Students can access the CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English with Solutions and marking scheme Set 5 will help students in understanding the difficulty level of the exam.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English Set 5 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. It is a common knowledge that school children are under great pressure to perform well in all fields, study 10 subjects, play games and develop an impressive image. How do they manage? The skills, techniques and principles which they pick up while still young help them cope.
2. Two of twentieth century’s finest minds have lamented that schools are not teaching the basics of personal excellence or the science of success. Edward De Bono : “Almost all of what a child learns at school after the age of ten is totally irrelevant to his need in later life. Most schools do not teach thinking at all.” The serious thesis of this article is that management must be taught as a school subject. The weightiest argument is that children are managers.
3. Many children are called upon to play directly three of the interpersonal roles: “Figurehead”, “Leader” and “Liaison Officer”. They do this while assisting teachers as monitors or class representatives or group leaders during educational tours and field work; while captaining teams on playgrounds; and while leading teams in quiz, debating and other competitions. Many more play these roles as surrogates.
4. The decision role of “Entrepreneur” and “Resource Allocator” may only occasionally be assigned to children. However, it is worth noting that according to a recent survey in Delhi, a monthly allocation of up to ? 1,000 is available as pocket money to school children. Therefore, school children too need to have control over money and develop a sense of budget. If we add to these financial resources, the resources of time, information and intellect available to children, the first two decision roles are not irrelevant to them.
5. Children play the other two decision roles: “Disturbance Handler” and “Negotiator” more often. True, the international roles of “monitor”, “disseminator” and “spokesman” are not so frequently and formally engaged in by children as by CEOs, MDs, Vice Presidents and other adult managers.
6. If you cannot see children as managers, they are managers in the making: Many of the management habits (e.g., using a to-do list), management skills (e.g., sensitive listening), management attitudes and values are formed early in life. Personality theorists believe that it is extremely difficult to change personality traits, styles of thinking and habits of behaviour once these are formed.
7. As in language learning, where basic aspects of language like pronunciation and rhythm are extremely resistant to learning after puberty, good management habits, attitudes and values are difficult to acquire in adulthood. In the fifties, even in the educationally advanced countries such as the US, Algebra was thought to be too abstract to be taught even in senior schools.
Now it is taught from upper primary classes onwards in both educationally progressive and developing countries. Computer skills, lateral thinking and swimming, often felt to be forbidden by adults are easily learnt by children. In fact, both research evidence and specialists’ beliefs strongly support the view that children’s ability to learn skills like swimming and creative thinking is much more developed than adults. Equally important, complex organisms
(a) learn what is necessary or pleasurable and
(b) adapt themselves in ways that will serve their needs and interests with amazing enthusiasm, ease and effectiveness.
On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option given below : (1×6 = 6)
Question 1.
The reason of pressure on children is:
(A) common knowledge
(B) absence of skills
(C) choice between studies and games
(D) performance demand in all fields
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The passage mentions that school children are under great pressure to perform well in all fields, study multiple subjects, play games, and develop an impressive image. This performance demand in all fields is the reason for the pressure on children.
Question 2.
What according to few educationists is lacking in school teaching?
(A) Basics of personal excellence
(B) Science of success
(C) Thinking
(D) All of these
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The passage states that two of the finest minds of the twentieth century lamented that schools are not teaching the basics of personal excellence or the science of success, and they do not teach thinking at all. So, the correct answer is (D) All of the above.
Question 3.
The sense of budget among children is an indication towards their capability of performing :
(A) interpersonal role
(B) decision role
(C) leading role
(D) informational role
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The passage mentions that children need to have control over money and develop a sense of budget. This suggests that they can perform the decision role, which involves managing resources like money effectively.
Question 4.
The article advocates teaching as a subject in school.
(A) management
(B) creative thinking
(C) computer skills
(D) swimming
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The passage suggests that management must be taught as a school subject because children are already managers, playing various roles like “Figurehead,” “Leader,” and “Liaison Officer” in their school activities.
Question 5.
Which word in Para 7 is opposite in meaning of “Concrete”?
(A) Algebra
(B) acquire
(C) resistant
(D) abstract
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: In the context of Para 7, “concrete” refers to something specific, tangible, or definite. The opposite of concrete is “abstract,” which refers to something theoretical or not physically existing.
Question 6.
The terms used for a detailed critical inspection/study in Para 4 is :
(A) intellect
(B) resource Allocator
(C) survey
(D) budget
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: In Para 4, the passage mentions a “recent survey in Delhi,” which implies a detailed critical inspection or study. Therefore, the correct answer is (C) survey.
