STUDENT SUPPORT MATERIAL

CLASS-XII
SUBJECT – ENGLISH CORE (301)
SESSION – 2021-2022

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 SUPPORT MATERIAL FOR STUDENTS

PATRONS

Dr. Jaideep Das, Deputy Commissioner, Ahmedabad Region

Smt. Shruti Bhargava, Assistant Commissioner, Ahmedabad Region

MENTOR

Mrs. Jamie James, Principal, KV SAC, Ahmedabad

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 CONTENT DEVELOPMENT TEAM

1. Mr. Kirit Chauhan, PGT English, KV, No.1, Ahmedabad

2. Ms. Sheetal Meena, PGT English, KV, Ahmedabad Cantt.

3. Ms. Chital Solanki, PGT English, KV, Ahmedabad Cantt.

4. Ms. Kiran Mishra, PGT English, KV, SAC, Ahmedabad

5. Ms. Jisha Rajan, PGT English, KV, ONGC, Chandkheda

6. Mr. P L Khatik, PGT English, KV, Bhuj, AFS No.1.

7. Mr. Sunil More, PGT English, KV, Viramgam

8. Mr. Harish Katariya, PGT English, KV, Himmatnagar

9. Ms. Dhwanika Bhatt, PGT English, KV, Sec.30, Gandhinagar

10. Ms. Sita Singh, PGT English, KV, Gandhinagar Cantt.

11. Ms. Yogita Sharma, PGT English, KV, BSF Dantiwada

12. Mr. Sureshkumar Magarvadiya, PGT English, KV, Mehsana

13. Ms. Kashmira Makwana, PGT English, KV, No.1 AFS, Bhuj

14. Mr. Jagdish Parmar, PGT English, KV, Bhuj Cantt.

15. Mr. Ramesh Vasava, PGT English, KV, AFS, Naliya

16. Mr. J.B. Patil, PGT English, KV, Dhrangadhra

17. Mr. Nandkumar Sagar, PGT English, KV, Bhavnagar

18. Mr. Gautam Parmar, PGT English, KV, Rajkot

19. Mr. Ashwinbhai Makwana, PGT English, KV, Junagadh

20. Mr. Dipak Vaishnav, PGT English, KV, Diu

21. Mr. Sanjay Pandya, PGT English, KV, AFS, Jamnagar

22. Mr. Maulik Parmar, PGT English, KV, No.2, INF, Jamnagar

23. Mr. Rakesh Tiwari, PGT English, KV, Samana

24. Ms. Amita Makwana, PGT English, KV, Valsura Jamnagar

25. Mr. Bhaveshkumar Sutariya, PGT English, KV, Dwarka

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26. Mr. Anil Kumar, PGT English, KV, AFS, Makarpura, Baroda

27. Ms. Jatinder Kaur, PGT English, KV, ONGC, Baroda

28. Ms. Urvi Suthar, PGT English, KV, No.2, EME, Baroda

29. Ms. Gayithri Rajeev, PGT English, KV, No.2, EME, Baroda

30. Mr. Arun Yadav, PGT English, KV, No.1, Harni, Baroda

31. Mr. S. N. Dubey, PGT English, KV, V V Nagar

32. Ms. Rekha Joshi, PGT English, KV, No.1, Surat

33. Mr. Paresh Bhatt, PGT English, KV, No.2 KRIBHCO, Surat

34. Ms. A.G. Pushpavally, PGT English, KV, ONGC, Surat

35. Ms. Preeti, PGT English, KV, Ankleshwar

36. Ms. Priyanka Goswami, PGT English, KV, No. 3, Jamnagar

37. Mr. Vyomesh Raval, PGT English, KV, Porbander

38. Ms. Susmita Bhaduri, PGT English, KV, Silvasa

39. Mr. Ashish Akhiya, PGT English, KV, Ghandhidham Rly.

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 INDEX

Sr. No. Topic Page No.

1. Ist Term Syllabus 06

2. Reading ( Unseen Passages ) 07-33

3. Notice 34-38

4. Classified Advertisements 38-41

5. Letter to the Editor 41-53

6. Article Writing 53-57

7. LITERATURE 58-179
i. The Last Lesson
ii. Lost Spring
iii. Deep Water
iv. My Mother at Sixty Six
v. An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum
vi. Keeping Quiet
vii. The Third Level
viii. The Enemy
8. CBSE Sample Paper& Marking Scheme 180-198

9. Solved Sample Paper 199-224

10. Unsolved Question Paper 225-242

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 English Core Code No. 301 Class XII (2021-22)
Ist Term Syllabus

SECTIO TERM 1 WEIGHTAGE (IN

N MARKS)
Reading Comprehension: ( Two Passages)
 Unseen passage (factual, descriptive or
A literary/ discursive or persuasive)
 Case Based Unseen (Factual) Passage
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(8+6 Marks)
Creative Writing Skills :

B Short Writing Tasks

 Notice Writing 3+5 marks Total=08
 Classified Advertisements

Long Writing Tasks(One)

 Letter to an Editor (giving suggestions or
opinion on issues of public interest)
 Article Writing

Literature :
Literary-prose/poetry extracts ( seen- texts ) to
C assess
comprehension and appreciation, analysis,
inference, extrapolation
11 Marks for
Flamingo + 7 Marks
Questions Based on Texts to for Vistas = 18 Marks
assess comprehension and appreciation, analysis,
inference, extrapolation

Book- Flamingo (Prose)

 The Last Lesson
 Lost Spring
 Deep Water

Book-Flamingo (Poetry)
 My Mother at Sixty-Six
 An Elementary School Classroom in a
Slum
 Keeping Quiet
Book-Vistas (Prose)
 The Third Level
 The Enemy
TOTAL 40

ASL 10

GRAND TOTAL 40 + 10 = 50

Prescribed Books
Flamingo: English Reader published by National Council of Education Research and Training, New Delhi
Vistas: Supplementary Reader published by National Co

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 READING

Factual Passages

1. Read the passage given below:

(1) Whaling is the hunting of whales for food and oil. Whaling was once conducted around the
world by seafaring nations in pursuit of the giant animals that seemed as limitless as the oceans
in which they swam. However, since the mid-20th century, when whale populations began to
drop catastrophically, whaling has been conducted on a very limited scale. It is now the subject
of great scrutiny, both by formal regulatory bodies and by non-governmental organizations.
(2) Whaling has been documented in many sources-from Neolithic cave art to present-day
annual reports of the International Whaling Commission. Prehistoric inhabitants of far northern
coastal regions, lacking adequate agriculture, developed successful whaling techniques using
Stone Age weapons. By the time the Inuit (Eskimo) of eastern and western North America were
first encountered by Europeans, they had already mastered whale hunting, and many Inuit
methods were used as recently as 1900. For the Inuit, a captured whale supplied food, fuel, and
light; sinews provided cordage, and bones were used for tools and construction. Not until the
20th century, when floating factory ships came into use, did other civilizations succeed in the
same efficient use of the whole carcass. Elsewhere, from the first intensive hunting of whales in
the early 17th century to the early 20th century, little more than blubber and baleen was used,
and the remainder of the animal was discarded. Each successive discovery of new whaling
grounds resulted in the near disappearance of a particular species. The efficiency of modern
hunting methods hastened this trend.
(3) International whaling developed in stages that were determined by changing demand,
diminishing stocks, and advancing technology. A lengthy primitive stage eventually led to
commercial whaling; new markets and technical and chemical advances then produced modern
whaling, which led to virtual extinction of the quarry and a return to a primitive stage. The
commercial stages were dominated overwhelmingly by northern Europeans and Americans first
the Dutch, then the British and Americans, and finally the Norwegians and British. Only at the
very end, when Europeans no longer found the trade profitable, did they surrender the remaining
whales to the Russians and Japanese.
(4) The graph below shows number of two common types of whales in Antarctica between 1985
and 2010.

1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5 Sei Whales
0.4 Minke Whales
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010

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Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given
below by choosing the most appropriate option:

Q1. Around when did the whale populations start dropping largely?

(A) Beginning of 19th century (B) Mid 20th century

(C) Early 21" century (D) Just recently
Q2. What is the earliest documented source of whaling?

(A) Paleolithic cave art (B) Mesolithic cave art

(C) Neolithic cave art (D) Monolithic cave art
Q.3. Who are Inuits?

(A) The whales predominantly found in Antarctica

(B) The people predominantly found in Antarctica
(C) The people living in cold areas of eastern and western North America
(D) The people living in cold areas of Siberian desert in Russia
Q.4. Who started the commercial whaling?

(A) Dutch (B) British

(C) Russians (D) Japanese
Q.5 Which of these pictorials represents the correct relationship between hunting of Minke
whales and Sei whales
Minke
(A) Option 1
Sei (B) Option 2

Minke Sei

Minke
(C) Option 3
Sei Minke
Sei
(D) Option 4

Q. 6. Which of these pictorials represents the correct relationship between hunting of Minke
whales and Sei whale in 1995?
Minke
(A) Option 1
Sei (B) Option 2

Minke Sei
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 Minke Minke
(C) Option 3
Sei Sei
(D) Option 4

Q.7. In the year 1985, the difference between the number if Minke Whales hunted and Sei
Whales hunted was_________ .
(A) 1000 (B) 15000
(C) 16000 (D) 14000
2. Read the passage given below:

(1) Royal Bengal Tiger is the largest, fiercest, and powerful member of the Big Cat family in India. Royal
Bengal Tigers, also known as Indian Tiger and Bengal Tiger, constitute a large population of the tiger
family in the world. It is the National animal of India and is found mostly in India, China, Bhutan,
Bangladesh, and Burma.

2) The biological name of this Big Cat is Panthera Tigris, which comes under the Felidae family under
Mammalia category.

(3) No two Bengal tigers look alike! Every Bengal Tigers has a unique stripe pattern. Their colour ranges
from yellow to light orange, with stripes from dark brown to black. Some of the Bengal Tigers are white in
colour. The tail is orange in colour with black rings. Unlike the other white tigers that have blue eyes,
Bengal tigers have yellow inses They live for 10 to 15 years.

(4) Being fierce in nature, Royal Bengal Tigers are not much friendly in nature and live a solitary life,
except in winters when they can be seen in a group of 3 or 4. Bengal tigers are fast runners and good
swimmers. Tigers attack their prey in a stealth mode. They are usually spotted in swamps, mangroves,
and grasslands.

(5) Royal Bengal Tigers have very sharp memories; they never forget the faces. Their memory is sharper
than humans and other animals.

(6) We can find the largest population of Royal Bengal Tigers in India. As per the latest tiger census report
2017, there are 3,786 Royal Bengal tigers in India. India has more than 75% of the total tiger population
in with India, neighbouring countries to India holds a somewhat decent population of Royal Bengal Tiger
in the world. The latest census of the tigers in India and neighbouring countries are shown in the table:

SrNo. Name of Country Minimum Maximum

1. Bangladesh 300 460

2. Bhutan 80 460

3. China 30 35

4. India 2500 3800

5. Nepal 150 250

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(7) To know about the latest tiger population is always government's concern, as they want to
save this majestic animal from getting extinct. India has lost 97% of its Royal Bengal Tiger
population in the last century. The main reason is Hunting, Poaching, Urbanization, Habitat loss
and Illegal wildlife Trade. Poaching means to illegally trade the tiger made products like tiger
skin, tiger made jewellery, etc. These skin and jewellery are sold for millions in the international
market. Poaching has reduced the number of tigers to just 3,800 from 1,00,000 in the starting of
the 20th century.

Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given below
by choosing the most appropriate option:

Q.1. The biological name of Bengal Tiger is Panthera _______ .

(A) Tiger (B) Tigress
(C)Tigris (D) Tigers
Q.2. Pick out the characteristic(s) of Bengal Tigers.
(A) Fast Runners (B) Attack in stealth mode
(C) Good swimmers (D) All of these
Q.3. When was the latest survey of tigers conducted according to the passage?
(A) 2010 (B) 2017
(C) 2019 (D) 2020
Q.4. The number of tigers in _____________ ranges from 80 to 460.
(A) Bangladesh (B) Bhutan
(C) China (D) Nepal
Q. 5. From the given pictorial representation, choose the option that correctly states the
approximate percentage of total tigers in the world which are found in India.
(A) Option 1 (B) Option 2

(C) Option 3 (D) Option 4

Q.6.Which pair of countries has approximately same number of maximum tigers?

(A) Nepal and Bangladesh (B) Bhutan and Bangladesh

(C) China and Nepal (D) Bangladesh and India

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Q.7. Pick out the option(s) that correctly state the reason for reduction in the population of the
tigers?

(A) Poaching (B) Epidemic

(C) Climatic changes (D) Soil erosion
Answers :

Passage : 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

B C C A A C D

Passage : 2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

C D B B B B A

3. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow

Money is one of the most important inventions in human history. It helps people who do not know
or trust each other to trade. If you have enough money, you can go into a store and walk out with
a candy bar. The store owner does not need to know or trust you. They only need to count your
money. This is a pretty big deal if you think about it.

Before money, most exchange was based on credit and debt. Imagine that you were part of an
ancient tribe and had an extra pair of shoes. If your tribe mate Joshua needed shoes, you might
give him your extra ones. Joshua would then be in debt to you. He would owe you one. Later,
your family might be starving in the depths of winter. You might have no success hunting, and
Joshua might share some of his food with you.

The credit and debt system served humans well for much of time. Our minds are good at
remembering favors and who owes whom. The problem with this system is that it requires trust.
I need to know the reputation of the person to whom I am lending. I need to trust that he or she
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will repay me. Otherwise, we cannot trade. It's easy to trust our tribe mate Joshua. We know
him. We are familiar with his reputation. But what about those from the tribe across the sea? Do
we trust them? Probably not. At least not enough to give them our shoes on credit. After all, we
don't even know them.

A society that does not have money cannot grow very large. It's hard to maintain relationships
with more than 150 or 200 people. Reputational systems of exchange fail as groups grow larger.
The need for money develops.

Imagine that you were a soldier living in a Roman army camp in the 1st century. Thousands of
men and women live alongside you. Many are soldiers. Some are nurses or physicians. Others
are merchants, farmers, or cooks. Let's say that you needed a blacksmith to repair your armor.
The blacksmith doesn't know you. Even if he or she did, you might die in the next battle. The
blacksmith cannot trust you to repay your debts. But the blacksmith does not need to trust you.
You are paid in gold and silver coins. You can trade coins with strangers for whatever goods or
services you desire.

Today, the monetary system once again relies on credits and debts. But now, banks and lenders
can keep track of everyone's reputation. They use computers and government issued identities.
They know our credit histories. They know our spending habits. They use algorithms to rank our
credit worthiness. They know us well enough to issue credit to us, even though they don't actually
know us. What a world!

1. Which main point about money is the author trying to make in this text?

a) Money unfairly flows to the richest people in the world.

b) Money allows people who don't know or trust each other to trade.

c) Money is the root of all evil.

d) Money can purchase many things but it cannot buy happiness.

2. According to the text, how did people mainly transact before the invention of money?

a) They used the barter system and traded physical goods.

b) They used seashells and beads as currency.

c) They lent and borrowed from each other.

d) Everything was free and everyone shared freely.

3. Why would the author lend to Joshua but not the tribe across the sea?

a) Joshua is the wealthiest person in town.

b) Joshua is a person who is known and trusted.

c) Joshua is a feared Roman soldier.

d) Joshua is the fastest person in the tribe.

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4. What is the author's main purpose in writing the THIRD paragraph?

a) He is trying to convince us to forgo modern life and to live in tribes.

b) He is informing readers of the history of credit and debt systems.

c) He is explaining why tribal life is unproductive and wasteful.

d) He is describing the weaknesses of the credit and debt system.

5. Why did Roman army camps need to use money to facilitate trade?

a) Most people did not know each other.

b) Most people did not trust each other.

c) People often died in battle.

d) All of these reasons.

6. Which technologies enable modern societies to use credit systems?

a) Computers and government identification

b) Airplanes and phone networks

c) Radio waves and license plates

d) Steam power and waterways

7. Which is TRUE based on information from the text?

a) Roman army camps were much smaller than ancient tribes.

b) Roman army camps were about the same size as ancient tribes.

c) Roman army camps were much larger than ancient tribes.

d) Nobody knows the actual size of Roman army camps.

8. With which statement would the author most likely AGREE?

a) Money allows civilizations to grow very large.

b) Credit and debt systems are primitive and only were only used in ancient times.

c) Money ruins civilizations by making everyone greedy.

d) Credit and debt systems cannot function in the modern world.

9. Which event happened LAST in history?

a) Thousands of people lived in Roman Army camps.

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b) Credit and debt systems became widespread again due to technology.

c) Money was invented.

d) Ancient tribes used mainly credit and debt systems for exchange.

10. With which statement would the author most likely DISAGREE?

a) If someone has a good reputation, it is easier to trust him or her.

b) Reputations are important for lenders and borrowers.

c) Money makes trading easier for people who do not know each other.

d) People can easily maintain good relationships with thousands of other people.

ANSWERS

Passage : 3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

B C B D D A C A B D

4. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.

When I used to think of inventors, I pictured old men with grey beards. I pictured white lab coats
and smoky beakers. I was surprised to learn that young people have created many world-
changing inventions.

Like 15-year old Albert Sadacca, who invented Christmas tree lights. The year was 1917. The
place was New York city. Someone was hanging candles from a Christmas tree, as was common
at that time. This started a tragic fire. Sadacca's parents sold electric lighting in their shop. Young
Albert thought to adapt these lights for use on Christmas trees. This turned out to be a pretty
bright idea.

Another 12-year old visionary was Louis Braille. Braille was blind in both eyes. In 1819 young
Louis was attending one of the world's first schools for blind children. He learned a system of
touch-based literacy, but it was hard for him to write. Braille sought a better way to communicate
with his classmates. He wanted to write freely, without needing special equipment. So he taught
himself a system of night-writing used in the military. Then he made a few changes to it. By the
time he turned 15, he had created Braille. People with visual impairments today still use Braille
to read and write.

Another cool kid who changed the world was 11-year old Frank Epperson. Frank was chilling on
his porch one night in 1905. He went to bed and forgot his cup of lemonade on the porch. When
he woke the next morning, young Frank realized that he had created the world's first Popsicle.
He would later patent the concept and trademark the name "Popsicle." Frank's idea was so
successful that many people still call ANY frozen treat a Popsicle.

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Speaking of cool kids, 15-year old Chester Greenwood was ice-skating one day in 1873.
Naturally, as tends to happen during winter play, his ears got cold. Chester had a clever idea.
He asked his grandma to sew some fur tufts to a wire loop that he had fashioned. His design
worked well! He had invented earmuffs. He patented his "ear protectors" as he called them. They
were manufactured in his hometown of Farmington, Maine. Greenwood's one good idea
provided jobs for people in the Farmington area for 60 years.

Margaret E. Knight is another young person who became a small town hero. She is best
remembered as the woman who invented the flat-bottomed paper bag. But she made her first
life-saving device at the age of 12. Her brothers were working at a textile mill in town. One day
she was visiting them. A loom malfunctioned and injured a worker. She thought she could make
the machines safer. She invented an effective system. Her method was later used in many
factories. She saved a lot of lives. And we still use the paper bag design that she created in
1868. How many lives have those saved? Am I right?

Some young people feel powerless. They feel like they are living in an adult world, created by
adults for adults. But the truth is that everyone has the power to change the world. A 12 year-old
girl growing up in 1868 made factories safer. A 15 year-old boy, blind in both eyes, made written
communication more accessible. An 11 year-old forgot to put away his drink and it froze. Who
knows what's in store for your future?

1. Which statement is FALSE?

a) Chester Greenwood invented ear protectors.

b) Frank Epperson invented the Popsicle.

c) Albert Sadacca invented the flat-bottomed paper bag.

d) Louis Braille invented a system of writing.

2. Which happened FIRST in order of time?

a) Braille was invented.

b) The flat-bottomed paper bag was invented.

c) Christmas tree lights were invented.

d) The popsicle was invented.

3. According to the text, why did Louis Braille want to invent a new system of writing?

a) So he could help the military write secret codes.

b) So he could communicate with his friends more easily.

c) So he could graduate from his school.

d) So he could write messages in the middle of the night.

4. Which best describes how Frank Epperson invented the Popsicle?

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a) He tested many different formulas before finding success.

b) He used an old family recipe, in his family for generations.

c) He consulted with scientists and doctors to find his idea.

d) He created it by accident.

5. Which event caused 15-year old Albert Sadacca to invent?

a) He saw a factory worker get injured.

b) A candle in a Christmas tree started a fire.

c) He left his lemonade on the porch.

d) He was ice skating and his ears got cold.

6. Which statement about Chester Greenwood is FALSE?

a) He helped to employ people in his town for 70 years.

b) His grandma helped him with his invention.

c) He patented the concept of the Popsicle.

d) He was ice skating when he had his big idea.

7. Which caused Margaret E. Knight to invent at the age of 12?

a) She left her lemonade on the porch.

b) A candle in a tree started a fire.

c) She wanted to better communicate with friends.

d) She saw a loom worker get injured.

8. With which statement would the author of this text most likely DISAGREE?

a) All important discoveries happen in science labs.

b) People with disabilities have invented amazing things.

c) Women have changed the world through invention.

d) Children have made important discoveries.

9. Which lesson can readers learn from this text?

a) Age and experience are necessary to do important things.

b) Anybody, no matter how young, can change the world.

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c) Kids should leave grown-up problems to the grown-ups.

d) Everything important has already been invented.

10. Which advice would the author MOST LIKELY give to young people?

a) All the problems in the world have already been solved.

b) Children should do what they are told and not ask questions.

c) Remain curious and think of ways to solve problems.

d) Only adults are smart enough to change the world.

ANSWERS

Passage : 4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

c A b d b c d a b C

5. Read the extract given below:

1. Philosophy of Education is a label applied to the study of the purpose, process, nature
and ideals of education. It can be considered a branch of both philosophy and education.
Education can be defined as the teaching and learning of specific skills, and the imparting
of knowledge, judgment and wisdom, and is something broader than the societal
institution of education we often speak of.

2. Many educationalists consider it a weak and woolly field, too far removed from the
practical applications of the real world to be useful. But philosophers dating back to Plato
and the Ancient Greeks have given the area much thought and emphasis, and there is
little doubt that their work has helped shape the practice of education over the millennia.

3. Plato is the earliest important educational thinker, and education is an essential element
in "The Republic" (his most important work on philosophy and political theory, written
around 360 B.C.). In it, he advocates some rather extreme methods: removing children
from their mothers' care and raising them as wards of the state, and differentiating children
suitable to the various castes, the highest receiving the most education, so that they could
act as guardians of the city and care for the less able. He believed that education should
be holistic, including facts, skills, physical discipline, music and art. Plato believed that
talent and intelligence is not distributed genetically and thus is be found in children born

17
 to all classes, although his proposed system of selective public education for an educated
minority of the population does not really follow a democratic model.

4. Aristotle considered human nature, habit and reason to be equally important forces to be
cultivated in education, the ultimate aim of which should be to produce good and virtuous
citizens. He proposed that teachers lead their students systematically, and that repetition
be used as a key tool to develop good habits, unlike Socrates' emphasis on questioning
his listeners to bring out their own ideas. He emphasized the balancing of the theoretical
and practical aspects of subjects taught, among which he explicitly mentions reading,
writing, mathematics, music, physical education, literature, history, and a wide range of
sciences, as well as play, which he also considered important.

5. During the Medieval period, the idea of Perennialism was first formulated by St. Thomas
Aquinas in his work "De Magistro". Perennialism holds that one should teach those things
deemed to be of everlasting importance to all people everywhere, namely principles and
reasoning, not just facts (which are apt to change over time), and that one should teach
first about people, not machines or techniques. It was originally religious in nature, and it
was only much later that a theory of secular perennialism developed.

6. During the Renaissance, the French skeptic Michel de Montaigne (1533 - 1592) was one
of the first to critically look at education. Unusually for his time, Montaigne was willing to
question the conventional wisdom of the period, calling into question the whole edifice of
the educational system, and the implicit assumption that university-educated philosophers
were necessarily wiser than uneducated farm workers, for example.

On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer ANY EIGHT questions
from the eleven given below. [1*10=10]

i Philosophy of Education is a branch of both –

a. Psychology and Education

b. Philosophy and Education
c. Psychology and Teaching
d. None of the above
ii What is the difference between the approaches of Socrates and Aristotle?

a. Aristotle felt the need for repetition to develop good habits in students; Socrates felt
that students need to be constantly questioned
b. Aristotle felt the need for rote-learning; Socrates emphasized on dialogic learning
c. There was no difference
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 d. Aristotle emphasized on the importance of paying attention to human nature; Socrates
emphasized upon science

iii Why do educationists consider philosophy a ‘weak and woolly’ field?

a. It is not practically applicable

b. Its theoretical concepts are easily understood
c. It is irrelevant for education
d. None of the above

iv What do you understand by the term ‘Perennialism’, in the context of the given
comprehension passage?

a. It refers to something which is of ceaseless importance

b. It refers to something which is quite unnecessary
c. It refers to something which is abstract and theoretical
d. It refers to something which existed in the past and no longer exists now

v ‘The Republic’ is an important work on

a. Philosophy
b. Political Theory
c. Education
d. both a and b above

vi Were Plato’s beliefs about education democratic?

a. He believed that only the rich have the right to acquire education
b. Yes, Plato’s beliefs were democratic but not his suggested practices
c. He believed that only a select few are meant to attend schools
d. He believed that all pupils are not talented

vii According to Aristotle ultimate aim of education is

a. Produce virtuous citizens

b. Produce intelligent citizens
c. Produce good citizens
d. both a and c above

viii Why did Aquinas propose a model of education which did not lay much emphasis on facts?

a. Facts are not important

b. Facts do not lead to holistic education

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 c. Facts change with the changing times
d. Facts are frozen in time

ix Who questioned the assumption that university-educated philosophers were necessarily wiser
than uneducated farm workers?

a. Plato
b. Aristotle
c. Montaigne
d. Socrates

x Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word given in bold.

‘Skeptic’ (Para 6)

a. believer
b. doubter
c. optimist
d. disciple

ANSWERS

Passage : 5

1. b. Philosophy and Education

2. a. Aristotle felt the need for repetition to develop good habits in students; Socrates felt
that students need to be constantly questioned
3. a. It is not practically applicable
4. a. It refers to something which is of ceaseless importance
5. d. both a and b above
6. b. Yes, Plato’s beliefs were democratic but not his suggested practices
7. d. both a and c above
8. c. Facts change with the changing times
9. c. Montaigne
10. b. doubter

6. Read the given passage and answer any ten of the questions that follow:(10 Marks)
1. India has had a wound around its Himalayan neck since the Chinese invasion in 1962. The
recent Galwan Valley massacre only added salt to the wound. It has come to this because when
China invaded a neighbouring country, Tibet, in 1950, India was in the thrall of the newly-
20
communist country established by Mao Zedong after a bloody revolution. Ignoring its
civilisational relationship with Tibet, India hoped to gain from the emerging People’s Republic of
China and thus celebrated “Hindi-Chini bhai bhai”.If Tibet had remained a free country, it would
today have been the 10th largest country in the world in terms of area, with 25 lakh square km
of land. The Tibetan Plateau hosts 46,000 glaciers, one-fourth of the world’s total. It is a major
source of many rivers and is dotted by thousands of lakes, which serve as the origins of some
of the biggest and longest rivers in Asia. Rivers like the Indus, Satluj, Brahmaputra, Salween,
Mekong, Yangtze and Yellow River flow in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Burma,
Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and China, catering to a population larger than that of China.
It is shocking that such a reservoir of water and natural resources in Asia has been occupied by
China and there has been not a word of protest.
2. Ancient Buddhist culture is preserved in Tibet because of the shared history and culture
between India and Tibet. In the public psyche, Kailash Mansarovar was part of India. Tibetans
used to visit Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India at Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Nalanda and Amravati.
The border was irrelevant between India and Tibet. People used to freely crossover. Today,
there are two armies and there is no point of crossover. Indians have to go to Tibet through
Nepal. After the Galwan Valley clash, the armies of the two countries are standing eyeball-to-
eyeball, armed to the teeth.
3. After the Dalai Lama took refuge in India almost one lakh Tibetans have come to the country,
most of them living in Karnataka and the Indian Himalayan regions. But the Tibetan seat of power
is in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh where the Dalai Lama lives. The Tibetan parliament and
government are based there. Although many Tibetans still dream of a free Tibet, India’s desire
to become close to China in the past has made the possibility of independence for Tibet remote.
Tibetans practice love and compassion and believe in sacrificing their lives rather than taking
somebody else’s. They believe that they would give their lives for freedom but not cause harm
to the Chinese. There have been so far 155 self-immolations, mostly by teenagers, under
Chinese occupation. Instead of holding China responsible for 70 years of occupation, the act of
self-immolation has often been questioned. Over 160 countries trade with China, directly
benefiting at the cost of suffering Tibetans, and never speak up for Tibet. In Tibet, even a simple
act such as possessing the Dalai Lama’s photo is a crime. Anyone found with the Tibetan
national flag in Tibet can be charged with the highest crime of separatism.

i) Which country invaded India in 1962?

a. Pakistan
b. China

21
c. The USA
d. none of these
ii) …………………hosts one fourth of the world’s total glaciers.
a. Antarctica
b. England
c. The Tibetan plateu
d. both (a) and (b)
iii) There is an abundance of ………………in Tibet.
a. gold mines
b. coal mines
c. water and natural resources
d. none of these
iv) Why is ancient Buddhist culture preserved in Tibet?
a. because of shared history and culture between India and Tibet
b. because Tibetans love India
c. because Dalai Lama was born in India
d. both (a) and (b)
v) How do Indians go to Tibet now?
a) Through China
b. Through Nepal
c. Through Thailand
d. all of these
vi) Why are the armies of India and China standing eyeball to eyeball?
a. because Indian Govt banned Tik tok
b. because Chinese products are banned in India
c. because of the Galvan valley clash
d. none of these
vii) Why is Dharamshala Tibetan seat of power?
a. because China can not attack Dharamshala
b. because the dalai Lama lives there
c. Tibetan parliament and govt are based there
d. both (b) and (c)
viii) Meaning of the idiom armed to teeth is…………..
a. well equipped
b. holding an arm with teeth

22
c. biting arm
d. none of these
ix) Which word in para 2 means ‘protected’?
a. preserved
b. pilgrimage
c. psyche
d. none of these
x) Which word/phrase in para 3 means "to set fire to one self"?
a. sacrifice
b. self immolation
c. took refuge
d. none of these

Answers:

Q.6 Passage (10X1 =10 Marks)

i) ii) iii) iv) v) vi) vii) viii) ix) x)
b C c a b c d a a b

DISCURSIVE PASSAGE

7. Read the passage given below.

1. Giving soothes an individual with the vibration of joy. Unconditional giving is a natural principle
and evident everywhere in nature which gives us solids, liquids and minerals. Water gives itself
away for our agriculture and other uses. Trees give flowers, fruits and wood. Air gives us the
very life-breath and the sun gives us light of life.

2. Even the animals give us milk, egg, meat, skin and various services. But what do we humans
contribute to the cosmos in return? Isn't our role predominately selfish and destructive? We
expand civilisation to disturb ecological balance, spread pollution in the fresh natural
atmosphere, indulge in ruthless deforestation, kill animals even for sport and consume all natural
resources for our own selfish interest.

3. It is always great to make donations, but what about giving your own time? It's wonderful to
drop off used clothing, books and toys at a shelter for the homeless, but what about spending
an hour to each week reading and playing with the deprived children? Come face to face with
the person you are helping. It will make your giving more meaningful.
23
4. It is not about just the time that you give to the deprived children, but what you give to your
family. Are you there when they need you? Or, is it always you who demand help and cooperation
from the rest of your family members? How much do you care for the elderly that live with you
or are far away from you? How do you utilise your spare moments? Isn't it that you just sit before
the television and keep on flipping the channels trying to find something that suits your interest?
Shut it down!... You can use these precious spare moments making a 'Get Well Soon' card for
your grandmother, or someone dear to you not in good spirits, or send a letter via Internet. Why
be on the 'Facebook' all the time chatting with your friends whom you already meet daily at
school?

5. The law of Karma is a natural law whereby we are paid back in the same coin. We have added
much for our comforts, but we have not been able to attain tranquility. We are constantly haunted
by excessive greed for grabbing which is severely disturbing peaceful coexistence. We rarely do
what we can for preservation of nature and even our own fellowmen. We have not moved much
from the primitive selfish mentality where self preservation was the law for survival.

6. What can we give back to the cosmos? We humans are predominantly gifted with mind and
intellect. These are very sharp instruments indeed which can be used as surgeon's knife for
healing or an instrument for killing. Instead of nurturing anger, jealousy, hatred, selfishness and
animosity, we can spread love, care, kindness and benevolence to all, thereby transform the
earthly vibration into a heavenly one. If not anything else, we can at least pray for the happiness
and well-being of all. We are here in the image of God. We have divine inheritance of love.
wisdom and self-transformation. We may resolve to be engaged in divine enjoyment of nature
and God's creation with love. Jesus said, "Those that give shall receive."

7. Instead of being always at the receiving end, let us abide the principle of giving by all means
and see how things change for humanity at large.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of the ten questions
by choosing the correct option

Q.1 The principle which is seen everywhere in nature is of:

A. law
B. discipline
C. love
D. unconditional giving

Q.2 Ecological imbalance is the result of:

24
 A. man's growing needs.
B. selfishness
C. cutting of trees
D. expansion of civilisation

Q.3 Giving becomes worthwhile by:

A. donating old clothes to the needy

B. donating books and toys to the homeless
C. spending an hour with the deprived children
D. None of the above

Q.4 Which of the following option is correct?

B. It is good to utilise your A. It is good to utilise

spare moments in your spare moments

watching your favourite in chatting with your

channel on T.V. friends on Facebook

D. It is good to utilise
C. It is good to utilise
your spare moments
your spare moments in
in making 'Get well
sleeping for the whole
soon card for your
day
grandmother

spare moments in

Q.5 Our peaceful co-existence is disturbed by:

A. our Karmas
B. our selfish nature
C. our excessive greed
D. None of these

Q.6 The sharp instruments, humans are gifted with are:

A. jealousy and anger

B. mind and intellect
C. hatred and enmity
25
 D. love and care

Q.7 The natural principle of unconditional giving is:

A. spread pollution in atmosphere

B. Indulge in ruthless deforestation
C. nature gives solids, liquids and minerals
D. None of the above

Q.8 Human's attitude towards nature is:

A. very kind
B. destructive
C. selfless
D. All of these

Q.9 The 'law of Karma' is:

A. we get the fruit of what we haven't done.

B. we should do good deeds.
C. a natural law whereby we are paid back in the same coin.
D. None of the above.

Q.10 There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). choose the
correct option:

Assertion (A) The man is not able to attain peace and tranquility.

Reason (R) he is the victim of excessive greed

(A) A is true but R is false.

(B) Both A and R are true.

(C) A is false but R is true.

