CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English Set 1 with Solutions

Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English with Solutions Set 1 are designed as per the revised syllabus.

CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English Set 1 with Solutions

Time : 3 hours
Maximum Marks : 80

General Instructions:

The Question paper is divided into three sections: Section A: Reading 26 marks, Section B: Writing Skills and Grammar 23 marks, Section C: Literature 31 marks.
All questions are compulsory.
You may attempt any section at a time.
Allquestions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.

Section-A
Reading (26 marks)

Question 1.
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: (10 marks)
1. It is common knowledge that school children are under great pressure to perform well in all fields, study ten subjects, play games and develop an impressive image. How do they manage? The skills, techniques and principles which they pick up while still young help them cope.

2. Two of twentieth century’s finest minds have lamented that schools are not teaching the basics of personal excellence or the science of success. Edward De Bono : “Almost all of what a child learns at school after the age of ten is totally irrelevant to his need in later life. Most schools do not teach thinking at all.” The serious thesis of this article is that management must be taught as a school subject. The weightiest argument is that children are managers.

3. Many children are called upon to play directly three of the interpersonal roles: “Figurehead”, “Leader” and “Liaison Officer”. They do this while assisting teachers as monitors or class representatives or group leaders during educational torus and field work; while captaining teams on playgrounds; and while leading teams in quiz, debating and other competitions. Many more play these roles as surrogates.

4. The decision role of “Entrepreneur” and “Resource Allocator” may only occasionally be assigned to children. However, it is worth noting that according to a recent survey in Delhi, a monthly allocation of up to Rs. 1000 is available as pocket money to school children. Therefore, school children too need to have control over money and develop a sense of budget. If we add to these financial resources, the resources of time, information and intellect available to children, the first two decision roles are not irrelevant to them.

5. Children play the other two decision roles: “Disturbance Handler” and “Negotiator” more often. True, the international roles of “monitor”, “disseminator” and “spokesman” are not so frequently and formally engaged in by children as by CEOs, MDs, Vice Presidents and other adult managers.

6. If you cannot see children as managers, they are managers in the making: Many of the management habits (e.g. using a to-do list), management skills (e.g. sensitive listening), management attitudes and values are formed early in life. Personality theorists believe that it is extremely difficult to change personality traits, styles of thinking and habits of behaviour once these are formed.

7. As in language learning, where basic aspects of language like pronunciation and rhythm are extremely resistant to learning after puberty, good management habits, attitudes and values are difficult to acquire in adulthood. In the fifties, even in the educationally advanced countries such as the US, Algebra was thought to be too abstract to be taught even in senior schools.

Now it is taught from upper primary classes onwards in both educationally progressive and developing countries. Computer skills, lateral thinking and swimming, often felt to be forbidden by adults are easily learnt by children. In fact, both research evidence and specialists’ beliefs strongly support the view that children’s ability to learn skills like swimming and creative thinking is much more developed than adults. Equally important, complex organisms
(a) learn what is necessary or pleasurable and
(b) adapt themselves in ways that will serve their needs and interests with amazing enthusiasm, ease and effectiveness.
On the basis of your reading of the above passage, answer the following questions by choosing the correct option given below : (1 x 6 = 6)
1.1. The reason of pressure on children is :
(A) common knowledge
(B) absence of skills
(C) choice between studies and games
(D) performance demand in all fields
Answer:
(D) performance demand in all fields

1.2. What according to few educationists is lacking in school teaching?
(A) Basics of personal excellence
(B) Science of success
(C) Thinking
(D) All of the above
Answer:
(D) All of the above

1.3. The sense of budget among children is an indication towards their capability of performing:
(A) interpersonal role
(B) decision role
(C) leading role
(D) informational role
Answer:
(B) decision role

1.4. The article advocates teaching _________ as a subject in school.
(A) management
(B) creative thinking
(C) computer skills
(D) swimming
Answer:
(A) management

1.5. Which word in Para 7 is opposite in meaning of “Concrete”?
(A) Algebra
(B) acquire
(C) resistant
(D) abstract
Answer:
(D) abstract

1.6. The terms used for a detailed critical inspection/study in Para 4 is :
(A) intellect
(B) resource Allocator
(C) survey
(D) budget
Answer:
(C) survey

B. Answer the following questions briefly: (Do any 4)
2.1. The skills, _________ and _________ which they pick up while still young help them cope.
Answer:
techniques and principles

2.2. The weightiest argument is that children are _________.
Answer:
managers

2.3. Many more play these role as _________.
Answer:
surrogates

2.4. The first two decision roles are not _________ to them.
Answer:
irrelevant

2.5. Which word in the above passage means the same as-Regretted’ (Para 2)
Answer:
lamented

2.6. Which word in the above passage means the same as-‘officially’ (Para 5)
Answer:
formally

Question 2.
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. (1 x 8 = 8)
Manav Singh had been farming his land for the past 20 years. His father had also been farming in the same land. But now he is unable to irrigate the agricultural land as the ground water level has gone down and the monsoon rains are also irregular.

