Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English with Solutions and marking scheme Set 2 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English Set 2 with Solutions
Time Allowed : 3 hours
Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions:
- The Question paper is divided into three sections:
Section A: Reading Skills 26 marks
Section B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills 23 marks
Section C: Literature 31 marks - All questions are compulsory.
- You may attempt any section at a time.
- All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.
Section – A (26 marks)
(Reading Skills)
1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: (10)
1. The Food Bill is still in the works but has provoked a furious debate on the lack of grain storage facilities, rotting of grains and whether they should be distributed free to the hungry masses. Waking up to the fact that no food security programme can be effective without proper storage, the government is now planning to upgrade the existing warehousing facilities and also add new ones.
However, between food security and large scale storage, there is a missing link that needs to be taken note of- storage at the farm level. No one can deny the importance of decentralised storage; at least 25-30% grains in the country are stored at the farm level.
2. However, it’s not as if there hasn’t been enough thrust on this issue : there are State Institutes to look into the . storage problems.
3. Yet, policy-wise we did have a sound start: the Save Grain Campaign, which was initiated 43 years ago, was supposed to do what we are floundering on now. Through this campaign, the centre was to initiate and train states in warehousing and storage of grains. The centre wanted the states to take it up on a large scale but the latter did not want any “added responsibility.” Finding no takers, the campaign was withdrawn in 2008.
4. “Around 15-20% food grain loss occurs in large storage godowns. Along with investment in large storage capacities, we must encourage farm-level storage. This can be in the form of refining and improving the local/indigenous storage technologies and providing technical and financial support at that level/says M.B.Chetti, Dean, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka.
5. He and many experts like him suggest that if we want to leapfrog in storage capacity at the farm-level (since setting up large storages is time-consuming and expensive), new technologies like vacuum packaging could be the answer. They assure quality as well as a chance to store grains almost anywhere and that it can be done in villages by trained persons.
6. “Alternatively, we have to go for cold storage facilities for food grains, which is very costly since it involves electricity supply”, says Chetti. “Instead, vacuum packing,” say experts,” helps preserve grains and seeds for long periods without any deterioration in quality. In fact, an experiment was carried out in the university on the usefulness of the packaging system (using chilli) and the results were satisfactory. The available technology offers a seven-layer packing to preserve quality for long periods of time and once sealed, climatic changes have no effect on it. Elimination of oxygen from the pack helps in extending shelf life.”
7. “At present only three-layer plastic films are manufactured in India. The seven-layered film needs to be imported. But the import duty is high,” says Mohan Bajikar,” of course, such technologies are expensive, but then delivering to the hungry isn’t enough-quality must be ensured.”
8. Food policy analyst Devinder Sharma, however, says “Expensive solutions like Silos and ware housing are not the answer to procurement and storage problems.” Instead, he says, “Local production, local procurement and local distribution” is the answer, something like what Chattisgarh has been doing. It procures paddy directly from farmers, buying it through cooperative societies and procurement centres at the village level.” To store,” he adds, “the government can add a small godown next to each panchayat ghar.”
9. Whichever way we look at it, decentralised storage cannot be left out of the loop if we want to ensure food security and reduce stock losses.
A. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below. (1×10=10)
Question 1.
The necessity of proper storage has been realised because:
(A) there is lack of grain storage facilities.
(B) grain is lying in the open and rotting.
(C) no food security is possible without it.
(D) masses are hungry and without grain.
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: Proper storage of grains is essential to ensure food security for the masses. Without adequate storage facilities, it would be challenging to distribute food effectively to the hungry population.
Question 2.
Decentralised storage stresses upon:
(A) storage at farm level.
(B) storage at block level.
(C) storage at district level.
(D) storage at state level.
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: Decentralized storage emphasizes storing grains at the farm level. Around 25-30 percent of grains in the country are stored at the farm level, making it a crucial component of the storage system.
Question 3.
The ‘Save Grain Campaign’ was withdrawn after 43 years because:
(A) the centre did not spare funds.
(B) proper training in warehousing was lacking.
(C) the states did not show any interest.
(D) the states did not want any added responsibility.
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The ‘Save Grain Campaign’ was initiated to train states in warehousing and storage of grains. However, the states did not show interest in taking up the responsibility, leading to the withdrawal of the campaign in 2008.
Question 4.
