Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English with Solutions and marking scheme Set 3 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English Set 3 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 New Year is a time for resolutions. Mentally, at least, most of us could compile formidable lists of do’s, and don’ts. The same old favourites recur year in and year out with monotonous regularity. We resolve to get up earlier each morning, eat less, find more time to play with the children, do a thousand and one jobs about the house, be nice to people we don’t like, drive carefully and take the dog for a walk every day. Past experience has taught us that certain accomplishments are beyond attainment. If we remain deep-rooted liars, it is only because we have so often experienced the frustration that results from failure.
2. Most of us fail in our efforts at self-improvement because our schemes are too ambitious and we never have time to carry them out. We also make the fundamental error of announcing our resolution to everybody so that we look even more foolish when we slip back into our bad old ways. Aware of these pitfalls, this year I attempted to keep my resolutions to myself. I limited myself to two modest ambitions: to do physical exercise every morning and to read more every evening. An all-night party on New Year’s Eve provided me with a good excuse for not carrying out either of these new resolutions on the first day of the year, but on the second, I applied myself assiduously to the task.
3. The daily exercise lasted only eleven minutes and I proposed to do them early in the morning before anyone had got up. The self-discipline required to drag myself out of bed eleven minutes earlier than usual was considerable. Nevertheless, I managed to creep down into the living-room for two days before anyone found me out. After jumping about on the carpet and twisting the human frame into uncomfortable positions, I sat down at the breakfast table in an exhausted condition.
It was this that betrayed me. The next morning the whole family trooped in to watch the performance. That was really upsetting but I fended off the taunts and jibes of the family humorously and soon everybody got used to the idea. However, my enthusiasm waned, the time I spent at exercises gradually diminished. Little by little the eleven minutes fell to zero.
By 10th January, I was back to where I had started from. I argued that if I spent less time exhausting myself at exercises in the morning I would keep my mind fresh for reading when I got home from work. Resisting the hypnotising effect of television, I sat in my room for a few evenings with my eyes glued to a book.
One night, however, feeling cold and lonely, I went downstairs and sat in front of the television pretending to read. That proved to be my undoing, for I soon got back to the old bad habit of dozing off in front of the screen. I still haven’t given up my resolution to do more reading. In fact, I have just bought a book entitled ‘How to read a Thousand Words a Minute’. Perhaps it will solve my problem, but I just haven’t had time to read it.
A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1×6 = 6)
Question 1.
According to the writer, past experiences of resolutions has taught him
(A) frustration results from failure.
(B) certain accomplishments are beyond attainment.
(C) New Year is a time for resolutions.
(D) failures are a part of life.
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The writer mentions that past experience has taught us that certain accomplishments are beyond attainment, which means they are difficult to achieve.
Question 2.
Most of us fail in our efforts at self-improvement because
(A) our schemes are too ambitious.
(B) we never have time to carry them out.
(C) we announce our resolution to everybody.
(D) All of these.
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The passage mentions three reasons why most of us fail in our efforts at self-improvement: our schemes are too ambitious, we never have time to carry them out, and we announce our resolutions to everybody. All of these factors contribute to our failure in achieving our resolutions.
Question 3.
It is a basic mistake to announce our resolution because
(A) we have no excuse to revert back to our earlier life.
(B) we can’t be nice to people we don’t like.
(C) we look more foolish when we slip back to our old ways.
(D) None of the above
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The passage indicates that announcing our resolutions to everybody makes us look even more foolish when we slip back into our bad old ways.
Question 4.
The writer did not carry out his resolutions on New Year’s Day because
(A) he had attended an all-night party.
(B) he was glued to the TV.
(C) the exercise was only for eleven minutes.
(D) everyone was awake and watching him.
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The writer didn’t carry out his resolutions on New Year’s Day because he had attended an all night party on New Year’s Eve, which provided him with an excuse for not doing them on the first day.
Question 5.
The writer thought of keeping his mind fresh by
(A) watching TV.
(B) exercising for eleven minutes.
(C) reading.
(D) finding that much more time to play with children.
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The writer thought of keeping his mind fresh for reading when he got home from work, and he wanted to resist the hypnotizing effect of television to read more.
Question 6.