He has an option to connect the cannal irrigation that the Government has initiated but is finding it difficult to implement the process. He knows that Farmers worldwide will need to increase crop production, either by increasing the amount of agricultural land to grow crops or by enhancing productivity on existing agricultural lands to meet the global demand.

However, the ecological and social trade-off of clearing more land for agriculture is often high, particularly in the tropics. And right now, crop yields the amount of crops harvested per unit of land cultivated are growing too slowly to meet the predicted demand for food. Even if some regions increase their output and traders reduce the mismatch between supply and demand, doubling food production by 2050 will undeniably be a major challenge.

Thus the last resort for farmers, Manav Singh thinks would be to grow more on the land they currently operate through what is called “sustainable intensification”. This means using precision farming tools, such as GPS fertiliser dispenser, advanced irrigation systems, and environmentally optimized crop rotations.

These methods can help produce more crops, especially in parts of Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe with large yield gaps. They can also reduce the negative environmental impacts from over stressing resources -preventing groundwater depletion and the destruction of fertile lands through over-use of fertiliser.

Net irrigated area (%) of India has increased from nearly 18 to 48% in recent times due to government interventions at various levels (Fig. 1). Although the government has given much emphasis on improving canal system in various five year plans but it has declined over years (Fig. 1). People have identified groundwater irrigation as much reliable and independent source of irrigation. Groundwater irrigation has taken quantum jump since 1965.

Fig. 1. Percent net irrigated to net sown area and per cent canal irrigated & per cent groundwater irrigated to net irrigated area (Source: based on data from DES, 2017-18); NLA %: Net Irrigated area to net sown area, GW %: Groundwater share in net irrigated area, SW %: Surface water share in net irrigated area October-December 2019]

In order to attract more investments in agriculture, the risks need to be reduced by governments. Regulators need to overhaul policies that are affecting the inclusion of small, rural farmers into the financial system. More supportive policies, laws and public spending on infrastructure would help create a favourable investment climate for agriculture.

On the basis of your reading the passage, answer the questions that follow.
Question 1.
Which of the following pairs given in the options can conclude Paragraph 3 and start 4 respectively?
A. Over the last 30 years, investment in agriculture has declined resulting in low productivity and stagnant production.
B. Thus, as banking sectors in developing countries give fewer loans to farmers are bearing huge losses.
C. If we have to use methods extensively more agricultural research is needed which further highlights the need of investments in agriculture.
(A) C-A
(B) C-B
(C) A-B
(D) B-A
Answer:
(B) C-B
Explanation: In order to attract more investments in agriculture, the risks need to be reduced by governments. Regulators need to overhaul policies that are affecting the inclusion of small, rural farmers into the financial system. More supportive policies, laws and public spending on infrastructure would help create a favourable investment climate for agriculture.

Question 2.
What does the author want to convey by, ‘would help create a favourable investment climate for agriculture’ as mentioned in the passage in the italics?
A. The climate conditions need to be improved to improve food production.
B. With supportive policies and laws investments in agriculture are likely to increase.
C. Lower returns in agriculture are the main reason behind low investment.
(A) Only A & C
(B) Only A & B
(C) Only B
(D) Only B & C
Answer:
(C) Only B
Explanation: In order to attract more investments in agriculture, the risks need to be reduced by governments.

Question 3.
Which of the following is /are true according to passage?
A. Paragraph 2 only highlights how food demand can easily be met in the near future.
B. Rising food demand is likely to affect developed countries more severely than the developing countries.
C. Increasing land under agriculture, can impact the ecology negatively.
(A) Only A &B
(B) OnlyB
(C) Only C
(D) Both A & C
Answer:
(C) Only C
Explanation: The ecological and social trade-off of clearing more land for agriculture are often high, particularly in the tropics.

Question 4.
What is the author’s view about sustainable intensification mentioned in paragraph 3?
(A) It is only useful for countries which have small yield gaps.
(B) It may increase food production to meet the rising demands.
(C) It will have a tremendous negative impact on the environment.
(D) It is hyped and may not work in the long run.
Answer:
(B) It may increase food production to meet the rising demands.
Explanation: These methods can help produce more crops, especially in parts of Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe with large yield gaps. They can also reduce the negative environmental impacts from over stressing resources -preventing groundwater depletion and the destruction of fertile lands through over-use of fertiliser.

