Practice Sheet

Discursive Passages (8marks)

1)Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions carefully: (8)

Sleep disorders have become a common occurrence in India. Forty years old Marketing
‘Executive Aviral, early one morning returned to Delhi from New York. He was trying to
recover from jet lag and was dead tired. To cure himself of this sleep problem, he forced
himself to remain awake one whole day, as he thought he might be able to sleep at night.
But this did not happen. “I hardly managed any sleep that night,” Aviral recalled. Next day,
he felt very uneasy at the office and had difficulty in concentrating on work. On his way back
home, he stopped at one of the busy signals on Delhi roads, but due to excessive tiredness,
fell asleep. He woke up suddenly, after the motorist behind him honked. Aviral realised that
he couldn’t drive any longer and decided to park his car in a quiet place. He took a nap of 2
hours in his car and only then could manage to drive back home safely.
Sleep disorder experts have pointed out that lack of sleep is the reason for many ailments.
Dr Kumar Menon and his colleagues presented a paper on sleep disorders in Mumbai, in
which they stressed that early detection of the problems is necessary and physician need to
seriously view it as a disorder. They need to evaluate their patients on the basis of sleep
history too.
Adequate sleep is important to one’s lifestyle just like diet and exercise. According to
Canadian expert on sleep disorders. Dr Jeffrey Lipsitz, on an average a healthy adult
requires just over 8 hours of sleep at night. However, the amount varies between individuals.
Swarup Chatterjee, a 28years old, IIM graduate and Assistant Manager at a BPO in
Hyderabad is deprived of good sleep. Swarup is completely stressed Out due to overburden
of work in his professional and personal life and often feels tired. He also knows it is bad for
his health.
In a study conducted by sleep disorder experts, it was found that one-third of adults have
been experiencing sleep disorders. |They get less than 7 hours of sleep every night. Another
study shows that 29% of Indians went to sleep only after midnight. The survey further
mentioned that Indians were among the world’s earliest risers. We should understand that
‘Early to rise’ is good, provided that 'early to bed’ principle is also followed.
On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer any eight of the following questions
briefly: (1×8=8)
1)What has become a common problem in our country?
Ans. Sleep disorders had become a common problem in our country.
2)What happened when Aviral could not sleep in the night?
Ans. Aviral felt very uneasy at the office and had difficulty in concentrating on work.
3)What is the view of Dr Jeffrey Lipsitz on sleep disorder?
Ans. Dr Jeffery Lipsitz is of the view that on an average a healthy adult requires just over 8
hours of sleep at night.
4)Lack of sleep is the reason for many aliments.
5)What was the result of a study conducted by sleep disorder experts?
Ans. In a study conducted by disorder experts it was found that one-third of adults have
been experiencing sleep disorders. They get less than seven hours of sleep every night.
6)Just like diet and exercise, adequate sleep is important to one’s lifestyle.
7)What should Indians understand being early risers?
Ans. Indians being early risers, should understand that ‘Early to rise’ is good, provided that
‘Early to bed’ principle is also followed.
8)Which word in the passage means ‘sleep’?

2) Read the passage given below and choose the most appropriate answer to each
question out of the options that follow: (1x8= 8marks)
In ancient times, the Olympics were associated with Greek religious festivals. Life in ancient
Greece revolved around their gods. The Greeks believed that their gods were immortal, and
more powerful than human beings., They honoured their gods with festivals devoted to
sports. The most important of these festivals were the four national festivals. They were
open to sportsmen from all Greek regions and colonies. Each of the festivals was held at a
different place and was celebrated in honour of a particular god. The Olympic games were
held in Olympia which was an important religious centre in ancient Greece. A magnificent
temple was built there in honour of the god, Zeus. He was regarded as the ruler of both gods
and men. People tried to please Zeus by excelling in sports, and many contests of skill and
strength were held. It was believed that the Olympic games were founded by the Greek
hero, Hercules who was known as the son of the god, Zeus. He performed twelve seemingly
impossible tasks to become the greatest of all Greek heroes. He cleaned in a single day
King Augeas' stables which was an impossible task. The king was fabulously rich and had
thousands and thousands of animals. So his stables were extremely dirty and full of stink.
Hercules redirected the course of the river, Alpheus through the stables of the king. All the
muck and dirt were washed out in a single day. To celebrate this achievement he started the
Olympic games in honour of his father, Zeus.

