Xam Idea Class 12 English Sample Papers 2023

Syllabus
CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION, NEW DELHI

ENGLISH–XII Code No. 301 (2022–23)
Section–A
READING COMPREHENSION THROUGH UNSEEN PASSAGE 20 Marks

I. One unseen passage to assess comprehension, interpretation and inference. Vocabulary

and inference of meaning will also be assessed. The passage may be factual, descriptive
or literary. (10x1 = 10 Marks)

II. One unseen case-based passage with verbal/visual inputs like statistical data, charts etc.

(10x1 = 10 Marks)

Note: The combined word limit for both the passages will be 700-750 words.
Multiple Choice Questions/Objective Type Questions will be asked.
Section–B
III. CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS 20 Marks

The section has Short and Long writing tasks.
i. Notice up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions to be answered. (5 Marks:

Format : 1/Organisation of Ideas: 1/Content : 2/Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar: 1 ).
ii. Formal/Informal Invitation and Reply up to 50 words. One out of the two given questions

to be answered. (5 Marks: Format: 1/Organisation of Ideas: 1/Content: 2/Accuracy of
Spelling and Grammar: 1 ).
iii. Letters based on verbal/visual input, to be answered in approximately 120-150 words.

Letter types include application for a job with bio data or resume. Letters to the editor
(giving suggestions or opinion on issues of public interest). One out of the two given
questions to be answered. (5 Marks: Format: 1/Organisation of Ideas: 1/Content: 2/
Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar: 1 ).
iv. Article/ Report Writing, descriptive and analytical in nature, based on verbal inputs, to be

answered in 120-150 words. One out of the two given questions to be. (5 Marks: Format :
1/Organisation of Ideas: 1/Content : 2/Accuracy of Spelling and Grammar: 1).
Section–C
This section will have variety of assessment items including Multiple Choice Questions, Objective Type
Questions, Short Answer Type Questions and Long Answer Type Questions to assess comprehension,
analysis, interpretation and extrapolation beyond the text.
IV. Reference to the Context 40 Marks

i. One Poetry extract out of two from the book Flamingo to assess comprehension,

interpretation, analysis and appreciation. (6x1=6 Marks)

ii. One Prose extract out of two from the book Vistas to assess comprehension,

interpretation, analysis and appreciation. (4x1=4 Marks)

iii. One Prose extract out of two from the book Flamingo to assess comprehension,

interpretation and analysis.
(6x1=6Marks)
V. Short answer type question (from Prose and Poetry from the book Flamingo), to be

answered in 40-50 words. Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical
thinking. Five questions out of the six given are to be answered. (5x2=10 Marks)

VI. Short answer type question, from Prose (Vistas), to be answered in 40- 50 words.

Questions should elicit inferential responses through critical thinking. Any 2 out of 3
questions to be done. (2x2=4 Marks)

VII. One Long answer type question, from Prose/Poetry (Flamingo), to be answered in 120-

150 words. Questions can be based on incident / theme / passage / extract / event as
reference points to assess extrapolation beyond and across the text. The question will
elicit analytical and evaluative response from student. Any 1 out of 2 questions to be
done. (1x5=5 Marks)

VIII. One Long answer type question, based on the chapters from the book Vistas, to be

answered in 120-150 words to assess global comprehension and extrapolation beyond
the text. Questions to provide evaluative and analytical responses using incidents,
events, themes as reference points. Any 1 out of 2 questions to be done. (1x5=5 Marks)
Prescribed Books
1. Flamingo: English Reader published by National Council of Education Research and

Training, New Delhi
(Prose)

• The Last Lesson • Lost Spring • Deep Water
• The Rattrap • Indigo • Poets and Pancakes
• The Interview • Going Places
(Poetry)

• My Mother at Sixty-Six • Keeping Quiet • A Thing of Beauty
• A Roadside Stand • Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
2. Vistas: Supplementary Reader published by National Council of Education Research and

Training, New Delhi
• The Third Level • The Tiger King
• Journey to the End of the Earth • The Enemy • On the Face of It
• Memories of Childhood
° The Cutting of My Long Hair

° We Too are Human Beings

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
Assessment of Listening Skills – 05 Marks

Assessment of Speaking Skills – 05 Marks
Project Work – 10 Marks
Question Paper Design 2022-23
English CORE XII (Code No. 301)
Section Competencies Total Marks
Reading Skills Conceptual understanding, decoding,

Analyzing, inferring, interpreting,
appreciating, literary, conventions and 20
vocabulary, summarizing and using
appropriate format/s
Creative Writing Skills Conceptual Understanding, application of
rules, Analysis, Reasoning, appropriacy of
style and tone, using appropriate format 20
and fluency, inference, analysis, evaluation
and creativity
Literature Textbooks and Recalling, reasoning, appreciating literary
Supplementary Reading Text convention, inference, analysis, creativity 40
with fluency
Total 80
Assessment of Listening and • Listening 5

Speaking Skills • Speaking 5

Internal Assessment 10
• Project Work 10

Grand Total 100
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CBSE SAMPLE QUESTION
PAPER–2023 (SOLVED)
Time allowed: 3 hours Max. Marks: 80
General Instructions:
1. 15-minute prior reading time allotted for Q-paper reading.

2. The Question Paper contains THREE sections–READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.

3. Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question number in

your answer sheet to indicate the option/s being attempted.
SECTION–A
(Reading Skills) (20 Marks)
I.
Read the passage given below: (10 marks)
(1) Ghost nets aren’t supernatural, but they are legitimately scary. A ghost net is a fishing
net that’s been lost or abandoned in the ocean. They are one particularly appalling part
of the global ghost fishing problem, which includes fishing gear abandoned in the water.
Any net or line left in the ocean can pose a threat to marine life. Just because a net is
no longer used by fishers doesn’t mean it stops working. These nets continue to trap
everything in their path, presenting a major problem for the health of our oceans and
marine life.
(2) Ghost nets entangle sea turtles, dolphins and porpoises, birds, sharks, seals and more,
apart from catching fish. The nets keep animals from moving freely, cause injuries, and
keep mammals and birds from rising to the surface for air. Since hundreds of animals
can be caught in a single net, this threat is monumental. The ghost nets harm coral
reefs too—breaking corals, exposing them to disease and even blocking the reefs from
needed sunlight.
(3) Ghost nets are also a major contributor to the ocean plastics’ crisis. Most modern nets
are made of nylon or other plastic compounds that can last for centuries. According
to a 2018 study in Scientific Reports, ghost nets make up at least 46 percent of the
Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Those abandoned fishing lines and nets that do breakdown
never go away; they just become smaller pieces of plastic. Marine animals mistake this
microplastic for food and eat it, which can harm internal organs, keep them from eating
and expose them to toxic chemicals.
(4) Exorcising ghost nets from our oceans will require commitment, cooperation and
innovation. Many groups are working to remove ghost nets from the sea and are
collaborating with local fishers and governments around the world to identify target
areas and remove as many nets as possible. In 2015, a single World Wildlife Fund for
Nature (WWF)-led mission in the Baltic Sea hauled up 268 tons of nets, ropes and other
material.
Sample Papers 5
(5) To stop these nets from becoming ghosts in the first place, conservation organisations
advocate for fishing gear that can be traced to its owner, so anyone dumping nets can
be fined and refundable deposits on nets to encourage returning or recycling rather
than littering. Tools like sonar reflectors that can make ghost nets easier to find and
working with small-scale fisheries to develop more sustainable fishing gear and practices
are other suggestions. It is only by attacking this problem from all sides, together with
conservation partners, fishers and supporters, can we banish ghost nets and protect our
oceans.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option.
1
Ghost nets have been named so because they _______________
(a) cause much harm to the marine life.

(b) are functional though not in use by fishers.

(c) are not owned by anyone.

(d) act as a snare for all animals in oceans.

(ii) Comment on the writer’s reference to the ghost nets in paragraph one, as a health

problem for the oceans. 1

(iii) List the two ways being entangled in a ghost net is likely to impact a walrus.
1
(Clue: Think about the type of animal a walrus is)
(iv) Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘negligible’, from words used in

paragraph two. 1
(a) unimpressive
(b) monumental
(a) exposing
(b) threat
(v) The writer would not agree with the given statements based on paragraph three,

EXCEPT: 1
(a) Most ghost nets take a few years to completely disintegrate.

(b) Ghost nets contribute to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

(c) Most ghost nets provide nutrition to marine animals, upon disintegration.

(d) Ghost nets can curtail freedom of marine animals.

(vi) Some records share that fishing nets used to be made of common rope using natural
fibres, prior to the 1960s. Based on your understanding of paragraph three, list one
major advantage that these had over the fishing nets being used in present times. 1

(vii) Why is it fair to say that commitment and innovation have to go hand-in-hand to rid

the oceans of ghost nets?

1
(viii) Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference, with respect to the

following:
1
The writer quotes the example of the WWF-led mission in the Baltic Sea (Paragraph
4), in order to_______________________.
(ix) How can the solutions, suggested in paragraph five, best be described? 1
(a) practical
(b) presentable
(c) popular
(d) prejudiced
6 English (Core)–XII
(x) Select the most suitable title for the above passage. 1
(a) The Scary Side of Ghost Nets

(b) Ghost Nets – A Result of Human Dominance

(c) Ghost Nets – A Menace to Marine Life

(d) Ways to Tackle the Problem of Ghost Nets

II. Read the passage given below: (10 marks)

(1) It is generally accepted that leadership development should be a part of the education
system’s responsibility for preparing individuals to participate in a democratic and
progressive society. Many schools, colleges and universities, across nations, provide
their students with leadership courses, curricular programs and co-curricular programs
that are designed to develop students’ formal knowledge about leadership as well as
opportunities and experiences to develop students as leaders and actually practise
leadership. Yet, only a handful of studies have sought to understand leader development
from the students’ point of view, with students describing their own experiences and
what they learned from them in their own words.
(2) A 2014 descriptive study sought to understand student leadership with research through
key events via the following research questions:
Research Question 1: What key events do student leaders in college, report as
significantly impacting their development as a leader?
Research Question 2: What lessons do student leaders in college, report learning as a
result of the key events they have experienced?
Research Question 3: Are certain key events more likely to be linked to particular lessons?
Approximately 130 students were contacted and the 72 interested, were interviewed.
Two members of the research team were present for each 15–45-minute interview. One
member served as the primary interviewer while the second ran the audio equipment.
The results for lessons learned (Table 1), were varied, but there were a few that were
frequently quoted.
Table 1
Lessons Learned Responses

Identity
Self Identity 58
Leadership Identity 54
Professionalism 30
Balancing Roles 19
Individual Competencies
Delegation 17
Decision Making 15
Adaptability/Flexibility 38
Sample Papers 7
Resilience/Persistence/Hard Work 18
Taking Initiative 36
Accountability/Responsibility 29
Big Picture 27
Learning to Teach/Learn 18
Support Systems
Developing and Using Support Systems 36
Being a Support System 28
Working with Others
Communication 59
Teamwork 26
Conflict 21
Diversity 32
Inspiring and motivating others 17
Other working with others 30
Getting the job done
Task skills 55
Environment 34
(3) This study described the rich array of leadership lessons that students are learning
through their experiences. It revealed that student leaders are learning foundational
leadership skills and competencies that have positively impacted how to accomplish
work, how to work with others and how to be both supported by and support others.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) Does the following statement agree with the information given in paragraph 1?
1
The researcher believes that educational institutions have ideal resources to study impact of
leadership skills on young adults.
Select from the following:
True - if the statement agrees with the information
False - if the statement contradicts the information
Not Given - if there is no information on this
(ii) Do you think the researchers of the study aimed to change the students’ outlook

towards the development of leadership skills, directly or indirectly? Support your

answer with reference to the text. 1
(iii) Select the option that displays the most likely reason for including Research Question

3 in the 2014 study. 1

In order to find out if...
(a) learning opportunities shape students’ overall personality.

(b) leadership lessons are the result of the designed learning opportunities.

(c) all learning opportunities cater to a specific lesson.

(d) certain lessons are common in more than one learning opportunity.

(iv) Complete the sentence based on the following statement.

1
More than 50% of the identified student respondents were keen to participate in the
2014 study.
We can say this because ________________________ .
(v) Select the option that displays the key event designed with “Balancing Roles”

(Table 1) as the objective. 1

(a) Students will be able to debate the issue at hand, with different teams.

(b) Students will be able to manage the responsibilities of a mentor, planner,

researcher and presenter.

(c) Students will be able to surmount minor problems and focus on the final goal.

(d) Students will be able to explain concepts and clarify them for peers.

(vi) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option.
1
The 2014 study attempts to understand student leadership by focussing on
______________.
(a) experiences that shaped students’ overall personality.

(b) lessons gained by students as they grew up.

(c) relationship of key events with particular lessons.

(d) students in leadership roles.

(vii) The lessons for ‘Individual competencies’ had a range of responses.

1
Give one reason why having the least number of responses for ‘Decision Making’, is
a matter that needs attention.
(viii) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option.
1
The concluding sentence of the text makes a clear case for _____________ by listing it as a core
competency for student leadership.
(a) collaboration
(b) flexibility

(c) hard work

(d) observation

(ix) Complete the sentence appropriately with one/two words.

1
In the context of “Working with Others” in Table 1, the lesson of ‘Conflict’ refers to
_____________ .
(x) Based on the reading of the text, state a point to challenge the given statement. 1

When theoretical knowledge about leadership suffices, it is a waste of funds by educational

organisations, to organise leadership camps and programmes.
Sample Papers 9
SECTION–B
(Creative Writing Skills) (20 Marks)
III.
1. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.

(A) You are Josely Mathew, the President of the School Book Club. The club is organising

a drive for promoting reuse of study materials and books. Draft a notice, in about 50
words, for the school notice board, addressing students of classes X-XII, informing
them about this drive and urging them to contribute to the endeavour. Mention how
the donated books would benefit a charitable cause. (5 marks)
OR
(B) As the House Captain of A.B.M Public School, Telangana, draft a notice in not more

than 50 words, for the school notice board, informing House members from X-XII
about the change in topic and submission dates for Round 1 of ‘Discovery’ – the
upcoming Inter-House Reasearch-based Paper Presentation Competition. Do not
forget to issue an apology for the above. You are Kruthika Reddy.
(5 marks)
(A) You are Dr. Suchitra Mukherjee. You have received an invitation from the Director,

Health Services, Kharagpur, W.B, to preside over a gathering of leading medical

practitioners attending a workshop on mental wellness on 09 November, 2023 at 11
a.m. in the Public Hospital, Jammu, J & K. Respond to accept the invitation in about
50 words.
OR
(B) Draft an invitation, in about 50 words, on behalf of your aunt, Meghna Menon,

which she has to share to invite prior work colleagues to the inaugural event of her
own investment consultancy firm, in the Acer Mall, Kozhikode, Kerala.
(5 marks)
(A) You are Minu Sen, an intern in a software company in Hyderabad. You feel that

the growing relationship of companies with non-profit organisations have made

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) the buzzword today. Your own involvement
in one such project for your company has convinced you that CSR looks beyond the
company profits and focuses on benefiting the greater community.
Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, in about 120-150 words, sharing
your opinion about CSR and its advantages, and provide suggestions to make it an
integral part of every organisation. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to
compose this letter.
4 types of CSR efforts:- Brand value

–environmental initiatives ↑
Positive public
–charity work Advantages →Increased
attention
–ethical labour practices sales
↓
–volunteer projects Poverty alleviation
OR
(B) You are Minu Sen, employed as an Asst. Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility

(CSR) in your current company in Hyderabad. You saw the given advertisement in
the newspaper and wish to apply for the position advertised.
Write a letter to Credit Sage Pvt. Ltd. along with your bio-data, expressing your
interest in the situation vacant.
(5 marks)
(A) The construction sector is believed to be quite hazardous and has the maximum

number of fatal work injuries because apart from other causes, stakeholders in this
sector tend to ignore safety regulations.
As a columnist for an e-zine, draft an article, in about 120-150 words, on the theme
of the importance of worker safety in construction zones. Explore possible reasons
for the prevailing situation and include suggestions for addressing it. Support your
ideas with cues given below.
Headlines
* CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: RISK OF ACCIDENT DUE TO FATIGUE
* CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE HEALTH CHALLENGES IN EXTREME

WEATHER CONDITIONS
* CONSTRUCTION WORKER FATALITY: BURIED UNDER SOIL HEAP
* ARE CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS FROM MARS AND WORKERS FROM

VENUS?
* WILL TRAINING PROGRAMMES REVAMP THE SAFETY STANDARDS?
Sample Papers 11
OR
(B) The construction sector is believed to be quite hazardous and has the maximum

number of fatal work injuries. A safety fair was organised by ‘Building Safely’,
an NGO in Mysuru, Karnataka with the overarching theme pertaining to the
importance of worker safety in construction zones. You were asked to cover this
event as the junior correspondent of a local daily. Write a report covering this event,
in about 120-150 words. Support your ideas with outline cues given below, to craft
your newspaper report.
Safety Fairs: Programmes
Toolbox talks Video dedication for the deceased Speeches Safety games
Safety demonstrations Inaugurating special insurance programme
Emergency response drill Vote of thanks Picnic lunch with the bosses
SECTION–C
(Literature) (40 Marks)
IV. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context.
1.
Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. (1×6=6 marks)
(A) It is in the news that all these pitiful kin
Are to be bought out and mercifully gathered in
To live in villages, next to the theatre and the store,
Where they won’t have to think for themselves anymore,
While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey,
Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits
That are calculated to soothe them out of their wits,
And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all day,
Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way.
(i) What is the tone of the poet in the above lines?
1
(1) aggressive
(2) tolerant
(3) sarcastic
(4) resigned
(5) sentimental

Choose the most appropriate option.

(a) Only (1)
(b) (2) and (3)

(c) (1), (4) and (5)

(d) Only (3)
(ii) Identify the phrase from the extract, that suggests the following:
1
No one bothers to take ‘their’ consent before pushing the promise of a better life,
their way.
(iii) What quality of the villagers can be inferred through these lines?
1
(a) gullible
(b) futuristic

(c) hypocritical
(d) ambitious
(iv) Complete the following analogy correctly. Do NOT repeat from used example.
1
greedy good doers: alliteration :: _____________ oxymoron

(v) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to (1) and (2)

given below. 1
(1) The city dwellers make promises for the betterment of the villagers.

(2) The city dwellers have ulterior motives.

(a) (1) is true but (2) is false.

(b) (2) is true but (1) is false.

(c) (2) is the reason for (1).

(d) Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.

(vi) Fill the blank with an appropriate word, with reference to the extract.
1
‘… calculated to soothe them out of their wits’ implies that ‘them’ are being _________.
OR
(B) A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth
(A Thing of Beauty)
(i) Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the first line of the
extract. 1
(a) I’m as happy as I can be.
(b) Life is a roller coaster ride.

(c) Nature is God’s gift to us.

(d) The dazzling divas enchanted all.

(ii) What does the phrase ‘a bower quiet’ indicate? 1

(a) serenity
(b) morality

(c) superiority
(d) diversity

(iii) The benefits of a thing of beauty for humans include____________ . 1

(1) healthy body
(2) calm mind

(3) struggle-free life

(4) better relationships

(5) hope to carry on

Choose the most appropriate option.

(a) Only (5)
(b) (1), (2) and (5)

(c) (1), (3) and (4)

(d) (2) and (4)

(iv) Answer in ONE word. 1

When the poet says that ‘a thing of beauty’ will never pass into nothingness, he
means that it is___________.
(v) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two
statements given below. 1
(1) We are surrounded by beautiful things.

Sample Papers 13
(2) Beautiful things provide us joy.

(a) (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.

(b) (2) can be inferred from the extract but (1) cannot.

(c) Both (1) and (2) can be inferred from the extract.

(d) (2) is the reason for (1) and can be inferred from the extract.

(vi) Which of the following is an apt title for the extract?

1
(a) Full to the Brim with Joy
(b) Beauty Galore

(c) Live Life King Size

(d) Hope Floats

2. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. (1×4=4 marks)

(A) DERRY: You’re ... peculiar. You say peculiar things. You ask questions I don’t

understand.
MR LAMB: I like to talk. Have company. You don’t have to answer questions. You
don’t have to stop here at all. The gate’s open.
DERRY: Yes, but...
MR LAMB: I’ve a hive of bees behind those trees over there. Some hear bees and
they say, bees buzz. But when you listen to bees for a long while, they humm. ... and
hum means ‘sing’. I hear them singing, my bees.
DERRY: But....I like it here. I came in because I liked it ..... when I looked over the
wall.
MR LAMB: If you’d seen me, you’d not have come in.
DERRY: No.
(i) List the playwright’s purpose of using ellipses (…) in this extract.
1
(ii) Select the option that best describes Derry and Mr. Lamb in the extract.
1
(a) Derry: introvert; Mr. Lamb: friendly

(b) Derry: fearful; Mr. Lamb: domineering

(c) Derry: friendly; Mr. Lamb: weird

(d) Derry: open minded; Mr. Lamb: charming

(iii) Which of the following best summarises Mr. Lamb’s attitude towards the bees?
1
(a) Beauty is being true to yourself.

(b) There is a kind of beauty in imperfection.

(c) Beauty is the promise of happiness.

(d) The beauty of the world lies in the details.

(iv) Derry says, “I came in here because I liked it ….” What was the one significant thing

Derry might have liked about the place, as per the extract? 1
OR
(B) Students on Ice, the programme I was working with on the Shokalskiy, aims to do

exactly this by taking high school students to the ends of the world and providing
them with inspiring educational opportunities which will help them foster a new
understanding and respect for our planet. It’s been in operation for six years now,
headed by Canadian Geoff Green, who got tired of carting celebrities and retired,
rich, curiosity-seekers who could only ‘give’ back in a limited way. With Students on
Ice, he offers the future generation of policy-makers a life-changing experience at an
age when they’re ready to absorb, learn, and most importantly, act.
(Journey to the End of the Earth)
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract.
1
The writer refers to the educational opportunities as ‘inspiring’ because
____________.
(ii) Which of the following would NOT be ‘a life changing experience’?

1
(a) Being given the lead role in a play.

(b) Going on an adventure trip.

(c) Playing a video game.

(d) Meeting a great leader, you admire.

(iii) Select the most suitable title for the given extract.
1
(a) Adventure with a Mission
(b) Adventure – The Spice of Life

(c) The Wanderlust

(d) Students of the Future

(iv) Why does the writer refer to ‘act’ as more important than ‘absorb’ or ‘learn’?
1
3.
(A) A girl from the countryside, she hadn’t gone through all the stages of worldly

experience that generally precede a position of importance and sophistication that

she had found herself catapulted into. She never quite recovered from the terror
she felt that day. That was the end of a brief and brilliant acting career — the legal
adviser, who was also a member of the Story Department, had unwittingly brought
about that sad end. While every other member of the Department wore a kind of
uniform — khadi dhoti with a slightly oversized and clumsily tailored white khadi
shirt — the legal adviser wore pants and a tie and sometimes a coat that looked like
a coat of mail. Often, he looked alone and helpless …
(Poets and Pancakes)
(i) Select the option that completes the given sentence appropriately.
1
‘Stages of worldly experience’ in the given context would refer to______________.
(a) good education to gain knowledge.

(b) situations that require one to be street smart.

(c) smaller, not so important roles in acting.

(d) training in soft skills.

(ii) Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the following analogy.
1
sealed: closed :: propelled: _____________
(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank.

1
The harm done to the actress was a/an _____________
(a) well-planned act.
(b) unintentional act.

(c) act of jealousy.

(d) act of male dominance.

(iv) Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is TRUE for the legal

adviser.
1
(a) He disliked the actress from the countryside.

(b) He acted after thinking through things carefully.

Sample Papers 15
(c) He did not gel well with others in the Department.

(d) He was always dressed smartly.

(v) Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the writer is sympathetic

towards the professional fate of the actor. (Clue: a phrase) 1

(vi) Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract.
1
The writer uses the word ‘uniform’ to refer to the outfits of the Department members
because just like a uniform _________________.
OR
(B) Some might make quite extravagant claims for it as being, in its highest form,

a source of truth, and, in its practice, an art. Others, usually celebrities who see
themselves as its victims, might despise the interview as an unwarranted intrusion
into their lives, or feel that it somehow diminishes them, just as in some primitive
cultures it is believed that if one takes a photographic portrait of somebody then one
is stealing that person’s soul.
(The Interview)
(i) What is the most likely reason some people consider the practice of interview to be

an art?
1
This could be because it requires:
(a) fluency of words.
(b) sensitive and careful handling.

(c) creativity and imagination.

(d) probing and focusing on details.

(ii) Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its inference.
1
Celebrities feel that an interview diminishes them.
(iii) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two

statements given below. 1

(1) Celebrities don’t consent to be interviewed.

(2) Interviews intrude the privacy of celebrities.

(a) (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.

(b) (1) cannot be inferred from the extract but (2) can.

(c) (1) is true but (2) is false.

(d) (2) is the reason for (1).

(iv) Rationalise, to support the given opinion.

1
To say that an interview, in its highest form, is a source of truth, is an extravagant
claim.
(v) Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract.
1
Some celebrities hate the idea of having to give an interview because it makes them
feel like supporters.
(vi) The author’s views on interview, in the extract, can best be described as statements

based on ____________. 1
(a) facts
(b) hypothesis

(c) beliefs
(d) superstitions

V. Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each. (5×2=10 marks)
(i) “You realise the true value of a thing only on losing it.” Comment on this statement

in the light of the story, ‘The Last Lesson’.

2
(ii) State the common issue faced by most of the aged in the current times, with reference

to the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty-six’. 2

(iii) What do we come to know about the author of ‘Lost Spring’, Anees Jung, through

her interactions with Saheb and Mukesh? 2

(iv) Give two reasons why, according to Pablo Neruda, is ‘keeping quiet’ essential to

attaining a better, more peaceful world. (Keeping Quiet) 2

(v) If the Christmas spirit is about selflessness, forgiveness and becoming ‘better’

versions of ourselves amongst other things, Edla Willmansson is the epitome of this
spirit.
Justify with two points of evidence from ‘The Rattrap’. 2
(vi) How can we say that marriage was a compromise for Aunt Jennifer? Support your

response with two justifications. (Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers) 2

VI. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. (2×2=4 marks)
(i) ‘It’s easy to judge others and give advice, but much more difficult to apply it to

ourselves.’ Elaborate with reference to the character of Sam in ‘The Third Level’. 2
(ii) Comment on any one aspect of the writing style of the author, Kalki in ‘The Tiger

King’. 2
(iii) How do we know that Dr. Sadao was conscientious as well as loyal? (The Enemy) 2

VII.
Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (1×5=5 marks)
(i) The prose selections, ‘Deep Water’ and ‘Indigo’ bring out the importance of

overcoming fear, in order to be able to lead our lives successfully.

Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high school
students. Write this address in 120 – 150 words elaborating on occurrences from the
two texts to inspire your audience and to convince them about the importance of
overcoming fear. 5
You may begin like this …
Good morning, students!
We all know what it’s like to be afraid. Fear is our body’s natural response to a perceived threat
or danger.
But when …
OR
(ii) ‘Their mother sighed.
5
Sophie watched her back stooped over the sink and wondered at the incongruity of the delicate
bow which fastened her apron strings.’
The prose selection, ‘Going Places’ includes this telling comment about Sophie’s
mother.
In ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers,’ we are told that -
‘The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s Hand.’
Imagine a conversation between Sophie’s mother and Aunt Jennifer. Create this
exchange with reference to the two extracts given above.
You may begin the conversation like this …
Sophie’s mother: Your embroidery is so beautiful. Do you love tigers?
Sample Papers 17
VIII.
(i) On returning home, Tishani Doshi writes her thoughts reflecting on how her

decision to enrol for the Students on Ice programme has been the single most
important decision of her life that has completely transformed her.
Imagine yourself to be Tishani and express these thoughts.
You may begin like this:
I can’t thank my stars enough for having cashed in on the opportunity of...........
OR
(ii) Both Bama and Zitkala Sa experienced the harsh reality of discrimination in their

childhood. Instead of letting it pull them down, they both found a way to overcome
it. You wish to include a cameo* of both in your upcoming blog post.
As a part of the research, compare and contrast the experiences faced by the two and
their response/s to these experiences, in 120-150 words. [Clue: Include the similarities
and differences in the discrimination they faced - their feelings - determination to overcome –
success]
*a short description that neatly encapsulates someone or something
zzz
SECTION–A
I. (i) (c) are not owned by anyone

(ii) These ghost nets are the major reason behind the frequent health issues of marine

life.
(iii) (a) Being entangled in a ghost net causes injuries

(b) Being entangled in a ghost net prevents resurfacing leading to death by drowning

(iv) (b) monumental

(v) (c) Most ghost nets provide nutrition to marine animals, upon disintegration.

(vi) It is used to be biodegradable, means easily disintegrated, as compared to artificial

fibre nets that do not disintegrate.

(vii) Commitment and innovation must go hand-in-hand to rid the oceans of ghost nets as

commitment includes perseverance and innovation includes creativity and strategies

when patience added with beautiful strategy, it can curb down the problem.
(viii) draw attention to the magnitude of the problem/indicate that government need to

collaborate with such groups.

(ix) (a) practical

(x) (c) Ghost Nets – A Menance to Marine Life

II. (i) False–if the statement contradicts the information

(ii) No, their aim was to enable a better designing or creation of the leadership

programmes in educational institutes.

(iii) (d) certain lessons are common in more than one learning opportunity.

(iv) only 72 students out of 130 students consentented and were interviewed.

(v) (b) Students will be able to manage the responsibilities of a mentor, planner,

researcher and presenter.

(vi) (d) students in leadership roles.

(vii) This needs attention because it clearly indicates that the lessons student experience

do not allow sufficient opportunity for development of this crucial skill.

(viii) (a) collaboration

(ix) being able to amicably and effectively resolve matters/conflict.

(x) I disagree as theoretical knowledge cannot aid students to apply their learning

about leadership and develop various skills.
Sample Papers 19
Section–B
III. 1. (A)

ABC SCHOOL, RANCHI

NOTICE
05 April, 20XX
DONATE BOOKS AND STUDY MATERIALS
All the students of classes X-XII are hereby informed and requested from the Book Club to give
their textbooks, references books and other study materials to their needy juniors, so that
they can get advantage from your donated books and your notes. Submit your materials to the
undersigned latest by April 10, so that they could reach to the right hands.
Josely Mathew
President, Book Club

(B)
A.B.M. PUBLIC SCHOOL, TELANGANA

NOTICE
10 June, 20XX
CHANGES IN THE UPCOMING COMPETITION!
All the house members of classes X-XII are hereby informed that the topic and submission
dates for Round 1 of ‘Discovery’–the upcoming Inter-House Research-based Paper Presentation
Competition is changed. Now, it will be on 20th June in place of 16th June and the new topic is
‘Contemporary Discovery’
Inconvenience is regretted.
Kruthika Reddy
House Captain
2. (A)

223/Palampur
Jammu
Oct 20, 20XX
The Director
Health Services
Kharagpur
Dear Sir,
It’s a great honour for me that you have invited me to attend a workshop on mental wellness.
Positively, I will be there on 9th Nov.
Thank you for inviting me.
Yours truly
Dr. Suchitra Mukherjee
(B)

Meghna Menon
Announces the inauguration of
Me & You
(An Investment Consultancy Firm)
At
The Acer Mall, Kozhikode, Kerala
On 10th March, 20XX at 11:00 a.m
All are cordially invited.
R.S.V.P
Meghna Menon
3. (A) H/12, Metro Apartment

Gandhi Chowk
Hyderabad
2nd Oct, 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
Hyderabad
Subject: CSR and advantages of its implementation
Respected Sir/Madam,
Through the columns of your highly esteemed newspaper, I, Minu Sen, an intern
in software company would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities
towards corporate social responsibility and its advantages.
Recently during DP, our company has distributed new clothes and sweets to slum
children. During monsoon, we have planted 100 saplings and we are looking after
them till they grow into big trees.
On Sundays, we volunteer to go for street cleaning or adult literary programme.
These activities not only make us feel ethically and morally strong, but also help
us to complete our social responsibility. Along with its natural and environment
benefits, CSR also helps in increasing brand value as people recognise the brand
which leads to increase in sale. If we all come together, then our climate can be easily
revived and society will be a better place to live in.
Please give proper space to my letter in your newspaper.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
Minu Sen
Sample Papers 21
(B) 22/Gandhi Enclave

Hyderabad
14th July, 20XX
Gagan Vij
HR Head
Credit Sage Pvt. Ltd.
Nashik
Maharashtra
Subject: Application for the post of CSR Head
Sir
This is with reference to the advertisement published in the newspaper ‘The
Hindu’ dated 10th July, 20XX. I wish to be considered for the post of ‘Corporate
Social Responsibility Manager Head’ in your esteemed organisation. I have
completed my Master’s degree in Public Relations and have experience working
as an Assistant Manager for CSR in Hyderabad. I fulfil the requirements laid
down in the advertisement.
Enclosed herewith the bio-data. I do assure you of my dedicated service and
whole-hearted cooperation.
Yours truly
Minu Sen
BIO-DATA

Name : Minu Sen
Father’s Name : Rajeev Sen
Address : 22/Gandhi Enclave, Hyderabad
Date of Birth : 8th November, 1990
Educational Qualifications : BA in Sociology
MA in Public Relations
Experience : 5 years of experience as Ass. Manager for CSR in
XYZ Pvt. Ltd.
Salary Expected : 60,000 per month
Languages Known : Hindi and English
References : (i) P.V. Anand, Director, ABC Pvt. Ltd.
(ii) Amit Gupta, CEO, Financial Advisor at
GRASIM, Hyderabad
4. (A)

SAFETY OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

– ABC
Life is very precious whether it is of a king or a Pauper. It has been normally observed
that at construction sector, situation is very pitiable as at every step there is danger of
fatal injuries and normally, the stakeholders ignore the basic safety rules to ensure
the safety of their innocent workers. Though they know that safety is a vital part
of finishing any project at any construction site. A number of time, workers are so
exploited to work for 10 to 12 hours that due to fatigue, many accidents are prone to
occur. Accidental cases and other injuries are also in the list. Workers have to work in
extreme weather conditions which affect the workers physically and mentally. These
working sites are quite unsafe and may turn to graveyard if safety measures are not
taken up into consideration. There must be a proper training for each and every
worker to ensure safety. Reward must be announced for the worker who ensures
and follows the safety measures, so that other can follow him/her too take an oath
to create a culture of safety at all working places to ensure the safety of lives of all
persons despite of any discrimination in the name of gender, financial status, race or
religion.
(B) SAFETY FAIR
– By ABC, Junior Correspondent

Mysuru, Karnataka, 1st October, 20XX: A ‘Safety Fair’ was organised by ‘Building
Safety’ an NGO in Mysuru, Karnataka. The aim of the programme was to increase
awareness and knowledge related to the safety measures at the construction sector.
More than 2000 labours participated in this fair.
Speakers of Delhi were invited to motivate the workers to develop their safety skills.
The inaugural ceremony was started with the burning of flare. The Chief Guest
Mahesh Babu gave a long speech on the importance of safety and safety measures.
There were more than 50 stalls having books and other things highlighting the
importance of safety in our lives. It was the fair of its own type. It was organized for
the first time. It was placed on Gandhi Park as it is located in the centre of the city.
This fair was applauded by all as it was a great opportunity for the workers all across
Karnataka to gather together to get tips related to their safety.
SECTION–C
(Literature)
(40 Marks)
IV. 1.
(A) (i) (d) Only (3)

(ii) Enforcing benefits
(iii) (a) gullible
(iv) beneficent beasts of prey
(v) (c) (2) is the reason for (1).

(vi) manipulated
(B) (i) (b) Life is a roller coaster ride.

(ii) (a) serenity
(iii) (b) (1), (2) and (5)

(iv) permanent/everlasting
(v) (b) (2) can be inferred from the extract but (1) cannot.
(vi) (b) Hope Floats
Sample Papers 23
2.
(A) (i) to indicate a pause in thought or to act showing gathering of thoughts

(ii) (a) Derry: introvert; Mr. Lamb: friendly

(iii) (b) The beauty of the world lies in the details.

(iv) Derry liked the place because of the absence of people.

(B) (i)
these educational opportunities motivates them to work towards the good of the

planet
(ii) (c) Playing a video game.

(iii) (a) Adventure with a Mission

(iv) To act is more important because it fails to have an impact till it is put to use in our

actions.
3.
(A) (i) (b) situations that require one to be street smart.
(ii) catapulted
(iii) (b) unintentional act
(iv) (d) He did not gel well with others in the Department.
(v) sad end
(vi) maximum of them were wearing khadi dhoti
(B) (i) (c) creativity and imagination.
(ii) Celebrities feel that an interview makes them appear ordinary.
(iii) (d) (2) is the reason for (1).
(iv) It is an extravagant claim as an interview cannot be a source of truth because
interview may be scripted, people may make false statements or certain questions
may be left unanswered.
(v) victims
(vi) (a) facts
V. (i)
People take things for granted. They realise its real value only on losing it. After
France’s defeat in France-Prussian war, political domination of Germans deprived
French people to speak their native language. Earlier, they took their mother tongue
for granted. After the imposition of this cruel rule, they realised the importance
of holding onto their mother tongue. Not only that, villagers also realised the
importance of the contribution of M. Hamel to the society. Before the imposition of
the order, he was considered strict and his work was not taken seriously.
(ii) Ageing is an inevitable part of one’s life which cultivates ‘mental’ as well as ‘physical’
plethora, and it is one of the common issues faced by most of the aged in the
current times. Just like the poet’s mother, everyone has to go through the feeling of
loneliness, when their children move away from them during their old age. Besides,
old age makes one lethargic, dull, diseased and inactive. It is just a contrast to the
youth full of energy.
(iii) Through Anees Jung’s interactions with Saheb and Mukesh, we come to know that
the author is ‘sympathetic’, ‘sensitive’ and a ‘good observant.’ She feels pity after
observing the horrible lifestyle of the rag-pickers of Seemapuri and the bangle-
makers of Firozabad. Unfortunately, she feels helpless because of her inability to do
anything for them.
(iv) Pablo Neruda, through his poem ‘Keeping Quiet’, has tried to change the narrow-

mindness and self-centred conscience of human being.

By keeping quiet and calm, man will realise his follies and refrain from harmful
destructive activities. It will also help in creating a feeling of natural understanding
and introspection around human beings which will help in attaining a better, more
peaceful world.
(v) Festivals are the symbol of love, unity, forgiveness and selflessness. Edla Willmansson

is the modest, kind, considerate kind of a girl. Despite her knowledge about the
peddler’s intention, she treats him with respect, gives him shelter and feeds him
well. Her invitation to the peddler for next year’s Christmas shows that she is onto
the path of becoming a better version of herself.
(vi) For Aunt Jennifer, her marriage was definitely a compromise. She had to compromise

with her life. She could not live the way she wanted to or do what she wanted to. She
was burdened by the responsibilities and was oppressed by the egoistic attitude of
her husband in this patriarchal society.
VI. (i) Sam was a psychiatrist. He was also a friend of Charley. When Charley fantisized

about the Third Level at Grand Central Station, he consulted his friend. Sam called
it a waking-dream-wish-fulfillment. He said that Charley was looking for ways to
escape as he was not happy. After declaring it to be a mere fantasy, Sam himself could
not pull back from discovering the third level and finally ends up in the peaceful
world of 1894. From his conduct we can infer that it’s rather easy to judge others
and give advice, but much more difficult to apply it to ourselves.
(ii) In ‘The Tiger King’, the author has written the story in a conversational or narrative

style. The story in itself is a satire on the conceit of those in power. The author has
dealt the serious facts in a very humorous and lighter mood. Many instances in the
story invoke humour which include his asking question as a ten-day infant to the
astrologer about his death, his marrying for sake of getting more tigers to kill as his
state was devoid of tigers, his justification of hunting tigers as self-defence, etc.
(iii) ‘Humanity and loyalty are the true virtues of human life’.

Dr. Sadao, the Japanese doctor was conscientious towards his profession as he didn’t
forget the oath and decided to help that American POW inspite of knowing his true
identity.
The doctor was also a true patriotic as he accepted General’s order of sending
assassins to kill that young boy who was their country’s enemy which shows his
loyalty towards his nation.
VII. (i) Good morning, students!

We all know what it’s like to be afraid. Fear is our body’s natural response to a
perceived threat or danger. But when fear grips our mind, it immobilizes us and
prevents us from progressing. In the words of Roosevelt, nothing is as horrible as
fear itself. In the case of William Douglas, he became a slave to fear. It prevented him
from doing the basic things in his life. He could not enjoy like others of his age did.
Due to his fear of water, he could not lead a normal life. Similarly, the peasants of
Champaran were also caught in the web of fear. They were feared of the Britishers
and they could not take a stand for their own rights. They were exploited and
tormented on everyday basis, but could not raise a voice against the ill-treatments
because of the fear that gripped their mind and soul.
Sample Papers 25
Whenever we are stuck in such a situation, where fear is overpowering our mind,
we need to devise a plan and work through it to fight it back. Facing our fear is the
only option to get through it. And this is what William Douglas and the peasants
of Champaran did. They reached out for help, devised a plan and worked hard
to achieve it. It took months for Douglas to overcome his fear of water and learn
swimming; and for the peasants, it was a struggle of nearly a year to get justice. But
all the efforts are worth once you overcome the fear because then you are free to live
life the fullest forever.
(ii) Sophie’s mother: Your embroidery is so beautiful. Do you love tigers?

Aunt Jennifer: Thank you for the compliment. Indeed I love tigers for they are very
courageous in the face of danger. I wish to have such confidence and a courageous
heart.
Sophie’s mother: That’s true! For a woman to survive in this patriarchal society, we
do need to be like tigers.
Aunt Jennifer: After marriage, I feel like I have lost my identity. I express my deep
down desires and feelings through my art, which is also not appreciated by anyone.
Sophie’s mother: Yes, that’s absolutely true! I have spent my whole life in meeting
the needs of my family, but no one even acknowledges my effort. I have no life of
my own. I stay at home all day long while everyone goes out to have fun and watch
football matches.
Aunt Jennifer: I think it is the fate of all women to be burdened with responsibilities.
Sophie’s mother: Even I feel the same. I don’t think there’s any likelihood of any
change in our status. We are forever going to be dominated by our husbands and
will not have a say in the family matters.
VIII. (i) I can’t thank my stars enough for having cashed in on the opportunity of becoming

a member of ‘Student on Ice’ programme which was like a dream coming true for
me. I had never thought that I would get such a big platform where I could shape
my scientific instinct as my visit to Antarctica has not only opened my eyes towards
what we humans have done to the nature but also helped me explore the beauty
of the nature where there is no sign of humans. It was an experience completely
different than any other. The place was not inhabited by humans and was relatively
pristine. The landscape gave me an insight into the earth’s past, present and future.
It made me realise how human civilization has distorted the serene beauty of our
environment. I agree with the geological changes but I cannot digest the disastrous
changes which I witnessed on reaching the world’s most beautiful expanse of
Antarctica. My decision to enrol for the Students on Ice programme was one of the
most important decisions of my life which has transformed me completely. My heart
wishes to thank my team and the organisers who have taken such a pain to take us all
there where one can not only understand the ugliness of human nature but also study
about the ecosystem and its importance. It was truly an eye-opening experience.
From this experience, I realised how everything on this earth is interlinked and how
little changes can have a major impact on the environment and therefore, I think
it’s time for us to take care of the small things. Only our conscience and our actions
can change our planet, otherwise the day is not far when we will be living in a very
distorted and ugly planet, and this will only be because of our attitude.
(ii) The lesson, ‘Memories of Childhood’ deals with the autobiographical accounts of

women of marginalised communities. Both narrate the prejudices and humiliation

faced by them from mainstream culture. The former is a victim of racial discrimination,
whereas the latter is a victim of caste discrimination.
Zitkala-Sa talks about the overly disciplined students of her school. The staff was
unfriendly towards her and her hair was shingled on the very first day. The white-
skinned settlers considered local tribes as inferior. As the other children also had
shingled hair, she felt herself as one of the many animals driven by a herder. On the
other hand, Bama experiences untouchability very early in life. She sees an old man
carrying a packet of eatables with a string, without touching it. Later on, she gets to
know that the reason was the landlords of a higher class who thought that the food
would get contaminated with the touch of people from her caste.
Both of them protest in their own way. Zitkala-Sa struggles with all her might when
her hair is to be cut. Though she gives up towards the end, it is not without any
struggle. Bama, on the other hand, decides to work hard in her studies, so that
others realise her worth and approach her to be friends.
zzz
Sample Papers 27
SAMPLE PAPER
[SOLVED]
1
General Instructions: Same as CBSE Sample Question Paper–2023 (Solved).
SECTION–A

I. Read the passage given below: (10 marks)
(1) It’s not ‘cool’ to be fat, but that has not prevented an obesity epidemic from occurring
among America’s youth. Childhood obesity increased from 5% in 1964 to about 13%
in 1994. Today, it is about 20% and rising. Children, on an average, spend up to five
to six hours a day in sedentary activities like watching television, using the computer
and playing video games, which is partly to blame for this escalating rate. Perhaps, it
wouldn’t matter if they were sufficiently active at other times, but most of them aren’t.
To make matters worse, children are bombarded with TV ads from fast food chains
and other purveyors of high fat, high sugar meals and snacks. These highly effective
advertising campaigns, combined with a physically inactive lifestyle, have produced a
generation of kids who are at high risk of obesity-associated medical conditions.
(2) The major health threat is the early development of Type 2 diabetes (adult onset),
particularly in children with a family history of disease. Doctors are reporting a surge
in young adolescents developing Type 2 diabetes which can lead to heart disease, high
blood pressure, kidney disease, stroke, limb amputations and blindness. People who
develop diabetes in adolescence face a diminished quality of life and shortened life span,
particularly if the disease progresses untreated. It’s a scary prospect for our children,
but, in many cases, obesity and diabetes are preventable.
(3) When children are spending most of their free time sitting in front of televisions and
computers, they are not outside running, jumping or engaging in team sports that
would keep their weight down. Parents need to set limits on the time their children are
engaged in passive activities.
(4) Pediatricians recommend restricting children to one to two hours per day on TV and
computers combined – though older children may need additional time for learning
activities. Parental involvement remains the most important key to our children’s healthy
diets. Programmes to educate parents about nutrition are essential. Fast foods should be
consumed only in moderation. Caregivers, who are often busy and harried, must avoid
the temptation to whisk their kids into fast-food restaurants or to pick up fast food for
dinner at home. Changing eating habits and lifestyles is not easy, but the health benefit
for our children is a wonderful payoff for parents willing to take on the task.
(1×10= 10 marks)
(i) One of the major reasons behind obesity among children is ______________.

