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DAV PUBLIC SCHOOLS, ODISHA ZONE –II
QUESTION BANK
ENGLISH - XII
READING COMPREHENSION
Passage -1
Read the following passage carefully:
1. The titanic, in its watery grave, is a great museum of human history and is at risk of being lost forever
because of curious voyagers and treasure hunters, fears Bob Ballard, who first discovered the remains of the iconic ship in 1985. Famous for discovering the great ship, Ballard is a former US Navy
Officer and a professor of oceanography. 2. “Titanic is a museum of human history without door and guard. I am deeply concerned about not only
the Titanic but all the ancient history that is now at risk. If we cannot save this iconic ship, then there is very little hope we can save ancient ships. The world should realize that you don‟t have to go down
and take everything and you do not have to do a treasure hunt. This is a common heritage of all of us and if we really ENGLISH XII 15 want to take steps to preserve human history in the ocean, we need
to start with Titanic,” Ballard said in a telephonic interview from London. 3. Ballard, as part of a tie-up, is presenting a documentary called “Save the Titanic” on the 100th
anniversary of the sinking of the great ship – April 15, 1912. The ship and her fate continue to fascinate, largely because of the horror that took place that night, with 1,522 passengers and crew
losing their lives. 4. Ballard says that despite being on the ocean floor for 100 years, the ship is full of human footprints.
“You will find pairs of shoes everywhere. The sea and the life below has claimed everything but they do not know what to do with shoes so you will find a pair of mother‟s shoes next to her little daughter
and that‟s their gravestone. At her wreckage, we almost felt that we were surrounded by the lifeboats of all the people that were in the water at that spot”.
5. Ballard says that the fate of Titanic continues to fascinate so many years after it sank because it is “irony personified in history”. “The story has all the ingredients to make it timelessly fascinating.
You have this revolutionary ship that‟s unsinkable, and carrying a cross section of people in society. And then, it goes and hits an iceberg and sinks on its maiden journey. It‟s an irony personified in
history”. 6. Talking about his discovery, which came after great research and 75 years later, Ballard, says it was a
somber moment went they first spotted the boiler o the Titanic. “In the 90s, advanced technology gave us double diving capabilities in the Atlantic Ocean. I knew that the Titanic was sitting at almost
12,000 feet. What led me to her discovery was a simple technique that I followed. We decided to look for the debris trail instead of the ship”.
7. Ballard says the ship, if preserved well and not subjected to constant submarine journeys, will last for a long time on the Atlantic floor. “The deep sea, because of its darkness, its cold temperatures and its
great pressure, creates a high state of preservation. With a little caution, we can protect the Titanic for future generations to visit.”
8. Ballard has also connected to the people of Belfast, who refused to talk about the tragedy “The ship‟s construction took place at Belfast. After ENGLISH XII 16 the tragedy, families of the workers
refused to talk about it because of the shame and sadness in the loss of life involved”.
1.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the
given choices: - [1x4=4 ]
(a) The Titanic sank on
(i) its 100th anniversary (ii) 15th April 1912
(iii) an iconic voyage in 1985 (iv) leaving the port of Belfast
(b) The Titanic continues to attract attention because
i) it is irony personified in history (ii) its advanced technology gave double diving technologies
(iii) it is a treasure hunt (iv) it is a common need
(c) Ballard‟s documentary on the Titanic is titled
(i) a museum of human history (ii)the titanic (iii) save the Titanic (iv) 75 years later
(d) Bob Ballard is a :
(i) Former US Navy Officer (ii) A professor of oceanography
(iii) Both (i) and (ii) (iv) None of the above
1.2 Answer the following question briefly: - [1x6=6]
(a) What happened on April 15,1912?
(b) Who is Bob Ballard and what did he discover?
(c) Why does Bob Ballard call it a museum of human history?
(d) Why did the people of Belfast refuse to talk about Titanic?
(e) What did Ballard do as part of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic?
(f) Explain “it is irony personified.”
1.3 Find the words from the passage which mean the same as:- [1x2 ]
(a) first of its kind (para 5)
(b) very solemn or serious (para 6)
Passage -2
Q 2. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: (10marks)
1.The play of names has almost a touch of fable here-Nirakar, the formless one, regenerating the primal
form of a forest that had passed into the mist. For the last 20 years Nirakar Mallick, a small farmer in
Orissa‟s Kendra Para district, has been greening a coastal landscape that had of late been experiencing
more of brown. Droughts, as they are wont to be, are cruel in these parts. At other times, it‟s excess
water that‟s the bane. Nirakar‟s latest sally-the rebirthing of a forest on a two hectare stretch circling
the river Brahmani near his village- came after the green patch was denuded in the 1999 super
cyclone.
2. The tidal waves that had swamped Orissa‟s coasts had led to heavy soil erosion, rendering these
villages forever vulnerable to floods. But now thanks to Nirakar, over five thousand trees of sundry
varieties cover the area. This has not only helped restore the local ecosystem but also provided a
potential source of income to the community. People, however, were skeptical in the beginning. They
were losing out on grazing ground for cattle. Some were also suspicious of Nirakar‟s motive, fearing
he was out to grab government land. But once the trees began shooting up and the entire village
looked rejuvenated, everybody was won over. Nirakar, for one, never made any bid to corner the
fruits of his labour.
3. So now there are fruit bearing trees in the forest-jackfruit, mango, guava, coconut-as well as timber
rich ones like teak, casuarinas, eucalyptus. Not all of the seven thousand seedlings he‟d planted,
survived the elements. That didn‟t deter him, and Nirakar proudly says that as long as he is alive, no
one from the area would ever harm a tree.
4.Over the years, Nirakar has spent a small fortune out of his own hard-earned savings in greening
mission. As a driver in Orissa Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC), he would get about Rs 3000 a
month. From this, he would put aside Rs 500 for planting trees. For the last two years he has not been
receiving his salary from the defunct OLIC. He manages to make both ends meet by working his
share of the one-acre farmland inherited from his father.Born in 1962 in a poor Harijan family in
Aliha village, Nirakar inherited a feel for the soil and the green thumb of his father. A good student,
he had to quit the studies after class 9th to take up a job. He joined the OLIC in 1982 and got married
the same year. Today he is father of trees, two sons and a daughter.
5. Though officially a driver, Nirakar is a jack of all trades, doubling up as mechanic, fitter, electrician
and operator at Aliha‟s lift irrigation project. For the area‟s small farmers who depend on the water
supplied through lift irrigation, he is nothing short of a hero.
6. Antihero too, for some, at a point of time. Traditionally, the Harijans of Aliha never planted coconuts.
The Brahmins had told them that if they dared to plant the forbidden fruit, there would be death in the
community. Nirakar broke this “divine” taboo. He got about agricultural farm and distributed it
among his people. Today almost every courtyard in Aliha village has half a dozen fruit bearing
coconut trees and no one died. Nirakar‟s wife is an enthusiastic partner in his green ventures. His
children also help him. He has now taken a plantation of 20,000 seedlings along the tree kilometers
stretch from Manipatna to Singri in his block. Nirakar aims to plant at least one lakh trees before he
dies.
7. Recognition has evaded him so far and Nirakar is least bothered. His only regret is that the
government has not taken over maintenance of the forest from him so that it can be preserved for
posterity. He hopes his good work is not lost after he is gone. He is, as you must have realized by
now, crazy about his trees. “The trees speak to me,” he says, “God has paid me back richly in many
ways. I need nothing more”.
2.1 Choose the most appropriate option: (1 x 2 = 2)
a) For the last 20 years Nirakar Mallick has been
i) planting trees ii) painting green coastal landscapes
iii) living in Orissa‟s Kendra para district iv) both i and ii
b) Nirakar has broken the „divine taboo‟ by ENGLISH XII 20
i) planting 7000 seedlings ii) distributing agricultural land among Harijans
iii) successfully leading the green campaign iv) planting coconut trees
2.2 Answer the following questions briefly: (1 x 6 = 6)
a) Give an appropriate title to the passage.
b) Why did Nirakar quit his studies in childhood?
c)What is the Para district of Orissa prone to?
d)What happened to the seven thousand seedlings planted by Nirakar?
e) How has Nirakar been running his household for the last two years?
f) Why was Nirakar considered as “a Jack of all trades?”
