English Question Bank

ENGLISH
CLASS - X
SEMESTER-I (2024-25)
QUESTION BANK
READING SECTION
Discursive passage
1. Read the following passage carefully. (10 marks)
(1) Peer pressure is a phenomenon wherein we tend to get influenced by the lifestyle and the ways of thinking of our
peers. Peer pressure can prove beneficial, but it is most often observed to have negative effects.
(2) The thought, behaviour, and taste in fashion, music, television shows, and other walks of life of the masses are
often seen to have a deep impact on society. The changing ways of life of our peers often force us to change our ways
of looking at life and leading it. It's a human tendency to do what the crowd does. Few have the courage to resist peer
pressure and be their own selves rather than being one among the lot. Peer pressure is bound to affect most of us both
positively and negatively. The distinction between positive and negative peer pressure lies in a thoughtful analysis of
the views of the masses. Following the peers blindly leaves a negative impact on life while an analytical approach to
looking at peer behaviour can help a person act positively. Peer pressure is not always bad. It can help you analyse
yourself and contemplate on your ways of life. Some of the practices that the masses follow may actually teach you
the of living. You may be able to change yourself for the better. Looking at what may others do can help you bring
about a positive change in your way of thinking. If you can pick selectively, peer pressure can actually result in a
positive change in your way of life.
(3) Teenage is that phase of life when you are exposed to the world outside. These are the years when you spend most
of you spend most of your time with your friends. Teenage is the phase of beginning to become independent in life;
the years of forming your ideals and principles, the years that shape your personality and the years that introduce you
to your own self. Parents and teachers need to be careful while dealing with teenagers, as they are most susceptible to
succumb to peer pressure during these years of their life.
(4) Strong support from the family, the ability to differentiate between the positive and the negative, and the skill to
choose friends from among the peers will definitely help keep away from negative peer pressure.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
(i) Which of the following have a deep impact on society? (1)

A. Peer pressure B. Taste in fashion
C. Human tendency D. Thought and Behaviour
E. Television shows
(a) A and B (b) C and D
(c) A, C and D (d) B, D and E
(ii) Study the following statements. (1)

A. Teenagers are most susceptible to succumb to peer pressure.
B. Parents and teachers need to be careful while dealing with teenagers.
(a) A is an assertion and B is the reason (b) B is an assertion and A is the reason
(c) Both A and B are assertions (d) Both A and B are reasons
(iii) In which phase of life are we exposed to the world outside? (1)
(iv) How can analysing peer behaviour help a person? (2)
(v) Can peer pressure actually bring about positive changes in our lifestyle? How? (2)
(vi) Study the following statements. Which of these agrees with the author's ideas? (1)
A. Looking at what others do can help you bring about a positive change in your way of thinking.
B. Teenage is the phase of beginning to become independent in life.
C. It's human tendency to get influenced by the lifestyle of peers.
D. Peer pressure is bound to affect us superficially.
(a) A and B (b) B and C
(c) C and D (d) A and D
(vii) According to the author, what can help us keep away from negative peer pressure? (2)
(viii) Choose the option that correctly states the meaning of 'contemplate', as used in the passage. (1)
(i) To work out carefully and minutely (ii) To think deeply or carefully about something
(iii) To examine methodically and in detail (iv) To test the knowledge or proficiency of
someone
i. Though tobacco is a legal product, governments all over the world, earn revenues from the industry by levying high
deterrent taxes. Tobacco companies, on the other hand, pass on the levy to the smokers. The rising prices of cigarettes,
along with the anti-smoking awareness measures taken by the public health bodies, have triggered a decline in
cigarette sales.
ii. People who smoke are being hounded out of all public places - offices, restaurants, educational institutions, buses,
trains, etc. Away from home, now it is becoming nearly impossible to find a place to smoke. Growing restrictions and
the fear of various diseases caused by tobacco are prompting many smokers to stop smoking. 19 states in the U.S.
have made laws against smoking.
iii. Taxes on tobacco products are being raised. Smoking is banned at several places. Still, the number of smokers is
rising in India. More than 25 crore people in India are addicted to tobacco. And, according to a WHO report, around
half of them will die of tobacco related diseases. Unfortunately, most people in India still need a strict warning based
on a test report before they decide to give up smoking. Patients too, seek medical help only after they show serious
symptoms of an illness. Some hospitals have set up centres to identify risk factors among the young, so that they can
take preventive measures like giving up smoking early in life.
iv. Tobacco is the second biggest cause of death in the world. It is responsible for the death of five crore people each
year all over the world. Half of the people who are addicted to tobacco will ultimately be killed by this addiction.
Many people get rid of this habit on their own and those who are willing to, but can't, go to de-addiction centres.
These centres use counselling, nicotine replacement therapy and prescriptive drugs to deal with withdrawal problems.
v. Quitting cold turkey - stopping the use of tobacco at once - works well but only for those who have control and
determination to quit.
Based on your reading of the passage, answer the questions given below.
(a) For which two reasons do smokers give up smoking? (1)
(b) Name two steps taken in India against smoking. (1)
(c) Choose the correct statement from the options given below. (1)
(i) 25% of the smokers will be killed by this addiction.

(ii) De-addiction centres use drug replacement therapy to deal with withdrawal problems.
(iii) In India, the situation is unfortunate as people don't want to quit voluntarily. Only after medical examination and a
warning based on a test report will they give up smoking.
(iv) Taxes on tobacco have triggered an increase in cigarette sales.bb
(d) How do people get rid of the smoking habit? (2)
A. People quit smoking out of their own free will.

B. People quit smoking after looking at the measures taken by the public health bodies.
C. People quit smoking because they don't get any place to smoke.
D. People quit smoking by going to de-addiction centres that assist them in becoming non-smokers once again.
(i) A and D (ii) A and B
(iii) B and C (iv) C and D
(e) Fill in the blank. (1)
_______________on tobacco are being raised.
(f) What kind of people go to de-addiction centres? (2)
(g) Choose the option that makes the correct use of 'hounded out', as used in the passage, to fill in the blank space.
(1)
(i) _______________ for a job has finally left her.
(ii) She was finally _____________ of her job.
(iii) Job has finally _______________ her.
(iv) Her job ________________ finally.
(h) What does the phrase 'quitting cold turkey' refer to? (1)

i. Organic food is very popular these days. It can also be very expensive. Some organic food costs twice as much as
non-organic food. Parents of young children and even some pet owners, will pay high prices for organic food if they
think it is healthier. But many others think organic food is just a waste of money.
ii. There is one difference between organic and non-organic food. Organic farms do not use agricultural chemicals
such as pesticides that stop insects from damaging crops. In many countries, foods that claim to be organic must have
special labels that guarantee they're grown organically.
iii. Some people think organic also means 'locally grown' and originally it was indeed true. But over a period of time,
organic farming has become a big business, with many organic foods now being grown by large agricultural
companies that sell their products far from where they're grown. Processed food made with organic ingredients has
also become more popular. At first, only small companies produced these products. But as demand overtook supply,
big food companies that had been selling non-organic products for many years also began selling organic products.
iv. Is organic food safer and more nutritious? This is an important part of the debate. Many farmers and consumers
believe it is safer and more nutritious. They think agricultural chemical can cause serious illnesses such as cancer, but
there isn't much evidence proving this is true. However, recent studies have shown that eating organically-grown
produce reduces your chances of developing heart diseases. Many doctors think it is more important to stop dangerous
bacteria from contaminating foods. These bacteria can contaminate both organic and non-organic fruits and
vegetables, and doctors recommend washing produce carefully before eating it. Meat, fish and chicken can also
become contaminated, so washing your hands before handling these foods is also very important.
(a) Select the option that displays what the writer projects with reference to the and following: (1)
Is organic food safer and more nutritious? This is an important part of that debate.
(i) Denial (ii) Confirmation
(iii) Caution (iv) Acceptance
(b) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph. (1)
Opinion: Big food companies have started selling organic food products.
Reason: ____________________________________
(c) The writer contrasts organic food to non-organic food. State the point of comparison between the two. (2)
(d) Based on your reading of the text, list one benefit of eating organic food. (1)
(e) What connect does the writer draw between contamination of food and washing hands? (1)
(f) The writer says that people believe that it is safer and more nutritious to eat organic food. Select the reason for his
sceptical view. (1)
(i) The price decides the popularity. (ii) There is no confirmed evidence.
(iii) It is tastier. (iv) It is marketed by big food companies.
(g) How we can control the contamination of organic and non-organic food? (2)
(h) List the factor that certifies food to be organic. (1)
Case-Based Factual Passage
Q1. Read the following passage carefully: (10 marks)
i. The North-East of India is a melting pot of variegated cultural mosiac of people and races, an ethnic
tapestry of many hues and shades. Yet, these states are lesser explored as compared to the rest of the
country. The new generation of travellers who are 'money rich and time poor' are increasingly looking for
unique experiences - phenomenon being called the emergence of the experience economy. For this new and
growing breed of tourists, the North-East with its variety and uniqueness holds immense attraction.
ii A study conducted in 2020 by Dr Sherap Bhutia, revealed that the foreign tourist arrival in the North-East
increased from 37,380 persons in 2005 to 118, 552 in 2014. The overall growth rate of tourist (both
domestic and foreign) in the North-East was as high as 26.44% during 2005-06. A high and positive growth
of 12.53% was registered in foreign tourist visit to North-East states of India during 2012 from 2011, which
further rose to register a growth of 27.93% during 2013 from 2012. Foreign tourist arrivals in the North-East
witnessed a growth of 39.77% during 2014 from 2013, according to data provided from the Ministry of
Tourism, Government of India.
iii. The study recommendations for tourism planners included the need to concentrate on some key areas like
enhancement of tourist facilities, tourism financing, focus on community involvement and others for the
formulation of a sustainable tourism strategy in the North-East states of India.
(i) Infer one reason for the following, based on information in paragraph 1. (1)
The rate of tourism in the North-East of India puzzles tourism officials.
(ii) Select the appropriate option to fill in the blanks. From paragraph 1, we can infer that the and North-
Eastern states aid attracting the 'money rich and time poor' tourists. (1)
(1) distinctiveness
(2) conventionality
(3) diversity
(4) uniformity
(5) modernity
(a) (1) & (3) (b) (2) & (4) (c) (2) & (5) (d) (1) & (4)
(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 1. (1)
aroma : cooking :: _____: painting
(Clue: just like aroma is integral to cooking, similarly _____ is/are integral to painting)
(iv) Select the correct option to complete the following sentence. (1)
Travellers advocating the 'experience economy' seek a holiday package with ___________. (Paragraph 1)
(a) grand facilities, expensive hotels and excellent services to pamper them.
(b) a wholesome experience within the budget they have planned for.
(c) places and cities to buy things from and opportunities to spend money.
(d) cost-effective services, affordable accomodation and many days of touring.
(v) Select the chart that appropriately represents the trend of foreign tourist travels in the North-East, from
2011-2014, as per paragraph 2. (1)
(a) Option 1 (b) Option 2 (c) Option 3 (d) Option 4
(vi) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option. (1)
The study of tourist travel statistics in the North-East, from 2005 to 2014 showed _____ results.
(a) expected (b) encouraging (c) inconsistent (d) questionable
(vii) Substitute the word 'witnessed' with ONE WORD similar in meaning, in the following sentence from
paragraph 2: (1)
Foreign tourist arrivals in the North-East witnessed a growth of ...
(viii) List any one example of 'tourist facilities' as referred to, in paragraph 3. (1)
(ix) List one reason why the researchers recommend that the formulation of a tourism strategy in the North-
Eastern states of India be sustainable. (1)
(x) Select the option that titles paragraphs 1-3 appropriately, with reference to information in the text. (1)
Q2. Read the following passage carefully. (10 marks)
i. The education of a child starts from the family, where the mother is the first teacher. But the irony in India is that
although the deity of education is a female, that is, Goddess Saraswati, according to Hinduism, but unfortunately, in
India, innumerable women remain illiterate. They do not remain uneducated by choice but are forbidden from
receiving education because of the patriarchal system in the society. Right from the early Vedic period, people have
been celebrating the birth of a son, nevertheless, in those days, daughters were not neglected but were educated well.
However, during the later Vedic period, daughters were considered a social burden. Only the girls 10 belonging to
upper class families enjoyed the right of education and got proper nourishment. In the medieval period, the conditions
deteriorated for the females, even in royal families. Girls could not get the same status as the boys. In Muslim
households, they were taught at their homes, while Hindu girls enjoyed the privilege of getting primary education
along with the boys in schools.
ii. The prevalence of child marriage was excessively practised then. However, in the nineteenth century, many social
reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Annie Besant, M. G. Ranade, Jyotiba Phule and Swami
Dayanand Saraswati came forward for the emancipation of women in India. Raja Ram Mohan Roy especially
advocated female education.
iii. Since then, there has been tremendous progress in every field, but unfortunately, girls are still neglected. In most
families, the birth of a girl child is not desired and, if accepted, she is considered inferior to boys and her education is
not considered important because it seems a waste of money to the majority of the parents. They think it unreasonable
because, later on they would be compelled to spend a heavy amount on her dowry. So, the female literacy rate is
unsatisfactory. This has a direct impact on the overall development of the nation.
On the basis of your reading of the given passage:
(a) Why were women not allowed to receive education? (1)

