Students can find that CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 English with Solutions and CBSE Class 12 English Question Paper 2019 (Series: BVM/4) effectively boost their confidence.
CBSE Class 12 English Question Paper 2019 (Series: BVM/4) 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 Code No. 1/4/1
SECTION A
READING 20
Question 1.
Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow: [12]
1. “But have you been to Nimtita? Have you been to the palace there?” Asked the old man in the tea-shop, with the thatched roof. We were in the village of Lalgola, one hundred and fifty miles from Kolkata, and we had just seen our thirteenth nobleman’s palace and found it unsuitable.
2. “Nimtita? Where is that?” we asked without much interest. We had never heard of the place. “It is sixty miles to the North of here. You drive up the highway. Then you come to a river which you have to cross. A ferry will take your car across. Then up the highway again for twenty miles. A sign tells you where to branch off…It’s on the river Padma, on the eastern bank. It’s the palace of the Choudharys. I’ve been listening to your talk, and I feel you ought to see this one before you give up.”
3. We were not very hopeful. We had had enough trouble taking free advice from people who had no idea of our needs. Anyway, the question was : do we or do we not undertake this last trip? If we did not like the palace, it might mean either giving up making this film altogether, or seriously changing its nature. We tossed a coin to decide whether to go or not. The coin said, ‘Go!’, and we set out on our sixty-mile journey.
4. It was when I was in bed with my right leg in plaster that I had decided the film on . Tarasankar Banerji’s famous short story, ‘The Music Room’ (Jalsaghar). A nasty fall on the stone steps at Banaras had brought about a serious knee injury. I lay in bed and read all the Bengali books I could lay my hands on. Just then, the film distributors were not too keen to take my film for distribution, and may be this was one of the things that made me choose ‘The Music Room’.
5. Here was a dramatic story which could naturally bring in music and dancing, and distributors loved music and dancing. But here, too, was a story full of feelings. So it would be satisfying for me as an artist. I would cast Chabi Biswas, our greatest actor, in the leading role of the zamindar —the zamindar whose love of the big musical entertainments brings about his ruin. But the most important thing was to find a palace. As we had a low budget, there was no question of having studio-built sets. I knew
that, if we had the money, my art director could easily build a set which looked like our old palace with the right style. But we just didn’t have the money for it,
6. Nimtita turned out to be everything that the old man had claimed —and more. No one could have described in words the feeling of utter sadness that surrounded the palace. The river Padma had changed its course over the years, so that now there were endless stretches of sand where once had been villages. The palace itself—Greek pillars and all—was a perfect realization of my dream image. It stood looking out over the stretches of sand with a sad dignity. It had somehow escaped being totally destroyed when the river changed its course. The river had reached within ten yards of the front of the palace—having swallowed the garden—and then stopped. Ganendra Narayan Choudhary, who is seventy and owns a British title and the palace, told us how it happened: “We were having breakfast one morning when we heard a low rumble. We went out to the verandah and saw a big chunk of our estate — almost a square mile of it —going under water, disappearing forever. It all happened in a few seconds. Padma’s appetite is legendary.”
7. “But aren’t you afraid that the river might encroach further?”
8. “Oh, yes, the rains bring with them the usual fears.”
9. On returning from our first trip to Nimtita, I telephoned the author, Mr. Banerji. He had been just as anxious about the location as we were.
10. “We’ve found our palace at last, Mr. Banerji,” I said.
11. “Have you? And where is it?”
12. “At a little known place called Nimtita.”
13. “Nimtita? There was a note of recognition in his voice.” You don’t mean the palace of the Choudharys, do you?”
14. “That’s the one.”
15. “But that’s extraordinary! I haven’t been to Nimtita myself, but I have read about the Choudharys in a history of Bengal zamindars, and it was the music-loving Upendra Narayan Choudhary who served as the model for my rajah.”
1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer each of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option. [1 × 5 = 5]
(a) The writer of the passage is a ______ by profession.
(i) painter
(ii) filmmaker
(iii) photographer
(iv) journalist
Answer:
(ii) filmmaker
(b) What helped the author and his friends to decide whether or not to go to Nimtita?
(i) the suggestion made by the old man at the tea-shop
(ii) their own intuitive feeling
(iii) description of the palace in a travel book
(iv) tossing of a coin
Answer:
(iv) tossing of a coin
(c) Why was the idea of building a set for shooting given up?
(i) Shooting at a set would not give a real life effect.
(ii) They didn’t have money for a set.
(iii) Building a set is very time consuming.
(iv) Shooting at the actual palace would be more authentic.
Answer:
(ii) They didn’t have money for a set.
(d) Who is the central character in the story, ‘The Music Room’?
(i) A local raja
(ii) A zamindar
(iii) A British official
(iv) An artist
Answer:
(ii) A zamindar
(e) What did the author like most about the palace?
(i) facilities for the visitors
(ii) wood carvings at the ceiling
(iii) its huge central hall
(iv) its Greeks pillars
Answer:
(iv) its Greeks pillars
1.2 Answer the following questions briefly. [1 × 5 = 5]
(a) What suggestion did the old man at the tea-shop make to the author and his friends?
(b) Why did the author not like the idea of taking free advice?
(c) How did the author sustain a serious injury?
(d) What brought about the ruin of the zamindar in the story, ‘The Music Room’?
(e) Who was Ganendra Narayan Choudhary?
Answer:
(a) The old man at the tea-shop suggested that the author and his friends should see the palace of the Choudharys at Nimtita before they gave up.
