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08 0 SEAT NUMBER

2025 II 00 1100 J-000 (E)

ENGLISH (01)

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MODEL QUESTION PAPER - 1

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Time : 3 Hrs. 8 Pages Max. Marks : 80

General Instructions:
(1) Each activity has to be answered in complete sentence/sentences. Answers written in only one word

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will not be given complete credit. Only the correct activity number written in case of options will not
be given any credit.
(2) Web diagrams, flow charts, tables etc. are to be presented exactly as they are with answers.
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(3) 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.)
(4) Multiple answers to the same activity will be treated as wrong and will not be given any credit.
(5) Maintain the sequence of the Sections/ Question Nos./Activities throughout the activity sheet.

SECTION I : PROSE
(Reading for Comprehension, Language Study, Summary, Mind Mapping)
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Q.1. (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: [12 Marks]
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Punctually at midday he opened his bag and spread out his professional equipment,
which consisted of a dozen cowrie shells, a square piece of cloth with obscure mystic charts
on it, a notebook, and a bundle of palmyra writing. His forehead was resplendent with
sacred ash and vermilion, and his eyes sparkled with a sharp abnormal gleam which was
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really an outcome of a continual searching look for customers, but which his simple clients
took to be a prophetic light and felt comforted. The power of his eyes was considerably
enhanced by their position-placed as they were between the painted forehead and the dark
whiskers which streamed down his cheeks : even a half-wit’s eyes would sparkle in such a
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setting. To crown the effect he wound a saffron-coloured turban around his head. This
colour scheme never failed. People were attracted to him as bees are attracted to cosmos or
dahlia stalks. He sat under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree which flanked a path
running through the Town Hall Park. It was a remarkable place in many ways. A surging
crowd was always moving up and down this narrow road from morning till night. A variety
of trades and occupations was represented all along its way : medicine sellers, sellers of
stolen hardware and junk, magicians, and above all, an auctioneer of cheap cloth, who
created enough din all day to attract the whole town. Next to him in vociferousness came a
vendor of fried groundnut, who gave his ware a fancy name each day, calling it “Bombay
Ice Cream” one day and on the next “Delhi Almond,” and on the third “Raja’s Delicacy,”
and so on and so forth, and people flocked to him. A considerable portion of this crowd
dallied before the astrologer too. The astrologer transacted his business by the light of a
flare which crackled and smoked up above the groundnut heap nearby. Half the
enchantment of the place was due to the fact that it did not have the benefit of municipal

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lighting. The place was lit up by shop lights. One or two had hissing gaslights, some had
naked flares stuck on poles, some were lit up by old cycle lamps, and one or two, like the
astrologer, managed without lights of their own. It was a bewildering crisscross of light
rays and moving shadows. This suited the astrologer very well, for the simple reason that
he had not in the least intended to be an astrologer when he began life; and he knew no
more of what was going to happen to others than he knew what was going to happen to
himself next minute. He was as much a stranger to the stars as were his innocent customers.
Yet he said things which pleased and astonished everyone : that was more a matter of
study, practice, and shrewd guesswork. All the same, it was as much an honest man’s
labour as any other, and he deserved the wages he carried home at the end of a day.
A1. State whether the following statements are True or False. Correct the False statements. (2)
i. The astrologer’s professional equipment included a simple chart and a notebook.

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ii. The astrologer sat under the boughs of a tamarind tree situated outside the Town Hall Park.
iii. A considerable portion of the crowd that stopped by the fried groundnut vendor dallied before the

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astrologer too.
iv. The astrologer knew much more about the stars than his innocent customers did.

A2. How could the astrologer tell the person about his life? (2)

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A3. What do you understand by the author’s statement that the astrologer deserved the wages
he carried home at the end of the day? (2)

A4. Do you think that one can’t judge a person by his or her appearance? (2)
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A5. Do as Directed:. (2)
i. People were attracted to him as bees are attracted to cosmos or dahlia stalks.
(Change to Active Voice)

ii. The colour scheme never failed. (Change to Affirmative)

A6. Fill in the blanks using appropriate words from the ones provided below: (2)
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(half-wit, flickering, prophetic, shrewd)

i. While she claims she has _______ vision, none of her predictions have ever been correct.
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ii. Please speak sensibly in the gathering and avoid being viewed as a _______.
iii. Jignesh is a _______ businessman with much practical knowledge of the market.
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iv. The electric bulb had been _______ for a while before it fused.

(B) Grammar / Language Study (Non-Textual Grammar) – [4 Marks]

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B1. Do as directed. (3)

i. I know that he has completed the assignment. (Rewrite as a Simple sentence)

ii. Chennai is hotter than Mumbai. (Rewrite as a Negative sentence)

iii. I can solve this problem. (Pick out the Modal Auxiliary and state its function)

B2. Spot the error in the following sentence. (1)

i. When students stays up all night, they are not alert in the morning.

Q.2. (A) Read the following passage and answer the questions given below: [18 Marks]

One afternoon in 1977, as his parents and two brothers fished in the Gulf of Mexico, 12-year-
old. Michael Dell sat on the beach, painstakingly putting together a trotline – a maze of ropes to
which several fish hooks could be attached. “You’re wasting your time,” the rest of the family
called to Michael, as they pulled in a fish. “Grab a pole and join in the fun.”

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Activity Sheets with Solutions
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Michael kept working. It was dinner time when he finished, and everyone else was ready to
call it a day. Still, the youngster cast the trotline far into the water, anchoring it to a stick that he
plunged deep in the sand.
Over dinner his family teased young Michael about coming away empty-handed. But
afterwards Michael reeled in his trotline, and on the hooks were more fish than the others had
caught all together!
Michael Dell has always been fond of saying, “If you think you have a good idea, try it!” And
today, at 29, he has discovered the power of another good idea that has helped him rise in just a few
years from teen to tycoon. He has become the fourth-largest manufacturer of personal computers in
America and the youngest man ever to head Fortune 500 corporation.
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Michael and his two brothers were imbued by their parents,

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Alexander and Lorraine – he an orthodontist, she a stockbroker – with the desire to learn and the
drive to work hard. Even so, stories about the middle boy began to be told early.

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Like the time a saleswoman came asking to speak to “Mr. Michael Dell” about his getting a
high-school equivalency diploma. Moments later, eight-year-old Michael was explaining that he
thought it might be a good idea to get high school out of the way.

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A1. Arrange the following events of how Michael was successful in catching more fish in the order of their
occurrence. (2)
i. Michael cast the trotline far into the water.
ii. Michael painstakingly put together a trotline  a maze of ropes to which several fish hooks could be
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attached.
iii. Michael reeled in his trotline and succeeded in catching more fish than all the others had caught.
iv. Michael anchored the trotline to a stick that he plunged deep in the sand.

A2. Say whether the following statements about Michael Dell are true or false. Correct the false
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statements. (2)
i. Michael Dell and his brothers grew up in the Gulf of Mexico.
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ii. Over dinner, Michael’s family teased him for having caught no fish.
iii. Michael fondly says that if one has a good idea, one should try it.
iv. Michael’s parents only imbued his two brothers with the desire to learn and the drive to work hard.
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A3. Michael had already achieved a lot by the time he was 29. Justify. (2)

A4. Personal Response:

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Michael says, “If you think you have a good idea, try it!” Do you agree or disagree?
Explain your view in detail. (2)

A5. Language study:

Do as directed. (2)
i. Over dinner his family teased young Michael about coming away empty-handed.
(Change the Voice)
ii. He is the youngest man ever to head a Fortune 500 Corporation.
(Change the Degree)

A6. Vocabulary:
Give meanings of the following word / phrase and make a meaningful sentence with it. (2)
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(B) Summary Writing:
With the help of the given points, write a summary of the above passage and suggest a suitable title
for it. (3)
i. First good idea
ii. Current achievements
iii. Upbringing
iv. Critical thinking

(C) Mind Mapping:

Prepare a mind map on the topic ‘Human Interest’ using your ideas, flow, design and structure. (3)

SECTION II: POETRY AND APPRECIATION

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Q.3. (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: [10 Marks]

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No stir in the air, no stir in the sea,
The ship was as still as she could be,
Her sails from heaven received no motion,
Her keel was steady in the ocean.

