Time Allowed : 3 hours

Maximum Marks : 80

General Instructions :

 The Question paper is divided into three sections:

Section A: Reading (26 – marks)
Section B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills 23 marks (23 – marks)
Section C: Literature (31 marks)
 All questions are compulsory.
 You may attempt any section at a time.
 All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.

Section – A (26 marks)

(Reading Skills)

Question 1.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: [10]
A. It is common knowledge that school children are under great pressure to perform well in
all fields, study ten subjects, play games and develop an impressive image. How do they
manage? The skills, techniques and principles which they pick up while still young help them
cope.

B. Two of the twentieth century’s finest minds have lamented that schools are not teaching
the basics of personal excellence or the science of success. Edward De Bono: “Almost all of
what a child learns at school after the age of ten is totally irrelevant to his need in later life.
Most schools do not teach thinking at all.” The serious thesis of this article is that
management must be taught as a school subject. The weightiest argument is that children are
managers.

C. Many of the children are called upon to play directly three of the interpersonal roles:
“Figurehead”, “Leader” and “Liaison Officer”. They do this while assisting teachers as
monitors or class representatives or group leaders during educational tours and field work;
while captaining teams on playgrounds; and while leading teams in quiz, debating and other
competitions. Many more play these roles as surrogates.

D. The decision role of “Entrepreneur” and “Resource Allocator” may only occasionally be
assigned to children. However, it is worth noting that, according to a recent survey in Delhi, a
monthly allocation of up to ?1,000 is available as pocket money to school children.
Therefore, school children too need to have control over money and develop a sense of
budget. If we add to these financial resources, the resources of time, information and intellect
available to children, the first two decision roles are not irrelevant to them.

F. If you cannot see children as managers, they are managers in the making: Many of the
management habits (e.g., using a to-do list), management skills (e.g., sensitive listening),
management attitudes and values are formed early in life. Personality theorists believe that it
is extremely difficult to change personality traits, styles of thinking and habits of behaviour
once these are formed.

G. As in language learning, where basic aspects of language like pronunciation and rhythm
are extremely resistant to learning after puberty, good management habits, attitudes and
values are difficult to acquire in adulthood. In the fifties, even in the educationally advanced
countries such as the US, Algebra was thought to be too abstract to be taught even in senior
schools.

Now it is taught from upper primary classes onwards in both educationally progressive and
developing countries. Computer skills, lateral thinking and swimming, often felt to be
forbidden by adults are easily learnt by children. In fact, both research evidence and
specialists’ beliefs strongly support the view that children’s ability to learn skills like
swimming and creative thinking is much more developed than adults. Equally important,
complex organisms.
(a) learn what is necessary or pleasurable and
(b) adapt themselves in ways that will serve their needs and interests with amazing
enthusiasm, ease and effectiveness.

(A) Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. [1 x 6 = 6]

Question 1.
The reason for pressure on children is:
(A) common knowledge
(B) absence of skills
(C) choice between studies and games
(D) performance demanded in all fields
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: It is common knowledge that school children are under great pressure to
perform well in all fields, study 10 subjects, play games and develop an impressive image.

Question 2.
What according to some educationists is lacking in school teaching?
(A) Basics of personal excellence
(B) Science of success
(C) Thinking
(D) All of these
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: Most schools do not teach thinking at all. Two of the twentieth century’s finest
minds have lamented that schools are not teaching the basics of personal excellence or the
science of success.
Question 3.
The sense of budget among children is an indication towards their capability of performing:
(A) interpersonal role
(B) decision role
(C) leading role
(D) informational role
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: It is worth noting that according to a recent survey in Delhi, a monthly
allocation of up to Rs. 1,000 is available as pocket money to school children. Therefore,
school children too need to have control over money and develop a sense of budget.

Question 4.
The article advocates teaching as a subject in school.
(A) management
(B) creative thinking
(C) computer skills
(D) swimming
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The passage argues that management should be taught as a school subject, with
the weightiest argument being that children are already performing managerial roles. The
article emphasizes that children exhibit many management habits, skills, attitudes, and values
from an early age, and these should be nurtured through formal teaching of management in
schools.

Question 5.
The term used for a detailed critical inspection/study in Para 4 is:
(A) intellect
(B) resource allocator
(C) survey
(D) budget
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: In paragraph 4, it is mentioned that according to a recent survey in Delhi, a
monthly allocation of up to Rs. 1000 is available as pocket money to school children. The
term “survey” refers to a detailed critical inspection or study conducted to gather information,
in this case, regarding the pocket money allocated to school children in Delhi.

