Engliah Core Question Paper
SECTION – A
1.1 On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer each of the questions given below by choosing the most appropriate option:
(a) Why was the king desperately looking for Kaha the bird?
i. The king wanted a pet bird. ii. A wise man advised the king to capture the bird for good luck. iii. Kaha was the only heavenly bird with silvery feathers. iv. The king
Answer: iv. The king had lost his sight and needed Kaha’s blood to regain it.
(b) How did the fisherman benefit from his encounter with Kaha?
i. He became rich by selling the fish Kaha brought him. ii. He was rewarded by the king for helping capture Kaha. iii. He learned the importance of gratitude and honesty. iv. He married a suitable woman and lived happily ever after.
Answer: i. He became rich by selling the fish Kaha brought him.
(c) What motivated the fisherman to betray Kaha?
i. He was greedy and wanted the king’s reward. ii. He was afraid of the king’s power and wrath. iii. He was convinced by the king’s promise of making him a prince. iv. He wanted to take revenge on Kaha for not appreciating his help.
Answer: i. He was greedy and wanted the king’s reward.
(d) What was the ultimate fate of the fisherman and Kaha?
i. They were both never seen again. ii. They lived happily ever after in the king’s palace. iii. The fisherman was punished for his betrayal, and Kaha escaped. iv. Kaha helped the king regain his sight, and the fisherman was left with nothing.
Answer: i. They were both never seen again.
(b) Why did the bird volunteer to bring fish for the old man?
i. The old man was inexperienced at fishing. ii. The bird took pity on the old man and wanted to help
Answer: ii. The bird took pity on the old man and wanted to help him.
(c) What led the courtier to sense that the fisherman might know something about Kaha?
i. The courtier had observed Kaha alight at the fisherman’s house every evening. ii. The courtier had seen the fisherman talk to Kaha. iii. The fisherman fumbled when asked about Kaha. iv. Word went around that the fisherman was in contact with Kaha.
Answer: iii. The fisherman fumbled when asked about Kaha.
(d) Which of the following is not true about Kaha?
i. Kaha was a very considerate bird. ii. The blood of Kaha was precious. iii. Kaha was a strong bird. iv. Kaha saved the fisherman from the King’s
Answer: iv. Kaha saved the fisherman from the King’s wrath.
1.2
a. Why did the fisherman stammer when asked if he knew about the bird?
Answer: The fisherman stammered because he was lying. He knew about the bird but was trying to hide it for the reward.
b. How did the fisherman get Kaha to come down?
Answer: The fisherman spread the net as instructed and imitated the sound of splashing water to lure Kaha down.
c. What does the phrase ‘rolling in money’ in the passage refer to?
Answer: It refers to being very rich or having a lot of money.
d. Why was the fisherman doubtful about revealing information about Kaha to the courtier?
Answer: The fisherman was doubtful because he wanted to ensure he received the full reward and didn’t trust the courtier’s intentions.
e. Mention two traits of the fisherman’s character revealed through the story.
Answer: Two traits are greed and dishonesty (or deceptiveness).
f. How did the bird manage to escape?
Answer: The passage states that the bird flew high in the air and was never seen again, implying it escaped by flying away.
1.3
a. Took off (Para 1)
Answer: The opposite could be “landed” or “arrived”.
b. Released (Para 4)
Answer: The opposite could be “captured” or “imprisoned”.
2.(a) Notes on the passage (using headings, subheadings, and abbreviations):
Title: The Importance of Time Management
I. Intro: a. Time is a finite resource (24 hrs/day). b. Effective time mgmt (mgmt) is key to achieving more.
II. What is Time Mgmt? a. Organizing and planning time spent on activities. b. Focus on results, not just being busy. c. Working smarter, not harder.
III. Benefits of Time Mgmt: a. Increased productivity & efficiency. b. Enhanced professional reputation. c. Reduced stress levels. d. Career advancement & goal achievement.
