SOLUTIONS TO CBSE SAMPLE PAPER ENGLISH CORE –CLASS -XII (2022-23)

Posted on by Sumita Tah

 SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2022-23)

  ENGLISH – CORE (301)

     CLASS-XII

Time allowed: 3 Hrs.                                        Maximum Marks: 80

     Section A: READING SKILLS (20 marks)

  1. Read the passage given below                                                             10 marks
  2. Ghost nets aren’t supernatural, but they are legitimately scary. A ghost net is a fishing net that’s been lost or abandoned in the ocean. They are one particularly appalling part of the global ghost fishing problem, which includes fishing gear abandoned in the water. Any net or line left in the ocean can pose a threat to marine life. Just because a net is no longer used by fishers doesn’t mean it stops working. These nets continue to trap everything in their path, presenting a major problem for the health of our oceans and marine life.
  • Ghost nets entangle sea turtles, dolphins and porpoises, birds, sharks, seals and more, apart from catching fish. The nets keep animals from moving freely, cause injuries and keep mammals and birds from rising to the surface for air. Since hundreds of animals can be caught in a single net, this threat is monumental. The ghost nets harm coral reefs too—breaking corals, exposing them to disease and even blocking the reefs from needed sunlight.
  • Ghost nets are also a major contributor to the ocean plastics’ crisis. Most modern nets are made of nylon or other plastic compounds that can last for centuries. According to a 2018 study in Reports, ghost nets make up at least 46 percent of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Those abandoned fishing lines and nets that do breakdown never go away; they just become smaller pieces of plastic. Marine animals mistake this microplastic for food and eat it, which can harm internal organs, keep them from eating and expose them to toxic chemicals.
  • Exorcising ghost nets from our oceans will require commitment, cooperation and innovation. Many groups are working to remove ghost nets from the sea and are collaborating with local fishers and governments around the world to identify target areas and remove as many nets as possible. In 2015, a single World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF)-led mission in the Baltic Sea hauled up 268 tons of nets, ropes and other material.
  • To stop these nets from becoming ghosts in the first place, conservation organisations advocate for fishing gear that can be traced to its owner so anyone dumping nets can be fined an refundable deposits on nets to encourage returning or recycling rather than littering. Tools like sonar reflectors that can make ghost nets easier to find and working with small-scale fisheries to develop more sustainable fishing gear and practices are other suggestions. It is only by attacking this problem from all sides, together with conservation partners, fishers and supporters, can we ghost nets and protect our oceans.

(437 words) (www.worldwildlife.org)

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.                                                 1×10

i. Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option.

Ghost nets have been named so because they

A. cause much harm to the marine life.

B. are functional though not in use by fishers.

C. are not owned by anyone.

D. act as a snare for all animals in oceans.

Ans. C. are not owned by anyone.

ii. Comment on the writer’s reference to the ghost nets as a health problem for the oceans, in paragraph one?

Ans.  The ghost nets are the main cause of the marine life frequently falling sick. If the issue is not addressed immediately, it would soon become a chronic health issue.

iii. List the two ways being entangled in a ghost net is likely to impact a walrus.

Ans. A walrus entangled in a ghost net might be injured by the other things in the net. It may also die of drowning if it fails to resurface for breath on being entangled in the net.

iv. Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘negligible’, from words used in paragraph two.

A. unimpressive

B. monumental

C. exposing

D. threat

Ans. Monumental

v. The writer would not agree with the given statements based on paragraph three, except:

A. Most ghost nets take a few years to completely disintegrate.

B. Ghost nets contribute to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

C. Most ghost nets provide nutrition to marine animals, upon disintegration.

D. Ghost nets can curtail freedom of marine animals.

Ans. C. Most ghost nets provide nutrition to marine animals, upon disintegration.

vi. Some records share that fishing nets used to be made of common rope made of natural fibres, prior to the 1960s. Based on your understanding of paragraph three, list one major advantage that these had over the fishing nets being used in present times.

Ans.  The natural fibres used for making nets prior to 1960’s were bio-degradable and disintegrated easily. Whereas, the modern nets are made up of nylon or other plastic compounds which do not disintegrate easily and might take centuries to be broken into smaller particles that pose fresh dangers for the ocean life .

vii Why is it fair to say that commitment and innovation have to go hand-in-hand to rid the oceans of ghost nets?

Ans.  It would definitely need commitment and long term plans to get rid of the problem of ghost nets as the problem itself has already become an enormous one and is increasing with time. Hand in hand with long term commitment innovative ideas and strategies to clear up the ocean from these nets would be essential. Developing alternatives to plastic and nylon would help in curbing the problem.

viii. Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference, with respect to the following:

The writer quotes the example of the WWF led mission in the Baltic Sea (paragraph 4), in order to………………………..

Ans. Create awareness regarding the magnitude of the problem of ghost nets and the apathy of humans towards the problem.

ix. How can the solutions suggested in paragraph five best be described?

A. practical

B. presentable

C. popular

D. prejudiced

Ans.  A. practical

x. Select the most suitable title for the above passage.

A. The Scary Side of Ghost Nets

B. Ghost Nets – A Result of Human Dominance

C. Ghost Nets – A Menace to Marine Life

D. Ways to Tackle the Problem of Ghost Nets

Ans.  C. Ghost Nets – A Menace to Marine Life

II. Read the passage given below.

  1.   It is generally accepted that leadership development should be a part of the education system’s responsibility for preparing individuals to participate in a democratic and progressive society. Many schools, colleges and universities, across nations, provide their students with leadership courses, curricular programs and co-curricular programs that are designed to develop students’formal knowledge about leadership as well as opportunities and experiences to develop students as leaders and actually practise leadership. Yet, only a handful of studies have sought to understand leader development from the students’ point of view, with students describing their own experiences and what they learned from them in their own words.
  2. A 2014 descriptive study sought to understand student leadership with research through key events via the following research questions:

Research Question 1: What key events do student leaders in college, report as     significantly impacting their development as a leader?

Research Question 2: What lessons do student leaders in college, report learning as a result of the key events they have experienced?

Research Question 3: Are certain key events more likely to be linked to particular lessons?

Approximately 130 students were contacted and the 72 interested, were interviewed. Two members of the research team were present for each 15–45-minute interview. One member served as the primary interviewer while the second ran the audio equipment. The results for lessons learned (Table 1), were varied, but there were a few that were frequently quoted.

  • This study described the rich array of leadership lessons that students are learning through their experiences. It revealed that student leaders are learning foundational leadership skills and competencies that have positively impacted how to accomplish work, how to work with others and how to be both supported by and support others.

(295 words)(www.researchgate.net)

II. Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below.                                                                                                           1×10

i. Does the following statement agree with the information given in paragraph?

The researcher believes that educational institutions have ideal resources to study impact of leadership skills on young adults.

Select from the following:

True – if the statement agrees with the information

False – if the statement contradicts the information

Not Given – if there is no information on this

 Ans. FALSE

 (the text tells us that educational institutions do have programmes to develop leadership skills)

ii.  Do you think the researchers of the study aimed to change students’ outlook towards the development of leadership skills, directly or indirectly? Support your answer with reference to the text.

Ans. No, the aim of seeking students’ perspectives was to improve designing and creation of leadership programmes in educational institutions.

iii. Select the option that displays the most likely reason for including Research Question 3 in the 2014 study.

                     In order to find out if…

                    A. learning opportunities shape students’ overall personality.

                    B. leadership lessons are the result of the designed learning opportunities.

                    C. all learning opportunities cater to a specific lesson.

                    D. certain lessons are common in more than one learning opportunity.

     Ans.  D. certain lessons are common in more than one

iv. Complete the sentence based on the following statement:

                    More than 50% of the identified student respondents were keen to participate in

                    the 2014 study. We can say this because ______

      Ans.    72 of 130 students consented and were interviewed- which is more than 50 %.

v. Which key event has been designed with “Balancing Roles” (Table 1) as the objective?

                    A. Students will be able to debate the issue at hand with different teams.

                    B. Students will be able to manage the responsibilities of a mentor, planner

                        researcher and presenter.

                    C. Students will be able to surmount minor problems and focus on the final goal.

D. Students will be able to explain concepts and clarify them for peers.

       Ans. B. Students will be able to manage the responsibilities of a mentor, planner, researcher and presenter.

vi.  The 2014 study attempts to understand student leadership by focussing on

                     (Choose the correct option.)

                     A. experiences that shaped students’ overall personality.

                     B. lessons gained by students as they grew up.

                     C. relationship of key events with particular lessons.

                     D. students in leadership roles.

       Ans.     C. relationship of key events with particular lessons.

vii. The lessons for ‘Individual competencies’ had a range of responses.

                     Give one reason why having the least number of responses for ‘Decision

                     Making’, is a matter that needs attention.

       Ans.     ‘Decision Making’, is a matter that needs attention because the least number of responses on this important skill shows that the student  experiences and the programs do not provide enough exposure for the development of decision making skills.

viii.  Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option.

                 The concluding sentence of the text makes a clear case for by listing it as

                 a core competency for student leadership.

                     A. collaboration

                     B. flexibility

                     C. hard work

                     D. observation

      Ans. A. Collaboration

 ix. Complete the sentence appropriately with one/ two words.

In the context of “Working with Others” in Table 1, the lesson of ‘Conflict’ refers to.

     Ans. Being able to resolve problems in an easy and effective manner.

x. Based on the reading of the text, state a point to challenge the given statement.

                When theoretical knowledge about leadership suffices, it is a waste of funds by

                 educational organisations, to organise leadership camps and programmes.

      Ans. I do not agree with the given statement because no amount of theoretical  knowledge can help students to apply their learning in real life situations unless they practically apply their leadership skills through camps and programmes.

                                          III SECTION B – CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely coincidental.

1. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.                                                 5 marks

  1. NOTICE

      Marking scheme for Notice: format–1, content-2,organisation of ideas,-1accuracy-1

1.A You are Josely Mathew, the President of the school book club. The club is organising a drive for promoting reuse of study materials and books. Draft a notice in about 50 words, for the school notice board, addressing students of classes X-XII, informing them about this drive and urging them to contribute to the endeavour. Mention how the donated books would benefit a charitable cause.

     OR

1.B As the House Captain of A.B.M Public school, Telangana, draft a notice in not more than 50 words for the school notice board, informing House members from X-XII about the change in topic and submission dates for Round 1 of ‘Discovery’ – the upcoming Inter-House Research-based Paper Presentation Competition. Do not forget to issue an apology for the above. You are Kruthika Reddy.

                                           INVITATION and REPLIES

2. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.                                                                 5

Marking scheme – Format – 1 ,Content -2, Organisation of ideas -1,  Accuracy 1

2.A You are Dr. Suchitra Mukherjee. You have received an invitation from the Director, Health Services, Kharagpur, W.B, to preside over a gathering of leading medical practitioners attending a workshop on mental wellness on 09 November, 2023 at 11 a.m. in the Public Hospital, Jammu, J & K. Respond to accept the invitation.

Ans.

Department of English

XYZ University

20th October, 2023

Director

Health Services

Kharagpur. W.B

Subject: Reply to invitation

Sir

I am glad to have received your invitation to preside over the workshop on mental wellness on 09/11/’23 at 11 a.m. at the Public Hospital, Jammu, J&K.  . It will be my pleasure to be a part of this prestigious event, where I’ll get an opportunity to interact with leading medical practitioners . I confirm my presence for the event. Looking forward to the event.

Yours sincerely

Dr. Suchitra Mitra

                                                                                   OR

2.B Draft an invitation in about 50 words, on behalf of your aunt, Meghna Menon, which she has to share to invite prior work colleagues to the inaugural event of her own investment consultancy firm, in the Acer mall, Kozhikode, Kerala.

LETTER

3. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.                                               5 marks

Marking Scheme-Format – 1, Content -2, Organisation of ideas -1, Accuracy-1

3.A You are Minu Sen, an intern in a software company in Hyderabad. You feel that the growing relationship of companies with non-profit organisations have made Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) the buzzword today. Your own involvement in one such project for your company has convinced you that CSR looks beyond the company profits and focuses on benefiting the greater community.
Write a letter to the editor of a national daily in about 120-150 words sharing your opinion about CSR and its advantages and provide suggestions to make it an integral part of every organisation. Use the given cues along with your own ideas to compose this letter.

Ans.

A/1 Avenue

Vasant Vihar

Hyderabad

20 February, 2023

The Editor

Times of India

New Delhi -01

Subject: Making CSR a mandatory for every organisation.

Sir/Madam

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities for making CSR a mandatory part of every organisation.

 My involvement with CSR projects enlightened me about the types of CSR projects like environmental initiatives , charity work, ethical labour practices, volunteer projects, and how they help  in the development of the communities. We organised a camp for women on micro-financing through which they were able to become financially independent.

There are numerous advantages of implementing CSR activities. They not only enhance the brand value  and thereby increase sales of the company but also help in generating positive public attention and poverty alleviation in short and specific period of time.

It is my request to the authorities to make CSR activities an integral part of every organisation and help in the development of the society and our country at large.

Thanking you

Yours Sincerely

Minu Sen

                                                                      OR

3B. You are Minu Sen, employed as an Asst. Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in your current company in Hyderabad. You saw the given advertisement in the newspaper and wish to apply for the position advertised.

Ans.

A/1 Avenue

Vasant Vihar

Hyderabad

20 February, 20XX

Gagan Vij

HR. Head

Credit Sage Pvt. Ltd.

Nasik

Sir

With reference to the advertisement published in the XYZ newspaper on 20th February, 20XX, I would like to extend my candidature for the post of Corporate Social Responsibility Manager (CSR) Head in Credit Sage Pvt. Ltd .

