CONTENTS SECTION A—READING Unseen Passages (1 to 6) ............................................................................................................ 03 Comprehension (1 to 3) ................................................................................................................. 04 SECTION B—WRITING AND GRAMMAR Formal/Informal Letter ............................................................................................................... 06 Email ............................................................................................................................................... 07 Article/Speech/Debate or Story Writing .................................................................................. 08 Notice Short Story and Short Newspaper Report ............................................................... 10 Formative Assessment ................................................................................................................... 12 Filling Blanks with Suitable Words ............................................................................................ 17 Editing: Detecting & Correcting Errors .................................................................................... 18 Omission: Supplying Missing Word ............................................................................................ 18 Sentence Reordering .................................................................................................................... 19 Sentence Transformation ............................................................................................................ 20 Formative Assessment ................................................................................................................... 20 SECTION C—LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS & LONG READING TEXT Fiction How I Taught My Grandmother to Read ................................................................................... 23 A Dog Named Duke (William D. Ellis) ...................................................................................... 25 Poetry The Brook ....................................................................................................................................... 27 The Road Not Taken ..................................................................................................................... 29 The Solitary Reaper ...................................................................................................................... 30 Drama Villa for Sale .................................................................................................................................... 31 Novels Gulliver’s Travels ........................................................................................................................... 34 Three Men in a Boat ...................................................................................................................... 36 • PRACTICE PAPERS (1 to 5) .................................................................................................. 38
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SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 8. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
(b) the endangered giant tortoises are found there (c) there are seven kinds of tortoise found on the eight islands (c) the giant tortoises were killed and eaten (b) ships would be near the shore (c) men working on the ships They stand for male deer. The ground was rocky and hard. The bucks swerved in a circular line to save themselves. Because he had satisfied his hunger. It means obstructed the path angrily. (d) five lakh cases every year (d) it causes cancer, heart disease and bronchitis (a) tobacco companies advertise extensively (c) of both (a) and (b) (b) discovered (a) they benefit from good education themselves (c) women will neglect their household duties (b) it will refresh their minds (d) of all of the above (b) to do something (a) they have not to work for their living (b) they are tired of having nothing to do (d) of all of the above (c) he toils for his bread (b) completeness He wants peace and quiet and so he wants to go to Innisfree. Because nature is beautiful, alive and full of life there. Because he always hears the low sounds of lake water lapping its shore. Because there is beauty and peace here day and night. Glade means open space. (a) it has caused serious hazards to life (b) it has caused water pollution (d) it has caused imbalance in the relation between living beings and their environment (c) widespread and long lasting (a) risks/dangers (c) an irregular pattern of sound waves (d) all of the above (a) it causes deafness (b) it produces prolonged loud noise (c) strike or hit suddenly
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9. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 10. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
He was filled with sorrow because his pigtail hung behind him. He turned around as he wanted to change the pigtail’s place. It is faithful as it hung steadily behind him. Because his efforts to change the position of the pigtail proved useless. It means to work less hard than usual. It is described as yellow because the trees had yellow leaves. Because he could not travel both roads. He stand along as he wanted to examine the roads. It had better class as it was grassy and wanted wear. It means separated and took a different direction.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS COMPREHENSION-1 1. 1.1
Word
Pronunciation
Meaning
1.
Originated /∂′ridzineitid/ appeared for the first time Malaria is thought to have originated in the tropics.
2.
Confirmed /k∂n′f3:md/ His guilty expression confirmed my suspicions.
shown as true or correct
3.
Chief
main, most important
/t∫i:f/
Their chief problem is poverty. 4.
Distant /′dist∂nt/ The airport was about 20 kilometres distant.
5.
Sedimentary
/sedímentri/
formed from sand, stones, mud etc. that settle at the bottom of lakes/sea Sedimentary rocks are not as hard as granite rocks.
6.
Remains
/rimeinz/
7.
She fed the remains of her lunch to the dog. ª Obviously / obυi∂sli/ Diet and exercise are obviously important.
8.
Crude /kru:d/ Crude oil is treated in refineries.
9.
Vapours
far away in space
the parts of something that are left clearly in its natural state
/′υeip∂rs/
mass of very small drops of liquid in air
Water vapours rose high. 10.
2. 2.1
4
Various /′υe ∂ri∂s/ She took the job for various reasons.
several, different
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
imagination profession potential direction
imagine profess potentiate direct
imaginative professional potential directional
imaginatively professionally potentially directly
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Difficult word
Synonym
Antonym
Tremendous Pathetic Talented Capture Rampant Reconcile
huge sad gifted catch fierce accept
tiny cheerful hopeless free mild reject
COMPREHENSION-2 1. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) 2. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
(iv) (iii) (iv) (i) (ii) (iv) (ii) (iii) (iv) (i)
a little narrow-minded creature to put all things together to occupy his humble place it can’t crack a nut the squirrel nervous a grave, calm man he felt the narrator had a secret to reveal his manner was mysterious revelation
COMPREHENSION-3 1. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) 2. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
(iii) (ii) (i) (iv) (iii) (iii) (ii) (iv) (i) (iv)
early rising an early riser well done before midnight necessity education and technical progress cost of advertising is added to that of the product advertisements a wider choice is available inverting
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B
WRITING & GRAMMAR
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS FORMAL / INFORMAL LETTER OR EMAIL 1. The Chairman Water Authority Ahmedabad 29 March, 20XX Sir, Sub: Complaint regarding inadequate water supply We, the residents of M.G. Colony, are facing immense water scarcity. Water is supplied to the residents for just about two hours on a given day. Even the pressure is very low. As a result after a two hours’ supply one manages to simply receive just about 450-500 litres of water. It has been brought to our notice that in some VIP colonies water is supplied throughout the day. Why this disparity? Also, another matter which surprises me is the availability of water to the water-tankers. Somewhere, it appears that there is a nexus between the Water Authority officials and water tanker operators. With summer approaching, the situation is going to worsen. As residents and regular water tax payers we have right to this basic need. If not in surplus, at least an adequate amount should be provided. We hope and expect that as Chairman of Water Authority you would definitely treat this as urgent and provide relief to the residents of M.G. Colony. Yours faithfully XYZ 2. St John’s School Madna 15 June 20XX Dear Uncle Thank you for providing me an excellent opportunity to go on a trekking expedition. Our PT instructor is jolly good at organising adventure sports, tours and trekking expeditions. He briefed us about the requirements for high altitude climbing. We left for the hills on the 22nd May. We reached Helang on the Badrinath-Rishikesh Road by bus. Next morning at 9 a.m. we started our trek to Kapleshwar. We reached Kapleshwar late in the afternoon. We took our food, and then retired for the night. Next day we took the road to Rudranath. Our destination that day was Dhumak. This trek had a steep ascent and a high mountain ridge in between. The toughest part of the trek was from Toli to Rudranath. There were steep and slippery slopes. It took us five hours to reach the ridge. From the height of 12,200 feet, the valley looked superb. The steep descent proved more hazardous and risky.
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I hope I haven’t bored you with all these details. With regards Yours affectionately Prakash Rao 3. B 325 Ashok Vihar New Delhi 1 October 20XX The Editor The Pioneer New Delhi Dear Sir The article regarding ban on manufacture of coloured bags from low grade plastic in the issue dated 30 September 20XX has greatly upset many. Plastic bags, everyone will agree, are a menace regardless of whether they are coloured or black or white. Moreover, with their increasing use they are becoming a serious environmental problem. The colours used in their manufacture contain lead and cadmium. These release small amount of poisons into the human body when they mix with food products such as ghee, curd and meat. This selective ban without any fiscal incentives or fine is a mere eyewash. Even high grade, good quality plastic also over time gets recycled into coloured bags. Hence a comprehensive legislation is required to protect and improve the quality of environment. The government should impose a ban on the use of coloured plastic bag immediately and the colourless plastic carry-bags under a time-bound programme. Moreover, efforts should be made to harness technology to produce biodegradable plastic. The State Pollution Control Boards should enforce the ban strictly. Yours faithfully Madhu Dutta
E-MAIL 1.
[email protected] [email protected]
9 November 20XX
subject: grading system and CCE Message I heaved a sigh of relief on reading the heartening news that students of X class will be free from the monster of Annual Examination. Grades will replace marks and CCE will be used for appraisal of performance. Both scholastic and co-scholastic areas will figure in the assessment, which will have formative and summative assessments. The grading system will de-stress the students as there will be no tension of board examinations. There will be no parental or peer pressure as percentage will not matter. The system is not altogether foolproof. It has a blend of good and bad effects. There will be less gap between intelligent students. Variety of percentage will not matter. Consequently, the level of education will fall down. 2.
[email protected] 15 December 20XX
[email protected] subject: experience in snowfall Message I have just seen a child playing with snowballs. It reminded me of my own experience of
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being caught unawares in snowfall. Last year we had gone to the hills. The pleasant and sunny morning held the promise of a glorious and splendid day. Suddenly there were cool winds and powdery snow was in the air. This unexpected snowfall surprised me and many others. I had come outdoors totally unprepared for it. I had no overcoat, cap, muffler or gloves to protect me. As a result, I was covered from head to foot with snow. I began to shiver. I feared that I might catch fever. I saw some of the tourists enjoying the snowfall. They too had no protective gear. I took heart from their example. I thought, however, that protection was the better form of valour. Within a couple of minutes the roads, picnic spots and roofs of houses were covered with snow. I beat a hasty retreat to the hotel we were staying in.
ARTICLE/SPEECH/DEBATE OR STORY WRITING 1.
PLIGHT OF CHILD LABOUR The evil of child labour still persists in the society. It has crippled our society. The other day I happened to watch some children engaged in active work. It has disturbed me to no end. The inhuman conditions in which these children live and are made to work are deplorable. They are made to slog for 16-18 hrs. They are hardly provided any nutrition. They are physically tortured and sexually abused. They work in homes, restaurants and factories. These children are underpaid and exploited. Though the government has put in place laws against this practice and they should be followed strictly. The people who exploit children must be discouraged. There is no fear of punishment as laws aren’t stringently implemented. It is also sad to note that parents of these children, in order to supplement their income send these children to work. They are very well aware of the conditions but simply ignore it as money seems more important to them. But I feel these children definitely deserve a better childhood.
2.
WATERBORNE DISEASES—A THREAT The report published above is shocking. It brings to the fore the callous attitude of the administration. It is a total failure of the Water Board to provide a basic necessity— clean, safe water—to the people. The report categorically says that this water is unfit for human consumption. What are we going to do about this? Are we going to get together and fight or let waterborne diseases like cholera, hepatitis and typhoid spread? Contaminated water can cause these deadly diseases which can cause large-scale deaths, if not treated immediately. These water samples must be shown to the Municipal Commissioner and an explanation demanded. On the one hand, we celebrate World Health Day, while on the other hand, the basic commodity, water, is impure. I’m sure the concerned authorities will look into the matter and ensure clean and safe drinking water for the public.
3.
SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN: LAZY AND DISEASE-PRONE Good Morning, Respected teachers and dear friends! I’m here today to discuss the trend prevalent among school-going children today regarding their various preferences. To begin with, if one looks at their commuting habits, one finds that only 20% prefer to cycle down to their school, just about 15% prefer walking and the rest 65% prefer to go by car or bus. The food preferences of today’s children are quite different from what it was a decade or two ago. Sixty per cent children prefer junk food, only 15% opt for cereals, rice and chapatis and as many as 25% like ice creams and cold drinks. Looking at their leisure
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time activities we find that outdoor games have taken a backseat. Only 5% children play outdoor games. Sixty per cent go for video games and 35% prefer net surfing. This has led to children becoming obese and even at young age many of them develop heart- related problems. Inactivity gives rise to lethargy and dullness. This directly affects their performance. The reason for my taking up this topic for speech today was to highlight the need for good and regular eating and playing habits among children. I hope all of you will remember the ill-effects of wrong eating habits. Thank you 4.
CURBING NOISE POLLUTION Respected teachers and dear friends! The problem of noise pollution has become a malaise that has engulfed our metros as well as other big cities. A sample survey of the four metros—Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata— shows that the loudness of sound in these cities during the day exceeds the WHO limit by 18 to 31 decibels (the safe limit being 55). The citizens do not enjoy a peaceful night either because the loudness of sound is almost double the WHO limit of 35 decibels. It varies from 67 to 73 decibels. A question arises: Aren’t we heading for deafness? Constant exposure to loud noise over a period of time is sufficient cause to induce giddiness, nervousness, headache, mental tension, depression, insomnia and may lead to amnesia. It is high time some preventive measures and remedial actions were adopted in right earnest. The movement of heavy traffic inside the cities should be strictly banned at night. Even during the day honking of horns should be minimised. Peace zones— schools, colleges, hospitals, children’s parks—should be kept noise free. Generators are another source for loud noise. In these days of uncertain supply of electricity these have become a necessary evil. The manufacturers should take steps to make them as low sound emitting as possible. Use of loudspeakers should be curbed and if not totally possible, restrained to certain permissible limits. Music systems should not blare out music. Let us join hands to curb loud noise.
Thanks 5. Respected chairperson, members of the jury, honourable teachers and my dear friends. The topic for today’s debate is “Fast food is harmful to health” and I, Sushil Saxena of class X-B stand before you to speak in favour of the motion. I fully agree that fast food is harmful to health. The first reason is that these foods are high carbohydrate, high fast and high salt. Secondly they are laced with a number of chemicals like antioxidants, emulsifious, preservatives, colouring agents, flowring agents like ajinomoto. Thirdly these fond affect the child’s concentration, learning abilities and behaviour. Forthly these foods lead to poor boneformation as they lack calcium. My worthy opponent has mentioned that suck foods are healthy and safe. Let me remind him that tests conducted on children who regularly eat fast food have shown that some of them suffer from hypertension, heart problem, obesity, diabetes etc. at such a young age. It is because these foods lack minearls, proteins. It is because these foods lack minerals, proteins, vitamins which are present in fresh fruits, nuts, salads, eggs, meat, cereals and lentils cooked at home. To sum up children should be made to develop a liking for home made food. If to develop a liking for home made food. If sale of fast food items are banned from schools and its surroundings their children would go in for good food cooked at home or fresh fruits and salads. After all, health lost cannot be regained easily and cheaply. Thank you
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NOTICE / SHORT STORY AND SHORT NEWSPAPER REPORT 1.
BHARATI PUBLIC SCHOOL, SURAT NOTICE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE All the House Captains and Vice-Captains are requested to attend a meeting on 30th September in the Activities Room at 1.00 p.m. to consider implementing certain proposals for improving the school discipline. They should bring lists of prefects/ monitors for allocation of specific duties. Neena Dave Head Girl
26 Sept. 20XX
2.
MODEL SCHOOL, NAGPUR NOTICE MAGIC SHOW The Cultural Forum is organising a magic show in aid of Drought Victims of Rajasthan/ Telangana as per details given below: Date : 20 Sept. 20XX Venue : Ambedkar Hall Time : 11.30 a.m. Entry by Tickets : ` 100, ` 50 15 Sept. 20XX
All are cordially invited. Anju/Anupam Secretary Cultural Forum
SHORT STORY 1. guided him wherever he went. The begger used to treat him as his son. He used to provide him meal even if it was a meagre one. He was so fond of his dog that he cared for his life very dearly. One day while he was playing with the violin, many people gathered to listen to the music. It was so melodous that the begger got enough money to feed his dog very contently. He was very happy to see that his dog was well fed. The dog showed his love by licking the begger’s hand. In this way they carried their day in a happy way. 2. him to take painkillers along with antibiotics after the operation. Also he was warned that it might get infected. Though the surgery went well, Pratap couldn’t help asking himself whether it was worth it. He could not see by his left eye anyway. Not just the surgery but the war itself had forced him into this life of invalidity and pain. What grudges had he with the people he had fought against? Who had won? Had that winning brought any happiness? There was a lot of destruction on both sides. Both men and material had perished. Smirking, he realised that the actual people who had grudges weren’t even present there themselves! So why send proxies to win their war? Why put on stake so many lives? Contemplating, Pratap went into a state of oblivion, where there was no pain, no war to win, no lives to take. 3. The function was to be held at the forest clearing. In came all the animals and birds in vibrant dresses. But when they entered the clearing they were shocked to see Booboo, the lion, lying lifeless at the center of the clearing. Cheeku, the rabbit, who was a
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dectative, forbade everyone to go near the body or to leave the clearing and set out to solve the mystery. Foxy, the fox, was questioned first as he was a close friend of the lion. Foxy had a criminal record but being the lion’s friend, got exenorated all the time. He was of a duel nature but lion trusted him the most. During questioning, foxy accepted his many crimes but pleaded that he hadn’t killed the lion as it wouldn’t be profitable. Cheeku said, “Now that you have told the truth, I would ask Booboo, the lion, to get up and punish you”. Now Booboo got up and thanked Cheeku for opening his eyes. REPORT 1.
FLOOD HAVOC Yamuna nagar: 4 Sept. 20XX Anurag, Reporter, (The Tribune) As a result of the heavy rains in the area for two days, several parts of the district have been flooded. The water level in the Yamuna and the Tavi is constantly increasing due to incessant rains in the catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh. At present the rivers are flowing 2 to 3 feet above the danger mark. Many old bridges have caved in. Rail and road traffic is at a standstill. Flood waters have swept away the fish plates and railway track is hanging without a support. The roads have been severely damaged. We could tour the area only by a motorboat run by the relief and rescue party. The whole area looks like a sea of water. People are standing on the roofs of their houses, waving arms and seeking help. They have neither food to eat nor water to drink. Water has entered their houses, destroyed the standing crops in the fields and swept away their animals. Cases of drowning of children have also been reported. The District Administration is taking up all possible efforts to provide relief in the form of food packets, water bottles etc. People are also being rescued and shifted to safer places. Thank you
2.