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Without either sign or sound of their shock
The waves flow’d over the Inchcape Rock;
So little they rose, so little they fell,
They did not move the Inchcape Bell.
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The Abbot of Aberbrothok
Had placed that bell on the Inchcape Rock;
On a buoy in the storm it floated and swung,
And over the waves its warning rung.
When the Rock was hid by the surge’s swell,
The mariners heard the warning bell;
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And then they knew the perilous Rock,

And blest the Abbot of Aberbrothok.
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A1. Pick out the lines from the extract which mean the following: (2)
i. The wind and the sea were calm.
ii. The under-frame of the ship stayed firm in its position.
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iii. During a storm, the bell would swing on the float.

iv. The mariners felt a sense of gratitude towards the Abbot.
A2. Give reasons for the sailor’s appreciation of the Abbot. (2)
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A3. Personal Response:

Describe an incident where you went out of your way to help others. (2)
A4. Poetic Device:
Write the rhyme scheme of the given extract. (2)
A5. Poetic creativity:
Compose 4 to 6 lines on ‘sea’. (2)
(B) Appreciation:
Read the extract and write the appreciation with the help of the following points: [4 Marks]
i. About the poem/poet and the title ii. Theme
iii. Poetic style iv. The language/poetic devices used in the poem
v. Special features vi. Message, values, morals in the poem
vii. Your opinion about the poem

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Activity Sheets with Solutions
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My father travels on the late evening train Eating a stale chapati, reading a book.
Standing among silent commuters in the yellow light He goes into the toilet to contemplate
Suburbs slide past his unseeing eyes Man’s estrangement from a man-made world.
His shirt and pants are soggy and his black raincoat Coming out he trembles at the sink,
Stained with mud and his bag stuffed with books The cold water running over his brown hands,
Is falling apart. His eyes dimmed by age A few droplets cling to the greying hair on his wrists.
Fade homeward through the humid monsoon night. His sullen children have often refused to share
Now I can see him getting off the train Jokes and secrets with him.
Like a word dropped from a long sentence. He will now go to sleep
He hurries across the length of the grey platform, Listening to the static on the radio, dreaming
Crosses the railway line, enters the lane, Of his ancestors and grandchildren, thinking
His chappals are sticky with mud, but he hurries Of nomads entering a subcontinent through a narrow
onward. pass.

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Home again, I see him drinking weak tea,

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SECTION III: WRITING SKILLS
Q.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
Rajat comes home from school and finds the door locked. Since he has a duplicate key he

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enters and finds a note from his mother kept on the table. In it she explains that she had to rush
to the hospital with Mrs Manohar, their neighbour, who had met with an accident. She has also
written that he should have the rice and curry kept on the dining table for lunch. He could heat
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the food in the microwave oven if he wanted to, but he should be very careful while handling
the switch.
Draft the message which Rajat’s mother left for him.
OR
ii Statement of Purpose:
You are an avid animal lover. You have a pet dog and some love birds at home. You are
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extremely fond of them. You have been a member of bird watcher’s club. You have loved
going on a safari. You have taken care of orphan animals, or animals who are hurt. In school
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you loved Biology. You wish to make a career in this field. The University of Cambridge offers
an excellent course/programme which would boost your career. Make a Statement of Purpose
which will help you to get admission to this University.
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OR
iii. Group Discussion:
Prepare the arguments for group discussion on the topic -
‘A balanced progress never harms the Nature.’
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B. Attempt any one of the following: (4)

i. E-mail writing:
You are looking forward to start a Computer Institute in your area. You initially need 20 PCs.
Prepare / Draft an E-mail to the city-dealer of DELL Computers demanding a moderate quotation
for the same (in about 100-150 words).
OR
ii. Report writing:
You are a representative of the N. S. S. unit of your college. Write a brief report of the camp in
which various social activities including cleanliness have been conducted by all the
participants.

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 6/J
OR
iii. Interview Questions:
Imagine that you have met with the topper in M.P.S.C. Examination. You wish to interview of
him/her to know his/her journey of success. Prepare a set of 8 to 10 questions to be asked.
C. Attempt any one of the following: (4)
i. Speech Writing:
You intend to take part in the intercollegiate elocution contest. One of the topics therein is ‘Stop
Cruelty to Animals and Birds’. Prepare a speech on it in about 100 words.
OR
ii. Compering:
A handicraft exhibition is being organized in your college. You are given the task to compere the

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inaugural function. Write the script for compering.

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OR
iii. Expansion of Idea:
Expand the following idea by using the points 
‘Argument is the worst kind of communication’

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 Negative emotions when arguing
 Creates separation
 Fails to convey message
 Benefits of calm communication
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D. Attempt any one of the following: (4)
i. Review:
You have recently read a famous magazine. Write a ‘Review’ on the same with the help of the
following points:
✓ Title of the magazine ✓ Subject and Content
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✓ Language/Style/Presentation ✓ Special features/Attractions

OR
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ii. Blog Writing:

Write a blog in appropriate format on “Necessity of Social awareness” regarding cleanliness / Hygiene in
about 100 to 150 words.
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OR
iii. Appeal:
Prepare an appeal against the harmful effect of smoking and chewing tobacco with the help of following points.
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i. Prepare an attractive slogan

ii. Use a logo / picture
iii. Use attractive language
iv. Stress the evils of smoking and chewing tobacco

SECTION IV: LITERARY GENRE - NOVEL

Q.5. (A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions: [4 Marks]
1. Match the columns: (2)
A B
i. Oroonoku a. Joseph Conard
ii. The Heart of Darkness b. John Bunyan
iii. Frankenstein c. Aphra Behn
iv. The Pilgrim’s Progress d. Mary Shelly

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2. Pick out the odd element from the group.
i. Arun Joshi, Vikram Seth, Graham Greene, Kiran Nagarkar (2)
(B) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: [4 Marks]
1. Describe in brief the purpose of organising the half-yearly report programme of Students’ Council. (2)
2. ‘When the turn of my class came I sat up anxiously’. Why was the narrator anxious? Explain the
statement by citing suitable references from the extract of 'To Sir, with Love. (2)
(C) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: [4 Marks]
1. Phileas Fogg is as cool as a cucumber whereas Passepartout is as crazy as a loon. Explain the
statement by citing some references from the extract of ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ (2)
2. What type of novel is ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’? Give a brief explanation for your
answer. (2)

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(D) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: [4 Marks]

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1. The extract begins when Mary Morstan meets Sherlock Holmes at his house. After that Holmes,
Dr. Watson and Mary visit some places in London. Explain in detail the various places mentioned in
the extract of ‘The Sign of Four’. (2)
2. Describe the character of Mary Morstan from Dr. Watson’s point of view. (2)

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SPACE FOR ROUGH WORK

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Activity Sheets with Solutions
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08 0 SEAT NUMBER

2024 II 21 1100 J-801 (E)

ENGLISH (01)

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BOARD QUESTION PAPER - 2024

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Time : 3 Hrs. 8 Pages Max. Marks : 80

General Instructions:

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(1) 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.
(2) Web diagrams, flow charts, tables etc. are to be presented exactly as they are with answers.
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(3) 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.)
(4) Multiple answers to the same activity will be treated as wrong and will not be given any credit.
(5) Maintain the sequence of the Sections/ Question Nos./Activities throughout the activity sheet.

SECTION I : PROSE
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(Reading for Comprehension, Language Study, Summary, Mind Mapping)

Q. 1. (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: (12) [16 Marks]
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This is what Camus meant when he said that “what gives value to travel is fear” –
disruption, in other words, (or emancipation) from circumstance, and all the habits behind
which we hide. And that is why many of us travel not in search of answers, but of better
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questions. I, like many people, tend to ask questions of the places I visit, and relish most the
ones that ask the most searching questions back of me: “The ideal travel book,” Christopher
Isherwood once said, “should be perhaps a little like a crime story in which you’re in search of
something.” And it’s the best kind of something, I would add, if it’s one that you can never
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quite find.
I remember, in fact, after my first trips to Southeast Asia, more than a decade ago, how I
would come back to my apartment in New York, and lie in my bed, kept up by something more
than jet lag, playing back, in my memory, over and over, all that I had experienced, and paging
wistfully through my photographs and reading and re-reading my diaries, as if to extract some
mystery from them. Anyone witnessing this strange scene would have drawn the right
conclusion: I was in love.
When we go abroad is that we are objects of scrutiny as much as the people we
scrutinize, and we are being consumed by the cultures we consume, as much on the road as
when we are at home. At the very least, we are objects of speculation (and even desire) who can
seem as exotic to the people around us as they do to us.
All, in that sense, believed in “being moved” as one of the points of taking trips, and
“being transported” by private as well as public means; all saw that “ecstasy” (“ex-stasis”) tells
us that our highest moments come when we’re not stationary, and that epiphany can follow
movement as much as it precipitates it.
English Yuvakbharati
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A1. Read and rewrite the following sentences and state whether they are True or False: (2)
(i) A traveller may sink in love with his travel-memoirs.
(ii) One gets inspected as he inspects the world around him.
(iii) Quest for something may end in more mystery.
(iv) Staying in comfort at home gives one more happiness than travelling.
A2. Match the persons given in column ‘A’ with opinions/characteristics given in column ‘B’: (2)
Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’
(i) Narrator (a) ideal travel should be like a crime story.
(ii) Camus (b) in love with his memoirs.
(iii) Isherwood (c) more happy when on move.
(iv) Traveller (d) fear gives value to travel.

