CBSE

Class 11 English Core

Sample Paper 04 (2019-20)

Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allowed: 3 hours

General Instructions:

i. This paper is divided into three sections: A, B and C. All the sections are compulsory.
ii. Separate instructions are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.
Read these instructions very carefully and follow them faithfully.
iii. Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the questions.

Section A

1. Read the following passage carefully:

The term dietary fibers collectively refer to indigestible carbohydrates present in

plant foods. Dietary fibre or ‘roughage’ comprises the edible parts of the plant that
cannot be digested or absorbed in the small intestine and passes into the large
intestine intact. The term dietary fibre also includes a type of starch known as
resistant starch (found in pulses, partly-milled seeds and grains, some breakfast
cereals) because it resists digestion in the small intestine and reaches unchanged the
large intestine. The importance of these dietary fibers came into the picture when it
was observed that people having a diet rich in these fibers had a low incidence of
coronary heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, dental caries and gallstones.

The foodstuffs rich in these dietary fibers are cereal and grains, legumes, fruits with
seeds, citrus, carrots, green leafy vegetables, apples, melons, peaches, pears etc. Fiber
consists of non-starch polysaccharides, such as cellulose, dextrins, inulin, lignin,
chitins, pectins, beta-glucans, waxes, and oligosaccharides. There are two broad types
of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water. It changes as it goes
through the digestive tract where it is fermented by bacteria. As it absorbs water, it
becomes gelatinous. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. As it goes through the

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digestive tract, it does not change its form. It can also be fermented by bacteria in the
colon. Foods that contain dietary fiber are generally divided into predominantly
soluble or insoluble; both types of fiber are present in all plant foods, but rarely in
equal proportions. Both forms of fiber have major health benefits. Good sources of
soluble fibre are oats, barley, fruit, vegetable and pulses (beans, lentils, chickpeas).
Wholegrain cereals and wholemeal bread are rich sources of insoluble fibre.

The dietary fibers are not digested by the enzymes of the stomach and the small
intestine, whereas most of the other carbohydrates like starch and sugar are digested
and absorbed. The dietary fibers have the property of holding water and because of it,
these get swollen and behave like a sponge as these pass through the gastrointestinal
tract. The fiber adds bulk to it and increases transit time in the gut. Some of these
fibers may undergo fermentation in the colon.

In recent years, it has been considered essential to have some amount of fibers in the
diet. Their beneficial effects lie in preventing coronary heart disease and decreasing
cholesterol level. The fiber-like gums and pectin are reported to decrease post-
prandial (after meals) glucose level in blood. These types of dietary fibers are
recommended for the management of certain types of diabetes. Recent studies have
shown that the fenugreek (Methi) seeds, which contain 40 percent gum, are effective
in decreasing blood glucose levels as compared to other gum containing vegetables.
Results of epidemiological studies identify another role for dietary fibre in the
prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) that of improving blood lipid profiles.
Clinical trials confirm the results of these epidemiological studies. Isolated viscous
fibres such as pectin, rice bran or oat bran lower both total serum cholesterol and
low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad) cholesterol levels. At the same time, research
continues to show that diets high in a mix of dietary fibre also protect against CHD.

Some dietary fibers increase the time and decrease the time of the release of ingested
food in the colon. Dietary fibre, particularly insoluble fibre, helps prevent
constipation by increasing stool weight and decreasing gut transit time. This effect is
enhanced if fibre intake is paralleled by an increase in water intake.
The short-chain fatty acids, produced when fibre is fermented by gut bacteria, are an
important source of energy for colon cells and might inhibit growth and proliferation
of gut tumour cells. By improving bowel function, dietary fibre can reduce the risk of

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 diseases and disorders such as diverticular disease or haemorrhoids, and may also
have a protective effect on colon cancer. Thus, having fewer fibers is associated with
colon cancer and the dietary fibers may play a role in decreasing the risk of it.

While prevention of constipation, improved blood glucose levels, and blood lipid
profiles predominate as beneficial outcomes of a diet high in dietary fibre, other
benefits are worth noting. For example, because fibre provides bulk in the diet,
without added calories, it can have a satiating effect on appetite; helping in weight
management.

