DPS Vasant Kunj Class XII 2021-22 English Curriculum Workbook

Delhi Public School
Vasant Kunj
New Delhi
English
Curriculum Workbook
2021-2022
Class - XII
DPS VASANT KUNJ CLASS XII 2021-22
ENGLISH CORE (CODE NO. 301)
CLASS – XII 2020-21
SECTION A
READING COMPREHENSION 20 Marks
The section A will have two passages .
A. One unseen passage with a variety of Objective Type Questions, including Multiple Choice Questions
and Short Answer Questions to test comprehension, interpretation and inference. Vocabulary such as
word formation and inference of meaning will also be tested.
The total length of the passages will be between 800 - 900 words. Five Multiple Choice Type Questions
and Seven Objective Type Questions (total 12 Marks) shall be asked from this passage. The passage
will include one of the following:
a) Factual passages, e.g., instructions, descriptions,reports.
b) Descriptive passages involving opinion, e.g., argumentative, persuasive or interpretative text.
c) Literary passages, e.g., extract from fiction, drama, poetry, essay or biography.
B. The second passage will be of 400-500 words . Note-making and Abstraction will be assessed.
i. Note making (4 Marks)

ii. Summary (4 Marks)
SECTION B
WRITING SKILLS 30Marks
a. Advertisements and notices, designing or drafting posters, writing formal and informal invitations and
replies. One question out of the two Short Answer Questions– 4 Marks
b. Letters based on verbal / visual input.- One question out of the two Long Answer Questions to be
answered in 120-150 words:6 Marks
Letter types include

• Business or official letters (for making enquiries, registering complaints, asking for and giving information,
placing orders and sending replies)
• Letters to the editor (giving suggestions or opinion on issues of public interest)
Application for a job
c. Two compositions based on visual and/or verbal Input may be descriptive or argumentative in nature
such as an article/a debate/ a speech or a report- Two Very Long Answer Questions containing
internal choice, to be answered in 150-200 words. (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)
SECTION C
LiteratureTextbooks 30 Marks
I. Eight Objective Type Questions – 4 from one poetry and 4 from one prose extract to test
comprehension and appreciation. (8 × 1=8 Marks)
II. Five out of Seven Short Answer Questions based on prose / drama / poetry from both texts
(5 × 2=10 Marks)
ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 1

III. One out of two Long Answer Questions to be answered in 120-150 words to test global
comprehension and extrapolation beyond the texts. (6 marks) (Flamingo)
IV. One out of two Long Answer Questions to be answered in 120-150 words to test global
comprehension along with analysis and extrapolation. (6 marks) (Vistas)
Prescribed Books
1. Flamingo: English Reader published by National Council of Education Research and Training,
New Delhi
2. Vistas: Supplementary Reader published by National Council of Education Research and
Training, New Delhi
Flamingo:
Prose Poetry :
1. The Last Lesson 1. My Mother at Sixty Six
2. Lost Spring 2. An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum
3. DeepWater 3. Keeping Quiet
4. The Rattrap 4. A Thing of Beauty
5. Indigo 5. A Roadside Stand
6. Poets and Pancakes 6. Aunt Jennifer’sTigers
7. The Interview
8. Going Places
Vistas:
1. The Third Level
2. The Tiger King
3. Journey to the End of the Earth
4. The Enemy
5. Should Wizard Hit Mommy?
6. On the Face of It
7. Evans Tries an O-Level
8. Memories of Childhood
- The Cutting of My Long Hair
- We Too are Human Beings

QUESTION PAPAER DESIGN 2020-21

Cycles and Assignments Literature

1. The Enemy
Code : 12E(01)
2. Poets and Pancakes
Contents
Code : 12E(05)
1. Reading comprehension
Contents
2. Notemaking and Abstract writing
Literature
3. Notices
1. Keeping Quiet
4. Formal Invitations and Replies
2. The Third Level
5. Posters
Code : 12E(06)
Literature
Contents
1. The Last Lesson
1. Debate
2. My Mother at Sixty-six
Literature
Code : 12E(02)
1. Should Wizard Hit Mommy?
Contents
2. The Interview
1. Informal Invitations and Replies
Code : 12E(07)
2. Article - Newspaper and Magazine
Contents
3. Report - Newspaper, School and Magazine
1. Speech
4. Advertisements
Literature
Literature
1. Aunt Jennifer's Tigers
1. The Rattrap
2. Evans Tries An O-level
2. An Elementary School Classroom In A Slum
Code : 12E(08)
Code : 12E(03)
Contents
Contents
Literature
1. Letter to the Editor 1. Going Places
2. Letter of Enquiry and Reply 2. Indigo
3. Letter Placing Order and Reply Code : 12E(09)
Literature Contents
1. A Thing of Beauty 1. Job Application and Curriculum Vitae
2. On The Face of It 2. Letter of Request to the Principal
Code : 12E(04) Literature
Contents 1. The Tiger King
1. Letter of Complaint and Reply 2. Lost Spring

Code : 12E(10)
2. Letter of Cancellation and Reply
Contents

Literature
1. Deep Water
2. A Roadside Stand
Code : 12E(11)
Contents
Literature
1. Memories of Childhood
Code : 12E(12)
Contents
1. Letter of Invitation
2. Journey to the End of the Earth
Code : 12E(13)
Contents
Revision
Code : 12E(14)
Contents
Revision

Pre-Midterm Syllabus
Section A (Reading)
1. Note making and Abstract

2. Comprehension and Vocabulary
Section B (Writing)
1. Notices
2. Formal and Informal Invitations and Replies
3. Posters
4. Advertisements : Classified and Display
5. Article : Newspaper and Magazine
6. Report : Newspaper and Magazine
7. Letter to the Editor
8. Official Letters
9. Business Letters
10. Replies to the Letters
Section C (Literature)
Prose
1. The Last Lesson
2. The Rattrap
3. The Enemy
4. On The Face of It
Poetry
1. An Elementary School Classroom In A Slum
2. A Thing of Beauty
3. My Mother at Sixty-six
Pre-Board Syllabus
The complete syllabus of Class XII Core English

Assignment
English
Class - XII
Code : 12 Eng (01)
Section - A (Reading)
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. Have we lost the ability to write? No I don’t mean we’ve been afflicted with an epidemic of mass
illiteracy. What I mean is that, thanks to the digital revolution, we’re losing, or have already lost, the
ability to write longhand.
2. Before the dawn of the computer age, kids in school were taught the craft of penmanship, the skill of
being able to write clearly and legibly in longhand. There were ruled exercise books specially designed
for the purpose.
3. Implements called fountain pens were used to execute the act of writing. The most prized brand of
fountain pen was Parker, closely followed by Wilson. The fountain pens were filled by capillary action
with ink, the most popular brand being Quink, Sulekha being a sort of poor country cousin.
4. Not just school kids but everyone wrote, all the time. People handwrote long letters to each other,
kept journals and diaries, penned messages in greeting cards for festivals and birthdays and other
special occasions.
5. All this handwriting spawned a special industry called graphology, which claimed that you could
discern the character and personality of people through the way they wrote.
Then computer keyboards happened, and the internet, mobile phones and SMSs, and all of a sudden
handwriting vanished, along with fountain pens, Quink, letters and graphology.
6. Today, the only writing that’s done is the signing of cheques. And technology will soon devise electronic
signatures which will be the final nail in the coffin of penmanship, RIP.
7. Or will it? According to a recent report, a number of special handwriting schools have sprung up in
Delhi and other parts of the country teaching mature students like IAS officers, accountants and other
professionals how to use a pen.
8. However, such training institutes might also have to teach their pupils how to spell. Because, thanks to
telephonic texting and the shorthand it employs, apart from the ability to write we’ve also lost the
ability to spell.
9. Had he been around today, Hamlet might well have tweeted: 2 B r nt 2 B, tht is d? What would
graphology make of that?
- JUG SURAIYA
On the basis of your understanding of this passage answer the following questions with the help of
given options: (1 × 2 = 2)
(a) The loss of the ability to write means...
(i) Being illiterate
(ii) Being unable to write longhand
(iii) Being unable to write shorthand
(iv) Being unable to spell
(b) ‘RIP’ in paragraph 6 stands for...
(i) ‘REST IN PEACE’
(ii) ‘REST IN PEN’
(iii) ‘REST IN PENMANSHIP’

(iv) ‘REST IN PARKER’

Answer the following questions briefly: (2 × 4 = 8)
c) What was ‘ penmanship ‘? What were the two things meant to aid ‘ penmanship ‘?
d) Which pen and which ink, held the First and Second positions in their respective categories?
e) What is graphology?
f) What has affected our ability to spell?
g) Find words from the passage which mean the same as: (1 × 2 = 2)
i) caused something to be developed ( para 5 )
ii) invent ( para 6)
A.2 Read the following passage carefully and answer briefly the questions that follow.
Haresh Khanna applied for a job at a Czech shoes factory.
In a few minutes Haresh was ushered into the office of the General Manager of Prahapore.
Pavel Havel was a short man like Haresh, but almost as broad as he was tall.
‘Sit, sit, sit’, he said to Haresh.
Haresh sat down.
‘Show me your hands’, he said.
Haresh offered Mr. Havel his hands, palm upwards.
‘Bend your thumb.’
Haresh bent it as much as possible. Mr. Havel laughed in a not unfriendly but rather final way.
‘You are not a shoemaker’ he said
‘I am’, said Haresh.
‘No, no, no’ Mr Havel laughed. 'Some other line, some other job is best for you. Join some other
company.What do you want to do in Praha?'
‘I want to sit on the other side of this desk’, said Haresh.
Mr Havel stopped smiling.
‘Oh’, he said. “That high?
‘Eventually’, said Haresh.
‘We all start on the shop floor’, explained Mr Havel, feeling sorry for this rather incapable but ambi-
tious young man who would never make a shoemaker. It was perfectly obvious the moment he had
tried to bend his thumb. The way shoes were made in Czechoslovakia required bending the thumb.
This young man had no more future with Praha than a one-armed man in a wrestling pit. ‘Myself, Mr.
Novak, Mr. Janacek, Mr. Kurilla, all of us, we all started on the shop floor. If you cannot make shoes,
he continued, 'what hope is there for you in this company?
‘None’, said Haresh ‘So, you see’-said Havel. ‘You have not even seen me trying to make a shoe’,
said Haresh. ‘How would you know what I can or can’t do ?”
Pavel Havel got slightly irked, he had a great deal of work to do today, and endless empty talk
bothered him. He looked slightly weary. Gazing out of his window at the bright - too bright - greenery
outside he wondered if the communists would ever leave Czechoslovakia and if he and his family
would ever get the chance in his lifetime to see his hometown of Bratislava again.
The young man was saying something about being able to make a shoe. Pavel Havel stared at the
lapel of his fancy suit and said rather brutally, “You will never make a shoe.”
Haresh could not understand Havel’s sudden change of tone, but he was not cowed by it. ‘I think I
can make a shoe right from the design pattern to the finished product’, he said.
‘All right,’ said Pavel Havel. ‘You make a shoe. You make a shoe, and I will give you a foreman’s job
at eighty rupees a week.’ No one had ever started as a foreman at Praha, but Pavel Havel was sure
that this was a riskless bet. But Haresh was willing to try for something better. He said : ‘I have here
a letter of appointment from James Hawley offering me a job at seven hundred and fifty rupees. If I
make a shoe to your satisfaction, not just an ordinary shoe, but the most difficult one in your produc-
tion line, will you match their offer?” Pavel Havel looked at the young man, disconcerted by his
confidence, but put a finger to his lips, as if reconsidering his calculated likelihoods. ‘No, he said,
slowly. That would put you in the managerial grade and cause a revolution at Praha. It is impossible.
As it is, if you can make a pair of shoes-of a kind I will choose-you will become a foreman, and that
in itself is half a revolution.’ Pavel Havel, having suffered from one in Czechoslovakia, did not approve
of revolutions.
He phoned Kurilla, the head of the Leather Footwear Division, and asked him to come to his office
for a few minutes.
‘What do you think, Kurilla?’ he said ‘Khanna wants to make a shoe. What should we give him to
make? ‘Goodyear Welted," said Kurilla cruelly.
Pavel Havel smiled broadly. "Yes, yes, yes," he said. 'Go and make a pair of Goodyear Welted shoe
according to our ready-made pattern.’
This was the most difficult type of shoe to make, and involved over a hundred different operations.
Havel frowned, looked at his own thumbs, and dismissed Haresh.
1. One the basis of your reading of the passage answer the following questions as briefly as possible.
a) Why did Mr. Pavel make Haresh bend his thumb ?
b) Why did Mr. Pavel look out of the window in irritation ?
c) What did Haresh demand if he made a shoe to their satisfaction ?
d) What is cruel about Kurilla asking Haresh to make a pair of ‘Goodyear Welted shoes’?
e) Mr. Havel felt sorry for Haresh as
i. he was rather capable but unambitious.
ii. he was rather incapable but ambitious.
iii. he was incapable and unambitious.
f) Mr. Havel didn't accept Haresh's challenge because
i. it would put Haresh in the managerial grade.
ii. it would put Haresh in the foreman grade.
iii. it would put Haresh in the designer grade.
2. Find the most appropriate meaning of the word in the passage which means the same as :
I : irked (line nos. 26-30)
a) annoyed

b) scared
c) challenged
II : cowed (line nos. 30-36)
a) subdued due to illness or poor health
b) subdued due to personality trait
c) subdued due to fear or threrat
III : revolution (line nos. 42 -47)
a) slight change
b) complete change
c) terrible change
A.3. Read the given passage and do as directed.
The arts and science have ever since been in competition for the most lively young brains. This com-
petition is itself the clearest evidence that good minds can fulfil themselves as well in one as in the
other. Here in fact is one of the few psychological discoveries of our generation to which we can hold
with a reasonable certainty; that the general configuration of intelligence factors which distinguish the
bright from the dull is the same in one man as another, in the humanist as in the scientist. We are
divided by schooling and experience; and we do differ, though we differ less, in our aptitudes but
below these, we share a deeper basis of common ability. This is why I write with confidence for
laymen and scientists, because the reader who is interested in any activity which needs thought and
judgment is almost certainly a person to whom science can be made to speak. It is not he who is deaf,
but the specialists who have been dumb, the specialists in the arts as well as the sciences.
Many people persuade themsleves that they cannot understand mechanical things, or that they have
no head for figures. These convictions make them feel enclosed and safe, and of course save them a
great deal of trouble. But the reader who has a head for anything at all is pretty sure to have a head for
whatsoever he really wants to put his mind to his interest, say in mathematics, has usually been killed
by routine teaching, exactly as the literary interest of most scientists (and, for that matter, of most non-
scientists) has been killed by the set book and the Shakespeare play. Few people would argue that
those whose taste for poetry has not survived the school certificate are fundamentally insensitive to
poetry. Yet they cheerfully write off the large intellectual pleasures of science as if they belonged only
to minds of a special cast. Science is not a special sense. It is as wide as the literal meaning of its name
: Knowledge. The nation of the specialised mind is by comparison as modern as the specialised man,
“The scientists" award which is only a hundred years old.
(a) Make notes on the given passage using appropriate abbreviations/ symbols.
(b) Summarize the points into a paragraph of 80 words.
2 Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:
If you were asked who shot Lee Harvey Oswald you would probably say Jack Ruby. But there’s
another possible answer to the question : the photographer who shot those staggering pictures of
Ruby gunning him down. And what has reached my mind ever since is wondering whether, if he had
dropped his camera and grabbed the gunman, we might, with Oswald alive, know more than we will
now ever be able to find out about why Kennedy died.
Journalists and TV people, we know, are supposed to record what goes on; but in trying to get the
best record they can, they may sometimes seem amazingly cold-blooded. In the massacre that fol-
lowed the British quitting India, there was a photographer who made a sorrowing Indian family bury
and rebury its dead several times till he got a perfect shot. A BBC sound man held up a Nigerian
execution for half an hour while he adjusted his sound equipment; you could say it didn’t make any
difference to the final outcome, but it doesn’t make you feel especially warm towards the man con-
cerned.
Should these journalists and photographers join in, or just stand back and watch while people kill one
another? It’s a tricky ethical question, not just a matter of how brave anyone is feeling at the time;
because without authentic pictures, how will the world know, how should the world believe what
atrocities are committed? One dead photographer does not do much for the cause he cares about,
even if he did feel compelled to weigh in and take sides.
Our professional ethic enjoins us to stay uncommitted and report the facts; and, if we have to have
guidelines, that’s probably as good a one as any. Certainly some of the seediest of journalists, whether
we’re talking about the Middle East or Northern Ireland, are those who pile on one set of adjectives
- squalid, butchering, oppressive - for terrorism of whose aims they disapprove, and quite another set
- committed, dedicated, idealistic - for the same thing done by those they like.
But it leaves out a lot. ‘My complaint against journalists,' a friend of mine once said, ‘is not that they
behave badly in the course of duty, but their inability to recoil into a human being when it’s over.’ I
have not forgotten an occasion over 20 years ago, when a birdman was going to jump from a Press-
filled Rapid. He got his equipment tangled with the aeroplane in some way, and plunged to his death.
As most of them watched in shocked horror, one newsman ran down the plane with the words : ‘My
God, what a story!’
To stay out of the fight, to write down what’s going on, to treat equally with both sides, as a doctor will
stitch up soldiers in either uniform or a lawyer argue for either side - that is supposed to be our code;
and when it comes to the crunch, we probably do better trying to stick to that, than rushing off on
individual impulse.
But is there not a point in any profession where you are forced back against the wall as a human being,
where a doctor should hand Jack the Ripper over to the police and a lawyer refuse to suppress the
blood-stained evidence that proves his client a torturer? During the Algerian confusion, some Tunisian
soldiers were preparing to shoot their prisoners (‘what a story’). One journalist, an Italian, walked
over and just calmly stood in front of the wretched men, implying that if the soldiers shot them, they
would have to shoot him too.
Finally some officers arrived and defused the explosive situation, and just a handful of the lives that
went up in that particular bonfire were saved.
A news hound may start out just to get a good story, but it is not impossible, all the same, for him to
end as a man.
(a) Make notes using appropriate format and suitable abbreviations wherever necessary. Give a
suitable title.
(b) Write the summary of the above passage in about 100 words.
A.4. On the basis of the passage below, answer the questions that follow :
Once upon a time......there was a storyteller
No fairytales, please. "We want our children to grow up as reasonable human beings," a teacher in a
Bombay school told Indira Mukherjee. An understandable sentiment, but for Indira, a ‘storyteller’, an
unforgivable one. “If adults have such attitudes, the children are losing out,” she says.
In fact, in the age of electronic media, when a toddler learns to sway to Daler Mehendi even before
she has taken her first baby steps and is addicted to Cartoon Network even before she can speak her
first complete sentence, where’s the place for the simple homespun story or folktale?
There are many wonderful programmes on TV, Indira admits, but unfortunately, the medium has the
ability to make things appear all too real. A child watching it beings to forget that it's a make-believe
world, and then you have children imitating dangerous feats after watching TV. “Fairytales, by the
very way they begin, ‘Once upon a time.....’ make it clear that it’s nothing more than just that: A fairy
tale, a make-believe world.” Besides, one can’t argue with her when she says: “Stories are the best
way to convey love and affection to our children.”
The clear-cut categorisation between good and evil in fairytales is important, insists Delhi-based
Indira, who has made story-telling a full-time occupation. In fact, she has been telling tales for a long
time now - mostly to children at schools - and has just brought out her first audio tape, the first one in
a series of three. “A child has to first understand that there is good and there is bad. Only later, he
understands that people are both good and bad. First we have to accept variety, only then can we
accept oneness,” she says. But do we want our children to grow up in a fantasy world? Fairytales
actually help our ability to draw a line between fiction and reality, believes Indira. “Up to a particular
age-group, we all grow up with fantasies. We want to believe in them, at the same time, we know it’s
fiction. That that faraway land exists inside us.”
Her own story began not so long ago at her grandmother’s lap in Nagpur. Two ancient wooden
cupboards crammed with storybooks only fuelled her appetite, and imagination, for more stories and
lore from different regions of the country as well as outside. When she read an article about a story-
teller, she knew in which direction her own story would lead.
It has not exactly been an easy choice : While people don’t want to be given money for this, there’s
also the dilemma about accepting it, says Indira, who has tried to find a way around it by taking up
writing assignments in between. For a while she also taught Public Administration at IGNOU. “So
much can be done through stories,” she says. Stories help children understand other people. And
through the children’s responses and the questions they ask, Indira is always able to distinguish be-
tween the ones who listen to stories - she finds these children to be more articulate and more imagina-
tive.
Her storytelling takes her to all parts of the country. As part of the ongoing project, Indira will be
telling stories and holding 60 workshops with teachers in Government and NGO-run schools in Delhi,
Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Her first tape, with two stories, is for the very young;
the second one, for slightly older children, will consist of adventurous stories drawn from real life; the
third will have stories about lesser-known women who have taken part in the freedom struggle.
Gender-sensitisation is the theme - “women are not given the chance to realise their potential.” What
Indira found fascinating was how gender bias unconsciously showed up in many of the stories of the
teachers who took part in her workshops. She draws upon the rich folklore of other countries and
uses paper-cut-outs while retelling them to children, to make the experience vivid. And every country’s
tales have their own story to tell. “For example, in our folktales, the protagonist always comes back
home after an adventure, and Japanese folk-tales are woven around nature.”
Stories are also invaluable for the simple way they present the eternal good-vs-evil conflict. “These
messages remain in their subconscious,” she says. “We all wait for good to triumph in the end. A child,
and even adults, have to believe in this - that ultimately good will win.”
I (a) The first paragraph says “an understandable sentiment.” What is this sentiment about?
(b) Why does the narrator say that there is now no place for the simple homespun fairy tale?
(c) Mention any two advantages of a fairy tale.
(d) How has Indira improved the concept of fairy tales?
(e) “Gender sensitisation” - what does the narrator mean by this?

II Find the words that mean the same as the following:-
(a) a view on or with emotion (Lines 1 - 10)
(b) remarkable act or achievement (Lines 7 - 15)
(c) chief performer in a story (Lines 30 - 42)
Section B - Writing
1. You are the sports secretary of your school. Your school is playing against Shri Raj School Ghaziabad
in Zonal Baseball Match. Write a notice in about 50 words for your school's Notice Board giving
relevant details and inviting your school students to watch the tournament and cheer the team. (50
words)
2. As the President of the Spastic Society of India, invite all its members to a dance recital by ‘Hema
Ratna’ on 17th April 200X at 6.30 pm. at Siri Fort Auditorium. Famous film personality Mrs, Madhuri
Mani has consented to be the chief guest. Draft the invitation. (50 words)
3. Frank Public School is holding a Drill Display at the National Stadium on 1Oth March, 200X. The
chief guest will be Ms. Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi. On behalf of the Principal draft an invitation to be
sent to parents and guests on this occasion. All guests should bring their cards on account of security.
(50 words)
4. You are making an effort to spread the message of communal harmony. Prepare a poster with catchy
slogans to be displayed in the school premises.
5. You are Subi Samuel, a student of Class XII. You found an i pod in your school library. Write a notice
for the rightful owner to furnish necessary details to claim it back from you. (50 words)
6. Dilip Doshi is a 10 year old boy suffering from blood cancer. He urgently needs Rs. 5 Lacs for a bone
marrow transplant. Prepare the appeal on behalf of Child Relief You. (50 words)
7. Pochampally and other coastal areas of Adil Naidu have been wrecked by floods. Prepare an appeal,
seeking help in cash or kind to provide relief to the helpless residents. This appeal is being issued by
Youth For India. (50 words)
8. You are Maureen Jones, Secretary of Raisina Club, Dhanbad. Write a notice for the club members,
informing them to pay their annual subscription before 22nd September, 20xx (50 words)
9. Prepare an admission notice for South Delhi Women's Polytechnic, Strand Road, New Delhi. The
institute offers Certificate / Diploma courses in CAD, Fashion Designing, Interior Decoration, etc. (50
words)
10. Amar Circus is in town. Design a wall-poster to attract people for the show. (50 words)
11. Your school is going to organise an inter-house on the spot painting competition for classes X to XII.
Your duty as the school's Cultural Secretary requires you to prepare a poster about the upcoming
event. (50 words)
12. Your child studies in Frank Public School. You are Mrs. Lal respond to the invite in Q. No. 3
13. Prepare an appeal, seeking financial aid for a 7 year old boy suffering from AIDS, for his treatment.
Q1 Short Answer Type and RTC. Questions.
1. What struck as unusual to Franz in school that day?
2. Did Franz’s feelings about M. Hamel and school change? Why?
3. What news did M. Hamel break to his students?

4. Ennunicate M. Hamel’s views about the French language.
5. Describe Franz’s character, as presented in the story.
6. “We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with".
Explain the above comment with reference to the context.
7 ‘Far from gusty waves these children’s faces.
Like rootless weeds, the hair torn round their pallor:
The tall girl with her weighed - down head.
The paper-seeming boy, with rat’s eyes. The stunted, unlucky heir
Of twisted bones, reciting a father’s gnarled disease,
His lesson from his desk’.
a. Name the poem and its poet.
b. Describe the appearance of the children.
c. Explain ‘weighed-down head.’
d. Why is the heir unlucky?
e. Find words from the extract which mean the following :
(i) blowing strongly
(ii) paleness
(iii) undeveloped
8. ‘Unless governor, inspector, visitor,
This map becomes their window and these windows
That shut upon their lives like catacombs,
Break O break open till they break the town
And show the children green fields, and make their world
Run azure on gold sands, and let their tongues
Run naked into books the white and green leaves open
History theirs whose language is the sun.
a. What should be done to make ‘this map’,. ‘their window’?
b. What are catacombs? Explain the usage of this word here.
c. ‘till they break the town’. Identify the ‘they’ here and the suggested action.
d. Elaborate on the metaphor, depicted in the last line of the stanza.
9. What does Stephen Spender protest against in his poem? How?
10. Describe the poetic devices employed by Spender in the poem.
Q2 Long Answer Type Questions.
1. Justify the title ‘The Last Lesson’.
2. Define linguistic chauvinism. Trace its presentation in ‘The Last Lesson.’
Code 12 Eng (02)

Section - A (Reading)
A 1. Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow :
INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION
1. Another year has passed and we are going to celebrate yet another World Environment Day. But the
question that arises is what have we done to prevent pollution. India is progressing industrially, no
doubt. But are we not doing so at the cost of polluting the whole country ? The extent of pollution is
so much that Delhi is still running fast on vitiating the lives of all living things. Industrial pollution is
causing a major threat because of its potential to cause irreversible reaction in the environment. Lack
of planned development has put the environment to high risk due to poor land use compatibility and
over exploitation of resources. "So we are trying to focus on prevention rather than cure,” says The
Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
2. So, in order to delineate areas that are suitable for industrial sitting and for classification of different
areas based on their existing environmental features. CPCB has taken up a project to prepare
district-wise zoning atlas for sitting industries. Last year they have completed 19 districts and this year
33 districts are in the process of being covered.
3. The present site clearance procedure insists on carrying out environmental impact assessment (EIA)
for certain projects. “If you can identify the industries which are not conforming to the norms set by
the pollution control board it becomes easier both for the regulatory bodies as well as for the indus-
tries. After identifying the defaulting industries, we find out the cause of pollution and ask them to
adhere to the rule set by the pollution control boards. In 1992 there were about 1551 defaulting units.
But last year we’ve managed to bring down the figure to 156. "We are still interacting with these
defaulting industries,” adds the Chairman. The collective initiatives taken by the CPCB together with
the state pollution control boards regarding the highly polluting categories of industry which are dis-
charging their effluents into rivers without requisite treatment have shown significant results. Based on
river basin-wise surveys, CPCB has identified the polluted stretches and action points which resulted
in launching a major national programme for prevention of pollution in the river Ganga and other
rivers.
4. The indiscriminate bio-medical wastes from hospitals are also one of the major sources of pollution.
So taking into consideration this factor, CPCB has formulated guidelines for safe handling of hospital
wastes of different categories and accordingly hospitals are required to take steps to install proper
incinerators. “We’ve also given the guidelines and other technical inputs to the Ministry of Environment
and Forests, Government of India, for issuing notification on bio-medical wastes management under
the Environment (Protection) Act so that the same regulation can be applicable throughout the country,”
explains the Chairman. So how is the performance of the state pollution control boards ?
5. “Well, with the limited kind of manpower, infrastructure, freedom, and budget, they are doing a
remarkable job. In the United States, the environment protection authorities have a budget of $7
billion per year with a manpower of 18,000 as compared to the CPCB budget of Rs. 10 crores for
the entire country with a manpower of less than 500.
Taking into consideration all these steps taken by CPCB, one cannot deny the fact that the key to the
success of controlling pollution lies in mass awareness. But we have to go a long way regarding that.
6. The common tendency is to put a hanky on your nose and cross the area. What is actually needed is
mass awareness and mass participation in controlling pollution awareness we cannot do much. Keep-
ing this in mind we have introduced the public participation and mass awareness progamme through
non-governmental organisations (NGOs). An NGO cell has been set up in the CPCB which will
coordinate with NGOs showing them what kind of approach they should take in making the people
more aware.” The cell undertakes tasks like enlisting environmental NGOs involved in activities
related to pollution control, establishing NGO network in consultation with state pollution control
boards, providing training for the NGOs and equip them with facilities like water testing kits, analyti-
cal instruments, books and literature, etc. in order to enhance their capabilities in the field of pollution
control and also organising mass awareness programme and pollution control activities through NGOs.
7. “If you want to take environment seriously, you have to strengthen the pollution control bodies in
terms of funds, functional autonomy and professional staff,” adds the Chairman.
1) Mention the Project of Central Pollution Control Board to keep the city free from Industrial
pollution.
2) How can you say that hospitals are a major source of pollution?
3) What is the NGO and how does it work?
4) What are the views of the Chairman - CPCB to combat pollution?
5. Industrial pollution is dangerous because :

i. it can cause irreversible reaction in the environment.
ii. it can cause over-exploitation of resources.
iii. it can cause poor land-use compatibility.
6. The common tendency for combating industrial pollution is
i. to cover your nose and cross the aera.
ii. to cover your eyes and cross the area.
iii. to spread awareness about the problem.
7. Find words which mean the same from the passage :-
a) to specify (para 2)
b) uncared for (para 4)
c) necessary (para 3)
A.2 Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow :
Written in Early Spring
I heard a thousand blended notes
While in a grove I sat reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind
To her fair works did Nature link

The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What Man has made of Man.
Through primrose tufts, in that sweet bower,

The periwinkle trail’d its wreaths;
And ‘tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.
The birds around me hopp’d and play’d

Their thoughts I cannot measure,
But the least motion which they made
It seem’d a thrill of pleasure.
The budding twigs spread out their fan

To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.
If this belief from heaven be sent.

If such be Nature’s holy plan,

Have I not reason to lament
What Man has made of Man?
William Wordsworth
1. Where was the poet sitting and what did he hear?
2. Why did the poet become sad though he was in a sweet mood?
3. What is the link between man’s soul and nature?
4. Why does the poet become sad when he thinks about the activities of man?
5. What is the faith of the poet?
(i) Nature and her works have been created for man’s pleasure.
(ii) Nature and her creations have been created for man’s destruction.
6. What did the birds do? Why does the poet say that he cannot measure their thoughts?
7. How does the poet conclude that the birds were happy?
8. What did the budding twigs do?
9. The expression “What Man has made of Man”. is used twice in the poem. What does the
poet want to convey through this?
10. How does the poet feel when he thinks about the activities of man?
a) Happy and reassured
b) Unhappy and helpless
c) Fearful and perturbed
A.3 Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow :-
Everybody knows that the education given at present in our universities is narrow and intellectual and
is confined to giving instruction in the subjects of the set course with an eye on the students’s success
in the examination. The physical side of education is neglected, and there are practically no facilities
for social life or corporate activities of any kind. Naturally in such narrow grooves, there is little
opportunity for training the character of the student and developing his personality. In this connection,
it will be wise to look up to America, the most practical country in the world. America possesses
democracy in education. Education is not a monopoly of the idle rich, or the privilege solely of the
bloated and arrogant middle class, but the birth right of every American child. In Europe primary
education is free and compulsory, but higher education is reserved only for a few. No attempt is made
by American educationists to dole out education according to social position. It is possible for a
student to start in the common school and move right up to the University.
Education in America is frankly utilitarian as it is not either in England or in India. Metaphysics and
Latin and Greek occupy a very subordinate place in the curriculum. The almost miraculous success of
American business all over the world is due to the strictly utilitarian ideals of American education. In
America business men generously give away large sums of money for education. It is not an idealistic
generosity which prompts them to do so, but the realization that their education has helped them to
make money and so they must give money for giving similar education without direct social utility. A
look into an American University Calendar would show that the courses of study offered range from
dish-washing to Metaphysics, but dish-washing is given more importance than Aristotle.

The difference between American and Indian education is that Indian educationists aim at producing
merely glorified clerks while Americans want self-respecting citizens who shall be taught to make an
independent living in every walk of life. Our unemployed are consoled by being told that 'man shall not
live by bread alone'. This is not true. The truth is that man shall not live by culture alone. He wants
bread first. That is recognized by American Universities. So in these two ways we can learn much
from America. We must make education cheap, within reach of all who are capable of it and desire it
and we must make it utilitarian. A man who can do the job of dish-washing really efficiently is a better
citizen than a man who writes Babu Piche Lal’s English, and murders Shakespeare. In America,
examinations have been completely eliminated. Instead of holding examinations and promoting those
who receive a certain percentage of marks, the entire group is promoted. The more slowly developing
child is given individual attention, and the brilliant child is not retarded. The gifted child is given more
work of a creative nature, and is even encouraged to dream, but he is never placed in a class of
children older than himself, where he may grow self-conscious and lose confidence.
Questions :
(1) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it by using recognizable
abbreviations wherever necessary. Suggest a suitable title to the passage.
(2) Write an abstract of the above passage in about 80 words.
A.4. Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow :
After the rejoicing and reckoning, there is jubilitation among the Indian women over the recent Supreme
Court ruling that the mother is also the natural guardian of a minor. This means that the children of
unwedded mothers and bigamous marriages will no longer be called illegitimate. He can take his
mother’s name. There is no simple answer to it since Indian women continue to be governed by a
forceful feudalistic society that traps them in the maze of the personal laws of assorted religion. And is
there any religion which, at its crux and very core, permits women to breathe fully and freely as
individuals ? In 1856 our politicians decided that women cannot win against pseudo-political religiosity.
The collective fate of crores of Hindu women was sealed that day. But today the Supreme Court says
that a mother is a natural guardian. Our Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956 provides that the
natural guardians of a Hindu minor for person and property in the case of a boy or an unmarried girl
is the father, and after him, the mother.
Here we hold that in all situations where the father is not the actual charge of the affairs of the minor
either because of his indifference or because of an agreement between him and the mother of the
minor and the minor is in the exclusive care and custody of the mother or the father or any person is
unable to take care of the minor because of his physical or mental incapacity, the mother can act as
natural guardian of the minor and all her actions would be valid even during the life time of the father.
Who would be deemed to be ‘absent’ for the purposes of the section 6 (a) of HMC Act and Section
19(b) of CW Act. The court has now decided that there cannot be an illegitimate human being,
illegitimate offspring are also covered under inheritance and succession, rights unless specially willed
out. According to Hindu Adoption Law, an unmarried woman can adopt a child but a married Hindu
woman cannot. Her husband has to do it and she can only give consent.
Once the child is adopted, she is an equal guardian. The legal experts says that the ruling of the
Supreme Court does not change the face of family law in any way as the courts always look towards
the best interest of the minor and in most cases the mother is understood to be the natural guardian. It
was also argued when the financial settlements are made in court, the fathers tend to insist that the
minor maintenance will be kept in instruments like fixed deposits until they turn 18 because the mother
is always viewed as incapable. Incidentally prominent legal activists say that the ruling is narrow. They
point out that if the mother changes her religion, she ceases to be the child’s natural guardian but the
others point out that the onus of proving that factually the father is absent, the mother will be the
natural guardian. The ruling of the Supreme Court is just a feel good factor.
1 Makes notes on the above passage using symbols and abbreviations. Give a suitable title.
2 Write an abstract of the above passage in about 100 words.
A.5. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
Men, women and children probably observed several things: the places where edible plants were
found, how seeds broke off stalks, fell on the ground, and new plants sprouted from them. Perhaps
they began looking after plants. In this way people became farmers.
They could also attract and then tame animals by leaving food for them near their shelters. People
encouraged animals that were relatively gentle to come near the camps where they lived. These
animals such as sheep, goat, cattle and also the pig lived in herds. Often, people protected these
animals from attacks by other wild animals. This is how they became herders.
Domestication is the name given to the process in which people grow plants and look after animals.
Very often, plants and animals that are tended by people become different from wild plants and
animals. This is because people select plants and animals for domestication. For instance, they select
those plants and animals that are not prone to disease. They also select plants that yield large- size
grain, and have strong stalks, capable of bearing the weight of the ripe grain. Seeds from selected
plants are preserved and sown to ensure that new plants and seeds will have the same qualities.
Amongst animals, those that are relatively gentle are selected for breeding. As a result gradually,
domesticated animals and plants become different from wild animals and plants. For example, the
teeth and horns of wild animals are usually much larger than those of domesticated animals.
Domestication was a gradual process that took place in many parts of the world. It began about
12,000 years ago. Virtually all the plant and animal produce that we use as food today is a result of
domestication. Some of the earliest plants to be domesticated were wheat and barley. The earliest
domesticated animals include sheep and goat.
a) Make notes on the passage. Use appropriate abbreviations and symbols wherever necessary. (5 )
b) Write a summary of the passage in not more than 80 words. (3)

Section B (Writing)
1. Rukmini Chandra recently saw a Hindi film and was astonished to see much violence depicted in it.
She decides to write an article for the school magazine on ‘Violence in films’ in about 200 words.
Using your own ideas and the information given below write that article.
(easy availability of firearms - blood shed - inefficiency of the police and judiciary -prosperity of
criminals - appreciated by those in power)
2. You have been asked to cover the ‘Lakme Fashion Week’ shows. You have attended the first day of
the show. Write a short report of the inaugural show in 125 words for your magazine ‘Fashion’. You
are Nandini/Nikhil Vaidya.
3. You think differently from the way your parents think about food, clothing and life style. Write an
article on ‘Generation Gap - A Myth or Reality’ for your school magazine in about 200 words. You
are Amit/Ambika Sharma.
4. You are Sonam Jain of class XII and a prefect of Aurobindo School. You have recently attended a
seminar entitled “Changes in school education system — grades or marks ?” held at India Interna-
tional Centre. Write a report for your school magazine in about 125 words and mention the outcome
of the seminar.
5. Nikhil has come out successful in the I.I.T Entrance Examination. He has decided to throw a party for
his friends Write out an informal invitation giving details of venue, time and date. Do not exceed 50
words.
6. As Advertising Incharge of your agency, draft an attractive advertisement for a company which is
launching a new toothpaste. (50 words)
7. You are Heeya / Hussain. You have been invited by Nitika, your classmate to attend her birthday
party. Send your reply to this invitation (50 words) in the negative.
8. Pasco Industries, Plot no. 8, Barrackpore, Siliguri-11, requires two Marketing Executives for their
office. Write an advertisement for the ‘ Situation Vacant’ column of a local newspaper (50 words).
9. You have recently started a Dance Academy for children between 5-18 years. Draft an advertise-
ment, mentioning the necessary details of your academy, to be published in a local daily (50 words).
10. You are migrating to Australia. Therefore, you have decided to sell your flat. Draft an advertisement
for the 3 bedroom, centrally located apartment in Dwarka. It’s to appear in a newspaper (50 words).
11.

The visual above presents the sordid reality of the store-room of a multi-national and popular restraunt
chain. Write a report on the alarming scenario, where the visual reflects a common occurrence in
most eating joints in Delhi. Focus on the consequences and remedial measures. You are Sheela/
Shantanu reporting for 'Tehelka News'. (200 words)
12. You are the Publicity Manager of a monthly sports magazine, Sportsworld. Create an advertisement
for the promotion of sales of its Annual Issue. (50 words)
13. Dr. Yashwant Prasad has been invited by the Chairman, National Dairy Board, New Delhi to attend
a Panel Discussion on teh "Future Needs of Dairy Industry", as one of the eminent panellists. This
event is to be held at Jaipur on 28th August, 20XX. However, Dr. Prasad will not be able to attend
the said event, due to unforeseen circumstances. Draft a suitable response to the invitation, in a formal
letter, provding the reason. Invent the necessary details. (50 words.)
Q1 Short Answer Type Questions.
1. Why did the peddler have to adopt two professions?
2. Discuss the peddler’s attitude towards the world and its people.
3. What surprised him at the little grey cottage?
4. Why did the peddler recall his thoughts about the rattrap in the forest?
5. Describe the activities, as noticed by the peddler at Ramsjo Ironworks.
6. Why did the peddler decline to go home with the ironmaster?
7. “I think he ought to stay with us today.” Comment on this statement with reference to the
context.
8. Justify the title of the story ‘The Rattrap.’
1. Write a character - sketch of Miss Willmansson.
2. Elaborate on the element of redemption in the story.
Code : 11Eng (03)

Section A (Reading)
1. Read the passage given below carefully:
1. In recorded history, Ashoka had the biggest empire in India. And it is significant that it is in his time
that the Indian script finally emerges. Ashoka ruled in the 3rd century BCE (Before Common Era,
formerly known as BC, Before Christ) and the first evidence of writing in the Indian subcontinent
appears on his many stone edicts scattered across the land at this time. Before that the only Indian
script comes to us in the form of the as yet un- deciphered script of the Indus Valley Civilization. In the
1500 years in between, writing seems to have disappeared, at best reduced to a memory, known
maybe to an elite few such as Panini the grammarian who does refer to a script. Megasthenes notes
the absence of writing in the time of Ashoka’s grandfather, Chandragupta. The Vedas were orally
transmitted, hence called ‘that which needs to be heard’ (shruti). In other words though Indian
Literature is over 3500 years old, writing in India is less than 2500 years. Scholars composed sutras
or aphorisms, for easy oral transmission. Writing was never seen as important as the spoken word.
So why did writing become so important in the times of Ashoka?
2. It clearly has something to do with controlling a vast empire, from the North West frontier to Gujarat
in the West to Telangana in the South. How did the king establish his power in his absence? He

needed to establish monuments, pillars with his symbol: the lion, leaving no one in doubt about who
was in charge. And then, putting across edicts stating clearly his goals and expectations.
3. The script was Brahmi. According to legend, it was invented by Rishabha- natha, the first Jain tirthankara
and passed on to his daughter, Brahmi. The Jains were nastikas: they rejected the Vedas and the way
of the Brahmins. In the absence of writing, all knowledge was located in the mind of the Brahmin; this
is why killing a Brahmin was forbidden as it was equal to killing a library. This made the Brahmin very
powerful, too powerful. He jealously guarded his knowledge. With writing Knowledge escaped
human restraint. It existed outside the Brahmin’s human body, free for anyone who could read.
4. The language in which Ashokan edicts were written was Pali, spoken by the common man, not
Sanskrit, the language of rituals. Clearly there were people in faraway lands who could read what
was written, people who mattered, like local kings. With writing, there was little chance of lost in
translation and a sense of immorality- our word surviving even if we don’t. That is why Ashoka
patronised the script as a tool to control his vast empire, and establish his authority.
On the basis of your understanding of this passage answer the following questions with the help of
given options: (1 x 2= 2)
a) ______________had the largest empire in India.
i) Chandragupta
ii) Megasthenes
iii) Ashoka
iv) None of the above
b) The edicts were written in ____________________ language.
i) Sanskrit
ii) Pali
iii) Brahmi
iv) Shruti
Answer the following questions briefly: (2 x 4 = 8)
c) State two facts to prove that ‘though Indian literature is over 3500 years old, writing in India is less
than 2500 years.’
d) How was the king able to establish his power across his vast empire?
e) What made the Brahmin very powerful?
f) Find words from the passage which mean the same as:

i) official orders or statements given by somebody in authority ( para 2 )
ii) not allowed (para 3)
A.2. BE it the legendary Sherlock Holmes, the moustached Hercule Poirot or the desi Byomkesh Bakshi,
they have all been vividly potrayed in fiction, cinema and television. But what many of us don’t know
is that investigation is a viable profession in itself. With the nature and complexity of modern cases
often transcending the scope of organised investigation agencies such as the police or CBI, an increasing
number is resorting to professional help as a remedy. “Clients appreciate our high success rate and
the discreet-cum-meticulous manner in which we go about our assignments. And of course all this is
achieved, sans the red tape and unwanted publicity,” candidly admits Shafeeq, from Sharp Detective
and 2 Security Services, Lakdi Ka Pul.
A PRYING PROFESSION, INDEED
“The work of a private detective is essentially investigative and can be defined as a factfinding mission
related to the organisation/product/individual under surveillance. Clients discuss the case in question,
following which all details are confidentially recorded. Utilising techniques such as finger printing and
trailing, sleuths go on to gather all data relevant to the case, and assist the police to apprehend the
criminals. Their report carries no “judicial importance, but it definitely helps to launch an investigation.
With the growth of investigative journalism, special devices and other sophisticated gadgets are now
being used to provide audio-visual evidence of a crime. And in keeping with their fictional counter-,
parts, private investigators do use disguises when the occasion demands. “Although knowledge of
niche areas such as forensics is sometimes required, detectives usually hand over this aspect to a
specialist in the field, “says Acharya, who examines the medical angle to cases whenever approached.
A detective could be hired to provide information pertaining to domestic issues divorces, child cus-
tody, matrimonial enquiries), disputes over will or property, industrial espionage, missing persons,
labour unrest cases, background checks on individuals... the list is endless! “Many paranoid parents
have sought my services to keep an eye on their sons and daughters, in order to ensure that their
children steer clear from trouble. Interestingly, from my experience, the average Hyderabadi teenager
shies away from any extreme activities (drugs, rave parties, etc.) and usually lies to his parents, just to
let his hair down at the nearest pub,” shares private eye Vijit, operating from Banjara Hills.
ARE YOU GAME?
According to experts, an inquisitive temperament, a keen sense of observation and perception,

organisational and self-management skills, an outgoing personality and an aptitude for reporting are
some deciding factors that will mark out your potential for effectiveness and success in this industry.
Honesty, integrity and discretion are vital as well along with a high degree of adaptability. The profession
includes a heavy dose of thrills, adventure and a reasonable amount of danger as well. Most aspirants
arrive with a romanticised version of it, one that is choc-a-bloc with round the clock suspense and
excitement. While this may well be true, it is also true that during an investigation, there is a sizeable bit
of monotony and routine work like maintaining a close watch on a suspect, preserving accurate, well-
detailed notes and providing verbal or written progress reports even in the absence of anything
substantial. While the work entails travel and meeting new people, it also translates into long, irregular
hours, including nights, weekends and holidays. “But these constraints simply fade away, when
compared to the high of cracking a tough case,” admits detective Saket, who recently sniffed out the
trail of a bank loan defaulter, absconding with 15 lakhs!
IF THE NITTY-GRITTIES
‘’A private detective can be self-employed and work alone, or as part of an agency. In India, as yet,
detectives do not need a licence to operate. So no particular academic qualifications or background
are necessary for entering this field. A graduate degree in any discipline will essentially qualify a
candidate for the one-year diploma offered by some institutes. However, most detective agencies
offer in-house training programmes. Many registered agencies also have counterparts abroad, or are
linked with agencies abroad for technical know how and expertise. Those who have proved them-
selves remain in demand and can quote their price. Adds a representative from Sharp Detectives and
Security Services, “Trainees take home Rs 10,000 initially, a figure which can rise to Rs 25,000 to Rs
30,000 in six months, exclusive of case allowances. All I can say now is, “Elementary, my dear
readers!”
1. Read the passage carefully and answer.
(a) Investigation is a viable profession as .....
(b) The work of a private detective is ....
(c) Techniques which help investigate include.....
(d) Forensics is handled by ....
(e) A detective could be hired for .....
(f) One's potential for effectiveness is judged by ...
(g) A cademic qualifications of a detective include....
(h) Job emoluments are ....
(i) In India, detectives operate without a....
1). licence
2). disguises
3). nexus
(j) In keeping with their fictional counterparts such as Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, pri-
vate investigators use ....
1). weapons
2). disguises
3). books
2. Find words in the passage with the following meaning :
(a) explicitly (para 1)
(b) going beyond (para 1)
(c) connected to (para 2)
(d) restrictions (para 3)

A3.. Read the following passage carefully :
One of the oldest and most effective forms of alternative medicine is yoga. An art that was discovered
in India, yoga has successfully passed on through generations and, in recent times, spread across the
globe. ‘The creation of yoga is believed to have been by Lord Shiva who introduced the hat yoga
technique to his wife, Parvati. Since the 16th century, it has been transfused rapidly by many Swamis
all across India,” explains J P Yadav, a yoga teacher at the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute. He eluci-
dates the reason for its growing popularity, saying: “People have now become more health-conscious
and aware of their bodies. They no longer trust conventional medicine because of its many side
effects. Yoga is a form of treatment that does not require any medication, nor does it have any side
effects. At the same time, it has a very high success rate,” he adds.
Homoeopathy is another ancient healing technique that has been classified as alternative. The tech-
nique was founded in the late 1700s by a German physician, Samuel Hahnemann. “Homoeopathy
can be used to cure a number of ailments including all chronic and recurring illnesses, all infections and
most psychosomatic disorders. Although, in certain cases, it has proved to be more effective than
traditional medicine, homeopathy is ultimately complementary to allopathy, and cannot be called a
substitute,” avers Kutub Kapasi,a practicing homoeopath.
The reason for its popularity is the fact that it does not cause any relapses or side-effects, which are
common with allopathy. “Homoeopathy is found to be extremely effective and hence its popularity is
growing by the day. It is especially popular with kids because of its easy compliance. Kids are much
more receptive to homoeopathic medicine than they are to allopathic ones, since the medicines look
and taste like sweets, he reasons.
Clinical hypnotherapy and regression therapies are other forms of alternative healing that are cur-
rently on the rise. Neeta Yuvraj, a certified therapist from the International Academy of Life, ex-
pounds, “Hypnotherapy realises that our subconscious mind knows the reason why we created the
illness and understands how to deal with it. It is a complementary, drug less, non-invasive approach
to healing. The treatment empowers patients to understand and remove mental, emotional and energy
blocks, which could hinder their natural or aided healing process. Hypnotherapy is also used to train
our mind for personality development, public speaking, fear and phobia management, relationship
management, memory enhancement, smoking and alcohol cessation,” she adds.
With the rise in the popularity of alternative healing techniques, the scope for a career in this field is
huge. As Yadav shares, “The response to yoga training has been very good in recent years. At
Kaivalyadhama, we have a one-year part-time diploma course, the response to which has been
phenomenal.” And it’s not just yoga. Zia believes that the demand for craniosacral therapy is on the
rise too. “Currently, there are only two practitioners registered with the international institute of Crani-
osacral Balancing. Being one of the two and seeing the potential and demand in India, 1 will soon be
starting training camps for the same. One can also study this technique at the Osho Meditation Resort
in Pune or go abroad,” she informs.
Kapasi reckons that the scope for homoeopathy was always present, yet it is on the rise. “The scope
is definitely increasing but one’s success in the field depends upon sufficient experience, a good track
record and place of practise. If your work is good, you are bound to be successful. However, it may

take some time to set up a thriving practice, since people are unwilling to experiment with such
things,” he explains. One can study homoeopathy at a number of universities, both in India and
abroad. It is one of the most trusted and established forms of alternative healing today.
Agrees Neeta, “The sphere of alternative healing techniques is on the rise in India. We have trained
many students who are successfully practising in India and abroad. Awareness about hypnotherapy
and the fact that it provides consistent results has drawn many people to opt for this technique.” She
further adds, “In private practice a therapist may earn anywhere between Rs 500 to Rs 2000 per
session. Today, hypnosis is very popular in the west and is officially taught in some universities.
Dentists use hypno-anaesthesia on their patients and it is also used by gynaecologists to help easy
deliveries.”
While the fact remains that alternative healing techniques may not be substitutes for traditional medi-
cal methods, there are a number of cases in which they have proved to be more effective than
conventional medicine. With the scope for tremendous growth in this field, it is no surprise that more
and more people are considering these techniques as their chosen careers.
a. Make notes on the above passage.
b. Write an abstract of the passage. (80 words)

4. Are you prepared to meet your robot overlords ?
The idea of superintelligent machines may sound like the plot of “The Terminator” or “The Matrix”,
but many experts say the idea isn’t far-fetched. Some even think the singularity — the point at which
artificial intelligence can match, and then overtake, human smarts — might happen in just 16 years.
But nearly every computer scientist will have a different prediction for when and how the singularity
will happen.
Some believe in a utopian future, in which humans can transcend their physical limitations with the aid
of machines. But others think humans will eventually relinquish most of their abilities and gradually
become absorbed into artificial intelligence based organisms, much like the energy making machinery
in our own cells.
Once the singularity occurs, people won’t necessarily die (they can simply upgrade with cybernetic
parts), and they could do just about anything they wanted to — provided it were physically possible
and didn’t require too much energy, Hibbard said.
The past two singularities — the Agricultural and Industrial revolutions — led to a doubling in economic
productivity every 1,000 and 15 years, respectively, said Robin Hanson, an economist at George
Mason University in Washington, D.C., who is writing a book about the future singularity. But once
machines become as smart as men, the economy will double every week or month.
This rapid pace of productivity would be possible because the main “actors” in the economy, namely
people, could simply be replicated for whatever it costs to copy an intelligent-machine software into
another computer.
That productivity spike may not be a good thing. For one, robots could probably survive apocalyptic
scenarios that would wipe out humans.
“A society or economy made primarily of robots will not fear destroying nature in the same way that
we should fear destroying nature”, Hanson said.
And others worry that we’re barreling toward a future that doesn’t take people into count. For
instance, self-driven cars could improve safety, but also put millions of truck drivers out of work,
Hibbard said. So far, no one is planning for those possibilities.
“There are such strong financial incentives in using technology in ways that aren’t necessarily in everyone’s
interest”, Hibbard said. “That’s going to be a very difficult problem, possibly an unsolvable problem.”
Some scientists think we are already in the midst of the singularity.
Humans have already relinquished many intelligent tasks, such as the ability to write, navigate, memorise
facts or do calculations. In fact, the future of humanity may be similar to that of mitochondria, the
energy powerhouses of cells. Mitochondria were once independent organisms, but at some point, an
ancestral cell engulfed those primitive bacteria, and over evolutionary history, mitochondria let cells
gradually take over all the functions they used to perform, until they only produced energy.
We’re becoming like the mitochondria. We provide the energy — we turn on the machines.
1.1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer each of the questions given below
by choosing the most appropriate option :
(a) Super intelligent machines are ___________ •
(i) Terminator
(ii) The Matrix
(iii) Robots
(iv) None of the above
(b) Utopian Future refers to ___________ •
(i) humans relinquishing most of their abilities
(ii) humans being absorbed into artificial intelligence based organisms
(iii) the energy making machinery in our own cells
(iv) humans transcending their physical limitations with the aid of machines
(c) Economy will double every week, ___________ •
(i) witth agricultural revolution
(ii) with industrial revolution
(iii) when machines get smarter than men
(iv) every 15 years
(d) A society of robots ___________ •
(i) will protect nature
(ii) will destroy nature
(iii) will not be afraid of destroying nature
(iv) (i) and (ii)
(e) We are becoming like the mitochondria because ___________ •
(i) we are independent like them
(ii) we can write, navigate, memorise facts and calculate
(iii) we do not let others perform our functions
(iv) we are becoming dependent on machines for many intelligent tasks
1.2. Answer the following questions briefly :
(a) Which three singularities is the author talking about ?
(b) Why wouldn't people die if the third singularity occurs ?
(c) An intelligent machine software could ___________ •
(d) Which possibilities are we not planning for ?
(e) Which unsolvable problem is Hibbard referring to ?
(f) Why would productivity spike not be a good thing ?
1.3. Find words/phrases from the passage which mean the same as :
(i) give up (para 4)
(ii) unique quality (para 6)
5. The concept of "race" generates the most tenacious kind of prejudice in relations between human
groups and is the main cause of their clashes. This confusion stems from the heavy baggage accumulated
by the concept of race, from misconceptions about human nature perpetuated by philosophers,
biologists and anthropologists over the centuries.
In its old definition, the term "race" meant a group of individuals sharing externally visible physical
traits (phenotypes) whose origin was considered genetic. Skin, hair and eye colour, size, shape of lips
and head were the criteria most often applied to classify humanity into distinct races.

