Index

Sr. No. Topic Page No.

1 Rationalised Syllabus 4

2 Reading ( Unseen Passages ) 7- 40

3 Grammar 41- 56

4 Formal Letters 57- 66

5 Analytical Paragraph Writing 67- 76

6 Footprints without Feet 77- 102

7 The First Flight 103- 132

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 ENGLISHLANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
Code No. 184
(2020-21)
(Rationalised Curriculum)

SECTION – WISE WEIGHTAGE

PART – A Objective Questions (40 Marks)

Reading 20Marks
I. Multiple Choice Questions based on a Discursive passage of 400-450 words to test
inference, evaluation and vocabulary. Ten out of twelve questions to be answered.
(10x1=10)
II. Multiple Choice Questions based on a Case-based factual passage (with visual input-
statistical data, chart etc.) of 300-350 words to test analysis and interpretation. Ten out of
twelve questions to be answered (10x1=10)
(Total length of two passages to be 700-750 words).

Literature Textbooks 10 Marks

III. Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract from drama/prose to test inference,
evaluation and vocabulary. Any 1 out of 2 extracts to be done. (5x1=5)
IV. Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract from poetry to test analysis and
interpretation. Any 1 out of 2 extracts to be done (5x1=5)

Grammar 10 Marks
V. Ten Multiple Choice Questions, out of twelve, to be answered. Questions shall be
based on the following:
i. Tenses
ii. Modals
iii. Subject – verb concord
iv. Reported speech
a. Commands and requests

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 b. Statements
c. Questions
v. Determiners

PART B – Subjective Questions (40 marks)

Writing 10 Marks
I. Formal letter (word limit 100-120 words) based on a given situation. One out of two
questions is to be answered. 5 marks
II. Writing an analytical paragraph (word limit 100-120 words) based on a given outline/
Data/ Chart/ Cue/s .One out of two questions is to be answered. 5 marks

Literature 30 Marks
III. Four out of six Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 20-30 words each
from FIRST FLIGHT and FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET (two out of three from FIRST
FLIGHT and two out of three from FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET). 2x4=8 marks
IV. Four out of six Short Answer Type Questions to be answered in 40-50 words each
from FIRST FLIGHT and FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET (two out of three from FIRST
FLIGHT and two out of three from FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET). 3x4=12 marks
V. One out of two Long Answer Type Questions from FIRST FLIGHT to be answered in
about 100-120 words each to assess creativity, imagination and extrapolation beyond the
text and across the texts. This can be a passage-based question taken from a
situation/plot from the texts. 5 marks
VI. One out of two Long Answer Type Questions from FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET
on theme or plot involving interpretation, extrapolation beyond the text and inference or
character sketch to be answered in about 100-120 words. 5 marks

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 Section –A
(Unseen Passages)
Passage-1

Read the passage given below carefully.

1. “Teenagers? Stress? You must be joking.”

This is probably the reaction when asked whether teenagers get set full and
apprehensive. For, it is generally believed that they have “no responsibilities no worries
and no duties”. But that is not true.

2. In today’s competitive world, one needs to struggle and fight to make it in this
dynamic, yet uncertain environment that is both stressful and anxiety inducing.
Teenagers face app married and of pressure, three of which are briefly discussed here.
The pressure to perform that is to do well academically comes principally from parents,
teachers and peers.

3. The lack of aptitude tests or respecting the students’ preferences push them into
fields which were not interest them or for which they are not equipped. Apart from the
pressure to perform well, they are often burdened with the pressure to conform to the
norms laid down by society. Next, teenagers are pressurized to reform themselves. This
is commonly experienced especially by students in the age group of 13 to 17 years.

Everybody is telling them when to wake up and what to do. Here’s what you can do to
deal with these pressures. As a result of pressure, teenagers are often found to be very
anxious. A sign of anxiety is holding one’s breath. The easy way out to take deep
breaths at regular intervals, trying to calm your mind.

4. Modern life’s competitiveness and challenges put a tremendous load of work on

teenagers. They need to understand that they are strong enough to handle the tough
challenges in life, studying and assignments being two of them. Procrastinators that is
people who habitually delay and postpone due to their work, need to cultivate, “the art of
starting;” and this involves dealing with the minor discomfort experienced while
beginning a task. Once a job has started, it is much easier to continue.

5. Some students worry about factors like social and financial status, intelligence and
habits that might make them different from their peers. Effective stress management lies
in having a healthy attitude towards competition, work, friends and acquaintances. It lies
in taking life as it comes, doing your best and being prepared for the worst.

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On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer any TEN of the
following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.

i. The following passage is about ………………………….

a) stress and others

b) stress and woman

c)stress and teenagers

d) stress and old people

ii. What kind of pressure or faced by teenagers?

a) pressure to do well academically.

b) present to confirm to the norms laid down by the society.

c) pressure to reform themselves stop.

d) all of the above.

iii. What age group of teenagers are generally pressurised to reform themselves?

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 a) 12 to 16 years
b) 11 to 15 years
c) 13 to 18 years
d) 13 to 17 years
iv. Choose the option that list the correct answers for the following.

1. Ajay is 13 years old boy who is taking up small taking courses as he wants to
persuade the cooking career.
2. Rajan is 15 years old boy who is always into books and has frequent
breakdowns.

a) both are under stress of competition

b) both Ajay and Raja are devoid of stress
c) Ranjit he stressed while Ajay is enjoying life
d) Ajay is stressed while Rajan is enjoying his life.

v. Which of the following factors become a source of worry for many students?

1. social status
2. actual status
3. intelligence
4. habit
5. career
6. relationships
(a) 1 and 5 (b) 2, 4 and 6 (c) 3 and 5 (d) All of these

.vi. Who are ‘procrastinators’?

a) people who do their work on time

b) people who did who do their work before time
c) people who never do their work
d) people who have actually postpone during their work.

vii.The word ‘truthful’ in the passage means

a)Excited
b)Feeling Joy
c)Feeling distressed
d)Dull
viii. The word ‘anxiety’ in para 2 means
a) Being calm

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 b) A troubled state of mind
c) Behaving properly
d) Being serious

ix. In the line “….fretful and apprehensive”, apprehensive does not

correspond with

a) Anxious
b) Understanding
c) Fidgety
d) Uneasy

x. The pressures faced by the teenagers come from

a)Teachers
b) Friends
c) Parents
d) All the above

xi. Why does parents push students into field that does not suit them?

a) The desire for easy success

b) Lack of career counselling
c) Lack of aptitude tests
d)The need to follow a stable career

xii. The author of the given passage is trying to _________ the students.

a) Amuse
b) Encourage
c) Inform
d) Scare

Passage 2

Read the passage given below carefully.

1. The National Disaster Management Authority has recently released guidelines on

the management of urban flooding. It clearly states that urban flooding should be
treated as a separate disaster as the causes of urban flooding and the strategies
to deal with them are different.
2. Even though urban flooding has been experienced for decades in India sufficient

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 attention was not given to plan specific efforts to deal with it holistically. In the
past, any strategy on Flood Disaster Management largely focused on riverine
floods affecting large tracts of rural areas.
3. Urban Flooding is significantly different from rural flooding as urbanisation leads
to developed catchments which increases the flood peaks by up to 8 times and
flood volumes up to 6 times. Consequently, flooding occurs very quickly due to
faster flow times, sometimes in matter of minutes.
4. Urban areas are centres of economic activities with vital infrastructure which
needs to be protected 24 x 7. In most of the cities, damage to vital infrastructure
has a bearing not only locally but could even have global implications.
5. Urban areas are also densely populated and people living in vulnerable areas,
both rich and poor, suffer due to flooding. It has sometimes resulted in loss of life,
damage to property and disruptions in transport and power bringing life to a
grinding halt causing untold misery and hardships. Even the secondary effects of
subsequent epidemics and exposure to infection often takes further toll in terms
of loss of livelihood, human suffering, and, in extreme cases, loss of life.
Therefore, management of urban flooding has to be accorded top priority.
6. There has been an increasing trend of urban flood disasters in India over the
past several years. Almost every major city in India has been severely affected.
Mumbai floods of July 2005 turned out to be an eye opener. The deluge of rains
in the catchment areas of the Yamuna during August and September in 2010 has
inundated many villages and towns of Haryana, besides threatening. the low-
lying areas of the Delhi, the national capital. The fury of floods did not spare
many areas of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
7. Storm Water Drainage systems in the past were designed for a rainfall intensity
of 12-20 mm/h. However, we have been experiencing rainfall of higher intensities
in most of our cities every year, which overwhelm the SWD system. Moreover,
the systems very often do not work to the designed capacities because of
encroachments, dumping of solid waste and poor operations and maintenance.
8. Improper disposal of solid waste, including domestic, commercial and industrial
waste and dumping of construction debris into the drains also contributes
significantly to reducing their capacities. Everybody is responsible for this.
9. Encroachments are a major problem in many cities and towns all over the
country. With large scale encroachments on the natural drains and in the
floodplains, the capacity of the natural drain has decreased, resulting in flooding
even with lower intensities of rainfall.

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On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer any TEN of the
following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.

i. Urban flooding is to be treated as a separate disaster because………………

(a) the problems of urban areas are unique

(b) urban areas get flooded easily

(c) the causes of urban flooding are different

(d) urban and riverine flooding are similar

ii. Urban flooding occurs very quickly as………………………….

(a) the drainage is usually blocked

(b) storm water drainage is poor

(c) encroachments obstruct flow of water

(d) developed catchments increase faster flow times

iii. Urban areas need a round the clock vigil because………………………….

(a) they are centres of economic activities with vital infrastructure

(b) they are the hubs of commerce and industry

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(c) they contain educational institutions and hospitals

(d) they provide rail/road links to the rural areas

iv. Life comes to a grinding halt in a flooded urban centre as…………………….

(a) people are vulnerable to deep water flowing fast

(b) transport and power are disrupted

(c) there is a loss of life and damage to property

(d) people face hardships and untold misery

v. Encroachment on natural drains intensify flooding because……………………

(a) these divert the flow of water

(b) these cause whirls and speed up flow

(c) these decrease the capacity of drain

(d) these obstruct the smooth flow of water

vi. The word ‘overwhelm’ in para 7 means………………………….

(a) stunned

(b) flooded

(c) overpowered

(d) defeated

vii. Which factor contributes significantly to reducing SWD capacities?

(a) improper disposal of solid waste

(b) inadequate disposal of domestic, commercial and industrial waste

(c) dumping of construction debris into the drains

(d) all of these

viii. How does flood in urban areas affect life?

(a) both rich and poor, suffer due to flooding.

(b) the flood disrupt transport, power causing untold misery and hardships.

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(c) damage to vital infrastructure

(d) none of these

ix. What is the main cause of intensifying floods in- urban areas?

(a) Encroachment on natural drains is the main cause of intensifying floods in urban
areas.

(b) dumping of solid waste and poor operations and maintenance.

(c) urbanisation leads to developed catchments which increases the flood peaks

(d) all of these

x. How is urban flooding different to rural flooding?

(a) Urban areas are also densely populated and people living in vulnerable areas

(b) Urbanisation leads to developed catchments which increases the flood peaks

(c)In urban areas flooding occurs very quickly due to faster flow times.

(d) None of these

xi. The phrase ‘Basic system and service’ in para 4 means

(a) infrastructure
(b) protected
(c) implications
(d) needs

xii. The word ‘vulnerable’ in para 5 means

(a) most likely to be exposed to the danger

(b) something that can not be avoided
(c) less likely to be harmed/injured
(d) none of these

Passage 3

Read the passage given below carefully.

1. Cell phones have become a nearly universal aspect of contemporary Western

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 culture. In many locations, children of elementary school age regularly carry cell
phones. Cell phones, however, are not always welcome, and, in some areas, cell
phones re banned. The reasons for the ban involve health and safety. There are
various reasons for not allowing cell phones in schools. Most schools have banned
their usage completely.

2. It is not only the classrooms where is a blanket ban on the usage of the cell phones
but it has been banned while driving too. Distracted driving is a major factor in
serious and fatal automobile accidents. In the United States many locations have
passed laws banning the use of cell phones while driving. Other laws allow cell
phones to be used for conversation if they are connected to hands-free devices.
Texting while driving poses a heightened risk because it involves taking one or both
hands off the steering wheel in order to operate the telephone keypad. President
Barack Obama issued an executive order banning texting while driving for federal
employees in 2009. Teenagers are especially prone to text while deriving.

3. A survey was conducted to know the opinion of people on various for banning the
use of cell phone. The table given below shows the result.

Reasons Opinion in %

Health and safety 50%

Distraction 25%

Accidents 20%

Others 5%

4. The original reason given for banning cell phones on airplanes was the risk of
interference with sensitive cockpit equipment. Newer digital phones have been
shown to present little or no risk to air navigation, though; several airlines have lifted
bans on cell phones use. There are usually still restrictions involved with on-board
cell phone use, such as limitations to a particular network. The United States has
continued to ban cell phone use on airplanes. The House of Representatives went
so far as to draft a bill called HANG UP (H.R. 5788 Halting Airplane Noise to Give
Us Pease Act of 2008) although the bill never made it out of committee. With airlines
such as American Airlines introducing on-board Wi-Fi service, some commuters
believe it is only a matter of time before cell phone use is also permitted, especially if
the airlines are allowed to charge fees.

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On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer any TEN of the
following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.

i. Why are cell phones not allowed in schools?

(a) because of health and safety reasons. (c) because they distract in the class

(b) because these are expensive (d) only (a) and (c)

ii. Why have cell phones been banned while driving?

(a) because they distract the attention of the public

(b) because they may lead to accident

(c) because they are very expensive

(d) none if the above

iii. What was the reason to ban cell phones on airplanes?

(a) risk of interference with sensitive cockpit equipment.

(b) Cell phone may be used as a bomb

(c) Network problem

(d) None of the above

iv. Which one of the following is not true?

(a) United States has continued to ban cell phone use on airplanes.

(b) 40% people believe that health and safety is the major reason for the ban on

Cell phones.

(c) teenagers are especially prone to text while driving.

(d) none of the above.

v. What is the innovation of using cell phone in the airplanes?

(a) On-board Wi-Fi service (c) free internet

(b) Free Wi-Fi (d) none of the above

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 vi. According to the passage, who are especially prone to text while driving?

(a) Teenagers (c) adults

(b) women (d) none of the above

vii. Which one of the followings are the main reasons for banning the use of cell

phone.

(a) health and safety (c) Road accidents

(b) Distraction (d) none of the above

viii. Find an antonym of ‘allow’ as given in para 4.

(a) fatal (b) ban (c) pass (d) use

ix. Find the antonym of ‘coarse’ from para 4.

(a) sensitive (b) opinion (c) federal (d) none of the above

x. Find a word in para 1, which means the same as ‘BASIC’.

(a) elementary (b) contemporary (c) involve (d) none of the above

xi. Find the opposite of ‘restriction’ in para 3.

(a) limitation (b) poses (c) restrictions (d) fatal

xii. What percent of the people believe that use of cell phone leads to road
accidents?

(a) 50% (b) 25% (c) 20% (d) 5%

ANSWER KEY

Passage-1
i. (c) stress and teenagers

ii. (d) all the above

iii. (d) 13-17 years

iv. (a) both are under the stress of competition.

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v. (d) all of these

vi. (d) people who habitually postpone doing their work.

vii. (c) feeling distress

viii. (b) a troubled state of mind

ix. (b) understanding

x. (d) all of these

xi.(c) lack of aptitude tests

xii.(b) encourage

Passage-2
i. (c) the causes of urban flooding are different.

ii.(d) developed catchments increase faster flow times

iii.(a) they are centres of economic activities with vital infrastructure

iv.(b) transport and power are disrupted

v.(c) these decrease the capacity of drain

vi.(d) defeated

vii.(d) all of these

viii. (b) the flood disrupt transport, power causing untold misery and hardships.

ix.(a) encroachment on natural drains is the main cause of intensifying floods in urban
areas.

x.(c) in urban areas flooding occurs very quickly due to faster flow times.

xi.(a) Infrastructure

xii. (a) most likely to be exposed to the danger

Passage-3
i. (d) only (a) and (c)
ii. (b) because they may lead to accident
iii. (a) risk of interference with sensitive cockpit equipment.

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 iv. (b) 40% people believe that health and safety is the major reason for the ban
on cellphones
v. (a) On-board Wi-Fi service
vi. (a) Teenagers
vii. (a) health and safety
viii. (b) ban
ix. (a) sensitive
x. (a) elementary
xi. (a) limitation
xii. (c) 20%

Passage -4
Read the passage given below.

India is one of the fastest growing economies in 2020. Poverty is on the decline with
close to 44 Indians escaping extreme poverty every minute, according to world poverty
clock. According to Brookings report, today India has 73 million people living in extreme
poverty which makes up 5.5% of total Indian population.

Two - third people of India live in poverty.68.8%.of the Indian population live on less
than $2 per day. Over 30% even have less than $1.25 per day and such people are
considered extremely poor.

More than 800 million people in India are considered poor. Most of them live in
countryside and keep afloat with odd jobs. The lack of employment which provides a
livable wage in rural area is driving many Indians into rapidly growing metropolitan
cities, such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Bengaluru.

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In 2019, the Indian government stated that 6.7% of population is below its official
poverty limit. According to Oxfam, India's top 1 % of population now holds 73% of the
wealth while 670 million citizens, comprising the country's poorest half, saw their wealth
rise by just 1%. As per the Tendulkar poverty line, poverty reduced from 14.9
percentages in 2011 to 7.0% in 2017- fastest pace the country has ever seen yet. So
2020 is an extremely challenging year not only for government and business but also for
those who are on the borderline of poverty. Fiscal, monetary and administrative policies
have to be designed in a way that provides a safety for those living at the brink of
poverty. Lifting people out of poverty ought to be on the top of the government’s priority.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any 10 questions

from the 12 that follow. (10x1=10)

(i) As per the graph, which of these is/are the cause(s) of poverty in India?
a) Colonial past
b) Lack of education
c) Population explosion
d) All of these
(ii) According to the graph, which state has the highest number of people
living below poverty line?
a) Rajasthan
b) Bihar
c) Madhya Pradesh

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 d) Uttar Pradesh
(iii) Today, how many people in India live in extreme poverty?
a) About 5 crore
b) About 6 crore
c) About 7 crore
d) About 8 crore
(iv) What percentage of Indian population live on less than Rs100 per day?
a) 68.8%
b) 30%
c) 40%
d) 60%
(v) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that
lists the reason for people migrating to metropolitan cities.
1. Poverty
2. More employment opportunities in metropolitan cities
3. Government scheme
4. Lack of employment
5. Better crops
a) 1,2 and 5
b) 1,2and 4
c) 2,4 and 5
d) 2,3 and 4
(vi) How many people in our country are considered poor?
a) 10 crore
b) 20 crore
c) 50 crore
d) 80 crore
(vii) One of the policies that is required to be designed in a way to provide
safety for those living at the brink of poverty is:
a) Fiscal
b) Monetary
c) Administrative
d) All of above
(viii) According to the Indian Government, what percentage of Indian
population were below poverty line in 2019?
a) 4%
b) 5.5%
c) 6.7%
d) 73%
(ix) In the line “________ employment which provides a livable wage” the
word ‘livable’ does not refer to:
a) Good enough

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 b) Acceptable
c) Frugal
d) Comfortable
(x) Poverty in India reduced at the fastest pace in:
a) 2010
b) 2012
c) 2015
d) 2017
(xi) Choose the option that lists statement that is NOT TRUE.
a) One –third of people in India live in poverty.
b) Corruption contributes to poverty.
c) Chandigarh has the lowest number of people living below poverty line.
d) Poverty may develop due to limited resources.
(xii) The year 2020 is an extremely challenging year for:
a) The government
b) The business
c) The people living on the border line of poverty.
d) All of these.

Answers:

(i) d
(ii) d
(iii) c
(iv) b
(v) b
(vi) d
(vii) d
(viii) c
(ix) c
(x) d
(xi) a
(xii) d

Passage -5
Read the passage given below.

Why does humanity need Superman?, writes Lois Lane, well a very relevant question
isn’t it. Why do we need superheroes? Every time we watch a superhero movie we are

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enchanted by its action and the superheroes’ capability of saving the humanity, we all
like superheroes for a reason. Yes, a reason!

Forget about super-strength, laser vision, or — our personal favorite — the ability to
consume any type of matter in the universe; the best superhero power might just be the
way they inspire and motivate us. From the youngest boy or girl wonders to the oldest
Captains, each superhero has their own lesson to bestow on the next generation.

Whether it’s Batman saving Gotham city, or Superman saving humanity, or right back to
our motherland Krissh (yes u got it right the Indian superhero) saving its fellow
countrymen, we need them because they give us hope to fight the bad and the worst
happening in today’s time.

“Sometimes the truth isn’t good enough. Sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes
people deserve to have their faith rewarded,” says Batman.

Yes, it is right we need faith in today’s time when we know nothing is going right nor the
politics nor the terrorism, people need hope and strength from superheroes. And that’s
why we need superheroes, they give us a sense of right to fight the injustice that is
happening around us. “There is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put
on the cape,” said Superman.

“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain”, Batman,
The Dark Knight.

So every time when we choose to see a superhero movie it gives us the idea to fight the
unjust with our own ideas or capabilities. Every child or even adult watches superhero
movies which motivates them to rise above the injustice that is happening in real world.
It’s not just about power, you and I can also be a superhero by just helping our
neighborhood, by standing against the wrong that is happening against them.

Whether it be political or apolitical that is happening around us, can be fought with a
thought of righteous and courage. “There is a superhero in all of us, we just need the
courage to put on the cape,” says Superman.

From the day we are born, we are told that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts
absolutely. But superheroes give our subconscious desire for greatness. They also
teach us that the greatest power is incorruptibility. None of us will ever leap a tall
building in a single bound, change the course of a mighty river or bend steel in our bare
hands. But we can always return that lost wallet with the contents intact, tell the truth

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when it matters, stand our ground when it’s easier to walk away or do unto others as we
want them to do unto us.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer any 10 questions

from the 12 that follow.

