Question Paper 2

General Instructions:
Read the following instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:

1. This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.

2. This question paper contains three sections - Section A : Reading Skills, Section B : Creative Writing Skills

and Section C : Literature.

3. Attempt all questions based on specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question number and

part thereof in your answer sheet.

4. Separate instructions are given with each question/part, wherever necessary.

5. Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

SECTION A – READING SKILLS

1. Read the passage given below:
[12]
1. The art of conversation, like any art, is a skill of elegance, nuance and creative execution. I happen to
believe that there is an art to everything we do, and why not? Without flair and panache most things
become a drudgery. Why settle for drudgery when you can have art?
2. When it comes to the art of conversation, we've all met people who seem to have the knack for it. They
can talk to anybody about anything and they seem to do it with complete ease. And while it's true that
there are those who are born with the gift of the gab, luckily for the rest of us, conversation skills can be
developed and mastered.
3. Conversation is a form of communication; however, it is usually more spontaneous and less formal.
We enter into conversations for purposes of pleasant engagement in order to meet new people, to find
out information and to enjoy social interactions. As far as types of conversation, they vary anywhere
from intellectual conversations and information exchanges to friendly debates and witty banter.
4. While there is more to having good conversation skills than being a comedian, a dramatic actor, or a
great story teller, it is not necessary to become more gregarious, animated, or outgoing.
5. Instead, you can develop the ability to listen attentively, ask fitting questions, and pay attention to the
answers - all qualities essential to the art of conversation. With diligent practice and several good pointers,
anyone can improve his or her conversation skills.
6. People who are genuinely interested in others are usually interested in themselves. Why? Because they are
more open to learning about and understanding new things. Showing interest also encourages the other
person to be relaxed and share information more freely. Display attentiveness by keeping good eye
contact and listening actively.
 7. If you happen to be shy and need time to warm up before you share your own views, you can ask open-
ended questions or encourage the other person to elaborate on their insights. This kick-starts the
conversation and before you know it you are engaged in a good conversational flow.
8. To start a conversation, go up to someone and introduce yourself. It is both polite and necessary to start
off things smoothly.
9. When the occasion calls for it, you can offer a handshake and then smile and make eye contact.
Being friendly puts the other person at ease and opens the door for him or her to introduce
themselves.
10. The art of conversation, like any skill, takes practice. Period. Do not expect to be adept after your first few
attempts. It will take practice as well as exposure to many different social situations.
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:
i. Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option: (1)
The art of conversation is a skill of .
a. uniformity and compatibility
b. friendliness and consensus
c. assertion and ease
d. sophistication and creativity
ii. Comment on the writer's reference to conversation skills as something you are born with. (1)
iii. List two reasons why people enter into conversation. (2)
iv. Select the option that conveys the opposite of witty, as used in paragraph 3. (1)
a. educated
b. creative
c. ignorant
d. boring
v. The writer would not agree with the given statements based on paragraphs 3 to 5, except (1)
a. Conversations are meant only for purposes of research.
b. It is important to be outgoing to be a good conversationist.
c. Conversational skills can be improved with regular practice.
d. Attentive listening is important only while debating.
vi. According to the author, showing interest in others leads to interesting conversations. (2)
Based on your understanding of paragraphs 5 and 6, list one way how a good listener can make the other
person speak more freely.
vii. How can one warm up before one shares one's views? (2)
viii. Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference, with respect to the following: (1)
The writer gives an example of going up to someone and introducing oneself in order to .
ix. How can the ways to start a conversation, as suggested in the passage, be best described? (1)
a. challenging
b. practical
c. exhausting
d. humbling
2. Read the following passage carefully: [10]
1. Educational technology is the combined use of computer hardware, software, educational theory, and
practice to facilitate learning. When referred to with its abbreviation EdTech, it points to the industry of
companies that create educational technology. With education growing online, India's EdTech market size is
expected to grow 3⋅7 times in the next five years.
2. Education in both rural and urban India is expected to be supported by technology in the near future.
3. As per a 2019-2020 report, only 22⋅3 percent of schools had an internet connection. Moreover, 61 percent
of schools in the country didn't even have computers.
4. With the internet rate estimated to reach above 55 percent by the end of 2025 in India, digitisation
of education will impact the country's development and become one of the topmost priorities for the
government.
5. Budget 2021-22 allocated ₹ 93,224⋅31 crore to the Ministry of Education. It was an increase of over ₹
8,100 crore from the revised estimates for the current fiscal year and the Department of Higher Education
was allocated ₹ 38,350⋅65 crore.
6. The role of technology in education is more critical now than ever in addressing educational disparity. It has
already made learning affordable and accessible. In particular, the use of technology in education in rural
India is one of the biggest boons of recent times.
7. With help from apps and software, teachers can enhance their teaching ability and provide information
about the most recent developments. Students can enjoy an interactive learning experience. Teachers
can employ animation, powerpoint slides and graphs to catch the interest of their pupils. Gamification
lends interest in the subject.
8. The online education system is a sector in which growth and development will work for the betterment of
many sectors which include educating learners and increasing job opportunities for educators and technical
teams.

