Maximum Marks: 80
Time allowed: Two hours
Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.
You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.
This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.
The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.
Attempt all five questions.
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].
You are advised to spend not more than 30 minutes in answering Question 1 and 20 minutes in answering Question 2
Question 1
(Do not spend more than 30 minutes on this question.) Write a composition (300 – 350 words) on any one of the following: [20]- Write an original short story entitled ‘A Strange Visitor’.
- Narrate an incident from your experience in which your parents had entrusted you with a difficult task. Give details of the task, how you carried it out and your feelings at the end.
- Describe how you spend your time on a holiday afternoon. Why do you think it is necessary to have these times of quietness and solitude?
- Express your views either for or against the statement ‘Junk food should be banned’.
- Study the picture given below. Write a story or a description or an account of what it suggests to you. Your composition may be about the subject of the picture, or you may take suggestions from it; however, there must be a clear connection between the picture and your composition.
Solution 1 (i)
On a quiet evening in the small town of Shantipur, a peculiar event occurred that no one would forget. The town had just started settling down for the night. The streets were empty, and the only sounds were the distant chirping of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves. Mr. Sharma, an old librarian, lived alone in a quaint, two-story house near the edge of the town. He had spent his life surrounded by books and often enjoyed the peace and silence of his home. That evening, he was reading a mystery novel by the fireplace, with the warm glow of the fire casting shadows on the walls. Suddenly, there was a soft knock at the front door. Mr. Sharma was not expecting any visitors, especially not at this hour. He put down his book, puzzled, and walked slowly to the door. When he opened it, he was surprised to find a young girl standing on the doorstep. She was dressed in a simple blue dress, and her eyes were wide with curiosity. “Hello,” Mr. Sharma said kindly. “Can I help you?” The girl looked up at him and said softly, “I’m lost. Can I come in and use your phone?” Mr. Sharma noticed that she looked cold and tired. He invited her inside and made her a cup of warm tea. As they sat by the fire, he asked her about her family and how she had ended up at his door. The girl explained that she had been wandering through the forest nearby and had taken a wrong turn. After a while, Mr. Sharma managed to get in touch with the girl’s parents, who were frantic with worry. They arrived at his house shortly after, deeply relieved to find their daughter safe. They thanked Mr. Sharma for his kindness and took their daughter home. As the night grew quiet again, Mr. Sharma returned to his book, feeling content. He realized that sometimes, even in a small town, strange and unexpected events could bring people together and remind them of the kindness in their hearts.Solution 1 (ii)
Last summer, my parents entrusted me with a significant responsibility that pushed me out of my comfort zone. We had planned a family reunion, and my parents asked me to manage the event’s food and refreshments. It was a task I had never handled before, and I was both excited and nervous. The reunion was to be held at our house, and we expected around twenty guests. My parents wanted a mix of snacks, beverages, and a simple lunch, but they were busy with other preparations, so the task fell on me. I started by making a detailed list of everything needed: finger foods, drinks, and a main dish. I began by preparing a shopping list and headed to the market. It was overwhelming at first, with so many items to buy and prices to compare. I spent hours picking out fresh vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients. I also bought some pre-made snacks to make things easier. Next came the cooking. I had to prepare sandwiches, salads, and a large pot of pasta. I followed recipes carefully, and my kitchen turned into a whirlwind of chopping, mixing, and cooking. There were moments when I felt stressed, especially when I accidentally burned a batch of garlic bread. However, I quickly made a new batch and carried on. On the day of the reunion, everything was set up on time. Guests arrived, and the food was served. It felt incredibly satisfying to see everyone enjoying the spread I had worked so hard to prepare. My parents were thrilled with the outcome and praised my efforts. At the end of the day, I was exhausted but immensely proud. Handling such a task made me realize my capabilities and the importance of responsibility. I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the trust my parents had placed in me. It was a valuable experience that taught me the joy of contributing to something special and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges.Solution 1 (iii)
