1 Code No.

02
Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it10 x 1 = 10

One of the most significant after-effects of the emergence of terrorism in the country is
the establishment of a corps of elite commandos. These omnipresent commandos of the
National Security Guards, popularly known as "Black Cats" because of their black
uniforms and lithe cat like movements are always seen hovering around VVIPs for their
security at public functions. These men who stake their lives for the safety of others,
inspire envy from the youth and awe and respect from all segments of society. What goes
into the making of these seemingly superhuman people is equally awe inspiring.
Members of the National Security have a disciplined and respectful way of life. Indeed
'Seido' which means 'the sincere way' has as its guiding Philosophy the three principles
of "Sonkei", "Ai" and "Jujun" or love, respect, and obedience.
No wonder then that even the comrnandos who have been trained in other styles
are now being taught the art of "Seido Karate' says Senpai Rana, Black Belt, a Nepalese
who has been inducted into the NSG from his premier Army Physical Training College.
"Seido is indeed, a very comprehensive style".
Training is provided to the commandos at the 'Honbu Dojo Institute of Seido
Karate' in India at Greater Kailash in Delhi. Senpai Pradeep, Black Belt, one of the
instructors at the Dojo feels that the commandos are preconditioned to hard work by
virtue of their military background. Nevertheless, the exercises are tiring for even the
tough commandos and the instructors are unrelenting. Sometimes even a few hardened
commandos fall down from exhaustion during their Belt grading tests. the practice of
Seido Karate 'keeps one fighting fit, improves the overall health and helps one develop
physically as well as spiritually.
1. What has terrorism led to the establishment of in our country ?
2. What is the more popular name for the National Security Guards ?
3. Why do the National Security Guards always hover near the VVIPs ?
4. How are the National Security GuardS treated by all the people ?
5. Which art is now being taught to the commandos ?
6. Where had Senpai Rana, Black Belt been before joining the National Security
Guards
7. Name one institution where the National Security Guards are trained.
8. How does a militaly background help the commandos
9. When do even a few hardened commandos fall from exhaustion ?
10. The practice of "Seido Karate" helps the commando develop physically as well as
11. (Fill in the blank with a word from the passage)

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 2 Code No. 02

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it 10 x 1 = 10

It was the district track meet. My foot still hadn't healed from an earlier injury. As a
matter of fact, I had debated whether or not I should attend the meet. But there I was,
preparing for the 3,200 metre run.
"Ready set " The gun popped and we were off. The other girls
darted ahead of me. I realised I was limping and felt humiliated as I fell farther and
farther behind.
The first-place runner was two laps ahead of me when she crossed the finish line.
"Hooray !" shouted the crowd. It was the loudest cheer I had ever heard at a meet.
"May be I should quit" I thought as I limped on. Somehow, though, I decided to keep
going. During the last two laps, I ran in pain. I decided not to compete in track next year.
It wouldn't be worth it, even if my foot did heal. I could never beat the girl who lapped
me twice.
When I finished, I heard a cheer — just as enthusiastic as the one I'd heard when the
first girl passed the finish line. "What was that all about ?" I asked myself. I turned
around and sure enough, the boys were preparing for their race. 'That must be it, they're
cheering for the boys."
I went straight to the bathroom where a girl bumped into me. "Wow, you have got
courage !" She told me.
I thought, "Courage ? She must be mistaking me for someone else. I just lost a race."
"I would never have been able to finish those two miles if I were you. I would have quit
on the first lap. What happened to your foot ? We were cheering for you. Did you hear us
?"
I couldn't believe it. A complete stranger was cheering for me — not because she wanted
me to win. but because she wanted me to keep going and not give up. Suddenly I
regained hope. I decided to stick with track next year. One girl saved my dream.
That day, I learned two things. First, a little kindness and confidence in people can make
a great difference to them.
And second, strength and courage aren't always measured in medals and
victories. They are measured in the struggles we overcome. The strongest
people are not always the people who win, but the people who don't give
up when they lose.
I only dream that someday — perhaps as a senior — I will be able to win
the race with a cheer as big as the one I got when I lost the race.

1. What was the narrator preparing for ?

2. Why did the narrator hesitate to take part in the race ?
3. "The gun popped and we were off." This refers to
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 3 Code No. 02
A. an explosion B. the start of the race a gun C. going off somewhere
4. Why did the narrator feel humiliated?
5. While naming the narrator decided not to compete next year because
a. she thought that as she could never beat the girl who finished first b)
her foot might not heal c) the people were laughing at her.
6. The girl, whom the narrator met near the bathroom, admired the narrator's
7. Whom had the crowd cheered loudly the second time?
8. What are strength and courage measured in?
9. Who, according to the narrator, are the strongest people?
10. 'One girl saved my dream.' What was the dream?

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it: 10 1 = 10
On 10 April, 1912, the largest and finest luxury ship in the world sailed from
Southampton in England to New York. She was called the Titanic and it was her first
voyage. She was crossing the Atlantic and she was carrying more than two thousand
people.
She was a ship built with great care. Everyone thought that she could never sink. They
called her ‘the unsinkable ship’.
The journey was very comfortable. Everyone talked and laughed. They were happy and
proud because they were travelling in the best ship in the world. For four days the
Titanic sailed smoothly. Then came 14 April.
The night was cold, the sky was clear and the sea was calm. Time ticked on ten O’
clock, eleven half-past eleven
Eleven forty! On top of the ship, the man who kept watch suddenly saw an iceberg which
stood right in the path of the Titanic. He telephoned the engine-room. Captain Smith and
his crew fought hard to steer the ship away from the iceberg but its side scraped the
iceberg. There was a big shower of ice on the decks. There were also big holes along the
ship’s side through which water began to pour into the engine room and lower decks.
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 4 Code No. 02
Captain Smith and his crew tried to stop it but they failed. They now knew that the
Titanic was in great danger. Captain Smith began to send radio signals at twelve-fifteen.
‘Help Struck An Iceberg’.
A ship called the California was only about 18 kilometres away, but she did not receive
the Titanic’s signals. This was because her radio had been shut at 12 O’ clock.
The Titanic continued to send signals. At last a small ship called the Carpathia heard
the call, she changed course and sailed at full speed towards the Titanic. Meanwhile the
Titanic was sinking rapidly. Then, at 2·20 A.M. on 15 April she vanished into the sea
forever. About fifteen-hundred people including Captain Smith went down with her.
When the Carpathian reached the lifeboats it was 4 A.M. She was able to save only seven
hundred people. The Titanic now lies deep down at the bottom of the ocean.

