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CBSE Class 12 English Question Paper 2016 (Comptt Outside Delhi) with Solutions
Time allowed: 3 hours
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions
- This paper is divided into three Sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
- Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary. Read these instructions very carefully and follow them faithfully.
- Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.
SET I
SECTION A
READING 20
Question 1.
Read the passage carefully: [12]
1. In 1991, Linnet visited a relative’s secluded village named Bhuira. Getting there was a backbreaking drive through the unpaved roads. Nestled among orchards and deodar woods, it delighted Linnet, who loves mountains and everything that grows there. Linnet and her husband soon bought a house with an acre of orchard. Peaches, apricots, plums and kiwis grew in and around Bhuira, along with Himachal’s famous apples. What concerned her was how so much of all that precious produce just went waste. Linnet had always baked and made jams, growing up as she did with the excellent seasonal produce of Somerset in England. She says her only qualification was that she knew how jam should taste. She began gathering the fallen fruit to make apple jelly.
2. Today, Linnet not only produces what many consider India’s best jams, she’s single- handedly brought employment and prosperity to the farmers and the women of Bhuira village. Coming to India and setting up a house, she threw herself heart and soul into being an Indian wife. She wore sarees, became fluent in Hindi, and enjoyed making Kashmiri Pandit food. Linnet soon started looking like an Indian. “We could never find proper jams in India,” says Linnet. “There was this sugary red stuff that was called mixed fruit jam. So I started making jams with whatever I could lay hands on. The original mixed fruit jam was made by farmers’ wives in England when they had no time to make separate jams. So they put them all in one pot.
3. Later in Bhuira, her jam became so popular that it got her thinking of expanding. “And the village women needed cash. At that time they had none,” Linnet recalls. Step by step, her dream took shape. There were negotiations with the authorities. The government set too many checks and didn’t realise how the jams could create more employment and help the local economy. Finally, she got the (FPO) Fruits Products Order Licence. A manufacturing unit was constructed close to the cottage and she started production in 1999. Initially, nobody took her seriously. In and around Bhuira, much of the fruit harvest had earned local farmers next to nothing because they didn’t have the means to box and transport such quantities , even to the nearest markets. Now even farmers with a few trees could just walk to the factory with their crop. Soon the women of Bhuira joined her. Linnet taught them the ways of jam-making as it had been passed down from her mother. The legend on the label of a Bhuira jam now reads, “Created by happy mountain women.”
4. Theif products quickly got sold out. The smiling girl brigade at the factory glow with a pride that’s almost visible. “They are hard-working and love the idea that jams bear the name of their village. Their income adds to the little they get from farms. They now also have their own self-help group to,.invest their precious earnings,” says Linnet. The factory has become a lifeline for many women – most of them not educated. Bhuira jam has now become a brand name in its own right. The all women operation needs many workers since every thing – sorting, chopping and cooking is done manually, which is what makes these jams unique. The jams have no artificial preservatives in them. Lime juice, apple juice and sugar are used as preservatives in the traditional manner.
1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer the following questions with the help of the given options: [5 × 1 = 5]
(a) Linnet decided to make good use of the produce in Bhuira village as she ……………
(i) loved baking
(ii) knew how jams should taste
(iii) was concerned about the produce going waste
(iv) loved everything that grew there
Answer:
(iii) was concerned about the produce going waste
(b) In England, mixed fruit jams were made …………
(i) as fruits were in plenty
(ii) when people had no time to make separate jams
(iii) as people only liked them
(iv) which were sugary red stuff
Answer:
(ii) when people had no time to make separate jams
(c) Fruit harvest in Bhuira was not profitable as ……….
(i) government did not buy the fruits from the farmers.
(ii) it was difficult to have talks with the officials.
(iii) the farmers did not have means to box and transport them.
(iv) the markets were far away.
Answer:
(iii) the farmers did not have means to box and transport them.
(d) Which of the following statements is NOT correct?
(i) Linnet enjoyed everything Indian.
(ii) Linnet made jams to make a living.
(iii) Jam making has made the women of Bhuira proud of themselves.
(iv) Linnet loved baking and making jams.
Answer:
(ii) Linnet made jams to make a living.
(e) These Jams are unique because
(i) They are sorted and chopped manually.
(ii) They have no artificial flavours.
(iii) They are cooked manually.
(iv) all of the above.
Answer:
(iv) all of the above.
1.2 Answer the following questions briefly: [1 × 7 = 7]
(f) When did Linnet think about expanding?
(g) How did Linnet’s jam factory become a life-line for the farmers?
(h) How did women save their money?
(i) What is written on the Bottles of Bhuira jam?
(j) Why does this operation need many workers?
(k) What are used as preservatives in the jam?
