SECTION - 'A'

(Reading)
1 Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below :
Compared to me, other wonders of the universe pale cinto insignificance. I am a one
and a half kilo mushroom of grey and white tissue of gelatinous consistency. No
computer exists that can duplicate all my myriad functions. My component parts are
staggering in number: some 30 billion neurons and five to ten times that number of
glial cells. And all this fitted into the crown of a size 7 hat! I am Joe's brain.
But I am not just part of Joe. I am Joe - his personality, his reactions, his mental
capacity. He thinks that he hears with his ears, tastes with his tongue, feels with his
fingers. All these things happen inside of me - ears, tongue and fingers merely gather
information. I tell him when he is sick, when he is hungry; I govern his urge, his
moods, everything.
Even when he is asleep I continue to handle traffic that would swamp all the world's
telephone exchanges. The amount of information flooding in on Joe from the outside
is staggering. How can I cope with it all? I simply select what is important, and Joe
ignores the rest. If Joe puts a phonograph record on and attempts to read at the
same time, he will concentrate on the record or the book, but not both. If Joe
becomes involved in a particularly good novel, he should not be surprised if he
doesn't remember hearing his favourite musical passage.
Of course, if something potentially dangerous happens, I instantly shift gears. Let Joe
slip on the ice and I immeidately direct him to regain his balance, and then signal his
arms to break the fall. Finally, if he hits the ground, I let Joe know if he is hurt. And
the event is stored in my memory to warn Joe to walk carefully on ice in the future.
In addition to taking care of such emergencies, I have thousands of house keeping
chores to perform. Overseeing breathing, for example. Sensors inform me that
carbon dioxide is rising in Joe's blood and that he needs more oxygen. I step up the
breathing rate timing the contraction and relaxation of chest muscles.
In thousands of such ways I baby Joe. In return, I am piggishly demanding. Although
I represent only two percent of Joe's body weight, I require 20 per cent of Joe's body
weight, I require 20 per cent of the oxygen he inhales and a fifth of the blood his
heart pumps. I am utterly dependent on a constant supply. Let there be a temporary
shortage and Joe faints. Let the supply be cut off for a few minutes and I suffer grave
damage - paralysis or death may result. I also demand a steady supply of
nourishment - glucose. Even in situations of acute starvations, I get first call on any
available, for without me Joe would die.
Questions:
(i) In thousands of such ways I baby Joe"
Here 'baby' means:
(a) elder
(b) young children
(c) young animal
(d) Joe's brain
(ii) The brain requires _______ of the oxygen he inhales.
(a) 2 per cent
(b) 10 per cent
(c) 20 per cent
(d) 30 per cent
(iii) Give the verb form of 'contraction'.
(a) contractor
(b) contract
(c) contribution
(d) contributor
(iv) Who is 'T' in the passage?
(a) Joe
(b) Joe's brain
(c) Joe's nose
(d) Joe's ears
(v) The weight of the brain is :
(a) Half kg
(b) 1 kg
(c) 1.5 kg
(d) 2 kg
(vi) Joe's brain is Joe's:
(a) personality
(b) reactions
(c) mental capacity
(d) all of these
(vii) The brain shifts __________ when something dangerous happens.
(a) gears
(b) mind
(c) nose
(d) ears
(viii) Ears, tongue and fingers collect ________ only.
(a)collection
(b) information
(c) production
(d) inspiration
(ix) The __________ inform the brain that carbon dioxide is rising in Joe's blood.
(a) nose
(b) ears
(c) brain
(d) sensors
(x) Which among these is the adjective form of 'information'.
(a) informative
(b) inform
(c) informably
(d) informing
--
2. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below:
The ultimate challenge is to make your mind calm. And the ultimate solution is
meditation. In today's age every second person recommends meditation to the first!
And for a student, there can't be a more powerful technique to improve long term
performance in studies.
Calm mind, better retention, better health, focus and concentration are the obvious
benefits. You will realise the benefits, as your practice includes a general sense of
well being and happiness and spiritual growth. The "mood" problem can be taken
care of by this way - meditation.
There are many types of meditation. The simplest is of course, focussing on
breathing. Since your breath is always with you, it can be done anytime, any place.