(i) Despite our age and status in life, few enigmatic qualities endear us to
superheroes. Select the correct option from below:
1. Give over subconscious a desire for greatness
2. Have a listen to be strong.
3. Inspire and motivate us.
4. Give us hope to fight the bad.
a) 1 and 3
b) 2 and 4
c) 3 and 4
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(ii) Identify the sentence where the word "bestow" has been used incorrectly.
a) He was ever ready to take blame on himself and bestow praise on others.
b) During the ceremony, the Prime Minister will bestow medals of honour to the
brave soldiers who rescue their comrades.
c) The king will bestow a title and land to the man who saved the princess.
d) If you want to avoid a misunderstanding, I bestow you to consider your word
before speaking.
(iii) There is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put on the
cap". By this, Superman is implying that:
a) Cap is heavy and not everyone can bear it
b) We all have special powers.
c) The ability to fight the unjust with our own ideas or capability is present in all of
us.
d) Society needs superheroes,
(iv) According to the writer, how can a common man become a superhero?
1. Bend steal, is the course of rivers.
2. Stand up against injustice, return that wallet intact.
3. Help around the neighbourhood.
a) Only 1
b) 2 and 3
c) 1and 3
d) d 1 and 2
(v) A superpower common to all superheroes that endears them to us is:
a) The ability to strategies.
b) The ability to remain calm in the face of danger
c) The capability to motivate and inspire human.
d) The capability to lend a helping hand to human.

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 (vi) Choose the option that suits best as the title for the passage.
a) Human are superheroes.
b) Humanity needs superheroes.
c) Hope and strength.
d) Human should help each other
(vii) What are the two things we need to fight injustice today?
a) Super power and superhero.
b) Truth and faith.
c) Hope and strength.
d) Hope and confidence.
(viii) Select the option that makes the correct use of ' righteousness', as
used in the passage, to fill in the blank space.
a) Both side in the dispute adopted a tone of ________
b) The newspaper reports are a ________of gossip.
c) She was confused about obligation and__________
d) Cultural context brings_________ International relations.
(ix)The author attempts to......... the readers to fight the unjust.
a) motivate
b) nudge
c) rebuke
d) put
(x) The character which is not being used by the author.
a) Batman
b) Superman
c) Spider-Man
d) Krrish.
(xi) What is the central idea of the passage?
a) Fight the injustice
b) Super heroes are necessary
c) Help your neighbours
d) Save humanity.
(xii) What are the two meanings of "encounter" as used in the passage?
1. experience something unpleasant
2. to experience something unexpected
3. to affect something
4. to cover with a thin layer.

a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 4
c) 3 and 4
d) 2 and 3.

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Answers

(i) d
(ii) d
(iii) c
(iv) b
(v) c
(vi) b
(vii) c
(viii) a
(ix) b
(x) c
(xi) a
(xii) a

(UNSEEN PASSAGES – DISCURSIVE, 400 TO 450 WORDS) –M C Q BASED

Passage -1
READ THE PASSAGE GIVEN BELOW:

The choices we make on a daily basis—wearing a seatbelt, lifting heavy objects

correctly or purposely staying out of any dangerous situation—can either ensure our
safety or bring about potentially harmful circumstances. You and I need to make a
decision that we are going to get our lives in order.

Exercising self-control, self-discipline and establishing boundaries and borders in our

lives are some of the most important things we can do. A life without discipline is one
that’s filled with carelessness.

We can think it’s kind of exciting to live life on the edge. We like the image of “Yeah!
That’s me! Living on the edge! Woo-hoo!” It’s become a popular way to look at life. But if
you see, even highways have lines, which provide margins for our safety while we’re
driving. If we go over one side, we’ll go into the ditch. If we cross over the line in the
middle, we could get killed. And we like those lines because they help to keep us safe.
Sometimes we don’t even realize how lines help to keep us safe.

I’m not proud of this, but for the first 20 years of my life at work, I ignored my limits. I felt
horrible, physically, most of the time. I used to tell myself “I know I have limits and that
I’ve reached them, but I’m going to ignore them and see if or how long I can get by with
it.” I ran to doctors, trying to make myself feel better through pills, vitamins, natural stuff
and anything I could get my hands on. Some of the doctors would tell me, “It’s just

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stress.” That just made me mad. I thought stress meant you don’t like what you do or
can’t handle life, and I love what I do. But I kept pushing myself, travelling, doing
speaking engagements and so on— simply exhausting myself

Finally, I understood I was living an unsustainable life and needed to make some
changes in my outlook and lifestyle. You and I don’t have to be like everyone else or
keep up with anyone else. Each of us needs to be exactly the way we are, and we don’t
have to apologize for it. We’re not all alike and we need to find a comfort zone in which
we can enjoy our lives instead of making ourselves sick with an overload of stress and
pressure.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer any 10 questions from
the 12 that follow. (10 x 1 =10)

(i) The reason why living on the edge has become popular, is because of
the:
a) constant need for something different
b) population being much younger
c) exhausting effort to make changes
d) strong tendency to stay within our limits

(ii) Choose the option that best captures the central idea of the passage from
the given quotes.
1. It's all about quality of life and finding a happy balance between work and
friends- by Philip Green
2. To go beyond is as long as to fall short - by Confucius
3. Life is like riding a bicycle to keep your balance you must keep moving- by
Albert Einstein
4. Balance is not something you find it's something you create by Jana
Kingsford
a) Option 1
b) Option 2
c) Option 3
d) Option 4

(iii) Which of the characteristics are apt about the writer in the following
context: “ I know I have limits and that I’ve reached them, but I’m going to
ignore them and see if or how long I can get by with it”?
1. Negligent
2. Indecisive
3. Spontaneous
4. Reckless

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 5. Purposeless
6. Patient
a) 2 and 5
b) 3 and 6
c) 1 and 4
d) 2 and 3
(iv) Which of the following will be the most appropriate title for the
passage?
a) much too soon
b) enough is enough
c) how much is too much
d) have enough to do
(v) The phrase “potentially harmful circumstances” refers to circumstances
that can:
a) certainly be dangerous
b) fairly dangerous
c) be possible dangerous
d) seldom be dangerous
(vi) Select the option that makes the correct use of “unsustainable”, as
used in the passage, to fill in the blank space.
a) In the long run, the _________ officials followed emergency procedures.
b) Emergency procedures were__________ by the officials.
c) Officials reported an ___________ set of events during the emergency.
d) Officials admit that the emergency system is ___________ in the longer run.
(vii) The author attempts to …………….. the readers through this write-up
a) rebuke
b) question
c) offer aid to
d) offer advice to
(viii) The author uses colloquial words such as “yeah” and “Woo-hoo!”
Which of the following is NOT a colloquial word?
a) hooked
b) guy
c) stuff
d) stress
(ix) What does the author mean when he says, “to get our lives in order”?
a) To resume our lives
b) To organise our lives
c) To rebuild our lives
d) To control our lives
(x) Choose the option that correctly state the two meaning of “outlook”, as
used in the passage.
1. a person's evaluation of life

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 2. a person's experiences in life
3. persons point of you towards life
4. a person's regrets in life
5. a person's general attitude to life
a) 1 and 4
b) 2 and 3
c) 3 and 5
d) 4 and 5
(xi) The author explains the importance of discipline and boundaries in our
lives using the example of:
a) road accidents
b) traffic rules
c) lines on the highway
d) safe driving
(xii) What is the message conveyed in the last paragraph of the passage?
a) love what you do
b) love yourself to love others
c) be the best version of yourself
d) be yourself

Passage -2
Read the passage given below.

NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF CARTOONS

Cartoon Pokémon, created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1995, belongs to anime, the Japanese
name for animated film. Anime have a distinctive appearance (e.g. big eyes). The
original name of the cartoon was Pocket Monsters. A year later, the name was
shortened into Pokémon. Each episode of the cartoon is a special adventure of the
main hero Ash Ketchum who fights against other trainers. Despite hard blows they
receive all the time, Pokémon never die as they have the ability to recover energy.

In 1997 in Japan, 653 children were admitted to hospital for epileptic seizures. After
detailed research it was found the seizures were caused by flashing red and blue lights
which appeared in 38th episode of Pokémon, which children watched that night. The
episode was never commercially released or re-broadcast anywhere in the world, as it
was banned by the Japanese government.

There are other, less radical, health issues. For example, it is obvious that there is
nothing good in sitting all day in front of the TV, watching cartoons. This can only
weaken kids’ eye sight, or may lead to spine curvature disorders. Lack of physical
activity also creates problems with obesity. Furthermore, many experts stress negative
impact of cartoons on speech development of children by the age of three.

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Psychologists claim that watching cartoons is a passive activity in which there is no
interaction required for proper speech development.

On the basis of your understanding of the passage, answer ANY TEN questions
from the twelve that follow. (1x10=10)

i. Distinctive – means …

(a) common

(b) comparable

(c) characteristic

(d) unique

ii. The word ‘Pokémon’ – shortened from Japanese name…

(a) pocket monsters

(b) packet monsters

(c) Ash Ketchum

(d) packer monsters

iii. One serious negative impact of cartoon Pokémon was…

(a) it created epileptic seizures

(b) it created flashing lights of red &blue

(c) 653 children watched all 38 episodes in nights and acquired seizures later

(d) it spoiled kids’ eye sight

iv. Pokémon neither commercially released nor re-broadcast after being banned
because …

a) people realized the addictive aspect of Pokémon cartoon on kids

b) parents protested for commercial release and re-broadcast of cartoon

c) doctors community revealed the health factors black and white

d) a ban on cartoon by Japanese govt exposed the psycho-physic and emotional

problems of children.

v. Speech development impair in children of 3 years who watch cartoon as…

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 a) they don’t play naturally
b) they play games with gadgets
c) The children don’t interact with parents to imitate their language
d) poor pre-school peers
vi.Match the definitions (a–d) with the vocabulary (1–4).

Vocabulary definition

1) anime a) an abnormal backward to the vertebral column

2) epileptic seizures b) an event occurring as part of sequence

3) curvature c) the name that is christened for the animated films in Japan.

4) episode d)disorder in the brain cell is causing seizures

a) c,d,a,b

b) c,a,d, b

c) a,b,d,c

d) d,a,c,b

vii. Pokémon never die for…

a) they get energy externally

b) they get the energy from attackers

c) they have ability to recover energy

d) they are not mortal creatures

viii. What is the central message of the passage?

a) mental and psychological effects of children’s health

b) impact of cartoons on child development

c) impact of cartoons on society

d) cartoons ad child psychology

ix. “Lack of physical activity also creates problems with obesity”- the author
means to say:

a) children eat more while they watch cartoon movies

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b) cartoon movies are quite interesting that it never let the children to go for play

c) cartoons promote indoor games only

d) so much of watching cartoons create obesity

x. The opposite of ‘radical’ is -

a) substandard

b) inferior

c) substantial

d) social

xi. The noun form of cartoon is :

a) cartoonish

b) cartoony

c) cartoon like

d) cartoonist

xii. “Good Cartoon films promote speaking proficiency & social skills” –

a) It is somewhat true

b) entirely false

c) can’t be accepted

d) it is unacceptable

Passage -3
Read the passages given below and answer any 10 questions that follow them:

Soil is your garden’s natural growing medium, so it’s vital for the health and successful
growth of your plants and crops that you keep it well maintained. Soil is basically rock
that’s been ground down by the effects of the weather over a long period of time and
made fertile by decayed organic matter (derived from dead insects and leaves). There
are hundreds of different soil types, but they can broadly be classified as sandy, loamy
or clay, referring to their basic texture. It is the texture that affects the drainage, aeration
and nutrient content of the soil and you may have to take steps to improve on this in
certain types of soil. Sandy soil feels gritty when dry and even its wet particles will not

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stick together. Loams, on the other hand, can be moulded in the hand when moist, but
aren’t at all sticky and gritty and are fairly loose when dry. Clay soil is sticky and smooth
when wet, but becomes polished when rubbed and baked hard when dry.

Loamy soil is a well-balanced amalgamation of sand, silt and clay, which combines
excellent drainage with sufficient moisture retention to assure good growing conditions
for most plants. It’s fairly easy to look after, although loamy soils do benefit from regular
applications of well-rotted organic matter to prevent getting tightly packed.

Clay soil is most difficult to work, usually becoming waterlogged, so they are virtually
impossible to dig. Artificial drainage will probably be the first step in improving the
texture of the soil and various additives will break down the structure to make use of its
excellent food stocks.

The presence of chalk in the soil can also affect the growth of plants: some prefer
slightly acid (chalk-free) soils, while others grow more successfully in alkaline, chalky
soils. Most fruits and vegetables, however, grow better in neutral soil.

i. We should keep soil well maintained as:

a) it absorbs and retains water

b) it responds to the effects of weather
c) it raises water table
d) it is the garden’s natural growing medium.
ii. Soil is divided into various types on the basis of:

a) colour
b) drainage
c) texture
d) aeration
iii. Loamy soil is the best for plant growth because:

a) it is a well-balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay

b) it has weak drainage and retention
c) its texture responds slowly to decayed organic matter
d) it gets tightly packed unless looked after well
iv. Clay soils are the most difficult to work as:

a) they don't hold water well

b) they usually become waterlogged
c) the soil particles are not held together
d) they require natural drainage and additives

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v. Soil must be tested before growing fruits and vegetables because

a) they need alkaline soil

b) they prefer slightly acidic soil
c) they grow better in neutral soil
d) they flourish in over-acidic soil
vi. ‘Consistency’ in para 5 means:

a) in agreement with
b) having same opinion
c) thickness
d) firmness
vii. ________ that affects the drainage, aeration and nutrient content of the soil.

a) Texture
b) Sand
c) Clay
d) Alkaline 6 / 19
viii. ________ soil is a well-balanced amalgamation of sand, silt and clay.

a) Sandy
b) Loamy
c) Clay
d) Neutral
ix. The presence of ________ in the soil can also affect the growth of plants.

a) chalk
b) lime
c) alkaline
d) silt
x. Antonyms of growth in para 1 is:

a) improvement
b) blooming
c) thriving
d) shrinking
xi. Synonyms of texture in para 1 is:

a) appearance
b) variation
c) aeration
d) irregularity

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xii. Most fruits and vegetables grow better in:

a) sandy soil
b) neutral soil
c) clay soil
d) every type of soil

Passage -4
Read the passages given below and answer any 10 questions that follow them:

All along a 450-mile stretch of west coast America is the home of the tallest trees in the
world. Once, in this narrow hinterland of the Pacific coast, from central California to
southern Oregon, were two million acres of these trees, the Coast Redwood. Today
there are just a few hundred acres of them in Redwood Belt's scattering of State Parks,
protected forest reserves amidst which are stands of the giants.

About 25 miles due south of San Jose and the heart of Silicon Valley is one of the
smaller of these stands, just 40 acres in the midst of the 4650-acre Henry Cowell
Redwoods State Park. And there I found myself one morning not so long ago peering
up to spot the tops of trees that seemed to be touching the skies. All I got was a crick in
the neck. A tip for other Escapists': Stick to looking at the thick and rough-barked trunks.

But even looking at a trunk when you try to grab a view of The Giant's trunk from close
can be quite a challenge. The Giant, the star of the Park, has a trunk with a
circumference of over 50 feet and a diameter of 17 feet. Maybe you can, but I couldn't
take it all in. Nor could I come anywhere near taking in the whole 275 feet of the Giant's
height. Once the tallest Redwood, it lost its title when a storm several years ago
knocked down 75 feet of its top to bring it to its present height. But it'll need the mother
of all storms for its record of being the oldest tree in the park - estimated 2000-plus
years to be knocked down. You wonder at such a giant growing from a tiny seed;
100,000 seeds to a pound will give you an idea of how tiny!

You wonder too about the marvel of a root system that sinks only six to twelve feet
holding up such giants till the Range you are talking to explain that the roots spread
laterally and intertwine with the roots of other Redwoods to create a carpet.

i. The Redwood forests are protected because:

a) they are very old

b) they deserve the status of National Parks
c) they are worth a visit
d) all of the above
ii. The Giant's height once was ________.

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 a) 265 feet
b) 250 feet
c) 275 feet
d) 270 feet
iii. The tallest trees in the world are spread over a ________ stretch of West Coast
America.

a) 450 mile
b) 275 mile
c) 465 mile
d) 550 mile
iv. The Giant has a trunk with a circumference of over ________ and a diameter of
________.

a) 45 feet, 17 feet
b) 17 feet, 50 feet
c) 50 feet, 17 feet
d) 17 feet, 45 feet
v. One wonders at such a giant growing from a tiny ________.

a) seed
b) park
c) area
d) tree
vi. Find the word from the passage which means the same as to be filled with
wonder.

a) ordinary
b) marvel
c) depreciate
d) prosaic
vii. Where is the Coast Redwood found?

a) Mexico
b) Chicago
c) Central California
d) Texas 8 / 19
viii. Root size to holding up such giant trees:

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 a) 8 to 20 ft
b) 10 to 20 ft
c) 6 to 15 ft
d) 6 to 12 ft
ix. Synonyms of word giant:

a) miniature
b) mammoth
c) tiddly
d) minuscule
x. About ________ due south of San Jose and the heart of Silicon Valley is one of
the smaller of these stands

a) 20 miles
b) 30 miles
c) 28 miles
d) 25 miles
xi. In the midst of the ________ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

a) 4560 acre
b) 3650 acre
c) 4650 acre
d) 4600 acre
xii. Age of the giant tree is ________.

a) 2000 years
b) 1800 years
c) 2300 years
d) 1500 years
Passage - 5
Read the passages given below and answer any 10 questions that follow them:

What makes a place sacred? A place where meditation is practised over many years
automatically acquires certain powers. The place gets charged with the energy and
vibrations from peaceful thoughts. Depending on the intensity of meditators, the sanctity
and power of a particular place can thus remain charged, exuding powerful vibrations,
for thousands of years. The Parshvanath Hills is one such place. Twenty-two of the 24
Jain Tirthankaras attained nirvana on this hill, and these enlightened persons were
separated by thousands of years.

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When a Tirthankara leaves his body, the equivalent of an atomic explosion takes place.
The energy that the united body and soul is released. This power is dispersed on the
hill. The whole atmosphere and surroundings get surcharged. What the Parshvanath
Hills are to the Jains, the Ganga is to the Hindus.

Lord Krishna said, "Among the armed, I am like Ram; I am like a crocodile among fish
and the Ganga among rivers. Dear Arjuna, I am the beginning, the end and even the
middle of existence". The symbolism of the Ganga is worth understanding. Take away
the Ganga from India and all the literature of India will become incomplete. Take away
the Ganga and the names of many sages will perish; the spirit of pilgrimage will be lost.
The Ganga has become the symbol of our collective spirit.

What is so special about the Ganga? There are rivers that are much longer, wider,
larger, than the Ganga on this planet - the Brahmaputra, the Amazon, the Nile and the
Hwang Ho. There is something unique about the Ganga that is not found in any of these
great rivers: despite all the pollutants being pumped into the Ganga, it has somehow
managed to maintain its relative purity. Chemically, it contains extraordinary properties -
its water does not putrefy or deteriorate even if kept bottled for long, unlike the water
from other rivers. It is interesting to know that the water of the Ganga has properties
different from those of other rivers but which seem to undergo a mystical change once
they flow into the Ganga's waters. This is a mystery that even science has not been
able to understand, as of yet.

i. The Ganga symbolizes

a) purity
b) faith
c) collective spirit
d) all of the these
ii. The place which acquires certain powers is ________.

a) where music is played

b) where meditation is practised
c) where there are statues idols
d) where bells keep ringing
iii. The four rivers as mentioned in the passage are:

a) the Ganga, the Brahmaputra, the Amazon, and the Nile

b) the Ganga, the Brahmaputra, the Amazon, and the Thames
c) the Ganga, the Brahmaputra, the Krishna, and the Nile
d) the Thames, the Saryu, the Yamuna, and the Nile
iv. Complete the analogy. What the Parshvanath Hills are to the Jains, …….

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 a) the Yamuna is to the Hindus
b) the Ganga is to the Hindus
c) the Brahmaputra is to the Hindus
d) the Saryu is to the Hindus
v. All the literature of India will become incomplete if we take away:

a) the Brahmaputra
b) the Yamuna
c) the Ganga
d) the Sarasvati
vi. Find the word from the passage which means the same as to become worse.

a) improve
b) upgrade
c) tweak 10 / 19
d) deteriorate
vii. How many Tirthankaras attained nirvana on Parshvanath hill?

a) 22
b) 24
c) 20
d) 26
viii. The mystery of which river that even science has not been able to
understand?

a) the Amazon river

b) the Sarasvati river
c) the Ganga river
d) the Nile river
ix. Who said “I am the beginning, the end and even the middle of existence”?

a) Arjuna
b) Tirthankaras
c) Lord Krishna
d) Lord Ram
x. When a Tirthankara leaves his body, the equivalent of ________ takes place.

a) powerful vibrations
b) powerful thunder
c) intense meditation
d) atomic explosion

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xi. Antonyms of word exude:

a) discharge
b) absorb
c) emit
d) drain
xii. Antonyms of word perish:

a) abide
b) fall
c) vanish
d) deteriorate

Answers:

Passage -1

(i) (a)
(ii) (c)
(iii) (c)
(iv) (c)
(v) (c)
(vi) (d)
(vii) (d)
(viii) (d)
(ix) (b)
(x) (c)
(xi) (c)
(xii) (c)
Passage -2

i. c) characteristic
ii. a) Pocket monsters
iii.C 653 children watched 38 episodes in nights and acquired seizures
iv. d) a ban on the cartoon by Japanese govt exposed the psycho-physic and
emotional problems of children to the world
v. 3. 3. The children don’t interact with parents to imitate their language
vi. a) c,d,a,b
vii. c) they have ability to recover energy
viii. a) mental and psychological effects of children’s health
ix. b) cartoon movies are quite interesting that it never let the children to go for
play
x. c) substantial
xi. d) cartoonist
xii. a) It is somewhat true

Page 39 of 132
Passage -3

i. (d) it is the garden’s natural growing medium.

ii. (c) texture
iii. (a) it is a well-balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay
iv. (b) they usually become waterlogged
v. (c) they grow better in neutral soil
vi. (d) firmness vii. (a) Texture
viii. (b) Loamy
ix. (a) chalk
x. (d) shrinking
xi. (a) appearance
xii. (b) neutral soil
Passage -4

i. (d) all of the above

ii. (c) 275 feet
iii. (a) 450 mile
iv. (c) 50 feet, 17 feet
v. (a) seed vi. (b) marvel
vii. (c) Central California
viii. (d) 6 to 12 ft
ix. (b) mammoth
x. (d) 25 miles
xi. (c) 4650 acre
xii. (a) 2000 years
Passage -5
i. (d) all of the these
ii. (b) where meditation is practised
iii. (a) The Ganga, the Brahmaputra, the Amazon, and the Nil
iv. (b) the Ganga is to the Hindus
v. (c) the Gang
vi. (d) deteriorate
vii. (a) 22

viii. (c) The Ganga river 3 / 3

ix. (c) Lord Krishna

x. (d) atomic explosion

xi. (b) absorb

xii. (a) abide

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 Grammar
Assignment – 1
Read the dialogue given below and choose the correct option of narration
Father: Why are you late from school, Manav?