A VISIT TO A BOOK FAIR Meerut: 26 Nov., 20XX Aditya: Head boy A Book Fair was held at Pragati Maidan from 14th November to 25th November. I visited the fair yesterday evening with my friends Ajay and Vijay. It was an international book fair. So we had the good fortune to have a glimpse of the masterpieces produced in foreign countries as well. All the leading publishers of India had also set up their stalls there. Latest publications were on display. Artistic title covers and fine computerised printing made the books look more attractive and alluring. Books for children were the centre of attraction for all eyes. Beautiful pictures, bold printing and fine paper made them appear tempting. Mothers and children flocked to these stalls. Science fiction seemd to be as popular with people as books dealing with computers, robots and space-quests were. The “Wonders of Science” was in great demand. Some stalls had invited their celebrated authors. They autographed their books and chatted with the customers. Thus we had the good fortune of meeting Mr Ruskin Bond in person. The firms also offered discount on cash sale. I bought a book on computer, whereas my friends purchased books on General Knowledge and Current Affairs. The visit filled me with wonder. In fact it proved quite rewarding. Thank you
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FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS WRITING ARTICLE/EMAIL/STORY 1.
MOBILE CULTURE—THE ETHICS More and more people are carrying their mobile phones with them. These phones help instant connectivity and make communication easier. However, the use of mobile phones can be dangerous at times. Young persons keep on talking on mobile phones or listening while driving. It certainly distracts attention and may cause accidents. So mobile phone should not be used while driving. The use of cellular phones has been banned by the government at petrol pumps as they could ignite the flammable vapours present in the air. Mobile phones should be switched off inside an aircraft specially while taking off or landing as the electromagnetic rays emitted/received by it may cause incalculable harm to the plane, as the latter might catch fire. Ethics of mobile culture impose another restriction on us. Mobiles should be switched off when in an ICU or if one is near a heart patient or someone who has pacemaker. It will be in the interest of the patient.
2. Holi is a traditional festival of India. Mother told me a story about Holi. King Hirankashyapu was a demon king. He opposed Lord Vishnu in particular and the other gods in general. But his son Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. The king tried to persuade Prahlad to accept him as God and stop worshipping Vishnu, but Prahlad did not obey him. The king had a sister named Holika. She had a boon. Her shawl protected her from fire. She sat in a pyre of fire with Prahlad in her lap. Soon a wonder came to light as the flames decreased. Prahlad was safe but Holika—the incarnation of evil—had died. The igniting of fire on Holi means the victory of good over evil. 3. For self-attempt.
WRITING SHORT PARAGRAPH/ARTICLE/EMAIL 1.
MISUSE OF INTERNET Like other inventions of science, Internet may be misused. The data available on the Internet is objective and can be surfed easily. Young children get addicted to surfing and waste a lot of time doing so. Sometimes they come across undesirable sites which pour out a lot of garbage. Malicious sites pour out data with adult content. They may receive e-mails containing viruses. Hackers and spammers try to steal the password of genuine but innocent net users. Then they can log in onto their account details. Even the debit cards and credit cards of reputed banks are copied and misused. The data of these cards inserted in slot machines at various outlets may be misused by malicious persons by creating spurious cards. So one should protect one’s password carefully.
2.
IMPACT OF INTERNET ON OUR LIFE The Internet has indeed revolutionised our life. It has changed the world into a global village. We stay in touch with our friends/relatives in distant countries/place through the Internet. Information Technology has worked wonders for us. Communication has speeded up and become instant. No doubt people have discarded the old-fashioned snail mail and adopted the e-mail for communication. New business opportunities have been created by the Internet in the world of commerce. Banks have adopted e-banking. Many public and private sector institutions are providing new and economically viable facilities through the Internet. Besides being a storehouse of knowledge and information, the
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Internet provides us entertainment. We can watch a video or listen to MP3s on the Internet. People can stay at home and work via the Internet. 3. Message Hi! I’m overjoyed to learn of your success. It must be very nice bagging the first prize and the trophy. Heartiest congratulations to you and your team. Keep it up! Bye till we meet again. 4.
A HARROWING EXPERIENCE It was around Christmas when I went shopping in the fashionable shopping centre in the heart of the city. As usual there was a lot of rush. I had selected the articles and was about to take them to the cashier’s counter, when suddenly I heard a sound. It seemed as if a big and powerful cracker had burst. Cries of people and clouds of smoke filled the air. Panic spread everywhere. The guards advised the customers to duck near the counters. As people rushed downstairs, there was a stampede. People were crushed under the feet. Electricity had failed and phones had stopped functioning. The twenty minutes we spent huddled like animals seemed like two hours. The arrival of anti-bomb squad and fire-brigade eased the situation. The police rescued the people stranded inside. I felt happy that I was one of those who had been rescued first. It was a great relief to be alive and be with my family once again.
JUST A MINUTE 1. For self-attempt. 2. CHILDREN-TARGETED COMMERCIALS Good Morning Everybody! Most of the TV commercials are targeted on the children of 5 to 15 years age group. These vary from toothpaste, soap, liquid shop, pen, pencils, chocolates, chewing gums, food supplements or eatables themselves. The advertisers target children knowing fully well that children are their most prospective buyers. Once something catches their fancy, they insist on buying it. They spread its popularity by word of mouth and all the children of a group vie with each other to possess the latest advertised object. Sometimes parents have to yield to some unreasonable demands of the children, who would not compromise on alternatives and must have the brand of their choice. The commercials do not commit themselves on the genuineness of the claims made in the advertisements. Some of these prove to be mere sales gimmicks. Thank you 3. For the motion: Develop these value points Mobile phones — source of distraction in class — misuse by children: games–MMS–SMS — divert attention from studies/games/driving etc. — exposure to electromagnetic waves: not good for brain Against the motion: For self-attempt.
INTERVIEW/DESCRIPTION 1. Shweta : Hi, Roshni! Welcome to Blue Bells School. Will you please spare a few (Interviewer) minutes for us?
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Roshni Shweta Roshni Shweta Roshni Shweta Roshni Shweta Roshni Shweta Roshni Shweta Roshni
Shweta Roshni Shweta Roshni Shweta 2.
: Oh, yes! With pleasure! : How did you get the idea of ‘Diwali without polluting’? : I observed the strange behaviour of my pets and the restlessness of my grandmother on Diwali night. And I felt disturbed. : Was this sufficient motivation for you? : It started the ball rolling. I got a direction to move forward. Then I interacted with my neighbours and children in the street. : What was the outcome of your discussion? : We decided to have a Diwali without crackers. : Which was the first step that you took? : I gave a slogan: “Say No To Crackers”. : How was the response? : The response was encouraging. Many more joined us. : How did you spread the message of Cracker-free Diwali? : We started with banners and posters. Then we held group discussions, seminars and declamation contests. We told people about the disadvantages of crackers such as pollution and wastage of money. : To what extent did you succeed in your mission? : To a great extent, I suppose. In some of the schools, students felt so inspired that they threw all crackers in water and joined our movement. : Congratulations, Roshni! It is a remarkable motivation. : Thanks for your compliment. : You’re welcome.
LEG LOST IN CRACKER BURST I shudder as I recall the horrific incident of that fateful Diwali night. The people of our street had assembled in the square to watch illumination of homes and to celebrate Diwali with the explosion of crackers. Young boys were quite enthusiastic. One of them ignited the wick of 20 cm long 3 cm wide cracker. Unfortunately, the direction went wrong. Instead of rising upwards, it hit the leg of the boy. The cracker burst inside his leg. Both the bones of the leg were broken. The ankle and foot hung limp. The boy cried and fell down unconscious. A cloth was wrapped to stop bleeding, but in vain. He was immediately rushed to hospital. The doctors performed an emergency operation. Inspite of their best efforts they could not put the foot and leg together. The poison of gunpowder had infected the wound up to knee. The doctors had to save a life or a limb. In order to save life, they amputated the youngman’s leg just below the knee. Thus a young man lost his leg in cracker burst.
3. Develop these value points children love sweets, new clothes, toys and bursting crackers disadvantages of crackers—pollution: wastage of money, fear of injury loss to property and lives due to firecrackers or pollution if crackers not exploded—pollution-free environment if money to be spent on crackers is saved, it can be used to help the poor if needy persons are helped—their condition will improve individual/social welfare
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CONVERSATION (a) (iv) others (b) (iii) by producing fruit for them (c) (ii) a good man (d) (i) the men of noble heart (e) (iii) benefitting mankind ACTIVITY First option: RWA Sector–15 Gurgaon NOTICE 25 March 20XX
IMPROVEMENT IN COMMUNITY PARK
All the elected members of RWA are requested to attend a meeting this Sunday. Date Time Venue Agenda
: : : :
28 March 11.00 am Community Centre Suggestions for Improvements in Community Park
Senior residents are also requested to attend the meeting. Please come forward with your suggestions and solutions. Udit Vohra Secretary RWA Second option: Secretary, RWA
A Senior Citizen Cashier, RWA
A member, RWA Cashier, RWA
Chairman, RWA A Senior Citizen
Chairman, RWA A member, RWA
Secretary, RWA
: Gentleman! I draw your kind attention towards the bad shape of the Community Park. Grass has withered at many places and bald patches are visible. The plants and trees have stunted growth. : May I know who was entrusted with the responsibility of looking after the park? : Sir, a whole time gardener was engaged during autumn. It was not human negligence, but the vagaries of nature which are responsible for this sorry state of affairs. : What leads you to say so? : Sir, we had a very hot summer but not sufficient rains. The earth lay parched and baked. Lack of rains led to withering of grass. Plants with short roots could not get enough nourishment for growth. : Well, gentlemen. Let us discuss what steps should be taken to spruce up things. : Let us involve local youth, students and residents to supervise the relaying of grass, plantation of saplings, pruning of trees, hedges, weeding out, manuring and watering etc. : Any other suggestion? : I support the above suggestion, but I would like to add something. Let us be practical and not simple idealistic. Duties must be fixed. If responsibilities are properly assigned, we may get better performance. : If the house approves it we may appoint a subcommittee to elicit cooperation from all the users as well as the horticulture department and municipal corporation. Thus we shall get plants, water and expert advice as well.
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Chairman, RWA : Any dissensions? Those in favour may say ‘Ayes,’ dissenters may say ‘No’. All : Ayes.
WRITING PARAGRAPH/STORY 1.
ROLE OF COMPUTERS IN THE LIFE OF STUDENTS Computers have come as a divine boon to the students. Computers store, analyse and transmit data. They are a source of information and knowledge. They disseminate knowledge on various topics in different spheres and that too with a click of the mouse. In short, computers have made the lives of students quite easy and fast. The main disadvantage of computers is that children have stopped using their minds. They bank on computers and go on browsing the net for readymade solutions instead of sharpening their own skills or making any efforts. So the computers hamper the thinking process. Students fail to sharpen their minds.
2.
AN UNBELIEVABLE INCIDENT I was on my way to Dehradun on a cold dark night. I was travelling alone and the car was running at full speed. I was in a hurry to see my friend who was critically ill. Suddenly fog descended and reduced visibility to 10 yards. I stopped the car as I sensed a human figure directly in front of the car. I was near an abandoned house with no light or activity of any sort. The lady had a dog on a lead. She obviously seemed annoyed at my apparent carelessness and rash driving. She gave me a cold look that shivered me to the spine. Braving the cold, I got out and apologised to her as politely as I could. The lady crossed the road. I too got in my car and turned the ignition key. But the car refused to buzz. I was scared. Drops of perspiration made my forehead wet even in such a cold night. All sorts of frightening ideas filled my mind and I could not help shouting. The lady came near me. Perhaps she understood my plight. She pushed my car from the back. The unbelievable had happened. The car started but my benefactor had disappeared before I could thank her. Would that I could see that mysterious lady again. 3. Try yourself.
COMPLETING STORY, WRITING SPEECH/PARAGRAPH 1. Attempt yourself. 2.
A POLLUTION-FREE DIWALI
Respected Chairperson, members of faculty and dear friends! Diwali, the festival of lights, means a row of lamps. Let us illuminate our homes and surroundings with lamps of light and knowledge and dispel darkness and evil. The noise of cracker explosion is quite deafening. Pets and small children are quite scared. Their wailing is sometimes heart-rending. It is a well-known fact that crackers emit many toxic gases and pollutants when these are burst or ignited. Gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide are very poisonous. Hard metals like potassium are also released in air. Children and patients of asthma have a disturbed night. Some get headache or begin to vomit. Let us save ourselves and our people by resolving to celebrate this Diwali without crackers. The money saved by not buying crackers can be used to buy sweets, candles and lamps. These can be distributed among the poorer section of society. Thus we can inspire others to celebrate a pollution-free Diwali. Thank you 3. In our colony, people understand the true spirit of Holi—the Festival of Colours. We understand the true spirit of the festival. This festival heralds the onset of spring. After
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the chilly winter, spring promises joy, warmth, pleasant flowers and sweet fruit. People welcome spring with songs and dances. Holi, the festival of colours, makes the culmination of the month-long celebrations. Early in the morning we assemble in the square with our musical instruments. We carry packets of dry colours. We sing devotional songs. We visit every household to spread the cheerful message of Holi—the equaliser. People apply gulal, embrace each other, and then offer sweets. The merry-making goes on till noon. At 2.00 pm all assemble for a community lunch. This is followed by a musical evening. Thus we have a neat, clean, colourful and musical Holi.
WRITING REPORTS 1.
GHASTLY CAR ACCIDENT Tejpur: 15 July, 20XX Saket Shah: Reporter, National Herald Yesterday a very serious accident occurred near the Victory chowk. A truck coming at a very fast speed had a head-on collision with a car. The truck driver jumped the red light and hit the car with full force. Since he had turned to the right at full speed, the driver of the Maruti car was caught unawares. The impact was quite forceful. The car swerved, turned over and hit a tree. The truck driver seemed to have lost control. The truck hit a stationary road roller. The drivers of the car as well as the truck were badly injured. Since the car had caught fire, the four passengers in it had received burn injuries as well. They were rushed to the nearby military hospital for treatment. The driver of the truck tried to run away but his legs could not support him. The police arrived on the scene and arrested him. He was charged with the offence of reckless driving. Thus carelessness, negligence and craze for speed caused the accident. The car was badly damaged, however, there was no loss of life.
2.
TREE PLANTATION WEEK Delhi: 20 August, 20XX Sunil/Sunita, Secretary Nature Club Our school, Goenka Public School celebrated a Tree Plantation Week this month. It was inaugurated on the Independence Day i.e. 15 August, by the Director of Education by planting a sapling. Our Principal, teachers and senior students also participated in this campaign to make Delhi look green and clean. The D.O.E. praised the efforts of our school in keeping the environment pollution free by planting trees. Many inter-house competitions were held during this week. These comprised Poster-making Competition; Painting Competition; Speech Contests; Poetic Recitation Contests and Essay Writing Contests. The underlying theme of all these competitions was to highlight the need for ecological balance for man’s happiness. On the concluding day, our worthy Principal distributed prizes to the prize winners in various competitions. He exhorted the students to adopt one tree each and look after it. The survival of trees is more important than mere plantation as trees provide us life-breath.