B. Answer the following questions briefly: (Do any 4) (1×4=4)
1. The skills, …………… and …………… which they pick up while still young help them cope.
2. The weightiest argument is that children are ……………
3. Many more play these role as ……………
4. …………… learn what is necessary or pleasurable.
5. Which word in the above passage means the same as- ‘officially’ (Para 5)
Answer:
1. techniques and principles
Explanation: Children learn great skills and techniques when they are still young.
2. managers
3. surrogates
Explanation: Some children play the role of surrogates while some are called to play these roles.
4. Complex organisms
5. formally
2. Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. (1×8=8)
Manav Singh had been farming his land for the past 20 years. His father had also been farming in the same land. But now he is unable to irrigate the agricultural land as the ground water level has gone down and the monsoon rains are also irregular.
He has an option to connect the cannal irrigation that the Government has initiated but is finding it difficult to implement the process. He knows that farmers worldwide will need to increase crop production, either by increasing the amount of agricultural land to grow crops or by enhancing productivity on existing agricultural lands to meet the global demand.
However, the ecological and social trade-off of clearing more land for agriculture is often high, particularly in the tropics. And right now, the amount of crops harvested per unit of land cultivated are growing too slowly to meet the predicted demand for food. Even if some regions increase their output and traders reduce the mismatch between supply and demand, doubling food production by 2050 will undeniably be a major challenge.
Thus the last resort for farmers, Manav Singh thinks would be to grow more on the land they currently operate through what is called “sustainable intensification”. This means using precision farming tools, such as GPS fertiliser dispenser, advanced irrigation systems and environmentally optimised crop rotations.
These methods can help produce more crops, especially in parts of Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe with large yield gaps. They can also reduce the negative environmental impacts from over stressing resources – preventing groundwater depletion and the destruction of fertile lands through over-use of fertiliser.
Net irrigated area (%) of India has increased from nearly 18% to 48% in recent times due to government interventions at various levels (Fig. 1). Although the government has given much emphasis on improving canal system in various five year plans but it has declined over years (Fig. 1). People have identified groundwater irrigation as much reliable and independent source of irrigation. Groundwater irrigation has taken quantum jump since 1965.
Fig. 1. Percent net irrigated to net sown area and percent canal irrigated and percent groundwater irrigated to net irrigated area (Source: based on data from DES, 2017-18); NIA%: Net Irrigated area to net sown area, GW % : Groundwater share in net irrigated area, SW%: Surface water share in net irrigated area October-December 2019]
In order to attract more investments in agriculture, the risks need to be reduced by governments. Regulators need to overhaul policies that are affecting the inclusion of small, rural farmers into the financial system. More supportive policies, laws and public spending on infrastructure would help create a favourable investment climate for agriculture.
On the basis of your reading the passage, answer the questions that follow.
Question 1.
Which of the following pairs given in the options can conclude Paragraph 3 and start 4, respectively?
A. Over the last 30 years, investment in agriculture has declined resulting in low productivity and stagnant production.
B. Thus, as banking sectors in developing countries give fewer loans to farmers are bearing huge losses.
C. If we have to use methods extensively more agricultural research is needed which further highlights the need of investments in agriculture.
(A) C-A
(B) C-B
(C) A-B
(D) B-A
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: In order to attract more investments in agriculture, the risks need to be reduced by governments. Regulators need to overhaul policies that are affecting the inclusion of small, rural farmers into the financial system. More supportive policies, laws and public spending on infrastructure would help create a favourable investment climate for agriculture.
Question 2.
What does the author want to convey by, ‘would help create a favourable investment climate for agriculture’ as mentioned in the passage in the italics?
A. The climate conditions need to be improved to improve food production.
B. With supportive policies and laws investments in agriculture are likely to increase.
C. Lower returns in agriculture are the main reason behind low investment.
(A) Only A& C
(B) Only A & B
(C) Only B
(D) Only B & C
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: In order to attract more investments in agriculture, the risks need to be reduced by governments.
Question 3.
Which of the following is /are true according to passage?
A. Paragraph 2 only highlights how food demand can easily be met in the near future.
B. Rising food demand is likely to affect developed countries more severely than the developing countries.
C. Increasing land under agriculture, can impact the ecology negatively.
(A) Only A&B
(B) Only B
(C) Only C
(D) Both A& C
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The ecological and social trade-off of clearing more land for agriculture are often high, particularly in the tropics.
Question 4.
What is the author’s view about sustainable intensification mentioned in paragraph 3?
