SECTION A (READING)
A1. Read the following passage carefully. (8 marks)
1. My father has always been a passionate man. He has always been passionate about the people of the Everest region—so much so that in 1960 he began the first of the many projects aimed at improving their lives. In 1975 he had begun building his second hospital in the Himalayas when tragedy struck our family. My mother and my youngest sister Belinda were flying into the mountains to join him when their small aeroplane crashed soon after take-off from Kathmandu.
2. I was in Assam when I first heard of the accident. I flew straight to Kathmandu and met my father and oldest sister Sarah on a narrow lane on the outskirts of the city. Any hope I had clung to, that my mother and sister were still alive, was extinguished the moment I saw my father—bowed and broken. I knew then that Mum and Belinda would never return.
3. It was years before Dad fully came out of this period of darkness. Only by plunging himself into more adventures and ever more projects in Nepal, could he get through it. He has built 42 schools and hospitals there.
4. As I grew up, some of Dad’s restlessness rubbed off on me. I know many people think there must be some compulsion for the son of Sir Edmund Hillary to climb mountains. They assume that there was some imperative etched in stone that says, “Thou shalt climb mountains”—and in particular Everest, whether you like it or not. But for me its simpler than that. I think families are like factories the Hillary family is a limited production mountaineering establishment.
5. Today, at the age of 48, 1 am an inveterate mountain man. I have been on more than 30 mountaineering expeditions, from the Himalayas to the Antarctic. And yes, I have climbed Everest—twice.
6. I treasure the same things that drew my father to climbing—the tremendous camaraderie involved, the intensity and adrenaline buzz, especially in dangerous places where your life depends upon making the right call. I guess that I am luckier than most because I am able to fall back on all that my father has taught me.
A1.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, answer the following questions. Write the answers In your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. (6 marks)
(a) The author’s father was passionate about the people of the Everest
region; so he
(b) The plane crash in 1975 led to the
(c) The author’s father came out of the dark phase in his life by
(d) Why did the author take up climbing like his father?
(e) How did the author prove to be a true son of his father?
(f) Why does the author consider himself lucky?
A1.3 Find words / phrases from the passage which mean the same as the following from the paragraphs indicated. (2 marks)
(a) put out (para 2)
(b) a command (para 4)
A2. Read the following passage carefully. (12 marks)
CREDIT CARDS
1. Ask people whether credit cards are a necessity or a luxury and most would probably term them a necessity these days. Credit cards are considered a boon for the ready convenience they confer on the user—you don’t have to worry about carrying enough cash when you go shopping or to a restaurant. Just flash your card, sign and walk out.
2. But there are many who criticise credit cards for the ‘easy money’ syndrome they generate. It is true that many people fall into a debt trap—thanks to the extensive use of their cards. But if you’re careful with your expenses, they can be a handy thing to have around. Hence, you need to consider the term ‘responsible usage’ and understand the actual significance of living on credit.
3. Remember that using a credit card does not mean ‘free’ credit. In effect, what you are doing is merely postponing payment. While it looks real good to have to pay only one or two thousand a month on your card, remember that you’re paying interest on the amount that you ‘revolve’ from one billing cycle to the next.
4. But there’s one precaution we should add. Always settle a credit card bill in full for two good reasons. First and foremost, if you are not able to pay up now, you should not have spent it in the first place. Second, the credit charges tend to be extremely high, ranging from 2 per cent to 3 per cent per month.
5. There is no shortage of cards on offer. Almost every bank has launched a card; so the biggest hurdle you face is in trying to choose from amongst them.
6. So, how does one choose among the various cards on offer? “The factors for choosing a card revolve around certain differentiating features that one card may offer and the others don’t, like acceptability, eligibility, fees, other charges, credit period, cash advance, etc.
7. Cards which carry the Master or Visa affiliation are more widely accepted across the country compared to Diners and American Express cards. Similarly, global credit cards are valid even outside India. If you travel regularly within or outside India, these cards would probably suit you the best, due to their acceptability across various outlets.
8. If your credit card is more of a functional accessory while you shop or entertain in your own town, you will want a higher credit limit. Here, foreign and private banks will give you a higher limit. But if you are a value-for-money person who likes the convenience offered by a card, but will alternate between paying by cash and card, you could consider credit cards offered by the public sector banks. Their entry fees are typically lower. Moreover, if you need them; you get longer credit periods and lower credit charges. But you may not get a very high credit limit.