(D) Both A and R are false.

8. Read the passage given below.

1. Concern about the effects of television on children has centred exclusively upon the contents
of the programmes which children watch. Social scientists and researchers do complex and
ingenious experiments to find out whether watching violent programmes makes children behave
26
aggressively. But it is easy to overlook the simple fact that one is always just watching television
when sitting in front of the screen rather than having any other experience.

2. Parents who are deeply troubled about the effects of television upon their children have
centred their concern on the subject matter of the programmes. A group called Action for
Children's Television (ACT) was formed in the US not only to reduce the amount of violence in
programmes but also to protest against incessant commercial breaks which encouraged children
to crave for fashionable toys and unhealthy foods. One of its founders described its aims ".
parents have the right to ask that programmes aimed at the young should meet the specific
needs of children......"

3. But is it the needs of children which are at stake when parents demand better programmes?
Surely the fact that young children watch so much television reflects the needs of parents to find
a convenient source of amusement for their offspring and a period of quiet for themselves. Their
anxieties about the possible ill effects of those hours of passive, quiet viewing are lessened if
the time spent at least seems to be educational.

4. The real needs of young children are quite different. They need to develop initiative and to
find out things for themselves; television provides answers too easily. Children need to acquire
fundamental skills of communication; television retards verbal development because the child is
silent while watching it. Television discourages the sort of games that enable the young to
discover their strengths and weaknesses, with the result that as adults they will be less fulfilled.

Their need for fantasy is gratified far better by their own make-believe activities than by the adult-
made fantasies offered on television. Intellectual stimulation is provided more completely by
manipulating, touching, and doing than by passively watching and listening.

5. Oddly enough, the television industry, though often cynical and self-serving in its exploitation
of children, sometimes unknowingly serves their best interests. Because television offers cheap
junk programmes, conscientious parents do in fact limit their children's viewing when such
undesirable programmes are the only ones available. Unfortunately, if organisation like ACT
succeed in improving the quality of programmes significantly, the effects on young children will
be more harmful because their permitted viewing time will increase and no matter how good their
content, TV programmes are always a poor substitute for other activities.

6. There are a number of fallacies that have misled parents into thinking that the problem of
television will be solved by improving its quality. It is suggested, for example, that a youngster
unfamiliar with TV programmes will find making friends difficult and will be labelled as an

27
 outsider. On the contrary, other children will usually respect their independence and recognise,
even envy, the richness of their alternative activities. More subtle is the mistaken belief that the
experience that children gain from watching television is the same as when the adults watch
television, their own past and present experiences come into play, so that they can test the view
of the world presented on the small screen against their knowledge of real life. But young children
have very few real-life experiences to set against their viewing, so that for them TV is primary
source of experience; their formative years are spent largely in an unreal, unnatural, second-
hand world.

7. It is also universally assumed that TV is an important source of learning. Like an animated

picture book it presents in an easily digestible and entertaining way a great deal of information
about the natural world, history, current affairs, other countries and so on. But the knowledge' of
today's television-educated children, spouting words and ideas they do not fully understand and
'facts' whose accuracy they cannot judge from their limited experience cannot compare with the
knowledge acquired by reading or activity. It is then that children use their minds and their bodies,
their imaginative and reasoning power, to enrich their lives.

8. Only when parents begin to question the nature of television itself and its effects on their
children and on themselves as parents, will they begin to realise that it is not the programme but
television itself, and especially the good programmes, which poses the greater threat to their
children's well-being. (Adapted from The Plug in Drug by Marie Winin)

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of ten
questions by choosing the correct option:

Q.1 Parents who are worried about the effects of TV upon their children have focussed their
concern on:

A. serials shown on TV
B. timings of TV programmes
C. subject matter of the programmes
D. All of the above

Q.2 which of the following correctly describes the primary function of ACT?

A. A group D. A group C. A group B. A group

called ACT aims at called ACT aims at called ACT aims at called ACT aims at
increasing making programmes reducing the adding more reality
entertainment level lengthy amount of violence shows
in programmes 28
in programmes
Q.3 Pick out the correct statement.

A. Television improves the verbal development of the child.

B. Television encourages the sort of games that enable the young to discover their
strengths and weaknesses.
C. Television retards verbal development because the child is silent while watching it
D. Children don't need to acquire fundamental skills of communication

Q.4 There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). choose the
correct option:

Assertion (A): TV is an important source of learning because:

Reason (R): TV presents a great deal of information about natural world, history and current
affairs in an easily digestible and entertaining way.

(A) A is true but R is false.

(B) Both A and R are true.

(C) A is false but R is true.

(D) Both A and R are false.

Q.5 The greater threat that TV watching poses to a child's well-being is:

A. some of its programmes

B. the reality shows
C. the advertisements shown on TV about fancy foods
D. television itself

Q.6 What is the role of ACT in improving the quality of TV programmes?

A. It Improves the serials by adding more value based stories.

B. It adds more entertainment.
C. It aims at reducing the amount of violence in TV
D. Which of the following is not a negative effect of TV watching?

Q.7 Which of the following is not a negative effect of TV watching?

A. TV discourages children to develop their initiative.

B. It retards verbal development because the child is silent while watching TV.
29
 C. TV programmes are a poor substitute for other activities.
D. TV adds to the knowledge of the child.

Q.8 Knowledge gained by reading books is better than the one gained by watching television
because:

A. books give children more visual satisfaction.

B. TV watching gives them limited exposure.
C. while reading books a child's mind and body are at work and his imaginative power is
used to enrich his life.
D. None of the above

Q.9 The real needs of young children are:

A. to develop initiative and to find out things for themselves

B. to be silent listeners
C. to indulge in studies all the time
D. None of the above

Q.10 Pick the synonym of 'acquire

A. Hamper
B. Compel
C. Obtain
D. Sacrifice

ANSWERS

PASSAGE 7
Q.1 D. unconditional giving
Q.2 D expansion of civilisation.
Q.3 C spending an hour with the deprived children
Q.4 C making 'Get well soon card for your grandmother
Q.5 C our excessive greed
Q.6 B mind and intellect
Q.7 C nature gives solids, liquids and minerals
Q. 8 B destructive
Q. 9 C a natural law whereby we are paid back in the same coin.
Q.10 B Both A and R are true.

30
 PASSAGE 8
Q. 1 C subject matter of the programmes
Q.2 C A group called ACT aims at reducing the amount of violence in programmes

Q.3 C Television retards verbal development because the child is silent while
watching it.
Q.4 B Both A and R are true.
Q.5 D television itself
Q.6 C It aims at reducing the amount of violence in TV
Q.7 D TV adds to the knowledge of the child.
Q.8 C while reading books a child's mind and body are at work and his Imaginative
power is used to enrich his life.
Q.9 A to develop initiative and to find out things for themselves
Q.10 C Obtain

PERSUASIVE
Q.9 Read the passages carefully and answer the questions (8x1=8)

1. No student of a foreign language needs to be told that grammar is complex. By changing word
sequences and by adding a range of auxiliary verbs and suffixes, we are able to communicate
tiny variations in meaning. We can turn a statement into a question, state whether an action has
taken place or is soon to take place, and perform many other word tricks to convey subtle
differences in meaning. Nor is this complexity inherent to the English language. All languages,
even those of so-called ‘primitive’ tribes have clever grammatical components. The Cherokee
pronoun system, for example, can distinguish between ‘you and I’, ‘several other people and I’
and ‘you, another person and I’. In English, all these meanings are summed up in the one, crude
pronoun ‘We’. Grammar is universal and plays a part in every language, no matter how
widespread it is. So, the question which has baffled many linguists is—who created grammar?
2. At first, it would appear that this question is impossible to answer. To find out how grammar is
created, someone needs to be present at the time of a language’s creation, documenting its
emergence. Many historical linguists are able to trace modern complex languages back to earlier
languages, but in order to answer the question of how complex languages are actually formed,
the researcher needs to observe how languages started from scratch. Amazingly, however, this
is possible.
3. Some of the most recent languages evolved due to the Atlantic slave trade. At that time, slaves
from a number of different ethnicities were forced to work together under colonizer’s rule. Since,
31
 they had no opportunity to learn each other’s languages, they developed a make-shift language
called a pidgin. Pidgins are strings of words copied from the language of the landowner. They
have little in the way of grammar, and in many cases, it is difficult for a listener to deduce when
an event happened, and who did what to whom. Speakers need to use circumlocution in order
to make their meaning understood. Interestingly, however, all it takes for a pidgin to become a
complex language is for a group of children to be exposed to it at the time when they learn their
mother tongue. Slave children did not simply copy the strings of words uttered by their elders;
they adapted their words to create a new, expressive language. Complex grammar systems
which emerge from pidgins are termed creoles and they are invented by children.
4. Further evidence of this can be seen in studying sign languages for the deaf. Sign languages
are not simply a series of gestures; they utilise the same grammatical machinery that is found in
spoken languages. Moreover, there are many different languages used worldwide. The creation
of one such language was documented quite recently in Nicaragua. Previously, all deaf people
were isolated from each other, but in 1979 a new government introduced schools for the deaf.
Although children were taught speech and lip reading in the classroom, in the playgrounds they
began to invent their own sign system, using the gestures that they used at home. It was basically
a pidgin. Each child used the signs differently, and there was no consistent grammar. However,
children who joined the school later, when this inventive sign system was already around,
developed a quite different sign language. Although it was based on the signs of the older
children, the younger children’s language was more fluid and compact, and it utilised a large
range of grammatical devices to clarify meaning. What is more, all the children used the signs in
the same way? A new creole was born.

5. Some linguists believe that many of the world’s most established languages were creoles at
first. The English past tense –ed ending may have evolved from the verb ‘do’. ‘It ended’ may
once have been ‘It end-did’. Therefore, it would appear that even the most widespread languages
were partly created by children. Children appear to have innate grammatical machinery in their
brains, which springs to life when they are first trying to make sense of the world around them.
Their minds can serve to create logical, complex structures, even when there is no grammar
present for them to copy.

1.1. On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any ten of the following
questions by choosing the most appropriate option:

(a) Complexity in language is inherent to......

(i) all the languages (ii) English
(iii) tribal languages (iv) primitive languages
32
(b) The Cherokee pronoun system can distinguish between......
(i) you and I (ii) several other people and I
(iii) you, another person and I (iv) all of these

(c) All the following sentences about Nicaraguan sign language are
true except:
(i) the language has been created since 1979
(ii) the language is based on speech and lip reading
(iii) the language incorporates signs which children used at home
(iv) the language was perfected by younger children

(d) Some of the most recent languages evolved due to the......

(i) Atlantic slave trade (ii) complex grammar system
(iii) weak pronunciation (iv) none of these

(e) What is common to all languages?

(i) basic grammar (ii) the sign rules
(iii) grammar is common to all languages (iv) series of gestures

(f) According to the passage what can be attributed as a consequence of the

Atlantic slave trade?
(i) language’s creation and documenting its emergence
(ii) evolution of some of the most recent languages
(iii) many word tricks can be performed to convey subtle differences in meaning
(iv) a statement can be turned into a question

(g) What are creoles?

(i) sign languages of deaf
(ii) complex grammar systems which emerge from pidgins
(iii) strings of words copied from the language of the landowner
(iv) logical grammar invented by children

(h) Which word in the passage means opposite to ‘easy’? (para 1)

(i) sequences (ii) variation
(iii) crude (iv) complex

ANSWERS
Passage :9
a. i-all the languages
b. iv-all of the above
c. i- the language has been created since 1979
d. i-Atlantic slave trade
e. iii- grammar is common to all languages
f. ii- evolution of some of the most recent languages
g. ii- complex grammar systems which emerge from pidgins
h. iv-complex
33
 WRITING

MCQs on Notice Writing

1. A notice is________
a) a letter
b) an information for large number of people
c) a private information for a person
d) all the above

2. “________” is the most suitable start for the notice.

a) Through the columns of your ….
b) This is to inform
c) With reference to the subject cited above
d) I am very glad to inform you

3. _________is not a part of notice.

a) Salutation
b) Signature
c) Date
d) Heading

4. One should avoid ________in notice bearing “Found” title.

a) A place where you have found the article
b) Date and time of found
c) Description of the found article
d) None of these

5. ___________comes in between the heading and the signatory portion in a notice

a) Body
b) Date
c) Name of organisation
d) Heading

6. ________ is not to be mentioned in the notice

a) Name of chief guest
b) Date and time
c) Venue of event
d) Address of receiver
34
7. Notices are generally meant to be put up on _____
a) specific display boards
b) magazine covers
c) newspaper front page
d) honour boards

8. While writing notice one should avoid -______

a) Use of personal language
b) Use of impersonal language
c) Use of box
d) Use of name of organization

9. Notice should be _______

a) very formal in tone and style
b) simple language
c) stating purpose clearly
d) all of these

10. _______ is an effective means of disseminating information related to different issues

or occasions.
a) Advertisement
b) Poster
c) Notice
d) letter
11. The date of writing notice is to be mentioned ____________
a) left side above the heading
b) left bottom of body
c) right side above the heading
d) bottom right centre

12. A notice is __________ means of communication

a. verbal
b. formal
c. informal
d. oral

13. The body of the notice should be _______

a) Below the date
35
b) Between date and writers signature
c) Between the title and date
d) Between the name of organisation and heading

14. A notice should be written in ________

a) first person
b) second person
c) third person
d) none of these

15. __________is written first in a notice

a) name of the writer
b) name of the organization
c) heading/title
d) date

16. One of the following pronoun should be avoided in a notice

a) Me
b) My
c) I
d) All

17. The purpose of the notice is to __________________

a) give reports of an event
b) announce and display information to the whole world
c) announce and display information to a specific group of people
d) summarize an event
18. Notices must answer _________questions.
a) What, Where, How and When
b) How
c) Whose
d) Why

19. ____________’s name should be written at the end of notice

a) Authorised person
b) Invitees
c) Receiver
d) Nobody

36
 20. Where is the signature placed in a notice?
a) Above the name of the writer
b) Below the name of writer
c) Above the body of notice
d) None of these

21. _________can be added in notice bearing “Lost ” title

a) Reward to one who has lost the article
b) Reward to one who has found the article
c) Reward to one who has written the notice
d) Reward to the head of the organization

ANSWERS:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
b b a c a d a a D c a

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
b b c b d c a a a b

Sample
You are Saumya/ Sumit Head girl / boy of Vivekanand Vidyalaya Kanpur. Your school is going
to organise an Inter-House Debate Competition to be held in the month of October. Write a notice
for your school notice-board requesting for entries from students.
Vivekanand Vidyalaya Kanpur
NOTICE
a)____________ 2021

b)________________________

This is c)____________ the students of classes IX to XII that an Inter-House Debate

Competition t is to be held on 8th October 2021 at 8:00 a.m. in auditorium. d) ____________
students may give their names to the house master for the selection to be conducted by
House Masters during CCA periods on 28th September 2021.

Sumit
Head boy

37
 Choose the most appropriate option
a.
i. 4th October
ii. 4th November
iii. 20th September
iv. 20th October
b.
i. Contest for Selection
ii. Selection for Debate Competition
iii. Inter House Selection
iv. . Inter House Debate Competition
c.
i. information
ii. for information
iii. to inform
iv. an information
d.
i. few
ii. intelligent
iii. all
iv. interested

Classified advertisement

Fill in the gaps with suitable option

1. Types of an advertisement ………………

A. classified B. commercial

C. Both A and B D. None of these

2. ………………….is/are the feature/features of classified notice.

1. Factual language

2. Comprehensive with word limit

3. Attractive displayed advertisement with lot of space.

38
 4. Simple, formal and to the point

A. Only 3 and 4 B. only 1, 2, 4

C. Only 1, 2, 3 D. All of them

3. Classified notice may be about …………………………………..

1. Situation vacant/wanted 2. Lost and found 3. Educational

4. Tuition 5. Matrimonial 6. To let 7. Sale and purchase

A. Only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 B. All of them

C. only 1, 3,4,5,6 and 7 D. Only 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7

4. The word limit of the notice is ……………….

A. 55 words B. 60 words

C. 50 words D. 45 words

5. Classified advertisement use……………………..

A. only sentences B. phrases only

C. B and A both D. None of these

6. Classified advertisement is not apt for……………………………………

A. Lost and found B. To let

C. Birthday party D. None of these

7. ………………………..is true about notice but not about classified notice.

A. an apt title B. use of sentences

C. 50 words word limit D. None of these

8. …………………… is the advertisement which provides the contact number of seller.

A. Situation vacant B. Sale and purchase

C. Matrimonial D. None of these

39
9. ………………………………………… is irrelevant with the advertisement of wanted
bridegroom.

A. Handsome B. salary in six figures

C. good condition D. None of these

10. …………….is the apt detail for matrimonial advertisement.

A. best location B. well maintain property

C. fully furnished D. None of these

11. ……………. Classified advertisement is written by a person need a job.

A. To Let B. Accommodation wanted

C. Situation vacant D. Situation wanted

12. ……………. is inappropriate for To Let advertisement.

A.3 bedroom with attached washroom B. Commercial area

C. Lift available D. automatic transmission

13. The feature …………….is written for Missing advertisement.

A. disciplined B. experienced

C. speak English fluently D. unbeatable

14. …………….is inapt for Travels and Tours advertisement.

A. precious B. sightseeing

C. cheapest D. special discount

15. ……………..is not a type of classified advertisement.

A. Lost and found B. Missing

C. Tours and travels D. Event on annual function

16. The perfect way to start a matrimonial advertisement is ……………..

A. prime location B. looking a job

40
 C. alliance invited for D. for it is cheaper

17. Description of person is required in ………………………………..classified advertisement.

A. For sale B. To let

C. Situation vacant D. Missing

18. Feature/ Features …………….is/are apt for Situation Wanted.

A. Name of Job required B. Other Perks

C. Salary D. All of these

19. …………….is/are inapt for Bride Wanted advertisement.

A. Groom’s family cases in court B. Groom’s bank balance

C. Both of A and B D. None of these

20. …………….is not under titled Travels and Tours advertisement.

A. Warning before leaving for destinations B. Place to pick up.

C. Itinerary D. Places to be visited

ANSWERS:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
C B B C B C B B C D

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
D D C A D C D D C A

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

01. The purpose of writing a letter to the editor is _________________.

(a) Give opinions in agreement or disagreement regarding an issue

(b) Make complaints about public institutions

(c) Bring issues of social interest under the concern of the authority

(d) Both a and c

41
02. A correct example of a salutation in the letter to the Editor is ....................

(a) Sir/Madam

(b) Name

(c) Designation

(d) Hello

03. Which of the following is NOT the correct tone for letter to the editor?

(1). personal

(2). amusing

(3). formal

(4). serious

(5). frustrated

(a) 1,2,5

(b) 2,4,5

(c) 1,3,4

(d) 3,4,5

04. Complete the given letter to the Editor of Navjiwan Times, Agra drawing attention of the
concerned authorities to the problem of risk of accidents in front of your school with the help of
the options given below.

New Agra Public School

Ram Nagar
Agra

March 30th, 20XX

The Editor
Navjiwan Times
Agra

42
Subject . 01 ............................................................

Sir/Ma’am,

Through the columns of your reputed newspaper, I wish to draw the immediate attention of the
concerned authorities towards the traffic menace on the road in front of New Agra Public School,
Ram Nagar.

The road is always congested and traffic jams are common here. The major concern arises due
to the movement of heavy vehicles on the road. There are no speed breakers or zebra crossings
on the road, which makes it tough for the people, especially school students to cross the road.
Thus, this road is accident prone. I, a student of class X, New Agra Public School, on behalf of
the students and school authorities, request you to make provision of creating zebra crossing on
the road so that crossing the road would not be a life-threatening task for the children and other
people. I thank you in anticipation.

Thanking you

Yours sincerely
Anita
04.

(a) Problems on the road in front of the school

(b) Need to make a zebra crossing in front of the school

(c) Problem of increased risk of accidents in front of the school

(d) Increasing cases of accidents in front of the school

05. Choose the correct option to complete the letter to the Editor of a local daily, expressing your
views on the subject ‘Value system is the backbone of an individual’s character’.

A-45
Triveni Enclave
Kolkata

5 December, 20XX

The Editor
The Indian Express
43
New Delhi

Subject: Value system is the backbone of an individual’s character

Sir/Ma’am,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, 05. ............................. my views regarding value
systems, since values are absent in modern society. This would be possible if it is given
importance in the education system. There is no stress in the educational institutions to uplift the
students morally. Ethical values have gone with the wind in the modern, complex and fast
competitive era. We should realize the real aim of education, which is not confined to mere
cramming of literary pieces or facts of science.

A dedicated individual is a boon to the society and the nation. Our education should lay stress
on cultivating human values. Value Education can help in removing all social and cultural evils.
Hope you will help me in bringing my views forward.

Thanking you

Yours truly

XYZ

05.

(a) I wish to draw the attention of the concerned authorities

(b) I wish to put forward

(c) I want to point out

(d) I want you to publish

06. Choose the correct option to complete the letter to the editor of a local daily urging people to
use public transport and to have patience while driving.

4, Raja Road
Karnal
5 July 20XX

The Editor
The Hindustan Karnal

44
Subject: Use of Public Transport

Sir/Ma’am,

Kindly allow me to make an appeal to public through the columns of your esteemed newspaper
about the advantage of public transport usage.

Everybody can observe easily that the increase in the number of private vehicles on the road is
the major cause of air pollution as well as noise pollution. More vehicles mean more congestion
and traffic jams because public has become devoid of civic sense. Everybody tries to move first
and fast which not only increases the chance of accidents but also causes a lot of noise pollution
because people continuously blow horn during the waiting moments.

An easy and quick solution of the problem is that we should make more use of public transport.
It’ll prove more comfortable as it will save both our energy and time and we can use that energy
at our work place. Moreover, I want to make an appeal to the vehicle-owners to practice patience
while driving because our life is very precious. It is better to reach late than never. This is a
matter of great concern and I hope you’ll publish my opinion in your esteemed newspaper.

Thanking You

06. .........................

Ram

06.

(a) Yours dearly

(b) Yours friendly

(c) Yours sincerely

(d) Yours lovingly

07. Choose the correct option to complete the letter to the editor about how reality TV ruins
childhood.

12, Sea Road

Mumbai
March 20, 20XX

The Editor

45
The Hindu
Mumbai

Subject: Reality Shows – Loss of Precious Childhood

Sir/Ma’am,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I want to express my deep concern regarding the
children participating in the so-called ‘Reality Shows’.

Recently there has been a mushrooming of ‘Reality Shows’ featuring children of tender years.
The lure for money tempts the parents to send their children to such shows. These parents
should be counselled that their overriding ambition is burdening their children with
responsibilities and pressure. Along with neglect of studies, they lose their innocence. The poor
children have to undergo a lot of inconvenience and suffering during such shows. The long
shooting hours and the dazzle of lights overstrain them.

I strongly feel that the participation of children in such shows should be completely banned.
Children should be allowed to lead their normal lives and enjoy their childhood.

07. …............................................................

Thanking you

Yours faithfully

Rohan

07.

(a) Kindly publish this letter of mine in your newspaper so that people may become aware of it.

(b) Please put forward these points in your newspaper.

(c) I hope each and every one can think about this issue logically.

(d) I hope that the concerned authorities take actions to save childhoods.

08 & 09 You have written a letter to the Editor, Deccan Chronicle, highlighting the problems faced
due to the lack of proper bus service near your locality.

R.K. Puram
Secunderabad

46
08. .......................

The Editor
The Deccan Chronicle
Secunderabad

Subject 09. ...........................

Sir/Ma’am,

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the attention of the concerned
authorities to the poor bus service in R. K. Puram, Secunderabad. R.K. Puram is a huge colony
situated in the outskirts of the city with a population of more than ten thousand people.

I would like to inform you that due to poor bus service, lives of the residents are getting adversely
affected. People have to walk a long distance to reach the bus stop. Since the frequency of the
buses in the area is low, people have to wait for a duration that ranges between thirty minutes
to one hour. At times, buses do not even stop. Worst affected are the school children and office
goers as they are left with no other option than to hire expensive private modes of transport.
Also, buses coming from the other side are always overcrowded. They are so jam packed that
many passengers face difficulty in boarding them.

Being someone getting affected by poor bus service every day, I have sent pleas for quick action
to the transport authority numerous times. But nothing has been said or done about it. The
problem can be easily dealt with if adequate measures are taken. I hope I have been able to
highlight the problem in this letter and that adequate measures will be taken without further delay.
Looking forward to a positive change.

Thanking you

Yours sincerely

Shiraj

08.

(a) 17 May, 20XX

(b) May 17

(c) 17-05-XX

47
(d) 20XX, 17-05

09.

(a) Problem of transportation faced by people of Secunderabad

(b) Poor bus service and the ensuing problems in Secunderabad

(c) Problems faced by the people of Secunderabad

(d) Need for a proper bus station in Secunderabad

10. Complete the letter to the Editor emphasizing on the need of educational counsellors for
guidance in matter of choosing a career in each school.

48, Agra Fort

Agra

2 March, 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
Fort Road
Agra

Subject: The Need of Educational Counsellors in Schools

Sir/Ma’am,
10..................................................................................................................................................
In this modern and competitive time, the fight for better marks and career is cut throat among
youngsters. After passing the secondary school examination, a candidate has to make a very
difficult choice from a number of streams available to him or her for further studies at the senior
school level. Students are often misguided by others who are ready to cheat the unsuspecting
students and their parents. There is no valid mechanism to assess the suitability of candidates
for a particular stream. Students opt for subjects under the influence of peer or parental pressure
without considering their own preferences and capabilities. Students, later, regret their decisions,
which by then already affect their psyche.

The ministry of HRD should be serious towards the career of the students. A special post of
educational counsellor should be created in every school so that the students and parents can
discuss their issues and concerns and clarify their doubts regarding further education. This will
48
certainly give them some relief from the unnecessary worries. Hoping for favourable
consideration for the welfare of students.

Thank you

Yours sincerely

Vinay Kumar

10.

(a) I want to draw the attention of school towards the need of educational counsellors for
guidance.

(b) Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention towards the
need of educational counsellors in every school.

(c) There is an increasing need of educational counsellors in every school for proper guidance.

(d) I would like to draw the attention of the schools towards the rising need of educational
counsellors.

11. ______________letters are sent to people whom we don't know on a personal level

(a) chain

(b) informal

(c) formal

(d) reference answer: formal

12. _____________ is not a part of a letter.

(a) date

(b) greeting

(c) photo

(d) signature answer

13. While writing a formal letter, ___________ information is needed.

(a) dates

49
(b) names

(c) contact details

(d) all of these

14. When we don't know the recipient's, the letter is closed and ended by _______________.

(a) yours sincerely

(b) affectionately yours

(c) yours faithfully

(d) none of these

15 to 19. You are Amit / Amita staying at Sunrise apartments, Gymkhana road, Pune. The main
road leading to this colony has three open manholes causing frequent accidents at night. The
street light is also not available. Complete this letter to the editor of the Times of India expressing
your concern about the part of the authorities towards this situation. Also suggest ways to
mobilize city dwellers, with the help of school children for the cause of safety roads.

C4 Sunrise apartment,
Gymkhana road,
Pune
June 13 2021

The Editor
The Times of India
Mumbai

Sub: 15. __________________________________________

Respected Sir

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the kind attention of the
relevant authorities towards the 16. ____________________.

I would like to draw the attention of the relevant authorities towards the issue of three open
manholes on the main road leading to a colony. These open man holes are turning into death
traps for the residents who have demanded that the authorities concerned take steps to cover
them.
50
Moreover, our colony has no street lights since the last 2 months. There are no street lights even
on the main roads leading to a colony. With the open manholes and lack of street lights 17.
_______________ , the road gets dark even after seven in the evening. People fear going out
not only to avoid accidents but also to avoid being prey to unscrupulous elements. The open
manholes not only 18. _________________ but are also a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Motorist, elders and children are the main victims of these manholes and many times accidents
have been reported due to these manholes. Whenever torrential rains hit the areas they cause
even more problems. 19. ______________for the cause of safe roads, we plan to organise a
student rally from sunrise apartments main gate to Mr Rehan, the current MP’s house and hope
this letter will elicit a suitable response from our elected representatives.

Thanking you

Yours faithfully

Amita

Choose the most appropriate option

15.

(a) Mobilization of city dwellers.

(b) Darkness around sunrise apartments.
(c) Road safety in the colony.
(d) Concern about night accidents.
16.

(a) Pitiable condition of local residents.

(b) Miserable condition of people residing in colony.
(c) Pathetic condition of residents of Sunrise apartments Gymkhana Road.
(d) Frequent accidents occur during at night.
17.

(a) Accidents happen.

(b) Accidents are on a rise.
(c) There are racing accidents.
(d) Most accidents occur.
18.

(a) Emit bad smell and cause pollution.

51
(b) Give foul smell and lead to accidents.
(c) Create a pollution.
(d) Create worst situation
19.

(a) To avoid the danger.

(b) To provide safety to passengers.
(c) To protect the passes by.
(d) To mobilize City dwellers.
20. ___________ part of a formal letter contains the key points of the letter.

(a) postscript
(b) body
(c) opening
(d) closing

ANSWERS:

01. (d) Both a and c

02. (a) Sir/Madam
03. (a) 1,2,5
04. (c) Problem of increased risk of accidents in front of the school
05. (b) I wish to put forward
06. (c) Yours sincerely
07. (a) Kindly publish this letter of mine in your newspaper so that people may become aware
of it.
08. (a) 17 May, 20XX
09. (b) Poor bus service and the ensuing problems in Secunderabad
10. (b) Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention towards
the need of educational counsellors in every school.
11. (c) formal
12. (c) photo
13. (d) all of these
14. (c) yours faithfully
15. (b) Darkness around sunrise apartments.
16. (c) Pathetic condition of residents of Sunrise apartments Gymkhana Road.

52
 17. (b) Accidents are on a rise.
18. (a) Emit bad smell and cause pollution.
19. (d) To mobilize City dwellers.
20. (b) body

******

ARTICLE WRITING

Answer the following questions, with reference to the context below.

While reading about new places and searching for them online has its merits, the
advantages of actually travelling to various destinations far exceed them. Amrit /
Amrita writes an article for the magazine Travel Times, evaluating both these options
using the cues given below along with own ideas.

• Builds confidence

• Make friends and memories

• Experience new cultures

• Expands knowledge

Q. 1 Select the option that lists an appropriate title for the above article.

A. Travel, an enriching experience

B. Benefits of Virtual Travel

C. Earn while you travel

D. Travelers’ Guide to better travel

Q.2 Which of the following quotes are not about travel?

(i) “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can
start today and make a new ending.– Maria Robinson
(ii) “Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man
and the universe” – Anatole France
(iii) “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone
through to achieve that beauty.”― Maya Angelou
53
 (iv) “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before” – Dalai Lama

A. (ii) & (iii)

B. (iii) & (iv)

C. (iv) & (i)

D. (i) & (iii)

Q.3 According to the above mentioned article, given below are some of the advantages &
disadvantages of travelling. Match the pair with appropriate option.

(1) advantage of actual travel (i) wastage of time & money

(2) disadvantage of virtual travel (ii) no insight about culture

(3) disadvantage of actual travel (iii) time saving and convenient

(4) advantage of virtual travel (iv) harmful for environment

A. (1) - (iv)

B. (2) - (i)

C. (3) - (iv)

D. (4) - (ii)

Q. 4 Which of the following newspaper headlines can be cited in this article to

describe the harmful effects of travel on the environment?

(i) “Nepal to send team to clean litter, retrieve bodies on Mount Everest”

(ii) “Delhi To Identify Single-Use Plastic Littering Hotspots By October 31”

(iii) “Councillor Suja’s husband questions littering, knocked down by car”

(iv) “Netizen accuses Aamir Khan, Laal Singh Chaddha team of littering in Ladakh,
but fans defend the star.”
A. (ii) & (iii)

B. (iii) & (iv)

54
 C. (iv) & (i)

D. (i) & (ii)

Q.5 What will be the format of article writing?

(i)

i) Printed invitation cards inviting guests to be present on a particular occasion.

ii) Formal & typed/hand written letter addressed to a VIP invited to preside over a social,
cultural and educational function

(ii)

Sender’s Address – Date – Salutation – Occasion / Event – Time, Date & Venue –
Subscription & Sender’s name

(iii)

Draw the attention of the concerned authorities/general Public towards the problem
NOT of the Editor.
Request concerned authorities to take the action NOT to the editor.
Raise the issue by citing some latest news items / Survey report etc.
Analyze the issue, try to find causes.
Offer suggestions to solve the problem.

(iv)

Title / Heading – Byline- Introduction – Development of topic – Summing up –

Conclusion

A. (i)

B. (ii)

C. (iii)

55
 D. (iv)

Answer the following questions, with reference to the context below.

Education is in crisis at the moment. Transition from teacher-class based teaching to digital-
education will need multi-pronged efforts over time. For parents, students, teachers and
institutions, investment and infrastructure are needed. Complete the given article on ‘Is Digital
India prepared for Digital Education’.

Is Digital India prepared for Digital Education

By XYZ
Education is (Q.6) ……………………………... For hundreds of millions of the young in India,
education is also about discipline, development, curiosity, creativity and a path to breaking the
cycle of ignorance and poverty leading to (Q.7) …………………………………………...

As the government announced the New Education Policy 2020, I was heartened to see education
at the forefront of the national agenda. Today, the growing aspirations of children and parents in
India are reflected in an increasing demand for education, which has far exceeded the supply.
The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) (2004-2009) brought the idea of educational
transformation for 21st-century needs into the mainstream thinking of the government, with an
emphasis on expansion, excellence, and equity.

The COVID crisis has shown that hoping for the best does not help. We must (Q.8)
…………………………………………………... Our answer to the education crisis during the
pandemic has been to offer online education. Digital education is not about videos of lectures on
blackboards by teachers on the internet. It is about appropriate platforms, technology, tools,
interactivity, curation, content and a lot more. (Q.9) …………………………………., education is
about motivation, time and content. If you are motivated and willing to spend the required time
to learn, there is enough content by global experts on the internet. The challenge is curation and
mentoring. As opposed to listening to lectures by teachers in classes, you listen to lectures at
home. Similarly, as opposed to doing homework at home you do homework with others in the
classrooms. All of this requires a (Q.10) ……………………………………………..
In the past, we took two bold initiatives to help digital education in the future: NOFN — National
Optical Fibre Network (Now called Bharat Network) to connect all 2,50,000 panchayats at the
cost of over Rs 40,000 crore and the National Knowledge Network (NKN).It is time to use NOFN

56
and NKN to connect all our schools and improve the digital education ecosystem. The transition
from teacher-class based teaching to digital-education will need multipronged efforts over time.