I have completed my B.A in Public Relations form Shriram College New Delhi. I am presently working as an Asst. Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in ABC. & Co. In association  with an NGO ‘Unnati’ working for the development of the deprived in Amungi village (A.P).             .

If selected, I would work with complete sincerity, honesty and effectiveness. I hereby enclose my curriculum vitae for your perusal and hope for a positive reply.

Thanking you

Yours sincerely

Minu Sen

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name – Minu Sen

Mother’s Name – Mrs. Mahima Sen

Father’s Name – Mr. Madhav Sen

Gender – Female

Date of Birth – 20/12/19XX

Address – A/1 Avenue, Vasant Vihar, Hyderabad

Email id – minusen@gmail.com

Academic Qualification

ExamBoard/ UniversitySchool/collegeGrade
XCBSEDelhi Public School, Hyderabad A+
XIICBSEDelhi Public School, Hyderabad A+ 
B.ADelhi UniversityShriram College, New Delhi   94%

Work Experience –  1) 2 years experience as an Asst. Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in ABC. & Co. Hyderabad.

Achievements- 1) Best CSR Strategist Award -20XX (ABC. & Co. Hyderabad)

                           2)  Student of the year (20XX) DPS, Hyderabad

Hobbies – 1) Composing music

                  2) Gardening

Languages known – 1) Hindi (read, write, speak)

                                 2) English (read, write, speak)

                                 3) Telugu  (read, write, speak)

Reference : 1) XYZ, Dean Shriram College. New Delhi.

                     2) ABC, HRD Manager, ABC. & Co. Hyderabad

I do, hereby, certify   that the information given above is true to the best of my knowledge and ability.

Date: 20/02/20XX                                                                                Minu Sen     

4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.                                         5 marks

                                                           ARTICLE

Format – 1 Content -2 Organisation of ideas -1 Accuracy 1                                                                                                   

The construction sector is believed to be quite hazardous and has the maximum number of fatal work injuries because apart from other causes, stakeholders in this sector tend to ignore safety regulations. As a columnist for an e-magazine, draft an article in about 120-150 words, on the theme of the importance of worker safety in construction zones. Explore possible reasons for the prevailing situation and include suggestions for addressing it. Support your ideas with cues given below.

Ans.

         DANGERS IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

                                                                                                    By Xyz

It is a well known fact that the construction sector is full of risks and perils. Most of the fatal accidents this sector is due to the negligence of the stakeholders in ensuring safety measures for the construction workers.

The construction workers are often exploited and  made to work overtime due to which they become fatigued and lose their focus resulting in accidents. Further, while working in extreme weather conditions they lose concentration and health which lead to accidents and illness. It is estimated that more than 6000 migrant workers have perished in construction work leading to the World Cup 2022.

Most of these accidents are preventable. The managers are not from Mars nor are the workers from Venus that they are unaware of the risks involved. Training programmes and awareness campaigns for stakeholders and construction workers is the need of the hour. Stricter laws will also help in reducing accidents associated with the sector.

                                                                        OR

                                                     REPORT

4.B The construction sector is believed to be quite hazardous and has the maximum number of fatal work injuries. A safety fair was organised by ‘Building Safely’, an NGO in Mysuru, Karnataka with the overarching theme ,‘Worker Safety Needs to be a Priority in Construction Zones’. You were asked to cover this event as the junior correspondent of a local daily. Write a report covering this event in about 120-150 words. Support your ideas with outline cues given below, to craft your newspaper report.

Ans.

       SAFETY FAIR FOR WORKER’S SAFETY

                                                                                   Report by ABC (Junior correspondent)

Mysuru, 20th February, 20XX: Keeping in mind the importance of safety measures, a safety fair was held in Dasara Ground, Mysuru, Karnataka, on 2nd February, 20XX by ‘Building Safely’ an NGO working on safety of construction workers.

A total of 300 participants from various construction companies participated in the safety fair.  The programme started with toolbox talks on ‘Managing Health and Safety in Construction’, followed by a video presentation dedicated to the deceased. The President of ‘Building Safely’ delivered a speech on importance of following safety procedures.  An emergency response drill took place which was followed by several safety demonstrations and safety games. 

A special insurance scheme was inaugurated for the benefit of workers. The fair concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr XYZ of ABC Construction Pvt. Ltd. A lunch with the administrative officials was held for construction workers. The fair was a grand success and beneficial for the participants.  

                                                  SECTION C – LITERATURE

IV Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context

1.A

It is in the news that all these pitiful kin

Are to be bought out and mercifully gathered in

To live in villages, next to the theatre and the store,

Where they won’t have to think for themselves anymore,

While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey,

Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits

That are calculated to soothe them out of their wits,

And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all day,

Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way.

i. What is the tone of the poet in the above lines?

(i) Aggressive

(ii) Tolerant

(iii) Sarcastic

(iv) Resigned

(v) Sentimental

Choose the most appropriate option.

A. Only (i)

B. (ii) and (iii)

C. (i), (iv) and (v)

D. Only (iii)

Ans.  D. Only (iii)        

ii. Identify the phrase from the extract, that suggests the following:

No one bothers to take ‘their’ consent before pushing the promise of a better life, their way.

Ans. enforcing benefits

iii. What quality of the villagers can be inferred through these lines?

A. gullible

B. futuristic

C. hypocritical

D. ambitious

Ans. A. Gullible

iv. Complete the following analogy correctly. Do NOT repeat from used example.

greedy good doers: alliteration:: …………………………….. oxymoron

Ans.  beneficent beasts of prey

v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to (1) and (2) given below.

(1) The city dwellers make promises for the betterment of the villagers.

(2) The city dwellers have ulterior motives.

A. (1) is true but (2) is false.

B. (2) is true but (1) is false.

C. (2) is the reason for (1).

D. Both (1) and (2) cannot be inferred from the extract.

 Ans. C. (2) is the reason for (1).

vi. Fill the blank with an appropriate word, with reference to the extract.

The line ‘… calculated to soothe them out of their wits’ implies that ‘them’ are being                          ____________.

Ans. duped

                                                               OR

IV Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context

1. B

A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Its loveliness increases, it will never

Pass into nothingness; but will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the earth

i. Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the first line of the extract.

A. I’m as happy as I can be.

B. Life is a roller coaster ride.

C. Nature is God’s gift to us.

D. The dazzling divas enchanted all.

Ans. B. Life is a roller coaster ride. (Metaphor)

ii. What does the phrase ‘a bower quiet’ indicate?

A. serenity

B. morality

C. superiority

D. diversity

Ans. A. Serenity

iii. The benefits of a thing of beauty for humans include .

(i) healthy body

(ii) calm mind

(iii) struggle-free life

(iv) better relationships

(v) hope to carry on

Choose the most appropriate option.

A. Only (v)

B. (i), (ii) and (v)

C. (i), (iii) and (iv)

D. (ii) and (iv)

Ans. B. (i), (ii) and (v)

iv. Answer in ONE WORD.

When the poet says that ‘a thing of beauty’ will never pass into nothingness, he means that it is _______________.                                                                                         (1 mark)

Ans.  eternal/ everlasting        (any one word)

v. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.

(1) We are surrounded by beautiful things.

(2) Beautiful things provide us joy.

A. (1) can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.

B. (2) can be inferred from the extract but (1) cannot.

C. Both (1) and (2) can be inferred from the extract.

D. (2) is the reason for (1) and can be inferred from the extract.                                     (1mark)

Ans. B. (2) can be inferred from the extract but (1) cannot.

vi. Which of the following is an apt title for the extract?

A. Full to the Brim with Joy

B. Beauty Galore

C. Live Life King Size

D. Hope Floats

Ans.  D. Hope Floats

2.A

DERRY: You’re … peculiar. You say peculiar things. You ask questions I don’t understand.

MR LAMB: I like to talk. Have company. You don’t have to answer questions. You don’t have to stop here at all. The gate’s open.

DERRY: Yes, but…

MR LAMB: I’ve a hive of bees behind those trees over there. Some hear bees and they say, bees buzz. But when you listen to bees for a long while, they humm. .. and hum means ‘sing’. I hear them singing, my bees.

DERRY: But….I like it here. I came in because I liked it ….. when I looked over the wall.

MR LAMB: If you’d seen me, you’d not have come in.

DERRY: No.

i. List the playwright’s purpose of using ellipses (…) in this extract.

Ans.  The purpose of using ellipses is to tell that the character is pausing to think and gather his thoughts before speaking.

ii. Select the option that best describes Derry and Mr. Lamb in the extract.

A. Derry: introvert; Mr. Lamb: friendly

B. Derry: fearful; Mr. Lamb: domineering

C. Derry: friendly; Mr. Lamb: weird

D. Derry: open minded; Mr. Lamb: charming                                              (1 mark)  

Ans.  A. Derry: introvert; Mr. Lamb: friendly

iii. Which of the following best summarises Mr. Lamb’s attitude towards the bees?

A. Beauty is being true to yourself.

B. There is a kind of beauty in imperfection.

C. Beauty is the promise of happiness.

D. The beauty of the world lies in the details.

Ans. D. The beauty of the world lies in the details.

iv. Derry says, “I came in here because I liked it … .” What was the one significant thing Derry might have liked about the place, as per the extract?

Ans. The thing that Derry liked about the place was its tranquility, peacefulness and isolation. He could avoid people and be away from prying eyes. 

2.B

Students on Ice, the programme I was working with on the Shokalskiy, aims to do exactly this by taking high school students to the ends of the world and providing them with inspiring educational opportunities which will help them foster a new understanding and respect for our planet. It’s been in operation for six years now, headed by Canadian Geoff Green, who got tired of carting celebrities and retired, rich, curiosity seekers who could only ‘give’ back in a limited way. With Students on Ice, he offers the future generation of policy-makers a life-changing experience at an age when they’re ready to absorb, learn, and most importantly, act.

i. Complete the sentence appropriately, with reference to the extract.

The writer refers to the educational opportunities as ‘inspiring’ because .

Ans. These opportunities would give the students a first-hand experience about the necessity to preserve the planet and motivate them to work towards it.

ii. Which of the following would NOT be ‘a life changing experience’?

A. Being given the lead role in a play.

B. Going on an adventure trip.

C. Playing a video game.

D. Meeting a great leader, you admire.

Ans. C. Playing a video game.

iv. Why does the writer refer to ‘act’ as more important than ‘absorb’ or ‘learn’?

Ans.  Action is more important because mere knowledge is not enough. Knowledge only becomes fruitful when it is acted upon and the results are visible.

3.A

A girl from the countryside, she hadn’t gone through all the stages of worldly experience that generally precede a position of importance and sophistication that she had found herself catapulted into. She never quite recovered from the terror she felt that day. That was the end of a brief and brilliant acting career — the legal adviser, who was also a member of the Story Department, had unwittingly brought about that sad end. While every other member of the Department wore a kind of uniform — khadi dhoti with a slightly oversized and clumsily tailored white khadi shirt — the legal adviser wore pants and a tie and sometimes a coat that looked like a coat of mail. Often he looked alone and helpless …

i. ‘Stages of worldly experience’ in the given context would refer to .

A. good education to gain knowledge.

B. situations that require one to be street smart.

C. smaller, not so important roles in acting.

D. training in soft skills.

Ans.  B. situations that require one to be street smart.

ii. Select the suitable word from the extract to complete the following analogy:

sealed: closed :: propelled:_____________

Ans. catapulted

iii. Select the correct option to fill in the blank.

The harm done to the actress was a/an

A. well-planned act.

B. unintentional act.

C. act of jealousy.

D. act of male dominance.

Ans.  B. unintentional act.

iv. Based on the above extract choose the statement that is TRUE for the legal adviser.

A. He disliked the actress from the countryside.

B. He acted after thinking through things carefully.

C. He did not gel well with others in the Department.

D. He was always dressed smartly.      

Ans. C. did not gel well with others in the Department.

v. Identify the textual clue that allows the reader to infer that the writer is sympathetic towards the professional fate of the actor.

(Clue: a phrase)

Ans. The phrase ‘that sad end’ shows the writers sympathy.

vi. Complete the sentence with an appropriate explanation, as per the extract.

The writer uses the word ‘uniform’ to refer to the outfits of the Department members because just like a uniform_________ .

Ans.  represents a uniform dress code for people in organisations or institutions. Similarly, the members of the Story Department wore the same type of loose khadi shirts and khadi dhotis.

                                                                   OR

3.B

Some might make quite extravagant claims for it as being, in its highest form, a source of truth, and, in its practice, an art. Others, usually celebrities who see themselves as its victims, might despise the interview as an unwarranted intrusion into their lives, or feel that it somehow diminishes them, just as in some primitive cultures it is believed that if one takes a photographic portrait of somebody then one is stealing that person’s soul.

i. What is the most likely reason some people consider the practice of interview to be an art?

This could be because it requires-

A. fluency of words.

B. sensitive and careful handling.

C. creativity and imagination.

D. probing and focusing on details.

Ans. C. creativity and imagination.

ii. Rewrite the sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with its inference.

Celebrities feel that an interview diminishes them.

Ans. Celebrities feel that interviews make them look like common people.

iii. On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.

(1) Celebrities don’t consent to be interviewed.

(2) Interviews intrude the privacy of celebrities.

A. (1) Can be inferred from the extract but (2) cannot.

B. (1) cannot be inferred from the extract but (2) can.

C. (1) is true but (2) is false.

D. (2) is the reason for (1).

Ans. D. (2) is the reason for (1).

iv. Rationalise, to support the given opinion:

To say that an interview, in its highest form, is a source of truth is an extravagant, claim.

Ans. It is an extravagant claim as an interview cannot be a source of truth due to the following-

Interview may be scripted OR People may make false statements OR Certain questions may be left unanswered.

v. Replace the underlined word with its antonym from the extract.

