CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English Set 8 with Solutions

Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English with Solutions Set 8 are designed as per the revised syllabus.

CBSE Sample Papers for Class 11 English Set 8 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)
A man, his vision and his message
1. A.P J. Abdul Kalam was a multifaceted personality, a statesman and visionary and above all a good human being. He was a brilliant scientist and modern thinker. When I joined him as Press Secretary after ten days of his becoming President, at his very first meeting he gave me his vision of a developed India.

He spoke of how he wanted to make Rashtrapati Bhavan a people’s place where voice of the millions of downtrodden people of India would be heard and action taken. Indeed during his time Rashtrapati Bhavan became a people’s place and he became popular as People’s President. He wanted that institution of the President to be totally identified by ordinary people.

2. President Kalam took his Presidency seriously from day one. He was as comfortable with constitutional and legal issues as he was with school children. He was committed to nation-building and created a vision document to make India a developed nation by 2020. He made a powerpoint presentation to senior ministers and bureaucrats on this.

3. He used to make powerpoint presentations at conferences and seminars both in India and abroad to discuss that vision. On these, he used to work himself and he was very particular about every word and sentence.

4. He did it during his visits abroad and while meeting dignitaries such as US President George Bush and Pakistan President Pervez Musharaf. When he presented his vision of India’s nuclear energy requirements to Mr. Bush and his vision of a joint fight India and Pakistan could wage against poverty, the respective Presidents commented that they had to become scientists to understand the presentation. You can’t think of any other President of a country who would have done that.

5. His vision for the nation was based on equality, the dignity of the individual and justice, social, economic and political, to every Indian. Only then can India succeed and everybody sing the song of India, he used to say.

6. I met him last on July 22, five days before his demise. It was an one-on-one meeting that lasted a good 40 minutes. He was full of ideas as always, very active and discussed different subjects. He used to tell me, “Whatever you do, do differently. Wherever you work, leave a mark and be remembered.”

7. During his presidency he was always comfortable, except on two occasions, when his unease was visible. When he had to give his consent to the Office of Profit Bill, 2006 after it was sent for the second time by the Parliament and when he had to approve the ordinance on Disqualification of Elected Representatives in 2004 as it was sent to him by the Cabinet for a second time.

8. He was an icon for the youth. He used to say “Aiming small is a crime. Youth should have the courage to think differently and explore unexplored paths. Difficulties would come but don’t be afraid of them overcome them with your intellect and hard work.”

9. The man who pioneered India’s missile programme was always proud of his work at the Indian Space Research Organisation and other scientific institutions. He used to believe that a scientific approach could find a solution to every problem.

10. He was an ardent secularist and also a religious man. He believed that all religions are like beautiful islands; but there is no connectivity between them. We should strive to achieve this connectivity and transform religion into spirituality. For him religion and morality were the same.

11. A man of vision, he always worked in mission mode. He had a mission to meet 10 lakh students and interact with them. He completed this when he
left Rashtrapati Bhavan. He continued with this till his last breath. His child-like simplicity was an instant hit.

12. He got the sobriquet of being the People’s President because of his humility and accessibility. President Kalam always worked towards building consensus rather than ramming down decisions.

13. He came from a modest background, but educated himself and worked hard to rise to the top. He was simply the missile man whose books were prime-sellers, whose lectures were always house full. He was adored by children as he would give them easy-to-digest messages.
A. On the basis of your understanding of the passage answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate option. (1 x 6 = 6)
1.1. Which of the following traits explain in a single word the many qualities of A. E J. Abdul Kalam?
(a) brilliant scientist
(b) visionary
(c) statesman
(d) multifaceted
Answer:
(d) multifaceted

1.2. What was so special about A.E J. Abdul Kalam that no other president could do?
(a) His vision documents
(b) Equally comfortable with legal issues and school children
(c) His skill of powerpoint presentation on nuclear energy
(d) His commitment to nation building
Answer:
(b) Equally comfortable with legal issues and school children

1.3. Which of the following qualities made him loved by children?
(a) Advised them to start aiming small
(b) Encouraged them to think differently
(c) Advised them with easy to digest messages
(d) Exhorted them to overcome difficulties
Answer:
(c) Advised them with easy to digest messages