GRAMMAR
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS TYPE 1: FILLING BLANKS WITH SUITABLE WORDS 1. (a) 2. of (b) 1. to (c) 2. is (d) 3. a (e) 4. more (f) 2. and 2. (a) 3. in (b) 1. at (c) 4. hidden (d) 3. and (e) 1. of (f) 3. being 3. (a) 3. along (b) 3. his (c) 1. bend (d) 3. them (e) 2. but (f) 1. a
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4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
(a) (a) (a) (a) (a)
2. 2. 1. 4. 1.
that (b) 2. developed (c) 4. from (d) 4. their (e) 1. and (f) 4. embalming is (b) 4. many (c) 2. was (d) 2. and (e) 3. after (f) 2. worried who (b) 2. that (c) 2. is (d) 3. as (e) 2. for (f) 2. possesses largest (b) 3. that (c) 1. feel (d) 3. of (e) 2. and (f) 2. in can (b) 2. eat (c) 3. the (d) 3. effective (e) 3. they (f) 3. their
TYPE 2: EDITING: DETECTING & CORRECTING ERRORS 1. (a) (d) (f) 2. (a) (d) (f) 3. (a) (e) 4. (a) (e) 5. (a) (e) 6. (a) (e) 7. (a) (e) 8. (a) (e) 9. (a) (e) 10. (a) (e)
tying tied (b) at on (c) (e) considering considered dominating dominated (g) decoding decoded (b) (e) involve involved to from (g) Beside Besides (b) contains contain (c) (g) extract extracted (f) cooling cool whom which (b) carefree carefreely (c) target targets (f) spurn spurning (g) (b) much many (c) for about less least (f) friend friends (g) on in (b) breathing to breathe (c) one you (f) past ago (g) of with (b) in to (c) go goes (f) form from (g) was is (b) of by (c) should would (f) in of (g) use using (b) who which (c) become becomes (f) instant instance (g) have had (b) stating stated (c) those this (f) with of (g)
popular popularize to with comes came (h) being been (c) transmit transmission then than (h) to in (d) saying said (h) trusting trusty (d) us our (h) until till (d) in at (h) are were (d) hill hills (h) on in (d) among against (h) in of (d) consider considered (h) sharp sharper (d) little less (h) need needn’t (d) a the (h)
meaning meant who which much more whole all where whereas at on on of at on is was the their traffics traffic who which is are on through is are it them could can fastest faster it they
TYPE 3: OMISSION: SUPPLYING MISSING WORD 1. (a) (c) (e) (g) 2. (a) (c) (e) (g) 3. (a) (c) (e) (g) 4. (a) (c) (e)
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Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu numbers for many architecture of the Through the streets on the road brake is applied are therefore fitted if they moved flights across varying it takes several rhythm and energy to the normal products are appearing is one such bags a day
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(b) (d) (f) (h) (b) (d) (f) (h) (b) (d) (f) (h) (b) (d) (f)
S H
going there in because they want very few problems buses are found skidding while turning far better than could use smooth have to move enough for that for every time means one requires lag are fatique products have made which has found used for packing
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(g) 5. (a) (c) (e) (g) 6. (a) (c) (e) (g) 7. (a) (c) (e) (g) 8. (a) (c) (e) (g) 9. (a) (c) (e) (g) 10. (a) (c) (e) (g)
used as carry-bags pockets of intense M82 was triggered hurricane that is travel in two parents and a one in 10 enough to need because of the God for the explanation for this known to be moisture. The white here on the for a large near the entrance also have a according to education which the former usage to a form do the features plant whose leaves makes an excellent Neem has strong in which neem
(h) (b) (d) (f) (h) (b) (d) (f) (h) (b) (d) (f) (h) (b) (d) (f) (h) (b) (d) (f) (h) (b) (d) (f) (h)
pointed out the window to the and the tremendous miles an hour scene can help be an oversimplification It has been say they feel girls are twice men gave a scientist and philosopher concentrations in atmospheric colours and bending sanctuary has been order to attract would be developed animals and plants is an important completely as latter English that cuts example of the right from ancient twigs are very treatment of chicken-pox inflamed or infected
TYPE 4: SENTENCE REORDERING 1. (a) (b) (c) 2. (a) (b) (c) 3. (a) (b) (c) 4. (a) (b) (c) 5. (a) (b) (c) 6. (a) (b) (c)
Fire is the purest of all elements on the earth. Human beings use fire for cooking, forging, ploughs and swords and in kilns. Prometheus brought fire down to earth for human use. Organic matter such as leaves can enrich soil fertility. A compost pit can be made at a convenient location. The refuse can be placed there with layers of soil. He said that in his childhood his birthday used to be celebrated differently. Instead of cutting a cake they used to distribute sweets. We blow out candles but they used to light a lamp. Every year people die in this way. Even a small amount of current can kill. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. When the dial tone is heard, the required number is dialled. When the receiver is picked at the other end, a one rupee coin is dropped into the provided slit. The conversation can go on for three minutes. In Africa, Tanzanians have the highest literacy rate. But they hardly have anything to read. The reasons are the soaring costs of paper and the interest rates.
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7. (a) (b) (c) 8. (a) (b) (c) 9. (a) (b) (c) 10. (a) (b) (c)
The dinosaurs became very heavy. As a result, their legs could not support them on the land. But water could be a fine alternative. The stars twinkle in the night sky. This could reveal the size of the universe. Scientists say that the flecking of the stars indicates distance. It has a long forked tail on the back, a sheen and wings. It has a blue band with dark red beneath it at its throat. Often swallows are seen skimming over a pond or an open space. The friend’s dog had given birth to six puppies. Sita told Ravi many times we already have two dogs. We do not need any more dogs.
TYPE 5: SENTENCE TRANSFORMATION 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3. 1. 2. 3.
He swore (by God) that he had not seen it (that). The peon asked the officer respectfully if he might go out. He said that I needn’t wait. It is prayed that you may live long. No one was blamed by me. It is said that truth is evergreen. Seeing a tiger, he fled. Did mother give a piece of bread to the beggar? I didn’t love my country. Let nobody be hated by you. This box will have to be moved by you. It is time for the homework to be done. She is so good that she cannot be dishonest. Silver is not as precious as gold. No other girl in the class is as intelligent as Bhoomi.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS TENSES OR USING CORRECT FORMS OF VERBS 1. (a) (e) 2. (a) (e) 3. (a) (e) 4. (a) (e)
is do not know paints was murdered (iii) had (i) bark (iv) invited (ii) introduced
(b) (f) (b) (f) (b) (f) (b) (f)
does not know has grown is had united (ii) came (iv) awoke (iii) reached (iii) brought
(c) have seen (g) are (c) lived
(d) use (h) become (d) worked
(c) (g) (c) (g)
(d) (ii) started (h) (iv) barking (d) (i) come (h) (ii) came
(iv) woke (i) hear (ii) had (iii) served
SENTENCE STRUCTURE 1. (a) Selflessness is a God-gifted virtue. (b) A selfless man puts aside his self. (or puts his self aside) (c) He thinks for others and works for others.
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(d) He seeks his happiness in the happiness of others. 2. (a) (b) (c) (d)
Most bats are harmless to people. Bats are one of the world’s most misunderstood creatures. There are about 1000 kinds of bats. Bats account for nearly one quarter of the world’s mammal population.
3. (a) The elders give young ones gifts on festivals. (b) The boys lost their way in the jungle. (c) Monkeys attack when they are frightened. Or When monkeys are frightened, they attack. (d) Fifty-one deer died in the National Park last year. 4. (a) 2. is the shop? (c) 4. will you go there?
(b) 1. you going there in the evening? (d) 3. lovely an outing it’d be!
CONNECTORS 1. (a) Though (b) as (c) because (d) and (e) while (f) and 2. (a) and (b) because (c) or (d) when (e) Neither (f) because 3. (a) (ii) still (b) (iii) and (c) (ii) So (d) (iii) that (e) (ii) but (h) (iii) but
(f) (iii) and
(g) (ii) while
DETERMINERS 1. 2. 3. 4.
(a) (a) (a) (a) (e)
the (b) an (c) most (d) An (e) a (f) the (g) The (h) a a (b) X (c) X (d) the (e) A (f) a (g) a (h) the our (b) an (c) some (d) the (e) A (f) a (g) the (h) those (iii) Some (b) (iv) these (c) (ii) the (iii) these (f) (iii) many (g) (iv) their
(d) (i) a (h) (iii) many
PRONOUNS 1. 2. 3. 4.
(a) (a) (a) (a)
your (b) our (c) She (d) her (e) them (f) they They (b) each other (c) this (d) one (e) everybody (f) him (g) what (h) he It (b) All (c) They (d) themselves (e) what (f) they (g) Everyone (h) some (i) I (b) (ii) my (c) (iii) someone (d) (iii) no one (e) (iv) all (f) (iii) I (g) (ii) I (h) (iv) their
PREPOSITIONS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
(a) (a) (a) (a) (a)
of (b) of (c) in (d) in (e) from (f) of (g) with (h) of for (b) without (c) in (d) of (e) of (f) from (g) from (h) to in (b) on (c) of (d) From (e) of (f) with (iii) of (b) (ii) of (c) (iii) of (d) (ii) in (e) (ii) over (f) (iii) of (g) (iii) in (h) (iii) in (ii) by (b) (ii) of (c) (ii) in (d) (iv) of (e) (i) With (f) (ii) into (g) (ii) Before (h) (ii) on
CLAUSES 1. (a) which (b) who (c) that (d) which (e) which (f) which 2. (a) when (b) where (c) so that (d) as if (e) if (f) because 3. (a) 4. where you bought it from (b) 2. which is situated in Kamla Nagar (c) 4. how much it cost you
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4. (a) 2. how you managed (c) 4. what your future plan is
(b) 3. which has helped me
MODALS 1. 2. 3. 4.
(a) (a) (a) (a)
may (b) should (c) can (d) may (e) Can (f) will May (b) can (c) shall (d) will (e) would (f) needn’t should (b) must (c) will (d) will (e) should (f) will will (b) can (c) can (d) could (e) must (f) will
PASSIVE VOICE 1. (a) 4. is killed (b) 3. can be made 2. (a) 2. was committed (b) 3. is believed 3. 1. (b) were killed 3. (d) has been developed
(c) (c) 2. 4.
3. are given 4. had been forced (c) were caned (b) has been launched
NARRATION 1. (a) (c) 2. (a) (c) 3. (a) (c)
3. 3. 4. 3. 4. 3.
if he could tell him the way if he wanted one in which he could that there was a fly in his soup why they served flies in soup where he was going what he would bring home
(b) (d) (b) (d) (b) (d)
4. 4. 3. 2. 1. 3.
that he could he did not want to stay there why they didn’t take care that they couldn’t serve elephants he was going to the market he would bring nothing
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LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS & LONG READING TEXT
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS HOW I TAUGHT MY GRANDMOTHER TO READ (Fiction) I. 1. (a) The grandmother bent down and touched the feet of her granddaughter. This was something ‘unusual’ because elders never touch the feet of youngsters. (b) The grandmother touched her granddaughter’s feet as a mark of respect for her teacher. The granddaughter taught her grandmother to read. (c) According to the narrator, touching the feet of young girls by an elder was not correct as it reversed the tradition. II. 1. As a young girl she never went to school. After marriage at a young age, she became busy in rearing and feeding children. At times she used to regret not going to school. So she made sure that her children and grandchildren studied well. 2. The sixty-two-year-old bespectacled grandmother told her granddaughter the story of her life in the middle of night. Her face looked unhappy and her eyes were filled with tears. It was her inability to read the printed words that had caused the worried expression on her face. 3. The illiterate grandmother needed the help of her educated twelve-year-old granddaughter. She wanted to start learning Kannada, though she was sixty-two and had to do a lot of work in kitchen. She defended her decision. She said, “For learning there is no age bar.” Secondly, determination can help one overcome all obstacles. 4. She said that she had touched her feet as a mark of respect to her teacher. She had taught her so well and so affectionately that she was able to read any novel confidently in a very short period. She reminded her of the scriptures which said, “A teacher should be respected, irrespective of the gender and age.” III. 1. Friday 26 March 20XX O! What a surprise our school had for us today. We were led to ‘Asha Kiran’—an Old Age Home to celebrate Grandparents’ Day. We decorated the hall of the old building with balloons and ribbons. A big cake was placed on a table in the centre. Then the greyhaired sweethearts were invited there. We sang songs for them. Some of them smiled and joined us in singing. Others sat without any expression. Some of us sat with them and talked to them. Then the pieces of cake were distributed. Their eyes sparkled with joy. The diabetic people were quite excited on seeing the forbidden delicacy. I felt sad to learn that many of them almost missed their grandchildren. One of them told me that her son was in the U.S. He found it difficult to look after her. So he left her at this Home. Though she had people of her age group there and got full medical care and other attention, she felt lonely, depressed and insecure as she had been cut off from her grandchildren. I realised the plight of those who suffered silently without a word of complaint on their lips. We, the youngsters, have a special obligation towards them. Instead of
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forcing them to spend their old age in loneliness and insecurity, we must keep them happy in our own homes. Our love, affection and admiration can make them realise their worth to us.
2. There is no surer formula for success than determination. No illiterate ever became literate in a day. No genius became famous overnight. If every person trying to achieve anything in life had lost heart easily, the world would never have seen such great sportspersons, leaders, artists, scientists and saints. When you read about the lives of the makers of history, you will realise how they had to try again and again, some for years, to achieve what they wanted. We give below many examples. Henry Ford’s initial businessess failed, leaving him broke, five times before he started the Ford Motorcar Company. Soichiro Honda failed even a small job interview with the Toyota company and was jobless for sometime before he started the Honda Motors company. Famous people like Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the epic Ramcharitmanas, Plato, Burke, Virgil, J.K. Rowling (of Harry Potter books) had to strive hard repeatedly to succeed. They prepared themselves to be ready to strive till they reached their goal. They had lots of failures in the path of their success but they were never disheartened. They considered the moments of failure as the stepping stones to success, so they were closer to success. Failures should only be treated as one more experience which makes us wiser so that we will not repeat the same mistakes. “What is defeat? Defeat is nothing but education, nothing but the first step to doing something better”, says Wendell Phillips. So everyone, even ordinary people can rise to great heights of success if they have the courage to keep on trying i.e., are determined. For one who determines to keep trying till success is achieved, the sky is the limit.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLE-PLAY: How I Taught My Grandmother to Read (Fiction) 1. Sudha : Grandmother : Sudha : Grandmother :
Avva, is everything all right? Are you OK? (Weeping) I never went to school. I can’t read. Avva, don’t cry. Can I help you in any way? Yes, I need your help. I want to learn Kannada alphabet from tomorrow. I’ll work hard. I want to read ‘Kashi Yatre’ on Saraswati Pooja day before Dassara. Sudha : You are sixty-two. Your hair is grey. Your hands are wrinkled. You wear spectacles. You work so much in the kitchen ... . Grandmother : My child, I’m determined. I’ll overcome obstacles. Moreover, for learning there is no age bar. Sudha : OK. Avva! Now sleep peacefully. We’ll start from tomorrow.
2. 19 June 20XX Wednesday 8 pm Today I am very happy as my cherished desire to learn to read is going to be fulfilled. My granddaughter, Sudha, has at last consented to teach me. I found free time from my work according to her convenience. She began with Kannada alphabet. For an hour she taught me how to read and write them. I resolved firmly that I would not let her effort go waste. I, therefore, determined to read, repeat, write and recite whatever she taught me. I worked
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as a diligent and devoted student. I know that the road ahead is difficult, but I have lit the lamp of knowledge and I will keep it burning brighter and brighter. 3. (a) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (b) (i) (ii) (iii) (c) (i)
They blew balloons and hung them around the hall. They cut out chart papers, wrote quotes, drew pictures and stuck them on the wall. Some of them sang songs while others sat beside them and spoke to them. They cut the cake into several pieces and distributed it among them. sadness loneliness/cut off from grandchildren insecurity telling them how much we love them and making them feel their worth. Proper care, love, respect and security are essential. (ii) keeping grandparents with us and showering regard, love and affection on them.
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS A DOG NAMED DUKE (Fiction) I. 1. (a) The target that Chuck hit on 1 March was a full day’s work. (b) In order to increase his stability and endurance, Hooper turned completely to Duke. It was because there was no time for the physiotherapy programme. (c) Duke’s job was to get Chuck on his feet. II. 1. Initially when Charles Hooper brought Duke home, Marcy was almost impolite to him. He was a rough-playing Doberman Pinscher. She preferred a Pomeranian. However, as she watched Duke taking the sole responsibility of making Chuck walk she softened towards him. When Duke was injured, she would not allow anyone else to carry him. 2. Duke would lie on the floor beside his master’s bed. Then he would spring to his feet. He stalked to the bed, poked his pointed nose under Chuck’s elbow and lifted it. He nudged and needled and snorted. Hooper would ask him to go and run around the house. Duke would come over to the bed again and yap and poke. 3. Duke would pull his leash taut. Then he would stand and wait. Hooper would drag himself up to the dog. Then the dog would move forward to the end of the leash and wait again. The pair set daily goals. They would move from one fence post to another. 4. Chuck was fighting hard for a comeback. So no one could tell him that he could not handle his old job. On the other hand, he could work only an hour per day. The problem was what to do with a salesman who couldn’t move around and would work for only an hour a day. III. 1. Duke was an intelligent and faithful dog. He understood the problem of his master. Since the left side of his body was paralysed, he needed help to stand, move and retain balance. Duke could not bear the boredom of remaining idle and keep staring at his master’s face. He tried hard to make his master come back to his normal life. Hooper held the leash tightly. Duke would stand still. Hooper leaned forward and moved his right leg out in front. As he straightened his right leg, this caused the left foot to drag forward alongside the right. Thus he took the first step. Duke motivated his master. He gave him full support. Now Hooper did not need the support of his wife. Duke took the full responsibility of his master. Gradually, they increased the length of their trip as well as speed. It was an ordeal for Duke and his master. But the rigorous exercise that Duke forced on his master led to the success of the mission. Now Hooper could walk alone without any help.