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A3. Give reasons: (2)

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“We are objects of scrutiny,” because _______
(i) _______ (ii) _______
A4. “Travelling is an interesting teacher.” Write your views in 3-4 sentences. (2)
A5. Do as directed: (2)

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(i) I like to ask questions of the places I visit.
(Choose the correct tense form of the above sentence
from the following options and rewrite.)
(a) Simple past tense (b) Simple present tense
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(c) Past perfect tense (d) Present perfect tense
(ii) I would come back to my apartment in New York.
(Choose the correct option using ‘used to’ for
the given sentence and rewrite.)
(a) I use to come back to my apartment in New York.
(b) I have used to come back to my apartment in New York.
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(c) I used to come back to my apartment in New York.

(d) I had used to come back to my apartment in New York.
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A6. Find out the words from passage which mean: (2)
(i) reminiscence
(ii) exhilaration
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B1. Language study- (4)

Do as directed:
(i) Avneesh said, “Sanchit, what are you doing in the garden at this time?” (1)
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(Identify and rewrite the correct ‘indirect

narration’ from the following options.)
(a) Avneesh asked Sanchit what he was doing in the garden at that time.
(b) Avneesh wanted to know from Sanchit his cause of being there in the garden.
(c) Avneesh asked Sanchit whether he was present in the garden at that time.
(d) Avneesh asked Sanchit whether he was doing in the garden at that time.
(ii) Neeraj Chopra may not participate in the world championship due to ankle injury. (1)
(Choose the correct option from the following sentences
which uses a more definite modal auxiliary.)
(a) Neeraj Chopra cannot participate in the world championship due to ankle injury.
(b) Neeraj Chopra will not participate in the world championship due to ankle injury.
(c) Neeraj Chopra should not participate in the world championship due to ankle injury.
(d) Neeraj Chopra might not participate in the world championship due to ankle injury.

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(iii) Unless you are confident, you will not succeed. (1)
(Choose the correct option from the following options
to change the sentence beginning with ‘If.....’)
(a) If you are confidence you will get success.
(b) If you have confidence you will get success.
(c) If you are confident you will not get success.
(d) If you are not confident you will get success.
B2. Spot the error and rewrite correct sentence: (1)
He prescribe medicine alongwith a few exercises to his patients.
Q. 2. (A) Read the following extract and complete the activities given below: (12) [18 Marks]
Love is a great force in private life; it is indeed the greatest of all things; but love in
public affairs does not work. It has been tried again and again; by the people of the Middle

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Ages, and also by the French Revolution, a secular movement which reasserted the
Brotherhood of Man. And it has always failed. The idea that nations should love one another,

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or that business concerns or marketing boards should love one another or that a man in
Portugal should love a man in Peru of whom he has never heard – it is absurd, unreal,
dangerous. ‘Love is what is needed,’ we chant, and then sit back and the world goes on as
before. The fact is we can only love what we know personally. And we cannot know much. In
public affairs, in the rebuilding of civilization, something much less dramatic and emotional
is needed, namely tolerance. Tolerance is a very dull virtue. It is boring. It is negative. It

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merely means putting up with people, being able to stand things. No one has ever written an
ode to tolerance, or raised a statute to her. Yet this is the quality which will be most needed
after the war. This is the sound state of mind which we are looking for. This is the only force
which will enable different races and classes and interests to settle down together to the work
of reconstruction.
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The world is very full of people  appallingly full; it has never been so full before, and
they are all tumbling over each other. Most of these people one doesn’t know and some of
them one doesn’t like. Well, what is one to do? If you don’t like people, put up with them as
well as you can. Don’t try to love them; you can’t. But try to tolerate them. On the basis of
that tolerance a civilized future may be built. Certainly I can see no other foundation for the
post-war world.
A1. Choose two correct alternatives which define the theme of the extract: (2)
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(i) Love is a greater force in private as well as in public affairs.

(ii) To rebuild civilization we need tolerance more than love.
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(iii) Patience is the solution in any sort of confrontation.

(iv) When you do not like people, nations or civilizations, you need to love them to change them.
A2. Complete the following table with the help of the extract: (2)
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Give one merit and one demerit of ‘Love’ and ‘Patience.’

Love (i) ______________.
(ii) ______________.
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Patience (i) ______________.

(ii) ______________.
A3. Write how we can build up a civilized society; with the help of the extract. (2)
A4. ‘Love and tolerance are the true indicators of a civilized person.’ Justify. (2)
A5. Do as directed: (2)
(i) It has been tried again and again.
(Identify the correct Active Voice of the above sentence from the
given options and rewrite.)
(a) They had tried it again and again.
(b) They has tried it again and again.
(c) They tried it again and again.
(d) They have tried it again and again.

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(ii) It is the sound state of mind which we are looking for.
(Identify the correct simple sentence from the given options and rewrite.)
(a) It is the sound state of mind and we are looking for it.
(b) We are looking for the sound state of mind.
(c) We are looking for it but it is the sound state of mind.
(d) The sound state of mind is looked for.
A6. Match the words in column ‘A’ with their meanings in column ‘B’. (2)

Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’

(i) Secular (a) feeling of great friendship and
understanding between people.
(ii) Absurd (b) a society which has its own highly

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developed culture and ways of life.

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(iii) Civilization (c) not connected with any religion.
(iv) Brotherhood (d) not at all logical or sensible.

(B) Summarising: (3)

Write a ‘summary’ of the above extract by using the following points.

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(Love as a force – its limitations – tolerance – need of tolerance)
(C) Mind Mapping: (3)
Prepare a mind map on ‘Effects of Music on Human Life’ using your ideas/thoughts/concepts to
illustrate.
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SECTION II: POETRY AND APPRECIATION
Q. 3. (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below: (10) [14 Marks]
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
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Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellowed to that tender light
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Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
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Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
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How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
A1. Select and write the two statements from the given list which justify the theme of the poem. (2)
(i) The poet is blunt and direct in his expression of love.
(ii) Internal beauty is as important as the external beauty.
(iii) The poet is in love with lady’s outward beauty.
(iv) Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder.

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Activity Sheets with Solutions
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A2. Complete the following web describing the various aspects of the lady’s beauty. One is done for
you at the centre place. (2)
her hair her eyes
_______ _______
_______ _______
Lady’s beauty -
a cloudless
her mind starry night her smile
_______ _______
_______ _______

A3. Write your idea of ‘a beautiful person’ in your own words. (2)
A4. Find out and explain an example of ‘Antithesis’ from the given extract. (2)

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A5. Compose a poem of your own in about 2 to 4 lines on the topic ‘Beauty’. (2)

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(B) Appreciation: (4)
Read the extract and write the appreciation of the poem:
They hear no sound, the swell is strong;
Though the wind hath fallen they drift along,
Till the vessel strikes with a shivering shock,-

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‘O Christ! it is the Inchcape Rock!’
Sir Ralph the Rover tore his hair;
He curst himself in his despair;
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The waves rush in every side,
The ship is sinking beneath the tide.
But even in his dying fear
One dreadful sound could the Rover hear,
A sound as if with the Inchcape Bell,
The Devil below was ringing his knell.
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Q.4. Complete the activities as per the instructions given below: [16 Marks]
pl

(A) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities: (4)

(i) Drafting a virtual message:
Manisha, a graduate girl, misses her college bus. Her father has gone for his regular
morning walk. She needs his bike to appear for her entrance test. Draft a virtual message
m

in about 50 words that she would write to her father.