1.4. The bills were not passed by A.E J. Abdul Kalam initially because
(a) they were profit bills
(b) they were not sent by the cabinet
(c) parliament sent for the second time
(d) he was not convinced with them
Answer:
(d) he was not convinced with them

1.5. ‘Sobriquet of being People’s President’ (para 12) is an?
(a) title
(b) nickname
(c) award
(d) honour
Answer:
(d) honour

1.6. The antonym of ‘modest’ (para 13) is?
(a) flamboyant
(b) immodest
(c) ordinary
(d) poor
Answer:
(a) flamboyant

B. Answer the following questions as briefly as possible : (Do any 4) (1 x 4 = 4)
2.1. He wanted the institution of the President to be totally identified by ________.
Answer:
ordinary people

2.2. He made a power point presentation to senior ministers and ________ on this.
Answer:
bureaucrats

2.3. Presidents commented that they had to become ________ to understand the presentation.
Answer:
scientists

2.4. He was an ________ for the youth.
Answer:
icon

2.5. Pick out the word from the passage which are similar in meaning to ‘person of high position’, (para 4)
Answer:
dignitaries

2.6. Pick out the word from the passage which are similar in meaning to ‘written material with evidentiary value’, (para 2)
Answer:
powerpoint presentation

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.

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 2.
Read the following passage carefully and then answer the following questions.
The Global Teacher Prize:
The Global Teacher Prize is a US$1 million award presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession.

A few years ago, an educational charity called the Varkey Foundation was concerned that many problems around the world are caused by lack of education. They decided to ask Populus, a leading research company, to find out more, by comparing education in countries around the world. One section was on how teaching compares with other professions.

Their investigation also covered many other key topics, such as are children encouraged to become teachers. The results of this survey, published in 2013, shocked the chairman of the Varkey Foundation, whose parents had both been teachers. Therefore, in the same year, he decided to establish the Global Teacher Prize, with the overall intention of raising the profile of the teaching profession. The first prize was awarded in 2015.

The process of choosing a winner is a lengthy one. People can name a teacher they know, or a teacher can apply themselves. In the first year, teachers from 127 different countries were nominated, and over 5000 applications were received. After the closing date, a team of judges carefully selects 10 finalists, who gather in Dubai for an exciting event where the award is presented.

The winner in the first year was Nancie Atwell, a teacher from the USA, and media interest in her success was enormous. After accepting her prize, Nancie gave a speech in which she talked about the fact that as a teacher you can make a real difference to students’ lives.

Nancie discovered a love of books when she was a child, and went on to become an English teacher. Like many other teachers, she enjoys the chance to be creative in the classroom. She developed a technique called the writing-reading workshop, which she first described in her book ‘In The Middle’.

The 2016 competition was also a great success. The award was presented to a primary school teacher called Hanan A1 Hroub. She developed her own specialist teaching approach, which is based on developing trusting and friendly relationships with students, paying attention to their individual needs, and above all, rewarding positive behavior. She wrote about this in her book ‘We Play and Learn’, which has inspired other teachers to review the way they teach.

Would you consider going into the teaching profession? After all, no two days are the same, which is what attracts many to teaching in the first place. Perhaps the Global Teacher Prize can inspire more people to try to become the outstanding teachers of the future!

A teacher’s average working week
Registration 1.5 hours
Teaching classes 25 hours
Preparing lessons 5 hours
Marking homework/coursework 9 hours
Meetings 1.5 hours
Administration 2.5 hours
School duty 2 hours

Question 1.
Which organization carried out a survey into education?
(A) Populas
(B) Globed Teacher
(C) Varkey Foundation
(D) Play and Learn
Answer:
(A) Populas
Explanation: A few years ago, an educational charity called the Varkey Foundation was concerned that many problems around the world are caused by lack of education. They decided to ask Populus, a leading research company, to find out more, by comparing education in countries around the world.

Question 2.
What questions did the education survey include?
(A) how teaching is compared with other professions
(B) whether children are encouraged to become teachers
(C) both (A) and (B)
(D) neither (A) nor (B)
Answer:
(C) both (A) and (B)
Explanation: One section was on how teaching compares with other professions. Their investigation also covered many other key topics, such as are children encouraged to become teachers.

