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I – 252020/820-B
Subject: English
Time: 3 hours] [ Maximum Marks: 80
Note: (i)
This question paper is divided into three sections :
·
Section A : Reading Comprehension
·
Section B : Writing Skills
·
Section C : Literature Textbook
(ii) All questions
are compulsory
[SECTION-A]
[ Reading Comprehension]
Note : Read the passage given below and on
the basis of your understanding of the
passage answer the questions:
Nations are
built by the imagination and untiring enthusiastic efforts of generations. One
generation transfers the fruits of its toil to another which then takes forward
the mission. As the coming generation also has its dreams and aspirations for
the nation’s future, it therefore adds something from its side to the national
vision; which the next generation strives hard to achieve. This process goes on
and the nation climbs steps of glory and gains higher strength.
The first
vision: Freedom of India
Any
organization, society or even a nation without a vision is like a ship cruising
on the high seas without any aim or direction. It is clarity of national vision
which constantly drives the people towards the goal. Our last generation, the
glorious generation of freedom fighters, led by Mahatma Gandhi, and many others
set for the nation a vision of free India. This was the first vision, set by
the people for the nation. It therefore went deep into the minds and the hearts
of the masses and soon became the great inspiring and driving force for the
people to collectively plunge into the struggle for freedom movement. The
unified dedicated efforts of the people from every walk of life won freedom for
the country.
The Second
vision: Developed India
The next
generation (to which I also belong) has put India strongly on the path of
economic, agricultural and technological development. But India has stood too
long in the line of developing nations. Let us, collectively, set the second
national vision of Developed India. I am confident that it is very much
possible and can materialize in 15 – 20 years’ time. Developed status What does
the developed nation status mean in terms of the common man? It means the major
transformation of our national economy to make it one of the largest economies
in the world, where the countrymen live well above the poverty line, their
education and health is of high standard, national security reasonably assured,
and the core competence in certain major areas gets enhanced significantly so
that the production of quality goods, including exports, is rising and thereby
bringing all-round prosperity for the countrymen. What is the common link
needed to realize these sub-goals? It is the technological strength of the
nation, which is the key to reach this developed status.
Build around our strength
The next
question that comes to the mind is, how can it be made possible? We have to
build and strengthen our national infrastructure in an all-round manner, in a
big way. Therefore, we should build around our existing strengths including the
vast pool of talented scientists and technologists and our abundant natural
resources. The manpower resource should be optimally utilized to harness health
care, services sectors and engineering goods sectors.
Questions:
[I]
Choose the appropriate options:
[1x5=5]
Q.1 --------------- drives a nation towards its
goals according to the text.
a. Economic growth
b. Clarity
of national vision
c. Political stability
d. Social justice
Ans. b.
Clarity of national vision
Q.2 The vision of freedom fighters was
-----------------
a. Developing India
b. developed India
c. Free
India
d. Socialistic India
Ans. c. Free India
Q.3 The envisioned status for India according to
the text is ------------------
a. Developing nation
b. Developed nation
c. Emerging economy
d. Socialistic state
Ans. b. Developed nation
Q.4 The role of the coming generation is
-------------
a. To maintain the status quo
b. To reverse past progress
c. To take forward the mission
d. To abandon past achievements
Ans. c. To take forward the mission
Q.5 What is the key to achieve developed status
according to the text?
a. Economic reforms
b.
Technological strength
c. Political stability
d. Social welfare
Ans. b. Technological strength
[II]
Answer the following questions in 1 sentence each: [1x5=5]
Q.6 What is essential for a nation’s growth and
development?
Ans. For a nation’s growth and development, we
have to build and strengthen our national infrastructure.
Q.7 What did the freedom fighters’ generation
achieve for India?
Ans. The freedom fighters’ generation achieved
freedom for India.
Q.8 What does developed nation status mean for
the common man?
Ans. Developed status means the major
transformation of our national economy to make it one of the largest economies
in the world.
Q.9 What is the outcome of generational efforts?
Ans. The outcome of generational effort is that
we are moving forward to make developed India.
Q.10 How can developed nation status be
accomplished?
