| Read the passage given below: |
| 1. Maharana Pratap ruled over Mewar only for 25 years. However, he accomplished so grandeur during his reign that his glory surpassed the boundaries of countries and time turning him into an immortal personality. He along with his kingdom became a synonym for valour, sacrifice and patriotism. Mewar had been a leading Rajput kingdom even before Maharana Pratap occupied the throne. Kings of Mewar, with the cooperation of their nobles and subjects, had established such traditions in the kingdom, as augmented their magnificence despite the hurdles of having a smaller area under their command and less population. There did come a few thorny occasions when the flag of the kingdom seemed sliding down. Their flag once again heaved high in the sky thanks to the gallantry and brilliance of the people of Mewar. |
| 2. The destiny of Mewar was good in the sense that barring a row kings, most of the rulers were competent and patriotic. This glorious tradition of the kingdom almost continued tor 1500 years since its establishment, right from the reign of Bappa Rawal. In fact, only 60 years before Maharana Pratap, Rana Sanga drove the kingdom to the pinnacle of fame. His reputation went beyond Rajasthan and reached Delhi. Two generations before him, Rana Kumbha had given a new stature to the kingdom through victories and developmental work. During his reign, literature and art also progressed extraordinarily. Rana himself was inclined towards writing and his works are read with reverence even today. The ambience of his kingdom was conducive to the creation of high quality work of art and literature. These accomplishments were the outcome of a long standing tradition sustained by several generations. |
| 3. The lives of the people of Mewar must have been peaceful and prosperous during the long span of time; otherwise such extraordinary accomplishment in these fields would not have been possible. This is eflected in their art and literature as well as their loving nature. They compensate for lack of admirable physique by their firm but pleasant nature. The ambience of Mewar remains lovely thanks to the cheerful and liberal character of its people. |
| 4. One may observe astonishing pieces of workmanship not only in the forts and palaces of Mewar but also in public utility buildings. Ruins of many structures which are still standing tall in their grandeur are testimony to the fact that Mewar was not only the land of the brave but also a seat of art and culture- Amidst aggression and bloodshed, literature and art flourished and creative pursuits of literature and artists did not suffer. Imagine, how glorious the period must have been when the Vijava Stambha which is thesample of our great ancient architecture even today, was constructed. In the same fort, Kirti Stambha is standing high, reflecting how liberal the then administration was which allowed people from other communities and kingdoms to come and carry out construction work. It is useless to indulge in the debate whether the Vijay Stambha was constructed first or the Kirti Stambha. The fact is that both the capitals are standing side by side and reveal the proximity between the king and the subjects of Mewar. |
| 5. The cycle of time does not remain the same. Where the reign of Rana Sanga was crucial in raising the kingdom to the acme of glory, it also proved to be his nemesis. History took a turn the fortune of Mewar-the land of the brave, started waning. Rana tried to save the day with his acumen which was running against the stream and the glorious traditions for some time. |
| On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, answer each of the questions given below with the help of the options that follow: |
| (a) Maharana Pratap became immortal because: |
| (i) he ruled Mewar for 25 years |
| (ii) he added a lot of grandeur to Mewar |
| (iii) of his valour, sacrifice and patriotism |
| (iv) both (ii) and (iii) |
| (b) Difficulties in the way of Mewar were; |
| (i) lack of cooperation the nobility |
| (ii) ancient traditions of the kingdom |
| (iii) its small area and small population |
| (iv) the poverty of the subjects |
| (c) During thorny occasions: |
| (i) the flag of Mewar seemed to be lowered |
| (ii) the flag of Mewar was hoisted high |
| (iii) the people of Mewar showed gallantry |
| (iv) most of the rulers heaved a sigh of relief |
| (d) Mewar was lucky because: |
| (i) all of its rulers were competent |
| (ii) most of its people were competent |
| (iii) most of its rulers were competent |
| (iv) only a few of its people were incompetent |
| Answer the following questions briefly: |
| (e) Who is the earliest King of Mewar mentioned in the passage? |
| (f) What was Rana Kumbhas contribution to the glory of Mewar? |
| (g) What does the writer find worth admiration in the people of Mewar? |
| (h) How could art and literature flourish in Mewar? |
| (i) How did the rulers show that they cared for their subjects? |
| (j) What does the erection of Vijaya Stambha and Kirti Stambha in the same fort signify? |
| (k) Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the following: |
| (i) surprising (para 4) |
| (ii) evidence (para 4) |
| Read the passage given below: |
| 1. To ensure its perpetuity, the ground is well held by the panther both in space and in time. It enjoys a much wider distribution over the globe than its bigger cousins, and procreates sufficiently profusely to ensure its continuity for all time to come. |
