TS Intermediate English 1st Year Model Paper 2024

(a) What is the attitude of teachers towards learners as illustrated in Father, Dear Father?

In the story Father, Dear Father, the attitude of teachers towards learners is illustrated through the interaction between the teacher and the young boy. The teacher, though initially stern, reveals a deep sense of care and responsibility towards the students’ progress. While the teacher maintains discipline and tries to instill respect and focus in the students, it is also evident that they genuinely want to see their learners grow and succeed. The story shows that teachers may not always show their feelings overtly but their actions reflect a commitment to the betterment of the students, indicating a balance of both authority and nurturing care.

(b) All great things have humble, small beginnings. Justify the statement based on the life and work of Thimmakka.

Thimmakka’s life is a perfect example of the saying “All great things have humble, small beginnings.” Born into a poor family, Thimmakka, despite her lack of resources, started a small act of planting trees. Her dedication to nurturing the saplings she planted along a road eventually transformed the landscape and created a lush green avenue. What started as a simple, humble initiative with no expectation of grand outcomes led to a remarkable contribution to environmental conservation. Over time, Thimmakka became a symbol of dedication to nature, and her small act of planting trees has now turned into a legacy that has garnered national and international recognition. Thus, her life exemplifies how great, impactful deeds can stem from modest and humble beginnings.

(c) What gave Dr. Bannister strength in the final spurt?

In the final spurt, Dr. Bannister was motivated by a sense of duty and the desire to accomplish his goal. His determination to push through despite exhaustion was fueled by a mixture of self-discipline, the memory of past challenges, and the goal of achieving something significant. The internal drive to finish what he had started, coupled with the realization of the impact his efforts could have, provided him with the strength to persevere. Dr. Bannister’s mental fortitude, knowing that success was within reach, gave him the strength to summon the last burst of energy necessary to complete the final part of his journey.

2. Answer ANY TWO of the following questions in about 100 words each.

(a) “Dr. Ammangi Venugopal’s creativity is rooted deeply in the complexities and contradictions of modern life,” says observers. Explain the statement, taking The Beggar as a reference point.

The statement highlights Dr. Ammangi Venugopal’s unique ability to capture the complexities and contradictions inherent in modern life through his creative works. In The Beggar, Venugopal illustrates the contrasts between social norms, human dignity, and societal expectations. The beggar, who is often seen as an outcast or symbol of failure, embodies the contradiction of societal views — that one’s worth is measured by wealth, social position, and appearance. However, through the character of the beggar, Venugopal challenges these norms and explores the inner human condition, suggesting that external circumstances do not define the worth of an individual.

The beggar’s struggles reflect the modern social issues of poverty, inequality, and human rights, while also revealing deeper emotional and psychological conflicts. Venugopal’s creativity lies in how he portrays these contradictions — showing the beggar as both a victim of societal systems and yet a human being with dignity, hope, and a desire for recognition. This deep-rooted understanding of human complexity is reflective of the struggles, contradictions, and realities of modern life, where people are often judged by their social status rather than their inherent value as individuals.

(b) An essay-to-read poem, Keep Going is rich both in its content and form. Explain the above statement with examples.

The statement suggests that the poem Keep Going by John Mason is significant both in its thematic content and its structural design.

Content: The poem’s content is rich in motivation and inspiration, conveying a message of perseverance, resilience, and hope. It encourages readers to continue striving in the face of adversity, to never give up despite challenges, and to maintain a sense of purpose. Lines like “When things go wrong, as they sometimes will / When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,” acknowledge the difficulties of life, yet the poem emphasizes the importance of persistence. The poem’s central theme is uplifting and reminds readers that success comes from enduring hardship and keeping the momentum going.

Form: The poem’s structure complements its message. It follows a simple rhyme scheme, with short, clear, and rhythmic lines that add to the sense of motion and determination. The repetition of phrases such as “keep going” reinforces the theme of perseverance. The straightforward form makes the poem accessible and easily relatable, while its rhythmic flow mirrors the steady persistence the speaker advocates. The simplicity in form, combined with its profound content, makes Keep Going a powerful essay-like poem, blending motivational ideas with an easily digestible structure.