(b) The author had already faced enough trouble taking free advice from people who had no idea of their needs so he did not like the idea of any more free advice.
(c) The author had a nasty fall on the stone steps at Banaras which had resulted in a serious knee injury.
(d) The zamindar’s love of the big musical entertainments brought about his ruin in the story ‘The Music Room’.
(e) Ganendra Narayan Choudhary was a seventy year old man. He was the owner of a British title and the palace.
1.3 Find words/ phrases from the passage which are similar in meaning to each of the following: [1 × 2 = 2]
(a) main (para 5)
(b) nobility (para 6)
Answer:
(a) main – leading
(b) nobility – dignity
Question 2.
Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow: [8]
1. Physical education which is commonly part of the curriculum at school level includes training in the development and care of the human body and maintaining physical fitness. Physical education is also about sharpening overall cognitive abilities and motor skills via athletics, exercise and various other physical activities like martial arts and dance.
2. Physical education promotes the importance of inclusion of a regular fitness activity in the routine. This helps the students to maintain their fitness, develop their muscular strength, increase their stamina and thus stretch their physical abilities to an optimum level. Physical fitness helps them to inculcate the importance of maintaining a healthy body; which in turn keeps them happy and energized.
3. Participating in sports, be it team sports or dual and individual sports, leads to a major boost in self-confidence. The ability to go on the field and perform instils a sense of self-confidence, which is very important for the development of a person’s character. Every victory achieved on the field, helps to boost a person’s self-confidence. Moreover, the ability to accept defeat on the field and yet believe in your capabilities brings a sense of positive attitude as well.
4. Physical education classes are about participating in the physical fitness and recreation activities, but they are also about learning the overall aspects of physical health. For example, in today’s world the problems of obesity, or anaemia and bulimia are common amongst teenagers. Physical education-provides an excellent opportunity for teachers to promote the benefits of healthy and nutritious food and warn against the ill effects of junk food. Promoting sound eating practices and guidelines for nutrition are some of the very valuable lessons that can be taught through physical education classes at school level. ..
5. Participation in team sports and even dual sports helps to imbibe a sense of team spirit amongst the students. While participating in team sports, the children have to function as an entire team, and hence they learn how to organize themselves and function together. This process of team building hones a person’s overall communication skills and the ability to get along with different people.
6. Participation in sports and physical education activities Helps to sharpen the reflexes of the students. It also brings order and discipline to the body movements and helps in development of a sound body posture. The hand-eye coordination improves as well.
7. Physical education classes also include lessons about the importance of personal hygiene and importance of cleanliness. Thus, these classes help the students to know the important hygiene practices that must be practised in order to maintain health and wellness throughout life.
8. Physical education classes help to enhance the overall cognitive abilities of the students, since they get a knowledge of the different kinds of sports and physical activities that they participate in. For example, a person who is participating in a specific type of martial arts class, will also gain knowledge of the origins of the martial arts, and the other practices and historical significance associated with it.
2.1 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, make notes on it using headings and subheadings. Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary – minimum four) and a format you consider suitable. Also supply an appropriate title to it. [4]
2.2 Write a summary of the above passage in about 100 words. [4]
Answer:
2.1 Title: Importance of Physical Education
Notes:
1. Phys. education:
1.1 part of curriculum at school
1.2 It includes:
1.2.1 training in dev.
1.2.2 care of human body
1.2.3 maintaining phys. fitness
1.3 It sharpens:
1.3.1 overall cognitive abilities
1.3.2 motor skills via athletics & other phys. activities
2. Phys. education promotes:
2.1 imp.ce of regular fitness activity
2.2 helps students:
2.2.1 to maintain fitness
2.2.2 develop muscular strength
2.2.3 increase stamina
2.3 stretch phys. abilities to optimum level
2.4 inculcates imp.ce of maintaining healthy body
3. Participation in team sports:
3.1 leads to boost in self-confidence
3.2 gives ability to accept defeat
3.3 brings in a +ve attitude
3.4 imbibes a sense of team spirit
3.5 students learn to func. tog.
3.6 overall comm, skills are honed
4. Phys. education classes
4.1 enable participation in:
4.1.1 phys. fitness
4.1.2 recreation activities
4.2 give opportunities to teachers:
4.2.1 to promote benefits of nutritious food
4.2.2 warn against junk food
4.3 promote sound eating practices
4.4 give guidelines for nutrition
4.5 help students to know hygiene practices
4.6 help in enhancing overall cognitive abilities
5. Participation in sports activities:
5.1 sharpens reflexes of students
5.2 brings order & discipline to body movts.
5.3 helps in dev. of sound body posture
5.4 improves hand-eye coordination
|
List of abbreviations used:
phys. – physical dev. – development imp.ce – importance +ve – positive func. – function tog. – together comm. – communication movts. – movements |
2.2 Summary: Physical education is part of school curriculum. It includes training in the development and care of human body, maintaining physical fitness, sharpening overall cognitive abilities and motor skills through various exercises. Sports participation boosts tire self-confidence of students when they win and also gives them the ability to accept defeat with a positive attitude. Children also learn to function as a team. Sports participation also sharpens reflexes and helps to develop sound posture. Physical education classes give teachers an opportunity to promote benefits of healthy food and ill-effects of junk food. These classes teach the important hygiene practices to maintain health and wellness. They also help to enhance overall cognitive abilities of students.