Question 6.
Which subject was considered to be too intangible to be taught in higher schools in the US?
(A) Science
(B) Algebra
(C) Computer
(D) Language skills
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: In the passage, it is mentioned that in the fifties, even in educationally advanced
countries like the US, Algebra was thought to be too abstract to be taught in senior schools.
However, the perception changed over time, and now it is taught from upper primary classes
onwards. So, Algebra was the subject that was initially considered too intangible to be taught
at higher school levels in the US.

(B) Answer the following questions as briefly as possible: (Do any 4) [1 x 4 = 4]

1. The weightiest argument is that children are …………….

2. The skills……………., and principles that children pick while they are young help them
cope in life.
3. Children play directly three of the interpersonal roles: “Figurehead”, ……………. and
“Liaison Officer”.
4. According to a recent survey in, ……………. a monthly allocation of up to ₹ 1,000 is
available as pocket money to school children.
5. ……………. lateral thinking and swimming, often felt to be forbidden by adults are easily
learnt by children.
Answer:
1. managers.
Explanation: The weightiest argument is that children are managers.

2. Techniques
Explanation: Skills, techniques and principles which they pick up while still young help them
cope.

3. Leaders
Explanation: Many of the children are called upon to play directly three of the interpersonal
roles: “Figurehead”, “Leader” and “Liaison Officer”.

4. Delhi
Explanation: According to a recent survey in Delhi, a monthly allocation of up to Rs. 1,000 is
available as pocket money to school children.

5. Computer skills
Explanation: Computer skills, lateral thinking and swimming, often felt to be forbidden by
adults are easily learnt by children.

2. Read the following passage: [1 x 8 = 8]

A. The world’s first book-less library has been set up in the state of Texas in the United
States. Unlike the rows upon rows of books that are found in a conventional library anywhere
in the world, at the book-less library, there are high-tech gadgets that have replaced the books
as found in other libraries.
B. The borrowers of books from this high-tech book-less library have a different set of rules
to follow when borrowing books. Instead of taking home books for reading, the members of
the library, who are registered residents of the south Texas country of Buxar, can now access
their choice of reading matter from e-readers. Also, instead of having to pay a fee for
membership of the library and for borrowing books and other facilities, the members can
borrow reading matter from the book-less library for free.

C. The services of this library have found favour with its readers which is clearly visible from
the growing readership numbers at this library. Since its start in September, the country’s 1.7
million residents have been able to check out and take home the machines for reading
purposes and accessing the catalogue. They are also able to use their own devices to check
out and access the catalogue of the library. This Biblio-Tech of 1.5 million books, currently
has 600 e-readers, 200 pre-loaded enhanced e-readers for children and 48 computer stations
for use by its readers. In addition, there are 10 laptops, and 40 tablets available in the
premises, for use by the readers.

D. Not satisfied with simply providing e-reading services, the Biblio-Tech has created a list
of higher ambitions for itself. The most prominent of these include their ambition to give up
the country’s necessary tools ‘to thrive as citizens of the 21st century’. For them, a well-
connected citizen of this country is one who strives for enhancing his education and literacy
and promoting ‘reading as a recreation’.

E. As part of reader services at the Biblio-Tech, its Special Project Coordinator, Laura Cole
comments that the library authorities wanted to create the best and the most cost-effective
way of providing library services. This was especially suitable for the Texas country’s
residents as the population here is geographically distanced from existing services. In fact
there has never been a book store or library in this area. “Geography does not matter if your
library is in the clouds,” adds Laura Cole, referring to the ‘cloud’ system where the books of
the library are stored online.

F. Answering queries about readers’ concerns that library users may feel put off by
technology, Cole is proud to concur that her staff is willing to dedicate their time to help
readers and visitors who find it difficult to handle the system on their own. Hence, readers do
not feel intimidated by the gadgetry and feel empowered to be able to access this novel
system of procuring reading matter.

G. Even replacement costs for damages and breakdowns have been factored into the working
system of the library. Thus, readers are not turned away from the library doors simply
because the system is not functioning on any particular day. To prevent thefts from depleting
their stocks, the devices are geared in such a way that users cannot access the internet once
they leave the premises of the library.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage. [1 x 8 = 8]

Question 1.
The borrowers in a high-tech library have to follow:
(A) a different set of rules
(B) the same set of rules
(C) absolutely no rules
(D) rules of their own making
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The borrowers of books from this high-tech book-less library have a different
set of rules to follow when borrowing books.

Question 2.
The book-less library is located in:
(A) the Texas country of Biblio-Tech
(B) the Texas country of Buxar
(C) the city of middle USA
(D) Washington D.C.USA
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Instead of taking home books for reading, the members of the library, who are
registered residents of the south Texas country of Buxar, can now access their choice of
reading matter from e-readers.

