Sample Paper 3

Time allowed: 3 hours Max. Marks: 80

General Instructions: Same as CBSE Sample Question Paper–2023 (Solved).

SECTION–A
(Reading Skills) (20 Marks )
I. Read the passage given below: (10 marks)
(1) What would we do without humour? How would we enjoy talks with others if we do not
use humour to invite a smile or a laugh? And how would we manage the times when we
feel sad and alone?
(2) With humour, we lighten up each day, and we find common ground with others. We
build healthy relationships with others by knowing what to say and to do that helps,
and what hinders a conversation. Humour often takes us to the edge of uncertainty
when we exaggerate, or tease others to make our point. When humour is successful, we
build trust and cooperation. We discover that we are not alone, we learn to accept our
mistakes, and we look for the good in others and in ourselves. Most important, we create
common ground.
(3) However, when we lose our sense of humour, we often get critical or defensive, and we
blame others or ourselves for what was said, and how it was said.
(4) Humour is an essential skill needed to communicate well with others. A few well-
chosen words get the attention of others and make a serious point without their getting
defensive. Whether we prefer to be the centre of attention or shy and quiet, humour can
be adjusted to suit our personality.
(5) The challenge for everyone is to become more aware of how to add humour, and when
to avoid it. Too much humour, like too much spice, often annoys others. Humour that
is perceived as insensitive often leads others to shut down, or become argumentative.
But when we each maintain our sense of humour; we look for the good in others and in
ourselves. To ensure that our humour is welcomed by others, we need to combine our
humour with speaking clearly and listening effectively.
(6) When we are happy, we are light-hearted. We are open to others and ready to laugh and
play. We laugh when we see things presented in unexpected ways. Humour is the spice
of life. It brings happiness and decreases pain. It enhances speaking well and listening
well.
(7) Organizing fun activities throughout the year keeps us feeling happy and strong. Having
a fundraising event, a surprise birthday, a Halloween costume party or a scavenger hunt
helps.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
(1×10=10 marks)
(i) In the passage given above, the author intends to suggest that ____________.
(ii) What happens when humour is successful?
(iii) What, according to the passage, is the consequence when we tease others to make
our point?
(iv) ____________ means ‘to represent something as being larger, better, or worse than it
really is’.
(a) Perspective (b) Scavenger
(c) Exaggerate (d) Hinder
(v) When do we start blaming others?
(a) The moment we get miffed
(b) When others start making fun of us
(c) When others start using unparliamentary languages
(d) When we lose our sense of humour
(vi) List something we should do to ensure that our humour is welcomed by others.
(vii) Why is it important for us to learn when to add humour?
(a) Because it can annoy others if we don’t realise the aptness of the time
(b) Because it’s a part of being polite to others
(c) Because it determines our individuality
(d) Because it creates a wrong impression on the minds of others
(viii) “Most important, we create common ground.” What does the phrase ‘common
ground’ mean here?
(ix) Which of the following statements is FALSE, according to the passage?
(a) We should be aware of our words while talking to others.
(b) We should organise fun activities in order to keep ourselves happy and strong.
(c) We should be a patient listener to ensure a healthy discussion.
(d) We laugh only when things come to us in an expected way.
(x) Pick out the best suitable title for the above passage.
(a) Humor – As a Skill (b) Humor Vs Laughter
(c) Humor – As a Challenge (d) Humor in Life
II. Read the passage given below: (10 marks)
(1) Tiger is one of the most recognisable animals around the world, capable of reaching an
average of 3.38 m and 388 kg. Its reddish-orange fur with dark stripes is not only unique
to tigers (some can have white fur), but also allows them to be camouflaged in the dense
environment that they live in. This camouflage, however, has not helped the tiger escape
from the eyes of humans, especially over the last century where tiger populations have
declined by 96.1% – from 100,000 to a little over 3,900.
(2) Over the last century, they have lost 93% of their historic range, and have been eradicated
from Southwest and Central Asia, from the islands of Java and Bali, and from large areas
of Southeast and Eastern Asia. Today, tigers range from the Siberian taiga in the north
of Asia to the tropical mangrove swamps in the south, with the remaining six subspecies
 of tiger all classified by
International Union for 45,000
Conservation of Nature 40,000
(IUCN) as endangered. 35,000
The exponential drop 30,000
1940s: Bali tiger extinct
1970s: Caspian tiger extinct
1980s: Javan tiger extinct