But the best is to settle down in a cool place that has dim light and is relatively quiet.
You must focus all your attention on your breathing. Observe your breath as it comes
in and goes out. You will see that your mind will tend to wander a lot - but soon you
will be able to bring it back on breathing. Don't obstruct thoughts, let them go off. All
you need to do is to keep your focus on breathing.
When you try this initially, you'll see how difficult it is to do! But soon, you'll gain
mastery over it and who knows you might end up as a Zen master or a spiritual
guru!
Questions:
(i) Make notes on the above passage in points.
Ans: (i) Points
Meditation is the ultimate solution to calm the mind.
Meditation benefits students by improving long-term performance in studies.
Benefits of meditation include a calm mind, better retention, better health, focus,
concentration, well-being, happiness, and spiritual growth.
The simplest type of meditation is focusing on breathing.
Meditation can be done anytime, any place, but it's best to settle down in a cool,
quiet place with dim light.
Focus all your attention on your breathing and observe it as it comes in and goes out.
The mind will wander, but gently bring it back to the breath without obstructing
thoughts.
Meditation is initially difficult, but with practice, you can gain mastery over it.
(ii) Give a suitable title to the passage.
Ans: Title - The Power of Meditation for Students
SECTION – B
(Writing)
3. You are Sunil, residing at 26, Gandhi Colony Ujjain. Write a letter to your
friend Lalit/Leena telling him/her how you spent your summer vacation.
Gandhi Colony, Ujjain
[Date]
Dearest Lalit/Leena,
Hope this letter finds you well! I'm writing to you today to share about all the fun
and excitement I had during my summer vacation. Remember how we were
counting down the days for school to end? Well, those lazy, free days are finally over,
but I wanted to relive the memories before diving back into textbooks.
My summer got off to a relaxing start. The first few weeks were all about catching up
on sleep, reading those books we kept recommending to each other, and spending
quality time with my family. We even had a cozy movie marathon night every
weekend, complete with popcorn and homemade snacks!
But the real adventure began in the middle of June. My family and I embarked on a
road trip to [mention the place you visited]. It was amazing! We explored [mention
specific activities or places you visited], got lost in the beauty of [mention something
memorable about the place], and even tried some delicious local food that left us
licking our fingers. [Share a short anecdote about a funny or exciting moment from
the trip].
Back home, the lazy days resumed, but with a twist. I finally enrolled in that
[mention activity you were interested in] class I've been wanting to take. It was
challenging and rewarding at the same time, and I learned so much from it. Now I
can [mention a new skill you learned]!
Of course, no summer vacation is complete without hanging out with friends. We
had some epic game nights, went on spontaneous movie outings, and even managed
to squeeze in a weekend camping trip (which, let me tell you, was an experience in
itself!). [Share a short story about a memorable moment with friends].
Now, with school starting again, I feel both excited and a little nostalgic. But these
summer memories will keep me going until the next break. I can't wait to hear all
about your adventures too! Write back soon and tell me everything.
Looking forward to catching up soon,
Sunil
OR
Write a letter to the Post Master of Head Post Office to complain against the
Postman of your area. You are Priyanshi Batra, residing at 17 - Ekta Colony,
Guna.
Ekta Colony, Guna
[Date]
The Postmaster,
Head Post Office,
Guna
Subject: Complaint Regarding Irregular Mail Delivery by Postman in Ekta Colony
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my deep concern and dissatisfaction with the mail delivery
service in Ekta Colony, Guna. My name is Priyanshi Batra, and I reside at 17 - Ekta
Colony. For the past [mention timeframe, e.g., few weeks, months], I have been
experiencing irregular and inconsistent mail delivery by the postman assigned to
our area.
Here are some specific instances of the issues I have faced:
Delayed deliveries: Important documents and letters often arrive late, causing
inconvenience and sometimes missed deadlines.
Missing mail: On several occasions, I have not received expected mail items, leading
to concerns about lost or misplaced deliveries.
Incorrect sorting: Occasionally, I receive mail addressed to other residents,
indicating potential sorting errors.