Q.6 (i) empowering and redefining

(ii) demanding and exhausting
(iii) enjoyable and frivolous
(iv) disheartening and disappointing

Q.7 (i) joy and happiness

(ii) ease and comfort
(iii) satisfaction and contentment
(iv) employment and prosperity

Q.8 (i) have practical out look for life

(ii) plan for the worst and hope for the best
(iii) do proper research to solve challenges
(iv) visualize positive outcomes of our endeavours

Q.9 (i) In the beginning of the day

(ii) at the outset of academic session
(iii) At the end of the day
(iv) In the ending of the academic session

Q.10 (i) tool and technology

(ii) new mindset and framework.
(iii) method and approach
(iv) initiative and beginning

ANSWERS:
Q.1 A. Travel, an enriching experience
Q.2 D. (i) & (iii)
Q.3 C. (3) - (iv)
Q.4 C. (iv) & (i)
Q.5 D. (iv)
Q.6 (i) empowering and redefining
Q.7 (iv) employment and prosperity
Q.8 (ii) plan for the worst and hope for the best
Q.9 (iii) At the end of the day
Q.10 (ii) new mindset and framework.

57
 LITERATURE

CHAPTER 1. THE LAST LESSON

EXTRACT BASED QUESTION

Q.1 Read the given extract to attempt questions that follows.

For a moment I thought of running away and spending the day out of doors. It was so warm, so
bright! The birds were chirping at the edge of the woods; and in the open field back of the saw
mill the Prussian soldiers were drilling. It was all much more tempting than the rule for participles,
but I had the strength to resist, and hurried off to school. When I passed the town hall there was
a crowd in front of the bulletin-board. For the last two years all our bad news had come from
there — the lost battles, the draft, the orders of the commanding officer — and I thought to
myself, without stopping, “What can be the matter now?”

(a) ‘It was all much more tempting than the rule for participles’. From this line one can infer that
following subject was to be taught at school

(i) Science (ii) Geography (iii) Language (iv) Mathematics

(b) Why do you think a bulletin board was installed at the town hall?

(i) It was the central place of the town (ii) It was a lonely place of the town

(iii) It did not have any traffic (iv) It was the brightest place in the town

(c) “What can be the matter now?” This sentence indicates which of the following emotion of the
speaker

(i) Happiness (ii) Worry (iii) Negligence (iv) Anger

(d) The environment outdoors was

(i) Pleasant (ii) Tempting (iii) Active (iv) All the above

Q.2 Read the given extract to attempt questions that follows.

But now it was all so still! I had counted on the commotion to get to my desk without being
seen; but, of course, that day everything had to be as quiet as Sunday morning. Through the
window I saw my classmates, already in their places, and M. Hamel walking up and down with
his terrible iron ruler under his arm. I had to open the door and go in before everybody. You can
imagine how I blushed and how frightened I was. But nothing happened. M. Hamel saw me and
said very kindly, “Go to your place quickly, little Franz. We were beginning without you.”
(a) Franz had expected the school to be….
(i) Noisy (ii) Spotless (iii) Silent (iv) Bright
(b) Which style of writing has been used in ‘that day everything had to be as quiet as Sunday
morning’?
(i) Hyperbole (ii) Simile (iii) Pun (iv) Allegory
(c) According to the extract M. Hamel seemed to be
58
(i) Worried (ii) Puzzled (iii) Sad (iv) Happy
(d) ‘We were beginning without you’ implies that….
(i) The teacher started to expel Franz (ii) The class was about to start
(iii) Lot of time was left to start the class (iv) The class had already begun
Q.3 Read the given extract to attempt questions that follows.

I started for school very late that morning and was in great dread of a scolding, especially
because M. Hamel had said that he would question us on participles, and I did not know the first
word about them. For a moment I thought of running away and spending the day out of doors. It
was so warm, so bright! The birds were chirping at the edge of the woods; and in the open field
back of the sawmill the Prussian soldiers were drilling. It was all much more tempting than the
rule for participles, but I had the strength to resist, and hurried off to school. When I passed the
town hall there was a crowd in front of the bulletin-board. For the last two years all our bad news
had come from there — the lost battles, the draft, the orders of the commanding officer — and I
thought to myself, without stopping, “What can be the matter now?”
(a) Franz dreaded a scolding from M. Hamel because:
(i) he was late for school (ii) he had not learnt his lesson
(iii) he wanted to spend the day out of doors (iv) he had not paid attention to his lesson
(b) Franz felt that __________ was more interesting than the rule for participles.
(i) to spend the day outside. (ii) to watch the drill of the Prussian soldiers.
(iii) to hear the birds chirping (iv) all of the above
(c) The bulletin-board is symbolic of:
(i) distress (ii) struggle (iii) nuisance (iv) danger
(d) Choose the term which describes Franz’s emotions when he says, “What can be the matter
now?”
(i) sadness (ii) dilemma (iii) inquisitiveness (iv) thoughtful
Q.4 Read the given extract to attempt questions that follows.

I jumped over the bench and sat down at my desk. Not till then, when I had got a little
over my fright, did I see that our teacher had on his beautiful green coat, his frilled shirt, and the
little black silk cap, all embroidered, that he never wore except on inspection and prize days.
Besides, the whole school seemed so strange and solemn. But the thing that surprised me most
was to see, on the back benches that were always empty, the village people sitting quietly like
ourselves; old Hauser, with his three-cornered hat, the former mayor, the former postmaster,
and several others besides.
(a) Franz was frightened because:
(i) he had not learnt the participles. (ii) his teacher was angry.
(iii) he was late for school. (iv) both (i) and (iii)
(b) M. Hamel was dressed in his formals:
(i) in honour of the last French lesson.
59
(ii) in a gesture of bidding farewell.
(iii) to pay his respect to the village elders who were present.
(iv) to show his respect for a country that was not theirs any more.
(c) The atmosphere prevailing in the whole school on that day was:
(i) threatening (ii) trivial (iii) haphazard (iv) grave
(d) The word ‘Strange’ means the same as:
(i) Queer (ii) Usual (iii) Ordinary (iv) Typical
Q.5 Read the given extract to attempt questions that follows.

Poor man! It was in honour of this last lesson that he had put on his fine Sunday clothes,
and now I understood why the old men of the village were sitting there in the back of the room.
It was because they were sorry, too, that they had not gone to school more. It was their way of
thanking our master for his forty years of faithful service and of showing their respect for the
country that was theirs no more.
(a) Why does the narrator refer to M. Hamel as ‘Poor man!’?
(i) He empathizes with M. Hamel as he had to leave the village.
(ii) He believes that M. Hamel’s “fine Sunday clothes” clearly reflected that he was not rich.
(iii) He feels sorry for M. Hamel as it was his last French lesson.
(iv) He thinks that M. Hamel’s patriotism and sense of duty resulted in his poverty.
(b) Which of the following idioms might describe the villagers’ act of attending the last lesson
most accurately?
(i) ‘Too good to miss’ (ii) ‘Too little, too late’
(iii) ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’ (iv) Too cool for school’
(c) Choose the option that might raise a question about M. Hamel’s “faithful service”.
(i) When Franz came late, M. Hamel told him that he was about to begin class without him.
(ii) Franz mentioned how cranky M. Hamel was and his “great ruler rapping on the table”.
(iii) M. Hamel often sent students to water his flowers, and gave a holiday when he wanted to go
fishing.
(iv) M. Hamel permitted villagers put their children “to work on a farm or at the mills” for some
extra money.
(d) Choose the option that most appropriately fills in the blanks, for the following description of
the given extract. The villagers and their children sat in class, forging with their old master a
(I) _____ togetherness. In that moment, the class room stood (II) _____. It was France itself, and
the last French lesson a desperate hope to (III) ______ to the remnants of what they had known
and taken for granted. Their own (IV) _______.
(i) (I) graceful; (II) still; (III) hang on; (IV) country
(ii) (I) bygone; (II) up; (III) keep on; (IV) education
60
(iii) (I) beautiful; (II) mesmerized; (III) carry on; (IV) unity
(iv) (I) forgotten; (II) transformed; (III) hold on; (IV) identity
Q.6 Read the given extract to attempt questions that follows.

I heard M. Hamel say to me, “I won’t scold you, little Franz; you must feel bad enough.
See how it is! Every day we have said to ourselves, ‘Bah! I’ve plenty of time. I’ll learn it tomorrow’.
And now you see where we’ve come out. Ah, that’s the great trouble with Alsace; she puts off
learning till tomorrow. Now those fellows out there will have the right to say to you, ‘How is it;
you pretend to be Frenchmen, and yet you can neither speak nor write your own language?’ But
you are not the worst, poor little Franz. We’ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with.”
(a) M. Hamel did not scold Franz because:
(i) he was feeling bad (ii) there was plenty of time to learn
(iii) he knew Franz was feeling bad (iv) he was blaming himself
(b) The phrase ‘those fellows’ refers to:
(i) the Frenchmen (ii) the village elders
(iii) the Prussians (iv) the new teachers [Ans. (iii)
(c) Why did M. Hamel say Franz was not the worst?
(i) The Frenchmen did not want to learn (ii) The children’s parents were to blame
(iii) Most of the students were like Franz (iv) They were all at fault
(d) The word ‘reproach’ means the same as:
(i) admonish (ii) boast (iii) credit (iv) punish

Q.7 Read the given extract to attempt questions that follows.

M. Hamel went on to talk of the French language, saying that it was the most beautiful
language in the world — the clearest, the most logical; that we must guard it among us and never
forget it, because when a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is
as if they had the key to their prison. Then he opened a grammar book and read us our lesson.
I was amazed to see how well I understood it. All he said seemed so easy, so easy!
(a) Which of the following can be attributed to M. Hamel’s declaration about the French
language?
(i) subject expertise (ii) nostalgic pride (iii) factual accuracy (iv) patriotic magnification
(b) Read the quotes given below. Choose the option that might best describe M. Hamel’s
viewpoint.
I. Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own. —Johann Wolfgang
von Goethe
II. Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they
are going. —Rita Mae Brown
III. A poor man is like a foreigner in his own country. —Ali Ibn Abi Talib
61
IV. The greatest propaganda in the world’s our mother tongue, that is what we learn as children,
and which we learn unconsciously. That shapes our perceptions for life. —Marshall McLuhan
(c) Why did M. Hamel say Franz was not the worst?
(i) The Frenchmen did not want to learn (ii) The children’s parents were to blame
(iii) Most of the students were like Franz (iv) They were all at fault

(d) The word ‘reproach’ means the same as:

(i) admonish (ii) boast (iii) credit (iv) punish
Q.8 Read the given extract to attempt questions that follows.

The only sound was the scratching of the pens over the paper. Once some beetles flew
in; but nobody paid any attention to them, not even the littlest ones, who worked right on tracing
their fish-hooks, as if that was French, too. On the roof the pigeons cooed very low, and I thought
to myself, “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?”
(a) Why was everyone quiet?
(i) They had been assigned some work. (ii) The mood in the class was solemn and somber.
(iii) As mark of respect for M. Hamel. (iv) They wanted to finish their work on time.
(b) The serious mood of those present in the classroom is a proof of:
(i) patriotic fervour (ii) A sense of regret
(iii) Respect for their teacher (iv) All of the above
(c) Nobody paid attention to the beetles that flew in because:
(i) They were too busy working. (ii) They were all sad.
(iii) The teacher would get angry at them. (iv) They were distracted by the pigeons.
(d) When Franz says “Will they make them sing in German, even the pigeons?”. This statement
of Franz reveals his:
(i) Sarcasm (ii) Annoyance (iii) Frustration (iv) Empathy
Q.9 Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
Whenever I looked up from my writing I saw M. Hamel sitting motionless in his chair and
gazing first at one thing, then at another, as if he wanted to fix in his mind just how everything
looked in that little schoolroom. Fancy! For forty years he had been there in the same place, with
his garden outside the window and his class in front of him, just like that. Only the desks and
benches had been worn smooth; the walnut-trees in the garden were taller, and the hopvine that
he had planted himself twined about the windows to the roof. How it must have broken his heart
to leave it all, poor man; to hear his sister moving about in the room above, packing their trunks!
For they must leave the country next day.
(a) M. Hamel sitting motionless in his chair reveals his:
(i) frustration (ii) gloominess (iii) anxiety (iv)indifference
(b) What had not changed in the last forty years?

62
(i) Walnut trees (ii) Hop vine (iii) Classroom (iv) None of the above
(c) Franz knew that M. Hamel’s heart was broken:
(i) to hear his sister moving in the room. (ii) his trunks were being packed.
(iii) to leave the country the next day. (iv) All of the above
(d) The word ‘gazing’ means:
(i) looking steadily (ii) looking vaguely
(iii) enduring (iv) staring indifferently
ANSWERS:

Q.1 Q.2
a b c d a b c d
iii i ii iv i ii i Ii
Q.3 Q.4
a b c d a b c d
ii iv i ii iv i iv i

Q.5 Q.6
a b c d a b c d

iii ii iii iv iii iii iv i

Q.7 Q.8
a b c d a b c d
iv ii iv i ii iv i i

Q.9
a b c d
ii iii iv i

STAND ALONE MCQ’S

1. M. Hamel, as a ruler wielding teacher shows that he is

a) concerned
b) unfeeling
c) adamant
63
d) hard task master
2. Why did Franz look for opportunities to skip school?

a) to work in mills
b) to go for fishing
c) to go for fishing
d) to collect bird’s eggs
3. As Franz was late for the class, what has he depended on to secretly enter the class?

a) When M. Hamel would have been writing on the blackboard

b) Hauser would have helped him to enter.
c) Commotion in the class as usual
d) When everyone would have been occupied with participles
4. “Will they make them sing in German too?” What could it mean?

a) The Germans would use brutal force over France

b) Harsh orders would be passed
c) When people are deprived of their essence, even their surroundings are affected
d) The Germans would rob France of its language
5. M. Hamel’s motionless posture meant that

a) The school was dismissed.

b) There was a sense of finality in his action.
c) The order of life was going to be changed.
d) He had a feeling of nostalgia.
6. Franz saw I huge crowd in front of the bulletin board but he didn’t stop. How would you
evaluate his reaction?

a) Franz was too little to care about the lost battles.

b) Nobody in his family was in army, so it didn’t matter.
c) Bad news had become too normal for the last two years.
d) It was too crowded for Franz to find out what was written on the bulletin board.
7. Usually there would be a lot of commotion in the school. That day it was as silent as Sunday
morning. Which of the following describes Franz’s emotions at the moment?

64
a) Shock and awe
b) disappointment and anxiety
c) confusion and distress
d) curiosity and uncertainty
8. “I never saw him look so tall.“ Which of the following best captures M. Hamel that day?

a) cranky, miserable, dedicated, resigned

b) patient, dignified, courageous, emotional
c) calm nostalgic, disappointed, patriotic
d) proud, reproachful, persistent, heroic
9. Which of the following can be attributed to Hamel’s declaration about the French language?

a) subject expertise
b) nostalgic pride
c) factual accuracy
d) patriotic magnification
10. Franz was able to understand the lesson easily that day as he was

a) receptive
b) communicative
c) introspective
d) competitive
11. Which usual activity happened every day?

a) Morning assembly
b) A lot of commotion
c) Attendance
d) Proper discipline
12. The word “rapping” means

a) singing loud
b) slapping hard
c) teaching strictly
d) striking to get attention

65
13. Why was Franz in great dread?

a) He had not completed the assignment.

b) He had forgotten to bring his notebook.
c) He had not learnt the lesson on participles.
d) He had bunked the class a day before.
14. Which proverb is applicable for people of France?

a) Time and tide wait for none.

b) Rome wasn’t built in a day.
c) An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
d) Empty vessels make much noise.
15. Which of the following was not the temptation for Franz?

a) Warm and bright day

b) Beautiful flowers in the garden
c) Chirping of birds
d) Drilling of Prussian soldiers
16. From where did the orders come to teach only German in the districts of Alsace and
Lorraine?

a) France
b) Lorraine
c) Berlin
d) Germany
17. What do the marching soldiers under the windows represent?

a) The Dawn of Prussia in the defeat of French people

b) The defeat of Prussia
c) The victory of French
d) None of these
18. What were the things being taken for granted by the people of Alsace?

a) Teachers of the school

b) Time and school

66
c) People around
d) Money and power
19. What made Franz forget Hamel’s ruler and crankiness?

a) Police Patrolling
b) Strange Quietness
c) Bustle on the streets
d) The idea of his going away
ANSWERS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
d d c c b c b b b a

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
b d c a b c a b d

Lost Spring - Stories of Stolen Childhood

-Anees Jung
EXTRACT BASED
I. ‘Sometimes I find a Rupee in the garbage’ “Why do you do this?” I ask Saheb whom I encounter
every morning scrounging for gold in the garbage dumps of my neighbourhood. Saheb left his
home long ago. Set amidst the green fields of Dhaka, his home is not even a distant memory.
There were many storms that swept away their fields and homes, his mother tells him. That’s
why they left, looking for gold in the big city where he now lives.
“I have nothing else to do,” he mutters, looking away.
“Go to school,” I say glibly, realising immediately how hollow the advice must sound.
Question:
1. Who is Saheb?
a) Writer
b) Rag picker
c) Narrator
d) Mechanic
2. Who is the ‘I’ in the sentence “I ask Saheb whom I encounter every morning”?
a) Anees Jung
b) Saheb-e-Alam

67
 c) Mukesh
d) Kamala Das
3. What do you infer from the phrase ‘his home is a distance memory’
a) He moved here recently
b) His home is far away
c) He cannot recall his home in his memory
d) His home is in Dhaka
4. Which word in the passage means ‘without delay’?
a) Immediately
b) Amidst
c) Encounter
d) Glibly
Ans: 1-b 2- a 3-c 4-a

II.“There is no school in my neighbourhood. When they build one, I will go.” “If I start a school,
will you come?” I ask, half-joking. “Yes,” he says, smiling broadly. A few days later I see him
running up to me. “Is your school ready?”
“It takes longer to build a school,” I say, embarrassed at having made a promise that was not
meant. But promises like mine abound in every corner of his bleak world.
A few days later I see him running up to me. “Is your school ready?” “It takes longer to build a
school,” I say, embarrassed at having made a promise that was not meant. But promises like
mine abound in every corner of his bleak world.
Question:
1. Name the chapter from which the above passage is taken.
a) Lost Spring
b) Last Lesson
c) Tiger King
d) Deep Water
2. What is your opinion about the writer’s comment “If I start a school, will you come?”?
a) It was casual
b) It was sarcastic
c) It was emotional
d) It was funny
3. Where did Saheb live?
a) Firozabad

68
 b) Seemapuri
c) Delhi
d) Kanpur

Ans: 1- a 2- a 3-b

III. After months of knowing him, I ask him his name. “Saheb-e-Alam,” he announces. He does
not know what it means. If he knew its meaning — lord of the universe — he would have a hard
time believing it. Unaware of what his name represents, he roams the streets with his friends, an
army of barefoot boys who appear like the morning birds and disappear at noon. Over the
months, I have come to recognise each of them.
“Why aren’t you wearing chappals?” I ask one.
“My mother did not bring them down from the shelf,” he answers simply
“Even if she did he will throw them off,” adds another who is wearing shoes that do not match.
When I comment on it, he shuffles his feet and says nothing. “I want shoes,” says a third boy
who has never owned a pair all his life. Travelling across the country I have seen children walking
barefoot, in cities, on village roads. It is not lack of money but a tradition to stay barefoot, is one
explanation.
Question:
1. Which picture can you relate Saheb with?

a) b) c) d)
2. What according to Saheb is tradition?
a) Not wearing Chappals
b) Repairing Motor
c) Work in tea stall
d) Work in farms
3. With whom is Saheb talking?
a) Police man
b) Anees Jung
c) Mukesh
d) A social worker

69
4. Saheb’s full name is-------?
a) humorous
b) ironical
c) satirical
d) ridiculous

Ans: 1-a 2-a 3-b 4-b

IV. I remember a story a man from Udipi once told me. As a young boy he would go to school
past an old temple, where his father was a priest. He would stop briefly at the temple and pray
for a pair of shoes. Thirty years later I visited his town and the temple, which was now drowned
in an air of desolation. In the backyard, where lived the new priest, there were red and white
plastic chairs. A young boy dressed in a grey uniform, wearing socks and shoes, arrived panting
and threw his school bag on a folding bed. Looking at the boy, I remembered the prayer another
boy had made to the goddess when he had finally got a pair of shoes, “Let me never lose them.”
The goddess had granted his prayer. Young boys like the son of the priest now wore shoes. But
many others like the rag pickers in my neighbourhood remain shoeless.

Question:
1. Udipi in the first line of the passage is a name of….
a) a town
b) a caste
c) salutation
d) a dish
2. Who is ‘I’ in the first line of the passage?
a) Narrator
b) Priest
c) School boy
d) Saheb
3. What did the man from Udipi pray for, when he was young?
a) a pair of trousers
b) a pair of shoes
c) a few friends
d) an opportunity to study in a school
4. The author visited temple of Udipi again after…

70
 a) ten years
b) five years
c) thirty years
d) fifteen years
5. The man from Udipi was the son of an
a) doctor
b) teacher
c) priest
d) engineer
Ans: 1-a 2-a 3-b 4-c 5-c

V. My acquaintance with the barefoot rag pickers leads me to Seemapuri, a place on the
periphery of Delhi yet miles away from it, metaphorically. Those who live here are squatters who
came from Bangladesh back in 1971. Saheb’s family is among them. Seemapuri was then a
wilderness. It still is, but it is no longer empty. In structures of mud, with roofs of tin and tarpaulin,
devoid of sewage, drainage or running water, live 10,000 rag pickers. They have lived here for
more than thirty years without an identity, without permits but with ration cards that get their
names on voters’ lists and enable them to buy grain. Food is more important for survival than an
identity. “If at the end of the day we can feed our families and go to bed without an aching
stomach, we would rather live here than in the fields that gave us no grain,” say a group of
women in tattered saris when I ask them why they left their beautiful land of green fields and
rivers. Wherever they find food, they pitch their tents that become transit homes.

Question:
1. Where is Seemapuri located?
a) in Delhi
b) in outskirts of Delhi
c) in Bangladesh
d) In Dhaka
2. When did the people of Bangladesh came to Seemapuri?
a) 1917
b) 1971
c) 1972
d) 1927
3. Which word in the passage means ‘Old and worn-out’?

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 a) Squatters
b) Wilderness
c) Tattered
d) Transit
Ans: 1-b 2-b 3-c

VI. Children grow up in them, becoming partners in survival. And survival in Seemapuri means
rag-picking. Through the years, it has acquired the proportions of a fine art. Garbage to them is
gold. It is their daily bread, a roof over their heads, even if it is a leaking roof. But for a child it is
even more.
“I sometimes find a rupee, even a ten-rupee note,” Saheb says, his eyes lighting up. When you
can find a silver coin in a heap of garbage, you don’t stop scrounging, for there is hope of finding
more. It seems that for children, garbage has meaning different from what it means to their
parents. For the children it is wrapped in wonder, for the elders it is a mean of survival.

Question:
1. According to the author what was garbage for the children?
a) Means of entertainment
b) Means of time pass
c) Means of playing
d) A wonder
2. Which among the following is NOT true with reference to the above extract?
a) Garbage for them is gold
b) Rag picking is a fine art
c) Garbage is a mean of survival
d) Garbage is gross and dirty
3. Rag pickers don’t stop scrounging the heap of garbage. This shows their….
a) Happiness
b) Interest
c) Greed
d) Anger
4. What does ‘scrounging ‘mean?
a) looking for
b) searching for
c) rubbish

72
 d) both a & b
Ans: 1-d 2-d 3-c 4-d

VII. One winter morning I see Saheb standing by the fenced gate of the neighbourhood club,
watching two young men dressed in white, playing tennis. “I like the game,” he hums; content to
watch it standing behind the fence. “I go inside when no one is around,” he admits.
“The gatekeeper lets me use the swing.”
Saheb too is wearing tennis shoes that look strange over his discoloured shirt and shorts.
“Someone gave them to me,” he says in the manner of an explanation. The fact that they are
discarded shoes of some rich boy, who perhaps refused to wear them because of a hole in one
of them, does not bother him. For one who has walked barefoot, even shoes with a hole is a
dream come true. But the game he is watching so intently is out of his reach.
Question:
1. Why does Saheb go inside the club?
a) To play golf
b) To steal shoes
c) To use swing
d) To work in the club
2. What is Saheb watching from the fenced gate of a club?
a) two young men playing tennis
b) two women dancing
c) two dogs quarrelling
d) a gardener planting flowers
3. Why did the rich boy give the tennis shoes to Saheb?
a) he liked Saheb
b) he felt sorry for Saheb
c) there was a hole in one of them
d) Saheb bought them from him
Ans: 1-c 2-a 3-c
VIII. This morning, Saheb is on his way to the milk booth. In his hand is a steel canister. “I now
work in a tea stall down the road,” he says, pointing in the distance. “I am paid 800 rupees and
all my meals.” Does he like the job? I ask. His face, I see, has lost the carefree look. The steel
canister seems heavier than the plastic bag he would carry so lightly over his shoulder. The bag
was his. The canister belongs to the man who owns the tea shop.
Saheb is no longer his own master!

73
Question:
1. Why do you think is Saheb going to the milk booth?
a) To buy milk for the tea stall
b) To work there
c) He lives in tea stall
d) None of the above
2. Saheb did not like to work in the tea-stall because
a) he was getting only Rs. 800
b) he hated the steel canister
c) he was no longer his own master
d) he had to carry heavy bags now
3. Saheb’s full name was
a) Saheb-e-Alam
b) Saheb-e-Azam
c) Saheb Mohammad
d) Shaheb Shah
Ans: 1-a 2-c 3-a
IX. Mukesh insists on being his own master. “I will be a motor mechanic,” he announces.
“Do you know anything about cars?” I ask. “I will learn to drive a car,” he answers, looking straight
into my eyes. His dream looms like a mirage amidst the dust of streets that fill his town Firozabad,
famous for its bangles. Every other family in Firozabad is engaged in making bangles. It is the
centre of India’s glass-blowing industry where families have spent generations working around
furnaces, welding glass, making bangles for all the women in the land it seems.

Question:
1. Where does Mukesh live?
a) Firozabad
b) Seemapuri
c) Delhi
d) Kanpur
2. What is Firozabad famous for?
a) Bangle making
b) Rag picking
c) Motor making
d) None of the above
74
3. The simile ‘dream looms like a mirage amidst the dust of streets’ indicates that his dream
was
a) a reality, that seemed near.
b) lost in the sea of dust.
c) illusory and indistinct.
d) hanging in the dusty air.
4. Every other family in Firozabad is engaged in making bangles indicates that
a) bangle making is the only industry that flourishes in Firozabad.
b) the entire population of Firozabad is involved in bangle making.
c) majority of the population in Firozabad is involved in bangle making.
d) bangle making is the most loved occupation in Firozabad.
Ans: 1-a 2-a 3-c 4-c
X. Mukesh’s family is among them. None of them know that it is illegal for children like him to
work in the glass furnaces with high temperatures, in dingy cells without air and light; that the
law, if enforced, could get him and all those 20,000 children out of the hot furnaces where they
slog their daylight hours, often losing the brightness of their eyes. Mukesh’s eyes beam as he
volunteers to take me home, which he proudly says is being rebuilt. We walk down stinking lanes
choked with garbage, past homes that remain hovels with crumbling walls, wobbly doors, no
windows, crowded with families of humans and animals coexisting in a primeval state. He stops
at the door of one such house, bangs a wobbly iron door with his foot, and pushes it open. We
enter a half-built shack. In one part of it, thatched with dead grass, is a firewood stove over which
sits a large vessel of sizzling spinach leaves. On the ground, in large aluminium platters, are
more chopped vegetables.
Question:
1. What among the following is NOT the hazard of working in a bangle making industry?
a) Loose eyesight
b) Obesity
c) Lung infection
d) Work in high temperature
2. How many children work in the bangle industry of Firozabad?
a) 20000
b) 200000
c) 2000
d) 21000

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3. Why according to you is Mukesh ‘proud’ telling that his house is rebuilt?
a) The house being built is big and beautiful
b) He has built house from his own saving
c) The house is small and ordinary
d) No one is able to build house around
Ans: 1-b 2-a 3-d
XI. A frail young woman is cooking the evening meal for the whole family. Through eyes filled
with smoke she smiles. She is the wife of Mukesh’s elder brother. Not much older in years, she
has begun to command respect as the bahu, the daughter-in-law of the house, already in charge
of three men — her husband, Mukesh and their father. When the older man enters, she gently
withdraws behind the broken wall and brings her veil closer to her face. As custom demands,
daughters-in-law must veil their faces before male elders. In this case the elder is an
impoverished bangle maker. Despite long years of hard labour, first as a tailor, then a bangle
maker, he has failed to renovate a house, send his two sons to school. All he has managed to
do is teach them what he knows — the art of making bangles
Question:
1. Who is the frail looking woman mentioned in the first sentence?
a) Mukesh’s wife
b) Mukesh’s sister
c) Mukesh’s sister-in-law
d) Mukesh’s wife
2. How many male members are there in Mukesh’s family?
a) 1 member
b) 2 members
c) 3 members
d) 4 members
3. For whom is the phrase ‘impoverished bangle maker’ used in the passage?
a) Saheb
b) Mukesh
c) Mukesh’s brother
d) Mukesh’s father
4. What was the profession of Mukesh’s father before he became a bangle-maker?
a) tailor
b) carpenter
c) plumber

76
 d) Mason
Ans: 1-c 2-c 3-d 4-a

XII. “It is his karam, his destiny,” says Mukesh’s grandmother, who has watched her own
husband go blind with the dust from polishing the glass of bangles. “Can a god-given lineage
ever be broken?” she implies. Born in the caste of bangle makers, they have seen nothing but
bangles — in the house, in the yard, in every other house, every other yard, every street in
Firozabad. Spirals of bangles — sunny gold, paddy green, royal blue, pink, purple, every colour
born out of the seven colours of the rainbow — lie in mounds in unkempt yards, are piled on
four-wheeled handcarts, pushed by young men along the narrow lanes of the shanty town. And
in dark hutments, next to lines of flames of flickering oil lamps, sit boys and girls with their fathers
and mothers, welding pieces of coloured glass into circles of bangles. Their eyes are more
adjusted to the dark than to the light outside. That is why they often end up losing their eyesight
before they become adults.
Question:
1. What makes the working conditions of the children worst in the glass industry?
a) Dark dingy cells without light and air
b) Dazzling and sparking of welding light
c) High temperature
d) All of these
2. Sunny-gold, paddy green, royal blue, pink, purple, every colour born out of the seven colours
of the rainbow. What is this a reference to?
(a) clothes
(b) birds
(c) bangles
(d) bindis
3. ‘Can a god-given lineage ever be broken?’ These words were spoken by
a. Mukesh
b. Mukesh’s grandfather
c. Mukesh’s grandmother
d. the author
Ans: 1-d 2-c 3-d

XIII. Savita, a young girl in a drab pink dress, sits alongside an elderly woman, soldering pieces
of glass. As her hands move mechanically like the tongs of a machine, I wonder if she knows

77
the sanctity of the bangles she helps make. It symbolises an Indian woman’s suhaag,
auspiciousness in marriage. It will dawn on her suddenly one day when her head is draped with
a red veil, her hands dyed red with henna, and red bangles rolled onto her wrists. She will then
become a bride. Like the old woman beside her who became one many years ago. She still has
bangles on her wrist, but no light in her eyes. “Ek waqt ser bhar khana bhi nahin khaya,” she
says, in a voice drained of joy. She has not enjoyed even one full meal in her entire lifetime —
that’s what she has reaped! Her husband, an old man with a flowing beard, says, “I know nothing
except bangles. All I have done is make a house for the family to live in.” Hearing him, one
wonders if he has achieved what many have failed in their lifetime. He has a roof over his head!

Question:
1. “One wonders if he has achieved what many have failed to achieve in their lifetime. He has
a roof over his head”; these lines were said in reference to the condition of
a. the elderly woman’s old husband
b. Mukesh’s father
c. the bangle factory owner
d. Mukesh’s elder brother
2. Savita, a young girl is seen by the author,
a) stitching clothes
b) washing clothes
c) soldering pieces of glass
d) embroidering a sheet
3. ‘She has not enjoyed a full meal in her entire lifetime’. Who is ‘she’ in the given sentence?
a) the elderly woman sitting close to Savita
b) Mukesh’s sister-in-law
c) Mukesh’s mother
d) Mukesh’s grandmother

Ans: 1-a 2-c 3-a

XIV. The cry of not having money to do anything except carry on the business of making bangles,
not even enough to eat, rings in every home. The young men echo the lament of their elders.
Little has moved with time, it seems, in Firozabad. Years of mind-numbing toil have killed all
initiative and the ability to dream.

78
“Why not organise yourselves into a cooperative?” I ask a group of young men who have fallen
into the vicious circle of middlemen who trapped their fathers and forefathers. “Even if we get
organised, we are the ones who will be hauled up by the police, beaten and dragged to jail for
doing something illegal,” they say. There is no leader among them, no one who could help them
see things differently. Their fathers are as tired as they are. They talk endlessly in a spiral that
moves from poverty to apathy to greed and to justice.

Question:
1. What compels the workers in bangle industry of Firozabad to poverty?
a) Cast and ancestral profession
b) Karam theory and society
c) Bureaucrats and politicians
d) All of these

2. ‘Years of mind-numbing toil have killed all initiative and the ability to dream’. This shows that
a) the bangle makers are exhausted yet they are enterprising and have dreams.
b) the drudgery of work has destroyed their willingness to improve their lot.
c) the daily grind has stolen the dreams of the bangle makers and made them dull.
d) the bangle makers have been working so hard that there’s no time to sleep.

3. Choose the term which best matches the statement ‘The young men echo the lament of their
elders.’
a) acceptance
b) reflection
c) reiteration
d) doubtfulness
Ans: 1-d 2-b 3-c
XV. Listening to them, I see two distinct worlds — one of the family, caught in a web of poverty,
burdened by the stigma of caste in which they are born; the other a vicious circle of the sahukars,
the middlemen, the policemen, the keepers of law, the bureaucrats and the politicians. Together
they have imposed the baggage on the child that he cannot put down. Before he is aware, he
accepts it as naturally as his father. To do anything else would mean to dare. And daring is not
part of his growing up. When I sense a
flash of it in Mukesh I am cheered. “I want to be a motor mechanic,’ he repeats. He will go to a
garage and learn. But the garage is a long way from his home. “I will walk,” he insists. “Do you

79
 also dream of flying a plane?” He is suddenly silent. “No,” he says, staring at the ground. In his
small murmur there is an embarrassment that has not yet turned into regret. He is content to
dream of cars that he sees hurtling down the streets of his town. Few airplanes fly over
Firozabad.
Question:
1. Who according to the above passage is not responsible for the condition of people of
Firozabad?
a) Policeman
b) Politicians
c) Bureaucrats
d) Teachers

2. How is Mukesh’s attitude different from that of his family?

a) Being daring, firm and clear
b) Being a fighter
c) Being a coward
d) Not clear
3. The author ends the unit with ‘Few airplanes fly over Firozabad.’ What is the writer’s emotion
while writing this?
a) Happy
b) Sad
c) Curious
d) Not clear
Ans: 1-d 2-a 3-b
STAND ALONE MCQs

Q1- Who is the author of Lost Spring?