in tiger populations can 25,000

1990s: South China tiger reportedly
be seen in the figure 20,000 extinct in the wild
15,000
where the graph shows a
10,000
considerable decrease in 5,000
population, from around 0
40,000 in the 1970s to 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
3,000 in 2010. In fact,
there are more tigers in captivity than there are in the wild today.
(3) In total, there have been 9 known species of tigers, 3 of which have become extinct.
Bengal Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatran Tiger, Siberian Tiger (Amur Tiger), Indochinese
Tiger (Corbett’s Tiger) and South China Tiger (Amoy or Xiamen Tiger) are the six
present species of tiger. The three known extinct species of tigers are Bali Tiger, Caspian
Tiger (Hyrcanian or Turan Tiger) and Javan Tiger. Bengal Tiger, the most common and
second largest subspecies of tigers in the world today, are residing in the forests of India,
Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Malayan Tiger is exclusively found in the southern
parts of the Malay Peninsula which is situated in Southeast Asia. Bali Tiger lived on the
Indonesian island of Bali and was hunted to extinction on 27 September 1937, when the
last of the subspecies was killed. Caspian Tiger (Hyrcanian or Turan Tiger) was found in
the sparse forest habitats and riverine corridors west and south of the Caspian Sea and
east through Central Asia.
Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.
(1×10 = 10 marks)
(i) The average weight of a tiger as mentioned in the passage is 3.38 kg.
True – if the statement agrees with the information
False – if the statement contradicts the information
Not Given – if there is no information given on this
(ii) What’s the use of dark stripes on the body of a tiger?
(iii) Tigers have been __________ from Southwest and Central Asia, and from the islands
of Java and Bali.
(a) captured (b) tortured
(c) restricted (d) eradicated
(iv) Tiger populations have declined by __________.
(v) How many subspecies of tiger have been declared as endangered?
(a) 9 (b) 6
(c) 3 (d) 8
(vi) Where is the Siberian tiger found?
(a) In the South of Africa (b) In the North of America
(c) In the Northeast of Africa (d) In the North of Asia
 (vii) Give one reason for extinction of subspecies of tiger.
(viii) Which one of the following shows the six present species of tiger?
(a) Bali Tiger, Caspian Tiger, Bengal Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatran Tiger, Javan
Tiger
(b) Bengal Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatra Tiger, Siberian Tiger, Indochinese Tiger,
South China Tiger
(c) Bali Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatra Tiger, Siberian Tiger, Indochinese Tiger,
South China Tiger
(d) Bengal Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatra Tiger, Caspian Tiger, Indochinese Tiger,
South China Tiger
(ix) Suggest a suitable title for the passage.
(a) The Dwindling Tiger Population (b) Where are the Tigers?
(c) Tigers Face Extinction. (d) Save the ‘Panthera Tigris’!
(x) Which organization has specified the number of extinct subspecies of tiger?

SECTION–B
(Creative Writing Skills) (20 Marks)
III. 1. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.
(A) You are Rajan/Rajni Jaiswal, Secretary, Literary Club of Buddha Public School,
Gangtok. Your schoolmate, Gautam Adhikari, has won the first prize in the State
Story Writing Competition. The club has decided to organise a function to felicitate
him on his laudable achievement. Write a notice, in not more than 50 words,
informing all the students to attend it to make the occasion memorable. Give all the
necessary details. (5 marks)
OR
(B) Due to the sudden outbreak of Dengue fever, the school authority has decided to
start online classes again. As the principal of Adarsh Vidya Mandir, Surat, draft a
notice within 50 words, giving the necessary details.
2. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. (5 marks)
(A) Your grandparents are celebrating their Golden Jubliee Anniversary of their
marriage. Draft an invitation, in not more than 50 words, for friends and relatives.
OR
(B) You are Rahul Chopra, a famous cricketer. You have been invited as the Chief Guest
in Annual Sports of ABP Public School, Patna. Send your regret as you will not be in
city that day.
3. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. (5 marks)
(A) Recently you went to your native village to visit your grandparents. You saw that
some of the children in the age group of 5-14 (the age at which they should have
been at school) remained at home, were working in the fields or simply loitering
in the streets. Write a letter, in 120-150 words, to the Editor of a National Daily
analysing the problem and offering solutions to it. You are Navtej/Navita, M-114,
Mount Kailash, Kanpur.
 OR
(B) You are Rounak/Rishita Dhiman, a resident of F-42,
Mezzanine Floor, Green Arcade, Trivandrum. You come
across an advertisement inviting applications for the
position of Teaching Faculty. Write an application along
with an updated resume to apply for the same.
4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.
(A) You have a joined a health check-up camp in village
Rampur, Punjab. Write a report for local newspaper
Punjab Khabar, covering all the details considering yourself as Jagjeet Singh.
(5 marks)
OR
(B) Single-use, disposable plastic bags are a major source of lingering litter and pollution
in our environment. You were pained to see the picture and decided to write an
article on the same. Assign yourself as Shivkumar/Snigdha.

