Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English with Solutions Set 2 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English Set 2 with Solutions
Time Allowed : 3 hours
Maximum Marks : 80
General Instructions :
- The Question paper is divided into three sections:
Section A: Reading (26 – marks)
Section B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills 23 marks (23 – marks)
Section C: Literature (31 marks) - All questions are compulsory.
- You may attempt any section at a time.
- All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.
Section – A (26 marks)
(Reading Skills)
1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: [10]
1. We are what we eat. The type of food we eat has both immediate and long-term effects on us, at all the three levels-the body, the mind and the spirit. Food which is tamasik (i.e., stale or leftover) in nature is bound to generate stress as it tends to upset the normal functioning of the human body. Fresheners should be avoided. Taking piping hot tea/milk or steaming hot food, whenever available, must be preferred.
Excessive use of condiments also disturbs one’s usually calm attitude. Further, it is a mistaken belief that smoking or drinking, even in moderation, relieves stress. Simple meals with one or two food items, rather than too many lavish dishes, are advisable. Also, vegetarian diet is preferable. Although it is customary to serve fruits with food items, it is not the right thing to do.
This is because different kinds of digestive secretions are produced by the stomach for variant food items. Mixing up too many varieties of food items in one meal creates problems for the digestive system. In fact, any one type of fruit, preferably taken in the morning, is better.
2. On an average, we eat almost three to four times the quantity of food than we actually need. A lot of body’s energy is used up for digesting the excess food. It is said that after a particular level of food intake, the ‘food actually eats one up’.
3. It is always good to eat a little less than your ‘full-stomach’ capacity. Besides, never eat food unless you are really hungry. To have dinner at 8 or 9 p.m. after a heavy snack around 5 or 6 p.m. in the evening is asking for trouble. In fact, skipping a meal is always good if the stomach is upset. There are varying views on the benefits of fasting, but we will not discuss them here. However, giving a break to one’s stomach, at least once a week, by having only fruit or milk, etc., may be worth a try.
4. While a little bit of water taken with meals is all right, drinking 30 to 60 ml of water with food is not advisable. Water, taken an hour or so before or after meals, is good for digestion. One’s diet must be balanced with all the required nutrients for a healthy living.
5. Also remember, excess of everything is bad. Related to the problem of stress, excessive intake of salt is definitely out. Too much of sugar, fried food and chilies are not good either. Over-indulgence and excessive craving for a particular taste/type of food generates rajasik (aggressive) or at worst, tamasik (dull) tendencies. An even more important aspect of the relationship between food and stress lies not so much in what or how much we eat but how the food is taken.
For example, food eaten in great hurry or in a state of anger or any other negative state of mind is bound to induce stress. How the food is served is also very important. Not only the presentation, cutlery, crockery, etc., play a role, the love and affection with which the food is served is also significant. Finding faults with food while it is being eaten is a bad habit. It is better not to eat the food you do not like, rather than finding faults with it.
6. It is good to have regular food habits. Workaholics who do not find time to eat food at proper meal time invite stomach ulcers. One must try to enjoy one’s food, and therefore, eating at the so-called lunch/dinner meetings is highly inadvisable. Every morsel of food should be enjoyed with a totally peaceful state of mind. Food and discussions should not be mixed. There are accepted ways to ‘charge’ the food we eat. Prayer is perhaps ‘the best method for energising the food and it does definite additional good at no extra cost. By: Lt. Gen. M. M. Walia
(A) On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 x 6 = 6)
Question 1.
Tamasik food influences a person by
(A) generating stress
(B) making a person energetic
(C) generating large amount of energy
(D) making a person bold
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The passage states that food which is tamasik in nature, i.e., stale or leftover, is bound to generate stress as it upsets the normal functioning of the human body.
Question 2.
Generally what incorrect belief do people practise at the table ?
(A) Smoking helps to digest food
(B) Smoking or drinking even in moderation relieves stress
(C) Pickles add to taste
(D) Condiments help to enhance appetite
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The passage mentions that it is a mistaken belief that smoking or drinking, even in moderation, relieves stress.
Question 3.
The writer says that the “food actually eats one up” because the
(A) Digestion takes too much time.
(B) Excessive intake of food takes a lot of body’s energy to digest it.
(C) Food sustains the body.
(D) Person becomes healthy.
Answer:
Option (B) is corred.
Explanation: The passage mentions that on an average, people eat almost three to four times the quantity of food than they actually need, and a lot of the body’s energy is used up for digesting the excess food.
