Read the passage carefully.

Red Cross: How Hope Evolved

On June 24, 1859, Emperors Napoleon ll and Franz Joseph I engaged in
the Battle of Solferino, commanding a combined total of about 270,000
troops onto the field for a single day of battle. Nearly 40,000 were either
dead, injured, or missing, many of whom were simply left to die on the
battlefield. Later, spectators crowded the fields, looking for loved ones,
searching for items they could sel, or simply taking in the horrors of the
battle A Swiss businessman and social activist Jean Henri Dunant, who
was traveling in Solferino witnessed all this.

Jean Henri Dunantwitnessed the atrocities of war as well as the countries

not prepared or equipped to ease the suffering of those who had been
injured in the Battle of Solferino. Dunant organized a group of voluntees to
help bring water and food to the injured, to assist with medical treatment, or
write letters to the families of those who were dying and he urged the public
to create an organization which would assist the wounded, regardless of
which side they fought for during times of war. After that moment, he wrote
the book, A Memory of Solferino, which urged the public to create an
organization which would assist the wounded, regardless of which side
they fought for during times of war. His writing inspired countless others to
rally behind him in the creation of the International Federation of the Red
Cross.

The modern-day Red Cross began by devoting itself largely to disaster

relief and epidemic treatment. This effort continues to this day. One of the
easiest ways you can help the Red Cross is to make sure you are able to
donate blood and make an appointment at the Red Cross website. But,
donating blood isn't the only way you can help outthe Red Cross also
encourages donating your time if you can. This is what the Red Cross
wants everyone to know.
2 Read the passage carefully
The Road to Success

1. The Road to success is not straight; there is a curve called failure, a loop
called confusion, speed bumps called friends, caution lights called family,
and you will have flats called jobs. But, if you have a spare called
determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith, and
driver called God, you will make it to a place called success!
2. In spite of all our planning and preparation, unexpected challenges are
certain to arise. The bumps in the road are unavoidable, but you'l never
get to your destination if you aren't willing to drive over them. The
difference between a disaster and triumph lies in whether or not you're
prepared and willing to weather the storm. If you're ready, those bumps wil|
become stepping-stones.
3. The key thing to realize is that working harder is same as working
smarter. How do you work smarter? You just need to have the right skils.
People want improved circumstances and better life without an improved
self. They want victory without paying the price or making efforts. It really
cannot happen without the other. Any improvements that have not been
generated by improving yourself are superficial and shot-lived. If you want
to have a better future, you have to change yourself. Stop worrying about
the various challenges that will come your way. Just believe in yourself and
use them as stepping-stones.
4. "Success" is getting whatever you want out of life without violating the
rights of others." It is not an accident. Success is the result of our
attitude and our attitude is a choice. Hence success is a matter of choice
and not chance.
5. Today success represents a holistic and positive attitude to life. Attitude
is everything. Success is not restricted within some kind of brick and mortar
premises. It assumes the individuality of a complete act executed with
perfection; material achievements do not define life. We don't remember
sports stars for the products they endorse but the spirit of achievement
they represent. In the abundance of positive attitude underline the grandeur
of a truly rewarding rich life.
6. Success can be measured from two standpoints
the external and the
internal.Externally it is the measure of a job well done and recognition.
Internally it the feeling of achievement and wholeness derived from the
completion of a task or fulfillment of desire.
2. Read the passage given below.
D0110)
1. Starting Monday, the country's low-cost Mars
mission with the red planet for an extended period wil
enter tne blackout' phase snapping communication with the satellite. From 8th to
block Mars from the Earth snapping 22nd the Sun will
communication with the satelite.
2. Asenior Indian Space Research Organization oficial saidThis will be for the
first time that there w
be a communication break for such a long period of about 15 davs. During this
period., there will be no
communication with the satellite", he added.
3. Expressing confidence about regaining control over the satellite once the blackout
phase Is over, he
Said "the scenario has been tested and the line of communication will be established".The spacecratt's
life has been extended for another six months in March due to
surplus fuel
4. Stating that the spacercrat has been contigured' for the blackout, the ISRO official said, "we are not
Sending any commands to the spacecraft now, till 8th June tew hours of signals will be sent by the
Spacecraft that will be for about two to three hours per day" In May next year, the mission will have to
go through a similar phase once aqin, if there is another extension of mission life when the Earth will
come between the Sun and Mars.