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2. To:
[email protected] From:
[email protected] Subject: Caring for dogs. In your last mail you wanted to know about caring for dogs. Dogs are pack animals—they depend on us for love and protection. We have to make them a part of our family. They can suffer from stress and loneliness. Though dogs and human beings speak different languages, interactive training gives dogs greater freedom and a better understanding of our world. We should be the one to train our dogs, not professionals— we should be the one who will need to know how to communicate with our dogs. Dogs can also sense when something is wrong with people near them. Living with their owners they can sense the pain or sadness exhibited by their owners. They can realise that their owner or his/her children need their help and respond accordingly. Dogs get depressed if they are deprived of adequate social interaction, so let them ‘chat’ and play with other dogs on walks and at parks. Let them live a little, make choices and take their time. Dogs are very sensitive and can become easily frightened, so speak softly to dogs, and don’t shout or fight in their presence. So when Duke (the dog in a story I had read recently) saw that his master was unable to move due to paralysis, he realised that his master needed assistance in trying to move his legs. And Duke tried hard everyday and his master made progress slowly. One day his master was ultimately able to walk on his own. If seemed that the dog knew that his job was to get his master back on his feet. So let’s take of our pet dogs for they would always be of help to us and not let us down. Dogs are after all man’s most faithful animal companion. 3. In anything you do, work one step at a time. There’s a saying, “Never bite off more than you can chew”. If each job done is divided into little steps, and each step done systematically, success will surely be close at hand. Lord Chesterfield said, “I recommend you to take care of the minutes, for the hours will take care of themselves”. Moreover it is necessary to set daily goals, goals that can be achieved. If you falter or break down, go ahead with determination once again. If you see problems as challenges, your mind is more prepared to handle them coolly. A problem is an opportunity given to you to solve something and feel good about it, like the satisfaction you get by solving a puzzle or a riddle. A difficult situation can be called an “issue” by a mature person, a “problem” by a person having less mental strength and a “crisis” by a weak person. Swami Chinmayananda defines a successful person as one who builds a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him. Practice hard towards perfection and do it regularly. Keep on going, be determined, steadfast and you will be crowned with success.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT JUST A MINUTE: A Dog Named Duke (Fiction) 1. June 1, 1956 January 4 March 1 October 12, 1957 2. Courage: Subdural haemorrhage paralysed Charles Hooper. He remained in a critical
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condition for a month, but he never gave up courage. Six weeks after the accident, he was put in a wheel-chair. When Marcy went out to work, he was left alone. Perseverance: Chuck didn’t make much headway even after his paralysed arm and legs were worked on and he had been given baths, exercise and a wheeled walker. He kept following Duke everyday. The dog controlled his movements. From a single step on the first day, he could walk up to 200 metres after 8 months. Determination: Chuck decided not to yield. Duke was brought home. The dog was impatient for his master’s company. He pulled the leash taut and let Chuck sway forward. Chuck dragged his left foot alongside the right. He felt exhausted, but did not give up the effort. Endurance: Charles had to face physical pain, mental anguish, depression, sadness, loneliness, helplessness at his paralysed state. He felt shocked and grieved which expressed itself in the form of anger. He endured physical and emotional strain and adapted himself to new way of life. Faith: Duke’s re-entry into Hooper’s life lifted his numb spirits. He made Hooper take the first step. This rekindled hope. He had full faith in Duke. From shock, denial, helplessness and anger, he learnt to cope with challenge. He accepted the changed mode of life. 3. (a) (c) (e) (g) (i)
quivering blonde shimmied critical subdural haemorrhage
(b) (d) (f) (h) (j)
grin rambunctiousness rampageous confinement bellow
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS THE BROOK (Poem) I. 1. (a) The brook is an eternal, fearless wanderer. It moves at night in frightening and lonely places having thorny bushes and trees. (b) The brook murmurs at night when it flows through wilderness covered with thorny bushes. (c) When the brook faces obstructions in the form of shingles it slows down a bit and moves idly. II. 1. The brook does not behave like ordinary travellers. It does not suspend its journey at night through desolate places. The brook is an eternal, fearless wanderer. It moves at night in frightening and lonely places having thorny bushes and trees. 2. ‘Linger’ means to stay longer or spend a long time doing something. The brook slows down a bit when shingles bar its movement. ‘Loiter’ means to hang around; to stand and wait somewhere, with no obvious reason. When the brook comes across cresses— those pungent leaved plants like a cabbage—it moves around them very slowly. 3. There is a strong parallelism between the movement of the brook and the course of human life. Just as one has to go through many ups and downs in one’s life, the brook also changes its course several times passing over smooth and rough surfaces alike. Human life is full of joys and sorrows, songs and tears, periods of activity and rest, fast speed and slow movements. The brook ‘sparkles’ in its early stage and makes a lot of noise as if it were bickering. It reacts angrily to obstacles just like human beings–it frets and fumes. It murmurs on pebbles and slips by some obstructions. It slows down its speed as the amount of obstacles increases.
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4. There is a striking contrast between the brook and human existence. Human life finally culminates in death. The brook merges in the river and loses its identity. However, it remains everflowing from its origin to the point of merger. There is no such perenniality in case of man who is mortal and death marks the end of his existence.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT GROUP DISCUSSION: The Brook (Poem) 1. The other ‘movement words’ are: ‘hurry’, ‘slip’, ‘flow’, ‘wind’, ‘travel’ and ‘move’. 2. The other ‘sound words’ are: ‘chatter’, ‘babble’, ‘murmur’, ‘fret’. 3. (a) A word or a combination of words, whose sound seems to resemble the sound it denotes is called onomatopoeia. Examples: ‘hiss’, ‘buzz’. (b) The onomatopoiec words are: ‘chatter’, ‘babble’, ‘murmur’, ‘fret’. Reinforcement [Group Discussion]
1. 3. 4. 5. 6.
(b) (a) (d) (c) (e)
comes from the place where coots and herons live passes under fifty bridges crosses both fertile and fallow land passes lawns filled with flowers goes through wilderness full of thorny bushes
ACTIVITY
First Option The brook originates from a hilly watery place and flows down the valley with a lot of noise. Its water sparkles as it passes through the ferns grown in wet areas and shines brightly with flashes of light under the sun. The brook passes through valleys and near towns and villages. It passes under fifty bridges. It moves in a zigzag manner and crosses both fertile and fallow lands. It passes through lawns filled with flowers and carries flowers, leaves and fish—trout or grayling, as well as foamy flakes. When its water moves over ‘the golden gravel’ it breaks into many a silvery waterbreak. It goes in the dark, but glances out. Swallows fly over its surface. It makes the netted sunbeam dance against its sandy shallows. It murmurs at night as it goes through wilderness full of thorny bushes. It lingers by shingly bars and loiters around the pungent learned cresses. It curves out and flows to join the river. Second Option The origin of the brook is a hilly watery place. It hurries down the hills and slips by the ridges. It is in a buoyant mood as it flows down the valley with a lot of noise. Its cheerfulness and enthusiasm have a childlike quality. When it moves on stony paths, it creates various noises. These noises are different when its water moves in spirals. When it flows on pebbles, it creates sounds as if it were talking to itself. It gets angry when it makes many curves on its banks and fallow fields. It creates much noise as it encounters obstacles. It moves in a zigzag manner. It passes silently by lawns and grassy plots. It slides by small hazel trees. It slips, slides, glooms and glances merrily while flowing. It murmurs at night when it passes through wilderness. It passes by
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the little town and under many bridges. It then flows by Philip’s farm and joins the brimming river. Thus the journey of the brook is short but eventful. It is significant as it reminds us of ups and downs of life and our own mortal state.
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS THE ROAD NOT TAKEN (Poem) I. 1. (a) He shall be telling that two roads diverged in a wood and he had taken the less travelled by. (b) Yes, the poet regretted his choice. The expressions ‘telling this with a sigh’ and ‘that has made all the difference’ convey his sadness. (c) The poet wants to convey the idea that choices must be made very carefully because they have far reaching consequences and can affect the course of life. II. 1. He shall be telling that two roads diverged in a wood and he had taken the less travelled by. The poet wants to convey the idea that choices must be made very carefully because they have far reaching consequences and can affect the course of life. 2. The poet regretted his choice. The expressions ‘telling this with a sigh’ and ‘that has made all the difference’ convey his sadness. He had taken the road less travelled by. This charming road looked adventurous but was hazardous. He chose the unconventional calling and became a poet. This has made all the difference in his life. Now he can not adopt his family business. III. 1. First Option The poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ is about the choices that one makes in life. Robert Frost presents the theme through the metaphor of a fork from where two roads diverge in different directions. Here roads are metaphors for life, changes, journeys, partings, adventures etc. The roads represent two alternatives of life: one is the familiar, beaten track on which so many have walked. The other is the fresh, adventurous and greener one. It may involve risks but looks more tempting. After deliberation the poet chooses the unbeaten trail. Years later he regrets his decision. The regret will remain because at a given moment one can choose only one of the alternatives, which means one has to yearn for the road not taken. One can only imagine what life would have been if the road not taken had been chosen. Second Option The choice of career will depend on many factors like aptitude, ability, financial position, opportunities for advancement, risks involved. At the tender age of 15, one is too young to foresee the pros and cons of the choice. It is the peer-pressure or the unfulfilled ambitions of the parents that lead the young student of 15 to opt for the stream of studies—science, arts or commerce that eventually leads to choice of profession in that stream. In this age of rapidly advancing technology, the beaten tracks offer no thrill or opportunities to show one’s worth. The untravelled ones, though risky, are more promising. I would opt for a fresher pasture and take risks. If I don’t venture, I won’t gain anything.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT GROUP DISCUSSION: The Road Not Taken (Poem) 1. The other choices are:
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Money, Profession, Children, Marriage [Answers will vary from student to student.] 2. Varied answers possible. The common dilemmas could be: (a) Choosing one’s apparels (b) One’s school/college/university (c) Opting for different professions (d) Food items, subjects, disciplines, books, friends etc. Explanatory Note: First of all the choice of profession will have to be made. This choice is interconnected with studies. The determining factors in this choice will be one’s aptitude, capabilities and financial resources. The importance of money in today’s world cannot be overlooked. Here the determining factors will be whether one wants money to amass material possessions or just to meet one’s physical needs and live a comfortable life. Then comes the choice of marriage. Here one’s concept of a life partner will be the deciding factor. After marriage one has to decide how many children one would like to have. This decision too depends upon one’s concept of a happy family. Reinforcement [Group Discussion]
Varied answers are possible. The choices and decisions made will make it clear whether the choices are acceptable and less risky or the usual ones. Students may discuss among themselves and their seniors. Teachers may help them by providing hints.
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS THE SOLITARY REAPER (Poem) I. 1. (a) ‘Weary bands’ in line 2 means the tired groups of travellers in the sandy deserts of Arabia. (b) The phrase ‘shady haunt’ reminds us of shady place in a desert. (c) The sweet and enchanting song of the nightingale provides comfort to the tired travellers. II. 1. The nightingales sing in the deserts of Arabia to welcome the tired travellers to a shady haunt. The tired travellers feel fresh on hearing the sweet song of the nightingale. Their tiredness disappears. 2. The songs of the nightingale and the cuckoo are the sweetest, most pleasant and most refreshing. By comparing it, the poet wants to establish a fact that the song of the solitary reaper was simply incomparable in its music, melody and sweetness. 3. The poet saw a highland girl, reaping and binding the grain all alone. She was singing a melodious song in her Scottish dialect. The whole valley was echoing her song. The poet was held spellbound. He did not wish to disturb her. 4. The girl sang in Scottish dialect which the poet could not understand. However, the plaintive numbers suggested that she might be singing about a disaster or calamity in the past: “Old, unhappy, far off things” or “some natural sorrow”. She might be singing of “some natural sorrow, loss or pain” or of human misery “that has been, and may be again.”
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FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT APPRECIATION OF THE THEME: Solitary Reaper (Poem) 1. (a) (b) (c) (d) 2.
3. (a) (c) (e) (g) (i)
some natural sorrow, loss or pain familiar matter of today natural loss/unhappy, far off things battles long ago
Singer
Place
Heard by
Impact on listener
Solitary Reaper
Scottish Highlands
the poet
holds him spellbound
Nightingale
Arabian sands/ deserts
weary travellers
travellers feel fresh tiredness disappears
Cuckoo
farthest Hebrides
sailors
sailors feel thrilled
was walking was singing listened a sad one melancholy
(b) (d) (f) (h) (j)
field affected/fascinated to fill plaintive reminded
PROJECT
“... and sings a melancholy strain, ...” “More welcome notes to weary bands” Breaking the silence of the seas
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS VILLA FOR SALE (Drama) I. 1. (a) There is discrepency between what Gaston said earlier and what he says now. Earlier he did not want Jeanne’s parents to stay with them. But now he is showing concern for them. (b) The above statement reveals a truth about Gaston’s character. He is a hypocrite. (c) Gaston has been thinking seriously about their own old age. II. 1. She calls it the most delightful little place which has a charm of its own in spite of its modest appearance. The house possesses a great many advantages. It has electricity, gas, water, telephone and drainage. The bathroom is beautifully fitted and the roof was entirely repaired last year. 2. It is Gaston who is better in business. Juliette tries her best to dispose of the villa. She tries to please her customers. She has to reduce the asking price and sell villa at the cost price. Gaston tackles the American actress tactfully and writhily. He sells the villa for three hundred thousand francs and makes a profit of one hundred thousand without any investment. 3. She says (i) “You French people have a cute way of doing business.” (ii) “Frenchmen usually have to consult about ten people before they get a move on.”
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She makes the first statement when she finds that the selling price of the villa is not marked on the signboard ‘For Sale’. She hints at their habit of negotiating the deal. The second statement hits at the Frenchmen’s habit of consultation and not taking a decision independently. 4. I like Gaston in spite of his many negative qualities. Admittedly, he is cunning, haughty, overbearing, domineering and disapproving, but he is also clever, witty, smart, humorous and practical. He may seem materialistic and money-minded but he is an expert at striking bargain and dealing with people. He causes a lot of humour by his witty remarks. III. 1. Tuesday 16 March 20XX What a disgusting day I had and that too because of my husband who first belittled me in my own eyes for having no money of my own and yet insisting on buying a villa for my parents. I felt helpless when he flatly refused to buy the villa. He has no consideration for the softer feelings of others. His statement “I have never cared much about anybody’s opinion” keeps ringing in my ears even now. When I came downstairs with the landlady of the villa, Gaston—the great dissembler— posed to be sweet like honey and remarked that he had been thinking of my papa and mamma. Now in spite of my refusal, he bought the villa for two hundred thousand francs. I was shocked utterly and filled with rage when he boasted to me that he had made a hundred thousand francs and a Corot! When I insisted, he explained that he had entered into agreement to buy the villa only after he had received a cheque for selling it. In this way he fooled not only me but also the landlady. His cunningness pricks me hard. What a shameful act it is!
2. Tuesday 23 October 20XX 9.45 p.m. Oh! What a day it was. Gaston and I went to see a small villa that was offered for sale by Madame Juliette, the villa’s owner. Initially he was not interested in the villa at all. Then he even made fun of Juliette and ridiculed her. When I was not satisfied with the smallness of the villa and decided to leave that place he suddenly changed his stance. He started praising the villa and readily bought the villa by handing Juliette a cheque for two hundred thousand francs. He also convinced Juliette to part with her fond painting. Then he told me in the evening how he had already sold that villa to a female American film star who had come there and was very desperate to buy it as it suited her shooting location. He told me that he had made a cool profit of one hundred francs by doing so. Oh what a disgusting, uncivilized, ungentlemanly thing to sell a property which was not his, by backdating a cheque. He had exhibited his greed and selfishness. I wish he did not betray the trust Juliette placed on us and the trust I had placed on him. I thought that he would live up to his word by allowing my parents to stay in that villa. Why did he do so when we had enough of everything? What if Juliette were to learn later on how she had been hoodwinked by my trickster husband. Won’t we cut a sorry figure in the society in which we move? Won’t we be criticised and shunned for his disgusting behaviour and cheating? I wish Gaston had thought of the consequences before doing so. I wish he had been transparent and open in his dealings. I wish he had exhibited truth and honesty in his dealings. In sadness.
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3. It was due to impatience that Juliette had to sell her villa for two hundred thousand francs. Had she waited for some more days or for some more customers and evaluated each choice she would have got a better price for the property. In the same vein, Mrs Al Smith also showed impatience while buying the villa. She clearly showed that she was desperate to buy the villa. The moment she announced her plans to Gaston that she was going to demolish the villa and build a bungalow there she indeed revealed that she was flush with money, thereby giving a hint to Gaston that he can get a fantastic bargain by selling that villa to her. She never showed patience and didn’t haggle over the price of the villa which any purchaser would do. After all deals are fixed and amounts are settled only after a good deal of bargaining. She also didn’t see whether the house was worth the price she was paying. Lastly when she handed over the cheque, she didn’t even put his name on it. Instead she advised Gaston to write his name on the cheque himself. Little did she know that a unnamed cheque could by misused by anybody. All these acts show us what damage impatience can cause in one’s life. It is necessary to be patient in one’s dealings whether at school, home, office or anywhere else. The one who is patient always has an advantage over the other person who has been impatient in his dealings. Remember, patience always pays. 4. Gaston showed an excellent presence of mind by selling the villa (which he had not even bought) to Mrs Al Smith for three hundred thousand francs. It was this quality in him which make him realise that he could easily palm off that villa to her as she exhibited impatience and desperation in buying it. She was wanting to get that villa and price was not a factor for her. She also brandished the fact that she was a film star who wanted to demolish the villa and build a bungalow so that she could be near Joinville, the French Hollywood centre. These hints were sufficient evidence for Gaston that she was awash with money, desperate to get the villa for her use and that she would buy the villa whatever be the price he may quote. Another virtue which has been portrayed by Gaston was to strike hard when the opportunity comes. Opportunities don’t come again and again. Only the one who senses the opportunity and acts to grab it becomes victorious. Gaston sensed the opportunity at the right moment and struck the deal instantly. So did he later strike the deal with Juliette to buy the villa from her for two hundred thousand francs. So it is necessary to have a presence of mind, alertness and the ability to strike hard when the opportunity presents itself.
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT DRAMATISATION/ROLE-PLAY: Villa for Sale (Drama) 1. Classroom activity. 2. The play deals with the eternal theme of greed—a basic human instinct. It is portrayed in modern setting and in modern times. It uses five characters only but only two are on the stage for longer periods. Almost all the players have lived up to their roles. The helplessness of the houseowner, craze for films and acting in the French town, the queer haste of American lady to buy a villa and her reasons thereof—are all brought home clearly. It is Gaston, the cunning youngman, who keeps us in good humour by his witty dialogue and wins our admiration. The roles, language and dialogue are apt, concise and illustrative.