| 2. There seems to be no particular breeding season of the panther, although it's sawing and caterwauling is more frequently heard during winter and summer. The gestation period is about ninety to hundred days (Whipsnade. ninety-two days). The litter normally consists of four cubs, rarely five. Of these, generally two survive and not more than one reaches maturity. 1 have never come across more than two cubs at the heels of the mother. Likewise, graziers in the forest have generally found only two cubs hidden away among rocks, hollows of trees, and other impossible places. |
| 3. Panther cubs are generally in evidence in March. They are born blind. This is a provision of Nature against their' drifting away from the place of safety in which they area lodged by their mother, and exposing themselves to the danger of their being devoured by hyenas. Jackals, and other predators. They generally open their eyes in about three to four weeks. |
| 4. The mother alone rears its cubs in seclusion. It keeps them out of the reach of the impulsive and impatient male. As a matter of fact the mother separates from the male soon after mating and forgets all about their tumultuous union. The story that the male often looks in to find out how the mother is progressing with her cubs has no foundation except in what we wish it should do at least. |
| 5. The mother carries its cubs about by holding them by the scruff of their necks, in its mouth. It trains them to stalk, and teaches them how to deliver the bite of death to the prey. The cubs learn to treat all and sundry with suspicion at their mother s heels. Instinctively the cubs seek seclusion, keep to cover and protect their flanks by walking along the edge of the forest. |
| 6. I have never had an opportunity to watch a mother panther train its cubs. But in Pilibhit forests, I once saw a tigress giving some lessons to its little ones. 1 was its kill at Mala as the sun set, the tigress materialised in the twilight behind my machan. For about an hour, it scanned and surveyed the entire area looking and listening with the gravest concern. It even went to the road where my elephant was awaiting my signal. The mahout spotted it from a distance and drove the elephant away. |
| 7. When darkness descended upon the scene and all was well and safe the tigress called its cubs by emitting a low haa-oon. The cubs, two in number and bigger than a full- grown cat, soon responded. They came trotting up to their mother and hurried straight to the kill in indecent haste. The mother spitted at them so furiously that they doubled back its heels immediately, Thereafter, the mother and its cubs sat under cover about 50 feet (15m) away from the kill to watch, wait, look, and listen. After about half an hours patience and fidgetless vigil the mother seemed to say paid for'. At this signal, the cubs cautiously advanced, covering their flanks, towards the kill. No longer did they make a beeline for it, as they had done before. |
| 8. The mother sat watching its cubs eat, and mounted guard on them. She did not partake of the meal. |
| On the basis of your understanding of the passage complete the statements given below with the help of options that follow: |
| (a) To protect its cubs, the mother panther hides them: |
| (i) among rocks |
| (ii) in the branches of the trees |
| (iii) behind the tree trunks |
| (iv) at its heels |
| (b) The male panther; |
| (i) is protective of its cubs |
| (ii) trains its cubs |
| (iii) watches the progress of the mother |
| (iv) is impulsive and impatient |
| Answer the following questions briefly: |
| (c) How many cubs does the mother panther rarely deliver? |
| (d) What may happen if the panther cubs are not born blind? |
| (e) Why did the mahout drive his elephant away? |
| (f) Why did the tigress spit at its cubs? |
| (g) From the narrator's observation, what do we learn about the nature of the tigress? |
| (h) Why does the panther not face the risk of extinction? |
| (i) Find words from the passage which mean the same as each of the following: |
| (i) Moving aimlessly (para 3) |
| (ii) Came down/fell (para 7) |
| Read the passage given below: |
| People tend to amass possessions, sometimes without being aware of doing so. They can have a delightful surprise when they find something useful which they did not knew they owned. Those who never have to change houses become indiscriminate collectors of what can only be described as clutter. They leave unwanted objects in drawers, cupboards and attics for years in the belief that they may one day need them. Old people also accumulate belongings for two other reasons, lack of physical and mental energy and sentiment. Things owned for a long time are full of associations with the past, perhaps with the relatives who are dead, and so they gradually acquire a sentimental value. Some things are collected deliberately in an attempt to avoid wastage. Among these are string and brown paper, kept by thrifty people when a parcel has been opened. Collecting small items can be a mania. A lady cuts out from newspapers sketches of model clothes that she would like to buy if she had money. As she is not rich, the chances are that she will never be able to afford such purchases. It is a harmless habit, but it litters up her desk. Collecting as a serious hobby is quite different and has many advantages. It provides relaxation for leisure hours, as just looking at ones treasure is always a joy. One doesn?t have to go out for amusement as the collection is housed at home. Whatever it consists of stamps, records, first editions of books, china-there is always something to do in connection with it; from finding the right place for the latest addition to verifying facts in reference books. This hobby educates one not only in the chosen subject, but also in general matters which have some bearing on it. There are other benefits also. One gets to meet like-minded collectors to get advice, compare notes, exchange articles, to show off ones latest finds, etc.; so, ones circle of friends grows. Soon the hobby leads to travelling, perhaps a meeting in another town, possibly a trip abroad in search of a rare specimen, for collectors are not confined to one country. Over the years, one may well become an authority on ones hobby and will probably be asked to give informal talks to little gatherings and then, if successful, to larger audiences. |