(c) Explain with the example of the lily that size matters not but beauty counts a lot.

The example of the lily serves as a metaphor for the idea that true value does not lie in outward size or appearance, but in inner beauty and essence. A lily, though it may not be as large or imposing as other flowers, possesses an extraordinary beauty that stands out in nature. Its delicate petals, fragrance, and simplicity make it captivating, often admired despite its modest size. This suggests that what truly matters is the intrinsic qualities, such as beauty, grace, and character, rather than superficial aspects like size or material wealth.

In a broader sense, this idea can be applied to human beings and life in general. People may be judged or evaluated based on their outward appearance, achievements, or status, but true worth lies in inner beauty — kindness, compassion, integrity, and strength of character. The lily, though small, shines brightly with its beauty, teaching that size or external factors are not the true measures of value; it is what lies beneath the surface that truly counts.

3. Answer ANY TWO of the following questions in about 100 words each.

(a) Helping the old is as good as playing the game. Elucidate with reference to the story.

In the story, the phrase “Helping the old is as good as playing the game” highlights the theme of kindness and selflessness. The story emphasizes that aiding the elderly or those in need is a virtuous act that carries its own rewards, much like winning a game.

The protagonist’s interactions with an elderly person, or perhaps with others in the story, demonstrate that offering help is not just about performing a task, but about understanding the importance of compassion, respect, and care. These actions, though not as immediately rewarding as winning a game, create a sense of fulfillment and a deeper connection with humanity. The story reinforces the idea that, just like a game that requires skill, strategy, and fairness, helping others—especially the elderly—requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to serve. In the context of the story, the act of helping the old is as rewarding as the thrill of winning a game, as it nurtures both the helper’s and the receiver’s spirit.

(b) Were the brothers successful in executing their tricks? Support your answer.

The success of the brothers in executing their tricks depends on how well they carried out their plan and the ultimate outcome of their actions. If their tricks were aimed at deceiving or outsmarting someone for personal gain, then the question of success would depend on whether their intentions were fulfilled without any significant consequences. However, if their tricks backfired or resulted in unforeseen problems, then their success might be seen as limited or even a failure.

In many stories involving trickery, the eventual failure of such tricks often reveals deeper lessons about honesty, morality, or the consequences of deceit. If the brothers’ tricks were intended to help others or teach a lesson, then their success would be measured by the positive outcome of their actions, such as bringing about change or helping the individuals involved. Ultimately, their success can be judged by whether the trick achieved its purpose and the impact it had on the characters involved.

(c) Describe the scene of the dinner party.

The dinner party scene is often an opportunity to reveal important character dynamics, social interactions, and the atmosphere of the gathering. In the story, the dinner party could be described as either a formal, elegant event or a more casual, relaxed gathering depending on the tone of the narrative.

If the scene is set in a grand setting, the room might be adorned with beautiful decorations, and the guests could be dressed in their finest attire, seated at a long table with a well-laid spread of delicious food. There may be laughter, light conversation, and a sense of enjoyment as the guests interact with one another. The host may be attentive, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and comfortable, while the guests could engage in friendly chatter, possibly exchanging stories or sharing experiences.

Alternatively, if the dinner party is more informal, the atmosphere might be more laid-back, with guests enjoying homemade dishes, and the conversation flowing freely in a more intimate setting. The interactions between the characters could reflect familiarity, warmth, and genuine connection.

In both cases, the dinner party scene can act as a moment of social bonding, character development, and often serves to advance the plot or reveal underlying themes. Whether filled with joy and merriment or tension and unease, this scene plays a significant role in building relationships between the characters and providing insight into their personalities and motives.

Section-B

4. Read the following passage carefully and answer ANY FOUR questions given after it in a word or a sentence each.