SECTION–C
(Literature) (40 Marks)
IV. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context.
1. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. (1×6=6 marks)
(A) For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
(i) The expression ‘on the face of the Earth’ means:
(a) fields and mountains.
(b) rivers and landscapes.
(c) the face of natural surrounding.
(d) the entire surface of the Earth without boundaries.
(ii) Why does the poet urge not to speak in any language?
(a) So that we can have ample time to introspect
(b) So that there is no regional difference
(c) So that we can focus on the agenda of development
(d) So that we can concentrate to ask for blessings from the Almighty
(iii) What does ‘without rush, without engines’ signify?
(iv) ‘Sudden strangeness’ in the last line is an example of ___________.
(v) Complete the analogy.
Unity : together :: Fascinating : ___________ .
 (vi) Which of the following titles is the most suitable?
(a) Language – A Barrier (b) No Sound, No Conflict
(b) No Action, No War (d) Silence – A Doorway to Introspection
OR
(B) and looked out at Young
Trees sprinting, the merry children spilling out of their homes, but
after the airport’s security check, standing a few yards
away, I looked again at her, wan, pale
as a late winter’s moon and felt that old
familiar ache, ……..
(i) Identify the poetic device used in ‘trees sprinting’.
(ii) What thought did she try to drive away?
(a) The thought of children spilling out of their homes
(b) The thought of her mother’s approaching death
(c) The thought of boarding the flight on time
(d) The thought of reuniting
(iii) What did the images of ‘young trees’ and ‘merry children’ symbolise?
(a) Symbolise stark contrasts with lifelessness and helplessness
(b) Symbolise adolescence
(c) Symbolise the spring of life, its strength, vigour and happiness
(d) Symbolise innocence
(iv) What was the ‘old familiar ache’ that the poet felt?
(a) That her mother always loved and took great care of her
(b) The pain of being over-occupied
(c) The realisation of bitter natural process of ageing
(d) A particular incident that happened when she was young
(v) Identify the poet and the poem.
(vi) Find two synonyms from the stanza which mean ‘lighter in colour’.
2. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. (1×4=4 marks)
(A) “There were brass spittoons on the floor, and across the station a glint of light caught
my eye; a man was pulling a gold watch from his vest pocket. He snapped open
the cover, glanced at his watch and frowned. He wore a derby hat, a black four-
button suit with tiny lapels, and he had a big, black, handlebar moustache. Then I
looked around and saw that everyone in the station was dressed like eighteen-ninety
something; I never saw so many beards, sideburns and fancy moustaches in my life.
A woman walked in through the train gate; she wore a dress with leg-of-mutton
sleeves and skirts to the top of her high-buttoned shoes.”
(i) Who is the speaker of the above lines?
(ii) What is the speaker describing in the above extract?
(a) The speaker is describing how he reached the third level.
(b) The speaker is describing the third level where he reached in his imagination.
(c) The speaker is describing how escaped from the third level.
 (d) The speaker is describing how Sam, his friend, escaped from the third level.
(iii) Why did the speaker feel that everything was like 1890?
(a) Because of the men with sideburns and fancy moustaches, and the type of
clothes worn by men and women
(b) Because he wanted to escape from the period of 1890
(c) Because he thought his friend Sam also existed in 1890
(d) He is longing for the period because he also used to wear high-buttoned shoes
(iv) What does ‘leg-of-mutton sleeves’ mean?
OR
(B) DERRY : And no one’ll kiss me, ever. Only my mother, and she kisses me on the
other side of my face, and I don’t like my mother to kiss me, she does
it because she has to. Why should I like that? I don’t care if nobody
ever kisses me.
MR LAMB : Ah, but do you care if you never kiss them.
DERRY : What?
MR LAMB : Girls. Pretty girls. Long hair and large eyes. People you love.
DERRY : Who’d let me? Not one.
MR LAMB : Who can tell?
DERRY : I won’t ever look different. When I’m as old as you, I’ll look the same.
I’ll still only have half a face.
MR LAMB : So, you will. But the world won’t. The world’s got a whole face, and
the world’s there to be looked at.
(i) Why does Derry say that he doesn’t want to be kissed?
(a) Because of his inferiority complex it made him feel so
(b) Because he doesn’t want anyone to come close to him
(c) Because he hates it
(d) Because he doesn’t want to befriend with anyone
(ii) What does Mr Lamb try to do with Derry?
(a) He tries to be his companion.
(b) He tries to win over the heart of Derry because he didn’t have friends.
(c) He tries to convince him that one should learn to live with whatever blemishes
he/she has.
(d) He tries to waste his time the way he does with others.
(iii) ‘But the world won’t. The world’s got a whole face, and the world’s there to be
looked at.’ What does this line tell you about Mr Lamb?
(iv) Name the chapter and its author.
3. Attempt ANY ONE of two extracts given. (1×6=6 marks)
(A) “Why do you do this?” I ask Saheb whom I encounter every morning scrounging for
gold in the garbage dumps of my neighbourhood. Saheb left his home long ago. Set