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The dramatisation is beautifully organised. Entrances and exits are flawless. Props have been used properly. The costumes are in full agreement with the status of person portrayed by the character. Music highlights the ups and downs in the play. I liked the ending of the play. It thrills and excites the spectators. What a clever but hilarious ending! 3. front lawn big trees/plants facing the east near a river or sea-shore having all modern amenities open space at the back of the house well ventilated 4. Juliette, the owner of a villa near Nogent-sur-Marne, wants to sell it as she is in need of money. Moreover, she is not in favour of the house. Jeanne and Gaston, a couple visit her with the aim of buying the villa. While Jeanne is enthusiastic about buying, Gaston detests the idea as he does not want his in-laws in that house. Also he finds the asking price of 300 thousand francs to be expensive. When Jeanne and Juliette go around the house, another customer walks in and starts talking to Gaston taking him to be Juliette’s husband. Gaston strikes a deal with the customer by which he is able to give 200 thousand francs to the owner and keep one hundred thousand francs for himself.
NOVELS GULLIVER’S TRAVELS 1. Gulliver noticed peculiar things regarding Lilliputians. Their learning had flourished in all its branches. Their manner of writing was aslant, i.e., from one corner of the paper to the other. Their laws and customs were peculiar. All crimes against state were punished severely. If an accused person made his innocence plainly upon his trial, the accuser was immediately put to death. The emperor also conferred on him some public mark of his favour. They looked upon fraud a greater crime than theft. 2. Lilliputians were of the view that parents should not be entrusted with the care and education of their offsprings whose sole purpose was to bring them into this world. There were public nurseries in every town and parents were expected to leave their children there. In these nurseries children were reared and educated till they were at the age of twenty moons. These schools were of different kinds suited to different qualities and to both sexes. The nurseries of males of noble birth were provided with learned professors. The clothes and food were plain and simple. They were brought up according to the principles of honour, Justice, courage, modesty, clemency, religion and love. The parents were allowed to see them twice a year. 3. Gulliver became a victim of circumstances which allowed his opponents at the court to accuse him of high treason. He was charged for making water within the precincts of royal palace under the excuse of extinguishing fire in her Majesty’s palace. He refused his Majesty’s order to seize the remaining ships of the empire of Blefuscu as he was unwilling to destroy the liberty and life of innocent people. When certain ambassadors arrived from Blefuscu, Gulliver, like a false traitor, aided and abetted them. Lastly, contrary to the duty of a faithful subject, Gulliver was to make a voyage to the court and empire of Blefuscu. 4. When Gulliver was informed by Reldresal, a friend of his, that the court of the Emperor of Lilliput had framed charges against him and they were planning to blind him, Gulliver first of all thought of destroying Lilliput. But after some thought he resolved to leave Blefuscu without making any fuss. He had already taken the verbal permission of emperor of Lilliput to visit Blefuscu. So, he wrote a letter to his friend Reldresal informing him of his intention to see Blefuscu. Without waiting for the answer, Gulliver crossed over to the side of Blefuscu. Gulliver was received by the people who were
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5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
expecting him. They took him to the king of Blefuscu. King of Blefuscu along with the courtiers and empress and ladies welcomed Gulliver to the land of Blefuscu. When Gulliver was loitering on the north-east coast of Blefuscu, he saw an overturned boat in the sea. He immediately went to the king of Blefuscu to get help of some seamen to bring the boat to the shore. With the help of seamen Gulliver was able to bring the boat. With the help of five hundred workmen Gulliver made two sails for the boat. His Majesty’s ship- carpenters put up oars and masts of the ship. In one month’s time Gulliver was ready to set sail. The king of Blefuscu presented Gulliver with fifty purses of two hundred spurgs, a picture of his at full length. Loading the boat with enough food and drink, Gulliver parted with the king and the queen of Blefuscu. When one night Gulliver was woken up with loud cries of many hundred people, he was told to rush to the palace at once where a fire had broken out in her Majesty’s apartment. Several people were engaged in putting water on to the fire. But water was at a distance and the buckets were too small to fetch enough water. Gulliver could easily put out the fire by his coat but he had left it in the room. Suddenly, he thought to put out fire by urinating on it. He discharged his urine and within few minutes succeeded in putting out the fire. The king and the queen took Gulliver’s act of putting out fire in different ways. The king was considering to pardon Gulliver by an act of Judiciary. The queen on her part could not digest this act and resolved never to use that part of the palace and removed herself to the distant side of the palace and vowed to take revenge on Gulliver. Lemuel Gulliver is the most important character in Swift’s ‘Gulliver’s Travels’. He is also a keen observer and recorder of events, lands, people and their practices. No doubt, he is a fictitious character invented by Swift. But he impresses us as a detached and impartial observer and critic of mankind. The voyages with the rough and stormy seas, the attack of sea-pirates or the fantastic locations of islands — everything finds a faithful record in Gulliver’s accounts. Gulliver is also a sharp critic of the political, social, cultural and religious institutions and practices of his own country. Gulliver serves as a mouthpiece of Swift. Gulliver’s comments, conclusions, moralization or condemnation are Swift’s. Of course, they are veiled. Gulliver gives his biographical details about his birth, marriage, education and profession. He is the third son of a small landowner in Nottinghamshire. He is educated in Cambridge and studied medicine. He is married to Mary who brings a good dowry to him. All these biographical details make us believe that Gulliver’s character is not a fictitious but a real character of flesh and blood. Whether in Lilliput or in Laputa ; Brobdingnag or the land of the Houyhnhnms, Gulliver observes everything with great care and impartiality. In first three parts of the book, he keeps our interest alive through humorous episodes and amusing and entertaining descriptions. In part IV, Gulliver as a mouthpiece of Swift goes very caustic in identifying men of his country with the Yahoos. Here, Gulliver acts like a moral judge. The portrayal of Pedro de Mendez’s character shows that Gulliver (or even Swift) was not a hater of mankind. Skyresh Bologlam was an influential man in the cabinet of Lilliput. He was jealous of Gulliver. Though the king and majority of the cabinet was in favour of Gulliver’s liberty he opposed it and prepared articles and conditions of Gulliver’s release. These articles put some restrictions on Gulliver. Gulliver had to accept those conditions in order to get liberty. By these conditions Gulliver had to accept the sovereignty of the king by becoming a loyal servant of the king. By the description of it, Skyresh Bologlam seems to be an arrogant person always ready to harm Gulliver by all means.
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THREE MEN IN A BOAT 1. The kettle was not working properly up the river. The more they waited for it to come to a boil, the more time it was taking. The proper way to treat it was to leave it there to boil and take no notice of it. If it sees that you are waiting for and are anxious about it, it will never even singe. You have to go away and begin your meal, as if you were not going to have any tea at all. It is even better if you do not look at it. This is the best way to treat a kettle. 2. The author is of the view that it is only when our stomach is full our body and mind does the business quite well. We can not work, we can not think unless our stomach is full. He says that after eggs and bacon, it says ‘work!’. After beefsteak and porter it says ‘sleep!’ After a cup of tea, it says to the brain ‘Now, rise, and show your strength...’ He says, we are the veriest, sorriest slaves of our stomach.’ When your stomach is full, you tend to be a good citizen, a loving husband and a tender father—a noble, pious man. The author aptly remarks that we can even forget the follies of others when our stomach is full. 3. When the author could not sleep in the boat at night, he observed some strange facts about night. It was a glorious night and the moon had sunk and left the quiet earth alone with the stars. While we slept, like her children, the stars were talking to her (night) in mysterious voices which we are unable to decipher. They awe us, these strange stars, so cold so clear. We as children know not how to react to the situation. Night seems so comfortable and full of strength. In its great presence our small sorrows creep away. The day is full of fret and care and world seems to be so hard and wrong to us. Then Night, like some great loving mother, gently lays her hand upon our head and smiles. We on our part get solace in her presence and all our sufferings are gone. 4. The narrator’s dressing style shows that he is very particular about his looks when he says that he likes a little red in his things–red and black. As his hair is a sort of golden brown, a dark red matches it beautifully. Instead of using a belt, he uses a handkerchief round the waist which looks better than a belt. Harris on his part prefers mixtures of orange or yellow. Author does not like this combination as Harris’ complex is too dark for yellow. He wants him to prefer blue as a back ground with white or cream for relief. George on the other hand is not bothered about the dressing. He even don’t seem to be sure of the colour of his blazer which according to shopkeeper was of oriental design. When Harris opined that the blazer suits to be hanged over flower-bed to scare away birds, George got infuriated. 5. The two youngmen fooled the party guests by inviting Herr Slossenn Boschen to sing. Herr sang it in German. Nobody in the party knew German. The two youngmen deliberately told the author and other guests that the song of Herr Slossenn will amuse them. But professor sang a sad song in German. The guests at the party followed the young men by roaring and tittering. When they did so German professor was not happy because guests at the party annoyed him very much. It appeared that the song was not a comic one at all. By the time all realised that they had been befooled by the two youngmen, they (two men) had disappeared from the party. The party ended on a sad note. 6. When the author was rowing with his cousin from Goring, it was late and they planned to reach Cleeve by the night fall. In between Goring and Cleeve was Wallingford lock, as the map showed. They were rowing down–the river pretty fast but could not reach Wallingford lock. As time went on and no sight of the lock at the expected place, they thought that they had lost their way. The author got puzzled as to the location of the lock. The river seemed more and more gloomy and mysterious under the gathering shadow of night. By chance, some other people emerged on another boat. The author asked about the Wallingford lock. They told him that it had been closed down a year ago. They had just
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neared Cleeve. The author thanked them and he and his cousin got home for supper in time. 7. Harris is in the habit of taking the burden of doing everything himself. When Harris asks for a bit of paper and pencil to jot down the list of materials needed for the boat trip, the author is reminded of his Uncle Podger. Uncle Podger was in the habit of making all fuss about taking up a job. In order to hang a picture on the wall, Uncle Podger would create such confusion that the whole family was ultimately involved in the process. He would ask for such things like ruler, step-ladder, hammer etc from family members to fix the picture on the wall. He is hot-tempered and disoriented in his approach. These qualties are shown by Harris too. 8. The narrator portrays Harris as a man of no emotions. He is not in the habit of crying. He also does not know why it is so. He is also a jolly man. He is always after some sort of drink in the offering. When everybody is worried he simply comes out with a solution. The author is of the opinion that Harris always does know about a place round the corner where you can get something brilliant in the drinking line. Harris is an easy going person who cares little about other things.
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SOLUTIONS TO PRACTICE PAPER–1 SECTION–A (READING) 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 4. 1. 2. 3.
(c) we cannot survive for more than a couple of days without it (b) no life is possible without it (a) it is an excellent solvent (d) it has high thermal conductivity (b) control (a) they benefit from good education themselves (c) women will neglect their household duties (b) it will refresh their minds (d) of all of the above (b) to do something His imagination, creativity and passion for life helped Hitchcock achieve success. He is famous as film producer. A typical Hitchcock-style film includes suspense and humour. He produced films and hosted a television show in USA. It means fainting. Because he wants peace and quiet. Because nature is beautiful, alive and full of life there. He always hears the low sounds of lake water lapping its shore therefore he wants to leave his present dwelling place. 4. Because there is beauty and peace here day and night. 5. Glade means open space.
SECTION–B (WRITING & GRAMMAR) 5. 123/67 Mangolpuri New Delhi 15 May 20XX The Chairman CBSE New Delhi Sir Sub: Suggestions regarding change in school syllabus An average school student is burdened with books, tests, assessments, exams and marks. Today’s child goes to school to pass exams and then secure admission in colleges. There is no fun left in the process of learning. Due to the pressure of tests and exams the child’s creativity gets arrested. He is loaded with facts by the teacher without bothering whether these are assimilated or not. Learning for the sake of gaining knowledge is almost nonexistent. The school syllabus in many subjects is not even relevant to the present-day world. Most of it is of no practical value to the child. I feel that the syllabus should be more interesting and challenging. More interactive activities should be included in the curriculum to make it student friendly.
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I am optimistic that you will take initiative to initiate deliberations over this issue and bring out a student-friendly curriculum. Yours sincerely Ankit/Asha 6.
THE VICIOUS CIRCLE OF POVERTY Poverty is the state of being poor. It means not having enough money for basic needs. Poverty compels one to have a low standard of living. Most of the children are ill-fed, illclad and ill-mannered. These malnourished children have neither physical strength nor do they enjoy any immunity against diseases. They are deprived of the lamp of knowledge and get very little education. Most cases of school dropouts are from the poorest sections of society. Their low efficiency makes them prey to inferiority complex. In order to supplement the income of the family small children are engaged in petty jobs which are usually poorly paid jobs. Low income and low productivity compels the family to exist in abject poverty. Most of the poor people do not adopt family planning. Consequently they have large families with more mouths to feed than hands engaged in work. Poor health forces them to take frequent leave from work. ‘No work-No pay’ means illness makes them poorer than before. The vicious circle of poverty goes on and on.
7.
MODEL SCHOOL, NAGPUR NOTICE MAGIC SHOW The Cultural Forum is organising a magic show in aid of Drought Victims of Rajasthan/ Telangana as per details given below: Date : 20 Sept. 20XX Venue : Ambedkar Hall Time : 11.30 a.m. Entry by Tickets : ` 100, ` 50 15 Sept. 20XX
All are cordially invited. Anju/Anupam Secretary Cultural Forum 8. (a) (e) 9. (a) (e) 10. (a) (e)
3. by 3. having Her His an the on behind in on
(b) (f) (b) (f) (b) (f)
2. its 4. for at with were was in about/of does do
(c) 3. and
(d) 4. across
(c) did do (g) since and (c) on and
(d) take took (h) about of (d) is are
SECTION–C (LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS & LONG READING TEXT) 11. A 1. The poetic device used in these lines is personification. 2. The brook moves down from its origin emerging suddenly. 3. Bicker in line 4 means flow down noisily. B 1. The writer of the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’ is Triveni. 2. The old lady thought that she would get ultimate punya by worshipping Lord Vishweshwara. So she had a strong desire to go to Kashi. 3. She could not go to Kashi because she gave away her savings to get a young orphan married. C 1. The maid is the speaker of these lines. 2. The speaker is discussing about the way out of hard times. 3. The speaker’s intention is to help the listener.
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12. (a) Robert Frost had to make a choice between the two roads. Both looked equally attractive that morning. He took one road thinking he would walk on the other some other time. The choice for the particular road depended on various reasons, such as it was ‘fair’ and ‘grassy’. It also ‘wanted wear’. (b) Duke was certainly an extraordinary dog both in physical build and dedication to his master. He had a high level of intelligence. Only once did he throw Chuck off balance and that too to express his love at the reunion. From then on Duke behaved like a responsible companion. It was Duke’s initiative, persistence and perseverance that made Chuck walk again. (c) Gaston detests the idea of buying the villa as he does not want his in-laws in that house. He tells Jeanne that her parents will occupy the house every year from spring to autumn. They would also bring the children of Jeanne’s sister there. He implies that there would be no privacy left. Secondly, he finds the asking price of three hundred thousand francs to be excessive. (d) Her song is melancholy but sweet and melodious. The poet is lost in the sheer melody and music of the song. Then there is the charm of the unseen, unknown and unfamiliar. These prompt his imagination to roam freely. It has an unending fascination. 13. First Option 20 April 20XX Tuesday 8 pm Today I am very happy as I feel independent. By the grace of God, guidance of my teacher and my own determination, I have been able to overcome the obstacle of illiteracy that stood between me and my desire to read the novels and scriptures. I am especially happy because I have achieved the mission that I started so late in life—learning alphabet at the age of sixty-two to being able to read a novel by myself. For some observers, I might have presented a funny picture—an old grey haired woman in her sixties with spectacles on nose and wrinkled hands reading, repeating, writing and reciting whatever the teacher allotted her as homework. The day I was able to read the story of Kashi Yatre unaided, I decided to honour my teacher who had opened the gate of literacy to me. I called my granddaughter to the pooja place, made her sit down on a stool and gave her a gift of a frock material. Then I bent down and touched my granddaughter’s feet. She was surprised and taken aback. I had done the reverse of the tradition—an elder touching the feet of younger. I explained that I was showing respect to my teacher who taught me so well that I was able to read a novel within a short span of time. A teacher must be respected irrespective of the gender and age. Second Option DUKE’S ROLE IN THE LIFE OF HIS MASTER Charles–‘Chuck’–Hooper met with an accident in autumn and remained in hospital till spring. His left side was completely paralysed. He couldn’t move out of his bed. Duke was impatient to lead Chuck outside. One evening Chuck hooked the leash on to Duke’s collar. Duke pranced and Chuck had fight for balance. He put the lease under his paralysed fingers and moved his right leg out in front. Duke pulled the leash taut. Charles straightened his right leg. This caused the left foot to drag forward. From one step a day, they made a steady progress. In two weeks they reached the front porch. Duke and Chuck persevered. By mid-April neighbours saw a daily struggle in front of Marcy’s house. The master and his dog would come out on the sidewalk. Duke would pull his leash taut. Then he would stand and wait. The man would drag himself abreast of the dog. Then the dog would surge out to the end of the leash and wait again. On June 1, i.e. after one and half months, they made to an intersection quite far away. Soon Duke took Chuck for two trips a day. They lengthened the targets. It was one driveway at a time. Now Duke no longer waited at each step. The big move came on January 4 when Hooper walked 200 metres without Duke.