1. When did the Titanic begin its voyage?

2. What did people call the Titanic?

3. How did the people on board feel?

4. What did the man who kept watch notice at 11·40 P.M.?

5. Who tried to steer the ship away?

6. Why did water pour into the engine room?

7. What message did Capt. Smith give?

8. Why couldn’t California receive the radio signals?

9. How many people could Carpathia save?

10. Where is the Titanic now?

III. Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it: 10 1 = 10

Kalpana Chawla was born on 17th March, 1962. She had her school education at Tagore
Balniketan Senior Secondary School in Karnal. As a child she showed signs of her
fascination for stars in a model she made and aeroplanes often featured in her drawings.

When she was 11 years old, she had her first flight experience aboard a Pushpak in the
Karnal Aviation Club. She was obssessed with the thought of flying a plane ever since
then. The terrace of Kalpana’s house became her favourite place from where she saw
gliders and Pushpak planes fly from aviation club.

After her pre-university education, she opted for aeronautical engineering. And for self
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 5 Code No. 02
protection she learnt karate and became black belt. At the Punjab Engineering College in
Chandigarh, she up-dated herself on her favourite subjects. In 1982 she passed out as
the first aeronautical engineer of the college. Soon after she taught in the same college
till she got admitted to the University of Texas, Arlington. Here, she married a French
American flying instructor Jean Pierre Harrison in December, 1983. After completing her
post-graduation she enrolled for her Ph.D. in aerospace at the University of Colorado.
Simultaneously she took flying lessons from her husband and mastered the skills of
aerobatics.

After her Ph.D. in 1988, she did a project for NASA at the MCAT Institute, California.
When she was finally selected as an astronaut in aviation at NASA, she saw her dream
taking shape. After rigorous training she was chosen to go as prime robotic operator on
Mission STS-87 on 19th November, 1997. The team returned after a successful stint in
space on 5th December 1997.

She was again chosen for Mission STS-107 with six others. Tragically just 16 minutes
before their space shuttle was scheduled to land on earth, it exploded in the atmosphere
over the state of Texas, ironically where her journey in the U.S. began. All the
astronauts were killed instantaneously.

Thus ended the life of this great Indian who literally reached out for the stars.

1. Kalpana Chawla had her school education in

a. Punjab
b. Karnal
c. Chandigarh.
2. often featured in her drawings. ( Fill in the blank with the
a. right word from the passage).
3. Where did she have her first flight experience?
4. Her favourite place was
a. Aviation Club
b. Tagore Balniketan Senior Secondary School
c. the terrace of her house.

5. What did she opt for after her pre-university education?

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 6 Code No. 02
6. Why did she learn karate?
7. When did she marry?
8. Who did she take flying lessons from?
9. What was she, on Mission STS-87?
10. Where did the space shuttle explode?

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it10x1 = 10

The short story entitled “The Axe” by R. K. Narayan reveals his concern for Nature.
The story revolves around Velan who lived in the ancestral village with his parents.
An astrologer passing through the village predicted that Velan would live in a
bungalow surrounded by a garden. It was difficult to believe, for Velan and his
parents were very poor.

The ways of Providence are strange. One day, Velan left his parental home in a huff
and reached Malgudi. After sometime, he was employed by an old man to raise a
garden around his mansion. Under Velan’s care and attention, trees, plants and
flowers sprang up. He lived in a hut in a corner of the compound.

In the garden, a margosa tree was particularly dear to him. It was the haunt of
birds. The grand children and great grand children of the owner played under its
shade. Soon things began to change. The owner died and his sons occupied the
house for a time and then rented it out. No tenant occupied it for long. The house,
like Velan, showed signs of ageing. Velan’s hut started giving way. He shifted to the
verandah of the bungalow. The prediction had come true. He was the sole occupant
of the big house.

Years passed. No one came near the ghost house as it came to be called. One day
some people came and asked him to open the doors and windows of the house. The
ramshackle house, they said, was beyond repair. They had to pull it down. The
garden so tenderly raised by Velan was of no use to the new owners. A week later
Velan was told that the house had been sold to building promoters. They would soon
start demolishing the house and cutting down all the trees, except a few. Velan was
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 7 Code No. 02
given notice to leave.

Workers started demolishing the house and cutting the trees. One day he was
disturbed by the sound of an axe. He saw four men cutting down his margosa tree.
He could not bear that sight. With tears, he appealed to them, “This is my child. I
planted it. I saw it grow. Don’t cut it down”. They said that they had been paid by
their company to do their job. Velan pleaded with them to wait till he left the site.
The workers stopped their work. Velan entreated them not to cut the margosa tree
till he had gone far, far away. Even after Velan had gone a very long distance, the
workers could hear him, “Don’t cut yet. I am still within hearing. Please wait till I am
gone further”.

1. What does the short story ‘Axe’ reveal?

2. Where did Velan live?
3. What was the astrologer’s prediction?
4. Why did the old man employ Velan ?
5. Among all the trees a..................was particularly dear to Velan.
6. Who occupied the house after the owner’s death?
7. Velan shifted to the verandah of the bungalow because
he wanted to keep the bungalow for himself
his hut started giving way
he liked comforts and luxuries.
8. For the new owners of the bungalow, the garden tenderly raised by Velan
was very valuable
was of no use
was very beautiful.
9. What disturbed Velan ?
10. What did Velan plead with the workers?