(A) It is only useful for countries which have small yield gaps.
(B) It may increase food production to meet the rising demands.
(C) It will have a tremendous negative impact on the environment.
(D) It is hyped and may not work in the long run.
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: These methods can help produce more crops, especially in parts of Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe with large yield gaps. They can also reduce the negative environmental impacts from over stressing resources -preventing groundwater depletion and the destruction of fertile lands through over-use of fertiliser.
Question 5.
The graph indicates that the irrigation of agricultural land in India using canal system has
(A) Increased through the years
(B) Decreased through the years
(C) Equal all these years
(D) None of these
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: It is clearly visible through graph. From 40 to 21.
Question 6.
Irrigation of agriculture land has increased in the recent years through:
(A) Rain water
(B) Monsoon rain
(C) Canal water
(D) Ground water
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: It is clearly visible through graph. From 29 to 61.
Question 7.
Which means has been proved more reliable than other sources?
(A) Rain water
(B) Monsoon rain
(C) Canal water
(D) Ground water
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: People have identified groundwater irrigation as much reliable and independent source of irrigation. Groundwater irrigation has taken quantum jump since 1965.
Question 8.
Which word in the passage means the same as ‘involvement’?
(A) intervention
(B) declined
(C) quantum
(D) emphasis
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: Intervention is involvement in different things while declined means become smaller or less. Quantum is a required or allowed amount and emphasis means special importance.
3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: (8)
1. Every living creature has a time machine that regulates activities. It tells men or animal when to wake up when to sleep, when to slow down psychological activities, it also deals with regulating the body the temperature and release of specific hormones at the proper time. A few call it biological clock while others refer to it as the circadian clock. It is study is known as ‘chrono-biology’.
2. The human body clock completes its cycle over a period of about 24 hours. In the normal circumstances activities of nerve cells drive the clock. In day-to-day life, one never experiences the rhythms of this state because the clock is always influenced by time cues in the environment.
3. These cues, called ‘zeitgebers’ (a German word meaning ‘time givers’) synchronise the clock with the daily solar cycle. Daylight, diet, physical activity, social behaviours are the well-known zeitgebers. How they influence the clock is still unknown, but it is certain that all the cues are interdependent. For example, regular cycle of sleep and activity affects the time we eat, social interaction and even exposure to daylight.
4. To prove that humans possess an internal, self-sustaining clock and do not simply adjust their behaviour in response to environmental time cues it was essential to create a ‘time-free’ environment. The first experiments of this kind were carried out in the late 1970s and 1980 s by groups in Europe and the US.
During the experiment, which continued for months, the subject chooses when he or she eats and sleeps, but no information is given about time-no TV, no radio, no social contacts and no clock. It emerged that subjects placed in such an environment do not slip into random habits but maintain a routine, powerful evidence for the existence of an internal body clock in humans. All the subjects in the experiments, regardless of whether they were interested in what they were doing, tended to wake up at regular times.
5. Every person, to an extent, has an alarm clock fitted in the mind. Give it a try. Think and set the time in your brain before you set off to sleep. To your assignment, your brain will transmit signals and you will wake up at the required time. Our biological clock is set accordingly and that’s the reason that counsellors suggest students not to disturb their clock during their exams as it disturbs the whole metabolism.
The 24-hour body clock should start at the regular time to have optimum performance during the exams. If we are regular and keep our routine under check we hardly need reminders for day-to-day activities. We need not see the clock for our lunch dinner or other times.
(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) Biological Clock of Human Beings
1. Circadian clock or biolgcl. clock
1.1. A time machine regulates living being’s activities.
1.2. Regulates our body activities and hormones.
1.3. It’s study known as chrono-biology.
1.4. Influencd by time cues.
2. Zeitgebers-time givers
2.1. Time cues synchronise with daily solar cycle.
2.2. Daylight, diet, physical activities known zeitgebers.
2.3. Influence on biological clock unknown.
2.4. Interdpndnt.
3. Experiment to prove the existence of the biolgcl clock
3.1. ‘Time-free’ environ created
3.2. All activities done without knowing the time.
3.3. Maintained routine.
3.4. Thus, proved the existence of a powerful body clock.
| key to Abbreviation | ||
| S.No | Abbreviation | Word |
| 1. | biolgcl | Biological |
| 2. | influencd | Influenced |
| 3. | interdpndnt | Interdependent |
| 4. | environ | Environment |
(b) Summary
Our body is regulated by a biological clock which is in synchronisation with the daily solar cyde. ‘Zeitgebers’ (time givers) such as daylight, diet, physical activities and social behaviours are interdependent and their influence on our body was proved by scientists. In an experiment carried out in Europe and US, the subjects did all their activities in a time-free environment. Yet they maintained the same routine every day. That’s why counsellors advise students to regulate their biological clock to optimise their performance.