SECTION B
WRITING SKILLS [30]
Question 3.
You are Nainai/Nachaobi Kom, Headboy/Headgirl of Loktak High School, Manipur. Your school wishes to honour an old student of your school, the famous boxer Mary Kom for all her numerous achievements by inviting her to the School Annual Day as the Chief Guest. Write a formal invite in not more than 50 words to be sent to Mary Kom requesting her presence on the occasion. [4]
Answer:
Loktak High School
Manipur
22nd September, 20xx
Respected Ms. Mary Kom
On behalf of our school, it gives me great pleasure to invite you to grace our Annual Day function as the Chief Guest on the 15th of October, 2019 at 1 PM. As you are an alumni of our school, it will be our great pleasure to honour you for your numerous achievements and laurels that y’ou have brought for our country. Hope to receive your consent for the same soon.
Yours sincerely
Nainai/Nachaobi Kom
(Headboy / Headgirl)
Or
You are Vinayak/Revati from the Green School, Thoothukudi. You read an article about the proposed garbage segregation programme in the neighbourhood, which is set to begin from next week. You decide to make a poster telling your neighbourhood about the programme and the value of garbage segregation. Draft the poster to be put up in your neighbourhood. (50 words)
Answer:
Question 4.
You are Rodrigues/Maria, Principal of Sea View Senior Secondary School, Vasco da Gama. Your school needs to formulate and submit an evacuation plan by the end of the month. You are clueless about how this is to be done. You write a letter in 120-150 words to the State Disaster Management Authority, Goa asking them for advice and help on how to formulate a disaster evacuation drill for 1500 students. [6]
Answer:
Sea View Senior Sec. School
Vasco Da Gama
1st October, 20xx
State Disaster Management Authority
Goa
Subject: Letter of inquiry on evacuation plan formulation
Sir
Our school needs to formulate an evacuation plan and submit it by the end of the month. But we are quite clueless about how this is to be done.
I, hereby request you to advice and help us on how we can formulate a disaster evacuation drill for 1500 students of our school. I would be grateful it experts from your organization come to our school and share their valuable knowledge with us, so as to enable us to formulate this plan under their expert guidance. Keeping the safety of our students in mind I am sure that we will hear from your end soon.
Our staff and students will be most willing to cooperate with the members from your office and we extend our gratitude to you for your valuable help.
Yours sincerely
Rodrigues/ Maria
(Principal)
Or
The Gandhi Foundation is recruiting graduates for an intensive leadership-training programme during the summer, in villages across India. You are Anjana/Benji from 21, Ratnapur Village, Bilaspur. You are very excited to see the advertisement and decide to apply for the same. Draft a letter in 120-150 words applying for the advertised programme. Include a biodata showing how suitable you are for the training. [6]
Answer:
21, Ratnapur Village
Bilaspur
17th March, 20xx
The Director
The Gandhi Foundation
Subject: Application for recruitment in leadership training programme
Sir
This is in response to your advertisement in ‘The Daily Times’ dated 15th January, 20xx for recruiting graduates for an intensive leadership-training programme during the summer, in villages across India.
I have completed my graduation this year and would like to apply for this programme. Attached herewith is my brief resume and I would be too happy if I am considered suitable for recruitment into this training programme.
Yours sincerely
Anjana/Benji
Bio-Data
Name : Benji Singh
Father’s Name : Mr. B.K. Singh
Date of Birth : 1st October, 2000
Permanent Address : 21, Ratnapur Village Bilaspur
Contact No. : 9856xxxx
Academic Qualification : 1. Passed Senior Secondary School examination (CBSE Board) with 85 percent aggregate in the Commerce stream with Mathematics.
2. Graduated from Maharishi Management College with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with 63 ‘ percent aggregate.
Professional Experience : Working for a reputed firm as a trainee executive for the past six months.
Hobbies and Interests : I have excellent communication skills that enable me to put forward and present my ideas objectively.
I have the ability to delegate tasks as I was the cultural president of my college and ensured that we completed the )r task as a team.
Moreover, I am a positive person willing to take initiative
and responsibility.
These qualities have been the forte of my personality and thus I feel I am suitable for your training programme.
Hoping to hear from your end soon.
Anjana/Benji Singh
Question 5.
The recent killing of Avni, the tigress which had two 10-month-old cubs has disturbed you. You realize that human encroachment and the greed of land grabbing companies are the cause of this. Write an article in 150-200 words to be published in ‘The National Times’ about your concern and the need to take urgent action to stop the decline in the number of tigers in India. You are Amit/Ambika Shukla. [10]
Answer:
SAVE THE TIGERS
By: Ambika Shukla
The recent killing of Avni, the tigress, which had two 10-month-old cubs, was very disturbing. Human encroachment and the greed of land grabbing companies are to be blamed for this.
There is no denying that the forest area in our country, the natural habitat for wild animals, is quickly depleting. The fast takeover by humans is not recent and this has increased the chances and risks of a human-wildlife interaction. Considering the decline in the number of tigers in India, urgent action needs to be taken to ensure that an incident like this does not happen again.
A major reason that the tigers have become endangered is because of the loss of their natural habitat. It is important to know that the extinction of a single species can lead to the disappearance of others and to the destabilization of entire ecosystems. Thus, word needs to be spread more widely that the tiger and its habitat are under threat and they need our help. We need to powerfully advocate for wildlife. Human activities leading to deforestation and developmental projects that lead to massive exodus of wild animals must be stopped.