9. Many of us nowadays carry more than one card, and under the circumstances, you could use them to segregate your expenses. For example, if your employer reimburses you for certain travel and entertainment expenses, it would be a good idea to charge all official expenses to one card and all personal expenses to the other card. This will help you account for your official expenses easily.
10. Its all very well to be a member of the plastic age. Like all good things in life, a credit card privilege has to be enjoyed.
A2.1 On the basis of your reading of the passage, complete the following summary as briefly as possible. Write your answers in the answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. (4 marks)
To use a credit card all you need to do is, show it and (a) ………..They can be used at a shop or use a credit card responsibly, it is important to understand the fact that a credit card only (c) ……………It can be difficult to decide which credit card one wants because (d) ……………
A2.2 Find words / phrases from the passage which mean the same as the following from the paragraphs indicated. (2 marks)
(a) attitudes / social problem (para 2)
(b) problem or difficulty (para 5)
A2.3 Taking information from the passage, write down one advantage and one disadvantage of credit cards. One has been done as an example. Write the answers in your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. (2 marks)
A2.4 The table below summarizes the types of credit cards available and the types of people they suit best. Complete the table by choosing appropriate phrases from the passage. Two answers have been given as examples. Write the answerc in your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. (4 marks)
| Types of credit cards | Suit people who | Reason for choice |
| 1. Global credit cards | (a) …………… |
Accepted across various outlets |
| 2. Credit cards offered banks | (b) …………… |
Provide a higher credit limit |
| 3. credit dards offered by public banks | (c) …………… |
(d) ……………… |
SECTION B (WRITING)
B1. Avinash, a student of TIFR (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research), decides to write to his friend about the institution he has joined. Making use of the notes on his note pad, complete the information for him. Write the answers in your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. (5 marks)
TIFR designated deemed university (by UGC) — help establish TIFR — first choice of Ph.D. students (science, mathematics) — likely to admit B.Sc. students directly— prog. closely affiliated — Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Edu. (HBCS) in suburbs of Mumbai — objectives; develops curriculum, promotes excellence — all over India. |
The Mumbai based Tata Institute of Fundamental Research was designated (a) ………………..by UGC on May 26th 2003. According to the Director of the Institute, the deemed University status,(b) ……………of Ph.D. students in the basic sciences and mathematics. The University is likely (c) …………..directly into their Ph.D. programme, to fall in line with the universities abroad. In
addition, TIFR is closely (d) ……………located in suburban Mumbai. HBCS’s objectives include (e) ……......of excellence in schools all over India.
B2. You are Ajay / Ajitha, the organizer of the Inter School Football Competition to be held in your school. Write a notice in not more than 50 words to be put on the School Notice Board asking the students of Class X to meet you to discuss the details regarding the conduct of the competition. Put your notice in a box. (5 marks)
B3. Rekha read the following news report about the tendency in children to stay away from any sort of physical activity. She decided to make use of the information to write an article for her school magazine. Write the article for her in about 150-200 words using ideas from the unit on ‘Health and Medicine’ and your own ideas. (10 marks)
The teachers and parents have expressed their disappointment about the children of today being nothing but couch potatoes. Very seldom do you find children outside their houses, playing their one time favourite outdoor games like Hide and Seek, Cricket etc.
B4. As an aware citizen of the country, you are concerned about the increase in road accidents in the metropolitan cities of India. Interpret the data given below and using your own ideas, write a letter in about 150 words to the newspaper ‘The Chronicle’. You are Arun / Anita. (10 marks)
For Blind Candidates Only
Write a letter to a newspaper editor about your concern regarding the increase in road accidents in about 150 words.
SECTION C (GRAMMAR)
C1. The following passage has not been edited. There is one error in the lines indicated. Write the Incorrect word and the correction in your answer sheet as given below against the correct blank number. Remember to underline the word that you have supplied. (½ x 8 =4 marks)
In a larger interests of the children, the e.g. a…..the
principal, the teachers or the (a)
students must all be involved with subtle (b)
relationship-building exercises each years. This (c)
requires a lot in effort, understanding (d)
and planning, but the reward (e)
are well worth it all. In the end of the (f)
threatening first week, the students would had (g)
settled down on their new classes. (h)
C2. Look at the words and phrases below. Rearrange them to form meaningful sentences. The first one has been done as an example.
