XEV (S-I ) – E (1)

2011

Full Marks : 100

Time : 3 hours

The figures in the right-hand margin indicate marks

Answer all questions

Candidates are required to write their answers in their

Own words as far as practicable

1. Explain the following with reference to the context :

(a) I like these chance encounters, I value far more the relationship
Of years, and if Indians had not spoken English my own life
would have been infinitely poorer.

Or

We can forgive those who bore us, but we cannot forgive those
whom we bore.

(b) Scatter, as from an unextinguished hearth

Ashes and sparks, my words among mankind !
Be through my lips to unawakened earth
The trumpet of a prophecy ! O wind.
If winter comes, can spring be far behind?

Or

(c ) In sooth I know not why I am so

Sad : But how I caught it,
Found it, or came by it,
What stuff tis made of
Whereof it is born
I am to learn.

Or
 But life itself, my wife, and all the world,

Are not with me esteemed above thy life :

I would lose all, as, sacrifice them all

Here to this devil, to deliver you.

2. Write a short essay on the plot of the Merchant of Venice.

Or
Give a character sketch of Antonio or Bassanio.

3. Narrate the story of The Selfish Giant.

Or

Critically evaluate On Being a Bore.

4. Write a critical appreciation of any one of the following :

(a) God’s Grandeur

(b) Love
(c) A Little Learning
(d) Ode to a Nightingale.

5. Write a précis of the given passage :

To spend too much time in studies is sloth, to use them too

much for ornament is affectation; to make judgment is wholly
by their rules is the humor of a scholar. They perfect nature
and are perfected by experience : for natural abilities are like
natural parts, that need pruning by study; and studies
themselves do give forth directions too much at large,except
thy be bounded in by experience. Crafty men condermn
studies, simple men admire them and wise men use them; for
they teach not their own use, dut that is a wisdom without
them and above them, worn by observation. Read not to
contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted;nor
to taik and discourse;but to weigh and consider. Some books
are to be tasted, others, to be swallowed, and some few to be
chewed and digested.

******