Unprofessional conduct: While I rarely interact with the postman directly, his work
ethic seems questionable, as mail is sometimes left unattended at the gate or thrown
carelessly at the doorstep.
This inconsistent and unreliable service is unacceptable, and it significantly impacts
the lives of residents in Ekta Colony. We rely on the postal service for important
communication, financial transactions, and other essential needs.
Therefore, I kindly request you to investigate this matter thoroughly and take
immediate steps to address the following:
Ensure timely and accurate deliveries of all mail items in Ekta Colony.
Investigate the instances of missing mail and implement measures to prevent future
occurrences.
Improve the mail sorting process to ensure correct deliveries.
Address any concerns regarding the postman's conduct and professionalism.
I believe a proper investigation and corrective action will significantly improve the
mail delivery service in our area. I am confident that you will take my concerns
seriously and work towards providing a reliable and efficient service to all residents
of Ekta Colony.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt
response and resolution.
Sincerely,
Priyanshi Batra
--
4. Write a paragraph in about 120 words on any one of the following topics:
(i) The Role of Computers in everyday life.
Ans : The Indispensable Computer: Woven into the Fabric of Daily Life
Imagine a world without the constant hum of laptops, the glow of smartphones, or
the click-clack of keyboards. Unthinkable, right? Computers have seamlessly
integrated themselves into every facet of our lives, from the mundane to the
extraordinary. From waking us up with gentle alarms to connecting us with loved
ones across continents, they streamline communication, fuel entertainment, and
power innovation. Students delve into online libraries, professionals craft
presentations, and artists create digital masterpieces - all thanks to these versatile
machines. Even our shopping habits, banking transactions, and healthcare diagnoses
rely heavily on computerized systems. While their presence might seem ordinary,
computers have undoubtedly become the invisible threads weaving the tapestry of
our daily lives. In fact, it's become difficult to envision a world where they don't
exist, solidifying their position as indispensable companions in our modern journey.
(ii) The Importance of Trees.
Ans: Trees play a vital role in the Earth's ecosystem, serving as the foundation for a
healthy and balanced environment. Not only do they contribute to air and water
quality, prevent soil erosion, and produce oxygen for all living beings, but they also
absorb carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis. However, the global
rate of deforestation is alarming, with an estimate of 9 billion trees being lost each
year. This is equivalent to cutting down one entire forest every three days.
The loss of trees not only impacts the environment, but also impacts human lives as
they provide us with essential goods such as food, fuel, and medicine. Trees serve as
the primary source for many industrial fuels, such as petrol, diesel, LPG and CNG,
which are all derived directly or indirectly from them. It is crucial that we take
immediate action to conserve and protect our forests, as they are an irreplaceable
resource for both the planet and humanity.
(iii) Value of Games
Ans: The Importance of Games and Sports Games and sports are vital in our life. It
helps everyone to improve and maintain physical ability and skills. There are various
types of sports and games. Those which can be played inside the door named as
indoor games whereas which can be played outside the door named as outdoor
games. Education is very necessary to get name fame and money in the same way
getting a sound mind and body everyone must involve in some type of physical
activities for which games and sports is the best way. Games and sports develop in
us a sense of fellow-feeling. They train our minds and shape our thinking. They
develops in us the spirit of co-operation discipline honesty and sportsmanship.
Students should take part in games and sports because a healthy mind lives in a
healthy body.
(iv) My Ideal Teacher
Ans: Being the best teacher sometimes requires adjusting some aspects of one's
personality to suit the students and motivate them to learn. It might also involve
changing how you perceive your work. Knowledge would be the most crucial quality
in an ideal teacher. They can assist students with any questions because they are
typically knowledgeable in their field. They would regularly keep themselves
updated on developments in their field of study and read more research-based
material on it. They would be enthusiastic about their subject, and the students
would be inspired to perform well in class as a result. A teacher who is empathetic
will be able to connect with their students and help them learn and grow.
OR
You have witnessed an accident. Write a report for a newspaper in about 120
words about the accident using the following details.
Where, when and how did the accident happen, people, vehicles involved, loss
of life and property. The scene of the accident, details of casualties - deaths,
injured, hospitalized.