The most cost-effective solution for storage of grain is:
(A) cold storage facilities.
(B) decentralised storage.
(C) setting up large warehouses.
(D) vacuum packaging.
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: Vacuum packaging is considered the most cost-effective solution for grain storage. It helps preserve grains for extended periods without deterioration in quality, making it a viable option for farm-level storage.
Question 5.
Experts reject silos and warehousing because:
(A) these are very costly solutions.
(B) local storage and distribution is more effective.
(C) these are inadequate for storage.
(D) these fail to reduce stock losses.
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Experts advocate for local storage and distribution of grains rather than relying solely on expensive silos and warehousing. Local procurement and storage at the farm level can be more effective in ensuring food security.
Question 6.
The word ‘facilities’ in para 6 means:
(A) aptitude
(B) dexterity
(C) conveniences
(D) buildings for a particular purpose.
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: In paragraph 6, the word ‘facilities’ refers to conveniences or amenities provided for grain storage.
Question 7.
What should we do if we want to leapfrog in storage capacity at farm-level?
(A) Set up large storages with state funds
(B) Use new technologies like vacuum packaging
(C) Involve state governments in the storage systems
(D) Use cold storage facility
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: To increase storage capacity at the farm level efficiently and quickly, adopting new technologies like vacuum packaging is recommended.
Question 8.
Find the words from the passage which are similar in meaning:
(i) improve (Para 1)
(ii) native (Para 4)
Answer:
(i) upgrade
(ii) indigenous
Question 9.
What is the alternate to large storage godowns?
(A) Small storage godowns
(B) Cold storage facilities
(C) Farm-level storage
(D) Seven-layer packing
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: Farm-level storage serves as an alternative to large storage godowns, providing a decentralized and efficient storage option.
Question 10.
What are the advantages of vacuum packing?
(A) It helps preserve grains and seeds for long periods.
(B) It can be done in villages by trained persons.
(C) It can be done without any technical and financial support.
(D) It eliminates oxygen and bacteria.
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: Vacuum packing helps preserve grains and seeds for long periods.
2. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. (1×8=8)
1. Life on our planet earth began with the sea; it is the birth place of life on the earth. The earth is the only planet in the solar system so far known which contains plenty of water and this water has made our earth colourful, pulsating with life of a vast variety.
2. At present sea occupies about 70% of the earth’s surface. In the southern hemisphere it occupies more area than that in the northern hemisphere. About 97 percent of the total water on the surface of the earth is found in the seas and the remaining 3 percent, which is generally fresh, in lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.
3. Sea has given food and shelter to countless creatures. It is a potential source of protein. In 1900 the world’s population was only 150 crore (1,500 million), now it is more than 560 crore and it is increasing at a very fast rate. As a result there is a terrible hunger in many parts of the world. In Africa, Asia and South America, millions of people do not get enough to eat. Many die of malnutrition. Sea, if used scientifically and judiciously, can meet most of our demands.
4. Plankton or algae mostly constitutes the plant life. Some tiny microbes which cannot be seen by the naked eye are also found in abundance in the sea.
5. These marine planktons form the basis of entire sea life. Like plant planktons there are also animal plankton, the smallest living creatures of the sea. These animal planktons feed on plant plankton and small fish. Thus, there is an unbroken chain of life in the sea. Arctic and Antarctic seas abound in planktons and algae and so in fishes also. Blue whales, the largest living creatures of the world, are also found here in great numbers.
6. Some countries have developed sea farming to a great extent. The Japanese and Hawaiians relish eating sea plants but it is not in other countries though some use them to feed their cattle or as manure in their fields.The fact is that sea plants contain rich nutrients not found in other vegetarian food. It is good that even in our country some scientists have developed some recipes for curries, jams, etc. to be made from algae.
7. But we must remember one thing that sea is not to be exploited indiscriminately. For example, man in his greed has hunted whales and some other sea creatures so recklessly that some of their species have either become extinct or are on the verge of extinction. Now nations or the world have realised their folly and have taken some joint decisions. For example, one such decisions is that the size of the holes in fishing nets should be big enough to let baby fish escape through. Otherwise, killing of large quantities of very young fish would have an adverse effect on the fish population. In the same way, another decision is for the protection of blue whales.
Answer the following questions by choosing the appropriate option.
Question 1.
Freshwater refers to the water of
(A) Sea
(B) Lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.
