CBSE Class 11 – English Question Paper 2023
SECTION – A
1. There is a perceptible change in the behaviour of the children. Here ‘perceptible’ means
(a) something in a huge amount
(b) scarcely
(c) extraordinary
(d) noticeable
Answer: (d) noticeable
2 .Cite a point in evidence, from the text, to suggest that the teenagers’ minds are impressionable.
Answer: The passage states that teenagers “easily get influenced by their peers and act accordingly.” This shows their minds are impressionable as they readily adopt the behaviors and actions of their peer group.
3. According to the passage, how do the teenagers behave?
(a) They act sincerely
(b) They act irresponsibly
(c) They easily get influenced by their peers and act accordingly.
(d) They remain self-conscious and try to represent accordingly.
Answer: (c) They easily get influenced by their peers and act accordingly.
4. Choose the correct antonym of the word ‘permanent’ from paragraph 3.
(a) permeate
(b) succumb
(c) emulate
(d) momentary
Answer: (d) momentary
5. Which of the following statements is NOT CORRECT, according to the passage?
(a) Teenagers perceive the adults old fashioned and irrelevant
(b) Adults do not easily get influenced by the teenagers
(c) Peer pressure is an effect on an individual who gets encouraged and likes to imitate his age group
(d) All teenagers fall into a bad company and start smoking and taking drugs
Answer: (d) All teenagers fall into a bad company and start smoking and taking drugs
6. List the two contradictory statements made by the author about the teenagers.
Answer: (This requires the actual passage text to answer accurately. Please provide the passage so I can identify the contradictory statements.)
7. Why do the teenagers feel uncomfortable while talking to the adults?
Answer: (This also requires the passage text. The reason is likely explained within the context of the passage.)
8. Parents want to be sure that their teenagers have good peers. Why do they want so?
Answer: (Again, the passage text is needed for a precise answer. Generally, parents want their teens to have positive influences as peers can significantly impact their behavior and choices.)
9. ‘Birds of a feather flock together’, the old adage used in paragraph 1 means:
(a) People feel depressed in a different environment
(b) People of the same sort will be found together
(c) Birds like to flock together
(d) Young children like to play with birds
Answer: (b) People of the same sort will be found together
10. Which is the apt title for the passage?
(a) The Positive and Negative Aspects of Peer Pressure
(b) Influential Era
(c) Phases of Life
(d) Idols of Teenagers
Answer: (a) The Positive and Negative Aspects of Peer Pressure
11 .There is a perceptible change in the behaviour of the children. Here ‘perceptible’ means:
(a) something in a huge amount
(b) scarcely
(c) extraordinary
(d) noticeable
Answer: (d) noticeable
Explanation: “Perceptible” means easily seen or noticed.
12. Cite a point in evidence, from the text, to suggest that the teenagers’ minds are impressionable.
Answer: The text directly states, “They easily get influenced by their peers and act accordingly.” This is clear evidence that teenagers’ minds are impressionable, as they readily adopt the behaviors and actions of their peer group.
13. According to the passage, how do the teenagers behave?
(a) They act sincerely
(b) They act irresponsibly
(c) They easily get influenced by their peers and act accordingly.
(d) They remain self-conscious and try to represent accordingly.
Answer: (c) They easily get influenced by their peers and act accordingly.
14. Choose the correct antonym of the word ‘permanent’ from paragraph 3.
(a) permeate
(b) succumb
(c) emulate
(d) momentary
Answer: (d) momentary
15. Which of the following statements is NOT CORRECT, according to the passage?
(a) Teenagers perceive the adults old fashioned and irrelevant
(b) Adults do not easily get influenced by the teenagers
(c) Peer pressure is an effect on an individual who gets encouraged and likes to imitate his age group
(d) All teenagers fall into a bad company and start smoking and taking drugs
Answer: (d) All teenagers fall into a bad company and start smoking and taking drugs
16. List the two contradictory statements made by the author about the teenagers.
Answer: I need the full passage text to answer this accurately. Contradictory statements would be places where the author seems to say two opposing things about teenagers.
17. Why do the teenagers feel uncomfortable while talking to the adults?
Answer: I need the full passage text to answer this accurately. The reason for this discomfort would be explained within the passage.
18. Parents want to be sure that their teenagers have good peers. Why do they want so?
Answer: I need the full passage text to answer this accurately. However, generally, parents want their teens to have positive peer influences because peers can significantly impact behavior, choices, and development.