Ans. Developed nation status be accomplished by
technological strength of the nation.
[III] Pick up words from the passage which are
similar to the following:
Q.11 Energetic (Para 1)
Ans. Enthusiastic
Q.12 Plentiful (Para 7)
Ans. Vast
Note:
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below:
Fasting is
said to bring a host of benefits, provided it’s done under medical supervision.
Doctors explain how to go about it. Food is to the body what fuel is to a motor
vehicle. It provides energy, helps repair and rejuvenation and confers many
other benefits. A lot of research has been done and is being done on fasting.
When one fasts, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are
cleansed.
While
fasting, the natural process of toxin execution continues, while the influx of
new toxins is reduced. The energy usually used for digestion is redirected to
immune function and cell growth. Fasting helps you heal with greater speed,
cleanses your liver, kidneys and colon, purifies your blood, helps you lose
excess weight and water, flushes out toxins, clears the eyes and tongue and
cleanses the breath.
Another
research says fasting, even occasionally, helps in detoxification. Through
fasting, we restrict digestive activity and so energy is utilised to cleanse
different systems. Fasting improves metabolism, sharpens the senses, calms the
mind, helps lose weight, improves general immunity, improves concentration and
mental clarity. Fasting, if understood and done under supervision, has
tremendous benefits and impacts one at various planes; mental, emotional,
physical and spiritual. Specifically, it serves as an aid to effective
detoxification, helps in repair and rejuvenation, offers rest to the
gastrointestinal system and promotes mobilisation of excess fat.
The crucial
point to note is the difference between fasting and starvation. Research
suggests there are major health benefits to calorie restriction. Among other
things, it slows down the ageing process and increases lifespan. On the other
hand, starvation occurs when the body begins to use protein for fuel and may
lead to death in some cases.
Q. 13
Write a summary of the above passage and give a suitable title. [1+3=4]
Answer:
Summary
Fasting has
various benefits if it is done under medical supervision. According to
research, it. detoxifies the body, cleanses different systems, improves
metabolism and general immunity and: provides benefits at the mental,
emotional, physical and spiritual planes. It is wrong to mistake: fasting for
starvation. If starvation continues, the body consumes glucose from the liver,
muscles and the protein content of the body and ultimately death can occur.
Title – Fast
– Don’t Starve
Q. 14 On the
basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it by using headings
and sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. [4]
Answer:
Notes:
1.
Importance of food to the body
1.1.
Provides energy
1.2 Helps in
1.2.1.
Repair
1.2.2.
Rejuvenation
1.3. Confers
many other benefits
2. Fasting
benefit – under medical supervision – according to one research
2.1. Gives
rest to digestive organs
2.2.
Cleanses body mechanisms
2.3. Reduces
influx of toxins
2.4.
Redirects body energy to
2.4.1.
Immune system
2.4.2. Cell
growth
2.5. Helps
heal with greater speed
2.6.
Cleanses
2.6.1. Liver
2.6.2.
Kidney
2.6.3. Colon
2.6.4.
Breath
2.7.
Purifies blood
2.8. Help
lose extra weight
2.9. Clears
2.9.1. Eyes
2.9.2.
Tongue
2.10. Offers
rest to gastro-intestinal systems
3. Another
research on the benefits of fasting
3.1. Helps
in detoxification
3.2.
Improves
3.2.1.
Metabolism
3.2.2.
General immunity
3.2.3.
Concentration
3.2.4.
Mental clarity
3.3. Sharpens
senses
3.4. Calms
mind
4.
Difference between fasting and starvation
4.1. Slow
down the ageing process
4.2. Glucose
essential for the brain’s functioning
4.3. If
denied for more than 4-8 hours, the body converts glycogen in the liver
4.4. After
12 hours glycogen stored in muscles is used
4.5. If
further denied body fat is used
4.6. If fast
not broken, the body uses protein for fuel
4.7.
Complete starvation can cause death
[ SECTION-B]
[ Writing Skills]
Q. 15 Write
an article in about 250 words on any one of the following topics:
I.
Grow
more trees to reduce pollution
II.
One
nation, One election
III.
Science
and Technology for Students and Children
IV.