Question 3.
The amount of reading material available at the Biblio-Tech library is:
(A) 600 books
(B) 1.5 million books
(C) 1.7 million books
(D) None of these
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: This Biblio-Tech of 1.5 million books, currently has 600 e-readers, 200 pre-
loaded enhanced e-readers for children and 48 computer stations for use by its readers.

Question 4.
The book-less library is highly suitable for this country because:
(A) the public library is not functioning well
(B) the people here are avid readers
(C) there is plenty of reading matter in this library
(D) it is geographically distanced from existing library services
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: This was especially suitable for the Texas country’s residents as the population
here is geographically distanced from existing services.

Question 5.
The cloud system refers to:
(A) the sky with black clouds
(B) the bright sky with clouds
(C) system where books are stored online
(D) None of these
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: In fact there has never been a book store or library in this area. “Geography
does not matter if your library is in the clouds,” adds Laura Cole, referring to the ‘cloud’
system where the books of the library are stored online.

Question 6.
Who is Laura Cole?
(A) The librarian at Biblio-Tech
(B) The Special Project Coordinator at Biblio-Tech
(C) A well-connected citizen
(D) All of these
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Laura Cole is the Special Project Coordinator at Biblio-Tech, the book-less
library in the Texas country of Buxar. She is responsible for various aspects of the library’s
special projects and initiatives.

Question 7.
How does Biblio-Tech ensure that there is no theft of its books:
(A) It has devised its gadgets in such a way that they cannot access internet once outside its
premises.
(B) It has hired the best CCTV cameras to keep a lookout.
(C) It has factored replacement costs for damages and breakdowns into the working system of
the library
(D) It has a dedicated staff that helps readers and visitors who cannot handle the system on
their own.
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: To prevent thefts from depleting their stocks, the devices are geared in such a
way that users cannot access its internet once they leave the premises of the library.

Question 8.
What shows that Biblio-Tech has gained popularity?
(A) There is no theft at the library
(B) The library has become world famous
(C) Everyone in Texas comes to the library
(D) There is an increase in readership
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The passage mentions that Biblio-Tech’s services have found favour with its
readers, and there is a visible increase in readership numbers since its start in September. This
indicates that the library has gained popularity among the residents of the Texas country of
Buxar.
3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

A. Every code of etiquette has contained three elements: basic moral duties; practical rules
which promote efficiency; and artificial optional graces such as formal compliments to say,
superiors on their generosity and importance.

B. In the first category, consideration for the weak and respect for age. Among the ancient
Egyptians, the young always stood in the presence of older people. Among the Mpongwe of
Tanzania, the young men bow as they pass the huts of the elders. In England, until about a
century ago, young children did not sit in their parents’ presence without taking permission.

C. Practical rules are helpful in such ordinary occurrences of social life as making proper
introductions at parties or other functions so that people can be brought to know each other.
Before the invention of the folk, etiquette directed that the fingers should be kept as clean as
possible; before the handkerchief came into common use, etiquette suggested that, after
spitting, a person should rub the spit inconspicuously underfoot.

D. Extremely refined behaviour, however, cultivated as an art of gracious living, has been a
characteristic only of societies with wealth and leisure, which admitted women as the social
equals of men.

E. In fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, a wealthy and leisured society developed an

extremely complex code of manners, but the rules of behaviour of fashionable society had
little influence on the daily life of the lower classes. Indeed many of the rules, such as how to
enter a banquet room, or how to use a sword or handkerchief for ceremonial purposes, were
irrelevant to the way of life of the average working man who spent most of his life outdoors
or in his own poor hut and most probably did not have a handkerchief certainly not a sword,
to his name.

F. Yet the essential basis of all good manners does not vary. Consideration for the old and the
weak and the avoidance of harming or giving unnecessary offence to others is a feature of all
societies everywhere and at all levels from the highest to the lowest. You can easily think of
dozens of examples of customs and habits in your own daily life which come under this
heading.
(a) On the basis of your reading the passage, make notes using recognisable abbreviations
wherever necessary. Use a format you consider suitable, and supply a suitable title.
(b) Make a short summary of the passage in about 50 words.
Answer:
(a) RIGHT Elements of Etiquettes
1. Basic moral duties:
1.1. Consdr’tion. for the weak and respect for age
1.2. Bowing before elders
1.3. Not sitting in front of their elders
2. Prac. rules:
2.1. Proper intro. at parties
2.2. Keeping fingers clean
2.3. Cleaning the spit underfoot

3. Artificial optional graces:

3.1. Dev, by wealthy and leisured society
3.2. How to enter a banquet room
3.3. How to use a sword or a handkerchief

(b) Summary
Every code of etiquette contains three elements: basic moral duties, practical rules and
artificial optional graces. Basic moral duties include consideration for the weak and respect
for age. Practical rules include etiquettes in ordinary occurrences of social life. The third
element includes rules and behaviour of wealthy and fashionable society.