Manav: While coming from school to bus stop, I slipped by stepping on a banana peel

Father: O my son! Did you hurt yourself?

Manav: I got a bad bruise on my left knee.

Father: You should be careful while walking.

Father asked Manav(A)……………..Manav replied that while coming from school to bus
stop(B)………..peel. Father was shocked to hear this. He further asked (c) ……………
Manav answered that (D)…………… Father advised him ( E)…………………………

 Choose the correct option.

A. i. why he is late from school.

ii. why he was late from school.

iii. why was he coming late from school.

iv. why he has been late from school.

B i. he was slipped by stepping on a banana.

ii. he has slipped by stepping on .

iii. he slipped by stepping on a banana.

iv. he had slipped by stepping on a banana.

C. i. if he had hurt himself.

ii. that he had hurt himself.

iii. if he has hurt himself.

iv if he was hurt himself.

D. i. he had got a bad bruise on his left knee

ii he had got a bad bruise on her left knee

iii. he got a bad bruise on his left knee

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 iv. he has got a bad bruise on his left knee

E. i. if you should be careful while walking.

ii. that you should be careful while walking.

iii. that he should be careful while walking.

iv. where you should be careful while walking.

ANSWER : A – II , B – IV , C – I , D – I , E - III

Assignment – 2
Suman : When will you be of eighteen?

Geeta : I don’t know.

Suamn : Do you not celebrate your birthday ?

Geeta : I have no memory of this.

Suman : Sorry, If I hurt you.

Suman asked Geeta (A)…………………Geeta replied (B)…………………….

Suman asked further her if (C)………………….her birthday. Geeta told her that

(D)……………………………….Suman regretted and said ( E)………………………

 Choose the correct option.

A .i. when will she be of eighteen.
ii. when she will be of eighteen.
iii. when she would be of eighteen.
iv when would she be of eighteen.
B. I that she didn’t know.

ii. that she didn’t knew.

iii. that she hadn’t known.

iv that she doesn’t know.

C. i.if she did not celebrate her birthday.

ii. she has not celebrate her birthday.

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 iii. she does not celebrate her birthday.

iv. None of the above.

D. i. I have no memory of that.

ii. I had no memory of this.

iii. she had no memory of that.

iv. she has no memory of this.

E. i. that I was sorry if I hurt you.

ii. that she was sorry if she had hurt you.

iii. that she was sorry if she had hurt her

iv that she is sorry if she has hurt her

ANSWER : A – iii , B – i , C – i , D – iii , E - iii

Assignment – 3
Read the Paragraph and frame dialogues:

(A) Rama asked Hari if he would go to school that day. (B) Hari Replied negatively.
(C) Rama again asked why he would not. (D) Hari again replied that he would not
because he was not feeling well. ( E) Rama further inquired if he had consulted
the doctor. Rama replied positively.
 Choose the correct option.
A i.Rama : Hari, will you go to school today?

ii. Hari : Rama, will you go to school today?

iii. Rama : will you go to school tomorrow?

iv. None of the above.

B i.Hari : Yes

ii. Hari: No.

iii. Rama:Yes.
iv. Rama : No.
C i. Rama : Why you will not?

ii.Hari : Why will you not?

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 iii. Rama; Why will you not?

iv. Hari : Why you will not.

D i. Rama: you shall not because I am not feeling well.

ii. Rama: I shall not because I am not feeling well.

iii. Hari : Hari: I don’t not because I am not feeling well.

iv. Hari: I shall not because I am not feeling well.

E i. Rama : Have you consulted the doctor?

ii. Rama: Had you consulted the doctor?

iii. Rama: Did not consult the doctor?

iv. None of the above.

Assignment -4
ANSWER : A – i , B – ii , C – iii , D –iv , E – i

Assignment -4

 Choose the correct option.

A. Radha said to Mohit “Don’t go to market now”.
i. Radha asked Mohit that don’t go to market then .
ii. Radha asked Mohit not to go to market then.
iii. Mohit asked Radha to not go to market then.
iv. Radha asked Mohit to go to market then.

B. Mohit said to her , “Why should I not go to market?

i. Mohit asked her why he should not go to market.

ii. Mohit asks her why he should not go to market.
iii. Mohit asked her why should he not go to market.
iv. Mohit asked her why I not should go to market.

C. She said, “ As there is a lockdown today”.

i. She replied that as there was a lockdown today.
ii. She replied that as there was a lockdown that day.
iii. She replied that as there has been a lockdown.
iv. She replied that as there is a lockdown.

D. He said, “ May I go to my friend’s home ?

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 i. He requested that she may go to his friend’s home.
ii. He requested that she might go to his friend’s home.
iii. He requested that he might go to his friend’s home.
iv. He requested that he may go to his friend’s home.

E. She said, “No, Have you not read the notification of the Government saying no
movement today?
i. She replied negatively and added if he has not read the notification of
Government saying no movement today.
ii. She replied negatively and added if he had not read the notification of
Government saying no movement today.
iii. She replied negatively and added if had he not read the notification of
Government saying no movement that day.
iv. She replied negatively and added if he had not read the notification of the
Government saying no movement that day.

ANSWER : A – ii , B – i , C – ii , D –iii , E – iv

Assignment-5
Teacher : Vinod, Why didn’t you come to school yesterday?

Vinod : Sir, I have a toothache.

Teacher: Has the toothache gone now?

Vinod : I don’t know sir. I left the tooth with the dentist.

Teacher : What a funny joke it is!

The teacher asked Vinod[A]……………Vinod replied respectfully that [B]………….When

the teacher further asked [C]……….....Vinod replied he did not as
[D]………………Teacher exclaimed with joy that …………………………………….
Choose the correct option.

A i. why he hasn’t come to school the previous day.

ii. why I don’t come to school the previous day.

iii. why he didn’t he come to school the previous day.

iv. why he hadn’t come to school the previous day.

B i. he had a toothache.
ii. he has had a toothache.

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 iii. he had had a toothache.

iv. None of the above.

C. i. if the toothache had gone then.

ii. that the toothache had gone then.

iii. if the toothache has gone then.

iv. if the toothache was gone then.

D. i. he has left tooth with the dentist.

ii. he had leave tooth with the dentist.

iii. I had left tooth with the dentist.

iv. he had left tooth with the dentist.

E .i. it is a very funny joke.

ii. was it a very funny joke.

iii. it was a very funny joke.

iv. this is a very funny joke.

ANSWER : A – iii , B –i , C –ii , D –iii , E – iii

Modals
Assignment-6

Fill in the blanks with suitable option of modals.

a) Karina’s engagement ring is enormous! It _________ have cost a fortune.
(i) may (ii) might (iii) can (iv) must (v) none of these
b) I was reading the book last night before I went to bed. I never took it out of this
room. It _________be lying around here somewhere.
(i) should (ii) might (C) ought to (D) must (E) none of these
c) You ________take your umbrella along with you today.
(i) should (ii) might (iii) must (iv) could (v) none of these
d) The board of directors _____ be responsible for payment to stockholders.
(i) need (ii) shall (iii) will (iv) all of these (v) none of these
e) If you think that was amazing, you ________ have seen it last night.
(i)should (ii) would (iii) could (iv) must (v) none of these
Answers:
a) must
b) must

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 c) should
d) shall
e) should
Assignment-7

Fill in the blanks with suitable option of modals.

a) Death ________ come anytime.
(i)can (ii) may (iii) could (iv) should (v) none of these
b) __________I talk to my friends in the library waiting room?
(i)may (ii) would (iii) can (iv) could (v) none of these
c) If he studied harder, he _________ pass this course.
(i)shall (ii) could (iii) should (iv) would (v) none of these
d) If I had invited him then he _____________ have come.
(i)will (ii) would (iii) should (iv) shall (v) None of these
e) Work hard lest you _______ fail.
(i)will (ii) would (iii) should (iv) shall (v) none of these
Answers:
a) may
b) can
c) could
d) would
e) should
Assignment-8

Fill in the blanks with suitable option of modals.

a) I wish that you................... pass in first division.
(i)might (B) may (C) must (D) none
b) ................. I win a lottery!
(i) may (ii) should (iii) must (iv) none
c) You .............work hard if you want to get good marks.
(i) needn't (ii) daren't (iii) ought to (iv) none
d) One............... respect the old people.
(i) should (ii) mustn't (iii) shall (iv) none of these
e) .................... I use your pen?
(i) must (B) may (C) would (D) none of these
Answers:
a) may
b) may
c) ought to
d) should
e) may

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Assignment-9

Fill in the blanks with suitable option of modals.

a) ............... you live long!
(i) may (ii) should (iii) must (iv) none of these
b) I ................visit Delhi. But I am not much sure.
(i) must (ii) might (iii) should (iv) none of these
c) You ................ not swim in the river, the current is very fast.
(i) dare (ii) must (iii) need (iv) none of these
d) You............. take my bicycle if you need.
(i) will (ii) would (iii) can (iv) none of these
e) The sage wished that I ................. live long.
(i) may (ii) might (iii) should (iv) none of these
Answers:
a) may
b) might
c) must
d) can
e) might
Assignment-10

Fill in the blanks with suitable option of modals.

a) I ...................... enter his room in his absence.
(i) should (ii) must (iii) daren't (iv) can
b) I ...............go for a walk daily, now I rarely go.
(i) used to (ii) will (iii) can (iv) none of these

c) You .................. take regular exercise.

(i) should (ii) could (iii) will (iv) ought

d) You............... to have consulted a doctor.

(i) ought (ii) could (iii) should (iv) will

e) How................... you say such a thing?

(i) can (ii) dare (iii) must (iv) none of these
Answers:
a) daren't
b) used to
c) should
d) ought
e) dare

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Tenses

Assignment-11

Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks to complete the paragraph. Information
technology (i) ……………………… (change) the way we access information. Since its
introduction in the 1980’s, the internet (ii)………………….. (become) cheap and
commonplace. Some people (iii) ……………….. (see) this as an opportunity to deal with
problems like unemployment. They (iv) ………………….. (argue) that the government
(v) …………. (provide) free internet access to people (vi) …………… (look) for a job. I
(vii) …………….. (not agree) with this point of view for several reasons. Lack of skills
(viii) …………… (be) the main reason that (ix) ……………. (prevent) jobless people
from (x) ………. (find) employment. Instead of offering free internet to the people, the
government should organize training programs for the jobless.
(i) a) changed b) has changed c) is changing d) had changed
(ii) a) had become b) is becoming c) became d) has become
(iii) a) see b) are seeing c) have seen d) saw
(iv) a) argues b) argue c) have argued d) argued
(v) a) is providing b) should provide c) have provided d) had provided
(vi) a) looking b) are looking c) looked d) has looked
(vii) a) doesn’t agree b) didn’t agree c) don’t agree d) haven’t agree
(viii) a) are b) was c) were d) is
(ix) a) prevents b) prevent c) is preventing d) prevented
(x) a) found b) finds c) finding d) to find
Answers:
(i) has changed
(ii) has become
(iii) see
(iv) argue
(v) should provide
(vi) looking
(vii) don’t agree
(viii) is
(ix) prevents
(x) finding
Assignment-12

Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks to complete the paragraph.
Alice was beginning to get very tired of (i) …………. (sit) by her sister on the bank and
of having nothing to do: once or twice she had (ii) …………. (peep) into the book her

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sister was reading, but it (iii) …………. (have) no pictures or conversations in it, “and
what is the use of a book,” (iv) …………. (think) Alice, “without pictures or
conversations?” Alice wondered whether the pleasure of (v) …………. (make) a daisy-
chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daisies, when suddenly a
White Rabbit with pink eyes (vi) …………. (run) close by her. Alice did not think this was
very remarkable, until the Rabbit actually (vii) …………. (take) a watch out of its
waistcoat- pocket, and (viii) ………….(look) at it, and then hurried on.
(i) a) sitting b) was sitting c) sat d) had sit
(ii) a) peeping b) peeped c) peep d) peeps
(iii) a) has b) had c) have d) has been
(iv) a) think b) thinks c) thinking d) thought
(v) a) making b) made c) make d) has made
(vi) a) was running b) ran c) had run d) runs
(vii) a) take b) took c) has taken d) takes
(viii) a) is looking b) was looking c) looked d) have looked
Answers:
(i) sitting
(ii) peeped
(iii) had
(iv) thought
(v) making
(vi) ran
(vii) took
(viii) looked

Assignment-13

Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks to complete the paragraph.
The defeat of the Marathas and the rapid decline of the Mughal empire after
Aurangzeb’s death ultimately (i) ………………. (lead) to the advent of the British rule.
The main reason for the failure of the Marathas (ii) ………………. (be) the lack of allies.
Though their infantry (iii) ………………. (base) on the European style, they (iv)
………………. (fail) to woo allies in north India. Their earlier behavior and their political
ambitions which led them to loot and plunder, (v) ………………. (antagonize) all the
powers. They (vi) ………………. (levy) heavy taxes and huge fines on the Rajputana
states.
(i) a) lead b) led c) was leading d) had led
(ii) a) was b) were c) are d) am
(iii) a) is based b) has based c) had based d) was based
(iv) a) was failing b) fail c) failed d) were failing
(v) a) had antagonized b) was antagonized c) has antagonized d) antagonized

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(vi) a) levied b) has levied c) have levied d) had levied
Answers:
(i) led
(ii) was
(iii) was based
(iv) failed
(v) had antagonized
(vi) had levied
Assignment-14

Choose the correct verb form.

(i) I __________ working all afternoon and have just finished the assignment.
a) have been b) had been c) shall be d) am
(ii) Rohan __________ the movie before he read the review.
a) watches b) have watched c) had watched d) was watching
(iii) He __________ in the States but he still does not have a command over the
English language.
a) have been living b) has been living c) have lived d) living
(iv) By the next month, we shall __________ the project.
a) has completed b) completing c) completed d) have completed
(v) Every boy and girl __________ in the class today.
a) are present b) is present c) have present d) had present
Answers:
(i) had been
(ii) had watched
(iii) has been living
(iv) have completed
(v) is present

Assignment-15

Choose the correct verb form.

(i) I __________ this book since morning.
a) had been reading b) has been reading c) have had read d) shall be reading
(ii) According to the prevailing rate, two dozen __________ rupees one hundred.
a) costs b) cost c) costing d) costed
(iii) The Council __________ made its decision.
a) have b) have had c) has d) having
(iv) The wise leader and politician __________ assassinated.
a) are b) has been c) have been d) have had been
(v) Neither of the paintings __________ sold.

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 a) have been b) were c) are d) was
Answers:
(i) had been reading
(ii) cost
(iii) has
(iv) have been
(v) Were

Assignment - 16
Subject Verb Agreement

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct verb given in the options:
1. The teacher ____________ completed this chapter.
A. have B. has C. is D. are
2. Ram and Shyam __________ business partners.
A. have B. has C. are D. had
3. She ___________ her office by 9 a.m. daily.
A. reach B. reaches C. reached D. reaching
4. Rahul and his friends ___________ also invited to the party.
A. is B. was C. had D. were
5. Neither you nor your sister should ___________ to them.
A. talk B. talks C. talked D. talking
Answers:
1. Has
2. Are
3. Reaches
4. were
5. talk

2. Fill in the blanks with the correct verb given in the options:
1. Twenty years _________ the minimum age to fill this form.
A. are B. is C. has D. have
2. A bouquet of flowers ___________ required for the event.
A. are B. have C. has D. is
3. A pair of socks ___________ been missing from my wardrobe.
A. have B. has C. were D. is
4. Much ____________ been said in the news reports.
A. were B. have C. has D. was
5. The information provided to you ___________ wrong.
A. were B. was C. are D. have been

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Answers:
1. Is
2. Is
3. Has
4. Has
5. Was

3. Fill in the blanks with the correct verb given in the options:
1. The company ____________ of its stakeholders.
A. think B. thought C. thinks D. thinking
2. Either of the two dresses shall ____________ good.
A. looking B. look C. looks D. looked
3. Each and every member __________ to vote.
A. has B. have C. having D. are
4. A large number of soldiers ___________ died for the country.
A. has B. is C. are D. have
5. Half of the class ___________ empty.
A. were B. was C. has D. have
Answers:
1. Thinks
2. Look
3. Has
4. Have
5. Was

4. Fill in the blanks with the correct verb given in the options:

1. Physics ____________ difficult to understand.

A. were B. are C. is D. have been
2. The quality of food here ___________ gone down.
A. have B. has C. is D. are
3. My mother, along with others, ___________ worried.
A. were B. are C. have D. was
4. She ___________ not take a lot of stress.
A. need B. needs C. needing D. has need
5. None of the candidates ___________ responded.
A. were B. have C. has D. is
Answers:
1. Is
2. Has

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 3. Was
4. Need
5. Have

5. Fill in the blanks with the correct verb given in the options:
1. He ____________ cooking in his leisure time.
A. enjoy B. enjoying C. enjoys D. enjoyed
2. The book ‘Management Principles’ _____________ quite insightful.
A. are B. is C. have D. has
3. Two dollars __________ a small amount.
A. are B. has C. have D. is
4. A lot of startups ____________ started in the past few years.
A. is B. are C. have D. has
5. Politics ___________ been one of the debatable topics.
A. is B. are C. have D. has
Answers:
1. Enjoys
2. Is
3. Is
4. Have
5. Has
Assignment - 17
Determiners

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct determiner given in the options:
1. __________ of the two sisters is married.
A. Both B. Every C. Each D. Any
2. _________ of you should attend the conference.
A. Both B. Each C. Every D. Many
3. We should inform __________ of them.
A. many B. every C. few D. all
4. They have spent __________ for their son’s wedding.
A. many B. enough C. all D the little
5. __________ of the candidates pass this exam.
A. Enough B. Fewer C. Either D. Most
Answers:
1. Each
2. Both
3. All
4. Enough

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 5. Most

2. Fill in the blanks with the correct determiner given in the options:
1. __________ of the deadlines is met.
A. Neither B. No C. None D. Much
2. Can I borrow __________ sugar?
A. much B. some C. a little D. a few
3. With this, you have lost __________ chance that you had.
A. a little B. little C. the little D. slight
4. __________ participants left the meeting in between.
A. Several B. Much C. The few D. Little
5. It seems that they would need _________ workers for the construction.
A. little B. either C. more D. some
Answers:
1. Neither
2. Some
3. the little
4. Several
5. more

3. Fill in the blanks with the correct determiner given in the options:
1. _________ man that we saw turned out to be a thief.
A. A B. The C. That D. This
2. Can ___________ help me?
A. many B. nobody C. everybody D. somebody
3. He should work _________ and take a break.
A. less B. little C. a little D. more
4. He told me that __________ blue was her favorite color.
A. a B. the C. this D. None of the above
5. You can pick ___________ of two.
A. many B. more C. either D. some
Answers:
1. The
2. somebody
3. less
4. None of the above
5. either

4. Fill in the blanks with the correct determiner given in the options:
1. __________ those students were punished.

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 A. All B. Much C. Enough D. Some
2. There isn’t ___________ cash left with us.
A. some B. many C. more D. much
3. Despite looking for her ___________, I couldn’t find her.
A. somewhere B. anywhere C. everywhere D. nowhere
4. ____________ one of them has been invited.
A. Each B. Every C. Many D. Much
5. ___________ sun is about to set.
A. A B. An C. The D. A little
Answers:
1. All
2. much
3. everywhere
4. Each
5. The

5. Fill in the blanks with the correct determiner given in the options:
1. ___________ of the people who came have left.
A. Most B. Many C. Every D. Each
2. We need to do ___________ of work before the event starts.
A. much B. a lot C. more D. some
3. There are ___________ messages for you.
A. none B. no C. much D. little
4. ___________ people who migrated here died in the floods.
A. A few B. Few C. The few D. Many
5. Not ___________ is known about these legends.
A. little B. all C. many D. much
Answers:
1. Most
2. a lot
3. no
4. A few
5. much

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 LETTER WRITING

FORMAT

 Sender’s address-
Written on the top left hand corner.
The commas and full stops at the end of the lines are omitted.

 Date:
Always written below the sender’s address.
1. 21st December, 2020
2. December 21, 2020
3. 21st December 2020
4. 21 December, 2020

 Receiver’s address
 Subject
 Salutation:
Sir/Dear Sir- for individuals such as Manager, Director etc.

Sirs/Dear Sirs- for firms or companies.

 Body of the letter/Content:

Should be brief and to the point.

Language- formal and simple.

