HSC English February 2016 SET B Board Paper with solution.
ENGLISH- (01) (12 Pages) Max. Marks : 80
SECTION-A
(Reading Skill, Grammar, Vocabulary, Note-making and Summary)
Q. 1. (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions given 15 below: (11 Marks)
Questions :
(1) What issue is raised in the above extract? (1)
Ans. The above extract raises the issue related to city planning that every city needs to have proper planning in order to develop and for proper function.
(2) What are the requirement of a good city? (2)
Ans. The first requirement for a city is a pragmatic plan. This plan should be regularly updated and implemented in proper order and it also requires a good social infrastructure like parks and places for leisure.
(3) Why is it necessary to update our city development plan? (2)
Ans. Development plans need to be updated for the following reasons.
(i) In order to improve upon the deficiency in the previous plan.
(ii) In order to suit the changing needs of its people.
(4) Do you think unplanned cities make the life of its people miserable? How? (2)
Ans. Yes, I do agree with the given statement this is because, the unplanned cities would cause many chaos. The lives of people become uncomfortable. Unplanned cities lack proper transport facilities, drainage system, roads, etc.
(5) Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:
(i) A city must provide equity and also be sustainable. [Rewrite the sentence using ‘not only ........... but also’] (1)
Ans. A city must not only provide equity but also be sustainable.
(ii) Many of our cities have good master plans. [Frame a Wh question to get the underlined part as its answer) (1)
Ans. What do many of our cities have?
(iii) I needs to preserve and protect its heritage. [Identify the tense used in the sentence] (1)
Ans. Simple present tense.
(6) Find out from the extract the words which mean the following:
(i) practical (ii) blend
Ans. (i) pragmatic (ii) amalgamation
(B) Grammar: Do as directed: (4)
(i)Rewrite the following sentence by inserting the appropriate articles wherever necessary :
I read interesting story from Mahabharata. (1)
Ans. I read an interesting story from the Mahabharata.
(ii) Rewrite the following sentence using the appropriate prepositions :
One of the things that distinguishes man....... other animals is the power........... speech. (1)
Ans. One of the things that distinguishes man from other animals is the power of speech.
(iii) Change the following into indirect speech:
Mother said, “Sunita, what did you buy from the market?” She said, “I bought a dictionary.”
Ans. Mother asked Sunita what she had bought from the market. Sunita replied that she had bought a dictionary.
Q. 2. (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions given below: [11 marks]
(1) What conclusions did the researchers arrive at?
Ans. Researchers concluded that the earth could actually withstand up to 2,00,000 times the current population. It means the earth is capable of comfortably sustaining a population several times the current 6.5 billion.
(2) How does the writer explain that the fertility is one of the decline?
Ans. The writer points out that though population has grown, the rate of growth has fallen sharply. Twenty years ago, the UN projected that population would reach 11.16 billion in 2050, today they say it will reach only 9.37 billion.
(3) What does the extract predict about the fear of scarcity of food?
Ans. The extract predict about the fear of scarcity of food is, it is baseless as global food production will be sufficient to keep up with population growth. Even then people starve in many countries it is not because food is becoming scarce; it is because those people cannot afford it.
(4) How will population become a gift in the global market scene?
Ans. When there is the growth in population, there will be more efficiency in global market. More and more people work hard to bring economic stability. Thus, the population become a gift in the global market scene.
(5) Rewrite the following sentences in the says instructed:
(i) The earth could withstand upto 2,00,000 times the current population. (Rewrite the sentence using the modal auxillary showing ‘certainty’)
Ans. The earth will withstand upto 2,00,00 times the current population.
(ii) The earth would be too hot to be habitable. (Remove ‘too’ and rewrite the sentences)
Ans. the earth would be so hot that it wouldn’t be habitable.
(iii) These resources are being used. (Rewrite the sentence beginning with, ‘We .......’)
Ans. We are using these resources.
(6) Write the antonyms of:
(i) habitable (ii) stabilize
Ans. (i) inhabitable (ii) destabilize
Q. 2. (B) Note - making.
Ans. Computer Assisted Language Learning Materials
Formats
|
Advantages
|
Disadvantages
|
CD / DVD ROMs
and Web-based
|
(a) Content tailored for classroom use
(b) can be used independently
(c) can work at your pace
(d) offers opportunity to participate in other computer assisted activities.