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 8 Code No. 02

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it: 10 1 = 10
There is no smoke without a fire. There is no footprint without a foot. And there is
no foot without the animal of which it is a part. So with the discovery of the
mysterious footprints, the age old debate on which animal imprinted it has come to
the fore, once again.
In November 2007, a U.S. based television channel investigating the existence of the
legendary Yeti in Nepal found three large footprints. One print was clearly from a
right foot with five toes, and was about 13 inches long, but the other two were only
partial prints. The footprints were found on the bank of the Man Ju River.
The TV channel airs a weekly adventure stories called “Destination Truth” that
investigates stories of the unexplained and crypto zoological creatures ( animals
believed to exist, but for which conclusive evidence is missing)
A team of nine producers from Destination Truth, armed with infrared cameras,
spent a week in the icy Khumbu region at a height of 2850 metres. The team took
plaster cast of the footprints. These would be sent to the United States for expert
analysis.
But many people believe that the Yeti is a bipedal ( two legged ) giant. It is a hairy
apelike animal inhabiting the Himalayan regions of Nepal and Tibet. The Nepalese
are sure it exists and the names Yeti and Meh -Teh are part of their history and
mythology.
An early record of reported footprints appeared in 1889 in the writings of the British
explorer L.A. Waddell. In 1951 Eric Shipton, a distinguished British expeditioner
took photographs of a number of large prints in the snow, at about 6000 metres.

Edmund Hillary did not believe in the existence of the snowman. A great
mountaineer Reinhold Messner claimed to have had a face -to-face encounter with a
Yeti which he killed. According to Messner, the Yeti is actually the endangered
Himalayan Brown Bear, that can walk upright or on all fours. The interesting debate
will continue till someone captures this secretive creature on camera.

1. When did a U.S. based television channel find three large footprints?

2. The three large footprints were found on the bank of .

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 9 Code No. 02
3. ‘Destination Truth’ is

an investigating team

an adventure series

an entertainment programme.

4. How long did a team of nine producers stay in the icy Khumbu region?

5. Why would the plaster cast of the footprints be sent to the United States?

6. When did an early record of reported footprints appear?

7. Which British expeditioner took photographs of a number of large prints in the

snow?

8. Who did not believe in the existence of the snowman?

9. Reinhold Messner was a great .

10. What is the Yeti, according to Messner?

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it: 10 x 1 = 10
Maria Montessori was born in Chiaravalle, in Italy on 31st August 1870. In spite
of discouragement from all quarters, Maria became the first woman medical
graduate from the University of Rome. In those days women were not enrolled at
medical colleges.
After her medical education she was made incharge of an Institute for mentally retarded
children. In those days people believed that mentally retarded children could not learn
anything. So no one taught them anything — even simple things like attending to their
needs and changing their dresses. During her work in the institution, Maria observed
these children very carefully and saw that these children seemed to find out for
themselves about many things. They would reach out for anything they found, turn it
around, see its shape etc. She concluded that given proper training and attention these
children could be taught to take care of basic' needs and also some of them could pass
the reading and writing test as ordinary children.
Maria taught the children to distinguish between colours, sound, smells and
tastes. She made frames with button holes and buttons to teach children how to
tie shoe laces. Her methods worked well and soon the children were able to do
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 10 Code No. 02
many things on their own. Maria thought that her method could be extended to
be useful to ordinary children too. So. Maria opened the first school in the slums
of Rome for children between three and six years. She called her school 'Casa Di
Bambini' (Italian for "Children's House”). She applied her medical and
psychological knowledge and experience for proper training kir normal children.
She noted that when a child is really interested in the exercise he had chosen, he
would become completely absorbed and could not be distracted. The child thus,
learnt from actually enjoying what he was doing.

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 11
Code No. 02 4•
Dr. Maria found that children were ready for different tasks at different
stages and that they needed the right exercise at the right stage. A
Montessori teacher's job was not to tell children what to do but to
recognize in which stage the child was and to guide him. Also children
should be free to move about. They should not be pinned to their seats.
Children became self-reliant and independent with this method.
The children were not given any punishment in a Montessori School
because even if a child behaved badly at first, when he became
engrossed in the activity of his choice, he would be quiet and settle
down.
Maria believed that all human beings passed through a certain set
stages of psychological development. Differences were mainly because of
the opportunities offered by the environment in which they were
brought up as a child.

1. Where was Maria Montessori born?

2. What was the job offered to Maria after she completed her medical

education ?

3. Maria during her works in the institution concluded that

mentally retarded children cannot be taught anything

they are unmanageable

they could be taught to take care of basic needs.

( Choose the correct answer and rewrite it )

4. Where did Maria open the first school for normal children?

5. What does "Casa Di Bambini" mean in the passage?

6. When is a child completely absorbed in learning things according to

Maria ?

7. How did her method of teaching become effective on children ?

 12
8. A Montessori teacher's job is

to tell the children what to

to recognize in which stage do the child is and to guide him

to pin the students to their seats.

9. Why are the children not given punishment?

10. Maria believed that all human beings passed through certain stages of

(Fill in the blanks with appropriate words from the passage).

Read the, following passage and answer the questions set on it: 10 x 1 =

10

Today we have a long list of creatures that have vanished altogether. As

man spread across the earth, he has destroyed wildlife by shooting,
trapping, cutting and burning the forest.
One of the creatures that has become extinct in the slow moving, heavy
bird dodo. It inhabited the island of Mauritius. Secure in its island home,
this bird had lost the power of flight since there were no enemies to fly
from. It nested on the ground in complete safety.
Then man discovered the dodo's paradise is about 1507. and with him
came his evil friends — dogs, cats, pigs, rats and goats. The dodo
surveyed these new arrivals with an air of innocent interest. Then the
slaughter began. The goats ate the undergrowth which provided the dodo
with cover. The dogs hunted them. The cats harried the old birds. The
pigs grunted all over the island, eating the eggs and the young. The rats
followed behind to finish the feast. .Soon the fat, ungainly and harmless
bird was extinct.
Many lovely and interesting animals have been so reduced in numbers
that without protection and help they can never reestablish themselves. If
they cannot find sanctuary where they can live and breed undisturbed,
 13
their numbers will dwindle until they join the dodo, quagga and the great
auk on the list of extinct creatures.
Of course, much has been done in the last decade to protect wildlife.
Sanctuaries and reserves have been started to save these animals and
birds. The reintroduction of a species into areas where it had become
extinct is taking place. Although much is being done, there is still a very
great deal to do. It is man' responsibility to protect and help and give
sanctuary to these harried animals. One thing to remember is that man,
for all his genius, cannot create a species, nor can he recreate one he has
destroyed.

