Nios Worksheet

NIOS/Acad/2020/302/01/E
National Institute of Open Schooling

Senior Secondary Course
Lesson 1: Mt First Steps
Worksheet – 1
1. Read the extract given below andanswer the questions that follow:
The next day he came again and picked up the baby lying on the crib next to my mother. To his utter
horror, he discovered that the baby did not have the hole on the left ear lobe.
a) Who is ‘he’ in the above lines?

b) What did the writer fondly call him?
c) Find a word similar in meaning to:
i) intense fear
ii) child’s bed
2. Sunil Gavaskar wrote that he was glad that his uncle did not succumb to his childish fancy and instead,
taught him that there was no short-cut to the top. Have you also asked some person for something that
you had taken a fancy to? What was it? Why did you want it so much? Write about it briefly.
(approximately 50 words)
3. Children are not able to play outside these days because of the pandemic related restrictions. Cricket and
football have been taken over by board games that the family can enjoy at home. Mention three board
games that have made a comeback recently.
i) ________________________
ii) ________________________
iii) ________________________
4.
Read the above quote by the famous tennis player, Martina Navratilova.Reflect on it and write briefly
about what it means according to you.
5. Your younger brother refuses to continue playing when he begins to lose in a game. He reminds you of
Sunil Gavaskar picking up the bat and ball and returning home when he was declared out. Write what
you would narrate about the relevant episode to your brother to help him get over that foul mood.
6. Pick up the compound words from the lines given below and write them in the box provided:
a) The birds refused to eat the bread crumbs.
b) My neighbour is a very good-tempered and helpful lady.
c) He is a big trouble maker and should be punished.
7. Rewrite the following sentences in the negative:

a) I cooked my first meal in a hurry.
____________________________________________
b) Ravi rushed back home after the match.

____________________________________________
c) He returned the book on time.

____________________________________________
8. Rewrite the following sentences in the interrogative:

a) Ruby worked hard to improve her handwriting.
______________________________________________
b) Shikhar jumped over the fence.

______________________________________________
c) Mitali finished reading the book today.

______________________________________________
9. Sunil Gavaskar speaks very fondly of his mother and gives her credit for his success. Write three things
that you would like to thank your mother for:
i) _______________________________________
ii) _______________________________________
iii) _______________________________________
10. Playing it My Way is the autobiography of a very famous cricketer. Can you guess whose book it is?
Do you like that cricketer? Explain why in about five sentences.
Leisure By W.H. Davies
Answer in full sentences.
1. What are ‘boughs’?
*Clue: Think about where the person in the poem might be standing to watch the world go by.
2. List two things that the poet says busy people don’t have the time to stop and see.

3. How many rhyming couplets are there in the poem?
4. Write down the simile which is used to describe streams.
5. What does Beauty do in the poem?
6. What is the message that the poet is trying to get across to the reader?
7. Write a rhyming couplet which could be incorporated into the poem, beginning with ‘No
time to….’

Leisure By W.H. Davies Answers
Boughs are branches of a tree.
E.g. No time to stand beneath the branches of the trees and stare at the world around us, like sheep and
cows do/No time to notice nature around them, such as where squirrels hide their store of nuts/No time
to look at a sparkling stream in the daylight/ No time to look at the beauty of the world/No time to see
how the beauty of nature changes over time/Any other suitable interpretation of the poem.
There are seven rhyming couplets in the poem.
4. Write down the simile which is used to describe the streams.
The simile used to describe streams is that they are like skies at night, which are full of stars.
5. What does Beauty do in the poem?
Beauty dances and smiles in the poem.
The poet is trying to say that we must all make time for leisure, giving ourselves the opportunity to
admire the beauty of the world around us.
7. Write a rhyming couplet which could be incorporated into the poem, beginning with ‘No time to….’
Own answers.
1. What does the poet mean by life that is ‘full of care’?
5. Write down the simile that is used to describe the streams.
6. Who or what do you think is ‘Beauty’?
8. Write a rhyming couplet which could be incorporated into the poem, beginning with ‘No
time to….’

The poet is describing a busy life which is full of worries and things to care about.
There are seven rhyming couplets in the poem.
5. Write down the simile that is used to describe the streams. Why is this used?
The simile used to describe streams is that they are like skies at night. This is because they sparkle like
stars in the sky.
This question is open to interpretation. E.g. ‘Beauty’ refers to the beauty of nature and the world around
us/’Beauty’ is the poet using personification to compare the wonderful world around us to a beautiful
woman, who dances and smiles.
The poet is trying to say that we must all make time for leisure, giving ourselves the opportunity to
admire the beauty of the world around us.
Own answers.


3. List three things that the poet says busy people don’t have the time to stop and see.


5. Write down the simile and the metaphor which are used to describe the streams.



8. Write a rhyming couplet which could be incorporated into the poem, beginning with
‘No time to….’

The poet is describing a busy life which is full of worries and things to care about.
3. List three things that the poet says busy people don’t have the time to stop and see.
There are seven rhyming couplets.
5. Write down the simile which is used to describe the sparkling streams.
The simile and metaphor used to describe the streams is that they are full of stars, like skies at night.
This question is open to interpretation. E.g. ‘Beauty’ refers to the beauty of nature and the world around
us/’Beauty’ is the poet using personification to compare the wonderful world around us to a beautiful
woman, who dances and smiles.
Something similar to: The poet is trying to say that we must all make time for leisure, giving ourselves
the opportunity to admire the beauty of the world around us.
Own answers.
LEISURE
SHORT ANSWER EXERCISES
Direction
Print this PDF document first and then proceed to the exercise.
Instruction
Below are some questions regarding the poem “Leisure.” Answer the questions in
the spaces provided.
What is this life if, full of care

We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight

Streams full of stars, like stars at night.
No time to turn to beauty’s glance

And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this is, full of care

We have no time to stand and stare.
- William Henry Davies
1. What is the meaning of “stare”?
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2. In the poem, the poet mentioned “full of care”. What does that mean?
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3. Give two themes of the poem.
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4. Give an example of simile found in the poem.
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5. In your opinion, how do you make your life meaningful?
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NIOS/Acad/2020/302/03/E
Senior Secondary Course
Lesson 3: Reading With Understanding
Worksheet – 3
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
1. It’s a busy world. You fold the laundry while keeping an eye on the kids and another on the television.
You plan your day while listening to the radio and commuting to work, and then plan your weekend. But
in the rush to accomplish necessary tasks, you may find yourself losing your connection with the present
moment—missing out on what you are doing and how you are feeling. Did you notice whether you felt
well-rested this morning or that sunflower is in bloom along your route to work?
2. Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment—and accepting
it without judgment. Mindfulness is now being examined scientifically and has been found to be a key
element in happiness.
3. The cultivation of mindfulness has roots in Buddhism, but most religions include some type of prayer or
meditation technique that helps shift your thoughts away from your usual preoccupations toward an
appreciation of the moment and a larger perspective on life.
4. Professor Emeritus Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder and former director of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the
University of Massachusetts Medical Centre, helped to bring the practice of mindfulness meditation into
mainstream medicine and demonstrated that practicing mindfulness can bring improvements in both
physical and psychological symptoms as well as positive changes in health attitudes and behaviours.
5. Mindfulness improves well –being. Increasing your capacity for mindfulness supports many attitudes
that contribute to a satisfied life. Being mindful makes it easier to savour the pleasures in life as they
occur, helps you become fully engaged in activities, and creates a greater capacity to deal with adverse
events. By focusing on the here and now, many people who practice mindfulness find that they are less
likely to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets over the past, are less preoccupied with
concerns about success and self-esteem, and are better able to form deep connections with others.
6. Mindfulness improves physical health. If greater well-being isn’t enough of an incentive, scientists have
discovered the benefits of mindfulness techniques which help improve physical health in a number of
ways. Mindfulness can help relieve stress, treat heart disease, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain
and improve sleep.
7. Mindfulness improves mental health. In recent years psychotherapists have turned to mindfulness
meditation as an important element in the treatment of a number of problems, including depression and
substance abuse.
8. Some experts believe that mindfulness works, in part, by helping people to accept their experiences—
including painful emotions—rather than react to them with aversion and avoidance.
9. It’s become increasingly common for mindfulness meditation to be combined with psychotherapy,
especially cognitive behavioural therapy. This development makes good sense, since both meditation
and cognitive behavioural therapy share the common goal of helping people gain perspective on
irrational,maladaptive and self-defeating thoughts.
Answer the following questions according to your understanding of the passage:
1. What does mindfulness promote?

_________________________________________________________________________________
2. What has been found to be a key element in happiness?

_________________________________________________________________________________
3. According to the passage, mindfulness has its root in which religion?

__________________________________________________________________________________
4. How do we know that mindfulness improves physical health?

__________________________________________________________________________________
5. What effect does mindfulness have on mental health?

___________________________________________________________________________________
6. Why is mindfulness being combined with psychotherapy these days?