Save
water – Are we doing enough
V.
The
International Day of Yoga
Answers:
I. Grow more trees to reduce pollution
“Trees are
poems the earth writes upon the sky.” Trees and plants are one of the main
reasons why mankind came into existence. The importance of planting trees has
been emphasized time and again. This is because of the numerous benefits they
offer.
They make
the world a better place to live in. They exhale oxygen and inhale carbon
dioxide to maintain the ecological balance in the environment. They also absorb
all the harmful gases and give us fresh air to breathe.
Trees build
a sheet to protect us from the harmful ultraviolet rays. Not only this, they
serve as a habitat for birds and various species of animals. This is not it.
Trees help in controlling water pollution and preventing soil erosion.
The places
inhabited by large numbers of trees are quite cooler compared to the concrete
jungles that cannot do without air conditioners.
Unfortunately,
urbanisation is leading to clearing of forests and parks despite the numerous
benefits they offer. People come here for morning walks, evening strolls, yoga
sessions and laughter therapy. These also serve as a safe place for the kids to
play and socialise. The only way left to preserve them and reap these benefits
is by growing them at a faster rate.
As a Chinese
proverb states, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best
time is now.” So do your bit and make this place more beautiful.
II. One nation, One election
The concept
of "One Nation, One Election" proposes synchronizing elections for
the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies across India. This idea aims to
streamline the electoral process, reduce costs, and minimize the disruption
caused by frequent elections. Advocates argue that it could lead to more
efficient governance, as governments would have longer uninterrupted periods to
focus on policymaking rather than being in constant election mode.
However,
implementing this concept poses significant challenges. India’s federal
structure means that states have their own election schedules, often influenced
by local political dynamics. Aligning these schedules would require
constitutional amendments and political consensus, which may not be easy to
achieve. Additionally, critics worry that simultaneous elections could
overshadow regional issues, as national narratives might dominate the
discourse, potentially undermining the essence of federalism.
Logistically,
conducting elections on such a massive scale would demand extensive resources,
including security personnel and polling infrastructure. Ensuring free and fair
elections across the country simultaneously would be a monumental task.
While the
idea has its merits, it also raises questions about its impact on democracy and
governance. Striking a balance between efficiency and the diverse needs of
India’s states is crucial. The debate around "One Nation, One
Election" reflects the complexities of governing a vast and diverse
democracy like India. Whether it becomes a reality depends on the ability to
address these challenges while preserving the democratic ethos.
III. Science and Technology for Students and
Children
Science and
technology have transformed the world we live in, shaping the way we learn,
communicate, and explore. From the tiniest atoms to the vastness of space,
science helps us understand the universe and solve problems. For students and
children, it’s the key to unlocking endless opportunities and nurturing
curiosity.
Science
teaches us the "why" behind every day phenomena—like why the sky is
blue or how plants grow. It encourages observation, experimentation, and
critical thinking. Similarly, technology shows us the "how," enabling
us to create tools and inventions that make our lives easier and better. For
instance, smartphones and the internet help us stay connected, while robots and
machines assist in industries and healthcare.
In recent
years, advancements like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space
exploration have inspired young minds. In fact, many of today’s technological
marvels—like self-driving cars or 3D printing—were once just ideas in a
scientist's mind. This proves that with imagination, knowledge, and hard work,
the possibilities are limitless.
For
students, exploring science and technology isn't just about preparing for the
future; it’s about dreaming big and asking questions. Why not try a small
experiment at home or join a science club in school? Who knows, you might be
the next great inventor or scientist shaping tomorrow's world!
So, embrace
your curiosity and dive into the world of science and technology—it’s a journey
full of discovery, wonder, and excitement!
IV. Save water – Are we doing enough
Water is the
lifeline of our planet, essential for all forms of life. Yet, this invaluable
resource is being depleted at an alarming rate. With growing populations, industrialization,
and climate change, the question arises: Are we doing enough to save water?
Many
initiatives have been launched to address water conservation, from rainwater
harvesting to campaigns promoting mindful water usage. Educational programs are
raising awareness among communities about the importance of saving water.