Section – B (23 marks)

(Grammar and Creating Writing Skills)
Grammar [7 Marks]

4. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate options given below. [1 x 4=4]

It was a cold wintry night. It ………….(i) …… since morning. A traveller somehow

managed to reach a secluded farm house after the night ………(ii) ……… He knocked at the
door and waited for somebody ……..(iii) …… the door. Perhaps the tired farmer ……….(iv)
……. to sleep after the day’s hard labour in the rice fields and there was no response in spite
of the repeated knocks.
(i) (a) raining (b) rained (c) was raining (d) had been raining
(ii) (a) has fallen (b) had fallen (c) is falling (d) falls
(iii) (a) open (b) opening (c) has opened (d) to open
(iv) (a) to go (b) is going (c) had gone (d) goes
Answer:
(a) (i) (d) had been raining
(ii) (b) had fallen
(iii) (d) to open
(iv) (c) had gone
5. Read the sentences. Choose the correct option according to the directions given in
brackets. [1 x 3=3]

Question 1.
Millie was Mr. Harris’s wire. She sent Taplow to chemist. (Change into a compound
sentence)
(A) Millie was Mr. Harris’s wife as she sent Taplow to chemist.
(B) Millie was Mr. Harris’s wife so she sent Taplow to chemist.
(C) Millie was Mr. Harris’s wife and she sent Taplow to chemist.
(D) Millie was Mr. Harris’s wife, she sent Taplow to chemist.
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The original sentences can be combined using the coordinating conjunction
“and” to form a compound sentence.

Question 2.
Mrs. Pearson bore her family’s tantrums. She loved them. (Combine using subordinating
conjunction)
(A) Mrs. Pearson bore her family’s tantrums although she loved them.
(B) Mrs. Pearson bore her family’s tantrums because she loved them.
(C) Mrs. Pearson bore her family’s tantrums but she loved them.
(D) Mrs. Pearson bore her family’s tantrums so she loved them.
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The conjunction “because” is used to show the cause-and-effect relationship
between Mrs. Pearson bearing her family’s tantrums and her love for them.

Question 3.
Suzanne and Jonathan supported their parent’s venture. It was dangerous. (Combine using
subordinating conjunction)
(A) Suzanne and Jonathan supported their parent’s venture but it was dangerous.
(B) Suzanne and Jonathan supported their parent’s venture although it was dangerous.
(C) Suzanne and Jonathan supported their parent’s venture as it was dangerous.
(D) Suzanne and Jonathan supported their parent’s venture, it was dangerous.
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The conjunction “although” is used to introduce a contrasting clause, showing
that Suzanne and Jonathan supported their parents’ venture despite it being dangerous.

Creative Writing Skills [16 Marks]

Question 6.
You are R. Lal, the executive manager of Metals and Minerals Corporation of India. You
need an accommodation on rent as you wish to use it as a guest house. Draft a suitable
advertisement in not more than 50 words.
Answer:

Creative Writing Skills

Accommodation Wanted

Advertisement

Metals and Minerals Corp. of India, needs suitable accommodation on rent to be used as a
guest house. Should be located in a posh area with excellent facilities. Uninterrupted water
and electricity. Nearby market a must. Owners may contact R. Lai, Executive Manager, PH:
011-23333333.
OR
You want to sell your newly built flat. Draft a suitable advertisement in not more than 50
words to be published in the classified columns of the ‘The Assam Tribune’ giving all
necessary details. You are Niranjan of Nabin Nagar, Guwahati. Word Limit – 50 words.
Answer:

Flat For Sale

Available a newly built 3 BHK flat, 900 sq. feet, 3rd floor, East facing, semi furnished with
CCTV Camera and parking facilities original documents, reasonable price. For more details
contact Niranjan, 87, Nabin Nagar, Guwahati.

Question 7.
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 your coaching centre.
OR
Tourism Department, Government of Uttaranchal has launched an ambitious plan to develop
adventure sports and eco-tourism activities in the state. Prepare a suitable poster for display at
important public places/publication in newspapers.
Answer:

Question 8.
There was a time when children could be seen playing outdoor games like Hide and Seek,
Football, etc. But now-a-days they are very much pre-occupied with chatting on mobiles,
surfing the internet and watching TV. Outdoor games are very necessary as they keep one
physically fit. Write a speech to be delivered in the morning assembly on ‘Games are very
necessary for holistic growth’ in about 120-150 words.
Answer:

Games are Very Necessary For Holistic Growth

Good morning respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Arpita Mittal of
class XI-B stand before you to present my views on ‘Games are very necessary for holistic
growth.’ Holistic growth focuses on the fullest development of the student, encouraging
students to become the very best or finest that they can be and enabling them to experience
all they can from life and reach their goals.