___________________________________________________________________________________
7. Find words from the passage which are similar in meaning to the following:
i) hostile, unfavourable (para 3) ______________________
ii) hatred (para 8) _______________________
8. Look at the image given below. Write down two ways that appeal to you to achieve mindfulness.
i) ____________________________________________________________________________
ii) ____________________________________________________________________________
9. Is there any book /talk show/person that has given you invaluable advice and motivation to lead a
mindful life? Mention it/ them here.
__________________________________________________________________________________
10. Research confirms that monotasking--and not multitasking--is the secret to getting things done. You
may think you can do everything right now, but you can't--and you shouldn't. So, instead
of multitasking, you should focus on monotasking--where you focus on only one initiative at a time.
So, multitasking or monotasking? What would you prefer? Reflect about it. Read up about it and then
give your opinion in about five sentences.
Learners Guideline
Lesson-4
Father, Dear Father
Summary
The lesson describes Rahul’s relations with his father and how his father did not appreciate
his second rank in school and bluntly told him to pay more attention to his studies. Rahul
loved a natural and simple life, while his father enjoyed a complicated life. He believed that
peace of mind and happiness are more important than anything in the world. Rahul always
admired his grandparents as they had a lot of experience and shaped a philosophy that Rahul
found ideal.
Important points from the text:

1. It is an unsent letter written by a student named Rahul to his father.
2. It describes that Rahul came second in class and he told his father about it.
3. His father did not appreciate his second rank, rather he bluntly told him to be more
careful in the future. He rebuked the poor little boy for securing the second rank in
school. This shows that the father-son relation was not close.
4. His grandfather had a free and easy childhood. His childhood days were spent playing
marbles and gilli danda, plucking the mangoes and guavas from their fruit gardens.
Studies were additional and living and experiencing were the major subjects.
5. Rahul’s father was highly educated and provided well for the family. But was far from
experiencing the precious things in life.
6. Rahul questions, “What’s the point of learning and studying things like the
Pythagoras’ Theorem or Newton’s Law of Gravity when he can’t use them in his
departmental store, his doctor friend and his Lawyer brother also don’t use these
theorems.”
7. He further dwells on the difference between the attitude of his grandmother and his
mother.
8. His grandmother was semi-literate but she was at peace with her pots, pans, her
flowers, and garden. She was complacent in Bhagvad Gita and its scriptures.
9. Whereas his mother was highly qualified and educated yet she was always highly
strung, tense and nervous.
10. He further questions, whether literacy makes one fidgety, agitated, afraid, and
frustrated.
11. Rahul had gone to his Biology teacher hoping to find a solution to get rid of the pests
attacking his rose plant.
12. His teacher asked him to go ask the gardener instead. He questions the attitude of his
school teacher and finds it strange that he has studied pesticides but still doesn’t
know how to use them.
Page 11 of 15
Learners Guideline
13. He is frustrated to learn about gravity because that doesn’t help him much.
14. All he wants to learn is about the stuff that helps him in his daily life, like how to keep
the rose plant healthy, how to make a desk with his carpenter’s tools, and what to do
when there is a fuse in the house. These topics are not written about and not
discussed in schools. He feels like he is not living life.
15. Rahul is a student who prefers to learn for life and not for a mere examination. In his
opinion scoring, high marks were not as important as applying theoretical knowledge
into practice.
Learn new words:

1. Transgression: an act of going against a rule or code of conduct
2. Philosopher: thinker, a wise man
3. Carefree: free and easy
4. Mouth-watering: delicious food
5. Ancillary: giving additional or necessary support to the primary activities
6. Topsy- Turvey: upside down/inverted
7. Scriptures: sacred writings of a religion
8. Fibbing: to lie
9. Prattles: to chatter/blabber
10. Adamant: inflexible/ firm
11. Anguish: severe mental pain/ torture
Do you know?
The Yellow Train School in Tamil Nadu focuses on practical knowledge like; walking in fields,
learning about wildlife, playing instruments, swinging on a tyre in corridors. The teachers
communicate like friends, take you on walks on organic farms, and teach you pottery. This
school seems like a never-ending vacation where students grow together, learning the values
they actually need in life. The focus is more on the development of a child rather than on
textbook lessons.
Extend your horizon.

Rahul writes a letter to his father expressing his hurt and anguish. How do you deal with
your feelings when you are hurt and in pain?
Give your opinion about what kind of education is most useful these days?
Evaluate yourself
1. Is the writer a good student? Why had he written the letter?
Page 12 of 15
Learners Guideline
2. What kind of life did the writer’s grandfather lead when he was a small boy? What
was considered important in those days?
3. What difference does the writer see in his mother’s nature and his grandmother’s?
4. What kind of education does the writer think is most useful? Do you agree with the
writer?
5. Will Rahul’s father ever get the letter? Why is Rahul hesitant in sending the letter?
Maximize your marks

● Read the chapter carefully and attempt all the questions.
● Rahul is not satisfied with the education he is getting. Do you agree with Rahul’s
notion of practical knowledge over theoretical knowledge?
Page 13 of 15
NIOS/Acad./2020/302/05/E

Senior Secondary Course: English
Lesson 5: Fuel of the Future
Worksheet – 5
1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
The buzzword today is clean energy—something that we can reap from nature. And, the search has led
man to the sun(solar), the wind, the tide (tidal), water (hydro) and even biogas.
a) What do you understand by clean energy?

b) If solar relates to the sun, then lunar relates to which celestial body?
c) Find a word similar in meaning to ‘harvest’.
2. We live in a world that needs to be protected and nurtured and not damaged beyond repair.Using clean
and renewable energy is one way to do so. Write down three sources of clean energy that you are aware
of:
i) __________________________________________________
ii) __________________________________________________
iii) __________________________________________________
3. Write down two things that wind power has long been used for.
i) ___________________________________________________
ii) ___________________________________________________
4. Through which country does the major part of river Nile flow through? Find out its capital and one
thing that it is famous for.
5. Have you ever seen a windmill? Look at the picture given below and describe what you see in 3-4
sentences.
1
NIOS/Acad./2020/302/05/E

Lesson 5: Fuel of the Future
Worksheet – 5
6. What according to you are the advantages of wind energy that make it more preferable for the public as
is reflected in the surveys carried out in the west? Mention any two points that convince you about it.
i) ______________________________________________________________________
ii) ______________________________________________________________________
7. However beautiful the windmills look, there are people who have concerns about them. Do you know
what those concerns are? Find out and write two of them in the space provided.
i) __________________________________________________________________
ii) __________________________________________________________________
8. Despite its advantages, there are certain challenges in using wind as a source of power. Think about it
and then write two of them in the given space.
i) ___________________________________________________________________
ii) ___________________________________________________________________
9. Have you ever made a paper windmill? Did you enjoy running with it to see it spin faster and faster?
Recollect how you made it and write about it in about five lines.
10. Do you recognize this man? What is his name? What is he famous for? Find out and write 3-4 lines
about this very famous man and his work
2
NIOS/Acad./2020/302/06/E

Lesson 6: My Grandmother’s House
Worksheet – 6
The house withdrew into silence, snakes moved

Among books, I was then too young
To read, and my blood turned cold like the moon
a) Do you think the poet is young or old at the time of writing this poem?
b) What makes you think that the house is now lonely?
c) Write down the simile that you can spot in the last line.
2. Do you think similes help in highlighting a particular quality or feature of something? Sometimes, it can
startle you also because of the comparison drawn as in ‘cold like the moon’. Write down two pleasant
similes that you can think of for the moon.
i) _____________________________________________________________________
ii) _____________________________________________________________________
3. Mention two things that your grandparents do/did for you that you absolutely love/loved:
i) ______________________________________________________________________
ii) ______________________________________________________________________
4. Have you ever seen a lonely house? If not, can you imagine one?
Now, think of any two possible reasons why the house could be so. Write about it in 3-4 lines.
5. Is it easy for you to imagine your grandparents as young children? Why/ why not?
Give two reasons to support what you feel.
i) __________________________________________________________________________
ii) __________________________________________________________________________
6. How can we be nice towards the elderly? Write two ways in which you can be of help to them.
i) ___________________________________________________________________________
ii) ___________________________________________________________________________
7. We all should feel blessed and grateful for all the love and affection we receive from our close ones.
However, sometimes, we feel sad and unloved. Write two things that make you feel so:
i) ____________________________________________________________________________
ii) ____________________________________________________________________________
1
NIOS/Acad./2020/302/06/E

Lesson 6: My Grandmother’s House
Worksheet – 6
8. We all realise that though we will feel low sometimes, we must deal with it in a positive manner. How
do you cheer yourself up when you feel low? Write two ways that you might share with friends to help
them deal with their not-so-happy moments,
i) _____________________________________________________________________________
ii) _____________________________________________________________________________
9. All of us have people in our lives that we hold very dear; our parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins,
friends etc. Have you ever thought about why they are so important to us? Write 3-4 lines about a person
you really hold very dear in your life.
10. Have you ever heard your grandparents/parents talk about their childhood homes/neighborhood/friends?
What do they talk about? Don’t be surprised to find mention of what you see in the pictures below!
Write about what they recall in about 3-5 lines.
2
Chapter-7
Reading with understanding
Worksheet
A) Read the following passage on Veer Savarkar and answer the following questions:
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was one of the fervent freedom fighters of India. But, he was not just a
freedom fighter. He was a bold warrior, good orator, prolific writer, a poet, a historian, a philoso-
pher, a social worker, a cautious leader, a bard and a staunch supporter of freedom and much more.
He was born in Bhagur, district, Nashik on 28th May, 1883. He spent his youth in fighting against
the British Raj. As an extremely brilliant, outspoken and confident school boy, he was famous
amongst his teachers and friends. In 1898, when Chaphekar brothers were hanged for assassinating
a British Officer—Savarkar was just 15 years old. But, Chaphekar’s martyrdom impressed him and
he decided the freedom of the country as his foremost aim.
After matriculation in 1901, he took admission in Fergusson College of Poona. He was, however,
more interested in India’s freedom from the British rule. The young college students in Poona were
influenced by the speeches by the patriots and political leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bhopatkar
and others. The newspapers in Poona were also actively participating in creating anti-British at-
mosphere in to society and appealing society’s feelings of Nationalism. Savarkar was the un-
crowned leader of the youth in this movement. He organized a Vanarsena (Monkey Brigade) of kids
when he was just eleven. A fearless individual, he wanted everybody around him to become physi-
cally strong and able to face any disasters—natural or man-made. He conducted long tours, hiking,
swimming and mountaineering around Nasik, his birthplace in Maharashtra. During his High
School days, he used to organize Shivaji Utsav and Ganesh Utsav, started by Tilak (whom Savarkar
considered as his Guru) and used these occasions to put up plays on nationalistic themes. He started
writing poems, essays, plays, etc to inspire people which he had developed as a passion. In 1905, he
burnt the imported cloth as a token of India’s protest against imported cloth. In May 1904, he estab-
lished an International Revolution Institute named ‘Abhinav Bharat’. His instigating patriotic
speeches and activities irritated the British Government. As a result his BA degree was withdrawn
by the Government. In June 1906, he left for London to become a Barrister. However, in London,
he united and inflamed the Indian students in England against the British. He believed in use of
arms against the foreign rulers and created a network of Indians in England, equipped with
weapons. Although he passed Barrister Examination in England, yet because of his anti-government
activities, he was denied the degree.

