Maharashtra State Board Class 12th English Sample Paper Set 3 with Solutions Answers Pdf Download.
Maharashtra Board Class 12 English Model Paper Set 3 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 Marks]
What is Big Data?
There is a revolution in the life style of people which has been affected by Big Data. Our food habits, our health care, our travelling, our scientific pursuits, you name it and everything has changed 360 degrees. The massive data available with us can really work wonders. Friends, do you know what happens when we like a post on Facebook or share a post on WhatsApp, visit any website, make online purchases, or watch videos? whatever activity we do online is recorded, monitored and analysed. So a huge amount of data is collected.
Let me give you an idea of how huge the data might be. Big Data can be petabytes or exabytes of data consisting of billions to trillions of records of millions of people-all from different sources, for example web, sales, customer contact centre, social media, mobile data and so on The data available to industries and companies is enormously increasing in volume, variation, velocity, veracity and value.
Such a Big Data is easy to obtain but so massive that it challenges the current computing technologies and hence Big Data analytics is used to give insights that were previously incomprehensible. Big Data analytics is the complex process of examining large and varied data sets or Big Data to uncover information- such as hidden patterns, unknown correlations, market trends and customer preferences.
With such a huge data available with the industries they can have innumerable advantages hence all the industries are trying to reap the maximum benefit from it. Many industries have advanced by miles from their competitors. It’š not the amount of data that is important but what the organizations do with the data is what matters.
Uses of Big Data
1. Location Tracking: Big Data has been useful in identifying and tracking the exäct location of a place. Your GPS and Google Maps make use of Big Data, With geographic positioning and radio frequency identification sensors we get the real-time data about traffic, congestion on a particular route, information if the route is closed or if it is a one-way route, understanding accident prone areas I stayed put. Gauged the leader Langur’s target sight and scanned the area visually. Took some steps. Stopped again. A fresh scat was lying before me on the trail.
The bluish-purple flies were hovering over it. I was sure that the Leopard was somewhere near. The distant alarm call of four-horned antelope was adding to the chaos. I barely walked around 15 metres and stopped. I had apparently entered in the sanctum sanctorum of a miracle called Leopard. But the big cat was not visible. It is an elusive animal. The surroundings were reminding me that I was all alone time and again. As I moved forward on the trail to Pitezari, the fading alarm calls were still heard in the background. I could tell instinctively that the Leopard had moved away.
A1. Complete the given web.
Answer:
i. Hidden patterns
ii. Unknown Correlations
iii. Market trends
iv. Customer preferences
A2. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences: (2)
i. How can you check the condition of the goods’?
ii. How can you reduce risk in transport?
Answer:
i. With the help of big data and location tracking, condition of goods in transit can be checked.
ii. Risk in transport can be reduced with the help of Big Data analytics. GPS and Google Maps make use of this big data. Geographic positioning and radio frequency identification sensors help in location tracking and offer real time traffic analysis which helps transport and logistics companies to reduce risk and improve speed and reliability in delivery.
A3. Discuss how Big Data is increasing in volume, variation, velocity, veracity and value. (2)
Answer:
All our activities online are recorded, monitored and studied. This data that is collected comes from billions and trillions of records of millions of people. Since the data comes from different sources such as the web, social media, mobile data, sales, calls and so on; and the fact that more and more people are using the internet, smart phones, social media and e-commerce platforms for various needs, reflects how big data is increasing in volume, variation, velocity, veracity and value.
A4. Personal response: (2)
When you are asked for personal details on social media, what precautions will you take?
Answer:
When I am asked for personal details on social media I will take the following precautions:
- Verify whether the website is legitimate and not a fraud.
- Ensure if the web browser I am using is personal and private by practising safe browsing.
- Choose strong passwords and log out once I share the details.
- I will not download anything or click on links that seem suspicious.
- I will never reveal debit or credit card pin number no matter who is asking.
A5. Language study: (2)
i. Whatever activity we do online is recorded, monitored and analysed. (Use ‘as well as’, ‘either …… or’)
Answer:
a. Whatever activity we do online is recorded, monitored as well as analysed.
b. Whatever activity we do online is either recorded, or monitored or analysed.
A6. Vocabulary: (2)
Guess the meaning of the expressions in the context:
i. revolution
ii. hidden patterns
Answer:
i. In the context of the passage, revolution refers to a radical change brought about in the lives of people owing to big data.
ii. In the context of the passage, hidden patterns relate to the many activities that people perform, but often go unnoticed.
B1. Grammar / Language Study (Non-Textual Grammar) –
Do as directed: (3)
i. He is trained well. He still makes mistakes.
(Rewrite the sentence into a complex sentence)
ii. I was bored, waiting for the train.