Racist doctrines are based on reasoning, expressed or implied, of the superiority of one human group
over others and the belief that biological, social and cultural differences between human groups are
transmitted hereditarily.
Racism is also a colonial ideology invented to promote the conquest of other continents by Europeans.
The best way to exclude human beings to exploit them, sometimes as slaves, was to say they were not
quite human. Therefore, the dominators had no moral obligation to face the dominated. Racist ideology
is sometimes manifested openly, in insults, malicious jokes, acts of hatred, inequality. Nevertheless, in
many cases, it is deeply rooted in values, beliefs and stereotypical attitudes.
Racism is also associated with power - institutional, political, economic and social -wielded by the
dominant group in society. Thus, in Nazi Germany and South Africa under apartheid, State racism
was official. Also in Europe, since the 1990s, many populist and xenophobic parties openly declare
themselves racist (the Front National in France, British Party in the United Kingdom, Vlaams Blok in
Belgium, etc.).
The concept of "human race" was abandoned about fifty years ago by scientists, because there is no
genetic subdivision within the human species. Humans are too genetically similar (99.9%) for us to be
able to speak of different "races" among the species, as the decoding of the human genome demonstrated
in 2001. Clearly, the notion of human "races" cannot accurately be applied, for the incredible diversity
of human societies does not lend itself to any simple or scientifically acceptable classification.
The minor differences that we perceive between an Asian and a European, for example, are a fairly
strong expression of common genes and secondary elements that reflect a process of environmental
or dietary adaptation (skin colour varies according to the degree of sunlight; the number of red blood
cells increases in higher altitudes; immunisation against certain viruses and predisposition to certain
diseases vary according to region, and so on.
(a) On the basis of your understanding of the above passage make notes on it, using headings and
subheadings. Use recognisable abbreviations (wherever necessary minimum four) and a format
considered suitable. Also supply a suitable title.
(b) Write a summary in about 80 words.
6. Read the following passage carefully.
G20 goal doesn't address excessive plastic output
Tokyo : Activists welcomed a goal set by the Group of 20 major economies to reduce additional
plastic trash leaking into the ocean to zero by 2050, but said it avoided getting at the heart of the
problem-slashing the output of wasteful, single use plastics in the first place.
They also said the target date was too far away and the limited number of steps to proposed by the
G20 was voluntary, not legally binding, limiting their effectiveness.
"It's a good direction, "said Yukihiro Misawa, plastic policy manager at WWF Japan. "But they're too
focused on waste management."
"The most important thing is to reduce the excessive amount of production on the global level," he
said. The world produced about 242 million tons of plastic waste in 2016, according to the World
Bank. Some 8 million of that enters the ocean annually, with China and Indonesia being the biggest
offenders, a study in the journal Science showed. Plastic ocean trash has sparked public outrage with
the spread of images of plastic debris strewn beaches and dead animals with stomachs full of plastic.
G20 host and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wanted to make tackling the issue a priority at the
G20 summit in Osaka this past weekend. He has said he wants Japan to lead the world in this mission,
including by developing biodegradable products and other innovative alternatives.
The final communique released on Saturday said the group has adopted an "Osaka Blue Ocean
Vision" to reduce additional marine plastic litter to zero by 2050, but provided few details on how that
would be achieved.
Members would adopt a "comprehensive life-cycle approach" by improving waste management and
finding innovative solutions, it said. At a gathering of G20 environmental ministers two weeks before

the summit, delegates drew up a framework of steps that countries could take to address plastic
ocean waste, but made it clear the measures were voluntary. REUTERS
1. On the bais of your reading of the newspaper report, complete the following statements by choosing
the correct options.
1. The limited numbers of steps proposed at G20, for zeroing the trash leak into the ocean, were
limited in their effectiveness because.....
(a) They were voluntary
(b) Too focused on waste management
(c) They are voluntary and not legally binding
2. The core isue as per the environmentalists is .........
(a) Reduction in waste leak.
(b) Reduction in polluting the oceans with trash leak
(c) Slashing the output of wasteful, single use plastics.
3. OBOV will aim at .......
(a) Reduction in trash leak.
(b) Reduction in marine plastic litter to zero
(c) Reduction in additional marine plastic litter to zero by 2050.
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
1. Why has plastic ocean trash outraged the public?
2. What does the Japanese Prime Minister want?
3. Find words in the passage which mean the same as :
1. using new ideas or methods (Para 5)
2. an official statement from a political group (Para 6)
3. structure (Para 7)
Section B - Writing
1. You are a psychologist who deals with the problems of school going children. You are upset as most
of the good schools have a large number of students in each class, for commercial reasons. This is
adversely affecting the academic and emotional well-being of students, as the best of plans fail due to
the sheer number of students. Write a letter to the editor of the Times of India voicing your concern;
mentioning some of the problems and the need to curtail the number of students in each class. You are
Mira/Manoj Joshi a resident of 5/16-B, Som Apartments, New Delhi,
2. As the Housekeeper of Hotel Rajhans write a letter to the Manager-Bombay Mills showroom -
‘Furnishing’ on 26 Rajaji Marg. New Delhi; placing an order for bedsheets, pillow covers, towels
and table clothes for the hotel. Sign yourself as Radha/Raman Sethi.
3. As Rashi Kumar/Rishi Kumar of TAISONS COMPANY 125, Tirichi Road, Chennai, place an
order with HARIRAM ELECTRICAL at CHARGING CROSS ROAD, CHENNAI for 4 table
fans, 6 table lamps, 3 air coolers and 6 ceiling fans for your office. You have already received their
quotation for prices through a brochure sent earlier.
4. You are Prabha Puri of 25 / 8, Saket Road, Delhi. You are interested in doing a short-term course in
Personality Development. Write a letter to the Director, Centre for Personality Care, Baird Road,
New Delhi, seeking necessary information regarding duration, fees and condition for admission.
5. Read the given advertisement.
'Second-hand Jawa motor cycle for sale. Excellent condition. Enquiries to : Hameed and Ali, 10 Ali
Askar Road, New Delhi-110014'.
(Assume you are interested in buying this motorcycle. Write a letter to Hameed and Ali asking for
details. (What model? How old? What colour? Approximate price expected? When can it be inspected,
will the guarantee be given?, etc.)

1. How did Derry enter Mrs. Lamb’s garden? What made him do it?
2. “.......i’m not afraid......People are afraid of me.” Why?
3. What message does the anecdote of the man who locked himself up in his room contain?
4. How did Mr. Lamb get his epithet?
5. Who tries to prevent Derry from going to Mr. Lamb’s garden?
6. “On The Face of It’. 'The title explores the many layers of meaning behind the apparent.’
Discuss.
7. ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness: but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full ofsweet dream, and health, and quiet breathing.
a. Present the rhyme scheme of the stanza.
b. Explain line no. 1.
c. What is a bower and what does it provide us?
8. How does Keats bind man to the earth?
9. How is the pall of despondence moved away from our dark spirits?
10. Comment on the theme of ‘A Thing of Beauty.’
11.. What is the grandeur of the dooms?

1. “I’m not fond of curtains. Cutting things out.” These words merely touch the tip of the iceberg,
i.e. the speaker’s personality. Present your analysis of the said character with support from the
text.
2. ‘Derry is the anti-thesis of Mr. Lamb.’ Do you agree with the proclamation? Why / why not?
Code : 12Eng(04)
Section A (Reading)
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow :
1. San Francisco, America’s romantic city by the bay, has always been for the artists, writers,
and lovers who have left at least part of their hearts there. One of the great American romantics,
who wrote in San Francisco, was Jack Kerouac. Kerouac rewrote the history of an entire
post-war era in On the Road.
2. Born on March 12, 1922, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to a working class Catholic, French-
Canadian family, Kerouac had a typically all American childhood. He played baseball, read
pulp fiction, and became a high school football star. He entered Columbia University on a
football scholarship, but when a leg injury put him out of action on the grid iron, he chose the
literary field of work. American literature would never be the same. His romanticized
autobiographical novels and wayward travels, which were often the basis of his work, made
him the unquestioned king of the Beat Generation writers.
3. Before becoming the father of the San Francisco-based Beat Generation, Kerouac was writing
in the bars and basement apartments of New York City’s Lower East and Lower West sides.
Here he met and worked with William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg before they all took
their restless spirits West and started a literary and cultural revolution.
4. Kerouac first landed in the San Francisco Bay area in 1947, hoping to get a berth on a
merchant marine ship. Here he soon met his kindred spirit, Neal Cassady, whose frentic
letters and cross-country travels spurred Jack to write On the Road, perhaps his pre-eminent
work, in one long paragraph during the month of April 1951.
5. Since the book was written as a simple personal testament “in search of his writing soul”
Kerouac had no idea that On the Road would spur a generation onto the highways and into
the tumultuous activism of the Vietnam era, a decade later.
6. Almost overnight, Kerouac became a media superstar and even a mythical figure himself. But
in the end, he could not live with the myth he created. He split from the ranks of his fellow beat
writers, like Ginsberg, and actually voiced support for America’s war effort in Vietnam. Later
in his life, he moved in back with his mother, drank too much, and became more and more
reactionary. His later years were an ironic turn on the life of freedom he wrote about and lived
to a great extent. Still, the stories he created live on within the souls of American youth, the
lingering American romantics.
1. Complete the following :
(a) Jack Kerouac was born ________
(b) He returned to San Francisco ________
(c) Kerouac met Neal Carsady ________
(d) 'On the Road' was ________
2. What made Kerouac choose the literary field ?
3. Kerouac's personal end was contradictory to what he wrote about. Elucidate.
5. Jack Kerouac became the father of the San Francisco_based .....
i). millionaire
ii). music industry
iii). Beat Generation
6. 'On the Road' spurred a generation onto the.....
i) highways
ii) tumultous activism
iii) both i) & ii)
7. Find words from the passage that mean the following :
(i) childishly self - willed (para 2)

(ii) frantic (para 4)

(iii) angry demonstration (para 5)
People tend to amass possessions, without being aware of doing so. Indeed they can have a delightful
surprise when they find something useful which they did not know they owned. Those who never
have to change house become indiscriminate collectors of what can only be described as clutter.
They leave unwanted objects in drawers, cupboards and attics for years, in the belief that they may
one day need just those very things. As they grow old, people also accumulate belongings for two
other reasons, lack of physical and mental energy, both of which are essential in turning out and
throwing away, and sentiment. Things owned for a long time are full of associations with the past,
perhaps with the relatives who are dead, and so they gradually acquire a value beyond their true
worth.
Some things are collected deliberately in the home in an attempt to avoid waste. Among these I would
list string and brown paper, kept by thrifty people when a parcel has been opened, to save buying
these two requisites. Collecting small items can easily become a mania. I know someone who always
cuts out from newspapers sketches of model clothes that she would like to buy, if she had the money.
As she is not rich, the chances that she will ever be able to afford such purchases are remote. But she
cannot be strong-minded to be able to stop the practice. It is a harmless habit, but it litters up her
desk to such an extent that every time she opens it, loose bits of paper fall out in every direction.
Collecting as a serious hobby is quite different and has many advantages. It provides relaxation for
leisure hours, as just looking at one’s treasures is always a joy. One does not have to go out for
amusement, ;since the collection is housed at home. Whatever it consists of-stamps, records, first
editions of books, china, glass, antique furniture, pictures, model cars, stuffed birds, toy animals-
there is always something to do in connection with it, from finding the right place for the latest edition
to verifying facts in reference books. This hobby educates one not only in the chosen subject, but also
in general matters which have some bearing on it. There are also other benefits. One wants to meet
like-minded collectors, to get advice, compare notes, to exchange articles, to show off the latest find.
So one’s circle of friends grows. Soon the hobby leads to travel, perhaps to a meeting in another
town, possibly a trip abroad in search of a rare specimen, for collectors are not confined to any one
country. Over the years one may well become an authority on one’s hobby and will very probably be
asked to give informal talks to little gatherings and then, if successful, to larger audiences. In this way,
self-confidence grows, first from mastering a subject, then from being able to talk, about it. Collecting,
by occupying spare time so constructively, makes a person contented, with no time for boredom.
(i) On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it (in points) using headings
and sub-headings. Also use recognizable short forms whenever necessary (minimum four).
Assign a suitable title to the passage.
(ii) Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words.
3. Read the passage given below :
1. No student of a foreign language needs to be told that grammar is complex. By changing word
sequences and by adding a range of auxiliary verbs and suffixes, we are able to communicate

tiny variations in meaning. We can turn a statement into a question, state whether an action has
taken place or is soon to take place, and perform many other word tricks to convey subtle
differences in meaning. Nor is this complexity inherent to the English language. All languages,
even those of so-called 'primitive' tribes have clever grammatical components. The Cherokee
pronoun system, for example, can distinguish between 'you and I', `several other people and
and 'you, another person and I'. In English, all these meanings are summed up in the one, crude
pronoun 'we'. Grammar is universal and plays a part in every language, no matter how wide-
spread it is. So the question which has baffled many linguists is — who created grammar ?
2. At first, it would appear that this question is impossible to answer. To find out how grammar is
created, someone needs to be present at the time of a language's creation, documenting its
emergence. Many historical linguists are able to trace modern complex languages back to
earlier languages, but in order to answer the question of how complex languages are actually
formed, the researcher needs to observe how languages are started from scratch. Amazingly,
however, this is possible.
3. Some of the most recent languages evolved due to the Atlantic slave trade. At that time, slaves
from a number of different ethnicities were forced to work together under the colonizer's rule.
Since they had no opportunity to learn each others languages, they developed a make-shift
language called a pidgin. Pidgins are strings of words copied from the language of the land-
owner. They have little in the way of grammar, and in many cases it is difficult for a listener to
deduce when an event happened, and who did what to whom. Speakers need to use circum-
locution in order to make their meaning understood. Interestingly, however, all it takes for a
pidgin to become a complex language is for a group of children to be exposed to it at the time
when they learn their mother tongue. Slave children did not simply copy the strings of words
uttered by their elders, they adapted their words to create a new, expressive language. Com-
plex grammar systems which emerge from pidgins are termed creoles, and they are invented by
children.
4. Further evidence of this can be seen in studying sign languages for the deaf. Sign languages are
not simply a series of gestures; they utilise the same grammatical machinery that is found in
spoken languages. Moreover, there are many different languages used worldwide. The cre-
ation of one such language was documented quite recently in Nicaragua. Previously, all deaf
people were isolated from each other, but in 1979 a new government introduced schools for
the deaf. Although children were taught speech and lip reading in the classroom, in the play-
grounds they began to invent their own sign system, using the gestures that they used at home.
It was basically a pidgin. Each child used the signs differently, and there was no consistent
grammar. However, children who joined the school later, when this inventive sign system was
already around, developed a quite different sign language. Although it was based on the signs of
the older children, the younger children's language was more fluid and compact, and it utilised
a large range of grammatical devices to clarify meaning. What is more, all the children used the
signs in the same way. A new creole was born.
5. Some linguists believe that many of the world's most established languages were creoles at first.
The English past tense —ed ending may have evolved from the verb 'do'. 'It ended' may once
have been 'It end-did'. Therefore it would appear that even the most widespread languages
were partly created by children. Children appear to have innate grammatical machinery in their
brains, which springs to life when they are first trying to make sense of the world around them.
Their minds can serve to create logical, complex structures, even when there is no grammar
present for them to copy.
1.1. On the basis of your understanding of this passage answer the following questions with the help
of given options :
(a) In paragraph 1, why does the writer include information about the Cherokee language ?
(i) To show how simple, traditional cultures can have complicated grammar structures.
(ii) To show how English grammar differs from Cherokee grammar.
(iii) To prove that complex grammar structures were invented by the Cherokees.
(iv) To demonstrate how difficult it is to learn the Cherokee language.
(b) What can be inferred about the slaves' pidgin language ?
(i) It contained complex grammar.
(ii) It was based on many different languages.
(iii) It was difficult to understand, even among slaves.
(iv) It was created by the land-owners.
(c) All the following sentences about Nicaraguan sign language are true EXCEPT :
(i) The language has been created since 1979.
(ii) The language is based on speech and lip reading.
(iii) The language incorporates signs which children used at home.
(iv) The language was perfected by younger children.
(d) Which idea is presented in the final paragraph ?
(i) English was probably once a creole.
(ii) The English past tense system is inaccurate.
(iii) Linguists have proven that English was created by children.
(iv) Children say English past tenses differently from adults.
(e) 'Creole' in the final paragraph refers to
(i) use of Past tense in English language.
(ii) contemporary English language.
(iii) grammar in English language.
(iv) a natural language acquired by children as their native language.
1.2. Answer the following questions briefly :
(a) What is common to all languages ?
(b) How can we find out who created grammar ?
(c) According to the passage what can be attributed as a consequence of the Atlantic slave trade?
(d) What is pidgin ?
(e) What are creoles ?
(f) Why does the author say that even the most widespread languages were partly created by
children ?
1.3. Pick out the words/phrases from the passage which are similar in meaning to the following :

(i) simple and temporary (para 3)

(ii) uniform (para 4)
4. Read the following passage carefully :
This isn't a mountain region of mere subjective beauty. Nor one, which claims its greatness, based on
just an overwhelming opinion of a large majority. For Sikkim is a treasure that few know about.
However, the facts of its remarkable geography bear enough testimony to pitch Sikkim in a slot that
no other mountain region, anywhere in the world, could duplicate or rival. What Everest is to peaks,
Sikkim is to the mountains. Tragically, a region so wild and exotic and with such geographic and
climatic extremes, that its amazing wilds and not its unremarkable hill stations, ensure its accessibility
to the adventurous only.
Just delve on these facts a bit. From the plains, in a mere 80 kms as the crow flies, the altitude reaches
28,168 feet at the very top of Kangchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. Such a sharp
elevation is unrivalled anywhere else and is the first geographical claim of Sikkim.
The second is an offshoot of the first. Nowhere else do so many 7,000 metre plus peaks crowd up
such a confined space. And the third is really a consequence of the first and the second with the sharp
gradation creating the most variegated flora and fauna possible anywhere in the mountains. The fourth
uniqueness is also a consequence of the first and the second and lies in the extremes of the climate
which ranges from the tropical to the typical arctic type. And the fifth claim is its thin permanent
population and relatively fewer travellers by virtue of its remote far-eastern Himalayan location.
The startling facts about Sikkim never seem to end. For starters, all of Sikkim lies in a mere 110 kms
by 65 kms of mountains, peaks, glaciers, rivers and forests.. Mittle dot on the map at a latitude 27
degrees North and longitude 88 degrees East. Its 7,000 sqkms make it about as large as the National
Capital Region of India! To the North and extending to the East of Sikkim, is Tibet/China and to the
West is Nepal. To the South are the Himalayan and sub Himalayan regions of West Bengal.
It is, in fact these geographical extremes and the resulting ambience, that makes mountaineers trek
here, when they are not climbing, besides fuelling mountaineering dreams in the minds of trekkers,
what with the closest possible proximity to magnificent peaks while trekking.
On the subject of trekking here, it is strange but true that acclimatisation is much tougher in Sikkim
than elsewhere. It may have something to do with being closer in latitude to the Tropic of Cancer,
besides the rather sharp stages involved in each day of trekking. The closeness to the Tropic of
Cancer has meant that the snowline will always be much higher and therefore human settlements are
seen even at altitudes of 16,000 feet!
Adapted from a travelogue by Ashish Kaul, Travel Writer
(a) On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, make notes on it using headings and
sub-headings. Use recognisable abbreviations (wherever necessary-minimum four) and a for-
mat you consider suitable. Also supply an appropriate title to it.
(b) Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words.
Section B (Writing)
I As the Manager of a cricket club of your own town you had purchased some cricket equipment.
Some of the articles have been found defective.
Write a letter to the firm that made the supplies, asking them to replace these defective articles or
refund their cost (80-100 words).
II We will be a city in the dumps

New Delhi, 2nd August: Garbage, garbage everywhere and not a place to dump it. A survey predicts
that garbage will triple by 2020 and there is no provision to dispose off garbage in the new guidelines.
As Charu Choudhary, a solid waste management expert, write a letter of complaint to the Asst.
Commissioner, MCD, on the framework of the new guidelines, that does not provide either land or
waste disposable methods. Provide suggestions to the above problem (80-100 words).
1. “ Those islands yonder ....the future for Japan." What do these words reveal about the speaker?
2. “A white man!” Hana whispered.’ Discuss the import of Hana’s whisper.
3. Who was Dr. Sadao Hoki?
4. How did Sadao and Hana initially react on seeing the wounded man?
5. Give the reaction of the servants, when they discovered about the wounded man.
6. How did Hana medically help Sadao?
7. What made Dr. Sadao sure of the American’s safety?
8. Would you charge the General with deriliction of duty?
9. How does Asokamitra show national integration in his narrative?
10. Why was the legal adviser viewed suspiciously by others?
11. What was 'The God that Failed'?
12. What was the mystery regarding the Englishman's visit?
1. Discuss the aptness of the title, ‘The Enemy’.
2. Dr. Sadao had options regarding the ‘treatment’ of ‘the enemy’, which option did he choose
and why?
3. How has the author used humour effectively in 'Poets and Pancakes'?
4. Who was considered No. 2 in Gemini Studios? Why?
Code : 12Eng (05)
Section A (Reading)
Rock, or rock-and-roll is a form of music that was invented in the United States in the 1950s. It has
become popular in the US, Europe, and many other parts of the world. African-American performers
like Little Richards. Fats Domino, Ray Charles, and Big Joe Turner were among the first people to
come out with true rock-and-roll, a combination of various elements from country and Western,
gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz. The influences of early performers like blues man Muddy Waters,
gospel performer Ruth Brown, jazz musician Louis Jordan, on rock-and-roll, are still feit today. For
example, the songs of early country legend. Hank Williams affected musicians, from early rock star
Buddy Holly to 1980s rocker Bruce Springsteen. In the segregated 1950s, African-American musical
forms were not considered appropriate for White audiences. Much of the US population had not
been exposed to them. All that changed, when in 1953, Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed began to

play rhythm and blues to a largely non African-American audience. Freed was successful and a lot of
records were sold. The music spread, and the term that Freed had adopted for the music — rock-
and-roll began to spread as well.
Teenagers and the money they were willing to spend on records provided an impetus for rock-and-
roll. On their way to becoming rock stars, many performers copied songs from the original artists. For
instance, Pat Boone scored a hit with a toned-down version of Little Richards’ song, Tutti Frutti’.
prompting Little Richard to comment, ‘He goes and outsells me with my song that I wrote.’ In 1955-
56, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley and the Comets, and particularly Elvis Presley became famous for their
version of traditional rhythm and blues. Elvis Presley’s first television appearance in January 1956
marked rock-and roll’s ascendancy into the world of pop music.
1. Complete the following

(a) True rock 'n' roll is characterized by a combination of _________
(b) In the 1950s rock 'n' roll _________
(c) Many performers copied songs from _________
2. Who brought about a change in African American musical form ?
3. State the new name for the African - American music.
4. Name the most famous rock 'n' roll singer.
5. Find words from the passage that mean the following
(i) isolate (Para 2) (iii) force (Para 3)
(ii) dominant control (para 3)
It is said that a reporter is both eyes and ears of a news organization. It is not possible to strictly
prescribe qualifications which a good reporter must possess. However, novice reporters must train
themselves informally for the job so that they would be able to discharge their responsibilities with
confidence, courage and competence. In order to qualify for the role of a reporter you must prepare
yourself in many ways.
It helps to be well-read, and you can do full justice to your reporting. You must equip yourself adequately
with all aspects of your beat. If you are covering the civic body proceedings, you must be fully-
knowledgeable about several laws and rules under which the proceedings are regulated. In addition,
you must know its various functions, areas of operations and jurisdiction. You should cultivate wide
contacts with all kinds of sources in your beat, sometimes even outside your area of activity. As a
reporter, you should be able to find out information ; you should have a bent of mind for research. You
should be a perfect talker, you should possess great patience and the ability to get along with any kind
of people in difficult situations. To be a successful reporter and to accomplish your job competently,
you must be able to perceive, calculate, predict and plan your action appropriately in anticipation of a
news event.

The sole aim of good news reporting should be writing with a certain amount of responsibility to
oneself, to an organization, to society and to humanity at large. You must use your pen consciously,
carefully and should bear full credit (or discredit) for what you say : “Just as an unclaimed torrent of
water submerges the whole, countryside and devastates crops, even so, an uncontrolled pen serves
but to destroy.” Besides, as you must write everyday, you should write to build your own image, as
well as the image of your institution. You have a responsibility towards your city, state, region, country,
even the world at large. Echoing this, the noted editor M. V. Kamath once said: “A newspaper’s
sense of purpose and integrity, rather than its circulation, would determine its influence.” And it is the
reporter who is a builder of a newspaper’s sense of purpose and integrity.
Let it be said here that a reporter is neither a social-worker nor a preacher nor a reformer. Reporters
are duty bound to keep a finger on a sore point in society. For it is only then, that the attention of all
those concerned is drawn to the disease that ails the society. Unless cub reporters are imbued with a
total sense of responsibility towards theprofession and the news organization, they will not be able to
rise to the expectations reposed in them by the news organisation and the society.
It is essential for a news reporter to be alert-minded and curious. In addition, one should be in
excellent health and should bave inexhaustible stamina to chase difficult assignments. Most of all, a
reporter should be a sociable person.
(i) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on the contents of the passage
in points only using recognizable abbreviations whenever necessary. You can use a suitable
format. Also assign a title to the passage.
(ii) Write a brief summary of the above passage in about 80 words.
3. Read the following passage to answer the questions that follow:
1 A few months later Walt came home from school with some news. He could hardly wait to tell it. “On
February 12th our school will celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Guess who’s going to be Abraham
Lincoln!”
“I can’t imagine,” said Mrs Disney with a twinkle in her eye. “Who is it?”
“Me’” Walt said proudly. “And I want to dress up to look just like President Lincoln.”
“With that blond hair you don’t look much like Abraham Lincoln.” “That’s true. But I can take a pencil
and draw some lines on my face.” “Well, I’ll try to find something to darken your hair,” Mrs Disney
“Walter, I think it’s an honour that the teacher chose you for this said Mr Disney. “You must do your
very best.”
“I will, Dad,” said Walt
“I have a small false beard. You can use it,” said Roy, He ran to get it.
“I used to wear this coat to church in Chicago,” said Mr Disney, producing , a long black coat. “I
haven’t worn it for years. Flora, could you cut it down for Walter? It might help him to look a little
more like Mr Lincoln.”
“Why, Elias, that’s a splendid idea. Of course I can cut it down,”
“Thanks, Dad. I’d like that,” said Walt.
2 “Then I believe only one other thing is needed,” said Roy. “That’s a tall black hat. Where do you

suppose we can get one?”

“Can’t we make one out of cardboard?” Walt asked. “We could cut it out and then paint it black.”
“Of course. We can make it just to fit your head.”
“I’m sure we can,” said Walt. “Now If I can only find somebody to listen while I practise the Gettysburg
Address.”
“I can do that,” Ruth offered.
“You’ve forgotten one thing,” said Mr Disney. “And it’s the little details that will make your role a
success, Walter.”
“What have we left out?”
“A mole for your face. Mr Lincoln had a mole. Do you remember?”
“That’s right. He did. Well, I’m sure I can make a mole,” said Walt.
3 All the Disneys worked to help Walt. At last February 12th arrived. Watt was very serious about his
role as Abraham Lincoln. He wanted everything to be perfect. This was a special programme and the
parents were invited.
“I’ll be there,”’ said Mrs Disney. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.” “I too will come,” said Mr Disney.
They kept their promise. They sat as proud as peacocks when the teacher announced, “Walter Dis-
ney will now deliver Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.”
4. Walt walked slowly to the centre of the stage. He was very dignified. His make-up was just right. So
was his costume. He tried to imitate Mr Lincoln. He spoke solemnly.
“ Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived
in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.’
5 Under her breath, Mrs Disney repeated every word with Walt. She hope he would not forget. At the
end of the address she sighed with relief. Walt had been letter perfect.
“Wonderful!” said one of the mothers. “That boy’s a born actor,” said another.
The Principal of the school spoke to Mr and Mrs Disney at the end of the programme.
6 “The children were very impressed,” he said “I hope Walter will repeat this programme for our
celebration every year as long as he’s in school.”
“Of course, he will,” Mr and Mrs Disney spoke together, proudly-; “Walter heard this. He talked it
over with his mother as soon as he could. “I thought I wanted to be an artist. Now I don’t know. Do
you think I ought to be an actor?”
“Walter, you know your father wouldn’t want an actor in the family,” Mrs Disney said, Well, I don't
think he wants an artist. And I can't be a news-boy all my life."
"No, I suppose not. But let's carry things on as they are for while. Let us not worry about it yet."
3.1 Choose the correct/most suitable option :
a) What does the phrase "sat proud as peacock" mean?
i). The parents were proud of their son's achievement.
ii). They were dressed as peacocks.
iii). They had a high opinion of themselves.

b). How did the Disneys help Walt to get his appearance right for the event?
i). They got him a dress stiched.
ii). His dad got him a false beard, black coat and a cardboard hat.
iii). Walt borrowed clothes from a friend.
c) What was the news that Walt was eager to convey to his mother?
d) Which of the responses from the audience was the best tribute to the boy?
e) Which three factors contributed to Walt Disney's successful performance as President Lincoln?
f) What did Walt Disney want to be in the future? Why didn't his mother approve of his ambitions?
g) Use the following expressions in sentences of your own:
i) when you were just a twinkle in your father's eye
ii) in the twinkling of an eye
4. Read the following passage carefully:
It seems that there is never enough time in the day. But, since we get the same 24 hours, why is it that
some people achieve so much more with their time than others? The answer lies in good time
management. "Time Management" refers to the way you organise and plan how much time you spend
on specific activities. Good time management requires an important shift in focus from activities to
results: being busy isn't the same as being effective. Spending your day in a frenzy of activity often
achieves less, because you are dividing your attention between multiple tasks. Good time management
lets you work smarter — not harder — so you get more done in less time.
It may seem counter intuitive to dedicate precious time learning about time management, instead of
using it to get on with your work, but the benefits are enormous. It improves productivity and efficiency.
Your reputation as a professional grows. The stress levels dip and the world of opportunities open up
for you. Your career advancement and important goals are reached.
Failing to effectively manage your time can have many undesirable consequences. Deadlines are
missed and the work is not only very inefficient but also of a poor quality. It dents your reputation as
a professional and your career is in danger of being stalled. As a result, your stress levels shoot up.
Everyday interruptions at work can be a key barrier to managing your time effectively. Think back to
your last work day and consider for a minute the many interruptions that occurred. There may have
been phone calls, e-mails, hall way conversations, colleagues stopping by your office, or anything else
that unexpectedly demanded your attention and, in doing so, distracted you from the task at hand. It
can break your focus which would mean that you have to spend time re-engaging with the thought
processes needed to successfully complete complex work. Because your day only has so many hours
in it, a handful of small interruptions can rob you of the time you need to achieve your goals and be
successful in your work and in life. The key to controlling interruptions is to know what they are and
whether they are necessary. Also, advance planning to schedule such interruptions in your daily work
would be of great advantage.
1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the passage, make notes on it using headings and sub-headings.
Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary —minimum four). Also supply a suitable title to
it.
1.2 Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words.

Section B (Writing)
B1. You are a member of the Red Cross Society working on the 'Prevent Dengue Campaign'. Design a
poster to spread awareness about the fever; its causes, symptoms and preventive measures, which
has taken many lives in the capital. (50 words)
B2. As the manager of Excellent Coaching Centre run by you, prepare a poster calling the attention of
students desirous of attending IIT, CPMT coaching to join the coaching centre. (50 words)
1. ‘Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still
For once on the face of the Earth

Let’s not speak in any language,
Let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.’
a. Why does the poet ask us to count till twelve?
b. What is his requirement in the second line? Why?
c. State the significance of any language.
d. Comment on the need of the restriction in the last line.
2. ‘Perhaps the earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.’
a. Name the poem and the poet of these lines.
b. Identify the teacher and the student here.
c. What teaching will be imparted?
d. Explain the differences in the first and last two lines of the poem.
3. Why is there sadness in the world?
4. How is ‘stillness’ not total inactivity?
5. How did the narrator try to establish his ordirariness in 'The Third Level'?
6. Describe Galesburg.
7. What was the importance of Sam in 'The Third Level'?
Code : 12Eng(06)
Section A (Reading)
1. A safe haven for 300-odd birds, wetlands along the Yamuna barrage -has not been playing host to at
least 50 species, including skimmers and black bellied terns, since the 1970s due to its continued
neglect by the government.
But finally waking up to the concerns of bird lovers, the Delhi government is contemplating notifying
the area as Capital’s first bird sanctuary. Though the Uttar Pradesh government had notified the area

falling under its territory as Okhla Pakshi Vihar in 1990, the Delhi administration has now proposed to
protect and develop the portion under its jurisdiction after constant requests by the members of ‘Delhi
Bird’—an e-group of bird lovers — to revamp the area.
Environment secretary JK Dadoo has written to the revenue department to demarcate the land.
Letters have also been sent to DDA, PWD and other land owning agencies. Forest and environment
department sources said the government would notify the area under Delhi’s jurisdiction as a pro-
tected site only when the land is demarcated and made available for the sanctuary.
After the notification process, the government would work out a plan to develop the sanctuary with
the help of — ‘Delhi Bird’, which has been pursuing the matter since 2005 when it first approached
Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit.
Anand Arya, a member of Delhi Bird, said it all began when members of the e-group got together and
started visiting the Okhla Bird sanctuary to spot bird varieties. “But we found encroachments in the
notified area under UP. Delhi was no different. Illegal fishing, cattle grazing, poaching and hunting,
destruc on of habitat, marshes and reed beds and heavy traffic on the bund road along the sanctuary
were rampant there,” Arya said. I, It was then that the group decided to take up the matter with both
UP and Delhi. ‘A notification by Delhi will protect the area from encroachers,” he added.
Another ‘Delhi Bird’ member said mat various PILs pertaining to the Yamuna in Delhi High Court and
Supreme Court forced the UP government and various authorities to protect the area. Many en-
croachments were removed and constructions were stopped there. Now a fence has been erected
along the bund road to prevent encroachment.
However, when a Times City team drove down the bund road from Kalindi Kunj that leads down to
Jamia Nagar we found huge garbage dumps piled along the river bank as people have been throwing
the waste over the fence. Cattle can be seen grazing along the river bank. Even in the main notified
sanctuary which lies in Noida one finds little development. A dilapidated board stating ‘Okhla Pakshi
Vihar’ is all that one can find to identify the sanctuary
The sanctuary comes alive with birds in winters and is a hotspot for bird lovers between September
and March. It attracts birds from Central Asia, north Europe, north-east and the Himalayas.
The sanctuary came into existence with the construction of the Okhla Barrage way back in the late
1950s and 1960s. The new barrage that was built in the 1980s only made the site a good resting place
for migratory birds with a good habitat and adequate food.
ambika.pandit@timesgroup.com
1. Read the passage carefully before answering :

(i) The Yamuna Barrage wetlands have not been hosts to birds as..........
(ii) The area is being notified as a Bird sanctuary as ......
(iii) The Delhi Administration has proposed ............
(iv) 'Delhi Bird' is .................

(v) The Okhla Bird Sanctuary suffers menace such as ..............

(vi) Times City team observed ...............
(vii) The sanctuary comes alive ..................
(a) in summers.
(b) in winters, from March to September.
(c) in winters.
(viii) A good sanctuary must have .................
(a) a good resting place, a good habitat and enough food.
(b) a good resting place for migratory birds.
(c) a good habitat and adequate food.
2. Find words in the passage with the following meaning :
1. low (para 2)
2. redo (para 2)
3. run down (para 8)
4. favourite place (para 9)
2. Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow :
Once upon a Time
Once upon a time son

they used to laugh with their hearts
and laugh with their eyes;
but now they only laugh with their teeth.
while their ice-block-cold eyes
search behind my shadow.
There was a time indeed

they used to shake hands with their hearts
but that’s gone, son.
Now they shake hands without hearts
while their left hands search
my empty pockets.
“Feel at home,” “Come again,”

they say, and when I come
again and feel
at home, once, twice
there will be no thrice-

for then I find doors shut on me.
So, I have learnt many things, son.

I have learned to wear many faces
like dresses-homeface,
officeface, streetface, hostface,
cocktailface, with all their conforming smiles
like a fixed portrait smile.
And I have learned, too,

to laugh with only my teeth
and shake hands without my heart.
I have also learnt to say, ‘Goodbye’
when I mean ‘Good-riddance’;
to say ‘Glad to meet you’
without being glad; and to say ‘It’s been
nice talking to you,’ after being bored.
But believe me, son.

I want to be what I used to be
when I was like you. I want
to unlearn all these muting things.
Most of all, I want to relearn
how to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror
shows only my teeth like a snake’s bare fangs!
So show me, son

how to laugh; show me how
I used to laugh and smile
once upon a time when I was like you.
Gabriel Okara
1. What expression does the poet use to denote contrast in the poem?
2. What does the poet mean by “goodbye” and “good-riddance”?
3. What does the poet want to be?
4. What does the poet want to relearn?
a) the way he used to be
b) the way to shake hands
c) the way to laugh
5. Why do the “conforming smiles” look like a “fixed portrait smile” to the poet?
6. The poet contrasts the past with the present. What does this signify?

a) Modernity has corrupted man.

b) Modernity has ennobled man.
c) Modernity has educated man.
EYE SEE ! !
Eyes are precious gift of God and we should take care of them as much as we care for our monetary
treasure. Here are some tips to save your eyes from all the problems.....
The most important aspect for eye care is to maintain cleanliness of the eyes. One should wash the
eyes with clean water morning & evening or after exposure to dust and pollution. It would not only
clean and rejuvenate them but would also add a spark. It is also advised to never touch the eyes with
dirty hands or handkerchief. It would do more harm than good.
Using sunglasses protects the eyes not only from dust and pollution but also from bright sunlight & UV
rays. But it is also important to use sunglasses of good quality.The local and fake shades available in
the markets are harmful to eyes and should thus be avoided.They have tendency to cause irritation to
the sensitive eyes.
Never gaze at the sun and solar eclipse with bare eyes. During the solar eclipse as the light is low, the
pupils are dilated permitting more UV rays to enter the eye which if seen for longer than 90 seconds
are bound to cause damage to the retina. Remember that elderly were right when they said that it’s not
good to gaze at eclipses.
Computer and television screens do not emit any harmful radiation but constantly staring at these
screens puts a lot of strain on the eyes muscles and also lead to drying of the tearfilm. It helps to keep
computer monitors as far from the eyes as convenient, and take frequent breaks to give your eyes
some rest. Its also important to sleep adequately at night and to avoid late nights.
General physical exercises are helpful in maintaining good health and so are eye exercises to keep eye
muscles strong and well coordinated. It is of utmost importance for people involved in visually strenu-
ous tasks like students, computer professionals, TV producers, finance professionals, lawyers, etc.
Convergence exercises done regularly once or twice a day can prevent eye strain and headaches to a
great extent.
A good and balanced diet is essential not only for good sight but also for general fitness. Taking excess
of vitamin A does not confer any extra benefit and may at times cause toxicity. So, take everything in
right mix and right moderation. It is also important to avoid food that cause allergies. So, remember
the foods that cause allergies and avoid them forever.
Any kind of injury can be devastating for the eyes and can lead to blindness. Eyes should be protected
from injury at all cost.Children are particularly prone to trauma, they should be prevented from play-
ing with sharp objects and fire crackers. Saying no to crackers not only saves money but also many
eyes. Teach your child the importance of eye care from childhood only and guide him how to do that.
Prevention is better than_ cure (and much cheaper). Regular routine eye examination must be done to
detect blinding eye disorders at an early stage when they can be easily treated. The blinding conditions

to be particularly wary are: Cataract, Glaucoma, Retinal Detachment, Age-Related Macular Degneration,
Diabetic Retinopathy, etc. For a normal person it is advisable to get routine eye examination done
once in two years before the age of 40 years and thereafter every year. Individuals with any eye
problem or with family history significant eye disorder should get their eyes examined more frequently.
Children should undergo routine eye examination at birth, at 6 months, at 2 years of age and then at
school entry. Conditions like lazy eye or amblyopia can be picked up only on routine examination of
the eye.
Water is a great f reshner. Once you reach home after day’s hard work, remember to splash your eyes
with fresh water and drink at least eight glasses of water. Liquids flush out the body toxins and leave
your eyes fresh and sparkling.
Make-up today has become a necessity. But remember that it can be your worst enemy if you use it
for long period of time, especially for eyes. Always remember to remove your make-up before you
go to bed. Infact, the moment you get back home, wash your face and apply an eye cream if
necessary.
(a) Make notes on the passage.
(b) Write an abstract. (80 words).
Section B (Writing)
B1. You are Arun Deol, a member of the Young Debater's Club of Maxim High School, who has been
chosen to represent his/her school in an inter - school debate competition. Frame your opinion either
for or against the motion:
People don't work for money alone. (200 words)
B2. You are Kamakshi/ Kuber Rawat, who has been selected to represent her/his school in an All India
Inter School Debate Competition, organized by the Rotary Club, Bangalore. Frame your opinion
either for or against the motion: (200 words)
Education is the only remedy for decreasing the Crime Rate amongst the educated folk.
B3. Write a debate either for or against the motion, in 200 words: Zoos do more harm than good. They
should be banned.
B4. Write a debate either for against the motion in 200 words : Democracy has proved to be a curse for
India.
B5. Write a debate either for against the motion in 200 words : Social media has made people asocial.
1. How did the story – telling session become a necessity?
2. Name the writer of ‘Should Wizard Hit Mommy? Why did you find it interesting?
3. Why was Roger Skunk treated like a pariah?
4. Was Jo happy with the story’s ending? Why / Why not?
5. How does Jo’s perspective differ from Jack’s?
6. Why do most celebrity writers hate being interviewed?
7. Presently, who is our Chief source of information about personalities?

8. Did Umberto Eco like being interviewed?
9. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
"Working his way through this scheme was especially fatiguing on Saturday, because Jo never
fell sleep in naps any more, and knowing this made the rite seem futile."
a. Name the prose lesson and the author.
b. Which 'scheme' or 'rite' is the narrator referring to?
c. Who does 'his' refer to and who is 'Jo'?
d. Why has the 'rite' been described as 'futile'?
1. ‘The mother sees her young one as perfect, without any flaw.’ How will you associate the
statement with ‘Should Wizard Hit Mommy?'
2. What was 'The Name of the Rose'? Why did it become so successful?
Code : 7Eng (07)
Section A (Reading)
1. Read the following passage carefully
Being creative is defined as being characterized by originality and expressiveness, being imaginative,
inventive and productive. Perhaps, nowhere is creativity more visible than in young children, particu-
larly toddlers and preschoolers. Everything for them is new, and their little minds are busy combining
new thoughts and ideas as they discover the world around them. “For a child a ball, can be moon, sun,
orange and what not? And this is what creativity is all about”, says Archana, a child psychologist.
But the fact is, as we spend more time in school we have been told to relate the ‘real ‘ concept or the
concept accepted by the society. When a youngster goes to school and draws a completely green
flower, no matter what his reasons for choosing to do so, he is reminded that it is not how a “real”
flower looks and is instructed to do it “correctly.” Most of the schools are about conforming the
expectations of others rather than cultivating the ability to think and react in ways that are unique. Then
there is the fear that arises when classmates begin to think a student “weird” if she expresses views
or ideas that are different.
Experts say about creativity:
Which individual would make a better counselor/teacher? Creative people have an edge. They are
saved from the trap of doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results. If one idea
doesn’t work, then they think of another. “Creative individuals don’t just follow the crowd, but look
for processes that are more constructive, effective or efficient”, says career counselor, Sanjana. Creativity
has its roots in being in touch with intellectual and emotional processes and in listening to, trusting, and
cultivating what comes from within. When you cultivate the habit of genuine self-communication,
creativity becomes part of your daily life,
Learn the basics of creative expression, you can apply them in a variety of situations. Just as a musician
learns basic notes and then combines, inverts, and augments them to create new music, so too can

you apply the principles of creativity not only in artistic endeavors, but also in solving problems,
improving relationships, and making decisions. Kumud, a creative artist, advocates the concept of
creative person not as an alienated “artist” but as an individual alive and curious, and always finding
new ways to grow, expand and enjoy the moment. A simple success tip she shares is that “she used
her diary to live her life more fully and deeply” .
Professor Bhalla (D.U) suggests that there are other methods of writing you can use to nurture crea-
tivity. Some are:
* Use your diary to construct practice conversations with people you’d like to connect with on a
deeper level.
* Try altering your point of view and writing about an argument (for example) from the viewpoint
of the other person involved.
* Perhaps you want to capture a childhood event that had a large impact on your life. In your
writing, record the event in the child’s voice as it unfolds, rather than as a memory.
* Sketch portraits in your journal with a view to discovering something new and exciting about
the people you live or work with.
* Write down a problem, list any and all solutions that come into mind. It doesn’t matter if the
solutions sound crazy or impossible. It’s those crazy and impossible ideas that sometimes can
be worked into top-notch solutions.In these ways you bring creativity to work in all aspects of
your life.
A. Complete the following statements in one sentence or two
1. Creativity is ....
2. Creativity is most visible in toddlers as ....
3. The limitations of an average school is ...
4. Creative people have an edge because ...
5. One can learn creative expression just as ...
6. A creative person is an individual who....
7. A diary can be useful as ....
(a) it helps to live life fully and deeply.
(b) it helps record every significant moment.
(c) it helps to relive every moment.
8. Some solutions sound crazy yet ...
(a) are possible to achieve.
(b) can be worked into great solutions that help bring creativity in one's work.
(c) are top-notch solutions.
B. Find words in the passage with the following meaning

(i) notion (para 2)

(ii) comply (para 2)
(iii) increase (para 4)
(iv) antagonize (para 5)
2. Read the following passage carefully :
Education is one of the great forces of modern life and over the past few years has become the object
of considerable government and public interest in India. Most of what we read and hear is in the
nature of a lament. Officials, administrators, school managements, teachers, parents, and students
themselves constantly remind us that Indian education is not delivering a satisfying and critical experience.
Indian education has had signal successes. The first and most important success has been the enlarge-
ment of education. At Independence, our literacy level was 18%.Today, it is around 56% — 69.5%
of males and 43% of females can claim to be literate. There are 411 million people between the ages
of 6 and 24 who could be in schools and colleges. Of these, 224 million are receiving an education.
The numbers going to schools and colleges are therefore staggering, even if the proportion of those
left out is large. Education has expanded in other ways as well. There are more schools, colleges, and
universities, public and private: 1.18 million schools and 12,000 colleges and universities. The corre-
sponding figures in 1951 were: 0.23 million schools and 600 colleges and universities. There are
vocational training centres run by the government and specialised training in private hands (computer
software training, for instance). India has 6.2 million teachers.
The second success, which is a part of the enlargement of Indian education, is the much greater
diversity and inclusiveness of our system. Teachers and students are a far more diverse lot, drawn not
just from the upper castes and classes. Geographical and social mobility has ensured that Indian
children, particularly in urban settings, are exposed to teachers and mingle with children from different
parts of the country and from a variety of social backgrounds. Whether or not we like it, reservations
have helped to bring in students from various marginalised groups: the dalit community, OBCs, the
disabled and females. The third success of Indian education has been the improvement of basic
facilities. Building design and size, furniture, teaching aids and instruments, and sports infrastructure
have all improved, virtually across the board. There are many schools without the basics even now,
but there has been refurbishment and greater attention to the provision of facilities. Modern education
is conducted within certain designated spaces, and there is much greater consciousness of the effects
of space on the learning process. The public expenditure on schools, colleges, and universities has
gone up, even if we remain dissatisfied with the level of investment in education: in 1950-51, it was
1.5% of GDP; in 2003-04, it was 3.76% which is more than double of what we used to spend. 5 The
fourth crucial success area of Indian education has been pedagogy and curriculum. Teachers do not
use threats and force as much. At the school level, increasing numbers of teachers have, through
BEd courses, been exposed to philosophies of education and many of the mechanics of teaching.
They have a better understanding of the mental processes of learning — what the brain can do and
how it does it. They also know more about adolescent psychology and the many things outside the
classroom that affect learning. There is an effort to make the classroom child-centered or learner-
centered and to encourage students to be more inquisitive and to be problem-solvers rather than mere

rote learners. Curricular reviews by the examining boards and by college and university committees
are more frequent and more sensitive to modernising and simplifying the curricular structure. Finally,
beneath all this, has been a growing acceptance that education should be in the hands of professionals
and that the tenets, norms, and practices of modern education must guide the educational experience.
Education is not to be placed in the hands of religious figures, a privileged class of teachers, or the
self-styled interpreters of tradition and the wisdom of ages, though all these sections of society may
have something to contribute to the overall learning experience. The exercise, instruments, and stand-
ards of reason are to be the bedrock of Indian education. For a traditional society, this has been a
crucial transition. J In conclusion, let me just say that judging by the debates and trends of the present,
the future direction of Indian education promises to be every bit as exciting as the journey of the past
60 years.
(a) Make notes on the passage using appropriate symbols and abbreviations
3. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow :
1. Lord Macaulay, the English historian used to walk through the crowded streets of London
reading a book. After reading a page he could repeat it from memory. Isaac Newton always
forgot to have his meals while working. French mathematician and theologian Blaise Pascal
could not feel pain while he was engrossed in work. You may laugh at such idiosyncrasies, but
remember that it is such men who have made a mark. They achieved it by concentration so
intense that it made them temporarily oblivious to distractions. Such is the power of concentra-
tion.
2. Today, more than ever, concentration is essential not only for effective work but also for the full
enjoyment of pleasures. This is an age of distraction - interruptions, television, friends, noise,
and by many other things. Increasingly work must be done under conditions which are not
conducive to concentration. Yet a person’s success depends on it. Lack of concentration is a
common problem. Like any other element of success, the power of concentration too, can be
worked upon. Here are a few ways to develop the art of concentration that have worked for
many people.
3. Concentration means the power of giving undivided attention to something. When we are inter-
ested, this attention follows automatically. You can never make success of work that fails to
rouse your interest. You will not be able to give it enough attention. If you are already tied to
work that is uninteresting - what then? Make it interesting! There is no job that has not got its
interesting side. You have to look for it. And once you have created an interest you will begin to
concentrate. If you have to attend to something in spite of its being uninteresting, you can
improve your concentration by strengthening your interest. This can be done by telling yourself,
“this interests me and I will remember it”.
4. Concentration can be cultivated. It can be made into a habit. It only needs constant practice.
You must persevere in trying to concentrate until you succeed. Habit is as strong a force for
good as for ill. You should try to build up habits that are conducive to concentration. For
instance, it helps to sit down to work at a definite time and in a definite place. Find at least half
an hour for reading. Use this as your practice ground. Forget about that favourite lesson you
wish to read. Reading those lessons involves no effort anyway. It is interesting, and automati-

cally holds your attention. Choose instead some lessons from the toughest paper in which you
are not interested. For half an hour a day force yourself to read it. Bring your will power into
play, and hold your attention to its task in spite of all temptations. It will not be easy at first. Do
not miss a single day. And having made the rule - stick to it. Gradually you will find your self-
appointed task growing easier. And there will come a day when you will find it needs no effort
at all.
5. The law of concentration is that one cannot attend to two things at a time, or that two or more
things cannot be done with equal intensity. A boy reading his lessons as he watches a pro-
gramme on T.V. seems to be able to attend both at the same time. The truth is that his attention
alternates between the two.
6. As you tackle one thing you will be troubled by several other things you ought to be doing.
Things that cannot wait, you say. Or can they wait ? Of course they can. They have to wait. If
your mind tends to wander to other things, bring it back gently each time to what you are doing.
Other thoughts tend to intrude because this is the normal way in which the mind works, one
thought succeeding another. Persistent practice of this kind will eventually enable you to de-
velop the power of concentration. Concentration occurs most naturally when body and mind
are relaxed. According to this view, the ideal means of concentrating would be to sit down in a
relaxed posture. That is to say, the person who is concentrating is not all keyed up and tense,
but relaxed and confident. Don’t begin reading that book, for instance, while you are still tired
from your day’s work. Wait a little, until both body and brain have recovered from the strain.
Otherwise you start under a heavy handicap.
7. The inability to concentrate may be because you are worried. It may merely point to the exist-
ence of some other emotional difficulties that require to be solved like feelings of inferiority and
insecurity, immature personalities, depression and poor social adaptations. These problems can
be solved by reading books on positive thinking.
On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the following questions.
(i) Why is it essential to develop concentration?
(ii) How can one create interest in what one is doing?
(iii) How is it possible to develop the reading habit?
(iv) What are the most common emotional problems and how can they be handled?
(v) How can concentration be cultivated?
(vi) Find words in the paragraph indicated which mean the same as
(1) to develop (paragraph 4)
(2) ignorant (paragraph 1)
(3) to adjust (paragraph 7)
(vii) Find words in the paragraph mentioned which mean the opposite of:
(1) remembered (paragraph 1)
(2) weakening (paragraph 3)
(3) easiest (paragraph 4)

4. More years of education can cut adult heart disease risk.
Increasing the years of childhood education may reduce risk for heart disease in adulthood, a study
has found.
Researchers have found that people with more education may have reduced heart disease because
they have higher incomes, allowing them to afford better food and health care.
The study suggested that state policies requiring children to attend additional years of school may
result in improvement in several cardiovascular risk factors in adulthood.
The Researchers at UC San Francisco and Stanford University in the US conducted a natural experiment
by evaluating state compulsory schooling laws, which legislate the number of years children must
attend school.
From two large, national surveys conducted from 1971 to 2012, they identified more than 75,000
people born from 1900 to 1950, when states required children to attend school between 0 and 12
years. They then used US Census data on a group similar individuals to predict the number of years of
required schooling for each individual, based on their year and state of birth.
Overall, about a third of the study participants did not graduate from high school.
While 34.5 per cent reported heart disease, the researchers found that each year of additional
compulsory schooling through high school was associated with a 2.5 percent reduction in occurrence.
They also noted improvements in several cardiovascular risk factors with each additional year, including
reductions of more than 3 percent in smoking and nearly five percent in depression. “As a society, we
should be thinking about investing in social policies to improve overall health and reduce health care
costs.” said Rita Hamad, the lead author of the study.
1. On the basis of your reading of the newspaper report, complete the following statements by choosing
the corrrect option.
1. People with more education may have reduced heart disease because.....
(a) They have more money.
(b) They get good jobs.
(c) Of higher incomes, they have a better food and health care.
2. State polices requiring children to attend additional years of school may result in .......
(a) Improvement in Cardiovascular risk factors in children.
(b) Improvement in health in adulthood.
(c) Improvement in Cardiovascular risk factors in adulthood.
3. Each year of compulsory additional schooling resulted in
(a) Reduction in heart disease.
(b) Reduction in smoking and depression cases.
(c) Reduction in occurrence of heart disease, smoking and depression cases.
2. Answer the following questions briefly :
1. What was the experiment conducted by the researchers at the universities?
2. What does Rita Hamad adivse?
1. to make or enact laws (Para 4)
2. a count for official purposes (Para 5)

3. to put money, effort, time, etc. into something to get an advantage (Para 7)
Section B (Writing)
1. Write a speech discussing the use and abuse of the internet by the youth, giving suggestions how it can
be a valuable tool for national progress and for promoting international understanding. You are Arun /
Aditi Saxena speaking at the 4th National Computer Symposium. (200 words)
2. The trafficking in exotic wild life and wild animal parts is leading to an ecological disaster. Write a
speech to be delivered in the morning assembly as a part of the Environment Day Celebrations on
'Man is the worst enemy of his fellow creatures", giving some suggestions to overcome this state of
affairs. You are Ramneek/ Rahul Bajaj. (200 words)
3. You are the President of Kalkaji Residents Welfare Association. Draft a circular for the residents,
informing them about the Independence Day celebrations, being organised by the RWA. Sign yourself
as Kiran / Kingshuk Kale . (50 words)
4. You are the Principal of Aadyant Vidyalaya. Draft a circular addressed to the parents of your school.
Inform them about the change in the school timings, since when will they be in effect, state the reasons,
etc. (50 words)
Read the extract given and answer the questions that follow :
1. Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
a. Name the poet here and state the rhyme scheme of the extract.
b. How were Aunt Jennifer’s fingers ‘fluttering’ through the wool?
c. What are the various inferences of ‘massive weight’?
2. Read the extract given and answer the questions that follow:
When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with the ordeals she was mastered by,
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
a. Name thepoem and the poet.
b. What does the ring on her finger signify?
c. Which figure of speech is used in 'terrified hands'?
d. Why have the hands been described as terrified?
2. Describe Aunt Jennifer’s tigers.
3. What are referred as ‘terrified’ and why?
4. Describe the poetic devices used in 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers.'
5. Will the tigers meet a similar fate as Aunt Jennifer?
6. State the Governor’s unusual request.

7. “Beneath all the bluster and the bullshit”... who is being referred to here ? How is the real self
portrayed?
8. Who was Mc Leery? Why did he come to the prison?
9. Why did Stephens look through the peep hole?
10. Did Evans expect the development in the Golden Lion hotel?
1. ‘Evans the Break’. Did Evans live up to the epithet bestowed on him?
2. Describe the various meaures undertaken to contain Evans in his cell.
Code : 12Eng (08)
Section A (Reading)
Thinking of anything other than the existing leads to confusion. ‘Simplifying life
begins with treating the present as a gift.'
It is quite understandable when the poor are miserable. But what is surprising is that even the well-
heeled are depressed. This makes you wonder what really causes misery. Why does it not disappear
by wealth, health or anything of that sort?
Osho answers: “The misery exists in the demand and desire for more. Can you see yourself in a
situation where you can stop desiring for more? Impossible! All of us can imagine a better situation or
condition than we are in. This means you will be miserable wherever you are. Even heaven won’t be
enough.”
Here’s an interesting anecdote from the life of famous author Leo Tolstoy One day as Tolstoy was
walking in a forest, he saw a lizard sitting on a rock, sunning itself. Feeling jealous of the lizard, he
spoke , to it: “Your heart is beating. The sun is shining. You are happy” And added after a pause, “But
I am not.”
Osho asks us: “Why are lizards happy and man is not? Why is the whole creation in a celebration and
man isn’t? Why is everything except man beautifully tuned into itself and tuned into the whole? What
has happened to man? What misfortune has befallen him? This has to be understood because from
that very understanding starts the path, from that very understanding you become a seeker and from
that very understanding you are no longer part of the human disease.”
Osho answers: “A lizard exists in the present. It has no idea of the past or the future. It’s in the here-
now. This moment is enough for a lizard, but not so for man. Here arises the disease: You only get one
moment. And wherever you are, you will always be here. And whenever you become aware, you will
become aware in the now The past is no more, the future not yet. We go on missing that which is for
now, for that future which is not yet, for that past which is no more.”
Osho adds: “Drop the past and the future. What does it mean? It means drop thinking, because all
thoughts either belong to the past or to the future. There is no thought for the here-now.
Thinking is unreal—either part of memory or of imagination. The real is an experience.”
You can dance, sun yourself, sing, love in the real but you cannot think in it. Thinking is always ‘about’
something, and in that ‘about’ is hidden the whole misery In that ‘about’ go on meandering, never
quite coming to the point.
The point of all meditation is to be like the lizard, sunning yourself on a rock, to be here-now, to be
part of the whole, not trying to jump ahead into the future, not trying to carry ‘that’ which is no more.
Unburdened of the past, unconcerned about the future, how can you be miserable? Suddenly, you
explode into a different dimension, you go beyond time and you become part of eternity.
But still we refuse to stop thinking and wishing for more, getting stuck like an old record. Like this
girl... Noticing that her friend is extremely glum, one girl asks her:’Angeline, what’s wrong?” Says
Angeline: “Oh, it is nothing. But a fortnight ago, old Mr Short died. He left me Rs 50,000. Then last
week, poor Mr Pilkinhouse died of a seizure and left me Rs 60,000. And this week, nothing!”
— Swami Chaitanya Keerti
A. Answer the following questions briefly :

1. There is misery when ...................
2. Tolstoy thinks the lizard is happier than him because ...................
3. Osho advocates to drop ...................
4. The point of all meditation appears to be ...................
5. According to Osho, we should stop thinking because
(i) all thoughts are meaningless
(ii) thoughts are either about the past or future
(iii) thoughts take us no where
6. 'Misery' is caused
(i) by wrong thinking
(ii) when somebody desires and demands more
(iii) when one gets rich
B. Find words in the passage with the following meaning :
(i) an entertaining account (para 3)
(ii) bad luck (para 4)
(iii) winding (para 7)
(iv) a particular aspect (para 8)
2. Read the following passage carefully
It’s that time of the year again. Mercury levels are already shooting through the roof and there’s no
thought more comforting than the evening swim. However, while it is fine to soak yourself in the pool,
ever given a thought to improving your strokes simultaneously?
Nobody has a perfect technique, not even international-level swimmers. The trick is to put in regular
hours in the pool with conscious effort to improve style and technique. This could be done using props
such as the swimming board or the pull buoy or with exercises that help you fine tune your movements
in the water. Says Hari Om, swimming instructor at the Shangri-La Hotel in New Delhi, “Most of us
are content with having basic swimming skills, but enhancing them can make swimming much more
enjoyable, and also give you a better workout. “
Although observing others is a good way of picking up “Technique, it is even better to go for coaching
even if it is for a short time. Chand Tokas, a national-level swimming coach, explains that there are
plenty of exercises that you can do on your own to improve your strokes. For instance, freestyle

swimmers need to work on the control over their arms. It is important to keep the body straight and
pump as much water as possible with your legs. To get your position right, practice with your elbows
above the shoulders and the thumbs touching your armpits. Make sure that your arms pull all the way
back past your hips. Also, the last part of the stroke (arms coming out of the water) should create an
acceleration behind you and push you up out of the water.
For backstroke swimmers, a major problem is that of the head wobbling too much. Tokas recom-
mends that one should try tieing a small weight to your head and then swim in the backstroke, This will
help you acquire better balance. Often, swimmers practice the stroke out of the water as well. To
work on your butterfly stroke, you can use a swimming board or a pull buoy, catch hold of the board
as you swim and kick with your feet together. The downward kick should be forceful, which helps
you make your stroke stronger and more stable. The coordination between the arm and the leg
movement is also very important for this stroke and has to be consciously worked on.
Nobody likes to be gasping for breath after just a few minutes of getting into the water. Endurance is
a key issue for serious swimmers. Arush Bhandari, a New Delhi-based national level swimmer says,
“If you keep swimming throughout the year, you do fine. But most of us are unable to maintain the
desired tempo.” In the season that you are not, explains Bhandari, it helps to continue some other
form of aerobic exercise, such as running, skipping or rowing to keep the muscles in shape.
Bhandari believes that the most important thing that every swimmer needs to learn is to just let go.
“Even those who have been swimming for many years are subconsciously afraid of letting themselves
go and making involuntary movements in water,” he adds.
Improving your speed is another challenge. For this, it is vital that you position yourself properly. Your
body should be parallel to the water and your head should point towards your destination. Finally, it
makes a big differnce if you eat right. At all costs, avoid eating a meal less than two hours before going
for your swim. Get enough proteins and sugar to build up stamina. Red meat is a total no-no as it clogs
your system with fat and makes you stout. So do carbonated drinks. When you swim for long, it is
important to get lots of fluids since the body looses a lot of water. Also, it is vital that you wear the right
swimming gear. Baggy shorts and t-shirts makes your body drag. Consider wearing fins instead.
Even as you work hard on improving your swimming skills, you will find your experience addictive
and your body will look forward to the next time you get into the water.
(a) Make notes on the passage using appropriate symbols and abbreviations
1. What does Sophie dream of doing after passing out of school?
2. “Soaf, you really should be sensible.” Why does Jansie say so?
3. What does Geoff inform Sophie about Casey? Why?
4. What was Sophie seeking beside the canal?
5. Did Sophie ever meet Danny Casey?
6. Why was Casey such a favourite with Sophie’s family members?
7. ‘Dreams unlimited.’ ‘This project can sometimes prove harmful.’ Justify these statements with
reference to the story.
1. When and where did Gandhi resolve to make the British leave India?