(l) Which word in the passage (para 3) means the same as ‘discussions’?
Answer:
(f) Her jam became so popular in Bhuira that it got Linnet thinking of expanding. Moreover, the village women needed cash.
(g) Linnet’s jam factory has become a life-line for the farmers, mostly for women who are not educated. Her manufacturing unit is so close to the farms that farmers even with a few trees can walk to the factory with their crop. Their income from the jam factory adds to the little they get from farms.
(h) To save their money, the women have their own self-help group to invest their precious earnings.
(i) The label of a Bhuira jam bottle reads, “Created by happy mountain women.”
(j) This operation needs many workers since everything from sorting, to chopping and cooking is done manually.
(k) Lime juice, apple juice and sugar are used as preservatives in the jam.
(l) The word ‘negotiations’ mean the same as ‘discussions’.
Question 2.
Read the passage given below carefully: [8]
1. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is present in our body. It’s an important component of our cell walls and other tissues, but it is thought to be harmful if in excess. It can lead to blockages caused by plaque formation in the heart’s arteries causing heart disease and heart attacks. Such blockages can also happen in arteries, in the legs or in the brain. Cholesterol is produced in the liver, and the amount produced is influenced by our genes. The food we consume, too, has effect on cholesterol levels. Fatty foods, especially those high in saturated fats, and foods high in simple sugars such as cold drinks increase cholesterol levels. Lack of physical activity and exercise also leads to elevated levels.
2. We can reduce cholesterol levels by following a heart-healthy lifestyle, which includes regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes daily and a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated sugar. Statins are the group of drugs most recommended for those with high cholesterol. Red yeast rice has been shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol. Include garlic and flaxseed in your daily diet. Olive oil, Canola oil or other oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acids can be used for cooking in order to reduce cholesterol through food.
3. The ill effects of high cholesterol take time to show, and you may not realise it until it’s a bit too late. Cholesterol, by itself is important because it insulates nerve cells and membranes. Being a fatty substance, it does not dissolve in the blood and is packaged into protein. There are the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. Bad cholesterol can stick to the smooth lining of the blood vessels, where it is absorbed, while HDL mops up excess bad cholesterol and removes it from blood vessels. Even moderate physical activity can help increase HDL cholesterol.
4. Exercise five days a week, whether you are overweight or underweight. Aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, slow jogging, dancing etc. for 45 minutes, three times a week and anaerobic exercises like weight training, and sprinting, for another three days will help increase good and reduce bad cholesterol. In order to maximize your cardiovascular fitness, aerobic exercises should raise your heart rate to a certain level. This level is called your target heart zone. Keep your heart rate elevated for at least 20 minutes. Always warm up, stretch, and cool down-relax-before and after any workout to avoid injuries. All these contribute to a healthier and fitter life.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it using headings and sub headings. Use recognisable abbreviations (wherever necessary minimum four) and a format you consider suitable. Also supply a title to it. [4]
(b) Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words. [4]
Answer:
(a) Title: Good Cholesterol for a healthier life
Notes:
1. Impact
1.1 leads to blockages
1.2 causes heart diseases
1.3 heart attacks
2. Reasons
2.1 plaque formation in arteries
2.2 fatty foods
2.2.1 high in sat. fats
2.2.2 lack of phys. activity
3. Solution/Remedies
3.1 heart — healthy lifestyle
3.1.1 reg. phys. activity
3.2 statins
3.2.1 red yeast rice
3.2.3 olive oil, canola oil
4. Types of cholesterol
4.1 HDL — good
5. For healthier & fitter life
5.1 Exercise five days a week
5.2 Aerobic exercises 45 mins, three times a week
5.2.1 walking
5.2.2 cycling
5.2.4 slow jogging
5.2.5 dancing
5.3 Unaerobic exercises three days a week
5.3.1 wt. training
5.3.2 sprinting
List of abbreviations used:
sat. – saturated
phys. – physical
veg. – vegetables
& – and
wt. – weight
(b) Summary: Cholesterol, waxy substance present in our body, is an important component of our cell walls and other tissues. If present in excess, it can be very harmful. Our cholesterol levels are affected by the food we consume. We can reduce cholesterol levels by leading a heart-healthv life, doing regular physical activity and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. There are the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. To ensure an increase in our HDL level and to lead a healthier and fitter life, we must do aerobic and unaerobic exercises at least five times a week.
SECTION B
WRITING SKILLS 30
Question 3.