(Identify whether the underlined words are Gerunds or Participles)
iii. The theatre isn’t closed, (Add a Question Tag)
Answer:
i. Even though he is trained well, he still makes mistakes. [1 Mark]
ii. bored- past participle [1 Mark]
iii. The theatre isn’t closed, is it?
B2. Spot the error and rewrite the correct sentence. (1)
i. Someone we all know quite well are very sick.
Answer:
Someone we all know quite well is very sick.
Question 2.
(A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: [18 Marks]
I was 33 at the time, a doctor in the West End of London. I had been lucky in advancing
through several arduous Welsh mining assistantships to my own practice acquired on the
instalment plan from a dear old family physician who, at our first interview, gazed at my cracked boots and frayed cuffs and trusted me.
I think I wasn’t a bad doctor. My patients seemed to like me not only the nice old ladies
with nothing wrong with them, who lived near the Park and paid handsomely for my cheerful bedside manner, but the cabbies, porters and deadbeats in the mews and back streets of Bayswater, who paid nothing and often had a great deal wrong with them.
Yet there was something — though I treated everything that came my way, read all the
medical journals, attended scientific meetings, and even found time to take complex postgraduate diplomas- I wasn’t quite sure of myself. I didn’t stick at anything for long. 1 had successive ideas of specializing in dermatology, in aural surgery, in paediatrics, but discarded them all. While I worked all day and half of most nights, I really lacked perseverance, stability.
One day I developed indigestion, After resisting my wife’s entreaties for sèveral weeks, I went casually to consult a friendly colleague. I expected a bottle of bismuth and an invitation to bridge. I received instead the shock of my life: a sentence to six months’ complete rest in the country on a milk diet. I had a gastric ulcer.
The place of exile, was a small farmhouse near the village of Tarbert in the Scottish Highlands, Imaging a lonely whitewashed steading set on a rain-drenched loch amid ferocious mountains rising into grey mist, with long-homed cattle, like elders of the kirk, sternly munching thistles in the foreground. That was Fyne Farm.
A1. Complete the following sentences: (2)
i. The narrator was advised to take complete rest for six months because ______.
ii. The narrator stayed at a small farmhouse, which was close to the village of ____.
Answer:
i. he had been diagnosed with gastric ulcer
ii. Tarbert in the Scottish Highlands called ’Fyne Farm’
A2. State which of the following statements are True or False. Correct the False statements. (2)
i. The narrator was a doctor in the West End of London.
ii. The doctor was a dermatologist.
Answer:
i. True
ii. False. The doctor had successive ideas of specialising in dermatology.
A3. State the two sorts of patients that the doctor had. (2)
Answer:
Following are the two sorts of patients that the doctor had:
- The nice old ladies who lived near the park.
- The cabbies, porters and jobless men from the mews and backstreets of Bayswater.
A4. Personal Response:
State the qualities of the doctor from the passage that you like. (2)
Answer:
The doctor was a cheerful person. He was quite generous with his patients. He was dedicated towards his profession as he would read all the journals, attended scientific meetings and also took complex post-graduate diplomas. The fact that he had successive ideas of taking up different specialisations shows his inclination towards bettering himself.
A5. Grammar:
Do as directed. (2)
i. I think I wasn’t a bad doctor. (Rewrite as an Affirmative Sentence)
ii. Though I treated everything that came my way, I wasn’t quite sure of myself. (Rewrite the sentence using ‘but’)
Answer:
i. I think I was a good doctor.
ii. I treated everything that came my way, but I wasn’t quite sure of myself.
A6. Vocabulary:
Write antonyms of:
i. right
ii. short
iii. instability
iv. everything
Answer:
i. wrong
ii. long
iii. stability
iv. nothing
(B) Summary Writing: [3 Marks]
With the help of the given points, write a summary of the above passage and suggest a suitable title for it.
i. Background
ii. Relationship with patients
iii. Career decisions
iv. The ulcer
Answer:
The Doctor’s Diagnosis
At the age of 33, I had been lucky in advancing to my own practice. My patients seemed to like me and I treated everything that came my way, yet there was something, I wasn’t quite sure of myself. I didn’t stick at anything for long. One day upon developing indigestion, I went to consult a colleague. He told me I had a gastric ulcer and needed to rest for six months in the country on a milk diet. The place of my exile was a small farmhouse called Fyne Farm.
(C) Mind Mapping: [3 Marks]
Create a Mind Map on Hobbies and their effects on you. Use the following points tg create your mind map and subsequent secondary and tertiary branches.
Hobbies: Music, Reading, Travelling, Gardening, Wildlife Photography
Answer:
Section II: Poetry And Appreciation
Question 3.
