CBSE New Pattern English Core C - Srishti Agarwal

CBSE
New Pattern
English Core
Class 12 (Term I)
Coverage of MCQs
in all the Sections;
Reading Comprehension,
Creative Writing Skills
and Literature
Author
Srishti Agarwal
ARIHANT PRAKASHAN (School Division Series)

ARIHANT PRAKASHAN (School Division Series)
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CBSE
New Pattern
Contents
SECTION A
READING COMPREHENSION -
Unseen Passage factual, descriptive or literary discursive or persuasive -
Case Based Unseen factual Passage -
SECTION B
CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS -
Short Writing Task
. Notice Writing -
. Classiﬁed Advertisements -
Long Writing Task
. Letter to an Editor -
. Article Writing -
SECTION C
LITERATURE -
Flamingo Prose
. The Last Lesson -
. Lost Spring -
. Deep Water -
Flamingo Poetry
. My Mother at Sixty-Six -
. An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum -
. Keeping Quiet -
Vistas Supplementary
. The Third Level -
. The Enemy -
Practice Papers - -
CBSE
New Pattern
Syllabus
SECTION A Marks
READING COMPREHENSION Two Passages
Unseen Passage factual, descriptive or literary discursive or persuasive
Case Based Unseen factual Passage
SECTION B Marks
CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
Short Writing Task Marks Long Writing Task One Marks
Notice Writing Letter to an Editor giving suggestions
Classiﬁed Advertisements or opinion on issues of public interest
Article Writing
SECTION C
LITERATURE Marks Flamingo, Marks Vistas
Literary-prose poetry extracts Book Flamingo Poetry
seen-texts to assess My Mother at Sixty-Six
comprehension and appreciation, An Elementary School Classroom
analysis, inference, extrapolation in a slum
Question Based on Texts Keeping Quiet
to assess comprehension and Book Vistas Supplementary
appreciation, analysis, inference,
The Third Level
extrapolation
The Enemy
Book Flamingo Prose
The Last Lesson
Lost Spring
Deep Water
CBSE
New Pattern
CBSE Circular
Acad - 51/2021, 05 July 2021
About Latest Exam Scheme Term I & II
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CBSE New Pattern ~ English Core Class 12th (Term 1) 3
01
Reading
Comprehension
Comprehension involves a thorough understanding of the given passage consisting of one or more
paragraphs. It is meant to test the understanding power and intellectual skill of a student.
In class XIIth Term I examination, Two passages carrying a total of 14 marks will be asked from
Reading Section.
First passage (Factual, Descriptive or Literary / Discursive or Persuasive) carries multiple choice
questions of 8 marks and second passage (Case Based Unseen Factual) carries multiple choice
questions of 6 marks.
Types of Passages
Sources from where passages
Type of Passage Examples
are taken
Factual passage n
A set of facts n
Instructions n
Newspapers and magazines
n
Report n
Description n
Brochures
n
Reference books
n
Encyclopaedias
Discursive passage n
Opinions n
Persuasive text n
Newspapers and magazines
n
Argumentative text n
Interpretative text n
Reference books
Literary passage n
Extract from fiction, n
Novels n
Short stories
drama, essay, n
Dramas n
Biographies
biography, etc n
Other literary books
Case based Factual Passage with visual and verbal inputs of n
Newspaper reports
passage n
Statistical data n
Charts n
Graphs
n
Magazines n
Reference books
Points to be Kept in Mind

● Read the passage carefully and thoroughly to understand its contents. Underline the main ideas and
instances, examples and arguments supporting them.
● Underline the words you don’t understand and try to guess their meaning from the context. Check the
vocabulary related questions and try to find the answers from the context.
● In Multiple Choice Questions, analyse the questions and options carefully before selecting the correct
option because some of the four options are closely related.
● Quickly go through the subject matter questions and mark the parts of the passage you feel are the
answers to the questions. Make sure you have understood the questions.
● Read the passage again to counter check your answers.
04 CBSE New Pattern ~ English Core Class 12th (Term 1)
Multiple Choice Questions on

Factual, Discursive & Literary Passages
Read the passages given below carefully and answer any eight questions from the nine that follow by
choosing the most appropriate option.
Passage 1
Many of us believe that ‘small’ means ‘insignificant’. We believe that small actions and choices
do not have much impact on our lives. We think that it is only the big things, the big actions
and the big decisions that really count. But when you look at the lives of all great people, you
will see that they built their character through small decisions, small choices and small actions
that they performed every day. They transformed their lives through step-by-step or
day-by-day approach. They nurtured and nourished their good habits and chipped away their
bad habits, one by one. It was their small day-to-day decisions that added up to make
tremendous difference in the long run. Indeed, in matters of personal growth and character
building, there is no such thing as an overnight success.
Growth always occurs through a sequential series of stages. There is an organic process to
growth. When we look at children growing up, we can see this process at work: the child first
learns to crawl, then to stand and walk and then finally to run. The same is true in the natural
world. The soil must first be tilled and then the seed must be sown. Next, it must be nurtured
with enough water and sunlight and only then will it grow into trees laden with ripe fruits.
Gandhi understood this organic process and used this universal law of nature to his benefit.
Gandhi grew in small ways, in his day-to-day affairs. He did not wake up one day and find
himself to be the ‘Mahatma’. In fact, there was nothing much in his early life that showed
signs of greatness. But from his mid-twenties onwards, he deliberately and consistently
attempted to change himself, reform himself and grow in some small way every day. Day by
day, hour by hour, he risked failure, experimented and learnt from mistakes. In small as well
as large situations, he took up the responsibility rather than avoiding it.
People have always marvelled at the effortless way in which Gandhi could accomplish the
most difficult tasks. He displayed a great deal of self-mastery and discipline which was
amazing. These things did not come easily to him. Years of practice and disciplined training
went into making his success possible. Very few saw his struggles, fears, doubts and anxieties,
or his inner efforts to overcome them. They only saw the victory, but not the struggle.
This is a common factor in the lives of all great people: they exercise their freedoms and
choices in small ways that make great impact on their lives and their environment. Each of
their small decisions and actions, add up to have a profound impact in the long run. By
understanding this principle, we can move forward, with confidence, in the direction of our
dreams.
Often when our ‘ideal goal’ looks too far from us, we become easily discouraged,
disheartened and pessimistic. However, when we choose to grow in small ways, by taking
small steps one at a time, our achievement becomes easy.
Questions (iv) What according to the author is the

(i) Through the passage, the author had ‘universal law of nature’?
(a) Things take time to grow
intended to state that
(b) Evolution
(a) big things, big actions and big decisions
(c) Success
make a person great.
(d) Freedom
(b) small actions and decisions are important
in one’s life. (v) Which of the following graphs correctly
(c) overnight success is possible for all of us. shows the process of transformation
(d) personal changes are not important. presented in the passage.
(ii) “You will see that they built their Series 1
character through” Pick the option in 100%
which the meaning of ‘character’ is
80%
NOT the same as it is in the passage.
(a) Education has for its object the formation 60%
of character. 40%
(b) If I take care of my character, my reputation Series 1
will take care of itself. 20%
(c) Jason’s character is a combination of wit 0%
and kindness. Year1 Year2 Year3 Year4
(d) Greeley says he’s a genuinely reformed (a)
character.
Series 1
(iii) Based on your understanding of the 100%
passage, choose the option that lists the 80%
correct sequence of the information.
60%
1. We can move forward, with
confidence, in the direction of our 40% Series 1
dreams after understanding that small 20%
actions are important.
0%
2. Years of practice and disciplined Year1 Year2 Year3 Year4
training went into making his success (b)
possible. Growth
3. Gandhi grew in small ways, in his 100%
day-to-day affairs. 80%
4. The soil must first be tilled and then
60%
the seed must be sown.
5. In matters of personal growth and 40%
Growth
character building, there is no such 20%
thing as an overnight success.
0%
(a) 1,2,3,4,5 (b) 4,2,1,3,5 Year1 Year2 Year3 Year4
(c) 5,3,1,2,4 (d) 5,4,3,2,1 (c)
Series 1 (c) The values that nurtured it were

100% hierarchical, not popular; the authority on
which it relied was sacral, not secular.
80%
(d) He has nurtured close relationships with
60% presidents of both parties.
40%
Series 1 (viii) Which of the following statements is
20% true in the context of Gandhi?
0% (a) Gandhi became great overnight.
Year1 Year2 Year3 Year4 (b) Gandhi showed signs of greatness in
(d) childhood itself.
(c) Every day Gandhi made efforts to change
(vi) What does the writer mean by saying
himself in some small way.
‘chipped away at their bad habits’?
(d) Gandhi never made mistakes.
(a) Steadily gave up bad habits.
(b) Slowly produced bad habits. (ix) Pick the option that correctly lists the
(c) Gradually criticized bad habits. ways in which one must initiate small
(d) Did not like bad habits. changes.
(vii) Pick the option showing the 1. Deliberately 2. Consistently
CORRECT use of the word ‘nurtured’. 3. Responsibly 4. Repeatedly
(a) Winifred ambitions nurtured for her 5. Grudgingly 6. Angrily
daughter to be a surgeon.
(a) 4,5,6 (b) 1,2,3 (c) 2,3,4 (d) 3,4,5
(b) Was it a beneficent spell nurtured by our
ancestors’ good, obviously very good, karma?
Passage 2
Academics has always been an essential part of human development. It prepares us to survive
in the outside world and establish an identity of our own. However, is an individual’s
development restricted to merely academics? In India, from an early age, we have been
taught that education is limited to the boundaries of academics only; the idea of getting out
into the field, for gaining practical experience, is always considered a hoax. This has hindered
students’ development. However, the truth is that education represents a considerably
broader field than we know of it. Our teaching, from the basics, has been focused on getting
good grades and job offers, rather than being creative and unique.
In the 21st century, the pure academic type of education is slowly paving way for a whole new
type. The paradigm shift in the whole education system is evident. People have now come to
understand that education is a 360 degree activity that should focus on a students’ overall
development, rather than restricting him/her to the classroom.
Co-curricular activities that takes place outside the classroom but reinforce or supplement
classroom curriculum, in some way, have become a point of focus today. These activities help
in the growth of the child, in more than one way. Participating in such activities helps
youngsters grow mentally, socially, and individually. Intellect of a student is developed in the
classroom, but for the aesthetic development, of team-building, character-building, and
physical growth, students must step out into the outside world. For instance, if a student is a
part of school football team, he/she will learn team-work and coordination, in a practical
manner, which cannot be taught in the class.
Similarly, in colleges and institutions, there is a need for practical exposure so that the
students can experience the actual working of an industry.
For example, taking a student to a manufacturing firm will give him/her the real insight and
better learning of the industry. Catering to this change, most professional colleges including
B-Schools have started providing practical exposure to students through regular guest lectures,
industrial visits, conferences, seminars, cultural festivals, and so on. With industry visits,
students are able to better identify their prospective areas of work in the overall
organizational function. Moreover, they help enhance interpersonal skills and communication
techniques. In addition, guest lectures are equally important for all–round development of
students. It is a great way for students to gain maximum exposure, as guest speakers talk
about their real-life experiences and not what is there in the text books.
Through such events, students are made to participate and coordinate different events
wherein, they get to know how exactly things are managed. Classroom teaching provides the
foundation, and co-curricular or extracurricular activities provide practical exposure and
opportunities to implement what students learn in the classroom. This helps in developing the
overall personality of the students, inculcating various soft skills in them, which otherwise are
difficult to teach. Clearly, life beyond academics creates creative and empowered
professionals.
Questions 2. Participation and coordination of
(i) The author’s question ‘, is an different events
individual’s development restricted to 3. industry visits
merely academics?’ is intended to 4. guest lectures
(a) point out the discrepancies in the education (a) 1,4,3,2 (b) 1,2,3,4
system. (c) 1,3,4,2 (d) 3,2,1,4
(b) point out the shift in the system of education.
(iv) The author of the passage states
(c) point out the gaps in the new system of
education. that education represents a
(d) show how the new system is holistic. considerably broader field than we
know of it. The broader field is
(ii) “considered a hoax” Pick the option in
recognized as
which the meaning of ‘hoax’ is NOT the
same as it is in the passage. (a) Theoretical
(b) Practical
(a) It was all an accident, a hoax he had
perpetrated on himself. (c) Creative
(b) The number of hoax calls in the county has (d) Observational
risen by twenty three percent over the past (v) Which option represents the new
five years. system of education?
(c) Detectives are investigating a hoax call which
led to the evacuation of an office block. Education
(d) He was threatened with jail if evidence of a
hoax was discovered.
Theory
(iii) Based on your understanding of the
Practical
passage, choose the option that lists the
correct sequence of the information.
1. Experience of the actual working of an
(a)
industry
Education (vii) Pick the option showing the correct use

of the word ‘paradigm’.
Theory
(a) The mere existence of unsolved puzzles
Practical within a paradigm does not constitute a
crisis.
(b) He had become the paradigm of the
(b) successful man.
(c) They saw in it a narrative paradigm
Education
which offered the possibility of
meaning in their individual experience
to all men.
Theory
Practical (d) To illustrate the paradigm, reference is
made to an alcohol education course
developed for offenders in trouble through
(c) drink.
Education (viii) Classroom teaching provides
(a) practical exposure.
(b) opportunities to implement what is learnt
Theory in classroom.
Practical (c) chance to learn soft skills.
(d) the foundation.
(d)
(ix) Which of the following is an
appropriate title of the passage?
(vi) The shift in the education system means (a) Academic v/s co-curricular lessons
(a) to restrict to classroom activities. (b) Shift of paradigm
(b) to focus on academic development. (c) Life beyond education
(c) to ignore 360 degree activity. (d) New system of education
(d) to focus on holistic development.
Passage 3
1. Human beings are in the process of dramatically reshaping the Earth’s ecosystems. As far back
as the 19th century, some scientists have noted that the current era is defined mainly by the
impact of human activity. Now, there is an emerging consensus among Earth scientists that we
have indeed entered a new period of geological time, the Anthropocene epoch.
2. Scientists who study the history of the Earth usually divide the geological time according to
major changes to the biology and climate of the Earth. For instance, the ancient Cambrian
period, some 500 million years ago, is distinguished by a sudden explosion in the diversity
of life, including the emergence of the ancestors of many modern species. More recently,
the Pleistocene epoch, which ended about ten thousand years ago, is notable for the
glaciers that swept over much of the Earth. The new Anthropocene epoch would be
distinguished from all earlier times in Earth’s history by the dramatic impacts of human
activity on the Earth.
3. Though Earth scientists debate exactly when the Anthropocene began, there is a clear
consensus that human changes to the environment are real and extreme. For one, many life
forms have become, and are becoming, extinct as a result of human activity. For this
reason, some palaeontologists argue that the human impacts of the Anthropocene began at
the end of the last Ice Age, around ten thousand years ago.
The fossil record indicates that around that time, many large animals, such as woolly
mammoths and giant sloths, went extinct shortly after humans arrived in their ranges.
4. The pace of human-caused extinctions has only increased in the past several hundred
years. The growth and spread of human populations, caused by advances in seafaring
technology and agriculture, has led to overexploitation of fragile ecosystems, introduction
of invasive species, and pollution, causing many extinctions. The International Union for
the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has found that, of species surveyed on its “Red List”,
about a fifth of all mammals and reptiles and nearly a third of amphibians are in danger of
extinction.
5. This ongoing rapid loss of species has been described as a mass extinction, as severe as the
event that wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. To some ecologists, this steep
decline in biodiversity suggests that the Anthropocene epoch began in the 17th and 18th
centuries, when the rate of extinction shot up dramatically.
6. Human activity is also altering the climate as a whole. Since the Industrial Revolution of
the 18th and 19th centuries, humans have significantly altered the atmosphere by mining
and burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Some by-products of the use of
these fuels, such as carbon dioxide, are greenhouse gases that trap solar energy on Earth.
To assess the impact of these greenhouse gases on the Earth, scientists have had to
investigate the history of the Earth’s climate. Ice cores, samples of ice layers that have
trapped atmospheric chemicals over time, have supplied scientists with millennia of year-
by-year information about greenhouse gas concentrations and atmospheric temperature.
7. Evidence from ice cores clearly shows that the Industrial Revolution brought about a
sudden jump in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, along with an increase in temperatures.
A scientific consensus exists that this ongoing rise in temperatures has resulted in warming
of the oceans, rising sea levels, and more frequent extreme weather events. Thus, some
climatologists propose that the Anthropocene’s onset occurred with the Industrial
Revolution and its effects on Earth’s atmosphere.
8. Whenever the Anthropocene is judged to have begun, its impact is undeniable. Human
activity has changed the face of the planet; the global ecosystem has been and is being
reshaped, the composition of the atmosphere has been altered, and even weather patterns
are changing in response to human activity. The consequences of these changes will affect
life on Earth for millions of years to come, leaving a mark of human activity that may well
outlive humanity itself.
Questions (ii) “..there is a clear consensus.” Pick the

(i) The main purpose of the passage is to option in which the meaning of consen-
(a) respond to controversial claims made by sus is not the same as it is in the passage.
rival scientists. (a) He was the first to break the consensus and
(b) argue for potential solutions to the criticise the proposal.
problems posed by climate change. (b) The question of when the troops should
(c) describe human impacts on the Earth’s leave would be decided by consensus.
environment. (c) Consensus politics places a high value on
(d) account for recent changes in global existing political institutions.
biodiversity. (d) Failure to arrive at a consensus over
the issue raised the spectre of legal action.
(iii) Based on your understanding of the (c) describe the origins of the majority of the
passage, choose the option that lists the Earth’s biodiversity.
correct sequence of the process that has (d) explain how scientists divide geological
lead to the present times. time.
1. Glaciers swept over the planet (vii) Based on the passage, the relationship
2. Dramatic impact of human activity between carbon dioxide and ice cores is
3. Explosion of diversity of life that
4. Extinction of woolly mammoths (a) carbon dioxide is extracted from ice cores
5. Introduction of invasive species to fuel industrial processes.
(b) carbon dioxide destroys ice cores, leading
(a) 1, 3, 5, 4, 2 (b) 2, 4, 3, 5, 1
to a loss of a source of information.
(c) 3, 1, 4, 2, 5 (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
(c) ice cores can be studied to track changes in
(iv) The author’s tone of writing in this atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
passage is that of (d) ice cores remove carbon dioxide from the
(a) an uncertain scientist atmosphere, reducing its effects on the
(b) a concerned observer climate.
(c) a jaded sceptic
(viii) Pick the option showing the
(d) a dejected defeatist
CORRECT use of the word ‘propose’.
(v) Which option represents the correct (a) The applicants propose a dual test in
description of the Anthropocene epoch? respect of the powers of compulsory
acquisition.
(b) He formally proposed to his childhood
friend.
(c) I tried to propose a truce between my
friends but they kept cutting me off while I
(a) (b) spoke.
(d) Before a Branch can become official, it
must propose a constitution, and establish
a bank account.
(ix) Pick the option that correctly states
(c) (d) what DOES NOT happen as a result of
(vi) The purpose of the second paragraph is human activity.
to (a) Emergence of invasive species
(a) provide a broad description of the Earth’s (b) Creation of the Red List
history. (c) Emergence of the modern species
(b) compare the current geological epoch to (d) Extreme weather events
the Cambrian period.
Passage 4
1. Environmental pollution refers to the introduction of harmful pollutants into the
environment. The major types of environmental pollution are air pollution, water pollution,
noise pollution, thermal pollution, soil pollution and light pollution.
2. Deforestation and hazardous gaseous emission also lead to environmental pollution. During
the last 10 years, the world has witnessed severe rise in environmental pollution. We all live
on planet Earth, which is the only planet known to have an environment, where air and
water are two basic things that sustain life.
3. Without air and water the Earth would be like the other planets — no man, no animals, no
plants. The biosphere in which living beings have their sustenance has oxygen, nitrogen,
carbon dioxide, argon and water vapour. All these are well balanced to ensure and help a
healthy growth of life in the animal world. This balance does not only help the life-cycles of
animals and plants but it also creates the perennial sources of minerals and energies without
which the human civilisation of to-day could not be built.
4. The sources and causes of environmental pollution include the following:
Industrial activities: The industries all over the world that brought prosperity and affluence,
made inroads in the biosphere and disturbed the ecological balances. The pall of smoke,
the swirling gases, industrial effluents and the fall-out of scientific experiments became
constant health hazards, polluting and contaminating both air and water. The improper
disposals of industrial wastes are the sources of soil and water pollution.
5. Pollution by Vehicles : The smoke emitted by vehicles using petrol and diesel and the
cooking coal also pollutes the environment. The multiplication of vehicles emitting black
smoke that, being free and unfettered, spreads out and mixes with the air eve breathe. The
harmful smoke of these vehicles causes air pollution. Further, the sounds produced by these
vehicles causes noise pollution.
Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation: The urbanisation and the rapid growth of
industrialisation are causing through environmental pollution the greatest harm to the plant
life, which in turn harms the animal kingdom and human lives.
Population overgrowth: Due to the increase in population, particularly in developing countries,
there has been surge in demand for basic food, occupation and shelter. The world has witnessed
massive deforestation to expand absorb the growing population and their demands.
6. There surely cannot be any radical solution, for the existing factories cannot be bodily
lifted to a place far from the populated zone. However, the following attempts can be made
to solve the problem of environmental pollution. The Government can atleast see that
future factories are set up at a distant place, an industrial complex far away from the
township. Researchers may find out how to avoid harmful smoke from running vehicles.
Deforestation should be stopped and forestry should be devolved. Discharge of factory
wastes in rivers should be banned so as to make the river-water free from pollution. We can
very well notice the abnormal behaviour of the seasons - the cycle developing clogs in its
wheels; and the worried experts fear that the disturbed balance in the biosphere has
assumed such serious proportion that very soon our world would be uninhabitable like
Hiroshima of 1945. But it is heartening to find the entire world is aware of the menace. If
we fail to restore the ecological balance right now, it would be too late tomorrow.
Questions (ii) Pick the option in which the meaning of

(i) The industries have become ‘Menace’ is not the same as it is in the
successful by passage.
(a) poor ecological balance (a) These weapons are a menace.
(b) encroaching the environment (b) A man who drives fast is a menace to other
people.
(c) disposing wastes
(c) Shop owners are struggling to combat the
(d) doing scientific experiments
menace of armed robbery.
(d) The atmosphere was heavy with menace.
(iii) Based on your understanding of the (c) demand for shelter only
passage, choose the option that lists the (d) demand for new industries
correct sequence of information (vi) Deforestation can be controlled
provided in the passage. (a) by launching new industries
1. The world has witnessed massive (b) by cutting more and more trees
deforestation. (c) by purchasing new vehicles
2. Deforestation should be stopped and (d) by planting new plants and by not cutting
forestry should be devolved. trees
3. The world has witnessed severe rise in (vii) Pick the option showing the CORRECT
environmental pollution. use of the word ‘disturbed’.
4. Without air and water the Earth would (a) She was in a disturbed state of mind.
be like the other planets. (b) Nothing disturbed the night.
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 2, 3, 4, 1 (c) Pigeons navigate less accurately when the
earth is disturbed.
(c) 4, 3, 1, 2 (d) 3, 4, 2, 1
(d) A light wind disturbed the pond.
(iv) Which option represents deforestation?
(viii) Pick the option that correctly states
what DID NOT happen in the above
passage.
(a) Discharge of factory wastes in rivers should
be banned.
(b) The harmful smoke of vehicles causes air
(a) (b)
pollution.
(c) Improper disposals of industrial wastes
are the sources of soil and water pollution.
(d) Urbanisation is the only factor causing
harm to environment.
(c) (d)
(ix) Deforestation leads to
(v) The population overgrowth results an (a) Healthy and safe environment
increase in (b) Emission of healthy gases
(c) More rains and improved water cycle
(a) demand for basic food, occupation and
(d) Environmental pollution and ecological
shelter
imbalance
(b) demand for basic food only
Passage 5
1. When you grow up in a place where it rains five months a year, wise elders help you to get
acquainted with the rain early. They teach you that it is ignorant to think that it is the same
rain falling every day. Oh no, the rain is always doing different things at different times.
There is rain that is gentle, and there is also rain that falls too hard and damages the crops.
Hence, the prayer for the sweet rain that helps the crops to grow.
2. The monsoon in the Naga hills goes by the native name, khuthotei (which means the
rice-growing season). It lasts from May to early or mid-October. The local residents firmly
believe that Durga Puja in October announces the end of rain. After that, one might expect
a couple of short winter showers, and the spring showers in March and April.
Finally, comes the “big rain” in May; proper rainstorms accompanied by heart-stopping
lightning and ear-splitting thunder. I have stood out in storms looking at lightning arc across
dark skies, a light-and-sound show that can go on for hours.
3. This is the season when people use the word sezuo or suzu to refer to the week-long rains,
when clothes don’t dry and smell of mould, when fungus forms on the floor and when you
can’t see the moon or the stars because of the rainclouds. But you learn not to complain.
Rain, after all, is the farmer’s friend and brings food to the table. Rituals and festivals centre
around the agricultural rhythm of life, which is the occupation of about 70 percent of the
population.
4. The wise learn to understand its ways. I grew up hearing my grandfather say, “It’s very
windy this year. We’ll get good rain.” If the windy season was short and weak, he worried
there might not be enough rain for the crops. I learned the interconnectedness of the
seasons from childhood, and marvelled at how the wind could bring rain. Another evening,
many rainy seasons ago, my paternal aunt observed the new moon and worried, “Its legs
are in the air, we’re in for some heavy rain.” She was right. That week, a storm cut off
power lines and brought down trees and bamboos.
5. Eskimos boast of having a hundred names for snow. Norwegians in the north can describe
all kinds of snow by an equal amount of names: pudder, powder snow, wet snow, slaps,
extra wet snow, tight snowfall, dry snow, and at least 95 more categories of snow. Likewise, in
India we have names and names for rain. Some are common, some are passing into history.
6. The rains are also called after flowering plants and people believe that the blossoming of
those plants draws out rain. Once the monsoons set in, field work is carried out in earnest
and the work of uprooting and transplanting paddy in flooded terrace fields is done. The
months of hard labour are June, July and August. In August, as the phrogu plant begins to
bloom, a rain will fall. This August rain, also called phrogu, is a sign that the time for
cultivation is over.
If any new grain seeds are sown, they may not sprout; even if they do sprout, they are not
likely to bear grain. The rain acts as a kind of farmer’s almanac.
7. The urban population of school-goers and office-goers naturally dislike the monsoon and its
accompanying problems of landslides, muddy streets and periodic infections. For
non-farmers, the month of September can be depressing, when the rainfall is incessant and
the awareness persists that the monsoons will last out till October. One needs to have the
heart of a farmer to remain grateful for the watery days, and be able to observe– from
what seems to the inexperienced as a continuous downpour – the many kinds of rain.
Some of the commonly known rain-weeks are named after the plants that alternately bloom
in August and September. The native belief is that the flowers draw out the rain.
8. Each rain period has a job to fulfil: October rain helps garlic bulbs to form, while kumunyo
rain helps the rice bear grain. Without it, the ears of rice cannot form properly. End
October is the most beautiful month in the Naga hills, as the fields turn gold and wild
sunflowers bloom over the slopes, all heralding the harvest. Prayers go up for protecting
the fields from storms, and the rains to retreat because the grain needs to stand in the sun
and ripen. The cycle nears completion a few weeks before the harvest, and the rain does
retreat so thoroughly from the reaped furrows that the earth quickly turns hard. The
months of rain become a distant memory until it starts all over again.
Questions (v) Which option represents the correct

(i) The rains are called after flowering scene in the Naga hills during the end
plants because of October?
(a) heavy rains kill plants.
(b) flowers grow in the rainy season.
(c) it is believed that the plants bring the rain.
(d) flowers grow all the year round.
(a) (b)
(ii) “…. some are passing into history.” Pick
the option in which the meaning of
‘passing’ is not the same as it is in the
passage.
(a) The pain increased until Julie was near
(c) (d)
passing out.
(b) The funeral attendant was passing out
tissues to all of the crying guests. (vi) People who live in cities don’t like rain
(c) Dust drifted down the road from a passing because
car. (a) it brings mud and sickness with it.
(d) All of the above (b) they are not bothered about the farmers.
(iii) Based on your understanding of the (c) they don’t like the plants that grow during
passage, choose the option that lists the the rain.
correct sequence of the rain on the (d) going shopping becomes difficult.
basis of month in which it starts to (vii) Pick the option showing the correct use
when it ends. of the word ‘earnest’.
1. January 2. October (a) In life's earnest battle they only prevail,
3. May 4. August who daily march onward and never say fail.
5. April (b) It is in my earnest that you use this money
(a) 3,2,4,1,5 to continue you study of music.
(b) 3,4,2,1,5 (c) He was in deadly earnest.
(c) 1,3,2,4,5 (d) As an earnest of my good intentions I will
work overtime this week.
(d) 5,3,1,2,4
(iv) The rain is like a calendar for farmers (viii) The narrator says that the people in the
because Naga hills have agricultural rhythm of
(a) it tells them when to sow and when to life. This means that
harvest. (a) they are mostly farmers.
(b) it tells them the birthdays of their children. (b) their rituals and festivals are influenced by
(c) each month has a time for plantation. agriculture.
(d) different kinds of rain tell different things. (c) their lifestyle revolves around agriculture.
(d) All of the above
(ix) Pick the option that correctly lists the 4. Disillusioning

feelings of the writer with reference to 5. Awe
rain in Naga hills. 6. Amusing
1. Satisfying 2. Nostalgic (a) 1,2,5 (b) 3,4,5
3. Enlightening (c) 1,2,3 (d) 4,5,6
Passage 6
1. Against the backdrop of a severe skills shortage in the country and millions of youth
unemployed or unemployable, India’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training
(TVET) system can do with some rework. An estimated 3.5 lakh engineers and 2.5 million
university graduates come out of the higher education system each year, with an estimated
5 million graduates out of work at any given point. Moreover, A FICCI-Ernst & Young
report (2012) on skill development had forecast 50 to 70 million new jobs up to 2017-18, of
which 75%-90% would require some form of TVET education.
2. Universal enrolment rate in India at the primary level (class I-V) is on par with developed
countries, with around 100% enrolment in class I-V in 2014-15. However, after class VI,
things change. In higher education, India’s enrolment rate stands at 23%, as against about
87% in the US, 57% in the UK and 39% in China. Dropout rate from formal education
peaks at the secondary level (class IX-X) at 17%, as compared to 4% in elementary school
(class I-VIII) and 2% in upper secondary school (class XI-XII). Thus, it is quite disturbing if
years of schooling and education are unable to produce work-ready youth.
3. Vocational training in India is split into two forms - formal and non-formal. The former is a
structured training programme leading to qualifications recognised by public and private
sector employers. Much of the formal skills training is imparted through Industrial Training
Institutes (ITIs) and Industrial Training Centres (ITCs) under the Ministry of Labour and
Employment. Non-formal vocational training, on the other hand, follows no standard
curriculum, assessment or qualification. It is completely outside the ambit of the education
system.
4. To participate in vocational training, a young person must have completed 8-10 years in
education. Moreover, most apprenticeship posts in Indian industry and PSUs ask for
minimum eight years of education plus one to three years of formal vocational training
from an ITI or ITC. However, as the dropout rate from formal education in India peaks at
the secondary level (class IX-X), youth who have got to this stage and are disenfranchised
from the traditional schooling route with zero exposure to vocational education are left out
in the cold. Increasing enrolment in lower secondary education by providing clear
alternative pathways for school to work transition is an urgent need to tackle the issue of
drop-outs and must form an integral part of the country’s educational policies.
5. A way around would be to lower the entry point to vocational training for youth who have
not completed secondary education, and offer more courses with lower levels of
educational attainment. For instance, in Germany, after four years of elementary school,
students have a choice within the three-tier school system:
(a) general education leading to a university degree;
(b) a middle school curriculum leading to certification in broad based education and
vocational preparation qualifications; or
(c) secondary school, which is a customised educational programme for students with
practical skills or interests which introduces real-world working.
6. Vocationalisation of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education is a centrally sponsored
scheme to implement vocational education in government secondary and higher secondary
schools. The scheme aims to
(a) enhance employability of youth through competency based modular vocational courses;
(b) maintain their competitiveness through provisions of multi-entry multi-exit learning
opportunities and vertical mobility;
(c) fill the gap between the educated and the employable; and
(d) decrease pressure on academic higher education.
7. In May 2018, the ministry of HRD launched a new scheme called Samagra Shiksha
Abhiyan (Holistic Education for Holistic Development) where vocationalisation of
education will be one of its key features from pre-school to class 12. Another route is the
UGC’s Bachelor of Vocational (BVoc) degrees with multiple entry-exit points such as
Diplomas & Advanced Diplomas under the NSQF framework. In 2015-16, universities and
colleges numbering162 were approved under the scheme.
8. In conclusion, notwithstanding several schemes and initiatives to strengthen the presence of
TVET in mainstream education, the absence of clear data and a somewhat disjointed
implementation make it difficult to gauge their impact. Where weaknesses have been
found, a unified effort is required to simplify the processes. A robust vetting and monitoring
system for VET in India is crucial. Given the severe skill crunch and high youth
unemployment facing the country, the value of vocational education in mainstream
education becomes indisputable and should become a matter of national priority.
Questions (iii) Based on your understanding of the

(i) The two forms of vocational training are passage, choose the option that lists the
correct sequence of information
(a) training in ITIs and ITCs
provided in the passage.
(b) non-formal and formal
(c) recognised by public and private sector 1. In Germany, after four years of
employers elementary school, students have a
(d) None of the above choice of three-tier system.
2. The value of vocational education
(ii) Pick the option in which the meaning of
becomes indisputable.
‘transition’ is not the same as it is in the
passage. 3. In 2018, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
was launched.
(a) The health-care system is in transition at
the moment. 4. Formal skills training is imparted
(b) Adolescence is the period of transition through Industrial Training Institutes.
between childhood and adulthood. (a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(c) Inevitably the transition will yield some (b) 2, 3, 4, 1
sticky moments. (c) 4, 1, 3, 2
(d) They all support a peaceful transition. (d) 3, 4, 2, 1
(iv) Most apprenticeships in the Indian indu- (vii) Pick the option showing the correct use
stry and PSUs require a minimum of of the word ‘Cold’ as used in the passage.
(a) eight years of schooling and one year of (a) A cold breeze was blowing hard.
vocational training (b) His manner was cold and unwelcoming.
(b) eight years of schooling and three years of (c) She soon conditioned the children to the
vocational training cold weather.
(c) ten years of schooling and three years of (d) She splashed her face with cold water.
vocational training
(d) None of the above (viii) A key feature of Samagra Shiksha
Abhiyan is
(v) What is urgently needed to tackle the
(a) holistic education for holistic development
issue of drop-outs in schools?
(b) multiple entry-exit points
(a) Providing clear alternative pathways for (c) vocationalisation of education from
school.
pre-school to class 12
(b) Guiding students properly.
(d) None of the above
(c) Maintaining school infrastructure.
(d) All of the above (ix) Pick the option that correctly states what
(vi) The aims of the Vocationalisation of did not happen in the above passage.
Secondary and Higher Secondary (a) There is a need to strengthen the presence
Education scheme includes of TVET in mainstream education.
(b) Vocationalisation will equip a young person
(a) filling the gap between the educated and
with some skill.
the employable
(c) Vocational education fills the gap between
(b) enhancing employability of youth the educated and the employable.
(c) maintaining their competitiveness (d) Vocational education increases pressure on
(d) All of the above academic higher education.
Passage 7
1. Once an organ donor’s family gives its consent and the organs are matched to a recipient,
medical professionals are faced with the onerous challenge of transporting organs while
ensuring that the harvested organ reaches its destination in the shortest possible time. This
is done in order to preserve the harvested organs and involves the police and especially the
traffic police department.
2. The traditional method of transporting organs by road is referred to as a ‘green corridor’.
This process entails police escorting an ambulance, so as to move around traffic–usually a
specific traffic lane is chosen and all signals on the route stay green to ensure it to reach its
destination in the shortest possible time. A ‘green corridor’ is a route cleared and cordoned
off by the traffic police to ensure the smooth and steady transportation of harvested organs,
on most occasions, to those awaiting a life-saving transplant. Organs tend to have a very
short preservation time, such as the heart, which has to be harvested and transplanted
within four hours or the lungs, which can be preserved for only six hours once they are
harvested.
3. The first green corridor in India was created by the Chennai Traffic Police in September,
2008 when they accomplished their task of enabling an ambulance to reach its destination
within 11 minutes during peak hour traffic. That organ saved a nine year old girl whose life
depended on the transplant.
4. Similarly, such green corridors have been created by Traffic Police of various cities such as
Pune, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, etc. Personnels are stationed at selected points to divert,
control and clear the traffic giving way to the ambulance. Apart from this, a motorcade of
police vehicles accompanies the ambulance ensuring that it does not face any problems.
Delhi Traffic Police provided a green corridor from IGI Airport to the Institute of Liver and
Biliary Sciences in Vasant Kunj for transportation of a liver. The distance of 14 kms was
covered in 11 minutes.
5. Experts point out the lack of a robust system to transport organs to super-speciality hospitals
in least possible time. The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO),
the country’s apex organ donation agency, is now framing a proposal to airlift cadaver
organs and will send a report to the Union Health Ministry. “Cadaver organs have a short
life and so transplant should be done within a few golden hours.” Director (NOTTO)
expressed. “Therefore, we are preparing a proposal for airlifting organs at any given moment.”
6. Most States do not have enough well-trained experts to retrieve or perform transplant
procedures. Also, there is an acute shortage of advanced healthcare facilities to carry out a
transplant. So, it is referred to other big centres in Metropolitan cities. Organs retrieved
from Aurangabad, Indore, Surat, Pune are sent to Mumbai as these cities do not have
super-speciality healthcare centres, informed officials.
7. “In India, about fifty thousand to one lakh patients are suffering from acute heart failure
and need heart transplant at any point of time. In a private set up, a heart transplant costs
` 15-20 lakhs, which is followed up by post-operative medication of about ` 30, 000 per
month lifelong.” (All India 2020)
Questions 5. Stationing of personnels