Ans: Deoghar: 25th May, 2008, India Today News Service. Deoghar is no more a safe
city. Various accidents are reported everyday on the roads of the city. The horrible
road accident that took away three innocent lives yesterday is just an addition to the
long list. A school bus collided with an oil tanker coming from the opposite direction.
The accident took place near Hazrat Ganj Police Station. The driver of the bus lost
control of the speeding bus. The driver of the oil tanker tried to take a sharp tum.
There was a head-on collision. The school bus was toppled over. The oil tanker
caught fire. Most of the children were saved. But the conductor and a school boy died
on the spot. Ten students received minor injuries. They were admitted to a nearby
hospital. The fire brigade arrives within ten minutes. But the oil flown onto the road
caught fire. The loss ran info thousands of rupees.
5. You are the head boy of your school. Draft a notice for house captains and
vice captains to attend a meeting presided over by the Principal to prepare a
plan for annual function.
OR
Design an attractive poster on behalf of Indore Police to educate and warn
the people against unclaimed articles like dolls, tiffins, bags, suitcases,
transistors, mobiles lying in public places / trains / buses.
Ans: (i) Important Notice: Meeting for Annual Function Planning
To: House Captains and Vice Captains
From: [Your Name], Head Boy
Date: [Date of the notice]
Subject: Meeting for Annual Function Planning - Presided by Principal
I am writing to inform all house captains and vice captains about an important
meeting regarding the planning of our upcoming annual function. The meeting
will be presided over by our esteemed Principal, [Principal's Name], and will be
held on:
Date: [Date of the meeting]
Time: [Time of the meeting]
Location: [Location of the meeting] (e.g., Principal's Office, Auditorium)
The purpose of this meeting is to collaboratively brainstorm ideas, discuss themes,
and develop a comprehensive plan for the annual function. Your valuable input
and leadership are crucial for making this event a memorable and successful one.
Please come prepared to discuss:
Potential themes for the annual function
Ideas for various segments (e.g., performances, competitions, exhibitions)
Logistics and resource allocation
Volunteer recruitment and delegation of tasks
As house captains and vice captains, you play a vital role in leading your houses
and representing your peers. Your active participation and creative contributions
are highly encouraged.
Please confirm your attendance by [Date] to [Name and contact details of the
person collecting confirmations]. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Head Boy
SECTION 'C'
(Grammar)
(6) Fill in the blanks choosing the correct option: (any five)
(i) _______ man who wrote this book is my friend.
(a) A
(b) An
(c) The
(d) No article
(ii). I know ______ he is ill.
(a) who
(b) that
(c) which
(d) where
(iii) We keep our bread in the fridge _______ it doesn't go
(a) after
(b) so that
(c) since
(d) although
(iv) How ______ milk do you buy daily?
(a) many
(b) few
(c) all
(d) much
(v) Indian youth is full ______ hope for the bright future of the country.
(a) of
(b) for
(c) at
(d) on
(vi) Mohan ______ speak two languages.
(a) need
(b) dare
(c) can
(d) used to

7. Do as directed (any five)

(i) (a) She did not talk to me.
(b) She did not look at me.
(Combine the sentences using 'neither....nor')
(ii) You / have / how / much / experience / got?
(Rearrange the words and make a sentence)
(iii) The tea so hot that I can't drink it.
(Rewrite the sentence using 'too....to')
(iv) My friend sent me a letter.
(change the voice)
(v) As soon as I met my friend, I started weeping.
(Rewrite the sentence using 'No sooner....than')
(vi) You can catch the bus if you take a taxi.
(Rewrite using unless' in place of 'if')
(vii) He had his lunch.
(Change into 'past perfect' tense)
Ans : (i) She neither talked to me nor looked at me.
(ii) How much experience have you got?
(iii) The tea is too hot for me to drink it.
(iv) I was sent a letter by my friend. (Passive voice)
(v) No sooner than I met my friend, did I start weeping.
(vi) Unless you catch the bus, you will have to take a taxi.
(vii) He had had his lunch. (Past perfect tense)
Explanation:
I. Combining Sentences:
Use "neither...nor" to combine two negative sentences with the same subject and
verb.
II. Rearranging Words:
Rearrange the words to form a natural question in active voice.
