Shri Vinayak Academy Int. Sr. Sec.

School
Rath Road , Orai, Jalaun
PT-2
Subject:- English
Class:- XI
M.M: 50

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions. ( 12 Marks)

Today’s wars have little in common with the battles of the 19th century. The fighting has gradually moved
from clearly defined battlefields to populated areas. Traditional war between armies of opposing states is an
exception, while non-international conflicts have become the norm. Nowadays, civilians bear the brunt of
armed conflicts.

International humanitarian law has adapted to this change. Appalled by the destruction and suffering caused by
the Second World War, states agreed in the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 on comprehensive protection for
those who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities — wounded and sick soldiers, prisoners of war and
civilians. This cornerstone of international humanitarian law was supplemented in 1977 and 2005 by three
additional protocols.

The use of certain weapons, such as biological or chemical weapons, cluster munitions and anti-personnel
mines is now widely oudawed. The law has placed barriers to protect the most vulnerable from the brutality of
war. Its implementation has also seen a certain amount of progress, such as in the training of soldiers or in the
prosecution of the worst war crimes, thanks in particular to the founding of the International Criminal Court
(ICC).

Nevertheless, regular serious breaches of international humanitarian law are a cause of suffering. Underlying it
all is our collective failure. The contracting states undertook in Article 1 — common to the four Geneva
Conventions of 1949 — “to respect and to ensure respect” for these conventions “in all circumstances.”
International humanitarian law has, since its conception, lacked mechanisms for encouraging effective
compliance. This impotence has often meant death and destruction for those affected by war.

Since the adoption of the first Geneva Convention 150 years ago, international humanitarian law has become a
central pillar of the international legal order. Ultimately its provisions serve to protect our key characteristic as
human beings: our humanity. This is an irrevocable right. It is based on the belief, forged over centuries and in
all our cultures, according to which it is essential to lay down rules if we want to prevent wars from
degenerating into barbarism. It is up to our generation to consolidate these achievements and to create an
institutional framework to ensure these rules are respected. If it is to be fully effective, the law needs suitable
instruments. Never in the history of humankind have we been closer to a solution than we are today.

Questions
(A) On the basis of your reading of the Passage, answer the following Questions briefly.
(i) How are today’s wars different from the wars of the 19th century?
(ii) What is the state of the International humanitarian law’s implementation?
(iii) What is the reason behind the regular breaches of the International humanitarian law?
(iv) How can the law become completely effective?
(v) Which word in paragraph 1 means the same as ‘chief impact of a specified action’?
(vi) Which word in paragraph 2 means ‘dismayed’ or ‘horrified’?
 (B) On the basis of your reading of the Passage, answer the following Questions by choosing the most
appropriate option.

(i) How did the International humanitarian law change between 1977 and 2005?
(a) It abolished use of biological and chemical weapons
(b) It abolished use of cluster munitions
(c) It abolished use of anti-personnel mines
(d) All of the above

(ii) When and why were the Geneva Conventions adopted?

(a) 1949; to prevent wars from taking place
(b) 1977-2005; to preserve humanity during wars
(c) 1949; to preserve humanity during wars
(d) 100 years ago; to prevent wars from taking place

(iii) Which of the following have the contracting states undertaken in Article 1 in all circumstances?
(a) Ensure that the conventions ate implemented
(b) Affirm that the conventions will not be violated I
(c) To respect and to ensure respect for the conventions I
(d) None of the above

(iv) The significant change that the Geneva Conventions of 1949 brought about was that the countries agreed to
protect the people who were no longer fighting the war. Which of the following categories of people did it
include?
(a) Prisoners of war and civilians
(b) Wounded and sick soldiers
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of these

(v) What does the word ‘irrevocable’ mean in paragraph 4?

(a) irascible
(b) unchangeable
(c) irreparable
(d) irresponsive

(vi) What does the word ‘forged’ mean in paragraph 4?

(a) imitated/fake
(b) broken
(c) established
(d) barricaded

2. As the Head Boy of your school, write a letter to the Principal requesting him to organise an excursion to
Haridwar for an adventure holiday like white water rafting, rock climbing and mountaineering. ( 5 Marks)

OR

As the Head Boy of your school, write a letter to the Principal requesting him for improvements in the school
canteen. The hygienic conditions as well as the menu need to be looked into.
3. There is an error in the form of verb in each of the following lines. Find the error. Write the incorrect word
and the correction in your answer sheet as given below. Remember to underline the word that you have
supplied. ( 4 Marks)

4. Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follows: (4 Marks)

When did my childhood go?

Was it the day I ceased to be eleven,
Was it the time I realised that Hell and Heaven,
Could not be found in Geography,
And therefore could not be,
Was that the day!

(a) What question does the poet ask again and again in this poem?’
(b) What did the poet realise when he crossed the age of eleven years?
(c) What is the poet’s feeling towards his childhood?
(d) According to Markus Natten, when does the child become an adult?

5. Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follows: (5 Marks)

And who art thou? said I to the soft-falling shower,

Which, strange to tell, gave me an answer, as here translated:
I am the Poem of Earth, said the voice of the rain

(a) What does the poet mean by ‘Who art thou’?

(b) Name the poem.
(c) Name the poem.
(d) Which poetic device has been used in ‘I am the poem of Earth’?
(e) What was strange in rain’s replying to the poet?
 6. Read the questions below and answer any five. (40-50 words) (15 Marks)

i. What is the global concern raised by Mr Lester R. Brown that threatens the very existence of man?
ii. What awareness according to Nani Palkhivala is growing worldwide? Why?
iii. Why does Taplow feel that Mr Harris is “hardly human”?
iv. What does Frank suggest to Taplow about waiting for Mr Harris?
v. “I think it’s not facts that matter, but ideas.” To whom did Einstein say this and why?
vi. Why was Mr Braun speechless for a few moments?

7. The school system often curbs individual talents. Discuss. (100-120 words) (5 Marks)
OR

“Are we to leave our successors a scorched planet of advancing desert, impoverished landscapes and an
ailing environment?” (100-120 words)