Savarkar greatly nurtured the idea of bringing out an authentic informative researched work on the
Great Indian Revolt, which the British termed as ‘Sepoy Mutiny’ of 1857. Since, India Office Li-
brary was the only place which contained all records and documents, he was determined to under-
take a detailed study, but was cautious enough not to make his intentions known. Hence, after land-
ing in London, he wrote a biography of Gieuseppe Mazzini, the great revolutionary and leader of
modern Italy who inspired his countrymen to overthrow the Austrian Empire’s yoke. Written in
Marathi, the manuscript was smuggled out with great care which was published by his brother
Baba. The book created a wave 2000 copies sold out secretly read and reread. By the British esti-
mates, each copy was read by at least 30 people. Some could reproduce page after page in their
voice. His brother, however, was imprisoned for printing the book.
At London, Savarkar undertook the mission of his life, to create awareness about the first Armed
National Revolt in India in 1857. Through friends, he could get access to all much needed first hand
information to prove that earlier countrywide effort, was a sincere one on the part of the leaders,
princes, soldiers and commoners to drive away the British. It was the first national effort towards
getting political independence and he rightly called his book “The Indian War of Independences”.
He wrote in Marathi and could not get it printed in Europe. Though, the manuscript found its way to
India;, due to the British vigilance, all printing presses were raided and in the nick of time, the man-
uscript had to be taken out due to a friendly police officer’s information before seizure. It went back
to Europe and unfortunately got lost.
But, the English version became a necessity. Savarkar was helped in this venture by the other revo-
lutionaries who had come to study Law and for Civil Service. But, printing it in Britain was out of
question, so also in France, as the British and the French spies were working together to face the
imperial Germany which was becoming a great threat. Ultimately, the book was published in Hol-
land by Madam Cama without a cover or name. The cover pages of popular classics like ‘Don
Quixote‘ ,’Oliver Twist’, etc were used for the book and successfully smuggled to India. One box
with false bottom was used to take books at great risk by a Muslim friend who later became Chief
Minister of Punjab. The book reached the right people through secret sympathizers in Ireland,
France, Russia, USA, Egypt, Germany and Brazil.
During his stay in London, Savarkar organized festivals like Rakshabandhan and Guru Gobind
Singh Jayanti and tried to create awareness among Indian students but the activity was banned. The
slogan Savarkar coined for Indian festivals became a unifying factor.
“One Country, One God
One Caste, One Mind
Brothers all of us
Without Difference
Without Doubt”
It was during this period that Savarkar helped to design the first Indian National Flag which Madam
Bhikaji Cama unfurled at the World Socialist Conference at Stuttgart, Germany.
The Scotland Yard Police noose was tightening on Savarkar. Finally, he was arrested and ordered to
be sent back to India. In India, punishments were very harsh, tortuous and the greatest crime of the
land was that of sedition which could easily send one to the gallows. He was sent on a ship ‘More-
na’ which was to halt briefly at Marseilles.
Savarkar and his friends then attempted a brave escape which has since become a legendary story.
Savarakar was to jump from a sailing ship, swim the sea waters and his friends were supposed to
pick him there and lead to freedom. Savarkar was under a strict watch. There was no way out. With
constable waiting outside, he entered the toilet, broke the window, wriggled out somehow and

jumped into the ocean to swim his way to Marseilles port. Unfortunately the rescue party was late
by a few minutes and the French Police on guard returned the prisoner to the British cops.
After a formal trial, Savarkar was charged with serious offences of illegal transportation of
weapons, provocative speeches and sedition and was sentenced to 50 years of jail and deported to
the Blackwaters (kalapani) at Andaman cellular jail.
Conditions in jail were inhuman as there were tortuous job of stone breaking, rope making and
milling. Quite often the prisoners had to grind copra in the mill, tied like oxen. Each had to grind
out 30 pounds of oil every day. Some died of sheer exhaustion and inhuman treatment of beating
and whipping. Bad food, insanitary conditions, stone beds and cold weather in winter used to take
their toll.
The political prisoners were treated like hardened criminals. They had no access to ‘luxury’ like pen
and paper. The poet in Savarkar was restless and uneasy. Finally, he found a nail and wrote (itched)
his epic “Kamala” consisting thousands of lines on the plastered mud wall of his cell in the dark-
ness. A Hindi journalist friend who was taught Marathi by Savarkar came to his cell when Savarkar
was removed all of a sudden to another remote cell. The friend learnt the entire poem by heart and
later when he was released, put it on paper and sent it to Savarkar’s relatives. After spending 16
years in Andamans, Savarkar was transferred to the Ratnagiri jail and then kept under a house ar-
rest. He was reunited with his wife. (He had married before leaving for England, it was a long sepa-
ration). A daughter and later a son were born.
Now, he was known for his book on 1857, (War of Independence) throughout the world. Two gen-
erations of Indians were influenced by his magnum opus. The second edition was printed in the
USA by Savarkar’s revolutionary friends. Third edition was brought out by Bhagat Singh and its
Punjabi and Urdu translations followed and were widely read in India and Far East. Even in the In-
dian National Army of Subhash Chandra Bose, Tamil translation of this work was read out like a
Bible by the South Indian soldiers in Singapore, though nobody knows till date as to who had trans-
lated it into Tamil.
Savarkar stood by what he wrote till his last, and never compromised with ‘adjustments,‘ ’reforms’
and peaceful solution which, according to him meant, nothing. As a great scholar full of originality
and independent views he coined several new technical terms of Parliamentary usage and of Indian
parlance such as Chhayachitra (Photography), Sansad (Senate), Vyangyachitra (Cartoons) etc.
He earnestly believed that Indian Independence was a reality not because of a few individuals, lead-
ers or sections of society but it was possible because of the participation of the commoners who
prayed to their family deitnel everyday and the youngsters who went to gallows to see their mother-
land free.
Savarkar passed away in 1966, his reported involvement in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by
Nathuram Godse. He was a living ‘Sthitapradnya’ as described in ‘Bhatwat Gita’ and used to live as
per the philosophy of ‘Bhatwat Gita’. His house in Bhagur, 9 kilometers away from Nashik, is be-
ing preserved as National Monument by the Government of India. He breathed his last at the age of
83, on Saturday, 26th February, 1966. ‘Prayopveshana’, meaning fast till death, was what he ob-
served and refused any intake of food. His death was like a true warrior. Death did not grab him; he
approached death voluntarily with erect head
Answer the following questions;
• When was Savarkar born?

• Explain any 5 traits of Savarkar.
• How did Savarkar contribute towards Indian freedom struggle?
• How and why did Savarkar inspire his country men?
• “During his stay in London, Savarkar organized festivals like Rakshabandhan and Guru Gobind
Singh Jayanti.”What was the aim behind organising and celebrating these festivals.
• Why did Savarkar burn all the foreign goods and clothes?
• “Savarkar was a revolutionary.” Comment on this statement in lieu to the text mentioned above.
• What was Savarkar’s idea of Indian Freedom?
• Choose a suitable title for the text.
B) Read the following extract and answer the following questions:
Swami Vivekanand was born in Calcutta on 12 January 1863 to a lawyer family. He was called
Narendranath in his childhood. He was brilliant in his studies from his childhood. He was disciple
of Guru Ramkrishna Paramhansa. He had a significant role in the spread of Hinduism and Hindu
culture worldwide. His speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago on Hinduism had stunned
the entire audience. Vivekanand advocated that man of all religions must assimilate the spirit of
others and yet preserve his own individuality and grow according to his own law of growth.
Vivekanand made an in-depth study of both Indian and Western philosophy and had a command of
them. He established the Ramkrishna Mission with an objective to refine and spread Hindu culture.
Through this mission the weaknesses of Hindu religion were severely criticised. He even travelled
the entire country on foot for his objective. On 4 July 1902 he met his death.
• When was Swami Vivekanand born?

