SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI

Table of Contents
SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI...........................................1
GENTLEMEN OF RIO EN MEDIO...................................................................................................2
Unit 4 - THE BIRD OF HAPPINESS...............................................................................................3
Unit 6 - THE DISCOVERY..............................................................................................................5
Unit 4 - LAUGH AND BE MERRY.................................................................................................6
Unit 2 QUALITY OF MERCY.........................................................................................................7
Unit 3 - I AM THE LAND................................................................................................................8
Unit 1 A HERO..................................................................................................................................8
Unit 5 - THE CONCERT...................................................................................................................9
Unit 7 - COLOURS OF SILENCE.................................................................................................10
Unit 8 - SCIENCE AND HOPE OF SURVIVAL............................................................................11
Unit 1 GRANDMA CLIMBS A TREE...........................................................................................12
Unit 5 JAZZ POEM TWO...............................................................................................................12
Unit 6 BALLAD OF THE TEMPEST............................................................................................13
Unit 3. A GREAT MARTYR EVER CHERISHED...........................................................................14
Unit 3 GENTLEMEN OF RIO EN MEDIO...................................................................................15
Unit 4 THE BIRD OF HAPPINESS...............................................................................................16
Unit 6 THE DISCOVERY...............................................................................................................17
Unit 8 OFF TO OUTER SPACE TOMORROW MORNING........................................................18
Unit 2 THERES A GIRL BY THE TRACKS................................................................................19
Unit 7 COLOURS OF SILENCE....................................................................................................19
Unit 2 QUALITY OF MERCY.......................................................................................................19
Unit 7 THE BLIND BOY................................................................................................................20
Section B GRAMMAR (LANGUAGE USE)...................................................................................20
QUESTION TAGS.............................................................................................................................24
LINKING WORDS............................................................................................................................25
EDITING............................................................................................................................................27
REFERENCE SKILL.........................................................................................................................30

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 1

GENTLEMEN OF RIO EN MEDIO
I. Four alternatives are given for each of the following questions/incomplete statements.

Write the correct or the most appropriate answer in the space provided.

1)It took months of negotiation to come to an understanding with the old man because he
a. could not hear properly b. could not understand the language
c. was not in a hurry d. did not like the Americans.
Ans. : c. was not in a hurry
2. The old man was ..............
a. understanding b. quick
c. unhurried d. witty
Ans.: c. unhurried
3. The old man removed his hat and gloves, slowly and carefully. This reminds us the actions
of .........
a. Chaplin b. janitor
c. Senator d. Prince Albert
Ans. : a. Chaplin
4. The word innumerable kin means that the old man had a number of ......................
a. children b. trees in his orchard
c. relatives d. followers
Ans. : c. relatives
5. In the meeting of the old man and the Americans, they talked about rain and the old mans
large family. It was ..............
a. to mock his large family
b. to break the ice
c. to make everyone know that it had not rained in that area
d. to know more about the old mans family
Ans.: b. to break the ice
6. Don Anselmo, I said, We have made a discovery. The discovery was that the old man
......
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a. did not own the trees b. had asked for a high price
c. had many relatives d. owned more land than he thought
Ans.: d. owned more land than he thought
7. The old man had agreed to sell the land for ...............
a. twelve hundred dollars b. twelve thousand dollars
c. seven hundred dollars d. seven thousand dollars
Ans. : a. twelve hundred dollars
8. When the story teller offered the old man double the price he ..........
a. jumped with joy b. stood up in anger
c. took off his gloves d. bowed to all in the room
Ans.: b. stood up in anger
9. After the survey, the Americans were willing to pay ..............
a. twelve hundred dollars
b. thrice the amount they had agreed
c. almost twice the money they had agreed
d. half of the money they had agreed

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 2

Ans. : c. almost twice the money they had agreed
10. Don Anselmo agreed to sell the land for the Americans because
a. they have agreed to give twice the amount
b. they are his friends
c. they are good people
d. they agreed to buy the land without trees
Ans.: c. they are good people
11. Don Anselmo signed the deed ............
a. after taking twice the amount
b. but refused to take more than the amount agreed upon
c. without taking any money
d. after demanding more money.
Ans.: b. but refused to take more than the amount agreed upon
12. A piece of land where fruit trees are grown is called .............
a. a cottage b. a forest
c. an orchard d. a creek
Ans. c. an orchard
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13. Don Anselmo took only twelve hundred dollars for the land finally because .............
a. Don Anselmo was a man of principles.
b. the story teller failed to convince Don Anselmo to take more money
c. the Americans refused to give more money
d. the surveyor had fixed the amount for the land as twelve hundred dollars
Ans. a. Don Anselmo was a man of principle
14. Dom Anselmo sold his land but he didnt sell his ..............
a. Orchard b. trees
c. horse d. river
Ans. : b. trees
15. According to Don Anselmo, the real owners of the trees were ................
a. Don Anselmo himself b. the Americans
c. the children of Rio en Medio d. the story teller
Ans.: c. the children of Rio en Medio
16. Don Anselmo did not sell the trees because ..............
a. trees were like children to him
b. he thought they did not belong to him but to the children
c. he had grown them in memory of his ancestors.
d. he wanted his surroundings to be green
Ans.: b. he thought they did not belong to him but to the children
17. The story teller spoke Spanish because ..............
a. The story teller loved to speak Spanish
b. Spanish is the official language in New Mexico
c. Spanish is the official language in America
d. He doesnt know any other language except Spanish

Unit 4 - THE BIRD OF HAPPINESS

1. The people of the poor area in Tibet believed that ........................
a. happiness must exist somewhere in the world
b. happiness will never exist
c happiness has nothing to do with people.

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 3

d. happiness is not needed.
Ans.: a. happiness must exist somewhere in the world
2. The bind of happiness was guarded by .....................
a. two monsters
b. three monsters
c. one monster
d. none of them
Ans.: b. three monsters
3. The way Wangjia was sent to find the Bird of Happiness was in accordance with the
............... the people.
a. rules that govern
b. wishes of the people
c. habit of
d. custom of
Ans. : Custom of
4. Wangjia decided not to go back home because
a. people at home were waiting for him to bring back happiness
b. people at home were waiting for him to return with gifts
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c. people were angry on him
d. he wanted to live on the mountain.
Ans. : a. people at home were waiting for him to bring back happiness
5. The third monster made Wangja lose his .................
a. food b. strength
c. eyesightd. health
Ans.: eyesight
6. The second monster blew off wangjias ....................
a. eyeballsb. food
c. strengthd. dress
Ans.: b. food
7. It was believed that the three monsters could kill a man by ...........
a. simply blowing through their beards
b. turning everything into a desent
c. turning the road into a vast scene.
d. pulling out his eyeballs
Ans. : a. simply blowing through their beards
8. Though Wangjias feet cut to pieces, he continued his journey because he knew that
people at home ................
a. were waiting to punish him for giving up
b. were waiting for him to bring back happiness c.
would no longer give him food
d. would not call him a hero.
Ans.: b. were waiting for him to bring back happiness
9. The third monster asked Wanngjiia to
a. kill Lousangs mother
b. kill the old man Silong
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c. bring the binds head
d. bring Bhimas eye balls
Ans.: d. bring Bhimas eye balls

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 4

10. The old folk used to say that happiness was a beautiful .............
a. tree b. mountain
c. bird d. flower
Ans. : c. bird
11. Wangjia refused to kill Lousangs mother because ..........
a. he loved Lousangs mother
b. he loved his own mother
c. he was frightened to kill her
d. he decided to disobey the monster
Ans.: b. he loved his own mother