The dietary fiber may have some adverse effects on nutrition by binding some trace
metals like calcium, magnesium. phosphorus, zinc and others, and therefore
preventing their proper absorption. There may pose a possibility of nutritional
deficiency especially when diets contain marginal levels of mineral elements. This
may become important constraint on increasing dietary fibers.

In order to have all the benefits of fibre it is important to vary the sources of fibre in
the diet. Diets with fruits, vegetables, lentils/beans and whole grains not only provide
dietary fibre but as well many other nutrients and food components essential to good
health. It is suggested that an intake of 40 grams of dietary fibers per day is desirable.
Although dietary fibre is not a ‘nutrient’, it is nevertheless an important component of
our diets. The fact that it passes through the body without being absorbed is the main
reason why fibre is so important.

1. On the basis of your understanding of the above passage, make notes on it using
headings and sub-headings. Use recognizable abbreviations (wherever necessary-
minimum four) and a format you consider suitable. Also supply an appropriate
title to it.
2. Write a summary of the passage in about 80 words.

2. Read the following passage carefully:

Urban Flooding

I. The National Disaster Management Authority has recently released guidelines on

the management of urban flooding. It clearly states that urban flooding should be

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 treated as a separate disaster as the causes of urban flooding and the strategies to
deal with them are different.
II. Even though urban flooding has been experienced for decades in India sufficient
attention was not given to planning specific efforts to deal with it holistically. In
the past, any strategy on Flood Disaster Management largely focused on riverine
floods affecting large tracts of rural areas.
III. Urban Flooding is significantly different from rural flooding as urbanisation leads
to developed catchments which increases the flood peaks by up to 8 times and
flood volumes up to 6 times. Consequently, flooding occurs very quickly due to
faster flow times, sometimes in a matter of minutes.
IV. Urban areas are centres of economic activities with vital infrastructure which
needs to be protected 24 x 7. In most of the cities, damage to vital infrastructure
has a bearing not only locally but could even have global implications.
V. Urban areas are also densely populated and people living in vulnerable areas,
both rich and poor, suffer due to flooding. It has sometimes resulted in the loss of
life, damage to property and disruptions in transport and power bringing life to a
grinding halt causing untold misery and hardships. Even the secondary effects of
subsequent epidemics and exposure to infection often takes further toll in terms
of loss of livelihood, human suffering, and, in extreme cases, loss of life. Therefore,
the management of urban flooding has to be accorded top priority.
VI. There has been an increasing trend of urban flood disasters in India over the past
several years. Almost every major city in India has been severely affected.
Mumbai floods of July 2005 turned out to be an eye-opener. The deluge of rains in
the catchment areas of the Yamuna during August and September in 2010 has
inundated many villages and towns of Haryana, besides threatening the low-lying
areas of the Delhi, the national capital. The fury of floods did not spare many areas
of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
VII. Storm Water Drainage systems in the past were designed for a rainfall intensity of
12-20 mm/h. However, we have been experiencing rainfall of higher intensities in
most of our cities every year, which overwhelm the SWD system. Moreover, the
systems very often do not work to the designed capacities because of
encroachments, dumping of solid waste and poor operations and maintenance.
VIII. Improper disposal of solid waste, including domestic, commercial and industrial

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 waste and dumping of construction debris into the drains also contributes
significantly to reducing their capacities. Everybody is responsible for this.
IX. Encroachments are a major problem in many cities and towns all over the
country. With large scale encroachments on the natural drains and in the
floodplains, the capacity of the natural drain has decreased, resulting in flooding
even with lower intensities of rainfall.

A. Choose the most appropriate option: (1×6 = 6)

i. Urban flooding is to be treated as a separate disaster because_______________

a. the problems of urban areas are unique
b. urban areas get flooded easily
c. the causes of urban flooding are different
d. urban and riverine flooding are similar
ii. Urban flooding occurs very quickly as_______________
a. the drainage is usually blocked
b. stormwater drainage is poor
c. encroachments obstruct the flow of water
d. developed catchments increase faster flow times
iii. Urban areas need around the clock vigil because______________
a. they are centres of economic activities with vital infrastructure
b. they are the hubs of commerce and industry
c. they contain educational institutions and hospitals
d. they provide rail/road links to the rural areas
iv. Life comes to a grinding halt in a flooded urban centre as _______________
a. people are vulnerable to deep water flowing fast
b. transport and power are disrupted
c. there is a loss of life and damage to property
d. people face hardships
v. Encroachment on natural drains intensify flooding because_______________
a. these divert the flow of water
b. these cause whirls and speed up the flow
c. these decrease the capacity of the drain
d. these obstruct the smooth flow of water

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 vi. The word ‘overwhelm’ in para 7 means ________________
a. stunned
b. flooded
c. overpowered
d. defeated

B. Answer the following questions in brief: (1×4 = 4)

i. Why do urban areas need around the clock vigil?

ii. How does flood in urban areas affect life?
iii. What is the main cause of intensifying floods in urban areas?
iv. How is urban flooding different to rural flooding?