Question 3.
When was the Global Teacher Prize set up?
(A) 2012
(B) 2013
(C) 2015
(D) 2016
Answer:
(B) 2013
Explanation: The results of this survey, published in 2013, shocked the chairman of the Varkey Foundation, whose parents had both been teachers. Therefore, in the same year, he decided to establish the Global Teacher Prize, with the overall intention of raising the profile of the teaching profession.

Question 4.
What is the main aim of the Global Teacher Prize?
(A) making teaching popular
(B) to arouse media’s interest
(C) making teaching interesting
(D) raising profile of teaching
Answer:
(D) raising profile of teaching
Explanation: Global Teacher Prize was given with the overall intention of raising the profile of the teaching profession.

Question 5.
How many teachers entered for the prize in the first year?
(A) 1000
(B) 2000
(C) over 5000
(D) 5000
Answer:
(C) over 5000
Explanation: In the first year, teachers from 127 different countries were nominated, and over 5000 applications were received.

Question 6.
Where does the prize ceremony take place?
(A) Dubai
(B) USA
(C) UK
(D) London
Answer:
(A) Dubai
Explanation: After the closing date, a team of judges carefully selects 10 finalists, who gather in Dubai for an exciting event where the award is presented.

Question 7.
What was the name of Nancie Atwell’s teaching method?
(A) Writing Reading Workshop
(B) Reading Writing Workshop
(C) Play and Learn
(D) None of these
Answer:
(B) Reading Writing Workshop
Explanation: She developed a technique called the writing-reading workshop, which she first described in her book ‘In The Middle’.

Question 8.
What does Hanan A1 Hroub believe it is most important to focus on while teaching?
(A) Developing trust
(B) Paying attention to individual needs
(C) Rewarding positive behavior
(D) All of these
Answer:
(D) All of these
Explanation: The 2016 competition was also a great success. The award was presented to a primary school teacher called Hanan A1 Hroub. She developed her own specialist teaching approach, which is based on developing trusting and friendly relationships with students, paying attention to their individual needs, and above all, rewarding positive behavior.

Question 3.
Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. Reading Comprehension (RC) is the most peculiar section in almost all scholastic, entrance and employment tests. The skills in RC make a lot of difference in one’s chances of good grades/selection.

2. Most students find it difficult to tackle topics that are diverse from the field they are in or from which they are comfortable with. So one needs to develop a taste for even the most obscure and boring topic on this planet. For success in RC one should be able to understand it. And even with an average speed, one can succeed if one implements the strategies.

3. Broadly speaking, RC passages can be classified in a few categories. Fact based RC is the simplest form of RC. These types of passages have a lot of information in the form of names, numbers, etc. In these types of passages, one should read very fast. Don’t try to memorise any facts. Just mark what the author is talking about in each paragraph.

4. Inference based RC is the toughest form of RC. Here, the passage is fairly tough to understand. This includes passages on topics like Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy etc. Most of the students will be comfortable attempting these passages. The way to master them is to read them again and again.

5. Topic based RC includes passages on any particular topic like economics, astrology, medical sciences etc. Generally what makes these passages difficult is usage of technical terms. For success in these types of passages, we need to have a fair understanding of the definition of the term if it is defined in the passage. Assume them to be non-existent and proceed. The key principle in these passages is that don’t go to the next line until the previous line is clear.

6. Reading the question first and then passage is the usual strategy followed by a few students. They just look at the questions and not options. The objective is that after seeing the questions when you read the passage then you read only that part carefully where the answer is given.

The flaw with this strategy is that you will not be able to remember all the questions. Besides this, the strategy fails when there are questions that require understanding of the passage. Therefore, the best way to attempt an RC is to understand the passage very well first and then to answer the questions.
(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) COMPREHENSION PASSAGES
1. Reading comprehension

Most peculiar section
In almost all tests
Make a lot of diff. in getting good grades

2. Classification of comprehension passages:
2.1. Fact based passages

Simplest form of passages
Have lots of information

2.2. Inference based RC

Toughest form of passages
Based on topics like religion, philosophy, etc.
Easy to attempt

2.3. Topic based RC

Based on a particlr topic
Needs fair understanding

3. Usual strategy of students:

First look at questions
Then read the passage
Not a good strategy

4. Best way to solve RC :

Understand the passage
Answer the ques.