Unit 6 - THE DISCOVERY

I. Four alternatives are given. Choose the best alternatives: (MCQ)
1. The Santa Maria will be lighter for his carcass. These words were said by
a. Diego b. Francisco
c. Pedro d. Guillermo Ires
Ans.: d. Guillermo Ires
2. A Good sailor knows his place, says Columbus to Diego. This statement is
a. a piece of advice b. an indirect command
c. an expression of sorrow d. a cry of horror
Ans.: b. an indirect command
3. Columbus feels that his worst enemy is
a. the angry sea b. his vision
c. his uncontrolled tongue d. the sailors song
Ans.: c. his uncontrolled tongue
4. The dialogue between Columbus and Pedro in section 2 reveals this train of Columbus.
a. dictatorial attitude b. quick temper
c. hatred towards the seamen d. selfishness
Ans.: b. quick temper
5. Pepe is always eager to say that he is ever .................. to Columbus
a. loyal b. disobedient
c. disloyal d. unfaithful a. loyal b.
Ans.: a. loyal
6. Whos to put him in irons? challenges Guillermo.
The person meant by him in this context is:
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a. Guillermo b. The first man to move towards Columbus
c. Columbus d. The first man who challenged Columbus
Ans.: a. Guillermo
7. Columbus set out from Spain to
a. for a long holiday b. to become a new world
c. to discover a new world d. to make new friends
Ans.: c. to discover a new world
8. Columbus said that he had discovered one thing. It was
a. there were no buts to discipline
b. A good sailor knows his place
c. Gods will was his will
d. A man with a vision has to follow it alone.
Ans.: d. A man with a vision has to follow it alone
9. Your best cannot be bettered, says Columbus. This implies that

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 5

a. No one is perfect at anytime
b. There is always scope for improvement
c. Once we reach the best, we cannot improve
d. Columbus is not totally happy with Francisco
Ans.: d. Columbus is not totally happy with Francisco
10. I will perform it myself, says Columbus. What does it mean here?
a. To navigate the ship forward b. To out Guillermo Ires in irons.
c. To turn back the helps towards Spain d. To stop the seamen singing
Ans.: b. To put Guillermo Ires in Irons
11. After a perceptible Pause, who grows mare mutinous than others?
a. Pedro b. Guillermo
c. Diego d. Francisco
Ans.: c. Diego
12. Everybody doubts .................. except me says ................
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a. pearo b. pepe
c. Diego d. Juan Pation
Ans.: b. pepe
13. Columbus says, would God important desire to solve mystery and he doesnt provide
solutions? The mood of Columbus in saying this.
a. Desperate b. Trust/Faith in God
c. Angry d. Helplessness
Ans.: b. Trust/faith in God
14. The seamen were desperate because
a. they were tired and wanted to return to their homes and families
b. there was a storm in the sea
c. they were tortured by the captain
d. the food in the ship was exhausted.
Ans.: a. they were tired and wanted to return to their homes and families.
15. Your duty is to obey me as mine is to obey the Royal Sovereigns of Spain who sent me.
These words prove that
a. Columbus was very loyal to the kind and queen.
b. Columbus was mutinous
c. Columbus was reluctant
d. Columbus was cruel
Ans.: a. Columbus was very loyal to the king and queen.

Unit 4 - LAUGH AND BE MERRY

I Four alternatives are given for each of the following questions/incomplete statements. Write
the correct or the most appropriate answer in the space provided
1. God made Heaven and Earth .............
a. to work hard b. far joy
c. to show his power d. for no reason
Ans.: b. for joy
2. In the poem Laugh and Be Merry the poet says, We must treat one another like ..........
a. friends b. enemies
c. strangers d. brothers
Ans.: d. brothers
3. Laugh for the time is brief, a thread the length of a span. The figure of speech used here
is .........

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a. simile b. Metaphor
c. Personification d. Synecdoche
Ans.: Metaphor
4. Laugh till the game is played This means that ............
a. We should laugh while we are playing
b. We should laugh only at the end of the day
c. We should be serious when we are about to die
d. We should laugh till the end of our life
Ans.: We should laugh till the end of our life
5. He took in a rhyme
Made them, and filled them full with the strong red wine of his Mirth The He referes to
.........
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a. The poet b. Man
c. God d. a friend
Ans. : c. God
6. In the poem Laugh and Be Merry ......... is mentioned as the evidence of happiness and
merriment.
a. dance b. sang
c. wine d. stars
Ans.: sang
7. The poet John Masefield has compared the world to a beautiful .........
a. an inn b. star
c. dance d. wine
Ans.: a. an inn
8. The poet wants that we should ................
a. live this life happily b. face the hardships
c. have a positive attitude d. all the above
Ans.: all the above
II Answer the following questions in a sentence
1. How can we better the world?
Ans.: We can better the world with a song.
2. Why should we be proud?
Ans.:We should be proud because we belong to the old proud pageant of man/race of human
beings
3. According to the poet Masefield how should we live on this earth?
Ans.: According to the poet Masefield, we should live on this earth as loving brothers
4. What has the poet compared the world to in the poem Laugh and Be Merry?
Ans.: The poet has compared the world to the rooms of a beautiful inn.
5. Why does the poet Masefield call us as guests?
Ans.: We are not immortal. We live on this earth for a short period and pass away. So, he calls us as
the guests.

Unit 2 QUALITY OF MERCY

II. Answer in a word/a phrase/a sentence each :
1. Mercy is compared to something in the first two lines of the poem. What is it?
Ans. : It is compared to the gentle rain from heaven.
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2. The speaker says that mercy is twice blessed? What does she mean by this?

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 7

Ans. : Mercy blesses the giver and the taker too.
3. Sceptre shows the force of temporal power In contrast, what or whose quality does mercy
stand for?
Ans. : Mercy is divine and flows from the heart
4. Mention the three things of temporal power of a king.
Ans. : Throne, Crown and Sceptre.
5. When does earthly power show divine power?
Ans.: When kings adopt mercy with justice.

Unit 3 - I AM THE LAND

1. Who do you think is the speaker of the poem I am the land?
Ans.: The speaker is mother earth.
2. You cannot put a fence around the planet earth What is the tone of the speaker?
Ans.: It is the tone of self assertion.
3. I wait is repeated in the poem. What quality of the speaker is highlighted?
Ans.: The word I wait highlights the speakers patience.
4. Who is the speaker referring you in the poem I am the land?
Ans.: you in the poem are the people/human beings.

Unit 1 A HERO
II. Answer the following questions in two or three sentences each:
1. Swamis father drew his attention to a report in the newspaper. What was the report about?
OR What was the special news about the bravery of a village lad?
Ans.: The newspaper carried a report about the bravery of a village boy who had come face to face
with a tiger while returning home by the village path.
2. What comment did Swami make when he heard the newspaper report? How did his view
differ from that of his father?
Ans.: Swami felt that it was not possible for a boy to fight a tiger and it must have been a strong and
grown up person who had done this. His father disagreed saying that strength and ago were not so
important. What really needed was courage.
3. What challenge did Swamis father put to him?
Ans.: Swamis father challenged him to sleep alone in his office room that night which was a
frightful
proposition. Swami always slept beside his grandmother so any change in this arrangement made
him frightful.
4. In which part of the office did Swami decide to sleep. Why did he select this place?
Ans.: Swami spread his bed under the bench in the office and crept in there to sleep. It seemed to be
a much safter place more compact and reassuring.
5. As the night advanced Swami felt that something terrible would happen to him. What would
it be? How would it happen?
Ans.: As the night advanced Swami remembered all the stories of devil and ghost. He expected the
devils to come up and carry him away.
6. What did Swami feel when he saw something moving in the darkness? What did he do?
Ans.: When Swami saw something moving in the room he imagined that if was the devil. He
crawled
out of the bench, caught hold of it and dug his teeth into it.
3
7. Why were congratulations showered on Swami?
Ans.: Swami had bitten the burglar taking him to be the devil. The burglars cry brought Swamis

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 8

father and others to the scene leading to his arrest. So congratulations were showered on Swami.
8. Why did Swami feel relieved at the end?
Ans.: The next day Swamy slept beside his granny. His father did not protect much. Swami felt
relieved.
9. How was Swami honoured by his classmates, teacher and the headmaster?
Ans.: Congratulations were showered on Swami. His classmates looked at him with respect and his
teacher patted on his back. The headmaster said that he was a tree scout.
10. Do you think Swami really wanted to join the police? If not, what did he want to be?
Ans.: No, Swami was not interested to join the police. He wanted to become an engine driver,
railway guard or a bus conductor.
11. You must sleep along hereafter, said Swamis father. By doing so, what was Swami
supposed to prove?
Ans.: By sleeping alone, Swami was supposed to prove his courage. He was expected to show that
even he has courage.
12. What were the excuses given by Swami in order to escape from sleeping along?
Ans.: Swami said that he would sleep alone from the first of next month. He alsos said that the
office
was dusty and full of scoprions.