(a) studying
(b) playing indoor games
(c) their sedentary lifestyle
(d) eating fast foods
(ii) Comment on the early development of Type 2 diabetes found in children.

(iii) List the two ways by which children can put their weight down.

(iv) Find the antonym of the word ‘untroubled’ in the passage.

(a) moderation
(b) harried
(c) payoff
(d) surge
(v) The writer would not agree with which of the given statements, based on paragraph

3.
(a) Children are very active in outdoor games.

(b) Children spend maximum time in TV and computer.

(c) Parents have to fix time.

(d) Outdoor activities help children to loose weight.

(vi) Based on the given passage, write one major reason for diabetes among children.

(vii) How are advertisements responsible for obesity associated medical problems?

(viii) Type 2 diabetes can lead to ______________ .

(ix) Diabetes can be treated through:

(a) Outdoor activities

(b) Avoiding fast food
(c) Changing eating habits
(d) All of these
(x) Select the most suitable title for the given passage.

(a) Obesity and Diabetes

(b) Diabetes – Symptoms and Cure
(c) Sedentary Lifestyle
(d) Diabetic Patients
II.
(1)
Western European countries, which
had successfully flattered the curve of
COVID-19 infections, are experiencing a
surge of new cases. As European children
return to their reopened schools this
week, governments are still grappling
with multiple second waves of the virus
and tightening coronavirus-related
restrictions to avoid having to resort to
more radical measures. According to
numbers by Johns Hopkins University,
cases are growing quite rapidly again
in Spain and France, where total case
numbers of 5,40,000 and 3,80,000,
respectively, have been surpassed.
Germany, Italy and UK have also visibly departed from a flat trajectory.
Sample Papers 29
(2) Spain entered the top ten of the most-affected countries in the world once more and is
currently in rank 9 for total cases and ranks 10 for cases relative to population. France
has the 13th most confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide, while UK counted the fifth-
most deaths. Infections have passed 6.3 million stateside.
(3) Worrying spikes in cases reported on Thursday in France, Italy, Spain and Germany
showed the pandemic was rebounding across the continent, often due to travel, summer
holidays and parties.
(4) While Italy registered 845 new cases on Thursday, its highest daily tally since May,
France reported 4,700 fresh infections – a massive increase on the previous day. Spain’s
daily increases topped even those of France, and Germany was concerned about its own
resurgence.
(5) Despite the rise in cases, a top World Health Organization official said additional
lockdowns should not be necessary. “With the basic nationwide and additional targeted
measures, we are in a much better position to stamp out these localized virus flare-ups,”
the head of the WHO’s European branch, Hans Kluge, told reporters. “We can manage
the virus and keep the economy running and an education system in operation,” he
added.
(1×10=10 marks)
(i) The researchers believe that coronavirus returned to Europe. They have confirmed

3,57,613 new cases recorded in UK.

True – if the statement agrees with the information
False – if the statement contradicts the information
Not Given – if there is no information given on this
(ii) Support your answer to prove why the Western European countries were

experiencing new COVID-19 cases?

(iii) Which country has 5,43,379 confirmed number of COVID-19 cases?

(a) Italy
(b) Spain

(c) Germany
(d) France

(iv) Name the country with the most known infections and deaths, which is once again

pointing upwards.
(v) What did the World Health Organization say despite the rise in cases?

(a) That additional lockdown should not be necessary

(b) That is due to the reopening of schools

(c) That additional lockdown is necessary

(d) Both (b) and (c)

(vi) What is the rank of Spain in terms of the total number of cases?

(a) 9
(b) 10

(c) 11
(d) 13

(vii) Why was WHO not in favour of additional lockdown? (Give one reason)

(viii) Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE, according to the passage?

(a) France has the 13th most confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide.

(b) Spain was concerned about its own resurgence.

(c) Spain ranks 10 per cases relative to population.

(d) Western European countries are experiencing a surge of new cases.

(ix) What was reported on Thursday in France, Italy, Spain and Germany about the

pandemic?
(a) That the pandemic was rebounding across the continent

(b) That additional lockdown is not necessary

(c) That it is due to re-opening of the schools

(d) That the cases have been surpassed

(x) State a point to challenge the given statement.

Spain has controlled the return of Coronavirus.
SECTION–B (20 Marks)

(Creative Writing Skills)
III. 1. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B of the following:
(A) You are Sanjay/Sanjana, Head Boy/Head Girl of Sunlight Foundation School,

Saharanpur. Write a notice about a debate competition to be held in the school

on the topic ‘Foreign Films are Not Relevant to Indian Culture’. Invent necessary
details and complete your notice within 50 words. (5 marks)
OR
(B) While walking in the park of your colony, you found a small briefcase with some

documents and cash. Write a notice, in about 50 words, to be put up on the colony’s
notice board, asking the owner to identify and collect it from you. You are Rajat/
Rani of 12/4,Metro Colony, Surat. (5 marks)
2. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B of the following:

(A) Christ King College, Lalitpur, is celebrating its Annual Prize Day and wants to invite

the parents and other guests to the occasion. Draft an invitation card for the same,
in about 50 words. Invent necessary details. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Ranjit/Rani Chopra, a celebrated short story writer. You have been invited

to Sunshine Public School to judge the event of English Elocution. Draft a formal
acceptance of the invitation, in about 50 words, addressing it to the Principal.
(5 marks)

(A) You are Wasim/Wahisa of New Ashok Colony, Agra. The main road leading to the

colony is in a very bad condition with potholes and open manholes. To add to the
woes, there is no street light that makes the matter worse at night. Write a letter,
in 120-150 words, to the editor of the Times of India, Agra drawing attention of
the concerned authorities to the problem and to seek immediate remedial action.
(5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Suraj/Sohana. You came across the following advertisement in a national

daily. You consider yourself suitable and eligible for the post. Write an application,
Sample Papers 31
in 120-150 words, in response to the advertisement. (5 marks)
Applicants are invited for the post of a nursery teacher in a reputable school of north
west Delhi. The candidate must have at least 5 years of experience teaching tiny tots. The
applicant must have good command over English and be well versed in computer. He/She
should be innovative and creative. Attractive salary. Interested candidates should apply to
the Principal, Ramnarayan International School, Ghaziabad, within 10 days with detailed
resume.

(A) Recently, you got a chance to participate in a week-long workshop on ‘Energy

Conservation’. By the end of the workshop, you were much enlightened about
the need and ways of conserving energy. Write an article, in 120-150 words, titled
‘Energy Conservation: the Need of the Hour’. You are Amrit/Annie of Sarvodya
Vidyalaya No. 1, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Gargi Pandey, a reporter with ‘India Today’ . You recently witnessed cases

of human trafficking on websites. Write a report, in about 120-150 words, about the
same for your magazine. (5 marks)
SECTION–C (40 Marks)

(Literature)
IV.
Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context.
(1×6=6 marks)
1. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given.
(A) It would be an exotic moment
Without rush, without engines,
We would all be together
In a sudden strangeness.
(i) How will everyone feel at the exotic moment?

(a) blissful
(b) sorrowful

(c) repentant
(d) elated

(ii) What does ‘it’ signify in the first line?

(a) the surroundings

(b) total stillness

(c) being in the nature’s lap

(d) all of these

(iii) The exotic moment, according to the poet, is__________

(a) exciting activity

(b) total inactivity

(c) beautiful moment of thoughtful silence

(d) when language barriers are removed

(iv) Identify the poetic device used in the 2nd line of the stanza.

(v) Complete the following analogy.

It: period of quietude : We : ____________ .

(vi) Identify the name of the poem and the poet.

OR
(B) The polished traffic passed with a mind ahead
Or if ever aside a moment, then out of sorts
At having the landscape marred with the artless paint
Of signs that with N turned wrong and S turned wrong……
(i) The polished traffic in particular refers to the:

(a) sophisticated city dwellers in their vehicles.

(b) shiny cars that the poet sees on the road

(c) extremely affluent people living in the neighbourhood

(d) civilized manner in which traffic is coordinated.

(ii) ‘The urban and educated people have their minds ahead.’

Choose the option suggesting the correct meaning behind this line.
1. The people are well-educated and knowledgeable about the condition of the

poor.
2. The people are concentrating on the road that is ahead in order to drive

safely.
3. The people are preoccupied only by the thoughts of their lives and nothing

else.
4. The people are focused on their goal of bettering the country.
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)

(c) Option (3)

(d) Option (4)

(iii) What do the urban rich feel about the S and N signs that have been painted

wrong?
(a) Tolerant
(b) Amused

(c) Sympathetic
(d) Annoyed

(iv) The poetic device used in ‘polished traffic’ is ____________ .

(v) What do N and S stand for in the given stanza?

(vi) The passers-by find the sign artless but the landscape _______________.

(a) animated (b) aesthetic

(c) amusing (d) ancient


(1×4=4)
(A) 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. Oh, how he is bleeding!” Hana
whispered again in a solemn voice. The mists screened them now completely, and at
this time of day no one came by. The fishermen had gone home and even the chance
beachcombers would have considered the day at an end.
Sample Papers 33
(i) Whose flesh was blackened?

(ii) The man had been shot because he was ___________.

(a) a prisoner of war

(b) an enemy

(c) a whiteman
(d) both (a) and (c)

(iii) ‘Screened’ here means __________.

(a) enveloped
(b) spread upon

(c) covered
(d) all of these

(iv) Complete the following analogy.

Search : Probe : __________ : Mumbled

OR
(B) DERRY: Not in a fire. I got acid all down that side of my face, and it burned it all

away. It ate my face up. It ate me up. And now it’s like this, and it won’t ever be any
different.
(i) How was Derry’s face burnt?

(a) By fire
(b) By acid

(c) By chemical
(d) None of these

(ii) “It won’t ever be any different”. What is referred as ‘it’ here?

(a) Crab apple

(b) Leg
(c) Face
(d) Acid

(iii) Derry has ______________ attitude towards life.

(iv) ‘It ate me up’, here refers to ______________ .


(1×6=6)
(A) And then, strangely there was light. I was coming out of the awful yellow water.

At least my eyes were. My nose was almost out too. Then I started down a third
time. I sucked for air and got water. 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. 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.
(i) The efforts ceased because the narrator had _____________.

(a) become tired

(b) given up hope

(c) lost consciousness

(d) won the battle

(ii) The fear being referred to here is ____________.

(iii) “I was coming out of the awful yellow water.” Where is ‘I’ in the given statement?

(a) Lake Wentworth

(b) New Hampshire

(c) Triggs Island

(d) YMCA pool

(iv) The outcome of this experience was ___________ .

(a) terror of water

(b) aversion of water

(c) fear of water

(d) all of these

(v) Why was there no more terror?

(vi) Whose curtain of life fell? Did it really happen?

OR
(B) Maybe I give the impression of doing many things. But in the end, I am convinced I

am always doing the same thing ……… And then I have a secret. Did you know what
will happen if you eliminate the empty spaces from the universe, eliminate the empty
spaces in all the atoms? The universe will become as big as my fist. Similarly, we have
a lot of empty spaces in our lives. I call them interstices. Say you are coming over to
my place. You are in an elevator and while you are coming up, I am waiting for you.
This is an interstice, an empty space. I work in empty spaces.
(i) Which one of the following may NOT be an appropriate title to the above

extract?
(a) “The Empty Spaces of Umberto Eco ”

(b) “I am always doing the same thing”.

(c) “Eco’s Echoes”

(d) “Umberto Eco–Mr. Prolific!”

(ii) “I work in empty spaces”. Choose the option that most accurately captures Eco’s

idea of empty spaces.

1. management of time
2. organisation of space

3. philosophical inclination
4. command of thought

(a) Options (1) and (2)

(b) Options (3) and (4)

(c) Options (1) and (3)

(d) Options (2) and (4)

(iii) Read the questions given below. Imagine they were interjections raised by

the interviewer based on the above extract. Choose the option that correctly
describes the given questions.
(1) If you are ‘always doing the same thing’, isn’t your work lacking in originality?
(2) Could you elaborate in these larger ethical, philosophical interests that

inform your work?

(3) All writing happens in empty spaces. In fact, why don’t you tell all about my

experiences?
(a) (1) is not relevant; (2) is appropriate; and (3) is unnecessary

(b) (1) is appropriate; (2) is repetitive; and (3) is useful information

(c) (1) is inappropriate; (2) is relevant; and (3) is not relevant

(d) (1) is unnecessary; (2) is intrusive; and (3) is extrapolatory

(iv) Doing many things here refers to _____________ .

(v) What is the secret of the narrator?

(vi) Find the word from the extract which means the opposite of ‘obtain’.

V. Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each: (5×2=10)
(i) Why did the poet suppress her pain in the presence of her mother at the airport?

(ii) Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?

(iii) Why was the peddler surprised when he knocked at the door of Crofter’s cottage?

(iv) What did Gandhiji do for social and cultural upliftment of the people of Champaran?

Sample Papers 35
(v) Why did Jansie discourage Sophie from having dream?

(vi) Why was the English poet, who visited Gemini Studios, as baffled as his audience?

VI. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. (2×2=4)
(i) Why was the Maharaja once in danger of losing his Kingdom?

(ii) Why is Antarctica the place to go to understand the Earth’s present, past and future?

(iii) Why did Zitkala-Sa not want her hair to be cut short?

VII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (1×5=5)
(i) Edla’s empathetic and compassionate behaviour changed the life of the rattrap

seller. Do you think that an act of kindness can change a person’s view of the world?
OR
(ii) Maintaining a balance between one’s fantasies and real world is the key to the

survival. Give your opinion on Sophie’s character in the light of the given statement.
Justify with reference to the chapter ‘Going Places’.
VIII.
Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (1×5=5)
(i) Good human values are far above any other value system. How did Dr Sadao succeed

as a doctor as well as a patriot?

OR
(ii) Knowing too much of your future is never a good thing as it may open a way to

disaster. Justify with reference to the episodes of the Tiger King.

zzz
SECTION–A

I. (i) (c) their sedentary lifestyle

(ii) Early development of Type 2 diabetes in children occurs due to the family history

this disease which a major health threat for the children.

(iii) The children can put their weight down by running, jumping and engaging

themselves in outdoor activities.

(iv) (b)
harried
(v) (a)
Children are very active in outdoor games.
(vi) One major reason for diabetes among children is their lifestyle as they are not

indulging in any kind of outdoor activities.

(vii) Children are bombarded with TV ads which tempt them for fast food and high

sugar meals and snacks. These highly effective advertisements are responsible for
obesity associated medical problems in children.
(viii) heart disease, high BP and kidney disease.

(ix) (d)
All of these
(x) (b)
Diabetes – Symptoms and Cure
II. (i) (a) True

(ii) (b) Western European countries were experiencing new COVID-19 cases because of

summer holidays, travel and parties.

(iii) (b)
Spain
(iv) UK

(v) (a)
That additional lockdown should not be necessary
(vi) (a)
9
(vii) WHO was not in favour of additional lockdown to keep the economy and education

system running.
(viii) (b)
Spain was concerned about its own resurgence.
(ix) (a)
That the pandemic was rebounding across the continent
(x) Spain entered the top ten of the most-affected countries in the world once more and

is currently in rank 9 for total cases.
Sample Papers 37
SECTION–B
III. 1. (A)

SUNLIGHT FOUNDATION SCHOOL, SAHARANPUR

NOTICE
04 March, 20XX
DEBATE COMPETITION
This is to inform all the students that our school is going to organize a debate contest in the
school premises on the topic ‘Foreign Film are Not Relevant to Indian Culture.’
Venue: School Auditorium
Date: 15th March
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Those who are interested can register their names to the undersigned by 8th March, 20XX.
The final list of the participants will be displayed on the notice board by 12th March, 20XX.
For any queries, please contact the undersigned.
Sanjay
Head Boy
OR
(B)
METRO COLONY, SURAT
NOTICE
04 March, 20XX
A BRIEFCASE FOUND!
All the residents of the Metro Colony are hereby informed that a small briefcase with some
documents and cash has been found in the park. Whoever has lost it, can collect it from the
undersigned by giving the specific details about the lost item.
Rajat
12/4, Metro Colony
2. (A)
The Principal, Teachers, Staff and Students
Of
CHRIST KING COLLEGE, LALITPUR
Solicit your benign presence
on the special occasion of
ANNUAL PRIZE DAY
on
Friday, 10th May, 20XX
at
College Auditorium
from
6:00 p.m. onwards
Mr. Rajat Pathak, DC, has kindly consented to be the
Chief Guest and give away the prizes to the students.
R.S.V.P.
Principal
Christ King College, Lalitpur
Ph. No. 9479XXXXXX
OR
(B)
To
The Principal
Sunshine Public School
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
Subject: Acceptance of Invitation
I feel honoured to receive your kind invitation to preside over as a judge at the event of
English Elocution to be held in your school. I confirm my acceptance for the same and will
make sure that I am present there at the scheduled date and time.
Yours sincerely
Rani Chopra
Sample Papers 39
3. (A)
New Ashok Colony
Agra
10 May, 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
Agra
Subject: Expressing concern over potholes and manholes
Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw the kind attention of the
concerned authorities towards the pitiable condition of the main road leading to the colony.
It is in a very bad condition with potholes and open manholes. These manholes are an open
invitation to accidents and further other injuries and loss.
To add more to the miseries, there is no street light as well which makes the matter worse,
especially at night. It makes our life quite unsafe. During rainy days and winters, the residents
have to face a lot of problems. People are afraid of coming out of their homes. We have
requested to the Municipal Corporation Department (MCD) a number of times, but so far,
no action has been taken.
With this letter, I urge the MCD to take immediate and prompt action to avoid any future
mishap.
Yours sincerely
Wasim
OR
(B) B – 6, Fort Road

Agra
20 May, 20XX
The Principal
Ramnarayan International School
Ghaziabad
Subject: Application for the post of nursery teacher
Sir/Madam,
This is with reference to the advertisement published in The Hindu dated 15 May,
20XX. I hereby wish to apply for the post of nursery teacher in your reputable
school.
I wish to point out that I have an experience of more than five years of handling tiny
tots. I am fluent in English and well versed in computer. I can arrange cultural and

other co-scholastic programmes as well.
If given an opportunity, I can prove my potential. Please find enclosed my bio-data
and testimonials for your reference.
Yours sincerely
Suraj
BIO-DATA
Name : Suraj
Date of Birth : 20 – 09 – 1995
Address : B – 62, Ford Road, Agra
Mobile No. : 9896XXXXXX
Marital Status : Married
Educational Qualification : B.Sc. , B.Ed.
Working Experience : 5 years with Tender Touch Public School, Agra
Salary : Negotiable
References : (1) Father Michael Mathew
Principal, Tender Touch Public School, Agra
(2) Mr P. Thakur
HOD, English Department, TTPS, Agra
4. (A)
Energy Conservation : The Need of the Hour
-By Amrit
Someone has rightly said, “Switch off a light and ward off load-shedding”, but
people of our nation do not bother about such good thoughts. They keep on
misusing energy forgetting that our energy consumption is responsible for creating
a lot of pressure on our ecosystem. Certainly, energy conservation has become the
need of the hour. We know our day-to-day life runs on electricity. Be it fans, lights,
televisions, escalators, vehicles on roads or water supply to our homes, each and
everything requires energy.
The energy on Earth is not in unlimited supply. Furthermore, energy can take
plenty of time to regenerate. This certainly makes it essential to conserve energy.
India has grown into one of the most powerful developing nations over the years
and the rapid development and advancement has made today’s human slave to
machines and our over dependence on these machines need energy and it also
needs its conservation, so that we can keep pace with our lifestyle in future too. So if
we don’t start thinking now, our future may be very dark.
In last few decades, consumption has been multiplied but its production is not in
proportion to our need, so the only option to change our attitude towards its misuse
and conserve energy to protect the environment. In conclusion, energy conservation
must be among the utmost priorities of humanity. Mahatma Gandhi was absolutely
right when he said, “the earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs but not
Sample Papers 41
every man’s greed”. This statement pretty much sumps up the importance of energy
conservation.
OR
(B) Human Trafficking – Shame on humanity
-By Gargi Pandey
New Delhi, 16 March, 20XX: Recently, a few cases of human trafficking have been
reported in the city. It has become a global problem affecting people of all ages,
especially women and girls. Across the country, a total of 2,189 cases of human
trafficking has been registered.
Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked globally for diverse
reasons. Human trafficking in the form of sexual exploitation, organ selling,
imposition of cheap work in the form of forced labour is very common these days.
Women and girls are usually trafficked for sexual exploitation and forced marriage.
Men and boys are usually trafficked for the purpose of labour or to sell the body
organs. Children and women are the victims of this social stigma.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has taken a number of measures
to prevent and counter human trafficking in the country. These include the setting
up of 225 specialised anti-human trafficking units across the country, sensitization
programmes for police and training of prosecutors.

(Literature)
IV. 1. (A) (i) (a) blissful

(ii) (b) total stillness
(iii) (c) beautiful moment of thoughtful silence
(iv) Repetition has been used in the 2nd line of the stanza.
(v) human beings
(vi) Poem: Keeping Quiet, Poet: Pablo Neruda
OR
1. (B) (i)
(a) sophisticated city dwellers in their vehicles.
(ii) (c) Option (3)
(iii) (d) Annoyed
(iv) Transferred epithet
(v) N stands for North and S stands for South
(vi) (b) Repetition
2. (A) (i)
The white prisoner of war’s flesh was blackened.
(ii) (d) Both (a) and (c)
(iii) (d) All of these
(iv) Whispered
OR
2. (B) (i)
(b) By acid
(ii) (c) Face
(iii) negative/pessimistic
(iv) to the acid that burnt his face
3. (A) (i)
(c) lost consciousness
(ii) drowning
(iii) (c) YMCA pool
(iv) (d) all of these
(v) There was no more terror because the narrator became unconscious.
(vi) The narrator’s curtain of life fell. No, it didn’t happen in reality as he was

rescued.
OR
3. (B) (i)
(a) “The Empty Spaces of Umberto Eco”

(ii)(c) Options (1) and (3)

(iii)(c) (1) is inappropriate; (2) is relevant; and (3) is not relevant

(iv) working as a professor in weekdays, writing novels on Sundays, and

composing something in intervals.

(v) Working in the empty spaces is the secret of the narrator.

(vi) Eliminate

V. (i) At the airport, the poet feels fearful of leaving her pale, ageing mother alone and

unattended. She has an ache and fear inside her heart and is not sure if she will be
able to see her mother again. She hides her feelings of anxiety by giving a long and
cheerful smile to her mother as she bids her adieu.
(ii) ‘Grandeur’ is associated with the ‘mighty dead’ because their noble and extraordinary

deeds inspire us. They have left behind the beautiful legacy of their brave acts. Their
selfless sacrifice for their nation and deeds for the welfare of mankind still continue
to inspire us.
(iii) Peddler became habitual of receiving very cold reception from people in general.

He was being treated very harshly and rudely, but the old crofter gave him a very
warm reception. The crofter not only shared his cottage, food and bed but also
shared his secrets. His hospitality surprised the peddler.
(iv) Gandhiji not only abolished sharecropping system but also uplifted a number of

social and cultural backwardness. He invited teachers and doctors to volunteer

themselves to teach them about sanitation, health issues and other needed things.
He worked for the total upliftment of the poor peasants of Champaran.
(v) Jansie did not approve Sophie’s dream because she was more practical and realistic.

She knew that they both came from a lower economic background and it was likely
that they would end up working at the biscuit factory. So Jansie, being a true friend,
kept on discouraging her and guiding her to be realistic and practical.
(vi) When the English poet visited Gemini Studios, his British accent defeated any

attempt to understand what he was saying. His lecture lasted an hour but it left the
Sample Papers 43
audience confused as no one knew what he was talking about. The poet himself was
baffled as he felt the strangeness of his talk.
VI. (i) Once, a high-ranking British officer visited Pratibandapuram. He was very fond of

hunting tigers and being photographed with them. However, the Maharaja refused
to give him permission to hunt tigers because he feared that other British officers
too would turn up with the same request. It was because of his refusal that the
Maharaja stood in danger of losing his kingdom.
(ii) To know the impact of human’s callous action on the planet, Antartica is the right

place to go as there is no life except huge variety of flora and fauna. It holds in its
ice-core, half million year old carbon record and thus, provides clues for our past,
present and future.
(iii) Zitkala-Sa belonged to a Native American warrior tribe and they had the tradition to

keep long and heavy hair. They considered short hair to be associated with mourners
or cowards, so she was completely against her hair to be cut short and protested
wildly.
VII. (i) An act of kindness does change a person’s perspective and nature as well as his

view of the world. The peddler had been living a despicable life of poverty, despair
and frustration. Everywhere he went, he was not welcomed and had the fear of
being caught. No one was there in his life who would love him. Edla’s hospitality
and kindness deeply touched him. He never expected such kind treatment, being a
stranger to Edla. It was her generosity which made the peddler confess his mistake
and repay for his wrong doings by behaving like a real captain. He left rattrap as a
Christmas gift for her and wrote a letter of thanks leaving behind the stolen money.
This way, he redeemed himself from a thief to a real captain and emerged altogether
as a transformed person.
OR
(ii) Fantasy always takes one away from the real world. It is a temporary refuge. Sophie

an adolescent/teenager belongs to the poor socio-economic background. Her real

world forces her to remain in the fantasy world. She always takes imaginary flight
where she often wants to remain. Her world is full of glamour and sophistication.
She is unable to balance between real and fantasy world. For her brother Geoff, she
desires to be in his world, the places where he goes, the people he meets, she wants
to experience it all too. Not only this, she fantasises about the famous footballer
prodigy Danny Casey and tries to prove her meeting with him to be a real one. No
one believes her and she suffers badly as it only gives her disappointment. So for
survival, it is must for one to maintain a balance between fantasy and reality.
VIII. (i) Dr Sadao had a harmonious blending of his profession and patriotism in him though

he suffered from a dilemma and acted more as a doctor, after he encountered Tom,
the American prisoner of war. Nationalism was ingrained in Dr Sadao and that made
him return home to serve his country and marry a Japanese as his father wished
him to. His own experience in America had been unpleasant because of a racial
bias. However, when he found a wounded prisoner of war, he put his duty foremost.
Even though he knew he could be prosecuted for this, he saved Tom’s life twice. For
a short period, he was conflicted and even confided into the General, but when he
figured that the General may not be sending his assassins, he decided to put Tom
on a boat, with food and clothing, to row to a little island nearby and wait patiently
to board a Korean fishing boat to escape. Things happened as planned, leaving Dr
Sadao in a state of bewilderment as to why he saved the life of an American enemy.
Perhaps, it is the doctor who dominated the patriot in him.
OR
(ii) I agree with the given statement as knowing too much of our future is never a

good thing. It may bring out disastrous effect. If we know about our long life, we
may go to any length for materialistic possession and other personal advantages. As
per the fiction ‘The Tiger King’, the prediction turned out to be fatal for the mute
innocent tigers who were killed mercilessly only for the personal defence. Since the
astrologer had predicted Jilani Jung’s death from tiger, the Maharaja decided to kill
tigers to defend himself at the cost of their lives. He started a tiger hunt campaign
and emptied his forests. Then he married and wiped out the tigers from his father-
in-law’s forest too. His hunger did not get satiated and he kept on searching the
100th tiger but ultimately became a victim of his own foolishness and got killed by
a wooden tiger. The massacre of 100 tigers took place only because the Maharaja
knew about his future. So future must be kept hidden as its outcome may be very
unexpected and disastrous too.
zzz
Sample Papers 45
SAMPLE PAPER
[SOLVED]
12
SECTION–A

(1) Weight gain and difficulty in losing weight are big concerns for those suffering from
hypothyroidism. When thyroid hormones are low, metabolism slows down, causing
weight gain. There’s no special diet that can help cure thyroid disorders completely, but
eating a well-balanced diet can definitely help maintain proper thyroid functioning.
(2) Diet plays an important role in helping us manage the disease. While we may be good at
controlling what we eat, it’s also important to think about what we drink. Healthy drinks
for people with hypothyroid should be low in calories and rich in nutrients. Thyroid
inflammation may be behind our anxiety and stress.
(3) The thyroid gland secretes several hormones, including thyroxine (T4). These hormones
help regulate metabolism and body temperature among many other things. If thyroid
doesn’t work properly, it can do a whole lot of damage. For instance, when thyroid
makes more hormones than the body needs, it is called hyperthyroidism. By contrast,
hypothyroidism is the result of too little thyroid hormone. Facial swelling is a common
sign in this disease.
(4) These problems can range from small to big depending on when it is getting diagnosed.
In most cases, if the thyroid is diagnosed and treated properly, it is possible for the
person suffering from the disease to keep it under control. Following a healthy lifestyle
that includes physical activities and a nutritious diet can go a long way in maintaining
a healthy thyroid. Some food contains nutrients that help in improving the health of
the thyroid glands. These will not only help our thyroid heal but also support the liver,
lymphatic system, and digestive system.
(5) Ayurvedic practices believe that drinking warm lemon water helps balance and detoxify
body. The warm water (it should be purified and lukewarm, not boiling) warms up our
body while the lemon, which is an excellent source of vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant
that may help flush out toxins from our body. Since lemons are highly alkalizing, they
help us release excess water (diuretic), boost our immune system, balance our body’s pH
level, clear up our skin with antioxidants, and even aid weight loss by curbing hunger,
pains and cravings.
(6) But on the top of everything, we should make sure that prior advice from the doctor
before making significant dietary changes is taken.
(1×10=10 marks)
(i) The correct definition of ‘hypothyroidism’ is ______________.

(a) ‘Hypothyroidism’ helps us gain weight.

(b) ‘Hypothyroidism’ causes weight gain and difficulty in losing weight.

(c) Weight loss is a common phenomenon in ‘hypothyroidism’.

(d) ‘Hypothyroidism’ helps regulate metabolism.

(ii) What happens when metabolism slows down?

(iii) What is the possible reason behind our anxiety and stress, according to the passage?

(iv) What does ‘lukewarm water’ mean?

(a) Crystal clear water

(b) Very hot water

(c) Sterilized water

(d) Tap running water

(v) Identify the INCORRECT statement from the following as per your reading of the

given passage.
(a) Weight gain and difficulty in losing it are big concerns nowadays.

(b) There is a special diet which can help cure thyroid disorders completely.

(c) A balanced diet can help maintain proper functioning.

(d) The thyroid gland discharges several hormones.

(vi) List the common symptoms in the patient who is suffering from thyroid.

(vii) Complete the given sentence.

Healthy drinks for people with hypothyroidism should be ______________.

(viii) T4 is a hormone that ______________ .

(ix) What are the blessings of drinking warm lemon water?

1. It is an excellent source of vitamin C.

2. It reduces hair fall.
3. It helps flush out toxins from our body.
4. It helps balance and detoxify body.
5. It boosts immunity.
(a) Only 4 and 5
(b) Only 1 and 5

(c) All except 2

(d) Only 2

(x) Choose the best suitable title for the given passage.

(a) Hormones and Metabolism

(b) Thyroid and Hypothyroid

(c) Hypothyroid – Systems and Cure (d) None of these


(1) The present generation is well updated in 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 utilisation of the computer and internet.
Sample Papers 47
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Utilization of Utilization of How often do you How often do you How often do you
computer for computer for use email? use the internet for use the internet for
academic activites personal use work? leisure?
everyday 2-3 days a week once a week once a month never
(2) 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 it to do their academic assignments and projects.
(3) However, research on the Net is very different from traditional library research, and the
differences can cause problems. The Net is a tremendous resource, but it must be used
carefully and critically.
(4) 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 they preferred print books for leisure whereas, 45% of respondents
chose e-books rather than the printed versions, for research or assignments.
(5) When asked what e-book features make them a 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.
(1×10=10 marks)
(i) State whether the given statement is True or False.

One of the reasons for recent transformations of education is the easy availability of
the internet.
(ii) “... but it must be used carefully and critically.” The idea of being careful and critical

while using the internet, is mainly a reference to ___________________.

(iii) Based on the graphical chart in the passage, choose the option that correctly states

the depiction of internet usage for work and leisure, for once a month.
Work Leisure Work Leisure Work Leisure Work Leisure
(1) (2) (3) (4)
(a) Option (1)

(b) Option (2)

(c) Option (3)

(d) Option (4)

(iv) In the cartoon, the student’s reaction reveals that he is ___________________.

(v) Based on the given graphical chart, pick the option that lists the area of zero response

from respondents.
(a) Never using 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

(vi) 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 50% of the respondents voted for e-books for research

assignments.
(c) More than 50% respondents started enjoying both versions of books for leisure

reading.
(d) The survey was intended for understanding the e-book experience among

students.
(vii) Based on the given graphical representation of data in the passage, what can you

infer about the usage of email?

(viii) Choose the statement from the following that is NOT CORRECT, according to the

passage.
(1) Net-based learning will replace face-to-face education.

(2) The resources that the Net provides are a danger to the education system.

(3) The current times has seen a rise in the convenience of using the internet for

academic purposes.
(a) (1) and (2)
(b) (2) and (3)

(c) (1) and (3)

(d) Only (2)
(ix) State a point from the passage to support the given statement.

Internet-based education can only complement familiar methods of education.

(x) The word ‘tremendous’, as used in paragraph 3, means the same as:

(a) expensive
(b) renowned
(c) innovative
(d) incredible

Sample Papers 49
(A) You are Prabha/Prabhu Mittal, Secretary of Literary Club of Mother Teresa Public

School, Raniganj. Write a notice informing students to enroll themselves for the
Club Membership for the next session. Invent necessary details and draft the notice
within 50 words. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are the Secretary of Metro Housing Society, Lucknow. Write a notice to be

circulated to all the residents of society informing them about a Dandiya Night to be
organised in society on the ocassion Navratri. Invent necessary details and draft the
notice within 50 words.

(A) You are Kusum Rana of Greater Noida. You are opening a Boutique. Draft an

invitation for the inauguration of the same specifying the Chief Guest and other
important details. Draft the card within 50 words. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You have received an invitation from your friend to spend the winter vacation in

Manali. Your friend is the owner of an Adventurous Club over there. Respond to his
invitation considering yourself as Kunj Mathur of Agra.

(A) You are Pramod Malhotra, a prominent educationalist. You feel pained when you see

the small children carrying a heavy school bags. Write a letter to the editor of national
newspaper about the undesirability of primary school kids carrying such a heavy load.
(5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Amarjyoti Dey of H-29, Plaza Tower, Hyderabad. You have seen an

advertisement in newspaper under situation vacant column and you wish to

apply for the same. Draft your job application along with your bio-data as per the
advertisement.
SITUATION VACANT
WANTED experienced, trained postgraduate teacher in Chemistry to teach classes XI and
XII in a reputed CBSE affiliated residential school. Fluency in English is a must. Working
knowledge of computers is preferable; salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
Please apply to: Box No. 9001, C/o The Hindu, Hyderabad.
4. Attempt ANY ONE any one from A and B of the following:

(A) You are Mahima/Mantosh of Sunrise Public School, Jaipur. Write an article on

‘Sedentary Lifestyle–The Reason Behind Unhealthy Generation’ within 120-150

words. (5 marks)
OR
(B) Traffic police has launched a special drive against pollution-causing vehicles. This

has led to traffic jams and crowds at important intersections. Write a report, in
120-150 words, to be published in ‘Chennai Times’. You are Prince/Priya, 12, M.G.
Road, Adayar, Chennai.

(Literature)
IV.

(A) “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.”
(i) Why does the poet want us to keep quiet?

(a) To avoid headache

(b) To rest

(c) To introspect
(d) None of these

(ii) Identify the poetic device used in the 2nd and 3rd lines of the stanza.

(iii) What do you understand by the phrase ‘the face of the Earth’?

(iv) What will happen when no one speaks in any language?

(a) There will be calmness and peace all around.

(b) There will be no language discrimination.

(c) There will be no misunderstanding.

(d) There will be no noise as noise creates headache and conflict.

(v) The poetic device used in ‘our arms’, is ______________.

(vi) The poet advocates universal brotherhood in the poem.

(True/False)
OR
(B) “Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.”
(i) How are Aunt Jennifer’s tigers described?

(a) As bold and fearless

(b) As cruel and menacing

(c) As sober and serene

(d) As sleek and slender

(ii) Complete the following analogy.

Tiger : bold :: ______________ : timid

(iii) The poetic device used in the last line of the stanza is ______________ .

(iv) The word ‘prance’ in the stanza means:

(a) to destroy
(b) to camouflage

(c) to shriek
(d) to move about or leap

(v) The rhyming scheme used in the above stanza is:

(a) abcb
(b) aabb
(c) abab
(d) abaa
(vi) Why are they not afraid of men?

Sample Papers 51
(1×4=4)
(A) “The ‘master’ ought not to heal the wound of this white man,” he said bluntly to

Hana. “The white man ought to die. First he was shot. Then the sea caught him and
wounded him with her rocks”.
(i) Who uttered the above dialogue?

(a) The old gardener

(b) The driver

(c) The cook

(d) The maid

(ii) The ‘master’ here refers to ___________.

(iii) Find out the word from the extract which means the opposite of ‘courteously’.

(iv) Who was the white man?

(a) He was an enemy.

(b) He was an escapist.

(c) He was a prisoner of war.

(d) Both (a) and (c)

OR
(B) The Maharaja and the dewan held deliberations over this issue. As a result, a telegram

was dispatched forthwith to a famous British company of jewellers in Calcutta. ‘Send

samples of expensive diamond rings of different designs’.
(i) What was the cause of deliberation?

(a) To show of the power to Britishers

(b) To challenge the authority of Britishers

(c) To save the kingdom

(d) Both (a) and (b)

(ii) What was brought from Calcutta?

(iii) Why did the Maharaja specifically give order to bring expensive diamond rings?

(iv) The word from the extract which means as same as ‘precious’ is:

(a) deliberation
(b) expensive

(c) dispatched
(d) diamond


(1×6=6)
(A) He walked and walked without coming to the end of the wood, and finally he realised

that he had only been walking around in the same part of the forest. All at once he
recalled his thoughts about the world and the rattrap. Now his own turn had come.
He had left himself be fooled by a bait and had been caught.
(i) Who is here?

(a) Peddler
(b) Ironmaster

(c) Crofter
(d) None of them

(ii) What was he doing in the woods?

(iii) What did he realise then?

(a) That he was mistaken by the ironmaster

(b) That he took the wrong way

(c) That he had been walking around in the same part of the forest

(d) All of these

(iv) “Now his own turn had come.” Explain.

(a) That he has been caught in a trap for getting fooled by a bait

(b) That now he will be fooled someone

(c) That now it’s his turn to steal the money


(v) Complete the following analogy.

mouse : bait :: peddler : _____________ .

(vi) Why did the peddler think that the world was a rattrap?

OR
(B) He had the ability to look cheerful at all times even after having had a hand in a flop

film. He always had work for somebody – he could never do things on his own – but
his sense of loyalty made him identify himself with his principal completely and turn
his entire creativity to his principal’s advantages. He was tailor-made for films. Here
was a man who could be inspired when commanded.
(i) Who is referred as ‘he’ here?

(a) Office boy

(b) Asokamitran

(c) Vasan
(d) Subbu

(ii) ‘He had the ability to look cheerful’. What can you infer from the given

statement?
(iii) ‘Sense of loyalty’ refers to _____________.

(iv) Complete the following analogy.

Vasan : first man :: ………….. : second man

(v) ‘Principal’ in the given extract refers to:

(a) the head of an institution

(b) the first in order of importance

(c) the sum of money invested

(d) the most important or senior person in an organisation

(vi) What made him different from the crowd?

(a) His loyalty

(b) His creativity

(c) His innovative ideas

(d) All of these

(i) What was the ‘conflict of duties’ in which Gandhiji was involved?

(ii) How is Aunt Jennifer different from her own creations?

(iii) Why did Sophie want to have a strong bond with Geoff?

(iv) Parents are the backbone of children’s life. Losing them is very painful. Justify with

reference to “My Mother at Sixty-six”.

(v) How has the new job impacted Saheb?

(vi) National integration is beautifully highlighted in ‘Poets and Pancakes’. Illustrate.

Sample Papers 53
VI. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. (2×2 = 4)
(i) Why did the Maharaja decided to get married?

(ii) How does Antartica differ from the rest of the Earth?

(iii) Do you think Derry’s mother is protective of him? Justify your opinion.

VII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (1×5 = 5)
(i) ‘Love truth, but pardon error is the essence of human life.’ Justify with reference to

the chapter “The Rattrap”.

OR
(ii) ‘Disappointment, illusion and unrealistic desires can only dishearten an individual’.

Justify with reference to the chapter “Going Places”.

VIII.
Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (1×5 = 5)
(i) What explains the attitude of the General in the matter of the enemy soldier? Was

it a human consideration, lack of national loyalty, dereliction of duty or simply self-

absorption?
OR
(ii) Derry and Mr Lamb both are victims of physical impairment and society’s neglect

but they are completely different in their attitudes and approach. Discuss with
reference to the chapter.
zzz
SECTION–A

I. (i) (b) ‘Hypothyroidism’ causes weight gain and difficulty in losing weight.

(ii) It causes weight gain.

(iii) Thyroid inflation

(iv) (c)
Sterilized water
(v) (b)
There is a special diet which can help cure thyroid disorders completely.
(vi) Facial swelling and weight gain are the common symptoms.

(vii) low in calories and rich in nutrients

(viii) regulates metabolism and body temperature

(ix) (c)
All except 2 (x) (b) Thyroid and Hypothyroid

II. (i) True

(ii) plagiarism

(iii) (c)
Option (3) (iv) indignant

(v) Never using internet for work and leisure

(vi) (c)
More than 50% respondents voted for e-books for research assignments.
(vii) About 18% of people use email once a week and less than 5% of people never use the

email.
(viii) (a)
(1) and (2)
(ix) At present, many schools and universities have been implementing internet-based

learning, as it supplements the conventional teaching methods.

