Maharashtra State Board Class 12th English Sample Paper Set 5 with Solutions Answers Pdf Download.
Maharashtra Board Class 12 English Model Paper Set 5 with Solutions
General Instructions:
- Each activity has to be answered in complete sentence/sentences. Answers written in only one word will not be given complete credit. Only the correct activity number written in case of options will not be given any credit.
- Web diagrams, flow charts, tables etc. are to be presented exactly as they are with answers.
- In point 2 above, only the words written without the presentation of activity format/design, will not be given credit. Use of colour pens/pencils etc. is not allowed. (Only blue/black pens are allowed.)
- Multiple answers to the same activity will be treated as wrong and will not be given any credit.
- Maintain the sequence of the Sections/ Question Nos./Activities throughout the activity sheet.
SECTION I: PROSE
(Reading for Comprehension, Language Study, Summary, Mind Mapping)
Question 1.
(A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: [12 Maries]
It was more than an hour and I was still there searching for a suitable tree to climb and get secured. “Turn back to the trail you left,” my mind was telling me. But there were no signs of the trail. I had no other way to climb the hillock before me. There were more hillocks, and some more around the one I was standing. Near my feet were the dried-up droppings of Sloth Bear.
“The Sloth Bear of Umbarzara must be out in open sniffing for food,” I cautioned myself. Thinking of averting all sorts of eventuality, I made a move. I ran down the hillock that I had climbed up at a frantic speed. The west was to my right-hand side now. The evening freeze flew through my wet curled hair. My stomach was aching. I kept walking in hope.
After around 50 steps I found a bright red soil trail. I found my silver lining on this trail. There were marks of bicycle wheel on this trail. That was a big consolation for me.
“There must be a village nearby,” I reassured myself. More questions resurfaced, “How far is the village? And where? In which direction?”
I climbed one more hillock and tried to locate signs of human civilisation. My legs were trembling. As I reached the top of the hill, I jumped with joy. I heard the sounds of people talking in the loudspeaker. In a jiffy, I ran down the hill, towards the sound with full vigour. I stumbled and fell down.
Saw droppings of Blue Bulls nearby. Struggled, stood up and decided which direction to move on. The signs of civilisation were visible. The tiny sleepy village of ‘Pitezari was visible through the green woods. The lantern of Rajiram Bhalavi’s farm, the loudspeaker installed for Keshav Bhalavi’s marriage, all were in clear sight. Turned left to spot the village lake and familiar hillock ‘Suihudaki’. The dog barked to welcome me to the village.
The first thing I did was to take a bath. The shaking of limbs had lessened a bit. The stomach ache started again. Ate to the full and then slumped onto the cot. Lying awake looking at the star-studded sky, I spoke to myself, “There still exists a jungle where we can ‘ get lost, isn’t this our good luck?”
A1. Arrange the following in the order of their occurrence.
i. The writer ate to the full and slumped onto the cot.
ii. The writer found a bright red soil trail.
iii. The writer heard sounds of people talking on the loudspeaker.
iv. The writer ran down the hillock that he had climbed up at a frantic speed.
Answer:
iv. The writer ran down the hillock that he had climbed up at a frantic speed.
ii. The writer found a bright red soil trail.
iii. The writer heard sounds of people talking on the loudspeaker.
i. The writer ate to the full and slumped onto the cot.
A2. List the things the writer did as soon as he arrived in the village.
Answer:
The first thing the writer did after reaching the village was to take a bath. He then ate to the full and slumped onto the cot to take a nap.
A3. What is called the silver lining of the trail by the writer? Why?
Answer:
After realizing that he was lost, the writer was caught in a dilemma whether to turn back to an earlier trail or to secure a place on a suitable tree. There were a number of unfamiliar hillocks in front of the writer. After running frantically across a hillock the writer finally found a bright red soil trail. Marks of bicycle wheel on the trail came as a big consolation for the writer. It meant that a village was nearby. After a lot of desperation, the new found trail made the writer hopeful of safely making it out of the jungle. In the English language, the phrase ‘silver lining’ is used as a metaphor for hopefulness in tough situations. Hence the writer refers to the marks of the bicycle on the bright red trail as his silver lining.
A4. Personal response:
The writer jumped in joy as he was extremely relieved to spot the Pitezari village. Narrate an incident when you had a similar feeling of relief after escaping a frightening situation.
Answer:
Couple of years ago, I was accompanying my father to an insurance company building where he had to do some paperwork. The office was on the 7th floor, so we boarded the lift along with three other people. Suddenly the lift broke down and we were stuck somewhere between the 3rd and the 4th floor. A word came around that there was a mechanical fault in the lift. The company staff called in lift technicians who managed to restart the lift, but only after four hours. For four gruelling hours, we were stuck in that small lift covered in sweat. The moment we came out of the lift I drank half a litre of water and heaved a huge sigh of relief.
A5. Language study:
Do as directed. (2)
i. I found a bright red soil trail. (Begin the sentence with the word ‘A …’)
ii. Turn back to the trail you left. (Add a Question Tag)
Answer:
i. A bright red soil trail was found by me.
ii. Turn back to the trail you left, would you?