IV. Consequences of Poor Time Mgmt: a. Missed deadlines. b. Inefficient & poor-quality workflow. c. Damaged professional reputation. d. Stalled career. e. Increased stress.
V. Interruptions as Barriers: a. Everyday interruptions hinder effective time mgmt. b. Examples: phone calls, emails, hallway convos (conversations). c. Rob time needed for goals. d. Break focus & require re-engagement (re-engaging) with complex tasks. e. Key is to identify & plan for necessary interruptions.
(b) Summary of the passage (in about 80 words):
Time management is crucial for success. It involves prioritizing results over mere activity. Effective time management boosts productivity, enhances professional standing, reduces stress, and facilitates career growth. Conversely, poor time management leads to missed deadlines, inefficient work, and career stagnation. Interruptions are major obstacles; recognizing their nature and planning for them is essential to maximize productivity and achieve goals in both work and personal life.
SECTION – B
3. On behalf of the Election Commission of India, draft a poster urging people to vote. Also, emphasize the importance of casting one’s vote in a democracy. (Word limit: 50 words) (4)
Answer:
Headline: Your Vote, Your Voice!
Body: Every vote counts! Shape our democracy. Exercise your right. Vote!
OR
Blood Donation Day is celebrated on 14th June every year. The Social Welfare Club of your school is organizing a blood donation camp on the occasion. Design a poster urging more and more people to donate blood for the noble cause. (Word limit: 50 words)
Answer:
Headline: Give the Gift of Life!
Body: Donate Blood. Save Lives. Blood Donation Camp – [Date] at [Time] in [Location]. Join us!
4. You are Aman/Amita of Bluebells School, Lucknow. You have been selected to represent your state at the National Athletics Championship. Write a letter to the principal requesting him to grant you permission to attend the school one hour late for 10 days as you must attend the athletics coaching. (Word limit :120-150 words) (8 Marks)
Answer:
[Your Address] [Date]
The Principal Bluebells School Lucknow
Subject: Request for Permission to Arrive Late
Respected Principal,
I am writing to request permission to arrive at school one hour late for ten days, from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I have been selected to represent our state at the National Athletics Championship, and I am required to attend intensive coaching sessions in the mornings.
These sessions are crucial for my preparation for the championship. The coaching centre is located [Location], and the sessions last for [Duration]. Due to the timing of these sessions, I will be unable to reach school by the usual starting time. I assure you that I will catch up on any missed work and maintain my academic performance.
I would be grateful if you would grant me permission to arrive late on these days. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Sincerely, Aman/Amita [Your Class]
OR
As the Head Boy/Girl of your school, write a letter to the principal requesting him to arrange a career counselling session for the students of classes XI and XII. Request him to invite experts from different professions to speak to the students to give insights and information. (Word limit 120-150 words)
Answer:
[Your Address] [Date]
The Principal Bluebells School Lucknow
Subject: Request for Career Counselling Session
Respected Principal,
I am writing to you on behalf of the students of classes XI and XII to request the organization of a career counselling session. With board examinations approaching, many students are feeling anxious and uncertain about their future career paths.
A career counselling session would be immensely beneficial in helping students gain clarity and make informed decisions. We request you to invite experts from various fields, such as medicine, engineering, law, and business, to interact with the students. These experts could provide valuable insights into different professions, discuss required skills and educational pathways, and address students’ queries.
We believe that such a session would significantly reduce student stress and empower them to make the right career choices. We are confident that your support in organizing this event will be greatly appreciated by the students.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, [Your Name] Head Boy/Girl
5. You are Anita/Anil. Write a debate expressing your views FOR or AGAINST on either of the motions given. (Word limit: 120-150 words) (8 Marks)
The Science stream offers more opportunities than that of commerce.