Key to Abbreviations
S. No.	Abbreviation	Word
1	diff.	difference
2	RC	reading comprehension
3	particlr	particular
4	ques.	question

(b) Make a short summary of the passage in about 80 words. (3 marks)
Answer:
Summary:
Reading Comprehension is the most peculiar section which can be found in almost all tests. It makes a lot of difference in getting good grades. Comprehension passages can be classified into fact based passages, inference based passages and topic based passages. Inference based passages are the easiest to attempt. The usual strategy of students is to first look at the questions, then read the passage and answer them. But this is not a good strategy. One must read and understand the passage first and then answer the questions.

Commonly Made Errors:

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.
Punctuations are very important in summarisation or precis writing. They should be used prudently.
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.

Answering Tips:

While answering questions related to Note-making and Summary (Precis Writing), it is important to read the passages properly and grasp their meanings. If need be, the passage should be read and re-read a number of times to ensure that every part of it is clear to the student.
Next, it is important to underline the important points in the passage. With practice, this can be done at the same time as the passage is being read.
The underlined portions should be summed up as separate bulleted points.
Thereafter, the students should read the bulleted points so that they are sure that those points are adequate in providing the gist of the passage. There should not be any ambiguity or lack of clarity in meaning anywhere.
While summarizing the bullets, one should be mindful to shorten the sentences as much as possible by substituting clauses and phrases with words conveying similar meanings.
Beginners are also advised to calculate the average number of words written by them in each line and then to
calculate the number of lines required to write the precis or summary based on the average words per line.
The average word-limit per sentence should be between five to ten words.
Students are advised to draw columns with pencil such that the total number of cells in the table so formed exactly match the maximum permissible words in the summary. Then they should write one per cell to achieve the maximum word limit.
Lastly, students should ensure correctness of spellings, contextual use of substituting words and grammatical correctness.

Section – B
Writing Skills (23 marks)

Question 4.
The women’s health club needs a poster on yoga day to promote its importance. Draft a poster highlighting main points. (3 marks)
OR
Design a poster on ‘SAVE THE EARTH’ on behalf of the Pollution Control Board, Rajasthan State.
Answer:

Answering Tips:

The language of the Notice should always be in Direct Speech and in Passive Voice.
If the Notice is from any authority like the government or the management of some organisation, then the language should not be authoritative. It should be firm, yet polite. It should not directly ‘call out’ people.
The words chosen should be simple and the communication should be clear.

OR

Commonly Made Errors:

Missing out one or more of the value points.
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 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.
You are R. Lai, the executive manager of Metals and Minerals Corporation of India. You need an accommodation on rent as you wish to use it as a guest house. Draft a suitable advertisement in not more than 50 words. (3 marks)
OR
Ajay Arora wishes to let out a portion of his built house. Draft an advertisement for publication in” To Let” column of HT, giving all the necessary details.
Answer:
ACCOMMODATION WANTED:
Metals and Minerals Corp. of India needs suitable accommodation on rent to be used as a guest house. Should be located in a posh area with excellent facilities. Uninterrupted water and electricity. Nearby market a must. Owners may contact R. Lai, Executive Manager, PH: 011-23333333.
OR
TO-LET:
Available on rent, a newly constructed first floor, 3 BHK flat in Vikas Nagar. Good location, airy rooms, attached bathrooms, individual parking, 24×7 security and power back up. Near Shopping complex, schools, metro station, central park. Interested persons may contact: Ajay Arora (Mob. 921xxxxxx).

Question 6.
“A Career Counsellor (not you, yourself) is the best person to guide you in the choice of a career. ” Write a debate in 120-150 words either for or against the motion.
OR
Should schools promote Coaching Institutes? Taking a cue from the points given below and using your own ideas, write a debate speech for or against the topic in about 150 words.

Despite CBSE’s ban, Coaching Centers are running classes in schools.
Teachers from Coaching Institutes teach subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics whereas English and Physical Education continue to be taught by the School faculty.
Classes in separate sections from 8am to 12 pm for the CBSE and Competitive Examination.