When visiting any wildlife area —follow the forest department guidelines- ‘Don’t leave anything behind except footsteps and don’t take anything except memories.’
Or
You are Veer/Priti. You are a resident of Chandigarh. You are very concerned about the deteriorating air quality in the northern part of India. You realise that the rising amount of construction work, burning of leaves and garbage, and the lack of both wind and rain are major causes of this state. Write a speech in 150-200 words which you
will deliver at the school assembly on the occasion of Diwali, in which you voice your concern about the situation.
Answer:
The deteriorating air quality in the northern part of India is a matter of extreme concern. Good Morning! Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends. 1, Priti, have come before you all on the occasion of Diwali, to voice my concern about this hazardous scenario.
The rising amount of construction work, burning of leaves and garbage, and the lack of both wind and rain are major causes of this state. A variety of hazardous and toxic particles and gases from different sources are being emitted into the atmosphere leading to a dyterioratingair quality. A large part of North India wakes up to a “Severe” category of air quality, a day after Diwali, wherein firecrackers add to the already harmful pollution levels.
The government is implementing reforms to keep pollution in check as contaminated air has become an increasing concern. Anti-pollution laws exist in India but they need to be enforced most stringently. There is also need to reinforce measures to control the deteriorating air quality like using clean energy and clean technology in industries, reducing vehicle usage, planting more trees, etc.
I would like to conclude by quoting the words of our Prime Minister, “Cleaning our surroundings is also one way of serving Mother India as it is with small chores that big goals are accomplished.”
Thank You!
Question 6.
The eminent psychologist, Dr. Madhumita was invited by your school authorities to speak to the students on the topic, ‘How to maintain robust mental health’. She delivered a lively speech without using any medical technical terms. After the lecture the students asked many questions especially about how to cope with stress during examinations. Dr. Madhumita addressed their concerns very patiently and gave them some very useful tips. Write a report in 150-200 words for your school magazine describing the session with the psychologist. You are Noor/Hilal Head-girl/Head-boy, National School, Sonepat. [10]
Answer:
A Session with the Psychologist
By: Noor, Head Girl
National School, Sonepat
Our school invited the eminent psychologist, Dr. Madhumita to speak to the students on the topic, ‘How to maintain robust mental health?, on 17th January, 20xx.
In a lively session, held in our school auditorium, Dr. Madhumita enlightened the students on the need to maintain strong mental health. The ease with which she delivered her speech, without using any technical medical terms, was remarkable. She had the undivided attention of all the students, who it seemed, were mesmerized by her words of wisdom. This fact was evident, because after her lecture was over, many students came up with numerous questions, especially about how to cope up with the stress during examination. Here too, Dr. Madhumita addressed their concerns with patience and gave them some very useful tips on systematic study and revision plans. She even demonstrated few breathing and meditation techniques to help in relieving stress.
This session with the eminent psychologist which was planned for a duration of two hours lasted for over three hours, thus highlighting the success of this interactive session.
Dr. Madhumita assured the students that she would try to take out more time for such sessions in future also.
Or
The Nilgiris Senior Secondary School is holding an inter-school debate on the topic, ‘’School bullies are a menace; they should be expelled’. You will be participating from your scnool in the debate. Write your-debate in 150-200 words choosing a stand for or agains; the motion.
Answer:
There is no doubt that school bullies should fall under the ‘Zero’ tolerance rule and they are a menacs but should they actually be expelled? Good Morning everyone! I…, have come.before you.all to speak against the motion, ‘School bullies are a menace; they should be expelled.’
I feel that expelling a bully from school does not solve the problem of bullying. Children should be taught through love, compassion and counseling the value of being nice to their fellow students. I strongly believe that every person who does something wrong should be given a chance to redeem themselves. Love and perseverance is one of the best ways to teach people to change any negative behavioural characteristics.
Very often the students who are at the receiving end are the ones who are afraid to speak out It is these students who need to be given the confidence to speak-up. By expelling bullies from school without effecting a change in their behaviour will make them grow up to be unhappy, unsocial human beings. They must get a chance to improve or else they may become victims of unchecked aggression in adulthood.
I would like to conclude by saying that expulsion of bullies from school is not the solution as it does not address their behaviour. The aim thus should be to understand the cause of disorderly behaviour and help them to develop empathy and concern for others.
Thank you
SECTION C
LITERATURE: TEXT BOOKS [30]
Question 7A.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: [1 × 4 = 4]
…On their slag heap, these children
Wear skins peeped through by bones and spectacles of steel
With mended glass, like bottle bits on stones.
All of their time and space are foggy slum.
So blot their maps with slums as big as doom.
(a) Name the poem and the poet. [1]
(b) Which image is used to describe the poverty of these children? [1]
(c) What sort of life do these children lead? [1]
(d) Identify and name the figure of speech used in line 3 . [1]
Answer:
(a) The poem is ‘An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum’ by Stephen Spender.
(b) The image of the ‘slag heap’, ‘the skin peeped through by bones’ and ‘slums as big as doom’ describes the poverty of these children.
(c) These children lead miserable and pathetic lives. There is no hope for them and they are destined to live and die in the slums.
(d) A simile is used in line 3 —’Like bottle bits on stones’.
Question 7B.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: [1 × 4 = 4]
“No. That’s not the story. The point is that the little skunk loved his mommy more than he loved all the other little animals and she knew what was right.”