19. ‘Birds of a feather flock together’, the old adage used in paragraph 1 means:
(a) People feel depressed in a different environment
(b) People of the same sort will be found together
(c) Birds like to flock together
(d) Young children like to play with birds
Answer: (b) People of the same sort will be found together
Explanation: This adage means that people with similar interests, backgrounds, or characteristics tend to associate with each other.
20. Which is the apt title for the passage?
(a) The Positive and Negative Aspects of Peer Pressure
(b) Influential Era
(c) Phases of Life
(d) Idols of Teenagers
Answer: (a) The Positive and Negative Aspects of Peer Pressure
SECTION – B
Q1. You are Arya/Aryan Lahiri, Secretary, ABL School Literary Association. Design a poster in not more than 50 words for your school library on the value of books and good reading habits.
Answer:
(Image: Open book with light emanating)
Headline: Open a Book, Open a World
Body: Explore new worlds, discover hidden knowledge, and ignite your imagination. Read a book today! Visit your school library.
Slogan: Reading: Unlock Your Potential.
OR
Water is precious and each one of us must stop its wastage. Prepare a poster in not more than 50 words urging people to employ various methods of rainwater harvesting in
Answer:
(Image: Rain falling into a collection system)
Headline: Catch the Rain, Secure Your Future
Body: Don’t let precious rainwater go to waste! Implement rainwater harvesting in your colony. Recharge groundwater, conserve water.
Slogan: Save Water, Save Life.
Q2. You want to sell your house at 15 Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi. Draft an advertisement in not more than 50 words giving the necessary details, to be published in the classified column
Answer:
Headline: Spacious Home for Sale!
Body: 15 Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi. 3 BHK, well-maintained, prime location. Contact Niket/Ishita: [Your Phone Number]
OR
You are an electrical engineer in need of a job in or around Bengaluru. Write an advertisement for publication in a local daily. You are Ayan/Lisha.
Answer:
Headline: Electrical Engineer Seeks Position
Body: Experienced Electrical Engineer seeks a challenging role in Bengaluru. Expertise in [mention 1-2 specializations]. Contact Ayan/Lisha: [Your Phone Number]
Q3. Write a speech in 130 to 150 words to be delivered in the morning assembly on the topic “Water, a valuable asset, conservation at home and at school.” You
Answer:
Good morning everyone. Today, I want to talk about something vital to our lives: water. Water is a precious resource, and we must conserve it. At home, we can fix leaky taps, take shorter showers, and reuse water for plants. We should also be mindful of how much water we use while washing dishes or clothes.
At school, we can play an even bigger role. Report any dripping faucets or running taps. Let’s avoid wasting water in the restrooms and encourage everyone to use water responsibly. We can even start a water conservation club to raise awareness. Remember, every drop counts. By conserving water, we’re securing our future. Let’s make a conscious effort to save this valuable asset, both at home and at school. Thank you.
OR
You are Hemant/Harsha, the Head boy/Head girl, of your school. You decide to make the school population aware of the pollution caused by plastic bags. Prepare a speech you intend
Answer:
Good morning, everyone. As your Head Boy/Girl, I want to address a pressing issue: the pollution caused by plastic bags. Plastic bags are a major threat to our environment. They clog drains, pollute our land and water, and harm wildlife.
We must take action. I urge everyone to switch to reusable bags made of cloth or jute. Let’s carry our own bags when we go shopping. We can also organize campaigns to educate others about the harmful effects of plastic bags. Let’s pledge to make our school a plastic-free zone. By making small changes in our daily lives, we can make a big difference. Let’s work together to create a cleaner and healthier environment for ourselves and future generations. Thank you.
Q4. “Academic excellence is the only requirement for a successful career.” Write a debate in 120-150 words, either for or against the motion. You are Vedant/Savleen.
Answer:
(Against the motion): While academic excellence is undoubtedly important, it is not the only requirement for a successful career. In today’s competitive world, employers look for a wide range of skills beyond academic qualifications. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills are equally crucial. Practical experience through internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities also plays a significant role in career success. Furthermore, adaptability, creativity, and a positive attitude are highly valued in the workplace. Academic excellence provides a strong foundation, but it’s the combination of various skills and experiences that truly pave the way for a fulfilling and successful career.
OR
“The internet cannot replace a classroom teacher.” Write a debate in 120-150 words, either for or against the motion.
