HBSE Class 11 English Question Paper 2024 Answer Key

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HBSE Class 11 English Question Paper 2024 Answer Key

Section – A (Reading Skills)

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow : (10 Marks)
Our bodies need salt. Salt also adds taste to our food. However, too much salt in your diet may lead to high blood pressure. The World Health Organization recommends 5 grams of salt in your diet every day. But the world average is 10.8 grams. A recent report, a part of the national non-communicable disease monitoring survey, states that Indian men consume 8.9 grams and Indian women take in 7.1 grams of salt on a daily basis.
Scientific Studies in animals, as well as surveys in humans have consistently shown that high salt intake causes disease in the kidney, brain, vasculature and immune system. High levels of sodium in the diet are also associated with conditions ranging from kidney stones to osteoporosis. It is estimated that excessive salt contribution contributes to around five million deaths worldwide every year.
The Yanomami people of the Amazon rainforest live a foraging lifestyle and eat a diet consisting of the root vegetable Cassava, plantains, fruit, fish and an occasional tapi. They use peppers for flavor and no salt. They consume less than one gram of salt: day yet stay supremely fit.
While our bodies need a certain amount of salt for functions, excessive salt intake can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease. It’s always best to consume salt in moderation. India faces a rapidly escalating burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), nutritional diseases such as diabetes and obesity, in particular childhood obesity. For many young Indians, the “hidden” salt in processed foods is a big danger.
High salt impairs metabolism and increases the size of adipocytes, which are cells in our body that store energy in the form of fat. These two factors together lead to obesity. The preference for high-fat and for salty food may be related. In one experiment, pregnant mice were fed a standard diet (4.6% fat) during the first week of their three week gestation period. At this point some of them were switched to a high-fat diet (32% fat). The offspring of the high-fat fed mice preferred salty water to plain or sweetened water.
In population studies, reducing salt intake by five to eight grams daily led to a 4 mm Hg fall in systolic blood pressure, and an overall reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease. Data from several clinical trials of antihypertensive drugs show an average reduction in blood pressure of 5 mm Hg by this class of drugs. Similar results were also seed in a Chinese population study in which dietary sodium was lowered by replacing normal salt with a mixture of 75% sodium chloride and 25% potassium chloride systolic blood pressure came down by 3.3 mm Hg. Oral rehydration solutions recommended by UNICEF contain 60 : 40 ratios of the two salts.
Lastly, salt reduction may be dangerous for some. Elderly adults must be extremely cautious of hypertension since it might lead to falls. This is especially true if they are taking medication to reduce their high blood pressure.
Questions :
(i) According to World Health Organization, how much salt is recommended in one’s daily diet?
(a) 2 grams
(b) 5 grams
(c) 7.1 grams
(d) 10.8 grams
Answer – (b) 5 grams

(ii) What is the average global salt consumption, as mentioned in the passage?
(a) 5 grams
(b) 7.1 grams
(c) 8.9 grams
(d) 10.8 grams
Answer – (d) 10.8 grams

(iii) What are the health consequences of excessive salt intake, as mentioned in the passage?
(a) Weight loss and increased metabolism
(b) Improved brain function and Immune system
(c) High blood pressure and heart disease
(d) Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
Answer – (c) High blood pressure and heart disease

(iv) What is the relationship between high salt consumption and obesity, as mentioned in the passage?
(a) High salt intake leads to weight loss
(b) High salt impairs metabolism and promotes obesity
(c) High salt consumption reduces the size of adipocytes
(d) Salt has no impact on obesity
Answer – (b) High salt impairs metabolism and promotes obesity

(v) How do the Yanomami people in the Amazon rainforest differ from the average salt intake?
(a) They consume more salt than the world average
(b) They consume exactly 5 grams of salt per day
(c) They consume no salt at all
(d) They consume less than one gram of salt per day
Answer – (d) They consume less than one gram of salt per day

(vi) What effect did reducing salt intake by 5-8 grams daily have on systolic blood pressure in population studies?
Answer – In population studies, reducing salt intake by five to eight grams daily led to a 4 mm Hg fall in systolic blood pressure, and an overall reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease.

