Choose the option that means the same as the given sentence.

c) Choose the correct option to join the following sentences without [4]

using and’, ‘but’ or ‘so’:

(i) I had left the school. She came later.

1. I had left the school, then she came.

2. She came after I had left the school.

3. She came but I had left the school.

(ii) Ravi is naive. He will believe anything.

1. Ravi is naive to believe everything

2. Ravi is naïve, hence he believes anything.

3. Ravi is naive enough to believe anything.

(iii) The leader was very popular. But he failed to win the election.

1. Even though the leader very popular he failed to win the election.

2. In spite of being popular, the leader failed to win the election.

3. Being a popular leader, he, failed to win the election.

(iv) She will not oppose my plan. She cannot approve of it.

1. She will not oppose my plan, she cannot, however, approve of it.

2. She cannot oppose my plan, but approve it.

3. She will not oppose my plan, however, approve of it.

(d) Read each sentence with its instructions. Choose the correct answer [8]

from the options provided beneath each:

(i) She said her prayers and visualized the accomplishment of her goals. (Begin- No sooner……)

1. No sooner had she say her prayers than she visualized the accomplishment of

her goals.
2. No sooner did she say her prayers she visualized the accomplishment than of

her goals.

3. No sooner did she say her prayers than she visualized the accomplishment of

her goals.

(ii) His theories are so difficult that I cannot comprehend them. (Use: too)

1. His theories are too difficult for me to comprehend.

2. His theories are too difficult to comprehend.

3. His theories are too difficult for comprehending.

(iii) In spite of the fact that he worked very hard, he didn't pass the exam. (Begin: Despite……..)

1. Despite of the fact that he worked very hard, he didn't pass the exam.

2. Despite the fact that he worked very hard, he didn't pass the exam.

3. Despite the fact that he worked very hard he didn't pass the exam.

(iv) The captain as well as the players are to be blamed for the shameful defeat. (Begin: Not only………)

1. Not only the captain but also the players to be blame for the shameful defeat.

2. Not only the captain but also the players are to blame for the shameful defeat.

3. Not only the captain but also the players are to be blamed for the shameful

defeat.

(v) It was fortunate that I was not there. (Use: fortunately)

1. Fortunately, I was not there.

2. I was not there, fortunately.

3. Fortunately I was not there.

(vi) He not only grew silent but also seemed to be pondering on the situation. (Begin: He grew…….)

1. He grew silent and seemed to be pondering on the situation.

2. He grew silent and seemed to ponder on the situation.

3. He grew silent and seemed pondering on the situation.

(vii) Hardly had I reached the station when the train arrived. (Begin: Scarcely………)

1. Scarcely I reached the station when the train arrived.

2. Scarcely had I reached the station, the train arrived.

3. Scarcely had I reached the station when the train arrived.

(viii) Unless we curb poverty, we will be a poor nation. (Remove: Unless)

1. If we curb poverty, we will be a poor nation.

2. If we do not curb poverty, we will be a poor nation.

3. If we do not curb poverty then we will be a poor nation.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
My hair is longer than your hair.

1. Your hair was shorter than my hair

2. Your hair has longer than my hair

3. My hair is shorter than your hair

4. Your hair is shorter than my hair

Kavita talked to herself as she wrote her new song.

1. Had been talking to herself, she wrote her new song.

2. Talking to herself, she wrote her new song.

3. Talked to herself, she wrote her new song.

4. Have talking to herself, she wrote her new song.

Without leaving the concert at the earliest, he will not reach his home.

1. Yet he does not leave the concert at the earliest, he will not reach his home.

2. Although he does not leave the concert at the earliest, he will not reach his home.

3. If he does not leave the concert at the earliest, he will not reach his home.

4. Since he does not leave the concert at the earliest, he will not reach his home.

Rasika is the most intelligent girl in our family.

1. Rasika is intelligent than any other girl in our family.

2. Rasika is more intelligent from any other girl in our family.

3. Rasika is more intelligent than any other girl in our family.

4. Rasika is most intelligent than any other girl in our family.

Ramesh noticed his kids eating Pani Puri on their way.

1. Ramesh noticed his kids when they are eating Pani Puri on their way.

2. Ramesh noticed his kids when they were eating Pani Puri on their way

3. Ramesh was noticed his kids when they were eating Pani Puri on their way.

4. Ramesh have noticed his kids when they were eating Pani Puri on their way.

Direct and indirect speech

He said to me, “How long will you stay here?”

a) He asked me how long I would stay here.

b) He asked me how long I would stay here.

c) He asked me how long I would stay here.

d) He asked me how long I would stay there.

I said to him, “If I were you, I should wait.” What does it mean?

a) I’m advising him to proceed.

b) I am recommending him to proceed.

 c) I advised him to stop the journey.

d) I advised him to stop the journey.