Answer (FOR the motion):
I firmly believe that the science stream offers more diverse opportunities than the commerce stream. Science education cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, which are highly valued in today’s job market. Science graduates can pursue careers in medicine, engineering, research, technology, and various other fields. The rapid advancements in technology and the growing emphasis on scientific research have created a surge in demand for science professionals.
While commerce offers valuable career paths in finance and management, the scope is comparatively limited. Moreover, a science background often provides a strong foundation for pursuing management studies later on. In conclusion, the breadth and depth of opportunities available to science graduates make it a more advantageous stream in the long run.
OR
Video games aid learning.
Answer (AGAINST the motion):
While some argue that video games can enhance cognitive skills, I strongly believe that their negative impacts far outweigh any potential benefits. Excessive gaming can lead to addiction, social isolation, and a decline in academic performance. The violent content prevalent in many games can desensitize individuals to violence and promote aggressive behaviour.
Furthermore, the time spent gaming could be utilized for more productive activities, such as reading, exercising, or pursuing hobbies. While moderate gaming might be acceptable, the addictive nature of video games often leads to excessive indulgence, causing detrimental effects on physical and mental well-being. Therefore, I believe that video games, on balance, do not aid learning and can be quite harmful.
6. In the following question, each passage consists of six sentences. The first and the sixth sentence are given as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up. These are labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are required to choose the right sequence from the options given. (1×2=2)
a) S1: Calcutta, unlike other cities, kept its trams. P: As a result, there was horrendous congestion. Q: It was going to be the first in South
The proper sequence should be:
A. PRSQ
B. PSQR
C. SQRP
D. R P S Q
Answer: D. RPSQ
b) S1: Mahatma Gandhi had a unique way of life. P: His principles were mainly founded in action. Q: He did not believe in theoretical ideology. R: So, we must strive to keep them. S: Many of these principles suit our tradition. S6: That will be our homage to Gandhiji.
The proper sequence should be:
A. PQRS
B. PQSR
C. QSPR
D. PSQR
Answer: A. PQRS
7. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in each line. Write the Incorrect word and the correction in your answer sheet. (1×4=4)
Incorrect Word Correction
The road to success is no a bed of roses
(a) no not Only those who wade on hazards and hurdles
(b) on through can achieve successful. Set yourself clear goals
(c) successful success and define precisely what you wants to do
(d) wants want Goals provide direction for your behaviour and guide your actions and thoughts.
Q8. Complete the following sentences by choosing the appropriate form of the verbs given. (1×4=4)
Researchers at Harvard and McGill University
(a) on an amnesia drug that
(b) or deletes bad memories. The technique
(c) to disrupt the biological pathways that allow a memory
(d) to allow psychiatrists to recalled.
a. i) work ii) are working iii) have worked iv) had worked
b. i) block ii) is blocking iii) blocks iv) has blocked
c. i) seem ii) seems iii) is seeing iv) has seemed
d. i) to recalled ii) to be recalled iii) to be recalling iv) recalled
Answers:
a. iii) have worked
b. iii) blocks
c. ii) seems
d. ii) to be recalled
Q9. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow: (1×3=3)
a) Eternal, I rise impalpable out of the land and the bottomless sea, Upward to heaven, whence vaguely form’d, altogether changed and yet the
(i) Why does the rain call itself ‘eternal’?
(ii) What does the phrase ‘vaguely formed’ refer to?
(iii) Give the poetic device used in the phrase ‘bottomless sea’.
Answers:
(i) The rain calls itself ‘eternal’ because it is part of a continuous cycle of evaporation and condensation, never truly disappearing.
(ii) The phrase ‘vaguely formed’ refers to the clouds, which are formed from the evaporated water but are not clearly defined shapes.
(iii) The poetic device used in the phrase ‘bottomless sea’ is hyperbole (exaggeration for emphasis).
b) When did my childhood go? Was it the day I ceased to be eleven, Was it the time I realized that Hell and Heaven, Could not be found in Geography, And therefore, could not be, Was that the day!