(x) (d) incredible

SECTION–B
II. 1. (A)

MOTHER TERESA PUBLIC SCHOOL, RANIGANJ

NOTICE
10 March, 20XX
CLUB MEMBERSHIP FOR NEXT SESSION
All the students are hereby informed that the Literary Club of our school is inviting names
from new students to enroll themselves as the member of our Literary Club. The membership
will help the students to explore their literary talents and exhibit in different contests.
Students those who want to enrol, kindly register your name to the undersigned latest by
15th March, 20XX.
Prabhu Mittal
Secretary, Literary Club
Sample Papers 55
OR
(B)
METRO HOUSING SOCIETY, LUCKNOW

NOTICE
20 September, 20XX
DANDIYA NIGHT
This is to announce all the residents of Metro Housing Society that on the grand occasion
of Navratri, we are planning to organise a ‘Dandiya Night’ on 6th October, 20XX from 07:00
p.m. onwards. DJ will be invited from Mumbai. The entry charge will be ` 500/- per head,
which includes snacks and dinner. The dress code will be ‘ethnic’. Your heartiest participation
is expected.
Entry pass can be obtained from our society’s office from 25th September.
ABC
Secretary.
2. (A)

Kusum Rana
requests the pleasure of your benign presence on the
Grand Inauguration
of
GALAXY BOUTIQUE
(A perfect family boutique corner)
on
Sunday, the 20th October at 11:00 a.m.
at
C/14, Central Mall, Ranchi
R.S.V.P
Kusum Rana
Ph No. – 9461XXXXXX
OR
(B)
33/B, Kumarganj
Agra
10 December, 20XX
Dear XYZ
Thank you for your warm invitation to spend the winter vacation with you. I would love to
join you in Manali as I have heard a lot about its serene beauty and pure surrounding. We will
have a great fun together. Looking forward to meet you.
Your friend
Kunj Mathur
3. (A)
312/A-Block
Gandhi Apartment,
New Delhi
12 July, 20XX
The Editor
The Hindu
New Delhi
Subject: Concern over primary kids carrying heavy load
Dear Sir
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to bring to the notice of the
authorities concerned regarding the appalling state of the pain of tender shoulders. At the
age of playing with balls and dolls, their small and tender shoulders are carrying heavy load
of school bags.
In my opinion, this is quite an injustice to our tiny tots as they must be taught through
activities, not through books and copies. Practical knowledge through different interesting
games and activities must be preferred for their holistic development. The commercialisation
of education is not valid for these innocent minds. Let them bloom, let them grow. Under
the pressure of commercialised education, we are crushing their childhood.
It’s my earnest request to the authority to take positive steps towards my request and keep
trying to understand the pains of small children.
I hope my letter will awake the sleepy heads.
Yours sincerely
Pramod Malhotra
OR
(B) H-29, Plaza House

Hyderabad
20 September, 20XX
The Principal
ABC School
Hyderabad
Subject: Application for the post of PGT Chemistry
Sir/Madam
This is with reference to the advertisement published in ‘The Hindu’ dated
15 September, 20XX. I wish to apply for the post of PGT Chemistry in your renowned
school.
I have been teaching Chemistry to senior students for nearly ten years. I think my
experience and academic qualifications match the advertisement published by your
Sample Papers 57
side. If given an opportunity, I assure you that I shall work with utmost sincerity and
dedication up to your satisfaction.
I am enclosing a copy of my bio-data for your perusal and kind consideration.
Yours sincerely
Amarjyoti Dey
BIO-DATA
Name : Amarjyoti Dey
DOB : 20 – 09 – 1995
Address : H-29, Plaza House, Hyderabad
Mobile No. : 9896XXXXXX
Educational Qualification : M.Sc. , B.Ed.
Working Experience : 10 years with DAV Public School, Hyderabad
Salary : Negotiable
References : (1) Mr Rajeev Saxena
Principal, DAV Public School, Hyderabad
(2) Mrs Sailja Choudhary
HOD, Chemistry Department, DAVPS, Hyderabad
4. (A)
Sedentary Lifestyle – The Reason Behind Unhealthy Generation
-By Mahima
With the growing dependency on technology and change in lifestyle, children are
less active as compared to the earlier generation. A sedentary lifestyle is a type of
lifestyle involving little or no physical activity. Changes in diet coupled with active
lifestyles have sparked off childhood obesity which is on the rise.
Nowadays, people are often found sitting or lying down while engaged in any type of
activity. Being glued to the TV screen or smartphones results in a sedentary lifestyle.
No one wants to work physically which eventually results in the risk of cardiovascular
diseases, diabetes, hypertension, blood pressure, depression and other health issues,
hampering their growth and development in an early stage. The impact of gadgets
and computerization with internet facility is severely affecting as they are confined
within walls, not giving exposure to outdoor activities. Parents should take care
to incorporate more outdoor activities in their children’s lives and limit the use of
phones or tablets. They must be encouraged to participate in sports and games as
it will increase their resistance power and make them free from ailments. A pledge
should be taken by today’s youngsters to free themselves from the grip of sedentary
lifestyle as it is not only alarming for them but for the society and nation too. The
future of nation depends on the power of youngster and this power can be restored
by good physical and mental health.
OR
(B) DRIVE AGAINST POLLUTION-CAUSING VEHICLES
–By Priya, reporter at Chennai Times
Adayar, 12 March, 20XX: Traffic jams are a common sight in Chennai. But these
days, they are on a rise. This is all because of the special drive launched by the
traffic police against pollution-causing vehicles. Important intersections have been
chosen and the concerned people can be seen in groups stationed at these points.
Each and every vehicle is being stopped and their ‘No Pollution Certificates’ are
being checked. ™1000/- is being charged as fine for the lapse. Though this drive is
a positive step in achieving a pollution-free environment, but it has created a lot of
inconvenience for the public and the daily commuters. People are stranded on the
roads for hours, getting late for their place of work. Though the new drive is highly
appreciated by the people, they also feel that it is important that the public should
not suffer. The authorities must find an alternative way for such a check that would
cause less inconvenience to the general public.

(Literature)
IV. 1. (A) (i)

(c) To introspect

(ii) Anaphora

(iii) It refers to the various countries on the surface of earth.

(iv) (a) There will be calmness and peace all around.

(v) Pun
(vi) True
OR
(B) (i) (a) As bold and fearless

(ii) Aunt Jennifer

(iii) alliteration

(iv) (d) to move about or leap

(v) (b) aabb

(vi) They are not afraid of men because they are bold, fearless and strong.

2. (A) (i) (a) The old gardener

(ii) Dr Sadao Hoki

(iii) Bluntly

(iv) (d) Both (a) and (c)

OR
2. (B) (i) (c) To save the kingdom

(ii) 50 diamond rings were brought from Calcutta.

(iii) The Maharaja wanted to please the high-ranking British official for refusing

him permission to hunt in his kingdom.

(iv) (b) expensive

Sample Papers 59
3. (A) (i)
(a) Peddler
(ii) He was walking in search of an end to the forest.
(iii) (c) That he had been walking around in the same part of the forest
(iv) (a) That he has been caught in a trap for getting fooled by a bait
(v) thirty kronors
(vi) According to the peddler, the world had never existed for any other purpose

than to set baits for people to trap them.

OR
3. (B) (i)
(d) Subbu
(ii) We can infer that Subbu had a positive approach and friendly attitude.
(iii) The sincerity of Subbu towards Gemini Studios
(iv) Subbu
(v) (d) the most important or senior person in an organisation

(vi) (d) All of these

V. (i) Gandhiji was caught up in a situation between not wanting to set a bad example as

a law breaker and also wanting to render the humanitarian and national service for
which he had come. So he told the court that he was involved in a conflict of duties.
(ii) Aunt Jenniffer is completely contrast to her own creations which she has created

through embroidery. Her tigers are bold, strong, confident and fearless, but
ironically, Aunt Jenniffer is weak, meek, timid and coward. She is living an oppressed
life dominated by her husband in a patriarchal society.
(iii) Sophie wanted to have a strong bond with Geoff because she liked her brother more

than anyone else. She wanted to explore the outer world and for this, she wanted
his support. Geoff was not in the habit of talking much and remained lost in his own
thoughts. So she envied his silence and thought that he has access to an unknown
world.
(iv) Parents are the incarnation of God for their children. They are the backbone of their

children’s life. Seeing them becoming weak day-by-day due to old age is very painful
as we feel helpless. Nothing can be done in this regard to provide them comfort
other than spending some quality time with them. In the poem, the poet Kamala
Das is going through similar kind of pain while on her way to airport thinking about
her old mother.
(v) Saheb-e-Alam, who was a rag-picker, got a job in a tea stall. Though he is earning

™ 800/- which is a very huge amount for him and his family, even then he is not quite
happy as he has lost his freedom. He has now become a child labour who has to be
available at the call and beck of his master. He can’t chirp like a free bird as he used
to be earlier.
(vi) The people from different regions and religions working together presented a

glimpse of national integration. The make-up department was first headed by a

Bengali. He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian. He was assisted by a Kannadiga
from Dharwar and Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and
usual local Tamils. All this shows that there was a great deal of national integration
in the make-up room of the Gemini Studios.
VI. (i) To prove the astrologer’s prediction wrong, the Maharaja went on killing tigers

insanely. When he had killed 70 tiger in his kingdom, there were no more tigers
left. So he decided to get married to a girl in a royal kingdom of a state which had a
large tiger population. His decision to get married was highly influenced by his aim
of killing 100 tigers.
(ii) Our planet Earth is occupied by human beings. Everywhere there are buildings,

roads, billboards and other human-made things except in Antarctica. Antarctica is

located at the southern part of the earth and hence, has a freezing temperature
which is generally not present in the rest of the Earth. Due to its cold temperature,
there is no human existence or tall trees.
(iii) Derry’s mother is overprotective of him and always keeps an eye on him. The harsh

and rude attitude of the world made her overprotective as mother. She does not
want her child to face the brutality of the world. Overshadowed by her motherly
instinct, she fails to realise how alienating it would be for Derry to not have friends
because of his burnt face.
VII. (i) It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. Forgiveness and letting go can lead a person

down the path of healing and peace. In the chapter ‘The Rattrap’, the peddler has
no friends to steer him on the right path. Edla’s generosity and kindness change his
attitude toward life. Edla accepts the peddler despite his poor appearance, showing
sign of a true Christian. She wanted to give him a day full of joy and respect. Her trust
and respect, great regard towards the peddler brought a great change in him and
helped him to go through a complete change of soul, from devil to angel. Touched
by the kind treatment of Edla, the peddler requests her to return the stolen money
to the rightful owner and left behind a gift for Edla in a dignified manner.
OR
(ii) Unrealistic dreams lead to unhappiness as the world of dreams takes us away from the

reality. Dreams which are far away from reality put the person in difficult situation.
In the chapter, Sophie used to live in a dream world, dreaming about impossible
things. She was not ready to accept the reality and always took an imaginary flight.
Only constructive dreams could be a guiding light. They make us work harder.
When dream becomes a fantasy, it does more harm than good. Just forgetting
reality in the pursuit of dreams is harmful. Sophie, the protagonist of the story
was nurturing her dreams since childhood. Her dreams of her future life were far
removed from her reality. She used to dream of owning a boutique, of becoming an
actress, but the fact was that she was earmarked for the biscuit factory. Her fantasy
about the footballer player Danny Casey shows us that she lived completely lost in
the world of fantasy. She goes to the extent and puts herself into load of troubles
which leads to unrealistic expectations and therefore, sadness.
VIII. (i) Dr Sadao, when faced with a dilemma, decided to save the life of a wounded

prisoner of war. But out of his loyalty to his nation, he ends up confiding into the
General and prepares himself for the consequences. The General, who was quite
ill at the moment, knew the importance of a skilled surgeon like Dr Sadao for his
own benefit. He pardons Sadao, promising to help him get rid of the American
Sample Papers 61
prisoner, quietly. Dr Sadao waits for a few days but soon realises that the General
might not be sending any assassins afterall. Later, it turns out that the General had
forgotten about this promise, claiming that he was too self-absorbed by his own
health issues. This may not suggest lack of loyalty towards his nations, but it does
show dereliction of duty on the General’s part along with his self-absorption. Since,
he did not hesitate before offering to send his private assassins to kill the American,
it could be inferred that he did not had any humanely feelings or considerations
towards the prisoner.
OR
(ii) Derry’s main problem was his burnt face. One side of his face was eaten up by acid. He

suffered from a tremendous sense of inferiority complex. He was always conscious

that his face was ‘bad’, ‘terrible’ and ‘the ugliest thing’. People were ‘afraid’ of him.
He tried to escape people. He allowed himself to be alienated from the world. On
the other hand, Mr Lamb didn’t allow his physical disability to come in his way. He
accepted life as it came. He had a positive attitude towards life, things and people.
He didn’t find solace in escapism. Children tease him by calling him “Lamey-Lamb”,
but he doesn’t mind it. One of his legs was blown off in the war. But he was full of
life and enjoyed it at his best. He used to enjoy sitting in the sun, reading books and
growing weeds, flowers and even getting to know the people who came by to sit in
his garden.
Derry was withdrawn and defiant. He didn’t trust people. He thought that no one
will ever love and kiss him except his own mother. He couldn’t stand people staring
at him or passing uncharitable remarks. He as touchy and hypersensitive. On the
other hand, Mr Lamb as open-minded and open-hearted. All were welcome in his
house. He loved everybody and everything. He taught Derry how to handle people
and things.
zzz
3 SAMPLE PAPER
[SOLVED]
SECTION–A
(Reading Skills) (20 Marks )

(1) What would we do without humour? How would we enjoy talks with others if we do not
use humour to invite a smile or a laugh? And how would we manage the times when we
feel sad and alone?
(2) With humour, we lighten up each day, and we find common ground with others. We
build healthy relationships with others by knowing what to say and to do that helps,
and what hinders a conversation. Humour often takes us to the edge of uncertainty
when we exaggerate, or tease others to make our point. When humour is successful, we
build trust and cooperation. We discover that we are not alone, we learn to accept our
mistakes, and we look for the good in others and in ourselves. Most important, we create
common ground.
(3) However, when we lose our sense of humour, we often get critical or defensive, and we
blame others or ourselves for what was said, and how it was said.
(4) Humour is an essential skill needed to communicate well with others. A few well-
chosen words get the attention of others and make a serious point without their getting
defensive. Whether we prefer to be the centre of attention or shy and quiet, humour can
be adjusted to suit our personality.
(5) The challenge for everyone is to become more aware of how to add humour, and when
to avoid it. Too much humour, like too much spice, often annoys others. Humour that
is perceived as insensitive often leads others to shut down, or become argumentative.
But when we each maintain our sense of humour; we look for the good in others and in
ourselves. To ensure that our humour is welcomed by others, we need to combine our
humour with speaking clearly and listening effectively.
(6) When we are happy, we are light-hearted. We are open to others and ready to laugh and
play. We laugh when we see things presented in unexpected ways. Humour is the spice
of life. It brings happiness and decreases pain. It enhances speaking well and listening
well.
(7) Organizing fun activities throughout the year keeps us feeling happy and strong. Having
a fundraising event, a surprise birthday, a Halloween costume party or a scavenger hunt
helps.
Sample Papers 63
(1×10=10 marks)
(i) In the passage given above, the author intends to suggest that ____________.

(ii) What happens when humour is successful?

(iii) What, according to the passage, is the consequence when we tease others to make

our point?
(iv) ____________ means ‘to represent something as being larger, better, or worse than it

really is’.
(a) Perspective
(b) Scavenger
(c) Exaggerate
(d) Hinder
(v) When do we start blaming others?

(a) The moment we get miffed

(b) When others start making fun of us

(c) When others start using unparliamentary languages

(d) When we lose our sense of humour

(vi) List something we should do to ensure that our humour is welcomed by others.

(vii) Why is it important for us to learn when to add humour?

(a) Because it can annoy others if we don’t realise the aptness of the time

(b) Because it’s a part of being polite to others

(c) Because it determines our individuality

(d) Because it creates a wrong impression on the minds of others

(viii) “Most important, we create common ground.” What does the phrase ‘common

ground’ mean here?

(ix) Which of the following statements is FALSE, according to the passage?

(a) We should be aware of our words while talking to others.

(b) We should organise fun activities in order to keep ourselves happy and strong.

(c) We should be a patient listener to ensure a healthy discussion.

(d) We laugh only when things come to us in an expected way.

(x) Pick out the best suitable title for the above passage.

(a) Humor – As a Skill

(b) Humor Vs Laughter
(c) Humor – As a Challenge
(d) Humor in Life
(1) Tiger is one of the most recognisable animals around the world, capable of reaching an
average of 3.38 m and 388 kg. Its reddish-orange fur with dark stripes is not only unique
to tigers (some can have white fur), but also allows them to be camouflaged in the dense
environment that they live in. This camouflage, however, has not helped the tiger escape
from the eyes of humans, especially over the last century where tiger populations have
declined by 96.1% – from 100,000 to a little over 3,900.
(2) Over the last century, they have lost 93% of their historic range, and have been eradicated
from Southwest and Central Asia, from the islands of Java and Bali, and from large areas
of Southeast and Eastern Asia. Today, tigers range from the Siberian taiga in the north
of Asia to the tropical mangrove swamps in the south, with the remaining six subspecies
of tiger all classified by
International Union for 45,000 1940s: Bali tiger extinct
Conservation of Nature 40,000 1970s: Caspian tiger extinct
(IUCN) as endangered. 35,000
The exponential drop 30,000 1980s: Javan tiger extinct
in tiger populations can 25,000

1990s: South China tiger reportedly
be seen in the figure 20,000 extinct in the wild
15,000
where the graph shows a
10,000
considerable decrease in 5,000
population, from around 0
40,000 in the 1970s to 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
3,000 in 2010. In fact,
there are more tigers in captivity than there are in the wild today.
(3) In total, there have been 9 known species of tigers, 3 of which have become extinct.
Bengal Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatran Tiger, Siberian Tiger (Amur Tiger), Indochinese
Tiger (Corbett’s Tiger) and South China Tiger (Amoy or Xiamen Tiger) are the six
present species of tiger. The three known extinct species of tigers are Bali Tiger, Caspian
Tiger (Hyrcanian or Turan Tiger) and Javan Tiger. Bengal Tiger, the most common and
second largest subspecies of tigers in the world today, are residing in the forests of India,
Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Malayan Tiger is exclusively found in the southern
parts of the Malay Peninsula which is situated in Southeast Asia. Bali Tiger lived on the
Indonesian island of Bali and was hunted to extinction on 27 September 1937, when the
last of the subspecies was killed. Caspian Tiger (Hyrcanian or Turan Tiger) was found in
the sparse forest habitats and riverine corridors west and south of the Caspian Sea and
east through Central Asia.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) The average weight of a tiger as mentioned in the passage is 3.38 kg.


(ii) What’s the use of dark stripes on the body of a tiger?

(iii) Tigers have been __________ from Southwest and Central Asia, and from the islands

of Java and Bali.

(a) captured
(b) tortured
(c) restricted
(d) eradicated
(iv) Tiger populations have declined by __________.

(v) How many subspecies of tiger have been declared as endangered?

(a) 9
(b) 6
(c) 3
(d) 8
(vi) Where is the Siberian tiger found?

(a) In the South of Africa

(b) In the North of America

(c) In the Northeast of Africa

(d) In the North of Asia

Sample Papers 65
(vii) Give one reason for extinction of subspecies of tiger.

(viii) Which one of the following shows the six present species of tiger?

(a) Bali Tiger, Caspian Tiger, Bengal Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatran Tiger, Javan

Tiger
(b) Bengal Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatra Tiger, Siberian Tiger, Indochinese Tiger,

South China Tiger

(c) Bali Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatra Tiger, Siberian Tiger, Indochinese Tiger,

South China Tiger

(d) Bengal Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatra Tiger, Caspian Tiger, Indochinese Tiger,

South China Tiger

(ix) Suggest a suitable title for the passage.

(a) The Dwindling Tiger Population

(b) Where are the Tigers?

(c) Tigers Face Extinction.

(d) Save the ‘Panthera Tigris’!

(x) Which organization has specified the number of extinct subspecies of tiger?

SECTION–B
III.

(A) You are Rajan/Rajni Jaiswal, Secretary, Literary Club of Buddha Public School,

Gangtok. Your schoolmate, Gautam Adhikari, has won the first prize in the State
Story Writing Competition. The club has decided to organise a function to felicitate
him on his laudable achievement. Write a notice, in not more than 50 words,
informing all the students to attend it to make the occasion memorable. Give all the
necessary details. (5 marks)
OR
(B) Due to the sudden outbreak of Dengue fever, the school authority has decided to

start online classes again. As the principal of Adarsh Vidya Mandir, Surat, draft a
notice within 50 words, giving the necessary details.
(5 marks)
(A) Your grandparents are celebrating their Golden Jubliee Anniversary of their

marriage. Draft an invitation, in not more than 50 words, for friends and relatives.
OR
(B) You are Rahul Chopra, a famous cricketer. You have been invited as the Chief Guest

in Annual Sports of ABP Public School, Patna. Send your regret as you will not be in
city that day.
(5 marks)
(A) Recently you went to your native village to visit your grandparents. You saw that

some of the children in the age group of 5-14 (the age at which they should have
been at school) remained at home, were working in the fields or simply loitering
in the streets. Write a letter, in 120-150 words, to the Editor of a National Daily
analysing the problem and offering solutions to it. You are Navtej/Navita, M-114,
Mount Kailash, Kanpur.
OR
(B) You are Rounak/Rishita Dhiman, a resident of F-42,

Mezzanine Floor, Green Arcade, Trivandrum. You come

across an advertisement inviting applications for the
position of Teaching Faculty. Write an application along
with an updated resume to apply for the same.

(A) You have a joined a health check-up camp in village

Rampur, Punjab. Write a report for local newspaper

Punjab Khabar, covering all the details considering yourself as Jagjeet Singh.
(5 marks)
OR
(B) Single-use, disposable plastic bags are a major source of lingering litter and pollution

in our environment. You were pained to see the picture and decided to write an
article on the same. Assign yourself as Shivkumar/Snigdha.
SECTION–C
IV.
(A) 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.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
(i) The expression ‘on the face of the Earth’ means:

(a) fields and mountains.

(b) rivers and landscapes.

(c) the face of natural surrounding.

(d) the entire surface of the Earth without boundaries.

(ii) Why does the poet urge not to speak in any language?

(a) So that we can have ample time to introspect

(b) So that there is no regional difference

(c) So that we can focus on the agenda of development

(d) So that we can concentrate to ask for blessings from the Almighty

(iii) What does ‘without rush, without engines’ signify?

(iv) ‘Sudden strangeness’ in the last line is an example of ___________.

(v) Complete the analogy.

Unity : together :: Fascinating : ___________ .
Sample Papers 67
(vi) Which of the following titles is the most suitable?

(a) Language – A Barrier

(b) No Sound, No Conflict

(b) No Action, No War

(d) Silence – A Doorway to Introspection

OR
(B) 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, ……..
(i) Identify the poetic device used in ‘trees sprinting’.

(ii) What thought did she try to drive away?

(a) The thought of children spilling out of their homes

(b) The thought of her mother’s approaching death

(c) The thought of boarding the flight on time

(d) The thought of reuniting

(iii) What did the images of ‘young trees’ and ‘merry children’ symbolise?

(a) Symbolise stark contrasts with lifelessness and helplessness

(b) Symbolise adolescence

(c) Symbolise the spring of life, its strength, vigour and happiness

(d) Symbolise innocence

(iv) What was the ‘old familiar ache’ that the poet felt?

(a) That her mother always loved and took great care of her

(b) The pain of being over-occupied

(c) The realisation of bitter natural process of ageing

(d) A particular incident that happened when she was young

(v) Identify the poet and the poem.

(vi) Find two synonyms from the stanza which mean ‘lighter in colour’.


(1×4=4 marks)
(A) “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 moustache. 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 moustaches 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.”
(i) Who is the speaker of the above lines?

(ii) What is the speaker describing in the above extract?

(a) The speaker is describing how he reached the third level.

(b) The speaker is describing the third level where he reached in his imagination.

(c) The speaker is describing how escaped from the third level.

(d) The speaker is describing how Sam, his friend, escaped from the third level.

(iii) Why did the speaker feel that everything was like 1890?

(a) Because of the men with sideburns and fancy moustaches, and the type of

clothes worn by men and women

(b) Because he wanted to escape from the period of 1890

(c) Because he thought his friend Sam also existed in 1890

(d) He is longing for the period because he also used to wear high-buttoned shoes

(iv) What does ‘leg-of-mutton sleeves’ mean?

OR
(B) DERRY
: And no one’ll kiss me, ever. Only my mother, and she kisses me on the

other side of my face, and I don’t like my mother to kiss me, she does
it because she has to. Why should I like that? I don’t care if nobody
ever kisses me.
MR LAMB : Ah, but do you care if you never kiss them.

DERRY : What?

MR LAMB : Girls. Pretty girls. Long hair and large eyes. People you love.

DERRY : Who’d let me? Not one.

MR LAMB : Who can tell?

DERRY : I won’t ever look different. When I’m as old as you, I’ll look the same.

I’ll still only have half a face.

MR LAMB : So, you will. But the world won’t. The world’s got a whole face, and

the world’s there to be looked at.

(i) Why does Derry say that he doesn’t want to be kissed?

(a) Because of his inferiority complex it made him feel so

(b) Because he doesn’t want anyone to come close to him

(c) Because he hates it

(d) Because he doesn’t want to befriend with anyone

(ii) What does Mr Lamb try to do with Derry?

(a) He tries to be his companion.

(b) He tries to win over the heart of Derry because he didn’t have friends.

(c) He tries to convince him that one should learn to live with whatever blemishes

he/she has.
(d) He tries to waste his time the way he does with others.

(iii) ‘But the world won’t. The world’s got a whole face, and the world’s there to be

looked at.’ What does this line tell you about Mr Lamb?
(iv) Name the chapter and its author.


(1×6=6 marks)
(A) “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.
Sample Papers 69
“I have nothing else to do,” he mutters, looking away.
“Go to school,” I say glibly, realising immediately how hollow the advice must sound.
(i) Why did Saheb’s parents migrate from the village in Dhaka to Delhi?
(a) For the sake of heap of garbage

(b) For the sake of decent living conditions

(c) To fulfill their dream of living in a big city like Delhi

(d) To take refuge amidst the green fields of Seemapuri

(ii) What does the above extract describe?

(a) It describes why Saheb is in need of gold.

(b) It describes the plight of Saheb and his family who survive on rag-picking.

(c) It describes the green fields of Dhaka.

(d) It describes the narrator’s profession.

(iii) What does the word ‘gold’ symbolise in the above extract?
(iv) Choose the antonym of the word ‘glibly’ from the following.
(a) Sincerely
(b) Insincerely
(c) Sternly
(d) Wisely
(v) Complete the analogy. Face to face : encounter :: Searching : ……………..
(vi) Natural calamity leads to migration. (True/False)
OR
(B) And then, strangely, there was light. I was coming out of the awful yellow water. At

least my eyes were. My nose was almost out too.

Then I started down a third time. I sucked for air and got water. 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. 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.
(i) What is the speaker describing about in the above extract?

(a) He is describing his ordeal how he sprang up to the surface.

(b) He is describing his swimming training with the instructor.

(c) He is recalling how he was almost drowned in a swimming pool and his struggle

to come back to the surface.

(d) He is recalling the traumatic experience when his father had taken him to the

beach in California.
(ii) “I crossed to oblivion.” What does the speaker intend to say here?

(a) He succeeded to come back to the surface.

(b) He was oblivious of everything around him in the pool.

(c) He was comfortable in the pool.

(d) He struggled hard and came to the surface of the water.

(iii) What did the speaker mean by ‘the curtain of life fell’?

(a) He was almost dead.

(b) He was more confident being into the pool for quite some time.

(c) He was asleep drawing the curtain.

(d) He had no other dream but to overcome his fear.

(iv) When does the speaker feel that he was being carried gently?

(v) ‘Effort’ in the extract means ____________ .

(vi) The word from the extract which means ‘feeling sleepy’ is ____________ .

(i) How was Mukesh different from his family members?

(ii) ‘Once Douglas took courage and the fear disappeared.’ How did it happen?

(iii) ‘Rajkumar Shukla was a strong-head.’ Justify the statement in the light of the chapter

‘Indigo’.
(iv) What does the poet try to convey through the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’?

(v) How was Franz’s opinion changed about Mr Hamel on the last day of the school?

(vi) Why did the ironmaster not hand over the peddler to the sheriff?

(i) Why do we find Dr Sadao in a dilemma?

(ii) What was the opinion of Charley’s friend Sam about the existence of the third level?

(iii) How does Mr lamb try to remove the baseless fears of Derry?

VII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (1×5=5 marks)
(i) Even after four protracted interviews and a lot of restrictions, Gandhiji’s confidence

was not dissuaded; rather it made him stronger and emerged victorious. Narrate
the ordeal that Mahatma Gandhi faced and the lesson that he taught to the peasants.
OR
(ii) It is said that ‘Failure is the key to success’. How did Douglas prove it? Why didn’t

he surrender to his fears?

VIII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (1×5=5 marks)
(i) Describe the intricate tunnels of the Third Level. How did Charley reach there?

Why was he unable to find the third level in his next attempt?
OR
(ii) Both Bama and Zitkala-Sa are victims of discrimination that is practised in the

society. What kind of experience did both of them go through?

zzz
Sample Papers 71
SECTION–A
I. (i) Without humour, life is absolutely dull.

(ii) When humour is successful, we build trust and cooperation.

(iii) Humour takes us to the edge of uncertainty when we tease others to make our point.

(iv) (c)
Exaggerate
(v) (d)
When we lose our sense of humour
(vi) We should combine our humour with speaking clearly and listening effectively.

(vii) (a)
Because it can annoy others if we don’t realise the aptness of the time
(viii) It means the basis of mutual interest or agreement.

(ix) (d)
We laugh only when things come to us in an expected way.
(x) (a)
Humour – As a Skill
II. (i) False

(ii) The dark stripes on the body of a tiger allows it to camouflage.

(iii) (d)
eradicated
(iv) 96.1%

(v) (b)
6
(vi) (d)
In the North of Asia
(vii) Hunting is one of the reasons for extinction of subspecies of tiger.

(viii) (b) Bengal Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatra Tiger, Siberian Tiger, Indochinese Tiger,

South China Tiger

(ix) (a)
The Dwindling Tiger Population
(x) International Union for Conservation of Nature has specified the number of extinct

subspecies of tiger.
Section–B
III. 1. (A)

BUDDHA PUBLIC SCHOOL, GANGTOK

NOTICE
10 September, 20XX
FELICITATION FUNCTION
This is to inform all the students that our schoolmate Gautam Adhikari, who is a prominent
member of our school literary club has won the first prize in the State Story Writing Competition.
To celebrate his achievement, the club has organised a function to felicitate him for his laudable
achievement.
Date: 15 September, 20XX
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Venue: Club Hall
All the students are requested to attend the function to make it a memorable occasion.
Ragini Jaiswal
Secretary, Literary Club
OR
(B)
ADARSH VIDYA MANDIR, SURAT

NOTICE
10 September, 20XX
ONLINE CLASSES
This is to inform all the students that the school authority has taken a decision to start online
classes again from tomorrow onwards i.e. 11th Sept, 20XX as we are aware of the fact that the
number of dengue cases are multiplying very fast. Keeping in view of the safety of our students,
this change has been initiated. The schedule and a complete guideline of the online classes will
be notified soon through mail, so that online classes will be conducted smoothly.
Shiv Mathur
Principal
Sample Papers 73
2. (A)

Mr and Mrs Rahul Goswami

Request the pleasure of your benign presence
On the very special occasion of the
GOLDEN JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY
of
Our grandparents
On Friday, 25th November, 20XX
At Hotel Plaza, Surat
From: 06:00 p.m. onwards
SAVE THE DATE !!
R.S.V.P
Goswami Family
Ph. No. 8654XXXXXX
OR
(B)
13, Metro Tower

Patna
20 November, 20XX
The Principal
ABP Public School
Patna
Dear Sir,
I extend my heartfelt thanks to your organization for inviting me as the Chief Guest in your
Annual Sports Day. I really wish to be there, but unfortunately, I will not be available in Patna
on the same day, so I cannot attend your function. Accept my best wishes for young sportsmen.
Yours sincerely
Rahul Chopra
3. (A) M-114, Mount Kailash

Kanpur- 208002
1 June, 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi-110002
Subject: Preventing illiteracy among children

Dear Sir
This is with reference to something that I came across while on a visit to my
grandparent’s place in Nellore. I found many children in the age group of 5-14
not attending school. They remained at home, were working in the fields or simply
loitering in the streets. It was very disheartening to see that even though the right to
education has been made compulsory, many children still remain illiterate.
I found the children disinterested or rather indifferent towards education. The
same attitude was prevalent among the parents and elders. There was absolutely no
motivation. I understand that poor parents need extra help in fields, but I believe
that it should not be at the cost of their children’s education.
Parents need to take the initiative to educate their children. Not only the family but
the school should also motivate and enrol students of school going age group. Often
parents ask what good would a little education do. In order to prevent that thought,
skill development should be emphasised at school. Free meals, books and uniforms
should also be provided, so that none of these remain the reason of illiteracy. After
all, children are the future of tomorrow.
I hope this letter will serve as a wake-up call for the concerned authorities.
Yours sincerely
Navtej
OR
(B) F-42, Mezannine Floor

Green Arcade
Trivandrum
14 September, 20XX
The Principal/HR
Bharathidasan Institute of Management
Trivandrum
Sample Papers 75
Subject: Application for the post of PGT Economics
Sir
This is with reference to your advertisement published in the newspaper dated
12 September 20XX for the position of Teaching Faculty. I would like to apply for
the same.
I have a teaching experience of 5 years in secondary and senior secondary sections.
My current association with Christ Convent as PGT Economics makes me the most
suitable candidate for the post you have advertised. I am quite comfortable here, but
the only hitch is that it is a bit far from my place I am putting up. It would be kind
if my candidature is considered and called for a further round of formalities.
Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Sincerely yours
Rishita Dhiman
BIO-DATA
Name : Rishita Dhiman
Father’s Name : Rajeev Dhiman
Gender : Female
Date of Birth : 27 September, 1982

Address : F-42, Mezzanine Floor, Green Arcade, Trivandrum
Educational Qualification : M.A. Economics
Delhi University

Professional Association : 1. St. XYZ School, Trivandrum 20XX-20XX
2. ABC, Trivandrum

Expected Salary : 55k (Negotiable)
References : Mrs. Ruby Thomas Trivandrum

Contact No : 98150XXXXX
4. (A)

Health Check-up Camp

–By Jagjeet Singh, reporter at Punjab Khabar
Rampur, Punjab, March 2, 20XX: A medical health care camp was set up in Rampur
by the NGO-Health. In the camp, proper medical treatment of the people of Rampur
and nearby areas was done and remedial measures were provided, all free of cost,
including the basic medicines required for early recovery.
Students of Guru Nanak University, Rampur noted down the details of the people
of slum area who had come for the health check-up. People were encouraged to
do simple activities on a regular basis to get rid of excessive body pain. A Blood
Pressure (BP) check was performed on every patient. After that, they were sent to
their respective doctors where they were appropriately given the right directions
regarding their health.
A large majority of people were suffering from chronic back pain, swelling, watery
eyes and high/low BP. This is a prime example of how the slums can be served
appropriately, if we are interested. We need not be high-profile citizens to bring
about a change in the society. It is the willingness and enthusiasm which comes out
from within that encourages you to work for the betterment of others.
OR
(B) Plastic – The Biggest Threat to Nature
– By Shiv
The use of plastic is deeply embedded in our daily lives, in everything from grocery
bags ad cutlery to water bottles and sandwich wrap. But the quest for convenience has
gone too far and we are failing to use plastics efficiently, harming the environment.
Plastic overconsumption and mismanagement of plastic waste is a growing menace,
resulting to pollution which is a cause for concern for mankind as a whole.
Plastic is one of the biggest environmental menaces of our time. It has become
inevitable for human beings in their daily life. Million tons of plastic waste is entering
in oceans, soil and freshwater. Invasion of plastics is different ecosystems is causing
severe problems to inhabitants. The array species that call nature their home are
succumbing to the poison of plastic. Humans are not immune to this threat; while
plastics are estimated to take up to hundreds of years to fully decompose, some of
them break down much quicker into tiny particles, which in turn end up in the sea
food we eat.
Keeping in view the possible harms of plastics, some plastic management strategies
must be adopted such as recycling, avoiding single use plastics, using alternative
packaging and finding reusable option. There is a need to provide awareness of
their uses and routine management as a part of our lifestyle. Awareness of the
serious consequences of plastic pollution should be increased and new solutions,
including the increasing use of biodegradable plastics and a ‘zero waste’ philosophy
should be embraced by the government and the public.
SECTION–C
IV. 1. (A) (i)
(d) The entire surface of the earth without boundaries.
(ii) (b) So that there is no regional difference

(iii) (a) A complete halt and no business followed by introspection.

(iv) (c) alliteration

(v) fascinating - exotic

(vi) (d) Silence – A Doorway to Introspection

Sample Papers 77
OR
(B) (i)
(a) Personification

(ii) (b) The thought of her mother’s approaching death.

(iii) (c) Symbolise the spring of life, its strength, vigour and happiness

(iv) (c) the realisation of bitter natural process of ageing

(v) Poet: Kamala Das, Poem: My Mother at Sixty-Six

(vi) Wan and pale

2. (A) (i) (b) Charley

(ii) (b) The speaker is describing the third level where he reached in his imagination.

(iii) Because of the men with sideburns and fancy moustaches, and the type of

clothes worn by men and women

(iv) Sleeves which are full and loose on the upper arm but close fitted on the forearm

and wrist.
OR
(B) (i) (c) Because of his inferiority complex, it made him feel so.

(ii) (c) He tries to convince him that one should learn to live with whatever blemishes

he/she has.
(iii) This line tells us that Mr Lamb is an optimist.

(iv) Chapter: On the Face of It; Author: Susan Hill

3. (A) (i) (b) For the sake of decent living conditions

(ii) (b) It describes the plight of Saheb and his family who survive of rag-picking

(iii) It symbolises anything useful or precious that will help in survival.

(iv) sincerely

(v) scrounging

(vi) True

OR
(B) (i) (c) He is recalling how he was almost drowned in a swimming and his struggle

to come back to the surface.

(ii) (b) He was oblivious of everything around him in the pool.

(iii) (a) He was almost dead.

(iv) When he almost lost his consciousness, he feels like he was being carried gently

(v) attempt to save from being drowned

(vi) drowsy

V. (i) Mukesh was different from other bangle-makers and his family members as he

dared to dream of doing something else other than bangle making. He aspired to be
a motor-mechanic. He did not surrender himself to the circumstances and thought
to pursue his goal.
(ii) Douglas was in a grip of hydrophobia. But when he decided to come out from this

terror, his will power, courage and determination helped to challenge the fear and
it disappeared from his life, making him a confident man.
(iii) Though Rajkumar Shukla was an illiterate peasant, but he had a strong-head. Only

due to his resolute nature and determination, Gandhiji got influenced and arrived in
Champaran to uplift the miseries of share-croppers. Shukla’s grit and perseverance
persuaded the national hero. Shukla’s persistence bore fruitful outcome.
(iv) The poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ talks of how natural beauty gives us pleasure and

alleviates our sufferings and sorrow; the beautiful things around us refresh our
mind and soul and produce happiness, which for a time being, shifts the stress and
anxiety of a human.
(v) Franz found out that M. Hamel would not teach him French anymore because only

German was going to be taught in the schools. This news changed Franz’s attitude
towards his teacher and school. He regretted that he had never learned his lessons
properly.
(vi) The ironmaster realised his mistake when the peddler came well groomed in the

broad daylight. He wanted to hand him over to the Sheriff but after the intervention
of his daughter Edla he changed his decision. Besides this, he did not want to commit
any sin on the Christmas Eve.
VI. (i) Dr Sadao has been a very respectable and known doctor. When he finds a white

man at the sea shore, he becomes perplexed as the man lying infront of him was his
enemy, but as a doctor and a human, he could not leave him dying. His responsibility
as a Japanese and a doctor becomes the reason of his dilemma.
(ii) Charley’s friend Sam disagreed with Charley about the story of existence of the

third level and considered it insane or illusioned. He suggested that Charley felt like
so as he was stressed and looking for an escape from the atrocities of modern life.
(iii) Mr Lamb is an open-minded man. His broad-mindedness and optimistic approach

towards life influenced Derry who was moving to the darkness due to the harsh
attitude of the world because of his burnt face. Mr Lamb’s kind behaviour, and
benevolent nature instilled positive hope in Derry, and he starts looking the other
side of the life forgetting his baseless fears.
VII. (i) Gandhiji earned fame and prominence after the Governor dropped the case against

him. He felt motivated and, realising the outstanding support from the peasants and
people from across the nation, Gandhiji along with his associates, moved forward
to take on the Britishers and demanded to conduct an inquiry. Gandhiji collected
notes and relevant documents, and on the basis of these papers, he proceeded
further. Gandhiji was opposed hard by the Britishers, but his unwavering faith in
his mandate, he left no stone unturned to unsoil the truth. The landlords were also
forced to refund the money to the peasants. They expected Gandhiji to ask for full
amount, but he demanded just fifty percent. They offered him twenty five percent
and to their amazement, Gandhiji agreed to it. He explained that the amount
of refund was less important than the fact that the landlord had been obliged to
surrender a part of the money and, with it, part of their prestige. Now, the peasants
saw that they had rights. They learnt a lesson of courage.
Sample Papers 79
OR
(ii) Douglas was a man of grit and determination. In order to overcome his fear, he tried

everything. He hired an instructor and started practising and swimming regularly.

He followed each and every instruction of the trainer quite religiously. After three
months of rigorous practice, he started to feel relaxed.
Douglas felt that when he was alone in the pool, tiny vestiges of old fear would return.
To make sure that he had got rid of his fear of water, he went to Lake Wentworth in
New Hampshire and swam two miles across the lake. After this, he became confident
that he had conquered his long-standing fear of water. The misadventure made
Douglas hydrophobic for many years. But it was his sheer hard work and the spirit
of not giving up before any challenge and obstacles that made him conquer his fear
of water.
VIII. (i) The Grand Central Station was growing like a tree pushing out endless corridors,

doorways and stairs like roots. It had intricate and twisted pathways. The general
layout of the third level was different from that of the second level. It had
comparatively smaller rooms with fewer ticket windows and lesser train gates. The
information booth in the centre was made of wood and looked archaic. The place
with its brass spittoons did not look very bright.
Charley went to Grand Central to reach home early. There he entered the tunnel
that ended in a corridor. The corridor turned left and slanted downward. Charley
on walking, reached a flight of stairs that took him to another level of the station
which was the third level. In his next attempt, he tried his best to find the corridor
that led him to the third level, but he never found it because it was his imagination
that led him to the third level.
OR
(ii) The lesson ‘Memories of Childhood’ deals with the autobiographical accounts of

women of marginalised communities. Both narrate the prejudices and humiliation

faced by them from mainstream culture. The former is a victim of racial discrimination,
whereas the latter is a victim of caste discrimination.
Zitkala-Sa talks about the overly disciplined students of her school. The staff was
unfriendly towards her and her hair was shingled on the very first day. The white-
skinned settlers considered local tribes as inferior. As the other children also had
shingled hair, she felt herself as one of the many animals driven by her herder. On
the other hand, Bama experiences untouchability very early in life. She sees an old
man carrying a packet of eatables with a string, without touching it. Later on, she
gets to know that the reason was the landlords of a higher class thought that the food
would get contaminated with the touch of people from her caste.
Both protest in their own way. Zitkala-Sa struggles with all her might when her hair
is to be cut. Though she gives up towards the end, it is not without any struggle.
Bama, on the other hand, decides to work hard in her studies, so that others realise
her worth and approach her to be friends.
zzz
4 SAMPLE PAPER
[SOLVED]
SECTION–A
I.
(1)
“Who doesn’t know how to cook rice? Cooking rice hardly takes time,” said my father. So,
I challenged myself. I switched from news to YouTube and typed, “How to cook rice?” I
took one and a half cups of rice. Since I didn’t have access to a rice cooker, I put the rice in
a big pot. Firstly, the rice has to be washed to get rid of dust and starch. I thought I won’t
be able to drain the rice and that it will fall out of the pot. I observed the chef as I swirled
the rice around and used my dexterous hands to drain it, not once, not twice, but three
times. I looked down at the sink and saw less than 50 grains that made their way out of the
pot. Suffice to say, I was up to the mark.
(2)
The video stated that the key to perfect rice is equal amounts of rice and water. I have
heard that professionals don’t need to measure everything; they just know what the right
amount is. But as this was my first time in the kitchen, I decided to experiment by not
measuring the water needed for boiling the rice. I wanted the rice to be firm when bitten,
just like pasta. I don’t enjoy the texture of mushy rice. It has to have that chutzpah; it has
to resist my biting power just for a bit before disintegrating.
(3)
After what seemed like 10 minutes, all the water disappeared. I went in to give it a good
stir. To my surprise, some of the rice got stuck to the pot. I tried to scrape it off but to no
avail. At the same time, there was a burning smell coming from it. I quickly turned the
stove off. “What have you done to the kitchen?”, shouted mother, while coming towards
the kitchen. I managed to ward her off.
(4)
Finally, when the time came to taste my creation, I was surprised! It wasn’t bad at all. The
rice had the desired consistency. Sure, a little more salt would’ve been better, but I just
added that while eating. The experience was fairly rewarding and memorable. It taught
me a new sense of respect for those who cook food on a regular basis at home or engage
in gourmet creations professionally.
(1×10=10 marks)
(i) Father’s question to the narrator, about knowing how to cook rice, was intended to

make the process sound simple.