(e) can be updated
(f) offers instant feedback
(g) offer a variety through the use of hyperlinks.
|
(i) can be repetitive
(ii) limited feedback
(iii) frustrating feedback
(iv) perpetuates stereotypes.
|
Q. 3. A. Read the following extract and answer the question given below: (11 marks)
1. What is the above extract about?
Ans. The above extract is about the occurring of floods in India. Floods are the most occurring natural calamity in India which bring about destruction of life and property.
2. How do floods adversely affect India?
Ans. In India, Heavy rains and floods account for nearly 1, 700 lives lost annually and also wipe out nearly 96,000 livestock. On an average, 7.21 million hectares (roughly 72,000 sq. km.) go under floodwater. This water typically ravages 3.78 million hectare of agricultural land, damaging crops worth Rs. 1, 118 crore annually.
3. Why is it not possible to provide absolute protection to all flood - prone areas?
Ans. It is not possible to provide absolute protection instantly to all flood - prone areas because such an attempt will neither be practical not economically viable.
4. How would you help the flood affected people?
Ans. We can help the flood - affected people by organizing a fun collection drive. We can also collect food items and clothings to be sent to the flood affected areas.
5. Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:
(i) The floods of 1978 were the most destructive. (Change the sentence into the ‘positive degree’. )
Ans. No other floods were as destructive as the floods of 1978.
Ii. Floods are the most recurrent natural calamity hitting India almost every year. (Make it a complex sentence)
Ans. Floods are the most recurrent natural calamity which hit India almost every year.
OR
Floods which hit India almost every year, are the most recurrent natural calamity.
(iii) Floods have been far more destructive. (Rewrite the sentence using the simple present tense).
Ans. Floods are far more destructive.
6. Give the meaning of
(i) entire (ii) calamity
Ans. (i) entire = whole / complete
(ii) calamity = disaster / danger.
3. (B) Write a brief summary of the above extract with the help of the points given below and suggest a suitable title. (4 marks)
Ans. Floods: A deadly natural calamity.
The above extract is about the occurring of floods in India. Floods are the most occurring natural calamity in India which bring about destruction of life and property. In India, Heavy rains and floods account for nearly 1, 700 lives lost annually and also wipe out nearly 96,000 livestock. On an average, 7.21 million hectares (roughly 72,000 sq. km.) go under floodwater. This water typically ravages 3.78 million hectare of agricultural land, damaging crops worth Rs. 1, 118 crore annually. It is not possible to provide absolute protection instantly to all flood - prone areas because such an attempt will neither be practical not economically viable.
SECTION B POETRY.
Q. 4. A. Read the following extract and answer the questions given below: (4 marks)
1. What should be your reaction towards gossips and lies?
Ans. We should not give in to gossips and lies. We should not even pay attention to them. Clearly speaking we should not bother about them.
2. Who are your role models? Why?
Ans. My role model is my parents. Who are very simple and humble in their character. They do not seek praise while in achievements and do not expect sympathy while losing. They are ready to face any challenge which comes across in their life.
3. Give the rhyming pairs of words from the first stanza.
Ans. eyes - lies
Others - brothers
4. Which line is repeated in this extract and what is its effect?
Ans. “You may be the person I am looking for” - This line gives importance of that person to whom the poet is looking for.
Q. 4. B. What revealed the age of the banyan tree?
1. What makes a nation strong?
Ans. Brave men who stand firm for the sake of truth and honor during periods of hardship are what makes a nation strong.
2. According to you, what makes India a strong and powerful nation?
Ans. Any country must overcome many of the economic, social, and political problems before it can be considered a superpower. India is also not yet influential on the international stage as compared to the USA or the former Soviet Union.
3. Write down the rhyme scheme used in the extract.
Ans. Rhyme scheme: abab
4. What does the phrase ‘others fly .....’ mean?
Ans. ‘Others fly ...’ refers to the people who don’t have the courage to face difficult situation and run away from them.
SECTION : C RAPID READING AND COMPOSITION.
Q. 5. A. Read the following extract and rewrite it from the point of view of Daisy, the flower :
[You may begin with: I was very happy ..............]