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Though Duke was physically not with his master, it was the dog that had lifted his master’s numb spirits and rekindled hope. In fact, Duke had assumed all the responsibility for leading Charles Hooper back to his office. Duke taught him to cope with the challenge and adjust to the changed way of living. In fact, Duke held the key to all that Chuck achieved in his life. 14. No doubt, Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels is one of the greatest satirical works in English literature. Swift adopted the form of a travelogue to expose individuals, communities and even mankind for their follies, weaknesses, vices and hypocrisies. Gulliver’s Travels turns out to be wonderful admixture of comic and corrosive satire. Through the accounts of his voyages to strange and unexplored lands, Swift comes to the conclusion that the ‘Yahoos’ in human form living, particularly in Europe and England, are the worst specimen existing on the earth. Swift employs all the possible devices and weapons like irony, ridicule, mockery and even invective to lash human follies and weaknesses. Many critics believe that Gulliver’s Travels is an allegorical satire where personalities and institutions are attacked not directly but in a veiled manner. As Swift himself admitted that the purpose of the book was “to vex the world rather than to divert it.” All satires aim at reform. And so does Swift’s Travels. Whether he succeeded or not is a different matter. He himself deplores the fact that ‘accounts of his travels’ has brought about no change in the manners or behaviour or mentality of the people around him. Swift believed that man was not a rational animal but he was certainly "capable of becoming rational. Part I of Gulliver’s Travels is largely a satire on English politics, politicians, monarchs and theological disputes prevailing in his times. Flimnap may remind of Walpole with his dancing skills on a tight rope. The conflict between the High-Heels and the Low-Heels symbolises the conflict between the Whigs and the Tories of England. The dispute between the Big-Endians and the Little-Endians may symbolise the constant fight between the Roman Catholics and the Protestants. The annoyance of the Empress of Lilliput is a satirical way of describing Queen Anne’s annoyance with Swift. Or ‘Three Men in a Boat’ of Jerome K. Jerome proves that humour based on human nature is timeless, fresh and universal. Jerome intended to make the novel a serious travel guide. But the humorous elements dominate so much over the story line that they make ‘Three Men in a Boat’ as one of the best comic novels in English comic literature. The antics of the three gentlemen, Harris, George and Jerome himself, are described laced with humour which is very refined and sharp but at times coated with sarcasm. The book is full of ‘tongue-in-cheek humor’. But Jerome’s humour never resorts to bawdiness and crudity. It is fresh, heart winning and modern. The jokes seem fresh and witty even today. In ‘Three Men in a Boat’, often, the trip takes a back seat to a series of hilarious and comic episodes. The trip on the river is just a frame on which hang various anecdotes and digressions that contain much of humour. Much of the humour is provided by the hillarious misadventures of a ‘merry but scandalously lazy band of three real life friends’. But what makes the book a classic of British comic literature are the narrator’s hilarious digressions. The humour created by characters or incidents, is so real and alive that we find it very different from the one we are used to. ‘Three Men in a Boat’ mocks nothing. Instead it makes its readers laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of life. 15. Lemuel Gulliver is the most important character in Swift’s ‘Gulliver’s Travels’. He is the prime mover of the story in all the four parts and also a keen observer and recorder
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of events, lands, people and their practices. No doubt, he is a fictitious character invented by Swift. Inspite of his fairy tale adventures and incredible feats, he impresses us as a detached and impartial observer and critic of mankind. Gulliver is basically an observer, a narrator and a critic. He has extraordinary powers of observation and narration. The voyages with the rough and stormy seas, the attack of sea-pirates or the fantastic locations of the Flying Island or anything or everything finds a faithful record in Gulliver’s accounts. The book is not intended as a memoir or travel book. Gulliver’s main purpose in recording his accounts is to express his ideas about mankind in general. But Gulliver is also a sharp critic of the political, social, cultural and religious institution and practices of his own country, England. The story line may be fantastic or incredible but Gulliver’s observations and generalisations of mankind are real and credible. Or Uncle Podger is the real uncle of Mr Harris who is a character of ‘Three Men in a Boat’. Uncle Podger is remebered by the narrator when he criticises Harris who is in the habit of taking burden of doing something and putting it on the backs of other persons. Jerome finds Harris's resemblance in the character of his uncle Podger who always created commotion up and down the house when he undertook any job. Uncle Podger is portrayed as a confused man who even scolds other for fault commited by him.
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SOLUTIONS TO PRACTICE PAPER–2 SECTION–A (READING) 1.
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (a) 5. (a)
the tools they get from abroad cost four times as much more than a dozen instruments for operating on the eye the United States of America restricted a wide range of instruments
2.
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (b)
five lakh cases every year it causes cancer, heart disease and bronchitis tobacco companies advertise extensively of both (a) and (b) discovered
3.
1. It means brown round flat bread rolls. 2. They threw them out. 3. It is different as it has shed formalism. 4. These are basic key words. 5. It means keep safe.
4.
1. They weave a bright blue cloth. 2. Queen’s marriage-veil is of purple and green colour. 3. The poet addresses the weavers. 4. They weave a garment meant to cover a dead man. 5. The three stages are childhood, adulthood and senility.
SECTION–B (WRITING AND GRAMMAR) 5. Value Points Punjabi Wedding—occasion for fun and merriment Various ceremonies and functions • Betrothal • ‘Mehandi’ • Ladies’ Sangeet • ‘Phere’ • Send off Festivities
• songs and dances • decoration and lights Elaborate food and clothes
• various sweets and dishes • colourful and gaudy dresses Wedding guests and family
• ceremonial welcome • reception • feast 6. For the Motion Respected chairperson, members of faculty and dear friends! I want to defend the motion that reality shows for children do more harm than good. My worthy opponents have listed the benefits of reality shows for the children. They have
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cited their popularity on the ‘idiot box’ as an index of the benefit they give children in the form of exposure. I agree that reality shows discover latent talent. But I fear, the talent is not groomed properly. It is rather being exploited. All channels are in a rat race to cash on the craze among viewers. Parents are eager to see their children to perform. The various channels are motivated by their commercial instincts to earn as much as they can. Programmes are made keeping in view the TRP ratings and the curiosity of viewers. As far as the participants are concerned these shows are doing more harm than good. Unnecessary anxiety is caused to children by adding their workload. They have to undergo untold strain and tension during rehearsals and performance. The inherent fear of failure and sense of defeat haunts them. They easily become victims of emotional instability. It is seen that even a child prodigy fails to adjust properly to the demands of life in adulthood. The negative competitiveness makes their personalities lop-sided. Negative qualities such as jealousy, disbelief, fear, suspicion, doubt etc. enter into their mental make-up. The result is that they fall prey to inferiority complex. They have no time left for developing their own personality. Childhood is sacrificed at the altar of professionalism. Excuse me for a bit of plain speaking. There is nothing real in reality shows. It is all manipulated. The final show presents a resemblance of reality—but no reality at all. Thank you 7.
PLIGHT OF FLOOD-HIT PEOPLE
Thursday 14 August, 20XX The city of Delhi was plagued last month by unprecedented torrential rains. Low-lying areas like our colony were inundated by the overflowing waters of the Yamuna which had assumed threatening proportions and looked like a vast ocean. This was a novel experience for me because Delhi very often does not get the due share of its Monsoon rains. It rained cats and dogs for fifteen days intermittently. City’s drainage system was out of gears. Roads were broken and houses collapsed in large number. The rainwater overflowed the drain passing through our locality. River Yamuna broke her embankments and entered the city. Thousands of people were rendered homeless. Millions of cattle died. The roofs of hundreds of houses built of stones and bricks caved in. Thousands of huts, cottages and cabins collapsed. There was water on everyside, but we had no pure water to drink. Taps, handpumps, wells—all had been submerged. The stores of grains and pulses had been washed away. Small babies and children cried with hunger and thirst. The old complained of pain. The young and able-bodied persons had to stay at home. There was no transport. The fury of rain subsided after a fortnight, but it took us a week more to regain the previous routine. Thank God, it is normal now! 8. (a) 3. are (b) 2. how (c) 4. what (d) 3. by (e) 2. have (f) 3. with 9. (a) because what we (b) result of the (c) tomorrow will be (d) decision we take (e) reverse the wrong (f) taken in the (g) overselves into becoming (h) if we don’t 10. (a) In these places the annual rainfall is less than 25 cms. (b) Deserts like Sahara remain dry for years. (c) During the day such deserts are burning hot.
SECTION–C (LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS & LONG READING TEXT) 11. A 1. The poet’s state of mind was quite confused. 2. It was difficult for him to take a decision because both the roads were equally fair. 3. The poet took the decision to choose a road with cool deliberation.
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B 1. The speaker is discussing her helplessness to sell the villa. 2. The speaker wants to sell the villa because she is hard up and needs money. 3. The speaker’s mood is full of anxiety. C 1. Marcy cried secretly because she wanted to hide her feelings from Chuck. 2. Marcy felt pained because Chuck’s smile was replaced by deep set lines showing pain and sadness. 3. Chuck kept staring around because he had nothing else to do. 12. (a) Lord Ullin’s wrath changes into wailing on seeing his daughter being drowned in the wild waters. That’s why he calls her by saying that he would forgive her highland chief. (b) The grandmother was deeply interested in the story of the old woman in ‘Kashi Yatre’.The magazine arrived, but she couldn’t know what happened next. She was unable to read herself and her granddaughter was away to a neighbouring village to attend a wedding. She thought it unbecoming of her to get some neighbour to read it to her. The old lady’s tears reflect her helplessness at her inability to read. (c) She is a practical and forward looking. Being busy, she has no time for details of transaction. She comes straight to the point and does not beat about the bush. She is not interested in the details of the house as she wants only the land to build a bungalow after knocking down the villa. Like most Americans, she always thinks about the future. (d) The music of the sweet song of the solitary reaper had cast its spell on the poet. He was greatly affected. The song echoed in his heart even though the girl had stopped singing. 13. First Option 22 April 20XX Thursday 9.30 pm What a non-comprehending slip of girl have I proved myself today. What else could one expect of a twelve-year-old irresponsible idiot. Grandma had taken a momentous decision. She wanted to be able to read Kannada alphabet and she conveyed this to me as she needed my help in acquiring the ability to read. What a fool and unthinking, unfeeling imp must have I appeared to her. I made fun of her age, looks, wrinkles and her workload vis-a-vis her desire to read. She was sixty-two years old. Her hair was grey, her hands were wrinkled and she wore spectacles. Moreover, she had a lot of work to do in the kitchen. It was childish of me to make fun of the old. She just smiled at my impudence and said that there was no age bar for learning. Determination could help her overcome all obstacles. After dinner, I lay on my mat in the open terrace. I kept thinking of what had transpired during the day. I felt ashamed of my conduct. Grandma had sought a little favour—just help and direction to enable her to read. How foolishly had I reacted! I was filled with selfcontempt. There were tears in my eyes. These were tears of repentance. I do not know how long I kept weeping. I only remember the touch of the soft wrinkled hands of my grandma on my forehead. No words were spoken. Her loving strokes on my cheeks reassured me of her love for me and confidence in me. Before bidding her good night I remarked, “Well, grandma, we begin reading after prayers tomorrow.” She felt happy. A tear rolled down her cheek. I wiped it with my finger and she blessed me. Second Option January 4 Friday 8 pm What an eventful day it was! All unexpected and bizarre incidents happened that day. The most unusual was the visit of Chuck Hooper, our erstwhile zonal manager who had suffered a stroke of paralysis after a car hit him. It was a pleasant surprise to all of us when he walked unaided to the branch office from the clinic 200 metres away. The staff
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was amazed by the visit. To me it was more than a courtesy call or a mere visit. Chuck said in his imposing voice: “Gordon, this isn’t just a visit. Bring me up to date on what’s happened, will you—so I can get to work? This was not a mere request. As it came from my senior, it was an order. I opened my mouth to say something but being full of amazement at his determination, confidence and assertion, I kept staring at him with my lips opened wide. Before I could say anything he expressed his intention to visit the office for only an hour a day to begin with. He added that he would use the empty desk in the warehouse and asked me for a dictating machine. I kept thinking of Chuck’s resolve. He was fighting hard for a comeback. He had undergone trauma for more than one and a half years. I was full of admiration for his spirited effort to combat his deficiency and overcome the challenge. It was for the highups to think what to do with a salesman who couldn’t walk or would attend the office only for an hour. I felt confident that sooner than we expected Hooper might regain his former agility, resolve and energy to direct the sales of our company upwards. Well, I express my sincere wishes for him and pray for his speedy recovery. 14. When Gulliver landed on the shore he was so tired that he could not discover any sign of houses or inhabitants there and fell asleep. When he woke up, he found himself tied to the ground. He could see nothing except the sky. He realised that he had been held prisoner by several tiny people who were roaming on his legs and chest. Gulliver freed his left arm and then loosened the string that tied down his hair. He was fired with arrows when he attempted to seize them. He then realized that the best thing to do was to calm down. Whereupon the inhabitants of the land realised that he was quiet and they stopped showering arrows. Gulliver was provided food and drink by the inhabitants before he was taken to the city. As a prisoner Gulliver was put in a temple and the king ordered for his food and lodging. Gradually Gulliver won the admiration of the king and was treated with respect. He helped the king in his campaigns against his enemies. But due to intrigues of the courtiers he fell in the eyes of the king and had ultimately to escape from Lilliput. Or While discussing about their health the three men–Jerome and his two friends–decided to take rest and complete change. Change of scene and rest would restore their mental and physical equilibrium. They wanted to seek out some retired and old world spot, far from the madding crowd. Harris wanted to go for a sea trip but sea trip was not possible for a short period of one week. Jerome opined that sea trip would cause sea-sickness. Ultimately all agreed for a boating trip in the river Thames which would provide them fresh air, exercise and peace. 15. When Gulliver first saw the king of Lilliput, he found him (the king) to be taller than most of his Courtiers. His features were strong and masculine; his countenance erect and his manners majestic. His dress was very plain and simple and had a light helmet of gold on his head adorned with jewels. His voice was very shrill but very clear and articulate. The king has made arrangements for the captivity of Gulliver but he was very kind to provide very convenience to Gulliver. Gulliver was provided with an army of six hundred persons to look after his needs. Three hundred tailors were deployed to make suit for Gulliver. Six of his majesty’s greatest scholars were employed to instruct the language of the Lilliputians. Or Jerome K. Jerome is the main character of his classical comic novel ‘Three Men in a Boat’. He is the narrator and the novel is a ‘first person’ description of the river journey
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from Kingston to Oxford. Like both of his real life-friends Harris and George, Jerome is also a hypochondriac who is all the time concerned with his health. Jerome is not a vocal and boisterous character like his other life-friends, Harris and George. He rarely takes any initiative but slowly and silently he makes his presence felt in all the decisions and operations that are associated with the river journey. Jerome has a long association with the Thames. The narrator doesn’t forget to laugh at himself too. On many occasions he contradicts himself. On one hand he says that he takes a great pride in his work. But in the same breath he complains that it always seems to him that he is doing more work than he should do. The narrator has an eye for beauty and romance. His description of the river and the villages and towns on it is graphic and fascinating. He displays a deep knowledge about the social practices, culture, history, costumes, food, drinks that the people and places of the Thames’s region are associated with.
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SOLUTIONS TO PRACTICE PAPER–3 SECTION–A (READING) 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 2. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
(d) the first flights to London resumed on Tuesday after a week (b) only under half of the 27,500 flights over Europe were given go ahead (a) it was sheer joy to be travelling back (c) passengers with current bookings were being given priority (b) no movement of traffic (d) the volcanic ash erupted from Iceland still covered the sky (c) stranded (a) it has caused serious hazards to life (b) it has caused water pollution (d) it has caused imbalance in the relation between living beings and their environment (c) widespread and long lasting (a) risks/dangers Freedom of thought is most important thing according to the author. Because everyone likes to have it for himself. It is denied to them as they express different opinions. Progress comes to an end when we went on thinking like our ancestors. It means forefathers. She was a genious as she could climb sprawling and high trees. She last climbed the tree when she was sixty-two. She meant that she would continue climbing trees. It was a relief to everyone as she would stay quietly in bed for a week. In a trice means very suddenly.
SECTION–B (WRITING AND GRAMMAR) 5. 123 Motibagh New Delhi 22 April 20XX The Editor The Hindustan Times New Delhi Sir Sub: Radiation Caused by Cobalt-60 in Scrap The news about radiation caused by Cobalt-60 in scrap shops in Mayapuri is quite disturbing. Till date eight persons have been reported to be the victims of radiation. All of them had burn injuries caused due to radiation exposure. It is feared that the number of people affected with Cobalt-60 radiation may rise. People in general should avoid touching radioactive substances. The exposure to the gamma radiation emanating from the radioactive source found lying in scrap shops resulted in six people falling ill seriously and one (Deepak Jain) critically. Ajay Jain, the eighth victim, who got a Cobalt-60 pin from scrap dealer Deepak Jain and kept it in his wallet, is battling for his life at a city hospital for the past fortnight.
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Various state and central agencies like health ministries, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and National Disaster Management Authority should join hands to tackle the situation on war footing. As a precautionary measure, the blood samples of all shopkeepers, workers and policemen on duty at the high risk zone in Mayapuri should be tested. It would be in public interest if the Health Department of NCT issues an advisory for the dealers in Mayapuri and residents in adjacent colonies. It is hoped that you will add your comments to my submission. Yours truly Dipti/Deepak 6.
IMPACT OF WESTERN CULTURE Western culture has a great impact on our minds even today. More than 60 years have passed since we regained independence. But the aping of Western culture still goes on unabated. It is clear from the fact that we observe so many different days as Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Friendship Day etc. All these are originally not a part of our culture and tradition. Some of us tried to appear more westernised than the Western people and started observing these days. Others in their circuit did not want to lag behind or be labelled as orthodox old fogeys and joined the celebrations with a gusto. I think that instead of blindly following the West, we should question the utility and importance of observing or celebrating a particular day. Is a mother to be respected on only one day, every year? Is friendship something that should be celebrated just once every year. One does not need a special day. In fact, a lifetime is not enough for celebrating these relationships. Even if we decide to celebrate these days, why should we ape the Western style. Flowers, cards, messages etc. are superficial. Writing messages, preparing cards or selecting flowers are wastage of time and money. Our youth should awaken towards such extravagances. We should try to show respect, love and affection in our own unique way.