Question 4.
Rajasik tendencies are generated due to:
(A) over indulgence in fried food.
(B) too much use of spicy food.
(C) over indulgence and excessive craving for a particular taste.
(D) excess of everything.
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: it is mentioned in passage that overindulgence and excessive craving for a particular taste/type of food generates rajasik (aggressive) tendencies.
Question 5.
Here, the word “charge” means
(A) to impose or ask as a price or fee
(B) to attack by rushing violently against
(C) to accuse formally
(D) to feel full of vigour
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The word “charge’ in this context refers to energizing the food we eat, and it means to feel full of vigor or energy.
Question 6.
What does ‘induce’ mean ?
(A) Reduce
(B) Cause, influence
(C) Aggressive
(D) To intake
Answer:
Option (B) is correct. :
Explanation: The word “induce” means to cause or influence something. In the context of the passage, it refers to how certain factors can cause stress or affect a persons well-being, such as the type of food they eat or their eating habits.
(B) Answer the following questions as briefly as possible: (Do any 4) (1×4 = 4)
1. …………….. should be avoided.
2. It is always good to eat less than your capacity…………
3. Water, taken an hour or so before or after meals, is good for ………………..
4. Find the word in the passage with the meaning not worth recommending, (para 6)
5. ………………. is perhaps the best method for energising the food.
Answer:
1. fresheners
Explanation: The second line of the passage mentions that fresheners should be avoided.
2. ‘full-stomach’
Explanation: It is said that after a particular level of food intake, the ‘food actually eats one up’, thus it is always good to eat a little less than your ‘full-stomach’ capacity.
3. digestion
Explanation: One’s diet must be balanced with all the required nutrients for a healthy living, thus water, taken an hour or so before or after meals, is good for digestion.
4. Inadvisable
Explanation: Inadvisable is not worth recommending, hence the answer.
5 Prayer
Explanation: The last line of the passage mentions prayer is the best method for energising the food and it does definite additional good at no extra cost.
2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: (1×8 = 8)
The Marathon of the Sands
The Marathon des Sables, or ‘Marathon of the Sands’, which takes place in the Sahara Desert, has gained a reputation as the ‘toughest footrace on Earth’ since it began in 1986 with 186 competitors. Runners have to complete 250 kilometres in 6 days in one of the most challenging environments on the planet.
The event has 1,400 entries, with a support team of 400, and 200 members of the media are also involved in it this year. The race attracts runners from all over the world, and Moroccan runners have been particularly successful. Irishman Ben Turner, who is 71, is hoping to become the race’s oldest finisher ever. In order to prepare for the race, he has spent the last month training in a hotter climate in Spain.
For most runners, it is not about winning but about finishing the race and receiving the famous kiss on each cheek from Patrick Bauer, the man who originally set up the race. The rules state that competitors must be able to rely on themselves: organisers provide everyone with water, but individual competitors are free to choose their own food items.
There are strict rules about the weight of the items that competitors take with them. Equipment must weigh between 6.5 and 15 kilograms, and though tents are supplied, runners need to bring lightweight sleeping bags. Most runners aim for the lower end of the weight range, as it decreases the effort they need to put in during the race.
Marathon des Sables: numbers and facts 72 number of medical personnel present 28 age of the person making first attempt to complete the course 14 average speed in kilometres per hour of slowest runners 10 highest number of race won by a single person 2 helicopters available to follow runners’ progress 5 quad bikes to move equipment quickly Deciding what to take is hard. Hot food or a music player? Runner David Kelly explains his choice.
“I was happy to give up the luxury of a small stove to warm my food/’ he says. “The only time I don’t have music playing to keep me going is when I’m doing the special hot yoga classes to help me prepare for the desert.” The temperatures in the Sahara Desert are very high during the day, but sink to freezing at night.
For another runner, Jordan Smith, recreating these conditioris in the UK is a challenge – particularly in the British winter. Jordan knows that he cannot prepare for the heat and sun, so he ensures that he runs an average of one hundred kilometres a week, which has helped him to improve his strength. Although Jordan has been preparing for the event for a year, his biggest fear is the thought of not finishing, rather than the more common concern of being stung by a scorpion. On the basis of your reading the passage, answer the questions that follow.
Question 1.
How many competitors are running in the race this year?
(A) 186
(B) 1,400
(C) 400
(D) 200
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The event has 1,400 entries, with a support team of 400, and 200 members of the media are also involved in it this year.