(i) Due to the patriarchal system in the society (ii) Due to the matriarchal system in the society
(iii) Due to the nuclear nature of the family (iv) Due to the joint nature of the family
(b) How is early Vedic period different from later Vedic period, according to the passage? (2)
(c) In the medieval period, the conditions deteriorated for the females, and even in: (1)
(i) the working class (ii) the trading community
(iii) the educated community (iv) the royal families
(d) Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE, according to the passage? (1)
(i) Female literacy rate is unsatisfactory. (ii) The birth of a girl child is not desired.
(iii) Annie Besant advocated female education. (iv) In Muslim households, girls were taught at their homes.
(e) Raja Ram Mohan Roy advocated for female infanticide. (True/False) (1)
(h) How has the patriarchal system of society affected education? (2)
(g) Why is the education of a girl child not considered important? (1)
(i) Because it seems a waste of money (ii) Because the deity of education is a female
(iii) Because the literacy rate is unsatisfactory (iv) Because of the prevalence of child marriage
(h) Look at the given graph. What is the difference in percentage between the male education in 1985-94 and the
female education in 2005-10? (1)
Q3. Read the following passage carefully. (10 marks)
(1) Festivals are synonymous with celebration, ceremony and joy. However, festivals bring to the fore the flip side of
celebrations – pollution – air, water, soil and noise. This led to the need of assessing the awareness level among
people about ecological pollution during festivals. So, a study was conducted by scholars from an esteemed university
in India. This study was titled, 'Awareness Towards Impact of Festivals on Ecology'.
(2) There were two main objectives of the study. The first one was to assess the awareness level among people about
ecological protection during festivities. Exploring solutions to bring awareness about celebrating festivals without
harming ecology was the second objective. The method used to collect data was a simple questionnaire containing 6
questions, shared with 50 respondents across four selected districts of a state in the southern region of India.
(3) The research began by understanding the socio-economic conditions of the respondents before sharing the
questionnaire. Once the responses were received, the data collected were tabulated (Table 1), for analysis.
Table 1: Awareness level among respondents
(4) The study recommended the imposition of strict rules and regulations as opposed to a total ban on all festive
activities which impact on our environment, The researchers believed that such measures would help in harnessing
some ill-effects that add to the growing pollution and suggested further studies be taken up across the country to
assess awareness about ecological degradation.
(5) The observations made in the study pointed to the environmental groups and eco- clubs fighting a losing battle due
to city traffic issues, disposal of plastics, garbage dumping and all sorts of ecological degradation. The researchers
stressed that the to need of the hour is increasing awareness among people to reduce environmental pollution which
can be facilitated by celebrating all festivals in an eco-friendly manner.
(a) ________________ does not create awareness among people to save the environment. Many who needed
treatment for diseases like cancer, heart ailments and diabetes were not getting the required attention. (1)
(i) Traffic issues (ii) Growing pollution

(iii) Total banning (iv) All of these
(b) We unintentionally pollute our ecology. This statement means that we do so by: (1)
1. playing loud music 2. understanding the socio-economic conditions

3. bursting crackers in the air 4. throwing leftovers in the water
(i) 2 & 4 (ii) 2 & 3 (ⅲ) 1 & 4 (iv) All, except 2
(c) Complete the following with a reason from paragraph 5. (1)
Action desired Reason

To educate people ______________________
(d) Even though a larger number of people say 'no' to bursting crackers than those who say 'yes', festival pollution
persists. How does the evidence from table 1 support this statement? (2)
(e) What purpose does the 'Can't Say' column serve in the questionnaire (table 1)? (1)
What do you infer from celebrating all festivals in an eco-friendly manner? (1)
(i) To use fresh flower (ii) To use hand-made clothes

(iii) To advocate ecological degradation (iv) Both (i) and (ii)
(g) Justify the researchers' recommendation for limiting the drastic impact of festival pollution on the environment. (2)
(h) Select the option that displays the recommendation of the study, according to para 4. (1)
(i) To pressurise the offenders who burst crackers during the festivals
(ii) To sensitise ecological protection
(iii) To impose strict rules and regulations against the violation
(iv) To analyse the impact of pollution
WRITING SECTION
Analytical Paragraph
Q.1 The given pie chart represents the amount of money spent by a family on different items in a month. Write an
analytical paragraph in 120-150 words using the information given in the pie chart. (5)
Q. 2 The given bar graph shows the increasing use of skin care products by men and women over the period of three
months. Write an analytical paragraph in 120-150 words elaborating the given information. (5)
3. The given double bar graph shows the preferences of children in a school in playing different games over the span
of six years. Write an analytical paragraph in 120-150 words about the given information. (5)
4. A survey was conducted in the National Capital in over twenty schools about the different activities that interest the
children in the age group of 13 years to 15 years. Write a paragraph in not more than 120-150 words, analysing the
following information. (5)
5. Look at the data given below. The data shows the changes that have occurred between 1995 to 2010 in Bilaspur
regarding women education. Write an analytical paragraph to record the changes by interpreting the data. (5)
Letter to the Editor
1. Highlight the importance of proper garbage disposal with an aim to create awareness among the city residents.
Write a letter regarding the same to the editor of a local daily Hindustan Times. You are Rubal of Shakti Nagar, Delhi.
(5)
2. You are Neena/Navin, a student of Max Public School, Mumbai. You are concerned about the lack of awareness
around animal rights. Write a letter to the editor about the need to raise awareness about animal rights among the
public. (5)
3. You are Swati/Sohan living 14, DLF, Phase III, Gurugram. Your streets and roads get waterlogged during the
monsoon season every year. Car stall, drains overflow and traffic comes to a standstill. It is difficult to lead a normal
life and this and this adds to your woes. Write a letter in 100-120 words to the editor, ‘The Times of India’,
highlighting the problems and suggesting measures to control the problem. (5)
4. You are a student of Mahaan University, Indore. The university is not providing proper curriculum and guidance to
the students because of which students are unable to learn. Write a letter to the editor of a student magazine, Yuva
Chetna to highlight this issue. (5)
5. You are Chahat/Chetan, an IT Professional. You want to raise awareness about the rising incidences of
cybercrimes. Write a letter to the editor of Cyber magazine “Info news”, highlighting the issue and suggesting
measures to prevent such happenings. (5)
Letter of Enquiry
1. You intend to join coaching classes at Success Coaching Centre situated in Chennai. The institute specializes in
teaching science to classes XI – XII. Write a letter of enquiry in 100 – 120 words addressed to the Administrator in –
charge of the institute seeking clarification about the timing, duration, staff, transport and other necessary details for
joining the institute. You are Sonia/Shiv of 2, Murthi Road, Chennai. (5)
2. You are Mrs. / Mr. Gupta. Your son is a student of Class XII and wants to pursue a course in Mass Communication.
Write a letter in 100-120words to the Dean, Institute of Mass Communication, University of Delhi, seeking
information about the course admission procedure, eligibility criteria, fee structure, hostel facilities, placement
opportunities, etc. (5)
3. You are Tejas / Tejaswi resident of 111, Jai Hind colony, Mumbai – 400589, a student of class 11 and want to take
up a summer course in Computer graphic design. Write a letter of enquiry to the Director of NIIT Computech seeking
details on the course content, eligibility, fees, timings and future scope of the course. (5)
4. You are Shivam/Shivani of C-12, Janakpuri, Indore. You wish to make a pilgrimage of Badrinath, Kedarnath and
Haridwar with your family of six. Write a letter to R.K. Travels, enquiring about the schedule of their conducted tour
by Deluxe buses to these places. Ask about the charges, hoarding and lodging arrangements and the total time needed
for the tour. (100-120 words) (5)
5. You are a sports enthusiast Gaurav / Garima r/o 450, June Building Pune. You want to go to Gulmarg on a skiing
vacation. Write a letter of enquiry to the Director J&K Tourism, asking for relevant information like the suitable time,
accommodation available, gear required, cost, travel and ski assistance available, etc. (5)
GRAMMAR
I. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed. (1x10=10)
(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter:
Dear Sir
This is with reference to committee's letter of recommendation that_____________ (highlight) the nominations for
'Safe Residential Area' award for this current year.
(ii) Read the given sentence from a recipe review article. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence.
This delightful recipe must keep your hunger pangs at bay with its balanced spices and oriental flavour.
Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction
(iii) Abhilash and Neha had a conversation about the inauguration of Neha's Dance Academy. Report Abhilash's
question.
Is your best friend helping you in this venture?
(iv) Read the dialogue between Shabnam and her mentor, Sara, regarding her summer internship programme.
Sara: Why did you choose to participate in this internship programme?
Shabnam: Ah! I am convinced this programme has the potential to enhance my abilities.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the above dialogue.
Sara asked Shabnam ___________________ in that internship programme. Shabnam sighed and exclaimed that she
was convinced that programme had the potential to enhance her abilities.
a) why to choose to participate b) to choose participation
c) about her choice to participate d) with her choice in participating
(v) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the concluding line of an issued circular by an
Organisation, to its manager.
A copy of the plan is enclosed and ___________________(that/then/this) may be communicated to all Team Leaders
for compliance.
(vi)Identify the error and supply the correction for the given sentence from a commercial company's current marketing
strategy.
The company aimed at increasing authority in areas frequently visited by the clients.
Error Correction
(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the closing line, from an analytical report.
In conclusion, this study explores the association among short-sleep pattern and overweight youngsters.
Option No. Error Correction
A explores explore
B and or
C among between
D In For
(viii) Complete the given narrative, by filling the blank with the correct option.
The experience of nursing an injured bird left me ___________ grateful for knowing the importance of being kind and
compassionate to all creatures.
a) feeling b) having felt c) felt d) feels
(ix) Report the dialogue between a vendor and his customer, by completing the sentence:
Vendor: It is nice to see you, Sir!
Customer: Yes, indeed! Unlike last month, I have been away for quite some time this month.
The vendor greeted his customer respectfully and mentioned that he was pleased to see him. The customer answered
in the affirmative and explained that ____________________.
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the live feed on a school news channel.
Congratulations Change Makers!
The regional competition awards have been announced and our school music club ______________ the first prize.
a) had been won b) will win c) was winning d) has won
(xi) Complete the line from a self-awareness song, by filling the blank with the correct option.
The river runs through your veins
The trees and mountains ______________your name
The moon and stars watch over
You're guiding your way back home
To dream the night away
a) will call b) call c) had called d) calls

(xii) Identify the error and supply correction for the following note in a passengers' flight instruction manual:
Note - Passengers will not reach the airport late in order to avoid a fine
equivalent to 5% of the basic fare.