A6. Vocabulary:
Guess the meaning of the following.
i. in a jiffy
ii. eventuality
Answer:
i. in a very short time or very quickly
ii. an outcome, result or a consequence
(B) Grammar / Language Study (Non-Textual Grammar) –
B1. Do as directed.
i. That car was involved in the accident.
(Frame a Wh-question to get the underlined word as the answer)
Answer:
Which car was involved in the accident?
ii. The team might win the game.
(Pick out the Modal Auxiliary and state its function)
Answer:
Modal Auxiliary: might
Function: possibility
iii. He was left with two pieces of the scarf.
(Pick out the determiner and state its type)
Answer:
Two: Number determiner
B2. Spot the error in the following sentences. (1)
i. If you assign a task to me, I had do it.
Answer:
If you assign a task to me,I will do it.
Question 2(A).
Read the extract and complete the activities given below: [12 Marks]
The government of India is encouraging medical tourism in the country by offering tax benefits and export incentives to the participating hospitals. Medical visas are being cleared quickly without any hassles. With a view to facilitating the growth of medical tourism industry, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare along with the Ministry of Tourism has set up a task force to evaluate the opportunities in the industry. Efforts are being made to standardise procedures and to guide foreign patients to select the hospitals most suited to their needs. Meanwhile, several private hospitals are seeking to take advantage of the booming medical tourism industry and are investing hugely in acquiring equipments and skills.
However, medical tourism carries some risks that locally provided medical care does not. Some countries like India, Malaysia and Thailand have very different infectious diseases rarely found in Europe and North America. Exposure to disease without having built-up natural immunity can be a hazard for weak individuals specially with respect to gastrointestinal diseases like Hepatitis A, amoebic dysentery etc., which could slow down the recovery process.
Also, medical tourists may be at risk from mosquito-transmitted diseases, influenza and tuberculosis. The quality of post-operative care can also vary dramatically depending on the hospital and the country. Finally, after returning home, a patient has a limited contact with their surgeon. This may make it difficult to deal with any complications that may arise later, such as a delayed infection.
The concept of medical tourism raises some important questions regarding accessibility, affordability and ethics in medical care. It is unfortunate that a large section of the Indian population has little or no access to private health care. Public health care system is ‘inadequate and lacks proper infrastructure and facilities. One wonders if it is sensible to make provisions for medical tourism in a democratic country like India, which has failed to provide nourishment, sanitation and health care to its masses.
A1. Complete the web: (2)
Answer:
A2. Complete the following statements with the help of information provided In the extract: (2)
i. Building up natural immunity is must for all because ____.
ii. The concept of medical tourism cannot be much successful in India because ___.
Answer:
i. exposure to disease without having built-up natural immunity can be a hazard for weak individuals.
ii. India has failed to provide nourishment, sanitation and health care to its masses.
A3. Complete the following table with reference to the statement ‘Medical Tourism is a mixed blessing’:
| Positive aspects of Medical Tourism | Hazard/Negative aspects of Medical Tourism |
| 1. | 1. |
| 2. | 2. |
Answer:
| Positive aspects of Medical Tourism | Hazard/Negative aspects of Medical Tourism |
| 1. Tax benefits | 1. Exposure to disease |
| 2. Export incentives | 2. Unreliable quality of post-operative care |
A4. Personal Response:
‘We need to promote the concept of Wildlife Tourism in India’. State whether you agree or disagree with the statement. Mention any two arguments. (2)
Answer:
I agree with the statement that we need to promote the concept of Wildlife Tourism in India. India is home to an amazingly wide variety of animals and birds. It is, in fact, the only country to have both lions and tigers. So, people from all over the world, especially wildlife enthusiasts, would be more than willing to visit India for wildlife tourism. Another reason to encourage wildlife tourism in India is that wildlife tourism could be a major contributor to India’s tourism industry. If implemented well, it could generate revenue, create jobs and even help to conserve India’s rich biodiversity.
A5. Grammar:
Do as directed. (2)
Govt. of India is encouraging medical tourism in the country.
(Choose the correct present perfect form of the given statement)
(a) Govt. of India is encouraged medical tourism in the country.
(b) Govt. of India had encouraged medical tourism in the country.
(e) Govt. of India has been encouraged medial tourism in the country.
(d) Govt. of India has encouraged medical tourism in the country.
Answer:
(d) Govt. of India has encouraged medical tourism in the country.
ii. This may make it difficult to deal with any complication.
(Identify the replaced version of the statement using the auxiliary of certainty or definiteness)
(a) This can make it difficult to deal with any complication.
(b) This might make it difficult to deal with any complication.
(e) This will make it difficult to deal with any complication.
(d) This have made it difficult to deal with any complication.
Answer:
(c) This will make it difficult to deal with any complication.
A6. Vocabulary:
Identify the words from the passage with the following meaning: (2)
(i) growing immensely
(ii) threat
(iii) obtaining
(iv) able to approach/possible to approach
Answer:
i. booming
ii. hazard
iii. acquiring
iv. access
(B) Summary Writing: [3 Marks]
Write a summary of the above extract with a suitable title, with the help of the given
points/hints.
i. Govt. of India promoting medical tourism…
ii. Side effects of the medical tourism — Response of the Indian population — Prospects of medical tourism in India.