(C) Rainwater
(D) Processed water
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: About 97 percent of the total water on the surface of the earth is found in the seas and the remaining 3 percent, which is generally fresh, in lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.
Question 2.
There is a terrible hunger in many parts of the world due to:
(A) Overpopulation
(B) High pollution level
(C) Global warming
(D) Industrialisation
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The high population in many parts of the world has led to a scarcity of resources, including food. The increasing population puts pressure on the availability of food, leading to widespread hunger in those regions.
Question 3.
Blue whales, the largest living creatures in the world, are found in great numbers in the:
(A) Indian Ocean
(B) Pacific Ocean
(C) Mediterranean Sea
(D) Arctic and Antarctic Sea
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: Blue whales, which are the largest living creatures on Earth, are found in significant numbers in the Arctic and Antarctic Seas. These regions provide favorable feeding grounds for blue whales due to the abundance of food sources.
Question 4.
The countries which have developed sea farming to a great extent are:
(A) Japan and Hawaii
(B) China and India
(C) Malaysia and Singapore
(D) Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: Some countries have developed sea farming to a great extent. The Japanese and Hawaiians relish eating sea plants but it is not in other countries though some use them to feed their cattle or as manure in their fields.
Question 5.
The size of the holes in fishing nets should be big enough to let
(A) big fish stay in
(B) water flow out
(C) baby fish escape through
(D) more fish enter
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The size of the holes in fishing nets should be big enough to let baby fish escape through.
Question 6.
Sea plants contain rich nutrients not found in
(A) other plants
(B) other vegetarian food
(C) non-vegetarian food
(D) milk and milk products
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The fact is that sea plants contain rich nutrients not found in other vegetarian food.
Question 7.
Find a word from the passage which means the same as ‘wisely’. (Para 3)
(A) Judiciously
(B) Scientifically
(C) Countless
(D) Terrible
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The word ‘judiciously’ in option (A) means wisely, which fits the context of paragraph 3, where the passage mentions using the sea scientifically and judiciously to meet demands.
Question 8.
Find a word from the passage which means the same as ‘unfavourable’. (Para 7)
(A) Indiscriminately
(B) Adverse
(C) Exploited
(D) Recklessly
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The word ‘adverse’ in option (B) means unfavorable, which aligns with the context of paragraph 7,where the passage talks about avoiding the indiscriminate exploitation of the sea.
3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. The mynah perhaps needs to make some apology for his yellow stockings, since such mustard-coloured understandings are not usual among small birds, pertaining rather to the rapacious tribe, and being thus a badge of anything but respectability. But the mynah at ones for his yellow legs, feet and face, by the exceedingly decorous plumage which covers the rest of him; no objection can be to his black hood, or the sober chocolate of his body colour, or to the plain black, diversified with white, of his quills and tail.
2. Nevertheless, as a starling, our present subject is a rather big and showy bird, being certainly equal in looks to any of his relatives in Calcutta, none of which bear the shot silk sheen of green and purple which adorns the home starling, also a visitor to India, for this starling or mynahs are in great force in the East, which is their true home, and the common mynahs is a good type of the clan.
3. Bold, vigorous and pushing, he secures to himself a large share of all the good things in the way of insects and fruit that may be going, and is a bird of remarkably all round abilities, though not particularly graceful in his movements. On the ground he runs and walks well, hopping when he wants to put an extra spurt, albeit there is a swing in his gait which is not particularly elegant. No doubt, however, he is proud of this, as it is a family character; geese, which do not suffer from excessive modesty, have a similar style of going, are known to bare doubtable pedestrians in their quiet way.
4. Mynah, unlike other ground birds, is nimble and active in a tree as well; and his flight, though not remarkably fast, is tolerant enough for ease and he feels sufficient confidence in it to occasionally attempt a little insectcatching on the wing, when his quarry has got away from him on foot. When he flies, he tucks up his long yellow shanks to his breast, showing conclusively that birds which stow their legs this way when on the wing do so by custom, not for convenience, for from their size one would think that he would do better to stow them astern like the paddy bird and other waders.
(a) On the basis of your reading the passage, make notes using recognisable abbreviations wherever necessary. Use a format you consider suitable, supply a suitable title. (5 marks)
(b) Make a short summary of the passage in about 50 words. (3 marks)
Answer:
(a) Mynah
1. Description of mynah:
1.1. sober choc. body colour
1.2. yellow legs, feet & face
1.3. black hood
1.4. black & white quills & tail
1.5. bold and vigrus.