Error Correction
II. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed. (1x10=10)
(i)The ACC _________________ the date of examination to recruit soldiers and train them to become commissioned
officers in the Indian Army.
(a) will announce (b) has announced (c) to be announced (d) announcing
(ii) Read the conversation between Amit and Shloka. Complete the sentence by reporting Shloka’s statement
correctly.
Amit: Are you going to Delhi today?
Shloka: No, I am coming with Devendra. He will start day after tomorrow.
Amit rang up Shloka and asked whether he was going to Delhi the following day. In response to this, Shloka
replied____________________.
(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line, from the speech of the school President.
I ___________ admit, the trek which we thought would be a boring and exhausting experience was one of the most
enjoyable experiences we have had this term.
(a) must (b) should (c) need (d) would
(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line, from a news report:
Every inhabitant of planet Earth depend on water for their survival and their day- to-day activities,
(a) their there
(b) depend depends
(C) every each
(d) and or
(v) Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blank with the correct option.
If you move around hoping your problems_____________________they won't.
(a) will solve (b) will solved (c) will have solved (d) will be solved
(vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter:
Subject: Electricity problem in the locality
Please _________________(publish) an article in your esteemed daily, so that the authorities should focus on that and
take any action against the situation. So that we will be free from the current worst condition of the electricity
breakdown.
(vii)Report the dialogue between Aman and a confectioner, by completing Aman's sentence:
Confectioner: How may I help you, child?
Aman : I am looking for an eggless cake for my granny's birthday.
The confectioner on noticing a small child Aman, asked him affectionately_______________ In response to the
question of the confectioner, Aman replied that he was looking for an eggless cake for his granny's birthday.
(viii) Identify the error in the given sentence, from an e-magazine report and supply the correction.
In the last decade, conservationists and academics have turned his attention to studying the best ways to install these
natural features in the North. Use the given format for your response.
Error Correction
(ix) The class teacher shared some information, with Prakriti, about the Open House Report class teacher's question.
Why were your parents absent, yesterday?
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the slogan by the local counsellor of your ward.
________________ we afford to survive without trees? Think twice.
(a) Can (b) Should (c) Will (d) May
(xi) Select the correct option to complete the conversation between Abhigyan and Anmol
Abhigyan: Anmol, why did you not attend the Biology class yesterday?
Anmol: Actually, I was practising for my Physics test.
Abhigyan asked____________________. Anmol replied that he had been practising for his Physics test, actually.
(a) Anmol why he has not attended the Biology class last day.
(b) Anmol that why he has not attended the Biology class last day.
(c) Anmol why he had not attended the Biology class last day.
(d) Anmol why he has not attended the Biology class yesterday.
(xii) Identify the error spotted from a local newspaper and supply the correction required:
Save Wildlife
Its all part of an effort to find ways to protect coastal communities and make space for wildlife.

Error Correction
III. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed. (1x10=10)
(i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete an online update.
A new understanding of the fundamental connection between mind and body explains phenomena such as phantom
limbs, and ______________ surprising implications.
(a) have (b) are (c) has (d) is
(ii) Read the conversation between Sudhir and Riya. Complete the sentence by reporting Riya's reply correctly.
Sudhir : Riya, what is the reporting time for the photoshoot tomorrow?
Riya : I have no clue as I was not there during the briefing.
Sudhir asked Riya what was the reporting time for the photoshoot the following day In response to his question, Riva
answered that _____________________
(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line, from a magazine.
When our cherished ideas are contradicted by facts, we ______________ avoid the human tendency to double down
on those ideas. avoid
(a) must (b) need (c) could (d) can
(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line, from a news report.
As per the report, India will allowed food processors to import duty-free wheat against a commitment to export flour.
(a) the a
(b) will would
(c) allowed allow
(d) against for
(v) Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blank with the correct option:
The two parks in our locality have virtually ________________ over by undesirable elements.
(a) been taking (b) take (c) taken (d) been taken
(vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket, for the given portion of a letter.
Subject: Request for kind perusal
Dear Sir
This is to respectfully submit that the students of Agatha House_________________(seek) approval for organising an
Inter-house Rangoli Making Competition to be undertaken by the house.
(vii)Identify the error in the given sentence
The ship Titanic and her fate continues to fascinate the imagination of the people.
Error Correction
(viii)Identify the error in the given sentence, from a school magazine report and supply the correction.
Exploring solutions to brought awareness about celebrating festivals without harming ecology was the second
objective of the competition.
Error Correction
(ix) Ahmed shared some information with Anmol about his visit to a book fair. Repon Anmol's question.
Did you buy any book from the fair?
(x) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the slogan by the Ministry for Child Welfare.
_____________________ we ask our children to reject junk food?
(a) Should (b) Shouldn’t (c) Can (d) Can't
(xi) Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Sanskriti and her friend Pranika.
Sanskriti : I couldn't find you on the school bus this morning. Did you miss the school bus?
Pranika:No, my dad was enroute to the school. So, he offered to drop me to the school.
Sanskriti told Pranika that she couldn't see her on the school bus that morning and further asked ________________.
In response to her question, Pranika replied that her father was enroute to the school and offered to drop her to the
school.
(a) that if she had missed the school bus (b)if she had missed the school bus
(c) that if she missed the school bus (d) that if you had missed the school bus
(xii) Identify the error on a shop's hoarding and supply the correction, for the following sales offer.
SUPER SAVER DEALS!!!
With Mom and Me Super Saver Days Offers, got discounts on daily essentials, personal care, baby
care, fashion, kitchen & dining, nutrition, and more.

Error Correction
LITERATURE
(FIRST FLIGHT PROSE)
A Letter To God
Read the following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow.
1. The house-the only one in the entire valley-sat on the crest of a low hill. From this height one could see
the river and the field of ripe corn dotted with the flowers that always promised a good harvest. The only
thing the earth needed was a downpour or at least a shower. Throughout the morning Lencho-who knew his
fields intimately-had done nothing else but see the sky towards the north-east.
(a) Based on the detail of the house's location, how can it best be described? (1)
(b) Lencho wished for a downpour or a heavy shower. Pick the option that correctly lists the correct match
of the kinds of rain. (1)
1. heavy rain I. light rain that falls in very fine drops
2. thunderstorm II . very heavy rain, tropical rain

3. drizzle III. it's coming down quite strong and you get very wet very quickly
4. torrential rain IV. really heavy rain that comes very suddenly
5. downpour V. a violent, short-lived weather disturbance associated with lightning, thunder

and strong,
gusty winds
(i) 1-(II), 2-(IV), 3-(V), 4-(I), 5-(III)

(ii) 1-(IV), 2-(I), 3-(III), 4-(V), 5-(II)
(iii) 1-(V), 2-(III), 3-(IV), 4-(II), 5-(I)
(iv) 1-(III), 2-(V), 3-(I), 4-(II), 5-(IV)
(c) Based on the given extract, what is Lencho likely to think while looking at his field? (2)
(d) Which quote supports the idea in the given extract? (1)
(i) 'Farming is a profession of hope.'
(ii) 'I would rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.'
(iii) 'Farming looks mighty easy when your plough is a pencil, and you're a thousand times from the corn
field.'
(iv) 'Those too lazy to plough in the right season will have no food at the harvest.'
2. Lencho showed not the slightest surprise on seeing the money; such was his confidence- but he became
angry when he counted the money. God could not have made a mistake, nor could he have denied Lencho
what he had requested.
(a) Why did Lencho get angry? (2)
(b) Why was Lencho not surprised? (1)

(i) Because Lencho had utmost confidence in God
(ii) Because Lencho knew that it was the postmaster who arranged the money
(iii) Because Lencho had faith in humanity and knew someone would help
(iv) Because Lencho was stupid
(c) Who could not have made a mistake in Lencho's eyes? (1)
(d) Which word means the same as 'faith'? (1)

(i) Confidence (ii) Angry (iii) Requested (iv) Surprise
3. The moment the letter fell into the mailbox the postmaster went to open it. It said: "God: Of the money
that I asked for, only seventy pesos reached me. Send me the rest, since I need it very much. But don't send
it to me through the mail because the post office employees are a bunch of crooks. Lencho".
(a) Why did the postmaster open the mailbox immediately after Lencho had posted his letter? (1)
(i) Because he wanted to hide that letter from his staff
(ii) Because the postmaster wanted to check Lencho's response
(iii) Because Lencho had given him a stink-eye
(iv) Because Lencho had asked him to open
(b) Why did Lencho not want God to send the rest of the money through mail? (2)
(c) What help had Lencho asked for? (1)

(i) He had asked for a new bag of corn seeds.
(ii) He had asked for blessings.
(iii) He had asked for food ration for the year.
(iv) He had asked for a hundred pesos to sow his field.
(d) Why did no leaf remain on the trees? (1)
4. In the north-east huge mountains of clouds could be seen approaching. The air was fresh and sweet. The
man went out for no other reason than to have the pleasure of feeling the rain on his body, and when he
returned, he exclaimed, "These aren't raindrops falling from the sky, they are new coins. The big drops are
ten cent pieces and the little ones are fives."
(a) Why were the raindrops like 'new coins' for Lencho? (2)
(b) How did these new coins ultimately bring disaster to his cornfield? (1)
(i) They over-watered his crops.
(ii) They blocked the irrigation canals.
(iii) They turned into hailstones and destroyed all his
(iv) They flooded the roads, halting any transportation.
(c) How did these new silver coins bring disaster to Lencho? (1)
(i) By making him too rich (ii) By destroying his entire field
(iii) By bringing him bad luck (iv) None of these
(d) How did Lencho feel after the storm? (1)
Answer the following questions in 40-50 words.