He remarked, “Two and two makes four.”

a) He remarked that two and two would make four.

b) He remarked that two and two made four.

c) He remarked that two and two makes four.

d) He suggested that two and two makes four.

“If you don’t keep quiet I shall punish you”, he said to her in a calm voice.

a) He warned her to punish if she didn’t keep quiet calmly.

b) He said calmly that I would punish you if you don’t calm

c) He warned her calmly that he would punish her if she didn’t keep quiet.

d) He said to her whether he would punish her.

John said to his mother, “I shall go to bed now.” (Choose the correct indirect speech)

a) John told his mother that he should go to bed now.

b) John told his mother that he will go to bed then.

c) John told his mother that he would go to bed then.

d) John told his mother that he will go to bed now.

“You had better not leave your room unlocked”, said my friends. (Choose the correct indirect speech)

a) “You had better not leave your room unlocked”, my friends said

b) My friends reminded me to lock my room.

c) My friends warned me not to leave my room unlocked.

d) My friends advised me lock my room.

Father said to me, “May you pass the examination” (Choose the indirect form)

a) Father prayed that I might pass the examination.

b) Father said to me that I may pass the examination.

c) Father prayed that I may pass the examination.

d) Father said to me that I must pass the examination.

To emphasize the point, emphatically is used.

a) He told that he let have some milk.

b) He said that he had some milk.

c) He replied that he should have some milk.

d) He replied that he should have some milk.

“Are you alone, my son?” asked a soft voice close behind me.
 a) A soft voice asked me that what I was doing there alone.

b) A soft voice said to are you alone son.

c) A soft voice from my back asked if I was alone.

d) A soft voice behind me asked if I was alone.

The old man said to his son, “Fie! You are such a coward.”

a) The old man cried out in anger that it was shameful that his son was such a coward.

b) The old man exclaimed that it was shameful that he was such a coward.

c) The old man exclaimed that it was shameful that his son was such a coward.

d) The old man surprised that his son was such a coward.

(c) Choose the correct option to join the following sentences without [4]

using ‘and’, ‘but’ or ‘so’:

(i) She talks to her friends. She talks like a dictator.

1. She talks to her friends as if she were a dictator.

2. She talks like a dictator to her friends.

3. She talks to her friends as if she was a dictator.

4. She talks to her friends because she were a dictator.

(ii) They advertised the job. There was soon a rush of applicants.

1. They advertised the job because there was a rush of applicants.

2. Hardly had they advertised the job when there was a rush of applicants.

3. They advertised the job since there was a rush of applicants.

4. They advertised the job and there was a rush of applicants.

(iii) The train reaches the station. The commuters immediately jostle for their seats.

1. As soon as the train reaches the station, the commuters jostle for their seats.

2. As soon as the train reaches the station, the commuters immediately jostle for their seats.

3. The train reaches the station when the commuters jostle for their seats.

4. No sooner did, the train reaches the station, the commuters jostled for their seats.

(iv) She did such intricate embroidery. Her eyesight was affected.

1. She did such intricate embroidery that her eyesight got affected.

2. She did such intricate embroidery as her eyesight was affected.

3. She did such intricate embroidery when her eyesight was affected.

4. She did such intricate embroidery that her eyesight was affected.

(d) Read each sentence with its instructions. Choose the correct answer [8]

from the options provided beneath each:

(i) It was wrong of him to eat all the ice cream.

(Begin - He ought……)

1. He ought not to eat all the ice cream.

2. He ought not have ate all the ice cream.

3. He ought not to have eaten all the ice cream.

4. He ought to have eaten all the ice cream

(i) Rishi was musing ________ memories of the past.

(ii) The climate is not conducive ___________ good health.

(iii) The chairperson brushed __________ my suggestion.

(iv) He assented ___________ my proposal.

(a) Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the words provided after the [4] passage: e.g (0) was Ibrahim ibn
Adham(0) _________(be) a prince of a small kingdom in Persia. He was very pious and (i) _________ (spend) many
hours everyday in prayer in a beautiful (ii)______________ (bejewel) mosque in his palace. One day, as he (iii)
___________ (pray), he (iv) ___________ (hear) a large thumping sound on his roof.