Unit 5 - THE CONCERT

1. Why did Smitha get excited after reading the newspaper?
Ans.: Smitha got excited after reading the newspaper because it had the news of Pandit Ravi
Shankars
music concert at the Shanmukhananda Auditorium the next day.
2. Why do you think the mother cautioned the girl?
Ans.: Smithas brother, Anant had been struck with cancer. He was very sick and was lying on the
bed. So the mother cautioned Smitha not to disturb Ananth.
3. Why did Smitas family move to Bombay?
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Ans.: Smitas brother Ananth was suffering from cancer. They moved to Bombay from their native
town Gaganpur, so that he could be treated at the cancer hospital in the city.
4. For a moment, Smitha had forgotten something. What was it?
Ans.: For a moment, Smitha had forgotten that Ananth was very ill and not in a position to go to the
concert.
5. In what way was the truth frightening to Smitha?
Ans.: Though Smitha and her family had pretended Anant would get well, she had known that
Anant
was going to die of cancer. This was frightening to Smitha.
6. Do you consider Anant a talented boy? Justify your answer.
Ans.: Yes, Anant was a talented boy. He was the best table tennis player in the school and the
fastest runner. He was learning to play the Sitar and was already able to compose his own tunes.
7. They had come with high hopes, what hopes did Anants parents have?
Ans.: Anants parents had high hopes in the miracles of modern science. They thought that he would
be cured. Then he could talk and run again and hoped that he would become a great sitarist one day.
8. Aunt Sushila was a generous lady. How would you justify this statement?
Ans.: Whenever Smitas family came to Bombay for Anants treatment they stayed in Aunt
Sushilas

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house. Her apartment was small but there was always room for them. By this we can say that Aunt
Sushila was a generous lady.
9. What did the doctors say to Anants parents? Were they words of hope or words of despair?
Ans.: The doctors asked Anants parents to take him home and give him whatever he liked. They
were the words of despair because his parents realized that he had not many days to live.
10. What was the chance of a lifetime for Ananth?
Ans.: Ananth was a music lover and was also learning to play sitar. Listening to Sitar maestros
music
and attend his concert was the chance of lifetime for Anant.
11. What was the daring thought that came to Smita?
Ans.: Requesting the music wizard to come home to play Sitar for Anant was the daring thought
that
came to Smita.
12. How did Smitha enjoy the concert?
Ans.: Smitha was spellbound by the music. As the first notes came over the air, she felt as if the
gates
of enchantment and wonder were opening. But every beat of Tabla reminded her of Anants voice.
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13. Do you think of Response of music maestros was unusual? Justify your answer.
Ans.: No, the response of music maestros was not unusual because any person with good heart and
is compassionate towards others sorrows would do the same.
14. The neighbours could not believe their eyes. Why do you think they felt like this?
Ans.: The neighbours could not believe their eyes when they saw music maestros get down from
the taxi in front of their blocks because they never expected such famous people to heed to the
request of a small girl to fulfill her brothers wish.
15. Did Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha keep their promise? If yes, how?
Ans.: Yes, Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Allah Rakha kept their promise. Next day they went to
Anants house and played for the boy.
16. Do you like the ending of the story? Why? If you dont, how would you like to end it?
Ans.: No, because I dont like sad ending. I would like to see Anant getting cured and back to his
earlier days like playing table tennis and sitar.
17. In the course of the story The Concert, whom do you consider to be more worried, Smita
or Anant?
Ans.: In the story, Smita was more worried than others. Though attending the concert was a chance
of lifetime, she could not enjoy it completely because Anant was not with her. She was always
thinking how to fulfill Anants wish.

Unit 7 - COLOURS OF SILENCE

1. Why was Satish confined to bed? What was the worst thing for him? Why was it so?
Ans.: After the accident, Satishs legs became very weak, requiring several operations. He
frequently
suffered from bouts of fever and infections of the ear. So he was confined to bed. He was becoming
deaf and he could not bear the silence.
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2. How did Satish meet with an accident?
Ans. : On a holiday in Kashmir, Satish went hiking with his father and brother while crossing a
rickety bridge over some rapids, his foot slipped and he fell into the rapids.
3. Satish didnt want to go to a new school. What was the reason?
Ans.: Satish didnt want to go to a new school where he couldnt talk to the other children, where
everyone would make fun of his deafness.

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4. How did Satishs brother Inder, help him?
Ans.: Inder sat with Satish for hours with him and talked to him, teaching him words and
pronunciation.
He spend time with him, trying to teach him things/
5. What did Satish see at the far corner of the garden? Why did it attract him?
Ans. : Satish saw a bird at the far corner of the garden. Its restless energy attracted him.
6. Many schools refused to take in Satish. How did it affect him?
Ans.: Satish became moody and could not talk freely with others. He began to avoid going out to
play with the other children.
7. What effect did the books he read have on Satish?
Ans.: The books that Satish read was meant for adults. That made him feel depressed and left a
deep impression upon his sensitive mind. His own world is comfortable in comparison to the world
outside.
8. Describe the bird in the garden, which attracted Satish?
Ans. : The bird had a long tail and black crest. It was restless and full of energy. Its eyes moved here
and there and its whole body seemed ever ready to fly.
9. How did the beautiful bird inspire Satish?
Ans.: Satish stared at the bird for a long time. After it flew away he took out his note book and
pencil
and made a sketch of the bird. He soon began to spend a lot of time making different sketches.
10. Why was Satishs father against drawing?
Ans.: Satishs father felt that artists do not make much money. He wanted a bright future for his son.
He thought that it is possible only by studying hard. He thought drawing as waste of time.
11. Satishs parents were both his well-wishers. But each cared for him in a different way.
How?
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Ans.: Satishs father was optimistic and hoped that Satishs hearing would come back. Instead of
wasting time on drawing, he wanted Satish to study.
Satishs mother did not have the hope that he would recover. She was happy that her son had found
good pass time in drawing and she did not want to stop him.
12. Satishs father accepted that his sons destiny lay in canvas and paint. What did he promise
to do? How did Satish express his gratitude?
Ans.: Satishs father promised to find out the best school of arts so that Satish could make his life in
the field of his choice. Satishs eyes filled with tears and he hugged his father tightly.
13. Do you think the school you are studying should admit students with disabilities of hearing?
Give reasons.
Ans. : Yes, my school should admit students with disabilities of hearing because everybody cannot
afford to go to special school. Going to special school may create inferiority complex in them.
14. How can you say that Satish became popular all over the world?
Ans.:satish Gujral is among the foremost artists in India, excelling in painting, sculpture and
architecture.

Unit 8 - SCIENCE AND HOPE OF SURVIVAL

1. According to the author, why do some people choose to become scientists though they may
not earn much money?
Ans.: According to the author, some people choose to be scientists because they cannot live without
science.
To them science is an adventure and the discovery made is the reward.
Instead of money they enjoy freedom, friendship and the joy of uncovering one of the mysteries of
nature.

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2. Technical experts were summoned by the then Soviet Academy of sciences solve the problem.
What was the problem or What was the problem that the nuclear powers had faced? Was
it a violation of the agreement or was it the detection of violation? Explain briefly?
Ans.: The three super powers wanted to come to an agreement, putting a ban on the nuclear weapon
test. But there was a possibility that one of the participants could secretly make an underground
nuclear explosion. The problem was how the other powers could detect this violation
3. Technical experts from the super power nations met in Geneva. Why?/What was the
purpose?
Ans.: The three super powers wanted to come to an agreement, putting a ban on the nuclear weapon
test. And also to discuss the problems that could arise as a result.
4. Who will be head hunted by financial institution and pharmaceutical industries? Why?
Ans.: The people trained in theoretical physics are head hunted by financial institutions, those
trained
in frontiers of biological research became founders and directors in the pharmaceutical industry.
5. Give a few examples which illustrate the writers stand that scientists are the most practical
people in the world.
Ans.: All new technologies, all new brands of industry are the results of research by scientists.
It is through their work that we have medicines, electronics, synthetic fibres, modes of transport and
the green revolution. This proves that scientists are the most practical people.
6. A paradox may refer to a person, a thing or a situation that has two opposite features and
therefore seems strange. In the light of this definition how is MAD a paradox?
Ans.: The agreed nations had the nuclear poet signed to stop the nuclear weapons. But if any
country violated the agreement and how it could be detected is the paradox.
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7. Make a list of lessons that the writer learnt at the Geneva Summit.
Ans.: As a scientist, the author had people like him all over the world, who could think and interact
as the author, when he is abroad, he need not feel lonely.
Science gives us hope of survival and well being for the whole mankind.