OR
(ii) Statement of Purpose:
Sa

Imagine, after your HSC, you wish to pursue a degree in ‘Bachelors in Communication
Skills,’ in a reputed university in India or abroad.
Prepare a ‘statement of purpose’ (SOP) in about 150 words which will help you to get
admission in your dream university.
OR
(iii) Group Discussion:
Imagine, your class has attended a guest lecture on “Career Development.” Write the
group discussion in the form of dialogues associated with this lecture among 3 to 4
student participants.
(B) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities: (4)
(i) E-mail:
Draft an E-mail to the manager of a company to request him/her to give you an
opportunity as an apprentice to serve you as an experience for your career development.

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OR
(ii) Report Writing:
Imagine your class attended a session on “How to win?” conducted by an expert speaker.
Write a report on the session especially the relevant points in about 150 words.

OR
(iii) Interview:
Imagine you have to conduct an interview of a ‘Famous Actor.’ With the help of the
format given below, draft questions on the given fields. (Do not change the sequence of
the questions.)

Name of the interviewee:

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Field/Reputation
Date/Venue/Time

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Duration of Interview
Questions
Questions based on:
(1) Motivation (2) Initial Preparation (3) Support
(4) Idols / Gurus / Teachers (5) First Break (6) Public response

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(7) Recognition (8) Goals/Dreams

(C) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities: (4)

(i) Speech:
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Imagine you are preparing for an elocution competition and you wish to speak on the topic
‘Green Revolution.’
Draft a speech in about 150 words on the given topic.

OR
(ii) Compering:
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Imagine you are given the responsibility to ‘compere’ a programme by your college
authorities. You need to prepare your script on the programme titled ‘Cultural Fest 2024.’
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Draft the script to decide the flow of the programme. You may take help of the given points.
 Prayer  Lighting of the lamp  Introduction
 Felicitation  Cultural Fest Programme – Speech of the Chief Guest
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– Presidential address – Prize distribution – Vote of thanks

OR
(iii) Expansion of Idea:
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Expand the following idea with the help of the points given below (100 to 150 words):
‘Manners Maketh Man’
Essential Virtues
– Politeness
– Speech, tone, gestures and action
– To be courteous and amiable
(D) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities: (4)
(i) Review:
You have recently read a famous book/magazine. Write a ‘Review’ on the same with the
help of the following points:
– title, front page, back page – language, features, contents
– Pictures, quality, presentation – Values, vision and variety

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Activity Sheets with Solutions
 7/J
OR
(ii) Blog:
Write a ‘Blog’ in a proper format on ‘Body Language’ with the help of the following
points (100 to 150 words):
● Meaning and features. ● Characteristics and scope
● Benefits/Importance ● Uses/Ways to utilize
OR

(iii) Appeal:
Prepare an ‘Appeal’ on the topic ‘Traffic Rules for Safety Measures’ with the help of the
following points (100 to 150 words):
● Ignorance and lack of knowledge and information

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● Purpose/need of obeyance

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● Avoid accidents / need of society
● Discipline

SECTION IV: LITERARY GENRE - NOVEL

Q.5. (A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions: (4) [16 Marks]

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(i) Match the column: (2)
Column ‘A’ Column ‘B’
(i) Novel (a) Greek Romances
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(ii) 18th Century Literature (b) Middle class readers
(iii) 2nd to 6th Century (c) A long narrative fiction
(iv) Newspapers and magazines (d) Spirit of Realism
(ii) Choose the correct alternatives and rewrite the sentences: (2)
(a) The novel that bears more than one level of meaning is called_______ novel.
(Realistic/Allegorical/Historical)
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(b) _______ novel is concerned with the protagonist’s overall growth from childhood
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to adulthood. (Bildungsroman/Utopian /Gothic)

(c) _______ novel is a novel based on the author’s life.

(Epistolary/Psychological/Autobiographical)
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(d) The novel based on an imaginary community possessing the ideal qualities is
called _______ novel. (Utopian/Epistolary/Picaresque)
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(B) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: (4)

(i) Write a character-sketch of the narrator E.R. Braithwaite in ‘To Sir With Love’. (2)
(ii) Consider ‘student-teacher relationship’ as one of the themes of ‘To Sir With Love’. (2)

(C) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: (4)

(i) Appreciate Phileas Fogg as the protagonist of ‘Around the World in Eighty Days.’ (2)
(ii) The most interesting part of the extract ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ is its climax.
Discuss. (2)

(D) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below: (4)

(i) Mary Morstan encourages Dr. Watson to get involved in her case. Justify the statement
with reference to ‘The Sign of Four.’ (2)
(ii) Write the importance of various places such as ‘Holmes’ residence, Lyceum Theatre and
unknown destination with reference to ‘The Sign of Four.’ (2)

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SPACE FOR ROUGH WORK

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pl
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8  HSC Question Papers &

Activity Sheets with Solutions
 
English Yuvakbharati
Paper Pattern

ENGLISH YUVAKBHARATI : PAPER PATTERN

1. (a) Written Examination : 80 marks
(b) Oral Test : 20 marks
Total : 100 marks
2. Activity Sheet Format for Written Examination : (3 hours)
3.
Distribution of Marks as per the Sections in the Activity Sheet
Sr. No. Name of the Section Marks Marks with Options
i. Prose 34 34
ii. Poetry 14 14
iii. Writing Skills 16 48

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iv. Novel – (As a Genre) 16 16

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Total 80 112
Section – I (Prose)
(Reading for Comprehension, Language Study,
Summary, Mind Mapping)
Q. 1. (A) 6 Activities based on a Textual (Seen) extract of 275-300 words 12 marks

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from Section 1 of the textbook.
A1) Global understanding
A2) Complex factual
A3) Inference/ Interpretation/ Analysis
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A4) Personal response
A5) Language Study 16 Marks
A6) Vocabulary
(B) Language Study: (Non-textual Grammar)
B1. Do as directed/Transformation of Sentences 3 marks
B2. Spot the error/s 1 mark
Q. 2. (A) 6 Activities based on a Non-textual (Unseen)
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extract of 275-300 words 12 marks

A1) Global understanding
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A2) Complex factual

A3) Inference/ Interpretation/ Analysis
A4) Personal response
A5) Language Study
m

A6) Vocabulary 18 Marks

(B) Summary of the extract given in Q.2 (A) 3 marks
Write the summary of the above extract with a suitable title with the help of the
given points/hints.
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(C) Mind Mapping 3 marks

Develop a ‘Mind Mapping’ frame/design using your ideas/ thoughts/ concepts to
illustrate/develop on the given topic.
Section – II (Poetry)
(Poetry Comprehension and Appreciation)
Q. 3. (A) 5 Activities based on a Textual (Seen) extract of about
10-15 lines from Section 2 of the textbook 10 marks
A1) Global understanding
A2) Inference/ Interpretation/ Analysis
A3) Personal response 14 Marks
A4) Poetic Device
A5) Creativity (compose 2-4 lines)
(B) Appreciation of a Textual (Seen) extract of 10-15 lines
From a poem, not asked in Q.3 (A) 4 marks
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 
English Yuvakbharati
Paper Pattern
Section – III (Writing Skills)
Q. 4. Complete the activities as per the instructions given:
(A) Drafting Virtual Messages/Statement of Purpose/Group Discussion 4 marks
(B) Email/Report Writing/Interview 4 marks 16 Marks
(C) Speech/Compering/Expansion of Ideas 4 marks
(D) Review/Blog/Appeal 4 marks
[Note: In A, B, C and D, activities will be framed on all types in each
set as options. Students are required to attempt any one activity from
each set.]
Section – IV (Literary Genre - Novel)

t
Q. 5. (A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions:
(Activities on MCQ/Match the columns/Chronological order/Fill in

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the Blanks/True or False/Elements of Novel OR Any other Novel
Activity)
1. Activities on History of English Novel 2 marks
4 Marks
2. Activities on History of English Novel 2 marks

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(Note: (1) Activities in this section will be based on 4.1
(2) Activities will not be repeated in the sub-questions)
(B) Answer the questions given below in about 50 words each:
(Questions on elements such as Plot/Structure/Theme/Setting/
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Language/Character)
1. Describe/Explain/Compare/Contrast/Name/Discuss 2 marks
4 Marks
2. Illustrate/Interpret/Narrate/Justify/Find/Identify 2 marks
(Note: Activities in this section will be based on 4.2)
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(C) Answer the questions given below in about 50 words each:

(Questions on elements such as Plot/Structure/Theme/Setting/
Language/Character)
pl

1. Describe/Explain/Compare/Contrast/Name/Discuss 2 marks
4 Marks
2. Illustrate/Interpret/Narrate/Justify/Find/Identify 2 marks
m

(Note: Activities in this section will be based on 4.3)

(D) Answer the questions given below in about 50 words each:
(Questions on elements such as Plot/Structure/Theme/Setting/
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Language/Character)
1. Describe/Explain/Compare/Contrast/Name/Discuss 2 marks
4 Marks
2. Illustrate/Interpret/Narrate/Justify/Find/Identify 2 marks
(Note: Activities in this section will be based on 4.4)
Total 80 Marks

2
 Model Activity Sheet Solution - 1
ENGLISH YUVAKBHARATI

Note: Answer to every section must be written on a new page.