A) James Bond
B) Arundhati Roy
C) Sudha Murthy
D) Anees Jung
Q2- This story is an excerpt from which book of the author?
A) Lost Spring - Stories of stolen childhood
B) Unveiling India
C) Breaking the Silence

80
D) The Song of India
Q3- What does the author analyze in the story?
A) Rich people
B) garbage
C) Poor children and their exploitation
D) her works
Q4- What is the central theme of the story Lost Spring?
A) Pitiable Poor children and their lost childhood
B) garbage
C) Saheb and Mukesh
D) Spring Season
Q5- What forces the children to live a life of exploitation?
A) greed
B) Extreme Poverty
C) peers
D) parents
Q6- According to the author what was garbage for the parents?
A) Means of entertainment
B) means of joy
C) Means of sorrow
D) Means of survival
Q7- According to the author what was garbage for the children ?
A) Means of entertainment
B) Means of timepass
C) Means of playing
D) a wonder
Q8- Who was Saheb?
A) a shopkeeper
B) a servant
C) a ragpicker
D) all
Q9- What was Saheb looking for?
A) eggs
B) gold
C) coins

81
D) toys
Q10- Is Saheb happy working at the tea stall?
A) yes
B) yes, he earns money
C) no earning
D) no, earning but no freedom
Q11- Why did Saheb E Alam not go to school?
A) not interested
B) no bucks to pay fees
C) wants to go for movie
D) wants to earn
Q12- What is the meaning of Saheb E Alam?
A) Owner
B) Rich man
C) Poor man
D) Lord of the Universe
Q13- Where was Saheb employed?
A) at a tea stall in Seemapuri
B) at a saree shop
C) at a jewellery shop
D) at a sweet shop
Q14- Why is author calling garbage as 'gold' in the story?
A) Because of jewels in it
B) Because of gems in it
C) because of gold in it
D) Because of its encashment
Q15- What do the boys appear like to the author in the story?
A) Morning crows
B) Evening crows
C) Morning birds
D) Evening Birds
Q16- Name the birth place of the author.
A) Ranchi
B) Patna
C) Raipur

82
D) Rourkela
Q17- What does the title 'Lost Spring' symbolize?
A) lost blooming childhood
B) autumn season
C) lost money
D) lost age
Q18- Saheb hailed from which place?
A) Delhi
B) Seemapuri
C) Greenfields of Dhaka
D) None
Q19- Why did Saheb go through garbage dumps?
A) to find silver coin
B) a rupee
C) a ten rupee note
D) all these
Q20- Why did Saheb leave his house?
A) Because storm swept away his house and field
B) to enjoy a life of leisure
C) to find friends
D) to go to college
Q21- What forced Saheb to be a ragpicker?
A) hard work
B) Destiny
C) People arpund him
D) Acute poverty
Q22- Where is Seemapuri?
A) In Noida
B) South Delhi
C) North Delhi
D) East Delhi
Q23- Why did Saheb leave Dhaka?
A) Because of lack of resources
B) Because of lack of enough food
C) Because of friends

83
D) Because of parents
Q24- Who are responsible for the poor condition of bangle makers in Firozabad?
A) Parents
B) Society
C) Bureaucrats
D) All
Q25- What efforts can help Mukesh materialize his dream of becoming a car driver?
A) Hard work
B) going to garage
C) guidance of his owner
D) all these
Q26- What are the hazards of working in the glass bangles industry?
A) Poor health
B) impaired vision
C) miserable life
D) All of these
Q27- Who employs the local families of Firozabad?
A) Bureaucrats
B) Merchants
C) Politicians
D) The glass blowing industry
Q28- What is the function of glass blowing industry?
A) to make windows
B) to make doors
C) to mould glass
D) to mould glass and make colorful bangles
Q29- What makes the working condition of the children worst in the glass industry?
A) Dark dingy cells without light and air
B) dazzling and sparking of welding light
C) high temperature
D) All these
Q30- What excuse do the rag pickers give for not wearing chappals?
A) mothers don't give
B) no interest
C) a tradition

84
D) All these
31- Who is Mukesh?
A) student
B) worker
C) Banglemaker
D) mechanic
Q32- What are the reasons for the migration of people from villages to city in the lesson?
A) Sweeping of houses and fields by storms
B) poverty
C) education and unemployment
D) safety
Q33- What compels the workers in bangle industry of Firozabad to poverty?
A) cast and ancestral profession
B) Karma theory and society
C) Bureaucrats and politicians
D) All these
Q34- The city of Firozabad is famous for what?
A) For casteism
B) For ragpickers
C) for poverty
D) for bangles
Q35- Firozabad is the center of which industry?
A) cotton industry
B) furniture industry
C) textile industry
D) glass blowing industry
Q36-How is Mukesh's attitude different from that of his family?
A) being daring, firm and clear
B) being a fighter
C) being a coward
D) not clear
Q37- What is the means of survival in Seemapuri?
A) work
B) merchandising
C) education

85
D) ragpicking
Q38- What is the metaphorical symbol of Seemapuri in the lesson?
A) poverty
B) exploitation
C) enjoyment
D) a little hell
Q39- What is Mukesh's dream?
A) to be a doctor
B) to be a merchant
C) to be a rogue
D) to be a motor- mechanic
Q40- What change did Anees Jung see in Saheb when she saw him standing by the gate of the
neighbourhood club?
A) as if lost freedom
B) lost ownership
C) lost joy
D) all these
Answers:
1 D 11 B 21 D 31 C

2 A 12 D 22 D 32 A

3 C 13 A 23 B 33 D

4 A 14 D 24 D 34 D

5 B 15 C 25 D 35 D

6 D 16 D 26 D 36 A

7 D 17 A 27 D 37 D

8 C 18 C 28 D 38 D

9 B 19 D 29 D 39 D

10 D 20 A 30 D 40 D

(ASSERTION AND REASONING)

1. Statement : Saheb and his family migrated from Dhaka in Bangladesh.

Reason: : His home and fields had been destroyed by the storm, he had to migrate.
86
 A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

C - A is true but R is false.

D - A is false but R is true.

E - Both A and R are false

2. Assertion : Garbage to them is gold.

Reason : They could find gold coins to enjoy life.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

C - A is true but R is false.

D - A is false but R is true.

E - Both A and R are false

3. Statement 1 : Saheb was getting eight hundred rupees and meals at the tea stall
Reason : Mukesh’s dream was to be a motor mechanic.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

C - A is true but R is false.

D - A is false but R is true.

E - Both A and R are false

4. Assertion : Saheb and Mukesh did not experience any spring in their lives.

Reason : They had responsibilities of their families to supplement their income.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

C - A is true but R is false.

D - A is false but R is true.

E - Both A and R are false

5. Statement : The first part of ‘Lost Spring’ tells the writer's impression about the life of poor
rag pickers who have migrated from Bangladesh

Reason : The second part of ‘Lost Spring’ narrates the miserable life of the bangle-makers
in the town of Firozabad.
87
 A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

C - A is true but R is false.

D - A is false but R is true.

E - Both A and R are false

6. Statement : Bangle industry flourishes in the town of Farukhabad.

Reason : The frail woman in Mukesh’s house is his elder brother’s wife.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

C - A is true but R is false.

D - A is false but R is true.

E - Both A and R are false

7. Statement 1 : One day, Saheb was seen by the author, watching some young men playing
soccer.
Statement 2 : The colony of rag pickers is situated in Seetapuri.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

C - A is true but R is false.

D - A is false but R is true.

E - Both A and R are false

8. Assertion :Travelling across the country I have seen children walking barefoot, in cities, on
village roads.
Reason : It is not lack of money but a tradition to stay barefoot.
A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

C - A is true but R is false.

D - A is false but R is true.

E - Both A and R are false
9. Assertion : The ragpickers had been living illegally in Seemapuri for the last thirty years.
Reason : The politicians of the area have provided them ration cards and voter identity
cards.
A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

88
 B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
E - Both A and R are false
10. Assertion : Food is more important for survival than an identity.
Reason : For the rag pickers the garbage was as precious as gold.
A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
E - Both A and R are false
11. Assertion : “Ek waqt ser bhar khana bhi nahin khaya,” she says, in a voice drained of joy.
Reason : She has not enjoyed even one full meal in her entire lifetime — that’s what she
has reaped!
A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
E - Both A and R are false
12. Assertion : Mukesh dares to dream and has a way out of his situation.
Reason : His family does not dare to dream.
A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
E - Both A and R are false
13. Assertion : The bangle – makers of Firozabad are poverty – stricken.
Reason : The money – lenders, middlemen, policemen, law – keepers, officers and
politicians altogether form a barrier around them.
A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
E - Both A and R are false
14. Assertion : The furnaces have very low temperatures and more ventilation.
89
 Reason: While polishing the bangles, the dust harms their eyes and many lose their vision.
A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
E - Both A and R are false
15. Assertion : Forcing a child to work is a crime.
Reason: The government has to become proactive and take measures to check child
labour and enforce the law strictly.
A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
E - Both A and R are false
ANSWERS:

1. A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

2. C - A is true but R is false.
3. B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
4. A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
5. B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
6. D - A is false but R is true.
7. E - Both A and R are false
8. A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
9. A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
10. B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
11. B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
12. B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
13. A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
14. D - A is false but R is true.
15. B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

90
 DEEP WATER
-WILLIAM DOUGLAS

EXTRACT-BASED QUESTIONS

1. “It had happened when I was ten or eleven years old. I had decided to learn to swim. There
was a pool at the Y.M.C.A. in Yakima that offered exactly the opportunity. The Yakima
River was treacherous.”

i. What opportunity did Y.M.C.A provide?

a) To swim in turbulent waters

b) To swim with Dolphins
c) To swim in safe waters with life guards
d) To explore deep waters
ii. What happened when the author was 11?

a) He went on a trip to a beach at California

b) He was knocked down by a wave.
c) He had a misadventure at YMCA pool.
d) He visited Yakima river with parents.
iii. Why was Yakima river referred to as treacherous?

a) Its waters were deep

b) Its current was too strong
c) It had claimed many lives
d) It was unpredictable
iv. Choose a word which is near the meaning of “treacherous”

a) precarious
b) reliable
c) safe
d) loyal
ANSWERS

Extract 1

i ii iii Iv
c c c a

91
2. “He and I stood together in the surf. I hung on to him, yet the waves knocked me down
and swept over me. I was buried in water. My breath was gone.”

i.. Who is referred to as 'he'?

a) The writer's brother

b) The writer's uncle

c) The writer's grandfather

d) The writer's father

ii. How old was he at the time the beach incident ?

a) He was 4 years old

b) He was 5 years old

c) He was 10 years old

d) Hewas11 years old

iii. Who saved him at the beach?

a) His uncle

b) His friend

c) His coach

d) His Father

iv. Another word for “surf” is ...

a) Ocean

b) Paddling

c) Wave

d) Foam

ANSWERS

Extract 2

i ii Iii iv
d a d c

3. “With that he picked me up and tossed me into the deep end. I landed in a sitting position,
swallowed water, and went at once to the bottom.”

i.. Who is "he" here?

92
 a) An18-year-old boy

b) His father

c) Life guard

d) His friend

ii. Whom did he toss into the water?

a) His friend

b) The trainer

c) William Douglas

d) Life guard

iii. Where did he land in the sitting position?

a) In the river
b) In the sea
c) In the deep end of the pool
d) None
iv. What happened to the narrator when he threw him in the pool?

a) He swam to the edge of the pool

b) He was rescued by the boy who threw him in the pool
c) He swallowed water and went to the bottom of the pool
d) He was rescued by his father

ANSWERS

Extract 3

i ii iii iv
a c c c

4. “I went down, down, endlessly. I opened my eyes. Nothing but water with a yellow glow — dark
water that one could not see through. And then sheer, stark terror seized me, terror that knows
no understanding, terror that knows no control, terror that no one can understand who has not
experienced it. I was shrieking under water. I was paralyzed under water — stiff, rigid with
fear. Even the screams in my throat were frozen. Only my heart, and the pounding in my head,
said that I was still alive.”

i. How did he feel under water?

a) Calm
93
 b) Peaceful

c) Stiff and rigid with fear

d) Relaxed

ii. What seized him while going down to the bottom of the pool?

a) Fear

b) Stark terror

c) Reason

d) Wit

iii. Who can understand terror better?

a) The person who is undergoing it

b) The person who has experienced it in life

c) The close friends of the person

d) None

iv. How could he know that he was still alive?

a) Because his brain was working

b) Because of his screams

c) The pounding of the heart

d) None

ANSWERS

Extract 4

i ii iii iv
c b b c

5. “The yellowish light was going out. Then all effort Ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs felt limp;
and a blackness swept over my brain. It wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more
panic. It was quiet and peaceful. I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell.”

i. What is happening to the writer?

a) He is being carried out by the lifeguard

b) He is regaining consciousness

c) He is floating
94
 d) He is losing consciousness

ii. Choose a word opposite to the word “ceased” …

a) Stop

b) End

c) Conclude

d) Start

iii. What has wiped away the fear out of his mind?

a) Relaxation

b) Peace

c) Blackness

d) Oblivion

iv. Another word for “oblivion” is………

a) Awareness

b) Fame

c) Consciousness

d) Unconsciousness

ANSWERS

Extract 5

i ii iii iv
d d d d

6. “Thus, piece by piece, he built a swimmer. And when he had perfected each piece, he put them
together into an integrated whole. In April he said, “Now you can swim. Dive off and swim the
length of the pool, crawl stroke.”

i. How did the instructor make Douglas a good swimmer?

a) by planning

b) with the help of ropes

c) by pushing him into the pool

d) with the help of ropes and belts

ii. What lesson did Douglas learn from his experience of drowning?
95
 a) learnt swimming

b) love for swimming

c) Swimming is not difficult

d) Face the fear

iii. “Thus, piece by piece, he built a swimmer” what does the narrator mean by this statement?

a) Step by step

b) Slowly

c) With patience

d) One by one

iv. “he put them together into an integrated whole” What did he put together?

a) All the styles and strokes of swimming learnt by Douglas

b) All his equipment

c) All the ideas

d) None

ANSWERS

Extract 6

i ii iii iv
d d a a

7. “But I was not finished. I still wondered if I would be terror-stricken when I was alone in the pool.
I tried it. I swam the length up and down. Tiny vestiges of the old terror would return. But now I
could frown and say to that terror, “Trying to scare me, eh? Well, here’s to you! Look! And off I’d
go for another length of the pool.”

i. But I was not finished…who is I in these lines?

a) The Narrator

b) The instructor

c) The life guard

d) His father

ii. What did Douglas want to check?

a) Whether he is free from the fear of water

96
 b) Whether his old fear will come back when he will swim alone

c) Whether he could swim alone without fear

d) All the above

iii. Another word for “vestiges” is….

a) Remnant

b) Sign

c) Non indication

d) Deletion

iv. The figure of speech used in the last two sentences is…

a) Alliteration

b) Metaphor

c) Simile

d) Personification

ANSWERS

Extract 7

i Ii iii iv
a b a d

8. “Yet I had residual doubts. At my first opportunity I hurried west, went up the Tieton to Conrad
Meadows, up the Conrad Creek Trail to Meade Glacier, and camped in the high meadow by the
side of Warm Lake. The next morning, I stripped, dived into the lake, and swam across to the
other shore and back — just as Doug Corpron used to do. I shouted with joy, and Gilbert Peak
returned the echo. I had conquered my fear of water.”

i. What residual doubts Douglas is talking about?

a) Whether he had learnt swimming?

b) Whether he has concurred his fear of water?

c) Whether he can participate in competitions?

d) Whether he can swim to the length of the pool?

ii. Where did he go to clear his doubt?

a) California

97
 b) Warm Lake

c) Conrad meadows

d) To the North

iii. What did he do there?

a) Camped there

b) Did fishing there

c) Did boating there

d) swam across to the other shore and back

iv. Who was Doug Corpron?

a) Trainer

b) Life guard

c) Swimmer

d) Friend

ANSWERS

Extract 8

i ii iii iv
b b d c

9. “The experience had a deep meaning for me, as only those who have known stark terror and
conquered it can appreciate. In death there is peace. There is terror only in the fear of death,
as Roosevelt knew when he said, “All we have to fear is fear itself.”

i. In the essay William Douglas talks about his fear of

a) fire

b) lizards

c) snake

d) water

ii. How did the author’s fear vanish?

a) With courage, guidance and determination

b) With care

c) With mother’s words

98
 d) With guidance

iii. “All we have to fear is the fear itself”, who said these words?

a) William Douglas

b) Trainer

c) His Father

d) Roosevelt

iv. “In death there is peace. There is terror only in the fear of death” it means…..

a) Death brings an end to all our fears

b) Death is peaceful

c) Thought of death creates fear in us

d) All of the above

ANSWERS

Extract 9

i ii iii iv
d a d D

10. “At last I felt released — free to walk the trails and climb the peaks and to brush aside fear.”

i. At the end of the experience, Douglas felt

a) Happy

b) Sad

c) Victorious

d) Released

ii. Douglas got freedom from his ….

a) Fear of water

b) Fear of darkness

c) Fear of height

d) Fear of lizard

iii. What could he do now?

a) Travelling
99
 b) Running

c) Tracking

d) Enjoy all the water sports

iv. How was he able to brush his fear of water?

a) With practice

b) hard work

c) perseverance

d) All the above

ANSWERS

Extract 10

i Ii Iii iv
d a D a

11. My breath was gone. I was frightened. Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart at the
overpowering force of the waves. 46 | P a g e My introduction to the Y.M.CA. swimming pool
revived unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears. But in a little while I gathered
confidence. I paddled with my new water wings, watching the other boys and trying to learn
by aping them. I did these two or three times on different days and was just beginning to feel
at ease in the water when the misadventure happened.

i. Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below

Statement 1: the author’s father laughed to mock his son's inability to swim
Statement 2: the author wanted to swim just to prove his father that he can swim
a) Statement 1 is true but statement 2 is false
b) Statement 1 is false but statement 2 is true
c) Both statement 1 and statement 2 is cannot be inferred
d) Both statement 1 and statement 2 is inferred
ii. The misadventure that took place right after the author felt comfortable was that

a) The author slipped and fell into the swimming pool

b) A bully toasted him into the pool for the sake of fun

c) His coaching forget to teach him how to handle deep Water

d) His father couldn’t help him from drowning into the water

iii. The chap that threw him into the pool was just for the sake of fun. Choose option mentioning
the personality traits of this chap

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 1. Persuasive

2. Irresponsible

3. Domineering

4. Manipulative

5. Callous

a) 1, 2, 4

b) 2, 4, 5

c) 2, 3, 5

d) 1, 3, 5

iv. What does the word ‘ape’ mean in the context?

a) Emulate

b) Primate

c) Prototype

d) None of these

ANSWERS

Extract 11

i ii iii iv
c b b a

12. I landed in a sitting position, swallowed water, and went at once to the bottom. I was frightened,
but not yet frightened out of my wits. On the way down I planned: When my feet hit the bottom,
I would make a big jump, come to the surface, lie flat on it, and paddle to the edge of the pool.
It seemed a long way down. Those nine feet were more like ninety, and before I touched
bottom my lungs were ready to burst. But when my feet hit bottom I summoned all my strength
and made what I thought was a great spring upwards. I imagined I would bob to the surface
like a cork. Instead, I came up slowly.

i. “Frightened out of my wits” this sentence highlights that Douglas was

1. Agitated
2. Had wrath
3. Reassured
4. Succour
5 Buoyant
6. Startled

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 a) 2 & 6

b) 3 & 4

c) 6 & 1

d) 5 & 4

ii. “I landed in a sitting position, swallowed water, and went at once to the bottom”. Which place
narrator is talking about

a) At Yakima with mother

b) At sea with father

c) At YMCA pool

d) At sea with instructor

iii. What tactics did the narrator adopt to extricate him?

a) To swim across the pool and reach safely

b) To drown and thinks that this is his last day

c) To go to bottom, hit it hard and reach the surface

d) All of these

iv. Choose the term which best matches the statement, “ I summoned all my strength”

1. That he gathered his strength

2. That he garnered his strength with time

3. That he accumulated his strength

4. That he dissipated his strength

a) 1, 3

b) 1, 2, 3

c) 2, 3, 4

d) 1, 2, 4

ANSWERS

Extract 12

i ii iii iv
c c c a

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 STAND ALONE MCQs

1. What is the story Deep Water speaking about?

a) fear of water and the way to overcome it

b) fear of people

c) fear of dogs

d) fear of swimming

2. How did the author's fear vanish?

a) with courage, guidance and determination

b) with care

c) with mother's words

d) with guidance

3. According to story where did the narrator go when he was 3 or4 years old

a)Washington b)New Zealand c)California d)Canada

4. What did William Douglas desire?

a) visit to California b)visit to Washington

c ) to be able to swim and enjoy the water sports d)to be with his mother

5. How old was Douglas when his aversion to the water started?

a) one or two

b) three or four

c) ten or eleven

d) eighteen

6. How did the instructor make Douglas a good swimmer ?

a) The instructor started working with Douglas five days a week

b) Taught him to put his head underwater and exhale and raise his nose and inhale

c) Held Douglas on the side of the pool and made him kick with his legs

d) All of the above

7. Why did Douglas’ mother warn him against swimming in the Yakima River ?

a) the river was treacherous.

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 b) she was afraid of water.

c) many people had drown there

d) none of the above

8. Who threw Douglas into the swimmimg pool?

a) A young 18years old Bruiser b) Instructor

c) his mother d) his father

9. What plans did he make to come to the surface of the pool?

a) tried to jump and push himself up b)shouted

c)cried aloud d )shouted help

10. How did this experience at YMCA pool affect the author?

a)became fearful b)confident c)over confident d)became hydrophobic

11. Douglas hated to walk with bare legs because of

a) ugly looking legs

b) fat legs

c) his skin colour

d) skinny legs

12. Though Douglas was frightened during the pool incident, he was not…….

a) afraid to die

b) able to shout for help

c) going to survive

d) out of his wits

13. How many times did Douglas go down towards the bottom at YMCA misadventure?

a) only once b) twice c) thrice d)None

14. How much distance did Douglas cover when he swam the lake to stamp act island ?

a)two miles b) three miles c) four miles d) four miles

15. ' All we have to fear is fear itself.' Who spoke these words?

a) Douglas b) His instructor c) His father d)President Roosevelt

16. After successful training, whenever terror struck again what would Douglas start?

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 a)laughing b)screaming c)panicking d)talking to terror

17. Where is the lake Wentworth situated?

a) In New Hampshire b) in Washington c) in California d) in Washington D.C

18. How did the author's fear vanish?

A) with courage, guidance and determination

B) with care

C) with mother's words

D) with guidance

19. From where did he dive off in the Lake Wentworth?

a)Yakima b) Triggs Island c) Stamp Act Island d)Cascade

20. Why did Douglas go to the beach in California with his father?

a) for swimming b) for surfing c ) for paddling d) none of the above

ANSWERS

1. a) fear of water and the way to overcome it

2. a) with courage, guidance and determination
3. c) California
4. c) to be able to swim and enjoy the water sports

5. b) three or four
6. d) All of the above

7 c) many people had drown there

8 a) A young 18years old Bruiser

9 a) tried to jump and push himself up

10 d) became hydrophobic

11 b) skinny legs

12 d) out of his wits

13 c) thrice

14 a) two miles

15 d) President Roosevelt

16 d) talking to terror

105
17 a) In New Hampshire

18 a) with courage, guidance and determination

19 b) Triggs island

20 b) for surfing

POEM 1. MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX – KAMALA DAS

EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS:

Que. Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow by choosing
correct option:

EXTRACT 1
Driving from my parent’s home to Cochin last Friday
morning, I saw my mother
beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that
of a corpse and realized with pain
that she was as old as she looked.

a. Where was the poet driving to?

i. Cochin airport
ii. Her parent’s home
iii. Abroad
iv. Kolkata
b. Why was her mother’s face looking like that of a corpse?
i. due to tiredness
ii. due to old age
iii. due to long drive
iv. due to bad weather
c. What did the poet notice about her mother?
i. she became old
ii. her ashen like face
iii. her open mouth
iv. all of the above
d. Why was the realisation painful?
i. because of thought of separation
ii. because of thought of children
iii. because of thought of sprinting trees
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 iv. because of security check.
ANSWERS

Extract 1

a b c d
i ii iv i

EXTRACT 2
……….but soon
put that thought away and
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes…

A. What did she see when she looked out of the car?

i. Her mother
ii. Young trees
iii. Merry children
iv. Both ii & iii

B. Which thought did the poet put away?

i. Distressing reality of her mother

ii. Reaching airport soon
iii. Children
iv. Trees
C. What is the poetic device used in the fourth line?
i. metaphor
ii. personification
iii. imagery
iv. All the above

D.What do the ‘sprinting trees’ signify?

i. time running at a fast pace

ii. energy and exuberance
iii. lifelessness
iv. old age
ANSWERS
Extract 2

A B C D
iv i iv ii
107
EXTRACT 3
I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old
familiar ache, my childhood’s fear,
but all I said was see you soon, Amma,
all I did was smile and smile and smile

a. What was the poet’s childhood fear?

i. Losing her grandmother
ii. Losing her daughter
iii. Losing her father
iv. Losing her mother
b. What were the poetess’s parting words?
i. “Goodbye Amma”
ii. “See you soon Amma”
iii. “Will Come soon Amma”
iv. Smile and Smile
c. What is the poetic device used in the fifth line?
i. metaphor
ii. simile
iii. alliteration
iv. repetition

d. Why did the poet smile and smile?

i. She wanted her mother to smile back.
ii. She wanted to go away from mother.
iii. She wanted to divert her mother’s pain.
iv. She wanted to hide her true feelings.

ANSWERS
Extract 3

a b c d
iv ii iv iv

STAND ALONE MCQs

1. Whose mother has been referred to in the poem?
i) Adrienne Rich
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 ii) Kamala Das
iii) Anees Jung
iv) Stephen Spender
2. How does the poet describe her mother?
i) old and pale
ii) old and beautiful
iii) energetic
iv) nostalgic
3. What thought did the poet put away?
i) The living-style of mother
ii) The beautiful past of mother
iii) The impending death of mother
iv) None of the above
4 Which word in the passage is an antonym of ‘miserable’?
i) Thought
ii) Sprinting
iii) Merry
iv) Spilling
5 The image of children ‘spilling out of their homes’ portrays
i) Similarity between poet’s mother and children
ii) Childhood
iii) Surrounding
iv) Contrast between the old age and the children
6 What has been compared with the late winter’s moon?
i) The poet
ii) The poet’s mother
iii) Children
iv) Trees
7 Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?
i) She is as pale and cheerless as the winter moon
ii) She as fresh and cheerful as the winter moon
iii) She is as pretty as the winter moon
iv) None of the above
8 Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements about the poem
My Mother at Six Sixty

109
 Statement – 1: Each stanza of the poem ends with full-stop.
Statement – 2: The poem is written in the form of a single chain of thoughts.
i) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
ii) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
iii) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.
iv) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.
9 Which out of the following is an example of ‘Metaphor’ in the poem?
i) Ashen like that of a corpse
ii) Young trees sprinting
iii) As a late winter’s moon
iv) Merry children spilling out of their homes
10 What was the mother doing in the car?
i) She was dozing off.
ii) She was talking to her daughter.
iii) She was knitting a sweater.
iv) None of the above
11 An image of merry children has been brought out by the narrator in order to show
i) Energy and exuberance of young children
ii) The children playing
iii) The children playing pranks
iv) Comparison with herself
12 The narrator is using her smile only to
i) Make herself happy
ii) Cover her pain
iii) Make her mother happy
iv) Make her father happy
13 When the narrator looked at her mother again she felt a pang of her old familiar
i) Guilt
ii) Heartache
iii) Ache
iv) Headache
14 What does the expression smile, smile and smile signify?
i) Poet was going home and was elated
ii) Poet was happy to receive her mother at the airport
iii) Poet’s desperate efforts to hide her fears

110
 iv) Poet was hopeless
15 What does the narrative single sentence style of the poem highlight?
i) Poet’s feelings
ii) Poets intertwining thoughts
iii) Poet’s thoughts
iv) Poet’s insecurities
ANSWERS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
ii i iii iii iv ii i ii iv i i ii iii iii ii

ASSERTION AND REASONING

1. Choose the option that applies correctly to the two statements given below.

Assertion: The poet wards off the thought of her mother getting old quickly.

Reason: The poet didn’t want to confront the inevitability of fate that was to dawn upon her
mother.

a) Assertion can be inferred but the Reason cannot be inferred.

b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the Reason can be inferred.

c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.

d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred.

2. Choose the option that applies correctly to the two statements given below.

Assertion: It leaves a very strong impression on the speaker who feels that her mother’s face
resembles the pale face of a dead body (like that of a corpse).

Reason: While inside the car, she happens to see her mother beside her doze off.

a) Assertion can be inferred but the Reason cannot be inferred.

b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the Reason can be inferred.

c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.

d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred.

3. Choose the option that applies correctly to the two statements given below.

111
Assertion: All she can do is part with the hope of seeing her mother again.

Reason: The parting is made all the more poignant by the fact that though she hopes to see
her mother, she fears that she might not.

a) Assertion can be inferred but the Reason cannot be inferred.

b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the Reason can be inferred.

c) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred.

d) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.

4. Choose the option that applies correctly to the two statements given below.

Assertion: The world around the poet appears old and weak.

Reason: It forms a contrast to the state of her mother.

a) Assertion can be inferred but the Reason cannot be inferred.

b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the Reason can be inferred.

c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.

d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred.

5. Choose the option that applies correctly to the two statements given below.

Assertion: The poet compares her mother to a winter moon.

Reason: Her mother looks pale and grey.

a) Assertion can be inferred but the Reason cannot be inferred.

b) Assertion cannot be inferred but the Reason can be inferred.

c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.

d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred.

Answers:

1 2 3 4 5
c c d d c

112
 An Elementary School Class Room in a Slum by Stephen Spender

EXTRACT BASED

Q-1 Read the extract given and answer the question by choosing the most appropriate option

Far far from gusty waves these children’s faces.

Like rootless weeds, the hair torn round their pallor:
The tall girl with her weighed-down head. The paper seeming
boy, with rat’s eyes. The stunted, unlucky heir
Of twisted bones, reciting a father’s gnarled disease,
His lesson, from his desk. At back of the dim class
One unnoted, sweet and young. His eyes live in a dream,
Of squirrel’s game, in tree room, other than this.

1) What is the set up of the poem?

a) A government school class room
b) A public school class room
c) An Elementary School Class Room in a Slum
d) A government high school class room in a slum

Answer- An Elementary School Class Room in a Slum

2) The phrase ‘rootless weeds’ indicates ….

a) The children of slums are most wanted
b) The children of slums are unwanted
c) The children of slums are neglected
d) Both b and c

Answer- Both b and c

3) Based on the above extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
Statements given below.
Statement 1: The hair torn round their pallor: shows the children of slum don’t care for their
appearance
Statement 2: The hair torn round their pallor: indicates the pathetic condition of the children of
the slums
a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
c) Both Statement 1 and 2 are true.
113
 d) Both Statement 1 and 2 cannot be inferred.

Answer- b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true

4) The phrase ‘weighed-down head’ refer to being

a) Burdened by poverty.
b) Ashamed at her plight.
c) Distressed due to difficulties.
d) All of these

Answer- d) All of these

5) Why does the poet describe the boy of slum school class to be unlucky?
Because…
a) He inherits his father’s disease
b) He recites lesion from his desk
c) He is malnourished
d) Both a and b

Answer- He inherits his father’s disease

6) Why does the sweet boy remain Unnoticed?

a) As he was too small to be seen
b) As he was sitting behind the tall girl
c) As he was dreaming
d) As the class room was dark

Answer- As the class room was dark

7) Pick the option that matches the words / phrases with the literary device.
Word/ phrase literary device
1. like rootless weeds A. metaphor
2. paper-seeming boy B. synecdoche
C. simile
a) 1-A, 2-C,
b) 1-C, 2-A
c) 1-B, 2-A
d) 1-B, 2-A

Answer- b) 1-C, 2-A

114
 8) Which picture indicates the gnarled disease?

1 2 3 4

Q-2 Read the extract given and answer the question by choosing the most appropriate option

On sour cream walls, donations. Shakespeare’s head,

Cloudless at dawn, civilized dome riding all cities.
Belled, flowery, Tyrolese valley. Open-handed map
Awarding the world its world. And yet, for these
Children, these windows, not this map, their world,
Where all their future’s painted with a fog,
A narrow street sealed in with a lead sky
Far far from rivers, capes, and stars of words.
1) What does sour cream wall indicate?
a) Stained and dirty wall of class room
b) Unmaintained pale wall
c) White wall like fresh cream
d) Both a and B
2) Civilized dome riding all cities Belled Flowery, Tyrolese Valley are representing…
a) Progress and development of civilisation
b) Beautiful world belongs to rich (haves)
c) Prosperity
d) All of these
3) Open-handed map awarding the world its world implies that….
a) The beautiful world is for those who are rich and affluent
b) The slum children have opportunity to dream of beautiful world
c) The slum children aspire for the prosperous world
d) The slum children have nothing to do with the map as they are confined to
narrow lane.
4) Based on the above extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
Statements given below.
Statement 1: As the children are born and being brought up in slum their future is uncertain.

115
Statement 2: Instead of the normal blue sky they live under the ‘lead sky’ – dark, dull, polluted
– shows there is no hope for them.
a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
c) Both Statement 1 and 2 are true.
d) Both Statement 1 and 2 cannot be inferred.

5) What are the poetic devices used in above stanza?

1) Repetition
2) Assonance
3) Metaphor
4) Allusion
a) 1,2,4
b) 1,2,3,
c) 1,3,4
d) 1,2,3,4
6) What is irony in the above stanza?
a) The dirty wall is full of beautiful pictures
b) The school is donated many relevant things
c) The children of the class are enjoying view outside
d) The beautiful pictures are clumsily hanged
Q-3 Read the extract given and answer the question by choosing the most appropriate option
Surely, Shakespeare is wicked, the map a bad example,
With ships and sun and love tempting them to steal—
For lives that slyly turn in their cramped holes
From fog to endless night? On their slag heap, these children
Wear skins peeped through by bones and spectacles of steel
With mended glass, like bottle bits on stones.
All of their time and space are foggy slum.
So blot their maps with slums as big as doom.

1) Why is Shakespeare considered wicked for slum children?

a) As Shakespeare’s work make fun of their poverty
b) As Shakespeare has celebrated the life in his work which is beyond the reach of
these children
c) As Shakespeare was indifferent for the slum people
d) Shakespeare didn’t like slum
116
 2) What may tempt the slum children to live unlawful life?
a) Shakespeare and map
b) Ship and Sun
c) Desire for acclamation/love
d) All of the above
3) ‘Cramped holes’ symbolise…..
a) Scenic beauty
b) Polluted slum
c) Small dingy rooms
d) Burrows
4) Which picture(s) below show (s) the realistic condition of slum children?