• What was his speech in the parliament about?
• What was the objective of the Radhakrishna Mission?
• Was Swami Vivekanand a traveller? Comment on the statement with reference to the text given
above.
C) Look at the picture given below and describe it in about 200 words.
NIOS/Acad./2020/302/08/E
Senior Secondary Course - English
Lesson 08: A Case of Suspicion
Worksheet – 8
1. Why is the story named ‘A Case of Suspicion’?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. Who was Dr. Benson and where was he going?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. “The wind felt like a surgeon’s knife at his face as he opened the door and ran, bending
low, around the driveway to the garage.”
a. How did the wind feel like?

_________________________________________________________________
b. Why is the wind compared to a surgeon’s knife?
_________________________________________________________________
c. When did the wind appear to be surgeon’s knife?

_________________________________________________________________
d. Name the figure of speech used in the above lines.

_________________________________________________________________
4. Which two handbags did Dr. Benson carry?
i. _______________________________
ii. _______________________________
5. “My God, mister,” he whispered.
a. Who is the speaker and who is the listener?
_______________________________________________
b. Why did he say these words?
________________________________________________
c. What was the profession of the speaker?
_______________________________________________
NIOS/Acad./2020/302/08/E
Worksheet – 8
6. What made the doctor reach for his pistol?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
7. Use the following phrasal verbs into meaningful sentences:
Put in Put on
Put up Put back
Put off Put by

NIOS/Acad./2020/302/08/E
Worksheet – 8
8. Who was suspicious of whom? Was he justified in his suspicion? Give two reasons to
support your answer.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
9. Did you like the ending of the story? Give three reasons to support your choice.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
10. Write the following dialogues in indirect/ reported speech:

i. “This is Doctor Benson,” he said.
______________________________________________________________________________
ii. “Are you going far?” asked the doctor.
______________________________________________________________________________
iii. “I’m going all the way to Detroit,” said the man
______________________________________________________________________________
iv. “Do you mind, mister, if I take another cigarette for later?”, said the man.
______________________________________________________________________________
v. “I am going out to look for work in one of the automobile plants,” said the man.
______________________________________________________________________________
vi. “Are you a mechanic?”, asked the doctor.
______________________________________________________________________________
vii. “Were you in the army during the war?”, asked the doctor.
______________________________________________________________________________
viii. “Put that watch into my pocket,” he said angrily.
______________________________________________________________________________
ix. “A fellow I picked up in my car on my way up here tonight tried to rob me,” said the
doctor.
___________________________________________________________________________
x. “The baby was delivered about thirty minutes ago,” said the doctor.
______________________________________________________________________________
NIOS/Acad./2020/302/09/E
Lesson 9: My Son will Not a Beggar Be
Worksheet – 9
1. Read the following extract and answer the following question:

But when I was three and a half, all these memories were expunged, and with the prolonged
sickness (meningitis) I started living in a world of four senses – that is, a world in which colours
and faces and light and darkness are unknown.
a. Who is ‘I’ in the above lines?

_________________________________________________________
b. What did he suffer from in his childhood?

_________________________________________________________
c. What is meningitis?
_________________________________________________________
d. What does it mean, ‘I started living in a world of four senses’?

_________________________________________________________
e. Who could not sense the colour, faces, light and darkness?
_________________________________________________________
2. Share two fond memories of your childhood.

i.__________________________________________________________
ii.__________________________________________________________
3. Write synonym and antonym of the following words

Word Synonym Antonym
expunge
prolong
convince
atonement
penance
appalled
4. Make a list of 5 adjectives from the passage

___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
1
NIOS/Acad./2020/302/09/E
Lesson 9: My Son will Not a Beggar Be
Worksheet – 9
5. Make list of 5 adverbs from the passage

___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
6. Match the reaction of family members with them in the columns given below:
Family Member Reaction
Mother Left him weak
Father Kept on weeping all the time
Sisters Treated the narrator with care
Servants Avoided because of superstitious views
Narrator Happy for the good medical treatment
7. What did the narrator’s mother do to treat her child? Write any two points.
i. _________________________________________________________________
ii. _________________________________________________________________
8. What did narrator’s father decide for his son?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
9. Write any three things that the narrator missed after losing his eyesight.
i._________________________________________________________________
ii._________________________________________________________________
iii._________________________________________________________________
10. What did the writer mean when he said ‘the potentialities of a blind child’?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2
NIOS/Acad./2020/302/10/E
Lesson 10: Where is the Mind is without Fear
Worksheet – 10
Where the mind is without fear
and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken
up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the
depths of truth;
Where tireless striving
stretches its arms towards perfection;
a. Who is the speaker? __________________________

b. To whom is he speaking? __________________________
c. What is he speaking? __________________________
d. What does ‘where’ refer to? __________________________
2. Write 5 points which reflects the vision of Rabindranath Tagore about India.
1._______________________________________
2._______________________________________
3._______________________________________
4._______________________________________
5._______________________________________
3. Write two great things you know about Rabindranath Tagore.

1._______________________________________
2._______________________________________
4. What does the poet mean by ‘narrow domestic walls’?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. What kind of freedom does the poet wish to have for his country?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. What are ‘dead habits’ and why are they compared to desert sand?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
NIOS/Acad./2020/302/10/E
Lesson 10: Where is the Mind is without Fear
Worksheet – 10
7. Complete the table given below. One is done for your understanding:
Image Present Expected

Mind In fear Without fear
head
knowledge
world
words
Tireless striving
8. Find out the three metaphors in the poem.

1._______________________________________
2._______________________________________
3._______________________________________
9. Write five lines about ‘the India of Your Dream’.

1._______________________________________
2._______________________________________
3._______________________________________
4._______________________________________
5._______________________________________
10. Read the following columns and match the expressions with their meaning
Expression Meaning
mind is without fear Obsolete customs and traditions which are
unscientific and not beneficial
head is held high Education for all
knowledge is free Logical thinking
world has not been broken up into fragments A person who is fearless
narrow domestic walls The country is not broken into parts
words come out from the depths of truth Freedom from slavery and discrimination
tireless striving arms towards perfection A person full of self-respect and proud of his
state
clear stream of reason Division of society and country by religion,
caste creed, language, region, etc.
dreary desert sand of dead habit Sincerity of feelings
heaven of freedom Incessant action to attain flawless success
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(An Autonomous Institution Under Deptt. of School Education and Literacy, M.H.R.D., Govt. of India)
Chapter-11
Reading with Understanding
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand short theme based passage
2. Answer questions on those passages.
Q1) Read the following passage and answer the following questions:
The Banyan tree
!
The story is about a boy who lives with his grandparents in Dehradun. In his house, there is a big
Banyan tree. The boy climbs the tree and enjoys his time sitting on its branches and watches the
world beneath it. The boy interacts with squirrels and snails and butterflies. The boy also makes a
platform sort of thing among the branches to read books. The banyan tree is older than his
grandfather who is around 65 years of age. The boy finds the tree full of birds and chirping during
spring time.
Well, one summer when the outside world was reeling under the shock of hot breeze, the boy
climbs the tree, and settles on his makeshift platform with his books. The day was hot so all people,
including the gardener, were inside. From the above, a cobra snake comes out from the cactus, and
there soon arrives mongoose too. Fight between a snake and a mongoose is quite famous across the
world. The boy guesses the outcome but still he braces himself for the battle of champions.
The snake is a skillful and experienced fighter while mongoose is extra fast and so swift that even
cobra’s poisonous fangs go unnoticed. They both begin fighting using their skills and experience.
Not so far, on the clump of the cactus two birds come to enjoy the game: a jungle crow and a
mayna. While snake and mongoose are fighting, the birds take a dive and collide midway. The birds
want to distract snake. Well, the next time when the birds take a dive, they miss each other, as a
result the crow was attacked by the cobra. The crow jumps high in the air and falls twenty feet away
and dies instantly. But the relentless fight of cobra and mongoose doesn’t stop until the snake is
defeated. Mongoose attacks the back side of the snake and holds it tightly until it stops writhing.
When the snake is dead, mongoose walks away with it into the bushes. On the other hand, mayna
gives a congratulatory shriek and flies away.
All this action happens right below the eyes of the boy but none is aware except him. That day the
boy enjoys the battle of champions but realizes that nature balances everything in its own way. In
nature no one is immune. Cobra is a deadly creature, its one powerful snap is enough to kill any
animal or human, but it loses to mongoose.
The story is about a boy who lives with his grandparents in Dehradun. In his house, there is a big
Banyan tree. The boy climbs the tree and enjoys his time sitting on its branches and watches the
world beneath it. The boy interacts with squirrels, snails and butterflies. The boy also makes a
platform sort of thing among the branches to read books. The banyan tree is older than his
grandfather who is around 65 years of age. The boy finds the tree full of birds and chirping during
spring time.
Well, one summer when the outside world was reeling under the shock of hot breeze, the boy
climbs the tree, and settles on his makeshift platform with his books. The day was hot so all people,
including the gardener, were inside. From the above, a cobra snake comes out from the cactus, and
then arrives the mongoose too. Fight between a snake and a mongoose is quite famous across the
world. The boy guesses the outcome but still he braces himself for the battle of champions.
The snake is a skillful and an experienced fighter while mongoose is extra fast and so swift that
even cobra’s poisonous teeth go unnoticed. They both begin fighting using their skills and
experience. Not so far, on the clump of the cactus two birds come to enjoy the game: a jungle crow
and a mayna. While snake and mongoose are fighting, the birds take a dive and collide midway. The
birds want to distract snake. Well, the next time when the birds take a dive, they miss each other, as
a result the crow was attacked by the cobra. The crow jumps high in the air and falls twenty feet
away and dies instantly. But the relentless fight of cobra and mongoose doesn’t stop until the snake
is defeated. Mongoose attacks the back side of the snake and holds it tightly until it stops moving.
When the snake is dead, mongoose walks away with it into the bushes. On the other hand, mayna
gives a congratulatory shriek and flies away.
All this action happens right below the eyes of the boy but none is aware except him. That day the
boy enjoys the battle of champions but realizes that nature balances everything in its own way. In
nature no one is immune. Cobra is a deadly creature, it’s one powerful snap is enough to kill any
animal or human, but it loses to mongoose.
1. Mention the activities done by the boy in the passage? Whom does he interact with?
2. How does he enjoy himself during the spring time?
3. Which two creatures started quarrelling?
4. Give 2 adjectives each for Snake and Mongoose.