2. How did Rajkumar Shukla persuade Gandhi to visit Champaran?

3. How did even the illiterate sharecroppers realise the deceivement of the English landlords?
4. Describe briefly Gandhi’s meetings with the Secretary of the British landlord’s association and
the British official commissioner of Tirhut.
5. Give any two instances from ‘Indigo’ that depict Gandhi’s courage.
6. What were the conflicting views in Gandhi’s mind?
7. “The battle of Champaran is won.” Explain the statement in its context.
8. What was the final outcome of Gandhi’s negotiation with the landlords of Champaran?
9. Write a crisp account of the activities initiated by Gandhi for the general improvement of
Champaran.
10. Who was C.F. Andrews? Highlight his significance in the Champaran movement.
1 ‘The Champaran epsiode was a turning point in Gandhi’s life.’ Elaborate, by drawing examples
from the text.
2. Entail the features of Gandhiji’s character and personality as highlighted in ‘Indigo.’
3. Comment on the dual implications of the title ‘Going Places.’
4. ‘Jansie is presented as a foil to Sophie.’Authenticate the given statement.
Code 12Eng (09)

Section A (Reading)
I Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Richard Church’s New Glasses
1 I was therefore half prepared for the surprise which shook me a week later when, on the Saturday
evening, we went again to the shop on Lavender Hill, and the chemist produced the bespoken pair of
steel-rimmed spectacles through which I was invited to read the card. I read it, from top to bottom! I
turned, and looked in triumph at Mother, but what I saw was Mother intensified. I saw the pupils of
her eyes, the tiny feathers in her boa necklet; I saw the hairs in father’s moustache, and on the back of
his hand. Jack’s cap might have been made of metal, so hard and clear did it shine on his close-
cropped head, above his bony face and huge nose. I saw his eyes too, round, inquiring, fierce with a
hunger of observation. He was studying me with a gimlet sharpness such as I had never before been
able to perceive.
2 Then we walked out of the shop, and I stepped on the pavement, which came up and hit me, so that
I had to grasp the nearest support — Father’s coat. ‘Take care, now, take care, he said indulgently
(though he disapproved of all these concessions to physical weakness). ‘And mind you don’t break
them!’
3 I walked still with some uncertainity, carefully placing my feet and feeling their impact on the pavement
whose surface I could see sparkling like quartz in the lamp light.
4 The lamplight! I looked in wonder at the diminishing crystals of gas flame strung down the hill. Clampham
was hung with necklaces of light, and the horses pulling the glittering omnibuses struck the granite road

with hooves of iron and ebony. I could see the skeletons inside the flesh and blood of the Saturday-
night shoppers. The garments they wore were made of separate threads. In this new world, sound as
well as sight was changed. It took on hardness and definition, forcing itself upon my hearing, so that I
was besieged simultaneously through the eye and through the ear.
5 How willingly I surrendered ! I went out to meet this blazing and trumpeting invasion. I trembled with
excitement, and had to cling to Mother’s arm to prevent myself being carried away in the flood as the
pavements pushed at me, and people loomed up with their teeth like tusks, their lips luscious, their
eyes bolting out of their heads, bearing down on me as they threw out spears of conversation that
whizzed loudly past my ears and bewildered my wits.
‘Is it any different?’ asked Jack, in his proprietary voice. He was never satisfied until he had collected
all possible information on everything which life brought to his notice.
6. ‘It makes things clearer,’ I replied, knowing that I had no hope of telling him what was happening to
me. I was only half aware of it myself, for this urgent demand upon my attention by the multitudinous
world around me was the beginning of a joyous imposition to which I am still responding today,
breathless and enraptured, though the twilight of the senses begins to settle.
from 'Over the Bridge' by Richard Church
a) The narrator was quite surprised to visit a chemist’s shop. What was the purpose of this visit ?
b) When the narrator turned in triumph, what did he see ?
c) How did the narrator feel when he walked out of the chemist's shop ?
d) Why does the narrator refer to his new experience as “in this new world” (paragraph 4)
II. Find words which mean the same from the passage.
a) rightness/ correctness of behaviour (para 5)
b) numerous (para 6)
c) voluptuously attractive (para 5)
II. Consumerism has emerged as the dominant ideology of mankind at the turn of the Twentieth Century.
Even the socialist countries which had been criticising the west stridently for its growing consumerism
have been skilfully converted to consumerism by the irresistible forces of advertisement unleashed by
Satellite Television.
We find the pervasive influence of advertisement in our daily life. Advertisement controls our life from
morning to evening. It dictates the brand of tea with which we begin our day and the brand of laxative
we take before going to bed at night. We have developed a liking for a particular newspaper over the
years. We have been told that the paper has the largest combined sale in the country or is published
from the largest number of places. And this paper gives us admittance into a whole wide-world of
advertisements at the beginning of the day. While the man decides the exclusive brand of shirt he is to
wear during the forthcoming annual review of performance by the top boss of the company from a
range of readymade shirts advertised in the paper, the housewife makes up her mind to go to the
“Fabulous Sarees” splashed in Newspapers, posters and pamphlets doing the rounds in the town.
The teenage daughter insists on wearing the jeans worn by her favourite filmstar shown in the ‘Filmfare’.
The ‘only son’ in the family is determined to make the life of parents a hell if ‘Little Master Video-
Game’ highly praised in the T.V. advertisement is not brought for him immediately.
Coaching schools have built up a roaring business thanks to advertisements of their courses and
success stories (true or false ?) in the newspapers, magazines and the Television. Many reluctant
scholars have been enthused to part with hard-earned money to test their luck in competitions where
success rate ranges from 1 % to 2% at the most. For every success there are more than 98 failures.
But this fact does not deter the sellers of dreams from indulging in shriller advertisements. Nor does it
inhibit the day-dreamers to pour in more and more money into the most uncertain ventures of compe-
tition. Indeed, how many young men and women can resist the temptation’of becoming I.A.S. Offic-
ers, doctors or engineers at the cost of only a couple of thousand rupees ?
U.S.A. spends more money on advertisements than Gross Domestic Product of Bangladesh. Some
of the best brains of every country are engaged in the business of advertisement. Naturally, advertise-
ments have become more and more sophisticated, subtle and impressive. The aid of beauty-queens,
film-stars and sports-idols is obtained by manufacturers and advertisers to sell soaps and cosmetics,
drinks and energy foods, shirts and sarees, ornaments and motor-bikes. Who can resist the combined
power of superstars and the products they advertise ? Considering the resources and skills of adver-
tisers, it seems certain that advertisements will continue to-manipulate our minds and control our life
for a long time to come.
1. Read the above passage and make notes in points only using abbreviations wherever necessary.
2. Write a summary of the above passage in 80 words. Also supply a suitable title.
High-altitude climbing is still a very dangerous task in spite of the availability of oxygen masks and
other protective equipments which modern climbers take with them. These, of course, are indispensable
accessories of climbing, but more important than these is the stamina of the climber which ultimately
determines the success of his attempt. Throughout his journey, death is his constant companion which
he can keep at a distance only with his superb presence of mind. He has to tread every inch of the
ground with the utmost care, for a false step may not only strike him a fatal blow but also bring disaster
to the whole expedition. That is why all expeditions invariably take with them local guides who are
experienced climbers and who have a thorough knowledge of the nature of the terrain. Moreover, a
huge amount of capital is needed for financing these expeditions, and this is generally provided by
governments-or rich private organisations.
The primary object of a mountaineering expedition is to get to the top of a high mountain, which, in the
past has withstood all attempts to conquer it. But it should not be presumed that the expedition is a
complete failure if it does not reach its destination. Sometimes operations are temporarily suspended
because of bad weather, loss of some valuable equipment or the sudden death of a very important
member of the party. Every big expedition takes with it men who are interested in botany, biology,
geology and various other branches of science, and these men carry with them equipment for record-
ing their observations concerning the weather, the terrain, and different forms of life in higher altitudes.

Other scientists, explorers and expeditionists utilise the fruits of their observations. Thus, every
unsuccessful expedition contributes to the success of later expeditions. The British Expedition led by
Colonel Hunt would have found their way to Everest much more difficult had not earlier expeditions
armed them with useful knowledge about the death-dealing weather which they had to encounter in
the vicinity of the summit.
To ordinary people, mountaineering need be a fearful journey in the land of snowstorms, where the
brave-adventurer is always face to face with death. They can scale less ambitious heights, rest their
weary limbs under a quiet shelter and feast their eyes on the distant land-scape. In the company of
friends’they can.enjoy an outing near a waterfall or cross into the next valley with haversacks full of
provisions dangling from their shoulders. All those who can afford to go to a hill station should seek
this innocent pleasure, for it can be had without any risk to life or limb.
1. What are the factors that determine the success of the climbers ? (Give four points)
2. State any two precautions that the climbers should take during their journey.
3. In what ways does a mountaineering expedition contribute to the wealth of knowledge ?
4. How does a local guide help an expedition ?
5. Climbers take local guides as
(i) they are strong
(ii) they are experienced climbers
(iii) they are good entertainers
6. According to the passage, the one thing that determines the success of high-altitude climbing is
(i) stamina
(ii) money
(iii) adequate knowledge
7. Find words from the passage that mean the following
(i) area of land (para 1)
(ii) taken for granted (para 2)
(iii) to hang loosely (para 3)
Information technology and library services are two faces of the same coin. In a village set-up, mostly
the young and the old use libraries and the middle aged make little use of these libraries. They need
job related information to update their skills and knowledge. The library and information services play
a dominant role in catering to education, information and recreational requirements of society. Library
is an instrument of social change. All along, the concept of library has been associated with literacy
and books, and the librarian was considered the keeper of books. Concurrent with changes in society,

the concept of library has changed. It is a multimedia centre and a place for learning resources for the
literate as well as the illiterates. Education is the key to individual achievement and national strength.
Integrated approach in starting at least a reading room in every hamlet is the need of the hour. Co-
ordination between the department of Education and Panchayati Raj in spreading the library movement
is of paramount importance. Amalgamation of adult education programmes with the library programmes
also needs to be given a greater thought. The school can function in a hamlet or a village serving the
common needs of students and public. The massive permanent building programmes for weaker
sections in rural areas should earmark at least one house for every 1,000 houses or in every cluster for
library purpose. The services of a retired teacher or a retired employee in that hamlet can be availed.
A person residing in the same hamlet is more useful with inherent advantage than an outsider for library
work as the library has to function in the evening hours and to be extended for TV and Internet
operations also. Information technology, Internet and e-commerce have great potential in catering to
public needs. However, we have to be pragmatic in our approach in terms of electronic access to
information in rural areas. Availability, affordability, accessibility, acceptability and sustainability of the
service should also be kept in view. Once a common service place is identified, the IT based services
can conveniently be cushioned on. It is hoped that the State and Central governments will give top
priority to this minimum facility.
(i) On the basis of your reading of the above passage makes notes on it (in points) using headings
and sub-headings. Also use recognizable short forms wherever necessary (minimum four). As-
sign a suitable title to the passage.
(ii) Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words.
Section B (Writing)
1. The National Book Trust, leading publishers of children's literature are looking for artists/ graphic
artists for illustrating children's books. Experience in graphic designing preferred. Salary will not be a
constraint for talented applicants. Send your resume to The General Manager, National Book Trust,
Neeti Marg, New Delhi.
You are Seema/ Suresh. Respond to the above job advertisement that appeared in the 'The Hindu'
dated 04/04/OX alongwith your Bio-data. Your address is 30/191, Vidyut Nagar, New Delhi.
2. As Headboy of your school, write a letter to the Principal requesting permission to go to the bookfair,
(for Class XII students) in 125 words.
3. You are Radha / Radhey Goel of St. Augustine School, Gangtok. You have been selected to be a
member of the Sikkim Under -18 Basketball team and represent your state in the National Basketball
Championship, 200x. Write a letter, requesting your Principal to grant you permission to attend school
two hours late for a month, as you have to attend the coaching. (150 words)
4. Pizza Hut requires two restaurant managers. Minimum qualification is graduation. Apply for the post.
Write to 7, DLF Centre, Gurgaon - 17.
5. You are Puneet/ Puneeta Anand of 18, Deshbandhu Marg, Pune. You came across an advertisement
seeking young, talented Post Graduate Music Teachers at Indus Valley School, Mumbai. Write an
application along with a detailed resume, applying for the post.

1. How did the Tiger King get this title?
2. What did the chief astrologer prophecize about the cause of the Maharaja’s death?
3. When was the Maharaja’s claim over the throne in danger?
4. What impediment did the Maharaja’s tiger hunts face?
5. What is the writer’s attitude towards man and animal in the story?
Q2. Long Answer Type Questions.
1. “Tongue-in cheek innocence, satire and humour” are the hallmarks of ‘The Tiger King’. Elabo-
rate.
Code 12E (10)
Section A (Reading)
A.1 Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
A play is not like a novel or a poem. This is a truism that needs to be repeated. Because the playwright
must put his ideas for his play into so many words on paper, it is all too easy to read them as if they
work like those in other books. A composer of music writes a notation for the sounds in his mind but
the fullness of the music is heard only in performance; so it is with drama.
A moment’s thought about a few of the differences between a novel and a play, and between a poem
and a play, will put us on guard against some of the obvious mistakes.
A novel can pause in its career while its author draws attention to some detail he is anxious the reader
should not miss, or while he gives his reader direct information about the thoughts of a character. A
play, on the other hand, can only work through visible actors and what we can hear them and see them
do. Thus, by description, a novelist can, if he wishes, present a character, virtually whole, on his first.
page, but the playwright, through his actors can give us only so much at a time; and for the most part,
he must demonstrate it. This accounts for the delightful immediacy of drama.
In some plays, of course, we may infer that a situation or a character is full and complete off stage just
as we know there is a great deal more of an iceberg beneath the surface. The good producer and
actor and the student too has to test the quality of such a situation or character by exploring for what
is not directly seen or heard. In the theatre an audience does this continuously and this is one of the
active pleasures of undergoing a play.
Any detail the playwright wishes his audience to notice particularly, anything he wishes to ‘tell’ them,
requires a special technique of ‘signalling’ into the auditorium. These signals, visual and auditory, are
being made all the time and are the life of the play. As we sit in the theatre we willingly adjust our eyes
and ears to receive a multiple barrage of impressions from the instant the curtain rises. Visual signals
are transmitted through mime, gesture, movement, choreography, stage decor, costume and lighting.
Aural signals are largely transmitted through the voice of the actors, his use of tone and pace, though
music and sound effects also contribute to the message of the play. The viewer feels the cumulative
impact of such impressions and the reader dare not ignore this fact.
A novel can move so freely and loosely in space and time that essentially space and time have not the

same necessary importance as for the theatre, but physical space and actual time are the real and
rigorous limitations of a play and its condition of working. Without them it could not be a play. An
actor on his platform is alive in three dimensions, and for however long he remains there he must
contribute also to our awareness of time, the fourth dimension. Furthermore, if great drama is
achieved, these very limitations of space and time will have been turned into creative opportunities.
A poem can convey its meaning to its reader even more directly than a novel. The poet selects and
organises words in patterns of sound, association and image; the reader for his part can linger his eye
or his ear over the poem, reading it forwards and even backwards, making the pace of his reading
exactly correspond with the needs of his own understanding, feeling and imagination. In a play, on the
other hand, the good dramatist exactly controls the kind and intensity of our interest in the details of
character and events of the stage. Moreover, he absolutely insists upon a precise speed at which they
are to be transmitted and received.
The difference here is partly because the poet, like the novelist, thinks of his reader as an individual.
The playwright must always think of his audience as a group. Drama is a social activity; reading
poetry, and fiction, too, is usually a private one.
A1. 1) Why does the author feel he needs to repeat his opening statement?
2) Why does the author say that a play has more in common with music than a novel?
3) What can a novelist do to present his characters which a playwright may not do?
4) Explain the signals through which the playwright must work.
5) What are the limitations of space and time that bind a playwright?
6) What does the writer have to say about the pace at which impressions are transmitted in a poem
or novel, as compared with the pace they are done so in a play?
A2. Find words in the passage which mean the same as the following:-
a) Statement that repeats an idea already implied in one of its terms. (Lines 1 - 15)
b) Representing of numbers, quantities, sounds, etc. by symbols. (Lines 1- 17)
1. Man dominates this earth because of his command on technology. It’s man, who tries to change
his surroundings according to his convenience and for making his life easier and better. Technology
is the sum total of all the different techniques by which man changes his environment.
2. Technology is characteristic of all human societies, and it exists even among less developed
tribes and communities. Even the Eskimo uses a number of techniques to make life more
comfortable for him. He makes clothes ; he buildsan igloo and a boat; he uses needles and
knives; he gets food by means of fishing lines and harpoons. All these are techniques for changing
his wild habitat into an environment that suits him better.
3. More advanced civilizations have more complex technologies, but the basic pattern is always
the same. There must be means to get food, so the hunter invents the spear or the bow and
arrow or the boomerang, and the farmer invents the hoe or the plough. There must be means to
move things about, so the community domesticates the ox or the horse and invents the boat or
the wheel. There must be means to ward off the weather, so the community makes clothes and

huts and invents the tools that are needed to make them. These and other tools need to be
strong and durable, so civilizations gradually move on from stone to bronze, from bronze to
iron, and so on. And when we think of our present age as the age of right metals, we see
ourselves in the tradition of progress that began with stone, bronze, and iron.
4. Our own technological progress, then has been a natural continuation of earlier trends. When
today we breed new strains of corn, we are following the same aims as the first farmers. And
when we send a rocket above the atmosphere, we are following the line begun by the invention
of the wheel.
5. However, there is one respect in which our technology is markedly different. We have transformed
the simple tools of the past into complex machines. For example, man has used such a tool as
the hammer since long before historical records began. But it was only in historical times that he
discovered that the hammer could be made into a trip hammer-that is, could be made to deliver
its blow again and again automatically. When a tool is made to repeat the same mechanical
action, it becomes a machine. Modern civilization is built on the use of machines in this way.
However clever they may appear, all machines at bottom are as simple as the water. They do
nothing but save us from carrying out ourselves a fixed and repeated sequence of actions.
6. When machines repeat their actions, day in and day out, they need a constant source of power.
Therefore a great deal of human invention in the last 300 years has been directed to taming the
power hidden in nature, and to channelling it into steady sources of energy that can drive machines.
Accordingly, inventions in the field of energy-all the way from the steam engine to the nuclear
reactor have an important place in technological growth.
7. There is another aspect of the machine that will become more and more important in the century
ahead. This is the discovery that machines are also good at adding up columns of figures or
flying an airplane on a fixed beam. Until a few years ago, we used machines only to do heavy
repetitive work. Now we realise that all repetition is best done by machines, even if the operation
is as complex as controlling the sequence or processes in a chemical plant or calculating the
price of its products. With this discovery we are on the threshold of a new age of industrial
automation.
8. All progress in technology depends on a scientific understanding of the way in which nature
works, in order that we may make her work for our ends. Pure science and technology are not
independent fields of study. Agriculture cannot prosper without the study of genetics, light metals
cannot be made without research in chemistry, and automation depends on electronic devices
that need a detailed understanding of the physics of matter and of the logic of control systems.
9. Above all, we must understand that technology is the application of scientific knowledge to
human problems. Like all knowledge, it can be applied for good or evil-and even when applied
with the best of intentions, it can have evil results. In short, every human advance carries with it
not only automatic benefits but also a new responsibility ; and we must remain constantly aware
of the dangers that lie in the possible misuse of enormous skills. If properly used, however,
those very skills could enable whole populations to lead the kind of good life both material and
spiritual that was once the privilege of a lucky few.
1. Define technology in the true sense of the concept.
2. How do the Eskimos make their habitat suitable ?
3. What is the basic pattern behind civilization ?
4. How has man tamed the power hidden in the nature ?
5. A great deal of human effort in the last 300 years has been directed to taming the hidden power

in nature because :
(i) human beings wish to exploit nature for their own needs.
(ii) human beings can get a steady source of energy to run their machines.
(iii) human beings need to make new inventions.
6. The author's views on 'technology' in the last paragraph can be best summed as :
(i) All technological progress has negative effects.
(ii) Technology can solve all human problems and make life easy for him.
(iii) Man must act responsibly and use technology carefully for the upliftment of human life
and avoid misusing it.
5. Select from the passage, words which are similar in meaning to the following
(i) prominent (para 8)
(ii) usable (para 3)
(iii) to do again (para 6)
Section B (Writing)
1. You are Sumita/ Sonu. You have cleared your IIT Entrance Examination. You wish to sell your IITJEE
and Vidya Mandir practice material. Write an adveritisement to be published in the classified column
in not more than 50 words.
2. Describe in about 50 words, the people, activities and things you see at 'Priya', Vasant Vihar in the
evenings.
3. You are impressed by the new Principal of your school. Describe his/ her personality in about 100-
125 words.
4. Your family is moving to a new city on account of transfer and wants to dispose off immediately items
of furniture and electrical equipments. Draft a clear advertisement to be inserted in a local newspaper
giving necessary details of the articles, expected prices, etc. (50 words only)
5. You are Purnima/ Prashant. You have lost your attache while travelling from Delhi to Agra. The brief-
case contains important documents. Draft an advertisement in about 50 words to be published in the
'Lost and Found' column of Times of India. Include relevant details.
6. You are Nayantara / Nayan, a class XII student. Last week, your school take the entire class XII for
the annual picnic to Lodhi Gardents. Describe the event in 120 words.
1. Did Douglas have a fear of water since the beginning?
2. Describe the emotionally scarring experience at the YMCA.
3. How did Douglas try to save himself in the YMCA pool?
4. ‘........the curtain of life fell.’ Explain this statement.
5. State the after–effects of the drowning experience.
6. How did the experience affect him?
7. What did his drowning experience deprive him of?
8. Comment on the validity of the title, ‘The Deep Water.’
9. Entail the steps taken by the instructor to make Douglas a swimmer.

10. Which incident proved that Douglas had conquered his fear?
11. 'The little old house was out........
sinking and withering faint.'
a. Name the poem and the poet
b. Where was the new shed installed?
c. Explain the phrase : 'too pathetically pled.'
d. State the rhyme scheme of the above extract.
12. What is the 'ancient way' symbolic of?
13. What solution does the poet offer ?
14. What is the theme of the poem?
Q2 Long Answer Type questions.
1. ‘The only thing to fear is fear itself.’ Relate this statement to 'Deep Water.'
2. How did Douglas overcome his fear of drowning?
Code 12E (11)

Section A (Reading)
1 He counts Madonna, Bill
Clinton and Umberto Eco
amongst his readers, and is
one of the most widely read
authors of today. But for
Paulo Coelho, writing
goes much beyond
the fanfare and adulation.
The following passage is an excerpt from his interview to the Times of India. Read it and answer the
questions based on it.
As Ortega Gasset says, “I am myself and my circumstances”. Being an actor, a lyricist, director - all
these experiences contributed to who I am today. I've always had a guideline though - the intention of
living my life to the fullest, being conscious of death, being conscious of the transient aspect of life...
I always had the need to write, despite the outer world. I believe that it is this need to keep on
understanding myself and questioning the world that motivates me the most.
You see, you don’t find inspiration; you nurture it.
It’s always a powerful moment when I look into the eyes of a reader and I can see how he or she
experienced my novel. My book then becomes a common experience. There are virtual meetings too.
For instance, once a reader from India sent me an e-mail, in which she said she had read one of my
books. She had gone rafting on the Ganga and she decided to take the book and put it into the sacred
waters of the Ganga because she thought it was symbolic - to allow a book to travel in the sacred
waters. It truly moved me to see so much poetry and sensitivity.
I do not believe in messages. That said, I would say there is only one thing I really treasure in a human
being. You can have your fears, you can have your moments of doubt, but you can never be a coward.
You have to face your fears, you have to overcome your moments of doubt, you have to believe that
if you look for it, there is always a solution. If you really want something, the whole universe is going
to conspire to help you. But to do that, you have to be brave. Brave enough to fight for things that are
meaningful to you.
I don’t have a ready-made formula to apply when I embark on a new book,’ but I’m always control-
led by many elements: Discipline, compassion and a sincere eagerness to understand myself. When I
start a new book, I try to approach myself from a different angle. In The Alchemist, for example, I
was trying to explain to myself what writing meant to me.
In The Zahir, on the other hand, there is a kind of a snapshot of my present moment as a famous
writer. In my latest book, The Witch of Portobello I wanted to explore the feminine side of divinity,
I wanted to plunge into the heart of the Great Mother.
1. What has been the guiding principle of Paulo Coelho's life ?
2. What inspires him to write ?
3. How does he describe his experience of his interaction with the readers ?
4. 'Courage is not the absence of fear, but overcoming it'. State the relevance of this statement in
the context of Coelho's views.
5. How does Coelho approach a new book that is to be written ?
6. The reader from India decided to keep the book in the waters of the Ganga because :
(i) the travelling of the book in the sacred waters was symbolic to her.
(ii) she wanted to wash and purify the book.
(iii) it was a divine and holy experience for her.
7. 'If you really want something, the whole universe is going to conspire to help you' means :
(i) when you wish to puruse your passion sincerely and do something meaningful, some
mystical experiences would help and guide you.
(ii) when you wish to puruse your passion sincerely and do something meaningful, you'll have
to be brave and overcome your doubts and fears and gradually you'll be successful.
(iii) when you wish to pursue your passion and do something meaningful, doubts and fears
will help you become cautious and guide you through.
6. Make your own sentences with the following words :
(i) transient (para 1)
(ii) virtual (para 3)
(iii) comparison (para 5)
(iv) snapshot (para 5)

2. Read the following passage.
India ranks a low 58th in of countries according to how native they are, one notch above China at 59.
However, in a survey among executives worldwide, India ranked second on conditions for innova-
tion.
In a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, though China is not counted as being more efficient
than India at innovation, it is predicted to leave India behind with its huge investment in R&D and
education.
In the report, “Innovation: Transiting the way business creates”, 82 economies are ranked based on
their level of innovation in 2002-06. The report also predicts how this ranking will change by 2011.
The report ranks Japan as currently the most innovative nation followed by Switzerland, the US and
Sweden. The level of innovation has been based on international patent data. The small country
advantage seems to be definitely working, with 15 of the top 25 performers on the innovation index
being countries with fewer than 10 million inhabitants.
In a survey of 458 senior executives, India was ranked second with 12% of the respondents citing it
as the best place to innovate. US ranked first with 40% of the respondents stating that it has the best
conditions for Innovation.
UK got 6% of the votes and surprisingly, Japan got just 2% of the votes.
The report states that Japan, though in first place for innovation output, is in 11th place in direct
innovation inputs and ranks poorly at 25th place as an innovation environment. However, it concedes
that the perception about Japan could also be due to a language bias, as the survey was conducted
only in English. The report notes that both Indian and China are breaking out of their position as
members of the underdeveloped world. It notes that China would overtake India moving to the 54th
rank from present 59, reaping the benefits of the huge sums of money it is pouring into R&D and
education.
India too will rise in 2007-11 from 58th to 56th position, though not as much as China. China has
replaced Japan to become the world’s second largest investor (after the US) in R&D, spending $136
billion in 2006, more than Japan’s $130 billion, and yet well below the whopping $330 billion spent
by US.
The number of university students in China has more than quadrupled in 10 years. While the US
produces 1,37,000 engineers a year, China produces 3,52,000. The report says that 1.76 million
new engineers in the next five years are bound to boost China’s ability to innovate.
Modernising commercial infrastructure, favourable regulatory and economic climate and scientists
who can be hired at 20 % the salary of Western scientists are bound to help China attract more FDI
than India. However, rampant theft of intellectual property, academic fraud, weak financial markets
and political meddling in science and research limit its lure.
Even West Asian countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and East European countries
like Lithuania, Ukraine, Poland and Romania rank much above India and China.

1. Make a set of notes on the information provided in the passage. Use appropriate symbols and
abbreviations.
2. Write an abstract of the passage. (80 words)
1. ‘Scrounging for gold’. Explain the term.
2. What was ironical about Saheb’s full name?
3. Why can’t they break their “God-given lineage”?
4. Draw the contrast between Saheb and Mukesh.
5. What advice did Anees Jung regard as hollow?
Q2. Long Answer Type Questions.
1 “....Stolen childhoods, forfeited innocence.” "Lost Spring’ dwells on the dual themes.’
Comment.
Code 12E (12)

Section A (Reading)
1 Read the following passage and answer the questions based on it.
North and South Korea will send trains across their heavily-armed border for the first time since their
1950-1953 war, a move Seoul sees as a milestone in reconciliation.
Celebrities, politicians and even a conductor on the last train to cross the border in 1951 will be on
board the two trains—one starting in the North and one in the South — that will go out 25 km each
across the Cold War’s last frontier.
‘The government in Seoul and the South Korean people themselves have been starved for some signs
of reciprocity," said Brian Myers, an associate professor of international relations at Dongseo University.
South Korea, fearful of the hundreds of billions of dollars it would cost to unify with its impoverished
neighbour, has sought a series of projects to gradually bring the two together.
But the South Korean government has been criticised at home for sending massive aid to the North
only to see its largesse rebuffed by Pyong-yang which has halted cooperation projects and sparked a
security crisis with a nuclear test last year.
The two Koreas, still technically still at war because their conflict ended only in a truce, have lived with
a razor wire and land-mine strewn border dividing the peninsula for decades and over 1 million troops
near a demilitarised buffer zone.
North and South Koreans will ride together in the two passenger trains that will carry 150 people
each on links built by the South—one on the east coast and the other about 60 km northwest of
Seoul.
North Korea’s military, fearful of increased openings between the isolated country and the outside
world, cancelled a planned run a year ago. It agreed last week to a one-off run, despite pressure from
Seoul for more, crossings.

To entice the North to allow the crossing, South Korea has offered some $80 million in aid for its light
industries. It has already built cavernous and now idle stations near the border in anticipation of
regular rail ‘ runs. South Korea has built the rail links in order to serve two projects its has built in the
North.
One is a mountain resort on the east coast and the other is a factory park the South sees as a model
of economic integration where its companies use cheap North Korean labour and land to produce
goods.
Eventually, South Korea said it wants to send passengers and cargo into China and Russia and link
wftn the Trans-Siberian railway. Export-dependent South Korea could see huge savings in moving
cargo if North Korea allows the rail link, said Na Hee-seung, a rail specialist at the South’s Korea
Railroad Research Institute,
He said the South may be looking to finance an overhaul of parts of North Korea’s rail system, which
was largely built during Japan’s 1910-1945 colonial rule over the peninsula.
“It is in South Korea’s interest to update North Korea’s rail infrastructure,” Na said.
REUTERS
1. What is Cold War ? What is considered as its last frontier and why ?
2. Why is South Korea hesitating about hastening the unification ?
3. Describe the conflict scenario between the two Koreas.
4. How has South Korea tried to lure its neighbour ?
5. What are South Korea's future plans vis a vis its rail link with North Korea ? Why ?
6. From the paragraph 3 we can safely infer that____________
a. South Korean people are impatient for a response from North Korea.
b. South Korea expects North Korea to repel their overtures for peace.
c. South Korea is anxious for a suitable reply from North to their peace initiatives.
7. Which of the following suggest that North Korea has not warmed up to the peace process
initiated by the South Korean government?
a. razor wire and landmine strewn border dividing the peninsula
b. massive aid rebuffed and cooperation project halted
c. presence of 1 million troops in the demilitarised zone
8. The unification project was heavily criticized in South Korea because_________
a. they felt that sending trains across border was not safe
b. the projects undertaken would cost billions of dollars
c. the government of North Korea rejected the largesse offered by the South
9. Find words in the passage which are the antonyms of :
(i) disagreement (para no.1)

(ii) wealthy (para no.4)

(iii) accepted (para no.5)
(iv) busy (para no.9)
2. Read the following passage and answer the questions based on it.
Shimla: The hill face littered with plastic of various hues, polythene bags fluttering from stately deodars
and pines, anglers eager to bait a rainbow or brown trout hooking polythene covers in the Tirthan and
Pabbar rivers and dirty water overflowing from choked sewers had become the order of the day, till
the government finally woke up to the issue.
It passed India’s first non-biodegradable waste Act in 1995. Ever since, the picturesque state has
fine-tuned the law several times to close all loopholes and make the ban total.
The Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act was first enacted in 1995 to
check the haphazard throwing of plastic carry bags — in forest land, public places, roads, rivers and
dams.
But that did not solve the problem as shopkeepers, vendors and vegetable sellers were still handing
out their goods in polythene bags because they were cheaper than paper bags, light and convenient to
carry, and as there was no law to stop them from doing so. Consequently, the state government vide
its notification of November 26,1998 prohibited the use of coloured polythene bags for packaging of
goods by wholesalers, retailers and vendors with effect from January 1,1999.
This solved only a part of the problem as the notification dealt with only polythene bags made of
cheap quality colours and chemicals. Though the recycled bags slowly disappeared, they were re-
placed by bags made of transparent, virgin plastic.
But as political will to do away with plastic was strong the government came out with another notifi-
cation on June 14,2004, banning the use of carry bags having a thickness of less than 70 microns and
measuring less than 12 inches by 18 inches by all stockists, traders, retailers and vendors within the
state. The ban was enforced strictly and power was delegated to fine errant distributors, stockists and
retailers, a minimum of Rs 500 up to Rs 25,000. From June 2004 (when this notification was issued)
till November 2005, as many as 11,529 inspections were carried out, in which 255 shopkeepers
were challaned and a fine of over Rs 3.28 lakh collected.
It had the desired effect, as now almost every trader, vendor or shopkeeper keeps either paper/cloth
bags. Even the people have got into the old habit of carrying jute or cloth bags for shopping or buying
vegetables, knowing well that they will not get any polythene carry bags.
The state has made allowances for bags thicker than 70 microns and size 12 inches by 18 inches—
the typically good-quality bags given out by garment stores, shoe shops and malls—as it feels that
people usually store such bags at home for reuse.
1. Make a set of notes on the above passage. Use appropriate abbreviations and symbols.
2. Write an abstract of the provided passage (80 words)

Section B (Writing)
1. Prepare a 'missing' advertisement for a 40 year old man. Provide all the relevant details. (50 words)
2. Prepare a 'missing' poster for a 25 year old woman. Provide all the relevant details. (50 words)
3. Blossoms Public School, Mysuru will be celebrating Dussehra 20XX through a ballet, Dashavatar.
You are Melissa / Michael Gomes, the Cultural Secretary. Write a letter to invite danseuse Malika
Sarabhai, as the Chief Guest. (50 words).
1. .........but after the airport’s
security check, standing a few yards
away, I looked at her again at her, wan,
pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that
old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was , see you soon,
Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and
smile...
a. Name the poem and its poet.
b. What did the poet do after the security check?
c. Name and explain the usage of the literary device in line no.5.
d. What was the fear that resurfaced?
2. Describe the contrasting images inside the car with the outside.
3. State and explain the employment of repetition in the last two lines of the poem.
4. Which ship did the author board and why?
5. What did the passengers on the Shokalskiy do, before the ship turned around?
6. How long have humans been on earth? What has been the impact?
Long Answer Type Questions
1. Why is Antarctica fundamental to the understanding of the earth's past, present and future?
2. 'Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves.' Explain, in the
context of 'Journey to the End of the Earth.'
Code 12E (13)

Section A (Reading)
1. Read the following poem and do as directed
The Language of Spears

In the year of the drought

the pond dried up

with the last mouthful
of its vanishing water
sucked in by the thirsty cracks.
The crust cracked
as the watery kingdom of pond
became a confederation
of mud and weed.
Then copper people

with sunburnt faces
came from far away
and spoke to the fish
in a language of spears.
With open-mouthed disbelief
the fish responded
to the flash of steel.
Beating their thighs

like wailing women
the fish drummed the hard ground
with the protest of their fins.
Through bulging dim eyes
they stared at the cloudless sky
and read the promise of rains
hidden far away
in the mist of hills.
1. Complete the summary of the poem by filling the blanks with appropriate words.
The poem paints a (a) _______________ picture of drought and its (b) _______________ .
The drought causes the (c) _______________ of the pond. The (d) _______________ fish
were hunted down by (e) _______________ . Even towards the end of their (f)
_______________ they (g) _______________ for rains which were still
(h)_______________.
2. In the first stanza, line numbers 1 to 5, identify name and explain the figure of speech.
3. What contrast do line numbers 6 to 9, stanza 1, present ?
4. Explain 'language of spears'. Why did the fish respond in the stated manner ?
5. Comment on the literary device in the last stanza.
6. 'Mouthful' in stanza 1 and 'disbelief' in stanza 2 are examples of words with a suffix and prefix,
respectively. Choose any two words from the poem. Add a prefix or suffix to either of them and
present the newly coined words.

7. The figures of speech used in line 6 are_____________

a. imagery and simile
b. personification and metaphor
c. alliteration and onomatopoeia
8. The phrase 'flash of steel' refers to______________
a. sunlight reflecting against the metal tip of the spears
b. sudden appearance of the spears in the air
c. a quick movement of spears attacking fish
9. The second stanza does not depict_____________
a. the fish in throes of death
b. the ray of hope expressed by dying fish
c. amazement felt by fish on the onslaught
2. Read the following passage and do as directed.
Linguistics, the scientific study of language, is a burgeoning field of study and research around the
world. So, if you seek an alternative to the mundane rigmarole, and a merger of science and society
interests you, then a career as a linguist might just be for you.
The study of linguistics is an analytic discipline, and the analytic tools that one learns to analyse lan-
guage can be used to study virtually any subject - from the language of cinema and the nature of
myths, to the convolutions of a complex computer language.
“Linguistics is not purely an academic discipline; it can contribute a great deal to applied components
like language teaching, improvement of communication skills and an understanding of culture. It can
also aid language technology development (machine translation, development of spelling and grammar
checkers),” says B N Patnaik, fellow, Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore and former
professor of English and Linguistics, IIT-Kanpur.
The field of linguistics is interdisciplinary and can offer great career options when pursued as a core
course or as part of other social sciences
To facilitate the cross-disciplinary nature of linguistics, the course structure at Jawaharlal Nehru University
(JNU), Delhi is designed such that students are encouraged to take optional courses in other areas of
study. “We encourage students to take 10-12 core courses within the discipline and a minimum of
four courses in fields like computer science, geography, ethnic studies and so on,” says Anvita Abbi,
professor of Linguistics, JNU.
“Linguistics in India is primarily a postgraduate programme. Not many undergraduate colleges offer
courses in linguistics," says Patnaik. The fact that even the IITs, — with their strong associations with
science and technology, have research facilities in linguistics, illustrates the myriad dimensions of the
field.
“One can do a PhD in linguistics at IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay and IIT Madras, among the IITs. At
these institutes, linguistics courses are offered as optional courses for the undergraduate BTech stu-
dents,” he adds.
With a degree in Linguistics, one can work in the areas of language teaching, audiology, speech
therapy, translation, interpretation and lexicography.

Students specialising in computational linguistics can work in the area of natural language processing,
machine translation, text-to-speech synthesis, speech recognition and artificial intelligence.
Mass media and communication is another area where the contribution of linguistics is significant.
Today, advertising and consumer research extensively use semiotics, which is largely taught as a part
of linguistics.
So what academic and personal temperament is conducive to the field? Pradhan observes that stu-
dents who opt for Masters’ courses are predominantly the ones with language backgrounds. “But any
good graduate student with an interest in the subject will do very well. The basic requisites are an
analytical mind, a scientific aptitude and a concern for the world around you," he says.
So has the perception of linguistics as an academic choice changed through the years ? “Well,
there is a significant demand for the field due to which the University of Mumbai plans introduce
certificate courses and an MPhil. programme very soon,” says Pradhan.
However, Patnaik quips since the syllabi of the courses in linguistics do not relate to the immediate
requirements of the job market, it does not have too many takers. “But students must realise that the
subject has many applications. Today, language is relatively big business. There are so many language-
oriented careers. But unfortunately, not too many linguists,” he explains.
INSTITUTES
• Aligarh Muslim University - Undergraduate certificate course in Linguistics, BA, MA and PG
Diploma.
• Deccan College - MA, MPhil and PhD in linguistics
• Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages, Hyderabad - MA linguistics, MPhil, English
(linguistics and phonetics), MPhil linguistics, MPhil phonetics, MPhil applied linguistics, PhD
English (linguistics and phonetics), PhD linguistics, PhD phonetics, PhD applied linguistics.
• Centre for Applied Linguistics and Translation Studies, Hyderabad - MA, MPhil and PhD in
Applied Linguistics, MPhil and PhD in Translation Studies.
• Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi -Postgraduate and research programmes in Linguistics,
research facilities in Semiotics.
Kannada University, Hospet, Karnataka - MA, PhD integrated course, PG Diploma in
Translation Studies, www.kannadauniversity.org/ default.htm
• SNDT, Mumbai - MA in applied linguistics, one-year postgraduate diploma in applied linguistics.

• University of Mumbai - MA and PhD in linguistics.

(a) Compile a set of notes on the passage.
(b) Write an abstract of the same. (80 words)
Section B (Writing)
1. Interpret the visual given below.
On the basis of the information provided above, write a speech on the importance of road safety.
Provide your own ideas about curbing the menace of road accidents and read your speech in the
school assembly. 200 words.
2. Design an advertisement for a newly launched protein drink by Health Wealth Ltd. 50 words.
3. You are Kajol / Kaushik Deb, Sales Manager, Sanjay Travels, C.R. Park, New Delhi-110019. Send
a reply to the tour co-ordinator, Ramjas Public School, Pusa Road, New Delhi-110005. Inform her
him about the terms for conducted tours by your deluxe coaches. 100-125 words
Code 12E (14)
Section A (Reading)
Of Studies - by Francis Bacon
Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability. Their chief use for delight, is in privateness and
retiring : for ornament, is in discourse : and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one : but the general counsels,
and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned. To spend too much

time in studies is sloth : to use them too much for ornament, is affectation; to make judgement wholly
by their rules, is the humour of a scholar. They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience for
natural abilties are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies they be bounded in
experience. Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them for they
teach not their own use : but that is a wisdom without them, and above them, won by observation.
Read not to contradict and confute : nor to believe and take for granted : not to find talk and dis-
course; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some
books are to be read only in parts : others to be read, with diligence and attention. Some books also
may be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by others; but that would be only in the less
important arguments, and the meaner sort of books; as distilled books are like common conference a
ready man; and writing an exact man. And therefore, if a man write little, he had need have great
memory; if he confer little, he had need have a present wit and if he read little, he had need have much
cunning, to seem to know that he doth not. Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics
subtile; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend Abenut studia in
mores: [Studies pass into the character.] Nay there is no stone or impediment in the wit, but may be
wrought out by fit studies: like as diseases of the body may have appropriate exercises. Bowling is
good for the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding
for the head; and the like. So if a man's wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics; for in
demonstration, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again. If his wit be not apt to
distinguish or find differences, let him study the schoolmen; for they are cymini sectores. If he be not
apt to beat over matters, and to call up things to prove and illustrate another, let him study they
lawyers' cases. So every defect of the mind may have a special receipt.
1. Choose the most suitable option :
(a) According to Bacon, why should one read and study -
(i) To contradict and conflict
(ii) To believe and take for granted
(iii) To weigh and consider the facts
(b) What are the advantages of studying to an individual?
(i) They perfect nature
(ii) In turn finetune our natural abilities
(iii) All the above
2. State the uses of studies for delight and ability.
3. Why is excess of studies disagreeable ?
4. How are studies used by the three categories of people ?
5. State the various categories of books basing them on the treatment due to them.
6. What are the contributions of reading, writing and discussion in the making of a wholesome

personality?
(a) showing off (line nos. 1 to 10)
(b) prove false (line nos. 10 to 20)
(c) a refined intellect (line nos. 30-40)
2. Read the given passage and do as directed.
There are two problems which cause great worry to our educationists - the problem of religious and
moral instruction in a land of many faiths and the problem arising out of a large variety of languages.
Taking up the education of children, we see that they should be trained to love one another, to be kind
and helpful to all, to be tender to the lower animals and to observe and think right. The task of teaching
them how to read and write and to count and calculate is important, but it should not make us lose
sight of the primary aim of moulding personality in the right way.
For this, it is necessary to call into aid, culture, tradition and religion. But in our country we have; in the
same school, to look after boys and girls born in different faiths and belonging to families that live
diverse ways of life and follow different forms of worship associated with different denominations of
religion. It will not do to tread the easy path of evading the difficulty by attending solely to physical
culture and intellectual education. We have to evolve a suitable technique and method for serving the
spiritual needs of school children professing different faiths. We would thereby promote an atmosphere
of mutual respect, a fuller understanding and helpful co-operation among the different communities in
our society. Again we must remain one people and we have therefore to give basic training in our
schools to speak and understand more languages than one and to appreciate and respect the different
religions prevailing in India. It is not right for us in India to be dissuaded from this by considerations as
to overtaking the young mind. What is necessary must be done. And it is not in fact too great a burden.
Any attempt to do away with or steamroll the differences through governmental coercion and indirect
pressure would be as futile as it would be unwise. Any imposition of a single way of life and form of
worship of all children or neglect of a section of the pupils in this respect or barren secularisation will
lead to a conflict between, school and home life which is harmful. On the other hand, if we give due
recognition to the different prevailing faiths in the educational institutions by organising suitable facilities
for religious teaching for boys and girls of all communities, this may itself serve as a broadening
influence of great national values.
1. On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it.
2. Write a summary of the above passage in 80 words.
Section B (Writing)
1. You are the manager of Dilli Haat. Write a letter to the manager of the Cottage India Emporium
placing your order for furnishings and upholstery items for your restaurant. 80-100 words.
2. You are the Secretary of the Interact Club of Sardar Patel Vidyalaya. Prepare a poster, highlighting
the disastrous effects of drug abuse. 50 words.
3. You are Kangna / Kashi Zinta. You attended the 20th Penguin India Workshop on Creative Writing in

Srinagar for school students. Many well-known writers attended it and interacted with the partici-
pants. Write a newspaper report on the workshop. 125 words.
4. You are Olina / Omkara Devgan, cultural secretary of Bal Vidyapeeth, Secunderabad. Write a circu-
lar for the school's notice board informing the students that the scheduled Inter-school declamation
contest has been postponed for a week. Give details of the new programme. 50 words.
5. Design a poster for elimination of Child Labour on behalf of Child Relief and You. 50 words.
1. Describe Gertrude Simmons' first day in the boarding school.
2. How did Simmons become aware of the lack of awareness among the general public , regard-
ing Native American culture?
3. Which episode turned out to be traumatic for Simmons and why?
4. Enlist the activities which portray Bama’s carefree childhood.
5. How did Bama experience untouchability early in life?
6. Who was Annan? When did he experience untouchability?
7 How did Bama benefit from Annan’s advice?
1 ‘Karukku, in her autobiographical accounts, presents the indomitable human spirit in the face of
daunting challenges.’ Elaborate on the given statement.
2. 'Memories of childhood' is a compilation of 'reality bites’ from the lives of two women diverse
in terms of regional affliliation. But, both bearing the brunt of oppression. Justify the statement.

ASSIGNMENTS
PASSAGE 1
Read the given passage and answer the following questions, by choosing the best option:
The Creators of Grammar
No student of a foreign language needs to be told that grammar is complex. By changing word
sequences and by adding a range of auxiliary verbs and suffixes, we are able to communicate tiny
variations in meaning. We can turn a statement into a question, state whether an action has taken
place or is soon to take place, and perform many other word tricks to convey subtle differences in
meaning. Nor is this complexity inherent to the English language. All languages, even those of so-
called ‘primitive’ tribes have clever grammatical components. The Cherokee pronoun system, for
example, can distinguish between ‘you and I’, ‘several other people and I’ and ‘you, another person
and I’. In English, all these meanings are summed up in the one, crude pronoun ‘we’. Grammar is
universal and plays a part in every language, no matter how widespread it is. So the question which
has baffled many linguists is - who created grammar?
At first, it would appear that this question is impossible to answer. To find out how grammar is
created, someone needs to be present at the time of a language’s creation, documenting its emergence.
Many historical linguists are able to trace modern complex languages back to earlier languages, but in
order to answer the question of how complex languages are actually formed, the researcher needs to
observe how languages are started from scratch. Amazingly, however, this is possible.
Some of the most recent languages evolved due to the Atlantic slave trade. At that time, slaves from
a number of different ethnicities were forced to work together under colonizer’s rule. Since they had
no opportunity to learn each other’s languages, they developed a make-shift language called a pidgin.
Pidgins are strings of words copied from the language of the landowner. They have little in the way of
grammar, and in many cases it is difficult for a listener to deduce when an event happened, and who
did what to whom. [A] Speakers need to use circumlocution in order to make their meaning
understood. [B] Interestingly, however, all it takes for a pidgin to become a complex language is for
a group of children to be exposed to it at the time when they learn their mother tongue. [C] Slave
children did not simply copy the strings of words uttered by their elders, they adapted their words to
create a new, expressive language. [D] It included standardised word orders and grammatical markers
that existed in neither the pidgin language, nor the language of the colonizers. Complex grammar
systems which emerge from pidgins are termed creoles, and they are invented by children.
Further evidence of this can be seen in studying sign languages for the deaf. Sign languages are not
simply a series of gestures; they utilise the same grammatical machinery that is found in spoken languages.
Moreover, there are many different languages used worldwide. The creation of one such language
was documented quite recently in Nicaragua. Previously, all deaf people were isolated from each
other, but in 1979 a new government introduced schools for the deaf. Although children were taught
speech and lip reading in the classroom, in the playgrounds they began to invent their own sign system,
using the gestures that they used at home. It was basically a pidgin. Each child used the signs differently,
and there was no consistent grammar. However, children who joined the school later, when this
inventive sign system was already around, developed a quite different sign language. Although it was
based on the signs of the older children, the younger children’s language was more fluid and compact,
and it utilised a large range of grammatical devices to clarify meaning. What is more, all the children
used the signs in the same way. A new creole was born.
Some linguists believe that many of the world’s most established languages were creoles at first. The
English past tense –ed ending may have evolved from the verb ‘do’. ‘It ended’ may once have
been ’It end-did’. Therefore it would appear that even the most widespread languages were partly
created by children. Children appear to have innate grammatical machinery in their brains, which

springs to life when they are first trying to make sense of the world around them. Their minds can
serve to create logical, complex structures, even when there is no grammar present for them to copy.
1 In paragraph 1, why does the writer include information about the Cherokee language?
A To show how simple, traditional cultures can have complicated grammar structures
B To show how English grammar differs from Cherokee grammar
C To prove that complex grammar structures were invented by the Cherokees.
D To demonstrate how difficult it is to learn the Cherokee language
2 What can be inferred about the slaves’ pidgin language?
A It contained complex grammar.
B It was based on many different languages.
C It was difficult to understand, even among slaves.
D It was created by the land-owners.
3 All the following sentences about Nicaraguan sign language are true EXCEPT:
A The language has been created since 1979.
B The language is based on speech and lip reading.
C The language incorporates signs which children used at home.
D The language was perfected by younger children.
4 In paragraph 3, where can the following sentence be placed?
It included standardised word orders and grammatical markers that existed in neither the
pidgin language, nor the language of the colonizers.
A
B
C
D
5 'From scratch’ in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:
A from the very beginning
B in simple cultures
C by copying something else
D by using written information
6 'Make-shift’ in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to:
A complicated and expressive
B simple and temporary
C extensive and diverse
D private and personal
7 Which sentence is closest in meaning to the highlighted sentence?
Grammar is universal and plays a part in every language, no matter how widespread it is.
A All languages, whether they are spoken by a few people or a lot of people, contain grammar.
B Some languages include a lot of grammar, whereas other languages contain a little.
C Languages which contain a lot of grammar are more common that languages that contain a little.
D The grammar of all languages is the same, no matter where the languages evolved.
8 All of the following are features of the new Nicaraguan sign language EXCEPT:
A All children used the same gestures to show meaning.
B The meaning was clearer than the previous sign language.
C The hand movements were smoother and smaller.
D New gestures were created for everyday objects and activities.
9 Which idea is presented in the final paragraph?
A English was probably once a creole.
B The English past tense system is inaccurate.
C Linguists have proven that English was created by children.
D Children say English past tenses differently from adults.
10 Look at the word ‘consistent’ in paragraph 4. This word could best be replaced by which of
the following?
A natural
B predictable
C imaginable
D uniform

PASSAGE 2
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
(1) The world’s first woman amputee to climb Mount Everest, Arunima Sinha, talks to Femina about all
the uphill climbs that have shaped her life and career:
(2) "There are two kinds of people in this world. The first kind would let negativity dictate their life. The
other kind is challenged by negativity to scale greater heights. I think I belong to the second category.
I lost a leg in a horrific incident. Some miscreants threw me off a running train – I had serious leg and
pelvic injuries, and doctors had to amputate my left leg to save my life. But what could have been my
handicap became my biggest strength.
(3) ”On April 11, 2011, I boarded a train from Lucknow to attend a job interview in Delhi. I was a
national level volleyball player then. Near Bareilly, some men boarded the train and tried to snatch my
belongings. I was a strong athlete and I resisted with all my might. Angered, they threw me off the
train. All I remember from after, was the sight of bones jutting out where my left leg used to be.
(4) "I can never describe the pain I felt. I couldn’t keep my eyes open, but I still hoped against hope that
somebody would rescue me. I regained consciousness the next morning at the Bareilly district hospital.
I am indebted to some of the staff members there who donated blood for me. The accident was
reported widely in the media and I was provided with better treatment in Lucknow, and then at the
AIIMS trauma centre in Delhi.
(5) "From AIIMS, my struggle started. After about three weeks of treatment, I was feeling well enough to
read the newspaper. One fine day, I read this version of the story in the papers: ‘Arunima didn’t have
a ticket and hence jumped off the train to save herself from authorities.’ Can you imagine how dismayed
I felt reading that? The next day, another report says, ‘Arunima tried to commit suicide.’ I decided
then and there that I would fight back and prove everybody wrong. Mount Everest would be my goal.
I had no mountaineering experience whatsoever, but this is what I decided to do.
(6) "I told myself that I wasn’t the only one who had lost a limb to an accident — a lot of people, including
athletes, go through this trauma in life. I believed that if something bad happens in life, one should take
it as something that would transform his or her life in a good way.
(7) "I contacted Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest, and signed up to train
under her at the Uttarkashi camp of the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation. At that time, I could barely
carry my body weight on my artificial leg. With Bachendri Pal’s unstinted support and training, I
braved all hurdles and fulfilled my dream — on May 21, 2013, I reached the Everest summit. I didn’t
want to feel crippled - I wanted to do everything that any normal person could do.
(8) "After Everest, I scaled six peaks in six continents, including Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe
and Kosciuszko in Australia. The most difficult was the Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia. It’s over
4,000m high, a climb made more strenuous by its dangerous rocky terrain.
(9) "When I’m not climbing, I lead a very simple life. I wake up early in the morning and start the day
with yoga and breathing exercises. I travel to various places to deliver motivational speeches. When
I am home, I try to relax. I run a non-profit school in Lucknow for underprivileged children with
disabilities. It’s called Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad Divyang Khel Academy, and has around 150
students. We train them in sports and adventure and teach them how to increase their endurance
levels.
(10) "My next goal is to climb Vinson Massif, the highest peak in Antarctica. I will be embarking on this
expedition in December. For now, all I’m focused on is preparing for what could be the toughest
challenge so far.”
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the following questions, by choosing
the best option for each:
a) This passage is about:
1) the world’s first woman amputee to climb Mt. Everest.