C. Find words in the passage similar in meaning as (1×2 = 2)

i. Basic system and service (para IV)

ii. Defeated (para VII)
Section B

3. You are the Secretary of the English Literary Association of Tagore Memorial School,
Patna. Write out a notice for notice-board, inviting names of those who would like to
participate in the proposed inter-house debate, oratorial and elocution contest.

OR

You want to sell your flat in Ashok Vihar. Write out an advertisement giving
necessary details in about 50 words.

4. You are Anand Kumar Bhonsle, Purchase Manager of Apple Telesystems, 9th Street,
Mahim, Mumbai. Write to Ganapati Stationery Mart, Churchgate, Mumbai asking for
rates and terms of supply of stationery items such as pencils, papers, ribbons, carbon
papers, etc.

OR

One of the water taps near your classroom drips continuously. As a result, a lot of
water is wasted. Write an application to the Principal of your school requesting her/
him to take immediate action in getting the drip repaired. You are Sandhya/

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 Shubhojeet Awasthi of St. John’s School, Chakeri, Kanpur.

5. You are Ashutosh/Ashita Sarin, residing at 28, H-Block, Ashok Vihar, Delhi. You love
Delhi and its beautiful architecture. Recently you visited the Red Fort and were
disturbed to see the poor maintenance of the monument by the authorities concerned
as well as by the careless and negligent attitude of the visitors who spoil the buildings
by writing names, messages on the walls, domes, etc. Write a letter to the Editor, The
Statesman, expressing concern over this state and the need for awakening a sense of
pride and love for such monuments among the common people.

OR

Draft an application for the post of an accountant in Pioneers (Pvt.) Ltd. Co.
Hyderabad in response to their advertisement that appeared in The Times of India
dated 1st August, 20XX. Prepare a biodata to be enclosed. You are Nipun/Aparna.

6. In most Indian families, particularly in rural areas, the girl child is considered inferior
to the male child. As a result of this bias, a daughter is considered a burden and she
suffers discrimination in the matter of food, freedom, health and education. Write an
article in 150-200 words showing how such an attitude is harmful and unjust. You are
Satyen/ Sunidhi.

OR

Your school has recently opened a computer wing. The facility of computer training
and access to Internet connections has been made available to students. As
Rakesh/Rashmi of XIB, write a report on the new computer wing in 150-200 words for
your school magazine.

7. In the following passage, one word has been omitted in each line. Write the
missing word along with the word that comes before and the word that comes
after it in your answer sheet. Ensure that the word that forms your answer is
underlined as shown below:

Mammals are vertebrates animals with e.g. vertebrates or animals

backbones. They large brains and a (a) ___________

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 keen awareness of surroundings. (b) ___________

They warm-blooded and have their skin (c) ___________

covered hair. The young are born alive (d) ___________

and suckle milk from the milk glands of the female.

8. The following passage has not been edited. There is an error in each line. Find
the error and write the correct word in your answer sheet. The first one has been
done for you as an example.

Incorrect Correct

Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi went to England to e.g. to for

higher studies at the age of 19. His mother is

(a)
apprehensive

about young men go astray in western (b)

society. But her fears were allayed that (c)

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi swore not for (d)

touch meat, wine and woman.

9. Look at the sentences given below in a disorderly form. Re-order (Rearrange) them to
form meaningful sentences:

i. We / live / eat / we / may / that /so

ii. we / I / succeed / am / will / sure
Section C

10. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (any two)
(1x2=2)
The cardboard shows me how it was
When the two girl cousins went paddling,
Each one holding one of my mother’s hands,
And she the big girl - some twelve years or so.

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 i. Name the poem and the poet.
ii. Who were the two girls?
iii. What were the two girls doing?