(vii) How much salt Indian men consume as per the recent report of national non-communicable disease monitoring survey?
Answer – 8 grams

(viii) Name the cells in our body that stores energy in the forms of fat.
Answer – Adipocytes

(ix) How much salt Indian women take on daily basis as per the recent report of national non-communicable discase monitoring survey?
Answer – 7.1 grams

(x) What are the commonly noticed diseases that are caused by high salt intake?
Answer – Commonly noticed diseases caused by high salt intake include high blood pressure, kidney stones, heart disease, and obesity.

OR

There are two problems which cause grate worry to our educationist the problem of religious and moral instruction in a land of many faiths and the problem arising out of a large variety of languages. Taking up the education of children, we see that they should be trained to love one another, to be tender to the lower animals, and to observe and think right. The task of teaching them how to read and write and to count and calculate is important, but it should not make us lose sight of the primary aim of moulding personality in the right way. For this, it is necessary to call into aid, culture, tradition and religion. But in our country we have, in the same school, to look after boys and girls born in different forms of worship associated with different denominations of religion. It will not do to tread the easy path of evading the difficulty by attending solely to physical culture and intellectual education. We have to evolve a suitable technique and method for serving the spiritual needs of school children professing different faiths. We would thereby promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, a fuller understanding, and helpful cooperation among the different communities in our society. Again we must remain one people and we’ve therefore to give basic training in our schools to speak and understand more language than one and to appreciate and respect the different religions prevailing in India. It is not right for us in India to be dissuaded from this by considerations as to overtaking the young mind. What is necessary must be done, And it is not in fact too great a burden. Any attempt to do away with or steamroll the differences through governmental coercion and indirect pressure would be as futile as it would be unwise. Any imposition of a single way of life and form of worship on all children or neglect of a section of the pupils in this respect or barren secularization will lead to a conflict between school and home life which is harmful. On the other hand, if we give due recognition to the different prevailing faiths in the educational institutions by organizing suitable facilities for religious teaching for boys and girls of all communities, this may itself serve as a broadening influence of great national values.
Questions :
(i) Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option.
Besides teaching students how to read and write and to count and calculate, our primary aim should be of …………….
(a) Giving them vocational training
(b) Moulding their personality in the right way
(c) Providing them free meal
(d) Giving extra focus on their career
Answer – (b) Moulding their personality in the right way

(ii) Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘unsympathetic’, from words used in paragraph one :
(a) Personality
(b) Instruction
(c) Sight
(d) Tender
Answer – (d) Tender

(iii) How can a student’s personality be moulded in the right way?
(a) By teaching them to think and do right
(b) By teaching them about culture, tradition and religion
(c) By teaching them to count and calculate
(d) By teaching them to read and write
Answer – (b) By teaching them about culture, tradition and religion

(iv) What would lead to a conflict between school and home?
(a) Government Coercion
(b) Indirect pressure on young minds
(c) Giving a choice on a single way of life/worship
(d) Barren Secularization
Answer – (d) Barren Secularization

(v) Select the most suitable title for the above passage from the options given :
(a) Religion and Moral Policing
(b) Finding ways of religious and moral education
(c) Problem of religious and moral education
(d) Teaching religion in educational institutions
Answer – (b) Finding ways of religious and moral education

(vi) Comment on the problems which cause great worry to our educationist as mentioned in paragraph one.
Answer – Religious and moral instruction in a land of many faiths.

(vii) List two ways in dealing with education of children to solve the aforementioned problems.
(Clue: What should be taught them)
Answer – Culture, tradition and religion.

(viii) Based on your understanding of paragraph two, list one major problem that we face in schools today that these had over the fishing nets being used in present times.
Answer – Secularization

(ix) How can the spiritual needs of children be met?
Answer – Evolve a suitable technique and method for serving the spiritual needs of children.

(x) Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference, with respect to the following :
Changes that need to be brought in schools are ……………..
Answer – give basic training in our schools to speak and understand more language than one and to appreciate and respect the different religions prevailing in India.

2. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow : (5 Marks)
A good business letter is one that gets results. The best way to get results is to develop a letter that, in its appearance, style and content, conveys information efficiently. To perform this function, a business letter should be concise, clear and courteous.
The business letter must be concise : don’t waste words. Little introduction or preliminary chat is necessary. Get to the point, make the point and leave it. It is safe to assume that your letter is being read by a very busy person with all kinds of papers to deal with. Re-read and revise your message until the words and sentences you have used are precise. This takes time, but is a necessary part of a good business letter. A short business letter that makes its point quickly has much more impact on a reader than a long-winded, rambling exercise in creative writing. This does not mean that there is no place for style and even, on occasion, humour in the business letter. While it conveys a message in its contents, the letter also provides the reader with an impression of you, its author: the medium is part of the message.
The business letter must be clear. You should have a very firm idea of what you want to say, and you should let the reader know it. Use the structure of the letter the paragraphs, topic sentences, introduction and conclusion to guide the reader point by point from your thesis, through your reasoning, to your conclusion. Paragraph often, to break up the page and to lend an air of organization to the letter. Use an accepted business- letter format. Re-read what you have written from the point of view of someone who is seeing it for the first time, and be sure that all explanations are adequate, all information provided (including reference numbers, dates and other identification). A clear message, clearly delivered, is the essence of business communication.
The business letter must be courteous. Sarcasm and insults are ineffective and can often work against you. If you are sure you are right, point that out as politely as possible, explain why you are right, and outline what the reader is expected to do about it. Another form of courtesy is taking care in your writing and typing of the business letter. Grammatical and spelling errors (even if you call them typing errors) tell a reader that you don’t think enough of him or can lower the reader’s opinion of your personality faster than anything you say, no matter how idiotic. There are excuses for ignorance; there are no excuses for sloppiness.
The business letter is your custom-made representative. It speaks for you and is a permanent record of your message. It can pay big dividends on the time you invest in giving it a concise message, a clear structure, and a courteous tone.
Based on the understanding of the passage, make notes using headings and sub-headings or in points. Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary, minimum four). Also supply an appropriate title to it.
Answer –

Title : Characteristics of a Good Business Letter

Notes :

1. Conciseness
• Get to the point quickly
• Avoid unnecessary words and preliminary chat
• Assume the reader is busy
• Make the message clear and precise
• Revision is crucial for clarity

2. Clarity :
• Have a clear idea of what to convey
• Guide the reader through the letter’s structure
• Use paragraphs, topic sentences, introduction, and conclusion effectively
• Ensure all information provided is adequate
• Follow accepted business-letter format

3. Courtesy :
• Avoid sarcasm and insults
• Politely point out disagreements
• Take care in writing and typing
• Grammatical and spelling errors reflect poorly
• Sloppiness lowers the reader’s opinion
• The letter represents you and leaves a lasting impression.

Section – B (Writing Skills)

3. While morning walk in a park in your neighbourhood. You found a small plastic bag containing some documents and some cash. Write a notice in about 50 words to be put on the park notice board asking the owner to identify and collect it from you. You are Manish/Manisha, mob. No. 98765XXXXX. (5 Marks)
Answer –

Lost and Found Notice

Attention Park Visitors,
A small plastic bag containing documents and cash was found during a morning walk. The owner is requested to identify and collect it from Manish/Manisha at mob. no. 98765XXXXX.
Thank you.
Manish/Manisha

 

OR

You are Siddhant/Sonia. Draft a classified advertisement in not more than 50 words, to be published in Times of India for sale of a used car giving all the necessary details. You can be contacted at XXXXX43210.
Answer –

For Sale : Used Car

Well-maintained used car for sale. Make: [Car Make], Model: [Car Model], Year: [Year], Mileage: [Mileage], Color: [Color]. Excellent condition, single owner, serviced regularly. Price negotiable. Contact Siddhant/Sonia at XXXXX43210.

 

4. Write a paragraph on one of the following : (5 Marks)
(a) Internet, its uses and abuses
Answer – The internet, a global network connecting millions of devices worldwide, has revolutionized communication, information access, and commerce. Its uses are manifold, facilitating instant communication, online shopping, research, and entertainment. However, rampant misuse of the internet, including cyberbullying, identity theft, and spread of misinformation, poses significant challenges. Safeguarding privacy and promoting responsible usage are imperative to mitigate its abuses.

(b) Impact of social media on our society
Answer – Social media has profoundly impacted our society, altering communication patterns and shaping public discourse. It fosters connectivity, enabling individuals to share ideas, connect with peers, and mobilize for social causes. However, it also perpetuates echo chambers, misinformation, and addiction, leading to decreased face-to-face interactions and mental health issues. Balancing the benefits with the risks requires critical engagement and regulation to foster a healthier online environment.