Unit 1 GRANDMA CLIMBS A TREE

1. What did people tell the grandmother as went by?
Ans.: People told grandma that she should stop climbing trees as she grew old, and also that one
should grow old gracefully
2. What was usual in the reply given by the grandma?
Ans. : Grandma was very childish in her reply. She said that she would grow disgracefully.
3. What did the doctor recommend? How did the family members react?
Ans.: The doctor recommended grandma a quiet week in bed. Family members sighed with relief.
4. How did grandma feel while she lay in bed?
Ans.: Grandma felt miserable as she lay in bed. She loved to look at the dancing leaves. For her, it
was like a brief season in hell.
5. What did she ask for as soon as she was better?
Ans.: As soon as she was better, Grandma as ked her son to build a house in a tree top.

Unit 5 JAZZ POEM TWO

1. Give a short description of the Jazz player
Ans. : The Jazz player has wrinkled old face. He is unshaven and has a tired look. He wears a faded
blue shirt, old necktie and jacket. His shoes too are old and worn out.
2. Why do you think the Jazz player keeps her head down?
Ans. : The Jazz player is a poor, old man. He has led a hard life. He is tired and keeps his head

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 12

down.
3. The word old has been repeated several times in the first two stanzas.
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Ans. : Everything about the man is old his face, his clothes and his shoes. He appears to be a
pathetic
figure.
4. What message does the Jazz player want to convey?
Ans.: The Jazz player wants to convey to the world that he is Black man who can draw people
towards him through his music.
5. How does the Jazz player change as he plays on the saxophone?
Ans.: As the Jazz player starts to play on the Saxophone he is no longer an old Black man. He
produces wonderful music and appears to be like a bird flying higher and higher.
6. How has the Jazz player held his instrument?
Ans.: The Jazz player has held his instrument across his chest. It is supported by a wire coat hanger
from his neck.
7. He is no longer a man says the poet. Who else is he supposed to be if he is no longer a
man?
Ans.: The Jazz player forgets everything when he plays the music to preach the world. At that
moment he feels like a bird which gathers his wings and flies higher and higher.

Unit 6 BALLAD OF THE TEMPEST

1. Usually storms are formed in the deep sea. What precaution have the sailors got to take
before voyage?
Ans.: Before setting out on a voyage, sailors have to make sure that the ship is strong enough to
withstand any storm at sea. They have to be well stocked with food and water. They need life saving
jackets and be sturdy swimmers.
2. When the captain shouted. We are lost. How did his daughter react?
Ans.: His daughter held his hand and gently asked if God protected us on land would he not protect
us when they are on the ocean.
3. The speaker and his crew-mates sat in darkness and prayed. What did they hear?
Ans.: They heard the storm raging at sea, then the sailors sat in the darkness and prayed; The
captain staggered down the stairs and shouted we are lost.
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4. The crew mates kissed the maiden and spoke in better cheers. What made them feel
cheerful?
Ans.: The little girl asked her father if God protected them on land. Would he not protect them on
the
sea. Her faith in God brought hope to the sailors and they kissed her in joy.
5. A ship is always safe at the shore, but it was not built for that what does this mean?
Ans.:A ship is built to take people and goods across the seas. If it just stays on the shore it will no
doubt be unharmed, but would be of no use to anyone.
6. Tis a fearful thing in winter. What is referred to as a fearful thing in winter?
Ans.: To be caught in a fierce storm at sea in winter is the fearful thing.
7. What would be the condition in the deep sea during winter on the sea?
Ans.: The winds would be icy cold and the water too would be freezing.
8. The poet uses the phrase the hungry sea. What can the reader imagine from this?
Ans.: The poet personifies the sea hungry because when the storm is very severe, the huge waves
will drown the ship and sailors as if the sea is very hungry.
2. ON TOP OF THE WORLD
I. Answer the following in two or three sentences only

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1. What makes you think that Dicky Dolmas life as a girl was sorrowful?
Ans.: Dicky Dolma lost her mother when she was 11. She lost her elder brother too.
2. What factors encouraged Dolma to take up basic mountaineering course?
Ans.: Dolma came to know that a mountaineering institute was set up at Manali and it would give
training to those who were interested in climbing mountains. Her friends and her family members
also
encouraged her to join this course.
3. Dolma says, It is not a difficult decision for me to take up the challenge of the lofty
mountains Why does she say so?
Ans.: From her childhood, Dolma had been fascinated by the grandeur of the snow clad peaks of
the Himalayas. Her home, in Palchan was surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks.
4. How has Dolma described her preparedness for the task of scaling Mount Everest?
Ans.: Dolma got training in the mountaineering institute at Manali. Her determination and hard
work
helped her to secure A grades. She believed that success always follow dedication, determination
and hard work. She used to practice four hours everyday before the task of scaling Mount Everest
5. What was the biggest headache that Dolma had to face besides her physical and mental
problem?
Ans.: Dolmas father was bedridden. She was not financially sound and she needed a lot of money
for her fathers treatment, so the family had very little to offer her.
6. What does Dolma say about mountaineering after she returns from Mount Everest?
Ans.: Mountaineering is a tough sport. This thought never comes to me. It is my zeal for the
work.
Seeing peaks is a second nature to me. I have never been scared when it comes to hard work, says
Dolma.
7. What does Dolma say about the view from the top of Mount Everest?
Ans.: Dolma said that an Everest can feel and understand but cannot be described in words. It was
much breath taking that she could ever be imagined. The awards that she had bestowed stand very
low before the view from the above.
8. What can we learn from Dolmas life?
Ans.: Whenever hurdles come, we must face them boldly. Dolmas determination and hard work,
Zeal for the work is emulating.

Unit 3. A GREAT MARTYR EVER CHERISHED

I. Answer the following questions in 2 or 3 sentences each
1. The writer speaks of the smile that welcomes anyone who enters Hanifs house. What
more do we know about this smile?
Ans.: Hanifudding was a soldier. He participated in the Kargil war in 1999 and sacrificed his life for
the sake of the country. He was then 25 years old.
2. What did Hanif chose as his mission? Why did he do so?
Ans.: Hanif knew that life for him was short; he wanted to serve the nation. Therefore he joined
Indian Army as a soldier. He believed that a person working for the nation could change lives.
3. Life for Hanif in the beginning was never a smooth sail. Why was it so?
Ans.: Hanif lost his father when he was just eight years old. His mother a vocal artiste, was out very
often with the performance wing. Therefore he became very responsible at a tender age.
4. The absence of mother from home taught the children something. What was that?
Ans.: Hanifs mother a vocal artiste, would often had to leave the children alone as she travelled
with
the performance wing. The kids became very responsible getting up and getting ready for school

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without her having told them and learnt that ones duty is the most important thing in life.
5. Share your thoughts and impression of Hanif with your classmates.
Ans.: Hanif even though he lived only for 25 years, continues to live forever in our hearts. In his
short
life span he became a hero by sacrificing himself in the Kargil war. Because of the hardships from a
tender age, he learnt that ones duty is the most important thing in life. He often went out of his way
to help people and this gave him happiness. He was a young man of varied talents and interest. Life
for Hanif was always ekdam bindas
6. How does the writer describe the introvert Hanif?
Ans.: Hanif began to make friends at his fourteenth year of age. He often went out of his way to
help
people. By doing so, he derived joy.
7. Hanif was a young man with varied talents and interest. Illustrate this statement drawing
support from the text.

Ans.: Haniff dabbled in art, sketched very well. He made beautiful cards out of waste material. He
read books and loved playing drums.
8. What were the dreams of Hanif? Do you think they were fulfilled?
Ans.: Haniff had dreamt that he would rise up the ranks. This dream could not be fulfilled because
he
was killed in the Kargil war. His another dream was that a post be named after him. Those dreams
came true when the sub-sector was named after him.