2.3. Find the words from the passage which mean the same as: (1 x 2)
a) weak (para 2)
d) discourage/prevent (para 3)
PASSAGE -1
1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions .
1. Parsons and Markwardt are the two characters of the story. They are both blind, but that is where the
resemblance ends. Parsons is introduced to us as a gentleman, a person who is successful in life as he
has made it his business to take his handicap as something which is unavoidable and does not allow it to
stand in his way. Parsons is grateful that he has been given the gift of life and is an insurance agent
whereas earlier he had been nothing more than a skilled labourer.
2. On the other hand there is Markwardt, who uses his blindness to gain sympathy from all whom he
meets and he turns into a common beggar. Fate brings the two men together. Markwardt attempts to sell
Parsons a cigarette lighter and on being questioned about the cause of his blindness, he tells Parsons an
all too familiar tale.
3. Markwardt relates the story of an incident which had taken place fourteen years earlier, a chemical
explosion at C shop at the Westbury plant. In this explosion a hundred and eight people had been killed
and two hundred injured. According to Markwardt he was one of those who had been crawling to safety
when another man had climbed on top of him, hauled him back, trampled him and got out. At this point
of the story. Parsons tells him that the story is true, except for one detail – Parsons had been the one
who had been trampled upon by Markwardt.
4.We now realize the difference between the two men. It is a fact that both are blind, but it is only
Markwardt who does not see and has no eyes. Parsons sees the beauty in life and thanks God for giving
him life. He celebrates the fact that he is alive and makes use of the faculties he still has. Markwardt is
truly blind, wrapped up in his disability, and self-pity, so plagued by his guilt that perhaps he has
rationalized the fact that he is the one to blame for another‟s handicap or perhaps death. It appears as
though he actually believes what he is saying. The story has a ENGLISH XII 27 message for the reader,
a message that tells us to look at life positively and make the most of all God‟s blessings.
1.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of the
given choices: - [1x4=4]
a) What was Markwardt‟s opinion towards his life:
(i) guilty (ii) self-pity (iii) both (i) and (ii)
b) _____________blames another for his handicap.
(i) Parsons (ii) Markwardt (iii) beggar
c) What is Parsons‟ opinion towards his life?
(i) guilty (ii) thankful (iii) self-pity (iv) none
d) What is the message of the passage?
(i) look at life positively (ii) make the most of all God‟s blessings (iii) Both (i) and (ii) (iv) None of the above
1.2 Answer the following questions briefly: [1x6=6 ]
1) Who was the blind beggar who met Mr. Parsons? Describe him
2) Why is it said that Mr. Parsons was glad to be alive?
3) How had Markwardt got blind?
4) What was the flaw in Markwardt‟s story?
5) Who was the man who had no eyes? Give reason for your answer.
6) How does Parsons see life?
1.3. Find the words from the passage which mean the same as: (1 x 2)
a) Compulsory (para 1)
b) Crushed under feet (para 3)
2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given at the end. [10 ]
1. Stress is a disease of modern times. It afflicts people regardless of their situation in life. Stress is
present in the lives of the rich and poor, literate and illiterate, men and women. Stress is, however,
more evident and is probably more widespread in technologically advanced countries and is common
among higher qualified professionals.
2. Stress is of various kinds physical emotional and intellectual and it is characterized by a feeling of
being burned: of being unable to cope. At a physical level modern technology and facilities have
actually increased workloads and decreased relaxation. Mobile phones and laptops have made it easy to
carry the office to the home.
3. Emotional stress increases when there is disharmony and friction in relationships. Unfortunately, the
trend today is to take the easy way out – people prefer to break away from relationships rather than
repair them.
4. The answer to stress can be found in the very letters of the word, stress, „S‟ stands for strength:
physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. Physical and emotional weakness leads to irritability. A
strong healthy body developed through proper diet, exercise and pranayama techniques helps reduce
stress at the physical level. Love compassion and friendship are valuable strength gives that help us
cope with stress.
5. The scriptures say that knowledge of the self cannot be gained without inner strength. Rabindranath
Tagore, in a poem, prays to the Lord not to remove all obstacles, but instead , he asks for strength to
bear them. Before the start of the Mahabharata war Arjun was seized with a bout of emotional
weakness and he refused to fight the war. Lord Krishna rescued him by giving him emotional strength.
6. “T” stands for traffic control. We need to regulate and control our thoughts. We can cope with stress
best if our thoughts are orderly and methodical. Unnecessary accumulation leads to clogging of the
mind. The key lies in being able to love one moment at a time. Eat while eating, work while working,
and leave the home at home and the office in the office. Remember, however, long we have to travel
we can only take one step at a time.Worrying only reduces efficiency and then even simple tasks
cannot be completed correctly and in time.
7. „R‟ is for redesign. We tend to view life and ourselves through our own philosophy. A readjustment or
reorientation in this philosophy will enhance our capacity to bear heavier loads.
8. “E” stands for erase: the ego. Anger, fear and jealousy are negative emotions that reduce efficiency,
leading to mental weakness, causing stress. Too much emphasis on the ego increases stress Abrogation
of doer-ship can help us to de-stress. Sri Rama asked Sri Hanuman how he was able to cause so much
havoc in Lanka and yet return unscathed. Hanuman disclaimed all responsibility. He said, “I did not do
it, you did it through me”. There is a higher power or strength working through us.”
9. „S‟ stands for sharing: share your wealth, knowledge, workload or anything else you have. By and large
people do not know how to share or delegate. The last but most important is the „S‟ which stands for
surrender to the Lord. Free your mind from the weight of worries and become an instrument, adopting
an attitude of service.
2.1. Answer the following questions briefly: [1x6=6 ]
1) How has the stress become a universal disease?
2) Name the various kind of stress?
3) What is responsible for physical stress?
4)When does “emotional stress” increase?
5) How can one develop „increase strength‟?
6)What does the word „stress‟ stand for?
2.2. On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions by choosing the best of
the given choices. [1x2=2 ]
1) We need not regulate and control our thought by:
a) if our thoughts are orderly and methodical b) if our thoughts are clogged
c) if we go on worrying d) if we take up many jobs at one time
2) Erasing the ego can be achieved through:
a) if we control our negative emotion-anger, fear, jealousy
b) if we keep the feeling of doer-ship
c) if we claim the responsibility
d) the help of things causing stress and mental weakness
2.3. Find words from the passage, which have similar meanings as the following words. [1x2=2]
a) Holy books (para5)
b) Collection (para 6)
PASSAGES FOR NOTE- MAKING
Q 3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:
Residents of the Bhirung Raut Ki Gali, where Ustad Bishmillah Khan was born on March 21, 1916,
were in shock. His cousin, 94-year -old Mohd Idrish Khan had tears in his eyes. Shubhan Khan, the care-taker of Bismillah‟s land, recalled: “Whenever in Dumaraon, he would give rupees two to the boys
and rupees five to the girls of the locality”. He was very keen to play shehnai again in the local Bihariji‟s Temple where he had started playing shehnai with his father, Bachai Khan, at the age of six.
His original name was Quamaruddin and became Bishmillah only after he became famous as a shehnai player in Varanasi. His father Bachai Khan was the official shehnai player of Keshav Prasad Singh, the
Maharaja of the erstwhile Dumaraon estate, Bismillah used to accompany him. For Bishmillah Khan, the connection to music began at a very early age. By his teens, he had already become a master of the
shehnai. On the day India gained freedom, Bismillah Khan, then a sprightly 31-year-old, had the rare
honour of playing from Red Fort. But Bishmillah Khan won‟t just be remembered for elevating the shehnai from an instrument heard only in weddings and naubatkhanas to one that was appreciated in
concert halls across the world. His life was a testimony to the plurality that is India. A practicing Muslim, he would take a daily dip in the Ganga in his younger days after a bout of kusti in Benia Baga
Akhada. Every morning, Bishmillah Khan would do riyaaz at the Balaji temple on the banks of the river. Even during his final hours in a Varanasi hospital, music didn‟t desert Bishmillah Khan. A few
hours before he passed away early on Monday, the shehnai wizard hummed a thumri to show that he was feeling better. This was typical of a man for whom life revolved around music. Throughout his life
he abided by the principle that all religions are one. What marked Bishmillah Khan was his simplicity and disregard for the riches that come with musical fame. Till the very end, he used a cycle rickshaw to
travel around Varanasi. But the pressure of providing for some 60 family members took its toll during his later years.