2. Feeds on:
2.1. insects
2.2. fruit
3. Movements:
3.1. not graceful
3.2. runs & walks well on ground.
3.3. hops to put extra spurt
3.4. swing in gait
4. Flight of mynah:
4.1. remarkably fast
4.2. confident
4.3. tucks yellow shanks to breast
4.3.1. a custom
4.3.2. not for convenience
| key to Abbreviations | ||
| S. No | Abbreviation | chocolate |
| 1. | choc | chocolate |
| 2. | vigrus | vigorous |
| 3. | remrkbly | remarkably |
| 4. | & | and |
(b) Summary
The mynah is a bold and vigorous bird. The body colour of quills mynah is sober chocolate with yellow legs, feet and face. He has a black hood and black, diversified with white, quails and tails. A mynah feeds on insects and fruits. His movements are not graceful. He can run and walk well on ground.
He has a swing in his gait and sometimes hops to put an extra spurt. The flight of a mynah is not remarkably faster though he seems full of confidence. He tucks his yellow shanks to breast when flying. It is done by custom and not for convenience.
Section – B (23 marks)
(Grammar and Creative Writing Skills)
Grammar [7 Marks]
4. Fill in the blanks with the correct options given below. (1×4=4)
Growth gets retarded if the environment in which we live (i) ……………… polluted. The pollution (ii) ……………… us today. We (iii) ……………… the environment that (iv) ……………… us. Slowly we (v) ……………… towards an unhealthy environment.
(i) (a) is (b) being (c) was (d) was being
(ii) (a) threatens (b) threatened (c) is threatening (d) was threatened
(iii) (a) pollute (b) polluted (c) is polluting (d) was polluted
(iv) (a) sustain (b) sustains (c) sustained (d) is sustaining
(v) (a) are gliding (b) were gliding (c) is gliding(d) have been gliding
Answer:
(i) (a) is
(ii) (c) is threatening
(iii) (a) pollute
(iv) (b) sustains
(v) (a) are gliding
5. Rearrange the following words or phrases to make meaningful sentences: (1×3=3)
(a) a/lover/is / animal/ passionate / he
(b) campaigned / birds / he / caged / free / to
(c) the class / at once / ordered / you / are / to leave
Answer:
(a) He is a passionate animal lover.
Explanation: The sentence follows a subject-linking verb-subject complement pattern. It tells us that the subject “He” possesses a passionate love for animals, and “a passionate animal lover” serves as a noun phrase describing his characteristic.
(b) He campaigned to free caged birds.
Explanation: The sentence follows a subject-verb-direct object pattern, with the infinitive phrase providing additional information about the action the subject is campaigning for. It conveys that “He” is involved in a campaign to free the birds that are caged, indicating his efforts to promote their freedom.
(c) You are ordered to leave the class at once.
Explanation: The sentence follows a subject-verb-object pattern, where the subject “You” is being directed to perform the action of leaving the class. The phrase “to leave the class” specifies what the order entails, and “at once” adds a sense of urgency to the command. The complete sentence conveys that the person being addressed (You) has received an order to leave the class immediately.
Creative Writing Skills (16 Marks)
Question 6.
Institute of Foreign Language is going to start a course in various foreign languages. Draft an advertisement for the classified columns of a newspaper giving details of the same (word limit 50 words) (3)
OR
You want to launch a tuition centre for classes from class X to XII. Draft a classified advertisement with all relevant details.
Answer:
Indian Institute Of Foreign Language
IIFL announces the commencement of its courses in Japanese, French and German. Duration — 3 months. Eligibility — Senior Secondary. Excellent faculty. Computerised training. Incentives for early birds. Send in your applications by 1st June, 2Oxx or contact Secretary #9350556655.
OR
Tuition Centre
Excellent coaching available for English, Science and Maths for students of class X to XII, digital class facility,
experienced faculty, problem-solving sessions, regular tests, affordable fees. For more details contact SD dresses
969xxxxxx.
Question 7.
Draft a poster for the abolition of Child Labour. Invent necessary details in 50 words.
OR
Design a poster on ‘SAVE THE EARTH’ on behalf of the Pollution Control Board, Rajasthan State.