(i) “clear the traffic…..”Pick the option in (a) 1,3,5,2,4 (b) 1,4,3,2,5
which the meaning of ‘clear’ is the same (c) 1,3,4,5,2 (d) 1,3,4,2,5
as it is in the passage.
(iii) The writer says that cadaver organs have
(a) As he said these words, his tones, so a very short life. By cadaver he means
clear and reverent, became mystical
(a) artificial (b) diseased
and inward.
(c) preserved (d) corpsed
(b) Rain comes after sunshine, and after a dark
cloud, a clear sky. (iv) Which option represents the correct
(c) The clear and lively illustrations are in full image of the green corridor?
colour.
(d) May I clear the plates off the table?
(ii) Based on your understanding of the
passage, choose the option that lists the
correct sequence of the process.
(a) (b)
1. Harvesting the organ
2. Clearing and diverting traffic
3. Airlifting, if required
4. Allocating police vehicles with the
ambulance
(c) (d)
(v) The organisation which is framing (a) The entire region has been cordoned off by
a proposal to airlift cadaver organs civil-defense workers, making Kalapana a
brand-new wasteland.
is
(b) Mr. Froebel counseled that young children
(a) Union Health Ministry. should play in nature, cordoned off from
(b) Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant construction sites.
Organisation. (c) All over town, bridges were closed and ferry
(c) National Organ and Tissue Transplant service interrupted resulting in downtown
Organisation. streets cordoning.
(d) State Organ and Tissue Transplant (d) All of the above
Organisation. (viii) Most of the people do not go for heart
(vi) The onerous task that the author is transplant as
talking about in para 1 is (a) it is very risky.
(a) finding organ donors. (b) it is very painful.
(b) finding doctors capable of performing (c) it may cause death of the recipient.
transplants. (d) the cost is prohibitive.
(c) to carry the harvested organ in the shortest
(ix) Which of the following is NOT a pro-
possible time.
(d) to arrange the requisite facilities for the
blem faced in transplant procedures?
transplant (a) Lack of trained professionals
(b) Expensive treatment
(vii) Pick the option showing the CORRECT (c) Less time of organ transplantation
use of the word ‘cordoned’. (d) Shortage of transplant centres
Passage 8
1. Just the other day, I came across a ‘Missing Person’ advertisement. Usually these
advertisements carry the photographs of missing foreign maids and I seldom pay any
attention to them. This one, however, was different. I knew the girl in the photo. She used
to attend the same Sunday School (we call it Children’s Church these days) as my son. She
is only 14. I was concerned and troubled. My heart went out to her parents and I remarked
so to my husband.
2. My 8-year-old daughter was sprawled in the room and overhead our conversation. Her
remark, “Why would someone want to run away in December? What would happen to all
her Christmas presents?” An innocent comment that brought relief to my tense emotions.
3. Where has the innocence of youth gone? Tina (not her real name) started running away
from home when she was eleven. I remember the first time I saw her. A frail, sweet-looking
girl that looked far older than eleven. She dressed in a mature fashion, unlike the way other
girls her age were dressed. Otherwise she was quiet, at least in my presence. Occasionally
though, I would overhear fragments of conversation between her parents. I detected
dissatisfaction and discontent. I put that down to the fatal combination of pre-pubescent
temperament and perhaps the pampering of doting parents. Whatever the case, she did not
look like a little girl.
4. It is tempting to theorise why Tina turned out the way she did. More likely than not, her
parents or family background would be blamed. Yet, as far as I know, Tina comes from a
normal family. The mother is a homemaker and they are financially comfortable. She is the
second child and attends a fairly reputable school.
Her parents say that she became uncontrollable after she associated with some members of
a girl gang. Prior to that, they had been more concerned about the eldest child. Apparently,
Tina was the child who gave no trouble.
5. I do not wish to comment on parenting techniques, since I am certainly no expert and I am
not fully apprised of the situation. I would, however, like to appeal to all teenagers who are
reading this. Before deciding to do anything that is forbidden, stop to think why you are not
allowed to do it. Are adults such spoilsports that they would do anything to stop you from
having fun? And if the consequences are heavy, are you able to bear them?
6. I was a teacher to teenagers for many years. My students respected me not because of my
academic qualifications. It was also certainly not because of my size, since most of them
towered over me. They respected me because I treated them like adults, but only when
they behaved in a mature fashion. I attempted to teach them to act and think responsibly;
I did not just make grown-up demands. Grown-up privileges do not come free; they come
with responsibilities. Teens, what you must realise is that, at your age, you find it hardest to
say ‘no’ to temptations. That is why there are so many restrictions to your freedom.
7. Also, do not seek counsel with someone of your own age group. What can that fellow
classmate teach you that you do not already know. Make friends with a responsible adult
and consult him or her. Seek a future, not momentary pleasure.
8. At Sunday School the other day, I was recounting the history of Albania and told the
seven-eleven year olds how, at one point, one in three children were starving. One child
asked a brilliant question, “Why didn’t the people run away to a different country?” Our
youths are often like that – innocent in thought but mature in demands. They think that
even if they were to make the wrong choice, they can simply run away and start all over
again. Unfortu- nately, there are only so many chances. There might come a point in time
when there is no more turning back.
9. Teenagers tend to be sullen and unresponsive. They view approaches from adults with
much suspicion. It is simply inconceivable to them that adults were once teenagers too. In
this, adults are to be blamed. We often forgot that we too fumbled and we too were upset
with our elders. When considering teenagers, we often are guilty of refusing to allow them
to learn via experience, imposing on then proven paths that we think would lead to success.
No child has ever learnt how to walk without falling; in the same way, no teenagers will
learn without being given some level of freedom to formulate their own thoughts and shape
their emotions. Adult supervision is essential, but they must be allowed to experiment
within reasonable limits.
10. How then shall we live? As adults, we need to learn to increasingly extend our apron’s
strings and, one day, cut them off completely. As for those in their teens, I can only repeat
what I said earlier, “Seek a future, not momentary pleasure”.
Questions (c) He fumbled his lines, not knowing what to

say.
(i) Pick the option in which the meaning of (d) He fumbled with the buttons on his shirt.
‘Fumbled’ is not the same as it is in the
passage. (ii) Based on your understanding of the
(a) The baseball hitter fumbled his attempt to passage, choose the option that lists the
catch it. correct sequence of information
(b) The cricketer fumbled the catch. provided in the passage.
1. Teenagers will not learn without (v) Before deciding to do anything that is
being given some level of freedom. forbidden, teenagers should
2. Make friends who are responsible (a) think about why they are not allowed to do it
adults. (b) think whether adults want to prevent them
3. It is hardest to say no to your from having fun
temptations as a teenager. (c) think carefully about the consequences of
4. Adult supervision is essential for their action
teenagers. (d) All of the above
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (vi) The probable reasons which the
(b) 2, 3, 4, 1 author attributed to Tina’s parents’ poor
(c) 3, 1, 4, 2 opinion about her behaviour included
(d) 3, 2, 1, 4 (a) immature temperament
(iii) The writer knew the girl in the (b) overly mature behaviour for her age
‘Missing Person’ advertisement photo (c) pampering by her parents
as (d) None of the above
(a) she was the daughter of somebody she (vii) Pick the option showing the correct use
knew of the word ‘Unresponsive’.
(b) she attended the same Sunday School as (a) The disease is totally unresponsive to
the writer’s son conventional treatment.
(c) the girl had worked in her home as a maid (b) His warning fell on unresponsive ears.
(c) I found her in a coma, totally unresponsive.
(iv) Which option represents the correct (d) The Postal Service is also unresponsive.
behaviour of Teenager as per the
(viii) The condition under which the writer’s
above passage?
students were treated as adults by her
was that
(a) they should treat her also as an adult
(b) they should behave in a mature fashion
(c) nobody should disrupt the class
(d) all must remain quiet while she was teaching
(a) (b)
(ix) Pick the option that correctly states what
did not happen in the above passage.
(a) Tina was dissatisfied.
(b) Tina was the child who gave no trouble.
(c) (d) (c) Tina always dressed in a mature fashion.
(d) Tina looks like a little girl.
Passage 9
1. The windless night filled our ears with unaccustomed silence and the foul dryness of our
mouths aggravated the discomfort of our sleepless bodies as we tried to ease the agony of
our thirst. Then breathlessly, we watched the gathering clouds obscure the stars and it
began to rain with a steady downpour. Slowly the water in the pipe from the canopy ran
clear and we filled our empty cans and spare plastic bags, our bellies and our mouths until
we could not force down another drop.
Suddenly, everything had changed from the shadow of the spectre of death to the joyful
prospect of life and all by a shower of rain. We had water!
2. Douglas, lazily watching the dispersing clouds, suddenly sat up with a start, pointing
excitedly. “A ship! A ship! It’s a ship!” We all crowded to the door of the raft, staring in the
direction of his pointing finger; a cargo vessel of about 6000 tonnes was approaching us on
a course that would bring her within 3 miles of us.
“Get out the flares”, I said hoarsely, “and pass them to me in the dinghy. They all see us
better from there.”
3. Three miles was a fair distance, but on a dull day such as this, against a background of rain,
they should see us easily. I clambered into the dinghy and Douglas passed me the rockets
and hand flares; my hands trembled as I ripped open a parachute rocket flare and, with a
mute appeal to the thing to fire, struck the igniter on the fuse.
It sputtered and hissed, then roared off on a trajectory high above the raft, its pinkish
magnesium flare slowly spiralling downwards leaving a trail of smoke in the sky. They
couldn’t fail to see it. I waited a moment or two, watching for the ship to alter course, then
struck a hand flare, holding it high above my head. The blinding red light was hot to hold
and I pointed it away from the wind to ease my hand, the red embers of the flare dropping
into the dinghy; as it went out, I struck another, smoke from the first now a rising plume in
the sky; surely they must see that! I waited a little, my hands trembling.
4. However, the ship sailed on, slowly disappearing behind a rain shower and, when she
reappeared, her hull was half obscured by the horizon. My shoulders drooped. “We daren’t use
another”, I said. “They won’t see it now and we have to keep something for the next one.”
5. I surveyed the empty flare cartons bitterly, and the one smoke flare which was damp and
wouldn’t work; then something happened to me in that instant that, for me, changed the
whole aspect of our predicament. If these poor bloody seamen couldn’t rescue us, then we
would have to make it on our own. The word from now on was, ‘survival’, not ‘rescue’, or
‘help’ or dependence of any kind, just survival. We would live for three months or six
months from the sea, but “We would get these boys to land” as Lyn had said, and we would
do it ourselves if there was no other way.
6. Towards late afternoon, we felt an unusually hard bump on the raft floor and we found
ourselves gazing at the large scaly head of a turtle. The day before I would have said,
“Leave it, we can’t manage that”, but now things were different. “We’ll have this one”, I
said. “Let’s get it aboard the dinghy.” The turtle’s flippers had become entangled in the sea
anchor line, so, first passing a rope from the dinghy under the raft, we made it fast to one of
the back flippers, then carefully avoiding the searching beak, freed the turtle from the sea
anchor rope and towed it around the raft to the Ednamair. With a bump and a thrashing of
claws, the reptile lay on its back in the bottom of the dinghy.
7. I plunged the knife into the leathery skin of the neck. Deep red blood spurted into the
bottom of the dinghy and gradually, the beak and flippers ceased thrashing as the beast
died. Twenty-four hours previously, I would not have had the stomach for such a bloody
business, but the laws of survival applied and the first principle, “The fittest survive, the
weakest go to the wall”, had now become our way of life. We would struggle and endure
and, if our reflexes were not as swift as the animals and fish around us, we had to be
cunning and improve with practice.
Questions (v) Why did the narrator feel bitter?

(i) The author killed the turtle as (a) Because they could not be saved
(b) Because the things that would have got
(a) he liked to hunt them noticed were not useful anymore
(b) he was feeling angry (c) Because they were tired and hungry
(c) he was hungry and had nothing to eat (d) Both (a) and (b)
(d) he wanted to prove that he was brave
(vi) The flares were used by the author to
(ii) “the foul dryness of our mouths
(a) get light as it was getting dark
aggravated….” Pick the option in which
(b) cook the food
the meaning of ‘aggravated’ is the same
(c) heat the water
as it is in the passage.
(d) get the attention of the ship
(a) His bad temper was aggravated by his
headache. (vii) The author’s shoulders drooped when
(b) If he aggravated me any more I shall hit the cargo ship reappeared as
him. (a) he felt relaxed with the cargo ship
(c) He aggravated a neck injury while playing approaching their raft.
for Derby County. (b) he realised that there was no chance of the
(d) The disorder aggravated by the economic cargo ship spotting them as it was very far
depression of the 1930s. off
(c) he was ill from drinking only water and was
(iii) Based on your understanding of the expecting help from the cargo ship.
passage, choose the option that lists the (d) Douglas was not obeying his orders
correct sequence of the feelings felt by
the narrator. (viii) Pick the option showing the correct use
of the word ‘spectre’.
1. Hope 2. Discomfort
(a) The spectre of unemployment was always
3. Despair 4. Resilience on his mind.
5. Anger (b) The dread spectre of civil war looms over
(a) 1,3,5,2,4 (b) 2,1,3,5,4 the country.
(c) 3,1,2,4,5 (d) 5,2,3,1,4 (c) These weeks of drought have once again
spectred widespread famine.
(iv) The containers were filled with the (d) Was he a spectre returning to haunt her?
rainwater as they
(ix) Pick the option that correctly states
(a) wanted to play with water
what did not happen after the writer
(b) did not have any work and wanted to pass
fired the hand flares.
their time
(c) had to give the water to the men in the (a) The ship disappeared away.
cargo vessel (b) The embers of the flare burned the writer
(d) were thirsty and also wanted to save water (c) The remaining rockets and flares got damp
for the future (d) A feeling of bitterness engulfed the writer
Passage 10
1. Our bodies depend on sleep to keep a number of delicately balanced systems running
smoothly. Without it these systems become subtly off-key, which can eventually lead to
more serious consequences. The odd broken night never hurt anyone, but some sleep
experts are now saying that even just an hour of missed sleep, night after night, can cause ill
health.
2. Do you ever find yourself awake in the middle of the night staring at the ceiling for hours,
willing sleep to come? Do you sometimes lie in bed thinking about troubles of the past,
worries of the present, or concerns for the future, all the while struggling to fall asleep?
Perhaps you have difficulty staying asleep and constantly find yourself waking multiple
times in the middle of the night and have trouble getting back to sleep, or you simply wake
up earlier than you'd like, but find it impossible to go back to sleep.
3. If any of these examples sound like something you've experienced, chances are that you've
had some form of insomnia, and depending on how often this happens to you, your restless
nights could be sign of a serious sleep disorder.
4. But what causes insomnia? Persistent low-level fatigue is extremely common since one in
three of us has problems dropping off or sleeping through the night. The cause can lie in
surrounding factors, such as an uncomfortable mattress or noisy neighbours. Some
insomnia is temporarily caused by stress brought on by a forthcoming special event, such as
an exam or getting married or pressure at work. How you feel can notoriously affect sleep,
too. Anxiety, anger or resentment can all stop us from dropping off to sleep and is also one
of the prime causes of depression in early morning waking.
5. Sleep apnoea, a common disorder in which lapses in breathing cause a shortage of oxygen,
which in turn disrupts sleep, may need treatment. Shift work, partying in the sleep hours
and jet lag can also disrupt the body’s internal clock that tells us when to stay awake and
when to sleep (doctors call this sort of insomnia ‘circadian rhythm disorder’).
6. Too much food, tea, coffee, cola or other stimulants can also be culprits. Physical illness
such as pain from arthritis can be a factor too, as can drugs such as those used to treat
chronic illnesses like high blood pressure and asthma. Some of us simply need to make sure
that the bedroom is a calm, pleasant place which is conducive to sleep. We should also
avoid daytime naps. And last but not the least, anxiously lying awake worrying about not
sleeping can cause what the doctors call psycho-physiological insomnia.
7. What are the ‘knock-on effects’ of insomnia? Whatever the cause, fatigue can have
devastating effects on all aspects of our lives. It is thought to be a principle factor in around
10 per cent of the road accidents in Britain, for instance. Now research in the USA offers
some clues as to the further effects of this disturbance to the body’s natural rhythms.
Perhaps the greatest risk could be the effect on the immune system. The research shows
that loss of sleep can slow down the action of cells which are involved in fighting off
infection and even protecting us against more serious diseases such as cancer.
8. People who suffer from long periods of stress, such as after bereavement, seem to be more
vulnerable to illness, which suggests that lack of sleep may be a factor. Research also
suggests that lack of sleep can make you want to eat too much! Although food didn’t
actually lift the symptoms of fatigue, it gave the illusion of staying awake.
9. How does lack of sleep affect ageing? Lack of sleep may even contribute to or speed up the
ageing process. During sleep, the body produces a hormone which is vital for growth and cell
renewal. Without enough sleep this rejuvenation time is lost. It comes as no surprise that the
period in life when we sleep most, as babies and toddlers, is the period of greatest growth.
10. One thing is certain: sleep is important and we could do worse than add a new resolution
to the rules for living a long and healthy life: don’t smoke, eat plenty of fresh fruits and
vegetables, exercise regularly and ....... make sure you get enough sleep!
Questions (v) Which option represents the correct effect

(i) ………… is not a symptom of of insomnia?
insomnia.
(a) Waking multiple times in the night
(b) Lying in bed struggling to fall asleep
(c) Waking up earlier than normal, but
finding it impossible to go back to sleep (a) (b)
(d) Being more vulnerable to illness
(ii) Pick the option in which the meaning
of ‘fatigue’ is not the same as it is in
the passage.
(a) Compassion fatigue among donor (c) (d)
countries means there is less money for
worthy causes. (vi) The major ‘knock-on effect’ of insomnia is
(b) I was dropping with fatigue and could not (a) fatigue
keep my eyes open. (b) difficulty in staying awake during daytime
(c) The right vitamins help you combat (c) decrease in the eating pattern
fatigue. (d) None of the above
(d) Common symptoms of diabetes are (vii) Pick the option showing the correct use of
weight loss and fatigue.
the word ‘illusion’.
(iii) Based on your understanding of the (a) She’s illusions that she’ll get the job.
passage, choose the option that lists (b) He could no longer distinguish illusion and
the correct sequence of the factors reality.
responsible for insomnia as given in (c) They suffer from the illusion that they cannot
the passage. solve their problems.
(d) He was unlikely to be satisfied with his illusion
1. Uncomfortable mattress of power.
2. Noisy environment
3. How you feel (viii) Lack of sleep affects ageing because
4. Caffeine and high calorie food (a) during sleep, the body does not age
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) sleep helps to give rest to the body
(b) 2, 3, 4, 1 (c) rejuvenation and repair of body cells is
(c) 3, 4, 1, 2 reduced
(d) 4, 3, 2, 1 (d) All of the above
(iv) ………… is called (ix) Pick the option that correctly states
psycho-physiological insomnia. what did not happen in the above
(a) Problems in dropping off to sleep passage.
(b) Having a disturbed sleep (a) Lack of sleep affects the immune system.
(c) Depression in early morning waking (b) Insomnia can result in shortage of oxygen.
(d) Anxiously lying awake worrying about not (c) Lack of sleep can slow down the action of cells.
sleeping (d) Disruption in sleeping leads to weight gain.
ANSWERS
Passage 1
(i) (b) (ii) (c) (iii) (d) (iv) (a) (v) (a) (vi) (a) (vii) (b) (viii) (c) (ix) (b)
Passage 2
(i) (b) (ii) (a) (iii) (c) (iv) (c) (v) (d) (vi) (d) (vii) (a) (viii) (d) (ix) (c)
Passage 3
(i) (c) (ii) (c) (iii) (c) (iv) (b) (v) (a) (vi) (d) (vii) (c) (viii) (c) (ix) (c)
Passage 4
(i) (c) (ii) (d) (iii) (d) (iv) (b) (v) (a) (vi) (d) (vii) (a) (viii) (d) (ix) (d)
Passage 5
(i) (c) (ii) (d) (iii) (b) (iv) (a) (v) (c) (vi) (a) (vii) (a) (viii) (d) (ix) (a)
Passage 6
(i) (b) (ii) (d) (iii) (c) (iv) (b) (v) (d) (vi) (d) (vii) (b) (viii) (c) (ix) (d)
Passage 7
(i) (b) (ii) (c) (iii) (d) (iv) (d) (v) (c) (vi) (c) (vii) (a) (viii) (d) (ix) (c)
Passage 8
(i) (a) (ii) (d) (iii) (b) (iv) (d) (v) (a) (vi) (a) (vii) (a) (viii) (b) (ix) (a)
Passage 9
(i) (c) (ii) (a) (iii) (b) (iv) (d) (v) (d) (vi) (d) (vii) (b) (viii) (a) (ix) (b)
Passage 10
(i) (d) (ii) (b) (iii) (a) (iv) (d) (v) (b) (vi) (d) (vii) (c) (viii) (c) (ix) (b)
Multiple Choice Questions on

Case Based Factual Passage
Read the passages given below carefully and answer any six questions from the seven that follow by
choosing the correct answer.
PASSAGE 1
Chronobiology might sound a little futuristic – like something from a science fiction novel,
perhaps – but it’s actually a field of study that concerns one of the oldest processes life on this
planet has ever known: short-term rhythms of time and their effect on flora and fauna.
When it comes to humans, chronobiologists are interested in what is known as the circadian
rhythm. This is the complete cycle our bodies are naturally geared to undergo within the
passage of a twenty-four hour day. Aside from sleeping at night and waking during the day,
each cycle involves many other factors such as changes in blood pressure and body
temperature. Not everyone has an identical circadian rhythm. ‘Night people’, for example,
often describe how they find it very hard to operate during the morning, but become alert and
focused by evening. This is a benign variation within circadian rhythms known as a chronotype.
12:00
9:00 P.M. Midnight
Melatonin
Secretion Starts 2:00 A.M.
Deepest Sleep
7:00 P.M.
Highest body 4:30 A.M.
Temperature Lowest Body
Temperature
6:30 P.M.
Highest Blood
Pressure
Circadian
6 P.M. Rhythm in 6 A.M.
5:00 PM. Humans
Greatest 6:45 A.M.
Cardiovascular Sharpest Blood
Efficiency and Pressure Rise
Muscle Strength
7:30 A.M.
3:30 P.M. Melatonin
Fastest Secretion Stops
Reaction Time
2:30 P.M. 10:00 A.M.
Best Coordination Highest Alertness
12:00
Noon
Knowledge of chronobiological patterns can have many pragmatic implications in our

day-to-day lives. While contemporary living can sometimes appear to subjugate biology –
after all, who needs circadian rhythms when we have caffeine pills, energy drinks, and shift
work and cities that never sleep? – keeping in sync with our body clock is important.
The average urban resident, for example, rouses at the eye-blearing time of 6.04 a.m., which
researchers believe to be far too early. One study found that even rising at 7.00 a.m. has
deleterious effects on health unless exercise is performed for 30 minutes afterward. The
optimum moment has been whittled down to 7.22 a.m.; muscle aches, headaches and
moodiness were reported to be lowest by participants in the study who awoke then.
Once you’re up and ready to go, what then? If you’re trying to shed some extra pounds,
dieticians are adamant: never skip breakfast. This disorients your circadian rhythm and puts
your body in starvation mode.
The recommended course of action is to follow an intense workout with a carbohydrate-rich

breakfast; the other way round and weight loss results are not as pronounced.
Morning is also great for breaking out the vitamins. Supplement absorption by the body is not
temporal-dependent, but naturopath Pam Stone notes that the extra boost at breakfast helps
us get energised for the day ahead. For improved absorption, Stone suggests pairing
supplements with a food in which they are soluble and steering clear of caffeinated beverages.
Finally, Stone warns to take care with storage; high potency is best for absorption, and
warmth and humidity are known to deplete the potency of a supplement.
After-dinner espressos are becoming more of a tradition – we have the Italians to thank for that –
but to prepare for a good night’s sleep we are better off putting the brakes on caffeine
consumption as early as 3 p.m. With a seven hour half-life, a cup of coffee containing 90 mg of
caffeine taken at this hour could still leave 45 mg of caffeine in your nervous system at ten o’clock
that evening. It is essential that, by the time you are ready to sleep, your body is rid of all traces.
Questions (v) Which is NOT mentioned as a way to

(i) Pick the option that lists statements that are improve supplement absorption?
NOT TRUE according to the passage. 1. Avoiding drinks containing caffeine
1. Chronobiology is the study of how while taking supplements.
living things have evolved over time. 2. Taking supplements at breakfast.
2. Circadian rhythms identify how we do 3. Taking supplements with foods that
different things at different times. can dissolve them.
3. A ‘night person’ can still have a healthy 4. Storing supplements in a cool, dry
circadian rhythm. environment.
(a) 1 and 2
4. New therapies can permanently change
(b) 2 and 3
circadian rhythms without causing harm.
(c) Only 2
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(d) 3 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4
(vi) In the given image, a relation is
(ii) The word ‘Whittled’ in the passage is
shown between
same as
(a) Time and body movement
(a) Carved (b) Increased
(b) Time and physiological responses
(c) Put down (d) Settled
(c) Time and mood
(iii) In order to lose weight, we should (d) Time and efficiency of the body
(a) avoid eating breakfast (vii) Which of the following phrases
(b) eat a low carbohydrate breakfast best describes the main aim of
(c) exercise before breakfast
Passage?
(d) exercise after breakfast
(a) to suggest healthier ways of eating,
(iv) “we are better off putting the brakes on sleeping and exercising
caffeine consumption as early as 3 p.m.” (b) to describe how modern life has made
The idea of putting off the caffeine is to chronobiology largely irrelevant
(a) sleep well (c) to introduce chronobiology and describe
its applications in human life
(b) maintain Circadian rhythms
(d) to plan a daily schedule that can alter our
(c) getting rid of extra nutrients
natural chronobiological rhythms
(d) remain healthy
PASSAGE 2
1. After water, tea is the most popular beverage in the world. Its popularity has survived
thousands of years and has played an important role in many cultures. It is enjoyed both
hot and cold, as a refreshing drink, as part of a ceremony, and as a tonic for improving
health.
2. The drink of Asia for hundreds of years, tea is believed to have been brought to Europe by
the Dutch. Today, from remote Ladakh in India to Buckingham Palace in London, tea
means happiness. It is rightly said that there will be no agreement on a perfect cup of tea.
Though for tea drinkers, the drink is addictive, the preferred method of preparation and
taste differ from person to person and region to region.
From traditional black teas, to the newer, and extraordinarily healthy white teas, and
recognizable flavoured teas such as Earl Grey, to exotic blends such as Rooibos Love,
there is a flavour and a blend for everyone. Today many varieties of tea and tea brands
are available in the market. An innovation is the tea bag that is easy, quick and less
messy than traditional ways of making tea. Green tea is popular in China.
3. In Japan, the tea ceremony is a traditional way of greeting guests and is a social
occasion. Unlike the tea we are familiar with, green tea is not drunk with sugar or milk.
It is an olive-coloured liquid served in porcelain cups. In Morocco, green tea is served
with freshly plucked mint.
4. Some scientists believe that tea prevents tooth decay because it is a rich source of fluoride.
Health Benefits of Tea
Anti Inflammatory Boost Mental Health
Control Diabetes Fight Obesity
Healthier Heart Prevents Cancer
Skin Problems Improve Bone Health
5. Tea is also a traditional remedy for stomach upsets, flu and diarrhoea. Tea is also said to
have anti-oxidants that fight cancer and also have anti-ageing properties that fight the free
radicals in our bodies. Research suggests that drinking tea reduces the risk of heart disease
and cancer and lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.
6. A welcome thought for tea drinkers. Tea is the new apple a day to keep the doctor away.
Questions (vi) According to the data given in the

(i) According to the passage, one of the passage, which of the following is true?
reasons for the popularity of tea is (a) Green tea is drunk with sugar and honey.
(b) In Morocco, tea ceremony is used to
(a) its health benefits only
welcome guests.
(b) its versatility
(c) The Dutch bought tea to Europe.
(c) the vast range of variety
(d) its traditional relevance (d) Green tea is popularly drunk in glass cups.
(ii) Pick the option that lists statements that (vii) Which of the following graph correctly
are not true according to the passage. represents the use of tea as a beverage
1. Tea is a refreshing drink drank only and as a health tonic?
during traditional ceremonies Use of Tea
2. The tradition of drinking tea dates

back to thousands of years.
3. Tea can be used in the treatment of
Cancer.
4. Tea can be called an alternate of an Beverage
apple. Health Tonic
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (a)
(c) 3 and 4 (d) Only 1 Use of Tea
(iii) The word ‘blends’ as used in the
passage means the same as
(a) Mix
(b) Mingle
(c) Combination Beverage
(d) Fit Health Tonic
(iv) Why is ‘a cup of tea a day’ composed to (b)
‘an apple a day’? Use of Tea
(a) Both tea and apple are prescribed by the
doctors.
(b) All teas are as inexpensive as apples.
(c) Both tea and apple promote health.
(d) Tea is full of anti-oxidants and apple is very
tasty. Beverage
Health Tonic
(v) Based on the image, in which of the
following situations is tea not helpful? (c)
1. Infection Use of Tea

2. Cold and cough
3. Fracture
4. Cholesterol
5. Anxiety
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4 Beverage
(c) 4 and 5 (d) Only 5 Health Tonic
(d)
PASSAGE 3
A new poll of global experts by the Thomson Reuters Foundation published on Tuesday
suggests that India is perceived as the most dangerous country for women. India’s rise to the
top place (it occupied the fourth place in a similar survey in 2011) is driven by the perception
about rising sexual violence in the country, Thomson Reuters Foundation reported. But a
Mint analysis of data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted across
developing nations of the world shows that the incidence of sexual violence reported by
women is lower in India than in most other countries for which such data is available.
The DHS surveys that are conducted periodically by the respective governments of these
countries with funding from the United States Agency for International Development and UN
agencies are considered to be the official source of data on health, nutrition and status of
women for the respective nations. According to the data provided by the DHS, the incidence
of such violence against women has declined over time. Of the 43 countries for which recent
data on sexual violence is available, India ranks 32 when it comes to the share of women,
aged 15-49, who experienced such violence in their lifetime.
Form the details given above, there seems to arise a dissonance between the perception about
India, as recorded by the Thomson Reuters Foundation poll of around 550 global experts, and
the actual experiences of millions of women across the world, as recorded by the DHS surveys.
While it is possible that the DHS surveys underestimate the true extent of sexual violence faced
by women, there is little reason to believe that the bias, if it indeed exists, is higher for India
than for other countries. While the risk of sexual violence in India is undeniable, India does not
seem to be the most dangerous place when it comes to the risk of sexual violence.
The nature of sexual violence women face, however, has a unique dimension in India.
Chances that the perpetrator of sexual violence is known to the victim are among the highest.
Most offenders tend to be husbands or partners of the victims. The high share of known
offenders might also partly explain why most sexual assaults go unreported in the country. As
pointed out, 99% of sexual assaults in the country go unreported. Even if one excludes marital
rape, 85% of sexual assaults go unreported. Even among crimes that are reported, most
perpetrators are known to the victims.
The silver lining in the data is that the actual incidence of sexual violence, as recorded by
NFHS (the DHS of India), has declined over the past decade even as the reporting of sexual
assaults has risen.
Not the most dangerous place
The incidence of sexual violence is lower in India compared to several
other developing nations
29 Women who ever
experienced sexual
violence in %
14.1
9.2
6.9 6.1 6
Kenya Nepal India

Cameroon Jordan Cambodia
1 10 21 27 30 32
Rank
Countries for which DHS data is available for 2010 and later have been considered here.
Questions Crimes against women Crimes against women
(i) What shows that sexual violence

reported by women is lower in
India?
(a) Thomson Reuters Foundation Others Known Others Known
(b) UN women foundation (c) (d)
(c) DHS
(d) The statement of global experts (v) What does the passage tries to claim?
(ii) Which of the following statements is not (a) India is not the most dangerous country for
substantiated in the passage? women.
(b) The surveys often take incorrect data.
(a) The DHS surveys are conducted (c) India has been subduing the patriarchal
periodically by the countries. structure.
(b) Data regarding sexual violence is available (d) There are discrepancies in various surveys
for 42 countries. regarding women’s health.
(c) India is the most dangerous country for
women. (vi) The Thomson Reuters Foundation
(d) 99% of the sexual assaults on women go recorded the data from
unnoticed. (a) real experiences of women.
(iii) The countries that participate in the (b) Global experts.
DHS are (c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) the institutions commissioned for women
(a) third world countries
safety.
(b) developed countries
(c) developing countries (vii) Which of the following figures shows
(d) Asian countries the correct percentage of unreported sexual
(iv) Based on the given data, which of the assault cases excluding marital rape?
following displays the correct data. 100 100
50 50
Crimes against Crimes against
women women
(a) (b)
100 100
50 50
Others Known Others Known
(a) (b) (c) (d)
PASSAGE 4
With the advent of the interstate highway system, in combination with the construction of
many thousands of smaller roads that allows people to reach nearly any destination in
relatively short periods of time, society has begun mass-migrating yet again. Large swaths of
formerly urban populations are now moving further away from cities into rapidly expanding
suburban areas, in a process called urban sprawl, where driving to virtually any destination is
a necessity. The unfortunate truth of city driving is that congestion and ‘stop-and-go’ traffic are
inevitabilities.
Traffic congestion occurs because the available capacity cannot serve the desired demand on a
portion of the roadway at a particular time, leading to traffic problems that are no longer
minor, occasional in conveniences, but rather inevitabilities, and along with these issues,
health problems related to them have arisen.
One mental health issue that is of particular cause for concern in transportation and health is
road rage, largely because it is viewed as a typical human response to various traffic
problems, frequently overlooked as being less dangerous than it actually is, and allowed to
continue as a result, despite evidence indicating that it truly is worthy of concern.
Since 2006, road rage has been officially classified as a medical condition of the mental health
variety, called intermittent explosive disorder. This mental health issue, which is directly
connected to driving should be considered seriously as a potential road hazard and a danger
to the efficient, effective, and safe operation of our transportation system.
The concept of annoyed, angry, aggressive travelers is something that has, in all likelihood,
existed for as long as road travel alongside other travelers has been a part of life, even prior to
the introduction of motor vehicles as a societal norm. This problem has, of course, been
severely exacerbated through the decades as more and more people have taken ownership of
vehicles and the once-dirt roads and meadows of days gone by have evolved into the complex
transportation system upon which we rely today.
With the growing transportation system, Number of crashes vs. Average
increasing congestion that is unlikely to Anger Rating by Age Group
disappear in the foreseeable future has become 65.51% Crashes Anger Level (%)
commonplace and, along with it, more drivers 59.71%
55.51% 57.86% 57.14%
have become increasingly more frustrated with
their daily commutes. This has led to a greater
amount of driver stress, annoyance, and anger,
3, 270
and road rage has, as a result, became a 2, 910
2, 750
gradually more frequent occurrence on the 2020 2, 480
road, creating an environment that is arguably
more dangerous to drivers than ever before. <20 years 20 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54
old years old years old years old years old
A research conducted included demographic
groups that were chosen to compare against average driving anger, given various different
problematic driving scenarios. The age groups to which the survey respondents belong was
also an important demographic to compare due to linkages between road rage, aggressive
driving, and vehicular accidents. As seen average anger ratings fell into 50% to 70% norm for
all age groups, with all age groups except one averaging anger ratings below 60%.
Fatal car crashes were lowest among drivers younger than 20 years old, and increased for
drivers between ages 20 and 24, finally peaking among drivers aged 25 to 34, and then
dropping off for the subsequent two age groups.
Anger ratings, on the other hand, follow a very different path whereby average anger
potential peaked twice, among drivers younger than 20, and among drivers ages 35 to 44. It
appears, based on this information, that, while driving anger and road rage are associated
with driving fatalities, age does not seem to significantly influence this relationship.
Questions (b)
(i) According to the passage, one of the Crashes
reasons why transportation and health 35-44 yrs
is related is
25-34 yrs
(a) Increasing mental disorders.
(b) Increasing incidences of road rage
(c) Increasing migration and as a result need of
transportation
(d) Increasing relation between age, anger and (c)
road rage Crashes
(ii) Pick the option that lists statements that 35-44 yrs
are NOT TRUE according to the <20 yrs
passage.
1. Age and anger are interrelated to each
other.
2. People involved in road rage majorly (d)
belong to below 20 category Crashes
3. Association between anger and 35-44 yrs
transportation is not new. 25-34 yrs
4. Studies are still trying to understand
the relation between health and
transportation.
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 4
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 2 and 4 (v) Based on the given graphical
(iii) The word ‘exacerbated’ used in the representation of data in the passage,
passage means choose the option that lists the
statements that are TRUE.
(a) Alleviate (b) Amplify
(c) Compound (d) Calm 1. Even though the anger level of people
below 20 years is high they cause
(iv) Based on the graphical chart in the minimum road rage.
passage, choose the option that
2. The maximum anger issues and road
correctly states the depiction of crashes
rage is seen in people of 25-34 years
for the age group with more anger.
age group.
(a)
3. The anger level of the people in the
Crashes
age group 35-44 years is 60%
35-44 yrs
4. There is a proportional relation
<20 yrs between age and anger
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 4
(vi) Which of the following is not (b) Data

substantiated by the passage? 3.4
(a) Age is not a criterion on which we can 3.2
judge the relationship between road rage 3
and anger. 2.8 Data
(b) The increasing need for transportation has
2.6
led to anger and frustration among drivers.
Anger Crashes
(c) Migration is not a factor to be considered
within the discussion of road rage. (c)
(d) Mental health issue, which is directly Data
connected to driving. 6
(vii) According to the survey, which of the 4

following shows the data for: 2 Data
(A) Anger amongst people of 20 years
0
(B) Fatal crash amongst people of 20 years Anger Crashes
(a)
Data (d) Data
10
3.4
3.2
5
3
Data
2.8 Data
0
2.6
Anger Crashes Anger Crashes
PASSAGE 5
India’s labour market is the second largest in the world, after China, with a working age population
of about 520 million people. In 10 years, it is expected to be the world’s largest as China’s
population aged 15 to 64 drops from 20.5 to 18.3 per cent.
While this positive demographic growth should be advantageous for business, only a small
portion of India’s working age population is actually engaged in the formal workforce.
The primary reason being that barely one in four women are part of the country’s workforce.
Today, industry estimates show that women in India only make up five to six per cent of
directorships at most listed companies; after amendments to the Companies Act mandated at
least one woman on company boards. These figures underline the highly distorted nature of
India’s labour market where women hold 45 per cent of university degrees but are either
denied employment opportunities or experience much slower career growth trajectories due
to gender-based discrimination.
India has the lowest female labour force participation rate in its neighbourhood. At about
27 per cent, it falls well below Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. While female employment is
higher in rural India, it is mostly underpaid and temporary labour, though even here the rate
of participation is declining. The overall rate of female labour force participation declined as
the Indian economy opened up, urbanised, and diversified with the growth of new industries,
unlike most other regions in the world.
In fact, rapid growth experienced by the US and China in the past century illustrate how
improving the gender balance in the workforce contributes to a nation’s economic growth.
Female labour force participation is 56 per cent in the US and 64 per cent in China.
The above correlation is also strengthened by a 2017 IMF study, which states that increasing
the female labour force participation will grow India’s GDP by an estimated 27 per cent.
Contrast this with the projections made by the government’s big idea reforms ‘Make in India’
and ‘Digital India’, which aim to boost India’s growth by 16 per cent and 5 per cent,
respectively. Yet, GDP goals aside, the gender imbalance in India’s workforce stunts future
prospects for inclusive growth in the country.
It deprives women and girls from postions of role models in the workplace, reduces their moti-
vation to study further, and perpetuates unhealthy socio-cultural attitudes. Leaving out one half
of the population from its workforce will also prolong India’s status as a developing country.
Nepal 79.9%
China 63.9%
Bangladesh 57.4%
USA 56.3%
EU 50.8%
Sri Lanka 35.1%
India 27%
Pakistan 24.6%
Arab World 23.3%

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Female Workforce Participation Rate in South Asia
Questions 100 100

(i) What does the given passage highlight?
(a) The reasons for declining GDP. 50 50
(b) Need of more female workforce.
(c) Gaps in women empowerment in the
workforce. (c) (d)
(d) Why India still remains a developing country
for long? (iii) According to the passage, what may be a
(ii) Which of the following figure depicts the negative factor that can impact the
correct percentage of female labour positive growth of the Indian labour
force participation in India? force?
100 100 (a) Lack of skilled labour.
(b) Lack of female workforce.
50 50 (c) Lack of the younger working population in
the formal workforce.
(d) Lack of equal opportunities for all.
(a) (b)
(iv) Based on the graphical chart in the 3. The overall rate of female labour force
passage, choose the option that correctly declined in the Arabic economy
states the depiction of male and female Urbanised.
labour force in the Indian market. 4. Nepal has the lowest female labour
force participation rate in its
Labour Force Labour Force neighbourhood.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4
Males Males (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 3
Females Females
(vi) Which countries show that economic
growth is directly proportional to gender
(a) (b)
balance?
Labour Force Labour Force
(a) USA and China
(b) Nepal and China
Males Males (c) USA and Nepal
Females Females
(d) USA and EU
(vii) Which of the following statements is
(c) (d)
NOT substantiated by information in the
(v) Based on the given graphical passage?
representation of data in the passage, (a) India’s labour market is the second largest in
Asia.
choose the option that lists the statements
(b) India has the lowest female labour force
that are TRUE with respect to the Indian participation rate in its neighbourhood.
Labour market. (c) Female labour force participation is 56 per
1. The female labour force participation cent in the US.
reduces India’s GDP. (d) Gender imbalance in India’s workforce
prevents future prospects of inclusive
2. The gender imbalance in the Arab growth in the country.
workforce is the highest.
PASSAGE 6
India has an insatiable appetite for data, especially on the go, with the proliferation of
Over-The-Top (OTT) services. As millennials are increasingly ditching television for online
content, the trend is only going to go up. Mobile connections in India, touted as one of the 10
largest video streaming markets globally this year, are expected to touch 850 million by 2022.
This is music to the ears of OTT service providers such as Amazon Prime Video, for the
scenario presents a huge growth opportunity.
Within three years of its launch in the country, the American video streaming giant, with its
large collection of exclusive movies, originals, Indian stand-up specials, etc., has become one
of the leading players. Apart from English, it has local content in nine Indian languages. And
it is priming for a win. In 2019, Amazon Studios, which produces and distributes films and TV
series for Amazon, announced the commissioning of more than 20 new series globally; seven
are from India.
You have been in the industry for quite some time. What has driven the OTT space
over the years?
OTT content is driven by four key factors. One, 96% of homes in India have one TV. The
ubiquitous mobile phone, which can stream and is available at very affordable price points,
coupled with cheap data became the baseline for this growth to happen. The second part
came from our demographics. India is a young country and younger people are more drawn
to on-demand content.
The third factor is that a large amount of content in India was available in front of the paywall
which was free and ad-supported. And the fourth one is high-quality premium content and
movies coming so quickly.
India is a very price-sensitive market. Was that ever a challenge?
To say that Indians don’t pay for content is not correct. We are a very value-conscious society,
which means we want to derive value out of what we pay. So there’s a difference between
cost-conscious and value-conscious. Indians have paid for cable TV all their lives, they have
paid for cinema, and they are paying for good-quality premium content now.
In your experience, how have viewing patterns changed over the years?
Multiplexes have created a commercially viable option to offer great content to a segmented
audience. I think streaming is doing exactly that for television. It allows us to create content
like Made in Heaven, Mirzapur, Family Man, Breathe, Four More Shots Please!, and Inside
Edge—all for differently segmented audiences but large enough in their own right.
Is streaming movies on OTT impacting cinema?
I look at it in two ways: What does the cinema
Monthly active users on OTT apps (in millions)
give? It gives a window to watch a movie on
the day of its release and it gives a fantastic YouTube 265+
experience in a theatre. It’s an outing. The Hotstar 150

whole package is cinema. It’s not just the
ZEE5 76.4
content. As film-crazy as we are as a country,
for the 1,900 movies we make [annually], we Voot 40
have just 9,000 screens. But we believe we
Amazon Prime 20
have a role to play and an opportunity to
serve the customers who may not always be Sun NXT 15
able to go to every film in a cinema hall. We
offer those films to customers in the language Netflix 5
of their choice as early as possible. Mobile Alt Balaji 4.6
continues to be a leading device for streaming
in the country and possibly will remain so for
a period of time because that’s the easiest entry point to get a screen. India is generally
mobile-first, which doesn’t mean it’s mobile-only. We have also partnered with DTH players
like Dish TV, Airtel, and Tata Sky to expand our customer base. If you are buying a device,
we want to make sure that our content can come to you in the easiest manner possible. The
choice of access is yours. We want to be available to you wherever you want to go.
Questions (c)
Consumption
(i) According to the passage, the benefit(s) of
OTT platforms are/is
TV
(a) Language preferences (b) Quality content
OTT
(c) Variability of genres (d) All of these
Multiplexes
(ii) Pick the option that lists statements that are
NOT TRUE according to the passage.
1. The popularity of the OTT platforms is
(d)
increasing day-by-day. Consumption
2. Most people use OTT platforms on their
mobile phones. TV
3. The prevalence of multiplexes and TV OTT
sets is decreasing. Multiplexes
4. Today quality content is valued over
quantity of content.
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4 (v) Based on the passage, choose the
(iii) The word ‘ubiquitous’ used in the passage option that lists the statements that are
means TRUE.
(a) Existing (b) Popular 1. Cinema is an all day outing
(c) Fashionable (d) Usual
experience.
(iv) Based on the information given in the 2. Streaming does not allow
passage, choose the correct graph personalization.
indicating the consumption of OTT 3. Amazon bring value proposition to the
platforms, Multiplexes and TV’s. customer.
(a)
4. Hotstar is the largest OTT platform
Consumption
in India.
(a) 1 and 4
TV
(b) 2 and 4
OTT (c) 1 and 3
Multiplexes
(d) 2 and 3
(vi) Which of the following statements is
(b)
NOT substantiated by information in
Consumption the passage?
(a) OTT platforms are threatened by each
other.
TV
(b) Amazon prime is growing rapidly.
OTT
(c) OTT platforms allow choice in
Multiplexes
experience.
(d) The journey to subscriptions starts from
free viewership.
(vii) Which of the following graph correctly represents the future of OTT platforms?
(a) (c)
OTT Platforms OTT Platforms
12 12
10 10
8 8
6 6
4 4
2 2
0 0
2011 2014 2018 2022 2011 2014 2018 2022
(b) (d)
6 7
5 6
5
4
4
3
3
2
OTT Platforms 2
OTT Platforms
1 1
0 0
2011 2014 2018 2022 2011 2014 2018 2022
PASSAGE 7
Today when we pick up a daily newspaper, we invariably find an increasing incidence of
vandalism, fraud, theft, robbery, rape, murders, hate crimes, genocide (now termed as ethnic
cleansing) along with a multitude of other senseless violent acts that have become disturbingly
common. These are not the actions of people who like themselves.
The solution to a great many problems, whether personal, national or global, lies in
improving our feelings about ourselves both as individuals and members of society. When the
significance of good self-esteem is well understood and it achieves the prominence it deserves,
a transformation will begin, for as the people will learn they are deserving of self-respect, their
respect for others will automatically increase.
Most of our behaviour has been shaped by our parents, caregivers and authority figures who
played an important part in our early upbringing and were responsible for crystallising our
ideas about ourselves and the world. While everyone has self-esteem, only a small percentage
of us have high self-esteem. High self-esteem denotes that we accept ourselves unconditionally
exactly as we are, we appreciate our value as a human being. When, on the other hand, we
have low self-esteem, we believe that we have little intrinsic worth.
We believe our personal value is in direct proportion to the value of our accomplishments. If
we cannot accomplish certain results, we tend to feel low about ourselves. Some of us try too
hard and become workaholics and over-achievers, with a few genuine feelings of self-worth,
we try to create some and prove that we are somebody by our successes and achievements.
Because our desire for perfection is so great, we tend to set unrealistic goals and place
unreasonable demands on ourselves. Failing, rather than encouraging us to have realistic
aspirations, only leads to a mere punishing round of self-blame and a resolve to drive
ourselves harder next time. If we do finally achieve our goals we are disappointed; despite
everything we have done, we still feel empty inside.
Vulnerable to the opinions of others, we desperately try to gain their recognition and
approval sometimes through risky and dangerous behaviour. Thus, we are at the mercy of our
emotions, instead of controlling them, we permit them to control us. Since we allow
circumstances to influence our feelings, we are inclined to be moody. The insecurity we feel as
a result of devaluing ourselves makes us react with jealousy, envy and possessiveness. Fear
makes us greedy and acquisitive, and feelings of self-hate alternate with those of futility,
unhappiness and depression.
Sound self-esteem is the basis for all self-improvement. As human beings, our potential is
limitless, our abilities inexhaustible, and the possibilities for creative and constructive changes
are endless. But, we won’t experience satisfactory progress towards our goals or make any
lasting improvements unless we believe we deserve the good we want. Conditions in our lives
will improve permanently only when we believe we are entitled to something better. So
improving our self-esteem inwardly is the vital ingredient for improving our lives.
Questions (iii) With high self-esteem we learn to