Some celebrities hate the idea of having to give an interview because it makes them feel like supporters.

Ans. victims

vi. The author’s views on interview, in the extract, can best be described as statements based on .

A. facts

B. hypothesis

C. beliefs

D. superstitions

Ans.  A. facts

V Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each.     5*2=10

  1. “You realise the true value of a thing only on losing it.” Comment on this statement in the light of the story The Last Lesson

Ans. The people of Alsace became extremely saddened to hear that the Prussians had put a ban on teaching of French, and that M Hamel would be imparting the last lesson.

M Hamel was considered to be a strict teacher and his lessons were not taken seriously. It was only when he was told to leave the country that the people realised his priceless contribution towards teaching them their mother tongue.

1. State the common issue faced by most of the aged in the current times, with reference to the poem My Mother at Sixty-six.

Ans.  The problem of loneliness and lack of support structure is a common problem faced by the aged in the recent times. With the world becoming a global village and the well educated off-springs being employed in far-away places the parents in their old age find themselves without any support just like the poet’s mother who accompanies her daughter to the airport to bid her goodbye.

iii  What do we come to know about the author of Lost Spring – Anees Jung, through her interactions with Saheb and Mukesh?

Ans.  Anees Jung appears to be an observant sympathetic person who cares about the oppressed and the poor. Through her interactions with Saheb and Mukesh we come to know that she feels strongly about child labour and feels helpless at not being able to do anything to help them.

iv. Give two reasons why, according to Pablo Neruda, is ‘keeping quiet’ essential to attaining a better, more peaceful world?

Ans.  Keeping quiet helps us to introspect and reflect on our actions. In silence we are able to understand ourselves and our aims in a better manner. On reflecting on our actions we realise that our mindless actions are actually harming us and is the cause of our unhappiness.

v. If the Christmas spirit is about selflessness, forgiveness and becoming ‘better’ versions of ourselves amongst other things, Edla Willmansson is the epitome of this spirit. Justify with two points of evidence from The Rattrap.

Ans.  Edla Willmansson is indeed the epitome of Christmas spirit who inspired the rattrap seller to become a better person. Although she immediately came to know that the rattrap seller was not the Captain. She invited him to the house and provided him with shelter and food. She pleaded her father to let him stay when his mistake was realised and even invited him to celebrate Christmas with them the next year.

vi. How can we say that marriage was a compromise for Aunt Jennifer? Support your response with two justifications.

Ans. Aunt Jennifer’s marriage was a relationship of adjustment and compromise. She was terrified of her oppressive husband and was burdened by marital responsibilities. She fiercely wanted her freedom but was too timid to rebel. She couldn’t live her live as she would have liked to live but her desire for freedom was reflected through the tigers she wove.

VI Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. 2*2=4

i. ‘It’s easy to judge others and give advice, but much more difficult to apply it to ourselves.’ Elaborate with reference to the character of Sam in The Third Level.

Ans. Sam was being judgmental when he told Charley that he was dissatisfied with life and was looking for an escape. The third level was just an imagination, so Charley should accept reality and be satisfied with it. However, Sam himself wanted an escape from the stress filled modern life and went in search for the third level.

ii. Comment on the writing style of the author, Kalki in The Tiger King.

Ans. Kalki uses simple, conversational, narrative style in the story The Tiger King. It is a satire on those in power, written with a comedic and humorous undertone. He uses exaggeration to mock at the manner in which society idolises those in power and nails the irony behind it.

iii. How do we know that Dr. Sadao was conscientious as well as loyal?

Ans. Dr. Sadao was conscientious when it came to his profession. He as a doctor operated on the wound of the soldier with care and saved him. On the other hand, he as a loyal citizen did his duty of informing the General about the prisoner and agreed to cooperate in the planned assassination of the soldier.

VII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. 1*5=5

i. The prose selections, Deep Water and Indigo, bring out the importance of overcoming fear, in order to be able to lead our lives successfully.

Imagine yourself to be a motivational speaker who has to address high school students. Write this address in 120 – 150 words elaborating on occurrences from the two texts to inspire your audience and to convince them about the importance of overcoming fear.

You may begin like this …

Good morning, students!

We all know what it’s like to be afraid. Fear is our body’s natural response to a perceived threat or danger. But when …

Ans.

Good morning, students!

We all know what it’s like to be afraid. Fear is our body’s natural response to a perceived threat or danger. But when we realise the basis of our fear and are determined to overcome it – our freedom to lead a life according to our wishes begins.

It is fear that prevents our progress. The people of Champaran were unable to fight for their rights because of their fear of the British. Similarly, William Douglas’s fear of water prevented him from fishing, canoeing and swimming. It was only when they decided to face their fear and devised a plan that they were able to overcome it. The people of Champaran  gathered around the courthouse in Motihari and William Douglas decided to learn swimming to overcome their fears.

Overcoming fear yields rich rewards but needs persistence and determination. It took nearly a year for the peasants to get justice and Douglas took months to get over his fear and learn swimming. 

Once they overcame their fear they were able to live their life to the fullest.

ii ‘Their mother sighed.

Sophie watched her back stooped over the sink and wondered at the incongruity of the delicate bow which fastened her apron strings.’

The prose selection, Going Places includes this telling comment about Sophie’s mother.

In Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, we are told that –

‘The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band

Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s Hand.’

Imagine a conversation between Sophie’s mother and Aunt Jennifer. Create this exchange with reference to the two extracts given above.

You may begin the conversation like this …

Sophie’s mother: Your embroidery is so beautiful. Do you love tigers?

Ans.

You may begin the conversation like this …

Sophie’s mother: Your embroidery is so beautiful. Do you love tigers?

Aunt Jennifer: Yes, I do. Actually they reflect the kind of life I would have liked to live.

Sophie’s mother:  Hmm, unlike me they have freedom and power live as they want.

Aunt Jennifer: Exactly! My life is a burden because of my domineering husband. I’m afraid of him.

Sophie’s mother: I have to serve my family from dawn to dusk without any respite, while others get to entertain themselves all the time.

Aunt Jennifer: My only respite is my secret embroidery.

Sophie’s mother: It seems we will never have our own identities as humans with like and wants.

Aunt Jennifer: Yes, this oppression and servitude will hound us till our grave.

VIII Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. 1*5=5

i. On returning home, Tishani Doshi writes her thoughts reflecting on how her decision to enrol for the Students on Ice programme has been the single most important decision of her life that has completely transformed her. Imagine yourself to be Tishani and express these thoughts.

You may begin like this:

I can’t thank my stars enough for having cashed in on the opportunity of………..

Ans. I can’t thank my stars enough for having cashed in on the opportunity of enrolling for the ‘Students  on Ice’ programme. It was a life-changing experience for me. The experience of visiting an island uninhabited by humans was completely different from all other experiences. The landscape  being relatively pristine and unspoilt by humans provided an insight  into the earth’s past, present and the future. The melting glaciers due to human activities made me aware of the threat to the earth’s environment and all living beings at large as all life is interlinked. It was an eye opening experience which made me realise how minor things can have major impact on the earth therefore how important it was to take care of minor things. The trip was indeed one that completely transformed my mindset towards life.

                                                                     OR

ii. Both Bama and Zitkala Sa experienced the harsh reality of discrimination in their childhood. Instead of letting it pull them down, they both found a way to overcome it.

You wish to include a cameo* of both in your upcoming blog post.

As a part of the research, compare and contrast the experiences faced by the two and their response/s to these experiences, in 120-150 words.

[Clue: Include the similarities and differences in the discrimination they faced – their feelings – determination to overcome – success]

Ans.  The discriminatory experiences of both Bama and Zitkal Sa left indelible imprints on their young minds. While Bama faced discrimination due to her lower caste, Zitkal faced discrimination as she came from a different culture. Bama was furious and wanted to touch the packet of ‘vadai’ to rebel against the injustice when she came to know about the discriminatory practices by the higher castes.  Zitkal fought hard to avoid cutting her hair and thereby to protect her cultural practices although she was forced to give in at the end. Both Bama and Zitkal knew that education was the best way to fight against discriminatory practices and worked hard to excel in their fields. They both became writers and wrote against discrimination to spread awareness and fight for the rights of their communities.

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JOB APPLICATION

Posted on by Sumita Tah

                                                                 

Job application includes the letter for applying for a job along with the job seeker’s personal data.  The application letter is the primary means of introducing the job applicant to the employer where the applicant offers his or her service.  The resume/ curriculum Vitae/ bio- data or personal data includes the job seekers – name, address, age, qualification, experience, references and other achievements.

Marks – 6 M

Format – 1M

Content – 3M

Expression – 2M

WORD LIMIT – 150 – 200 words

The job application consists of two parts 1. Covering letter and 2. Bio data/ C.V.

Application letter

This is the cover letter of the application and follows the format of formal letter.

FORMAT :-

  1. Covering letter: (similar to that of Formal letter)

Sender’s Address

Date

Receiver’s Designation and Address

Subject

Sir

Para 1 – Mention application and source of info. –day,  date,  adv. No., post applied for.

Para 2 – Brief intro. of applicant, qualification, experience, strength, why you are suitable.

Para 3- Inform about enclosure of – bio-data, photo, documents . Awaiting Reply.

 Complimentary close

 Signature (Name mentioned in question paper)

  • Bio-data/ Curriculum Vitae:- this includes – personal details,  qualifications,  experiences, references and declaration.

Name-

Mother’s Name –

Father’s Name –

Gender –

Date of birth –

Address –

Contact no. –

Email-id –

Nationality –

Marital Status –

Academic Qualification

ExamBroad/ UniversitySchool/ CollegeGrade
X   
XII   
    
    

Work Experience : (last job 1st)

Achievements:

Hobbies:

Languages known:

References:

I do hereby, certify that the information given above is true to the best of my knowledge and ability.

Date                                                                                                                            Signature

TIPS FOR WRITING JOB APPLICATION

  1. Presentation is important – adhere to format
  2. Leave lines between paragraphs
  3. Never include personal details
  4. Stick to word limit – 150 – 200 words
  5. Check spelling and grammar – they carry marks
  6. Underline important information with pencil and scale
  7. Do not use informal language

Q. You are Ashish / Ashita of A /4, Radission road, Kanpur. You see an advertisement in the newspaper that India Chemical Industry, Delhi requires accounts officers, where minimum qualification should be a B.Com degree. The person should have min 4 yrs experience and job requires ability to maintain books of accounts, to prepare balance sheet etc. Considering yourself suitable for the job, apply to the managing director, ICJ, B-112, Barkhamba Road, Delhi.

A/4 , Radission road

Kanpur

07th May, 20XX

Managing Director

India Chemical Industries

B- 112, Barkamba Road

Delhi

Subject : Application for the post of accounts officer.

Sir/Madam

With reference to the advertisement published in the XYZ newspaper on 3rd May, 20XX, I would like to extend my candidature for the post of Accounts Officer in your esteemed company.

I am qualified in B.com form Central College of commerce, New Delhi. I have 5 years work experience.

If selected,  I would work with complete sincerity, honesty and effectiveness. I hereby enclose my curriculum vitae for your perusal and hope for a positive reply.

Thanking you

Yours sincerely

Ashita

____________________________________________________________________________________

                                                           CURRICULUM VITAE

Name – Ashita Kapoor

Mother’s Name – Anima Kapoor

Father’s Name – Naveen Kapoor

Gender – Female

Date of Birth – 20/02/19XX

Address – B-94,  Radission Road, Kanpur

Contact no. – xxxxxxxxxx

Email id – ashitakapoor@gmail.com

Academic Qualification

ExamBoard/ UniversitySchool/collegeGrade
XCBSEDelhi Public School, KanpurA+
XIICBSEDelhi Public School, KanpurA+
B.ComDelhi UniversityCentral College of CommerceA+

Work Experience –  1) 2 yrs experience in Hind Chemicals, Pvt.Ltd.

                                   2) 3 yrs experience in Hindustan Lever, Kanpur

Achievements- 1) Employee of the year (20XX) Hindustan Lever

                             2) State champion in swimming

Hobbies – 1) Composing music

                  2) Gardening

Languages known – 1) Hindi

                                     2) English

                                     4) Bhojpuri

Reference : 1) XYZ, Dean, Central college of commerce, Delhi

                     2) ABC, HRD Manager, Hindustan Lever, Kanpur

I do, hereby, certify   that the information given above is true to the best of my knowledge and ability.

Date: 07/05/20XX                                                                                                              Ashita Kapoor   

      

 Sample Paper -2022                                                                                                                 (5marks)

You are Shantanu, residing at Ghar B-94, Balimela Road, Malkangiri. You come across the following classified advertisement in a local daily. Write a letter, in about 120-150 words, applying for the position of a volunteer for the Each One Teach One campaign.

                                                              SITUATION VACANT
Wanted committed volunteers, aged 18 years and above, to teach underprivileged children, for one hour a week, in the district of Malkangiri. Ability to speak, read and write Odiya fluently, important. Experience not necessary. All volunteers to receive training. Contact Nethra N, Coordinator (Each One Teach One), 4Literacy, Ambaguda, Malkangiri, Odisha -764045

Answer-

Ghar B-94, Balimela Road

 Malkangiri

07th January, 20XX

Nethra N

Cooridinator (Each One Teach One)

4Literacy, Ambaguda

 Malkangiri, Odisha -764045

Subject : Application for the post of volunteer teachers.

Madam

With reference to the advertisement published in the XYZ newspaper on 3rd January, 20XX, I would like to extend my candidature for the post of volunteer teacher in ‘Each One Teach One’ .

I am qualified in B.com form Regional College of Commerce, Bhubaneshwar. I am presently associated with an NGO ‘Ujjwala’ working for the upliftment of children from backward communities in Odhisa             .