2) a former national level volleyball player.
3) the first Indian woman to climb.
4) Both (1) and (2).
b) Arunima believes that the world has people who:
1) let negativity control their life.
2) let negativity challenge them to greater heights.
3) let their handicap become their greatest strength.
4) All of the above.
c) Arunima lost her leg when:
1) she was thrown off a running train.
2) she jumped off a running train.
3) she tried to commit suicide.
4) she tried to climb Mt. Everest.
d) The Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Divyang Khel Academy trains the students:
1) in yoga.
2) in breathing exercises.
3) in sports and adventure.
4) in motivational speeches.
e) Bachendri Pal is:
1) the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest.
2) the first Indian to climb Mount Everest.
3) the first Indian woman to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
4) the first Indian woman to climb Mount Kosciuszko.
f) Arunima contributes to the society by:
1) leading a very simple life.
2) waking up early in the morning.
3) starting the day with yoga.
4) running a non- profit school in Lucknow.
g) What were the consequences of the ‘horrific incident’?
1) serious leg and pelvic injuries
2) amputation of one leg
3) Neither 1) nor 2)
4) Both 1) and 2)
h) Arunima was inspired to overcome her handicap when _________________.
1) she read that she had tried to jump off the train
2) Bachendri Pal encouraged her
3) false media reports stated that she had tried to commit suicide
4) Both 1) and 3)
i) Which word from Para 2 means the same as wrongdoers?

1) miscreants
2) people
3) doctors
4) heights
j) Which word from Para 7 means the same as given generously?
1) signed up
2) unstinted
3) braved
4) fulfilled

PASSAGE 3
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
1. Today’s woman is a highly self-directed person, alive to the sense of her dignity and the importance
of her functions in the private domestic domain and the public domain of the world of work. Women
are rational in approach, careful in handling situations and want to do things as best as possible. The
Fourth World Conference of Women held in Beijing in September 1995 had emphasized that no
enduring solution of society’s most threatening social, economic and political problems could be found
without the participation and empowerment of the women. The 1995 World Summit for Social
Development had also emphasised the pivotal role of women in eradicating poverty and mending the
social fabric.
2. The Constitution of India had conferred on women equal rights and opportunities political, social, and
educational and of employment with men. Because of oppressive traditions, superstitions, exploitation
and corruption, a majority of women are not allowed to enjoy the rights and opportunities, bestowed
on them. One of the major reasons for this state of affairs is the lack of literacy and awareness among
women. Education is the main instrument through which we can narrow down the prevailing inequality
and accelerate the process of economic and political change in the status of women.
3. The role of women in a society is very important. Women’s education is the key to a better life in the
future. A recent World Bank study says that educating girls is not a charity, it is good economics and
if developing nations are to eradicate poverty, they must educate the girls. The report says that the
economic and social returns on investment in education of the girls considerably affect the human
development index of the nation. Society would progress only if the status of women is respected and
the presence of an educated woman in the family would ensure education of the family itself. Education
and empowerment of women are closely related.
4. Women’s education has not received due care and attention from the planners and policymakers. The
National Commission for Women has rightly pointed out that even after 74 years of independence;
women continue to be treated as the single largest group of backward citizens of India. The role of
women in overall development has not been fully understood nor has it been given its full weight in the
struggle to eliminate poverty, hunger, injustice and inequality at the national level. Even when we are at
the threshold of the 21st century, our society still discriminates against women in matters of their rights
and privileges and prevents them from participating in the process of national and societal progress.
Various Committees and Commissions have been constituted before and after the independence to
evaluate the progress in women’s education and to suggest ways and means to enhance the status of
women. The female literacy rate has gone up in the 20th century from 0.6 per cent in 1901 to 39.29
per cent in 1991 but India still possesses the largest number of illiterate women in the world. The
female literacy index for the year 1991 shows that there are eight States which fall below the national
average. The most populous States of the country, UP, MP, Bihar and Rajasthan fall in the category of
most backward States as far as female literacy is concerned.
5. The prevailing cultural norms of gender behaviour and the perceived domestic and reproductive roles
of women tend to affect the education of girls. Negative attitude towards sending girls to schools,
restrictions on their mobility, early marriage, poverty and illiteracy of parents affect the girl’s participation
in education.
6. Women’s political empowerment got a big boost with the Panchayati Raj Act of 1993 which gave
them 30 per cent reservation in Village Panchayats, Block Samities and Zila Parishads throughout the
country. The National Commission for Women was also set up in 1992 to act as a lobby for women’s
issues.
7. The educational system is the only institution which can counteract the deep foundations of inequality
of sexes that are built in the minds of people through the socialization process. Education is the most

important instrument of human be used to revolutionize the traditional attitudes and inculcate new
values of equality.
1. When and where was the Fourth World Conference of Women held?
a) Sept 2000, Australia
b) Sept 1995, Beijing
c) August 1999, Beijing
d) Sept 1996, Australia
2. The participation and empowerment of the women will ensure
a) Good leadership
b) Less competition
c) More competition
d) Solution to social, economic and political problems
3. When was the World Summit for Social Development held?
a) 1995
b) 1999
c) 2000
d) 1994
4. ……………… can accelerate the process of economic and political change in the status of women.
a) Job opportunity
b) Economic freedom
c) Education
d) Politics
5. What should developing nations do to eradicate poverty, according to World Bank?
a) To educate girls
b) To let girls enter into politics
c) To give girls jobs
d) To give girls opportunities
6. According to the National Commission for Women, women in India are still treated as
a) Backward citizens of India
b) Good as goddesses
c) Equal to men
d) Priority citizens
7. As far as female literacy is concerned, the most backward States of the country are
a) MP, UP, TN
b) TN, UP, BIHAR
c) UP, MP, BIHAR, RAJASTHAN
d) RAJASTHAN, MP
8. Why is Panchayati Raj Act of 1993 important for women?
a) It ensured government job for women graduates
b) It made free education compulsory for women

c) It gave 30 per cent reservation for women in Village Panchayats

d) It increased marriage age for women
9. When was the National Commission for Women set up?
a) 1991
b) 1993
c) 1990
d) 1992
10. Which of the following means the same as ‘threshold’ (para 4)?
a) Exit
b) Doorstep
c) Free
d) Amalgam
11. Which of the following is the opposite of ‘enhance’ (para 4)?
a) Lessen
b) Support
c) Garner
d) Activate

PASSAGE 4
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
1. For four days, I walked through the narrow lanes of the old city, enjoying the romance of being in a
city where history still lives in its cobblestone streets and in its people riding asses, carrying vine leaves
and palm as they once did during the time of Christ.
2. This is Jerusalem, home to the sacred sites of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. This is the place that
houses the church of the Holy Sepulchre, the place where Jesus was finally laid to rest. This is also the
site of Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
3. Built by the Roman Emperor Constantine at the site of an earlier temple to Aphrodite, it is the most
venerated Christian shrine in the world. And justifiably so. Here, within the church, are the last five
stations of the cross, the 10th station where Jesus was stripped off his clothes, the 11th where he was
nailed to the cross, the 12th where he died on the cross, the 13th where the body was removed from
the cross, and the 14th, his tomb.
4. For all this weighty tradition, the approach and entrance to the church is nondescript. You have to ask
for directions. Even to the devout Christian pilgrims walking along the ‘Via Dolorosa the’ - Way of
Sorrows first nine stations look clueless. Then a courtyard appears, hemmed in by other buildings and
a doorway to one side. This leads to a vast area of huge stone architecture.
5. Immediately inside the entrance is your first stop, it’s the stone of anointing: this is the place, according
to Greek tradition, where Christ was removed from the cross. The Roman Catholics, however, believe
it to be the spot where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial by Joseph.
6. What happened next? Jesus was buried. He was taken to a place outside the city of Jerusalem where
other graves existed and there, he was buried in a cave. However, all that is long gone, destroyed by
continued attacks and rebuilding; what remains is the massive and impressive Rotunda (a round building
with a dome) that Emperor Constantine built. Under this, and right in the centre of the Rotunda, is the
structure that contains the Holy Sepulchre.
7. “How do you know that this is Jesus’ tomb?” I asked one of the pilgrims standing next to me. He was
clueless, more interested, like the rest of them, in the novelty of it all and in photographing it, than in its
history or tradition.
8. At the start of the first century, the place was a disused quarry outside the city walls. According to the
gospels, Jesus’ crucifixion occurred ‘at a place outside the city walls with graves nearby. Archaeologists
have discovered tombs from that era, so the site is compatible with the biblical period.
9. The structure at the site is a marble tomb built over the original burial chamber. It has two rooms, and
you enter four at a time into the first of these, the Chapel of the Angel. Here the angel is supposed to
have sat on a stone to recount Christ’s resurrection. A low door made of white marble, partly worn
away by pilgrims’ hands, leads to a smaller chamber inside. This is the ‘room of the tomb’, the place
where Jesus was buried.
10. We entered in a single file. On my right was a large marble slab that covered the original rock bench
on which the body of Jesus was laid. A woman knelt and prayed. Her eyes were wet with tears. She
pressed her face against the slab to hide them, but it only made it worse.
1. ‘Holy Sepulchre’ refers to
a) A holy place
b) Jesus Christ’ s tomb
c) A religious head quarter
d) A sad place
2. ‘This is also the site of Christ’s crucifixion…’ (para 2). This refers to
a) Rome
b) Athens
c) Jerusalem
d) Jericho
3. Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross at the —————
a) 13th station
b) 12th station
c) 10th station
d) 11th station
4. Jerusalem is a holy city to which three religions
a) Buddhism, Judaism, Islam
b) Hinduism, Islam, Jainism
c) Christianity, Islam, Judaism
d) Sikhism, Islam, Christianity
5. According to the passage, who prepared Jesus’ body for burial?
a) Emperor Constantine
b) Roman Catholics
c) Joseph
d) Aphrodite
6. How does Jerusalem still retain the charm of the ancient era?
a) There are narrow lanes.
b) Roads are paved with cobblestones,
c) People can be seen riding asses.
d) All of the above.
7. Holy Sepulchre is sacred to
a) Christianity
b) Islam
c) Judaism
d) Both (i) and (iii)
8. Why does one have to constantly ask for directions to the church?
a) Its lanes are narrow.
b) Entrance to the church is nondescript.
c) People are not tourist-friendly.
d) Everyone is lost in enjoying the romance of the place.
9. ‘It has two rooms’ (para 9). ‘It’ refers to
a) A cave
b) A place outside the city
c) A rest room
d) Marble tomb
10. Which of the following means the same as ‘resurrection’ (para 2)?
a) Construction

b) Destruction
c) To come back to life
d) Staying in heaven
11. Which of the following is the opposite of ‘novelty’ (para 7)?
a) Newness
b) Dullness
c) Originality
d) Superficial

PASSAGE 5
Read the passage given below :
1. All of Earth’s oceans share one thing in common: plastic pollution. Discarded plastic bags, cups and
bottles make their way into the sea. Today, it seems that no part of the ocean is safe from plastic trash.
In recent years, oceanographers have searched in vain for a pristine marine environment. They have
found plastic everywhere they have looked. “It is a common global problem, we can’t point to a single
habitat or location with no plastic.”
2. Plastic harms wildlife and introduces dangerous chemicals into marine ecosystems- communities of
organisms interacting with their surroundings. Once plastic enters the environment, it lasts a long time.
3. When people litter, or when trash is not properly disposed of, things like plastic bags, bottles, straws,
foam beverage cups get carried to the sea by winds and waterways. About 80 percent of ocean
plastic originates on land. The rest comes from marine industries such as shipping and fishing.
4. In 2015, engineer Jenna Jam beck at the University of Georgia and other researchers calculated that
at least 8 million tons of plastic trash is swept into the ocean from coasts every year. That’s the
equivalent of a full garbage truck of plastic being dumped into the sea every minute. If current trends
in plastic production and disposal continue, that figure will double by 2025. A report published by the
World Economic Forum last year predicts that by 2050, ocean plastic will outweigh all the fish in the
sea.
5. In today’s world, plastic is everywhere. It’s found in shoes, clothing, household items, electronics, and
more. There are different types of plastics, but one thing they all have in common is that they’ re made
of polymers- large molecules made up of repeating units. Their chemical structure gives them a lot of
advantages: they‘re cheap and easy to manufacture, lightweight, water- resistant, durable, and can be
moulded into nearly any shape.
6. Unfortunately, some of the properties that make plastics great for consumer goods also make them a
problem pollutant. Plastic’s durability comes in part from the fact that unlike paper or wood, it doesn’t
biodegrade, or break down naturally. Instead it just fragments, or breaks into tiny pieces over time.
These tiny pieces, known as microplastic, can potentially stick around for hundreds or perhaps even
thousands of years.
7. Another problem with plastics is the other chemicals they contain, like dyes and flame retardants.
When plastic isn’t disposed of properly, these additives end up in the environment. Plastic also tends
to absorb harmful chemicals from its surroundings. “It’s like a sponge for persistent organic
pollutants.”These long- lasting, toxic substances include pesticides and industrial chemicals. If plastic
absorbs the chemicals, and marine animals eat the plastic, they may be exposed to higher concentrations
of these contaminants.
8. One of the biggest impacts of plastic pollution is its effect on sea life. Seals, sea turtles, and even
whales can become entangled in plastic netting. They can starve to death if the plastic restricts their
ability to move or eat. Or the plastic can cut into the animals’ skin, causing wounds that develop
severe infections.
9. Sea turtles eat plastic bags and soda- can rings, which resemble jellyfish, their favourite food. Seabirds
eat bottle caps or chunk of foam cups. Plastic pieces may make an animal feel full, so it doesn’t eat
enough real food to get the nutrients it needs. Plastic can also block an animal’s digestive system,
making it unable to eat.
10. Plastic and its associated pollutants can even make it into our own food supply. Scientists recently
examined fish and shell- fish bought at markets in California and Indonesia. They found plastic in the
guts of more than a quarter of samples purchased at both locations. In organisms that people eat
whole, such as sardines and oysters, that means we’re eating plastic too. In larger fish, chemicals from
plastic may seep into their muscles and other tissues that people consume.

11. One way to keep the ocean cleaner and healthier is through cleanup efforts. A lot of plastic waste
caught in ocean currents eventually washes up on beaches. Removing it can prevent it from blowing
out to sea again. Beach cleanup is ocean cleanup.
12. Cleanup efforts can’t reach every corner of the ocean or track down every bit of microplastic. That
means it’s critical to cut down on the amount of plastic that reaches the sea in the first place. Scientists
are working toward new materials that are safer for the environment. For example, Jambeck and her
colleagues are currently testing a new polymer that breaks down more easily in seawater.
13. “Individual actions make a big difference,” says Jambeck. Disposing of plastic properly for recycling
or trash collection is a key step. “And simple things like reusable water bottles, mugs, and bags really
cut down on waste,” she says. Skipping straws or using paper ones helps too. Ocean pollution can
see overwhelming, but it’ s something everyone can help address. This is a problem we can really do
something about.
On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer each of the questions given below
by choosing the most appropriate option:
(i) The percentage of ocean plastic that originates from land is:
(a) 20%
(b) (b) 50%
(c) 80%
(d) 25%
(ii) The year in which Jenna Jambeck and other researchers calculated that at least 8 million tons of
plastic trash is swept into the ocean every year was:
(a) 2018
(b) 2015
(c) 2005
(d) 2010
(iii) Plastic is not biodegradable because it is made up of:
(a) low atomic particles
(b) tiny particles
(c) strong big particles
(d) large molecule polymers
(iv) Sea turtles eat:
(a) Plastic bottles
(b) Plastic bags and soda- can rings
(c) Bottle caps
(d) Chunks of foam cups
(v) Seabirds eat:
(a) Plastic bottles
(b) Plastic bags and soda- can rings
(c) Bottle caps or chunks of foam cups
(d) Straws
(vi) Scientists bought fish and shell fish for examination at markets in:
(a) China and Russia

(b) Pakistan and Afghanistan

(c) California and Indonesia
(d) Australia and Brazil
(vii) The word that means ‘unspoiled’ (para1)
(a) vain
(b) pristine
(c) habitat
(d) location
(viii) The word that means ‘dropped/ thrown’ (para4)
(a) dumped
(b) double
(c) predicts
(d) outweigh
(ix) The word that means ‘long lasting’ (para 5)
(a) lightweight
(b) water- resistant
(c) different
(d) durable
(x) The word that means ‘unluckily’ (para 6)
(a) unlike
(b) unfortunately
(c) naturally
(d) potentially
(xi) The word that means ‘look like’ (para 9)
(a) resemble
(b) feel
(c) block
(d) unable
(xii) The word that means ‘people working together’ (para 12)
(a) scientists
(b) colleagues
(c) materials
(d) efforts

PASSAGE 6
Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow:
1. I have always held the belief that rationale or logic has no place in faith. If you have faith in the
Supreme then you must also accept that you are not out there to defend your faith based on any
scientific evidence. Those who don’t share your belief have an equal right to their opinion. What
matters is your personal stand. If you feel peaceful and joyous, if you feel inspired to do good deeds
by having your faith, then by all means keep it, there’ s no reason to abandon it.
2. Einstein once got a letter asking if he believed in the Supreme. Einstein sent a telegram in response
stating, “I believe in Spinoza’s idea of the Supreme who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of
what exists, not in someone who concerns himself with the fates and actions of human beings.” In case
you are not familiar, Baruch Spinoza (1632 – 1677) was a Dutch philosopher (yes, not just brilliant
engineers, they have philosophers too). An unorthodox and independent thinker, his views were
revolutionary at the time. His philosophy is thought-provoking. So, where does that leave us in regards
to faith?
3. To me, faith is a sentiment, it’s an emotion. Just like you fall in love and you surrender in love and you
find yourself willing to do anything for the person you love, same is with faith. Faith is love. When you
have faith, you let go off your worries of the future, you let go of your guilt of the past, because you
have surrendered to the divine will. You remain committed to a life of goodness and action. But, you
also recognize that there are other bigger forces, of immense scale, in play in the grand scheme of
things and it’ll do you much good to play along.
4. You gain this courage, zest and zeal to work hard, to excel, to serve. Life looks beautiful and everything
looks priceless then, because it truly is. Even our suffering is priceless. It gives you strength, it makes
you reflect on you. It is priceless because you appreciate life more, it brings you closer to you, the real
you. Don’t limit yourself by asking petty things from the Supreme. Trust the immensity of nature. Faith
does not mean all your dreams will come true, it simply means you look upon everything that’s granted
to you as a blessing. Just focus on your deeds, and before long, you’ll be filled beyond measure.
5. Accepting the transient nature of this world, and its eternal impermanence, is the definitive path to
inner peace. Either live in complete surrender or exercise total control. If your boat is neither anchored
nor guided, it’ll just drift then. It’ll drift in the direction of your thoughts, desires and emotions. Here
today, there tomorrow.
6. Cosmic intelligence is infinitely more subtle, smart, organized and selfless than individual intelligence.
Anchor your ship if you are tired of rowing. Have faith.
1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the
most appropriate option:
a) Faith
i. does not depend on rationale and logic
ii. is a personal stand
iii. fills us with joy and peace
iv. All of the above
b) “Here today, there tomorrow” (Para 5) refers to
i. our thoughts
ii. our emotions
iii. our desires
iv. our faith
1.2 Answer the following briefly:

a) What was Einstein’s belief about faith?

b) What does one gain from having faith?
c) In what way does suffering become priceless?
d) Will possessing faith ensure the fulfilment of one’s dreams?
e) What is the definitive path to inner peace?
f) How is cosmic intelligence superior to individual intelligence?
g) Find words from the passage which mean the same as the following:
i) proof (para 1)
ii) celestial (para 6)

THE LAST LESSON

– ALPHONSE DAUDET
ASSIGNMENT
1. Refer to the lines to answer questions based on the given extract:
But nothing happened. M. Hamel saw me and said
very kindly, “Go to your place quickly, little Franz. We were
beginning without you.”
i. Who was M. Hamel?
a. He was the mayor.
b. He was the French teacher.
c. He was the blacksmith.
d. He was the postmaster.
ii. Franz had feared that _______________________.
a. M. Hamel would scold him.
b. there would be a lot of commotion
c. everything would be quiet as Sunday morning
d. lessons would be repeated in unison
iii. Franz had got late because _______________.
a. he was playing with the birds outdoors
b. he was watching the Prussian soldiers drilling
c. he was reading the bulletin board
d. he had started very late
iv. M. Hamel was kind towards Franz because __________________.
a. it was the last lesson
b. he was a genial person
c. the elders were present there
d. the students were attentive
2. Answer the following questions briefly, in about 20 words each:
i. Why did Franz think of running away from the school that morning?
ii. What did Franz see when he passed the town hall?
iii. Why had the bulletin-board become a centre of attention during the last two years?

iv. Who was Wachter? What did he tell Franz?
v. What had the narrator counted on to enter the school, unnoticed?
vi. “But the thing that surprised me most was to see... “ What surprised Franz most in the class?
vii. Why did M. Hamel not scold Franz when the latter fumbled with the rule for the participle?
viii. “What announcement did M. Hamel make?
ix. “This is your last French lesson.” How did Franz react to this declaration of M.Hamel?
x. What were Franz’s regrets after M. Hamel’s announcement of his last lesson?
xi. Why does M. Hamel reproach himself for his students’ unsatisfactory progress in studies?
xii. What was the mood in the classroom when M. Hamel gave his last French lesson?
xiii. What words did M. Hamel write on the blackboard before dismissing the last class? What did they
mean?
3. Answer the following questions briefly, in 30- 40 words each:
i. What was tempting Franz to keep away from school that morning’?
ii. What was Franz expected to be prepared with for the school that day?
iii. What had been put up on the bulletin- board?
iv. “What a thunder clap these words were to me!” Which were the words that shocked and surprised
little Franz?
v. What changes came over little Franz after he heard M.Hamel’s announcement?
vi. What was unusual about M. Hamel’s dress and behaviour on the day of his last French lesson?
vii. Why were the elders of the village sitting in the classroom?
viii. Who did M.Hamel blame for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz?
ix. Franz thinks, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?” What does this tell us about
the attitude of the Frenchmen?
x. What did M. Hamel tell the people in the class about French language? What did he ask them to do
and why?
xi. What changes did the order from Berlin cause in the school?
xii. How did M.Hamel say farewell to his students and the people of the town?
xiii. What made M. Hamel cry towards the end of his last lesson?
xiv. Why did M. Hamel write ‘Vive La France’ on the blackboard?
xv. “We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with”, said M. Hamel. Comment.
xvi. How is the title ‘The Last Lesson’ appropriate?

xvii. Define linguistic chauvinism. How does it become an important part of the story?
4. Answer the following questions in 120- 150 words each:
i. Who was Franz? What did he think about studies and M. Hamel at the beginning of the story? How
did his views change?
ii. ‘The people in the story realise suddenly how precious their language is to them.’ When do they
realise it and who makes them realise it?
iii. What did the French teacher tell his students in his last French lesson? What impact did it have on
them? Why?
iv. Describe the atmosphere in the class on the day of the last lesson. How different from usual was the
atmosphere at school on the day of the last lesson?
v. Our language is part of our culture and we are proud of it. Describe how regretful M.Hamel and the
village elders are for having neglected their native language, French.
vi. Write a character- sketch of M. Hamel.

LOST SPRING
– ANEES JUNG
ASSIGNMENT
When you can find a silver coin in a heap of garbage, you don’t stop scrounging, for there is hope of
finding more. It seems that for children, garbage has a meaning different from what it means to their
parents.
(i) The children mentioned in the passage refer to _________________________.
a) the ragpickers of Seemapuri
b) the bangle makers of Firozabad
c) the school children of Udipi
d) the motor mechanics at the garage
(ii) The meaning of the word ‘scrounging’ here is ____________________________.
a) stealing to obtain
b) seeking to obtain
c) buying to obtain
d) pleading to obtain
(iii) What did garbage mean to the children?
a) Garbage for them is a means of fulfilling their dreams.
b) Garbage for them is wrapped in wonder.
c) Garbage for them is like playing treasure- hunt.
d) All of the above.
(iv) What did garbage mean to their parents?
a) It meant God- given lineage.
b) It meant engaging in exploitative labour.
c) It meant means of survival.
d) It meant a means of tradition.
i. Where does the narrator meet Saheb every morning?
ii. Why is the narrator embarrassed at having made ‘a promise that was not meant’?
iii. How did Saheb get a pair of shoes?
iv. “Can a God- given lineage ever be broken?” Who says these words and why?
v. Who was Savita? What was ironical about her?
i. What does the title, ‘Lost Spring’ convey?
ii. Describe the irony in Saheb’s name.
iii. To which country did Saheb’s parents originally belong? Why did they come to India?
iv. Survival in Seemapuri means rag-picking. Comment.
v. It is ‘a tradition to stay barefoot.’ What is the attitude of the rag-pickers of Seemapuri towards
wearing shoes?

vi. What does the reference to chappals in ‘Lost Spring’ tell us about the economic condition of the rag
pickers?
vii. Describe the contrast that Anees Jung brings out between Saheb and the son of the priest.
viii. Seemapuri is ‘a place on the periphery of Delhi yet miles away from it metaphorically’. How did the
author justify this statement?
ix. What change did Anees Jung notice in Saheb when she saw him standing by the gate of the
neighbourhood club?
x. What does the writer mean when she says, ‘Saheb is no longer his own master’?
xi. Do you think Saheb was happy to work at the tea stall? Answer giving reasons.
xii. Who is Mukesh? What is his dream?
xiii. Why does the author say that the bangle makers are caught in a vicious web?
xiv. Why could the bangle-makers not organise themselves into a cooperative?
xv. Mention any two problems faced by the bangle makers.
xvi. How is Mukesh’s attitude towards life different from that of his family?
xvii. A young man in Firozabad is burdened under the baggage of two worlds. What are they?
xviii. How is Mukesh different from the other bangle makers of Firozabad?
xix. Which are the ‘two distinct worlds’ that Anees Jung blames for the sorry plight of the bangle makers?
xx. Describe Mukesh’s family. What is his family’s attitude towards their situation?
xxi. Which industry was a boon and also bane for the people of Firozabad? How?
xxii. How are Saheb and Mukesh different from each other?
xxiii. Most of us do not raise our voice against injustice in our society and tend to remain
mute spectators. Anees Jung in her extract, “Lost Childhood” vividly highlights the miserable life of street
children and bangle makers of Firozabad. She wants the readers to react. Which qualities does she
want the children to develop?
i. ‘Lost Spring’ explains the grinding poverty and traditions that condemn thousands of people to a life
of abject poverty. Do you agree? Why/Why not?
ii. In 1971 Bangladeshi migrants came to Delhi ‘looking for gold in the big city’. What kind of life are
they living in Seemapuri now?
iii. The bangle-makers of Firozabad make beautiful bangles and make everyone happy but they live and
die in squalor. Elaborate.
iv. Describe the circumstances which keep the workers in the bangle industry in poverty.
v. ”It is his karam, his destiny” that made Mukesh’s grandfather go blind. How did Mukesh disprove this
belief by choosing a new vocation and trying to make his own destiny?

DEEP WATER
– WILLIAM DOUGLAS
1. Describe the swimming pool at the Y.M.C.A.
2. Why did Douglas’ mother warn him against Yakima River?
3. When did Douglas develop an aversion to water?
4. Read the extract given below and briefly answer the questions that follow.
I paddled with my new water wings, watching the other boys and trying to learn by aping them. I did
this two or three times on different days and was just beginning to feel at ease in the water when the
misadventure happened.
(i) Who is ‘ I ‘?
(ii) Where was the speaker at the moment?
(iii) What was the ‘misadventure’?
(iv) How did the ‘misadventure’ affect the speaker?
5. ‘I was frightened, but not yet frightened out of my wits’. Explain.
6. Why was Douglas desperate to hit the bottom of the swimming pool?
7. “Piece by piece, he built a swimmer”. How did the instructor teach Douglas swimming?
8. “The instructor was finished. But I was not finished”. Explain.
9. “All we have to fear is fear itself”. Explain.
10. Write a character- sketch of William Douglas.

THE RATTRAP
– SELMA LAGERLOF
1. Read the following extract and answer the questions based on it, by choosing the most appropriate
options.
But just as he laid his head on the ground, he heard a sound- a hard regular thumping. There was no
doubt as to what that was. He raised himself. “Those are the hammer strokes from an iron mill”, he
thought.
i. The ‘he’ here is _____________.
1. the rattrap peddler
2. the blacksmith
3. the crofter
4. the ironmaster
ii. ‘He’ at that moment was in ___________________.
1. the iron mill
2. a forest
3. the crofter’s house
4. a church
iii. Why did he lay his head on the ground?
1. He was lost.
2. He wanted to steal.
3. He wanted a job.
4. He was sick.
iv. How did he feel on hearing the thumping sound?
1. Scared
2. Sad
3. Confused
4. Hopeful
2. Answer the following questions:
i. Selma Lagerlof was a native of _____________.
(a) England
(b) Chile
(c) Sweden
(d) Switzerland
ii. Sweden’s mines are rich in _________ore.
(a) Brass

(b) Copper
(c) Steel
(d) Iron
iii. ‘it gave him unwonted joy ‘. Unwonted here means ________________.
(a) unwanted
(b) undesirable
(c) unimaginable
(d) uncharitable
iv. Who came to the iron-mill on a round of inspection?
(a) The valet.
(b) The master blacksmith.
(c) The sheriff.
(d) The ironmaster.
v. The peddler was invited by the ironmaster to stay at his house. This made the peddler feel
_____________.
(a) elated
(b) alarmed
(c) excited
(d) confused
vi. Edla had doubts about the peddler because of _________.
Which of these is NOT TRUE?
(a) his behaviour
(b) his appearance
(c) his demeanour
(d) his cleverness
vii. The peddler’s speech defending himself, at the ironmaster’s house showed his ___________. Which
of these is NOT TRUE?
(a) audacity
(b) humility

(c) confidence
(d) boldness
viii. Where did the ironmaster and his daughter learn that the peddler was a thief?
(a) At the church.
(b) At the Christmas fair.
(c) At the market.
(d) At the crofter’s house.
ix. The rattrap peddler left a note with the package. The note was signed as ______________.
(a) the rattrap seller
(b) the Captain
(c) the tramp
(d) Captain Von Stahle

3. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words each.
i. Why did the peddler have to resort to both begging and petty thievery?
ii. What does the peddler compare the world with and why?
iii. How did the crofter welcome the peddler? Why?
iv. Did the peddler voluntarily get swept away by the bait at the crofter’s house?
v. Describe the Ramjso Ironworks.
vi. Why did the peddler decline to go with the ironmaster?
vii. Why did the ironmaster send his daughter to the forge?
viii. Describe the hospitality that the peddler enjoyed while at the manor house.
ix. What did the peddler say when the ironmaster threatened to call the sheriff?
x. How did Edla intercede on behalf of the vagabond?
xi. Describe the father- daughter relationship.
xii. Why were Edla and her father left stunned at the church?
xiii. What did the valet tell the ironmaster?
xiv. Justify the title of the story, ‘The Rattrap’.

i. Give a character- sketch of the rattrap peddler as portrayed by Selma Lagerlof.

ii. Describe Edla Willmansson and her role in awakening the essential goodness in the rattrap peddler.
iii. The peddler begs and steals. Yet, the reader sympathises with him. Why does that happen?
iv. Compare and contrast the characters of the ironmaster and his daughter.
v. How does the author employ the metaphor of the rattrap successfully, throughout the story?
vi. How does the peddler redeem himself in the story?

INDIGO
-– LOUIS FISCHER
Choose the best option for the following:
1. The writer of Indigo is _________________.
a Charles Freer Andrews
b Louis Fischer
c William Douglas
d Ashokamitran
2. Rajkumar Shukla was a peasant from ——————————————.
a. Patna
b. Jammu
c. Champaran
d. Muzzafarpur
3. Rajkumar Shukla followed Gandhiji everywhere —————————.
a. for monetary help
b. for getting a job
c. to become a disciple of Mahatma
d. to fix a date to go with him
4. Did Gandhiji meet Rajendra Prasad at his house in Patna?
a. No, as Rajendra Prasad was not available.
b. They met at the railway station.
c. They met at a local hospital.
d. Yes, they met at his house.
5. ——————————————— surprised Gandhiji at Rajendra Prasad’s house.
a. Slavery
b. Untouchability
c. Corruption
d. Nepotism
6. Gandhiji believed that the Champaran peasants needed to be freed from___________first.
a. fear
b. untouchability
c. narrow- mindedness
d. poverty
7. The terms of the contract between the British landlords and the Indian peasants__________.
a. were long-term and exploitative
b. were compelling them to plant 15% of their holdings with Indigo

c. were compelling them to surrender their entire harvest as rent

d. All of the above
8. Gandhiji chided the lawyers of Champaran for ___________.
a. helping the peasants
b. for charging hefty fee
c. not helping the peasants
d. cheating the farmers
9. Why did the landlords hire thugs?
a. To help the sharecroppers.
b. To threaten the sharecroppers to pay them compensation.
c. To donate money to the sharecroppers.
d. To teach the peasants.
10. The British official commissioner bullied Gandhiji to____.
a. stay back in Champaran
b. support the government
c. leave Champaran
d. take up a government job
11. The police superintendent’s messenger served Gandhiji ___________.
a. an official notice
b. a medal
c. a cheque
d. an invitation
12. Gandhiji was served an order to quit Champaran.His reaction to the notice depicted _____________.
a. disobedience
b. insensitivity
c. courage
d. disobedience and courage
13. The morning of the trial had found Motihari black with peasants as _______________.
a. there was dirt, dust and filth in Motihari
b. thousands of peasants had flocked to Motihari
c. officials had gathered in Motihari
d. the people of Motihari wore black bands
14. The ‘conflict of duties’ faced by Gandhiji involved ____________.
a. lack of respect for the Britishers
b. payment of Rs. 4000 to the court
c. cultural backwardness in Champaran

d. obedience to his conscience

15. By the term ‘shameful desertion’ Rajendra Prasad implied __________.
a. the lawyers charging exorbitant fees
b. the lawyers courting arrest in Lucknow
c. the lawyers going home, if Gandhiji was arrested
d. the sharecroppers accompanying Gandhiji
16. Gandhiji exclaimed, “The battle of Champaran is won”, when the lawyers agreed to court arrest
because __________________.
a it was a sign of unity
b he would get legal advice
c the farmers would be happy
d it was a sign of non-violence
17. According to the writer, Civil Disobedience had triumphed for the first time in India
when__________________________.
a. Gandhiji met with the Commissioner of Tirhut
b. Gandhiji disobeyed the court order
c. the Lieutenant –Governor of the province ordered the case against Gandhiji to be dropped
d. an Inquiry Commission was set up to look into the issue of the peasants
18. Gandhiji accepted 25% of the repayment due to the sharecroppers because _____________.
a. it was more important that the landlords had agreed to pay the peasants
b. he only wanted 25% of the money
c. the planters were misers
d. health conditions were miserable
19. Gandhiji involved himself with uplifting the people of Champaran by ______________.
a. opening primary schools
b. making medical aid available
c. encouraging hygiene
d. All of the above
20. The Champaran episode proved to be a ‘turning-point’ in Gandhiji’s life because _________.
a. he spent one year of his life in Champaran
b. he had mustered the strength to tell the Britishers not to dictate terms
c. he was loyal to abstractions
d. ordinary people contributed to the freedom movement
21. Gandhiji was vehemently opposed to the idea of _____________.
a. using Charles Freer Andrews as a prop
b. staying in Champaran

c. the lawyers going to jail

d. the peasants becoming self-reliant
22. The Champaran episode proved to be a ‘turning-point’ in Gandhiji’s life because _________.
a. he spent one year of his life in Champaran
b. he had mustered the strength to tell the Britishers not to dictate terms
c. he was loyal to abstractions
d. he had met Charles Freer Andrews

MY MOTHER AT SIXTY- SIX
– KAMALA DAS
1. Read the stanzas given below and answer the questions that follow each:
(A). Driving from my parents home to Cochin last Friday morning, I saw my mother, beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that of a corpse and realised with pain
that she was as old as she looked but soon
i. The poet was driving from ________.
a. Cochin
b. the airport
c. her parents home
d. her friend’s home
ii. What did the poet notice about her mother?
a. Her mother was sitting beside her.
b. Her mother was driving beside her.
c. Her mother was dozing with her mouth open.
d. Her mother was looking out.
iii. ‘her face ashen like that of a corpse’ is an example of ___________.
a. metaphor
b. simile
c. alliteration
d. repetition
iv. Why was her mother’s face looking like that of a corpse?
a. It looked pale, faded and lifeless like a dead body.
b. She had grown old.
c. She was dozing.
d. All the options.
(B) . ………………but after the airport’s
security check, standing a few yards away, I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old

familiar ache, my childhood’s fear, but all I said was, see you soon,
Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and
smile
i. When did the poet look at her mother again?
a. After the airport security check.
b. After reaching Cochin.
c. In the car.
d. In the aeroplane.
ii. Why did the poet compare her mother’s face to a late winter’s moon?
a. Both were old and beautiful.
b. Both were dozing.
c. Both were familiar and sad.
d. Both lacked brightness as well as strength.
iii. What is her childhood fear?
a. The trees outside her house.
b. The children playing outside.
c. Her mother’s ageing and finally, death.
d. Her mother’s departure for Cochin.
iv. ‘all I did was smile and smile and
smile’ is an example of __________________.
a. personification
b. repetition
c. transferred epithet
d. simile
i. The poem is made up of ________.
(a) two sentences
(b) a single sentence
(c) three stanzas

(d) five stanzas
ii. The image of merry children has been brought out by the narrator in order to ________. Which of
these is NOT TRUE?
(a) show the joy, exuberance of young children
(b) show the children playing
(c) show the contrast with Amma
(d) show the comparison with Amma
iii. Quote an example of personification used in the poem.
(a) sprinting trees
(b) merry children
(c) ashen like a corpse
(d) late winter moon

iii. What do the parting words “See you soon Amma” signify? Which of these is NOT TRUE?
(a) The daughter’s indifference.
(b) The daughter’s optimistic farewell.
(c) The daughter’s reassuring attitude.
(d) The daughter’s courage.
i. Where was the poet going and who was with her?
ii. What was the poet’s childhood fear?
iii. What does the poet’s mother look like? What are the images used to signify her decay?
iv. What does the poet realise with pain?
v. Why does the poet ‘put that thought away’ and look outside?
vi. The world inside the car is a contrast to that outside. How?
vii. What is the poet’s familiar ache and why does it return?
viii. How does the poet’s behaviour contrast with her feelings, while bidding farewell to her mother?
ix. What are the poetic devices used by Kamala Das in ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’?
4. Answer the following question in 120-150 words.
i. My Mother at Sixty-six touches a personal chord of looking objectively at a close relative. Justify the
given statement by substantiating from the poem.

AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM IN A SLUM

– STEPHEN SPENDER
Read the following questions carefully and answer each, by choosing the most suitable option.
1. The writer of An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum is _________________.
a) Robert Frost
b) Stephen Spender
c) Pablo Neruda
d) Adrienne Rich
2. ‘Like rootless weeds, the hair torn around their pallor:’ is an example of a ______________.
a) Metaphor
b) Alliteration
c) Simile
d) Repetition
3. The ‘unlucky heir’ had inherited his father’s ____________________.
a) poverty and bone disease
b) weeds and weighed-down head
c) paper-seemingness and rat’s eyes
d) pallor and sweetness
4. The’ unnoted ‘student dreams of a world _______________________.
a) with the belled, flowery Tyrolese valley
b) with the rivers, capes and stars of words
c) with the cloudless dawn, civilized dome, riding all cities
d) with outdoor games, away from the repulsive classroom
5. The classroom walls are sour cream in colour, conveying ___________________.
a) the sweet and unnoted children of the classroom
b) the presence of donations in the classroom
c) the pleasant environment of the classroom
d) the decaying and run- down condition of the classroom
6. According to Stephen Spender the future of the slum children is ___________________.
a) dim and dreamy
b) gusty and unlucky
c) uncertain and gloomy
d) flowery and foggy
7. Spender ____________________ the donations for the _______________influence they have on
the children.
a) praises... positive

b) criticises... negative
c) questions...puzzling
d) accuses...amazing
8. The poet wants that the world map on the classroom wall should be blotted by ______________.
a) a catacomb as big as hell
b) a wave as big as hell
c) a sky as big as hell
d) a slum as big as hell
9. Spender believes that the slum children can be rescued if they receive ________________.
a) meaningful education
b) formal education
c) elementary education
d) classroom education
10. Spender ____________________ the donations in the classroom for the kind of influence they have
on the children.
a) praises
b) criticises
c) admires
d) compliments

KEEPING QUIET
– PABLO NERUDA
ASSIGNMENT
1. Refer to the lines to answer the questions based on the given extracts:
I.Now we will count to twelve,
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth,
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
(a) How long does the poet want to stay still?
i. The poet tells us to count to eleven and then be still.
ii. The poet tells us to count to twelve and then be still.
iii. The poet tells us to count to two and then be still.
iv. The poet tells us to count to ten and then be still.
(b) What does he hope to achieve by keeping quiet?
i. He hopes to achieve and realise the value of quiet introspection.
ii. He hopes to achieve and realise the value of total inactivity.
iii. He hopes to achieve and realise the value of physical movement.
iv. He hopes to achieve and realise the value of rush and hurry.
(c) What does the poet mean by “not move our arms so much”?
i. He means that we should not make any physical movement.
ii. He means that physical activity will stop or interrupt our introspection.
iii. He means that we should not indulge in any destructive activity.
iv. All of the above.
(d) Why does the poet suggest us not to speak in any language?
i. He wants us to utilise that time to understand ourselves as well as others.
ii. He believes language differences often lead to conflict.
iii. He wants to avoid rush and engines.
iv. Both i. and ii.

II. It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
(a) What will happen if there is no rush or running of engines?
i. It will be a moment of tranquillity without rush or running of engines.
ii. It will be a moment of confusion without rush or running of engines.
iii. It will be a moment of total inactivity without rush or running of engines.
iv. It will be a moment of destruction without rush or running of engines.
(b) The word ‘exotic’ here means _______________.
i. ordinary
ii. narrow
iii. rare
iv. eager
(c) How would we feel at that moment?
i. We would feel very hostile at that moment.
ii. We would feel very restless at that moment.
iii. We would feel very exhausted at that moment.
iv. We would feel very strange at that moment.
(d) Name the poem and the poet.
i. The poem is ‘My Mother at Sixty- Six’, and the poet is Kamala Das.
ii. The poem is ‘An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum’, and the poet is Stephen Spender.
iii. The poem is ‘Keeping Quiet’, and the poet is Pablo Neruda.
iv. The poem is ‘A Thing of Beauty’, and the poet is John Keats.
III. Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.
(a) What does the poet expect of the fishermen?

i. They will become conscious that they are causing harm to the whales.
ii. They will become conscious that they are causing harm to their hands.
iii. They will become conscious that they are causing harm to the running engines.
iv. They will become conscious that they are causing harm to the salt gatherers.
(b) While gathering salt, what will the man do?
i. He will stop for a while at that quiet moment and look at his hurt hands.
ii. He will become conscious that he is causing harm to the whales.
iii. He will have a feeling of oneness with his fellow human beings.
iv. He will count up to twelve.
(c) What do the hurt hands imply?
i. It means that human beings are restless and exploitative.
ii. It means that human beings are greedy and exploitative.
iii. It means that human beings are greedy and loud.
iv. It means that human beings are restless and loud.
(d) ‘his hurt hands’ is an example of ____________________.
i. Repetition
ii. Refrain
iii. Alliteration
iv. Metaphor

i. Justify the title of the poem.
ii. Why will human beings feel strange after keeping quiet?
iii. What is the sadness that the poet refers to in the poem?
i. Which images in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ show that the poet condemns violence?
ii. What are the different kinds of wars mentioned in the poem? What is Neruda’s attitude towards these
wars?
iii. How can suspension of activities help?
iv. Why does the poet feel that we should not be so single-minded?
v. Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?
vi. According to the poet, what is it that human beings can learn from nature?


i. Describe the world as presented by Pablo Neruda. How, according to Neruda, can keeping quiet
change our attitude to life and the world?
ii. How does the earth prove to be a great teacher of keeping quiet?

A THING OF BEAUTY- ASSIGNMENT

– JOHN KEATS
1. Read the following extract and answer the following questions:
‘Its loveliness increases, it will never Pass into nothingness, but will keep A bower quiet for us, and a
sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

a) Whose loveliness will keep on increasing?
b) Identify the phrase which says that ‘it’ is immortal.
c) What is a ‘bower’?
d) Why do we need sweet dreams, health and quiet breathing in our lives?
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall From our dark spirits.
a) How does beauty help us when we are burdened with grief?
b) Explain: “Some shape of beauty”.
c) Why are the spirits dark?
d) Identify the figure of speech used in the above lines.
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink
a) Who are the ‘mighty dead’?
b) What have we done for them?
c) What is the metaphor that has been used for ‘lovely tales’?
d) How is the grandeur of the dooms related to the theme of the poem?
4. Answer the following questions briefly, in 40 words.
a) How is a thing of beauty a joy forever?
b) Describe any three things of beauty mentioned in the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’.
c) Mention any two things which cause pain and suffering.
d) What image does Keats use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?

AUNT JENNIFER’S TIGERS

- ADRIENNE RICH
1. Read the stanza given below and answer the questions that follow:
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a
screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the
tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty
i) The tigers are called Aunt Jennifer’s tigers because _________________.
a) she had embroidered them
b) they were her pets
c) she used to look after them
d) they were scared of her
ii) How are they described here?
a) Bold and fearless.
b) Move elegantly, confidently.
c) Bright, golden yellow.
d) All the options.
iii) How are they different from Aunt Jennifer?
a) They are timid.
b) They lack confidence.
c) They are fearless.
d) They are weak.
iv) The word, ‘chivalric’ means _________.
a) cowardly
b) humble
c) fearful
d) gallant
i. ‘Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering...’ Here,’ fingers fluttering’is an example of _________.
a) simile
b) metaphor

c) alliteration
d) personification
ii. Why did Aunt Jennifer find it difficult to pull her ivory needle? Which of these is NOT TRUE?
a) She was not experienced.
b) She was ageing and weak.
c) She was terrorised.
d) She was anxious.
iii. What was the wedding band? Which of these is NOT TRUE?
a) It was Aunt Jennifer’s wedding ring.
b) It represented the unbreakable bond of marriage.
c) It represented Uncle’s love.
d) It represented the inescapable bondage of marriage.
iv. The irony of massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band was that ____________.
a) Aunt’s marriage instead of providing happiness had traumatised her
b) Aunt’s marriage gave her freedom, instead of burdening her
c) Uncle gave her massive liberty.
d) Uncle gave her massive affection.
i. Why are Aunt Jennifer’s hands called ‘terrified’?
ii. What are Aunt Jennifer’s hands ringed with?
iii. What will happen to Aunt Jennifer’s tigers after her death?
iv. Why did Aunt Jennifer create fierce, fearsome tigers on the tapestry?
4. Answer the following questions in 120-150 words.
i. Aunt Jennifer symbolises oppressed women in a patriarchal society, stifled by the institution of marriage.
Discuss the aptness of the given statement by stating your views.
ii. What are the various literary devices used by Adrienne Rich in ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’?

THE THIRD LEVEL

– JACK FINNEY
ASSIGNMENT
‘‘That ain’t money, mister,’’ he said, ‘‘and if you’re trying to skin me, you won’t get very far,’’ and he
glanced at the cash drawer beside him.
a) Who are the speaker and spoken to here?
i. The clerk at the station is the speaker, Charley is the spoken to.
ii. The psychiatrist at the clinic is the speaker, Charley is the spoken to.
iii. The book- shop owner at the station is the speaker, Charley is the spoken to.
iv. The coin dealer at the market is the speaker, Charley is the spoken to.
b) What did the spoken to want to do with the money?
i. He wanted to pay the consultation fees of the psychiatrist.
ii. He wanted to purchase a newspaper.
iii. He wanted to purchase two tickets to Galesburg.
iv. He wanted to purchase old coins.
c) Why did the speaker threaten the spoken to?
i. The money given by the spoken to was new currency.
ii. The money given by the spoken to was old currency.
iii. The spoken to was trying to run away.
iv. The spoken to was being aggressive.
d) Why did the spoken to leave the place immediately, after being threatened?
i. He didn’t want to get a bad name.
ii. He had important work.
iii. He had to catch a train.
iv. He didn’t want to land up in jail.
1. What does the third level refer to?
2. What will the President of the New York Central and the New York, New Haven and Hartford
railroads swear? What did the narrator claim?
3. Why did the narrator talk to a psychiatrist friend of his and what did he say about the third level?
4. How did the narrator’s psychiatrist friend analyze his claim of being at the third level of Grand Central
Station?
5. What did the narrator’s friends say about him? What did his stamp collecting point to?
6. What did the narrator say about his escapism from the real world?
7. Why was the narrator’s wife Louisa worried?
8. Why was the discovery of THE WORLD, important for the narrator?
9. How much of the old currency was Charley able to buy with his money? Why was he satisfied?
10. Who was Sam Weiner?
1. How did Charley often get lost at the Grand Central Station?
2. The narrator thinks that the Grand Central is growing like a tree. What makes him think so? Why has
it been ‘an exit’?
3. How did Charley reach the third level?
4. How did Charley realize that he was on the third level?
5. How did Charley make sure that he had actually travelled in the past?
6. What did the narrator see unusual at the third level?
7. Why did Charley rush back from the third level?
8. What does Charley do after he leaves the third floor?
9. Could he go to the third floor again to buy tickets for him and his wife?
10. Why did Charley want to go to Galesburg?
11. Describe Galesburg, Illinois in 1894.
12. How did Charley prepare to go to Galesburg? Why couldn’t he reach there?
13. How did Charley learn that his psychiatrist friend had reached Galesburg of 1894?
14. What did Sam write to Charley from Galesburg?
15. What do you infer from Sam’s letter to Charley?
16. Do you think that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley? Why?
17. What is a first day cover? Explain.
18. What strange thing was found among the oldest first day covers? How did it come there?
19. Who wrote that letter and to whom?
20. What was written in Sam’s letter to Charley?
21. Why couldn’t Sam go back to his old business?
22. What happens to his friend Sam? Where does Charley suspect him to be?
23. What is the most revealing fact about Sam?
24. Why does Charley think Sam escaped to Galesburg?
25. Why do you find the ending of the story surprising?
26. Do you think Charley reached the third level? Why/ why not?
1. What does the third level refer to? Is it a medium or a way of getting away from the unpleasant and
insecure present forgetting your normal life?
2. How did Charley stumble into the third level at Grand Central Station? Describe his experience there.
3. Describe Charley. Do you think his being on the third level at Grand Central Station was a waking-
dream wish fulfilment? What did his stamp collecting point to?
4. ‘The Third Level’ at the Grand Central Station is nothing but a convenient excuse for escapism. Justify
the statement.
5. Describe Charley’s character with special reference to his escapist tendency.
6. Describe Charley’s impression of the world he encounters on the third level at the Grand Central
Station. Why couldn’t he buy tickets to Galesburg?
7. How has Jack Finney interwoven fantasy and reality in ‘The Third Level’? Also highlight the interaction
of space and time in the story.
8. Sam’s letter to Charley is a fine blend of reality and fantasy. Comment.
.

THE ENEMY
– PEARL S. BUCK
1. Read the following extract and answer the questions.
The pulse under his fingers fluttered once or twice and then grew stronger.
“This man will live in spite of all,” he said to Hana and sighed.
(i) Name the lesson and the writer.
(ii) Identify the speaker. Who was Hana?
(iii) Who was the ‘man’ here? Where had he been found?
(iv) Give any two implications of the word ‘all’ here.
2. Who was Prof. Harley and why did Sadao not want to go to the former’s house?
3. What did Dr Sadao think of Americans?
4. Why was Dr Sadao not sent away with the troops?
5. Sadao’s father was traditional Japanese. Give reasons to support the statement.
6. Sadao was an obedient son. Give reasons to support the statement.
7. Who was Tom and how did he reach Dr Sadao’s house?
8. In what condition did the Sadaos find the American soldier at the seashore?
9. How did Hana help Sadao in the operation?
10. Who was Yumi and how did she defy Hana?
11. How can the old gardener be called superstitious? Give reasons.
12. What were the two things that happened on the seventh day, after the POW’s arrival?
13. Why did the messenger visit Dr Sadao? What did Hana assume?
14. Why did General Takima like Dr Sadao?
15. General Takima was selfish. Give reasons to support the statement.
16. What were the two foreign elements that General Takima wanted Dr Sadao to combine?
17. Why did Sadao get angry with his patient, while operating on him?
18. What was the lesson given by the professor of anatomy, which Sadao remembered, while operating
on the POW?
19. Dr Sadao called the POW ‘My friend’. What was the irony?20. What did General Takima promise
to Dr Sadao? Did he fulfil his promise? Give reasons for your answer.
21. In what context does Hana remember the cruel nature of General Takima?
22. How does Dr Sadao help Tom escape?
23. Why did Dr Sadao go to the pawnshop?

SHOULD WIZARD HIT MOMMY?

– JOHN UPDIKE
ASSIGNMENT
“Well, he walked along very sadly and came to a very
big tree, and in the tiptop of the tree was an enormous
wise old owl.”
“Good.”
(i) Name the lesson and its writer.
a) Lost Spring, by Anees Jung
b) The Third Level, by Jack Finney
c) On The Face of It, by Susan Hill
d) Should Wizard Hit Mommy?, by John Updike
(ii) The speaker and the spoken to share the relationship of _______________.
a) father and daughter
b) teacher and student
c) brother and sister
d) doctor and patient
(iii) Why was ‘he’ sad?
a) He had got lost.
b) He had been starving.
c) He had been bullied.
d) He was tired.
(iv) The spoken to said “Good”because_____________________.
a) ‘he’ could now get some rest
b) the wise old owl would help him
c) the very big tree had many fruits
d) ‘he’ could now find his way
i) Why did the storytelling become a necessary ritual for Jack?
ii) Who was Jo?
iii) What is a skunk?
iv) Where did Roger Skunk first go for help?
v) How much money did the wizard demand from Roger Skunk? How did he get his entire money?
i) ‘Each new story was a slight variation of a basic tale.’ Highlight the common features of Jack’s stories.
ii) Describe Jack’s style of storytelling, along with the special effects.
iii) How did Jo behave in ‘the reality phase’?
iv) What was the attitude of other little animals towards Roger Skunk?
v) Describe the wizard in your own words.

vi) What part of the story did Jack himself enjoy the most and why?
vii) How did Roger Skunk’s friends react to his new fragrance?
viii) Why was Roger Skunk’s mommy angry with him? What did she finally tell him?
ix) How did Roger Skunk’s mother get his old smell back?
x) How did Roger Skunk and Mommy Skunk celebrate after his odour was restored?
xi) Why did Jo think that the Skunk’s mommy was stupid?
xii) How did Jo want the wizard to behave when mommy Skunk approached him?
xiii). How does Jo want the story to end and why?
xiv). Why does Jack insist that it was the wizard that was hit and not the mother?
xv). How was the Skunk’s story different from the other stories narrated by Jack?
xvi) Explain the phrase ‘half old tan, half new ivory’.
xvii) What was the ‘ugly middle position’?
i) What impression do you form of Jack as a father?
ii) Why is an adult’s perspective on life different from that of a child’s?
iii) Why did Jo disapprove of Jack’s ending of the story of Roger Skunk? How did she want it to end?
iv) What was Roger Skunk’s problem? Why did Roger Skunk’s mother not like her son smelling like
roses? Do you justify her stand?
v) What was the moral or the message conveyed through the story?
vi) What were the two possible endings to the Roger Skunk story? Which one would you choose? Why?

ON THE FACE OF IT
– SUSAN HILL
1. Read the following extract and answer the questions.
It ate my face up. It ate me up. And now it’s like this and it won’t ever be any different.
i) Name the speaker and the spoken to.
ii) “It ate...It ate me up.” Identify the ‘It’ here.
iii) How did the ‘It’ eat up the speaker?
iv) What does the last statement reveal about the speaker’s attitude in life?
2. Why does Derry say, ‘People are afraid of me’?
3. “What have you changed the subject for?” says Derry to Mr Lamb. What does Derry want Mr Lamb
to do?
4. What did children sometimes call Mr Lamb? Why?
5. What are the other things that people can stare at, instead of Mr Lamb’s disabled leg?
6. How does Derry interpret the tale of ‘Beauty and the beast’?
7. How, according to Derry, do people try to console people with physical and mental disabilities?
8. Why did Derry call the old man ‘peculiar’?
9. What were Mr Lamb’s views on the concept of a friend?
10. What was the message of the anecdote, about the man who had locked himself up in the room?
11. What does Mr Lamb do in his free time?
12. What does Mr Lamb say when Derry points out ‘there aren’t any curtains at the windows’?
13. Why does Mr Lamb tell Derry that “People are never just ... nothing. Never.”?
14. What were the fears that Derry’s family had, especially about his future?
15. How did Mr Lamb encourage Derry about utilising his intact faculties, when the latter highlighted his
half- burnt face?
16. What was more dangerous than acid, according to Mr Lamb? Why?
17. “Once you got home, you’d never let yourself come back.” Was Mr Lamb correct in his assessment
of Derry? Why/ why not?
18. What was Derry’s mother’s opinion about Mr Lamb?
19. Why did Derry want to go back to Mr Lamb, as he justified to his mother?
20. Why did Mr Lamb help Derry?
21. What is the bond that unites the two- the old Mr Lamb and Derry, the young boy? How does the old
man inspire the under confident child?
22. How did Mr Lamb’s meeting with Derry become a turning point in Derry’s life?
23. Compare and contrast the characters and attitudes, of Mr Lamb and Derry.
24. Explain the aptness of the title of the play ‘On The Face Of It’.