(i) The newspapers today are full of (a) accept ourselves as we are.
(a) motivating articles. (b) respect everyone around us.
(b) political debates. (c) appreciate and value everyone as a
(c) news of crime and violence. human.
(d) news of educational and employment (d) All of the above
possibilities. (iv) We often set unrealistic goals in a desire
(ii) Pick the option that lists the statements to
that are NOT TRUE according to the (a) become successful.
passage. (b) gain self-worth.
(c) become perfect.
1. Self esteem helps us accept ourselves as
(d) gain financial profit.
we are.
(v) According to the author, we can create
2. It teaches us to respect ourselves and
endless possibilities if
others.
(a) we are respectful.
3. We need to appreciate the self only.
(b) we know how to control our emotions.
4. Children are not vulnerable to the (c) we are open to transformation.
opinion of others. (d) we believe that we deserve the good that
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 we want.
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 3 and 4
(vi) What is the relationship between our (vii) What is true according to the last
value and our accomplishments? paragraph?
(a) Our value increases with our (a) Self-esteem is an important part of our
accomplishments. personality.
(b) Our value is not affected by our (b) Human abilities and potential is
accomplishments. inexhaustible.
(c) Our value is conversely proportional to our (c) All changes resulting from high self-esteem
accomplishments. are permanent.
(d) None of the above (d) All of the above
PASSAGE 8
‘Good nutrition allows children to survive, grow, develop, learn, play, participate and contribute—
while malnutrition robs children of their futures and leaves young lives hanging in the balance’.
It is a well-known fact that in some developing nations, India being one of them, nearly half
of children under 5 years of age succumb to death every year due to poor nutrition. The irony
is, India being the world’s second largest food producer and yet is also home to the large
number of undernourished children in the world.
It is well acknowledged that investment in human resource development is a pre requisite for
any nation to progress. In year 2012, while releasing HUNGaMA (Hunger and Malnutrition)
Report-2011, the then prime minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, expressed dismay at the
‘unacceptably high’ levels of malnutrition despite high and impressive GDP growth and said
it was a matter of ‘national shame’. He, being renowned economist, also expressed that that
‘the health of our economy and society lies in the health of this generation. We cannot hope
for a healthy future for our country with a large number of malnourished children’.
India is home to 46.6 million stunted children, a third of world’s total as per Global Nutrition
Report 2018. Nearly half of all under-5 child mortality in India is attributable to
under-nutrition. Children of today are citizens of tomorrow, and hence improving nutritional
status of children becomes extremely important. Early childhood constitutes the most crucial
period of life, when the foundations are laid for cognitive, social and emotional, language,
physical/motor development and cumulative lifelong learning.
Malnutrition, a term that refers to any deficiency, excess or imbalance in somebody’s intake
of energy and/or nutrients, is a universal problem that has many forms. No country is
untouched. It affects all geographies, all age groups, rich people and poor people and all
sexes. All forms of malnutrition are associated with various forms of ill health and higher
levels of mortality. Under-nutrition explains around 45% of deaths among children under-5,
mainly in low and middle-income countries.
As far as adverse effects of child malnutrition are concerned, growth failure and infections are
quite important. Malnourished children do not attain their optimum potential in terms of
growth and development, physical capacity to work and economic productivity in later phase
of life. It is commonly observed that school absenteeism is much higher in such a child that
leads to poor performance in the class. Cognitive impairment resulting from malnutrition may
result in diminished productivity. As per estimates of World Bank, childhood stunting may
result in a loss of height among adults by 1%, which may further lead to a reduction in
individuals economic productivity by 1.4%.
Micronutrient deficiencies can lead to poor health and development, particularly in children.
Overweight and obesity can lead to diet-related noncommunicable diseases such as heart
disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), stroke, diabetes and cancer.
Malnutrition is also a social and economic problem, holding back development across the
world with unacceptable human consequences. According to UNICEF, one in three
malnourished children in the world is Indian. It is estimated that reducing malnutrition could
add some 3% to India’s GDP.
69.4
70 58.4
(Percentage of children)
60
48.0
50 42.5 35.7
35.7
40
30 19.8 21.0
20
10
0
Underweight Stunted Wasted Anaemic
NFHS-3 2005-06 NFHS-4 2015-16
In India as per National Family Health Survey IV (2014–2015, recent in the series) 38.4, 21
and 35.7% of children below 5 years suffer from stunting, wasting and underweight
respectively (corresponding figure for NFHS III, 2005–2006 were 47.9, 19.8 and 42.5%
respectively). Prevalence of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in India is 7.5%.
Progress to tackle all forms of malnutrition remains unacceptably slow. The 2018 Global
Nutrition Report tracks country progress against the following global targets: child
overweight, child wasting, child stunting, exclusive breastfeeding, diabetes among women,
diabetes among men, anaemia in women of reproductive age, obesity among women and
obesity among men. As per this report, India is listed among those countries, which are on
track for none of the nine targets. The key driver behind the goal to reach Zero Hunger and
malnutrition is to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of food and nutrition security.
In the Indian context, this will also mean greatly improving the health of women and children.
Outcomes of these nutritional interventions are evident in the declining patterns in some of
the India’s key health variables as reported by National Family Health Surveys NFHS-3
(2005–2006) and NFHS-4 (2015–2016) data.
Questions 2. Obesity means exceeding the required

(i) According to the passage, India is calorie intake.
(a) On track of reducing malnutrition 3. Undernutrition means not getting the
(b) Is too slow in tackling malnutrition problem required diet.
(c) Deprived of a good GDP due to malnutrition 4. Wasting means not gaining proper
(d) In need of better policies for malnutrition height.
(a) 1 and 2
(ii) Pick the option that lists statements that (b) 2 and 3
are not true according to the passage. (c) 3 and 4
1. Stunting means not gaining proper (d) 1 and 4
weight.
(iii) The word ‘succumb’ in the passage means 2. The percentage of stunted children
(a) Conquer (b) Yield and anemic children are the same.
(c) Withstand (d) Rebel 3. The percentage of wasted children
(iv) Based on the graph given in the had increased.
passage, choose the option that 4. The percentage of stunted children
correctly represents the percentage of had reduced by 10 %.
wasted children in NFHS 2005-2006 (a) 1 and 2
and NFHS 2015-2016. (b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(a) Wasting in Children (d) 1 and 4
NFHS 2005- (vi) Which of the following statements is
2006
not substantiated by information in the
NFHS 2015-
2016 passage?
(a) Malnutrition lead various social and
cognitive disorder.
(b) (b) Reducing malnutrition can have a great
Wasting in Children impact on the country’s GDP.
NFHS 2005- (c) India is fast rising towards zero Hunger.
2006 (d) Malnutrition is majorly a socio-economic
NFHS 2015- problem.
2016
(vii) Based on the passage given above
choose the option that correctly
(c) represents the condition of SAM in
Wasting in Children
India.
NFHS 2005- (a)
2006 SAM
12
NFHS 2015-
2016 10
8
6
(d) Wasting in Children 4
SAM
2
NFHS 2005- 0
2006 2005 2010 2015 2020
NFHS 2015-
2016 (b)
SAM
6
5
(v) Based on the given graphical 4
representation of data in the passage, 3
choose the option that lists the 2
statements that are TRUE. SAM
1
1. While the percentage of underweight
0
children had reduced, the percentage 2005 2010 2015 2020
of anemic children had increased,
(c) (d)
SAM SAM
8 12
10
6
8
4 6
4
2 SAM
SAM 2
0 0
2005 2010 2015 2020 2005 2010 2015 2020
PASSAGE 9
The time it will take to close the gender gap narrowed is 99.5 years in 2019. While an
improvement on 2018 –when the gap was calculated to take 108 years to close–it still means
that parity between men and women across health, education, work and politics will take
more than a lifetime to achieve. This is the finding of the World Economic Forum’s Global
Gender Gap Report 2020.
According to the report, this year’s improvement can largely be ascribed to a significant
increase in the number of women in politics. The political gender gap will take 95 years to
close, compared to 107 years last year. Worldwide in 2019, women now hold 25.2% of
parliamentary lower-house seats and 21.2% of ministerial positions, compared to 24.1% and
19% respectively last year.
Politics, however, remains the area where least progress has been made to date. With
Educational Attainment and Health and Survival much closer to parity on 96.1% and 95.7%
respectively, the other major battlefield is economic participation. Here, the gap widened in
2019 from 58.1% in 2018 to 57.8%. Looking simply at the progress that has been made since
2006 when the World Economic Forum first began measuring the gender gap, this economic
gender gap will take 257 years to close, compared to 202 years last year.
The report attributes the economic gender gap to a number of factors. These include
stubbornly low levels of women in managerial or leadership positions, wage stagnation,
labour force participation and income. Women have been hit by a triple whammy: first, they
are more highly represented in many of the roles that have been hit hardest by automation,
for example, retail and white-collar clerical roles.
Second, not enough women are entering those professions –often but not exclusively
technology-driven –where wage growth has been the most pronounced. As a result, women in
work too often find themselves in middle-low wage categories that have been stagnant since
the financial crisis 10 years ago.
Third, perennial factors such as lack of care infrastructure and lack of access to capital
strongly limit women’s workforce opportunities. Women spend at least twice as much time on
care and voluntary work in every country where data is available, and lack of access to capital
prevents women from pursuing entrepreneurial activity, another key driver of income.
One positive development is the possibility that a “role model effect” may be starting to
have an impact in terms of leadership and possibly also wages.
For example, in eight of the top 10 countries, high political empowerment corresponds with
high numbers of women in senior roles. Comparing changes in political empowerment from
2006 to 2019 shows that improvements in political representation occurred simultaneously
with improvements in women in senior roles in the labour market.
Percentage of
firms with
majority female
ownership*
14%
Percentage of
firms with a
female top
manager*
18%
Percentage of
female in senior
roles**
36%
While this is a correlation, not a causation, in countries, where women have been in
leadership roles for relatively longer and social norms started to change earlier, role model
effects could contribute to shaping labour market outcomes.
Possibly the greatest challenge preventing the economic gender gap from closing is women’s
under-representation in emerging roles. New analysis conducted in partnership with LinkedIn
shows that women are, on average, heavily under-represented in most emerging professions.
This gap is most pronounced across our “cloud computing” job cluster where only 12% of all
professionals are women. The situation is hardly better in “engineering” (15%) and “Data and
AI” (26%), however women do outnumber men in two fast-growing job clusters, “content
production” and “people and culture”.
According to our data, this reality presents leaders intent on addressing the gender gap in the
future with two key challenges. The first and most obvious challenge is that more must be
done to equip women with the skills to perform the most in-demand jobs.
The second is possibly more complex. According to data, even where women have the
relevant in-demand skill set they are not always equally represented. In data science, for
example, 31% of those with the relevant skill set are women even though only 25% of roles
are held by women. Likewise, there is no gender gap in terms of skills when it comes to digital
specialists, however only 41%of these jobs are performed by women.
Questions (b) Reduce gender parity in all fields.

(i) According to the passage, the Global (c) Co-create a new vision in three
interconnected areas: growth and
Gender Gap report functions to
competitiveness; education, skills and work;
(a) Provide an opportunity to advancing and equality and inclusion.
prosperous, inclusive and equitable (d) All of the above
economies and societies
(ii) Pick the option that lists statements that (d) Economic Participation
are not true according to the passage. 6
5
1. The report shows a reduction in 4
gender gaps. 3
2. The years that have been estimated to 2
take to close the gender gaps have 1
Economic Participatio n
significantly reduced. 0
2005 2010 2015 2020
3. The gap indicates that women are
either under skilled or under (iv) Reference to wage stagnation shows
represented. (a) Lack of gender equality
4. The report highlights content (b) Economic gender gap
production as the field where women (c) Lack of women leaders
outnumber men. (d) Lack of economic freedom
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (v) Based on the given data in the passage,
(c) 3 and 4 (d) None of these choose the option that lists the statements
(iii) Which of the following graphs correctly that are TRUE.
represents the rate of female economic 1. Lack of finances results in lack of
participation over the years? women entrepreneurs.
(a) Economic Participation 2. Today, more and more women are
8 participating in technical positions.
Economic
Participatio n 3. The percentage of women in senior
6
roles has increased.
4
4. Women are not skilled for the new
2 emerging roles.
0 (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
2005 2010 2015 2020
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 and 4
(b) Economic Participation (vi) Which of the following statements is not
8 substantiated by information in the
Economic
Participatio n passage?
6
(a) Role modeling has greatly affected
4
leadership and wage parity percentages.
2 (b) Political empowerment runs parallel to
economic empowerment.
0
2005 2010 2015 2020 (c) Social norms cannot shape labour market
outcomes.
(c) Economic Participation (d) Women lag behind in proper representation
6 in newly emerging job positions.
5
4
(vii) Based on the passage given above choose
3 the option that correctly represents the
2 condition of politics, health and
1 education in India as far as females are
Economic Participatio n
0 concerned.
2005 2010 2015 2020
(a) Politics Health Education

(c)
Politics Health Education
10 6
8
4
6
4
2
2
0 0
2015 2020 2015 2020
(b) Politics Health Education

(d)
Politics Health Education
10 6
8
6 4
4
2
2
0 0
2015 2020 2015 2020
PASSAGE 10
Social media addiction is an emerging health problem in India, especially among the young
population. Nowadays, irrespective of their socioeconomic background, adolescents have
greater exposure to electronic gadgets like smartphones at a much younger age. The
introduction of internet and the launch of low-cost data packages in 2016/2017 has put India
on the global map for large-scale consumption of mobile data with active social media users
going up to 197 million (14% of the population).
For adolescents, phone-based communication is an important way to maintain their social
relationships. The use of social media websites then is one of the most common activities that
has become an integral part of their day-to-day lives. Hence, making them more prone to
social media overuse or addiction which may have a deleterious effect on the physical, and
psychological health.
Hence, it became important to study the pattern of social media usage and associated physical
and mental health issues among Pre-University (PU) college students as they are the
vulnerable group.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Government and Private PU colleges situated in
Urban Bengaluru city, Karnataka, India, during July to December 2016.The objectives of the
study were to assess and compare the prevalence of social media addiction in different
organisations, to assess the health problems related to social media usage, and to assess the
various factors associated with social media addiction.
A total of 1870 study participants were recruited from both Government and Private PU
colleges. Each participant was administered a pre-test and a semi-structured questionnaire as
the study tool.
They were asked to answer about the non-academic usage of social media. Scale comprised 10
questions, each given a score ranging from 0 to 4 (0-never, 1-seldom, 2-occasionally, 3-often,
and 4-always), with a minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 40. Participants were
classified based on the scores as: Normal (<12), mild addiction (13–20), moderate addiction
(21–32) and severe addiction (≥33).
Distribution of Study Subjects According to Grading of Social Media Addiction*
Grading Government Private Total

Mild 182 (80.8) 191 (66.3) 373 (72.7)
Moderate 39 (17.3) 93 (32.2) 132 (25.7)
Severe 4 (1.9) 4 (1.5) 8 (1.6)
Total 225 (100) 288 (100) 513 (100)
*Figures in parenthesis indicate percentages

There was no difference in the prevalence of Social Media Addiction between Government
and Private PU college study subjects contrary to the assumption that Private college subjects
will be more prone to social media addiction due to higher social status, and purchasing
capacity.
Questions
(i) What are the probable reasons for the
increasing rate of Social Media
Addiction?
Mild Mild
(a) Increasing social media apps. Moderate Moderate
(b) Low rate data package availability. Severe Severe
(c) Decreasing price range of gadgets.
(a) (b)
(d) Increasing desire to be a part of a social
group.
(ii) What do people generally assume
regarding social media?
Mild Mild
(a) Social media has more advantages than
Moderate Moderate
disadvantages.
Severe Severe
(b) Students of private schools are more
addicted to social media. (c) (d)
(c) Students of higher social status are not
generally addicted to social media. (iv) Why were the Pre-University college
(d) None of the above students selected for the survey?
(iii) Based on the table given in the passage, (a) They are more vulnerable.
choose the option that correctly states (b) They are more addicted to social media.
(c) They suffer from more mental and physical
the depiction of distribution of study
problems.
subjects. (d) All of the above
(v) What make social media addiction an 6 6

important topic of study today? 5
4
5
4
3 Private 3 Private
(a) Increasing physical and psychological problems
2 Government 2 Government
(b) Increasing juvenial crimes 1 1
0 0
(c) Increasing cyber crimes Social Media addiction Social Media addiction
(d) Increasing vulnerability (c) (d)
(vi) According to the survey, which is the (vii) Which of the following statements
option that correctly displays the compa- can be concluded from the given
rison of social media addiction between data?
government and private schools. (a) Almost every student is addicted to social
6 9 media.
5 8
4 7 (b) There are students who are not addicted
3 Private 5 Private
2 Government 4 Government
to social media.
1 3 (c) Private schools have relatively higher rate
0 2
Social Media addiction 1 of addiction.
0 (d) More than 70% of the students are only
Social Media addiction
(a) (b)
mildly addicted to social media.
ANSWERS
Passage 1
(i) (d) (ii) (a) (iii) (d) (iv) (b) (v) (c) (vi) (b) (vii) (c)
Passage 2
(i) (b) (ii) (d) (iii) (a) (iv) (c) (v) (d) (vi) (c) (vii) (a)
Passage 3
(i) (c) (ii) (c) (iii) (c) (iv) (d) (v) (a) (vi) (c) (vii) (b)
Passage 4
(i) (b) (ii) (d) (iii) (b) (iv) (a) (v) (d) (vi) (c) (vii) (a)
Passage 5
(i) (b) (ii) (a) (iii) (b) (iv) (b) (v) (d) (vi) (b) (vii) (a)
Passage 6
(i) (d) (ii) (b) (iii) (b) (iv) (b) (v) (c) (vi) (a) (vii) (c)
Passage 7
(i) (c) (ii) (d) (iii) (d) (iv) (b) (v) (d) (vi) (a) (vii) (c)
Passage 8
(i) (a) (ii) (d) (iii) (b) (iv) (a) (v) (a) (vi) (c) (vii) (c)
Passage 9
(i) (a) (ii) (a) (iii) (d) (iv) (b) (v) (c) (vi) (c) (vii) (b)
Passage 10
(i) (b) (ii) (b) (iii) (b) (iv) (d) (v) (a) (vi) (a) (vii) (d)
Short Writing Task
01
Notice Writing
A notice is a very important form of formal written communication used by
individuals and organisations to convey information about functions, events and
occasions or announce something that has happened or is about to happen.
Types of Notice
(i) Notice for Meeting
(ii) Notice for events like Competition/Tour/Celebration/Annual Sports/Cultural event etc
(iii) Notice for Lost or Found
(iv) Notice for Seminar/Workshop/Debate/Other Literary Event
(v) Notice for Appeal/Warning
(vi) Notice for Change of Name/Residence/Company etc.
Parts of a Notice
● Format It includes the name of the organisation, the word ‘Notice’, date on the left side, heading
or subject of the notice, writer’s name and designation at the end of the notice.
● Content Contents should include
— Target group (to whom it is addressed) — What it is about
— Why the notice is issued
— Details of the event like date, time, venue, duration, number of persons and other details
— Signature, name designation of the issuing authority.
● Expression It relates to the overall organisation and relevance of the content as well as
grammatical accuracy and fluency.
Format of a Notice
You are Vandita of Class XII. As the Cultural Secretary of your school, draft a notice for an Inter
School Dramatics Competition.
SULEKHA MEMORIAL PUBLIC SCHOOL, DELHI Name of the

Organisation/
Write the word NOTICE Institution/Office
‘Notice’ here issuing the
27th January, 20XX notice
Write the date
here (left hand Inter School Dramatics Competition Heading or
corner) Subject
An Inter School Dramatics Competition is being organised on
12th February at Tagore Theatre. Those willing to take part in the
items which our school will be presenting should come for selection In this space
on 1st February, 20XX at 12:30 PM in the Assembly Hall. Only write the
contents of
Class VI to XII students are eligible.For further details contact the the notice
undersigned.
Name
& Designation Vandita
of the person
issuing the (Cultural Secretary)
notice
Multiple Choice Questions

01. Identification marks should be a part of which of the following types of notice?
(a) Notice for lost and found (b) Notice for seminars
(c) Notice for events (d) Notice for submissions
02. Read both the statements and choose which one is true.
Statement A: Notice is always written in a box.
Statement B: The word ‘Notice’ to be given just after the organisation or institution name.
(a) Only A is true (b) Only B is true
(c) Both A and B are true (d) Both A and B are false
03. The purpose of a notice is to ................. .

(a) Invite a large number of people to an event
(b) Inform a large number of people about something
(c) Promote a product
(d) A formal means of any communication in an organisation
04. The idea of writing a ................ is to draw attention to something or some event that
would take place. All the required information must be given in a simple, concise,
attractive manner so that people notice it.
(a) message (b) letter (c) report (d) notice
05. Choose the correct order in which the following occurs in a notice.
1. Designation of the writer 2. Date
3. Name of the organisation 4. Name of the writer
5. The main subject of the notice
(a) 3,2,5,4,1 (b) 2,3,5,1,4 (c) 3,5,2,4,1 (d) 5,3,2,1,4
Directions (6-7) Given below is an incomplete format of a notice. Complete it by choosing the
correct option.
Name of the Institution/Organisation

NOTICE
27 January, 20XX
.........6..........
......................Body.............................................................................................................................
...........7...........
Name
(Designation)
06. (a) Salutation (b) Details of event (c) Address (d) Heading
07. (a) Thank you (b) Signature (c) Complimentary close (d) None of these
08. The notice given below is written to invite the students to the tree plantation drive
organized by the Environment Club of your school on the World Environment Day.
The notice may or may not be complete. Choose the best option that completes the
notice.
DHARMIK SANDHYA PUBLIC SCHOOL

NOTICE
25 May, 20XX
Tree Plantation Drive
All the students are hereby informed that the Environment Club of the school is organising a
tree plantation drive on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5, 20xx. The club
needs volunteers to make the drive meaningful and successful. Interested students of
Class-XII may register their names with the undersigned by June 2, 2019.
XYZ
Secretary
..........................
(a) School council (b) Environment Club (c) Address of the writer (d) The notice is complete
09. The given notice advises the residents to store water for a day as the water supply will be
suspended for the cleaning of the water tank. You have received an incomplete notice
drafted by your secretary. You need to complete the notice by providing the details in the
correct order.
Choose the option that completes the notice appropriately.
JANATA GROUP HOUSING SOCIETY

NOTICE
25 March, 20XX
..................................
This is to inform all the residents that water supply will be suspended due to the cleaning of
the water tank. All the residents are advised to store water for a day. The details of the same
are given below:
Thursday
28 March, 20XX
12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
The inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.
Karan Kumar
Secretary Palam Vihar, Kurnool
(a) Store Water

(b) Residents of the Society
(c) Clean Water Tank
(d) Water Supply Suspended
10. Choose the correct option of the format of a notice issued for lost and found of an article.
(a) Article lost/found Date Time (Approximately) Place Identification marks (colour, size, contents, marks)
Contents Whom to contact, when and where
(b) Article lost/found Time (Approximately) Date Place Identification marks (colour, size, contents, marks)
Contents Whom to contact, when and where
(c) Article lost/found Date Time (Approximately) Place Identification marks (colour, size, contents, marks)
Whom to contact, when and where Contents
(d) Article lost/found Date Contents Time (Approximately) Place Identification marks (colour, size,
contents, marks) Whom to contact, when and where
11. Read the notice given below and choose the correct Subject/Heading for the given notice.
ADHARSHILA SCHOOL, LAJPAT NAGAR

NOTICE
5 April 20xx
..........................
All the students are hereby informed that the school will celebrate Wednesday, 10 April as
‘Green Day’. It will be a ‘No Garbage Generation’ day and students will not litter anywhere in
the school. Students are instructed not to bring junk food in their tiffins. A Painting
Competition will also be organized in the school auditorium at 9 a.m. Interested students
should bring A4 sheets and colours. For more information, contact the undersigned.
Ramya
(Cultural Secretary)
(a) Green Day (b) Cultural celebration

(c) No Garbage Generation (d) Painting Competition
12. The notice to be published in your school about a charity show in aid of cancer patients is
incomplete. Choose the correct options to complete it.
ARYAMBA PUBLIC SCHOOL, KOCHI

NOTICE
........... (i) ...........
Charity Show for Cancer Patients

This is to inform the students that a charity show is going to be organized by the Cultural Club
of the school, in aid of cancer patients. The details are as follows:
Date: November 20, 20xx
Venue: School Cultural Hall
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
All the interested students may give their names to their respective class teachers latest by
November 15, 20xx. Kindly cooperate and participate to make this show a great success.
........... (ii) ...........
Amar
(Secretary, Cultural Club)
(i) (a) Time (b) Day

(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Only Date
(ii) (a) For any other details, you may contact the undersigned.
(b) Further details will be provided later
(c) All other details will be soon informed to your class monitors
13. Read the notice given below and choose the correct subject for the given notice.
SHIV VATIKA PARK, JANAKPURI

NOTICE
5 Feb, 20XX
...........................
This is to inform you all that a small black plastic bag containing some documents and cash
was found in the park premises on 2nd Feb., 20XX around 10 a.m. The genuine owner who
can claim it is requested to collect it from the undersigned by giving proper identification.
Amar
The Secretary
(a) Lost and Found (b) FOUND

(c) Lost (d) Plastic Bag Lost
ANSWERS
1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (d) 10. (a)
11. (a) 12. (i) (d), (ii) (a) 13. (c)
02
Classified
Advertisements
An advertisement is a public notice or an announcement asking for or offering services, on sale
property, household goods, vehicles etc.
They are also used for giving information about missing persons, pets, goods etc. An advertisement
is a very important tool for promotion of sales and services.
Classified advertisements are published in newspapers and magazines for the purpose of
advertising. The objective of such advertisements is to convey more information. They are charged
per word, column or line or according to the space they occupy so, they are brief.
Features of Classified Advertisement

● It is categorised according to the subject matter.
● It is more economical as it occupy less space.
● Its language is simple and concise.
● It is composed of short phrases or words.
Types of Classified Advertisements

(i) Situations Vacant/Wanted
(ii) Sale/Purchase (Property, Vehicle, Household Goods)
(iii) To Let
(iv) Missing (Persons and Pets)
(v) Lost and Found
(vi) Travel and Tours
(vii) Matrimonial Alliance
(viii) Obituary
(ix) Appeal
(x) Educational

01. Which of the following is/are true for classified advertisements?
(a) They are classified into categories
(b) They are composed of short phrases or words.
(c) They should not contain pictures
02. Which of the following is an essential part of the format of an situation vacant
Advertisement?
(a) Pay scale (b) Name of the company
(c) Traits, characteristics and qualifications (d) Both b and c
03. Your school, Akash Public School, Agra needs a canteen manager. On behalf of the
Principal, you wrote the advertisement given below to be published in the classified
columns of a local daily. Choose the appropriate heading for it
....................................
Applications are invited by Akash Public School, Agra for the post of Canteen Manager.
Applicant should be around 35 years of age, minimum Class X pass with at least of ten years
of experience in running a canteen in a school. Apply within a week with full particulars and
documents expected, to the Principal, Akash Public School, 12, Besant Road, Agra. The
Principal Akash Public School, Agra.
(a) Situation Wanted (b) Vacant Position
(c) Situation Vacant (d) None of these
04. Choose the most suitable option to complete the following advertisement about the space
you want to give out for rent.
To Let
................................ a portion of two rooms for office use, walking distance from market, rent
negotiable, company lease preferred. Contact : Pramod Kumar 3A/829 Saket, New Delhi
(a) A space in a house containing (b) Available for rent

(c) Renting facility is available for (d) Call for renting a
05. You are Karan Kumar/Karuna Bajaj, a leading lawyer practising in Surat. You want to
buy an independent house at City Light Road to be used as office-cum residence. You
need to draft an advertisement in about 50 words for the classified columns of a local
newspaper. In which order would you place the following things.
1. Price expected/offered. 2. Specify size, floor, number of rooms, etc.
3. Mention fixtures and fittings. 4. Contact address and phone numbers.
5.Give the location and surroundings.
(a) 5,2,3,1,4 (b) 2,5,3,4,1 (c) 2,3,5,1,4 (d) 4,5,1,2,3
06. You want to sell off your car as you are leaving the country. Which of the following would
form the body of the advertisement?
Car for Sale
............................................................................................................................................................
Contact: XYZ Mobile No. : 98765432XX
(a) Available Alto-2010 model, in good condition, Grey colour, original documents, excellent mileage,
fully insured, accident free, price negotiable.
(b) Available Alto in good condition, excellent mileage, fully insured, accident free, price negotiable.
(c) Available a Alto in good condition, original documents, excellent mileage, fully insured, accident free.
(d) Available car Alto in good condition, fully insured, accident free, price negotiable.
07. Choose the most appropriate to complete the given advertisement.
...........................
A 5 year old boy in red short and white T-shirt, fair complexion, greyish blue eyes and light
brown hair. Last seen in Rambagh 3 days ago. Kindly contact at the given number if you have
information. Contact Person : Rama Mobile No. : 9310700000
(a) Obituary (b) Missing
(c) Wanted (d) Appeal
08. Read the given advertisement below and choose the section in which it will be placed.
A leather wallet containing a D.D. for Z 32,500 and some cash has been lost while travelling
from Hazratganj to Nirala Nagar in Lucknow. Whoever finds it is requested to return it to the
address given below or contact the number: 012345632XX The finder shall be suitably
rewarded. Raman 22-A, Hazratganj, Lucknow
(a) Missing (b) Appeal

(c) Lost and Found (d) Obituary
ANSWERS
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (c)
Long Writing Task
03
Letter to an Editor
Letters to the Editor of a newspaper or Receiver’s Address
magazine form an important part of the It appears directly below the date and comprises
paper. Such letters voice the opinion of the the receiver’s name, designation and the complete
people and provide them a platform to address.
express their agreement, disagreement or e.g. The Editor
reaction to the news and views contained in
the newspaper. The Hindustan Times
47/ 1567, Daryaganj
These letters can also raise issues of social,
political and economic interest and Delhi - 110002
generally centre around public reactions.
They provide a forum to the readers to Subject
express their strong feelings and reactions to Subject is used in writing a formal letter. It is
local, national and international issues. generally written after the receiver’s address and
should be short and to the point.
Main Elements of a Letter e.g. Subject Water Scarcity in XYZ Colony
Sender’s Address
According to the latest format, sender’s
Salutation
address is written at the top along with pin This consists of words of greeting and is written on
code. Do not write sender’s name with the the left hand side of the page just below the
address. subject after leaving one line space.
e.g. K-127, Ashok Nagar e.g. Dear Sir/Madam
New Delhi-110092
The Body
Note While writing the address (both sender’s and
receiver’s), one must not use ‘comma’ at the end of The body is the main part of any letter. This is
each line. If the address is not provided in the written in response to the topic given, in simple and
question, then you may create a fictitious address, direct language. The body includes three main parts
but writing an address is mandatory. 1. Introductory paragraph/sentence → States
the purpose of writing
Date
2. Informative paragraphs → Details about the
It appears directly below the sender’s address,
subject of the letter
after leaving one line space. It is advisable to
always write the full date in the given format 3. Concluding paragraph/sentence → The
only. closure of the letter stating hope, request or
e.g. 25th December, 20XX any other comment.
Complimentary Close
It is a courteous way of ending the letter. The expression used must match the salutation.
e.g. Yours sincerely/Yours faithfully
Name
It is written just below the ‘complimentary close’ and includes the sender’s name and designation
(if applicable).
e.g. Ankita Chakravarti
Secretary of XYZ Colony
Format of Letter to an Editor

Flat 7, ABC Colony, Sender’s address
Ghaziabad-201008 Writer’s address is
written here. Never
put his/her name here
5th March, 20XX Date
The date appears directly
below the address after
leaving a line
The Editor
The Hindustan Times Receiver’s name/ rank
New Delhi-110001 and his/ her address
Subject of the letter

Indicate the theme of the
Subject Water Scarcity in ABC Colony letter here
Sir, Salutation
It is a customary greeting
with which the sender
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the opens the letter
attention of the authorities of Ghaziabad about water scarcity in our colony.
In our colony water is supplied for only ten minutes in the morning and for
the same time in the evening. We have to depend on this water and those
from tankers. For the rest of the day, the taps remain dry. Even the quality of
water supplied is very unhygenic.
Recently, there have been stray cases of water borne diseases such as
typhoid and jaundice. It is feared that they may break out in an epidemic
form if the quality of water supplied is not improved. Furthermore, Body of the letter
This usually uses three
purchasing water daily is burning holes in our pockets. The situation is
paragraphs but may
causing immense stress in all respects. Many representations have been
be shorter or longer
made to the authorities, but all in vain.
We hope that the concerned authorities will take immediate steps to ensure
adequate supply of good quality water. It is suggested that the Municipal
Water Corporation should provide us with connections from the main water
line which has been laid hardly 200 metres away from this colony.
Thanking you Complimentary
Yours faithfully Closure
Rohit Pandit Name and designation
of the sender

01. Which of the following is the purpose of a letter to the editor?
(a) Give opinions in agreement or disagreement regarding an issue
(b) Make complaints about public institutions
(c) Bring issues of social interest under the concern of the authority
(d) Both a and c
02. A salutation in the letter includes ................... .