OR

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
And who art thou ? said I to the soft-falling shower,
Which, strange to tell, gave me an answer, as here translated:
I am the Poem of Earth, said the voice of the rain,
Eternal I rise impalpable out of the land and the bottomless sea,
Upward to heaven, whence, vaguely form’d, altogether changed, and yet the same.

i. Name the poem and poet.

ii. Who is speaking and to whom?
iii. What is strange to tell and why?
11. Answer any five of the following questions:

a. In what way did the grandmother receive the author when he came back after his
studies abroad? (The Portrait of a Lady)

b. Why, do you think was the author perturbed at the loud hiss emitted by the car?
(Silk Road)

c. What does the speaker say about father-son relationship in lesson Father to Son?

d. How did Ranga greet the narrator? In what respect did the narrator differ from
the present-day boys?

e. When and where did Amitav and Shahid become friends? How did their
friendship grow?

f. Who was John Byro? What did he first lose but finally recover?

12. Who was Quinten Metsys? How did he become one of the most famous painters of his
age?

OR

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 What problems did Howard Carter face with regard to Tut's mummy? How did he
solve them?

13. Write a note on the title of the play Mother’s Day.

OR

Narrate The Tale of Melon city in your own words.

14. What impression do you form about Mr. Crocker-Harris on the basis of reading the
play The Browning Version?

OR

Explain the concept of Shanshui and the fundamental notions of Daoism. (Landscape
of The Soul)

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 CBSE Class 11 English Core
Sample Paper 04 (2019-20)

Solution

Section A

1. Title: Significance of Dietary Fiber

Notes:-

I. What’s dietary fiber?

i. called ‘roughage’
ii. indigestible carbohydrates present in plant foods
iii. cannot be digested in small intestine & passes into large intestine
iv. includes resistant starch
v. found in cereal & grains, legumes, fruits, green leafy vegetables etc.
II. Types of dietary fiber
i. Soluble fiber
- dissolves in water
- absorbs water; becomes gelatinous
- oats, barley, fruit, vegetable & pulses
ii. Insoluble fiber
- does not dissolve in water
- does not change its form
- wholegrain cereals & wholemeal bread
iii. both forms have major health benefits
III. Significance of dietary fiber
i. dec. post-prandial glucose level in blood
ii. prevention of CHD
iii. improves blood lipid profiles
iv. lowers serum chol. & bad chol. levels
v. prevents constipation
vi. reduces risk of haemorrhoids & colon cancer
vii. provides bulk in diet, weight management

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IV. Possible adverse effects
i. preventing proper abs. of trace metals calcium, magnesium, zinc etc. by
binding
ii. probab. of nutritional def.intake of 40 grams dietary fibers per day desirable
iii. not ‘nutrient’ but imp. as it passes through body without being absorbed
Abbreviations used: -
& - and
sig. - significance
dec. - decreases
CHD - coronary heart disease
chol. - cholesterol
abs. - absorption
probab. - probability
def. - deficiency
imp. - important

Summary:-
Dietary fiber or ‘roughage’ refers to the indigestible carbohydrates present in plant
foods. It comprises of the edible parts of plant that cannot be digested or absorbed in
the small intestine and passes into the large intestine intact. It is found in cereal and
grains, legumes, fruits, green leafy vegetables. There are mainly two types of dietary
fiber: soluble fiber, which dissolves in water (oats, barley ) and insoluble fiber, which
does not dissolve in water (wholegrain cereals and wholemeal bread). The
importance of these dietary fibers is observed when people having a diet rich in these
fibers have a low incidence of coronary heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome,
dental caries and gallstones. Both forms have major health benefits. Dietary fibre’s
significance lies in its advantages which include decreasing post-prandial glucose and
cholesterol levels in blood, and reducing risk of haemorrhoids and colon cancer.
Although it is not a ‘nutrient’, but is important as it passes through the body without
being absorbed. The dietary fiber may have some adverse effects on nutrition by
binding some trace metals like calcium, magnesium. phosphorus, zinc and others, and
therefore preventing their proper absorption. There may pose a possibility of
nutritional deficiency especially when diets contain marginal levels of mineral
elements. This may become important constraint on increasing dietary fibers.

