ENGLISH: 2015 (Solved)

1. Choose the correct answer

a. When Bruno was brought back from the Mysore Zoo he was

i. Fifteen months old

ii. Fourteen months old

iii. Thirteen months old

Ans: i. Fifteen months old

b. When Framton Nuttel made a desperate attempt to turn the conversation to a less
ghastly topic, Mrs Saplleton:

i. Gave him complete attention

ii. Kept looking beyond him at the open window

iii. Looked at him in utter confusion

Ans: ii. Kept looking beyond him at the open window

c. Mr tapson expelled Megan from the school because

i. Megan refused to give her child for adoption.

ii. he did not want the name of his school to malign.

iii. He could not allow the pupils who were taking their exams to be disturbed.

Ans: iii. He could not allow the pupils who were taking their exams to be disturbed.

d. The passenger in the coach were completely silent because

i. They were all afraid of being exposed to police spies.

ii. They were all police spies.

iii. They were antagonistic towards one another.

Ans: i. They were all afraid of being exposed to police spies.

e. Maria Sharapova speaks

i. Russian with a distinct English accent.

ii. English with a distinct American accent.

iii. Siberian with a distinct Russian accent.

Ans: ii. English with a distinct American accent.

2. State True or False:

a. Maria Sharapova had to undergo three years of hard-wrenching separation from her
mother. (False)

b. Promodini used pen and paper in order to answer complicated questions. (True)

c. Mr Sappleton and his brother-in-law carried guns under their arms when they entered
their house. (True)

d. Megan took an instant dislike to Mr Tapson. (True)

e. The narrator was becoming hostile and uneasy with her parent’s slow progress towards
the frontier. (False)

3. Fill in the blanks with the correct words.

a. The distant blast of …………. rent the silence. (whistle/ rent)

Ans: Whistle

b. I hope Vira has been ………………. you,” she said. (amusing/ entertaining)

Ans: Amusing

ii. English with a distinct American accent.

d. Few would grudge Maria the ……….. she is now reaping. (wealth/ riches)

Ans: Riches

4. Read the extract and answer the question that follow:

a. “Instaed of letting that depress me, I became more quietly determined and mentally
tough.”

i. Who is the speaker of the above lines?

Ans: Maria Sharapova is the speaker.

ii. What is the speaker reffering to?

Ans: The speaker of referring to the difficult times of separation from her parents and bullying of
the seniors in the tennis institute.

iii. What is the result of his/ her determination?

Ans: Her endurance and sincerity paid her to become the world number in the woman Tennis

b. “She has been very interesting.”

i. Who is she?

Ans: She is Vira

ii. Who is the speaker of the line?

Ans: The speaker is Framton Nuttel.

iii. How had she been interesting?

Ans: She had entertained Nuttle in the absence of her aunt.

c. But the young man had not the slightest difficulty in understanding them.

i. Who is the young man?

Ans: Mr. David is the young man.

ii. Who are ‘them’?

Ans: Them refers to Mr. and Mrs Bhandari

iii. How did he communicate with them?

Ans: He communicated with them through gestures.

5. a) Where was Maria Sharapova born? How old was she when reached the summit of
women’s tennis? Why was she willing to put up with the humiliation and insults? What are
the qualities which helped her succeed?

Ans: Maria was born in Siberia, Russia. She was eighteen years old when she reached the
summit of women’s tennis.

She was willing put up with humiliation and insult because she has a clear destiny that
she wants to pursue, that is to become the best women tennis player.

Her qualities of determination, perseverance, hard work and clear focus helped her to
succeed in life.

b. What did the Bhandari realize that Mr David is deaf and dumb? What plan for
Promodini’s betterment had Mr David outlined to her parents?

Ans: The Bhandari realized Mr David is deaf and dumb when they find that their daughter
Promodini, unlike with others, is comfortable hanging with Mr David. She would play and sit on
his lap and communicate with each other through getsures.