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)
I (i) ……. him here yesterday. He (ii)…………..
till today. No one (iii) what has happened to him. I am (iv) about him. I hope he is safe.
(i) (a) expects (b) expected (c) will be expecting (d) was expected
(ii) (a) was not coming (b) is not coming (c) has not come (d) will not come
(iii) (a) know (b) knows (c) knew (d) is knowing
(iv) (a) worrying (b) worried (c) will be worrying (d) have worried
Answer:
(i) (b) expected
(ii) (c) has not come
(iii) (b) knows
(iv) (b) worried
5. Rearrange the following words or phrases to make meaningful sentences: (Do any three) (1×3=3)
(a) the/on/forests / the / industry/oil / depends
(b) give / to / armies / wars / forests / during / our / cover
(c) do / get / the/forests / from / what/ we / products?
(d) he / my/letter/ received / must have / by / now
Answer:
(a) The oil industry depends on the forests.
Explanation: The sentence is correct because it follows proper sentence structure and conveys a clear relationship between the oil industry and the forests, expressing dependency or reliance.
(b) Forests give cover to our armies during wars.
Explanation: The sentence follows a subject-verb-object (SVO) structure and includes a prepositional phrase to add more details. The grammatical order is clear, making the sentence easily understandable.
(c) What products do we get from the forests?
Explanation: The rearranged sentence forms a meaningful question by placing the interrogative word “What” at the beginning to inquire about the specific product obtained from the forests. The sentence structure is correct, with subject (“we”) followed by the helping verb (“do”) and the object (“product”), while the prepositional phrase “from the forests” provides additional context about the source of the product in question.
(d) He must have received my letter by now.
Explanation: The sentence follows the structure “Subject + Modal verb (must have) + Main verb (received) + Direct object (my letter) + Prepositional phrase (by now).”
Creative Writing Skills [16 Marks]
Question 6.
You want to sell your newly built flat. Draft a suitable advertisement in not more than 50 words to be published in the classified columns of the ‘The Assam Tribune’ giving all necessary details. You are Niranjan/Niranjana of Nabin Nagar, Guwahati. (3)
OR
While travelling in a bus you found some certificates, a wallet and some jewellery in a bag. You found no contact details of the owner in the bag. Draft an advertisement to be published in a local newspaper
Answer:
Flat For Sale
Available a newly built flat, 900 sq. feet, 3rd floor, 3 BHK east facing, semi furnished, parking, original documents, reasonable price. For more details contact Niranjan, 87, Nabin Nager, Guwahati.
OR
Bag Found
Found a black coloured VIP bag in a bus on Rani Bagh to Karol Bagh route containing some certificates, Important documents, wallet and some jewellery. Owner may claim by giving proof of ownership to Suresh at 943xxxxxxx
Question 7.
Draft a poster on ‘Save Water’.
OR
The people in your locality lack information regarding reuse of note books and text books. Design a poster to
create awareness about reuse of books and the NGO involved in this process.
Answer:
OR
Question 8.
The habit of reading is dwindling today. Reading habit has to be revived. You are Shweta!Shankar. Prepare a speech in 120—150 words to be delivered on World Reading Day. (5)
OR
Prepare a speech on the ‘Importance of life skills’ in about 120—150 words to be delivered in the morning assembly.
You are Girija/Girish.
Answer:
Revive the habit of reading!
Respected Principal, worthy teachers and dear friends. Today I, Shweta of dass XI Commerce, standing before you to speak about the need to revive the habit of reading. How many pages do you read daily or say the number of lines that your eyes and mind can capture!
The benefits of reading have been emphasised by every genius irrespective of the area of knowledge or expertise. The habit of reading by flipping the pages of a book – whether for learning or for leisure is a must and no screen can give the joy. If you have not tried yet, then it is time to explore the magic of reading daily and consistently.
It is not important how much you read, what matters is how often you train your mind to get this in your routine and you’ll be amazed to see the results. The power of concentration grows with which your learning speed also increases. You will be happy, peaceful and nurture positive perspective! Try it from today!!
Thank you
OR
Importance of Life skills
Good morning to one and all present. Today I, Girish, have got the golden opportunity to express my views on the ‘Importance of Life Skills.’ To make right decisions in life and to lead a life full of success there is one indispensable virtue that is needed for every human.