On a holiday afternoon, my routine is a blend of relaxation and personal enjoyment. I start the day with a leisurely breakfast, savoring my favorite tea and a slice of freshly baked bread. With no rush to meet deadlines or attend classes, I relish the calm of the morning. After breakfast, I often retreat to my cozy reading nook. I pick up a book from my growing collection—sometimes fiction, sometimes a biography or a self-help book. I lose myself in the pages, letting the world outside fade away. Reading allows me to explore different worlds and ideas, offering both escape and inspiration. As the afternoon progresses, I might take a walk in the nearby park. The fresh air and gentle exercise are refreshing. I enjoy observing nature—the rustling leaves, the chirping birds, and the occasional friendly stray cat. These moments of solitude in nature help clear my mind and reduce stress. Back at home, I might engage in a hobby, like sketching or writing. These activities are deeply personal and give me a sense of accomplishment. I also take time to reflect on my thoughts and feelings, which helps me understand myself better. The quietness and solitude of these holiday afternoons are essential for several reasons. First, they provide a much-needed break from the constant busyness of daily life. This time away from schedules and social obligations allows me to recharge mentally and emotionally. Second, solitude fosters creativity and self-reflection. It’s during these quiet moments that I often come up with new ideas or gain insights into personal goals. Moreover, these peaceful afternoons help maintain a balance between productivity and relaxation. They remind me that rest is as important as work and that taking time for oneself is crucial for overall well-being. In a world full of noise and constant activity, these periods of calm are necessary for nurturing inner peace and personal growth.Solution 1 (iv)
In today’s fast-paced world, junk food has become a staple in many people’s diets, offering convenience and instant gratification. However, I believe that junk food should be banned due to its detrimental effects on health and well-being. Firstly, junk food is a leading cause of various health problems. Packed with excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, items like chips, sodas, and sugary snacks contribute to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. The alarming rise in obesity rates, especially among children, can be directly linked to the consumption of these unhealthy foods. By banning junk food, we would significantly reduce the prevalence of these health issues, leading to a healthier population. Secondly, the consumption of junk food often leads to poor dietary habits. When people rely on processed and fast food for their meals, they tend to miss out on essential nutrients provided by fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This nutritional imbalance can affect physical and mental health, resulting in decreased energy levels and poorer overall well-being. Banning junk food would encourage individuals to make healthier food choices and adopt balanced diets, which are crucial for maintaining good health. Furthermore, junk food marketing targets vulnerable groups, particularly children and teenagers. Colorful packaging and catchy advertisements make these foods highly appealing, leading to increased consumption. By banning junk food, we would eliminate this targeted marketing, protecting young people from the pressures of unhealthy eating habits and promoting better food choices from an early age. Critics may argue that a ban on junk food would infringe on personal freedom and choice. While personal choice is important, the government has a role in protecting public health. Just as laws exist to prevent harmful behaviors like smoking in public places, regulations on junk food could serve a similar purpose in safeguarding health.Question 2
(Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this question.) Select any one of the following: [10]- Your friend was absent from school on a day when an unfortunate incident took place for which you were blamed. Write a letter to your friend giving details about the incident, your role in it and how the matter was finally resolved.
- You wish to stage a play to create awareness about the importance of saving electricity. Write a letter to the Manager of a nearby shopping mall/supermarket requesting permission to use the space in front of the shopping mall/supermarket to stage the play. Give him/her details about your requirements and state why the play will be beneficial to the shoppers.
Solution 2 (i)
Your Address City, State, ZIP Code Date Dear Friend’s Name, I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to update you about something that happened while you were away from school. On the day you were absent, there was an issue with a broken projector that we needed for a presentation. Since I was in charge of setting it up, I was blamed for the malfunction. It was a stressful situation because I didn’t know the projector was broken before I used it. Eventually, it was discovered that the damage was caused by students from another class. The issue was resolved, and the blame was shifted to the right people. The teachers and principal apologized for the confusion. I just wanted you to know what happened and that everything is sorted now. I missed having you around during that time and hope we can catch up soon. Take care! Your NameSolution 2 (ii)
Your Address Date Mr./Ms. Manager’s Name Manager Shopping Mall/Supermarket Name Mall/Supermarket Address Dear Mr./Ms. Manager’s Name, I hope you’re well. I’m writing to ask for permission to use the space in front of your shopping mall/supermarket to stage a play about saving electricity. Our play aims to educate the public on energy conservation and offer practical tips. We would like to use the space on [Proposed Date] from [Start Time] to [End Time]. We’ll need a small stage area and access to an electrical outlet. We promise to keep everything clean and minimize disruption. This play will help shoppers learn how to save energy and could attract more visitors to your mall/supermarket. Thank you for considering our request. I look forward to your response. Best regards, Your Name Your Contact InformationQuestion 3