The word similar in meaning to ‘decrease ‘ is
(A) formidable
(B) monotonous
(C) attainment
(D) diminish
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The word “decrease” means to diminish or make something smaller, which is similar in meaning to the word “diminish” in option (D).
B. Answer the following questions : (Do any 4) (1×4 = 4)
1. The New Year is a time for ……………
2. Past experience has taught us certain accomplishments are beyond …………….
3. I limited myself to two modest …………….
4. The self-discipline required to drag myself out of bed eleven minutes earlier than usual was ……………
5. By I was back to where I had started from …………….
Answer:
1. resolutions
Explanation: First line of the passage mentions the same.
2. attainment
Explanation: People might resolve a lot of things but they end up not fulfilling many.
3. ambitions
Explanation: The narrator mentions he limited himself to two modest ambitions: to do physical exercise every morning and to read more every evening.
4. considerable
Explanation: It took a lot of effort for him to get out of the bed and exercise.
5. 10th January
Explanation: It took the narrator only 10 days to give up his ambitions.
2. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
1. Delhi tried very hard but it wasn’t enough. In the run-up to D-Day, the sound of firecrackers had not been heard. The Supreme Court ban on sales had made procuring them difficult, but many people, including school children, had resolved to buck tradition for clean air. And till 7 p.m. on Diwali, most neighbourhoods were quiet. Around that time the first sound of firecrackers going off was heard, and gradually it rose to a crescendo. But it was nowhere near the blitzkrieg of the past, not even half of that. And well before midnight, it was all over.
2. The bad news broke at dawn. It was a visibly smoggy morning. Air pollution levels had peaked to “severe” on Diwali night and remained dangerously high till Friday afternoon as reflected in the real-time monitoring data of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).
3. The CPCB, however, pointed out a silver lining. It said the air quality index (AQI) this year was better than the ones on Diwali in the past two years in spite of hostile meteorological conditions. On Diwali last year (October 30,2016), the average AQI for the city was in the “severe” category at 426 while the year before that (November 11, 2015), it had been in the “very poor” category at 327. This time, it was marginally lower at 326.
4. There are so many factors impacting air quality – from the speed and direction of the wind to burning of crop stubble in neighbouring states – that it is difficult to definitively identify the main culprit. What, however, has to be acknowledged is that at least a majority of people have the will to stick to what may appear to be unpalatable decisions for better quality of life.
5. The data, however, is making informed observers worry-particularly the massive peaks in PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5 (fine, respirable pollution particles) and PM 10 (coarse pollution particles) levels on Thursday night after 10 p.m. Delhi peaked to 656 micrograms per cubic metres around midnight.
6. However, the data also shows that in spite of unfavourable meteorological conditions, the air quality on Diwali this year was better than last year. It had not been so good in the two days preceding Diwali due to intrusion of humid air from the south-east coupled with prevailing calm wind conditions. The average mixing height (the height to which smoke or air will rise, mix and disperse) recorded on October 18 and 19 were 547 metres and 481 metres, respectively, according to CPCB. It should be at least 1,000 metres for proper dispersal.
On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the given choices.
Question 1.
In the run-up to D-Day, the sound of firecrackers had not been heard because the
(A) Supreme Court banned the sales of firecrackers.
(B) children resolved to back tradition for clean air.
(C) neighbourhoods did not like the sound of firecrackers.
(D) children were afraid of the sound of firecrackers.
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: In the run-up to D-Day, the sound of firecrackers had not been heard. The Supreme Court ban on sales had made procuring them difficult
Question 2.
The ‘bad news’ that broke at dawn was that
(A) there was smog in the sky.
(B) the air pollution levels were dangerously high.
(C) CPCB released real time figures that were alarming.
(D) All of the above.
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The bad news broke at dawn. It was a visibly smoggy morning. Air pollution levels had peaked to “severe” on Diwali night and remained dangerously high till Friday afternoon as reflected in the real-time monitoring data of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).
Question 3.
The AQI levels after Diwali this year were
(A) the same as in other years.
(B) higher than other years.
(C) lower than other years.
(D) could not be ascertained.
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The CPCB, however, pointed out a silver lining. It said the air quality index (AQI) this year was better than the ones on Diwali in the past two years in spite of hostile meteorological conditions.
Question 4.
There will be no air pollution if
(A) school children do not burst crackers on Diwali.