Physical activity is vital to the holistic development of young people, fostering their physical
social and emotional health. The benefits of sports reach beyond the impact on physical well-
being and the value of educational benefits of sports should not be underestimated. Children
in the earlier days always enjoyed playing outdoor games like Hide and Seek, Football,
Cricket, etc.

But now children rather love to stay indoors stuck with their internet, TV and mobiles which
do not keep them physically fit. Participating outdoor games or activities is a vital avenue for
young people to learn and develop life skills. Physical education and sports have strong
influence on inclusion and community building, character-building, deLinquency, etc. So I
would strongly suggest that games are very necessary for holistic growth or for an overall
development.
Thank you.
OR
Regular practice of yoga is useful in maintaining good health. It is also important for good
concentration and peace of mind. You are Shivam/Shabnam. Write a speech in 120-150
words to be delivered in the morning assembly of your school, highlighting the impact of
yoga in our life.
Answer:
Impact of YOGA in daily life
Very Good Morning to all of you. I, Shivam from class XI, am going to express my views on
the topic ‘Impact of YOGA in daily life.” Practicing yoga in daily life provides us with a
healthy body and mind. The energy acquired from the postures bring both mental peace and
physical balance.

To gain strength, increase flexibility and attain spirituality, yoga is the foremost method to
achieve them. Meditation also helps us keep our mind fresh and our body fit and healthy for
the long run. In the race of materialism, adults face stress in many forms every day, but
today’s children are as stressed as adults. Growing competition in schools and colleges,
dealing with peer pressure, difficult stage of puberty, extracurricular activities and meeting
parents’ and teachers’ expectations are very stressful for children.

The best way you can cope with this pressure is by practicing yoga. The practice of yoga
leaves a huge effect on your body and the systems that support it, like the nervous, respiratory
and digestive systems. Yoga influences emotions and behaviour. It has a positive effect on
the mental state and aids creativity. So everyone must practice yoga and make it a part of
their daily routine. At last, I say that, ‘Yoga is the golden key that unlocks the door to peace,
tranquillity, joy and health.”
Thank you

Question 9.
“Our large population is not a cause of poverty but an asset, a resource.” Write a debate in
120-150 words either for or against the motion. [5]
Answer:

Our Large Population is not a Cause of Poverty but an Asset

A very good morning to all the Jury Members, Friends and Fellow Opponents. Today, I,
XYZ of class 12, would like to express my views against the motion ‘Our large population is
not a cause of poverty, but an asset.’ I will speak against the topic. Be it IT jobs, sales, HP or
marketing, job hunters frantically crowd at job fairs and career seminars. The literates, skilled
and semi- skilled try their hand digitally or knock at various doors for the so-called interview.

Yes, this is a fact. Dear friends, due to unchecked population, unemployment has become a
serious social issue and the major challenge for the State and Central Governments. With the
population reaching 1.3 billion and with more and more hungry mouths to feed, natural and
man-made resources are unable to cope with the rising demand for food, shelter and clothing.

Poverty is glaring at our face even in the supersonic age. Reason? Our large population.
Twenty two per cent of population is still below poverty tline, according to officiaL statistics.
To add more, theft, kidnapping, rape,robbery and burglary in most cases are committed by
the migrant labourers living in slums on the outskirts of towns and cities.

Many a time, the teeming, unregistered population find their names in the voters’ list just to
be used as muscle power by unethical political leaders, creating a class of hoodlums and
assassins only. With a question, I put an end to my words. Are these thieves, murderers,
robbers, hoodlums and assassins’ assets? We all know the answer.
Thank you.
OR
The Government has banned the use of animals in the laboratories for the purpose of
dissection. Write a debate in about 120-150 words either for or against this decision.
Answer:
Animal Dissection should be Banned
The Government has banned the dissection of animals in laboratories. Good morning
everyone, I am Navtej and I am going to speak in favour of the motion Animal testing should
be banned’. In our laboratories, animals are dissected, despite the fact that their dissection is
cruel and unpleasant. It is absolutely unethical.

At the same time, it teaches children to abuse animals. On one hand, organisations like PETA
are fighting for the protection from cruelty on these speechless beings, and on the other hand,
they are being killed mercilessly in the name of experiments. It is not only cruel but also
unwise to use them for this purpose. Before reaching the laboratories, the animals are
stockpiled on the top of one another.

Section – C [31 marks]

(Literature) [1 x 3=3]
Question 10.
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
A. A sweet face :
My mother’s that was before I was born.