As librarian, Moonlight Public School, Surat, write a notice in about 50 words informing the students of a book exhibition which is going to be organised in your school on Teacher’s Day. [4]
Answer:
|
MOONLIGHT PUBLIC SCHOOL, SURAT
26 th August, 20xx BOOK EXHIBITION ON TEACHERS’ DAY
Students are hereby informed that our school is organising a Book Exhibition on 5
th
September on Teachers’ Day in the Football Ground from 9am-7pm. Renowned educationist, Mrs. Rachna Kumar has kindly consented to be our chief guest. A special attraction of the book exhibition is a separate section of books in different languages and titles dedicated to teachers and educators.
|
Or
Draw a poster on the importance of cleanliness in our life.
Answer:
|
CLEANLINESS PROMOTION CAMPAIGN
Cleanliness of the Colony is the Duty of Each One of Us
Advantages of Clean Surroundings:
“LET’S GET TOGETHER TO KEEP OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD & CITY CLEAN!!”
|
Question 4.
As owner of a stationery shop you received 20,000 notebooks of poor quality. Write a letter of complaint in 120-150 words to Mr. Khanna, proprietor of Green Glades Books Ambala rejecting the supply. Give reasons as to why you are returning the books. Ask him to take away the notebooks at his own cost. You are Ram Kumar, Sunrise Book Store, Patiala. [6]
Answer:
Sunrise Book Store
Patiala
22
nd
December, 20xx
Mr. Khanna, Proprietor
Green Glades Books
Ambala
Subject: Letter of complaint against poor quality of notebooks
Sir
I am the owner of Sunrise Book Store, a stationery shop in Patiala. We have received a supply of 20,000 notebooks from your end on 21st December against our Order no. 2051.
I regret to state that the notebooks received by us are of very’ poor quality. The pages are rough and tom and the quality of printing is also very poor. We are rejecting the supply of these notebooks and returning them. The freight for return of these notebooks will also be borne by you. We hope you will arrange for the notebooks to be taken away latest within a week of receiving this letter to ensure that our future business relations with you are not adversely affected.
Hoping to receive a positive response from your end at the earliest.
Yours sincerely
Ram Kumar
Or
You are Rema, Head girl of Pragathi School, Trichur. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper in 120-150 words protesting against too many advertisements during television serials.
Answer:
Pragathi School
Trichur
17
th
January, 20xx
The Editor
The Daily News
Trichur
Subject: Too many advertisements during television serials
Sir
Through the medium of the columns of your esteemed newspaper I wish to protest against the growing number of advertisements during television serials.
There are many good programmes that one wants to watch on T.V. but the interruption caused due to too many advertisements leads to loss of interest of the viewer, irritation and anger that finally leads to poor TRPs.
It is a known fact that advertising revenue is the life-blood of the media but there must be consideration for the viewers who are mainly responsible for low and high TRPs of a programme. A highly commercial attitude of the channel will certainly not go in its favour as far as viewership is concerned. It is my suggestion that only a limited number of advertisements should be telecast during serials and other programmes.
I hope you will publish my letter in your newspaper so as to enable the television channel management to take a serious note of this matter.
Yours sincerely
Rema, Head Girl
Pragathi School
Question 5.
Parents keep on saving money to bg’Spent on the weddings of their children. This money could have been spent, instead on their education. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Importance of simple weddings’. You are Anu/Anurag. [10]
Answer:
IMPORTANCE OF SIMPLE WEDDINGS
By: Anu
It is the responsibility of every parent to give a decent upbringing and education to their child. But unfortunately, there are still some parents who compromise on their child’s education, especially if their child is a girl, and instead save money to be spent on her wedding.
The basic social structure in our country is such where the marriage of a girl is more important than her education. It is a rather costly affair and the parents spend all their life-savings for this grand and extravagant event. They do not want to compromise on the expenditure of their daughter’s marriage so they end up compromising on her education instead. Many a time parents want their daughters to get a good education with the sole purpose of enhancing her matrimonial prospects.
The need of the time is to give a girl’s education topmost priority. The concept of simple marriage should be promoted. The money spent on a girl’s education is actually an investment. Let us remember marriage is an important but not the ultimate purpose of a girl’s life. It is only a part of it and a choice some girls probably do not wish to make. So a girl should be given good education, good morals and she must be encouraged to pursue her passions.
After all, a parent’s main concern is the welfare of their daughter, so they should make a start by placing the control of her future in her own hands by giving her a good education.
Or
You are Mr. Raghav, Physical Education Teacher in your school. Write an article for the school magazine, in 150-200 words, on ‘Exercise and Healthy Living’.
Answer:
EXERCISE AND HEALTHY LIVING
By: Mr. Raghav, Physical Education Teacher
Modern life can be quite stressful and taxing and therefore it is most important to live a , healthy life which we can lead only through a disciplined routine and regular exercise. The health benefits of physical activity and exercise are hard to ignore.