Question 2.
Who organised the first Marathon des Sables?
(A) Ben Turner
(B) Jordan Smith
(C) David Kelly
(D) Patrick Bauer
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: Patrick Bauer, the man who originally set up the race.
Question 3.
Why do runners want to carry as little weight as possible?
(A) Decreases effort
(B) Increases efforts
(C) Weight is proportionate to cost
(D) Heavy weight is not permitted
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: Most runners aim for the lower end of the weight range, as it decreases the effort they need to put in
during the race.
Question 4.
According to the chart, how many times has the most successful competitor won the race?
(A) 72
(B) 10
(C) 28
(D) 14
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Highest number of race won by a single person is 10.
Question 5.
What is David Kelly’s biggest motivation while running?
(A) Music player
(B) Good food
(C) Warm food
(D) Yoga
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: Runner David Kelly explains his choice. “I was happy to give up the luxury of a small stove to warm my food,” he says. “The only time I don’t have music playing top me going is when I’m doing the special hot yoga classes to help me prepare for the desert.”
Question 6.
What is the temperature in Sahara Desert?
(A) extremely hot the whole day
(B) moderate throughout the day
(C) hot during day and cold at night
(D) cold during day and hot at night
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The passage mentions that the temperatures in the Sahara Desert are very high during the day, but sink to freezing at night.
Question 7.
What is Jordan most worried about?
(A) Average speed
(B) Thought of not finishing
(C) Completion of course
(D) Slow speed
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Although Jordan has been preparing for the event for a year, his biggest fear is the thought of not finishing, rather than the more common concern of being stung by a scorpion.
Question 8.
According to the chart, what is the primary age eligibility for the completion of course?
(A) 14 years
(B) 25 years
(C) 28 years
(D) No age limit
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: 28 is the age of the person making their first attempt to complete the course.
3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follows :
1. In life, you’ll always come across situations where there will be someone else who’s better than you, especially when there is no one quality or standard that people can be judged on. There will always be someone who looks better, has more money or is more intelligent than you. How you choose to approach these situations, of course, depends on the perspective you take. People in themselves aren’t intimidating, it’s the opinions you form about them that make you feel so. Rather than judging people on a single attribute and getting intimidated, be comfortable with who you are and approach other people as complete individuals rather than a bundle of good or bad attributes.
2. The key to not letting others intimidate you is to know your own worth. Don’t let your sense of if be defined by what others think of you or how you compare yourself to them. Know what you are and be comfortable in your skin. Instead of feeling threatened and letting your ego in the way, you could benefit a great deal by being around people who might be better than you in some ways. Respect others for what they are and use these opportunities to learn from the strengths and virtues of others.
3. Don’t get bogged down by what you don’t have or can’t do. We all have limitations. Learn to accept them and focus on your strengths. A lot of times, we come under pressure from what people we believe to be more popular and influential than us, in a bid to fit in with them. However, at times like these, it’s important for you to stay true to yourself and say ‘no’ when you’re expected to do something that makes you uncomfortable.
4. Your first response to an intimidating person or situation would probably be to avoid them altogether. However, avoidance only goes on to increase your anxiety. Confront these situations head on, with more and more practice, you’ll start finding these situations easier to deal with. Always keep in mind that everybody has flaws and everyone has his/her own share of struggles, even if you aren’t able to spot them. Our selfesteem gets lowered when we focus too much on our weaknesses and neglect what we get right. Change this pattern and start giving yourself credit for your strengths and successes.
(a) On the basis of your reading the passage, make notes using recognisable abbreviations wherever necessary. Use a format you consider suitable, supply a suitable title to it.
(b) Make a short summary of the passage in about 50 words.
Answer:
(a) Right Approach To Life
1. Right perspective:
1.1. Make sitn somewhat better
1.2. No set quality or std to judge ppl
1.3. Perspective matters
1.4. Be comfortable with what you have
2. Know Your
2.1. Own worth
2.2. Sense of self
2.3. Cfrt zone
3. Learn to
3.1 Be fearless
3.2. Keep ego away
3.3. Benefit from self
3.4. Avail opportunities
4. Learn to accept
4.1. Limitations
4.2. Strengths
| Key to Abbreviation | ||
| S.No | Abbreviation | Word |
| 1. | sitn | situation |
| 2. | std | standard |
| 3. | cfrt | comfort |
| 4. | ppl | people |
(b) Summary
The passage emphasizes the importance of having the right approach to life. The right perspective makes situations better. There is no set quality or standard to judge people. It is the perspective that matters. We must learn to be comfortable with what we have. For that one should first know one’s worth, sense of self and one’s comfort zone. Learning to be fearless or keeping ego away also helps a lot. One must avail the opportunities present around and should learn to accept the strengths and limitations.