1. How has man destroyed wildlife?

2. The dodo inhabited the island of........................

3. Why did the dodo lose the power of flight?

4. When did man discover the dodos' paradise?

5. Mention any one of man's evil friends.

6. What did the goats eat?

7. How did the pigs trouble the dodo?

8. Name one more extinct animal other than dodo mentioned in the

passage.

9. Why is the reintroduction of species taking place?

10. Today man's responsibility is

a) to protect wildlife
b) to cut and burn the forest

c) to kill animals and birds.

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it: 10 X 1 =
10
 14
Prevention is better than cure.‖ This is an old saying. It is better to prevent a
disease than to cure it or battle against it when it is severe. This saying
emphasizes that caution should be the watchword.
If we drink impure water our throat may be affected and we may catch severe
cough and cold. Therefore we should be careful enough to avoid drinking
impure water wherever we are. It is sheer carelessness to drink impure water
without minding its consequences.
Overweight is the result of eating too much fatty food. Physical exercise
contributes to a thin frame. WE should avoid too much of fat in our food. We
should not take too much of ghee or butter and if we adhere to this
principle we can prevent the accumulation of fat in our blood vessels.
When we have high blood pressure we must reduce out obesity. Our salt intake
should be as little as possible. We should not be tense and should not take
rich, spicy food. Yoga, games, walking or jogging reduces the chances of a
heart attack.
Everyone knows that cancer is caused by chewing tobacco or smoking. The use
of tobacco is dangerous and it surely affects our healthy. Cancer is a disease
that cannot be cured unless detected at an early stage. Poor people who suffer
from cancer cannot afford to meet the expenses of treatment because the
treatment is very expensive. Cancer in its advanced stage kills people.
AIDS is a disease caused by unsafe sex. It can be prevented. But it is very
difficult to cure it. It is very pathetic to see that even young people suffer from
AIDS.
Uncontrolled diabetes leads to kidney problem. Liquor can cause disease in the
abdomen. Liver gets damaged by drinking too much of liquor.

1. What does the old saying, ―Prevention is better than cure‖ emphasise?

Ans: emphasises that caution should be the watch word / caution.

2. What causes throat problem?

Ans: drinking impure water / impure water.

3. What happens if we eat too much of fatty food?

 15
Ans: become over weight / accumulation of fat in blood vessels.

4. We can have a thin frame by .

doing physical exercise

preventing diseases
eating ghee or butter.
Ans: a) doing physical exercise

5. Where is fat accumulated in our body? Ans: in our blood vessels / blood
vessels.

6. Pick out from the passage any one of the means we should follow to

d) reduce the chances of a heart attack.

e) Ans: Yoga / games / walking / jogging.

7. What causes cancer?

f) Ans: chewing tobacco / smoking

8. When can cancer be cured?

g) Ans: if detected at an early stage / early diagnosis.

9. Why can poor people suffering from cancer not afford to meet the

h) expenses of treatment?
i) Ans: the treatment is very expensive / costly / dearer.

10. AIDS is caused by

uncontrolled diabetes
drinking liquor
unsafe sex
Ans: c) unsafe sex

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it: 10 x 1 = 10
 16
Mysore, situated 145 kilometres south-west of capital Bangalore, is the
second largest city in Karnataka. Spread across an area of 12842 sq.km
at the foot of Chamundi Hills, it has an old-world charm about it.
Besides the Dasara festival, the city lends it name to a flower, Mysore
Mallige; a sweet, Mysore Pak; the traditional silk turban, Mysore Peta;
and the Mysore silk sari.
With a population of around 8,00,000 according to Census 2001, it is
rated the second cleanest city in India and the cleanest in Karnataka in
a 2010 survey conducted by the Union Ministry of Urban Development.
Home to a number of dynasties — the Gangas, the Hoysalas, the
Vijayanagar kings, Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan — Mysore imbibed the
culture of each one of them. At the time of Independence, Mysore was
the capital of Mysore, a princely state ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty
(A.D. 1399-1947). Under a succession of progressive maharajas and
diwans it became one of the well-governed principalities in British India.
The maharajas patronised mucisians and artists and set up a number of
educational institutions. Mysore counts among its sons Indo-Anglican
novelist R.K. Narayan and his brother the cartoonist R.K. Laxman, social
anthropologist M. N. Srinivas, Veena player Doreswamy Iyengar,
photographer T.S. Satyan, and poet and translator A. K. Ramanujan.
Chamundi Hills, which are 1,074 metres above sea level, form an
excellent backdrop to the city. Atop the hill is the 12th century
Chamundeshwari temple, which houses the presiding deity of the
Wodeyars. Halfway up the hill is the gigantic Nandi (bull), the vehicle of
Shiva.
The Amba Vilas Palace, or Mysore Palace, is an iconic landmark in the
heart of the city. One of India's largest palaces, it was built by the
Wodeyars in 1911 on the foundations of a wooden palace that was
destroyed in a fire in 1897.
Designed by the British architect Henry Irwin for the 24th Wodeyar king;
is said to be modelled on the Vijaynagar Palace at Chandragiri in Andhra
Pradesh. It is 245 feet in length and 156 feet in breadth. It is replete with
 17
carvings, rosewood and ivory inlays, and has a kaleidoscope of stained
glass and mirrors, carved wooden and silver doors, and mosaic and
marble floors.
The palace houses 12 temples built in the typical Dravidian style. Since
its acquisition by the government, the palace has been under the
supervision of the Department of Archaeology and Museums and is now
a museum.
Questions :