However, despite these efforts, the problem persists. Rivers and groundwater
are drying up, and millions still lack access to clean drinking water.
One of the
biggest challenges is wasteful habits. People often leave taps running, overuse
water for non-essential tasks, and fail to fix leaks in their homes. Industries
and agriculture, which consume large quantities of water, need to adopt more
sustainable practices. Moreover, urbanization has disrupted natural water
cycles, reducing groundwater recharge.
While
governments and organizations are working on large-scale solutions, individual
action is equally critical. Simple steps like turning off the tap while
brushing, using efficient irrigation methods, and recycling water can make a
significant difference. Technology, such as water-saving appliances and smart
meters, can also play a key role.
Saving water
is not just a responsibility but a necessity for survival. Collectively, we can
ensure that future generations inherit a world where water scarcity is no
longer a threat. It’s time to ask ourselves: Are we truly doing enough, or is
there more we can do? Let’s act before it’s too late.
V. The International Day of Yoga
The
International Day of Yoga is celebrated every year on June 21st, promoting the
ancient Indian practice of yoga as a means to achieve physical, mental, and
spiritual well-being. The day was officially recognized by the United Nations
in 2014, thanks to India's efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's
leadership. June 21st, being the summer solstice and the longest day of the
year, holds special significance, symbolizing the light of knowledge and
enlightenment.
Yoga, which
originated in India thousands of years ago, combines physical postures,
breathing techniques, and meditation to bring harmony between the body and
mind. It has gained global recognition as a holistic approach to health and
wellness. From improving flexibility and strength to reducing stress and
anxiety, the benefits of yoga are profound.
On this day,
people from all walks of life participate in yoga sessions, workshops, and
awareness drives. Schools, communities, and organizations host events to
inspire individuals to incorporate yoga into their daily lives. Mass yoga
gatherings are held in parks, auditoriums, and iconic locations around the
world, showcasing unity in diversity.
The theme
for each year's celebration often emphasizes how yoga can address modern
challenges, such as mental health or environmental sustainability. The
International Day of Yoga is not just about performing poses; it’s a reminder
of the importance of balance, mindfulness, and a healthy lifestyle.
By embracing
yoga, we embrace peace, well-being, and a connection to the world around us—a
timeless gift from India to humanity.
Q.16 Do
as directed (any ten) [1x10=10]
i. (a)
He is an honest guy.
(b) I know this.
(Combine the pair of simple
sentences into one complex sentence containing “Noun clause”)
ii. The
Principle said to Anil, “Did you beat Ravi yesterday?” (Change the narration)
iii. As soon
as the bus arrived, the children rushed to board it. (Pick out the adverb
clause)
iv. I won’t
pay it if he does not send me the bill again. (Rewrite the sentence using
‘unless’ in place of ‘if’)
v. It was a
blue shirt. (Expand the adjective phrase to form relative clause)
vi. (a) This is the village.
(b) I was born here.
(Combine the pair of simple sentences
into a single complex sentence containing an adjective clause)
vii. I made
him go to school. (Underline the finite verb)
viii. Shut
the door.(Change the voice)
ix. Sneha is
rich. She is not happy. (Change into a compound sentence)
x. The
servant said to his master,” Pardon me, sir.”
(Change the narration)
xi. Who has
taken my pen? (Change the voice)
xii. The
door is too high for the baby to reach. (Change into complex sentence)
Answers:
i.
I
know this honest guy.
ii.
The
Principal asked Anil if he had beaten Ravi the previous day.
iii.
"As
soon as the bus arrived."
iv.
I
won’t pay it unless he sends me the bill again.
v.
It
was a shirt that was blue.
vi.
This
is the village where I was born.
vii.
Made
viii.
Let
the door be shut.
ix.
Sneha
is rich but she is not happy.
x.
The
servant asked his master to pardon him.
xi.
By
whom my pen has been taken.
xii.
The
door is so high that the baby cannot reach it.
Q.17 You are Rohan/Rohini Sharma, a student of Class XII.