1 2 3 4
a) 1,2,3,4
b) 1,3,4
c) 1,2,3
d) 1,2,4
5) The phrase ‘ bottle bits on stones’ shows that
a) The slum children are deprived of basic amenities
b) The slum children live malnourished life
c) The slum children work as rag picker collecting broken bottle
d) The slum children wear broken glasses
6) Based on the above extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
Statements given below.
Statement 1: As the slums are getting bigger and bigger there is no escape for these children,
as if there are trapped in doom.
Statement 2: Above statement shows that there is no future for the children of slum even if they
are helped.
a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is not the correct inference of the statement 1.
b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is the correct inference of the statement 1.
c) Both Statement 1 and 2 are irrelevant to the poem.
117
 d) Both Statement 1 and 2 are exaggerated.

Q-4 Read the extract given and answer the question by choosing the most appropriate option

Unless, governor, inspector, visitor,

This map becomes their window and these windows
That shut upon their lives like catacombs,
Break O break open till they break the town
And show the children to green fields, and make their world
Run azure on gold sands, and let their tongues
Run naked into books the white and green leaves open
History theirs whose language is the sun.
1) What is the tone of the poet in above stanza?
a) Furious
b) Indifferent
c) Urging
d) Scolding
2) What does the poet urge to the governor, inspector and visitor?
a) To get the slum children out of their present habitat
b) To break the slums
c) To let the children of slum be in natural surrounding
d) Both A and C
3) According to the poet who creates history?
a) Those who has knowledge
b) The ones who are let free
c) Those who has money
d) Option A and B
4) How green field, blue sky, gold sand will bring change in the life of slum children?
a) The experience of the sands and the beauty of nature will led to a desire of
gaining knowledge
b) It will make their life pollution free
c) They will enjoy the beauty of nature and appreciate it
d) Option A and C
5) Based on the above extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
Statements given below.

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Statement 1: The poet ends on a note of positivity and wants opportunities to be available to
the slum children..
Statement 2: The people who strive for knowledge are the ones who create history and
shine/glow like the sun.
a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is not the correct inference of the statement 1.
b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is the correct inference of the statement 1.
c) Both Statement 1 and 2 are correct and coordinate each other in the stanza.
d) Both Statement 1 and 2 are exaggerated.

6) What are the poetic devices used in above stanza?

i) Repetition
ii) Consonance
iii) Metaphor
iv) Anaphora
a) i, iii, iv
b) i, ii, iv
c) ii, iii, iv
d) i, ii, iii

ANSWERS:

Q.1 Q.2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6
c d b d a d b d a c d a

Q.3 Q.4
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6
b d c D a a c d d a c a

Stand Alone MCQs

1. What does the expression ‘sour cream walls’ suggest?

A. Display of donated artefacts in the world

B. badly maintained walls.
C. bold stool furniture.
D. poor choice of paint for walls.

2. The map of the world in the classroom symbolises-

119
 A. Hopes and aspirations of the children.
B. Travel plans of the school authorities.
C. A world that is unconnected to the children
D. inter connectivity within the world.

3. The expression Shakespeare's head is an example of –

A. Pun.
B. Paradox
C. Irony.
D. Satire

4. In the line ‘future is painted with a fog’ suggests that the-

A. A classroom is as foggy as the paint on the wall.

B. Be beautiful valleys are not a part of children's future.
C. life ahead for the slum children is as unclear and hazy as fog.
D. Fog find itself in the classroom through broken windows.

5. What is the significance of ‘Sour cream walls’ – as the colour of the paint of the classroom
walls?

A. It reflects the light and brightens the room

B. it shows the walls have not been painted recently.
C. it reflects the shabbiness and poverty of the place
D. it highlights how the children make the walls dirty.

6. ‘His eyes live in a dream, a squirrel’s game, in the tree room other than this’ means the boy
is-

A. A full of hope in the future

B. mentally ill. distracted from the lesson
C. Boy is Mischievous.
D. None of these
7. The literary device used in ‘Father’s gnarled disease’ is-

A. simile,
B. alliteration,
C. metaphor.
D. Transferred epithet.

8. ‘The old girl with her head weighed down’ means the girl-

A. is ill and exhausted,

B. has her head bent with shame.
C. She has untidy hair
D. none of these.

9. ‘The paper seeming boy with rat’s eyes’ means –

A. the boy is Shy and secretive.

B. thin and hungry and weak.
120
 C. pleasant looking.
D. all of these.

10. ‘The stunted unlucky heir of twisted bones’ means-

A. the boy has an inherited disability,

B. was short and bony,
C. tall and thin.
D. None of these.

11. The children's faces are compared to rootless weeds. This means-

A. That they are insecure

B. ill fed
C. Wasters
D. all of these.

12. Why do the lives of the children turns slyly?

A. As they live a dirty, miserable life.

B. They are trapped in a slum.
C. Their homes are uncomfortably small and crowded.
D. The problem of life made them clever and sly.

13. The literary device used in the line ‘ from fog to endless night’ an example of –

A. simile.
B. Alliteration
C. metaphor.
D. None of these.
14. The poet evokes hard, sharp images- ‘Bones of steel glass bottle bits stones’ why?

A. The slum children are doomed

B. To conjure picture of hardship in their lives
C. to convey that their life is cheap and shattered.
D. state the dismal prospect in their lives?

15. Who was sitting at the back of the dim class-

A. A girl
B. an old man
C. a teacher
D. an unnoticed young boy.

16. Who is the unlucky heir and what will he inherit?

A. a boy and will inherit good health.

B. A short boy and will inherit good height
C. intelligent boy and will inherit intelligence.
D. A thin boy with rat’s eyes and will inherit twisted bones from his father.

17. What does the colour of classroom walls point out-

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 A. happy and Poor state
B. happy and Rich state,
C. poor condition of slum children.
D. None of these

18. What does the expression ‘Open handed map’ show?

A. windows to the outside world

B. the Poor are powerful
C. The poor are powerless
D. Maps are drawn at the order of powerful people like Hitler.

19. ‘Awarding the world, it's world’ What does these words express-

A. the world is ours

B. World is being awarded.
C. The world belongs to the poor.
D. The world belongs to the. rich and powerful.
20. What kind of future slum children have-

A. very hopeful
B. bright
C. Clear like water
D. hopeless and uncertain.

21. What to do the words ‘from fog to endless night’ mean ?-

A. bright light outside

B. bright future
C. hopelessness
D. dark and uncertain future of slum children from birth to death.

22. What blots the map of the slum children-

A. garbage
B. stone in the street
C. blockage
D. dirty slum.

23. What does the poet show through expression ‘so blot their map with slum as big as doom?

A. Fill the streets

B. Enjoy the maps
C. big maps.
D. Post’s protest against social injustice and inequality.
24. What do the Governor, inspector, visitors in the poem depict?

A. Higher officials,
B. government officials.
C. Political people,
D. political people.
E. Powerful and influential people.
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25. What have the windows done to the children's lives in the poem?

A. Shut the doors,

B. block the passage,
C. blocked the sunlight.
D. Have shut the children inside and blocked their growth.
26. What are the freedoms the poet wants the slum children to enjoy?

A. Freedom of roaming
B. freedom to eat,
C. freedom to spend money,
D. freedom of knowledge, wisdom and expression
27. What does the expression ‘break O break open’ suggest-

A. barriers on the road

B. barriers of garbage heap
C. barriers of dirty environment must be broken.
D. none of these

28. Identify the figure of speech in the phrase ‘gold sand’-

A. Symbolism
B. Metaphor
C. Transferred epithet
D. synecdoche

ANSWERS:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
B C C C C A C A B A D B B B

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
D D C A D D D D D E D D C C

ASSERTION AND REASONING

1. Assertion- Education has potential to change the lives of slum children.

Reason- Children go to attend school in the slum.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.
2. Assertion- The colour of the classroom is the colour of sour cream.
Reason- the surroundings reflect the bleak future, the children have.
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 1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.
3. Assertion- Shakespeare is wicked and map a bad example.
Reason- Both give a tour of the foreign land, civilized world and beautiful
landscapes.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.

4. Assertion- The windows in the slum area have been compared to a long graveyard.
Reason- The doors of the opportunities are open and welcoming to slum child.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.

5. Assertion- The glass of spectacles is broken.

Reason- The eyesight is weak.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.
6. Assertion-The attitude of the stakeholders is that of indifference and cold.
Reason- The children are waiting for the resurrection to new life.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true
7. Assertion- The growth of the children is stunted, twisted.
Reason- The children are suffering from malnutrition.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true
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 8. Assertion- The children are compared to rootless weeds.
Reason- The children have firm background and social security.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true
9. Assertion-The school is functioning effectively in the slum.
Reason- The child, sitting in the back, is lost in day-dreaming.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true
10. Assertion- The tall girl with her head, weighing down.
Reason- The girl is not interested in studies
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true
11. Assertion- The boy has the eyes like rat.
Reason- The slum area is a cramped hole.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.
12. Assertion- The poet wants the blend of slum with the main world.
Reason- An appeal is made to take initiative on the part of concerned.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true
13. Assertion- The future of the children is painted with fog.
Reason- The slum area is exhausted with pollution.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.

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 4. A is false but R is true.
14. Assertion- Enthusiasm and energy mark the face of the children.
Reason- The children are miles away from any impetus in their lives.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.
4. A is false but R is true.
15. Assertion- Equal opportunities and right environment can do wonder to them.
Reason- political will and concern of the authorities are sought after.
1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false.

ANSWERS:

1. Both A and R are true 6. 1. Both A and R are 11. 2. Both A and R are
but R is not the correct true and R is the correct true but R is not the
explanation of A explanation of A correct explanation of A

2. Both A and R are

true but R is not the
correct explanation of A

2. Both A and R are true 7. Both A and R are true 12. 1. Both A and R are
and R is the correct and R is the correct true and R is the correct
explanation of A. explanation of A explanation of A

3. 1. Both A and R are 8. A is true but R is 13. 3A is true but R is

true and R is the correct false. false.
explanation of A.

4. . A is true but R is 9. A is false but R is true 14 A is false but R is

false. true.

5. Both A and R are 10. A is true but R is 15. Both A and R are
true but R is not the false. true and R is the correct
correct explanation of A explanation of A

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 KEEPING QUIET -- By Pablo Neruda

EXTRACT BASED MCQs

Read the given extracts and choose the correct options as the answers for the
questions that follow.

I.
Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.

For once on the face of the Earth

let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.

1. The poem and the poet of the above lines are

A. John Keats B. Stephen Spender C. Pablo Norris D. Pablo Neruda

2. The counting of twelve symbolises

A. hours of the da B. months of a year C. it will help to create peace and harmony D. all

3. What does the title of the poem suggest?

A. Inactivity B. noise C. unhappiness D. Maintenance of silence

4. ‘Not move our arms' what does this expression refer to?

A. sit quietly B. stand quietly C. to be inactive D. Sitting still without any movement

II

It would be an exotic moment

without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.

1. Why is the moment of silence called Exotic?

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 A. because of the beautiful scenery around B. because of the gathering

C. because of large gathering D. because of perfect peace and harmony

2. What would everyone feel at that exotic moment?

A. happy B. content C. dancing D. strange blissful oneness

3. Without rush, without engines‘ refers to

A. no noise B. no hurry to go to the office C. no travelling D. no holidaying

4. ‘sudden strangeness’ depicts……

A. Repetition B. Alliteration C. Simile D. Metaphor

III

Fishermen in the cold sea

would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.

1. What is the poet expecting from fishermen

A. to find more fish B. to go deeper into the sea C. to think and stop harming the fish
D. none

2. While gathering salt, what will happen to the man if he keep silent for a moment?

A. he will stop dropping it B. he will look at the ground

C. he will walk carefully D. he will think of the harm the salt is doing to his hands

3. What does hurt hand refer to?

A. Growing needs of the man B. growing greed of man

C. unfulfilled desires D. growing insensitivity of man to pain

4. The rhyme Scheme of the stanza is

A. aabb B. abba C. abcd D. abab

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IV

Those who prepare green wars,

wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their
brothers
in the shade,
doing nothing.

1. What are the different kinds of wars mentioned in the poem?

A. War against humanity B. War against nature C. War with gases and fire D. All these

2. According to the poet wars that are fought have no

A. soldiers B. weapons C. fighter planes D. survivors

3. ‘Put on clean clothes’ means

A. to put on new clothes B. talk about Peace C. talk about clothes D. none

4. Where would they be walking?

A. in the park B. along the river C. in the shade D. on the road

5. Green war means

A. war against colours B. war against environment C. war against chemicles D. none

6. The synonym of ‘triumph’ is………

A. victory B. prepare C. survivor D. shade

What I want should not be

confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
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about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,

1. What does man threaten himself with?

A. death B. birth C. robbery D. suicide

2. Why does the poet request people to keep quiet?

A. to maintain silence B. to avoid noise C. to be friendly D. in the hope of becoming more

thoughtful and peaceful

3. What is the sadness in the poem that the poet speaks about?

A. violence because of thoughtlessness of the people B. unnecessary movements

C. speaking aloud D. fighting

4. According to the poet life is …

A. an on-going process B. standstill process C. unbearable process D. futile process

5. ‘single-minded’ means

A. to be determined for something B. thinking one way

C. without being serious D. thoughtless

VI
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with
death.

1. The silence helps

A. remove sadness B. understand ourselves C. both A and B D. none

2. The continuous and thoughtless acts of man bring

A. miseries B. disturbance C. mechanical way of life D. All

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3. The mood of the poet in above extract is
A. reflective B. objective C. introspective D. critical

4. The synonym of ‘interrupt’ is

A. cut off B. break C. involve D. collect

VII

Perhaps the Earth can teach us

as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.

Now I’ll count up to twelve

and you keep quiet and I will go.

1. what can earth teach us?

A. stillness doesn’t mean inactivity B. stillness is the essence of life

C. stillness is the most essential thing D. stillness inevitable

2. Which of the following is an example of ‘when everything seems dead

and later proves to be alive’?

A. seed B. water C. earth D. counting

3. In the last line the poet suggests
A. keep counting B. keep sitting C. keep introspecting D. keep remaining silent

4. the antonym of ‘quiet’ is

A. mute B. roaring C. steal D. wordless

ANSWERS:

Q.I Q.II
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
D D D D D A

Q.III Q.IV

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 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6
C D D C D D C A

Q.V Q.VI
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4
A D A A A C D C B

Q.VII
1 2 3 4
A A C B

ASSERTION AND REASONING

Read the statements given below carefully. Choose the option that best describes these
statements, with reference to the poem:

1. Assertion: Now we will count to twelve and we will keep still.

Reason: The poet appeal the people to remain quiet to understand the beneficial
effects of inactivity.
(a) Assertion can be inferred, but the reason can’t be inferred.
(b) Assertion can’t be inferred, but the reason can be inferred.
(c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred.
2. Assertion: For once on the face of earth let’s not speak in any language.
Reason: The poet wants us to communicate in sign language.
(a) Assertion can be inferred, but the reason can’t be inferred.

(b) Assertion can’t be inferred, but the reason can be inferred.

(c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.

(d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred.

3. Assertion: The poet wants us to remain totally inactive.

Reason: Keeping still shouldn’t be confused with total inactivity because total
inactivity means death.
(a) Assertion can be inferred, but the reason can’t be inferred.

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 (b) Assertion can’t be inferred, but the reason can be inferred.

(c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.

(d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred.

4. Assertion: Place and harmony can brought to the world by winning wars.
Reason: Wars bring glory and contentment.

(a) Assertion can be inferred, but the reason can’t be inferred.

(b) Assertion can’t be inferred, but the reason can be inferred.

(c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.

(d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred.

5 Assertion: Exotic moments can be achieved by not doing anything the whole day.
Reason: Introspecting and keeping still for few minutes can bring happiness.
(a) Assertion can be inferred, but the reason can’t be inferred.

(b) Assertion can’t be inferred, but the reason can be inferred.

(c) Both Assertion and Reason can be inferred.

(d) Both Assertion and Reason cannot be inferred.

ANSWERS:

1 2 3 4 5
c a b d b

The Third Level

- Jack Finney
Extract Based Question
Read the given extracts to attempt questions that follow:

I. THE presidents of the New York Central and the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroads
will swear on a stack of timetables that there are only two. But I say there are three, because
I’ve been on the third level of the Grand Central Station. Yes, I’ve taken the obvious step: I talked
to a psychiatrist friend of mine, among others. I told him about the third level at Grand Central
Station, and he said it was a waking-dream wish fulfillment. He said I was unhappy. That made
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my wife kind of mad, but he explained that he meant the modern world is full of insecurity, fear,
war, worry and all the rest of it, and that I just want to escape. Well, who doesn’t? Everybody I
know wants to escape, but they don’t wander down into any third level at Grand Central Station.

1. Why does the narrator mention about swearing on a stack of timetables by the presidents,
to begin the story?
a. For beginning the story in a humourous manner.
b. For emphasizing that there were only two levels.
c. To make it sound unbelievable that there were three levels.
d. For criticizing the president.

2. Which ‘obvious step’ had the narrator taken?

a. Visiting the third level.
b. Talking to all his friends about the third level.
c. Talking to his psychiatrist friend about the swearing of the presidents.
d. Talking to his psychiatrist friend about the third level.

3. Where had the narrator found the third level?

a. The New York Central.
b. The Grand Central Station
c. Hartford Railways
d. New Haven

4. What is inferred from ‘waking-dream wish fulfilment’?

a. A pleasant wish that makes one remember the past.
b. A pleasant wish that takes one to the future.
c. A pleasant wish which inspires to work
d. A pleasant wish that makes one forget the present.

5. What made the narrator’s wife annoyed?

a. The narrator’s discovery about the third level.
b. The psychiatrist’s comment that the narrator is unhappy.
c. The world being full of insecurity, fear, war and worry.
d. The “’s wish to escape from the reality.

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II. But that’s the reason, he said, and my friends all agreed. Everything points to it, they claimed.
My stamp collecting, for example; that’s a ‘temporary refuge from reality.’ Well, maybe, but my
grandfather didn’t need any refuge from reality; things were pretty nice and peaceful in his day,
from all I hear, and he started my collection. It’s a nice collection too, blocks of four of practically
every U.S. issue, first-day covers, and so on. President Roosevelt collected stamps too, you
know. Anyway, here’s what happened at Grand Central. One night last summer I worked late at
the office. I was in a hurry to get uptown to my apartment so I decided to take the subway from
Grand Central because it’s faster than the bus.

1. What does the narrator mean by ‘temporary refuge from reality’?

a. To take refuge at a safe place.
b. To forget the stress of life temporarily.
c. To face the reality and get rid of stress.
d. To run away from one’s problem forever.

2. The narrator’s temporary refuge from reality was his _________.

a. His stamp collecting.
b. His grandfather’s stamp collection.
c. Reading his grandfather’s books.
d. President Roosevelt’s stamp collection.

3. What is a First-day cover?

a. A new stamp with postmark and date.
b. An envelope.
c. Latest stamps
d. A cover containing a secret letter.

4. Who started the narrator’s stamp collection?

a. The narrator himself.
b. The narrator’s grandfather.
c. President Roosevelt.
d. The narrator’s psychiatrist friend.

5. Why did the narrator decide to take the subway?

a. Because he worked late at the office.

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 b. Because subways are cheap.
c. Because subways are faster than buses.
d. Because he was in a hurry.

III. Now, I don’t know why this should have happened to me. I’m just an ordinary guy named
Charley, thirty-one years old, and I was wearing a tan gabardine suit and a straw hat with a fancy
band; I passed a dozen men who looked just like me. And I wasn’t trying to escape from anything;
I just wanted to get home to Louisa, my wife. I turned into Grand Central from Vanderbilt Avenue,
and went down the steps to the first level, where you take trains like the Twentieth Century. Then
I walked down another flight to the second level, where the suburban trains leave from, ducked
into an arched doorway heading for the subway — and got lost. That’s easy to do. I’ve been in
and out of Grand Central hundreds of times, but I’m always bumping into new doorways and
stairs and corridors. Once I got into a tunnel about a mile long and came out in the lobby of the
Roosevelt Hotel. Another time I came up in an office building on Forty-sixth Street, three blocks
away. Sometimes I think Grand Central is growing like a tree, pushing out new corridors and
staircases like roots. There’s probably a long tunnel that nobody knows about feeling its way
under the city right now, on its way to Times Square, and maybe another to Central Park. And
maybe — because for so many people through the years Grand Central has been an exit, a way
of escape — maybe that’s how the tunnel I got into... But I never told my psychiatrist friend about
that idea.

1. ‘I passed a dozen men who looked just like me.’ What does the narrator want to convey?
a. There are many people in a hurry.
b. There are many people who look ordinary like the narrator.
c. There are many people who are trying to escape from reality.
d. There are many people on the narrator’s way.

2. Where did Charley want to go?

a. To the subway station.
b. To the third level
c. To his wife Louisa.
d. To The Roosevelt Hotel.

3. Where did Charley get lost?

a. At Vanderbilt Avenue.
b. At the Roosevelt Hotel.
c. While ducking into an arched doorway.
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 d. At an office building on Forty-sixth Street.

4. Why does Charley bumps into new doorways and stairs and corridors?
a. The Grand Central Station is so intricate.
b. Charley forgets his way quite often.
c. Charley imagines too much in order to find his escape.
d. Charley does it on purpose to find new places.

5. Charley “ducked into an arched doorway heading for the subway…” here ‘ducked into’
means __________.
a. Jumped down.
b. Disappeared.
c. To move quickly to a place
d. Dived into deep water.

IV.The corridor I was in began angling left and slanting downward and I thought that was wrong,
but I kept on walking. All I could hear was the empty sound of my own footsteps and I didn’t pass
a soul. Then I heard that sort of hollow roar ahead that means open space and people talking.
The tunnel turned sharp left; I went down a short flight of stairs and came out on the third level
at Grand Central Station. For just a moment I thought I was back on the second level, but I saw
the room was smaller, there were fewer ticket windows and train gates, and the information booth
in the centre was wood and old-looking. And the man in the booth wore a green eyeshade and
long black sleeve protectors. The lights were dim and sort of flickering. Then I saw why; they
were open flame gaslights.

1. Why did the narrator hear the empty sound of his own footsteps?
a. Because he was walking fast
b. Because he had again lost his way.
c. Because he was frightened.
d. Because he was walking alone.

2. How did the narrator confirm that he was on the third level and not the fourth level?
a. The rooms were smaller.
b. There were fewer ticket windows.
c. The information booth in the centre was wood and old-looking.
d. All of the above.

137
3. Of the given meanings of ‘Flight’ in Flight of stairs, select the option that matches in
meaning with its usage in the extract.
a. An act of flying.
b. A set of steps.
c. An aeroplane.
d. An escalator.

4. Select the option that lists the feelings and attitudes corresponding to the following:

(1) …. I thought that was wrong,

(2) but I kept walking.

(1) Charley was sure he was going to the wrong

a. way.
(2) He kept walking out of curiosity.

(1) Charley was not sure where he was going.

b.
(2) He kept walking out as he had no choice

(1) Charley thought it is not right to go that way.

c.
(2) He kept walking as he heard people’s voices.

(1) Charley knew he was wrong about the third

b. level
(2) He kept walking to find his way out.

5. What makes the third level dissimilar from the other levels?
a. It takes the narrator to the future.
b. It takes the narrator to the past.
c. There is nothing that makes the third level dissimilar.
d. People wear fancy clothes at the third level.

138
V. There were brass spittoons on the floor, and across the station a glint of light caught my eye;
a man was pulling a gold watch from his vest pocket. He snapped open the cover, glanced at
his watch and frowned. He wore a derby hat, a black four-button suit with tiny lapels, and he had
a big, black, handlebar mustache. Then I looked around and saw that everyone in the station
was dressed like eighteen-ninety-something; I never saw so many beards, sideburns and fancy
mustaches in my life. A woman walked in through the train gate; she wore a dress with leg-of-
mutton sleeves and skirts to the top of her high-buttoned shoes. Back of her, out on the tracks,
I caught a glimpse of a locomotive, a very small Currier & Ives locomotive with a funnel-shaped
stack. And then I knew.
1. Of the given meanings of ‘Frown’, select the option that matches in meaning with its usage
in the extract.
a. Look angrily.
b. Look with hatred
c. Look closely.
d. Look casually.

2. What among the following options do not describe the man with a gold watch?
a. High-buttoned shoes.
b. Handlebar mustache.
c. Four buttoned suit.
d. Derby hat.
3. Of the given meanings of ‘Sideburn’, select the option that matches in meaning with its
usage in the extract.
a. Tanning of skin
b. Mutton chops.
c. Men’s facial hair.
d. A pair of shades.

4. The narrator never saw so many beards, sideburns and fancy mustaches in his life. Why?
a. All the beards and mustaches are fake.
b. All the beards and mustaches were in trend in the past.
c. The narrator lives in an imaginary world.
d. All of the above.

5. What made the narrator assured that he is in the past?

a. The brass spittoons.
b. Leg-of-mutton sleeves.
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 c. Currier & Ives locomotive.
d. The derby hat.

VI. To make sure, I walked over to a newsboy and glanced at the stack of papers at his feet. It
was The World; and The World hasn’t been published for years. The lead story said something
about President Cleveland. I’ve found that front page since, in the Public Library files, and it was
printed June 11, 1894. I turned toward the ticket windows knowing that here — on the third level
at Grand Central — I could buy tickets that would take Louisa and me anywhere in the United
States we wanted to go. In the year 1894. And I wanted two tickets to Galesburg, Illinois.
Have you ever been there? It’s a wonderful town still, with big old frame houses, huge lawns,
and tremendous trees whose branches meet overhead and roof the streets. And in 1894,
summer evenings were twice as long, and people sat out on their lawns, the men smoking cigars
and talking quietly, the women waving palm-leaf fans, with the fire-flies all around, in a peaceful
world. To be back there with the First World War still twenty years off, and World War II over
forty years in the future... I wanted two tickets for that.

1. Why did the narrator walk over to a newsboy?

a. To purchase a copy of the newspaper.
b. To read the story about President Cleveland.
c. To talk to the newsboy.
d. To check the printed date on the front page.

2. What does the lead story in the newspaper about president Cleveland signify?
a. That president Cleveland had found the third level.
b. That the newspaper was printed at the time of president Cleveland.
c. That it was an old newspaper and it was there on the paper-stack by mistake.
d. That president Cleveland was the present president of the US.

3. Choose the option that best describes the society represented in the above extract.
a. content, peace-loving
b. leisurely, sentimental
c. orthodox, upper class
d. comfortable, ancient

4. What, out of the given options, does not describe Illinois as narrated by the narrator?
a. The men smoking cigars and talking quietly.
b. The women waving palm-leave fans.
c. The men keeping gold watch in pockets.
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 d. The people sitting out on their lawns.

5. The narrator adds to the description of Illinois by mentioning ‘the First World War still
twenty years off, and World War II over forty years in the future... I wanted two tickets for
that.’ What could be his intention by mentioning world wars.
a. The narrator wanted to witness the World Wars.
b. The narrator wanted to live in the town untouched by wars.
c. The narrator wanted to live a rural life.
d. All of the above.

VII. The clerk figured the fare — he glanced at my fancy hatband, but he figured the fare — and
I had enough for two coach tickets, one way. But when I counted out the money and looked up,
the clerk was staring at me. He nodded at the bills. ‘‘That ain’t money, mister,’’ he said, ‘‘and if
you’re trying to skin me, you won’t get very far,’’ and he glanced at the cash drawer beside him.
Of course the money was old-style bills, half again as big as the money we use nowadays, and
different-looking. I turned away and got out fast. There’s nothing nice about jail, even in 1894.
And that was that. I left the same way I came, I suppose. Next day, during lunch hour, I drew
three hundred dollars out of the bank, nearly all we had, and bought old-style currency (that
really worried my psychiatrist friend). You can buy old money at almost any coin dealer’s, but
you have to pay a premium. My three hundred dollars bought less than two hundred in old-style
bills, but I didn’t care; eggs were thirteen cents a dozen in 1894.

1. why was the clerk staring at Charley?

a. Because of Charley’s fancy hatband.
b. Because Charley was trying to skin him.
c. Because the money was old-style bills.
d. Because that was fake money.

2. Of the given meanings of ‘to skin’, select the option that matches in meaning with its usage
in the extract.
a. To remove the skin of something
b. To cheat someone.
c. To wear clothes.
d. To break something.

3. How was old money different from the new one?

a. The old money was bigger in size than the new one.
b. The old money was smaller in size than the new one.
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 c. The old money was in coin form.
d. There was no difference in size or appearance.

4. Why did Charley get his new currency exchanged?

a. For his stamp collection hobby.
b. For his tour to different cities of the United States.
c. He wanted to go to Galesburg, Illinois.
d. None of the above.

5. What does Charley mean by ‘…eggs were thirteen cents a dozen in 1894.’?
a. The eggs were cheaper in the past.
b. The eggs were costlier in the past.
c. Charley wanted to set up a poultry business.
d. There was no difference in the cost of eggs.

VIII. But I’ve never again found the corridor that leads to the third level at Grand Central Station,
although I’ve tried often enough. Louisa was pretty worried when I told her all this, and didn’t
want me to look for the third level any more, and after a while I stopped; I went back to my
stamps. But now we’re both looking, every weekend, because now we have proof that the third
level is still there. My friend Sam Weiner disappeared! Nobody knew where, but I sort of
suspected because Sam’s a city boy, and I used to tell him about Galesburg — I went to school
there — and he always said he liked the sound of the place. And that’s where he is, all right. In
1894.

1. Why was Louisa worried?

a. Because Charley could not find the corridor leading to the third level.
b. Because Charley had been trying hard to find the third level.
c. Because Sam was missing.
d. Because Charley had returned to his stamp collection.

2. Why did Charley go back to his stamp collection again?

a. As that was his hobby.
b. To find escape from the modern life worries.
c. To distract himself from the thoughts of the third level.
d. All of the above.

3. Why could Charley not find that corridor again?

a. Because the corridor was demolished.

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 b. Because the corridor never existed.
c. Because the corridor disappeared.
d. Because Charley never tried to look for the corridor again.

4. What did Charley suspect about Sam’s sudden disappearance?

a. Sam had gone to visit his old school.
b. Sam was city boy and had shifted to another city.
c. Sam could have found the corridor to the third level.
d. Sam was looking for the third level.

5. ‘….and he always said he liked the sound of the place.’ This line suggests __________
a. That Sam liked the fantasy story of Charley.
b. That Sam liked to hear about the third level.
c. That Charley liked to describe about Galesburg, Illinois.
d. That Sam likes to hear about Galesburg, Illinois.

IX. Because one night, fussing with my stamp collection, I found — Well, do you know what a
first-day cover is? When a new stamp is issued, stamp collectors buy some and use them to mail
envelopes to themselves on the very first day of sale; and the postmark proves the date. The
envelope is called a first-day cover. They’re never opened; you just put blank paper in the
envelope. That night, among my oldest first-day covers, I found one that shouldn’t have been
there. But there it was. It was there because someone had mailed it to my grandfather at his
home in Galesburg; that’s what the address on the envelope said. And it had been there since
July 18, 1894 — the postmark showed that — yet I didn’t remember it at all. The stamp was a
six-cent, dull brown, with a picture of President Garfield. Naturally, when the envelope came to
Granddad in the mail, it went right into his collection and stayed there — till I took it out and
opened it.

1. What is a First-day cover?

a. A new stamp with postmark and date.
b. An envelope.
c. Latest stamps
d. A cover containing a secret letter.

2. Of the given options, what should the stamp collectors do with the first-day covers.
a. The first day covers should be opened at once.
b. There should be a written letter inside the envelope.
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 c. The first-day covers are never opened as it contains a blank paper.
d. The first-day covers are never mailed to anyone.

3. What did Charley find strange in the first-day cover that he had found that day?
a. That was a letter mailed to Charley’s grandfather at his home at Galesburg.
b. There was no paper inside the envelope.
c. That was a letter sent by Charley to himself.
d. That letter was never mailed to anyone.

4. How did Charley confirm the date of the letter?

a. The date was written on the letter by the sender.
b. Charley himself had posted that letter on that day.
c. The postmark had the date stamped.
d. His granddad had told him the date.

5. Select the options that lists the most appropriate reasons for the given questions:
i. Why did the grandfather not open the first day cover?
ii. Why did Charley open the first day cover?

i. The First-day covers should never be opened.

a.
ii. Charley had found an already open cover

i. The grandfather had never received that first-day

b. cover.
ii. Charley had opened it by mistake

i. The First-day covers are not supposed to be

opened.
c.
ii. Charley had never seen that first-day cover before
so out of curiosity he opened it.

i. The grandfather had never received that first-day

cover.
d.
ii. Charley had never seen that first-day cover before
so out of curiosity he opened it.

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 The paper inside wasn’t blank. It read:

X. The note is signed Sam. At the stamp and coin store I go to, I found out that Sam bought eight
hundred dollars’ worth of old-style currency. That ought to set him up in a nice little hay, feed
and grain business; he always said that’s what he really wished he could do, and he certainly
can’t go back to his old business. Not in Galesburg, Illinois, in 1894. His old business? Why,
Sam was my psychiatrist.
1. Select the correct one out of the given options that depicts Sam’s feelings accurately
when he says, “I got to wishing that you were right. Then I got to believing you were right.”

a. Sam didn’t believe in Charley’s story but that came out to be a true story.
b. Sam wanted to believe in Charley’s story and that happened to be a true story.
c. Sam believed in Charley’s story which was not a true story.
d. Sam didn’t believe Charley and his story was all imaginary.

2. How is it there at Galesburg, Illinois as described in the letter?

i. Men are smoking cigar and women waving palm leaves.

ii. Someone is playing piano and they are all singing a
song.
iii. He was invited for a lemonade party.
iv. There are fire-flies all around.

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 a. i and iii.
b. ii and iii.
c. i and iv.
d. i and ii.

3. What did Charley do to confirm that Sam has found his way to the third level?
a. He went to his psychiatrist friend.
b. He went to Galesburg, Illinois to confirm about Sam.
c. He went to the stamp and coin shop to inquire.
d. He went to the third level himself to check on Sam.

4. Select out of the given options which describe Sam as described in the given extract.
i. Sam is a city boy.
ii. Sam doesn’t like to hear about Galesburg.
iii. Sam wishes to set up hay, feed and grain business.
iv. Sam is Charley’s psychiatrist friend.

a. i and iv.
b. i and ii
c. ii and iii.
d. iii and iv.

5. Which of the following statement/s are correct?

i. Sam was Charley’s psychiatrist.
ii. Sam had invited Charley and Louisa over to Galesburg, Illinois.
iii. Hay, feed and needle business was Sam’s old business.
iv. The letter inside the first-day cover was sent by Sam to Charley’s grandad.

a. Only ‘i’ is correct.

b. Both ‘i’ and ‘ii’ are correct.
c. Only ‘iv’ is correct.
d. All the statements are correct.