(A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below:
Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road, Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.
Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune,
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing,
Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms,
Strong and content I travel the open road.
A1. Complete the following sentences based on the extract. (2)
i. On setting out for the journey, the poet considers himself ____.
ii. The long brown path is ____.
Answer:
i. afoot and light-hearted
ii. leading the poet wherever he chooses
A2. Explain the meaning of the following lines from the extract: (2)
“Henceforth, I ask for no good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune”
Answer:
The poet says that he does not wish luck on his journey, because he believes in making his own luck. He wants to decide his own destiny as he travels along the open road.
A3. Personal Response: (2)
‘Healthy, free, the world before me’. Express your views regarding the above line.
Answer:
In the line ’Healthy, free, the world before me’, the poet is trying to convey that the world that lies ahead in his journey of life is healthy and free. In my view, the line is full of hope and optimism. It gives an idea of the world being free from all shackles of routine and monotony. It depicts a picture where the world, which the poet encounters on his journey, is in better shape than the one he has left behind.
A4. Poetic Device: (2)
Identify and explain the figure of speech in the following lines from the extract:
i. “Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,”
ii. “Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms,”
Answer:
i. a. Alliteration – The sound of’t’ has been repeated in the line for poetic effect.
b. Metaphor – The ’road’ has been indirectly compared to the ’road of life’. [1 Mark]
ii. a. Alliteration – The sound of ’k1 has been repeated in the line for poetic effect.
b. Consonance – The sound of the consonant ‘s’ has been repeated in the line for poetic effect.
c. Transferred Epithet – The epithet ’indoor’ and ’querulous’ has been transferred from ‘people’ to the ’complaints’ and ’criticisms’.
A5. Poetic creativity: (2)
Write four to six lines of Free Verse on the topic ‘The road that leads to my college’. Express that it is the road to knowledge and bright future.
Answer:
The Road That Leads To My College
Every day I tread with the bag of books,
Thereby I plod the long scalding path,
To be taught by someone, and to be that someone someday.
Not easy are my steps, mired as they are in toil,
But undaunted I go, for fruits of labour aren’t easy to come by.
(B) Appreciation:
Write an appreciation of the poem considering the following points. [4 Marks]
i. About the poem/poet and the title
ii. The 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
Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?
Or a churlish sort of “Howdy” and then vanish in the throng?
Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,
Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?
Can you say tonight, in parting with the days that’s slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;
Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day, or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber do you think that God would say,
You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?
Answer:
‘Have You Earned Your Tomorrow’ by Edgar (Suest is an inspirational poem written in rhyming couplets and contains four quatrains (four stanzas of four lines each). The theme or the central idea of the poem is the importance of living each day by being kind and helpful towards others and by making small contributions to improve their lives; as the good deeds done by us today will earn us our tomorrow.
It is set to a rhyme scheme of ‘aabbccaa ddeeffaa’. The language of the poem is simple and straightforward, which leaves no room for subjectivity. The use of rhetoric questions by the poet, to convey his ideas and inspire the readers, add gravity to the poem and make a unique literary impact. The poet employs a number of poetic devices in the poem like Alliteration, Antithesis, Consonance, Interrogation, Inversion, Metaphor, Personif ication, Repetition, Synecdoche, Tautology and Transferred Epithet.
The most prominent figure of speech used throughout the poem is Interrogation, wherein the poet asks simple questions to the reader about how he/she treats the people he comes across in his/her life. All these poetic devices serve to impart an earthy sense to the verse and hence enhance its poetic appeal. The tone and type of the poem is inspirational and didactic as the poet tries to urge the readers to be good towards others. A special feature of poem is the use of visual imagery in “vanish in the throng”, “rushed along the way”, “slipping fast” and “close your eyes in slumber”, which add to the overall appeal of the poem. The other special features are the interrogative lines in which the poem has been written and the repetitive sounds of “ay” in the first, second and fourth stanzas, which add an element of unification in the poem.
The message being conveyed by the poem is that even the smallest good deed on one’s part is enough to guarantee a better tomorrow for oneself. In my opinion, this poem is a brilliant effort by the poet to poke the readers into questioning their own goodness and help others in any way possible; thereby earning themselves a well-deserved future.
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:
You are Gopal, a receptionist, in the office of a company manufacturing garments. A sales manager Mr. Deshmukh visited and handed over the sales report to be submitted to the general manager who was busy attending a meeting.
Mr. Deshmukh : Hellow! I am here to submit the available sales report to the
General Manager.
Gopal : I am sorry but the General Manager is in the meeting. Can you leave a message for him along with the reports?
Mr. Deshmukh : Sorry, I have to leave immediately to collect the other reports.