Answer:
(For the motion): While the internet offers a wealth of information and learning resources, it cannot completely replace a classroom teacher. Teachers provide personalized guidance, catering to individual learning styles and needs. They foster critical thinking, encourage discussion, and create a dynamic learning environment. Teachers also play a crucial role in character development, imparting values and ethics. The interaction and human connection in a classroom are essential for holistic development. While the internet can be a valuable supplement to education, the role of a teacher in shaping young minds remains irreplaceable.
GRAMMER
Q5a. Choose the correct option to fill in the blank:
-
Despite the advances in technology, _______ of the universe is yet to be discovered.
(a) much (b) several (c) an amount (d) more
-
Do you remember _______ man I pointed out to you yesterday?
(a) an (b) the (c) a (d) any
-
She has to go to Turkey for _______ months for her treatment.
(a) much (b) several (c) whole (d) most
Anaswer:
- (a) much
- (b) the
- (b) several
Q5b. Rearrange the jumbled words/phrases to make meaningful sentences:
(a) elephant / land animal / largest / is / today / the
(b) mild / peace loving / is / animal / it / a / and
(c) more easily / that is why / domesticated / be / can / and / it / trained
(d) weigh up / elephant / a / to / can / 5 tons / fully grown
Answers:(a) The elephant is the largest land animal today.
(b) It is a mild and peace-loving animal.
(c) That is why it can be domesticated and trained more easily.
(d) A fully grown elephant can weigh up to 5 tons.
SECTION – C
Q1. Read the following stanza and answer (any one) of the questions that follow:
Then sleek as a lizard, and alert, and abrupt, She enters the thickness, and a machine starts up Of chitterings
The whole tree trembles and thrills
-
How did the bird move to the other side of the branch?
(a) Like a lizard (b) Slowly (c) Smoothly (d) By flying
Answer: (a) Like a lizard
-
When did the death-like tree become alive?
(a) In the month of March (b) By the arrival of the monsoon season (c) By the arrival of the Goldfinch bird (d) By the arrival of sparrows
Answer: (c) By the arrival of the Goldfinch bird
-
Identify the poetic device used in the first line?
(a) Personification (b) Alliteration (c) Simile (d) Onomatopoeia
Answer: (c) Simile
OR
I am the Poem of Earth, said the voice of the rain, Eternal I rise impalpable out of the land and the bottomless sea, Upward to heaven,
- The sources of rain are _______
Answer: The land and the bottomless sea.
- The poetic device used in the first line of the extract is _______
Answer: Personification
- Find a word from the extract that means ‘that cannot be felt physically’.
Answer: Impalpable
Q2. Read the following passage and answer (any one) of the questions that follow:
They remain the richest royal collection ever found and have become part of the pharaoh’s legend. Stunning artefacts in gold, their eternal brilliance meant to guarantee resurrection, caused a sensation at the time of the discovery—and still get the most attention.
- “They” in the first sentence refers to: (a) The archaeologists who went in search of Pharaoh’s pyramid (b) The funerary treasure found in Tut’s tomb (c) Tut’s exploits as the ruler of Egypt (d) The stories written about King Tut
Answer: (b) The funerary treasure found in Tut’s tomb. The passage discusses a “royal collection” and “artefacts in gold,” clearly pointing to the treasure.
- What does “guarantee resurrection” mean? (a) To ensure that Tut would pass into his after life without any trouble (b) To make sure that the precious metals don’t lose their shine (c) To ensure that Tut’s spirit was tied down in his tomb forever (d) To ensure that Tut is able to take a rebirth
Answer: (d) To ensure that Tut is able to take a rebirth. The passage mentions “eternal brilliance meant to guarantee resurrection,” indicating a belief in an afterlife or rebirth.
- The word “artefacts” means? (a) Facts about art and culture (b) Artificial objects and (c) Articles of old times and of great historical importance (d) Art and craft material
Answer: (c) Articles of old times and of great historical importance. While artifacts can be artificial objects, the context here specifies items of historical significance.
OR
A flawless half-moon floated in a perfect blue sky on the morning we said our goodbyes. Extended banks of cloud like long French loaves glowed pink as the sun emerged to splash
- Where was author going to? (a) Ravu (b) Lhama (c) Mount Kailash (d) None of the above
Answer: (c) Mount Kailash. The passage states, “I was heading towards Mount Kailash to complete the kora…”
- Which figure of speech has been used in the phrase “banks of cloud like long French loaves”? (a) Metaphor (b) Alliteration (c) Oxymoron (d) Simile
Answer: (d) Simile. The phrase uses “like” to compare the clouds to French loaves.