Answer:
Medical Tourism in India
The government of India is encouraging medical tourism in the country. Tax benefits and export incentives are being offered to participating hospitals. Medical visas are being cleared quickly. Also, efforts are being made to guide foreign patients to select hospitals most suited to their needs. However, medical tourism carries some risks. Some countries have infectious diseases rarely found in others. Exposure to them without built-up natural immunity can be a hazard. The quality of post-operative care can also vary dramatically across countries. Finally, after returning home, a patient has limited contact with their surgeon. Since a large section of the Indian population has little or no access to private health care and public health care is inadequate, one wonders if it is sensible to make provisions for medical tourism in India.
(C) Mind Mapping: (3)
Prepare a mind map on ‘How to plan a goal for tomorrow’ or ‘My future goal’.
Answer:
The future is uncertain for each one of us. The least we can do, though, is plan for the best yet be prepared for any outcome. We can have a road map which we apply to all walks of life, so that we have a plan that moves us closer toward our desired milestones.
A Mind Map on ‘How to Plan a Goal for Tomorrow’ or ‘My Future Goal’
Section II: Poetry And Appreciation
Question 3.(A)
Read the extract and complete the activities given below: [10 Marks]
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
A1. Complete the following sentences based on the poem: (2)
i. The lady’s features are a combination of ____.
ii. The colour of the lady’s hair is ___.
iii. The phrase ‘dwelling-place’ refers to her ____.
iv. The lady’s cheeks and brow have been described as ____.
Answer:
i. all that’s best of dark and bright
ii. black (like a ravens)
iii. mind
iv. soft, calm but eloquent
A2. In this poem the, poet brings a perfect balance of outer beauty and inner beauty. Write a few lines on how the poet brings this balance in his description. (2)
Answer:
The poet creates this balance by starting out to praise the woman’s physical features and then moving on to appreciate her inner beauty.
In the first stanza of the poem, the poet focuses on the physical attributes of the woman. In the last two lines of the second stanza, the poet shifts focus to the woman’s thoughts. This is the first time he describes something other than her outer beauty – her thoughts, which serenely express the purity of the woman’s mind. In the third stanza, the poet continues this thought by saying that the woman’s facial features – her winning smiles and her glowing skin, express her inner goodness; they show how her mind is at peace with everything and her heart is full of innocent love.
This gives us a glimpse of the woman’s untainted and righteous character.
A3. Personal Response:
In your opinion is there any correlation between outer beauty and inner beauty? (2)
Answer:
In truth, there is no correlation between how beautiful and how virtuous a person is. Even then it has been my experience that those who treat others with warmth, respect and love often start seeming more beautiful than they did when I first met them. Similarly, no matter how attractive certain people may be, if I find that they are self-centred, rude, boastful or argumentative I am less inclined to think of them as beautiful people.
A4. Poetic Device:
Identify and explain the figures of speech used in the given extract: (2)
i. “And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;”
ii. “A mind at peace with all below,”
Answer:
i. a. Alliteration – The sound of ‘b’ has been repeated in the line for a poetic effect.
b. Antithesis – Two opposite words ’dark’ and ’bright’ have been placed in the same line to show how the woman’s beauty is a combination of these two elements.
c. Repetition – The word ‘her’ has been repeated to refer to the woman’s features and her eyes.
ii. a. Personification – The ‘mind’ has been given the animate quality of ‘being at peace’.
b. Synecdoche (part for whole) – The word ‘mind’ represents the woman, because she is at peace with all below, not just her mind.
A5. Poetic creativity: (2)
Compose a poem of at least 4-6 lines on ‘Beauty of Nature’. (2)
Answer:
Beauty of Nature
Still waters and running streams,
Tall trees and grasses green,
Towering peaks with valleys teem,
From flowers, nectar the bees glean,
O, Nature, how beautiful you seem!
You’re just like a sublime dream.
(B) Appreciation: [4 Marks]
Read the extract and write the appreciation with the help of the following points:
i. About the poem/poet and the title
ii. Theme
iii. Poetic style
iv. The language/poetic devices used in the poem
v. Special features
vi. Message, values, morals in the poem
vii. Your opinion about the poem
Small towns always remind me of death.
My hometown Lies calmly amidst the trees.
it is always the same,
in summer or winter,
with the dust flying,
or the wind howling down the gorge.
Just the other day someone died.
In the dreadful silence we wept
looking at the sad wreath of tuberoses.
Life and death, life and death,
only the rituals are permanent.
The river has a soul.
In the summer it cuts through the land
like a torrent of grief. Sometimes,
sometimes, I think it holds its breath
seeking a land of fish and stars
The river has a soul.
It knows, stretching past the town,
from the first drop of rain tp dry earth
and mist on the mountaintops,
the river knows
the immortality of water.
A shrine of happy pictures
marks the days of childhood.
Small towns grow with anxiety
for the future.
The dead are placed pointing west.
When the soul rises
it will walk into the golden east,
into the house of the sun.
In the cool bamboo,
restored in sunlight,
life matters, like this.
In small towns by the river
we all want to walk with the gods.