amidst the green fields of Dhaka, his home is not even a distant memory. There were
many storms that swept away their fields and homes, his mother tells him. That’s
why they left, looking for gold in the big city where he now lives.
 “I have nothing else to do,” he mutters, looking away.
“Go to school,” I say glibly, realising immediately how hollow the advice must sound.
(i) Why did Saheb’s parents migrate from the village in Dhaka to Delhi?
(a) For the sake of heap of garbage
(b) For the sake of decent living conditions
(c) To fulfill their dream of living in a big city like Delhi
(d) To take refuge amidst the green fields of Seemapuri
(ii) What does the above extract describe?
(a) It describes why Saheb is in need of gold.
(b) It describes the plight of Saheb and his family who survive on rag-picking.
(c) It describes the green fields of Dhaka.
(d) It describes the narrator’s profession.
(iii) What does the word ‘gold’ symbolise in the above extract?
(iv) Choose the antonym of the word ‘glibly’ from the following.
(a) Sincerely (b) Insincerely
(c) Sternly (d) Wisely
(v) Complete the analogy. Face to face : encounter :: Searching : ……………..
(vi) Natural calamity leads to migration. (True/False)
OR
(B) And then, strangely, there was light. I was coming out of the awful yellow water. At
least my eyes were. My nose was almost out too.
Then I started down a third time. I sucked for air and got water. The yellowish light
was going out.
Then all effort ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs felt limp; and a blackness swept over
my brain. It wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was
quiet and peaceful. Nothing to be afraid of. This is nice... to be drowsy... to go to
sleep... no need to jump... too tired to jump... it’s nice to be carried gently... to float
along in space...tender arms around me... tender arms like Mother’s... now I must
go to sleep...
I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell.
(i) What is the speaker describing about in the above extract?
(a) He is describing his ordeal how he sprang up to the surface.
(b) He is describing his swimming training with the instructor.
(c) He is recalling how he was almost drowned in a swimming pool and his struggle
to come back to the surface.
(d) He is recalling the traumatic experience when his father had taken him to the
beach in California.
(ii) “I crossed to oblivion.” What does the speaker intend to say here?
(a) He succeeded to come back to the surface.
(b) He was oblivious of everything around him in the pool.
(c) He was comfortable in the pool.
(d) He struggled hard and came to the surface of the water.
 (iii) What did the speaker mean by ‘the curtain of life fell’?
(a) He was almost dead.
(b) He was more confident being into the pool for quite some time.
(c) He was asleep drawing the curtain.
(d) He had no other dream but to overcome his fear.
(iv) When does the speaker feel that he was being carried gently?
(v) ‘Effort’ in the extract means ____________ .
(vi) The word from the extract which means ‘feeling sleepy’ is ____________ .
V. Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each. (5×2=10 marks)
(i) How was Mukesh different from his family members?
(ii) ‘Once Douglas took courage and the fear disappeared.’ How did it happen?
(iii) ‘Rajkumar Shukla was a strong-head.’ Justify the statement in the light of the chapter
‘Indigo’.
(iv) What does the poet try to convey through the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’?
(v) How was Franz’s opinion changed about Mr Hamel on the last day of the school?
(vi) Why did the ironmaster not hand over the peddler to the sheriff?
VI. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. (2×2=4 marks)
(i) Why do we find Dr Sadao in a dilemma?
(ii) What was the opinion of Charley’s friend Sam about the existence of the third level?
(iii) How does Mr lamb try to remove the baseless fears of Derry?
VII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (1×5=5 marks)
(i) Even after four protracted interviews and a lot of restrictions, Gandhiji’s confidence
was not dissuaded; rather it made him stronger and emerged victorious. Narrate
the ordeal that Mahatma Gandhi faced and the lesson that he taught to the peasants.
OR
(ii) It is said that ‘Failure is the key to success’. How did Douglas prove it? Why didn’t
he surrender to his fears?
VIII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (1×5=5 marks)
(i) Describe the intricate tunnels of the Third Level. How did Charley reach there?
Why was he unable to find the third level in his next attempt?
OR
(ii) Both Bama and Zitkala-Sa are victims of discrimination that is practised in the
society. What kind of experience did both of them go through?
zzz
 SECTION–A
(Reading Skills) (20 Marks)
I. (i) Without humour, life is absolutely dull.
(ii) When humour is successful, we build trust and cooperation.
(iii) Humour takes us to the edge of uncertainty when we tease others to make our point.
(iv) (c) Exaggerate
(v) (d) When we lose our sense of humour
(vi) We should combine our humour with speaking clearly and listening effectively.
(vii) (a) Because it can annoy others if we don’t realise the aptness of the time
(viii) It means the basis of mutual interest or agreement.
(ix) (d) We laugh only when things come to us in an expected way.
(x) (a) Humour – As a Skill