If selected, I would work with complete sincerity, honestly and effectiveness. I hereby enclose my curriculum vitae for your perusal and hope for a positive reply.

Thanking you

Yours sincerely

Santanu

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name – Santanu Sarangi

Mother’s Name – Anima Sarangi

Father’s Name – Naveen Sarangi

Gender – Male

Date of Birth – 20/12/19XX

Address – Ghar B-94, Balimela Road, Malkangiri. Odhisa

Contact no. – xxxxxxxxxx

Email id – sarangisantanu@gmail.com

Nationality – Indian

Martial Status – Unmarried

Academic Qualification

ExamBoard/ UniversitySchool/collegeGrade
XCBSEDelhi Public School, CuttackA+
XIICBSEDelhi Public School, CuttackA+
B.ComDelhi UniversityRegional College of Commerce, BhubaneshwarA+

Work Experience –  1) 2 months experience in NGO ‘Ujjwala’.

Achievements- 1) Student of the year (20XX) DPS, Cuttack

                           2) State champion in swimming

Hobbies – 1) Composing music

                  2) Gardening

Languages known – 1) Hindi (read, write, speak)

                                     2) English (read, write, speak)

                                     3) Oriya  (read, write, speak)

Reference : 1) XYZ, Principal, DPS, Cuttack

                     2) ABC, HRD Manager, ‘Ujjwala’ Malkangiri, Odhisa.

I do, hereby, certify   that the information given above is true to the best of my knowledge and ability.

Date: 07/01/20XX                                                                                                                          Santanu Sarangi   

 Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers – Summary and Explanation

Posted on by Sumita Tah

                                           

               By Adrienne Rich {Adrienne Cecile Rich (/ˈædˌriən/; May 16, 1929 – March 27, 2012)}

Adrienne Rich was an American poet, theorist, essayist and lyricist known for her involvement in women’s movement. She wrote against racism and militarism. The theme of ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ is the experience of women in their married life under dominating husbands.

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

by Adrienne Rich

Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.

Aunt Jennifer’s finger fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.

When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.

Synopsis:-

Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers on a screen are her embroidery, representative of her free spirit that she aspires for. She expresses her yearning through her creativity. She creates pictures through her embroidery of the life that she would have liked to live. ‘Bright topaz denizens’ evoke the image of majestic tigers who rule the world of green. These tigers are fearless and fear no men, unlike Aunt Jennifer who is afraid of the oppressor in her life. In contrast to Aunt Jennifer these tigers tread with ‘chivalric certainty’ and possess the confidence and bravery that Aunt Jennifer desires to have.

The second stanza brings out the reality of Aunt Jennifer’s life. She pines for freedom from her burdensome marriage. She finds it difficult to vent out her feelings through her embroidery because of the ‘massive weight’ of Uncle’s wedding band. She is trying to create creatures very different from her own personality and this makes her nervous and her work difficult, even with an ivory needle which is light to handle.

The third stanza is the projection of the future. Even after her death, Aunt Jennifer will not be able to get rid of her marital status. The terror and domination she felt during her married life will continue to remain with her in memories of her. However, the tigers that she had woven will continue to be proud and unafraid living a free life among the greens. It is she who will fade away with time.

Her memories will continue to reflect her subservience to her husband, reminding people of her wishes and how they were crushed in a patriarchal society.

STANZA WISE EXPLANATION

FIRST STANZA
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green.
They do not fear the men beneath the tree;
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty.

EXPLANATION

The first stanza introduces us to Aunt Jennifer and her passion for embroidery. She is weaving a piece of cloth to be used as a screen. The pattern she weaves depict tigers jumping around in a world of green. They are bright yellow in colour like the topaz stone (metaphor). The dense green jungle is the backdrop of the scene. The tigers, full of the gentlemanly mannerisms, are brave majestic rulers of the forest who are unafraid of men. Here the poet gives a sense of contrast between Aunt Jennifer and her tigers. Unlike the tigers Aunt Jennifer is fearful of the man in her life.

SECOND STANZA
Aunt Jennifer’s fingers fluttering through her wool
Find even the ivory needle hard to pull.
The massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band
Sits heavily upon Aunt Jennifer’s hand.

Aunt Jennifer’s fingers tremble with fear as she embroiders the fearless tigers on the cloth. She is weaving something that is absolutely in contrast with her character so she is both excited and afraid. She is afraid that her husband would not approve of her embroidering fearless tigers that are proud of their existence. Her burdensome marriage has worn her out, and she is so tired that she finds it difficult to pull the ivory needle. Her fingers are also weighed down by ‘uncle’s wedding band’. She does not consider the ring as hers even years after her marriage.  Burdened by the obligations of married she is now crushed and worn out.

THIRD STANZA


When Aunt is dead, her terrified hands will lie
Still ringed with ordeals she was mastered by.
The tigers in the panel that she made
Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.

EXPLANATION

The third stanza is a projection of the future. The poet says that when aunt is dead, her hands which were a part of her terrified existence shall lie by her side. They will also be lying about her existence as a subservient wife as the fingers had created brave tigers in contrast to her real character. The poet here wants to convey that although her husband’s torture had been able to cower her down superficially, but it could not kill her mind which pined for freedom. Unfortunately her ordeal will not end with her death as the burdensome ring will remain on her even after death. However, her desire for freedom will remain alive through her tigers which will continue to prance about on the screen.  

Rhyme scheme: The rhyme scheme used in the poem is – aabb.

Literary Devices in – Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

Anaphora – use of same word in two consecutive lines (they do not … and they pace in…)

Metaphor – Use of topaz to describe the yellow color of tigers (Bright topaz)

Alliteration – ‘f’ sound is repeated in finger fluttering

Synecdoche – terrified hands (part for whole) her hands represents Aunt Jennifer

Pun – i) lie implies that it would be lying by her side; ii) the fingers which made the tigers would give a false impression about her character.

Pun – i) ringed refer to the ringed finger; ii) her entrapment in marriage.

Alliteration – ‘p’ is repeated in prancing proud

Word meanings:


Prance – move with high springy steps.
Topaz – a yellow precious stone.
Denizens –  people or animal that live in a particular place.
Sleek – smooth and glossy.
Chivalric – gallant and courteous, displaying gentlemanly behaviour.

Fluttering –  moving unsteadily.

Ringed – surrounded, wearing a ring
Ordeals – hardships or unpleasant experiences.
Prancing – moving around in energetic manner.

Questions and Answers – Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

Q. What do the ‘terrified hands’ symbolize?

Ans. They symbolize the helplessness of women, caught in overburdening marriages with dominating husbands.

Q. What is the theme of the poem?

Ans. The theme of the poem is the crushed spirits of women in a patriarchal society.  The poem portrays that oppression may dominate over the hands of women but not their minds which yearn for freedom.

Q. What does Aunt Jennifer’s death symbolize?

Ans. Aunt Jennifer’s death symbolizes the never-ending dominance of men in a patriarchal society that subdues a woman’s wishes throughout her life and even continues to do so even after her death. Aunt Jennifer’s hands continue to represent the ordeals she faced in her marriage and her entrapment in it.

Q. How does Aunt Jennifer’s personality contrast with that of the tigers?

Ans. While Aunt Jennifer had a subservient and docile nature due to her over dominating husband, the tigers were fearless and strong. Aunt Jennifer lead a compromised life within the four walls of her home but she yearned to live a life free from fear like the tigers which pranced about proud and unafraid in the world of green.

 Q. How do ‘denizens’ and ‘chivalric’ add to our understanding of the tiger’s attitudes?

Ans. The word ‘denizens’ means that they are proud of their home, they feel safe there and have a feeling of belonging attached to it. They enjoy the kingship in the world of green.
The word ‘chivalric’ shows that they have a majestic, brave and worthy position like knights.

Q. Why are her fingers ‘fluttering through the wool’ in the second stanza?  Why is she finding the needle so hard to pull?

Ans.  Aunt Jennifer is trying to weave tigers which are very different from her own personality. She is trying to express her inner longing to be like that of the tiger, but she is not very confident about it. She feels afraid that her husband might find out about her true nature that is why her fingers are fluttering through the wool.

She is finding it hard to pull the light ivory needle due to the massive weight of her husband’s wedding ring, which is the symbol of her burdened marriage. Her effort to do something that her husband would not approve makes her weak and fearful making her task a laborious one.

Q. What is suggested by the image ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’?

Ans. ‘Massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’ suggests that her marriage has been full of unpleasant experiences which had wearied her out. The wedding band is burdensome on her and sits heavily on her hand as a symbol of the bindings and obligations of her marriage.

Q. Of what or of whom is Aunt Jennifer terrified with in the third stanza?

Ans.  She is terrified of her husband’s wrath and the ordeals of a married life with him. Her dominating husband had made her live a burdensome life full of fear.

Q. What are the ‘ordeals’ Aunt Jennifer is surrounded by, why is it significant that the poet uses the word ‘ringed’? What are the meanings of the word ‘ringed’ in the poem?

A. The ‘ordeals’ were the obligations of marriage, submission to her husband and obeying him. Fearing his wrath and fulfilling his commands.

‘Ringed’ indicates entrapment. As the ring encircles the finger, similarly, her marriage entrapped her in a life she wanted to escape from.

Q. Why do you think Aunt Jennifer created animals that are so different from her own character? What might the poet be suggesting, through this difference?

        I think that Aunt Jennifer’s intense desire for freedom and to live a life without fear, came out through her creativity.

While doing her embroidery Aunt Jennifer spends time with herself. It is at this time that she is able to express her innermost feelings through her creative expression, which in her case is embroidering fearless tigers on her screen.  

Through this difference the poet wants to show that the lady is not what she is. It is her circumstances have made her so, but she still retains a desire to live life with respect and pride.

Interpret the symbols found in Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers.

  • ‘denizens of a world of green’ mean, inhabitants of the forest.
  • ‘massive weight of Uncle’s wedding band’ means, the burden of marital obligations.
  • ‘Sits heavily upon Aunt’ means, the marriage has laid a lot of stress on her.
  • ‘ringed with ordeals’ means, to get entrapped in hardships and sufferings

Q. Do you sympathize with Aunt Jennifer? What is the attitude of the speaker towards Aunt Jennifer?

Ans. Yes, I sympathize with Aunt Jennifer. The speaker is also sympathetic towards her and abhors dominance of men.

A Thing of Beauty – Question Answers Class 12 English Flamingo

Posted on by Sumita Tah

Think it out

Q 1. List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.

Ans. The things of beauty mentioned in the poem are:

The sun, the moon, old and young trees, daffodils, clear rills, forests, musk roses and the tales of the mighty dead.

Q 2. List the things that cause suffering and pain.

Ans. Some of the things which cause pain and suffering are:

The wrong ways we adopt to succeed, jealousy that arise from our failures, lack of good qualities in men, the gloom and darkness which results from ill-health and sadness.

Q 3. What does the line, “Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth suggest to you?

Ans: It means that we get attached to the beautiful things around us and weave a pretty band of beautiful memories which binds us to our life; it becomes the reason for us to live.

Q 4. What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?

Ans: The eternal beauty of various things gives us happiness and relaxation. It makes us love life in-spite of life’s troubles and sufferings.

Q 5. Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?

Ans: The noble deeds of the brave men who sacrificed their lives are an inspiration for us forever. The beautiful legacy of their bravery is the grandeur which is associated with the mighty dead.

Q 6. Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting impression on us?

Ans: According to the poet, a thing of beauty is a joy forever. Even if we see it for a few moments, it has a lasting impression on us and its beautiful memory stays with us forever. It inspires us to live, despite the ruthlessness of life.

Q 7. What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?

Ans: The beautiful bounty of the earth is described by ‘endless fountain of immortal drink’. The world of beauty signifies that God bestows us with all his beautiful creations to help us to live our lives despite the sad, gloomy aspects of life.

Other Questions.

Q. What does the poet mean by ‘Its loveliness increases, it will never pass into nothingness;’?

Ans.   The joy that a thing of beauty gives is eternal. Though the beauty of the thing may diminish with time, the joy that it gave will increase as we think about it. It will remain forever in our memories as a constant source of pleasure and happiness.

Q. Explain the meaning of, ‘but will keep a bower quiet for us… breathing.’

Ans.   A bower is a shady part of the garden where one can relax and rest. The poet uses ‘bower’ as a metaphor to say that things of beauty provide us shade in a life that scorches us with disappointment and sadness. The happiness provided by things of beauty provides us with a shade which relaxes us and gives us sound sleep and good health.

Q.  How ‘are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to the earth’?

Ans.  The poet ‘a flowery band‘as a metaphor to refer to the memories of beautiful things which we gather throughout our lives. These beautiful things help us to weave a deep bond with nature. This flowery band that we weave keeps us attached and connected to the earth. We need these good memories to keep living on in a world full of unhappiness.

Q. ‘Spite of despondence, of inhuman dearth of noble natures,’ What does the poet want to convey through these lines?

Ans. The world is full of unhappiness and disappointments due to the lack of people with good or noble nature.  The jealousy that we feel as a result of our failure; the hopelessness, gloom and despair due to the scarcity of noble souls make our lives miserable. In spite of all the gloom of life; things of beauty lift the darkness and inspire us to keep going.

Q. Why does the poet say that the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways are made for our searching?

Ans. The poet says that our unhealthy life, and the darkness and unhappiness of life are due to the wrong ways we adopt to succeed. The gloom of our lives is made by us for ourselves. Then he goes on to say that things of beauty helps in lifting the pall or darkness and helps us to keep living on.

Q. What is the fountain of immortal drink?

Ans. The never-ending and nectar like joy and pleasure, which the things of beauty give us are metaphorically compared with a fountain. The endless sources of beauty are like the nectar which provides immortality to the Gods.