1. Why were Lencho and his family in distress? Whom did he ask for help? (3)
2. What impression do you form of the postmaster after reading the story ‘A Letter to God’? (3)
3. Why was Lencho angry? What did he do? (3)
4. Did the letter reach God? Why did the postmaster send a reply to Lencho? (3)
5. Lencho calls the raindrops ‘new coins. Why does he call them so? (3)

1. The postmaster represents such people who still believe in helping others mention those values of the
postmaster which you would like to emulate in yourself. (6)
2. What circumstances made Lencho write a letter to God? What does this act show about him? (6)
3. Give a character sketch of the Postmaster in your own words. Don’t you think that he should have
deserved a better recognition and appreciation of his act of charity? (6)
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
1. To the assembled guests and the watching world, I said: Today, all of us do, by our presence here... confer
glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too
long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud. We who were outlaws not so long ago,
have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all
our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of
what is after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.
(a) What was born of human disaster, according to the extract? (2)
(b) The former outlaws were given the privilege of: (1)
(i) getting citizenship of their country

(ii) participating in a trade conclave
(iii) finalizing the foreign policy
(iv) hosting the nations of the world on their soil
(c) The speaker was overwhelmed with the sense of: (1)
(i) gratitude (ii) achievement (iii) happiness (iv) charity
(d) State whether the following statement is True or False: (1)

The common victory was when South Africa did not become an independent nation.
2. The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by Union now Buildings in
Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of a rainbow
gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa's first democratic, non-racial
government.
(a) Which ceremonies are being referred to here? (1)
(b) What type of government was chosen in South Africa? (1)
(i) A democratic government through fair elections

(ii) A democratic government through unfair means
(iii) A government in the King's name
(iv) A democratic government in the Queen's name
(c) Why did the military generals' attitude change towards Mandela? (2)
(d) What lesson can be learned from this story? (1)
(i) To believe in justice

(ii) To fight for what is right and for those who can't fight for themselves
(iii) To go where your destiny takes you
(iv) None of these
3. "We, who are outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be a host to the nations
of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take
possession with the people of our country for human dignity."
(a) It is a victory for 'human dignity'. Pick the option that lists the correct answer for what 'human dignity'
would include. (1)
(i) equality, liberty, indecency (ii) liberty, indecency, self-respect
(iii) immorality, self-respect, equality (iv) equality, liberty, self-respect
(b) Why does the speaker say that it is 'rare privilege’? (2)
(c) How do you think is the speaker feeling? (1)
(d) Pick the option that showcases the usage of 'host' as in the extract. (1)
(i) He was praised for his hospitality as the host of the party.
(i) She was able to host the event without any hindrance.
(iii) She met the host and apologized for her friend's misbehaviour.
(iv) He is the best host that one can ever come across.
4. Tenth May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days, I had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries
and world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. The inauguration would
be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil. The ceremonies took place in the
lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades, this had been the
seat of white supremacy and now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for
the installation of South Africa's first democratic, non-racial government.
(a) "For decades, this had been the seat of white supremacy". Here, white supremacy refers to: (1)
(i) control from white house (ii) serving by landlords

(iii) white race mass (iv) people following white flags
(b) "The inauguration would be the largest gathering"... inauguration literally means beginnings of
something. Was it really an inauguration of something great? What was it? (2)
(c) Which word from the passage means the same as 'placement of person in office with ceremony'? (1)
(d) The site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations.' The word 'rainbow' refers to: (1)
(1) People from different regions (2) Dignitaries from different countries
(3) High profile dignitaries from different nations and races (4) Decor of amphitheatre with bright hue
(i) Only 1 (ii) 1 and 2 (iii) 1, 2 and 3 (iv) Only 4

1. What ideal does Nelson Mandela set out for the future of South Africa? (3)
2. What "twin obligations" does Mandela mention? (3)
3. Why is 10th May 1994 important for South Africa? (3)
4. What was born out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster? Why should humanity be proud
of it? (3)
5. After achieving political emancipation what does Mandela want to do in South Africa? (3)
1. The apartheid regime, the whites created in South Africa, was one of the harshest and most inhumane
societies the world has ever known. Elucidate. (6)
2. Draw a character-sketch of Nelson Mandela highlighting his struggle against the apartheid regime
for the human rights of his people. (6)
3. The inauguration ceremony symbolised a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity
against the most hated apartheid regime based on racial discrimination. Comment. (6)
Two Stories About Flying
1. Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black. It was impossible to see anything outside the aeroplane.
The old aeroplane jumped and twisted in the air. I looked at the compass. I couldn't believe my eyes: the
compass was turning round and round and round. It was dead. It would not work. The other instruments
were suddenly dead, too. I tried the radio. "Paris Control? Paris Control? Can you hear me?" There was no
answer. The radio was dead too. I had no radio, no compass, and I could not see where I was. I was lost in
the storm.
(a) What happened as soon as the pilot was inside the cloud? (2)
(b) The devices in the aeroplane were: (1)

(i) functioning (ii) broken completely
(iii) giving wrong readings (iv) stopped responding completely
(c) Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word 'twisted' as used in the extract. (1)
(i) Ragini 'twisted' Raghav's wrist.
(ii) Ragini 'twisted' the story to suit the occasion.
(iii) Ragini did not appreciate Raghav's 'twisted' bent of mind.
(iv) Ragini matched the swimmer as he 'twisted' twice in the air before diving into the water.
(d) Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only: (1)

The narrator's ________________ comes through clearly when he sees the compass turning round and
round.
2. The moon was coming up in the east, behind me, and stars were shining in the clear sky above me. There
wasn't a cloud in the sky. I was happy to be alone high up above the sleeping countryside. I was flying my
old Dakota aeroplane over France back to England. I was dreaming of my holiday and looking forward to
being with my family. I looked at my watch at one thirty in the morning. I should call Paris Control soon. I
thought. As I looked down past the nose of the aeroplane, I saw the lights of a big city in front of me.
(a) Why did the pilot think of calling Paris Control? (2)
(b) Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only. (1)

The thought of the coming holiday and the time the pilot would spend with his family made him
______________.
(c) 'I saw the lights of a big city in front of me.' What is the light the pilot is to? (1)
(i) Lights and bulbs of the city (ii) Lights of the high rise
(iii) Lights of the runway dark with dust (iv) Both (i) and (ii)
(d) How was the weather initially, according to the pilot? (1)
(i) Favourable (ii) Adverse
(iii) Cloudy (iv) Full of black clouds
3. His parents and his brothers and sister had landed on this green flooring ahead of him. They were
beckoning to him, calling shrilly. He dropped his legs to stand on the green sea. His legs sank into it. He
screamed with fright and attempted to rise again flapping his wings. But he was tired and weak with hunger
and he could not rise, exhausted by the strange exercise. His feet sank into the green sea, and then his belly
touched it and he sank no further. He was floating on it, and around him his family was screaming, praising
him and their beaks were offering him scraps of dog-fish.
(a) What happened when he dropped his legs to stand on the green sea? (2)
(b) How did his parents, brothers and sister encourage him? (1)
(i) By screaming and offering him scraps of dog-fish (ii) By flapping their wings
(iii) By flying around him (iv) By heading into water first
(c) ‘Tired and weak, the young seagull could not rise’. What happened further? (1)
(d) Choose the correct adjective to describe the young seagull. (1)
(i) Rowdy (ii) Assertive (iii) Faint-hearted (iv) Impeccable
4. He turned his aeroplane slowly to the north, in front of my Dakota, so that it would be easier for me to
follow him. I was very happy to go behind the strange aeroplane like an obedient child.
(a) Why did the pilot of black aeroplane bring his plane in front of the Dakota aeroplane? (1)
(i) So as to overtake Dakota
(ii) So that Dakota could follow it out of the storm
(iii) So as to block Dakota's view
(iv) So as to distract Dakota family
(b) How did the pilot of Dakota land safely through the storm? (1)
(i) Due to pilot's sharp instincts (ii) By following the strange aeroplane
(iii) By using a compass (iv) By hovering until the storm passed
(c) How has the other aeroplane been described? (2)
(d) What shocked the narrator when he tried to enquire about the strange airplane at the Paris control
station? (1)
1. Young seagull tried to fly but he could not. Why was he afraid to fly? (3)
2. What did the young seagull do when he was maddened by hunger? Did hunger motivate him to dive at the
fish in the air? (3)
3. How did the black aeroplane rescue the first pilot? (3)
4. Why did the narrator want to meet the woman in the control tower? Did he get any information about the
mysterious disappearance of the black aeroplane and its pilot? (3)
5. Why did the pilot want to fly to England? (3)

1. ‘All parental acts are for the betterment of the children.’ It is true. However, one has to make efforts
through trials and errors shedding off one’s early hesitations and fears to succeed in any enterprise. Justify
this statement by taking points from the lesson ‘His First Flight’. (6)
2. Hesitations and fears play necessary parts in human life but we get success in any enterprise only when
we overcome our doubts, hesitations and fears. Justify this statement in light of the young seagull’s efforts to
muster the courage to fly in the air. (6)
3. Describe the appearance of the strange black aeroplane in the most hopeless situation. How did the pilot
of the black aeroplane help the narrator to come out of the storm clouds and land safely? (6)
From The Diary of Anne Frank
1. All I think about when I'm with friends is having a good time. I can't bring myself to talk about anything
but ordinary everyday things. We don't seem to be able to get any closer, and that's the problem. Maybe it's
my fault that we don't confide in each other. In any case, that's just how things are, and unfortunately,
they're not liable to change. This is why I've started the diary.
(a) What are Anne's views on friends? (1)

(i) That they're not very nice (ii) That she wasn't close with any of them
(iii) That they were mean (iv) That they were unnecessary
(b) Explain-'unfortunately they're not liable to change. (1)
(c) What is Anne's fault? (1)

(i) That she is blunt
(ii) That she and her friends don't share secrets
(iii) That she makes them feel bad about themselves
(iv) That she seems too rigid
(d) Why did Anne think that 'paper has more patience than people'? (2)
2. 'However, during the third lesson he'd finally had enough. "Anne Frank, as punishment for talking in
class, write an essay entitled 'Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox'." The class roared. I had to
laugh too, though I'd nearly exhausted my ingenuity on the topic of chatterboxes. It was time to come up
with something else, something original. My friend, Sanne, who's good at poetry, offered to help me write
the essay from the beginning to end in verse and I jumped for joy. Mr Keesing was trying to play a joke on
me with this ridiculous subject, but I'd make sure the joke was on him.
(a) Why was Anne punished? (1)

(i) Because she's been laughing continuously
(ii) Because she's been talking continuously
(iii) Because she didn't complete her homework
(iv) None of these
(b) Why did the whole class roar with laughter? (2)
(c) Who was trying to play a joke on Anne? (1)

(i) Otto Frank (ii) Mr Keesing
(iii) Anne's sister (iv) Edith Frank
(d) Who helped Anne write the essay? (1)
3. "Paper has more patience than people," I thought of this saying on one of those days chin in hands, when
I was feeling a little depressed and was sitting at home with my bored and listless, wondering whether to
stay in or go out. I finally stayed where I was, brooding: Yes, paper does have more patience, and since I'm
not planning to let anyone else read this stiff-backed notebook grandly referred to as a 'diary', unless I
should ever find a real friend, it probably won't make a bit of difference.
(a) 'Paper has more patience than people'. What does this imply? (1)
(b) Pick the option that is ODD one out with reference to the meaning of 'patience'. (1)
(c) If the diary were a 'real friend', what qualities would Anne expect it to have? (2)
(d) Pick out the sentence that brings out the meaning of 'brooding', as used in the extract. (1)
(i) The mysterious house on the hill is still brooding above the village.
(ii) The people at the stock market always keep brooding about the gains.
(iii) He was brooding over the matter and took a long time to decide.
(iv) Suspense and drama were brooding at the site of the investigation.
4. "Mr Keesing had a good laugh at my arguments, but when I proceeded to talk my way through the
next lesson, he assigned me a second essay. This time it was supposed to be on 'An Incorrigible
Chatterbox'. I handed it in, and Mr Keesing had nothing to complain about for two whole lessons.
However, during the third lesson, he'd finally had enough. "Anne Frank, as a punishment for talking
in class, write an essay entitled - 'Quack, Quack, Quack, said Mistress Chatterbox'."
(a) What convincing argument was made by Anne? (1)