1. At the foot of which famous hill is Mysore situated?

2. What is the population of Mysore?
3. According to the 2010 survey which city is considered the second
cleanest in India ?
4. Name any one dynasty which has influenced the culture of Mysore.
5. Who ruled the princely state of Mysore during 1399-1947 A.D.?
6. Whom did the Mysore Maharajas patronise ?
7. Halfway up the hill we find the vehicle of Shiva.
8. When was the Amba Vilas Palace built ?
9. Henry Irwin, the British architect for the 24th Wodeyar king designed
the gigantic Nandi
the Mysore Palace
the Chamundeshwari temple.
10. How many temples does the Mysore Palace house?
"l
c
Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it. 10X1=10
India has a variety of wild life because of its varied relief features,
climate and Natural vegetation. There are about 80,000 species of wild
animals, birds and fishes. India has some rare animals which are not found
in any other part of the world, e.g. swamp deer, Chausinga (four-horn
antelope), Kashmir stag, black buck and Neelgai. The spotted deer of India
is very beautiful. One horned rhinoceros is found only in India and Nepal.
Some of the carnivores animals such as lions, tigers and leopards are
found in our forests. The Gir forest of Saurashtra is the natural habitat of
lions. The famous Bengal tiger is found in the Sunderbans. The national
animal of India is the Tiger. The Himalayas are the home of several unique
animals,
 18
like the wild sheep, yak, the mountain goats, the ibex, the shew, the
tapu, the panda and the snow leopard. Of the many species of monkeys,
the languor is the most common.
India has a variety of bird life. The falcon (hawk), geese, mynahs,
parrots, pigeons, cranes, hornbills, sunbirds and kingfishers are found in
forests and marshy lands. The Peacock is our national bird.
Special efforts are made to protect the endangered species of wild life
by the Forest Department. National Parks and Wild Life Sanctuaries have
been opened in order to preserve wild life. There are 73 National Parks, 447
Wild Life Sanctuaries and 17 Tiger Reserves. The Bandipur, Nagarhole and
Bannerghatta National Parks are in Karnataka. These areas have become
places of tourist interest.

1. How many species of wild animals are there in India?

2. Name some rare animals of India that are not found in any other parts of

the World.

3. Which is the very beautiful animal of India?

4. Where is the famous Bengal Tiger found in India?

5. What are the unique animals of the Himalaya?

6. The national animal of India is

7. What have been opened to preserve the wild life?

8. The national bird of India is_________

a. a) The Parrot b) The Pigeon c) The peacock

9. Name the national parks which are found in Karnataka?

10. How many Tiger Reserves are established in India?

(A) Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it. 5 x 1 =
5
On March 15th in 44 BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated
on the steps of the capitol in Rome. A. number ,of rich and
famous Roman senators had plotted his downfall. Some were
 19
jealous of his outstanding success as a general. Others
feared that, one day, he might accept the crown of Rome
which had been offered to him. So his 'friends', Brutus,
Cassius, Casca-and others stabbed him to death on the
steps where stood the statue of Pompey, thrusting their
daggers again and again into the great leader, doing what
his enemies in many wars had failed to do. Then they dipped
their daggers into his blood and held them up for all to see.
But their success was short-lived for Marc Antony, Caesar's
true friend and admirer, roused the Roman mob to seek
revenge. They drove the murderers from Rome. Later, in
battle, they were killed. Caesar's adopted son Augustus
became ruler of the Roman Empire.

1. When was Julius Caesar

assassinated?

2. Where was Julius Caesar stabbed to

death?

3. Name Caesar's true friend.

4. Mention one of the reasons for Caesar's assassination.

5. Who ruled Rome after the battle?

 20
Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it : 10 x

1 = 10

One of the turning points in the history of modern scientific developments has

been the invention and use of computers. The birth of the computer can be

traced to the work of a Scottish mathematician • John Napier. In the period

between 1800 to 1950 a number of developments took place in this innovative

field.

In today's situation computer awareness is a part of basic and fundamental

education. Without computer education, it is difficult to think of a successful

career noW. Computers are used in all fields and all types of industries. They

are used in offices, hospitals, industries, merchant centres, research centres,

schools and colleges and in the field of mass communication. All this means

lakhs of exciting careers.

Computers have given a new work culture to modern man. It has made in

roads in almost all the areas of human activity. In business it has taken over

most of the clerical work like calculations, preparation of pay bills, account

books etc. Similarly, heavy industries are using computers in a big way for

operational controls. The medical profession has benefited immensely for on

computers heart beat, pulse rate and pathological tests, have reached new

standard of accuracy.

Networking is the latest development in the field of computers. A network is a

system where computers are electronically linked to one another through a

cable or a satellite. At the tap of a keyboard one can get a whole lot of

information on retail data outlets. The very important areas of networking are
 21
E-mail, E-commerce, Video Text, Tele Conferencing etc.

Television has both audio and video facilities but, there is hardly any element

of human activity. But, the special feature of this computer technology is

human interaction with the machine. Computers are mixed blessing in the

context of Indian conditions. India needs labour intensive technique, whereas

computers have compounded our unemployment problems. Much of the

existing staff in offices, banks and industries has been declared redundant.

However, computers will never replace man in toto. Human brain will ever

remain a super computer. Computer is not in a position to create an idea by

itself. Computers are nothing but creation of man. They are just a valuable

friend of tiring human brain. Unlike other inventions and discoveries,

computers do not vitiate human life on this planet.

Computers have offered vast career prospects both in Hardware and Software

sectors. Education in computers and their use are creating limitless

opportunities in job markets. According to statistics, the computer industry

has been growing at the rate of 40% per annum. Indians have already made a

mark in international technology. They offer strong challenge to the

competitors from other countries,

Questions :

1. Name the Scottish mathematician who created the world's first

computer.

2. What has become a basic and fundamental education in today's

 22
situation ?

3. What have computers given to modern man ?

4. ………………is the latest development in the field of computers.

5. Mention the use of tapping a keyboard. •

6. What will remain a super computer ?

7. Computer industry is growing at the rate of……… per annum.

60%

20%

40%.