Section – B (23 marks)
(Grammar and Creative Writing Skills)
Grammar [7 Marks]
4. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate options given below. (1 x times 4=4)
As soon as I saw the elephant, I knew certainly that I ought not
(i) him. But at the moment I
(ii) round at the crowd that
(iii) me and were eager for some fun and meat. The crowd
(iv) the road for a long distance on either side. I
(v) in a difficult situation.
(i) (a) shoots (b) is shooting (c) shot (d) shoot
(ii) (a) glances (b) glanced (c) is glancing (d) will be glancing
(iii) (a) follow (b) follows (c) following (d) had followed
(iv) (a) has blocked (b) had blocked (c) will be blocked (d) blocks
(v) (a) were (b) am (c) was (d) will be
Answer:
(a) (i) (c) shot (ii) (b) glanced (iii) (c) following (iv) (b) had blocked (v) (b) Was.
5. Transform the following sentences by combining them using relative clauses. (1 x 3=3)
(a) He found the book interesting. It had been given to him by his friend.
(b) She blushed deeply. This was at my mentioning the matter.
(c) John locked up Delilah in a coal-cellar. He knew it would be impossible for her to escape from there.
Answer:
(a) He found the book interesting which had been given to him by the friend.
Explanation: Which is used to describe the book previously mentioned in the sentence.
(b) She blushed deeply when I mentioned the matter.
Explanation: When is used here to refer back to the time in the main clause.
(c) John locked up Delilah in a coal-cellar from where he knew it would be impossible for her to escape.
Explanation: Where is used to talk about a place in relative clauses.
Creative Writing Skills (16 Marks)
Question 6.
Orient Export House, Delhi needs a receptionist for their office. Draft a suitable advertisement to be published in the classified columns of the newspaper in not more than 50 words.
Answer:
SITUATION VACANT
WANTED a young, graduate smart Receptionist for a leading export house with typing speed 40w/pm, short hand speed 100w/pm. Preference to those who can handle computer. Salary negotiable. Apply with complete bio-data by 20th December to Secretary, Orient Export House, T. Nagar, Delhi. Ph: 011-XXXXXXXX
OR
On behalf of the principal of your school, draft a classified advertisement inviting applications for some posts of teachers lying vacant and to be filled soon.
Answer:
SITUATION VACANT
Required 2 PGTs in Maths against permanent post. Only experienced and highly qualified candidates with good communication skills need to apply. Salary according to experience and professional achievements. Attend Walk-in Interview with resume and attested testimonials on Wednesday 6th March 20XX at 10:00 a.m. in Principal’s office. For more details contact Manager, XYZ School, Nehru Nagar, Agra at 94121XXXXX Principal.
Question 7.
Draft a poster on ‘Kids Carnival’.
Answer:
OR
Imagine that a career counselling session is being organised by Mr. P. K. Puri in Hotel Ashoka, New Delhi. Draft a poster in 50 words for the same.
Answer:
Question 8.
You are Ronak / Rani of class XI. Your teacher has asked you to deliver a speech on the topic ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’ in the morning assembly. Write the speech in not more than 150-200 words.
Answer:
“Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.” – (G.B. Shaw).
An old proverb says, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” This means that cleanliness comes next to Godliness in importance. Good morning to one and all present. Today girVboy of XI B, got the golden opportunity to express his/her views on the topic ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’.
Cleanliness of the body is necessary for physical health. Dirt and disease go together. Disease causing germs breed and thrive in dirt; and the epidemic diseases which sweep over a country and carry off thousands, are generally the results of the dirty habits and surroundings of the people. Not only the regular washing of hands and face, but the frequent and thorough bathing of the whole body, and wearing clean clothes, are conditions of good health.
To keep our house and neighbourhood clean is our utmost obligation as it is the only remedy available for national health and hygiene. Dirt and refuse are the causes of sickness and suffering, which ultimately give rise to diseases and epidemics. Plagues and epidemics that set in are caused by filthy and insanitary hygienic conditions. So, it is a prime duty of every citizen to ensure that public places and our surroundings are not littered.