SECTION I
Q.1. (A) A1.
i. False
The astrologer’s professional equipment included a mystic chart and a notebook.
[1/2 Mark]
ii. False

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The astrologer sat under the boughs of a spreading tamarind tree which flanked the

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path running through the Town Hall Park. [1/2 Mark]
iii. True [1/2 Mark]
iv. False

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The astrologer was as much a stranger to stars as his innocent customers were.
[1/2 Mark]
Co
A2. The astrologer never opened his mouth till his client had spoken for at least ten
minutes, which provided him enough time to form a dozen answers and advices. He had
a working analysis of mankind’s common troubles. He utilised the time spent in silence
to collate his experience and common understanding of life’s problems to tell the
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person about his life. [2 Marks]

pl

A3. The statement means that the earnings of the astrologer were a result of a hard
day’s work. Even though he did not really know astrology, he did a good job of
m

delighting and convincing his customers by telling them what they wanted to hear.
So, it was as much an honest man’s labour as any other. [2 Marks]
Sa

A4. Yes, I agree that one should not form an opinion of someone purely based on what
appears on the surface. Upon a closer look, the person may turn out to be much
more meritorious than the appearance suggests. On the contrary, someone looking
very virtuous from outside may not prove worthy of the expectations upon a
deeper analysis. This wisdom is aptly captured in the popular proverb “Don’t judge
a book by its cover.” [2 Marks]

A5.
i. He attracted people as cosmos or dahlia stalks attract bees. [1 Mark]
ii. The colour scheme always worked. [1 Mark]
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HSC Question Papers and
Activity Sheets with Solutions

A6.
i. prophetic ii. half-wit
iii. shrewd iv. flickering [2 Marks]

Q.1. (B) B1.

i. I know he completed the assignment. [1 Mark]
ii. Mumbai is not hotter than Chennai. [1 Mark]
iii. Modal Auxiliary: can
Function: ability [1 Mark]

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B2.
i. When students stay up all night, they are not alert in the morning. [1 Mark]

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Q.2. (A) A1.
ii. Michael painstakingly put together a trotline  a maze of ropes to which several fish
hooks could be attached.
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i. Michael cast the trotline far into the water.
iv. Michael anchored the trotline to a stick that he plunged deep in the sand.
iii. Michael reeled in his trotline and succeeded in catching more fish than all the others
had caught.
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[2 Marks]
pl

A2.

i. False. Michael Dell and his brothers grew up in Houston, Texas. [1/2 Mark]
m

ii. True [1/2 Mark]

iii. True [1/2 Mark]
iv. False. Michael’s parents imbued him and his two brothers with the desire to learn and
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the drive to work hard.

[1/2 Mark]

A3. Michael had already achieved a lot by the time he was 29 because he had already
climbed the ladder of success to become the youngest tycoon who headed a Fortune
500 corporation. He was also the fourth-largest manufacturer of personal computers
in America.
[2 Marks]

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English Yuvakbharati
Model Activity Sheet Solution - 1

A4. Yes, I agree with Michael when he says, “If you have a good idea, try it!” As we
read the passage, we realise that nothing would be achieved if people did not put
their ideas into practice. Many great inventions wouldn’t have been possible, had
people kept their great ideas to themselves. To know whether our idea works, we
must first try it out. [2 Marks]

A5.
i. Young Michael was teased by his family over dinner about coming away empty-handed.
[1 Mark]

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ii. No man as young as him has ever headed a Fortune 500 Corporation. (Positive)

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He is younger than any other man ever to head a Fortune 500 Corporation.
(Comparative) [1 Mark]

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A6. mocked, made fun of [1 Mark]
The young boy was teased by his friends after he failed the exams. [1 Mark]
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Q.2. (B) Inside the Mind of Michael Dell
In 1977, a 12-year-old Michael Dell had his first good idea. By putting together a
trotline, he caught more fish than the others in his family did all together. Today,
at the age of 29 he has become the fourth-largest manufacturer of personal
e

computers in America. His parents had imbued in him and his brothers the desire
to learn and the drive to work hard. Even at the age of 8, Michael was able to
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explain to a saleswoman why he planned on attending high school. [3 Marks]

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Q.2. (C)

Human Interest
Sa

Art and activity Travel and adventure Sports and Fitness

 Photography  Tourism  Yoga

 Music  Road trips  Swimming

 Painting  Backpacking  Basketball

 Writing  Extreme sports  Football

[2 marks] Logical flow of ideas/thoughts/concepts

+ [1 mark] Presentation = 03 marks

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HSC Question Papers and
Activity Sheets with Solutions

SECTION II

Q.3. (A) A1.

i. “No stir in the air, no stir in the sea,” [1/2 Mark]
ii. “Her keel was steady in the ocean.” [1/2 Mark]
iii. “On a buoy in the storm it floated and swung,” [1/2 Mark]
iv. “And blest the Abbot of Aberbrothok.” [1/2 Mark]

A2. The Inchcape Rock was infamous for causing a lot of shipwrecks. The Abbot, being a

t
benevolent well-wisher of the sailors, had placed a bell on a buoy that floated over

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the perilous rock. When the waves crashed over the rock, the Inchcape Bell would
ring, thus warning the sailors that the rock was nearby and that they should be
careful as they steer past it. So, the sailors appreciated the Abbot out of gratitude.

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[2 Marks]

A3. I travel to my college on my bike on a fixed route every day. Once while travelling, I
Co
noticed a huge stone had landed on the road and blocked a part of the rock which
resulted in traffic. I saw cars and bikes honking and trying to go around the road and.
I dropped off my bike at the side and in the middle of the traffic went to pick the
stone. I struggled a bit to pick up the stone as it was heavy but eventually was
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successful in getting rid of it. I noticed the people on the bikes and cars suck in the
traffic smiling at me as a way of appreciation which made my day. [2 Marks]
pl

A4. aabb [2 Marks]

m

A5. Sea
The land once pricked the sea,
Sa

Your waves from the shore flee,

And here it’s me,
Grounded unlike thee.
The sea in all its patience quipped in glee,
Oh I see! [2 Marks]

Q.3. (B) ‘Father Returning Home’ by Dilip Chitre is a biographical sketch of the poet’s father. It is
a monologue that deals with the plight of man, where he feels alienated from the very
society that he built. He, thus, goes through the mundane motions of life, having no

10
 
English Yuvakbharati
Model Activity Sheet Solution - 1

connections with either the outside world or even his family and suppresses his emotions
as there is no one with whom he can share them. The poem deals with the themes of
alienation or estrangement, isolation, and the dissolution of the self in the man-made
world. This two-stanza poem, which has been written in the form of a dramatic
monologue, does not follow any rhyme scheme as it is written in free-verse. The lines in
the poem clearly depict the miserable state of man in this busy and crowded world. The
poet uses numerous figures of speech such as Alliteration, Consonance, Metaphor,
Onomatopoeia, Paradox, Personification, Repetition, Simile and Transferred Epithet. An
example of Paradox from the poem is “unseeing eyes”, as the phrase is self-

t
contradictory. The language used by the poet is very simple and straight-forward. It

en
paints a vivid picture of the tiring routine of the poet’s father and communicates his
pathetic condition through the use of various descriptive words. The use of enjambment,
where one line of the poem continues into the next, indicates the succession of the