 Complimentary close:

1. Yours faithfully
2. Yours truly

MARKING SCHEME

 Format-1
 Content-2
 Fluency and accuracy-2

1. You are Shivam/Shivan living at 112/C Paharganj, Delhi. You have recently read
about the continuous rise in road accidents in your country. Write a letter to the

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editor of a national daily expressing your concern over this problem. (100-120
words)

112/C Paharganj

Delhi

21st Dec. 2020

The Editor
TheTimes of India
New Delhi

Subject: Increase in Road Accidents.

Dear Sir

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw your attention
towards a serious problem of increasing road accidents in the metropolitan cities of our
country. The roads, these days, have become a death-trap and no one feels safe.

Reckless and rash driving seems to be the root-cause behind these accidents. People
are leading a mechanised life today and so are always in a hurry. No attention is paid to
the speed-barriers or accident prone area-warnings. People are least worried about
their safety or the traffic rules. Another cause of these accidents is the increase in the
number of vehicles. Everybody today wants a vehicle of his own. Most of the reckless
driving is done by youth who are reckless drivers. Some people drink and drive which
results in loss of many innocent lives.

Through the esteemed columns of your newspaper, I would like to appeal to the
authorities to take necessary strict action against such law violators. People should be
made aware of traffic rules, the importance of speed-barriers, speed limits through
public awareness programmes so that the city roads become a safe for all those who
use them.

Kindly give some space to this letter in the editorial column of your daily.

Thanking you

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Yours sincerely
Shivam

2. You are Kapil/Komal, living at C-424, Sector 18, Green Park New Delhi. You
bought a washing machine from Balaji Electricals Private Limited, Lajpat Nagar,
New Delhi. It started giving trouble within a few days. Write a complaint letter
(100-120 words) to the Sales Manager seeking immediate repair or replacement.
Invent the details of the defects.

C-424, Sector 18
Green Park
New Delhi

21st Dec. 2020

The Sales Manager
Balaji Electricals Private Ltd.
Lajpat Nagar
New Delhi

Subject: Complaining about the Washing Machine.

Sir
I am sorry to inform you that the washing machine which I bought from your shop
against the cash memo No.200 on dated 7th December, 2020 with two year guarantee
has stopped working well only after ten days. Now the machine is making unbearable
noise and tearing delicate fabrics. Besides this there is 5 seconds lag in the control
panel.
All these are causing great inconvenience and I feel cheated. I, therefore, request you
send your technician to remove the fault if it is minor or replace it for a new one as per
the conditions of guarantee certificate.
Your quick action will be highly appreciated.

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Thanking you

Yours faithfully

Komal

3. You are Vaibhav, examination incharge, Goodway Public School, Aurobindo

Road, Indore. You require 4 reams of white paper, 2 packets of carbon paper, one
dozen registers, and blue and red ball point pens (50 each). Place an order with
Sunrise Stationary Mart, 12 Mall Road, Indore mentioning terms of payment,
discount asked by you and delivery date. (100-120 words)

Goodway Public School

Aurobindo Road
Indore

21st Dec. 2020

The Sales Manager

Sunrise Stationary Mart
12 Mall Road
Indore
Subject: Order for Stationary Items.

Sir

Goodway Public School wants to place a bulk order for the purchase of various
stationary items for the school. Of the quotations that were invited for this purpose, your
rates are the lowest. Hence we have decided to place a bulk order for various items of
stationary such as white paper, carbon paper, registers etc. with your firm. We
appreciate the 10% discount that you are offering on the purchase. But being the
institutional byers, we expect 5% extra discount.

The details of the items are furnished below:

Sr. Particulars Quantity

No
01 white paper 04 reams
02 Carbon paper 02 packets
03 Register (6”x12” 01 dozen
04 Blue ball point pen 50 pieces

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05 Red ball point pen 50 pieces

All these items must reach in proper shape and size before 10 th Jan. 2021. The
payment will be made by cash once the items reach us. No need to tell that the
damaged or substandard articles will not be accepted.

Yours faithfully

Vaibhav
I/C Exam

4. There is a garbage bin near your school gate. Most of the time it is overflowing.
During the rainy season it stinks and invites a lot of flies. All this affects the
healthy atmosphere of the school. Imagine that you are Rohit/Ragini, the Principal
of Sunflower School. Write a letter in 100-120 words, to the Municipal
Commissioner, Agra Municipal Corporation requesting him either to ensure
regular cleaning or to get the bin removed to some other place.

Sunflower School
Agra

21st Dec. 2020

The Municipal Commissioner

Agra Municipal Corporation

Subject: Complaint against the irregular cleaning of problems.

It is to bring to your kind notice that the general condition of the cleanliness near
Sunflower school is miserable as the cleaning of garbage bin near the school is not
done regularly. It has been found that the bin is cleaned once in a fortnight, therefore
most of the time it is overflowing; spreading bad smell and a source of diseases for the
residents of the surrounding. Children, parents and the school staff are facing lots of
problem due this.
The condition becomes worse in rainy season, when the bin gets filled with water. It not
only spreads foul smell but also attracts flies and mosquitoes that spread diseases like
cholera, malaria and dengue. The health of the small children, staff and the residents of
this area is at stake. The negligence of the sanitary staff and the sweepers is

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responsible for this untoward situation. They have remained unable to perform their
duties diligently and caused inconvenience to the residents of this area.
So, you are humbly, requested to take serious notice of this situation and send the
sanitary staff to clean the bin twice a week or else shift the bin away from the school.
I shall be highly grateful to you in this regard.
Thanking you

Yours faithfully

Rohit

Principal

5. Trees are the lungs of the cities. You found that a large number of trees are
being cut to widen the roads. Write a letter (100-120 words) to the editor of a local
newspaper raising your voice against the cutting of trees. You are T K Prasanan/
Sanjitha, F 114 Karol Baug Delhi.

F 114 Karol Baug

Delhi

21st Dec. 2020

The Editor
The Sunday Times
Delhi

Subject: Cutting of trees in our city

Sir
Through the columns of your esteemed daily I would like to express my deep concern
over the problem of indiscriminate cutting of trees in our city. I am deeply anguished and
concerned at this recklessness. There are already just a few trees left in residential
colonies and by the roadside in our city. How can we forget that the trees are the lungs
of the city? They are the oxygen generators. We can’t survive without them. Climate
change and global warming are the realities of the twenty-first century. Pollution in

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metro cities has reached to a high level. The inhabitants of metropolitan cities are
suffering from respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis cancer, tuberculosis, chronic
cough, cold etc.
Trees can’t be allowed to be cut in the name of new construction. The Government
should take very strict actions against those who cut trees in cities. People should be
encouraged to plant more trees and to nurture them. Everybody should take a pledge to
plant a tree on his birthday. Schools and colleges could provide incentives to students
who take part in tree plantation drives. The government should also demarcate areas
for planting trees and provide adequate security measures to safeguard them.
Through the medium of your esteemed daily I would like to appeal to people and the
Government to preserve the few trees that are left in the city.
Kindly give some space to this letter in the editorial column of your daily.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully

Sanjitha

6. You have noticed many stray animals on the road. These animals have caused
traffic jams as well as accidents. They cause a lot of inconvenience. Write a letter
(100-120 words) to the Police Commissioner about the problem and requesting a
solution. You are Ram T K 12 Fort Road, Begumpet.

T K 12, Fort Road

Begumpet
21st Dec. 2020

The Police Commissioner

Begumpet
Subject: Nuisance caused by stray animals.

Sir

With great dismay I would like to draw your attention towards the nuisance caused by
stray animals in our city. Stray animals can be seen sitting in the middle of the street
blocking the street and creating traffic jam. These animals have become a great
nuisance for the common public. They not only cause traffic jam but also accidents.

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Suddenly a stray dog or pig may appear from nowhere. It will end in a nasty accident.
Such scenes have become common. Stray cows and bulls are often found sitting in the
middle of the road causing traffic jam and accident. It is also creating noise pollution as
the drivers have to honk to get some space through these animals. Due to these
animals people are getting late to reach to their destination.

So, you are requested to take an immediate remedial measure to deal with this
nuisance.

Yours faithfully

Ram T K

7. You are Shammi/Sapna, resident of 12 Mall Road, Agra. You are very much
concerned about the poor quality and inadequate supply of water in the town.
Write a letter of complaint to the Municipal Commissioner, Agra Municipal
Corporation requesting him to get the necessary repairs done.

12 Mall Road
Agra

21st Dec. 2020

The Municipal Commissioner

Agra Municipal Corporation

Subject: Poor quality and inadequate supply of drinking water.

Sir

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I want to express my concern at the poor
quality and inadequate supply of water in Agra.

Good quality of drinking water and its supply continues to be inadequate in Agra. The
average duration of water supply in most of the areas here is even less than 30 minutes
a day. The quality of water is also extremely poor. The water has a bad smell and a
yellow tinge. It causes negative health impact on the residents. Diarrhea, Jaundice and
other water borne diseases have become quite common in Agra. As water is the basic
requirement, people are compelled to buy it at a very high cost. As the supply lasts for
only 30 minutes a day, it is not sufficient to fulfill the daily requirement. A demand driven

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supply of quality water is the need of the hour. So, immediate measures have to be
taken to improve the water supply and quality of water.

I hope the concerned authorities will take some immediate measure to provide regular
supply of quality drinking water.

Thanking you

Yours faithfully

Sapna

8. You are Ram/Rani of B 107, Fateh Nagar, New Delhi. The government has
banned single use plastic in the country. You feel that the government has taken
the right step towards the improvement of environment and if implemented
sincerely at all levels; it can produce a great change. Write a letter in 100-120
words to the editor of a local newspaper expressing your views on the use of
plastic.

B 107, Fateh Nagar

New Delhi
21st Dec. 2020

The Editor
Delhi Times
Delhi

Subject: Ban on single use plastic in India.

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to express my deep
concern on the menace of plastic bags. Plastic bags have wreaked catastrophic havoc
in our country. The water bodies and the aquatic flora and fauna have been affected the
most.
A walk along any river, lake, and beach is sufficient to know the consequences of this
ubiquitous ugliness floating. Scientists in their recent research have found plastic to be
much more toxic than previously expected. Plastic is making our environment highly
toxic.
The state of the water bodies in the city is pathetic. The aquatic life has been choked to
death. These water bodies have become the stinking, rotting places which are the
breeding grounds of many diseases. I appreciate the decision taken by our government
to ban single use plastic. But the sincere implementation of this law is equally important.
Government has to ban the manufacturing of single use plastic. Through the columns of

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your reputed daily I appeal to the people and concerned authorities to look into the
matter and ban plastic bags in the city. The need of the hour is to replace plastic with
environmental friendly materials such as paper bags, jute bags, cloth bags etc. All of us
need to join our hands to fight this menace and preserve our beautiful environment. We
must stop using plastic altogether.
Thanking you.
Yours faithfully

Ram

9. You are Ranjit/Rajini of 14/201, Aram Bagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Write a
letter in 100-120 words to The New Times, Lucknow about the alarming rise in
population in recent years that affects the nation’s development.

14/201, Aram Bagh

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

21st Dec. 2020

The Editor
The New Times
Lucknow

Subject: Creating awareness about population explosion

Sir:
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to express my deep
concern over the problem of population explosion in the world, and more especially in
our country. At present the world population stands 7.7 billion; and population in India is
more than 1.3 billion.
Of all the problems ailing the entire mankind, population is the most threatening. More
number of people means more demand for food, more urbanization, more
industrialization, more consumption of natural resources, more burning of fossil fuel
which means more emission of greenhouse and toxic gases into the atmosphere.
The planet earth has already reached a critical state. It is like an ailing planet. The
environment has already been damaged critically. Global warming, destruction of
forests, extinction of plants and animals is a result of population explosion. It has
already jeopardized our beautiful planet. There is one cause at the root of all

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problems—population explosion. If the population is not controlled immediately,
especially in the developing countries, the world is bound to face environmental
catastrophe. There may come a day when the natural life-supporting system might fail
owing to undue burden of human population on them.
The Governments of all the countries of the world along with the cooperation of their
peoples must control population before it is too late. It is the responsibility of every
individual to check population growth. Through the medium of your esteemed daily, I
appeal to the people to ponder over this issue and cooperate with the Governments of
their respective states and countries in this regard.
I hope my views will find enough space in your widely circulated daily.
Thanking you

Yours faithfully

Rajini

10. You are Vipul/Apoorva, living at D-424, Island Avenue, Ernakulum. You have
seen an advertisement about a diploma course in French language soon to be
organized by Maxwell Institute of Languages, Fort Road, Kochi. Write a letter in
100-120 words to the advertiser seeking all the relevant information like
admission procedure, fee structure, duration of the course, timing of the class,
transport facilities etc.

D-424, Island Avenue

Ernakulum

21st Dec. 2020

The Director
Maxwell Institute
Fort Road, Kochi

Subject: Inquiry about a diploma course in French language.

Sir

I wish to apply to the diploma course in French language I have completed my

matriculation. As the world has turned into a global village, it has become the need of
the hour to learn a foreign language. I assume this course provides the right opportunity
to do so. I have heard a lot about your institute hence I would really like to be a part of
this institute.

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I would really appreciate it if you could furnish the following detail.

1. Admission procedure
2. Fee structure
3. Duration of the course
4. Timing of the class
5. Transport facility

Please send the information at the address listed above.

Thanking you

Yours faithfully

Vipul

Analytical Paragraphs

1. The graph given shows estimated sales of gold in Dubai in 2002. Write an
analytical paragraph describing the line graph in around 150 words.

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Answer:
The line graph depicts the estimated sales of gold in Dubai for a period of twelve
months in 2002 in millions of Dirhams.
In January 2002, the sales stood at 200 million Dirhams. It steadily increased through
the next month and peaked to 350 million Dirhams in the third month of the year.
However, the gold sales started to plummet over the next three months and hit 110
million Dirhams in the month of July. Unexpectedly, the sales doubled in August before
coming down to the same level as in July for the month of September. For the next two
months of the year, the gold sales levelled off to 180 million Dirhams and then slightly
increased in December.
Overall, the estimated gold sales fluctuated in 2002. The sales were the highest in the
month of March and lowest in the months of July and September. The sales at the end
of the year were almost the same as they were in the beginning of the year.
Here we conclude the topic of Analytical paragraphs. As it is a new topic added to the
syllabus of Class 10, students need to prepare it well.

2.The pie charts show the average consumption of food in the world in 2008
compared to two countries; China and India. Write a report to a university lecturer
describing the data. Write at least 150 words.

Answer:

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The graphs illustrate the consumption of 4 types of food used in the world in 2008. The
figures are compared to the amounts of food used in china and India in the same year.

As an overall trend, the two countries showed different food consumption from the world
average, while processed food consumption still had the largest percentages in all the
three charts.

In particular, processed food consumption was the highest in the world, accounting for
41%, followed by vegetables and fruits at 29% and animal food at a quarter. Only 4%
consisted of nut and seeds consumption. Likewise, China used processed food in the
largest proportion of 39%. Animal food showed the same figure as the world’s average,
25%. Vegetable and fruits was used at 23% while nuts and seeds showed less than a
half figure.

In India, both vegetable and processed food were used the most in the year 2008 with
percentages of 34% and 32% respectively, nuts and seeds used in this country showed
the largest proportion among the three charts given, making up 19% at this time.

3. Study the graph given below. The chart depicts the number of students of class
tenth speaking English and Hindi in three different types of schools in New Delhi.
Based on the details given in the bar-graph given below, write an analytical
paragraph in 100-120 words. Do not add any extra information.

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Answer:
This graph illustrates the number of students in class 10th speaking English and Hindi in
three different types of schools in New Delhi.
According to the given graph, 30 percent of students in government schools and 45
percent of students in KVs speak English whereas in private schools 65 percent of
students speak English. This means less than 50 percent of students in government
schools and KVs prefer to speak in English. In government schools two-third of the
students prefer to speak in Hindi and in private schools 30 percent of the students
prefer to speak in Hindi. But in KVs 55 percent of the students prefer to speak in Hindi.
We can conclude that government school has more Hindi speakers and private school
has more English speakers. KVs are well balanced with both Hindi and English
speakers because they come from different regions of the country.
4.The line graph below shows changes in the amount and type of fast food
consumed by Australian teenagers from 1975 to 2000. Summarize the
information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons
where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Answer:
The line graph compares the fast food consumption of teenagers in Australia between
1975 and 2000, a period of 25 years. Overall, the consumption of fish and chips
declined over the period, whereas the amount of pizza and hamburgers that were eaten
increased.
In 1975, the most popular fast food with Australian teenagers was fish and chips, being
eaten 100 times a year. This was far higher than Pizza and hamburgers, which were
consumed approximately 5 times a year. However, apart from a brief rise again from

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1980 to 1985, the consumption of fish and chips gradually declined over the 25 year
timescale to finish at just under 40.
In sharp contrast to this, teenagers ate the other two fast foods at much higher levels.
Pizza consumption increased gradually until it overtook the consumption of fish and
chips in 1990. It then levelled off from 1995 to 2000.
The biggest rise was seen in hamburgers as the occasions they were eaten increased
sharply throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, exceeding that of fish and chips in 1985. It
finished at the same level that fish and chips began, with consumption at 100 times a
year.

5. The line graph below shows changes in the birth and death rates in New
Zealand since 1901 and forecast until 2101. Analyse the graph and write your
observations in a paragraph of 100-120 words. Do not add any extra information.

Answer:

The line graph shows changes in the birth and death rates in New-Zealand since 1901
and forecast until 2101. Between 1901 and the present day, the birth rate has been
consistently higher than the death rate. It stood at 20,000 at the start of this period and
increased to a high of 66,000. Since then the rate has varied between 65 to 50
thousand and it is expected to decline slowly to around 45,000 births. On the contrary,
the death rate started below 10,000 and increased steadily until the present time. This
increase is expected to be faster between 2021 and 2051 when the rate will probably

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level off at around 60,000, before dropping slightly in 2101. To conclude, these
opposing trends mean that the death rate might overtake the birth rate around 2041 and
the huge difference between the two levels may reverse after that.

6. The following data in the form of histogram shows that death due to violence
has increased considerably during recent years. Write its interpretation in 100
words on how educated youth can play a major role in establishing peace in
society.

Answer:

Youth and peace are interlinked in society. Youth can play an important role in
establishing peace in society. In a survey conducted, it has been found that number of
deaths due to violence has increased enormously since the nineties. Death rate in
1000s was 2.5 in 1990. But in 2010, it has increased to 7.5. It is really very sad. It must
be checked. Our youth can play a major role in controlling this crime graph. They can
contribute towards establishing peace in many ways. They can awaken the people
towards the necessity of peace. They can help the police in catching the criminals. They
can bring the criminals in the main stream by educating them and they can do much
more.

7. The following table shows details about the different internet activities for six
categories of people according to different age groups. Study the table and write
an analytical paragraph based upon it in about 100- 120 words.

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Answer:
The given table suggests the internet activities of six age groups ranging from teens to
those in their seventies for six different kinds of activities on the internet. The table
shows that the younger generation is more interested in online games and news,
whereas the older generation spends time on the internet in order to research and buy
products. It is evident from the table that 81% of the teens mainly use the internet for
playing online games, and many are also interested in news and downloads as well as
in buying products. The middle-age group, that is, people in the age group ranging from
20s to 60s is highly interested in getting news, doing product research and buying
products, with the percentage ranging from 70-80%. The internet activity which gets the
least time is searching for people. All the age groups spend less than 30% of their
internet time on the same. The amount of time spent on downloads decreases with age
and gets as low as 6% for the people in 70s. Overall, the table suggests that teenagers
are most likely to spend time playing games and doing downloads. On the other hand,
older people, on an average, are interested in researching and buying products. It is
also significant to note that people spend the least amount of time when it comes to
searching for other people online.
8. The given pie chart shows proportion of people from different households
living in a state of poverty in the UK in the year 2002. Write an analytical
paragraph based upon the information provided in about 100-120 words.

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Answer:
The given pie chart illustrates seven different categories of households living in poverty
in the UK in the year 2002. It is clearly evident from the pie chart that 26% of the total
poverty- stricken households were those of sole parents who formed the majority.

Single people without children accounted for the second highest proportion of 24%. In
contrast to couples without children who accounted for just 9%, couples with children
accounted for 15% of the poor households. Single aged persons formed 7%, whereas
aged couples formed 5% of poor households. Overall, 14% of all households in the UK
were living under poverty in the year 2002.
In all, the younger generation seemed to have a greater poor percentage than their
aged counterparts and couples without children had better economic conditions than
those with children.
9. The given chart shows the division of household tasks by gender in Great Britain.
Write an analytical paragraph describing the chart in not more than 100-120 words.

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Answer.
The chart provides information about the division of household tasks by gender in Great
Britain and the number of minutes per day spent by both males as well as females in
doing various tasks. On an average, women spend approximately four hours doing the
household tasks, whereas men spend less than two and half hours for the same.
The tasks on which women spend more time than men include cooking, cleaning the
house, taking care of the children and laundry. In doing all these tasks, women spend
approximately 200 minutes which is almost three times the time spent by men in
accomplishing these tasks. On the other hand, men spend twice the time than women in
doing tasks like gardening and maintenance of odd jobs in the house. Men spend
majority of their time, almost 50 minutes, in gardening and pet care whereas women
spend only 30 minutes for these tasks. The time spent by men in washing, ironing and
sewing clothes is as low as 2 minutes per day as opposed to 25 minutes spent by
women. In a nutshell, women spend far more time when it comes to doing household
chores than men who prefer to do gardening, pet care and maintenance of odd jobs

10.The given line graph provides information about changes in birth and death
rates in New Zealand between 1901 and 2101. Write an analytical paragraph
summarizing the information and make comparisons where relevant in about 100-
120 words.