Q. Who are the mighty dead?

Ans. They are the heroes of legends – the powerful and great men who received laurels for their great actions during their lifetime.

Q. Why have we imagined ‘grandeur of the dooms’ for the ‘mighty dead’?

Ans. We have imagined that they will be richly rewarded on their doomsday as they have served others and brought happiness in other’s lives. They were mighty of their deeds and hence God will reward them well after their death.

Q. How do the tales of heroes affect us?

Ans. The legendary tales of heroes inspire us through their mighty deeds. While their mighty dooms helps us to acknowledge the transience of life. Thus they help us in improving the quality of our lives.

Q. How does beauty help in dispelling gloom?

Ans. Things of beauty makes us feel happy and removes our stress. They create a wreath of beautiful, pleasant memories which helps us in building attachments with the earth despite the unhappiness that surround us due to lack of good qualities in others and in our own selves.

Q. Why does the poet add the stories of the mighty dead to the list of beautiful things?

Ans.  The legends if the heroes who are still praised for their great deeds, inspire us just like the things of beauty. They give us hope and a sense of jubilation and tranquility as the heroes had spent their lives for giving happiness to others. We imagine that they will receive magnificence after their death.

Solutions to   Ch -5 INDIGO

Posted on by Sumita Tah

by Louis Fischer

Class 12 :Flamingo Ch -5 -Questions/ Answers

Understanding the text.

Q1. Why did Gandhi consider the Champaran episode to be a turning point in his life?

Ans. Gandhi went to Champaran in 1917 to solve the problems of sharecroppers and it was there that he raised his voice against the injustice by the British landlords in Champaran. He told the secretary of British Landlord’s Association that he was not an outsider in his own country. For disobeying official orders he was summoned to the court. Peasants came in thousands to Motihari to protest against Gandhi’s trial. This was a proof that the power of the British can now be challenged by the Indians. Civil disobedience triumphed for the first time in India when Gandhi was set free.

As a result of Gandhi’s investigation and that of the Enquiry Commission, landlords had to pay a compensation, and gradually, indigo sharecropping disappeared. The backwardness of Champaran worried Gandhiji and he tried to resolve them to some extent by opening schools, teaching sanitation and providing healthcare facilities.

The Champaran episode made Gandhi acquainted with the day-to-day problems of Indians and the real picture of the villagers. He saw the real India very closely during this period. This experience was used by him in carrying the Indian freedom struggle further, thus paving the way for Indian Independence from the British.

Q2. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.


Ans: When Gandhi was about to be arrested for disregarding the court order, the lawyers who had come to advise him said that they would return home in case of  Gandhiji’s arrest. Then Gandhi asked them about the injustice to the sharecroppers. The lawyers realized that Gandhi displayed a sense of responsibility which they lacked in spite of being a stranger. The lawyers held consultations and came to the conclusion that it would be shameful desertion if they went home. So, they told Gandhi that they were ready to follow him into jail. Gandhi replied that the battle of Champaran was won because of their unity. One or the other lawyer would fight for justice even if some of them went to jail.

Later, when his lawyer friends wanted Charles Andrews to stay in Champaran to help them he refused, stating that they must rely on their own selves to win the battle.  Thus Gandhi influenced the lawyers through his display of responsibility, resoluteness and self-reliance.

Q3. “What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?


Ans:  Gandhi stayed for two days at the home of Professor Malkani, a teacher of a government school in Muzzafarpur.  He said that it was an extraordinary thing in those days for a government professor to provide shelter to an advocate of home-rule, for fear of the British. The average Indians in smaller localities were afraid to show sympathy for the advocates of home-rule.

Q4. How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?


Ans:  Kriplani greeted him in Muzzafarpur students with a large number of students. Professor Malkani provided him with shelter. Sharecroppers from Champaran came on foot and by conveyance to see Gandhi in Muzaffarpur. The lawyers provided him information and advice. Thousands of peasants spontaneously demonstrated around the courthouse in his support. The lawyers were ready to go to jail with him. All this prove that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement.

Talking about the text


 Ans. Legal justice meted out once does not ensure that there will not be further subjugation. This is the reason that Gandhi put more importance in winning the leagal battle than getting the correct amount of compensation. Once the people realize that they have the right to protest against atrocities and subjugation they will not tolerate it. Therefore ‘Freedom from fear’ is very important. In my opinion the poor of India are still not free from fear. The atrocities and injustice of the British have been replaced by that of the upper-castes, ministers, bureaucrats, mafias and the police.

Q2. The qualities of a good leader.


Ans: Gandhi during the Champaran Episode and thereafter displayed the qualities of a good leader. A good leader instills courage among his followers. He involves everyone and does not discard his responsibilities even in dire circumstances. He is observant and tries to remove problems of others. He is honest, disciplined, determined, a man of principles who is well received by the masses. He teaches self reliance and resolves problems of the oppressed.

WORKING WITH WORDS


1.List the words used in the text that are related to legal procedures.
For example: deposition


Ans: Some words related to legal procedures are – Bail, case, commission, evidence, guilty, inquiry, judgement, notice, penalty, plead order, prison, prosecutor, summons, sentence, trial.


•List other words that you know that fall into this category.
Ans. Few other words are – Complaint, complainant, decree, defendant, defence, decision, jury, prosecution, sessions, verdict, witness.

THINKING ABOUT LANGUAGE


Q1. Notice the sentences in the text which are in ‘direct speech’. Why does the author use quotations in his narration?


Ans: The narrator has explicitly used direct speech in his narration to strengthen the effectiveness of his narration. Direct speech conveys the message given by the speaker in totality. Some of the sentences where direct speech has been used are:


He said, “I will tell you how it happened that I decided to urge the departure of the British. It was in 1917.”


Gandhi recounted. “A peasant came up to me looking like any other peasant in India, poor and emaciated, and said, ‘I am Rajkumar Shukla. I am from Champaran, and I want you to come to my district!”


Gandhi said, “I have to be in Calcutta on such-and-such a date. Come and meet me and take me from there”.

“It was an extraordinary thing ‘in those days,” Gandhi commented, Tor a government professor to harbour a man like me.’


He said, “I have come to the conclusion that we should stop going to law courts. Taking such cases to the courts does little good. Where the peasants are so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts are useless. The real relief for them is to be free from fear.”


 “The commissioner,” Gandhi reports, “proceeded to bully me and advised me forthwith to leave Tirhut”.


‘But how much must we pay?’ they asked Gandhi.

One woman took Kasturbabai into her hut and said, “Look, there is no box or cupboard here for clothes. The sari I am wearing is the only one I have”.

 “What I did”, he explained, “was a very ordinary thing. I declared that the British could not order me about in my own country”.

He said, “You think that in this unequal fight it would be helpful if we have an Englishman on our side. This shows the weakness of your heart. The cause is just and you must rely upon yourselves to win the battle. You should not seek a prop in Mr. Andrews because he happens to be an Englishman”.

 “He had read our minds correctly,” Rajendra Prasad comments, “and we had no reply … Gandhi in this way taught uS a lesson in self-reliance”.

Q2. Notice the use or non-use of the comma in the following sentences:
(a) When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram, he told me what happened in Champaran.
(b) He had not proceeded far when the police superintendent’s messenger overtook him.

Ans:  Comma is omitted (not used) when the main clause comes before the subordinate clause as in sentence (b).

A comma is used to separate subordinate clause from the main clause if it preceeds it, i.e. subordinate clause comes before main clause as in sentence (a) and (c).

QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK SOLVED

THINK AS YOU READ


Q1. Strike out what is not true in the following:
(a)Rajkumar Shukla was:

  • (i) a sharecropper
  • (ii)a politician
  • (iii)delegate
  • (iv)a landlord.

Ans: (a) (ii) a politician, iii) delegate and iv) landlord


(b) Rajkumar Shukla was:

  • (i) poor
  • (ii)physically strong
  • (iii) illiterate.

Ans. (b) (ii) physically strong



Q2. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being ‘resolute’?


Ans: He is described as resolute as he was persistent in his demand to take Gandhi to Champaran. He came from Champaran district in the foothills of Himalayas to Lucknow to speak to Gandhi. He accompanied Gandhi everywhere, from lucknow to Cawnpore and then to Ahmedabad. He did not leave Gandhi till Gandhi asked him to meet him at Calcutta and take him to Champaran from there.

Q3. Why do you think the servants thought Gandhi to be another peasant?


Ans: Rajkumar Shukla led Gandhi to Rajendra Prasad’s house who was then absent. The servants knew Shukla as a poor peasant who pestered their master. Gandhi who accompanied Shukla was also clad in a simple clothes. Therefore, the servants took Gandhi to be another peasant.


Q4. List the places that Gandhi visited between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran.


Ans: Gandhi’s first meeting with Shukla was at I.N.C. meeting in Lucknow. Then he went to Cawnpore and other parts of India before returning to his ashram near Ahmedabad. Later he went to Calcutta, Patna and Muzaffarpur before arriving at Champaran.

Q5. What did the peasants pay the British landlords as rent? What did the British now want instead and why? What would be the impact of synthetic indigo on the prices of natural indigo?


Ans: The peasants paid indigo as rent to the British landlords.

At that time Germany had developed synthetic indigo. Therefore, the British landlords wanted money as compensation for being released from the 15 per cent arrangement.

The prices of natural indigo were likely to go down due to lack of demand.

Q6. How did the Champaran episode change the plight of the peasants? Give instances.

Ans. The Champaran episode made the British surrender a part of their prestige. Till then they had behaved as if they were above the law, but during the episode of Indigo movement, peasants were made to realize that they could fight for their rights. Gandhi instilled courage in them and they showed the first sign of liberation from fear of the British.

This episode gave an economic solution to the people , when they got a refund of 25% of the compensation they had paid. The land was also reverted back to them by the British. Thus, indigo sharecropping disappeared completely. But this was not all that Gandhiji aimed at. He was aggrieved by the social and cultural backwardness of the people of Champaran. He sought to bring about a change in the situation by opening schools, arranging healthcare facilities and teaching them the rules of sanitation.

Theme

The theme of the story is about effective leadership. The extract shows how good leadership overcomes all types of problems. Gandhi was able to get justice for the oppressed peasants through negotiation, perseverance and argumentation. The subtheme of the story deals with the contributions made by the common people in achieving Indian independence.

Type of Fiction

‘Indigo’ belongs to the category of non-fiction.

Fiction is a type of literature in prose form that is invented or untrue. It has imaginary characters and events created by the author. E.g. –fantasy novels (Harry Potter series)

Non-fiction is a type of prose that is informational and based on facts rather than imaginary. Some elements of non- fiction are –

  1. Narration
  2. Cause /effect. Problem/solution
  3.  Factual information
  4. Imagery
  5. Dialogue form for precise information.

OTHER POSSIBLE QUESTIONS.

Q2. As the host of a talk show, introduce Rajkumar Shukla to the audience by stating any two of his defining qualities.

Ans. I am glad to present Rajkumar Sukla, the man who played a pivotal role in the Champaran Movement.  It was his persistence, determination and resolution to take Mahatma  Gandhi to Champaran to fight for their rights, which brought about a revolutionary change in the British – Indian relationship. The movement instilled courage in the peasants and was the first step towards India’s freedom struggle.

Q 3. Biographies include features of non-fiction texts – factual information and different text structures such as description, sequence, comparison, cause and effect, or problem and solution. Examine Indigo in the light of this statement, in about 120-150 words.

Ans. Indigo being a biography consists of factual information like the dates of events, mention of number of delegates in I.N.C , 15 percent of land agreed upon for indigo harvesting by the landlords, bail being asked for 120 minutes, number of interviews held by Gandhi with the Lt. Governor,  the mention of percentage of repayment agreed upon as 25 percent.

The structure of non-fiction is also followed with explanations being provided for each happening. The text follows sequence of events as they occurred – from Rajkumar Shukla’s persistence  to the settlement of repayment and the Gandhiji’s developmental work in Champaran. The comparision of expectations of the British and the surprise they received due to Mahatma Gandhi’s perseverance. The actions of Mahatma and the results portray the conflict resolution of non-fiction text structures.

Q4. Why does Gandhi say, “Real relief for them is to be free from fear.” ?

Ans.  Gandhi knew that until and unless the peasants were aware of their rights and could fearlessly fight for themselves, their problems would not be solved permanently. Merely winning a legal battle was a temporary solution.  So, providing them with courage to fight for their rights by themselves was the only permanent solution.

Q5. Why did Gandhi think that going to the court was useless for the peasants?

Ans. Going to the court individually to fight for justice was useless for the peasants because the entire justice system was made of, for and by the British; therefore, the rulings would go in favour of the British landlords. Further, the poor peasants were in no position to pay for the court proceedings whose outcome would be negative.

Q6. Why was it ‘ an extraordinary thing’ for Professor Malkani to give him shelter?

Ans. At that time the Indian National Congress was fighting for home rule. The British were taking action against anybody who went against the British administration. Professor Malkani being a government employee could lose his job if he provided shelter to an advocate of Home Rule; therefore it was an extraordinary thing for professor Malkani keep Gandhi in his home.

Q7. What was the ‘conflict of duties’ that Gandhiji was stuck between?

Ans. Gandhi refused to obey the court order telling him to leave. He stated that he faced a ‘conflict of duties’ because – while, on one hand he did not wish to set an example as a law-breaker; on the other hand, he was compelled to do so on humanitarian and moral grounds. He said that it was his moral obligation towards the poor peasants which forced him to disobey the law.

Q8. Why was the day on which Gandhi had to appear on court In Motihari an important one?

Ans. The day of trial in Motihari court was an important one because to showed the united strength of the Indians for the first time. The peasants unanimously appeared to show their support for Gandhi, and later on that day the lawyers too decided to go to jail if required. The united strength that was formed on that day eventually spread throughout India and resulted in Indian independence.