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worsening state of the father’s condition, whether it’s his isolation from the outside
world in the first stanza or his alienation in his own house in the second stanza. The use
of imagery is clearly evident in the poem. Whether the poet is sketching the image of his
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father as an old man with words like “eyes dimmed by age”, “fade homeward”, “grey
platform”, or describing his father’s appearance “soggy shirt and pants”, “black raincoat
stained with mud”, “chappals sticky with mud”, or comparing the disembarking of his
father from the crowded train as “a word dropped from a long sentence”, the strong use
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of imagery makes the poem thoroughly appealing. The message that the poem conveys is
that of the seclusion of man from the modern world. In today’s fast-paced and humdrum
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life, the only solace that man can find is in his dreams of the past or the future. The
poem also communicates the apathy of the society towards the elderly, who are trying to
m

cope with estrangement in a metropolis. Overall, I find the poem highly relevant to
today’s world. The aspect that I like the most about the poem is the simplicity with which
it conveys a strong message to the readers. [4 Marks]
Sa

SECTION III
Q.4. (A) i.
Message:
19th Sept 12:30 p.m.
Rajat
I have taken Mrs. Manohar to the hospital as she met with an accident. Please have
the rice and curry kept on the dining table for lunch. Warm the food in the microwave
oven if you wish, but kindly be careful while handling the switch.
Mother
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HSC Question Papers and
Activity Sheets with Solutions

Tip: Student should remember to highlight their qualities, life experiences and
uniqueness in such a way that your application should stand out from the rest.
[2 Marks] Content + [1 Mark] Sequence/flow of ideas + [1 Mark]
Appropriateness (language usage) = 4 Marks
OR
ii. Statement of Purpose
My first encounter with the animal kingdom happened when I was five years old. I was
taking a walk in the park with my grandmother, when she spotted a wounded sparrow
lying unconscious on the grass. Together, we brought it home and I began to observe

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my grandmother tend to the bird every day until it got better. It was finally the

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moment to release the healed bird into the sky and I was extremely elated to see it
flutter and fly away. That is when I decided to turn my passion into a lifelong journey.
It will soon be a decade since that day but my love for animals and birds has only

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multiplied. Over the course of time I have contemplated and concluded that I want to
study further on the topic of animal biology. To get a more hands-on understanding of
the subject, I have set up a small home sanctuary where I have rescued many animals
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including my pet dog, cats, sparrows as well as a few love birds.
My school days were laden with a heavy dose of Discovery Channel and Nat Geo
documentaries. It prompted me to take the initiative of starting a Bird Watchers’
Club. Through the club, we embarked on many expeditions in forests and reserved
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zones on the outskirts of my town. After my Std. X examinations, our family vacation
led us onto a safari trip that I enjoyed immensely. I remember returning home with a
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newfound zest to care for animals.

Throughout my academic life, I have conducted various drives that collected money
m

for better care and treatment of animals. With the help of my friends and like-
minded individuals, I have been able to create awareness and encourage support for
my initiatives.
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University of Cambridge is held in high regard when it comes to the course on Animal
Biology & Behaviour. The opportunity to be a part of this course would give wings to
my life-long passion towards the animal kingdom. I also believe that it is the right
course to flourish intellectually as well as sensitively and make a positive impact on
society.
Tip: Student should remember to highlight their qualities, life experiences and
uniqueness in such a way that your application should stand out from the rest.
[2 Marks] Content + [1 Mark] Sequence/flow of ideas
+ [1 Mark] Appropriateness (language usage) = 4 Marks

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English Yuvakbharati
Model Activity Sheet Solution - 1

OR
iii. Evaluator : You’ve all been given a few minutes to think on your topic for today’s
group discussion, which is ‘A balanced progress never harms the
Nature’. You may now begin the discussion. Who would like to start?
Raghav : The world today is driven by progress, that is, progress in all key
aspects of life - construction, transport or communication. With time,
everything has become more complex yet connected.
Ananya : That is true. Technological advancements have led to the invention and
discovery of things, which at one point seemed impossible. It has only

t
made this world a better place to live in.

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Rohan : I agree that technological growth has led to a lot of advancements, but
I beg to differ on the point that it has made the world a better place
to live in. Though we have gained much, we have also lost a lot of things

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in the process. Don’t you think so?
Mitali : I totally agree with Rohan. We have ventured into forest lands, cut
countless trees and are also damaging coastal areas in the bargain.
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Ananya : I would like to point something out. We need to keep progress as our
top priority as we take on the world. However, that should be in sync
with nature. It needs to be balanced, because only then can it be
termed as growth in the true sense.
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Raj : I am afraid I don’t completely agree with that. Keeping the

environment unaffected is very uncertain! Take the example of the
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Mumbai Metro. Numerous trees have been cut which has drastically
reduced the green cover of the city. Also, when we think of Delhi, it is
m

now synonymous with pollution, in spite of being the capital of the

country and one of the most advanced cities in the world
Rohan : Excuse me! I would like to add something here. Even when we look at
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cities like Bangalore, the lakes and gardens are being affected and it
looks like we are losing more than we are gaining. Also, consider the global
scenario, incidents such as the forest fires in the Amazon and most
recently the deadly blaze in Australia are all examples of development and
progress grossly affecting nature.
Raghav : I think I agree with Ananya though. There may be a lot of things to
consider, but growing while maintaining a balance with nature is what we
need to master. Only then will it be true progress.

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HSC Question Papers and
Activity Sheets with Solutions

Raj : I can see your point; but do you mean that progress should come to a
halt? How will we be at par with the developed world if we do not grow at
a rapid pace? I feel progress requires us to be cut throat and
unidirectional, but yes not at the cost of hampering Mother Nature.
Evaluator : All right, everyone. Your time is nearly up. Could someone summarise this
discussion, please?
Ananya : Considering everything spoken about today, I think it would be fair to
conclude that though progress is necessary; it is also a responsibility. We
should focus on dreaming bigger and reaching higher but always conscious

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of the fact that balance is the key and causing minimal damage to the

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environment should always be a priority!
Tip: While writing group discussion, Students should remember to use the appropriate
language and expressions for expressing opinions, expressing agreements,

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expressing disagreements, offering a suggestion, asking for an opinion,
interrupting, handling interruptions and concluding.
[2 Marks] Content + [1 Mark] Use of Proper Format
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+ [1 Mark] Overall Presentation = 4 Marks
Q.4. (B) i.
To [email protected]
Subject Delay in delivery of 50 Ceramic Elephant Figurines due to shortage
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Respected Sir,
I am a resident of Aaram Nagar and I am planning to start a Computer Institute in my area.
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I am writing to demand a quotation for the purchase of 20 computers for said institute.
Please make a note of the specifications I need for these computers:
• •
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Processor: Inter core i5 or higher RAM: 8GB or higher

• Hard Drive: 225GB SSD or higher • Display: 21-inch monitor or larger
• OS: Windows 10 or higher
Sa

I would be very grateful if you could also give me the information about the discounts,
warranties and after-sales services that you offer. With such information, I would be
able to make an informed decision about the purchase.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Sincerely,
Arjun K.

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English Yuvakbharati
Model Activity Sheet Solution - 1

Tip: Students should remember to mention the subject and the recipient of the mail.
[2 Marks] Content + [1 Mark] Use of Proper Format
+ [1 Mark] Overall Presentation = 4 Marks

OR
ii. N.S.S. Social Activities Camp
– Karan Thakur, Student Reporter
Mulund, 12th January, 2020
The N.S.S. unit of the H.G. Acharya College of Arts, Science and Commerce,

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Mulund recently organized a social activities camp in order to instill the idea of social

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welfare in students and to provide service to society in an unbiased manner.
The camp was spread over a period of three days from the 6th of January to the 8th
of January and for each day social activities had been planned. On the first day, the 6th of

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January, all participants took part in a tree plantation drive at the local Sahyadri Ground.
On the second day, the 7th of January, they carried out a march in order to raise
awareness regarding the massive felling of trees in the area during the previous monsoon.
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More than 110 trees were cut down as they posed the danger of getting uprooted due to
strong winds but no new trees were planted to replace them. Finally, on the third day, the
8th of January, a cleanliness drive was on the agenda and the participants were taken to
the beach where they picked up nearly one tonne of garbage over a period of six hours.
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Students learnt a great deal about their responsibility to their community and
returned with a pledge to sincerely devote time and energy to the causes of
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afforestation and cleanliness. All in all, the social activities camp was a huge success.
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Tip: Students should remember to mention the date, place and by-line of the report.
Personal opinions should be avoided.
[2 Marks] Content + [1 Mark] Accuracy of language
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+ [1 Mark] Appropriateness = 4 Marks

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iii. a. Do you believe that the exam has gotten harder or easier over the decades?
b. For how many months did you prepare for the exam? For how many hours did you
study every day?
c. Would you have re-appeared for the exam if you had not cleared it in the first
attempt?
d. What is the biggest challenge one may face while preparing for the exam?
e. How did you prepare for the interview held after the prelims and mains?