Answer:

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The graph shows changes in the birth and death rates in New Zealand since 1901 and
forecasts trends till 2101.Between 1901 and 2041, the birth rate has been consistently
higher than the death rate. It stood at 20000 in 1901, at the start of this period and
started increasing gradually after that. It reached to its peak of around 65000 in 1961.
Since then, the birth rate has fluctuated between 50000 and 60000. It is expected to
decline in the coming years, reaching approximately 42000 by 2101.In contrast, the
death rate stood at around 10000 in 1901 and has increased steadily after that. It is
expected to rise strikingly from 2021 before leveling off to approximately 60000 between
2061 and 2081. The graph indicates a slight decline in deaths in the year 2101.The
graph shows a huge gap between birth rate and death rate from 1961 to 2001.
However, this gap is expected to reduce in the later years. Overall, as opposed to the
prevailing trends, the death rate will be reversed and will be more than the birth rate in
the later part of this century.

LITERATURE SECTION

FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET

1- A Triumph of Surgery

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q1. How did Mr. Pumphrey and her servant behave when Tricki was being sent to the
surgery?

Answer: The entire staff was roused, maids rushed in and out bringing his day bed,
night bed, cushion, toys. Everybody was in tears. Mrs. Pumphrey gave a desperate cry,
when Tricki was sent to surgery.

Q2. Why was Dr. Herriot confident that Tricki will be in hospital soon?

Answer: Dr. HERRIOT was shocked to see Tricki’s condition. He knew that the latter
would soon be hospitalized as he was unable to move. He had become hugely fat, like
a bloated sausage and his tongue lolled from his jaws.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q1. How would you describe the behaviour of the rich woman Mrs. Pumphrey’s,
pampering and overfeeding Tricky?

Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey behaved in a very silly and thoughtless manner by over
pampering Tricky. Indirectly, she was responsible for his ill health. It was totally a waste

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of money. But this behaviour is very common among rich people. It is a general problem
of those who live alone.

Q2. At the end of the lesson, Mrs. Pumphery says “This is a triumph of surgery.” Why?

Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey’s dog, Tricki had fallen ill and had to be admitted for treatment
to Dr. Herriot’s hospital. Dr. Herriot gave him a lot of water and exercise which helped
Tricki to recover. When Mrs. Pumphrey went to collect him, Tricki jumped into her lap
and started licking her face. Seeing he fully recovered, Mrs. Pumphrey called it a
triumph in surgery.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q1. Mrs. Pumphrey, the overindulgent and caring mistress of Tricki, pampers her pet
dog like a spoiled child. Comment.

Or

Give a brief character-sketch of Mrs. Pumphrey.

Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was a fabulously rich and resourceful lady with a large number
of servants and maids. She was passionately attached to her little pet dog, Tricki. She
was much worried about Tricki’s miserable condition. Tricki had become hugely fat and
listless. She thought he was suffering from malnutrition. So, she started giving Tricki
malt, cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night. Being overindulgent, Mrs. Pumphrey
even ignored Dr. Herriot’s advice. The doctor knew that Tricki’s only fault was his greed
for food. He had advised Mrs. Pumphrey to cut down food and sweets for Tricki. He also
advised her to give him plenty of exercises. The dog was to be kept on a very strict diet.
For Mrs. Pumphrey, it was very difficult for her because she pampered Tricki like a
spoiled child. This only compounded Tricki’s misery. His condition worsened. He lost
appetite and started vomiting.

Mrs. Pumphrey was impractical but very compassionate and caring. She and her staff
arranged all comforts, beds, cushions and toys for Tricki. She constantly enquired about
his health from the doctor. Finally Dr. Herriot calls it “a triumph of surgery” because if
the dog had not been shifted to surgery, it would not have been cured . Had she been a
little more practical and disciplined, things might have not gone that far.

Q2. Give a character sketch of Tricki.

Or

Tricki was more than a dog. He was more like a spoiled child of overindulgent mistress,
Mrs. Pumphrey. Comment.

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Answer: Tricki was definitely more than a dog. Actually, he was like a pampered child
of Mrs. Pumphrey. Tricky was a small dog. The only fault of Tricki was his greed for
food. Overfeeding and overdose of sweets, cakes and chocolates made Tricky hugely
fat. He became rheumy and listless. His tongue lolled from his jaws. The doctor advised
Mrs. Pumphrey keeps Tricki on a very strict diet and gives him plenty of exercises .
Tricki became a victim of overindulgence and overfeeding. Dr. Herriot’s instructions
were ignored. Tricki lost appetite and started vomiting. Dr. Herriot suggested Mrs.
Pumphrey that Tricki must be hospitalized under his observation for a fortnight. Tricki
was so much attached to her that she almost fainted merely at the thought of his
separation. Tricki was highly pampered. The entire staff and maids were ever-ready to
pamper time with beds, cushions, toys, etc. Tricki’s recovery was amazingly rapid. He
was not given food but plenty of water. After a few days, Tricki started taking an interest
in his surroundings. He was transformed into a flexible and hard-muscled dog. Tricki
showed his love for his mistress by jumping onto her lap when she came to collect him.

2- The Thief’s Story

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q1. What did Anil and Hari agree upon to be the mode of payment?

Answer: When Anil stated his inability to pay Hari, Anil questioned Hari if he could feed
Hari. Hari realized that he had misjudged his target and moulded the situation for his
benefit. Anil then agreed to feed him if he knew how to cook.

Q2) Did Hari like working for Anil? Give reasons in support of your answer.

Answer: Yes, Hari liked working for Anil. He was happy to carry on the chores for him
and was grateful for the education he was receiving. He used to make profit of about a
rupee a day as well, which was a decent amount besides being fed.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q1. State the events that took place on the night of the theft.

Answer: The night of robbery was quite eventful for Hari Singh. After stealing Anil’s
money and leaving Anil’s house, Hari went to the railway station but didn’t board the
train to Lucknow. He walked slowly through the bazaar as he did not know anyone who
would provide him shelter except Anil, for he didn’t have any friends. He was forced to
take shelter under the clock tower later when it started raining heavily. That is where he
realised the importance of education and decided to go back to Anil.

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Q2. How do you think Anil may have come to know about the theft?

Answer: Anil may have come to know about the theft because of the dampness of the
notes because of rain.

He was a kind but wise man. It wouldn’t have been difficult for Anil to make out the
series of events that would have taken place in the night.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q1. Money can’t make a man as much as education can. Elucidate the statement.

Answer: The statement stands true in almost all the aspects of life. Money may buy us
all the luxuries and fulfil our needs but it cannot buy us knowledge, civilized thinking,
skills and abilities to achieve our dreams. Education lays the platform for all to act upon
our goals according to our abilities. Education enables us to keep up with the fast
moving world. It opens the door to opportunities we do not know even exist. Money, on
the other hand, can assist us to a certain level. It can buy us a plan but education gives
us the knowledge of its execution. Just as in the story ‘A Thief s Story’, Hari Singh
prioritized the chance of being literate over a few hundred rupees, we must understand
that education can help us to achieve whatever we desire.

Q2).Hari Singh didn’t board the express and returned to Anil. Why did he return? On
what values does this incident put light on?

Answer: Hari Singh was a thief and he had stolen Anil’s money. After the theft, he
realised that he had robbed not only Anil but also himself of the chance of being literate
and having a bright future. His conscience pricked him to think what all he could have
got had he not done this. It was difficult for him to rob Anil but it was tougher for him not
to back. He realised that he could not make tea, buy daily supplies and learn how to
read and write then. His inner self did not agree to bypass this and forced him to return.

Hari’s return to Anil shows that despite indulging in criminal acts, he still had a practical
and positive attitude towards life. It is the awakening of Hari’s conscience and Anil’s
love and care that reformed

Hari’s character. It teaches us that love alone can change a person. Anil’s
understanding nature and care changed Hari’s thinking to mend his ways for good.

3- Footprints without Feet

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

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Q1. Why did Griffin decide to slip into a big London store?

Answer: Griffin decided to slip into a big London store, because the season was mid-
winter, due to which it became difficult to wander around without clothes in London. He
had chosen a bad time of the year to wander about London without clothes and he
wanted to keep himself warm.

Q2. What did the Halls see in the scientist’s room?

Ans As the door of the room was open and nobody appeared to be inside, the Halls
entered the scientist’s room. They saw that the bedclothes were cold, showing that the
scientist must have been up for some time; and stranger still, the clothes and bandages
that he always wore were lying about the room.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q1. What happened to Jaffers when he tried to catch the invisible scientist?

Ans. When constable Jaffers tried to catch Griffin, he became invisible by removing his
clothes. Jaffers found himself struggling with someone who couldn’t be seen. He was hit
by Griffin and soon was knocked unconscious.

Q2. Why was Griffin wandering the streets?

Ans Griffin’s landlord disliked him and tried to eject him. In order to take revenge on him
he set fire to his house.He became a homeless wanderer without clothes and money.He
kept wandering from place to place to find a shelter to live, clothes to wear and food to
feed himself.

Long Answer Type Questions( 5 Marks)

Q 1.Griffin was not a true scientist as he misused his scientific discovery. Illustrate this
by giving examples.

Answer: Griffin was a brilliant scientist who discovered a rare drug which could make
the body transparent as a sheet of glass. After swallowing the drug griffin became
invisible. But he was a lawless person and his misdeeds made him a homeless
wanderer without clothes and money. He was an introvert who had a desire for solitude.
He was always seeking adventure and was fond of mysterious things. He was
unscrupulous (immoral), robbed various people, to finance his work. He got angry very
quickly and set fire to the landlord`s house. His landlord had ejected him from his house
and he being a revengeful man stole the clergyman`s money. He threatened a woman
by throwing a chair on her. He hit a policeman and made him unconscious. Thus we
can say that he was a great scientist but a lawless man and his eccentric activities
made him a criminal.
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Q2. If, somehow you discovered how to become invisible, how would you use that
opportunity?
Answer: If I discovered how to become invisible, I would use this opportunity to punish
all those people who cause trouble to others for their own selfish motives. I would catch
them and hand them over to the police without letting them know that I was behind
them. I will also help the law-enforcing agencies when they conduct raids on criminal
hideouts, as I will be able to move in the open without fear of being seen. This will help
the people of the country to become more law-abiding citizens. The outlaws will be
brought back into the main stream of life and live an honest life working hard for their
livelihood. I shall also help the poor without letting them know about their benefactor.

4-The Making of a Scientist

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1. Hobbies play a very important role in one’s life; elaborate this with reference to
“The Making of a Scientist”.

Answer: Richard Ebright started collecting butterflies as a hobby. This led him to
research and to discover many things. Hence, hobbies play an important role in one’s
life.

Q. 2.What were the factors which contributed in making Ebright a scientist?

Answer: Three qualities of Ebright which contributed were a first rate mind, a sense of
curiosity and a will to win for the right reason.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1. What rare achievement did Richard manage at the age of twenty-two?

Answer: Richard had a rare honour at the age of twenty-two. He wrote an article with
his friend about a theory of how cells work. The article was published in the scientific
journal ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.’ No one had this achievement
at such a young age before him.

Q. 2. How did ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ prove a turning point in his life?

Answer: Richard was bored with collecting butterflies. At this time, his mother got the
book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’ for him. After reading the book, he studied the
migration of butterflies and it opened the world of science to him.

Long Answer Type Questions ( 5 Marks)

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Q.1. Ebright’s backbone was his mother. How did she contribute towards his learning?
What kind of work did she find for him even at the dining table?

Or

What values did Ebright imbibe from his mother?

Answer: Ebright’s mother played an important role in making him a scientist. She
motivated him to learn new things. She took him on trips, bought him telescopes,
microscopes, cameras, mounting material and other equipment.

Every evening, mother and son worked together at the dining table. If Ebright had
nothing to do, she would find his work — learning work. He was a keen learner, liked
learning and got an ‘A’ grade throughout his schooling. She also bought him a book,
‘The Travels of Monarch X’, which opened the world of science to him. Ebright’s mother
helped him to become a scientist by sustaining his interest in the scientific field.

Q.2. Richard Ebright displayed a well-rounded personality. Do you agree? Elucidate in

the context of the given text.

Answer: Richard’s genius was obvious by the time he was in his second grade. He
managed to collect all twenty-five species of butterflies around his hometown and
classify them. He also loved to collect coins, fossils and rocks. Science was not his only
passion. He was an active member of his school’s oratory club and model United
Nations club and was an effective debater and a public speaker. He loved photography
as well. He was an enthusiastic canoeist and an all-around outdoors person. Learning
was easy for him. So he found it simple to devote time and energy to many other
interests. He became a champion in whatever he did. He believed in the spirit of
competition to win. But, he did not wish to defeat others just to win. He wanted to win to
do his best. Thus, he displayed a well-founded personality.

5-The Necklace
Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q1. How did Loisels manage to pay for the necklace?

Answer: The necklace cost Loisels thirty-six thousand francs. Loisel had to chip in his
entire inheritance of eighteen thousand francs and the rest he had to borrow from the
usurers.

Q 2. Why did Matilda throw the invitation spitefully?

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Answer: Matilda was simply displeased when her husband showed the invitation. She
felt humiliated and threw the invitation spitefully as she had nothing beautiful enough to
wear to such a grand gathering.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q1. How did M’me Loisel now know the life of necessity?

Answer: To pay the debt of eighteen thousand francs, Loisels let go of their decent
living. They lived in an impoverished neighbourhood. Matilda had to cook, clean, wash,
mend, bring water, and bargain with the butcher and grocer. Her husband worked day
and night to save every soul.

2. Why was M’me Forestier shocked to hear Matilda’s story?

Answer: One Sunday, while walking, Matilda happened to see M’me Forestier. Matilda
called her, but she could not recognize Matilda because she looked much older than her
age. M’me Forestier was shocked to know that Matilda had suffered so muc h worrying
about losing her necklace of real diamonds, whereas it was false.

Long Answer Type Questions ( 5 Marks)

Q1. ‘The Necklace’ reveals that vanity is evil. It may bring joy for a short period but
ultimately it leads to ruin. If you were placed in a situation similar to that of Matilda, what
would have you done? Write your views.

Answer: ‘The Necklace’, through the example of Matilda conveys a chore truth that
one must value what he has and cherish. His blessings rather than chase illusions in the
form of material possessions, because if one lacks contentment then there is no end to
the chase. Matilda should have valued the love of her husband rather than grumble
about her unfulfilled aspirations. And to look beautiful, one does not need to borrow
expensive jewels; it is the goodness of a person and the way one conducts, makes one
beautiful.

Q2. To err is human. We all make mistakes in our life. Those who confess may suffer
less than those who don’t. Give your opinion concerning the story, ‘The Necklace’ of
Matilda who ruined her life just because she did not dare to confess her mistake.

Answer: It has been rightly said that ‘to err is human’. We all make one or the other
mistake in our life. No one is perfect. Sometimes the situation is not in our hands. We
make some mistakes and face losses. The same thing happened to Matilda. She was
an overambitious lady. She wanted to go to the party with an expensive dress and
necklace. She didn’t have her sources so she borrowed it from her friend. Unfortunately,
she lost it at the party. She did not want to tell her friend and bought a new one as a

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replacement. She was in debt and paid for it throughout her life. Her life was ruined.
She came to know in the end that the lost necklace was not the real one. But it was too
late. The course of her life could have changed had she confessed the loss. She
suffered just because she did not dare to confess her mistake.

6-The Hack Driver

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q1. Why did Lutkins pretend to be Bill Magnuson?

Answer: Lutkins pretended to be Bill Magnuson as he did not want to accept the
summons and be a witness in the case.

Q2. What did the hack driver tell the narrator about Lutkin’s mother?

Answer: The hack driver told the narrator that Lutkin’s mother was a real terror. He
described her as a large and hefty lady with a fierce temper. He also said that she was
quick as a cat.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q1. Why does the hack driver offer to ask about Oliver Lutkins?

Answer: The hack driver was none other than Oliver Lutkins himself. He did not wish to
take the summons and goes as a witness. So, he pretended to be a hack driver. He
offered to help the lawyer so that the lawyer could not come to know about him from
someone else.

Q2. The narrator was happy though he had not found Lutkins. Why?

Answer: The narrator was fed up with the city life. The ride through the village made
him very happy. He was overjoyed to meet the hack driver. So he was happy though he
had not found Lutkins.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q1. ‘Appearances are often deceptive’. Comment on the statement in the light of your
reading of the story.
Answer: Things are not always what they seem to be. Appearances are often
deceptive. The narrator reaches a village in the search of Oliver Lutkins. He meets a
hack driver at the station. The driver warns him about Lutkins. He takes him on a tour of
the entire village in search of Lutkins. He tells the narrator about his experiences and
about the village and its people. The narrator likes him for his helpful and kind nature.
He even forgets all about Lutkins. But, the next day he finds out that the hack driver was

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Oliver Lutkins himself. He realises that a simple and kind person was a trickster in
reality.

Q2. Do you think Lutkins was right in befooling the lawyer and earning money by using
unfair means? What precautions should one take to avoid a situation like the one in
which the lawyer was placed?

Answer: Lutkins was not right in befooling the lawyer and earning money by using
unfair means. This shows that Lutkins did not care for the law at all. If we are in the
lawyer’s place, we should not believe in things as they are seen. We should judge every
action taken by the other person carefully before accepting it. Instead of depending on
others, we should carry out our enquiries ourselves. The lawyer was befooled because
he let Lutkins do the finding and questioning and did not do anything himself. This
resulted in his failure to serve the summons on Lutkins.

7- Bholi

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q1. Why was Sulekha nicknamed Bholi?

Answer: Sulekha was nicknamed Bholi because she was a simpleton. She was
mentally slow and anybody could befool her.

Q2. Why did the Tehsildar come to Ramlal’s village? What did he ask Ramlal to do?

Answer: The Tehsildar came to Ramlal’s village to inaugurate the primary school. He
asked Ramlal to set an example for others by sending his daughters to school.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q1. Why was Ramlal worried about Bholi and not about his other children?

Answer: All other children of Ramlal were healthy and good looking. Bholi was the only
girl who was neither intelligent nor good looking. She was a simpleton, she stammered
also. Ramlal was extremely worried about her future.

Q2. Why was Bholi reluctant to go to school with her father?

Answer: Bholi did not know what a school was like. She had never heard about it.
When her father held her hand and told her that they were going to school, she got
frightened fearing to be dragged out of the house. So she was reluctant to go to school
with her father.

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Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q1. Dowry is negation of the girl’s dignity’. Discuss with reference to the story ‘Bholi’.

Answer: A girl is an individual in her own right. Equal opportunities in life can help her
become independent and strong. She is not a burdensome object to be given away with
money as compensation. Thus dowry negates the girl’s dignity and self-respect. The
story ‘Bholi’ shows this in a dramatic manner. Bholi is thought to be ugly and dumb by
her parents. So, they are willing to pay dowry to an old man with a limp. So that he
marries her. Bholi, on the other hand, refuses to marry that man. She is educated;
assertive and capable of taking care of herself. She dedicates her life to the service of
her parents and teaching at school.

Q2. Bholi chose a dignified life of service rather than surrendering herself to a greedy
old man for the rest of her life. Education provides the required stimulus to overcome
one’s personal barriers. Explain the role of education in shaping the life of a child with
respect to the lesson ‘Bholi’.

Answer: Education is the answer to all social ills. Illiteracy and ignorance bring nothing
but poverty, suffering and misery. Bholi lacks confidence initially because of her
disabilities. She is silent, timid and weak in mind. Her ugliness and her stammer do not
let her progress. She is afraid to speak as others make fun of her.

School changes her life completely. It opens a new world of hope for her. Her teacher
treats her with love and kindness. Her affection and support help Bholi to have faith in
herself. She studies and grows into a confident young woman. She knows her rights
and she asserts them as well.

She refuses to marry a man who demands dowry. Thus, being educated changes the
life of Bholi.

EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS

1- A TRIUMPH OF SURGERY:

Read the extracts given below and answer the questions which follow by
choosing the option.

Extract -1

And did you cut down on the sweet things as I told you?

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Oh I did for a bit, but he seemed to be so weak had to relent. He does love cream cakes
and chocolates so I can't bear to refuse him. I looked down again at the little dog. That
was the trouble. Tricky’s only fault was greed.

1 - Who was Mrs. Pumphrey worried about?

A - Herself C - Her Dog

B - Her son D - Her Maid- servant

2 - Tricky falls ill becaus

A - He met an accident C - He did not get proper food to eat

B- Of bad weather D - His mistress overfed him

3 - When Tricky was seriously ill , who did Mrs. Pumphrey make a frantic call to?

A - To her maid servant C - To her relatives

B - To Mr. Hodking D - To Mr.Herriot

4 - How would you describe the vet?

A -Tactful C- Careless

B -Over-doing D- Irrational

5 - How did Tricky look?

A- Very thin C - Very smart

B - Like a bloated sausage D - Energetic

ANSWERS:

1-C 3-D 5-B

2-D 4-A

Extract -2

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I tried to sound severe: “Now I really mean this. If you don’t cut his food right down and
give with more exercise he is going to be really ill. You must harden your heart and
keep him on a very strict diet.”

1 - Why did the speaker try to sound severe?

A - To make Mrs. Pumphrey take his C - To impression Mrs. Pumphrey

advice seriously and act on it
D - To prove his authority
B - To upset Mrs. Pumphrey
2 - The advice was given for

A - Mrs. Pumphrey C - Everybody in Mrs. Pumphrey’s

house
B - Tricki
D - Mrs. Pumphrey’s driver
3 - Which word in the extract means ‘serious’?

A - Harden C - Severe

B - Mean D - Down

4 - Select the opposite of ‘hardened’

A - Chiselled C - Mellowed

B - Darkened D -Softened

5 - Who do I refer to?

A- Mrs Pumphrey C - Mr.Hodking

B - Mr Herriot D - vet

Answers

1. A 3. C 5. B

2. B 4. D

2- THE THIEF’S STORY

Extract -1

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I gave him my most appealing smile. "I want to work for you, " I said. But I can't pay you.
I thought that over for a minute. Perhaps I had misjudged my man. I asked, can you
feed me?