8. The word 'vitiate' in the passage means

9. Computers will never replace man in

haste

redundant

toto,

10. Suggest a suitable title for the passage.

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it : 10x1 = 1

The Eskimos are descendents of hunters who moved from

Siberia into Northern Canada at tli end of the last Ice Age about 12000
years ago. They still live in this area where there are arctic weathE
conditions for eight to nine months of the year. In such a climate it is
not possible to develop agriculture The traditional Eskimo economy was
therefore based on two basic activities. The first was fishing throug
holes in the ice or on the open water in canoes. The second was
hunting sea mammals such as whales an seals and of land mammals
such as caribou.
 23
Until about 1960 the Eskimos lived a traditional life, grouped in small
communities, each on containing about fifty people. Their homes were snow
houses and tents, the latter made from caribou skin! The traded furs with
local trading companies to obtain equipment like strong wooden sledges.
In 1960 the Canadian government took an interest in the Eskimos. It
loaned money for fig freezing plants and fishing boats. This was intended to
develop and strengthen the economy. It als' provided schools and health
clinics. These were staffed by government teachers and nurses.
Unfortunately modernization has brought social problems too. The most
serious of these is alcohol abuse.

1. Where did the Eskimos' ancestors come from?

2. How long ago did the hunters migrate to Northern Canada?

3. Arctic weather prevails in the Eskimo land for________

a) 8 to 9 months b) one yearc) uncertain days

4. Why can't the Eskimos develop agriculture ?

5. What was the first basic economic activity of the Eskimos ?

6. Name any one of the sea mammals hunted by the Eskimos.

7. How many people would be there in a traditional Eskimo community?

8. What were the Eskimo tents made of?

9. What did the Eskimos trade furs for?

10. What is the serious problem brought into the Eskimo land by

Modernization?

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it. (10x1=10)
For the first time, Amjad All Khan performed at the Nobel Peace Prize
 24
ceremony and concert. He was so happy and delighted that Kailash
Satyarthi received this year's Nobel Peace Prize. He wanted to thank
him for the work he has been doing to safeguard the rights of
children. He was extremely proud of him.
Along with his sons Amaan and Ayaan, Amjad presented 'Raga for
Peace' as a tribute to Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai. He would like
to congratulate them for their work against the suppression of
children and for their right to education.
They performed on two occasions. The first was at the presentation
ceremony. It was a proud moment for him as an Indian to see
Kailashji receive this great honour. Their second performance was at
the spectacular Oslo spectrum. It was perhaps the largest gathering
abroad where he performed. It had more than 6,000 people including
Prince Haakon of Norway, other members of the Norwegian royal
family and the Nobel Laureates.
This year, the Nobel Committee invited artistes from India and
Pakistan to present a special blend of traditional and modern music
sensibilities of the two countries. While Amjad Ali Khan and his sons
represented India, Nusrat Fateh All Khan's nephew Rahat Fateh Ali
Khan represented Pakistan. Nusrat Fateh All Khan was truly a
symbol of humility and grace. He took qawwali to the international
stage and was far ahead of his times. Now, Rahat is taking forward
his legacy.
It was an honour to be a part of the endeavour. It is important that
they work together to foster love and peace on earth .
The pursuit of music, arts and culture removes our emphasis from
greed, egotism, pride and materialism, which drive us to violence. As
the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony showed, these avenues also unite
human beings across borders. This kind of love is required to end the
killings that dominate our world.

1. Name the sons of Amjad All Khan.

2. What did Amjad present as a tribute ?

3. Who received the Nobel Peace Prize ?

4. Where did Amjad perform on the second occasion ?

5. _______________represented Pakistan.

i. Amjad All Khan

 25
ii. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

iii. Nusrat Fateh All Khan

6. How many people gathered there on the second occasion ?

7. Who was a symbol of humility and grace ?

8. What removes our emphasis from greed and egotism ?

9. What does Amjad intend to convey in this passage ?

10. Give the title for the passage.

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it. 10 x 1 =10

Half the world does not have enough to eat. Each year, as a result,
many millions die young. The bodies and minds of many more are
permanently damaged by hunger. We say to you this suffering can
be and must be stopped. When all of us, in the rich and poor
countries, make up our minds to stop it, we can stop it. The earth
is ruled mainly by people out of touch with the young world. They
know that men starve and die in millions, but they think it more
important to make guns and bombs, to send us to fight one
another, than to provide food and water, schools and hospitals, so
that we might feed and serve one another. If you live in a poor
country, demand enough food for your countrymen. Do not turn
your hacks on the people who provide food: instead, work with
them for rural development.
If you are educated in special knowledge and skills, remember that
science and technology that can send men into space need only to be
released into poor countries to work even greater miracles.
If you are a parent, resolve to end the sufferings of children. Know, too,
how to plan the size of your family, so that the progress of all is not
endangered.
Let us make it plain to the rulers that the division of the world into rich
 26
and poor must end. The many billions spent on armaments must be
spent to develop the world. Let them know, too, that if political or
financial systems prevent a just distribution of food and wealth, these
systems must
be replaced. Above all we must show our willingness to work for world
development. Mankind is one family in which each of us has a duty to help
others.

a) Why do many millions of people die young?

b) What kind of people rule the earth?

c) What, according to the rulers , is more important?

d)What are the basic things that the rulers are supposed to provide to the

people?

e) How should parents end the suffering of their children?

f) What should you make plain to the rulers?

g) What should many billions spend on according to the speaker?

h) Add a prefix to the word 'willing' to make its antonym.

i) The rulers wish to_____(possess/possession) bombs and guns.

j) How should mankind be?