Answer:
The poem ’Small Towns and the River’ is written by Mamang Dai, a writer from North- east India. It is a nature poem, but with a difference that while celebrating nature around her hometown, the poet also laments the destruction of that nature to make way for the lifeless small towns along the river. The poem consists of seven stanzas of unequal length and is written in free verse, which means that it does not have a rhyme scheme. In fact, the poet begins by narrating the flip side of small towns situated amidst trees, which remind her of death with their flying dust and howling wind. She treats life and death as transient, but the nature and rituals as permanent.
The river has a predominant presence in her poem. It is depicted as the one alongside which lie numerous small towns, the one with a soul, the one which ‘knows’, the one which brings grief to inhabitants of the towns in summer, and the one which knows about the ‘immortality’ of its water. She speaks of life during childhood, full of happiness, transitioning into the later life of anxiety, as symbolised by the growth of the small towns by the river. The lines are short and the verses are lucid. The poet has used poetic devices like Alliteration, Antithesis, Inversion, Metaphor, Onomatopoeia, Personif ication, Repetition, Simile and Transferred Epithet to beautify the poem.
The extensive use of Personification can be seen in the animate/human qualities attributed to the river “the river has a soul”, “it holds its breath” and “the river knows”. The traditional belief that the souls of the dead dwell in the nature, and rise with the sun, the cold bamboo that springs back with the sunlight, and the significance of the same in life, form imagery in the poem. The depiction of the towns during the summer and winter seasons adds to the visual imagery of the poem.
The elaborate descriptions of the river as a living entity also make for the special feature of imagery used by the poet. The main message of the poem is the conveying of the poet’s mixed, almost antithetical, feelings about nature and the small towns which lie by the river. While the poet employs nature to imply positivity, she looks upon the small towns as a symbol of death, since they have grown at the cost of nature. Overall, the poem is an interesting read and I like it for its curious mix of the positive and the negative aspects.
Section III: Writing Skills
Question 4.
Complete the activities as per the instructions given below: [16 Marks]
A. Attempt any one of the following: (4)
i. Drafting a Virtual Message
Read the following conversation between Aashna and Mr Singh.
Aashna : HelIo. may I speak to Ranajit, please?
Mr Singh : Ranajit is getting ready for school. May I know who is speaking?
Aashna : My name is Aashna. I am Ranajit’s classmate.
Mr Singh : Hello, Aashna. I am Ranaj it’s father. Is there any message?
Aashna : Yes. Please ask him to bring his biology notebook to school today. I was absent from school due to illness. I would like to see the notes which our biology teacher gave to the class during my absence.
Mr Singh : I will definitely do that.
Since Mr Slagh had to go for his morning walk he left a message for Ranajit. Draft that message in 50 words.
OR
ii. Statement of Purpose:
You have a special interest in journalism. You are planning to go for a degree-course in mass-communication and work in future especially in the field of crime-reporting. You have heard about the reputed ‘Royal Institute of Mass-communication’ in the United Kingdom.
Prepare a statement of purpose in about 150 words to get admission in the Institute.
OR
iii. Group Discussion:
Conduct a group discussion on the role of children towards their ‘Parents and Senior Citizens’.
Answer:
i. Message:
3rd Dec 7:15 a.m.
Ranajit
Aashna, your classmate called while you were getting ready for school. She has asked you to carry your biology notebook to school. She wants to complete her notes that she missed during her absence.
Dad
[4 Marks]
OR
ii. Statement of Purpose
Ever since I was a child, I have had a natural curiosity about the world around me. As I grew up, I realised I enjoy researching and uncovering new information. I also learned that I have a talent for communicating complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. With the desire to test my journalism skills, I joined the editorial team of my high school’s school magazine and worked my way up to the position of Editor. In my time at the magazine, I cultivated my passion for telling stories and informing people about important events and issues. Once I felt sure that I wanted to make a career in journalism, I decided to pick a niche. I chose crime-reporting because I believe it has the most direct and most important impact on society and hence is itself the most important. My ultimate goal as a journalist is to make a positive impact with journalism that informs, interests and inspires. I believe that a degree-course in mass-communication at your institute, the reputed, Royal Institute of Mass-communication will help me fulfil my dream and, therefore, I request you to kindly consider my application. Thank you. [4 Marks]
OR
iii. Evaluator : You’ve all been given a few minutes to think on your topic for today’s group discussion, which is The role of children towards their ’Parents and Senior Citizens’. You may now begin the discussion. Who would like to start?
Abhiruchi : I think the topic of this discussion is very relevant to all of us here. As children, we all share the responsibility of being obedient and caring towards our parents. However, I think our responsibility doesn’t stop with just being good to our parents; it extends beyond home and we must be equally caring and respectful of the senior citizens in our society.
Viren : I agree with Abhiruchi that our social responsibility extends beyond the confines of home. The society in which we live has a significant role in moulding our personalities. It certainly includes those innumerable people who have held our hands in nurturing our growth in school, the caring people of our neighbourhood, and the vendors whom we have seen since our childhood, who are now in the autumn of their lives. We all owe a lot to such people who have shaped us into the individuals that we are today.
Ramya : Yes, I would like to add that we should not take a limited perspective of calling ourselves good children just by being obedient to our parents; yes, we must try and measure up to our parents’ expectations because they are our first teachers and they have indeed grown old in seeing us through our childhood and adolescence. But once we cross the threshold of our homes, there are others as well who take charge of our upbringing. Be it our teachers, the bus driver, the doctor or the sanitation worker, who have given the primes of their lives to make way for younger generation; we must see our foster-parents in them and treat them on par in terms of respect and care.