EVANS TRIES AN O- LEVEL

– COLIN DEXTER
ASSIGNMENT
1. Refer to the lines to answer the questions based on the given extract:
“He was the only one in the class, so you can say he’s
had individual tuition all the time, really. Would have cost
him a packet if he’d been outside.”
“Well, let’s give him a chance, shall we?”
i) The speaker and spoken to are ______________, respectively.
a) the Secretary of the Examinations Board and the Governor of HM Prison, Oxford
b) the Governor of HM Prison, Oxford and the Secretary of the Examinations Board
c) the Secretary of the Examinations Board and Mr Jackson, a prison officer
d) the Governor of HM Prison, Oxford and Mr Stephens, a prison officer
ii) The ‘class’ being referred to here is one in _____________.
a) O- level Italian
b) O- level English
c) O- level French
d) O- level German
iii) Why was ‘he’ the only one in the class?
a) He was imprisoned in jail.
b) He wanted individual tuition.
c) He wanted a cheap class.
d) He was a prison officer.
iv) The ‘chance’ here refers to the __________.
a) O- level Italian examination
b) O- level German class
c) O- level German examination
d) O- level Italian class
i) Who said, ‘Guten Gluck’ to Evans? Why?
ii) Why had Evans landed up in the Oxford prison?
iii) Why does Evans request the invigilator for a blanket?
iv). Who is Mr. Carter and why does he reach Oxford prison?
v) What did the Governor tell the Secretary of the Examinations Board about Evans?
i) Describe Evans in your own words.

ii) Why did the prison officers call Evans, ‘Evans the Break’?
iii) How do we know that Evans had no chance of getting through the O-level German examination?
Why did he take the test?
iv) What was his German teacher’s opinion of Evans’ proficiency in German?
v) Why did Jackson ask Stephens to take Evans’s razor and nail scissors out of the cell after he finished
shaving?
vi) ‘Buried somewhere in Jackson, was a tiny core of compassion and Evans knew it.’ How did Evans
use this knowledge to his advantage?
vii) Why did Evans not take off his hat when Jackson ordered him to do so?
viii) What were the contents of the small brown suitcase that McLeery carried?
ix) On the day of the examination, with what excuse did Evans keep Stephens out of his cell? What was
the actual reason?
x) What precautions were taken by the prison authorities for the smooth conduct of the examination?
xi) How did the Governor react to the two phone calls he received in quick succession?
xii) What did the Detective Superintendent inform the Governor about Evans?
xiii) Why was Stephens reminded about the woman on television?
xiv) What were the two strange things that could be noticed as Mc Leery was being escorted out of the
prison by Stephens?
xv) What was the correction slip? Why did Evans say later that the correction slip killed two little birds
with a single stone?
xvi) What clues did the answer sheet of Evans provide to the Governor?
xvii) How did the Governor find out where Evans was?
xviii) What could the Governor have done to securely bring Evans back to the prison from the ‘Golden
Lion’?
xix) Which important call did the governor receive when the examination was going on?
xx) How did McLeery misguide the police officials?
xxi) What was the important role played by the ‘smallish semi-inflated rubber ring’ brought by Mc Leery?
xxii) Did Mc Leery actually go to Evans’s cell to invigilate?
xxiii) Why was Evans shocked when he returned to his room at the Golden Lion?
xxiv) How did Evans’s friends help him, in escaping the prison?
i) How did the question paper and the correction slip help the prisoner and the Governor?
ii) How was the ‘injured’ McLeery able to befool the prison officers?
iii) In spite of the precautions taken by the Governor, Evans was able to escape. How do you think he
was able to do it?

iv) Give a character-sketch of the Governor of Oxford Prison based on your understanding of the story,
‘Evans Tries an O-level’.
v) It was sheer negligence on the part of the prison staff that helped Evans to escape. Comment.
vi) Describe three tricks used by Evans to escape from the prison.
vii) How was Evans able to have the last laugh, proving the Governor to be ‘just another good-for-a –
giggle gullible governor’?

CLASS - XII
ADVANCED
WRITING SKILLS
2021-2022

ADVANCED WRITING SKILLS

Notice (50 words; 4 marks)
Written piece of communication
Purpose-giving information
Points to Remember :-
i) To be written in a box and in formal language
ii) ‘I’ and ‘you’ to be avoided-use pronouns of third-person instead.
iii) Stick to the word limit.
iv) Format includes, the word Notice, name of the institute/Dept., Subject/Heading and date (top left
hand side)
v) Remember to include :
a) What is being organized / held?
b) Who is organizing / holding?
c) Date, time and venue / place.
d) Last date of submission of names and to whom.
e) Agenda to be written if it is regarding a meeting.
vi) Name and designation of the person writing the notice should be written on the bottom left hand
corner.
Anupam ShikshaKendra, Baraut

20 September2013 NOTICE
Trip to Kanyakumari
Students of classes XI and Xll are hereby informed that the school is planning a trip to Kanyakumari
from 15th-25th October during the Autumn Break. The total cost for the trip is Rs 2,500. Students
who are interested in joining the trip must deposit the said amount along with a letter of consent from
their parents, to the undersigned, by the end of the month.
Purnima Seshadri
(PURNIMA SESHADRI)
Head Girl

Posters (50 Words-4 Marks)

Points to Remember: -
• Highlight the main topic of the poster by writing it in bold and capital letters in order to draw
attention. It must fulfil the purpose towards which it is targeted.
• Use persuasive language, catchy phrases, slogans, jingles and emotional appeal according to the
topic given.
• Include all the important details; write within word limit and in a box.
• Can use graphics, varying font size and shape. Can make font light or dark to . create the requi-
site effect.
• Posters generally spread a social message or create awareness about an event of common interest.
• Important information like the venue, date, time, occasion or purpose (in case of an event) must be
clearly mentioned.
• A simple cartoon or caricature can be made to enhance the visual appeal of the poster, if required.
• Time Yourself (5 lo 7 minutes)
• Must be visually attractive, artistic and eye catching
Q. Make a poster advising people to stay away from tobacco, smoking, drugs and alcohol as they lead
to addiction and poor health.

“SAY NO”...
TO ALCOHOL, DRUGS, TOBACCO &
CIGARETTES
LET THEM NOT TAKE YOUR LIFE AWAY
THINK OF THE PRICE YOU PAY
GIVE YOURSELF A NEW DAY
Take Charge of your life today

think of your loved ones
do not give pain for everyday
IT LEADS TO TO STOP
• Lung Cancer • Smoking
• Oral Cancer • Drinking
• Asthma • Taking Drugs
• Heart failure • Chewing Tobacoo
• Death
ISSUED IN PUBLIC INTEREST BY MINISTRY OF HEALTH (GOI)
Practice Questions (Posters)

1. In collaboration with WHO, the Ministry of Health will organise the fourth phase of Pulse Polio
campaign in September 2013.Draft an attractive and informative poster giving all the relevant
details.
2. The Directorate of Education, Delhi State is organizing an Essay Contest for all the students of the
state. Prepare a suitable Poster, which can be sent to different schools for display on the notice
boards.

Hints:
the topic of the Essay Contest Eligibility Conditions
Last date of sending entries Entries to be sent to
Word limit, Use slogans
Prizes
3. You are a student of IX standard, studying in Bal Bharti School.Your school has got an opportunity
to participate in the IIT Bal Mela. You have been given a stall for the sale of Greeting Cards. Design
a catchy poster giving relevant details.
4. You are Seema/Satish. You are part of the Social Service Club of your school. Your school has
adopted a nearby village. Draft a poster sensitizing people about the importance of educating girls.
5. Your school Creative Kids is organising a Summer Camp during the vacations. You are the organizer
of the camp wherein training in several activities like horse riding, computer classes, art and craft
classes, pottery, etc. will be imparted. Draft a suitable Poster giving details of activities and attrac-
tions that you plan to have.
ADVERTISEMENTS (50 Words - 4 Marks)
TYPES:
(a) Classified
(b) Display
Classified Advertisements (Can come under different headings)
Property/ To-let/ Matrimonials/ For Sale/ Situation Vacant / Wanted/ Tours & Travels/ Lost and
Found/ Vehicles/ Pets and Kennels/ Educational/Situation Wanted/Missing Persons/Tenders/
Language Courses/Cookery Classes/Packers & Movers
Points to Remember (General)
• Format is rectangular/Square
• Specify category according to the requirement.
• Be brief and give only significant information.
• Should not be spread out-write in running lines.
• Information in digital, abbreviated and short forms is acceptable.
• Must have contact address and telephone no.
• Need not be in complete sentences.
• Can add e-mail address also.
Points to Remember :- (Specific)
To-Let/Property
1. Details of kind of house (flat/plot/independent house)
2. Details of locaton. (Near Airport, Shopping Centre etc.)
3. Kind of area/colony.
4. Details no of rooms, kitchen, garage, lawn, etc.
5. Use adjectives like airy, furnished, newly-built, fitted with modern gadgets.
6. Contact address and telephone no., can give an email adderss.
Vehicles :- 1. Model no. year of manufacturing, mileage, colour.
2. Single-hand driven, good condition, may invite for test drive.
3. Accessories (new seat cover, new mats, stereo, etc)
4. Papers and Insurance details.

Matrimonials :- 1. Bride/Groom wanted for....
2. Age, height and appearance.
3. Education-graduate/post graduate/M.Phil.
4. Profession- e.g. working in a reputed company.
5. Income - e.g. drawing a 5-figure salary.
6. Caste, religion etc. e.g. brahmin/sikh/kayasth family.
7. Contact address (usually Post Box no. of a newspaper is given)
Situation Vacant : - 1. Name of post being advertised, company name.
2. Educational qualification and experiene required in the candidate.
3. Nature of job/job demand. (e.g. - knowledge of computers, spoken English)
4. Personal requisites. (Smart, well-turned out)
5. Time limit within which to apply.
6. Salary offered and contact address.
Pets and Kennels : - 1.Breed name, no. of pets, colour, bloodline.
2. Whether male or female.
3. Age, details of innoculation.
4. Price expected.
5. Asking genuine buyers to contact, giving contact address and telephone no.
Missing Persons : - 1. Name, age and sex of child/person.
2. Date since when missing.
3. Build, height.
4. Complexion, colour of hair, eyes, etc.
5. Specifiy when and where he/she was last seen and in which clothes.
6. Any particular identification mark.
7. Indicate reward.
8. Contact name/address
For Sale :- 1. Item name, brand name and year of maufacturing.
2. General condition.
3. Mention the reasonable price that you are selling it at.
4. May give reason for sale (e.g. - going abroad)
5. Contact address and telephone no. Also indicate the day on which to contact.
Advertisement : - Example (Partly solved -with hints)
You are K Isaac of Hyderabad. You want to sell your newly-acquired house. Draft an advertisement
for publication in the newspaper. Use the hints given below.
Classifieds
PROPERTY FOR SALE

GROUND FLOOR of a ______________ house in _______________ Hyderabad is ________.

living space includes three bedrooms with attached bathrooms, ___________ and a spacious
kitchen. It is centrally ____________, close to the ____________ and airport. Expected cost
____________ , negotiable. Those _______________ interested please contact _________ or
dial ___________________.
Hints : -
• 7046821 • K Isaac, 7, Mohammadi lines,
• newly constructed • Hyderabad
• Mohammadi lines • available for sale
• a drawing-cum-dining • located
• main market
• Rs. 7 lakhs
Advertisement - Example (unsolved-with hints)
You are Rohit of 105, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi. You plan to sell your flat as you are going abroad.
Draft a suitable advertisement. Invent details.
Hints: -
• Give a suitable heading
• Give details of the location, number of rooms and other special features (well-ventilated, furnished,
etc.) of the house that you want to sell
• Give your contact address and telephone number
Advertisement- Example. (Partly solved-with hints)
Ajay Arora wishes to let out a portion of his newly-built house. Draft an ad for publication in the To
Let column of HT, giving all the necessary details like location, type of accommodation to be rented
out, rent expected, etc.
Classifieds
TO-LET
AVAILABLE _______________ , _______________ first floor flat in Railway Colony, Connaught
Place. Excellent ________ , ____________ rooms, attached ____________ , car _______
facility available. Expected ___________ . Those interested _______________.
Hints : -
• spacious • location
• on rent • bathrooms
• please contact Ajay Arora, 29, Railway Colony, Connaught Place, New Delhi
• rent, Rs.50,000
• parking • newly
Advertisement- Example (With directions)
Pulkit Menon of 64/, Delhi Cantt. wishes to let out his house. He drafts an advertisement for publi-
cation in the To Let section of a newspaper, giving the location, type of accommodation, rent ex-
pected and contact address. Write the advertisement.
Hint : A 'To Let' is to be written on the same lines as a property ad. The only difference is that in this
we write To Let in place of For Sale.

Advertisement Example (Partly Solved-- with hints)

You want to sell your car as you are planning to buy a new one. Draft a suitable advertisement to be
published in the Vehicles column of a newspaper.
Classifieds
VEHICLES
A 2003 light blue Santro, only 12000 km. driven, ____________ is _______________ Single
hand driven, Pioneer Music System, _________________
mileage, new tyres and seat covers, fully insured, can test drive____________________. Ex-
pected price-2.85 lakhs. _______________may contact Gaurav Sinha, 45, A.F.N.O. Enclave,
Dwarka, New Delhi or dial 25094584.
Hints:
• on any weekend
• in good condition
• Only genuine buyers
• excellent
• available for sale
Advertisement - Example 6 (unsolved)
You are Ajay Wadhwa of 42, Kirti Nagar, New Delhi. You want to sell your motorcycle as you are
planning to buy a car now. Draft a suitable advertisement for publication in Hindustan Times.
Advertisement- Example 7 (Partly solved-with hints)
You are Ramit Roy. Six months ago you had purchased a Samsung Refrigerator and Samsung TV.
Now, you are going abroad and want to dispose them off. Draft a suitable advertisement for publi-
cation in a newspaper.
Classifieds
FOR SALE
WHITE Samsung refrigerator model SR-32 EMB, and Samsung TV-24 inches, Model- 3850V
are ___________ at very____________prices. Both items _______________, near new, still
____________Reason for sale - ____________ Interested please contact Ramit Roy, 42, Saket,
New Delhi, or dial 26949812.
Hints : -
• scratch less • owner going abroad
• under warranty • reasonable/attractive
• available for sale
Example(unsolved- with hints)
You are Namrata Singh. You want to sell your washing machine. Draft a suitable advertisement for
the For Sale column of the newspaper.
Hints: -
• Give details of model and colour • Price
• Condition, type • Contact address, phone no.
Advertisement Example (partly solved-with hints)
Vasant International School requires a receptionist. The administrative officer drafts an

advertisement for publication in the Situation Vacant column of a newspaper. Write the
advertisement.
Classifieds
SITUATION VACANT
VASANT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOl requires a ___________________ possessing ex-
cellent spoken English and a ________________. Working ______________ essential.
Excellent salary and prospects for _________________. Only eligible may come for a walk-
in interview along with testimonials at 10.00 a.m. on 18th August 2004 to Vasant International
School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
Hints
• deserving candidates • pleasing personality
• smart young receptionist- • knowledge of computers
Advertisement Example 10 (unsolved -with hints)
You are Rohit Bali of Arjun Vihar, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi. Your younger sister is poor at Math-
ematics and you want to engage a tutor for her. Draft an ‘ad’ for the Situations Vacant column in the
newspaper.
Hints: -
• Ask for an experienced tutor
• Indicate the class for which you want the tutor
• Level of the student, subjects to be taught (Mathematics in this case)
• Teaching hours and duration-2 months/3 months/till Board Exam
• Payment/ fee
• Contact address, telephone number
Anjana Sharma wants to take coaching classes in Mathematics and Accounts for class XII students.
She drafts an advertisement to be published in the 'Classified columns of the newspaper.
Classifieds
(Write the name of the column).
FOR _____________understanding and _______________ in Mathematics and Accounts,
join Anjana Sharma's tutorial classes. __________________and _____________________
teaching methods, excellent assignments, _______________, to prepare for competitive
exams, __________________ Contact; B-5, Arjun Vihar, New Delhi. Join
now for__________________ .
Hints : -
• Sure shot success • Innovative
• perfect • reqular practice tests
• unique • small batches (up to 20)
• Excellent marks
Advertisement Example (unsolved with hints)
Your mother wants to begin giving cookery classes. Draft an advertisement to be published in the
Hindustan Times, Classified Columns.

Hints :-
• Establish her credentials as a students of a well-known cooking expert.
• Give details of the different kind of coooking/cuisine that she will teach-like continental, Portugese,
Indian, Chinese, etc.
• Timings and days
• Charges
• Duration of course-one month/three months
• State that certificate/diploma will be given
• State experience of conducting such courses and success
• Contact no. and address
• Advertisement Example (unsolved)
Pratap Sinha is looking for a job. He is a qualified engineer with three years experience in a
mulitnational company. Write an advertisement for him to be published in a Situation Wanted column
of a newspaper. His address is A-42 Hebbal Apartments, Bangalore.
You are Anshuman Vohra of 42, Vikas Puri, New Delhi. You had gone by bus to Delhi University to
apply for admission in a college. However, you left your file containing all the mark sheets and other
certificates in the bus. Draft an advertisement for publication in the newspaper.
Classifieds
LOST
LOST a file containing _______________ of X and XII, birth certificates, ten passport size
photographs and eight _____________ was left in a ___________________, valuable file,
_____________ to college. Finder please contact Anshuman Vohra, 42, Vikas Puri or dial
29495863.
Hints : -
• required for my admission • blue line bus, route no. 1191
• original mark sheets • merit certificates
• reward
DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENTS
Points To Remember : -
1. Have to be visually attractive.
2. May be spread out, proportionate spacing and impressive overall arrangement.
3. Catchy, lucid and persuasive language.
4. Punch line must be highlighted.
5. May use varying font size and shape.
6. Must have a purpose.
7. Essential Details : - a) Name of company, institute / organisation.
b) Details regarding product, event, educational course, etc.
c) Special offers/discount if any.
d) Address of the company / institute / organisation.
Advertisement Example : (unsolved with hints)
You found a brand new bicycle lying in the District Park where you went for a walk. You brought it
home. Now draft a suitable advertisement for the ‘Found’ column of the newspaper.
Hints :-
• Brand/colour of the cycle
• Contanct address
• Where you found it.
Advertisement Example (unsolved with hints)
Your daughter studies in class XII. You need a chemistry tutor for her. Complete the following
advertisement, which has been drafted for the classified column of a newspaper.
Classifieds
(Give a suitable heading)
CHEMISTRY tutor(lady) __________, required for home __________ for a girl studying in
_____ preparing for admission in ____________ . Time ____________ Fee ________. Ad-
vertiser ready to pay well for ______________________ . Only eligible candidates may con-
tact.
_______________________ (Fill in name, contact address and telephone No.)
Hints :
• negotiable
• experienced
• tutions
• class xii
• Excellent teacher
• Medicine
• Evening
DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENTS
Points To Remember :-
1. Have to be visually attractive.
2. May be spread out, proportionate spacing and impressive overall arrangement.
3. Catchy, lucid & persuasive language.
4. Punch line must be highlighted.
5. May use varying font size and shape.
6. Must have a purpose.
7. Essential Details :-
(a) Name of company, institute/organisation.
(b) Details regarding product, event, educational course, etc.
(c) Special offer/discount if any.
(d) Address of the company / institute organisation.

13TH INTERNATIONAL
BOOK FAIR 2013
Book for Leisure Book for Leisure
Date : 23rd July - 30th July
Time : 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Venue : Pragati Maidan
T
UN
DISPLAY PROFILE
CO • Books for all age groups
DIS
• Computer software & CD Roms

%
• Teaching aids
10
• Audio-Visual aids
Organisers Sponsored by
International Trade Authority All India Publishing House

Invitations - Formal (50 words-4 marks)

Points to Remember
• Are in third person and no abbreviations are to be used.
• Keep the inviation centre aligned.
• No punctuation at the end of lines.
• Well-defined layout-presentation in the single sentence.
• Each entry to be mentioned in a separate line.
• In RSVP-write the address and telephone no. at which invitee may contact for any queries.
• Sometimes the words ‘regrets only’ appear under the RSVP heading of the formal inviation. This
implies that the host expects you to inform him only in case you are not attending the function
being hosted by him. Otherwise, it is understood that you are attending the party.
• In official inviations, can give specific time by which the guest are to be seated, name of the chief
guest, programme if needed.
• Can write ‘Valid for two only’ at the end in case you want to limit the number attending the
gathering.
• The content and style should be appropriate to the demand of the question.
• Must be in a box.
• Some of the important information can be highlighted.

LETTER OF INVITATION (50 words - 4 marks)

POINTS TO REMEMBER :
• Use the formal letter format.
• Use first person speech.
• Mention the details related to the event.
Example : Letter of Invitation (Fully Solved)
Ladakh Public School
No. 4
Fort Road
Leh – 8
11 October, 20XX
Subject : Invitation to adjudge 10th Ladakh Inter-school Theatre Competition
Madam,
Greetings! Oh behalf of Ladakh Public School, Leh I request you most earnestly to adjudge the 10th
Ladakh Inter-School Theatre Competition.
This competition is expecting participation from twenty schools from Ladakh. We look forward to
your accepting our invitation and gracing the occasion on 12 November, 20XX, from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m., at the Amphitheatre. Your presence will be most inspiring.
Yours sincerely
Zenia Ali
(ZENIA ALI)
HEAD GIRL

FORMAL REPLY : - (50 WORDS - 4 MARKS)

Points to Remember
• Use third person.
• Not to be signed at the end.
• When accepting confirm dates and time, venue need not be confirmed.
• If declining, give reason.
• Give date and address at top left hand corner.
• Formal invitation must be given a formal reply.
Example 3-Formal Reply-Aceptance (Partly solved-with hints)
Imagine you are Mr. A. K. Sharma and have received an invitation card from Mr. O.P. Mehra,
Principal of St. Xaviers Convent, Kanpur to attend the school's Annual Prize Distribution Function.
Draft a formal reply (1) of acceptance and (2) of refusal, in not more than 50 words each.
6th August, 20XX
Delhi Cantt.
Mr. A.K.Sharma_____________ Mr. O.P. Mehra, Principal, St. Xaviers Convent for his
__________to the_________________to be held on 8 August, 20XX in the _____________,
M.G. Road, Kanpur. He is glad _________________
invitation and will attend
__________________the Vice Principal, Ms. Anju Mehra.
Hints:
• Annual Prize Distribution Function • Air Force Auditorium
• thanks
• kind invitation • to accept the
Example 4-Formal Reply-Refusal (Partly solved-with hints)
(Give date)
(Brief Address)
_____________thanks Mr. O.P. Mehra, Principal ______________for_____________to the
Annual Prize Distribution Function to be held_________________. He____________that he
shall not be____________the function due to___________.
Informal Invitation (50 words-4 marks) Points To Remember
• Use first person-1, we, you, not he, she or they.
• Do not end with RS VP.
• Top left hand corner address and telephone number of sender along with date(optional).
• The language is more warm and personal.
• Begin with 'Dear______________(name).
• Date, time and venue of the function are mentioned.
• Last sentence suggests that a reply is expected
Example - . -Informal Invitation (Fully Solved)
My Dear Susan
I shall be very grateful if you join me for dinner on Saturday, the 27 of August 20XX at 8'o'clock.
I am throwing a house-warming party. Please let me know by phone if you'll be able to come. 1
hope you won't disappoint me.
Vivian.
Example -Informal Invitation (Fully Solved)

Dear Seniors
We, the students of class XI- Arts, Science and Commerce stream, cordially invite you all for a
cultural programme cum send off or farewell party in the main hall at 1 la.m.on 24th February
20XX. Kindly stay for lunch and photo -session thereafter.
Class XI Students.
INFORMAL INVITATION REPLY (50 words - 4 marks)

POINTS TO REMEMBER :
• Use the informal letter format.
• Use first person speech.
• Mention the details related to the event.
Example : Informal Invitation (Fully Solved)
No. 47
Akbar Road
New Delhi – 110001
24.09.20XX
Dear Friend,
Hello! I hope you are fine. Heartiest congratulations on securing admission into NIFT, New Delhi.
Thank you for inviting me for the celebratory party on 24.10.20XX, at 7 p.m., at HardRock Café,
Saket. I am delighted to inform you that I will certainly attend the party.
Looking forward to having a great time with everyone.
Yours affectionately
Persis
Practice Questions:-
1. You are Abhishek Gupta, a renowned artist of Delhi. An exhibition of your paintings is going to be
put up at Triveni Art Gallery on October 31st, 20XX. Draft a formal invitation to be sent to your
friends in not more than 50 words. Also draft their replies of:1) acceptance and 2) refusal to Abhishek
Gupta's invitation.
2. You are Nikhil Prasad. You have recently shifted to a new house in Saket. Draft an informal
invitation to be sent to all relatives and friends inviting them for a housewarming party at the
weekend. Also draft the informal replies of acceptance and refusal.
3. You are Kapila/Kalpesh Kumar, the Secretary of Golf Links, RWA, Pune - 22. Your organization is
organizing Senior Citizens Day to honour the senior residents of the colony. Write a letter inviting
veteran hockey star, Dhanraj Pillay as the Chief Guest for the function. (50 words.)
REPORT WRITING (125-150 WORDS - 10 Marks)
Points to remember :
1. Be brief, to the point and systematic.
2. Report an event in the order in which things happened.
3. Give it:
(a) A bold heading / title.
(b) Name of reporter
(c) Place, Date ________________
4. Write the report in 3 - 4 short paragraphs like this,

Para-1: Brief introduction of the event.
Para -2 Give details of incident like what/ how/ when/ where/ any special happening.
Para -3 Concluding remarks regarding action taken or required.
5. In case of School Magazine Reports, date and place need not be written.
6. Put the report in a box.
7. Follow the word limit.
Newspaper Report (Fully Solved)
Example-
CYCLONE RAVAGES ORISSA
By Rhea Roy, staff reporter
Bhubaneshwar,
3rd November
More than 10,000 people are feared to have perished in the cyclone that ravaged Orissa, even as
the threat of an epidemic looms large. The worst affected-areas have been Jagatsinhpur, Kendrapara
and Paradip.The government has started intensive relief operation on a war footing, by carrying
out sorties, air dropping food and other requisite materials. However, a lot remains to be done as
about 1.5 crore people are still without any food. Another matter of grave concern is the looting
of vehicles and passengers, of essential commodities, by anti social. elements.
For the third consecutive day, many cities remained without electricity and portable water. The
Bhubaneshwar airport also remained inoperative, as the ATC had been badly-damaged.
Informed sources said here, that serious differences were brewing within the ruling Congress
over the government's failure to provide immediate relief. Rescue operations have to be under-
taken on a massive scale if the situation is to return to normal.
Newspaper Report
Example- (Partly solved-with hints)
You are Vaishali Kelkar/ Vikram Kelkar of. Sri Ram School, Bangalore. Your school has recently
conducted a benefit show in aid of the flood-affected people of Andhra Pradesh. As cultural secre-
tary of the Students' Council of your school, write a brief report in not more than 125 words on this
activity of the school for publication in The Hindu.
Sri Ram School Helps Flood-Affected Andhra
By Vaishali Kelkar
Bengaluru, August 9
A benefit show to aid the__________________of Andhra Pradesh was___________in the
auditorium of____________Bengaluru. The senior students presented a ballet titled 'Peace for Hu-
manity'. The students of primary classes dramatized a play on 'Wild-Life Conservation'. Several
other
____________ were presented. The_______________were Rs.50/- each and the auditorium was
packed to its capacity. The programme was appreciated and applauded by all present.
A cheque of Rs.60, 000/- was_______________________the Chief Minister of Karnataka; who
was the Chief guest on the occasion. In his speech, he_________________the efforts of the
students and said that such attempts were examples for others to follow.
Hints: -
• presented to
• cultural items • praised

• Sri Ram School • flood-affected people
• held in
• tickets for the show
Newspaper Report
Example- (Partly solved-with hints)
You are Varsha Desai; a reporter with The Indian Express .You witnessed a fire accident in a crowded
market of Delhi. Write a report to be published in the newspaper. Invent details.
Central Market Gutted By Fire
By-__________________(Name of the reporter), staff reporter
______________(Date)
______________(Place)
Para-1 Yesterday was a fateful day for those who went for shopping to the crowded Sarojini Nagar
market__________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Para-2 There was panic and stampede as people rushed out. ________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
The fire _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Pare-3 The total loss that occurred to the market by the fire was about 30 lakhs.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Hints
Paragraph 1 Describe :-
How the fire started
HOw the fire spread
Paragraph 2 Mention : -
Reaction of the crowd
How many people were injured/got burned.
Action taken-rescue operations-when and how
Paragraph 3. Conclusive remarks about: -
Total estimated loss
Possible cause of fire
Any other important detail
Newspaper Report
Example- (unsolved with hints)
You are Aditya Verma- a reporter with The Hindu. Write a report about how seven, people were
electrocuted to death in a tragic incident. Write a report for publication in the paper.
Hints: -
Where, how and when the incident occurred reaction of the crowd, extent of loss
Treatment/action taken
Magazine Report
Example (fully solved)
K.V. -III, DELHI CANTT GOES TECHNO-SAVVY
By Reshma
A month-long training programme for integrating technology into classrooms was started in the
school by School Net Professionals in August. A two -day orientation programme for teachers
was held at Okhla.
After the orientation the professionals exhibited how to incorporate technology into almost all the
subjects for classes VI to IX. They took help from the school teachers also. A series of
innovative CDs were used by them to get optimum results.
The programme certainly proved beneficial and informative for students as well as teachers. It
also raised the interest level of the students. The family of KV-3 is fast striding towards advanced
heights in technology.
Example (partly solved-with hints)
Write a report to be published in your school magazine in 125 words on how you celebrated the
Independence Day in school. You are Sumita Vats of Class XII, Modern School, Ludhiana.
Independence Day Celebrations
By Sumita Vats
The 58th Independence Day was _______________ by the staff and students of Modern School,
Ludhiana on 15th August, _______________. Shri H R Sharma, the Chief Minister of Punjab,
hoisted the flag at 900 hours sharp. Students presented a __________________overflowing with
patriotic sentiments. Patriotic songs were sung. This was followed by the Minister's speech. The
Minister highlighted the importance of independence and _____________________who laid down
their lives for their motherland. He stressed ________________________responsibility of
advancement lies on their shoulders. At the end of the one and a half hour programme, packets of
sweets ____________________and the celebrations came to an end.
Hints
• that students are our future hopes
• short cultural programme
• celebrated with great enthusiasm
• were distributed to all
• in the school premises
• the sacrifice of the Indians
Magazine Report
Example (partly solved -with hints)
You are Nivedita, Head Girl of Rosary Convent School, Bangalore. Your school hosted the Social
Science Exhibition. Write a report for publication in your school magazine.
__________________________(Give a suitable heading)

By Nivedita-Head Girl
A Social Science Exhibition, with the theme_____________________was organized
from__________ to __________ (give the two dates) in __________ to increase the students'
knowledge regarding Africa and India. It was inaugurated by Mr. R.C. Sharma, head of the
Geography Department, Delhi University .__________from different schools participated in the
exhibition.They displayed and explained their exhibits to the visiting team. To throw light on the
African and Indian culture, __________ were presented by the schools. This was followed by
the elocution competition, the topic for which was_____________________________.
The judging committee comprised of six experts in this field. On the last day__________and
prizes and certificates were distributed. The__________exhibition ended with vote of thanks
delivered by __________of the school.
Hints: -
• folk songs and dances
• the results were announced
• the Vice Principal
• Africa and the states of India
• Rosary Convent School
• A number of students
• Democracy-A way of life
Magazine Report
Example (unsolved-with hints)
You were a member of the team, which represented your school in the debate competition on
Computers -A Boon or Bane' and won the trophy. Write a report for your school magazine in 125
words. You are Manav / Manjari of Army School, Udhampur.
Hints :-
• give a suitable heading
• the venue where it was conducted
• inaugural function, chief guest, etc.
• dates on which it was conducted
• number of participants announcement of results and distribution of prizes
• vote of thanks
Letters
The best letters give the most important information in the shortest time and most acces-
sible form.
Points To Remember: - Time Available: - 15-20 minutes.
1. Always plan your letter. Think before you write. It is important to keep in mind: -
a. Why you are writing (Reason).
b. Facts that you are presenting -list them in logical order.
c. What do you want the person receiving the letter to do.
2. Avoid ambiguity, cliches and jargon.
3. Be accurate, brief, simple and straightforward.

4. Give complete information.

5. Don't use abbreviations, eg. Inst., govt., etc. Though contractions (don't, can't etc) are permissible in
modern letter writing, one should avoid them.
6. Be polite, courteous and correct.
7. Use short and active sentences.
8. Write one idea in one paragraph.
9. Always edit your rough draft.
10. Avoid long-winded and rambling turns of phrase. For example, write 'Please let me know...'and
NOT ‘I would appreciate your informing me.,.'
11. Avoid vague closings like 'Hoping to hear from you' or 'Thanking you in anticipation' - These are
outdated. Instead, end on a firm and positive note.
12. Follow blocked style (latest). Do not mix it up with the traditional semi-blocked style.
• Leave one line space between paragraphs.

• No punctuation in address/date/salutation.
• Don't leave any space at the beginning of a new paragraph, as was done in traditional paragraphs.
13. In the complimentary close-write:
• Yours obediently to the Principal.
• Yours faithfully - When writing to the editor or to your employer etc. (or whenever you write Dear
Sir/Madam as Salutation)
• Yours affectionately - to relatives.
• Yours sincerely - to friends and to all the people, who you are addressing by name.
• Yours truly - to unknown persons.
14. At the end, signature of the sender to be followed by his name in block letters and designation.
15. In modern letter writing, 'Yours sincerely' is often used for business letters, Letters to editor also.
Common Mistakes Made By Students
In Letter - Writing
• Mixing of blocked and semi-blocked style.
• Even if they follow blocked style, they don't keep it neatly left aligned.
• Confusion about punctuation marks.
• Confusion about what to write in complimentary close.
• Tend to write. ‘Yours’ as 'your’S’.
• Forget writing the date + also write it incorrectly
• Write all the information in one paragraph.
• Instead of writing the name and address given in the verbal input, they tend to put their own name
and address.
• Tend to ask the editor to do something about a particular problem-fail to realise that letters to editor
are to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards a problem
• Sometimes the students also forget to write the address.
Letters-Placing Order
Points To Remember
• Be clear and-precise in stating your order.
• State the quantity of items required clearly.

• Ask for quality'product and also request for a discount
• Ensure that the company takes care of proper packing and delivery of the items.
• Ask for maintenance and servicing of relevant product.
• When cancelling an order (due to delay in delivery) remember to mention file, order number and the
date on which it was placed.
• When cancelling order (due to its being defective remember to mention the order number, thedate of
delivery and the specifics of the complaint).
Example- (Fully solved)
Delhi Public School plans to buy computers and computer accessories from HCL Computers, Gulab
Bhavan, Nehru Place. As Raja Patnaik, Computer Incharge, draft a letter placing order giving all the
specifications of product and its quantity.
Letter Placing Order
Delhi Public School
MathuraRoad
New Delhi-64
22nd July 20XX
The Manager
HCL Computers Ltd.
15/2, GulabBhavan Nehru Place
New Delhi-08
Subject: - Purchase of Compaq Computers.
Sir
This is to inform you that our school management has approved your quotation no. 143/28 regarding
purchase of computers with Pentium III processor.
I hope that we are entitled to 10% institutional discount promised by you. Kindly deliver the order
within ten days of the receipt of this letter. The responsibility for proper packing and transportation
shall rest with you. We also expect prompt and satisfactory future maintenance and servicing.:
List of Items Quantity
(1) Compaq Computers with Pentium III Processor 4 units

(2) Coloured Monitors 4 units
(3) Keyboards and Scroll Mouse 4 units
(4) UPS with 15 minute back-up 4 units
(5) Speakers 8 units
(6) Printer 1 unit
(7) 128 Mb RAM (Random access Memory)
(8) ROM -52 x (Read Only Memory)
(9) 20 gb hard disk (Storage capacity)

Relevant warranty papers and a mechanic to install the computers should also be sent alongwith.
Payment shall be made by draft after the installation of the consignment.
Yours faithfully
Rajat Patnaik
(RAJAT PATNAIK)
(Computer In -charge)
Letter Cancelling An Order (Complaining About Delay) Format:-
Sender’s address
Date
Receiver's address
Ref: Purchase Order No. 0761 dated 17.07.20XX
Sir
• Refer to the order no., date, etc. 1st Para
• Complain about the defective order 2nd Para
• Complain about delay in delivery 3rd Para
• Ask the company to send the order immediately /make changes in the order/cancel the
order.
Yours faithfully
Signature
(NAME)
Designation
Example (Partly solved -with hints)
Letter Placing An Order
As Librarian of St. Mary's School, Safdarjung, New Delhi, write a letter to Parijat Publishers 22,
Church Road, Daryaganj, placing an order for four English books that you urgently need for your
library.
St. Mary's School Safdarjung Enclave
______________(Write the name of the city)
______________(Write the date)
The Marketing Manager
Parijat______________(write the complete address)
______________
______________
Subject: Order____________________________________________________________
Dear Sir
This is with reference to our telephonic talk on______________________Thank you for the
catalogue of your publications, which you sent to us ______________________ I would like to
place an order for ______________________
S.No. Name of the Book and Class No. Of copies
1. ___________________(XII) 10
2. ___________________ 15
3. ___________________(XII) ---
4. ___________________ 02

It is hoped that a 20 % discount on the printed prices___________________

It shall be appreciated___________________delivered___________________
Please send us a bill along with the books. Thank you very much.
Yours___________________
___________________(Signature)
___________________(Name in capitals)
___________________(Designation)
Hints:
• give a date on which you received the catalogues
• give any date on which a telephonic talk took place
• some English books for our library.
• at the earliest/within a week's time.
LETTER CANCELLING AN ORDER
You are Mohan from Shahbad Road, Agra You placed an order with M/S Friends Book Sellers,
Bulandshahar for the supply of NCERT textbooks for class Xll. But the order has been delayed.
Write a letter cancelling the order.
30, Shahbad Road
Agra
Date______________
The Manager
M/S Friends Booksellers
______________
______________
Subject:____________________________________________________________________
Sir,
We______________on 20th March for______________for class XII. But +we have neither re-
ceived the books nor any letter from you.______________has long expired and we are now
compelled______________and should the books arrive,______________ .
______________organization as yours should have been so______________in meeting orders
and deadlines.
______________
______________
(MOHAN)
(Designation)
Hints:
• late • to cancel the order
• yours faithfully • Bulandshahar
• the supply of 100 NCERT text books • Mohan
• till now • we shall be unable to accept
• placed an order with you

• it is regretted that a reputed

• the dead line
Letters of Complaint
Points To Remember:
The complaint can be about electrical gadgets installed at home/excessive telephone or electricity
bills/services/ lack of cleanliness in your area, etc.
• Express dissatisfaction regarding products, authorities, public work departments, etc.
• Explain the nature of complaint
• Give previous references (if any)
• Be polite but assertive in requesting the complaint to be addressed.
• In case of complaint against a gadget, must refer to the Bill No., date of purchase and whether it is
still in guarantee period.
Example (Partly solved-with guidelines) Letter of Complaint
In your locality, the road lights have not been glowing for the past few weeks. The manholes (drains)
are not covered, causing a lot of inconvenience and posing a danger to life. Write a letter to the
Health Department of the Corporation of Delhi, requesting them to attend to it. You are the secretary
of Madhuban Society, Vasant Kunj.
Secretary
Madhuban Society
Sector 7, Vasant Kunj
New Delhi - 70
__________________
The Director
__________________
__________________
__________________
Subject: Complaint about poor lighting and uncovered manholes in Vasant Kuni
Sir
Para 1:
With deep regret I wish to bring to your notice that we the residents of Madhuban Society, Vasant
Kunj are suffering for the past two weeks ever since the streetlights stopped functioning.
Para 2:
The whole area is steeped in darkness._____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Para 3:
To add to the problem_________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Several complaints were made to the Municipal Corporation but to no avail. You are
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Yours
______________
______________
______________
Hints
Para 2: Give details of the problem and the resultant hazards/risks; mention any mishaps that may
have occurred.
Para 3: Give details of how the manholes are adding to the problem.
Complain about the fact that previous appeals have not been heeded. Make a request to the authori-
ties for doing the needful.
Example (Partly solved-with guidelines)
Letter Of Complaint
You had sent some books through 'Global Speed Courier', Worli, Mumbai to your brother living in
New Delhi. After ten days your brother reported that the books weren't delivered. Courier authori-
ties are keeping quiet in spite of repeated telephone discussions. Write a letter to the Managing
Director, Global Speed Courier (Head Office), 14,Juhu stating the facts and asking for immediate
action. You are Vitasta Raina of 7,S.F.S. Flats, Worli, Mumbai.
____________
____________ Sender's address
____________
____________
____________ Date
The Managing Director

____________ Receiver's add
____________
Subject :__________________________
Sir
Para 1
This is to bring to your notice that__________________________
through__________________________ to __________________________ who
__________________________ .
However, I am sorry to inform you that __________________________ .
The payment receipt number against which the courier was sent is _________________________.
Para 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
(Talk about the negligence and carelessness of the courier agency)
Para 3
You are requested_______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________ (Ask for immediate
action)
Yours ___________
________________
________________
________________
Practice Question
• R C Saluja of E-194, B Block Nirman Vihar, Pataprganj recently purchased a Rolex Wrist watch as
an anniversary gift for his wife from Ajanta Watches, WZ-9, Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh. Within
a week of the purchase the watch stopped functioning properly. Since it was still in guarantee period,
Mr. Saluja wrote a letter of complaint to the dealer requesting for an immediate replacement. Write
his letter of complaint. Invent details.
• Similarly write letters of complaint for a defective :-
• Iron • Aqua Guard
• Refrigerator • Facsimile machine
• Television • Washing machine
JOB APPLICATION
PART I: Covering Letter
GUIDELINES:
Use the formal letter format and formal language.
FORMAT:
Sender's Address
Formal Date
The Principal or the HR Manager
Institution / Organisation's Name
Address
Subject: Application for post of____________________________________
Sir,
I am writing to apply for the position of_______________________advertised in__________of
_________________ .
I have a_______________ in _______________ from _______________. Since graduation
last _______________ summer, I have been working for _______________ on a basis. I have
become particularly interested in _______________ and now wish to develop my career in that
direction. I would welcome the chance to work as part of a small dynamic team where I would make
significant contribution while developing my skills yet further.
Please find enclosed a copy of my resume and attested documents for your kind perusal. I look
forward to a postive response from you.

Yours sincerely (Signature of Sender)
(FULL NAME IN CAPS IN BRACKETS)

ENCLOSURES:
1. Copy of Graduation Degree
2. Copy of Class XII Certificate
3. Copy of Resume
PART II : RESUME
• Every heading will be written in Caps and Underlined.
• Related information will be written in running handwriting
• The entire resume will be enclosed in a box.
BIO-DATA
Name XYZ
Father's Name ABC
Mother's Name Def
Date of Birth 21.03.1985
Gender Female
Nationality Indian
Address House No. 4, G. Road, H. City - 16
Contact No. 9xxxxxxxxxxxx
Email Address xyz@yahoo.com
Educational Qualifications:
Year Name of Exam Name of Name of Institution %
Board/University Obtained
2003 All India Senior Central Board of XYZ Public School 92
Secondary Certificate Secondary Education
2005 B.A. Hons. English University of Delhi Hindu College 63
2008 M.A. English University of Delhi Hindu College 65
2009 B. Ed. University of Delhi C.I.E. 70
Languages known : Hindi, Bengali, English, German
Achievements : State Level Debater and Certificate of Proficiency in German, MMB, New Delhi
Other Interests : Jazz Dancing, Playing Cricket, Tennis, Painting
Work Experience:
Organisation/Institution Designation Duration
DPS Vasant Kunj PGT English 2010-Till Date
The Shri Ram School New Delhi TGT English 2009-2010
Salary Presently Drawn : Rs. 6 Lacs p.a
Salary Expected : Rs. 8 Lacs p.a.
References :
1. I. J. Kl 2. LMN
Principal Principal
The Shri Ram School DPS Vasant Kunj
Contact No. 9XXXXXXXX Contact No. 9XXXXXXXX
xyz
(XYZ)
Date : 29.10.20XX Place : New Delhi
Practice Questions :
1. You are Apoorva, B-120, MalviyaNagar, Chennai. Read the advertisement given below and write a
letter to the advertiser, applying for the job.
INDIAN PHARMACEUTICALS 20,
Coast Road, Kochi, requires
Trainee Medical Representatives
Candidates should be science,or pharmacy graduates and below 25 years of age. Fluency in English
and any one of the regional languages is essential. Attractive stipend with handsome working allow-
ances will be offered during training period. After successful completion of the training, the candi-
dates will be appointed on regular basis. Please apply with complete resume and a passport size
photograph at the above address.
2. You are Apoova/Ashima, A-22, Industrial Colony, Delhi. Read the advertisement given below and
write a letter to the advertiser, applying for the job. Also give your detailed resume, which you would
send along with your letter of application for the job. Solace Medical Equipments requires for its
Chennai unit Senior Executive - Accounts
Qualification : M. Com.
Experience : Minimum 5 years
Competency : Knowledge in accounting functions and related commercial activities.
Salary commensurate with qualification and experience.
Apply to : Solace Medical Equipments, 10, Sector-4, Gurgaon-15 (Haryana)
3. You are Apoorva/Asha, 21, Nehru Marg, Agra. Read the advertisement given below and write a
letter to the advertiser, applying for the job. Also give your detailed resume, which you would send
along with your letter of application for the job.
WANTED
Sales Engineers for Delhi and Mumbai. BE (Mech./Electrical), about 25-30 years of age with
2-5 years of experience in marketing of industrial products. Candidates should have good pre-
sentation skills and willingness to travel extensively. Please apply to: Head, Try-Air Limited, B-4,
Gandhi Road, Bengaluru-2
Letter Seeking Information
Points To Remember
o Written after getting information from some source e.g. an advertisement in a magazine, newspaper,
or T.V.
o Seek more details through it.
o Can be to an institution, Social Service Organization, business house, etc.
o Reference to the source of initial information must be mentioned.

o Person's own interest and suitability / eligibility must be given.

o Information required should be asked in clear words.
Example (fully solved)
Improve communication skills and social graces for all occasions. Join Midas Touch - The
Grooming School. Contact Bhishm Sawhney, X-19, Defence Colony, Jaipur.
Sanjana Sachdev who is planning to join the hotel industry comes across this advertisement. She
thinks that she requires to acquire both the qualities mentioned in the advertisement. She decides
to write a letter seeking information about their criteria for selecting candidates, course fees,
method of teaching, timings and any placement facility available. Write her letter.
Sanjana Sachdev
76, Darpan Estate
Jaipur.
11th August' 20XX
The Director
Midas Touch Grooming School
Jaipur
Subject: Seeking information about Personality Grooming Course.
Sir
With reference to your advertisement in the Times of India dated 2nd August 20XX, I need some
m ore information about the course offered by you.
1 have recently passed my class XII exams and am interested in joining the Hotel Industry.
However, I need to improve my proficiency in spoken English and learn social graces. I would
like to know your criteria of selecting candidates as well as the course fees. I would be grateful if
I could get the details about the methods of teaching and whether your institute gives any
placement facilities.
Kindly send these details at the earliest. I am enclosing a self - addressed and stamped envelope.
Yours faithfully
Sanjana
You are Anurag residing at 3/123, Viram khand, Gomti Nagar Lucknow. You are interested in doing
a course in Computer Programming during your summer vacation. Write a letter to the Director,
Computer House, Sector 8, Rohini, Delhi, enquiring about the duration of such a course and the
terms and conditions for the same.
3/123,Viram khand
Gomtinagar
Lucknow
25 April, 20XX
The Director
______________
______________
Subject: Enquiry Regarding Short-Term Course In Computer Programming.
Sir
This is with reference to your______________ in Hindustan Times dated 18th April 2013 about
your course. 1 am interested in doing____________ vacation. But before that ____________the
following information :
1) Duration of Course
2) Charges ________
3) Whether classes will be held _________ or evening
4) Whether a diploma ________________ at the end of the course.
On receipt of this information, I shall personally come to join it. A self-addressed __________is
enclosed herewith for the reply.
Yours faithfully
Anurag.
(ANURAG)
Hints: -
advertisement
I would like to have
or cerificate will be awarded
And duly stamped envelope
Computer House, Sector 8, Rohini, Delhi
a computer programming course during summer
for the complete course
in the morning
Practice Question
Ananya Kumar of 5/6, Tilak Bridge, Railway Colony, New Delhi wishes to go on a holiday trip
during the summer vacations to Shimla. However, he needs to enquire about the best available
resorts, availability of good and economical hotels, and transportation with pick and drop facility. He
writes a letter to the Director of Tourism, Himachal Bhavan, 15 Sikandra Road, New Delhi. Write
Ananya's letter.
Letter To Editor
Points To Remember
• Far-reaching and powerful medium of communication-has mass appeal
• Should be to the point, elaborating on the problem of either social/individual/moral concern
• In addressee's address give the name of the national/local daily referred to in the question.
• Para 1: Introduce yourself. State that you are writing the letter to draw attention of the concerned
authorities to the said problem/situation. Refer to any particular action taken or riot taken by previ-
ous authorities.
• Para 2: State the problem in detail, giving its causes and the resultant effects on general public/
society/individual.
• Para 3: Offer suggestions and solutions.
Letter To Editor
You are Satish/Seema a resident of 4-L/P Block, Pitampura, Delhi. Recently you read newspaper
reports about the death of a young couple due to the collision of their car with another car. The
accident resulted due to reckless driving. As a responsible citizen, write a letter to the editor of a
local daily on the dangers of rash driving in the city.

4-L/P Block
________________(Sender's address)
________________
________________(Date)
The Editor
________________(Receiver's address)
________________
New Delhi
Subiect : Reckless Driving in the City
Sir
This is with reference-to a newspaper report recently published in The Hindustan Times about the
tragic accident on ________________in which a young couple died when their
car________________.
There has been an increase in the number of deaths due ________________. Last year alone, a
record ________________ took place on the roads of Delhi.
Aren't-we heading towards a chaotic and unsafe existence? More and more
flyovers________________but there has also been an increase in the, number of vehicles_____.
Traffic jams are now a ________________ especially around festivals. Traffic policemen man a
number of crossings but it brings little relief _________________ .Highways prove fatal
because ___________ .
The government will have to impose____________________________________________
I hope that the concerned authorites____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
that the roads can be made safe for all to drive.
Yours truly
________________ (Signature)
___________________ (Name)
Hints :
• Describe how the accident took place • For Para 4 give a few steps that
• Give a date and place government can impose on public
• Give some reason • Give some data/ figures
• Are being constructed • common sight
• On the roads of Delhi • People tend to drive at high speeds
• Will look into the matter and
• To daily commuters • take appropriate measures
Practice Question
Owing to the introduction of Metro Rail and the building of a number of flyovers all over the capital
city of Delhi, the entire city has been dug up at several places. The deadline for the building of the
flyovers has long since passed and the commuters of the city are facing a lot of inconvenience as they
get stuck up for hours together, in traffic jams. As Kartik/Kanika, 220, Siddharth Enclave,
Gautam Budh Nagar write a letter to the editor of a national daily.

Letter Of Request
Points to Remember
• Remember to use very polite and earnest language
• State your problem/requirement clearly
• Talk about the inconvenience caused to you due to the lack of certain facilities/ infrastructure, etc.
• Give concrete suggestions/solutions
Letter Of Request
Example (Partly solved-with hints)
Write a letter to your Librarian requesting him to exempt you from paying the fine for returning the
book late. Give sufficient reasons to convince the Librarian. You are Geeta Gupta of 1761, Nai
Sadak, Delhi - 17
Sender’s adderss
_______________________
The Librarian
Delhi Public Library
S. P. Marg
Delhi -06
Subject: Request for Exemption from Paying Fine
Sir
I borrowed the following books _____________________________
1. _____________________
2. Wonders of India
3. _____________________
The books were issued_____________________ . I was supposed _____________________
by July 14, 2013. _____________________ . I met with an accident on 10th July and for about
a month was with a plaster on my leg, I was discharged_____________________ 1 am enclos-
ing my discharge certificate with this application. Under these circumstances, I could not
_____________________ I, therefore, request you _____________________for returning the
books late.
Yours_____________________
_____________________
Enclosure: Discharge Certificate
Hints
• To exempt me from paying the fine • only on 10th August 2013
• from your library on June 15, 2013 • return the books in time
• My Experiments with Truth • ‘War and Peace’
• to return them • was admitted to the hospital
• As ill - luck would have it.
Letters of Request
Example (Partly solved-with hints)
After passing the +2 examination, you plan to study for a degree in a professional college. Write a
letter to the head of the Institution, requesting him to send you the admission form and relevant
information. You are Ankit/Ankita of 127,G.K. Part-2 New Delhi.

