict legislation. Monitoring of production, used and disposal of plastic is
also necessary. The way to prevent environmental and health problems
caused by plastic waste is simply to avoid the generation of plastics in
packaging industry and to produce few types of plastics. We should stop
aping the disposable culture that we have adopted from the western
countries.
The need of the hour is to say" No to plastic bags" and "Yes to cloth, jute and
paper bags”, as they save money, are recyclable and generate employment.
We should discourage the use of plastic and try to disseminate this
information. It is the responsibility of today's generation to build a healthy
and clean environment for future generations.
(ii) Write a summary of the passage in 80 words. [3]
Section – B (Writing Skills) [25 Marks]
Q.4. You are Akhil Verma, the Head Boy of ABC Public School. Write a
notice in not more than 50 words informing students about an inter-
class debate competition. [4]
Q.5. As a Staff Correspondent of' ‘The Hindu’ report in about 150 words, the
Inauguration of the India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan in
New Delhi. [6]
Q.6. You want to purchase a computer. Write a letter to Micro-computer
system, Nehru Place, asking for the best deal in computers – giving
specifications of the computer system. You are Shashi Bhushan of class
XI. [7]
Q.7. A number of monkeys have been scaring children of your school during
recess time. Naughty children tease them by throwing eatables and other
foodstuff. Many a time they have been bitten. Write a speech in about
200 words ,advising the students of your school not to pay any head to
71
monkeys and stop giving / throwing food at them. You have to give this
speech in the morning assembly. [8]
Section – C (Textbooks and Long Reading Text) [30 Marks]
Q.8. Read the given extract and answer the question that follow : [3]
Now she’s been dead nearly as many years
As that girl lived. And of this circumstance
There is nothing to say at all
(i) Who is the girl being referred to?
(ii) What has happened to the girl?
(iii) Explain: And of this circumstance, there is nothing to say at all.
Q.9. Answer the following in 30- 40 words each:- [8]
(i) What does the rain call itself and why?
(ii) What did the CT scan of Tut’s mummy reveal?
(iii) Describe the wave which came over the boat during the storm.
(iv) Which tribe did Aram belong to? What was the image of this tribe?
Q.10. Draw a character sketch of Khushwant Singh’s grandmother as portrayed by
him in the lesson ‘The portrait of a lady’ in 100 -125 words. [5]
Q.11. The story ‘We’re Not Afraid To Die….’ suggests that when faced with danger,
optimism helps a lot to endure “the direst stress”. Following the similar line
of thought, write an article in about 100 words on ‘The Strength of
Optimism’. [4]
Q.12. Describe the various attempts made by the Canterville ghost to frighten to
Otis family in about 130 words. [5]
Q.13. In what way is ‘The Canterville Ghost’ a ghost story with a difference? (word
limit upto 130 words) [5]
72
ANSWERS
Half Yearly Examination
=============================================
1.I. 1. (a) a lot of heat and energy at a controlled rate and we can use it.
2. (b) we can keep the chain-reaction going at a steady rate
3. (c) doing research
4. (d) taming the atom
5. (d) rapidly
6. (d) moderate
II. (a) If the chain-reaction is allowed to go on at its natural speed, the result is an
explosion.
(b) When we burn something, the heat comes from the changes in the way its atoms
are joined to other atoms but the atoms do not change.
(c) In fission, the splitting atoms give millions of times greater energy and the atoms
themselves change.
(d) explosion
(e) splitting
2.I. 1. (c) There is no possibility that human beings will ever be controlled by machines.
2. (c) Computers can solve the most complex mathematical problems.
3. (c) to diagnose the nature of patient’s illness.
4. (d) our failure to understand each other.
5. (b) simple
6. (a) alternate
7. tedious
3 .I.
3.II. SUMMARY
Plastic is a man – made menace which poses many dangers. It emits toxic gases when it
is burnt. These gases can cause bronchitis, asthma and lung infection. It also chokes the
drainage system, affect soil fertility thereby preventing plant growth. It is also harmful to
animals. However, there are good plastics which stay in use for years. They are
environment friendly. These are used in things like radios, cars, pipes, doors, We must
use cloth, jute and paper bags as they are recyclable and generate employment.
ABC PUBLIC SCHOOL

NOTICE
12 November 2009
Inter-Class Debate Competition
An Inter Class Debate Competition is being organized for students of classes IX-XII on
24 November, from 9.00 a.m. to 11a.m., in the School Auditorium.
The topic is ‘Can Motherhood and Career Mix’? Interested students may give their
names to their respective class teachers by 15 November 2009.
Akhil Verma
Head Boy
73
4. INAUGURATION OF INDIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

By a Staff Reporter
1 st July, 2006 NEW DELHI: The India International Trade Fair (IITF) opened today to a
great number of people. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Pragati Maidan in
New Delhi with the red ribbon being cut by none other than newly appointed President
of India, Mr. Abdul Kalam. After a speech by the Coordinator Mr. Shasikaran, the fair
was declared officially open. People swarmed through the gates in hordes, to get a first
look at the various stalls. Several companies have come to the IITF this year including
Microsoft, IBM, Siemens, and Vodafone. The event is supposed to be another step in the
on going integration of India with the global economy. The IITF is seen as a chance for
the Indian consumer to get a taste of foreign products and at the same time allow foreign
MNC's to have a look at the Indian market and gauge the economic situation for
themselves. The fair will last till the 11th of July.
5. Value points
(i) Requirement of a computer
(ii) Specification of RAM. Screen / monitor/ cpu, etc
(iii) Best deal
(iv) Your budget
6. Monkey - a number of them, scare away children, at times bite them.
(i) children throw eatables during recess
(ii) school authorities and MCD to capture all and employ a longoor
(iii) advise children not to throw eatables or tease monkeys.
7. (i) The girl being referred to is the poet’s mother who was then a twelve – year old
girl.
(ii) She has been dead for a while now
(iii) This ‘circumstance’ is the death of the mother. The poet has nothing to say about
this universal truth- of death which is inevitable.
8. (i) It calls itself the poem or rhyme of the earth because like a song it travels back to
its source. It is universal and rhythmic like a song. Similarly it has healing power
and is characterised by musicality.
(ii) The CT scan report of king Tut’s mummy revealed many astonishing facts. There
were a lot of mysteries attached to the death of king Tut. The report uncovered
the facts about his age when he had died and also about the way he had died. It
gave answers to when and how king Tut had died nearly three thousand years
ago.
(iii) The huge wave struck the ship on the 2nd January, at 6 p.m. The sky became dark
and an enormous cloud roaring frighteningly in the sky seemed to be towering
above the boat. This cloud actually was a wave which hit the boat like an
explosion. The wave threw the narrator towards the wheel and he was,
temporarily, underwater. This wave was disastrous and destabilized the people on
the ship.
(iv) Aram belonged to Garoghlanian family, a tribe from Armenia. The people of the
74
tribe survived in very poor conditions but were somehow, able to fill up their
stomachs with food. They were famous for their honesty and integrity. They
would never cheat, steal or do anything untoward to fill their stomachs. This tribe
had a good reputation.
9. The author’s grandmother was a very old lady who was short statured and walked with a
slight bent. She was very graceful at that age also and participated actively in bringing up
the grandchild, whom she loved very much. When he went to school, she was very
bothered about his well – being, therefore she accompanied him everyday to the village
school.
She was also a very religious lady. It is evident by the fact that she always held a
rosary between her fingers and her mouth used to be always muttering prayers. She also
read out holy scriptures to him. The school education in th city was not good enough
according to her because it did not teach about religion.
She was a very kind lady and loved animals. It is evident by her habit of giving
chapatti to the village dogs. In the city, she fed bread crumbs to sparrows in the
verandah.
She was very loving but had great control over her emotions. She did not cry
when the grandson left for education abroad. She was, thus we see, a lady of an intense
character and kind heart.
10. ‘The Strength of Optimism’
Optimism is the inclination to look at the bright side of any situation and to expect the
best possible outcome from any series of events. It is an attribute which all of us have.
Living without optimism is living a life full of stress that may lead to failures. We’ve all
heard the sayings, urging us to be optimistic in life, “Every dark cloud has a silver lining”,
“The darkest night is just before the dawn”…. and so on. Many times we stand in the
blurry distinction between a glimmer of hope and the feeling of hopelessness. We make
the choice of what we want to see. We choose either to see the flowers or the thorns.
This choice to see the positive is optimism that keeps us happy. It makes every burden
lighter by regarding burden as a challenge that could make us a strong person. It makes
us appreciate everything we have in life.
At times optimism resembles other traits. It is like hope that lets the person hold on. It is
perseverance which keeps the person trying. It is confidence that uplifts the feeling of a
person that everything will be fine.
11. The Canterville ghost was forever bent upon frightening the Otis family. One night at
around 11 o’clock, Mr Otis was awakened by a curious noise in the corridor. Mr. Otis
opened the door and saw an old man in a horrible condition with burning red eyes,
matted hair and heavy chains. But to the ghost’s indignation, Mr. Otis unaffected, quietly
offered him lubricator to oil his chains.
On Sunday night, the family was awakened by a loud, crashing sound and they
discovered that a large suit of old armour had fallen from its stand and the Canterville
ghost had been injured. The twins fired two pellets at him and Mr. Otis, with his revolver,
ordered the ghost to hold up his hands. This enraged the ghost. He fled, giving out
frightening sounds of laughter. On 17th August, he made another attempt. He selected a
special dress and at midnight glided through the corridors when he suddenly saw a
horrible ghost before him. Soon he realized that he had been tricked again by the twins.
75
The ghost now planned to appear in grand disguise. He wore big leather boots took a
horse-pistol and crept into the corridor. To frighten the twins, at once, he flung their door
wide open. But a jug of water fell right down on him, wetting him thoroughly. The twins
burst into laughter and the ghost fled.
12. ‘The Canterville Ghost’ is a ghost story in the conventional sense but with a twist of
its own. The story has a ghost who haunts Canterville Chase which has all the elements
of a traditional haunted house. There are gothic elements, the macabre, creaking
floorboards, clanking chains, ancient prophesies and so on. But there is a difference
here. The ghost is supposed to haunt but he gets terrorized in return. The author
portrays Canterville ghost as a miserable, pitiable, bedraggled image instead of a scary
one. The ghost fails in all his attempts to scare any of the members of the family of
Mr. Otis.
When he laughs demoniacally, he is offered tincture. When he drags his heavy
chains making the sound of clanking metal, he gets lubricator. His victims get
overpowering and the ghost falls sick and virtually becomes an invalid. “I must
rattle my chain, groan through keyholes, walk at night” he says, but instead of a
terror, he becomes a helpless caricature who is beaten by the twins many times.
The ghost, no doubt, has a dark past. He has killed his wife, terrified housemaids and
drove members of aristocracy to madness and suicide. This ghost story is told from the
perspective of Sir Simon and not from the perspective of the castle occupants. And that
makes it a ghost story with a difference.
76
ANNUAL EXAMINATION
Solved Paper
attempting it.
=========================================
Section – A (Reading Skills)25 Marks
Q.1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: [10]
1. It was a great shock to me to discover that I had motor neuron disease, I had
never been very well co-ordinated physically as a child, I was not good at ball
games, and my handwriting was the despair of my teachers. May be for this
reason, I didn’t care much for sport or physical activities. But things seemed to
change when I went to Oxford, at the age of 17, I took up coxing and rowing. I
was not Boat Race standard, but I got by the level of inter-college competition.
2. In my third year at Oxford, however, I noticed that I seemed to be getting more
clumsy and I fell over once or twice for no apparent reason. But it was not until I
was at Cambridge, in the following year, that my father noticed, and took me to
the family doctor. He referred to me a specialist, and shortly after my 21 st
birthday, I went into hospital for tests. Although there was a cloud hanging over
my future. I found, to my surprise, that I was enjoying life in the present more that
before. I began to make progress with my research, and I got engaged to a girl
called Jane Wilde, whom I had met just about the time my condition was
diagnosed. That engagement changed my life. It gave me something to live for.
But it also meant that I had to get a job if we were to get married. I, therefore,
applied for a research fellowship at Gonville and Cains college, Cambridge. To
my great surprise, I got a fellowship up to 1974, I was able to feed myself and get
in and out of bed. This lasted until I caught pneumonia in 1985. I had to have a
tracheotomy operation.
3. Before the operation, my speech had been getting more slurred, so that only few
people who knew me well, could understand me. But at least I could
communicate. I wrote scientific papers by dictating to a secretary, and I gave
seminars through an interpreter, who repeated my words more clearly. However,
the tracheotomy operation removed my ability to speak altogether. For a time,
the only way I could communicate was to spell out words letter by letter, by
raising my eyebrows when someone pointed to the right letter on a spelling card.
It is pretty difficult to carry on a conversation like that, let alone write a scientific
77
paper. However, a computer expert in California, called Wlat Woltosz, heard of