(a) The Greeks celebrated festivals devoted to sport to honour their gods
(i) gain physical strength
(ii) honour their gods
(iii) get power
(iv) become immortal
(b) In ancient Greece the Olympic games were held at Olympia.
(i) in Greek regions
(ii) in colonies
(iii) at religious centres
(iv) at Olympia
(c) They honoured Zeus by doing all of the above things.
(i) building magnificent temples
(ii) excelling in sports
(iii) excelling in contests of skill and strength
(iv) doing all of the above things
(d) The impossible task performed by Hercules was the cleaning of Augeas’ stables in a day.
(i) the cleaning of Augeas' stables in a day
(ii) removing the muck and dirt from the king's stables
(iii) redirecting the course of the river through the stables
(iv) all of the above
(e) The word/phrase in the passage which means 'deathless' is immortal.
(i) gods
(ii) immortal
(iii) human beings
(iv) religious centre
(f) Name the Temple built in the honour of Zeus.
Ans.
(g) Where was the Olympic Games held for the first time?
Ans. The Olympic games was held at the Olympia for the first time.
(h) Who was regarded as the ruler of both God's and man?
Ans. Zeus was regarded as both the ruler of god and man.
3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: (8)
If you look around, you will find that our dependence on it has increased manifold in the last
few years. Internet enable computers in homes and mobile phones are just a few facts of
how IT has grown over the years.
It is becoming difficult to think of life without IT. Today, this sector touches almost all the key
sectors of economy – agriculture to manufacturing, banking to media, medicine to defence
and private sector to government. The use of electronic voting machine in the Lok Sabha /
State assemblies polls is an example of the increasing use of IT in governance, i.e.,
e-governance.
The Indian IT industry has grown manifold in the first few years of this new millennium.
Personal computers have doubled to over 10 million in just three years. Internet users have
grown threefold to over 20 million. Software exports have double to Rs 60,000 crores. All
these point to the IT industry being rated as the fastest growing industry over the years.
Indian software professionals have built strong brand equity for themselves worldwide. India,
has emerged as the destination of choice for software services and outsourcing.
Answer the following questions:
(a) How do we know that IT has grown over the years?
Ans. Internet enable computers in homes and mobile phones are just a few facts of
how IT has grown over the years.
(b) Which key sectors of the economy use IT?
Ans. The key sectors of the economy using IT are agriculture, manufacturing, banking,
media, medicine, defence and private sector to government.
(c) What is understood by e-governance?
Ans. E-governance meaning electronic governance is using of IT (such as internet, mobile
computing etc) in governance.
(d) Give examples that point to the IT industry being rated as the fastest growing industry.
Ans. Personal computers being doubled to over 10 million in just 3 years, internet users
grown to threefold to over 20 million and software exports doubling to Rs 60,000 crores are
facts that point to the IT industry being rated as fastest growing industry.
(e) What role does IT play in our lives?
Ans.
(f) Which industry has recorded the fastest growth rate?
Ans. IT industry.
(g) Which sector have the Indian professionals built their brand equity?
Ans. IT sector.
(h) What is India recognized today for?
Ans. India has been recognized as the destination of choice for software services and
outsourcing.
Factual Passages (12marks)
1. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: (12marks)
When my brother shifted to US, there was unstated relief amongst the rest of the family, as
his interest and acquaintances stopped short of the bizarre. Over the years, his new address
has kept him far enough to be fondly remembered.
However, I had a new problem on my hands. Playing host to his friends coming to India was
a difficult task. One trip would bring forth a six- and half-foot rapper, the next a Japanese
ballerina, with the German drummer thrown in for good measure. I became a practitioner of
sorts in sign language, making up for any with attempted English. So, when I was informed