2010

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words: [4]

1. I refrained ……… telling Reeta the truth.

2. The leader counted ………. the cooperation of his colleagues.

3. The public was cautioned ……….. piekpbckets.

4. Janaki escorted her daughter to the cinema theatre as she was anxious ………. her safety.

5. Their path was beset ……….. difficulties yet they succeeded.

6. The mouse crept stealthily ………. the cheese.

7. It was good ……….. you to invite Sheila for the picnic.

8. Smoking ……….. public places is now banned.

2011

1. He congratulated me ………….. my great achievement.

2. The poor man is afflicted ……….. arthritis.

3. She is blind ……….. the faults of her husband.

4. The boss had many complaints ……….. Shyam.

5. You must prepare ……….. the examination.

6. She is not aware ……….. the danger.

7. Ravi was accurate ……….. his calculations.

 8. They hid the money ……….. the carpet.

2012

1. He was touched ……….. pity when he heard the tale.

2. There is always a demand ……….. good tailors.

3. The mother prevented her child ………… going out in the rain.

4. The baby crawled …………. the table and hid there.

5. Once upon a time the great king ruled ………… all these villages and towns.

6. She is the smarter ………. the two.

7. Sheila insists ……….. wearing that dress, although her mother thinks it is too short for her.

8. The teacher complained ………… him when she met his mother in the market.

2013

1. She takes a lot of trouble………. her work.

2. Our English friends have taken……….. Indian food quite quickly.

3. He got an A+……….. the Mathematics test.

4. He jumped……….. the river to save his friend from drowning.

5. Always be preapred ………… a surprise test.

6. She hid……….. the cupboard and gave everyone a fright.

7. She is fond……….. pets.

8. The brothers quarrelled……….. themselves for their father’s property

2014

1. The teacher spoke for Raju when he was wrongly accused of stealing money.

2. We can visit her in the hostel 3 pm and 6 pm on Saturdays.

3. The Sinhas have lived in New Delhi 1943.

4. Little children are often afraid the dark.

5. Sneha has applied a scholarship.

6. It took Ahmed many months to get the loss of his friend.

7. She turned the generous offer made by the manager.

8. We were asked to take our footwear as we were entering a place of worship.

2015

(i) He found the key just _______ the front door.

(ii) I could not accompany my cousin _______ the trip because I had fever.

(iii) The noise prevented us _______ sleeping.

(iv) The young man put the flute _______ his lips and began to play.

(v) Ashok leaned ________ the wall tiredly.

(vi) The paper dart went gliding ______ the air.

(vii) The cyclist rode quickly ______ the path.

(viii) The young child carried the heavy bucket ______ the stairs.

2016

(i) There was a steep rise ______ onion prices.

(ii) Air pollution is responsible for the spread ______bronchitis.

(iii) He was ______ pressure to complete the work.

(iv) Joan jumped ______ the river to rescue the child.

(v) His teacher is very pleased ______ him.

(vi) Ali took ______ his cap and wiped his face.

(vii) The old woman could not get ______ the shock.

(viii) He should not get ______ with such rudeness.

Answers 2. for 6. over

2010 3. from 7. down
1. from 4. under 8. out
2. upon/on 5. over 2015
3. against 6. of (i) near/ by/ beside/outside/ behind
4. about 7. on (ii) on
5. with 8. against (iii) from
2013 (iv) to
6. towards
1. in (v) against
7. of
2. to (vi) through
8. in 3. in (vii) down/along/ across
2011 4. into (viii) up/ down
1. on 5. for 2016
2. with 6. inside (i) in
3. to 7. of (ii) of
4. against 8. among (iii) under
5. for 2014 (iv) into
6. of 1. in (v) with
7. in 2. between (vi) off
8. under 3. since (vii) over
2012 4. of (viii) away
1. with 5. for
______________________________________________________________________________

2010
2011

2012

2013

2014
2015

2016

2010 4. were scratching 8. thought

1. struck 5. brought 2013

2. dealt 6. had 1. hunted

3. felt 7. were writing 2. bought

4. suggested 8. dipped. 3. was engrossed

5. letting 2012 4. munched

6. might 1. reached 5. got

7. wanted 2. met 6. would blacken

8. disappointing. 3. could 7. took

2011 4. found 8. was trying

1. sat 5. was 2014

2. began 6. knew 1. told

3. to copy 7. had 2. was arguing

 3. was 2. went 1. gazing

4. disappear 3. returned 2. fishing

5. was looking 4. had moved 3. felt

6. missing 5. crawl/ crawling 4. Looking

7. done 6. found 5. found

8. ran 7.

2015 8.

1. gazing 2016

2010

Write a composition (350 – 400 words) on any one

of the following:
(a) Think of a time when you achieved a personal
goal. Say why the goal was important to you and
how you achieved it. Describe how you felt on
achieving it.
(b) “More lessons are learnt on the sports field than
in the classroom”. Express your views either for or against this statement.
(c) A school carnival or fete is a great occasion for fun with friends. Describe one such event in your school.
(d) Write an original story, beginning with the following line:
The water was cold. I took a deep breath and jumped…………
(e) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a
description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your
composition may be about the subject of the picture or you
may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a
clear connection between the picture and your
composition.