(B) there is a strong wind on Diwali night.
(C) if the motor vehicles do not run on Diwali.
(D) None of the above.
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: It is difficult to definitively identify the main culprit. What, however, has to be acknowledged is that at least a majority of people have the will to stick to what may appear to be unpalatable decisions for better quality of life.
Question 5.
‘Crescendo’ in para 1 means
(A) to happen successfully
(B) an increase in intensity
(C) better quality of life
(D) metrological conditions
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: In the context of the passage, “crescendo” means a gradual increase in the intensity or volume of the sound of firecrackers, which started slowly and rose to a higher level.
Question 6.
‘unpalatable’ in para 4 means
(A) 6,000 metres for proper dispersal
(B) feeling happy
(C) dispersal
(D) not pleasant
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: In the context of the passage, “unpalatable” means not pleasant or disagreeable, referring to decisions that people may find difficult to accept for a better quality of life.
Question 7.
The massive peaks in PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5 and PM 10 (coarse pollution particles) on the Diwali day made the observers worried.
(A) True
(B) False
(C) May be
(D) Don’t know
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The passage mentions that the data shows massive peaks in PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels on Diwali night after 10pm, which made informed observers worry.
Question 8.
Despite the Supreme Court ban on the sale of firecrackers, many people including school children were adamant to burst firecrackers on the Diwali Day.
(A) True
(B) False
(C) May be
(D) Don’t know
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Delhi tried very hard but it wasn’t enough. In the run-up to D-Day, the sound of firecrackers had not been heard. The Supreme Court ban on sales had made procuring them difficult, but many people, including school children, had resolved to buck tradition for clean air. And till 7 p.m. on Diwali, most neighborhoods were quiet.
3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. The tests of life are its plus factors. Overcoming illness and suffering is a plus factor for it moulds character. Steel is iron plus fire, soil is rock plus heat. So, lets include the plus factor in our lives.
2. Sometimes the plus factor is more readily seen by the simple hearted. Myers tells the story of a mother who brought into her home – as a companion to her own son – a little boy who happened to have a hunch back. She had warned her son to be careful, not to refer to his disability. The boys were playing and after a few minutes she overheard her son say to his companion ” Do you know what you have got on your back?” The little boy was embarrassed, but before he could reply, his playmate continued” It is the box in which your wings are, and some day God is going to cut it open and then you will fly away and be an angel.”
3. Often it takes a third eye or a change in focus, to see the plus factor. Walking along the corridors of a hospital recently where patients were struggling with fear of pain and tests, I was perturbed. What gave me a fresh perspective were the sayings put up everywhere, intended to uplift. One saying made me conscious of the beauty of the universe in the midst of pain, suffering and struggle. The other saying assured me that God was with me when I was in deep water and that no troubles would overwhelm me.
4. The importance of those sayings also made me aware of the nectar springs that flow into people’s lives when they touch rock bottom or are lonely or guilt ridden. The nectar springs make recovery possible, and they bring peace and patience in the midst of negative forces.
5. The forces of death and destruction are not so much physical as they are psychic and psychological. When malice, hatred and hard-heartedness prevail, they get channelised as forces of destruction. Where openness, peace and good-heartedness prevail, the forces of life gush forth to regenerate hope and joy. The life force is triumphant when love overcomes fear. Both fear and love are deep mysteries, but the effect of love is to build, whereas fear tends to destroy. Love is generally the plus factor that helps build character. It creates bonds and its reach is infinite.
6. It is true there is no shortage of destructive elements – forces and people who seek to destroy others and, in the process, destroy themselves but at the same time there are signs of love and life everywhere that are constantly enabling us to overcome setbacks. So let’s look at gloom and doom – let us seek positivity and happiness. For it is when you seek that you will find what is waiting to be discovered.