(a) Signature (b) Name (c) Designation (d) All of these
03. Which of the following is not the correct tone for letter to the editor?
1. personal 2. amusing 3. formal 4. serious 5. frustrated
(a) 1,2,5 (b) 2,4,5
(c) 1,3,4 (d) 3,4,5
04. Complete the given letter to the Editor of Navjiwan Times, Agra drawing attention of the
concerned authorities to the problem of risk of accidents in front of your school with the
help of the options given below.
New Agra Public School
Ram Nagar
Agra
March 30th, 20XX
The Editor
Navjiwan Times
Agra
Subject ............................................................
Sir/Ma’am,
Through the columns of your reputed newspaper, I wish to draw the immediate attention
of the concerned authorities towards the traffic menace on the road in front of New Agra
Public School, Ram Nagar.
The road is always congested and traffic jams are common here. The major concern
arises due to the movement of heavy vehicles on the road. There are no speed breakers
or zebra crossings on the road, which makes it tough for the people, especially school
students to cross the road.
Thus, this road is accident prone. I, a student of class X, New Agra Public School, on
behalf of the students and school authorities, request you to make provision of creating
zebra crossing on the road so that crossing the road would not be a life threatening task
for the children and other people. I thank you in anticipation.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Anita
(a) Problems on the road infront of the school

(b) Need to make a zebra crossing infront of the school
(c) Problem of increased risk of accidents infront of the school
(d) Increasing cases of accidents in front of the school
05. Choose the correct option to complete the letter to the Editor of a local daily, expressing
your views on the subject ‘Value system is the backbone of an individual’s character’.
A-45
Triveni Enclave
Kolkata
5 December, 20XX
The Editor
The Indian Express
New Delhi
Subject Value system is the backbone of an individual’s character
Sir/Ma’am,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, ............................. my views regarding
value systems, since values are absent in modern society. This would be possible if it is
given importance in the education system. There is no stress in the educational
institutions to uplift the students morally. Ethical values have gone with the wind in the
modern, complex and fast competitive era. We should realize the real aim of education,
which is not confined to mere cramming of literary pieces or facts of science.
A dedicated individual is a boon to the society and the nation. Our education should lay
stress on cultivating human values. Value Education can help in removing all social and
cultural evils. Hope you will help me in bringing my views forward.
Thanking you
Yours truly
XYZ
(a) I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities
(b) I wish to put forward
(c) I want to point out
(d) I want you to publish
06. Choose the correct option to complete the letter to the editor of a local daily urging
people to use public transport and to have patience while driving.
4, Raja Road
Karnal
5 July 20XX
The Editor
The Hindustan
Karnal
Subject Use of Public Transport

Sir/Ma’am,
Kindly allow me to make an appeal to public through the columns of your esteemed
newspaper about the advantage of public transport usage.
Everybody can observe easily that the increase in the number of private vehicles on the
road is the major cause of air pollution as well as noise pollution. More vehicles mean
more congestion and traffic jams because public has become devoid of civic sense.
Everybody tries to move first and fast which not only increases the chance of accidents
but also causes a lot of noise pollution because people continuously blow horn during the
waiting moments.
An easy and quick solution of the problem is that we should make more use of public
transport. It’ll prove more comfortable as it will save both our energy and time and we
can use that energy at our work place. Moreover, I want to make an appeal to the
vehicle-owners to practice patience while driving because our life is very precious. It is
better to reach late than never.
This is a matter of great concern and I hope you’ll publish my opinion in your esteemed
newspaper.
Thanking You
.........................
Ram
(a) Yours dearly (b) Yours friendly (c) Yours sincerely (d) Yours lovingly
07. Choose the correct option to complete the letter to the editor about how reality TV ruins
childhood.
12, Sea Road
Mumbai
March 20, 20XX
The Editor
The Hindu
Mumbai
Subject Reality Shows – Loss of Precious Childhood
Sir/Ma’am,
Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I want to express my deep concern
regarding the children participating in the so-called ‘Reality Shows’.
Recently there has been a mushrooming of ‘Reality Shows’ featuring children of tender
years. The lure for money tempts the parents to send their children to such shows. These
parents should be counselled that their overriding ambition is burdening their children
with responsibilities and pressure. Along with neglect of studies, they lose their
innocence. The poor children have to undergo a lot of inconvenience and suffering
during such shows. The long shooting hours and the dazzle of lights overstrain them.
I strongly feel that the participation of children in such shows should be completely
banned. Children should be allowed to lead their normal lives and enjoy their childhood.
..........................................................
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Rohan
(a) Kindly publish this letter of mine in your newspaper so that people may become aware of it.
(b) Please put forward these points in your newspaper.
(c) I hope each and everyone can think about this issue logically.
(d) I hope that the concerned authorities take actions to save childhoods.
08. You have written a letter to the Editor, Deccan Chronicle, highlighting the problems
faced due to the lack of proper bus service near your locality.
R.K. Puram
Secunderabad
..............(I)..............
The Editor
The Deccan Chronicle
Secunderabad
Subject ..............(II)..............
Sir/Ma’am,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the
concerned authorities to the poor bus service in R. K. Puram, Secunderabad. R.K. Puram
is a huge colony situated in the outskirts of the city with a population of more than ten
thousand people.
I would like to inform you that due to poor bus service, lives of the residents are getting
adversely affected. People have to walk a long distance to reach the bus stop. Since the
frequency of the buses in the area is low, people have to wait for a duration that ranges
between thirty minutes to one hour. At times, buses do not even stop. Worst affected are
the school children and office goers as they are left with no other option than to hire
expensive private modes of transport. Also buses coming from the other side are always
overcrowded. They are so jam packed that many passengers face difficulty in boarding
them.
Being someone getting affected by poor bus service every day, I have sent pleas for quick
action to the transport authority numerous times. But nothing has been said or done
about it. The problem can be easily dealt with if adequate measures are taken. I hope I
have been able to highlight the problem in this letter and that adequate measures will be
taken without further delay. Looking forward to a positive change.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Shiraj
(I) (a) 17 May, 20XX (b) May 17 (c) 17-05-XX (d) 20XX, 17-05
(II) (a) Problem of transportation faced by people of Secunderabad

(b) Poor bus service and the ensuing problems in Secunderabad
(c) Problems faced by the people of Secunderabad
(d) Need for a proper bus station in Secunderabad
09. Complete the letter to the Editor emphasizing on the need of educational counselors for
guidance in matter of choosing a career in each school.
48, Agra Fort
Agra
2 March, 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
Fort Road
Agra
Subject The Need of Educational Counselors in Schools
Sir/Ma’am,
..................................................................................................................................................
In this modern and competitive time, the fight for better marks and career is cut throat
among youngsters. After passing the secondary school examination, a candidate has to
make a very difficult choice from a number of streams available to him or her for further
studies at the senior school level. Students are often misguided by others who are ready
to cheat the unsuspecting students and their parents. There is no valid mechanism to
assess the suitability of candidates for a particular stream. Students opt for subjects under
the influence of peer or parental pressure without considering their own preferences and
capabilities. Students, later, regret their decisions, which by then already affect their
psyche.
The ministry of HRD should be serious towards the career of the students. A special post
of educational counselor should be created in every school so that the students and
parents can discuss their issues and concerns and clarify their doubts regarding further
education. This will certainly give them some relief from the unnecessary worries.
Hoping for favourable consideration for the welfare of students.
Thank you
Yours sincerely
Vinay Kumar
(a) I want to draw the attention of school towards the need of educational counselors for guidance.
(b) Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention towards the need of
educational counselors in every school.
(c) There is an increasing need of educational counselors in every school for proper guidance.
(d) I would like to draw the attention of the schools towards the rising need of educational counselors.
ANSWERS
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (a) 8. (I) (a) (II) (b) 9. (b)
04
Article Writing
Framing an article is a very challenging task for anyone. It requires a high degree of creativity,
a wide range of vocabulary and a thorough knowledge of the subject.
An article is a highly structured and directional piece of writing, written for a specific purpose,
i.e. to inform, to persuade, to entertain or to convince the reader. It essentially has several
paragraphs containing a distinct beginning, a middle and a conclusion.
Elements of an Article
1. Title/Heading There are no predetermined rules for the title. It may comprise a
single word, a phrase or a sentence of 4-6 words. The title should be
thought-provoking, catchy and should highlight the theme.
2. Name of the writer Sign off your article with your name towards the end.
Alternatively, the name can come immediately after the heading in the form of a
byline.
3. Introduction Keep the topic in perspective; specify it keeping the reader’s interest
intact by providing some surprising information or interesting facts related to the
context.
4. Description of the topic Highlight various facets of the topic like the causes and
effects, advantages and disadvantages, etc.
5. Ending Wind up your article with your own views– criticism, suggestions, etc.
6. Conclusion End the article with a desire, an appeal or a warning.
Format of an Article
Write an article for a newspaper on the topic ‘Child Labour— A Curse’.
Child Labour—A Curse Title/Heading

by Kuldeep Sharma The heading or title of the article could
be a single word, a phrase or a sentence
comprising 4-6 words.
Byline
The name of the writer appears either
at the end or it immediately follows
the heading.
Children of today are the future of tomorrow and every child
Content
has the right to education and to lead a happy and healthy life.
In the introduction, the writer could
Engaging children in any sort of work inhibits and affects their provide some facts or pose a question
proper growth. Legislative provisions are formulated to related to the theme of the article.
prevent the menace of child labour. But the children from the
most deprived sections of the population are forced to earn a
pittance or contribute to family work, sacrificing personal Expression
development. (a) Grammatical accuracy, appropriate
Children started being employed both on farms and factories words and spelling.
because they provided a cheap and uncomplaining labour (b) Coherence and relevance of ideas
and style
force, as compared to adults. The importance of education for
the child was neglected and replaced with the necessity of
providing for food and shelter.
Therefore, there is a need to look into the problem of child
labour from a multi-dimensional aspect to understand and
address the same in a society where the parents are guided to
understand the value of education for the child. This will open
up a brighter future for such children.

01. Which of the following is true for the body of an article?
(a) It introduces the main idea of the topic.
(b) It contains causes and effects, advantages and disadvantages etc.
(c) It discusses the relevancy of the topic.
02. Article does not include

(a) Suggestions
(b) Content that urges reader to think
(c) Factual information
(d) Non-authentic information
03. The article given below is incomplete. Choose the most appropriate option to complete
the article.
..................................................
by Rohan
Life is itself adventurous. It offers a lot of adventure to those who seek thrills. Today, there are many
adventurous activities such as river rafting, sky diving, biking, scuba diving, etc. These activities
offer a lot of excitement and sensation to life. The youth of today take great pleasure in doing all
kinds of activities. They even risk their life in doing so. But the question is what prompts them to take
such risks? Why would one prefer to have an adventurous life?
In this fast paced modern era, people easily become bored with their everyday activities. Such
people are always on the look out for something exhilarating, even if it comes in the form of
adventure games and activities. Also, youth these days like doing unique things that would bring
them instant fame and recognition. If it comes with risk and danger then the whole aspect seems
even better. For many others, dangerous adventurous activities are a way of relaxing.
The fact is, attempting such risky and borderline life threatening activities gives an adrenaline rush,
which all adventure seekers find addictive. It is because of this rush some people enjoy jumping off
a plane at 30,000 feet, or even swimming with the sharks.
(a) Need for Adventurous Sports

(b) Break from Monotony
(c) Why Would You Prefer to Have an Adventurous Life?
(d) Perks of Being Adventurous
the article.
Violence Solves No Problem; It Must Be Shunned

By Shobha / Shan
.............................................. This was stated by Mahatma Gandhi when our nation was fighting
for its independence from the British Raj. Yet, today our nation faces the growing problem of
violence at the slightest provocation.
All it takes for a violent attack on another person is their presence. Women have been attacked for
working at offices or studying in colleges because others believe they do not have the right to be
there, people of different race or colour are abused and attacked verbally or physically simply for
existing in a certain space. The tendency of hate is strong. There is a growing crowd of both victims
and perpetrators and sometimes one can’t help but wonder if the need to rely on the laws of the
land is indeed worthwhile.
Sadly, taking matters into ones hands is not the method through which problems are truly solved.
All violence does is breed more violence. It is important to take steps to help people find the right
way to solve problems, through the use of words over actions. This can only be done if there are
proper precautions in place for people who act out aggressively with the barest hint of provocation.
It is time that we, as a society, look at the problem of violence more seriously and try to find a
solution together.
(a) “An ounce of practice is worth a thousand words.”

(b) “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”
(c) “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
(d) “Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love.”
the article.
Population Explosion
By Neha Aggarwal
Many smaller nations of Asia have overtaken India in industrial and economic growth in the last fifty
years. However, no one, not even China, can beat us in population growth. We produce ‘An
Australia’ every year. This alarming rate of population growth is termed as ‘population explosion’.
We are a nation of over 120 crore people which means we feed 120 crore mouths and provide
shelter and cloth to them.
The reasons for the population explosion are many. Better medical facilities and control over
epidemics have made life safer and longer. Deaths by disease, famine or foods have been
checked to the minimum.
A foolproof and scientific campaign of family planning is the need of the hour. The central/state
governments and the voluntary organizations should launch a vigorous campaign to educate the
masses of the dangers of over population.
More birth means more people which further means more unemployment and more problems of
food, shelter and clothing. We must learn from China which froze its population growth by adopting
‘one family-one child’ programme. Those who produce more than two children should be heavily
taxed or fined. They should be debarred from all social benefits and from contesting elections for
the legislatures and the Parliament.
........................................................ .
(a) Concluding, population leads to innumerable problems that must be tackled.

(b) The government must promote awareness to tackle the problem of population.
(c) It is only when we control the population of the country, we can think about walking the path of
development.
(d) At last, controlling population can stop the population explosion.
06. Choose the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
Life Without Modern Gadgets

................
Science has made life easy, convenient, comfortable, better and more beautiful. Its achievements,
discoveries and inventions are wonderful. We cannot think of our lives without gadgets as we would
just be helpless without them. Every device or appliance has a unique purpose. ……
(a) A disaster (b) Rahul, Student Correspondent

(c) –Delhi, Rahul (d) By Rahul
07. Stressed on Modern Generation

By Kezia
.................................... Due to extreme competitiveness in every aspect of life, there is always a
lack of time. This then leads to high level of anxiety, mental tension and of course, the feeling of
dissatisfaction. A cut-throat competition starts at school level with parents pressurising children to
work extra hard and score high marks in all subjects. Students too feel the pressure of performing
better than the rest. Therefore, they get stressed when they are unable to perform according to their
expectation. The stress builds on until it turns into health hazards which stays on forever.
.................................... Students might acquire highest marks, but this does not guarantee that it
would land their desired jobs. Even if they do, there are other reasons for one to feel the stress.
Desired salary, timely promotion, material growth, such as own house and car, marriage, etc. are
often followed with anxiety, stress and lifestyle diseases. Therefore, it is suffice to say that the
present day youth are greatly stressed and to some extent, the consumerist culture is to be blamed
for this.
Fortunately, there is a solution to avoid stress at all times. Regular exercise and yoga improves
concentration and keeps the mind healthy.
.................................... One should also spend some quality time with one’s family, friends and
loved ones, do charity/ community service, adopt pets, go for walks or pursue a hobby in order to
de-stress.
1. Then there is stress at work front, which is worse than scoring high.
2. Today, we are living in an age when people are more stressed than relaxed.
3. It decreases physical ailments, reduces behavioural problems, reduces depression,
stress, thus calming one’s mind.
(a) 1,2,3 (b) 2,1,3
(c) 3,2,1 (d) 1,3,2
08. Read the article given below and choose the correct answer.
Failure is a Stepping Stone to Success
by Rohan
“It’s impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as
well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.” – J.K. Rowling
To put in simpler words, failure is inevitable. Therefore, one must not be afraid of them. Before
Thomas Alva Edison invented the electric light bulb, he tried innumerable times. Even when each of
his attempts ‘burst’ into pieces, he did not give up. He kept on trying until he succeeded. On being
asked how he felt about his failed attempts, Edison replied, “I have not failed. I just found 10,000
ways that won’t work.” The lesson to be learnt here is that success and failure go hand in hand. Until
and unless we fail, we don’t become aware of our shortcomings.
Many people do not realise that failure is really a stepping stone to success. Instead of having a
positive outlook on failure and learning lessons from it, they only view the negative aspect of failure.
Those who consider failure an opportunity to do better, never let it overwhelm themselves. Such
people succeed in life (sooner or later) because they have faith in themselves. Such people may or
may not be optimists, but when they resolve to overcome their weaknesses or shortcomings, their
focus automatically shifts to the lessons they can learn from it.
In conclusion, failure and setbacks are a normal part of life. They make us understand where we
can improve and encourage us to persist. It is the wise who takes advantage of their failures.
Which of the following is the objective of the given article?

(a) To express personal opinion. (b) To persuade people
(c) To entertain people (d) To present factual information
ANSWERS
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (a)
Flamingo - Prose
01
The Last Lesson
by Alphonse Daudet
Chapter Summary
Introduction The Order from Berlin
The story represents the days of M Hamel mounted on his chair and made the
Franco-Prussian was. After gaining vectory dreadful announcement. He told the class that it
over Alsace and Lorraine in France, Berlin had was their last French lesson.
ordered that only German will be taught in the The order had come from Berlin to teach
schools of France. only German in the schools of Alsace and
Franz is Reluctant to go to School Lorraine and he would be leaving the school
the next day. These words were a shock to
Franz had started for school very late that little Franz.
morning. He was afraid of a scolding from his
teacher as his French teacher, M Hamel, had Now he remembered the gathering at the town
announced that he would question the class on hall. He regretted not having learnt his lessons
participles. As a result Franz thought of when there was still time.
running away and spending the day outside. Now, he will never be able to learn them.
But, he hurried to school. On his way to The thought that M Hamel was going away and
school, Franz passed the town hall and noticed Franz would never see him again, made him
a crowd in front of the bulletin board. forget all about how cranky M Hamel was. Franz
was feeling very sorry for him.
M Hamel’s Strange Behaviour and Many
Unusual Things It was in honour of his ‘last lesson’ that he had put
on his fine clothes, and the village people had
When Franz reached the school, he was very gathered there to express their gratitude towards
surprised to find that everything was quiet. him, and to show their respect for their country
Franz noticed that all of his classmates were and their language.
already in their seats and M Hamel was walking
up and down with his iron ruler under his arm. M Hamel Criticises Himself
Instead of scolding him, M Hamel spoke very and the People of Alsace
kindly to him and told him to take his seat. While Franz was thinking of all this, he heard his
After Franz had calmed down, he noticed that name called out; it was his turn to recite.
M Hamel was wearing a special attire, which he But unfortunately, he got mixed up on the first
wore only on special occasions. He was words. He was ashamed and stood holding
surprised to see the village people sitting quietly his desk. M Hamel said that he would not
on the back benches. They all looked very sad. scold him.
He criticised the people of Alsace for their habit The Final Good Bye
of putting off learning for some time in the All this while, M Hamel sat motionless in
future. He blamed their parents for not taking his chair. Franz thought that M Hamel
interest in their studies. He also blamed himself wanted to imprint this classroom scene in his
for this. mind. Everybody became emotional towards
the end; some even started crying, but M Hamel
Importance of Mother Tongue
had the courage and patience to hear every
M Hamel then talked about the French langu- lesson to the last.
age. He called it the most beautiful, the clearest
Finally, as the church-clock struck twelve,
and the most logical language in the world.
M Hamel stood up. He tried to speak, but
The Last Lesson choked. Then he turned to the blackboard
M Hamel opened a grammar book and taught and wrote as large as he could ‘Vive La
them their last lesson. Franz was amazed to see France!’ which means ‘long live France’. He
how well he understood everything. After that then dismissed the class, signalling
they had a lesson in writing. everyone to leave.

Extract Based MCQs (ii) Choose the correct option with
Directions Read the extract given below and reference to the two statements
answer the following questions by choosing the given below:
correct option. Statement 1 M. Hamel had been
subjected to mental forture with the
01. ‘‘My children, this is the last lesson I decision to teach only German is
shall give you. The order has come
Alsace and Lorraine.
from Berlin to teach only German in
the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The Statement 2 Nobody except Franz
new master comes tomorrow. This is was able to realise the pain in M.
your last French lesson. I want you to Hamel’s eyes.
be very attentive.’’ (a) Statement 1 is true but statement 2 is
false.
What a thunderclap these words were to (b) Statement 1 is false but statement 2 is
me! true.
Oh, the wretches; that was what they (c) Both statement 1 and statement 2
had put up at the town hall! cannot be inferred from the passage.
(i) Why does M Hamel want the (d) Both statement 1 and statement 2 can
be inferred form the passage.
students to be attentive?
(a) Because it is his last French lesson. (iii) How would you describe Franz’s
(b) Because the order has come from tone when he says- “What a
Berlin. thunderclap these words were to
(c) Because he is about to reveal the exam me’’?
paper. (a) Angry (b) Gloomy
(d) Because the government officer is on (c) Perplexed (d) Irritated
a visit.
(iv) In which of the following options (a) When Franz came late, M. Hamel told
can the underlined words not be him that he was about to begin class
replaced with ‘wretche(s)’? without him.
(b) Franz mentioned how cranky M. Hamel
(a) That beggar has broken my car
was and his ‘great ruler rapping on the
window.
table’.
(b) Items like a stick and grenadier are
(c) M. Hamel often sent students to water
now variable.
his flowers and gave a holiday when he
(c) He is a lonely and miserable rogue. wanted to go fishing.
(d) Before the poor knave had time to (d) M. Hamel permitted villagers to put
speak, he was shot. their children ‘to work on a farm or at
the mills’ for some extra money.
02. Poor man! It was in honour of this last
lesson that he had put on his fine (iv) Choose the option that most
Sunday clothes, and now I understood appropriately fills in the blanks, for
why the old men of the village were the following description of the given
sitting there in the back of the room. extract.
It was because they were sorry, too, The villagers and their children sat in
that they had not gone to school more. class, forging with their old master a
It was their way of thanking our master (i) …… togetherness. In that
for his forty years of faithful service and moment, the class room stood (ii)
of showing their respect for the country ……. It was France itself and the last
that was theirs no more. French lesson a desperate hope to
(CBSE Question Bank 2021) (iii) …… to the remnants of what
(i) Why does the narrator refer to M. they had known and taken for
Hamel as ‘Poor man!’? granted. Their own (iv) …… .
(a) He empathises with M. Hamel as he (a) (i) graceful; (ii) still; (iii) hang on; (iv)
had to leave the village. country
(b) He believes that M. Hamel’s ‘fine (b) (i) bygone; (ii) up; (iii) keep on; (iv)
Sunday clothes’ clearly reflected that education
he was not rich. (c) (i) beautiful; (ii) mesmerised; (iii) carry
(c) He feels sorry for M. Hamel as it was on; (iv) unity
his last French lesson. (d) (i) forgotten; (ii) transformed; (iii) hold
(d) He thinks that M. Hamel’s patriotism on; (iv) identity
and sense of duty resulted in his
poverty. 03. M. Hamel went on to talk of the French
(ii) Which of the following idioms language, saying that it was the most
might describe the villagers’ act of beautiful language in the world — the
attending the last lesson most clearest, the most logical; that we must
accurately? guard it among us and never forget it,
(a) ‘Too good to miss’ because when a people are enslaved,
(b) ‘Too little, too late’ as long as they hold fast to their
(c) ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’ language it is as if they had the key to
(d) ‘Too cool for school’ their prison. Then he opened a grammar
(iii) Choose the option that might raise book and read us our lesson. I was
a question about M. Hamel’s amazed to see how well I understood it.
‘faithful service’. All he said seemed so easy, so easy!
(CBSE Question Bank 2021)
(i) Which of the following can be (iv) Franz was able to understand the
attributed to M. Hamel’s grammar lesson easily because he
declaration about the French was
language? (a) receptive
(a) subject expertise (b) appreciative
(b) nostalgic pride (c) introspective
(c) factual accuracy (d) competitive
(d) patriotic magnification
(ii) Read the quotes given below. MCQs Based on Complete Chapter
Choose the option that might best 01. “The birds were chirping at the edge of
describe M. Hamel’s viewpoint. the woods and in the open field back of
1. Those who know nothing of foreign the sawmill the Prussian soldiers were
languages know nothing of their drilling.”
own.
– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Which of the following sentences can be
said after reading the given lines?
2. Language is the road map of a
culture. It tells you where its people (a) Alsace bordered Prussia and so Franz could
hear the drilling.
come from and where they are
(b) The Prussian soldiers had started to
going. – Rita Mae Brown construct their official building.
3. A poor man is like a foreigner in his (c) The people of Alsace like Franz were
own country. – Ali Ibn Abi Talib attracted to the sound of drilling.
4. The greatest propaganda in the (d) Prussia had won over Alsace and Lorraine
world is our mother tongue, that is and thus were practicing to settle their
authority.
what we learn as children, and
which we learn unconsciously. That 02. Franz saw a huge crowd assembled in
shapes our perceptions for life. front of the bulletin board, but did not
– Marshal McLuhan stop. How would you evaluate his
(a) Option (1) (b) Option (2) reaction? (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
(c) Option (3) (d) Option (4) (a) Franz was too little to care about the news
(iii) “I was amazed to see how well I of lost battles.
understood it.” (b) Nobody in Franz’s family was in the army, so
Select the option that does NOT it did not matter.
explain why Franz found the (c) Bad news had become very normal, so he
grammar lesson “easy”. went about his task.
(a) Franz was paying careful attention in (d) It was too crowded for Franz to find out
class this time. what news was up on the board.
(b) M. Hamel was being extremely patient 03. What did the blacksmith say to Franz?
and calm in his teaching.
(a) To read the bulletin-board.
(c) Franz was inspired and had found a
new meaning and purpose to learning. (b) To get his homework completed.
(d) Franz had realized that French was (c) To hurry to the school.
the clearest and most logical (d) To not go so fast.
language.
04. There was usually great bustle and 08. Look at the statements given below.
noise when school began, but it was all Choose the option that correctly
very quiet. identifies which statements are fact and
Which of the following describes Franz’ which are opinion:
emotions most accurately? (i) By sitting in the class, the elders of
(CBSE Question Bank 2021) Alsace showed their respect for M.
(a) shock and awe Hamel.
(b) disappointment and anxiety (ii) The elders were regretting that
(c) confusion and distress they did not learn their mother
(d) curiosity and uncertainty tongue.
05. Choose the option that correctly (iii) The elders did not appreciate the
describes how Franz was able to see faithful service of M. Hamel and
what was going on in his class. were only there to bid farewell to
the teacher.
(iv) The teacher was sorrowful as he was
to leave not only his students but
also the school which he had
nurtured.
(1) (2)
(a) Fact – (i) and (iv) ; Opinion – (ii) and (iii)
(b) Fact – (ii) and (iii) ; Opinion – (i) and (iv)
(c) Fact – (i) and (ii) ; Opinion – (iii) and (iv)
(d) Fact – (ii) and (iv) ; Opinion – (i) and (iii)
(3) (4) 09. Which option indicates Franz’s reaction

to M. Hamel’s words that it was their
(a) Option 1 (b) Option 2 last lesson?
(c) Option 3 (d) Option 4 (a) What a thunderclap these words were to
me!
06. Franz was afraid to enter the class
(b) What would I not have given to be able to
because .............. .
say that dreadful rule for the participle all
(a) because he was not prepared for his through, very loud and clear and without
spoken recital. one mistake?
(b) Because the villagers had gathered over (c) All he said seemed so easy, so easy!
there.
(d) Oh, the wretches; that was what they had
(c) Because he was late and saw M Hamel put up at the town-hall.
walking up and down.
(d) Because he was not dressed properly. 10. Which of the following statements CAN
NOT be attributed to Franz?
07. What was unusual about M. Hamel’s
dress? (a) Franz did not like studying; he would rather
enjoy nature.
(a) Wore clean clothes. (b) Franz loved his teacher M. Hamel a lot.
(b) Wore a brand new outfit. (c) Franz regretted the he did not study French
(c) Wore clothes he wore on inspection or prize at all.
days. (d) Franz was a naughty student.
(d) Wore traditional French clothes.
11. My books, that had seemed such a The given lines indicate how M Hamel
nuisance a while ago, so heavy to is feeling. Pick the option that correctly
carry, my grammar, and my history of state these feelings.
the saints, were old friends now that I 1. Angry 2. Regretful
couldn’t give up. And M. Hamel, too; 3. Sad 4. Hatred
the idea that he was going away, that I 5. Joyous 6. Sympathetic
should never see him again, made me (a) 1 and 4 (b) 2 and 3
forget all about his ruler and how (c) 5 and 6 (d) 1 and 3
cranky he was.
Choose the option with the correct 14. Choose the correct option with reference
reference to the textual statement to the two statements given below.
given above. Statement 1 The narrator feels sorry for
(a) Franz, a keen learner and a lover of the M. Hamel.
French language was unable to accept the Statement 2 Franz could not accept the
change. fact that he won’t be learning French any
(b) Franz found M. Hamel to be strict and longer.
cranky but he loved his teacher. (a) Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.
(c) Franz was a patriot and was enraged at the (b) Statement 1 is false, but statement 2 is true.
order received from Berlin.
(c) Both the statements can be inferred from
(d) Franz was feeling sorry for not only himself the lesson.
but also his French teacher.
(d) Neither of the statements can be inferred
12. ‘What would I not have given to be from the lesson.
able to say that dreadful rule for the 15. Why does M. Hamel blame the parents?
participle all through, very loud and (a) They preferred children to work in farms.
clear and without one mistake?’ (b) They were not strict.
Pick the option listing the reason Franz (c) They did not come to M. Hamel’s class.
wanted to recite the rules perfectly. (d) They did not love the French language.
(a) He wanted M. Hamel to know that he had
done his homework. 16. On the basis of the lesson, pick the
(b) He wanted to show that he wanted to keep opinion that is closest to that of
learning French. M. Hamel.
(c) He wanted to be able to use at least some Education French The Even
part of his mother tongue is the key is what people of though he
(d) He wanted to show M. Hamel that he cared to success would Alsace is giving
for his mother tongue. and lead must his last
13. I heard M Hamel say to me, “I won’t freedom. them to learn French
retain French if lesson, he
scold you, little Franz; you must feel
their they want would
bad enough. See how it is! Every day cultural to always
we have said to ourselves, ‘Bah! I’ve heritage. become speak in
plenty of time. I’ll learn tomorrow. free. French.
And now you see where we’ve come
out. Ah, that’s the great trouble with (1) (2) (3) (4)
Alsace she puts off learning till (a) Option 1 (b) Option 2
tomorrow.” (c) Option 3 (d) Option 4
17. ‘It seemed almost as if the poor man (iv) M. Hamel was planning to create the
wanted to give us all he knew before same look of the school at his now
going away and to put it all into our home.
heads at one stroke.’ (a) (i), (ii), (iii) (b) (ii), (iii), (iv)
(c) (i), (ii), (iv) (d) (i), (iii), (iv)
Which of these sentences does not use
the phrase ‘at one stroke’ correctly? 21. Choose the term which best matches the
(a) The smoke choked the joking man at one tone of statement: ‘‘But he had the
stroke. courage to hear every lesson to the very
(b) I managed to please both buyer and seller at last’’.
one stroke. (a) acceptance (b) neglect
(c) Let’s settle the matter at one stroke. (c) discipline (d) regret
(d) When the economy crashed, thousands lost
their jobs, their homes and their pensions at 22. “I never saw him look so tall”. Which of
one stroke. the following best captures M. Hamel on
18. ‘They looked like little flags floating the last day of school?
everywhere in the school-room, hung
(a) cranky, miserable, dedicated, resigned
from the rod at the top of our desks.’ In
(b) patient, dignified, emotional, courageous
the given sentence which literary device (c) calm, nostalgic, disappointed, patriotic
has been used? (d) proud, reproachful, persistent, heroic
(a) Alliteration
(b) Metaphor 23. In which of the following options can
(c) Simile the underlined word be replaced with
(d) Both (a) and (c) ‘choked’?
(a) The mass of ice blocked up the mouth of the
19. Will they make them sing in German- stream and pounded back the water.
even the pigeons? What could this mean?
(b) His words were faded off by the sudden
(a) German would use brutal force over screams.
everyone.
(c) Bill coughed and gasped, straining for air.
(b) Harsh orders will be passed against
violators. (d) She put down a bowl of cooked rice.
(c) When people are deprived of their essence
even the surroundings are affected.
24. Look at the table below. Column A
(d) The Germans will rob France of its language.
provides instances from the story ‘The
Last Lesson’. Column B provides titles
20. Choose the option that correctly of some famous English language
mentions M. Hamel’s aura of the day of poems. Choose the option that correctly
the last lesson. match items of Column A with
(i) M. Hamel was calm, quiet and Column B. (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
sorrowful as he gave his last lesson. Column A Column B
(ii) M. Hamel planned the day of the last 1. M. Hamel (i) ‘Remorse is
lesson to let the people know the distributed new memory awake’
importance of French language. copies that looked (Emily
(iii) M. Hamel had nurtured the school like little French Dickinson)
flags, and ended
and made it a beautiful place. the class with an
emphatic “Vive La
France!”.
Column A Column B (a) 1 – (i); 2 – (ii); 3 – (iii); 4 – (iv)

(b) 1 – (ii); 2 – (iii); 3 – (iv); 4 – (i)
2. Hauser sat at the (ii) ‘A House called
end of the class, Tomorrow’ (c) 1 – (iii); 2 – (iv); 3 – (i); 4 – (ii)
thumbing his (Alberto Rios) (d) 1 – (iv); 2 – (i); 3 – (ii); 4 – (iii)
primer, desperately
trying to learn 25. The story ‘The Last Lesson’ highlights
with the children, which human tendency?
even as he cried. (a) Male Chauvinism (b) Procrastination
3. M. Hamel shared (iii) ‘For Whom the (c) Courage (d) Cowardice
how Alsace always Bell Tolls’
put off learning, (John Donne) 26. Pick a quote that best describes the
and how its people theme of the story.
always thought (a) “What is a nation without a mother tongue?”
they had plenty of -Jack Edwards
time.
(b) The rhythm of my body is the same as my
4. Class ended when (iv) ‘Do Not Go mother tongue. It is in this rhythm where I
the church-clock gentle into that find sanctity that I can return to my mother
struck twelve. And Good night’ who in everywhere in the universe-Kim
then the Angelus. (Dylan Thomas) Hyesoon.
Simultaneously, (c) “Language is the blood of the soul into
Prussian trumpets which thoughts run and out of which they
sounded under the grow.”- Oliver Wendell Holmes
school windows.
(d) “Poetry is the mother-tongue of the human
race.” -Johann Georg Hamann
ANSWERS
Extract Based MCQs
Extract 1
(i) (c) (ii) (c) (iii) (c) (iv) (b)
Extract 2
(i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (c) (iv) (d)
Extract 3
(i) (d) (ii) (b) (iii) (d) (iv) (a)
MCQs Based on Complete Chapter

1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. (a) 10. (b)
11. (d) 12. (d) 13. (b) 14. (c) 15. (a) 16. (c) 17. (a) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (a) 22. (b) 23. (c) 24. (d) 25. (a) 26. (a)
02
Lost Spring
by Anees Jung
Chapter Summary
Sometimes I Find a Rupee bring them down from the shelf. Another says
in the Garbage he wants shoes.
Moving across the country, the author has seen
Saheb : The Ragpicker many children walking barefoot. One of the
Every morning the author meets Saheb and his explanation that it is a tradition and not lack of
friends scrounging for ‘gold’ in the garbage money.
dumps of her neighbourhood. Saheb and his
Author’s visit to Seemapuri
family are Bangladeshi refugees. They have left
their home a long time ago as storms washed The author’s acquaintance with the barefoot
away their fields and homes, reducing them to a ragpickers takes her to Seemapuri. Seemapuri is
state of abject poverty. That is why they came to a place on the periphery of Delhi, yet miles
this city (New Delhi) looking for ‘a better life’. away from it metaphorically. The place is home
to 10000 other shoeless ragpickers like Saheb.
The author asks Saheb why he does ragpicking
They are all Bangladeshi refugees who came
and does not go to school. To this, he replies
here back in 1971. They live in very poor
that there is no school in his neighbourhood.
conditions in mud structures with roofs of tin
The author jokingly promises to open a school.
and tarpaulin.
After a few days, Saheb asks if the author has
opened the school. The author is very The place has no running water facility and no
embarrassed at having made a promise that was drainage. The ragpickers have lived here for the
not meant to be fulfilled. past 30 years, some even more, without identity,
yet they have valid ration cards.
Saheb-e-Alam : Lord of the Universe Children are born in them and become partners
After some months of knowing him, the author in survival. And survival in Seemapuri means
asks Saheb his full name. The author notices the ragpicking. Over the years, ragpicking has
irony in Saheb’s name, ‘Saheb-e-Alam,’ which become an art.
means Lord of the Universe. She feels that
Saheb would not believe what his name means. Different Meaning of Garbage of Ragpickers
Unaware of the meaning of his name, Saheb Garbage is gold to these ragpickers. It is their
roams with his gang, barefoot, on the streets. only support and means of income. Saheb tells
The author curiously asks why they don’t wear the author that sometimes he finds a rupee, even
slippers. He replies that his mother does not a ten-rupee note.
Anees realises that garbage holds a different woman is cooking the evening meal for the
meaning to both parents and children. whole family. She is the wife of Mukesh’s elder
For parents it is the source of their livelihood, brother.
providing them with food and shelter; for The God-given Lineage
children, it is something wrapped in wonder.
Mukesh’s father has toiled hard all his life, first
Saheb No Longer his Own Master as a tailor and then as a bangle-maker. Still the
One morning the author sees Saheb on his way poor fellow has been unable to renovate his
to the milk booth. He is carrying a steel canister. house or send his two sons to school.
He informs the author that now he works at the All he could manage to do was to teach them
tea stall and is paid ` 800 and all his meals. what he knows about the art of bangle-making.
But the author feels that Saheb is not happy. His Daring, Not a Part of Growing Up
face has lost its carefree look. The steel canister
One wonders if Mukesh’s father has achieved
seems heavier than the plastic bag. The bag was
what many have failed to achieve in their
his, but the canister belongs to the owner of the
lifetime. He has a roof over his head. The cry of
tea stall. Saheb is no longer his own master.
not having money can be heard in every
household of Firozabad. Nothing has changed
I Want to Drive a Car over the years. Years of hardship have killed all
hopes and dreams.
Mukesh Wants to be his Own Master The author asks a group of young men to
In Firozabad, the author meets Mukesh, who organise themselves in a cooperative. She learns
insists on becoming a motor mechanic. the horrific truth that even if they get organised,
The author feels that his dream is like a mirage they are taken to jail for doing something
amidst the dusty streets of Firozabad. Firozabad illegal and are beaten up.
is the centre of India’s glass-blowing industry, There is no leader among them. The author
where generations after generations have been finds two distinct worlds in Firozabad. One is
involved in this business. the exploited family caught in a vortex of
Another Encounter with Poverty poverty and the stigma of the caste in which
they were born.
The people of Firozabad involve their children
in the bangle-making industry without knowing The other is a vicious circle of those who exploit
that it is illegal for children to work in the glass them, the sahukars, the middlemen, the
furnaces with high temperatures, in dingy cells politicians, the lawmakers, the policemen and
without air and light. The children work day and the bureaucrats. These have created such a
night, often losing the brightness of their eyes. burden that a child accepts this as naturally as its
father did. To do something else would mean to
Mukesh volunteers to take the author home. dare. And daring is not a part of growing up.
They walk down stinking lanes choked with
garbage, past small and dirty constructions, where A Ray of Hope
families of humans and animals co-exist in a The author is filled with joy when she finds that
primitive state. Mukesh thinks differently. The boy is filled with
They enter a half-built shack, one part of which hope. His dream of being a motor-mechanic is
is thatched with dead grass, where a frail young still alive in his eyes as he is willing to dare.