Please inform the General Manager, that I had to leave immediately and I will see him in the evening at 5:30 p. m. with other reports. Thank you.
As a receptionist draft a virtual message for the General Manager.
OR
ii. Statement of Purpose:
You must have decided your aim in life. Which institute/university would you like to join for your diploma / graduation? Write a Statement of Purpose as a part of your application to the institute/ university.
OR
iii. Group Discussion:
To listen well is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well and is essential to all true conversations.
Form a group and have a group discussion on the topic.
Social Media – Curse or Boon
Answer:
i. Message:
4th March 1:30 p.m.
General Manager
Mr. Deshmukh visited the office and handed over the sales report to me at the reception. He had to leave immediately to collect the other reports and will see you in the evening at 5:30 p.m. with said reports.
Gopal [4 Marks]
OR
ii. Statement of Purpose
My aim in life is to become a chef. I’d like to join the Culinary Academy of India,
Hyderabad for my graduation.
Statement Of Purpose
I was fascinated by cooking since the early years of my life. Coming from a large extended family, summer vacations were spent visiting relatives, having them over and spending a good amount of time cooking and eating. In fact, mom says, I’d spend more time in the kitchen with my granny than in the toy room with my cousins. With an insatiable appetite to eat and an unquenchable thirst to whip up innovative recipes, I believe being a Chef has been my lifelong calling.
George Bernard Shaw said, “There is no sincere love than the love of food”. This holds absolutely true in my case for I believe food is not just eating but an ’experience’. To further fuel my passion in the right direction and to understand the nuances of culinary arts, I believe I need to take up a professional course that’d allow me to learn under the mentorship of industry experts. I often cook for my family an average of three days a week and I never get tired or bored, I enjoy it. I am passionate about cooking because it excites me, inspires me, and encourages me to understand the delicate science of taste and nutrition.
I have been watching many culinary shows and follow a lot of world renowned chefs on their social handles. However, the things I relish the most is discovering ancient Indian cooking techniques, understanding the chemistry of using spices, experiencing the subtle flavours of food when cooked on a slow flame and observing how just a pinch of salt and sugar radically changes the flavour of a dish.
I have volunteered to be a part of community cooking programmes over a dozen times and have participated in various cooking competitions. I’ve also contributed with my new recipes to the YouTube channel Indian Recipes and have been covered by the Food and Nutrition magazine twice.
With an admission in the prestigious Culinary Academy of India, I’d be able to hone my culinary skills and learn a great deal about this art form. [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 ‘Social Media – Curse or Boon’.
Mohit : In today’s day and age, there aren’t many people who are not on social media. It is a platform which helps us to network and to stay connected with our friends and acquaintances. It has made the world smaller and brought people closer together.
Rahul : I’m afraid I don’t completely agree with that. We may be able to stay connected with our near and dear ones through social media, but this very platform is also the source of many hacking, internet frauds, identity thefts, etc. Thousands of people are duped through such cyber crimes.
Prasad : That is true. But it can’t be denied that social media has changed our lives for the better. It is a wonderful tool which connects like-minded individuals/ groups, thus enabling exchange of ideas, transfer of information, etc. For example, virtual classes and webinars won’t be possible without it
Sia : I am in agreement with Prasad. Social media can be a boon, but only if it is accessed carefully. As users, we all need to be careful about which sites we visit and with what kind of people we interact. Social media is a complex web of millions of people interacting at the same time. So, it is not uncommon to come across fraudsters, hackers and the like. If we use social media responsibly, it is definitely a boon.
Priyanka : I wish to add something here too. Apart from interacting, social media is also used for spreading awareness, promoting businesses, and providing assistance for various issues or problems faced by the people. Therefore, it would be unfair to term it as a curse when it does so much for the community.
Sia : Oh yes! That is so true. Also, the best part about social media is that it all happens real-time, so there is no delay in communication and with the ever-changing community trends, people are able to keep up with the changing times. Whether it’s the government sharing political news or the media sharing live updates, people always have access to the latest happenings through social media.
Vismay : That may be the case. But what about when one gets addicted to social media and it begins to affect a person’s social and professional life. With the countless options available to keep us busy on social media, it is not difficult to develop an addiction and to be unable to draw ourselves away from it.
Nishchal : True, I could not agree more with Vismay. With the endless networking sites, community pages, discussion forums, chat rooms, etc. people may get so attracted to social media that it may disrupt their lives.
Evaluator : We have almost reached the end of the allocated time. Would anyone like to conclude?