II. (i) False

(ii) The dark stripes on the body of a tiger allows it to camouflage.
(iii) (d) eradicated
(iv) 96.1%
(v) (b) 6
(vi) (d) In the North of Asia
(vii) Hunting is one of the reasons for extinction of subspecies of tiger.
(viii) (b) Bengal Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatra Tiger, Siberian Tiger, Indochinese Tiger,
South China Tiger
(ix) (a) The Dwindling Tiger Population
(x) International Union for Conservation of Nature has specified the number of extinct
subspecies of tiger.
 Section–B
(Creative Writing Skills) (20 Marks)
III. 1. (A)
BUDDHA PUBLIC SCHOOL, GANGTOK
NOTICE
10 September, 20XX
FELICITATION FUNCTION
This is to inform all the students that our schoolmate Gautam Adhikari, who is a prominent
member of our school literary club has won the first prize in the State Story Writing Competition.
To celebrate his achievement, the club has organised a function to felicitate him for his laudable
achievement.
Date: 15 September, 20XX
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Venue: Club Hall
All the students are requested to attend the function to make it a memorable occasion.
Ragini Jaiswal
Secretary, Literary Club

OR

(B)
ADARSH VIDYA MANDIR, SURAT
NOTICE
10 September, 20XX
ONLINE CLASSES
This is to inform all the students that the school authority has taken a decision to start online
classes again from tomorrow onwards i.e. 11th Sept, 20XX as we are aware of the fact that the
number of dengue cases are multiplying very fast. Keeping in view of the safety of our students,
this change has been initiated. The schedule and a complete guideline of the online classes will
be notified soon through mail, so that online classes will be conducted smoothly.
Shiv Mathur
Principal
2. (A)
Mr and Mrs Rahul Goswami
Request the pleasure of your benign presence
On the very special occasion of the
GOLDEN JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY
of
Our grandparents
On Friday, 25th November, 20XX
At Hotel Plaza, Surat
From: 06:00 p.m. onwards
SAVE THE DATE !!
R.S.V.P
Goswami Family
Ph. No. 8654XXXXXX

OR
(B)
13, Metro Tower
Patna

20 November, 20XX

The Principal
ABP Public School
Patna

Dear Sir,
I extend my heartfelt thanks to your organization for inviting me as the Chief Guest in your
Annual Sports Day. I really wish to be there, but unfortunately, I will not be available in Patna
on the same day, so I cannot attend your function. Accept my best wishes for young sportsmen.