- Which of the following objects could be seen in the sky on that day? (a) Moon (b) Sun (c) Bread (d) Clouds
Answer: (a) Moon, (b) Sun, and (d) Clouds. The passage mentions a “half-moon,” “sun,” and “banks of cloud.” “Bread” is incorrect as it’s used in a simile, not as a literal object in the sky.
Q3. How did the sparrows mourn the death of the grandmother?
When the grandmother died, the sparrows, who were her regular companions, expressed their sorrow in a unique way. They didn’t chirp. Instead, they gathered around her body in silence. When the narrator’s mother offered them bread crumbs, they took no notice and flew away after the grandmother’s body was taken away, signifying their deep connection with her.
OR
What was the strange reality that Professor Gaitonde saw as he stepped out of the station?
As Professor Gaitonde stepped out of the station, he was met with an unexpected sight. He found himself in a Bombay that looked significantly different from the one he knew. He saw a different train, different shops, and different establishments. The names of streets and buildings were changed, leaving him disoriented and confused as he struggled to reconcile this altered reality with his memories.
Q4. On what does the rain descend? What does it do to those things on which it falls? (The Voice of the Rain)
The rain descends upon the earth and the bottomless sea. It gives life and sustenance to the things upon which it falls. It washes, nourishes, and softens the dry land, allowing for the growth of vegetation. It also purifies and replenishes the earth, continuing a cycle of renewal and rejuvenation.
OR
Why can’t the father understand what his son speaks?
The father cannot understand what his son speaks because there is a generational gap and a lack of communication between them. The son speaks a different “language” of his time, influenced by modern culture, music, and experiences that the father doesn’t share or understand. The father clings to traditional values and finds it difficult to relate to his son’s perspective and expressions.
Q5. Answer the following questions in 40-50 words each.
(The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse)
What were the peculiarities in Uncle Khosrove’s behaviour?
Uncle Khosrove was known for his explosive temper and eccentric behavior. He was impatient, loud, and domineering. He would often interrupt conversations with his standard response, “It is no harm, pay no attention to it.” He was impulsive and acted without thinking, often creating chaos around him. Despite this, he had a good heart.
OR
Who was the woman with the broad back? Why did she take away all the nice things from the narrator’s house?
The woman with the broad back was the narrator’s aunt. After the narrator’s family experienced financial difficulties, she took away their nice things, including their furniture and belongings, to safeguard them. She promised to return them when the family’s situation improved. However, this never happened, causing the narrator’s family considerable hardship and distress.
Q6. Answer any one of the following questions in 100-120 words.
Describe the difficulties and disillusionment faced by Nick Middleton during his journey to Mount Kailash.
Nick Middleton
OR
Highlight the tremendous courage and forbearance shown by the two children during the struggle to keep the boat from sinking. What values do you learn from them?
The two children in the story displayed extraordinary courage and resilience when their boat began to sink during a storm. Despite their fear, they worked together tirelessly to bail out water, repair the damaged boat, and navigate through the treacherous waves. They showed immense presence of mind, resourcefulness, and determination. From them, we learn the values of bravery, perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of remaining calm and hopeful in the face of adversity.
Q7. Answer any one of the following questions in 100-120 words:
(Mother’s Day)
Mrs. Fitzgerald’s effort does not go in vain, as the family changes for better. Justify.
Mrs. Fitzgerald’s efforts to teach the Pearson family a lesson about respect and appreciation are ultimately successful. Through her temporary body swap with Mrs. Pearson, she gives the family a taste of how they behave towards their mother and wife. The experience shocks the Pearsons, making them realize their selfish and inconsiderate behavior. They begin to value Mrs. Pearson’s contributions and treat her with more consideration and love. While her methods are unconventional, Mrs. Fitzgerald’s actions lead to a positive change in the family dynamics, making the Pearsons a more caring and supportive family.
OR
Justify the title of the story ‘The Address’.
The title “The Address” is central to the story’s themes of memory, loss, and the search for identity. The address, 46 Marconi Street, serves as a connection to the narrator’s past and her mother’s cherished belongings. It represents a tangible link to a time before the war and the loss it brought. The story revolves around the narrator’s journey to this address, hoping to reclaim her heritage. However, the encounter with the new occupant reveals the painful truth that time and circumstances have irrevocably changed things. The address, once a symbol of hope and connection, becomes a reminder of the past’s irretrievability, highlighting the story’s poignant exploration of loss and disillusionment.