2011

a) “Private tuitions are a necessary evil.” Give your views

either for or against this statement.
(b) Write an original story entitled : Lost and Found.
(c) Relate a special incident or experience in your life which you still recall with happiness.
(d) Children’s Day is celebrated in your school every year. Write what you particularly liked about this year’s
celebration. What did you learn from the efforts of those who planned and organized the function? How did you
express your gratitude to them?
(e) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a
description on an account of what it suggests to you. Your
composition may be about the subject of the picture or you
may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear
connection between the picture and your composition.

2012

(a) Write an original short story that begins with the words : It
wasn’t going to be easy she knew…. but somehow she had to
confront him. She took a deep breath, and walked into the room.
(b) “Money causes more harm than good.” Express your view either for or against this statement.
(c) People play a very important role in our lives. Describe in vivid detail, any one person and show how he I she has
been a very special influence in your life.
(d) Modes of Communication are continually changing. What are
some of these changes? Say which one change you like best and
why?
(e) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description
or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may
be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions
from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the
picture and your composition.

2013

(a) Write an original short story that begins with the words: “In the background I could hear an awful commotion,
men’s voices raised and women screaming.”
(b) Boarding schools are far better than day schools for the all-round education of a child. Express your view either
for or against this statement.
(c) You were on a school trip and were on your way back to the hotel late one night when your school bus, full of
children, broke down in a lonely area. Describe what you saw and experienced as you looked around. How was the
problem solved?
(d) Teaching someone else how to do something can be a rewarding experience. Think of a skill that you have helped
someone to develop. Perhaps you taught someone how to swim or to bake a cake, or helped someone learn how to
study more effectively. Narrate the events that made up the
process of teaching the skill, and say what made the
experience important and memorable for you.
(e) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a
description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your
composition may be about the subject of the picture or you
may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear
connection between the picture and your composition.

2014

(a) Write an original short story that begins with the words : “Its not my fault”, he shouted………”
(b) ‘Working women make better mothers than women who stay at home’. Express your views either for or against
this statement.
(c) Describe an early morning walk through your city or town in winter. Give details of the smells, sights, sounds and
feelings you experienced.
(d) Think of a time when you found yourself in an embarrassing situation. Narrate how you got into that situation,
how you dealt with it and the lesson you learnt from it.
(e) Study the picture given below. Write a short story or description or an account of what the picture suggests to
you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, your
composition must have a clear connection with the picture.

2015

(a) Write an original story that begins with the words: “He was the funniest boy I had ever met. He would make
everyone laugh…………….”
(b) You had booked a ticket on an early morning train. However, you woke up late and missed it. You then decided to
run to catch a bus to the next station where you hoped to catch up with the train. Narrate the entire event, how you
felt, the effort you made and how you finally caught the train. What did you learn from this stressful experience?

(c) All Girls or all Boys Schools provide a better learning environment than co-educational schools. Express your
views either for or against the statement.

(d) Describe in detail the view from your bedroom window. Does your room overlook a park? A busy street? What
are the sights, sounds and smells that you would typically see, hear and experience at different times of the day?
When do you most enjoy the view? Early in the morning, in the evening or late at night?

(e) Study the picture given below. Write a short story or description or an account of what the picture suggests to
you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, your
composition must have a clear connection with the picture.

2016

(a) Write an original short story that begins with the words: “The day started off well enough, whoever thought it
would ……….”

(b) Narrate an incident from your own experience when you expected to do very well, but for some reason were
unable to do so. Explain what happened and why it
happened. What lesson did you learn from it?

(c) “The use of Mobile Phones must be allowed in

schools.” Express your views either for or against the
statement.

(d) You walk home from school one afternoon to find

the door unlocked and on entering you are shocked
to see the house in total disarray. You call out but get
no answer. Describe in detail what you saw, the
reason behind your house being in total disarray and
how you found your family. Mention also how the
experience ended and what impact it had on your
life.

(e) Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your
composition may be about the subject of the picture or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be
clear connection between the picture and your composition.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

2010

Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.)

Select one of the following: [10]
(a) Your class was taken to visit an Old Age Home where you spent
half a day with the residents. Write a letter to a friend telling him /
her what you saw, how you felt and in what way you have changed
since the visit.
(b) Write a letter to the Director of a television channel complaining
about the quality of the programmes telecast. Suggest ways to
improve the programmes.
2011

Select one of the following: [10]

(a) Write a letter to the local Municipal Corporation complaining about the malaria epidemic in your city. State the
causes and suggest ways to deal with the problem.
(b) You have just acquired an unusual pet. Write a letter to your friend telling him I her about it. Give details about
the care you have to take in looking after and feeding the pet.