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it.
10X1=10
The Greek word for wisdom is 'Sophia' and 'Philos' means means a friend.
So Philosopher is a friend of wisdom. And this is the best possible description
of Socrates, who was one of the wisest and bravest teachers the world has ever
known.
Socrates lived in Athens, nearly 500 years before the birth of Christ.
He was not born important or rich, and indeed all his life he was poor, for
 27
he never asked his pupils to pay for what he taught them. He taught for the
love of wisdom, not for money.
Socrates was interested in how ordinary people ought behave and
think. He did not just tell his pupils what he thought they should do-in
fact, he was fond of saying that he himself knew nothing. Instead, he could
ask them endless questions about what they thought and believed. Then he
would talk about their answers and make them talk too. He would cleverly
lead the conversation round in such a way that, at the end of it, people
would suddenly see for them what was really true and right. They would
feel they had worked it out for themselves. Socrates taught that the man
who is master of himself is truly free'. By being master of oneself, he meant
first knowing oneself, one's faults and weaknesses and one's good points,
without making any pretence and without being vain, and being able to
control oneself. This knowledge of him was what helps a man to be
courageous. And the courageous man is free from fear. Socrates himself,
because he was not afraid of the consequences, always felt free to teach
what he thought was right. This made him unpopular with the powerful
people in Athens.
Socrates was loved by all his pupils. But he made some dangerous
enemies by his strange ways of teaching and asking questions. Some of the
rulers in Athens did not people to be encouraged to ask too many questions
for fear they would begin asking questions about what their rulers were
doing. So, they accused Socrates of teaching young men wicked things and
leading them to throw off their religion. This was false, for Socrates was
very religious man. At last, his enemies had him arrested, and he was
condemned to death.
During the 30 days that lay between Socrates' trial and execution,
his friends and pupils were allowed to spend a great deal of time with him
in the prison. They were astonished to find that he was calm and cheerful
seemed to have no fear of dying. He talked to them and taught them just as
he used to in the streets and market places of the city. One of his pupils
Crito, bribed the jailor to let him escape, but even then he would not go.
 28
The Greeks' way of executing people was to make them drink a cup of
hemlock, which is a deadly poison. When the hemlock was brought to
Socrates, his friends were in tears, but Socrates took the cup quietly and
drank it as if it were a glass of wine at a banquet.

1. What does the term 'philosopher' mean?

2. When did Socrates live?

3. According to the writer Socrates was

i. rich ii. Poor iii. Superstitious

4. d. What did Socrates never ask his pupils?

5. e. Add prefix to the word 'encourage' to form its antonym.

6. f. What, according to Socrates, helps a man to be courageous? g,.Why

did Socrates make dangerous enemies?

7. h, How many days lay between Socrates' trial and execution? i—Who

brided the jailor to help Socrates escape?

8. J. How did the Greeks execute people?

Read the following passage and answer the questions sFt on it :

10x1=10

(Rukmini Devi Arundale was born at Mudhuri on Feb 29, 1904 She used to
watch Bharatanatyam at the Navaratri festival organized by her father for the
Maharaja. Later at Pudukottai she actually lived amidst dancers.
Anna Pavlov great ballerina was the force that shaped the
future of Rtini Devjl Rukmini Devi learnt'Sadir', the art of
Devadasi's secretively for two years.l.Meenakshi Sundram Pillai
was her guru.
Rukmini Devi gave an excellent public performance of the
 29
art, under a banyan tree at the International Theosophical
Conference in 1935, Orthodox India was shockeaukmini Devi's
husband, George Arundale presented the dance as a spiritual art.
[Rukinini Devi renamed `Sadie’ Bharatanatyam to get it social
acceptability. She formed International Centre for Arts with just
one student, her niece Radha.
Zukrnini Devi founded `Kalakshetrg. The teaching at
Kalakshetra was in Gurukula style. Most of the classes were in the
open, under the trees. Kalakshetra was like Shantiniketan of
Gurudev Tagor
Rukmini Devi was nominated twice to Rajyasabha. She was
instrumental in passing the Bill for prevention of cruelty to
Animals in 1960 Rukmini Devi initiated many worthy projects.
Theosophy, animal welfare and vegetarianism were her lifelong
interests.

1. Where was Rukmini Devi born?

2. What was the force that shaped Rukmini Devi's future?

3. Who was Rukmini Devi's guru?

4. Why did Rukmini Devi rename Sadir Bharatanatyam?

5. What is Kalakshetra compared to?

6. What style was the teaching at Shantiniketan in ?

7. Add a prefix to "Prsponsible" to form its antonym.

8. How did George Arundale presented the dance ?

9. Name the bill in which Rukmini Devi was instrumental in passing it in

1960.

10. Rukmini Devi was (interest/interested) in vegetarianism .

11. How did George Arundale presented the dance?

 30
12. Name the bill in which Rukmini Devi was instrumental in passing it in

1960.

13. Rukmini Devi was (interest/interested) in vegetarianism.

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it : 10 x 1 = 10

Since the beginning, trees have provided us with two of life's essentials, food
and oxygen. As we evolved, they provided additional necessities such as
shelter, medicine and tools.
Trees contribute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air
quality, making climate better, conserving water, preserving soil and
supporting wildlife. They take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. One acre
of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and produces four tons of oxygen.
This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.
Both above and below ground, trees are essential to the ecosystems in which
they reside. Far reaching roots hold soil in place and fight erosion. They absorb
and store rainwater and reduce runoff and sediment deposit after storms. This
helps the ground water supply recharge, prevent the transport of chemicals
into streams and prevent flooding. Fallen leaves make excellent compost that
enriches soil.
Many animals, including elephants, kolas and giraffes eat leaves for
nourishment. Flowers are eaten by monkeys and nectar is a favourite of birds,
bats and many insects. Animals also eat much of the same fruit that humans
enjoy. This process helps disperse seeds over great distances. Of course,
hundreds of living creatures call trees their home. Leaf-covered branches keep
many animals such as birds and squirrels, out of the reach of predators.

1. Name one of life's essentials mentioned in the passage.

2. What do trees take in ?

3. How much of oxygen is produced by one acre of forest ?

4. Trees are essential to the ecosystems

 31
a. only above ground

b. neither below nor above ground

c. both above and below ground.

5. How is soil erosion prevented by trees ?

6. The part of a tree used to make compost is its

a. Flower

b. Leaf

c. fruit.