Life skill is the key to tap in the effectiveness of communication and cope with every situation in life. This is something that is ingrained in our personality right from the formal years of our education and also this is something that we acquire from our social interactions both at home and when outside.
They are vital in self-development and helps in problem solving, given any circumstance. Some of the types of life skills comprise of time management, analytical thinking, creative dimensions, empathy, sympathy and most important self-awareness. All these will help every individual face challenges or stress with the right mind-set by using the best knowledge or virtue and experience positive results.
Thank You
Question 9.
Consumerism is increasing day by day. Luxuries of yesterday have become the necessities of today. The result is that the more we want, the more miserable we become. Write a debate in 150—200 words on ‘The only way to minimize human suffering and pain is to control our needs.’ You are Navtej/Navita. (5)
OR
‘Rainwater harvesting is the only solution to water crisis in the present times.’ Write a debate either for or against motion in 150—200 words, you are Sujatha/ Ajith.
Answer:
The only way to minimise human suffering and pain is to control our needs
Good morning everyone! Respected members of the jury, Principal, teachers and my dear friends. Today, I, Navita, is here to present my views on the topic “The only way to minimise human suffering and pain is to control our needs”.
It is true and all of us accept that the lives of our grandparents were much happier, peaceful and relaxed. Though we have more luxuries now, more gadgets, more technology, yet human suffering and pain is only increasing. Man has failed to understand that wants do not bring happiness, instead they bring dissatisfaction and greed. The more contented we are, the happier we will be. The race for consumerism is increasing day-by-day. Now, consumerism has become excessive as it has extended itself beyond what is needed.
One of its reason may be that the facility of personal credit lures us to make purchases beyond our income level, and also, the advertisements turn us to have more desire for material possessions. They make us to think that the luxuries of yesterday have become the necessities of today. Mobile phones, two wheelers, ipads, have become a normal part of a teenager’s life. When they can’t afford this, they feel themselves discontented. Infact, in the rat race of earning/acquiring more to get these luxuries, not only personal relationship is getting affected but also the crime rate is increasing. Then either they resort to unlawful means of acquiring these things or fall prey to depression.
We need to understand that happiness is a state of mind. Things do not bring us happiness. It is the joy of getting a thing well done, helping others and just being grateful to what we have, makes us happy.
Thank you (5)
OR
Rainwater harvesting is the only solution to water crisis in the present times
A very good morning to all jury members, friends and fellow opponents. Today, I, Sujatha, am going to speak on the topic ‘Rain harvesting is the only solution to water crisis in the recent times’. Rainwater harvesting is one of the most commonly used methods to save water. It refers to storing of rainwater for various uses. The notion behind rainwater harvesting is to not waste the rainwater and prevent it from running off.
In other words, it is done to collect rainwater using simple mechanisms. This method is very useful considering the water scarcity that is happening in India. Moreover, rainwater harvesting is so easy that almost anyone can do it. We must encourage this practice to help people gain access to clean water easily without any cost.
When we practice rainwater harvesting, it maintains the level of the groundwater. That way, we all can make the use of groundwater, as it will keep on replenishing through rainwater harvesting. Moreover, rainwater harvesting prevents water from logging on roads. It also reduces the chances of soil erosion. Most importantly, rainwater
harvesting improves the quality of water which we consume, as it is the purest form of water.
The critics of rain water harvesting suggest that infrastructure is needed for rain water harvesting and not everyone can do it. I would like to enlighten them that rainwater harvesting is a very simple method that can be practiced by anyone. There is rooftop rainwater harvesting.
In this, the roof of a house or building works as a rainwater collection unit. It includes equipping the roof with pipes that direct to a pit or tank. These pipes will divert the water falling on the roof in the tank to save water from falling off. This is a very economical and efficient way to harvest rainwater. I therefore agree with the view that rain harvesting is the only solution to water crisis in recent times.
Thank You
Section – C (31 marks)
(Literature)
Question 10.
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: (1×3=3)
A. A sweet face:
My mother’s that was before I was born.
Question 1.
What is poet referring as ‘a sweet face’
(A) Poet is referring to her mother’s photograph with her cousins.
(B) Poet is referring to her mother in front of her.
(C) Poet is referring to her mother’s cousin.
(D) None of the above
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The poet is referring to her mother’s photograph as ‘a sweet face.’ The phrase ‘a sweet face’ suggests that the image of her mother in the photograph appears pleasant and endearing to the poet.
Question 2.
Who took the photograph?