Unit 3 GENTLEMEN OF RIO EN MEDIO

III. Read the following extract and answer the questions given below:
1. It took months of negotiation to come to an understanding with the old man
a. What was the negotiation about?
Ans. : The negotiation was about the selling of the old mans land.
b. Why do you think it took months to come to an understanding?
Ans.: It took months to come to an understanding because the old man was in no hurry to sell
2. The old man removed his hat and gloves carefully
a. Who is the old man referred here?
Ans.: The old man is Don Anselmo
b. Whose style did it remind the writer of?
Ans.: It reminds the style of Charlie Chaplin
3. We have made a discovery
a. What did they discover?
Ans.: They discovered that Don Anselmo owns more than eight acres of land
b. What was the result of the discovery?
Ans.: As a result, they offered Don Anselmo double the price of what they had quoted earlier
4. These Americans are Buena gente
a. What is the meaning of Buena gente according to the context?
Ans.: Buena gente means good people
b. Why did the speaker called Americans Buena gente?
Ans.: The speaker called Americans Buena gente because after the survey, they did not cheat
Don Anselmo and were ready to pay twice the money they had quoted earlier for the additional
land.
5. He said, I do not like to have you speak to me in that manner
a. What is the mood of the speaker?
Ans.: The speaker felt that he was being insulted

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 15

b. What made him to react so?
Ans.: He said these words when the Americans offered him twice the money they had quoted
earlier for his land.
6. I have agreed to sell my house and land for twelve hundred dollars and what is the
price?
a. When did the speaker say this?
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Ans.: The old man said this when the Americans offered him double the price that had been
quoted earlier for his land.
b. What does this statement tell about the speaker?
Ans.: This statement tells that the speaker was not greedy and he was a man of principles.
7. Don Anselmo said I did not sell them the trees in the Orchard.
a. Why didnt he sell the trees in the orchard?
Ans.: According to Don Anselmo he didnt sell the trees because the trees belong to the children
of Rio-en-Medio
b. How did Don Anselmo defend his statement?
Ans.: Don Anselmo defended that when a child was born in the village, a tree was planted and so
the trees belonged to the children of the village.
8. The trees in that Orchard are not mine.
a. According to Don Anselmo, who did the trees belong to?
Ans.: According to Don Anselmo, the tree belonged to the children of Rio-en-Medio
b. Why did he feel so?
Ans.: He felt so because everytime a child was born in the village, he had planted a tree for that
child.

Unit 4 THE BIRD OF HAPPINESS

1. Every year people went to look for this bird, but not one of them did ever return
a. Which bird did the people go to look for?
Ans.: The people went to look for the Bird of happiness.
b. Why did they not return?
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Ans.: The bird of happiness was guarded by three old monsters who could kill a man by simply
blowing through their long beards.
2. But I am fond of my own grandpa and Ill never kill another mans!
a. When did Wangjia say this?
Ans.: Wangjia said this when the second monster asked him to kill the old man Silong.
b. What do these words show about his character?
Ans.: These words show that Wangjia was not only brave but was also kind at heart.
3. This must be the last ordeal he thought.
a. What was the last ordeal the speaker had to face?
Ans.: When the third monster blew through his beard, Wangjias eyeballs jumped out of their
sockets
and he became blind.
b. How did he face it?
Ans.: He continued his journey, groping his way with his hands on the ground. He climbed the peak
of the mountain where the bird of happiness lived.
4. I love my own mother, and Ill never kill another persons said Wangjia.
a. Who does Wangjia call as another persons mother?
Ans.: Lousangs mother
b. What made him say these words? Or

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Why was he not ready to kill another persons mother?
Ans.: The first monster asked Wangjia to kill Lousangs mother. He refused to do so because he
loved his own mother very much.
5. My lovely child, have you come here for me?
a. Why does the speaker say lovely child?
Ans.: The speaker said lovely child because he had reached there by undergoing many hardships.
b. Why did he want to meet the speaker?
Ans.:Wangjia wanted to meet the speaker, because he wanted to bring happiness to his people in
the village
6. Over whelmed with joy, Wangjia replied Yes, I have! My people long to see you day and
night. Please come back with me!
a. Who do the people long to see?
Ans.: The people long to see the bind of happiness
b. Why do the people long to see it day and night?
Ans.: The people in the poor area did not know what was happiness. They were waiting for Wangjia
to return with the bind of happiness, so that they can be happy.

Unit 6 THE DISCOVERY

1. A good sailor knows his place says Columbus to Diego
a. Was Columbus giving to Diego a piece of advice or was it an indirect command? Give reason for
your choice.
Ans.: Columbus wanted to point out to Diego that he had no right to be on the quarter deck. It is an
indirect command.
b. What was Diegos reaction?
Ans.: Diego tried to suppress his anger and with a scowl goes off from there.
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2. The Santa Maria will be lighter for his carcass.
a. Whose words was Pepe quoting here?
Ans.: Pepe was quoting the words of Guillermo Ires.
b. What do the words reveal about the person who said them?
Ans: These words show that the speaker was so upset with Columbus that he wished he was dead.
3. Once clear of the Devils track to nowhere, well below our way back home.
a. What does Devils track to nowhere suggest about the thinking of the seamen?
Ans.: The seamen felt that Columbus was perhaps possessed by the Devil. He was risking their lives
and taking them on a voyage which would take them nowhere.
b. How did they prove to be wrong?
Ans.:Very soon, land was sighted and a New World was discovered. So they proved to be wrong.
4. Your duty is to obey me as mine is to obey the Royal Sovereigns of Spain who sent me.
a. When did Columbus say these words to Guillermo?
Ans.: Guillermo rebelled against Columbus and demanded that they should give up their search for
a new land.
b. What do these words prove?
Ans.: These words prove that Columbus was not only a strong leader but was also loyal and
obedient
towards his kindg and queen.
5. Why should one man have lives of fifty in his hands?
a. Who is the speaker?
Ans.: Diego said these words to Pedro
b. What does the speaker mean?
Ans.: Diego and other seamen were becoming impatient and they wanted to return home, but

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Columbus was not ready to do so. Diego said these words meaning that Columbus had no right to
spoil their lives.
6. Mutiny is an ugly word, Sir
a. Why did the speaker say these words?
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Ans.:Diego said these words in reply when Pedro asked him whether he was thinking of rebelling
against Columbus.
b. In what way the word is ugly?
Ans.: The word is ugly because Mutiny is a deed which leads to destruction.
7. Discipline knows no buts says Columbus
a. When did Columbus say this?
Ans.: Columbus said these words to Francisco. He asked Francisco to bring Guillermo Ires to him
for speaking against him. Francisco hesitated to obey his order.
b. What did Columbus mean to say by these words?
Ans. : Columbus meant that one should not hesitate to enforce discipline.
8. I have discovered that when a man is given a version he must follow it along
a. What does these words show about the speaker?
Ans.: Columbus said these words which show his disappointment that no one was ready to help him
reach his goal.
b. Why did the speaker say so?
Ans.: Columbus said this to Pepe. When Columbus had the dream to discover a New World, but
his sailors rebelled against him and even tried to attack him
9. Pepe said, Captain, be careful sometimes they are desperate
a. Why did Pepe say these words?
Ans.: Pepe tried to warn Columbus that these could be danger from them anytime
b. Why were they desperate?
Ans.: Pepe was the only one who had the faith that Columbus would discover a new world and the
other seamen were against Columbus in desperate.
10. What! does that child stand between me and death? said Columbus.
a. When did Columbus say this?
Ans.: When Columbus hears Pepe saying that he had to be killed first.
b. What had the child done?
Ans.: The child (Pepe) stood in front of Columbus to protect him from being attacked by the
seamen.

Unit 8 OFF TO OUTER SPACE TOMORROW MORNING

1. There wont be any calendar, there wont be any clock;
a. Where is the speaker experiencing this?
Ans.: Space
b. Why will there be no calendars or clocks?
Ans. : There is no concept of time while flying through space. So there are no calendars or clocks.
2. With tea cups circling round me like the planets round the sun
a. Where would the speaker experience this?
Ans.: In space
b. Why does the speaker have the above feeling?
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Ans.: There is no gravitational force in space. So everything floats.
3. Im off to outer space tomorrow morning?
a. Who is off to outer space?
Ans.: The speaker/the poet

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 18

b. Why is this above line repeated several times in this poem?
Ans.: The poet would be alone in a world of his own. To emphasis his loneliness this above line is
repeated.