5. Scripting space history, India on September 24 last successtully placed its low-cost Mars spacecraft in
orbit around the red planet in its very first attempt, breaking into an elite club of three countries.
Racard nn vnuraumdantnmdinkh
Kead the passage given below carefully.
1. India is home to an estimated 10% of the alobal Snow Leopard population spread across fise
Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal
Pradesh which is only 5% of the available global habitat for the animal.
2. Ministry
Project Show Leopard was introduced in India by the Project Snow Leopard Comnittee instituted by the
of Environment and Forests, Government of India, in the year 2009 to safeguard and conserve
India's unique natural heritage of high-altitude wildife populations and their by promoting
conservation through participatory policies and actions.
3. Project Tiger and Project Elephant are prevalent in India with the former introduced in 1973 garnering
worldwide attention.
4. The Snow Leopard usually occurs at an altitude of >2700m above sea level and is the apex predator in
along with the Tibetan Wolf The project is not only to protect the Snow Leopard
the Himalaylayan Region alois
but as with Project Tiger, it is considered an umbrella species and with its protection, comes the
protection of other species and the habitat of which they are all a part.
5. Top 3National Parks in India where the Snow Leopard can likely be seen
9 Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary - Himachal Pradesh
() Ulley Valley - Ladakh
(i) Hemis National Park - Himachal Pradesh
 2. Read the tollowing text.
1. Reduction in green aroas has caused various environmental problems. People squeezed between
concrete structures are looking for various ways to meet their longing tor green One of the ways to da
so, is vertical gardens and green wals. Vertical gardening is aunique method of gardening where
plants are grown in a vertical position or upward. rather thun in the traditional method of planting them
on the grOund.
2. The purpose of vertical gardens and green walls, which arises from the studies of different disciplines
(iandscape architects, archilets, enginees, ete.). is to close the cold image of concrete and increase
the visual value, In these systems, nature and structures are integrated and thus, urban areas and the
desired environment have become intertwined.
3. Vertical garden case studies often show that though functionality shou'd be in the foreground. whea
vertical gardens are planned. they are qenerally made as aesthetic elements in the city's underpasses
and city squares and decorative elements in residences, without seeking functionality

4 Experts support that the visual quality and evaluation of lar dscape architecture is determined based on
the satistaction of the usens. Hence, a survey questionnai re was prepared tor residents of vared age
groups trom of a metropolitan city. The given Table 1, dis plays these responses
Table 1- Total numtber of paticipants 400
Strongly
No. Survey statements
Stror igly Agree
NeurtralDisagree disagree
agr ee
Vertical gardens
19
138 43
1improve quaity of lta of peopie in urban areas 191
25
128 164 77
2 roduce noise polutio
51 2
172 147
3 incteasa air quaity ndoors and outcoors 2
47 125
reduce erergy and water consumption 58
144 106 30
positively impact global warmino 114
7 11
161 177 44
have a rolaxing and calming etfect 42 13
107 152
cost too ruch
44 16
195 139
make plants look beautiful 25 12
135 173 55
add naturalness to the environs 13
133 141 54
a place
10 are among the deterrrining factor to visiting 123 126 48
B4
11are inconvenient indoors 23
71 132 97 17
12 can be appled in every place 100 10 2
81 207
13 have a tunctional toaturo 13t 28
34 101 106
14distract drivers 41
57 72 100 130
issues
15 tunds are best used for social
 SECTION -A: READING SKILLS (20 Marks)
READING COMPREHENSION THROUGH UNSEEN
1. Read the passage given below carefully.
PASSAGES
1. Peer pressure is a phenomenon (10)
wherein we tend to qet influenced by the lifestyle and the ways of
thinking of our peers. Peer pressure can prove beneficial but it is most often
effects. observed to have negative
2. The thought, behaviour and taste in fashion, music, television and other walks of life of the masses are
often seen to have a deep impact on society. We tend to get influenced by the lifestyle of our peer group.
The changing ways of life of our peers often force us to change our ways of looking at life and leading it.
It's a human tendency to do what the crowd does. Few have the courage to resist
peer pressure and be
their own selves rather than being one among the lot.
3. Peer pressure is bound to affect most of us both positively and negatively. The distinction between
positive and negative peer pressure lies in a thoughtful analysis of the views of the masses. Following
yourpeers blindly leaves a negative impact on your life while an analytical approach to looking at peer
behaviour can help you act positively.
4. Peer pressure is not always bad. It can help you analyse yourself and contemplate your ways of life.
Some of the practices that the masses follow may actually teach you the way of living. You may be able
to change yourself for the better. Looking at what others do, can help you bring about a positive change
in your way of thinking. If you can pick selectively, peer pressure can actually result in a positive
change in your way of life.
5. Teenage is that phase of life when you are exposed to the world outside. These are the years when you
become independent in
spend most of your time with your friends. Teenage is the phase of begìnning topersonality
your and the years
life; the years of forming your ideals and principles, the years that shape daily time with friends
most of your
that introduce you to your own self. As adolescents you often spend influence you.
people around you are bound to
and owing to this, you tend to imitate your friends. The years. Parents have a
However the effect of the influences of the masses is greater during your teen
vital role to play during this phase of your life.
dealing with teenagers, as they are most susceptilble to
6. Parents and teachers need to be careful while their life. Teenage individuals need to be taught to
succumbing to peer pressure during these years of right and the wrong and should be taught to be
distinguish between the good and the bad, the
thoughtful in life.
family, an ability to differentiate between the positive and the negative anda skill
7.A strongsupport from strategy is the best way to keep away from
peers this three-pronged
to choose friends from among (477 Words)
negative peer pressure.
 MdA. di KS OU