Question 5.
The graph indicates that the irrigation of agricultural land in India using canal system has _________.
(A) Increased through the years
(B) Decreased through the years
(C) Equal all these years
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(B) Decreased through the years
Explanation: It is clearly visible through graph. From 40 to 21.

Question 6.
Irrigation of agriculture land has increased in the recent years through:
(A) Rain water
(B) Monsoon rain
(C) Canal water
(D) Ground water
Answer:
(D) Ground water
Explanation: It is clearly visible through graph. From 29 to 61.

Question 7.
Which means has been proved more reliable than other sources?
(A) Rain water
(B) Monsoon rain
(C) Canal water
(D) Ground water
Answer:
(D) Ground water
Explanation: People have identified groundwater irrigation as much reliable and independent source of irrigation. Groundwater irrigation has taken quantum jump since 1965.

Question 8.
Which word in the passage means the same as ‘involvement’?
(A) intervention
(B) declined
(C) quantum
(D) emphasis
Answer:
(A) intervention

Answering Tips:

The passages should be read silently and with full concentration.
Grasping the context of the passages is important.
New or difficult words should be deciphered in the context of their use in the passages.
Answers should be in complete sentences.
All answers should be written sequentially.
If a student cannot answer a question, or a part of a question, then it is unwise to continue spending time on it. It is advisable to leave the question for the time being, answer the rest of the questions and then go back to the unanswered question.
While answering an unseen passage or comprehension, you might be aware of the source as you might have read it earlier. In that case, please do not get carried away in writing things beyond the scope of the passage. That will not fetch you extra marks. Please stick to the passage!
All spellings and answers related to seen/unseen passages or comprehensions are found within the scope of the passages; so, it is important to concentrate in them.
Lastly, there is no need to panic. Answering questions correctly is more important than answering all questions. So, adequate time should be given to answer each question properly

Question 3.
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: (8)
1. Every living creature has a time machine that regulates activities. It tells men or animal when to wake up when to sleep, when to slow down psychological activities, it also deals with regulating the body the temperature and release of specific hormones at the proper time. A few call it biological clock while others refer to it as the circadian clock. Its study is known as ‘chrono-biology’.

2. The human body clock completes its cycle over a period of about 24 hours. In the normal circumstances activities of nerve cells drive the clock. In day-to-day life, one never experiences the rhythms of this state because the clock is always influenced by time cues in the environment.

3. These cues, called ‘zeitgebers’ (a German word meaning ‘time givers’) synchronize the clock with the daily – solar cycle. Daylight, diet, physical activity, social behaviours are the well-known zeitgebers. How they influence the clock is still unknown, but it is certain that all the cues are interdependent. For example, regular cycle of sleep and activity affects the time we eat, social interaction and even exposure to daylight.

4. To prove that humans possess an internal, self-sustaining clock and do not simply adjust their behaviour in response to environmental time cues it was essential to create a ‘ time-free’ environment. The first experiments of this kind were carried out in the late 1970s and 1980s by groups in Europe and the US.

During the experiment, which continued for months, the subject chooses when he or she eats and sleeps, but no information is given about time-no TV, no radio, no social contacts and no clock. It emerged that subjects placed in such an environment do not slip into random habits but maintain a routine, powerful evidence for the existence of an internal body clock in humans. All the subjects in the experiments, regardless of whether they were interested in what they were doing, tended to wake up at regular times.

5. Every person, to an extent, has an alarm clock fitted in the mind. Give it a try. Think and set the time in your brain before you set off to sleep. To your assignment, your brain will transmit signals and you will wake up at the required time.

Our biological clock is set accordingly and that’s the reason that counsellors suggest students not to disturb their clock during their exams as it disturbs the whole metabolism. The 24 hour body clock should start at the regular time to have optimum performance during the exams. If we are regular and keep our routine under check we hardly need reminders for day-to-day activities. We need not see the clock for our lunch dinner or other times.
(a) On the basis of your reading the passage, make notes using recognisable abbreviations wherever necessary. Use a format you consider suitable, supply a suitable title. (5 marks)
Answer:
(a) Biological Clock of Human Beings
1. Circadian clock or biolgcl. clock

A time machine regulates living being’s activities.
Regulates our body activities and hormones.
IT s study known as chrono-biology.
Influencd by time cues.

2. Zeitgebers – time givers

Time cues synchronize with daily solar cycle.
Daylight, diet, physical activities known zeitgebers.
Influence on biological clock unknown.
Interdpndnt.

3. Experiment to prove the existence of the biolgcl clock

‘Time-free’ environ created
All activities done without knowing the time.
Maintained routine.
Thus, proved the existence of a powerful body clock.