5. Who all were witnessing the brawl and Who finally emerged victorious in the fight?
6. What do you think is the moral of the story? Choose a theme for the text?
7. Find similar words from the passage.
• Communicate
• Tweet
• Surprise
• Expert
• Brawl
• Persistent
• Toxic
• Scream
• Beat
• Strong
Q2) Read the following passage and answer the following questions:
Subal Chandra has a son named Sushil Chandra; the two are called Subal and Sushil,
respectively.Sushil is not a well-behaved boy, and he goes around annoying all the people of
the neighbourhood. But his father Subal is old and arthritic, so he has a hard time chasing his
ill-behaved son around the neighbourhood.
One morning, Sushil claims he has a stomachache and can't go to school. Knowing Sushil's
trick's, Subal tells him that he'll have to cancel his plans with his friends too, and will drink
medicine instead of eating toffee. Sushil claims that his stomachache is over, but Subal
refuses to hear it, and locks the boy in his room. While in his room, Sushil wishes to himself
that he were grown up like his father so that he had the independence to do whatever he
wanted. Subal, sitting alone, wishes to himself that he was young like his son, so that he
could spend all day and all night studying.
That evening, the Goddess of Desires comes and grants the two their wishes. Subal wakes up
as a small boy, with the clothes he fell asleep in much too baggy to wear. Sushil wakes up as
an old man with a grey beard, his clothes so tight that they're bursting at the seams. Sushil
tries to play games like climbing up trees, but finds it too difficult for his old bones, and is
laughed at by passersby when, as an old man, he falls from a branch. He tries to eat toffee,
but finds it much too sweet, and resolves not to feed it to the little Subal since it would make
him sick.
Subal, on the other hand, claims that he can't go to school on account of a stomachache.
Sushil had used that excuse too recently to accept it as the truth, so Subal goes to school. As
soon as Subal gets home, Sushil is annoyed by the noise he's making, so he sits Subal down
with a tutor to work on math until late at night. Sushil makes Subal stick to the same diet
that Subal had as an old man, but that style of eating starves the young Subal and makes him
lose weight. Sushil finds himself in pain from rheumatism and seeks medical help, but hurts
himself any time he forgets he's an old man and jumps out of bed. Subal also forgets his age,
and gets in trouble when he asks the schoolmaster for some tobacco.
Eventually, the two get fed up and start to wish that they were their original ages again. The
Goddess of Desires visits them and asks if they've gotten what they wanted, and they say
that they did, but want to go back to their previous states now. That night, she makes Sushil
young again and Subal old again. The next morning when Subal asks if Sushil is learning his
grammar, a perplexed Sushil says he seems to have lost his book.
1. How were Sushil and Subal related to each other?
2. Why was Subal chasing Sushil?
3. Why do you think Sushil was locked in the room?
4. What did both Father and son wish for?

5. What miracle happened in the morning? What did they realize afterwards? Was it a good
change or a bad one?
6. How did Subal and Sushil realize that they want to go back to their previous state? Give
reasons.
7. Choose an appropriate title for the above passage.
8. Find similar words from the passage.
• Obedient
• Irritating
• Rejecting
• Lifting
• Settle
• Missing
Q3) Read the following poem and answer the following questions:
Fire and Ice - by Robert Frost
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

1. There are many ideas about how the world will ‘end’. Do you think the world will end some
day in future?
2. According to Frost, what do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ symbolize?
3. Try to decode the rhyme scheme of the poem? Mention the contrasting ideas in the poem?
Chapter-12
If I were you
Worksheet
1) !You"ll soon stop being smart..”

• Who says this?
• Why does he say it?
• Is the speaker sarcastic or serious?
2)I"m not taking it for fun. I"ve been hunted long enough. I"m wanted for murder already, and they
can"t hang me twice.
(a) What #step"$is the speaker talking about taking? Why is he taking it?
(b) By whom has the speaker been hunted? Why?
(c) Why does he say !they can"t hang me twice”?
(d) What light do these lines reflect on the speaker"s state of mind?
3) !A mystery I propose to explain.” What is the mystery the speaker proposes to explain?
4) Gerrard lives alone in a lonely cottage. An intruder, who is a criminal, enters his cottage. He in-
tends to murder Gerrard and take on his identity. Does he succeed?
5) “Peeved at the smartness displayed by Gerrard, the intruder says this to warn him against acting
smart as he is unaware of the consequences that he might suffer.” What consequences is the author
talking about?
6) !I want to know a few things, see.” What sort of information did the Intruder want from Gerrard?
7) The Intruder announced, !I"m going to kill you”. Was Gerrard scared? Describe Gerrard"s reac-
tions?
8) Write down the charter analysis of Gerrard and Intruder in about 80 words each.
9) I"m sorry. I thought you were telling me, not asking me. A question of inflection; your voice is
unfamiliar.
• Who is the speaker and who does he speak to?
• What had the listener asked the speaker?
• What does #inflection"$mean?
• What do these lines tell us about the speaker?
 
 
 

10) That"s a lie. You "re not dealing with a fool. I"m as smart as you and smarter, and I know you run
a car. Better be careful, wise guy!
• Who is the speaker? Which Tie"$is he talking about?
• Why did the speaker think he was smarter than the listener?
• Why did he warn the listener to be careful?
• What does the extract reveal about the Intruder?
11) Thinking about Language
Consult your dictionary and choose the correct word from the pairs given in brackets.
1. The (site, cite) of the accident was (ghastly/ghostly).

2. Our college (principle/principal) is very strict.
3. I studied (continuously/continually) for eight hours.
4. The fog had an adverse (affect/effect) on the traffic.
5. Cezanne, the famous French painter, was a brilliant (artist/artiste).
6. The book that you gave me yesterday is an extraordinary (collage/college) of science fiction and
mystery.
7. Our school will (host/hoist) an exhibition on cruelty to animals and wildlife conservation.
8. Screw the lid tightly onto the top of the bottle and (shake/shape) well before using the contents.
12) Choose the correct options:
1) Who was the intruder?

• Priest
• Thief
• Criminal
• Teacher
2) Who did Gerrard live with?

• His wife
• His parents
• Alone
• His son
3)Who all came to visit Gerrard?

• The banker
• The milkman
• The grocer
• All of the above
4) What did Gerrard do to the intruder?

• They indulged in a physical brawl
• He killed him
• He locked him in a cupboard
5) Who is the author of the play?

• Tagore
• Chetan Bhagat
• Douglas James
• John Key
 

Chapter -13
Tiger in the Tunnel
Worksheet
1) Who is Baldeo in “The Tiger in the Tunnel” by Ruskin Bond? Give his character analysis in
about 80 words.
2) Read the extract and answer the following question:
At the next station the driver slowed down and stopped his train to water the engine. He got down
to stretch his legs and decided to examine the head-lamps. He received the surprise of his life.
Describe the battle between Baldeo and the tiger. Why did the tiger approach Baldeo?
3) Read the passage and answer the following questions:
In "The Tiger in the Tunnel," Baldeo confronts the deadly man-eating tiger in the tunnel after his
first month on the job. Even though he has heard the rumors about this dangerous tiger, he is still
unafraid to do his job because his family depends upon his wages for their livelihood, and he is
skilled with his axe.
The train is late, and Baldeo begins to "nod" in the tunnel. However, he is awakened by the noise of
the tiger who is unafraid of the man because he has killed many men previously. There is no possi-
bility of escape, and Baldeo sees the shape of the approaching tiger. Surprising the tiger, Baldeo
strikes the first blow on the tiger's shoulder with his prized axe.
• Explain in brief the encounter between Baldeo and the tiger?

• Why was Baldeo not afraid of the tiger?
• What was the result of Baldeo’s and tiger’s encounter?
• What is the message of the story "Tiger in the Tunnel" by Ruskin Bond?
4) Baldeo was a brave man. Do you agree? Justify he statement in about 100 words.
5) Read the extract and answer the following questions:
Tembu is the twelve-year-old son of the night watchman, Baldeo. He's asleep in the little hut where
Baldeo stays at night when he's working.
Some nights, he accompanies his father to his job at the railroad track, where Baldeo makes sure
that the lamps stay lit and that the tunnel for the train is free of obstruction. One night, Tembu
wakes up and asks if he should accompany his father to check the tunnel, but his father says no.
While his father is waiting for the train, the rumble of the approaching train wakes Tembu again.
• Who is Tembu?

• How is he related to Baldeo?