Question 1.
What is poet referring to as ‘a sweet face’?
(A) Poet is referring to her mother’s photo graph with her cousins.
(B) Poet is referring to her mother in front of her.
(C) Poet is referring to her mother’s cousin.
(D) None of the above
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The poet is describing a photograph of her mother with her cousins, and she
refers to her mother’s face in that photograph as a sweet face

Question 2.
When was the photograph taken?
(A) Before the birth of poet
(B) At the time of birth of poet
(C) After the birth of poet
(D) After graduation of poet
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The photograph was taken before the poet’s birth, as mentioned in the line “My
mother’s that was before I was born

Question 3.
How has the poet described his mother’s face?
(A) Sad
(B) Ugly
(C) Sweet
(D) Pleasant
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The poet describes her mother’s face in the photograph as ‘sweet,’ indicating
that it has a kind and pleasant expression.
OR
B. And all that is in them without me were seeds only, latent, unborn.
And forever, by day and night, I give back life to my own origin, and make pure and beautify
it;

Question 1.
What does ‘them’ refer to ?
(A) Plants
(B) Human Beings
(C) Seeds
(D) Clouds
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The word ‘them’ refers to the seeds. The poet is stating that all the things in the
world (plants, human beings, etc.) were in a latent and unborn state as seeds before they came
into existence.

Question 2.
Why were they unborn ?
(A) Seeds cannot grow without water.
(B) Seeds cannot be born without a plant.
(C) Without water, seeds would have remained buried under the earth.
(D) All of the above
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The poet is suggesting that the things in the world (plants, human beings, etc.)
were unborn and in a latent state because they were like seeds waiting for the right conditions
to grow. The options (i), (ii), and (iii) are all valid reasons for the seeds being unborn and in a
latent state.

Question 3.
Who ‘give back life’ in the poem ?
(A) Earth
(B) Living Organisms
(C) Poet
(D) Rain
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: In the poem, the speaker mentions that they (presumably referring to the Earth)
give back life to their own origin and make it pure and beautiful. The Earth is seen as the
source of life and rejuvenation in the poem.

Question 11.
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. [1×3=3]
(A) The turns became sharper and the ride bumpier, Tsetan now in third gear as we continued
to climb. The track moved away from the icy river, labouring through steeper slopes that
sported big rocks daubed with patches of bright orange lichen.

Question 1.
Who is the author of these lines?
(A) Khushwant Singh
(B) Nick Middleton
(C) Terence Rattigan
(D) Nani Palkhivala
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The author of the lines mentioned in the passage is Nick Middleton.
Question 2.
What was there beneath the rocks?
(A) Icy river
(B) Hunks of snow
(C) Orange lichen
(D) Red roses
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The passage describes big rocks daubed with patches of bright orange lichen
beneath them

Question 3.
Who was driving the car?
(A) The narrator
(B) Nick Middleton
(C) Tsetan
(D) Kyangu
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: Tsetan was driving the car as indicated by the phrase “Tsetan now in third gear
as we continued to climb.”
OR
B. With land under my feet again, my thoughts were full of Larry and Herbie, cheerful and
optimistic under the direst stress, and of Mary, who stayed at the wheel for all those crucial
hours. Most of all, I thought of a seven-year-old girl, who did not want us to worry about a
head injury (which subsequently took six minor operations to remove a recurring blood clot
between skin and skull), and of a six-year-old boy who was not afraid to die.

Question 1.
How did the girl get a head injury?
(A) The girl fell overboard from the ship.
(B) The girl tripped while running on the ship.
(C) The ship got caught in storm.
(D) The ship was attacked by sharks.
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The other options are not supported by the passage. Option (A) is not supported
because the passage does not mention the girl falling overboard. Option (C) is not supported
because the passage does not mention the ship getting caught in a storm. Option (D) is not
supported because the passage does not mention the ship being attacked by sharks. Therefore,
the most likely explanation for how the girl got a head injury is that she tripped while running
on the ship.

Question 2.
Who were Larry and Herbie?
(A) The friends of the narrator
(B) The American and the Swiss crewmen
(C) The captains who came for rescue
(D) The island people who helped narrator and his family
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Larry and Herbie were crewmen, one American and one Swiss, as mentioned in
the passage.

Question 3.
Which word in the passage means ‘terrible’?
(A) Direst
(B) Crucial
(C) Recurring
(D) Afraid
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The word “direst” means terrible in the context of the passage.

Question 12.
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. [1 x 4 = 4]
A. That afternoon my uncle Khosrove came to our house for coffee and cigarettes. He sat in
the parlour, sipping and smoking and remembering the old country. Then another visitor
arrived.

Question 1.
What was the name of the other visitor?
(A) Mourad
(B) Aram
(C) John Byro
(D) Zorab
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The entire paragraph in the story is as follows:
“Then another visitor arrived, a farmer named John Byro, an Assyrian who, out of loneliness,
had learned to speak Armenian.