Sample Papers 81
(ii) “I switched from news to YouTube …” Pick the option in which the meaning of
‘switch(ed)’ is NOT the same as it is in the passage.
(a) He switched on the radio to listen to the news while having dinner.

(b) Forget these diet supplements and switch to yoga, if you want a true sense of

well-being.
(c) Mom switched to reading fiction recently because she was bored with cook-

books.
(d) The company will switch the trucks to other routes to bring down city pollution.

(iii) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the correct
sequence of the process.
1. Use water to wash the rice.
2. Repeat the process three times.

3. Drain the water off.

4. Put rice in a utensil.

5. Swirl the water in and around the rice.

(a) 4, 2, 1, 3, 5
(b) 1, 3, 2, 5, 4

(c) 4, 1, 5, 3, 2
(d) 5, 1, 2, 4, 3

(iv) The narrator says that he has dexterous hands. He would have had a problem had
it been the opposite. NOT BEING dexterous means, being ______________ .
(v) Which option represents the correct ratio of water to rice for cooking ‘perfect rice’?
(a) Image 1
(b) Image 2 (c) Image 3 (d) Image 4
(vi) How did the mother react to the burning smell?

(a) She commented on it.

(b) She brushed it aside.

(c) She enquired about it.

(d) She handled it.

(vii) Can you infer that narrator is a professional cook? Give one reason.

(viii) Pick the option showing the CORRECT use of the word ‘chutzpah’.

(a) It is the court’s duty to dispense chutzpah to every one irrespective of caste or

creed.
(b) The speaker may not have much of a stage presence, but you’ve got to admit

she’s got chutzpah.

(c) I could crack the code easily which proved me to be a chutzpah and I was the

only one who could do so.

(d) After his father’s demise, the daughter took over the family’s chutzpah to save it

from disaster.
(ix) Which word from paragraph 1 of the passage means ‘skilled’?

(x) What happened when all the water disappeared?

(1) Nowadays, most students are less keen on developing their reading habits because
students are under pressure for academic performance and the concept of intrinsic
value addition is now a long-lost idea. In an age when browsing the internet, developing
fads for electronic gadgets, playing with cell phones have become a new normal of their
lives and reading a book in a peaceful corner of a library has become an archaic idea for
most of the students.
(2) The students which is the primary educational institution of the society has a crucial
role to play in improving students’ reading habits. The school library is one of the usual
facilities found in a public school. The school should allocate some money to ameliorate
the facilities of the school’s library. Computers should be provided to enable the students
to utilise the internet for research and also to locate online reading materials with a strict
vigilance against the misuse. Reading habits
should be promoted amongst the students
as a pleasurable and continuing habit if they
want to stay abreast with the world and have
the competitive edge.
(3) Habits of reading develop lively imagination,
knowledge and vocabulary. Books are a Strengthens your writing skills
rich source of knowledge and information. Improves your memory and focus
Reading books on various genres gives us
Enhances your imagination
information and a deep insight into the
Increases your vocabulary
subject we read about. It would not be
an exaggeration to say that all great and Expands your knowledge
distinguished minds left their impression Stimulates your brain

behind solely because of their reading Boots your mood
habits. Deepens empathy
(4) Reading fiction helps build empathy and Helps you relax
better relationships with others. Readers
Lowers stress
learn to become a part of the story and
sympathise with characters naturally.
Reading habit equips us with the most important tool which is known as expression. But
the decline is alarming and to arrest the decline, reading habits have to be inculcated
in all students for the infinite benefits that they reap for it will increase their confidence
to face the exams, the exams, the interview panel, the job market and will also increase
their social and community participation.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) Why are children not keen on developing their reading habits?

(a) Because parents do not let students read any other book

(b) Because students don’t have any interest in reading books other than the

academics
Sample Papers 83
(c) Because they are under extreme pressure for academic performance

(d) Because they don’t find books of their genre

(ii) “The concept of intrinsic value addition is now a long-lost idea.” What does this

sentence mean?
(iii) What, according to the passage, is the common craze among the students these

days?
(1) They are busy browsing on internet.

(2) They are busy playing with cell phones.

(3) They are busy reading books in the library.

(4) They are busy with other electronic gadgets.

(5) They are busy preparing for internal examinations.

(a) (2), (4), (5)

(b) All, except (4)

(c) (1), (2), (4)

(d) All, except (2)

(iv) What should the schools do to develop reading habits in the students?

(v) ‘Stay abreast’ in paragraph 2 means ________________________________________.

(vi) Why are computers and internet installed in the school library?

(vii) How does reading books on various genres help us?

(viii) Pick out the sentence which you think is irrelevant, according to the passage.

(1) Reading habit increases confidence to face the exams and the interview panel.

(2) Reading habit helps us improve our pronunciation.

(3) It enhances our creativity.

(4) It increases our social and community participation.

(5) It boosts our logical thinking.

(a) (1) and (3)

(b) (1) and (4)

(c) (3) and (5)

(d) (4) and (5)

(ix) Which of the following corresponds to the word ‘surveillance’?

(a) Empathy
(b) Ameliorate

(c) Vigilance
(d) Exaggeration

(x) In which of the following statements, has the word ‘alarming’ been used in the same

context as in the passage?

(a) The forests are disappearing at an alarming rate.

(b) The architectural style is designed and alarming in design and proportions.

(c) This season is a bit more alarming to the eye.

(d) A few mushrooms are an alarming addition.

SECTION–B
III.

(A) You are Sameera/Sameer Pathak, Secretary of Star Society of Pune. Your Society

is going to organize Diwali Fair. Draft a notice, within 50 words, informing all the
members of the Society. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Rachael/Rueben, President of the Wellness Cell of your school. You decide

to organise a workshop, to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.

This workshop would be conducted by the school counselor. Write a notice, in about
50 words, informing the students of class XI-XII about the workshop.
(5 marks)
(A) You are Dr Stanzin, a certified art therapist from Leh. You have been invited by

G.D Public School, Jammu, to conduct a seminar for students on Art Therapy
the Way Forward. This seminar is to introduce students to the usefulness of art in
dealing with personal and social problems. Write your reply, in about 50 words,
accepting the invitation.
OR
(B) You are Rukmini/Raja of R-201, Fort Road, Chennai. You have just purchased a new

house. You decide to have a house-warming ceremony and invite your cousin Balaji.
Write the invitation, in about 50 words, giving all necessary details.
(5 marks)
(A) You are Shubha/Krishna Mohanty, residing in Subhadra Apartments, Bhuvneshwar,

Odisha. You have observed, with increasing concern, that garbage collection
continues to be done without segregation in your neighbourhood. Write a letter to
the editor of The Real Times, Bhuvneshwar, in about 120-150 words, explaining
your concern along with the rationale behind the importance of garbage segregation.
Suggest ways in which the R.W.A can participate in this program.
OR
(B) You are Aami Sarkar of 83, Model Town, Guwahati, Assam. You are a sports

enthusiast. Rangshala School, Guwahati, has advertised the requirement of a Sports

teacher, in the local newspaper. You are excited and decide to apply for the post.
Write a letter, in 120-150 words, responding to the given advertisement, submitting
your candidature with a detailed bio-data.

(A) While reading about new places and searching for them online has its merits, the

advantages of actually travelling to various destinations far exceed them. Write an

article, in 120-150 words, for the magazine Travel Times, evaluating both these
options. You are Amrit/Amrita. (5 marks)
Sample Papers 85
OR
(B) Ranikhet district, Uttarakhand, on the occasion of Basant Panchami celebrations,

had organised a three-day cultural festival. You are Bhupinder/Priyanka Bhisht.

Your newspaper had deputed you to cover the inaugural event of this festival. As a
newspaper reporter write a report about the same in 120-150 words.
SECTION–C
(A) The little old house was out with a little new shed
In front at the edge of the road where the traffic sped,
A roadside stand that too pathetically pled,
It would not be fair to say for a dole of bread,
But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow supports
The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint.
(i) Why was ‘a little new shed’ extended out the edge of the road?

(a) To encroach the extended space

(b) To promote their products

(c) To grab the attention of the passers-by

(d) None of these

(ii) Why was the roadside stand called ‘pathetic’?

(a) Because it of the poor owners

(b) Because it was not attractive

(c) Because it was in the smooth sailing

(d) Because it was surrounded by dirt

(iii) What is meant by ‘a dole of bread’?

(iv) Who made the roadside stand and where?

(a) The sarpanch made in the village

(b) The government made in the village

(c) Social agencies made in the village

(d) The poor rural people made in the village


Piteously : pathetically :: _____________ : scornful

(vi) The rhyming scheme used in the given stanza is _____________ .

OR
(B) We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
(i) The phrase, immortal drink, refers to:

(a) blessings of our ancestors

(b) the teachings of nature

(c) a life-giving force

(d) the beauty of heaven

(ii) ‘All lovely tales’ evoke the feeling of:

(a) sadness and nostalgia

(b) only nostalgia

(c) inspiration and pride

(d) only pride

(iii) The rhyme scheme of the above extract is __________________.

(iv) Complete the analogy, endless : perennial :: eternal : ………………

(v) What are the things of beauty mentioned in these lines?

(vi) Identify the poetic device used by the poet in the following lines,


(a) Personification
(b) Allegory

(c) Imagery
(d) Synecdoche

2.
(A) When Hana got up in the morning nothing was done, the house not cleaned and

the food not prepared, and she knew what it meant. She was dismayed and even
terrified, but her pride as a mistress would not allow her to show it. Instead, she
inclined her head gracefully when they appeared before her in the kitchen, and
she paid them off and thanked them for all that they had done for her. They were
crying, but she did not cry. The cook and the gardener had served Sadao since he
was a little boy in his father’s house, and Yumi cried because of the children. She was
so grieving that after she had gone she ran back to Hana.
“If the baby misses me too much tonight, send for me. I am going to my own house
and you know where it is.”
(i) “She knew what it meant.” What did Hana understand?

(ii) Read the following statements and choose the correct option.

Assertion :Yumi had an emotional attachment with children.

Statement 1 :Yumi informed Hana where she was going.

Statement 2 :Yumi was ready to come back if children cried a lot

(a) None of the statements can be inferred.

(b) Assertion only can be inferred.

(c) Assertion can be inferred and both statements support the assertion.

(d) Each statement is dependent of each other.

(iii) Arrange the following events in ascending order of their occurrence.

(1) Hana noticed that routine house work was not done.

(2) Hana paid servants and thanked them.

(3) Hana got up in the morning.

(4) Servants came to Hana in the kitchen.

(a) 1, 2, 3, 4 (b) 4, 3, 2, 1

(c) 2, 1, 4, 3 (d) 3, 1, 4, 2

Sample Papers 87
(iv) During turn of the events described in the extract, Hana is likely to feel annoyed.

(True/False)
OR
(B) Late in the morning, my friend Judewin gave me a terrible warning. Judewin knew
a few words of English; and she had overheard the pale face woman talk about
cutting our long, heavy hair.
(i) Here, ‘my’ refers to _________________ .
(ii) Why was the speaker so averse of having her hair cut?
(a) Because she believed that the mourners get their hair shingled.

(b) Because she believed short hair was worn by the cowards.

(c) Because she believed that only the warriors get their hair shingled

(d) All of these

(iii) The speaker belongs to America. (True/False)

(iv) What was the terrible warning?
(a) Assaulting physically

(b) Punishment of solitary confinement

(c) Cutting of long hair

(d) All of these

3.
(A) They had merely heard that a Mahatma who wanted to help them was in trouble

with the authorities. Their spontaneous demonstration, in thousands, around

the courthouse was the beginning of their liberation from fear of the British. The
officials felt powerless without Gandhi’s cooperation. He helped them regulate the
crowd. He was polite and friendly. He was giving them concrete proof that their
might, hitherto dreaded and unquestioned, could be challenged by Indians. The
government was baffled. The prosecutor requested the judge to postpone the trial.
Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors.
(i) Complete the given statement.

The officials felt powerless because _______________________________________ .

(ii) The demonstration proved that the:

(a) policies of the British had failed.

(b) dread instilled in the hearts of Indians had begun to lessen.

(c) dealings with the Indian citizens had been unsuccessful.

(d) might of the British had not been understood by Indians.

(iii) Which style, from those given below, is being used by the author, when he says,

“Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors.”?

(a) humorous
(b) dramatic

(c) sarcastic
(d) persuasive

(iv) Gandhiji’s behaviour towards the British prior to the proposal of postponement of

the trial was that of :

(a) indifference
(b) calm acceptance

(c) ignorance of consequences

(d) polite helpfulness

(v) ‘They’ in the above extract refer to ____________ .

(vi) What was the reason behind their ‘spontaneous demonstration’?

OR
(B) The next day both men got up in good season. The crofter was in a hurry to milk

his cow, and the other man probably thought he should not stay in bed when the
head of the house had gotten up. They left the cottage at the same time. The crofter
locked the door and put the key in his pocket.
(i) Who is the ‘other man’ here?

(ii) Why was crofter in a hurry?

(a) Because he had to go to sow his field.

(b) Because he had to milk his cow

(c) Because he had to go to shop

(d) None of these

(iii) What did the other man think?

(a) He thought that it would be inappropriate to stay in bed when the head of the

house has gotten up.

(b) He thought to steal thirty kronors from the crofter.

(c) He thought it would be inappropriate to steal crofter’s money.

(d) None of these

(iv) ‘In good season’ means the opposite of:

(a) in a timely manner

(b) when the time was right

(c) when the season was conducive

(d) at the appropriate time

(v) Did the locked door prevent the mishap?

(vi) The other man always remained grateful to the crofter.

(True/False)
(i) What does Neruda mean by ‘an exotic moment without rush’ in his poem, ‘Keeping

Quiet’?
(ii) Explain the metaphor of the rattrap in context of the story by Selma Lagerlöf.

(iii) Umberto Eco says, “I am always doing the same thing but that is more difficult to

explain.” Why does he say so?

(iv) Comment on the significance of the villagers sitting at the back in M. Hamel’s

classroom.
(v) “Little has moved with time, it seems, in Firozabad.” State any one reason why the

writer says this.

(vi) Sophie is overambitious. Do you agree?

Sample Papers 89
(i) In his letter to Charley, Sam writes, “…then I got to believing you were right.” What

could have made Sam begin to believe?

(ii) Why did Derry go back to Mr Lamb’s garden even after opposition?

(iii) Sadao’s acceptance of the General’s plan to assassinate Tom was counter-productive

to having put him on the path of recovery. Substantiate with reason/s.

(i) The story ‘Deep Water’ talks about Douglas’ attempts to overcome his fear of water.

The story can also be viewed as a figurative manifestation of life’s many challenges.
Elaborate with reference to the text.
OR
(ii) How does the story, ‘Rattrap’ highlight the importance of community over isolation?

Support your rationale with textual evidence.

VIII.
(i) Mr Lamb calls Derry his friend while Derry refuses his affirmation. Would you

consider their relationship with each other as friendship? Support your answer with
reference to the instance(s) from the text.
OR
(ii) How is man blamed for despoiling the Earth and climate changes? How can you see

the effect of these changes in Antartica?
zzz
SECTION–A
(Reading Skills) (20 marks)
I. (i)
True
(ii) (a) He switched on the radio to listen to the news while having dinner.

(iii) (c) 4, 1, 5, 3, 2

(iv) clumsy
(v) (a) Image 1

(vi) (c) She enquired about it.

(vii) No, he took the help of YouTube for cooking rice.

(viii) (b) The speaker may not have much of a stage presence, but you’ve got to admit
she’s got chutzpah.
(ix) Dexterous
(x) The rice got stuck to the pot.
II. (i)
(c) Because they are under extreme pressure for academic performance
(ii) It means ‘value-based learning for life’ is not significant today.
(iii) (c) (1), (2), (4)
(iv) Schools should allocate some funds to ameliorate the facilities of the school’s library.
(v) to stay updated about the current affairs
(vi) To utilise the computers and internet to locate online reading materials
(vii) It helps build empathy and better relationships with others, teaches us to sympathise
with characters naturally and help us in reading expressions.
(viii) (b) (1) and (4)

(ix) (c) Vigilance

(x) (a) The forests are disappearing at an alarming rate.

Section – B
III. 1. (A)

STAR SOCIETY, PUNE

NOTICE
1 October, 20XX
DIWALI FAIR
All the members of our renowned society are hereby informed that like every year we are
planning to organize ‘Diwali Fair’ on 18th and 19th October in our society premises.
Your co-ordination is expected to make this fair a grand success.
Creative and innovative ideas are appreciated.
Sameer Pathak
Secretary
Sample Papers 91
OR
(B)
ABC SCHOOL, DELHI

NOTICE
20 September, 20XX
WORKSHOP ON MENTAL HEALTH
All the students of class XI-XII are hereby informed that our school is organising a workshop to
be conducted with the intention to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. The
workshop will focus on how to improve our relationship, and reduce tension and stress from our
life.
Venue: School Auditorium
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: 29 September 20XX
For any query, please contact the undersigned.
Rachael
President
(Wellness Cell)
2. (A)

117-K Block
B.N. Marg,
Leh
27 December, 20XX
The Principal
G.D Public School
Jammu
Dear Ma’am
It’s certainly a matter of great honour for me to be invited to conduct a seminar for students
on ‘Art Therapy the Way Forward’. I shall be delighted to address the gathering and discuss the
usefulness of art in dealing with personal and social problems and listening from you in return.
It’ll be kind if I am provided with transport for the occasion.
Yours truly
Dr Stanzin
(Art Therapist)
OR
(B)
R-201, Fort Road

Chennai
7 July, 20XX
Dear Bala
You’ll be pleased to know that we have just purchased a new house. Therefore, we
invite you to bless the House Warming Ceremony on 29 July, 20XX at 6:00 p.m.
Hope to see you on the occasion.
Yours affectionately
Raja
3. (A)

201, Subhadra Apartments

Bhubaneswar
Odisha
21 October, 20XX
The Editor
The Real Times
K.G. Marg
Bhubaneswar
Subject: Regarding garbage collection without segregation
Sir
Through the columns of your widely circulated daily and being a responsible citizen, I would
like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities towards the negligent attitude of the
residents of Subhadra Apartments who do not even bother to segregate the garbage according
to its kind. The society has provided two containers meant for dry waste and wet waste. Still
there is hardly anyone with enough concern to use the same accordingly.
It’s a pity to say that several complaints registered in the society office have remained unheeded
and this practice is in full force. The Resident Welfare Association should acknowledge and come
forward to deal with the issue, and do the needful. You are requested to highlight the issue and
bring it to the notice of the authority.
Yours sincerely
Krushna Mohanty
Sample Papers 93
OR
(B) 83, Model Town

Guwahati
Assam
30 September, 20XX
The Principal
Rangshala School
Guwahati
Subject: Application for the post of Sports teacher
Sir
With reference to your advertisement published in The Times of India dated
28 September for the position of a Sports teacher, I would like to apply for the same.
I am currently working with one of the most reputed schools of Patna but just because
of the unprecedented transfer of my father to Guwahati, I am forced to switch over
and seek this position in your reputed school. My rich experience and qualification
makes me a suitable candidate for the said post. My updated bio-data/ CV along
with the required documents is being enclosed with this application for your kind
consideration and perusal.
Looking forward to hear from you soon.
Yours sincerely
Aami Sarkar
BIO-DATA
Name :
Aami Sarkar
Father’s Name :
Mr V. K. Sarkar
Gender : Female
Date of Birth : 3 February 19XX
Address : 83, Model Town, Guwahati, Assam
Marital Status : Single
Educational Qualification :
B. P. Ed, Patna University
Professional Association : 1. St. Andrews Scott, Patna 20XX-20XX
2. St. Michael’s School, Patna
Expected Salary : 30k (Negotiable)
Reference : Mr J. Shailja, 302, Model Town
Contact No : 98717XXXXX
4. (A)
TRAVELLING AND EXPLORING NEW PLACES
–By Amrit/Amrita, Travel Times
With the invention of internet and technology, the world has become a smaller
place. Popular places are just a click away. But travelling to the distant and far off
places leaves a different and everlasting impression. Travelling provides a learning
experience like no other. It inspires people to seek out new places, keeping their
pool of knowledge constantly topped up. It’s a great way to learn new things and
immerse yourself in a new culture. Rather, it wouldn’t be impractical to say that one
gets to know when he/she exposes himself/herself to a new culture or tradition.
Merely reading a book or a travelogue doesn’t serve the purpose. Visiting the place
and enjoying the delicacies give intellectual understanding. Visiting and accepting
the practices of strange culture sometimes leave us spellbound. Cultural and
regional differences explore the uniqueness of the individual. It gives the traveller a
rejuvenating experience on returning from the destination and proves to be a stress
buster.
There are many ways of travelling that can help a person grow such as physical,
mental and emotional development. By travelling, people are broadening their
outlook on life. They are also developing themselves mentally and discovering new
aspects of their own personalities. And finally, by broadening their outlook on life,
they are allowing themselves to grow into better and more complete individuals.
OR
(B) BASANT PANCHAMI CELEBRATIONS
– Bhupinder Bisht
Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, 19 January, 20XX: Ranikhet witnessed Basant Panchami
Celebration on 18 January, 20XX from 11 a.m. when the main market place was
decorated with colourful ticker tape and the entire area was covered with a huge
crowd. The celebration was followed by the lighting of inaugural lamp which took
place in the presence of the distinguished guests and panchayat members of the
village.
Folk dance, songs and other cultural activities were some of the eye-catching
performances that were planned by the management committee. Most of the
students from reputed public schools and government schools participated in it.
The winners were awarded with badges and honours. The event also witnessed
different stalls that exhibited the cultural reflections of the village. The deity of
Goddess Saraswati was garlanded who is believed to be the deity of learning, music
and art. The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr ABC, the Secretary of managing
committee who urged the people to be a persistent visitor of such events.
SECTION – C
IV. 1. (A) (i)
(c) To grab the attention of the passers-by
(ii) (b) Because it was not attractive
(iii) It means a small quanity of food.
(iv) (d) The poor people made in the village.
(v) withering
(vi) aaaabc
Sample Papers 95
OR
(B) (i) (c) a life-giving force

(ii) (a) sadness and nostalgia

(iii) aabb

(iv) immortal

(v) The things of beauty mentioned in the given lines are the lovely tales of

mighty men.
(vi) (c) Imagery

2. (A) (i) Hana understood that servants had decided to leave the house.

(ii) (c) Assertion can be inferred and both statements support the assertion.

(iii) (d) 3, 1, 4, 2

(iv) True

OR
(B) (i) Zitkala Sa

(ii) (d) All of these

(iii) True

(iv) (c) Cutting of long hair

3. (A) (i) the crowd was getting violent

(ii) (b) the dread instilled in the hearts of Indians has begun to lessen

(iii) (c) sarcastic

(iv) (b) calm acceptance

(v) the peasants of Champaran

(vi) The peasants immediately decided to peacefully gather in support of

Gandhiji around the courthouse to challenge the authority.

OR
(B) (i) Peddler is the other man.

(ii) (b) Because he had to milk his cow

(iii) (a) He though it would be inappropriate to stay in bed when the head of the

house has gotten up.

(iv) (c) when the season was conducive

(v) No, despite the door being locked, the peddler stole the money.

(vi) False

V. (i) The poet, Pablo Neruda, aspires for the exotic moment when the people on the

surface of this earth are free from any sort of material gain, cruelty and harmful
actions. He wants everyone to introspect and ensure universal brotherhood.
(ii) Selma Lagerlof has used the metaphor of a rattrap to emphasis the quandary of the

peddler. Evidently, the author has tried to compare the bait with that of materialistic
which attract humans and hence, they are trapped due to their greed which results
in their never-ending misery.
(iii) Umberto Eco feels elevated on being called a professor. People think that he is

doing many things, but himself concludes of doing the same thing. He had some
philosophical interest which he has highlighted in his literary and other academic
works.
(iv) The village elders were sitting on the back benches during M. Hamel’s last lesson

because they realised that they were absolutely ignorant about their own language.
The villagers wanted to thank Mr Hamel for his forty years of faithful service and to
show their respect as he was going to be replaced by a new teacher.
(v) Though there has been a sea change in the world and strict laws have been

implemented to eradicate the menace of child labour, but the scene of Firozabad
remains the same. The children like Mukesh and Saheb are still under the shackles
of rag-picking and slavery.
(vi) Yes, I agree that Sophie is overambitious. She has very rosy dreams related to her

future. Despite knowing the harsh realities of her financial constraints, she dreams
of opening a boutique, becoming an actress or working as a manager. She is a big
dreamer who loves to be in her imaginative and illusionary world.
VI. (i) Sam’s letter to Charley suggests that he believed in the existence of the third level

which was a medium of escape from the insecure world. The letter reveals that Sam
had found the third level and it proves that Charley was right about its existence.
(ii) Derry was very much inspired by the optimistic outlook of Mr. Lamb. Mr. Lamb’s

open-mindedness, his positive approach, his motivating references captivated him

as for the first time, Derry was being not judged by his face rather by his personality.
He wanted to be with Mr Lamb and wished to help him in plucking the fruits, so he
returned to Mr Lamb even after opposition from his mother.
(iii) The General was actually not a well-wisher of Dr Sadao. It was his health that

compelled him to be a little considerate with him as he did not trust anybody but
him. Sadao’s acceptance of the General’s plan and performing a surgery to save
Tom’s life shows that he was loyal to both his country as well as his profession
VII. (i) Hardships and challenges are the part and parcel of everyone’s life. So, we should

always gird up our loin and face the situation manfully. In his attempt to overcome
his fear, Douglas did not give up because giving up is not life, but to accept the
challenges with strong will and determination is the only remedy to all the problems
prevalent in the world. It is that innate quality which comes to surface when we
volunteer ourselves to face the hardships and challenges.
Douglas mustered his courage and volunteered to overcome the domineering dread
of swimming into the lake. He was so terror-stricken that the sight of water made
him sick. Consequently, he hired an instructor for himself who worked on his fear
very methodically. With his help, Douglas began by learning to be at ease in water.
Nothing is impossible in this world. All it takes is our grit and determination to sail
smooth with our destiny.
OR
(ii) ‘Man is a social animal’ is an old maxim, but when the tramp tried to live in the

society, he was discarded and had to face humiliations of the society. He too could
Sample Papers 97
have been identified as a man with dignity and honour in the society, had he been
promoted and embraced with a little affection and compassion. The rattrap seller
undergoes change in his personality the moment he experiences the shift from
isolation to community. The ironmaster at once bonded with the peddler without
confirming his identity. Edla Willmanson, the daughter of the ironmaster, when
insisted her father not to turn him out of his house, touched the innocent soul’s heart
that compelled him to repay her good treatment with a gesture of true gratitude. He
left a note expressing his sorrow for he felt he had embarrassed her. So, we can see
that the peddler had never experienced social living and gathering. He was devoid
of the sense of affection and love.
VIII. (i) Physically impaired people are aware of the fact that they are challenged and that

there are certain things they cannot do. They seek sympathy and are over-occupied
with the thought that people are good to them because of their condition. In the
story, Derry, the little boy, feels dejected and was under the influence of inferiority
complex. His association with the elderly man, Mr. Lamb, brings a new life though
not very evident but the change we could sense in the character of Derry was all just
because of Mr. Lamb. Friendship is not only about discussing love or interests at
length or completing each other’s sentences or chilling out together. The friendship
that prospered between Mr. Lamb and Derry was beyond that. Mr Lamb’s optimism
helped the boy come out of his trauma and made him realise that he was his true
friend.
OR
(ii) Human civilisation is relatively new. However, during the short period we have

created confusion and disruption. Humans have gained dominance over nature by
building cities, towns and villages. Since human population is ever increasing, the
need of natural resources is also increasing. Man has been conflicting with other
species to grab these exhaustible resources. He has burnt fossil fuels. This has led to
a blanket of carbon dioxide around the Earth, which has raised the average global
temperature, causing global warming.
The rise in temperature has led to climatic changes. We cannot fully appreciate
the effect of these changes. If you go to the Antarctica, it has not been inhabited
by man. Its ecosystem is simple. Any change easily affects it, and is easily visible.
In Antarctica, one can see the ice caps retreating and melting rapidly. The sight of
calving ice-sheets makes one realise how serious the problem of global warming is.
zzz
5 SAMPLE PAPER
[SOLVED]
SECTION–A

(1) ‘Birds of a feather flock together’ is an old maxim. The teenagers too behave in a similar
fashion, and are hence, more influenced by their peers than by elders. This is quite
natural, for the teenager’s mind is impressionable and is influenced by their peers in
school or college. So great is this influence that there is a perceptible change in their
behaviour and personality as soon as they enter college. The teenagers try to emulate
their peers in the dress they wear, their hairstyle, clothes, language and behaviour so
much that their personality gets completely transformed.
(2) This happens because they directly relate with them, being in the same age group and
class. Quite often, they idolize their peers and have them as their role model. The same
is not the case with the adults, whom they perceive as old fashioned and irrelevant. This
is on account of the ever-increasing generation gap, which exists between today’s youth
and elders.
(3) The teenagers spend most of their time with their peer group and then with adults. It
is therefore, quite natural for them to imbibe the values, culture and behaviour of the
group. They often succumb to peer pressure and do things that they would not normally
do like smoking, abusing, etc. Some under the influence of peer pressure improve their
academic performance or sporting skills, while others take to drugs and crime for the
momentary thrill and adventure it entails.
(4) The influence of peers is also greater because they feel more comfortable and reassuring
in their company. This is contrary to the awkwardness they feel, when interacting with
adults, whom they perceive as old and stern.
(5) Shrewd market men exploit this behavioural characteristic to promote the sale of
products targeted for them. Thus, we find products like motorcycles, dresses, cosmetics
and even lifestyle products being endorsed by peers. They soon become a craze with the
teenagers. This in itself is an ample proof of the profound influence of the peers on the
teenagers. This influence will increase, with increasing materialistic values permeating
the society. It is because of this, parents ensure that they have the right peers in school
and college, so that they do not remain distracted in their life.
Sample Papers 99
(1×10=10 marks)
(i) There is a perceptible change in the behaviour of the children. Here ‘perceptible’

means ______________.
(a) something in a huge amount (b) scarcely
(c) extraordinary (d) noticeable
(ii) Cite a point in evidence, from the text, to suggest that the teenagers’ minds are

impressionable.
(iii) According to the passage, how do the teenagers behave?

(a) They act sincerely.

(b) They act irresponsibly.

(c) They easily get influenced by their peers and act accordingly.
(d) They remain self-conscious and try to represent accordingly.
(iv) Choose the correct antonym of the word ‘permanent’ from paragraph 4.

(a) permeate (b) succumb

(c) emulate
(d) momentary
(v) Which of the following statements is NOT CORRECT, according to the passage?

(a) Teenagers perceive the adults old fashioned and irrelevant.

(b) Adults do not easily get influenced by the teenagers.
(c) Peer pressure is an effect on an individual who gets encouraged and likes to
imitate his age group.
(d) All teenagers fall into a bad company and start smoking and taking drugs.
(vi) List the two contradictory statements made by the author about the teenagers.

(vii) Why do the teenagers feel uncomfortable while talking to the adults?

(viii) Parents want to be sure that their teenagers have good peers. Why do they want so?

(ix) ‘Birds of a feather flock together’, the old adage used in paragraph 1 means:

(a) People feel depressed in a different environment.

(b) People of the same sort will be found together.
(c) Birds like to flock together.
(d) Young children like to play with birds.
(x) Which is the apt title for the passage?

(a) The Positive and Negative Aspects of Peer Pressure

(b) Influential Era
(c) Phases of Life
(d) Idols of Teenagers
II.
(1)
Advertising and promotion are essential elements of our total economic and social systems.
All over the world, the large multinational corporations to medium and even small-firms
recognise that there is no best alternative than promotion to communicate with consumers
and promote them to purchase their products or services. Advertising directly exerts its
influence on our lives, altering our thoughts and choices. So, no trade is ever imagined
without promotional activities.

(2) We have today different mediums of advertising that is through television, radio,
hoarding, press advertisements, glow signs and leaflets. Amongst these, celebrity
advertising is hard to ignore. Celebrity advertisement drives the sales of many products.
They like to be in the public and seek attention through product endorsement and
hence, enhance a brand. We, therefore, find firms hiring various techniques like
distinctive advertising and other marketing gimmicks for making their advertisements
stand out and get noticed.
(3) This statistic illustrates the percentage of worldwide internet users who find brands or
products through celebrity endorsements, sorted by age group. During the first quarter
of 2017 survey period, it was found that 16 percent of all internet users aged 16 to 24
years discovered new brands through celebrity endorsements, whereas only 5 percent
of internet users aged 55 to 64 get influenced through such practices.
20%
17.5%
16% 16%
15%
Share of Internet Users
12%
12.5%
10%
8%
7.5%
5%
5%
2.5%
0%
16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64
Share of worldwide internet users who find brands or products
through celebrity endorsements as of 1st quarter 2017 age group
(4) When companies launch new products or increase their market share, they compete to
be in the eyes of the consumers through endorsement. Be it in the brand of tea we drink,
the bikes or cars we ride, the clothes and shoes we wear and many other products that
we use or consume are endorsed and then they dominate the market and appeal the
consumers’ attention. Thus, advertising has become the lifeblood of business. Products
not endorsed, remain neglected and buyers turn their ignorant eyes for such products.
Endorsement of products creates top of the mind awareness in the customer.
(5) No wonder why developed countries spend more money on advertising. Even in India,
many MNCs spend crores of rupees on advertising their goods and services. The only
hitch is that excessive advertising is distracting and at times irritating particularly when it
is superimposed and becomes a nuisance. There is a need for enforcing some discipline
in it by involving marketing ethics to prevent this powerful medium of degradation.
(1×10=10 marks)

(i) No trade is ever imagined without promotional activities.

Sample Papers 101

(ii) What is the given passage all about?

(iii) What are the different mediums of advertising discussed in the passage?

(1) television, radio, hoarding

(2) press advertisements
(3) placards and handbills
(4) glow signs and leaflets
(a) (1) and (2)
(b) (2) and (3)
(c) (1) and (3)
(d) (1), (2) and (4)

(iv) Why is advertising deemed necessary for the product promotion?

(v) According to the passage, which TWO statements from the following, can’t be

determined?
(1) Advertising directly exerts its influence on our lives.
(2) Even underdeveloped countries spend more money on advertising.
(3) Advertising has become the lifeblood of business.
(4) Products unless endorsed, don’t dominate the market.
(a) (1) and (3)
(b) (2) and (4)
(c) (2) and (3)
(d) (1) and (4)

(vi) What does the survey of 2017 reveal?

(a) 16 percent of all internet users aged 25 to 34 years discovered new brands

through celebrity endorsements.

(b) 12 percent of internet users aged 55 to 64 years get influenced through such

practices.
(c) 16 percent of all internet users aged 16 to 24 years discovered new brands


(d) 5 percent of internet users aged 45 to 54 years get influenced through such

practices.
(vii) Why are celebrities hired by the different firms?

(viii) Find the word from the paragraph 3 which means the same as ‘advocacy’.

(a) influence
(b) superimposed
(c) gimmick
(d) endorsement

(ix) What happens to the products if not endorsed?

(x) What is the repercussion of excessive advertising?

(a) Celebrities manage to mint hefty royalty.

(b) Product gets noticed and is sold incredibly.

(c) It becomes irritating and seems to be big nuisance.

(d) People don’t trust that product.


(A) You are Pranjal/Pratima, Head Boy/Head Girl of Infant Jesus Public School,

Bhubaneswar. Draft a notice, in not more than 50 words, for the school notice board,
inviting the students to participate in the inter-school swimming competition.
(5 marks)
OR
(B) Holy Scottish Secondary School, Sector IV, Bokaro is planning to organise ‘Diwali

Mela’ in the school campus after school. Draft a notice to be put up on the school
notice board inviting the students along with their parents to attend the same.

(A) As the Secretary of the Theatre Club of Wordsworth High School, Indore. Draft a

formal invitation, in not more than 50 words, for the inauguration of the club in
your school. (5 marks)
OR
(B) Dr Prabhakar Anand was invited to preside over the Inter-school One-act Play

Competition to be held on 5 September, 20XX at 10:00 a.m. by Dr Sanjay Sachdewa,

the President of the English Literary & Dramatics Club of Evergreen Public School,
Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore. On behalf of Dr Prabhakar Anand, write a letter to
Dr Sanjay Sachdewa accepting the invitation.

(A) The current pandemic, Covid-19 has disturbed almost all the domains and there

is much hue and cry all around. You happened to pay a visit to a government
hospital of Chennai where you are touched to see the pathetic condition and
negligence on the part of the medical staff. Write a letter to the Editor of The
Times of India complaining about the misery you have just experienced.
(5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Anshuman/Anshika Mehrotra, D-94, Mall Road, Nainital. You have read the

advertisement given below. Since you meet the eligibility criteria, you have decided
to apply for the job. Write an application, in 120-150 words, along with a resume.
Sindhu Chemical Industries, Noida, Requires, Qualification: M.Com, Experience: minimum 4
years, Job Profile: Maintaining books of accounts, preparation of Balance sheet, etc. Salary:
Best in the industry. Apply to : Managing Directors, SCI K-24, Sector 31, Noida.

(A) Yesterday while walking past a bangle factory site, you were taken aback to see the

miserable state of children working there as labourers. On reaching home, you

prepared a few points and decided to write an article to bring awareness against the
menace. Write an article, in about 120-150 words, for publication in a newspaper
against child labour. (5 marks)
Sample Papers 103

OR
(B) You are Krishna/Kritika of Venkatesh Public School, Aravali. Your school has

adopted a village as a social responsibility. Students are being taken to teach the
children of that village on a regular basis. Write a report, for your school magazine,
on the various other programmes organised there, in about 120-150 words.

(Literature)
IV.
(1×6=6 marks)
(A) When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.
(i) Identify the poem and the poet.

(ii) The given stanza reflects Aunt Jennifer’s fear and presents
a/an
__________________ institution within which she is trapped.
(a) awesome
(b) adorable
(c) lethargic
(d) oppressive
(iii) What is the aunt’s eventual feeling about her tigers?

(a) That they remain obedient

(b) That they remain fearless

(c) That they go on prancing and remain proud and unafraid

(d) That they lament over the loss of the Aunt

(iv) How do you find Aunt’s married life?

(a) blessed
(b) contented and prosperous
(c) full of hardships and troubles (d) blooming

(v) Find the word from the stanza which means same as ‘skilled’.

(vi) Complete the analogy.

scared : terrified :: tribulation : ______________ .

OR
(B) ….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
(i) The above stanza has been extracted from ______________

(ii) What does the poet compare her mother’s face with?

(a) A beautiful morning

(b) The late winter’s moon

(c) The darkness at night

(d) A beautiful flower

(iii) What did the poet observe?

(a) That her mother had grown old and looked pale and weak

(b) That her mother was not happy to see her daughter leave Cochin

(c) That her mother also wanted to come with her

(d) None of these

(iv) Identify the poetic device used in the last two lines of the stanza?

(a) Alliteration
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Simile

subtle : pale :: ___________ : colourless

(vi) Winter’s moon appears very bright and charming.
(True/False)
(1×4=4)
(A) 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) What was the name of the newspaper?

(a) The Lead Story

(b) The World
(c) The Public Library

(d) None of these
(ii) What does the speaker mean by ‘stack of papers’?

(iii) What does Charley want to make sure?

(a) That he is on the third level

(b) That he is on the second level

(c) That he is on the first level

(d) None of these

(iv) The story mixes two centuries, they are _____________ and _____________ .

OR
(B) DERRY
: They talk about me. Downstairs, When I’m not there. ‘What’ll he

ever do? What’s going to happen to him when we’ve gone? How ever
will he get on in this world? Looking like that? With that on his face?
That’s what they say.
MR LAMB : L ord, boy, you’ve got two arms, two legs and eyes and ears, you’ve got

a tongue and a brain. You’ll get on the way you want, like all the rest.
And if you chose, and set your mind to it, you could get on better
than all the rest.
Sample Papers 105

(i) “What’s going to happen to him when we’ve gone?” To whom do you think the

word ‘we’ refers to in this sentence?

(ii) Which of the following describes the main reason of worries about Derry?

(a) People estimate that Derry is afraid of the world.

(b) People do not know if Derry can live without them.

(c) People estimate that owing to his face Derry is not confident.

(d) People imagine that there is no cure for Derry’s face.

(iii) Which of the following has not been implied by Mr Lamb?

(a) Your all the limbs are intact.

(b) Similar to others, you too can lead a life of your choice.
(c) If you decide you can be worse off than others.
(d) If you choose you can get ahead of others.
(iv) “How?” This question asked by Derry implies that ________________________.


(1×6=6)
(A) “Let me never lose them.” The goddess had granted his prayer. Young boys like

the son of priest now wore shoes. But many others like the ragpickers in my
neighbourhood remain shoeless.
(i) Who is referred as ‘them’ in the above lines?

(a) Young boys

(b) Priests
(c) Shoes (d) Temples
(ii) What was the prayer all about?

(a) A magnificent house

(b) To own a tea-stall

(c) To have a permanent job

(d) For a pair of shoes

(iii) ‘Rag-pickers’ in the above extract means:

(a) one who works in bangle factory

(b) a person who picks up rags and other waste material from the streets

(c) one who owns a garret

(d) a paid servant

(iv) Identify a name of the lesson from which the above extract has been taken.

(v) Pick a line from the extract where simile has been used.

(vi) The reference of temple and priest belong to _______________ (place).

OR
(B) “You think that in this unequal fight it would be helpful if we have an Englishman

on our side. This shows the weakness of your heart. The cause is just and you must
rely upon yourselves to win the battle. You should not seek a prop in Mr Andrews
because he happens to be an Englishman.”
(i) Who is the Englishman referred to in the above extract?

(a) The Counselor of the court

(b) Charles Freer Andrews

(c) Stephen Spender

(d) Rajendra Prasad

(ii) Who is the speaker talking to?

(a) The Englishman

(b) The Magistrate
(c) The crowd

(d) His lawyer friends


(iii) Which battle is the speaker talking about?

(a) The Battle of Tirhut

(b) The Battle of Champaran

(c) The Battle of conscience

(d) The Battle of Plassey

(iv) Identify the name of the lesson from which the above extract has been taken.

(v) What was the unequal fight all about?

(vi) The speaker wishes to be dependent on others.

(True/False)
(i) “The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band, Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s

hand.” Describe the irony in the given line.

(ii) What does the poet hope to achieve by keeping quiet?

(iii) How did Douglas conquer the old terror?

(iv) Describe the unusual morning when Mr Hamel was to deliver his last lesson.

(v) Why doesn’t Sophie’s father believe her?

(vi) Why is Subbu so popular among people?

(i) What was the impact of Mr Lamb’s meeting with Derry?

(ii) How did the Maharaja get the name ‘Tiger King’?

(iii) How would you justify that the third level was a medium of escape for Charley?

(i) Our language is our identity and we should always be proud of it. Discuss with

reference to the scene of the classroom which M. Hamel was addressing and the
emotions attached of the villagers.
OR
(ii) Describe the peddler’s meeting with the ironmaster. Why did he decline his

invitation?
VIII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (1×5 = 5)
(i) Dr Sadao faced a dilemma. Should he use his surgical skills to save the life of a

wounded American POW or should he hand him over to the Japanese police? How
did he resolve the clash of values?
OR
(ii) The feeling of loneliness and social ignorance are the common subject in the lesson

‘On the Face of It’. Both Derry and Mr Lamb feel comfortable in each other’s
company. Discuss.
zzz
Sample Papers 107

SECTION–A

I. (i) (d)
noticeable
(ii) It is quite natural for the teenagers to behave in a similar fashion and are more

influenced by their peers in school and college than by elders.

(iii) (c) They easily get influenced by their peers and act accordingly.

(iv) (d) momentary

(v) (d)
All teenagers fall into a bad company and start smoking and taking drugs.
(vi) Teenagers often succumb to peer pressure and do things that they would not

normally do; some teenagers under the influence of peer pressure improve their
academic performance.
(vii) Teenagers feel uncomfortable while talking to the adults because adults fail to offer

comfort and reassurance.

(viii) Those who produce different products to attract the teenagers

(ix) (b)
People of the same sort will be found together.
(x) (a)
The Positive and Negative Aspects of Peer Pressure
II. (i) True

(ii) This passage is all about advertising, product endorsement and impact of advertising.

(iii) (d)
(1), (2) and (4)
(iv) Advertising is deemed necessary because it is considered to be the best medium of

communication with consumers.

(v) (b) (2) and (4)
(vi) (c) 16 percent of all internet users aged 16 to 24 years discovered new brands


(vii) Celebrities are hired to endorse the products which enhance the brands.