| (a) On the basis of your understanding of the above passage make notes on it, using headings and subheadings. Use recognisable abbreviations (wherever necessary - minimum four) and a format you consider suitable. Also supply an appropriate title to it. |
| (b) Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words. |
| You are Karan Kumar/Karuna Bajaj, a leading lawyer practising in Surat. You want to buy an independent house at City Light Road to be used as office-cum-residence. Draft an advertisement in about 50 words for the classified columns of a local newspaper. You can be contacted at 45645678. |
| Or |
| On 30th November your school is going to hold its annual sports day. You want Mr. Dhanraj Pillai, a noted hockey player to give away the prizes to the budding sportspersons of the school. Write a formal invitation in about 50 words requesting him to grace the occasion. You are Karuna/ Karan, Sports Secretary, Sunrise Global School, Agra. |
| Along with air and water pollution, our cities are also under an attack of noise pollution. Marriage processions, DJs during wedding receptions, loud music from neighbourhood flats etc. are all sources of noise which is not good for the old, the ailing and students. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a local newspaper describing the problem and making a request to the concerned authorities to solve it. You are Karuna/Karan M 114, Mall Road, Delhi. |
| Or |
| In all big cities road rage has become a serious problem! A minor scratch, a little push, or a small brushing past can lead to a scuffle sometimes resulting even in murder. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the Police Commissioner giving your views on the problem and its solutions. You are Karuna/Karan, M 114, Mall Road, Delhi. |
| ?Brain drain is not a bane for a developing country like India.? Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion. |
| Or |
| Write a speech in 150-200 words on the topic, Discipline shapes the future of a student?. It is to be delivered in the morning assembly. You are Karuna/Karan. |
| Education has always been a noble profession. Our ancestors received their learning at gurukuls and ashrams Even in the near past pathshalas (schools) were associated with places of worship. Today, education is fast becoming commercialised. Parents have to shell out a lot of money on coaching classes, tuition fees etc. Write an article in 150-200 words on 'The State of Education, Today'. You are Karan/Karuna. |
| Or |
| According to 2011 census, literacy rate of hundred percent or around has been achieved by only a couple of states in India. Illiteracy is found mostly among the old and the deprived sections of society. What can the youth do to spread literacy in society? Write an article in 150-200 words on 'Role of students in eradicating illiteracy'. You are Karuna/Karan. |
| Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still. For once on the face of the Earth let's not speak in any language, let's stop for one second, And not move our arms so much. |
| (a) What is the significance of the number 'twelve'? |
| (b) Which two activities does the poet want us to stop? |
| (c) What does the poet mean by let's not speak in any language?? |
| (d) Describe the pun on the word, 'arms'. |
| Or |
| .......... I saw my mother, beside me, doze, open mouthed, her face ashen like that of a corpse and realized pain ... |
| (a) Who is 'I'? |
| (b) What did 'T' realise with pain? |
| (c) Why was the realisation painful? |
| (d) Identify and name the figure of speech used in these lines. |
| Answer any four of the following questions in 30-40 words each : |
| (a) What does the reference to chappals in 'Lost Spring' tell us about the economic condition of the rag pickers? |
| (b) What do we learn about the crofter's nature from the story, 'The Rattrap'? |
| (c) How is 'Shakespeare wicked and the map a bad example' for the children of the school in a slum? |
| (d) What picture of male chauvinism (tyranny) do we find in the poem, 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers'? |
| (e) How did the Governor, Oxford Prison describe Evans to the Secretary, Examination Board? |
| (f) At the dining table why did Zitkala-Sa begin to cry when others started eating? |
| Answer the following question in 120-150 words: |
| Every teenager has a hero/heroine to admire. So many times they become role models for them. What is wrong if Sophie fantasizes about Danny Casey and is ambitious in life? |
| Or |
| Our native language is a part of our culture and we are proud of it. How does the presence of village elders in the classroom and M. Hamel's last lesson show their love for French? |
| Answer the following question in 120-150 words: |
| Both Deny and Lamb are victims of physical impairment, but much more painful for them is the feeling of loneliness. Comment. |
| Or |
| How did Jack end the Roger Skunk story? How and why did Jo want to change it? |
| Attempt the following question in 120-150 words: |
| How did Mrs. Hall show her excitement when Griffin came to stay at Coach and Horses? |
| Or |
| How do William Dane's deceit and Sarah?s desertion affect Silas? |
| Attempt the following question in 120-150 words: |
| Marvel is the only character in 'The Invisible Man' who interacts with Griffin and gains something. Comment. |
| Or |
| Attempt a character sketch of Eppie. |
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