Viren : Yes, Ramya, you are absolutely right. But I think we can’t be blindly good to every elderly person around. We never know the type of person we are dealing with unless he or she is an acquaintance or a family friend. We children are also in the vulnerable position of being exploited if we mistakenly engage with the wrong person, irrespective of our good intent to help the elderly.
Gunjan : Yes, this is true. We keep hearing so much of bad news through the media about child abuse and molestation. After all, the same society has both virtuous and evil-minded people. Therefore it is very important for us to be careful while trying to be nice to the elderly of our society.
Ramya : I agree with what Gunjan says. We have to be socially responsible while ensuring our own safety and security.
Viren : That is right. And coming back to our responsibilities towards our parents, it is important that we spend time with them, ask them about their day, and help them out if they seem stressed. When we were kids, our parents understood what we needed and provided it to us even before we had to ask for it. As they age now, it is essential that we, too, ensure their well-being, just like they did for us.
Ramya : I completely agree with you, Viren. In fact, as our parents grow old, they might become forgetful or might not understand everything as quickly as they used to before. We need to be patient with them, because as they lose their old self, their insecurities rise and they begin to think that they have become a burden on their children. At such times, it becomes essential for us to make them feel safe and loved. We must share their responsibilities and assure them that they can count on us.
Abhiruchi : I would support Ramya and also like to add that our compassion should also extend to the elderly outside our homes, irrespective of whether we know them or not. After all, kindness begets kindness.
Evaluator : All right, everyone. The given time is almost over. Who would like to conclude the discussion please?
Ramya : Friends, considering all the points brought forth in this discussion, we can conclude that we children must be responsible individuals both, at home and outside home. Let us be as respectful and as caring of the senior citizens in the society, as we would be towards our parents. Let us bear in mind that the parents and the others have shouldered a collective responsibility in our nurture and hence both deserve similar respect and care from us.
B. Attempt any one of the following: (4)
i. E-mail writing:
Write an email to your Professor seeking guidance for your exam preparations.
OR
ii. Report writing:
Write a news report on a road accident that you witnessed.
OR
iii. Interview Questions:
Imagine you have to interview an old woman who lives in an ‘old-age home’. Write a set of 8 to 10 questions for the interview. You may take the help of the following points:
Her family, reasons for being in an old-age home, her feelings and expectations, her advice, etc.
Answer:
i.
| To | [email protected] |
| Subject | To seek guidance for Indian Forest Services examination preparation |
Respected Sir,
Hope this mail finds you in good health. I feel proud be your student and I have gained a lot of knowledge and wisdom from you. I am happy to inform you, that I have planned to appear for the Indian Forest Service examination in the coming year. I have already started to prepare myself for the examination and would like to seek your invaluable guidance regarding my study plan. I humbly request you to help me with my study plan and in the process assist me in reaching my goal.
If you could spare the time, kindly reply on this email and I’ll promptly come to meet you over this.
Yours sincerely
Ravi Malhotra
OR
ii. 24 Killed in Road Accident
– By a staff Reporter
Agra, 20th April, 2020
Twenty-four people, including a woman and a two-month old baby were killed in a tragic road accident involving a truck and a mini-bus at Najafgarh, a village 14 km from Agra.
The ill-fated mini-bus was carrying a marriage party from Delhi to Mathura. The truck carrying industrial goods to Noida collided head-on with the mini-bus, killing sixteen of them on the spot. The injured were immediately rushed to RML Hospital, where eight succumbed to injuries.
The Police have registered a case against the truck driver and are on a manhunt for him. [4 Marks]
OR
iii.
a. For how long have you been staying in this old-age home?
b. How has been your experience so far?
c. How is this place different from your home?
d. Are the people around here friendly?
e. How do you spend your day?
f. How often do your family members visit you?
g. Is there a reason for you to come to the old-age home and stay?
h. What are some of your expectations from the society and from the members of the old-age home?
i. What advice would you like to give to the people of this generation about looking after their own parents?
C. Attempt any one of the following: (4)
i. Speech Writing:
Write a speech on Education.
ii. imagine that you have been entrusted to compère the ceremonial flag hoisting programme by your district administration on the occasion of formal ‘Republic Day’ function at your district headquarters. Prepare a script for compèring of the ceremony with the help of following points. Use some good thoughts and inspiring quotations.
✓ Introduction
✓ Welcoming all the VIPs
✓ Flag hoisting by the Guardian Minister
✓ Speech by the Guardian Minister
✓ March past by the police and NCC troops /Conclusion of the formal ceremony
iii. Expand the idea on your own on the following topic:
Pride goes before a fall
Answer:
i. Good morning to all the distinguished guests, my respected teachers and dear friends. Every little face that I see here came into this world, trailing clouds of glory from heaven. And suddenly, the little angel finds himself filled with doubt, fear and confusion. Education is what removes our doubt and fear; what makes us happy and peaceful; what makes us better humans in every sense.