A great percentage of our population lives below the poverty line. Slums in metropolitan areas are inhabited by these poor people, most of them have migrated from villages. Unable to earn a decent means of living, they live in huts having no proper sanitation or drinking water. The uneducated people need to be instructed in civic and clean surroundings. Cleanliness of body leads to the cleanliness of mind, and thereby to the soul.
Thank you
OR
Raghav, a student of class XI, has been asked to make a speech on the “Ill-effects of watching too much Television”. Write out the speech in 120-150 words.
Answer:
Effects of Watching too much Television
Good Morning respected Principal, teachers and my fellow students. Today I, Raghav of class XI, will speak about the ill-effects of excessive television viewing. Nowadays watching too much TV has become a very widespread problem.
We can see a TV in every home, even the parents begin to teach their children to watch TV from early childhood, because they think that it is a good way to develop a child. Sometimes people forget that the TV does not always carry only positive aspects. Negative effects of the TV have become quite an obvious fact. As a consequence, TV affects human physical, mental and social health in a very destructive manner.
One reason why people should not watch too much TV is the reduction of mental capacity. Because when people watch an excessive amount of television they do not look for new solutions for any problems. As another reason, excessive TV watching leads to emotional frustration in families and problems with relatives. Also watching too much TV is harmful because the human brain is filled with redundant information.
A huge stream of advertising, TV shows, TV series and news releases emotionally cripple a person. Thus, it can be said that in the modern times watching TV is an attribute of a limited world view and lazy lifestyle, which leads to many psychological and physiological problems.
Thank you
Question 9.
You are Kamakshi/Kuber. You have been selected to represent your school in an All India School Debate Competition organised by the Rotary Club, Bengaluru (South). The topic for the debate is : In the opinion of this house, value- based education is the only remedy for decreasing crime rate amongst the educated folk.’ Write a debate in not more than 120-150 words For or Against the motion, giving arguments for your stands.
Answer:
Today I, Kuber of class XI, have got the golden opportunity to express my views for the motion, ‘Value based education is the only remedy for decreasing the crime rate.’ Hon’ble Chairman, Respected Judges and Dear Friends! There can’t be two opinions on the fact that ‘value-based education is the only remedy for decreasing crime rate amoñg the educated folk.’ Sir, there is no doubt that education has been made compulsory up to the secondary level in India. However, value based education to all still remains a distant dream.
Education has been practically reduced to the job of providing degrees. These degrees do help them in getting jobs in the market. However, our education system doesn’t help young men and ladies to build up their characters and morals. The result is disastrous. Our schools, colleges and universities are producing a huge army of irresponsible and uncivilised young brutes. Crime among the educated young men have been rising at an alarming rate. Robberies, chain-snatching, eve-teasing and thefts haven’t remained the monopoly of professional uneducated criminals anymore.
Many educated young men have joined their ranks. Sir, the need of the hour is for value-based education. Moral education should be made a compulsory subject in all schools. Nationalism, patriotism, devotion and dedication to our country and its people, should be the guiding principles of our education system. Only a comprehensive and value-based education can help in the character building, moral and spiritual upliftment of the educated folk. It will certainly bring down the crime rate in them. Thank you.
Respected Judges and Teachers.
OR
“Private cars should be banned in the congested commercial areas of the cities.” Write a debate in 120-150 words either for or against the motion.
Answer:
Private Cars should be Banned
Today, I stand before you to present my views for the motion on the topic Private cars should be banned in the congested commercial areas of the cities’. There is no end to the number of vehicles being driven around the city each day. Traffic jams have become a rather common problem and have only increased in the last 10 years. In my opinion, allowing private cars in congested commercial areas only adds to the problem.
Long traffic jams do not only mean consumption of extra fuel but also more number of people suffering from respiratory diseases due to pollution. I strongly feel if people take public transport to work or hire a cab or car-pool and drive vehicles which run on CNC, the problem of constantly rising pollution and heavy traffic jams can be reduced drastically.
The Earth belongs to all of us and it is our duty to safeguard it and keep it clean for our future generations. Thus, first step towards protecting our environment would be to stop abusing the available amount of petroleum and avoid creating pollution. Thank you for patiently listening to my views.
Section – C (31 marks)
(Literature)
Question 10.
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow. (1×3=3)
A. The sea holiday was her past, mine is her laughter.
Both wry
With the laboured ease of loss.
Question 1.