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2. A. i. (c)
ii. (d)
iii. (a)
iv. (b)
v. (c)
vi. (d)
B. i. Urban areas need around the clock vigil as they are the centres of economic
activities with vital infrastructure.
ii. The flood disrupts transport, power causing untold misery and hardships.
iii. Encroachment on natural drains is the main cause of intensifying floods in
urban areas.
iv. In urban areas, flooding occurs very quickly due to faster flow times.
C. i. Infrastructure
ii. Overwhelm
Section B
3.

English Literary Association

TAGORE MEMORIAL SCHOOL, PATNA
9th July. 2019
NOTICE
INTER-HOUSE COMPETITIONS
The English Literary Association invites participants in the following contests to be
held in the school auditorium:
a. Debate competition: 20th July. 2019 at 11.00 a.m.
b. Oratorial skills: 21st July. 2019 at 11.00 a.m.
c. Elocution contest: 21st July. 2019 at 2.00 p.m.
Each house can send a team of two students per item.
Last date for submission of names: 10th July. 2019
Ravi Mohan
Secretary
ELA

OR

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 FOR SALE
For Sale Ashok Vihar, DDA flat, first floor, two bedrooms. Drawing/ Dining with full
interiors, Car parking available. North/ park facing, located near the main market.
Reasonable price. Contact: M.L. Goyal, 28659745.

4. Purchase Manager
Apple Telesystems
9th Street, Mahim
Mumbai
Sales Manager
Ganapati Stationery Mart
Churchgate
Mumbai
10th July 2019

Sub: Supply of Stationery

Sir,
We are a software company and we need the following items in bulk for office use. I
request you to kindly quote your rates and terms of supply for the following items:

1. Apsara pencils -HB, HH

2. Orient Bond paper 25 dozen reams

3. Cyclostyling paper 30 dozen reams

4. Computer paper 20 dozen reams

5. Type paper 50 dozen reams

6. Typewriter carbon ribbons 1 dozen packets

7. Computer carbon ribbons 1 dozen packets

8. Photocopier carbon ribbons 10 packets

9. Carbon paper 10 dozen

10. Fluid eraser 10 dozen

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 11. File covers 10 dozen

12. Plastic clips 50 packets

As we are ordering in bulk, we would expect a discount on the bulk purchase. We

expect a reply at the earliest possible along with the acceptable terms and conditions
please.

Yours faithfully,
A.K. Bhonsle
(Purchase Manager).

OR

The Principal
St. John’s School
Chakeri, Kanpur

Sir,
I want to bring to your kind attention that one of the water taps near our classroom
drips continuously. As a result, a lot of water is wasted. All of us know that water is a
precious resource. We must conserve water.
I, therefore, request you to take immediate action in getting the tap repaired. I hope
you will order prompt action.

Thank you
Yours obediently,
Sandhya.

5. 28, H-Block
Ashok Vihar
Delhi

12 July 2019
The Editor
The Statesman
New Delhi

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Sub: Poor Maintenance of Monuments

Sir,
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to assert the fact that
we Indians, particularly Delhiites do not value our heritage. We carelessly spoil our
treasures. It can be seen in the attitude of our people towards the historical
monuments.
Delhi is rich in monuments. In Europe, such a legacy would be preserved and
beautified but here it is spoiled and ruined by our own people through sheer
ignorance, carelessness, laziness and disregard. In case you happen to visit the Red
Fort, you will find not history but romantic messages.
We must be proud of our city and its heritage. Then only we will be motivated to
preserve its beauty and elegance. I appeal to fellow citizens to open their eyes and fall
in love with the beauty of our city and help in its proper maintenance.

Yours faithfully,
Ashita Sarin.

OR

23 Raman Villa
Race Course Road
Bhopal
August 11, 20XX
The Personnel Manager
Pioneers (Pvt.) Ltd. Co.
Hyderabad
Sub: Application for the post of Accountant
Sir,
In response to your advertisement in The Times of India dated 1st August 20XX, I wish
to be considered for the position mentioned above. I feel my qualifications and
experience are good enough to enable me to discharge my duties. I attach herewith
attested copies of my certificates and my bio-data. If given a chance, I may assure you,
sir, that I shall spare no pains in the discharge of my duty honestly and devotedly. I
will certainly win the confidence of my superiors.