that Diane was an ‘artist of sorts’ I prepared myself for another invasion.
The first surprise was that she looked stunningly normal. A 60 years old lady dressed
fashionably in white, greying hair and a pleasant smile. She folded her hands in ‘Namaste’ to
my proffered handshake and chatted pleasantly till we reached home. Her art was in
calligraphy, and she wanted to study some miniatures at close range. Some frantic phone
calls later I located a museum where we may try our luck.
At the museum, after cajoling and persisting, we were allowed to meet the sahib. Finding a
‘foreigner’ in town, he seemed to light up, and took us through an extensive narrative on the
recent computerization drive, how manuscripts were stored on CDs government grants…
etc. After half an hour my guest began to get restless, and asked, “But where are the
miniatures?” That put him effectively in his place, and he instructed an attendant to take us
upstairs.
Diane was a person transformed in the company of these scripts. She poured over the
exquisite handwork and detail with a magnifying glass and made notes over what were no
doubt finer nuances.
Diane spends the next couple of days exclusively at the museum staying on as long as they
would allow. And yet, the last night of her stay, she confided that she was unhappy. “No, it is
nothing to do with you,” she reassured. “It is the museum director. He is too occupied with
his computers and technology. The adventure in calligraphy is producing something that
cannot be done any other way.” I could feel her anguish.
Two years down the line, the card she made for me occupies the price of place on my desk.
And her words have carved a reminder that not all things bright and beautiful are artificial.
Answer the following questions:
(a) Why had the author become adept in sign language?
Ans. The author had become adept in sign language for making up for any mistakes with his
attempted English.
(b) Why did Diane’s appearance startle the author?
Ans. Diane’s appearance startled the author because she was looking stunningly normal
compared to his previous encounters like six- and half-foot rapper etc.
(c) What was Diane’s reaction when in company of the miniatures?
Ans. Diane was a transformed person in company of the miniatures. She poured over the
exquisite handwork and detail with a magnifying glass and made notes over what were no
doubt finer nuances.
(d) What did Diane confide in the author and why?
Ans. Diane confided that she was unhappy because the museum director was too occupied
with computers and technology , and the adventure in calligraphy
(e) Find out a word which means persuasion. (Para 4)
(f) What is opposite of unchanged. (Para 5)
Ans. Transformed.
(g) Find the synonym of fine distinction. (Para 5)
Ans. Nuances.
(h) What is the meaning of engraved. (Para 7)
Ans. carved.
(i) What is Calligraphy?
Ans. The art of writing beautifully is called calligraphy.
(j) How was the 60 years old lady Dressed?
Ans. The 60 years old lady was dressed fashionably in white, greying hair and had a
pleasant smile.
(k) Where did the Narrator's brother shift?
Ans. The narrator’s brother shifted to US.
(l) What is meant by the word ‘Fondly’?
Ans. Liking or admiring.
2.Read the passage and answer the questions that follow: (12marks)
India Covid-19 numbers explained
1. With novel Coronavirus spreading rapidly all over the country, there are only three states
right now, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, that have less than 1,000
people infected with the disease.
2. Lakshadweep, of course, still hasn’t reported even a single case till now, the only region in
India entirely free of the epidemic.
3. Otherwise, even the relatively smaller states now have significantly large spread of the
disease. Goa, for example, has seen more than 7,000 of its people infected by the virus till
now. Tripura has over 5,500 cases, while Manipur has more than 3,000, and Nagaland a
little less than 2,500. Puducherry has more than 4,000 cases, while even Daman and Diu
has over 1,300 people infected.
4. And in each of these states, the numbers are rising at a fast pace, at a rate higher than
the national level. The infections had initially reached these states in the first and second
week of May, when the lockdown was relaxed for the first time to enable people stuck in