Unit 2 THERES A GIRL BY THE TRACKS

IV. Answer in about eight ten sentences:
1. Give a brief account of how Baleshwar helped the girl on the tracks. Or Baleshwar was god
sent to Roma. Justify.
Ans. : When Baleshwar saw the girl lying on the tracks, he jumped down from the moving train and
ran towards her. There was no help in sight so he lifted her up, crossed the tracks and walked till he
reached the road. He waited patiently with the girl in his arms for a long time. He stopped a number
16
of motorists but no one heeded to his call. Finally, a tempo truck driver stopped and helped him to
take the girl to a hospital nearby where she was given first aid. The doctor there advised him to take
her to a larger hospital. Baleshwar did this and the girl got the necessary medical care. Within a few
days she recovered finally.
2. The Dalai Lam says Love and Compassion are the true religions to me. But to develop
this, we do not need to believe in any religion. How does this relate to the lesson Theres
a girl by the tracks!
Ans. : This saying of Dalai Lamas relates a lot to this lesson. Baleshwar saw Roma lying on the
tracks. Both didnt know each other. Even then, he pulled the chain and got off the train to help her.
He showed humanity and kindness towards Roma. Had he not done this, anything could have
happened to her. He took her to the hospital and even informed her brother about her injuries. In this
way he made us realize that showing love and compassion towards others is the true religion.
3. After Roma made a full recovery, Baleshwar het her. Briefly describe how Roma thanked
him, and what Baleshwar said in reply.
Ans. : After Roma made a full recovery, she was amazed to know how Baleshwar rescued her. She
thought it is astonishing that a stranger would jump off a train and risk his life for her. She couldnt
imagine what would have happened if Baleshwar hadnt been there. She could never repay him. On
the other hand Baleshwar was proud of his good deed. He acknowledged her gratitude.

Unit 7 COLOURS OF SILENCE

1. Satish Gujral became a great artist, support this statement mentioning a few of his
achievements. OR Physical disability is no barrier to success to Satish. Justify.
Ans.: Satish Gujral is accomplished in several art forms like painting, sculpture, architecture and
writing. Exhibitions of his works were held in prestigious museums like Museum of modern Art,
New
York, the Hiroshima collection. Washington and the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.
He
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has published four books of his works in the various arts. He was awarded the order of the crown
for the best architectural design of the 20th century for his design of the Belgian Embassy in New
Delhi. He has also been honoured with the Padma Vibushan.

Unit 2 QUALITY OF MERCY

1. How does the speaker in the court try to convince Shylock that mercy is twice blessed and
is a divine quality? OR What does Portia tell Shylock about the quality of Mercy?
Ans.: Portia, one of the main characters in the play The Merchant of Venice, argues why mercy is
the greatest virtue of all. Portia compares mercy to the gentle rain that falls from heaven to the

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 19

ground. Mercy blesses both the giver and the receiver. It is the most powerful of all virtues and
enhances the glory of a king more than his crown. The sceptre of a monarch is a symbol of worldly
power. It controls people through fear. The power of the sceptre mercy is divine and has its seat in
the heart. The power of a man who shows mercy along with justice would be God like in nature.
2. Write the summary of the poem Quality of Mercy
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Ans.: The Quality of mercy is not forced. It drops down from heaven as a gentle rain upon the earth;
blessing both the giver and the receiver. This quality is very might and is like a majestic enthroned
Monarch who is looked with awe due to his sceptre and crown. The sceptre creates awe and fear in
the hearts of the people. But mercy is above this. It resides in the hearts of the kings and is a quality
of God himself. If mercy is a part of justice, then this earthly power shines like a Godly power.
VI. Quote from memory the poem Quality of Mercy (8 lines only)
The quality of mercy is not straind;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath, It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes.
Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown.
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kinds;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the heart of kings;
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest Gods
When mercy seasons justice.
- William Shakespeare

Unit 7 THE BLIND BOY

1. How has the poet described the life in space?
Ans.: He has mentioned that there is absence of gravitation pull in space. Everything keeps on
swirling inside the rocket. The concept of day and night doesnt apply in space. There will be no
communication in the form of letters and mails with the outer world. Calendars and clocks are
useless in space. Totally, we can say that life in space is totally in contrast to life on earth.

Section B GRAMMAR (LANGUAGE USE)

1. Read the conversation :
1. a. Syed : Come and play cricket with us. Im on my way to the field
Salim : Sorry Syed, I ............. I promised to get the vegetables for my
mother. Its getting late. See you later.
The most appropriate model verb in the blank is
a. will b. might
c. cant d. wont
Ans. c. cant
1. b. Father advised his son, you ........... watch T.V. more during exam time.
(cant, wont, shouldnt, didnt)
Ans.: shouldnt

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1. c. Tomorrow is my best friends marriage, I ............ go.
(should, must, dont will)
Ans. : must
1. d. Take this umbrella with you. It ........... rain
(will, can, might, could)
Ans. : might
1. e. It is very hot. I open the window
(can, shall, will did)
Ans.: Shall
1. f. During the National Anthem, we ............... stand up.
(must, should, have to, shall)
Ans.: have to
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1. g. Yesterday, Mahesh ............... attend the function
(dont, wont, didnt, cant)
Ans.: didnt
1. h. Today, I am not well so I ................come to office.
(cant, couldnt didnt, wont)
Ans.: cant
1 i. When I was young, I .............. play cricket.
(can, could, did, have to)
Ans. could
1. j. Read the conversation :
Hamiz : When will he come here, Santhosh?
Santosh : Dont know, He ............. com any time.
The most appropriate model verb in the blank is
a. must b. will
c. can d. might
Ans.: d. might
1. A: You may live without food and water for sometime
B: But we ........... not live without air.
a. can b. shall
c. could d. would
Ans. a. can
2. A: A Chrnoic cold will came a great deal of discomfort.
B: So I ........... be careful about it.
a. should b. would
c. may d. could
Ans.: a. should
3. How can I trick that crow? Thought the fox. Then he went to the crow and asked if he
...... permit him to talk.
a. would b. shall
c. will d. could
Ans.: would
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4. The monk would get up early. Rain or Sun, he ............... be always seen on the road in the
morning.
a. could b. should
c. might d. dare
Ans.: a. could

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5. No house can be properly kept without a house wife. This definition of house.............. include
the children.
a. must b. might
c. need d. can
Ans.: a. must
6. An incorrect posture can strain our backs. This ............ be avoided
a. must b. need
c. can d. might
Ans. a. must
7. A: The train is about to move.
B: If ............ run fast to catch the train
a. have to b. might
c. may d. can
Ans. : have to
8. Computers can provide information on any topic with the click of the mouse. Some people
.........think that they will replace the teachers in future.
a. may b. might
c. have to d. shall
Ans.: may
9. What sort of job ........... you like? In your new job you like? In your new job you may have
a chance to go abroad.
a. would b. will
c. shall d. should
Ans.: would
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10. Sickness may be defined as the unhealthy condition of body. Fevers ............ be classified
into many kinds.
a. can b. have to
c. might d. must
Ans.: a. can
2. Fill in the blanks choosing the right form of the verbs given in brackets.
i. You can ................ (see) him now.
Ans.: see
See, how he ............ (be+stand)
Ans.: is standing
His face is ................ (wrinkle)
Ans.: Wrinkled.
ii. All machines require energy to make them work. This energy is ........ (supply) by fuel.
Fuel ............
(exist) in various forms; Petrol and electricity, food and oxygen to mention only some.
Ans. : supplied, exists
iii. My uncle .............. (have) a cow. He ............ (buy) it in the market yesterday.
Ans. : has, bought
iv. Sunder ................. (be + study) in Govt. High School last year. The Govt. closed that school. So
Sunder .......... (take) the transfer Certificate
Ans.: was studying, took
v. Jayalakshmi is a classical singer. She ............... (earn) money by giving tuitions. She .............
(be+go)
to give a concert in the Town Hall tomorrow.
Ans.: earns, is going