(A) The poet’s father
(B) The poet’s mother’s cousin
(C) The poet’s mother’s uncle
(D) The poet’s mother
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The poet’s mother’s cousin took the photograph. This is implied in the lines “My mother’s that was before I was born.” The cousin captured the image of the poet’s mother along with her other cousins before the poet’s birth.
Question 3.
Where has poet seen her mother’s face?
Answer:
The poet saw her mother’s face in an old photograph.
Explanation: The poet has seen her mother’s face in the old photograph. The phrase “before I was born” indicates that the photograph captures a moment from the past, showing the poet’s mother with her cousins before the poet came into existence. The photograph allows the poet to see her mother’s face as it was in that earlier time.
OR
B. That is hidden in an infant’s face,
That’s all I know.
Question 1.
What is ‘hidden in an infant’s face’?
(A) innocence
(B) love
(C) childhood
(D) All of these
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The poet is referring to the innocence and purity of childhood. In the poem, the poet asks when their childhood went, and they wonder if it is hidden in an infant’s face. This suggests that the poet believes that innocence and purity are qualities that are present in all children, but they can be lost as we grow older.
Question 2.
Has the poet got her answer?
(A) Yes
(B) No
(C) Can’t say
(D) All of these
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: No, the poet has not received a definite or specific answer to what is hidden in an infant’s face. The line “That’s all I know” indicates that the poet is aware of the presence of something significant in an infant’s face but is uncertain about precisely what it is.
Question 3.
Who is ‘I’ in the poem?
Answer:
‘I’ is the poet who is wondering when he lost his childhood.
Explanation: In the poem, ‘I’ refers to the poet himself/herself. The poet is contemplating and reflecting on what he/she perceives and understands from observing an infant’s face, particularly the hidden quality of innocence
Question 11.
Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow. (1×3=3)
A. As hills started to push up once more from the rocky wilderness, we passed solitary drokbas tending their flocks. Sometimes men, sometimes women, these well-wrapped figures would pause and stare at our car, occasionally waving as we passed
Question 1.
From which story have these lines been taken?
(A) We’re Not Afraid to Die…If We Can All be Together
(B) Landscape of the Soul
(C) The Browning Version
(D) Silk Rond
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The lines are taken from the book Silk Road by Nick Middleton.
Question 2.
Which river had the party crossed?
(A) Ganga
(B) Indus
(C) Ravi
(D) Kiang
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The party had crossed the Ravu River. The Ravu River is a tributary of the Indus River, and it flows through the Ladakh region of India.
Question 3.
How did the sheep react to the speeding car?
(A) Waved
(B) Steered away
(C) Attacked
(D) Hid
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: In the upcoming of above these lines it is clearly mentioned “When the track took us close to their animals, the sheep would take evasive action, veering away from the speeding vehicle” which states that sheep steered away.
OR
B. She hobbled about the house in spotless white with one hand resting on her waist to balance her stoop and the other telling the beads of her rosary. Her silver locks were scattered untidily over her pale, puckered face, and her lips constantly moved in inaudible prayer. Yes, she was beautiful. She was like the winter land scape in the mountains, an expanse of pure white serenity breathing peace and contentment.
Question 1.
Who is the author of these lines?
(A) Shirley Toulson
(B) Nani Palkhivala
(C) A.R. Williams
(D) Khushwant Singh
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The passage give here is from the short story The Portrait of a Lady by Khushwant Singh.
Question 2.
Who is being referred to here by the author?
(A) His grandmother
(B) His mother
(C) His wife
(D) His elder sister
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The person being referred to here by the author is his grandmother. The lines describe her as a frail old woman who wears spotless white, prays constantly, and has silver hair.
Question 3.
What was the colour of the dress she used to wear?
(A) Black
(B) White
(C) Red
(D) Blue
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The person being referred to here by the author wears white. The lines describe her as wearing spotless white.
Question 12.
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. (1×4=4)
A. That’ll do then. [She moves towards the door left then turns] But remember—keep firm—or you’ve had it. [She opens the door. Calling] Hoy! You can come in now. [Coming away from the door, and moving right slightly, Quietly] But remember-remember-a firm hand.
Question 1.
Who is the speaker speaking to?
(A) Cyril
(B) Mrs, Pearson
(C) Mrs. Fitzgerald
(D) George
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The lines are taken from the text The Mother’s day by J b Priestley. Here speaker Mrs FItzgerald is speaking to Mrs Pearson.
Question 2.
What is the profession of the speaker?
(A) Fortune teller
(B) Economist
(C) Personality development
(D) Counsellor
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: In the text Mother’s day by J B Priestley when curtain raises we can see Fitzgerald is telling fortune to Mrs Pearson, which clearly indicates about his profession.