Yours sincerely
Rahul Chopra
 3. (A) M-114, Mount Kailash
Kanpur- 208002

1 June, 20XX

The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi-110002

Subject: Preventing illiteracy among children

Dear Sir
This is with reference to something that I came across while on a visit to my
grandparent’s place in Nellore. I found many children in the age group of 5-14
not attending school. They remained at home, were working in the fields or simply
loitering in the streets. It was very disheartening to see that even though the right to
education has been made compulsory, many children still remain illiterate.
I found the children disinterested or rather indifferent towards education. The
same attitude was prevalent among the parents and elders. There was absolutely no
motivation. I understand that poor parents need extra help in fields, but I believe
that it should not be at the cost of their children’s education.
Parents need to take the initiative to educate their children. Not only the family but
the school should also motivate and enrol students of school going age group. Often
parents ask what good would a little education do. In order to prevent that thought,
skill development should be emphasised at school. Free meals, books and uniforms
should also be provided, so that none of these remain the reason of illiteracy. After
all, children are the future of tomorrow.
I hope this letter will serve as a wake-up call for the concerned authorities.

Yours sincerely
Navtej
OR

(B) F-42, Mezannine Floor

Green Arcade
Trivandrum

14 September, 20XX

The Principal/HR
Bharathidasan Institute of Management
Trivandrum
 Subject: Application for the post of PGT Economics
Sir
This is with reference to your advertisement published in the newspaper dated
12 September 20XX for the position of Teaching Faculty. I would like to apply for
the same.
I have a teaching experience of 5 years in secondary and senior secondary sections.
My current association with Christ Convent as PGT Economics makes me the most
suitable candidate for the post you have advertised. I am quite comfortable here, but
the only hitch is that it is a bit far from my place I am putting up. It would be kind
if my candidature is considered and called for a further round of formalities.
Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Sincerely yours
Rishita Dhiman
BIO-DATA
Name : Rishita Dhiman
Father’s Name : Rajeev Dhiman
Gender : Female
Date of Birth : 27 September, 1982
Address : F-42, Mezzanine Floor, Green Arcade, Trivandrum
Marital Status : Married
Educational Qualification : M.A. Economics
Delhi University
Professional Association : 1. St. XYZ School, Trivandrum 20XX-20XX
2. ABC, Trivandrum
Expected Salary : 55k (Negotiable)
References : Mrs. Ruby Thomas Trivandrum
Contact No : 98150XXXXX
4. (A)

Health Check-up Camp

   –By Jagjeet Singh, reporter at Punjab Khabar

Rampur, Punjab, March 2, 20XX: A medical health care camp was set up in Rampur
by the NGO-Health. In the camp, proper medical treatment of the people of Rampur
and nearby areas was done and remedial measures were provided, all free of cost,
including the basic medicines required for early recovery.
Students of Guru Nanak University, Rampur noted down the details of the people
of slum area who had come for the health check-up. People were encouraged to
do simple activities on a regular basis to get rid of excessive body pain. A Blood
Pressure (BP) check was performed on every patient. After that, they were sent to
 their respective doctors where they were appropriately given the right directions
regarding their health.
A large majority of people were suffering from chronic back pain, swelling, watery
eyes and high/low BP. This is a prime example of how the slums can be served
appropriately, if we are interested. We need not be high-profile citizens to bring
about a change in the society. It is the willingness and enthusiasm which comes out
from within that encourages you to work for the betterment of others.
OR