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vi. India ............... (be+rule) by foreigners for many centuries. Leaders like Gandhiji ........... (fight)
for
freedom. Now India ........... (be) a democratic country.
Ans.: was ruled, fought, is
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vii. Moments later, his father .......... (leave) the room. When he returned, his arms ........... (be) full
of
paints and brushes, He ................ (nod) his head but his eyes ............... (remain) sad.
Ans.: left, were, nodded, remained
viii. Swamis father ......... (sit) gloomily. .......... (gaze) at the newspaper on his lap. Swami ..........
(rise) quietly and walked to his bed. Granny ................ (be+sit) on her bed, waiting for him.
Ans.: sat, gazing, rose, was sitting
ix. Hemalatha : Menaka, ............. (Do) your husband eat sweets everyday?
Menaka : yes, he ............. (eat)
Hemalatha: Please tell him that eating sweets ............ (be) bad for health.
Menaka : He also .............. (know) But he is fond of ................ (eat) sweets.
Ans.: Does, eats, is, knows, eating.
x. Kalpana informs her son Dharma Pal that she will be ............. (return) home late in the (go)
to ..........
(attend) a conference at Malik Hotel. Dharma Pal ............. (have) to go for his coaching classes.
Ans.: returning, go, attend, has
xi. Using his utmost efforts he ......... (open) his eyes. He ............ (stare) in the darkness and ...........
(see) something ............. (more)
Ans.: opened, stared, saw, moving
xii. Mrs. Sappleton ............... (enter) the room and apologized for ........ (come) late. She hoped that
the open window did not bother. Mr. Nuttel. She ............. (tell) him that her husband and brothers
would .............. (come) home straight from shooting.
Ans.: entered, coming, told, come
xiii. I ............ (argue) with him but it was useless. Finally he .............. (sign) the deed and ..........
(take)
the money but refused to .............. (take) more than the amount agreed upon.
Ans.: argued, signed, took, take
xiv. With a desperate effort he .......... (open) his eyes. He .......... (put) his hand out to feel his
grannys
presence at his side as ........... (be) his habit, but he only ................ (touch) the wooden leg of the
bench.
Ans.: opened, put, was, touched
128
xv. The first baby bomb was ........... (drop) on the densely populated industrial town on Hiroshima
in
Japan on 6th August 1945. The city of Hiroshima ............ (be+flatten). At least 78,000 people and
possibly many thousands more were ........... (kill) or fatally injured.
Ans.: dropped, was flattened, killed
xvi. She ............. (hand) him a sack and stick also. Velu .............. (be confuse). Then Jaya ...........
(explain) that she was a rag picker.
Ans.: handered, was confused, explained
xvii. Bepin Babu ......... (ask) his driver Sitaram to ............ (drive) by the Ganga. He ........ (regret)
having
paid any heed to Ghosh. Yet the incident ........... (haunt) his mind.
Ans.: asked, drive, regretted, haunted

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 23

xviii The social fabric ........ (be) in bad shape. Religious leaders .......... (preach) absurd practices
like
untouchability and child marriage. In truth Indian ......... (have) loast their self respect. The British
.......... (scorn) them
Ans.: was, preached, had, scorned
xix I cannot ......... (forget) this day I .......... (make) my first speech in school today. Our
school ............
(have + arrange) this competition.
Ans: forget, made, had arranged.

QUESTION TAGS
I. Add suitable question tags.
1. He could play very confidently.
a. Couldnt he? b. Could he?
c. Can he? d. Cant he?
Ans.: Couldnt he?
2. You cannot help others.
a. Can he? b. Cannthe?
c. Could he? d. Will he?
Ans.: a. Can he?
3. She is Nishchitha.
a. isnt she? b. is she
c. does she? d. did she?
Ans.: a. isnt she?
4. Raghav is singing a song.
a. isnt he? b. is he?
c. was he? d. wasnt he?
Ans.: a. isnt he?
5. Latha is not reading.
a. is he? b. isnt he?
c. will he? d. wont he?
Ans.: a. isnt he?
6. I work hard.
a. Dont I? b. Do I?
c. Does I?d. do we?
137
Ans.: Dont I?
7. We worked hard.
a. Did I? b. Didnt I
c. Didnt we? d. Do we
Ans.: c. Didnt we?
8. They have two books.
a. Havent they? b. Have they?
c. has she? d. had they
Ans.: a. Havent they?
9. She has written in.
a. hasnt she? b. has she?
c. havent they? d. had she?
Ans.: a. hasnt she?
10. He will tell us truth.

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a. wont he? b. will he?
c. can he? d. could he?
Ans.: a. wont he?
a. Lets start, now, ...............?
The question tag to be used above is.
a. Can we? b. Shall we?
c. do we? d. must we?
Ans.: b. Shall we?
b. Read the conversation and fill in the question tag.
Officer : Good morning, Madam
Lady : Ah, Good morning Sir
Nice day, ..................... ?
(is it, isnt it, doesnt it, wasnt it)
Ans.: isnt it
138
c. The officer drives the car. The question tag to be used for the above is
a. does he? b. doesnt he?
c. is he? d. isnt he?
Ans.: doesnt he?
d. Lift the table. The question tag to be used for the above is
a. wont you? b. cant you?
c. can you? d. couldnt you
Ans.: wont you?
e. Antony never goes to school late, ............? Fill in the blank with a question tag.
Ans.: does he?
f. I am fond of reading, ................? Fill in the right question tag
Ans.: amnt I? am I not?

LINKING WORDS
Fill in the blanks using the appropriate linking words given in brackets.
(and, that, after, so)
1. The summons came from the soviet president ..................... I had to go there. At the meeting, was
shown a letter from the American president ..............., to my surprise, ............... a few days. I
was called to Geneva. The meeting was held so ................. that we could hold talks
Ans. and, so, after, that
2. (not only, though, but also, because)
Sir, M. Vishvesvaraya was a disciplined person. ................ he was lean, he was strong in mind. At
the request of the Maharaja of Mysore, he accepted the post of Chief Engineer. Later he became
the Diwan of Mysore. He made a name ................. as an engineer ................... as a statesman.
People of Mandya worship him ................ he got a dam built across the river Kaveri at
Karnataka
Ans.: Though, not only, but also, because
3. (but, and, both, because)
Dr. S. Radhakrishna was .............. an educationist ................ a statesman. He served our country
as the vice-president .......... the president of India. When he was about to leave Russia, Stalin
invited him to his palace and said, I am sad ........... you are going back to your country. I want to
live longer ............... I may not.
Ans.: both, and, and, because, but
4. (and, as, because, if)

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 25

Venkatesh is a physician. Everyone likes him ................ he has a lot of patience ............... talks to
the patients politely. ............... any patient doesnt have money to buy medicines, he will give him
money. ............ he is honest ............. service minded, the Govt. has honoured him
Ans.: because, and, if, As, and
5. (that, but, and, though)
140
Radha .............. Rukmini are sisters. Radha is lazy. .................... she is lazy, she is intelligent. Her
father knows ................ she would get distinction in M.B.B.S.
Ans.: and, but, though, that
1. In March ............... April the coffee blossom time in Coorg. ................. blossoms transform into
berries, the bushed are cropped. The Cherry-red fruit is .............. pulped the seeds separated,
dried and sent for curing. Coorg ...................... Kodagu is the district which is one of the larges
producers of pepper, Cardamom and hone in the world.
Ans.: and, when, then, or
2. More than the physical ................ mental problems, my biggest headache was y financial
situation.
I was getting ready for the final frontier, my father was bed ridden ............. a lot of money was
needed for his treatment. ................ the family had very little to offer me
Ans.: or, when, and, so
3. He saw a bird ................ was unlike any he had ever seen before. It had a longish tail ............. a
black crest. ................... the most interesting thing about the bird was its restless energy ..............
he liked the bird very much.
Ans.: that, and, but, so
4. He found ................... there was no food at home. He became desperate by starvation. He went
to an ant. He requested him to lend him a shelter from rain .................. some food. He added that
.......... the ant did not do what he wanted he would die. The ant replied that the ants did not ever
borrow ............... lend.
Ans. : That, and, if, or
5. He walked to the hotel in perfect silence, a silence .................. heavy that I could hardly breather.
The hotel seemed to be far away and ................ not far enough. That night, ................ I served
her at table the temptation to touch her was overpowering ................ I had almost forgotten
myself when I dropped her coffee cup.
Ans.: So, yet, as, and
1. Her hands reached .............. the steel railing above, but finding only air. Roma was thrown out
........... the coach. The clattering roar of .............. train muffled the thud of her fall on to the
ground more than ............... metre below.
141
Ans.: for, of, the, a
2. It took months of negotiation ..................... come to ................ under standing with the old man.
He was ................. no hurry. What he had .............. most of the time.
Ans.: to, an, in the
3. They had come ................... high hopes in .................... miracles of modern science They told
themselves that Anant would be cured ............. the hospital, and he would again walk and run and
even take part in the forthcoming table tennis tournament. And he would play the sitar and perhaps
would be ............. great satirist one day.
Ans.: with, the, at, a
4. Haffez Contractor was .................. very unhappy school boy. In the first and second year he was
a good student. From .............. third standard onwards, he seemed ............... have lost all in
studies. He was particularly afraid ......... Mathematics.
Ans. : a, the, to, of