Mr David introduces the parents to a school that specifically teaches such physically impaired
students. The school is run by Mr David himself. Though the fees are expensive, Mr David
assured them that the school will be a turning point in her life. Mr David promised to take
Promodini as his first student.

c. What was Megan’s immediate reaction when she discovered that she was pregnant?
Whom did she find to be the most considerate towards her situation? What did Megan feel
let down by her mother’s reaction?
Ans: When Megan found out about her pregnancy, she was extremely alarmed and shocked even
to the extent she feels her legs are going numbed and cannot walk.

She expected her mother to be sympathetic to her situation because she is her daughter. However
instead of sympathy, the mother got furious and abused her verbally. Her mother distances
herself from Megan in fear of the family’s reputation. Therefore Megan was let down by her
mother.

d. Why were the narrator and her family leaving Budapest? Why did the guide refuse to
help them across the border when they first met him? Why did he plan to charge them
extra money?

Ans: The narrator and her family were leaving Budapest in order save themselves from the
communist regime.

The guide initially refused to lead tha narrator’s family because it was the time of full moon
night. The police have been keeping strict vigil on the movements in the frontier area so that no
one escapes from the country. Besides, it was the time of full moon night and movement in the
border area can be easily detected because of the moonlight.

The guide intends to take extra money because the narrator’s parents, being old, cannot walk fast
and that way it takes double of his time.

6. Choose the correct meaning:

a. “I’ve a balm for bruised hearts”.

i. Ointment to be applied on the heart.

ii. Ability to soothe and heal a troubled person.

iii. Medicine for the frail heart.

Ans: ii. Ability to soothe and heal a troubled person.

b.”Veils for morning”

i. The morning are bright.

ii. Clouds dampen the morning.

iii. Mist obscures the brilliant morning light.

Ans: iii. Mist obscures the brilliant morning light.

c. “that subdued, subduing, strain”

i. the sound of the rain is stressful

ii. the sound of the raindrops is soft and soothing

iii. the sound of raindrops subdues the poet.

Ans: ii. the sound of the raindrops is soft and soothing

d. “dreary desert sand of dead habit”

i. Unprogressive and directionless like a desert

ii. Habits that die in a desert

iii. Unending stretch of arid land

Ans: i. Unprogressive and directionless like a desert

e. “outrage the innocence”

i. The innocence are outraged

ii. Purity is violated

iii. There is a anger towards the innocent

Ans: ii. Purity is violated

f. “The head is held high”

People are superior in every way

ii. people are guided by their pride

iii. People live with dignity and self-respect

Ans: iii. People live with dignity and self-respect

7. Supply missing lines in the following extracts:

a. where the mind is led…………………………

Ans: forward by the thee into ever widening thought and action.

b. And the thrushes are in so a song there…………………..

Ans: fluting from the nest

c. …………………….. to where the cricket sings.

Ans: dropping from the veils of the morning.

8. Read the extract and answer the following questions:

a. “I hear it in the deep heart core.”

i. What does the poet hear?

Ans: The poet hears the call to settle down in the lake of Isle of Innisfree.

ii. Where does the sound that he hears come from?

Ans: The sound comes from the longing of his heart.

iii. Where is the poet at present?

Ans: The poet is standing in the street of London.

b. “And a thousand recollections weave their bright hues in to wool”

i. What triggers the recollections in the poet?

Ans: The musical sound produced by the raindrops triggers the recollection in the mind of the
poet.
ii. Whom does he recall last at all?

Ans: The poet finally recalls his beloved.

iii. Where is the poet in the moment?

Ans: The poet is in his bed-chamber.

9. a) Why do John’s eyes fill tears? Which images of his homeland does he recall? How
does the west wind lure the poet west ward?

Ans: The wind blowing from the west reminds the poet of his homeland and consequently tears
down his eyes out of nostalgia.

The poet recalls the images of apple orchards, the green grasses and the thrushes singing.

The west wind reminded the poet of his home in the west and the soothing image of he can feel
at home and take rest peacefully. It also reminded him of his fatigue body and consequently let
him feel nostalgic and long for home.

b. Where does the poet wish to go? What does he hope to find in his ideallic retreat? How
does he plan to make his life comfortable?