2012

(a) Many areas near your school have been affected by floods. You are President of your school social service club.
Write a letter to the Mayor of your town / city telling him! her what you plan to do for the relief of the victims,
Suggest ways in which you can combine with other organizations to bring about better distribution of relief items.
(b) You were taken by your school to visit a place of historical interest. Write a letter to your classmate who was
unable to go on the trip telling him / her about the trip, why it was important and what you gained from the
experience.

2013

Select one of the following: [10]

(a) You will soon have to make a decision about the subjects that you wish to study in class XI and XII.
Write a letter to your grandfather telling him about the subjects that you plan to take up. Be sure to explain the
reason for your choice and how you think these [ subjects would help you in the future.
(b) The children in your neighbourhood are forced to play on the street for want of a proper play area. Write a letter
to the Editor of a popular newspaper, pointing out the need for a playground in your neighbourhood. Give reasons
why you think a play area is necessary and point out how it would benefit everyone who lives in that area.

2014

Select one of the following: [10]

(a) Your uncle has promised to give you a gift of Rs. 1000/-. Write a letter thanking him for the offer, tell him how
you plan to spend the money; and why you wish to spend it in this way.
(b) You are the President of the Nature Club in your school which is hosting the Earth Day Celebrations. Write a letter
to the Principal of a neighbouring school inviting the school to participate in the event. State when, why and how
you plan to celebrate Earth Day.

Hints

2015

(a) Break time (recess) at your school is only for a duration of fifteen minutes. Write a letter to your Principal
requesting an extension in the break-time from fifteen minutes to half an hour. Give reasons for your request and
explain in what way an extended break would make a difference to you as a student.

(b) You are to be awarded a Special Prize at the Annual Prize Day ceremony of your school. Write a letter to a lady
relative giving her the news. Be sure to include details of the prize that you are to receive and tell her why you have
been chosen for this honour

Hints

a) Formal Letter (format, content, expression)

1. Why? [Reason for request eg. Not enough time to visit library/ school canteen/ play/ eat]

2. How? [it’ll make a difference-eg. Students feel refreshed / ready for next half / less rushed]

b) Informal Letter (format, content, expression)

(i) Name the prize [eg. Attendance / Maths Prize/ Courage or Bravery Prize]
(ii) Why is awarded? [to reward regular attendance/ to honour the top scorer in maths / for having displayed
courage / for doing an act of valour]

(iii) What is the award?- details of award- eg a trophy/ a book/ a cash prize/ cheque, etc.

2016

(a) Your class wants to visit a well-known historical monument in a nearby town. Write a letter to your Principal
seeking permission and say why you would benefit from the visit.

(b) Your school recently held a jubilee celebration. Write a letter to your friend who was unable to attend, giving
details of the function and your role in it.

Hints

Ensure that the format is correct and that the following points of each letter are clearly brought out:

(a) Formal Letter (format, content, expression)

Name of historical building

Name of town

The benefit for visiting that monument

There must be a correlation between the essay grade and the letter expression.

(b) Informal Letter (format, content, expression)

Name of the jubilee celebration

Any two details e.g. function, date, time, chief guest, cultural event, competition, exhibition etc.

The candidate’s role in the celebration any two e.g. announcing, decorating, taking part in the

dance, play etc.

Expression

There must be a correlation between the essay grade and the letter expression.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

2014

Richard Parker was so named because of a clerical error.

A panther was terrorizing the Khulna district of Bangladesh, just outside the Sundarbans. It had recently carried off a
little girl. She was the seventh person killed in two months by the animal. And it was growing bolder. The previous
victim was a man who had been attacked in broad daylight in his field. The beast dragged him off into the forest, and
his corpse was later found hanging from a tree. The villagers kept a watch nearby that night, hoping to surprise the
panther and kill it, but it never appeared.
The Forest Department hired a professional hunter. He set up a small, hidden platform in a free near a river where
two of the attacks had taken place. A goat was tied to a stake on the river’s bank. The hunter waited several nights.
He assumed the panther would be an old, wasted male with worn teeth, incapable of catching anything more
difficult than a human. But it was a sleek tiger that stepped into the open one night: a female with a single cub. The
goat bleated. Oddly, the cub, who looked to be about three months old, paid little attention to the goat. It raced to
the water’s edge, where it drank eagerly. Its mother followed it. Of hunger and thirst, thirst is the greater urge. Only
once the tiger had quenched her thirst did she turn to the goat to satisfy her hunger.
The hunter had two rifles with him: one with real bullets, the other with immobilizing darts. This animal was not the
man-eater, but so close to human habitation she might pose a threat to the villagers, especially as she was with cub.
He picked up the gun with the darts. He fired as the tiger was about to attack the goat. The tiger reared up and
snarled and raced away. But immobilizing darts don’t bring on sleep gently—they knock the creature out without
warning. A burst of activity on the animal’s part makes it act all the faster. The hunter called his assistants on the
radio. They found the tiger about two hundred yards from the river. She was still conscious. Her back legs had given
way and her balance on her front legs was shaky. When the men got close, she tried to get away but could not
manage it. She turned on them, lifting a paw that was meant to kill. It only made her lose her balance. She collapsed
and the Pondicherry Zoo had two new tigers. The cub was found in a bush close by, meowing with fear.
The hunter, whose name was Richard Parker, picked it up with his bare hands and, remembering how it had rushed
to drink in river, named it Thirsty. But the shipping clerk at the Howrah train station was evidently a man both
confused and diligent. All the papers received with the cub clearly stated that its name was Richard Parker, that the
hunter’s first name was Thirsty add that his family name was None Given. Richard Parker’s name stuck. I don’t know
if the hunter was ever called Thirsty None Given!