SSLC Practice paper 2015, V B MAMADAPUR, GHS MELAVANKI 26

5. The English and .............. Germans were ......... war. The two armies stood .............. their
respective teaches on mans land. Suddenly Macpherson saw someone waving ............. white
flag from the enemy side.
Ans.: the, at, in, a
6. Earlier England was important ............. the author only because there was Cambridge. Now it
had ............... greater appeal ................ him. He had met Stephan Hawking there during a
walking tour. He is ........... successor of Issac Newton.
Ans.: to, a, for, the
7. There was a rumor that Gather gold looked like ............ Great Stone Face. Gather gold had the
face of ............. old man ............. yellow skin. The people considered him the image ....... the
Great Stone Face.
Ans.: the an, with, of
8. There had been .............. accident when he went hiking ............... his father and brother. They
were crossing ............. rickety bridge ............. some rapids.
Ans.: an, with, a, over.
142
9. Suman and another boy turned up ............... they had finished their dinner that night. The boy
staggered in ............... large newspaper covered parcel ............. his hands. Where shall I take
it? Amma : My room Okay. No I think ............... Puja room is better.
Ans.: after, a, in, the
10. The next day Ranji came again. He enjoyed ............... lot in the coolness of the water. After
................ hour, he lay to relax .............. the smooth rocks. It was then that he noticed a boy
staring at him .................. a hostile manner.
Ans.: a, an, on, in

EDITING
Examples
In the passage given below, one word has been omitted in each line that has a blank along its
side. Underline the place where you think a word has been omitted. Write the word in the space
provided
People should allowed to do what they (a) be
Want, If they want ruin their (b) to
Health smoking, that is their affair (c) by
Anyway, it has really proved that (d) been
There is definite link between smoking (e) a
And cancer. For normal healthy people
Smoking a harmful pleasure (f) is
A Paragraph is given below. It has four errors. Edit the paragraph, clues are given.
Standing with the mountains top, an bird of happiness gave three loud cries. At the first cry, the
golden sun
broken through the clouds, a warm breeze came down from the sky.
Clues:
a. preposition to be corrected
b. article to be corrected
c. Verbal mistake to be corrected
d. conjunction to be inserted
WRITING REPORTS
1. Complete the following news items on the basis of the headlines given above. One has been
done as an examples.
Eg. Hud Hud Enters

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Cyclone Hud, Hud made its first entry on the Coastal areas of Odisha and Andhra
Pradesh causing large scale devastation of life and property.
1. Govt. renames cities
2. Prime Minister launches Swacha Bharat
3. Idols immersed in lakes
PROFILE
Based on the information given in the table, write a biographical Sketch
Ans.: P.T. Usha, also known as Payyoli Express was born on 27th July, 1964 at Payyoli in Kerala.
She was
famous athlete and had won many medals in running. She won 4 gold medals and one silver medal
in
1986 Asian Games. She was conferred with Padmashree and Arjuna Award by Government of
India.
*****
Name P.T. Usha
Nick Name Payyoli Express
Date of Birth 27th July, 1964
Place of Birth Payyoli, Kerala
Field of Sports Athletics running
Awards and Medals won 1. 4 gold medals and one silver medal in 1986 Asian Games
2. Padmashri and the Arjuna Award by Government
Write an invitation for the Annual Day Programme.
*****
SEVANIKETAN HIGH SCHOOL
GANDHINAGAR, BANGALURU
ANNUAL DAY INVITATION
We Cordially invite you to the
Annual Day Celebration of
our School
- The Headmaster,
Staff and Students
Programme
Prayer
Welcome Speech
Speech by the Chief Guest
Presidential Address
Prize Distribution
Cultural Programme
Vote of Thanks
Date : 20.01.2015
Time : 4.00 p.m.
Venue : School Premises
Note : Please occupy your seats ten minutes before the programme
begins
Keep your cell phones on silent mode
Collocations
III Combine the word in Column A with its collective word in B
AB
1. Book worm, ant, hand, pen
2. long small, hen, run, food

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3. earth land, water, quake, sun
4. railway station, chair, run, stop
5. post book, box, paper, table
6. honey moon, sun, star, earth
7. wall door, table, clock, journey
8. blood post, water, book, bank
9. photo studio, table, lady, man
10. money coins, letter, stamps, order
11. charming girl, hot, answer, book
12. self discipline, myself, mother, stars
13. wheel stool, paper, book, chair
14. police nurse, conductor, constable, stand
15. hand pants, sari, socks, kerchief
16. twinkling stars, moon, sun, earth
17. break lunch, dinner, fast, last
18. freedom fighter, boxer, wrestler, swimmer
19. leave answer, question, letter, box
20. brisk run walk, sing, dance
21. shake leg, mouth, hands, eye
22. mouth talking, eating, watering, licking
23. nuclear land, weapon, bottle, bolt
24. speedy recovery, damage, task, time
IV The spelling of a word is jumbled writhe the word
1. olyla loyal
2. ggrade ragged
3. dede deed
4. baoed abode
5 now own
6. areg rage
7. rcawl crawl
8. obthre bother
9. flitre trifle
10. rftalret flatter
11. lgisetn glisten
12. lgaem gleam
13. trmcou tremour
14. lasoce solace
15. zoed doze
16. lbssening blessing
17. stpudi stupid
18. odutb doubt
19. sotaliry solitary
20. gola goal
21. areg rage
22. rreor error
23. diayl- daily
24. maitbion ambition
168
25. suonmm summon
26. egare eager

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27. fare fear
28. beonck beckon
29. rpeytt - pretty
V How many syllables do the following words contain
1. accept ac-cept =2
2. again a-gain =2
3. canteen can-teen = 2
4. conscience con-sci-ence=3
5. reflection re-flec-tion=3
6. direction di-rec-tion=3
7. quiz quiz 1
8. whole whole 1
9. continent con-ti-nent = 3
10. adventure ad-ven-ture = 3
11. determine de-ter-mine =3
12. wide wide = 1
13. school school = 1
14. people peo-ple-2
15. primary pri-ma-ry = 3
16. section sec-tion =2
17. taller tal-ler = 2
18. English eng-lish = 2
19. anger an-ger = 2
20. ago a go 2
21. probability pro-ba-bi-li-ty=5
169
22. determination de-ter-mi-na-tion=5
23. idea i-dea = 2
24. vanish va-nish = 2

REFERENCE SKILL
I. Arrange the following words in the order in which they are put in a dictionary
1. advocate, advice, advert, adverb
Ans.: adverb, advert, advice, advocate
2. accept, accord, access, account
Ans.: accept, access, accord, account
3. Benzene, bend, benefit, beach
Ans.: beach, bend, benefit, benzene
4. comrade, complaint, complex, comfort
Ans.: comfort, complaint, complex, comrade
5. Cancer, candle, canteen, cancel
Ans.: Cancel, Cancer, Candle, Canteen
6. Certify, Cerebral, Certain, Cereal
Ans.: Cereal, Cerebral, Certain, Certify
7. decompose, December, Declaim, decorate
Ans.: December, declaim, decompose, decorate
8. early, earnest, earth, earn
Ans.: early, earn, earnest, earth
9. genices, gentle, general, genuine
Ans.: general, genius, gentle, genuine

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10. hero, hermit, herself, herbs
Ans.: herbs, hermit, hero, herself
II. Decode the following sms into sentences:
1. v 1 d match = Ans.: we won the match
2. lk b4 u leap = Ans.: look before you leap
3. 2 n 2 makes 4 = Ans.: Two and Two makes four
4. pls come b4 its 2 la8 = Ans.: Plase come before it is too late
171
5. y r u sad? = Ans.: Why are you sad?
6. I 8 rice 4 lnch = Ans.: I ate rice for lunch
7. v r rdy 2 go = Ans.: We are ready to go
8. do d wrk n go home = Ans.: Do the work and go home
9. I cnot c d t pot = Ans.: I cannot see the tea pot
10. y day v rot d sa = Ans.:Yesterday we wrote the essay
11. v r la8 2 day = Ans.: We are late today
12. How r u? = Ans.: How are you?
13. Y R V here? = Ans.: Why are we here?

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