Ans: The poet wishes to go to the lake of Isle of Innisfree. In the Isle away from the city, poet
believes he will find peace and comfort being away from the hustle bustle city life. There,
amidst, the nature he mind and soul will be refreshed.

Once in the lake he will build a cabin made of clay and reeds and enjoy the charm and beauty of
nature. He would listen to the bees, the song of the cricket in the morning, the batting of the
linnet’s wing in the evening, the sparkling light of the stars at night and sleep away with the
sound of the sea waves.

c. In the poem, “No men are foreign, what does beneath all uniform mean? What is a
uniform suggestive of?

Ans: The uniform in the poem refers to the ones worn by the soldiers.
Unifrom suggest the identical nature of all mortal man. The poem recounts the oneness of human
being. No one is different because God has created man identically in His image. We breathe the
same air, gets the same sunshine, and drink the same water. When we are alive we walk upon the
same earth and when we die we will be buried on the same. Even the internal system that
functions on our body is the same. So one is stranger to one another and also there is no country
that is foreign. The only difference that exists is man-made based on the egoistic nature of man.

10. a. What did Dr Jekyll and Dr Lanyon often disagree upon?

Ans: The two doctors often disagree on scientific discourse.

b. What ‘terrible sight’ did Dr Lanyon witness in the consulting?

Ans: Dr Lanyon witnessed a hoorific image of how Mr Hyde is transformed to Dr Jekyll.

c. “If he be Hyde,” he thought,“ I shall be Mr. seek.” Who said these words and who was he
searching?

Ans: These words were spoken by Mr Utterson, the lawyer. He is in search of Mr Hyde, the
other side of Dr Jekyll.

d. Why did the murder of Sir Carew create such uproar?

Ans: The murder of Sir Carew created such uproar because he is Member of Parliament.

e. Who witness the first crime committed by Edward?

Ans: The first crime committed by Hyde was witnessed by Mr. Richard Enfield.

11. “After the murder of Sir Danvers Carew, Mr Hyde disappeared as if he never existed.”
What was the effect of Hydes’s disappearance on Dr Henry Jekyll’s life? What did Mr.
Utterson pay a visit to Dr Lanyon?

Ans: With the disappearance of Mr. Hyde from the life Dr Jekyll, a new life began. The evil side
of Dr Jekyll slowly disappears and he became more sociable, attending and hosting parties. He
engages himself with fruitful work of assisting and helping others. Consequently he feels a kind
contentment and satisfaction. Even his facial expression seems to brighten up as he is seen more
in the outdoor gathering. For about two months he has peaceful life.

Mr. Utterson went to Dr Lanyon in order to receive some important information about Dr Jekyll.

Or

Why did Poole pay Mr. Utterson a visit? What led him to suspect that his master had been
done away with?

Ans: He went to Mr. Utterson’s house to confide what is happening at home and also to get his
advice on the matter.

Poole fears that Dr. Jekyll has been murdered by the strange dwarfish man he saw in his master’s
chamber. Eight days ago Poole heard his master’s last voice crying out the name of God. From
then on, he began to hear a different voice which Poole assumes is the killer’s voice.

Grammar and Composition

12. Rewrite the following as directed:

a. The manager said, “ I am very busy now” (Begin with- “The manager said…”)

Ans: The manager said, “He was very busy then.”

b. Arun said to his sister, “Please wait until I return.” (end with until he returned)

Ans: Arun requested his sister to wait until he returned.

c. She works very hard. She wants to succeed in life. (use an infinitive to join the sentence)

Ans: She works very hard to succeeds in life.

d. I recommend we leave while we can. (use gerund)

Ans: I recommend leaving while we can.

e. One has to sign the form. (Rewrite into passive voice)

Ans: The form has to be signed.

f. One tune from a well- known opera was sung by the soprano. (end with … a well -known
opera)

Ans: The soprano sung one team from a well- known opera.

g. The citizens accused him of various offences. (Begin with: He was…)

Ans: He was accused of various offences by the citizens.

h. The old man parked his cart in the shed. He headed towards the river. (Join the
sentences beginning with parking)

Ans: Parking his car in the shed, the old man headed towards the river.