1 . Who is the narrator of the story?

A. Ruskin Bond C. Hari Singh

B. Anil D. All the above

2. Why did he want to work for him?

A. He wanted to rob him C. He was looking for a new employer.

B. He wanted a place to stay and eat. D. He wanted to learn to read and

3. Anil lived in a room in a shop named:

A. Jumna Sweet Shop C. Ganga Sweet Shop

B. Ganesh Sweet Shop D. Shah Sweet Shop
4 . 'Appealing ' in the sentence means:

A. Fascinating C. Requesting
B. Stern D. Apologetic
5 .What was Anil doing when the thief boy met him?

A. Writing an article C. Playing cricket

B. Watching a match D. Walking on the road
Answers:

1-C 3–A 5–B

2-B 4–A

Extract -2

My spirit rose. But when I took the note, I saw it was still wet from the night's rain. He
knew. But neither his lips nor his eyes showed anything. I smiled at Anil in my most
appealing way. And the smile came by itself, without any effort."

1- What is suggested by the following evidence from the text?

A. The narrator is happier being honest with Anil rather than stealing from him.

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 B. The narrator is pleased that he is 600 rupees richer.
C. Anil is a funny guy that can make the narrator laugh.
D. The narrator did not want to leave the innocent man alone to be cheated by
someone else.
2 - What promise did Anil make to the Thief Boy?

A. giving him a Good Job

B. giving him money
C. teaching him reading and writing
D. giving him a room on rent
3- The thief boy was grateful to Anil for:

A. putting his efforts to educate him

B. giving him money
C. watching match with him
D. playing with him
4 - How, according to the narrator, would Anil feel upon finding out?

A. angry
B. fear
C. acceptance
D. sad

5 - Why does Hari return the money?

A. he wanted to learn to write

B. he was worried about how Anil would feel
C. he thought that he would not get food and shelter anywhere else.
D. none of the above

ANSWERS:

1-A 3-A 5–A

2-B 4-D

3- FOOTPRINT WITHOUT FEET

Extract -1

Brilliant scientist though he was, Griffin was rather a lawless person. His landlord
disliked him and tried to eject him. In revenge Griffin set fire to the house. To get away
without being seen he had to remove his clothes. Thus, it was that he became a

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homeless wanderer, without clothes, without money and quite invisible – until he
happened to step in some mud, and left footprints as he walked!

1- Who was Griffin?

A. Scientist
B. landlord
C. Inventor
D . Shopkeeper

2 - Griffin discovered a medicine that could make his body

A . Large
B .Invisible
C . Strong
D . Healthy
3 - What type of man was Griffin?

A . Brilliant scientist
B . Lawless person
C . Both A and B
D . None of the above

4 - Griffin left his muddy footprints on the steps of a house in the middle of………

A - London
B - Paris
C - Moscow
D - Iping
5 - Why was it a bad time to wander about in London without clothes?

A . It was a rainy season

B . It was bitterly cold
C . It was very hot
D . None of the above

ANSWERS:

1-A 3-C 5–B

2-B 4-A

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Extract -2

Mrs Hall almost fell down the stairs in hysterics. She was convinced that the room was
haunted by spirits, and that the stranger had somehow caused these to enter into her
furniture.

1- What do you mean by the word “hysterics”?

A. uncommon
B. catchy
C. delirium
D. calm
2 - What did she think had happened to her furniture?

A. nothing
B. the scientist had put spirits in them
C. the scientist was playing with them
D. the furniture had gone mad
3 - Who was the stranger?

A. Mr.Hall
B. neighbour
C. Griffin
D. policeman
4 - According to Mr Hall, what type of scientist was her guest ?

A. good
B. brilliant
C. eccentric
D. all of the above
5- Who is the author of the story “Footprints without feet”?

A. HG Wells
B. James Herriot
C. John Keats
D. W B Butler

ANSWERS:

1- C 3-C 5- A

2-B 4-C

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4- THE MAKING OF SCIENTIST

Extract -1

It was the first time this important scientific journal had ever published the work of
college students. In sports, that would be like making the big leagues at the age of
fifteen and hitting a home run your first at bat.

1. What New step had the scientific journal taken for the first time?

A. Organized a big league.

B. Made a home run.
C. Published work of college students.
D. Combined sports with science.

2. Whose work is being spoken of the passage?

A. Richard Ebright
B. Frederick Ebright
C. James R Wong
D. Robert Peterson

3. What is meant by ‘home run’?

A. Having a long inning successfully.

B. Hitting a six in baseball.
C. Scoring a run for the first time in baseball.
D. Scoring a run after moving around all bases and reaching home without stopping.

4. What is the name of the story from which the above passage is taken?

A. A Triumph of Surgery.
B. The Making of a Scientist.
C. His First Flight.
D. A Question of Trust.

5 – What was he fond of in his childhood?

A. Basketball
B. Collecting things
C. Baseball
D. None of the above
Answers:

1-C 2- A 3- D 4- B. 5- B

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Extract -2

If the theory proves correct, it will be a big Step towards understanding the process of
life. It might also lead to new ideas for preventing some types of cancer and other
diseases. All of this is possible because of ebright’s scientific curiosity. His High school
research into the purpose of the sports on a monarch pupa eventually led him to his
theory about cell life.

1.Which theory is spoken about in the passage?

A. Entomology
B. DNA or cell
C. Hormone theory
D. Structural theory

2. What was ebright’s full name?

A. James.
B. Robert
C. Richard
D. Frederick

3. When did he find the cause of a viral disease common among caterpillars?

A. In the 8th grade

B. In the 7th grade
C. In college
D. None of the above

4. Give a noun form of ‘possible’.

A. Possibleness
B. Impossible
C. Possibly
D. Possibility

5 – It was his fascination for _____ that opened the world of science to him.”

A. Cats
B. Dogs
C. Birds
D. Butterflies

Answers ::

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1–B 2–C 3- A 4–D 5–D

5- THE NECKLACE
Extract- 1

She was one of those pretty, young ladies, born as if through an error of destiny, into a
family of clerks. She had no dowry, no hopes of becoming known, loved, and married by
a man either rich or distinguished; and allowed herself to marry a pretty clerk in the
office of the board of education.

1.Who was ‘she’ in the passage?

A. M’me Ramponneau.
B. M’me Loisel.
C. M’me Forestier.
D. M’me Jeanne.

2. What was she lacking in?

A. No dowry.
B. Not being married to a distinguished man.
C. No means of becoming known.
D. Little means of being loved.

3. What was the ‘error of destiny’ for her?

A. She had no dowry.

B. She was not well-known.
C. She had no hope.
D. She was born in a family of clerks.

4. Who has penned the passage?

A. Guy de Maupassant.
B. Sinclair Lewis.
C. Robert Peterson.
D. Claire Boiko.

5 . In which country does the story “The Necklace” take place?

A. France
B. The United States

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 C. Spain
D. England

Answers:

1- B. 2- C 3-D 4-A 5-A

Extract 2

The husband worked evenings, putting the books of some merchants in order, and
nights he often did copying at five sous a page. And this life lasted for ten years. At the
end of ten years, they had restored all.

1.Whose husband is spoken about?

A. M’me Loisel.
B. M’me Jeanne.
C. M’me Ramponneau.
D. M’me Forestier.

2. What all did they do to repay?

A. Sent away the maid

B. Change their lodgings
C. Husband working the evenings and nights too
D. All of these

3. The miseries of the Loisels lasted for ______years?

A. Twelve.
B. Five.
C. Ten.
D. Three.

4. What is ‘sous’?

A. French measurement.
B. German currency.
C. German measurements.
D. French currency.

5 – How much was the actually worth of the necklace?

A. Forty thousand
B. Thirty six thousand
C. Five hundred

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 D. None of the above

Answers:

1- A 2–D 3- C 4- D 5- C

6- The Hack Driver

Extract -1

After graduating with honours, I became a junior assistant clerk in a magnificent law
firm. I was sent, not to prepare legal briefs, but to serve summons, like a cheap private
detective. I had to go to dirty and shadowy corners of the City to seek out my victims.

1. Who is ‘I’ in the passage?

A. A young lawyer.
B. Oliver Lutkins.
C. William Magnuson.
D. Gustaff.

2 . Where was the narrator sent one day?

A. New Mullion
B. Old Mullion
C. Red Mullion
D. Hill Mullion
3. Who was Oliver Lutkins?

A. Fritz
B. Gustaff
C. Bill
D. Gray
4. Where was the junior clerk supposed to go to find his victim?

A. To dirty corners of the City.

B. To shadowy corners of the City.
C. To magnificent law firms.
D. To a cheap private detective.

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5 – New Mullion was at a distance of kilometres from the place where the narrator
was employed.

A. ten
B. twenty
C. thirty
D. forty
Answers:

1- A 2 –A 3 –C 4 –B 5–D

Extract- 2

I loved him for this. By myself, I might never have found Lutkins, the hack drivers
knowing help, I was sure of getting my man, I took him into my confidence and told him
that I wanted to serve the summons on Lutkins---- that the man had refused to be a
witness, when his information would have quickly settled our case.

1.Who is ‘I’ in the passage?

A. The junior assistant clerk.

B. A private detective.
C. The hack driver.
D. Oliver.

2. Who is ‘him’ in the passage?

A. The junior assistant clerk.

B. A private detective.
C. The hack driver
D. Fritz

3. What is meant by ‘took him into my confidence’?

A. Trusted him to an extent.

B. Made him an advisor.
C. Trusted him with personal secrets.
D. Made him a friend.

4. Who has penned the passage?

A. Robert Peterson.
B. Guy de Maupassant.
C. Sinclair Lewis.
D. Claire Boiko.

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5- What was Gustaff?

A. Butcher
B. Hack driver
C. Barber
D. Carpenter

Anwers:

1-A 2-C 3- C 4–C 5- B

7- BHOLI
Extract- 1

She was the fourth daughter of Numberdar Ramlal. When she was ten months old, she
had fallen off the cot on her head and perhaps it had damaged some part of her brain.
That is was why she remained a backward child and came to be known as Bholi, the
simpleton.

1. What was Bholi’s real name?

A. Radha
B. Mangia
C. Sulekha
D. Champa

2. Why did she remain a backward child?

A. She fell when she was ten years old.

B. She had fallen on her head.
C. She had fallen off the cot.
D. Perhaps some parts of her brain were damaged.

3. Who was her father?

A. Village Numberdar
B. Village Sarpanch
C. Village Tehsildar
D. None of the above
4 – What do you mean by the word ‘Simpleton ‘

A. A person lacking common sense.

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 B. A foolish person.
C. An ignorant person.
D. A stunted person.
5 – How many children did Ramlal have ?
A. 6
B. 4
C. 7
D. 5

Answers:

1- C 2- D 3- A 4- A 5–C
Extract- 2

The teacher had been standing all along in a corner, watching the drama. “Yes”, Bholi of
course,’’ she replied. And in her smiling eyes was the light of a deep satisfaction that an
artist feels when contemplating the completion of her masterpiece.

Questions

1- Who comforted Bholi?

A. her friends
B. her father
C. her mother
D. her teacher
2. What was the teacher's masterpiece?

A. Her book
B. Her student, Bholi
C. Her school
D. Her thesis

3. What had Bholi decided?

I. Not to marry the old man

II. To remain unmarried
III. To become a teacher
IV. To serve her parents

A. i, ii, iii, iv

B. i, ii, iii

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 C.ii, iii, iv

D. i, iii, iv

4. What was in her eyes when the veil was pulled down the second time?

A. Hate
B. Fear
C. Contempt
D. None of the above

5 - Who has penned the story ?

A. Mark Twain
B. K A Abbas
C. Guy De Maupassant
D. Sinclair Lewi
Answers:

1-D 2- B 3-A 4- C 5- B

THE FIRST FLIGHT

1- A LETTER TO GOD

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1What are the raindrops compared to and why?

Answer: Raindrops are compared to new coins – ten-cent and five cent pieces. It is
because they promised a good harvest and as such good money.

Q.2 How was Lencho sure that it was going to rain?

Answer: Lencho knew his fields intimately and he could predict the weather by looking
at the sky. His experienced eyes saw clouds and he predicted rain.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1 How did the rain change? What happened to Lento’s fields?

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Answer: The rain began on a pleasant note. The air was fresh and sweet. But
suddenly a strong wind began to blow and along with the rain very large hailstones
began to fall. It did not pass quickly. For an hour the hail rained on the field and the
corn was total ruined.

Q.2 Who did Lencho write a letter? What did he ask for?

Answer: Lencho wrote a letter to God because he had full faith in God. He believed
God will help him in the time of distress. He asked God to send him Hundred Pesos to
sow his field again and to live until the new crops come.

Q.3 What does the postmaster do to answer Lencho’s Letter?

Answer: The postmaster decided to answer the letter, but as Lencho very badly
needed some money, he asked for money from his employees. He himself gave part of
his salary and several of his friends joined him. He could gather only seventy pesos. He
put the money in an envelope addressed to Lencho and with it a letter containing only
one word as signature: God.

Long Answer Type Questions ( 5 Marks)

Q.1 The postmaster represents such people who still believe in helping others. Write a
character sketch of the postmaster pointing out his good qualities.

Answer: The postmaster of the story is a kind, generous, helpful, amiable, and God-
fearing man. He received a letter from Lencho which was written to God asking for
hundred pesos so that he could sow his fields again. The postmaster did not want to
shake the writer's faith in the almighty, and thus, out of virtuous intentions, decided to
collect money for "an act of charity. He also signed the letter in the name of God to
conceal his identity as he wanted Lencho to think it was actually a reply from God. This
shows that he was a very good man at heart and he loved to help people in need
selflessly.

Q.2 Bring out Lencho’s immense faith in God.

Answer: Lencho wanted some rain for his crop. The ripe corn stood proud in the field
and promised a good harvest. Rain came, as he predicted but turned to hail and ruined
his crop. Lencho’s heart was filled with sorrow. But he did not lose heart. He had firm
belief in God.
He wrote a letter to God, asking him to send 100 pesos so that he could sow his field
again. He dropped ‘the letter in the mail. The postmaster read the letter addressed to
‘God’ and to preserve the man’s faith in God, he raised 70 pesos and sent them to
Lencho.

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Lencho could not believe that God had made a mistake. He wrote again asking God to
send the rest of the money, but not through mail. He believed that the post office
employees were ‘a bunch of crooks’ and had taken away 30 pesos.

1- DUST OF SNOW (POEM)

Gist: Dust of Snow is a beautiful poem written by the famous American poet Robert
Frost. It depicts a simple moment, but it has great significance. The poem is set on a
wintry day. The snow is falling heavily. The poet is depressed and has lost all hope. He
is sitting under a hemlock tree. A small natural incident changes his sad mood into a
happy mood. The poem teaches us that one should never be desperate and hopeless.
There is always scope for a change.

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1 What is a ‘dust of snow’? What does the poet say has changed his mood?

Answer: The ‘dust of snow’ means the fine particles or flakes of snow.
Q.2 How has the poet’s mood changed?

Answer: The sudden shower in the form of the dust of snow changed the poet’s mood.
The poet’s mood changed from the state of sadness to happiness. He felt refreshed and
wanted to enjoy and make use of the rest of the day.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1 What mood of the poet is reflected in the poem?

Answer: The poet seems to be in a sad and depressive mood. The day offered no
comfort or happiness to him. He thinks that the whole day is going to be sad and dull.
He can see only negative symbols like the hemlock tree and the crow around him.

Q.2 What do the crow, hemlock tree and dust of snow represent in the poem?

Answer: The crow is black and ugly. It is not considered as a pleasant sight. It is a
symbol of bad omen. The hemlock tree is a poisonous plant with white flowers. It is a
symbol of sorrow. The poet chose the crow and the hemlock tree to present his sadness
and depression.

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Long Answer Type Questions ( 5 Marks)

Q.1 It is our attitude towards a situation that makes it positive or negative. Do you agree
with it? Express your views with reference to the poem ‘Dust of Snow’.

Answer: It is true that our attitude towards a problem plays an important role in making
it positive or negative. Most of the people in today’s world live a stressful life. They face
different types of 65 problems in day to day life. A person can neither keep away from
problems completely nor find solutions for them easily. But what makes the situation
worse is one’s attitude towards the problems. If we are depressed or sad the whole
environment becomes gloomy. But if we are ready to face the problem bravely and
positively, it helps in solving the problem also. The poet in the poem Dust of Snow was
in a sorrowful mood. He felt that the whole day was going to be gloomy. But when a
crow shook down snowflakes on him, his bitter mood changed into an optimistic one.
This small, regular incident wiped away his gloom and made him cheerful. He could
have become unhappy when such a thing occurred. But instead of seeing the negative
aspect of the incident, he took a positive vibe from it. Thus the poem teaches us to find
happiness from small things and to take everything positively.

Q.2 How does Frost present nature in this poem? The following questions may
help you to think of an answer.
Answer : Frost presents nature in a very different manner in the poem. Generally, poets
take the birds and trees which are known for their beauty and good qualities, like
peacock, parrot, cuckoo, mynah and trees full of beautiful flowers and fruits etc. But,
here Frost has taken a totally different approach. He chose a crow, which is not often
used in poems. Crow is black in colour with very harsh voice and is believed to be a
symbol of bad omen. Thinking of a crow brings very depressing and sorrowful pictures
to our mind.

A hemlock tree is a poisonous plant with small white flowers. The poet, Robert Frost,
didn’t choose to use an oak, maple or pine tree. Instead, he chose the hemlock tree and
left all the beautiful trees present in the world. Actually, he did so to present his mood
and feelings.

The crow and hemlock tree represent sorrow and depression felt by the poet in this
materialistic world.

The dust of snow is the symbol of natural joy and energy. The dust of snow that the
crow shakes off a hemlock tree means passing through the sad and depressing
moments, the poet is entering the time full of joy and optimism

2- FIRE AND ICE (POEM)

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Gist: Fire and ice is a compact poem written by Robert Frost. It expresses the profound
idea that the world would end in either of two ways- by fire or by ice. People are divided
in this issue. Some believe that fire will become the cause of the end and others think
that ice will end the world. Both the components are compared with self-destructing
human emotions: hatred and desire. He says that from what he is aware about “fiery
desires”, he would favor the ones who say that it would be fire. But later he says that Ice
or hatred, created by cold reasoning is also equally capable of destroying the world.
Therefore, if Earth was to end twice, ice would be just as good as fire. If fire would lead
to rapid destruction, ice would lead to silent damage.

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q. 1. Which age old question does the poem revolves around?

Answer: The poem revolves around the age old question of whether the world will end
in fire or in ice. People are divided in this issue. Some believe that fire will become the
cause of the end and others think that ice will end the world. Here, fire symbolizes
human desire and ice symbolizes hatred.

Q.2 Why does the poet hold with those who favour fire?

Answer: The poet takes side with those who believe that the world will be destroyed by
fire. Frost connects fire with desire. According to the poet, desire is powerful and would
be a quick end. Moreover, the fact that he has had personal experience with desire
leads him to first conclude that the world will end in fire.

Q.3 What does ‘ice’ stand for? How is it sufficient to bring destruction?

Answer: Ice symbolizes hatred. Hate is just as powerful as desire. While desire
consumes quickly, hate can occur and linger in people’s minds and hearts for years and
sometimes even lifetimes. Hate can, thus, be very destructive and sufficient to bring
destruction.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 marks)

Q.1What do the metaphors of Ice and Fire convey to the reader? Elaborate. What is the
message given by the poet?

Answer: Frost presents the two of the darkest traits of humanity; the capacity to hate
and the capacity to be consumed by lust or desire. Of the two, he attributes the greater
of the two evils, is desire. In giving desire the foremost position with regard to the
destruction of the world, Frost is providing a powerful statement on the subject of greed
and jealousy, saying that above all trait of humanity that is most likely to lead to its
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demise. Desire represents the greatest problem that attributes to the cause of the war.
Frost then attributes hatred with the same capacity to do harm. However, he lessens the
relative importance of hatred but still presents it as having the ability to lead to the
destruction of the world if it were to happen for a second time.

2- NELSON MANDELA – LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1 What according to Nelson Mandela is true freedom?

Answers: According to Mandela, true freedom means, not to be obstructed in leading a

lawful life.
Q.2 Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India
that are made of sandstones?
Answer: The ceremonies took place in the campus of the Union Building of Pretoria,
which were attended by dignitaries and leaders of many nations. In India; Rashtrapati
Bhavan and Red Fort are buildings made of red sandstone.

Q.3. Can you say how 10th May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?
Answer: As South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, may falls in the autumn
season. Thus 10th May is an ‘autumn day’.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1 What did Nelson Mandela pledge when he was sworn in as President?

Answer: Nelson Mandela pledged freedom and justice for all the black and coloured
people of South Africa. He promised to uphold the constitution of his country and devote
himself to liberate his people from the bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender
and other discrimination.

Q.2What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?

Answer: Mandela felt very privileged to welcome the international leaders at the
swearing – in ceremony because not too long ago, the South Africans were considered
outlaws. He thus thanks all of them for having come to witness the historical ceremony.
This was a gesture of international recognition to a newly born free democratic nation
and it could be considered as a common victory for justice, peace and human dignity.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks )

Q.1 What were the difficulties Nelson Mandela encountered while fighting for freedom?

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Answers: Main Points 1. Nelson Mandela underwent extreme hardships and suffering.
He was a true patriot and sacrificed his personal comforts and that of his family’s while
demanding freedom and equality for all his countrymen. He and his comrades were
oppressed, punished and imprisoned for resisting the white rule. He was imprisoned for
almost thirty years. His persistence and sacrifice culminated in the independence of
South Africa.

Q.2 What were Nelson Mandela’s views on the policy of Apartheid?

Answer: Nelson Mandela says that Apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in his
country. It cast a shadow on the people of South Africa - deep wounds that would take
many years to heal. The oppression and brutality that the people of the nation had been
subjected to had no parallel. From this situation arouse a spirit of aggression in the
minds of men and produced men of extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity.
Mandela believed that the greatest wealth of South Africa are the people of the nation.
The more the oppression rained on them the more the spirit to fight back was triggered
in the minds of the people. In the end victory for the people of South Africa prevailed
and they attained Independence on 10th May 1994.