Answer:
A Career Counsellor (not you, Yourself) is the best person to guide you in the choice of a career
Good Morning Judges, Teachers and Students, I take this opportunity to present my position in favour of the topic. In my view a Career Counsellor is the best person to guide you in the choice of a career.

Whether it is a choice between the Streams in Class XI or choosing from many diverse subjects in college, we all get a lot of advice from friends, family and well- wishers but then too much advice means more confusion. A person who has a thorough knowledge of all available options and who can guide us best through experience is the Career Counsellor. He or she is best equipped to give us advice and information about the best course or career to pursue according to our skills and aptitude.

The world is developing at a very rapid rate and this is generating multiple choices of diverse courses and careers. This is also creating plenty of confusion. To solve the doubts one needs to approach a person who is familiar with all the changes and is up to date with the most modern developments. A Career Counsellor not only provides multiple options to choose from, but also guides us according to our inclinations and capabilities. They also conduct Self Assessment Tests to understand the aptitude of the candidates. This goes a long way in guiding us to choose our dream career.

In my opinion, one should always rely on a Career Counsellor to take the most important decision of their life.
Thank you.
OR
Should Schools Promote Coaching Institutes?
Respected members of the jury, principal, teachers and dear friends, a pleasant morning to you all. Today I, Sahil of XI C, have got the golden opportunity to express my views against the motion ‘Should Schools Promote Coaching Institute?’

Promotion of the Coaching Institutes by the schools has become a recent trend. Teachers from Coaching Institutes visit the Schools to teach the so called difficult subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics Whereas English and Physical Education continue to be taught by the school faculty. Where are schools driving to? Is that a hint that the school faculty cannot teach the subject and so they hire the service of Coaching Centers or some commercial mind setup is working behind it? CBSE has banned any such practice in schools, but some schools are still continuing with the practice.

This is putting an extra burden on the students as well as parents. The students cannot focus on the routine timetable of school and concentrate only on the exam- oriented schedule. They don’t study the regular course prescribed by the Board, hence they are deprived of the basic knowledge which a child should get at this stage. These integrated courses also cut a hole in the pocket of parents who have to bear the brunt of financial burden as these Coaching Classes charge a high fees. Therefore, it will be appreciable if the Government looks into the matter and takes strict action against the schools running such courses. The Parents should also take a step forward and refuse to let their children join these courses. They must avoid falling into the trap of such courses.
Thank You.

Question 7.
Youngsters can perform a significant role in curbing corruption. Write a speech to be given in the morning assembly on the same topic. [KVS Ahmedabad, 2016]
You may indude points like :

Education the need of the hour
Saying no to donations
Saying no to private tuitions
Promoting merit based selection
Equipping oneself with high education (5)

Answer:
Role of Youth in Curbing Corruption
Respected Principal, teachers and my fellow students, good morning to all. Today, I, Anita Verma of class XI am going to present my views on the “Role of youth in curbing Corruption”. Corruption is a habit and hence everyone who is in important position, is susceptible to it. There are people who are ready to compete for those jobs with greater chances of corruption and those who don’t have the chance, expect to minimise the corruption and keep complaining about it.

But prevention and eradication of corruption is an absolute requirement for better public life. The youth has to rise at their personal level in the fight against corruption, as it is a matter of individual’s integrity. Education is the key to eradicate corruption. Young people must say ‘No’ to donations and private tuitions. We must promote a system of selection for jobs based on merit rather than based on bribes.

Higher education is the key to eradicating corruption from our nation. It is ultimately the question of building national character. National character is nothing but the collective awareness combined with braveness. The youth should not allow themselves to become money making machines. We must take a pledge today to end corruption at all levels.
Thank you

Question 8.
Combine the following pairs of sentences into one complex sentence: (1 x 3 = 3)
(a) Do not eat too much. You will be ill.
Answer:
Do not eat too much lest you should be ill.

(b) He will be late. That is certain.
Answer:
That he will be late is certain.