Key to Abbreviations
S. No.	Abbreviation	Word
1	biolgcl	Biological
2	influencd	Influenced
3	interdpndnt	Interdependent
4	environ	Environment

Commonly Made Errors:

While answering questions related to Unseen Passages/Comprehensions, most students do not read the passages properly. Reading the passages properly is very essential.
Students need to keep in mind that the answers should be brief, relevant and be in their own words, while following the words in the passages carefully
While answering, the students should verify the spellings of the difficult words from the passages themselves, if they are not sure of them in the first place.
Before answering multiple-choice questions, students should read the questions thoroughly and then the given options. Some options can be tricky and need careful attention.
Lastly, before moving on to the next question and just before the final submission of the answer-script, revise the answers carefully. This will help you to find out and eliminate any errors that you have overlooked earlier. The most commonly made mistakes include not reading the passage thoroughly and not paying attention to details. This leads to unclear understanding of the context.
The next big mistake is not noting the ‘key-words’ in the passage. Identification of key-words is important to decide the main thrust of the passage and bring out the summary.
While substituting words for phrases and clauses, the appropriate form of the word should be used. For example, if the substitution requires the adjectival form of a word, then using the noun or the verb form can be fatal.
Spellings and grammar should be checked for during the note-making stage so that no corrections need be implemented during the summary or precis writing.
While providing a Title for the summary/precis, students should relate it to the context of the passage. Too much emphasis on making it catchy might lead to making the blunder of it being not related to the context.

(b) Make a short summary of the passage in about 80 words. (3 marks)
Answer:
Summary:
Our body is regulated by a biological clock which is in synchronization with the daily solar cycle. ‘Zeitgebers’ (time givers) such as daylight, diet, physical activities and social behaviours are interdependent and their influence on our body was proved by scientists. In an experiment carried out in Europe and US, the subjects did all their activities in a time-free environment. Yet they maintained the same routine every day. That s why counsellors advise students to regulate their biological clock to optimise their performance.

Section – B
Writing Skills and Grammar (23 marks)

Question 4.
You want to sell your newly built flat. Draft a suitable advertisement in not more than 50 words to be published in the classified columns of the ‘The Assam Tribune’ giving all necessary details. You are Niranjan/Niranjana of Nabin Nagar, Guwahati. (3 marks)
OR
While travelling in a bus you found some certificates, a wallet and some jewellery in a bag. You found no contact details of the owner in the bag. Draft an advertisement to be published in a local newspaper
Answer:
FLAT FOR SALE
Available a newly built flat, 900 sq. feet, 3rd floor, 3 BHK east facing, semi furnished, parking, original documents, reasonable price. For more details contact Niranjan, 87, Nabin Nager, Guwahati.

Commonly Made Errors

Spellings and grammar errors lead to communication of incorrect messages.
While trying to make the title catchy, students end up stitching together words used in the wrong context and thereby making up a meaningless title.
Also, spellings are tweaked sometimes to emphasise upon an idea or to attract the attention of the reader.
However, often students fail to achieve the desired effect and end up simply making a spelling mistake!

Answering Tips:

While preparing an advertisement, it is important to keep in mind the requirement: whether the advertisement should be a Classified or a Display Advertisement. The message should be prepared accordingly The word-limit of 50 should be strictly adhered to.
Next, it is important to design the advertisement properly. So, one needs to experiment with the font size, style and colour, as well as the layout.
The language and approach should be direct yet attract the attention of the targeted readers.
Lastly, students should ensure correctness of spellings, contextual use of substituting words and grammatical correctness. The Contact address as well as the email ids and phone numbers should be accurate.

OR
BAG FOUND
Found a black coloured VIP bag in a bus on Rani Bagh to Karol Bagh route containing some certificates, Important documents, wallet and some jewellery. Owner may claim by giving proof of ownership to Suresh at 943xxxxxxx

Answering Tips:

While making a poster, it is important to keep in mind what it is all about and whether the created poster gets across the idea clearly or not.
Next, it is important to design the poster properly. So, one needs to experiment with the font size, style and colour, as well as the layout.
Venue, date and time should be mentioned in such a manner that they do not escape peoples’ attention.
Lastly, students should ensure correctness of spellings, contextual use of substituting words and grammatical correctness.

Question 5.
Draft a Poster on ‘Save Water’. (3 marks)
OR
Prepare a poster on behalf of the Municipal Authority of your city informing the citizens about how to protect themselves against mosquitoes.
Answer:

Question 6.
Consumerism is increasing day by day. Luxuries of yesterday have become the necessities of today. The result is that the more we want, the more miserable we become. Write a debate in 150-200 words on ‘The only way to minimize human suffering and pain is to control our needs.’ You are Navtej/Navita. (5 marks)
OR
‘Rainwater harvesting is the only solution to water crisis in the present times.’ Write a debate either for or against motion in 150-200 words, you are Sujatha/ Ajith.
Answer:
The only way to minimize human suffering and pain is to control our needs.
Good morning everyone Respected members of the jury, Principal, teachers and my dear friends, a very pleasant morning to all. Today, I, Navita, is here to present my views on the topic “The only way to minimise human suffering and pain is to control our needs”.