Question 3.
What did the speaker want the other person to remember?
(A) Not to be too soft with others
(B) Not to overeat that day
(C) Not to take more pressure
(D) All of these
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The speaker wants the other person (Mrs Pearson) to remember not to be too soft with others. The phrase “keep firm” suggests that the speaker is advising Mrs Pearson to be assertive and not let others take advantage of him.
Question 4.
Who is entering the room when these words are being spoken?
(A) George
(B) Doris
(C) Cyril
(D) All of these
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: In the followed line of above passage it is mentioned “[George, Doris and Cyril file in through the doorway, looking apprehensively at Mrs Pearson.]” which clearly indicates their arrival.
B. The noose was set up somewhat high.
OR
Each man was measured by and by.
But only one man was so tall
He fitted. One man. That was all.
Question 1.
Why was the noose set up?
(A) To hang the wrong doer
(B) To measure everyone
(C) To enlighten the King
(D) None of these
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The passage is taken form The Tale of Melon City. The passage says that the noose was set up “somewhat high,” which suggests that it was intended for someone who was very tall. The fact that only one man was able to fit the noose suggests that the noose was set up for the person who was responsible for the king’s lost crown.
Question 2.
Who does ‘one man’ in the last line refer to?
(A) The wisest man
(B) The old man
(C) The King
(D) The architect
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The phrase “one man” in the last line refers to the king. The passage says that the king was the only one who was able to fit the noose. This suggests that the king was the one who was responsible for the king’s lost crown.
Question 3.
The phrase ‘by and by’ here means
(A) one by one
(B) all together
(C) only some of them
(D) None of them
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The phrase “by and by” is often used to mean “eventually” or “in due time.” In this case, the phrase “by and by” means that the men were measured one by one.
Question 4.
What will be the correct sequence of the following according to the text?
(a) The king decided to postpone the consideration of finer points like guilt.
(b) The king lost his crown under the arch.
(c) The king sought an advice from the wisest man.
(d) The workmen blamed the masons.
(e) A melon was crowned the king
(A) abcde
(B) acbde
(C) bdace
(D) dbace
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The sequence is as follows:
(b) The king lost his crown under the arch.
(d) The workmen blamed the masons.
(c) The king sought an advice from the wisest man.
(a) The king decided to postpone the consideration of finer points like guilt.
(e) A melon was crowned the king.
Question 13.
Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each. (3×2=6)
(a) Give a brief account of the sounds and movements of the goldfinch on the laburnum top.
OR
Why do you think the father appears helpless?
Answer:
The goldfinch chirps and suddenly settles on the end of a branch on the top of the laburnum tree. Then quite suddenly and watchfully she enters the middle part of the tree. She moves smoothly like a lizard. Then the tree is filled up with a series of short, quick high pitched chattering sounds, shaking of wings and quavering sound.
The whole tree shakes slightly and is excited. It seems as if a whole machine has started working. This thickness of the tree houses the family of goldfinch and she stokes the engine of her family before leaving the tree and flying off to the infinite. The laburnum top regains its silence and stillness.
OR
The father is unable to understand what his son loves to do. He is not in a position to advise him as there is hardly any intimacy between them. They speak like strangers, otherwise there is silence around them. The son has his own dreams and plans which the father does not appreciate.
(b) What were Drokbas doing in the “rocky wilderness”?
OR
How does Rajendra Deshpande try to rationalise the experience of Professor Gaitonde about his transition to another world and back?
Answer:
Drokbas are the people, men or women who were tending their flocks in the rocky wilderness. They wear long-sleeved sheepskin coat to protect themselves from the cold of the high mountains.
OR
According to Rajendra, Professor Gaitonde had passed through a fantastic experience or more correcting, a catastrophic experience. He tried to rationalize it on the basis of two scientific theories that were current then. One was the catastrophe theory.
The result of the battle would have been determined by the acts of the leaders and the morale of troops at the critical juncture. The blow of losing the leaders would have led to loss of morale and fighting spirit. An utter rout would have followed. If the crucial event had gone the other way, its effect on the troops would also have been the opposite. Their morale would have been boosted and they might have won. The course of history would have been different.
The other explanation, is through the lack of determinism in quantum theory. Catastrophe are situations after radically different alternatives for the world to proceed. All alternatives are viable so far as reality is concerned. However, the observer can experience only one of them at a time. Professor Gaitonde made a transition from one world to the other as he had been thinking about the catastrophe theory and Battle of Panipat. The neurons in his brain acted as trigger.