3.1 On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes using headings and sub-headings. Use
recognizable abbreviations where necessary. (05 marks)
3.2 Make a summary of the above passage in not more than 80 words using the notes made and also
suggest a suitable title. (03marks)
PASSAGE-2
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
It is worth saying something about the social position of beggars, for when one has consorted with them,
and found that they are ordinary human beings, one cannot help being struck by the curious attitude that society takes towards them. People seem to feel that there is some essential difference between beggars
and ordinary "working" men. They are a race apart--outcasts, like criminals. Working men "work," beggars do not "work"; they are parasites, worthless in their very nature. It is taken for granted that a
beggar does not "earn" his living, as a bricklayer or a literary critic "earns" his. He is a mere social excrescence, tolerated because we live in a humane age, but essentially despicable. Yet if one looks closely
one sees that there is no essential difference between a beggar's livelihood and that of numberless respectable people. Beggars do not work, it is said; but, then, what is work? An accountant works by
adding up figures. A beggar works by standing out of doors in all weathers and getting varicose veins, chronic bronchitis, etc. It is a trade like any other; quite useless, of course--but, then, many reputable
trades are quite useless. And as a social type a beggar compares well with scores of others. He is honest compared with the sellers of most patent medicines, high-minded compared with a Sunday newspaper
proprietor, amiable compared with a hire-purchase tout--in short, a parasite, but a fairly harmless parasite. He seldom extracts more than a bare living from the community, and, what should justify him according to
our ethical ideas, he pays for it over and over in suffering. I do not think there is anything about a beggar that sets him in a different class from other people or gives most modern men the right to despise him.
Then the question arises, why are beggars despised? --for they are despised, universally. I believe it is for the simple reason that they fail to earn a decent living. In practice nobody cares whether work is useful or
useless, productive or parasitic; the sole thing demanded is that it shall be profitable. In all the modem talk about energy, efficiency, social service and the rest of it, what meaning is there except "Get money, get it
legally, and get a lot of it"? Money has become the grand test of virtue. By this test beggars fail, and for this they are despised. If one could earn even ten pounds a week at begging, it would become a respectable
profession immediately. A beggar, looked at realistically, is simply a businessman, getting his living, like other businessmen, in the way that comes to hand. He has not, more than most modern people, sold his
honor; he has merely made the mistake of choosing a trade at which it is impossible to grow rich.
3.1. On the basis of your reading of the passage make notes on it, uses recognizable abbreviations wherever
necessary. Use a suitable format. Supply an appropriate title. (5 marks)
3.2. Write a summary of the passage in not more than 80 words. (3 marks)
WRITING SKILLS
NOTICE
1. There will be an inter-section debate for all the students of Class VIII on the topic „Tobacco companies
should not sponsor sports events‟. As the Cultural Secretary, draft a notice providing all relevant details
in not more than 50 words.
2. You are Kris, a student of Class VIII. You have lost an expensive watch in the school premises. Draft a
notice to be put up on the school notice board giving details of the watch and offering a suitable reward.
Use not more than 50 words.
3. As president of the student‟s council of your school, write a notice in not more than 50 words asking the
students of your school to donate old clothes, books and bags for the Anubhav Shiksha Kendra, a school
for the underprivileged being run on your school premises.
4.‟The Hindustan Times Peace Programme‟ is planning to hold fun-filled workshops on candle making and
clay modelling for all Class VIII students on Children‟s Day in the school. As Kerry Pinto, the Head Boy,
write a notice informing students about it. Include necessary details and write the notice is not more than
50 words.
5. The event management company, Altitudes Expeditions, has organised an Adventure Trip to Sitlakhet
(Pune) in the summer vacations for the interested students of Classes VIII and IX. As the president of the
Excursions Committee, write a notice in not more than 50 words informing students about the trip.
6. Write a notice for the school notice board informing the students about the visit of the Prime Minister to
your school on 20.11.2018. Write the notice in not more than 50 words asking the students to maintain
punctuality, cleanliness and discipline.
7. The school has decided to organise a Christmas Carnival in the Sports Complex. The Principal has asked
you, as the school Prefect, to write a notice about this carnival, inviting the students and teachers to
participate in it.Write the notice in not more than 50 words including all the relevant details.
8. The Residents‟ Welfare Association, New Friends Colony is organising a Diwali Bazaar in the locality. As
the president of the association, draft a notice in not more than 50 words informing the residents about the
same. Also mention other essential details about the Bazaar.
9. You are the student editor of Saagar International School, Jaipur. Write a notice inviting names of those
who would like to give articles, stories, cartoons, crossword, puzzles, jokes, etc for the school magazine.
Write the notice in not more than 50 words.
10. You are Rohan Kapoor, the secretary of the Science Club of your school. Write a notice is not more than
50 words informing the students about the C V Raman National Science Exhibition to be held and request
them to participate in it enthusiastically. Inform them that outsiders, too, are welcome to this exhibition.
ADVERTISEMENT
1. You are Harish of No. 10, Kailash Ganj, Lucknow. Draft an advertisement to be published in„The
Hindustan Times‟, under classified columns to dispose of your car as you are going abroad.
2. You have recently started a Centre for Personality Development for school children. Draft an
advertisement to be published in a local daily about it, giving all relevant details.
3. You are Manisha. You have started hobby classes for children of 6 to 12 years. Prepare a suitable
advertisement giving all the required details (50 words)
4. You are Mohan of Raja ki Mandi, Agra. You require a dance teacher for your younger sister. Write an
advertisement to be published in the classified columns of a local daily.
5. You propose to sell your flat as you are going abroad. Draft an advertisement to be published in the
classified columns of “The Times of India”. Provide the necessary details.
6. You are Anurag/Aparna of 110, Swasthya Vihar, New Delhi. You wish to let out a portion of your newly
built house. Draft an advertisement in not more than 50 words for publication in the “To-Let” column of
The Hindustan Times, giving all necessary details.
7. Draft a suitable advertisement to be published in a local newspaper for the post of PA/Stenographer on
behalf of the Manager of Wipro Company, Chennai. Invent necessary details.
8. Your nephew, a child of 7 is missing. Giving complete details of the missing child, draft an advertisement
for a newspaper.
9. A highly placed IT professional settled in UK seeks matrimonial alliance with a beautiful, educated,
cultured and tall girl from a Punjabi family. Write a suitable advertisement for the „matrimonial‟ column
of a national daily.
POSTER
1- Recent rains have caused havoc in some parts of our country. You are Surya, a member of the social
service organization, SEVA MANDIR, Bangalore. Draft a poster requesting people to help the rain and
flood affected families physically and economically.
2- A „Check Vehicular Pollution‟ campaign is being organized in your city. Draft a poster to be used in the
campaign.
3- Water is precious and each one of us must stop wastage. Prepare a poster in not more than 50 words, for
creating awareness.
4- Draft a poster announcing a „Book Week‟ being organized by the Cultural Society, Ahmedabad.
5- Your school is planning a campaign in support of eye donation to mobilize the students and society.
Design a poster to be displayed in different areas of the locality surrounding your school highlighting the
need for eye donation and eye banks.
6. You are Rohan/Rohini. Public taps are always faulty and a lot water is wasted. Draft a poster in not more
than 50 words to make people aware of the need for saving water.
7. You are Anil, a social activist. Design a poster to observe “Wildlife Protection Week” in your city.
8. You are Surya, a member of the social service organization “Seva Mandir”.The recent rains have caused
havoc in many parts of the country. Draft a poster requesting people to help the rain and flood victims.
9. The present generation has lost „reading habit‟. As an educationist, design a poster highlighting the
importance of reading habit.
10. Design a poster highlighting „solar cooking‟. Emphasize the conservation of fossil fuels using solar
cookers.
INVITATION
1. Your school is organizing the prestigious KVS National Level Social Science Exhibition in its premises.
Draft an invitation in not more than 50 words giving all essential details.