How happy the daisy was! No one has the least idea. The bird kissed it with its beak, sang to it, and then rose again up to the blue sky. It was certainly more than a quarter of an hour before the daisy recovered its senses. Half ashamed, yet glad at heart, it looked over to the other flowers in the garden; surely they had witnessed its pleasure and the honor that had been done to it; they understood its joy. But the tulips stood more stiffly than ever, their faces were pointed and red, because they were vexed. The peonies were sulky; it was well that they could not speak, otherwise they would have given the daisy a good lecture. The little flower could very well see that they were ill at ease, and pitied them sincerely.
Shortly after this a girl came into the garden, with a large sharp knife. She went to the tulips and began cutting them off, one after another. “Ugh! Sighed the daisy, “that is terrible; now they they are done for.”
The girl carried the tulips away. The daisy was glad that it was outside, and only a small flower - it felt very grateful. At sunset it folded its petals and fell asleep, and dreamt all night of the sun and the little bird.
Ans. I was very happy and nobody has the idea of my happiness. The bird kissed me with its beak, sang to me, then it was rose again up to the blue sky. It was certainly more than a quarter of an hour before I recovered my senses from the kiss of of the bird. I felt ashamed of my feeling while I felt proud to see my other friends in the garden. I am sure that they had witnessed my pleasure and the honour that had been done by the bird to me. They understood my joy. But the tulips stood more stiffly than ever, their faces were pointed and red, because they were vexed. The peonies were sulky; it was well that they could not speak, otherwise they would have given me a good lecture. Me the little flower could very well see that they were ill at ease, and pitted them sincerely.
Shortly after this a girl came into the garden, with a large sharp knife. She went to tulips and began cutting the off, one after another. Oh! What a pity, I was sure that, that was the end of them.
The girl carried the tulips away. I was glad that I was outside, and being a small flower - I felt very grateful. At sunset I folded my petals and fell asleep, and dreamt all night of the sun and the little bird.
Q. 5. B. Read the following extract and convert it into a dialogue between Roma and Herman, the narrator in about 8 to 10 sentences: [4 marks]
[You may begin with: (After dinner by the share at Coney Island Roma and Herman started back by Sid’s car.)
Roma: Where were you during the war, Herman? ]
The four of us drove out to Coney Island. Roma was easy to talk to, easy to be with. Turned out she was wary of blind dates too! We were both just doing our friends a favor. We took a stroll on the boardwalk, enjoying the salty Atlantic breeze, and then had dinner by the shore. I couldn’t remember having a better time.
We piled back into Sid’s car, Roma and I sharing the backseat. As a European Jews who had survived the war, we were aware that much had been left unsaid between us. She broached the subject. “Where were you during the war?” she asked softly.
“The camps. I said the terrible memories still vivid, the irreparable loss. I had tried to forget. But can never forget.
She noded. “My family was hiding on a farm in Germany, not far from Berlin.” she told me. “My father knew a priest, and he got us Aryan papers.”
I magnified how she must have suffered too, fear, a constant companion. And yet here we were both survivors, in a new world.
“There was a camp next to the farm.” Roma continued. “I saw a boy there and I would throw him apples everyday.”
Ans. After dinner by the share at Coney Island Roma and Herman started back by Sid’s car.
Roma : Where were you during the war, Herman?
Herman : The camps.
[Herman’s face showed the terrible experiences he was never able to forget those day]
Roma : Actually, my family were hiding on a farm in Germany, not far from Berlin.
Herman : You must be very lucky to have had that opportunity.
Roma : My father knew a priest and he got us Aryan papers.
Herman : I am sure you too must have had hard times, constantly afraid of being found out.
Roma : Yes, but since I was just a child, I had no sense of fear.
Herman : That’s the blessing of childhood.
Roma : Well, I remember one thing significantly.
Herman : What is that?
Roma : There was a camp next to the farm. I saw a boy there and I would throw him apples everyday.
OR
Q. 5. B. Read the following extract and extend it by adding an imaginary paragraph of your own about 120 words: [4 marks]
Nearly seven months later, my brothers and I were crammed into a coal car and shipped to Theresienstadt camp in Czechoslovakia.
"Don't return," I told the girl that day. "We're leaving."
I turned toward the barracks and didn't look back, didn't even say good-bye to the girl whose name I'd never learned ... the girl with the apples.
We were in Theresienstadt for three months. The war was winding down and Allied forces were closing in, yet my fate seemed sealed. On May 10, 1945, I was scheduled to die in the gas chamber at 10:00 AM.