(a) Who speaks the above lines? [1]
(b) Why does he say, ‘that’s not the story’? [1]
(c) What is the point he wants to prove? [1]
(d) Why does he feel that the little skunk should not get back his pleasant smell? [1]
Answer:
(a) Jo’s father, Jack speaks the above lines.
(b) When Jo tells her father that she “wants him to change the story’s ending with the wizard hitting the skunk’s mommy, Jack says that’s not the story.
(c) Jack wants to reiterate the fact that parents know what is right for their children.
(d) He feels this way because he views the story from an adult’s perspective.
Question 8.
Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words each: [2 × 5 = 10]
(a) Sophie flits from one dream to another. What trait of her character is brought out by this action?
(b) How and why was M. Hamel dressed differently that day?
(c) Why did Zitkala-Sa resist the cutting of her hair?
(d) Why does Aunt Jennifer create animals that are so different from her own character?
(e) What kind of person was Evans?
(f) Who actually killed the hundredth tiger in ‘The Tiger King’? Why?
Answer:
(a) Sophie’s flitting from one dream to another reveals that she enjoyed living in her world of dreams which provided her the refuge that she needed from her middle- class reality. Sophie is an incurable escapist who does not want to come out of her dreamland.
(b) It was in honour of the last lesson that M. Hamel had put on his fine Sunday clothes. He was wearing his beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt and his little black silk embroidered cap that he wore only on inspection and prize days.
(c) Zitkala-Sa resisted the cutting of her hair because her mother had taught her that only unskilled warriors who were captured had their hair shingled by the enemy. Among their people, short hair was worn by mourners and shingled hair by cowards.
(d) Aunt Jennifer has been a victim of gender oppression at the hands of her husband. So she creates an alternate world of freedom in her art. She creates tigers who symbolise strength and splendour in contrast to her meek nature.
(e) Evans is a rather quiet and non-violent person. He has a great presence of mind and is admired for his quick-witted intelligence. He wanted to sit for the O-Level German examination because he was very keen to improve his academic qualification.
(f) Ironically, the hundredth tiger is not killed by the Tiger King. He does drop down after he is shot by the Maharaja, but he only faints from the bullet shot. The hunters then wonder what they should do. They realize if the Maharaja came to know this they could lose their jobs. So one of the hunters takes aim and shoots the tiger.
Question 9.
Answer of the following in 120-150 words: [6]
Give instances from the chapter, ‘The Rattrap’ to show that most of its characters are victims of loneliness.
Answer:
The main focus of the story ‘The Rattrap’ is on human loneliness. All the characters, whether it is the peddler, the crofter, the ironmaster or his daughters, suffer from loneliness. The peddler is a lonely man who has always been shunned by society’s cold and unkind words. When he knocks at the door of the old crofter’s cottage he does not expect hospitality but the crofter welcomes him as he is too happy to get someone to talk to after being alone for so long. By serving the peddler the crofter is in fact serving himself. He serves the peddler with supper, gives him tobacco and plays ‘mjolis’ with him. He is a very good host. The ironmaster and his daughter too miss company and this makes them all the more lonely on the occasion of Christmas. So the ironmaster, who mistakes the peddler for his old regimental comrade, invites him to his manor house for Christmas. The ironmaster’s daughter, Edla, extends this invitation again and tells the peddler he can leave any time after Christmas. Thus the need to bond is the main focus of the story ‘The Rattrap’.
Or
Douglas has a near-death experience in his childhood which has a negative as well as a positive outcome. Justify the statement with evidences from the text.
Answer:
Douglas’ near-death experience in his childhood has negative as well as positive outcomes. His misadventure at the YMCA swimming pool results in him developing an acute fear of water which took complete possession of him whenever he was anywhere near water. It ruined his fishing trips and deprived him of the joys of canoing, boating and swimming. But once Douglas decided that he had to overcome his fear of water, it gave him a sense of determination. With his perseverance he made sure that he accomplished what he thought could not be possible. It also made him courageous and developed a positive attitude in him that aided him in achieving the goals he had set for himself.
Question 10.
Answer of the following in 120-150 words: [6]
“Things that matter. Things nobody else has ever said. Things I want to think about.” What are the ‘things’ that Derry is referring to? How did Derry’s chance meeting with Mr. Lamb prove meaningful for him? *
Ans. A remarkable change is seen in Derry’s perception and attitude towards life after meeting Mr. Lamb. He says to his mother that Mr. Lamb had spoken to him about things that no one else had talked to him about. The ‘things’ that Derry refers to are Mr. Lamb’s words of wisdom and his healing touch which inspire him (Derry) to shed his inferiority complex. AZso Read: See Q.
Mr. Lamb is an elderly gentleman who suffers from a physical handicap. He has a tin leg because his leg had been blown off in the war. The children tease him by calling him “Lamey Lamb” but he does not mind it.
Derry suffers from an acute sense of self-hatred and rejection because of his burnt face. He feels he is very ugly and so no one will love him. Mr. Lamb too has heard Derry only complain and bemoan about himself. He feels very sad to see a fourteen year old boy giving up on life just because of his physical disability. Mr. Lamb at first startles Derry with his strange talk. He tells Derry he is interested in everything created by God. His encouraging words have a magical effect on Derry. Mr. Lamb’s conversation that everyone and everything is essentially the same, the notion of beauty is relative and his concept of the world and friendship baffle but appeal to Derry and he is fascinated by the old man.