Answer:
OR
Question 8.
As the Head Boy of the school, you are concerned about the craze for fast food in the younger generation. You wish to tell your schoolmates about the hazards of junk food. Write your speech on this topic to be delivered in the morning assembly.
OR
You are one of the candidates for the post of school prefect. A speech has to be written on your leadership qualities, to be delivered in the assembly (word limit 120-150 words)
Answer:
Hazards of Junk Food
Honourable Principal, respected teachers and my dear friends. I feel quite concerned when I see many children crazy after fast food. So I stand here to express my views on the health hazards which are caused by fast food. I believe that liberalisation in economy has brought many multinationals serving fast foods through their own countries. Big names like McDonalds, Wimpeys, Pizza Hut, Ken-tuckies are quite familiar to the residents of big cities in India.
In Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi and Kolkata attractive fast food corners tempt the customers. The young generation is crazy after fast food. This has given birth to a new culture. The food habits of the people are changing fast. The students in the big cities no longer carry their tiffin boxes with them. They prefer sandwiches, hotdogs or burgers for regular meals at lunch. Little do the people realise the health hazards involved in consuming fast foods.
Food experts and bioscientists have highlighted the hazards involved in the regular use of fast foods. They have cautioned people against the regular use of tinned food and fast food. In the west, they call them junk food. Naturally, fresh fruits and vegetables have more nutritional value. Similarly, freshly cooked breads, pulses and curries have more food value. Fast foods are not freshly cooked.
They contain more fats than the ordinary meals. Nor can they match the homemade meals in taste and quality. Medical experts in the U.S.A. have warned that people who depend on fast foods suffer more from ailments of the liver, stomach and heart. Let’s all pledge today to give importance to fresh fruits and vegetables so that we can lead a happy life. Thank you.
OR
Leadership qualities
Honourable Principal, respected teachers and my dear friends. I am one of the candidates for school prefect. I want to share my views on leadership qualities. Leaders are not born, they are anointed with the right guidance of virtues by peers to become the light which stands tall to inspire others.
I am thankful to my parents, teachers, friends and well-wishers in my journey who have helped me imbibe the best of qualities that qualifies me as a leader and do all that in this capacity to uphold the name of our school. As a leader I look forward to a collaborative support of all stakeholders and for this I have a plan chalked out. One who has a clear vision about the goals set for the school will also have the solutions that can be implemented in classrooms and beyond to help bring high levels of discipline and decorum.
As a leader I will be responsible for taking the decisions most suited to build a seamless communication channel between faculties and students. I believe that every plan needs the best trusted team to help in execution and so I shall be delegating tasks based on the capabilities of every student to give a fair opportunity to all. With the highest value on trust I look forward to matching our school vision with the mission to lead for the big change.
Thank you.
Question 9.
Private cars should be banned in the congested commercial areas of the cities.” Write a debate in 120-200 words either for or against the motion.
OR
‘The policy of reservation of seats for admission to the professional courses is good for the deprived sections of the society.’ Write a debate in 120-200 words either for or against the motion.
Answer:
Private cars should be banned in the congested commercial areas of the cities
Respected judges and teachers, Today, I stand before you to present my views for the motion on the topic ‘Private cars should be banned in the congested commercial areas of the cities’. There is no end to the number of vehicles being driven around the city each day. Traffic jams have become a rather common problem and have only increased in the last 10 years. In my opinion, allowing private cars in congested commercial areas only adds to the problem. Long traffic jams do not only mean consumption of extra fuel but also more number of people suffering from respiratory diseases due to pollution.
I strongly feel if people take public transport to work or hire a cab or car-pool and drive vehicles which run on CNG, the problem of constantly rising pollution and heavy traffic jams can be reduced drastically. The Earth belongs to all of us and it is our duty to safeguard it and keep it clean for our future generations. Thus, the first step towards protecting our environment would be to stop abusing the available amount of petroleum and avoid creating pollution. Thank you for listening to my views patiently.
OR
Policy of Reservation in Professional Courses
Respected Chairperson, honourable judges and all present, I stand before you to express my views against the motion that the policy of reservation of seats for admission to the professional courses is good for the deprived sections of society. India is a country with dimensions and diversities. Accordingly, the Indian Constitution has adopted an egalitarian, secular and casteless society where injustice done to any class shall not be tolerated.