(i) What is the quality acquired by the poet at this stage of life?
(ii) How did the narrator realize that hell and heaven did not exist?
(iii) Name the poetic device used in the third line of the stanza.
Answers:
(i) The quality acquired by the poet at this stage is realization or understanding (specifically about the nature of the world).
(ii) The narrator realized that hell and heaven did not exist when they understood that these concepts could not be found in Geography (i.e., they are not physical places).
(iii) The poetic device used in the third line of the stanza is enjambment (the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza).
10. Answer any six of the following questions in about 40 words each. (2×6=12)
a) What were Ranga’s views about marriage? Do you find any change in them at the end of the story? How?
Answer: Ranga initially believed in marrying a mature, admirable girl, not a young, inexperienced one. He also disapproved of arranged marriages. However, at the end of the story, he happily marries Ratna, a young girl, demonstrating a change in his views. This change is evident as he embraces a traditional arranged marriage, showing that his initial rigid views softened over time.
b) Who was Norbu? How could he be a help to the narrator?
Answer: Norbu was a Tibetan friend of the narrator. He was a writer and could potentially provide valuable information about Tibetan culture, literature, and the refugee situation, which could enrich the narrator’s understanding and writing.
c) “I think it’s not facts that matter, but ideas”. To whom does Einstein say this and why?
Answer: Einstein says this to his friend Yuri. He says this because he believes that imagination and innovative thinking are more important for progress than simply memorizing and regurgitating facts. He is frustrated with the rigid, fact-based education system.
d) Comment on the complete transformation of the laburnum tree as described by the poet.
Answer: The laburnum tree is initially depicted as still and silent. However, with the arrival of the goldfinch, it transforms into a vibrant, lively entity. The bird’s energetic movements and chirping bring the tree to life, symbolizing renewal, joy, and the power of nature.
e) What reasons did the Head Teacher give for expelling Albert?
Answer: The Head Teacher gave two reasons for expelling Albert. Firstly, he believed Albert was disruptive and a bad influence on other students. Secondly, he felt Albert showed no promise of academic success and that his presence was hindering the progress of other students.
f) There is a parallel drawn between rain and music in the poem ‘The Voice of the Rain’. Explain.
Answer: The poem draws a parallel between the life cycle of rain and music. Just as rain rises from the earth, forms, and falls back, music originates from the heart, takes form, and eventually returns to its source, completing a cycle of creation and return. Both are cyclical and life-giving.
g) Describe any two instances of humour in the story ‘Ranga’s Marriage’.
Answer: Two instances of humour are: 1) The narrator’s exaggerated descriptions of Ranga’s supposed “modern” views upon his return from Bangalore, which are revealed to be quite ordinary. 2) The way the narrator manipulates the situation to bring Ranga and Ratna together, pretending it’s all by chance and astrology, when it’s clearly planned.
Q11. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120 to 150 words: (6)
The Earth’s principal biological systems, also known as ecosystems, are complex networks of living organisms (biotic factors) interacting with each other and their non-living environment (abiotic factors). These systems can be broadly categorized into:
-
Terrestrial Ecosystems: These are land-based ecosystems, characterized by different vegetation types and climatic conditions.
Examples include forests (rainforests, deciduous forests, boreal forests), grasslands (savannas, prairies, steppes), deserts, tundra, and mountain ecosystems - Aquatic Ecosystems: These are water-based ecosystems, covering the vast majority of the Earth’s surface.
They are further divided into:
Depletion of Biological Systems:
These vital ecosystems have been significantly depleted due to a combination of human activities:
- Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and logging has led to habitat loss, soil erosion, climate change, and loss of biodiversity.
Preservation of Biological Systems:
Preserving these crucial systems requires a multi-faceted approach involving individual actions, community initiatives, and government policies
Preserving Earth’s biological systems is essential for maintaining a healthy planet and ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.