my plight. He sent me a computer programme he had written, called Equalizer.
This allowed me to select words from a series of menus on the screen: by pressing
a switch in my hand. The programmed could also be controlled by a switch,
operated by head or eye movement. When I have built up what I want to say, I
can sent it to a speech synthesizer. A first, I just ran the Equalizer programme on a
desk top computer.
4. However, David Manson, of Cambridge Adaptive Communication, fitted a small
portable computer and a speech synthesizer to my wheel chair. This system
allowed me to communicate much better than I could before. I can, manage upto
15 words a minute. I can either speak what I have written, or save it to disk. I can
then print it out, or call it back and speak it sentence by sentence. Using this
system. I have written a book, and dozens of scientific papers. “I have also given
many scientific and popular talks. They have all been well received. I think that is
in a large part due to the quality of the speech synthesizer, which is made by
Speech Plus. One’s voice is very important. If you have a slurred voice, people
are likely to treat you as mentally deficient.” This synthesizer is by far the best I
have heard, because it varies the intonation, and does not speak like a Dalek. The
only trouble is that is gives me an American accent.
5. I have had motor neuron disease for practically all my adult life. Yet it has not
prevented me from having a very attractive family, and being successful in my
work. This is thanks to the help I have received from Jane, my children, and a
large number of other people and organizations. I have been lucky, that my
condition has progressed more slowly than is often the case. But it shows that one
need not lose hope.
(i) Answer the following questions choosing the most appropriate options:
(a) The narrator didn’t seem to be much interested in sport/physical activity
because _____________ [1]
I. he didn’t have a good hand writing
II. he avoided company of others
III. he was more interested in academics
IV. he had not been very well co-ordinated physically as a child
(b) At the age of 17 at Oxford he took up _________ [1]
I. swimming and diving
II. skating and surfing
III. cycling and horse-riding
IV. coxing and rowing
(c) Speech synthesizer helped the narrator _________ [1]
I. in communicating better than before
II. in singing better
III. in playing video games
IV. in making calculations better
(d) Tracheotomy operation ____________ [1]
I. helped the narrator in speaking better
II. improved his diction
78
III. removed his ability to speak altogether

IV. made him speak with a slur
(e) Pick out a word/ words form the passage having the same meaning as
‘hopelessness’. (para1)
I. sadness III. despair
II. Disappointment IV. dejection
(f) Pick out a word/words from the passage having the same meaning as
‘completely’. (para 3)
I. unpartially III. as a whole
II. fully IV. altogether
(ii) Answer the following questions briefly: [4]
(a) What is an Equalizer? [1]
(b) How did Equalizer help Hawking? [1]
(c) Find out the opposite of the following from the passage: [1×2=2]
I. ‘Distinct/clear’ (para 3)
II. ‘poor condition/state’ (para 3)
Q.2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that
follow: [7]
1. In this jet age, everyone is interested in making easy money. Thanks to the advancement
in science and technology, these days life has become more easy and comfortable than
earlier with a lot of domestic gadgets as well as instantaneous food recipes available in
the market. This has resulted in making the people develop a mind-set to have
anything immediately without waiting for — even at the traffic signals.
2. A piano teacher described an interesting encounter she had with a young lady who came
to inquire about music lessons. The young lady asked her, "How long will this course
take? My father tells me that it is in fashion now to be able to play musical instruments
and that I should learn one quickly. I want something that will be quick, fast and easy
like, like....." When the amused teacher explained that it would take a lifetime of
meticulous practice to learn music, her face fell and, needless to say, she never came
back.
3. The single most important factor that distinguishes those of us who succeed in any
venture from those of us who don't is this 'instant coffee' attitude. Most of us want
results quickly. We want to reach the top immediately and get worked up when things
go wrong. Perseverance and patience are forgotten words. We get upset, frustrated and
angry when a skill or activity requires us to put in a lot of effort and time. We get
dejected and want to give it up. Things should be easy. Why should things take long ? It
is unfair.
4. Life is too short and there is not enough time to do all the things we want to. We tend to
compare with others and get upset when they seem to be doing well — dismissing
their achievement as pure luck — or think that they have support, help, approach ... that
God is being too kind to them and not to us. And so we give up.
5. But such thinking serves no purpose. For it doesn't solve the problem. Life is tough for
those with the 'instant coffee' attitude.
79
6.Success, real success and happiness come to those who have a 'bread-making' attitude.
Those who are willing to knead the dough, wait for hours for it to rise only to punch it
down and knead some more, wait for another couple of hours for it to rise again, then
bake it before it is ready to be eaten. Nothing is instantaneous. For every
endeavour— whether in the area of career, academics, music, sports, relationships,
physical fitness or even in spirituality — it is a long arduous journey.
7. Only if we are willing to spend time, put in painstaking effort and have faith, can we get
results. If we don't accept this difficult but true fact of life, our lives will be far from being
happy and fulfilling. For we may not make that extra effort which can change the
course of life dramatically, for our benefit.
8. I often come across clients who have changed their doctors and do that even after they
have spoken to me — because they are on the lookout for a doctor who will instantly
give them relief from their problems. One who will ensure that by the time they
reach home from the clinic they will have wonderfully fulfilling relationships with
their families. No wonder, most of us get bitter and disillusioned with life and ourselves
and look for escape routes which seem to promise quick results.
9. The major problem with these 'instant coffee' solutions is that they are invariably short-
lived. If we stubbornly refuse to give up this search for 'quick solutions, all we do is end up
on the wrong track. We never gain anything lasting from them. However, if we just
pause to analyse what we are doing, we will realise how much time we are wasting
searching for such magical solutions which simply do not exist. We actually save time
when we stop this futile search and accept the proven methods of treading the
straight and narrow path however difficult it may seem initially.
I. Answer the following questions choosing the most appropriate options:
1. Write out the correct option: [1]
(a) Advancement in science and technology has resulted in the mind set to have
things at their pace.
(b) Advancement in science and technology has resulted in the mind set to have
things slowly and patiently.
(c) Advancement in science and technology has resulted in the mindset to have
things instantly and fast.
(d) Advancement in science and technology has resulted in a give-up attitude.
2. The piano teacher believed that ____________ [1]

(a) it takes very little time to learn music
(b) it takes only a little practice to learn music
(c) it takes only talent to learn music
(d) it takes a lifetime of practice to learn music
3. Write out the correct option : [1]
(a) Real success comes to those who have 'instant coffee' attitude.
(b) Real success comes to those who work hard.
(c) Real success comes to the lucky ones.
80
(d) Real success comes to those who have a 'bread-making' attitude.

4. The major problem with the 'instant coffee' solutions is that: [1]
(a) they are invariably short-lived (b) they are not tried and tested
(c) they are not reliable (d) they can harm in the long run
5. The word in the passage having similar meaning as 'effort' is [1]
6. The verb form of ‘bitter’ is ___________ [1]
7. Pick out a word that means: quickly _________ (para 8)
Q.3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that
follow: [8]
No one can deny that the universe is the outcome of intelligent placing. It is
unusual. We, too, are unusual. To make it possible for life to exist, special physical
laws are required. So I would say that this is a very special universe. It has been
intelligently planned. How can anyone confute that?
So there is indeed a spiritual world; a Creator.
Most people do not realise that science, like religion, requires faith. We make so
many assumptions. We believe that the laws of physics are reliable - that's a kind of
faith. We create experiments that can test and verify these laws.
God initiated the universe, He created it. But we change the world too. Therefore,
we have a responsibility; we have to ensure that we change it for the better. Take
cloning, for instance. We humans are co-creators. How we go about cloning
depends on whether we're doing it for the common good. It raises many complex
and difficult questions. We are changing all the time. So instead of imposing a total
ban on creative research, it is better to regulate it carefully.
What does technology do? It enhances our ability to do newer and bigger things -
for good or bad. Then again, we can harm one another even without the help of
technology. So the potential to hurt each other predates any technology. Science
and technology merely enlarge the scope, the possibilities. The choice remains with
us as it did even before we invented technology.
Science attempts to understand how the universe works. Religion attempts to
understand the purpose and meaning of the universe. If there is purpose and
meaning, it will affect the nature of the universe. Once we understand the meaning,
we can get to know the purpose. Science is said to be objective while religion is
subjective.
Science has its inconsistencies. Religion has its puzzles, too. Science doesn't allow
free will; yet, we think we have free will. We have to learn to accept inconsistencies
in both science and religion. The more we understand about the two, the greater
the possibility of bringing the two streams of thought closer together. To make this
81
possible, science and religion will have to change in many ways.