- Your school is hosting an Inter School Dance Competition. Write a notice to be put up on your school notice board informing the students about the event. [5]
- Write an email to the Principal of a neighbouring school to request him/her to send their dance teacher to act as a judge for the competition. [5]
Solution 3 (i)
NOTICE
Inter-School Dance Competition
Date: [Insert Date] Time: [Insert Time] Venue: [Insert Venue] Attention all students! We are excited to announce that our school will be hosting an Inter-School Dance Competition. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their dancing skills and compete with other schools. Eligibility: Open to all students. Categories: Solo, Duet, and Group performances. Registration: Please sign up with your dance team and submit your registration form to the school office by [Registration Deadline]. Come and support your friends or participate in this thrilling event! Prizes will be awarded to the top performers. For more details, contact [Teacher’s Name/Contact Information]. Let’s dance and make this event a memorable one! (Your School’s Name) (Date of Notice)Solution 3 (ii)
Subject: Request for Dance Judge for Inter-School Competition Dear Principal [Principal’s Last Name], I hope this email finds you well. We are hosting an Inter-School Dance Competition at our school on [Date] and would be honoured if your dance teacher could join us as a judge. Their expertise would be greatly appreciated in evaluating the performances. Please let us know if this is possible. Thank you for considering our request. Best regards, (Your Name) (Your Position/Role) (Your School’s Name) (Contact Information)Question 4
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:Ashamanja Babu lived in a small flat in Bhowanipore. A clerk in the registry department of Lajpat Rai Post Office, Ashamanja Babu was fortunate as he could walk to his office in seven minutes flat without having to fight his way into the buses and trains of Calcutta. He lived a rather carefree life as he was not the kind of person to sit and brood about what might have been had Fate been kinder to him. On the whole, he was quite content with his lot. Two Hindi films and fish twice a week – these were enough to keep him happy. The only thing that perturbed him at times was his lack of companionship. A bachelor with few friends and relatives, he often wished he had a dog to keep him company. It need not be a huge Alsatian like the one owned by the Talukdars, who lived two houses down the lane; it could be any ordinary little dog which would follow him around morning and evening, wag its tail when he came home from work and obey his orders faithfully. Ashamanja Babu’s secret desires were that he would speak to his dog in English. ‘Stand up’, ‘Sit down’, ‘Shake hands’ – how nice it would be if his dog obeyed such commands! That would make him really happy. On a cloudy day marked by a steady drizzle, Ashamanja Babu went to the market in Hashimara to buy some oranges. At one end of the market, beside a stunted kul tree, sat a man. As their eyes met, the man smiled. Was he a beggar? His clothes made him look like one. Ashamanja Babu noticed at least five sewn-on patches on his trousers and jacket. But the man didn’t have a begging bowl. Instead, by his side was a shoe-box with a little pup sticking its head out of it. ‘Good morning!’ said the man in English. Ashamanja Babu was obliged to return the greeting. ‘Buy dog? Dog buy? Very good dog.’ The man had taken the pup out of the box and had put it down on the ground. ‘Very cheap. Very good. Happy dog.’ The pup shook the raindrops off its coat, looked at Ashamanja Babu and wagged its minuscule two-inch tail. Ashamanja Babu moved closer to the pup, crouched on the ground and stretched out his hand. The pup gave his ring finger a lick with its pink tongue. Nice, friendly dog. ‘How much? What price?’ ‘Ten rupees.’ A little haggling and the price came down to seven rupees. Ashamanja Babu paid the money, put the pup back in the shoe-box, closed the lid to save it from the drizzle, and turned homewards, forgetting all about the oranges.
— Ashamanja Babu’s Dog by Satyajit Ray
(i) For each word given below choose the correct meaning (as used in the passage) from the options provided:- perturbed (a) frightened (b) unsettled (c) confused (d) mocked
- stunted (a) prevented from growing (b) prepared for tricks (c) prevented from taking action (d) allowed to do stunts
- carefree
- ordinary
- cheap
- haggling
- What kept Ashamanja Babu happy? [2]
- What does this tell you about him? [2]
- What is that one other thing he needed to complete his happiness? [1]
- Why did Ashamanja Babu think the man was a beggar? [2]
- Why did Ashamanja Babu forget about his oranges? [2]
Solution 4 (i)
- perturbed: (b) unsettled
- stunted: (a) prevented from growing
Solution 4 (ii)
cheapSolution 4 (iii)
- Ashamanja Babu found happiness in watching two Hindi films and eating fish twice a week. These simple pleasures were enough to keep him content.
- This indicates that Ashamanja Babu is a person who finds joy in modest, everyday activities rather than seeking material wealth. He values simplicity and is easily satisfied with his routine.
- He needed a dog to keep him company.
- Ashamanja Babu thought the man was a beggar because his clothes were patched and worn out, which gave him a beggar-like appearance.