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THE BLIND LADY AND THE GREEDY DOCTOR Once a rich lady, who lived in a spacious mansion, became blind. She called in an eye specialist, who promised to cure her within a fortnight. She agreed to pay a hefty fee for his services. The doctor operated upon her eyes and bandaged them. The doctor came everyday. He gave her some medicine, stayed there for some time and removed some furniture or valuable article. This went on for fourteen days. On the fifteenth day, the doctor removed her bandages and said, “Now, you can see. Please pay my fees.” The lady was cured. Her eyesight had been restored, but she was shocked to see that all the pieces of costly furniture were missing. She refused to pay the fees on the plea that she could not see her furniture in her room which meant that her eyesight had not been restored. The doctor filed a suit against her for not paying his fees. The court heard both the parties. On knowing the reality, the judge dismissed the doctor’s case. He was charged with theft and sentenced to prison for swindling and stealing. 8. (a) 2. has (b) 1. and (c) 3. will (d) 4. next (e) 2. is (f) 3. in 9. (a) On the Agra-Delhi (b) Sanctuary has been (c) for a large (d) order to attract (e) near the entrance (f) would be developed (g) also have a library (h) hall where slide 10. (a) He had a noble wife and they were happy. (b) The people of the kingdom were also happy. (c) The royal couple paid attention to all the needs of their subjects.
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SECTION–D (LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS & LONG READING TEXT) 11. A 1. ‘She’ is the solitary reaper. She is reaping the harvest, binding it and singing a sad song. 2. The poetic device used in these lines is alliteration. 3. The poet is addressing his companion. He is deeply attracted to the sweetness and melody of the reaper’s song. The valley is overflowing with the sound of the sweet song full of sadness. B 1. Juliette is discussing the minimum sale price of the villa. 2. Gaston’s one-liner is an example of a repartee. 3. ‘Philanthropic’ here means helping poor people by giving money. C 1. They would assemble daily in the temple courtyard. 2. The women at the temple discussed the latest episode of Kashi Yatre because they could relate with the protagonist of the serial. 3. The narrator could not understand why there was so much debate about the story because she was too young to follow the way of thinking of the older women. 12. (a) The daughter of Lord Ullin loves the Chieftain passionately. She wants to marry him. But she knows her father will never agree to it. He would rather get her lover killed. So she had no alternative except to defy her father and elope with her lover. (b) The grandmother worked hard to accomplish her desire to read. She did her routine work in kitchen. She overcame the obstacle of old age and its problems. She revised her lessons, learnt them and repeated them. She made learning to read her mission in life. Her single minded devotion helped her to make speedy progress. (c) Jeanne is eager to buy a villa. She has been looking for a suitable house for over a month. She wants to buy a villa for her papa and mamma.Gaston is not interested in buying a villa for his mother-in-law and father-in-law. He does not want to spend his hard earned money on a house where he may not live even for a month. So he makes one excuse after the other to condemn the villa. (d) He shall be telling that two roads diverged in a wood and he had taken the less travelled by. The poet wants to convey the idea that choices must be made very carefully because they have far reaching consequences and can affect the course of life. 13. First Option The granddaughter and grandmother are poles apart in age, tastes, temperaments and views on life. The granddaughter is a young girl of twelve while the grandmother is an old woman of 62. She has grey hair, wrinkled hands and weak eyesight. She uses spectacles. The grandmother still does a lot of work in the kitchen. She goes to the temple to worship and to talk to her friends. The granddaughter goes to the temple courtyard to play hide-and-seek. The young girl reads to her grandma the story of ‘Kashi Yatre’. Her absence from the village makes the grandmother conscious of her handicap. Being illiterate she is unable to read the magazine and know what happened in the story. The grandmother is quite sentimental. She has tears in her eyes at her inability to read. She tells her granddaughter why she could not go to school in her childhood. She analyses the factors quite intelligently and objectively. The granddaughter appears to be childish. She makes a fun of her grandmother’s desire to learn reading Kannada alphabet at her advanced age. She fails to realise the old lady’s aspirations for whom education is the key to her independence. Both grandmother and granddaughter have full respect for Indian customs and traditions. The granddaughter is filled with surprise when her grandmother bends and touches her feet. She had learnt that in their families the juniors touched the feet of the elders to
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express respect. The grandmother explains why she had done so. For her the granddaughter is a teacher who taught her so well that she could read magazines and books by herself within a few months. She has a rational approach. The teacher may be of any age or sex. Being young or old makes no difference. As a mark of respect to her teacher she offers her granddaughter a gift also—the piece of cloth for a frock. The granddaughter has a present for her neo-literate grandma—a printed copy of the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’. In short, the two offer a study in contrast. Second Option Duke plays an important role in the life of Charles Hooper. When Duke is brought back from the Kennel, he finds Hooper lying in a bed alone and staring at the ceiling. He is always lost in his thoughts. Duke’s joy at reunion with Charles Hooper is immense but the impact throws Chuck off balance. From then on Duke realises the gravity of the situation and his own responsibility. Though unable to communicate with his master through words he conveys his impatience to move out with him through gestures. Duke stalked to the bed. Then he pointed his nose under Chuck’s elbow and lifted. He nudged and needled and snorted. He would go out when commanded, but return and then yap and poke. He never left his master’s side. It was only by a sheer chance that Chuck hooked the leash on to Duke’s collar. Duke took it as a positive command and jumped to go out. Hooper had to fight for balance. Marcy supported him by the elbow. He held the leash tight with his paralysed fingers and moved his right leg out in front. As he straightened his right leg, the left foot had to be dragged forward alongside the right. Thus Duke helped Chuck take the first step. Duke would pull his leash tight and Chuck would sway forward. Gradually Hooper learned to keep his balance without Marcy at his elbow. The progress was slow but sure. Duke would pull his leash tight and then stand and wait. Chuck would drag himself abreast of the dog. Then Duke would surge out to the end of the leash and wait again. After eight months, on January 4 to be precise, Hooper could walk 200 metres without Duke. He felt that he could work in the office for an hour a day. From March 1, Hooper started doing full day’s work. Thirteen months later, that is, in April next year, Chuck Hooper was promoted to regional manager covering more than four states. It was Duke who lifted his master up from the morass of despair and helplessness and assumed all the responsibility for leading him back to his office desk. People looked with surprise at the dog dragging his master as if he possessed the man. Duke taught Hooper how to cope with the challenge. He accepted the changed way of life. From anger, helplessness and despair, he once again became active, smiling and efficient officer. All this transformation was due to Duke. 14. Gulliver became a victim of circumstances which allowed his opponents at the court to accuse him of high treason. He was charged with making water within the precincts of royal palace under the excuse of extinguishing fire in her Majesty’s palace. He refused his Majesty’s order to seize the remaining ships of the empire of Blefuscu as he was unwilling to destroy the liberty and life of innocent people. When certain ambassadors arrived from Blefuscu, Gulliver, like a false traitor, aided and abeted them. Lastly, contrary to the duty of a faithful subject, Gulliver was to make a voyage to the court and empire of Blefuscu. When Gulliver was informed by Reldresal, a friend of his, that the court of the emperor of Lilliput had framed charges against him and they were planning to blind him, Gulliver first of all thought of destroying Lilliput. But after some thought he resolved to leave Blefuscu without making any fuss. He had already taken the verbal permission of emperor of Lilliput to visit Blefuscu. So, he wrote a letter to his friend Reldresal informing him of his intention to see Blefuscu. Without waiting for the answer, Gulliver
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crossed over to the side of Blefuscu. Gulliver was received by the people who were expecting him. They took him to the king of Blefuscu. King of Blefuscu along with the courtiers and empress and ladies welcomed Gulliver to the land of Blefuscu. Or When the three friends reached at Waterloo station at eleven, they asked from which platform the eleven five started. Nobody knew where a train was going to start from. Nobody even knew the destination about a train leaving Waterloo. The Porter that took their luggage thought that it would leave from platform number two. Another porter thought that the train would leave from platform number one. The station master on the other hand was convinced that it would start from the local. When they met the superintendent, he told that he had met a person who thought it would leave from platform number three. When they reached platform number three, the train was different one. One porter said that the train would leave from high-level plafrorm. They had to give half crown to the driver to go to Kingston. 15. The king of Brobdingnag was a learned man. He had been educated in the study of philosophy and mathematics. He felt that the story given by Gulliver was only a figment of his imagination. He doubted Gulliver’s nurse and her father. The emperor probed the farmer his daughter and Gulliver before coming to any conclusion. He took great pleasure in conversing with Gulliver. He made very wise reflections and observations on men and matters. The king had very bad opinion of England and its institutions and practices. In his opinion people of Gulliver’s country suffered from hypocrisy, cruelty, rage, madness, anger and lust. He abhored violence and war. The king did not believe that the art of government could be learnt by reading hundreds of books. The principles of common sense, reason, justice and lineancy could be better guidelines for running a good government. Or Montmorency did not enjoy solitude. He liked noise and to participate in action. There was no adventure for him in the boat. Montmorency looked like an angel. His looks were as if he thought that this world had been wicked and he could make it better and nobler. His innocent pious expressions could bring tears in the eyes of old ladies and gentlemen. The author thought he would not live long. He would soon be snatched away to heaven in a chariot. He looked very frail. The author had to change his option about Montmorency when he killed a dozen chicken, fought with other dogs in the street and killed a cat belonging to an angry women.
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SOLUTIONS TO PRACTICE PAPER–4 SECTION–A (READING) 1. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 3. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
(d) they are obligate predators (a) to preserve tigers (b) tigers kill their cattle (a) knowledge of exact number helps in their conservation (c) proof (a) they have not to work for their living (b) they are tired of having nothing to do (d) of all of the above (c) he toils for his bread (b) completeness I stand for a tiger. Because they had sat in their seats peacefully. The population melted out bacause people were afraid of the tiger. When he stopped in front of his shop the tailor shut himself up in a cupboard. It means left because it was dangerous to stay. For the poet the best meal is the breakfast. He would swim in the sea. When the poet was young his appetite was very sharp. His favourite breakfast in old age was honey, toast and tea. He looks his favourite breakfast very delightfully.
SECTION–B (WRITING AND GRAMMAR) 5. 2345 Sector 7 Chandigarh 25 May 20XX The Editor The Tribune Chandigarh Sir Sub: The Need and Ways to Conserve Energy I want to highlight a problem that our country is facing today and affects every citizen. India is facing an energy crisis. The demand of electricity has exceeded much beyond its production and supply. All citizens must realise their responsibility in conserving energy. We must make judicious use of energy. Conservation of energy is the need of the hour. It is the responsibility of each individual as well as organisation. Wastage of electrical energy should be strictly avoided. All electrical appliances must be switched off when not needed. We must use good quality appliances and ensure they are in good condition. CFL lamps must be used at homes and in offices. Proper use of fuel is also essential. To save LPG we should use pressure cookers and energy-efficient burners.
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Maximum use of solar energy can solve the problem of shortage of electricity. Solar energy should be used for heating water, cooking etc. as far as possible. In order to encourage people to use solar energy, Government should provide these appliances to the general public at subsidized rates. To save petrol, diesel and CNG, the use of public transport must be maximized. Carpools, riding bicycles and walking should be preferred. It is hoped that these steps would benefit not only the individual immediately but also help the nation and preserve our environment for future use. I hope my views will get a nod from you for publication in the columns of your renowned daily. Yours sincerely Rahul Sinha 6.
IMPROVING THE CHAOTIC TRAFFIC CONDITIONS OF DELHI Delhi has one of the most complex traffic situations in the world. Bullock carts, tongas, cycle rickshaws and push carts vie with fast running cars and sometimes block the traffic for hours. Then there are three-wheelers which juxtapose anywhere and spring like mushrooms everywhere. The buses and trucks moving at an average speed of 40 km per hour cause enough accidents as well as traffic blocks. The pedestrians are another source of chaotic traffic conditions in the capital. Delhi needs a metro rail system to reduce the traffic on city roads. This system should provide point-to-point service to its commuters. It will help in reducing pollution and accidents in Delhi. The number of vehicles must be reduced for the betterment of the traffic systems in Delhi. Car pooling is a good option which people should follow. Many countries have a rule that personal vehicles (cars) having even registration numbers are allowed to ply on particular days in a week while vehicles having odd numbers are allowed to come out on other days. This system may prove very helpful in Delhi too. Autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws are a big cause fortraffic snarl-ups in certain parts of Delhi. The government should make separate tracks for these vehicles. VIP movement in the capital causes the biggest snarl-ups in our traffic system. The government should self-regulate itself. A one-way traffic system also reduces road accidents.
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THE MYSTERY OF THE HAUNTED HOUSE It was a hot afternoon in June. We, a group of ten boys, were playing hockey in the big ground outside the town. When we sat down during the breather, one of us, perhaps it was Mohit, who pointed at a greyish dilapidated building towards the east. He also told us that it was a haunted house and his uncle had told him not to go near it. All of us laughed at Mohit’s timidity. A keen sense of adventure and expectation of thrill inspired us to explore the mystery of the haunted house. We decided our signals and code words. Two of us had their mobile phones with them. We picked our sticks and moved cautiously. We found the main gate blocked by a heap of stones and bushes. Rahul noticed a man coming out of a side gate. This was our chance. We grabbed it and rushed in. We were surprised at what we saw there. The place was neat and clean. Work was going on in the farthest room. A man sat at a printing machine. We threw discretion to the winds. Two of us advanced to see what the man was doing. We were shocked to find that he was printing fake currency. The other group had stumbled upon narcotics and drugs. We hid behind the pillars as we heard some noise. We overheard what they said. Then we came out. We blocked the side gate with stones, bushes and logs of wood. Then Sahil telephoned the police. His father, the local police Inspector came there with a police party. The people inside were taken by surprise and surrendered without any resistance. The police confirmed what we had guessed. It was
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the den of anti-social goons. They had spread the rumour of haunted house to hide their illegal activities. 8. (a) 3. of (b) 3. more (c) 4. or (d) 1. some (e) 3. their (f) 4. of (b) stating stated (c) need needn’t 9. (a) have had (e) those this (f) with of (d) fastest faster (h) it they (g) a the 10. (a) Peers can often aid you in making final decision. (b) Students are more prone to listening to their peers. (c) As peer know typically where you are coming from and where you want to head next.
SECTION–C (LITERATURE TEXBOOKS & LONG READING TEXT) 11. A 1. The ‘hardy Highland wight’ is the boatman over the ferry there 2. He promises to ferry the chieftain and his beloved, Lord Ullin’s daughter across the Lochgyle. 3. The word ‘winsome’ means pleasant and attractive. B 1. ‘They’ here refers to the film producers at the Joinville Studio. 2. This line is an example of pun or word play. ‘Maids’ and ‘made’ have similar sound but different meaning. 3. The speaker can’t refuse the offer because the payment is quite tempting. C 1. When Chuck was discharged from hospital, he was still confined to bed/wheel chair. 2. Chuck felt more depressed than ever because he had no company. 3. In spite of loneliness and depression, Chuck kept on thinking by himself. 12. (a) The poet regretted his choice. It is clear from the expressions “telling this with a sigh” and “that has made all the difference”. So he says that choices must be made very carefully. These are irrevocable. They have far reaching consequences and can affect the course of life. (b) It was by sheer chance that Chuck’s good hand hooked the leash onto Duke’s collar. Perhaps he wanted to hold him still. The effect was just the opposite. Duke shimmied in anticipation. Chuck asked Marcy to help him to his feet. Duke jumped forward. Chuck fought for balance. Holding the leash tight, he leaned forward. Marcy supported him by the elbow. He moved his right leg out in front. As he straightened the right leg, it caused the left foot to drag forward. Thus Duke made Hooper take his first step. (c) Wordsworth has chosen a simple incident–a solitary highland girl reaping and singing by herself. The very mention of the highlands and valleys transports us to far-off, unknown lands which charm our imagination. The reference to tired travellers in Arabian deserts refreshed by nightingale’s song and the sailors in farthest Hebrides thrilled by the cuckoo’s announcement of the ensuing spring further enchant our imagination. The sweetness, melody and music of the solitary reaper is established by comparison to two song-birds known for their sweet melodious music. The conjectures that the poet makes about the theme of her song are also romantic in nature. We always feel thrilled by the past. Familiar matters of today only make a humble lay. Natural sorrow, loss or pain are the recurring elements of human existence. Reference to melancholy is another romantic element. She sings a ‘melancholy’ strain. Her numbers are ‘plaintive’. The over-all effect is sheer magic and music. Her song seems ‘unending’ and casts a spell on the listener.