Write a notice to be displayed on the school notice board regarding your lost
library card (Card no. LIB/1234). Provide necessary details and request the
finder to return or inform you. (Word limit 50-60 words) [4]
OR
You are Rashmi/Ranjeet-Sports Incharge of Gandhi Memorial
HSS, Surajpur. Write a notice for the selection of interested students to take
part in the Inter-School Spors Meet. Last day of submission is 02/04/2024.
Answers:
Government Higher Secondary School,
Raipur
NOTICE
Date: 03/03/2025
Lost Library Card
This is to inform all students that I
have lost my library card with card number LIB/1234. If anyone finds it, kindly
return it to me or inform me at the earliest. Your cooperation is highly
appreciated. Thank you!
Roshan/Rohini
Sharma
Class XII
OR
Gandhi Memorial HSS, Surajpur
NOTICE
Date: 25/03/2024
Inter-school Sports Meet
All students
are informed that interested participants for the upcoming Inter-School Sports
Meet are invited to register their names. Please submit your names to the
Sports Department on or before 02/04/2024. Late submissions will not be
considered.
Rashmi/Ranjeet
Sports
Incharge
Note: Notices should always be written
within the box.
Q.18 Imagine
you live in a residential area where loudspeakers are used frequently, causing disturbance
and noise pollution. This is affecting your studies and overall peace in the neighbourhood.
Write a letter to the Superintendent of Police, requesting a ban on the use of
loudspeakers in your area.
[2+3+1=6]
OR
You are
Vijay/Vijaya residing in Ward No. 8, Adarsh Nagar, Bilaspur. Write a letter to
your friend about your future plans after you leave school.
Answer:
Adarsh Nagar
Kanker C.G.
Date:
02/03/2025
To The
Superintendent of Police
Kanker C.G.
Subject:
Request for Ban on Loudspeakers in the Residential Area
Respected
Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your
attention the persistent issue of noise pollution caused by the frequent use of
loudspeakers in our residential area. This has not only disrupted the peace and
tranquillity of the neighbourhood but has also greatly impacted our ability to
focus on studies and carry out daily activities in a calm environment.
Despite several appeals to local
event organizers and individuals, the situation remains unchanged. The
excessive noise levels often continue late into the night, further disturbing
our sleep patterns and overall well-being.
Therefore, I humbly request your
intervention to impose a strict regulation or ban on the use of loudspeakers in
our locality. Enforcing such a rule, particularly during late hours, would
immensely help in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere and improving the quality
of life for all residents.
We trust in your commitment to
ensuring the welfare of citizens and hope for prompt action in addressing this
matter.
Thanking you
in anticipation.
Yours
sincerely,
Rajesh Kumar
OR
Ward No. 8,
Adarsh Nagar, Bilaspur
Date:
02/05/2025
Dear Rajesh
I hope this letter finds you in great
spirits. It has been a while since we last caught up, and I miss our long chats
and laughter. Today, I thought of sharing something exciting with you—my plans
for the future once I leave school.
After much thought, I have decided to
pursue MBBS. It has always fascinated me, and I feel this path aligns with my
passion and aspirations. I plan to enroll in a reputed college and dedicate
myself wholeheartedly to achieving my dreams. Alongside academics, I am also
considering taking part in, as they help me stay balanced and energized.
I understand the journey ahead may
not always be smooth, but I am determined to face challenges with resilience
and enthusiasm. I am truly excited about shaping my career and contributing
positively to society in the future.
What about you? Have you given
thought to what you’d like to do after school? I would love to hear about your
ambitions and dreams. Let’s keep supporting each other, no matter where life
takes us!
Take care
and write back soon.
With warm
regards,
Vijay/Vijaya
P.S. Let’s
plan to meet during the holidays—I can’t wait to catch up!
[SECTION-C]
[Literature Textbook]
(Flamingo)
Note: Read the extract given below and choose the correct
option :
The news of
Gandhi’s advent and of the nature of his mission spread quickly through
Muzzafarpur and to Champaran. Sharecroppers from Champaran began arriving on
foot and by conveyance to see their champion. Muzzafarpur lawyers called on
Gandhi to brief him; they frequently represented peasant groups in court; they
told him about their cases and reported the size of their fee.