But the report of the Mandal Commission reveals that millions of actual weaker sections of the society are still suffering from atrocities and caste-based inequalities. So, it is evident that some special privileges of reservation have proved to be a boon for some and bane for others. Even then the ‘reserved’ sections grumble that they have been made to suffer.
Here, I want to ask whether reservation is fair to those of the general categories. In fact, it is a bane for those meritorious students. On the contrary, the so-called downtrodden or deprived sections enjoy the privilege. The non- deserving candidates are admitted into technical and professional colleges, but the deserving candidates are unable to get admission because they belong to the ‘higher classes’ of society.
In my opinion, it would be more suitable to provide opportunities for all the needy or deserving candidates without any discrimination and without the reservation of seats based on caste, creed, clan or colour. In fact, this reservation system creates division and fragmentation among the castes. It is nothing but a consolidation of vote banks by the politicians at the expense of deserving candidates. Hope that you have all been convinced by my arguments.
Thank you
Section – C (31 marks)
(Literature)
Question 10.
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: (1×3=3)
A. Then with the eerie delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings She launches away, towards the infinite
Question 1.
Identify the sound words in the poem.
(A) Whistle
(B) Chirrup
(C) Whisperings
(D) All of the above
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The poem is full of sound words, such as “chirp,” “whistling,” “whisperings,” “murmurings,” and “rustlings.” These words create a sense of movement and energy, as well as a sense of mystery.
Question 2.
What does ‘infinite’ refer to?
(A)Space
(B) Sky
(C) Tree leaves
(D) Water
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The word “infinite” means “endless” or “unbounded.” In the context of the poem, it refers to the vastness of space. The bird’s flight towards the infinite suggests that it is heading into the unknown, into a world that is vast and endless
Question 3.
Who launches away?
Answer:
Goldfinch
Explanation: The last line of the poem ” The laburnum top” says, “Then with the eerie delicate whistlechirrup whisperings / She launches away, towards the infinite.” This suggests that the goldfinch is the one who is launching away, into the vastness of space.
OR
B. I would have Him prodigal, returning to His father’s house, the home he knew, Rather than see him make and move
Question 1.
Why does father see his son as prodigal?
(A) Because the son is arrogant
(B) Because the son lives somewhere else
(C) Because the son does not consult his father
(D) Because the son is extravagant
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The word “prodigal” means “wasteful” or “extravagant.” In the context of the poem, it suggests that the son is spending his money recklessly, and that he is not taking care of his finances. The father sees his son as prodigal because he is worried about the son’s financial future. He wants the son to come back home and start living a more responsible life.
Question 2.
What would poet like in the end?
(A) To see his son doing what he likes
(B) To see his son reconciling with him
(C) To see his son coming back to his house
(D) To get all his money back from his son
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The poet would like to see his son coming back to his house and reconciling with him. He wants the son to realize that he has made a mistake, and that he wants to be a part of his son’s life.
Question 3.
Identify the poem and the poet.
Answer:
Father to Son by Elizabeth Jennings.
Question 11.
Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow. (1×3=3)
A. We protested. But she ignored our protests. She lay peacefully in bed praying and telling her beads. Even before we could suspect, her lips stopped moving and the rosary fell from her lifeless fingers.
Question 1.
Who is ‘we’ here?
(A) Author and his wife
(B) Author and his family
(C) Author and his friends
(D) The village people
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The pronoun “we” in the passage refers to the author and his family. The author is telling the story of his grandmother’s death, and he is using the pronoun “we” to include himself and his family in the story.
Question 2.
What had happened to her?
(A) Lost consciousness
(B) Went into delirium
(C) Died
(D) None of these
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The grandmother died. The passage says that her lips stopped moving and the rosary fell from her lifeless fingers. This is a clear indication that she had died.
Question 3.
What does ‘telling her beads’ mean ?
(A) Chanting hymns
(B) Talking to beads
(C) Distributing beads
(D) Arranging beads as in a necklace
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The phrase “telling her beads” means that the grandmother was praying. The rosary is a string of beads that is used to count prayers. When someone is “telling their beads,” they are praying and moving the beads through their fingers one by one.
OR
B. By late afternoon we had reached the small town of Hor, back on the main east-west highway that followed the old trade route from Lhasa to Kashmir. Daniel, who was returning to Lhasa, found a ride in a truck so Tsetan and I bade him farewell outside a tyre-repair shop.