• What role does he have in the story?
Still drowsy, Baldeo groped for his lamp in darkness then fumbled about in search of matches.
When he had produced a light he left the hut, closed the door behind him and set off along the per-
manent way. Tembu had fallen asleep again.
• What did Baldeo carry with him when he left for the signal post?
• Why was Tembu afraid?
• What do you understand by the term “drowsy”?
• What did Tembu witness after getting up?
He sat down in the darkness to wait for the train, and sang softly to himself. There was nothing to
be afraid of – his father had killed the tiger, the forest gods were pleased; and besides, he had the
axe with him, his father!s axe, and he now knew to use it.
• How did Baldeo die?

• What was the effect of Baldeo!s death on his family?
8) Fill in the blanks with the right form of verb.
• He demanded to …….. to the manager. (Speak)

• I miss ……… my grandparents. (Visit)
• We ………. our trip to Goa. (Delay)
• She ……… late. (Get up)
• She admitted ………. the money. (Steal)
9) Read the chapter thoroughly and write down a detailed analysis of the chapter in your own
words. You can also try to paraphrase some quotes from the text.
10) Pick your favourite character from the story and write a diary entry from his point of view using
his voice.
Chapter-14
The Road Not Taken
Worksheet.
1) What is your opinion about the differences between the two roads in the poem?Does one road
seem to be more appealing than the other? Use examples from the poem to support your answer.
2) Discuss the title of the poem !The Road Not Taken”. Is it appropriate for the poem?
3) Robert Frost did not feel dejected or disappointed in taking the road that was less travelled.
Justify.
4) !Oh ! I kept the first for another day !” What did the poet decide about the first road?
5) Read the stanza and answer the following questions:
"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth; ”
• What does the narrator mean by !a yellow wood”?

• What choice did the narrator have to make?
• Do you think the narrator regrets?
• In the poem what does “road” symbolises?
!Then took the other, as just as fair, "#

And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same, ”
• What does the !other” refer to in the above lines?

• Which road did the poet choose?
• Explain !grassy and wanted wear”?
“And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Yet knowing how way leads on to way;

I doubted if I should ever come back. ”
• Explain the line !In leaves no step had trodden back”.

• Does the narrator wish to come back? Give your opinion.
• “He wanted to walk down the road he had left.” Who is he in the poem? Explain the statement in
your own words.
!I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference ”
• Which road did the narrator leave?

• Why do you think the narrator says this !with a sigh”?
• Which road did the narrator finally decide to take and why?
9) “The narrator is regretful because he could not return and take the road he had left behind to
travel on another day or is he content as the road he took led him on to glory and a better life .”Ex-
plain the line in your own words.
10) Does the poem relate to some situations in your life when it was not easy for you to take a deci-
sion. Ponder over the question and use your own life experiences.
 

 
 

Chapter-15
Worksheet
I) Read the passage carefully and then answer the following questions
The Panchatantr
A king, while visiting his wives' apartments, took a monkey from a neighbouring stable for a pet.
He kept him constantly close at hand for his amusement, for as it is said, parrots, partridges, doves,
rams, monkeys, and such creatures are a king's natural companions.
It goes without saying that the monkey, fed on the various dishes that the king gave him, grew large
and was given respect by all who surrounded the king. Indeed, the king, due to his love and exceed-
ing trust of the monkey, even gave him a sword to carry.
In the vicinity of the palace the king had a grove artfully planted with many trees of various sorts.
Early in the springtime the king noticed how beautiful the grove was. Its blossoms exuded a mag-
nificent fragrance, while swarms of bees sang praise to the god of love. Thus overcome by love, he
entered the grove with his favourite wife. He ordered all his servants to wait for him at the entrance.
After having pleasantly strolling through and observing the grove, he grew tired and said to his
monkey, "I want to sleep a little while in this arbor of flowers. Take care that nothing disturbs me!"
Having said this, the king fell asleep.
Presently a bee, pursuing the aroma of the flowers, betel, and musk, flew up and lit on his head.
Seeing this, the monkey thought angrily, "What is this? Am I to allow this common creature to bite
the king before my very eyes?"
With that he proceeded to drive it away. However, in spite of the monkey's defense, the bee ap-
proached the king again and again. Finally, blinded by anger, the monkey drew his sword and struck
down the bee with a single blow. However, the same blow also split the king's head.
The queen, who was sleeping next to the king jumped up in terror. Seeing the crime, she said, "Oh,
oh, you foolish monkey! What have you done to the king who placed such trust in you?"
The monkey explained how it had happened, but thereafter he was shunned and scorned by every-
one. Thus it is said, "Do not choose a fool for a friend, for the king was killed by a monkey."
And I say, "It is better to have a clever enemy than a foolish friend.”
1. Why did the king take monkey?

2. Why do you think the king trusted the monkey?
3. What was disturbing the king while he was sleeping?
4. “Blinded by anger, the monkey drew his sword and struck down the bee with a single blow.”
What did the monkey do? What were the consequences of his actions?
5. "Oh, oh, you foolish monkey!”. Who said this and why?
6. "It is better to have a clever enemy than a foolish friend.”Do you agree? Give your opinion in
about 50-80 words.
7. What do you think is the moral of the story? Give your answer in about 50-80 words.
II) Look at the picture and describe it in about 100 words.

III) Write about the members of your family. What are they like? What do they do?
Describe your family in about 100-150 words.

Chapter-16
I MUST KNOW THE TRUTH
Worksheet
1) Read the extract carefully and answer the following questions:
I know what she was going to say— “Fair, Fair.” I felt anger rise inside me. Fair! As if that was all
that mattered, mattered most, more than a good figure, a chiselled face, more than the beauty that
lies within. I knew I wasn!t as beautiful as she was, with her fine, regular features, and I wasn!t even
half as talented as her. How did it matter if she was darker than me?
• Why did Aradhana think she was not beautiful?

• What do you understand by the phrase that “beauty lies within”?
• What do you understand by the phrase “chiselled phrase”?
"Time is flying,” sighed Grandma and turning to aunt Pramela she asked, "isn!t it, Pramela?” “It cer-
tainly is,” my aunt nodded. "It seems it was just yesterday when Sunita brought her home. How
skinny she was, skinny and dark.” I gasped and stared aghast at Aunt Pramela. How on earth could
she say such hurting words in front of Aradhana?
• Who was Aunt Pramela? How was she related to Aradhana?

• What was the #mean!$thing that Aunt Pramela said?
• What was Aradhana’s parents reaction?
I shouldered my way through the crowd of silent onlookers. When I reached the door, I heard my
sister!s voice, torn with grief, "Leave me alone. Leave me alone all of you. Oh, why don!t you leave
me alone?”
• What words of Aunt Pramela!s hurt Aradhana the most?

• How did Aradhana learn the truth?
• Did it shatter her completely?
4) What gift had Aradhana!s parents got for her? Why did Aradhana!s mother give it to her on the
day of the school!s Annual function?
5)Read the extract carefully and answer the following questions:
She danced, not for her teacher, not for the audience. She danced for one person only, who followed
every single movement of hers with bright, burning eyes;
• #She danced for one person only.!Who was this person? Why did she dance only for her?
• Can you express Aradhana’s state of mind? Why does she seem sad?
6) Which of the qualities do you think is important in a dancer?
7) Read the story carefully and briefly explain the main ideas of the text in about 150 words.
"For almost 18 years I have cared for you. I have laughed with you and I have cried for you. I have
given you 18 years of my life. Don!t you think that counts more than being carried 9 months inside
my womb.”
• Who is the speaker?

• For how many years did Aradhana stay with her parents?
• Analyse Aradhana’s mother’s reaction from the above lines.
9) Write an application to the Principal of your school to request him to open a well equipped li-
brary in your school.
10) Fill in the blanks using a suitable word in each.
Once upon a time there was a man called Harry. He was a florist (a) _______ lived in Ohio. He (b)
_______ 2 daughters, (c) _______ eldest was called Elizabeth after the queen and (d) _______ was
arranged that she (e) _______ inherit his father!s shop. So (f) _______ school she went to special
Botany classes.
Chapter-17
INDIA-HER PAST AND FUTURE
Worksheet
1) “To endeavour to understand and describe the India of today would be the task of a brave man.
To describe tomorrow!s India would verge on rashness. What is India?”
Read the statement carefully and give your views on the above lines in about 50-80 words.
Change is essential but continuity is also necessary. The future has to be built on the foundations
laid in the past and in the present. To deny the past and break with it completely is to uproot our-
selves and sapless, dry up. It was the virtue of Gandhiji to keep his feet firmly planted in the rich
traditions of our race and our soil and, at the same time, to function on the revolutionary plane.
• What was Gandhiji’s idea about change?

• What aspects of ancient India fill Nehru with pride and wonder?
• What negative effect have Western invasion had on our country?
3) “India was saved by her ability to adapt to the great changes and influences that came in and, In-
dia never forgot her past glories and traditions.” Do you agree? Give your opinion in about 50-80
words.
4) “They were times of confusion and conflict among Indians on the basis of caste, religion and re-
gion.” What are Nehru’s views about change?
5) “Nehru has a deep knowledge of Indian history. He appears to be concerned and does not speak
in a language of hatred or anger. He is a man of science and has deep faith in science and technolo-
gy.” What is Nehru’s take on India’s future?
6) What are the aspects of ancient India that fill Nehru with pride? Give your answer in about
50-80 words.
7)Read the extract carefully and answer the following question:
Today, we are confused. Should we follow the lead given by the West and forget our past? Or,
should we try to revive the past glory of India? Gandhi showed us the right path, says Nehru.
There is confusion and worry in Nehru!s mind about the best way forward.
• As the Prime Minister of the country, what are the major tasks that Nehru faces?
• What according to you is the best way for India to move forward?
8) Read the extract carefully and answer the following question:
What will emerge from the labour and the tumults of the present generation? I cannot say what to-
morrow!s India will be like, I can only express my hope and wishes. I want India to advance on the
material plane – to fulfil her Five Year Plans to raise the standard of living of her vast population: I
want the narrow conflicts of today in the name of religion or caste, language or province to cease,
and a classless and casteless society to be built up where every individual has full opportunity to
grow according to his worth and ability.
• What does Nehru find most remarkable about people now?