Mr. Lamb inspires Derry by telling him not to focus on the shortcomings of life and his handicap and instead he should try to enjoy the blessings of life. He tells him to be thankful to God for two arms, two legs, two eyes and ears, a tongue and a brain and advises him to be friendly with everyone around him. Derry’s long conversation with Mr. Lamb helps him overcome his inferiority complex and poor self-esteem.
Or
‘The Enemy’ portrays the victory of humanity in a moment of crisis. Illustrate this fact through the actions taken by Dr. Sadao for the enemy soldier.
Ans. The efforts made by Dr. Sadao to save the American soldier who gets washed by the sea to his doorstep portray the victory of humanity in a moment of crisis. Dr. Sadao rises over narrow prejudices of race and country to help a human being in need. Being a doctor, his priority is to save a dying man even though he belongs to the enemy camp. Basic human goodness overpowers Dr. Sadao and he helps the wounded soldier first by operating on him and saving his life and thereafter by arranging his safe escape. As a doctor, his foremost duty was to save a dying man so he put aside all the other options and respected the ethics of his profession thereby justifying the victory of humanity when one is in a dilemma.
SET II Code No. 1/4/2
Note: Except for the following questions, all the remaining questions have been asked in Set-1.
Question 4.
You live in Raghu Nagar, Delhi, a densely populated locality. It is unfortunate that there is no playground for the children of this area. Children can be seen playing in the streets, along the roads and wherever they find space. This is nothing short of exposing themselves and others to risk. There is a large tract of vacant land near the locality which can.be developed into a playground. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a local newspaper to draw the attention of the authorities to develop the vacant land into a playground. You are Roshan/Roshni, 21, Raghu Nagar, Delhi. [6]
Answer:
21, Raghu Nagar
Delhi
31st October, 20xx
The Editor
The Daily News
Delhi
Subject: Development of vacant land into a playground for children.
Sir
Through the medium of the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to develop a vacant land in our area, Raghu Nagar, into a playground for children.
Our locality is densely populated but it is most unfortunate that there is no playground for the children of our area. They can be seen playing in the streets, along the roads and wherever they find space. This is nothing short of exposing themselves and others to risk. There is a large tract of vacant land near our locality that can be developed into a playground. As it is, the vacant land is being used as a dumping ground which makes the whole area filthy and a breeding ground for many diseases.
It is rather unfortunate that no department is ready to take up responsibility to maintain this vacant land. On behalf of the residents I request the concerned authorities to initiate action in this regard and make this land useful for people.
I hope you will publish my letter in your newspaper so that the authorities take up immediate measures to develop the vacant land into a playground for children.
Yours sincerely Roshni
Or
You placed an order with Regent Computer Accessories House for the supply of laptop tables, computer stationery, etc. However, you felt disappointed when you opened the consignment. Two out of the eight tables ordered have wobbly legs and two reams of paper contain defective sheets. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the manager requesting him to replace the defective supplies. You are Sudha/Sudhir, Manager, Communication Services Centre, Paschim Vihar, Delhi.
Answer:
Communication Services Centre
Paschim Vihar
Delhi
5th May, 20xx
The Manager
Regent Computer Accessories House
Subject: Letter of complaint against delivered consignment
Sir
This is in regard to the order that we had placed with your company vide bill no. 12345 on 18th April, 20xx for the supply of laptop tables, computer stationery, etc.
It was extremely disappointing for us when we opened the consignment delivered to us
on 4th May, 20xx. To our dismay, we found that two of the eight tables that we ordered had wobbly legs and two reams of paper contained defective sheets. It is our request to you to replace these defective items at the earliest. In keeping with the goodwill and the good reputation that your company has earned over the years, we hope to receive a prompt delivery of replacement of the defective items.
We look forward to an immediate redxessal of our complaint from your end.
Yours sincerely
Sudha/Sudhir
(Manager)
Question 5.
One must have„a clear-cut and realistic goal in life. But simply having a goal is not enough. We must have fire in the belly to achieve it. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic, ‘My Goal and My Plans’. You are Romil/Rekha. [10]
Answer:
My Goal And My Plans
By: Romil/Rekha
One must have a clear-cut and realistic goal in life. But simply having a goal is not enough. One must also have fire in the belly to achieve the goal that he has set for himself.
Every teenager has a dream to achieve something in life. Any person without an aim or dream drifts aimlessly and can never achieve success. An aimless life is like a rudderless ship which leads us nowhere.
I too have a dream that I will work very hard to fulfill. I want to be a pilot. I have spent most of my childhood reading aviation history which has always fascinated me. Moreover, as a pilot I can lead an adventurous life and also get an opportunity to face various types of challenges. An action-oriented and challenging career has always been my passion.
My first conscious entry into a plane was probably at the age of six or seven years. I can still recall how awestruck I was at the idea that the plane was actually going to fly with so many people on board and thought that the person who was going to fly the plane was probably a demi-God. I was really fascinated by this person who I got to know was called the ‘pilot’ and somehow the idea of flying a plane got stuck in my mind since that tender age.
My passion for flying a plane has grown with age and today I am so happy that I have started on the voyage of life which will ultimately make me fulfil my dream.
Or
Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion: ‘Mobile Phone is proving to be a curse for students’.
Ans. It is needless to say that this is the age of technolog}r. The most evident example of this is the proliferation of mobile phones which everyone has. Even students proudly flash their smartphones and use them all the time. Good morning everyone, I…, have come before you all to speak in favour of the motion, ‘Mobile phone is proving to be a curse for students.’