(i) She was talkative just like any
(ii) She had the right to be talkative, as it was a classroom and not a prison.
(iii) She had inherited the trait from her mother, so couldn't stop being talkative.
(iv) She found it impossible to be quiet like the others as she couldn't change herself.
(b) What does 'had a good laugh' imply, in the context of Mr Keesing? (1)
(i) Option 1. (ii) Option 2.
(iii) Option 3. (iv) Option 4.
(c) Based on the extract, pick the option with the list of words that best describes Mr Keesing. (1)
(i) Jovial and creative (ii)Strict and innovative
(iii) Tolerant and strict (iv) Innovative and jovial
(d) Why do you think Mr Keesing chose the title - 'An Incorrigible Chatterbox' - for Anne, to write on? (2)
1. What motivated Anne Frank to write a diary? (3)

2. Why does Anne say: “Paper has more patience than people”? (3)
3. Why did Anne Frank say that teachers are the most unpredictable creatures on earth? (3)
4. Why was Mr Keesing annoyed with Anne? What did he ask her to do? (3)
5. Write a brief charatersketch of Anne Frank. (3)
1. Anne wanted to write convincing arguments to prove the necessity of talking. What does this tell you
about her? Did she possess a sense of freedom? Explain the values she possessed to justify herself. (6)
2. Do you agree that Anne Frank was far more intelligent, mature and witty than her age? Give a reasoned
answer. (6)
3. Anne had loving parents and a number of friends. Even then, she thought that she was alone. Why? (6)
Glimpses of India
1. The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. Monthly accounts used to old days. The
baker and his family never starved. He, his family and his servants always looked happy and prosperous.
Their plump physique was an open testimony to this. Even today any person with a jackfruit-like physical
appearance is easily compared to a baker.
(a) Why did the baker and his family never starve? (1)
(i) Because they were also farmers
(ii) Because they owned a confectionary
(iii) Because baking is a profitable profession
(iv) Because they got food ration from the local government
(b) Where did the baker record his accounts? (1)

(i) On a special calendar (ii) On a wall with pencil
(iii) In his notepad (iv) In a book
(c) How did the baker always look? (1)
(d) What was considered as the open testimony of the baker's happiness? (2)
2. Midway between Mysore and the coastal town of Mangalore sits a piece of heaven that must have drifted
from the kingdom of God. This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful
women and wild creatures. Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen
rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty per cent of this district. During
the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September
and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The air
breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in
prime corners.
(a) Which crops grow in Coorg in plenty? (1)
(b) What does the author say about the people of Coorg? (2)
(c) Between which two towns is Coorg situated? (1)

(i) Bangalore and Mangalore (ii) Bangalore and Mysore
(iii) Mysore and Mangalore (iv) None of these
(d) How has the view been described overall? (1)

(i) Marvelous (ii) Overwhelming
(iii) Resplendent (iv) Magnificent
4. Coorgi homes have a tradition of hospitality, and they are more than willing to recount numerous tales of valour
related to their sons and fathers. Coorg regiment is one of the most decorated in the Indian army, and the first Chief of
the Indian army, General Cariappa, was a Coorgi. Even now, Kodavus are the only people in India permitted to
firearms without a licence. The river Kaveri obtains its water from the hills and forests of Coorg. Mahaseer - a large
freshwater fish-abound in these waters. Kingfishers dive for their catch, while squirrels and langur drop partially eaten
fruit for the mischief of enjoying the splash and the ripple effect in the clear water.
(a) What is famous about the Coorgi homes? (2)
(b) Name the regiment that has received the maximum number of awards for bravery. (1)
(c) What kind of tales do Coorgi people like to narrate? (1)

(i) Tales of their descent (ii) Tales of their Gods
(iii) Tales of their valour (iv) Tales of their jungles
(d) Who was General Cariappa? (1)
(i) A brave Coorgi (ii) Chief of Indian Army and a Coorgi

(iii) A Padma Bhushan awardee (iv) A Bharat Ratna awardee

21. When would the baker come every day? Why did the children run to the baker? (3)
22. What are the elders in Goa nostalgic about? How can you say, ‘bread-baking is still popular in Goa’? (3)
23. Write the popular theories regarding the descent of the people of Coorg. (3)
24. The people of Coorg have a tradition of courage and bravery. How has it been recognised in modern
India? (3)
25. Where was tea first drunk? When did tea come to Europe? (3)
26. How has tea become a popular beverage? (3)

27. Pranjol was born and brought up on a tea estate in Assam but he was Rajvir who knew much about tea
leaves and the legends associated with tea. Base your answer on their visit to Dhekiabari Tea Estate in
Assam. (6)
28. Write a brief description of Coorg with special reference to its beauty, people, main crops, tourist
seasons and speciality for the army? (6)
29. In the chapter, 'A Baker from Goa' the narrator talks about his childhood in Goa and his fond memories.
Compare the childhood of Nelson Mandela with that of the narrator. (6)
(FIRST FLIGHT POETRY)

Dust Of Snow
1. The way a crow

Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
(a) What did the crow do to the hemlock tree? (1)
(b) Where do you think was the poet then? (1)

(i) Under the hemlock tree (ii) In his house
(iii) On the street (iv) In a park
(c) Identify the poet from the following. (1)

(i) Anton Chekov (ii) Adrienne Rich
(iii) Robert Frost (iv) Zan Gaudioso
(d) What mood of the poet is conveyed here? (2)
2. Has given my heart

A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
(a) Name poetic device used in the line 'And saved some part'. (1)
(i) Metaphor (ii) Alliteration
(iii) simile (iv) personification
(b) What does the poet mean when he says 'had saved some part of the day'? (2)
(c) I am the medium to bring change in the thought process of the poet. Guess who I am. (1)
(i) Crow (ii) Hemlock tree
(iii) Snow (iv) Melancholic element
(d) Identify the correct use of 'rue' or its form in the following sentences. (1)
(i) Robert heartily rue his time.
(i) The rich maroon rue was mixed with a ribbon of black.
(iii) People injured in accidents caused by the defective tyre have threatened to rue.
(iv) None of these
1. What is the central idea of the poem ‘Dust of Snow’? (3)

2. What side of the nature do 'crow' and 'hemlock tree' represent? (3)
3. What mood of the poet is reflected in the poem? How does it change? (3)
4. What did the poet think of the day before the dust of snow fell on him? (3)
5. Where was the poet and what happened to him? (3)

1. Imagine that frost is of present day and has been invited to write for an e-zine - "Teen Talk". He chooses
to draw upon his experience with the crow and the dusting of snow to share his thoughts on 'Every cloud has
a silver lining'. As Frost, Express your thoughts for the e-zine. (6)
2. Poets have great power of imagination. Robert Frost also explains his imagination very well and proves
that sometimes the bad symbols change into a boon. Discuss. (6)
Fire and Ice
1. Some say the world will end in fire
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
(a) What is the fire symbol of? (1)
(i) Hatred (ii) Endless desires
(iii) Anger (iv) All of these
(b) Why do some people say that the world will end in fire? (2)
(c) Which poetic device has been used in the third line of the stanza? (1)
(d) Identify the poet from the following. (1)

(i) William Blake (ii) Robert Burns
(iii) Robert Frost (iv) John Keats
2. But if it had to perish twice.

I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
(a) What does 'it' refer to here? (1)
(b) What does the 'ice' symbolise? (1)

(i) Happiness (ii) Freshness
(iii) Hatred (iv) Passion
(c) The main idea of the above lines is that: (1)
(i) love can destroy the world (ii) hatred can destroy the world
(iii) human's desire can destroy the world (iv) corruption in the world will destroy
everything
(d) When the poet says that for destruction ice is also great, can we infer that he likes ice? (2)

1. Which two ideas about how the world will end have been mentioned in the poem? Which idea does the
poet support more? (3)
2. According to the poet, what does ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ represent? Do you agree with him? (3)
3. Will this world come to an end? What does the poet say in this regard? (3)
4. What is the underlying idea of the poem ‘Fire and Ice’? (3)
5. What do you think would be enough to destroy the world? Can Fire and Ice contribute to it? (3)

1. What do the metaphors of ‘ice’ and ‘fire’ convey to the readers? Don’t they represent the two extremes of
human behaviour that can lead to the destruction and death of this world? What is the message that the poet
wants to give to the readers? (6)
2. There are many ideas about how this world will come to an ‘end’. What are they? Do you agree with the
poet and his understanding of the poet and his understanding of the issue in this regard? (6)
A Tiger in the Zoo
1. But he's locked in a concrete cell,

His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
(a) What does the expression 'stalking the length of his cage' imply? (2)
(b) Why is the tiger kept in a cell? (1)

(i) So that he could not hunt (ii) So that he could not kill villagers
(iii) So that he could not escape (iv) So that he could be sold
(c) Who is being ignored? (1)

(i) Visitors (ii) Animals
(iii) Both of these (iv) None of these
(d) What kind of enclosure was the tiger kept in? (1)
2. He should be lurking in shadow,

Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
(a) What is the poet trying to convey in the above lines? (2)
(b) The poet has used enjambment in the given lines to narrate about the style of tiger in/among ___________. (1)
(i) visitors (ii) woods
(iii) zoo (iv) water
(c) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE. (1)

The extract suggests poet wants to say that the actual life of a tiger is to live around deer.
(d) According to the extract, the poet wishes for the tiger to be 'sliding' through the foliage as this would: (1)
(i) assist in keeping the prey unsuspecting of the predator's sound

(ii) aid in camouflaging the presence of the predator, before it rushes in
(iii) help the predator pounce on the prey comfortably without getting tired
(iv) support the predator's vision as it eyes its prey
3. He stalks in his vivid stripes

The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
It is clear that where plump deer pass.
(a) 'Quiet rage' refers to the tigers: (1)
(i) helplessness (ii) he has not been able to hunt
(iii) his prey has not come to the water hole (iv) he is not free
(b) Why is the tiger lurking in shadows? (2)
(c) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)

It is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for 'pads of velvet' because ____________________ (clue- explain
how metaphor applies here)
(d) Find a word from the extract which means 'to walk with measured, stiff or haughty strides'. (1)
(i) steps (ii) lurking
(iii) pads (iv) stalk
4. He should be snarling around houses

At the jungle's edge,
Baring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorising the village!
His strength behind bars,
But he's locked in a concrete cell.
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
(a) Study the following statements. (1)

(1) The villagers don't feel happy that the tiger is caged.
(2) We feel sad that the tiger is caged.
(3) The tiger is happy that he doesn't have to hunt for his food.
(i) (1) is right and (2) is wrong. (ii) (2) is right and (1) is wrong.
(iii) (3) is right and (1) is wrong. (iv) (1) is wrong and (3) is right.
(b) We should protect the tigers as: (1)

(i) they are majestic to look at (ii) they attract visitors to the zoo
(iii) they are ferocious (iv) they are part of our environment
(c) What will happen if the tiger would have been free? (2)
(d) 'A tiger in the zoo ignoring visitors' is an example of tiger's __________________. (1)

1. What do you understand by `His strength behind bars’? What kind of a cage is he locked in? (3)
2. What difference do you find in the mood of a tiger when he is in a zoo and when he is in a forest? (3)
3. Do you think the tiger in the poem had lost its natural instinct due to captivity? Support your response
with the evidence from the poem 'A Tiger in The Zoo'. (3)
4. How does the tiger terrify the villagers? (3)
5. What message does the poet want to convey through the poem, 'A Tiger in the Zoo'? (3)

1. Imagine that man has been accused by the tiger of cruelty in an animal court. What would be the tiger's
three major accusations and how would man defend him? (6)
2. Animals, big and small, is being used by humans for their selfish ends? What is your opinion regarding
the exploitation of animals? Mention some examples that you can see a possible solution to this problem. (6)
3. Love for freedom is the natural instinct of every living being. Comment. (6)
The Ball Poem
1. What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,
What, what is he to do? I saw it go
Merrily bouncing, down the street and then
Merrily over there it is in the water!
No use to say 'O there are other balls':
(a) What does the expression 'what, what is he to do' denote? (1)
(i) Loss of the ball (ii) Ask the poet for another ball
(iii) Boy's grief over the loss of the ball (iv) Go down the street
(b) State whether the following statement is True or False: (1)

The poet was delighted to watch the ball bouncing down the street into the water
(c) There is no use to say 'O there are other balls'. What does it indicate? (2)
(d) 'What is the boy now, who has lost his ball.' Which feeling is expressed in this line? (1)
(i) Regret (ii) Cheer
(iii) Despair (iv) Thrill
2. I would not intrude on him;

A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now
He senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions.
(a) Giving another ball to the child is: (1)

(i) intruding on him (ii) worthless
(iii) going to make him upset (iv) going to make him happy
(b) Why is the boy sad? (2)
(c) What do the following lines suggest about the boy? (1)
"Now he senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions".
(i) It suggests that he is thinking of getting another ball.