Vismay : To summarise today’s discussion, social media can be boon or a curse, depending upon how the users access it. If they are responsible in their usage, then social media can definitely be a boon, but carelessness and ignorance while being active on social media can turn it into a curse. Thus, it can be said that social media is a double-edged sword, which requires the users’ discretion at all times.
B. Attempt any one of the following: (4)
i. E-mail writing:
Write an email to your former classmate living in a different city to spare some time for a reunion.
OR
ii. Report writing:
Prepare a report on ‘Teachers’ Day’ arranged in your college with the help of following points:
i. Occasion
ii. Time and venue
iii. Welcome ceremony
iv. Best teacher award
v. End of function
OR
iii. Interview Questions:
Your college has decided to celebrate the World Environment Day. Mr Kiran Purandare has been invited as the ‘Chief Guest’ for the event. Imagine you are the Secretary of the ‘Nature Club’ of your college and you have to conduct an interview of Mr Kiran Purandare. Frame 8/10 questions for the same.
Answer:
i.
| To | [email protected] |
| Subject | Writing to a classmate from the class of 2010 |
Dear Arun,
Hope you are doing well, and are happy with life and work in Kolkata. After college, you moved to Kolkata and our other class buddies of us ‘Famous Five’ moved out to different parts of the country for work or education. We have all but lost touch with one another ever since. I fondly reminisce our college days for all the fun and gaiety of the hostel life.
I hope we all can spare some time from our busy schedules and get a chance to spend a weekend together. As a result, we’d get ample time to chat and catch up on one an other’s life. Trust me, it’s going to be a brilliant opportunity to revive our group. The other three of our group: Jacob, Sanjeeb and Tahir have all agreed to come down to Bangalore over one of these weekends after your confirmation. Please post me how best this suits you so that I could freeze the event.
Take care of yourself. We look forward to your positive response asap.
Yours lovingly,
Raj at Trivedi
OR
ii. Teachers’ Day Celebrated in College
Mumbai, 7th September, 2020
5th September is celebrated as Teachers Day’ as it marks the birth anniversary of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. Kelkar College, Mumbai, celebrated teacher’s day in the Recreation Hall of the college as a cultural programme from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The purpose of the function was to remember Dr. Radhakrishnan and express heartfelt gratitude towards our teachers for their excellent guidance.
The secretary of the college was present for the welcome ceremony of the function. He gave a speech, elaborating on the ideals of being a teacher and also inspired the teachers to be devoted to their work. Thereafter, the Best Teacher Award was handed over to Mrs. Suman Dhangar. She graciously accepted the award and expressed her gratitude in a few words.
The chief guest, Prof. Arjun Chavan, concluded the function with a few anecdotes on teaching. The event thus turned out to be quite a memorable one. [4 Marks]
OR
iii. Below is the list of questions I would ask Mr. Kiran Purandare in an interview.
- What inspired you to become a wildlife activist?
- What are the problems that you face as an environmentalist?
- Can you narrate a few memorable incidents from your days in Nagzira?
- What is the biggest lesson that you have learnt from nature?
- What do you consider as your greatest achievement till date?
- How big a role can social media play in wildlife conservation?
- What is the biggest threat to wildlife today?
- Do you think the government is taking enough measures to conserve wildlife habitat? If not, what can it do differently?
- What is the vision and mission of Nisarg Wedh Organisation that you have founded?
- What message would you like to give to students like us?
C. Attempt any one of the following: (4)
i. Speech Writing:
You are an active member of an NGO working for water-conservation. Prepare a speech for the school children / students where you are invited on the eve of ‘World Environment Day’ to guide them about water-harvesting. Your speech should not exceed 150 words.
OR
ii. Compering:
Imagine, you are given an opportunity to compere a programme at your college based on ‘English Language Day’. As a compere, draft the whole programme script deciding the flow of the overall programme. You may take help of the given hints:
- prayer/introduction song
- welcome & introduction
- felicitation, speaker’s participation
- presidential address
- vote of thanks
- any other important points
OR
iii. Expansion of Idea:
Expand the following idea with the help of the points given below:
– Attitudes are the real figures of speech!
- Shapes behaviour
- Influences outcomes
- Words guide, attitudes exemplify
- Hard to change attitude
- Belief and behaviour influence each other
Answer:
i. Good morning, students.
I, Akhil Jain, am a member of JalJeevan, an NGO that works for water conservation. Today, on the eve of ‘World Environment Day’ I have been granted the opportunity to share a few words about water harvesting.
Water harvesting is perhaps the cheapest and quickest solution to the problem of water shortage that has plagued our nation. Instead of going out of our way and doing something we simply have to be more mindful. It hardly takes any effort in not letting rainwater go to waste and that is our goal at JalJeevan. We hope to ensure that every household harvests at least 1000 thousand litres of water every monsoon season.