• What is Nehru!s vision of India in the future?
• What does Nehru mean by the Five-year plan?
9) Match the opposites from column A to B with the following antonyms
A B
future free
improvement material
fresh past
forward far
weakness rashness
near strength
timidity deterioration
spiritual stale
cabined backward
10) Imagine you are the prime minister of India. Write an essay about what will you do for the
youth of the country? Write your answer in about 100-150 words.

Chapter-18
Night of the scorpion
Worksheet
Q1) Read the stanza given below and answer the questions that follow:
I remember the night my mother

was stung by a scorpion. Ten hours
of steady rain had driven him
to crawl beneath a sack of rice.
i) Who does "he" refer to?

ii) Why did he enter the house and where did he hide?
iii) What do you understand by the term “diabolic”?Why does the poet refer to his tail as diabolic?
They clicked their tongues.

With every movement that the scorpion made his poison moved in Mother's blood, they said.
i) Who are "they" in the above passage?

ii) How did "they" contribute to the mother's suffering?
May the sins of your previous birth

be burned away tonight, they said.
May your suffering decrease
the misfortunes of your next birth, they said.
i) What good did the villages hope that the poison would do?
ii) Explain the phrase: "peace of understanding”
Q4) My father, sceptic, rationalist,.... upon the bitten toe and put a match to it.Why is the poet call-
ing the father a "sceptic, rationalist" ? Why did the father pour a little paraffin and put a match to it?
Mention reasons if his actions are justified or not.
I watched the flame feeding on my mother.

I watched the holy man perform his rites to tame the poison with an incantation.
After twenty hours
it lost its sting.
i) Who is 'I' here?

ii) When and how did the mother find relief?
iii) After how many hours did the bite lost its sting?
iv) “I watched the holy man perform his rites to tame the poison with an incantation.” Explain the
line in your own words
Q6) Examine the theme of the poem "Night of the Scorpion".
Q7) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
”After twenty hours

It lost its sting"
i) Explain the whole episode of scorpion’s sting in your own words?

ii) Was the mother relieved in the end?
Q8) “The villagers on hearing of this unfortunate event, come to see her, praying to god and giving
all kinds of justifications for her suffering. With their prayers and words they try to console the vic-
tim.”
Did the villagers prayers make a difference? Comment on this statement in about 100-150 words.
Q9) “The poem opens with the poet!s reminiscence of a childhood experience.” Share your most
memorable experience of your childhood in about 100-150 words.
Q10) “The poem describes mother!s selfless love for her children as she despite being stung by a
Scorpion and narrowly escaping death is grateful that the scorpion had picked her and spared her
children.” How far do you agree with mother’s selfless love? How close are you to your mother?
Describe your relationship with her in about 150-200 words.
Chapter-19
Worksheet
A) Read the passage and answer the following questions:
Many years ago, the sun and water were great friends, and they both lived on the earth together. The
sun very often used to visit the water, but the water never returned the visits.
At last the sun asked the water why he never visited. The water replied that the sun's house was not
big enough, and that if he came with all his people, he would drive the sun out of his home.
The water then said, "If you want me to visit you, you will have to build a very large house. But I
warn you that it will have to be very large, as my people are numerous and take up a lot of room".
The sun promised to build a very large house, and soon afterwards, he returned home to his wife,
the moon, who greeted him with a broad smile.
The sun told the moon what he had promised the water, and the next day, they began building a
large house to entertain the water and all his people.
When it was completed, the sun asked the water to come and visit him.
When the water arrived, one of his people called out to the sun, and asked him whether it would be
safe for the water to enter, and the sun answered, "Yes, tell my friend to come in."
The water began to flow in, followed by the fish and all the other water animals.
Very soon, the water was knee-deep in the house, so he asked the sun if it was still safe, and the sun
again said, "Yes," so more of them came in.
When the water was at the level of a man's head, the water said to the sun, "Do you want more of
my people to come?"
Not knowing any better, the sun and the moon both said, "Yes,". More and more of the water's peo-
ple came in, until the sun and the moon had to sit on top of the roof.
The water once again asked the sun if it was still okay to keep coming in. The sun and moon an-
swered yes, so more and more of the water's people came in.
The water soon overflowed the top of the roof, and the sun and the moon were forced to go up into
the sky.
...and they have been there ever since.
1. Choose an appropriate title for the above text.

2. Why did the water never visited the sun?
3. What did the sun promised water?
4. What happened when the water finally visited the sun?
5. Why do you think the water wanted more space?
6. “They have been there ever since.” Who is they in this statement? Explain the statement in con-
text to the above passage.
B) Carefully look at the picture and describe it in 100-150 words.
C) Write a short story in 100 – 150 words using the following clues. Provide your story with a
title.
Travelling to Agra by car to attend the marriage of my sister …… got stuck in a traffic jam …….
took the wrong route…… realised after three hours ……. now ………

Chapter-20
Reading With Understanding
Worksheet
A) Read the poem carefully and answer the following questions.
Freedom from fear is the freedom

I claim for you my motherland!
Freedom from the burden of the ages, bending your head,
breaking your back, blinding your eyes to the beckoning
call of the future;
Freedom from the shackles of slumber wherewith
you fasten yourself in night's stillness,
mistrusting the star that speaks of truth's adventurous paths;
freedom from the anarchy of destiny
whole sails are weakly yielded to the blind uncertain winds,
and the helm to a hand ever rigid and cold as death.
Freedom from the insult of dwelling in a puppet's world,
where movements are started through brainless wires,
repeated through mindless habits,
where figures wait with patience and obedience for the
master of show,
to be stirred into a mimicry of life.
• What kinds of freedom is the poet talking about?

• What do you understand by “shackles of slumber”?
• Why is the poet urging the readers to strive for freedom?
• What is meant by the phrase !Puppet"s World”?
• What is referred to as the !burden of ages”?
• What do you understand by the poem? Write your answer in about 80-100 words.
B) Look at the following pictures and write about him/her in about 150 words.
1)

2)
C) Read the line and answer the following questions.
Everybody has hobbies, and everybody loves talking about them.
• What are your hobbies?

• Why do you like your hobbies so much?
• How often do you do these hobbies?
• How long have you been doing these hobbies, and how did you get started?
• What hobbies did you used to have, but now do not?
• Is it important to have hobbies? Why/why not?

Chapter-21
Reading With Understanding
Worksheet
A) Read the passage and answer the following questions
Bitterness Grows Bitter
The Bodhisattva was once born as an ascetic. He would wander from place to place, meditating,
seeking inner peace and becoming one with God!s creation. Like all ascetics, he led a life of sim-
plicity. In the course of his wanderings, he came to Benaras. It was the rainy season then, and the
Bodhisattva was welcomed as the king!s royal guest. He was treated with great respect and every
care was taken so that he may spend his time peacefully. He stayed in the royal park and spent his
time in meditation.
Now, the king had been blessed with a son but there was a very big problem. The prince was an ill-
natured boy. He was named Dutthakumara. The king tried his best to improve his son!s nature. He
gave his son everything he desired, all the riches of the world were his for the taking. But alas, all
efforts failed. The king was heartbroken. He had an heir to his throne, but who would tolerate an ill-
tempered king? So he requested the Bodhisattva to help him.
One day, the ascetic and the prince were strolling in the royal garden. The ascetic asked him to taste
the leaf of a nearby plant. The moment the prince tasted the leaf, he spat it out as it was bitter. See-
ing this, the Bodhisattva said, "It is the leaf of a young plant, but yet it is so bitter. Imagine how bit-
ter it would taste when the tree grows up.” Hearing him, the young prince realized what the Bod-
hisattva meant. He was still a young boy and he had the most terrible temper. If his own father
could not tolerate this, how bad must other people feel about it! And what would happen when he
matured into a man? His bad qualities would grow manifold, just like the bitterness of the tree
leaves. The prince felt truly humbled by the lesson that the Bodhisattva had taught him so gently.
From that day onwards, the young prince tried to mend his ways and become a better person.
• What did Bodhisattva do all day?

• Why was the prince called ill-natured? Do you think the king was responsible for his behaviour?
• What was the reason behind asking the Prince to taste the bitter leaf?
• What was Bodhisattva trying to teach the young Prince?
• Do you agree with the teachings of Bodhisattva taught in the passage?
B) Look at the picture and describe the picture in about 100-150 words.

C) We all have goals and talking about them actually gets us more encouraged to do some-
thing about them. Answer the following questions in your own words.
What are your current goals in life?

How do you plan to reach your goals?
How often do you set goals for yourself?
What goals have you set and achieved in the past?
How do you feel when you reach your goals?