(ii) It suggests that he now hates life.
(iii) It suggests that he wants to transform himself.
(iv) It suggests that the boy is nothing now that his ball is gone.
(d) The ball is called worthless because it costs only _____________________. (1)
3. He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,

The epistemology of loss, how to stand up
Knowing what every man must one day know
And most know many days, how to stand up.
(a) What is the boy learning? (1)

(i) That losing things is normal (ii) That we should not be attached with anything
(iii) To cope up with the loss (iv) The value of money
(b) What do you mean by 'epistemology of loss'? (2)
(c) The boy is going to know the universal truth that: (1)
(i) almost all men lose something (ii) they have to compromise with their loss
(iii) both of these (iv) none of these
(d) Which word from the stanza means the same as 'hopelessness'? (1)
4. An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy

As he stands rigid, trembling staring down
All his young days into the harbour where
His ball went. I would not intrude on him;
(a) The boy is very young in this poem. As a mature, balanced grown-up, he might look back and think that his
reaction of 'ultimate shaking grief' was: (1)
(1) disproportionate to the loss.
(2) pretension to procure a new toy.
(3) according to his exposure.
(4) a reaction to the failure of retrieving the toy.
(5) justified and similar to what it would be currently.
(i) 5 and 2 (ii) 1 and 3

(iii) 2 and 4 (iv) 3 and 5
(b) Pick the option that lists the boy's thoughts, matching with the line - As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down.
(1)
(i) Option (1) (ii) Option (2)

(iii) Option (3) (iv) Option (4)
(c) Why does the speaker choose not to intrude? (2)
(d) What is the meaning of 'harbour' as used in the extract? (1)

1. A ball is an easily available, inexpensive thing. Then, why is the boy so sad to lose it? (3)
2. Why does the poet decide not to give money to the boy or he buy another ball for him? (3)
3. Explain the line, “And no one buys a ball back. Money is external”. (3)
4. How did the boy react after his ball fell into the water of the harbour? (3)
5. Why doesn’t the poet want to intrude on ‘him’? What does he consider the safest course? (3)
1. What is the epistemology of loss in this world of possessions? How has the child learned to stand up in
life? (6)
2. Should the boy be allowed to grieve for his ball? If his loss is irreparable or irretrievable then how should
one handle it? What lessons can be learnt? (6)
3. Why is it important for everyone to experience loss and to stand up after it? (6)
How To Tell The Wild Animals
1. The true Chameleon is small,

A lizard sort of thing:
He hasn't any ears at all,
And not a single wing.
If there is nothing on the tree,
'Tis the Chameleon you see.
(a) The given stanza is aptly describing a chameleon. Find out the IRRELEVANT statement from the following. (1)
(i) The chameleon has the special quality of camouflaging.
(ii) Chameleon has no ears.
(iii) Chameleon is an animal without wings.
(iv) They capture their prey by whipping out their tongues with incredible precision. their tongues with incredible
precision.
(b) Fill in the blank. (1)

The poet has ____________ a chameleon with a lizard in the above stanza.
(c) Which one of the following doesn't correspond to 'sort of? (1)
(i) Remotely (ii) Moderately
(iii) Slightly (iv) Actually
(d) Why does the poet say that if there is nothing on the tree then it is the chameleon you see? (2)
2. Or if some time when roaming round,

A noble wild beast greets you,
With black stripes on a yellow ground,
just notice if he eats you.
This simple rule may help you learn
The Bengal Tiger to discern.
(a) Who is the animal being referred to in the given stanza? (1)
(b) How is the animal discussed in the given stanza different from an Asian lion? (1)
(i) An Asian lion roars when it falls upon its prey, while the animal discussed in the given stanza greets its prey first.
(ii) An Asian lion roars when it falls upon its prey, while the animal discussed in the given stanza yawns.
(iii) An Asian lion roars when it falls upon prey, the given stanza attacks silently.
(iv) None of these
(c) Given below is the list of words that show MOVEMENT. Take your pick which you think is/are NOT the
movement. (1)
(i) Option (1) (ii) Options (2) and (3)

(ii) Options (4) and (3) (iv) Option (4)
(d) Explain last two lines of the stanza. (2)
3. The true Chameleon is small,

A lizard sort of thing:
He hasn't any ears at all,
And not a single wing.
If there is nothing on the tree,
'Tis the Chameleon you see.
(a) The given stanza is aptly describing a chameleon. Find out the IRRELEVANT statement from the following. (1)
(i) The chameleon has the special quality of camouflaging.
(ii) Chameleon has no ears.
(iii) Chameleon is an animal without wings.
(iv) They capture their prey by whipping out their tongues with incredible precision.
(b) Fill in the blank. (1)

The poet has ____________ a chameleon with a lizard in the above stanza.
c) Which one of the following doesn't correspond to 'sort of? (1)

(i) Remotely (ii) Moderately
(iii) Slightly (iv) Actually
(d) Why does the poet say that if there is nothing on the tree then it is the chameleon you see? (2)
4. If when you're walking round your yard
You meet a creature there,
Who hugs you very, very hard,
Be sure it is a Bear.
If you have any
doubts, I guess
He'll give you just one more caress.
(a) According to the poet, what should one do if he is not sure it is a bear? (2)
(b) According to the stanza, a bear's hug may prove to be: (1)
(i) affectionate (ii) fatal
(iii) fragile (iv) eminent
(c) Identify the poetic device employed in the first line of the stanza. (1)
(d) Which word does 'caress' correspond to? (1)

(i) Cuddle (ii) Happy
(iii) Sad (iv) Moody
1. What is the theme of the poem — ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’? (3)
2. What humorous descriptions do you find in the poem? (3)
3. Would you agree that the poet has in-depth knowledge of the wild? Support the statement in context of
the poem "How to Tell Wild Animals". (3)
4. What does the poet say about the crocodile and the hyena? (3)
5. How would you recognise the Asian Lion? (3)

1.Every animal is unique and has some special characteristics. What tricks does the poet adopt in
distinguishing various wild animals? (6)
2. 'Many animals can be identified according to the poets’ suggestion. Name the animals. Which ones would
you like to identify? Are there any lessons for us from this poem? (6)
Footprints Without Feet
A Triumph Of Surgery
1. They were days of deep content, starting well with the extra egg in the morning, improved and sustained by the
midday wine and finishing luxuriously round the fire with brandy. It was a temptation to keep Tricki on as a
permanent guest, but I knew Mrs Pumphrey was suffering and after fortnight, felt compelled to phone and tell her that
the little dog had recovered and was awaiting collection.
(a) Mr Herriot would start well with the _____________ in the morning. (1)
(b) It was a temptation to: (1)

(i) have fun with Mrs Pumphrey (ii) to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest
(iii) to start the day with brandy (iv) none of these
(c) Mr Herriot enjoyed the lavish meal during Tricki's stay but still he felt compelled to inform Mrs Pumphrey about
the recovery of Tricki. Why? (2)
(d) Which word from the following means the same as 'the desire to do something? (1)
(i) Temptation (ii) Permanent (iii) Suffering (iv) Sustained
2. From then on, his progress was rapid. He had no medicinal treatment of any kind but all joys of being bowled over,
tramped on and squashed every few minutes. He became a day he ran about with the dogs, joining in their friendly
scrimmages. He discovered the accepted member of the gang, an unlikely, silky object among the shaggy crew,
fighting like a tiger for his share at mealtimes and hunting rats in the old henhouse at night. He had never had such a
time in his life.
(a) "He became an accepted member of the gang." How did the other dogs initially behave with Tricki? (2)
(b) Figurative device used in the expression, 'fighting like a tiger' is to establish: (1)
(i) sharp comparison between tiger and Tricki (ii) a parallel between Tricki and crew
(iii) sharp contrast between tiger and Tricki (iv) sharp comparison between crew and
Tricki
(c) 'From then on, his progress was rapid'. What does 'from then' refer to here? (1)
(i) Tricki's surgery (ii) Tricki's medication
(iii) Tricki's fight with other animals (iv) None of these
(d) Complete the analogy on preposition. (1)

_______________ : over: : tramped: on
3. The entire staff was roused and maids rushed in and out bringing his day bed, his night bed, favourite cushions, toys
and rubber rings, breakfast bowl, lunch bowl, supper bowl. Realising that my car would never hold all the stuff, I
started to drive away. As I moved off, Mrs Pumphrey, with a despairing cry, threw an armful of the little coats through
the window. I looked in the mirror before I turned the corner of the drive; everybody was in tears. Out on the road, I
glanced down at the pathetic little animal gasping on the seat by my side. I patted the head and Tricki made a brave
effort to wag his tail. "Poor old lad," I said. "You haven't a kick in you but I think I know a cure for you."
(a) What might the atmosphere of the household in the above extract signify? (2)
(b) Given below are some well-known quotes shared by the staff to console Mrs Pumphrey, after Tricki's departure.
(1)
Choose the option that correctly identifies the quote that IS NOT appropriate to the consolation offered.
(1) "Once you choose hope, anything is possible" - Christopher Reeve
(2) "There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in" - Leonard Cohen
(3) "We grow fearless by walking into our fears" - Robin Sharma
(4) "Mostly it is loss which teaches us about the worth of things" - Arthur Schopenhauer
(i) Option (1) (ii) Option (2)
(iii) Option (3) (iv) Option (4)
(c) As the extract indicates, Mrs Pumphrey indulged Tricki and bought him many things. Choose the option that best
describes the kinds of advertisement/s that seem likely to persuade Mrs Pumphrey to buy something for Tricki. (1)
(1) Statistics Appeal - Such advertisements use facts and data to convince consumers to buy products.
(2) Scarcity Appeal - Such advertisements create a feeling of exclusivity and are often used to convince people to take
advantage of a sale or limited period
(3) Personal Appeal - Such advertisements focus on evoking emotions to convince consumers and often relate to
family or other inter-personal interactions.
(4) Fear Appeal - Such advertisements focus on inspiring some kind of fear to convince consumers to take action in
order to avoid certain negative or
undesirable consequences.
(i) Options (1), (2) and (4) (ii) Options (3) and (4)
(iii) Options (1), (3) and (4) (iv) Option (2)
(d) The narrator describes Tricki as a "pathetic little animal". What does the use of the word 'pathetic' indicate? (1)
4. I walked through the house into the garden. A mass of dogs was hurtling round and round the lawn and in the midst,
ears flapping, tail waving, was the little golden figure of Tricki. In two weeks, he had been transformed into a lithe,
hard-muscled animal; he was keeping up well with the pack, stretching out in great bounds, his chest almost brushing
the ground.
(a) Who is referred as 'I' here? (1)
(b) What happened in two weeks? (2)
(c) He was keeping up well with the: (1)