Question 9.
Fill in blanks with the appropriate option given below. (Do any 4)
The newspaper recently (a) ……………… a report of a man in search of his newly born twin. The babies were missing at hospital where his wife (b) ……………… birth to them. The hospital authorities daimed that the babies (c) ……………… but they refused to hand over (d) ……………… bodies. Now, the unfortunate father (e) ……………… a complaint with the police. (1 x 4 = 4)
(a) (i) carries (ii) is carrying (iii) will be carried (iv) carried
(b) (i) has given (ii) had given (iii) will be given (iv) giving
(c) (i) to die (ii) has died (iii) is dying (iv) had died
(d) (i) theirs (ii) her (iii) his (iv) their
(e) (i) to lodge (ii) is lodging (iii) has lodged (iv) lodges
Answer:
(a) (iv) carried
(b) (ii) had given
(c) (iv) had died
(d) (iv) refused
(e) (iii) has lodged

Section – C
Literature (31 marks)

Question 10.
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow: (1 x 3 = 3)
The cardboard shows me how it was
When the two girl cousins went paddling.
(a) The cardboard in the poem refers to (1)
(i) a scenery
(ii) a photograph
(iii) a box
(iv) a painting
Answer:
(ii) a photograph

(b) Who were two girl’s cousins? (1)
(i) Poet’s cousins
(ii) Poet and her cousin
(iii) Poet’s mother’s cousins
(iv) Poet’s mother and her cousin
Answer:
(iii) Poet’s mother’s cousins

OR
I do not understand this child.
Though we have lived together now
In the same home for years.
(a) Who is ‘I’ in the poem?
(i) Father
(ii) Mother
(iii) Teacher
(iv) Servant (1)
Answer:
(i) Father

(b) Who is the child?
(i) Poet’s cousin
(ii) Poet’s son
(iii) Poet’s grandson
(iv) Poet’s nephew (1)
Answer:
(ii) Poet’s son

Question 11.
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. (1 x 3 = 3)
A. He was just a teenager when he died. The last heir of a powerful family that had ruled Egypt and its empire for centuries, he was laid to rest laden with gold and eventually forgotten. Since the discovery of his tomb in 1922, the modern world has speculated about what happened to him, with murder being the most extreme possibility.
Question 1.
Who is the author of these lines?
(A) Khushwant Smgh
(B) James Cook
(C) A. R. Williams
(D) Nani Palkhivala
Answer:
(A) Khushwant Smgh

Question 2.
Who is ‘he’ in these lines?
(A) The narrator
(B) James
(C) Steer
(D) Tut
Answer:
(C) Steer

Question 3.
What has happened to ‘he’ recently?
(A) Undergone heart surgery
(B) Undergone CT scan
(C) Undergone blood test
(D) Experienced kidney failure
Answer:
(A) Undergone heart surgery

OR
B. Meanwhile, the racing fund of Professor Gaitonde had arrived at a plan of action in Bombay. Indeed, as a historian he felt he should have thought of it sooner. He would go to a big library and browse through history books. That was the surest way of finding out how the present state of affairs was reached.

He also planned eventually to return to Pune and have a long talk with Rajendra Deshpande, who would surely help him understand what had happened. That is, assuming that in this world there existed someone called Rajendra Deshpande! The train stopped beyond the long tunnel. It was a small station called Sarhad. An Anglo-Indian in uniform went through the train checking permits.
Question 1.
Who was Professor Gaitonde and where did he hail from?
(A) A historian from Pune.
(B) A historian from Bombay.
(C) historian from Sarhad.
(D) A historian from Nagpur.
Answer:
(A) A historian from Pune.

Question 2.
Why was he going to the big library?
(A) To browse through history books to determine his plan of action.
(B) To browse through history books to find out more about Rajendra Deshpande.
(C) To browse through history books to find how the present state of affairs was reached.
(D) To browse through history books to find more about historic events.
Answer:
(C) To browse through history books to find how the present state of affairs was reached.

Question 3.
In which period the incident might have taken place?
(A) During the British-rule.
(B) During the Portuguese invasion
(C) Post-independence
(D) None of the above
Answer:
(A) During the British-rule.