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Activity Sheets with Solutions

f. Had it always been your aim in life to work in the public sector?
g. What was your reason behind picking the public sector over the private sector?
h. Do you think there is a stigma attached to working in the public sector?
i. What are your future plans?
j. Is there any advice you would like to give to future aspirants of the exam?
[2 Marks] Appropriate framing of questions + [1 Mark]
Language & Style + [1 Mark] Overall Impression = 4 Marks

Q.4. (C) i. Good morning to all the distinguished guests, my respected teachers and dear friends.

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Today, I will be talking about cruelty towards animals and birds.

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All living beings have an equal right to live freely on earth. But man, with the hunger for
controlling nature and its creatures, began to use animals for various purposes since time
immemorial. Some of his cruel acts include killing elephants to make ivory products from

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their tusks, killing snakes, cows, pigs, etc. to use their skin for making luxury goods,
sacrificing animals to please religious deities, abusing animals like bulls, horses, etc. by
using them for rigorous work and killing birds as a sport activity. These are only a few of
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the numerous examples that highlight the cruelty towards birds and animals.
India has a provision in law called the ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act’ to protect
animals from human torture, but most of the time, it goes unnoticed. It’s shameful
enough that we need laws to control our urge to harm animals, but despite these laws,
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such incidences are on the rise.

As humans, we are blessed with qualities like compassion and empathy. We should make
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use of them and pledge to live in harmony with all living beings. We should remember that
just because animals and birds cannot speak, doesn’t mean they do not feel the pain.
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Thank you.
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Tip: Students should remember to keep a logical flow of the ideas related to the
speech with a proper introduction and conclusion.
[2 Marks] Logical sequence of ideas + [1 Mark] Introduction +
[1 Mark] Conclusion = 4 Marks
OR
ii. Introduction
A very good morning to everyone present here at this function today. On behalf of
T.G.T.I College, I welcome you all to ‘Hastashilp Mela’. This exhibition was envisioned
by our founder chairman

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Model Activity Sheet Solution - 1

Mr. Raghav Dutta in the late-eighties and has been our much-awaited annual event
ever since. Today marks the beginning of this wonder-filled 3-day exhibition of
handicrafts from all over the country. Like each year, this event is brimming with the
Swadeshi spirit. Let us seek the divine blessings by the symbolic lighting of the lamp.
Lighting of the lamp
I now invite on stage our distinguished guest for today, Mr. Rahul Phanse (Chairman of
the Education Council of Maharashtra) to light the lamp as we seek the blessings of God.
Thank you, Mr. Phanse.
About the event

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India is known for its ethnicity. We pride ourselves in being one of the most culturally

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rich countries in the world. India is also immensely fortunate to possess some highly
skilled artisans across the length and breadth of the nation. They are the ones who
have established the legacy of Indian handicrafts and popularised it around the globe.

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Many rural people still earn their livelihood from their creative pieces of art.
It is with this vision to encourage these true sons of the soil that our founder chairman,
Mr. Raghav Dutta had conceptualised this event all those years ago. Today we, the
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students of T.G.T.I College, proudly take this opportunity to nurture his evergreen dream!
I would like to request the students of Std. XI to kick off this beautiful shilp mela
with a Bihu dance native to the state of Assam.
Wow! That was indeed a splendid performance!
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Before I take your leave, I would like to thank all of you for your presence today and
hope that you all will enjoy the exhibition as much as we enjoyed putting it together!
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Tip: Students should remember to keep a smooth transition between the different
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events of the program.

[2 Marks] Connecting events + [1 Mark] Impressive Introduction
+ [1 Mark] Summing up = 4 Marks
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iii. Argument is the worst kind of communication
The Earth is home to many plants, fishes, birds, animals, and us, humans. While
all need oxygen to survive, there is one quality that separates human beings from the
rest of the life on our planet. It is the ability of speech that helps us communicate
with one another. Communication helps two or more people exchange their thoughts,
ideas, feelings, and emotions in a meaningful way. It can be done both verbally, i.e. by
speaking, or non-verbally, i.e. through gestures, writing, signals or behaviour.
Effective communication makes up an integral part of everyday life. Be it a simple

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task such as buying groceries or sharing notes with college-mates, life depends on
interactions. When people don’t agree with each other, they often resort to
arguments to express their displeasure. This leads to complications that are a result
of anger, doubt, misunderstanding, and other negative emotions. It may also end up
distancing people from one another and creating negative perceptions. Therefore, the
above proverb stands as a valuable advice for all those who wish to communicate
effectively. When one uses the power of speech in a calm and assertive manner it
proves to be a win-win situation for everyone around.

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Tip: Students should remember to organize their points and examples logically with

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proper introduction and conclusion.
[2 Marks] Expansion of the idea + [1 Mark] Proper Introduction
+ [1 Mark] Conclusion = 4 Marks

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Q.4. (D)
i. Title of the magazine: Wanderlust is a British travel magazine that is published ten
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times a year. It focuses on covering adventurous, cultural and feature travel. The
magazine stands by its name and is the perfect read for the wanderlust in each one of us.
Subject and Content: It is one of the world's leading magazines that covers
travel, culture, wildlife activities and other information. The magazine explores
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famous and hidden gems of earth's most beautiful, picturesque and interesting
places to travel. It provides research material for anyone planning a tri p. It
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provides inspiration and ideas for trips, with all the necessary details required. It
also includes tips and tricks on several travel and tourism related topics. The
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magazine includes photography tips and ideas too. The magazine also hosts various
travel related contests and competitions, allowing readers to win free trips, weekend
getaways and all sorts of travel guides and gear.
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Language/Style/Presentation: The language of the magazine is simple yet engaging.

It is suitable for everyone, including new readers or travellers with little to no
knowledge. The magazine focuses on maintaining an effective manner of description
while being relevant and concise. The magazine is filled with the most scenic shots of
the location, aptly surrounded by all the necessary information.
Special features/Attractions: The magazine additionally provides personal reviews
regarding travel gear, books and films as well as travel events and festivals. It also
includes celebrity interviews with some of the top celebrities in the travel and
wildlife industry.

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English Yuvakbharati
Model Activity Sheet Solution - 1

Tip: Students should remember to present the theme or storyline keeping in mind the
points given in the questions.
[2 Marks] Presentation of the theme + [1 Mark] Novel Aspects
+ [1 Mark] Overall Presentation = 4 Marks

OR
ii. http://blog.com/
..
.
HOME RECENT POST NEWS TRAVEL ABOUT Search

Cleanliness and Hygiene for a Healthy Life

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Often, we are not motivated to take an action unless we see the utility of said

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action. This may be the fundamental reason why the people in our society do not
pay heed to the messages of cleanliness and hygiene. It is not enough for us to
tell them that ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’. We must make them aware of

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the deadly diseases that may spread due to the piles of rotting garbage right
outside their houses. When it comes to hygiene it may be obvious to us, the
educated, why a person has caught a skin disease. But, if we think about it, we
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would realise that the most people in our society are at a significant
disadvantage when it comes to having answers. They do not understand the
cause-and-effect relationship between cleanliness / hygiene and disease / death.
When spoken to, most of them refer to any disease as ‘the sickness’. Therefore,
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it is time for us to follow another old adage, that of ‘Knowledge is Power’. We

must empower the people in our society with the knowledge of the detrimental,
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sometimes fatal consequences their actions may have. And once we do so, we
would have to do nothing else since people would make the correct decisions in
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their self-interest.

All right reserved 2021

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Tip: Students should remember to mention the header / menu / navigation bar along
with an appropriate footer.