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 Thanking you
Yours faithfully,
Nipun (Nipun)

Enel. : Bio-data

Name Nipun Verma

Father’s Name Sh. Mohan Lai Verma

Address 23, Raman Villa, Race Course Road, Bhopal

Date of Birth 15 September 1970

1. CBSE (10+2) 1987 83%

Educational 2. B.Com. (Hons) 1990 73%
Qualifications 3. CA 1994
4. ICWAI 1997

Experience TISCO ‘Bhopal’ since Nov. 1997

Salary Expected Rs. 9000 p.m. + perks

Marital Status Unmarried

Languages known Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu

1. Dr. V. Anand, H.O.D. Commerce, Holker University,

Indore.
References
2. Sh. R.K. Sareen, Financial Advisor GRASIM (India)
Bangalore.

6. EVILS OF GENDER DISCRIMINATION

(by Satyen / Sunidhi)

In our male-dominated society, the girl child is considered inferior. The birth of a
male child is an event for celebration while that of a female child is rued. The bias is
more pronounced in rural areas. Daughters are not given good quality food. Milk,
eggs, fruit, etc. are reserved for the boys. Girls are sent to schools which have no claim
to any quality education or facilities. On the other hand, boys are sent to the most
exclusive ‘public schools’. After school, the daughters stay at home and assist in

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 household work. The boy goes out to meet friends, enjoy movies and shows or play
games. It is the girls who face all types of restrictions. This discrimination is unjust
and harmful. Ultimately it is the society that suffers. Girls too have intelligence, talent
and creativity. Indeed they have more sensibility, affection and love. We should end
the evil discrimination against the girl child.

OR

NEW COMPUTER WING

(by Rashmi, XI B)

The new computer wing of our school on 25th April constructed at a cost of two crore
rupees was inaugurated by the Director of Education, yesterday. This wing with five
halls on the first floor has twenty computers with access to internet connections. The
ground floor has the facility of computer training for the beginners. It has nine rooms
with five computers in each room. Our school authorities have now fulfilled a long-
felt need of the students. Computer training facilities will arouse and sustain the
interest of the students in the IT industry and new technology.

7.

(a) They have large

(b) of their surroundings

(c) They are warm-blooded

(d) covered with hair

8.

Incorrect Correct

(a) is was

(b) go going

(c) that when

(d) for to

9. i. We eat so that we may live.

ii. I am sure we will succeed.

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 Section C
10. i. The name of the poem is A Photograph’. The name of the poet is Shirley Toulson.
ii. They were the cousins of the poet’s mother.
iii. Each one of them was holding one hand of the poet’s mother.

OR

i. The name of the poem is ‘The Voice of Rain. The name of the poet is Walt
Whitman.
ii. The poet is speaking to a soft-falling shower of rain.
iii. It surprised the poet to see that the shower of rain was answering his question.

11. Answer any five of the following questions:

a. Grandmother came to the station to receive the author. When his train arrived,
she took him in her arms. In the evening, she collected the women of the
neighbourhood and got an old drum. She kept singing and thumping the drum for
several hours.

b. Tsetan partially unscrewed the top of the car. It emitted a loud hiss. The lower
atmospheric pressure was allowing the fuel to expand. The author was perturbed.
He considered it dangerous.

c. Actually, the father-son relationship is non-functional. The father does not

understand the aspirations, longings or cravings of the son. They speak like
strangers. Their exchanges, if any, are just formal. Otherwise, silence surrounds
them.

d. Ranga greeted the narrator with full devotion. He not only folded his hands but
also bent low to touch his feet. A present-day boy would stand stiff like a pole
without joints, keep head towards the sun and jerk his body as if it were either a
hand or a walking stick. The narrator, being old fashioned did not approve it.

e. Shahid and Amitav became friends in Brooklyn, US. They lived a few blocks apart.
But they began to meet for occasional meals. By that time Shahid’s condition was
already serious. But that did not stand in the progress of their friendship.

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 f. John Byro was an Assyrian farmer and lived in the neighbourhood. He was a
frequent visitor to Aram’s house. His white horse has stolen a few weeks ago. He
recognised his horse being led by Mourad. But he did not create a scene. Mourad
returned it to him when he realised that his family’s honour was at stake.