One of the biggest issues, in this regard, is that children are getting an easy access to technology at an age when they are not even ready for it. Parents are often consulting experts as to when they should give their children their first smartphone. Experts say that if a child is given a phone before the age of 16 years, there should be a strict monitoring by the parents to see that they do not use it improperly. Unsupervised use of mobile phones has an adverse impact on academics as children are constantly interrupted and distracted by their beeping devices.
Excessive use of mobile phones becomes a major distraction for students who waste a lot of time on their smartphones. They delve into the virtual world to such an extent that they forget all the other important things. They are more than likely to get into a delirious state of mind when they spend soo much time on their phones. Excess of mobiles leads to physiological and psychological disorders. They are unable to sleep properly as they are constantly checking their phones. It becomes an addiction leading to insomnia and as a result poor health.
I would like to conclude by saying that mobile phones have certainly made a deep impact on our lives, but I believe that it has enslaved us to an extent wherein we cannot even comprehend even a day without our smartphone.
Thank You!
Question 8.
Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words each: [2 × 5 = 10]
(a) How are Aunt Jennifer and the tigers created by her different from each other in their attitudes?
(b) What qualities turned the diffident Douglas into a good swimmer?
(c) Why did Edla decide to entertain the peddler against the wishes of her father?
(d) Why did Derry refuse to believe what his mother said against Mr. Lamb?
(e) What facts influenced the authorities to allow Evans to appear in the O-level German?
(f) What light does Zitkala-Sa’s resistance to the shingling of her hair throw on her character?
Answer:
(a) Aunt Jennifer is a meek and terrorised lady who has led an oppressed life due to the overbearing dominance of her husband. Aunt Jennifer symbolises female suffering. The tigers she creates are very different from her and are symbolic of male dominance. They are proud, bold, fearless and strong unlike the lady who created them.
(b) It was Douglas’ strong will power and determination that turned the diffident Douglas into a good swimmer. His desire, diligence and perseverance made him overcome his fear of water. He realized the fact that, “all we have to fear is fear itself”.
(c) Edla had been very happy that morning when she had thought how homelike and Christmassy she would make things for the poor and wretched peddler. She could not get away from this idea all at once. Moreover, she wanted him to enjoy a day of peace with them and thought they should not chase away someone to whom they had promised Christmas cheer.
(d) Derry’s chance meeting with Mr. Lamb had a very positive impact on him. Mr. Lamb made him see life from a totally different perspective. He talked to Derry about things that no one else had ever said to him and also told him to ponder about things that mattered. Derry had started speaking the language of Mr. lamb. He tried to impress upon his mother that there was always a vast gap about what Mr. Lamb really was and what people said about him. So he refuses to believe what his mother said about Mr. Lamb.
(e) The authorities had allowed Evans to appear for the O-level German because he had claimed that he was dead keen to get some sort of academic qualification. Moreover, the Governor thought that there was a very slight possibility that Evans was genuinely interested in the O-level German. Also Evans was a pleasant sort of chap with no record of violence.
(f) Zitkala-Sa’s resistance to the shingling of her hair suggests that she was a strong and brave girl who believed in fighting against injustice till the end. In spite of being tied fast to a chair, she cried aloud and shook her head all the while signifying that she would not submit tamely and that she was not a coward.
Question 9.
Answer of the following in 120-150 words: [6]
The order from Berlin banning teaching of French stunned everyone. Comment.
Answer:
Everyone was stunned when M. Hamel announced that was to be their last French lesson. He said that the order from Berlin banned teaching of French in the school and that their new German teacher would come the next day. These words shocked everyone who were present in the class. Franz felt extremely sorry for not learning his lessons and also felt sad that he would never see M. Hamel again. The village elders, who were sitting on the back benches were sorry that they had neglected school and felt remorse for not giving importance to their mother tongue before. Their presence in the class on that day was their way of thanking their master for his forty years of faithful service and of showing their respect for the country that was theirs no more.
Or
Why did no one in Pratibandapuram experience any sorrow and anguish at the death of the Tiger King?
Answer:
The story of the Tiger King is a satire representing the conceit of those who are in power. The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram was full of pride and thought he could challenge and change what was destined for him. He put his personal gratification and fulfillment of his own whims above the welfare of his people. Moreover, everyone in Pratibandapuram was probably sure that the astrologer’s prediction would Come true. So, when the King died no one experienced any kind of sorrow or anguish. The King was whimsical and irrational and would exempt or double the tax depending on his varying mood. Such a ruler is not popular among his subjects and no one actually grieves at the death of such a King.
SET III Code No. 1/4/3
Note: Except for the following questions, all the remaining questions have been asked in Set-I and Set-II.
Question 3.
Mr. Virendra Sehwag, who was to deliver a talk to help the cricket players to do well in the game is not able to come on the given day. Write a notice in about 50 words informing the students about the new date on which he is coming. You are Gopal/ Garima, Secretary Sports Club, Uday School, Green Park, Kanpur. [4]
Answer:
|
NOTICE
Uday School, Green Park, Kanpur 26th November, 20xx Mr. Virendra Sehwag’s Visit Postponed Students are hereby informed that former legendary cricketer Mr. Virendra Sehwag, who . was. to deliver a talk to help the cricket players to do well in the game, on 1st Dec., 20xx will not be able to come on that day. His visit has been postponed to 4th Dec., 20xx Gopal (Secretary) Sports Club |
Or
Your old friend, Suresh Upreti has invited you to join him on his 10th marriage anniversary. Unfortunately, you are not able to attend the function. Write a message in about 50 words expressing your inability to be present on the occasion. You are Gitika/ Ganesh, 10, Pandit Nagar, Nashik.