It is true and all of us accept that the lives of our grandparents were much happier, peaceful and relaxed. Though we have more luxuries now, more gadgets, more technology, yet human suffering and pain is only increasing. Man has failed to understand that wants do not bring happiness, instead they bring dissatisfaction and greed. The more contented we are, the happier we will be. The race for consumerism is increasing day-by-day. Now, consumerism has become excessive as it has extended beyond what is needed.

One of its reason may be that the facility of personal credit lures us to make purchases beyond our income level, and also, the advertisements turn us to have more desire for material possessions. They make us to think that the luxuries of yesterday have become the necessities of today. Mobile phones, two wheelers, ipads, have become a normal part of a teenager’s life.

When they can’t afford this, they feel themselves discontented. Infact, in the rat race of earning/acquiring more to get these luxuries, not only personal relationship is getting affected but also the crime rate is increasing. Then either they resort to unlawful means of acquiring these things or fall prey to depression.

We need to understand that happiness is a state of mind. Things do not bring us happiness. It is the joy of getting a thing well done, helping others and just being grateful to what we have, makes us happy.
Thank you
OR
Rainwater harvesting is the only solution to water crisis in the present times
A very good morning to all jury members, friends and fellow opponents. Today, I, Sujatha, am going to speak on the topic ‘Rain harvesting is the only solution to water crisis in the recent times’.

Rainwater Harvesting is one of the most commonly used methods to save water. It refers to storing of rainwater for various uses. The notion behind rainwater harvesting is to not waste the rainwater and prevent it from running off. In other words, it is done to collect rainwater using simple mechanisms. This method is very useful considering the water scarcity that is happening in India. Moreover, rainwater harvesting is so easy that almost anyone can do it. We must encourage this practice to help people gain access to clean water easily without any cost.

When we practice rainwater harvesting, it maintains the level of the groundwater. That way, we all can make the use of groundwater, as it will keep on replenishing through rainwater harvesting. Moreover, rainwater harvesting prevents water from logging on roads. It also reduces the chances of soil erosion. Most importantly, rainwater harvesting improves the quality of water which we consume, as it is the purest form of water.

The critics of rain water harvesting suggest that infrastructure is needed for rain water harvesting and not everyone can do it. I would like to enlighten them that rainwater harvesting is a very simple method that can be practiced by anyone. There is rooftop rainwater harvesting. In this, the roof of a house or building works as a rainwater collection unit.

It includes equipping the roof with pipes that direct to a pit or tank. These pipes will divert the water falling on the roof in the tank to save water from falling off. This is a very economical and efficient way to harvest rainwater.
I therefore agree with the view that rain harvesting is the only solution to water crisis in recent times.
Thank You

Commonly Made Errors:

Not adhering to the alignment properly. Please remember that all the text related to address and salutation should be left aligned, i.e., beginning from the left-hand margin while the body of the letter should be justified.
The word ‘Date: or ‘Date -‘ should not be written before the actual date.
The Addressee should be mentioned properly, complete with PIN. Please remember that ‘PIN (Postal Index Number)’ should be written in place of ‘Pin’.
It is wrong to address people as ‘Dear Sir’ and ‘Dear Madam’. The correct address is always ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ or ‘Mr. Sengupta’ or ‘Mrs. Jha’. This form of address should always be followed by a ‘comma’ (,).
Words and expressions like ‘beg to state’ and ‘humble servant should not be used.
Spellings and grammatical errors should be avoided.

Question 7.
Career conscious students focus primarily on academics and neglect participation in games and sports, not realizing how important physical activities are. You are Vineet/Vinita. Prepare a speech in 120-150 words to be delivered in the morning assembly of your school on the topic, ‘Balancing Academics and Sports’. (5 marks)
Answer:
Balancing Academic and Sports
Respected Principal, worthy Teachers and dear friends. Today I, Vineet Singh of class XI Commerce, stand before you to express my views on the topic ‘Balancing Academics and Sports’.

‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ is an age-old proverb. It emphasises the importance of sports in the life of students. In the world of cut throat competition, career conscious students have forgotten the playgrounds. They focus primarily on academics and neglect participation in games and sports. For them, good grades in academics only matter. But parents along with schools must take initiatives to inculcate a culture of ‘playing’ from early childhood of a student so that it follows them throughout their lives.