True, science has many inconsistencies. Even general relativity and quantum
mechanics are not consistent with each other. Yet, we think each one of them is
correct. So too in religion. Now take the subject of revelations. But revelations
happen in science, too, except that a revelation is not called a revelation - it's an
idea, a flash of genius, a new creation.
When the idea for the laser came to me, I was sitting on a park bench, thinking ...
why haven't I been able to do this? Suddenly, I got this new idea. Who gave me
this idea? God? Who knows? In science, we don't usually talk about it. You could
say I had an idea.
I do believe there is a spiritual presence in the universe. It is difficult to define God,
but I can feel omnipresence everywhere. People ask, if God created the universe,
who created God? So there's always a problem with a beginning.
Many of us create a spiritual universe that is not visible. This will evidently not be
included in the domain of science. So too, free will. It is said that because we don't
know, it can't be. I would say that because we don't know, we don't know.
- By Charles H. Townes
(i) On the basis of your reading of above passage make notes on it using
headings and sub-headings. Use recognisable abbreviations wherever
necessary. [5]
(ii) Write a summary of the above in 80 words using notes. Suggest a title for
your notes. [3]
Section – B (Writing Skills) 25 Marks
Q.4. You are P.Sharma. You want an English Tutor for your daughter.
Write an advertisement to be published in the classified columns
for a local newspaper. [4]
Q.5. Give a pen portrait of the most interesting person you have ever met in
your life in about 80 - 100 words. [6]
Q.6. You live in a government housing colony. The MCD safai karmcharis do
not come regularly to your colony for sweeping the streets with the result
that a lot of garbage has piled up in your colony making it filthy and
dirty and infection-prone, Write a letter to the District Commissioner
MCD, complaining against the safai karmcharis and suggesting ways to
improve the situation. You are P.K.Saxena of Sheikh Sarai C-440 Phase
I, New Delhi. (Word limit 80 - 100) [7]
Q.7. There are many stray dogs in your locality. They keep barking at night,
bite young children and enter the houses. Write an article for a
newspaper highlighting the menace of stray dogs and the fear of rabies-
suggesting ways to curb the menace. [8]
82
Section – D (Textbook and Long Reading Text) 30 Marks

Q.8.Read the given extract and answer the following questions :
[3 marks]
And who art thou? Said I to the soft falling shower
Which, strange to tell, gave me an answer,
I am the poem of earth,
a. What question does the poet ask?
b. What does the expression ‘soft falling shower’ suggest?
c. What language does the poet receive the answer in?
Q.9.Answer the following questions in about 30 – 40 words each.
[8]
(i) What does the poet in ‘A Photograph’ want to indicate by saying
that sea had ‘changed less, washed their transient feet?
(ii) Why is the earth perceived as a living organism?
(iii) Why was Tutankhamun’s body buried with gilded treasures and
precious things?
(iv) Which activity did the grandmother find the most relaxing when
she lived in the city?
Q.10.The story ‘The summer of the Beautiful White Horse’ is very
interesting despite an absence of breathless’ action.
Comment. [5]
Q.11.The lesson ‘The Ailing planet’ highlights concern about earth
being destroyed by pollution, depletion of resources etc.
What do you think should be done to save our Earth? (upto
100 words) [4]
Q.12.Give a character sketch of Virginia as the harbinger of love

and peace (130 words). [5]
Q.13.Describe the meeting between Virginia and the Ghost. (upto

130 words) [5]
83
ANSWERS
Annual Examination Paper
=============================================
1. I 1. (d) he had not been very well co-ordinated physically as a
child.
2. (d) coxing and ro wing
3. (a) in co mmunicating better than befo re
4. (c) despair
5. (d) altog ether
II
(i) An Equalizer is a co mputer programm e which can b e co ntrolled by
a switch o perated by head or eye mo vement.
(ii) This programme proved helpful to Stephen Hawking as it allo wed
him to select words fro m a series of m enus o n the screen by simply
pressing a switch in his hand, which he co uld send to a speech
synthesizer.
(iii) (1) sl urred (2) plig ht
2. I. 1. (c) Advancement in science and technology has resulted in the mindset to have
things instantly and fast.
2. (d) it takes a lifetime of practice to learn music.
3. (d) Read success comes to those who have a ‘bread-making’ attitude.
4. (a) they are invariably short-lived.
5. endeavour
6. embitter
7. instantly
3. (i) Our Universe
(a) Universe is the outcome of intelligent placing - intelligently
planned, exists a spiritual world/creator.
(b) Science requires faith — many assumptions.
(c) God initiated universe— humans changed it
(d) 1 Responsibility for better changes
2 Creative researches to be regulated.
(e) Science & technology to be used for common good.
(f) Science attempts to understand the universe.
(g) 1 Religion — purpose & meaning of universe.
2 Science objective religion — subjective.
3 Science inconsistent religion puzzling.
84
(h) Spiritual presence in universe.