(c) Online learning boon or bane
Answer – Online learning presents both opportunities and challenges in education.
Boon : It democratizes access to education, offering flexibility, affordability, and a diverse range of courses. It caters to diverse learning styles and allows self-paced learning.
Bane : However, it exacerbates the digital divide, lacks hands-on experiences, and may compromise the quality of interaction between students and educators. To optimize its benefits, integrating online learning with traditional methods while addressing accessibility and quality concerns is essential.

OR

Your school has recently opened a Computer wing. The facility of computer training and access to Internet connections has been made available to students. As Sartaj/Santosh of XI B, write a report on the new computer wing in about 150-200 words for your school magazine.
Answer –

Report on the Inauguration of the New Computer Wing

The recent inauguration of the Computer Wing at our school marks a significant milestone in our journey towards modernizing education. As a student of XI B, I am thrilled to share my impressions of this state-of-the-art facility.
The new Computer Wing is equipped with the latest technology, offering students access to cutting-edge computers and high-speed internet connections. This infrastructure upgrade reflects our school’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment that prepares us for the digital age.
During the inauguration ceremony, our principal emphasized the importance of integrating technology into education to enhance learning outcomes. The Computer Wing will not only facilitate computer training but also encourage innovative teaching methodologies and collaborative projects among students.
I had the opportunity to explore the new facility, and I was impressed by its spacious layout and ergonomic workstations. The availability of internet access opens up endless possibilities for research, online learning, and staying updated with current affairs.
Overall, the inauguration of the Computer Wing signifies a step forward in our school’s mission to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in a technology-driven world. I look forward to making the most of this resource and leveraging technology to enhance my academic journey.

 

5. You have been invited to an evening bash at Haldiram by Naveen your close friend, to celebrate his selection in NDA. Write a letter accepting the invitation. You are Manuraj, living at Sector 15, Panchkula. (5 Marks)
Answer –

Manuraj
Sector 15, Panchkula25 Aug, 20xx

Naveen
Sector 25, Panchkula

Dear Naveen,
I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. Firstly, let me extend my heartfelt congratulations on your selection into the NDA. Your achievement is truly commendable and deserves to be celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm. Thank you ever so much for extending the invitation to the evening bash at Haldiram to mark this momentous occasion. It would be my absolute pleasure to join you in celebrating this milestone in your life. Your success not only brings pride to yourself but also inspires all of us around you. Please count me in for the bash, and rest assured, I’ll be there to raise a toast to your accomplishments and wish you all the best for your future endeavors.
Looking forward to catching up with you and our friends at Haldiram.
Warm regards,
Manuraj

 

OR

Write an application to the Principal of your school to arrange remedial classes before the annual examinations in school. You are Sartaj/Sunita of Class 11th.
Answer –

The Principal
Model School
Rohtak

Subject : Request for Arranging Remedial Classes Before Annual Examinations

Respected Principal,
I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of concern regarding our upcoming annual examinations.
As a student of class XI ‘A’, I have observed that some of my classmates and I are facing challenges in understanding certain topics and concepts that are crucial for the examinations. Recognizing the importance of performing well in these exams, we feel it would greatly benefit us if remedial classes could be arranged to provide additional support and guidance. These remedial classes would serve as a platform for students to clarify doubts, receive extra assistance, and strengthen their understanding of the subjects before the exams. They would help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with academic performance, ultimately contributing to better results for the entire student body. Therefore, I kindly request you to consider arranging remedial classes for our class and other students who may require additional help. We are confident that with your support and the dedication of our teachers, we can overcome our academic challenges and excel in the upcoming examinations.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I eagerly await your favourable response.
Yours sincerely,
Sandeep
Class XI ‘A’

 

Section – C (Grammar)

6. Attempt any ten. Do as directed : (10 Marks)
(A) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs given in brackets :
(i) I ……………. (receive) your message yesterday.
Answer – received

(ii) The poem …………… (contain) many emotions.
Answer – contains

(iii) We …………….. (survive) for 15 hours since the last wave hit.
Answer – have been surviving

(B) Fill in the blanks using appropriate article :
(i) I do not like ………….. sugar in the tea.
Answer – x

(ii) Bhavishya is planning to buy …………… new car.
Answer – a

(iii) Poonam goes to …………….. temple every morning.
Answer – the

(C) Change the voice :
(i) He writes an essay.
Answer – An essay is written by him.