Why are ‘both wry’?
(A) Both were happy moments which cannot be relived.
(B) Both poet’s mother and her cousin were dead.
(C) Both photograph and cardboard were torn.
(D) Both poet and her mother were not talking to each other.
Answer:
1. Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The word ‘wry” means “twisted’ or “ironic.” In the context of the poem, the word is used to describe the fact that both the sea holiday and the poet’s mother’s laughter are now gone, and can never be relived. This is a wry observation because, while the sea holiday and the laughter were both happy moments, they are now also moments of loss.
Question 2.
Which figure of speech is used in ‘laboured ease of loss’?
(A) Alliteration
(B) Transferred Epithet
(C) Personification
(D) Oxymoron
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The figure of speech used in “laboured ease of loss” is oxymoron. Oxymoron is a figure of speech that juxtaposes two contradictory terms. In this case, the terms “laboured” and “ease” are contradictory. The word “laboured” means “difficult” or “effortful$ while the word “ease” means “comfort” or “freedom from effort.” The oxymoron “laboured ease” is used to describe the way that the poet feels about the loss of her mother’s laughter. The laughter is gone, but the poet still feels the pain of loss.
Question 3.
Who is ‘her’ in the above lines?
Answer:
‘Her’ is poet’s mother who is no more.
Explanation: The word “her” in the above lines refers to the poet’s mother. The poet is saying that the sea holiday was her mother’s past, and her mother’s laughter is now hers. This is because the poet now remembers the sea holiday and the laughter, and they are now a part of her own past.
OR
B. Was it the time I realised that Hell and Heaven,
Could not be found in Geography,
And therefore, could not be,
Was that the day!
Question 1.
Which concepts are not found in geography books ?
(A) Gravity
(B) Force
(C) Hell and Heaven
(D) Constellations
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The concepts that are not found in geography books are Hell and Heaven. Geography is the study of the physical features of the Earth, and it does not deal with concepts such as Hell and Heaven, which are religious or spiritual in nature.
Question 2.
What is ‘that day’ in the poem?
(A) The day poet loses his book.
(B) The day poet loses his pencil.
(C) The day poet loses his car.
(D) The day poet loses his childhood.
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The “that da in the poem is the day the poet realized that Hell and Heaven could not be found in geography books, and therefore, could not be. This was a significant day for the poet, as it marked the loss of his childhood faith in these concepts.
Question 3.
Find the word in the extract which means ‘comprehend’.
Answer:
realised
Explanation: The word in the extract that means “comprehend” is “realised”. The word “realised” means “understood” or ‘became aware of’. In the context of the poem, the word “realised” is used to describe the poet’s understanding that Hell and Heaven could not be found in geography books.
Question 11.
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. (1 x 3 = 3)
(A) My grandfather’s portrait hung above the mantelpiece in the drawing room. He wore a big turban and loose-fitting clothes. His long, white beard covered the best part of his chest and he looked at least a hundred years old. He did not look the sort of person who would have a wife or children. He looked as if he could only have lots and lots of grandchildren.
Question 1.
From which story have these lines been taken?
(A) My grandfather
(C) The Portrait of a Lady
(B) My grandmother
(D) A Photograph
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: The lines have been taken from the story “The Portrait of a Lady” written by Khushwant Singh. It talks about the author’s grandmother and his portrait.
Question 2.
Which of these characteristics of the grandfather are shown by the photograph?
(A) Wore loose clothes
(B) Had a long beard
(C) Looked older than his age
(D) All of these
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The photograph shows that the grandfather wore loose clothes, had a long beard, and looked older than his age, as described in the passage.
Question 3.
This chapter is primarily about the author’s ………………………
(A) grandfather
(B) grandmother
(C) mother
(D) children
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The chapter is primarily about the author’s grandmother and her portrait.
OR
B. The first leg of our planned three-year, 1,05,000 kilometres journey passed pleasantly as we sailed down the west coast of Africa to Cape Town. There, before heading east, we took on two crewmen – American Larry Vigil and Swiss Herb Seigler – to help us tackle one of the world’s roughest seas, the southern Indian Ocean.
Question 1.
From which lesson have these lines been taken?
(A) Round the World in 80 days
(B) Replica of a Journey
(C) We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together
(D) Photograph of a Journey
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: These lines have been taken from the lesson “We’re Not Afraid to Die… If We Can All Be Together.”
Question 2.
Whose journey are the narrators trying to replicate?