different parts of the country to return to their native places.
5. After a period of very slow growth, the number of cases have begun to rise rapidly in the
last one month. In Goa, for example, the total number of infected people has nearly doubled
in the last 15 days. Same has happened in Puducherry, as well.
6. Tuesday was one of those rare occasions when the number of active cases in the country,
those who are yet to recover from the disease, went down compared to the previous day.
That is because the number of recoveries, combined with the number of deaths, exceeded
the new cases that were detected on Tuesday.
7.With over 52,500 new cases detected over the country, the total number of infections
crossed 19 lakh, out of which 12.82 lakh people have recovered from the disease. The
number of dead is now close to 40,000.
8. The number of recoveries on Tuesday was the highest-ever for a single day. More than
51,700 people were declared to have been recovered. Three days earlier, the number of
recoveries had crossed 50,000 for the first time, but in the next two days the number had
fallen to much lower levels.
Choose the correct option to answer the questions based on the above passage and
graphics.
(a) How are these three states – Meghalaya, Sikkim and Andaman and Nicobar Islands –
different from the rest of India?
(i) they are the only states to have less than 1,000 people infected with novel
coronavirus
(ii) they are three of the five states to have less than 1,000 people infected with novel
coronavirus
(iii) they are the only states to have less than 2,000 people infected with novel coronavirus
(iv) none of these
(b) __________ is the only region in India which is entirely free of the epidemic.
(i) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(ii) Maharashtra
(iii) Lakshadweep
(iv) Tripura
(c) What is common among Goa, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Puducherry and Daman and
Diu?
(i) the numbers are rising at a fast pace at rates lower than the national level
(ii) the numbers are falling at a fast pace at rates equal than the national level
(iii) the numbers are rising at a fast pace at rates higher than the national level
(iv) none of these
(d) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the inherent
qualities of climate in the present times.
(i) 1 and 4
(ii) 2 and 6
(iii) 1 and 3
(iv) 3 and 5
(e) Which date in the graph shows the highest jump of detected cases in a day?
(i) July 30
(ii) July 31
(iii) August 1
(iv) August 2
(f) Of the 19 lakh infected cases, how many have recovered?
(i) 11.82 lakh
(ii) 13.82 lakh
(iii) 12.81 lakh
(iv) 12.82 lakh
(g) More than 51,700 people were declared to have been recovered on _______.
(i) Wednesday
(ii) Sunday
(iii) Tuesday
(iv) Monday
(h) When had the number of recoveries crossed 50,000 for the first time?
(i) two days earlier
(ii) Tuesday
(iii) three days earlier than Tuesday
(iv) none of these
(i) Which word in the passage means the same as “quickly”?
(i) rapidly
(ii) significantly
(iii) native
(iv) rare
(j) Which word in the passage is opposite in meaning to “indigenous”?
(i) rapidly
(ii) significantly
(iii) native
(iv) rare
(k) Which epidemic is being analyzed in the above given passage?
(l)Which Indian States have less cases of corporate virus affected toll?
3.Read the passage and answer the questions that follow: (12marks)
Australia’s 2019-2020 Bushfire Season was not Normal
Data from satellite sources assembled by the United Nations Environment Programme’s
(UNEP) World Environment Situation Room confirms that the wildfires in Australia in the last
two months of 2019 and the first six weeks of 2020 were far from normal. 2019 was the
second hottest year on record since 1880, and Australia recorded its warmest temperatures
ever in December 2019.
“Rising temperatures continue to melt records. The past decade was the hottest on record.
Scientists tell us that ocean temperatures are now rising at the equivalent of five Hiroshima
bombs a second. One million species are in near-term danger of extinction. Our planet is
burning,” says United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
“The trend is very clear: 37 of the last 40 years were the warmest recorded since 1880, and
the six warmest years recorded were the last six years,” says Pascal Peduzzi, Director of