2. You are Dharma raj, son of Ramesh Patnaik, Bannerghatta , Bangalore. Your father wants you to draft a
formal invitation to be sent on the occasion of your sister, Sheela‟s marriage. Prepare the invitation.
3. You are Mohan/Molly. You have been invited by Rotary Club to act as one of the judges for an Elocution
Competition for the students of classes XI and XII. But due to a previous engagement you cannot accept
this invitation. Write a formal reply to the President of the Club regretting your inability to accept the
invitation.
4. You are Aakash/Varsha. You have been invited to attend the wedding of your friend‟s sister during the
summer vacation. Respond to the invitation informally accepting it.
5. You have opened a restaurant in Uppal Road, Hyderabad. Draft an invitation for the inauguration of the
same, specifying the Chief Guest and other important details like date, time and venue.
6. As the Secretary of the Literary Club of St. Anne‟s School, Ahmedabad, draft a formal invitation for the
inauguration of the club in your school.
7. You have received an invitation from the organization „Mother‟s Pride‟ to be the chief guest in their
Annual Function. But you have a reason for declining it. Write the reply.
8. Write an informal invitation to your friend Manav to join Diwali Celabrations with you.
9. Invite a dignitary as the Chief Guest to preside over the Annual Day celabration of your school.
10. You are N.C. Gupta, Meerut. Draft a suitable invitation for the celebraton of your son‟s passing out of
Air Force Academy.
11.Your school is organizing the prestigious DAV National Level Social Science Exhibition in its premises.
Draft an invitation in not more than 50 words giving all essential details.
12.You are Mohan/Molly. You have been invited by Rotary Club to act as one of the judges for an Elocution
Competition for students of classes XI and XII. But due to a previous engagement you cannot accept this
invitation. Write a formal reply to the President of the Club regretting your inability to accept the invitation.
13.You are Aakash/Varsha. You have been invited to attend the wedding of your friend‟s sister during the
summer vacation. Respond to the invitation informally accepting it.
14.You have opened a restaurant in Uppal Road, Hyderabad. Draft an invitation for the inauguration of the
same, specifying the chief guest and other important details like date, time and venue. Do not exceed 50
words.
REPORT WRITING
1. You are Rohit, the Head boy of Tulip Public School,Rajasthan. Recently your school hosted the State
Level Drawing Competition. Write a report of the event for your school newsletter.
2. You are Mohan, Staff Reporter TNN. You have been deputed to prepare a report on the recent cases
of communal riots in UP. Write a report highlighting the plight of people and the steps taken by the
administration.
3. Your school recently took Class- XI students on a study tour to Kolkata. Write a report on the trip to
be published in the school magazine.
4. You witnessed an accident in which a truck hit a vendor who was present on the left side of the road.
As the reporter of the Times of India prepare a report.
5. Recently a friendly football match was organized between your school and a neighbouring school.
Write a report on it for your school magazine.
6. Recently an Oath Taking Ceremony was organized in your school for the office bearers of the school
council. Prepare a report for the school magazine.
7. Your school joined a campaign organized by various agencies of your city to create awareness among
the people to conserve water. Write a report for the school magazine.
8. MM School, Noida, celebrated Mother‟s Day in the school with great pomp and show. As the staff
reporter of The Hindu, prepare a report .
9. As the cultural secretary of your school prepare a report on the Annual Day Celebration to be
published in the school magazine.
10. Recently you witnessed a horrible road accident on the Jamuna Expressway. As the staff reporter of
The Times of India prepare a report to be published in the newspaper.
LETTERS
Letter of Enquiry / Replies
1. You are Kamini / Kumud of Sector 16, Rourkela. You wish to join a short-term summer course in
personal development and spoken English in the summer vacation. Write a letter to The Director,
Lakme‟ Academy, Rourkela enquiring about the course details. (125-150 words)
2. You are Suman / Srima of Baripada, Odisha. You wish to take a tour of north-east India along with
your family. Write a letter of enquiry to Paradise Travels, Gangtok to provide you the details of the
tour plans and expenses to be incurred. Give your requirements so as to get the details from the tour
operator accordingly.
3. You are Kumaran/Koyala, Vice President, Customer Care, Shopmart Online. You have received a
letter of inquiry from a dissatisfied customer seeking information about your company's exchange
policy regarding a product. Write a letter of reply in about 120-150 words to the customer giving
information about the same.
4. You are Seetha / Surya living in Bangalore. You and your friends are planning a week-long holiday to a hill station. Write a letter making necessary enquiries from the tour operator before you make
your final decision. 5. Write a letter to the librarian of the District Library in your town asking for details regarding
membership .Also ask about the timings and rules and regulations of the library.
Placing Orders-
1. You are Sonali/ Saswat. You are the librarian of DAV Public School, Pitampura, New Delhi. You are asked by the principal to place an order for library books, especially children books and reference
books for entrance exams. Write a letter to Book World, Pitampura, giving the necessary details. 2. Your school has opened a new activity wing for the kindergarten students for which you require play
equipment. Write a letter to the Manager, New Age Toys, 21, Daryaganj, Delhi, in about 120-150 words placing an order for educational toys and other play equipment. You are Neera/Naresh,
Manager, DML Public School, Delhi
3. You are the Manager of Fitness Club of Gandhi Road, Ernakulam. Write a letter to Pioneer Sports Co, Kochi, placing an order for a minimum of 4 fitness equipments with details.
4. You Are Rajiv Of 15, Tank Road, New Delhi. Write A Letter To M.S Delhi Furniture Store, Rajouri
Garden, New Delhi, Placing An Order For School Furniture. 5. Write a letter to the Sales Manager, MMS Books, Ashok Vihar, Delhi, placing an order for five titles
of books that you need for educational purpose. You are Sanjeev/Sanjana, 12/CA, Model Town, Kurukshetra.
Letter of Complaint
1. Your school recently launched a GPRS system in the school buses which will enable the parents to
keep track of their children while they are travelling in the bus. The service, however, is not smooth and is facing a lot of problems. As the Transport Incharge of DML Public School, Delhi, write a letter in about 120-150 words to the Manager, Forumloft, 21 Park Street, Delhi, complaining about the
same.
2. Your are Bhawan/Bhawna of Class XII of Tejas International School, Vijay Nagar, Bulandshaher. Write a letter to the Manager of The sports Store, Meerut, complaining about a defective sports watch
you purchased from their store. Write as a Sports Secretary of your school.
3. As Mr. R. Singh, Head of the Department of Chemistry, Cambridge High School, Pune, you had placed an order with Messrs. Scientific Equipments, Dadar, Mumbai for test
tubes and jars for the lab. When the parcel was received you observed that markings on the test tubes were not clear and some of the jars were damaged. Write a letter of complaint seeking immediate
replacement.
4. Write a letter to the Municipal Authorities of Faridabad to complain about the general unsustainable growth of construction activities in Faridabad with poor parking and other civic amenities to support
it. Urge them to plan with a long term view.
Letter to the Editor-
1. You are Amit/Amita staying at Sunrise Apartments, Gymkhana Road, Pune. The main road leading to this colony has three open manholes causing frequent accidents at night. The streetlight is also not
available. Write a letter to the Editor of “The Times of India” expressing your concern about the
apathy of the authorities towards this situation. Also suggest ways to mobilize city dwellers, with the help of school children, for the need of safe roads.
2. As a regular commuter by bus from Noida to Delhi, you have been witnessing rash driving by the bus drivers daily without an exception. Write a letter to the Editor, „The Times of India‟ drawing the
attention of the General Manager, Delhi Transport Corporation to this problem. Your are Priti/Prakash, 15 Udyog Vihar, Noida.
3. You are Manas/ Manasi. You are an active participant in the Rally for River campaign, You are alarmed at the ways our rivers are polluted due to indifference of the people. Even religious reasons
make them more polluted. Write a letter to the Editor of the Times of India drawing attention of the government and the people to this problem and suggesting ways to save our lifelines called rivers.
4. Our country has now launched a campaign “Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao”, but unfortunately crime against girl child has been on the rise. This has brought bad reputation for the people and the country.