In order to do so, we collect and distribute buckets and even organise cash prizes to be given to those who complete the target of 1000 litres. All of these expenses are paid out of the donations we receive.
We hope people will be inspired by our example and follow in our footsteps.
Thank you. [4 Marks]
OR
ii. Welcome and introduction
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of our college, I extend a very warm and heartfelt welcome to all of you present here today.
Today, on the occasion of English Language day, we present to you an evening of knowledge combined with lots of fun.
Prayer/introduction song
Let us pray that the light of education conquers the darkness of differences, injustice, and violence in the world and leads us together on a path of progress, equality, and freedom.
I call upon our beloved Principal to light the lamp and inaugurate today’s evening with the blessings of the Goddess of Knowledge.
(Lighting of the lamp)
Thank you everyone. I now request Ms. Sneha Kumar from the Arts Culture Club to come on stage and begin the event with a devotional singing performance.
(Singing performance)
About the event
English is the official and primary language in around 53 nations and is the first language of around 400 million individuals around the world. That’s not all.
According to the British Council, around two billion individuals on the planet speak and understand English. It gives you an open way to the world and assists you with speaking and interacting with people worldwide. Be it in India or in any other corner of the world, you can communicate with others easily with the help of English. That’s why it’s called the Universal language.
Event 1
That being said, we would like to introduce you to the mesmerizing world of English literature and language with poetry recitation by the students of our college.
(Poetry recitation)
That was indeed wonderful. Please give the wonderful students a huge round of applause.
Event 2
Let’s go ahead with our competitions for today. We start with the elocution competition. Each participant is given 3 minutes to speak on the allotted topic. I request all the participants to assemble at the back of the stage. The instructions will be provided by the respective class teachers. I wish all the best to each participant.
(Elocution competition)
Next we have the debate competition. Request all the students who have registered their names to assemble back-stage. Each team will be given three constructive speeches and three rebuttals. Wishing luck to all the teams. May the best team win.
(Debate competition)
Felicitation
We now know the role English plays in our personal and professional lives, all thanks to the amazing students and their hard work. Let’s give a loud applause to all the participants today. I would like to invite our Principal Dr Das to felicitate the participants and winners of today’s competitions.
(Felicitation event)
Presidential address
As we come closer to the end of this beautiful and knowledge filled evening, I would like to invite the President of the Literature Club to address the audience and share a few words of wisdom.
(Speech)
Thank you so much, for your wise words.
Vote of thanks
Today’s fun-filled evening was only successful due to the dedication and hard work of the entire team of students and the teachers, who guided them through every step. I take this opportunity to thank each and every member of the organising committee for their brilliant efforts. I thank our Principal and teachers for their continuous support.
Last, but not the least, thank you audience for being so supportive and responsive. [4 Marks]
OR
iii. Attitudes are the real figures of speech!: Language is the enabler of speech and conversation but it is one’s attitude that determines action.
Language can be used to construct a beautiful imagery but ultimately it is one’s attitude that shapes the reality. There are many situations in our daily lives where we use words mechanically, but it is equally important to understand how those spoken words are received.
Figures of speech can make language seem ornate but only when received rightly can they have the intended impact. Words can be used to create guidelines but only attitudes can create the right examples.
All said and done, words are just the vehicles to drive home the intended meaning. They can be conveniently altered to fit the situation. However, one’s attitude is one’s inseparable companion and it is not easy to modify it in any significant way.
How we receive it can in fact change what we believe, and what we believe will influence what we do! In summation, it would be fair to say that words describe but attitudes define!
D. Attempt any one of the following: (4)
i. Film Review:
You have recently seen a ‘Short Film’. Write a ‘Review’ on the same with the help of the following points:
✓ Title of the film
✓ Subject/story/plot
✓ Presentation/photography/music
✓ Message
OR
ii. Blog Writing:
Write /Prepare a blog in about 150 words on the topic ‘Social media is spoiling the spirit of Education.v Focus on the adverse/negative effects / influence of social media apps on the students’ minds.
OR
iii. Appeal:
Prepare an appeal to inculcate the habit of eating healthy.
- Slogans
- Use persuasive appeal
- Its necessity for development
Answer:
i. Title: The Elephant Whisperers by Kartiki Gonsalves.
Subject/Story/Plot: In The Elephant Whisperers,’ the narrative unfolds in a lush jungle setting, where villagers forge a unique bond with a herd of elephants. The film follows their journey of coexistence and understanding, portraying the deep emotional connection that forms between humans and these majestic creatures.
Presentation/Photography/Music: The film’s visual prowess is evident in its breath- taking cinematography, which captures the beauty of the jungle and the intimate interactions between villagers and elephants. The well-chosen music adds emotional depth, enhancing the viewer’s immersion into the heart-warming story.