(ii) Please do not talk.
Answer – You are requested not to talk.

(D) Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals :
(i) You ………….. (obligation) attend this seminar. (will / may / must)
Answer – must

(ii) I ……………. wake up early when I was in Class 10th. (will / may / used to)
Answer – used to

(iii) According to the weather forecast, it …………….. snow heavily tomorrow. (shall / may)
Answer – may

(E) Identify the type of clause underlined in the following sentences :
(i) Tell me what the problem is.
(a) Adverb clause of Time
(b) Adverb clause of condition
(c) Noun clause
(d) Relative clause
Answer – (c) Noun clause

(ii) The lady, who is wearing a red hat, is her mother.
(a) Noun clause
(b) Adjective clause
(c) Adverb clause of condition
(d) Adverb clause of reason
Answer – (b) Adjective clause

Section – D (Main Reader : Hornbill)

[A : Prose]

7. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow : (5 Marks)
“The mummy is in very bad condition because of what Carter did in the 1920s”, said Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, as he leaned over the body for a long first look. Carter-Howard Carter, that is was the British archaeologist who in 1922 discovered Tut’s tomb after years of Futile Searching. Its contents, though hastily ransacked in antiquity, were surprisingly complete. They remain the richest royal collection ever found and have become part of the pharaoh’s legend. Stunning artefacts in gold, their eternal brilliance meant to guarantee resurrection, caused a sensation at the time of the discovery and still get the most attention. But Tut was also buried with everyday things he’d want in the afterlife: board games, a bronze razor, linen undergarments, cases of food and wine.
Questions :
(i) Name the chapter and its author.
Answer : Chapter – Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues, Author – A. R. Williams

(ii) Why was the mummy in a bad condition?
Answer – The mummy was in bad condition because of what Carter did in the 1920s.

(iii) When did Carter discover Tut’s tomb?
Answer – Carter discovered Tut’s tomb in 1922.

(iv) What remains the richest royal collections?
Answer – The contents of Tut’s tomb remain the richest royal collection.

(v) Why was Tut buried with gold artefacts?
Answer – Tut was buried with gold artifacts to ensure his resurrection, as their eternal brilliance was meant to guarantee it.

OR

It was dark by the time we finally left again and after 10:30 p.m. we drew up outside a guest house in Darchen for what turned out to be another troubled night. Kicking around in the open-air rubbish dump that passed for the town of Hor had set off my cold once more, through if truth be told it had never quite disappeared with my herbal tea. One of my nostrils was blocked again and as I lay down to sleep, I wasn’t convinced that the other would provide me with sufficient oxygen. My watch told me I was at 4,760 meters. It wasn’t much higher than Ravu, and there I’d been gasping for oxygen several times every night. I’d grown accustomed to these nocturnal disturbances by now, but they still scared me.
Questions :
(i) Where did they draw up in Darchen?
Answer – They drew up outside a guest house in Darchen.

(ii) How is Hor town described in this passage?
Answer – Hor town is described as an open-air rubbish dump.

(iii) What created a trouble for them in the night?
Answer – The cold and the conditions in the town created trouble for them in the night.

(iv) How had the writer tried to cure his cold?
Answer – The writer tried to cure his cold with herbal tea.

(v) Name the chapter and the writer.
Answer : Chapter – Silk Road, Writer – Nick Middleton

8. Answer in about 100-120 words : (5 Marks)
What image of the grandmother emerges from “The Portrait of a Lady”? Explain.
Answer – In “The Portrait of a Lady” by Khushwant Singh, the image of the grandmother that emerges is one of timeless beauty, deep spirituality, and unwavering devotion. Despite her physical appearance of old age, with wrinkled skin and silver locks, she is described as inherently beautiful, akin to the serene landscape of a winter mountain. The grandmother’s devoutness is evident in her constant prayers, as she spends her days reciting mantras and telling her beads. She is portrayed as a figure of tradition and moral values, deeply rooted in her religious beliefs and rituals. Her bond with the narrator is initially strong, as they share daily routines and affectionate moments. However, as the narrator’s life diverges from traditional customs, their relationship becomes strained, reflecting the clash between modernity and tradition. Despite this, the grandmother’s love remains constant, expressed through her silent acceptance and prayers for the narrator’s well-being. Ultimately, her peaceful passing symbolizes the culmination of a life lived in devotion and spirituality, leaving behind a legacy of love and faith.