OR
What kind of a teacher was Crocker Harris? Do you think Taplow hated him? Justify your answer based on your reading of the play ‘The Browning Version’.
Answer (Crocker Harris): Crocker Harris was a strict and disciplined teacher, known for his adherence to rules and formality. He was not openly emotional and maintained a reserved demeanor in the classroom. He focused on discipline and academic rigor, which made him appear stern and somewhat unapproachable.
Taplow, however, did not hate Crocker Harris. While he mimicked him and made fun of him behind his back, it was more out of habit and the general atmosphere of the school than genuine dislike. Taplow admired Crocker’s strictness and dedication. He was also impressed by the respect Crocker commanded from other teachers. Taplow’s willingness to stay back for extra work, even though Crocker hadn’t asked him to, suggests a deeper respect and perhaps even a desire for his approval. It’s more accurate to say Taplow was intimidated and perhaps a little resentful of Crocker’s rigidness, but it doesn’t seem to be outright hatred.
Q12. Answer any one of the following questions in about 120 to 150 words: (6)
What is the main idea of the play ‘Mother’s Day’? Has it been brought out effectively by the writer? Discuss.
The main idea of J.B. Priestley’s “Mother’s Day” is a powerful commentary on the often-unappreciated and undervalued role of mothers and wives in their families. It explores the theme of societal expectations and the imbalance of labor and respect within the domestic sphere. The play highlights the sacrifices mothers make, the lack of recognition they receive, and the general disregard for their emotional and personal needs. It also subtly touches upon the theme of dysfunctional family dynamics and the need for open communication and mutual respect.
The writer, through the character of Mrs. Pearson, effectively brings out this central idea. Initially, Mrs. Pearson is depicted as a timid and subservient woman, catering to the whims of her selfish and inconsiderate family members. They take her for granted, treating her more like a servant than a wife and mother. This portrayal effectively establishes the problem the play seeks to address: the systemic undervaluing of women’s contributions within the household.
However, the play takes a dramatic turn with the introduction of Mrs. Fitzgerald and the “personality exchange.” This fantastical element, while unrealistic, serves as a powerful device to amplify the play’s message. By inhabiting Mrs. Pearson’s body, Mrs. Fitzgerald, with her strong personality and assertive nature, gives Mrs. Pearson a voice she never had. She confronts the family’s selfishness, demanding respect and consideration. This role reversal allows the audience to witness the stark contrast between how Mrs. Pearson is treated and how she should be treated.
The effectiveness of the writer’s approach lies in this use of dramatic irony and humor. The audience is amused by the family’s bewildered reactions to the “new” Mrs. Pearson, but beneath the humor lies a serious message. The play cleverly uses satire to expose the absurdity of the family’s behavior and the societal norms that enable it. While the personality exchange is a far-fetched scenario, it serves as a potent metaphor for the change that needs to occur in real life – a shift towards greater appreciation and respect for the role of mothers and wives.
OR
‘For doctors, the duty towards the patients is foremost, irrespective of their own personal affairs.’ Discuss with reference to the
Answer (Birth): The statement “For doctors, the duty towards the patients is foremost, irrespective of their own personal affairs” is perfectly illustrated in the lesson ‘Birth’. Dr. Andrew Manson, the protagonist, exemplifies this principle throughout the narrative. Despite his weariness and personal turmoil due to his strained relationship with his wife, he doesn’t hesitate to attend to the difficult childbirth at the Morgan’s residence. He faces a complex medical situation with a stillborn baby and a distressed mother. Andrew’s dedication and perseverance are evident as he tirelessly works to revive the infant, ultimately succeeding against the odds. He puts aside his emotional exhaustion and focuses entirely on the patient’s needs. Moreover, he makes crucial decisions that save both the child and the mother, showcasing his medical expertise and commitment to his duty. The story emphasizes that a doctor’s responsibility transcends personal inconveniences and requires unwavering focus on the patient’s well-being, a principle Andrew Manson embodies.