- Ashamanja Babu forgot about his oranges because he was so excited about buying the puppy that he left the market without buying them.
Solution 4 (iv)
The man took the puppy out of the box, and it wagged its tail and licked Ashamanja Babu’s finger. Ashamanja Babu asked the price, haggled it down to seven rupees, and bought the puppy, forgetting about his oranges.Question 5
(i) Fill in each of the numbered blanks with the correct form of the word given in brackets. Do not copy the passage but write in correct serial order the word or phrase appropriate to the blank space. [4] Example: Next day my uncle (0) ____ (spend) a lot of time. Answer: (0) spent He (1) ___ (select) clothes for me, and my aunt (2) ___ (give) my face a scrub and (3) ___ (groom) me. My uncle (4) ___(follow) me about (5) ___ (utter) several pieces of advice before (6) ___ (let) me out. ‘You must never scowl even if the sun (7) ___ (hit) you in the eyes. You must try (8) ___ (look) pleasant.’ (ii) Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.- There’s a black cat sitting ___ the wall.
- The horse jumped ___ the hedge.
- Mother goes ___ the market every day.
- Several people have climbed Mount Everest ___ recent years.
- I often go to school ___ my friend.
- I have left my keys ___ home.
- Instead of talking, prove your worth ___ doing something.
- I have not slept ___ yesterday.
- Showing pity on the mouse he turned it into a cat.
- Taking pity on the mouse he turned it into a cat.
- The magician turned the mouse into a cat by taking pity.
- Taking pity on the mouse the magician turned it into a cat.
- Since this work must be completed, there is a deadline.
- This work must be completed because there is a deadline.
- This work must be completed though there is a deadline.
- This work must be completed when there is a deadline.
- He fled where his pursuers could not follow him.
- He pursued somewhere his followers could not flee.
- He fled somewhere when his pursuers could not follow him.
- He fled where his pursuers cannot follow him.
- He finished first and began late.
- He began first but finished late.
- Though he finished late, he began first.
- Though he began late, he finished first.
(Add a question tag)
- Arun and Nikhil had climbed the mountain, didn’t they?
- Arun and Nikhil had climbed the mountain, had they?
- Arun and Nikhil had climbed the mountain, hadn’t they?
- Arun and Nikhil had climbed the mountain, did they?
(Begin: The window pane…………)
- The window pane had been broken by the children.
- The window pane has been broken by the children.
- The window pane has not been broken by the children.
- The window pane had not been broken by the children.
(Use: ‘too’)
- The apples are too cheap and good.
- The apples are too cheap as well as good.
- The apples are too good to be cheap.
- The apples are too cheap to be good.
(Use: ‘not only’)
- Not only is she very clever but also beautiful.
- Not only was she beautiful and she was also clever.
- Not only is she clever she was also very beautiful.
- Not only was she very beautiful but is also clever.
(Begin: I would rather……)
- I would rather have a simple vanilla ice cream to fancy desserts.
- I would rather have a simple vanilla ice cream than fancy desserts.
- I would rather prefer a simple vanilla ice cream than fancy desserts.
- I would rather have a vanilla ice cream than a fancy dessert.
(Begin: He asked ……)
- He asked when he did intend to make the payment.
- He asked when she is intending to make the payment.
- He asked when I intended to make the payment.
- He asked when they are intending to make the payment.
(Begin: Unless….)
- Unless the rain does not stop, Mariam will not be able to do the laundry.
- Unless Mariam does the laundry, the rain will not stop.
- Unless the rain stop, Mariam will not be able to do the laundry.
- Unless the rain stops, Mariam will not be able to do the laundry.
(Begin: Never….)
- Never had I seen a good movie than this.
- Never I have seen a better movie than this.
- Never have I seen a better movie than this.
- I have never seen a good movie as this.
Solution 5 (i)
- selected
- gave
- groomed
- followed
- uttering
- letting
- hits
- to look
Solution 5 (ii)
- on
- over
- to
- in
- with
- at
- by
- since
Solution 5 (iii)
- Taking pity on the mouse, the magician turned it into a cat.
- This work must be completed because there is a deadline.
- He fled where his pursuers could not follow him.
- Though he began late, he finished first.
Solution 5 (iv)
- Arun and Nikhil had climbed the mountain, hadn’t they?
- The window pane has been broken by the children.
- The apples are too cheap to be good.
- Not only is she very clever but also beautiful.
- I would rather have a simple vanilla ice cream than fancy desserts.
- He asked when I intended to make the payment.
- Unless the rain stops, Mariam will not be able to do the laundry.
- Never have I seen a better movie than this.