Extract Based MCQs (c) Both statement 1 and statement 2
cannot be inferred from the passage.
Directions Read the passages given below and
(d) Both statement 1 and statement 2 can
answer the following questions by choosing the
be inferred from the passage.
correct option.
(iii) The given lives do not indicate
01. “Why aren’t you wearing chappals?” I (a) the loss of innocence
ask one. (b) the state of poverty
“My mother did not bring them down (c) the non-fulfillment of promises
from the shelf,” he answers simply. (d) the desire of basic necessities
“Even if she did he will throw them off,” (iv) In which of the following options is the
adds another who is wearing shoes that word ‘perpetual’ not used correctly?
do not match. When I comment on it, (a) No society can make a perpetual
he shuffles his feet and says nothing. “I constitution or even law.
want shoes”, says a third boy who has (b) They lived in perpetual fear of being
discovered and arrested.
never owned a pair all his life.
(c) The country is in a perpetual state of
Travelling across the country I have anarchy.
seen children walking barefoot, in cities, (d) War, in its fairest form, implies a
on village roads. It is not lack of money perpetual violation of humanity and
but a tradition to stay barefoot, is one justice.
explanation. I wonder if this is only an 02. “I will learn to drive a car,” he answers,
excuse to explain away a perpetual state looking straight into my eyes. His dream
of poverty. looms like a mirage amidst the dust of
(i) What is an excuse to explain away a streets that fill his town Firozabad,
perpetual state of poverty? famous for its bangles. Every other
family in Firozabad is engaged in
(a) Walking barefoot
making bangles. It is the centre of India’s
(b) To term ‘walking barefoot’ a tradition
glass-blowing industry where families
(c) To rease the ‘worn out shoes’
have spent generations working around
(d) Not to bring chappals out of shelf
furnaces, wielding glass, making bangles
(ii) Choose the correct option with for all the women in the land it seems.
reference to the two statements Mukesh’s family is among them. None
given below. of them know that it is illegal for
Statements 1 The boys had been children like him to work in the glass
subjected to humiliation when the furnaces with high temperatures, in
narrator questions them. dingy cells without air and light; that the
Statements 2 The boys did not care law, if enforced, could get him and all
for the condition of the shoes but those 20,000 children out of the hot
only for shoes. furnaces where they slog their daylight
hours, often losing the brightness of
(a) Statement 1 is true but statement 2 is
false.
their eyes. Mukesh’s eyes beam as he
(b) Statement 2 is false but statement 2 is
volunteers to take me home, which he
true. proudly says is being rebuilt.
(i) The simile ‘dream looms like a bangles. All I have done is make a
mirage amidst the dust of streets’ house for the family to live in.”
indicates that his dream was Hearing him one wonders if he has
(a) a reality, yet seemed distant. achieved what many have failed in their
(b) lost in the sea of dust. lifetime. He has a roof over his head!
(c) illusory and indistinct.
The cry of not having money to do
(d) hanging in the dusty air.
anything except carry on the business of
(ii) ‘I will learn to drive a car,’ he making bangles, not even enough to eat,
answers, looking straight into my rings in every home. The young men
eyes. This sentence highlights echo the lament of the elders. Little has
Mukesh was moved with time, it seems in Firozabad,
1. determined 2. fearless years of mind-numbing toil have killed
3. hopeful 4. valiant all initiative and the ability to dream.
5. ambitious 6. stern
(a) 1 and 5 (b) 2 and 4
(c) 2 and 5 (d) 3 and 6 (i) ‘She still has bangles on her wrist,
but no light in her eyes.’ This
(iii) Which of the following statements is
implies that
NOT TRUE with reference to the
(a) she is married but has lost the charm
extract?
in her eyes.
(a) Children work in badly lit and poorly (b) she is a married woman who has lost
ventilated furnaces. her grace and beauty.
(b) The children are unaware that it is for- (c) though she is married, her eyes are
bidden by law to work in the furnaces. devoid of happiness.
(c) Children toil in the furnaces for hours (d) she is a married woman who has lost
which affects their eyesight. her eyesight.
(d) Firozabad has emerged as a nascent
producer of bangles in the country. (ii) ‘He has a roof over his head!’ The
tone of the author is
(iv) Every other family in Firozabad is
(a) pessimistic (b) empathetic
engaged in making bangles indicates
(c) sympathetic (d) optimistic
that
(a) bangle making is the only industry that
(iii) Choose the term which best matches
flourishes in Firozabad. the statement ‘The young men echo
(b) the entire population of Firozabad is the lament of their elders.’
involved in bangle making. (a) acceptance (b) reflection
(c) majority of the population in Firozabad (c) reiteration (d) doubtfulness
is involved in bangle making.
(iv) ‘Years of mind-numbing toil have
(d) bangle making is the most loved
occupation in Firozabad. killed all initiative and the ability to
dream’. This shows that
03. She still has bangles on her wrist, but no (a) the bangle makers are exhausted yet
light in her eyes. “Ek waqt ser bhar they are enterprising and have dreams.
khana bhi nahin khaya.” she says, in a (b) the drudgery of work has destroyed
voice drained of joy. She has not their willingness to improve their lot.
enjoyed even one full meal in her entire (c) the daily grind has stolen the dreams of
lifetime-that’s what she has reaped! Her the bangle makers and made them dull.
husband, an old man with a flowing (d) the bangle makers have been working
beard says, “I know nothing except so hard that there’s no time to dream.
MCQs Based on Complete Chapter 06. “Unaware of what his name represents,
01. ‘That’s why they left, looking for gold in he roams the streets with his friends, an
the big city.’ Here ‘gold’ indicates army of barefoot boys who appear like
the morning birds and disappear at
noon. Over the months, I have come to
(a) misfortune of circumstances.
recognise each of them.”
(b) ample wealth.
(c) means of survival. Which literary device is used in the
(d) a sign of luxury. given lines?
02. In the light of the following statement, 1. Imagery 2. Simile
choose the option that lists the feelings 3. Symbolism 4. Paradox
of the speaker. 5. Oxymoron
‘I have nothing else to do,’ he mutters, (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 4
looking away. (c) 2 and 5 (d) Only 3
1. Hopeful 2. Embarassed 07. “Thirty years later I visited his town

3. Regretful 4. Disdainful and the temple, which was now
5. Sorrowful 6. Angry drowned in an air of desolation.”
Choose the option in which the
(a) 2 and 3 (b) 2,4, and 6
(c) Only 5 (d) 2 and 5
underlined word can be replaced by the
word ‘desolation’.
03. A few days later I see him running up (a) We looked out upon a scene of loneliness
to me. ‘Is your school ready?’ – and ruin.
Understanding the given lines, what can (b) Despite her sorrows, Nora Simpson was not
be said about the speaker? the sort of woman to be beaten by a twist of
(a) He wanted to get educated. fate.
(b) He was hopeful and optimistic. (c) How can you live in such destination?
(c) He believed people blindly. (d) Although fully furnished it had an air of
(d) All of the above emptiness.
04. ‘But promises like mine abound in 08. Choose the statement that is NOT
every corner of his bleak world’. This TRUE about ragpickers in Seemapuri.
suggests that (CBSE Question Bank 2021) (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
(a) there is no dearth of promises which (a) Children are equally involved in rag picking
remain unfulfilled. as their parents.
(b) there is a scarcity of people promising (b) The ragpickers settle down in a place
things for betterment. permanently.
(c)people make a lot of promises which are (c) Rag picking has accomplished itself as a
often fulfilled. skill and form of art.
(d) promises made, live up to the expectations (d) Ragpickers live in unsteady shanties on the
of people. outskirts of Delhi.
05. Which literary device has been used for 09. The author called garbage as ‘gold’ in
Saheb? the given story because ………… .
(a) Oxymoron (a) of gems in it
(b) Alliteration (b) of its encashment value
(c) Symbolism (c) of survival
(d) Irony (d) of desires
10. Look at the statements given below. (a) Option 1 (b) Option 2
Choose the option that correctly (c) Option3 (d) Option 4
identifies which statements are fact and 14. How has the new job impacted Saheb?
which are opinion: (a) He earns more money and better food now.
(i) The residents of Seemapuri live in (b) He has lost his carefree look now.
primeval state without any facility. (c) He saves the time to go to school now.
(d) He has no time to play now.
(ii) The loss of identity may have
stopped them from getting a good 15. Which of the following lines depict the
education and jobs. contrast between Saheb’s early life and
(iii) The promise of a better future was still after him getting a job?
a distant dream for the ragpickers. (a) The steel canister seems heavier than the
plastic bag.
(iv) The ration cards that they have is a
(b) “I am paid 800 rupees and all my meals.”
ploy by authorities that gives them (c) Saheb is no longer his own master!
food but no identity. (d) Both (a) and (c)
(a) Fact – (i) and (iv) ; Opinion – (ii) and (iii)
(b) Fact – (ii) and (iii) ; Opinion – (i) and (iv) 16. ‘Do you know anything about cars?’
(c) Fact – (i) and (ii) ; Opinion – (iii) and (iv) How does Mukesh respond to this
(d) Fact – (ii) and (iv) ; Opinion – (i) and (iii) question of the narrator?
(a) That he would fly the aeroplane.
11. ‘Eyes lighting up’ is an indication of (b) That he would initiate a bangle industry.
(a) Excitement (b) Happiness (c) That he would cannect Firozabad to Pairs.
(c) Greed (d) Both a and b (d) That he would learn to drive a car.
12. ‘I like the game,’ he hums, content to 17. Why is Firozabad famous for its bangles?
watch it standing behind the fence. ‘I go (a) Because glass is found mainly in Firozabad.
inside when no one is around,’ he admits. (b) Because it is the centre of India’s glass
‘The gatekeeper lets me use the swing.’ blowing industry.
In the given lines, the author uses the (c) Because every family of Firozabad is
gatekeeper only .................. him to use engaged in bangle making.
(d) Because Firozabad has been the hub of
the swing indicates the ..................
bangle making.
between Saheb’s reality and wish.
(a) Lets, difference (b) Allows, distance 18. Choose the correct option with respect
(c) Approves, contrast to the statements given below.
(d) Authorise, distinction Assertion It is actually the lack of
education that inculcates the lack of
13. Choose the option that best describes the knowledge about the law.
condition of Saheb before he got his job.
Reason The knowledge of the law
would have incited fear and this fear
would save the eye of innumerable
people.
(a) Assertion can be inferred but the Reason
(1) (2) cannot be inferred.
(b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the
Reason can be inferred.
(c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be
(3) (4) inferred.
19. Through eyes filled with smoke she Choose the option that DOES NOT list
smiles. the meaning of ‘cooperative’.
This means that .................. . (a) A group of farmers
(a) The room was filled with smoke (b) Willing to be of assistance
(b) The woman was half-blind (c) Shared by all members of a community
(c) The woman was surrounded by smoke (d) All of the above
(d) The room was dirty and dusty 24. They talk endlessly in a spiral that
20. How is Mukesh’s family’s attitude moves from poverty to apathy to greed
towards their situation? and to injustice.
(a) Of denial (b) Of acceptance The given lines show that
(c) Of intolerance (d) Of repentance (a) All actions take for their benefit are a
21. Hearing him, one wonders if he has waste.
(b) The people of Firozabad dare not support
achieved what many have failed in their
any action or person that goes against the
lifetime. He has a roof over his head! middlemen.
Which of the following is TRUE in the (c) The bangle-making industry has become a
context of the given lines? maze where the poor bangle makers are
(a) Mukesh’s father had earned enough to buy a caught.
house. (d) Bangle-making has become so intrinsic to
(b) The writer presents a positive picture for the people that they cannot even try to
Mukesh’s family. learn a different work.
(c) By saying so, the writer indicates that 25. “And daring is not part of his growing
Mukesh could become a motor mechanic. up”
(d) Mukesh’s father is satisfied with having a
good house. With reference to the given statement,
which of the following characteristics
22. Choose the correct option with can be ascribed to the children of
reference to the two statements given Firozabad?
below. a) Cowards
Statement 1 The Ancestral heritage of b) Daring
bangle making of the people of c) Hopeless
Firozabad compels them to live in d) suppressedHopeles
poverty. 26. ‘Few airplanes fly over Firozabad’
Statement 2 The baggage of ancestral shows .................. in comparison to
heritage is further entrenched by the Mukesh’s condition.
circle of middlemen. (a) juxtaposition
(a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false. (b) irony
(b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true. (c) oxymoron
(c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot (d) symbolism
be inferred.
(d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be 27. Which two worlds has divided the
inferred. people of Firozabad?
(a) The exploited and the exploiters
23. The word ‘cooperative’ has been used
(b) The educated and uneducated
to indicate a group or an organisation.
(c) The dreamers and the crushers
There are other meanings of
(d) The males and females
‘cooperative’ too.
28. Which of the following is true for Sahukars? 32. From this chapter, it is evident that
(a) Sahukars established the bangle factory. the author has an attitude of
(b) Sahukars employ people in the bangle factory. (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
(c) Sahukars lend money at a higher interest rate. (a) sympathy
(d) Sahukars share the burden of the working (b) apathy
class. (c) empathy
(d) bewilderment
29. Which of the following describes Mukesh?
1. Daring 2. Firm
33. The title ‘Lost Spring’ symbolises
.................. .
3. Coward 4. Clear
(a) lost age
5. Fighter (b) lost memories
(a) 1,2 and 4 (b) 1,2 and 5 (c) lost blooming childhood
(c) 1,2 and 3 (d) 1 and 2 (d) lost destiny
30. Which of the following correctly shows 34. Choose the quote that DOES NOT
the first and foremost things that the resonate with the central idea of the
banglemakers should do? chapter.
(a) Dare to face police (b) Dare to dream big (a) “Summer will end soon enough and
(c) Dare to fight back (d) Dare to learn childhood as well.” - George R.R. Martin
31. Pick the statement that is not an example (b) ‘‘Children are the hands by which we take
hold of heaven’’- Henry Ward Beecher
of irony from the story.
(c) “Childhood should be carefree, playing in
(a) Saheb’s name the Sun; not living a nightmare in the
(b) Savita’s act of bangel making darkness of the soul.” - Dave Pelzer
(c) Mukesh’s dream of becoming a motor (d) ‘‘Candy is childhood, the best and bright
mechanic moments you wish could have lasted
(d) The story of boy from Udipi. forever’’.-Dylan Lauren
ANSWERS
Extract Based MCQs
Extract 1
(i) (b) (ii) (b) (iii) (c) (iv) (a)
Extract 2
(i) (c) (ii) (a) (iii) (d) (iv) (c)
Extract 3
(i) (c) (ii) (d) (iii) (c) (iv) (b)

1. (c) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (a) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (a)
11. (d) 12. (b) 13. (b) 14. (b) 15. (d) 16. (d) 17. (b) 18. (c) 19. (a) 20. (b)
21. (a) 22. (c) 23. (a) 24. (c) 25. (c) 26. (b) 27. (a) 28. (c) 29. (a) 30. (b)
31. (d) 32. (a) 33. (c) 34. (c)
03
Deep Water by William O Douglas
Chapter Summary
The Narrator Developed an The Terror Destroyed Douglas’ Social Life
Aversion to Water at a Young Age After the incident at YMCA, Douglas feared
The narrator (Douglas) recalls a horrific water and avoided it whenever he could.
incident that happened to him when he was ten Whenever he went near water, the terror that had
or eleven years old. He had decided to learn seized him in the pool would return to haunt him.
swimming, and the YMCA pool gave him the The fear paralysed him. This handicap stayed
opportunity, as it was safe. It was only two or with him as years rolled by. It ruined his fishing
three feet deep at the shallow end and, while it trips and deprived him of the joy of canoeing,
was nine feet deep at the other end, the drop boating and swimming.
was gradual. In comparison, the Yakima river He tried his best to overcome this fear, but it
was treacherous. didn’t let go of him. Finally, Douglas decided to
The narrator’s mother continually warned him get a swimming instructor. He went to a pool and
against it. She kept reminding him about the practised five days a week, an hour each day.
details of each drowning incident in the river. Piece by piece, bit by bit, the instructor built a
swimmer out of Douglas.
The Misadventure
Douglas tried to learn swimming by imitating Douglas’ Will to Live Grew in Intensity
the other boys at the pool. He was just After the training was finished, Douglas
beginning to feel at ease in the water when a wondered if he would be terror-stricken when he
mishap occurred. He went to the pool one day would be alone in the pool. He tried, and tiny
and found that no one else was there. He was vestiges of the old terror did return, but now he
timid about going in alone. So, he sat on the was not afraid. Douglas was still not satisfied.
side of the pool to wait for others. So, he went to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire
Just then a big bully came. He was quite and swam two miles across the lake. When Dou-
muscular. He picked up Douglas and threw glas was in the middle of the lake, he put his face
him into the deep end of the pool. Douglas under and saw nothing but bottomless water.
landed in a sitting position, swallowed water, The old sensation came back to haunt him. But
and went at once to the bottom. Douglas this time Douglas was strong. He swam on. Yet
planned a strategy to come out of it and safe he had some residual doubts. At his first
himself. He tried it a few times but it didn’t opportunity, he went to the Warm Lake. He
work. As a result, he was completely paralysed swam to the other shore and back. He was
with fear. Then he fell unconscious. The next thrilled with joy, as he had conquered his fear of
thing he remembers was lying on his stomach water. The experience had a deep meaning for
beside the pool, vomiting. him.

Extract Based MCQs It can be inferred that this was a
Direction Read the extracts given below and clear case of
answer the questions that follow by choosing the (a) suppression
correct option. (b) oppression
(c) depression
01. My breath was gone. I was frightened. (d) repression
Father laughed, but there was terror in
my heart at the overpowering force of the (iii) The misadventure that took place
waves. right after the author felt
comfortable was that
My introduction to the Y.M.CA. (a) the author slipped and fell into the
swimming pool revived unpleasant swimming pool.
memories and stirred childish fears. But (b) a bully tossed him into the pool for
in a little while I gathered confidence. I the sake of fun.
paddled with my new water wings, (c) his coach forgot to teach him how to
watching the other boys and trying to handle deep water.
learn by aping them. I did this two or (d) his father couldn’t help him from
three times on different days and was just drowning into the water.
beginning to feel at ease in the water (iv) Choose the option that describes
when the misadventure happened. the equipment used by the author
(CBSE Question Bank 2021) while learning to swim.
(i) Choose the correct option with
reference to the two statements given
below.
Statement 1: The author’s father
laughed to mock his son’s inability to
(1) (2)
swim.
Statement 2: The author wanted to
swim just to prove to his father that he
can swim.
(a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is (3) (4)
false.
(b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is (a) Option 1 (b) Option 2
true. (c) Option 3 (d) Option 4
(c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2
cannot be inferred. 02. I went to the pool when no one else
(d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can was there. The place was quiet. The
be inferred. water was still, and the tiled bottom
(ii) “My introduction to the Y.M.CA. was as white and clean as a bathtub. I
swimming pool revived unpleasant was timid about going in alone, so I
sat on the side of the pool to wait for
memories and stirred childish fears.”
others.
I had not been there long when in came (i) Choose the correct option with
a big bruiser of a boy, probably eighteen reference to the two statements
years old. He had thick hair on his chest. given below.
He was a beautiful physical specimen, Statement 1 The author tried his
with legs and arms that showed rippling, best to jump out of water.
muscles. He yelled. “Hi, Skinny! How’d
Statement 2 After a while, the
you like to be ducked?”
author was not anxious in water.
(i) How did the pool look like when the
(a) If Statement 1 is the cause,
narrator went there? Statement 2 is the effect.
(a) Pleasant and lively (b) If Statement 1 is the effect,
(b) Thrilling and attractive Statement 2 is the cause.
(c) Timid and indifferent (c) Both the statements are the effects
(d) Still and clean of a common cause.
(ii) Why did the narrator sit on the side (d) Both the statements are the effects
of the pool? of independent causes.
(a) To enjoy the beauty of the pool. (ii) The ‘curtain (of life) fell’
(b) He was afraid of entering the pool alone. corresponds to an aspect of
(c) To wait for the coach to arrive. (a) Geometry (b) History
(d) To prepare himself mentally to enter the (c) Sports (d) Drama
pool. (iii) The purpose of using “…” in the
(iii) What did big bruiser of a boy do? above passage is to
(a) He flashed his rippling muscles. (a) show omission
(b) He frightened the narrator. (b) indicate pauses
(c) He picked the narrator and tossed him (c) shorten a dialogue
into the deep end. (d) replace an idea
(d) He took the narrator along to make him
learn swimming. (iv) Which option indicates that the
poet lost consciousness?
(iv) The word ‘bruiser’ in the extract
(a) ‘It was quiet and peaceful.’
means
(b) ‘I crossed to oblivion.’
(a) aggresor (c) ‘Tender arms like Mother’s.’
(b) genius (d) ‘It wiped out fear.’
(c) brain
(d) gentle 04. Each time the instructor relaxed his
hold on the rope and I went under,
03. Then all effort ceased. I relaxed. Even
my legs felt limp and a blackness swept some of the old terror returned and
over my brain. It wiped out fear; it wiped my legs froze. It was three months
out terror. There was no more panic. It before the tension began to slack.
was quiet and peaceful. Nothing to be Then he taught me to put my face
afraid of. This is nice... to be drowsy... to under water and exhale and to raise
go to sleep... no need to jump... too tired my nose and inhale. I repeated the
to jump... it’s nice to be carried gently... exercise hundreds of times. Bit by bit I
to float along in space... tender arms shed part of the panic that seized me
around me... tender arms like Mother’s... when my head went under water.
now I must go to sleep... I crossed to Next he held me at the side of the pool
oblivion and the curtain of life fell. and had me kick with my legs.
For weeks I did just that. At first my 02. ‘‘I was frightened, but not yet frightened
legs refused to work. But they gradually out of my wits’’. The given line use
relaxed and finally I could command ........... .
them. (a) Hyperbole (b) Paradox
(i) The given line show that the (c) Imagery (d) Irony
instructor was 03. How would you describe the author’s
1. patient 2. clever tone when he says, “I had started on the
3. optimistic 4. dedicated long journey back to the bottom of the
5. domineering 6. understanding pool”?
(a) 2, 3 and 6 (b) 1, 4 and 5 (a) Regretful
(c) 1, 4 and 6 (d) 2, 3 and 4 (b) Resentful
(c) Hopeless
(ii) Pick an idiom that does not describe
(d) Panicky
the author’s efforts to learn
swimming. 04. The use of the word ‘bruiser’ for the
(a) burn the candle at both ends boy implies that he was ................ .
(b) go the extra mile (a) well built (b) elder
(c) Make headway (c) a professional (d) a bully
(d) Go the extra mile 05. I was timid about going in alone, so I
(iii) Based on the given context, choose sat on the side of the pool to wait for
the option that illustrates when a others.
person ‘freezes’ like the author ‘froze’. Choose the option that DOES NOT
(a) A sudden terrible shriek froze the make the correct usage of the word
passenger to the spot.
‘timid’.
(b) The low temperature of the region
froze her. (a) They’ve been rather timid in the changes
they’ve made .
(c) She suffers from the problem of froze
shoulder and is taking physiotherapy. (b) Somehow the dimness made my footsteps
sound muffled, timid.
(d) She froze up and refused to say a word.
(c) These timid little creatures exude a
(iv) The given extract does not talk pungent smell when threatened.
about (d) He is too timid to venture upon an undertaking.
(a) The expertise of the instructor
06. I crossed to oblivion and the curtain of
(b) The dedication showed by the author
life fell. In this sentence, ‘curtain of life
(c) The process of removing fear
(d) The expertise gained by the author
fell’ is usually associated with ............... .
(a) Geometry
(b) History
MCQs Based on Complete Chapter (c) Sports
01. Pick an idiom that DOES NOT (d) Drama
describe how the author felt about his 07. Which option indicates that Douglas
experience at the YMCA pool. lost consciousness?
(a) Make your blood run cold
(a) ‘It was quiet and peaceful.’
(b) Scared stiff
(b) ‘I crossed to oblivion.’
(c) Shook like a leaf
(c) ‘Tender arms like Mother’s.’
(d) Heart missed a beat
(d) ‘It wiped out fear.’
08. The chap that threw me in was saying, 11. ‘This handicap stayed with me as the
“But I was only fooling.” Choose the years rolled by.’ In which of the
option mentioning the personality traits following sentences, has ‘rolled by’
of this ‘chap’. been incorrectly used?
1. persuasive 2. irresponsible (a) Many cars and trucks rolled by, but no one
3. domineering 4. manipulative gave us a lift.
(b) Many years have rolled by since I last sat
5. callous
talking to her
(a) 1, 2, 4 (b) 2, 4, 5 (c) 2, 3, 5 (d) 1, 3, 5 (c) I watched her in the rear view mirror as the
09. Choose the correct option with trees rolled by, silently and unchanging.
reference to the two statements given (d) The wintry street rolled by too slowly.
below. 12. Choose the option that applies correctly
Statement 1: Douglas tried his best to to the two statements given below.
jump out of water. Assertion Douglas’ fear had stopped
Statement 2: After a while, Douglas him from enjoying going out with his
was not anxious in water. friends.
(a) If Statement 1 is the cause, Statement 2 is
the effect. Reasons Douglas learnt swimming with
(b) If Statement 1 is the effect, Statement 2 is the help of an instructor.
the cause. (a) Assertion can be inferred but the Reason
(c) Both the statements are the effects of a cannot be inferred.
common cause. (b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the
(d) Both the statements are the effects of Reason can be inferred.
independent causes. (c) Both Assertion and Reason can be
inferred.
10. Look at the statements given below. (d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be
Choose the option that correctly inferred.
identifies which statements are fact and
which are opinion: 13. Choose the option that might raise a
question about Douglas’s statement that
(i) Douglas wanted to enjoy the water “But I was not finished”.
activities and spend time with his
(a) Tiny vestiges of the old terror would return.
friends. (b) I swam the crawl, breast stroke, side stroke
(ii) Douglas’s desire to enjoy water and back stroke.
activities sprouted from the fun his (c) The next morning I stripped, dived into the
friends had. lake, and swam across to the other shore
and back
(iii) Douglas really wanted to get rid of (d) Icy horror would grab my heart.
his fear.
14. ‘The instructor was finished but I was
(iii) Douglas should have hired an not’. By the following statements
instructor in the first place to learn Douglas means
how to swim. (a) that he still had to practise to become
(a) Fact – (i) and (iv) ; Opinion – (ii) and (iii) perfect.
(b) Fact – (ii) and (iii) ; Opinion – (i) and (iv) (b) that he had to get training from some other
(c) Fact – (i) and (iii) ; Opinion – (ii) and (iv) instructor.
(d) Fact – (ii) and (iv) ; Opinion – (i) and (iii) (c) that he had to finish his home work.
(d) that the instructor was not good enough
15. Why did Douglas go Lake Wentworth (a) F- (i), (iv) and O- (ii), (iii)
in New Hampshire? (b) F- (i) and O- (ii), (iii), (iv)
(c) F- (i), (ii) and O- (iii), (iv)
(a) To overcome his fear of travelling.
(d) F- (ii), (iv) and O- (i), (iii)
(b) To overcome his fear of fishing.
(c) To overcome his fear of swimming. 20. Choose the statement that is NOT
(d) To overcome his fear of driving. TRUE with reference to Douglas.
16. The word ‘residual’ has been used with (a) Douglas fear kept him away from going
fishing.
the word ‘doubts’. Pick the option with
(b) The fall in the pool at YMCA intensitied
which the word ‘residual’ CANNOT be Douglas fear.
used. (c) The fear of drowning resulted in Douglas
(a) Paint (b) Income anxiety and terror.
(c) Art (d) Effect (d) Douglas decided to practice to overcome
his fear.
17. In death there is peace. There is terror
only in the fear of death, as Roosevelt 21. The most appropriate justification for the
knew when he said, “All we have to title of the chapter ‘Deep Water’ is that
fear is fear itself.” The above statement (a) it's about the dangerous depth of the
is an example of swimming pool.
(a) Learning (b) Belief (b) it reveals the author’s lack of surety about
(c) Philosophy (d) Opinion overcoming his fear of swimming.
(c) it underlines the author’s fear of water and
18. At last I felt released — free to walk the how he overcomes it.
trails and climb the peaks and to brush (d) it includes the methods of the author’s
aside fear. coach to overcome the fear of deep
water.
The given statement that the author is
........... to be free and enjoy ............ with 22. Choose the quote that DOES NOT
his friends. resonate with the central idea of the
Choose the correct option to complete chapter.
the following sentence.
(a) happy; swimming
(b) relieved; the waters
(c) grateful; picnics
(d) released his fear; his time
19. Look at the statements given below. (1) (2)
Choose the option that correctly
identifies which statements are fact and
which are opinion:
The The Douglas is The
instructor lesson not a very readers
removed has a inspiring cannot (3) (4)
the fear didactic person. sympathi (a) Option 1
of water purpose. se with (b) Option 2
from Douglas. (c) Option 3
Douglas. (d) Option 4
(i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
23. Samuel has a phobia of heights but is (a) Option (i) (b) Option (ii)
scared and can’t overcome it. Choose (c) Option (iii) (d) Option (iv)
the option that displays an advice. 24. Pick the quote that best describes the
(i) Go to the swimming pool and jump theme of the story.
in it from the highest diving board (a) Develop success from failures.
that you see there. Discouragement and failure are two of the
surest stepping stones to success.
(ii) If I were you, I’d begin small. Like -Dale Carnegie
spending 10 mins. looking down (b) Each of us must confront our own fears,
from my balcony, each day, for a must come face to face with them. How
week. we handle our fears will determine where
(iii) Unbelievable! What’s the problem? we go with the rest of our lives. To
experience adventure or to be limited by
I’ve done bungee jumping! It’s a the fear of it. -Judy Blume
piece of cake. (c) Fear is the main source of superstition
(iv) Fear is a major issue if you let it and one of the main sources of cruelty.
control you. I think it will take a To conquer fear is the beginning of
firm grip on you if you don’t address wisdom. -Bertrand Russell
it soon. (d) He who is not everyday conquering some
fear has not learned the secret of life.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
ANSWERS
Extract Based MCQs
Extract 1
(i) (c) (ii) (d) (iii) (b) (iv) (d)
Extract 2
(i) (d) (ii) (b) (iii) (c) (iv) (a)
Extract 3
(i) (a) (ii) (d) (iii) (b) (iv) (b)
Extract 4
(i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (a) (iv) (d)

1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (b) 6. (d) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (c)
11. (d) 12. (c) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (c) 17. (a) 18. (b) 19. (c) 20. (c)
21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24 . (b)
Flamingo - Poetry
01
My Mother at Sixty-Six
by Kamala Das
Stanza-wise Explanation
Stanza 1 trees represented how fast time had flown by. The
“Driving from my parent’s home to Cochin children represented youth, which was full of life
and energy. Both the young trees and the children
last Friday morning, I saw my mother, beside
presented a sharp contrast to the mother sitting
me, doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like beside her who was old and suffering from ill-health.
that of a corpse”
Explanation The poet had gone to visit her Stanza 3
parents’ home near Cochin. On Friday morning, “But after the airport’s security check,
she was returning. On her way to the airport, she standing a few yards away, I looked again at
noticed her mother sleeping beside her in the car. her, wan, pale as a late winter’s moon”
Her mouth was open. Her face was pale and
lifeless, just like a dead body. It perhaps Explanation The young children and trees were
expressed the pain she felt because of separation able to divert her thoughts away. But after reaching
from her daughter. the airport and passing through security check, the
poet again looked at her mother, who was
Stanza 2 standing a few yards away from her. Her mother
looked lifeless and dull like a late winter’s moon,
“And realised with pain that she was as old
which cannot be seen clearly because of mist
as she looked but soon put that thought and fog.
away and looked out at young Trees sprinting,
the merry children spilling out of their Stanza 4
homes” “And felt that old familiar ache, my
Explanation The poet was alarmed by the childhood’s fear, but all I said was, see you
sudden realisation that old age had crept upon her soon, Amma, all I did was smile and smile
mother. It was a reality she found hard to accept. and smile ...”
The poet was pained to see her mother’s
colourless pale face. To take her attention away Explanation Once again, she was pained to see
from the disturbing thought, she looked outside her mother in this condition. As she was going
the car. away and leaving her mother, her old familiar pain,
her childhood fear that she would lose her mother,
Because the car was moving, the young green suddenly came back to her. So she tried to hide
trees appeared to be running in the opposite her emotions behind her smile.
direction. She also saw a group of children rushing
out of their homes to play. She did not want to reveal her feelings to her old
mother and bade her farewell with a smile. She
All this probably reminded her of her childhood gave hope to her mother and herself by saying that
when her mother was young. The young sprinting they would meet again and kept on smiling.

Extract Based MCQs Reason : The poet didn’t want to
Direction Read the extract given below and confront the inevitability of fate that
answer the following questions by choosing the was to dawn upon her mother.
correct option. (a) Assertion can be inferred but the
Reason cannot be inferred.
01. Driving from my parent’s home to (b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the
Cochin last Friday morning, I saw my Reason can be inferred.
mother, beside me, doze, open (c) Both Assertion and Reason can be
mouthed, her face ashen like that inferred.
of a corpse and realised with pain (d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be
that she was as old as she looked but inferred.
soon put that thought away… (iv) Choose the option that displays the
same literary device as in the given
lines of the extract. her face
(i) Choose the option that best applies ashen like that of a corpse …
to the given extract. (a) Just as I had this thought, she
1. a conversation 2. an argument appeared and…
3. a piece of advice 4. a strategy (b) My thoughts were as heavy as lead that
5. a recollection 6. a suggestion evening when …
(c) I think like everyone else who…
(a) 1, 3 and 6 (b) 2, 4 and 5
(d) I like to think aloud when …
(c) Only 5 (d) Only 1
(ii) Choose the book title that perfectly 02. And looked out at Young Trees
describes the condition of the poet’s sprinting, the merry children spilling
mother. out of their homes, but after the
1. Title 1 You’re Only Old Once! by airport’s security check, standing a few
Dr. Seuss yards away, I looked again at her,
wan, pale as a late winter’s moon and
2. Title 2 The Gift of Years by Joan felt that old familiar ache…
Chittister (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
3. Title 3 Somewhere Towards the (i) What is the most likely reason the
End by Diana Athill poet capitalised ‘Young Trees’? This
4. Title 4 The Book You Wish Your was to
Parents Had Read by Philippa (a) convey a clearer meaning.
Perry (b) highlight the adj.-noun combination.
(a) Title 1 (b) Title 2 (c) enhance the contrast.
(c) Title 3 (d) Title 4 (d) draw a connection with the title.
(iii) Choose the option that applies (ii) Choose the option that
correctly to the two statements given appropriately describes the
below. relationship between the two
Assertion : The poet wards off the statements given below.
thought of her mother getting old Statement 1 The poet knows her
quickly. mother has aged.
Statement 2 The poet feels the pain (c) While saying her goolbye, the
of separation. poet realises that it may be a final
goodbye.
(a) Beginning–Ending (b) Cause–Effect
(c) Question–Answer (d) The poet does not really want to leave
her mother.
(d) Introduction–Conclusion
(iii) Choose the option that completes (ii) Pick an idiom that does not describe
the sentence given below. how the author really felt in the poem.
(a) simmer down
Just as the brightness of the winter’s (b) like a dog with two tails
moon is veiled behind the haze and (c) feeling blue
mist, similarly, (d) in a black mood
(a) the pain of separation has shaded (iii) Why did the poet say, “see you
mother’s expression. soon, Amma”?
(b) age has fogged mother’s youthful (a) Bidding farewell
appearance. (b) Being hopeful to meet mother again
(c) growing up has developed a seasoned (c) To comfort her mother
maturity in the poet. (d) None of the above
(d) memories warm the heart like the pale (iv) Why did the poet smile again and
moon in winter. again?
(iv) Choose the correct option out of the (a) Pretending to smile
ones given below. (b) Trying to hide her fear from mother
Simile Metaphor (c) To distract her mother
1. the merry children old (d) Both (a) and (b)
spilling familiar ache
Metaphor Imagery
MCQs Based on Complete Poem
2. pale as a late young 01. The phrase ‘old familiar ache’ has been
winter’s moon trees sprinting used to refer to a fear, in this extract.
Imagery Personification
This phrase can also be used to
3. all did was smile the merry
children spilling (a) compare physical pain with mental agony.
(b) elicit someone’s unanswered queries.
Personification Simile (c) substantiate reasons for aches and pains.
4. young pale as (d) describe a longing one has been aware of.
trees sprinting a late winter’s moon
02. The tone of the poet in the poem is
(a) Option 1 (b) Option 2 primarily a combination of …………
(c) Option 3 (d) Option 4 and .......... . (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
03. ‘‘And felt that old familiar ache, my 1. dauntlessness 2. apprehension

childhood’s fear, but all I said was see 3. dejection 4. disappointment
you soon, Amma, all I did was smile (a) 1, 2 (b) 2, 3
and smile and smile ……’’ (Foreign 2014) (c) 3, 4 (d) 1, 4
(i) Which of the following can not be 03. The poem does not talk about
inferred from the given extract? (a) loss of a loved one
(a) The ache that the poet is feeling is not (b) natural process of aging
new.
(c) human relationship
(b) The childhood fear of losing a loved (d) separation from a loved one
one is unbearable for the author.
04. Choose the correct option with reference 10. The fact that the poem’s narrative style
to the two statements given below. is single sentence, punctuated by
Statement 1 The poet accepts with commas shows that
resignation that she may not be able to (a) there is only one topic which made the
meet her mother again. poet fearful.
Statement 2 The poet’s mother sees (b) there is only one thought which runs
through the poets smile. through the poem.
(a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false. (c) the lines are all being intermingled in the
poet’s mind.
(b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
(d) many sub ideas are connected to the main
(c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot
idea of the poem.
be inferred from the poem.
(d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be 11. The sprinting trees is a depiction of
inferred from the poem. movement. This movement is ......
05. Choose the option that best describes (a) of the car in contrast to the trees.
the sequence of ‘the poets’ emotions in (b) of the winds that blows the trees.
the poem. (c) of the car as opposite to that of the wind.
(a) joy—realisation—pain—acceptance (d) of the poet’s thoughts moving from her
(b) realisation—pain—negation—acceptance mother’s age to the energetic young trees.
(c) realisation—pain—acceptance
(d) sorrow—realisation—acceptance
12. What question arises from the
complexity of the situation presented in
06. The narrator has used her smile to the poem?
(a) cover up her pain (a) What to do in old age?
(b) make herself happy
(b) How to make sure your parents are healthy?
(c) to make her mother happy
(d) to show her emotions (c) How to accept the loss of a loved one?
(d) How to strike a balance between duties and
07. Pick the quote that best describes the responsibilities?
theme of the poem.
(a) ‘‘There is love in holding and there is love in
13. Which of the following is NOT an
letting go’’-Elizabeth Berg. example of the ‘ache’ that the poet was
(b) ‘‘Ageing is just another word for felling?
living’’-Cindy Joseph. (a) Ritika was sitting infront of her laptop all
(c) ‘‘When one person is missing the whole day and now her head in aching.
world seems empty”-Pat Schwerbert. (b) Prachi and her family went to the hill station
(d) “And sometimes, against all odds, against where the cloud had burst. Now she is
all logic, we still hope.” unable to find her brother and she feels an
unknown ache.
08. What does the narrative style (single
sentence) of the poem highlight? (c) Reyansh was playing with his ball when it
bounced into the sewer.
(a) poets feelings (b) poets insecurities
(d) Samiksha and her friend were aching to see
(c) poets thoughts
the pop-star Justin Beiber.
(d) poets intertwining thoughts
14. In which of the following options can
09. The poem in its essential theme the underlined words NOT be replaced
presents a universal truth. It is ..........
with ‘wan’?
(a) The ultimate truth is death.
(b) The reality of life is despairing. (a) He considered the question, his face slack
(c) Happiness is just a mask covering the and tired.
struggles. (b) There was a black look in the city, the sun
(d) The fear of old age. was hiding.
(c) A tearful voice broke out, broken and (a) personification; I look at her
soft. (b) transferred epithet; smile and smile and smile
(d) I made the best of it, but I felt sleepy. (c) metaphor; smile and smile and smile
(d) simile; I look at her
15. Which of the following does NOT
represent the contrast between the 18. If the poet were to write or speak out the
poet’s mother and the scene outside? fear, then which one of the following
(a) dull and energetic (b) youth and old age would she most likely write/speak?
(c) freedom and captivity (d) None of these (a) No, I can’t leave her, when I know i may not
be able to see her again.
16. Read the statements given below. (b) I need to accept that I may not meet her
Choose the option that accurately again.
describes the given statements. (c) She has grown old and nearing death. This
Statement 1 The poem is about may be the last time I am seeing her.
subtelties of human relationships. (d) It hurts to realise that mother will not meet
me again, when I am here in Cochin.
Statement 2 The poet’s mother
represent everyone in their old age. 19. Which of the following correctly
Statement 3 The poem talks about the illustrates the poets feeling when she
acceptance of the natural order of death. sees her mother?
(a) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 is false, 1. Upset 2. Love 3. Sad
Statement 3 cannot be inferred. 4. Regret 5. Anxious
(b) Statement 1 and 3 are false, Statement 2
6. Despairing
cannot be inferred.
(c) Statement 1 is true, Statement 2 and 3 (a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 and 4
cannot be inferred. (c) 1 and 5 (d) 5 and 6
(d) Statement 1 is false, Statement 2 cannot be 20. Kamala Das looked out of the car to
inferred, Statement 3 is true.
drive away the painful thought.
17. Choose the option that correctly However, she saw an image that ..........
categorises the given literary devices as her pain.
per the given analogy. (a) relieved (b) heightened
Marry children spilling : ........ : : ..... : (c) contrasted (d) overlook
repetition
ANSWERS
Extract Based MCQs
Extract 1
(i) (c) (ii) (c) (iii) (c) (iv) (b)
Extract 2
(i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (b) (iv) (d)
Extract 3
(i) (d) (ii) (c) (iii) (b) (iv) (d)

1. (d) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (d) 9. (a) 10. (b)
11. (a) 12. (d) 13. (b) 14. (c) 15. (c) 16. (c) 17. (c) 18. (c) 19. (a) 20. (b)
02
An Elementary School
Classroom in a Slum
by Stephen Spender
Stanza 1 sad thoughts. The girl is perhaps physically and
“Far far from gusty waves these children’s mentally exhausted due to her poverty.
faces. The other students of the class are not in a better
Like rootless weeds, the hair torn round situation either. Just like the girl who is burdened with
the problems in her life, there is a boy sitting in the
their pallor:
class who is as thin as paper, undoubtedly because
The tall girl with her weighed-down head. of malnutrition. He has big eyes like those of a rat.
The paper– Yet another boy in the classroom has inherited his
seeming boy, with rat’s eyes. The stunted, father’s arthritis. Because of the disease, he has
unlucky heir stunted growth and his bones are twisted.
Of twisted bones, reciting a father’s gnarled He has inherited this disease from his father and
disease, recites his lesson from his desk in a mellow but weak
His lesson, from his desk. At back of the voice. There is another sweet boy sitting at the back
dim class of the class. He is sitting there unnoticed, and
One unnoted, sweet and young. His eyes dreaming of squirrels playing in a tree. The dull and
live in a dream, Of squirrel’s game, in tree monotonous atmosphere in the classroom is perhaps
unable to arrest his attention.
room, other than this.”
Explanation The poet here describes the Stanza 2
pathetic and miserable condition of the children “On sour cream walls, donations. Shakespeare’s
sitting in a classroom in a slum school. The
head,
children’s faces are unlike the usual children of
schools. They are far away from the beautiful Cloudless at dawn, civilised dome riding all
sights of nature. They look weak and hungry. cities.
Their unkempt hair looks like rootless weeds on
Belled, flowery, Tyrolese valley. Open-handed
their pale faces. Unlike other schoolchildren who map Awarding the world its world. And yet, for
are usually energetic and full of life, these these
children seem withered and lifeless. The children Children, these windows, not this map, their
of the slum are also unwanted in society, just as world,
weeds are unwanted in a garden. Where all their future’s painted with a fog,
A tall girl in the classroom is very depressed. A narrow street sealed in with a lead sky
She keeps her head down, being burdened by Far far from rivers, capes and stars of words.”
Explanation In this stanza, the poet describes the the sun, ships, love and care only tempt them to
dirty classroom. The walls of the classroom are steal because they cannot have all these worldly
pale and dirty, and give a rather unpleasant feeling. things. They live in cramped holes–like hutments
On the walls are displayed the names of people and there is no end to their misery. There is a
who have given donations. There is a picture of perpetual state of gloom, hunger and despair.
Shakespeare on the wall. The pictures of domes of Their bodies look like garbage heaps. They are
big cities represent the quality of life in those cities. very skinny and their bones are peeping out of
The early morning sky is shown as cloudless in their skin. The state of poverty is intensified by the
another picture. fact that the glasses which these children wear are
There is also a picture of the beautiful Tyrolese cracked and look like broken pieces of a bottle.
valley, a region in the Austrian Alpine province, All of their life is being destroyed here in the slum.
adorned with flowers. The world map which divides The slum is like a blot as big as doom on the maps
the world into countries, big and small, symbolically of these children, i.e., the lives of these children.
gives the children the whole world.
But all these pictures have no meaning to these Stanza 4
impoverished children. The world depicted on these “Unless, governor, inspector, visitor,
walls is not the world of these children. Their world This map becomes their window and these
does not contain huge domes or prosperity or the windows That shut upon their lives like
scenic beauty presented in the picture.
Unfortunately, their world is painted with fog, the
catacombs, Break O break open till they
fog of hopelessness and hunger. Their future is break the town
grim and uncertain, and sealed with a dark and dull And show the children to green fields, and
sky. The poet again says that their world is far make their world
away from the actual world of rivers and capes. Run azure on gold sands, and let their
These things are like stars in the sky, which they tongues
cannot touch. Run naked into books the white and green
Stanza 3 leaves open
History theirs whose language is the sun.”
“Surely, Shakespeare is wicked, the map a bad
Explanation These children will continue to suffer
example,
this hell unless government officials, like
With ships and sun and love tempting them to governors, inspectors or educationists who visit
steal— such schools, come forward to help them.
For lives that slyly turn in their cramped holes The poet wants the civilised world to bridge the
From fog to endless night? On their slag heap, gap between them and the world of these
these children children. They should offer these children a
Wear skins peeped through by bones and glimpse of a better world so that the maps
spectacles of steel With mended glass, like become their window to the beautiful and
bottle bits on stones. All of their time and charming world outside. Then these windows of
space are foggy slum. So blot their maps with the elementary school classroom, which confine
all their hopes and dreams, must be broken so
slums as big as doom.”
that these children can be brought out in the
Explanation The poet calls the portrait of green fields away from the filthy surroundings.
Shakespeare wicked because it is meaningless for The poet desires that these children should be
children going to a slum school. There is no quality allowed to run freely on the golden sands under a
education in these schools. The children here will clear sky, i.e., make progress.
never learn about Shakespeare’s work. The map is
They should be allowed to have quality education.
also a bad example, because, for these children,
The poet feels that education can help them
their classroom is the whole world for them. There
immensely because, according to him, history is
is no world beyond their poverty, hunger and
written by those whose language has the warmth
hopelessness. So, these maps are unreal for these
and energy of the sun.
children. The beautiful world with its offerings like