ANSWERS:
Q.I Q.II
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
B A A B C
c d b d B

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Q.III Q.IV
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
b c c a c d d b a b

Q.V Q.VI
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
c a c b c d b c c b

Q.VII Q.VIII
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
c b a c a a d b c d

Q. IX Q. X
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
a c a c c b b d d

STAND ALONE MCQs

Q1 Who is the author of The Third Level?

A) George Orwell
B) Agatha Christie
C) James Joyce
D) Jack Finney
Q2 What was Jack’s full name?

A) Walter Braden Jack Finey

B) Stephen Jone Jack
C) Ray Douglas Bradbury
D) None
Q3 Why was the author renamed?

A) he wanted to change his name

B) as per Priest’s suggestion
C) to honour his mother
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 D) as an honour to his father
Q4 What are the author’s best known works?

A) English and Science fiction

B) Science and history fiction
C) Science fiction and nature
D) Science fiction and thrillers
Q5 What is the meaning of ‘Waking dream wish fulfillment"?

A) a pleasant wish that makes one forget the present

B) a pleasant wish that takes one to the future
C) A pleasant wish which inspires to work
D) a pleasant wish that makes one forget the past
Q6 What is the theme of the lesson?

A) human tendency of escapism because of the harsh realities of the present

B) time travelling
C) theory of escapism
D) a dialogue between a patient and a psychiatrist
Q7 How does the story begin?

A) in a jovial manner
B) in an aggressive manner
C) on a happy note
D) in a serious manner
Q8 What does the Third level signify?

A) a human tendency to escape from the harsh realities of the present to past happy
times
B) A third way on Grand Central station
C) A third gate on Grand Central Station
D) None
Q9 What is ‘Waking dream wish fulfillment" according to the psychiatrist in the
lesson?
A) Charles finding of a Third level at Grand Central Station and realization of
his wish to visit Galesberg Illinois
B) Charles escapism
C) Charles escapism from realities
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 D) None
Q10 Who was Charles’ wife?

A) a woman
B) a woman with bright top
C) A woman at The Third Level
D) Louisa
Q11 What does Sam’s letter to Charles represent?

A) A blend
B) An acceptance to visit
C) A proof of his fantasy
D) A blend of reality with fantasy
Q12 What does Sam’s letter testimony to in the lesson prove?

A) his acceptance to travel

B) his refusal to travel
C) Sam accompanying Charles
D) Charles’ tendency of escapism from the realities
Q13 In what way do we try to overcome the insecurities of the present harsh times

A) by engaging ourselves in practical activities

B) by talking to friends and family
C) reading good books
D) All these
Q14 What is the significance of 1894 in the lesson?

A) it was past
B) Authors’ parents were alive
C) Author’s childhood time
D) representing a peaceful, romantic living time
Q15 Who was Sam in The Third Level?

A) a doctor
B) a friend
C) a psychiatrist and a friend of Charley
D) None
Q16 Why did Charley visit Sam?

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 A) To consult the incident of Third level at Grand Central Station
B) To invite him
C) to invite him to accompany at Galesberg
D) To guide him in Galesberg
Q17 Does the Third Level really exist at Grand Station?

A) Yes
B) Yes, there were 3 levels
C) No, there were only two levels at the station
D) None
Q18 What unusual thing the narrator sees at the Grand Central Station?

A) Trees
B) Motorcars
C) Third Level
D) All these
Q19 Why was the narrator seeing this Third Level?

A) as a wish to visit Galesberg

B) wanted to meet his friends
C) wanted to take a break from office
D) As a result of stress and anxiety in his mind
Q20 What does the Psychiatrist explain to Charlie?

A) Third level is a beautiful place

B) Third level is worthseeing
C) Third level is well maintained
D) That it was the result of stress and anxiety of his mind
Q21 How did Charlie reach the Third Level?

A) In his fantasy he takes a subway or a corridor faster than a bus

B) in a superfast train
C) in jet ways
D) in an escalator
Q22 What was the Third Level?

A) a third tier on the station

B) a third storey on the station

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 C) an imaginary discovery of the narrator’s mind
D) none
Q23 What did Charley see at the Third Level?

A) flickering gas lights and people with funny mustaches

B) brass spittoons
C) men wearing a tan gabardine suit and a straw
D) All these
Q24 Why was Louisa, Charley’s wife worried?

A) Knowing the incident of Third Level

B) for not getting tickets
C) tickets were delayed
D) Sam was scaring
Q25 Why does Charley want to visit Galesberg?

A) to escape from the troublesome world

B) to enjoy
C) to see the beautiful landscape
D) to meet his old friends
Q26 Why do you think the Third Level was an escape for Charley? Because……

A) it existed at the third storey

B) Sam knew about it
C) he shared it with Sam
D) it existed only in his fantasy and not in reality
Q27 What is First Day Cover?

A) A new stamp gets the Postmark and date

B) A gift
C) A gift wrapper
D) A gift wrapped in a beautiful wrapper
Q28 How does the story interweave fantasy and reality?

A) For Charley’s tendency to treat harsh realities with his imaginary Third Level
B) It presents imagination
C) Imagination happens on Central Station
D) None

151
Q29 What specific difference did Charley notice at the Third Level of Central
Station?

A) Everything was weird

B) Everything was old styled and smaller in size
C) Everything was too big
D) Everything was shining
Q30 Where was Charley ducked on Central Station?

A) into a room
B) into an office
C) into an arched door heading for subway
D) into a store
Q31 What was the strangest thing at The Third Level?

A) Beards
B) Mustaches
C) Dresses
D) The corridor that led him into the past.
Q32 Where was Charley often lost?

A) from a train
B) from the footpath
C) from an escalator
D) from a subway faster than bus at The Central Station
Q33 What did Charley find in his stamp collection?

A) old addresses
B) hair styles
C) old letters
D) First day cover
Q34 What happens when Charley enters the Grand Central Station?

A) He finds a huge tree like Station

B) He sees new staircases, corridors and tunnels
C) Tree keeps spreading its roots throwing rooms and windows
D) All of these

152
Q35 What convinced Charley that he had reached the Third Level Grand Central
Station and not the second level?

A) A different world of gas lights and brass spittoons

B) Beards and mustaches of 1894
C) Newspaper with a date June11, 1894
D) All of these
Q36 Who had sent that ‘First Day cover and when?

A) Sam’s father
B) Sam’s uncle
C) Sam’s friend
D) Sam a psychiatrist in 1894
Q37 Whose signatures were there on the letter?

A) Charle’s teacher
B) Charle’s friend
C) Sam
D) None
Q38 What did the letter state?

A) That everything is okay

B) that Sam is joining them
C) Third level do exist and Charley was advised to keep looking for this
worth seeing place
D) None

Q39 What was Sam invited for according to the letter?

A) for a party
B) for a tea party
C) for a bachelor’s party
D) for a lemonade party
Q40 What kind of appearances people had at Third level and why did the clerk refuse
to accept money?

A) funny and clerk refused to accept money because it was currency of modern
times
B) weird and notes were big
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 C) weird and notes were torn
D) weird and notes were wet

ANSWERS:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
D A C D A A D A A D D D D D C A C C D D

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
A C D A A D A A B C D D D D D D C C D A

ASSERTION AND REASONING

1. Assertion : Sam’s occupation was Psychiatrist.

Reason : He exchanged eight hundred dollar currency to set hay business.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
2. Assertion : Sam invited charley at Galesburg,Illinois.

Reason : Sam reached first to stay there on July 18,1894.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
3. Assertion : Charley wanted to meet his grandfather

Reason : Charley’s grandfather has spent time in Galesburg.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
4. Assertion : Charley has been in and out of Grand Central Station hundred of
times.

154
 Reason : The Grand central station is growing like a tree.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
5. Assertion: From Vanderbilt Avenue, the travelers take trains like the 20th century.

Reason: Charley was belong to 19th century.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
6. Assertion: Charley was 31 years old.

Reason: He was married to Loisa.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
7. Assertion: Charley decided to take the subway from the Grand central station.

Reason: Charley was late at the office oneday.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
8. Assertion: First day Cover is a new stamp gets the postmark and date.

Reason: Charley was crazy for only first day cover.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
9. Assertion: Charley’s grandfather did not need any refusal from reality.

Reason: Galesburg was the beautiful place.

155
 A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
10. Assertion: Charley wanted to find the third level again.

Reason: Charley wanted to escape from his place and time.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
11. Assertion: Loisa was worried about charley ‘fantasy.

Reason: She did not believe in the third level.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
12. Assertion: Charley reached the third level.

Reason: His wife wants to find the third level.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
13. Assertion: The third level doesn’t exist according to the Presidents of
New York Station.
Reason: New Haven and Hardrail board are two levels.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
14. Assertion: Sam wrote the letter on August 1894.

Reason: Charley reached the third level in month of June1894.

156
 A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
15. Assertion: Charley didn’t care: eggs were thirteen cents a dozen.

Reason: Things were not costly, and it was easy for the people to live there.

A - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

B - Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
C - A is true but R is false.
D - A is false but R is true.
ANSWERS:

Q.No Correct Option

1 B- Both A and R are true but R is NOT the

correct explanation of A.

2 A- Both A and R are true and R is the

correct explanation of A

3 D- A is false but R is true.

4 B- Both A and R are true but R is NOT the

correct explanation of A.

5 C- A is true but R is false.

6 B- Both A and R are true but R is NOT the

correct explanation of A.

7 A- Both A and R are true and R is the

correct explanation of A

8 C- A is true but R is false.

9 A- Both A and R are true and R is the

correct explanation of A

157
10 A- Both A and R are true and R is the
correct explanation of A

11 A- Both A and R are true and R is the

correct explanation of A

12 C- A is true but R is false.

13 A- Both A and R are true and R is the

correct explanation of A

14 D- A is false but R is true.

15 A- Both A and R are true and R is the

correct explanation of A

The Enemy- Pearl S.Buck

Extract Based

Read the extract and answer the questions by choosing most appropriate option.

1. It was at this moment that both of them saw something black come out of the mists. It
was a man. He was flung up out of the ocean — flung, it seemed, to his feet by a
breaker. He staggered a few steps, his body outlined against the mist, his arms above
his head. Then the curled mists hid him again.
Questions:
i) What does black refer to in the extract?
A. A Stone
B. Man
C. Woman
D. None of these
ii) Who saw something?
A. Sadao
B. Hana
C. Both Sadao and Hana
D. Gardener
iii) Find out the word that means the same as ‘To Walk unsteady’
A. Curl
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 B. Stagger
C. Flung
D. Outlined
iv) What hid something black?
A. Water
B. Head
C. Hands
D. Mists
2. “The strange thing is,” he said, “that if the man were whole I could turn him over to the
police without difficulty. I care nothing for him. He is my enemy. All Americans are my
enemy. And he is only a common fellow. You see how foolish his face is. But since he is
wounded…”
Questions:
i) What was strange?
A. To hand over man to the police
B. To take care of a man
C. To treat that man
D. None of these
ii) Who is the speaker of the above lines?
A. Hana
B. Sadao
C. Gardener
D. Servant
iii) What is the speaker’s state of mind?
A. Worried
B. Happy
C. Excited
D. Sad
iv) Find out a word that means the same as ‘Despicable’
A. Strange
B. Common
C. Foolish
D. Wounded
3. Now Sadao remembered the wound, and with his expert fingers he began to search for
it. Blood flowed freshly at his touch. On the right side of his lower back Sadao saw that a

159
 gun wound had been reopened. The flesh was blackened with powder. Sometime, not
many days ago, the man had been shot and had not been tended. It was bad chance
that the rock had struck the wound.
Questions:
i) Who was wounded
A. Sadao
B. Hana
C. The White Soldier
D. Yumi
ii) Which word best suits ‘trained’ in the extract?
A. Touch
B. Tended
C. Expat
D. Expert
iii) What kind of wound the man had?
A. It was a knife stab
B. It was an injury
C. It was a gun shot
D. Rock had struck the wound
iv) What was the dilemma that Dr,Sadao face?
A. Whether he should marry Hana or not
B. Whether he should leave Japan and settle in another country?
C. Whether he should study further or start practice
D. Whether he should save the life of the white soldier or let him die
4. Dr Sadao Hoki’s house was built on a spot of the Japanese coast where as a little boy
he had often played. The low, square stone house was set upon rocks well above a
narrow beach that was outlined with bent pines. As a boy Sadao had climbed the pines,
supporting himself on his bare feet, as he had seen men do in the South Seas when
they climbed for coconuts. His father had taken him often to the islands of those seas,
and never had he failed to say to the little brave boy at his side, ‘‘Those islands yonder,
they are the stepping stones to the future for Japan.’’ ‘‘Where shall we step from them?’’
Sadao had asked seriously. ‘‘Who knows?’’ his father had answered. ‘‘Who can limit our
future? It depends on what we make it.’’

Questions:

i) Who is referred to as ‘He’ in the above extract?

160
 A. Dr.Sadao Hoki
B. White Soldier, Tom
C. Old Gardener
D. Dr.Sadao Hoki’s Father
ii) What kind of person was his father?
A. He was a very educated person
B. He never joked and played with him
C. Both (i) & (ii)
D. None of these
iii) What was his father’s chief concern about Dr. Sadao
A. Sadao’s Marriage
B. Sadao’s education
C. Japanese culture and tradition
D. Patriotism and nationalism
iv) Which word in the extract is antonym of ‘coward’?
A. Yonder
B. Never
C. Brave
D. Stepping
5. “It is clear what our master ought to do,” the old gardener said one morning. He had
worked with flowers all his life, and had been a specialist too in moss. For Sadao’s
father he had made one of the finest moss gardens in Japan, sweeping the bright green
carpet constantly so that not a leaf or a pine needle marred the velvet of its surface. “My
old master’s son knows very well what he ought to do,” he now said, pinching a bud
from a bush as he spoke. “When the man was so near death why did he not let him
bleed?” “That young master is so proud of his skill to save life that he saves any life,” the
cook said contemptuously. She split a fowl’s neck skilfully and held the fluttering bird
and let its blood flow into the roots of a wistaria vine. Blood is the best of fertilisers, and
the old gardener would not let her waste a drop of it. “It is the children of whom we must
think,” Yumi said sadly. “What will be their fate if their father is condemned as a traitor?”
Questions:
i) “When the man was so near death why did he not let him bleed?” Who said these
words?
A. The cook
B. The maid

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 C. The gardener
D. The guard
ii) What is the feeling of the speaker?
A. Sarcasm
B. Sadness
C. Appreciative
D. Indignation
iii) How had the man come to be bleeding?
A. His body was torn by the rocks flanking the beach
B. He had tripped and fallen head first
C. He was scratched by the brambles
D. He had been shot
iv) Dr. Sadao’s helping the white soldier displays which quality of his?
A. He was above the narrow predispositions
B. He considered his duty above all other things
C. He was bit selfish when it came to his country’s matter
D. He was cunning and egoistic person
6. “You will have to give the anesthetic if he needs it,” he said. “I?” she repeated blankly.
“But never have I!” “It is easy enough,” he said impatiently. He was taking out the
packing now, and the blood began to flow more quickly. He peered into the wound with
the bright surgeon’s light fastened on his forehead. “The bullet is still there,” he said with
cool interest. “Now I wonder how deep this rock wound is. If it is not too deep it may be
that I can get the bullet. But the bleeding is not superficial. He has lost much blood.” At
this moment Hana choked. He looked up and saw her face the colour of sulphur. “Don’t
faint,” he said sharply. He did not put down his exploring instrument. “If I stop now the
man will surely die.” She clapped her hands to her mouth and leaped up and ran out of
the room. Outside in the garden he heard her retching. But he went on with his work.
Questions:
i) “Don’t faint”, he said. Who said these words and to whom?
A. Dr. Sadao to Hana
B. Husband to the gardener
C. Dr. Sadao to the patient
D. The patient to Dr.Sadao
ii) Who would die? And who was retching?
1. Dr. Sadao’s wife

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 2. The General
3. The enemy soldier
4. The old gardener

A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 1
C. 3 and 1
D. 3 and 4
iii) Why had Hana to wash the wounded man himself?
A. She didn’t want others to know about the man
B. She had promised Dr.Sadao to do so
C. She wanted to look after the guest by herself
D. The servants had refused to do so
iv) Why did Dr.Sadao feel impatient and irritable with the prisoner?
A. It was getting late at night
B. He was tired and sleepy
C. He would not get paid
D. He could not tend to his wife
7. It was at this moment that both of them saw something black come out of the mists. It
was a man. He was flung up out of the ocean — flung, it seemed, to his feet by a
breaker. He staggered a few steps, his body outlined against the mist, his arms above
his head. Then the curled mists hid him again. ‘‘Who is that?’’ Hana cried. She dropped
Sadao’s arm and they both leaned over the railing of the veranda. Now they saw him
again. The man was on his hands and knees crawling. Then they saw him fall on his
face and lie there
Questions:
i) Who saw the figure which emerge out of the mists?
A. The doctors
B. Dr.Sadao and Hana
C. The Soldiers
D. The fisherman
ii) How would they have felt when they saw “something black come out of the
mists”?
A. Terrified
B. Shocked

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 C. Happy
D. Ignorant
iii) How did the man walk?
A. Unsteadily with his arms above the head
B. Leisurely
C. Like an injured
D. Like an officer

iv) What did his walking style indicate?

A. That he was a rough

B. That he was trying to attack
C. That he was a prisoner
D. That he was a thief
8. “A white man!” Hana whispered. Yes, it was a white man. The wet cap fell away and
there was his wet yellow hair, long, as though for many weeks it had not been cut, and
upon his young and tortured face was a rough yellow beard. He was unconscious and
knew nothing that they did for him. Now Sadao remembered the wound, and with his
expert fingers he began to search for it. Blood flowed freshly at his touch. On the right
side of his lower back Sadao saw that a gun wound had been reopened. The flesh was
blackened with powder. Sometime, not many days ago, the man had been shot and had
not been tended. It was bad chance that the rock had struck the wound.
Questions:
i) What does ‘Whiteman’ refer to?
A. The man having white face
B. An American prisoner of war
C. A man wearing white shirt
D. None of these
ii) Hana’s remark “A white man!” on seeing the white man indicated what she was
feeling. Pick the option that correctly states her feeling.
1. Horror
2. Shocked
3. Unfamiliar
4. Annoyed
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 2 and 4
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 D. 1 and 4
iii) How did the white man’s face appear?
A. Old
B. Tortured
C. Fresh
D. Annoyed
iv) Why didn’t he know the presence of Dr.Sadao and Hana?
A. As he was sleeping
B. As he was pretending to be unconscious
C. As he was unconscious
D. None of these
9. Thus agreed, together they lifted the man. He was very light, like a fowl that had been
half-starved for a long time until it is only feathers and skeleton. So, his arms hanging,
they carried him up the steps and into the side door of the house. This door opened into
a passage, and down the passage they carried the man towards an empty bedroom. It
had been the bedroom of Sadao’s father, and since his death it had not been used.
They laid the man on the deeply matted floor. Everything here had been Japanese to
please the old man, who would never in his own home sit on a chair or sleep in a foreign
bed. Hana went to the wall cupboards and slid back a door and took out a soft quilt. She
hesitated. The quilt was covered with flowered silk and the lining was pure white silk.
a) Choose the option that demonstrates the person who is being talked about in the
extract
A. Sadao’s father
B. The enemy soldier
C. Sadao
D. Hana
b) ‘She hesitated’ means that Hana
A. Didn’t want to carry the soldier as he had a limp leg
B. Didn’t want to use her silk as he was their guest
C. Didn’t want to use her white silk as the soldier was bleeding
D. Didn’t want to share her stuff

c) “his arms hanging” indicated the state of the soldier. Pick the option that correctly tells
his state.

i) Unconscious

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 ii) Weak

iii) Strong

iv) Rebellious

v) Calm

vi) Conscious

A. (i) and (ii)

B. (ii) and (iii)
C. (v) and (vi)
D. (iv) and (v)

d) They avoided bringing the person home as he was

A. Foreigner, white, enemy

B. Enemy, soldier, Japanese
C. Japanese, soldier, friend
D. foreigner, friend, bleeding

10. It was at this moment that both of them saw something black come out of the mists. It was
a man. He was flung up out of the ocean — flung, it seemed, to his feet by a breaker. He
staggered a few steps, his body outlined against the mist, his arms above his head. Then the
curled mists hid him again. ‘‘Who is that?’’ Hana cried. She dropped Sadao’s arm and they
both leaned over the railing of the veranda. Now they saw him again. The man was on his
hands and knees crawling. Then they saw him fall on his face and lie there. ‘‘A fisherman
perhaps,’’ Sadao said, ‘‘washed from his boat.’’ He ran quickly down the steps and behind him.
Hana came, her wide sleeves flying.

Questions:

i) Hana cried, ”Who is that?” This reveals her,

A. Concern
B. Anger
C. Anxiety
D. Hope
ii) The phrase, “his body outlined against the mist,” means

A. that his body was covered with mist

B. that his body seemed flowing in the mist
C. that his body was going against the direction of the mist
D. that his body was slightly visible in the mist

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iii) What does the expression-flung up out of the ocean-suugest?

A. Pulled out of the ocean

B. Crawling out of the ocean
C. Thrown out of the ocean
D. Walked out of the ocean
iv) “It was at this moment that both of them saw something”, the tone of the sentence suggest
that they saw

A. A casual sight
B. A usual sight
C. A rare sight
D. An unbelievable sight
11. ‘If the master heals what the gun did and what the sea did they will take revenge on us.’

i) Who is the speaker?

A. The Gardener
B. The old gardener
C. The cook
D. Yumi

ii) What does the statement tell us about the speaker?

A. The speaker is afraid

B. The speaker is superstitious
C. The speaker is patriotic
D. The speaker is threatening his master

iii) What healing is being referred to here?

A. The General’s treatment

B. The doctor treating Americans
C. The doctor treating the prisoner
D. The doctor treating the servant harshly

iv) What kind of revenge is the speaker afraid of?

A. The sea will harm them

B. They will be prosecuted
C. They will be killed
D. They will be thrown out of their homes.

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12. “If a man like that could be so cruel to a woman in his power, would he not be cruel to one
like this for instance?”

i) Whose cruelty is referred to in the given lines?

A. Sadao
B. The cook
C. The Japanese Army
D. General Takima

ii) Whom does the phrase ‘one like this’ refer to?

A. Sadao
B. The American
C. The Prisoner
D. The POW’s

iii) What prompts the speaker to say so?

A. The condition of the American

B. The stories about his conduct
C. The rumours about the prisoner
D. The way people react to them

iv)Who tries to change the condition?

A. General Takima
B. Sadao
C. Hana
D. The Gardener

13. “If your food runs out before you catch a boat,” he said, “signal me two flashes at the same
instant the sun drops over the horizon. Do not signal in darkness, for it will be seen. If you are
all right but still there, signal me once. You will find fresh fish easy to catch but you must eat
them raw. A fire would be seen.”

Questions:

i) Whom does ‘he’ refer to in the first line?

A. Hana
B. POW
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 C. Yumi
D. Sadao

ii) Why was he advised not to signal in night?

A. Because it was not visible

B. Because he could have been noticed by Japanese army
C. Because he was safe
D. None of these

iii) Find out a word that means the same as ‘Sky line’

A. Darkness
B. Signal
C. Horizon
D. Raw

iv) What was the signal ‘one flash’ for

A. that he was in trouble

B. that he was safe but not there
C. he was safe and was still there
D. that he found food

14. He stood for a moment on the veranda, gazing out to the sea from whence the young man
had come that other night. And into his mind, although without reason, there came other white
faces he had known — the professor at whose house he had met Hana, a dull man, and his
wife had been a silly talkative woman, in spite of her wish to be kind. He remembered his old
teacher of anatomy, who had been so insistent on mercy with the knife, and then he
remembered the face of his fat and slatternly landlady. He had had great difficulty in finding a
place to live in America because he was a Japanese. The Americans were full of prejudice and
it had been bitter to live in it, knowing himself their superior. How he had despised the ignorant
and dirty old woman who had at last consented to house him in her miserable home!

Questions:

i) Whom does ‘he’ refer to in the first line?

A. POW
B. The old gardener
C. Dr.Sadao
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 D. General

ii) Why had he great difficulty in finding home in America?

A. Because he was new there

B. Because he was Japanese
C. Because he was American
D. None of these

iii) Find out the synonym of ‘abhor’

A. Prejudice
B. Anatomy
C. Despised
D. Ignorant

iv) Find out the antonym of ‘Tidy’

A. Dull
B. Silly
C. Insistent
D. Slatternly

15. Sadao did not see him again until evening. As soon as it was dark he had dragged the
stout boat down to the shore and in it he put food and bottled water that he had bought secretly
during the day, as well as two quilts he had bought at a pawnshop. The boat he tied to a post
in the water, for the tide was high. There was no moon and he worked without a flashlight.

Questions:

i) Whom did Dr.Sadao see until evening?

A. Assassin
B. POW
C. General
D. The old gardener

ii) When did Dr.Sadao start working?

A. After getting dark.

B. Late at night
C. Early in the morning
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 D. None of these

iii) Why did Dr.Sadao work without flash light?

A. Because it was not needed

B. Because he didn’t have torch
C. Because he could have been noticed by someone
D. Because Hana advised him to do so

iv) Why did Dr.Sadao arrange everything and for whom?

A. To let assassins come & For assasins

B. To let POW escape to nearby island & For POW
C. To let General come & for General
D. None of these

ANSWER KEY

SL NO.OF EXTRACT ANSWER

1 EXTRACT 1 i) b ii) c iii) b iv) d

2 EXTRACT 2 i) a ii) b c) a d) c

3 EXTRACT 3 i) c ii) b iii) d iv) d

4 EXTRACT 4 i) a ii) c iii) b iv) c

5 EXTRACT 5 i) c ii) d iii) a iv) b

6 EXTRACT 6 i) a ii) c iii) d iv) d

7 EXTRACT 7 i) b ii) b iii) a iv) c

8 EXTRACT 8 i) b ii) a iii) b iv) c

9 EXTRACT 9 i) b ii) c iii) a iv) a

10 EXTRACT 10 i) a ii) d iii) c iv) c

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 11 EXTRACT 11 i) b ii) a iii) c iv) b

12 EXTRACT 12 i) d ii) d iii) b iv) b

13 EXTRACT 13 i) d ii) b iii) c iv) c

14 EXTRACT 14 i) c ii) b iii) c iv) d

15 EXTRACT 15 i) b ii) a iii) c iv) b

Stand Alone MCQs

1. The author of the lesson “The Enemy “is ____

a. Colin Dexter
b. John Updike
c. Pearl S. Buck
d. Susan Hill

2. Dr. Sadao was a_____

a. Surgeon
b. Scientist
c. Surgeon & scientist
d. Soldier

3. Which one of the following is true about Sadao’s father?

a. His father never joked or played with him.

b. His father was much worried about his education.
c. His father was a traditional person.
d. All of these
4. Sadao met Hana first time in______

a. Japan
b. America
c. England
d. None of these
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5. Sadao went to America at the age of_____ and returned to Japan at______

a. 20, 27
b.22, 30
c. 30, 37
d.25, 35
6. One-day evening, Sadao and his wife found something black was swept ashore. It was
a________________

a. fisherman
b. large fish
c. wounded white man
d. dead body
7. Sadao was sent to America to learn_____

a. Surgery
b. Medicine
c. Surgery & medicine
d. Music
8. How many servants were there in Dr.Sadao’s house ?

a. None
b. two
c. three
d. four
9. The servants left Sadao’s house because___________

a. They were not paid well.

b. They were overworked.
c. Sadao sheltered an American soldier and they hated him.
d. They got better jobs
10. According to Dr.Sadao & his wife, what was the best thing they could do with the American
soldier at first ?

a. To give him shelter in their house

b. To hand him over to the police
c. To put him back in the sea.
d. To kill him

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11. Dr.Sadao has_________ children.

a. 2
b. 3
c. 4
d. No
12. In what condition was the American prisoner when Dr.Sadao & his wife found him on the
Japanese coast?

a. He was wounded.
b. He was bleeding.
c. He was very weak & pale.
d. All of these.
13. Who among the following were the servants working in Sadao’s house?

a. Yumi, the maid servant

b. The old gardener
c. The cook
d. All of these
14. Why was Dr.Sadao not sent to the battlefield?

a. Because his service was not required there.

b. Because he was not physically fit at that time.
c. The General needed him for his operation.
d. None of these.
15. What was the General’s plan for the wounded American soldier?

a. He wanted him to be admitted in a hospital.

b. He wanted him to be handed over to the Police
c. He would send his private assassins to kill him,
d. None of these.
16. The first treatment that Sadao gave the wounded soldier was________

a. His wound was dressed well.

b. He was operated upon.
c. He was fed well.
d. His wound was washed.

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17. While Sadao was performing operation on the wounded soldier, Hana rushed out
to_________

a. fetch water
b. drink water
c. vomit
d. take care of her babies.
18. Why did the messenger come to Sadao’s house?

a. To arrest Sadao.
b. To talk to the servants
c. To take Sadao to the General’s house
d. To arrest Hana.
19. The General only wanted Sadao to operate on him because_____

a. he did not want to go abroad for surgery.

b. Sadao was his close friend.
c .he did not like other doctor.
d. Sadao was very skilled.
20. When the assassins did not come, Sadao decided to________

a. hand over the American soldier to the police.

b. kill the prisoner himself.
c. help him escape.
d. send him to America.
21.How did Sadao help the American soldier escape?

a. By giving his boat.

b. By giving him a flashlight
c. By giving him food to eat.
d. All of these.
22.On the seventh day after the operation of the American prisoner_____

a. all the servants of Sadao left together.

b. Sadao handed him over to the police.
c. the prisoner ran away.
d. Sadao told the General about the prisoner.
23.The American prisoner was asked to flash the light if food ran out____

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 a. twice
b. thrice
c. once
d. not at all
24. The American prisoner was instructed to escape through___________

a. American boat
b. Japanese boat
c. Korean boat
d. Australian boat.
25.What impression do you form of Dr.Sadao after reading the lesson “The Enemy?”

a. an excellent doctor
b. a kind hearted person
c. a true patriot
d. all of these
ANSWERS:

Q.No. Answer

01 c. Pearl S.Buck

02 c. Surgeon & Scientist

03 d. All of these

04 b. America

05 b. 22,30

06 c. Wounded white man

07 c. Surgery & medicine

08 c. Three

09 c. Sadao sheltered an American soldier & they hated him

10 c. To put him back in the sea

11 a.2

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 12 d.. All of these.

13 d. All of these

14 c. The General needed him for his operation

15 C. He would send his private assassins to kill him.

16 d. His wound was washed.

17 c. vomit

18 c. To take Sadao to the General’s house

19. d. Sadao was very skilled.

20 c. help him escape

21 d. All of these

22 a.All the servants of Sadao left together

23 a.twice

24 c.Korean boat

25. d.all of these

ASSERTION AND REASONING

Q.1 Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: Sadao and Hana cared about the soldier but were worried about the
consequences of being considerate.
Statement 2: Sadao and Hana wanted to shirk their responsibilities of looking after an injured
soldier, who could be an American.

a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.

b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.

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Q.2 Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: Sadao became famous not only as a surgeon but as a scientist.
Statement 2: Sadao was perfecting a discovery which would render wounds entirely clean.

a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.

b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.
d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.
Q.3 Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: Dr. Sadao was a true Japanese. He was obedient and loved the Japanese
tradition and culture.
Statement 2: Dr. Sadao waited for his father’s approval for marrying Hana, a girl he loved.

a) If Statement 1 is the cause, Statement 2 is the effect.

b) If Statement 1 is the effect, Statement 2 is the cause.
c) Both the statements are the effects of a common cause.
d) Both the statements are the effects of independent causes.
Q.4 Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: ‘The Enemy’ gives the message that humanism transcends all man-made
prejudices and barriers.
Statement 2: The story ‘The Enemy’ is a great lesson of peace, love, sympathy and
humanism.

a) Statement 1 can be inferred but Statement 2 cannot be inferred from the text.
b) Statement 1 cannot be inferred but Statement 2 can be inferred from the text.
c) Both the statements can be inferred from the text.
d) Both the statements cannot be inferred from the text.
Q.5 Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: Dr. Sadao is unable to throw him back into sea though he was his enemy.
Statement 2: Being a doctor, his first duty was to save a life.

a) Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is the correct explanation of Statement 1.

b) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is not the correct explanation of Statement 1.
c) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false.

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Q.6 Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: Hana clapped her hands to her mouth and leaped up and ran out of the room.
Statement 2: Hana was seeing an operation for the first time and it was not a pleasant thing
to see.
a) If Statement 1 is the cause, Statement 2 is the effect.
b) If Statement 1 is the effect, Statement 2 is the cause.
c) Both the statements are the effects of a common cause.
d) Both the statements are the effects of independent causes.

ANSWERS:
1 2 3 4 5 6
a c a c a b

CBSE SAMPLE PAPER

English Core (301) Sample Question Paper (Term 1)

Class - XII

Time: 90 Minutes Max. Marks 40

General Instructions:

1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections.

2. Section A-READING has 18 questions. Attempt a total of 14 questions, as per specific
instructions for each question.
3. Section B-WRITING SKILLS has 12 questions. Attempt a total of 10 questions, as per
specificinstructions for each question.
4. Section C-LITERATURE has 30 questions. Attempt 26 questions, as per specific instructions for
each question.
5. All questions carry equal marks.
6. There is no negative marking
READING

I. Read the passage given below.

I. I got posted in Srinagar in the 1980s. Its rugged mountains, gushing rivers and vast
meadows reminded me of the landscapes of my native place – the Jibhi Valley in
Himachal Pradesh. Unlike Srinagar that saw numerous tourists, Jibhi Valley remained
clouded in anonymity. That’s when the seed of starting tourism in Jibhi was planted. I
decided to leave my service in the Indian Army and follow the urge to return home.

II. We had two houses – a family house and a traditional house, which we often rented out. I
pleaded with my father to ask the tenant to vacate the house so that I could convert it into a
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 guesthouse. When my family finally relented, I renovated the house keeping its originality
intact, just adding windows for sunlight.

III. I still remember the summer of 1992 when I put a signboard outside my first guesthouse in
Jibhi Valley! The village residents, however, were sceptical about my success. My business
kept growing but it took years for tourism to take off in Jibhi Valley. Things changed
significantly after 2008 when the government launched a homestay scheme. People built
homestays and with rapid tourism growth, the region changed rapidly. Villages turned into
towns with many concrete buildings. Local businesses and tourists continued putting a
burden on nature.

IV. Then, with the 2020-21 pandemic and lockdown, tourism came to a complete standstill in
Jibhi Valley. Local people, who were employed at over a hundred homestays and
guesthouses, returned to their villages. Some went back to farming; some took up pottery
and some got involved in government work schemes. Now, all ardently hope that normalcy
and tourism will return to the valley soon. In a way, the pandemic has given us an opportunity
to introspect, go back to our roots and look for sustainable solutions.