UNEP’s Global Resource Information Database in Geneva. “For those who think Australia is
always burning, graphs clearly show that these fires were exceptional.”
“This service, accessible via the UNEP’s World Environment Situation Room, is provided for
all countries at national and provincial levels. It identifies trends in wildfire activity since
2003, when the data first became available and monitoring began. We have sliced and diced
the satellite-based data on wildfires worldwide from 2009 to the present day. We analyse the
wildfires’ data by month, type of land cover, protected area, province and nation to produce
information products,” Peduzzi adds. (Source: UN Environment)
Choose the correct option to answer the questions based on the above passage and
graphics. Do any ten.
(a) What do the reports confirm about the 2019-20 Australian fires?
(i) the fires were not normal
(ii) the fires were normal
(iii) the fires were natural
(iv) data inconclusive
(b) What was the difference in the recorded temperatures in 2019 from the 1880s?
(i) 2019 recorded the wettest temperatures since 1880s
(ii) 2019 recorded the hottest temperatures ever
(iii) 2019 recorded the cooler temperatures than 1880s
(iv) 2019 recorded the warmest temperatures since 1880s
(c) What comparison has been made between the rising sea temperatures and Hiroshima?
(i) ocean temperatures are rising at the equivalent of three Hiroshima bombs a second
(ii) ocean temperatures are rising at the equivalent of five Hiroshima bombs a second
(iii) ocean temperatures are rising at the equivalent of five Hiroshima bombs an hour
(iv) none of these
(d) Choose the option that lists the CORRECT answers for the following:
“Rising temperatures continue to melt records. The past decade was the hottest on record.
Scientists tell us that ocean temperatures are now rising at the equivalent of five Hiroshima
bombs a second”. Whose statement is this?
“The trend is very clear: 37 of the last 40 years were the warmest recorded since 1880, and
the six warmest years recorded were the last six years.” Whose statement is this?
(i) (1) is from United Nations Secretary and (2) is from the UN President
(ii) (1) is from the UN President and (2) is from the UN General Secretary
(iii) (1) is from United Nations Secretary and (2) is from the Director of UNEP
(iv) (1) is from the UN General Secretary and (2) is from the UN President
(e) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the inherent
qualities of climate in the present times.
(i) 1 and 3
(ii) 2 and 6
(iii) 3 and 4
(iv) 5 and 6
(f) Which of the following independent data source is NOT PRESENT in the given graph?
(i) NASA
(ii) NOAA
(iii) ISRO
(iv) JMA
(g) Choose the option that lists the CORRECT statement.
(i) Pascal Peduzzi is the Director of UNEP’s Global Renaissance Information Database
(ii) Pascal Peduzzi is the Director of UNO’s Global Resource Information Database
(iii) Pascal Peduzzi is the Manager of UNEP’s Global Resource Information Database
(iv) Pascal Peduzzi is the Director of UNEP’s Global Resource Information Database
(h) How can you say that the UN is concerned about the rising numbers of coal plants?
(i) UNDP Secretary General António Guterres is calling for curbs on new plants
(ii) UN Secretary General António Guterres is calling for curbs on new plants
(iii) UN Executive Secretary António Guterres is calling for curbs on new plants
(iv) UN Secretary General Antony Guterres is calling for curbs on new plants
(i) UNEP’s World Environment Situation Room has been tracking the world temperatures
since.
(i) 2003
(ii) 2013
(iii) 2000
(iv) 2001
(j) The graph compiled with data from four different sources shows that the global surface
temperatures have been _.
(i) steady
(ii) falling
(iii) on the rise
(iv) none of these
(k) Which word in the passage means the same as “collect”?
(i) assembled
(ii) extinction
(iii) exceptional
(iv) provincial
(l) Which word in the passage is opposite to the meaning of ‘vague/murky’?
(i) assembled
(ii) clear
(iii) extinction
(iv) provincial
 Section B: Writing Skills
Diary Entry (5marks)
1) A few days back you saw an injured dog on the road. You took the dog home
to take care of him. Write a diary entry to express your feelings by describing
the incident within 120 words.
Ans.
Thursday, 08 February 2024
9pm
Dear Diary,