13. Fill in the blanks with prepositions:

a. Did she thank Mike for the lift?

b. They turn the old palace into a hotel.

c. He is cutting down with sugar.

d. How many hours do you study in a day?

e. The concert has been going on since morning.

f. The soldier aim his gun on the target.

14. Make sentences with idioms:

a. at the eleven hour: He failed because he started studying at the eleventh hour.

b. By leaps and bound: Sindhu got the silver medal by leaps and bound.

c. At sea: She is at sea in Film studies though she is good at math.

d. Bone of contention: Kashmir is a bone of contention between Indian and Pakistan.

e. Give cold a shoulder: the MLA gave the voters a cold shoulder when they came asking for
assistance.
15. Read the passage and answer the questions.

About twenty of us had been fortunate enough to receive invitations to a film studio
to act for three in a crowd scene. We watched the workmen prepare the scene which was to
be filmed. Several bare trees had been set up at the edge of a winding path and the art
director was giving some minute instructions to his assistants. Very soon, bright lights were
switch on and the path was covered with what looked like salt. The big movie camera was
wheeled in to position. Since it was very hot in the studio, it came as a surprise to see one of
the actors put on a heavy overcoat. He started walking along the path. A big fan began to
blow tiny white feathers down on him, and soon the bare trees were covered in snow. Two
more fans blew strong wind through the trees. The second actor, dressed as a beggar, walk
towards the first. He was trembling with cold. The picture looked so real that we felt the
wintry impact and shivered!

It was our turn next. We stood there wandering what scene would be prepared for us. For
three whole minutes in our lives we would be experiencing the thrill of being film stars.

i. Why had twenty people invited to a film studio?

Ans: The twenty people were invited to the studio to be part of a crowd scene in film.

ii. What had the path been covered with?

Ans: The path had been covered with bare trees.

iii. Why had one of the actors put on a heavy overcoat?

Ans: One of the actors was putting on a heavy overcoat because he was shooting a winter scene
with snowfall.

iv. How did the workmen created a snow storm?

Ans: The workmen blew white feathers with the help of large fans.

v. How did the onlooker react to the scene being enacted?

Ans: The onlookers look at the scene with surprise because the scene becomes so real that they
seem to feel the cold wintry scene.

vi. What would the invited people experience for three whole minutes?

Ans: The invited people experience the thrill of being film stars for three minutes.

16. ESSAY WRITING

Fire: Man’s Best Friend and worst Enemy

How men first used fire is still unknown; however, it is probable that even the most primitive
man of centuries ago found fire a great service to him as it is to us today. In early days, men did
not cook food. They ate everything raw, including meat and fish. But the discovery of fire
changed the way of eating food completely. They cooked food. The prehistoric men soon found
that cooked food was more delicious. Fire became an important thing since then. Moreover, fire
gave the early men warmth and light. Even in there scanty clothes men could keep themselves
warm in caves on rainy or cold nights. Caves were no longer dark. They could move about freely
in the dark night. Besides, fire gave him protection from wild beast. Consequently, life was more
secure than it had been. In fact, fire, like water and air, became indispensable to men.

Today, we can hardly conceive a life without fire. It cooks our food, provides warmth and burns
away rubbish. Fire plays a major part in our lives from birth till we are cremated. Since it has
been discovered that food tastes much better and is healthier when cooked, cooking has evolved
over the years. Now, there are countless dishes to prepare using fire.

Yet, this great friend can be a very dangerous enemy. In its natural state, fire can break out at any
moment - usually through careless handling - causing devastating harm. Destruction of lives and
property by fire is one of the, almost, daily disasters in the world. Not even the most developed
countries are exempt from this. All anyone can do is take as many precautions as possible to
fight it when it occurs. Frequently when fires break out, humans are helpless and great losses
occur before the fires are brought under control.