When a teacher comes and removes the darkness of doubt and confusion from our lives, we suddenly realise how beautiful this world is. But at the same time, gaining knowledge alone doesn’t make one educated. Education is complete only when we learn how to live, how to hope, how to pray and how to behave.
Education brings out the humane qualities in us. It’s like a lamp that shows us the path of life. Education should be imbibed by the society in such a way that its influence lasts long. After all, Einstein is known to have said, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in the school.”
Thank you. [4 Marks]
OR
ii. Introduction:
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, I am Sneha Arora and I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all at the District Administration’s ceremonial Republic Day event. How blessed this morning is where we are gathered to celebrate India’s 72nd Republic Day. Ours is one of the largest constitutions on the planet. After the amendment of the constitution, India finally became the “Republic of India” on the 26th of January in the year 1950. 26th January was selected as the Republic day for India since it was on this day in 1930 that the Indian National Congress broadcasted the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) opposing the Dominion Status offered by the British Regime.
Welcoming the VIPs
On that note, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our district’s honourable Guardian Minister, District head, Educational director and to all the esteemed guests present here today. The organizing team is forever grateful for gracing us with your presence.
Today’s day is in the honour of the great legends and those heroic souls who sacrificed their valuable lives for India.
Flag hoisting and National Anthem by the Guardian Minister
The Indian flag serves as a national treasure. It embodies the beauty of our magnanimous country. Hence, every year on the occasion of Indian Republic Day, the Tricolour is hoisted. Our National flag, as we all know, comprises of three colours and a blue wheel in the centre. All three colours of our national flag have a specific meaning to them. At the top, the saffron colour of the flag denotes strength and courage. The white colour in the middle stands for truth and peace.
The green colour at the bottom signifies growth and prosperity. The navy blue wheel in the centre having 24 equal spokes is the Ashoka Chakra. Just like the tricolour, I am sure that our National Anthem resides in the heart of every Indian with pride. So let us begin today’s celebration by the flag hoisting ceremony. I request our honourable Guardian Minister to do the honour of hoisting the flag. I request the audience to stand up for the flag hoisting and the National Anthem. (Flag hoisting ceremony)
Thank you so much. All of you may take your seats now.
Guardian Minister’s speech
I request our respected Guardian minister to say a few words and mark the beginning of today’s joyous celebrations. Please give a huge round of applause. (Guardian Minister’s speech)
Thank you so much, for your wise words.
March past
And now for the most awaited part of the ceremony. I request our Heroes, the Police force and NCC troops to come forward for the March-past. (March-past ceremony) I extend a huge salute to our heroes who make our lives safer and better every day.
Conclusion
Let’s salute our nation on this Republic Day with freedom as our credo, strength in our purpose, pureness in our pursuit, compassion in our souls and passion in our hearts. Let’s conclude today’s event with a promise to unfurl India’s opulence. Thank you.
[4 Marks]
OR
iii. Each one of us is truly special. Our achievements in life are the result of painstaking efforts, but one must never be blinded by the achievements. Wise men have rightly said that ’Pride goes before a fall’, meaning a show of vanity and over-confidence more often than not destroys a person. Basking in the glory of our success is only natural, but what takes us higher should also make us humble. This valuable lesson is taught to us through the popular story of The Hare and the Tortoise’. Gloating in his ability to run fast, the hare shamefully loses to a tortoise! Thus, we realize that ’Pride makes way for one’s undoing’.
D. Attempt any one of the following: (4)
i. Review:
You have recently read a book. Write a ‘Review’ on the same with the help of the following points:
✓ Title of the book
✓ Subject/Story/information
✓ Language/Style/Presentation
✓ Benefits/Message
ii. Blog Writing:
Write a blog for a Travel and Adventure blog.
iii. Appeal:
Prepare an appeal inviting the students to respond to the “Voters’ Registration Camp” specially organised by the State Election Commission on the eve of 75th Anniversary of our National Independence.
- Give appropriate slogan
- Poor tum-out/low awareness
- Statement of appeal
- Arrangement of a special camp
- Guest/Time/Date/Venue
Answer:
i. Title of the book: The Room on the Roof by Ruskin Bond
Subject/Story/Information: The story in this book is about an orphaned boy named Rusty. He is a sad and lonely boy, living with his guardian, Mr. Harrison. Rusty, in his search for an identity, dares to venture out of the house and ends up making new friends.
He is finally left homeless by Harrison and this is when he realises what it means to be an orphan in the truest sense. Rusty’s friend comes to his rescue when he lands Rusty a job to teach English. Things are fine for a while, after which a strange sequence of events occur and Rusty ends up homeless again. This time he is on the verge of leaving for England, when his student, Kishen, stops him and together they decide to begin life afresh on a new note.
The story about the Anglo-Indian teenager, Rusty, bears a striking resemblance to its writer, Ruskin Bond’s life. Despite Ruskin’s pain at his parents’ separation and a lonely childhood, he developed an optimistic outlook on life much like Rusty does in the story. It is this search for freedom, identity and friends by a teenager, that creates the context and the plot for the story.