I had a very emotional day today. I was walking back from the market when I saw a poor dog
lying on the side of the road. He was bleeding from his leg and looked very weak. I felt so
sorry for him and decided to take him home with me. I wrapped him in a blanket and put him
in my car. He was very quiet and scared, but he licked my hand as if to thank me.

At home, I cleaned his wound and applied some antiseptic cream. I gave him some food and
water and made a cozy bed for him in the corner of my living room. He seemed to feel better
and wagged his tail a little. I named him Lucky and decided to keep him until he recovers
fully. I hope he will be happy with me and become my friend. I love animals and I am glad I
could help him.

Good night, diary.

Supriya.

2) You recently visited the International Universal Expo Fair held in Children's
Park Agartala. Record your experience of visiting the fair in not more than 120
words.
Ans.
Thrusday,08 Feb. 24
9pm
Dear Diary,

I had a wonderful time today at the International Universal Expo Fair. It was held in
Children's Park Agartala and it was amazing. There were so many stalls and exhibits from
different countries and cultures. I saw beautiful handicrafts, paintings, sculptures, clothes,
jewellery, and more. I also tasted some delicious cuisines from around the world. I especially
liked the Chinese noodles and the Mexican tacos.

The fair was very educational and entertaining. I learned a lot about the history, geography,
art, and traditions of various nations. I also enjoyed the performances by the artists and
musicians. They sang and danced in colourful costumes and played different instruments. It
was a feast for the eyes and ears.

I had a lot of fun at the fair and I wish I could go again. It was a memorable experience for
me.

Good night, diary.

Supriya
 3) Write a diary entry on how you are feeling as your school reopened after the
winter break.
Thrusday,08 Feb. 24
9pm
Dear Diary,

Today was the first day of school after the winter break. I was feeling both excited and
nervous. I was happy to see my friends and teachers again, but I was also worried about the
new term and the exams. I had a lot of homework to do during the break, but I also enjoyed
the holidays with my family and friends.

The school was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. Everyone was sharing their stories
and plans for the new year. I also liked my new timetable and the subjects I had to study. I
was looking forward to learning new things and having fun.

I think this term will be challenging but rewarding. I hope I will do well in my studies and also
have a good time with my friends.

Good night, diary.

Supriya.

Descriptive Paragraph (5marks)

1) Write a descriptive Paragraph in ‘Computers - part of our lives’.

Ans. Computers are part of our lives in many ways. We use them for work, education,
entertainment, communication, and more. They help us to store, process, and access
information faster and easier. They also enable us to connect with people around the world
through the internet and social media. Computers have changed the way we learn, create,
and share knowledge. They have also improved the quality of life for many people by
providing solutions for various problems and challenges.

Computers are not only machines, but also tools for creativity and innovation. They allow us
to express ourselves and explore new possibilities. They also inspire us to learn new skills
and discover new things. Computers are part of our lives because they enrich our lives in
many ways.

2) The Government of India launched a campaign ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ under ‘Azadi
ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to mark 75 years of Independence. Describe your
experience while participating in the campaign.
Ans. I felt proud and patriotic when I participated in the campaign ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ under
‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. It was a campaign launched by the Government of India to mark
75 years of Independence. The campaign encouraged every household to hoist the national
flag and celebrate the freedom and diversity of India. I joined the campaign with my family
and friends. We decorated our house with the tricolour and sang the national anthem. We
also watched the live telecast of the Prime Minister's speech and the cultural programs on
TV.
The campaign made me realize the value and significance of our national flag. It symbolizes
the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of our nation. It also represents the sacrifices and
struggles of our freedom fighters and martyrs. It reminds us of our duty and responsibility to
protect and preserve our country. The campaign ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ was a memorable and
meaningful experience for me.
 3) Write a descriptive Paragraph in not more than 120 words describing a popular
series movie that you have recently watched.
Ans. One of the popular series movies that I have recently watched is The Hunger Games. It
is based on the novels by Suzanne Collins. It is set in a dystopian future where 12 districts
are ruled by a tyrannical Capitol. Every year, the Capitol forces each district to send one boy
and one girl, called tributes, to participate in a deadly competition called the Hunger Games.
The last tribute alive wins.
The movie follows the story of Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, who
volunteers to take her sister's place as a tribute. She teams up with Peeta Mel lark, the other
tribute from her district, and tries to survive the brutal and bloody game. Along the way, she
becomes a symbol of hope and rebellion for the oppressed people.
The movie is thrilling, suspenseful, and emotional. It has a strong plot, characters, and
themes. It also has impressive visuals, effects, and music. The movie is a captivating and
powerful adaptation of the book.