Question 2.
What was the mood of the other visitor?
(A) Happy
(B) Sad
(C) Unpleasant
(D) Indifferent
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: When we look further in paragraph in text we can see that John Byro was
“sighing sadly” and that he “could not understand” why his horse had been stolen.
Question 3.
What was the other visitor thinking about?
(A) His surrey
(B) His homeland
(C) His legs
(D) His white horse
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The other visitor was a farmer and he mentioned about his lost horse.

Question 4.
What was the visitor’s profession?
(A) Horseman
(B) Shopkeeper
(C) Sailor
(D) Farmer
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: He comes from a farming background, as the story mentions his beautiful white
horse that was kept on his family’s farm.
OR
B. I rubbed it. My fingers grew warm from rubbing. I followed the lines of the pattern.
Somewhere on the edge there should be a burn mark that had never been repaired.
‘My mother’ll be back soon,’ said the girl. ‘J’ve already made tea for her. Will you have a
cup?’ ‘Thank you.’

Question 1.
What was the author rubbing?
(A) Woollen cardigan
(B) Woollen table cloth
(C) Silver fork
(D) Cloth elastic
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The passage mentions that the author rubbed something, and based on the
context of the story, it is a woollen table cloth.

Question 2.
How did the narrator discover for certain that ‘it’ was hers?
(A) Because of its colour
(B) Because of the fabric used
(C) Because of a tea stain
(D) Because of a burnt edge
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The passage states, “Somewhere on the edge there should be a burn mark that
had never been repaired.” This burn mark serves as a unique identifying feature that allows
the narrator to recognize the table cloth as her own.
Question 3.
In which room did the incident take place?
(A) Bed room
(B) Drawing room
(C) Dining room
(D) Living room
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The opening line of this paragraph from which this particular extract has taken
clearly states that the incident took place in living room.
‘Won’t you sit down?’ asked the girl. She held open the door of the living-room and I went
inside past her.

Question 4.
When did the girl’s mother return?
(A) Half an hour
(B) An hour
(C) Six hours
(D) Not given in the story
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The time of the girl’s mother’s return is not given in the story. The only thing
we know is that she was out when the narrator arrived, and that she was expected back soon.
‘My mother’ll be back soon,’ said the girl.
‘I’ve already made tea for her. Will you have a cup?

Question 13.
Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each. [3x 2 = 6]
(a) Give a brief account of the sounds and movements of the goldfinch on the top.
OR
When was the photo taken? What did it show?
Answer:
The goldfinch chirps and suddenly settles on the end of a branch on the top of the laburnum
tree. Then quite suddenly and watchfully she enters the middle part of the tree. She moves
smoothly like a lizard. Then the tree is filled up with a series of short, quick high pitched
chattering sounds, shaking of wings and quavering sound. The whole tree shakes slightly and
is excited. It seems as if a whole machine has started working. This thickness of the tree
houses the family of goldfinch and she stokes the engine of her family before leaving the tree
and flying off to the infinite. The laburnum top regains its silence and stillness.
OR
The photo was taken when the poet’s mother was simply a girl and was unmarried. She, with
her cousins, went for a sea holiday. It showed all of them together smiling at uncle when he
took their photograph.

(b) Why did the author take the short cut inspite of high mountain passes?
OR
What led Professor Gaitonde to believe that ‘history has taken a different turn’ perhaps before
1857 ?
Answer:
The short cut would take them south west, almost directly towards Mount Kailash. Crossing
high mountains passes posed breathing problems. Absence of snow meant a fairly good ride.
OR
Professor Gaitonde noticed an imposing building facing Bombay V.T., called East India
House, Headquarters of the East India Company. He knew East India Company had been
wound up shortly after the events of 1857. Yet, here it was not only alive but also flourishing.
So, he concluded that history had taken a different turn.

Question 14.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 40-50 words: [3 x 1 = 3]
How does Mrs. Fitzgerald perform the trick of changing her personality with that of Mrs.
Pearson?
Answer:
Mrs. Fitzgerald holds the hands of Mrs. Pearson and asks her to keep quiet and not to think
about anything. Then she recites a spell. After the spell has been spoken, the two women
were relaxed, as if the life had been drained out of them. Then both came to life. Now, Mrs.
Pearson has the personality of Mrs. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Fitzgerald has of Mrs. Pearson.
OR
Describe briefly the efforts made by the doctor to revive the child.
Answer:
The doctor lay the child on a blanket and began the special method of respiration. Then he
immersed it alternately in cold water and lukewarm water. Fifteen minutes passed, but no
breath came from the body of the child. Then the doctor made one last effort. He rubbed the
child with a towel, crushed and released the chest with both his hands. Thus, he tried to get
breath into the limp body. His efforts bore fruit. The little chest gave a short, convulsive
heave. The doctor redoubled his effort. The child was now gasping.