Exercise keeps one active, alert and also sharpens one’s memory. It enables one to develop a positive attitude, increases productivity and gives long life. Morning walk, Yoga, aerobics and other exercises help us to lead a healthy life. Moreover, regular physical exercise improves one’s muscle strength and boosts endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to our tissues and help our cardiovascular system work more efficiently.
Exercise and physical activity can also be a fun way to spend time. It gives us a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make us happy. As a general rule, aim for at least thirty minutes of physical exercise every day. Exercise is the miracle cure we have always had but sometimes, probably for too long, we neglect to take our recommended dose.
I hope you will publish my letter in your newspaper so as to enable the television channel management to take a serious note of this matter.
Yours sincerely
Rema, Head Girl
Pragathi School
Question 5.
Parents keep on saving money to be’Spent on the weddings of their children. This money could have been spent, instead on their education. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Importance of simple weddings’. You are Anu/Anurag. [10]
Answer:
IMPORTANCE OF SIMPLE WEDDINGS
By: Anu
It is the responsibility of every parent to give a decent upbringing and education to their child. But unfortunately, there are still some parents who compromise on their child’s education, especially if their child is a girl, and instead save money to be spent on her wedding.
The basic social structure in our country is such where the marriage of a girl is more important than her education. It is a rather costly affair and the parents spend all their life-savings for this grand and extravagant event. They do not want to compromise on the expenditure of their daughter’s marriage so they end up compromising on her education instead. Many a time parents want their daughters to get a good education with the sole purpose of enhancing her matrimonial prospects.
The need of the time is to give a girl’s education topmost priority. The concept of simple marriage should be promoted. The money spent on a girl’s education is actually an investment. Let us remember marriage is an important but not the ultimate purpose of a girl’s life. It is only a part of it and a choice some girls probably do not wish to make. So a girl should be given good education, good morals and she must be encouraged to pursue her passions.
After all, a parent’s main concern is the welfare of their daughter, so they should make a start by placing the control of her future in her own hands by giving her a good education.
Or
You are Mr. Raghav, Physical Education Teacher in your school. Write an article for the school magazine, in 150-200 words, on ‘Exercise and Healthy Living’.
Answer:
EXERCISE AND HEALTHY LIVING
By: Mr. Raghav, Physical Education Teacher
Modern life can be quite stressful and taxing and therefore it is most important to live a . healthy life which we can lead only through a disciplined routine and regular exercise. The health benefits of physical activity and exercise are hard to ignore.
Exercise keeps one active, alert and also sharpens one’s memory. It enables one to develop a positive attitude, increases productivity and gives long life. Morning walk, Yoga, aerobics and other exercises help us to lead a healthy life. Moreover, regular physical exercise improves one’s muscle strength and boosts endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to our tissues and help our cardiovascular system work more efficiently.
Exercise and physical activity can also be a fun way to spend time. It gives us a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make us happy. As a general rule, aim for at least thirty minutes of physical exercise every day. Exercise is the miracle cure we have always had but sometimes, probably for too long, we neglect to take our recommended dose.
People of all ages need to exercise and reduce their sedentary lifestyle which means we all need do think about increasing the types of physical activities that can. easily be included in our daily routine.
Question 6.
It has been the talk of the town, that behaviour of youngsters is changing due to their excessive use of mobile phones. You have been asked to speak in the morning assembly of your school on this topic:’Write the speech in 150-200 words. [10]
Answer:
It has been the talk of the town that the behaviour of youngsters is changing due to their excessive use of mobile phones.
Good morning everyone, I have come before you all to talk on this topic.
The youth of today are so glued to their mobile phones that they avoid the real world and live-in a world of virtual reality. They pressurize their parents to buy them the latest gadgets so that they can show off and flaunt it among their peer group. They waste precious time on their mobile phone whether it is to text messages, play games or listen to music. Youngsters now have no time to interact with their parents and family. Excessive use of mobile phones is one of the major causes of accidents, conflicts, low academic result and stressful relationships among youngsters and this needs to be tackled most seriously.
Or
You are Radha, a well-known writer of short stories for children. You have been invited as the chief guest in a school which is celebrating its Annual Day. You decide to talk to them about the importance of story books. Write a speech for her in 150-200 words.
Ans. It has been a pleasure and an honour for me to be invited as the chief guest for your Annual Day. I would like to congratulate the principal, the teachers and all the students for putting up a spectacular performance.
I would also like to take this opportunity to talk to you about the importance of story books, since I write short stories for children and always encourage children to appreciate reading. Unfortunately, most children of today lack the habit of reading story books. They say they do not have the time and some just do not even have the inclination to read.
Let me remind you children that reading story books helps in character building and moral growth in your formative years. It also helps to boost creativity and intellect. Morals of many stories that we read can be connected to real life. You must understand that books have been and always will be a useful source of information and that good reading skills are important for success in our future lives.