(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)
(b) Make a short summary of the passage in about 50 words. (3)
Answer:
(a) The Tests Of Life The Plus Factors
1. Necessity of the Tests of life:
1.1. Illness & suffering mould charctr.
1.2. Simple hearted-view disability pstvly.
2. Change in focus
2.1. Sayings in hospital:
2.1.1. Awaken to the beauty of universe amidst paint suffering
2.1.2. Makes us realise the presence of God
2.1.3. Give strength to overcome obstades,
2.1.4. Bring peace
3. Forces of Destruction:
3.1. Not physical but psychic & psychlgcal.
3.2. Malice, hatred & hard-heartedness
4. Forces of Life:
4.1. Regenerate hope & joy
4.2. Overcome fear, build charter
| Key to Abbreviation | ||
| S.No | Abbreviation | Word |
| 1. | Charctr | Character |
| 2. | Pstvly | Positively |
| 3. | Psychlgcal | Psychological |
| 4. | & | and |
(b) Summary
The tests of life like illness and suffering build character. The simple-hearted view disability as signs of hope and the presence of God. Even in the midst of suffering, there is God. A change in focus is required. The sayings in hospital awaken the belief that amongst pain and suffering, the universe is still beautiful and God is present which gives us strength to overcome obstacles. This brings hope, peace and joy. The forces of destruction can be overcome by the power of love and good-heartedness.
Section – B (23 marks)
(Grammar and Creative Writing Skills)
Grammar (7 Marks)
4. Read the following paragraphs and fill in the blanks with the correct form of verbs from the options given. (Do any 4) (1×4=4)
Driving (i)………………. big fun. However, obedience to traffic rules (ii)……………… it more enjoyable and safer. While driving, it must be (iii) ……………… that you are responsible for yourself as well as the life of other road users. With alarming rise in the number of road mishaps, the need for road safety (iv) ……………… a lot of importance across the globe. By practicing a few golden rules, you (v)……………… a responsible citizen who will believe in safe driving and the safety of others.
(i) (a) is (b) was (c) will be (d) being
(ii) (a) makes (b) made (c) will make (d) make
(iii) (a) remembers (b) remembered (c) was remembered (d) will remember
(iv) (a) gains (b) has gained (c) gained (d) will be gained
(v) (a) become (b) becomes (c) became (d) will become
Answer:
(i) (a) is
(ii) (a) makes
(iii) (b) remembered
(iv) (b) has gained
(v) (d) will become
5. Rearrange the following words or phrases to make meaningful sentences: (1×3=3)
(a) to / her / first / Sudha / stand / hard / class / is / studying/ in
(b) healthy/takes / keep / himself / everyday / exercise / Kamal / to
(c) he/stepped out / had / hardly / it / began / when / to rain
Answer:
(a) Sudha is studying hard to stand first in her class.
Explanation: Sudha is the subject of the sentence while hard modifies the verb studying. Stand first in her class completes the sentence.
(b) Kamal takes exercise everyday to keep himself healthy.
Explanation: The subject “Kamal” is singular, and the verb “takes” agrees with it in the third person singular form. “Exercise” is the direct object of the verb “takes,” showing what Kamal is taking or performing. Everyday is used to describe a daily activity. To keep himself healthy shows the purpose for the same.
(c) Hardly had he stepped out when it began to rain.
Explanation: The sentence follows the pattern of an inverted sentence commonly used in English. This structure is known as “inversion,” where the subject and auxiliary verb are inverted to create emphasis or add a dramatic effect.
Creative Writing Skills (16 Marks)
Question 6.
Your neighbour’s daughter is missing. Draft an advertisement providing the necessary details in not more than 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:
Missing
GIRL. MISSING, Priyanka Khanna, 12 years, 4’3” tall, fair, slim built, wearing black t-shirt and blue jeans. Missing since 2.2.2xxx from M. G. Road, Gurgaon. Speaks Hindi and English. Informers will be suitably rewarded. Inform M. G. Road Police Station #98765432.
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 classes 969xxxxxx or send email at kpexcellent.org.in.
Question 7.
Draft a poster on ‘Road Safety’. (3)
OR
Prepare a poster to be circulated in other schools in your city for the inter-school Basketball tournament going to be held in your school.
Answer:
OR
Question 8.
Regular practice of yoga is useful in maintaining good health. It is also important for good concentration and peace of mind. You are Shivam/Shabnam. Write a speech in 120-150 words to be delivered in the morning assembly of your school, highlighting the impact of yoga in our life (5)
OR
Nowadays just about everyone owns a cellphone but most of the users do not follow even the basic rules of cellphone conduct. They are seen speaking loudly, taking a phone call in the middle of a meeting or even at a funeral, etc. Write a speech in 120-150 words to be delivered in the assembly of your school to appraise the fellow students of cellphone etiquette.