(i) maids (ii) staff (iii) doctor (iv) pack
(d) Which word from the following is the antonym of 'boundary'? (1)
(i) Amidst (ii) Through (iii) Hurtling (iv) Lawn
1. Why did Mrs. Pumphrey calls the doctor? (3)

2. How does Dr. Herriot treat Tricki? (3)
3. What was Mr. Herriot’s strict advice? Did Mrs. Pumphrey heed his advice? What excuses did she make?
(3)
4. What special diet did Mrs. Pumphrey give to build Tricki up? (3)
5. Why was Dr. Herriot tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest? (3)

1. Mrs Pumphrey and Dr Herriot have been invited to speak at a community pet adoption drive. There were
some differences in Mrs Pumphrey and Dr Herriot's views of responsibility and experiences of keeping a
pet. As a reporter for the local pet magazine, write an article recording and comparing their perspectives.
Don't forget to give an amazing title. (6)
2. The foolish indulgence and pampering of the rich mistress, Mrs Pumphrey was the real cause of Tricki’s
miserable condition. Give a reasoned answer. (6)
3. How did Herriot save Tricki’s life? Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will
happen now? (6)
The Thief's Story
1. Well, it's time I did some real work, I told myself; I'm out of practice. And if I don't take the money, he'll only waste
it on his friends. After all, he doesn't even pay me.
(a) What is referred to as 'real work'? (2)
(b) What will he waste on his friends? (1)
(i) Time (ii) Money (iii) Food (iv) All of these
(c) Fill in the blank. (1)

Anil is a ________________ man.
(d) Which word from the following is the antonym of 'useful'? (1)
(i) Waste (ii) Pay
(iii) Take (iv) Practice
2. I had forgotten about them in the excitement of the theft. Whole sentences, I knew, could one day bring me more
than a few hundred rupees. It was a simple matter to steal - and sometimes just as simple to be caught. But to be a
really big man, a clever and respected man, was something else. I should go back to Anil, I told myself, if only to
learn to read and write.
(a) Anil taught Hari Singh to _______________. (1)
(b) What did Hari Singh forget? (2)
(c) He realised that education could give him: (1)

(i) respect (ii) money
(iii) both of these (iv) none of these
(d) Which word from the following means the same as 'smart'? (1)
(i) Respected (ii) Clever (iii) Simple (iv) Big
3. When the train had gone, I found myself standing alone on the deserted platform. I had no idea where to spend the
night. I had no friends, believing that friends were more trouble than help. And I did not want to make anyone curious
by staying at one of the small hotels near the station.
(a) Where is Hari Singh, according to the extract? (1)
(b) Who were more trouble than help? Why? (2)
(c) He did not want to make anyone curious by: (1)

(i) staying at one of the small hotels (ii) standing alone on the deserted platform
(iii) stealing money from Anil (iv) boarding the train
(d) Hari Singh had no idea: (1)

(i) what to steal (ii) what to do
(iii) where to spend the night (iv) how to reach the hotel
4. I had been working for Anil for almost a month and, apart from cheating on the shopping, had not done anything in
my line of work. I had every opportunity for doing so. Anil had given me a key to the door, and I could come and go
as I pleased. He was the most trusting person I had ever met.
(a) What do you understand by 'line of work?? Explain in the context of the given extract. (2)
(b) What opportunity is the speaker talking about? (1)
(c) Anil had given Hari Singh: (1)

(i) the key to the door (ii) both of these
(iii) his monthly income (iv) none of these
(d) Who was the most trusting person? (1)
(i) Anil (ii) Hari Singh (iii) Both of these (iv) None of these

1.Why was it difficult for Hari Singh to rob Anil? Why did Hari Singh feel bad after stealing the money? (3)
2. What are the different reactions of the people when they are robbed? (3)
3. Describe Hari Singh, the young and successful thief. (3)
4. What made Hari Singh come back to Anil? Why does Anil not hand Hari Singh over to the police? (3)
5. What was Anil's job? What did he usually do with the money he earned? (3)
1. “But to be a really big man, a clever and respected man was something else.” Hari finally accepted the
importance of education and honest living. What do you think about the role of education in changing
people like Hari? Comment on it by highlighting the values one imbibes through education. (6)
2. The chapter shows Hari Singh’s journey from a thief to an honest man who values friendship and other
human values. Do you think it was Anil’s selfless friendship that helped Hari to change himself? (6)
3. Give a character-sketch of the thief, Hari Singh. Highlight the gradual changes that come in him. (6)
The Midnight Visitor
1. Ausable moved to an armchair and sat down heavily. "I'm going to raise the devil with the management this time,
and you can bet on it," he said grimly. "This the second time in a month that somebody has got into my room through
that nuisance of a balcony! Fowler's eyes went to the single window of the room. It was an ordinary window, against
which now the night was pressing blackly.
(a) Why was Ausable disturbed? (1)

(i) Because he found Max in the room (ii) Because of his room's balcony
(iii) Because of the security (iv) Because of Fowler who was constantly talking
(b) What did he complain of? (1)

(i) the delayed room service
(ii) the irritating romantic writer
(iii) the strangers entering through the window of his room
(iv) the carelessness of Max while entering the room
(c) What story did Ausable cook up to confuse Max? (2)
(d) When do you think Ausable thought up his plan for getting rid of Max? (1)
2. "You are disappointed," Ausable said wheezily over his shoulder. "You were told that I was a secret agent, a spy,
dealing in espionage and danger. You wished to meet me because you are a writer, young and romantic. You
envisioned mysterious figures in the night, the crack of pistols, drugs in the wine." "Instead, you have spent a dull
evening in a French music hall with a sloppy fat man who, instead of having messages slipped into his hand by dark-
eyed beauties, gets only a prosaic telephone call making an appointment in his room. You have been bored!" The fat
man chuckled to himself as he unlocked the door of his room and stood aside to let his frustrated guest enter.
(a) "You were told that I was a secret agent, a spy, dealing in espionage and danger.” Who is 'you' referred to here? (1)
(b) Why did Fowler come to meet Ausable? (2)
(c) How did the man envision his meeting with Ausable? (1)
(i) The man was actually scared of meeting a spy and smelt risks associated with it.
(ii) The man had expected of Ausable to be a down to earth man.
(iii) The man anticipated that Ausable must be a fat and lethargic person.
(iv) The man envisioned that he would be meeting an agent dealing with danger, crime scenes and drugs.
(d) Which one of the characteristics given below doesn't describe Ausable? (1)
(1) Muscular (2) Clever
(3) Meticulous (4) Linguist
(5) Extravagant (6) Poorly dressed
(7) Hefty
(i) Options (1), (3) and (5) (ii) Options (2), (3) and (5)
(iii) Options (1), (6) and (7) (iv) Options (4), (3) and (5)
3. Max was slender, a little less than tall, with features that suggested slightly the craftly, pointed countenance of a
fox. There was about him aside from the gun - nothing especially menacing. "The Report," he murmured. "The report
that is being brought to you tonight concerning more new missiles. I thought I would take it from you. It will be safer
in my hands than in yours." Ausable moved to an armchair and sat down heavily. "I'm going to raise the devil with the
management this time, and you can bet on it," he said grimly. "This is the second time in a month that somebody has
got into through that nuisance of a balcony!"
(a) Owning a gun gave a menacing impression to Max's character. How? (2)
(b) Complete the analogy. (1)

craftly: fox :: menacing: ______________
(c) Delnaaz is a new tenant in her locality and Mrs Mehta is the landlady. Choose the option that lists an action that
would require Mrs Mehta to 'raise the devil' with Delnaaz. (1)
(1) She uses the elevator five times a day.
(2) She feeds the stray dogs in the street.
(3) She works late at night and stays home in the afternoon only.
(4) She plays music louder than is necessary late into the night.
(i) Option (1) (ii) Option (2) (iii) Option (3) (iv) Option (4)
(d) Which word replaces 'sat down heavily' in the sentence - 'Ausable moved to an armchair and sat down heavily'? (1)
(i) Dumped (ii) Flumped (iii) Pumped (iv) Jumped
4. Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read. Ausable musty corridor of the gloomy
French hotel where Ausable had a felt down. It was a small room, on the had to load scarcely a setting for felt let doc
adventure. Ausable was, for one thing, fat. Very fat and then there was his acre. Though he spoke French and German
passably, he had never altogether American accent he had brought to Paris from Boston twenty years ago. "You are
disappointed," Ausable said wheezily over his shoulder.
(a) "Following him down the musty corridor of the gloomy French hotel where Ausable had a room....." Choose the
correct option to replace the underlined words. (1)
(i) expansive; abnormal (ii) lighted; formal (iii) damp; dingy (iv) uncanny; smart
(b) It can be inferred from the extract that a secret agent is expected to be compassionate and apologetic. (True/ False)
(1)
(c) Why was Fowler disappointed on seeing Ausable? (2)
(d) Choose the option that lists the INCORRECT statements about the given passage. (1)
(1) Fowler had no expectations at all from Ausable.