Question 14.
Answer any one of the following questions in 40-50 words. (3×1=3)
What was the problem confronted by the Ministers? How did they solve it?
OR
What does the narrator mean when he says that the distribution of the various kinds of spirit of their tribe had been from the beginning capricious and vagrant? How does he illustrate his point?
Answer:
After hanging of his Majesty, the ministers were confronted with the problem of finding a ruler for their state. To solve this problem they followed their old custom. The heralds were sent out to proclaim that the next person who passes the City Gate would choose the ruler of their state.
OR
The narrator means to say that in their tribe a child does not necessarily inherit this spirit from his father. He illustrates his points by giving the example of his cousin Mourad. Mourad’s father was practical but Mourad was considered to be crazy. He seemed to have inherited his craziness from their uncle Khosrove.
Question 15.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words. (6×1=6)
Describe the voyage of the narrator after the disaster.
OR
Draw a contrast of the life the narrator’s grandmother spent in the village with the kind of life she led in the city. Particularly, highlight her concern for her grandson’s education.
Answer:
The disaster had greatly damaged the narrator’s ship. But, he and his team fought bravely against the wave. They worked on the hand pumps to take out the water. They had survived for 15 hours since the wave hit. But the ‘Wavewalker’ was not in a position to take them to Australia because of its broken condition.
The narrator checked the charts and found that there were two small islands a few hundred kilometers to the east. Unless the wind and seas abated and they hoisted sail, their chances were slim. On 4th January, the situation eased and they had their first meal in almost two days with corned beef and cracker biscuits. The narrator asked Larry to steer a course of 185 degrees. Then they reached ‘Ile Amsterdam’ island. All the 28 inhabitants cheered them ashore the next morning.
OR
The grandmother was used to the life of village. She got up early in the morning. She woke her grandson up and got him ready for school. She was very much concerned about the education of the narrator. She accompanied him to his school. She sat in the temple reading the scriptures. She was friendly even to the village dogs and fed them regularly.
The city life and its culture didn’t suit her. She was a religious lady. She was quite conservative in her thinking. The English school, English language and Science were foreign to her. She was upset to know that they didn’t teach about God and the scriptures at the school. She hated music. She didn’t like music lessons being given at the new school. She felt lonely when he went up to university and then abroad. But she had accepted her loneliness silently.
Question 16.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words. (6×1=6)
The play ‘Mother’s Day’ is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of the woman in a family. Bring out briefly the elements of humour and satire.
OR
Comment on the significance of the title of the story ‘The Address,’
Answer:
The play ‘Mother’s Day’ is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of the woman in a family is shown in its serious theme treated in a light-hearted manner. The humour in the play springs from an unusual situation where the personalities of two ladies exchange bodies. Their subsequent behaviour, which is in total contrast to their previous one, is a very powerful source of laughter. The importance of the character about the personality they are facing also creates humour.
The following dialogues also provides a lot of fun :
“Mrs. Pearson if you had to love my life, it wouldn’t be so band. You’d have more fun as me than you’ve had as you.”
“It’s that silly old bag from next door Mrs. Fitzgerald.”
“Tickling her off now, are you, Annie?”
“They call you Pompy-Ompy Pearson because they think you’re so slow and pompous.”
The actions, gestures and reactions of the characters also provide humour. The housewife being given orders,
treated like dirt and forced to stay home every night while other members go out to amuse themselves in sharply
contrasted with the position at the end of the play where she is the mistress of the house. The play also satirises
the eight hour work culture and threats to go on strike. Even the housewife adopts this weapon.
OR
The story has been aptly given the title, ‘The Address.’ This title is significant. The story moves around Mrs.
Dorling’s address : Number 46, Marconi Street. Mrs. Dorling was an old acquaintance of the narrator’s mother. She had carried their valuables to her house for safety during the war time. She said that she wanted to save all their nice things because they would lose everything if they had to flee from the place. The narrator’s mother told
her Mrs. Dorling’s address. The narrator had remembered the address.
When the war was over and things became almost normal, one day the narrator had an intense longing to see and touch the objects which were linked with the memories of her former life. She knew that all the things must still be preserved by Mrs. Dorling. So, she went to number 46 in Marconi Street.
She was horrified to find in a room she knew and did not know. She found herself in the midst of familiar things which she longed to see again but which oppressed her in the strange atmosphere. Suddenly, the objects lost their value in strange surroundings, they too appeared strange to her. She realized that the address lost all its significance for her and she wanted to forget it.