You as a sensitive citizen want to highlight this issue for a better and safer society for the girls. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily to express your views on the topic.
5. The importance of peace for a healthy and harmonious world is very well understood. But the world today is shattered by violence and wars due to intolerance and terrorism. Write a letter to the editor of
The World expressing your feelings on the devastations in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq etc and suggest how we all together can make a better world to live in.
Job Applications-
1. You came across a classified advertisement in the newspaper inviting applications for the post of a
Sales Executive in a reputed bank. Write a letter with bio-data in about 120-150 words to the HR Manager, HABC Bank, Lajpat Nagar , New Delhi, applying for the post. You are Avani /Aviram of
120, Kirti Nagar, Delhi.
2. Draft an application with bio-data in about 120-150 words for the post of the Librarian in Vishwas
Senior Secondary School, Calicut. You are Radhika/Rajeev of 21, Cherry Road, Madurai
3. You are Siddharth/Sneha of 85, Sadiq Nagar, New Delhi. Read the advertisement given below and
write an application to the Advertiser, applying for the post. Also attach your detailed resume with your application.
SHUBHAM MEDICAL EQUIPMENTS
requires for its Mumbai Unit
Manager – Accounts Qualification
Chartered Accountant/M.Com.
Experience
1-2 years for C.A./10 years for M.Com. Knowledge in Finance Management command in
communication skill. Salary
Competency
Commensurate with qualification and experience. Apply to
Shubham Medical Equipments, 22, Sector 54, Gurgaon.
4. Read the given advertisement and then write a suitable application in response to it. Sign yourself as
Medha / Mohit.
Tulip Senior Secondary School
We are an upcoming CBSE Sr. Sec. School located at Meerut. We require dynamic, innovative and
creative faculty to teach. Urgently needed PGT in Computer Science with a degree in Education. Expereince must, Salary negotiable.
5. Mahesh Sharma of 59, Lal Bagh, Hyderabad sees an advertisement in The Times Ascent and decides to apply for the post of Manager(HRD). Write an application to The Manager(HR), K,B,Publication,
Hyderabad.
POETRY LESSONS
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
By-Adrien Rich
Extract Based Questions (4 Marks)
1. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid
(a) Who is the aunt mentioned here? (b) Why is she “ringed with ordeals”?
(c) What is the difference between her and the tigers? (d) Why has Aunt Jennifer created the tigers so different from her own character?
or (a) Why are Aunt Jennifer‟s hands terrified?
(b) Why did she make the tigers? (c) What will happen to her tigers after her death?
(d) How are Aunt Jennifer‟s tigers different from her?
2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen, Bright topaz denizens of a world of green
They do not fear the men beneath the tree, They pace in sleek chivalric certainty
(a)How are Aunt Jennifer‟s tigers described?
(b) Why are they described as denizens of a world of green? (c) Why are they not afraid of the men?
(d) What are her tigers symbolic of?
Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks, 30-40 words)
Q.1. What are the difficulties that Aunt Jennifer faced in her life? Q.2. How are Aunt Jennifer‟s tigers different from her?
Q.3. How does Aunt Jennifer express her bitterness and anger against male dominance? Q.4. What will happen to Aunt Jennifer‟s tigers when she is dead?
Q.5. What lies heavily on Aunt Jennifer‟s hand? How is it associated with her husband? OR Q.6. Why did Aunt Jennifer choose to embroider tigers on the panel?
Q.7. How do the words, „denizens‟ and „chivalric‟ add to our understanding of AuntJennifer‟s tigers? OR How do „denizens‟ and „chivalric‟ add to our understanding of the tiger‟s attitudes?
Q.8. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her own character? What might the poet be suggesting through this difference?
Q.9. How does the poet describe Aunt Jennifer‟s tigers? Q.10. Explain „her terrified hands ……mastered by.‟
Q.11. Explain the imagery and symbols the poet uses in the poem.
Q.12. What aspects of Adrien Rich‟s poem Aunt Jennifer‟s Tigers can be seen as ironic?
Q.13. In the poem Aunt Jennifer‟s Tigers, what do the tigers represent?
Q.14. How does the poem reflect the theme of the enduring triumph of women?
Keeping Quiet By Pablo Neruda
1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing, perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves
(a) What does the word „we‟ stand for in the above lines?
(b) Why does the poet want us to „do nothing‟ for once? (c) What does the phrase „sadness‟ refer to in the poem?
(d)Name the poem and the poet of the above lines.
2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
Perhaps the Earth can teach us as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive Now I’ll count up to twelve
(a) What lesson does the Earth teach us? (b)What makes the poet count up to twelve?
(c) In what way will keeping quiet help us? (d) Why does everything seem dead?
3. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
For once on the face of the Earth let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second, and not move our arms so much.
(a) Why does the poet want us to keep quiet? (b) What does he want us to do for one second?
(c) What does he mean by “not move our arms”? (d) How can this moment of stillness help us?
4. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines,
we would all be together in a sudden strangeness.
(a) What will happen if there is no rush or running of engines? (b) Why would it be called an exotic moment?
(c) How would we feel at this moment? (d) Give the synonym of „exotic‟?
5. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
Now we will count to twelve,
and we will all keep still. For once on the face of the Earth,
let’s not speak in any language, let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
(a) How long does the poet want to stay still?
(b) What does he hope to achieve by keeping quiet? (c) What does the poet mean by “not move our arms so much”?
(d) Why does the poet suggest our not speaking in any language?
6. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt would look at his hurt hands.
(a) What does the poet expect of the fishermen and why?
(b) What will the man do while gathering salt? (c) What do the hurt hands imply?
(d) What benefit would man and nature get in this moment of silence?
B. Short Answer Type Questions (3 Marks) (30-40 words)
1. What will „counting up to twelve‟ help men to achieve?
2. Explain 'without rush, engines'. 3.Does the poet advocate total inactivity in this poem?
4. Explain 'sudden- strangeness'. 5.What symbol from the nature does the poet pick to explain the importance of keeping quiet? Why?
6. What is the „fishermen‟ symbolic of? 7. What are the fishermen and the man gathering salt symbolic of?
8. Explain 'green wars, wars with gas, and wars with fire'. 9. What does the poet mean by 'victory with no survivors'?
10. What does 'total inactivity' imply? Does the poet totally advocate? 11. What is life 'all about'?
12. Explain "I want no truck with death". 13. Explain “You keep quiet and I will go”.
14. Which sadness does the poet talk about in this poem? 15. Why does the poet advocate silence?
16. What is significant about “twelve” in the poem? 17. What does the poet advocate to create feelings of mutual understanding and unity among
human beings? 18. Who are those who prepare green wars here? What would they do when they introspect for a few
moments?
19. What does the poet actually mean by keeping quiet when he says that it should not be confused with total inactivity?
20.What importance does the poet give to the Earth when he says that it can teach us an essential meaning of life?
21. What suggestions does the poet give the man to avoid war? 22. How has man threatened himself to death?
23. On what note does the poet conclude the poem? 24. What is the theme of the poem?
25. How does the poet reflect the message of unity? 26. What does the poet want to convey by the example of earth?
27. How far do you agree that the poem is a reflective poem? 28. How did the poet wage a war against the war mongers?
29. How far do you agree that the poem is a silent attack towards the negativities of mankind? 30. How does the poet criticise our self-centeredness and fear of death?
A THING OF BEAUTY
By-John Keats
Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow.
Extract - 1
A thing……….and quiet breathing
a) Name the Poem and the Poet.
b) Explain “A thing of beauty is joy forever” c) What do you mean by “A bower quit for us”?
d) Why does not a beautiful thing pass into nothingness?
Extract -2
Therefore ………. gloomy days
a) What are we doing every day? b) What are the evil things we possess?
c) Identify the figure of speech used in second line. d) What do you mean by „Despondence‟?
Extract 3
Of all………..dark spirits
a) What removes the pall from our dark spirits?
b) What do you mean by „in spite of all‟? c) What do you mean by „dark spirits‟?
d) What does the Poet want to convey in this stanza?
Extract -4
Such the………musk rose blooms
a) Describe the role of daffodils and clear rills in enriching the environment. b) What makes the mid-forest brake rich?
c) Identify the figure of speech used in second line. d) What do you mean by sprinkling?