I would like to conclude by emphasizing the fact that reading will enhance your confidence level and enable you to cope with your feelings more effectively.
Thank you!
SECTION C
LITERATURE: TEXTBOOKS 30
Question 7A.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow : [1 × 4 = 4]
“The master ought not to heal the wound of this whiteman,” he said bluntly to Hana. “The white man ought to die. First he was shot. Then the sea caught him and wounded him with her rocks. If the master heals what the gun did and what the sea did they will take revenge on us.”
(a) Who is the speaker of the above lines? [1]
(b) Why did he feel that the white man ‘ought to die’? [1]
(c) What did he want the master to do? [1]
(d) Give the meaning of the word ‘bluntly’. [1]
Answer:
(a) The old gardener is the speaker of the above lines.
(b) He felt that it was destined by God that the white man ‘ought to die’.
(c) He wanted the master to hand over the white man to the Japanese authorities.
(d) The word ‘bluntly’ means outspoken.
Question 7B.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow : [1 × 4 = 4]
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to earth’,
…………..
(a) Name the poem and the poet. [1]
(b) What does the bower provide us with? [1]
(c) What are we doing every morning? [1]
(d) Give antonym of the word, ‘quiet’. [1]
Answer:
(a) The poem is ‘A Thing of Beauty’ by John Keats.
(b) The bower provides us with happiness and peace of mind.
(c) Every morning we are trying to make a continuous and beautiful connection with nature.
(d) The antonym for the word ‘quiet’ is ‘noisy’ or ‘chaotic’.
Question 8.
Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words each : [2 × 5 = 10]
(a) Who were sitting on the back benches on the day of the last lesson? Why?
(b) When did Douglas’ dislike of water first begin?
(c) Describe the crofter’s meeting with the rattrap peddler.
(d) What was the reaction of the ‘polished traffic’ when they stopped at the roadside stand?
(e) How did the Tiger King save his kingdom from the British?
(f) What did Dr. Sadao understand more about the wound on peering into it?
(g) What does Mr. lamb try to tell Derry through the example of a weed and a flower?
Answer:
(a) The village elders were sitting on the back benches on the day of the last French lesson. The old Hauser, the former mayor, the former postmaster were there to show their respect for their language and the teacher. They also wanted to show their respect for their country.
(b) Douglas’ dislike of water first began when he was three years old and had gone to the California beach with his father. He was knocked down by the waves which swept over him and he was buried under the water. His breath was gone and he developed a fear of water.
(c) The crofter gave the rattrap peddler shelter for a night. He was very hospitable with the peddler. He gave the peddler supper, tobacco to smoke, played cards with him and even shared his confidences with him.
(d) Generally the ‘polished traffic’ did not stop at the roadside stand. They passed it with a mind to go ahead. If, at all, some of them stopped there they expressed their displeasure regarding the road stand complaining about the clumsy paint and expressing their irritation with the sight of signs ‘N’ and ‘S’ turned wrong.
(e) The Maharaja (Tiger king) had annoyed a high-ranking British official by refusing him permission to hunt and stood in danger of losing his kingdom. Later, to make amends, he sent about fifty samples of expensive diamond rings to the officer’s wife hoping she would keep one or two rings as a bribe. But she kept all the rings which cost the Maharaja three lakh rupees and the official was pleased with him. In this way, the tiger king was able to save his kingdom from the British.
(f) After peering into the American soldier’s wound Dr. Sadao understood that he had been shot some days ago and had not been tended to. The bullets were still there in his body, though they had not reached the kidney.
(g) Through the example of a weed and a flower Mr. Lamb speaks against discrimination and the futility of appearance. He tells Derry that people should have a broader perception and positive attitude towards life. He does not want Derry to feel an outcast so he says all living things are the same and should be given respect.
Question 9.
Answer the following in 120-150 words: [6]
(a) What kind of life did Saheb lead at Seemapuri?
Answer:
Most of the people like Saheb-e-Alam settled in Seemapuri were refugees from Bangladesh who had fled their country and migrated to Delhi from Dhaka in the wake of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Their dwellings were structures of mud, tin and tarpaulin with no sewage, drainage or running water. Picking garbage and rags helped them to earn their daily bread, gave them a roof over their heads and was their only means of livelihood and survival. Though these squatters of Seemapuri have no identity but they do have valid ration cards that enable them to buy grain. Living in Seemapuri, which is on the periphery of Delhi, is like living in hell. Children here grow up to become partners in survival to their parents. An army of barefoot children appears every morning, carrying their plastic bags on their shoulders and disappear by noon. They are forced to live a life of abject poverty that results in the loss of childhood innocence.