(a) Give the meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage. [3]
One word answers ob short phrases will be accepted.

1. corpse (line 6)

2. quenched (line 16)

3. reared (line 20)

(b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.

1. Why does the author say that the panther ‘was getting bolder’? [2]

2. Why did the Forest Department hire a professional hunter? [2]

3. What did the hunter expect to encounter? What did he actually encounter? [2]

4. What did the tiger do before turning to attack the goat? Why did it do that? [2]

5. Why did the hunter decide to shoot the tiger though he knew it was not the man-eater? [2]

6. What name did the hunter give to the cub? Why? [2]

2013

There were other boys in Manjari village, but Bisnu was the only one who went to school. His mother would not
have fussed if he had stayed at home and worked in the fields. That was what the other boys did; all except lazy
Chittru, who preferred fishing in the stream or helping himself to the fruit off other people’s trees. But Bisnu went to
school. He went because he wanted to. No one could force him to go; and no one could stop him from going. He had
set his heart on receiving a good schooling. He wanted to read and write as well as anyone is the big world and so he
walked to school every day.
A colony of langoors lived in the forest. They fed on oak leaves, acorns, and other green things, and usually remained
in the trees, coming down to the ground only to play or sun themselves. They were beautiful, supple-limbed animals,
with black faces and silver-grey coats and long, sensitive tails. They leapt from tree to tree with great agility. The
young ones wrestled on the grass like boys.
A dignified community, the langoors did not have the cheekiness or dishonest habits of the red monkeys of the
plains; they did not approach dogs or humans. But they had grown used to Bisnu’s comings and goings and did not
fear him. Some of the older ones would watch him quietly, a little puzzled. They did not go near the town; because
the boys threw stones at them. And anyway, the forest gave them all the food they required.
Coming from another direction was a second path, and at the junction of the two paths Sami was waiting for him.
Sarru came from a small village about three miles from Bisnu’s and closer to the town.
They hailed each other, and walked along. They often met at this spot, keeping each others company for the
remaining two miles.
‘There was a panther in our village last night’, said Sarru.
This information interested but did not excite Bisnu. Panthers were common enough in the hills and did not usually
present a problem except during the winter months, when their natural prey was scarce.
‘Did you lose any animals’ asked Bisnu.
‘No. It tried to get into the cowshed but the dogs set up the alarm. We drove it off.’ ‘It must be the same one which
came around last winter. We lost a calf and two dogs in our village.’
“Wasn’t that the one the shikaris wounded? I hope it hasn’t become a cattle-lifter’.
‘It could be the same. It has a bullet in its leg. These hunters are the people who cause all the trouble. They think it’s
easy to shoot a panther. It would be better if they missed altogether, but they usually wound it.
‘And then the panthers too slow to catch the barking-deer and starts on our own animals’.
“We’re lucky it didn’t become a man-eater. Do you remember the man-eater six years ago? I was very small then.
My father told me all about it. Ten people were killed in our valley alone’.
‘What happened to it?’
‘I don’t know. Some say it poisoned itself when it ate the headman of the village’.
‘Binsu laughed. No one liked that old villain. They linked arms and scrambled up the stony path to school’.

(a) Give the meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage. [3]
One words answers or short phrases will he accepted.

1. agility (line 12)

2. hailed (line 21)

3. villain (line 42)

(b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.