(B) Plastic – The Biggest Threat to Nature
– By Shiv
The use of plastic is deeply embedded in our daily lives, in everything from grocery
bags ad cutlery to water bottles and sandwich wrap. But the quest for convenience has
gone too far and we are failing to use plastics efficiently, harming the environment.
Plastic overconsumption and mismanagement of plastic waste is a growing menace,
resulting to pollution which is a cause for concern for mankind as a whole.
Plastic is one of the biggest environmental menaces of our time. It has become
inevitable for human beings in their daily life. Million tons of plastic waste is entering
in oceans, soil and freshwater. Invasion of plastics is different ecosystems is causing
severe problems to inhabitants. The array species that call nature their home are
succumbing to the poison of plastic. Humans are not immune to this threat; while
plastics are estimated to take up to hundreds of years to fully decompose, some of
them break down much quicker into tiny particles, which in turn end up in the sea
food we eat.
Keeping in view the possible harms of plastics, some plastic management strategies
must be adopted such as recycling, avoiding single use plastics, using alternative
packaging and finding reusable option. There is a need to provide awareness of
their uses and routine management as a part of our lifestyle. Awareness of the
serious consequences of plastic pollution should be increased and new solutions,
including the increasing use of biodegradable plastics and a ‘zero waste’ philosophy
should be embraced by the government and the public.