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(d) The maid has been asked to act as a maid in a film. She will get a hundred francs a morning for doing it. She can’t refuse the offer as Juliette pays her only four hundred francs a month. So she asks for an off between nine and noon the next day. 13. First Option The speaker craves for independence to be able to read by herself. Being illiterate she is dependent on her granddaughter to know the progress of the story in the novel ‘Kashi Yatre’. Her craving for education reflects the desire of millions of adults who were deprived of the fruit of education due to one reason or the other. Her craving for literacy shows deep desire of those who are unable to read. They feel handicapped as they are always in need of support from an outside agency. Grandmother’s remarks show that money alone does not provide happiness and independence. She decides to master functional literacy—the ability to read by herself. She makes sincere efforts to fulfil her desire. She requests her twelve-year-old granddaughter to be her teacher. At first the narrator makes fun of the old lady, but her seriousness, devotion and firm resolution make her realise the old lady’s point of view. Along with her many duties in the kitchen, she finds time for her lesson. Her willingness to learn makes her a devoted learner. She reads, repeats, writes and recites her lesson. She is not tired by the amount of homework she does. It is the grandmother’s determination that helps her to overcome all obstacles in her way. The motivation comes from inside. She learns willingly and works harder than ever. Old age or weak eyes do not deter her from achieving her goal of independence. Her willpower helps her to accomplish what she wants and that too in limited timespan. It is the strength of the grandmother’s inner spirit and her resolve that help her to learn how to read. Second Option Chuck Hooper was a tall, athletic young man. He was six-feet-one. His wife Marcy, was not really a dog lover. She was a tiny blonde. For her Pomeranian was the right size dog for colonial house on a small plot. Chuck liked Duke for his rambunctiousness. After a car accident paralysed Chuck Hooper, Duke was sent to a kennel. Chuck remained in critical condition for a month. After six weeks, he was discharged. Duke remained away for four months. Chuck was helped to stand up to receive Duke. The dog could not restrain his joy and jumped towards his master to embrace him to express his joy. His sudden jump made Chuck totter. He had to fight to keep his balance. Duke never jumped on Chuck again because he had realised that Chuck was not well and could not balance himself. He never left his master’s side. But Hooper was lost in his own grief and pain so even Duke’s presence didn’t reach Chuck. Then an idle prank on the part of Chuck Hooper made Duke a live wire. He helped Chuck take the first step. Marcy helped Chuck. Perhaps Duke had realised his responsibility. He had to get Chuck on his feet. The dog and the master began to move in tandem with the help of the taut leash. Whenever Duke felt the slack in the leash he pulled it taut. Chuck would sway forward, break the fall with his good right leg and then straighten himself. Leaning back against the pull, Hooper learned to keep his balance without Marcy at his elbow. Marcy’s attitude towards Duke underwent a change when she saw what Duke was doing for her husband. It seemed that Duke had taken the responsibility for leading Chuck back to his office desk. Then the span of the walk lengthened and so did the frequency. Duke no longer waited at every step. A time came when Chuck could walk without the help of Duke. Marcy’s softness towards Duke is apparent when she did not let anyone else pick up the wounded Duke. She lifted Duke in her arms, carried him gently to the car and drove
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him to the animal hospital. Duke’s injures were so severe that he could not survive. Perhaps he had completed his mission. He had helped his master advance step by step. 14. Swift has been very critical of the institutions of England and this is evident through Gulliver’s Travels. He succeeded in exposing the irrationality, follies and absurdities of human beings in general. He exposes the useless religious conflicts between the Roman Catholics and Protestants by showing the Big-Endians and Small-Endians, the Highheels and the Low-heels (conflict between the Whigs and Tories) very satirically. The book is a political allegory to condemn and criticise political figures, social, political and religious practices of his own times. Through Gulliver, Swift condemns his own countrymen, its political system, its judiciary, education and religious divisions. It does not mean that he hates mankind. On the other hand he shows his love for individuals. He cannot be charged as misanthrop–a hater of mankind. Or ‘Three Men in a Boat’ of Jerome K. Jerome proves that humour based on human nature is timeless, fresh and universal. Jerome intended to make the novel a serious travel guide. But the humorous elements dominate so much over the story line, that they make ‘Three Men in a Boat’ as one of the best comic novels in English comic literature. The antics of the three gentlemen, Harris, George and Jerome himself, are described laced with humour which is very refined and sharp but at times coated with sarcasm. The book is full of ‘tongue-in-cheek humor’. But Jerome’s humour never resorts to bawdiness and crudity. It is fresh, heart winning and modern. The jokes seem fresh and witty even today. In ‘Three Men in a Boat’, often, the trip takes a back seat to a series of hillarious and comic episodes. The trip on the river is just a frame on which hang various anecdotes and digressions that contain much of humour. Much of the humour is provided by the hillarious misadventures of a ‘merry but scandalously lazy band of three real life friends’. But what makes the book a classic of British comic literature are the narrator's hilarious digressions. The humour created by characters or incidents, is so real and alive that we find it very different from the one we are used to. ‘Three Men in a Boat’ mocks nothing. Instead it makes its readers laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of life. 15. Lemuel Gulliver is the most important character in Swift’s ‘Gulliver’s Travels’. He is the prime mover of the story in all the four parts and also a keen observer and recorder of events, lands, people and their practices. No doubt, he is a fictitious character invented by Swift. Inspite of his fairy tale adventures and incredible feats, he impresses us as a detached and impartial observer and critic of mankind. Gulliver is basically an observer, a narrator and a critic. He has extraordinary powers of observation and narration. The voyages with the rough and stormy seas, the attack of sea-pirates or the fantastic locations of the Flying Island or anything or everything finds a faithful record in Gulliver’s accounts. The book is not intended as a memoir or travel book. Gulliver’s main purpose in recording his accounts is to express his ideas about mankind in general. But Gulliver is also a sharp critic of the political, social, cultural and religious institution and practices of his own country, England. The story line may be fantastic or incredible but Gulliver’s observations and generalisations of mankind are real and credible. Or Harris is in the habit of taking the burden of doing everything himself. When Harris asks for a bit of paper and pencil to jot down the list of materials needed for the boat trip, the author is reminded of his Uncle Poder. Uncle Podger was in the habit of making all fuss about taking up a job. In order to hang a picture on the wall, Uncle Podger would create such confusion that the whole family was ultimately involved in the process. He would ask for such things like ruler, step-ladder, hammer etc from family members to fix the picture on the wall. He is hot-tempered and disoriented in his approach. These qualties are shown by Harris too.
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SOLUTIONS TO PRACTICE PAPER–5 SECTION–A (READING) 1.
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1. (c) to sup soupy food 2. (a) the dinner knife evolved a rounded end 3. (b) these helped in preparation of dishes 4. (d) cutting and scooping food 5. (b) out of date 1. (c) an irregular pattern of sound waves 2. (d) all of the above 3. (a) it causes deafness 4. (b) it produces prolonged loud noise 5. (c) strike or hit suddenly 1. He feels sad because the world was painfully disturbed then. 2. It proved to be temporary events. 3. The popular belief was that peace would prevail and happiness would increase. 4. It means final. 5. A short period of time between past and future acts of savagery. 1. They stand for male deer. 2. It was rocky and hard. 3. They wanted to save themselves. 4. He closed his eyes as he had satisfied his hunger. 5. It means obstructed the path angrily.
SECTION–B (WRITING AND GRAMMAR) 5. The Editor The Herald Gandhi Street Delhi 20 April 20XX Dear Sir I read an article in your newspaper regarding man’s wanton destruction of animal life to suit his own selfish needs. I strongly condemn this ghastly act in which some members of our society indulge and feel proud of their exploits. For centuries man has been a ruthless hunter. He has constantly been slaughtering various animals mercilessly to fulfil his needs. A cursory glance at the shopping list reveals that most of the articles such as chess pieces, belts, buttons, jewellery, purses and caps are made from animals. This cruelty towards animals should be stopped immediately. The hunters and poachers are disturbing the ecological balance. Nature has created man as well as multiple biological forms such as wild animals and they have co-existed for centuries. Today when the deathkiss of pollution overwhelms the earth, the need to preserve and protect vegetation and animal species is very urgent. We must devise ways to restore the ecological balance and they maintain it at a safe level for our own existence. I hope the readers will react favourably to my views and desist from cruelty to the mute and defenceless denizens of the forest. Yours truly Pranav/Poonam
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THE GENERATION GAP IS DESTROYING FAMILY LIFE (For the Motion) Respected chairman, honourable judges, members of the staff and my dear friends! I stand before you in favour of the motion ‘The Generation Gap is Destroying Family Life.’ There are many points to support this contention. Our forefathers believed in the motto ‘Simple living and high thinking’. Their wants were limited. They wore simple dress and followed old customs. Nature provided them music. On the other hand the modern youth is being swept by a strong current of western civilization. Lured by modern materialistic attitude, he has discarded the old values and customs, the traditional clothes and music. Wealth and material possessions are far more important for him than wisdom and truth. The generation gap has caused a chasm between the old and the young. There is a clash of ideas and ideals, tastes, way of thinking and lifestyle. The young hanker after luxury, comfort and material happiness. They believe in full enjoyment and complete freedom. The elders insist on moral and spiritual values. They advocate renunciation and control on desires. The children think that their parents are slave to customs. The generation gap is evident in behaviour and manners of the two classes. The elders believe in strict obedience to a superior authority. They want that children must respect their elders and learn to be polite. The children pine for freedom. They resent all sorts of curbs. They demand freedom of expression. They want to have a say in family affairs. They insist that their views must be given proper consideration. This leads to bickering, heart-burning and tension in the family. The elders insist on discipline and strict compliance of their orders. They advocate smiling acceptance of punishment meted out for breach of discipline. The young insist on unrestrained freedom and frankness. They advocate freedom of self-expression and are unwilling to tolerate any interference in their personal affairs—career, love-affair or marriage. Thus there is a wide gap between the two generations. This difference in their way of thinking and behaviour is destroying family life. Hence, I wholeheartedly support the motion, that ‘The Generation Gap is Destroying Family Life’. Thank you
7.
TEACHERS’ DAY CELEBRATIONS (Akshat/Akshita: Head boy/Head girl) Jhansi: 5 September Students of Holkar School celebrated teachers’ day in a unique fashion. They assumed the roles of Principal, teachers and supervisors. They took over the responsibility of holding the assembly, making speeches and teaching classes. Students of senior classes acted as teachers and taught junior classes. Students of the senior most class i.e. class XII taught classes XI and XII. Two senior students assumed the responsibility of imparting physical training. They conducted physical exercises and mass drill after the assembly. Two students took the charge of computer room and resolved the difficulties of the learners. All this was done in right earnest. The teachers sat at the back of the
Writing ÀÛfÜ S-383 class and enjoyed moments of rest and repose. In the afternoon they organised cultural programme and honoured their teachers. It was thrilling to see students conducting all the activities so methodically. The Teachers’ Day Celebrations were really exciting. (b) 1. has (c) 4. last 8. (a) 3. other (d) 3. less (e) 3. by (f) 1. or
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9. (a) (d) (g) 10. (a) (b) (c)
beside besides (b) contains contain (c) to in whole all (e) extract extracted (f) cooling cool saying said (h) where whereas A vast multitude of stars are wandering about in space. A few form groups, but the majority are solitary travellers. They travel through a universe that is very spacious.
SECTION–D (LITERATURE TEXTBOOKS & LONG READING TEXT) 11. A 1. The road symbolises the two alternative ways of life. 2. (b) The phrase wanted wear is an example of alliteration. 3. (d) The speaker chose the other road. It was just as fair as the first one. Moreover, it had a better claim. It was not a beaten track. It promised thrill and advantage. B 1. The main trait of the speaker is that she is determined. 2. The ‘good cause’ in this case is learning to read. 3. The speaker has acquired practical wisdom. C 1. The speaker is appreciative of the listener. 2. According to the speaker, Frenchmen are indecisive. 3. The speaker appears to be straight forward. 12. (a) The refrain in the poem is: “For men may come and men may go, But I go on for ever.” It creates an effect of the brook being perennial and human life as transitory. It also completes one single idea of the poem. (b) It was Duke who made Charles Hooper take his first step after the accident in which his left side had been paralysed. Duke had taken full responsibility of leading Charles Hooper to his office. He made persistent, diligent and constant efforts. The progress was sure though slow. They advanced step by step. The chemical company’s order appointing Charles Hooper as Assistant National Sales Manager was worded as if it were a special tribute to Duke. The words “to advance our objectives step by step” stand out prominently. (c) Undoubtedly, Gaston who strikes a deal with Mrs Al Smith, who mistakes him to be the owner of the villa. Gaston thus makes a hundred thousand francs profit. He successfully, outwits the American lady, Mrs Al Smith, who is cash rich and always remains in haste. (d) ‘The difference’ to me seems that the speaker chose to be a poet, but he may have regretted it. Actually, we can’t reverse our decision or retrace our steps and restart everything afresh. One has to move ahead on and on rather than coming back. This does not allow the choice of first alternative. Hence it makes all the difference. 13. First Option 25 September 20XX Thursday 8 pm Today I am very happy as I have got double gift today from granddaughter who is my teacher as well. I think that no gift can be more valuable than that I have received today and I will always treasure them in my heart as these have fulfilled my long cherished ambitions. Well, I must disclose the secret and not build suspense any more. The first gift that I’ve got is literacy. Now I can read independently. I’ve not to depend on anyone else to read to me from magazines or books.
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Secondly, my granddaughter has presented me the printed copy of ‘Kashi Yatre’. I opened it at once and immediately read the title and the names of the author and the publisher. I felt elated. My granddaughter was also happy. I was her first student and under her able guidance I had been able to learn how to read within the period I had fixed for myself. This ability of reading by myself has filled me with confidence and a new power to do something good. I will utilise the rest of my life in reading scriptures, women’s magazines and work for the welfare of women and children. Second Option COPING WITH LOSS Coping with loss is quite challenging. One is always conscious of what one is deprived of. The memory of the days when one was fully fit brings a train of thoughts with it which is painful as well as pinching. This is exactly what happened with Charles Hooper. The span of four years in his life from 1953 to 1957 was the most difficult and harrowing. In 1953, Hooper was a favoured young man—healthy, smiling and successful. He was a very fit high charging zonal sales manager. A small error by a car driver reduced him to a paralysed cripple. He was forced to lie on a bed and was lost in his own grief and pain. Left alone with his thoughts, he developed negative traits. Despair led him to helplessness. He did not want to vegetate in bed or depend on his wife Marcy for everything. He was shocked and led to a state of denial. The re-entry of Duke in his life at this stage was crucial for him. The faithful dog understood his responsibility and inspired his master to take the first step. He taught Hooper how to manage the difficult situation. Duke filled him with hope and lifted his numb spirits. Duke had realised how badly his master was hurt. So while leading him to walk he exercised the greatest caution. He would exercise patience and let his master drag his paralysed foot forward. Hooper had passed through many stages during this period. After recovering from the initial shock of the accident, a brief excitement at being alive followed. As the brief excitement of homecoming was over, helplessness, denial, dejection and anger surrounded him. Duke taught him how to cope with the challenge. He led Hooper to accept the changed mode of life. By coping with his loss Hooper learnt to advance step by step. Now he felt happy to be living as well as working successfully. 14. The King of Brobdingnag was a learned man, well versed in philosophy and mathematics. He took a great pleasure in conversing with Gulliver. He often enquired about the manners, religion, laws, government and learning of Europe and England. His ‘apprehension was so clear, and his judgement so exact that he made very wise reflections and observations upon all’, he said. Gulliver talked at length about his beloved country. He talked to trade, wars by sea and land, their schism in religion, education and about the two political parties—the Whigs and the Tories. The King would lift Gulliver up in his arms, stroke him gently and ask if he was a Whig or a Tory. The King of Brobdingnag was not at all convinced by the accounts Gulliver had given of his country. He was of the view that the history of Gulliver’s country seemed to him only ‘a heap of conspiracies, rebellions, murders, massacres and revolutions’. The people of Gulliver suffered from many voices like avarice, hypocrisy, cruelty, rage, madness, hatred, envy, lust, malice and so on. He observed, “how contemptible a thing was human grandeur which could be mimicked by such diminutive insects” like Gulliver. The King was highly critical of wars and the instruments of mass destruction like the gun-powder. He vehemently rejected Gulliver’s offer of teaching them the art of making the gunpower. Nor was the King impressed by many books written in England on the art of government. He held that honesty, reason and justice must dominate to run the
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government. Whoever could grow two ears of corn and a blade of grass did more essential service to his country than all the politicians put together. Gulliver had his own differences in such things. he thought that King’s ideas were due to his “narrow outlook”. The King couldn’t be blamed totally as he was totally cut off from rest of the world. Gulliver attributes the King’s attitude to a “confined education”. Their learning was confined to morality, history, poetry and mathematics. They had no conception of promoting agriculture and mechanical arts. Or When George suggested that we should take only such things that we can’t do without, the narrator appreciates him. He suggests that the boat of life should be light, packed with only what you need—a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends, someone to love you, a cat, a dog and a pipe or two, enough to eat and enough to wear and a little more than enough to drink for thirst is a dangerous thing. This would enable the boat easier to pull. So only essential things were packed–such as a rug (each), a lamp, some soap, a brush and comb, a toothbrush (each), a basin, some toothpowder, some shaving tackle and a couple of big towels for bathing. 15. Skyresh Bologlam was an influential man in the cabinet of Lilliput. He was jealous of Gulliver. Though the king and majority of the cabinet was in favour of Gulliver’s liberty he opposed it and prepared articles and conditions of Gulliver’s release. These articles put some restrictions on Gulliver. Gulliver had to accept those conditions in order to get liberty. By these conditions Gulliver had to accept the sovereignty of the king by becoming a loyal servant of the king. By the description of it, Skyresh Bologlam seems to be an arrogant person always ready to harm Gulliver by all means. Or The narrator portrays Harris as a man of no emotions. He is not in the habit of crying. He also does not know why it is so. He is also a jolly man. He is always after some sort of drink in the offering. When everybody is worried he simply comes out with a solution. The author is of the opinion that Harris always does know about a place round the corner where you can get something brilliant in the drinking line. Harris is an easy going person who cares little about other things.
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