Q9. ‘Events justified Gandhi’s position’. What did the events justify?

Ans. The events that followed the Champaran episode justified Gandhi’s statement that winning the legal battle was more important than the amount of compensation. The episode taught the farmers that they had rights over their land, and also that there were people who would support them in their fight. Gradually due to their new- found courage they fought for their rights as a result of which the British planters abandoned their estates. The land went back to the peasants and indigo sharecropping disappeared.

Q10. ‘What I did was a very ordinary thing’. What was the ordinary thing that Gandhi did?

Ans. The most ordinary thing that Gandhi did was telling the British that they could not order him about in his own country.

Q11. ‘His was not a loyalty of abstractions: it was a loyalty to living human beings.’ What do you infer from this sentence?

Ans.  The narrator means to state that Gandhi did not aim singularly towards abstract, idealistic – political and economic solutions. His loyalty involved removing the day to day problems faced by common people at the grass-root level. He intended to bring about cultural and social changes to improve the lives of the masses.

–

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SOLUTIONS TO SAMPLE PAPER ENGLISH CORE –CLASS -XII – TERM II (2021-22)

Posted on by Sumita Tah

Click the link below for SOLUTIONS TO English CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2022 -’23 .

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TERM II

ANSWERS FOR SAMPLE QUESTION PAPER (2021-22)

ENGLISH – CORE

CLASS-XII

Time allowed: 2 Hrs.                                                    Maximum Marks: 40

SECTION A- READING (14 MARKS)

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY EIGHT questions from the nine given below.   (1*8)

Q1. Cite a point in evidence, from the text, to suggest that the writer’s post-Jaws fear was not justified.

Ans. The writer’s post-Jaws fear was not justified as ‘there had been only two cases of shark bites since 1900 in Connecticut coast’ where the writer lived.

Q2. State any one trait of the writer that is evident from lines 5-10 and provide a reason for your choice.

Ans. The writer was courageous/ adventurous/ bold/ experimental as he went on with his assignment with the sharks in spite of his fears knowing that they were dangerous.

Q3. People thought the writer was ‘either brave or very stupid’. Why did some people think that he was ‘very stupid’?

Ans.  Some people thought he was very stupid as he had side-lined the notion that sharks were dangerous and risked his life by venturing into an assignment with the sharks without much experience and thereby risking his life.

Q4. Why does the writer say that people who know sharks intimately tend to be least afraid of them?

Ans.  The people who know sharks closely are least afraid of them as they know that they are docile and feed on the food offered to them just as pets do.

Q5. Rewrite the given sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with another one, from lines 10 – 20.
Some academicians think that reward, as a form of discipline, is a simple right or wrong issue.

Ans. Some academicians think that reward as a form of discipline, is a simple black and white issue.

Q6. What does the use of the phrase ‘benign light’ suggest in the context of the writer’s viewpoint about the tiger sharks?

Ans.  The phrase ‘benign light’ here means- gentle, benevolent or friendly.

When the writer saw the others feeding the sharks he saw the tiger sharks as docile and less harmful than other sharks.

Q7. Select a suitable phrase from lines 15-25 to complete the following sentence appropriately.

I agree the team will find this experience tough, but competing will be easier next time after they get this tournament __________________________.

Ans. I agree the team will find this experience tough, but competing will be easier next time after they get this tournament under their belt. (line 21)

Q8. Apex predators serve to keep prey numbers in check. How can we say that tiger sharks are apex predators?

Ans. Apex -predators are those animals which help in keeping the balance in the eco-system. The tiger sharks, as apex predators, help in restricting over population of sea turtles by feeding on them; otherwise, they would eat all the sea grass and cause problems for other sea creatures.

Q9. Analyse why having a large litter is one of the features that empowers tiger sharks to emerge winners if global warming persists.

Ans. Having more off-springs would ensure that some of them would survive even in harsh conditions. Therefore, the tiger sharks would survive in spite of the adverse effect of global warming.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer ANY SIX out of the seven questions given below.                                                                                                                                   (1*6)

I .What does the researcher mean by ‘changing food preferences’?

Ans.  ‘Changing food preferences’ denotes that the urban population, now choose to eat ready-to-eat processed food over home cooked food.

ii. Why was this survey on the food consumption of adolescents undertaken?

Ans.   The survey was made to find out the food consumption patten of the adolescents and make recommendations based on the data.

iii. With reference to fig.1, write one conclusion about students’ consumption of energy-dense drinks.

Ans.  While 45% of the adolescents preferred to have more than three servings of energy dense drinks as compared to only 5 % who liked to have only one serving of the drinks.

iii) FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED CANDIDATES

What do you understand by the term food frequency, as stated in lines 12-13?

Ans.  ‘Food frequency’ means the rate of intake of food and beverage, consumed over a period of time. It could also refer to the portion of food taken over a period of time.

iv. What can be concluded by the ‘no intake’ data of fruit consumption versus energy dense snacks, with reference to fig.1?

Ans. In reference to fig. 1 we may infer that,  while 45% of  the respondents did not consume any fruit , nearly 95% had some form of energy dense snacks.

FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED CANDIDATES

iv. Comment on the significance of incorporating food literacy concepts into student curriculum.

Ans. Food literacy would help in developing healthy food habits among adolescents. It would help them to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables in their diet.

v. There were no gender differences observed in the consumption of healthy foods, according to the survey. Substantiate.

Ans. The observations showed that females consumed more nutritious diet and had more cereals, fruits and vegetables as compared to their male counterpart.

Ans.  School canteen is for school children who depend on their parents income and therefore food in school canteen should be affordable.

vii. Identify a word from lines 9 – 18 indicating that the questionnaire was specifically designed to be completed by a respondent without the intervention of the researcher collecting the data.

Ans. Self- administered.

SECTION B – WRITING

Q1. You are Natasha, residing in Pune. Your cousin, from the same city is hosting your grandmother’s eightieth birth anniversary and has extended an invite to you. He has also requested your assistance for arrangements needed. Draft a reply of acceptance, in not more than 50 words.                                                                                                                         (3marks)

32/A, Sardapally

Pune

20th January,2022

Dear Samir

I feel delighted  to receive the invitation for Grandmother’s eightieth Birthday Party at your home on 25th January. 2022 at 7:00 pm. I am glad to inform that I would be happy to attend, and assist you in the arrangements for the party. Looking forward towards an enjoyable evening.

Yours affectionately

Natasha

____________________________________________________________________________

Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below.                                                             (5marks)

You are Shantanu, residing at Ghar B-94, Balimela Road, Malkangiri. You come across the following classified advertisement in a local daily. Write a letter, in about 120-150 words, applying for the position of a volunteer for the Each One Teach One campaign.
     SITUATION VACANT
WANTED committed volunteers, aged 18 years and above, to teach underprivileged children, for one hour a week, in the district of Malkangiri. Ability to speak, read and write Odiya fluently, important. Experience not necessary. All volunteers to receive training. Contact Nethra N, Coordinator (Each One Teach One), 4Literacy, Ambaguda, Malkangiri, Odisha -764045

Ans.

Ghar B-94, Balimela Road

 Malkangiri

07th January, 20XX

Nethra N

Cooridinator (Each One Teach One)

4Literacy, Ambaguda

 Malkangiri, Odisha -764045

Subject : Application for the post of volunteer teacher.

Madam

With reference to the advertisement published in the XYZ newspaper on 3rd January, 20XX, I would like to extend my candidature for the post of volunteer teacher in ‘Each One Teach One’ .

I am qualified in B.com form Regional College of Commerce, Bhubaneshwar. I am presently associated with an NGO ‘Ujjwala’ working for the upliftment of children from backward communities in Odhisa             .

If selected, I would work with complete sincerity, honestly and effectiveness. I hereby enclose my curriculum vitae for your perusal and hope for an positive reply.

Thanking you

Yours sincerely

Santanu

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name – Santanu Sarangi

Mother’s Name – Anima Sarangi

Father’s Name – Naveen Sarangi

Gender – Male

Date of Birth – 20/12/19XX

Address – Ghar B-94, Balimela Road, Malkangiri. Odhisa

Email id – sarangisantanu@gmail.com

Academic Qualification

ExamBoard/ UniversitySchool/collegeGrade
XCBSEDelhi Public School, CuttackA+
XIICBSEDelhi Public School, CuttackA+
B.ComDelhi UniversityRegional College of Commerce, BhubaneshwarA+

Work Experience –  1) 2 months experience in NGO ‘Ujjwala’.

Achievements- 1) Student of the year (20XX) DPS, Cuttack

                           2) State champion in swimming

Hobbies – 1) Composing music

                  2) Gardening

Languages known – 1) Hindi (read, write, speak)

                                     2) English (read, write, speak)

                                     3) Oriya  (read, write, speak)

Reference : 1) XYZ, Principal, DPS, Cuttack

                     2) ABC, HRD Manager, ‘Ujjwala’ Malkangiri, Odhisa.

I do, hereby, certify   that the information given above is true to the best of my knowledge and ability.

Date: 07/01/20XX                                                                                                                         Santanu Sarangi   

__________________________________________________________________   

OR

The efforts of 400 volunteers working with the NGO, 4Literacy, in the district of Malkangiri, Odisha, was lauded by the District Collector, Shri V. Singh (IAS). As a staff reporter of ‘The Odisha Bhaskar’, write a report about this in 120-150 words covering all the details, such as training, teaching and infrastructure involved in the ‘Each One Teach One’ campaign, initiated by the district administration in association with the NGO.

Felicitation for ‘Each One Teach One’

                                           By staff reporter

Malkangiri; 20th January,20XX: Keeping in mind the importance of ‘Education for all’ the district administration organized a programme for encouraging those working towards eradicating illiteracy from the district. The programme was held on 19th January, 20XX from 7pm at the ‘Kalabhavan’.

 The District Collector, Shri V. Singh (IAS), lauded the efforts of ‘Each one Teach one’ campaign organized by the NGO, 4Literacy. ‘Each One Teach One’ is a venture for improving literacy rate in the district.  400 volunteers who work hard to impart education to the underprivileged, are recruited and trained in their schools for effective teaching. 4000 students have received education in their ten schools which have basic infrastructure, furniture and blackboards.

The motivational speech of the District collector, thanking everyone associated with ‘Each one teach one’, as well as the monetary grant of Rs 1 crore towards improving the infrastructure, boosted the morale of the organization.

SECTION C – LITERATURE

Attempt ANY FIVE of the six questions given below, within 40 words each.           (2*5=10)

1. A mistaken identity led to a discovery of a new one for the rattrap peddler. How did this impact him?

Ans. When the ironmaster realized that it was a case of mistaken identity he asked him to leave at once, but his daughter Edla interceded and asked him to stay for Christmas. Her understanding, compassionate and selfless behavior had a positive impact on the peddler and helped him to clear his sins and change into a better human being.

2. As the host of a talk show, introduce Rajkumar Shukla to the audience by stating any two of his defining qualities.

Ans. I am glad to present Rajkumar Sukla, the man who played a pivotal role in the Champaran Movement.  It was his persistence, determination and resolution to take Mahatma  Gandhi to Champaran to fight for their rights, which brought about a revolutionary change in the British – Indian relationship. The movement instilled courage in the peasants and was the first step towards India’s freedom struggle.

3. Adrienne Rich chose to express her silent revolt through her poem, Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, just as Aunt Jennifer did with her embroidery. Explain.

Ans. Just as Aunt Jennifer chose to fight the terror and domination in her marriage through the creations of her proud and majestic tigers. Adrienne Rich chose to criticize the patriarchal society and the traditional institution of marriage through her poetry.

4. Rationalize why Keats uses the metaphor ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink’ in his poem, A Thing of Beauty?

Ans.  Keats compares beauty to the immortal drink or nectar that flows endlessly for the Gods. Just like the immortal drink acts as an elixir of life, similarly things of beauty gives endless joy and motivate the people living on earth.

5. How do you think Derry’s mother contributes to his sense of alienation and isolation? (On the Face of It)

Ans.  Derry’s mother is overprotective of her son due to his burnt face. She treats him with pity and therefore makes him aware of his defect all the time. She does not realize that he yearns to be treated as a normal person and seeks normal companionship.

6. Validate John Updike’s open-ended title, Should Wizard Hit Mommy?

Ans. John Updike uses an open-ended title and leaves it to the reader to decide whether they would like to side with Jo and protect the skunk, or they would prefer to agree with Jack’s decision that- mother is always right. The open ended title helps his readers to connect with the characters at a deeper level.

Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 120-150 words each.        (4*2=8)

Qi. How does Keats’ poem, A Thing of Beauty appeal richly to the senses, stimulating the reader’s inner sight as well as the sense of touch and smell? Write your answer in about 120-150 words.

Ans.  A beautiful thing can provide immense joy to a person’s soul that lasts forever. Keats in this poem uses visual, olfactory, as well as tactile imagery to appeal to the senses of his readers. He vividly describes the cooling comfort of the shade of old and new trees, the daffodils amongst the greenery, clear rills providing cool comfort in summer, the mid-forest brake where fragrant musk roses bloom. These images invoke our imagination and senses of touch and smell.  The tales of the mighty dead inspire us and appeals to our auditory sense, while their doom beseeches us to think. The endless fountain of immortal drink, are the bounties of nature which are showered on us from the heaven giving us hope and reason to live.

Q ii. Colin Dexter, the author of Evans Tries an O-level employs the red herring technique of intentionally misleading readers by placing false clues to keep the plot enigmatic. Substantiate with reference to text, in about 120-150 words.