Message: The Elephant Whisperers’ conveys a powerful message of interconnectedness and mutual respect among all living beings. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of harmonious coexistence with nature and emphasizes the need for conservation to protect these magnificent animals for future generations. [4 Marks]
OR
ii.
OR
iii.
GOOD FOOD IS GOOD MOOD!
In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing environment we must remember that, Sometimes the old ways are best. Home cooked meals and fresh fruit may not seem as enticing as ice cream and fried food. But that is precisely because healthy foods are not meant to be addictive.
Also, many have the misconception that the food we eat only impacts our body. This is simply not true. Studies have found that when one sticks to a diet of healthy food, one has fewer mood fluctuations, a happier outlook towards life and an improved ability to focus. For our body as well as for our mind, we all must eat well.+
Healthy eating plays a crucial role in development of the mind and body. It healthy increases the rate at which one heals from injuries. Foods rich in nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, Potassium and Zinc provide one’s body with the fuel it needs to speed up wound healing.
There are far too many benefits to being mindful when it comes to our diet and they
definitely outweigh the cravings of our taste buds.
Take A Step Towards A Healthy Lifestyle. Choose the night Food For Your Well Being.
Section IV: Literary Genre – Novel
Question 5.
(A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions: [4 Marks]
Question 1.
Fill in the blanks by choosing correct alternative. (2)
| A | B |
| i. Murasaki Shikibu | a. Cervantes |
| ii. Novella | b. Bankimchandra Chattopadhyaya |
| iii. Don Quixote | c. Tale of Genji |
| iv. Rajmohan’s Wife | d. New |
Answer:
| A | B |
| i. Murasaki Shikibu | c. Tale of Genji |
| ii. Novella | d. New |
| iii. Don Quixote | a. Cervantes |
| iv. Rajmohan’s Wife | b. Bankimchandra Chattopadhyaya |
Question 2.
Pick the odd word out:
i. Amit Ghosh, Vikram Seth, Henry Fielding, Amita Desai. (2)
ii. plot, novella, setting, theme
Answer:
i. Henry Fielding. Mr. Fielding is a novelist of 18th century while others are Indian novelists. [1 Mark]
ii. novella. Novella is a type of narrative prose fiction which is shorter than a full length novel while others are elements of Novella.
(B) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: [4 Marks]
Question 1.
Describe the question-answer session that took place at the end of the extract, ‘To Sir, with Love’. (2)
Answer:
An important feature of the half-yearly report was the panel discussion scheduled for the end of the programme. Miss Phillips, Mrs. Dale-Evans and Mr. Weston were chosen at random to form the panel and were asked questions about the reports by the students of the school. The questions were mostly from the senior students and the teachers had not been made aware of the questions beforehand. As such, they were caught off guard by the questioning and were struggling to answer them.
Of the three, Miss Phillips was the most informed and answered the questions with honesty and authority. She also managed to skilfully tackle some of the questions posed to the other teachers in order to help them and save them from embarrassment. In comparison, not only did Mr. Weston put no effort in looking presentable, but also tried to escape Fernman’s and Denham’s blunt questioning by talking loudly and pretending to be offended, so as to avoid offering any valid explanations.
He could not justify the need for the P.T. class when Denham argued that the class offered no physical benefits. Once again, it was Miss Phillips who stepped in and successfully defended the need for P.T. class, thereby outwitting Denham, who then admitted defeat and gave up on the matter. This concluded the question-answer session of the programme.
Question 2.
Explain in brief the theme of the extract, ‘To Sir, with Love.’ (2)
Answer:
The primary theme of the novel is the student-teacher relationship. When Braithwaite first accepts his job as a teacher at Greenslade School, he is met with a bunch of arrogant, disrespectful and ill-mannered students who were well-known for their bad behaviour. Though angry and frustrated at first, Braithwaite eventually learns to be patient and tolerant towards their antics and develops a strong bond with each of them.
Braithwaite is not only concerned with their academic progress but also takes a keen interest in their development as individuals. He even takes the time to find out more about their backgrounds and tries to understand the reasons for their behaviour. More importantly, he builds a relationship with the students, which is based on mutual respect. Braithwaite addresses the girls as ’Miss’ and the boys by their last name and in turn asks the students to refer to him as ‘Sir’, relaying the message that a healthy student-teacher relationship is one which involves both, give and take.