June 26, 20XX
The Principal
Thapar Institute of Engineering Patiala
Subject:_______________________________________________
Sir
______________________________________________________________________
+2 examination conducted by the CBSE ________________________ in 2013.1 want to join .
________________________ in ____________________ . I understand _______________
_______________________this course of studies. I further request you to let me know
the________________ for the year .May 1 know about the __________________ of the college
and what are the __________ of _______________ after the completion of the degree in your
college?
_________________ if you send me the prospectus ______________. I enclose herewith
___________________ and ______________________ stamped envelope.
Yours faithfully
___________________
Enclosure : As Above
Hints -
• that your institute offers • I wish to state that I have passed
• New Delhi, with science stream
• Mechanical Engineering • a postal order of Rs.25
• and admission form • placement
• your institution for a degree course • prospectus
• a self - addressed • affiliation
• I shall be highly obliged • fee structure
NARRATIVE WRITING
Points to remember:
• Narrate an Event or Incident one has experienced.
• It’s a first person account. Hence, use first person.
• Word limit: 150-200 words
• Language: 1st person, semi-formal tone, simple vocabulary, make the narrative appealing and at-
tractive.
• Content: Factual information about the incident/experience, date, time, venue, sequence of events/
action, reaction to the incident.
Practice Questions (Solved)
1. Look at the input given below :
Floods in UP - heavy rain - Breech in dam - Large tracts inundated - Standing crops devastated
- Relief operations -Army - NGOs - Camps for food victims.
As a part of the NSS, you visited the flood relief camps. Using the above input write a
description in about 100 to 150 words. You are Ajay.
Flood in UP

Road and rail traffic has been hit at several places as the flood situation in Uttar Pradesh worsened
on Tuesday. The swirling water of its major rivers has inundated 177 villages in 30 districts. Inces-
sant rains for the last five days have devastated standing crops. A major breach has been reported
from Nahal River Bridge Dam in Bareilly. Flood warning has been issued to nine districts of western
Uttar Pradesh where road and rail traffic has been adversely hit with flood water submerging the
roads and tracks. The Indian Army and other major NGOs are rendering rescue and relief opera-
tions. Relief camps have been set up for flood victims. About 20000 people have been rendered
homeless. The flood situation has been reported to be very severe in Bijnore because of the dis-
charge of water from Haridwar in Ganga. Kosi and Ram Ganga are also rising menacingly.
2. Look at the input given below:
Amjad, 15, student, returing from school
2 men trying to kidnap a child
Noted registration no. of car
Called 100, gave description
Child rescued, Amjad awarded.
On the basis of these points draft a story titled "A Brave Deed" in 100 to 150 words. You
are Vijay.
Ans. A Brave Deed
Amjad is a 15 year old boy. He is known for his bravery. Among his friends he is said to be very
fearless. Last week while he was returning home from school he saw a little boy standing in front of
his house. He saw two men getting out of the car, walking towards the boy. They stopped and
started talking to him. Suddenly one of them pressed a handkerchief on his face and he became
unconscious. They lifted the child and walked towards their car. Amjad ran towards the car to
rescue the child. But before he could do anything the car was driven off. He immediately noted down
the number of the car and called up the police control room by dialling 100. He gave the description
of the car and its number to the police. The police quickly swung into action and the child was
rescued. Amjad was given a special award for his brave deed.
Article Writing [200 Words -10 Marks]
Points To Remember
1. Give the title at the top.
2. Break the subject matter into;
• Introduction -should be brief [one paragraph]
• Body- should comprise of causes/ effects/types/present state of things [matter can be divided into 2
or 3 paragraphs]
• Conclusion -remedies/suggestions, followed by final word.
3. Add a touch of humour, depending upon the subject.
4. Write name and class after the heading, in the centre.
5. One paragraph must contain one idea. To change the paragraph, leave a line.
6. Must decode the verbal/visual input properly.
7. Systematic presentation of ideas is a must.
8. Pay attention to grammatical accuracy, good vocabulary and spellings.
9. Use simple, short sentences and lay emphasis on flow and connectivity.
10. Always make a rough draft first
12. Make your article-as interesting as possible. Keep in touch with the latest that's happening around
you.
13. Make good use of Internet and Encyclopedia Encarta to read good articles, besides reading the
newspaper and magazines.
Commonly given topics-Social/Environmental/Educational issues/any event or happening
of general/current interest.
Debate {200 Words-10 Marks}
Points to remember
1. Begin with - "Honourable chairperson, judges, teachers and my dear friends, I stand before you to
express my views for/against the motion TOPIC
2. Total agreement or disagreement with the topic should be expressed forcefully and clearly. Can use
polite sarcasm and humour but no indecorous language should be used.
3. Use argumentative style and logical reasoning.
4. Back-up arguments with relevant information.
5. At the end write "Thank you" at extreme end on the left.
6. Always make a rough draft, edit and time yourself (20 Minutes)
7. Use powerful expressions like: -
• I'd like to argue. In my opinion...
• I fail to understand...
• May I ask
• I disagree......,
• Refer to your opponent's view / views
Speech (200 words-10 Marks)
Points to remember
1. Give the title at the top.
2. Begin with "Good morning to all of you, today I am here to express my views on the topic..........
.....................................”
3. Define the topic; give its causes, effects, the present state and remedial measures.
4. Clarity, organization and systematic presentation of ideas is very imporant.
5. Should be a coherent piece clearly stating a particular point of view; Divide the speech into 3 to 4
paragraphs.
6. Conclude by giving suggestions for improvement- hope for a better future.
7. Always make a rough draft first.
8. Time yourself {20 minutes}
Example (partly solved -with guidelines)
Article
Hrishita Bhatt, a student of Modern School, Vasant Vihar is highly worried and confused about what
she will do after her class XII exams. She writes an article for a newspaper on
Title: - Is Today's Education Relevant to Students' Needs? (Word limit 200 words)
Para I
Every year thousands of students pass out from the numerous schools in India. How many of them
are really clear about their aims after class XII? Students spend all their academic years, learning up
copious contents of the books, which may not be at all helpful in real life. Most of them are abso-

lutely directionless. Their career and future is uncertain. They are neither aware of their potential nor
the opportunities that they can make use of.
Para 2
There is a dire need for the curriculum and teaching methods to be altered.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Para 3
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Para 4
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Para 5
Though some educational institutions have already taken steps in this direction, change won't come
unless the whole system is revamped. Only then can we have students stepping into a positive and
progressive future. Otherwise all that the Indian education system is producing is an army of
directionless, insecure and uncertain young men and women.
Hints:
Para 2: Talk about :
• Need to change syllabus to suit the practical needs of students
• Importance of preparing them for real life situations
• Developing their potential to think independently and objectively
• Need for all-round personality development to turn them into effective human beings
Para 3 : Impress upon :
• the need to improve upon the evaluation system
• importance of continuous assessment
• the fact that the system must discourage rote memory
Para 4: Emphasize the need for:
• Change in the parents' and teachers' attitude- must stop expecting every one to become a doctor or
an engineer
• Teachers must be adequately trained to do much beyond the curriculum teaching
• No place for professional complacency in the system
• Counsellors to guide students at every step and help them identify their potential.
Example :
Article (unsolved -with directions)
Write an article in 200 words on the Title: - Aping of Western Culture by Modern Generation
Para 1
Western culture has slowly but firmly established its hold over the modern youth who are fast be-
coming comfortable with all that symbolises the western. This change has greatly affected the psyche
and thought processes of the youth.
Para 2

The major areas in which western culture has affected the modern generation are
• Eating style- adaptation of coke culture, fast foods, etc.
• Dress code- aping of western dresses and haircuts, etc.
• Lifestyle- no depth in life casual, too much interest in music and films, too much openness in relations
with opposite sex.
Para 3
Results- Negative
• Aggressive and rebellious behaviour.
• Gap between old and young is widening.
• Loss of values and respect for elders.
• Lack of discipline in life.
• Ignorance about Indian culture and traditions.
Para 4
Dire need to handle the situation delicately
• Parents and teachers - big role to play.
• Must restore faith in Indian values and culture.
• Need for adequate counselling.
• Value-based teaching.
• Redirect/channelise the energy of the youth into positive directions.
Example - (unsolved -with directions) Article
Write an article on Increasing Crime, In Today's Society, in 200 words:
Title:
Para -1
• Crime related incidents -a common feature
• Daily newspaper -full of such reports
• Crime - a way of life and ever increasing
• Life - risky and unsafe
• Major sufferers/victims- children, women and old people
• Big cities-haven for criminals
Para -2
Reasons
• Growing unemployment
• Earlier- illiterates became criminals, -educated, jobless now
• Youth-easy to influence, desire quick money, dream big, adopt short-cut methods
• Drug addiction common especially, school children and teenagers.
• Movies -damaging effect on psyche of impressionable minds;
• Materialistic outlook, desire for possessions.
Para -3
Solutions :
• greater parent vigilance, esp. for teenage boys

• Contact parents of their friends

• Counsel if things go wrong
• Meet teachers, attend PTA meetings
• Ensure right guidance at right time
• Home atmosphere-harmonious
• Parents guide him/her encourage to join stream of choice
• search for job that suits abilities
• if child academically not so bright look for simpler job
• never have too high expectations
• teach-value of time and money
Para-4--Contribution of Society
• greater police patrollings, strict law enforcement
• courts of justice to expedite trials
• law/police dept. not to be influenced by outside pressure
• restore public faith in police
Para -5 Conclusion
• Hope for a just and peaceful,crime-free society
• Youth must move in right direction
Example (unsolved-with guidelines) Article
• Write an article, in not more than 200 words on Lives of great men -An inspiration
Hints:
Para 1 :-Introduction
• Life-full of action, not brooding/dreaming
• Action-driving force
• Keeps man dynamic and ambitious-leads to greatness
Para 2: -Great men's stories of success-lives of action
• E.g. statesmen, nation-builders, explorers, scientists, mountaineers, etc.
• Names of a few achievers
• Their contributions/special achievements
Para 3: -Common qualities of achievers
• Possess determination and will-power
• Never brood over failures
• No wastage of time or lamentation
• Relentless workers, patient, enduring
• Are born leaders
• Never satisfied with present, always move towards future
Para 4-Conclusion
• Lives - role -models for us, guides/mentors
• Taught lessons, inspired, gave hope
• Virtues can be emulated
Practice Question (Speech)
Your school is celebrating the Road Safety Week. You have been asked by your Class Teacher to
present your views on the importance of Road Safety in the form of a speech in the morning assem-
bly. Write your speech in not more than 200 words.
Practice Question (Speech)
Your school is organizing a tree plantation campaign. You have been requested to give a short
speech stressing the importance of trees and their plantation. Write your speech in not more than
200 words.
Practice Question (Debate)
• ‘For the country to progress, we require the energy and the enthusiasm of the youth more than the
experience of the veterans.’ Write a debate in favour of or against the motion. (200 words)
• ‘Old Age Homes are the ideal refuge for the old people of any society.’ Write a debate in favour of
or against the motion. (200 words)

PRE-MID-TERM EXAMINATION
(UNSOLVED)
Time: 3 hrs. M. Marks: 80
General Instructions
(a) The paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
(b) Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these
instructions and follow them faithfully.
(c) Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
SECTION - A (READING – 20 MARKS)
Q.1 Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: (12)
(1) I was born on the 30th of November, 1835, in the almost invisible village of Florida, Monroe
County, Missouri. I suppose Florida had less than three hundred inhabitants. It had two streets, each
a couple of hundred yards long; the rest of the avenues mere lanes, with rail fences and cornfields on
either side. Both the streets and the lanes were paved with the same material—tough black mud in
wet times, deep dust in thy.
(2) Most of the houses were of logs – all of them, indeed, except three or four; these latter were frame
ones. There were none of brick, and none of stone. There was a log church, with a puncheon floor
and slab benches. A puncheon floor is made of logs whose upper surfaces have been chipped flat
with the adz. The cracks between the logs were not filled; there was no carpet; consequently, if you
dropped anything smaller than a peach, it was likely to go through. The church was perched upon
short sections of logs, which elevated it two or three feet from the ground. Hogs slept under there,
and whenever the dogs got after them during services, the minister had to wait till the disturbance
was over. In winter there was always a refreshing breeze up through the puncheon floor; in summer
there were fleas enough for all.
(3) A slab bench is made of the outside cut of a saw-log, with the bark side down; it is supported on four
sticks driven into auger holes at the ends; it has no back and no cushions. The church was twilighted
with yellow tallow candles in tin sconces hung against the walls. Week days, the church was a
schoolhouse.
(4) There were two stores in the village. My uncle, John. A. Quarles, was proprietor of one of them. It
was a very small establishment, with a few rolls of “bit” calicoes on half a dozen shelves; a few
barrels of salt mackerel, coffee, and New Orleans sugar behind the counter; stacks of brooms,
shovels, axes, hoes, rakes, and such things here and there; a lot of cheap hats, bonnets, and tin ware
strung on strings and suspended from the walls: and at the other end of the room was another
counter with bags of shot on it, a cheese or two, and a keg of powder; in front of it a row of nail kegs
and a few pigs of lead, and behind it a barrel or two of New Orleans molasses and native corn
whisky on tap. If a boy bought five or ten cents’ worth of anything, he was entitled to half a handful
of sugar from the barrel; if a woman bought a few yards of calico she was entitled to a spool of
thread in addition to the usual gratis “trimming’s”; if a man bought a trifle, he was at liberty to draw
and swallow as big a drink of whisky as he wanted.
(5) Everything was cheap; apples, peaches, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, and corn, ten cents a bushel;
chickens, ten cents apiece; butter, six cents a pound; eggs, three cents a dozen; coffee and sugar, five
cents a pound; whisky, ten cents a gallon. I do not know how prices are out there in interior Missouri
now, but I know what they are here in Hartford, Connecticut. To wit: apples, three dollars a bushel;
peaches, five dollars; Irish potatoes (choice Bermudas), five dollars; chicken, a dollar to a dollar and
a half apiece, according to weight; butter, forty-five to sixty cents a pound. (An Excerpt from Mark
Twain’s Autobiography)
1. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the questions by choosing the best option.
(1×5=5)
(1) The streets of Mark Twain’s village, in summer, were coated with…..
(a) wet, brown mud and shingles
(b) black mud in wet times and deep dust in the dry months
(c) black mud in wet times and dry mud in dry times
(d) wet mud in wet months and dry mud in dry times
(2) During weekdays the local church served as a ……
(a) bazar
(b) pilgrim spot
(c) schoolhouse
(d) priest’s lodgings
(3) What caused disturbance during services?
(a) Hogs slept under the church
(b) The hogs were chased by the dogs
(c) It was very breezy
(d) The presence of fleas
(4) If a boy customer bought five to ten cents’ worth of goods…..
(a) he got a spoonful of molasses free
(b) he was entitled to a bale of calico
(c) he got a cheese or two
(d) he was entitled to half a handful of sugar
5. Apples were expensive in:
(a) Hartford, Connecticut
(b) Missouri
(c) Florida, Monroe County
(d) New Orleans
II. Answer the following questions as briefly as possible: (1×5= 5)
(a) Mention two facts about the writer’s early life.
(b) Describe the house built in Twain’s village
(c) What were the incentives offered to adult customers at the local store?
(d) Write about any two aspects of the church in Twain’s village.
(e) Give an appropriate title to this passage.
III. Find words from the passage that mean: (1×2=2)
(a) as a result (para 2)
(b) existing naturally in a place (para 4)
Q2. Read the following passage and answer the given questions that follow: (8)
(1) Every living creature has a time machine that regulates activities. It tells man, or animal when to wake
up, when to sleep, when to slow down physiological activities, regulating the body temperature and
release of specific hormones at the proper time. A few call it biological clock while others refer to it
as circadian (circa, about: dian, day) clock. Its study is known as chronobiology.

(2) The human body clock completes its cycle over a period of about 24 hours. In the normal
circumstances activities of nerve cells drive the clock. In day-to-day life, one never experiences the
rhythms of this state because the clock is always influenced by time cues in the environment.
(3) These cues, called “zeitgebers” (a German word meaning “time givers”), synchronise the clock with
the daily solar cycle. Daylight, physical activity, diet and social behaviours are the well known
zeitgebers. How they influence the clock is still unknown, but it is certain that all the cues are
interdependent. For example, regular cycle of sleep and activity affects the time we eat, social
interaction and even exposure to daylight.
(4) To prove that humans possess an internal, self-sustaining clock and do not simply adjust their behaviour
in response to environmental time cues, it was essential to create a “time-free” environment. The first
experiments of this kind were carried out in the late 1970s and early 1980s by groups in Europe and
the US. During the experiment, which continued for months, the subject chooses when he or she
eats and sleeps, but no information is given about time — no TV, no radio, no social contacts and no
clock. It soon emerged that subjects placed in such an environment do not slip into random habits
but maintain a routine, powerful evidence for the existence of an internal body clock in men. All of
the subjects in the experiments, regardless of whether they were interested in what they were doing,
tended to wake up at regular times.
(5) Every person to an extent has an alarm clock fitted in the mind. Give it a try. Think and set the time
in your brain before you go off to sleep. To your assignment your brain will transmit signals and you
will wake up at the required time. Our biological clock is set accordingly and that’s the reason that
counsellors suggest students not to disturb-their clock during the exams as it disturbs the whole
metabolism. The 24-hour body clock should start at the regular time to have optimum performance
during the exams. If, we are regular and keep our routine under check we hardly need reminders for
day-to-day activities. We need not see the clock for our lunch, dinner or other times.
A. On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes using headings and sub-headings.
Use recognisable abbreviations, wherever necessary. Also provide an appropriate title to the notes.
(4)
B. Write an abstract of the above passage in not more than 80 words. (4)
SECTION- B (ADVANCE WRITING SKILLS - 30 MARKS)
Q3. You are Charu / Chandan Sethi, the Secretary of Gokuldham Society, Mumbai. Draft a notice in not
more than 50 words for the members of the society, requesting them to attend an urgent meeting.
Invent necessary details such as agenda, date, time, etc.
OR
Write an advertisement in about 50 words for the ‘Lost and Found’ column of the daily, National
Times, stating the loss of your purse on a bus. It contained your Adhaar card and other important
documents. Invent other necessary details for the classified. (4)
Q4. You are Darshana/ Dilip Rai, the Cultural President of Ignited Minds Public School, Kolkata. Your
school is organising an inter-school poster-making competition to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee
Celebrations of the institution. Draft a circular letter to be sent to various schools in your city, requesting
their participation. Invent other necessary details. (120-150 words)
OR
You are Aditi / Akram Bose, Sales Manager of Indus Sports Ltd. 7, Naraina, Delhi. You have
received a letter from Renuka Kom, Head of Department, Physical Education, Summit Public School,
8, Trilokpuri, Delhi. She has complained about the delay in the supply of a sports items’ order and
has also threatened cancellation of the same. Write a suitable reply explaining the cause of the undue
delay and promising the delivery of the consignment at the earliest. (120-150 words) (6)

Q5. The laudable and much-needed ‘Swachh Bharat Campaign’ focuses on external sanitation. But, we
also need to take care of inner purity and cleanse our hearts of all negative emotions; in order to
create a truly clean society. Write a magazine article on the urgent need to reinforce the significance
of internal and external purity, from childhood itself. Also suggest ways to do the needful. (150-200
words)
OR
‘Educate the woman and you educate the whole family.’ The government has introduced numerous
incentives to promote the education of the girl child. For instance, ‘Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan’, free
uniform and stationery and CBSE scholarship to the single girl child. Write a newspaper article on
the importance-of empowering our country’s women through education and occupation. (150-200
words) (10)
Q6. Sports not only tone the human body, but also mould the human mind. Write a speech as the Sports
Captain of your school, on why the youth must participate actively in physical sports activity in
school and otherwise. Rather than indulge in virtual gaming excessively. You are Priscilla/Parvez
Mirza. (150-200 words)
OR
‘The wise act, the otherwise react.’This is the topic of your school’s Class 12, inter-section declamation
competition. As the representative of 12 L, write your speech on this topic. Highlight the virtues of
calmness, patience and courage while showing the pitfalls of haste and impatience. (150-200 words)
(10)
SECTION - C (TEXT BOOKS-30 MARKS)

Q7. Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow: (1×4 =4)
(7.1) “For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.”
(a) Explain ‘let’s not speak in any language.” (1)

(b) What should we do for a second and why? (1)
(c) What do you understand by ‘the face of the earth’? (1)
(d) What is the action of ‘moving our arms’ symbolic of? (1)
(7.2) I started for school very late that morning and was in
great dread of a scolding, especially because M. Hamel
had said that he would question us on participles, and
I did not know the first word about them.
(a) Name the lesson and the writer. (1)

(b) Who were ‘I’ and M. Hamel? (1)
(c) What were the two mistakes the speaker had made? (1)
(d) Was the speaker scolded? (1)
Q8. Answer any five of the following questions in about 30-40 words each. (2×5=10)
(a) Define ‘linguistic chauvinism’. How did it manifest in ‘The Last Lesson’?

(b) “It’s all relative Beauty and the Beast”, says Mr. Lamb. What does he wish to imply?
(c) Which trait of the ironmaster’s daughter is brought out when her father talks about her being ‘worse
than a parson’? Explain.
(d) Who was Rajkumar Shukla?
(e) Why did the messenger come to Dr. Sadao? What did Hana think about it?
(f) Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’? (My Mother at Sixty-six).
(g) What is the theme of ‘An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum’?
Q9. Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words. (6)
Write about the qualities of Gandhiji as revealed in the lesson ‘Indigo’.
OR
How does humaneness and benevolence triumph in ‘The Rattrap’?
Q10. Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words. (6)
Describe the conflict of duties in ‘The Enemy’.
OR
Discuss the relevance of the title of the play, ‘On The Face of It.’

MID TERM
CLASS - XII
ENGLISH (UNSOLVED)






PRE-BOARD
CLASS - XII
ENGLISH (UNSOLVED)






Pre-Mid-Term Examination
ENGLISH (SOLVED)
Class - XII
Time : 3 hrs. M. Marks : 80
(a) All the questions are compulsory.
(b) Attempt all the questions on your answer sheet.
(c) All the questions must be correctly numbered as in the question paper.
(d) Strictly adhere to the word limit given with each question.
SECTION - A (READING - 20 MARKS)

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: (12 marks)
(1) "We become brave by doing brave acts," observed Aristotle in the Nicomachean Ethics. Dispositions
of character, virtues and vices, are progressively fixed in us through practice. Thus "by being habituated
to despise things that are terrible and to stand our ground against them we become brave, and it is
when we have become so that we shall be most able to stand our ground against them."
(2) Standing ground against threatening things is not to be confused with fearlessness, however. Being
afraid is a perfectly appropriate emotion when confronted with fearful things. The great American
novelist Herman Melville makes the Aristotelian point beautifully in a telling passage in Moby-Dick,
where Starbuck, the chief mate of the Pequod, first addresses the crew. "I will will have no man in
my boat,' said Starbuck, 'who is not afraid of a whale.' By this, he seemed to mean, not only that the
most reliable and useful courage was that which arises from the fair estimation of the encountered
peril, but that an utterly fearless man is a far more dangerous comrade than a coward."
(3) The brave person is not one who is never afraid. That is rather the description of a rash or reckless
person, someone who may be more harm than help in an emergency. It is hard to "educate" such a
person on the spot. The coward, on the other hand, the one who characteristically lacks confidence
and is disposed to be overtly fearful, may yet be susceptible to the encouragement of example.
(4) The infectious nature of strikingly courageous behaviour on the part of the one person can inspire —
and also in part can shame — a whole group. That was one key to the kind of courage inspired by
Horatius at the bridge in ancient Rome and by Henry V at Agincourt. It was one key to the kind of
courage displayed by those who silently suffered abuse when they joined ranks with Gandhi and
Martin Luther King Jr., in acts of non-violent protest directed at rousing the public conscience
against injustice.
(5) Another key to their success, of course, was reason : practical reason delivered with the kind of
eloquence that is informed by a real command of one's cultural heritage and that steels the will to
take intelligent action. The mere inclination to do the right thing is not in itself enough. We have to
know what the right thing to do is. We need wisdom — often the wisdom of a wise leader — to give
our courage determinate form, to give it intelligent direction. And we need the will, the motivating
power that inspiring leaders can sometimes help us discover within ourselves, even when we are
unable to find it readily on our own.
(6) Fear of the dark is almost universal among young children, and it provides relatively safe opportunities
for first lesson in courage. In families, older sibling are greatly assisted in cultivating their own
dispositions in this respect by putting up a brave front before their younger brothers or sisters. "You
see? There's really nothing to be afraid of". This is excellent practice, and a fine place to begin.
Occasions for being brave on behalf of others — for standing by them in challenging circumstances
— are occasions for becoming brave ourselves; that is, for learning how to handle our own confidence
and fear, for figuring out the right thing to do, and for mustering the will to do it.
(7) So, daring to do what is not good and beneficial for all is far more insidious than not daring to do
something for a right cause. Naturally, bravery well nurtured and backed by moral courage alone is
exemplary, and so, should be promoted.
1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer each of the questions given below
by choosing the most appropriate option : (l×5=5)
(a) 'We become brave by doing brave acts' was stated by :
(i) Herman Melville
(ii) Gandhiji
(iii) Horatius
(iv) Aristotle
(b) 'Being afraid' becomes a 'perfectly appropriate emotion' when :
(i) we face fearful things
(ii) we hate things that are terrible
(iii) we silently suffer
(iv) we protest against injustice
(c) Courageous behaviour on the part of one person can :
(i) inspire others
(ii) shame others
(iii) nurture others
(iv) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Almost everywhere, young children are afraid of :
(i) a whale
(ii) a comrade
(iii) a coward
(iv) the dark
(e) According to the passage, the type of bravery that should be promoted is :
(i) the one that knows no fear
(ii) the one that is courageous on the part of one person
(iii) the one that is not beneficial for all
(iv) the one that is well-nurtured and backed by moral courage
1.2 Answer the following questions briefly: (l×5=5)
(i) How is a brave person different from a reckless person?
(ii) How did the followers of Gandhiji and Martin Luther King Jr. display courage?
(iii) What are the other requirements, in addition to inclination, if we want to 'do the right thing'?
State any two.
(iv) How do young children help their older siblings in learning courage?
(v) What is more dangerous than not daring to do something fora night cause?
1.3 Pick out the words from the passage which are similar in meaning to the following :
(l×2=2)
(i) hate (para 1)
(ii) skilful use of language (para 5)
2. Read the passage given below. (8)
(1) Keeping cities clean is essential for keeping their residents healthy. Our health depends not just on
personal hygiene and nutrition, but critically also on how clean we keep our cities and their surroundings.
The spread of dengue and chikungunya are intimately linked to the deteriorating state of public health
conditions in our cities.
(2) The good news is that waste management to keep cities clean is now getting attention through the
Swachh Bharat Mission. However, much of the attention begins and stops with the brooms and the
dustbins, extending at most to the collection and transportation of the mixed waste to some distant or
not so distant place, preferably out of sight.
(3) The challenge of processing and treating the different streams of solid waste, and safe disposal of the
residuals in scientific landfills, has received much less attention in municipal solid waste management
than is expected from a health point of view.
(4) One of the problems is that instead of focusing on waste management for health, we have got
sidetracked into "waste for energy". If only we were to begin by not mixing the biodgegradable
component of solid waste (close to 60 percent of the total) in our cities with the dry waste, and
instead use this stream of waste for composting and producing a gas called methane.
(5) City compost from biodegradable waste provides an alternative to farmyard manure (like cow-
dung). It provides an opportunity to simultaneously clean up our cities and help improve agricultural
productivity and quality of the soil. Organic manure or compost plays a very important role as a
supplement to chemical fertilisers in enriching the nutrient-deficient soils. City compost can be the
new player in the field.
(6) Benefits of compost on the farm are well-known. The water holding capacity of the soil which uses
compost helps with drought-proofing, and the requirement of less water per crop is a welcome
feature for a water-stressed future. By making the soil porous, use of compost also makes roots
stronger and resistant to pests and decay. Farmers using compost, therefore, needless quantity of
pesticides. There is also evidence to suggest that horticulture crops grown with compost have better
flavour, size, colour and shelf-life.
City compost has the additional advantage of being weed-free unlike farmyard maure which brings
with it the seeds of undigested grasses and requires a substantial additional labour cost for weeding
as the crops grow. City compost is also rich in organic carbon, and our soils are short in this.
(7) Farmers clearly recognize the value of city compost. If city waste was composted before making it
available to the farmers for applying to the soil, cities would be cleaned up and the fields around them
would be much more productive.

(8) Quite apart from clearning up the cities of biodegradable waste, this would be a major and sustainable
contribution to improving the health of our soil without further damage by excessive chemical inputs.
What a marvellous change from waste to health!
(9) The goods news is that some states are regularly laying plastic roads. Plastic roads will not only
withstand future monsoon damage but will also solve a city's problem of disposing of non-recyclable
plastic. It is clear that if the mountains of waste from our cities were to be recycled into road
construction material, it would tackle the problem of managing waste while freeing up scarce land.
2.1 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, make notes on it using headings and
subheadings. Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary - minimum four). Also supply an
appropriate title to it. (4)
2.2 Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words. (4)
SECTION B - WRITING SKILLS (30 Marks)
3. St. George's School, Dehradun is celebrating its 10th Annual Day and wants to invite the parents
and other guests, to the occasion. Design an invitation card for the same in 50 words. Invent the
necessary details.
OR
A new centre is being opened to teach children from four to eighteen years; art and craft, vocal and
instrumental music, theatre and classical dance. It will be located in S-88, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
and named 'Talent Fiesta'. Design a display advertisement in 50 words, to announce the opening of
the centre. Invent the necessary details. (4)
4. Aurobindo Public School, Chennai is run by an NGO to give quality education to the children of the
deprived sections of the society. The Principal of the school feels that the blackboards, desks and
benches, lights and fans, in the classrooms need to be replaced. She decides to request the Chair-
person of the NGO, named 'Education for All' for funds. Write her letter in 120-150 words. Her
name is Claire Jones.
OR
You have realised the necessity of education and financial independence of women for their family,
society and in turn for the nation. Write a letter to the Editor, 'The National Times' highlighting your
ideas on the importance of the education of women, leading to a better status for them. You are
Benaifer / Bilaal, K-2053, Vasant Vihar, Kota. (100 - 125 words) (6)
5. The Interact Club of Shri Ram School, Pune organised an Adult Literacy Camp in its neighbourhood.
Write a report in 150-200 words, on the camp, for your school newsletter. You are Pernia / Pervez
Qureshi, the President of the Interact Club.
OR
India's performance in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics proved that we do not pay enough attention to
athletics and outdoor games. We must change our attitude. Sports should be a compulsory part of
the school's daily routine. Write an article in 150-200 words on the 'Importance of Outdoor Games.'
You are Nayantara / Nilotpal. (10)
6. You are Tara / Tej, a teenager. Many of your friends are being showered with expensive gifts, from
their parents, but not their attention and time. Write an article to be published in a national daily,
highlighting the importance of parental guidance and emotional support for adolescent children. Also
highlight how a secure home atmosphere plays a vital role in ensuring success in life. (150-200
words)

OR
Failures and setbacks should be viewed as stepping stones to success. The
individual should learn from failures and proceed sincerely towards one's goals. Write a speech to be
presented in the morning assembly of your school, including the above messages. You are Jaskiran /
Jasbir, a class 12 student. (150-120 words) (10)
SECTION - C (LITERATURE : TEXT BOOKS - 30 MARKS)
7. Read the extract and answer the questions that follow: (4×1=4)
Far far from gusty waves these children's faces,
Like rootless weeds, the hair torn round their pallor;
The tall girl with her weighed - down head.
a) Name the poem and the poet.
b) Who are 'these' children?
c) Name and explain the figure of speech used in line number 2.
d) Why is the tall girl's head, weighed down?
8. Read the extract carefully and answer the questions that follow : (1×4=4)
"It would never have occurred to me that you would bother with we yourself, miss, "he said. "I will
come at once."
(a) Name the prose lesson and the author.
(b) Name the speaker and the spoken to.
(c) What had the 'miss' bothered herself with?
(d) What made the speaker agree to go at once?
9. Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words: (2×5=10)
(i) Why was there a large crowd in front of the bulletin-board? Why did people usually assemble
there? (The Last Lesson)
(ii) Why was Rajkumar Shukla described as being resolute? (Indigo)
(iii) Does the poet advocate total inactivity in 'Keeping Quiet'?
(iv) What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings? How ? (A Thing of
Beauty)
(v) Write a character-sketch of Hana. (The Enemy)
(vi) What became the fate of the man who locked himself up in his room? Why does Mr. Lamb
give this example? (On The Face Of It)
(vii) How is 'grandeur' associated with the 'mighty dead' in 'A Thing of Beauty'?
10. Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words : (6)
How did the crofter tempt the peddler to steal? How did it change the peddler's life?
OR
How did the Champaran episode prove to be a turning point in India's freedom struggle and Gandhiji's
life?

11. Answer any one of the following in 120-150 words : (6)

Compare and contrast the two characters - Derry and Mr. Lamb as seen in 'On The Face of It'.
OR
How did Sadao fulfil his duty as a patriot, a doctor and a human being respectively, as seen in 'The
Enemy'?

Mid-Term Examination
ENGLISH (SOLVED)
CLASS XII
(a) All the questions are compulsory.
(b) Attempt all the questions on your answersheet.
(c) All the questions must be correctly numbered as in the question paper.
(d) Strictly adhere to the word limit given with each question.
SECTION- A (READING – 20 MARKS)

1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow. (12)
(1) Abbakka Rani or Abbakka Mahadevi was the queen of Tulunadu who fought the Portuguese in the
latter half of the 16th century. She belonged to the Chowta dynasty who ruled over the area from the
temple town of Moodabidri. The port town of Ullal served as their subsidiary capital.
(2) The Portuguese made several attempts to capture Ullal as it was strategically placed. But Abbakka
repulsed each of their attacks for over four decades. For her bravery, she came to be known as
Abhaya Rani ‘The fearless queen’. She was also one of the earliest Indians to fight the colonial
powers and is sometimes regarded as the ‘first woman freedom fighter of India’.
(3) Rani Abbakka, though a queen of a little known small princely state, Ullal, was a magnetic woman
of indomitable courage and patriotism. While Rani of Jhansi has become a symbol of courage,
Abbakka, nearly 300 years her predecessor, has been largely forgotten by history. Her furious wars
with Portuguese are not well recorded. But whatever is available speaks of a luminous personality
of awesome valour and bravery.
(4) After overrunning Goa and taking control of it, the Portuguese turned their attention
southwards and along the coast. They first attacked the South Kanara coast in 1525 and destroyed
the Mangalore port. Ullal was a prosperous port and a hub of the spice trade to Arabia and other
countries in the west. Being the profitable trading center that it was, the Portuguese, the Dutch and
the British vied with one another for control of the region as well as the trade routes. They however,
had not been able to make much headway as the resistance from the local chieftains was very
strong. The local rulers even forged alliances cutting across caste and religion lines.
(5) Though Abbakka was a Jain by faith, her administration was well represented by
Hindus and Muslims. Her army too consisted of people of all sects and castes including the
Mogaveeras, a fisher folk community. She even forged alliances with the Zamorin of Calicut and
other Muslim rulers south of Tulunadu towards this end. Together, they kept the Portuguese at bay.
The marital ties with the neighbouring Banga dynasty added further strength to the alliance of the
local rulers.
(6) Abbakka’s memory is much cherished in her home town of Ullal. The “Veera Rani Abbakka Utsava”
is an annual celebration held in her memory. The Veera Rani Abbakka Prashasti (award) is awarded
to distinguished women on the occasion. On January 15, 2003, the Indian postal department issued
a special cover on Rani Abbakka. There have been calls to name the Bajpe airport and a naval

vessel after the queen. A bronze statue of the queen has been erected in Ullal and another in
Bangalore. The Karnataka Itihasa Academy has called for renaming the Queen’s road in the state
capital as ‘Rani Abbakka Devi road’.
1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer each of the questions given below
by choosing the most appropriate option: (1×5=5)
(a) Rani Abbakka was the queen of _______.
(i) Tulunadu
(ii) Chowta
(iii) Moodabidri
(iv) Calicut
(b) The Portugese turned their attention to Ullal after conquering_______.
(i) Calicut
(ii) Goa
(iii) Moodabidri
(iv) Jhansi
(c) Rani Abbakka hailed from _______.
(i) Chowta dynasty
(ii) Zamorin
(iii) Moga veeras
(iv) Banga dynasty
(d) The Portugese wanted to catpure Ullal as _______.
(i) it was a port
(ii) it was strategically placed
(iii) it was a profitable trading centre
(iv) option (ii) and (iii)
(e) Which of the following qualities does not apply to Rani Abbakka?
(i) captivating
(ii) spiritless
(iii) courageous
(iv) brilliant
1.2 Answer the following questions briefly : (1×4=4)
(a) Why is Rani Abbakka known as the first woman freedom fighter of India?
(b) Why did the Portugese, British and the Dutch want to control the port of Ullal?
(c) What made it possible for Rani Abbakka to keep the Portugese at bay?
(d) How is Rani Abbakka cherished in her home town of Ullal?
1.3 Pick out the words from the passage which are similar in meaning to the following: (1×3=3)
(i) very violent or intense (para 3)_______

(ii) advancement or progress (para 4) _______
(iii) unbeatable or unconquerable (para 3) _______
2. Read the following passage given below : (8)
(1) The world today is confronted with a large number of problems like arms proliferation, fundamentalism,
separatist movements as well as international terrorism. International terrorism has today emerged
as one of the most ominous threats to world peace and security. There has been considerable
growth of terrorism between the 1960s and 1980s. This has largely been due to the characteristics
of the international system. The most important of these are deep and bitter ethnic, religious and
ideological conflicts which remain unresolved and which fester in the international system, spawning
many forms of violent conflicts, terrorism and periodically erupting into civil and international wars.
(2) Another underlying factor for the growth of terrorism is the use of unconventional and proxy war
methods: Here terrorism becomes an attractive instrument of policy for states and sub-state
organisations such as national liberation movements. Such methods are low-cost, relatively low-risk
and yet afford the possibility of high yields.
(3) The worldwide dissemination of new technology has also facilitated the growth of terrorism. For
example, the development of international civil aviation has created new vulnerabilities and lucrative
targets for terrorists to exploit. Modern weapon technology has also proved to be a boon to
terrorists.
(4) Terrorism today has taken different forms. These include political terrorism involving not only the
use of terrorism by the state but also against the state, religious terrorism, micro terrorism as well as
the recent emergence of nuclear terrorism.
(5) The legitimacy of terrorism depends on various factors. Perceptions vary. The greatest justification
which a terrorist finds is in a struggle between two adversaries: it is not the means but the end which
is important. The United Nations Human Rights Commission has recognised that terrorism can
destroy human rights and fundamental freedom of the people and threatens the territorial integrity of
nations.
(6) One of the most basic rights of every individual is the right to life. Terrorism, which basically involves
violence and killing thus takes away this right from individuals. Besides, the use of violence for
achieving a goal, no matter how justified it is the same cannot be approved.
(7) Terrorism also poses a law and order problem for the state while at the same time the economy
suffers as a result of damage to trade, valuable resources as well as scaring away of investors. It is
thus imperative to look for some mechanism to check the problem of international terrorism. Although
there exists a large number of treaties including extradition treaties, they have not been able to check
terrorism. This has happened due to the failure of states to comply with the provision of the treaties.
2.1 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage make notes on it using headings and sub-
headings. Use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. Give an appropriate title. (4)
2.2 Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words. (4)
SECTION B - WRITING SKILLS (30 MARKS)
3. You are Vikram / Sonia, an electronics engineer who has recently returned from the U.S. and is
looking for a suitable job in the IT Industry. Draft an advertisment in about 50 words for the situations
wanted column of a national daily. (4)
OR
Your friend Pratham Juneja has invited you to attend the wedding of his sister, Roshni. You find that
you have an important examination on the day of the wedding. Thus, you cannot attend the event.
Write in about 50 words an informal reply to the invitation expressing your regret. You are Sahil /
Sona of S-19, Friends Colony, New Delhi.
4. Last month, you went to Nainital and had booked a room in Hotel Himalayan Paradise for a week.
However, within two days you found that the facilities provided were not good and you had to leave
the hotel. On reaching home in Delhi, you decide to write a letter of complaint to the Manager
describing all that went wrong there. Write the letter on the same asking for a refund of the money
paid in advance. You are Sebastien / Selena of 13, Golf Links Road, Delhi. (120-150 words) (6)
OR
Your school has opened a new activity wing for the kindergarten students for which you require play
equipment. Write a letter to the Manager, OK Toys, 21, Daryaganj, Delhi, placing an order for
educational toys and other play equipment. You are Neera / Naresh, Manager, S D M Public School,
Delhi. (120-150 words)
5. Although students have been using mobile phones consistently in their daily lives for almost a decade
and more, yet, schools continue to resist allowing the devices into the classroom, considering it a
nuisance and distraction.
Write a debate in 150-200 words either in favour of or against the mobile phone being allowed in
schools. (10)
OR
Power Shortage has become a norm even in the metropolitan cities. One way to face this situation
is by preventing the wastage of power. Write a speech in 150-200 words on the importance of
power in our daily life and how to save power at school or at home. You are the Principal of your
school.
6. Write an article in 150-200 words on how we can make India a carefree and enjoyable place for
women where they can go anywhere they like without any fear of being stared at, molested or
discriminated against. You are Navi / Nihal. (10)
OR
In 5th June the World Environment Day was observed and your school conducted various activities
to commemorate the day. Write a report about it in about 150-200 words for your school magazine.
You are Sahil / Satya.
SECTION -C
(LITERATURE: TEXT BOOKS - 30 MARKS)
7. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (1×4=4)
Aunt Jennifer's tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
a) Why are the tigers called Aunt Jennifer's tigers?
b) How are they described here?
c) Identify and explain the figure of speech used in line 2.

d) How are the tigers different from Aunt Jennifer?

8. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (1×4=4)
"It seems that for children, garbage has a different meaning, different from what it means to their
parents."
a) Name the prose lesson and its author.
b) Who does the word 'children' refer to?
c) In what way is the meaning of garbage different for these children?
d) What made the author arrive at this conclusion?
9. Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words each: (5×2=10)
i) Why did Gandhiji not accept C.F. Andrew's help during the Champaran movement?
ii) How did Jansie react to Sophie's story of her meeting with Danny Casey?
iii) What, according to Keats, causes sorrows and miseries in life?
iv) Provide a brief character sketch of the General from 'The Enemy'.
v) How does keeping quiet affect life in and around the sea?
vi) What does Stephen Spender want to be done far the children of the school in a slum?
10. Answer any one of the following questions in 120-150 words : (6)
What moral issue is raised by the Skunk's story?
OR
Mr. Lamb projects a picture of himself to Derry as a person who is neither lonely nor disappointed
with his life. Do you agree?
Sophie's dreams and disappointments are the creations of her own mind. Justify the statement.
OR
Do the poor have the right to dream? Why then does the author call Mukesh's dreams 'a mirage'?

Pre-Board Examination
ENGLISH (SOLVED)
CLASS XII
(a) This paper is divided into three sections : A, B and C.
(b) All the sections are compulsory.
(b) Read the instructions very carefully given with each section and question and follow them
faithfully.
(c) Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
SECTION - A (READING - 30 MARKS)

1. Read the passage given below and on the basis of your understanding of the
passage answer the questions that follow : (20 Marks)
(1) It was the year 2020. My nephew, Karthik, who had come for spending his summer vacation with
me, was watching TV. He was thirteen and just like any adolescent of his age, was full of questions.
After a busy day at work, all I wanted was to rest. The moment I saw Karthik, I knew he was, as
always, bustling with curiosity, and I knew that now there would be no rest.
(2) As it was raining, I made tea, sandwiches and cakes for us. I sat down to talk to him about his
studies. He made a quick reply about them going well and brushed aside the rest of the questions.
He was more interested in something elese. It was the news flash : India celebrates fifth anniversary
of its successful mission to Mars. I knew now what his questions would be. Since I was working on
something related to India's mission to Mars at my office, I knew I could satisfy his curiosity. He
wanted to know all about Mangalyaan, formally known as the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM).
(3) So, I started telling him all about it. India's mission to Mars was conceived in 2010 and launched in
2013. MOM successfully injected into Mars' orbit on September 24, 2014. I told him how it was
in fact the first time that any country had made it to the Martian orbit in the very first attempt (NASA
took two attempts to get so far; the Soviet Union, three). The main purpose was to map the red
planet's surface and a better analysis of Martian atmosphere. I thought I had told him the basics and
there would not be too many questions now. But he was all but ready with the next question, "Why
are they calling it a budget player?" "Simply because it cost only $ 74 m, a fraction of the $ 671
million cost of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration's latest Mars program. In
fact, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi boasted that India has spent less to reach Mars than
Hollywood producers spent on the movie "Gravity', which cost $ 100 million to make".
(4) "But how did this happen, how did India manage to hold costs down?" asked Karthik. I told him that
India relied on technologies that it had used before and kept the size of the payload small, around 15
kilograms. Realising that the word payload might be tough for him to understand, I told him that it
was infact the load carried by a vehicle exclusive of what is necessary for its operation. I also told
him that India saved on fuel by using a smaller rocket to put its spacecracft into Earth's orbit first to
gain enough momentum to slingshot it towards Mars.
(5) "Well, it weighs around 1337 kg and is about the size of a car. According to Professor Jitendra
Goswami, the director of the institute and the man behind the discovery, the payload is tiny, just 14.5
kg (32 lbs), small enough to take on as cabin baggage".

(6) I sat there thinking about the controversies that MOM had to go through. Critics had pointed out
that MOM and India's investment in space did not seem to make sense when almost 30 per cent of
India's population live below the poverty line. Economist Jean Dreze once said about the mission,
"It seems to be part of India's elite delusional quest for superpower status". But then I remembered
the words of the chariman of ISRO about how ISRO's budget represents only one percent of the
national budget and from that, the expenditure for MOM exploration was only seven per cent.
(7) Thinking back on our conversation, I began to think whether Karthik had understood all the big
terms and concepts that I used. I asked him, "So did you understand everything that I was talking
about?"
(8) "Well, not everything, but enough to know that India has succeeded where most of the others had
failed".
(9) When all the food was over and Karthik had still not moved to wash his hands, I looked at him. He
was sitting there, clearly dreaming. Upon prodding, he said, "Well, I was thinking, how great it would
be, to become an astronaut. I can move around in space, meet aliens, may be make a new house
there. It would be fun to have a picnic there. We can, in fact, promote it as a tourist place. We can
also have a short stoppage at moon and some other planets. Do you think we can take a contract for
arranging all this? What do you say Aunty?"
(10) What could I say; I smiled and wished that his dreams would come true. Both of us sat there with
the television running and both of us dozing off. He lost in his dreams of going to Mars, and me,
Karthik told me later, snoring.
1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer any five of the questions given
below by choosing the most appropriate option : (1×5=5)
(i) The narrator's nephew wanted to know all about
(a) Chandrayan - 2
(b) the Land Rover
(c) Mars
(d) Mangalyaan
(ii) The Mangalyaan entailed an expenditure of
(a) $ 671 million
(b) $ 597 million less than NASA's Mars program
(c) $ 100 million
(d) the same amount as Apollo II
(iii) ISRO's budget represents
(a) the budget of US
(b) only one percent of the national budget
(c) NASA's yearly budget
(d) the Indian Defence budget

(iv) The other name of MOM was

(a) Mangalyaan
(b) Mangalgrehyaan
(c) ISRO
(d) Shubhyaan
(v) After conversing with his aunt, Karthik started dreaming about
(a) The Milky Way
(b) Space Tourism
(c) Eco Tourism
(d) All of the above
(vi) The special features of MOM are that
(a) it weighs around 1337 kg
(b) it has a tiny payload
(c) it is about the size of a car
(d) all of the above.
1.2 Answer the following questions briefly : (1×5=5)
(a) Why did the narrator feel that she could satisfy Karthik's curiosity?
(b) What was the main purpose of MOM?
(c) Why is MOM called a budget player in the passage?
(d) How did India manage to keep the costs low for the mission?
(e) What were the various controversies regarding MOM? How did ISRO counter them?
1.3 Pick out the words / phrases from the passage which are similar in meaning to the following :(1×2=2)
(i) detailed examination of the structure of something (para 3)
(ii) being contradicted by reality or rational argument (para 6)
2. Read the passage and answer the questions given below : (10)
(1) The growing use of plastic is taking a toll not just on the environment but also public health. People
inhale, ingest or absorb microplastics through the skin, which can cause serious damage to health,
say doctors.
(2) The sources of exposure vary widely, from packaging material of foodand beverages to cutlery,
home essentials, personal care items, toys and paints, among others. How much plastic leaches
into food and beverages depends on several factors, including the storage time and temperature.
Since plastics are widely used in industry, exposure may lead to a number of health conditions.
"Single-use plastics are largely the low-density variety, which can be quite harmful for human
health. Equally harmful are the additives that are used for colouring or changing its structural strength,"
said Dr N Chandrasekaran, Director, Centre for Nano- biotechnology, VelloreInstitute of Technology
in Tamil Nadu.
Low density plastics are soft and light weight and get converted to micro or nano-plastics, which
easily enter the body. Microplastics are between O.05mm and 5mm in length while nanoplastics
are 1,000 times smaller.

The toxicity, persistence and excretion of nanoplastics are dependent on the size as micro/nano
plastics larger than 100 nm (nanometer) get accumulated in the gut and are excreted with faeces,
but ones smaller than 50 nm pass through the intestinal wall, enter tissues and organs, affecting
circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous and endocrine systems.
“The single-use plastic that we see around gets converted to nano plastics and does damage at the
cellular level. The cells initially don’t recognise plastic as food but since they are dependent on
protein for their growth, over time the protein absorbs nano plastics layer by layer until it is mimicked
as food for cells. It gradually gets degraded inside the cell and gets converted into a component
called styrene, which is a possible carcinogen,” says Chandrasekaran, who specialises in research
on nanoplastics.
The low-density plastics such as polystyrene with additives such as bisphenol A (BPA) and Phthalates
that are used to increase its plasticity are the most commonly used variants, and are broadly
labeled as endocrine disruptors, with developmental, reproductive and even neurological effects.
Even in low doses, microplastics are harmful. Storing in plastic containers, especially food, is of
concern as the chemicals have been shown to leach into the contents. The chances of leaching grow
with higher temperature.
“Glass, earthenware, wood is safer then steel for storage purposes, as steel has its own limitations.
Reusable cloth bag can be used as carry bags. However, the real solution lies in generating awareness
about the harms of single-use plastic. And it needs to be generated at the grassroots level as
phasing out has to be voluntary,” says Dr Chandrasekaran.
(a) On the basis of your understanding of the above passage make notes on it using headings and
sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. Give an appropriate title.(4)
(b) Write a summary of the above passage in about 80 words. (4)
SECTION - B (WRITING SKILLS - 30 MARKS)

3. In the capacity of the Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, promote the concept of
'Incredible India', by designing a poster, encouraging domestic tourism in the country. (50 words)(4)
OR
You have planned a two week course to help the children of your society - Sylvan Heights, Gurgaon,
to develop their entrepreneurial skills. Prepare a notice for your society's notice board, stating the
objectives of the course and giving details such as eligibility, timings, venue and the fee. You are
Fabeha / Tareeq Anwar, an Entrepreneur and a member of the society. (50 words)
4. Lack of job opportunities and poor infrastructure in the rural areas is forcing people to migrate to
cities. Every big city thus has a number of slums. The living conditions in these slums are miserable
and mar the profile of the city. Write a letter to the editor of The Tribune, Sector 56-A, Chandigarh
- 76, on how to improve the living conditions in these slums. You are Karan / Karuna Rampal, M
114, Mall Road, Chandigarh (120-150 words) (6)
OR
You are Savita / Samyak Bhatnagar, a resident of Sunrise Apartment Complex, G.K. II, New Delhi
- 68. You find the premises of your complex littered and unclean as there is an absence of dustbins
in and around the apartment complex. Write a letter to the President of the Resident's Welfare
Association of your residential complex, requesting him/her to install dustbins in the premises on an
urgent basis. (120-150 words)
5. The Delhi Police organized an Awareness Camp for Women in order to Spread awareness about
the launch of many a useful mobile safety applications for Women and the new emergency no. 112,
at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi in the month of November 2019. As Shabnam / Shaheen Baruha,
report the success of the campaign for your newspaper in 100-125 words. (10)
OR
This summer in Chennai, locals were praying for some rain; in Mumbai, people were reeling under a
deluge. It is now established that Climate Change caused by emissions from industries and other
human activity is making the world warmer, disrupting rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency
of extreme weather events. As Sanjeeta / Sujoy Banerjee, an environmentalist, write an article on
Climate Change, for the magazine Ecoscpic, in 150-200 words.
6. Literacy is a key element in the progress of any nation. In its absence, people often become helpless,
hindering their development. Though the literacy rate has grown over a period of time, literacy is still
below average in the country. As Japna / Japjot Singh draft a speech in 150-200 words, for the
morning assembly of your school, on the topic - 'Role of Students in eradicating illiteracy'. (10)
OR
"Modern Social Media makes people less socially active."
A Clara / Charles Williams, draft your debate for / against the above stated motion. You are partici-
pating in the 10th Annual Inter-School Rotary Club Debate Competition. (10)
SECTION - C
(LITERATURE : TEXT BOOKS - 30 MARKS)
7. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow : (1×4=4)
(a) "The little old house was out with a little new shed
In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped,
A roadside stand that too pathetically pled,
It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread,
But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow supports
The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint."
(i) Name the poem and its poet.

(ii) What did the little old house boast of?
(iii) What was the plea of the roadside stand?
(iv) Identify and discuss the poetic device used in the last line of the stanza.
(b) "He is not a poet. He is an editor. That's why the Boss is giving him a big reception."
(1× 4=4)
(i) Name the lesson and its author.
(ii) Who was not a poet but an editor?
(iii) Whom does 'The Boss' refer to?
(iv) Why was the boss giving 'him' a big reception?
8. Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words : (2×5=10)

(a) In what way does Kalki attack the glorification of the English Language and culture?
(b) Which two incidents of untouchability find mention in Bama's narrative?

(c) Did the clues left behind on the question paper put Evans back in prison?
(d) "History theirs whose language is the sun". What will enable the students of the Elementary
School to make history?
(e) Why does Kamla Das compare her mother to the 'late winters' moon?
(f) How did the instructor "build a swimmer" out of Douglas?
(g) How did the order from Berlin change the situation in the school? (The Last Lesson)
Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar? What is the reason for the
huge success of his novel, "The Name of the Rose."?
OR
How does the metaphor of the rattrap serve to highlight the human predicament?
How did Charley reach the third level of the Grand Central? How was it different from the other
levels?
OR
The world's geological history in trapped in Antarctica. How, according to Tishani Doshi, is the study
of this region useful to us?

PRE MID TERM- (SOLVED)

SECTION – A (READING)
1.1
(a) (iv) Aristotle
(b) (i) We face fearful things.
(c) (iv) Both (a) and (b)
(d) (iv) the dark
(e) (iv) the one that is well-nurtured and backed by moral courage.
1.2 (i) A reckless person is one who is never afraid. Such a person may be more harm than help in an
emergency. A brave person is one who might be afraid as he or she estimates the peril.
(ii) The followers of Gandhiji and Martin Luther King Jr. displayed courage by silently suffering
abuse in acts of non-violent protest directed at rousing the public’s conscience, against injustice.
(iii) Two requirements that need to be met in order to ‘do the right thing’ are wisdom which is often
the wisdom of a wise leader to give the courage of the group a determinate form and an
intelligent direction and will or motivating power that we all need to discover within ourselves.
(iv) Young children are generally afraid of the dark. Older siblings help their younger siblings by
assuring them that there is nothing to be afraid of in the dark. This help the older siblings
develop courage as they learn how to handle their own confidence and fear, figure out the right
thing to do, stand in challenging circumstances and muster the will to do it.
(v) It would be daring to do what is not good and beneficial for all.
1.3 (i) despise
(ii) eloquence
2.1 NOTE MAKING
WASTEMANAGEMENT INDEX
1. IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING CITIES CLEAN :

1.1 essential for residents health
1.2 health depends on :
1.2.1 personal hygiene
1.2.2 nutrition
1.2.3 cleanliness – cities & surr. &- and
1.3 spread of dengue & chikungunya – deteriorating surr. - surroundings
state of health condition
2. SWACHH BHARAT MISSION:

2.1 attention to waste management
2.2 attention stops at – broom, dustbins, collecting tran.- transportation
and tran.
2.3 less attention – processing and treating diff. diff.-different
solid wastes & disposal
2.4 side tracked into waste for energy

3. CITY COMPOST:
3.1 from biodegradable waste
3.2 alt. to farmyard manure – cowdung alt.-alternative
3.3 benefits:
3.3.1 inc. water holding capacity of soil inc. – increases
3.3.2 soil becomes porous – roots are stronger
3.3.3 better flavour, size, colour, shelf life of crops
3.3.4 weed free
3.4 rich in organic carbon
3.5 sustainable contribution – clean cities & improve soil
4. PLASTIC ROADS:
4.1 withstand monsoon damage
4.2 dispose non-recycle plastic
4.3 manage waste and free land
2.2 SUMMARY
It is important to keep cities clean as it is necessary for the residents’ health. The Swachh Bharat
Mission has brought attention to waste management. However, the attention stops at brooms, dustbins

and collecting wastes. Less attention is given to processing wastes. City compost is a way to keep
cities clean and improve the soil by making it porous, water retentive and rich in nutrients. Plastic
roads help in managing non-biodegradable plastics.
SECTION B – WRITING SKILLS
A3.
EVERY CHILD IS UNIQUE AND SPECIAL
TALENT FIESTA
& for children from four to eighteen years

& course –art and craft, Indian vocals, western vocals, guitar, piano, drums, theatre, western dance
and classical dance.
& Location – S-88, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
& Opening – 5th July, 20XX.
& Summer Camp from 5th to 14th July.
CONTACT: 0921XXXXXXX
Talent show on 5th July! Exciting prices and gifts!
A4. LETTER TO THE EDITOR
K-2053
Vasant Kunj
Kota
28th June, 20XX
The Editor

The National Times

Plot No. 101, Bapu Road
Subject: Importance of the education of women.
Sir
Through the esteemed columns of your newspaper, I would like to bring the attention of the public
towards the necessity of education and financial independence of women. This is necessary for the
survival of women in the current times.
Although literacy rates have gone up, there are still millions of girls who are denied education. Most
that are educated are not financially independent. The prime reason for this is family and social
pressure of taking care of the family, even if it means sacrificing her job. Another reason is also the
limited number of friendly work spaces. This has a heavy consequence. Due to the lack of women in
the morning space, a good gender balance is rare. Hence, it is hard to find diversity in thought. It
obstructs the economy in some ways as well.
There is however a solution for this problem. We must ensure compulsory education for the girl
child. We must encourage women –friendly work spaces with facilities of a day care and flexible
working hours. It is necessary to build an environment to encourage educational and financial
independence of women in which the newspapers play a huge role. I would once again request you
to take up this vital issue in your reputed newspaper.
Yours sincerely
Benaifer
(BENAIFER)
A5. SCHOOL REPORT

The Adult Literacy Camp
– By Pernia Qureshi, President, Interact Club
An Adult Literacy Camp was organised by the students of classes 11 and 12, of Shri Ram School,
from the 24th to 27th June, 20XX in Central Park, Pune.
Every year, the students of ‘The Interact Club’ of Shri Ram School choose a topic related to social
problems, and organise a camp for the same. The students travelled extensively to the surrounding
villages to tell people about this camp. This year, the camp had the greatest gathering in all of its
twenty five years. An outstanding three hundred and forty three people came for the camp. The
camp had mainly three languages that were taught, namely English, Hindi and Marathi. The Principal
of the Shri Ram School, Pune, Ms. ABC said, “We are delighted to help such a large number of
people in their first step towards literacy. I am proud of the immense effort put in by the staff and
students and hope that this event is a success.” The camp was the first step in the programme after
which the adults were free to join the school run for adults which the school sponsors. On the last
day, many cultural events were organised including book reading and poem recital sessions. The
oldest person attending the camp was Mr. PQR who was 80 years old. He said, “It is outstanding to
learn even at this age. I am excited for the new opportunities.”
The camp was a success indeed, as out of the three hundred forty three people that attended the
camp; three hundred joined the school for adults. Many of them are women aged between twenty
and thirty. This camp will open many new job opportunities for these women who are looking
forward to the next year’s camp.

A6. ARTICLE
RESPONSIBLE PARENTING
- Tara
‘Money cannot buy love or time.’ This is something that must be understood by the increasing
number of parents who are very busy in their own lives, to be a part of their child’s.
Some parents, who are busy in their own life, may be due to work pressure, often have little or no
time for their children. This is a common problem in today’s time due to increase in communication,
odd working hours and ambition to excel. However, the child suffers in such cases since; the parents
try to cover up their absence by giving the children expensive gifts. This has a number of disadvantages
as the child becomes spoiled and egoistic. He or she may start taking things for granted. There have
been cases of children acting aggressively, to get the attention of their parents.
Parental guidance is very important to ensure the child’s future. It is essential in deciding the right
career path and subject choices. Parental guidance is absolutely necessary to build the morale and
character of a child. Emotional guidance is necessary at this stage, as the child may suffer from social
and emotional problems such as, anxiety, bullying and stress. The child may also go through stress
due to academic pressure. Adolescence is a delicate stage where the child can be influenced to
indulge in wrong practices such as drugs, alcohol or get involved with the wrong people. Parental
guidance is essential in finding out and guiding the child on the right path again.
No one can replace the place parents have in the life of a child. It is essential for the parents to
change and be a part of their child’s life.
A7. i.) The name of the poem is “An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum’ penned by Stephen
Spender.
ii) The walls are sour cream (off-white) to depict the dirty, unkempt and old condition of the
classroom. It also shows the lack of funds and depressing atmosphere of the class.
iii) The Tyrolese valley donation is a donation that has been given to the have nots by the haves
with the intention of making the classroom livelier. However, the belled flowers and beauty of
the Tyrolese valley do not have the intended effect. The students look at this picture and wish
to live there. This symbolises the cycle that is repeated all through human history. The have
nots or the poor, always, are wishful as they look at the things that the rich have. However,
they do not have the education or the means to get those things. Hence they can gaze at them
all they want but never achieve it themselves, due to their poverty.
iv) Stephen Spender is a pacifist. He believes that the haves, the rich and powerful have created
boundaries according to their own will. These boundaries are not made by the have nots or the
poor. But, are simply handed down to them by the rich. The rich are the ones who have made
the world what it is now and handed down to the have nots who can do nothing but, accept the
world for what they have made it to be.
A8.
i.) The name of the lesson is ‘The Rattrap’ penned by Selma Lagerlof.
ii.) The speaker, Edla Willmanson is the daughter of the ironmaster. She is speaking to her father,
the owner of Ramsjo Ironworks.
ii.) The daughter, Edla, was suspicious that the man that her father had brought home after
recognising him as his former friend, Captain von Stahl, was actually the captain or not. She
was suspicious due the man’s behaviour the previous night, at the iron mill.
iv.) Her suspicions were correct as the man was not actually Captain von Stahle but, was actually
a poor peddler who her father had mistaken for his former friend.