7. Where is nectar, liked by birds, bats and insects, found ?

8. Who call trees their home ?

9. Add a prefix to the word 'essential' to form its antonym.

10. Trees provide ( additional / addition ) necessities of life.

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it : (1 Ox1 =1
0)

The word Buddha literally means The Enlightened One". This was the title
given to Siddhartha Gautama. He became the founder of the religion called
Buddhism.
Buddha was born as a Prince in the 6th Century B.C. in a warrior
community of Nepal called `Sakyas'. Although. brought up in
luxury, he did not show any attachment to the material delights.
When Buddha was young, he had a philosophical temperament.
Though, he had everything necessary for worIc'ly pleasures, he was
somehow dissatisfied.
One day, the prince went out of his palace grounds on his chariot to
get a glimpse of the town. On his way, he saw three sights which he
had never seen before; a sickman, an oldman and a deadman.
These had a deep impact on his mind and made him sad and
 32
thoughtful.
He could sense the eternal truths of life and realized that life '2.s
full of sorrows and suffering. He wondered if sickness. Old age and
death ultimately grab everyone's life than what was the goal of life
and how men could best use the comparatively short lives they had
on this earth. These questions kept on haunting his mind.
One night. the prince left his palace in pursuit of his goal. He was
then 29 years old, married and father to a son. He left behind his
wife and an infant son in the palace. Later, he travelled from one
place to another, reached a place in North India, now called Bodh
Gaya.
There, he sat for many days under a tree in deep meditation, until
suddenly one morning he had a wonderful experience of a startling
vision of what he had been seeking. The light t, shown in him was
the enlightenment he was searching.
Buddha delivered his first Sermon at Benares on the bank of the
river Ganges. Gautama Buddha died at the age of 80 at Kushinagar,
near Benares. After him, his followers were divided into two sects:
Mahayana and Hinayana. Buddhism is now followed in Myanmar,
Thailand. Sri Lanka, China, Mangolia, Korea and Japan.
Answer the following in a word, a phrase or a sentence each :

1. Buddha was the title given to

2. [Fill in the blank with a suitable word from the passage.]

3. Name the warrior community in which Buddha was born.

4. When Buddha was young, he had___________

a. an attachment to material delights.

b. a philosophical temperament.

c. enjoyed worldly pleasures. [Choose the right answer]

 33
5. Why did the prince go out of his palace one day ?

6. Name any one of the three sights that made a deep impact or, of the prince.

7. How old was the prince when he left the palace?

8. Where did Buddha deliver his first sermon?

9. Where did Buddha die ?

10. Mention the two sects of Buddhism.

11. Write the name of any one count, where Buddhism is followed in the World.

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it :

(10 x 1= 10)
Arunima Sinha is the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest. She
also owns the credit of the first Indian amputee to conquer the heights
of Mount Everest. Arunima was born in 1988 in Ambedkar Nagar of
Uttar Pradesh. She has been a national Volley ball and foot ball player.
On April 2011, She boarded the train Padmavathi Express at Lucknow
for Delhi to take an examination to join the CISF. To snatch her bag
and gold chain, she was pushed out of the general compartment by the
thieves. Unfortunately, she fell on another parallel track and before She
could get up, another train crushed her leg below the knee. She was
rushed to the hospital with serious leg and pelvic injuries. To save her
life doctors had to amputate the crushed leg. After this accident she •
was given compensation of mere 25,000 rupees by Indian Sports
Ministry, which caused national outrage. After this country wide
protest, she received US $ 3,100 compensation and a job offer from
Indian railways. She also got recommendation for a job in the CISF.
After she had qualified as a Head Constable in 2012 in CISF
 34
examination.
While her treatment was going on at all India Institute of Medical
Science. She was inspired by cricketer Yuvaraj Singh who had
successfully battled cancer. She also thought of doing something in life
and her strong mind determined to conquer the peak of Mount Everest.
So, She contacted Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to climb
Mount Everest in 2011, and joined her training programme. Sinha
climbed Island peak of 6150 metres in 2012 as preparation for her
ascent of Everest. On 1 April 2013 Sinha and Susen Mahto a TSAF
instructor climbed Mount Everest under the instruction of Banchendri
Pal and reached the summit of Everest at 10:52 a.m on 21 May 2013.
She took

52 days to reach the summit. She received 25 Iakh rupees from Chief
Minister of UP at a function organised at 5-Kalidas Marg residence in
Lucknow. Now she has dedicated her life to social service and welfare
programmes. She wanted to open a free sports academy for the poor and
disabled persons.

1. Where was Arunima Sinha born?

2. b) Name the train Arunima boarded_________________

3. How much compensation was given by Indian Sports MiniSty?

4. Arunima was inspired by___________________

a. Bachendri Pal

b. Yuvaraj Singh

c. Susen Mahto

11. Whom did She contact to climb Mount Everest?

12. When did they reach the summit of Mt. Everest?

13. How many days did they take to reach the summit of Mt. Everest?
 35
14. Where was the function organised to honour her?

15. What did slie want to do for the poor and disabled?

16. Give suitable title for the above passage

Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it. 10x1=10
'Work is worship' is one of these precepts that have been embodied in
every religion, culture and civilization of the world. Gandhiji observed 'God
created man to work for his food and said that those who ate without work
are thieves. Work done by an individual produces output which benefits
others in the society. It helps of fulfil the needs of and purposes of life of the
does and the beneficiary. A person who does the work feels happy and
contented when his achievement brings appriation and satisfaction for his
quality of work. This provides greater incentive and interest to do further
quality work.
Work is natural to man. It is work that adds meaning to life. Without it,
life is dull, un interesting and monotonous. Man is the crown of creation
only because he is skilled and capable of doing hard work. His mind can
guide him to choose the right work and guide it to its logical conclusion.
Work rids us of three great evils : irksomeness, vice and poverty. An idle
man is generally an unhappy person, while idle mind is the devil's
workshop.
Right from their childhood, children are taught to aspire high and to
attain high posts. At home and in school, they children are taught about
the various kinds of work and the respect and dignity of labout. This is the
prime reason for all dissatisfaction and frustration among teenagers, when
they fail to attain and accomplish their goals and when they are forced to do
work below their aspiration.
We should consider work is the prime basis of human life and the most
 36
dignified act in the life.
The true dignity of work is not in the type of work that one does out in
the enthusiasm and interest one shows to do the work assigned.
Questions
1. What has been embodied in every religion, culture and civilization of

the world?

2. Who, according to Gandhi are thieves?

3. When does a person feel happy and conter 4 .ed?

4. Why does life become dull, uninteresting and monotonous?

5. Why man is called the crown of creation?

6. Mention one of the evils that work rids us.

7. What is the reason for dissatisfaction and frustration among

teenagers?

8. Add prefix to the word 'guide' to form its antonym.

9. Where do we find true dignity of work?

10._Work should be considered as the prime basis and the most (dignify /

dignified) act in the human life.