Write the correct sentences in your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. (½ x 8 =4 marks)
a long / India has / conservation of/ history of / forests
India has a long history of conservation of forests.
(a) closed seasons / many communities / follow traditional practices / of forest
dwellers / of maintaining / and fisherpeople
(b) as no hunting / the wildlife population / its numbers / or fishing/ during this
time / can recoup / is allowed
(c) have been/ and social customs / because of / many species / centuries /
conserved / such religious / through the
(d) of living beings / conservation of/ large mammals / to maintain / will help /
the entire web
(e) the poor/ distributed / this was/ among
(f) knowledge growing / is symbolic/ of life / and / lighting a lamp
(g) the poor / so that / would bless / they / the grain / the child / was given / to (h) one’s birthday / of celebrating / an ideal way / Isn’t this
C3. Read the conversation given below and complete the paragraph that follows. Write the answers in your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. (4 marks)
Mother : I have washed the car for you today also.
Daughter : Thank you, Mom.
Mother : Now, do not drive fast, dear.
Daughter : I need to as I have to blow dry the car.
The mother told the daughter that (a) …………. The daughter (b) ………The mother (c) ………….. But the daughter contradicted by saying that (d)……….
C4. Fill in the blanks with a suitable word. Write the answers in your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers (4 marks)
Most people have an intuitive sense that walking (a) ………. calm them down. Now scientists (b) ……………….. trying to find some evidence for such a claim. An American investigation researcher observed people who were (c) ……….. care of relatives with dementia, a stressful situation almost
(d) ………..one of us will face. It was found that those who began walking four times a week, reported feeling (e) ……………….distressed and were sleeping (f) …………..… Tests (g) ………... that their blood pressure was more likely to (h)........... steady when they were under stress.
C5. Given below is a conversation between Neela and Suresh. Complete the dialogue in any suitable way. Write the answers in your answer sheet against the correct blank numbers. Do not copy the whole sentence. (1 x 5 =5 marks)
Neela : Hi, Suresh, How are you?
Suresh : Life’s rather tough. I need a job.
Neela : What kind of a job are you interested in?
Suresh : I am interested in administrative accounts. I have five years
experience in a reputed firm.
Neela : Would you mind going abroad?
Suresh : I don’t mind working anywhere in India but I am not interested in going abroad. Neela on meeting Suresh asked him how he was. Suresh replied that he was on the look out for a job. Neela (a) ……..job (b) …… Suresh told her that (c) ………..She enquired (d) ………….He firmly replied (e) ………….
SECTION D (LITERATURE)
D1. Read the extract given below and answer the following questions. Write the answers in your answer sheet in one or two lines only. Remember to number the answers correctly. (4 marks)
“But I cant’t sing in this weather”
“Come, my dear—we’ll sing together.
Just put on your scarf and sash,
Koo-oh-ah ! ko-ash ! ko-ash !“
(a) Who are the ones referred to here? (1)
(b) Why should the scarf and sash be worn? (1)
(c) Bring out the contrasting features of the speakers in the poem. (2)
D2. Read the extract given below and answer the following questions. Write the answers in your answer sheet in one or two lines only. Remember to number the answers correctly. (4 marks)
I am not cruel, only truthful-
The eye of a little god, four-cornered.
(a) Who does the ‘I’ refer to? (1)
(b) Do you think that the mirror is cruel? (2)
(c) Why l the mirror been called a ‘four-cornered god’? (1)
D3. What is Calpurnia’s dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream? Your answer should not exceed 100 words. (5 marks)
D4. Read the extract given below and answer the following questions. Write the answers in your answer sheet in one or two lines only. Remember to number the answers correctly. (5 marks)
“It matters very little to you. Another idol has displaced me, a golden one.”
(a) Who said this to Scrooge and why? (2)
(b) Who showed this image? (1)
(c) Where did the Third Ghost take Scrooge and why? (2)
D5. Though Cutie-Pie escaped from prison, he was unable to go to his planet immediately. Why? Your answer should not exceed 75 words. (4 marks)
D6. Ali displays remarkable qualities of love and patience. Do you agree? Give evidence from the story in support of your answer. Your answer should be in about 150-175 words. (8 marks)