(ii) Summary
Universe is the outcome of intelligent placing. It is intelligently planned. There
exists a spiritual world - a creator. Science requires faith and many
assumptions. God initiated the universe, human beings have changed it,
and therefore, human beings have responsibility for changing it in a better
state. Creative research has to be regulated. Science and technology have to
be used for common good. Science attempts to understand the universe,
religion tries to understand its purpose and meaning. Science is objective and
inconsistent, while religion is subjective and puzzling. Finally, it can be
concluded that there is a presence in the universe.
3.
SITUATION VACANT
Wanted an English tutor for a girl of class XII, female only with minimum
experience of teaching 10+2 classes for five years. Emoluments : travelling
expenses plus Rs 2500 to Rs 4000 p.m. depending upon the
experience/qualification. Contact P.Sharma at 9891xxxxxx
4. Value Points.
- name, age and height of the person.
- how does he look like, personality.
- reasons for his being interesting.
5. - streets full of garbage, lying dirty.
- complaint against safai karamcharis.
- lots of absenteeism, no attendance.
- remove safai karamcharis or transfer.
- pay surprise visits.
6. Description of the situation.
- stray dogs - increasing number, keep barking at night, bite children and strangers,
enter the houses.
- fear of rabies and unhygienic conditions IP the colony - dogs rummage garbage
also.
- ways to curb the problem-MCD to capture all stray dogs, treat them with
injections, residents should not offer food to dogs.
7. (i) The poet asks the rain to give its introduction and identity.
(ii) It suggests that rain has a soothing effect.
(iii) The poet’s sensibility made him comprehend its pattering and he translates its sound in
words for us.
8. (i) The poetess Shirley Toulson in the poem ‘ A Photograph’ wants to indicate towards “
immortality” and transience’ in life. The sea which has changed less’ is a more permanent
85
factor as compared to the ‘transient feet’ which belong to the poetess, her cousin and the
poetess’s mother. While the sea has not undergone too many changes, their physical
appearance has undergone a sea – change.
(ii) The people are getting aware of the effect of the defiled environment. They feel that earth
is a living organism’ and each irresponsible activity of a human being, makes its condition
worse. Therefore, it’s very important to have a foresight and do only those things which
would have a positive effect on the earth, which is a living organism.
(iii) King Tutankhamun was a young king who died an untimely death. He had a very
prosperous kingdom. And in it , there was a large wealth accumulated by him.
Egyptians believed in life after death therefore all these precious gilded treasures
were buried along with the dead body of the king, to be used after the death.
(iv) The grandmother spent half an hour feeding the sparrows in the afternoon. She
found this activity the most relaxing when she lived in the city.
9. Despite having no breathless action or adventure, the story touches our hearts because it
deals with the conscience of a person. Mourad out of curiosity and adventure, takes
away Byro’s horse without realizing that his tribe’s motto was ‘honesty and trust’. He,
because of fear, tries to hide the horse. Aram also tells him that hiding meant stealing in
words. When Mourad understands this his conscience begins to prick him and he returns
the horse to Byro’s barn. But in order to retain his self-respect he does it in a manner
that it does not appear like a “stealing act”.
10. ‘Save the Planet Earth’
It was in the lap of nature that life developed. So nature and human life are connected in
more than one way. But as soon as humans evolved faster than the other forms of life,
they declared their supremacy on the earth. Today, the earth’s resources are being
stressed by human activities, resulting in huge environmental problems. Issues, such as
depletion of the ozone layer, green house warming, habitat destruction, water and air
pollution and the plight of endangered species are a few of these problems.
Many adults and children who are concerned about the future of the planet seem to
despair. The motto “think globally, act locally” gives educators a model for teaching
students how each person can help to slow down the degradation of the earth.
Afforestation is one of the ways to mend the damage already created. By saving our
forests and planting more trees we can solve the problem of pollution. Teachers can help
students get involved with recycling at school and students can help their parents start
recycling at home. This would save energy and we will have less air pollution. This will
also help us in finding a solution for a global warming. We need to spread awareness
about water-harvesting as well. The need of the hour is to conserve the earth’s resources
in all possible ways for the future generations.
11. As we read the story of ‘The Canterville Ghost’, it is Virginia who comes across as an
exception to all the other characters we encounter. With her inherent qualities of
sensitivity and compassion, she acts as the angel of mercy and conveys to the readers
the author’s message of the importance of love and forgiveness. Virginia, a young
fifteen-year old girl, achieves the hardest task of leading the devil to his final abode of
peace. She is instrumental in transforming a murderer into someone desperate for
86
salvation.
Unlike the rest of her family, Virginia does not dismiss the ghost. She doesn’t ridicule him
nor does she trick or trouble him. Instead, she takes him seriously and listens to him
sympathetically. She is tender, sensitive and capable of feeling the ghost’s misery and
pain. She agrees to weep for him as he has no tears and accompanies him to the garden
of death and to beg mercy for him. She disappears with Sir Simon through the
wainscoting and goes with him to the Garden of Death and bids the ghost the final
farewell.
Thus, by the sheer strength of her fine human qualities like kindness, forgiveness, selfless
love and a sense of devotion along with her mature ability to accept Sir Simon – Virginia
wins over the ghost’s heart and emerges as the true harbinger of love and peace. In the
ghost she had seen not a murderer but a repentant soul. Due to her prayers he is finally
granted forgiveness and he rests in peace and bliss.
12. Virginia met the ghost by chance. One day, Virginia was going by the back staircase. She
noticed a peson in one of the rooms. She was surprised to see that it was the Canterville
ghost. He looked very miserable and lonely. Virginia told him to cheer up as the twins
were going back to Eton and the ghost would not be troubled by them. She advised him
to behave so that no one would annoy him. She reminded the ghost that he had killed
his wife. The ghost told Virginia sadly that he had been starved to death by his brothers-
in-law.
The ghost confided in Virginia that he had killed his wife as she had been bad at cooking
and repair work. That reason, however, could not justify killing anyone. The ghost
praised Virginia for her kindness but called her family rude and dishones which angered
her. She held, in fact, the ghost responsible for stealing her paints. The ghost felt
repentant and pleaded desperately for Virginia to pray for him and then only the Angel
of Death would show mercy on him. Virginia very graciously agreed. This meeting led to
the ghost’s salvation.
87
ANNUAL EXAMINATION
Unsolved Paper
attempting it
=========================================
Section – A (Reading Skills)25 Marks
Q.1 Read the following passage carefully : [10 marks]
1. “We become brave by doing brave acts, “observed Aristotle in the Nicomachean
Ethics. Dispositions of character, virtues and vices, are progressively fixed in us through
practice. Thus “by being habituated to despise things that are terrible and to stand our
ground against them we become brave, and it is when we have become so that we shall
be most able to stand our ground against them.”
2. Standing ground against threatening things is not to be confused with fearlessness,
however. Being afraid is a perfectly appropriate emotion when confronted with fearful
things. The great American novelist Herman Melville makes the Aristotelian point
beautifully in a telling passage in Moby-dick, where Starbuck, the chief mate of the
Pequod, first addresses the crew. “I will have no man in my boat’, said Starbuck, ‘who is
not afraid of a whale’, By this, he seemed to mean, not only that the most reliable and
useful courage was that which arises from the fair estimation of the encountered peril, but
that an utterly fearless man is a far more dangerous comrade than a coward.
3. The brave person is not one who is never afraid. That is rather the description of a rash
or reckless person, someone who may be more harm than help in an emergency. It is
hard to “educate” such a person on the spot. The coward, on the other hand, the one
who characteristically lacks confidence and is disposed to be overly fearful, may yet be
susceptible to the encouragement of example.
4. The infectious nature of strikingly courageous behavior on the part of one person can
inspire – and also in part can shame – a whole group. That was one key to the kind of
courage inspired by Horatius at the bridge in ancient Rome and by Henry V at Agincourt.
It was one key to the kind of courage displayed by those who silently suffered abuse
when they joined ranks with Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., in acts of non-violent
protest directed at rousing the public conscience against injustice.
5. Another key to their success, of course, was reason: practical reason delivered with the
kind of eloquence that is informed by a real command of one’s cultural heritage and that
steels the will to take intelligent action. The mere inclination to do the right thing is not in
itself enough. We have to know what the right thing to do is. We need wisdom – often
the wisdom of a wise leader – to give our courage determinate form, to give it intelligent
direction. And we need the will, the motivating power that inspiring leaders can
88
sometimes help us discover within ourselves, even when we are unable to find it readily
on our own.
6. Fear of the dark is almost universal among young children, and it provides relatively safe
opportunities for first lessons in courage. In families, older siblings are greatly assisted in
cultivating their own dispositions in this respect by putting up a brave front before their
younger brothers and sisters. “You see? There’s really nothing to be afraid of.” This is
excellent practice, and a fine place to begin.
7. So, daring to do what is not good and beneficial for all is far more insidious than not
daring to do something for a right cause. Naturally, bravery well nurtured and backed by
moral courage alone is exemplary, and so, should be promoted.
I. On the basis of your reading of the above passage, complete the following sentences by
choosing the correct options from those given below : [6]
1. Virtues and vices are progressively fixed in us through_________ [1]
(a) company we keep (b) heredity
(c) environment at home (d) practice
2. Being afraid is _____________________ [1]
(a) to be avoided (b) to be suppressed
(c) not a healthy feeling (d) a perfectly appropriate emotion
3. It is normal to be afraid of ______________________. [1]
(a) One’s elders (b) fearful things
(c) a boss (d) one’s parents
4. To give our courage intelligent direction we need ______________ [1]
(a) guidance (b) support of the people
(c) knowledge (d) wisdom
5. The more universal fear among children is fear of the ____________ [1]
(a) Solitude (b) dark
(c) strangers (d) height
6. The word in the passage which means the same as ‘dislike’ is _________ [1]
(Para 1)
(a) Confronted (b) disposed (c) despise (d) displayed
II. Answer the following questions briefly: [1×4=4]
(a) Explain: “We become brave by doing brave acts”.
(b) When is ‘being afraid” an appropriate emotion?
(c) Describe a reckless person.
(d) Find a word in the passage which means “ability to speak effectively and well”.
(para 5)
Q.2 Read the passage given below carefully: [7 marks]
1. Today’s woman is a highly self-directed person, alive to the sense of her dignity and the
importance of her functions in the private domestic domain and the public domain of the
world of work. Women are rational in approach, careful in handling situations and want
to do things as best as possible. The fourth World Conference of Women held in Beijing
in September 1995 had emphasized that no enduring solution of society’s most
threatening social, economic and political problems could be found without the
participation and empowerment of the women. The 1995 world Summit for Social
89
Development had also emphasised the pivotal role of women in eradicating poverty and
mending the social fabric.
2. The constitution of India had conferred on women equal rights and opportunities –
political, social, educational and of employment – with men. Because of oppressive
traditions, superstitions, exploitation and corruption, a majority of women are not
allowed to enjoy the rights and opportunities, bestowed on them. One of the major
reasons for this state of affairs is the lack of literacy and awareness among women.
Education is the main instrument through which we can narrow down the prevailing
inequality and accelerate the process of economic and political change in the status of
women.
3. The role of women in a society is very important. Women’s education is the key to a
better life in the future. A recent World Bank study says that educating girls is not a
charity, it is good economics and if developing nations are to eradicate poverty, they
must educate the girls. The report says that the economic and social returns on
investment in education of the girls considerably affect the human development index of
the nation. Society would progress only if the status of women is respected and the
presence of an educated woman in the family would ensure education of the family itself.
Education and empowerment of women are closely related.
4. The prevailing cultural norms of gender behavior and the perceived domestic and
reproductive roles of women tend to affect the education of the girls. Negative attitude
towards sending girls to schools, restrictions on their mobility, early marriage, poverty
and illiteracy of parents affect the girl’s participation in education.
5. Women’s political empowerment got a big boost with the Panchayati Raj Act of 1993
which gave them 30 per cent reservation in Village Panchayats, Block Samities and Zila
Parishads throughout the country. The National Commission for Women was also set up
in 1992 to act as a lobby for women’s issues.
6. The educational system is the only institution which can counteract the deep foundations
of inequality of sexes that are built in the minds of people through the socialization
process. Education is the most important instrument of human resource development.
Educational system should be used to revolutionise the traditional attitudes and inculcate
new values of equality.
I. On the basis of your reading of the above passage, complete the following
sentences by choosing the correct options from those given below:
[7]
1. In handling situations women are_________in approach. [1]
(a) Emotional (b) romantic (c) rational (d) technical
2. No lasting solution of society’s problems could be found without _____ [1]
(a) respecting women
(b) giving equal status to women
(c) educating women
(d) the participation and empowerment of women
3. Many women are not allowed to enjoy the rights and opportunities because of
___________ [1]
(a) Lack of securities for women (b) oppressive traditions and exploitation
(b) politicalisation of their problems (d) lawlessness in society
90
4. The prevailing inequality between men and women can be narrowed [1]
down only by providing women ____________
(a) financial support (b) social recognition
(c) education (d) political awareness
5. The girl’s participation in education is adversely affected by ________ [1]
(a) negative attitude towards girl’s education
(b) early marriage
(c) illiteracy of parents
(d) all of the above
6. The word in the passage which means the same as ‘cruel and unfair’ is
______________. [1]
(a) enduring (b) threatening (c) oppressive (d) reproductive
7. Find the word in the passage which means the same as ‘Common place’ (para 4)
Q.3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that
follow: [8]
When William the Conqueror landed in England, the first thing he did was
to stumble and fall down. A gasp went through his army at this omen of
disaster. William, however, rose to his feet, crying: "I am so determined to
conquer this land that, behold, I've seized it with both my hands". At that
moment a great shout of renewed confidence went up from every throat.
William's army went on that day to win one of history's greatest battles.
Failure comes only when we accept it as failure. Instead of telling
ourselves, "I've failed!" we should say, "I haven't yet succeeded".
A military leader would be foolish to forge ahead in the mere hope that his
soldiers will follow him. He must address them; stir them to faith in him and in
his enterprise. So must we do with our disorderly subconscious. It isn't enough
to ignore its bad habits and conflicting messages. We must inspire it to link
hands with our conscious resolutions. A strong affirmation of will has the power
to do this.
Troops whose grievances go unaddressed may eventually become rebellious. So
it is with the subconscious. We can't afford to ignore it. Nor, on the other hand,
do we need to be led by it, helplessly. We can command it if we face it squarely
and honestly.
A general doesn't need to know each and every soldier in his ranks. What he
must do is put out the kind of energy they'll respect and obey. The same thing is
true for us in our relation to the subconscious. We needn't face each and every
mental foe of our conscious resolutions; just address the subconscious with that
kind of magnetic determination which will enlist its support.
Meditation is one of the best ways of bringing the subconscious into alignment
with one's conscious resolutions. The peace of meditation filters down into
deeper-than-conscious layers of consciousness. The practice of meditation,
moreover, brings on an awareness of the mind as a totality: subconscious,
conscious, and also super-conscious (that region where our highest inspiration
dwells).
91
The nature of super-conscious is to be solution-oriented. To tune into that

aspect of your nature which, ultimately, can truly command your destiny,
don't dwell on the problems you face. Exert your will in the full expectation
that a solution to every problem can be found. If you follow this practice, the
right answers quickly come to you. You won't behold the fences around you
any longer. They'll simply cease to exist for you. You'll see beyond, farther
than the broad meadows and high mountains of expanded awareness, and
expanded power. At all times, therefore, be solution-oriented!
Energy generates magnetism. The stronger the flow of energy, the greater the
magnetism. It is magnetism, finally, that attracts to us divine blessings and all
that we receive in life. Our magnetism depends to a paramount extent on the
positiveness with which we direct our will. Positive thoughts are magnetic;
negative thoughts weaken our magnetism.
A cheerful attitude is magnetic; discouragement is de-magnetising. Hope is
magnetic; despair is de-magnetising. Love is magnetic; hatred and
indifference dull our magnetism. Faith is magnetic, doubts destroy
magnetism. Be, therefore, always positive, cheerful, full of hope, faith, and
love for God.
(i) On the basis of your reading of above passage, make notes on it
using headings and sub-headings. Use recognisable abbreviations
wherever necessary. [5]
(ii) Write a summary of the above in 80 words using notes. Suggest a
title for your notes. [3]
Section – B (Writing Skills ) 25 Marks

Q.4. Draft a poster to spread awareness of the benefits of reading. [4]
Q.5. Describe the scene inside a bus which is overcrowded and the seats
reserved for women are occupied by men. Write the arguments taking
place inside the bus. [6]
Q.6. There is slum colony inside the pocket of houses where you reside.
The slum children keep the surroundings littered with garbage and
play film music loudly throughout the day. Write a letter to the
President of Residents Welfare Association drawing his attention to
this menace and giving suggestions to solve this problem. [7]
Q.7. You had recently visited a historical place. You were appalled by
the dilapidated conditions of the building. Write an article for a
newspaper drawing attention of the Archaeological Survey of India
towards the poor maintenance of the monuments suggesting ways to
preserve it. [8]
92
Section – D (Text books and Long Reading Text) 30 Marks