TEST
Section A: ReadingSkills CBSE
Reading Comprehension Through Unseen Passages
1. Read the following text.
(10)
1. As a high school student, studying poetry can be a
SAMPLE
rollercoaster ride. This journey is punctuated by
moments of profound appreciation for simpler pieces and intermittent frustration with more complex
works. Let's be real here - some poems are just plain confusing and no
amount of re-reading seems to
help decipher the intended meaning. The puzzlement that results from such instances can be both
vexing and demotivating. If solving a riddle is what was intended, then playing Sudoku is a better
option. One is led to ponder if obscurity was the goal.

PAPER
2. Conversely, some pieces resonate with the reader's soul. stirring feelings of warmth, happiness and
connection to the world. Often, these compositions centre on themes that are universally understood,
such as love, nature or faith. Being able to actually understand what the poet is trying to say can feel
like a little victory and is a welcome relief after grappling with more perplexing poetry.
3. Then there are poems that are emotionally charged; the ones that make the reader curl up in a ball and
cry or jump up and down with joy. One is left in awe of the poet's ability to convey emotion through
words. Let's not forget the downright weird poems. These are the ones that defy categorisation and
leave the reader to their own devices in attempting to interpret meaning. The author's use of figurative
language and unconventional imagery can create a sense of bewilderment that is either intriguing or
off-putting. Regardless, the reader can appreciate the uniqueness of the work.
4. Despite the wide range of emotions and reactions that come with studying poetry, it can be a rewarding
pursuit. Not only does reading poetry allow one to appreciate the artistic beauty of the witten word but
also enables one to develop crucial critical thinking and analytical skills. The process of unlocking a
poem's meaning can feel like cracking a code or solving a puzzle but the sense of accomplishment
derived from mastering a challenging piece can be deeply gratifying. Finally, impressing an English
teacher with a well-analysed poem can be a source of pride and validation.
5. Overall, studying poetry is like a box of mixed chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. But
whether it's complex, emotional, simple or just downright weird, there's always something to be gained
from the experience. So, let's applaud all the poets out there, for making us laugh, cry, scratch our
heads and occasionally feel like a genius.
Created for academic usage/ 414 words
 SECTION-A: READING SKILLS (20 Marks)
READING COMPREHENSION THROUGH UNSEEN PASSAGES
I. Read the passage given below. 00)
1. Even international students whose first language is English can find themselves struggling to
understand an alien academic culture. The problems are very familiar. Students' first problem is often
with listening skills. They may feel nervous about this and it is certainly a steep learning curve. They
need a structured listening experience, for instance how to pick out the main ideas. They also need
help with academic reading-how to approach an article or book, how to skim, read and make notes
2. However, while a student's confidence in listening skills grows, it is in theeducation
area of academic writing
is based on essay
where more serious cultural differences become apparent. Much of British
writing,but this may be a demanding task for students from other cultures. Suddenly, they are faced
with the need to express their own ideas, develop their opinions and evaluate different issues, all in
polished English. For some, the eoncept of originating this kind of written discourse can prove
or reproducing
problematic and they may find themselves scoring low marks because of plagiarism
someone else's ideas. In Britain, plagiarism is regarded as academic theft, though this is not always the
case in other countries. Students are expected to do research in a library before tackling an assignment
and simnply regurgitating lecture notes is also not acceptable.
3. The best way to overcome these hurdles is to be prepared. The first step is to take a test to assess the
English language skills needed to cope with the issues of academic culture.
4. If an accredited test indicates that a student's language skills are not sufficient to embark on a
university degree, the next step is to consider pre-sessional courses, generally at the university where
the student will take a degree. These can last from three weeks to an academic year, so it is wise for
students to be realistic about their needs. It is generally accepted that approximately 200 hours of study
are needed to improve on one bad score on some tests. Some of the 'new' universities that formed from
polytechnics in 1992 are experimenting with new styles of pre-sessional and foundation courses.
Elspeth Jones, Director of the Centre for Language Study at Leeds Metropolitan University explains,
"Our courses are monthly and so students from parts of the world with a different academic year can
enrol at any time."
5. She feels that Janguage training in new universities is generally more flexible than in older institutions.