Ans. In the quiet of dawn, I tried to prepare myself. So many times death seemed ready to claim me, but somehow I'd survived. Now, it was over. I thought of my parents. At least, I thought, we will be reunited.
At 8 A.M. there was a commotion. I heard shouts, and saw people running every which way through camp. I caught up with my brothers.
Russian troops had liberated the camp! The gates swung open. Everyone was running, so I did too.
Amazingly, all of my brothers had survived; I'm not sure how. But I knew that the girl with the apples had been the key to my survival. In a place where evil seemed triumphant, one person's goodness had saved my life, had given me hope in a place where there was none. My mother had promised to send me an angel, and the angel had come.
Eventually I made my way to England where I was sponsored by a Jewish charity, put up in a hostel with other boys who had survived the Holocaust and trained in electronics. Then I came to America, where my brother Sam had already moved.
Q. 6. A. Letter Writing:
(1) Write an application in response to the following advertisement using information given in the CV provided:
Ans.
Suhas Randive,
105, Roshan Apartment,
L. T. Road,
Pune - 11.
27th February, 2017.
The Proprietor,
Ganesh Electronics,
M.G. Road,
Solapur.
Subject: Application for the post of Salesman.
Reference: Advertisement in Mumbai Times.
Dear Sir,
With reference to your advertisement in Mumbai Times dated 26th February, 2016 for the post of an English Speaking Salesman for an electronic showrooms, in the Solapur I wish to apply for the same.
I am young and energetic man, 25 years old, well qualified and looking for a job with better prospects. I am eager to join your showroom. I would like to add my knowledge with experience. I am a first class Arts graduate from Pune University and subsequently did a diploma in electronics. I have a good communication skill. My English is so fluent that sometime I myself wondered about me. With my knowledge of electronics, I feel confident that I will be able to sell your products successfully. I have three years experience as a salesman, having worked at a textile shop, which is an added qualification. Apart from sales, I have other interests. I enjoy travelling around the country, photography is my passion and I also enjoy reading.
I am eagerly awaiting for you interview call. If given the opportunity to work with you, I assure you that I will do my best to increase the Sales as well as overall activities and thus give you utmost satisfaction. I look forward to a favourable interview call. I have enclosed xerox copy of all my education certificate for your reference.
Thank you,
Yours faithfully,
Suhas Randive.
Encl: Xerox copy of Educational Certificates.
OR
(2) Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper highlighting in it the importance of cleanliness and the need of public participation in the cleanliness drive in your district.
7G, Rainbow colony,
M.G. Road,
Dharavi,
Mumbai - 400017.
7th March, 2017.
The Editor,
The Times of India,
Mumbai - 400001.
Subject : Importance of Cleanliness. Public participation in ‘Cleanliness Drive’.
Respected Sir,
Our area ‘Dharavi’ is mostly filled with dirty and untidy state of things. The roads were damp, the streets unswept. Garbage bins are often overflowing and many people seem to lack any civic sense. They continue to litter the place, despite being reminded of their civic responsibilities through banners and posters.
It is the duty of us, to take up the issue of cleanliness in a practical way. So a ‘Cleanliness Drive’ is being organized by the ‘Earth Society’ on 10th March, 2017 from 9.00 am onwards all participants will meet at ‘Indian Bank’, 90 Feet Road, Dharavi. Cleanliness is the need of the society, so we will make this appeal to the public. All are welcome to participate in this drive to make it a huge success.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
XYZ.
Q. 6. B. Write on any ONE of the following items as directed:
(1) Write a short tourist leaflet on a place of historical importance with the help of the following points: [Click here for Answer]
(i) How to reach there?
(ii) Where to Stay?
(iii) Historical importance of the place.
(iv) Shopping Attraction.
(v) Add your own points.
OR
(2) Read the following headlines of news items. Choose any ONE of them and write the dateline, intro and a short continuing paragraph:
(i) 4 killed, 20 injured in a road mishap.
(ii) Auto - rickshaw drivers on strike.
Ans. 4 killed, 20 injured in a road mishap.
By a Staff Reporter
Mumbai, March 7
Four members of a family, including two women, were killed on the spot and 20 other people were injured, when their tractor trolley was hit by an unidentified truck at Mumbai - Pune highway, police said.