A9.
i.) The bulletin board was where all the bad news had come from for the people of Alsace in the
previous years. The bulletin board was where all the latest news and announcement were
displayed. The people gathered there to see the news announcement that from the next day,
German would be taught in all the schools of Alsace. All the bad news of the lost battles, the
military conscription (draft) and commands of the commanding officers had come from there.
ii.) The poet, Pablo Neruda, does not advocate total inactivity in the poem’ Keeping Quiet’. He
only asks the people to take a few moments out of their busy schedule, and look within, by
being quiet. He states that he wants no truck with death. He is pro-life and advocates silence
for a few moments, as he believes that this will be beneficial for the world.
v) Hana was the wife of Sadao Hoki. She belonged to a Japanese family. She a loving and caring
wife and mother. She is an obedient wife who listens to the husband in the time of need, but, is
not afraid to express her own opinions. She is headstrong as she accepts and comes to terms
with the servants leaving quickly and manages aptly her home. She is brave as she helps her
husband operate on Tom despite her fear. She is kind and gentle as she cleans Tom up when
Yumi refuses to and feeds him while he is injured.
vi.) When Derry tells the old man, Mr. Lamb, about his fear of people judging him, Mr. Lamb tells
Derry the story of a man who was too afraid to die. He locked himself up in a room fearing that
he would get hit by a bus, slip on a banana peel, a donkey might kick him, he might get struck
by lightning or a girl he likes may break his heart. That man eventually died as a painting fell on
him. Mr. Lamb tells Derry this story to help him realise that he must not be affected by what
other people say, stand up for himself, take risks and be brave enough to face the world.
vii. Grandeur is associated with the ‘mighty dead’ as the poet, John Keats, associates the noble
and mighty deeds done by certain people with grandeur which keeps these people alive. This
is ironical however, since some mighty people who are dead are still alive due to their noble
deeds as they are remembered for eternity. A halo of greatness envelops the monuments
erected as homage to these people.
A10. In the story, ‘The Rattrap’, penned by Selma Lagerlof, the crofter tempts the peddler to steal
in the following ways. The crofter, who was an old man with no wife and children, lived alone
and welcomed the peddler warmly into this home. He set the porridge for supper and cut out
a huge piece of tobacco, to welcome his guest. He played cards with the peddler and told him about
his rich past. He told the peddler that he was a crofter at the Ramjso ironworks. He told the peddler
about his current windfall, which he made by selling the milk of his cow. He then showed the peddler,
the thirty kroner he had earned the previous week, and where he kept them. The next day as he went
to milk his cow, the peddler left his house. After half an hour, he returned to steal the thirty kroners
that were kept in the leather pouch by the window sill, as the crofter had shown him the previous
night. The naïve and gullible attitude of the crofter tempted the peddler to steal from him. It changed
the peddler’s life as he was taken to the ironmaster’s house. There he realised the crime he had
committed by stealing the money, by Elda Willmanson. He then returned the money and was inspired
to life a life of morality and nobility, away from thievery.
A11. Dr. Sadao Hoki fulfilled his duty as a patriot, a doctor, and a human being in ‘The Enemy’ penned by
Pearl S. Buck. He fulfilled his duty as a patriot by successfully treating the General and letting the
man escape, without him causing any harm to his family or his country. He supported the man till he
was able and told the man to escape and never return, thus, fulfilling his duty as a human being and
doctor. He fulfilled his duty as a doctor by taking care of the prisoner of war as if he was his patient
and making him fit and able, despite the many wounds that he had suffered. He also fulfils his duty as
a human being by helping another human being in his time of need by giving him a place to stay and
food. He protects the man from his inevitable death by hiding him from the authorities and saving him
from the assassins of the general. He fulfils all these duties by finally sending him away on a boat to
a nearby island, with food and clothing, so that he could safely return home
ENGLISH by takingWORKBOOK
CURRICULUM a Korean boat.
211
MID TERM- (SOLVED)

1.1 a. (i) Tulunadu
b. (ii) Goa
c. Chowta dynasty
d. (iv) options (ii) and (iii)
e. (ii) spiritless
1.2 a). Rani Abbakka was one of the earliest Indians to fight the colonial powers. She was the queen
of Tulunadu who fought the Portuguese in the latter half of the 16th Century relentlessly for
four decades. For her fight against the Portuguese in the 16th Century, she is regarded as the
“first woman freedom fighter of India”.
b). The Portuguese, the Dutch and the British wanted to control the port of Ullal as it was a
prosperous port, a profitable trading centre and a hub of spice trade to Arabia and other
western countries.
c). Rani Abbakka was able to keep the Portuguese at bay as she forged alliances with the Zamorin
of Calicut and other Muslim rulers, south of Tulanadu. The marital ties with the neighbouring
Banga dynasty also helped her keep the Portuguese at bay.
d). The “Veera Rani Abbakka Utsava” is an annual celebration that is held in her home town of
Ullal. The Veera Rani Abbakka Prashasti (Award) is awarded to distinguished women on the
occasion. The annual celebration and the award is a way in which the people of her home
town, Ullal, cherish her memory.
1.3 i) furious
ii) headway
iii) indomitable
2.1 NOTE MAKING
TERRORISM INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 ominous threat to world peace & security &-and
1.2 growth – 1960-1980s
1.3 due to
1.3.1 char of international system char-characteristics
1.3.2 ethnic, rel. , ideological conflicts rel- religious
2. Reason For Growth

2.1 proxy war methods – instrument for:
2.1.1 policy of state & sub-state org. org - organisation
2.1.2 nat. international movements nat-national
2.2 low cost, low risk, high yields
2.3 new tech like; tech-technology
2.3.1 modern weapon tech.
2.3.2 development of international civil aviation
3. FORM:
3.1 Political terrorism includes:
3.1.1 use by state
3.1.2 use against state
3.2 religious
3.3 micro
3.4 nuclear

4. DAMAGE
4.1 right to life taken away
4.2 des. fundamental freedom of people des-destroys
4.3 law and order problem
4.4 economy suffers – damage to resources
& investors
5. TREATIES:
5.1 signed to check terrorism
5.2 mostly extradition treaties
5.3 failure as state do not comply with provisions
2.2 SUMMARY
TERRORISM
Terrorism is an ominous threat to world peace and security. It has grown from the 1960s to the
1980s due to the characteristics of the international system and ethnic, religious and ideological
conflicts. Other reasons for growth are proxy-war methods and growth of technology. Its forms are
political, religious, micro and nuclear terrorism. It takes away the right to life and fundamental freedom
of the people. It causes law and order problems and economic slowdown. Treaties have failed to
keep a check on terrorism as states do not abide by its provisions.
A3.
SECTION B
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Mgr. or software programmer, exptd. sal. Rs. 80- 90 lacs per annum. Con. Sonia at
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A4. LETTER FOR PLACING AN ORDER

SDM Public School
Delhi
13th September, 20XX
The Manager
OK Toys
21, Daryaganj
Delhi
Subject: Placing an order for educational toys and play equipment.
Sir
I would like to place an order for educational toys and play equipment on behalf of SDM Public
school, Delhi for an activity wing for the kindergarten students. The management has approved of
the quotation no. 123, dated 1st September, 20XX. A cheque of Rs.5000 has also been attached as
advance payment. The rest of the payment will be done after the toys are delivered in good condition.
The list of the toys needed is:
S. No. Toys Quantity
1. Lego set – 300 pieces 15
2. Alphabet Board 20
3. Abacus 20
4. Teddy Bears 25
5. Railway Track Set 20

The toys should be delivered before the 30th of September, 20XX. All the toys should be of the best
quality, neatly packed and any toy which is damaged will be returned at your cost. Kindly provide
the maximum discount meant for educational institutions.
Hoping to receive the listed toys before 30th September, 20XX. The order will be cancelled if the
mentioned terms and conditions are not followed.
Yours sincerely
Neera
(NEERA)
Manager, SDM Public School
ENCLOSURE:
1. Cheque of Rs. 5,000.
A5. SPEECH
Good Morning, I, XYZ, the Principal of ABC SCHOOL, Nanital would like to talk about the
growing problem of power shortage in metropolitan cities. Power is an irreplaceable element in our
daily lives. As the years pass, the consumption of power has increased in our homes, schools and
offices. We must take the necessary steps to prevent power wastage.
India as one of the leading democracies of the world has a large population. Catering to the power
needs of such a large population is difficult. Migration of people from villages to the city has raised
the power requirements in the cities. In the summer months, frequent power cuts are experienced
due to the usage of air conditioners.
Power is an important part of our daily lives. Let’s imagine a day with no power supply. Fans,
refrigerators, microwaves, air coolers, washing machines and air conditioners would be rendered
useless. We would not be able to access the internet via our phones or laptops, once they get
discharged. This day sounds like an absolute disaster doesn’t it? Well, we will have to experience
such days in the near future if, we do not take steps to reduce power consumption, now.
As a society and as individuals we can take a few simple steps to reduce power consumption. I
request the class teachers to assign a monitor in each class to switch off the lights and fans, before
leaving the classroom. Parents must encourage this practice at home as well. Avoid using air
conditioners for long periods of time. We as parents and teachers must become ideals for our
students, by buying power saving electronic devices. I am sure that by taking the necessary steps,
we all can collectively reduce power wastage. Thank you for being such a receptive audience.
A6. ARTICLE
PRO WOMEN INDIA
By Navi
A country with equality between the genders is progressive and more economically stable for India,
being the largest democracy in the world; it is a shame to be the most unsafe place for women across
the world. Women still experience a variety of issues which include molestation, dowry, child marriage
and poor education. Women cannot walk freely on the streets. WE must take steps against this to
ensure a brighter future of this nation, our motherland.
The most important aspect which can ensure the security of women in India is missing. This is the
police force and the judicial system, must be improved. The punishment for crimes against women
should be stricter and must be enforced quicker. The police themselves arrive late at any crime
scene, and there are not enough courts where the judicial proceedings can take place.
The boys should be made aware of empathy and gender equality. The parents and the society should
educate boys to be aware on how to treat a woman, respect her, not discriminate against her and not
stare at her. Instead of teaching the girls and women to dress conservatively, the boys must be taught
how to behave and live in the setup. The awareness must be made high. Women should themselves

voice their opinion vociferously, if they feel oppressed or if they are subjected to any incorrect thing
or injustice. They must stand strong.
As a community, we need to learn how to respect women, not discriminate against them and give
them proper respect. As valuable members of the community positions such as the housewife should
be regarded as a valued profession. Respect for mothers must be inculcated, as a person who does
not respect his or her mother, sister or daughter cannot be expected to respect women in general.
Office spaces should be made more women- friendly and public transport should be made safer for
travel. Women should go out in public often, without any hesitation. So, as the time passes, it
becomes a normal thing for women to go wherever they want, whenever they want.
SECTION C
A7.
a. The tigers are called Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers as she is sewing the tigers on a green background. She is
creating a tapestry. They are called Aunt Jennifer’s tigers as they depict her hidden aspirations for
fearlessness and freedom of expression. She does not want to fear her husband, like the tigers do
not fear the men under the tree.
b. The tigers are described as being bright topaz denizens who live in a world of green. They are
fearless, free and pace in sleek chivalric certainty which shows their confidence. They do not fear the
men who are standing beneath the tree.
c. The figure of speech used in line 2 is a metaphor. The poet, Adrienne Rich, describe the tigers to be
of topaz (yellow) colour and to live in a world of green, which sets a clear visual image in the mind of
the reader.
d. The tigers do not fear men; however Aunt Jennifer has a deep fear of her husband. The tigers are free
and confident but Aunt Jennifer has been reduced to an oppressed, weak and meek woman under
the rule of her oppressive and unkind husband. The tigers have no commitments or responsibilities.
But the ring on Aunt Jennifer’s hand binds her to innumerable responsibilities.
A8.
a. The name of the lesson is ‘Lost Spring’ and the writer is Anees Jung.
b. The word ‘children’ refers to the young boys that the author sees every morning in her neighbourhood.
She sees these boys picking things from the garbage.
c. Garbage is a place of hope for these children. The children look for coins and currency notes that
they might find in the garbage. They pick the garbage in the hope to find articles such as clothes,
shoes and utensils. The children use garbage as their source of entertainment and as a way to keep
up their hopes.
d. The author arrived at this conclusion when she talked to a young rag picker boy named sahib. He
told her that he would found coins and currency coins in the garbage. She noticed different gleam in
his eyes when he told her this. She also noticed the boys coming periodically every morning and
returning at noon.
A 9.
i. Gandhiji did not accept C.F. Andrew’s help during the Champaran movement as he wanted to
prove that Indians were self sufficient and were capable of fighting their own battles without any
external help. He knew that the fight would have been easier if he had accepted C.F. Andrews’ help.
But, as a leader he knew that he had to prove to the Britishers, people of India as well as the judges
that Indians were self sufficient.
ii. Sophie did not tell Jansie that she had met Danny Casey. Jansie got to know from her brother who
Geoff was friends with. Jansie asked Sophie why she did not tell her. Jansie believed her friend, but
was warned by Sophie to keep her meeting as a secret as Jansie was known to spread gossip.
iii. The General was a very selfish man. He only trusted Dr. Sadao Hoki and hence kept him in Japan as
he was going to undergo a surgery very soon. Instead of being sincere, he was selfish enough to
withhold Dr. Sadao in Japan, in order to ensure that he had the best chances of survival. On getting
to know about the prisoner of war hiding in Dr. Sadao’s house, he suggested to get him assassinated

but took no action against Dr. Sadao for taking a prisoner of war, as he wanted Sadao to keep
treating him.
iv. Keeping quiet affects the life around the sea in two ways. Firstly, the man who gathers salt would
look at his cut and bruised hands and take a break from collecting salt. Secondly, the fishermen at
sea who hunt whales would stop for a while, question themselves, if what they were doing was right
for the environment and develop a sense of sympathy for all living creatures.
v. Stephen Spender wants to remove the poster of Shakespeare, map, picture of the Tyrolese Valley
and the scenery of the dome from the walls of the classroom. He believes that they should not be
shown the wonders of the world unless they are given the means to achieve them. He also believes
that they must be taught to rise from their poverty, instead of merely being shown tempting images of
the outside world.
A10. In the story ‘Should Wizard Hit Mommy?’ penned by John Updike, the story of the skunk raises a
moral issue. It shows the conflict between the opinions of the parents, who advocate individuality,
and the opinions of the peers. The girl’s father would read the girl a story at bed time, of a creature
that would have a problem. He was generally named Roger. That Saturday evening, the story was of
Roger skunk. Roger skunk stank, so that other woodland creatures did not play with him. He went
to a wizard to sort this problem. The wizard did a spell on him so he smelled like roses. On returning
home, her mother was very angry. She hit the wizard on the head and forced him to reverse the spell.
Joe was upset with the ending and wanted the skunk to be accepted by the woodland creatures. Her
father was however adamant that the mother had done the right thing. This shows the difference in
opinion between the generations, as well as the difference in thinking and the world of children and
adults. Her father wants to teach her about individuals and establish that parents are always right but
she struggles with accepting this. On the thought of the skunk seeing unaccepted by the woodland
creatures. This creates a moral issue for her father as well as he struggles, between doing the right
thing and making his daughter happy. This also shows the immense generation gap.
A11. Poor people have the right to dream. They will find it difficult to achieve their dreams but, anything is
possible if a person has a strong will. Poor people may not have the resources but, their will is their
own choice. Mukesh, a rag picker who works in the bangle factory wants to drive a car. He wants
to become a mechanic and some day own his own garage. He knows that he must walk far to get to
the other side of the town where he can start working in the garage. Even thought it sounds difficult
to do, Mukesh can achieve his dreams if he puts in enough effort. The author calls his dreams a
mirage since it will be very difficult for him to escape his family’s superstitions, legacy as well as the
middle men, factory owner and policemen when he leaves the factory. The author believes that he
can dream all he wants to achieve. But, it would not be possible due to the corrupt system and the
system which traps the people of Firozabad in a spiral of poverty that has lasted generations.

PRE- BOARD (SOLVED)

SECTION A
1.1. i) (a) 2010, 2013
ii) (a) two
iii) (d) a cabin bag
iv) (a) Mangalyaan
v) (b) Space Tourism
1.2 a) The narrator felt that she could satisfy Karthik’s curiosity since she was working on something
related to India’s mission to Mars, at her office.
b) The main purpose of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) was to map the red planet’s surface and
get a better analysis of the Martian Atmosphere.
c) The Mar Orbiter Mission (MOM) was called a budget player because it cost only $74million,
a fraction of the $671 million cost of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s
latest Mars programme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also stated that it cost less than what
Hollywood producers spent on the movie “Gravity”, which cost $100 million.
d) India managed to keep the costs low for the mission as it relied on previously used technologies
and kept the size of the payload small, around fifteen kilograms. India also saved on fuel by
using a smaller rocket to put its space craft into Earth’s orbit first, to gain enough momentum to
slingshot it towards Mars.
e) There were many controversies regarding MOM. One was that India’s investment in MOM
did not make sense, since thirty percent of India’s population lived below the poverty line.
Also, Jean Dreze, an economist once stated that it was an elite delusional quest for superpower
status. ISRO countered that by stating that its budget represents only one percent of the
national budget and from that, the expenditure for MOM was only seven percent.
1.3 i) momentum
ii) quest
A2. (a) NOTEMAKING

HARMS OF MACRO PLASTICS INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 toll on env., public health env. – environment
1.2 inhale, ingest, absorb micro plastic by skin
1.3 sources:
1.3.1 packing mat. of food and beverages mat. – material
1.3.2 cutlery, home essentials
1.3.3 personal care items
1.3.4 toys, paints
1.4 leaching of plastic – storage time and temp. temp. – temperature
2. STRUCTURE
2.1 Low density – soft, light wt. wt. – weight
2.2 micro plastics – 0.05 mm – 5mm (length)
2.3 nanoplastics – 1000 times micro plastics < - smaller
2.4 plastics more than 100 nm – accumulate in gut, exc. in faeces

2.5 < than 50mm pass through intestinal wall, affects system
3. CELLULAR LEVEL DAMAGE
3.1 ini. cells do not recognise as foo. ini. – initially
3.2 depend on protein – absorbs plastic in layer
3.3 mimicked as food, degraded inside
3.4 plastic converted to styrene, possible car. car – carcinogen
4. CONSEQUENCES
4.1 Cancer
4.2 endocrine disruption
4.3 dev., reproductive, neurological effects dev. – development
5. WAYS TO BE SAFE
5.1 stone in glass, earthenware, wood
5.2 reusable cloth bag
5.3 generate awareness
5.4 not using single – use plastic
2 (b)
SUMMARY
Micro plastics are taking a toll on the environment and public health. These are absorbed via skin
from packaging material, home essentials, toys, etc. These are 0.05 mm to 5mm. in length and
nanoplastics are thousand times smaller. Plastics which are less than fifty micrometer pass through
intestinal walls and affect many systems. The cells recognise micro plastics as food and degrade it to
styrene which is a possible carcinogen. Plastics affect development, the reproductive system, endocrine
and nervous systems. We should store food in glass, earthenware, etc. instead of plastic and reduce
single-use plastic.

A3.
POSTER MAKING
Incredible India
Blessed with a beautiful country domestic tourism is the way to travel
&! Domestic Tourism is the best. Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World is right here.
&! Visit the caves in Maharashtra to the monasteries in Sikkim.
&! From the Himalayas to the beaches.
&! Promotes economy and local business.
&! Government organised trips, affordable rates
&! Take a selfie at a tourist destination in India; post it, to win exciting prizes.
Issued in public interest by:
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
A4. LETTER OF REQUEST

House No. 123
Sunrise Apartment Complex
G. K. II
29th November, 20XX
The President
Resident’s Welfare Association
Block B, 12345

Subject: Letter of request for installation of dustbins.
Sir
I am a resident of Sunrise Apartment Complex. Since the past week, the premises of my complex
have been littered and unclean, as there is an absence of dustbins in the colony. I am writing this letter
to request the Resident’s Welfare Association to install dustbins.
The apartment complex has a dearth of dustbins. The ones which are still installed are under-
maintained. The garbage is often overflowing from the dustbins at the main disposal site. The main
garbage disposal site does not have a proper enclosure. So, there are dogs, cats and mice around
this area. Due to the rains, the garbage was soaked and hence it was stinking for a few hours, until it
was disposed. New dustbins should be placed near the playground as the old ladies come downstairs
to chat in the evening and the children also play various games such as football and cricket. There
should be a dustbin to throw used bottles and packets.
I request you to sanction the installation of new dustbins and a proper shed at the earliest and see to
it that these are promptly installed. This would ensure cleanliness, hygiene and also promote the
wellbeing of the residents. Hoping to hear from you at the earliest and also, better garbage disposal.
Thanking you.
Yours sincerely
Savita Bhatnagar
(SAVITA BHATNAGAR)
Resident of Sunrise apartment complex
A5.
NEWSPAPER REPORT
SAFETY AWARENESS CAMP FOR WOMEN
By Shaheen Baruha, Staff Reporter
New Delhi, 17th November
The Delhi Police organised an Awareness Camp for women to spread awareness about the launch
of many useful mobile safety applications for women. They also launched a new emergency number,
114. This was held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on 17th November 2019, Sunday from 10 a.m. to
6 p.m.
The awareness camp commenced with a speech by Ms. ABC, Head of Women’s Safety in Delhi
Police. Ms. ABC said, “It is our duty to ensure that women can walk the streets of Delhi or anywhere
else in India at any time without fearing for their safety.” The awareness camp sported a number of
stalls with various applications designed to help women in case of emergency. These applications
were approved by the Chief of Delhi Police, Dr. ABC. The best appreciation was to be awarded ten
thousand rupees and the leading three, two thousand rupees each. Many workshops were also
conducted throughout the day. The most popular was one on self- defence. The instructor was Ms.
PQR, a trained fighter with many medals in Karate. The awareness camp was a success with an
attendance of one lakh women from various localities, professions and age. Mrs. XYZ, an eighty
year old had brought her sixteen year old granddaughter to attend this camp. The results of the
Application Making Contest were announced. “Safety Bell” won the First Prize due to its easy to

use interface and its availability in twenty four languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, French,
German, Punjabi and English.
The designer of the application “Safety Bell”, Ms. DEF said, “The safety of Women is essential for
the progress of our nation and it is a proud moment for me to contribute to this cause.” The day
ended successfully with the announcement of the new emergency number, 114.
A6. SPEECH WRITING
Good morning respected teachers and my dear friends. I am Japna Singh, and I would like to talk
about the Role of Students in Eradicating Illiteracy.
We as the youth have an important responsibility towards the society and our country. We as individuals
are fortunate enough to be literate and hence we must share this gift with as many as possible. India
as an economy is reaching new heights, and in a few years we would have a population boom of the
youth. If we use this in the right direction, we could reach unprecedented heights. An important
requirement for doing so is to have literate people.
The origin and growth of illiteracy lies in economic deprivation. Being illiterate leads to further economic
downslide.
Hence, this is a vicious circle which can be broken only by educating the youth. We can do our bit by
reaching out to illiterate people in our surroundings such as our help, watchmen, auto drivers, etc.
Hence, we can do our bit to help society advance.
Giving back to society is not time consuming and difficult, if we do it right, spanning a few hours a
week. It is not hard and giving back to society is of utmost importance. ‘We must ask what we can
do for our country, not what the country can do for us,’ said an eminent U.S. President, JFKennedy.
This is fairly applicable here also. As the youth, we can help local schools and teach on the weekends.
Taking up summer assignments benefits the society and is largely appreciated worldwide. This also
gives you new experiences and changes your perception of life. We as school students have ample
talent to give such to the society. More than doing big things, it’s the small things that matter. We
should ensure that the help in our house know their basic rights and ensure that they are educating
their children, by helping them understand the immense important of literacy.
Literacy is one of the founding steps in making a society a responsible and modern one. I firmly
believe that we as a society can help our country and our fellow brothers and sisters in being citizens
of the world by doing our small bit. Thank you for being such a receptive audience.
SECTION C – LITERATURE
A7. a) (i) The name of the poem is ‘A Roadside Stand’, penned by Robert Frost.
(ii) The little old house boasted of a little new shed that was in front, at the edge of the road.
The residents of the house had recently put up a roadside stand to earn some money.
(iii) The roadside stand pleaded for some customers to bring in the cash flow from the cities, in the
rural areas. Many fortunate people passed the roadside stand without even glancing at it. They
would enjoy the scenery but not buy anything from the road stand.
(iv) A metaphor is used in the last line of the stanza. The metaphor is ‘flower of cities’. Metaphor
is a comparison between two things. Here, Robert Frost has compared the city to a flower
which does not sink or wither due to the continuous cash flow. He shows the desperation of
the rural area to get some of this cash form, which has made the city bloom.
A7 (b) (i) The lesson is ‘Poets and Pancakes’ by Ashokamitran.
(ii) Stephen Spender was the guest.
(iii) S.S.Vasan was the Boss of Gemini Studios.
(iv) The reason why Stephen Spender had been invited was owing to his anti-communism stance,
which was also supported by the Boss.
A8. (b) Zitkala-Sa opposed the cutting of her long hair since in her community only unskilled worriers
and cowards had short hair. It was an indication for the cowards and the weak to have their
hair cut. At her new boarding school, her hair was forcefully cut which she felt ashamed about.
She fought the people at the boarding school. But, ultimately, her long hair was cut which
wounded her pride.
(d) Stephen Spender, in his poem, portrayed the setting of an elementary school classroom in a
slum. The students will not be able to make history which is evidently seen by the poor building,
lack of books and less exposure. Stephen Spender also states that the children must be shown
what they will see for the rest of their lives, acquire meaningful education.
(e) Kamala Das compares her mother to the ’late winter’ s’ moon as her mother’s pale, beautiful
face had been shrouded with the gloomy and dark clouds of old age. Like the winter’s moon
is covered by the dark winter clouds. The ‘late winter’s’ moon could also signify the end of
one’s life since winter marks the end of the year. Her comparing her mother’s face to a late
winter’s moon shows her realisation about her mother’s old age.
(f) The instructor built a swimmer out of Douglas by making him practice gradually and steadily
helping him get over his fear of water. William Douglas practised for five days a week, for an
hour each day. He first attached a loop of rope to his waist and put him into the water using a
pulley and ensured his head was out of water. Then he taught him how to hold his breath and
lower his face. He then learnt kicking and finally he could swim. Then after six months of doing
this, the trainer told William to swim across the length of t he pool. With this gradual practice,
William learnt to not fear water.
g) The order from Berlin was that German was to be taught in all the schools of Alsace and
Lorraine instead of French. Due to this, the former French teacher was learning the next day
and a new teacher was being sent from Berlin who would teach them German. The last lesson
was attended by many of the townsfolk and this decision spread a feeling of sadness among
the students who couldn’t write their language well.
A9. Selma Lagerlof, in her story ‘The Rattrap’ highlights the life of a poor man who sells rattraps and
does petty thievery to keep his body and soul together. He is said to have understood the world as
a rattrap. He compares the cheese or the pork which is set as bait to trap the rat, as clothes or jewels
which are used by the material world to trap humans. On taking this materialistic bait, the human
trapped would seldom be able to escape. The rattrap seller, being a poor man and having immense
hatred for the rich, felt as if this thought soothed him. The metaphor of the rattrap actually highlights
the human predicament as humans (rats) are caught in the ever spinning web (trap) of the world by
its luxuries like clothes, gold, jewels, money etc. (pork or cheese). The rattrap seller himself was
stuck in this trap when he stole thirty kroner from the kind and naive old man. Furthermore, when he
accepted the ironmaster’s invitation. But he soon realised his folly and returned the money to Edla
who showed him kindness and regard. Hence, the peddler escaped the trap successfully.
A10. In her story, Tishani Joshi, gives details about Antarctica and explains the need of studying Antarctica
to understand the geological history trapped in Antarctica. Antarctica was a part of the large landmass
that existed millions of years ago. It is currently the only continent that has not been inhabited by
humans and hence can be a guide to what the earth would be like without humans. Humans have
been on the Earth for twelve thousand years, a fraction of the total time the Earth has existed. Still we
have caused a lot of damage. Antarctica also contains millions of Carbon reserves that could increase
the temperature of the Earth even further, due to the release of Carbon dioxide if not monitored
properly. The programme which is an initiative by Geoff Green helps the youth to understand the
planet and the destructive affect of the humans on the planet as they can compare any continent to
Antarctica since they were made at almost the same time, but have a large number of differences. It

is very important to monitor this continent to see the past of this place and the future since the melting
ice caps are an indication of the rising global temperatures. These could change many things like
completely stop certain ocean currents which would call for unprecedented climate change and the
death of many species. It also helps us understand the delicate ecosystem of the Earth which could
undergo major changes due to a small stimulus. Hence, Antarctica is very important to understand
our planet.

MIDTERM PAPER UNSOLVED

Maximum Marks : 80 Marks Time Limit : Three Hours
General Instructions:
1. This paper is divided into two parts: A and B. All questions are compulsory.
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read
these instructions very carefully and follow them.
3. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
Part A (40 Marks)
READING (20 marks)
1. Read the passage given below. (1×10 = 10)

The children probably don’t know, or they don’t care, the hugely popular WWF wrestling matches
are actually all staged acts. The Hulks, the Undertaker or whatever else they are called-never really
punch or kick as hard as they might appear doing on the show. It’s all a show, a thrilling show.
2. So, you can’t really blame children for getting hooked. But does that necessarily mean the show is
entirely responsible for beating 12-year-old Subin Kumar got from his WWF inspired friends? Can
viewing or watching violence on TV actually promote aggressive behaviour in children?
3. Media experts and social scientists have reached the conclusion, that media violence is responsible
for aggressive behaviour in children. Research has found that the more violence children watch on
television, the more likely they may act in aggressive ways towards others. Also, they become less
sensitive to others pain and are less likely to help a victim of violence.
4. A study of violence on Indian television and its impact on children commissioned by UNESCO
accused the idiot box of “bombarding young minds with all kinds of violent images, cutting across
channels, programmes and viewing times. But incidents go to prove that children who watch violent
episodes show increased likelihood of behaving aggressively.
5. There’s no doubt that media is a powerful teacher and contributes greatly to the way we act and
behave. The effects are immediate and in others there is a “sleeper effect”.
6. Experts say it’s incorrect to blame the media squarely. How would you explain the aggressive
behaviour of a child who has never been exposed to television or any other media? So, while there
is mounting evidence to link media violence and actual violence, most of it does not prove a direct
cause-and-effect relationship. “We also have to take into account individual differences and
vulnerabilities as human behaviour is result of many factors,” points out Dr. Vasantha R. Patri, a
counsellor, adding, “violence viewing is only one of the myriad influences a growing child.”
7. Patri says there exists a population of risk individuals whose anger, aggression and antisocial tendencies
are already quite high for whatever reason. Other factors like individual predisposition of the child,
parental attitudes and reaction to aggression are probably equally important. In fact, she says that in
most cases media is only the fourth most important influence in child’s life-with parents, teachers and
peers being the first three. She also points out that the growing “here-and-now” culture in which kids
are getting used to immediate gratification is leading to an intolerant society on the whole. “Children
are not taught how to handle failure and conflict,” she says. “As a result, they resort to aggression.”
8. But media critics insist that the content of media needs to be monitored and care be taken to reduce
violence if not remove it. “The problem is not with the media, but the lack of media education,”
points out Patri. “No one teaches the children how to assess the reality status of TV programmes.”
Good parenting, she says, is perhaps the greatest defence against the negative effects of violent
images on TV. - Shweta Rajpal

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer ANY TEN questions
from the eleven given below. (1×10 = 10)
i. Violent behaviour is the outcome of…………….
a. lack of media awareness
b. lack of sensitivity
c. increase in population
d. imperfection
ii. Children fail to understand that the stunts shown on the screen are……………….
a. real
b. fake
c. manipulated
d. dramatised
iii. The greatest defence against negativity propagated by media is……………….
a. media education
b. good parenting
c. quality education
d. good neighbours
iv. Parents consider TV a ……………….
a. babysitter
b. problem
c. boon
d. a substitute grandparent
v. Aggressive behaviour in children can be best handled by………………
a. teachers
b. parents
c. both teachers and parents
d. children themselves
vi. Media contributes as a powerful teacher as
a. watching violence- promotes aggression

b. watching characters – builds acting skills
c. watching TV – provides gratification
d. watching TV – helps victims of violence
vii. Children become impatient as they ……………
a. start using violence
b. desire immediate gratification
c. desire to be more violent
d. stop being sensitive
viii. Factors other than violence causing aggressiveness in child are…………….
a. individual predisposition and watching TV
b. parental attitude and watching TV
c. individual predisposition and parental attitude
d. individual predisposition and lack of knowledge

ix. “Sleeper Effect” here means where…………..
a. the effect is slow
b. there is no impact
c. the effect is discontinued
d. the results show up much later.
x. Find words in the passage similar in meaning as ‘Exciting”
a. surprising
b. stirring
c. thrilling
d. shocking
xi. Find words in the passage similar in meaning as ‘An extremely large number of something”
a. myriad
b. diverse
c. fulfilment
d. gratification
Q. 2.A Read the passage given below

1. Hand sanitizers are everywhere. They are cheap, effective disinfectants, and many are easy to carry
around. But lately, these products have been scrutinized for the potential harm they can have on
children. “Many caregivers are unaware of the very high alcohol content present in alcohol-based
hand sanitizers, which can contain up to 60% to 95% alcohol,” said Cynthia Santos, MD, from
CDC’s National Centre for Environmental Health. “Young children may inadvertently consume these
hand sanitizers because of their appealing scents, like apple, vanilla, and citrus.”
No. of cases reported to NDPS about exposure to alcohol and non-alcohol hand sanitizer in
children d”12 years old in 2011-14 .
TABLE 2
Year Alcohol Non-alcohol Total

Total 65,293 (92.4%) 5376 (7.6%) 70,669
2011 15,971 (92.5%) 1286 (7.5%) 17,257
2012 16,571 (92.4%) 1355 (7.6%) 17,926
2013 16,423 (92.5%) 1338 (7.5%) 17,761
2014 16,328 (92.1%) 1397 (7.9%) 17,725
2. In a new report from CDC researchers analysed data reported to the National Poison Data System
(NPDS) from 2011–14 on exposures to alcohol and non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers in children
who were 12 years old or younger. A total of 70,669 hand sanitizer exposures in this age group were
reported to NPDS, including 65,293 (92.4%) alcohol-based exposures and 5,376 (7.6%) non-
alcohol-based exposures.
3. Adverse health effects were more likely to be reported for alcohol-based hand sanitizer exposures,
and they tended to be worse than those for non-alcohol based hand sanitizer exposures. “Younger
kids are more susceptible to adverse effects [from these products] because there is not as much
glycogen in their liver,” said Greene Shepherd, clinical professor at the University Of North Carolina
Eshelman School Of Pharmacy.
4. The most common type of adverse health effects for both alcohol- and non-alcohol- based hand
sanitizers were ocular irritation, vomiting, conjunctivitis, oral irritation, cough, and abdominal pain.
Rare effects included coma, seizure, hypoglycaemia, metabolic acidosis, and respiratory depression.
5. The researchers stratified the NPDS data into two age groups: 0 to 5 years and 6 to 12 years. They
looked only at exposures to ethanol-based sanitizers, isopropanol-based sanitizers, and non-alcohol
based sanitizers—no NPDS reported calls about co- exposures to other agents were included in the
analysis. Most exposures—91%— occurred in children aged 5 years or younger. Children aged 6
to 12 years had more intentional exposures, a finding the report authors said could indicate that these
products are being abused among older children. Shepherd said that abuse of alcohol- based hand
sanitizers can be equivalent to consuming roughly 120-proof liquor.
6. Patients, parents, and caregivers should be informed about the potential dangers associated with
alcohol based hand sanitizers. The report stated that alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be used
under adult supervision with proper child safety precautions and stored out of reach of young children
to reduce unintended, adverse consequences. Washing hands with soap and water when available,
is currently the recommended method of hand hygiene in non-health-care settings. If soap and water
are not available, use of a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is recommended, or a
non- alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wipe can be used.
On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer ANY TEN questions from the
eleven that follow: (1×10 =10)

i. According to the passage, National Poison Data System (NPDS) report on children under the age
of 12 highlights the………………..
a. need for using non alcoholic sanitizer more frequently.
b. need for using alcoholic hand sanitizers more frequently.
c. effective treatment for confusion, vomiting and drowsiness.
d. severity of even a little exposure of alcoholic hand sanitizer.
ii. Ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are all of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
a. end products
b. ingredients
c. by-products
d. types
iii. Pick the option that lists statements that are NOT TRUE according to the passage.
1. Alcohol based hand sanitizer exposure is potentially more harmful than non-alcohol based
hand sanitizer.
2. None of the alcohol based hand sanitizer and non-alcohol based hand sanitizer cause minor to
major adverse health effects.
3. Non-alcohol based hand sanitizer exposure is potentially more harmful than alcohol based
hand sanitizer.
4. Both alcohol based hand sanitizer and non-alcohol based hand sanitizer can cause minor to
major adverse health effects.
a. 1&2
b. 3&4
c. 2&3
d. 1&4
iv. The word ‘scrutinized’, as used in paragraph 1, means the same as
a. scout
b. search
c. inspect
d. explore
v. According to the diagram which of the following is common to both types of hand sanitizers?
(a) ethanol
(b) glycerine

(c) hydrogen peroxide
(d) iodine
vi. Arrange the most recommended method of hand hygiene from the least favourite to the most favourite,
from the following –
1. Use of non-alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wipe can be used.
2. Use of hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
3. Washing hands with soap and water
4. Washing with plain water
a. 1, 3, 4, 2
b. 3, 2, 1, 4
c. 2, 4, 3, 1
d. 4, 1, 2, 3
vii.. Based on the table in the passage, choose the option that correctly states percentage of total cases
repoted to NDPS about exposure to alcohol and non-alcohol hand sanitizer in children d”12 years
old in 2011-14 .
% of alcohol hand sanitizer exposure
% of non-alcohol hand sanitizer
a. Image 1
b. Image 2
c. Image 3
d. Image 4
viii. According to passage , below statement is not one of the reasons for popular use hand sanitizer as
disinfectant.
a. Handsanitizers are effective disinfectant.
b. Hand sanitizers are easy to use in absence of availability of water and soap.
c. Hand sanitizers are better than washing with soap and water.
d. Hand sanitizers are economical disinfectant.

ix. Young children unknowingly consume hand sanitizers because they are attracted by its
a. taste
b. colour
c. fragrance
d. packaging

x. Findings in NDPS report suggest that ‘Children aged 6 to 12 years had more intentional exposures’
which indicated consumption.
a. doubtful
b. deliberately
c. accidently
d. inadvertently
xi. CDC recommends use of alcohol based hand sanitizers contain alcohol
a. more than 60%
b. less than 60%
c. at least 60%
d. exactly 60%
LITERATURE (20 marks)
Q.3. Read the extract given below and answer any two of the questions that follow:
(A)
Then, as I hurried by as fast as I could go, the blacksmith, Wachter, who was there, with his apprentice,
reading the bulletin, called after me, “Don’t go so fast, bub; you’ll get to your school in plenty of
time!” I thought he was making fun of me, and reached M. Hamel’s little garden all out of breath.
(i) The phrase ‘called after me’ here refers to
a. tease someone.
b. shout at
c. Summon or request something
d. To cause
embarrassment
(ii )Who was called ‘bub’ here ?

a. Franz
b. M. Hamel
c. Villagers
d. Postmaster
i. What has M. Hamel’s little garden been referred to in the extract?
a. His country
b. His home

c. His garden
d. His school
ii. Which word in the passage means same as ‘sufficient’?

a. breath
b. plenty c.fast d.hurried
(B)
Little has moved with time, it seems, in Firozabad. Years of mind-numbing toil have killed all initiatives
and the ability to dream.
“Why not organise yourself into a cooperative?” I asked a group of young men who have fallen into
the vicious circle of middlemen who trapped their fathers and forefathers.
i. Why does the narrator ask the young men to organise them into a co-operative?
a. to face the police bravely.
b. to shut bangle making industry.
c. to derive some indirect benefits.
d. to help them come out of vicious circle of middleman.
ii. Which of the following words cannot replace the word, ‘vicious’?
a. ruthless
b. remorseless
c. malevolent
d. Benevolent
iii. Since when the so called ‘young men’ had been exploited?
a. since their childhood

b. when they grow up
c. since the time of their father
d. since the time of their ancestors.
iv. Years of mind numbing toil has killed their………………..
a. bangle making ability
b. ability to dream and initiate for a change
c. zeal to work
d. craftsmanship

(C)
Sometimes I think Grand Central is growing like a tree, pushing out new corridors and staircases like
roots. There’s probably a long tunnel that nobody knows about feeling its way under the city right
now, on its way to Times Square, and maybe another to Central Park. And maybe because for so
many people through the years Grand Central has been an exit,
a way of escape ............ maybe that’s how the tunnel I got into... But I never told my psychiatrist
friend about that idea.
i. Narrator says that Grand Central was growing like a tree because………………
a. it had a lot of trees in it
b. he stumbles upon new corridors and staircases
c. it had lots of tree around it.
d. it had a continuously been under construction
ii. Identify the figure of speech used in the sentence ‘pushing out new corridors and staircases c like
roots’.
a. metaphor
b. simile
c. imagery
d. Personification
iii. Why did anybody not know about the long tunnel?
a. it is a secret tunnel under the city
b. it is kept hidden from public
c. it is a kind of magical tunnel
d. because it was not meant for general public
iv. What were the speaker’s feelings when he described the Grand Central?
a. he was shocked
b. he got upset
c. he got anxious
d. he was fascinated
4. Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE of the two given by answering the
questions that follow. (1 × 4 =4)

(A)
All lovely tales that we have heard or read: An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us
from the heaven’s brink.
i. Which lovely tales does poet mention here?
a. the mythological stories
b. glorious stories of ancestors
c. the stories of bravery
d. the folk tales
ii . What image does the poet use in these lines?
a. ‘endless fountain of joy’
b. ‘lovely tales’
c. ‘immortal drink’
d. ‘heaven’s drink’
iii. Which literary device is used by the poet in “An endless fountain of immortal drink, pouring unto us
from the heaven’s brink”?
a. personification
b. allegory
c. imagery
d. metaphor
iv. From where is this ‘immortal drink’ pouring?
a. from the river
b. from the mountains
c. from the angel’s palms
d. from nature’s endless fountain

(B)
Far far from gusty waves these children’s faces. Like rootless weeds, the hair torn around their
pallor The tall girl with her weighed-down head. The paper-seeming boy, with rat’s eyes.
i. With what the children are compared to?
a. paper
b. rat’s eyes

c. rootless weed
d. gusty waves
ii. What has possibly weighed down the tall girl’s head
a. Her too good height
b. Her embarrassment
c. Burden of her misfortune
d. Her shyness
iii. Which literary device is used in the first line?
a. imagery
b. alliteration
c. symbol
d. synecdoche
iv. What do you understand by expression ‘rootless weeds’?
a. living in poverty
b. homeless
c. Orphans
d. unwanted
5. Attempt ANY EIGHT questions from the ten given below. (1 × 8 = 8)
i. According to M.Hamel ‘French’ is the most beautiful language in the world because
a. it is the easiest to learn
b. it is the most pleasing to hear
c. it is his mother tongue
d. it is the clearest and the most logical
ii. In the poem ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ the tigers are different from Aunt Jennifer in terms of
a. beauty and elegance
b. courage and strength

c. cruelty and shrewdness
d. food habits and movement

iii. According to Pablo Neruda there would be ‘Victory with no survivors’. The phrase implies
a. Huge loss of human life.
b. Celebration after winning the battle.

c. Huge loss of property.
d. No one left alive to celebrate.
iv. Gandhi’s battle for poor sharecroppers in Champaran imply?
a. The authority of lawyers
b. The power of effective leadership
c. The power of money
d. The power of unity
v. What was being taken for granted by the people of Alsace?
a. value of school teachers
b. education and value of time
c. power and politics
d. money
vi. What was the peddler’s cherished pastime?
a. to think highly of the world.
b. to think of plans to rob people
c. to think of people whom he knew caught in the dangerous snare
d. to think richly of himself
vii. In the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ poet refers to clear rills as ‘cooling covert’ as they
a. are crystal clear.
b. absorb negativity.
c. provide protection from hot weather.
d. give pure water.
viii. Choose the statement that is NOT TRUE with reference to the poem ‘An Elementary School
Classroom in a Slum’
a. Sensitivity towards the underprivileged
b. Lack of interest in learning among underprivileged
c. Educating the underprivileged can bring dynamic changes in their lives.

d. Social injustice and class inequalities.
ix. “I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell”. What does ‘oblivion’ mean?
a. stupefied
b. awareness
c. unconsciousness
d. death
x. In the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty – Six’ the poetess was hiding her feelings from her mother so that
a. She could catch her flight at the earliest.
b. She was very secretive about her feelings
c. She didn’t wanted her mother to know about her pain and feel sad.
d. She wanted to keep her mother in dark.
PART B (40 marks)
WRITING (16 marks)
6. Attempt ANY ONE of the following. (1 × 3 = 3)
You have recently converted your house into a paying guest facility suitable for students and young
working women. Draft a To-Let advertisement for the classified columns of a daily newspaper,
giving all necessary details. Choose an appropriate classification. You are Mrs. Indira Mahajan, of
37, Civil lines, Delhi-6.
OR
You are Leena/ Arshad, Head girl/Head boy of Global School, New Delhi. Your school is organizing
Remedial Classes for the students of classes X and XII. Write a notice to be displayed on the notice
board.
7. Attempt ANY ONE of the following. (1 × 3)

The Multipurpose Hall for your school is ready. It is to be inaugurated by a high-ranking government
personality. On behalf of the principal and staff of the school draft an invitation for the parents and
members of the School Management Committee of the school for the event. Invent all necessary
details.
You are Riya/Raman of 45-C, Sector-120, Police line, Pune. You have received an invitation for
your friend Bhavika’s/Bhuwan’s daughter’s wedding. Write an informal reply accepting the invitation
in about 50 words
8. Attempt ANY ONE of the following. (1 × 5 = 5)
Study by the Centre for Science and Environment says “Traffic crawls on Delhi roads due to worsening
congestion”. There is ‘virtually no difference in time taken to travel between peak and non-peak
hours’ as arterial roads are choked all day. Write a letter to the editor of The Indian Express sharing
your experience and views about the problem of traffic congestion and offering some suggestions to
tackle the same. You are Garima /Gaurav, a resident of RBI Colony, Paschim Vihar , New Delhi.
OR
You are Asha/ Anand of C-55 Radha Apartment Preet Vihar. You saw an advertisement in newspaper
for the post of Tech Head in advanced animation required for Software Solutions Pvt ltd. Write ajob
application along with your biodata/ curriculum vitae /resume giving necessary details
9. Attempt ANY ONE of the following. (1× 5)

No Indian city complies with air quality standards prescribed by the World Health Organization.
This is becoming a serious public health issue with repercussions for the quality of life and the economy.
The report ‘Apocalypse’ by the NGO, Greenpeace, assessed air quality in 168 cities across 24
states and union territories in India and pinpoints fossil fuels as one of the main culprits for the
deteriorating air quality. As an important stakeholder write an article in 150-200 words for the news
site Youth Ki Awaaz, expressing your views and suggestions to tackle this growing problem. You are
Arun/ Arunima of City Montessori School, New Delhi.
OR
Athletic events, colourful and lively drills and honouring students who excelled in sports were some
of the highlights of your school’s Sports Day meet. Adding other interesting and relevant details write
a report for your school magazine in about 150 words. You are Naveen/Noorie of Greenglades
Public School, Dehradun
LITERATURE (24 marks)

10. Attempt ANY FIVE out of the six questions given below, in 30-40 words each. (2 × 5 = 10)
i. Describe the mood in the classroom during the Last Lesson?
ii. What do you learn about the qualities of a good leader from the text – Indigo?
iii. Why was Edla happy to see the gift left by the peddler?
iv. What is the sadness that Pablo Neruda refers to in the poem Keeping Quiet?
v. How and when did Douglas develop an aversion to water?
vi. Explain the irony in the name of the young ragpicker ‘Saheb-e Alam’.
11. Attempt ANY TWO out of the three questions given below in 30-40 words each
(2 × 2 = 4 )
i. What part of the story did Jack himself enjoy the most and why?
ii. What precautions were taken to conduct the exam for Evans?
iii. Why does Derry go back to Mr. Lamb in the end?
12. Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words (1 × 5 = 5)
(A) Elaborate on the basis of the text – Lost Spring The lives of Saheb and Mukesh, while similar in
some respects are also different.
OR
(B) The single mindedness of human beings may be the undoing of man – Comment A Thing of Beauty.
13. Attempt ANY ONE out of the following questions in 120-150 words (1 × 5 = 5)
(A) What enables Dr. Sadao to rise above narrow prejudice even as he remains true to his nation?
OR
(B) Give your perception of the imposing parents as inferred by you after reading Should Wizard hit
Mommy?

MID TERM PAPER (SOLVED)

Maximum Marks : 80 Marks Time Limit : Three Hours
PART A
READING SECTION 20 MARKS
1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
1. Can you imagine a college without walls, professors or classrooms? Educator Bunker Roy can.
More than 40 years ago, Roy, now 69, founded the Barefoot College in Tilonia, Rajasthan. His
school admits rural women, often grandmothers and teaches them the basics of solar engineering
and freshwater technology. His efforts have yielded enormous benefits. When the women return to
their homes, they are trained enough to provide their communities, some of the world’s most lonely
places, with electricity and clean water. They also gain something important: a newfound self-
confidence. The Barefoot Model has already been used to empower women throughout Asia, Africa,
and Latin America. Last year, former President, Bill Clinton presented Roy with the Clinton Global
Citizen Award, which honours leaders who are solving the world’s problems in effective ways.
2. If you go all over the world, to very remote villages, you will often find only very old people and very
young people. The men have already left. So two ideas were put into practice in order to make the
Barefoot Model work. First it was declared that men are untrainable, restless, always ready to
move, ambitious, and they all want a certificate to show for their efforts. And the moment you give
one of them a certificate, he leaves the village looking for a job in the city. That is how, the simple,
practical solution of training grandmothers came up. They are sympathetic, tolerant, willing to learn,
and patient. All the qualities you need are there. And the second idea was not to give out certificates.
Because the moment a certificate is given, a woman, like a man, will see it as a passport for leaving
rural areas and going to urban areas to find a job.
3. Barefoot College follows the lifestyle of Mahatma Gandhi: Students eat, sleep, and work on the
floor. They can work for 20 years or they can go home the next day. As of today, 604 women solar
engineers from 1083 villages in 63 countries have been trained. The engineers have given solar
power to 45,000 houses. Bunker Roy dreams of providing the world’s 47 least developed countries
with Barefoot College trained grandmothers and solar electricity to more than 1,00,000 houses.
1.1. Attempt any TEN of the following: (1MARK × 10=10 MARKS)
1. Bunker Roy is __________.
a) an actor
b) a politician
c) an educator
d) an entrepreneur
2. Barefoot college is famous for _________________.
a) Fashion technology
b) Designing
c) the teaching of basics of solar engineering and freshwater technology
d) Community hygiene
3. ‘His efforts have yielded enormous benefits’. “Enormous benefits” refers to the fact that __________.
a) women can make money
b) women can provide electricity and clean water
c) women can teach others
d) women can govern
4. The Clinton Global Citizen Award is presented to leaders _____________.

a) who solve the world’s problems in effective ways
b) who help the poor
c) who create job opportunities
d) who provide water facilities
5. Very remote villages around the globe have ___________.
a) only women
b) only men
c) only old people
d) only very old and very young people
6. The Barefoot Model worked with the help of ______________.
a) a single idea
b) multiple ideas
c) two ideas
d) three ideas
7. According to Para 2, women would want a certificate __________________.
a) to go for higher studies
b) to start a business
c) to leave for the city for work
d) to join local politics
8. ‘Barefoot College follows the lifestyle of Mahatma Gandhi’. It means the students __________.
a) go to London to become barristers
b) fight for their country’s freedom
c) eat, sleep and work on the floor
d) lead a political life
9. Bunker Roy dreams of _______________.
a) solar electrifying more than 1 lac houses
b) providing jobs
c) building schools
d) giving sports facilities to rural kids
10. The opposite of the word ‘yielded’ in (Para 1) is _______________.
a) produced
b) harvested
c) rejected
d) profited
11. Find out the word that means the same as ‘remote’ (Para 2).
a) far off
b) near
c) befriended
d) public

2. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
1. Ammon means “fragrant spice plant” in Arabic and Hebraic and in Italian, canella means “little tube”.
These are a few of the many terms given to the popular spice known as cinnamon. Dating back as far
as 2800 B.C., Chinese writings describe cinnamon as an important part of the culture, so much so
that over the years this spice was traded right up there with silver. Nowadays we find it in sweetened
cereals, baked goods and sprinkled on various foods such as yoghurt. Yet, many do not consider its
wealth of healing capabilities including the potential as a weight loss remedy.
2. Cinnamon is derived from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree grown and harvested mostly in Sri
Lanka but also found in Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam, China and Burma. After a cinnamon tree grows
for about six to eight years it is cut down leaving a stump to allow it to grow again making it a very
sustainable practice. It is then stripped from the bark, dried and packaged as sticks for export.
3. Several studies have been published regarding the weight loss properties of cinnamon which include
its unique ability to be used for type 2 diabetes which is a disease often resulting from obesity. When
eaten, the spice seems to slow down glucose absorption within the intestines while stimulating insulin
production. This normalizes blood glucose levels which in turn can indirectly decrease weight gain.
4. “The results of a study demonstrate that intake of 1, 3 or 6 g of cinnamon per day reduces serum
glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes and suggest
that the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce risk factors
associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases”.
5. A study from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, called “Effect of ground cinnamon
on after-meal blood glucose level in normal-weight and obese adults” found that cinnamon may be
effective in moderating post-meal glucose level in normal weight and obese adults.
7. Talk to your doctor about adding cinnamon daily into your healthy diet and exercise programme.
Add it to your tea, oatmeal, fruit, toast or anything else you can think of, as a small amount will go a
long way and potentially assist in your weight loss mission.
2.1. Attempt any TEN of the following: (1MARK × 10 = 10 MARKS)
1. Cinnamon dates back as far as ___________.
a) 2000 AD
b) 2800 BC
c) 2801 BC
d) 100 BC
2. Cinnamon is used in _________________.
a) food
b) medicine
c) beverages
d) both food and medicine
3. Chinese writings describe cinnamon as ________________.
a) not very important
b) very essential for religious rites
c) an important part of their culture
d) a wonder
4. The Cinnamon tree is cut when it is ___________.
a) a plant
b) a sapling
c) grown for six to eight years

d) very old
5. Cinnamon is derived from the ____________________ of the tree.
a) seed
b) flower
c) inner bark
d) root
6. Why is a stump left while cutting a cinnamon tree?
a) It is a custom.
b) It is a government mandate.
c) So that it can grow again.
d) To be used as a fire wood.
7. Type 2 diabetes occurs __________________.
a) due to carelessness
b) lack of exercise
c) due to obesity
d) due to drinking
8. Cinnamon helps in ____________.
a) weight loss
b) curing skin problems
c) controlling urinary problem
d) controlling blood pressure
9. Cinnamon can be added to our healthy diet by adding it to ________.
a) tea
b) oatmeal
c) toast
d) All the options
10. What is the opposite of ‘fragrant’ (Para 1)?
a) savoury
b) smelly
c) delicious
d) bland
11. Find out a word that means the same as ‘sustainable’ (Para 2)?
a) viable
b) appreciable
c) artificial
d) memorable
LITERATURE SECTION 20 MARKS
3. Any Two out of Three Extracts to be done. (1 MARK × 8= 8 MARKS)

Read the following extracts and answer the questions based on them, by choosing the most appropriate
option for each.
a) ‘‘It was an extraordinary thing ‘in those days,’’ Gandhi commented, “for a government professor to
harbour a man like me”. In smaller localities, the Indians were afraid to show sympathy for advocates
of home-rule. (1 × 4= 4)
i. Who was the government professor?
1. Professor Malkani
2. Professor Kripalani
3. Professor C F Andrews
4. Professor Shukla
ii. Gandhiji was given accommodation, in ___________________.
1. Lucknow
2. Champaran
3. Calcutta
4. Muzaffarpur
iii. Why was it an ‘extraordinary thing’ ?
1. Gandhiji was a lawyer.
2. Gandhiji was an advocate of home-rule.
3. Gandhiji was a social worker.
4. Gandhiji was unwell.
iv. The ‘extraordinary thing’ was an example of ________________.
1. common Indians being very educated
2. common Indians being very progressive
3. common Indians contributing to the freedom struggle
4. common Indians contributing to education
b) But that’s the reason, he said, and my friends all agreed. Everything points to it, they claimed.
(1×4=4)
i. Who is the ‘he ‘here?
1. The narrator.
2. The psychiatrist.
3. The grandfather.
4. The coin- seller.
ii. The ‘my’ here refers to ___________.
1. Nelly
2. Sam
3. Louisa
4. Charley
iii. What was the ‘reason’?

1. The ‘my’ was unhappy.
2. The ‘my’ was happy.
3. The ‘my’ was excited.
4. The ‘my’ was ignorant.
iv. What was the reason, an explanation for?
1. The ‘my’ discovering the third level.
2. The ‘my’ discovering the Grand Central Station.
3. The ‘my’ discovering the New Haven railroad.
4. The ‘my’ discovering the Hartford railroad.
c) “Kind o’ lucky charm, if you know what I

mean. And today I thought — well, with me exam and all that...” (1 × 4 = 4 )
i. Who are the speaker and the spoken to?
1. Evans and Mr. Jackson, respectively.
2. Evans and the Governor, respectively.
3. Evans and Secretary, Examinations Board, respectively.
4. Evans and Officer Stephens, respectively.
ii. The lucky charm was ____________________.
1. the grubby string-vest
2. the red-and-white bobble hat
3. the black overcoat
4. the shallow-crowned clerical hat
iii. The exam here refers to the ____________.
1. A- level German examination
2. A- level Italian examination
3. O- level German examination
4. O- level Italian examination
iv. The speaker’s words show his ____________.
1. selfishness
2. humbleness
3. meekness
4. cunningness

4. Any One out of Two Extracts to be done. (1 MARK × 4 = 4 MARKS)

Read the following extracts and answer the questions based on them, by choosing the most appropriate
option for each. ( 1× 4= 4 )
a) Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.
i. Name the poem and the poet.
1. A Thing of Beauty by John Keats.
2. Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda.
3. An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum by Stephen Spender.
4. Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers by Adrienne Rich.
ii. The salt gatherer has hurt his hands because of _________.
1. excessive salt gathering
2. excessive whale hunting
3. excessive use of words
4. excessive wars with fire
iii. When would the fisherman and the salt-gatherer change?
1. After harming themselves.
2. After harming others.
3. After keeping quiet.
4. After being totally inactive.
iv. ‘hurt hands’ is an example of _______________.
1. Alliteration
2. Simile
3. Repetition
4. Metaphor
OR
b) On their slag heap, these children
Wear skins peeped through by bones and spectacles of steel
With mended glass, like bottle bits on stones.
All of their time and space is foggy slum.
So blot their maps with slums as big as doom.
i. Who are these children?
1. The slum children.
2. The wealthy children.

3. The children who are like waves.

4. The children who are stars of words.
ii. The undernourishment of the children is best conveyed by the phrase _________.
1. ‘On their slag heap, these children’
2. ‘peeped through by bones and spectacles of steel’
3. ‘All of their time and space foggy slum’
4. ‘maps with slums as big as doom’
iii. ‘With mended glass like bottle bits on stones’ is an example of _____________.
1. Metaphor
2. Repetition
3. Personification
4. Simile
iv. The words ‘slag heap’ mean_____________.
1. a mound of waste material from an industrial site
2. a mound of skins and bones
3. a mound of bottle bits on stones
4. a mound of maps and foggy slums
5. Attempt any EIGHT out of the Ten questions by choosing the most suitable option.
(1 MARK × 8 = 8 MARKS )
1. Franz was afraid to go to school that day because ___________.

Which of the statements is NOT TRUE?
a. he had missed the Prussian soldiers’ drill
b. he had got late for school
c. he was not prepared with the lesson on participles
d. he was scared of getting a scolding from his teacher
2. Where was Saheb living and where had he come from?

a. Seemapuri, Dhaka
b. Muzaffarpur, New Delhi
c. Ferozabad, Bihar
d. Udipi, Andhra Pradesh

3. What has caused the tall girl’s head to be ‘weighed down’? (An Elementary School Classroom in a
Slum)
a. She is looking down due to the extreme heat in the school.
b. She is ill and exhausted due to the burden of her poverty- stricken life.
c. She is reciting her father’ s bone disease.
d. She is as thin as paper.
4. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever?

a. It is a constant source of happiness.
b. Its loveliness increases.
c. It never passes into nothingness.
d. All the options.
5. Why is the clerk surprised when Charley starts counting his money? (The Third Level)
a. The money was made of cloth.
b. The money was shiny.
c. The money was black in colour.
d. None of the options.
6. How did Jo respond to her father’s story about Roger Skunk? (Should Wizard Hit Mommy?)
Choose the MOST APPROPRIATE combination.
i. took immense interest
ii. was bored
iii. gave her own ending
iv. fell asleep
a. i. and iv.
b. ii. and iii.
c. i. and iii.
d. iii. and iv.
7. Why did Derry enter Mr Lamb’s garden?

a. He liked the appearance of the place.
b. He was a compulsive trespasser.
c. His ball had fallen there.
d. He had accepted Mr Lamb’ s invitation.