12. Quinten Metsys was a master blacksmith who lived in 15th century Europe. He fell in
love with a painter's daughter who would not accept him because of his profession.
One day Quinten sneaked into the painter's studio and painted a fly on his latest panel
with such delicate realism that even when the master tried to sway, it did not go. Only
then he realized what had happened. Quinten was immediately admitted as an
apprentice into his studio and he soon married his beloved. This is how he went on to
become one of the famous painters of his age.

OR

Howard Carter, a British archaeologist discovered King Tut's tomb after years of
searching in 1922. He found fabulous treasure in the tomb, even though it had been
ransacked earlier. The treasure consisted of the golden coffin, gold ornaments and
even petty things of everyday need. Carter found three nested coffin. In the first, he
found the garlands of leaves and flowers, but when he reached the mummy, he ran
into trouble. The resins spread below Tut's body had hardened. The coffin was of solid
gold. Neither human force nor the scorching sun could loosen the body. So Carter
used chisel and hammer to remove the resins. He had little choice. Tut's mummy also
had to be removed part by part. Having taken out the gold coffin, the body parts were
reassembled, put in a wooden box and placed in the tomb again.

13. The title of the play is quite appropriate. It sums up the theme of the play. It suggests
that the action of the play revolves around a mother. The playwright confronts us at
the outset with the problems the mother faces from her grown-up children and their
father. The novel technique employed to tackle the spoilt children and the grown-up
man is quite amusing and thought-provoking. The bold and dominating mother acts
tough with the children and makes them realise they need of proper attention
towards their mother. They are made to learn a lesson in courtesy and polite
behaviour not only towards the mother but also towards the visiting neighbour. The
mother certainly has her day as the children learn to treat her properly. The supper

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 being prepared by the children, their stay at home and the family game of rummy is a
rare gift that the mother receives on this important day.

OR

A king got an arch constructed across the major road of the city. When he went riding
through it, his crown hit against the arch and fell down. The king at once ordered the
chief of the builders to be hanged. But the chief put the blame on the workmen. The
king ordered the workmen to be hanged, but the workmen said that it was the fault of
the masons. The masons put the blame on the architect. But the architect said that the
king himself had made some changes in the plan of the arch. Now the king was
confused. He sent for the wisest man of the kingdom to ask for his advice. This man
was too old to walk or see. He said that the real culprit was the arch and it must be
hanged. But a councillor said that it would be shameful to hang something that had
touched the kings head. By now, the crowd had become restless because they had
gathered there to see the hanging. So the king ordered that someone must be hanged
at once. A noose was set up but it was a little too high. Each man was measured, but
only the king was tall enough to fit the noose. So the king was hanged by his own
orders.

14. Whatever we learn about Mr. Crocker-Harris is through reactions of other characters
and their comments on him. Even this method of indirect presentation helps us to
gather a fair picture of the strict and stern middle-aged master. He is in a class by
himself and is totally unlike the other teachers. He is a man of principles and sticks to
the rules. Unlike other teachers, he does not divulge the results of the form to the
students, since it is the domain of the headmaster. He is not a sadist. He does not beat
the students. Even when the students are mortally afraid of him. It is because he is
quite strict and shows no emotion, even of anger. He remains calm and composed. He
teaches classical languages Greek and Latin. Even his jokes are classical. Students fail
to understand them. He is duty conscious. He is leaving the school at the end of term
and is quite busy on the last day in his own affairs, still, he asks Taplow to come in for
'extra work’. In short, he impresses us with his fine qualities of head and heart.

OR

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‘Shanshui' is a Chinese word. It literally means ‘mountain-water’. The two elements
used together represent the word ‘landscape’. Mountain and water are two elements
of an image. They also reflect the Daoist view of the universe. The mountain is ‘Yang’
whereas water is Yin. The mountain rises vertically towards Heaven. Mountain is
stable, warm and dry in the sun. Water is horizontal and rests on the Earth. Water is
fluid, moist and cool. Yin9is the receptive and feminine aspect of universal energy.
Yang’ is its complementary part. Yang’ is active and masculine. The interaction of Ym’
and Yang’ is a fundamental notion of Daoism. There is an essential third element also.
It is the Middle Void where the interaction takes place. This Middle Void is essential.
Nothing can happen without it. The concept of the Middle Void can be made clear by
comparison to the yogic practice of pranayama. We breathe in, retain the breath and
breathe out. The suspension of breath is the Void where meditation occurs. Hence the
white, unpainted space has special importance in the Chinese landscape.

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