Extract Based MCQs (iii) Pick the option that enumerates the
Direction Read the extract given below and tone of the poet in this extract.
answer the following questions by choosing the 1. apprehensive 2. compassionate
correct option. 3. resentful 4. thoughtful
01. Far far from gusty waves these 5. disillusioned 6. woeful
children’s faces. (a) 2, 4 and 6
Like rootless weeds, the hair torn (b) 1, 4 and 5
around their pallor: (c) 3, 5 and 6
(d) 1, 3 and 6
The tall girl with her weighed-down
(iv) The ‘gusty waves’, most likely,
head. The paper
seeming boy, with rat’s eyes. The indicate
(a) survival and struggle.
stunted, unlucky heir
(b) verve and brightness.
Of twisted bones, reciting a father’s (c) drudgery and dullness.
gnarled disease. (d) animation and alertness.
His lesson, from the desk. At back of 02. “On sour cream walls, donations.
the dim class. Shakespeare’s head,
One unnoted, sweet and young. Cloudless at dawn, civilised dome riding
all cities.
(i) The phrase ‘weighed-down head’ Belled, flowery, Tyrolese valley.
DOES NOT refer to being Open-handed map
(a) burdened by poverty. Awarding the world its world.”
(b) ashamed at her plight.
(i) What does the expression ‘‘sour
(c) distressed due to difficulties.
(d) dizzy with a headache. creams wall’s’’ denote?
(a) Poverty of these children
(ii) Pick the option that matches the (b) Classroom not well-maintained
words / phrases with the literary (c) No proper ventillation
device. (d) Classroom wall painted long ago
Literary (ii) How is Shakespeare’s picture is of
Word/phrase
device no use to these slum children?
1. like rootless weeds A. metaphor (a) Children are not studying any thing
(b) They do not know Shakespeare
2. paper-seeming B. pun (c) They are more worried about diseases
boy (d) Children want food not Shakespeare
3. reciting C. synecdoche (iii) What is the significance of picture of
D. simile Tyrolese valley?
(a) A beautiful place full of flowers
(a) 1-A, 2-D, 3-C (b) Children are unaware of this beauty
(b) 1-D, 2-B, 3-A (c) It is in contrast to sad condition of
(c) 1-D, 2-A, 3-B classrooms
(d) 1-B, 2-A, 3-C (d) All of the above
(iv) Which of the following lines clearly

depicts the concept of class
disparities?
(a) Civilised dome riding all cities
(b) Awarding the world its world
(c) Shakespeare’s head
(d) Open handed map
03. This map becomes their windows and
these windows
That shut upon their lives like
catacombs,
Break O break open till they break the
town
And show the children to green fields,
and make their world
Run azure on gold sands, and let their (a) Option 1 (b) Option 2
tongues (c) Option 3 (d) Option 4
Run naked into books the white and (iv) On the basis of the extract, pick the
green leaves open opinion that is closest to that of the
History theirs whose language is the poet.
Sun. (CBSE Question Bank 2021) The children should be
(i) Pick the option that is NOT TRUE given free time to play in
the fields to develop their
according to this extract.
creativity.
(a) The children should be allowed to read
books and form their opinions. (1)
(b) Education without breaking the
shackles of poverty, is meaningless. The children must be given
freedom to experience the
(c) The policy makers show the reality of
wholesome bounties of
the real world to the children.
nature.
(d) The children see the world of poverty
and misery through the windows. (2)
(ii) Pick the options that matches best The condition of the
with the phrase ‘break o break children can improve if
open’. they are shown the
1. break free 2. break silence beautiful world out of
their window.
3. break out 4. break even
(3)
5. break through
6. break ground The children can spread
(a) 1, 3 and 5 (b) 2, 3 and 6 light and awareness if they
(c) 1, 4 and 6 (d) 2, 3 and 5 become morally
responsible.
(iii) Look at the given book covers. Pick
the option that reflects the meaning (4)
of ‘catacomb’ in the extract. (a) Option 1 (b) Option 2
(c) Option 3 (d) Option 4
MCQs Based on Complete Poem 3. gusty waves

01. Based on the poem, choose the correct 4. run azure on gold sands
option with reference to the two 5. mended glass
statements given below. 6. squirrel’s game
Statement 1 The poet is in anguish at 7. language is the sun
the plight of the children in slums and is (a) 2, 4 and 7 (b) 1, 3 and 5
sympathetic towards them. (c) 3, 4 and 6 (d) 1, 2 and 5
Statement 2 The poet presents an 05. A child in the slum experiencing the
exaggerated version of the struggles of dreary life would have the least access
the slum children, to garner sympathy. to (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
(CBSE Question Bank 2021) (a) shelter
(a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false. (b) information
(b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true. (c) water
(c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true. (d) education
(d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot 06. Choose the correct option with respect
be inferred. to the statements given below:
02. Pick the quote that highlights the Statement 1 The poet gives a
contrasting image portrayed in the videographic view of the classroom
poem. (CBSE Question Bank 2021) located in the slum.
(a) ‘The worst form of inequality is to try and Statement 2 The panoramic view
make unequal things equal.’ embodies the act of emancipation of the
(b) ‘An imbalance between the rich and poor is
poverty stricken.
the oldest and most fatal ailment of all
republics.’ (a) Statement 1 can be inferred from the poem
(c) ‘We must work together to ensure equitable but Statement 2 cannot be.
distribution of wealth, opportunity and (b) Statement 1 cannot be inferred from the
power in our society.’ poem but Statement 2 can be.
(d) ‘No amount of artificial reinforcement can (c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be
offset the natural inequalities of human inferred.
individual.’ (d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot
be inferred.
03. What does the poet portray in the poem?
(a) Questions of young children
07. Pick the option that best describes the
(b) Curiosity of young children word ‘pallor’ as used in the given lines.
(c) Plight of young children in slums “The hair torn around their pallor.”
(d) Playfulness of the children 1. health
04. Pick phrases that portray ‘poverty and 2. location
hopelessness’ in the poem. 3. environment
(CBSE Question Bank 2021) 4. education
1. slag heap (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4
(c) Only 4 (d) Only 1
2. spectacles of steel
08. The use of the phrase ‘paper-seeming’ 12. Column 1 of the given table consists
in the poem for a boy implies that the of the example of the literary devices
boy is ....... . used in the poem and Column 2 consists
(a) shy and secretive of its significance or what it shows.
(b) short and lean Match the phrase with its significance.
(c) hungry and thin
Column 1 Column 2
(d) sad and depressed
A. Rat’s eyes 1. lack of
09. “At back of the dim class ....” education
What is the word ‘dim’ signify here? B. Shakespeare’s 2. vague future
(a) Classrooms not properly lighted head,
(b) Future of these children is bleak C. A narrow street 3. Hunger
(c) Helplessness sealed in with a
(d) All of the above lead sky
10. The lines ‘On sour cream wall’s D. Reciting a father’s 4. ill-health and
donations’ suggest that gnarled disease poverty
(a) the school is well-equipped
A B C D A B C D
(b) the school is small and dingy
(a) 1 2 3 4 (b) 3 1 2 4
(c) The school works on donations
(c) 4 2 1 3 (d) 2 1 4 3
(d) The school is not imparting proper education
13. “His eyes live in a dream,
11. Choose the option that correctly Of squirrel’s game, in tree room, other
describes a child who cannot be found
than this.”
in the elementary classroom described
In the poem, the poet had used
in the poem.
commas at various places in a manner
like the given lines. Why is the purpose
of doing so?
(a) To maintain a rhythm in the poem
(b) To give pauses between phrases
(c) To present contrasting pictures
(d) To allow the reader to think before moving
(1) (2) to the next phrase.
14. The expression ‘Open handed map’
shows
(a) the inability of the poor students to see
the world.
(b) the inability of the students to enter the
world of the rich.
(c) the distance between the world of the slum
(3) (4) students and rich students.
(a) Option 1 (b) Option 2 (d) the lack of means which allows the slum
(c) Option 3 (d) Option 4 children to get out of slums.
15. ‘Cloudless at dawn, civilized dome 20. What does the image of mended glass
riding all cities’. The literary device like bottle bit’s suggest?
used in the given lines is (a) A state of ignorance
(a) Imagery (b) Alliteration (b) A state of hopelessness
(c) Simile (d) Both (a) and (b) (c) Impoverished existence (d) Both (b) and (c)
16. Pick out the words that can be closely 21. What does the poet mean by ‘blot their’
associated with “Future painted with a maps with slums?
fog”. (a) No promising future.
1. Dark 2. Uncertain (b) Future blotted with gloom and misery.
3. Bright 4. Ambitious (c) They are too deep rooted in poverty and
gloom.
5. Hopeless 6. Vague
(d) These slum children have no hope for a
(a) 1, 2 and 5 (b) 2, 3 and 6 better future.
(c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
22. “So blot their maps with slums as big as
17. The image produced with the line ‘A doom.” Here, ‘as big as doom’ indicates
narrow street sealed in with a lead sky’
(a) Perpetuity
is of (b) Temporality
1. Pollution (c) Proliferation
2. Industrialisation (d) transience
3. Dinginess 23. How does the poet feel for the
4. Congested nature of the locality authorities that could help the children?
(a) 1 and 4 (a) Despair (b) Anger
(b) 2 and 4 (c) Resentment (d) Hopelessness
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3 24. ‘Run Azure on Gold Sand’ in the poem
refers to
18. Pick the statement that DOES NOT use (a) enjoying life in prosperity with the help of
any literary device. public figures
(a) From fog to endless night? (b) enriching with money and education which
(b) Far, Far from rivers, capes, and stars of words promotes upliftment
(c) Surely, Shakespeare is wicked (c) taking some time to enjoy nature that is
(d) With, ships and sun and love tempting them away from slums
to steal (d) changing the world of misery into a
pleasurable world
19. “For lives that slyly turn in their
cramped holes”. 25. ‘Run naked into books the white and
What does the expression ‘cramped green leaves open’.
holes’ imply? What do ‘white and green leaves’
(a) Small holes in school walls suggest here?
(b) Very small houses (a) Different types of natural surroundings
(c) Dingy congested shacks (b) A better world than foggy slums
(d) None of the above (c) Printed world as well as natural beauty
(d) Inhaling fresh pure oxygen
26. Based on the following statements, Reason 2 “Health, education,

choose the correct option. surrounding” along with many other
Assertion “Stephen spender picturises fields reflect class disparity.
the condition of the slum children to (a) Reason 1 and Reason 2 exemplify the
Assertion
highlight social injustice and class
(b) Reason 1 can be inferred but Reason 2
disparity”. cannot be inferred from the assertion
Reason 1 The reference to “sour (c) Reason 1 cannot be inferred but Reason 2
cream wall, lead sky, rootless weeds, can be inferred.
unlucky heir etc.” highlights social (d) Reason 1 and Reason 2 both cannot be
injustice. inferred.
ANSWERS
Extract Based MCQs
Extract 1
(i) (d) (ii) (c) (iii) (a) (iv) (b)
Extract 2
(i) (b) (ii) (b) (iii) (d) (iv) (b)
Extract 3
(i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (c) (iv) (b)

1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (d) 6. (c) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (d) 10. (c)
11. (d) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (d) 16. (a) 17. (a) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (c)
21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (c) 24. (d) 25. (c) 26. (a)
03
Keeping Quiet
by Pablo Neruda
Stanza 1 Stanza 3
“Now we will count to twelve “Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm
and we will all keep still. whales and the man gathering salt would look
For once on the face of the Earth at his hurt hands.”
let’s not speak in any language, Explanation In this moment of inactivity, the
let’s stop for one second, fisherman would not be catching fish. Hence, the
and not move our arms so much.” whales in the sea will be safe. This idea is
suggestive of the thought that human beings
Explanation The poet urges each one of us to
would not destroy nature. The man who gathers
count upto twelve and then be quiet. The poet
salt will be able to tend to his wounded hands for
might have used the phrase ‘count to twelve’ as
which he had no time earlier. Thus, both nature
there are 12 hours represented on a clock or as
and humans will be able to recover from their
there are twelve months in a year. He might have
wounds.
wanted the people to keep still as long as they
could. He wants a moment of silence on the Earth
when no language is spoken. In this way, there will
Stanza 4
be no language barrier between people. No harsh “Those who prepare green wars,
words will be spoken. In this moment of silence, wars with gas, wars with fire,
the poet doesn’t want anyone to move their arms. victory with no survivors,
He wants us to remain motionless. would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brothers
Stanza 2
in the shade, doing nothing.”
“It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines, Explanation The poet now speaks of those who
wage wars against humanity or environment, wars
we would all be together of all kinds, including the use of chemicals or
in a sudden strangeness.” poisonous gases, wars that bring death and
Explanation The poet feels that such a moment destruction, wars that leave none to celebrate
of silence would be an unusual and exciting one. It victory. He says that such men should stop their
will have miraculous consequences. There will be activity, shed their clothes stained with the blood of
no hurry or the sound of machines to pollute the humanity, put on new clothes and walk with their
atmosphere. It will be a strange and unfamiliar brothers, building brotherhood. The poet implies
moment with stillness all around. In this unusual that the war-torn world should be replaced by one
period, the bonds of humanity will get stronger. with an atmosphere of peace, brotherhood and
harmony.
Stanza 5 That huge silence, which will arise from such a

moment, will only serve to help the people. It will
“What I want should not be confused help them introspect and overcome their sadness
with total inactivity. of failing to understand themselves.
Life is what it is about;
People have been threatening themselves with
I want no truck with death.” death by their activities. This moment of silence will
Explanation The poet makes a clarification that give them time to understand themselves better.
though he is advocating the need for silence, his
advice should not be confused with total inactivity. Stanza 7
He does not want any association with death. He “Perhaps the Earth can teach us
says that life is meant to be lived. as when everything seems dead
Stanza 6 and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
“If we were not so single-minded and you keep quiet and I will go.”
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing, Explanation The poet feels that the Earth can
enlighten us and guide us in this process of
perhaps a huge silence
keeping quiet. He wants us to observe that there is
might interrupt this sadness some activity under apparent stillness; for instance,
of never understanding ourselves a seed appears to be ‘dead’, but huge
and of threatening ourselves with death.” fruit-bearing trees are ‘born’ from such seeds lying
Explanation The poet further advises that people ‘dead’ here and there.
should stop being self-centred and selfish. For one Finally, the poet thinks that he has said what he
moment they should not think of keeping their lives intended to. Now he wants us to keep quiet while
moving, meeting their ends or fulfilling their duties. he is counting to twelve, after which he will leave.

Extract Based MCQs (c) welcome readers into the world of the
poem and its subject.
Directions Read the extract given below and
(d) address readers as fellow members of
answer the following questions by choosing the
the human race.
correct option.
(ii) Margaret Atwood said, “Language
01. For once on the face of the Earth divides us into fragments, I wanted
let’s not speak in any language, to be whole.” Choose the option that
let’s stop for one second, correctly comments on the
and not move our arms so much. relationship between Margaret
It would be an exotic moment Atwood’s words and the line from
without rush, without engines, the above extract – “let’s not speak
we would all be together
in any language”.
in a sudden strangeness. (a) Atwood endorses Neruda’s call to not
(CBSE Question Bank 2021) speak in any language.
(i) The poet uses the word ‘let’s’ to (b) Atwood justifies Neruda’s request to
(a) initiate a conversation between the not engage in any speaking.
poet and the readers. (c) Atwood undermines Neruda’s intent to
(b) invite readers as part of the poem’s stop and not speak in any language.
larger call to humanity.
(d) Atwood surrenders to Neruda’s desire (c) Stillness and keeping quiet for some
for silence and not speak in any time. does not mean end of everything.
language. (d) All of the above
(iii) Why do you think the poet employs (ii) What is life about according to the
words like “exotic” and poet?
“strangeness”? (a) Living it gainfully
(a) To highlight the importance of (b) Living a hectic life with no time for
everyone being together suddenly for anything else
once. (c) Multiple activities to earn as much
(b) To emphasise the frentic activity and money as possible
chaos that usually envelops human (d) Gainfully occupied with time to analyse
life. and introspect
(c) To indicate the unfamiliarity of a (iii) Choose the book title that perfectly
sudden moment without rush or describes the purpose of the given
without engine.
lines.
(d) To direct us towards keeping quiet
(a) Silence: The Power of Quiet in the world
and how we would all be together in
full of Noise by Thick Nhat Han.
that silence.
(b) Of chaos and clarity by Rubu Yari
(iv) Choose the option that correctly (c) Awareness, Clarity, Power by Jill’s
matches the idioms given in McDonald
Column A with their meanings in (d) The confusion by Neal Stephenson
Column B. (iv) Explain : ‘No truck with death’.
Column A Column B (a) Inactivity mean death
(b) No association with death as life is to
1. On the face of (i) In existence
be lived fully
the earth
(c) Stillness and inactivity for few minutes
2. What on earth (ii) To do all possible in different from death
to accomplish (d) Both (b) and (c)
something
3. Move heaven (iii) To express 03. If we were not so single-minded
and earth surprise or shock about keeping our lives moving,
4. The salt of the (iv) To be good and
and for once could do nothing,
earth worthy perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
(a) 1 – (i); 2 – (iv); 3 – (iii); 4 – (ii) of never understanding ourselves
(b) 1 – (i); 2 – (iii); 3 – (ii); 4 – (iv) and of threatening ourselves with death.
(c) 1 – (ii); 2 – (i); 3 – (iv); 4 – (iii) (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
(d) 1 – (iv); 2 – (ii); 3 – (iii); 4 – (i)
(i) Look at the images given below.
02. “What I want should not be Choose the image to which the
confused with total inactivity. above extract can be seen as an
Life is what it is about; appropriate response.
I want no truck with death.”
(i) About which confusion the poet is
referring to here?
(a) Keeping still means total inactivity.
(b) Introspect for sometime while being
active.
(1) (2)
(a) Statement I is True, Statement II is False,

and Statement III cannot be inferred.
(b) Statement I and II cannot be inferred,
Statement III is True.
(c) Statement I is True, Statements II and III
cannot be inferred.
(3) (4) (d) Statement I cannot be inferred, Statement
(a) Option 1 (b) Option 2 II cannot be inferred, Statement III is False.
(c) Option 3 (d) Option 4 02. In the given poem, the poet uses a
(ii) What do you think is the mood of conversational style to
the poet in the above extract? (a) teach an important lesson to mankind.
(a) Gloomy, cynical (b) tell something important to mankind.
(b) Reflective, inspired (c) show intimate bonding to mankind.
(c) Introspective, aware (d) get across his message to mankind.
(d) Critical, demotivated
(iii) Pick the option that DOES NOT 03. ‘And we will all keep still.’ Choose the
complete the given sentence suitably, option that does not refer to ‘still’.
as per the extract. Threatening 1. tranquil 2. withal
ourselves with death 3. subdue 4. assuage
(a) feeds on the fear of death. 5. stagnant 6. serene
(b) challenges finiteness of life. (a) 1, 2 and 3
(c) keeps us rushing through life. (b) 2, 4 and 5
(d) makes us restless and impatient. (c) 1, 5 and 6
(iv) What might the “huge silence” (d) 3, 4 and 6
signify?
(a) Melancholy (b) Understanding
04. The poet of the poem specifically uses
(c) Discomfort (d) Flexibility
number 12. What do you think the
number 12 in the poem signifies?
(a) the months of the year
MCQs Based on Complete Poem (b) the number of sun-signs
01. Read the statements given below (c) the numbers represented on the clock
carefully. Choose the option that best (d) All of the above
describes these statements, with
05. Pick out the option that correctly
reference to the poem.
(CBSE Question Bank 2021) describes why the poet makes a
mention of languages.
Statement I The poem ‘Keeping
Quiet’ calls for change as much in the 1. It leads to misunderstandings.
individual as human society at large. 2. It leads to violent quarrels and
Statement II The poem ‘Keeping debates.
Quiet’ implies that individual change 3. It creates noise.
will lead to bigger societal change. 4. It stops the process of introspection.
Statement III Neruda believes that (a) 1 and 2
when people come together as a (b) 2 and 3
community, they will be able to bring a (c) 1 and 4
transformation in each person. (d) 2 and 4
06. Pick Phrases that portray ‘exotic 10. What does the expression ‘hurt hands’
moment’ in the poem. imply?
1. Fisherman would not harm whales. (a) Destruction that humans have caused to
themselves.
2. Salt gatherers would not have hurt (b) Destruction caused to environment in
hands pursuit of man’s selfish needs.
3. Victory with no survivors (c) Both (a) and (b)
4. People would walk around with their (d) None of the above
brothers 11. What statement does Neruda make
5. I want no truck with death about wars? (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
(a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 5 (a) Wars are of varied kinds-internal, green
(c) 1, 2 and 5 (d) Only 1 and 2 wars, wars with gas, with fire, etc.
07. There is ‘a sudden strangeness’ on (b) Wars are wasteful and cause irrecoverable
loss and damage to property and life.
counting to twelve in ‘Keeping Quiet’.
(c) Wars never yield any winners, and the loss
With reference this statement, which of is far greater than what can be measured.
the following is incorrect? (d) War are unavoidable in the enduring
(a) People are always in a rush and thus, there struggle for human dignity and power.
is strangeness.
(b) People cannot stop their work for silence. 12. Explain the phrase: “Victory with No
(c) Total inactivity resulting out of this is Survivors”.
strangeness. (a) Celebrating victory
(d) Fraternising with people in this silence is (b) Due to mass deaths no one is left to
strange. celebrate victory
(c) Huge loss of human life
08. Choose the correct option with respect (d) Huge loss of property
to the two statements given below.
Statement 1 Pablo Neruda focuses on 13. What does the expression “put on clean
all kinds of violence. clothes” imply?
Statement 2 He mentions that (a) Leave the evil ways
(b) To make peace with fellow human beings
fisherman fish for whales resulting in
(c) Attend a conference in decent clothes
violence against the environment.
(d) Both (a) and (b)
(a) Statement 1 can be inferred but Statement
2 cannot be inferred. 14. “Those who prepare green wars,
(b) Statement 1 cannot be inferred but wars with gas, wars with fire, victory
Statement 2 can be inferred. with no survivors, would put on clean
(c) Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be clothes and walk about with their
inferred. brothers in the shade, doing nothing.”
(d) Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be
On the basis of the extract, Choose the
inferred.
option that correctly identifies which
09. How ‘Keeping Quiet’ is going to help statements are fact and which are
the man who works as ‘Salt gatherer’? opinion:
(a) He will get time to take care of his wounded (i) The lack of wars would not promote
hands. brotherhood unless people are not
(b) He will not work as ‘salt gatherer’.
selfish.
(c) He will introspect about the type of work he
does. (ii) The wars mentioned in the poem
(d) None of the above correctly points out the violent
nature of man.
(iii) Wars present a desolate picture as no (a) Option 1 (b) Option 2

man can live to enjoy life. (c) Option 3 (d) Option 4
(iv) The poet stands firmly against wars 18. In the poem, ‘Earth’ is meant as a ....... .
and in silence finds the seeds of (a) example
fraternity. (b) inspiration
(a) Fact – (i) and (ii) ; Opinion – (iii) and (iv) (c) revelation
(b) Fact – (ii) and (iii) ; Opinion – (i) and (iv) (d) Both (a) and (b)
(c) Fact – (i) and (iii) ; Opinion – (ii) and (iv)
(d) Fact – (ii) and (iv) ; Opinion – (i) and (iii) 19. “Now I’ll count up to twelve and you
keep quiet and I will go.” Why does
15. “What I want should not be confused the poet wish to go at the end of the
with total inactivity.” poem? (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
(a) The poet does not believe people will be
Choose the option that draws the most quiet.
accurate parallel. (b) The poet has already invested enough
keeping quiet: total inactivity = ..... time.
(a) reflection and death (c) The poet will move on and seek to inspire
(b) silence and chaos others.
(c) stagnation and introspection (d) The poet is marking the end of the poem by
(d) mindfulness and fear leaving.
16. “If we were not so single-minded... ” In 20. Choose the option that appropriately
the given line, single minded can imply shows a quote which will be promoted
........... by the poet.
(a) The quieter you become, the more you are
1. Materialistism 2. Greed able to hear-Rumi
3. Selfish nature 4. Hypocritical (b) A fool is known by his speech and a wise
5. Religious 6. Caring man by silence-Pythagorus.
(a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 1, 2 and 3 (c) Silence is only frightening to people who
(c) 4, 5 and 6 (d) 1, 3 and 4 are compulsively verbalising—William S.
Burroughs
17. Look at the given book covers. Pick the (d) When you have nothing to say, say
option that reflects the idea behind the nothing—Charles Caleb Colton.
line ‘perhaps a huge silence might 21. Choose the option that applies
interrupt this sadness of never correctly to the two statements given
understanding ourselves and of below:
threatening ourselves with death.’ Assertion The poet is against all kinds
of immoral acts that destroy and
damage our surroundings.
Reason Keeping quiet is about silence
and not about inactivity.
(1) (2)
(a) Assertion and Reason are True, but Reason
is not related to Assertion.
(b) Assertion and Reason are True, but Reason
is related to Assertion.
(c) Assertion is True, Reason is False.
(d) Assertion is False, Reason is True.
(3) (4)
22. According to Neruda, a huge silence 24. Look at the statements given below.
can do good to us. With reference to Choose the option that correctly
the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ which of the identifies which statements are facts and
following is TRUE? which are opinions.
(a) Silence leads to retrospection. 1. Silence is the best way to introspect.
(b) Silence means total inactivity. 2. Introspection can only come when a
(c) Silence leads to sleep.
person is willing to do so.
(d) Death is the ultimate silence.
3. Nobody will be able to introspect in
23. What can be said about the poet’s twelve seconds.
perception of life? 4. Introspection for Neruda is symbolic
(a) It is about introspection. of peace and fraternity.
(b) It is about harmony.
(a) F-1 and 3, Q-2 and 4
(c) It is about chaos and noise.
(b) F-1 and 4, Q-2 and 3
(d) It is a continuous evolution.
(c) F-2 and 4, O-1 and 3
(d) F-3 and 4, O-1 and 2
ANSWERS
Extract Based MCQs
Extract 1
(i) (b) (ii) (a) (iii) (b) (iv) (b)
Extract 2
(i) (a) (ii) (d) (iii) (b) (iv) (c)
Extract 3
(i) (d) (ii) (c) (iii) (b) (iv) (b)

1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (a)
11. (c) 12. (b) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (a) 16. (b) 17. (b) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (a) 22. (a) 23. (d) 24. (b)
Vistas - Supplementary
01
The Third Level by Jack Finney
Chapter Summary
Three Levels at the booth was made of wood and was looking
Grand Central Railway Station ancient. Everybody at the station was dressed in
The narrator (Charley) feels that there are three the fashion of the late 19th century. To be sure,
levels at the Grand Central Railway Station. In the narrator got a copy of ‘The World’ dated
reality, there are only two. He has discussed this June 11, 1989 where the lead story was about
with his psychiarist friend, Sam Weiner. Sam President Cleveland.
feels that the narrator’s experience is a The narrator goes to the ticket window and
waking-dream. He says that (Charley) is demands two tickets for Galesburg, Illinois. He
unhappy and is engulfed in insecurities and wants to go there with his wife, Louisa. He
imagines it to be a peaceful countryside in the
fears. So, he wants an escape from his stressful
year 1894 when the First World War was twenty
life.
years away and the Second World War was
Narrator’s Hobby of Stamp forty years away. To his surprise, the clerk at the
Collection; A Refuge ticket counter does not accept his currency bills.
Sam also adds that the narrator’s hobby of Sensing trouble, the narrator runs away from the
stamp collection is a ‘temporary refuge from third level to escape jail.
reality.’ The narrator does not agree with this Charley Buys Old Currency
interpretation. The narrator withdraws three hundred dollars
Charley Reaches ‘The Third Level’ from the bank next day to buy the currency of
1890. Sam is really worried over this. However,
One summer night, in a hurry to get back home,
his three hundred dollars got reduced to two
from office Charley decided to take the subway
hundred in old-style bills. He doesn’t care
from Grand Central. He crossed the arched because he desperately wants to reach the third
doorway heading for the subway and got lost. level.
He walks down a corridor. He finds nobody but
hears empty sound of his own footsteps. He Quest for ‘The Third Level’
finds himself at the third level at Grand Central The narrator fails to find the third level again.
Station! His wife is very worried and pursues Charley to
stop looking for the third level. So, he resumes
Scenario at ‘The Third Level’ his hobby of stamp collection. Somehow, Sam
There were smaller rooms, fewer ticket windows disappears and the narrator and his wife get
and open-flame gaslights there. The information proof of the existence of the third level.
Now both of them start their futile search confirms the presence of the third level and
for the third level platform. The narrator advises the narrator to keep looking for it. He
believes that Sam is now in Galesburg in the says ‘It’s worth it.
year 1894.
Narrator’s Reality Check on Sam
The Mystery of First-day Covers Charley finds out that Sam had bought eight
While looking at his stamp collection one day, hundred dollars worth of old-style currency. This
the narrator finds a strange cover mailed to the money was sufficient to set up a hay, feed and
narrator’s grandfather’s address in Galesburg. It grain business which Sam dreamt of Sam is a
has been present there since July 18, 1894. It qualified psychiarist but cannot go back to his
bears a six cent stamps with the picture of profession in Galesburg of 1894 because the
President Garfield. The envelope contains a profession of psychiarists did not exist at that
letter for Charley by his friend Sam. Sam time.

Extract Based MCQs (ii) What is ‘Waking dream wish
Directions Read the extract given below and fulfillment’; according to the
answer the following questions by choosing the psychiatrist in the lesson?
correct option. (a) Charles finding a Third level at Grand
Central Station.
01. Yes, I’ve taken the obvious step: I (b) Charley’s realiszation of his wish to
talked to a psychiatrist friend of mine, visit Galesburg Illinois.
among others. I told him about the (c) Charley’s escaping into his
third level at Grand Central Station, daydreaming everyday.
and he said it was a waking dream wish (d) Charley’s post stamp collecting habit.
fulfillment. He said I was unhappy. (iii) What was the Third Level?
That made my wife kind of mad, but he (a) A third platform on the Grand Central
explained that he meant the modern Station
world is full of insecurity, fear, war, (b) A third storey on the Grand Central
worry and all the rest of it, and that I Station.
just want to escape. Well, who doesn’t? (c) An imaginary discovery of the
Everybody I know wants to escape, but narrator’s mind.
they don’t wander down into any third (d) A level in the game that Charley had
been playing.
level at Grand Central Station.
(iv) What does the Psychiatrist explain
(i) Why did the narrator go to a
to Charlie?
Psychiatrist?
(a) That the modern world is not an ideal
(a) Because he went through an world.
experience no one else did.
(b) That the modern world has many
(b) Because he was unhappy and wanted to mysteries.
know why.
(c) That the third level is just a movie.
(c) Because he was depressed.
(d) That his experience was the result of
(d) Because he wanted to meet him. stress and anxiety of his mind.
02. Sometimes I think Grand Central is (a) ‘Stay grounded’ as the train station is
growing like a tree, pushing out new underground.
corridors and staircases like roots. (b) ‘Connect with your roots’ as he desires
There’s probably a long tunnel that to go back to his past.
nobody knows about feeling its way (c) ‘Enjoy the view’ as the station leads to
all tourist sights of the city.
under the city right now, on its way to
(d) ‘Keep growing’ as the station keeps
Times Square, and maybe another to
renovating and expanding.
Central Park. And maybe — because for
so many people through the years (iv) The idiom ‘feeling its way’ implies
Grand Central has been an exit, a way ……… movement.
of escape — maybe that’s how the (a) swift
tunnel I got into... But I never told my (b) tentative
psychiatrist friend about that idea. (c) circular
(CBSE Question Bank 2021) (d) disorganised
(i) The above extract is NOT an 03. Have you ever been there? It’s a
example of wonderful town still, with big old
(a) allegory (b) analogy frame houses, huge lawns, and
(c) imagery (d) metaphor tremendous trees whose branches
(ii) Charley decided not to tell his meet overhead and roof the streets.
And in 1894, summer evenings were
psychiatrist friend about his idea.
twice as long, and people sat out on
Choose the option that reflects the
their lawns, the men smoking cigars
reaction Charley anticipated from
and talking quietly, the women
his friend. waving palm-leaf fans, with the
(a) “That’s such a lovely comparison. Why fire-flies all around, in a peaceful
don’t you become a writer, Charley?”
world. To be back there with the First
(b) “Oh Charley. It is so sad to see your
desperation to run away! So very sad.”
World War still twenty years off, and
(c) “Maybe that’s how you entered the World War II over forty years in the
third level. Who would have thought?!” future... I wanted two tickets for that.
(d) “You need help, my raving friend. You (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
are way too invested in this crazy (i) Who does ‘you’ refer to?
thought!”
(a) Charley’s psychiatrist, Sam Weiner
(iii) Look at the following image that lists (b) Charley’s wife, Louisa
some of the ways in which the (c) The reader
symbolism of a tree is employed. (d) Nobody in particular, it is a figure of
Which of the following would speech.
represent an example as used by (ii) Choose the option that best
Charley in the above extract? describes the society represented in
the above extract.
Be like a tree. (a) content, peace-loving
Stay grounded. Connect with your roots.
Go out on a limb.
(b) leisurely, sentimental
Bend before you break. (c) orthodox, upper class
Turn over a new leaf. (d) comfortable, ancient
Enjoy the view.
Keep growing.
(iii) Imagine that the city of Galesburg is 03. Based on the given context, choose the
hosting a series of conferences and option that illustrates when a person
workshops. In which of the can go through Waking dream wish
following conferences or workshops fulfillment, out of the examples given
are you least likely to find the below.
description of Galesburg given in (a) A thirsty man seeing a large water body in a
the above extract? desert.
(a) Gorgeous Galesburg: Archiving a (b) A man talking to himself about his
Tourist Paradise company’s profit growth.
(b) Welcome to the Home you Deserve: (c) A group of girls not finding the café they
Galesburg Realtors has visited earlier.
(c) Re-imagining a Warless Future: (d) A sudden tap on the back while you are alone.
Technology for Peace 04. Which option indicates that everyone
(d) The Woman Question: The World of accepted the psychiatrist’s claims?
Women at Home
(a) Everybody I know wants to escape…
(iv) “tremendous trees whose branches (b) Everything points to it, they claimed
meet overhead and roof the streets” (c) Well, who doesn’t?
is NOT an example of (d) But that’s the reason, he said,
(i) imagery (ii) metaphor 05. How would you describe Charley’s
(iii) alliteration (iv) anachronism vision of his grandfather’s life and
(a) Options (i) and (ii) times? (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
(b) Options (i) and (iii) (a) wistful escapism
(c) Options (ii) and (iii) (b) idealised sentimentality
(d) Options (ii) and (iv) (c) nostalgic simplicity
(d) dreamy perfection
MCQs Based on Complete Chapter 06. Choose the correct option with reference
01. The genre of the lesson “third level” is to the two statements given below.
(a) historical fiction Statement 1: The narrator finds it strange
(b) tragedy that only he could see the third level.
(c) science fiction Statement 2: The third level according
(d) fantasy to his friend is a place in the narrator’s
02. ‘The Third Level’ refers to the third mind.
level at the Grand Central Station. As a (a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
metaphor, which of the following would (b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
NOT be an appropriate explanation of (c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot
the title? (CBSE Question Bank 2021) be inferred
(a) The convergence of reality and fantasy. (d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be
inferred
(b) The bridge between the past and the
present. 07. “I passed a dozen men who looked just
(c) The oppressive monotony of modern life. like me” This line is indicative of
(d) The need for an alternate plane of (a) Race of life (b) Monotony
understanding.
(c) Insecurity (d) Fear
08. Imagine Charley decides to write 11. The lines that “Grand Central has been an
about his experience in a form of a exit, a way of escape” for many people
book. Which of the following could be indicates that
his book? (a) modern life is full of stress and worries.
(b) Grand Central Station is a home to people like
the narrator.
(c) There are many people who are suffering in
the modern world.
(d) The modern world does not provide peace to
anyone.
(1) (2)
12. Look at the statements given below.
Choose the option that correctly identifies
which statements are fact and which are
opinion:
(i) Charley’s observation is so good that
(3) (4) even in his imagination he could build
(a) Option 1 (b) Option 2 up a clear picture of the past.
(c) Option 3 (d) Option 4 (ii) Charley’s immaculate description of
the third level shows his deep desire to
09. Once I got into a tunnel about a
go back to Galesburg.
mile long and came out in the
lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel. (iii) Charley should accept that he is
Another time I came up in an office suffering from the effects of insecurity
building on Forty-sixth Street, three and fear of modern life.
blocks away. (iv) Charley’s wife is right in her worry for
Which of the following is not true in her husband.
the context of the given lines? (a) Fact – (i) and (iv) ; Opinion – (ii) and (iii)
(a) The narrator knew that he was always (b) Fact – (ii) and (iii) ; Opinion – (i) and (iv)
exploring something new. (c) Fact – (i) and (ii) ; Opinion – (iii) and (iv)
(b) The psychiatrist friend of the narrator (d) Fact – (ii) and (iv) ; Opinion – (i) and (iii)
was right in his analysis. 13. “And then I knew” indicates
(c) The narrator’s imaginative wanderings (a) Acceptance (b) Surprise
were not new.
(c) Recognition (d) Disdain
(d) The narrator desires a life away from the
hustle bustle of the city. 14. Which of the following sections of books
would Charley not explore?
10. When the narrator compares the
station to a tree he wants to highlight (i) science fiction (ii) fantasy
that (iii) self-help (iv) non-fiction
(a) the Grand Central Station is always under (a) Options (i) and (ii) (b) Options (ii) and (iii)
construction. (c) Options (i) and (iii) (d) Options (i) and (iv)
(b) the Grand Central Station for him is 15. How does Charley describe Galesburg as
always expanding.
it used to be in 1894?
(c) he had visited many other sections of
the Grand Central Station. (a) As a deserted place
(d) he feels that there are many hidden (b) As an overpopulated place
sections of the Grand Central Station. (c) As a quiet, simple and peaceful place
(d) As a chaotic place
16. “I wanted two tickets for that”. This 20. Read the quotes given below.
shows the narrator’s Choose the option that might best
(a) nostalgia for the old world describe Charley’s views.
(b) desire to go back to the old pre-world war (a) The more you sweat in peace, the less you
world bleed in war. Norman Schwarzkopf
(c) requirement of peace (b) Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and
(d) desire to remove the insecurities and it must be taken one step at a time-Lyndon
stresses of life B. Johnson
(c) Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the
17. “and if you’re trying to skin me, you ability to handle conflict by peaceful
won’t get very far,”. In the line skin me means.-Ronald Reagan
implies (d) There is no ‘way to peace’, there is only
(a) To punish ‘peace’.-Mahatma Gandhi
(b) To cheat
21. How would you describe Charley?
(c) To slap (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
(d) To make fun of
(a) confused, happy-go-lucky
18. “I’ve tried often enough” shows the (b) escapist, adventurous
narrator’s (c) imaginative, nostalgic
(a) frustration (d) friendly, responsible
(b) desire 22. Which of the following is a conclusion
(c) regret that can be drawn from the story?
(d) anger (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
19. “I went back to my stamps”. This (a) Reality is indeed stranger than fiction.
sentence means (b) With all its worries, modern life is not worth
(a) collecting post stamps living.
(b) looking for his granddad’s post stamps (c) The past is undoubtedly better than the present.
(c) preserving his granddad’s post stamps (d) Imagination might be the only great escape.
(d) working with post stamps
ANSWERS
Extract Based MCQs
Extract 1
(i) (a) (ii) (a) (iii) (c) (iv) (d)
Extract 2
(i) (a) (ii) (d) (iii) (d) (iv) (b)
Extract 3
(i) (c) (ii) (c) (iii) (c) (iv) (d)

1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (b)
11. (c) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (c) 16. (b) 17. (b) 18. (a) 19. (a) 20. (a)
21. (c) 22. (d)
02
The Enemy
by Pearl S Buck
Chapter Summary
Dr Sadao Hoki However, Yumi and the other servant, were
Dr Sadao Hoki, a famous Japanese surgeon and frightened as Sadao had given shelter to an
an accomplished scientist, lived in a house on American soldier. So, Yumi refuced washing the
the Japanese coast. soldier. Sadao operated upon the soldier with
He was married to Hana, a Japanese, whom he the help of Hana and removed the bullet.
had met while studying in the US Sadao was not The Patient gets Better but
sent in the 2nd World War because he was into the Servants Decide to Leave
research. Moreover, General Takima, who was After being operated Hana took good care of the
old, was being treated by Sadao. man. She served him, as the servants refused to
The Prisoner is Washed Ashore enter the room. The man was surprised to see
Hana talk in English. The enemy revealed his
One night, Sadao and Hana found a wounded
name to Hana. His name was Tom. Sadao was
man washed ashore. He was unconscious and
still confused about handing him over to the
was bleeding profusely.
police.
Sadao saw that a bullet wound had reopened.
The servants resented their decision to help the
Sadao wanted to throw the man back into the
American soldier and left Sadao’s house.
sea, as he had now realised that he was an
American prisoner of war. The General’s Messenger;
Hana also agreed. Sadao knew that giving Sadao Goes to See the General
shelter to the enemy would get them into One day, a messenger in official uniform came
trouble. He was torn between his moral duty as a to Sadao’s house. Hana was so scared that she
doctor which urged him to save the dying man was unable to speak. She thought that he was
and his national duty which required handing there to arrest Sadao for sheltering Tom. In fact,
him over to the Army as a patriot. Both Hana the messenger had come to inform Sadao that
and Sadao finally decided to take the man home, the General needed him.
as he was in need of urgent medical attention. Sadao told the whole episode to the General.
The Servants React Bitterly The General knew that Sadao was indispensible
to him. The General promised Sadao that
They carried him to Sadao’s father’s bedroom as
nothing would happen to him. The General then
his father was no longer alive. The American
planned to get the American soldier
was very dirty and needed to be washed. Hana
assassinated.
said that Yumi, the governess, might wash her.
He told Sadao that his private assassins were once if everything was fine. He must do this
very competent and would also remove the only when the sun dropped under the horizon.
dead body. He further added that Tom could find many fish
After that meeting, Sadao spent three restless to eat but he should eat them raw, lest the fire be
nights waiting for the assassins. But they didn’t seen. Even Hana didn’t know about this plan.
come. Finally, the torture became too much to Sadao had told Tom to board a Korean ship.
bear for him. He planned to get rid of the Sadao went to the General and informed him
enemy himself. that the American had escaped. The General
informed Sadao that he forgot about the
Sadao Helps the Enemy
prisoner, as he was unwell. He told Sadao not to
Sadao told the escape plan to Tom. He leak out this information to anybody.
arranged a boat, food, drinking water and
Back at home, Sadao remembered his days in
clothing for the young man and also gave him
America and the Americans he met there. He
his own flashlight. He told Tom that he should
wondered why he could not kill Tom, his
flash the light two times if he needed something,
enemy.