TABLE I.

REASONS FOR BOOM IN EDTECH

1. Lower cost involved in the dissemination of online education
2. Convenient, flexible and affordable
3. Initiatives by the Government which include programmes like SWAYAM and DIKSHA
4. Increasing number of education-based startups
5. Increment in the internet user base
6. Increasing penetration of mobile devices
7. Inflow of investments and acquisitions in this sector
8. It overcomes the geographical barriers
 Answer the following questions, based on the above passage :
i. Does the following statement agree with the information given in para 1? (1)
Education technology is the practice of introducing information and communication technology tools into
the classroom.
Select from the following:
True - If the statement agrees with the information
False - If the statement contradicts the information
Not Given - If there is no information on this
ii. What are the two essentials for digitization of education? (2)
iii. Select the option that displays that the use of technology in education in rural India is one of the
biggest boons of recent times. (1)
a. Frees up the teacher to be able to concentrate on farming.
b. Teachers can enhance their teaching ability and provide more value to the students.
c. It understands what is needed and technology is subsequently developed effectively.
d. Simplifies assignment management with user-friendly methods.
iv. Complete the sentence based on the following statement: (1)
The role of EdTech is more critical now .
v. The word critical in para 6 most nearly means (1)
a. difficult
b. crucial
c. complementary
d. causative
vi. Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option: (1)
Technology in education works for the betterment of many sectors such as .
a. farmers, educators and businessmen
b. educating learners, job opportunities for educators and technical teams
c. doctors, engineers and technocrats
d. banking, construction workers and software technicians
vii. Digital education will become a top priority for the government because . (1)
viii. Based on the reading of the passage, state a point to challenge the given statement: (2)
India's EdTech market size is expected to double in the next five years.
SECTION B – CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
3. Water supply will be suspended for eight hours (10 am to 6 pm) on 6th of March for cleaning of the water [4]
tank. Write a notice in about 50 words advising the residents to store water for a day. You are Karan
Kumar/Karuna Bajaj, Secretary, Janata Group Housing Society, Palam Vihar, Kurnool.
OR
You are Rahul/Rashmi. As President of the Literary Club of your school you have organized an inter-school debate
competition on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of your school. Write a notice in about 50 words,
informing the students of your school about the competition.
4. You are Sachin Bansal, the Head Boy of Springdales Pubic School, Gurgaon. Your school is holding an [4]
inter- school T-20 cricket championship from 2 Oct. to 8 Oct, 20XX. Write a formal invitation to Sh. B.S.
Bedi, the legendary cricketer, to inaugurate the championship on 2 Oct. 2019 at 10 a.m. at your school
premises.
 OR
You are Mr. Anmol Gupta. You are planning to celebrate your sister’s silver jubilee wedding anniversary. Draft
the invitation card to be sent to relatives and friends, sharing all relevant details.
5. Lack of job opportunities in the rural areas is forcing people to migrate to cities. Every big city thus has a [5]
number of slums in it. Life in these slums is miserable. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the Editor of a
national newspaper on how we can improve the living conditions in these slums. You are Aditi/Aditya, F112,
Mall Road, Delhi.

OR
JB Academy, Ayodhya urgently requires a post-graduate teacher to teach Political Science for which they placed an
advertisement in 'The Bhilai Express'. You are Sanjay/Sanjana Sharma from 21, Vasant Marg, Bhilai. Draft a letter
including a CV, applying for the advertised post (120-150 words)