(A) Captain Thames Cook
(B) Captain James Cook
(C) Captain James Crawford
(D) None of these
Answer:
Option (B) is correct
Explanation: The narrators are trying to replicate the journey of Captain James Cook.
Question 3.
The narrators are preparing for the journey across in these lines.
(A) Cape Town
(B) Africa
(C) America
(D) Indian Ocean
Answer:
Option (D) is correct.
Explanation: The narrators are preparing for the journey across the southern Indian Ocean in these lines.
Question 12.
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. (1 x 4 = 4)
‘A. One day back there in the good old days when I was nine and the world was full of every imaginable kind of magnificence, and life was still a delightful and mysterious dream, my cousin Mourad, who was considered crazy by everybody who knew him except me, came to my house at four in the morning and woke me up tapping on the window of my room.
Question 1.
What is the name of the narrator?
(A) Aram
(B) Mourad
(C) Zorab
(D) Vazire
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The name of the narrator is Aram. This is evident from the line ‘One day back there in the good old days when I was nine and the world was full of every imaginable kind of magnificence” where the narrator refers to himself as “I” and being nine years old.
Question 2.
What was Mourad doing?
(A) Sitting on a black horse
(B) Sitting on a white horse
(C) Sitting on a huge elephant
(D) Sitting on a camel
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: Mourad was sitting on a white horse. This is evident from the line “My cousin Mourad was sitting on a beautiful white horse” where the narrator mentions seeing Mourad on a white horse.
Question 3.
What was Mourad fond of?
(A) Nature
(B) Tribal beliefs
(C) Adventures
(D) Education
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: Mourad was fond of adventures. This is evident from the follow line of passage “My cousin
Mourad enjoyed being alive more than anybody else who had ever fallen into the world by mistake” and the subsequent description of the horse-riding adventure they embark upon.
Question 4.
Which word in the passage is an antonym of ‘unimpressive’?
(A) Imaginable
(B) Magnificence
(C) Mysterious
(D) Tapping
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The word “magnificence” is an antonym of ‘unimpressive.’ While “unimpressive” means lacking in qualities that impress or awe, “magnificence’ means grandeur impressiveness, or splendor.
OR
B. Do you still know me?’ I asked.
The woman looked at me searchingly. She had opened the door a chink. I came closer and stood on the step. ‘No, I don’t know you.’
‘Tm Mrs S’s daughter.’
Question 1.
What is the name of ‘the woman’?
(A) Mrs. S
(B) Mrs. Dorling
(C) Mrs. Draker
(D) Mrs. Sen
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The name of the woman is Mrs. Dorling. This is evident from the lines “I’m Mrs S’s daughter.”
The narrator is the daughter of Mrs. S, and Mrs. Dorling is the woman who is opening the door.
Question 2.
Around whose address the story evolves?
(A) The author
(B) Mrs. Dorling
(C) Mrs. Marconi
(D) Mrs. Draker
Answer:
Option (B) is correct.
Explanation: The story revolves around the address of Mrs. Dorling. This is evident from the lines “I went to Mrs Dorling’s house.” The narrator goes to Mrs. Dorling’s house to see her mother’s belongings, which have been stored there.
Question 3.
What was the address of that woman?
(A) 26, Marconi Street
(B) 32, Dorling Street
(C) 46, Marconi Street
(D) 59, Dorling Street
Answer:
Option (C) is correct.
Explanation: Marconi Street. This is evident from the lines in the story “I looked up at the name-plate.
Marconi Street, it said. I had been at Number 46.” The narrator is at Mrs. Dorling’s house, which is located at 46, Marconi Street.
Question 4.
Who is the author of these lines?
(A) Marga Minco
(B) A.J. Cronin
(C) J. B. Priestley
(D) Patrick Pringle
Answer:
Option (A) is correct.
Explanation: The author of these lines is Marga Minco. She is a Dutch author who wrote the short story
The Address.” The story was first published in Dutch in 1957, and it was translated into English in 1987.
Question 13.
Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each. (3 x 2=6)
(a) What opinion did the grandmother form of the English school in the city?
OR
Give a brief description of the narrator’s boat. How had the narrator equipped and tested it?
Answer:
The grandmother didn’t like the English school in the city. She was sad as they didn’t teach anything about God and scriptures at the school. Nor was she interested in Science. She hated music lessons given in the school.