SECTION–C
(Literature) (40 Marks)
IV. 1. (A) (i) (d) The entire surface of the earth without boundaries.
(ii) (b) So that there is no regional difference
(iii) (a) A complete halt and no business followed by introspection.
(iv) (c) alliteration
(v) fascinating - exotic
(vi) (d) Silence – A Doorway to Introspection
 OR
(B) (i) (a) Personification
(ii) (b) The thought of her mother’s approaching death.
(iii) (c) Symbolise the spring of life, its strength, vigour and happiness
(iv) (c) the realisation of bitter natural process of ageing
(v) Poet: Kamala Das, Poem: My Mother at Sixty-Six
(vi) Wan and pale
2. (A) (i) (b) Charley
(ii) (b) The speaker is describing the third level where he reached in his imagination.
(iii) Because of the men with sideburns and fancy moustaches, and the type of
clothes worn by men and women
(iv) Sleeves which are full and loose on the upper arm but close fitted on the forearm
and wrist.
OR
(B) (i) (c) Because of his inferiority complex, it made him feel so.
(ii) (c) H
 e tries to convince him that one should learn to live with whatever blemishes
he/she has.
(iii) This line tells us that Mr Lamb is an optimist.
(iv) Chapter: On the Face of It; Author: Susan Hill
3. (A) (i) (b) For the sake of decent living conditions
(ii) (b) It describes the plight of Saheb and his family who survive of rag-picking
(iii) It symbolises anything useful or precious that will help in survival.
(iv) sincerely
(v) scrounging
(vi) True
OR
(B) (i) (c) He is recalling how he was almost drowned in a swimming and his struggle
to come back to the surface.
(ii) (b) He was oblivious of everything around him in the pool.
(iii) (a) He was almost dead.
(iv) When he almost lost his consciousness, he feels like he was being carried gently
(v) attempt to save from being drowned
(vi) drowsy
V. (i) Mukesh was different from other bangle-makers and his family members as he
dared to dream of doing something else other than bangle making. He aspired to be
a motor-mechanic. He did not surrender himself to the circumstances and thought
to pursue his goal.
 (ii) Douglas was in a grip of hydrophobia. But when he decided to come out from this
terror, his will power, courage and determination helped to challenge the fear and
it disappeared from his life, making him a confident man.
(iii) Though Rajkumar Shukla was an illiterate peasant, but he had a strong-head. Only
due to his resolute nature and determination, Gandhiji got influenced and arrived in
Champaran to uplift the miseries of share-croppers. Shukla’s grit and perseverance
persuaded the national hero. Shukla’s persistence bore fruitful outcome.
(iv) The poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ talks of how natural beauty gives us pleasure and
alleviates our sufferings and sorrow; the beautiful things around us refresh our
mind and soul and produce happiness, which for a time being, shifts the stress and
anxiety of a human.
(v) Franz found out that M. Hamel would not teach him French anymore because only
German was going to be taught in the schools. This news changed Franz’s attitude
towards his teacher and school. He regretted that he had never learned his lessons
properly.
(vi) The ironmaster realised his mistake when the peddler came well groomed in the
broad daylight. He wanted to hand him over to the Sheriff but after the intervention
of his daughter Edla he changed his decision. Besides this, he did not want to commit
any sin on the Christmas Eve.
VI. (i) Dr Sadao has been a very respectable and known doctor. When he finds a white
man at the sea shore, he becomes perplexed as the man lying infront of him was his
enemy, but as a doctor and a human, he could not leave him dying. His responsibility
as a Japanese and a doctor becomes the reason of his dilemma.
(ii) Charley’s friend Sam disagreed with Charley about the story of existence of the
third level and considered it insane or illusioned. He suggested that Charley felt like
so as he was stressed and looking for an escape from the atrocities of modern life.
(iii) Mr Lamb is an open-minded man. His broad-mindedness and optimistic approach
towards life influenced Derry who was moving to the darkness due to the harsh
attitude of the world because of his burnt face. Mr Lamb’s kind behaviour, and
benevolent nature instilled positive hope in Derry, and he starts looking the other
side of the life forgetting his baseless fears.
VII. (i) Gandhiji earned fame and prominence after the Governor dropped the case against
him. He felt motivated and, realising the outstanding support from the peasants and
people from across the nation, Gandhiji along with his associates, moved forward
to take on the Britishers and demanded to conduct an inquiry. Gandhiji collected
notes and relevant documents, and on the basis of these papers, he proceeded
further. Gandhiji was opposed hard by the Britishers, but his unwavering faith in
his mandate, he left no stone unturned to unsoil the truth. The landlords were also
forced to refund the money to the peasants. They expected Gandhiji to ask for full
amount, but he demanded just fifty percent. They offered him twenty five percent
and to their amazement, Gandhiji agreed to it. He explained that the amount
of refund was less important than the fact that the landlord had been obliged to
surrender a part of the money and, with it, part of their prestige. Now, the peasants
saw that they had rights. They learnt a lesson of courage.
 OR
(ii) Douglas was a man of grit and determination. In order to overcome his fear, he tried
everything. He hired an instructor and started practising and swimming regularly.
He followed each and every instruction of the trainer quite religiously. After three
months of rigorous practice, he started to feel relaxed.
Douglas felt that when he was alone in the pool, tiny vestiges of old fear would return.
To make sure that he had got rid of his fear of water, he went to Lake Wentworth in
New Hampshire and swam two miles across the lake. After this, he became confident
that he had conquered his long-standing fear of water. The misadventure made
Douglas hydrophobic for many years. But it was his sheer hard work and the spirit
of not giving up before any challenge and obstacles that made him conquer his fear
of water.
VIII. (i) The Grand Central Station was growing like a tree pushing out endless corridors,
doorways and stairs like roots. It had intricate and twisted pathways. The general
layout of the third level was different from that of the second level. It had
comparatively smaller rooms with fewer ticket windows and lesser train gates. The
information booth in the centre was made of wood and looked archaic. The place
with its brass spittoons did not look very bright.
Charley went to Grand Central to reach home early. There he entered the tunnel
that ended in a corridor. The corridor turned left and slanted downward. Charley
on walking, reached a flight of stairs that took him to another level of the station
which was the third level. In his next attempt, he tried his best to find the corridor
that led him to the third level, but he never found it because it was his imagination
that led him to the third level.
OR
(ii) The lesson ‘Memories of Childhood’ deals with the autobiographical accounts of
women of marginalised communities. Both narrate the prejudices and humiliation
faced by them from mainstream culture. The former is a victim of racial discrimination,
whereas the latter is a victim of caste discrimination.
Zitkala-Sa talks about the overly disciplined students of her school. The staff was
unfriendly towards her and her hair was shingled on the very first day. The white-
skinned settlers considered local tribes as inferior. As the other children also had
shingled hair, she felt herself as one of the many animals driven by her herder. On
the other hand, Bama experiences untouchability very early in life. She sees an old
man carrying a packet of eatables with a string, without touching it. Later on, she
gets to know that the reason was the landlords of a higher class thought that the food
would get contaminated with the touch of people from her caste.
Both protest in their own way. Zitkala-Sa struggles with all her might when her hair
is to be cut. Though she gives up towards the end, it is not without any struggle.
Bama, on the other hand, decides to work hard in her studies, so that others realise
her worth and approach her to be friends.
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