Answer:
Impact of YOGA in daily life
Very Good Morning to all of you. I, Shivam from class XI, am going to express my views on the topic ‘Impact of YOGA in daily life.”
Practicing yoga in daily life provides us with a healthy body and mind. The energy acquired from the postures bring both mental peace and physical balance. To gain strength, increasing flexibility and attaining spirituality, yoga is the foremost method to achieve them. Meditation also helps us keep our mind fresh and our body fit and healthy for the long run.
In the race of materialism, adults face stress in many forms every day, but today’s children are as stressed as adults. Growing competition in schools and colleges, dealing with peer pressure, difficult stage of puberty, extracurricular activities and meeting parents’ and teachers’ expectations are very stressful for children. The best way you can cope with this pressure is by practicing yoga.
The practice of yoga leaves a huge effect on your body and the systems that support it, like the nervous, respiratory and digestive systems. Yoga influences emotions and behavior. It has a positive effect on the mental state and aids creativity. So everyone must practice yoga and make it a part of their daily routine. At last, I say that ‘Yoga is the golden key that unlocks the door to peace, tranquillity, and joy and health.”
Thank you
OR
Cellphone Etiquette
Respected Principal, teachers and my fellow students, good morning to all. Today, I, Anita Verma of class XI, am going to present my views on cellphone etiquette. It is necessary to follow a few guidelines regarding the use of cellphones. Your cellphone does not have to go everywhere you go. There are times when you should never answer your cellphone, especially in places of worship and funeral homes.
At best they should be on the vibrate mode in these places. Use your quiet inside voice and do not yell into your cellphone. Be courteous to others’ right of not being disturbed by your megaphone range voice. In social situations where you are entertaining friends or clients, do not have long cellphone conversations as it gives the impression that you do not value the time and presence of the person in front of you. If your phone rings while you are driving, wait till you have pulled over before you answer or return the call.
Your life and the life of the people around you is of much more value than your phone call. Be a responsible cellphone user, be aware of your surroundings before making or receiving a call and have respect for those around you. This will help others to appreciate your good judgement and consideration.
Question 9.
‘Brain drain is not a bane for a developing country like India’. Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion. (3)
OR
‘The Internet cannot replace a classroom teacher’. Write a debate in about 150-200 words either for or against the motion.
Answer:
Brain drain is not a bane for a developing country like India
Good morning everyone! I am standing before you to speak against the motion, ‘Brain drain is not a bane for a developing country like India’.
I feel that brain drain is a barrier to the country’s development. Talented and skilled people migrate to other countries for better salary and better lifestyle which they are deprived of in India. I am not saying that it’s the fault of those people who abandon India to shift somewhere else. They do this because they don’t get satisfactory facilities in India. But what has made India so the political system, the black money, corruption, the reasons can be many.
Well! Who is going to take the responsibility for this? Of course, we, the YOUNG INDIANS. We get an education in our country and then spend all that knowledge in some foreign country! Is it not a betrayal of our motherland? Our country is the second largest producer of doctors, engineers and scientists. Having so much of potential, India is still under-developed! Isn’t it the duty of every Indian to shoulder the responsibility of making it a developed country?
The youth of India needs to bring about a change in the system. If the system is transparent, then India will develop. If India develops, then its people will get their requirements fulfilled and if their requirements are fulfilled, then there will be no reason for brain drain.
Just think : If our home gets littered, are we going to leave it and settle in our neighbour’s house? No, right? We will clean it up and continue living there. India is our home. If it’s dirty, then every single Indian needs to clean it up, instead of moving out.
Thank you.
OR
The Internet cannot replace a classroom teacher
Good Morning everyone! I am Amrita and I am in favour of the motion. ‘The Internet cannot replace a classroom teacher’.
How does one bridge the gap between the chalk and blackboard, and the computer and Internet? While teachers, Principals, counsellors and even parents admit that it would be a futile exercise to ignore technology in the classroom, there is a very real fear that it will be misused by easily distracted students who have got to understand the pitfalls of the internet.
According to a survey, instead of raising the standard of learning, computers were actually negating the healthy development of young students. But with technology and social media, the educational landscape has changed dramatically over the last decade; and the classrooms are filled with students who were born with a smartphone in their hands.