Q.8.Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow:
[3]
Yet have I killed
This seed I spent or sown it where
The land is his and none of mine?
We speak like strangers, there’s no sign
Of understanding in the air.
(i) Where are these lines from and who is this ‘I’ in the lines?
(ii) Explain, which is this ‘seed’ being talked about? Why has this ‘I’ killed
it?
(iii) Why is there no sign of understanding in the air?
Q.9.Answer the following in 30 – 40 words each. [8]
(i) Explain the meaning of ‘its silence silences’ in the poem ‘A Photograph’.
(ii) How did the author react when she saw Mrs. Dorling’s daughter handling the
spoons?
(iii) What was the turning point in the narrator and the grandmother’s
relationship?
(iv) What was so special about Tut’s grave?
Q.10. Describe how Andrew Morgan revived the still born baby. [5]
Q.11. What lessons/values must we inculcate in order to face such hazardous
experience as shown in the lesson ‘We’re not afraid........’ [4]
Q.12. Sketch the appearance of the horrible spectre as seen by the Canterville
ghost (word limit-130 words) [5]
Q.13. Discuss the incident that made Colone Carbary paralysed (130 words). [5]
93
ANNUAL EXAMINATION
Unsolved Paper
(i) This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
(ii) Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these
instructions very carefully.
=========================================================
SECTION – A (READING) [25]
Q.1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: [10]
1. By the year 2020, India – already one of the youngest nations in the world, will have an
average age of 29. At present 58% of the population is under the age of 30. For years,
development gurus have looked forward to this period as a time when the nation will finally
be able to cash in on a ‘demographic dividend’; within its massive population. The crux of
such a ‘demographic dividend’ is that India is at a point where the ratio of the working
population (15-59) is rising. The ratio of child population (0-14) is declining and the ratio of
those over 60 is growing only moderately. The beauty of this is that increased labour supply
could boost savings and investment is helping build the nation at many levels. Such a win-
win situation comes but rarely in the life of a nation.
2. One of the characteristics of such a time is that it helps to build with the energy of a young
workforce, strengthen the economy and creating assets that will boost growth for
generations, allowing for stability when the tide turns and the population begins to age.
3. In the West, a similar demographic dividend arrived in the Industrial Age and was chanelled
into high productivity, industrial and service sectors, creating assets that boosted the wealth
of those nations and continues to reap dividends.
4. Without the right economic climate however, the demographic dividend can turn instead
into a liability as a restless young population finds itself under utilized, its dreams and
ambitions thwarted by a lack of access and opportunity. Unfortunately, most of the various
rounds of employment and unemployment data indicate that our demographic milestone is
unfortunately tending towards this direction.
5. Figures from the 1990s indicate that most of the decade experienced jobless growth.
Employment did increase significantly from 1999-2000 and 2004-2005, when the average
yearly increase of workers was 67.7 million, but studies show that this was essentially distress-
driven, primarily on account of an agrarian crisis.
6. The increase in the number of workers has declined to 2.5 million per year while the working
age population has risen at the rate of 14 million per year between 2001 and 2011. All in all,
it is becoming increasingly clear that India is failing to realize its demographic dividend.
7. A study of the spread of employment indicates that nearly half of India’s workforce (49%) is
dependent on agriculture which contributes less than 15% of GDP. The role of the
household industry and manufacturing is limited to just a fifth of the workforce while 90% of
the urban work force is employed in the low-paying unorganized sector. In the absence of an
aggressive economic policy to create employment, agriculture remains the mainstay, and
there was no growth in employment in this sector between 2001 and 2012.
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8. Others are being forced to accept jobs well below their skill level joining the swelling ranks of
the under employed. Most telling, the NSSO does not even measure under employment in
relation to skills and qualifications– only by the number of days worked in a year.
9. The quality of the workforce is also low. About 11% of the male urban workforce and 28%
of the female urban workforce is illiterate. Only 53% male workers and 40% female workers
have studied past secondary school.
10. As a way out of this mess, India must create jobs in the industrial and manufacturing sectors
as agriculture cannot meet the growing demand. In urban areas, growing job markets in the
service sector should be supplemented by the expansion of the industrial and manufacturing
sectors so as to gainfully accommodate all levels of potential young employees. Skill
development and training will also play a critical role in achieving this goal.
11. Most importantly we need to move fast as the biological clock is ticking and our youngsters
will not wait on the sidelines forever.
(i) On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing
the best of the given choices.
(a) The average of the India’s population in 2020 will be: [1]
i. 15-59 iii. 29
ii. 30 iv. Beyond 59
(b) The increase in the workforce in 1999-2000 was due to: [1]
i. distress-driven thanks to an agrarian crisis
ii. India realized its demographic dividend
iii. there were growing jobs in the service sector
iv. the presence of an aggressive economic policy
(c) To resolve the employment crisis, India [1]
i. must develop job creation skills
ii. expand its industrial and service sectors
iii. overutilize its young force
iv. create assets and reap dividends
(ii) Answer the following questions briefly. [1×5=5]
(a) Why have development gurus looked forward to the present state in the
employment market in India?
(b) To what age in the West can this status be compared?
(c) What problem will India face if the current situation is not utilized?
(d) What does the employment growth of 2004-2005 indicate?
(e) What indicates that India is failing to encash on the demographic dividend?
(iii) Find words from the passage that mean the same as: [1×2=2]
(a) those who are employed (para 2)
(b) pertaining to competence in some task (para 8)
Q.2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
[7]
1. It is an era of automation. Nearly every year several inventions and innovations swell up the
markets making the consumers vow on knowing about each one. One of the
commonest factors behind those inventions is our consistent quest for making things
easier for ourselves to work upon.
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2. One of the greatest advances in modern technology has been the invention of computers.
They are already widely used in industry and in universities. Now there is hardly any
sphere of human life where computers have not been pressed into service of man. We are
heading fast towards a situation when a computer is as much a part of man's daily life as
a telephone or a calculator.
3. Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of learning.
They can solve the most complex mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated
facts in order. These machines can be put to varied uses. For instance, they can provide
information on the best way to prevent traffic accidents, or they can count the number
of times the word 'and' has been used in the Bible. Because they work accurately and
at high speeds, they save research workers' years of hard work. This whole process by
which machines can be used to work for us has been called 'automation'. In the future,
automation may enable human beings far more leisure than they do today. The coming
of automation is bound to have important social consequences.
4. Some years ago an expert on automation, Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed out that it was a mistake
to believe that these machines could 'think'. There is no possibility that human beings will
be 'controlled by machines'. Though computers are capable of learning from their mistakes
and improving on their performance, they need detailed instructions from human beings
to be able to operate. They can never, as it were, lead independent lives or 'rule the
world' by making decisions of their own.
5. Sir Leon said that in the future, computers would be developed which would be small
enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people would then be able to use them to obtain
valuable information. Computers could be plugged into a national network and be used
like radios. For instance, people going on holiday could be informed about weather
conditions; car drivers can be given alternative routes when there are traffic jams. It
would also be possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people who do
not share a common language, to talk to one another without any difficulty or to read
foreign publications.
6. It is impossible to assess the importance of a machine of this sort, for many
international misunderstandings are caused simply through our failure to understand
one another. Computers are used in ordinary public hospitals. By providing a machine
with a patient's symptoms, a doctor is to diagnose the nature of his illness. Similarly,
machines can be used to keep a check on a patient's health record and bring it up to date.
Doctors can therefore have immediate access to a great many facts which helps them in
their work. Bookkeepers and accountants, too, can be relieved of dull clerical work, for
the tedious task of compiling and checking lists of figures can be done entirely by machines.
7. Computers are able to tell the exact age of a man or how many years he is going to live
with the help of his blood picture. Computers are the most efficient servants man has
ever had and there is no limit to the way they can be used to improve our lives.
(i) On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by
choosing the best of the given choices.
(a) One of the greatest advances in human technology is [1]
i. the era of automation
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ii. the invention of computers

iii. machines that can think
iv. the need for instructions from human beings
(b) The process by which machines can work for human beings is called ……….. [1]
i. controlling by machines
ii. bookkeepers and accountants
iii. computers
iv. automation
(c) Sir Leon Bragit had predicted that………. [1]
i. computers could be carried in one's pocket
ii. weather forecasts would be made by computers
iii. people could diagnose their own diseases
iv. computers can lead independent lives
(d) The writer calls computers one of the [1]
i. most awaited change in the civilization.
ii. slowest and troublesome of all machines
iii. greatest advances in modern technology
iv. meanest machines present today
(ii) Find the words in the passage which mean the same as: [1×3=3]
i. estimate (para 6)
ii. complex (para 3)
iii. monotonous (para 6)
Q.3. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that
follow. [8]
1. Whether work should be placed among the causes of happiness or unhappiness, may perhaps
be regarded as a doubtful question. There is certainly much work which is exceedingly
irksome, and an excess of work is always very painful. However, work is not to most people
more painful than idleness. There are in work all grades, from mere relief of tedium up to the
profoundest delights, according to the nature of the work and the abilities of the worker.
Most of the work that most people have to do is not in itself interesting, but even such work
has certain great advantages.
2. To begin with, it fills a good many hours of the day without the need of deciding what one
shall do. Most people, when they are left free to fill their own time according to their own
choice are at a loss to think of anything sufficiently pleasant to be worth doing. And whatever
they decide on, they are troubled by the feeling that something else would have been more
pleasant. To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the last product of civilisation and at present
very few people have reached this level. Moreover, the exercise of choice is in itself tiresome.
Except to people with unusual initiative it is positively agreeable to be told what to do at
each hour of the day, provided the orders are not too unpleasant. Most of the idle rich suffer
unspeakable boredom as the price of their freedom from drudgery. At times they may find
relief by hunting big game in Africa or by flying round the world, but the number of such
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sensations is limited, especially after youth is past. Accordingly, the more intelligent rich men
work nearly as hard as if they were poor.
3. Work, therefore is desirable, first and foremost as a prevention of boredom, for the boredom
that a man feels when he is doing something out of compulsion; though uninteresting work
is as boring as having nothing to do. With this advantage of work, another is associated,
namely that it makes holidays much more delicious when they come. Provided a man does
not have to work so hard as to impair his vigour, he is likely to find far more zest in his free
time than an idle man could possibly find.
4. The second advantage of most paid work and some of unpaid work is that it gives chances
of success and opportunities for ambition. In most work, success is measured by income
and while our capitalistic society continues, this is inevitable. However dull work may be, it
becomes bearable, if it is a means of building up a reputation. Whatever we do should have
a purpose. It should not be just like boiling an egg if having nothing to do. It in no way
contributes to the reputation rather makes you a dull head. A work should not just be done
for the sake of doing. At the end, the task it should create a spark of feeling that yes, we
have done something.
What's the use of flipping channels on the television where there is no stuff for you to see?
It will add to the boredom only. That time could be invested in some meaningful task, say,
for instance, in making card for a dear one or spending time with our family or friends. It
will cheer up their minds and seeing their faces glow, wouldn't you feel happy too! So, it's
not just work that matters but the purpose of the work matters more. So, from now if you
plan a work, plan a purpose too. Continuity of purpose is one of the most essential
ingredients of happiness and that comes chiefly through work.
(i) On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it, using
headings and sub-headings. Use recognisable abbreviations (wherever necessary—
minimum 4) and a format you consider suitable. Also supply an appropriate title to it.
[5]
(ii) Write an abstract of the above passage. [3]
SECTION – B (ADVANCE WRITING SKILLS) [25]