Question 1.
How many tyre punctures had they suffered?
(A) One
(B) Two
(C) Three
(D) Five
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The passage says that they had reached Hor “after two tyre punctures.” This means that they had suffered two tyre punctures.
Question 2.
Where was Daniel headed to/towards?
(A) Lhasa
(B) Kashmir
(C) Lake Mansarovar
(D) Salt Lake
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The passage says that Daniel was returning to Lhasa. This means that he was headed towards Lhasa.
Question 3.
What type of place was Hor?
(A) Happy and decorated
(B) Rich and plentiful
(C) Grim and miserable
(D) Not mentioned in the story
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: Hor was a grim, miserable place. The dust and rocks were scattered everywhere in abundance; there was little vegetation.
Question 12.
Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow. (1×4=4)
A. That afternoon my uncle Khosrove came to our house for coffee and cigarettes. He sat in the parlour, sipping and smoking and remembering the old country. Then another visitor arrived.
Question 1.
What was the name of the other visitor?
(A) Mourad
(B) Aram
(C) John Byro
(D) Zorab
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The name of the other visitor is mentioned in the story. In the second paragraph, Aram says, “Then John Byro came in.” which clearly indicates about the arrival of John Byro
Question 2.
What was the mood of the other visitor?
(A) Happy
(B) Sad
(C) Unpleasant
(D) Indifferent
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The mood of the other visitor is mentioned in the passage. In the second paragraph, it says, “he sighed sadly, he said, My white horse which was stolen last month is still gone – I cannot.” This suggests that he was sad and upset about his missing horse.
Question 3.
What was the other visitor thinking about?
(A) His surrey
(B) His homeland
(C) His legs
(D) His white horse
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The other visitor’s thoughts are mentioned in the passage. In the second paragraph, it says, “he said, My white horse which was stolen last month is still gone – I cannot.” This suggests that he was thinking about his missing horse.
Question 4.
What was the visitor’s profession?
(A) Horseman
(B) Shopkeeper
(C) Sailor
(D) Farmer
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The visitor’s profession is mentioned in the passage. In the second paragraph, it says, “a farmer named John Byro.” This suggests that he was a farmer.
OR
B. The chief of builders was led out
He passed the King.
He gave a shout.
‘O King, it was the workmen’s fault’
‘Oh!’ said the King and called halt.
Question 1.
The chief of builders was summoned because
(A) he was to be punished
(B) he was responsible for the king losing his crown under the arch
(C) he had broken the crown
(D) Both (A) & (B)
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The lines say that the chief of builders was led out because he was responsible for the king losing his crown under the arch. This suggests that he was to be punished.
Question 2.
Which word in these lines has the same meaning as ‘stop’?
(A) Fault
(B) Halt
(C) Led out
(D) Passed
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The word “halt” means to stop or to come to a stop. In the lines, the king calls “halt” when he hears that it was the workmen’s fault that the king lost his crown under the arch.
Question 3.
Later, what suggestion did the wisest man give to the king?
(A) Not to punish anyone
(B) To postpone everything
(C) To hang the arch
(D) To build the arch again
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The wise man advised the king to hang the arch as it was the criminal.
Question 4.
These lines have been written by
(A) Markus Natten
(B) Elizabeth Jennings
(C) Vikram Seth
(D) Shirley Toulson
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The lines are from the poem “The Tale of Melon City” by Vikram Seth. The poem is about a king who loses his crown under an arch. The king is angry and wants to punish the chief of builders.
Question 13.
Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each. (3×2=6)
(a) Explain ‘Terribly transient feet’.
OR
Why is rain compared to music?
Answer:
The sea has not changed much with the passage of time. It is in sharp contrast to short, transient and temporary life and existence of human beings.
OR
The poet compares the rain with music. The poet watches the falling showers of the rain. The showers are falling very lightly producing a soft music. Like music, rain too is life giving and inspirational. It spreads love and joy.
(b) What do you think made Rajendra realise that facts can be stranger than fantasies?
OR
Why is January 5, 2005 significant in Tutankhamun’s Saga?