Language/Style/Presentation: Ruskin Bond has a certain poetic style of writing. His choice of words and placement of imagery provide for an interesting, yet lucid read. Particularly fascinating is the narrative when the boy finds himself in a dilemma over living in India or England. Ruskin is very descriptive and hence uses many adjectives to support his writing which makes his works delightful to read. He has also cleverly conveyed in the novel how strangers can become a part and parcel of one’s life by being kind and warm in our interactions with people. Rusty, the central character in the novel, uses this same idea to make friends for life.
Benefit/Message: I love this book because of its simple style and the picture it paints of a young teenage boy that I can relate to because we are of the same generation. I also like the multiple emotions depicted beautifully by the author in this piece.
The book shares a beautiful message to have an open-mind and embrace the uncertainties in life. These experiences will help one understand the world better. [4 Marks]
OR
ii.
[4 Marks]
OR
iii. MAKE YOUR MARK, MAKE A DIFFERNCE!
Dear students,
As the next generation of leaders, you have the power to shape the future and mould the destiny of our country. Your voices matter and the best way to make them heard is to register to vote.
As members of the youth, you have a unique perspective and understanding of the issues that matter the most to your generation. By registering to vote, you can ensure that these issues are brought to the notice of those in power. Remember, if you do not advocate for the polices that align with your beliefs and values, you will hardly have the right to critique those that are actually put in place.
So, I urge you to take action and respond to the Voters’ Registration Camp organised by the State Election Commission. The camp is being organised on the eve of the 75th Anniversary of our National Independence at SKRM Ground, Powai. Moreover, Mr. Eknath Shinde, the honourable chief minister of our state, will be gracing the event and speaking a few words on the importance of democracy.
So, be sure to spread the word far and wide as a poor turn-out means low awareness and low awareness means a dark future.
Section IV: Literary Genre – Novel
Question 5.
(A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions:
Question 1.
Arrange the following events or novels in chronological order.
a. Murasaki Shikibu’s Tale of Genji
b. Greek Romances
c. The appearance of magazines and newspapers
d. Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales
Answer:
b. Greek Romances
a. Murasaki Shikibu’s Tale of Genji
d. Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales
c. The appearance of magazines and newspapers
Question 2.
Write short note on:
Indian tradition of novels
Answer:
The Indian tradition of novels in English began with the novel titled, ‘Rajmohan’s Wife’. Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya, the novel was first serialized in ‘The Indian Field’. The period that followed saw a few more novels written by Indian writers that focused on nationalistic ideas or social issues. The period after that was ruled by the works of MulkrajAnand, R.K. Narayan and Raja Rao. Novelists like Anita Desai, Nayantara Sahgal, Arun Joshi and Manohar Malgonkar shaped the face of the Indian English novel through their works. Amitav Ghosh, Vikram Seth and Upamanyu Chatterjee further uplifted the Indian English novel by making important additions to its form. Among the recent Indian novelists, noteworthy contributions have been made by Salman Rushdie, Arvind Adiga, Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai and Kiran Nagarkar. The Indian English novel has undergone a vital change since its origin and its future appears bright.
(B) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: [4 Marks]
Question 1.
How does Mr. Braithwaite manage to increase the cultural exposure of the class in the extract of ‘To Sir, with Love’? (2)
Answer:
To increase the cultural exposure of the class, Mr. Braithwaite takes the students on field trips and excursions to museums and theatres. To his surprise, many of the students have never been to said museums and theatres. Braithwaite’s relationship with his students is tested many times. The novel centres on Braithwaite’s growth as a character, from someone who considered his position as a teacher to be merely a job, to someone who eventually becomes a loving, father-figure to his students. Although his students often disappoint and hurt him, he 1 earns to forgive them. The students, in turn, constantly surprise him with their maturity, knowledge and ability to understand emotions.
Question 2.
The incidents in the extract of ‘To Sir, with Love’ occurred at a particular place. Explain the significance of that place in your own words. (2)
Answer:
The incidents in the extract took place in the auditorium of Greenslade School. Since the major theme of the extract is a student-teacher relationship, the school serves as the perfect setting. The students prepare and present their half-yearly reports to the teachers and voice their concerns by questioning the panel of teachers. Throughout the extract, Mr. Braithwaite is merely an audience member. As his students take the stage, it becomes very clear that they have made considerable progress as not only students but also individuals. Even if Braithwaite had been aware of how his students had changed, the setting of the auditorium, with him as an audience member, allows him to observe from afar, the rewards of his efforts. Through his narration, he conveys to the reader his feelings of pride.
Another aspect of the setting that is symbolic to the students’ progress is the stage. The stage is symbolic of the students’ lives. By presenting their reports, the students’ are not just taking an active participation in their school, but also coming forward to take control of their lives. Finally, the stage also represents the perfect platform for the students to showcase their skills, and thus can also be compared to the stage of drama, with the students being given the chance to charm the audience.
Thus, Braithwaite, as an audience member, is like the director of a play, watching his work unfold on stage and beaming with pride.
(C) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: [4 Marks]
Question 1.
There is a sudden twist in the climax of the novel ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’. Explain by citing some lines and relevant examples from the extract. (2)
Answer:
When Fogg, Passepartout and Aouda arrive in London on Saturday, 21st December, at 8:50 p.m., they are five minutes late and Fogg loses the bet. Disappointed and depressed, Fogg retires to his room. The night passes and the next morning (Sunday), Fogg decides to talk to Aouda. He apologizes to Aouda because he has lost his fortune and cannot provide her with a comfortable life. Aouda, in turn, confesses her love for him and they plan to get married the next day (Monday). Until this point, the characters and the readers are under the impression that the bet is lost. However, in the very next chapter, it is revealed that Fogg had arrived just in time to win the bet.