V. For me, tourism has been my greatest teacher. It brought people from many countries and
all states of India to my guesthouse. It gave me exposure to different cultures and countless
opportunities to learn new things. Most people who stayed at my guesthouse became my
repeat clients and good friends. When I look back, I feel proud, yet humbled at the thought
that I was not only able to fulfill my dream despite all the challenges, but also

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play a role in establishing tourism in the beautiful valley that I call home. (394 words)
Source: https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/71458/how-one-mans-
conviction-put-jibhi-valley-on-the-world-tourism-map

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight o u t of the ten questions
bychoosing the correct option

Q.1 The scenic beauty of Srinagar makes the writer feel

A. awestruck
B. nostalgic
C. cheerful
D. confused
Q.2 A collocation is a group of words that often occur together.
The writer says that Jibhi valley remained clouded in anonymity.
Select the word from the options that correctly collocates with clouded in.

A. disgust
B. anger
C. doubt
D. terror
Q.3 Select the option that suitably completes the given dialogue as per the context in paragraph II.

Father: Are you sure that your plan would work?

Writer: I can’t say (1) ...........................................................................................
Father: That’s a lot of uncertainty, isn’t it?
Writer: (2) ......................................................................., father. Please let’s do this.

A. (1) that I would be able to deal with the funding (2) Well begun is half done
B. (1) anything along those lines, as the competition is tough (2) Think before you leap
C. (1) that, because it’s a question of profit and loss (2) All’s well that ends well
D. (1) I’m sure, but I can say that I believe in myself (2) Nothing venture nothing win
Q.4 Which signboard would the writer have chosen for his 1992 undertaking, in Jibhi Valley?

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 A. option 1
B. option 2
C. option 3
D. option 4
Q.5 Select the option that clearly indicates the situation before and after 2008, in Jibhi Valley.

Before 2008 After 2008 Before 2008 After 2008

A. B.
picturesque construction sites and zero tourism in sceptical villagers
landscapes commerce the valley

Before 2008 After 2008 Before 2008 After 2008

C. D.
buildings and profitable ventures scenic surroundings zero tourism in
hotels the valley

Q.6 What is the relationship between (1) and (2)?

(1) …tourism came to a complete standstill in Jibhi Valley.

(2) … tourism has been my greatest teacher.

A. (2) is the cause for (1).

B. (1) repeats the situation described in (2).
C. (2) elaborates the problem described in (1).
D. (1) sets the stage for (2).

Q.7The writer mentions looking for sustainable solutions. He refers to the need for sustainable
solutions because he realises that

A. even though all natural ecosystems are essential pillars of resilience, we need to focus on
using their resources to address the economic needs of mankind, as a priority.
B. the exposures to pandemics are a reality and a big threat to the countries across the world.
C. for an economic recovery to be durable and resilient, a return to ‘business as usual’ and
environmentally destructive investment patterns and activities must be avoided.
D. there is an increasing urgency in the climate movement and the need for collaborative
action for the future.
Q.8 Select the option that lists the customer review for the writer’s project.

A. Beautiful accommodation in the lap of nature. Luxurious cottage with indoor pool and
garden.
B. Comfortable and peaceful. Neat room with ample sunlight. Pleasant and warm host.
C. Enjoyed the sprawling suite on the fifth floor. Great view. Professional service.
D. Remote locale, good food and clean room. Would have loved more natural light, though.
Q.9 Which quote summarises the writer’s feelings about the pace of growth of tourism in
JibhiValley?

A. We kill all the caterpillars, then complain there are no butterflies. - John Marsden
B. Nature will give you the best example of life lessons, just open your eyes and see.
– Kate Smith

182
 C. We do not see nature with our eyes, but with our understanding and our hearts.
- William Hazlett
D. I’d rather be in the mountains thinking of God than in church thinking of the mountains. -
John Muir

Q.10 Select the option that lists what we can conclude from the text.

(1) people of Jibhi Valley practiced sustainable tourism.

(2) the people of Jibhi valley gradually embraced tourism.
(3) tourists never revisited Jibhi Valley.
(4) the writer was an enterprising person.

A. (1) and (2) are true.

B. (2), (3) and (4) are true.
C. (2) and (4) are true.
D. (1), (3) and (4) are true.

II. Read the passage given below.

I. Over the last five years, more companies have been actively looking for intern profiles,
according to a 2018-19 survey by an online internship and training platform. This survey
reveals that India had 80% more internship applications — with 2.2 million applications
received in 2018 compared to 1.27 million in the year before. The trend was partly due to
more industries looking to have fresh minds and ideas on existing projects for better
productivity. What was originally seen as a western concept, getting an internship before
plunging into the job market, is fast gaining momentum at Indian workplaces.

II. According to the survey data, India’s

National Capital Region has been the top
provider of internships, with a total of 35%
internship opportunities, followed by
Mumbai and Bengaluru at 20% and 15%,
respectively. This includes opportunities
in startups, MNCs and even government
entities. The survey also revealed popular
fields to find internships in (Fig 1). There
has been growing awareness among the
students about the intern profiles sought
by hiring companies that often look
for people with real-time
experience in management than
B- school masters.

III. The stipend has been an important factor influencing the choice of internships. The survey
data reveals that the average stipend offered to interns was recorded as ₹7000 while the
maximum stipend went up to ₹85,000. According to statistics, a greater number of people
considered virtual internships than in-office internships. Virtual internships got three times
more applications than in-office, since a large chunk of students were the ones already
enrolled in various courses, or preferred working from home.

IV. Internship portals have sprung up in the last three to four years and many of them

183
alreadyreport healthy traffic per month. Reports suggest that on an average, an internship
portalcompany has around 200,000-plus students and some 8,000 companies registered on it. It gets
around two lakh visits online every month. The Managing Director of a leading executive search firm
says that though these web platforms are working as an effective bridge between the industry and
students, most established companies are still reluctant totake too many interns on board for obvious
reasons. (355 words)

Source:
(1) https://www.businessinsider.in/internships-in-india-on-the-rise-with-startups-leading- the-
way/articleshow/67655265.cms
(2) https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/features/story/online-portals-helping-college-
students-paid-internships-46215-2014-06-03

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the eight questions by
choosing the correct option.

Q.11 Select the correct inference with reference to the following:

Over the last five years, more companies have been actively looking for intern profiles…

A. The past five years have seen active applications by interns to several companies.
B. The activity for intern profiling by the companies has reached a gradual downslide over the
past five years.
C. There were lesser companies searching for intern profiles earlier, as compared to those in
the recent five years.
D. Several companies have initiated intern profiling five times a year in the recent past.
Q.12 Select the central idea of the paragraph likely to precede paragraph I.

A. Process of registering for internships

B. Knowing more about internships
C. Dos and Don’ts for an internship interview
D. Startups and internships
Q.13 Select the option that displays the true statement with reference to Fig 1.

A. Internships for Engineering and Management are the top two favourites.
B. Design & Architecture internships are significantly more popular than Others.
C. Internships for Media and Others have nearly equal popularity percentage.
D. Management internships’ popularity is more than twice that for Media.

For the Visually Impaired Candidates

The survey states that internship opportunities

A. are the most in Mumbai.

B. can be available in MNCs.
C. are limited to the National Capital Region.
D. Can be pursued only after a B-school degree.

Q.14 Based on your reading of paragraphs II-III, select the appropriate counter- argument to
the given argument.

Argument: I don’t think you’ll be considered for an internship just because you’ve been the student editor
and Head of Student Council.

184
 A. I think I have a fair chance because I’m applying for a virtual position than an in- office one.
B. I have real-time experience in managing a team and many companies consider it more
meritorious than a degree in Management.
C. I know that my stipend might be on the lower side but I think that it’s a good ‘earn while you
learn’ opportunity.
D. Lot of metro-cities have a good percentage of positions open and I think I should definitely
take a chance.

Q.15 Select the option that displays the correct cause-effect relationship.

cause effect cause effect

A. Several students Students B. A large chunk of Applications were three
had academic applied for students preferred times more than for
courses to online in-office internships virtual internships
complete internship

cause effect cause effect

C. A greater number Several D. Students applied An equal number of

of students wanted students had for students applied for
to work courses to online internship work-from-home
from home complete

Q.16 The survey statistics mention the average stipend, indicating that

A. 50% interns were offered ₹85,000.

B. ₹7,000 was the lowest and ₹85,000 was the highest.
C. most interns were offered around ₹7,000.
D. No intern was offered more than ₹7,000.

Q.17 The phrase ‘healthy traffic’ refers to the

A. updates from portals about health and road safety.

B. statistics about adherence to traffic rules by the portals.
C. sizeable number of visitors to the portal per month.
D. monthly data about the health of internship applicants.

Q.18 Read the two statements given below and select the option that suitably explains them.
(1) Established companies are reluctant to take too many interns on board.
(2) Probability of interns leaving the company for a variety of reasons, is high.

A. (1) is the problem and (2) is the solution for (1).

B. (1) is false but (2) correctly explains (1).
C. (1) summarises (2).
D. (1) is true and (2) is the reason for (1).

185
WRITING

III. Answer any four out of the five questions given, with reference to the context below.
The President of R.W.A. Chelavoor Heights, Kozhikode, has to put up a notice to inform residents
about a power-cut for their residential area.

Q.19 Select the appropriate title for the notice.

A. Choosing Own Power Cuts

B. Scheduled Power Cut
C. The Need to Save Power
D. Power and Resident Safety
Q.20 Select the option that lists the most accurate opening for this notice.

A. Greetings and attention please, to one and all in Chelavoor Heights.

B. This notice is written to share some news with you all about…
C. This is to inform all the residents of Chelavoor Heights about…
D. I wish to share with all officials of R.W.A. Chelavoor Heights that…
Q.21 Select the option with the information points to be included in the body of the notice.

(1) Opinion about regular power cuts

(2) Resolution for power cuts
(3) Reason for the power cut
(4) Timings of the power cut
(5) Complaint against regular power cuts
(6) Date of the power cut

A. (1) and (4)

B. (2), (3) and (5)
C. (2) and (6)
D. (3), (4) and (6)
Q.22 Would this notice reflect the name of the R.W.A?

A. Yes, because it is the issuing body.

B. No, because it is understood through the signature.
C. Yes, because it makes it informal.
D. No, because the title makes it clear.
Q.23 Select the appropriate conclusion for this notice.

A. Stay informed.
B. Collaboration solicited.
C. Stay prepared.
D. Inconvenience regretted.
IV. Answer any six of the seven questions given, with reference to the context below.

186
Venu is a member of Co-existence, a school club that actively promotes animal rights and care. He has
to write an article emphasising the need for prevention of cruelty to animals and peaceful co- existence
between animals and human beings.

Q.24 Select the option that lists an appropriate title for Venu’s article.

A. Man and Animal-A Struggle to Co-exist

B. The Rehabilitation and Conservation of Species
C. Remodelling the Future by Peaceful Co-existence
D. Smart Moves- Survival of the Fittest
Q.25 Which option (1-4), should Venu choose to elaborate on reasons for cruelty to animals?

A. Option (1)
B. Option (2)
C. Option (3)
D. Option (4)

For the Visually Impaired Candidates

While elaborating on the causes for cruelty, which is the cause Venu SHOULD NOT include?

A. Habitual poaching
B. Animal activists
C. Deliberate neglect
D. Animal abuse

187
 Q.26 Which option would help Venu with the appropriate organisation of relevant ideas for
this article?

A. Expressing concern about several cases of cruelty to animals—Exploring the

reasons—Stating the effects—Providing suggestions for peaceful co-existence—
Presenting a conclusive outlook
B. Stating the effects of cruelty to animals— Presenting a concluding viewpoint—Providing
suggestions for peaceful co-existence—Expressing concern for animal cruelty— Exploring
the reasons for cruelty to animals
C. Introducing the purpose of the article—Information about policies and laws for animal
protection—Exploring the reasons for the laws— Providing suggestions for peaceful
co-existence —Presenting a pledge for awareness
D. Exploring the laws for animal protection—Questioning the efficacy of the laws—Providing
suggestions for improvements in the behaviour towards animals— Introducing the
purposeof the article—Appeal for joining Co-Existence

Q.27 Which suggestions, from those given below, would be appropriate for Venu’s article?

A. reducing human-wildlife conflict, banning habitat destruction, creating more wildlife

sanctuaries
B. protecting the environment, penalising poachers
C. strengthening execution of animal rights’ laws, increasing awareness, reducing human-
wildlife conflict
D. creation of more wildlife sanctuaries and promotion of research on animals.

Q.28 Read a sentence from Venu’s article draft and help him complete it by selecting the
most appropriate option.
As animals find their natural habitat shrinking daily, their interactions with humans keep rising, often
to the (i) of the humans and with (ii) for the animals.

A. (i) joy (ii) dangerous outcomes

B. (i) thrill (ii) lethal consequences
C. (i) irritation (ii) minimal effects
D. (i) fear (ii) disastrous results

Q.29 Which quote should Venu use to summarise the central idea of his article?

A. "Animals are such agreeable friends―they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms."
– George Eliot

B. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals
are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi

C. A tiger may pray, “O Lord, how wicked are these men who do not come and place
themselves before me to be eaten; they are breaking Your law.” – Swami
Vivekananda

D. "Clearly, animals know more than we think, and think a great deal more than we know."
- Irene M. Pepperberg

Q.30 Read the following options for the self-checklist for this article and select the option that
includes the most appropriate self-checklist for this article.

188
 A. Option (1)
B. Option (2)
C. Option (3)
D. Option (4)

LITERATURE
This section has sub-sections: V, VI, VII, VIII, IX. There are a total of 30 questions in the section.
Attempt any 26 questions from the sub-sections V to IX.

V. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

“I have nothing else to do,” he mutters, looking away. “Go to school,” I say glibly, realising immediately
how hollow the advice must sound.
“There is no school in my neighbourhood. When they build one, I will go.”
“If I start a school, will you come?” I ask, half-joking. “Yes,” he says, smiling broadly. A
few days later I see him running up to me. “Is your school ready?”
“It takes longer to build a school,” I say, embarrassed at having made a promise that was not meant.
But promises like mine abound in every corner of his bleak world.

Q.31 Saheb’s muttering and ‘looking away’ suggests his

A. anger
B. shyness
C. embarrassment
D. anxiety

Q.32 Of the four meanings of ‘glibly’, select the option that matches in meaning with its usage in
theextract.

189
 A. showing a degree of informality
B. lacking depth and substance
C. being insincere and deceitful
D. speaking with fluency

Q.33 Who do you think Saheb is referring to as ‘they’, in the given sentence?
“When they build one, I will go”

A. The officials
B. The inhabitants
C. The teachers
D. The journalists

Q.34 Select the option that lists the feelings and attitudes corresponding to the following:
(1) I ask half-joking
(2) ...he says, smiling broadly

(1) part arrogance, part seriousness (1) part amusement, part irritation
A. B.
(2) submissiveness
(2) hesitation

(1) part concern, part hurt (1) part humour, part earnestness
C. D.
(2) pride (2) self-belief

Q.35 Select the option that lists reasons why Saheb’s world has been called ‘bleak’.

(1) The absence of parental presence

(2) The poor socio-economic conditions
(3) His inability to address problems
(4) His lack of life-skills
(5) The denied opportunities of schooling

A. (1) and (4)

B. (2) and (5)
C. (3) and (5)
D. (2) and (4)

VI. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

Tiny vestiges of the old terror would return. But now I could frown and say to that terror, “Trying to scare
me, eh? Well, here’s to you! Look!” And off I’d go for another length of the pool. This went on until July.
But I was still not satisfied. I was not sure that all the terror had left. So, I went to Lake Wentworth in
New Hampshire, dived off a dock at Triggs Island, and swam two miles across the lake to Stamp Act
Island. I swam the crawl, breast stroke, side stroke, and back stroke. Only once did the terror return.
When I was in the middle of the lake, I put my face under and saw nothing but bottomless water. The
old sensation returned in miniature.

190
Q36. Why did Douglas go to swim at Lake Wentworth?

A. To showcase his skills for all who had doubted him.

B. To honour the efforts of his swimming instructor.
C. To build on his ability of swimming in a natural water body.
D. To know for sure that he had overcome his fear of drowning in water.

Q37. Select the option that lists the correct inference based on the information in the extract.

A. Triggs Island and Stamp Act Island are both located in Lake Wentworth.
B. Lake Wentworth is a part of Triggs Island.
C. Stamp Act Island is two miles away from New Hampshire.
D. Lake Wentworth is connected via docks to New Hampshire.

Q38. What was the reason for the ‘return’ of terror?

A. Superstitions about the dock at Triggs Islands

B. Recent reports about drowning incidents
C. Prior drowning experiences
D. Warnings by experienced swimmers

Q39. Douglas mentions that the old sensation returned in miniature.

He means that he felt the familiar feeling of fear ..................................

A. at irregular intervals.
B. on a small scale.
C. repeatedly.
D. without notice.

Q40. How did Douglas handle the ‘old sensation’?

A. Addressed it.
B. Avoided it.
C. Submitted to it.
D. Stayed indifferent to it.

VII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

The tall girl with her weighed-down head. The paper-

seeming boy, with rat’s eyes. The stunted, unlucky heir Of
twisted bones, reciting a father’s gnarled disease, His
lesson, from his desk. At back of the dim class
One unnoted, sweet and young. His eyes live in a dream…

Q41.The poet draws attention to the problem of while describing the boy as
paper-seeming.

A. malnutrition
B. untidiness
C. isolation

191
 D. abandonment

Q42. Which option has the underlined phrase that applies the poetic device used for ‘rat’s eyes’?

A. He shut up like a clam when interrogated.

B. She runs as swift as a gazelle.
C. He is considered the black sheep of the family.
D. She ran away chattering with fear.

Q43. Select the correct option to fill the blank.

The tall girl’s head is weighed down due to the .

A. effect of diseases
B. need for concentration
C. desire to remain unnoticed
D. burdens of poverty

Q44. The literal meaning of ‘reciting’ refers to delivering the lesson aloud. What does its figurativemeaning
refer to?

A. Showing extra interest in the lesson.

B. Carrying his father’s disease.
C. Resigning to his disease and condition.
D. Voicing the poor conditions, he lives in.

Q45. How does the ‘unnoted’ pupil present a contrast to others?

A. He appears to be in a world of dreams.

B. He struggles with the fulfilment of dreams.
C. He seems taller than most.
D. He sits in the dimmest part of the classroom.

VIII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

He said I was unhappy. That made my wife kind of mad, but he explained that he meant the modern
world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and all the rest of it, and that I just want to escape. Well, who
doesn’t? Everybody I know wants to escape, but they don’t wander down into any third level at Grand
Central Station. But that’s the reason, he said, and my friends all agreed. Everything points to it, they
claimed.
My stamp collecting, for example; that’s a ‘temporary refuge from reality.’ Well, maybe, but my grandfather
didn’t need any refuge from reality.

Q46. Why did Sam’s verdict make Charley’s wife ‘mad’?

A. It made it difficult for her to accept that Charley would consult a psychiatrist.
B. It seemed to suggest to her that she was the cause of Charley’s unhappiness.
C. It made her aware of Charley’s delicate state of mind.
D. It offended her that Charley and Sam collectively accused her.

192
Q47. Sam’s explanation to the reaction of Charley’s wife was in nat

A. critical
B. aggressive
C. clarifying
D. accusatory

Q48. Select the option that signifies the condition of people of the ‘modern world’ mentioned
inthe extract.

(1) unsure
(2) lazy
(3) offensive
(4) anxious
(5) afraid

A. (1) and (3)

B. (2) and (5)
C. (2), (3) and (4)
D. (1), (4) and (5)

Q49. Select the option that displays a cause-effect set.

cause effect cause effect

A. Charley’s Wandering into B. Everybody Modern world

stamp the third wants to full of
collecting level escape insecurity

cause effect cause effect

C. Charley’s Charley’s D. Modern world Everybody

wandering into stamp full of wants to
the third level collecting insecurity escape

Q50.Why didn’t Charley’s grandfather need refuge from reality?

A. He was too busy to bother.

B. He had chosen to deny his reality.
C. He lived in peaceful times.
D. He was a very secure person.

IX. Attempt the following.

Q51.In ‘Keeping Quiet’ the poet does not want the reader to confuse his advice for with
total inactivity.

A. experimentation
B. relaxation
C. isolation
193
 D. introspection

Q52. On his way to school, Franz says that he had the strength to resist and chose to hurry off to
school.
The underlined phrase suggests that Franz was

A. hesitant.
B. threatened.
C. tempted.
D. repentant.

Q53. Select the suitable option for the given statements, based on your reading of Lost Spring.
(1) The writer notices that Saheb has lost his carefree look.
(2) Saheb has had to surrender his freedom for ₹800 per month.

A. (1) is false but (2) is true.

B. Both (1) and (2) are true.
C. (2) is a fact but unrelated to (1).
D. (1) is the cause for (2).

Q54. Select the option that lists the qualities of Douglas’ trainer.

(1) adventurous
(2) generous
(3) patient
(4) methodical
(5) encouraging
(6) courageous

A. (1) and (6)

B. (3), (4) and (5)
C. (2) and (5)
D. (1), (4) and (6)

Q55.The metaphor ‘lead sky’, is used by Stephen Spender to bring out

A. the image of sky-high constructions in the slum.

B. a response to death and destruction.
C. the strong dreams and aspirations of the children.
D. a sense of hopelessness and despair.

Q56. Sadao’s servants leave his house, but none of them betrays the secret of the American P.O.W. Select
the option that explains this.

A. The servants truly believed that they must not be a part of the household which sheltered
aprisoner of war, but their love and loyalty to Sadao made them keep the secret safe.

194
 B. The servants knew that any information about the P.O.W would result in punishment
for them and their families which is why they revealed nothing.
C. The servants were superstitious and scared with a white man on the premises
and consequently, chose to remove themselves and stay silent about the
situation.
D. The servants did not want to incur the wrath of Dr. Sadao and lose their jobs,
therefore theychose to exit instead, and return later.

Q57. Classify (1) to (4) as fact (F) or opinion (O), based on your reading of The Third Level.

(1) First day covers are never opened.

(2) Grand Central is growing like a tree.
(3) President Roosevelt collected stamps.
(4) Sam was Charley’s psychiatrist.

A. F-1,3,4; O-2
B. F-2, 3; O-1,4
C. F-2; O-1,3,4
D. F-3,4; O-1,2

Q58. Identify the tone of Pablo Neruda in the following line:

Perhaps the Earth can teach us….

A. Confident and clear about the future events.

B. Dramatic about the prediction he made.
C. Convinced about the sequence of events to follow.
D. Uncertain, yet hopeful about the possibility.

Q59. Dr. Sadao mutters the word ‘my friend’ while treating the American P.O.W. in the light
of the circumstances, we can say that this was

A. humourous.
B. climactic.
C. ironical.
D. ominous.

Q60. The sight of young trees and merry children, on the way to Cochin, is

the poet’s aging mother.

A. like a divine assurance for

B. in sharp contrast to
C. a distraction from pain for
D. the bridge between the poet and
 MARKING SCHEME
Sample Question Paper
CLASS-XII (ENGLISH Core)

Term 1

 Accept responses in sequence if the student submits all responses instead of

using available option.
 Accept the response if either the option number or the answer in words is correct.

I.

Q.1 B. nostalgic
Q.2 C. doubt
Q.3 D. (1) I’m sure but I can say I believe in myself (2) Nothing venture nothing win
Q.4 D. option 4
Q.5
Before 2008 After 2008
A. picturesqu construction sites
e and commerce
landscap
es

Q.6 D. (1) sets the stage for (2).

Q.7 C. for an economic recovery to be durable and resilient, a return to ‘business as usual’
and environmentally destructive investment patterns and activities must be avoided.
Q.8 B. Comfortable and peaceful. Neat room with ample sunlight. Pleasant and warm host.
Q.9 A. We kill all the caterpillars, then complain there are no butterflies. - John Marsden
Q.10 C. (2) and (4) are true.

II.
Q.11 C. There were lesser companies searching for intern profiles earlier, as compared to
those in the recent five years.
Q.12 B. Knowing more about internships
Q.13 D. Management internships’ popularity is more than twice that for Media.
(Visually Impaired candidates—B. can be available in MNCs.)
Q.14 B. I have real-time experience in managing a team and many companies consider it
more meritorious than a degree in Management.
Q.15

cause effect
A.
Several students had courses to Students applied for online
complete internship

Q.16 C. most interns were offered around ₹7,000.

 Q.17 C. sizeable number of visitors to the portal per month.
Q.18 D. (1) is true and (2) is the reason for (1).

III.
Q.19 B. Scheduled Power Cut
Q.20 C. This is to inform all the residents of Chelavoor Heights about…
Q.21 D. (3), (4) and (6)
Q.22 A. Yes, because it is the issuing body.
Q.23 D. Inconvenience regretted.

IV.
Q.24 C. Remodelling the Future by Peaceful Co-existence
Q.25 D. Option 4
(Visually Impaired Candidates—B. Animal activists)
Q.26 A. Expressing concern about several cases of cruelty to animals—Exploring the
reasons—Stating the effects—Providing suggestions for peaceful co-existence—
Presenting conclusive outlook
Q.27 C. Strengthening execution of animal rights’ laws, Increasing awareness, Reducing
human-wildlife conflict
Q.28 D. (i) fear (ii) disastrous results
Q.29 B. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its
animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Q.30 B. Option (2)

V.
Q.31 C. embarrassment
Q.32 B. lacking depth and substance
Q.33 A. The officials
Q.34
(1) part humourous, part earnestness

(1) belief

Q.35 B. (2) and (5)

VI.
Q.36 D. To know for sure that he had overcome his fear of drowning in water.
Q.37 A. Triggs Island and Stamp Act Island are both located in Lake Wentworth.
Q.38 C. prior drowning experiences
Q.39 B. on a small scale
Q.40 A. Addressed it.

VII.

Q.41 A. malnutrition
Q.42 C. He is considered the black sheep of the family.
 Q.43 D. burdens of poverty
Q.44 B. Carrying his father’s disease
Q.45 A. He appears to be in a world of dreams.

VIII.
Q.46 B. It seemed to suggest to her that she was the cause of Charley’s unhappiness.
Q.47 C. clarifying
Q.48 D. (1), (4) and (5)
Q.49 D
cause effect

modern world full of insecurity Everybody wants to escape

Q.50 C. He lived in peaceful times.

IX.
Q.51 D. introspection
Q.52 C. tempted
Q.53 B. Both (1) and (2) are true.
Q.54 B. (3), (4) and (5)

Q.55 D. a sense of hopelessness and despair

Q.56 A. The servants were urged to leave due to a sense of patriotism and self-
preservation but their love and loyalty to Sadao compelled them to keep
the secret safe.
Q.57 A. F-1,3,4; O-2

Q.58 D. Uncertain, yet hopeful about the possibility.

Q.59 C. ironical
Q.60 B. in sharp contrast to

Page 198 of 242

 KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGHTHAN, AHMEDABAD REGION
TERM –I PRACTICE PAPER SET-I
CLASS: XII SUB: English Core (301)

Time: 90 Minute Max. Marks 40

General Instructions:

1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections.

2. Section A-READING has 18 questions. Attempt a total of 14 questions, as per
specific instructions for each question.
3. Section B-WRITING SKILLS has 12 questions. Attempt a total of 10 questions, as
per specific instructions for each question.
4. Section C-LITERATURE has 30 questions. Attempt 26 questions, as per specific
instructions for each question.
5. All questions carry equal marks.
6. There is no negative marking

READING

I. Read the passage given below.

I. We admire better hygiene and better traffic discipline abroad, but would breach the same back
home. We condemn our system for churning out unemployed youth, but don’t like working hard
to acquire knowledge. Students demand their right to cheat in an examination; it is the same set of
discards that later become a burden as they fail to acquire a skill for gainful employment. Rights
are forcefully demanded, but duties generally detested.

II. As citizens of a functioning democracy, we welcome populist policies and government

bounties. The State is expected to provide free electricity, free Wi-fi, free water, free books, free
housing, free transport, free health facilities, free education. This will not raise much cavil if they

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are provided to the deserving sections of society. The problem arises when undeserving elements
try to corner these benefits through devious means. The benefits that are provided by the
government are seldom used in a responsible manner. Water and electricity are wasted, public
utilities vandalized. We want the State’s delivery mechanism to be prompt and efficient, but we
seldom reciprocate. We forget that it is the people who make the country and not the other way
round. We resent nepotism and favoritism in government service delivery, but would not mind
peddling influence to seek undue favours.

III. The plan to develop smart cities would turn out to be still-born if we don’t have smart citizens
who would be willing to make sacrifices for a dignified living. We under-report our income and
underpay our taxes, but we resent the government’s plea on inadequate resources to provide for
basic amenities. Digging the road for a private purpose, piling building materials on thoroughfares,
tapping of the sources of water or electricity is a common sight; but the same people will complain
of congested roads, contaminated water or load-shedding without realizing that it is their selfish
actions which are affecting the quality of public services.

IV. There are enough laws and rules, but enforcement is seldom effective. While you pay a hefty
$ 1000 fine for littering in a developed country or for a traffic violation, in India you can get away
without penalty through various desi jugad (influence-peddling). Sometimes, the systemic
imperfections impede the enforcement of the rule of law as the law-abiding citizens do not always
get their rightful dues. Today, hundreds of thousands of applications for a fire license or a building
plan are allegedly pending in government offices for years, unless you pass on the speed money to
those in the gravy train. Many services in the government are rightly being outsourced on account
of the inability to deliver in a timely, transparent and efficient manner. Similarly, many other
critical services with substantive time and cost overruns, such as clearing a building plan or
sanctioning a statutory license should also be outsourced.

V. Information technology needs to be suitably harnessed for most of these services. E-governance
is definitely the way to the future. As a country we shall continue to grovel in the dust until the

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citizens are aware of their responsibilities. One only hopes that we shall soon wake up by acting
as responsible citizens of a great nation.

Source: The Hindu, November 04, 2016.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of the ten questions by
choosing the correct option

Q.1 According to the passage, what are the main causes of outsourcing of the government
works?
A. Lack of technology aptitude among the government employees.
B. Lack of resource and man power.
C. Inability to maintain robust pattern of work process.
D. Lack of confidence to implement process in time with transparency and efficiency.

Q.2 Which of the following is/are valid suggestion given by the author?
(i) Responsibility should be shared among the citizen.
(ii) E–governance should be encouraged.
(iii) Rules should not be seen in totality.
A. Both (i) and ii)
B. Both (ii) and (iii)
C. All (i), (ii) and (iii)
D. Only (iii)

Q.3 Which of the following is/are the ironical part of Indian citizens, according to the passage?
(i) We blame our government for non-availability of jobs, but don't like to work hard.
(ii) We admire better hygiene and better traffic discipline abroad but usually breach the same in
our country.
(iii) Rights are violently expected, but duties are generally neglected.
(iv) People resent favouritism and nepotism but would not mind seeking favours.

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A. Only (i) and (iii)
B. Only (ii) and (iii)
C. All (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
D. Only (iii)

Q.4 Which of the following is the most suitable phrase/word to 'Cavil' as used in the passage?
A. A trivial and annoying objection
B. To act in an objectionable manner
C. To lower the dignity
D. Possessing qualities that give great satisfaction

Q.5 Which of the following is/are the constraints to the healthy civil/society?
(i) Lack of effective enforcement of rules.
(ii) Lack of political will
(iii) Selfish actions by the irresponsible citizens.
(iv) An organized cartel to seek private interests.
A. Only (i) and (ii)
B. Only (i) and (iii)
C. Only (ii) and (iv)
D. All (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Q.6 What does the gravy train expression mean? (PARA IV)
A. An activity from which people make a lot of money very quickly and easily
B. Very fast train
C. Very comfortable train
D. A situation of high inflation

Q.7 Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word 'Grovel' as used in the
passage? (PARA V)
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A. Crawl
B. Search
C. Value
D. Elevate

Q.8 Which of the following is false in the context of the given passage?
A. As citizens of the largest democracy, we complain a lot but flinch from doing anything
that is expected of its people.
B. A sense of duty is conspicuous by its absence in a predominant majority of our civil
society.
C. People are usually apathetic when it comes to their duties.
D. Other than given options

Q.9 According to the passage the following statement is true:

A. There are enough laws and rules, but enforcement is never effective.
B. There are enough laws and rules, but enforcement is often effective.
C. There are enough laws and rules, but enforcement is usually effective.
D. There are enough laws and rules, but enforcement is hardly effective.

Q.10 Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word 'Peddling' as used in the
passage? (para-IV)
A. Flagging
B. Suggesting
C. Urging
D. Offering

II. Read the passage given below.

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I The present generation is well updated with the use of internet and computers. The
rapid development in computer technology and increase in accessibility of the internet for
academic purposes has changed the face of education for everyone associated with it. Let’s
look at the data arising out of a recent survey that was done to ascertain the time spent on
utilization of the computer and internet:

II. At present, many schools and universities have been implementing internet-based learning,
as it supplements the conventional teaching methods. The internet provides a wide variety of
references and information to academics as well as scientific researchers. Students often turn to it
to do their academic assignments and projects.

III. However, research on Internet is very different from traditional library research, and the
differences can cause problems. The Internet is a tremendous resource, but it must be used
carefully and critically.

IV. According to a 2018 Academic Student e-book Experience Survey, conducted by LJ's research
department and sponsored by EBSCO, when reading for pleasure, almost 74 % of respondents said

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they preferred print books for leisure whereas, 45 % of respondents chose e-books rather than the
printed versions, for research or assignments.

V. When asked what e-book features make them their favourite for research, the respondents were
clear. Having page numbers to use in citations, topped the list (75%); followed by the ability to
resize text to fit a device's screen (67%); the ability to bookmark pages, highlight text, or take
notes for later reference (60%); downloading the entire e-book (57%); and allowing content to
be transferred between devices (43 %) were the varied responses.

Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer any six of the questions given
below by choosing the most appropriate option:

Q. 11 The word ’tremendous", as used in paragraph 3, means the same as

(A) expensive (B) renowned
(C) Innovative (D) incredible
Q. 12 Based on the graphical chart in the passage, choose the option that correctly states the

depiction of internet usage for work and for leisure, for once a month.

3 4

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A. Option (1)
B. Option (2)
C. Option (3)
D. Option (4)

Q. 13 Based on the given graphical representation of data in the passage, choose the option that
lists the statements that are TRUE with respect to the usage of email.

1. The everyday usage of email is more than the everyday usage of computer for personal use.
2. About 18% people use email once a week.
3. There are a smaller number of email users using it 2-3 times a week than the ones using it
once a month.
4. Less than 5% of people never use the email.

A. 1 and 3
B . 2 and 4
C. 1 and 2
D. 3 and 4

Q.14 Based on the given graphical chart, pick the option that lists the area of zero response from
respondents.
A. Never using the internet for work and leisure
B. Daily use of the computer for academic activities
C. Writing and receiving emails once a week
D. Using the internet for personal tasks once a month

Q.15 In the cartoon, the student’s reaction reveals that he is .