Q.4. Draft a commercial advertisement for the opening of a new health club in
your locality. (Word limit:50) [4]
Q.5. You participated in a marathon, ‘Clean Your City’, organized by ‘Down To
Earth’, an environmental awareness magazine. Write a factual description of
the event in about 125 words. [6]
Q.6. Silver Academy offers a course in Gemology and Accessory design after Plus
two. You are Neelam Johri. Write a letter to the Director asking for relevant
information about the course, future prospects, etc. [7]
Q.7. Arti/Anuj has been involved as a student volunteer in the ‘Adult Literacy Drive’
and has been working in the slums for the last six months. She/he has to write
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an article on ‘The Need for a Literate Nation.’ Write the article in 150–200
words. [8]
SECTION – C (TEXT BOOKS & LONG READING TEXTS) [30]

Q.8. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow: [1×3=3]
Silence surrounds us. I would have
Him prodigal, returning to
His father’s house, the home he knew,
Rather than see him make and move
His world. I would forgive him too,
Shaping from sorrow a new love.
(i) What sort of a ‘Silence’ is being referred to here? Is it peaceful and calm? [1]
(ii) What two choices does the father have? What would he prefer out of the two? [1]
(iii) Inspite of his indifferent attitude, the father is still ready to pardon his son. What does this tell us about the
father? [1]
Q.9. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words each: [4×2=8]
(i) Why do you think Marga Minco named the story, ‘The Address’?
(ii) How did Mrs. Fitzgerald as Mrs. Pearson, deal with Doris?
(iii) How were the voyagers of the wave walker saved, eventually?
(iv) “I’ve done something, Oh God! I’ve done something real at last.”
Why does Dr. Andrew say so? What does he mean?
Q.10. ‘Melon City’ aptly reflects the governance strategies practised in the government
machinery today? Elucidate. How according to you can peace and liberty be
maintained in a state? [5]
Q.11. Growth of world population is one of the strongest factors distorting the future of human
society. Comment on the above statement, talking about the role youth can play in
tackling this problem. [4]
Q.12. What games and tricks did the twins play on the ghost which terrified and injured the
Canterville ghost? (130 words) [5]
Q.13. How did the sudden disappearance of Virginia affect the family? What did they do to look
for her? Answer in about 130 words. [5]
99
ANNUAL EXAMINATION – 2016-17

(i) This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
(ii) Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these
instructions very carefully and follow them properly.
(iii) Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering questions.
=============================================================================
SECTION A: Reading ( 25 Marks)
Q1 Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: [10]
1. In I went, for the third time, into the sea. The sand was smooth and firm and shelved
gradually down so that I could wade out till the water was almost to my neck and the
little waves splashed into my face. But at that depth my feet began to leave me and I
durst venture in no further. As for the yard, I saw it bobbing very quietly some twenty
feet in front of me.
2. I had borne up well until this last disappointment; but at that I came ashore, and flung
myself down upon the sands and wept.
3. The time I spent upon the island is still so horrible a thought to me that I must pass it
lightly over. In all the books I have read of people cast away, they had either their
pockets full of tools or a chest of things would be thrown upon the beach along with
them. My case was very different. I had nothing in my pockets but money and Alan’s
silver button; and being inland bred, I was as much short of knowledge as of means.
4. I knew indeed that shell-fish were counted good to eat; and among the rocks of the isle I
found a great plenty of limpets, which at first I could scarcely strike from their places.
There were, besides, some of the little shells that we call buckies; I think periwinkle is the
English name. Of these two I made my whole diet, devouring them cold and raw as I
found them; and so hungry was I that at first they seemed to me delicious.
5. Perhaps they were out of season, or perhaps there was something wrong in the sea
about my island. But at least I had no sooner eaten my first meal than I was seized with
giddiness and retching, and lay for a long time no better than dead. A second trial of the
same food (indeed I had no other) did better with me and revived my strength. But as
long as I was on the island, I never knew what to expect when I had eaten; sometimes
all was well, and sometimes I was thrown into a miserable sickness; nor could I ever
distinguish what particular fish it was that hurt me.
6. All day it streamed rain; there was no dry spot to be found; and when I lay down that
night, between two boulders that made a kind of roof, my feet were in a bog.
7. The second day, I crossed the island to all sides. There was no one part of it better than
another; it was all desolate and rocky; nothing living on it but game birds and the gulls
which haunted the outlying rocks. But the creek, or straits, that cut off the isle from the
main land of the Ross, opened out on the north into a bay, and the bay again opened
into the sound of lona; and it was the neighbourhood of this place that I chose to be my
home; though if I had thought upon the very name of home in such a spot, I must have
burst out weeping.
8. I had good reasons for my choice. There was in this part of the isle a little hut of a house
like a pig’s hut, where fishers used to sleep when they came there upon their business;
100
but the turf roof of it had fallen entirely in; so that the hut was of no use to me, and gave
me less shelter than my rocks. What was more important, the shell-fish on which I lived
grew there in great plenty; when the tide was out I could gather a peck at a time: and
this was doubtless a convenience. But the other reason went deeper. I had become in no
way used to the solitude of the isle, but still looked round me on all sides (like a man
that was hunted) between fear and hope that I might see some human creature coming.
Now, form a little up the hillside over the bay, I could catch a sight of the great, ancient
church and the roofs of the people’s houses in lona. An on the other hand, over the low
country of the Ross, I saw smoke go up, morning and evening, as if from a homestead in
a hollow of the land.
9. I used to watch this smoke, when I was wet and cold, and had my head half turned with
loneliness; and think of the fireside and the company, till my heart burned. It was the
same with the roofs of lona. Altogether, this sight I had of men’s homes and comfortable
lives kept hope alive, and helped me to eat my raw shell-fish and saved me from the
sense of horror I had whenever I was quite alone with dead rocks, and fowls, and the
rain, and the cold sea.
10. I say it kept hope alive; and indeed it seemed impossible that I should be left to die on
the shores of my own country, and within view of a church tower and the smoke of
men’s houses.
1.1 Select the correct option from the ones given below: [1×4 = 4]
(i) The castaway was upset because
(a) there was no hope of escape
(b) the yard was twenty feet away
(c) the water was unbearable
(d) the sand was sinking beneath his feet
(ii) The major problem that confronted him first was that of lack of
(a) food (c) clothes
(b) money (d) tools
(iii) “…. home in such a spot, I must have burst out weeping.” He wept
because
(a) he was alone
(b) of the giddiness
(c) there were animals around
(d) of the loneliness that engulfed him
(iv) The fact that he never lost hope, was because he
(a) had food (c) could see houses
(b) had place to live (d) found a boat
1.2 Answer the following questions briefly. [1×5 = 5]
(i) How was the narrator unlike the usual castaways?
(ii) Why was food not an issue to the narrator?
(iii) What was the place that the narrator decided would be a good lodge for him?
(iv) What advantages did his dwelling offer?
(v) What kept his hope alive?
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1.3 Find the words from the passage which mean the same as: [1x3=3]
(i) Undertake (para 1) (iii) Differentiate (Para 5)
(ii) Eat greedily (para 4)
Q2 Read this excerpt from The Day of an American Journalist in 2889 by Jules
Verne and answer the questions give below: [7]
1. The men of the twenty-ninth century live in a perpetual fairyland, though they do
not seem to realize it. Bored with wonders, they are cold towards everything that
progress brings them every day. It all seems only natural.
2. If they compared it with the past, they would better appreciate what our
civilization is, and realize what a road it has traversed. What would then seem
finer than our modern cities, with streets a hundred yards wide, with buildings a
thousand feet high, always at an equable temperature, and the sky furrowed by
thousands of aero-cars and aero-buses! Compared with these towns, whose
population may include up to ten million inhabitants, what were those villages,
those hamlets of a thousand year ago, that Paris, that London, that New York–
muddy and badly ventilated townships, traversed by jolting contraptions, hauled
along by horses–yes! By horses! It’s unbelievable!
3. If they recalled the erratic working of the steamers and the railways, their many
collisions, and their slowness, how greatly would travelers value the aero-trains,
and especially these pneumatic tubes laid beneath the oceans, which convey
them with a speed of a thousand miles an hours? And would they not enjoy the
telephone and the telephote even better if they recollected that our fathers were
reduced to that antediluvian apparatus which they called the ‘telegraph’?
4. Very well then! The whole of these wonders, we shall meet them in an
incomparable office block–the office of the Earth Herald, recently inaugurated in
the 1682 3rd Avenue.
5. If the founder of the New York Herald, Gordon Bennett, were to be born a
second time today, what would he say when he saw this palace of marble and
gold that belongs to his illustrious descendant, Francis Bennett? Thirty generations
had followed one another, and the New York Herald had always stayed in that
same Bennett family. Two hundred years before, when the government of the
Union had been transferred from Washington to Centropolis, the newspaper had
followed the government–if it were not that the government had followed the
newspaper–and it had taken its new title, the Earth Herald.
6. And let nobody imagine that it had declined under the administration of Francis
Bennett. No! On the contrary, its new director had given it an equalled vitality
and driving-power by the inauguration of telephonic journalism.
7. Everybody knows that system, made possible by the incredible diffusion of the
telephone. Every morning, instead of being printed as in antiquity, the Earth
Herald is ‘Spoken’. It is by means of a brisk conversation with a reporter, a
political figure, or a scientist, that the subscribers can learn whatever happens to
interest them. As for those who buy an odd number for a few cents, they know
102
that they can get acquainted with the day’s issue through the countless
phonographic cabinets.
8. This innovation of Francis Bennett restored new life to the old journal. In a few
months its clientele numbered eighty-five million subscribers, and the director’s
fortune rose to three hundred million dollars, and has since gone far beyond that.
Thanks to this fortune, he was able to build his new office–a colossal edifice with
four facades each two miles long, whose roof is sheltered beneath the glorious
flag, with its seventy-five stars, of the Confederation.
9. Francis Bennet, king of journalists, would then have been king of the two
Americas, if the Americans would ever accept any monarch whatever. Do you
doubt this? But the plenipotentiaries of every nation and our very ministers throng
around his door, peddling their advice, seeking his approval, imploring the
support of his all-powerful organ. Count up the scientists whom he has
encouraged, the artists whom he employs, the inventors whom he subsidises! A
wearisome monarchy was his, work without respite, and certainly nobody of
earlier times would ever have been able to carry out so unremitting a daily grind.
Fortunately, however, the men of today have a more robust constitution, thanks
to the progress of hygiene and of gymnastics, which from thirty-seven years has
now increased to sixty –eight the average length of human life–thanks too to the
aseptic foods, while we wait for the next discovery: that of nutritious air which will
enable us to take nourishment… only by breathing.
1.1 Select the correct option form the ones given below: [1x2=2]
(i) What was the ‘perpetual fairyland’?
(a) dream world (d) that had supernatural
(b) mechanical world beings
(c) with amazing facilities
(ii) What was Francis Bennett’s major contribution?
(a) non-government papers (d) improving reading
(b) telephonic journalism habits
(c) advertising healthy
foods
2.1 Answer the following questions: [3]
(a) How had travel and communication in the newer word evolved?
(b) Why did Francis Bennett truly deserve to head his organization?
(c) Mention two differences in journalism that evolved in the Earth Herald.
3.1 Find the words from the passage which mean the same as: [2]
(a) Unpredictable (para 3) (b) well-known (para 7)
Q 3 Read the passage given below: [8]
It is popularly known as the miracle tree. It is known as Nimba in India. The Sanskrit
name of Neem is ‘Arishtha’ meaning ‘the reliever of the sickness’.
It is a tall evergreen tree with small, bright green leaves. It is up to 100 feet tall. It
blossoms in spring with small white flowers. It has a straight trunk. Its bark is hard,
rough, scaly and fissured even in small trees. The colour of the bark is greyish brown.
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The leaves are alternate and consist of several leaflets with serrated edges. Its flowers are
small and white in colour. The olive-like edible fruit is oval, round and thin skinned.
Neem tree is found throughout India. It is popular village tree. It is also widely grown in
Ranthambore Naitonal Park, Bandhavgarh Naitonal Park, Mrugavani National Park,
Bannerghata National Park, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary and Guindy National Park.
Neem tree can easily be grown in dry, stony, shallow and clayey soils. It needs very little
water and plenty of sunlight. Young Neem trees cannot tolerate excessive cold.
The indigenous people of Nilgiris consume the dried and powered tubers of the
terrestrial orchids as an energizing tonic. Neem also holds medicinal value. Each part of
Neem is used in medicines. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for more than 4000
years. Neem oil extracted from its seeds is used in medicines, pest control, cosmetics etc.
Its leaves are used in the treatment of chickenpox. According to the Hindus, it is
believed that the Goddess of chickenpox, Sithala, lives in the Neem tree. Neem tea is
usually taken to reduce headache and fever. Its flowers are used to cure intestinal
problems. Neem bark acts as an analgesic and can cure high fever as of malaria. Skin
diseases can also be cured with Neem leaves.
People in India use Neem’s twigs to brush their teeth. Neem is considered as a useful
tree in rehabilitating the wasteland areas. Neem seed pulp is useful for methane gas
production. It is also useful as carbohydrates which are a rich base for other industrial
fermentations. Neem bark contains tannins which are used in tanning and dyeing. In
south India, its wood is used to make furniture. The bark of Neem yields the fibre that is
woven into ropes. Neem cake is widely used in Inda as fertilizer for sugarcane,
vegetables and other cash crops. Many countries have been consistently growing the
Neem tree against global warming. The worldwide Neem Foundation has helped in
making people aware about the importance of Neem and its uses globally.
It is said that planting Neem tree in the house is an ensured passage to heaven Its leaves
are strung on the main entrance to keep away the evil spirits. Neem is a wonder tree and
finds mention in a number of ancient texts.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes using headings
and sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations, where necessary. [5]
(b) Make a summary of the above passage in not more than 80 words using the notes
made and also suggest a suitable title. [3]
SECTION-B ( ADVANCED WRITING SKILLS- 25 Marks)
Q4. Your school is organising a carnival to collect funds for charity. As the Head
Boy/Head Girl of your school. Meera International School, Gurgaon, draft a
poster for the same. [50 words] [4]
Q5 You are Amit/Amita. You saw an advertisement about a course in spoken
English published in ‘The Hindu’. Write a letter to the advertiser, inquiring
about the course. [120 words] [6]
Q6 You are Ratna/Ram of St. Joseph’s School, Kolkata. You visited a science
Exhibition organized by the city school along with other students. Write a
report in 150 words for your school magazine. [7]
Q7. ‘Are we happier than our ancestors? Write an article giving your views on the
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above mentioned topic in about 200 words. [8]