Ans.    Colin Dexter uses the red herring technique to perplex and surprise the reader till the very end. He sets the stage by describing the unbreakable security of the prison and introducing Evans as a kleptomaniac who has a record of escaping from prisons. Evans is presented as a jolly fellow with a grubby appearance that covers his high intellect. Subtle hints like – Evan’s hat which he uses to hide his cropped hair: the number two handkerchief which appears as a part of disguise as Mcleery, who is actually one of his cronies: the illusion of Mcleery becoming thinner: the photocopied correction slip which made authorities believe that the wounded man was Mcleery: the answer script  which provides hints to the  Golden Lion – help in diverting the reader from real issues, but surprises them when Evans has his last laugh escaping with his friends who are in guise of police officers.

Q iii. Biographies include features of non-fiction texts – factual information and different text structures such as description, sequence, comparison, cause and effect, or problem and solution. Examine Indigo in the light of this statement, in about 120-150 words.

Ans. Indigo being a biography consists of factual information; like the dates of events, mention of number of delegates in I.N.C , 15 percent of land agreed upon for indigo harvesting by the landlords, bail being asked for 120 minutes, number of interviews held by Gandhi with the Lt. Governor,  the mention of percentage of repayment agreed upon as 25 percent.

The structure of non-fiction is also followed with explanations being provided for each happening. The text follows sequence of events as they occurred- from Rajkumar Shukla’s persistence  to the settlement of repayment and the Gandhiji’s developmental work in Champaran: the comparision of expectations of the British and the surprise they get from Mahatma Gandhi’s perseverance: the actions of Mahatma and their results- portray the conflict resolution of non-fiction text structures.

–

© 01/02/2022, Englishtutorialedu.com, All rights reserved

BUSINESS LETTERS

Posted on by Sumita Tah

                                                                     

Business letters fall in the category of Formal letters.

Business letters are formal letters used for official communication. They are written to or by commercial/ business enterprises for business correspondence. Therefore, they must be simple, brief, clear and formal in tone and content. . A business letter is a permanent written record and is an important document having importance in legal matters. As commercial correspondence is very important in today’s world, mastering the art of writing business letters will definitely get one an added advantage

There are basically three types of business letters – i) Enquiry ii) Order iii) Complaint

  1. Enquiry –
    • For a course
    • Regarding service
    • For a product
  2. Order
    • Placing order
    • Cancelling order
    • Reply to order letter
  3. Complaint-
    • For deficiency in services
    • For defective product

TIPS OF WRITING A BUSINESS LETTER

  1. Letter must be to the point and clear
  2. Use simple formal language
  3. Avoid abbreviations
  4. Write – Yours faithfully/ Yours truly in complimentary close
  5. Yours sincerely- may be used if the name of the recipient is used
  6. Underline the subject
  7. Write the main point or theme in the introductory paragraph
  8. Write the details in the body paragraph
  9. Use separate paragraphs for each topic in body paragraph if required
  10. Sum up the content in the concluding paragraph

Business letters are used for –

  1. Making an enquiry
  2. Replying to an enquiry
  3. Placing an order
  4. Cancellation of an order
  5. Lodging a complaint

FORMAT

FOR ALL BUSINESS LETTERS THE FORMAT WILL BE OF A FORMAL LETTER-

Sender’s address

Date (1st January, 20XX)

Receiver’s address

Subject

Salutation

Content of letter (with introduction, body and conclusion)

Complimentary close

MARKING SCHEME FOR CBSE CLASS 12 BUSINESS LETTERS

Format                1 mark

Content               2 marks

Expression          2 marks

____________________

Total                      5 marks

__________________________

Word limit – 120 to 150 words

BUSINESS LETTERS FOR MAKING AN ENQUIRY:-

1) Enquiry for correspondence course

Q.) You are interested in learning fashion technology through a correspondence course. Write a letter to the Principal of National Institute of Fashion, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-16, asking about the details of the course offered by them. You are Mahua/ Mahesh living in 2/A Ashok Vihar, Ranchi.

2/A Ashoke Vihar

Ranchi

1st January, 20XX

 Dean

 National Institute of Fashion

 Hauz Khas

 New Delhi-16

Subject: Enquiring about correspondence course in fashion technology.

Sir/ Madam

I have just passed my class 12th examination with 92% marks. I am interested in joining a course in fashion technology, but I want to do it through correspondence. With reference to your advertisement in Hindustan Times dated 20th December, 20XX, I came to know that your institute is a leading one for this course.

I would like to receive details about this course. Please send me details regarding the duration and content of the course. Also I would like to know about the details of the fee structure and whether it could be paid through installments. It would be good to know the intervals at which the exams are conducted. Along with these kindly provide the list of the study and test centres of your institute. 

If brochure or prospectus is available kindly mail it to me at the postal address provided.

Looking forward to an early response.

Yours faithfully

Mahua

2) Enquiry about rates for a party.

 Q.) You are Mahi/ Mahima, living in 34. Gandhi Road, Madurai. Write a letter to the manager BNR Regency, Raman Avenue,  Madurai, to find our about the rates for conducting the class 12 farewell party on their lawns. Enquire about the catering costs per head, service charges and advance to be paid.

Ans.

34. Gandhi Road

 Madurai

1st January, 20XX

The Manager

The BNR Regency

10. Raman Avenue

Madurai

Subject: Enquiring about rates for conducting farewell party.

Sir/ Madam

We are interested in conducting a farewell party for students of class 12 on 1st February, 20XX on  the lawns of your hotel. We are a group of 200 students and would like to hire your lawns from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Before finalizing the venue, we would like to know about the rates for conducting the party. Kindly send us the rates for catering cost per head, service charges and advance to be paid. We would also like to view the menu for continental food. Please inform us of the additional costs if any.

Waiting for an early response.

Yours truly

Mahi

REPLYING TO AN ENQUIRY

( Value points for referring to letter of enquiry)

Q. You are Ashis Saraf, Manager, The BNR Regency, Madurai. Write a letter to Mahi, 34. Gandhi Road, Madurai answering his queries about the charges of hiring out your lawns, catering costs per head, service charges and advance to be paid. 

The BNR Regency

Madurai

15th  January, 20XX

34. Gandhi Road

Madurai

Subject: Reply to inquiry about hiring out lawn for party.

Sir

This is with reference to to your letter dated 1st January, 20XX enquiring about the charges for organizing a party at our lawn.

I am glad to inform that our lawn will be available for your party of about 200 people on 1st July, 20XX, as you have specified. The charges for hiring out our lawn is Rs 40,000. The cost of catering per head will be Rs 400/- per head. As you are availing our lawn, services will be free. We would prefer at least 40% of the total cost as down payment. Online payment will be preferred.

Looking forward to an eventful celebration with you. Waiting for an early confirmation.

Yours truly

Asish Saraf

Manager

Reply to letter of enquiry from National Institute of Fashion.

Q. You are the Public Relations officer of the National Institute of Fashion, New Delhi. Write a letter replying to Mahua as she had enquired about course in fashion technology through correspondence.

National Institute of Fashion

 Hauz Khas

 New Delhi-16

1st January, 20XX

2/A Ashoke Vihar

Ranchi

Subject: Replying to enquiry about correspondence course in fashion technology.

Madam

This is in response to your letter dated 1st January, 20XX enquiring about the details of the correspondence course in fashion technology.

It is a 2-year course in fashion technology and designing. The total fees over the two years consists of Rs 5 lakhs to be paid in 6 installments. All study materials will be posted to the registered address. The course includes :

  • Fashion Illustrations.
  • Elements of Design and Application.
  • Fashion Stylization.
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Fashion Retailing, Merchandising and Marketing.
  • Design Collection and Portfolio Building.
  • Apparel Quality and Management.
  • Fashion Art and Design

The course will be covered in four semesters and online exams will be held after every semester. A prospectus is being sent for other related queries.  An application form is attached with this letter. Hoping to hear from you at the earliest.

Yours faithfully

XYZ

Public Relations officer

LETTER FOR PLACING AN ORDER

Q. You are Harsh/ Harshita, the student in-charge of the school library. You have been asked to place an order for children’s story books (10-14yrs). Write a letter to Kolkata Book Depot, College Street, Kolkata placing an order for the books. Invent necessary details. Your address will be Delhi Public School, Rajarhat, Kolkata.

DelhiPublic School

Rajarhat, Kolkata

15th January. 20XX

The Sales Manager

Kolkata Book Depot

College Street, Kolkata

Subject: Placing an order for children’s books.

Sir

We are going begin a new kid’s section in our school library for which we need some children’s story books. The list is as follows:

Sl. No.Name of bookNo. of copies
1.   2.   3.     4.     5.Panchatantra   Jataka Tales   Journey to the Centre of the Earth   Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone   Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban5   5   5     5     5    

Please ensure that the books are of the latest edition. We want you to send the books by 15th February, 20XX. We would make the payment in cheque once the bboks are delivered. As the order is in bulk , we hope to get a good discount.

Hoping to hear from you at the earliest.

Yours truly

Harshita

Student incharge

Q, Write a letter to the manager of The Taj, Mumbai, asking him to reserve a 15 double-bed rooms for a group of 30 students in the month of February. You are Rohini/ Rohit of B/202 Atis Enclave, Ashoka Path, Shimla.

B/202 Atis Enclave

 Ashoka Lane, Shimla

15th January, 20XX

The Manager

The Taj

Mumbai

Subject: Reservation of rooms.

Sir

We would like to reserve fifteen double-bed rooms for a group of thirty students in your hotel from 4th February, 20XX to 8th February,20XX.

We require 10 non-A/C double bed rooms. We would also like to avail complimentary breakfast if available. Please inform us about the availability of rooms for the period. Also send us the details of room rent and additional charges if any.

Waiting for your early reply.

Yours faithfully

Rohini

LETTER OF CANCELLATION OF ORDER

Q. You are Anshu/ Anshuma from Mac Garments, Shop No. -34, Manali Complex, Shimla. You placed an order with Shyam Textiles, Mangalore for the supply of 200 T-shirts. But the firm has delayed the execution of the order. Write a letter to the sales manager, cancelling the order.

[ Reference to the previous communication(letter ) is essential.]

Ans.

Mac Garments

Shop No. -34, Manali Complex

Shimla

30th October, 20XX

The Sales Manager

Shyam Textiles

Mangalore

Subject: Cancellation of order for T-shirts.

Sir/ Madam

We had placed an order with your firm, ref. Order No. – 2528 dated  5th October, 20XX for 200 T-shirts to be delivered by 10th October, 20XX.

Till date we have not received the goods, nor have we heard from you. Due to your failure to send the shipment within the time agreed upon, we hereby cancel the said order. In case the goods arrive, we shall be unable to accept them.

We shall also be forced to reconsider any further business relations with your company.

We look forward to a prompt reply from your side.

Yours truly

Anshu

Q. You had ordered 400 watches from Quartzer Watch Co., Juhu, Mumbai. The shipment of 100 smartwatches was received by your shop two days ago. However a serious delay in delivery and sub-standard goods have caused disappointment to your most valued customers. Write a letter to the sales manager of Quartzer Watch Co. informing them that you are returning the assignment and cancelling the order. You are Sohan / Sohini, the Proprietor of Sohini Watches, A. G. Road, Lucknow.

Sohini   watches

A. G. Watches

Lucknow

15th July, 20XX

The Sales Manager

Quartzer Watch Co.

 Juhu, Mumbai.

Subject: Cancellation and returning of order for smartwatches.

Sir

We had placed an order on June 1st, 20XX with your firm, ref. Order No. -1028, expected to be delivered on 20th June. The order of 100 smartwatches was delivered two weeks ago, on 2nd July. 20XX.

We regret to inform you that the extreme delay in shipment coupled with the substandard quality of goods have caused disappointment to our valued customers. Thus, we have decided to return the goods and cancel the order.

We have lso been forced to reconsider any further business relations with your company.

Looking forward to prompt reply.

Yours faithfully

Sohini

Proprietor

LETTER OF COMPLAINT

[Para 1 :- Reference

Para 2 :- Problems / Defects

Para 3 :- Seek Redressal]

Q. Ms Vinita Verma, HOD English, St. Vincent School, Patna had placed an order with Electra Electronics, Dadra, Nagpur for purchasing 10  recording equipments for the English Lab. When the parcel was received, she observed that only 8 recorders were sent and three of them are not functioning. Write a letter of complaint.

St. Vincent’s School

Patna

16th July, 20XX

The Sales Manager

Electra Electronics

Dadra, Nagpur

Subject: Complaint about incomplete and defective order.

Sir

This is with reference to the order of 10 recorders, order no. 9187, dated 1st July, 20XX. The shipment was received on 14th July.

We had placed on order for ten recorders. On receiving the shipment, we found that only 8 recorders had been sent. On further inspection, 3 recorders were found to be defective. Thus, we have decided to return the parcel.

We would like a replacement of the order by 25th July, 20XX. Please ensure that all ten recorders are of good quality.

Looking forward to a prompt reply.

Yours sincerely

 Vinita Verma

HOD, English

For CIVIC ISSUES

Begin with- This is to ring to your notice…

Q. Write a letter to the police commissioner (Traffic) complaining about the inadequate parking facilities in the commercial street of Chennai, which is causing a lot of inconvenience to the people. You may also offer some suggestions to correct this problem. You are Hitesh/ Hervi, C/12, Dover Road, Chennai.

C/12, Dover Road

Chennai

16th July, 20XX

The Police Commissioner

Chennai

Subject: Inadequate Parking facilities.

Sir

This is to bring to your notice that the parking facilities of Chennai in the commercial streets are inadequate in proportion to requirement.

This problem causes a lot of inconvenience for the common people and the traffic management. Due to lack of parking areas, cars and two-wheelers alike are found to be parked on the roadside, which leads to congestion of roads and traffic jams. Oddly parked vehicles also pose a danger as they increase the chances of accidents. The precious time of the citizens of Chennai are spent on finding parking space and on traffic jams.