Even in the wild, fire does not have to be a villain. Fire is actually vital to the survival of several
species. It remove slow growing under bush, cleanses the forest floor of debris, opens it up to
sunlight and nourishes the soil. Established trees have to compete with undergrowth for nutrients
and space. Fire clears the weaker trees and returns health to the forest.

The Means of Transport I Prefer Most

Along History, people have had the necessity and the curiosity of moving and changing
from some places to others, and in this sense means of transport have played an important role.
Nowadays, there is a great variety of means of transport and all of them have advantages and
disadvantages. When we have to choose a mean of transport we usually take into account
distance, speed, comfort and cost. But I would like to focus the discussion on transport in our
cities and the question is: What do you think is better: to use public or private transport?

Regarding private transport, I think that the car is the king. Cars provide autonomy and
they are seen as being more convenient and reliable. They also provide access to more
destinations than public transport. Besides, in another way, cars are seen to confer prestige and
other socially desirable attributes. But, on the contrary cars are expensive to support. Owing a car
means spending a lot of money in a garage, an insurance, fuel (petrol) and tax. In addition, the
main problem is that cars pollute very much and this is a problem which affects us all, car
owners and non-car owners.

Out of the many means of transport such as train, airplane, car, bus, motorcycle and
bicycle, my favorite means of transport is motorcycle. Why I like it? There are some reasons I
choose motorcycle as a favorite mean of transport. Motorcycle is faster than bicycle, so I can
save time and go to work on time. Motorcycle help get pass the hassle of getting stuck in traffic
jam.

During rush hours it is difficult to go by car or bus because of the heavy traffic jam.
When one is in a hurry or to attend some important meeting, taking the public transport like bus,
taxi or by going one’s car is not advisable because one may get stuck in the jam and miss out the
appointment. But going by motorcycle saves you from such hassle. So driving motorcycle is
safer and avoids traffic jams. And with with motorcycle, I can drive it on streets, highway or
everywhere I want to visit. Finally, motorcycle uses less gasoline than car, so I can save money.
And, in my weekend or free time, I can take a trip or visit to my grandparents more easily.
Those are some reasons I like motorcycle. I have never traveled by airplane, but io believe that
taking a trip with motorcycle is not less wonderful than travelling by airplane.

Students Role in Preserving the Environment

Students, the most powerful stratum of the society, know the importance of environment
and nature sustainability. Nature has endowed us with all the resources to which maximum
beneficiary is human beings. Nature has full proof system of protection of all the creatures and
environment subject to check on excessive pollution and resources utilization.

Most people tend to blame the government and education policies for not promoting
environmental studies. But with times, the education system has evolved and students are taught
EVS as a mandatory subject. The role of teaching EVS is that it inculcates the values required to
respect Nature and know about it from the junior classes itself. Children are taught about Earth,
elemental form of Nature, Flora and fauna. Along with this, they are made aware of what is
wrong with the Environment today. Concepts of Pollution, global warming, and deforestation are
briefly explained to them. This is crucial as this information develops the mind of children in a
way that he grasps the knowledge and is willing to do something for the sake of helping the
Nature.

Childhood is also the age of creativity and innovations. So children should be encouraged in
some class and home activities that make them relate to Nature and do something productive.

In a classroom, there must be the encouragement of students to adopt some simple steps and help
Nature. These steps might include:

The paper should not be wasted. Teachers can make children aware of the importance of trees
and how paper is manufactured and ask children to stop wasting paper.

Creating their homemade paper and using it as decorative art. Paper Mache making can be
taught. It is easy and fun for children to learn and practice.

Gardening as a hobby is very eco-friendly and useful for children. According to various studies,
a child’s psychology also improves if he/she is more involved with Nature and practices good
hobbies like of gardening.
Making visits to zoos, wildlife reserves and national parks also inhibit a close familiarity with
children for nature and wildlife.

Activities like “best out of waste” should be organized in schools where children should
participate and learn how to use waste and used things to make new things.

Children should be made familiar with the three R’s – Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce.