SECTION –C TEXT BOOKS & LONG READING TEXT(30 Marks)
Q8 Read the extract and answer the questions that follow: [3]
And forever, by day and night, I give back
life to my own origin
And make pure and beautify it;
(i) Who is ‘I’? What does it do to its own origin?
(ii) How does it purify and beautify it?
(iii) What is its origin?
Q9 Answer the following questions in 30-40 words: [4x2=8]
(i) What is meant by ‘population perpetuates poverty’ in the chapter ‘Ailing Planet’?
(ii) How was George Pearson treated at the club?
(iii) Why do you think Mrs. Dorling refuse to recognize the narrator?
(iv) What efforts were made by Andrew in reviving the new-born baby?
Q10. Do you think that the author has ridiculed the practice of astrology through
the story ‘Ranga’s Marriage’? [5]
Q11. ‘The Portrait of a Lady’ partly dwells on the loneliness and insecurity of the
old age and the effort of the old to fit in’. Comment. [4]
Q12. Why did the Ghost give up the idea of scaring the Otis family? What does
this reveal about the ghost? [5]
Q13. Do you agree with the statement that ‘The Canterville Ghost’ is infact a story
of love and not a horror story’? Give your comments. [5]
105
ANNUAL EXAMINATION – 2017-18
SECTION A: Reading ( 25 Marks)

Q1 Read the passage given below carefully: [10]
11. Maharana Pratap ruled over Mewar only for 25 years. However, he accomplished so
much grandeur during his reign that his glory surpassed the boundaries of countries and
time turning him into an immortal personality. He along with his kingdom became a
synonym for valour, sacrifice and patriotism, Mewar had been a leading Rajput kingdom
even before Maharana Pratap occupied the throne. Kings of Mewar, with the
cooperation of their nobles and subjects, had established such traditions in the kingdom,
as augmented their magnificence despite the hurdles of having a smaller area under
their command and less population: There did come a few thorny occasions when the
flag of the kingdom seemed sliding down. Their flag once again heaved high in the sky
thanks to the gallantry and brilliance of the people of Mewar.
12. The destiny of Mewar was good in the sense that barring a few kings, most of the rulers
were competent and patriotic. This glorious tradition of the kingdom almost continued
for 1500 years since it establishment, right from the reign of Bappa Rawal. In fact only
60 years before Maharana Pratap, Rana Sanga drove the kingdom to the pinnacle of
fame. His reputation went beyond Rajasthan and reached Delhi. Two generations
before him, Rana Kumbha had given a new stature to the kingdom thoroughly victories
and developmental work. During his reign, literature and art also progressed
extraordinarily. Rana himself was inclined towards writing and his works are read with
reverence even today. The ambience of his kingdom was conducive to the creation of
high quality work of art and literature. These accomplishments were the outcome of a
longstanding tradition sustained by several generations.
13. The life of the people of Mewar must have been peaceful and prosperous during the
long span of time; otherwise such extraordinary accomplishment in. these fields would
not have been possible. This is reflected in their art and literature as well as their loving
nature. They compensate for lack of admirable physique by their firm but pleasant
nature. The ambience of Mewar remains lovely thanks to the cheerful and liberal
character of its people.
14. One may observe astonishing pieces of workmanship not only in the forts and palaces of
Mewar but also in public utility buildings. Ruins of many structures which are still
standing tall in their grandeur are testimony to the fact that Mewar was not only the land
of the brave but also a seat of art and culture. Amidst aggression and bloodshed,
literature and art flourished and creative pursuits of literature and artists did not suffer.
Imagine, how glorious the period must have been when the Vijaya Stambha which is the
sample of our great ancient architecture even today, was constructed. In the same fort,
Kirti Stambha is standing high, reflecting how liberal, the then administration was which
allowed people from other communities and kingdoms to come and carry out
construction work. It is useless to indulge in the debate whether the Vijaya Stambha was
constructed first or the Kirti Stambha. The fact is that both the capitals are standing side
by side and reveal the proximity between the king and the subjects of Mewar.
106
15. The cycle of time does not remain the same. Whereas the reign of Rana Sanga was
crucial in raising, the kingdom to the acme of glory, it also proved to be his nemesis.
History took a tum. The fortune of Mewar - the land of the brave; started waning. Rana
tried to save the day with his acumen which was running against the stream and the
glorious traditions for sometime.
1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer the following
questions with the help of the given options that follow: [1×4=4]
(i) Maharana Pratap became immortal because………………
(a) he ruled Mewar for 25 years
(b) he added a lot of grandeur to Mewar
(c) of his valour, sacrifice and patriotism
(d) both (ii) and (iii)
(ii) Difficulties in the way of Mewar were ………….
(a) lack of cooperation of the nobility
(b) ancient traditions of the kingdom
(c) its small area and small population
(d) the poverty of the subjects
(iii) During thorny occasions ………….
(a) the flag of Mewar seemed to be lowered
(b) the flag of Mewar was hoisted high
(c) the people of Mewar showed gallantry
(d) most of the rulers heaved a sigh of relief
(iv) Mewar was lucky because …….
(i) all of its rulers were competent
(ii) most of its people were competent
(iii) most of its rulers were competent
(iv) only a few of its people were incompetent
1.2 Answer the following questions briefly. [1×4 = 4]
(i) What does the writer find worth admiration in the people of Mewar?
(ii) How could art and literature flourish in Mewar?
(iii) How did the rulers show that they cared for their subjects?
(iv) What does the erection of Vijaya Stambha and Kirti Stambha in the same fort
signify?
1.3 Find words from the passage which mean the same as: [1x2=2]
(iv) surprising (para 4) (v) evidence (para 4)
Q2 Read the passage given below carefully. [7]
10. It was 200 years ago that a French doctor· when examining a female patient rolled up
sheets of paper and placed them to her heart instead of putting his ear to her chest. This
single act gave birth to that universal marker of medical practice, the stethoscope. Over
two centuries this device has traveled wide, and is now seen in S&M shops, toy stores,
medical exam rooms. Unfortunately on its two hundredth birthday, instead of
celebration there's talk of dispatching the stethoscope to the morgue. Last week, Jagat
Narula, a cardiologist provocatively claimed: 'The stethoscope is dead.'
107
11. In 2014, Indian born 15-year-old Suman Mulumudi invented the Steth 10 in Seattle. He
is one among several who have come up with alternatives to· the regular stethoscope.
His invention essentially listens to heart and lung sounds and converts them into a
spectrogram which can be annotated into an iPhone case that amplifies and stores it for
future reference. The device is on the market. Besides this, there are other choices on
the· market. Others have cited a portable ultrasound machine as a possible successor.
An FDA approved digital stethoscope that records the sounds of a patient's heart and
transmits it into an app is also around. The clip stored in the cloud can be transferred for
a second opinion anywhere in the world. Some stethoscope apps play doctor and
deliver snap diagnosis by applying algorithms to match the patient's recordings with a re-
programmed index of common sounds detected for listening to internal sounds of the
body.
12. The gains, experts say, are greater diagnostic accuracy, real-time results and streamlined
treatment that saves the patient time and money by eliminating superfluous tests and
medication. But not all Indian doctors are convinced about it. Dr Vinita Arora maintains
that technology is what you tell technology. Good history taking and listening to a
patient can ever be substituted. If the machine misses even one sign the diagnosis could
be incorrect. According to another doctor, Dr C.T Deshmukh, ninety per cent of doctors
can't do without a stetho but some others point out stethos stand-ins will not penetrate
the Indian market until the new digital devices are introduced to students right at
medical school. According to Dr Neelesh Bhandari, when you go to techno conferences
you realize that stethoscopes are going out because apps and mobile devices are more
accurate and tell you more. For manufacturers of steel stethoscopes their devices are a
bargain at `500 to `2000. Even though electronic stethoscopes have been available for
several years you will seldom come across them in use.
13. The economics of operating the next gen stethoscope may prove a hurdle in India.
Logistically the steep imbalance between doctor-patient ratio - 6 doctors to- every
10,000 people could suppose that quicker, more efficient tools with tele-medicine
capabilities would have sped up diagnosis, But then again 80% of the population is
treated in rural India where steady electricity is a luxury.
14. This is why other doctors feel that it is not yet time for the stethoscope to exit although
they believe that will undoubtedly come. For the present the convention is suggestive of
the doctor's authority because when a patient sees an individual with a stethoscope they
feel reassured that they are in capable hands and feel on the way to recovery. Moreover,
if you take away the symbol you take away the placebo effect of the doctor.
15. Finally it is worthwhile to remember that a conventional stetho may not relay messages
but it has always had a processor-between the ear tips.
2.1 On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer the following
questions with the help of the given options: [1x5=5]
(i) The French doctor examining a woman patient
(a) rolled up his sleeve and put his ear to her chest
(b) rolled up sheets of paper and placed them to her heart
(c) placed a paper to his ear
(d) invented the stethoscope
108
(ii) The stethoscope can now be seen in……