Answer:
10, Pandit Nagar
Nashik
10th November, 20xx
Dearest Suresh
I received the invitation of your 10th marriage anniversary celebrations on 14th November, 20xx. I regret to inform you that I will not be able to attend the function due to a prior commitment. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to you and your wife and will surely come soon to convey my wishes to you personally. Hope the party is a huge success.
Your friend
Ganesh
Question 5.
Air pollution in our cities is increasing alarmingly. According to environmentalists, vehicles are one of the major contributors to air pollution. They recommend use of public transport by private vehicle owners. People in general are willing to switch over from private to public transport if there is a good system in place. Write an article in 150-200 words on the topic, ‘Importance of an efficient public transport system.’ You are Raghu/Ragini. [10]
Answer:
THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT
By: Karan
Increase in the number of private vehicles in the last two decades has led to an unprecedented rise in air pollution, traffic jams, lack of parking space, road rage, etc. One of the solutions to this problem lies in the use of public transport.
Use of public transport reduces travel by private vehicles. Public transport is beneficial as it not only eases congestion on roads but also saves fuel, money and energy. When people use public transport they reduce their carbon footprint and conserve energy by eliminating travel that would otherwiseّ Kave been made in a private vehicle. It also gives people energy efficient choices and reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions without reducing the mobility that is so vital to our nation’s economic growth.
To encourage more people to use public transport the authorities need to improve local train and bus services. Funds need to be allocated to make public transport services accessible and more reliable. A bus with as few as 7-8 passengers is more fuel efficient than an average single occupant car. The recent odd-even rule for cars started by Chief Minister of Delhi, Mr. Arvind Kejriwal was initiated to encourage the use of public transport and thereby reduce pollution caused by traffic. The authorities are working hard to make public more aware of how useful, efficient and less damaging to the environment the use of public transport is.
Or
It is true that water will become a scarce commodity in the near future. We are notorious for wasting water. We waste water during weddings. We waste water at our homes and also at our schools. Write a speech in 150-200 words on the topic, ‘Water is precious; use it wisely’ to be delivered in the school morning assembly. You are Govind/Govindi.
Answer:
Water, as we all know, is a valuable asset and most vital for the continuation or ire on earth so there is every need to use water sensibly. Good Morning Respected Principal Sir, Teachers and My Dear Friends. I, Karuna have come before you all this morning to speak on the topic; ‘Water, a valuable asset, conservation at home and at school’.
As responsible and educated inhabitants of this planet earth, it is our duty to create awareness among others to be a part of the water conscious community. Water should be used strictly according to our need and requirement. The need to conserve water both at home and at school should be reiterated among students. To conserve water we need to reduce loss of water, avoid wasting water and improve water management practices like rainwater harvesting, recycling, etc.
While learning to implement water conservation principles a few activities can prove to our advantage. These include any beneficial reduction in water loss, its use and waste of resources, avoiding any kind of damage to water quality and improving water management practices that enhance the beneficial use of water. We have to remember that we must use only that much water which we actually need, without ever wasting it. The UN has warned that water scarcity will become one of the most pressing problems on the planet in the coming decades, so it is high time we heeded this warning and learn and practice to conserve water.
Question 8.
Answer any five of the following questions in 30-40 words each: [2 × 5 = 10]
(a) How do symbols in the poem, ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ help us understand her plight?
(b) What is your impression of Sophie’s brother Geoff?
(c) What frantic efforts did Zitkala-Sa make to save her hair from being cut?
(d) How did the Tiger King’s marriage bring him closer to his target?
(e) Why were the old men of the village sitting in the classroom on the last day of the lesson?
(f) What precautions did the authorities take for the smooth conduct of the O-level examination?
Answer:
(a) The symbols in the poem include the tigers who are symbolic of Aunt Jennifer’s desire to be strong and fearless like the creatures she has created. The ivory needle that Aunt Jennifer finds hard to pull symbolises her nervousness and anxiety. The heavy weight of the wedding band symbolises the oppression that Aunt Jennifer had to face in her marriage.
(b) Sophie’s brother Geoff who was an apprentice mechanic spoke very little and Sophie was jealous of his silence. He was a quiet person who did not make new friends easily. Sophie longed to be admitted more deeply into her brother’s affections and hoped that someday he might take her with him to the far side of the city where he went to work.
(c) When Zitkala-Sa’s friend Judewin toid her that her hair was going to be cut Zitkala- Sa told her that she would not submit but would put up a struggle. First she crawled and’hid under a bed inside a large room. When she was dragged out she resisted by kicking and scratching wildly. Even when she was tied fast in a chair, she cried aloud, shaking her head all the while.
(d) The Tiger King married a girl from.a state that possessed a large number of tigers. Thereafter, he killed five or six tigers each time he visited his father-in-law. In this manner, he had killed ninety-nine tigers, thus bringing him closer to his target after his marriage.
(e) 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.
(f) The Governer took all the necessary precautions to ensure a smooth conduct of the O-level examination. Evans cell was thoroughly checked. His nail file, scissors and razor were taken away. Prison officer Stephens was posted to keep a constant vigil on Evans’ activities. Me Leery, the parson, who had come to invigilate, was also frisked.