(viii) (d)
endorsement
(ix) The products remain neglected and buyers don’t even pay heed to such products.

(x) (c) It becomes irritating and seems to be big nuisance.


SECTION–B
III. 1. (A)

INFANT JESUS PUBLIC SCHOOL, BHUBANESWAR

NOTICE
12 September, 20XX
INTER-SCHOOL SWIMMING COMPETITION
All the students are hereby informed that the school is organising an ‘Inter-school Swimming
Competition’ on 25 September, 20XX. Interested students can participate by obtaining a
registration form from the school Head Boy/ Head Girl on the payment of ` 100/-. The last
date of registration is 20 September, 20XX.
For further quries, please contact the undersigned.
Pratima Mehta
Head Girl
OR
(B)
HOLY SCOTTISH SECONDARY SCHOOL, BOKARO

NOTICE
20 October, 20XX
DIWALI MELA
All the students are hereby informed that our school is planning to organise ‘Diwali Mela’
in school playground on Oct 28 & Oct 29, 20XX. Students‘s creative handcrafts will be put
on sale along with other fun stalls. All the students along with their parents are invited to
attend the mela.
Philips Mathews
Principal
Sample Papers 109

2. (A)
The Secretary
of
Theatre Club of Wordsworth High School, Indore
request the pleasure of your company
on the occasion
of
The Inauguration Ceremony
of the club
At 5:00 p.m. on 5 January 20XX
in the school auditorium
Sh. Manoj Vij
Secretary, Jim Philatte International School, Sohna
has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest
R.S.V.P.
Principal
Wordsworth High School, Indore
OR
(B)
11 A, Sector 16
Bangalore-62
21 December, 20XX
Dear Dr Sachdewa
Delighted to receive the invitation to preside over the Inter-school One-act Play Competition
to be held on 5 September, 20XX at 10:00 a.m. It would be a matter of great honour to
attend the function and witness the play to be staged by the students of different schools.
It will be kind if I am provided with transport for the occasion.
Kindly accept my acceptance.
Yours truly
Dr Prabhakar Anand
3. (A) Albert Mansion

201 A, Electronic City Road

Chennai
22 September, 20XX
The Editor
The Times of India
Chennai

Subject: Complaint against the staffs of government hospital

Sir
I am writing this letter on behalf of the patients admitted to the government
hospitalof C.R. Park on September 18, this year. I entered the emergency room
for treatment of a painful arm. It was really disheartening to see the plight of the
Covid patients admitted to the government hospital. The shortage of medical
aid and assistance was a matter of big concern. But at the same time, the staffs
too should have been considerate about the needs and emotional support of the
patients.

Since the pain subsided after an injection, I was discharged from the hospital.
I would like to know whether the government is cognizant of the lapses and
shortcomings which are prevalent in the government hospitals.
I would feel relieved if appropriate measures are taken to tackle with the
problem.
Yours sincerely
ABC
OR
(B) D-94, Mall Road

Nainital
25 September, 20XX

The Managing Director
Sindhu Chemical Industries
Noida

Subject: Application for the post of Accounts Officer
Dear Sir
With reference to your advertisement published in ‘The Hindu’ dated

17 September, 20XX inviting applications for the position of Accounts Officer, I

would like to offer my candidature for the same.
As far as my qualification and experience are concerned, I fulfil the mentioned

eligibility criteria and wish to apply for the same. My CV along with this application
is being enclosed for your kind consideration and perusal. Post screening, if my
application is worth considered, I shall be available for subsequent interactions
at any time suitable to you.
If shortlisted, I affirm that I shall abide by the rules of your organisation and
would remain flexible for the time slots.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Yours sincerely
Anshika Mehrotra
Sample Papers 111

BIO-DATA
Name : Anshika Mehrotra
Date of Birth : 7 October, 19XX
Father’s Name : Sanjeev Mehrotra
Address : D-94, Mall Road, Nainital
Nationality : Indian
Academic Qualifications : M.Com from University of Delhi
Working Experience : 1. XYZ Company Surat, 2015-2016
2. ABC Company, 2017 – till date
Languages Known : English and Hindi
Contact No. : 9876XXXXX
Email id : [email protected]
4. (A)
CHILD LABOUR
-By XYZ
India is a country of more than 130 crores of people. Here, child labour has been a
major concern because it affects the children both mentally and physically, and it also
destroys their bright future. Child labour is one the serious issues not only in India
but also in other developing countries. It is widely prevalent in developing countries
because of poverty. It is a great social problem since children are the builder of the
nation. There were many laws enacted to prohibit child labour but they never came
into force.
According to 2017 statistics, India is one of the leading countries in Asia and it has a
whopping 33 million children employed in various forms of child labour. Children
are forced to work in completely unregulated condition without adequate food,
proper wages and rest. They are subjected to physical and emotional abuse. Factors
such as poverty, lack of social security, the increasing gap between the rich and the
poor have adversely affected children more than any other group. Unfortunately,
due to the socio-economic problems, children are forced to do the labour work.
In order to eliminate child labour, first we should focus on socio-economic issues of
the society. Government authorities and civil society organisations need to work in
tandem to free children engaged in labour under terrible conditions. They need
to be rescued from exploitative working conditions and supported with adequate
education.
OR
(B) VENKATESH PUBLIC SCHOOL, ARAVALI ADOPTS A VILLAGE
–By Krishna
2 June, 20XX: The cultural society along with the school management of Venkatesh
Public School, Aravali adopted a village. It was certainly a nice experience. Our aim

got fulfilled in the village because we went with a clear plan and mindset to teach the
kids in the poor village and also with a plan to conduct various programs during the
visit. We conducted a sports event for small kids where more than 50 kids actively
participated in the competitions.
Games like cricket, running race and lemon in the spoon were conducted, and
prizes were distributed to the winning kids in order to embrace their enthusiasm.
We encouraged the kids to dance by playing the pieces of music. We found many
kids with the great skill to dance, and encouraged them to polish their skill. Also, we
found kids with good talent in the field of singing too. We set the stage, and many
young talents were appreciated with the special gifts during the programme.

(Literature)
IV. 1. (A) (i) Poem: Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers; Poet: Adrienne Rich

(ii) (d) oppressive

(iii) (c) That they go on prancing and remain proud and unafraid

(iv) (c) full of hardships and troubles

(v) Mastered

(vi) ordeals

OR
1. (B) (i) My Mother at Sixty-Six

(ii) (b) The late winter’s moon

(iii) (a) That her mother had grown old and looked pale and weak

(iv) (b) Metaphor

(v) wan

(vi) False

2. (A) (i) (b) The World

(ii) By ‘stack of papers’ the speaker means ‘pile of papers’.

(iii) (a) That he is on the third level

(iv) 19th, 20th

OR
2. (B) (i) The word ‘we’ refers to the parents of Derry

(ii) (c) People estimate that owing to his face Derry is not confident.

(iii) (c) If you decide you can be worse off than others.

(iv) he does not know the path of his life

3. (A) (i) (c) Shoes

(ii) (d) For a pair of shoes

(iii) (b) a person who picks up rags and other waste material from the streets

(iv) Lost Spring

Sample Papers 113

(v) “young boys like the son of priest ……………..”

(vi) Udupi

OR
3. (B) (i) (b) Charles Freer Andrews

(ii) (d) His lawyer friends

(iii) (b) The Battle of Champaran

(iv) Indigo

(v) The fight was against the Britisher for compelling the peasants of Champaran

to grow indigo on 15% of the land and give it to them as rent.

(vi) False

V. (i) The irony in the given line is that Aunt Jennifer’s marriage instead of proving

contented, has surrounded her with responsibilities. Her wedding band symbolises
her honest commitment to her husband and his dominating nature.
(ii) The poet hopes that by keeping quiet humans will get an opportunity to introspect.

The strange stillness will give a feeling of universal togetherness. There will be no
futile wars and everyone will learn to live in mutual agreement.
(iii) With the rigorous training and determination, Douglas realised that he had

succeeded to conquer his old terror. He went to Lake Wentworth and swam all by
himself and did not seek anybody’s assistance.
(iv) That day, Franz noticed the absence of the routine commotion caused by the opening

and closing of desks, repeating of lessons in unison and rapping of the teacher’s
ruler on the table. The usual hustle-bustle was replaced by a strange stillness that
was the characteristic of a school on a ‘Sunday morning’.
(v) When Geoff tells him that Sophie met Danny Casey, his father looks at Sophie with

disdain. He ignores her totally. He thinks that it is yet another ‘wild story’.
(vi) Subbu was very humble, benevolent, kind and loyal to his work. He was generous

and charitable. His creative ideas and readiness to say ‘yes’ for all situations made
him extraordinary. His sweet and compassionate nature made him so popular.
VI. (i) Derry appears to be an optimistic child post meeting with Mr Lamb. His outlook

towards life was totally changed and he becomes more confident and learns to
confront the adverse situation of life confidently.
(ii) The Maharaja of Pratibandapuram was popularly known as the Tiger King as tiger

dominated his life. After knowing the prediction declared by the chief astrologer, he
started killing the tigers to avert his death. He banned tiger hunting for others and
did an exemplary work of killing tigers. Tiger ruled his life, so he got the name as
the Tiger King.
(iii) In reality, the third level was a medium of escape for Charley from the unhappy

modern world that is full of insecurity, fear, war and worry. Charley, the protagonist
of the story, feels helpless and frustrated, and wants to get rid of the insecurities of
modern life.

VII. (i) The feeling of great remorse for neglecting their native language comes alive to

the French teacher as well as the village elders. They realise that their true identity
which was solely their language is at stake and is on the verge of extinction. The
people were never serious about learning their language, until the day came when
only German was to be taught in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine. The villagers
are left with nothing they would feel proud of. It has been generally experienced
that the greatness of something is felt in its absence. The innocent words of Franz
shakes the hearts of the readers when he says, “Will they make them sing in German,
even the pigeons?” The pain and anguish of the students and the teacher is evident
and successfully indicates their sorrow. The back benches that were usually always
empty, were occupied by the village people who were sitting quietly. Students in the
class were quiet and were inquisitive to make the best of the last opportunity to learn
their mother tongue.
OR
(ii) It was by chance that the peddler found himself at the Ramsjo Ironworks. It was

a dark evening before Christmas. The peddler opened the gate and stood close to
the furnace. It was nothing unusual for poor vagabond to have night shelter in the
winter in front of the fire. The ironmaster noticed the peddler. He walked close
up to him and looked him over very carefully. He mistook him for Captain Nils
Olof, an old comrade of his regiment. He felt sorry that he had resigned from the
regiment long ago. The ironmaster invited the peddler home as their special guest
on Christmas. The peddler was not amused. He didn’t want to get in any more
trouble. He looked quite alarmed and declined the invitation.
Going to the manor house appeared like throwing himself voluntarily into the lion’s
den. He didn’t want to go there. He only wanted to spend the night in the forge.
He wanted to sneak away in the morning unnoticed. Then he thought of the thirty
kronors. They were a bait and he couldn’t resist the temptation and decline the
invitation. The ironmaster only assumed that the peddler felt embarrassed because
of his miserable clothing.
VIII. (i) As a doctor, Sadao was taught that he should never let a person die if he could help.

One evening, he finds a badly injured enemy soldier on the sea beach near his
house. The man could die if not given proper medical aid. Now, Dr Sadao used his
surgical skills and performed an operation on the man though he was enemy soldier.
He tends him well and takes great care of him. In this way, Dr Sadao maintains his
professional loyalty and he is able to save the life of the POW with his surgical skills.
But Dr Sadao is a patriotic person also. Therefore, he informs everything to the
old General. The General ensures him to send his private assassins to kill the man.
However, Dr Sadao has saved that man with great effort. Naturally, he does not want
any harm to come to that man. Therefore, he helps the man escape in a boat in the
end of the story.
Sample Papers 115

OR
(ii) Mr Lamb and Derry both were victims of physical disability. Mr Lamb had a tin leg

and Derry had a burnt face. Both of them had to face social ignorance on account of
their blemishes.
However, loneliness and a sense of estrangement were also experienced by Derry
and Mr Lamb because of their disability. They were discarded in the society. Derry,
who felt low because of his disability, was a victim of inferiority complex. He always
thought people would have been criticising his burnt face. He became cynical as
people got scared of him and didn’t like to mingle with him. The acceptance that he
received from Mr Lamb gives him a feeling of new beginning and soothing effect.
Mr Lamb, on the other hand, was a person who craved for company and acceptance,
and looked at the positive side of life.
zzz

6 SAMPLE PAPER
[UNSOLVED]
SECTION–A

(1) Demonetization is a move in which a government bans the notes or coins of a certain
denomination. It’s been long since it came into effect in India. Demonetization refers to
the act of stripping a currency as legal tender. In demonetization, the current form of
money is removed from circulation and retired. Furthermore, the replacement of this
form of money occurs with new notes or coins.
(2) Demonetization was implemented with the intention to reduce corruption from taking
place. It certainly puts a full stop to corrupt practices. Demonetization significantly
hampers individuals’ dealing in black money from carrying out their evil ideas. There
is not even an iota of doubt that it had created utter ruckus all around, but eventually
eradicated corrupt practices and defeated the intentions of the ones who had stashed
black money. Demonetization has most likely infused more sophistication in the banking
system and hence, the country is heading towards digital transaction in full force. The
economy of the nation has moved into a cashless direction due to demonetization and
would mean better access to credit and revamping of financial operations. It would
reduce the risk and liability of liquid currency. Furthermore, handling soft money is far
easier than handling hard money.
(3) Demonetization has given the income tax authorities a considerable mileage to be on
their toes and nab the ones who derelict their responsibility and use tax avoidance
tactics. This certainly is a massive advantage of demonetization. Demonetization has
successfully targeted multiple problems like illegal activities and their funding source,
terrorism, tax evasion, and counterfeit currency. People can be easily scrutinised and
brought before the law for any lapses on their part. With the rapid increase in the
flow of taxes, it would certainly result in government undertaking more public welfare
measures.
(4) Though there are apparent challenges as well. Poor knowledge of technology of the
vast multitude of people and poor internet connectivity form a major challenge for
any government. Especially, people in rural areas face huge trouble due to the digital
transaction. Evidently, rural areas and the agricultural sector highly depend upon cash.
Furthermore, these people lack the financial literacy to handle the situation.
(5) Demonetization was certainly a revolutionary step to boost the country’s economic
system. Though the decision might have caused inconvenience to the general population,
it definitely had the national interest and economic growth at its core.
Sample Papers 117

(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) ‘Legal tender’ in paragraph 1 means ____________.

(a) when money or currency is legally in circulation

(b) when money is received only through the bank counters

(c) when old notes are legally scraped

(d) none of these

(ii) Pick a sentence from the passage that best describes the term ‘demonetization’.

(iii) What was the objective of the implementation of demonetization?

(iv) Choose the correct synonym for the word ‘iota’ from the following.

(a) Ounce
(b) Idea

(c) Plan
(d) Thing of little importance

(v) What does ‘soft money’ in paragraph 2 mean?

(a) Coins
(b) Liquid Cash

(c) Money earned honestly

(d) Paper currency

(vi) List some illegal activities, discussed in the passage, targeted through demonetization.

(vii) Why does the narrator say that demonetization has given the income tax authorities

a considerable mileage?
(viii) What is the narrator hopeful about with the flow of taxes?

(a) Government would focus more on education.

(b) Government would focus more on public welfare measures.

(c) All accounts will be credited with subsidy.

(d) Free ration will be supplied to all.

(ix) Based on your understanding of the passage, which sector is highly depended upon

cash?
(x) Which of the following is a suitable title for the passage?

(a) Poor Knowledge of Technology

(b) Demonetization

(c) Poor Knowledge of Computer

(d) Demonetization – A Great Revolution


(1) Social media is a big part of many teens’ lives. It allows teens to create online identities,
communicate with others and build social networks. These networks can provide teens with
valuable support, especially helping those who experience exclusion or have disabilities or
chronic illnesses. A survey reveals 45% children, in the bracket of 13-17 years of age, are
online almost constantly and 97% of them use a social media platform, such as YouTube,
Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat.
(2) Teens also use social media for entertainment and self-expression. And the platforms
can expose teens to current events, allow them to interact across geographic barriers
and teach them about a variety of subjects, including healthy behaviours. Social media
that’s humorous or distracting or provides a meaningful connection to peers and a wide
social network might even help teens avoid depression.

(3) However, using social media can also adversely affect teens, distracting them, disrupting
their sleep, and exposing them to bullying, rumour spreading, unrealistic views of other
people’s lives and peer pressure. The risks might be related to how much social media
teens use. A 2019 study of more than 6,500 12- to 15-year-olds in the U.S. found that
those who spend more than three hours a day using social media might be at a higher
risk for mental health problems. Another 2019 study of more than 12,000 13- to 16-year
olds in England found that using social media more than three times a day predicted
poor mental health and well-being in teens.
Percent of Teen 13-17 Who Use Social Media:

% of all teens 13 to 17 who use ...
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Facebook 71 %
Instagram 52 %
Snapchat 41 %
Twitter 33 %
Tik Tok 24 %
Tumblr 14 %
Other Social Platforms 11 %
(4) How teens use social media also might determine its impact. A 2015 study found that
social comparison and feedback seeking by teens using social media and cell phones
was linked with depressive symptoms. In addition, a small 2013 study found that older
adolescents who used social media passively, such as by just viewing others’ photos,
reported declines in life satisfaction. Those who used social media to interact with
others or post their own content didn’t experience these declines. It becomes a common
belief that the longer they used Facebook, the stronger was their belief that others were
happier than they were. But the fact is that the more time the students spend going out
with their friends, the less they feel this way.
(1×10=10 marks)
(i) ‘How can social media be a mentor’ is the concern discussed in the passage.


Sample Papers 119

(ii) How does social media serve teens? (Support your answer from the passage)

(iii) Social media platform is a common fad among:

(a) people who have disabilities

(b) teens

(c) merchants and traders

(d) adolescents

(iv) Social media is a boon as it helps ______________.

(v) What does the survey reveal about the children in the bracket of 13-17 years of age?

(a) They are regularly online.

(b) They use social media platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or

Snapchat.
(c) They keep posting new blogs.

(d) They tweet quite frequently.

(vi) What do teens use social media platform majorly for?

(a) Posting blogs only

(b) Entertainment and self-expression

(c) Looking for a good prospect

(d) Knowledge

(vii) Give a reason to prove that today’s children are vulnerable to mental health problems.

(viii) As revealed in the passage, using social media more than three times a day can cause

______________.
(a) cardiac problems
(b) neurology disorders

(c) poor mental health in teens

(d) insomnia

(ix) According to the passage, which sentence from the following is NOT CORRECT?

(a) Social media acquaints us with current events.

(b) People spending more than two hours on social media are prone to mental

health.
(c) We cannot communicate unless we have a valid account on social media.

(d) Social media allows us to interact across geographic barriers and teaches about

a variety of subjects.
(x) What are the adverse effects of social media on teenager?


(A) You are Ananya/Ankur Shree, Secretary of Jaipuria Heights, Anand Vihar. Your

society is planning to organise ‘Garba Nights’ in the society club. Draft a notice for
the residents in not more than 50 words inviting the residents for the same. You may
invent necessary details. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Mohit/Mohita Sobti, Cultural Activity Incharge of B.P.S International School,

Vrindavan. Your school is planning to organise Poetry Recitation Competition in the

school auditorium. Draft a notice, in not more than 50 words, inviting the students
for the same. You may invent the necessary details.


(A) Sister Mary, Executive Director, College of Arts and Sculptures, Saharanpur, has

been invited to preside over a seminar on ‘Art Integrated Studies’. Since she is
unavailable in the town on the said date; being her private secretary, respond to the
invitation, on behalf of Sister Mary, regretting her inability to attend the function.
You are Snehlata Parimal. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Prahlad Punia. You are informed that your name has appeared in the final

selection list of District Badminton Tournament Single. You have decided to throw a
party to celebrate with your friends and coach. Write an informal invitation for your
friends giving all the necessary details. Do not exceed more than 50 words.

(A) You are Ananya/Aniket Bansal, Mountbatten Road, Sealdah. You are looking for an

opening in Hospitality Industry. Your friend informed you that there is a position
lying vacant in Surya International Hotel for front office operations. Write an
application for the job, in 120-150 words, along with a bio-data. (5 marks)
OR
(B) On Teacher’s Day, you read in a newspaper that privately owned and managed

schools in small towns or even in the suburbs of metropolitan cities exploit their
teachers by paying them just a fraction of their authorised salaries. This affects their
performance in the classroom and thus, the lives of their students. Write a letter,
in 120-150 words, to the Editor of a National Daily raising your voice against such
exploitation. Suggest ways to solve this problem. You are Navtej/Navita, 112 Taj
Road, Agra.

(A) You are Mohit/Mohita. Distracted driving is a serious and growing threat to road

safety. This problem is likely to escalate globally in the coming years. Write an article
suggesting what interventions and measures can be put into place to reduce their
impact upon road traffic crashes. (5 marks)
Sample Papers 121

OR
(B) You are Devraj/Devika, a correspondent in a local daily, Ranchi. You are inquisitive to

pay a visit to schools which are resuming almost after 7 months, due to the outbreak
of Covid-19. Write a report, in 120-150 words, for your newspaper. You may invent
the necessary details.

(Literature)
IV.
(1×6=6 marks)
(A) Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
(i) Pick the quote that matches best with the given statement.

“And such too is the grandeur of the dooms we have imagined for the might dead.”
(a) In th night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a

wing.
(b) When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the

paths of men.
(c) Endings are not always bad, most times they’re just beginnings in disguise.

(d) Cowards die many times before their death; the valiant never taste of death but

once.
(ii) Pick the option that refers to what ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink’ suggests.

(1) Inspirational deeds of great men

(2) A ceaseless series of dreams
(3) An infinite source of strength
(4) An elixir of life for upliftment of the soul
(5) An elixir source of delight
(6) A boundless gift of love
(a) (1), (4) and (5)
(b) (2), (3) and (5)

(c) (1), (2) and (6)

(d) (2), (4) and (6)

(iii) Pick the option that pairs the TRUE statements based on the extract, from the list

below.
(1) The bushes with fragment flowers lift the human spirit and bring joy.
(2) Death is inevitable and everyone faces it no matter how powerful.
(3) Immortality is achieved by man when he drinks the nectar of joy.

(4) Legendary heroes and their heroic deeds instill inspiration in us.
(a) (1) and (2)
(b) (2) and (4)

(c) (1) and (4)

(d) (2) and (3)

(iv) Name the poetic device used in ‘mighty dead’.

(v) What can be inferred from the phrase ‘Grandeur of the dooms’?

(vi) Why is the fountain endless?

OR
(B) Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake

(a) An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum, Stephen Spender

(b) A Thing of Beauty, John Keats

(c) Keeping Quiet, Pablo Neruda

(d) Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, Adrienne Rich

(ii) Identify the rhyme scheme employed in the given stanza.

(a) abab
(b) baca

(c) aabb
(d) Blank Verse

(iii) ‘Cooling covert’ is an example of ______________ in the above stanza.

(a) assonance
(b) apostrophe

(c) alliteration
(d) oxymoron

(iv) Complete the analogy.

germinating : sprouting :: ______________ : secretly

(v) ‘The green world’ here means ______________.

(vi) The poetic device used in ‘a shady boon’ is ______________.


(1×4=4)
(A) The British Officer’s secretary sent word to the Maharaja through the dewan that

the durai himself did not have to kill the tiger. The Maharaja could do the actual
killing. What was important to the durai was a photograph of himself holding the
gun and standing over the tiger’s carcass. But the Maharaja would not agree even to
this proposal. If he relented now, what would he do if other British officers turned
up for tiger hunts?
(i) What did the British officer want to do?

(a) He wanted to kill a tiger.

(b) He wanted to kill the tiger king.

(c) He wanted to click a picture with the dead tiger.

(d) None of these

(ii) What do you understand by the word ‘carcass’?

Sample Papers 123

(iii) Why did the Maharaja not want to relent?

(a) For other Britishers could turn up for hunting tigers

(b) For other Britishers could turn up for hunting him

(c) For other Britishers could turn up for clicking his picture

(d) All of these

(iv) Finally, the tiger king accepted the proposal of Durai.

(True/False)
OR
(B) I watched my chance and when no one noticed I disappeared. I cried up the stairs

as quietly as I could in my squeaking shoes – my moccasins had been exchanged for

shoes. Along the hall I passed, without knowing where I was going. Turning aside to
an open door, I found a large room with three white beds in it. The windows were
covered with dark green curtains, which made the room very dim. Thankful that no
one was there. I directed my steps toward the corner farthest from the door. On my
hands and knees I crawled under the bed, and huddled myself in the dark corner.
(i) Why did the narrator hide herself?

(a) In order to protect her hair

(b) In order to avert the punishment

(c) In order to complete the homework

(d) None of these

(ii) Who was looking for the narrator?

(iii) Where did Zitkala-Sa hide herself?

(a) In her hostel

(b) Under the bed

(c) In the washroom

(d) In her class

(iv) Which literary device has been used in ‘squeaky shoes’?


(1×6=6)
(A) Next he held me at the side of the pool and had me kick with my legs. For weeks I

did just that. At first my legs refused to work. But they gradually relaxed; and finally
I could command them. 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) What did the author do for weeks?

(a) For weeks, the author gradually relaxed.

(b) For weeks, the author’s instructor held him at the side of the pool and had him

kick with his legs.

(c) For weeks, the author made unsuccessful attempts.

(d) None of these

(ii) Who built a swimmer?

(iii) “Now you can swim.” These words were spoken by:

(a) Douglas’ father

(b) Douglas’ mother

(c) Instructor
(d) Teacher in school


(iv) When did he put them together into an integrated whole?

(a) After six months

(b) When the author practised for weeks

(c) When the instructor perfected each piece of the author

(d) When his legs refused to work

(v) Was the author finally able to swim?

(vi) What does ‘each piece’ refer to in the given extract?

OR
(B) “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 injustice.
(i) “Why not organise yourselves into a cooperative?” Who is ‘yourselves’ referred

to in this line?
(a) The bangle-makers
(b) The rag-pickers
(c) Saheb and his friends
(d) Saheb and Mukesh
(ii) What was the reply of the group of young men?

(a) That they don’t have the courage as they have no social back up

(b) That they are happy with whatever they have

(c) That they don’t wish to confront with their destiny

(d) That they will be beaten and dragged to jail if they formed any cooperative

(iii) What does ‘hauled up’ mean here?

(iv) They talk endlessly in a spiral that moves from poverty to apathy to greed and

to injustice. What does this line tell you about the speaker?
(a) They are helpless.

(b) They are satisfied with the way they are living.

(c) They don’t want to take risk.

(d) They want to come out of this mess.

(v) The reference of ‘vicious circle’ refers to _____________ .

(vi) We get organised here means _____________ .

(i) According to M. Hamel, who was responsible for Franz’s inability to answer his

questions?
(ii) How did the author discover who the English visitor to the Gemini Studio was?

(iii) Why does the narrator assert that the bangle-makers are caught in a vicious web?

(iv) What does the poet’s smile in ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’ suggest?

(v) What does V.S. Naipaul feel about interview?

(vi) What is the sadness that the poet refers to in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’?

Sample Papers 125

(i) What advice did Annan offer Bama?

(ii) What is the opinion of Derry’s mother about Mr. Lamb?

(iii) Antratica is a doorway to the past. Elucidate.

(i) Franz and the village elders had all occupied the seats of M. Hamel’s class. Describe

the unusual series of events that was witnessed on that particular day.
OR
(ii) Spohie’s dream world clashes with the world of her family and friends. Bring out the

stark difference between the two worlds.

VIII.
(i) How would you describe the behaviour of the Maharaja’s minions towards him? Do

you find them truly sincere towards him or are they driven by fear when they obey
him? Do we find a similarity in today’s political order?
OR
(ii) Discuss the impact of Mr Lamb’s association with Derry? How would Derry have led

his life further? Would he have followed Mr Lamb’s teachings and footsteps?
zzz

7 SAMPLE PAPER
[UNSOLVED]
SECTION–A

(1) The 21st century has witnessed a tremendous change in the stature of women in the
society. They are now with new hope and have successfully secured a status of empowered
women in a positive manner Earlier, they were under the shadow of male chauvinism and
patriarchal set-up, but now they have earned their own identity and are independent.
(2) Education is an important key to success. Empowering women would become more
sensible if women were well informed and educated. A woman needs to understand her
rights, so that she can walk and compete at par with men. Mother Teresa, Indra Nooyi,
Pratibha Patil, Kalpana Chawla and a lot more have been very significant in their own
sphere and are an idol for every woman in India and across the globe. From housewives
to CEOs, the transition can be seen at an accelerating rate.
(3) Modernization and the advent of the latest technology have widened hope and
opportunities for them. They have established themselves socially, politically and
economically in almost every field. Women are no longer considered unfit or fragile
for military or for other defence forces. Recently, Avani Chaturvedi has set a perfect
example and has created a milestone by becoming India’s first female fighter pilot.
(4) The journey of liberation of women has crossed many milestones and the society has
indeed come a long way. They have struggled hard over the last few decades and
managed to successfully establish their own worth and identity. Today’s women are
adorned with patience and perseverance, which has helped them to attain the pinnacle
of success. Earlier, women were seen only as housewives who were confined to the four
walls of the kitchen doing the household chores. Today, along with handling tough
clients at office, they are at par with their excellence and successfully multitask at home
too. Women are more focused and have a unique decision-making power even at senior
leadership level, in the most optimal manner, and at times are in a better position than
men. Empowering women can help the society to grow and develop at a faster pace. We
are sure to witness a redesigned world ahead.
(1×10=10 marks)
(i) The rise of womanhood in 21st century is the most appropriate title for the passage.

Sample Papers 127

(ii) How, according to the passage, can we expect of a prospered society?

(iii) What do you understand by ‘male chauvinism’?

(a) Male prejudice against women

(b) Male friendship with women
(c) Protection given to female
(d) Security and shelter given to female
(iv) The names Mother Teresa, Indra Nooyi, Pratibha Patil, Kalpana Chawla can also be

called ______________.
(v) How are women now contributing in the making of our country and society?

(a) By contributing socially, politically and economically

(b) By not being the housewives anymore

(c) By travelling anywhere alone

(d) By flying fighter planes

(vi) Who has had the rare honour of becoming India’s first female fighter pilot?

(a) Indra Nooyi

(b) Avani Chaturvedi
(c) Pratibha Patil
(d) Kalpana Chawla
(vii) What has helped women to reach the pinnacle of success? (Give one reason to

support the answer)

(viii) According to the passage, which sentence from the following is NOT CORRECT?

(a) Society has witnessed a tremendous change in the stature of women.

(b) Women can be considered empowered only when they are educated and well-

informed.
(c) Women have become CEOs across the globe.

(d) Women are believed to be unfit and fragile even today for defence services.

(ix) In what set-up women couldn’t acknowledge their worth?

(x) Why do women hold senior leadership level and are in a better position than men?

II. Read the passage given below:

(10 marks)
(1) For a successful functioning of democracy, no doubt, literate people are of great worth.

Literacy is considered to be the ability to use language to read, write, listen and speak
as well as the ability to perform simple arithmetic. Education should not be limited
to literacy. It is because, education broadens the vision of the people and helps to
comprehend various phenomena in the right context. No wonder, our constitution
framers vehemently felt the need for compulsory education for all children till they
attain the age of 14.
(2) Due to the collaborative efforts taken by the central government and state governments,

the literacy rate of our country has grown from a very low literacy rate of 12.2% in
1947 to 74.0% in 2011 and it is still growing. With 96.2 percent literacy, Kerala has
maintained to be the most literate state in the country, while Andhra Pradesh featured
at the bottom with a rate of 66.4 percent, showed a report based on National Statistical
Office (NSO) Survey 2020. One of the most affecting factors for literacy is population
growth. In global scenario, China and India are the most populated nations of the world
claiming to have more than one-third of the world’s human population.

(3) India’s improved education system is often cited as one of the main contributors to its
economy. At the same time, India continues to face stern challenges. Despite growing
investment in education, 25% of its population is still illiterate; only 15% of Indian
students reach high school, and just 7% of the 15% who make it to high school, graduate.
(4) Drop-out (wastage) is a universal phenomenon of education system in India. The
children living in remote rural areas and urban slums are more vulnerable than their
counterparts living in urban areas. Further, the drop-out rates are much higher for
educationally backward states and districts. Girls in India tend to have higher drop-out
rates than boys and orthodox mentality is the sole reason behind it. Failure to complete
high school education causes serious implications for the individuals as well as for the
society. It results in negative outcome for the individuals and widens social and economic
inequalities already in existence. As such it is desired that wastage at all stages of
education should be reduced to zero and efficiency of education system to be improved
to the maximum.
KERALA REMAINS AT THE TOP
Literacy rates for those aged 7 or more (%)
State/UT Male Female Person Gender
Gap
(% pts)
Kerala 97.4 95.2 96.2 2.2
Delhi 93.7 82.4 88.7 11.3
Uttarakhand 94.3 80.7 87.6 13.6
Himachal 92.9 80.5 86.6 12.4
Assam 90.1 81.2 85.9 8.9
Maharashtra 90.7 78.4 84.8 12.3
Punjab 88.5 78.5 83.7 10
Tamil Nadu 87.9 77.9 82.9 10
Gujarat 89.5 74.8 82.4 14.7
West Bengal 84.8 76.1 80.5 8.7
Haryana 88 71.3 80.4 16.7
Chhattisgarh 85.4 68.7 77.3 16.7
J&K 85.7 68 77.3 17.7
Odisha 84 70.3 77.3 13.7
Karnataka 83.4 70.5 77.2 12.9
Jharkhand 83 64.7 74.3 18.3
MP 81.2 65.5 73.7 15.7
Uttar Pradesh 81.8 63.4 73 18.4
Telangana 80.5 65.1 72.8 15.4
Bihar 79.7 60.5 70.9 19.2
Rajasthan 80.8 57.6 69.7 23.2
Andhra 73.4 59.5 66.4 13.9
India 84.7 70.3 77.7 14.4
Sample Papers 129

(5) The educational planners need to understand and identify the social groups that are
more susceptible to drop-out and the reasons for their dropping out for which empirical
research support is required. In addition to drop-out, failure (stagnation) is another
serious problem in the field of education which results in drop-out.
(6) If a student consistently fails in a class, he loses interest in studies. The parents also
get discouraged and lose interest in the child’s education. Generally, in the end, the
child gives up studies and either gets into some trade thereby helping his parents to
supplement their income or turns a vagabond menacing the society and thus increasing
the burden of the nation. In this way, stagnation damages the primary education to a
great extent. Serious deliberation over the grave issue is the demand of time.
(1×10=10 marks)
(i) The age which has been suggested for compulsory education by the constitution

makers is:
(a) 15
(b) 18

(c) 14
(d) 21

(ii) According to the survey made by NSO 2020, Himachal Pradesh is at the bottom in

literacy rate.
(True/False)
(iii) After reading the passage, what do you think the author has tried to convey to the

reader?
(iv) Find out the word from paragraph 5, which means the same as ‘destitute’.

(a) susceptible
(b) vagabond

(c) deliberation
(d) empirical

(v) Which of the following best defines ‘education’?

(a) Education broadens the vision of people and helps to comprehend various

phenomena in right context.

(b) Education and literacy are the two poles apart.

(c) Education tells us the difference between right and wrong.

(d) Education gives us good jobs.

(vi) List the name of countries which claim to have more than one-third of the world’s

human population.
(vii) What is the sole reason of girls’ drop-out rate as discussed in the passage?

(viii) Find out the statement from the passage which highlights the discrimination between

a girl’s and boy’s education.

(ix) According to the para 1 and 2, which statement from the following is CORRECT?

(a) The literacy rate of India at the time of Independence was 12.8%.

(b) Literate people are important for a successful functioning of democracy.

(c) The literacy rate of India at the time of Independence was 12%.

(d) The illiteracy rate of India at the time of Independence was 12.9%.

(x) Which of the following is a suitable title for the given passage?

(a) Education in Democracy

(b) Poverty in Democracy

(c) Literacy in Democracy

(d) Illiteracy in Democracy


(A) You are Abhilasha/Abhinav Shastri, Activity Coordinator of Whitefield Senior

Secondary School, Ooty. Your school is planning to organise an excursion to the

different parts of South India. Draft a notice, in not more than 50 words, inviting
the students for the same. You may invent necessary details. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Ayaan/Ahana Oberoi, Chief Editor of your school magazine, Envoy. Draft a

notice, in not more than 50 words, for the school notice board, inviting the students
to share articles, self-composed poem for the school magazine.

(A) You are Prakarti Dubey, Executive Assistant to Sister D’souza. of Vidyasagar

International School, Mysore has been invited to be the Chief Guest at Birla
International School, Mysore on the occasion of the Scholar Badge Ceremony
20XX. Since Sister D’souza is unavailable to make it, respond to the invitation, on
behalf of Sister D’souza, regretting her inability to attend the function. (5 marks)

OR
(B) Infant Jesus School, Ahmedabad is going to celebrate ‘Hindi Diwas’ on the occasion

of Munshi Premchand’s birthday in the school auditorium. Being the HOD Hindi of
your school, draft a formal invitation to invite Ms. Rita Solanki, a noted author and
Coordinator from St. Mary Mags School, Ahmedabad to grace the occasion, in not
more than 50 words. You are Geeta Bhardwaj.

(A) You have recently passed out and completed your graduation from a reputed

university. You are planning to join any institution for a part time job in your nearby
locality. An advertisement in the newspaper draws your attention where a vacant
post for the position of back office assistant was inviting applications. You wish to
apply for the same. Write an application along with a bio-data. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Kirti/Karan, a resident of B-9, Madhuri Kunj, Prayagraj. You find

participation of children in various reality shows on TV a form of child exploitation.

Write a letter to the editor of a national daily expressing your concern about various
forms of child exploitation prevalent in educated and urban society. Also provide
some suggestions.

(A) You woke up early in the morning to take a brisk walk in your colony, but you

were stunned to see the black clouds covered the sky and got to know the poor
condition was just because of the burning in the neighbouring villages. Write an
article highlighting the menace and appropriate measures to be taken to curb this
menace. Assign yourself as Niharika Mehrotra of Palam Vihar, New Delhi. (5 marks)
Sample Papers 131

OR
(B) You are Rishi/Riddhima Kulshrestha, Kurukshetra. The other day you read that

the ministry has asked for a periodic review of performance of government servants
to ascertain if they should continue in service or be retired. The trade unions,
associations and federations have come down heavily on the Central government’s
move and have shown their agitation. Write a report on behalf of the federation to
be published in the local newspaper.

(Literature)


(A) Life is what it is about...
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
(i) Identify the poem and the poet from the following.

(a) A Thing of Beauty, John Keats

(b) My Mother at Sixty-Six, Kamala Das




(iii) The stanza highlights the problems caused in the world due to:

(a) growing materialism, greed and power-lust

(b) growing population

(c) intoxicated quality of air

(d) different races and nationalism

(iv) What is man ‘single-minded’ about?

(a) Own progress and advancement

(b) Concentrating on only one idea

(c) To think only about their own country

(d) None of these

(v) Whom does ‘we’ refer to in the given stanza?

(vi) What does ‘keeping our life moving’ mean?


OR
(B) Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
(i) Why were Jennifer’s fingers fluttering?

(a) Because Jennifer was scared of her husband

(b) Because Jennifer didn’t know how to do embroidery

(c) Because Jennifer was weak


(ii) ‘Fingers fluttering’ is an example of _______________ here.

(a) metaphor
(b) simile

(c) alliteration
(d) personification

(iii) What does the wedding ring represent?

(iv) Aunt Jennifer finds it difficult to express her feelings through her needle work

due to:
(a) oppression and male domination

(b) the inefficient work she has created

(c) her health

(d) her husband living outstation

(v) The reference of ‘ivory needle’ expresses ______________.

(vi) “The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band.” What does it mean?

2.
Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. (1×4=4)
(A) 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.
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.
(i) What did the narrator tell Louisa?

(a) That he had been to the third level

(b) That he had been to Galesburg

(c) That he had been to Illinois

(d) That he had met Sam Weiner

Sample Papers 133

(ii) Who is Sam Weiner?

(iii) Where did Charley receive the first-day cover from?

(iv) According to Charley, where had Sam Weiner disappeared?

(a) Charley realised it was just his imagination.

(b) Charley thought Sam was missing.

(c) Charley thought Sam had gone to Galesburg.

(d) Charley thought Sam was dead.

OR
(B) You loose all earthly sense of perspective and time here. The visual scale ranges from

the microscopic to the mighty: midges and mites to blue whales and icebergs as big
as countries (the largest recorded was the size of Belgium). Days go on and on and
on in surreal 24-hour austral summer light, and a ubiquitous silence, interrupted
only by the occasional avalanche or calving ice sheet, consecrates the place. It’s an
immersion that will force you to place yourself in the context of the earth’s geological
history. And for humans, the prognosis isn’t good.
(i) According to the extract, why is it that one loses all earthly sense of perspective and

time here? Pick the reasons that are mentioned in the extract.
(1) The place is too expensive to afford for the middle-income groups.
(2) 90 percent of the Earth’s total ice volumes are stored here.
(3) The place is untouched by humans and their inventions.
(4) One can hardly experience sunshine for over a week.
(5) The place gives an extraordinary experience that makes one forget about all the

other things.
(a) (1), (4) and (5)
(b) (1), (2) and (5)

(c) (3) and (5)

(d) (2), (3) and (5)

(ii) What are ‘midges and mites’ referred to in the above extract?

(iii) Days, as discussed in the extract, are rather quiet on the Southern Hemisphere

and is interrupted only by:

(a) falling mass of snow rapidly down a mountain

(b) the gaggling of aquatic animals

(c) the screams of sea-gulls

(d) the screams of midges and mites

(iv) The occasional avalanche or calving ice sheet cleanses the place. (True/False)

3.
Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. (1×6=6)
(A) “Since you have been so nice to me all day long, as if I was a captain, I want to be nice

to you, in return, as if I was a real captain - for I do not want you to be embarrassed
at this Christmas season by a thief; but you can give back the money to the old man
on the roadside, who has the money pouch hanging on the window frame as a bait
for poor wanderers.
The rattrap is a Christmas present from a rat who would have been caught in this
world’s rattrap if he had not been raised to captain, because in that way he got power
to clear himself.
Written with friendship

And high regard
Captain von Stahle”
(i) Which of the following CANNOT be attributed to the peddler, according to the

above extract?
(a) Indebtedness
(b) Reform

(c) Self-pity
(d) Self-awareness

(ii) Why did the peddler gift a rattrap as a Christmas present?

(iii) The word ‘frame’ has been used to indicate a rigid structure that surrounds

something such as picture, door, or windowpane. There are other meanings of

‘frame’ too.
Choose the option that DOES NOT list the meaning of ‘frame’.
(1) A person’s body with reference to its size or build
(2) A single complete picture in a series forming a cinema, television, or video

film
(3) The triangular structure for positioning the red balls in snooker
(4) A thin solid object that seals a container or hole; a lid
(a) Option (1)
(b) Option (2)

(c) Option (3)

(d) Option (4)

(iv) This communication includes:

(1) a promise
(2) regret
(3) an apology
(4) shame
(a) Only (4)
(b) Only (1)

(c) (1) and (3)

(d) (2) and (4)

(v) “You have been so nice to me”. Who does ‘you’ and ‘me’ refer to?

(vi) “the old man on the roadside, who has the money pouch hanging on the window

frame as a bait for poor wanderers”. What is the tone of this line?
OR
(B) All this shows that there was a great deal of national integration long before. A.I.R.

and Doordarshan began broadcasting programmes on national integration. This

gang of nationally integrated make-up men could turn any decent-looking person
into a hideous crimson hued monster with the help of truck-loads of pancake and
a number of other locally made potions and lotions. Those were the days of mainly
indoor shooting, and only five percent of the film was shot outdoors.
(i) ‘All this shows that there was a great deal of national integration’. What is ‘there’

referred to in the given lines?

(a) All India Radio
(b) Moral Rearmament Army

(c) Gemini Studios

(d) Doordarshan

(ii) Who are the ‘nationally integrated make-up men’?

(a) The make-up artists of Gemini Studio

(b) The make-up artists of a beauty parlour

Sample Papers 135

(c) The make-up artists of All India Radio

(d) The make-up artists of Doordarshan

(iii) Find the word from the extract which means exactly the opposite of the word
‘beautiful’.
(iv) _______________ is the name of a make-up brand that the studio used in large
amounts.
(v) What does this extract say about the television industry?
(vi) Which of the given sentence replicates the meaning of ‘pancake’ as used in the
extract?
(a) He turned the pancake over with a strong flick of his wrist.

(b) The countryside near there is flat as a pancake.