"Universities like ours can take students with lower language test grades and can put them through &
programme that willbring them up to the required standard, though we cannot guarantee how long it wil
take,"
 2. Read the passage given below.
1. Right from literacy, accessibility to schools and (10)
household expenditure
gap remains significant. There is a digital divide, too, with just 4% on education, the rural-urban
of
computers as compared to 23% in urban areas. These and other rural households having access to
trends on a rural-urban gap in
education are revealed in the details of a survey conducted by the National Statistical
Office (NSO).
2. The report on 'Household Social Consumption: Education'
surveyed 1.13 lakh
across over 8,000 villages and 6,000 urban blocks between July 2017 and Junehouseholds spread
2018. The study
involved 1.52 lakh students across different levels of study.
3. On accessibility, while 92.7% of the rural households have a primary school within 1 km as
compared to
87.2% in urban areas, the situation gets skewed as only 38% of the rural households have access to
secondary school as compared to 70% in the urban areas on similar parameters.
4. While accessibility to a neighbourhood school at the primary level is not an issue in rural areas, the
gross attendance ratio is also satisfactory with nearly 100% of boys and girls in rural as well as urban
areas attending classes. However, in sync with reduced accessibility, there is a gap at the secondary
level between rural and urban settings. The all-Indian literacy rate among persons aged 7years and
above is 77.7%. However, for the same age group, rural literacy is 73.59% and for urban areas,it is,
87.7%.
5. The digital divide between rural and urban households is stark with just 4% of the rural population
having access to computers. The report highlighted that while only 15% surveyed population in the
rural cluster has internet access, 42% of the students in the urban areas have access to the internet.
6. At the school level while the majority of the urban households had shown a preference for private
schools, it's the opposite for rural households. The report highlights that 76.1% of the rural children are
attending a primary and middle school run by the government, while only 38% of the urban children
attend government schools. However, for graduate and above studies, 49.7% of rural students are
attending classes in government institutions as compared to 41% of their urban counterparts in
government institutions.
 SET-I
SECTION-A: READING SKILLS (20 Marks]
1. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
(10)
1. Mankind's fascination with gold is as old as civilisation itself. The
ancient Egyptians held gold in high
esteem. Gold had religious significance for them, and King Tutankhamen was buried in a solid gold
coffin 3300 years ago. The wandering Israelites worshipped a golden calf, and the
Midas asked that whatever he touched be turned into gold. legendary King
2. Not only is gold beautiful, but it is virtually indestructible. It will not rust or corrode. Gold coins
and
products fabricated from the metal have survived undamaged for centuries. Gold is extremely easy
work with. One ounce, which is about the size of a cube of sugar, can be beaten into a sheet nearly to
100
square feet in size, and becomnes so thin that light can pass through it. An ounce of gold can also be
stretched into a wire 50 miles long. Gold conducts electricity better than any other substance except
copper and silver, and it is particularly important in modern electronic industry.
3. inPeople have always longed to possess gold. Unfortunately, this longing has also brought out the worst
human character. The Spanish conquerors robbed palaces, temples and graves and killed thousands
of people in their ruthless search for gold. Even today, the economy of South Africa's gold mines
depend largely on the employment of black labourers who are paid about 40 pounds a month, plus
boarding and lodging. They work in conditions that can only be described as cruel. About 400 miners
die in South Africa each year.
4. Much of the gold's value lies in its scarcity. Only about 80,000 tons have been mined in the history of
the world. All of it can be stored in a vault 60 feet square, or a super tanker. Great Britain was the first
country to adopt the gold standard, when the Master of the Mint, Sir Issac Newton, established a fixed
price for gold in 1717. The discovery of gold in the last half of the nineteenth century in California,
(1848)and later in Australia and South Africa changed everything. Before the discovery, There wasn't
enough gold around for all the trading nations to link their currencies to the precious metal.
5. An out-of work prospector named George Harrison launched South Africa into the gold age in 1886
when he discovered the metal in a farm near what is now Johannesburg. Harrison was given a 12
pounds reward by the farmer. He then disappeared and was eaten by a lion.
6. One of the biggest gold mining areas in the Soviet Union is the kolyma River region,once infamous for
its prison camp. The camp has gone, but in away nothing has changed. Many ex-prisoners have stayed
on to work in the mines and are supervised by ex-guards.