6. Information Technology has provided new avenues to the students for knowledge, creativity, discovery as well [5]
as job opportunities at home and abroad. Computers have brought in a silent revolution. Write an article in
150- 200 words showing how the information technology has provided the younger generation new
opportunities,
joys of discovery and thrill of creativity. You are Madhu/Mudit.
OR
In an initiative to sensitize the public to adopt abandoned and stray pets, an Adopt-A-Thon - Barks and Purrs was
organised by an NGO Paws Rescue. Abandoned and homeless animals were up for adoption at the event. As a staff
reporter of The News Nation, write a report in about 120-150 words giving details such as number of animals
adopted, date, training of new pet parents, incentives, and response of participants.
SECTION C - LITERATURE
7. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
[6]
.............I saw my mother,
beside me,
doze, open-mouthed, her face
ashen like that
of a corpse and realised with
pain..............
i. Where was the poet driving to?
 a. Home to the Cochin airport
b. To Home
c. Cochin airport to home
d. None of these
ii. Who is I?
a. The poetess
b. A little girl
c. A young boy
d. A doctor
iii. What did she realise with pain?
a. She had lost their bag
b. She suffered from an injury
c. She had to leave her house
d. Her mother had grown very old
iv. How did the poetess feel on this realization?
a. Enraged
b. Delighted
c. Sad
d. Enthusiastic
v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
(1) Mother's face is pale and pallid.
(2) The daughter is struck with the horror and pain of losing her.
a. (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.
b. (2) can be inferred from the extract but (1) cannot.
c. Both (1) and (2) can be inferred from the extract.
d. (2) is the reason for (1) and can be inferred from the extract.
vi. is the poetic device used in the extract.
OR
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
“A roadside stand that too pathetically pled,
It would not be fair to say for a dole of
bread,
But for some of the money, the cash, whose flow supports
The flower of cities from sinking and withering faint.”
i. Why is it unfair to say that these people are begging for a dole of bread?
a. Because they are unreasonably begging for money
b. Because they have something to sell
c. Because they don't have anything to sell
d. As they shamelessly beg for bread
ii. Identify the phrase that suggests the following:
They plead to the rich city dwellers to buy something.
iii. The poor people look at the city money for their
 a. survival and betterment
b. sorrow and misery
c. growth and opportunity
d. well being
iv. Complete the following analogy correctly. Do NOT repeat from used example.
A roadside stand that too pathetically pled : personification :: Flower of Cities :
v. Fill the blank with an appropriate word, with reference to the extract.
The word which signifies the poor condition of the owner of the stand .
vi. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to (1) and (2) given below.
(1) The poor people are expecting passersby to buy goods from them.
(2) They want to earn money for their betterment.
a. (1) is true but (2) is false.
b. (2) is true but (1) is false.
c. (2) is the reason for (1).
d. Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.
8. Read the following text carefully and answer the questions that follow: [4]
When I heard this, I didn't want to laugh any more, I felt terribly sad. How could they believe that it was
disgusting if one of us held that package in his hands, even though the vadai had been wrapped first in a
banana leaf, and then parcelled in paper? I felt so provoked and angry that I wanted to touch those wretched
vadais myself straightaway. Why should we fetch and carry for these people, I wondered. Such an important
elder of
ours goes meekly to the shops to fetch snacks and hands them reverently, bowing and shrinking, to this fellow
who just sits there and stiffs them into his mouth. The thought of it infuriated me.
i. The elder handing snacks reverently, bowing and shrinking to the fellow indicates that the fellow was (1)
1. condescending
2. unassuming
3. submissive
4. disdainful
5. aggressive
6. domineering
a. 2, 3 and 6
b. 1, 4 and 5
c. 1, 4 and 6
d. 2, 3 and 4
ii. Based on the given context, choose the option that illustrates when a person can be provoked, out of
the examples given below. (1)
1. The employees organised a peaceful protest outside the firm.
2. The manager ill-treated one of the employees and wrongfully terminated him.
3. The employees wrote a letter of complaint against the manager.
4. The director of the firm scheduled a meeting for reconciliation.
a. Option 1
b. Option 2
 c. Option 3
d. Option 4
iii. What changed the mood of the narrator? (1)
iv. Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract. (1)
The narrator of the given extract is a Tamil Dalit woman whose penname is .
OR
Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:
Sadao slept badly that night. Time and time again he woke, thinking he heard the rustling of footsteps, the sound of a
twig broken or a stone displaced in the garden — a noise such as men might make who carried a burden.
i. What burden had the men to carry?
a. Dr. Sadao himself
b. Dead body of Tom
c. The General
d. The things they have stolen from Sadao's house.
ii. What quality of Sadao has been depicted here?
iii. Why did Sadao awake again and again?
iv. Who are the men referred to?
a. General and his subordinate
b. Servants
c. Assassins
d. Messengers from General
9. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
[6]
M. Hamel went on to talk of the French language, saying that it was the most beautiful language in the world —
the clearest, the most logical; that we must guard it among us and never forget it, because when a people are
enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the key to their prison. Then he opened a