(c) The whole landscape looked as flat as a landscape.

(d) She applied the pancake on her face with a sponge.

(i) The misadventure at the YMCA pool made Douglas hydrophobic. Discuss.

(ii) Why was Gandhiji released without bail?

(iii) Why were the rag-pickers forced to leave their green fields of their country?

(iv) What do the tigers of Aunt Jennifer suggest?

(v) What does the poet wish to convey through the poem ‘A Roadside Stand’?

(vi) Why did Franz call M. Hamel ‘a poor man’?

(i) Dr Sadao was more of a doctor than a true patriot. Comment.

(ii) Charley’s imagination to find the third level was a medium of escape from the

insecure and unsafe world. Do you agree with this statement? Why/Why not?
(iii) Why was it a celebration time for all the tigers inhabiting Pratibandapuram?


(i) Franz was overwhelmed with emotions with the last words of M. Hamel. What

brought this change in him? Elaborate.

OR
(ii) ‘Speech is silver, silence is golden.’ Silence can be very persuasive sometimes and

can bring a sea change in the world. Mention the expectations Neruda wants to
highlight in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’.
VIII.
(i) Untouchability is not only a crime, it is inhuman too. Why and how did Bama decide

to fight against it?

OR
(ii) “Take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves”. Justify

with reference to the chapter ‘Journey to the End of the Earth’.

zzz

8 SAMPLE PAPER
[UNSOLVED]
SECTION–A
(1) “Where there is love there is God.” This sums up the significance of this emotion in our
lives. Man, perhaps, is the only creature bestowed with so many kinds of emotion like
anger, jealousy, hatred, etc. The emotion of love is perhaps the best, the most rewarding
of all these emotions, for it makes him as well as those around him happy. Love is a
conscious as well as a deliberate choice that sometimes leaves man in a mess. Love, in the
romantic sense, has been there since times immemorial. So magnificent and exhilarating
is this feeling, that it is difficult to describe in words, for it is the language of the heart.
(2) It is this sentiment that makes man live in the society, bound by relationship, friendship,
religious, business and professional ties. Love calls for tremendous compassion,
sacrifice, understanding, humility and commitment. These are all noble virtues that
are exceedingly deficient in the contemporary society. Though the path is onerous and
long, its effect on even our acknowledged opponents is profound and everlasting. Thus,
while we may bodily overpower our adversary, though temporarily, but with love, we
can befriend him for life. The fabric of love binds us to the society making life a pleasant
experience. In the world full of hatred, jealousy, animosity, competition and violence,
this stands out as the noblest of all human emotion, which is easy to preach but difficult
to practise.
(3) No religion preaches or advocates negativity or ill-feeling for others, but what is quite
contradictory is that we receive so much of negative passions that we sometimes prove
that we have not understood its significance or it is difficult to practise the percept.
(4) However, there are some deviant forms of this emotion, that are harmful and at best
avoided. The narcissist love for one self, contradicts the basic philosophy of love. The
love for material gain, power and position makes one greedy and corrupt and hence,
incapable of giving and getting love from the society. What a matter of point to ponder is
that we can make the world a better place to live, provided all of us bestow this emotion
in ample measure on one another and interchange this emotion with the belief that it
increases with giving, and is never wasted.
Sample Papers 137

(1×10=10 marks)
(i) The most powerful emotion discussed in the passage is:

(a) Emotion of choice

(b) Greed for material gain
(c) Emotion of love
(d) Emotion of universal brotherhood
(ii) What is the author’s opinion about love?

(iii) How, according to the passage, can we befriend our adversary for life?

(iv) ‘Humility’ as discussed in paragraph 2 means _____________.

(a) lack of vanity

(b) lack of respect
(c) lack of mutual trust
(d) feelingless
(v) ‘Love calls for tremendous compassion, sacrifice, understanding, humility and

commitment.’ Pick the option in which the meaning of ‘call(s/ed) for’ is NOT the
same as it is in the passage.
(a) The present crisis calls for a mature judgement on the part of our leaders.

(b) Skill and initiative are called for in this job.

(c) He has called you up for an important discussion.

(d) I know the reason why the supervisor has called for me.

(vi) List some fact according to the passage expressing what is difficult to practice but

easy to preach.
(vii) How is narcissist love different from the other?

(viii) Through which line can you infer that God favours those who are very passionate

lovers?
(ix) What is the passionate advice that the narrator wants to make in paragraph 3?

(a) We should advocate negativity.

(b) We should eliminate ill feelings and negativity for others.

(c) We should be spiteful about religion.


(x) Choose the most suitable title for the passage.

(a) Virtues of Human Life

(b) Love Vs God

(c) Emotion of Human Life

(d) Love – The Strongest Emotion


(10 marks)
(1) Things have never been this bad in recorded history. India has never experienced an
economic contraction in at least four decades.
(2) The GDP at constant (2011-12) prices in Q1 of 2020-21 is estimated at ™ 26.9 lakh crore
as against ™ 35.35 lakh crore in Q1 of 2019-20, showing a contraction of 23.9 percent
as compared to 5.2 percent growth in Q1 2019-20,” said the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation in a statement.
(3) The June quarter GDP data is the worst contraction in the history of the Indian economy
mainly because the central government on March 25 had ordered a complete lockdown
of most of the manufacturing and service sectors owing to the spread of COVID-19.

Only essential services such as food items and medicines were allowed during this period
as the country tried to curb the spread of the virus across the country.
INDIA’S FALLING GDP

GDP growth for April-June quarter year-on-year (%)
%
India -23.9
Spain -22.1
United Kingdom -21.7
France -18.9
Italy -17.7
Canada -13
Japan -9.9
Turkey -9.9
United States -9.1
Russia -8.5
China 3.2
(4) Since 1996, when the country started publishing quarterly GDP data, this is the first
instance of negative growth. The GDP had expanded by 5.2 percent in the corresponding
quarter of 2019-20.
(5) But these are extraordinary “once in a one-and-a-half century” times, the government
has insisted. While the pandemic has slowed down every other country in the world, the
scale of economic year – in the United States was 9.1 %, significantly less than India’s
23.9%. “It is much worse than every other large economy in the world,” said Vivek
Kaul, an economics and finance writer. In these circumstances, a sharp recovery is also
unlikely. The only way a revival could happen is through government spending.
(6) The government and Reserve Bank of India have been prompt to take measures for
mitigating the impact of pandemic on the economy by rolling out stimulus packages,
reforms and interest rate cuts.
(7) The contraction is also the worst among G20 nations. Before this, the UK had reported
the biggest slump in GDP among the world’s top 20 economies with a 21.7% plunge in
the June quarter, its deepest contraction on record.
(1×10=10 marks)
(i) What has India never experienced in at least four decades?

(ii) The GDP showed _________________ in Q1 2019-20.

(iii) Why did India’s GDP decline?

(a) Because of the complete lockdown of most of the manufacturing and service

sectors
(b) Because the government ordered complete lockdown, and only essential services

as manufacturing and service sectors were open

(c) Because of the complete lockdown of all the manufacturing sector, service sector

and essential services


Sample Papers 139

(iv) What was India’s GDP in Q1 of 2020-21?

(v) The only way to revive India’s economy is through:

(a) opening of manufacturing sector

(b) government spending

(c) opening of service sector

(d) both (a) and (b)

(vi) When did India start publishing quarterly GDP data?

(a) Since 2020

(b) Since 1996

(c) Since 2019

(d) None of these

(vii) Name the country which was reported the biggest slump after India in the June

quarter.
(viii) Which country’s economy was highly affected by the COVID-19?

(a) India
(b) United Kingdom
(c) China
(d) Spain

(ix) Why have been the government and Reserve Bank of India rolling out stimulus

packages, reforms and interest rate cuts?

(a) Because they want to show some increase in GDP by next month

(b) Because they want to recover government spending due to the pandemic

(c) Because they are taking measures for mitigating the impact of a pandemic on

the economy

(x) China recorded 8.5% growth in the GDP for Q1 of 2020-21.

(True/False)
SECTION–B
III.

(A) You are Simar/Smriti of Lotus International School, Jodhpur. Your school has

decided to contribute in controlling traffic near your school and require the names
of volunteers from IX to XII. Write a notice, in not more than 50 words, to be
displayed on the notice board. (5 marks)
OR
(B) Imagine you are Subhash Arya of Sarvodaya Public School, Ranchi. Draft a notice

informing students about Historical Trip to Delhi & Agra. Invent the necessary
details.
(5 marks)
(A) AFS Senior Secondary School, Pune is going to celebrate ‘Diwali Mela’. Being

the Coordinator of Cultural Fest, write an invitation to invite Mohit Bhatia, a

distinguished social activist from Gandhi Smarak Road, Pune to grace the occasion.
Draft a formal invitation for him, in not more than 50 words. You are Ritwij Jha.

OR
(B) The Sports Captain of Maurya Public School, Agra invited Mr. Ahmed Faraz, Minister

of Youth Affairs and Sports to be the Chief Guest on the occasion of the Founder’s
Day of the school. On behalf of the Minister, draft a reply to the invitation, in not
more than 50 words, expressing your inability to attend the function.

(A) You are Shivanshu/Niti Parag, a resident of Oak Tree Heights, Jhansi. You reached

late to your office as you had to drop your daughter to her school. You were shocked
to see the pathetic arrangement of drinking water at the school. Write a letter to the
editor of a national daily expressing your concern towards the most essential daily
need. (5 marks)
OR
(B) Shweta Jain, a resident of 36 A, Jamshedpur, has given an advertisement in the

newspaper drawing application for a full-time manager for her firm. Having seen
the advertisement, you find yourself to be the best suit for the job and decide to apply
for the same. Assign yourself as Anil Wasan of 201 Yamuna Nagar, Jamshedpur.

(A) Most of the children in today’s world are not fortunate enough to have a close

companionship of grandparents for several reasons. Write an article highlighting

the children’s upbringing in the absence of grandparents emphasising how they are
vital for the existence of broader range of knowledge, emotions and experiences for
kids. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Shubham/Shivani Bakshi, Chief Editor of your School Magazine, Gaatha.

Your school recently staged a beautiful play ‘Kanya’ emphasising the value of girl
child and how parents feel reluctant to welcome them. Write a report for your school
magazine in 120-150 words.
SECTION–C
IV.
1.
(A) Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake

(a) A Roadside Stand, Robert Frost




Sample Papers 141

(ii) Which of the following rhyme schemes has been employed in the given stanza?

(a) abab (b) baca
(c) aabb (d) Blank Verse

(iii) What does the poet mean by ‘green world’?

(a) Green forests

(b) Daffodils’ green surroundings

(c) Greenhouse
(d) Green walls

(iv) List the things of beauty mentioned in the stanza given above.


cooling covert : alliteration :: shady boon : ______________

(vi) Reference of simple sheep is associated with Jesus Christ.
(True/False)
OR
(B) 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 a second,
(i) What appeal does the poet make in the above stanza?
(a) To observe the time when everyone is silent

(b) To stop talking in a different languages

(c) To observe moments of silence and forget about selfish goals for a moment for

introspection
(d) To stop everything

(ii) ‘The face of the earth’ here means _______________.

(iii) Which of the following is an apt title for the stanza?
(a) Quietude
(b) Silence for universal growth

(c) Language as barrier

(d) Universal peace

(iv) What is this inactivity going to obtain eventually?

(a) Peace
(b) Satisfaction

(c) Feeling of prejudice

(d) Insanity

(v) The poetic device used in ‘our arms’ is ____________ .

(vi) The poet appeals to the readers to keep quite for twelve hours. (True/False)
2.
(A) 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 anymore, 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.
(i) Charley was not able to get to Galesburg because:

(a) he had less old money

(b) the third level had vanished


(c) the clerk did not sell him the tickets

(d) he dropped his plan

(ii) Why didn’t Louisa want Charley to look for the third level anymore?

(iii) “But now, we’re both looking.” Why are they both looking for the corridor that leads

to the third level.

(iv) “I went back to my stamps.” What does it mean?

(a) That Charley returned to his hobby of collecting stamps

(b) That Charley returned old money in the bank

(c) That Charley did not continue with his hobby

(d) None of these

OR
(B) The rapid increase of human populations has left us baffling with other species for

limited resources, and the unmitigated burning of fossil fuels has now created a
blanket of carbon dioxide around the world, which is slowly but surely increasing
the average global temperature.
Climate change is one of the most hotly contested environmental debates of our
time. Will the West Antarctic icesheet melt entirely? Will the Gulf Stream ocean
current be disrupted? Will it be the end of the world as we know it?
(i) Identify the factor that increases the average global temperature, according to the

extract.
(ii) How are other species being affected due to the rapid increase of human populations?

(a) Icesheets are melting quickly.

(b) Natural resources are limited and rapid growth in population leaves other

species battling for survival.

(c) It is creating a blanket of carbon dioxide around the world.

(d) Aquatic lives are getting disrupted.

(iii) The ‘unmitigated burning’ of fossil fuels has now created a blanket of carbon dioxide

around the world. Here, ‘unmitigated burning’ means:

(a) sumptuous burning
(b) restricted burning

(c) unconditional burning

(d) none of these

(iv) What are the consequences against climate change being deduced in the given

extract?
(1×6=6 marks)
(A) “Now I am going to tell you, Mr Ironmaster, how things are,” he said. “This whole

world is nothing but a big rattrap. All the good things that are offered to you are
nothing but cheese rinds and bits of pork, set out to drag a poor fellow into trouble.”
(i) Who is speaking to whom?

(ii) To what is the world compared?

(iii) Which word from the following means the same as ‘crust’?

(a) Pork
(b) Trouble

(c) Rind
(d) Bits

(iv) What is a rattrap?

(a) Rattrap is a device for catching rats.

Sample Papers 143

(b) Rattrap is a metaphor for how humanity is beguiled by the traps of life.

(c) Rattrap is a Christmas present from the ironmaster.


(v) Which of the following does not signify the word ‘trouble’?

(a) Temptation
(b) Hatred

(c) Desire to possess more

(d) Covetousness

(vi) What is a cheese rind?

OR
(B) “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 a meaning
different from what it means to their parents. For the children it is wrapped in
wonder, for the elders it is a means of survival.
(i) Why does Saheb’s eyes light up?
(a) Because it shows how happy he feels when he finds a rupee or a ten-rupee note

(b) Because he has found a silver coin

(c) Because it shows that no one is concerned about his misery

(d) Because he is without his spectacles

(ii) Who is referred as ‘you’ in the above lines?

(iii) What does ‘garbage’ mean to the rag-pickers?
(a) It means gold to them.
(b) It means silvers coins to them.

(c) It means survival to them.

(d) All of these

(iv) Pick out the word from the extract which means the same as ‘seek to obtain
something’.
(a) scrounging
(b) wrapped

(c) survival
(d) wonder

(v) Elders are more practical and serious towards garbage picking. (True/False)
(vi) Pick out a phrase from the extract the means as same as ‘a mysterious gift.’
(i) Why do you think the author was not happy to see Saheb going to the tea stall?

(ii) How would you evaluate Mukund Padmanabhan as an interviewer? Mention at least

two qualities he displays in his interview, supported by textual evidence.

(iii) ‘All we have to fear is fear itself ’. When did Douglas learn this lesson?

(iv) What does the poet mean when he refers total inactivity and complete involvement

of people on the surface of the earth?

(v) What were the reasons for which the cars from the city halted at the roadside stand?

(vi) How does the cooing of pigeons affect Franz?

(i) Why does Derry say that was fourteen and still his mother thinks he is a small child?

(ii) What was the daily routine of Charley?

(iii) When did the Maharaja decide to double the land tax for the village?


(i) The barefoot rag-pickers of Seemapuri live on the periphery of Delhi, yet

metaphorically speaking, miles away from it. Comment.

OR
(ii) What were the reasons of the farmers’ discontentment and disillusionment in the

chapter ‘Indigo’?
(i) In India, the so-called lower castes have been treated cruelly for a long time. Who

advised Bama to fight against this prejudice, when and how?

OR
(ii) Tom, on reaching his country, writes a letter to Dr. Sadao expressing his gratitude

and obligation for whatever he did for him. Write the letter on behalf of Tom, the
enemy.
zzz
Sample Papers 145

SAMPLE PAPER
[UNSOLVED]
19
SECTION–A
(1) India has a mixed economy in which both private and public sectors exist, especially
in the areas of Banking, Telecom, Road Transport, Education, Healthcare, etc. Many
business analysts and experts on economy are of the view that privatization could
speed up economic growth with the increase in competition while number of them find
privatization could bring more problems like unemployment or taking the economy
backwards due to its inherent issues.
(2) Generally speaking, privatization is a way of altering the relationship between the state
and the private sector to enhance the role of the private sector in the functioning of the
national economy as a whole. Accordingly, privatization broadly means any process that
reduces the state’s dominant role in directly owning and running the economic activities
of a nation.
(3) Privatization is beneficial for the growth and sustainability of the state-owned enterprises.
Following the trend of privatization across the world, the Indian government in the
1990s also introduced privatization amid hue and cry from many of the political and
social groups.
(4) To achieve an increase in the output of the country, there is a need for privatization at a
rapid scale which will help in improving quality of the products by reducing unit costs.
It will be proved a boon in keeping the consumer needs uppermost and increasing
long-term jobs. Privatization will infuse competitive spirit in the employees which is
commonly seen missing from the ones who are enjoying the cradle.
(5) Nowadays, privatization is being seen as a solution towards the problems of public
enterprises as these enterprises on being transferred from the public to the private hands
will become less politicised, which as a result, will help in ceasing the administrative
corruption. It will also help in increasing the tax revenues from profits and strengthening
the public treasury. Undoubtedly, privatization will give ample space for creative and
innovative thinking as well as systematic and strategic planning to realise the full
potential of the economy.
(6) However, privatization will arise a rigorous practice which we know as retrenchment
of employees. In private sector enterprises, there is emphasis on performance which

indirectly results in work pressure and meeting deadlines or targets and individuals who
have been doing work for years without much pressure would find it difficult to adjust
to the new normal and as a result, many would end up resigning from their services.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) Privatization helps employees to be ______________.

(ii) What are the advantages, according to the passage, discussed about privatization?

A. It enhances the potential of workers.

B. Perks and pay packages are affected.

C. Apparent competitive spirit is reflected in the employees.

D. Consumer needs are considered uppermost.

E. Privatization is less politicised and hence, ensures quality service.

(iii) What does privatization gives rise to?

(iv) Find the synonym from the following for the word ‘treasury’ given in paragraph 5.

(a) Coffer
(b) Cash counter
(c) Cash deposit machine
(d) Cash withdrawal machine
(v) According to the passage, what does the Indian economy primarily depend upon?

A. Banking and Finance

B. Telecom
C. Real Estate
D. Education
E. Healthcare
(a) Only A, B, D and E
(b) All except, E
(c) All except, B
(d) All except, C
(vi) For what does privatization give ample space?

(vii) Why do many people resign from private sectors?

(viii) Understanding from the passage, what reduces the state’s dominant role in directly

owning and running the economic activities of a nation.

(ix) Find the word from paragraph 6 which means the same as ‘the reduction of costs or

spending in response to economic difficulty’.

(a) Rigorous
(b) Retrenchment
(c) Enterprises
(d) Emphasis
(x) Suggest a suitable title to the given passage.

(a) Privatization: A Boon or Bane?

(b) The Benefits of Privatization

(c) The Potential of Private Employees

(d) Indian Economy


(1) Emotional Intelligence is our mind’s ability to perceive, manage, and express emotions
effectively in real life. Jack Mayer and Peter Salovey (1990) defined Emotional Intelligence
(or E.I.) as the ability to regulate feelings and use them to guide our actions. Emotional
Intelligence includes skills like self-motivation, emotional regulation, self-management,
empathy and impulse control.
Sample Papers 147

(2) Developing emotional intelligence implies developing a cluster of innate qualities
that help us in enhancing our mental well-being on a day-to-day basis. Here are five
simple ways that we can follow besides professional E.I. training to develop our affective
awareness optimally.
(3) Identifying the Negative Emotions: A large chunk of emotional intelligence lies in
emotional management. How well we manipulate our feelings and efficiently use them
makes us more resilient and immune to stress. When we can label the emotions that
bring us down, we are less likely to get overwhelmed by external adversities and exhaust
our mental energy.
(4) Self-Evaluation: Before observing and understanding others, watch yourself. To develop
E.I., we must learn to assess ourselves objectively and look into our actions from a
bird’s eye view. Frequent encounters with the self-enhance perception, creates humility
together, which contributes to building E.I.
(5) Self-expression and emotional intelligence go hand in hand. Without one, we cannot
build the other. People who can identify and express their thoughts effectively and in a
more socially acceptable way usually are high on emotional intelligence and self-efficacy
(Mayer, 1996).
(6) Stress Management: Recent studies have indicated that people with emotional clarity
and awareness are better at handling stress than others. Especially in the workplace,
stress and burnout causes a marked degradation in our overall emotional capabilities
and influence the way we respond to them. Prolonged exposure to stress without
efficient coping strategies can open us to a plethora of mental health problems.
Empathize
with friend, family and
colleagues
Indentify Developing Evaluate

the negative thoughts, Emotional your actions, your behavior
emotions, and expressions your relationships
Intelligence
Express
what you feel and why you feel
so, focus on resolving conflicts
through communication
(7) Empathy is the power to see the world with others’ eyes. It is an essential aspect of
any mental health-related area of research (Larson, Yao 2005). Relating to others’
thoughts and understanding what might have influenced them to behave in that way is
a significant milestone in emotional development (Reynolds B 1994). Empathy begins at

home. Random acts of kindness like a thank you note, a little help to offer, or an open
heart-to-heart conversation is all that takes to set foot towards an empathetic life.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) Why has it been told to watch yourself before observing and understanding others?

(a) Because it contributes in building self-expression

(b) Because it contributes in building emotional intelligence

(c) Because it helps in reducing stress

(d) None of these

(ii) From where does the empathy begin?

(iii) What kind of people are better at handling stress?

(iv) What causes degradation in a person’s overall emotional capabilities?

(v) Which of the following goes hand-in-hand?

(a) Self-expression and emotional intelligence

(b) Stress management and empathy

(c) Emotional intelligence and self-evaluation

(d) All of these

(vi) What kind of people is high on emotional intelligence and self-efficacy?

(a) People who can identify and express their thoughts in a more socially acceptable

way.
(b) People who can identify and express their thoughts effectively.

(c) People who can identify stress in their workplace.


(vii) What is meant by developing a cluster of innate qualities that help us enhance our

mental well-being on a day-to-day basis?

(a) Developing emotional intelligence

(b) Developing stress management

(c) Developing emotional intelligence

(d) Developing self-evaluation

(viii) How can we less likely get overwhelmed by external adversities and exhaust our

mental energy?
(ix) ____________ is one of the skills of Emotional Intelligence.

(x) How can people set their foot towards an empathetic life?

(a) By saying thank you

(b) By offering a little help

(c) By having an open heart-to-heart conversation

(d) All of these

Sample Papers 149

SECTION–B
III.

(A) R.J. Public School is located in Central Government employee’s residential colony.

Cultural Society of the school has decided to organise a fancy dress show on 25th of
January in which each participant will wear the dress particular to his/her region.
The aim is to show the cultural diversity of India. As Secretary, write a notice, in not
more than 50 words, inviting the names of those who want to participate.
(5 marks)
OR
(B) You are the Health Secretary of Students Council Citizens Public School, Ram Bagh,

Varanasi. The Counsil has decided to start from the 2nd of October a week-long
cleanliness drive around the school. Draft a notice, in about 50 words, asking class
XI students to enrol for the drive.

(A) Sana/Sanjay Singh, Head Girl/ Head Boy of B-5, Lotus Valley, Muzaffarnagar, wants

to invite M. Ashok Adhiraj, Activity Head, Dramatics Club, Blooms Public School,
Muzaffarnagar to preside over the Inter-house One-act Play Competition. Draft a
formal invitation requesting him to grace the occasion. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Hana Rafter, Chief Editor, Morning Star. You have been invited to preside

over Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to be held on 17 November, 20XX at Gems

International School, Mumbai-6. Send a reply giving your consent to bless the
occasion.

(A) People have adapted to wearing face masks as a ‘new normal’. But most of them do

not know how to dispose them properly. Spread awareness regarding the disposal of
protective masks by writing a letter to an editor of a popular newspaper. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Shantanu, residing at B-94, Balimela Road, Malkangiri. You come across

the following classified advertisement in a local daily. Write a letter, in about 120-
150 words, applying for the poition of a volunteer for the Each One Teach One
campaign.
SITUATION VACANT
WANTED committed volunteers, aged 18 years and above, to teach underpriviledged
children, for one hour a week, in the district of Malkangiri. Ability to speak, read and write
Odiya fluently, is important. Experience not necessary. All volunteers to receive training.
Contact Nethra N, Coordinator (Each One Teach One), 4 Literacy, Ambaguda, Malkangiri,
Odisha - 764045

(A) Ragging has raised its ugly head again. A recent incident at a prestigious school

has shown that this evil has not yet come to an end. Write an article highlighting

the negative aspects of ragging under the title ‘Ragging-An Evil’. Sign yourself as
Navetej. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Sweety/Suresh of L.M. Jain School, Ajmer. As Secretary of your school’s

Co-curricular Activities Club, you visited a slum area in your city where the people
suffered a great loss of life and property in a massive fire. The students of your
school rendered their services and material help to the victims. Write a report, in
100-125 words, for your school magazine.
SECTION–C
IV.
1.
(A) A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
(i) How does a thing of beauty impact our minds?

(a) It gives us appalling effect.

(b) It keeps us rejuvenated.

(c) It doesn’t affect us.

(d) It gives us a reason to be rational.


(iii) ‘It will never pass into nothingness’, surmises ______________.

(a) that it leaves us spellbound

(b) that the effect of beautiful things never decreases but increases with the passage

of time
(c) that it never attains perfection

(d) that beautiful things around us have no meaning

(iv) How does the bower help us in our life?

(a) A bower provides us shade in the scorching heat of the sun, giving us relief and

solace.
(b) A bower helps us with financial freedom.

(c) A bower provides us wise decision.

(d) A bower helps us to be under the shade of a tree.

(v) ‘Morrow’ here means ______________.

(vi) Which word from the stanza means as same as ‘lack of ’?

Sample Papers 151

OR
(B) Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.
When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
(i) The poetic device used in ‘the massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’ is

_________________.
(a) personification
(b) hyperbole

(c) pun
(d) antithesis

(ii) Complete the analogy.

frightened : terrified :: hardships : _____________

(iii) Identify the rhyme scheme followed in the stanza given above.

(a) aabb
(b) abab
(c) baab
(d) abbc
(iv) What is the poet’s expectation about the tiger that Aunt Jennifer is embroidering?

(a) That it will avenge for her oppressions

(b) That it will extinguish its power with the death of Aunt Jennifer

(c) That it will remain unafraid

(d) That it will remain a silent follower in the male dominating society

(v) Aunt Jeniffer is physically and mentally strong. (True/False)

(vi) Which word from the stanza expresses the movement of tiger?


(1×4=4 marks)
(A) MR LAMB
: That’s all right. I’m here. What are you afraid of boy? That’s all
right.
DERRY : I thought it was empty....an empty house.
MR LAMB : So, it is. Since I’m out here in the garden. It is empty. Until I go
back inside. In the meantime, I’m out here and likely to stop. A
day like this. Beautiful day. Not a day to be indoors.
DERRY : [Panic] I’ve got to go.
MR LAMB : Not on my account. I don’t mind who comes into the garden. The
gate’s always open. Only you climbed the garden wall.
DERRY : [Angry] You were watching me.
MR LAMB : I saw you. But the gate’s open. All welcome. You’re welcome. I sit
here. I like sitting.
DERRY : I’d not come to steal anything.
MR LAMB : No, no. The young lads steal.... scrump the apples. You’re not so
young.

DERRY : I just.... wanted to come in. Into the garden.
MR LAMB : So you did. Here we are, then.
(i) Why does Mr Lamb ask Derry to not be afraid of?

(a) Because he wanted somebody in the garden to help him with the crab apples

(b) Because he wanted to win Derry’s confidence

(c) Because Mr Lamb was a ghost

(d) Because Derry was going back out of fear

(ii) ‘I thought it was empty....an empty house.’ This shows Derry’s:

(a) confidence
(b) jovial nature

(c) reluctance
(d) none of these

(iii) What does the word ‘scrump’ mean in the above extract?

(iv) The gate to Mr Lamb’s house is always barricaded.

(True/False)
OR
(B) At midnight when the town slept in peace, the dewan and his aged wife dragged the

tiger into the car and shoved it into the seat. The dewan himself drove the car straight
to the forest where the Maharaja was hunting. When they reached the forest, the tiger
launched its satyagraha and refused to get out of the car. The dewan was thoroughly
exhausted in his efforts to haul the beast out the car and push it down to the ground. On
the following day, the same old tiger wandered into the Maharaja’s presence and stood as
if in humble supplication, “Master, what do you command of me?” It was with boundless
joy that the Maharaja took careful aim at the beast. The tiger fell in a crumpled heap.
(i) Pick the option that uses the same figure of speech as used in ‘town slept in peace’.

(a) His actions really flared up my temper, so I walk out.

(b) She is going through a rollercoaster of emotions.

(c) My alarm clock yells at me every morning until I get out of bed.

(d) The children were screaming and shouting in the fields.

(ii) Pick the option that best describes the dewan’s attitude.

1. Desperate
2. Submissive

3. Servile
4. Dishonourable

5. Detestable
6. Flattering

(a) (2), (3) and (6)

(b) (2), (3) and (6)

(c) (2), (4) and (6)

(d) (1), (3) and (5)

(iii) Why was the dewan exhausted?

(iv) ‘The tiger launched its Satyagraha’ What is the tone of the speaker?


(A) But the stranger said no, and no, and again no, and the ironmaster saw that he must

give in.
‘It looks as though Captain von Stahle preferred to stay with you tonight,
Stjernstrom’’, he said to the master blacksmith, and turned on his heel.
But he laughed to himself as he went away, and the blacksmith, who knew him,
understood very well that he had not said his last word.
Sample Papers 153

It was not more than half an hour before they heard the sound of carriage wheels
outside the forge, and a new guest came in, but this time it was not the ironmaster.
He had sent his daughter, apparently hoping that she would have better powers of
persuasion than he himself.
(i) Why did the ironmaster think he must give in?
(a) Because the stranger was not ready to come with the him to his house

(b) Because he thought he was not Captain von Stahle

(c) Because the ironmaster thought about his daughter who was alone at home

(d) Because Stjernstrom insisted him to stay there at the forge

(ii) What did the master blacksmith conclude?

(a) That the ironmaster won’t give up

(b) That the ironmaster would come again to check his identity

(c) That the ironmaster would ask the blacksmith to cajole him

(d) That the ironmaster would send his valet to take him

(iii) Who had come next to receive the stranger?

(a) Edla
(b) The blacksmith

(c) The crofter

(d) The sheriffs

(iv) Complete the analogy - ironmaster : credulous :: Edla : _____________

(v) Who is Stjernstrom here?
(vi) Suggest a suitable title for the given extract.
(a) Reluctance of Peddler
(b) Ironmaster welcomed guest

(c) Edla’s effective persuasion

(d) Blacksmith shocked

OR
(B) 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?”
Then, as I hurried by as fast as I could go, the blacksmith, Wachter, who was there,
with his apprentice, reading the bulletin, called after me, “Don’t go so fast, bub;
you’ll get to your school in plenty of time!” I thought he was making fun of me, and
reached M. Hamel’s little garden all out of breath.
(i) Why was there a crowd in front of the bulletin-board?

(a) Because there was an order from Berlin which was being read by the people of

Alsace and Lorraine

(b) Because the people had been watching the Prussians’ drilling

(c) Because the people had been waiting for Franz

(d) None of these

(ii) Why is the speaker puzzled?

(a) Because he was getting late to school

(b) Because he had not prepared his homework

(c) Because he used to receive all the bad news through the bulletin-board and he

was worried about what had happened then

(d) Because he didn’t know the reason why Mr Hamel was polite to him that day


(iii) What did the blacksmith ask the speaker?

(iv) Where is the speaker going?

(a) The speaker is going to witness the Prussians’ drilling.

(b) The speaker is going to his school.

(c) The speaker is going to the church.

(d) The speaker is going to meet his friend.

(v) Identify the tone in which Blacksmith said, “Don’t go do fast, bub; you will get to

your school in plenty of time”.

(vi) Pick out the phrase which means as same as ‘gasping’ or ‘panting.’

V. Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each.

(5×2=10 marks)
(i) How does Mukesh refuse to follow the ‘God-given lineage’ of bangle making?

(ii) What is the ‘open prayer’ made by the country folks?

(iii) What was the reason that the crofter was so kind and hospitable with the tramp?

(iv) What does the poet try to convey through the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’?

(v) Why was Sophie jealous of Geoff ’s silence?

(vi) What was presumed about the bulletin-board?

VI. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each.
(2×2=4 marks)
(i) How does Mr Lamb try to cajole Derry to come out of feelings of inferiority complex?

(ii) What was Charley’s observation when he imagined he was at the third level?

(iii) When did Bama first come to know of the social discrimination faced by the people

of her community?
VII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words.
(1×5=5 marks)
(i) Make a pen-portrait of M. Hamel as a patriotic Frenchman and a sincere teacher.

OR
(ii) Gandhiji said, “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the

poor.” How does it become clear from the lesson ‘Indigo’ that freedom from fear is
an essential condition for justice?
(i) How is man blamed for despoiling the earth and climate changes? How can you see

the effect of these changes in Antarctica?

OR
(ii) The Governor was concerned only about his well-being. He had hardly anything to

do with Dr Sadao. Comment.

zzz
Sample Papers 155

SAMPLE PAPER
[UNSOLVED]
10
1
SECTION–A
(1) When you hear the word ‘madrasa’, perhaps what flashes before your mind is the
image of young skull-capped boys reciting the Quran. The Arabic word ‘madrasa’ had
a universal meaning; the name was given to any form of educational institution, secular
or religious, and not just Islamic. It comes from the root ‘darasa’, meaning ‘he read
repeatedly’ or ‘he studied.’ Madrasa literally translates to ‘a place where learning and
studying takes place’.
(2) During the 10th and 12th centuries, madrasas instituted with libraries emerged in
Khwarazm where a somewhat unified architectural body was constructed with the
elements of mosque and madrasa. The Indian subcontinent too saw the formation of
madrasas, one such example is a madrasa in Gwalior whose structure resembles that of
a Buddhist vihara.
(3) Major transitions occurred in these educational institutions, giving more importance to
scientific as well as literary thought; they were soon regarded as universal educational
centres, promoting inter-cultural exchange between diverse populations. Madrasas were
providing a wide range of courses from theology to science, philosophy and philology to
history, literature, and also music and lessons of ‘adab’ viz polite culture.
(4) Scholars acknowledged the importance of secular science for a dynamic society. These
ideas were challenged during medieval times, enforcing stern Islamic theological
teachings. At the same time, madrasas in Herat and Samarkand carried on diverse
cultural centres for astronomy, science and mathematics.
(5) There have been reports of girls outnumbering boys in some schools. The Moin-ul-
Islam madrasa in Agra, an Islamic institute that believes co-education strengthens
communal harmony, is teaching Sanskrit and Arabic languages to students coming from
both Hindu and Muslim communities.
(6) Some tend to view madrasas as a highly rigid fanatic kind of Islamic institution, but let
us not forget inclusive examples of personalities like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Munshi
Premchand and India’s first President Rajendra Prasad, who started their education in
Madrasas.
(7) The interpretation of madrasas indeed remains universal; a place where learning takes
place irrespective of the walls built and demolished. Madrasas have the potential to

transcend concrete institutionalised spaces of education and the dichotomy of beliefs. All
these educational initiatives take place on this very soil under one galactic roof, in the
everyday life where we cultivate a continuous form of learning, creativity, imagination as
well as education.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) Some tend to view madrasas as a highly rigid and ____________ kind of Islamic

institution.
(a) chauvinist
(b) decent

(c) harmonious
(d) euphonious

(ii) What kind of potential has been discussed about madrasas in the passage?

(iii) What was the challenge that the madrasas had to face during the medieval period?

(iv) Which word from the following precisely means the same as ‘disaffiliation’?

(a) Theological
(b) Philology

(c) Fanatic
(d) Dichotomy

(v) What does the madrasa in Gwalior resemble with?

(a) It resembles with Buddhist vihara. (b) It resembles with a Gurudwara.

(c) It resembles with a holy shrine.

(d) It resembles with a temple.

(vi) List the kind of courses which are imparted in madrasas.

(vii) Why are the references of Raja Ram Mohan Ray, Munsi Premchand and Rajendra

Prasad given in the passage?

(viii) What, according to the passage, comes into our mind when we hear the word

‘madrasa’?
(ix) Pick out the major transition that occurred in the educational institutions like

madrasas?
(a) It started giving importance to Islamic research.

(b) It started propagating rational thinking.

(c) It started giving more importance to scientific as well as literary thought.

(d) It started imparting free education to Muslim children only.

(x) Select the most suitable title for the given passage.

(a) Madrasa – An Educational Centre

(b) Madrasa – A Chauvinist Centre

(c) Madrasa – An Islamic Institution

(d) Madrasa – An Educational Centre for All


(10 marks)
(1) Today’s woman is a highly self-directed person, alive to the sense of her dignity and the

importance of her functions in the private domestic domain and the public domain of
the world of work. Women are rational in approach, careful in handling situations and
contribute to the society to the best of their capacity.
(2) The constitution of India had conferred on women’s equal rights and opportunities

– political, social, educational and of employment – with men. Because of oppressive

traditions, superstitions, exploitation and corruption, a majority of women are not
allowed to enjoy the rights and opportunities, bestowed on them. One of the major
Sample Papers 157

reasons for this state of affairs is the lack of literacy and awareness among women.
Education is the main instrument through which we can narrow down the prevailing
inequality and accelerate the process of economic and political change in the status of
women.
(3) The role of women in a society is very important. Women’s education is the key to a
better life in the future. A recent World Bank study says that educating girls is not a
charity, it is good economics and if developing nations are to eradicate poverty, they must
educate the girls. The reports say that the economic and social returns on investment in
education of the girls considerably affect the human development index of the nation.
Society would progress only if the status of women is respected and the presence of an
educated woman in the family would ensure education of the family itself. Education
and empowerment of women are closely related.
Health
Education Personal
Care
Women
Empowerment
Income Social
Life
(4) The prevailing cultural norms of gender behaviour and the perceived domestic
and reproductive roles of women tend to affect the education of the girls. Orthodox
mentality and negative attitude towards sending girls to schools, restrictions on their
mobility, early marriage, poverty and illiteracy of parents affect the girl’s participation
in education.
(5) The educational system is the only institution which can counteract the deep foundations
of inequality of sexes that are built in the minds of people through the socialization
process. Education is the most important instrument of human resource development.
Educational system should be used to revolutionise the traditional attitudes and inculcate
new values of equality.

(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) In handling situations, women are rational in approach.


(ii) Why are women not allowed to enjoy the rights and opportunities? Support your

answer with the fact mentioned in the passage.

(iii) No lasting solution of society’s problems could be found without:

(a) respecting women

(b) giving equal status to women

(c) educating women

(d) giving them right to choose their life partner

(iv) The word in the passage which means the same as ‘cruel and unfair’ is ____________.

(v) How, according to the passage, can we remove the sense of inequality of sexes from

the minds of the people?

(a) With the help of good teachers
(b) With the help of good students
(c) With the help of brilliant girl child (d) None of these

(vi) Which sentence from the following do you think is NOT CORRECT, according to

the passage?
(a) Educating girls is a step to eradicate poverty.

(b) Educating girls is a charity.

(c) Orthodox mentality affects the girl’s participation in education.

(d) Girls also play an important role in the making of society.

(vii) How can the prevailing inequality between men and women be narrowed down?

(Give one reason)

(viii) According to the passage, how can we eradicate poverty?

(a) By recognising the potential of our neighbouring countries

(b) By educating girls

(c) By providing free education up to the age of 14

(d) By educating girls about their special rights

(ix) What has given us equal rights?

(x) What are the reasons for poor education among women?

SECTION–B
III.

(A) An NGO has approached your school to offer book grants to the needy students. As

Head Girl of Sunshine Public School, Aram Bagh, write a notice, in about 50 words,
asking students who are in need to put their requests into the box kept outside the
Principal’s office.
(5 marks)
Sample Papers 159

OR
(B) You are Ansh Chauhan, the Head Boy of Springdales Public School, Delhi. Write

a notice for the school notice board inviting names for a trip from Delhi to Shimla
giving detailed information to the students.

(A) You are Bhanu Bharadwaj, an eminent classical dancer, F-30/3, Munger. You have

been invited to preside over Inter-house Dance Competition to be held on the

occasion of Republic Day at Shiva International School, Munger-6. Send a reply
giving your consent to bless the occasion. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Manoj Suri, Principal cum Director of Hope Foundation International

School, Indore. Your school is planning to honour some teachers on the occasion
of Teacher’s Day for their extraordinary performance and efforts they had taken
during Covid-19. Draft a formal invitation to Mr Madhawan, Regional Director,
CBSE, Bhopal requesting him to grace the occasion.

(A) Secondary school students are expected to achieve greater feats of comprehension,

which include understanding complex texts and processing more information in

shorter amounts of time. You happened to pay a visit to one of your neighbouring
schools for boys. You were shocked to see the condition when you found that the
students were not able to read even their text books. Write a letter to the editor of
a national daily expressing your concern about the same. Assign yourself as Mohan
Mahadev, Chilla, New Delhi. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Shobha/Sushil of 56, A Block, Saket, Agra. Write an application along with

a bio-data in about 120-150 words, in response to the following advertisement.

Wanted an experienced hockey coach having B.P.Ed degree for our school. Apply to
the Principal, Agarsen Public School, Agra by 15th March, 20XX.

(A) The festive fervour of any celebration is said to be achieved when everyone around

you is happy. Diwali is close at hand and you feel to do something for the poor kids
whom you have seen absolutely devoid of pleasure of such celebration. Write an
article making a strong appeal to the people who are not concerned about the plight
of discarded section. You are Sarwar/Shraddha. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Karan/Kirti of L.M. Memorial Public School, Dwarka. Your school has

adopted a village as a social responsibility. Students are being taken to teach the
children of that village on a regular basis. Write a report, for your school magazine,
on the various other programmes organised there, in 120 – 150 words.

SECTION–C
IV.
1.
(A) 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, ……..
(i) What do the ‘young trees’ symbolise?

(ii) What makes the poet look out of the window?

(a) The outside scene with energetic children

(b) The painful realisation of old age of her mother

(c) The reverberating trees

(d) Her own concern about life

(iii) Complete the analogy.

trees sprinting : personification :: merry children : _____________ .

(iv) What is the ‘old familiar ache’ in the poet’s mind?

(a) How her mother used to cajole her

(b) How her mother had embraced her

(c) How her mother is approaching her ripe age

(d) How she spent her childhood days in solitude

(v) Select an apt title for the given stanza.

(a) Poet’s Trauma

(b) Poet’s Inward Struggle
(c) Poet’s Fear & Pain
(d) Poet’s Pessimism
(vi) Which word from the extract expresses the poet’s pain of her losing mother.

OR
(B) Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.
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.
Sample Papers 161


(a) A Roadside Stand, Robert Frost




(ii) Why does the poet address the fishermen in the given stanza?

(a) Because they are inhuman to fish

(b) Because the poet wants no one to harm fish

(c) Because the poet doesn’t want anyone to be busy with their work including

fishermen
(d) Because fishermen are laymen and they don’t live in the stanza society

(iii) Complete the analogy.

cold sea : transferred epithet :: hurt hand : ______________

(iv) Why does the poet ask to put on clean clothes?

(a) So that all human beings appear submissive

(b) Because we should pray to God in clean clothes

(c) So that they can embrace others

(d) So that they could feel the meaning of peace

(v) Pick out the line from the stanza where repetition has been used.

(vi) The poet favours the wars.

(True/False)
2.
(A) “Who knows?” his father had answered. “Who can limit our future? It depends on

what we make it.”

Sadao had taken this into his mind as he did everything his father said, his father
who never joked or played with him but who spent infinite pains upon him who was
his only son. Sadao knew that his education was his father’s chief concern. For this
reason he had been sent at twenty-two to America to learn all that could be learned
of surgery and medicine.
(i) “Who can limit our future? It depends on what we make it.” Which of the following

cannot be the tone of this sentence?

(1) Optimistic
(2) Encouraging

(3) Pessimistic
(4) Inspiring

(5) Depressing

(a) (1) and (3)

(b) (2) and (3)

(c) (3) and (5)

(d) (2) and (5)

(ii) Study the following statements and choose the correct option.