3 - A TIGER IN THE ZOO ( POEM )

 The poet has depicted the tiger both in the cage and in its natural habitat.
 The poet conveys that the tiger is best suited to roam the wild rather than be
caged in a zoo.
 Animals are more majestic when seen in their natural habitat than enclosed
in an artificial setting.
 The tiger is aware of the sights and sounds around him.
 The tiger’s body and strength are locked up behind the bars of the cage.
 He strides proudly inside the cage suppressing his anger, while ignoring the
visitors.
Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1What does the poet mean when he says that the Tiger’s strength is behind the bars?

Answers;The poet means that since the Tiger is locked in the cage, he has no freedom
and therefore he cannot use his strength. He is angry and restless but proudly walks the
length of his cage.

Q.2 What message do you get from this poem?

Answer: From this poem, we come to know that animals like to live freely in the forest.
The animals do not want to live in the zoo. Their life is pitiable in it.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

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Q.1 Explain why the Tiger ignores the visitors at the zoo?

Answer: The Tiger is caged it has no freedom to roam the vast jungles. He is
constrained by the space available in the cage. He is angry and restless. He
suppresses his anger by proudly walking the length of his cage and ignoring the visitors
who have come to see him.

Q.2What would the tiger do in a forest?

Answer: In the forest, the tiger can enjoy complete freedom. He would walk around
freely without any fear. He would terrorize the villagers by growling. He would show his
teeth and claws.

Q.3.What does the poet want to convey through this poem?

Answer: The poet wants to convey that like human beings, animals also like freedom.
They do not want to be caged, they cannot live a miserable life. If their habitat is
destroyed by human beings, these animals cannot survive.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks )

Q.1“Freedom is a birth right. It is the most beautiful gift of god. It is valuable for all
human beings as well as for creatures,” Discuss with reference to the poem “A Tiger in
the Zoo.”
Answer: Freedom is the most beautiful gift of god. Freedom is a birthright, without
freedom all is in vain. Since the man has come on his earth, he tries to enslave the
weaker sections for his own selfishness. If a bird lives in a golden cage, it cannot
become happy. It loves to fly freely in an open sky. In the same way, if ‘a man lives in a
prison and gets everything, he cannot feel happiness. But if a man lives freely, he will
be happy even in poor conditions. In this poem, we find the descriptions of two tigers,
one is in a cage and second in an open field/forest. There is a great contrast between
their behaviours.

Q.2 Tigers are becoming extinct due to deforestation and poaching. How can people be
sensitized about the need of tiger.
Answer: Tigers are considered as an endangered species. People are killing tigers for
their skins, bones, claws and teeth. Due to this, the population of tigers has declined.
We should not encroach on their habitat. As we all need sheltered home, tigers also
need natural surroundings. Forests should not be cut down. They (Tigers) must be
given more space to move freely around. More reserves should be made to provide

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them natural habitat. Through media, posters, and Nukkad Nataks people should be
made aware of saving the precious wild life.

3 - TWO STORIES ABOUT FLYING

I-THE FIRST FLIGHT

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1 “The sight of the food maddened him.” What does this suggest? What compelled
the young seagull to finally fly?
Answer: This suggests the sight of food made the seagull risk flying for the first time.
The control over flying fear made him finally fly.

Q.2 “They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly.” Why did the seagull’s father and
mother threaten him and cajole him to fly?
Answer: The seagull’s father and mother made him to fly. It was because if he did not
fly, he would starve to death.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1 Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Do you think all young birds are afraid to
make their first flight, or are some birds more timid than others? Do you think a human
baby also finds it a challenge to take its first steps?

Answer: The young seagull was afraid to fly. When he tried to flap his wings to fly, fear
caught him. I think all birds are afraid to fly for the first time. Secondly, some birds are
more timid than others. I think a human baby also faces difficulties in taking the first
steps for anything. This is seen in his shaking legs and weak movements.

Q.2 Have you ever had a similar experience, where your parents encouraged you to do
something that you were too scared to try? Describe.

Answer: Yes, I had had a similar experience when my parents made me ride the
bicycle. They seated me on its saddle and slowly moved it. I feared that if they let me
alone, I would fall down. I moved this way or that in fear at first. But courage and
confidence came to me and I controlled the bicycle. (To be discussed in groups)

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks )

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1. How does the author describe the young Seagull’s fear of flying?

Answers: The young Seagull was afraid of flying though he wanted very much to fly.
When he flapped his wings he became afraid. The sea stretched down beneath. He felt
certain that his wings would never support him. So he bent his head and ran away back
to the little hole. He could not get himself to fly like his siblings. He was encouraged as
well as threatened by his parents but he could not muster up courage to flap his wings
and fly.

Q. 2. Do you think hunger was a good motivation for the young Seagull in his flight?

Answer: The young seagull was greatly afraid of flying. He did not dare to come out
and fly .He had no self-confidence .Parents, brothers and sister decided to leave him
alone. He was left alone for twenty four hours without any food to eat. He felt very
hungry. His parents rebuked him and said that he would die of hunger if he did not try
to fly. Finally he was getting mad with hunger when his mother bought a piece of fish
and offered him flying very close to him. But was not able to catch it .He called out to
her but she did not come any closer. So he dived for it as he was hungry, fell and
started going downwards. The very next moment wings spread outwards, wind rushed
through him. He started flying high and screamed with joy as he was finally learnt
flying. This is how he made his maiden flight.

II-THE BLACK AEROPLANE

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1. “I’ll take the risk.” What is the risk? Why does the narrator take it?
Answer: The ‘risk’ is flying the old Dakota aeroplane straight into the storm. It was
because the author wanted to get home to be present at the breakfast table.

Q.2 Why does the narrator say, “I landed and was not sorry to walk away from the old
Dakota…”?
Answer: The author was not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota. It was because it
had saved his life. It along with the mysterious aeroplane had saved his life.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1 What did the narrator feel inside the clouds?

Answer: When the narrator entered the clouds, it became impossible to see outside the
aeroplane. The aeroplane jumped and twisted in the air and all the instruments like

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compass etc. stopped working due to the weather conditions. He could not see anything
and he was worried whether the fuel would last till he landed.

Q.2 Why was the woman in the control room shocked when the narrator asked her
about another aeroplane?

Answer: The woman in the control room was shocked when the narrator asked about
another aeroplane because there was no such plane flying in the sky that night as she
saw none on the radar. It was an extremely stormy night and no one had taken the risk
of flying in the storm.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q.1The narrator does not lose hope and follows the pilot in the black aeroplane knowing
well that he might be taking a huge risk. What qualities does he possess to endure this
critical situation bravely?

Answer: The author’s plane did not have enough fuel. He knew that because of the
paucity of fuel, he could not fly up and over the clouds nor he could fly around them to
the north or south. But then he decided to take the risk to fly into the clouds because he
wanted to go home and wanted to join his family at breakfast. This shows that he was a
family-loving person. He was courageous as he knew that it would be risky to enter the
clouds, but he did so nevertheless. Gradually a black aeroplane approaches and the
pilot signals to him to follow him. Knowing well that it is a risky move he still continues to
follow and to his delight and relief he reaches an airport safely. However he cannot see
the other aeroplane anywhere and nor can the lady at the Control room help him. His
brave act led him to safety. His Faith in himself and perhaps the Almighty enabled him
to emerge safely from the grueling situation.

4-THE BALL POEM ( POEM )

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1 What does John Berryman want to convey through this poem?
Answer: Poet, John Berryman wants to convey the importance of loss and
responsibility in life. We all should learn our responsibility and how to cope up with the
loss.

Q.2 How does the boy feel at the loss of his ball?
Answer: The boy is very much troubled at the loss of his ball. He experiences grief at

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the loss of his much loved possession. Like a statue, he keeps staring at the ball with
his desperate eyes.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q1-Why does the poet say, “I would not intrude on him”? Why doesn’t he offer him
money to buy another ball?

Answer: The poet does not want to intrude so that the boy can get a chance to learn
the real truth of life. He has to learn to accept the loss. The loss here means the most
important thing or relationship.

Q.2 “… staring down/All his young days into the harbour where/His ball went …” Do you
think the boy has had the ball for a long time? Is it linked to the memories of days when
he played with it?

Answer: Yes we can say that the boy had the ball for a very long time. The line itself
describes how the boy recalls those days when he used to play with the ball. The ball
was surely linked to some sweet memories of his playing with the ball.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q.1Should the boy be allowed to grieve for his ball? If his loss is irreparable or
irretrievable then how should one handle it? What lessons can be learnt?

Answer: Yes, the boy should be allowed to grieve for his ball, as he had that ball for a
long time. He had many old memories associated with it since his childhood. Moreover,
when a person is trying to come over his grief on his own, then one should not intrude
or disturb him as it may break his chain of thoughts and may irritate him. One should
have self-consolation, and self -understanding in order to bear the loss. Self-realization
and understanding are more effective and lasting than when it is done by an external
agency or a person.

Q.2 Why does the poet say, ‘I would not intrude on him?’ Why doesn’t he offer him
money to buy another ball?

Answer: When a person is trying to come over his grief on his own, he is busy
making himself understand certain things if then, someone intrudes or disturbs, and
his chain of thoughts is broken. It makes him irritated. Moreover, self-consolation,

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 realization or understanding is more effective and lasting than when it is done by an
external agency or a person. The poet knows it. So he does not intrude on him. His
offer of money to buy another ball is useless for the boy wants the same ball he is
attached to and has been playing for a long time. No other ball will be able to take its
place.

4 - FROM THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q. 1 Why does Anne want to keep a diary?

Answer: She needs some channel through which she can get off all the burden and
pain she is suffering from. Hence, she wants to keep a diary. Anne Frank is also
searching for a friend in the form of her diary.

Q.2 Why did Anne think she could confide more in her diary than in people?
Answer: Anne Frank believes that paper has more patience than people. She believes
that a diary will have more patience to listen to her plight. That is why she could confide
more in her diary than in people.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1Why does Anne provide a brief sketch of her life?

Answer: A good introduction helps drawing reader’s attention to the topic. Moreover, it
gives background information about the topic. By providing brief sketch of her life, Anne
gives an overview of her family, her relatives, and her age. This helps the reader to
develop connect with the author.

Q.2 What does Anne Frank tell about her family in her diary?

Answer: Anne Frank tells that she has very lovely and caring family. Her parents and
her elder sister love her a lot. There are about thirty people nearby her whom she can
call friends. She has loving aunts and a good home but she wants to have a true friend
with whom she can share her feelings and thoughts.

Q.3 Describe your views about Mr Keesing as a teacher.

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Answer: Mr Keesing seems to be a strict teacher. He actually believes taking action
with good intention 84 and prefers development in children. He tries to control Anne’s
talkative habit, but as soon as he is convinced that it does not affect her studies, he
overlooks her shortcoming.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q.1 Anne called 26th July a ‘tumultuous’ day. Explain the reasons behind it.

Answer: Anne called 26th July a tumultuous day as it was full of tension and fright. The
first warning siren was sent off in the morning but nobody paid any attention to it
because it only meant that the planes were crossing the coast. The siren alarmed again
around 2 O’clock in the afternoon. Anne and her sister went upstairs but after five
minutes they heard loud gunshots. After half an hour, drone of engines faded and life
became normal. The city was enveloped in thick fog. But after dinner time, there was
another gun-fire round and swarms of planes. The air was buzzing with the drone of
engines. Nobody was able to sleep that night because it repeated again at midnight.

Q.2 Why did Anne think that she could confide more in her diary than in the people?

Answer: Anne Frank did not have a friend with whom she could share her feelings.
Though she had spent a good time with her friends but she was unable to share her
views and thoughts with them. When she got her diary, she decided to share everything
with it because she believed that nobody would be interested in her musings. So, she
treated her diary as her best friend. She felt that it would keep her life a secret and
would not react like people. She confided everything in the diary; her family, her fear,
her loneliness, her life and considered it her best friend and named it ‘Kitty”.

5- AMANDA! ( POEM )

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel, yet would not like to do what all she did.
Identify and state the reasons for her decision.
Answer: Amanda wants to be Rapunzel to live a peaceful life in a tower, where no one
gives any instruction and she doesn’t have to do any work. She doesn’t want to escape
with a prince like Rapunzel.
Q.2 What is the theme of the poem — ‘Amanda’?

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Answer: Too many instructions and too much control are resented by children. They
get bored and fed up. Then, they listen to their parents half-heartedly and indulge in
daydreaming.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1 What message does the poet want to give through the poem — ‘Amanda’?

Answer: The poet wants to convey that parents in their endeavour to make their
children well-behaved and well-mannered tend to give too many instructions or nag
(always finding fault) them. They should adopt positive measures, acceptable to
children.

Q.2 Who was Amanda? What idea do you form about her through the poem?

Answer: Amanda was a little school going, girl. She loved fairy tales like Rapunzel and
mermaids. She did not like too many instructions or nagging that made her sulk and
become moody. So she did not listen to her mother attentively and started
daydreaming.

5 -THE HUNDRED DRESSES – 1

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1Where in the classroom does Wanda sit and why?

Answer: Wanda Petronski used to sit on the corner most benches, lost in her world,
where rough boys usually sat. She was a very poor, shy and quiet girl and did not want
to mess with others so she preferred to sit in isolation.

Q.2 Where does Wanda live? What kind of a place do you think it is?

Answer: Wanda lives upon Boggins Heights, where poor people live. It is not a
developed area and is covered with mud. There are no proper roads or streets and it is
a kind of slum.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1What kind of girl was Peggy?

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Answer: Peggy was a pretty and popular girl in the class. She was a sensitive girl who
protected small children from bullies. She cried for hours if she saw an animal
mistreated. She would join Maddie while enquiring about her dresses and shoes.
Though her intentions were not to be rude or cruel, she did so to have fun.

Q.2. When and why do Peggy and Maddie notice Wanda’s absence?
Answer: On Wednesday, Peggy and Maddie noticed that Wanda was missing. They
had been waiting for her outside school, before school began. As she did not come,
they even got late for school. It was then that they realized her absence from school.
Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q.1 Compare and contrast Peggy and Maddie. Why couldn’t Maddie stop Peggy from
teasing Wanda Petronski?

Answer: Peggy and Maddie were two close friends. They belonged to different financial
and cultural backgrounds. Peggy was pretty and had many beautiful dresses. Maddie,
on the other hand, was from a poor family. Peggy used to hand over her old clothes to
Maddie. Maddie’s mother would cover up the old clothes with new trimmings which
would make it difficult for the other classmates to recognize them.

The girls would sit on the first row .Peggy was very good at drawing. Everyone felt that
Peggy would win the girl’s medal in the drawing and colouring competition. Maddie felt
uncomfortable when Peggy teased Wanda and wished she would stop doing so.

Q.2 What did Peggy and other girls think about Wanda Petronski? How was she
different from other girls?

Answer: Peggy and other girls hardly noticed Wanda Petronski’s presence or absence
in the class. Wanda sat in the last row in the class. Only ‘rough boys’ who never got
good marks and made a lot of noise sat in that corner. A lot of dirt and mud could be
found on the floor there. Nobody knew why she sat there. Wanda lived at Boggins
Heights and her footwear carried a lot of dry mud with her from there. Girls found her
coming to school and going home alone. She had no friends. Peggy, Maddie and others
talked to Wanda only when she was outside the class. Peggy particularly enjoyed
making fun of Wanda. Maddie would mockingly ask Wanda uncomfortable questions
about her hundred dresses and sixty pairs of shoes. None believed that a poor girl like
Wanda who usually wore a faded blue dress could have a hundred dresses. Peggy
thought that Wanda was telling a lie. Maddie was different. She didn’t like Peggy making
fun of Wanda. She wished Peggy would stop teasing Wanda in that manner.

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 6- THE HUNDRED DRESSES PART II

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1 What was the content of Jan Petronski’s letter?

Answer:The letter contained the news that neither Wanda nor her brother would come
to that school anymore as the Petronski’s were moving to a big city where no one would
bother them about their strange name.

Q.2 Why was Maddie unable to concentrate on preparing her lessons?

Answer: Maddie was unable to prepare her lessons as she felt guilty of keeping quiet
when Peggy hurt Wanda’s feelings by asking embarrassing questions which ultimately
resulted in Wanda leaving the school for good.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1 Why did Peggy and Maggie go to Boggins Heights?

Answer: Peggy and Maddie went to Boggins Heights to meet Wanda and apologies for
being so thoughtless to her. They also wanted to tell her not to leave the school and
promise to fight anyone who was nice to her.

Q.2 What did Wanda convey through her letter?

Answer: Wanda wanted to tell the classmates that they could have the hundred
dresses that she had drawn for them as she had another hundred in her closet. In
particular Peggy and Maddie could have the green and blue respectively. She wished
them a merry Christmas and said that she missed her old school and teacher.

Q.3 What did Maddie notice when she looked at the drawing given to her by Wanda?

Answer: Maddie looked at the dresses with vivid colours that Wanda drew. She did not
look at the faces. Later, she realised that Wanda had drawn the beautiful dresses for
Maddie and Peggy with their faces to match.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q.1Wanda was successful in turning her taunts into triumphs. Justify this statement.
Answers: Wanda was hounded by Peggy and asked the same embarrassing question.
She had the same answer. She did not show her anger or irritation at being humiliated.
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Peggy thought her to be so dumb that she did not even know that she was being made
fun of. However, Wanda kept all these taunts to herself and showed her maturity by
responding positively and giving it back to her in the best possible way – by beating her
in her own game at drawing. When everyone thought Peggy would win the drawing
contest, Wanda won it and the admiration of all the students and her teacher. Wanda
shows her magnanimity by forgiving Peggy and gifting her a drawing which would
constantly remind her of herself and the treatment that was meted out to her. She thus
converted her taunts into triumphs.

Q.2 Compare and contrast the characters of Maddie and Peggy.

Answer: Although Maddie and Peggy were friends, they differed considerably in their
attitude towards Wanda. While Peggy took delight in teasing Wanda, Maddie did not
quite like it as she too was not a very rich girl. When Miss Mason read Jan Petronski’s
letter to the class Maddie was deriding herself for being a coward who did not have the
courage to stand up to help a girl who was being ridiculed. Peggy, too, felt that she had
contributed to Wanda’s going away but she had no regrets and covered her feelings
with pretended casualness. She suggested that they go and meet Wanda at Boggin
Heights to which Maddie readily agreed. When the two were unable to meet the
Petronskis. Peggy felt that they had done their part and even thought that she should be
given credit for giving Wanda new ideas for her dresses. Maddie on the other hand is
penitent and decides never to treat anyone or allow anyone to be treated the way
Wanda was.

6- ANIMALS ( POEM )

GIST: The poet, Walt Whitman compares animals and human beings. He says that,
unlike humans, animals do not complain nor cringe about anything in their life. Animals
are simple, self- contained, satisfied and are not after owning things. They do not weep
for their sins nor cry over their unfavourable conditions. The poet feels more at home
with animals than humans whom he finds complicated, materialistic and false.

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1. Notice the use of the word ‘turn’ in the first line, “I think I could turn and live with
animals…”. What is the poet turning from?
Answer: In this line here, the poet wants to turn from human into an animal. This
turning is symbolic of the poet’s detachment from human beings and their nature and
his appreciation of the animal kind.

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Q.2. Mention three things that humans do and animals don’t.
Answer: Animals do not cry and complain over their conditions. They do not commit
sins and therefore do not weep for them. They are also very satisfied creatures and
have no desire to possess material things. Humans, on the contrary, complain all the
time, commit all sorts of sins and are affected with the madness of owning things.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q. 1 Do humans kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago? Discuss this
in groups.

Answer: Yes, humans kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago as it is
a cultural tradition to do so. (Students can discuss their own culture with their
classmates and share the rituals and traditions of their culture and also get to know
about other cultural practices.)

Q. 2 What are the ‘tokens’ that the poet says he may have dropped long ago, and which
the animals have kept for him? Discuss this in class.
What could be the basic aspects of our nature as living beings that humans choose to
ignore or deny?)

Answer: The tokens mentioned in the poem mean the symbols of the true nature of
human beings. These tokens are actually tokens of virtue such as containment,
honesty, innocence and the likes of it.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q.1 Why does the poet want to ‘turn and live with animals’?

Or

What is the gist of the poem?

Answer: The poet expresses his desire to change and be with the animals because
they are very mild and content. They are not anxious about anything nor do they
complain about anything. They do not spend sleepless nights repenting over their sins
nor discuss their duty to God. None of them is dissatisfied nor crazy over possessing
things. No animal shows submission to another nor does he show respect and honour
to those of his kind that lived thousands of years ago. Not a single animal is dissatisfied
or unhappy. The poet learns these virtues from animals which they openly express. At

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the end the poet wonders where they got these virtues from and concludes that he, as a
human being, also may have possessed these qualities thousands of years ago. In his
quest for civilization human beings have lost these beautiful virtues that animals still
possess. And therefore he wishes to turn and live with animals.

7- GLIMPSES OF INDIA

PART – I: A Baker from Goa

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1 What did the baker do first once he reached a house?

Answer: The baker would first greet the lady of the house by saying “Good Morning”.
He would then place the basket on the vertical bamboo and deliver the loaves to the
servant.
Q.2 Describe the dress of the bakers.
Answer: The bakers had a peculiar dress earlier known as the kabai. It was a one-
piece long frock reaching down to the knees.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1 How did the baker make his entry?