1. How was Chittru different from other boys? [2]

2. What was Bisnu’s ambition? [2]

3. What information did Sarru give Bisnu? [2]

4. How did the information affect Bisnu? [2]

5. Why did the panther become a cattle-lifter? [2]

6. What joke does Sarru make? [2]

2012

It was a dull autumn day and Jill Pole was crying behind the gym.
She was crying because they had been bullying her. This is not going to be a school story, so I shall say as little as
possible about Jill’s school, which is not a pleasant subject. It was co- educational, a school for both boys and girls,
what used to be called a “mixed” school; some said it was not nearly so mixed as the minds of the people who ran it.
These people had the idea that boys and girls should be allowed to do what they liked. And unfortunately what ten
or fifteen of the biggest boys and girls liked best was bullying the others. All sorts of things, horrid things, went on
which at an ordinary school would have been found out and stopped in half a term, but at this school they weren’t.
Or even if they were, the people who did them were not expelled or punished. The Head said they were interesting
psychological cases and sent for them and talked to them for hours. And if you knew the right sort of things to say to
the Head, the main result was that you became rather a favourite than otherwise.
That was why Jill Pole was crying on that dull autumn day on the damp little path which runs between the back of
the gym and the shrubbery. And she hadn’t nearly finished her cry when a boy came round the comer of the gym
whistling, with his hands in his pockets. He nearly ran into her.
“Can’t you look where you’re going?” said Jill Pole.
“All right,” said the boy, “you needen’t start—” and then he noticed her face, “I say, Jill,” he said, “what’s up?”
Jill only made faces; the sort you make when you’re trying to say something but find that if you speak you’ll start
crying again.
“It’s them, I suppose—as usual,” said the boy grimly, digging his hands further into his pockets.
Jill nodded. There was no need for her to say anything, even if she could have said it. They both knew.
“Now, look here,” said the boy, “its no use…”
He meant well, but he did talk rather like someone beginning a lecture. Jill suddenly flew into a temper (which is
quite a likely thing to happen if you have been interrupted in a cry).
“Oh, go away and mind your own business,” she said. “Nobody asked you to come barging in, did they? And you’re a
nice person to start telling us what we all ought to do, aren’t you? I suppose you mean we ought to spend all our
time sucking up to them, and currying favour, and dancing attendance on them like you do.”
“Oh, Lord!” said the boy, sitting down on the grassy bank at the edge of the shrubbery and very quickly getting up
again because the grass was soaking wet. His name unfortunately was Eustace Scrubb, but he wasn’t a bad sort.
“Jill!” he said. “Is that fair?”
“I don’t know and I don’t care,” sobbed Jill.
Eustace saw that she wasn’t quite herself yet and very sensibly offered her a peppermint. He had one too. Presently
Jill began to see things in a clearer light.
“I’m sorry, Eustace” she said presently.

(a) Give the meaning of each of the following words as used in the passage.
One word answers or short phrases will be accepted. [3]

1. bullying (line 2)

2. expelled (line 10)

3. barging (line 32)

(b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words:

1. Why was Jill crying? [2]

2. Why do you think she was crying behind the gym? [2]

3. Who is the ‘Them’ referred to in line 23? [2]

4. Why did Jill fly into a temper? [2]

5. Which sentences tell us that both Jill and Eustace Scrubb had suffered similarly? [2]

6. When did Jill begin to see things differently? [2]

2011

I rested for a moment at the door of Anand Bhavan, on Market Road, where coffee drinkers and tiffin eaters at their
tables sat transfixed uttering low moans on seeing me. I wanted to assure them, ‘Don’t fear, I am not out to trouble
you. Eat your tiffin in peace, don’t mind me…. You, nearest to me, hugging the cash box, you are craven with fear,
afraid even to breathe. Go on, count the cash, if that’s your pleasure. I just want to watch, that’s all…. If my tail trails
down to the street, if I am blocking your threshold : it is because, I’m told, I’m eleven feet tip to tail. I can’t help it.
I’m not out to kill…. I’m too full—found a green pasture teeming with food on the way. Won’t need any for several
days to come, won’t stir, not until I feel hungry again. Tigers attack only when they feel hungry, unlike human beings
who slaughter one another without purpose or hunger….’
To the great delight of children, schools were being hurriedly closed. Children of all ages and sizes were
running helter-skelter screaming joyously, ‘No school, no school. Tiger, tiger!’ They were shouting and laughing and
even enjoyed being scared. They seemed to welcome me. I felt like joining them, and bounded away from the
restaurant door and trotted along with them, at which they gleefully cried, ‘The tiger is coming to eat us; let us get
back to the school!’
I followed them through their school gate while they ran up and shut themselves in the school hall securely. I
ascended the steps of the school, saw an open door at the far end of a veranda, and walked in. It happened to be the
headmaster’s room, I believe, as I noticed a very dignified man jumping on his table and heaving himself up into an
attic. I walked in and flung myself on the cool floor, having a partiality for cool stone floors, with my head under the
large desk—which gave me the feeling of being back in the Mempi cave….
As I drowsed, I was aware of cautious steps and hushed voices all around. I was in no mood to bother about
anything. All I wanted was a little moment of sleep; the daylight was dazzling. In half sleep I heard the doors of the
room being shut and blotted and locked. I didn’t care. I slept.
While I slept a great deal of consultation was going on. I learnt about it later through my master, who was in the
crowd—the crowd which had gathered after making sure that I had been properly locked up—and was watching.
The headmaster seems to have remarked some days later, ‘Never dreamt in my wildest mood that I’d have to yield
my place to a tiger…. ’ A wag had retorted, ‘Might be one way of maintaining better discipline among the boys.
‘Now that this brute is safely locked up, we must decide,’ began a teacher. At this moment my master pushed his
way through the crowds and admonished, ‘Never use the words “beast” or “brute”. They’re ugly words coined by
humans in their arrogance. The human being thinks all other creatures are “beasts”. Awful word!’