Extract -5
And such ………..heaven’s brink
a) Explain: the grandeur of the dooms.
b) What does the Poet mean by the mighty dead? c) What is the source of the endless fountain of immortal drink?
d) What do mean by immortal drink?
Short answer type questions (3 marks)
a) What does the line „Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth what‟suggest us? b) How does a thing of beauty keep a bower quiet for us?
c) What are the things that give sufferings and sadness to man? d) Name the things of nature that are constant sources of beauty.
e) What is the message that John Keats wants to give through “A thing of Beauty”? f) How is a thing of beauty lovelier than lovely tales that we have heard and read‟fo?
g) What is the source of that endless fountain of immortal drink and what is its effect?
PROSE LESSONS
GOING PLACES
By-A. R Barton
Short answer type questions
1. Why is Sophie attracted to Danny Casey?
2. How are Jansie and Sophie different from each other?
3. Why did Sophie long for her brother‟s affection?
4. Did Geoff keep up his promise? How do you know?
5. Why was Sophie jealous of Geoff‟s silence?
6. Why did Sophie not want Jansie to know anything about her meeting with Danny Casey? 7. How did Sophie‟s father react when Geoff told him about her meeting with Danny Casey? 8. What thoughts came to Sophie‟s mind as she sat by the canal?
9. Which was the only occasion when Sophie got to see Danny Casey in person?
10.Why did Jansie discourage Sophie from entertaining thoughts about the sports- star, Danny Casey?
11.Why did Sophie wriggle when Geoff told her father that she had met Danny Casey?
12.” Damn that Geoff, this was a Geoff thing, not a Jansie thing,” Why did Sophie say so?
13.Does Geoff believe what Sophie says about her meeting with Danny Casey?
14.What did Sophie imagine about her meeting with Danny Casey?
15. Where was it most likely that the two girls would find work after school?
16. Who are the two girls? What do they talk about while coming home from the school?
17. Why does Jansie discourage Sophie about her dream?
18. What should be the priority of Sophie when she earns money?
19. Who is Geoff? What does he do?
20. What is the difference between Geoff and Sophie?
21. Who is Danny Casey? What does Sophie feel about him?
22. What does Sophie‟s father think about Danny Casey?
23. What happened when Sophie and her family went to watch the match on Saturday?
24. “And it is hard burden to carry, this sadness.” Why did Sophie feel so when Danny Casey did not come?
25. “It is a perfect place, she had always thought so.” Which is the place described and what made it so perfect?
Long Answer Type Questions -
1. Has Sophie ever met Danny Casey? What details of her meeting with Danny Casey did she narrate to her brother?
2. What were Sophie‟s plans for her future? Why would you call her dreams unrealistic? (Delhi 2014; Modified)
3. Sophie was a dreamer. The lesson „Going Places‟ reminds us that mere dreams will not help us to
accomplish anything. What qualities, do you think, would help Sophie realise her dreams? (Foreign 2014) 4. Attempt a character sketch of Sophie as a woman who lives in her dreams. (Delhi 2012)
5.Contrast Sophie‟s real world with her fantasies.
6. Compare and contrast Sophie and Jansie, highlighting their temperaments and aspirations. 7. Do you think Sophie is overambitious and Jansie is more practical?
8. Sophie‟s dream world clashes with the world of her family and friends. Bring out the stark differences between the two worlds?
9. Teacher always advise their students to dream big. Yet the same teachers in your classrooms find fault with Sophie when she dreams. What is wrong with Sophie‟s dreams?
10. Every teenager has a hero/heroine to admire. So many times they become role model for them. What is wrong if Sophie fantasises about Daney casey and is ambitious in life?
11. Give a character sketch of Geoff.
INDIGO
By-Louis Fischer
Short answer type questions
1. Why it was a difficult task for Raj Kumar Shukla to take Gandhiji to Champaran?
2.Which episode in Patna opened Gandhiji‟s eyes to discrimination?
3.Why did Gandhi chide the lawyers of Muzaffarpur?
4.How was Gandhiji able to influence the lawyers ?
5.When and where did Gandhi decide “ to urge the departure of the British” and Why?
6.Why did Gandhi oppose taking help from C.F Andrews?
7.Why did Gandhi agree to the planters‟ offer of a 25% refund to the farmers?
8. “Civil disobedience had triumphed, the first time in India”. Which incident is being referred to here?
9.” Gandhi‟s politics were intertwined with the practical day to day problems of the millions‟. Justify this
statement with reference to the Champaran episode.
10.Why did the officials feel powerless without Gandhi‟s cooperation? How did they react?
11. What was Gandhi‟s chief concern other than the peasants? Why couldn‟t he leave Champaran even after
the settlement?
12. How did the Champaran episode change the plight of the peasants?
Long Answer Type Questions -
1. Describe the exploitation of the Indigo sharecroppers by English landlords inChamparan. Did Gandhi help
them to get an honorable settlement?
2.Can we say poor Indians are free from fear after Independence?
3. What are the qualities of a good leader.
4. Have you ever tried to follow the policy of Gandhiji?
5.Describe how Champaran turned out to be a turning point in Gandhi‟s life. How did the success of
Champaran justify the ways and means adopted by Gandhi during civil disobedience?
6. How did Gandhi help the poor in Champaran to achieve freedom from fear? What made Indigo
sharecropping disappear?
LOST SPRING
By-Anees Jung
B
Short Answer Questions(3 mark each)
1. How did Saheb manage to embarrass the author?
2. What prompted the author to remark that promises like the one she made abound in every corner of
Saheb‟s bleak world?
3. What was the full name of Saheb? Describe the irony of his fate?
4. What makes the city of Firozabad famous?
5. Mention the hazards of working in the glass bangles industry?
6. Why was not Saheb happy on getting a job?
7. What forces conspire to keep the workers in the bangle industry of Firozabad in poverty? 8. Through the years, rag picking has acquired the „proportion of a fine art‟ in Seemapuri. Justify the
statement.
9. How has „a dream come true‟ for Saheb and what is „out of his reach‟?
10. How did garbage hold different meanings for adults and children?
11. Who is Mukesh? What is his dream? Why does it look like a „mirage amidst the dust‟?
12. How is the bangle industry of Firozabad a curse for childhood? 13. How does Mukesh‟s grandmother view the family occupation of bangle making and its poverty?
14. What are the two worlds that the author talks about? 15. How is Mukesh different from Saheb?
16. How is Mukesh‟s attitude to his situation different from that of his family? 17. Whom does Anees Jung blame for the sorry plight of the bangle makers?
18. „Born in the caste of bangle makers they have seen nothing but bangles‟. Where do they see bangles? 19. What contrasts do you notice between the bangles they make and the atmosphere of the place where
these bangles are made? 20. What are most of the bangle makers ignorant of? What would happen if the laws were enforced
strictly? 21. Where is Mukesh‟s house located? What is he proud of?
22. Give a description of the „frail young woman‟ in the text. 23. Savita is a symbol of innocence and efficiency. Comment.
24. How is Seemapuri both far and near to Delhi? 25. Where has Saheb got a pair of tennis shoes from? Why is he extremely excited about it?
26. What has Mukesh‟s father achieved so far in his life? 27. To which country did Saheb‟s parents originally belong? Why did they come to India?
28. What job did Saheb take up? Was he happy? 29. In what sense is garbage gold to the ragpickers? 30. How is Mukesh different from the other bangle makers of Firozabad?
31. Whom does Anees Jung blame for the sorry plight of the bangle makers? 32. What is Mukesh‟s dream? Do you think he will be able to fulfil his dream? Why? Why not?
33. Why could the bangle makers not organise themselves into a cooperative? 34. What did the man from Udipi once tell the narrator?
35. Where has Saheb got a pair of tennis shoes from? Why is he extremely excited about it? 36. Why was the narrator speechless when Saheb asked her if the school was ready?