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A. indignant B. apologetic

C. obedient D. inquisitive

Q.16 Which of the following statements is NOT substantiated by information in paragraph 4?

A. About three-quarters of the respondents preferred print books for recreational reading.
B. A little less than a 50% of the respondents voted for e-books for research or assignments.
C. More than 50% respondents stated enjoying both versions of books for leisure reading.
D. The survey was intended for understanding the e-book experience among students.

Q.17 Arrange the given e-book features preferred for research from the least favourite to the
most favourite—
1. downloading the entire e-book
2. choosing page numbers in citations
3. highlighting text
4. resizing text to fit screen
A. 1, 3, 4, 2 B. 3, 2, 1, 4
C. 2, 4, 3, 1 D. 4, 1, 2, 3
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Q.18 Which statement is correct
A. Internet based learning is complete in itself
B. Internet based learning is not complete in itself
C. Internet based learning is difficult
D. Internet based learning supplements conventional teaching.
WRITING

III. Answer any four out of the five questions given, with reference to the context below.

Mr. Karan Kumar, Secretary, “JGHS” Janata Group Housing Society, Palam Vihar, Kurnool has
put up a notice to inform that the Water supply will be suspended for eight hours in their locality.

Q.19 Select the appropriate title for the notice.

A. Choosing Own water supply
B. Scheduled water supply Cut
C. The Need to Save water
D. Power and water Safety
Q.20 Select the option that lists the most accurate opening for this notice.

A. I wish to share with all officials of Janata Group Housing Society that…
B. Greetings and attention please, to one and all in Janata Group Housing Society .
C. This notice is written to share some news with you all about…
D. This is to inform all the residents of Janata Group Housing Society about…

Q.21 Select the option with the information points to be included in the body of the notice.
(1) Date of the water supply cut
(2) Reason for the water supply cut
(3) Opinion about regular water supply cut
(4) Resolution for water supply cut
(5) Timings of the water supply cut
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(6) Complaint against regular water supply cut
A. (1) and (4)
B. (2), (3) and (5)
C. (2) and (6)
D. (1), (2) and (5)

Q.22 Would this notice reflect the name of the J.G.H.S?

A. Yes, because it makes it informal.
B. No, because the title makes it clear.
C. Yes, because it is the issuing body.
D. No, because it is understood through the signature.
Q.23 Select the appropriate conclusion for this notice.
A. Inconvenience regretted.
B. Stay informed.
C. Collaboration solicited.
D. Stay prepared.

IV. Answer any six of the seven questions given, with reference to the context below.

Raghuvansh has to write an article highlighting that “India is a land of diversity” and one way
in which it makes us feel proud of it is the number of “festivals “we enjoy.

Q .24 Select the option that lists an appropriate title for his article.
A. Greatness of India
B. Festivals of India
C. Mythology of India
D. Myths of India

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Q. 25 Which option (1-4), should Raghuvansh choose to decide on a visual for his article?

3
4

A. Option (1)
B. Option (2)
C. Option (3)
D. Option (4)

Q 26. Which option would help Raghuvansh with the appropriate organization of relevant ideas
for this article?

A. Expressing appreciation for the diversity—Exploring the diversity—Stating the idea of

unity in diversity , different festivals that we enjoy and harmony in society—Providing
suggestions for peaceful celebration of all festivals— Presenting a conclusive outlook

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B. Stating the effects of diversity— presenting a concluding viewpoint—Providing
suggestions for peaceful co-existence of all festivals—Expressing appreciation for the
diversity— Exploring the diversity

C. Introducing the purpose of the article—Information about laws for communal

harmony—Exploring the reasons for the diversity— Providing suggestions for peaceful co-
existence —Presenting a pledge for awareness and peace

D. Exploring the laws for communal harmony—Questioning the idea of unity in diversity—
Providing suggestions for improvements in the celebration of festivals— Introducing the
purpose of the article—Appeal for peaceful Co-Existence

Q.27 Which suggestions, from those given below, would be appropriate for Raghuvansh’s
article?
A. Greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals, Land of Festivals, different cultures
and religions get tied together in bonds of love, festivals are celebrated with immense zeal in
different parts of India .
B. protecting the culture and heritage, penalizing anti- social elements

C. strengthening the bonds between different communities, increasing awareness of

diversity, reducing religious conflict

D. promotion of diversity , creation of more activities which promote unity.

Q.28 Read a sentence from Raghuvansh’s article draft and help him complete it by selecting
the most appropriate option.

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It is said that (i)…………………………………………………………………………………
India has proved every word of the saying right by being famously known as the (ii)……….
True to this belief, India has scores and scores of festivals that bring happiness and joy all across
the country.
A. (i) there is joy in enjoying festivals (ii) fun mystic land
B. (i) there is a thrill in festivals (ii) land of Hindus
C. (i) festivals are great (ii) diversity
D. (i) “Greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals” (ii) “Land of Festivals”

Q.29 Which quote should Raghuvansh use to summarise the central idea of his article?
A. “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” – J.K. Rowling "
B. “Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking.” – Mahatma Gandhi
C. “Unity without verity is no better than conspiracy.” – John Trapp
D. "Unity in diversity is India's strength. There is simplicity in every Indian. There is unity
in every corner of India. This is our strength." -- Narendra Modi

Q.30 Read the following options for the self-checklist for this article and select the option that
includes the most appropriate self-checklist for this article.

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A. Option (1)
B. Option (2)
C. Option (3)
D. Option (4)
LITERATURE

This section has sub-sections: V, VI, VII, VIII, IX. There are a total of 30 questions in the
section. Attempt any 26 questions from the sub-sections V to IX.

V. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

While I was wondering about it all, M.Hamel mounted his chair, and , in the same grave and
gentle tone which he had used to me , said,” My children, this is the last lesson I shall give you.
The order has come from Berlin to teach only German in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The
new master comes tomorrow. This is your last French lesson..”
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Q.31 What was the tone of M.Hamel when he was addressing his students?
A. cheerful
B. excited
C. heart- broken
D. angry
Q.32 The grave and gentle tone in which M.Hamel spoke after getting the order from Berlin
was due to:
A. his patriotic feeling for his country
B. his love for his mother tongue
C. the grief of not being able to teach French in future
D. All of these
Q.33 When would M.Hamel leave?
A. The same day
B. The next day
C. after one week
D. after two weeks

Q.34 What did M.Hamel want from the students in the class on the last day of French lesson?
A. To give him farewell.
B. To oppose the order from Berlin
C. To be very attentive
D. To modernize their language.
Q.35 Franz connected M. Hamel’s words with what he saw near Town hall. What had been put
up on the bulletin – board?
A. The news of lost battles
B. The draft of the commanding officer
C. The order from Berlin to teach only German.
D. none of these

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VI. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

My breath was gone. I was frightened. Father laughed, but there was terror in my heart at the
overpowering force of the waves. My introduction to the Y.M.C.A. swimming pool revived
unpleasant memories and stirred childish fears. But in a little while I gathered confidence. I
paddled with my new water wings, watching the other boys and trying to learn by aping them. I
did this two or three times on different days and was just beginning to feel at ease in the water
when the misadventure happened.

Q.36 Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: The author's father laughed to mock his son's inability to swim.
Statement 2: The author wanted to swim just to prove to his father that he can swim.
A. Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
B. Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
C. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.
D. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.
Q.37 “My introduction to the Y.M.C.A. swimming pool revived unpleasant memories and
stirred childish fears.” It can be inferred that this was a clear case of
A. suppression
B. oppression
C. decision
D. repression

Q.38 The misadventure that took place right after the author felt comfortable was that :
A. the author slipped and fell into the swimming pool.
B. a bully tossed him into the pool for the sake of fun.
C. his coach forgot to teach him how to handle deep water.
D. his father couldn't help him from drowning into the water.

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Q.39 What does the word “Revived” mean
A. Given fresh life
B. Restored to consciousness
C. Resuscitated
D. All of these
Q. 40 Which equipment did the narrator use to learn swimming when he was young?
A. Rope
B. Pulley
C. water wings
D. Paddle
VII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

…but soon
put that thought away and
looked out at young
trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes, …

Q. 41 Which thought did the poet put away?

A. The thought of returning home
B. The thought of leaving for Job.
C. The painful thought of her mother ageing and declining health
D. None of the above

Q.42 Who is the poet of these lines?

A. Kamla Das
B. Stephen Spender
C. Ruskin Bond
D. Selma Lagerlof

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Q.43 What do the ‘sprinting trees’ signify?
A Trees appear to be racing past
B. Energetic and active trees
C. represent life and growth
D. all of the above
Q.44 What are ‘the merry children spilling out of their homes’, symbolic of?
I Children rushing out to reach school
II. Children rushing out to buy ice cream
III Children rushing out to play
IV Full of energy and happiness
A Option I & IV
B Option II & IV
C Option III & IV
D Option I & II
Q.45. What is the poetic device used in these lines
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Repetition
D. Enjambment
VIII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

“What shall we do with this man?” Sadao muttered. But his trained hands seemed of their own
will to be doing what they could do to stanch the fearful bleeding.

Q.46 Who was Sadao?

A. Japanese army captain
B. Japanese surgeon
C. American traitor
D. American spy
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Q.47 What did Dr. Sadao do to stop the bleeding?
A. Bandaged the wound
B. Packed the wound with sea moss
C. left it as it is
D. none of these
Q.48 Why was the man Bleeding?
A. Gun wound
B. Knife cut
C. arm decapitated
D. Ear severed
Q.49. What did Sadao and his wife finally decide to do with the man
A. Put him back into the sea
B. Hand him over to the police
C. Give him shelter at their home to treat him
D. Admit him to the nearest hospital
Q.50. Who is the author of these lines?
A. Pearl S buck
B.Alphonse Daudet
C.William Douglas
D. Jack Finney
IX. Attempt the following.

Q.51 In ‘Keeping Quiet’ the poet does not want the reader to confuse his advice for------ with
total inactivity.
A. experimentation
B. relaxation
C. isolation
D. introspection

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Q.52 Choose the statement that is NOT TRUE about rag pickers in Seemapuri.
A. Children are equally involved in rag picking as their parents.
B. The rag pickers settle down in a place permanently.
C. Rag picking has accomplished itself as a skill and form of art.
D. Rag pickers live in unsteady shanties on the outskirts of Delhi.

Q.53 Every other family in Firozabad is engaged in making bangles, indicates that :
A. bangle making is the only industry that flourishes in Firozabad.
B. the entire population of Firozabad is involved in bangle making.
C. majority of the population in Firozabad is involved in bangle making.
D. bangle making is the most loved occupation in Firozabad.

Q.54 ‘What do you think you can do to me’? These words were spoken by Douglas:
A. to a shark.
B. to his enemy.
C. to the boy who pushed him.
D. to terror.
Q.55 Douglas’ mother warned him against swimming in the Yakima River because:
A. it had strong currents.
B. it was meant only for boating.
C. many people had drowned there.
D. it had no lifeguards around.
Q.56 What does the poem “Keeping Quiet” teach us?
A) how to maintain silence
B) not to make noise
C) speaking creates noise
D) To be peaceful , thoughtful and have feelings of brotherhood

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Q.57 Surely, Shakespeare is wicked, the map a bad example, With ships and sun and love
tempting them to steal— For lives that slyly turn in their cramped holes,
From fog to endless night.
Why is Shakespeare wicked?
A. His works have given way to these children.
B. His works are popular only with grown-ups.
C. His works are motivating for these children.
D. His works are of no use to these children.
Q. 58 When did Sadao feel that he got his reward as a doctor?
A. When the prisoner could escape.
B. When he got recognition from the government.
C. When his servants returned.
D. When his wife appreciated him.
Q.59 Imagine that the city of Galesburg is hosting a series of conferences and workshops. In
which of the following conferences or workshops are you least likely to find the description of
Galesburg as given in the chapter?
A. Gorgeous Galesburg: Archiving a Tourist Paradise
B. Welcome to the home you deserve: Galesburg Realtors
C. Re-imagining a Warless Future: Technology for Peace
D. The Woman Question: The world of women at home at peace
Q.60 What did Sadao decide to do when the assassins did not come?
A. He decided to kill the prisoner himself.
B. He decided to help him escape.
C. He decided to hand him over to the police.
D. He decided to send him to America.

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 KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SANGHTHAN, AHMEDABAD REGION

TERM –I PRACTICE PAPER SET-I

CLASS: XII SUB: English Core (301)

Marking Scheme

 Accept responses in sequence if the student submits all

responses instead of using available option.
 Accept the response if either the option number or the answer in words is
correct.

I.

Q.1 D- Lack of confidence to implement process in time with transparency

and efficiency

Q.2 A. Both (i) and ii)

Q.3 C. All (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Q.4 A. A trivial and annoying objection

Q.5 B. Only (i) and (iii)

Q.6 A. An activity from which people make a lot of money very quickly and
easily

Q.7 A. Crawl

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 Q.8 D. Other than given options

Q.9 D. There are enough laws and rules, but enforcement is hardly effective.

Q 10. C. Urging

II.
Q.11 D- incredible

Q.12. C - Option (3)

Q .13. B - 2 and 4

Q .14. A- Never using the internet for work and leisure

Q.15 A - indignant

Q.16 C - More than 50% respondents stated enjoying both versions of books for
leisure reading.

Q.17 A - 1, 3, 4, 2

Q.18. D. Internet based learning supplements conventional teaching.

III.
Q.19 B.Scheduled water supply Cut

Q.20 D. This is to inform all the residents of Janata Group Housing Society
Q.21D.(1),(2) and(5)
Q.22 C. Yes, because it is the issuing body.

Q.23 A. Inconvenience regretted.

IV.
Q.24 B. Festivals of India

Q.25 B. Option

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 Q.26 A Expressing appreciation for the diversity—Exploring the diversity—
Stating the idea of unity in diversity , different festivals that we enjoy
and harmony in society—Providing suggestions for peaceful
celebration of all festivals— Presenting a conclusive outlook
Q.27 A Greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals, Land of
Festivals, different cultures and religions get tied together in
bonds of love, festivals are celebrated with immense zeal in
different parts of India .
Q.28 D. (i) “Greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals” (ii)
“Land of Festivals”
Q.29 D. "Unity in diversity is India's strength. There is simplicity in
every Indian. There is unity in every corner of India. This is our
strength." ~ Narendra Modi
Q.30 B. Option(2)

V.
Q.31 C. heart- broken

Q.32 D. All of these

Q.33 B. The next day

Q.34 C. To be very attentive

Q.35C T h e o r d e r f r o m B e r l i n t o t e a c h o n l y G e r m a n .

VI.
Q.36 C - Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.
Q.37 D. repression
Q.38 B. a bully tossed him into the pool for the sake of fun.
Q.39 D .All of these
Q.40 C. water wings

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 VII.

Q.41 C .The painful thought of her mother ageing and declining health

Q.42 A .Kamla Das

Q.43 D. all of the above
Q.44 C Option III & IV
Q.45 B. Metaphor
VIII.
Q.46 B. Japanese surgeon
Q.47 B. Packed the wound with sea moss
Q.48A. Gun wound

Q.49 C. Give him shelter at their home to treat him

Q.50 A Pearl S Buck

IX.

Q.51 D.introspection
Q.52 B. The rag pickers settle down in a place permanently.
Q.53 C- majority of the population in Firozabad is involved in bangle
making.
Q.54 D to terror.
Q.55 (C) many people had drowned there. .
Q.56 D) To be peaceful , thoughtful and have feelings ofbrotherhood

Q.57 D His works are of no use to these children.

Q.58 A When the prisoner could escape

Q.59 C Re-imagining a Warless Future: Technology for Peace
Q.60 B. He decided to help him escape.

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 English Core (301)

UNSOLVED QUESTION PAPER (Term 1) Class – XII 2021-22

Time: 90 Minutes Max. Marks 40

General Instructions:

1. The Question Paper contains THREE sections.

2. Section A-READING has 18 questions. Attempt a total of 14 questions, as per

specific instructions for each question.

3. Section B-WRITING SKILLS has 12 questions. Attempt a total of 10 questions, as per

specific instructions for each question.

4. Section C-LITERATURE has 30 questions. Attempt 26 questions, as per specific

instructions for each question.

5. All questions carry equal marks.

6. There is no negative marking

READING

I. Read the passage given below

Today the unity and integrity of the nation is threatened by the divisive forces
of regionalism, linguism and communal loyalties which are gaining ascendancy
in national life and seeking to tear apart and destroy national integrity.
Jawaharlal Nehru said, “Who dies if India lives, who lives if India dies?” It is
time we remind ourselves that national interest must inevitably and forever
prevail over any other considerations proceeding from regional, linguistic or
communal attachments.

II. The history of India witnesses to the fact that India was at no time a single
political unit. Even during the reign of the Maurya dynasty, though a large part
of the country was under the sovereignty of the Mauryan kings, there were
considerable portions of the territory which were under the rule of independent
kingdoms. So also during the Mughal rule which extended over large parts of
the territory of India, there were independent rulers who enjoyed political
sovereignty over the territories of their respective kingdoms.
III. India was forged into a nation, neither on account of a common language nor
on account of the continued existence of a single political regime over its
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 territories but on account of a common culture evolved over the centuries. It is
cultural unity—something more fundamental and enduring than any other bond
which may unite the people of a country together which has welded this country
into a nation. History shows that India was not a political unit earlier. But until
the advent of the British rule, it was not constituted into a single political unit.
IV. During the British rule, India became a compact political unit having one single
political regime and this led to the evolution of the concept of a nation. This
concept took firm roots in the minds and hearts of the people during the struggle
for independence under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
V. By the time the Constitution of India came to be enacted, insurgent India,
breaking a new path of non-violent revolution had emerged into nationhood and
“the people of India” were inspired by a new enthusiasm, a high and noble spirit
of sacrifice. They set about the task of a strong nation based on certain
cherished values for which they had fought.

On the basis of understanding of the passage above , answer ANY EIGHT of the
following questions by selecting most appropriate option from those given:-
(1X8=8)

Q.1. The author has quoted Jawaharlal Nehru to emphasize the point that
(a)-national interest must enjoy supreme importance
(b) India is going to survive even if the world is under the spell of destruction
(c) the world will be destroyed if India is on the threshold of destruction
(d) the survival of the world depends only upon the well-being of India
Q.2. What, according to the author, is the impact of the divisive forces on our
nation?
(a) They promote a sense of regional pride.
(b) They help people to form linguistic groups.
(c) They separate groups of people and create enmity among them.
(d) They encourage among people the sense of loyalty to their community.
Q.3 “Communal loyalties” have been considered by the author as
(a) a good quality to be cherished
(b) of no consequence to the nation
(c) a very important aspect for nation-building
(d) a threat to the unity of the nation
Q.4. Which of the following was instrumental in holding the different people of India
together?
(a) A common national language
(b) A common cultural heritage
(c) The endurance level of the people
(d) Fundamentalist bent of mind of the people
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Q.5. The passage appears to have been written with the purpose of
(a) giving a piece of advice to politicians of free India
(b) assessing the patriotic values and sacrifices made by people for India’s freedom
(c) Making India an ideal nation
(d) giving a historical account of how India evolved as a nation
Q.6. History shows that India, which was not a political unit earlier, became so
(a) during the reign of Maurya dynasty
(b) during the Mughal rule
(c) after one-national-language policy was adopted
(d)-during the British rule
Q.7. The “people of India”, as highlighted by the author in the last sentence of the
passage,
refer to
(a) the people of one unified nation
(b) the subjects of several independent rulers
(c) the patriots who sacrificed themselves in the freedom struggle
(d) the people who were instrumental in writing the Constitution
Q.8. India’s insurgence was for
(a) gaining freedom by adopting the path of non-violent struggle
(b) having one common national language
(c) insisting on a unique cultural identity
(d) several independent sovereign rulers
Q.9. Which of the following statements is/ are definitely true in the context of the
passage?
(I) The people of India had fought for certain values.
(II) The fight of the Indian people was for one common culture.
(II) The Indian people lacked sense of nationalism until they gained freedom.
(a) Only (I)
(b) Only (II)
(c) Only (III)
(d) Both (I) and (II)
Q.10. Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word
‘attachments’ as used in Para-1.
(a) predicaments (b) hatred
(c) harmonious (d) mistrust

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II. Read the passage given below

Read the passage given below.

1. The percentage of internet usage increased globally 7-fold from 6.5% to 43%
between 2000 and 2015. The percentage of households with internet access also
increased from 18% in 2005 to 46% in 2015. In 2012, Time Mobility Poll reported that
84% of people couldn't go a single day without their mobile devices. Around 206
published survey reports suggest that 50% of teens and 27% of parents feel that they
are addicted to mobiles.

2. Currently, the addiction to smartphones among students is 24.8%–27.8%, and it

is progressively increasing every year. Totally, 409 individuals participated in a study, of
which 42.3% were males, between the age group of 18 and 55 years. Nearly 75.6% of
the respondents were between the age group of 21 and 25 years. The mean age of the
study participants was 22.88.

3. About 95% of the study participants were using smartphones, with 81.7% of them
having at least one mobile phone. Most of the study participants used mobile phones for
more than 5 years. Around 64.3% of the study participants use a mobile phone for an
hour (approximately) and the remaining use it for more than an hour. Nearly 36.7% of
the study participants have the habit of checking mobile phones in between sleep, while
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27.1% felt inconvenience with mobile phone use. Majority of the respondents were
using mobile phones for communication purposes (87.8%), photo shooting (59.7%),
entertainment (58.2%), and educational/academic purposes (43.8%).

4. The study results indicate that 86.8% of the participants are aware about EMR
and 82.6% of the study participants are aware about the dangers of EMR. Among the
study participants, 46.2% were aware of De Quervain's syndrome, 53.8% were feeling
ear discomfort, and 25.9% were having mild-to-moderate wrist/hand pain. Almost 34.5%
of the study participants felt pain in the wrist or at the back of the neck while utilizing
smartphones. Many of the study participants also agreed that mobile phone usage
causes fatigue (12% agreed; 67.5% strongly agreed), sleep disturbance (16.9% agreed;
57.7% strongly agreed), and psychological disturbance (10.8% agreed; 54.8% strongly
agreed). The study participants were having level 6 of awareness on mobile phone
usage and EMR. (358 words)
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5680647/

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the eight
questions by choosing the correct option.

Q.11 Select the correct inference with reference to paragraph 1:

A. There is a 28 percent increase in household internet access in 10 years.
B. Internet usage has increased 16 to 23 percent in 3 years.
C. Household internet access has increased more than 50% in one decade.
D. Internet access in households is more in 2005 than 2015.
Q.12 Select the most appropriate sentence which could be the central idea of the
exposition passage.
A. Internet usage has resulted in bad results over the years.
B. Whatever be the ethical concerns, internet usage has increased over the years.
C. Internet usage has done some good in rural areas.
D. The increase of internet usage in villages is for good and bad.

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Q.13 Among the 409 individuals who took part in the study, what percentage was
female? (Paragraph 2)
A. 42.3%
B. 75.6%
C. 57.7%
D. 27.8%
Q.14 Which statement below is not accurate based on paragraph 2?
A. More than three fourth of the total mobile phone users are above 20 years old.
B. More than three fourth of the total mobile phone users are below 25 years old.
C. Only 25 percent of total mobile phone users are in the age category of less than 20
years old.
D. Data regarding the people above 25 and people below 21 are not distinguished.
Q.15 Choose the correct statement given below based on your understanding of
paragraph 3.
A. A greater portion of the mobile phone users don’t check their mobile after they sleep.
B. More people check mobile phones in between sleep than feel comfortable using
mobile phones at all times.
C. Above fifty percent of participants check mobile phones in between sleep.
D. Only less than fifty percent of participants felt convenient with mobile phone use.
Q.16 For what purposes put together do people use their mobile phones for
maximum?
A. Entertainment and Education.
B. Photo shooting and Academic purposes.
C. Photo shooting and Entertainment purposes.
D. Communication and Academic purposes.
Q. 17 What inference is true based on paragraph 4?

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A. People are aware of the effects of frequent mobile phone usage so they are reducing
the usage.
B. People are not aware of the effects of frequent mobile phone usage so they are
reducing the usage.
C. People are aware of the effects of frequent mobile phone usage.
D. People are not aware of the effects of frequent mobile phone usage so they are not
reducing the usage.
Q. 18 Which statement is not true?
A. Most people frankly accept that they have problems both physical and psychological
because of over usage of mobile phones.
B. People are not aware and are reluctant to accept they have problems related to
mobile phone usage.
C. Mobile phone usage causes fatigue, sleep disturbance and other psychological
disturbance in the majority of its users.
D. People are addicted to mobile phones to that extent where they can’t go without
mobile phones even when they are aware of the harmful effects.
WRITING

III. Answer any four out of the five questions given, with reference to the context
below.

You are General Manager of Ivy Software Solutions, Agra Cantt, Agra. You need a
software engineer for your organisation. Draft an advertisement in not more than 50
words to be published in ‘The Times of India’ under the classified columns

Q.19__________

Q.20__________ software engineer for Ivy Software Solutions, a leading name in

computers. Candidate should Q.21__________ a Master’s Degree in Computer
Software Programming and at least 3 years’ experience with a known computer
concern. Q.22____________ no constraint for suitable candidate. Apply with detailed
Q.23__________ within ten days to General Manager, Ivy Software Solutions, Agra
Cantt, Agra.

Q.19 (a) situation wanted (b) Situation vacant (c) Requirement of Engineers (d) To hire
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Q.20 (a) require (b) Wanted (c) Looking for (d) Urgent need of
Q.21 (a) be (b) require to have (c) possess (d) must have
Q.22 (a) salary (b) payment (c) perks (d) remuneration
Q.23. (a) information (b) application (c) resume (d) personal biodata

IV. Answer any six of the seven questions given, with reference to the context
below.

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Page 233 of 242
 LITERATURE

This section has sub-sections: V, VI, VII, VIII, IX. There is are 30 questions in the
section. Attempt any 26 questions from the sub-sections V to IX.

V. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

Poor man! It was in honour of this last lesson that he had put on his fine Sunday
clothes, and now I understood why the old men of the village were sitting there in the
back of the room. It was because they were sorry, too, that they had not gone to school
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more. It was their way of thanking our master for his forty years of faithful service and of
showing their respect for the country that was theirs no more.

Q.31 Why does the narrator refer to M. Hamel as ‘Poor man!’?

(a) He empathizes with M. Hamel as he had to leave the village.
(b) He believes that M. Hamel’s “fine Sunday clothes” clearly reflected that he was not
rich.
(c) He feels sorry for M. Hamel as it was his last French lesson.
(d) He thinks that M. Hamel’s patriotism and sense of duty resulted in his poverty.
Q.32 Which of the following idioms might describe the villagers’ act of attending
the last lesson most accurately?

(a) ‘Too good to miss’

b) ‘Too little, too late’

(c) ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’

(d) ‘Too cool for school’

Q.33 Choose the option that might raise a question about M. Hamel’s “faithful
service”.

(a) When Franz came late, M. Hamel told him that he was about to begin class without
him.

(b) Franz mentioned how cranky M. Hamel was and his “great ruler rapping on the
table”.

(c) M. Hamel often sent students to water his flowers, and gave a holiday when he
wanted to go fishing.

(d) M. Hamel permitted villagers put their children “to work on a farm or at the mills” for
some extra money.

Q.34 Choose the options that most appropriately fill in the blanks, for the following
description of the given extract.

The villagers and their children sat in class, forging with their old master a (i) _____
togetherness. In that moment, the class room stood (ii) _____. It was France itself, and
the last French lesson a desperate hope to (iii) ______ to the remnants of what they had
known and taken for granted. Their own (iv) _______.

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(a) (i) graceful; (ii) still; (iii) hang on; (iv) country

(b) (i) bygone; (ii) up; (iii) keep on; (iv) education

(c) (i) beautiful; (ii) mesmerised; (iii) carry on; (iv) unity

(d) (i) forgotten; (ii) transformed; (iii) hold on; (iv) identity

Q.35 The phrase ‘Last lesson’ in the extract refers to …

(a) The title of the lesson

(b) The last lesson of the syllabus

(c) The last lesson taught by the teacher

(d) None of the above

VI. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

Then all efforts ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs felt limp; and a blackness swept
over my brain. It wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was
quiet and peaceful. Nothing to be afraid of. This is nice... to be drowsy... to go to
sleep... no need to jump... too tired to jump... it’s nice to be carried gently... to float
along in space... tender arms around me... tender arms like Mother’s... now I must
go to sleep... I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell. (CBSE QB, 2021)

Q.36 Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.

Statement 1: The author tried his best to jump out of water.

Statement 2: After a while, the author was not anxious in water.

(a) If Statement 1 is the cause, Statement 2 is the effect.

(b) If Statement 1 is the effect, Statement 2 is the cause.

(c) Both the statements are the effects of a common cause.

(d) Both the statements are the effects of independent causes.

Q.37 The ‘curtain (of life) fell’ corresponds to an aspect of:

(a) Geometry (b) History (c) Sports (d) Drama

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 Q.38 The purpose of using “…” in the above passage is to:

(a) show omission (b) indicate pauses (c) shorten a dialogue (d) replace an idea
Q.39 Which option indicates that the poet lost consciousness?

(a) ‘It was quiet and peaceful. (b) ‘I crossed to oblivion.’ (c) ‘Tender arms like
Mother’s.’ (d) ‘It wiped out fear.’
Q.40 The word ‘oblivion’ means

(a) Fearful (b) frightening (c) forgetfulness (d) courageous

VII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

And
looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes, but after the airport’s
security check, standing a few yards away,
I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon
and felt that old familiar ache…

Q.41 What is the most likely reason the poet capitalised ‘Young Trees’? This
was to:

(a) convey a clearer meaning.

(b) highlight the adj.-noun combination.

(c) enhance the contrast.

(d) draw a connection with the title.

Q.42 Choose the option that appropriately describes the relationship between
the two statements given below.

Statement 1: The poet knows her mother has aged.

Statement 2: The poet feels the pain of separation.

(a) Beginning – Ending (b)

Cause – Effect
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 (c) Question – Answer (d)
Introduction – Conclusion

Q.43 Choose the option that completes the sentence given below. Just as the
brightness of the winter’s moon is veiled behind the haze and mist, similarly,
________________.

(a) the pain of separation has shaded mother’s expression

(b) age has fogged mother’s youthful appearance

(c) growing up has developed a seasoned maturity in the poet

(d) memories warm the heart like the pale moon in winter

Q.44 Choose the correct option out of the ones given below

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

Q.45 Identify the figure of speech in ‘the young tree sprinting’

(a) simile (b) metaphor (c) personification (d) Hyperbole

VIII. Read the given extract to attempt questions that follow:

Sometimes I think Grand Central is growing like a tree, pushing out new corridors and
staircases like roots. There’s probably a long tunnel that nobody knows about feeling its
way under the city right now, on its way to Times Square, and maybe another to Central
Park. And maybe — because for so many people through the years Grand Central has
been an exit, a way of escape — maybe that’s how the tunnel I got into... But I never told
my psychiatrist friend about that idea.

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Q.46 The above extract is NOT an example of ________.

(a) allegory (b) analogy (c) imagery (d) metaphor

Q.47 Charley decided not to tell his psychiatrist friend about his idea. Choose
the option that reflects the reaction Charley anticipated from his friend.

(a) “That’s such a lovely comparison. Why don’t you become a writer, Charley?”

(b) “Oh Charley. It is so sad to see your desperation to run away! So very sad.”

(c) “Maybe that’s how you entered the third level. Who would have thought?!”

(d) “You need help, my raving friend. You are way too invested in this crazy
thought!”

Q.48 Look at the given image that lists some of the ways in which the
symbolism of a tree is employed.

Which of the following would represent an example as used by Charley in the above
extract?

(a) ‘Stay grounded’ as the train station is underground.

(b) ‘Connect with your roots’ as he desires to go back to his past.

(c) ‘Enjoy the view’ as the station leads to all tourist sights of the city.

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(d) ‘Keep growing’ as the station keeps renovating and expanding.

Q.49 The idiom ‘feeling its way’ implies ______ movement.

(a) swift (b) tentative (c) circular (d) disorganized

Q.50 ..a way to escape’ refers to

(a) escape from danger (b) escape from the reality of life (c) escape from the work
(d) escape the death

IX. Attempt the following.

Q.51 There was usually great bustle and noise when school began, but it was
all very quiet. Which of the following describes Franz’ emotions most
accurately?

(a) Shock and awe (b) Disappointment and anxiety (c) Confusion and distress
(d) Curiosity and uncertainty

Q.52 ‘But promises like mine abound in every corner of his bleak world’. This
suggests that:

(a) there is no dearth of promises which remain unfulfilled.

(b) there is a scarcity of people promising things for betterment.

(c) people make a lot of promises which are often fulfilled.

(d) promises made, live up to the expectations of people.

Q.53 The misadventure that took place right after the author felt comfortable was
that :

(a) the author slipped and fell into the swimming pool.

(b) a bully tossed him into the pool for the sake of fun.

(c) his coach forgot to teach him how to handle deep water.

(d) his father couldn’t help him from drowning into the water.

Q.54 How would you describe Charley’s vision of his grandfather’s life and times?

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 (a) Wistful escapism (b) Idealized sentimentality (c) Nostalgic simplicity (d) Dreamy
perfection

Q.55 Pick the quote that best describes the theme of the story ‘The Enemy’.

(a) World belongs to humanity, not to this leader, that leader or that king or prince or
religious leader.

(b) You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the
ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.

(c) The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to
help others.

(d) To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity

Q.56 ‘She did not wish to be left alone with the white man.’ Why did Hana feel so,
despite having studied in America? This was so because:

(a) being Japanese, it wasn’t appropriate to stay on with a stranger.

(b) America and Japan were not allies in the ongoing World War.

(c) He was someone she’d recognised from her past in America.

(d) her husband had cautioned her against the American

Q.57 The phrase ‘old familiar ache’ has been used to refer to a fear.

(a) compare physical pain with mental agony.

(b) elicit someone’s unanswered queries.

(c) substantiate reasons for aches and pains.

(d) describe a longing one has been aware of.

Q.58 Based on the poem, choose the correct option with reference to the two
statements given below. Statement 1: The poet is in anguish at the plight of the children
in slums and is sympathetic towards them.

Statement 2: The poet presents an exaggerated version of the struggles of the slum
children, to garner sympathy.

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(a) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.

(b) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.

(c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true.

(d) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.

Q.59 Pick phrases that portray ‘poverty and hopelessness’ in the poem.

1. Slag heap 2. Spectacles of steel 3. Gusty waves 4. Run azure on gold sands 5.
Mended glass 6. Squirrel’s game 7. Language is the sun

(a) 2, 4 and 7 (b) 1, 3 and 5 (c) 3, 4 and 6 (d) 1, 2 and 5

Q.60 “What I want should not be confused with total inactivity.” Choose the option that
draws the most accurate parallel. keeping quiet: total inactivity = ______ : ______

(a) reflection and death (b) silence and chaos (c) stagnation and introspection (d)
mindfulness and fear

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