Saheb, a ragpicker, roamed in the streets, scrounging for garbage, barefoot and deprived of education. Later he starts working in a tea stall but he loses his freedom and carefree life as he is no longer his own master.
Or
Describe the fantasies Sophie had about Danny Casey.
Sophie had never met Danny Casey. Her story is merely a part of her fantasy. Her fertile mind made up the story of her encounter with him. She told her brother that she had met Danny Casey in the arcade. When she was looking at the clothes in Royce’s window someone came and stood beside her and she looked around and saw Danny. She also told Geoff that Danny Casey has gentle, green eyes and he is not as tall as one would think him to be. She also asked Danny for his autograph but could not get it as none of them had a paper or pen with them. Sophie’s dream world makes her travel into those aspects of life which she may never be able to achieve in reality. Sophie imagines Danny Casey coming to her, her own excitement and subsequent disappointment.
Question 10.
Answer the following in 120-150 words: [6]
Describe the precautions taken in the prison before Evans took the examination.
All possible precautions are taken by the prison officers to prevent Evans from escaping. Evans’ razor and nail scissors are removed from the cell. McLeery, the invigilator was frisked on arrival. Police officer, Stephens, was deputed on duty inside the cell. All the prison officials were put on high alert. There were two locked doors between Evans’ cell and the yard. A microphone was installed in the cell as a precautionary measure through which the warden could listen to their talk by switching on the receiver. The senior prison officer, Jackson and officer Stephens had worked round the clock and made fool-proof arrangements and taken all necessary precautions to ensure that the exam was conducted smoothly.
Or
How did Jo want Roger Skunk story to end?
Jo was Jack’s four year old daughter who loved to listen to the stories which Jack himself created. Each story that Jack narrated to her was a slight variation of a basic tale. One day’s story was about Roger Skunk, a new animal who smelt so bad that the other little creatures never played with him due to this. When Roger Skunk told his tale to the wise owl, he advised him to go to the wizard. The wizard made Roger smell like roses but when Roger returned home his mother was so annoyed that she went to the wizard and hit him on the head. The wizard made Roger Skunk smell bad again. Jo did not like the end of the story. For Jo, Roger’s mother is wicked and she is very annoyed with her for making Roger smell bad again. Jo is a child who lives in an idealised world which is reigned by beauty and love.
So she wants her father to change the story’s ending wherein the wizard should hit mommy,with her magic wand and punish her for being stupid. Jo wanted Roger Skunk to have friends. So she wanted him to get the rose smell back. Jo’s world is a dreamy world of happiness and beauty and so everything must end on a joyful note.
SET II
Note: Except for the following questions, all the remaining questions have been asked in Set I.
Question 4.
You are Aneya. 10, Station Road, Puri. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a local newspaper,: complaining about the lack of street lights in your locality. Mention the problems faced by the people, especially ladies, as a result of poor lighting. [6]
Answer:
10, Station Road
Puri
1
st
December, 20xx
The Editor
The Daily News
Puri
Subject: Complaint about lack of street lights on Station Road
Sir
Through the medium of the columns of your esteemed newspaper I would like to complain about the lack of street lights in our locality at Station Road.
I would like to apprise that our locality is inhabited by thousands of residents living in more than 1,000 flats on either side of the road. The electricity board has installed poles on the road to supply light but these poles have never been lit. During these days of winter, when it turns dark early, there is always an apprehension of an accident taking place because there is heavy traffic on the road round the clock.
Moreover, it is extremely risky for children, ladies and old people to venture out in the dark. It is a convenient invitation to miscreants. It is our request to the concerned authorities to ensure that the street lights are fixed and lit up without further delay so that the residents can carry out their daily activities without fear even during the evening.
I am sure if my letter is published in your esteemed newspaper, the authorities concerned will awaken from their slumber and our problem will be solved.
Yours sincerely
Aneya
Or
You are Ashu/Asha Arora, parent of a child studying in class V. Write a letter in 120-150 words to Principal Moonlight School, Bijapur sharing your concern regarding cases of ragging in the school. Give examples of children being ragged and suggest what could be done to prevent it.
Answer:
ABC Lane
Bijapur
26
th
April, 20xx
The Principal
Moonlight School
Bijapur
Subject: Reporting cases of ragging in the school
Sir!
My ward/ Aakash Arora, is a student of your school studying in class V-B. I would like to bring to your notice and express my concern over cases of ragging occurring in the school, as one day Aakash came back with fom uniform as a result of ragging by some seniors.
1 am very anxious and worried ever since and have recently heard about more such incidents from other parents. There is fear among the children and it is my request to you to take strict action against this problem. The harassed children need to be given moral support and the miscreants need to be dealt with strictly. The school should also arrange for their counselling and may I also suggest that the school authorities take the help of parents in tackling this problem at its root level.