Question 15.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words: [6 x 1 = 6]
Give a brief account of the author’s visit to the medical college at Darchen and the effect of
the Tibetan medicines on him.
Answer:
At first the author was impressed neither by the building of the medical college nor by the
Tibetan doctor. The building looked like a monastery. While the consulting room was dark
and cold. The paraphernalia of a doctor. The doctor himself appeared like any other Tibetan
in a thick-pullover and woolly hat.

He was not wearing the white coat on him. The author explained his sleepless symptoms and
sudden aversion to lying down. While feeling his pulse, the Tibetan doctor asked the author
some questions. He diagnosed his illness as a cold which were the effects of the altitude.

By now the author had developed some confidence in the doctor. He asked if he would
recover enough to be able to do the Kora. The doctor assured him that he would be fine. The
doctor gave him a five-day course of Tibetan medicine in fifteen screws of paper.
The after-breakfast package contained a brown powder. The author took it with hot water.
The lunch time and bed time packages contained small spherical brown small pills. They
looked like sheep dung, but the author took them. He found the medicines quite effective.
After his first full day’s course, he slept soundly at night.
OR
“He was the last of his family line. ” What do you learn about Tut’s dynasty from the extract
‘Discovering Tut : The Saga Continues’?
Answer:
Tut’s grandfather, Amenhotep III was a powerful Pharaoh who ruled for almost four decades
at the height of the dynasty’s golden age. His son Amenhotep IV promoted the worship of the
Aten, the sun disk. He changed his ‘name to Akhenaten or ‘servant of the Aten. ‘ He moved
his religious capital from the old city.

Thebes to the new city of Akhenaten. He further shocked the country by attacking Amun, a
major God, breaking his images and closing his temples. Thus, the wacky King started one of
the strongest periods in the history of ancient Egypt. After Akhenaten’s death a mysterious
ruler named Smenkhare appeared briefly and departed without leaving any sign. Then a very
young Tutankhaten took the throne.

He is widely known today as King Tut. The boy King soon changed his name to
Tutankhamun ‘living image of Amun’. He supervised the restoration of the old ways.
Tutankhamun ruled for about nine years and then died unexpectedly. The details of his
passing away are not available. The modern world has speculated about what might have
happened to him. How did he die and how old was he at the time of his death are two
unanswered questions.

Question 16.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words: [6 x 1 = 6]
Describe the narrator’s experience of early morning ride with his cousin Mourad.
Answer:
It was summer early morning. The narrator’s cousin Mourad came to his house. He was
sitting on a beautiful white horse. He invited the narrator to enjoy a ride. The narrator got
ready and leaped onto the horse behind Mourad. In less than three minutes, they were in the
open. The horse began to snort. They let the horse run as long as it felt like running. Then,
Mourad asked the narrator to get down as he wanted to ride alone.

The narrator agreed on the condition that Mourad would let him also try to ride alone.
Mourad kicked his heels into the horse. The horse stood on its hind legs, snorted, and began
to run. Mourad made the horse run across a field of dry grass to an irrigation ditch. He
crossed the ditch on the horse. Five minutes later, he returned. Now it was the narrator’s turn
to ride alone.

When he got onto the back of the horse, it ran down the road to a vineyard instead of running
across the field to the irrigation ditch. It began to leap over vines. It had hardly leaped over
seven vines when the narrator fell off. The horse kept running and then disappeared. It took
Mourad half an hour to trace the horse and bring it back.
OR
How does Mrs. Pearson behave towards her husband after she changes her personality with
that of Mrs. Fitzgerald?
Answer:
When George enters the room, he is astonished to see her sipping stout as he has never seen
her doing it before. He informs her that he doesn’t want any tea as he would have supper at
the club. His wife tells him impudently that there is no tea ready. He is annoyed to know that
his wife didn’t get tea ready for him. She laughs at his childishness and remarks that if he
behaved like that the club would laugh at him even more than they do now.

He is surprised to hear that they laugh at him at the club. Mrs. Pearson continues that he is
one of their standing jokes and they call him Pompy-Ompy Pearson because they think he is
so slow and pompous. She wonders why he wants to spend so much time at a place where
they are always laughing at him behind his back and calling him names. George is horrified
at the revelations.

Later, Mrs. Fitzgerald visits their house. Since, she addresses him informally as ‘George’,
George is annoyed. Making fun of him, Mrs. Pearson remarks that it makes little difference
whether he is addressed as ‘George Pearson’ or ‘George.’ Then she asks him whether he
thinks he is Duke of Edingburg. George stands against at this disparaging behaviour of her
wife.