Everyone knows that a sound mind resides in a sound body. Today’s children are largely inactive and unhealthy due to the sedentary lifestyles. Sports and physical education is the best cure for children to lead a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity helps control or reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and osteoporosis and improves their metabolism. Sports and games make us energetic and active.

They remove all the lethargy in us. Apart from this, they help with distress. They increase the stamina, and improve the blood-circulation. All these result in a relaxation which in turn improves the concentration and retention. So in one way or the other, academics and sports are interlinked indoor games also help to rejuvenate us. Games like chess improve our focus and concentration.

Our mental ability also improves with games. Striking the right balance between academics and sports can be a thorn in the flesh and would require a team approach to achieve it. With the right help, guidance and communication from all-teachers, parents, coaches. Children can benefit from playing a sport, while still enjoying a quality academic experience by their interests and steering their lives in the right direction.

Question 8.
Rearrange the following words or phrases to make meaningful sentences: (1 x 4 = 4)
(a) the / on / forests / the / industry / oil / depends
(b) give / to / armies / wars / forests / during / our / cover
(c) do / get / the /forests / from / what / we / products?
(d) he / my / letter / received / must have / by / now
Answer:
(a) The oil industry depends on the forests.
(b) Forests give cover to our armies during wars.
(c) What products do we get from the forests?
(d) He must have received my letter by now.

Question 9.
Complete the given dialogues (1 x 3 = 3)
Chinki: Have you bought a birthday gift for Pooja?
Niki: Yes but I don’t know (a) ………………
Chinki: I can help you (b) ………………
Niki: That’s really nice of you, tell me (c) ………………
Answer:
(a) how to pack it nicely.,
(b) if you want,
(c) what you require for packing.

Section – C
Literature (31 marks)

Question 10.
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: (1 x 3 = 3)
A sweet face:
My mother’s that was before I was born.
(a) What is poet referring as ” a sweet face’
(i) Poet is referring to her mother’s photograph with her cousins.
(ii) Poet is referring to her mother in front of her.
(iii) Poet is referring to her mother’s cousin.
(iv) None of the above.
Answer:
(i) Poet is referring to her mother’s photograph with her cousins.

(b) Who took the photograph?
(i) The poet’s father.
(ii) The poet’s mother’s cousin
(iii) The poet’s mother’s uncle
(iv) The poet’s mother
Answer:
(iii) The poet’s mother’s uncle

(c) Where has poet seen her mother’s face?
Answer:
The poet saw her mother’s face in an old photograph.
OR
That is hidden in an infant’s face,
That’s all I know.
(a) What is ‘hidden in an infant’s face’?
(i) innocence
(ii) love
(iii) childhood
(iv) All of the above
Answer:
(iv) All of the above

(b) Has the poet got her answer?
(i) Yes
(ii) No
(iii) Can’t say
(iv) All of the above
Answer:
(i) Yes

Commonly Made Errors:

The most commonly made errors pertain to grammar and spellings
The second most commonly made errors pertain to the wrong perception and expression of the poetic devices. One must first explain what a poetic device is, such as simile, metaphor, allusion and so on, and then explain their usage in the context of the poem.

Answering Tips:

Read the poem thoroughly-more than once, if necessary-to grasp the gist of each stanza
Do not rely on paraphrases
Note the use of words and expressions
Find out the context of the poem
Try to understand meanings of words in context. Remember, poetic meaning of a word may be different from the actual meaning. Also, sometimes certain words may undergo such poetic modifications for the sake of rhythm, which is not generally seen in prose.

Question 11.
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. (1 x 3 = 3)
A. As hills started to push up once more from the rocky wilderness, we passed solitary drokbas tending their flocks. Sometimes men, sometimes women, these well-wrapped figures would pause and stare at our car, occasionally waving as we passed
Question 1.
From which story have these lines been taken?
(A) We’re Not Afraid to Die.. .If We Can All be Together
(B) Landscape of the Soul
(C) The Browning Version
(D) Silk Road
Answer:
(D) Silk Road

Question 2.
Which river had the party crossed?
(A) Ganga
(B) Indus
(C) Ravu
(D) Kyang
Answer:
(C) Ravu

Question 3.
How did the sheep react to the speeding car?
(A) Waved
(B) Steered away
(C) Attacked
(D) Hid
Answer:
(B) Steered away
OR
B. She hobbled about the house in spotless white with one hand resting on her waist to balance her stoop and the other telling the beads of her rosary. Her silver locks were scattered untidily over her pale, puckered face, and her lips constantly moved in inaudible prayer. Yes, she was beautiful. She was like the winter land scape in the mountains, an expanse of pure white serenity breathing peace and contentment.
Question 1.
Who is the author of these lines?
(A) Shirley Toulson
(B) Nani Palkhivala
(C) A. R. Williams
(D) Khushwant Singh
Answer:
(D) Khushwant Singh