Answer:
Professor Gaitonde presented two totally different written accounts of the Battle of Panipat as contained in Bhau-Sahebanchi Bakhar. The one he had come across in the other world described how Vishwas Rao narrowly missed the bullet. The account, which he had in the familiar world, described that Vishwas Rao was hit by the bullet.
OR
On this date for the first time, Tutankhamun was removed from his tomb and taken to CT scanner, there to probe the lingering mysteries surrounding the young ruler.
Question 14.
Answer any one of the following questions in 40-50 words. (3×1=3)
How was the narrator convinced that she had made no mistake and had reached the right address?
OR
How did the workmen escape being hanged?
Answer:
When the woman who opened the door, gave no sign of recognition, the narrator thought she was perhaps mistaken and had rung the wrong bell. When she saw the woman wearing her mother’s green knitted cardigan, she was convinced that she had made no mistake and reached the right address.
OR
When the chief of builders blamed the workmen for the incident, the King stopped the proceedings of hanging for a while. Then he decided to have all the workmen hanged. The workmen argued that the size of the bricks was wrong. The King decided to hang the masons instead. Thus, the workmen escaped being hanged.
Question 15.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 120 – 150 words : (6×1=6)
Describe how the common bond of friendship was broken when the narrator’s parents called them in the city.
OR
What impression do you form of the author, Nick Middleton, on the basis of reading ‘Silk Road?’
Answer:
The narrator and his grandmother had developed a unique relationship in the village. He was completely dependent on her. But soon, a turning point came in their relationship. His parents called them to the city. He went to an English school by bus. The grandmother’s role was now marginalized. She couldn’t accompany him to school as she did in the village. Nor could she help him in his studies. She had no knowledge of English and Science.
She hated music. She was very sad that they gave lessons in music at the school. She rarely talked to him after that. The narrator went to university. It separated them. They now saw less of each other. In the end, she accepted her loneliness quietly. She didn’t show any emotion when he left for abroad. So she accepted this separation without any complaints or regrets.
OR
The author is bald headed gentleman who knows English. He was keen on performing Kailash Kora. He undertook the hazardous journey to Mount Kailash for this purpose, he hired Tsetan’s car and took Daniel as companion for escorting him upto Darchen. He seems to be a lover of adventure one who is not at all afraid of taking risks. This is evident from his assent to take a short-cut through high mountain passes involving the risk of slipping on snowy roads.
He is a keen observer of men and manners. He has a sharp eye for details. He describes the hilly people quite sensitively. He gives a graphic account of difficulties faced during ascent. His headache and loss of sleep was caused by cold and high altitude. His observations about lake Manasarovar and Hor reveal the difference between legend and reality. He dislikes dirt and shabbiness.
He faces communication problem after Tsetan leaves and before he meets Norbu. However, he waits and takes correct decisions. He approves of Norbu’s practical suggestion to hire yaks to carry luggage. In short, he is a sensitive and likeable fellow.
Question 16.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words: (6×1=6)
What impression do you form of cousin Mourad in the story “The Summer of the Beautiful white Horse”?
OR
What did the narrator learn about Mrs. Dorling from her mother?
Answer:
Mourad was a young boy of thirteen. He belonged to the Garoghlanian family of Armenia. Their whole tribe was poverty-stricken. In spite of abject poverty, their family was famous for honesty. Mourad was quite adventurous and had a crazy streak in him. He enjoyed being alive more than anybody else. Mourad loved horse riding. He had a way with a horse. He had tamed the horse by his affectionate behaviour and the horse was no longer wild.
It obeyed Mourad faithfully. His love for the horse was evident in the last scene. While parting, he put his arms around the horse and patted it. He also had a way with dogs. The dogs of John Byro followed him around without making a sound. He was kind too. He treated a young robin which had hurt its wing. He was proud of his family for honesty.
OR
The war was going on. The narrator visited home for a few days. She immediately noticed that something about the rooms had changed. Various things were missing. She looked at her mother questioningly. Then her mother told her about Mrs. Dorling. The narrator had never heard of that woman. Obviously, she was an old acquaintance of her mother, whom she had not seen for years. Since then, she had been coming to their house regularly.
Every time she left the place she took something with her. She took all the table silver cutlery set, then the antique plates and several other precious things. She herself explained that she wanted to save all their nice things because they would lose everything in case they had to leave the house. The narrator’s mother never doubted her intention. She rather felt obliged to Mrs. Dorling for taking all the trouble while carrying their things.