Such cases need to be stopped to maintain the healthy environment of the school and I am sure you will deal with this problem with immediate effect.
Yours sincerely
Ashu Arora
Question 8.
Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 ivords each : [2 × 5 = 10]
(a) Why were people standing in front of the bulletin board in ‘The Last Lesson’? Why did Franz not join the crowd?
(b) How did his experience at the YMCA pool make Douglas feel scared of water?
(c) Why was Gandhiji unhappy with the lawyers in Muzzafarpur? Why was he against taking cases to the law courts?
(d) How did the dewan and his wife help in getting the hundredth tiger for the king?
(e) How did Jack try to convince his daughter that his ending of the story was the best?
(f) How did McLeery misguide the police officials?
Answer:
(a) For the past two years the bulletin board had been the bearer of all bad news the lost battles, drafts, orders from the commanding officer. That day an order had come from Berlin that from the next day a new teacher would teach German instead of French in the school. Franz could not join the crowd as he was already late for his class and could not afford further delay.
(b) A misadventure at the YMCA pool wherein Douglas was thrown into the deeper end of the pool by a big boy made Douglas afraid of water. He went down into the water three times but failed to come up. Though he was ultimately saved, a terror of water developed in him as his lungs filled with water. His head throbbed and his legs felt paralysed thus making him fear water permanently.
(c) Gandhiji was unhappy with the lawyers in Muzzafarpur as they were collecting a huge fee from the peasants. He was against taking the case to the law courts as he knew the fear stricken peasants would be further crushed and exploited in the court. Gandhiji wanted to free the farmers from the fear of Britishers.
(d) An old tiger had been bought by the Dewan from the People’s Park in Madras. He had hidden it in his backyard. At midnight, the Dewan and his wife dragged the tiger into the car and then hauled him out of the car, near the Maharaja’s camp. It wandered into the Maharaja’s presence and was shot at.
(e) To convince Jo that his ending of the story was the best, Jack told her that a mother’s decision should be honoured. Roger Skunk became happy later as he loved his mother more than he loved the other animals. The mother wanted his son to be what he actually is and later the other animals too got adjusted to his smell and befriended him.
(f) Evans’ friend came disguised as Mcleery. He came inside the prison wearing two costumes, two beards and had two spectacles. He brought in blood with him in a rubber tube in the guise of having a problem of hemorrhoids (piles). He used the roll number and the enrolment number as codes to inform Evans where he had to escape to.
Question 9.
Answer the following in 120-150 words: [6]
Describe the living conditions prevailing in Firozabad. Mention why the bangle making business does not give bangle makers a comfortable life.
Answer:
Through the story of the bangle-makers of Ferozabad, the author expresses her concern over their exploitation in the hazardous job of bangle-making. Extreme poverty, hard work and dismal working conditions result in the loss of the childhood of children who are in this profession. The working conditions of all bangle-makers are pathetic and miserable. They work in high temperature, badly lit and poorly ventilated glass furnaces due to which child workers especially are at risk of losing their eyesight at an early age. The stinking lanes of Ferozabad are choked with garbage and humans and animals live together in these hovels. There is no development or progress in their lives with the passage of time. They have no choice but to work in these inhuman conditions. Mind- numbing toil kills their dreams and hopes. They are condemned to live and die in squalor, subjected to a life of poverty and perpetual exploitation.
Or
Geoff and Sophie are different from each other, though they belong to the same family. Comment with examples from the text.
Ans. Though Geoff and Sophie belong to the same family they are very different from each other. Geoff, Sophie’s elder brother is an apprentice mechanic who travelled to work to the far side of the city everyday. He lived in reality and spoke little. In fact Sophie felt that words had to be prized out of him like stone out of the ground. He had a life of his own and though he listened to Sophie’s fantasies, he did not believe her. Sophie, on the other hand, lived in a dream world. She dreams of having a boutique, becoming an actress or a fashion designer. She is a day-dreamer and an incurable escapist. She imagines meeting the football prodigy Danny Casey. Geoff is the most important member of her family for Sophie who wishes to be admitted into her brother’s affections so that some day he might take her with him to meet the exotic and interesting people whom he never spoke about.
Question 10.
Answer the following 120-150 words: [6]
(a) Describe how Dr. Sadao met his life partner in America.
Answer:
Dr. Sadao was a dutiful son who was aware that his education was his father’s chief con¬cern. So at the age of twenty-two Sadao’s father sent him to America to study surgery and medicine. He had met his wife, Hana in America. He had ‘found’ Hana casually and by chance at an American professor’s house. The professor and his wife were kind people anxious to help out their foreign students. Dr. Sadao had gone to the professor’s house most reluctantly and there he had found Hana. He had not married Hana heedlessly in America. The two had finished their work at school, had come home to Japan and when his father had approved of her, their marriage was arranged in the traditional Japanese way. Dr. Sadao had returned from America at the age of thirty as a full-fledged qualified surgeon.