By the time they enter kindergarten, words like ‘Apps’, ‘MP3’, etc., are part of their lexicon. But even the latest gadgets and the best internet websites, however, cannot replace a good teacher. Children today lead complicated lives ruled by technology. Instead of adding to the information overload, it is the teacher’s job to simplify the lesson plan. Children today need to be in touch with the real world, and the school teacher is the person who can draw the lines and decide how much is too much.
It’s all about moderation. If the educator fails to engage with his or her students, no amount of technology will help. The teacher’s job then is to break down information into bite-sized pieces and ensure that their children have understood the covered topic. This can even be achieved with the aid of a simple blackboard and chalk.
Thank you.
Section – C (31 marks)
(Literature)
Question 10.
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: (1×3=3)
A. She launches away, towards the infinite
And the laburnum subsides to empty.
Question 1.
Who is ‘she’ in the poem?
(A) She is a small girl.
(B) She is a nightingale.
(C) She is a cuckoo.
(D) She is a goldfinch.
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The word “she” in the poem refers to the goldfinch. The poem is about a goldfinch that flies away into the sky, and the word “she” is used to refer to the bird throughout the poem.
Question 2.
What does ‘subsides to empty’ mean?
(A) All its leaves have shed.
(B) No body lives on the tree.
(C) There is silence after the goldfinch has left.
(D) None of the above
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The phrase “subsides to empty” means that the laburnum tree is silent after the goldfinch has left. The laburnum tree is a symbol of the goldfinch’s home, and when the goldfinch leaves, the tree is left empty and silent.
Question 3.
What does ‘towards infinite’ mean?
Answer:
‘Towards infinite’ means towards the sky.
Explanation: The phrase “towards infinite” means towards the sky or the heavens. The goldfinch is flying towards the sky, and the poet is using the phrase “towards infinite” to suggest that the goldfinch is flying towards a place that is beyond our understanding.
OR
B. Upward to heaven, whence, vaguely form’d,
altogether changed, and yet the same.
Question 1.
What is ‘vaguely formed’?
(A) Rain
(B) Water
(C) Clouds
(D) None of the above
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The word “vaguely form’d” refers to the clouds. The clouds are described as being “vaguely formed” because they are not solid objects, but rather they are made up of water vapour.
Question 2.
Identify the poem?
(A) Voice of the cloud
(B) Poem of the rain
(C) Poem of the earth
(D) Voice of the rain
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The poem is “Voice of the Rain” by Walt Whitman. The poem is about the rain, and how it comes from the clouds and falls to the earth. The poet uses the poem to explore the themes of change, renewal and hope.
Question 3.
Name the poet.
Answer:
Walt Whitman
Explanation: The poem is “Voice of the Rain” by Walt Whitman
Question 11.
Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow. (1×3=3)
A. The new pharaoh promoted the worship of the Aten, the sun disk, changed his name to Akhenaten, or ‘servant of the Aten,’ and moved the religious capital from the old city of Thebes to the new city of Akhetaten, known now as Amarna.
Question 1.
Who was the ‘new pharaoh’?
(A) Amenhotep IV
(B) Amenhotep III
(C) Tutankhaten
(D) Smenkhkare
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The new pharaoh was Amenhotep IV, who later changed his name to Akhenaten. The passage states that the new pharaoh changed his name to Akhenaten, or “servant of the Aten.” This is a clear indication that the new pharaoh was Amenhotep IV.
Question 2.
Which major god was attacked by the ‘new pharaoh’?
(A) Aten
(B) Amun
(C) Amarna
(D) Olympus
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Amenhotep IV attacked the worship of Amun, the chief god of the Egyptian pantheon. The passage states that the new pharaoh promoted the worship of the Aten, the disk. This is a clear indication that the major god that was attacked by the new pharaoh was Amun, the chief god of the Egyptian pantheon.
Question 3.
Which natural force did Aten represent?
(A) Wind
(B) Water
(C) Sun
(D) Mountain
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: Aten represented the sun disk, or the sun itself. The passage states that Aten represented the sun disk, or the sun itself. This is a clear indication that Aten represented the natural force of the sun.