OR
The narrator’s boat was called ‘wave-walker’. It was a beautiful 23-metre-long, 30-ton wooden hulled ship. It had been professionally built. They had spent months fitting it out and testing in the roughest weather they could find.
(b) Why does the poet feel that Heaven and Hell are not real places?
OR
Why do you think, the poet says nothing about her mother’s death?
Answer:
As the speaker grew mature, he acquired reasoning power. He realised that Hell and Heaven could not be found in Geography books or Atlas. Since they could not be located anywhere in the world map, he concluded that they did not exist. He would believe only what he could see and find.
OR
The poet has no words to express her reaction to this solemn and painful incident. Death silences everyone. The extensive quietness and prevailing gloom silences her.
Question 14.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 40-50 words: (3 x 1=3)
“This was the part that wouldn’t permit me to believe what I saw,” What part does the narrator hint at in the story. The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse?
OR
Why did the narrator go to number 46, Marconi Street in the story “The Address” ?
Answer:
When the narrator begins the story, he is feeling nostalgic. He was then nine years old. The world seemed to him full of every kind of splendour that he could imagine. Life appeared to him as a delightful and mysterious dream.
OR
This was the address of the woman who carried their valuables from her home for safety during war time. So, the narrator went there to claim the belongings of her mother.
Question 15.
Answer any one of the fotlowing questions in about 120-150 words: (6 x1=6)
What problems did Howard Carter face in regard to King Tut’s mummy? What did he do to solve them?
Answer:
At last Howard Carter, the British archaeologist, discovered King Tut’s burial chamber and his gold coffin in 1922. When he opened the last coffin, he found that the ritual resins had hardened. It had cemented Tut to the bottom of his solid gold coffin. He tried to loosen it by putting the mummy in the scorching sunshine.
But it did not happen. Then he said the material had to be chiseled away from beneath the limbs and trunk. It was to he done before it was possible to raise the King’s remains. Carter said that the thieves would rip the mummy apart to get the gold. So his men removed the mummy’s head and severed nearly major joint. Then they reassembled the remains on a layer of sand. They put the mummy in a wooden box.
OR
How does the rain describe herself in the poem ‘The Voice of the Rain
Answer:
The rain calls itself the poem of earth. It is everlasting and perpetual. It is something that cannot be touched. It originates from the land and the deep sea. Then it rises upward to heaven where it changes its forms into a cloud, yet remains the same in quality. From the sky it pours down on earth to wash the dry thin particles and dust layers of the earth. The rain helps the unborn seeds to sprout. These seeds lay hidden and unborn under the layer of earth. Rain gives back life to its origin making it pure and beautiful.
Question 16.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words: (6×1=6)
Describe the narrator’s second visit to Mrs. Dorling’s house.
Answer:
The narrator’s first visit to Mrs. Dorling’s house was ‘n vain. She decided to try for a second time. This time a girl of about fifteen opened the door to her. Her mother was not at home. The narrator said that she would wait for her. Following the girl along the passage, the narrator saw their old fashioned iron candle-holder hanging next to a mirror. The girl made her sit in the living room and went inside.
The narrator was horrified to find herself in a room she knew and did not know. She found herself in the midst of familiar things which she longed to see again but which oppressed her in the strange atmosphere. She dared not look around her.
The woollen table cloth, the cups, the white tea-pot, the spoons, the pewter plate, everything was full of memories of her former life. Suddenly the objects linked with her former life lost their value in strange surroundings. They too appeared strange to her. She no longer had the desire to possess them. She got up, walked to the door and left the house.
OR
Throw light on Mrs. Fitzgerald’s efforts to reform Mrs. Pearson’s family.
Answer:
Mrs. Pearson does not have the courage to stand up for her rights. Therefore, Mrs. Fitzgerald suggests a novel approach— exchange of personalities. Now, as Mrs. Pearson, with the personality of Mrs. Fitzgerald, she puts the plan of formation in action. She smokes, drinks and plays cards. All this is unusual for the family She further shocks them by being tough with them in words and action.
She asks them to look after themselves. She clearly tells them that she has already worked for more than eight hours that day. She tells them plainly how they behave at home and work place. She is equally blunt with Mt George Pearson, who goes away every evening to the club, leaving his wife alone at home.
She reveals to him how the people at club make fun of him. In short, she makes them realise their responsibility toward the mother. In the end she performs the exchange of personalities once again. Thus, Mrs. Fitzerald makes the family members of Mrs. Pearson learn that she deserves respect and responsible behaviour from them.