III. Too...to:
Use "too" + adjective/adverb + "to" + verb to express something being impossible
due to an extreme quality.
IV. Passive Voice:
Change the subject and verb to make the recipient of the action the subject.
V. No Sooner...Than:
Use "No sooner than" + clause 1 + "did" + clause 2 to show immediate action
following another.
VI. Replacing "If" with "Unless":
Use "unless" to express a negative condition, meaning the action will happen if the
condition is not met.
VII. Past Perfect Tense:
Use "had" + past participle to show an action completed before another past action.
8. Answer the following questions in about 75 words each: (any two)
(i) What did Mr. Hamel say about French language?
Ans: Mr Hamel is a great lover of his language. His praise for his mother tongue
shows his great love for French. He says that French is the most beautiful language in
the world. It is the clearest and the most logical language.
(ii) What made the peddler think that he had indeed fallen into rattrap?
Ans: In the story "The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlöf, the peddler realizes he's fallen
into a rattrap due to two key factors:
1. Getting lost in the woods: After stealing money from the crofter, the peddler
avoids the main road and enters the forest. However, he becomes disoriented and
keeps walking in circles, unable to find a way out. This repetitiveness and feeling
trapped mirrors the mechanism of a rattrap.
2. Internal reflection: As he wanders, the peddler reflects on his actions and feels
immense guilt for stealing. He realizes how easily he was tempted by the money, just
like a rat lured by bait. This self-awareness reinforces the association with being
trapped and helpless, similar to how a rat would be in a rattrap.
Therefore, it's a combination of the external experience (wandering in circles) and
the internal realization (guilt and self-reflection) that makes the peddler believe he's
fallen into a metaphorical rattrap.
(iii) Is Saheb happy working at the tea stall? Explain.
Ans: Saheb is not really happy working at the tea-stall because working for a master
meant sacrificing his freedom and his “carefree look”. Even though the job at the tea-
stall pays him 800 rupees and all his meals, he seems less contented than before.
The weight of his master’s steel canister seems heavier than his rag-picking plastic
bag.
9. Answer any one of the following questions in about 75 words.
(i) Write the central idea of the poem 'Keeping Quiet'.
Ans: In "Keeping Quiet," Pablo Neruda weaves several central ideas together:
1. The Power of Silence: The poem urges a collective moment of introspection and
stillness, represented by counting to twelve. This silence disrupts our usual
busyness and allows us to connect with the deeper world around and within us.
2. Harmony Through Reflection: By quieting ourselves, we can appreciate the
interconnectedness of nature and humanity. Neruda describes birds, flowers, and
workers, showing how their peaceful existence hinges on collective understanding.
3. Anti-war Message: The poem can be read as a plea for peace. By reflecting on the
interconnectedness, we are urged to abandon violence and build harmony, creating a
world where "the water stops its weeping."
4. The Importance of Individual Action: Although Neruda calls for collective
reflection, the poem starts with an individual act: "Keep quiet." This suggests that
personal introspection is the first step towards creating a more peaceful and
harmonious world.
(ii) Summarize the poem 'A Thing of Beauty'.
Ans: John Keats' "A Thing of Beauty" celebrates the enduring power of beauty to
uplift and enrich our lives. He declares that anything beautiful offers eternal joy and
delight, its essence never fading or diminishing. Beauty acts as a haven, providing
peaceful sleep, good health, and sweet dreams. Even amidst earthly struggles and
sorrow, beautiful things bind us to the earth with a "flowery band," offering respite
and solace. The poem emphasizes the abundance of beauty in nature, citing the sun,
moon, trees, flowers, and streams as examples. These wonders, readily available if
we open our eyes to them, provide a source of lasting happiness and inspiration,
transcending the material world and enriching our souls.
10. Answer any one of the following questions in about 75 words.
(i) What are the indications for the future of humankind?
Ans: The ecological balance of the earth has been continuously receiving big
setbacks since the evolution of human civilization. With the ever increasing
population, the need for natural resources is automatically on a rise. Due to this,
climate change is fast setting in. Unchecked burning of fossil fuel has created a
blanket of carbon dioxide around the world. Along with this, the melting of glaciers
and the subsequent rise in global warming may lead to a catastrophe in the near
future. The changes in the earth’s environment give indications that we need to
change our ways of life before it is too late.