Or
(b) How did Zitkala-Sa face discrimination in the Carlisle Indian School?
Answer:
The first day in the land of apples was bitterly cold and as the bell rang for breakfast, there was an annoying clatter of shoes which gave Zitkala-Sa no peace. Though her spirit tore itself in struggling for its freedom, it was of no use. Zitkala-Sa was placed in a line with the Indian girls and marched into the dining room. All the girls were rather immodestly dressed in tightly,fitting clothes. As Zitkala-Sa sat down she observed that she was being keenly watched by a strange palefaced woman. Later her friend Judewin gave her a terrible warning that this palefaced woman was talking about cutting their long, heavy hair. Zitkala-Sa crept into a room and crawled under a bed and huddled herself in the dark corner. But women and girls entered the room and dragged her out. She resisted by kicking and scratching wildly. Inspite of her resistance she was carried downstairs, tied fast in a chair and her long hair was shingled.
Add: Zitkala-Sa was a victim of racial discrimination. In the Carlisle Indian School she was humiliated by being forced to dress immodestly in tight clothes and stiff shoes. Her blanket was stripped off her shoulders. She was made to eat by formula. Her hair was shingled and she was robbed off her identity.
SET III
Note: Except for’the following questions, all the remaining questions have been asked in Set-I and Set-II.
Question 3.
Write an advertisement, as Sanjay Gupta, offering a flat on rent in Dwarka, Delhi. Give necessary details. Do not exceed 50 words. Contact: xxxxxx [4]
Answer:
TO-LET
3 BHK Flat available on rent in Dwarka, Delhi. In close proximity to Metro Station, Sector 10, Dwarka. Society flat, with complete security and ample parking space. 12- hour electricity backup available. Expected rent—?25,000 p.m. Contact Sanjay Gupta, Mobile no.: 9891’xxxxxx.
Or
Open drains are death traps, risky for the old persons and children. They are also breeding grounds for rats, cockroaches etc. Design a poster highlighting the danger of open drains.
Answer:
|
BEWARE!!!
■ Death traps
Issued in Public Interest by:
|
Question 6.
Life in cities is not as safe as it used to be. People feel more at risk today. The police department of your city has been laying emphasis on public safety through exhibitions, mock drills and seminars. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘How to ensure safe life in cities’. You are Aman/Anamika. [10]
Answer:
HOW TO ENSURE SAFE LIFE IN CITIES
By: Aman
Living in a city enables people to advance socially and economically. However many challenges exist for people living in cities. One of the main challenges is the question of the safety of city dwellers.
Crimes like kidnapping, murder, rape, robberies, chain-snatching and crimes against women and senior citizens are most common. The reasons for these can be attributed to unemployment, illiteracy, greed and the desire to maintain high status by acquiring easy money. We cannot always hold our legal system and the police responsible for the rise of crime rate in cities. It is the duty of each one of us to be vigilant at all times and to ensure our safety.
The police certainly need to be more active and vigilant. Offenders need to be punished most stringently so as to deter others about the repercussions in case they commit the same crime. Parents need to inculcate moral values in their children from a very young age so that they grow up clearly understanding the difference between right and wrong.
The government should generate more employment opportunities to ensure that the number of the unemployed youngsters in our country does not rise.
It is defihitely the collective responsibility of our government, the police department and each one of us to strive for a safe and secure city.
Or
Villages are lacking in basic facilities like clean drinking water, proper sanitation etc. As a result people suffer from various diseases. Write an article in 150-200 words on ‘Rural Health’. You are Arun/Karuna.
Answer:
RURAL HEALTH
By: Karuna
Rural health care is one of the biggest challenges facing the Health Ministry of India. With more than seventy per cent of our population living in rural areas and the low level of health facilities, mortality rates due to diseases are on a high. So, rural life is healthy is more of a myth.
Healthcare is the right of every individual but lack of quality infrastructure, dearth of qualified medical functionaries and non-accessibility to basic medicines and medical aid thwarts its reach to more than sixty per cent of population that lives in rural India. Basic amenities like clean drinking water, a proper sewage and drainage system and the facility of toilets is still not available to our major rural population.
Several organisations are working alongwith the government and NGOs to improve the rural health system in India. People living in rural areas need to be made aware of the importance of cleanliness and sanitation. Regular health check camps should be set-up at primary health centres in rural areas. Health-Melas should be organised to spread health awareness among the masses.
Growth in national income is not enough by itself if its benefits do not manifest themselves in the form of better health facilities for all.