Statement 1: Sadao’s father was concerned about education of his son.

Statement 2: Sadao went to America to study.
(a) Statement 1 is true.

(b) Statement 2 is false.

(c) Statement 1 is the cause and statement 2 is the action

(d) Statement 2 is the cause and statement 1 is action


(iii) What, according to the extract, was the main worry of Sadao’s father?

(iv) What profession would Sadao have followed after his return from America?

OR
(B) 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.
(i) What specific difference did Charley notice at the Third Level of Central Station?

(a) Everything was new and of high standard.

(b) Everything was old and too big.

(c) Everything was old-fashioned and smaller in size.

(d) Everything was so fancy and glittery.

(ii) “...everyone in the station was dressed like eighteen-ninety-something”. Which

literary device has been employed in the given line?

(iii) The word ‘lapels’ means __________________________ .

(iv) The writer has used the phrasal verb ‘looked around.’ Choose the option that does

not indicate a valid phrasal verb.

(a) Ahead
(b) Through

(c) Out
(d) Together


(1×6=6 marks)
(A) 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. 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) Why have ‘they’ been living there without an identity?

(a) Because ‘they’ have come from Bangladesh

(b) Because ‘they’ don’t have enough money to pay for a shelter

(c) Because their documents have been stolen

(d) Because ‘they’ know they are not permanent there

(ii) How would the ration cards help them?

(a) Ration cards help them to prove their identity.

Sample Papers 163

(b) Ration cards help them to buy food.

(c) Ration cards help them to prove that they belong to Bangladesh.

(d) Ration cards help them to get their names on the voters’ lists and buy food.

(iii) What does the word ‘tattered’ mean in the above extract?
(a) Ironed
(b) Torn

(c) Shabby
(d) Polished

(iv) What, according to you, might be the main concern of the people being talked about
in the extract?
(v) ‘An aching stomach’ means _____________
(vi) Which literary device has been used in ‘Garbage is gold to them’?
OR
(B) But the stranger said no, and no, and again no, and the ironmaster saw that he must

give in. ‘It looks as though Captain von Stahle preferred to stay with you tonight,
Stjernstrom’’, he said to the master blacksmith, and turned on his heel. But he
laughed to himself as he went away, and the blacksmith, who knew him, understood
very well that he had not said his last word. It was not more than half an hour before
they heard the sound of carriage wheels outside the forge, and a new guest came in,
but this time it was not the ironmaster. He had sent his daughter, apparently hoping
that she would have better powers of persuasion than he himself.
(i) Why did the stranger refuse to go with the ironmaster?

(a) Because he was feeling embarrassed

(b) Because things went downhill since he left the job

(c) Because he knew that the ironmaster would hand him over to the sheriff

(d) Because he didn’t want to pester anyone

(ii) What happened about half an hour later?

(a) The ironmaster’s daughter came to receive the peddler.

(b) The sheriff came.

(c) The blacksmith came.

(d) The crofter came.

(iii) What was the opinion of the ironmaster about his daughter?

(a) That she was beautiful

(b) That she was a skilled trainer

(c) That she had better powers of persuasion

(d) That she can easily criticise anyone

(iv) What does the word ‘persuasion’ mean in the above lines?

(v) Repetition of ‘no’ expresses reductance of vagabond to go to the ironmaster’s

house. (True/False)
(vi) Which word from the extract means as same as ‘seemingly’?


(5×2=10 marks)
(i) How was Mukesh different from his family members?

(ii) Once Douglas took courage, the fear disappeared. How did it happen?

(iii) What empty promises are made to the country people? (A Roadside Stand)


(iv) What does the poet try to convey through the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’?

(v) How was Franz’s opinion changed about Mr Hamel on the last day of the school?

(vi) Why did the ironmaster not hand over the peddler to the sheriff?

(i) Why do we find Dr Sadao in a dilemma when he found Tom?

(ii) How did Zitkala-Sa’s first day in the land of apples begin?

(iii) What strange things happened in the kingdom of Pratibandapuram?

(i) Several thousands celebrities have been interviewed over the years, some of them

repeatedly. But still many of them ‘despise the interview as an unwarranted intrusion
in their lives’. Describe opinions for and against the interview as mentioned in the
lesson.
OR
(ii) It is said that ‘Failure is the key to success’. How did Douglas prove it? Why didn’t

he surrender to his fears.

(i) ‘A man is known by the company he keeps.’ How does the company of Mr Lamb

bring out a change in Derry’s attitude? Answer the question with reference to Derry’s
adamant nature portrayed when he seeks permission from his mother to meet Mr
Lamb.
OR
(ii) Patriotism and Sadao’s commitment to work are the factors that prompt him to

attend the wounds of Tom, even knowing that he was putting himself and his family
in danger. However, patriotism, as a variable that might affect Dr Sadao’s intention
to report for work in emergencies, has not been investigated. Discuss.
zzz
Sample Papers 165

SAMPLE PAPER
[UNSOLVED]
11
1
SECTION–A
(1) Naturally, we would begin our mornings with coffee which would refresh our day. Most
people can not even imagine their day without a cup of coffee. However, you would
have heard that coffee is not good for your health. It is actually good to have a cup
of coffee to start your day but excessive intake is not advisable. Meanwhile, caffeine
provides body and brain the required calorie to begin the day. But it is not good when
you realise the number of empty calories you are consuming.
(2) You should also remember that you are lacking those vitamins and minerals which you
should consume every day, like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, coconut oil
your ghee, etc.
(3) Ginger is one of the popular spices which is actually used for several dishes and also
added in a cup of tea. It is really good for your health as it has anti-inflammatory and
anti-viral properties that helps in enhancing your immunity. It is also useful in aiding
muscle tension, nausea, bloating, improves digestion, and reduces cholesterol. It might
even battle against diabetes. So, you could either go for ginger tea or add ginger powder
to your coffee.
(4) Cardamom is another blessing that has been used traditionally for years as a home
remedy. As it has antimicrobial properties, minerals, and even cancer-fighting
compounds, cardamom is able to offer you several health benefits. It is also naturally
loaded with fibre which helps in promoting your digestive system.
(5) Since cinnamon contains the chemical known as cinnamaldehyde, it is helpful in
enhancing the metabolic rate of your body. It is also rich in anti-diabetic effect,
antioxidants, vitamin B and K, beta-carotene, and lycopene which in turn provides
amazing health benefits and is the best replacement for sugar.
(6) Turmeric is one of the most famous spices and is placed permanently in the Indian
kitchen. It is added in several dishes and also in a cup of coffee which is one of the
best combinations. However, turmeric has been known for enhancing immunity, healing
wounds, and improving the level of antioxidants in the body.
(7) It would be good if you add coconut oil and ghee to the cup of coffee. Since ghee or
coconut oil is a nutritious fat, it lowers the production of the hunger hormone, slowing
the process of digestion and enabling you to consume less. Coconut oil is loaded with

vitamin E, whereas ghee is packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, and omega 3 and 9 fatty
acids.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) Coconut oil is loaded with _________ and is able to lower the production of the

hunger hormone.
(a) Vitamin D
(b) Vitamin E

(c) Vitamin K
(d) Omega 3

(ii) What should one remember while consuming coffee?

(iii) How, according to the passage, is ginger good for health?

(iv) Which word from the following precisely means the same as ‘a swollen state caused

by retention of fluid or gas’?

(a) Antioxidant
(b) Bloating

(c) Nausea
(d) Cinnamon

(v) How do anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties help us?

1. It is a fibrous intake.
2. It helps in enhancing our immunity.
3. It helps us to start a good day.
4. It is useful in bloating and improves digestion.
5. It is a good source of sugar.
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 2 and 5

(c) 4 and 5
(d) 2 and 4

(vi) List some vitamins and minerals we should consume as suggested in the passage.

(vii) Why is cardamom regarded as a blessing?

(viii) What should we consume to develop cancer-fighting compounds?

(ix) According to the passage, which statement from the following is NOT CORRECT?

(a) Cardamom is rich in beta carotene.

(b) Turmeric is one of the most famous spices found in the Indian kitchen.

(c) Coconut oil is able to lower the production of the hunger hormone.

(d) None of these

(x) Choose the most suitable title for the passage.

(a) Coffee and its Effect

(b) Indian Kitchen – A Perfect Medical store

(c) Indian Spices

(d) Vitamins & Minerals

II.
(1)
Kerala, the pride of South India, is ever-flourishing as a vacationist destination. And
it sparks off a spirited reaction from tourists and travellers who visit it. With clear blue
sky, chill winter sun and a sip of hot tea, residents of Kerala welcome winter season like
no other city. Along with bright sun and summer feel,winter in Kerala also brings many
festivals, and thereby celebrations. Be it holidays or long weekends, all that people want
to do is escape the mundane work and bask in the lazy evening sun.
Sample Papers 167

(2) Wayanad is one of the most sought-after places in Kerala to visit in winter. Although it
has the essence like other summer destinations in Kerala, anyhow Wayanad happens to
display a different shade to Kerala. The surreal sensation of green meadows comforting
your legs, fluffy clouds fondling your face and the overall aura of this haven makes it a
perfect winter getaway for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
(3) Barely commercialised, Vagamon is
Tourist Arrivals in Kerala

one of the best winter destinations in

Kerala. It is situated in Idukki district.
Vagamon is a surreal town, that has got
2018
the eye of many travellers and is certain
to be a visual retreat to everyone. From 2019
thick forests and cascades to rolling hills
and mystic lakes, Vagamon is a perfect
weekend gateway for city dwellers.
(4) Another eye-catching destination is
1,56,04,661
1,83,84,233
1,67,01,068
1,95,74,004
Poovar located about 30 km from
10,96,407
11,89,771
Trivandrum. Poovar is a modest coastal
town. Poovar offers many draws like
lakes, backwaters and a lengthy sandy
stretch of Arabian Sea. On top of that,
there are many well-maintained retreats
providing reasonable accommodations 8.52% 17.81% 17.20%
and lipsmacking local cuisine. Foreign Domestic Total
Backwater showcases rich flora and
fauna, attracting many tourists and
travellers, making it one of the best winter destinations to visit in Kerala.
(5) Alleppey is one of the most remarkable winter destinations to visit in Kerala with its
serene backwaters and floating houseboats. The backwaters of Kerala are an incredible
sight, especially during sunset. Traverse its pristine waters on a kayak, or spend a day
or two in one of the floating houseboats. Or maybe just sit back and relax on one of the
hammocks.
(6) You would know you’ve reached Munnar when you sense the smell of tea in the air. It’s
ubiquitous, and you will go back scented like a teabag. Munnar is a collection of small
villages which has trek-friendly hills with waterfalls and large areas of dense, lush forests
controlled by the forest department. Also, the thriving countryside is bound to take your
breath away!
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) Tourists and travellers spark off a spirited reaction once they visit Goa.


(ii) What, according to the passage, is Wayanad famous for?


(iii) Which of the following is the most sought-after place in Kerala where tourists visit

in winter?
(a) Vagamon
(b) Poovar

(c) Alleppey
(d) Wayanad

(iv) Backwater in Poovar showcases _____________, attracting many tourists and

travellers.
(v) Which statement from the following is CORRECT, according to the passage?

(a) Poovar offers many draws like lakes, backwaters and a lengthy sandy stretch of

Arabian Sea.
(b) Vagamon is popular for floating houseboats.

(c) Alleppey is located about 30 km from Trivandrum.

(d) From thick forests and cascades, Alleppey is a perfect weekend gateway for city

dwellers.
(vi) What, according to the passage, do the tourists do when they visit Munnar?

(a) They enjoy sunset.

(b) They witness waterfalls and large areas of dense forest.

(c) They go back scented like a tea bag.

(d) They get a visual retreat.

(vii) Why is Vagamon considered to be a visual retreat to everyone? Give one reason.

(viii) Choose the most appropriate word from the following that means ‘omnipresent’.

(a) Cascade
(b) Ubiquitous

(c) Retreat
(d) Surreal

(ix) What does the expression ‘spirited reaction’ mean in paragraph 1?

(a) Dull response

(b) Enthusiastic response

(c) Neutral response

(d) Negative response

(x) Why is Kerala known as the pride of South India?

SECTION–B
III.

(A) You are Naresh/Nainita, Secretary, Cultural Club, Sun Valley Public School, Amer,

Rajasthan. A charity show has been arranged in your school in aid of poor Covid
patients. Write a notice to be displayed on the school notice board informing the
students of the show and asking them to co-operate and make it a success. (5 marks)

OR
(B) You are Pranali Khanna, the Secretary of CBSE. Write a notice, in not more than 50

words, informing various schools about the Teachers’ Training Program across the
country. Include all the relevant details.

(A) You have been invited by your friend, Jatin Pathak, to celebrate his son’s astounding

success at his residence. Write a reply to the invitation expressing your inability to
attend the party as you have some other commitment with your subordinates.
(5 marks)
Sample Papers 169

OR
(B) You are Anuradha/Anushesh of D-51, B.S.Z. Marg, New Delhi. You have got engaged

but couldn’t invite your cousins due to the restriction during Covid-19. So, you’ve
decided to arrange a get-together with your cousins living in Meerut. Invite your
cousin Manu on the occasion. Write the invitation, in about 50 words, giving all the
necessary details.

(A) You are Vikas/Vineeta Bhalla, staying at Whitefield Colony, Jaipur. The poor

availability of good school in your vicinity compels you to write a letter to draw the
attention of the officials. Write a letter to the editor of Rajasthan Times specifying
your problems faced and ask for a solution to your problem. (5 marks)
OR
(B) Nazareth Public School, Ranchi requires two Western Music coaches, one male

and one female. Each should be a degree holder in Western Music as well as a
certified coach in music, and must have a rich experience of working with a reputed
school. You have seen their advertisement and wish to apply for the same. Write
an application, in about 120-150 words, along with your resume. You are Aslam/
Anahita, 14 Azad Basti, Jamshedpur

(A) The rising prices of onions, potatoes and other basic necessities make life difficult for

the common man. As a concerned citizen, write an article, in about 120-150 words,
on rising prices. Suggest solutions to solve this problem. You are Aniket/Anupama.
(5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Reet/Ritesh Sabharwal, a reporter with a national daily. You have heard that

a newly-wed bride has committed suicide due to the strain she had been facing in
her married life. Write a report, in 120-150 words, mentioning the misery and scene
of the accident.
SECTION–C
IV.
1.
(A) It would be an exotic moment
Without rush, without engines,
We would all be together
In a sudden strangeness.
(i) What kind of moment would it be when everyone is silent?

(a) Terrible
(b) Exotic

(c) Painful
(d) Restless

(ii) Who is the poet addressing in the above lines?

(iii) Which of the following poetic device has been used in ‘sudden strangeness’?

(a) Antithesis
(b) Repetition

(c) Metaphor
(d) Alliteration


(iv) What would the moment be felt like?

(a) A feeling of togetherness

(b) An exotic feeling

(c) A feeling of peace which would make us united

(d) A feeling of sudden strangness

(v) “Without rush, without engines” refers to ____________________________________.

(vi) What will happen if there are no engines and no crowd?

OR
(B) ..... she
looked but soon
put that thought away, and
looked out at young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling
out of their homes
(i) Which poetic device has been used in ‘trees sprinting’?

(a) Metaphor
(b) Personification

(c) Repetition
(d) Simile

(ii) What did the poet realise?

(iii) How did she feel when she realised that her mother is getting old?

(iv) What did she do then?

(a) She smiled.

(b) She tried to divert her thought by looking out of the car’s window.

(c) She went to Cochin airport.

(d) None of these

(v) What does the poem not revolve around?

(a) Poet’s fears

(b) Poet’s love for her mother

(c) Theme of old age

(d) Poet’s travel plans

(vi) ‘put that thought away’. Which thought was put away?


(1×4=4 marks)
(A) “What if the hundredth tiger was also killed?”
“Then I will tear up all my books on astrology, set fire to them, and .....”
“And....”
“I shall cut off my tuft, crop my hair short and become an insurance agent,” the
astrologer finished on an incoherent note.
(i) Who said, “What if the hundredth tiger were also killed”?

(ii) Why did the state astrologer announce that he would cut off his ceremonial tuft?

(a) Because the prophecy made by him seemed no relevance

(b) Because he was sure of his prediction that the Maharaja’s death would be caused

by the 100th tiger

(c) Because the prediction made by the state astrologer seemed to be untrue to his

colleagues
(d) Because his wife had raised her doubt about his astrology

Sample Papers 171

(iii) The speaker urged the astrologer to make further promise to himself saying

“And.....” This shows his:

(a) obstinate attitude
(b) malleable attitude

(c) non-resistant attitude

(d) amenable attitude

(iv) Complete the given analogy.

incoherent : lucid :: confiscated : _______________

OR
(B) MR LAMB : You’re a boy who came into the garden. Plenty do. I’m interested in

anybody. Anything.
There’s nothing God made that doesn’t interest me. Look over
there.... over beside the far wall.
What can you see?
DERRY : Rubbish.

MR LAMB : Rubbish? Look, boy, look.... what do you see?

DERRY : Just....grass and stuff. Weeds.

MR LAMB : Some call them weeds. If you like, then.... a weed garden, that.

There’s fruit and there are flowers, and trees and herbs. All sorts. But
over there.... weeds. I grow weeds there. Why is one green, growing
plant called a weed and another ‘flower’? Where’s the difference. It’s
all life.... growing. Same as you and me.
DERRY : We’re not the same.

MR LAMB : I’m old. You’re young. You’ve got a burned face; I’ve got a tin leg.

Not important. You’re standing there.... I’m sitting here. Where’s the
difference?
(i) ‘‘There’s nothing God made that doesn’t interest me.’’ It shows that Mr. Lamb:

(a) is a greedy man.

(b) likes accepting everyone.

(c) is a loner.
(d) is a disciplined man.

(ii) ‘Mr. Lamb asks Derry how one can distinguish a flower from a weed when both are

plants.’ Which word from the following would justify his personality?
(a) Optimistic
(b) Pessimistic

(c) Materialistic
(d) Narcissistic

(iii) What does Mr. Lamb want Derry to do?

(iv) What changes took place in Derry after this conversation?


(1×6=6 marks)
(A) 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. Mother continually warned against it, and kept
fresh in my mind the details of each drowning in the river. But the Y.M.C.A. pool
was safe. It was only two or three feet deep at the shallow end; and while it was nine
feet deep at the other, the drop was gradual. I got a pair of water wings and went to
the pool. I hated to walk naked into it and show my skinny legs. But I subdued my
pride and did it.

(i) ‘The Yakima River was treacherous.’ Here, ‘treacherous’ means:

(a) unfaithful
(b) perilous

(c) uneven
(d) zigzag

(ii) What did the narrator’s mother warn him about?

(iii) The narrator believed that the Y.M.C.A. pool was__________________

(iv) ‘But I subdued my pride and did it.’ Here, ‘subdued my pride’ means:

(a) to maintain self-respect.

(b) to reduce self-respect.

(c) to fight for one’s integrity.

(d) to remain firm.


3 – 4 yrs : California Beach :: 10 – 11 yrs : ____________

(vi) Which of the following is an apt title for the above extract?

(a) Hydrophobia
(b) Drowning – A Terror

(c) Childhood Memories

(d) A Step Towards Swimming

OR
(B) I remember a story of a man from Udupi 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.
(i) Who is ‘I’ in the above lines?
(a) Mukesh’s father
(b) Saheb’s father

(c) The author herself

(d) The people of Seemapuri

(ii) Find out the meaning of the expression ‘drowned in an air of desolation’.
(iii) Identify the chapter and its author.
(a) The Third Level by Jack Finney

(b) The Last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet

(c) The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck

(d) Lost Spring by Anees Jung

(iv) What does the speaker want to convey through the last line of the extract?
(a) It shows that the rag-pickers should also wear shoes.

(b) It shows that the underprivileged value anything because they have been

longing for it.

(c) It shows that the speaker always wanted to be with the rag-pickers.

(d) It shows that the speaker regrets why she left the rag-pickers.


rag-pickers of Seemapuri : shoeless :: ________ : wearing socks & shoes
(vi) Rag-pickers remain shoeless as they are habitutated to walk barefooted. (True/Fale)

Sample Papers 173

(5×2=10 marks)
(i) What was the share-cropping arrangement in the lesson ‘Indigo’?

(ii) How did Douglas overcome his fear?

(iii) What is M. Hamel’s perspective about language?

(iv) ‘The bangle industry of Firozabad was a curse for childhood.’ Do you agree with the

statement? Support your answer with reference to the text.

(v) How do beautiful things help us come out of trials and tribulations?

(vi) What is the message conveyed in the chapter ‘Going Places?

VI. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each.
(2×2=4 marks)
(i) What convinced Charley that he had reached the third level at Grand Central

Station and not the second level?

(ii) Why did the Tiger King increase the tax?

(iii) How did Bama realise the discrimination of her society?


(1×5=5 marks)
(i) ‘Strong will power, courage, hard work, and firm determination eventually produce

positive result.’ Discuss with reference to Douglas’ rigorous training that provided
him wings to conquer his fears.
OR
(ii) What did the French teacher tell his students in his last French lesson? What impact

did it have on them? Write M. Hamel’s last lesson in the form of a speech.
VIII.
(i) Physically challenged people need mental support, not alienation. Write a speech

considering yourself as Derry.

OR
(ii) ‘The Third Level’ is one of the most concise and entertaining stories about time

travel. State whether the third level that dwells on the theme of escapism existed in
real or only in Charley’s mind.
zzz

12 SAMPLE PAPER
[UNSOLVED]
SECTION–A
(1) After 60 years of India’s independence, the lives of commoners are far worse than under
Britishers. The benefits of independence have reached only few, thus creating islands
of few ultra-rich people surrounded by vast sea of utterly poor. The rich people in
nexus with those in power are getting favourable laws enacted to suit their ends. The
corruption has spread its tentacles far and wide, there is corruption from womb to tomb,
from maternity hospital to graveyard.
(2) The biggest confounding factor in the political environment of business is criminalization
of politics: people with criminal backgrounds becoming politicians and elected
representatives. Around 20% of the members of the current Lok Sabha have criminal
cases pending against them. The charges in several of these cases are of heinous crimes
such as murder, robbery and kidnapping. It is an established fact that almost all the
political parties take the help of criminal elements to dominate the election scene in
India. But this process is influencing the mind and the will of the people to gain the
majority to rule the country according to their will.
(3) The politicians are thriving today on the basis of muscle power provided by criminals.
The common people who constitute the voters are in most cases too reluctant to take
measures that would curtail the criminal activities. It has also been learnt that huge
election expenditure is the root cause for corruption in India.
(4) The political parties and independent candidates have astronomical expenditure for
buying votes and to sanction other illegitimate purposes through criminals. In fact, the
tragedy is, those who do not know why they ought to vote comprise the majority of voters
of this country. Therefore, majority of the voters are manoeuvrable and purchasable.
Most of them are individually timid and collectively coward. To gain their support is
easier for the unscrupulous than the conscientious.
(5) Independence has taken place through a two-stage process. The first stage was the
corrupting of the institutions and the second stage was the institutionalization of
corruption. If observed minutely, we can see the forms prescribed by the Election
Commission of India for the candidates disclosing their convictions, cases pending in
Sample Papers 175

courts and so on in their nomination papers is a silver lining in the right direction if it
applied properly. However, too much should not be expected, from these disclosures.
They would only inform people of the candidate’s history and qualifications, but not
prohibit them from casting their votes, regardless, in favour of a criminal
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) The rich people in_______________ with those in power are getting favourable laws

enacted to suit their ends.

(a) connection
(b) supervision

(c) family
(d) domination

(ii) What is the percentage of the members of the current Lok Sabha election who have

criminal cases pending against them?

(iii) How, according to the passage, are most of the politicians growing these days?

(iv) Which word from the following substitutes the antonym of the word ‘illegitimate’?

(a) Licit
(b) Illegal

(c) Righteous
(d) Courteous

(v) According to the passage, one of the reasons for the recent criminalization of politics

is:
(a) because of the people with criminal backgrounds becoming politicians.

(b) because rich people have very much interest in politics.

(c) because of the commoners getting into politics.

(d) because political parties offer ticket to the affluents.

(vi) Whose votes can be easily purchased and gained? List the names.

(vii) The political parties use ‘astronomical expenditure’ to buy and woo voters these

days. Here ‘astronomical expenditure’ means:

(a) meagre expenditure.

(b) nominal expenditure.

(c) ideal expenditure.

(d) large expenditure.

(viii) What is the Election Commission of India doing to curb the menace of criminalization

of politics?
(ix) Pick the option that is NOT TRUE according to the passage.

(a) Huge election expenditure is the root cause for corruption in India.

(b) There is corruption in politics from womb to tomb, from maternity hospital to

graveyard.
(c) Only the poor bear the brunt of muscle power during the election.

(d) Disclosing convictions and cases pending of the candidates decide the fate of the

candidates in the election

(x) Suggest a suitable title to the passage from the options given below.

(a) The Role of Election Commission (b) The Rise of Crime

(c) Criminalization of Politics

(d) The Rise of Political Parties


Rural and urban unemployment

Unemployment rate saw an immediate spike after India imposed lockdown
in take-March but data showed an improvement since early May.
35
Immedlately
30
after lockdown
25
20
15
10
5
0
5-Jan 19-Jan 2-Feb 16-Feb 1-Mar 15-Mar 29-Mar 12-Apr 26-Apr 10-May 24-May 7-Jun
Rural Urban
(1) Data, anecdotal evidence and media reports all suggest that millions of people in India
lost their jobs due to the lockdown. Experts said that that would disproportionately
affect daily wage earners and low-income households.
(2) The unemployment rate in 2017-18 had risen to 6.1 percent, compared to 2.2 percent
in 2011-12, the previous survey, according to the results of the periodic labour force
survey released by the National Statistical Office. Beginning in 2017-18, the survey has
been conducted on an annual basis between the months of July and June.
(3) Information compiled by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy showed that
the unemployment rate in both rural and urban areas rose sharply in late March. It
remained relatively high in April, before showing signs of improvement starting in May
when some activities resumed.
(4) “The year 2017-18 was difficult because of the effect of demonetisation and the Goods
and Services Tax (GST), which had also reflected in the high unemployment rate. So
ideally, 2018-19 should have shown an improvement, but it has not changed significantly,”
Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) Mahesh Vyas said.
(5) CMIE said unemployment is “witnessing a very rapid fall” in June, accompanied by
an increase in the labour force participation rate. The labour force participation rate
(LFPR) – the proportion of population working or seeking jobs – inched slightly up
to 50.2 percent in 2018-19 from 49.8 per cent in 2017-18. This is for the age group of
15 years and above.
(6) On a national level, India publishes a periodic labour force survey over 12-month
periods. In the latest figures released for the fiscal year 2018-2019, data showed the
unemployment rate fell to 5.8% from a more than four-decade high the previous year,
media reports said.
(7) The lockdown’s impact on employment in India will likely be captured in the next
survey, which will not be released until next year.
Sample Papers 177

(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) Millions of people lost their jobs due to the lockdown.


(ii) What happened to the unemployment rate in in rural and urban areas when India

imposed the lockdown in late-March?

(a) The unemployment rate started showing improvement.

(b) The unemployment rate saw an immediate spike.

(c) The unemployment rate showed a declining graph.

(d) None of these

(iii) What was the reason behind the high unemployment rate during 2017-18?

(iv) When did the unemployment data show an improvement sign?

(v) Who will get most affected by unemployment?

(a) Daily wage earners

(b) Millions of people

(c) Low-income households


(vi) When does India publish labour force survey on a national level?

(vii) What was the unemployment rate on 2011-12?

(viii) Why did the unemployment rate show signs of improvement in May?

(a) Because daily wage earners were severely affected

(b) Because of GST

(c) Because some activities resumed after the lockdown

(d) Because millions of people lost their jobs

(ix) Why did millions of people in India lose their job?

(a) Due to lockdown

(b) Due to the declining unemployment rate

(c) Due to demonetisation

(d) Due to Good and Services Tax

(x) Labour force participation rate inched slightly up to 50.2% in _______________.

SECTION–B
III.

(A) You have lost a Dtron IWO W26 1.75-inch, Full Touch Screen Smart Watch Series

6, Bluetooth Call with ECG Heart Rate Monitor Waterproof in the college campus,
Block-B during the recess. Write a notice to be published in The Times of India,

Chennai under the lost and found column. You are Himanshu/Simran Maheshwari
of T. K Nagar, Chennai.
(5 marks)
OR
(B) As Principal of Bloomsbury Public School, Bangalore, draft a notice, in not more

than 50 words, informing students about the change in school timings with effect
from the 16th of November due to sudden fall in temperature. State other valid
reasons for the change.
(5 marks)
(A) Considering yourself as Sports Coordinator of AVM Public School, Bokaro, draft an

invitation for Annual Sports Day for inviting parents and guests.
OR
(B) The Literary Club of your school is organising a Caricature Contest in the school.

Draft an invitation, in not more than 50 words, inviting the famous cartoonist Parash
Nath to be the special guest of honour during the contest.
(5 marks)
(A) You have recently learnt that one of your classmates has not been coming to school

for the past three weeks. Your teacher informed the students that he/she has been
admitted to the hospital due to dengue. Write a letter to the editor of The Telegraph,
New Delhi, on the fear of dengue that is spreading in your city.
OR
(B) You are Naresh/Parul of 9-O. P. Nagar, Indore. You want to apply for the post of

Marketing Manager in a reputed firm in Jabalpur. Write a letter to the HR, Havels
Electronics, Jabalpur applying for the job. Write the letter in 120-150 words. Enclose
your bio-data as well.

(A) The NCB is on its toes. The consumption of drugs in Bollywood revealing daily has

left the entire nation in utter shock. Write an article on how drugs make a person
feel slow or stupid and cause him to have failures in life. You are Aparajita/Avnish
Thaukral, Bijnor. (5 marks)
OR
(B) Recently you have attended a wedding celebration of your friend’s sister. You

learnt that the bride’s parents had to pay a hefty amount to the bridegroom’s
family including jewellery worth 10 lacs, vehicles and other basic necessities. You
feel anguished and thought that this money could have been spent on the girl’s
education. Write a report, in about 120-150 words, about what you felt on the
occasion. You are Rakesh or Rakul Preet, a correspondent, Dhanbad Times.
Sample Papers 179

SECTION–C
IV.
1.
(A) Life is what it is about...
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
(i) What is life about?

(a) To live it with sheer carelessness

(b) To live it meaningfully

(c) To live it with liveliness and being productive

(d) None of these

(ii) How has the poet described people?

(a) That they are cooperative

(b) That they care for others

(c) That they are self-centred

(d) That they are stingy

(iii) How can we bring about a ‘huge silence’?

(iv) What will ‘never understanding ourselves’ lead us to?

(a) It will lead us to a failure of accomplishing the task of survival in peace.

(b) It will lead us to a surprising accomplishment of task.

(c) It will lead us to introspection.

(d) It will lead us to meditation.


huge silence : quietude :: selfishness : ____________

(vi) Identify the poetic device used the last four lines of the stanza.

OR
(B) For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;

Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink
(i) Some things of beauty mentioned by the poet are __________________.

(ii) What is the endless fountain of immortal drink?

(a) Rivers
(b) Flowing streams

(c) Sunlight
(d) All the things of beauty

(iii) The phrase ‘immortal drink’ refers to:

(a) blessings of our ancestors.

(b) the teachings of nature.

(c) a life-giving force.

(d) the beauty of heaven.

(iv) The fountain is endless and is pouring immortal drinks right out of heaven to the

people. Here, the poetic device is:

(a) alliteration.
(b) antithesis.

(c) oxymoron.
(d) hyperbole.


cooling covert : alliteration :: mighty deed : __________________

(vi) The rhyme scheme of first six lines of the given stanza is __________________.

2.
(A) We were placed in a line of girls who were marching into the dining room. These

were Indian girls, in stiff shoes and closely clinging dresses. The small girls wore
sleeved aprons and shingled hair. As I walked noiselessly in my soft moccasins, I felt
like sinking to the floor, for my blanket had been stripped from my shoulders.
(i) Which of the following can be inferred from the extract?

Statement 1: There was a protocol for getting into the dining room.
Statement 2: The author wanted to revolt against the protocol.
(a) Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.

(b) Statement 2 is true and Statement 1 cannot be inferred.

(c) Statement 1 and Statement 2 both cannot be inferred.

(d) Both statements can be inferred.

(ii) Why was author able to walk noiselessly?

(iii) “I felt like sinking to the floor”. What are the feelings of author in this sentence?

(iv) Which of the following are not correct about the girls mentioned in the extract?

(1) They walked in a file.

(2) They wore stiff shoes.

(3) They were dressed modestly.

(4) Some wore sleeved aprons.

(5) Some wore moccasins.

(a) (1) and (4)

(b) (3) and (5)

(c) (2) and (4)

(d) (1) and (5)

OR
(B) 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
Sample Papers 181

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.
(i) Who are referred as ‘both of them’ in the above extract?

(a) Yumi and Professor

(b) Hana and General

(c) Hana and Sadao

(d) Sadao and General

(ii) What does the word ‘stagger’ mean?

(a) Stumble
(b) Vomit

(c) Voluble
(d) Indicate

(iii) Who was the man on his hands and knees crawling?

(iv) Complete the analogy.

flung up : toss :: surprised : ___________

3.
(A) Kripalani was waiting at the station with a large body of students. Gandhi stayed

there for two days in the home of Professor Malkani, a teacher in a government
school. ‘‘It was an extraordinary thing in those days,’’ Gandhi commented, “for a
government professor to harbour a man like me”. In smaller localities, the Indians
were afraid to show sympathy for advocates of home-rule. The news of Gandhi’s
advent and of the nature of his mission spread quickly through Muzaffarpur and
to Champaran. Sharecroppers from Champaran began arriving on foot and by
conveyance to see their champion.
(i) Who was Kripalani waiting for at the station?

(ii) What was ‘extraordinary thing’ in those days?

(a) To harbour an activist like Gandhiji

(b) To collect so many students to receive an activist

(c) To raise voice against the government

(d) None of these

(iii) For how many days did Gandhiji stay in Muzaffarpur?

(a) 5 days
(b) 2 days

(c) 3 days
(d) 9 days

(iv) Why did the sharecroppers begin arriving on foot to Muzaffarpur?

(a) To meet Gandhiji

(b) To protest against the British government

(c) To show their solidarity against the British government

(d) To protest against Gandhiji


school : teacher :: college : _________________

(vi) Who is being referred as ‘champion’ here?


OR
(B) “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 a meaning
different from what it means to their parents. For the children it is wrapped in
wonder, for the elders it is a means of survival.
(i) Where does Saheb find a rupee from?

(ii) What does ‘his eyes lighting up’ reflect?

(iii) Garbage to the children ____________ from what it means to their parents.

(a) is a collection of silver coins

(b) is a heap of gold coins

(c) is a means of survival

(d) has a different meaning

(iv) Why does the narrator say ‘when you can find a silver coin in a heap of garbage, you

don’t stop scrounging’?

(a) Because there is a prospect of finding more

(b) Because the rag-pickers are greedy

(c) Because the narrator wants to highlight their hopefulness

(d) Because there is a prospect of getting only gold coins

(v) Select a title apt for the given extract.

(a) Garbage and its meaning.

(b) Surprises for children.

(c) Hope of rag-pickers.

(d) Garbage and Children.

(vi) Which word of the extract means opposite to ‘accord’?

(i) How did the instructor turn Douglas into an adept swimmer?

(ii) Why did the peddler avoid the highway and go into the jungle?

(iii) Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider tigers on the panel?

(iv) How were Shukla and Gandhiji received at the Muzaffarpur railway station?

(v) Is the narrator happy to see Saheb working at a tea-stall? Give reason for your

answer.
(vi) What message does Pablo Neruda convey through the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’?

(i) People are insensitive to those who have disabilities. Discuss with reference to the

story ‘On the Face of It’.

(ii) How did Maharaja get his new name?

(iii) What made a cool surgeon like Dr. Sadao speak sharply to his wife? How did she

react?
(i) “Man is a social animal.” How does the adage appear to be true in the case of

the rattrap seller? How did he emerge into a transformed soul on receiving the
invitation from Edla Willmanson? How did the tramp honour his host?
Sample Papers 183

OR
(ii) Write the dialogue between Sophie and Jansie, in which Jansie is trying to convince

Sophie to be realistic.
VIII.
(i) Imagine Bama has become a successful officer and she is motivating young

generation through her speech. Write her speech.

OR
(ii) The excruciating pain of loneliness and the ill-effects of being unsocial has been

highlighted in the story ‘On the Face of It’. Do you agree with the statement? Justify
your answer analysing the scene when Mr. Lamb was dead.
zzz

13 SAMPLE PAPER
[UNSOLVED]
SECTION–A
(1) There’s a niggling belief that girls don’t perform as well as boys in mathematics, and
that this has something to do with the structure of their brain. There is precious little
scientific evidence to back such a belief. But women, all over the world, irrespective of
their mathematical abilities, are victims of this bias, as even a cursory look at the recent
recipients of the Abel Prize and Fields Medal — the highest awards in mathematics —
would be enough to test the truth of such a belief.
(2) A study, published in the Nature Partner Journal (NPJ), Science of Learning, ‘Gender
similarities in the brain during mathematics development’ found similarities in brains
of girls and boys, making them conclude that the two possess equal maths abilities. The
results support the ‘Gender Similarities Hypothesis’, which argues that ‘boys and girls
function similarly in most areas of cognition’.
(3) To measure brain activity, the researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) in 104 children aged between 3 and 10, out of which 55 were girls, while the
kids watched an educational video covering early maths topics, such as addition and
counting. The MRI scans were compared from the boys and girls to evaluate brain
similarity.
(4) The team also examined brain maturity by comparing the MRI scans with those taken
from a group of 63 adults, of which 25 were women, who watched the same mathematics
videos. After performing numerous statistical comparisons, the team found ‘no
difference in the brain development of girls and boys’. Further, the researchers found
‘no difference in how boys and girls processed math skills’.
(5) Clearly, society at large needs to rethink on the education of girls. Previous studies
have indicated that parental and teachers’ attitudes could be at work for many girls not
choosing a career in science or mathematics.
(6) Children often pick up cues of their parents’ expectations, which in turn, shape their
choices and affinity for various subjects. Studies have shown that families spend more
time with young boys in play that involves spatial cognition, which in turn, help the
latter be more comfortable with science and mathematics. With the knowledge that the
brains of girls are equally receptive to maths, families need to walk that extra mile to get
their daughters fill up laboratories and mathematical institutes.
Sample Papers 185

(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) _____________ are equally receptive to maths and science.
(a) The brain of boys

(b) The brain of teachers

(c) The brain of girls
(d) The brain of parents

(ii) What is the common perception about girls’ performance in mathematics?

(iii) Which journal found the similarities in brains of girls and boys?

(iv) What does the expression ‘cursory look’ mean in the first paragraph?

(a) Thoroughly
(b) Painstakingly
(c) Sincerely
(d) Superficially
(v) Based on your reading of the passage, pick out the statement from the following

which is NOT CORRECT.

(a) Families pressurise the girls not to choose career in science or mathematics.

(b) Families need to be strict with the girls in order to improve their performance
in mathematics.
(c) The author has urged the society to rethink on the education of girls.
(d) Abel Prize and Fields Medal are the highest awards in mathematics.

(vi) List the name of people who has been held responsible to create the difference

between the performance of boys and girls.

(vii) Why did the researchers use functional MRI in 104 children?

(viii) How can parents motivate girls to opt science and mathematics?

(ix) What does the word ‘affinity’ mean in the last paragraph?

(a) Relationship

(b) Racial discrimination

(c) A natural liking for sympathy for someone or something
(d) Detachment

(x) Select the most appropriate title for the given passage.

(a) Gender Discrimination

(b) Mathematical Abilities

(c) Gender Similarities
(d) Brain Equality between Boys and Girls


(1) Between 1994 and 2017, the surface of the Earth lost a staggering 28 trillion tonnes

of ice. Polar ice sheets, mountain glaciers and sea ice have all seen a dramatic
reduction in mass in these 23 years. The stunning revelation comes from a team of
scientists at Leeds and Edinburgh universities, as well as the University of London.
Their findings were published in online journal Cryosphere Discussions, stating
that there can be little doubt that the cause is global warming.
(2) Group member Tom Slater was quoted by the Guardian as he put the figure into

perspective. He said that “28 trillion tonnes of ice would cover the entire surface

of the UK with a sheet of frozen water that is 100 metres thick,” and that “it’s just
mind-blowing”.
(3) This infographic breaks the ice loss down by category with Arctic sea ice experiencing

the largest decline since

1994, losing 7.6 trillion
tonnes. Antarctic ice shelves Earth Lost 28 Trillion Tonnes
and mountain glaciers had of Ice In 23 Years
the second-highest decline Ice lost globally between 1994 and 2017 (in trillion tonnes)
in the report with more than

Arctic sea ice 7.6
6 trillion tonnes each.
(4) Describing the ice loss as
Antarctic ice shelves 6.5
“staggering,” the group
Mountain glaciers 6.2
found that melting glaciers
and ice sheets could cause Greenland ice sheet 3.8
sea levels to rise dramatically,
possibly reaching a metre Antarctic ice sheet 2.5
(3 feet) by the end of the
Southern Ocean sea ice 0.9
century.
(5) “To put that in context, every

centimeter of sea-level rise means about a million people will be displaced from their
low-lying homelands,” Professor Andy Shepherd, director of Leeds University’s
Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling, told The Guardian.
(6) This poses a grave threat to coastal communities everywhere, including in India,

where coastal districts and islands are home to over 177 million people. The decline
in ice mass in mountain glaciers pose a threat to freshwater resources for mountain
communities as well as to people living downstream.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) How much did the Earth lose its ice between 1994 and 2017?

(a) 7.6 trillion tonnes of ice

(b) 28 trillion tonnes of ice

(c) 2.5 trillion tonnes of ice

(d) 0.9 trillion tonnes of ice

(ii) In these 23 years, there was a dramatic reduction in mass in _____________.

(iii) Which part of the Earth had recorded a massive reduction in the ice?

(a) South Ocean Sea Ice

(b) Antarctica Ice Shelves

(c) Artic Sea Ice

(d) Mountain Glaciers

(iv) How much ice did the Greenland ice sheet lose?

(a) 3.8 trillion tonnes

(b) 6.2 trillion tonnes

(c) 2.5 trillion tonnes

(d) 5.2 trillion tonnes

(v) What was the thickness of the frozen water sheet?

(vi) Which category has the second-highest decline in the report with more than 6

trillion tonnes each?

(a) Antarctic ice shelves
(b) Antarctic ice sheets

(c) Mountain glaciers


Sample Papers 187

(vii) What could be the effect of melting glaciers and ice sheets?

(a) It could cause the risk of Earth’s future.

(b) It could cause a rise in the sea levels dramatically.

(c) It could cause a drop in temperature.

(d) None of these

(viii) Every centimeter of sea-level rise means ______________________________________.

(ix) The decline in ice mass in mountain glaciers pose a threat to _________________.

(x) Which category from the report had experienced less reduction in ice?

SECTION–B
III.

(A) As the head girl of JPM School, Patna, draft a notice calling students to volunteer

themselves for Cleanliness Drive. Invent the necessary details. (5 marks)

OR
(B) You are the Secretary of Park Street Society, Kolkata. Draft a notice informing all the

members about Durga Puja celebration in your society.


(A) As the Principal of MJ International School, which is holding its annual day function

at 5:00 p.m. on 15th November, 20XX in the school auditorium, draft an invitation
to be sent to the Chief Minister of Delhi requesting him to be the Chief Guest on this
occasion. (5 marks)
OR
(B) Your parents have completed 25 years of their marriage. You are arranging a

surprise party for them. Draft invitation to your closest friend inviting him/her for
the same.

(A) You are Himanshu/Harshita, Secretary Environment Club, Aakash Public School,

Ajmer. You along with a group of students went on a three-day tour to Corbett
National Park. You found how the tourists abuse the available facilities and thus,
endanger the environment. Write a letter, in 120-150 words, to the editor of a national
daily highlighting the situation. Suggest ways through which the environment of the
park can be saved. (5 marks)
OR
(B) Read the advertisement given below and write an application for the job. Also give

your detailed resume to be sent along with the letter. You are Manan Goyal of
493-Block A, Shipra Society, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad.
Applications are invited for the post of Junior Engineer. The candidate must have at least a
diploma in Civil Engineering from a recognised institute. He/She should have at least 6 years
of experience in the relevant field. Salary not a constraint for deserving candidates who
commensurate with qualification and experience. Apply to the HR, Star India Constructions
Pvt. Ltd., Adharshila Complex, Noida-6 within 10 days with a detailed resume.