(ii) What did the royal infant grow up to be?
Ans: The royal infant grew up to be the king of Pratibandapuram who was obsessed
with the idea of killing one hundred tigers. He wanted to do so to disprove the
prophecy which said that his death would come from the hundredth tiger. This made
him kill all tigers of Pratibandapuram. He even married for the sake of this ambition.
He came to be known as the Tiger King.
11. Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions given below.
When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram, in central India, he
said, "I will tell you how it happened that I decided to urge the departure of the
British. It was in 1917".
He had gone to the December 1916 annual convention of the Indian National
Congress Party in Lucknow. There were 2,301 delegates and many visitors. During
the proceedings, Gandhi recounted, "a peasant
came up to me looking like any other peasant in India, poor and emaciated, and said,
'I am Rajkumar Shukla. I am from Champaran, and I want you to come to my
district'!" Gandhi had never heard of the place. It was in the foothills of the towering
Himalayas near the Kingdom of Nepal.
Question:
(i) How many delegates were there in the annual convention of the Indian National
Congress Party?
(a) 2,301
(b) 2,401
(c) 2,500
(d) 2,600
(ii) When did Rajkumar Shukla meet Gandhi?
(a) in 1916
(b) in 1917
(c) in 1942
(d) in 1947
(iii) Give the similar meaning of the word 'peasant':
(a) visitor
(b) traveller
(c) convener
(d) farmer
(iv) Champaran is situated :
(a) in Sevagram
(b) In Lucknow
(c) near Nepal
(d) near Sri Lanka
(v) From which lesson this extract has been taken?
(a) The Last Lesson
(c) The Interview
(b) Indigo
(d) Going Places
12. (A) Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions given below:
Driving from my parent's
home to Cochin last Friday
morning, I saw my mother,
beside me,
doze, open mouthed, her face
ashen like that
of a corpse and realized with pain
that she was as old as she looked but soon
put that thought away.
Questions:
(i) The poetess is coming from
(a) Cochin
(b) her parent's home
(c) airport
(d) Delhi
(ii) The word 'corpse' means
(a) father
(b) a body part
(c) parents
(d) dead body
(iii) Name the poet
(a) Kamla Das
(b) Pablo Neruda
(c) John Keats
(d) Robert Frost
(B) Read the extract carefully and answer the questions given below:
The chief astrologer placed his finger on his nose in wonder.
A baby barely ten days old opens its lips in speech! Not only that,
it also raises intelligent questions! Incredible! Rather like the
bulletins issued by the war office, than facts.
The chief astrologer took his finger off his nose and fixed his eyes upon the little
prince.
"The prince was born in the hour of the Bull. The Bull and the Tiger are enemies,
therefore, death comes from the tiger," he explained.
Questions:
(i) The chief astrologer placed his finger:
(a) on his mouth
(b) on his head
(c) on his nose
(d) on his leg
(ii) How many days old is the baby when he opens his lips in speech?
(a) ten days
(b) twenty days
(c) thirty days
(d) forty days
(iii) The prince was born
(a) in the hour of the bull
(b) in the hour of the tiger
(c) in the hour of the Bull and the Tiger
(d) all of these
(iv) From which lesson this extract has been taken?
(a) The Third Level
(b) The Enemy
(c) The Tiger King
(d) On the Face of It.
13. Answer the following questions in about 30 words (any five)
(i) What had been put up on the bulletin-board?
Ans: The bulletin-board notified the general public about an order from Berlin. It
stated that only German was to be taught to students in the schools of Alsace and
Lorraine.
(ii) What is Saheb looking for in the garbage dumps? Where has he come from?
Ans: Saheb is looking for coins, rupee notes and any other useful objects in the
garbage dumps.
Saheb and his family have migrated to Seemapuri, a slum area on the outskirts of
Delhi, looking for a source of living after they were uprooted from their native
village in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
(iii) Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?