Though this method is initially resisted by the students, they eventually warm up to it. This can be clearly seen when Braithwaite expresses his appreciation of Denham addressing the senior girls as ‘Miss’. The extract highlights the importance of a teacher’s role in the lives of his/her students. Braithwaite’s influence extends far beyond his academic role. By choosing not to give up on his students, Braithwaite sets an example for how a teacher should be someone who is tolerant and understanding.
Through Braithwaite’s role in shaping the personalities of his students, the extract demonstrates that a teacher’s work is not merely limited to the classroom. An important aspect of the student-teacher relationship is also the freedom to be honest. Braithwaite encourages his students to be honest and fearless, which is clearly demonstrated in Denham’s respectful but blunt criticism of the P.T. class, thus conveying the idea that students must be active participants in their own progress.
His method of developing a relationship based on mutual respect is effective and results in the transformation of his students from mischievous children to young adults. Braithwaite witnesses this transformation with pride as he watches his students present the class report and admires them for the progress that they have made.
(C) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: [4 Marks]
Question 1.
Describe the character-sketch of Phileas Fogg from the extract of the novel, ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ ‘Around the World in Eighty Days.’ (2)
Answer:
Phileas Fogg, the protagonist of “Around the World in Eighty Days,” is portrayed as a meticulous and resolute man. As a regular visitor to the Reform Club, Fogg’s disciplined routine and methodical natures are evident through his nightly newspaper reading. His unwavering confidence is highlighted when he accepts a bet to circumnavigate the globe in eighty days, showcasing his determined and self-assured personality. Fogg’s character is marked by a sense of honour and integrity, as he remains steadfast in fulfilling his commitment despite skepticism from others.
His willingness to undertake such an audacious journey underscores his adventurous spirit and resourcefulness. Despite his reserved demeanour, Fogg’s growing relationship with Aouda and his ability to navigate challenges reveal a compassionate and resilient nature. In essence, Phileas Fogg is depicted as a focused and confident individual with a strong moral compass. His remarkable journey around the world not only showcases his character’s depth but also captivates readers with his unwavering determination and unexpected facets of his personality.
Question 2.
Which of the following are used as a means of transport in the novel? How do they help the character/s in the extract?
- Elephant
- Horse
- Train
- Steamer (2)
Answer:
All four of the given modes of transport are used by Fogg and his companions at some time or the other during the course of the journey. However, in the given extract, only the train has been used to travel from Liverpool to London. Worried that he might not make it in time to win the bet, Fogg, Passepartout and Aouda arrive at the station to catch the express train to London. However, the express train had already left the station.
Desperate to reach London, Fogg then orders a special train and bribes the engineer to set out for London as soon as possible. There is also mention of the Steamer (China) which the men at the Reform Club assume Fogg must have taken to come to Liverpool. However, this journey is not part of the extract and in reality, Fogg had missed the Steamer and ended up finding an alternative way to reach Liverpool.
(D) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: [4 Marks]
Question 1.
Elaborate the following lines in the light of the novel/extract, ‘The Sign of Four’ –
“You really are an automaton – a calculating machine.” (2)
Answer:
This line is spoken by Dr. Watson when Holmes tells him that he didn’t really observe Miss Mary Morstan’s attractiveness. Though Dr. Watson knows Holmes really well, he finds it astonishing that he can be so inhuman as to not notice beauty. Holmes’ character is known for having razor-sharp intelligence, a keen eye, and extraordinary powers of deduction.
However, the character is also emotionally detached and views his clients as mere units or factors in a problem. Holmes believes that emotional qualities get in the way of logical reasoning and he does not want his judgment to be biased by the personal qualities of his clients. Since humans are, by their very nature, emotional beings, Watson compares Holmes to a machine because of his ability to remain unaffected by emotion.
Question 2.
Dr. Watson, the narrator, is one of the major characters in the novel, ‘The Sign of Four’. Illustrate. (2)
Answer:
Dr. John Watson is the narrator of the story. Dr. Watson’s insightful narration helps the readers experience the story through his eyes. However, Dr. Watson is not merely the narrator of the story; he is also Holmes’ closest friend as well as his assistant. A doctor by profession, Watson is an empathetic man, who understands emotions and situations on a level that Holmes fails to understand. He is the second-most important character in the story, after Holmes. This is because he helps Holmes comprehend the sensitive aspects of situations, which is not Holmes’ strong suit.
Though Holmes is extraordinarily gifted, this does not stop Watson from arguing with him, making him the only one capable of tolerating Holmes and proving that he is the perfect companion for the eccentric detective. His admiration for Miss Morstan shows us his romantic side and his hesitation to feel worthy of Miss Morstan’s affection portrays him as a true gentleman. All the qualities attributed to Dr. Watson, along with his relationship to the protagonist, Sherlock Holmes, and his narrative viewpoint, make him one of the major characters in the novel.