Question 12.
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. (1 x 4 = 4)
A. When the curtain rises it is an afternoon in early autumn and the stage can be well lit. Mrs Pearson at right, and Mrs Fitzgerald at left, are sitting opposite each other at the small table, on which are two teacups and saucers and the cards with which Mrs Fitzgerald has been telling Mrs Pearson’s fortune. Mrs Pearson is a pleasant but worried-looking woman in her forties. Mrs Fitzgerald is older, heavier and a strong and sinister personality. She is smoking. It is very important that these two should have sharply contrasting voices.
Question 1.
What is the name of the play?
(A) The Address
(B) Ranga’s Marriage
(C) Mother’s Day
(D) Birth
Answer:
(C) Mother’s Day

Question 2.
Where is the scene set?
(A) Garden
(B) Hotel room
(C) Mrs. Fitzgerald’s living room
(D) Mrs. Pearson’s living room
Answer:
(D) Mrs. Pearson’s living room

Question 3.
How are Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald related?
(A) School days friends
(B) College friends
(C) Relatives
(D) Neighbours
Answer:
(D) Neighbours

Question 4.
What was the contrast between the voices of the two ladies?
(A) Mrs. Fitzgerald had deep voice.
(B) Mrs. Fitzgerald had flurried sort of tone.
(C) Mrs. Pearson had an Irish accent.
(D) All of these.
Answer:
(A) Mrs. Fitzgerald had deep voice.

OR
B. He went into the house for his bag, then together they set out for Number 12 Blaina Terrace. The night air was cool and deep with quiet mystery. Usually so perceptive, Andrew now felt dull and listless. He had no premonition that this night call would prove unusual, still less that it would influence his whole future in Blaenelly.

The woman nodded and picked up the suitcase under the coat-rack. She wore a brown coat and a shapeless hat.
‘Does she live far away?’ I asked, seeing the difficulty she had going out of the house with the heavy case.
Question 1.
What is the profession of Andrew?
(A) Lawyer
(B) Engineer
(C) Doctor
(D) Fireman
Answer:
(C) Doctor

Question 2.
Where did he live?
(A) Bryngower
(B) Blaenelly
(C) Harteiffs
(D) Jhsiojle
Answer:
(A) Bryngower

Question 3.
Why was Andrew serious that evening?
(A) He had a disappointing evening with his girlfriend.
(B) He had seen some painful incidents of husbands suffering at the hand of wives.
(C) He was short of sleep.
(D) All of these.
Answer:
(D) All of these.

Question 4.
Who was waiting for him when he reached home late night?
(A) Bramwell
(B) Blodwen
(C) Christine Donald
(D) Joe Morgan
Answer:
(D) Joe Morgan

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 13.
Answer any five of the following questions briefly: (3 x 5 = 15 Marks)
(a) Who was King Tut? Why was a CT scan done on him?
OR
The author’s experience at Hor was in stark contrast to earlier accounts of the place.
Answer:
(a) King Tut was a boy King of Egypt who was the last heir of his powerful family. This family ruled for centuries. His tomb was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. A CT scan was done on his mummy to get new clues about his life and death.
OR
The author had heard about the experience of Japanese monk who was so moved by the sanctity of the lake Mansarovar that he burst into tears. But author was disappointed when he himself visited Hor. It was a grim and miserable place. There was no vegetation. There were only dust and rocks. The town was on the banks of holy lake which was affected badly by the garbage of the town.

(b) How does the rain describe herself in the poem ‘The Voice of the Rain’?
OR
The three stanzas depict three different phases in the poem ‘A Photograph’. What are they?
Answer:
The rain calls itself poem of earth. It is everlasting and perpetual. It is something that cannot be touched. It originates from the land and the deep sea. Then it rises upward to heaven where it changes its forms into a cloud, yet remains the same in quality. From the sly it pours down on earth to wash the dry thin particles and dust layers of the earth. The rain helps the unborn seeds to sprout. These seeds lay hidden and unborn under the layer of earth. Rain gives back life to its origin making it pure and beautiful.
OR
The first stanza depicts the childhood of poet’s mother when she was enjoying a holiday on the sea side. The second stanza depicts the period when the poet’s mother has grown older and laughs at her own photograph. The third stanza depicts the time when she has died and the poet misses her.