OR
B. He was staring at the platform as if mesmerised. There was a table and a chair but the latter was unoccupied. The presidential chair unoccupied! The sight stirred him to the depths. Like a piece of iron attracted to a magnet, he swiftly moved towards the chair. The speaker stopped in mid-sentence, too shocked to continue. But the audience soon found voice.
Question 1.
Where was this platform?
(A) Victory House
(B) Independent Ground
(C) Azad Maidan
(D) Public Library
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The platform was at Azad Maidan, as mentioned in the first line of the passage.
Question 2.
What surprised ‘him’ the most?
(A) The presidential chair was unoccupied.
(B) There was only one chair and one table.
(C) A crowd of people gathered for a rally.
(D) Many people coming and going while the lecture was in progress.
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The man was surprised to see that the presidential chair was unoccupied. He expected the chairperson to be present at the meeting.
Question 3.
Why did the audience react aggressively at ‘his’ arrival?
(A) They didn’t seem to be in mood of listening to an outsider.
(B) They didn’t seem to be in mood of listening to a historian.
(C) They seemed to be in mood of listening only to the chairperson.
(D) They didn’t seem to be in mood of listening to the chairperson.
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The audience was expecting the chairperson to speak, and they were not happy that someone else had taken the chairperson’s seat. They reacted aggressively because they felt that their expectations had been violated.
Question 12.
Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow. (1×4=4)
A. ‘O King, you do not realise
The bricks were made of the wrong size’
‘Summon the masons!’ said the King.
The masons stood there quivering.
Question 1.
The speaker of the first two lines is/are
(A) workmen
(B) masons
(C) king
(D) chief builder
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The workmen said that the bricks were made of the wrong size. They said that this was why
the arch was built too low.
Question 2.
The masons were summoned because
(A) they had stopped the way of the King.
(B) they had made the bricks of the wrong size.
(C) they had changed the plan.
(D) None of these
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The masons were summoned because they had made the bricks of the wrong size. This is the reason why the King was angry, and he summoned the masons to question them.
Question 3.
The word ‘quivering’ means
(A) crying
(B) shouting
(C) trembling
(D) shrieking
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The word ‘quivering’ means trembling. This is because the masons were afraid of the King, and they were trembling in fear.
Question 4.
Name the poem from which the extract has been taken?
(A) A Photograph
(B) The Tale of Melon City
(C) The Melon’s Tale
(D) Silk Road
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The extract has been taken from the poem “The Tale of Melon City” by Vikram Seth. The poem is about a city that is built by melons, and the extract describes how the masons are summoned by the King because they have made the bricks of the wrong size.
OR
B. He walked the horse quietly to the barn of a deserted vineyard which at one time had been the pride of a farmer named Fetvajian. There were some oats and dry alfalfa in the barn. We began walking home.
Question 1.
Who is ‘he’ here?
(A) Aram
(B) Mourad
(C) Zorab
(D) Saroyan
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The pronoun “he” refers to Mourad.
Question 2.
What did they do with the horse in the deserted vineyard?
(A) Killed it
(B) Set it free
(C) Hid it
(D) Rode it
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: Mourad and Aram hid the horse in the deserted vineyard. They did this because they knew that the horse was stolen, and they did not want to get in trouble.
Question 3.
What time of the day the incident took place?
(A) Morning
(B) Noon
(C) Evening
(D) Night
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Question 4.
Who was the real owner of the beautiful white horse?
(A) Byro
(B) Zorab
(C) Mourad
(D) Khosrove
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: John Byro was the real owner of the white horse. He was a farmer.
Question 13.
Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each. (3×2=6)
(a) The narrator’s grandmother looked like ‘the winter landscape in the mountains’. Comment.
OR
What did the author notice in the vast open plains after leaving Ravu?
Answer:
The grandmother always wore spotless white clothes. Her locks of hair also looked silver-white. Her spotless white dress and silver white hair made her look like the snowy mountains in winter. It is also because she exuberated peace and tranquility like the mountains.
OR
These vast open plains had only dry pastures. A few gazelles could be seen nibbling the grass. When the plains grew more stony than grass, he saw a great head of wild asses.
(b) Which do you think is the most important step toward adulthood? Why?
OR
How can you infer that the father wishes his son to remain at home with him?
Answer:
Having an independent mind, free from any outside influence, is the most important step towards adulthood. That is why, the poet mentions it as the third and the final step. Other steps like being rational or learning hypocrisy show an outside influence while this step shows an internal awakening which is the chief quality of human and separates them from other animals.