8. Why did Evans react, as if he had seen the Gorgon?

a. He believed in demons.
b. He saw his friend, the fake Mcleery.
c. He saw the Governor inside his hotel room.
d. He believed in Greek myths.
9. Rajkumar Shukla prevailed upon Gandhiji by following him to far flung places. This showed he was
____________.
a. resolute
b. idle
c. irresponsible
d. carefree
10. M Hamel showed his __________by admitting his mistake in sending his students to run errands for
him.
a. honesty
b. arrogance
c. cowardice
d. shyness
PART B
WRITING SECTION 16 MARKS
6. The Environment Club of EXCEL PUBLIC SCHOOL, PUNE is organizing a tree plantation drive
on the World Environment Day around your school and in the neighbourhood. Write a notice in not
more than 50 words inviting students to volunteer for the event. Give all the relevant details. You are
Secretary of the Club. (3)
OR
You have a 4- bedroom, ground floor flat in a posh locality of Park Street, Panjim. You want to sell
it off as you are going abroad. Write an advertisement in not more than 50 words to be published in
the classified columns of a local daily, giving all the necessary details. Your contact number is: xxxxxx....
7. Your school, Zenith Public School, Mysuru is going to hold its Annual Day on 30th October, 2020,
at Thyagraj Stadium. Rahul Dravid, the veteran cricketer has consented to grace the occasion as the
Chief Guest. On behalf of the Principal, draft a formal invitation in not more than 50 words, for all the
invitees. (3)
OR
Samarpreet wants to celebrate her eighteenth birthday in a grand manner, on 30th October, 2020, at
Taj Bengal, Kolkata. Draft an informal invitation on her behalf, in not more than 50 words, inviting all
her friends. Invent the other necessary details.

8. You have read an advertisement in The National Times for the post of Chartered Accountant in
Happy Times Industry, Kanpur. You believe you possess the requisite qualifications and experience
and would prove to be an asset to the company. Apply for the post giving your complete bio data
stressing your suitability. You are Sukriti Kapur of 4, Saket, New Delhi-17. (120- 150 words) (5)
OR
Write a letter to the editor of The Jaipur Times expressing your views on the problem of water
scarcity in your city and some measures that could be taken for solving the problem and conserving
water . (120- 150 words)
9. Though e-learning is not a new phenomenon, the outbreak of Covid-19 and India going under
lockdown, has shifted the whole education system into a virtual mode. Presently, online education is
the best bet left. Write an article presenting the advantages and disadvantages of online education, in
schools. Sign yourself as Siyana/ Siaz Mir. (120- 150 words) (5)
OR
You are Crystal/ Cyril, a reporter with a national daily. You have heard that a multi-storey building
near the main railway station of Chennai has collapsed causing panic in the area. You rush to the site
of the accident along with your team. Write a report mentioning the time and place of the accident,
number of casualties, the cause of the accident and the rescue operation conducted by the authorities.
(120- 150 words)
LITERATURE SECTION 24 MARKS
10. Any Five out of Six questions to be done, in 30- 40 words each. (2 MARKS × 5= 10 MARKS)
1. Why did the village elders attend the last lesson?
2. Was Saheb happy working at the tea- stall? Why/ why not?
3. Why do you think the servants thought Gandhiji to be another peasant?
4. How do the donations contrast with the reality of the children of the elementary school classroom in
a slum?
5. Does the poet advocate total inactivity in ‘Keeping Quiet ‘?
6. Why does man weave a bond with a thing of beauty every day?
11. Any Two out of Three questions to be done in 30- 40 words each. (2 MARKS × 2= 4 MARKS)
1. What would Sam have done in Galesburg for his living? Why? (The Third Level)
2. Why did the prison officers call Evans, ‘Evans the Break’?
3. “I guess if all the Japs were like you there wouldn’t have been a war.” Justify Tom’s statement.
12. Any One out of Two questions to be done in 120- 150 words. (5 MARKS × 1= 5 MARKS)
Draw a character- sketch of M. Hamel as it is shown in ‘The Last Lesson.’
OR
Describe the living and working conditions of the bangle-makers of Firozabad. What are the factors
that suppress them in perpetual poverty?

13. Any One out of Two questions to be done, in 120- 150 words. ( 5 MARKS × 1= 5 MARKS )
Both Derry and Mr Lamb suffer physical disabilities. But, their attitude towards life and people is
totally different. Highlight their contrasting traits in your own words.
OR
What was Roger Skunk’s problem? Why did Roger Skunk’s mother not like her son smelling like
roses? Do you justify her stand?

MARKING SCHEME
PART A
1.
1. c. an educator
2. c. the teaching of basics of solar engineering and freshwater technology
3. b. women can provide electricity and clean water
4. a. who solve the world’s problems in effective ways
5. d. only very old and very young people
6. c. two ideas
7. c. to leave for the city for work
8. c. eat, sleep and work on the floor
9. a. solar electrifying more than 1 lac houses
10. c. rejected
11. a. far off
2.
1. b. 2800
2. d. Both food and medicine
3. c. an important part of their culture
4. c grown for six to eight years
5. c. inner bark
6. c. So that it can grow again.
7. c. due to obesity
8. a. weight loss
9. d. All the options.
10. b. smelly
11. a. viable
3.
a)
i. 1. Professor Malkani
ii. 4. Muzaffarpur
iii. 2. Gandhiji was an advocate of home-rule
iv. 3. common Indians contributing to the freedom struggle
b)
i. 2. The psychiatrist.
ii. 4. Charley
iii. 1. The ‘my’ was unhappy.
iv. 1. The ‘my’ discovering the third level.

c)
i. 1. Evans and Mr. Jackson, respectively.
ii. 2. the red-and-white bobble hat.
iii. 3. O- level German examination
iv. 4. cunningness
4.
a)
i. 2. Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda.
ii. 1. excessive salt gathering
iii. 3. After keeping quiet.
iv. 1. Alliteration
b)
i. 1. The slum children.
ii. 2. ‘peeped through by bones and spectacles of steel’
iii. 4. Simile
iv. 1. a mound of waste material from an industrial site
5.
1. he had missed the Prussian soldiers’ drill
2. Seemapuri, Dhaka
3. She is ill and exhausted due to the burden of her poverty- stricken life.
4. All the options.
5. None of the options.
6. i. and iii.
7. He liked the appearance of the place.
8. He saw the Governor inside his hotel room.
9. resolute
10. honesty
PART B
6. * date, time, venue* eligible classes
OR
 FOR SALE* complete details of flat* price negotiable* contact address/number
(FORMAT= 1 MARK; CONTENT= 1 MARK; EXPRESSION= 1MARK )
7.
* date, time, venue* Chief Guest
OR
 date, time, venue* dress code
(FORMAT= 1 MARK; CONTENT= 1 MARK; EXPRESSION= 1MARK )
8. * covering letter* resume* personal details* qualifications* experience

OR
 present situation* reasons* consequences* solutions
(FORMAT= 1 MARK; CONTENT= 2 MARKS; EXPRESSION= 2MARKS )
9.
* advantages include uninterrupted learning is possible* semblance of normalcy* disadvantages
include internet is not accessible to all* inappropriate content is available
OR
 date, time* Inferior materials were used* illegal completion certificate* many casualties *
swift rescue operations by fire brigade personnel
( FORMAT= 1 MARK; CONTENT= 2 MARKS; EXPRESSION= 2MARKS )
10.
1. * show their respect and gratitude to M. Hamel* show their respect to France and French *
show their regret for not attending school
2. * no* he had lost his only possession, his freedom* he was now an employee
3. * he was accompanying other peasants* he was dressed very humbly* his attitude was very
humble
4. * donations show the world of beauty, wealth and achievements* reality is the world of
poverty, disease, undernourishment, filth
5. * no* total inactivity means sloth, laziness, lifelessness, death* Neruda is pro- life and anti-
death
6. * beauty is healing and ennobling* man wants to reap the benefits
(CONTENT= 1 MARK; EXPRESSION= 1 MARK )
11.
1. * set up hay feed and grain business* there was no need for psychiatrists in Galesburg, in
1894
2. * escaped from prison thrice* it was a title
3. * Tom was indebted to Sadao* he had saved Tom’ s life, endangering his own* again, he
helped the POW to escape to safety
(CONTENT= 1 MARK; EXPRESSION= 1 MARK )
12. *experienced, veteran, teacher* devoted four decades to teaching* hard taskmaster* stern*
disciplinarian* honest* courageous* sensitive* empathetic* introspective* patriotic* regretful*
inspiring* stoic ( Any 4)
OR
 live in hovels with crumbling walls* crowded with humans and families* work illegally in glass furnaces
with high temperature* most lose their eyesight* children are most vulnerable to exploitation* these

families are burdened by the stigma of caste, fatalism* middlemen, policemen, beauracrats, politicians
work together to exploit them* trapped in a web of poverty ( Any 4 )
( CONTENT= 3 MARKS, EXPRESSION= 2 MARKS )
13.
 Derry suffers from tremendous inferiority* very conscious of his terrible face* avoids people* alienated
from the world* withdrawn, defiant* touchy* hyper- sensitive* anguished
 Mr Lamb accepts his disability, life* positive towards life, people, experiences* not an escapist*
accepts teasing* full of life* enjoys the simple pleasures of life* open- minded, open- hearted ( Any
3 for each character. )
OR
*Smelled bad* all his friends avoided him* faced rejection, isolation, loneliness, sorrow* Mommy
was furious with the wizard* Roger Skunk smelled foreign without his natural odour* exposed
himself to predators* Mommy was justified* we should accept our individuality* eventually, the
world will accept our characteristics* we should not change ourselves for the world ( Any 4 )
(CONTENT= 3 MARKS, EXPRESSION= 2 MARKS )

PREBOARD (UNSOLVED)
Maximum marks : 80 Time Limit : Three hours

. 1
2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these
instructions very carefully and follow them.
PART A
SECTION A : READING
(10 × 2 = 20)
1 Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow by choosing the most
appropriate option.(1x10=10)
Surprise! Empire State Building Switches to LED
1. While New York slept, the Empire State Building switched on a new light show with the capability to
produce millions of colour combinations and effects. In the middle of the night, as most of New York
slept, something big and bright lit up the Manhattan skyline for just seconds a tightly kept secret to all
but a handful of people.
2. It was a tiny test for the huge public surprise four days later: the flipping of a switch at the Empire
State Building to turn on its dancing new LED lights. They burst from the skyscraper while synchronized
with R&B star Alicia Keys singing “Empire State of Mind” on nationwide radio.
3. The LED system has “16.7 million colour possibilities, in digital combinations of ripples, sparkles,
sweeps and strobes,” says Phil O’Donnell, of Burlington, Massachusetts-based Philips Colour Kinetics
that’s responsible for the system and worked with a resident lighting designer. “It’s the sum of all
possibilities—a huge palette.” The old lights came in only 10 colours.
4. From Manhattan and the Bronx to Staten Island and even New Jersey, “there were hundreds of
thousands of people on the streets looking up, filming and videoing, clustered on street corners,”
when the new lights came on, said Anthony Malkin, whose family controls the iconic Art Deco
building. In an interview with The Associated Press at his office, he glowed with pleasure describing
Monday night’s inaugural light show.
5. Keys also sang “Girl On Fire” from her new CD.
6. After all, the 102-story skyscraper “has always been a symbol of what’s possible in New York, and
all the dreams that can come true in this city that never sleeps,” Keys, a New York native, said
before her performance, which was ready on tracks while she watched from a Manhattan studio.
7. Malkin and his technical team wanted to test the new lighting system with as few people noticing as
possible and chose early Thanksgiving morning.
8. “We decided to do it facing west, in very short bursts between 2:30 a.m. and 3 a.m., because we
knew we didn’t have a camera trained on us from there,” Malkin said. Apparently, the secret test
worked. No images of the Empire State Building alight that night appeared anywhere, as far as
Malkin knows.
9. The lights are part of a larger effort to modernize the 81-year-old edifice that is undergoing a more
than half a billion-dollar renovation that includes making it “green.” The computerized LED system
will cut energy consumption by more than half, while delivering light and vibrancy superior to the old
floodlights, which have huge timpani drum-size lenses that had to be changed every so often, O’Donnell
said.
10. They may still have nostalgic value to some who watched them light up New York City for every
special occasion from Christmas to the Fourth of July.
a What is the primary purpose of the first sentence of the article? 1M
A To explain that New Yorkers are commonly asleep in the middle of the night
B To mislead readers into thinking the light flash was some sort of attack
C To build suspense and curiosity so that the reader wants to know more
D To suggest that there is a secret organization working late at night at the Empire State Building
b The phrase “huge palette” in Paragraph 3 is most likely 1M

A A metaphor for the scope and range of combinations the new LED lights have
B A literal explanation of the shape of the new lights, which form an artist’s palette
C An extreme over exaggeration meant to draw more onlookers to the new display
D A way to emphasize the amount of lights, since 16.7 million could never fit onto a palette
c Which one of the following statements is NOT TRUE? 1M

A There were only 10 colours in the old light
B The new LED system possesses
C The testing of the new lights happened 4 days prior to its opening
D The 102 story skyscraper is stated to be 81 years old in the passage
d What does Alicia Keys suggest the Empire State building is a symbol of? 1M
A A way for Americans to have a landmark similar to other major global cities
B Lights that are always on due to the number of New Yorkers who work night shifts
C The numerous possibilities, and all the dreams that can come true, in New York.
D That any person can use the new lights as a way to make a wish, as people do with other world
landmarks
e To help keep the new lights secret during their initial test, all precautions were1 M taken EXCEPT:
A Conducting the test in the middle of the night
B Conducting the test in short bursts, so that there was no sustained lighting
C Conducting the test facing west, away from cameras
D Conducting the test with additional sound effects to distract anyone who might be on the street
f How does the new LED display contribute to the Empire State Building’s efforts to 1 M become
more ‘green’?
A The lights will be bright enough to reflect into the building, allowing less lighting to be used indoors
B The lights can become green in colour, to cover the entire building
C The new lighting will consume almost half the amount of energy the old lights did
D The lights will be solar-powered, generating their own electricity
g The article suggests that some older people might miss the old lights. Why is this? 1M
A The elderly who have poorer eyesight have an easier time seeing the old lights
B Those who used to work in the Empire State Building will no longer be able to recognize it without
the old, larger lights
C The older generation might not understand the technology behind the new LED lighting
D The old lights represented momentous occasions in American history, and may still have nostalgic
value
h. Mr. Malkin’s state of mind as reflected in paragraph 4 can be best described as 1M
1. Ecstatic 2. Downcast 3. Contented 4. Somber 5. Conceited

A 1 and 2
B. 1 and 3
C. 2 and 4
D. 3 and 5
i. ‘Edifice’ mentioned in paragraph 9 refers to 1M

A. The Manhattan skyline The Inaugural ceremony
B. The Empire State Building The old flashlights

C. Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the1 M correct sequence
of the process leading to the display of the new light show at the Empire State Building.
1. Flipping of a switch at the Empire State Building to turn on its dancing new LED lights synchronized
with R&B star Alicia Keys singing “Empire State of Mind” on nationwide radio.
2. Hundreds of thousands of people on the streets looking up, filming and videoing, clustered on street
corners
3. Hiring Burlington, Massachusetts-based Philips Colour Kinetics for its system design
4. Testing the new lighting system in very short bursts between 2:30 a.m. and 3 a.m.
A. 4312
B. 3412
C. 3124
D. 2431
2 Read the passage given below. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer the
questions that follow. (1x10 = 10)
Wild hing makes India’s heart sing as favourite spice is home-grown at last
1. What’s in a name? Plenty, when it comes to asafoetida or “devil’s dung”. The evil-smelling spice is a
stink bomb that unquestionably lives up to its moniker. Inhalation at five paces can make someone
with a blocked nose stagger back. It has to be stored away from other spices to prevent it overwhelming
them. Just a smidgen can cure indigestion. Yet it is a staple in Indian cuisine, adding a certain subtle
aroma, pungency and flavour. For the Jain community, whose religion forbids the use of onion and

garlic, “hing”, as it is called in India, is a lifesaver for the flavour it adds. Hing is India’s answer to
Japan’s umami.
2. Yet, until now, no one in India has grown the spice. Most Indians, accustomed to using hing every
day, probably assume it is home-grown. In fact, India consumes 40% of the world’s hing and all of
the 1,500 yearly tonnes of it, at a cost of $130m (£99m), is imported from Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan
or Kyrgyzstan where it grows in cold desert regions.

3. Last week, Dr Sanjay Kumar and other scientists from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
in Himachal Pradesh, in the shadow of the Himalayas, corrected the situation by planting the first
hing saplings in Kwaring village. “I felt a thrill. My wife uses hing every day. Indian food is incomplete
without it. Now, for the first time, it will grow on our soil, I hope,” says Kumar.
4. He is not surprised at the widespread misconception that hing grows in India because, during the
centuries that India was ruled by the Mughals and the British, Indian territory extended to Afghanistan
and beyond. Hing would have come from these distant regions and, as such, was not regarded as an
“imported” spice.
5. The idea of planting hing in India came to Kumar and his team, who had often travelled to the cold
desert regions of Lahoul and Spiti in northernmost Himachal Pradesh for their work in agriculture.
The mountains and valleys in the region are popular with tourists for their wild, remote beauty, but
there is little cultivation.
6. They found that farmers grew only potatoes and peas, which did not generate enough income.
People were leaving the villages to work in the cities, while vast tracts of barren wasteland lay empty.
“We talked about what new crops could be introduced to help boost farmers’ livelihood and that
was the eureka moment – why not hing because it grows in exactly the same kind of cold desert
regions of Afghanistan and Iran,” says Kumar.
a. Which choice provides the best evidence for the fact that hing is extremely pungent? 1M
A Just a smidgen can cure indigestion
B Inhalation at five paces can make someone with a blocked nose stagger back
C Hing is India’s answer to Japan’s umami
D Most Indians, accustomed to using hing every day, probably assume it is home-grown

b For the Jain community which food items have been replaced by hing? 1M
A. Potatoes and peas
B Garlic and onion
C. Garlic and potatoes
D Peas and onion
c. Which one of the following is a sobriquet used for Hing as mentioned in the passage? 1M
A. evil-smelling spice
B. stink bomb
C. Life saver
D. Devil’s dung
d The main purpose of the passage is to 1M

A. analyze the technological developments that have affected the production of hing
B. challenge the conventional view that hing is home grown
C. show the poor perception of hing in India
D inform that hing can be grown in the cold desert regions of India
e “He is not surprised at the widespread misconception…” The idea of ‘widespreadmisconception’

is mainly a reference to 1M
A the CSIR work in Himachal Pradesh
B Hing as an Indian answer to Japanese umami
C Hing being primarily produced in India
D Indian territory extending to Afghanistan
f Based on the graphical representation(FIG 2) of Indian import of Hing from1 M Afghanistan which
of the following statements is NOT TRUE:
A The sharpest increase in Hing imports was evident between FY 12 and FY13
B The import of Hing has remained mostly unchanged between FY16 and FY 17
C In FY 13 the expenditure of imports stood between 35 and 40 million dollars
D The shipments from Afghanistan have steadily increased from FY 13 to FY 16
g Based on the given pictorial representation of data on hing, (FIG 1) choose the1 M option that lists
the statements that are TRUE with respect to the benefits of hing. 1M
1. Hing aids in digestion and reduces flatulence
2. Hing is detrimental to the health of diabetic people
3. Consumption of hing leads to an increase in skin allergies

4. It is beneficial for women in minimising menstrual pain

A. 1 &2
B. 2&3
C. 1&4
D. 3&4
h Why did Dr. Sanjay Kumar and his team of scientists visit the regions of Lahoul and Spiti? 1 M
A. to rectify the misconception Indians possess regarding hing
B. because Lahoul and Spiti are popular tourist destinations
C. as Dr. Sanjay’s wife loved using hing in cooking everyday
D. to introduce hing as an alternative crop to boost livelihood
i As used in the last paragraph, ‘barren’ best means 1M

A uncultivable
B arable
C fertile
D yielding
j According to information given in Para 2, which figure best depicts India’s1 M consumption of the
overall production of Hing in the world? (INDIAN CONSUMPTION in dark shade)
A.
B.
C.
D.

LITERATURE 20 Marks
3 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.(4)
“It had happened when I was ten or eleven years old. I had decided to learn to swim. There was a
pool at the Y.M.C.A. in Yakima that offered exactly the opportunity. The Yakima River was
treacherous. Mother continually warned against it, and kept fresh in my mind the details of each
drowning in the river. But the Y.M.C.A. pool was safe. It was only two or three feet deep at the
other, the drop was gradual. I got a pair of water wings and went to the pool. I hated to walk naked
into it and show my skinny legs. But I subdued my pride and did it.”
a Choose the term which best matches the statement ‘The Yakima river was treacherous.’ 1M
A. PERILOUS
B. CALM
C. TOPICAL
D. LOYAL
b What had happened when the narrator was ten or eleven years old? 1M
A. Douglas had nearly drowned in the Y.M.C.A pool
B. Douglas’ mother had drowned
C. Douglas had bought a sail boat
D Douglas had jumped into the Yakima River
c The Y.M.C.A. pool was safe because 1M

A it was only two or three feet deep and the drop in the pool was gradual
B it was only two or three feet deep at the shallow end

C it was only two or three feet deep
D the drop was gradual
d The narrator hated to walk naked into the pool as 1M

A he was very skinny.
B he disliked his instructor
C he was tired.
D he liked swimming in the Yakima River
4 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.(4)
“Well, Well!” the old man said in a tone of amazement, “so I did! But you see, I was suffering a good
deal .The truth is, I thought of nothing but myself. In short, I forgot my promise to you.”
a The ‘old man’ refers to 1M
A Sadao’s father
B General Takima
C Sadao’s gardener
D. Professor Harley
b. The speaker was suffering from 1M

A financial loss
B ill health
C memory loss
D amazement
c ‘...so I did’. Pick the option that highlights the speaker’s character best. 1M
1. selfish
2. pre-occupied
3. sensitive
4. patriotic
5. considerate
6. loyal
A 2 and 4
B 1 and 2
C 3 and 5
D 4 and 6
d ………‘my promise to you’ refers to the promise of 1M

A lending some money
B delivering fresh chrysanthemums.
C sending private assassins to kill Tom
D providing fresh food to Tom.
5 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow. (1 ×4 =4)
“When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing proud and unafraid.”
a The phrase ‘terrified hands’ uses a 1M
A comparison
B simile
C metaphor
D transferred epithet

b. Aunt Jennifer’s art work will_____________her desires. 1M

A transform
B immortalize
C encircle
D define
c “Still ringed by ordeals” means that Aunt Jennifer was 1M

A burdened with household work.
B living in a circular building.
C encircled by hardships.
D liberated by death
d The tigers symbolize the spirit of 1M

A freedom, pride and fearlessness
B matrimony, frailty and anxiety
C captivity, pride and fearlessness

D positivity, confidence and submission
6 Attempt the following questions by choosing the most suitable option. (1 × 8 =8)
a M.Hamel condemns the people of Alsace for 1M
A procrastination
B lack of patriotism
C service to the community
D cowardice
b. Choose the statement that is NOT TRUE with reference to Saheb. 1M

A Saheb hailed from Dhaka, Bangladesh.
B Saheb’s dilapidated house was situated in Seemapuri.
C Saheb worked in the glass bangle industry of Firozabad.
D Saheb longed to attend school
c What does the single- sentence narrative style of the poem, ’ My Mother at 66’,highlight? 1M
A the poetess’ fear of driving to the airport
B the poetess’ all consuming fear of losing her mother
C the mother’s love for her daughter
D the poetess’ love for children

d John Keats opines that some shape of beauty uplifts our ‘dark spirits’. The statement highlights that
1M
A man is living a luxurious life
B man is spiritually awakened
C man is an extremely distraught and distressed being
D man has been redeemed
e ‘As her hands move mechanically like the tongs of a machine, I wonder if she knows the sanctity of
the bangles she helps make’. The literary device used in the given sentence is 1M
A hyperbole
B simile
C personification
D metaphor
f Kamala Das uses a simile in the phrase “as a late winter’s moon”. With reference to this simile, which
of the following options is NOT TRUE? 1M
A The late winter’s moon appears extremely bright.
B The late winter’s moon is obscure.
C The late winter’s moon is hazy.
D The late winter’s moon is dull.
g The ‘exotic moment’ mentioned by Pablo Neruda will be characterized by a lackof 1 M.

A silence
B frenzied activity
C peace
D harmony
h Evans requested the invigilator for a blanket because actually 1M

A. he was feeling cold
B he wanted to change his appearance
C he was conscious of his dirty clothes
D he wanted to sleep
PART B
40 Marks
WRITING 16 Marks
7 Attempt ANY ONE of the following. (1x 3 marks) 3M

(A) You are Arnit/Arnika .You want to sell your car as you are planning to buy a new one. Draft a
suitable advertisement to be published in the VEHICLES column of a newspaper. (50 words)

OR
(B) The Indian School, New Delhi has decided to organize Online Film Festival in association with
CCAJ Films to showcase movies made by children from across the world. Draft a notice to be put
up on the school website informing students and providing the link they can access to attend the
same. You are Rajat/Resham, Cultural Secretary.
8 ANY ONE of the following. (1x 3 marks) 3M

(A) You are Dr Avinash Bhalla. You have received an invitation from the Director, Health Services,
Haryana who has invited leading medical practitioners of the state to attend a workshop on ‘Childcare’
on 20 May, 20XX at 10 a.m. in Civil Hospital, Ambala. Write the response in less than 50 words,
accepting the invitation.
OR
(B) You are the Sports Secretary of the Sports Club of Hindu School, Dehradun. Invite the famous
cricketer Virat Kohli to inaugurate the new Cricket Complex recently built by the school. (50 words)
9 Attempt ANY ONE of the following. (1x 5 marks) 5M
(A) You are Amit/Amita staying at Sunrise Apartments, Gymkhana Road, Pune. The main road leading
to this colony has three open manholes causing frequent accidents at night. The streetlights are also
not working. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the Editor of “The Times of India” expressing your
concern about the apathy of the authorities towards this situation and suggesting ways to improve the
situation.

OR
(B) You are Shreya/Shreyas. Write an application along with a bio data in response to the following
advertisement in a national daily. You consider yourself suitable and eligible for this post. (120-150
words)
10. Attempt ANY ONE of the following.(1x 5 marks) 5M

(A) Yoga unites the body, mind and soul. When you are in harmony, the journey through life is calmer,
happier and more fulfilling. Write an article in 150-200 words to be printed in the school newsletter
on the topic ‘ Yoga- a way of life’. You are Karan/ Kajal, Head Boy /Head Girl of D.A.V. Public
School, Delhi.
OR
(B) With a view to create awareness regarding health, St. Anne’s School organized ‘Health Mela’ in the
school premises. Various charts, models, fitness equipments were displayed. Lectures, debates,
discussions, plays were organized. A workshop on low calorie cooking was also organized. Write a
report in 150-200 words on the ‘Health Mela’ for the school magazine. You are Neha/Nikhil, Secretary
of the Health Club of the school.

LITERATURE 24 Marks
11. Attempt the following questions in 30-40 words each: (2 × 7 = 14)
a Explain the sarcasm hidden in the question, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?”
2M
b Why did the peddler decline the invitation extended by the Ironmaster? 2M
c Gandhi’s struggle with a ‘conflict of duties’ highlights the strength of his character. How? 2M
d ‘Break O break open till they break the town...’ What does Stephen Spender implore to break
open? Why? 2M
e How does the metaphor used in ‘immortal drink’ bring out the eternal nature of beauty? 2M
f ‘Each new story was a slight variation of a basic tale.’ Highlight the common features of Jack’s
stories. 2M
g What inspires Mr. Lamb to cultivate a garden of weeds ? 2M
12. Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words: (1X5=5) 5M
[A] The order from Berlin changed the lives of the people of Alsace in myriad ways. Support your
answer with textual evidence.
OR
[B] “Truth, purity, self-control, firmness, fearlessness, humility, unity, peace and renunciation- these are
the inherent qualities of a civil resister.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
How does Gandhi exhibit these qualities while fighting for the rights of the Champaran farmers?
13. Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words: (1× 5=5) 5M
[A] ’The Third Level’ at the Grand Central Station is nothing but a convenient excuse for escapism.
Justify with suitable instances from the story.
OR
[B] In spite of the precautions taken by the governor, Evans was able to escape. How do you think he
was able to do so?

PREBOARD (SOVLED)
Maximum marks : 80 Time Limit : Three Hours

2. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these
instructions very carefully and follow them.
PART A (40 marks)
READING(20 marks)
1. Read the passage given below. (1 × 10 = 10)
BLOOD TRANSFUSION
1. People have been donating blood since the early twentieth century to help accident victims and
patients undergoing surgical procedures. Usually, a pint of whole blood is donated, and it is then
divided into platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells. People can donate blood (for red blood
cells) about once every two months.
2. Transfusing the blood from the donor to the recipient is straightforward. It involves taking the blood
from a donor’s arm vein by means of a hypodermic syringe. The blood flows through a plastic tube
to a collection bag or bottle that contains sodium citrate, which prevents the blood from clotting.
3. When the blood is given to a patient, a plastic tube and hypodermic needle are connected to the
recipient’s arm. The blood flows down from the container by gravity. This is a slow process and may
last as long as 2 hours to complete the infusion of blood into the recipient. The patient is protected
from being infected during the transfusion. Only sterile containers, tubing, and needles are used, and
this helps ensure that the transfused or stored blood is not exposed to disease causing bacteria.
4. Negative reactions to transfusions are not unusual. The recipient may suffer an allergic reaction or be
sensitive to donor leukocytes. Some may suffer from an undetected red-cell incompatibility.
Unexplained reactions are also fairly common. Although they are rare, other causes of such negative
reactions include contaminated blood, air bubbles in the blood, overloading of the circulatory system
through administration of excess blood, or sensitivity to donor plasma or platelets.
5. Today, hospitals and blood banks go to great lengths to screen all blood donors and their blood. All
donated blood is routinely and rigorously tested for diseases, such as HIV (which causes AIDS),
hepatitis B, and syphilis. When the recipient is a new-born or an infant, the blood is usually irradiated
to eliminate harmful elements. Donated blood is washed, and the white blood cells and platelets are
removed.
6. Storing the blood sometimes requires a freezing process. To freeze the red blood cells, a glycerol
solution is added. To unfreeze, the glycerol is removed. The ability to store blood for long periods
has been a boon to human health.
from the eleven given below.
1. Which of the following words is closest in meaning to the word “donating” in Para 1?
(A) Adorning
(B) Giving
(C) Taking
(D) Distributing

2. In Para1, the word “it” refers to

(A) accident victims
(B) surgical procedures
(C) a pint of whole blood
(D) surgery patients
3. According to the passage, how often can people donate blood for red blood cells?
(A) Every four months
(B) Every three months
(C) Every two months
(D) Every month
4. Where in the passage is the best place for the following sentence? ‘Inserting the needle into the
recipient’s arm causes little pain.’
(A) After the last sentence in the first paragraph
(B) After the word “syringe” in paragraph 2
(C) After the word “arm” in paragraph 3
(D) After the word “transfusion” in paragraph 3
5. Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the correct sequence of the
process of donating of blood and transfusing of the blood to a recipient.
1. Taking blood from the donor’s arm
2. Injecting hypodermic syringe in the donor’s arm
3. Connecting a plastic tube and hypodermic needle to the recipient’s arm
4. Collecting blood through a plastic tube in a bag containing sodium citrate
5. Segregating blood into platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells
(A) 12543
(B) 35421
(C) 21453
(D) 45123
6. All of the following are mentioned as standard negative reactions to transfusions EXCEPT:
(A) allergies
(B) red-cell incompatibility
(C) air bubbles in the blood
(D) sensitivity to donor leukocytes
7. “When the blood is given to a patient, a plastic tube and hypodermic needle are connected to the
recipient’s arm.” Pick the option in which the meaning of ‘connect’ is the same as it is in the passage.
(A) “Operator, will you please connect me with Mr. Jones?”
(B) Most villages in the highlands are now connected by roads.
(C) She’s an actress I connect with the theatre rather than films.
(D) She has a remarkable ability to connect with a wide variety of people.
8. Look at the phrase “go to great lengths to screen” in paragraph 5. Choose the word that has the
same meaning.
(A) Routinely

(B) Rigorously
(C) Irradiated
(D) Removed
9. Based on the information in the passage, what can be inferred about blood transfused to infants and
new-borns?
(A) It is as rigorously tested as blood for adults.
(B) It is treated with radiant energy.
(C) It is not treated differently from adults.
(D) It is not dangerous for children.
10. Which one of the following statements is not false?
A) The process of transfusion of blood is a complicated one.
B) The chemical used for the purpose of clotting the blood is Sodium Citrate.
C) The patient is protected from being infected during the transfusion by using sterile containers,
tubing and needles.
D) Allergic reaction is rarely seen in the recipient upon the transfusion of blood.
11. From your understanding of the passage, glycerol solution mainly serves to__________.
(A) help reduce allergies in recipients
(B) store blood for long periods
(C) prevent blood from clotting
(D) r emove platelets from blood
2. Read the passage given below. (1 × 10 = 10)

1. For many years now, the governments have been promising the eradication of child labour in hazardous
industries in India. But the truth is that despite all the rhetoric, no government so far has succeeded
in eradicating this evil, nor has been able to ensure compulsory primary education for every Indian
child. India has the biggest child population of 380 million in the world, and a large number of
children who are forced to earn a living. We have many laws that ban child labour in hazardous
industries. According to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, the employment
of children below the age of 14 years, in hazardous occupations, has been strictly banned. But each
State has different rules regarding the minimum age of child employment. This makes implementation
of these laws difficult.
2. Also, there is no ban on child labour in the non-hazardous occupations. The Act applies to the
organised or factory sector and not the unorganised sector where most children find employment as
cleaners, servants, porters, waiters, etc., among other forms of unskilled work. Thus, child labour
continues because the implementation of the existing laws is lax. There are industries which have a
special demand for child labour because of their nimble fingers, high level of concentration and
capacity to work hard at abysmally low wages. The truth is that it is poverty which is pushing
children into the labour market. We have 260 million people below the poverty line in India, a large
number of them are women. Poor and especially woman-headed families, have no option but to
push their little ones into this hard life in hostile conditions, with no human or labour rights.
3. There is a lobby which argues that there is nothing wrong with children working as long as the
environment for work is conducive to learning new skills, but studies have shown that the children
are made to do boring, repetitive and tedious jobs and are not taught new skills as they grow older.
Children working in hazardous industries are prone to debilitating diseases which can cripple them
for life. Their mental and physical development is permanently impaired due to long hours of work.
Fig 1.
Source: World Global Childhood Report 2019

Fig 2.
from the eleven given below.
1. The primary purpose of the passage is to__________
a) settle a controversy

b) analyse a problem
c) justify a situation
d) highlight a flaw
2. Which of the following combinations of reasons best explain why it was difficult to effectively implement
the Child Labour Act?
I Implementation of the existing laws is lax.
II The Act applies to organised/factory sector only.
III There is a big number of unskilled areas of work.
IV Each state has different rules regarding the minimum age of child employment.
a) I, II & III
b) I, III & IV
c) II,III & IV
d) I, II & IV
3. Which of the following is NOT a reason for children being pushed into the labour market?
a) skill based education
b) hostile living conditions
c) prevalence of poverty
d) demand in industry
4. Which of the following terms best defines ‘hostile conditions’ the children pushed into working find
themselves in?
a) learning new skills
b) abysmally low wages
c) no human/labour rights
d) sound mental health
5. The sector where most children find employment as cleaners, servants, porters, waiters, etc can be
identified by _____________
a) unskilled work, organised sector
b) unorganised sector, skilled work
c) hazardous industry, unorganised sector
d) non- hazardous occupation, unskilled work
6. Which of the following words can replace the underlined words in the following statement?
But the truth is that despite all the rhetoric, no government so far has succeeded in eradicating this
evil, nor has been able to ensure compulsory primary education for every Indian child.
a) changing, enact
b) eliminating, guarantee
c) providing, define
d) establishing, implant
7. According to world child labour data (fig. 1) which of the following statements is NOT TRUE:
a) Out of 152 million children engaged in child labour 88 million are boys.
b) Maximum number of children are engaged in agriculture sector.
c) The number of children engaged in services sector is greater than industry sector.

d) The greatest percentage of children engaged in labour are aged between 12 and 14 years.
8. According to fig. 2, between 2001 census and 2011 census, the number of children engaged in child
labour has dropped to__________ million in rural area and increased to _________million in urban
area.
a) 11.3, 8.1
b) 11.3, 1.3
c) 1.3, 2
d) 8.1, 2
9. According to the data in fig. 2, in India, child labour is most prevalent in___________
a) Rajasthan
b) Madhya Pradesh
c) Uttar Pradesh
d) Bihar
10. According to the information given in fig. 2, which is the option that correctly displays the numbers of
child labour in Rajasthan (blue) and Bihar(orange) respectively.
a) A
b) B
c) C
d) D
11. According to fig. 1 statistical data, the percentage of children aged between five to eleven years
engaged in child labour is _________________ that of children aged twelve years to seventeen
years.
A) greater than
B) similar to
C) vastly different from
D) lesser than
LITERATURE 20 MARKS
3. Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY TWO of the three given by answering the
questions that follow. (4 + 4=8)
(A) Listening to them, I see two distinct worlds — one of the family, caught in a web of poverty, burdened
by the stigma of caste in which they are born; the other a vicious circle of the sahukars, the middlemen,
the policemen, the keepers of law, the bureaucrats and the politicians. Together they have imposed
the baggage on the child that he cannot put down. Before he is aware, he accepts it as naturally as his
father.
i. The phrase ‘distinct worlds’ refers to the worlds of _______________.
a. the ragpickers
b. the bangle makers
c. the goldsmiths
d. the farmers
ii. Identify the figure of speech used in the phrase ‘web of poverty.’
a. metaphor
b. hyperbole
c. simile
d. personification
iii. Choose the term which best matches the statement ‘Together they have imposed the baggage on the
child that he cannot put down.’
a. necessity
b. suppression
c. obligation
d. frustration
iv. What does ‘he accepts it as naturally as his father’ mean?
a. The child feels elated to take up his father’ s profession.
b. The child feels frustrated to take up his father’ s profession.
c. The child feels inclined to take up his father’ s profession.
d. The child feels scared to take up his father’ s profession.
(B)
On each trip across the pool a bit of the panic seized me. Each time the instructor relaxed his hold
on the rope and I went under, some of the old terror returned and my legs froze. It was three months
before the tension began to slack. Then he taught me to put my face under water and exhale, and to
raise my nose and inhale. I repeated the exercise hundreds of times. Bit by bit I shed part of the panic
that seized me when my head went under water.
i. ‘the old terror’ refers to the narrator’ s terror of __________________.
a. being strangulated by a rope
b. drowning in water
c. freezing icy weather

d. exercising hundreds of times

ii. The narrator displays immense _________ in this extract.
a. zeal, tension and apathy
b. indifference, ignorance and zest
c. cowardice, involvement and passion
d. courage, determination and perseverance
iii. How did the instructor help the narrator?
a. He taught the narrator to exhale.
b. He taught the narrator to inhale.
c. He made the narrator repeat the exercise hundreds of times.
d. All the options.
iv. From the passage, give a word or a phrase which is an antonym of ‘tighten.’
a. froze
b. seized
c. slack
d. repeated
(C) It was 9.10 a.m. when the Governor switched on the receiver. He had instructed Jackson to tell
Evans of the temporary little precaution — that was only fair. (As if Evans wouldn’t spot it!) But
wasn’t it all a bit theatrical? School boyish, almost? How on earth was Evans going to try anything on
today? If he was so anxious to make another break, why in heaven’s name hadn’t he tried it from the
Recreational Block? Much easier. But he hadn’t. And there he was now — sitting in a locked cell, all
the prison officers on the alert, two more locked doors between his cell and the yard, and a yard
with a wall as high as a haystack. Yes, Evans was as safe as houses…
i. The writer of this story is _____________.
a. John Updike
b. Jack Finney
c. Susan Hill
d. Colin Dexter
ii. Which style, from those given below, is being used by the author, in, “(As if Evans wouldn’t spot it!)
But wasn’t it all a bit theatrical? School boyish, almost?”
a. humorous
b. dramatic
c. sarcastic
d. persuasive
iii. What did the Governor suppose Evans might try?
a. Attempting the German exam.
b. Attempting to escape jail.
c. Attempting recreational activities.
d. Attempting theatre activities.
iv. The phrase ‘safe as houses’ here, best means ___________.
a. totally secure
b. totally cosy
c. totally homely
d. totally comfortable
4. Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE of the two given by answering the
questions that follow. (1 × 4 = 4)
(A) Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth

Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.
i. The name of the poet is _________________.
a. Pablo Neruda
b. Stephen Spender
c. Adrienne Rich
d. John Keats
ii. The rhyme scheme of this extract is _________________.
a. abbccd
b. ccdbba
c. abbacd
d. acdcba
iii. The figure of speech used by the poet in ‘noble natures’ is ___________.
a. Onomatopoeia
b. Alliteration
c. Metaphor
d. Transferred Epithet
iv. Pick the option that correctly lists the final feelings of the poet with reference to the extract.
1. Hope
2. Helplessness
3. Disappointment
4. Reverence
5. Amusement
6. Disillusionment
a. 1 and 4
b. 1 and 2
c. 3 and 6
d. 4 and 5
OR
(B) Driving from my parent’ s
home to Cochin last Friday

morning, I saw my mother,

beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that
of a corpse and realised with
pain that she was as old as she looked but soon…
i. The poet was driving from ________.
a. Cochin
b. the airport
c. her parent’ s home
d. her friend’s home
ii. What did the poet notice about her mother?
a. Her mother was sitting beside her.
b. Her mother was driving beside her.
c. Her mother was dozing with her mouth open.
d. Her mother was looking out.
iii. ‘her face ashen like that of a corpse’ is an example of ___________.
a. metaphor
b. simile
c. alliteration
d. repetition
iv. Why was her mother’s face looking like that of a corpse?
a. It looked pale, faded and lifeless like a dead body.
b. She had grown old.
c. She was dozing.
d. All the options.
5. Attempt ANY EIGHT questions from the ten given below. (1 × 8 = 8)
i. The spontaneous demonstration by thousands of farmers around the Motihari courthouse proved
that the ___________.
a. mighty British Raj had failed in India
b. fear for the mighty British Raj had started lessening
c. mighty British Raj had underestimated Gandhiji
d. mighty British Raj had never been feared by Indians
ii. ’ On sour cream walls, donations. Shakespeare’s head…’ Here, the expression ‘Shakespeare’ s
head’ is an example of _______________.
a. pun
b. satire
c. parody
d. irony
iii. What is the theme of the lesson ‘The Third Level’?
a. human tendency to escape the harsh realities of the present
b. time travelling
c. a contrast between the past and the present
d. a dialogue between a patient and a psychiatrist
iv. What do the parting words “See you soon Amma” by the poet in ‘My Mother At Sixty-Six’ signify?
a. Her helplessness.
b. Her diffidence.
c. Her hopefulness.
d. Her fear.
v. What does the earth symbolise in ‘Keeping Quiet’?
a. Productive silence and stillness.
b. Passive silence and stillness.
c. Verdant greenery.
d. Productive prosperity.
vi. M. Hamel’ s final act of scrawling ‘Vive la France’ was an act of __________.
a. devoted teaching
b. robust energy
c. abundant enthusiasm
d. sheer defiance
vii. All precautions were taken to ensure the smooth conducting of the O- level German examination.
Which of these is NOT TRUE?
a. A parson was supposed to invigilate.
b. Evans’ cell was searched thoroughly.
c. His red and white bobble hat was confiscated.
d. Two prison officers were posted inside and outside the cell.
viii. ‘The Rattrap’ by Selma Lagerlof is set in the__________.
a. coal mines of Prussia
b. iron mines of Sweden
c. gold mines of France
d. copper mines of England
ix. What did Dr Sadao’s old American professor consider as the surgeon’s cardinal sin?
a. Ignorance of the human body
b. Improper medication
c. Incorrect diagnosis
d. Ignorance of the patient’s background
x. ‘and such too is the grandeur of the dooms we have imagined for the mighty dead… Here ‘mighty
dead ‘ is an example of _______________.
a. Onomatopoeia

b. Oxymoron
c. Metaphor
d. Personification
PART B (40 marks)
WRITING (16 marks)
(A) You are the Principal of Excellence Public School, Patna. You want to appoint a TGT (English)
for your school. Draft a suitable advertisement in not more than 50 words for the ‘SITUATION
VACANT’ column of ‘The Patna Times’ stating the essential and desirable qualifications,
experience, etc. of the candidates.
OR
(B) The Arts Club of your school is going to organise a drawing and painting competition. Write a
notice in not more than 50 words, to be displayed on the school notice board, inviting students
to participate in it. Give all the necessary details. You are Sameera/ Sameer, Cultural President,
Blossoms Public School, Kochi.
(A) Your friend Mehul Sharma has invited you to attend the wedding of his sister, Suhani. You find
that you have an important meeting with your clients on the day of the wedding. Thus, you
cannot attend the event. Write in about 50 words an informal reply to the invitation, expressing
your regret. You are Zafar / Zaina of S-19, Friends Colony, New Delhi.
OR
(B) Your school is organizing a debate competition for over 10 schools on 30th October, 20XX.
The topic is related to women empowerment. You wish to invite Mrs. Sita, a noted activist in
this field. Draft an invitation in about 50 words inviting her to judge the event. You are Secretary,
Cultural Club, R.K Public School, Ajmer.
(A) You are Ram/Rajani, living at 1, Rana Pratap Marg, New Delhi. Read the advertisement given
below and apply for the job that suits you giving your biodata separately.
Sun University requires Warden for the hostel at their new Campus at Panipat. Candidates
with a minimum of 5 years’ experience alone can apply. Excellent command of English is a
must. Excellent package and compensation for experienced persons. Those interested may e-
mail to sununiversityjobs@gmail.com or mail their response to: Box no 123.
OR
(B) Public demonstrations cause a lot of disturbance in the daily routine of the common man. You
almost missed your important entrance examination as people blocked the highway. As Tarun
/ Taruna, a student aspiring to be a doctor, write a letter to the Editor of The Times of India
highlighting the need to discourage such demonstrations and disturbance by the public on the
highways which cause a great loss of time and opportunity for many. (120-150 words)


(A) You are Ram/Rajani. You feel that India, with its rich and varied heritage, linguistic and cultural
diversity is an excellent destination for tourism. Promoting tourism will surely promote our
economy. Write an article titled, ‘Promoting Tourism is Promoting Ourselves’, in 120-150
words, specifying the advantages of promoting tourism and how it can be accomplished.
OR
(B) The 72nd Republic Day was celebrated in your school, New Era Public School, Meerut.
District Magistrate, Ms. Indu Bala Sharma was the Chief Guest. Write a report on the function,
for the school newsletter in 120-150 words describing all the activities that took place. You
are Ram/Rajani, Head boy/Head girl.

LITERATURE 24 MARKS
10. Attempt ANY FIVE out of the six questions given below in 30-40 words each. (2 × 5 = 10)
i. Does the poet sympathise with Aunt Jennifer? What is your opinion?
ii. Why did Saheb appear different when Anees Jung met him for the last time?
iii. Write a note on the ironmaster’ s character as presented in ‘The Rattrap.’
iv. Who was Wachter in ‘The Last Lesson’?
v. How did Douglas make sure that he had conquered the old terror?
vi. “Education is a powerful tool for progress,” but not in the slum school in ‘An Elementary School
Classroom in a Slum.’ Why?
11. Attempt ANY TWO out of the three questions given below in 30-40 words each. (2 × 2 = 4)
i. How did Sadao ensure a safe escape for his enemy for the final time?
ii. Jack was pleased when Jo mentioned the skunk as the hero of their story that afternoon. Why?
iii. Why was the discovery of THE WORLD, important for the narrator in ‘The Third Level’?
12. Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words: (1X5=5)
(A) How did the crofter’ s naivety tempt the peddler to steal his money? How did it change the peddler’
s life?
OR
(B) Aunt Jennifer symbolizes oppressed women in a patriarchal society, stifled by the institution of marriage.
Discuss the appropriateness of the above statement by referring to the poem, ‘Aunt Jennifer’ s
Tigers.’
13. Attempt ANY ONE of the following questions in 120-150 words: (1X5=5)
(A) “…if I don’t go back there, I’ll never go anywhere in this world.” In what context does Derry utter
these words? How will his going ‘there’ impact his life?
OR
(B) Do you think the Governor of HM Oxford Prison was a mere good- for- a -giggle – gullible governor?
Why/ why not?

SOLUTIONS PRE BOARD

1.
1. (B) Giving
2. (C) a pint of whole blood
3. (C) Every two months
4. (C) After the word “arm” in paragraph 3
5. (C) 21453
6. (C) air bubbles in the blood
7. (B) Most villages in the highlands are now connected by roads.
8. (B) Rigorously
9. (B) It is treated with radiant energy.
10. (C) The patient is protected from being infected during the transfusion by using sterile containers,
tubing and needles.
11. (B) store blood for long periods
2.
1. b) analyse a problem
2. d) I, II & IV
3. a) skill based education
4. c) no human/labour rights
5. d) non- hazardous occupation, unskilled work
6. b) eliminating, guarantee
7. d) The greatest percentage of children engaged in labour are aged between 12 and 14 years.
8. d) 8.1, 2
9. c) Uttar Pradesh
10. d) D
11. D) lesser than
3.
(A) i. b. the bangle makers
ii. a. metaphor
iii. b.supression
iv. c. The child feels inclined to take up his father’ s profession.
(B) i. b. drowning in water
ii. d. courage, determination and perseverance
iii. d. All the options.
iv. c. slack
(C) i. d. Colin Dexter
ii. c. sarcastic
iii. b. Attempting to escape jail.
iv. a. totally secure

4.
(A) i. d. John Keats
ii. a. abbccd
iii. b. Alliteration
iv. a. 1 and 4
(B) i. c. her parent’ s home
ii. c. Her mother was dozing with her mouth open.
iii. b. simile
iv. d. All the options.
5. i. b. fear for the mighty British Raj had started lessening
ii. d. irony
iii. a. human tendency to escape the harsh realities of the present
iv. c. Her hopefulness.
v. a. Productive silence and stillness.
vi. d. sheer defiance
vii. c. His red and white bobble hat was confiscated.
viii. b. iron mines of Sweden
ix. a. Ignorance of the human body
x. b. Oxymoron
6. HIGHEST= 3 Marks: Content=1, Format=1, Expression=1
7. HIGHEST= 3 Marks: Content=1, Format=1, Expression=1
8. HIGHEST= 5 Marks: Content=2, Format=1, Expression= 2
9. HIGHEST= 5 Marks: Content=2, Format=1, Expression= 2
10. i. Yes. The poet sympathises with Aunt Jennifer, even after her death, she will be terrified of her
husband and the ordeals of her marriage.
ii. Saheb had lost his carefree attitude, appearance. He had lost his independence, after working
at the tea-stall.
iii. successful, ambitious and diligent, perfectionist, loyal friend, humane, persistent, doting father,
lonely; not as observant or perceptive, compassionate as Edla (Any TWO)
iv. blacksmith, reading the latest bulletin, asked Franz not to go so fast
v. went to Lake Wentworth and dived off a dock at Triggs Island. Swam for two hours across
the lake, only once did the terror return.
vi. here, education is just for namesake, half-baked. donations, not only fail to inspire, but instead
are misleading and detrimental to the welfare and wellbeing of the children, compromising
their survival
HIGHEST= 2 Marks: Content=1, Expression=1
11. i. put Tom on a boat, with food and clothes in it, he could row it to a little, empty island, find his
place in a Korean fishing boat
ii. having a new hero enthused Jack, he could add some extra creativity to an otherwise mundane
story-line

iii. in the beginning when he reached the third level, Charley was confused. Everything there told
him he had travelled back to the past. This was confirmed when he saw The World. The lead
story talked about President Cleveland and it was printed in June 11, 1894.
12.
(A) He was received by the crofter warmly and cheerfully. The crofter was proud of his cow that gave
him enough milk. So, he told the peddler about the thirty kronors he got by selling the milk of the cow
and he used to keep his money in a leather pouch that hung from a nail in the window frame. He felt
that the peddler did not believe him so he showed the money to convince him. The crofter was lonely
and gullible, he wanted to share his happiness with someone, anyone. Having stolen the money, the
peddler didn’t feel safe to walk along the highway. So he went through the woods and got lost. Here,
he thought that the whole world was a rattrap and the money he had stolen was a bait and he himself
was trapped in it. He took refuge in an iron mill, met the ironmaster, Edla. Later, he regretted stealing
the crofter’s money and returned the stolen money to her. He was redeemed and transformed.
(Minimum FOUR points)
OR
(B) Aunt Jennifer lives and dies in an unhappy marriage. The poem describes the “terrified” Aunt Jennifer’s
fear-filled existence in a marriage full of “ordeals” in which she is ruled over by her husband, referred
to simply as “Uncle.” Aunt Jennifer is trapped in a difficult marriage to a man who terrifies her. Her
fear is first hinted at by the contrasting imagery of the tigers in the tapestries she creates, which are
unafraid of “the men beneath the tree.” This could refer to hunters in a forest, out to kill the tigers. But
the poem suggests that the tigers are well-equipped to take on these men and, as such, have no
reason to be afraid—something that is certainly not the case with Aunt Jennifer herself. This, in turn,
suggests that such carefree “prancing” is simply not possible for Aunt Jennifer, who is a woman living
in a patriarchal world.
Thus, even as the tigers “do not fear the men beneath the tree,” Aunt Jennifer is not just fearful but
“terrified” of her husband, and this fear infuses every part of her life. In the second stanza, Aunt
Jennifer’s fingers are described as “fluttering,” suggesting anxiety and nervousness. In the third stanza,
Aunt Jennifer’s hands are described outright as “terrified.”
The source of Aunt Jennifer’s fear is clearly her marriage, which is presented as an oppressive
institution within which she is trapped. The nervousness of Aunt Jennifer’s hands is directly linked to
the “massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band,” a symbolic representation of how stifling and
burdensome this marriage is. Aunt Jennifer’s fingers are further portrayed as weak, finding “even the
ivory needle hard to pull” against the weight of this ring. This reflects the oppressive nature of Aunt
Jennifer’s fear, which leaves her immobilized, meek, and unable to stand up to “Uncle.”
The ring is associated with “ordeals” that Aunt Jennifer “was mastered by.” The use of “mastered”
suggests her husband as the master. A “master” implicitly has a subject to dominate—a “slave.” It’s
thus hinted that the Uncle/Aunt dynamic in the poem is one of Master/Slave.
He is her master, reflecting the reality that a woman in marriage is traditionally considered the man’s
property.
Aunt Jennifer is thus trapped in her marriage, and her seemingly hopeless state is contrasted by the
freedom of the tigers. (Minimum FOUR points)
13.
(A) Derry’ s mother tries to stop him from going back to Mr Lamb’ s house. Derry’s mother did not have
a favourable opinion of Mr. Lamb. She has heard things about him that lead her to have a negative
impression of Mr. Lamb. She is caring and concerned. But, Derry defies his mother because Mr.
Lamb has inspired Derry. His encouraging words have a magical effect on Derry. Mr. Lamb’s
conversation that everyone and everything is essentially the same, the notion of beauty is relative and
his concept of the world and friendship baffle, but also appeal to Derry and he is fascinated by the
old man. Mr. Lamb inspires Derry by telling him not to focus on the shortcomings of life and his
handicap and instead he should try to enjoy the blessings of life. He tells him to be thankful to God
for two arms, two legs, two eyes and ears, a tongue and a brain and advises him to be friendly with
everyone around him. Derry’s long conversation with Mr. Lamb helps him overcome his inferiority
complex and poor self-esteem.
OR
(B) WHY? The prison governor was an experienced, efficient, intelligent and sincere officer. He takes
every precaution to prevent Evans from escaping from prison. He sent two reliable officers to keep
an eye on Evans during the course of the examination. He turned on the receiver to listen to every
little noise that came from Evans’ cell. After Evans’ escape, the governor was the only one to decode
the messages sent to Evans. He succeeded in cornering Evans at The Golden Lion hotel. But, Evans
was too crafty and wily. He would have outsmarted anyone.
WHY NOT? He seemed to be quite an efficient and clever officer at the beginning. But eventually,
he becomes complacent. He should have been composed and cleared the confusion, after the
discovery of the injured McLeery. Instead of handing over Evans to trusted officers, he involves new
officers who help Evans escape again. The least he should have done, accompanied Evans to prison.
This act of negligence shows that the Governor was foolish and as negligent as his staff. He acted on
pre-meditated assumptions. He didn’t bother to check the identity of the officers who took Evans
away. He thought Evans was once again in safe hands. But he was wrong. This proves that the
Governor was ‘just another good for a giggle, gullible governor’.

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Delhi Public School

ENGLISH CORE (CODE NO. 301)

CLASS – XII 2020-21

a) Factual passages, e.g., instructions, descriptions,reports.

b) Descriptive passages involving opinion, e.g., argumentative, persuasive or interpretative text.

i. Note making (4 Marks)

Letter types include

ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 1

ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 2

QUESTION PAPAER DESIGN 2020-21

ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 3

Cycles and Assignments Literature

Contents 1. The Tiger King

1. Letter of Complaint and Reply 2. Lost Spring

ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 4

ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 5

1. Note making and Abstract

The complete syllabus of Class XII Core English

ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 6

ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 7

(iv) ‘REST IN PARKER’

ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 9

(e) “Gender sensitisation” - what does the narrator mean by this?

3. What news did M. Hamel break to his students?

Code 12 Eng (02)

5. Industrial pollution is dangerous because :

To her fair works did Nature link

Through primrose tufts, in that sweet bower,

The birds around me hopp’d and play’d

The budding twigs spread out their fan

If this belief from heaven be sent.

ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 16

If such be Nature’s holy plan,

dish-washing to Metaphysics, but dish-washing is given more importance than Aristotle.

b) Write a summary of the passage in not more than 80 words. (3)

ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 20

Code : 11Eng (03)

ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 21

a) ______________had the largest empire in India.

iv) None of the above

b) The edicts were written in ____________________ language.

Answer the following questions briefly: (2 x 4 = 8)

e) What made the Brahmin very powerful?

ENGLISH CURRICULUM WORKBOOK 22

i) official orders or statements given by somebody in authority ( para 2 )

ii) not allowed (para 3)

A PRYING PROFESSION, INDEED

ARE YOU GAME?

According to experts, an inquisitive temperament, a keen sense of observation and perception,

(a) Investigation is a viable profession as .....

(b) The work of a private detective is ....

(c) Techniques which help investigate include.....

(d) Forensics is handled by ....

(e) A detective could be hired for .....

(f) One's potential for effectiveness is judged by ...

(g) A cademic qualifications of a detective include....

(h) Job emoluments are ....

(i) In India, detectives operate without a....

2. Find words in the passage with the following meaning :

(a) explicitly (para 1)

(b) going beyond (para 1)

(c) connected to (para 2)

(d) restrictions (para 3)