The missing explanation is provided in the last chapter, which serves as the climax of the novel. When Passepartout arrives at the Reverend’s house to hire his services for Fogg and Aouda’s marriage for the next day (Monday), he realizes that the next day is not Monday but is in fact, Sunday. He rushes back home to Fogg and conveys this to Fogg in the following line, “Because to-morrow—is Sunday!” Passepartout had quickly concluded that if tomorrow were in fact, Sunday, then today must be Saturday, 21st December. This meant that Fogg could still win the bet because the deadline for the bet is 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, 21st December. This is obviously a shocking turn of events and can be seen in the excited interaction between Passepartout and Fogg as the truth is revealed in the lines, “You have made a mistake of one day! We arrived twenty-four hours ahead of time; but there are only ten minutes left!”
With only ten minutes left to spare, Passepartout pushes Fogg into a cab and they arrive just in time at the Reform Club and win the bet. What is most surprising about the climax is the error on the part of Fogg, who holds the reputation of being a master calculator and organizer. The narrator asks what the reader is thinking in the lines, “How was it that a man so exact and fastidious could have made this error of a day?”
The cause of the error turns to be that Fogg had forgotten about the time he gained as he travelled eastward around the world. The sudden twist is then plainly explained in the line, “Phileas Fogg had, without suspecting it, gained one day on his journey, and this merely because he had travelled constantly eastward;” Thus, the climax offers a sudden turn of events and its shocking nature is apparent in the excited reactions of the main characters as the twist is revealed to them.
Question 2.
In what way was Mr. Fogg’s final winning the wager connected with Aouda in the novel
‘Around the World in Eighty Days’? (2)
Answer:
At Savile Row, Fogg finally allows himself to be depressed and begins to believe that all is lost. However, through this moment of sorrow, emerges a glimmer of happiness when Aouda confesses her love to him and he, too, admits that he loves her. Aouda’s proposal and their subsequent decision to marry are extremely significant because they ultimately lead to the discovery of the true date, thus allowing Fogg to win the bet. When Passepartout sets out to hire the services of a Reverend for Fogg and Aouda’s marriage, he discovers that the deadline for the bet has not passed. Thus, Fogg’s final winning of the wager was connected to Aouda as if she had not proposed to him, he would have believed that he was too late and would have actually lost the bet.
(D) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: [4 Marks]
Question 1.
Describe the significance of Mary Morstan’s visit to the Lyceum Theatre with Holmes and Dr. Watson in the novel ‘The Sign of Four’. (2)
Answer:
Mary comes to meet Sherlock with a case. For the past six years, an anonymous person has been sending a pearl to Mary on the same day each year. However, this year, she has received a letter from the anonymous sender requesting her to go to the third pillar from the left, outside the Lyceum Theatre. The letter suggested that Mary had been wronged in some way and that she shall have justice. Though the sender warned Mary not to inform the police, he did tell her that she could have two friends accompany her. At this point, Mary is curious about the meeting but at the same time, the prospect of meeting a stranger alone is obviously unsettling. Thus, as a compromise, she decides to not call the police but enlists the help of a detective, Holmes, to accompany her. They both aqree and the trio decides to visit Lyceum Theatre.
Question 2.
Holmes is always one step ahead of Dr. Watson in solving cases in the novel, ‘The Sign of Four’. Elucidate. (2)
Answer:
Holmes possesses exceptional powers of observation and deduction. His rational thinking and logical approach help him analyse cases in a way that no one else can comprehend. The extent of Holmes’ intellectual skills can be witnessed when he deciphers the piece of paper that Miss Morstan gives him in the carriage and also when he is able to name every place the carriage passes through, despite not knowing the intended destination. Moreover, Sherlock’s approach to his cases is devoid of emotion. He simply takes interest in the facts and does not leave room for personal bias to impair his judgment. His ability to rise above the fear and anxiety felt by an ordinary person in a tense situation, sets him apart and gives him the power to look at the situation from a unique perspective. In Dr. Watson’s opinion, Holmes is an automaton – a calculating machine – which makes him positively inhuman.
On the other hand, though Dr. Watson is a keen observer, he is no match for Sherlock Holmes. His analytical skills are not as refined as Sherlock’s. Unlike Holmes, Dr. Watson does not treat the clients as mere units or factors. His emotional side leads him to sympathise and at times empathise with the clients. He excels in sensing a person’s state of mind, a quality lacking in Holmes, which makes him more sensitive and humane. However, his personal opinion about everyone may be clouding his judgment, thus causing him to miss out on the subtle clues that Holmes never fails to pick.
For instance, it takes Holmes a mere afternoon to make the important connection between Major Sholto and the anonymous sender of pearls, which Watson does not make even when Holmes presents him with the facts that he had obtained. This proves that Holmes is a master of deduction who thrives on mysteries and lives to resolve them. This is why Holmes is always one step ahead of Dr. Watson in solving cases.