Other than these, children should be made to match some Nature related documentaries in
school and discuss them in classrooms. Schools can organize some environment-oriented
programs and competitions on occasions like World Environment Day, World Water Day, World
Wildlife Day and the like. Also, the parents can play an important role in shaping the psyche of
their children as responsible future citizens. By promoting hobbies, encouraging them to work
for Nature, and save energy at home and in school, they will inculcate important values in them.

The steps mentioned above if taken by parents, school authorities and children, then
many things can change. A student who grows in an environment where there are respect and
care for Nature will grow up as a responsible and compassionate human being. He/she will
always know how to create the best out of waste and use limited resources to their advantage.
And with age and maturity, and also with an increase in exposure to knowledge, one will
understand the significances of environmental education to a deeper level and use it in personal
life. Many problems like global warming can be solved if people are aware of the factors that
contribute to it and for this awareness is a must. School education is the foundational level to
bring awareness into the mind of children, and thus, the education is crucial. Thus by promoting
environmental education, exposing students to issues related to the environment, making them
aware of green living and adopting an eco-friendly life, we can assure a safer and responsible
generation.

b. All parents have certain wishes for their children’s future, but you have own wish too.
Write a letter to your friend telling him/her what you wish to become later in life.
Ans: Springside, Jingkieng
Shillong

Dear John,

It’s been a while since I have not heard from you. Hope everything is fine at your end.

I am writing this letter to tell you what I have decided on my course of studies after 10+2
examination. Lately I have been thinking what I want to become in life and accordingly decide
on course of studies. Ever since my childhood I have a desire to become a Professor of English
by looking at my dad. This desire was further encouraged by one of my English teachers who
inspired me on the role and duty of a teacher in a society. I have talked this matter to my parents
and they are happy to know about my dream. To pursue my dream, I will take Bachelor Arts in
English after my examination and continue my studies till PhD. I am determined to work hard till
I become a professor in English.

I believe you have also decided on your future. I would love hear what your plans and dreams.
Please do write back.

Yours lovingly
Samuel

17. a) How big was the island made for Baba?

Ans: The Island made for Baba was 20 feet by 15 feet surrounded by a dry pit of 6 feet wide and
7 feet deep.

b. “When you come from nothing and you have nothing, then it makes you very hungry
and determined.” Who spoke these words? Where was the person from?

Ans: These words were spoken by Maria Sharapova. She is from Siberia, Russia.

c. How was Promodini dressed when the narrator first saw her?

Ans: She was wearing jeans with half sleeved and high boots.

d. What did Framton Nuttel’s sister give him when he migrated to the rural areas?
Ans: The sister gave him a letter of introduction and explaination.

e. Where did Megan’s mother want to ship Megan off to?

Ans: The mother wants to send her daughter to Australia.

f. Why was it difficult for Christene and her parents to walk through the vineyards?

Ans: It was difficult to walk through the vineyards because it was dark and the earth was
slippery.

18. Match the columns

a. Where knowledge is free i. the poet’s brother and sister

b. A serene angelic pair ii. The west wind

c. I will arise and go iii. A labour not different

d. It’s a song to a man’s soul iv. Lake Isle of Innisfree

e. In their lines we read v. Rabindranath Tagore

Ans: a.=v , b=I, c=iv, d=ii, e=iii

19. Fill in the blanks with correct words:

a. And a thousand …………………………… (Recollection/ gathering)

Ans: Recollection

b. And …………………. In the west wind. (April/ May)

Ans: April

c. In every land is ………………… life. (Common/ ordinary)

Ans: Common

d. And ………………… alone in the bee-loud glade. (Stay/ live)

Ans: Live

20. a. Who was Richard Enfield?

Ans: Richard Enfield was a distant relative of Mr Utterson.

b. “ I have had a shock…….” Who said and to whom?

Ans: Dr Lanyon said this to Mr Utterson in seeing the face of Mr Hyde.

c. Who was Poole?

Ans: He was the butler of Dr Jekyll

d. What was the other name given to the house with a shabby door?

Ans: The other name of the house is called Blackmail House.