[2 Marks] Main Content + [1 Mark] Header/Menu/Navigation bar

+ [1 Mark] Footer - 01 Mark = 04 Marks

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HSC Question Papers and
Activity Sheets with Solutions

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iii. Tobacco: Death, Disease and Disability
Give up smoking and chewing tobacco and choose a healthy life.
You may be under the impression that tobacco refreshes, however:
 1/3rd of all deaths in the age group of 35 to 69 are due to smoking and
chewing of tobacco.
 Just ‘one trial puff’ leads to addiction.
 Consumption of tobacco invites hypertension, coronary heart diseases and cancer.
Thus, Stay away to be safe

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TOBACCO KILLS

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Put it out before it puts you out!

Tip: Students should remember to use motivational message, phrases to present the

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appeal in a more impactful way.
[2 Marks] Presentation of Content + [1 Mark] Convincing Language
+ [1 Mark] Motivational Message = 04 Marks
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SECTION IV
Q.5. (A) 1.
A B
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i. Oroonoku Aphra Behn

ii. The Heart of Darkness Joseph Conard
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iii. Frankenstein Mary Shelly

iv. The Pilgrim’s Progress John Bunyan
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[2 Marks]
2.
i. Graham Greene. All the others are authors of Indian origin. [2 Marks]
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Q.5. (B) 1. The half-yearly report programme was an important event for the Students’ Council
where students presented their studies to teachers and peers. The main purpose was
to analyze and discuss academic progress, with students outlining their learning, giving
teachers a clear picture of their understanding, and helping decide the structure of
the remaining academic year.
Another significant aspect was the panel discussion. Students chose a panel of
teachers to whom they asked questions about the reports. Teachers were not
informed of their selection beforehand, ensuring students had a say in their academic

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English Yuvakbharati
Model Activity Sheet Solution - 1

progress. Additionally, the programme allowed students to showcase organizational

skills, engage in school activities, voice opinions, and raise concerns. An example is
Denham’s blunt criticism of the P.T. class, demonstrating how the programme helped
students express their views. [2 Marks]

2. The half-yearly report of the Students’ Council measured the students’ progress in
the first half of the year, which had begun after Easter. At the beginning of that
year, Braithwaite’s students had been rude, ill-mannered, and disinterested in their
courses. However, through innovative teaching methods, Braithwaite had built a

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strong student-teacher relationship based on mutual respect. His patience and

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genuine care for the students led to a transformation in their attitudes.
Braithwaite knew that on the day of the event, all eyes would be on the students. He
notes that it “was one of the important days in the calendar of the Greenslade

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School.” The students' reports were an overview of what they had learnt with
Braithwaite and were a measure of his hard work. Additionally, the event allowed
Braithwaite to observe them as an audience member, making him “as excited as the
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children as the day approached.”
The day finally arrived and Braithwaite took his seat in the audience. The reports
would reveal if the students had truly learnt something from their courses,
emphasizing “what they understood rather than what they were expected to learn.”
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Braithwaite realized this was a test of his teaching skills, and whether he succeeded
depended on his class's report. Thus, when it was time for his students to present, he
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was anxious about their performance and sat up straight in his seat.
[2 Marks]
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Q.5. (C) 1. Passepartout’s personality is completely opposite to Fogg’s. While Fogg is serious and
meticulous, Passepartout is comical and clumsy. Fogg is worldly, rational, and capable
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of making informed decisions after carefully studying any situation, while

Passepartout is naive, gullible, and tends to get carried away. This is evident when he
is easily manipulated by Fix into hiding Fix’s true motives, resulting in Fogg’s arrest in
Liverpool.
Passepartout is eager, energetic, and excited by everything, unlike Fogg, who always
remains calm even under trying circumstances. When Fogg is arrested in Liverpool and
realizes he may lose the bet, he remains calm and composed despite the setback.
Passepartout, however, is overwhelmed by guilt and emotion, “weeping till he was
blind” and feeling desperate.

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HSC Question Papers and
Activity Sheets with Solutions

When it becomes clear that Fogg has lost the bet, he remains calm and rational,
thinking about his next steps. In contrast, Passepartout is “tortured by remorse,”
anxious, and worried about his master. He urges Fogg to react with anger, but Fogg
stays calm. Passepartout even asks Aouda to talk to Fogg, and he keeps a constant
watch on him, fearing something terrible might happen. He becomes so restless that
he seeks Aouda’s company, feeling too wretched to remain alone.
Thus, Passepartout’s emotional, impulsive, and energetic personality contrasts sharply
with Fogg’s calm and contemplative nature. [2 Marks]

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2. ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ is an adventure novel. An adventure novel is a work of

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fiction in which the key element is excitement and often danger. Such a novel features a
fast-paced, action-packed plot in which the main character must complete a task or
accomplish a mission in a fixed amount of time. The story usually takes place in a variety

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of settings and takes the reader through many fascinating encounters while ending in a
thrilling climax.
‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ is one such exciting and thrilling tale, in which the main
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character, Phileas Fogg, must complete a trip around the world in eighty days. The story
follows Fogg’s epic journey to many wonderful places in various parts of the world and
ends with an incredible turn of events. Thus, ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ is clearly
an adventure novel. [2 Marks]
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Q.5. (D) 1. As the trio headed towards the Lyceum Theatre in their cab, Dr. Watson described
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the September evening as dull, with a thick misty fog that lay low upon the great city
and mud-coloured clouds slowly moving over the muddy streets. The first place they
come across is the Strand, where the street lamps look like misty spots of dim light,
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casting a faint circular glow upon the wet pavement. The bright yellow lights in the
shop windows shone out into the steamy, foggy air and threw a misty, irregular glow
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across the crowded street. The faces of countless people who passed through these
narrow bars of light seemed eerie and ghostlike.
The trio then reaches Lyceum Theatre, where the side-entrances were already
crowded with people, and horse-drawn carriages and four-wheelers constantly flowed
at the front. Shirt-fronted men and beshawled and bediamonded women alighted from
these rides. From the Lyceum Theatre, the trio was escorted by a small, dark, brisk
coachman in a horse-drawn carriage. The carriage passed through Rochester Row
Street, then through Vincent Square, along Vauxhall Bridge Road, and headed over to
the Surrey side, adjoining the Thames.

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Model Activity Sheet Solution - 1

As the carriage crossed over a bridge, a passing view of a stretch of the Thames,
with lamps shining upon the water, could be seen. On the other side of the bridge,
they landed on Wordsworth Road, followed by Priory Road, Lark Hall Lane, Stockwell
Place, Robert Street, and Cold Harbour Lane, all of which are among the less
fashionable regions of London. This rundown neighborhood is questionable and
forbidding, full of dull brick houses with some public houses at the corner. These are
followed by two-storied villas, each with its small garden in the front, and then
followed again by a continuous line of new brick buildings, which looked like the
monstrous tentacles of the city. Their journey ended in this neighborhood where they

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drew up at the third house in a new terrace. [2 Marks]

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2. Dr. Watson meets Mary Morstan for the first time when she brings a case for
Sherlock Holmes. He describes Mary as a woman with a firm step and calmness of

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manner. He continues his description of her as a young, graceful, well-gloved lady, who
is impeccably dressed in a sober, greyish beige, untrimmed and unbraided dress with a
dull turban that has a white feather on the side. He finds her costume to be plain and
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simple, which suggests that she is a woman of limited means. Her features are not
regular and her complexion is not bright, but her expression is sweet and friendly and
her large blue eyes are remarkably spiritual and sympathetic. Dr. Watson, who
happens to know women from various nations across three different continents, finds
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Mary’s face to be indicative of her refined and sensitive nature. He even describes
her emotional state of mind as agitated, because he witnesses her lip tremble and her
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hand quiver as she takes her seat. Dr. Watson finds Mary to be a very attractive
woman with a deep, rich-toned voice and a beauty that has aged well with time. When
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Dr. Watson meets Mary Morstan for the second time, he describes her as wrapped in
a dark cloak with her pale, composed and sensitive face. He says that she would have
looked exceptional had she not been feeling uneasy about her strange situation.
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However, despite her discomfort, she displays perfect self-control. Watson also
observes that as they drove to the Lyceum Theatre, the combination of the dull
evening and the mysterious nature of their mission left her nervous and depressed.
Finally, he notes that even while they are escorted to an unknown place, Mary
demeanour is as resolute and collected as ever. Of most importance is Mary’s
disinterest in the inheritance of riches and her relief and happiness at finding out the
treasure has been lost and her subsequent acceptance of Watson’s proposal, proving
once again that she is a virtuous woman. [2 Marks]

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