(2) Fowler was elated when he met Ausable.
(3) Ausable was living in France as a spy.
(4) Ausable had acquired the French accent over twenty years ago.
(i) (1), (2) (ii) (3), (4) (iii) (1), (3) (iv) (2), (4)

1. How did Ausable kill Max without using a weapon? (3)
2. How did Max go out of Ausable's room to save himself from the police? (3)
3. How is Ausable different from other secret agents? (3)
4. Describe Max as a secret Agent. (3)
5. What purpose did the 'balcony' serve in the story 'The Midnight Visitor'? (3)

1. Pride before a fall befits Max, who said: “I will get it back tonight.” Was he successful? What lessons can
be learned from this? (6)
2. Presence of mind and intelligence are more powerful than a gun. How far is it true in the case of Ausable,
the secret agent? (6)
3. At the beginning of the story, Fowler felt disappointed with Ausable. Do you think Fowler had the same
feeling towards the end of the story? Give reasons for your answer. (6)
A Question of Trust
1. But he never got the chance to begin his plan. By noon a policeman had arrested him for the jewel robbery at
Shotover Grange. His fingerprints, for he had opened the safe without gloves, were all over the room, and no one
believed him when he said that the wife of the owner of the house had asked him to open the safe for her. The wife
herself, a gray-haired, sharp-tongued woman of sixty, said that the story was nonsense. Horace is now the assistant
librarian in the prison. He often thinks of the charming, clever young lady who was in the same profession as he was,
and who tricked him. He gets very angry when anyone talks about 'honour among thieves'.
(a) Complete the given statement. (1)

The plan devised by Horace was to ____________________.
(b) Based on the extract, choose what you think are the main feelings Horace probably has, for the young lady who
tricked him, when he thinks about her? (1)
(i) anger and blame (ii) admiration and respect
(iii) respect and gratitude (iv) anger and vengeance
(c) Given below are four situations in Mr Verma's house. Choose the situation that depicts Mr Verma being sharp-
tongued with his family members. (1)
(i) Mr Verma's wife shares a life problem with him and he advices her honestly.
(ii) Mr Verma's daughter scores poor marks in her exams and Mr Verma remains silent.
(iii) Mr Verma's son cooks food for the first time and he gets criticized by his father immediately.
(iv) Mr Verma's sister buys a new car to surprise him and he is overjoyed with the news.
(d) Explain, 'Honour among thieves'. (2)
2. How foolish people are when they own valuable things, Horace thought. A magazine article had described this
house, giving a plan of all the rooms and a picture of this room. The writer had even mentioned that the painting hid a
safe! But Horace found that the flowers were hindering him in his work. He buried his face in his handkerchief. Then
he heard a voice say from the doorway, "What is it? A cold or hay fever?" Before he could think, Horace said, "Hay
fever," and found himself sneezing again. The voice went on, "You can cure it with a special treatment, you know, if
you find out just what plant gives you the disease. I think you'd better see a doctor, if you're serious about your work. I
heard you from the top of the house just now."
(a) According to the extract, Horace was sneezing due to a sudden allergy. (True/False) (1)
(b) Why did Horace think that people who own valuable things are foolish? (2)
(c) In the line - Before he could think, Horace said, "Hay fever," - the response was: (1)
(i) rehearsed (ii) spontaneous and natural
(iii) hesitant (iv) rapid and hostile
(d) The line from the extract that can be considered an example of sarcasm is: (1)
(i) how foolish people are when they own valuable things.
(ii) Horace found that the flowers were hindering him in his work.
(iii) you can cure it with a special treatment.
(iv) I think you'd better see a doctor, if you're serious about your work.
3. "Down, Sherry," she said. "Anyone would think I'd been away for a month!" She smiled
at Horace, and went on, "However, I came back just in time, though I didn't meet a burglar."
Horace had some hope because she seemed to be amused at meeting him. He might avoid trouble if he treated her the
right way. He replied, "I didn't expect to meet one of the family."
She nodded. "I see what an inconvenience it is for you to meet me. What are you going
the family." to do?"
Horace said, "My first thought was to run."
"Of course, you could do that. But I would telephone the police and tell them all about
you. They'd get you at once."
(a) Who is Sherry in the above extract? (1)
(b) Pick the option/s that correctly exhibit/s the (1)

(1) intruder (2) trespasser
(3) picklock (4) sentinel
(5) pilferer (6) purloiner
(7) amateur
(i) Options (1), (2), (3), (6) and (7) (ii) Options (1), (2), (3), (4) and (6)
(iii) Options (2), (3), (5), (6) and (7) (iv) Options (1), (2), (3), (5) and (6)
(c) Horace carried out the instructions of the lady because he didn't want to: (1)
(i) deceive her (ii) mistrust her (iii) face the police (iv)please her
(d) How did the lady react on meeting Horace? (2)
4. "Why should I? You were going to rob me. If I let you go, you'll only rob someone else.
Society must be protected from men like you."
Horace smiled. "I'm not a man who threatens society. I steal only from those who have a lot of money. I steal for a
very good reason. And I hate the thought of prison. “She laughed, and he begged, thinking that he had persuaded her,
"Look, I have no right to ask you for anything, but I'm desperate. Let me go and I promise never to do this kind of
thing again. I really mean it."
She was silent, watching him closely. Then she said, "You are really afraid of going to prison, aren't you?"
(a) Identify the speaker "Society must be protected from men like you." (1)
(b) How does Horace convince the lady in red to let him go free? (2)
(c) Pick the option showing the CORRECT meaning of the word 'persuaded'. (1)
(i) Dissuaded (ii) Chided (iii) Cajoled (iv) Discouraged
(d) Choose the statement from the following that the lady speaks to establish her confidence. (1)
(i) 'If I let you go, you'll only rob someone else.'
(ii) 'You are really afraid of going to prison.'
(iii) 'Let me go and I promise never to do this kind of thing again.'
(iv) 'You were going to rob me.
1. What was Horace Danby’s hobby? How did he manage to fulfil his hobby? (3)
2. Though Horace planned everything meticulously, why did he fail? (3)
3. Who is the real culprit in this story, the lady or Horace? How did he/she manage to rob the safe without leaving a
single fingerprint? (3)
4. What did the young lady asked Horace to do for her? (3)
5. Why is Horace Danby described as good and respectable but not completely honest? (3)
1. Horace Danby was a respectable man but he could not be called loyal. What do you think could be the reasons for
leading a respectable man like him on the path of thievery? Did he feel a lack of sense of freedom? Was it not in his
nature to accept the differences among people regarding their social status? Discuss the values he should have
possessed in 100-120 words. (6)
2. Horace Danby represents such people who adopt the wrong ways to fulfil their wishes. What values would you like
such people to imbibe to reform themselves? Write in about 100-120 words. (6)
3. Give a character-sketch of Horace Danby in your own words. How was he cheated by the lady in red? (6)
Footprints Without Feet
1. Eager to get away from crowded London he took a train to the village of Iping, where he booked two rooms at the
local inn. The arrival of a stranger at an inn in winter was in any case an unusual event.
(a) Why was Griffin eager to leave London? (2)
(b) How did he travel? (1)
(c) What was the unusual event? (1)

(i) Travelling to the village (ii) Getting away from London
(iii) Arrival of a stranger (iv) Booking the rooms
(d) Which word from the following means the same as 'to reserve'? (1)
(i) Get away (ii) Unusual
(iii) Arrival (iv) Booked
2. Mrs Hall almost fell down the stairs in hysterics. She was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits and that
the stranger had somehow caused these to enter into her furniture.
(a) Why was Mrs Hall hysterical and fell down the stairs? (2)
(b) Mrs Hall suspected everything in the room was ________________________________. (1)
(c) According to the extract, the feeling of Mrs Hall can be best described as: (1)
(1) stunned (2) happy
(3) awestruck (4) nervous
(5) outraged (6) agitated
Select the correct option:

(i) (2) and (4) (ii) (3) and (6)
(iii) (5) and (6) (iv) (1) and (6)
(d) 'Spirits' in the given extract means the same as: (1)
(i) ghosts (ii) conscience (iii) ego (iv) attitude
3. His landlord disliked him and tried to eject him. In revenge, Griffin set fire to the house. To get away without being
seen he had to remove his clothes. Thus, it was that he became a homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money
and quite invisible - until he happened to step in some mud, and left footprints as he walked!
(a) What did Griffin do with the landlord? (2)
(b) Fill in the blank with one word only. (1)

Griffin deliberately removed his clothes because he wanted to become _____________.
(c) Griffin's presence was felt when: (1)

(i) he jumped into the water with a splash (ii) he wore clothes
(iii) he left muddy footprints (iv) he stepped in mud
(d) Which of the following is NOT true with reference to the given extract? (1)
(i) Griffin had become penniless.
(ii) Griffin promised to behave himself.
(iii) Griffin revealed himself by his muddy footprints.
(iv) No one could see Griffin when he took off his clothes.
4. He escaped easily enough from the boys who followed his footprints in London. But his adventures were by no
means over. He had chosen a bad time of the year to wander about London without clothes. It was mid-winter. The air
was bitterly cold and he could not do without clothes. Instead of walking about the streets he decided to slip into a
London store for warmth.
(a) Fill in the blank. (1)

The boys followed the ___________________ in London.
(b) Why was it the bad time of the year? (1)

(i) It was mid-winter. (ii) It was hot summer.
(iii) It was raining. (iv) It was spring time.
(c) Why did he slip into a big London? (2)

(d) Which word from the following means the same as 'to move behind someone/something'? (1)
(i) Escaped (ii) Wander (iii) Followed (iv) Walking

1.Why did Griffin set the landlord’s house on fire? (3)
2. How did Griffin become invisible and how did he try to become visible? (3)
3. What did Griffin do in the house of the clergyman? (3)
4. Why were the two boys surprised and fascinated? (3)
5. How and why did a brilliant scientist like Griffin degenerate into a lawless and homeless wanderer? (3)

1. What was the curious episode that took place in the clergyman’s study? (6)
2. Griffin’s unlawful activities devalue his scientific discovery. What are some of the qualities that he should
develop? (6)
3.How would you assess Griffin as a scientist and a human being? What qualities or values would you
suggest will make him a better person? (6)

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ENGLISH

1. Read the following passage carefully. (10 marks)

(i) Which of the following have a deep impact on society? (1)

(ii) Study the following statements. (1)

(iv) How can analysing peer behaviour help a person? (2)

2. Read the following passage carefully. (10 marks)

(a) For which two reasons do smokers give up smoking? (1)

(b) Name two steps taken in India against smoking. (1)

(i) 25% of the smokers will be killed by this addiction.

(d) How do people get rid of the smoking habit? (2)

A. People quit smoking out of their own free will.

(f) What kind of people go to de-addiction centres? (2)

3. Read the following passage carefully. (10 marks)

(b) Complete the following with a phrase from paragraph. (1)

(h) List the factor that certifies food to be organic. (1)

Case-Based Factual Passage

Q1. Read the following passage carefully: (10 marks)

The rate of tourism in the North-East of India puzzles tourism officials.

aroma : cooking :: _____: painting

(d) cost-effective services, affordable accomodation and many days of touring.

(a) Option 1 (b) Option 2 (c) Option 3 (d) Option 4

(vi) Fill in the blank by selecting the correct option. (1)

(a) expected (b) encouraging (c) inconsistent (d) questionable

Foreign tourist arrivals in the North-East witnessed a growth of ...

Q2. Read the following passage carefully. (10 marks)

On the basis of your reading of the given passage:

(a) Why were women not allowed to receive education? (1)

Q3. Read the following passage carefully. (10 marks)

Table 1: Awareness level among respondents

(i) Traffic issues (ii) Growing pollution

1. playing loud music 2. understanding the socio-economic conditions

(c) Complete the following with a reason from paragraph 5. (1)

Action desired Reason

(i) To use fresh flower (ii) To use hand-made clothes

a) will call b) call c) had called d) calls

Use the given format for your response.

Use the given format for your response.

Use the given format for your response.

(FIRST FLIGHT PROSE)

1. heavy rain I. light rain that falls in very fine drops

2. thunderstorm II . very heavy rain, tropical rain

5. downpour V. a violent, short-lived weather disturbance associated with lightning, thunder

(i) 1-(II), 2-(IV), 3-(V), 4-(I), 5-(III)

(a) Why did Lencho get angry? (2)

(b) Why was Lencho not surprised? (1)

(d) Which word means the same as 'faith'? (1)

(c) What help had Lencho asked for? (1)

(d) Why did no leaf remain on the trees? (1)

(d) How did Lencho feel after the storm? (1)

Answer the following questions in 40-50 words.

Answer the following questions in 100-120 words.

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

(i) getting citizenship of their country

(i) gratitude (ii) achievement (iii) happiness (iv) charity

(d) State whether the following statement is True or False: (1)

(a) Which ceremonies are being referred to here? (1)

(b) What type of government was chosen in South Africa? (1)

(i) A democratic government through fair elections

(d) What lesson can be learned from this story? (1)

(i) To believe in justice