Short Story (5marks)

1)Complete the story with the following beginning in about 150-200 words. Also give it
a suitable title.
Sarita was going to Kashmir with her classmates. She made all preparations. She
packed her bags for 10-day tour. Unfortunately, she felt her purse at home and then
she had no money. She …………………………….
Ans. A serendipitous encounter in Kashmir”
Sarita was going to Kashmir with her classmates for an educational trip. She made all
preparations. She packed her bags for a 10-day tour. Unfortunately, she left her purse at
home and then she had no money. She suddenly realized that she had forgotten the purse
only after she reached the hotel in Jammu. She was really tensed. Though her friends had
money with them, none of them had any extra amount to help Sarita. She was in a dilemma
as to whom to approach for help. Finally, she contacted her mother and told her about the
situation. Her mother told her not to worry. Fortunately, one of her mother’s friends worked
in Jammu. She managed to contact her and informed her about her daughter’s plight. Within
no time Mrs. Neelam reached the hotel and helped Sarita with the required amount. Sarita
was very happy that there was someone to help her in the time of need. She thanked Mrs.
Neelam for the help and had a wonderful time in Leh. She could thus enjoy her stay in the
valley. On her arrival at home, she sent a card of thanks and invited her to visit Delhi. In the
bargain, she learned the most valuable lesson to always help people in need.
2)Complete the story with the following beginning in about 150-200 words. Also give it
a suitable title.
Enjoyed going for long walks – visit to Dehradun – huge forest – taking shortcut
through the woods, a tree toppled pinning me underneath. Then .......................

A Visit to Dehradun

I have always enjoyed taking long walks among the forests. So, when I visited Dehradun
recently and saw the huge forest out there, I had the same feeling. I felt that the forest was
beckoning me just like a close friend to visit it. I decided to go early in the morning. I had
checked with my friends but everyone was tired and wanted to take a break. So, I decided to
go alone. Early the next morning when the sun had not even risen, I got up and decided to
go for a walk. The sun was rising through the trees and a light wind was blowing. It was
indeed a beautiful sight; a sight worth waking up for. I climbed on top of a tree and savoured
the beautiful sight. Suddenly I looked at my watch, it was 6.30. Since I wanted to be back in
time to join the others for breakfast, I decided to get down quickly and take shortcuts through
the woods. Suddenly the wind started blowing hard. I tried to take more shortcuts and, in the
process, lost my way. Now I just didn’t know where I was. I was standing wondering what to
do, suddenly a huge tree crashed, pinning me underneath its trunk. I lost consciousness
immediately. When I came around, I heard my name being called. After a few seconds I
realized that they were my friends. I shouted back. It seems I had been away for a long time.
It was almost 9. They were worried and had come looking for me. With the grace of God, I
managed to escape with just a few bruises. I get nightmares when I think about the incident.