This situation can be improved by building multi-storeyed parking lots, which will utilize less space and give more parking area. Use of public transport should be encouraged to decrease the number of vehicles on the roads of Chennai. Traffic police must also take strict action against parking of vehicles in non-parking zones.

Looking forward to prompt action towards betterment of the city.

Yours sincerely

Hitesh

A Birdie Song

Posted on by Sumita Tah
Photo by Joyston Judah

Knock, knock, knock on my window pane,
I wondered who could it be.
I opened my eyes to see a bird, from a nearby tree.
She knocked the pane as if to ask,
‘My dear, how do you do?’
She was pretty with a little turf and wings green and blue.
I told her I was fine and, asked how was she;
With rolling eyes and chirping sound,
She told something to me.
I understood that she meant good,
And wished her a happy day.
She flew away with her vibrant wings,
But left me feeling gay.
The little things that come across each moment of our lives,
Are priceless gifts as memories that helps us to thrive.

A  Thing of Beauty -Synopsis and explanation

Posted on by Sumita Tah

                                        by   John Keats    

John Keats (1795- 1821) was an English, second generation poet alongside P.B. Shelly and Lord Byron. His lyrical poetry was known for its vivid imagery and sensuous appeal. He died in Rome at a young age of 25 years due to tuberculosis. The romantic poets believed in ‘ a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings’ and returned to nature for inspiration. ‘A thing of beauty is joy forever’ is the beginning of his poem ‘Endymion: A Poetic Romance’ which is a long poetry of 4000 words. This poem reflects his eternal love for beauty as he says in “Ode on a Grecian Urn’ – ‘ beauty is truth, truth beauty, that’s all yee know on earth and that’s all yee need to know’. Endymion is based on a Greek legend in which Endymion a poet and a shepherd who lived on Mt. Latmos has a vision of Cynthia, the moon goddess. He pursues her in search of beauty which is the perpetual search for mankind.

A THING OF BEAUTY – John Keats

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read:
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

Synopsis:

A beautiful thing can cause immense joy in a person’s soul that lasts forever. This pleasure will be there for a lifetime, irrespective of the fact that the beautiful thing passes out of sight with time. This joy never disappears; rather, the effect goes on advancing as the time passes. A beautiful thing has the ability to provide relaxation, peace of mind, good sleep and also has the power to heal. Beauty refreshes ones soul and rejuvenates it. People may be surrounded by negativities: they may be disappointed due to failures, therefore grow jealous of others. They lack in good human qualities and often take up wrong ways to realize their ambitions. But, in spite of all these things which cause suffering, beauty in some form or the other comes to our rescue and helps us in overcoming misery and sadness. These are the reasons we try to be close to nature, as the beauty of nature has a soothing effect upon us.

 We also try to create beautiful memories everyday and cherish them, so that we can continue to live on.  The poet gives a list of beautiful things which are found in nature like the sun, the moon, trees providing shade, daffodils, clear rills and musk rose blooms. He adds another thing to the list of beautiful things. Keats talks about the grandeur which is associated with people whose deeds were heroic. They are dead now, but the actions which they performed in their lifetime have become legends. Their stories inspire people and give meaning to their lives. The poet repeats the idea of permanent impressions left by the things of beauty on people’s minds. He says that beauty gives eternal joy (immortal drink) which continues to encourage and inspire people endlessly (endless fountain). The divine influence showers its grace on people who are living on this earth.  

Explanation of the poem

A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Its loveliness increases, it will never

Pass into nothingness, but will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

The poet says that the joy a beautiful thing gives is everlasting, though the beauty of the thing may diminish. It increases as we talk or think about it and does not go off with passing time. In fact it keeps a soothing shade in our minds which will help us to get peaceful sleep with sweet dreams resulting in good health.

Bower- shaded place

Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the earth,

Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth

Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,

Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways

Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,

Some shape of beauty moves away the pall

From our dark spirits.

The poet continues that everyday we make a flowery band of beautiful memories which help us to tie ourselves up with the earth. We try to inspire ourselves through the beauty that exists in nature as we need good memories to keep living on in this earth despite its disappointments and failures. The earth lacks in good qualities and people adopt wrong ways to succeed resulting in unhappiness. This gloom is made by us for ourselves. It is the memories of beauty that help us survive in this gloomy earth by removing the dullness from our spirits.

Such the sun, the moon,

Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon

For simple sheep; and such are daffodils

With the green world they live in; and clear rills

That for themselves a cooling covert make

‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,

Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;

Here the poet lists a few things of beauty which brings happiness in our lives. The sun, moon, old  and young trees giving shade to sheep, the daffodils amidst greenery and the cooling streams in hot summers, the fragrant musk roses are some of the blessings showered on the inhabitants of the earth.

And such too is the grandeur of the dooms                    

We have imagined for the mighty dead;

All lovely tales that we have heard or read;

An endless fountain of immortal drink,

Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink

The poet adds to the list of blessings the grandeur of the deeds of the mighty people who are now dead. The tales of their grand deeds inspire us forever. All these things of beauty and experiences give us joy that is never-ending and nectar-like. These bounties of nature are showered on us from the heaven giving us hope and reason to live.

Word meanings

Bower – shaded place

Morrow – tomorrow

Wreathing – form into a wreath

Despondence – depressed, disappointed, dispirited

Dearth – lack of

Noble natures – good qualities

Gloomy – sad

Pall – funeral cloth, dark cloud

Boon – blessing

Rills – small stream

Mid forest brake – a place in the forest where we stop to see musk-rose blooms

Musk rose – wild roses

Grandeur – grand splendor

Dooms – inescapable death

Mighty dead – the legendary heroes who are now dead but immortal due to their deeds

Endless fountain – never–ending cascade or source

Immortal drink – nectar that makes one live forever

Brink – edge

Rhyme scheme

The rhyme scheme of the poem is – aabb

Literary devices

Bower quite – shade is compared with the calmness that beauty provides

We wreathing – alliteration

Flowery band – metaphor for good memories

Some shape – alliteration

Of noble… / of all … – anaphora ( use of same word in consecutive lines)

Inversion – are we wreathing a flowery band ( reversed order of words)

Old and young – antithesis  (opposite words placed together)

Simple sheep – alliteration

Cooling covert – alliteration

Have heard – alliteration

Immortal drink – metaphor (beautiful things are like nectar- giving immortality)

Visual imagery is used in the entire description of things of beauty.

 REPORT WRITING

Posted on by Sumita Tah

                                                            

 Reports – A report is a form of writing that presents information in an organised manner for a specific audience and purpose. It concisely presents facts and findings of an event that one has heard, investigated, or observed. Reports are written in specific formats.

 Types of Reports

 There are two types of reports: 

  1. Newspaper
  2. Magazine

In CBSE class 12 ‘Report writing’ comes as a long answer type question in Section B of the question paper and carries – 05 marks in the writing section. 

Prescribed word limit –120 – 150 words.

 CBSE Report writing- Marking scheme:

Format – 1M

Content – 2M

Expression – 2M

Report writing questions are of three types:

  1. Descriptive
  2. Analytical
  3. Based on given hints or inputs

Tips for Report writing:

  1. Should be brief and follow specifications and format
  2. Should be well structured, logical and coherent
  3. Should be presented in a consistent orderly manner
  4. Information should be analysed and presented with facts if required
  5. Should be free of grammatical, spelling and lexical errors
  6. Conclusion should round up the matter without leaving any loose threads.
  7. Must be in past tense
  8. Passive voice is used
  9. Short sentences should be preferred.
  10. Try to jot down the points in rough before writing.

  FORMAT OF REPORT

Newspaper Report

  1. Headline- A descriptive title that expresses the contents.
  2. By line- Reporter’s name along with the designation.(generally provided; no personal details)
  3. Place and date of reporting- New Delhi; 22nd March.20XX:
  4. Introduction- Brief overview of the report including the expansion of headline.
  5. Body- It is generally written in two parts: First, complete account of what happened in its chronological sequence (preferably) What , When, Where, How (eg- Reason in case of accidents / Proceedings I case of events) and second -Reaction of people and authorities (messages from guests) ,Eyewitness account
  6. Conclusion- This will include the action that has been taken so far or that will be taken, Compensation and inquiry (for accidents). It is the last paragraph.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Newspaper report- ones which are published in newspapers.

                                                                 Headline

                                                                            By- Reporter’s name and designation

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Magazine Report

  1. Heading– A descriptive title
  2. By line- without personal (usually provided in the question).
  3. Introduction – It may include the ‘5 Ws’ namely, WHAT, WHY, WHEN, and WHERE along with WHO was invited as the chief guest.
  4. Body – It is the main paragraph which may be split in two if required. It should describe the event in proper sequence.
  5. Conclusion– This paragraph winds up the event. It may include quote excerpts from the Chief Guest’s speech or other relevant quotes.

        __________________________________________________________________________________________

Magazine reports – these are generally written for school/ college magazines

                                                                 Heading

                                                                              Report by- Reporter’s name

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Difference between Magazine and Newspaper Report

                 NEWSPAPER REPORT                  MAGAZINE REPORT
HeadlineHeading
Byline with designationByline
Date and placeIntroduction
IntroductionDescription of event
Description of the event with views of witnessConclusion
Conclusion

Q 1. You are Mira Bhatt, a PTI (Press Trust of India) correspondent. You got the information about a building collapse in Chennai. Write a report. (150 – 200 words)

Hints: 150 feared dead – 6 storey building collapsed – fire brigade on duty – 50 admitted to hospital – rescue operations still on – many still trapped inside the debris

  150 FEARED DEAD IN CHENNAI BUILDING COLLAPSE

– Mira Bhatt , newspaper correspondent

Chennai; 10th April, 20XX: 150 people are feared dead as a six-storeyed building in Kagaznagar suddenly collapsed yesterday. Heavy downpours during the last few days resulted in the loosening of soil in the area. The building had been under the scanner of the authorities due to faulty construction. Notice for vacating the building had been issued but the building collapsed before it could be vacated due to incessant rain.

The fire brigade arrived immediately within 10 minutes of this accident. The rescue operation started in a hurry but provided timely and responsible help to the victims. In spite of this, 100 dead bodies have been admitted to the nearby government hospital. It is feared that 40 – 45 people might still be trapped inside the debris and the rescue team is constantly working to search for them. The fire- brigade is being assisted by local young volunteers from various non-governmental organisations. The assistance of the army has been sought to find out the people who are buried inside the debris.

The owners of this construction company have been arrested on the charges of negligence of norms during construction. The state chief minister visited the site and has assured complete justice to the victims.

Q2. Cultural Society of Sunrise Public School Ghaziabad organized an adult literary camp in its neighbourhood. Write a report in 150- 200 words on this campus for the school newsletter. You are Secretary, Amit / Amrita.

           ADULT LITERACY CAMP

                                                                                           Report by Amrita

Keeping in mind the importance of ‘Education for All’, the Cultural Society of Sunshine Public School organised a month-long Adult literacy camp from 1st  November, 20XX to 1st December,20XX in an endeavour to bring the gift of literacy to those who were denied of it in their childhood.

The camp was inaugurated by the state education minister Sri Jagarnath Mahato who appreciated the efforts of the organisers and volunteers.  A total of 30 volunteers, comprising of both teachers and students of classes XI and XII, took the responsibility of making the camp successful. The camp was supervised by the Cultural Society Members. Classes were held within the school premises every day from 5pm to 7pm. About 200 participants enrolled for the Adult Literacy camp. Books, copies and writing equipment were donated by Ajanta Book Store.

The eager learners participated in the learning programme with enthusiasm. They expressed their gratitude to the organisers and said that the learning programme was the best gift that they received. Every participant learnt to sign their names and learnt to read and write which would make their lives easier.   

The event came to an end with the closing ceremony in which the Adult learners presented songs and a skit related to the benefits of literacy. The principal wound up the event with the inspirational quote –‘There is no going back in life, but one can always make a new start for a bright future.’

Q 3. You are cultural Secretary of Cambrian World School, Pune.  Recently there was a felicitation ceremony arranged for the high achievers of the school in different fields. Write a report for your school magazine in 150 – 200 words. You are Hritik / Ritika.

                                  FELICITATION CEREMONY FOR HIGH FLIERS

                                                                                                            Report by Ritika

It was a memorable day for Cambrian World School, Pune. When excellence got rewarded, amidst great applause on 15th May, 20XX. It was the occasion of felicitation ceremony for of achievers of the school in various fields.

The occasion was graced by Mr. XYZ,( Education Minister) as the Chief Guest. It was a fun –filled and entertaining event as preparations had been going on for weeks. The ceremony was made special with a theme-based cultural program. The theme was based on willpower and named ‘Fortitude’. The students who performed with excellence in different fields in the academic year 20XX- ‘XX, were awarded. The achievers were from the field of academics, sports, art, music and dance. Honourable chief guest gave away medals and certificates to each of the achievers. It was a red-letter day for the winners as it gave them confidence to excel in their own fields and aim higher. It also inspired the other students to perform better as they were motivated to be awarded in future. The chief guest, on the occasion congratulated each prize winner and expressed his satisfaction with the manner in which the school was shaping the future of its students in a positive way.  The Principal of the school Mr. ABC, gave the entire credit to the teachers, students and parents, whose determination and hard work resulted in their brilliant performance and success. All the 255 students awarded were the pride of the school and the Principal promised to provide all possible facilities for their future improvement.

A dance drama based on the theme of determination and perseverance was well suited to the day and appreciated by all.   There was contentment and joy in each and every face during the ceremony. The program came to an end with the hope of a brighter future for the students of the school.

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