(A) Education once happened to be a noble profession but now it is not. The paradigm

shift in higher education from service to business is a growing concern today. It has
destroyed the traditional concepts of education in society. Write an article, in about
120-150 words, criticising the system by sharing your ideas. You are Jitender/Jagriti.
(5 marks)
OR
(B) Your school is situated near a road intersection. Last week, in the morning, a bus

coming at a great speed overturned when it braked suddenly. Senior students of

your school rushed out and did everything to save the passengers. You were part of
the rescue efforts. Write a report, in about 120-150 words, on the accident and your
friends’ role, for your school newsletter. You are George/Mary.
SECTION–C
IV.
1.
(A) What I want should not be
confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about.
I want no truck with death.
(i) What should not be confused with total inactivity?

(a) Keeping quiet and remaining still (b) Spreading love everywhere

(c) Both of these

(d) None of these

(ii) What does the poet want from people?

(iii) What does the poet mean by ‘total inactivity’?

(iv) What does the poet mean by “I want no truck with death”?

(a) Poets wants to clarify that people should put an end to its constructive activities.

(b) Poet wants to clarify that silence does not mean death.

(c) Poet says that it should be a moment of speculation and introspection.

(d) Both (b) and (c)

(v) Which of the following technique has been used when the poet says ‘truck with

death’?
(a) A mild and indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too

harsh or blunt
(b) Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally

(c) A thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else

(d) A rhetorical or literary device in which an opposition or contrast of ideas is

expressed
(vi) What is the tone of the poet?

Sample Papers 189

OR
(B) When Aunt is dead, her terrified will lie
(i) Why are Aunt Jennifer’s hands ‘terrified’?

(ii) What is Aunt Jennifer’s death symbolic of?

(a) Her death is symbolic of her complete submission to the oppression.

(b) Her death is symbolic of her complete sadness.

(c) Her death is symbolic of a male dominating society.

(d) None of these

(iii) Which of the following poetic device has been used in ‘ringed with ordeals’?

(a) Alliteration
(b) Metaphor

(c) Irony
(d) Simile

(iv) How will the tigers behave after her death?

(v) Of what or whom is Aunt Jennifer terrified?

(vi) What issue does this stanza address?

(a) Constraints of timid women whose spouses are dominant and continue to harass

them
(b) Ordeals experienced by women who are unmarried and wish to get into

matrimony
(c) The ordeals of choosing a design for her panel after completing one

(d) The ordeal of a widowed woman who had been married to a dominating man


(1×4=4 marks)
(A) “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 moustache. 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 moustaches 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.”
(i) Where is the narrator in the above extract?

(a) In Galesburg
(b) On the third level

(c) At Sam’s clinic

(d) Near the Roosevelt hotel

(ii) What does ‘a glint of light’ mean in the above extract?

(iii) What kind of a dress did the woman wear?

(iv) Why is the narrator so stunned?

(a) Because he did not believe in the third level

(b) Because he had never seen such a dress

(c) Because of the fancy moustaches

(d) Because he had never seen a gold watch


OR
(B) “It is very unfortunate that this man should have washed up on your doorstep,” he

said irritably. “I feel it so myself,” Dr. Sadao said gently. “It would be best if he could
be quietly killed,” the General said.
(i) What suggestion did the old General give to Dr. Sadao?

(a) To kill the man quietly

(b) To handover the man to the police

(c) To put him back in the sea

(d) None of these

(ii) “It is very unfortunate that this man should have washed up on your doorstep.”

Who said this?

(a) General
(b) Dr Sadao

(c) Yumi
(d) Hana

(iii) The idea behind being quietly killed was __________________

(iv) Did Dr Sadao agree with the General’s proposal by heart?


(1×6=6 marks)
(A) While I was thinking of all this, I heard my name called. It was my turn to recite.

What would I not have given to be able to say that dreadful rule for the participle
all through, very loud and clear, and without one mistake? But I got mixed up on
the first words and stood there, holding on to my desk, my heart beating, and not
daring to look up. 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.”
(i) What was ‘I’ going to recite?

(ii) Why did M. Hamel not scold Franz that day?

(a) Because it was M. Hamel’s last day in the school

(b) Because M. Hamel loved Franz a lot

(c) Because Franz’s father was also there in the class

(d) Because Franz had learnt his lessons given to him that day

(iii) Whom is the speaker addressing in the class?

(a) He is addressing Franz.

(b) He is addressing the mayor.

(c) He is addressing the village elderly people.

(d) He is addressing the Prussian soldiers.

(iv) What does ‘reproach ourselves with’ mean in the above extract?

(a) To work hard

(b) To feel shame or regret because of something one has done

Sample Papers 191

(c) To feel proud of something

(d) To feel happy for someone

(v) Explain the expression “I have plenty of time”.

(vi) Describe the emotions of French people along with the reason.

OR
(B) “Yes, that was a fine fellow you let into the house,” said her father. “I only wonder

how many silver spoons are left in the cupboard by this time.” The wagon had
hardly stopped at the front steps when the ironmaster asked the valet whether the
stranger was still there. He added that he had heard at church that the man was
a thief. The valet answered that the fellow had gone and that he had not taken
anything with him at all. On the contrary, he had left behind a little package which
Miss Willmanson was to bekind enough to accept as a Christmas present. The young
girl opened the package, which was so badly done up that the contents came into
view at once. She gave a little cry of joy.
(i) “Yes, that was a fine fellow you let into the house.” Who is speaking this line?

(a) The crofter

(b) Edla Willmanson

(c) The ironmaster

(d) The peddler

(ii) What did the speaker hear at the church?

(a) That the guest at the ironmaster’s house was a thief

(b) That the ironmaster was a thief

(c) That the crofter was a thief

(d) That the guest was his old comrade

(iii) What did ‘he’ leave behind for Miss Willmanson?

(iv) Why did Edla give a little cry of joy?

(a) Because she found a small rattrap along with three wrinkled 10 kronor notes

(b) Because she was in love with him

(c) Because she had not expected a present from a poor vagabond

(d) Because her father had forgiven the vagabond

(v) Which word from the extract means as same as ‘attendant’?

(vi) Do you agree with the statement that Edla’s large heartedness changed the stranger?

(i) Why did Douglas go to Lake Wentworth in New Hampshire? How did he make his

terror flee?
(ii) What is the reason of the poet’s despondence while going to the airport with her

mother?
(iii) Why did the peddler keep to the woods after leaving the crofter’s cottage?

(iv) What was the impact of M. Hamel’s announcement on Franz?

(v) Why do the celebrities not like to be with interviewers?

(vi) What does the poet want to achieve by counting up to twelve?


(i) What advices did Dr. Sadao give to the American sailor before sending him off to the

nearest island?
(ii) How did the hundreath tiger take the revenge?

(iii) Why did the clerk at the Third Level stare Charley?


(1×5=5 marks)
(i) Exploitation is a universal phenomenon. The poor Indigo farmers were exploited

by the British landlords to which Gandhiji objected. Even after our independence,
we find exploitation of unorganised labour. The weak have always and at all times
been the victims of injustice and exploitation. Discuss the values reflected in the
chapter ‘Indigo’ and the lesson that we learn from Gandhiji.
OR
(ii) Procrastination is the thief of time, caused by purposefully choosing to put off

a task till the last minute. This can lead to feelings of being stressed, guilty and
overwhelmed. How has this practice of procrastination affected Franz and the
elderly people of Alsace and Lorraine?
(i) Imagine Zitkala Sa and Bama met each other and talked about their battle against

discrimination. Write their conversation.

OR
(ii) Man always finds himself in a dilemma when he is required to fulfil two or more

roles that may be in conflict with each other. Dr Sadao Hoki was also in the same
dilemma, but he rises above his perception and does what his conscience compels
him to do. Justify his character appreciating the pain and effort he took to save his
enemy’s life.
zzz
Sample Papers 193

SAMPLE PAPER
[UNSOLVED]
14
1
SECTION–A
(1) The fast-growing global vehicle fleet is a major contributor to air pollution and climate
change; globally, the transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of energy-related
global greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, vehicle emissions are a significant source
of the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) which are the major
causes of urban air pollution.
(2) The report based on an in-depth analysis of 146 countries found that some two-thirds of
them have ‘weak’ or ‘very weak’ policies to regulate the import of used vehicles.
(3) However, it also shows that where countries have implemented measures to govern the
import of used vehicles—notably age and emissions standards—these have given them
access to high-quality used vehicles, including hybrid and electric cars, at affordable
prices. For example, Morocco only permits the import of vehicles less than five years
old; as a result, it receives only relatively advanced and clean used vehicles from Europe.
(4) The report found that African countries imported the largest number of used vehicles
(40 percent) in the period studied, followed by countries in Eastern Europe (24 percent),
Asia-Pacific (15 percent), the Middle East (12 percent) and Latin America (9 percent).
(5) Through its ports, Netherland is one of the exporters of used vehicles from Europe. A
recent review conducted by Netherland of its exports found that most of these vehicles
did not have a valid roadworthiness certificate at the time of export.
(6) Most vehicles were between 16 and 20 years old, and most fell below EURO4 European
Union vehicles emission standards. For example, the average age of used vehicles
exported to Gambia was close to 19 years old, while a quarter of used vehicles exported
to Nigeria was almost 20 years old.
(7) These results show that urgent action needs to be taken to improve the quality of used
vehicles exported from Europe. Poor quality used vehicles also lead to more road
accidents. According to the report, many of the countries with ‘very weak’ or ‘weak’ used
vehicles regulations, including Malawi, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Burundi, also have very
high road traffic death rates.

(8) Countries that have introduced used vehicles regulations also see safer fleets and fewer
accidents. UNEP, with the support of the UN Road Safety Trust Fund and others, is part
of a new initiative supporting the introduction of minimum used vehicles standards.
The initiative’s first focus will be countries on the African continent; a number of African
countries have already put in place minimum quality standards, including Morocco,
Algeria, Ghana and Mauritius, with many more showing interests in joining the initiative.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) The analysis of 146 countries shows that some _______________ of the countries

have weak policies.

(a) one-third
(b) two-third

(c) three-fourth (d) two-quarter

(ii) According to the report in the passage, which countries imported the largest number

of used vehicles?
(iii) What are the major causes of urban air pollution?

(iv) Which word from the following exactly means the same as ‘amalgam’?

(a) Affordable
(b) Hybrid

(c) Emission
(d) Analysis

(v) Based on your reading of the passage, which of the following sentence is NOT

CORRECT?
(a) Transport sector is responsible for the global greenhouse gas emissions.

(b) Europe receives relatively advanced and clean used vehicles from Morocco.
(c) Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Malawi are a few countries which have very high road
traffic death rates.
(d) UNEP is a part of the new initiative that supports the introduction of minimum

used vehicle standards.

(vi) List the reason to prove how Netherland has not maintained the exports standard

of used vehicles.
(vii) Why do many countries have introduced used vehicle regulations?

(viii) Which country has maintained the high-quality access to used vehicles not older

than 5 years?
(ix) As discussed in the passage, how are poor quality used vehicles hazardous?

(a) These vehicles attract the attention of those who can’t afford vehicles.

(b) These vehicles cannot be driven at night.

(c) These vehicles emit nitrogen oxides.
(d) These vehicles lead to more road accidents.

(x) Based on your reading of the passage, pick out the best title for the passage.

(a) The Fast-growing Global Vehicle Fleet

(b) Air Pollution and Climate change

(c) Two-wheelers and Public Transport
(d) Building and Constructions

Sample Papers 195

(1) Tourism is a significant part of many national economies, and the immediate and
immense shock to the tourism sector resulting from the coronavirus pandemic is affecting
the wider economy. As governments around the world have introduced unprecedented
measures to contain the virus, restrictions on travel, business operations and people-to-
people interactions have brought the tourism economy to a standstill. Many countries
are now entering a new phase in fighting the virus while at the same time managing
the re-opening of the tourism economy. This is complex and challenging task, and
quantifying the impact on the tourism economy is difficult.
Pandemic Could Set Tourism

Sector Back by $1 Trillion
Global international tourism receipts from 2000-2019
$1,478b
$1,500b
$1,200b
$570b
2020 scenarios based on
$400b
$900b the gradual opening of borders
and lifting of travel restrictions in
$0b July, September and December
2005 2010 2015 2020
(2) The pandemic warns that up to 120 million tourism jobs are at risk, with the economic
damage likely to exceed $1 trillion in 2020 alone. It is imperative to rebuild the tourism
sector by regaining its position as a provider of decent jobs, stable incomes and the
protection of our cultural and natural heritage. The UN Secretary-General stressed
tourism’s role as one of the most important economic sectors, providing livelihoods
to hundreds of millions of people while boosting economies and enabling countries to
thrive.
(3) International travel came to a screeching halt in April and May, resulting in international
tourist arrivals that trailed last year’s total by almost 60 percent through the first
five months of 2020. Depending on when travel restrictions will be fully lifted, the
World Tourism Organization expects international tourism receipts (i.e. spending by
international tourists) to drop between $910 billion and $1.2 trillion this year, which
would set the global tourism industry back by 20 years. Revised scenarios indicate that
the potential shock could range between a 60-80% decline in the international tourism
economy in 2020 depending on the duration of the crisis.
(4) Domestic tourism flows have also been heavily affected by restrictions on the movement
of people, but are expected to recover more quickly once containment measures are
lifted. Nonetheless, it is unlikely that domestic tourism could compensate for the

decline of international tourism flows, particularly in destinations heavily dependent on
international markets.
(5) Tourism generates foreign exchange, drives regional development, directly supports
numerous types of jobs and businesses, and underpins many local communities but to
experience a sea change, this should include considerations on lifting travel restrictions,
restoring traveller confidence and rethinking the tourism sector for the future.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) According to the passage, the governments have restricted malls operations and

promoted sales of masks and sanitisers.

(ii) How does tourism contribute to a nation’s economy? Support your answer from

passage.
(iii) What, according to the passage, should the countries do to experience a sea change

in the economy during this hour of distress?

(a) The countries should lift travel restrictions restoring the travellers’ confidence.

(b) The countries should promote social distancing.

(c) The countries should lift restrictions from flight operations.

(d) The countries should be providing subsidies to the travellers.

(iv) The term ‘unprecedented measures’ in paragraph 1 can also be substituted with:

(a) unexpected closures

(b) unimaginable crisis

(c) constructive measures

(d) unexpected remedies

(v) What is the estimated loss of the economy in 2020 alone?

(a) 120 million tourism jobs are at risk, with the economic damage likely to exceed

$9 trillion.
(b) 121 million tourism jobs are at risk, with the economic damage likely to exceed

$1 trillion.
(c) 120 million tourism jobs are at risk, with the economic damage likely to exceed

$7 trillion.
(d) 120 million tourism jobs are at risk, with the economic damage likely to exceed

$1 trillion.
(vi) What is imperative about the tourism sector?

(a) To analyse the data of the loss of economy

(b) To rebuild it by regaining its position as a provider of decent jobs and stable

incomes
(c) To analyse the data of the jobs lost during the pandemic

(d) To rebuild it by regaining its position as a provider of hope and optimism

Sample Papers 197

(vii) How are the domestic tourism flows expected to recover? Give reason from passage.

(viii) What does the revised scenario indicate?

(a) That the potential shock of economy loss could range between a 60-80% decline

in the hospitality industry

(b) That the potential shock of economy loss could range between a 60-80% decline

in the flight operations

(c) That the potential shock of economy loss could range between a 60-80% decline

in the international tourism

(d) That the potential shock of economy loss could range between a 60-80% rise of

poverty
(ix) What has brought the world economy to a stand still?

(x) What is the role of tourism besides providing livelihood?

SECTION–B
III. 1. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.

(A) St. Katherine School, Pune is located in a central government employees’ residential

colony. The Cultural Society of the school has decided to pay tribute to the people
martyred in 26/11 attack. The aim is to show solidarity and respect. As Cultural
Activity In-charge, write a notice, in about 50 words, inviting the residents who want
to participate.
(5 marks)
OR
(B) ABP College, Nasik has decided to showcase ‘Ramayana – An Epic’ during Dussehra.

Draft a notice inventing necessary details signing yourself as Aryan Rajput, Cultural
Co-ordinator.

(A) The Literary Club of your school is putting up the play ‘Waiting for Godot’. As

Secretary of the club, draft an invitation inviting the famous writer Sudeesh Gupta
to be the guest of honour at the function. Write the invitation, in not more than 50
words. You are Govind/Gauri. (5 marks)
OR
(B) St. Martin School, Goa has decided to organise Christmas fair for two days around

Christmas. Draft an invitation for inviting parents and others. Invent the necessary
details.

(A) You are Niharika/Nitin, a student of class XII at Loyola Convent School,

Bhubaneshwar. A student is required to cope with a lot of stress and pressure in

today’s competitive environment. Write a letter to the editor of Orissa Times to draw
the attention of the concerned authorities for the same. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Neha/Ayaan living in Chandigarh. You have just completed your studies

and are looking for a job. By browsing through the Punjab Times of 19 October, you
came across the following advertisement. Apply for the post which you think you are
suitable. Send your application along with an updated bio-data.

SKMI
A MAKEUP INSTITUTE
REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL
1. Telecaller expert in TLC 2. Digital Marketing Executive
.
3 Business Development 4. Makeup Counselors
Candidates should have minimum 3 years of experience in the relevant field
www.shrutikukrejamakeupinstitute.com
WALK IN INTERVIEW
Thursday to Saturday, Between 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM
With all their testimonials & latest photograph
Sector 3A, Chandigarh

(A) Homeless persons, trying to earn enough to keep hunger away from the door of their

destitute families, are spending nights on the footpaths of Delhi in dearth of due
care and concern for them. Write an article to draw the attention of the authorities
raising concern and contribute a little to uplift the standard of the destitute. You are
Prakhar Srivastava, correspondent, Ujala Forever Times, New Delhi. (5 marks)
OR
(B) Rates of COVID-19 have been rising in recent weeks across the globe and young

people have been perceived to be at fault. Analysis has shown that infection rates
for people under the age of 35 have increased over time. You are Radhika/Rahul
Madhok. Write a report, in 120-150 words, since you have noticed that this increase
is due to young people flouting social distancing regulations.
SECTION–C
IV.
Read the given extract to attempt the questions with reference to context.
(A) For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
Sample Papers 199

let’s stop for one second,
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
(i) The expression ‘on the face of the Earth’ means:

(a) fields and mountains.

(b) rivers and landscapes.

(c) the face of natural surrounding.

(d) the entire surface of the Earth without boundaries.

(ii) Why does the poet urge not to speak in any language?

(a) So that we can have ample time to introspect

(b) So that there is no regional difference

(c) So that we can focus on the agenda of development

(d) So that we can concentrate to ask for blessings from the Almighty

(iii) What does ‘without rush, without engines’ signify?

(a) A complete halt and no business followed by introspection

(b) No salt gatherers and people working at the sea

(c) A decent gathering

(d) A gathering of like-minded people

(iv) ‘Sudden strangeness’ in the last line is an example of ________________.


our arms : _________ :: exotic moment : transferred epithet

(vi) Which word of the stanza means the same as ‘abnormality’?

OR
(B) What its loveliness increases, it will never
(i) Whose loveliness will keep on increasing?

(a) Bower
(b) Beauty

(c) Dreams
(d) Health

(ii) Name the poet of the given stanza.

(iii) What does a thing of beauty not pass into ‘nothingness’?

(a) Because the memory of anything beautiful will never enhance again

(b) Because it will never cease to exist

(c) Because it leaves an inedible imprint on our heart and soul



(iv) What does a beautiful thing provide of?

(a) Sweet memories

(b) Sweet dreams

(c) Healthy and quiet breathing

(d) All of these

(v) What is the tone of the poet in these lines?

(vi) What is the rhyme scheme in the given lines?

(a) abbcc
(b) ababc

(c) aabbc
(d) aabac

2.
(A) Students on Ice, the programme I was working with on the Shokalskiy, aims to do

exactly this by taking high school students to the ends of the world and providing
them within spiring educational opportunities which will help them foster a new
understanding and respect for our planet. It’s been in operation for six years now,
headed by Canadian Geoff Green, who got tired of carting celebrities and retired,
rich, curiosity-seekers who could only ‘give’ back in a limited way. With Students on
Ice, he offers the future generation of policy-makers a life-changing experience at
an age when they’re ready to absorb, learn, and most importantly, act.
(i) What is the objective of the programme ‘Students on Ice’?

(1) To acquaint the future policy makers about the terrifying impacts of human

activities in Antarctica
(2) To apprise them of the presence of such a beautiful sight
(3) To make them realise why we should be grateful to the Almighty
(4) To make them realise that the end of the earth is quite near and therefore,

something should be done to save the planet.

(a) (2) and (4)
(b) (3) and (4)

(c) (1) and (4)

(d) (1) and (3)

(ii) ‘Shokalskiy’ is a ______________________.

(iii) Who was the programme ‘Students on Ice’ being headed by?

(iv) Why was the initiative ‘Students on Ice’ introduced by Geoff Green?

(a) Because he was tired of his regular job and wanted to serve the humanity in

some way
(b) Because he was jobless and wanted to serve the nation

(c) Because he wanted to acknowledge his responsibility towards climate

(d) Because he was a climate lover

OR
(B) When I was studying in the third class, I hadn’t yet heard people speak openly of

untouchability. But I had already seen, felt, experienced and been humiliated by
what it is.
I was walking home from school one day, an old bag hanging from my shoulder. It
was actually possible to walk the distance in ten minutes. But usually it would take
me thirty minutes at the very least to reach home. It would take me from half an
hour to an hour to dwadle along, watching all the fun and games that were going
on, all the entertaining novelties and oddities is the streets, the shops and the bazaar.
Sample Papers 201

(i) It is evident from the given extract that it apprises us with the:

(a) dearth of good schools in the vicinity

(b) paucity of bigotry and sectarianism in our country

(c) prevalence of untouchability and the invasion of people based on racial and

blood purity
(d) exiguity of noble thoughts in the society

(ii) Why did the narrator take an hour to reach home?

(iii) What does the phrase ‘novelties and oddities’ refer to here?

(iv) The word ‘dawdle’, as used in the extract, means the same as:

(a) introspect

(b) fantasising

(c) exacerbate

(d) roam around

3.
(A) They talk endlessly in a spiral that moves poverty to apathy to greed and to injustice.

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.
(i) Who referred as ‘they’ in the above lines?

(ii) Which ‘two distinct worlds’ is the narrator referring to?

(a) The worlds of Saheb and Mukesh

(b) The worlds of sahukars, policemen, bureaucrats and the politicians

(c) The worlds of the family caught in the web of poverty and the world of

bureaucrats and politicians

(d) The worlds of the family caught in the web of poverty and the world of Mukesh

and Saheb
(iii) What does doing ‘anything else’ refer to?

(a) It refers to going with the rich and powerful.

(b) It refers to going with the policemen.

(c) It refers to being resolute.

(d) It refers to giving up.

(iv) Which word from the extract means the opposite to ‘sympathy’?

(v) Select the most suitable title for the above extract.

(a) Poverty as Burden

(b) Two Worlds of Society

(c) Child Labour

(d) None of these

(vi) Why has the narrator given reference of vicious circle?


OR
(B) At the railway station, a vast multitude greeted Gandhi. He went to a house and,

using it as headquarters, continued his investigations. A report came in that a peasant

had been maltreated in a nearby village. Gandhi decided to go and see; the next
morning he started out on the back of an elephant. He had not proceeded far when
the police superintendent’s messenger overtook him and ordered him to return to
town in his carriage. Gandhi complied. The messenger drove Gandhi home where
he served him with an official notice to quit Champaran immediately. Gandhi signed
a receipt for the notice and wrote on it that he would disobey the order.
(i) What does ‘vast multitude’ in the extract mean?

(a) A large indefinite number

(b) Rich and powerful people

(c) A throng of lawyers

(d) British officials

(ii) The report discussed in the above extract meant that a peasant had been

_______________ in a nearby village.

(iii) What did the police superintendent’s messenger ask Gandhiji to do?

(a) To take rest for a day and appear in the court the next day

(b) To represent the case of Rajkumar Shukla

(c) To return to town in his carriage

(d) To appear before the magistrate

(iv) What did Gandhiji do on receiving the notice?

(a) He wrote on it that he would disobey the order.

(b) He wrote on it that he would meet the magistrate.

(c) He wrote on it that he would return on the back of an elephant.

(d) He asked the messenger to hire a lawyer

(v) Find out the word which means the opposite to ‘nice behaviour’.

(vi) Complete the analogy.

obey : complied :: violate : ……………….

(i) What does Neruda mean by ‘an exotic moment without rush’ in his poem, ‘Keeping

Quiet’?
(ii) Explain the title of the rattrap in context of the story by Selma Lagerlöf.

(iii) What is the empty space according to Umberto Eco?

(iv) Why were the elderly villagers sitting at the back in M. Hamel’s classroom?

(v) Why does the poet feel touched by the act of carrying a steel canister by Saheb?

(vi) What is Aunt Jennifer longing for?

(i) What do you infer from the letter Charley received from Sam?

Sample Papers 203

(ii) General Takima was only concerned about his own pain and problems. Substantiate

with reason/s.
(iii) Why were students taken to Antartica in place of celebrities?

(i) Fear can have a paralyzing effect on our lives. However, by understanding the cause

of fear, Douglas could overcome his fear and achieve his dream. Elaborate.
OR
(ii) ‘Gentleness breeds peace, calm, and consistency of character. It is not volatile or

abrupt in its response to the world.’ Do you agree with the statement? How did the
peddler respond when he was dealt with kindness, love and compassion?
VIII.
(i) M. Lamb brought about positive changes in Derry. Which incident in the story

proves that Derry loved to spend his time with M. Lamb? Does his mother approve
of it? Support your answer with reference to the instance(s) from the text.
OR
(ii) Powerful people misuse their power for their selfishness. Justify the statement with

reference to the ‘Tiger King’ and ‘The Enemy’.

zzz

15 SAMPLE PAPER
[UNSOLVED]
SECTION–A
(1) After a long and arduous struggle to popularise yoga, the world is now waking up
to its wonders. Upon my arrival in New York on the evening of June 20, the Art of
Living volunteers and the officials at the Permanent Mission of India informed me
that the weather forecast predicted heavy rains, even thunderstorms over the next 24
hours. There was concern on their faces as they continued with preparations for the
International Day of Yoga celebrations at the United Nations headquarters and Times
Square. I remained confident that this momentous day would go well.
(2) To the delight of the organising teams, the sun came out just as we arrived at the venue.
The UN Secretary General and his wife, the President of the General Assembly, and
many ambassadors participated in the programme. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
even said, “We should do this before every negotiation, so that we can work with a calm
mind”.
(3) WHO has warned that depression will become the biggest killer after HIV/AIDS by
2030. Today, an estimated $150 billion is spent on mental illness and depression in the
US alone. While the remission rate through medical treatments is less than 14 percent,
a study has shown that the remission rate will be 64 percent through meditation and
yoga. I suggested to the Secretary General that if countries around the world spend 1
percent of their defence budget on peace education and peace-building through yoga
and meditation, it would make a significant difference.
(4) In terms of the way forward, we cannot have all and sundry teach anything in the name
of yoga. We need to bring quality control and standardisation in teaching. Like cell
phones have enhanced comfort and connectivity, yoga can take you to a whole new level.
It can be used as a powerful tool in conflict resolution and trust building.
(5) When we started our efforts to bring this ancient wisdom to the fore, it was not easy.
There was a lot of prejudice against yoga and even meditation. Today, meditation posture
has become synonymous with relaxation and comfort. Earlier, the younger generation
Sample Papers 205

in the western world would often struggle to convince their parents to open up to the
benefits of yoga. Perhaps, this declaration by the UN will make their job easier.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) The remission rate for depression through medical treatment is less than 24 percent.


(ii) Where was the International Day of Yoga celebrated in the USA?

(iii) Which title from the following best describes the passage?

(a) The Rise of Yoga

(b) Life After Yoga

(c) Yoga: A Boon or a Bane

(d) How to Prevent Depression

(iv) _______________ arrived in New York on the evening of June 20?

(v) According to the passage, which of the following sentences is:

(a) The narrator of the passage was confident of the successful session of yoga in

New York.
(b) 1 percent of defence budget is spent on peace education and peace-building.

(c) According to the WHO, depression will become the biggest killer after HIV/

AIDS by 2030.
(d) Yoga can be used as a powerful tool in conflict resolution and trust building.

(vi) “In terms of the way forward, we cannot have all and sundry teach anything in the

name of yoga.” Substitute the underlined idiom in the sentence with the correct
option given below.
(a) Adept

(b) Experts

(c) Morons

(d) Each and every

(vii) What did WHO warn about?

(viii) The younger generation in the western world would often struggle to convince their

parents _______________ the benefits of yoga.

(a) to encounter

(b) to criticize

(c) to speak indirectly about

(d) to speak freely about


(ix) The world could wake up after a long and _____________ struggle to popularise

yoga.
(x) What was the observation of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon about yoga?


(1) We see farmers staging protests very frequently. But what is the conclusion? What is
the solution? What, if anything at all, is being done to tackle this issue? In a country
like India which boasts of having the second largest population in the world, there are
innumerable mouths to feed. So ideally, the nation’s food providers must be the richest!
Ironically, they are the poorest and the most exploited.
(2) The farmers of today are just mere cultivators with almost no control over pricing and
selling of their yields. Everything is in the hands of the middlemen who appropriate a
huge portion of the profit while giving the farmers very little. This, coupled with a host
of other problems like insufficient rain, lack of proper irrigation and infrastructure, lack
of proper credit facilities, etc. are the major causes of the plight that the Indian farmers
face today.
(3) Every year, the government allocates enough allowance in the Union Budget for
agricultural infrastructure, such as proper irrigation facilities to be installed, proper
transport and storage facilities to be provided, etc. Unfortunately, all these initiatives
seem to be doing no good as we see a steady rise in the number of farmers’ suicides every
year because very little of this fund actually is put in the use for which it is mandated.
HOW FARMERS LOSE FAIR SHARES

OF MARKET PRICES
Producers get less than 40% Middlemen get 43% and the
of the consumer retail price remaining 17% constitutes
of agro products different expenses
Farmers get only 27% 44% 45% 46%

of red amaranth’s of pineaapple’s of tomato’s of cucumber’s
selling price
In developed countries, Reasons for post-harvest losses

farmers get 80% of final prices
Poor transportation
$2.5 billion annual
Inadequate storage capacity
post-harvest losses lead
to price differences between Poor marketing facilities
production and retail
Producers and consumers loss $815 million annually for seasonal price flutuation
(4) In the face of this, it is also imperative to evaluate the latest scheme the government
has come up with to help this segment of the Indian population. Let us put this into
perspective. A sum of ™ 6,000 annually means just about ™ 500 a month. Given the
Sample Papers 207

current state of affairs, this sum is too meagre an amount to substitute the farmers’
income. This sum will neither help the farmer to take care of his family efficiently, nor
improve his farming techniques, nor enable him to pay off his debts. This seems to just
be a way to absolve the state of taking a more comprehensive and effective action in
tackling the issue.
(5) Steps are not being taken towards enabling the farmers to be able to repay their loans
themselves but farm loan waivers are announced as a temporary respite and that too,
just before the elections. The government is not looking into better ways of pricing the
farm produce and instead came up with a direct income transfer scheme which yields
so little benefit to the farmer and his family. So, an in-depth analysis of the exact nature
and causes of the problems that are being faced by this sector should be made and start
prioritising the lives of our feeders.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) ____________ of the exact nature and causes of the problems should be made to

prioritise the lives of our feeders.

(ii) Why is the narrator’s belief ironical in the first paragraph?

(iii) What is the attraction of the Union Budget as discussed in the passage?

(iv) Choose the antonym of the word ‘absolve’ from the following.

(a) Acquit

(b) Discharge

(c) Exonerate

(d) Condemn

(v) What is the reason behind the steady rise in the number of farmers’ suicides?

(a) Because the compensation amount is very less

(b) Because very little of the allocated fund is put in the proper use for the welfare

of farmers
(c) Because of the hefty loans farmers have taken from the banks

(d) Because of the farmers’ illiteracy

(vi) List the reasons why the incumbents announce loan waiver?

(vii) Why are the farmers facing the misery?

(a) Because farmers are illiterate

(b) Because farmers are mere cultivators and a huge portion of the profit goes to

the middlemen
(c) Because the farmers don’t know the real value of their yields

(d) Because the compensation amount is not being given to all the farmers

(viii) What is the annual amount the government has promised to the farmers to raise

their standard?

(ix) What is ‘the direct income transfer scheme’ referred to in the passage?

(a) A nominal amount which is given to the farmers as assistance

(b) A temporary aid

(c) To open saving accounts of the farmers

(d) To transfer funds into the account

(x) Choose the most appropriate title for the passage.

(a) The Plight of Indian Politics

(b) The Plight of Indian Farmers

(c) The Truth of Government Schemes

(d) The Blessings of Rainfall

SECTION–B
III.

(A) Write a notice, in about 50 words, informing the residents of the Sky Royal Palace,

Asansol, that the society is planning to call an important meeting to spread awareness
about how to use lift button and avoid unnecessary touching here and there in
view of Covid-19. Invent the necessary details. You are Jayant/Avantika Sharma,
Secretary. (5 marks)
OR
(B) Yesterday, during lunch break you misplaced your notes on chemistry lectures. You

want to get them back. Write a notice, in about 50 words, for the school noticeboard.
You are Karuna/Karan, a student of class XII A.

(A) Write a formal reply expressing your inability to attend the birthday celebration of

your friend Suresh Pradhan of 1235, Vivekananda Marg, Belur. (5 marks)

OR
(B) You have been invited by your friend, Jatin Pathak, to celebrate his son’s astounding

success at his residence. Write a reply to the invitation expressing your inability to
attend the party as you have some other commitment with your subordinates.

(A) You are Abhishek/Jagriti Singhal, studying in Bal Vikas Vidyalaya, Ahmedabad. The

road leading to your residential society is very congested and full of potholes. It has
become difficult for the parents to allow their kids to go out alone for errands. In
spite of several representations, the government has not done anything to improve
the condition of the road. Write a letter to the editor of The Times of India to draw
the attention of the government to this problem. (5 marks)
Sample Papers 209

OR
(B) You are Rahul/Rani Deewan, resident of C-1605, Ashram Street, Thane. You have

come across the following advertisement in a national newspaper. You consider

yourself suitable for the advertised post. Write an application along with a resume
in response to the advertisement.
Applications are invited for the post of Lab Assistant in a reputed school of Midnapur,
Maharashtra. The candidate should be B.Sc. with a degree in Biotechnology/Microbiology
with a minimum of 5 years of experience. Attractive salary. Apply to Principal, New Horizon
Public School, Thane.

(A) India has the most child brides in the world and this phenomenon is partly driven

by the dowry system. The younger a girl is, the lower her dowry price will usually be.
So to save money, families marry off their daughters at young ages. Write an article
in 120-150 words, giving your views on the menace and remedy for the same. You
are Shaista/Shaan. (5 marks)
OR
(B) You are Daksh/Harshita Bhatia, a correspondent of Himachal Times. There has

been a steep rise of Covid-19 cases in your society post Unlock-5. Write a report, in
120-150 words for your paper. Describe a few cases and emergency it required.
SECTION–C
IV.
(A) Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.
(i) Why are the tigers described as denizens of a world of green?

(a) Because tigers live in the green surroundings

(b) Because tigers’ eyes gleam green in the darkness

(c) Because tigers are ferocious

(d) Because tigers love trees and green plants

(ii) Why are ‘they’ not afraid of the men?

(a) Because they are not real

(b) Because they are not ferocious

(c) Because they are not strong tigers

(d) Because they are like Aunt Jennifer


(iii) Identify the rhyme scheme of the given stanza.

(a) free verse

(b) abab

(c) baca

(d) aabb

(iv) Identify the poem and the poet.


Aunt Jennifer : fearful :: ___________ : fearless

(vi) Which word from the stanza means as same as ‘inhabitant’?

OR
(B) A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Its loveliness increases, it will never
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing
(i) How does a thing of beauty affect us?

(a) It gives us prosperity.

(b) It gives us constant joy and keeps rejuvenated.

(c) It determines our family and surroundings.

(d) It helps us think beautifully.

(ii) With reference to the stanza given, which statement is NOT CORRECT?

(a) Everything of nature is a thing of beauty and a source of pleasure.

(b) We feel happy by coming into contact with things of beauty.

(c) There are many things in nature that bring us troubles and sufferings.

(d) Beauty is a boon for human beings.

(iii) Here, ‘pass into nothingness’ means ______________.

(iv) Which of the following is a suitable title for the give stanza?

(a) Joys and Sorrows of life

(b) Beauty and the beast

(c) beauty in Perennial

(d) Beauty as bower.


depression : decrease :: ___________ : increase

(vi) Find a word from stanza which means the same as ‘leafy shelter’.

Sample Papers 211

2.
(A) “What shall we do with this man?” Dr Sadao muttered. But his trained hands

seemed of their own will to be doing what they could to stanch the fearful bleeding.
He packed the wound with the sea moss that strewed the beach. The man moaned
with pain in his stupor but he did not awaken. “The best thing that we could do
would be to put him back in the sea,” Dr Sadao said, answering himself.
(i) Who was ‘this man’?

(ii) What did Dr Sadao do after noticing fearful bleeding?

(iii) According to the given passage, what had they decided to do with this man?

(iv) What did the man do in his stupor?

(a) The man did not wake.

(b) The man moaned with pain.

(c) The man was answering himself.

(d) The man muttered.

OR
(B) The Maharaja and the dewan held deliberations over this issue. As a result, a telegram

was dispatched forth with to a famous British company of jewelers in Calcutta. ‘Send
samples of experience diamond rings of different designs,’
(i) What was the cause of deliberation?

(a) To show power to Britishers.

(b) To challenge authority of Britishers.

(c) To save the kingdom.


(ii) The ‘Maharaja’ here refers to _______________ .

(iii) What were the things brought from Calcutta and for what?

(iv) The word which means as same as ‘precious’ is:

(a) deliberation

(b) expensive

(c) dispatched

(d) diamond


(A) One dark evening as he was trudging along the road he caught sight of a little gray

cottage by the roadside, and he knocked on the door to ask shelter for the night.
Nor was he refused. Instead of the sour faces which ordinarily met him, the owner,
who was an old man without wife or child, was happy to get someone to talk to in his
loneliness.

(i) He was trudging along the road:

(a) late night

(b) dark evening

(c) early morning

(d) none of these

(ii) What did he see on his way?

(iii) Why did he knock the door?

(iv) Which word from the following means the same as ‘plod’?

(a) Caught

(b) Sour

(c) Trudge

(d) Refused

(v) ‘sour faces’ means the same as _____________________.

(vi) Which of the following sentences is NOT TRUE, according to the extract?

(a) The person refused to in the paragraph is the rattrap seller.

(b) He was moving from one place to another.

(c) He knocked on the door of the ironmaster.

(d) A pleasant man welcomed him into the gray house.

OR
(B) He had gone to the December 1916 annual convention of the Indian National

Congress party in Lucknow. There were 2,301 delegates and many visitors. During
the proceedings, Gandhi recounted, “a peasant came up to me looking like any
other peasant in India, poor and emaciated, and said, ‘I am Rajkumar Shukla. I am
from Champaran, and I want you to come to my district’!’’ Gandhi had never heard
of theplace. It was in the foothills of the towering Himalayas, near the kingdom of
Nepal.
Under an ancient arrangement, the Champaran peasants were sharecroppers.
Rajkumar Shukla was one of them. He was illiterate but resolute. He had come to
the Congress session to complain about the injustice of the landlord system in Bihar,
and somebody had probably said, “Speak to Gandhi.”
(i) What is the meaning of ‘convention’?

(a) A way in which political decisions are taken

(b) An important meeting

(c) Annual activity

(d) A way in which something is usually done, especially within a particular area or

activity
Sample Papers 213

(ii) ‘Gandhi recounted’ here means _________________:

(a) he gave an account of something

(b) he appreciated the extraordinary courage of Shukla

(c) he criticised the political parties

(d) he chided the lawyers

(iii) ‘Poor and emaciated’ can also be substituted with __________________:

(a) poor and honest

(b) poor and hardworking

(c) poor and discarded

(d) poor and scrawny

(iv) What is the ‘arrangement’ referred to here?

(a) An arrangement of sharecropping

(b) An arrangement of being a master

(c) An arrangement of sharing ideas

(d) An arrangement of imparting education


delegates : convention :: peasants : ______________

(vi) Which word from the extract means to describe an event?

(i) What will be the repercussions of war according to Neruda?

(ii) The people in the story ‘The Last Lesson’ suddenly realise how precious their

language is to them. Why does this happen?

(iii) Why could the bangle-makers not organise themselves into a co-operative?

(iv) What is the expectation of Robert Frost from city dwellers?

(v) Why did the English poet’s visit become a mystery?

(vi) What conclusion did the ironmaster reach when he heard that the crofter had been

robbed by the peddler?

(i) How did Mr. Lamb’s positivity bring a change in the attitude of Derry?

(ii) Why were celebrities excluded from Antartica’s trip?

(iii) What did Charley tell his wife about the third level?

(i) Douglas’ rigorous training reminds us of a proverb ‘A smooth sea has never

made a skilled mariner.’ Appreciate Douglas, recognising his hard work, grit and
determination which made him a skilled mariner.

OR
(ii) Childhood is said to be the spring of everyone’s life. But the life of Mukesh and

Saheb was deprived of it. Describe the hardships and miseries the two protagonists
of the story ‘Lost Spring’ underwent through a speech conveying the message to
eliminate child labour.
(i) It won’t be unkind to say that Charley was a coward. Life is a series of episodes full

of miseries and pleasantries. Charley didn’t like to embrace either. Critically analyse
his approach supporting the incidents from the text.
OR
(ii) The spirit of gratitude gives us pleasant and satisfying effects because it carries with

it a sense of hopefulness to others. But Derry always looked at the darker side of
life and remained discontented. What should the little child have done in order to
acknowledge the true meaning of life?
zzz
Sample Papers 215

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Syllabus

CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION, NEW DELHI

2. Vistas: Supplementary Reader published by National Council of Education Research and

Assessment of Listening Skills – 05 Marks

Reading Skills Conceptual understanding, decoding,

Visit www.exambites.in for

2. The Question Paper contains THREE sections–READING, WRITING and LITERATURE.

your answer sheet to indicate the option/s being attempted.

(b) are functional though not in use by fishers.

(c) are not owned by anyone.

(d) act as a snare for all animals in oceans.

problem for the oceans. 1

(b) Ghost nets contribute to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

(d) Ghost nets can curtail freedom of marine animals.

the oceans of ghost nets?

(b) Ghost Nets – A Result of Human Dominance

(c) Ghost Nets – A Menace to Marine Life

(d) Ways to Tackle the Problem of Ghost Nets

II. Read the passage given below: (10 marks)

Lessons Learned Responses

towards the development of leadership skills, directly or indirectly? Support your

3 in the 2014 study. 1

(c) all learning opportunities cater to a specific lesson.

(iv) Complete the sentence based on the following statement.

(Table 1) as the objective. 1

(b) Students will be able to manage the responsibilities of a mentor, planner,

researcher and presenter.

(b) lessons gained by students as they grew up.

(c) relationship of key events with particular lessons.

(d) students in leadership roles.

(vii) The lessons for ‘Individual competencies’ had a range of responses.

(c) hard work

(ix) Complete the sentence appropriately with one/two words.

When theoretical knowledge about leadership suffices, it is a waste of funds by educational

Health Services, Kharagpur, W.B, to preside over a gathering of leading medical

the growing relationship of companies with non-profit organisations have made

4 types of CSR efforts:- Brand value

Choose the most appropriate option.

(c) (1), (4) and (5)

greedy good doers: alliteration :: _____________ oxymoron

(2) The city dwellers have ulterior motives.

(a) (1) is true but (2) is false.

(b) (2) is true but (1) is false.

(c) (2) is the reason for (1).

(c) Nature is God’s gift to us.

(ii) What does the phrase ‘a bower quiet’ indicate? 1

(iii) The benefits of a thing of beauty for humans include____________ . 1

(3) struggle-free life

(5) hope to carry on

Choose the most appropriate option.

(c) (1), (3) and (4)

(iv) Answer in ONE word. 1

(vi) Which of the following is an apt title for the extract?

(c) Live Life King Size

2. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. (1×4=4 marks)

(b) Derry: fearful; Mr. Lamb: domineering

(c) Derry: friendly; Mr. Lamb: weird

(d) Derry: open minded; Mr. Lamb: charming

(b) There is a kind of beauty in imperfection.

(c) Beauty is the promise of happiness.

(d) The beauty of the world lies in the details.

(ii) Which of the following would NOT be ‘a life changing experience’?

(b) Going on an adventure trip.

(c) Playing a video game.