(a) Give the meaning of each of the following words or phrases as used in the passage.
One word answers or short phrases will be accepted. [3]

1. transfixed (line 2)

2. helter-skelter (line 12)

3. admonished (line 35)

(b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words.

1. What reassurance did the tiger give the coffee drinkers? [2]

2. In what way are tigers different from human beings? [2]

3. Why were the children delighted? [2]

4. What did the headmaster say some days later? [2]

5. What was the wag’s response? [2]

6. Which sentences tell us that the tiger’s owner had great respect for the tiger? [2]

2010

They pass me everyday, on their way to school—boys and girls from the surrounding villages and the outskirts of the
hill station. There are no school buses plying for these children : they walk.
For many of them, it’s a very long walk to school.
Ranbir, who is ten, has to climb the mountain from his village, four miles distant and two thousand feet below the
town level. He comes in all weathers, wearing the same pair of cheap shoes until they have almost fallen apart.
Ranbir is a cheerful soul. He waves to me whenever he sees me at my window. Sometimes he brings me cucumbers
from his father’s field. I pay him for the cucumbers; he uses the money for books or for small things needed at home.
Many of the children are like Ranbir-poor, but slightly better off than what their parents were at the same age. They
cannot attend the expensive residential and private schools that abound here, but must go to the government aided
schools with only basic facilities. Not many of their parents managed to go to school. They spent their lives working
in the fields or delivering milk in the hill station. The lucky ones got into the army. Perhaps Ranbir will do something
different when he grows up.
He has yet to see a train but he sees planes flying over the mountains almost every day.
“How far can a plane go?” he asks.
“All over the world,” I tell him. “Thousands of miles in a day. You can go almost anywhere.”
“I’ll go round the world one day,” he vows. “I’ll buy a plane and go everywhere!”
And may be he will. He has a determined chin and a defiant look in his eye. Up to a few years ago, very few girls in
the hills or in the villages of India went to school. They helped in the home until they were old enough to be married,
which wasn’t very old. But there are now just as many girls as there are boys going to school.
Bindra is something of an extrovert—confident fourteen year old who chatters away as she hurries down the road
with her companions. Her father is a forest guard and knows me quite well: I meet him on my walks through the
deodar woods behind Landour. And I had grown used to seeing Bindra almost every day. When she did not put in an
appearance for a week. I asked her brother if anything was wrong.
“Oh, nothing,” he says, “she is helping my mother cut grass.
Soon the monsoon will end and the grass will dry up. So we cut it now and store it for the cows in winter.”
“And why aren’t you cutting grass too?”
“Oh, I have a cricket match today,” he says, and hurries away to join his team mates. Unlike his sister, he puts
pleasure before work!
Cricket, once the game of the elite has become the game of the masses. On any holiday, in any part of this vast
country, groups of boys can be seen making their way to the nearest field, or open patch of land, with bat, ball and
any other cricketing gear that they can cobble together. Watching some of them play; I am amazed at the quality of
talent, at the finesse with which they bat or bowl. Some of the local teams are as good, if not better, than any from
the private schools, where there are better facilities. But boys from these poor or lower middle-class families will
never get the exposure that is necessary to bring them to the attention of those who select state or national teams.
They will never get near enough to the men of influence and power. They must continue to play for the love of the
game, or watch their more fortunate heroes’ exploits on television.

(a) Give the meanings of the following words as used in the passage.
One word answers or short phrases will he accepted. [3]

1. defiant (line 22)

2. elite (line 37)

3. exposure (line 43)

(b) Answer the following questions briefly in your own words:

1. In what way are the children better off than their parents? [2]

2. What was Ranbir’s ambition? [2]

3. How has the fate of girls changed? [2]

4. In what way was her brother different from Bindra? [2]

5. Why is the narrator amazed? [2]

6. Why does the author call the heroes on television ‘fortunate’? [2]

(c) In not more than 60 words, relate what difficulties the children face in their daily lives. How does the author feel
about it? [8]
(d) Give a title to your summary in 3(c). State a reason to justify your c