OR

Describe the encounter between Gaitonde and Khan Sahib. (The Adventure)
Answer – In “The Adventure” by Jayant Narlikar, the encounter between Professor Gaitonde and Khan Sahib occurs in a train during Gaitonde’s strange journey through an alternate history of India.
While traveling, Gaitonde meets Khan Sahib, a fellow passenger, and they engage in a conversation. Gaitonde, disoriented by the unfamiliar historical context he finds himself in, asks Khan Sahib about the political situation in India. Khan Sahib explains that India is still under Maratha rule and that the British influence is minimal. This is a shocking revelation to Gaitonde, who knows that in his reality, India gained independence from British rule in 1947. Khan Sahib provides further details, indicating that the Marathas successfully resisted British colonization, leading to a significantly different historical trajectory. Gaitonde is intrigued and bewildered by this alternate reality, where the Marathas remained a dominant power and the course of Indian history diverged sharply from what he knows.
The encounter with Khan Sahib is crucial as it provides Gaitonde with insights into the alternate history he is experiencing, highlighting the profound changes in political and social structures due to the divergence in historical events. This conversation plays a key role in Gaitonde’s realization of the parallel universe concept and sets the stage for his further exploration of this altered world.

9. Answer any four of the following in about 30 words each : (4 × 2 = 8 Marks)
(i) What does the notice, “The world’s most dangerous animal” at a cage in the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia, signify?
Answer – The notice “The world’s most dangerous animal” at a cage in the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia, signifies that humans are being referred to as the most dangerous animal. This notice serves as a commentary on human behavior and its impact on the world, highlighting the destructive nature of humans.

(ii) Describe the mental condition of the Voyagers on 4 and 5 January. [We’re Not Afraid to Die ….. If we can All Be Together]
Answer – On 4 and 5 January, the mental condition of the Voyagers was one of extreme distress and uncertainty. They faced treacherous weather conditions, including violent storms and towering waves that battered their boat. Fear and anxiety gripped them as they struggled to survive amidst the raging sea, unsure if they would make it out alive.

(iii) How did the grandmother receive the author when he came home after studying abroad?
Answer – When the author came home after studying abroad, the grandmother received him with silence and prayer. She did not express any emotion outwardly but silently prayed and clasped him in her arms, conveying her love and blessings through her actions rather than words.

(iv) How are the earth’s principal biological systems being depleted?
Answer – The earth’s principal biological systems are being depleted due to various human activities such as deforestation, pollution, overexploitation of resources, and habitat destruction. These activities disrupt the balance of ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity, degradation of land and water resources, and ultimately, the decline of essential biological systems.

(v) Who was Norbu? How was he different from the local people?
Answer – Norbu was a Sherpa guide who accompanied the author and his team during their expedition on Mount Everest. He was different from the local people in his exceptional mountaineering skills, resilience, and deep understanding of the mountain terrain. Norbu’s expertise and experience made him an invaluable asset to the expedition, distinguishing him from the local community.

[B : Poetry]

10. Read the following stanza carefully and answer the questions that follow : (5 Marks)
Upward to heaven, whence, vaguely form’d, altogether changed, and yet the same,
I descend to lave the droughts, atomies dust-layers of the globe,
And all that in them without me were seeds only, latent, unborn;
Questions :
(i) Name the poem and the poet.
Answer : Poem – Voice of the Rain, Poet – Walt Whitman

(ii) Who is ‘l’ in these lines?
Answer –‘I’ in these lines refers to the Rain.

(iii) Who all are bathed by the rain?
Answer – The rain bathes the droughts, atomies, and dust-layers of the globe.

(iv) How does it generate life?
Answer – The rain generates life by watering the seeds of life, including those that were latent and unborn without its nourishment.

(v) Find a word which is opposite of :
(a) Descend Ascend
(b) Pure Impure

OR

Yet have I killed
The seed I spent or sown it where
The land is his and none of mine?
We speak like strangers, there’s no sign
Of understanding in the air.
This child is built to my design
Yet what he loves I cannot share.
Questions :
(i) Name the poem and the poet.
Answer : Poem – Father to Son, Poet – Elizabeth Jennings

(ii) What type of a relationship is mentioned between the father and his son?
Answer – The relationship between the father and his son is strained or distant.