Extract Based MCQs (i) In which of the following options
Read the extract given below and answer the can the underlined words not be
following questions by choosing the correct option. replaced with ‘stupor’?
(a) She hung up the phone feeling as
01. The man moaned with pain in his though she had woken up from a
stupor but he did not awaken. slumber.
“The best thing that we could do would (b) The manager complained about the
be to put him back in the sea,” Sadao employee’s sluggishness.
said, answering himself. Now that the (c) He seemed to be in a trance when the
bleeding was stopped for the moment doctor called upon him last week.
he stood up and dusted the sand from (d) Seeing him in a daze, the lawyer
decided not to place him in the witness
his hands.
box.
“Yes, undoubtedly that would be best,” (ii) Pick the option that best describes
Hana said steadily. But she continued to Sadao and Hana in the passage.
stare down at the motionless man. (a) Sadao: scrupulous – Hana: wary
“If we sheltered a white man in our (b) Sadao: daring – Hana: prudent
house we should be arrested and if we (c) Sadao: prudent – Hana: suspicious
turned him over as a prisoner, he would (d) Sadao: wary – Hana: daring
certainly die,” Sadao said. (iii) Pick the idiom that best describes
the situation in which Sadao and
“The kindest thing would be to put him
Hana were in.
back into the sea,” Hana said. But (a) To be like a fish out of water
neither of them moved. They were (b) Like water off a duck’s back
staring with curious repulsion upon the (c) To be dead in the water
inert figure. (CBSE Question Bank 2021) (d) To be in hot water
(iv) Choose the correct option with (iv) ‘On purpose’ in the extract means
reference to the two statements (a) casually (b) intermittently
given below. (c) accidentally (d) intentionally
Statement 1: Sadao and Hana 03. “I wondered, Your Excellency,” Sadao
cared about the soldier but were murmured.
worried about the consequences of “It was certainly very careless of me,”
being considerate. the General said. “But you understand
Statement 2: Sadao and Hana it was not lack of patriotism or
wanted to shirk their responsibilities dereliction of duty.” He looked
of looking after an injured soldier, anxiously at his doctor. “If the matter
who could be an American. should come out you would understand
(a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is that, wouldn’t you?”
false.
“Certainly, Your Excellency,” Sadao
(b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is
true.
said. He suddenly comprehended that
(c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are the General was in the palm of his hand
true. and that as a consequence he himself
(d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are was perfectly safe. “I swear to your
false. loyalty. Excellency,” he said to the old
02. They did not try to hide what they said General, “and to your zeal against the
from the ears of Hana as she stood enemy.” (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
arranging the day’s flowers in the (i) Pick the option that best describes
veranda nearby, and she knew they the word ‘dereliction’ as used in the
spoke on purpose that she might hear. passage.
That they were right she knew too in 1. evasion 2. deterioration
most of her being. But there was 3. negligence 4. carelessness
another part of her which she could not 5. dilapidation 6. management
understand. (a) 2, 3 and 6 (b) 1, 4 and 5
(i) Pick out the option that lists the (c) 2, 4 and 6 (d) 1, 3 and 4
feelings of Hana from the extract, (ii) At the end of the conversation with
1. Sorrow 2. Hatred the General, Sadao felt
3. Confusion 4. Fear (a) rejuvenated and guilt-free.
5. Sympathy 6. Anger (b) conceited and egotistic.
(a) 1, 3, 4 (b) 2, 5, 6 (c) refreshed and self-conscious.
(d) relieved and guilt-free.
(c) Only 3 (d) 4 and 5
(ii) Why were they not trying to hide (iii) Read the analysis of the General
anything from Hana? based on the given extract. Choose
(a) To make her feel guilty. the option that fills in the given
(b) To punish her. blanks most appropriately:
(c) To express their dislike for her and her The General (i) …… power but is (ii)
husband’s actions. …… of the obligations of his job. He
(d) To appreciate her husband. is so (iii) …… with his health that he
(iii) What were they right about? forgets to send the assassins to kill
(a) Their pride in their master. the prisoner. Due to his (iv) ……
(b) Their disgust for the prisoner. interests, he doesn’t want to expose
(c) Their reaction to their masters act. Sadao and agrees to keep the
(d) Their concern for their children. prisoner’s escape a secret.
(a) (i) fantasizes; (ii) lonely ; (iii) consumed (c) The purpose of human life is to serve, and
; (iv) vested to show compassion and the will to help
(b) (i) relishes; (ii) weary; (iii) self-absorbed others.
; (iv) selfish (d) To deny people their human rights is to
(c) (i) fancies; (ii) apathetic ; (iii) negligent ; challenge their very humanity.
(iv) worthless
(d) (i) desires; (ii) concerned ; (iii)
02. “The reference to Sadao’s childhood and
indisposed ; (iv) narrow his father serves the purpose of ...... .
(a) nostalgic memorabilia
(iv) Pick the option that best matches the
(b) pointing out the characteristics of Sadao
idioms with ‘hand’ with their
(c) showing the peaceful life lived by Sadao
meanings.
(d) showing how much Sadao loved his father
Idioms Meanings 03. Sadao went to America to learn
1 hand in glove (A) in the care of (a) Psychology
somebody good (b) Fine arts
and knowledgeable (c) Surgery and Medicine
2 in good hands (B) to reveal a secret (d) Physiotherapy
about one’s plans 04. Choose the correct option with
3 tip one’s hand (C) do harm to reference to the two statements given
someone who has below.
been kind to you Statement 1: Sadao does not keep any
4 bite the hand (D) two or more people grudges against the treatment by his
that feeds you who are in father in his childhood.
collusion Statement 2: Sadao comes out as a
serious and an intelligent boy.
(a) 1-A; 2-D; 3-C; 4-B (a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
(b) 1-B; 2-C; 3-D; 4-A (b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
(c) 1-D; 2-A; 3-B; 4-C (c) Both Statement 1 and Statement cannot be
(d) 1-C; 2-A; 3-D; 4-B inferred.
(d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be
MCQs Based on Complete Chapter inferred.
01. Pick the quote that best describes the 05. He staggered a few steps, his body
theme of the story. outlined against the mist, his arms
(CBSE Question Bank 2021) above his head. Then the curled mists
(a) World belongs to humanity, not this hid him again.
leader, that leader or that king or prince What can be collected from the
or religious leader. World belongs to aforesaid lines?
humanity.
(a) The man was a dingy looking beggar
(b) You must not lose faith in humanity.
(b) The man was a fisherman
Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the
(c) The man was severely injured and dirty
ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become
(d) The man couldn’t walk.
dirt.
06. Choose the image which correctly Which of the following is true in the
describes the wounded man when context of the given lines?
found by Sadao and Hana. (a) The presence of the mists was an
advantage for the couple.
(b) The couple was searching for the injury in
the middle of the mists.
(c) The mists made it difficult for the couple to
see each other’s expressions.
(d) The mist was a sign of unfavourable
(1) (2) (3) (4) conditions for the couple.
10. “The kindest thing would be to put him
(a) Option 1 (b) Option 2 back into the sea,” Hana said. But
(c) Option 3 (d) Option 4
neither of them moved. They were
07. Look at the statements given below. staring with a curious repulsion upon
Choose the option that correctly the inert figure.”
identifies which statements are fact and Which of the following goes against the
which are opinion: repulsion that both Hana and Sadao
(i) Both Sadao and Hana hated showed?
Americans. (a) They hesitated, looking at each other.
(ii) Sadao and Hana were loyal to their (b) And he is only a common fellow
nation and thus had to hate the (c) But she continued to stare down at the
American. motionless man.
(d) Both (a) and (c)
(iii) Sadao and Hana wanted to take the
wounded man to the police. 11. “Thus agreed, together they lifted the
(iv) Both Sadao and Hana for the sake of man. He was very light, like a fowl that
humanity decided to save the had been half-starved for a long time
American. until it is only feathers and skeleton.”
(a) Fact – (i) and (iv) ; Opinion – (ii) and (iii) The given lines show that the man was
(b) Fact – (ii) and (iii) ; Opinion – (i) and (iv) ........... .
(c) Fact – (i) and (ii) ; Opinion – (iii) and (iv) (a) lean (b) plump
(d) Fact – (ii) and (iv) ; Opinion – (i) and (iii) (c) almost dead (d) malnourished
08. ‘A white man!’ Hana whispered 12. It had been the bedroom of Sadao’s
In the given sentence, the exclamation father, and since his death it had not
mark is symbolic of been used.
Which of the following literary devices
1. Shock 2. Regret 3. Fear can be associated with the given lines?
4. Anger 5. Despair (a) Paradox (b) Imagery
(a) 1 and 2 (b) Only 3
(c) Irony (d) Symbolism
(c) 4 and 5 (d) Only 5
13. ‘She did not wish to be left alone with
09. ‘The mists screened them now the white man.’ (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
completely and at this time of day no
one came by. The fishermen had gone Why did Hana feel so, despite having
home and even the chance studied in America?
beachcombers would have considered This was so because
the day at an end.’ (a) being Japanese, it wasn’t appropriate to
stay on with a stranger.
(b) America and Japan were not allies in the 17. Choose the statement that is not true
ongoing World War.
about Hana.
(c) He was someone she’d recognised from her
past in America. (a) Hana cannot defy her husband and is loyal
(d) her husband had cautioned her against the to him till the end.
American. (b) Hana had shown immense courage in
helping Sadao.
14. “The white man ought to die. First he (c) Hana was angry on her servants for their
was shot. Then the sea caught him and behavior.
wounded him with her rocks. If the (d) Hana too was in a dilemma.
master heals what the gun did and what 18. Why Hana reacted in a different way
the sea did they will take revenge on while operation was going on?
us.”
(a) She didn’t want to be a part of this
The given lines by the servant shows operation.
that they were (b) It was unusual for her to see so much blood.
(a) Perplexed (b) Superstitious (c) It was unusual for her to see operation in
(c) Worried (d) Angry person.
(d) Because she was scared that the white man
15. Choose the correct option with would die soon.
below. 19. “Those scars,” she murmured, lifting
her eyes to Sadao.
Statement 1 Sadao was a instinctive (CBSE Question Bank 2021)
and a dedicated doctor. The ‘scars’ DO NOT indicate
Statement 2 Hana was aware that as a
(a) torture perpetrated on prisoners of war.
doctor Sadao was almost perfect. (b) superiority of Japan over America.
(a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
(c) the quest for supremacy in war.
(b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
(d) the rumours of torture often heard.
(c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
(d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are 20. “It is not quite at the kidney, my
false. friend,” Sadao murmured. It was his
16. Choose the correct option with habit to murmur to the patient when he
reference to the two statements given forgot himself in an operation. ‘My
below. friend,’ he always called his patients
and so now he did, forgetting that this
Statement 1 Yumi’s reaction to the was his enemy’.
news of the presence of the POW was
fearful for Hana. The literary device used in the given
lines is
Statement 2 Hana knew if anyone told
(a) Irony (b) Analogy
about the presence of the POW to the
(c) Paradox (d) Hyperbole
government, they would lose
everything. 21. “Why are we different from other
(a) Statement 1 is the cause of Statement 2. Japanese?” In the given line, the tone of
(b) Statement 2 is the effect of Statement 1. the speaker is implying
(c) Statement 2 can be inferred from (a) Irritation
Statement 1. (b) Frustration
(d) Statement 1 and Statement 2 are (c) Disdain
independent of each other. (d) Regret
22. Pick out the option that lists the nature 25. Based on the following statements,
of the General correctly. choose the correct option.
1. intellectual 2. diplomatic Assertion The POW understood the
3. selfish 4. self-centered words and silence of Sadao properly
5. patriotic before leaving Japan.
(a) 1 and 2 Reason 1 The POW did not want to
(b) 2 and 3 cause any more trouble to Sadao and
(c) 3 and 4 his family.
(d) 4 and 5 Reason 2 The POW knew his life
23. Which of the following reason would be in danger if he lived there.
incorrectly reasons why Sadao shouted (a) Both Reason 1 and Reason 2 can be inferred
on the POW? from the Assertion
(b) Both Reason 1 and Reason 2 cannot be
(a) POW was still injured and could die.
inferred.
(b) POW could marr his reputation as a loyal
(c) Reason 1 can be inferred and Reason 2
Japanese
cannot be inferred.
(c) The children would see the POW
(d) Reason 2 cannot be inferred and Reason 1
can be inferred.
24. “Sadao slept badly that night” 26. Based on the slogans and tag lines,
Which of the following is not true in the for which of the following brands
context of the given line? might Sadao be a suitable brand
(a) Sadao was fearful of Hana or his children ambassador?
waking up
(b) Sadao’s conscience was not letting him
sleep.
(c) Sadao thought the assassin would come
(1) (2) (3) (4)
any day
(d) Sadao’s instincts as doctor and a human (a) Option 1 (b) Option 2
came first. (c) Option 3 (d) Option 4
ANSWERS
Extract Based MCQs
Extract 1
(i) (b) (ii) (c) (iii) (d) (iv) (a)
Extract 2
(i) (c) (ii) (c) (iii) (c) (iv) (d)
Extract 3
(i) (d) (ii) (d) (iii) (b) (iv) (c)

1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (d) 5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (a) 10. (d)
11. (a) 12. (c) 13. (b) 14. (b) 15. (c) 16. (b) 17. (c) 18. (c) 19. (b) 20. (a)
21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (c) 24. (a) 25. (a) 26. (a)
PRACTICE PAPER 1
English Core Class 12th (Term I)
Instructions
1. All questions are compulsory.
2. Marks of all questions are indicated against them.
3. Answer the questions following the given instructions.
M.M. : 40 Time : 90 Minutes
Section A : Reading Comprehension

01. Read the passage given below.
Hobbies help us grow as a person. The best way to have a new hobby is to try
something new. All of us are unique, and this is the reason why our hobbies and
interests are different. Once we find an activity we are passionate about, we can explore
that activity more. When you get hooked, you will realize that your hobby has become
an integral part of your life. Having a hobby that we enjoy brings us joy and refreshes
us. Hobbies help us to manage our leisure and unplanned time more productively. It
also affords you the opportunity to learn new skills in your work. But these are not the
only benefits of having a hobby.
It feels great to be skilled and good at something, doesn’t it? And this is what that makes
you confident. It can take some time to develop your hobby so that you may be able to
tell that you are skilled. But, the journey of experiencing your hobby is very rewarding
in itself. With the exposure to different types of activities these days, it doesn’t matter
which activity you choose. Whether you are pursuing a craft, sports, puzzles, or skill
development, your hobby should be a diversion and a passion. Simultaneo- usly, if your
hobby gives you a sense of purpose, then you will be more confident about challenging
yourself in your hobby and help you prepare for learning new things at work.
Hobbies give you an opportunity to enhance your life. Hobbies allow you to de-stress
yourself while remaining mentally productive. Having hobbies promotes better health
and may lower the risk of having high blood pressure. Enjoying a few hours of your
hobby a week can also reduce the risk of depression and dementia. Hobbies refocus
your mind on to something that you enjoy doing. Hobbies that include physical
activities create chemical changes in your body that help to reduce stress.
Even if it doesn’t involve physical activities, you can still reap the benefits of having a
hobby. Getting a short break from work and doing something you are passionate about
can rejuvenate your mind and help prepare you to handle challenges in the future in a
better way.
Hobbies may provide an opportunity for you to socialize with people and that can be an
additional benefit for your overall well-being. You can connect with people who enjoy
doing the same things that you do. You can meet new people, discuss your hobby and
get connected to a bigger circle that may even help you turn your hobby into your
profession. The internet provides numerous groups and forums to connect with people
that enjoy doing the same things that you want to do.
Some hobbies require creativity and if you develop creativity through your hobby, it can
be beneficial. Creativity can help you experience new things at school and work. The
skill of being creative is essential in today’s world.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any eight questions from the
nine that follow.
(i) When a person gets hooked on a (iv) The journey of experiencing a hobby is
hobby, he realizes that : (1) quite (1)
(a) it has become an integral part of our life. (a) challenging for a person.
(b) it has much more benefits than we realised. (b) rewarding in itself.
(c) it is much more enjoyable to have a hobby. (c) demanding in itself.
(d) it is quite essential for us to learn some (d) inspirational for a person.
skills through our hobbies.
(v) Getting a hobby means having a short
(ii) “your hobby should be a diversion and break from work and doing something
a passion.” Pick the option in which the you are passionate about which can: (1)
meaning of ‘diversion’ is NOT the same (a) give you a peace of mind from all the other
as it is in the passage. (1) problems of daily hectic life and make you
(a) Our party believes in encouraging cultural feel refreshed.
diversity, not diversion. (b) help you enhance and improve your skills
(b) We made a short diversion to go and look at and push you forward on your path to
the castle. success.
(c) The person's talk created a diversion of (c) make you enjoy and appreciate your life
attention. much more as you are happy pursuing what
(d) High tariffs often cause a diversion of trade you love.
from one country to another. (d) rejuvenate your mind and help prepare you
to handle challenges in the future in a
(iii) Which of the following is NOT a way better way.
through which hobbies enhance your
life? (1) (vi) Choose an option that is NOT a benefit
I. may lower the risk of having high of having a hobby. (1)
blood pressure (a) Provides an opportunity for us to socialize

with people.
II. reduce the risk of depression and
(b) Gives us an opportunity to enhance our life.
dementia
(c) Help us to manage our planned time more
III. distracts the mind from other useless beneficially.
problems (d) Makes us more confident in ourselves.
IV. promotes better health
V. reduces stress (vii) Choose an option that can be
VI. manages the regular balanced considered as an appropriate title for
exercise the passage. (1)
(a) I, II, II and IV (b) I, III, IV and VI (a) The Importance of Having a Hobby
(c) I, II, IV and V (d) I, III, V and VI (b) The Usage of Hobby
(c) The Advantages and Disadvantages of III. you connect with people who enjoy
Having a Hobby doing the same things that you do.
(d) The Correct Usage of Free Time- A Hobby IV. you get together with people of your
(viii) Hobby provides you with an own age and profession.
opportunity to socialise with people by (a) I, III and IV (b) II, III and IV
making. (1) (c) I, II and III (d) I, II, III and IV
I. you get connected to a bigger circle (ix) Choose an option that is clearly a
that may even help you turn your synonym of the word ‘hooked’. (1)
hobby into your profession.
(a) opposed (b) indifferent
II. you meet new people with whom you (c) willing (d) captivated
can discuss your hobby.
The ocean is one of the most unexplored parts of our planet, with a magnitude of
undiscovered species and mysteries. It turns out from the studies conducted over the last
few decades, this magnificent environment is under serious threat from human
intervention, with plastics set to outnumber fish by 2050.
Marine life, as we know it, is suffering irreparable damage from the chemical pollution
of the waters and the millions of tons of mismanaged waste dumped in the oceans each
year. The result is a planetary crisis with over 100 million marine animal’s lives get lost
every year, and the decay of the ocean’s ecosystem.
Shocking Ocean Pollution Statistics
● 100 melon marine animals die each year from plastic waste alone.
● 100000 marine animal die from getting entangled in plastic yearly - this is just the creatures we
find 1 in 3 marine mammal species get found entangled in litter, 12-14000 tons of plastic are
ingested by North Pacific fish yearly.
● China is ranked #1 for mismanaged waste and plastics. However, the US is in the top 20
with a more significant waste per person contributions.

● 300 Million tons of plastic gets created yearly, and this weighs the same as the entire human
population, and 50% is single-use only.

● 500 marine locations are now recorded as dead zones globally, currently the size of the
United Kingdom’s surface (245000 km2 )

● 80% of global marine pollution comes from agriculture runoff, untreated sewage, discharge
of nutrients and pesticides.

● 90% of the worldwide ocean debris comes from 10 rivers alone.
Almost 1,000 species of marine animals get impacted by ocean pollution, and we now have
over 500 locations recorded as dead zones where marine life cannot exist. How did this
happen, what is causing the most damage, find out everything above in the marine pollution
statistics roundup.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a floating island of debris, accumulated in the North
Pacific Ocean by an extensive system of currents called gyres. It is built up from two other
waste patches, the western garbage patch near Japan and the eastern garbage patch near
America’s west coast near California and Hawaii.
The North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone links the east and western garbage
patches, acting as a highway for waste to move from one to the other. Because of this, a
small item of debris dropped near California can travel across to Japan, then eventually
get sucked up by these swirling garbage patch vortexes.
The great pacific garbage patch size is quite shocking. These patches of trash are said to
be twice the size of Texas and float on the surface but do drop several meters into the
ocean in places, which makes the correct size challenging to measure.
The world’s largest garbage site is mainly made up of microplastics creating a vast cloud,
with newer items of debris that haven’t broken down as much floating around like
chunks in a soup. The great pacific garbage patch effects on marine life are extremely
significant.
On the basis of your understanding of the given passage, answer any six questions from the seven
that follow.
(i) The cause of irreparable damage of the Ocean Debris
marine life is attribute to (1)
I. tons of mismanaged waste Sink
II. increasing death rate of the ocean Flows
ecosystems. Lands on
III. chemical pollution Beaches
(a) I and II
(b) II and III (b)
(c) I and III Ocean Debris

(d) I, II and III
Sink
(ii) Choose an option that is a synonym of
the word ‘irreparable’. (1) Flows
(a) unrecoverable
Lands on
(b) mendable Beaches
(c) cure
(d) replace
(c)
(iii) Based on the graphical chart in the Ocean Debris
passage, choose the option that
correctly states the condition of the
Sink
debris in the ocean’s ecosystem. (1)
Flows
Ocean Debris Lands on
Beaches
Sink
(d)
Flows
Lands on (iv) How many locations are recorded as
Beaches
dead zones where marine life cannot
exist? (1)
(a)
(a) 400 (b) 450 (c) 500 (d) 550
(v) Which of the following is NOT a place (b) 70% of our debris sinks into the ocean’s
from where 80% of global marine ecosystem, 15% floats, and 15 % lands on
pollution comes? (1) our beaches.
(c) 100 million marine animals die each year
(a) untreated sewage
from plastic waste alone.
(b) agriculture run-off
(d) 90% of the worldwide ocean debris comes
(c) discharge of nutrients and pesticide from 10 rivers alone.
(d) factory waste disposal
(vii) Which country is ranked number one
(vi) Choose an option that lists a statement for mismanaged waste and plastics? (1)
that is NOT TRUE. (1)
(a) China (b) USA
(a) 700 marine locations are now recorded as (c) India (d) France
dead zones globally.
Section B : Creative Writing Skills

03. Given below is a notice with incomplete information. Complete with the help of options
given below. (1)
Sri Parthasarathy Sabha, Salem

NOTICE
10th March, 20XX
Extraordinary Meeting
All members are hereby requested to attend an extraordinary meeting to
plan the forthcoming Diwali Celebrations. The details of the meeting are:
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
For further details please contact the undersigned.
Kamal
(Secretary)
(a) Date and time (b) Day, date, time and place (c) Day, Time (d) Theme
04. Complete the given notice by choosing the correct answer. (1)
For ‘Deccan Herald’

NOTICE
3rd March, 20XX
___________________
I have lost a leather wallet containing my examination entry ticket for Class XII,
while travelling by bus from Banashankari to M.G.Road in Bengaluru. Anybody
who finds it please return it to the address given below or contact on this number:
012365432XX The finder shall be suitably rewarded. For further details please
contact the undersigned.
Pranav
12, Gandhi, Road, Bengaluru
(a) Lost!!! (b) Lost and found (c) Return if found (d) Contact if found
05. You want to sell off your motor bike Despite such strict regulations regarding
which you have been using for five speed, none of these drivers seem to follow
years, since you have decided to buy a them. This shows that there is lack of
car. Choose an advertisement to be implementation. This is a menace to other
published under the classified columns road users as the bus drivers that drive at high
of a national daily. (1) speed might crush down whoever comes in
(a) Available Splender motor bike 2010 model, their way.
in good condition, original documents, By addressing this issue, it is __9__ that the
black colour, excellent mileage, self driven. public awareness towards the threat of
Price negotiable. Contact : XYZ Mobile No. :
reckless drivers can be raised. It is also the
78965000XX
time for the traffic authorities to take strong
(b) Available Splender self driven. Price
negotiable. Contact : XYZ Mobile No. : measures against the reckless drivers, which
78965000XX includes levying heavy fines and forfeiting of
(c) Splender motor bike, in good condition, their licenses if they are found guilty of
excellent mileage, self driven. Price breaching the traffic rules. Waiting for your
negotiable. Contact : XYZ prompt response.
(d) Available motor bike, black colour,
Thanking You
excellent mileage, self driven. Price
negotiable. Contact Mobile No. : __10__
78965000XX
Dipti/Deepak
Directions (Q. Nos. 6-10) Complete the letter 06. (a) Monday (b) July 6,20XX
given below by choosing the correct option. (c) July 6 (d) None of these (1)
C-156, Janakpuri
07. (a) Regarding reckless driving of school-bus
New Delhi drivers
(b) Problem of accidents by school bus drivers
____6___
(c) Lack of strict regulation for school bus
The Editor drivers
The Times of India (d) Rash driving by school bus drivers (1)
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg 08. (a) Through the column of your esteemed
newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of
New Delhi the concerned authorities
Subject : __7__ (b) By the means of this letter, I want the
concerned authorities
Sir,
(c) With the hope that you would publish this
_________________8____________________ letter, I want to draw the attention of the
______________________________ towards government
the grave issue of rash driving being done by (d) The problem of road rash has been
school-bus drivers which poses a threat to the prevalent in the country for a long time and
now the issue is shifting (1)
lives of innocent school children and
trespassers. 09. (a) Desired (b) Wanted
Driving in a zigzag manner on packed (c) Wished (d) Hoped (1)
roads, crossing speed-limits, not following
traffic lights has become very common.
10. (a) Yours friendly (b) Yours sincerely
(c) Yours only (d) Yours dearly (1)
Or 06. (a) Wedding Celebrations- A Waste

(b) Wedding Decorations- A waste of money
Directions (Q. Nos. 6-10) Complete the (c) The useless wedding decorations
article given below with the help of the options (d) Need to stop wasting money on wedding
following it. décor (1)
____6____ 07. (a) Class (1)

By ____7____ (b) Student Correspondent, Rahul
(c) Rahul
In India we celebrate every auspicious (d) None of the above
occasion with great devotion and dedication.
Every happy moment is pious. We make the 08. (a) We over shop at times and waste money on
occasion more welcoming by decorating the non-sensical things. (1)
place but at times we overdo the things. (b) In a race to show off our wealth and
luxury we buy things that we do not even
_____________8______________ use.
Especially on weddings we see that people (c) We leave no space for complaints.
spend so much on decoration which is not (d) We keep on buying things to decorate our
required. It is their way to flaunt their wealth houses and in the end waste them.
and show their social status but they forget 09. (a) By putting our money to charitable
that with simple decoration also the moments causes, we (1)
can be enjoyed and made equally pious (b) By using the money in charitable causes,
whereas this money being spent on we can make sure that
decoration can be used for other social (c) Using the money for charitable causes and
causes. ensuring that
(d) Instead of wasting money use the money
_____9_____ many hungry mouths are fed for
and many enjoy a few good moments of life.
Therefore if thought positively the money 10. (a) I hope we all can bring the change
towards positivity. (1)
spent on pomp and show of decorations can
be stopped. (b) Thank you
(c) I hope my words bring a change in you
__________10___________ (d) No sentence or closure to be added.
Section C : Literature
11. Answer any ONE of the two extracts. When my feet hit the bottom, I would
make a big jump, come to the surface,
He yelled, “Hi, Skinny! How’d you like lie flat on it, and paddle to the edge of
to be ducked?” the pool.
With that he picked me up and tossed (i) Which of the following issues make the
me into the deep end. I landed in a situation presented in the given extract
sitting position, swallowed water, and problematic? (1)
went at once to the bottom. I was
(a) Body shaming (b) Bullying
frightened, but not yet frightened out of
(c) Eve-teasing (d) Misadventure
my wits. On the way down I planned:
(ii) Which of the following idioms might be (i) What do these children have in reality?
an alternative to ‘out of my wits’? (1) (1)
(a) Scare stiff (a) Beautiful houses
(b) Beat around the bush (b) Beautiful pictures and maps
(c) Get out of hand (c) Living in dismal poverty and illnesses
(d) Under the weather (d) Natural scenic beauty all around
(iii) Choose the correct option with (ii) Explain ‘future is painted with a fog’. (1)
reference to the two statements given (a) Future is bright but not clear
below. (1) (b) Dark and uncertain
Statement I Samuel was one of the (c) Full of hopelessness and sufferings
target of the bullies. (d) Both (b) and (c)
Statement II The bully should have (iii) What is the actual life of these slum
been punished by the authorities. children? (1)
(a) Statement 1 can be inferred from the (a) Living in small cramped houses
extract but Statement 2 cannot be. (b) They are emaciated and poverty stricken
(b) Statement 1 is cannot be inferred from the (c) Duffer everyday
extract but Statement 2 can be. (d) All of the above
(c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be (iv) What all things are distant dream for
inferred. these slum children? (1)
(d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot
(a) Beautiful natural surroundings
be inferred.
(b) Modern cities with all amenities
(iv) Choose the most appropriate option to (c) Bright future
complete the given sentence. (1) (d) All of the above
In the given lines, the narrator had 12. Attempt any fourteen out of the sixteen
been ___________ into the pool and questions given below. (1)
he was _________ to come out of the
(i) Choose the option that applies correctly
pool.
to the two statements given below.
(a) Thrown, trying
(b) Pushed, determined Assertion Douglas’s instructor knew
(c) Thrown, determined very well how to help him remove his
(d) Pushed, trying fear.
Or Reason Believing in his instructor,
Douglas got over his fear.
“And yet, for these
Codes
Children, these windows,
not this map, their world, (a) Assertion can be inferred but the Reason
cannot be inferred.
Where all their future is painted with fog, (b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the
A narrow street sealed in with a lead sky Reason can be inferred.
Far far from rivers, capes and stars of (c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.
words.” (d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be
inferred.
(ii) Imagine that Franz from ‘The Last (vii) “When a people are enslaved, as long
Lesson’ turned his life around, and as they hold fast to their language it is
decided to write of his childhood as if they had the key to their prison”
experience. Which of the following is It is as if they have the key to the prison
likely to be the Franz book, from the as long as they (1)
popular books shown below? (1) (a) do not lose their language.
(b) are attached to their language.
(c) quickly learn the conqueror’s language.
(d) Are fluent in their language.
(viii) Choose the correct option with
below. (1)
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Statement I Mukesh lived in a
(iii) But now we’re both looking, every primeval state of poverty.
weekend, because now we have proof Statement II The condition of Mukesh
that the third level is still there. (1) and his family is like they are stuck in a
The proof referred to in the given loop.
(a) Statement 1 can be inferred from the
extract is
extract but Statement 2 cannot be.
(a) Sam’s being missing (b) Statement 1 is cannot be inferred from the
(b) Sam’s letter extract but Statement 2 can be.
(c) Sam’s act of buying old notes (c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be
(d) Sam’s going to Galesburg inferred.
(iv) “He would tell Hana nothing,” (d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot
be inferred.
Sadao takes the decision because
___________________ (1) (ix) Which of the following quotes can be
(a) He knew Hana would be against it used to describe Mukesh? (1)
(b) He knew Hana would be upset (a) “You are never too old to set another goal
(c) He knew Hana would get scared or to dream a new dream.”– C.S. Lewis
(d) He knew Hana would want to leave (b) “Start where you are. Use what you have.
Do what you can.”– Arthur Ashe
(v) What does the poet, Stephen Spender (c) “Never limit yourself because of others’
mean when he says ‘blot their maps limited imagination; never limit others
with slums’? (1) because of your own limited imagination.”–
(a) No promising future Mae Jemison
(b) Future blotted with gloom and misery (d) “The only thing that will stop you from
(c) They are too deep rooted in poverty and fulfilling your dreams is you.” – Tom Bradley
gloom (x) Charlie rushed back from the third
(d) They have no hope for anything level because: (1)
(vi) ‘Trees sprinting’ and ‘merry children (a) He did not like the third level
spilling’ is an attempt by the poet to (b) He was accused of stealing
create (1) (c) He was going to the handed over to the
(a) suspense (b) laughter police
(c) visual imagery (d) chaos (d) He was sleepy
(xi) Choose the statement which is NOT (a) They were confused
TRUE with reference to Charley. (1) (b) They were willing to help
(a) Charley loved his wife very much. (c) They were frightened
(b) Charley was an anxious fellow. (d) They ran away
(c) Charley loved collecting samples. (xv) What was Franz afraid to enter the
(d) Charley wanted to find the third level. class? (1)
(xii) “Strange,” he thought. “I wonder why I (a) Because he was not prepared
could not kill him?” (b) Because the villagers had gathered over
there
This indicates Dr. Sadao’s (1) (c) Because he was late and saw M Hamel
(a) Humanity (b) Kindness walking up and down
(c) Expertise (d) Conscience (d) Because he was not dressed properly
(xiii) Why does Hana call Yumi stupid? (1) (xvi) What happens when Charley enters the
(a) As Yumi was afraid of the white man Grand Central Station? (1)
(b) As Yumi refused to cook food (a) He finds a huge tree like station.
(c) As Yumi wanted to leave (b) New staircases, corridors and tunnels
(d) As Yumi refused to clean the white man (c) Tree keeps spreading its roots throwing
rooms and windows
(xiv) What was the first reaction of the
servants when they were told about the
injure man? (1)
PRACTICE PAPER 1
OMR SHEET
Instructions
Use black or blue ball point pens and avoid gel pens and fountain
pens for filling the sheets
Darken the bubbles completely. Don't put a tick mark or a cross
mark half-filled or over-filled bubbles will not be read by the software.
ü û
Incorrect Incorrect Incorrect Correct
Multiple markings are invalid
1. (i) a b c d 8. a b c d
(ii) a b c d 9. a b c d
(iii) a b c d 10. a b c d
(iv) a b c d 11. (i) a b c d
(v) a b c d (ii) a b c d
(vi) a b c d (iii) a b c d
(vii) a b c d (iv) a b c d
(viii) a b c d Or (i) a b c d
(ix) a b c d (ii) a b c d
2. (i) a b c d (iii) a b c d
(ii) a b c d (iv) a b c d
(iii) a b c d 12. (i) a b c d
(iv) a b c d (ii) a b c d
(v) a b c d (iii) a b c d
(vi) a b c d (iv) a b c d
(vii) a b c d (v) a b c d
3. a b c d (vi) a b c d
4. a b c d (vii) a b c d
5. a b c d (viii) a b c d
6. a b c d (ix) a b c d
(x) a b c d
7. a b c d
(xi) a b c d
8. a b c d
(xii) a b c d
9. a b c d
(xiii) a b c d
10. a b c d
(xiv) a b c d
Or 6. a b c d (xv) a b c d
7. a b c d (xvi) a b c d
PRACTICE PAPER 2
Instructions

The problem of the conservation of historical monuments (statues, columns, ancient
buildings) requires an accurate study of the many environmental agents which bring
about the deterioration process and affect the actual rate of deterioration. Among the
most active causes of weathering, we can cite : (i) the weakening of the outer layer of the
art work, which is caused by complex microphysical effects and is in particular due to
wetting of the outer layer of the artwork (a comparison between the effects of rainwater
and condensation is made); (ii) the chemico-physical action of pollutants captured in
both the dry and wet phase.
The destructive processes depend on many factors: the past history of the monument,
the capture and nature of the pollutants, and the frequency of some microclimatic
conditions, particularly those supplying the water necessary for chemical reactions. To
this end studies of diurnal and seasonal variations on the monument of both the heat
wave and the fluxes of moisture and energy are very important.
Some of these processes have been shown with microclimatic studies and microphysical
investigation associated with mineralogic and chemical analyses of samples of weathered
material. Mathematical models in some cases (especially for solar radiation and
temperature) permit physical simulation, reconstruction of past data and extrapolation
into the future observation of many monuments from different epochs; situated at
various sites, gives examples of the fundamental processes that are often associated with,
or masked by, other effects.
The main weathering processes are due to the combined action of rainwater and
atmospheric pollutants (particularly the carbonaceous particles due to combustion)
deposited on the surface of the monument. The way in which the surface is wetted is
very important: in fact, a short drizzle can activate the dry deposit without washing it
away, and in this case the pH of rain droplets is of secondary importance; on the other
hand, showers supply abundant water which favours dissolution of the stone and
removal of the solute, resulting in a thinning of the original rock.
Another important factor is the dynamic regime (i.e. laminar or turbulent) of the water
flowing over the surface of the monument.
In zones where the surface of marble or calcareous monuments is only wetted, but
protected from run-off, black crusts (characterized by crystals of gypsum and calcite with
carbonaceous particles embedded in the crusts) are formed. Zones subjected to heavy
run-off are also subjected to a thinning of the rock and small authentic calcite crystals
form that are white in appearance.
In the case of relatively unpolluted towns, where marble and limestone sulphation is not
the main cause of the deterioration process, biological deterioration mechanisms are
often very important, due to the activity of epilithic and endolithic microflora and
microfauna. The case of particularly precious mortars, e.g. murals or frescoes, is
discussed in order to clarify the thermodynamic method proposed for the analysis of
experimental campaigns. Finally actions are described that act on the causes and not
only on the effects.
On the basis of your understanding of the given passage, answer eight questions that follow.
(i) The destructive processes of historical (c) We could run off together, but neither of us
monuments depend on many factors, wants to live the rest of our lives abroad.
that are: (1) (d) He could run off a five-page essay in an
hour.
I. the capture and nature of the
pollutants (iv) What favours the dissolution of the
II. the supply of necessary chemical stone and removal of the solute,
water reactions resulting in a thinning of the original
III. the past history of the monument rock? (1)
IV. the frequency of some microclimatic (a) Showers which supply abundant water
conditions (b) Pollutants in the air
(a) II, III and IV (b) I, II and III (c) Deterioration over a period of long time
(c) I, III and IV (d) I, II, III and IV (d) Excessive restoration of an artwork
(ii) The problem of the conservation of (v) Choose an option that is NOT similar
historical monuments requires: (1) in meaning to the word `weathering’. (1)
(a) an understanding of the deterioration (a) worn-out
process. (b) eroded
(b) an accurate study of the many (c) disintegrated
environmental agents. (d) softened
(c) an accurate assumption of effects of
rainwater. (vi) To understand the destructive process
(d) an understanding of the effects caused by of a monument it is very important to
the chemico-physical action of pollutants. study the: (1)
(a) moisture deposited on the monument
(iii) Choose the phrase that does Not use
yearly.
the phrase ‘run-off’ as used in the (b) understand the variations of heat affecting
passage. (1) the monument.
(a) The printer has run off 2,000 copies of the (c) diurnal and seasonal variations on the
leaflet. monument.
(b) The sink shelf is grooved so that the water (d) fluxes of energy experienced by the
will run off. monument.
(vii) Which of the following will be the most (a) the maintenance of the artwork.
appropriate title of the passage? (1) (b) keeping the mural in its original condition.
(a) Deterioration Process of Historical (c) the causes and not only on the effects.
Monuments (d) the effects of time that can be clearly seen.
(b) Monuments and their Deteriorations (ix) What are formed on the monuments in
(c) The Legacy of Monuments the zones where the surface of marble
(d) The Science of Deterioration or calcareous monuments is only
(viii) When considering the deterioration in wetted but protected from run-off ? (1)
the case of particularly precious (a) Green patches (c) Black crusts
mortars, actions are described that act (c) Grey mould (d) Yellow residue
on: (1)