Answer: The baker used to enter with the Jingling sound of his specially made bamboo
staff. His one hand supported the basket on his head and the other banged the bamboo
on the ground.
Q.2 How do we get to know that the makers of bread still exist?
Answer:The narrator states that the eaters of loaves might have vanished but the
makers are still there. He further says that those age old, time tested furnaces still exist
and the fire in the furnaces had not yet been extinguished.
Q.3 What is the importance of breads for the Goans?
OR
Why was the Baker’s furnace essential in a traditional Goan village?
Answer: Different kinds of breads are important during the different occasions.
Bolinhas had to be prepared during Christmas and other festivals. The mothers used to
prepare sandwiches on the occasion of their daughter’s engagement. So, the baker’s
furnace was essential.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

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Q.1 Instead of enjoying their childhood, the children today are keen to enter adulthood.
After reading about all the joys that the author Lucio Rodrigues had in his childhood do
you think such a keenness on the part of children is desirable?
Answer: I don’t think that the keenness of the children these days to enter adulthood is
desirable.
Children these days are in a hurry to enter adulthood and have access to technology.
Due to this they are learning things earlier than usual and getting matured beyond their
age.
Hence, they are losing out their childhood and missing the joys that it brings with it. As
per my thinking, they should grow at a slow pace and enjoy their childhood to the fullest.
Children who miss out on their childhood cannot be a complete adult. So, they should
not hurry up to be an adult and grow at nature’s pace.
Q.2 After reading the story ‘A Baker from Goa”, do you think our traditions, heritage,
values and practices are the roots that nourish us? Why/why not?
Answer. ‘A Baker from Goa’ highlights the importance of the traditional practice of
making breads for every occasion and festival of the Goan people. This tradition
continues even today. This shows how our traditional practices can keep us to our past
and heritage.
Traditional values shape our personality and also provide us support. They enable us to
face difficult situations and makes us mentally strong. Traditional practices also have an
impact on our behavioural pattern towards the other people in society.

PART II: GLIMPSES OF INDIA – COORG

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1Describe the wildlife of Coorg.

Answer: The wildlife of Coorg consists of animals like macaques, langurs, squirrels,
loris and elephants. The birds spotted in Coorg are kingfishers.
Q.2 Describe any two tourist places of Coorg.
Answer: The climb of Brahmagiri hills brings into a panoramic view of the entire misty
landscape of Coorg. A walk across the rope bridge leads to the 64acre island of
Nisargadhama.
Q. 3 Describe Coorg’s weather. When is it most pleasant for the tourists to visit Coorg?
Answer: The weather of Coorg is pleasant during the months from September to
March. During that time, the weather is perfect with some showers thrown in for good
measure. During the monsoon, it receives heavy rainfall.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

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Q.1From whom have the inhabitants of Coorg descended, as per the legend?
Answer: As per the legend, a part of Alexander’s army, when retreating from India,
went South and settled in Coorg when they found that they could not return home. Then
they married among the locals and their descendants are the Kodavus. (the people of
Coorg).
Q.2 How has the Coorgi tradition of courage and bravery recognized in modern India?
Answer: The Coorgi tradition of courage and bravery has been recognized by awarding
the Coorg Regiment with the most number of gallantry awards. Besides, the Coorgis are
the only Indians allowed to carry firearms without a license.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q.1 The Coorgis are the descendants of the Greeks or the Arabs and are still are able
to maintain their traditional practices. Do you agree that following these practices today
is important? Why or why not?
Answer: After reading the text, I feel that it is important to follow the traditional
practices, as it has kept the tradition of Coorgis known to the people even today. If the
people of Coorg had not followed it their tradition would have perished and nobody
would have remembered them today because of their culture and traditional practices.
According to the text, their traditions can be seen in the martial traditions, religious rites
and marriages. The Kodavus even wear the dress which resembles Arabs. Traditional
practices also play a very important role in maintaining values amongst people and
have an impact on shaping the behaviour of people.

Q.2 . How do Coorg’s location, people and natural features add to the diversity of India?
Answer: Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen
rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty percent of
this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The
season of joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is
perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The air breathes of invigorating
coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in
prime corners.
Coorg is beautifully located and described as a piece of heaven that must have drifted
from the kingdom of God. It has rolling hillsides with a pollution free river and forests
teeming with wildlife. Here nature exists in its pristine glory, which adds to the diversity
of India. Further, it has coffee and spice plantations, quite different from the rest of
India. The local people, the Kodavus, are a martial race. Of course, they are well known
for their hospitality, just like all Indians. All these features of Coorg add to the diversity of
our country.

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 PART III: GLIMPSES OF INDIA – TEA FROM ASSAM

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1 Where were Rajvir and Pranjol going and why?

Answer: Rajvir and Pranjol were going to Assam as Pranjol had invited Rajvir to spend
summer vacation there.
Q.2 In what ways is China related to tea?
Answer: Tea was first drunk in China. The words ‘chai’ and ‘chini’ are from Chinese.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1 What did Rajvir see while looking outside from the train?
Answer : Rajvir saw much greenery while looking outside from the train. He was
amazed to see the soft: green paddy fields first and then the green tea bushes.
Q.2 ‘This is a tea country now’. Explain this with reference to Assam.
Ans: Assam has the world’s largest concentration of tea plantations in the world. A
large number of tea gardens can be found there. Most of the tea grown in Assam is
supplied all over the world.
Q.3 Why did Pranjol’s father say that Rajvir had done his homework before visiting
Assam?
Answer: Rajvir was very excited about visiting the tea garden and thus, he studied a lot
about it before visiting the tea garden. Thus, Pranjol’s father said that Rajvir had already
done his homework before visiting Assam.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q.1According to the text, Assam is said to be ‘tea country’. Do you believe that Assam
has some of the best plantations in the world that makes it a unique country?
Answer: In India, some of the best plantations like tea and coffee are grown in huge
quantities. India is also a home to many spices like haldi and while Assam is home to
tea, Coorg is home to coffee. Others which are grown exclusively in India and exported
to various countries. These plantations make India a unique country which has not just
traditional spices and beverage plants growing within it but also follows traditional
agricultural practices.
Q.2 What are the legends related to the discovery of tea?
Answer. There are many popular legends about the discovery of tea. Two of them are
as follows:

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A Chinese emperor was used to drinking boiled water. One day a twig from the fire fell
into the pot in which water was being boiled. It gave a delicious flavour to the drink. It is
said that those were tea leaves.
An Indian legend goes like this. Once there was a Buddhist ascetic who used to feel
sleepy during meditations. So he cut off his eyelids. Ten tea plants grew out of the
eyelids. When the leaves from these plants were put in hot water and drunk they
banished sleep.
8- MADAM RIDES THE BUS

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1 What was the favourite pastime of Valli?

Answer: Valliammai or Valli was eight years old. Her favourite pastime was standing in
the front doorway of her house. From there, she watched what was happening in the
street outside. For her, standing at the front door was as enjoyable as any of the games
other children played.
Q.2 Give examples from the text to show that Valli was a meticulous planner.
Answer: Valli was a meticulous planner. She listened carefully to the conversations
between her neighbours and people who regularly used the bus and also asked discreet
questions. She picked up various small details about the bus journey and then planned.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1 Why did Valli find the elderly woman absolutely repulsive?
Answer: The elderly woman who was sitting beside Valli in the bus looked absolutely
repulsive to Valli. She had big holes in her ears and had ugly earrings in them. She
didn’t relish the smell of the betel nut that she was chewing. The betel juice was about
to spill over her lips at any moment. She couldn’t be social with such a woman.
Q.2 What dampened Valli’s enthusiasm during the return journey?
Answer: During her return journey, Valli saw a young cow lying dead by the side of the
road. She was the same lovable and beautiful cow that she saw only a little while ago.
Now, it looked so horrible and frightening as it lay there. There was a fixed stare in her
lifeless eyes and she was smeared with blood. The sight dampened her enthusiasm
and she stopped looking outside.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q-1.” Never mind,” she said, “I can get on by myself.” “You don’t have to help me,” said
Valli to the conductor. She shows extraordinary courage in making the bus journey all
alone. Taking inspiration from Valli’s character, write how the ability and courage to take

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risk are essential to fulfilling one’s dream. Or Valli nurtures a strong desire to travel by
bus and visit the city. She works hard for it and finally, she is successful. Based on this
incident, analyse what values of life do you need to nurture to attain your goals in life?

Answer:. Valli is an eight-year-old village girl. She is fascinated by the bus that comes
to the village every hour. She develops a desire and then a longing turning into a firm
determination to ride the bus. She meticulously plans for it and saves money for the bus
journey. Then she boards the bus without anyone’s help. She travels all alone,
confidently and independently and finally returns home successfully. Her self-
dependence and self-respecting nature help her to nurture her goal. She enjoys her
journey. Similarly, to achieve goals in life, we need to have such values in us. One
should be confident and self-dependent. Proper planning and strong determination lead
to success. Enthusiasm and excitement to achieve the goal are also needed to nurture
our goals in life.
Q.2 Justify the statement with instances that Valla was a mature girl and ahead of her
age?
Answer: Valli was an eight-year-old village girl. She had no playmates. Her favourite
pastime was to stand at the doorstep and watch things and people. She not only
satisfied her curiosity but also gained new experiences. Her strongest desire was to
make a bus-ride. She meticulously planned for it — gathered information about the
distance, time and ticket money. Showing self-restraint, she resisted the temptation to
buy peppermint, toys or a ride on the merry-go-round in order to save 60 paise for the
bus journey. She boarded the bus without anyone’s help, refused a free treat by the
conductor and didn’t talk to strangers. This shows her commanding, confident and self-
dependent nature. This also shows her determination and maturity at such a little age.

Q.3. Why does Valli refuse to look out of the window on her way back?
Answer:. On her way to the town, Valli laughed heartily to see a young cow running at
high speed in the middle of the road just in front of their bus. But on her way back, she
saw a young cow lying dead near the road. She asked the bus conductor if it was the
same cow that was running in front of the bus. The bus conductor nodded. She was
shocked and sad. So she refuses to look out of the window on her way back because
what was so beautiful a little while ago now looked so horrible. She no longer wanted to
see out of the window. She kept sitting on her seat until her village came. The memory
of the dead cow haunts her. It dampens her enthusiasm

THE TALE OF CUSTARD THE DRAGON (POEM)

GIST
The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a whimsical fantasy. Belinda lives alone in her house
with four pets, a dog, a cat, a mouse and a dragon named Custard. All other dwellers of
the house exceptCustard, pride themselves on their fearlessness. They mock poor
Custard for his timidity. However, when the real danger comes all others run away in a
panic except Custard. Only Custard fights ferociously and swallows the pirate. The
poem ends ironically. After the danger is past, everyone begins to boast again about
their courage. Ironically, Custard who fought like a hero against the pirate agrees that
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everyone else is braver than he is. So, appearances may be deceptive. And even your
merit and real value may not be recognized by your unwilling rivals.

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1Who are the characters in this poem? List them with their pet names.
Answer: The characters in this poem are Belinda, a little girl, and her pets: a little black kitten, a
little grey mouse, a little yellow dog, a little pet dragon and a pirate

Q.2 How did Belinda and her pets behave when the pirate had been killed by Custard?
Answer: When the pirate had been killed by Custard, Belinda embraced him, Mustard
licked him and Ink and Blink gyrated around him.
.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1 Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage? Why is the dragon called “cowardly
dragon”?
Answer: cried for a nice safe cage because it was a coward and was scared very
easily. It is called “cowardly dragon” because everyone else in the house is very brave
while the dragon is the only one, who fears a lot and looks for a nice safe cage for
himself. Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears, Ink and Blink can chase lions and
Mustard is as brave as an angry tiger.

Q-2 How is ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ a ballad?

Answer: A ballad is a poem that tells a story. The theme of a ballad is an adventure,
bravery, romance etc. Then it is highly musical due to its rhyme scheme. This poem has
these qualities. But it is a parody of a ballad. The poet shows these qualities in a
humorous way.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q.1 The dragon, custard was considered a coward. The humble dragon proved his
bravery in adversity. Analyze that certain qualities like bravery and courage are
situational and spontaneous. Express your views with reference to the poem.
Answer: Custard’s humbleness won every reader’s heart as he showed true bravery
and did not boast like Belinda and her other pets. Everyone boasted of their bravery but
when they faced real danger, it was only Custard, who had the courage to face it. And
he proved his bravery by not running away and facing the pirate and killing him.
Qualities like bravery and courage can only be tested when someone is actually put in a
dangerous situation. Therefore, these qualities are situational as becomes clear from

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Custard’s example. Custard looked for comfort all the time but this did not mean that he
was a coward.
.
Q. 2 Do you think that one should be made fun of because of their ‘preferences and
choices in life? Explain in the context of Custard, the dragon.
Answer: It is not right to make fun of anyone on the basis of their life style and their
choices. Custard, the dragon, always wanted comfort and safety for him and therefore
always cried for a nice safe cage. Belinda and other pets of the house made fun of him
because they thought that he was a coward. Custard proved that just because he likes
comfort, he is not a coward. In fact, he was the only one, who had the courage to face
the pirate and kill him.
Q.3 Evaluate Ogden Nash’s ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ as a ballad. What
message does the poet give to the readers in this poem?
Answer: Ballads are stories told in verse. Generally, ballads are tales of adventures
and heroism. In the poem, the poet does present the encounter of Custard and the
pirate in the typical spirit of a ballad. The four-line stanzas have the rhyme scheme: aa,
bb throughout the poem.
Ogden Nash gives a subtle message to the readers through the fate of Custard, the
dragon. In this world of deceit, self-confidence, self-dependence and self-respect are
essentials to earn your rightful place among your peers. The mere presence of physical
strength is not enough. The more important point is that you must be conscious of your
strength. You must be fully aware of the fact that many others who are far inferior in
strength and power should have no right to taunt and ridicule you.

10 -THE SERMON AT BENARES

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (30-40 Words):

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1. Who was Gautam Buddha? Write a few lines about his early life.
Answer.:Gautam Buddha was a prince. He was named Siddhartha Gautam by his
parents. He was born in 563 B.C. in North India. He was sent away for schooling when
he was twelve years old but four years later, he got married to a princess .
Q. 2. What did Buddha say about the mortals of the world?
Ans. The Buddha told Kisa Gotami that the life of mortals is troubled and brief in this
world. Those who have been born can’t avoid dying. As ripe fruits are in danger of
falling, so mortals are always in danger of death. All earthen vessels end in being
broken.
Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

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Q. 1. Did Kisa Gotami get a handful of mustard seeds as directed by the Buddha?
Ans. Poor Kisa Gotami went from house to house. The people pitied her and were
ready to give a handful of mustard seeds to her. But, she couldn’t find a house where no
one had lost a child, husband, parent or friend.
Q. 4. Why did Kisa Gotami say, ‘How selfish am I in my grief!’ What did she realise
about the fate of mankind?
Ans. Kisa Gotami became weary and hopeless. At last, the darkness of the night
reigned everywhere. She realised that she had been very selfish in her grief Death
spares none. One who is born is destined to die sooner or later. No grieving or
lamenting would bring a dead man to life.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q.1 “The life of mortals in this world is troubled and brief and combined with pain” With
thisstatement of the Buddha, find out the moral values that Kisa Gotami learnt after the
death ofher child.
Answer: After the death of her only son, Kisa Gotami went to the Buddha. Firstly, she
went to every neighbour, asking for medicine for her dead son. She had lost all her
senses. She forgot that no medicine could bring back the dead. Then she went to
Buddha for making her son alive. Buddha asked her to bring a handful of mustard seeds
from a house where no death had occur. But she couldn’t find such a house. The
Buddha made her realise that death is common to all. It also shows the detachment
from mundane life. Only grieving cannot bring peace of mind.

Q. 2. Why did Kisa Gotami understand the message given by the Buddha only the
second time? In what way did the Buddha change her understanding?

Answer: Kisa Gotami had lost her only son and in grief, she carried her dead son to all
her neighbours to get him cured and restored back to life. Finally, she went to the
Buddha asking him for medicine to cure her boy. The Buddha felt that she needed to be
enlightened about the truth of life — that death and sorrow are inescapable. He could
see that grief had blinded her, and it would be difficult for her to accept the truth. So the
Buddha told her to procure mustard seeds from a house where none had died.
Kisa Gotami went from door to door. Then she realized that there was no house where
no one had died and that death is common to all. She came back to the Buddha where
He sermonized her that life in this world is troubled and filled with sorrows. He gave her
examples of ripe fruits and earthen vessels whose ‘lives’ are short. This way he made
her realize that death is unavoidable and none — even the near and dear ones — can
save anyone from death.
Q.3. Describe the journey of Siddhartha Gautam becoming the Buddha.

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Answer: Gautam Buddha began his life as a royal prince. He was named Siddhartha
Gautama. At twelve, Gautama was sent away for schooling in the Hindu sacred
scriptures. At the age of sixteen, he returned home to marry a princess. The prince was
deliberately shielded from all sufferings of the world. But this attempt failed when the
prince while out hunting chanced upon a sick man. Then, he saw an aged man. He also
chanced to see a funeral procession. Finally, he saw a monk, begging for alms. These
sights of suffering, sickness and decay shocked and moved the prince. He wanted to
seek the final solution of all these sorrows and sufferings. He wandered for seven Years
in search of enlightenment. Finally, he sat down under a fig tree. He meditated there
until he was enlightened after seven days. He renamed the tree the Bodhi Tree or the
Tree of Wisdom. He became known as the Buddha or the Awakened or the enlightened
one. The Buddha gave his first sermon at Benares on the River Ganges.

Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks)

Q.1 Chubukov says of Natalya: “……. as if she won’t consent! She’s in love; egad,
she’s like a lovesick cat……” Would you agree? Find reasons for your answer.
Answer: Yes, Natalya is in love. This is clear by the way she behaves when she gets to
know that Lomov came to propose to her. She starts weeping and asks her father to
bring Lomov at once.

Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks)

Q.1 Describe Lomov’s first meeting with Natalya.

Answer: Lomov goes to his neighbour Chubukov’s house to ask for the hand of his
daughter Natalya. He is in a fix how to make the marriage proposal. He talks in a
roundabout manner. He makes a mention of his meadows which touch their birch
woods. At this, a quarrel ensues between them over the ownership rights the meadows.
Q.2 Why is Lomov anxious to marry Natalya?
Answer: Lomov wants to settle the question of his marriage at once. He thinks that
now he should not delay. He thinks about Natalya. She is a skilled house-keeper. She is
educated and is not bad to look at. At this age, he should not expect a better girl than
her. He is suffering from some serious diseases. Because of these reasons. He is
anxious to marry Natalya.
Q.3 How does Lomov speak warmly of Chubukov’s family in the beginning? Why does
hechange his stand?
Answer: In the beginning, Lomov speaks quite warmly about Chubukov’s family. He
reminds Natalya that he knows the Chubukovs since his childhood. His aunt and uncle

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to had great respect for her family. Both the families have been most friendly and close
neighbours. Lomov changes his opinion about the Chubukovs when he picks up a
quarrel with Natalya and Chubukov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks)

Q.1”The way Chubukov, Natalya and Lomov fought over petty issues is against the
behaviour and mannerisms of good neighbours.” Comment. What would you have done
to resolve the issue? (If you were in the place of Chubukov)
Answer: Lomov and Chubukovs were neighbours. Lomov came to Chubukovs to
propose Natalya. But instead of proposing they started fighting over petty issues like
oxen meadows and quality of dogs. This is not the quality of good neighbours.
Neighbours should live like friends. There should be a positive relationship between the
two neighbours.
There should be understanding and patience among neighbours. The fight between
Looms and Chubukovs could have been avoided if handled carefully. The issue of
meadows could be resolved calmly and quietly by a good conversation. There must
have been some documents showing the ownership of the meadows or both the parties
could be convinced by making them understand that if they got married, the meadows
will belongs to both of them.
Similarly, the issues of dog could be solved instead of counting the negative points of
each other’s dogs. They can discuss the positive features of the dogs. Thus the issues
could be resolved.

Q.2 Describe the incidents of humour in the play, ‘The Proposal’?

Answer: ‘The Proposal’ is certainly a humorous play. The very entry of Lomov in a
formal I dress and the way Chubukov greets calling him ‘darling’, ‘my treasure’ or ‘my
beauty’ make one laugh. Marriage proposal, supposed to be romantic turns to be
humorous as the way Natalya and Lomov indulge in arguments over petty issues like
ownership of Oxen Meadows and superiority of dogs makes the play humorous. The
critical terms that the characters I use for each other like a scarecrow, turnip ghost, blind
hen, stuffed sausage, etc., force one to laugh. The hysterical fit of Natalya when she
comes to know about the proposal and the wailing of father and daughter when they
think Lomov is dead create immense humour. Finally, the way Natalya puts her hand in
Loom’s under continuous arguments indicating acceptance of the proposal is really
humorous. Thus we see that the whole play is replete with humour, making it a
humorous play.

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Q.3 Chubukov has all the attributes of a quarrelsome rich Russian landlord. Instead of
solving the problems, he only adds fuel into the fire in their quarrel over Oxen Meadows
and the dogs. Justify the statement.
Answer:Chubukov represents a typical rich landlord of 19th century Russia. He seems
to be fairly rich and resourceful. Even his neighbour Lornov acknowledges the frequent
help rendered to him by Chubukov. He lands his threshing machine to Lomov. On
account of this help, he has to put off their own threshing till November. Chubukov is
quite practical. He knows that Lomov can be a good match for his daughter Natalya. So,
he at once gives his assent to Lomov’s proposal of marrying her. Actually, he has been
waiting for such a proposal for a long timeChubukov is a landlord and can’t resist his
hunger for land. He opposes the claim of Lomov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows.
He even threatens to send his mowers out to the Meadows.
Chubukov can be quite quarrelsome, abusing and insulting. He always sides with his
daughter. He picks up a quarrel on Oxen Meadows. He calls Lomov “a land grabber”
and “villain”. He abuses his grandfather of being a “drunkard” and his father a ‘gambler’.
He jumps into the quarrel and adds only fuel to the fire. However, Chubukov is a great
opportunity. He grabs the opportunity the moment Lomov comes into the senses. He
makes Natalya kiss and embrace Lomov and gets them married.

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