TOTAL MARKS: 50

ENGLISH PAPER I TIME: 1 Hr. 30 Minutes

Question I: Language
Direction: Answer all the questions

1.1 “Language cannot be transmitted genetically.” Justify the statement. (3)

1.2 “Human language has duality of structure.” Explain the given statement. (3)
1.3 Language can be used in spoken as well as written form for communication.
Which form do you feel is more effective? Give at least two reasons to explain why. (4)
1.4 Give three evidences to show that human language is more complex and sophisticated
than that of animals. (3)
1.5 How is human language “species-specific and species-uniform”? (2)

Question II: Grammar

Direction: Answer all the questions

2.1 Rewrite the following sentences using the instructions given in brackets and without
changing their meanings. [1*10 Marks]
1) They got a letter of complaint. Their kitchen was dirty. [Begin: Since]
2) As soon as the police arrived the thief ran away. [Begin: No sooner]
3) I daren’t even touch those ornaments since they are fragile. [Begin: As those]
4) Tashi was so weak that he could not run. [Use: ‘too’]
5) Smoking is harmful. It should be avoided. [Join the sentences using a conjunction]
6) “I don’t believe it!” he exclaimed. [Change the sentence to indirect speech]
7) She was protective of her father. He had delicate health. [Begin: Because]
8) As soon as the bell rang, the teacher left the class. [Begin: Hardly]
9) He is greater than I. [Change the sentence into a negative sentence]
10) He was a villain to commit such a deed. [End the sentence with a question mark]

2.2 Make a sentence each for the phrasal verbs given below in the table. Phrasal verb in bold is
completed as an example. [1*5 Marks]
Example: Back away
As it came near the fence, the cow backed away.

Blow up Eat away Set aside

Come by Lay off Back away

2.3 Some proverbs/idioms are given below together with their meanings. Choose the correct
meaning of proverb/idiom from the given options in brackets. [1*5 Marks]
1) To keep one’s temper (to become hungry/ to be in good mood / to preserve ones energy)
2) To catch a tartar (To catch a dangerous person/ to meet with disaster/ to trap criminal with
great difficulty)
3) To cry wolf (To listen eagerly / To give false alarm / to turn pale)
4) To put one’s hand to plough (to take up agricultural farming / to take a difficult task / take
interest in technical work)
5) To pick holes (to destroy something / to find some reason to quarrel / to criticize someone)

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2.4 Each of the following sentences below has an error. Edit the sentences and rewrite them
correctly. [1*5 Marks]
1) He kept his luggage next to the furnitures.
2) Daily practise is the key to success.
3) The lady said to me why are you shivering?
4) He is an imminent man.
5) The little girl asked if she may eat her snacks.

Question III: Argumentative Essay

3.1 Choose ONE argumentative topic from below and write ‘ONLY’ the introduction. Marks will
be rewarded for orderly and coherent presentation of materials, use of appropriate features
and general accuracy of spellings, punctuation, and grammar. [5 Marks]
1) Violence in the media makes children violent
1) Is global climate change caused by humans?
2) Are cell phones dangerous?

Question IV: Story Writing

4.1 Write an original story of about 100 to 150 words employing all the elements of short story.
Emphasis should be made on conflict in your story. [5 Marks]
Prompt: …finally I am home.

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