Questions:
Choose the correct alternative and answer the questions :
Q.19 What spread
quickly through Muzaffarpur and Champaran?
a.
Gandhiji’s popularity
b. The news of Gandhiji’s mission
c.
Gandhiji’s attire
d. Gandhi’s
arrest in Patna
Ans. b. The news of Gandhiji’s mission
Q..20 Who started
arriving on foot?
a. The
British troupes
b.
Muzaffarpur lawyers
c. The
British officials
d.
Sharecroppers from Champaran
Ans. d. Sharecroppers from Champaran
Q.21 Why did the Muzaffarpur lawyers call on
Gandhiji?
a. To brief
him about peasant’s plight
b. To
welcome him to Muzaffarpur
c. To
protect him from the arrest
d. To hand
him over to the British court
Ans. a. To brief him
about peasant’s plight
Q.22 The word ‘advent’
in the extract means :
a. departure
b. plan
c. visit
d. secret
Ans. c. visit
Note: Read the extract of the poem given below and choose the
correct option:
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,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair
musk-rose blooms;
Questions:
Choose the correct answer:
[ 1x4=4 ]
Q.23 Identify the poem
and the poet.
a. Keeping
Quiet, by Pablo Neruda
b. A Thing of Beauty, by John Keats
c.
Nightingale, by John Keats
d. Ode to
Skylark, by P.B. Shelley
Ans. b. A Thing of
Beauty, by John Keats
Q.24 What is the role
of the clear rills?
a. To give
water
b. To provide coolness in the surroundings
c. Absorb
negativity
d. To cause
rains
Ans. b. To provide
coolness in the surroundings
Q.25 How has the mid
forest brake become rich?
a. Due to
nice smell of musk rose
b. Due to
shady trees
c. Due to
Sun
d. None of
the above
Ans. a. Due to nice smell
of musk rose
Q.26 Name the figure of speech in ‘cooling covert’.
a. Metaphor
b. Simile
c.
Personification
d.
Alliteration
Ans. d. Alliteration
Note : Answer the following questions in about 2-3 sentences
each : [2x3=6]
Q.27 How is Mukesh’s
Attitude to his situation different from that of his family?
Ans. Mukesh’s
attitude reflects a sense of determination and aspiration to break free from
the generational cycle of poverty and struggle, which sets him apart from his
family. While his family, particularly the elders, seem resigned to their
circumstances, believing it is their destiny to continue traditional
occupations such as bangle-making, Mukesh dares to dream of a different future.
Q.28 Who was the
crofter and how did he welcome the stranger?
Ans. The crofter, as
depicted in Selma Lagerlöf's story The Rattrap, was a lonely, old man who lived
in a small cottage by himself. He made a living by selling the milk from his
single cow. Despite his modest circumstances, he was warm and hospitable toward
the peddler (the stranger).
Q.29 Why was the
office boy frustrated? Who did he show his anger on?
Ans. The office boy
was frustrated because despite having a good formal education and a talent for
poetry, he remained stuck in a menial role as an office boy, feeling his
potential was being wasted.
He showed
his anger on Kothamangalam Subbu, the No. 2 at Gemini Studios.
Note : Answer the following questions
in about 120-150 sentences each : [6]
Q.30 Compare and
contrast Sophi and Jansie, highlighting their temperaments and aspirations.
Ans. Sophie and
Jansie are teenage girls with contrasting personalities and aspirations,
reflecting different approaches to life.
Sophie
Temperament: Sophie is a dreamer and an idealist.
She has a vivid imagination and a tendency to weave fantasies about a glamorous
and exciting life, such as owning a boutique or becoming an actress or fashion
designer. She romanticizes situations and is prone to exaggeration, which
highlights her escapist nature.
Aspirations: Her dreams are ambitious and
unrealistic, driven by her desire to escape the mundane reality of her
working-class background. For example, she fantasizes about meeting the famous
footballer Danny Casey and believes in this illusion despite its
implausibility.
Jansie
Temperament: Jansie, on the other hand, is
pragmatic and grounded in reality. She is aware of the constraints of their
socioeconomic circumstances and has a practical mindset. Unlike Sophie, she
avoids indulging in fanciful thoughts or unattainable dreams.