Question 2.
Who is being referred to here by the author?
(A) His grandmother
(B) His mother
(C) His wife
(D) His elder sister
Answer:
(A) His grandmother

Question 3.
What was the colour of the dress she used to wear?
(A) Black
(B) White
(C) Red
(D) Blue
Answer:
(B) White

Question 12.
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. (1 x 4 = 4)
A. That’ll do then. [She moves towards the door left then turns] But remember-keep firm-or you’ve had it. [She opens the door. Calling] Hoy! You can come in now. [Coming away from the door, and moving right slightly. Quietly] But remember-remember-a firm hand.
Question 1.
Who is the speaker speaking to?
(A) Cyril
(B) Mrs. Pearson
(C) Mrs. Fitzgerald
(D) George
Answer:
(B) Mrs. Pearson

Question 2.
What is the profession of the speaker?
(A) Fortune teller
(B) Economist
(C) Personality development
(D) Counsellor
Answer:
(A) Fortune teller

Question 3.
What did the speaker want the other person to remember?
(A) Not to be too soft with others
(B) Not to overeat that day
(C) Not to take more pressure
(D) All of these
Answer:
(A) Not to be too soft with others

Question 4.
Who is entering the room when these words are being spoken?
(A) George
(B) Doris
(C) Cyril
(D) All of these
Answer:
(D) All of these
OR
B. The noose was set up somewhat high.
Each man was measured by and by.
But only one man was so tall
He fitted. One man. That was all.
Question 1.
Why was the noose set up?
(A) To hang the wrong doer
(B) To measure everyone
(C) To enlighten the King
(D) None of these
Answer:
(A) To hang the wrong doer

Question 2.
Who does ‘one man’ in the last line refer to?
(A) The wisest man
(B) The old man
(C) The King
(D) The architect
Answer:
(C) The King

Question 3.
The phrase ‘by and by’ here means _________.
(A) one by one
(B) all together
(C) only some of them
(D) None of them
Answer:
(A) one by one

Question 4.
What will be the correct sequence of the following according to the text?
(a) The king decided to postpone the consideration of finer points like guilt
(b) The king lost his crown under the arch.
(c) The king sought an advice from the wisest man.
(d) The workmen blamed the masons.
(e) A melon was crowned the king
(A) abcde
(B) acbde
(C) bdace
(D) dbace
Answer:
(C) bdace

Question 13.
Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each. (3 x 3 = 9 marks)
(a) Give a brief account of the sounds and movements of the goldfinch on the laburnum top.
OR
Why do you think the father appears helpless?
(b) What were Drokbas doing in the “rocky wilderness”?
OR
How does Rajendra Deshpande try to rationalize the experience of Professor Gaitonde about his transition to another world and back?
(c) What was the problem confronted by the Ministers? How did they solve it?
OR
What does the narrator mean when he says that the distribution of the various kinds of spirit of their tribe had been from the beginning capricious and vagrant? How does he illustrate his point?
Answer:
(a) The goldfinch chirps and suddenly settles on the end of a branch on the top of the laburnum tree. Then quite suddenly and watchfully she enters the middle part of the tree. She moves smoothly like a lizard. Then the tree is filled up with a series of short, quick high pitched chattering sounds, shaking of wings and quavering sound.

The whole tree shakes slightly and is excited. It seems as if a whole machine has started working. This thickness of the tree houses the family of goldfinch and she stokes the engine of her family before leaving the tree and flying off to the infinite. The laburnum top regains its silence and stillness.
OR
The father is unable to understand what his son loves to do. He is not in a position to advise him as there is hardly any intimacy between them. They speak like strangers, otherwise there is silence around them. The son has his own dreams and plans which the father does not appreciate.
OR
(b) Drokbas are the people, men or women who were tending their flocks in the rocky wilderness. They wear long-sleeved sheepskin coats to protect themselves from the cold of the high mountains.

According to Rajendra, Professor Gaitonde had passed through a fantastic experience or more correctly, a catastrophic experience. He tried to rationalize it on the basis of two scientific theories that were current then. One was the catastrophe theory. The result of the battle would have been determined by the acts of the leaders and the morale of troops at the critical juncture. The blow of losing the leaders would have led to loss of morale and fighting spirit.

An utter rout would have followed. If the crucial event had gone the other way, its effect on the troops would also have been the opposite. Their morale would have been boosted and they might have won. The course of history would have been different. The other explanation, is through the lack of determinism in quantum theory. Catastrophe situations after radically different alternatives for the world to proceed. All alternatives are viable so far as reality is concerned.