37. What was the plight of Mukesh‟s father?
38. Why don‟t the younger ones of the bangle makers do anything else?
39. How were the children, the partners of survival with their parents?
40. Explain “survival in Seemapuri means rag picking”
41. What truth does the author want to reveal in this lesson?
42. How are the bangle makers caught in the vicious circle?
43. Who was Saheb? How did he earn his living?
44. Comment on the title „Lost Spring‟?
45. How is the bangle industry of Firozabad a curse for the bangle makers?
46. Why did the author feel that her advice to Saheb was hollow?
Long answer type questions(6 mark )
1. „Lost Spring‟, is a sad commentary on the political system of our country that condemns thousands of
people to a life of abject poverty. Comment
2. The life of bangle makers of Firozabad was full of obstacles which forced them to lead a life of poverty and deprivation. Discuss with reference to Lost Spring?
3. The bangle-makers of Firozabad make beautiful bangles and make everyone happy but they live and die
in squalor. Elaborate
4. Give a brief account of the life and activities of the people like Saheb-e-Alam settled in Seemapuri.
5. 'Lost Spring' explains the grinding poverty and traditions that condemn thousands of people to a life of abject poverty. Do you agree? Why / Why not?
6. Explain the significance of title „Lost Spring‟.
7. “Seemapuri, a place on periphery of Delhi yet miles away from it metaphorically.” Comment 8. Bring out the significance of Mukesh‟s dream of becoming a motor mechanic.
9. “There is a vast gulf that separates dreams from reality” Discuss with special reference to Mukesh and Sahib.
10. Often names are full of irony. Write an article with reference to the chapter „The Lost Spring‟.
11. There are forces that conspire to keep poverty in the society. Write a short speech on the given
statement with reference to the chapter The Lost Spring.
12. „Young slum children are often unable to live their dreams‟. Discuss with reference to the chapter,
The Lost Spring.
13. We need to inculcate sensitivity among the people of this nation in order to bring back the spring in
the lives of slum children. Discuss with reference to the chapter, „Lost Spring‟
14. The children like Mukesh, Saheb and Savita are victims of society. Discuss the change in the attitude
of the society needed to sympathize with them.
15. Promises made to poor children are often out of amusement and are rarely meant or kept. Comment
on the need of sensitizing the people towards such children.
16. “Being born into the caste of bangle-makers has become both a curse and a destiny.” Discuss by
giving examples from the text.
17. Justify the title „Lost Spring‟
18. The beauty of the glass bangles of Firozabad contrasts with the misery of people who produce them‟.
Explain.
19. “To do anything else would mean to dare. And daring is not a part of growing up”. Discuss.
20. The extract „Lost Spring‟ describes the plight of street children forced into labour early in life and
denied the opportunity of schooling. Explain this with reference to the extract.
21. The story „Lost Spring‟ gives us an authentic picture of child labour prevalent in India. What
measures would you suggest to stop child labour?
22. The lesson „Lost Spring‟ tells us about the callousness of society and the political class to the
sufferings of the poor. Is this true of contemporary India? Cite examples.
MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD
By-Zitkala Sa and Bama
Short answer type (3 marks)
1. Why was Zitkala- Sa in tears on the first day in the land of apples?
2. What are the views of the author about the dress code in the school?
3. How would you interpret the author‟s statements, „now I was only one of many little animals driven
by a herder.‟
4. What lesson do you learn from the episode “we too are human beings”?
5. What advice did Annan give to Bama? How did his words of advice affect her life?
6. In spite of myself, “ I was carried downstairs and tied fast in a chair.” Why do you think the author
uses the expression “in spite of myself” here?
7. What actions of the people would Bama watch keenly in the bazaar?
Long answer type questions:
1. When and how did Bama first come to know of the social discrimination faced by the people of her community?
2. Describe the experience Bama had on her way back home which made her feel sad. 3. Racial and caste discrimination still exist in our country. Do you agree with this statement? Give
reasons. 4. Describe Zitkala Sa‟s experience of „eating by formula‟ on the first day of her school.
5. What was the scene that first amused Bama but then filled her with anger and revolt?
6. What oppression and discrimination did Zitkala Sa and Bama experience during their childhood? How did they respond to their respective situations?
7. ON THE FACE OF IT
By-Susan Hill
Short questions (3 mark)
a) How and why does Derry enter Mr Lamb‟s garden? b) How did Derry get face burned?
c) How did Mr Lamb get one of his legs blown off? What do the children call him? d) How do people pass uncharitable remarks and comments on Derry‟s face?
e) How does Mr Lamb spend his time? f) Why is Derry withdrawn and defiant?
g) What change comes in Derry at the end? h) Why does Derry‟s mother stop him from going to Mr Lamb‟s garden?
i) What was the reaction of Mr Lamb when he saw Derry entering his garden after climbing over the garden wall?
j) What message does the play‟ On the Face of It‟ conveys to the readers?
HOTS (6 marks)
a) Derry is a victim of his own complex. He develops a negative attitude towards life and people. Explain.
b) Derry‟s meeting with Lamb is a turning point in Derry‟s life. Elaborate. c) Mr. Lamb and Derry both have physical disability but their approach towards life was totally different.
Justify.
Value Based Questions -
a) In the story „On the Face of It‟, there are two characters and both of them suffer from physical
ailments, their attitude & aptitude to life is different. Justify the statement with reference to the story on the face of it.
b) There is a statement „The worlds‟ got a whole face and the world‟s there to be looked at‟. How far is this outlook justified?
c) Derry comes back to Lamb and keeps his words. It shows how positive motivation can eliminate negative attitude. Elaborate with reference to the chapter.
d) Sometimes an unexpected person we meet may play a crucial role in our life as Lamb played in the life of Derry. Elaborate this statement with examples from your experience and the lesson.
THE RATTRAP
By-Selma Lagerlof
SHORT QUESTIONS (3marks)
1. In what sense was the world a big rattrap according to the peddler?
2. Why did the peddler derive pleasure from his idea of the world as a rattrap? 3. What is the significance of the pouch shown by the crofter to the peddler?
4. Why did Edla plead with her father not to send the vagabond away? 5. What conclusion did the ironmaster reach when he heard that the crofter had been robbed by the peddler?
6. What was the content of the letter written by the peddler to Edla? 7. What were the contents of the package left by the peddler to Edla?
8. Why did the peddler decline the invitation of the ironmaster? 9. Who was the owner of Ramsjo iron mills? Why did he visit the mills at night?
10. How did the ironmaster react on seeing the stranger lying close to the furnace?
LONG QUESTIONS (6 marks)
1.The story „The Rattrap‟ exemplifies the truth that essential goodness of human beings can be awakened through understanding and love. Discuss.
2. The story focuses on human loneliness and the need to bond with others. Explain.
3. The metaphor of the rat trap serves to highlight human predicament. What is the human predicament?
4. How did the peddler feel after robbing the crofter? What course did he adopt and how did he react
to the new situation? What does his reaction reveal?
5. After reading the text „The Rattrap‟, you feel that moral virtues can change a person‟s life. These
play a vital role in the moral and spiritual development of a human-being. Write an article on „Needs for inculcating moral values‟ in about 100 words.
6. The peddler‟s instance speaks on a general level to the whole of society, urging for a different outlook towards those maligned individuals who can be redeemed by compassion and understanding. The
rehabilitation programmes such as prisons follow the same value. In the light of the peddler‟s example, how do you think society can help individuals, especially juvenile delinquents from falling prey to petty crimes
and bad habits?
7. The story „The Rattrap‟ describes the effects of kindness and generosity of Edla and her father on the
peddler. There are many underprivileged in our society who can benefit from the same. Write an article in 100-150 words about the need to lend a helping hand to the underprivileged.
8. The peddler declined the invitation of the Ironmaster but accepted the one from Edla. Why?
9. The story “The Rattrap” is both entertaining and philosophical. Explain.
10. Compare and contrast the kindness and hospitality shown by Edla and the Ironmaster.
THE ENEMY-
By-Pearl S. Buck
1. Short answer type questions:
1. In what condition did Dr Sadao find the American soldier at the sea shore? 2. What was Sadao‟s father dream for him? How did Sadao realise it?
3. Why did Dr Sadao treat the American soldier even though it was an unpatriotic act on his part? 4. Why did the General not order immediate arrest of Dr Sadao who had sheltered a white man?
5. What forced Dr Sadao to be impatient and irritable with his patient? 6. What made a cool surgeon like Sadao speak sharply to his wife and what was her reaction?