Aspirations: Jansie does not seem to harbor lofty
aspirations and accepts the reality of their lives. She is more focused on the
present and is resigned to the likelihood of working in a factory, as dictated
by their social status.
Comparison
While Sophie is driven by ambition
and escapism, Jansie displays maturity and realism. Sophie tends to seek
excitement through her imagination, whereas Jansie keeps her feet firmly
planted in reality.
OR
Desire,
determination and diligence lead to success. How did Douglas overcome his fear
of water?
Ans. In Deep Water
by William Douglas, the author demonstrates how desire, determination, and
diligence can indeed lead to success as he conquers his intense fear of water.
Douglas's fear originated from two
traumatic incidents: first, when he was knocked down by waves as a child, and
second, when he was nearly drowned in a swimming pool by an aggressive boy.
These experiences left him with a phobia of water, causing panic even at the
thought of swimming.
However, Douglas was determined to
overcome this fear. He began by hiring a professional swimming instructor,
committing himself to a rigorous learning process. The instructor used
scientific techniques, teaching Douglas to swim piece by piece—starting with
breathing, then arm movements, and finally leg movements.
Beyond the physical training, his
mental battle was key. To conquer his lingering fear, he practiced repeatedly
in pools and natural water bodies, testing his limits and proving to himself
that he was in control.
In the end, Douglas emerged
victorious, not only learning to swim but also gaining confidence and a deeper
understanding of overcoming challenges.
(Vistas)
Note :
Answer the following questions in about 2-3 sentences each : [2x2=4]
Q.31 What does the third level refer to?
Ans. The third level
was the subway of the Grand Central Station, and it took passengers from
Galesburg, Illinois. Metaphorically it refers to an escape medium that takes
man away from the harsh realities of life.
Q.32 Should criminals
in prison be given the opportunity of learning and education? Why?
Ans. Yes, criminals
in prison should be given opportunities for learning and education because it
can significantly reduce recidivism rates, improve their chances of successful
reintegration into society, and equip them with skills and knowledge for
productive lives.
Note : Answer the following questions in about 120-150
sentences each : [6]
Q.33 Geoff Green, a
Canadian explorer and educator, started to include high school students on the
expedition “Students on Ice” Programme. Explain why.
Ans. Geoff Green, the
founder of the "Students on Ice" program, began including high school
students in these expeditions to inspire and educate the next generation about
the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability. He believed
that exposing young minds to the polar regions—areas deeply affected by climate
change—would foster a profound understanding of global environmental
challenges. By engaging students at a formative age, he aimed to empower them
to become proactive global citizens who could contribute meaningfully to
building a sustainable future.
This initiative also sought to provide students with
life-changing experiences, helping them develop a deeper respect for the planet
and its ecosystems. It was a way to cultivate awareness and action among future
policymakers and leaders.
OR
Describe the efforts made by the
Tiger King to achieve His target of killing a hundred tigers.
Ans. The Tiger King, went
to extreme lengths to fulfil his goal of killing a hundred tigers. His
obsession stemmed from a prophecy by astrologers that his death would be caused
by a tiger. Determined to defy fate, he embarked on a relentless tiger-hunting
spree.
Here are some of his efforts:
Banning Tiger Hunting for Others: To
ensure he had enough tigers to hunt, he prohibited anyone else in his kingdom
from killing tigers.
Marrying Strategically: When the
tiger population in his kingdom dwindled, he married a princess from a
neighboring state with a higher tiger population, allowing him to continue his
hunt.
Bribing British Officials: To avoid
losing his throne after denying a British officer permission to hunt tigers, he
spent a large sum of money to appease the officer's wife.
Manipulating Circumstances: When he
struggled to find the hundredth tiger, his Dewan arranged for an old, weak
tiger to be presented to him. The king believed he had killed it, though the
tiger survived.
Ironically, despite his efforts, the
prophecy came true in an unexpected way. The hundredth tiger, which he thought
he had killed, was later found alive. However, the king's death was caused by a
wooden toy tiger, symbolizing the futility of trying to escape fate.
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