(c) Who was Joe Morgan? Why had he been waiting for Dr. Andrew Manson?
OR
How was the melon crowned the king of the state?
Answer:
Joe Morgan was a driller in Blaenelly, a mining town. He was a big, strong and heavy middle-aged person. Joe and his wife Susan, who had been married for nearly twenty years and were expecting their first child. Joe was waiting for the doctor to help Susan in the delivery of the child.
OR
The ministers sent out messengers to declare that the next man to pass the City Gate would choose the ruler of their state. An idiot happened to pass the gate. When asked to decide who was to be the King, he replied, “A melon”. This was his standard answer to all questions. The minister declared that a melon would be their new ruler. They crowned the melon and it became the city king.

Question 14.
Answer any one of the following questions in about 120-150 words: (6 marks)
Draw a character sketch of Khushwant Singh’s grandmother as portrayed by him in the lesson ‘The Portrait of a Lady’.
OR
Describe the encounter between Gaitonde and Khan Sahib?
Answer:
The narrator’s grandmother was a true picture of love, affection and care. She had all those virtues which grandmother’s generally have for their grandsons. She was highly religious but a conservative lady. The grandmother presented a picture of peace and contentment. Her spotless white dress and her silver white hair gave her spiritual beauty.

The grandmother was not physically very attractive. She had deep love and affection for her grandson. She got him ready for school. She accompanied him to his school and came back home with him. She was a very religious lady. She was always telling the beads of her rosary. She had compassion even for animals and birds. She fed the village dogs. She took to feeding the sparrows in the city. But the grandmother was a conservative lady. She didn’t like the English language and Science. She hated music. She associated music with prostitutes and beggars.
OR
Wu Prof. Gaitonde and Khan Sahib were travelling by Jijamata Express. The train was going from Pune to Bombay. After a long tunnel, the train stopped at small station called Sarhad. Here, Khan Sahib spoke to Gaitonde. He informed him that the area of British Raj began at that station. He asked if Gaitonde was going to Bombay for the first time. Gaitonde replied in positive because it seemed that he was in a new world where everything was different from what he had known.

Gangadhar Pant, then, asked Khan Sahib how he would go to Peshawar. Khan Sahib said that he would go to Delhi from Bombay, then to Lahore and from there to Peshawar. Thereafter, Khan Sahib spoke a lot about his business which Gangadhar Pant listened with interest. He did so because this was giving him some idea of the life of this new India he was in.

Question 15.
Answer the question in about 120-150 words: (6 marks)
How did the narrator come to know about Mrs. Dorling and the address where she lived?
OR
What is the problem confronted by Mrs. Pearson? Who helps her solve this problem and how?
Answer:
Years ago, during the first half of the war, the narrator went home for a few days to see her mother. After staying there for a couple of days, she noticed that something or other about the rooms had changed. She missed various things. Then her mother told her about Mrs. Dorling. She was an old acquaintance of her mother who had suddenly turned up after many years.

Now, she came regularly and took something home with her everytime she came. She suggested that she could save her precious belongings by storing them at her place. Mother told her address, number 46, Marconi Street. The narrator asked her mother if she had agreed with her that she should keep everything. Her mother did not like that questioning. She thought it would be an insult to Mrs. Dorling. She was worried about the risk, Mrs. Dorling faced carrying a full suitcase or bag.
OR
Mrs. Person’s problem is that she is neglected by her husband and children. She is very fond of her family. She runs after them all the time, takes their orders as if she was the servant in the house and stays at home every night while they go out enjoying themselves. She takes no holiday. They have come to believe that she is there simply to look after them and wait for them. So they take, no notice of her.

Her neighbour, Mrs. Fitzgerald, helps her solve this problem. She advises Mrs. Pearson to assert her rights as the mistress of the house if she wants them to treat her properly. Mrs. Pearson says that she does keep dropping a hint now and then but she can’t be harsh with them as she does not want any unpleasantness in the house. Mrs. Fitzgerald asks her to let her do it.

Mrs. Pearson wonders how it is possible. Mrs. Fitzgerald tells her that they would change their personalities with each other. She had learnt this trick when she was in East. Mrs. Pearson hesitates but she finally agrees. The two women change their personalities. Now, Mrs. Pearson with Mrs. Fitzgerald’s personality, puts the members of her family in their proper places. They begin to give her due regard and consideration.

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 story 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.