Tourism is an important socio-economic activity. It provides enormous scope for
economic development of a particular area. According to Ziffer (1989), “Tourism
involves travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the
specific object of studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and
animals, as well as any existing cultural aspects (both past and present) found in these
areas.”
In India, temple towns, historical monuments and sea beaches were traditionally sought
out as tourist attractions. But now the fabric of tourism is changing rapidly as nature,
heritage, and recreational destinations are gaining more importance. In this background,
eco-tourism has of late become a top attraction for the tourists. The root of tourism in
India can be traced to pilgrimage. In the early stages, pilgrimage-based tourism was only
of domestic nature but during recent years, a large number of foreign tourists have also
started visiting places of pilgrimage.
India has an unending choice for the tourists—a 3,500 km long and 8,848 beautiful long
beaches on the sea coast, gregarious tropical forests, the great variety of lifestyle. India’s
share in international tourist arrivals was 0.34 per cent in 2002 and it increased to 0.49
per cent during 2005. The increasing trend has been maintained over the last three years
and international tourist arrivals touched 3.92 million in 2005. The World Travel and
Tourism Council have identified India as one of the foremost growth centres in the
world in the coming decade. Domestic tourism is estimated to be much higher than
international tourism and has also been rising rapidly.
The Tenth Plan recognised the vast employment generating potential of tourism and the
role it can play in furthering the socio-economic objectives of the Plan. Tourism is the
third largest net earner of foreign exchange for the country. Tourism in India has vast
employment potential. By 2015, it is expected to provide 25 million jobs.
The famous places of tourist interest in India can be classified on the basis of their
geographical location and historical and cultural importance :
(i) India has a natural landscape with a variety of attractions for tourists. There are
snow-covered peaks, valleys, gorges and numerous waterfalls, lakes, and forests that
attract tourists. Nature tourism is identified with the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the
Chotanagpur plateau and other places.
The places of importance include hill-stations like Shimla, Kullu, Mussorie, Nainital and
Udagamandalam (Ooty); national parks and wildlife reserves like the Sanjay Gandhi
National Park (Mumbai, Maharashtr(a) Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan), Sariska
National Park (Rajasthan), Periyar National Park (Tamil Nadu), Kaziranga (Assam),
Kolleru Lake (Andhra Pradesh) and Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary ( Jharkhand).
(ii) Adventure tourism has grown in popularity and India has enormous potential for
adventure tourism. River-rafting, kayaking and mountain climbing in the Himalayas,
rock climbing, skiing in the snow-covered hilly areas, boat racing in Kerala and
paragliding are some favourite adventure sports of tourists.
(iii) India is famous for its cultural and religious tourist places that include towns and cities.
Allahabad. Ajmer, Ayodhya, Badrinath. Bodh Gaya, Dwarka, Haridwar, Kanchipuram,
Kedarnath, Kochi, Madurai, Tirupati, Ujjain, Varanasi and Yamunotri are places of
cultural and religious tourism that are visited by numerous domestic tourists as well as
tourists from abroad.
On the basis of your understanding of the given passage, answer any six questions that follow.
(i) Which of the following is NOT a place (a) I and II (b) III and IV
that was traditionally sought out as (c) I, II and III (d) I, III and IV
tourist attractions in India? (1)
(iv) Choose an option that lists a statement
(a) Historical monuments that is NOT TRUE. (1)
(b) Recreational destinations
(a) India’s historical monuments and
(c) Temple towns archaeological sites are of interest to
(d) Sea beaches domestic and international tourists.
(ii) Which of the following options is (b) India’s share in international tourist arrivals
mentioned by Ziffer when he defines was 0.34 per cent in 2002 and it increased
to 0.49 per cent during 2005.
tourism ? (1)
(c) Tourism is the fourth largest net earner of
(a) Tourism involves travelling to relatively foreign exchange for India.
undisturbed or uncontaminated natural
(d) There are snow-covered peaks, valleys,
areas.
gorges and numerous waterfalls, lakes,
(b) Tourism has a goal of appreciating
and forests that attract tourists to
the untainted beauty of the places
India.
visited.
(c) Tourism involves visiting any existing (v) The Tenth Plan has recognised that for
cultural aspects of both past and present. India tourism has: (1)
(d) All of the above (a) a vast employment generating potential.
(iii) Adventure tourism in India has grown (b) a high exposure rate to the other cultures.
quite a lot in popularity. Some (c) the highest amount of advantages in terms
adventure sports one can experience of economy.
and enjoy in the Himalayas are : (1) (d) only profitable potentials.
I. mountain climbing (vi) Choose an option that is a synonym of

II. river-rafting the word ‘fabric’. (1)
III. kayaking (a) Constraint (b) Potential
IV. boat racing (c) Method (d) Foundation
(vii) Which of the following is NOT (a) gregarious tropical forests

something that provides an unending (b) long stretch of snow covered mountain ranges
choice for the tourists who visit India? (c) beautiful long beaches on the sea coast
(1) (d) the great variety of lifestyle

03. Choose the suitable sub-category for (a) An initiative for slum children
the given advertisement. (1) (b) Donation camp
(c) Charity camp for slum children
______________________ (d) Helping the slum childen
Wanted 2 BHK newly constructed, 05. Sita travels, 284, Rohini Enclave, Delhi
unfurnished/ semi- furnished offers a package tour for 3 nights/4 days
east-facing vastu compliant flat, in Mauritius for Z 10000 per person.
preferably ground floor in North Draft an advertisement for publication
Delhi. Should have regular water in a national daily and choose the
supply, covered parking space and lift. correct answer. (1)
Contact Person: Karan, Phone:
(a) Sita Travels avails a package for Mauritius,
654322100. 3 nights/4 days, stay at 3 star hotel,
Contact Sita Travels, 284, Jagriti Enclave,
(a) Situation wanted (b) Wanted flat
Delhi. Phone : 2536200X
(c) Vacant flat (d) Required vacant flat
(b) Package available for Mauritius, breakfast
04. Complete the notice given below by and dinner, stay at 3 star hotel, 10,000 per
person. Special discount for early birds.
choosing the correct option. (1)
Contact Phone : 2536200X
(c) Attractive package available for 10000 per
DPS Public School
person. Special discount for early birds.
NOTICE Contact Sita Travels, 284, Jagriti Enclave,
Delhi. Phone : 2536200X
27 April 20xx (d) Attractive package available for Mauritius,
_______________ 3 nights/4 days, breakfast and dinner, stay
at 3 star hotel, sight-seeing included,
All the students are hereby informed 10000 per person. Contact Sita Travels,
that a Charity Camp for the children of 284, Jagriti Enclave, Delhi. Phone :
the slums will be organized on 1st May, 2536200X
20xx in our school campus. Old and
discarded books and sports items will Directions (Q. Nos. 6-10) Complete the letter
be distributed to the children of the given below by choosing the correct option.
slum areas. Those who wish to donate 12, Fort Road
the items can bring the items before Kochi
30th April and submit them to the PT
September 20, 20XX
instructor Mr. Sahay. It is a humble
request to urge all the students to take The editor
part in this noble cause. The Hindustan Times
New Delhi – 110006
Suket
School Captain Subject: ____6____
____7_____
Through the columns of your esteemed 09. (a) We all need to help the students (1)
newspaper, I would like to ___8___ of the (b) The authorities must provide counselors to
concerned authorities about the growing use of help the students.
unfair means by students these days. We hear (c) The need of the hour is to take immediate
about many cases where unfair means is used measures to help the students.
during exams. Some students get chits, others (d) The present scenario calls for the
use latest gadgets; and then there are others measures to stop it.
who use the old method — copying from 10. (a) Yours sincerely
others. Many were caught by the exam squads Arun
and got suspended for a year. But still the A concerned citizen (1)
practice continues. (b) Thanking you
So, what is it that is forcing these students to Concerned resident
continue this illegal activity? The primary (c) Yours truly
reason is the high expectations of parents and Concerned citizen
teachers. Then, there is peer pressure. The cut Arun
throat competition to be the best, doesn’t help. (d) Thanking you
There were some students, who also copy due Arun
to the lack of preparation. Sometimes, fear of Or
failure and poor vigilance also make students
use unfair means during exams. Directions (Q. Nos. 6-10) Complete the
___9___ The teachers and parents need to play article given below with the help of the article
an active role in sensitising students about the given below.
importance of learning. They should instill life ____6____
skills and values of integrity and honesty. We also By Himanshu
need better vigilance so that students do not
____7____
move to such plans. After all, they are the future
of our nation. While each one of us have good friends, most
of us seldom read books. We forget the
___10___ innumerable benefits that books offer to us.
06. (a) The increasing use of unfair means to top Books enlighten, give knowledge, entertain
in exams (1) and inform us. Whether we read books
(b) The increasing use of unfair means to pass printed on paper or telebooks, their
in exams importance cannot be denied.
(c) The use of unfair means and the ensuing ________________8_________________
dishonesty Writers like Tagore have put forward to us
(d) The use of unfair means and its causes their life on a platter to understand their
goals and teachings. When we read books,
07. (a) Editor (b) Sir/Ma’am we are in the company of the best and the
(c) The reader (d) None of these (1) noblest minds of all ages. They enrich our
minds.
08. (a) draw the attention (1)
(b) highlight the problem Books are a storehouse of knowledge. Books
(c) attract the attention
often provide a person with the ability to
(d) call for a change to the problem
judge between right and wrong and the
courage to follow the righteous path.
Books indeed provide a pleasurable (d) “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy
company and prove to be a trustworthy and conscience: this is the ideal life.”
lifelong companion.
08. (a) A way to inculcate reading habit… (1)
____9____ (b) Another benefit of books…
06. (a) Books our best companion (1)
(c) Where to find books…
(d) Reading books as a hobby…
(b) Books should be our best friends
(c) The need for books 09. (a) Way in which we can inculcate the reading
(d) The decreasing popularity of books habit (1)
(b) Examples of how books have helped great
07. Which of the following quote can be used personalities
as a beginning of the given article? (1)
(c) A concluding statement reiterating the
(a) “Never trust anyone who has not brought a topic of the article
book with them.”
(d) A Thank you note
(b) “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over
and over again, there is no use in reading it 10. The purpose of the given article is (1)
at all.” (a) To inform (b) to persuade
(c) “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” (c) to entertain (d) All of these
11. Answer any ONE of the two extracts. (i) Identify the figure of speech used in the
sentence “Garbage to them is gold”. (1)
Food is more important for survival
(a) Hyperbole
than an identity. “If at the end of the
(b) Simile
day we can feed our families and go to
(c) Synecdoche
bed without an aching stomach, we
(d) Personification
would rather live here than in the fields
that gave us no grain,” say a group of (ii) The reference to ‘transit homes’
women in tattered saris when I ask indicates …………… (1)
them why they left their beautiful land (a) lack of money
of green fields and rivers. Wherever (b) lack of proper facilities
they find food, they pitch their tents (c) lack of proper means of living
that become transit homes. Children (d) lack of identity
grow up in them, becoming partners in
(iii) “But for a child it is even more.”
survival. And survival in Seemapuri
Which of the following lines elucidates
means rag-picking. Through the years,
the given line? (1)
it has acquired the proportions of a fine
art. Garbage to them is gold. It is their (a) For the children, it is a means of wonder…
(b) I sometimes find a rupee…
daily bread, a roof over their heads,
(c) ….. a perpetual state of poverty.
even if it is a leaking roof. But for a
(d) …. dream come true.
child it is even more.
(iv) Choose the term which best matches the (c) completely ignore everyone
statement ‘Food is more important for (d) destroy the earth
survival than an identity.”? (1) (ii) Choose the correct option with
(a) immorality (b) necessity reference to the two statements given
(c) obligation (d) ambition below. (1)
Or Statement I Children of Seemapuri

help their parents in finding a means
“Perhaps the Earth can teach us of their livelihood.
as when everything seems dead
Statement II The title of the Chapter
and later proves to be alive.
reflects how these children have lost
Now I’ll count up to twelve
their childhood.
and you keep quiet and I will go”.
(a) Statement 1 can be inferred from the
(i) What does the Earth teach us? extract, but Statement 2 cannot be.
(a) Stillness not equal to death (b) Statement 1 is cannot be inferred from
(b) There is life under apparent stillness the extract, but Statement 2 can be.
(c) We can still be alive and kicking though (c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can
mainting stillness for few moments be inferred.
(d) Both (b) and (c) (d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2
cannot be inferred.
(ii) What is the significance of ‘Keeping
(iii) Choose the statement that is NOT
Quiet’?
TRUE with reference to Douglas. (1)
(a) Very peaceful atmosphere
(a) Douglas’s fear kept him away from
(b) No involvement in harmful activities
leisurely activities in water.
(c) Establishing peaceful coexistence
(b) The fall in the pool at YMCA taught
(d) All of the above Douglas a life lesson.
(iii) The poet uses conversational style and (c) The fear of drowning was the source of
personal pronouns or ‘you’, ‘we’ and ‘I’ Douglas’s anxiety and terror.
because (d) Douglas decided to practice relentlessly
to overcome his fear.
(a) he wants to establish contacts easily.
(b) third person talking is ineffective. (iv) Spender’s use of imagery in “His eyes
(c) he tries to reach out to the reader. live in a dream, of squirrel game, in
(d) he wants us to be friendly with whole mankind. tree room, other than this”, brings out
(1)
(iv) Which poetic device has been used in (a) the similarity between the frail bodies of
second line? a squirrel and the children in the
(a) Imagery (b) Irony classroom.
(c) Paradox (d) Transferred epithet (b) the contrast between studying in the
dreary classroom and playing outside
12. Attempt any fourteen questions out of freely.
sixteen questions. (c) the comparison of the dingy home of the
squirrel and the dreary classroom.
(i) In the end, Pablo Neruda again appeals (d) the difference between the games of the
to the people that he would (1) squirrel and those of the children.
(a) initiate the state of inactivity
(b) will not bother at all
(v) Concluding his last lesson by writing (b) A dutiful wife enables a good man to add
‘Vive la France!’ on the blackboard her hands to his own for self-applause. —
shows that M. Hamel (1) Tom Morrison
(a) was overwhelmed with emotions. (c) She was curious, and she could be
untoward. But she was dutiful. She was
(b) wanted to distract all attending class that day.
pared to fit. - Author: Jill Lepore
(c) was keen on not leaving the country.
(d) Certainty makes you beautiful and
(d) wanted to teach French participles through it. uncertainty makes you dutiful. - Author:
(vi) ‘Keeping Quiet’ uses fishermen to Rajesh Walecha
symbolize man’s (1) (x) ‘Waking dream wish fulfillmen’ indicates
(a) persistent pollution of the natural (1)
environment.
(a) human tendency of escapism because of
(b) rapid degradation of human values. the harsh realities of the present
(c) limitless exploitation of natural resources. (b) time travelling
(d) constant participation in acts of terror. (c) theory of escapism
(vii) In the poem, My Mother at Sixty-six, (d) a dialogue between a patient and a
all that the poet did was smile and smile psychiatrist
and smile…, Her smile is (1) (xi) Choose the option that applies correctly
(a) sudden, in response to her mother’s. to the two statements given below. (1)
(b) meaningful and loaded with love. Assertion The Governor was a double
(c) accompanied with tears of farewell. faced man who only showed that he
(d) put on to cheer her mother. cared for Sadao.
(viii) Choose the correct option with reference Reason The Governor wanted only
to the two statements given below. Sadao to operate on him.
Statement I Charley was among the Codes
many people who were suffering in the
(a) Assertion can be inferred, but the Reason
modern rush. cannot be inferred.
Statement II Louisa on the other hand (b) Assertion cannot be inferred, but the
was very satisfied in her life. (1) Reason can be inferred.
(a) Statement 1 can be inferred from the (c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.
extract, but Statement 2 cannot be. (d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred.
(b) Statement 1 is cannot be inferred from the
extract, but Statement 2 can be. (xii) Look at the statements given below.
(c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be Choose the option that correctly
inferred. identifies which statements are fact and
(d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot which are opinion: (1)
be inferred. (i) Sam’s profession was useless in
(ix) Which of the following quotes can be Galesburg as no such studies were
used to describe Hana? (1)
being made during the time.
(a) “A virtuous spouse adds years to your life, a
(ii) However, Sam has good knowledge
wise one adds decades, but a loving one of his field as he very easily
adds an eternity to your life.”? Matshona recognized his friend’s condition.
Dhliwayo
(iii) Sam’s decision to start up a hay (xiv) What is the significance of 1894 in the
business is very sudden as now his lesson? (1)
education will be a waste. (a) It was past (b) Authors' parents were alive
(iv) Sam would live a happy and peaceful (c) Author's childhood time
life in Galesburg. (d) Representing a peaceful , romantic living
(a) Fact – (i) and (iv) ; Opinion – (ii) and (iii) time
(b) Fact – (ii) and (iii) ; Opinion – (i) and (iv)
(c) Fact – (i) and (ii) ; Opinion – (iii) and (iv)
(xv) The number 12 in the poem. ‘Keeping
(d) Fact – (ii) and (iv) ; Opinion – (i) and (iii) Quiet’ signifies. (1)
(a) the months of the year
(xiii) If Sadao had to visit a library on a day (b) the number of sun-signs
thinking about the encounter with the (c) the numbers represented on the clock
white man, which of the following theme (d) All of the above
of books would he NOT explore? (1)
1. Philanthropy (xvi) Why the General only wanted Sadao to
2. War and violence operate upon him? (1)
3. Science fiction (a) Because General was his close friend

4. Fantasy (b) Because General didn’t want to go abroad
(c) Because Sadao was very skilled
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4
(d) Because General didn’t trust anyother
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 3
doctor.
156 PRACTICE PAPER 2
CBSE New Pattern ~ English Core Class 12th (Term 1)
OMR SHEET
Instructions
ü û
1. (i) a b c d 8. a b c d
(iv) a b c d 11. (i) a b c d
(x) a b c d
7. a b c d
(xi) a b c d
8. a b c d
(xii) a b c d
9. a b c d
(xiii) a b c d
10. a b c d
(xiv) a b c d
PRACTICE PAPER 3
Instructions

Over the past few decades, research has revealed a great deal of information about how
readers get meaning from what they read and about the kinds of instructional activities
and procedures that are most successful in helping students to become good readers.
For many years, reading instruction was based on a concept of reading as the application
of a set of isolated skills such as identifying words, finding main ideas, identifying cause
and effect relationships, comparing and contrasting and sequencing. Comprehension
was viewed as the mastery of these skills. One important classroom study conducted
during the 1970s found that typical comprehension instruction followed what the study
called a mentioning, practicing, and assessing procedure. That is, teachers mentioned a
specific skill that students were to apply, had students practice the skill by completing
workbook pages, then assessed them to find out if they could use the skill correctly. Such
instruction did little to help students learn how or when to use the skills, nor was it ever
established that this particular set of skills enabled comprehension.
At about this time, a group of psychologists, linguists, and computer scientists began to
focus research attention on how the mind works — how people think and learn. A goal of
this new research movement, called cognitive science, was to produce an applied science
of learning. In the field of reading, a number of cognitive scientists focused their
attention on how readers construct meaning as they read. Specifically, they studied the
mental activities that good readers engage in to achieve comprehension. From these
studies an entirely new concept emerged about what reading is. According to the new
concept, reading is a complex, active process of constructing meaning — not skill
application. The act of constructing meaning is
● Interactive — it involves not just the reader but also the text and the context in which
reading takes place.

● Strategic — readers have purposes for their reading and use a variety of strategies and skills
as they construct meaning.

● Adaptable — readers change the strategies they use as they read different kinds of text or as
they read for different purposes.

While cognitive science research was producing valuable information about

comprehension processes, reading education researchers were reporting important
findings about what comprehension instruction looks like in the most effective reading
classrooms. The convergence of these strands of research has provided a wealth of
information about what good readers do as they read, about how good and poor readers
differ, and about the kind of instruction that is needed to help students to become good
readers.
On the basis of your understanding of the given passage, answer any eight questions out of the nine
that follow.
(i) Which of the following is NOT a (iv) Choose an option that clearly states
procedure that followed a typical the meaning of the word
comprehension instruction during the ‘convergence’. (1)
1970s, as revealed after a classroom study (a) Two or more things become similar or
done by researchers? (1) come together
(a) Practicing procedure (b) Two thoughts or things going parallelly
(b) Mentioning procedure (c) The emergence of new and distinct
(c) Memorisation procedure thoughts or patterns
(d) Assessing procedure (d) The violent mixing of two or more things
(ii) The act of constructing meaning is: (1) (v) A goal of a new research movement
I. Comprehensive II. Adaptable called cognitive science was : (1)
III. Strategic IV. Interactive (a) to promote a more practical sort of

learning.
(a) I, II and III (b) I, III and IV (b) to produce an applied science of
(c) II, III and IV (d) I, II, III and IV learning.
(iii) Choose an option that lists a statement (c) to introduce an element of learning
that is NOT TRUE. (1)
through assessment.
(d) to reveal a better method of learning.
(a) In the late 20th century a group of
psychologists, linguists, and computer (vi) Many years ago the mastery of
scientists began to focus research attention reading instruction skills was viewed
on how the mind works i.e. how people think as (1)
and learn.
(a) comprehension.
(b) The act of constructing meaning is
interactive because it involves not just the (b) cognitive learning.
reader but also the text and the context in (c) interactive learning.
which reading takes place. (d) interpretation.
(c) Research has revealed a great deal of (vii) Which instruction gave no help to the
information about the kinds of instructional
students to learn how or when to use
activities and procedures that are most
successful in helping students to become certain skills nor was it ever
good readers. established that this particular set of
(d) Reading instruction is even now based on a skills enabled comprehension? (1)
concept of the application of a set of skills (a) reading instruction
like identifying words. Finding main ideas, (b) typical comprehension instruction
identifying cause and effect relationships, (c) cognitive instruction
comparing and contrasting and sequencing. (d) adaptable comprehensive instruction
(viii) The convergence of the strands of (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 3 and 4

cognitive science research and reading (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
education research has provided a (ix) Pick the option showing the CORRECT
wealth of information about (1) use of the word ‘interactive’. (1)
I. what methods are required to instil (a) What has this to do with interactive
in students the habit of learning multimedia?
through reading. (b) Keep in mind the interactive nature of
II. the kind of instruction that is needed workplace stress.
to help students to become good (c) I am interactive with an insane asylum.
readers. (d) The factory, an interactive site
III. what good readers do as they read. celebrating color and artistry, has two
floors.
IV. how good and poor readers differ.

Dried fruits are basically fresh fruits that have been dried. Fruits are dehydrated by
conventional sundrying or other drying techniques. They shrivel up and the pulpy
remains are the dry fruits that you enjoy at breakfast or during those mid-meal breaks.
As the water content is removed, the fruits become energy-bombs with concentrated
nutrients.
Some of the most common dry fruits and nuts are raisins, cashew nuts, almonds,
walnuts, dates, figs, prunes and apricots. Some varieties of dried fruits like mangoes,
pineapples, cranberries, etc., are also available in sugar-coated candied versions. Of
these, dry fruits devoid of any additives are the best for your body.
Walnuts and almonds for the brain, cashews to fight migraine, apricots for healthy eyes
and raisins for digestion, these are only a few benefits of dried fruits and nuts.
Dry fruits also help the body in the following ways
● Loaded with essential nutrients, the benefits of dry fruits and nuts for health cannot be
overlooked. Dry fruits increase your nutrient intake as they are rich in potassium, iron,
folate, calcium and magnesium.
● The antioxidants boost your immunity, keeping you healthy and free from diseases and other
illnesses.
● Raisins and prunes are rich in iron and are beneficial for those who are anaemic. Dry fruits
are packed with nutrients like Vitamin B, minerals like phosphorous and copper, and
unsaturated fats that boost the regeneration of blood cells and haemoglobin in the body.
● Almonds, figs, pistachios and cashew nuts also give energy and build stamina. Raisins play a
significant role in lowering systolic blood pressure. They control cholesterol and reduce
inflammatory markers in the body.
● Dry fruits are a rich source of beta carotene, an antioxidant that battles anxiety and
depression in people. These antioxidants also improve memory. Dry fruits help to improve
sleep and enhance learning and performance.
Are There Any Side Effects of Eating Dried Fruits? Since dried foods do not contain
water, they are packed with concentrated sugar and are high on calories. They also have
reduced Vitamin C and lesser antioxidants than fresh fruits.
This may pose a threat to our health if not consumed in moderation. Some of the side
effects of eating dried fruits are
● The high sugar content increases the risk of diabetes.
● Dried fruits with the extra calories can be a major reason for weight gain.
● They are also known to augment heart-related issues if consumed in unhealthy quantities.
● Sulphites found in dried fruits can cause asthma attacks and also trigger allergies, rashes and
● stomach cramps in some cases.
On the basis of your understanding of the given passage, answer any six questions from the seven
that follow.
(i) Some of the most common dry fruits (v) Brazil nuts keep a check on blood
and nuts are (1) pressure as they are : (1)
1. mangoes 2. cashew nuts (a) monounsaturated fatty acids that prevent
3. lychee 4. walnuts spikes.
5. dates 6. raisins (b) packed with minerals like phosphorous and
copper.
7. cranberries 8. apricots
(c) contain nutrients like Vitamin B and C.
(a) 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8 (b) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7 (d) a source of potassium, magnesium and
(c) 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 (d) 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 calcium.
(ii) Which of the following is NOT a (vi) Dried foods are packed with
benefit provided by the antioxidants in concentrated sugar and high on calories
the dried fruits? (1)
because: (1)
(a) Keeping you healthy (a) they are processed foods.
(b) Boosting your immunity (b) they do not contain water.
(c) Keeping you free from diseases or illnesses (c) they are sautéed in watered sugar.
(d) Lowering your systolic blood pressure (d) they are energy boosting foods.
(iii) Dried fruits pose a threat to our health (vii) Dry fruits are packed with nutrients like
if (1)
Vitamin B, minerals like phosphorous
(a) they are not dried properly.
and copper, and unsaturated fats that:
(b) they are not soaked in water. (1)
(c) they are not taken in moderation.
I. boost haemoglobin in the body
(d) they are not taken in correct form.
II. boost the regeneration of blood cells
(iv) What does the author mean by the III. boost energy in the body
words ‘swear by’? (1) IV. boost the immunity of the body
(a) to strongly believe that something is (a) I and IV
effective or useful (b) I and II
(b) to recommend the good quality of (c) II and III
something (d) III and IV
(c) to stand by a thought or opinion
(d) to share something that is good with others

03. Choose the correct option to complete (c) Wanted a building with basement at a
the given notice. (1) prime location, should have servant
quarters and balcony. water supply and
ABC SCHOOL, VIKASPURI power backup, spacious rooms and lobby,
NOTICE CCTV security, cost reasonable.
(d) Wanted a corner independent building with
23 March, 20×× basement at a prime location for
Felicitation Function residence-cum-clinic, should have servant
quarters and balcony. CCTV security, cost
The Literary Club of ABC School is
will be negotiated as per the market
organising a function to felicitate Gautam
demands. Contact: Madhu.
Adhikari, a budding writer of Class XII-B
for winning the first prize in State Story 05. Choose the correct option to complete
Writing Competition. All students are the given notice. (1)
requested to attend it to make the
occasion memorable. D.P. Public School, Nagpur
__________________________
NOTICE
Rameshwari
(Secretary, Literary Club) 17th March, 20XX
Articles/Sketches are invited from all
(a) Day and Time the students for the school magazine on
(b) Date, day, time and venue
any topic. Submit your entries in the
(c) Venue and Purpose
editor’s room. For further details please
(d) Time and Organizers
contact the undersigned.
04. You are Dr. Madhu, M.D. You are looking Srinidhi
for an independent house in Ghaziabad on (Student Editor)
a reasonable cost for a residence-cum-clinic.
Draft a suitable advertisement and choose (a) Submission for School Magazine
the correct option. (1) (b) Write up or Sketch
(a) Wanted a corner independent building with (c) Submit Entries
basement at a prime location for (d) None of the above
residence-cum-clinic, should have servant
quarters and balcony. Prefer separate Directions (Q. Nos. 6-10) Complete the
entry for clinic parking, 24 hrs. water given letter by choosing the correct option.
supply and power backup, spacious rooms
and lobby, CCTV security, cost reasonable. Shanti Enclave, Sec 20
Contact : Dr. Madhu Mobile No. :
93123268XX
Delhi
(b) House Wanted an independent house as April 20, 20××
office-cum residence, Prefer separate ____6____
entry for clinic parking, 24 hrs. water
supply and power backup, spacious rooms
The Hindustan
and lobby, Should have regular water New Delhi
supply, covered parking space and lift. Subject: _____7_____
Contact Phone: 45645678.
Sir (c) Through the columns of your esteemed

newspaper, I would like to highlight the
_____8______ problem of obesity rising among children.
It is sad but true that more and more school (d) The letter is written to highlight the problem
children are getting obese. It is all due to of obesity rising among children.
their sedentary lifestyle. They don’t want to 09. (a) Immediate measure needs to be taken…. (1)
involve themselves in any outdoor activity.
(b) We need to control the rising obesity…..
They just cling on to T.V., internet or video (c) The problem of obesity need to ….
games. The major cause is their fondness (d) All of the above
for junk and fried food. Home-cooked food
is looked down upon because of their love 10. (a) Your truly (b) Yours Truly (1)
for tinned and canned food. Most of them (c) Yours truly (d) your truly
prefer pizzas and burgers over green Or
vegetables, fruits and milk. The result is
that these young students are losing their Directions (Q. Nos. 6-10) Complete the given
youth and beauty. article with the help of the options given below.
________9________ Physical exercise and Helping Each Other to Get
outdoor activities should be made Over Difficult Times
compulsory. Parents should also avoid
giving fast foods in lunch box. Students ______6______
must be taught that obesity is an invitation No man is an island. Man is a social animal
to fatal diseases such as hypertension, heart and he has to live in society. As such he has
ailments, cancer and arthritis. This is a some duties to others. Every man has to
matter of great concern. So I request you to depend upon one another, especially in times
publish my opinion in your esteemed of difficulties. So it is our foremost duty to help
newspaper. others. I expect to pass through this world but
Thanking you once. Any good thing therefore that I can do,
or any kindness that I can show to any fellow
_____10_____ creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it
Lavanya or neglect it. This is because I may also need
the help of others.
06. (a) The Editor (b) The Chief (1)
We must give some time to our fellowmen.
(c) To the Director (d) To,
Sometimes when we are generous in small
07. (a) School promoting a healthy lifestyle (1) ways, it can change someone’s life forever. Our
(b) The problem of obesity rising amongst small help can do wonders for a man who is in
children difficulty. We expect others to help us when we
(c) The health problems that children might need such help. So we should always be ready
face due to obesity to lend our hand to others.
(d) The rising trend of junk food and obesity
There is no greater reward than to be the giver
08. (a) I want this letter to be published with than the receiver. When we give someone our
the heading ‘OBESITY AMONG time, talent and love, in return we shall get
CHILDREN’. (1) more than we give. Helping others should
(b) With the hopes that the letter will be mean a lot to us. Just because some people
published, I want to point out the were not grateful does not mean that I shall
problem of obesity among children. stop helping others. We should be willing to
help people in difficult times.
Do something for others for which you get 08. The conclusion of the given article
no pay but the privilege of doing it. contains (1)
06. (a) name of the writer (1)

(a) an appeal
(b) a warning
(b) name of the organization
(c) a desire
(c) location and date
(d) larger benefits
(d) name of the writer, location
07. Which of the following images can be 09. An alternative title for the given article
would be (1)
used as a hint for the given article? (1)
(a) Being helpful is always beneficial
(b) Small acts of kindness leave bigger
impacts
(c) Helping hand as a positive quality
(d) Help during difficulties is angelic
(a) (b) 10. Which of the following is the objective

of the given article? (1)
(a) To express personal opinion.
(b) To persuade people
(c) To entertain people
(d) To present factual information
(c) (d)
11. Attempt any one of the following extracts. (ii) What is the speaker feeling after
getting to know that it is his last French
My last French lesson! Why, I hardly lesson? (1)
knew how to write! I should never learn
(a) Sad (b) Regretful
anymore! I must stop there, then! Oh,
(c) Frightened (d) Distraught
how sorry I was for not learning my
lessons, for seeking birds’ eggs, or going (iii) What did Franz do to skip his French
sliding on the Saar! My books, that had lessons? (1)
seemed such a nuisance a while ago, so (a) Seeking bird eggs
heavy to carry, my grammar, and my (b) Going on the slides
history of the saints, were old friends (c) Working on the mill
now that I couldn’t give up. (d) Both (a) and (b)
(i) Why was it the speaker’s last French (iv) How do Franz’s feelings regarding his
lesson? (1) books change? (1)
(a) Because his French teacher was retiring. (a) He feels that they were his friends.
(b) Because of a government order to teach (b) He believes that they were nuisance.
only German. (c) He feels that his identity is related to his
(c) Because the speaker was migrating. books.
(d) Because French has become a language to (d) He believed that they are of no use to him.
be taught in higher classes.
Or (ii) Kamala Das compares her mother to

...and realised with pain the late winter’s moon in the poem.
With reference to this statement which
that she was as old as she of the following options is NOT
looked but soon TRUE? (1)
put that thought away, and (a) The mother was growing frail and old
looked out at Young (b) The poet was fearful of her mother's
Trees sprinting, the merry children passing away.
spilling (c) The poet did not really want to leave her
out of their homes, but after the airport’s. mother.
(d) The poet was going to see her mother for
security check, standing a few yards
the last time.
away,
(iii) ‘I would bob to the surface like a cork.’
(i) The use of the young and old is used to
The figure of speech used in the given
highlight (1)
lines are (1)
(a) the age of the mother.
(a) Personification (b) Simile
(b) the ill-health of the mother.
(c) Imagery (d) Alliteration
(c) the pain of the poet.
(d) poet’s helplessness. (iv) Franz thinks, “Will they make them
sing in German.” What does this
(ii) What does the poet feel at the airport? (1)
indicate? (1)
(a) Happy and hopeful
(a) When people are deprived, surrounding are
(b) Upset and sad
also affected.
(c) Joyous
(b) Nothing will change expect them.
(d) Resignation
(c) All changes are welcome
(iii) Which thought did the poet put away? (d) Changes are not going to benefit them.
(1)
(a) The thought of leaving her family. (v) Choose the option that applies correctly
(b) The thought of meeting with an accident. to the two statements given below. (1)
(c) The thought of her mother’s ageing and Assertion Charley was just a common
declining health. man with common duties and aims.
(d) The thought of her mother’s departure. Reason Charley desired a war free life
(iv) Which poetic device is used in ‘Trees without any violence and stress.
sprinting’? (1) (a) Assertion can be inferred, but the Reason
cannot be inferred.
(a) Metaphor
(b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the
(b) Simile
Reason can be inferred.
(c) Personification
(c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.
(d) Alliteration
(d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be
12. Attempt any fourteen questions out of sixteen inferred.
questions. (vi) Neruda points out that humans are
(i) How does Charley describe himself? (1) ‘single minded’. With reference to the
(a) As an extraordinary 31 years old guy.
given statement, which of the following
(b) As an ordinary 31 years old guy is NOT TRUE? (1)
(c) As a stressed 31 years old man (a) We are single-minded in our actions which
(d) As an imaginative escapist harm the environment.
(b) Wars resulting from our hostility cause (a) The world of the middle class is not
great destruction. accessible to the slum children.
(c) Because of the single-minded nature of (b) The world of the rich is not accessible to
humans, earth will come to an end. the slum children.
(d) We need to leave behind our (c) The world of the good people is not
single-mindedness, and inculcate human accessible to the slum children.
values. (d) The world of the literate is not accessible
(vii) Why has ‘sour cream’ been used by the to the slum children.
poet to describe the walls of the (xi) How did the old gardener react when
classroom? (1) Dr Sadao gave shelter to the enemy
(a) To symbolize the pathetic condition of the soldier?
children of the school. (a) He reacted solemnly. (1)
(b) To symbolize the reluctant attitude of the (b) He did not show any reaction.
children of the school. (c) He did not approve of it.
(c) To symbolize the unmaintained school. (d) He got angry about it
(d) To symbolize the neglect of the higher
authorities (xii) What is the significance of the third
level? (1)
(viii) What role did the American professor
(a) It is a medium of teaching oneself.
play in bringing Hana and Sadao (b) It is a medium of meeting new people.
together? (1)
(c) It is a medium of refreshing oneself.
(a) He asked them to join his class. (d) It’s a medium of escape.
(b) He invited them for an expedition
(c) He invited a number of foreign students at
(xiii) Why did Sadao’s father send him to
his home and that included Sadao and America even though he hated
Hana. Americans? (1)
(d) He talked to their parents to agree to their (a) To learn surgery
relationship. (b) To learn advanced life skills
(ix) Look at the statements given below. (c) To learn research work
(d) To become better citizens
Choose the option that correctly
identifies which statements are fact and (xiv) Hana washed the wounded soldier
which are opinion: (1) because (1)
(i) Franz did not like going to school. (a) Yumi refused to wash the dirty white man.
(ii) Franz was scared of M. Hamel. (b) Hana felt necessary to help her husband.
(c) Only Hana knew how to wash him properly
(iii) Franz should be excited as he was
(d) Both (a) and (b)
going to learn German.
(iv) Franz was regretful on the day of the (xv) How would you describe Charley? (1)
last lesson. (a) Confused, happy-go-lucky
(a) Fact – (i) and (iv) ; Opinion – (ii) and (iii) (b) escapist, adventurous
(b) Fact – (ii) and (iii) ; Opinion – (i) and (iv) (c) imaginative, nostalgic
(c) Fact – (i) and (ii) ; Opinion – (iii) and (iv) (d) friendly, responsible
(d) Fact – (ii) and (iv) ; Opinion – (i) and (iii) (xvi) Though Douglas was frightened, he was
(x) Why does the poet say, ‘And yet, for not (1)
these children these windows, not this (a) afraid from water (b) depressed
map, their world’? (1) (c) going to survive (d) out of his wits
166 PRACTICE PAPER 3
CBSE New Pattern ~ English Core Class 12th (Term 1)
OMR SHEET
Instructions
ü û
1. (i) a b c d 8. a b c d
(iv) a b c d 11. (i) a b c d
(x) a b c d
7. a b c d
(xi) a b c d
8. a b c d
(xii) a b c d
9. a b c d
(xiii) a b c d
10. a b c d
(xiv) a b c d
ANSWERS
Practice Paper 1
Passage 1
(i) (a) (ii) (a) (iii) (c) (iv) (b) (v) (d) (vi) (c) (vii) (c) (viii) (c) (ix) (d)
Passage 2
(i) (c) (ii) (a) (iii) (a) (iv) (c) (v) (d) (vi) (a) (vii) (a)

3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (a)
6. (b) 7. (a) 8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (b)
Or 6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (b) 9. (b) 10. (d)
11.
(i) (b) (ii) (a) (iii) (d) (iv) (c)
Or (i) (c) (ii) (d) (iii) (d) (iv) (d)
12.
(i) (c) (ii) (a) (iii) (b) (iv) (c) (v) (b) (vi) (c) (vii) (a) (viii) (c) (ix) (c)
Practice Paper 2
Passage 1
(i) (c) (ii) (a) (iii) (b) (iv) (a) (v) (d) (vi) (b) (vii) (b) (viii) (c) (ix) (b)
Passage 2
(i) (b) (ii) (d) (iii) (c) (iv) (c) (v) (a) (vi) (d) (vii) (b)

3. (b) 4. (c) 5. (d)
6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (a) 9. (c) 10. (a)
Or 6. (a) 7. (d) 8. (b) 9. (a) 10. (d)
11.
(i) (a) (ii) (c) (iii) (a) (iv) (b)
Or (i) (d) (ii) (d) (iii) (d) (iv) (d)
12.
(i) (a) (ii) (c) (iii) (b) (iv) (b) (v) (a) (vi) (c) (vii) (d) (viii) (c) (ix) (b)
(x) (a) (xi) (c) (xii) (d) (xiii) (b) (xiv) (d) (xv) (d) (xvi) (c)
Practice Paper 3
Passage 1
(i) (c) (ii) (c) (iii) (d) (iv) (a) (v) (b) (vi) (a) (vii) (b) (viii) (c) (ix) (a)
Passage 2
(i) (a) (ii) (d) (iii) (c) (iv) (a) (v) (d) (vi) (b) (vii) (b)

3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (a)
6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (d) 10. (c)
Or 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (a) 10. (b)
11.
(i) (b) (ii) (b) (iii) (d) (iv) (a)
Or (i) (a) (ii) (d) (iii) (c) (iv) (c)
12.
(i) (b) (ii) (c) (iii) (b) (iv) (a) (v) (c) (vi) (c) (vii) (a) (viii) (c) (ix) (d)
(x) (b) (xi) (b) (xii) (d) (xiii) (a) (xiv) (d) (xv) (c) (xvi) (d)

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ARIHANT PRAKASHAN (School Division Series)

Administrative & Production Offices

Hkkjr CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

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Series 1 (c) The values that nurtured it were

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Questions (ii) Pick the option in which the meaning of

Questions (v) Which option represents the correct

(ix) Pick the option that correctly lists the 4. Disillusioning

Questions (iii) Based on your understanding of the

Questions 5. Stationing of personnels

Questions (c) He fumbled his lines, not knowing what to

Questions (v) Why did the narrator feel bitter?

Questions (v) Which option represents the correct effect

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Questions (v) Which is NOT mentioned as a way to

Health Benefits of Tea

Anti Inflammatory Boost Mental Health

Control Diabetes Fight Obesity

Healthier Heart Prevents Cancer

Skin Problems Improve Bone Health

Questions (vi) According to the data given in the

2. The tradition of drinking tea dates

1. Infection Use of Tea

Kenya Nepal India

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(vii) According to the survey, which of the 4

Sri Lanka 35.1%

Arab World 23.3%

Questions 100 100

experience in a theatre. It’s an outing. The Hotstar 150

Questions (iii) With high self-esteem we learn to

Questions 2. Obesity means exceeding the required

Questions (b) Reduce gender parity in all fields.

(a) Politics Health Education

(b) Politics Health Education

Grading Government Private Total

*Figures in parenthesis indicate percentages

(v) What make social media addiction an 6 6

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— Signature, name designation of the issuing authority.

SULEKHA MEMORIAL PUBLIC SCHOOL, DELHI Name of the

Multiple Choice Questions

03. The purpose of a notice is to ................. .

Name of the Institution/Organisation

DHARMIK SANDHYA PUBLIC SCHOOL

JANATA GROUP HOUSING SOCIETY

(a) Store Water

ADHARSHILA SCHOOL, LAJPAT NAGAR

(a) Green Day (b) Cultural celebration

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Charity Show for Cancer Patients

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SHIV VATIKA PARK, JANAKPURI

6 07. (a) Class (1)