OR
The father finds the son’s interests quite different. He is home bound, whereas the son is on the look out for fresh avenues. He aspires for a world of his own. The father wants him to return home even if he undergoes losses by extravagant ventures. He is willing to make up with him if he agrees to live with him
Question 14.
Answer any one of the following questions in 40-50 words. (3×1=3)
“Don’t fret mother, I’ll not run away.” Why do you think Andrew says so?
OR
How did the workmen escape being hanged?
Answer:
Mrs. Morgan’s mother offered to make a cup of tea for the doctor. The experienced woman realized that there must be a period of waiting. She was afraid that the doctor would leave the case saying that he would return later.
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)
The methods of inquiry of history, science and philosophy are similar. Discuss with reference to the story The Adventure’.
OR
“He was the last of his family line.” What do you learn about Tut’s dynasty from the extract ‘Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues’?
Answer:
If we have to speak in favour, we can say that the method of inquiry of history, science and philosophy are similar. All these three branches of knowledge look upon the facts and on their basis draw their conclusions. The type of facts are not the same. History is interested in the lives of old kings and queens. Philosophy depends upon thought and religion while the science is concerned with the facts of nature.
If we have to speak against it, we can say that methods of inquiry of history, science and philosophy are poles apart. History enquires into the life of society. It particularly concerns itself with important events like some great war, some great inspire, some well known crisis etc.
For this purpose a historian reads old books, A philosopher learns about the working of mind and soul. He does not bother about the facts but the mind that creates those facts. A scientist’s quality is not to take anything for granted. He raises new questions and tries to find their answers by experiments.
OR
Tut’s grandfather, Amenhotep III was a powerful Pharaoh who ruled for almost four decades at the height of the dynasty’s golden age. His son Amenhotep IV promoted the worship of the Aten, the sun disk. He changed his name to Akhenaten or ‘servant of the Aten.’
He moved his religious capital from the old city Thebes to the new city of Akhenaten. He further shocked the country by attacking Amun, a major God, breaking his images and closing his temples. Thus, the wacky King started one of the strongest periods in the history of ancient Egypt.
After Akhenaten’s death a mysterious ruler named Smenkhare appeared briefly and departed without leaving any sign. Then a very young Tutankhaten took the throne. He is widely known today as King Tut. The boy King soon changed his name to Tutankhamun ‘living image of Amun’.
He supervised the restoration of the old ways. Tutankhamun ruled for about nine years and then died unexpectedly. The details of his passing away are not available. The modern world has speculated about what might have happened to him. How did he die and how old was he at the time of his death are two unanswered questions
Question 16.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words: (6×1=6)
Compare and contrast uncle Khosrove and cousin Mourad.
OR
How did the narrator come to know about Mrs. Dorling and the address where she lived?
Answer:
Uncle Khosrove and cousin Mourad have one very important point in common-their craziness. Mourad was considered the natural descendant of uncle Khosrove in this respect. They both are dominating in nature. Both use pet words and phrases and roar aloud to quieten the hearer. While uncle Khosrove says, “It is no harm, pay no attention to it.” Mourad boasts, “I have a way with birds/dogs/farmers.” Khosrove shouts at his son Aram, the barber and farmer John Byro.
The narrator is a patient listener to Mourad’s assertions. They are different in their age and physical build up. Uncle Khosrove a middle-aged person is an enormous man with a powerful head of black hair and very large moustache. Mourad is an athletic young chap of thirteen. Khosrove is irritable impatient and furious in temper. Mourad is reasonable in conversation.
OR
Years ago, during the first half of the war, the narrator went home for a few days to see her mother. After staying there for a couple of days, she noticed that something or other about the rooms had changed. She missed various things. Then her mother told her about Mrs. Dorling. She was an old acquaintance of her mother she had suddenly turned up after many years. Now, she came regularly and took something home with her every time she came.
She suggested that she could save her precious belongings by storing them at her place. Mother told her address, number 46, Marconi Street. The narrator asked her mother if she had agreed with her that she should keep everything. Her mother did not like that questioning. She thought it would be an insult to Mrs. Dorling. She was worried about the risk, Mrs. Dorling faced carrying a full suitcase or bag.