Ans: Douglas was determined to overcome his fear of water because this phobia had
ruined his fishing trips. Moreover, he had also never been able to enjoy water sports
like canoeing, boating, and swimming. He was determined to get an instructor and
learn swimming to get over his fear of water.
(iv) What doubts did Edla have about the Peddler?
Ans: When Edla went to the iron mill to fetch the peddler, she noticed that he was
frightened. She had doubts that the peddler had stolen something or had escaped
prison. His appearance and behaviour also left her in doubts whether he was
actually an educated man, as claimed by her father.
(v) List the places that Gandhi visited between his first meeting with Shukla and his
arrival at Champaran.
Ans: Gandhi's first meeting with Shukla was at Lucknow . Then he went to Cawnpore
( Kanpur ) and other parts of India . He returned to his ashram Ahmedabad . Later
he went to Calcutta , Patna and Muzaffarpur before arriving at Champaran.
(vi) Why do most celebrity writers despise being interviewed?
Ans: Most of the celebrity writers despise being interviewed because they consider
it as an unwarranted intrusion into their lives. They feel that it somehow diminishes
them.
14. Answer the following questions in about 30 words each: (any three)
(i) Why has the mother been compared to the 'late winter's moon'?
Ans: The poet's mother has been compared to the late winter's moon to bring out
the similarity of ageing and decay. The late winter moon looks hazy and obscure. It
lacks shine and strength. The poet's mother has an 'ashen' face resembling a corpse.
(ii) What is the 'sadness' that the poet refers to in the poem 'Keeping Quiet'?
Ans: The 'sadness' that the poet talks about is ceaseless activity without
understanding ourselves that would eventually lead to doom. This mindless activity
leads men to self-destruction. They kill whales and injure themselves by chemicals
or fire. He also pleads with mankind to end environmental degradation. Such
activities lead to a situation that is a mere illusion of victory but in actuality, is fatal.
(iii) List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem 'A Thing of Beauty'.
Ans: According to the poet, there are numerous creations of God such as the Sun
which gives us energy; the moon's beauty and the trees which us shades. There are
animals around us such as sheep which makes our world lively. Pretty flowers like
daffodils make the world green. The flowing streams of water cool which refresh us
in hot summer. The forests are full of musk rose flowers.
(iv) What is the 'childish longing' that the poet refers to?
Ans: The 'childish' longing that the poet refers to, is the longing of these rural people
that one day at least someone of all the thousand selfish people who pass in their
luxurious cars, will halt even if it is only to inquire about a farmer's miserable plight.
The complete indifference of the city dwellers towards the poor rural folk saddens
him. The longing is in 'vain' as deep within him he realizes that it is highly unlikely
that the selfish city folk will pause to look at the miserable plight of the poor people
or even give them a thought.
15. Answer any two of the following questions in about 30 words each:
(i) What does the third level refer to?
Ans: The third level was the subway of the Grand Central Station, and it took
passengers from Galesburg, Illinois. Metaphorically it refers to an escape medium
that takes man away from the harsh realities of life. In the present world, people are
lost in the rush to achieve more and are clouded by worries and anxieties. A man
wishes to fulfill the wishes that are rooted in his subconscious mind. The third level
provided space to fabricate fantasy and reality.
(ii) Who is the tiger king? Why does he get that name?
Ans: The Tiger King is Jilani Jung Bahadur, the king of Pratibanda puram. When the
prince was born, astrologers predicted that he would have to die one day. The ten-
day-old prince asked the astrologers to divulge the method of his death. The
wise men were perplexed by this miracle. According to the chief astrologer, he will
be killed by a tiger. 'Let tigers beware!' hissed the young prince, hissing ominously.
He made the decision to kill a hundred tigers. As a result, the moniker "Tiger King"
was bestowed upon him.
(iii) Will Hana help the wounded man and wash him herself?
Ans: The wounded American was in a very bad state and needed to be washed
before being operated on. Hana did not want Dr Sadao to clean the dirty and
unconscious prisoner, and so asked their servant, Yumi, to do so. However, Yumi
defied her masters order and opted out of it. As a result, Hana had no other option
but to wash him herself. Although this act was impulsive and dipped in a sense of
superiority over her servant, Yumi, she did it with sincerity.