(a) medical operating rooms, toy shops
(b) toy shops and sports goods
(c) medical examination rooms and toy shops
(d) book stores and hospitals
(iii) The stethoscope has been in use for
(a) a century (c) Since 2014
(b) 200 years (d) before the computer age
(iv) The digital stethoscope records
(a) the patient’s heartbeat and stores it in its memory.
(b) the heart beat and transmits it to the Iphone.
(c) the heart beat and warns the doctor.
(d) the patients’ heart beat and stores it in an app.
(v) The digital stethoscope may prove a hurdle in India as:
(a) there is a steep imbalance between doctor patient ratio.
(b) electricity supply in rural areas is not steady.
(c) it isn’t economically viable.
(d) there are many more efficient tools with tele-medicine capabilities.
2.2 Find words from the passage which mean the opposite of the following: [2]
(c) reduces (para 2) (d) essential (para 3)
Q.3. Read the passage given below: [8]
1 The nine-letter word "interview" can · perspire the most knowledgeable and strong
people in the world. That may be one reason, political leaders and· corporate
giants normally do not agree for an interview. But the popular ones, or those who
want to make an impact, willingly give interviews. In modern times, whether you
like interview or not, your prospects depend on its success. So you must know
what an interviewer expects from you.
2 First an academic question. What is an interview? It is a discussion in which an
interviewer faces a candidate for a short while and asks questions to probe his
knowledge and awareness on the subject. These are done to assess the personality
of the interviewee. It is a very formal means of interaction with one person facing a
group of persons, each of whom is a specialist in his or her field.
3 Knowledge is an important component of success in an interview. It has two
aspects: range and depth. The former implies that you should know a lot beyond
your own specialisation and the latter means an awareness of the various aspects
of the topics under discussion. An in-depth knowledge is gained through reading
and listening. Listening is more important than reading. Be a keen listener, store
major facts in your mind and use them at the appropriate time.
4 Next comes appearance, which means your dress for the interview. You must be
elegantly attired for the occasion. Wear a simple· outfit that suits your physique and
features. Women should wear sarees or any other sober dress. Casuals like kurta-
pyjama should not feature in your selection of dresses.
5 Conducting yourself in an apt way is equally significant. The way you move
109
yourself, sit on the chair, place-your hands and your briefcase and talk to the
members reflect your behaviour. Walking sloppily, talking .loudly or inaudibly,
getting irritated easily, and showing documents insistently are symptoms of bad
behaviour. A better way is to enter the room smartly, move forward with dignity,
greet the board, sit when asked to, and thank at the end before you leave.
6 Expression is the most important aspect of the interview. It conveys your views and
opinions. For good expression, what you need is clarity of mind and speech. Show
your balanced thinking to convey your views clearly.
7 Convey your view effectively. In an interview, you may be asked questions where
you have to either agree or disagree. Whatever your approach, convince the board
that it is unbiased. The board may not agree with your view. Even if you disagree,
let not your face show it. Create an impact through your expressions. Give an
impression of being a leader. Show that you can cooperate and get cooperation
that you can share views and get people to accept your authority to reach decisions
and implement them.
8 Finally, never consider yourself to be a perfect man, Being a human being makes
you susceptible to flaws. However, try to conform to the highest standards and
reach as close to perfection as possible. '
(a) Make notes on the above passage in any suitable format. Use recognisable
abbreviations wherever necessary and give a title to the passage. [5]
(b) Write a summary of the passage based on your notes. [3]
SECTION-B ( ADVANCED WRITING SKILLS- 25 Marks)
Q4. You are Suyashi/Utkarsh, living at M-48, Wajirpur, Delhi. You want to
sell off your htc mobile phone. Draft an advertisement for the classified
columns of a national daily giving its details and the price expected. [4]
Q5 You are Anand/Anandi of 22, Gandhi Nagar, Chennai. You saw an
advertisement about a course in spoken English, published in ‘The
Times of India’ by SPD, International Institute, 83, Meera Nagar;
Chennai-20. You wish to join the course. Write a letter to the advertiser,
inquiring about the details you require. [6]
Q6 Your Principal takes several steps to sensitise students on social issues.
Last Christmas she arranged to send a group of students to ‘Aashraya’
an old age home. The students carried cakes and other eatables, and
gifts for the inmates. The idea was to share the cheer and the spirit of
Christmas with the lonely old people. Write a report about the same in
120-150 words for the school magazine. [7]
Q7. You have to give a speech in the special assembly to be held on the
occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Lately, many doubts have been expressed
about the validity of Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of non-violence in
110
modern times. In your speech, impress upon your audience that non-
violence is the only way to bring peace to the troubled world of today.
Write the speech in about 150-200 words. [8]
SECTION –C TEXT BOOKS & LONG READING TEXT(30 Marks)
Q8 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
[3]
I do not understand this child
Though we have lived together now
In the same house for years, I know
Nothing of him, so try to build
Up a relationship from how
He was when small.
(iv) Identify the line that indicates distance between father and son.
(v) Why does ‘I’ feel he knows nothing of ‘him’?
(vi) How does the poet plan to rebuild a relationship with his son?
Q9 Answer the following questions in 30-40 words: [4x2=8]
(v) What does the notice ‘The World’s most dangerous animal’ at a cage in the
zoo at Lusaka, Zambia signify?
(vi) Why were the people happy with their Melon King?
(vii) Why did Ranga’s home coming create a commotion in the city?
(viii) What were the findings of the CT scan of Tut’s mummy?
Q10. If you work to respect the feelings, yearnings and desires of others,
success is always yours. Explain on the basis of the lesson ‘Birth’ by
A.J. Cronin. [5]
Q11. How does the story ‘We’re not afraid to die if we can all be together’
suggest that optimism helps to endure ‘the direst stress’? [4]
Q12. The antics of the twins are the main source of humour in the novel ‘The
Canterville Ghost’. Do you agree? Give examples to support your
answer. [5]
Q13. Though Oscar Wilde tells a humorous tale, he has a message which he
delivers through Virginia. Discuss. [5]
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DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL Assignment Booklet

Indirapuram, Ghaziabad (Class - XI : English)

Section – C Text books (30 Marks)

The candidates are given 1 minute to speak.

1. Landscape of the Soul

Literature 1. Albert Einstein at school

(iii) How can unforgiving behaviour adversely affect us?

(viii) Today I ………………. a workshop on Laughter Therapy.

them are women. Poor, vulnerable parents, especially women-headed families,

(b) putting into practice (Para 3,4)

Section – B (Writing Skills)

………………… way he has done. If we adopt (xi) ……………….. ideology, the

enough to help a student clear the exam.

There is another fact to be reckoned with. Thanks mainly to information

Section – B (Writing Skill)

Section – B (Writing Skills)

Encyclopedia are intended for non-specialists,

(ii)With eerie delicate whistle- chirrup whisperings

Section – B (Writing Skills)

am sure I……………………..get his autograph some day.

Section – A (Reading Skills)

money? (may / could / shall)

Section – A (Reading Skills)

fearlessness, non-attachment and non –violence.

I What is the true sacrifice according to the passage?

Section – B (Writing Skills)

Siddhi : It’s awesome. (d) _____________

Section – A (Reading Skills)

Each one darting away with his

B.Com with CA (Inter) having 2-3 years of experience in maintenance of accounts.

4. Complete the following using clauses, as shown in the example

Section – A (Reading Skills)

renal failure, and can also be fatal.

Section – A (Reading Skills)

3. Why was Einstein nervous when he met the doctor?

The Ghat of the Only World

Section – A (Advanced Reading Skill)

a) What ‘blow’ was totally unexpected?

2. Long Answer Questions-

1. How does the author describe the Tibetan mastiff?

Section – A (Reading Skills)

The Tale of MelonCity

HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION

Section – A (Reading Skills) [25 Marks]

(iii) What do these words mean:

HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION

(b) Human beings are likely to be controlled by machines one day.

ABC PUBLIC SCHOOL

4. INAUGURATION OF INDIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

paper. However, a computer expert in California, called Wlat Woltosz, heard of

III. removed his ability to speak altogether

2. The piano teacher believed that ____________ [1]

(d) Real success comes to those who have a 'bread-making' attitude.

possible, science and religion will have to change in many ways.

Section – D (Textbook and Long Reading Text) 30 Marks

Q.12.Give a character sketch of Virginia as the harbinger of love

Q.13.Describe the meeting between Virginia and the Ghost. (upto

(h) Spiritual presence in universe.

The nature of super-conscious is to be solution-oriented. To tune into that

Section – B (Writing Skills ) 25 Marks

Section – D (Text books and Long Reading Text) 30 Marks

ii. the invention of computers

SECTION – B (ADVANCE WRITING SKILLS) [25]