However, the observer can experience only one of them at a time. Professor Gaitonde made a transition from one world to the other as he had been thinking about the catastrophe theory and Battle of Panipat. The neurons in his brain acted as trigger.

(c) After hanging of His Majesty, the ministers were confronted with the problem of finding a ruler for their state. To solve this problem, they followed their old custom. The heralds were sent out to proclaim that the next person who passes the City Gate would choose the ruler of their state.
OR
The narrator means to say that in their tribe a child does not necessarily inherit this spirit from his father. He illustrates his points by giving the example of his cousin Mourad. Mourad’s father was practical but Mourad was considered to be crazy. He seemed to have inherited his craziness from their uncle Khosrove.

Question 14.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words. (6 marks)
Describe the voyage of the narrator after the disaster.
OR
Draw a contrast of the life the narrator’s grandmother spent in the village with the kind of life she led in the city. Particularly, highlight her concern for her grandson’s education.
Answer:
The disaster had greatly damaged the narrator’s ship. But he and his team fought bravely against the wave. They worked on the hand pumps to take out the water. They had survived for 15 hours since the wave hit. But the ‘Wavewalker’ was not in a position to take them to Australia because of its broken condition. The narrator checked the charts and found that there were two small islands a few hundred kilometers to the east.

But unless the wind and seas abated and they hoisted sail, their chances were slim. On 4th January, the situation eased they took their first meal in almost two days with corned beef and cracker biscuits. The narrator asked Larry to steer a course of 185 degrees. Then they reached ‘Ile Amsterdam’ island. All the 28 inhabitants cheered them ashore the next morning.
OR
The grandmother was used to the life of the village. She got up early in the morning. She woke up her grandson and got him ready for school. She was very much concerned about the education of the narrator. She accompanied him to his school. She sat in the temple reading the scriptures. She was friendly even to the village dogs and fed them regularly. The city life and its culture didn’t suit her. She was a religious lady. She was quite conservative in her thinking.

The English school, English language and Science were foreign to her. She was upset to know that they didn’t teach about God and the scriptures at the school. She hated music. She didn’t like music lessons being given at the new school. She felt lonely when he went up to university and then abroad. But she had accepted her loneliness silently.

Commonly Made Errors:

The most commonly made errors pertain to grammar and spellings
The second most commonly made errors pertain to the wrong interpretation of the plot-structure and the character sketches.
Mixing up the names of the different places, i.e., mentioning the wrong place in the context of the wrong event.

Answering Tips:

Read the poem thoroughly-more than once, if necessary-to grasp the gist
Do not rely on paraphrases
Note the character traits of both the major and the minor characters
Find out the context of the story. This will help to understand the sub-themes
Focus on the narrative style of the story.

Question 15.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words. (6 marks)
The play ‘Mother’s Day’ is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of the woman in a family. Bring out briefly the elements of humour and satire.

Answer:
The play ‘Mother’s Day’ is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of the woman in a family. This serious theme is treated in a light-hearted manner. The humour in the play springs from an unusual situation where the personalities of two ladies exchange bodies.

Their subsequent behaviour, which is in total contrast to their previous one, is a very powerful source of laughter. The importance of the character about the personality they are facing also creates humour. The following dialogues also provides a lot of fun :
“Mrs. Pearson, if you had to live my life, it wouldn’t be so bad. You’d have more fun as me than you’ve had as you.”
“It’s that silly old bag from next door Mrs. Fitzgerald.”
“Tickling her off now, are you, Annie?”
“They call you Pompy-Ompy Pearson because they think you’re so slow and pompous.” The actions, gestures and reactions of the characters also provide humour. The housewife being given orders, treated like dirt and forced to stay home every night while other members go out to amuse themselves is sharply contrasted with the position at the end of the play where she is the mistress of the house. The play also satirises the eight hour work culture and threats to go on strike. Even the housewife adopts this weapon.

A shiver of horror passed over Andrew as he gazed at the still form of the new born baby. Though it was a perfectly formed boy, its limp warm body was white. The whiteness meant lack of oxygen. Andrew only remembered the treatment given to such cases in the Samaritan. He gave the child artificial respiration before he had asked for cold and hot water.

Then, he dipped the child alternately in cold and hot water. Now, the child was quite slippery. He rubbed it with rough towel. Then, he pressed and released the chest till it heaved up. Andrew doubled his efforts. The child started gasping. A bubble of mucus came from one tiny nostril. The pale skin turned pink. The limbs were no longer boneless. Its head did not lie back spinelessly. The child gave a cry. It was alive. His efforts were successful.