7. What made Hana sympathetic to the prisoner in the face of open defiance from the domestic staff? 8. What explains the attitude of the General in the matter of the enemy soldier?
9. Why was Dr Sadao not sent to the battle field? 10. Why did the messenger come to Dr Sadao? What did he think about it?
11. What did Dr Sadao do to get rid of the enemy soldier? 12. How did Hana help Dr Sadao in treating the wounded soldier?
13. Dr Sadao‟s father was a very traditional and conventional man. Elucidate. 14. How did the gardener react at the presence of the enemy in his master‟s house?
15. Why did the General not send his personal assassins to Dr Sadao‟s house?
2. Long answer type questions:
1. What conflicting ideas arise in Dr Sadao‟s mind after he has brought the wounded American soldier home? How is the conflict resolved?
2. Why did Sadao help the American soldier to escape? How did he do it? 3. What was the General‟s plan to get rid of the American prisoner? Why was it not executed?
4. Explain the reaction of the servants when Sadao decided to give shelter to an enemy in the house? 5. How would you explain the reluctance of the soldier to leave Sadao‟s house?
6. What pains did Sadao and Hana take to save the American soldier?
THE LAST LESSON
By-Alphonse Daudet
1. Short answer type questions:
1. “We‟ve all a great deal to reproach ourselves with”, said M. Hamel. Comment.
2. What words did M. Hamel write on the blackboard before dismissing the last class? What did they mean?
3. What tempted Franz to stay away from school? 4. What shows M. Hamel‟s love for the French language?
5. What was unusual about M. Hamel‟s dress on his last day in the school? 6. Why is the order from Berlin called a thunderclap by Franz?
7. What was the order from Berlin and what changes did it cause in the school? 8. What did M. Hamel tell them about French language? What did he ask them to do and why?
9. How did M. Hamel say farewell to his students and the people of the town? 10. What announcement did M. Hamel make? What was the impact of this on Franz?
11 Franz was able to understand everything that day. Why? 12. How did Franz‟s feelings about M. Hamel and the school change?
13. Why were the elders of the village sitting in the classroom that day? 14. Who did M. Hamel blame for the neglect of learning on the part of boys like Franz?
15. How did Franz perform when his turn came to recite?
5. Long answer type questions:
1. Everybody during the last lesson was filled with regret. Comment.
2. How different from usual was the atmosphere at school on the day of the last lesson? 3. How did the order from Berlin change the situation in the school?
4. In what way did the feelings of Franz and the villagers change? What was responsible for the change? 5. The order from Berlin aroused a particular zeal in the school. Comment.
6. The people in the story suddenly realise how precious their language is to them. What shows you this? Why does this happen?
The Tiger King
By-kalki
1.Short answer type questions:
Q.1What was the prediction made by the chief astrologer?
Q.2Why did the Tiger King decide to get married?
Q.3How did the Maharaja manage to retain his kingdom?
Q.4How did the Tiger King get his name?
Q.5Why did the Tiger King order the Dewan to double the land tax?
Q.6How did the royal infant grow up in the English environment?
Q.7How did the birthday present become the cause of the Tiger King‟s death?
Q.8How was the hundredth tiger killed?
Q.9How did the Dewan manage to retain his post?
Q.10Why did the Tiger King not allow the British officer to kill a tiger?
2.Long answer type questions:
Q.1 How does the author make use of the literary device of dramatic irony in the chapter, „The Tiger
King‟?
Q.2 It is the callous attitude of those in power to plunder natural resources. Justify with reference to „The
Tiger King‟. Q.3How did the Tiger King go about the task of killing tigers?
Q.4 Describe the relationship between the Maharaja and his subordinates in the chapter „The Tiger King‟.
Q.5 How did the chief astrologer‟s prediction finally become true?
Should Wizard Hit Mommy?
By- John Updike
1. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words (3marks each)
1 Why did Roger Skunk go to visit the old owl? 2 Why did Jo think that Skunk‟s mommy was stupid?
3. How did Jo want the Wizard to behave when mommy Skunk approached him? 4. How does Jo want the story to end?
5. How did Jo want the story of Roger Skunk to end? 6. Why does Jack insist that it was the Wizard that was hit and not the mother?
7. How was the Skunk‟s story different from the other stories narrated by Jack? 8. What did Jo want the Wizard to do when Mommy Skunk approached him?
9. Why does Jo insist that her father should tell her the story with a different ending? 10. How did the Wizard help Roger Skunk?
11. What part of the story did Jack himself enjoy the most and why? 12. Why did Jo disapprove of Jack‟s ending of the story of Roger Skunk? How did she want it to end?
13. What impression do you form of Jack as a father? 14. Why was story telling a tiresome task for Jack especially on Saturday and Sunday?
15. What made Jack a great story teller? 16. What is a Skunk? What is the problem with him in this chapter?
17. What was common in Jack‟s stories? 18. What kind of listener was Jo?
19. What did the wise owl advise the Skunk to do? 20. Why did the wizard want to stay away from the Skunk?
21. What made Roger Skunk cry even after his smell was changed? 22. How did Roger arrange rest of the three pennies?
23. Why was Roger so much excited with his new smell? 24. What did Roger‟s mother notice unusual about her son? How did she react to the situation?
25. How did Roger‟s mother express her anger towards the wizard? 26. How did wizard respond to the mother?
27. Who was Clare? Why did she want Jack to come downstairs? 28. What ugly middle position was Jack caught in?
29. Why was Jack not happy in going downstairs and helping his wife? 30. Who is Jo? How has she changed in the past two years? How did Jo behave in 'reality phase'?
31. Describe the wizard‟s room. 32. What does Jack actually want Jo to know and understand in the story?
33. Why was Roger Skunk‟s mother angry? What did she finally tell him? 34. Which do you think is a better ending of Roger Skunk‟s story, Jo‟s or her father‟s? Why?
35. Why did Jack bring in an addition to the story that had in fact ended?
2. Long answer type questions (6 Marks)
1. What made Jack conduct the „story-session‟ and what story did he tell? How did he ensure active participation of the listener in the development of the story?
2. Who is Jo? In what way does she respond to her father‟s story-telling?
3. What possible plot line could the story continue with?
4. What do you think was Jo‟s problem?
5. What makes Jack insist that it was the wizard that was hit and not the mother?
6. Why is an adult‟s perspective on life different from that of a child‟s?
7. Why was Roger Skunk‟s mommy angry ? Does her anger seem justified? What did she decide to do?
8. Comment on the ending of the story „Should Wizard Hit Mommy‟?
9. Why has the title a question mark? How far do you find it a convincing and appropriate title?
10. Do you think Jack and Jo could identify with Roger Skunk as a victim of the hatred of other creatures?
11. How does Jack justify Roger‟s mother? Why does he do so?
12.It appears that Jack is an immature father. Discuss.
13.What is the clash in the story?
14.Why was Joe against the end of the story?
15.Was Jack a success as a story teller? Explain.
16.How should Jack have ended the story in order to make Joe sleep?
17.It is important that children be allowed to furnish their views and offer their opinions. How does the
story contradict this tenet of good parenting?
18.Parents should teach their children to accept people as they. Comment.
19.What is your stance regarding the two endings to the Roger Skunk story?
20. Describe Roger Skunk‟s trouble and what did he do to get rid of it?
EVANS TRIES AN O- LEVEL
By- Colin Dexter
1. Short answer type questions
1.Did the injured McLeery help the prison officers track Evans?
2.Who was „Evans the Break‟? why was he called so?
3.What was the declared purpose of the rubber ring and for what was it actually used?
4.Why did Evans not take off his hat when Jackson ordered him to do so?
5.What were the precautions taken for the smooth conduct of the examination?
2. Long answer type questions:
1. What lapses on the part of the police and prison authority helped Evans to escape from the prison?
2. Describe the special precautions and safety measures taken by the authorities for the smooth conduct
of the O-level examination and preventing the possible escape of Evans from the prison.
3. How was Evans arrested and how did he gain his freedom?
4. How was injured McLeery able to befool the prison officers?
5. Reflecting on the story, what did you feel about Evans having the last laugh?
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