grammar book and read us our lesson. I was amazed to see how well I understood it. All he said seemed so easy,
so easy
i. Which of the following can be attributed to M. Hamel’s declaration about the French language?
a. subject expertise
b. nostalgic pride
c. factual accuracy
d. patriotic magnification
ii. Based on the above extract, choose the statement that is a NOT TRUE explanation as to why Franz found
the grammar lesson “easy”.
a. Franz was paying careful attention in class this time
b. M. Hamel was being extremely patient and calm in his teaching.
c. Franz was inspired and had found a new meaning and purpose in learning.
d. Franz realized that French was the clearest and most logical language.
iii. Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that Franz was receptive that day. (Clue: a sentence)
iv. Replace the underlined word with its antonym (phrase) from the extract.
It was advised to disassociate from their mother tongue.
 v. Language is like the to the prison of enslavement.
vi. Which of the following feature is not ascribed to the French language by M. Hamel?
a. It was the most beautiful language in the world.
b. It was a widely spoken language in the world.
c. It was the clearest language in the world.
d. It was the most logical language in the world.
OR
Read the following text carefully and answer the questions that follow:
They have lived here for more than thirty years without an identity, without permits but with ration cards that get
their names on voters lists and enable them to buy grain. Food is more important for survival than identity. If at the
end of the day we can feed our families and go to bed without an aching stomach, we would rather live here than in
the fields that gave us no grain, say a group of women in tattered saris when I asked them why they left their
beautiful land of green fields and rivers. Wherever they find food, they pitch their tents. (Lost Spring)
i. The ragpickers have been living there for decades. (1)
A. three
B. four
C. two
D. five
ii. Why do these people have ration cards? (1)
iii. What do you infer about their lifestyle from the phrase pitch their tents? (1)
iv. In spite of the hardships, they are not willing to go back to their homeland because . (1)
v. The women had a/an approach towards life. (1)
A. idealistic
B. passive
C. indifferent
D. practical
vi. What does the term go to bed without an aching stomach indicate? (1)
10. Answer any five of the following questions in 40-50 words each: [10]
(a) How did the instructor build a swimmer out of Douglas? [2]
(b) What is the meaning of the lines ' Now I shall count up to twelve and you be silent and I will go'? [2]
(c) What do the tigers made by the Aunt symbolize? (Aunt Jennifers Tigers) [2]
(d)
Soaf, you really should be sensible! What does Jansie's advice to her friend Sophie reveal about their [2]
friendship? (Going Places)
(e)
Stephen Spender's visit to the Gemini Studios was viewed as an unexplained mystery by the Gemini [2]
family. How did Asokamitran solve this mystery years later? (Poets and Pancakes)
(f) Did Umberto Eco like to be identified as a novelist? Give reasons in support of your answer. [2]
11. Answer any two of the following questions in 40-50 words each: [4]
(a) What are the indications for the future of humankind? (Journey to the End of the Earth) [2]
(b) How and why was the hundredth tiger honoured? [2]
(c)
Why is Antarctica and its understanding important for the survival of the world? (Journey to the End [2]
of the Earth)
12. The author of the story The Lost Spring realizes later that she has made a hollow promise to Saheb. [5]
 “Is your school ready?”
“It takes longer to build a school,” I say, embarrassed at having made a promise that was not meant. But
promises like mine abound in every corner of his bleak world.
While Edla in The Rattrap fulfills her promise to let the peddler leave freely.
She looked at him compassionately, with her heavy eyes, and then she noticed that the man was afraid. ‘‘Either he
has stolen something or else he has escaped from, jail’’, she thought, and added quickly, “You may be sure,
Captain, that you will be allowed to leave us just as freely as you came. Only please stay with us over
Christmas Eve.’
Create a conversation between the author and Edla with reference to the above extracts. You
may begin the conversation like this:
Author: That day I had asked Saheb jokingly that if I opened a school would he attend it. I was unaware of the fact
that I was unknowingly making a hollow promise to the boy. Has something like this happened to you Edla?
OR
Notions of beauty may differ in different contexts.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake
Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers
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.’
Create a conversation between Aunt Jennifer and poet Keats with reference to the above extracts.
You may begin the conversation like this:
Keats: Beauties of nature are like a boon for us. Tell me about your experiences Jennifer.
13. Mr. Lamb lives alone and keeps the doors of his garden open for all. Today a teenage boy called Derry
[5]
entered his garden accidentally. He wanted to leave but Mr. Lamb coaxes him to stay and eventually, they
enter into a conversation where he comes to know how Derry is not liked by anyone.
As Mr. Lamb, express the bond that united you with this boy in a diary entry. Also, account for the ways in
which he consoled the boy and tried to inspire him to overcome the feeling of loneliness.
You may begin like this:
Today I found a reflection of myself in that lad who had landed in my garden...
OR
In the story The Enemy by Pearl S. Buck, conflicting ideas arise in Dr. Sadao’s mind after he brought the wounded
American soldier home.
In an attempt to resolve this conflict, he contemplates this dichotomy. As Sadao, create a diary entry mulling over this
incident and finally resolving it.
You may begin this way:
From the day I found the wounded soldier outside my house my mind was vexed with a web of conflicts…