(iii) How is the child built?
Answer – The child is built according to the father’s design.

(iv) What can the father not share with his son?
Answer – The father cannot share what the son loves.

(v) How do they talk to each other?
Answer – They talk to each other like strangers.

11. Answer any two of the following in about 30 words each : (2 × 3 = 6 Marks)
(i) How does the Laburnum tree appear in September? (The Laburnum Top)
Answer – In September, the Laburnum tree appears sparse and dry, with its branches almost bare, resembling a “silver” skeleton against the sky.

(ii) What does the Hell and Heaven stand for? (Childhood)
Answer – In “Childhood,” Hell represents the harsh, painful realities of life, while Heaven symbolizes the innocence and bliss of childhood.

(iii) The poet’s mother laughed at the snapshot. What did this laugh indicate? (A Photograph)
Answer – The mother’s laugh at the snapshot indicates her joy and fond memories associated with the past captured in the photograph.

Section – D (Supplementary Reader : Snapshots)

12. Answer in about 120-150 words : (5 Marks)
“I have done something; Oh, God! I’ve done something real at last”. Why does Andrew say this? What does it mean? (The Birth)
Answer – Andrew says this line out of relief and fulfilment after assisting in the successful birth of a baby. Throughout the story, Andrew grapples with feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty regarding his role as a doctor. He struggles with the pressure to perform in the medical profession and fears that he may not be able to handle the responsibilities that come with it. However, when he helps deliver the baby and witnesses the miracle of new life entering the world, Andrew experiences a profound sense of accomplishment and purpose. This moment marks a significant milestone in his journey as a doctor, as he finally feels that he has made a tangible difference and contributed positively to someone’s life. It symbolizes his transition from doubt and hesitation to confidence and realization of his capabilities as a medical professional. Andrew’s exclamation reflects his newfound sense of achievement and the validation of his chosen path in medicine.

OR

Narrate ‘The Tale of Melon City’ in your own words.
Answer – “The Tale of Melon City” is a satirical story about the absurdity of bureaucracy and the consequences of blindly following rules without considering their implications. In the story, the king of Melon City dies, leaving behind a kingdom in chaos. The ministers, eager to maintain order, decide to crown the dead king’s son as the new ruler. However, in their haste, they forget to remove the large pole on which the crown is placed. As a result, when the new king tries to bow down to accept the crown, he impales himself on the pole and dies.
To cover up their mistake, the ministers decide to find a replacement king. They come across a watermelon vendor who, due to his round shape, is deemed suitable for the role. They crown the watermelon as the new king and place him on the throne. However, chaos ensues as the watermelon cannot speak or make decisions. The ministers try to solve this problem by appointing a chief minister who will communicate the king’s orders to the people. But soon, the chief minister becomes power-hungry and starts issuing absurd commands, leading to further chaos and confusion in the kingdom.
The story serves as a critique of blind adherence to rules and the absurdity of bureaucratic systems. It highlights how the desire to maintain order can sometimes lead to ridiculous and harmful outcomes. Through humour and satire, the story exposes the folly of governance driven by arbitrary rules and the dangers of placing unqualified individuals in positions of power.

13. Answer any three of the following in about 30-40 words each : (3 × 2 = 6 Marks)
(i) How do Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald exchange their personalities in the play ‘Mother’s Day’?
Answer – In the play “Mother’s Day,” Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Fitzgerald exchange personalities when they accidentally switch bodies due to a magical mishap, leading to comedic and chaotic situations.

(ii) Why did the narrator go to number 46, Marconi Street? (The address)
Answer – The narrator went to number 46, Marconi Street to meet his friend, whom he had not seen for many years, but he found out that the house was occupied by strangers.

(iii) What feelings did the sight of cousin Mourad and the horse arouse in the narrator? (The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse)
Answer – The sight of cousin Mourad and the horse aroused feelings of admiration and longing in the narrator, as he was fascinated by their grace and beauty.

(iv) Who was Joe Morgan? Why had he been waiting for Dr. Andrew Manson? (The Birth)
Answer – Joe Morgan was a patient who had been waiting for Dr. Andrew Manson. He had injured his hand and needed medical attention from the doctor.

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