3)Complete the story with the following beginning in about 150-200 words. Also give it
a suitable title.
Ratan was in Goa on a school trip. The teacher asked everyone to play and remain on
the seashore ………………
Ans. Ratan’s recovery
Ratan went to Goa on a school trip, three months after his father was killed while patrolling
the border. His mother thought it would be best for Ratan to go to a place that could distract
him from the tragic experience he had undergone. She wanted her son to come out of that
grief, so she asked him to go on the trip organised by his school.
Everyone in the class was very excited about the trip, except Ratan who looked distressed
all the time. During the trip, the teacher told the students to play along the seashore. While
everyone was in high spirits, Ratan was consumed by sorrow. Lost in his deep thoughts
about his father, he slowly started walking towards the sea. No one noticed him going into
the water when suddenly a huge wave stuck him and he fell in the water. But soon he felt as
if someone pulled him out of the water. As he came to his senses, he saw the troubled face
of his father in the sky. He realised that no matter a parent is near his/her child or not, he/she
always remains concerned about the child.
These thoughts filled him with optimism and he returned to his group and enjoyed the rest of
the trip feeling loved and protected.
Grammar
1.Gap Filling (3 marks)
A) Read the passage given below. Fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate words
from the given options.
In volcanic area, underground water (a) can often rise to a temperature of 2000C.
Nowadays, wells (b) are drilled to extract the steam which is used to drive turbines. This is
(c) one of world’s fastest growing sources of energy.
(a) (i) can
(ii) could
(iii) must
(iv) might
(b) (i) is
(ii) been
(iii) are
(iv) being
(c) (i) any
(ii) some
(iii) one
(iv) few

B) Fill in the blanks by choosing the most appropriate words/ phrases from the given options:

I wanted to go out (1)because was absolutely fed up of sitting in the same place and
working. I realized that my deadline (2)was fast approaching but a break was
badly needed. I just (3)couldn’t continue without a break.
1.(a) so (b) and (c) but (d) because
2.(a) was (b) will be (c) is (d) has
3.(a) wouldn't (b) couldn't (c) won't (d) can't
 2.Reported speech (Dialogue) (3marks)
A) Read the following dialogue between a mother and her son. Complete the paragraph that
follows by filling in the gaps appropriately.

Marie: Did you see my new umbrella? Isn’t it fine?

Tony: Yes, it is! Did you buy it from the mall?
Marie: No, your father has brought it for me.
Marie asked her son Tony (a) if he had seen her new umbrella and she wanted to know
whether it was a fine one. Tony agreed and asked his mother (b) if she has bought it from
the mall. His mother replied in the negative and added that (c)his father had brought it for
her.

B) Read the following dialogue between Garima and Karan. Complete the paragraph that
follows by filling in the gaps appropriately.

Garima: So, after a decade in the industry, are you truly ‘satisfied’?
Karan: I love the film industry. It has its flaws though.
Garima: What do you mean by this statement?
Karan: We are a bunch of competitive, ambitious, sometimes petty people. But the passion
cements us together.
Garima asked Karan if after a decade in the industry (a) he was truly satisfied. Karan told
her (b) that he loved the film industry although it had its flaws. Garima then enquired (c)
what he meant by that statement. Karan explained that they were a bunch of competitive,
ambitious, sometimes petty people but the passion cemented them together.

C)Read the following conversation and fill in the blanks to complete the narration of Patty’s
conversation with Charlie.

Charlie: Dear Santa, here is a list if what I want.

Patty: How do you suppose Santa Claus can afford to give away all those toys?
Charlie: Promotion! Don’t kid yourself……Everything these days is promotion! I will bet if the
truth was brought about; you will find that he’s being financed by some big eastern chain!

While making the list of what Charlie wanted from Santa Claus, he asked Patty how
(A) Santa Claus could afford to give away all those toys. She said that (B) she did not
know and that it was possible as Santa (C) was being financed by some big eastern
chain big eastern chain.
3. Editing (5marks)
The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line.
Write the error and the correction in your answer sheet.
Error. Correction
A) I first saw the leopard when I am crossing
the small stream. As I cross the stream and a)…am……was……….
begun climbing the hill, the grunting and b)…cross…crossed…………
chattering increases, as though the c)………begun began……
langurs was trying to warn me of some d)…. ……increases increased…….
hidden danger. The tiger was not look towards e)…was were……………
me, but it must have sense my presence.
B)At Haridwar, the first thing that hit the (a)……hit hits……………………….
eye is the presence of a Ganga .It (b)…a the………………………….
certainly appear to be a big river. But (c) ……appear appears………………………
looked around and away from the water (d)…looked looking………………………….
a second thing that will strike the eye (e)…………………………….
is the amount of constructions in the riverside and the ghats.