The victims were returning to Mumbai after attending a family function at Pune when the incident occurred last night. The deceased were identified. 20 others were injured in the accident. All were rushed to a nearby hospital where the 4 were declared dead on arrival and the injured are being treated. 5 of them are in intensive case and very critical. The others had minor injuries.
Ans. Auto - Rickshaw drivers on Strike.
By a Staff Reporter
Mumbai, March 7
The auto - rickshaw drivers association has called for an All - Mumbai strike on 12th March, 2017 to protest against the recent hike in petrol, diesel and gas prices. They also protest against the take over by Multinational Companies in the transport sector.
The Union Leader, Mr. Amin claims that the hike in prices with no hike in auto - rickshaw fare is not right. Auto - rickshaw drivers will therefore take their vehicles off the road till the government takes note of their proposal.
Q6. C. Write any one of the following items. [4 Marks]
(1) Read the following tabular data and write a short paragraph regarding ‘The vacant seats in the Engineering and Pharmacy college’ :
Courses
|
Intake capacity
|
Vacant seats
|
Engineering:
| ||
Degree
|
1, 55, 102
|
42, 497
|
Diploma
|
1, 65, 413
|
55, 107
|
Post - graduation
|
13, 651
|
1, 810
|
Pharmacy:
| ||
Degree
|
9, 712
|
924
|
Diploma
|
12, 959
|
1, 771
|
Post - graduation
|
5, 296
|
3, 506
|
Ans. ‘The vacant seats in the Engineering and Pharmacy college’
Engineering colleges have degree, diploma and Post graduation courses. The table shows that out of total 1, 55, 102 seats in the Degree course, 42, 497 remain vacant. In the Diploma course, 55, 107 seats out of 1, 65, 413 remain vacant and in the post graduation course out of total 13, 651 seats only 1810 are vacant. Pharmacy colleges also have degree, diploma and post graduation course. The number of vacant seats here are much less 924 out of 9, 712 in the degree course are vacant. 1771 seats out of a total of 12959 on the diploma course are vacant. Finally in the post graduation course a large number of seats are vacant 3506 out of 5296.
OR.
(2) Write short paragraph in about 120 words to be used for the Counter - View section on the following topic:
“Science and Technology development have helped us in all walks of life”.
You may take help of the following points from the View section.
Ans.
Science and technology development are not at all useful for mankind. It has made life so discomfort that nobody has some time to think about themselves. Man was quite contented with life before the development of science and technology. Agricultural production increased with the decline in quality of goods. Life being lengthened along with various diseases. World is brought closer through various safer and faster communication and transport systems but nobody has some time to spend with their own family members. Modes of entertainment has increased tremendously but the physical activities have been decreased to a lot.
Q. 7. Answer the following questions as per instructions:
(A) Imagine you have to interview an old woman who lives in an ‘old - age home’. Write a set of 8 to 10 questions for the interview. You may take help of the following points: [4 marks]
Ans. Good morning, you look very happy in this home and am glad to see you in good health.
(1) Whee does your family live?
(2) Do they visit you often?
(3) How many children and grandchildren do you have?
(4) Why did they put you in an old - age home?
(5) What’s the environment like here?
(6) What would an average day here look like?
(7) Are you happy with the treatment here?
(8) What’s the most challenging part to you?
(9) What would you like us to do in order to make you your life more meaningful?
(10) What advice would you give to young people wanting to put their parents in an old age home?
Q. 7. (B) Imagine you have to give a speech on the topic ‘India’s Changing Villages’. Write a speech on it about 100 words. [3 marks]
Ans.
India’s Changing Villages.
India is a land of villages. It is said that real India lives in villages. About seventy per cent of its population lives in villages. India is undergoing revolutionary changes. Its villages are not untouched by those changes.
The changes are reflected in every walk of life. These changes have been brought by various agents. These include science, technology, and spread of education, advent of media in rural areas, industrialisation, urbanisation and migration. Hence the lifestyle, attitude and thinking have changed greatly in rural India. In fact these factors have combined to change the ritualistic rural society into a dynamic society.
Once upon a time Caste-based division has been prominently visible in rural India. But things are rapidly changing now. People do not care for any such distinction. There is an interdependence existence in society. There is a close interaction of people of different castes, creeds and religions, among them for various purposes. The outlook of the villagers has undergone sea change. They have begun to see things in broader context. This is a good sign.