Chapter-22
Worksheet
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India. He became one
of the most respected spiritual and political leaders of the 1900's. Gandhi helped free the Indian
people from British rule through nonviolent resistance, and is honoured by Indians as the father of
the Indian Nation. He was highly influenced by Thoreau, Tolstoy, Ruskin, and above all the life of
Jesus Christ. The Bible, precisely the Sermon of the Mount and the Bagavad -Gita had a great influ-
ence on him. The Indian people called Gandhi 'Mahatma', meaning Great Soul. At the age of 13
Gandhi married Kasturba, a girl the same age. Their parents arranged the marriage. The Gandhis
had four children. Gandhi studied law in London and returned to India in 1891 to practice. In 1893
he took on a one-year contract to do legal work in South Africa.
At the time the British controlled South Africa (though South Africa as such did not exist at that
time, and the British did not control all of it by any means. In fact the Boer War (1898-1900) estab-
lished the supremacy of the British over the Dutch (Boers) and eventually led to the Union of South
Africa. Gandhi served as a medical attendant in this war.). When he attempted to claim his rights as
a British subject he was abused, and soon saw that all Indians suffered similar treatment. Gandhi
stayed in South Africa for 21 years working to secure rights for Indian people. He developed a
method of action based upon the principles of courage, non-violence and truth called Satyagraha.
He believed that the way people behave is more important than what they achieve. Satyagraha pro-
moted nonviolence and civil disobedience as the most appropriate methods for obtaining political
and social goals. In 1915 Gandhi returned to India. Within 15 years he became the leader of the In-
dian nationalist movement.
Using the principles of Satyagraha he led the campaign for Indian independence from Britain.
Gandhi was arrested many times by the British for his activities in South Africa and India. He be-
lieved it was honourable to go to jail for a just cause. More than once Gandhi used fasting to im-
press upon others the need to be nonviolent. India was granted independence in 1947, and parti-
tioned into India and Pakistan. Rioting between Hindus and Muslims followed. Gandhi had been an
advocate for a united India where Hindus and Muslims lived together in peace.
On January 13, 1948, at the age of 78, he began a fast with the purpose of stopping the bloodshed.
After 5 days the opposing leaders pledged to stop the fighting and Gandhi broke his fast. Twelve
days later a Hindu fanatic, Nathuram Godse who opposed his programme of tolerance for all creeds
and religion assassinated him.
There are five great contributions which Mahatma Gandhi gave to the world as follows: (1)A New
spirit and technique- Satyagraha; (2) The Emphasis that the moral universe is one and that the
morals of individuals, groups, and nations must be the same. (3)His insistence that the means and
the ends must be consistent; (4) The fact that he held no ideals he did not embody or was not in the
process of embodying. (5) A willingness to suffer and die for his principles. The greatest of these is
his Satyagraha.
Answer all the questions in your own words:
1. Choose a suitable title for the text.

2. Who all influenced Gandhi?
3. When and whom did Gandhi marry?

4. How did Gandhiji work towards independence? What all did he do to achieve freedom from the
British?
5. What do you understand by Satyagraha?
6. Why was Gandhi sent to jail?
7. Why was Gandhi fasting in 1948?
8. Explain any 3 greatest contributions of Mahatma Gandhi.
9. Provide meanings for the following words and make sentences:
• Non-violence
• Resistance
• Courage
• Disobedience
• Assassinated
• Willingness
B) Look at the following pictures and write about them in around 150-200 words.
1)
2)
C) Read the extract and answer the following questions:
Food is possibly the most universal topic of them all and everyone loves to discuss what they
eat. This is also an ideal topic for learners because the vocabulary is usually pretty simple.
You can answer questions like:
• What is your favourite food? Why?
• What food comes from your country?
• How do you feel when you eat food?
• What foods do you dislike? Why?
• Where do you usually get food from?
Chapter -23
Worksheet
A) Read the poem and answer the following questions:
After weeks of heat and dust

How welcome is the rain
It washes the leaves
Gives new life to grass,
Draws out the scent of the earth.
It rattles on the roof,
Gurgles along the drainpipe
Collects in a puddle in the middle of the lawn-
The birds come to bathe.
When the Sun comes out
A lizard crawls up from a crack in a rock
a small brown lizard
Basking in the sun
You too have your life to live
Your race to run
At night we look through the branches
Of the cherry tree.
The sky is rain washed , star -bright
Stay safe. Stay lucky and stay in love with nature.
-Ruskin Bond
1. What message is the poet trying to convey through the poem?

2. Why is the poet welcoming “rain”?
3. Why is the poet emphasising on the rain?
4. “You too have your life to live”, who is the poet referring to?
5. Choose a suitable title for the poem.
6. What is the importance of nature in your life?
7. What steps should be taken by the government to protect nature?
B) Look at the picture and describe it in around 200 words.

C) Complete the story in 200–250 words.
It was a cold night. A blind man was crossing the road, suddenly a bus came……..
D) Cooking is a topic on which anybody can talk about. Answer the following
questions in your own words about cooking.
In your home, who usually cooks?

How often do you cook?
How well do you cook? What can you cook well?
What are the advantages/disadvantages of cooking?
What food would you like to learn how to cook?

Chapter-24
Worksheet
Travel is something which people do every day. It is very difficult to avoid the need to travel. It may
be a trip to school, university or to work. Travelling can often take a long time, especially when
great distances need to be covered. People often enjoy travelling abroad for holidays. But for some
people travelling is not fun at all. Some people suffer from travel sickness. This means that they
will become very unwell each time they travel.
Travelling can be either affordable or costly. It often depends on how far you want to travel and the
choice of transport. Using a bicycle will not cost anything as you power it by using your legs. How-
ever, the use of a bicycle can be hard work and can take a lot of time to travel long distances. Cars
and motorcycles are faster modes of transport, but are more expensive to use as gasoline is needed
for them to work. It can usually be assumed that the longer you wish to travel, the more expensive
and time consuming it will be.
The use of a plane is necessary for people wanting to travel very long distances. A pilot will fly a
plane from an airport for many thousands of miles to take people to places far away. Although traf-
fic is rarely a problem for airplanes, it can take a lot of preparation to travel by plane. People often
need to arrive at the airport three hours prior to departure.
A train is another mode of transport which is ideal for travelling long distances within the same
country, or between countries which are connected by land. A train driver will stop at train stations
on route to allow passengers wishing to proceed to the scheduled destination to board the train.
A number of destinations can be travelled to by using the sea. People often depart from a harbour in
a ferry which is driven by a captain. If the journey is a long distance, people may choose to sleep on
the ferry while they wait to arrive at their destination. Some people choose to go on a cruise for
their holiday, which would involve stopping at many different city ports for a short amount of time.
People who need to travel short distances may choose not to use any transport at all. People often
rely on their legs to take them to places nearby. This is often encouraged as certain modes of trans-
port have been said to produce harmful emissions and damage the environment.
1. Choose a suitable title for the text.

2. Do you enjoy travelling? State your best travelling experience till now.
3. What is your favourite mode of transportation?
4. “A train is another mode of transport which is ideal”. Explain the statement in your own words.
5. Answer the following questions in one word.
• Which mode of transport does not cost money?
• Why do some people not enjoy travelling?
• Name the mode of transport which is controlled by a pilot and stops at an airport.
• Name the mode of transport which is controlled by a captain and stops at a port.
• Which mode of transport is ideal for travelling between countries connected by land?
B) Identify the locations in the pictures and write about them in150-200 words.

1)
2)
3)
 
  

C) Answer the following questions in about 80-100 words
We all have goals and talking about them actually gets us more encouraged to do something about
them. How do you plan to reach your goals?
• What are your current goals in life?

• How do you plan to reach your goals?
• How often do you set goals for yourself?
• What goals have you set and achieved in the past?
• How do you feel when you reach your goals?

Chapter-25
Bholi
Worksheet
Q1) “A little girl Bholi fails to develop self confidence due to her parental attitude.” Do you agree
with statement? Give your opinions in about 80-100 words.
Q2) From her very childhood Bholi was a little slow. She had smallpox marks on her face and she
stammered. Going to school was a turning point in Bholi’s life. Elaborate the statement with the
help of examples from the text.
Q3) She was neglected and treated as a second grade member in the family. Her needs and emotions
were never given any consideration. In other words Bholi!s parents had discriminatory attitude to-
wards her. Pick out lines from the text and explain the above lines in your own words.
Q4) Teacher was the first person who showed her respect as individual. Earlier she was neglected,
treated as a dumb cow.Under teacher!s guidance she read books, learnt and obtained education.
What was the importance of education in Bholi’s life?
Q5) There was a light of deep satisfaction in the teacher!s eyes. Why? Why did Bholi refuse to mar-
ry Bishamber?
Q6) Go through the text and find out the meanings of the following words. Also make sentences
with these words.
• Stammered
• Disfigured
• Squatted
• Throbbing
• Contempt
• Contemplating
Q7) "Dowry is negation of the girl!s dignity!. Discuss with reference to the story#"Bholi!.
Q8) What do you think are the barriers to access education for girls in India and how can we over-
come these challenges?
Q9) What is your understanding of equal opportunities for girls and how do you think we all are
working towards achieving it?
Q10) Underline the adjectives in each sentence below:
1. Susan went to the store to buy red apples.

2. The hot sun rose in the morning and set in the misty evening.
3. Many of earth!s significant wonders have been called as historical monuments.
4. Mary was cooking a delicious dinner for her family in the evening.
5. Many of those beautiful red and orange flowers bloom in spring and die in the winter.
Questions for Practice
Notes
QUESTION FOR PRACTICE
1. Answer the following questions:

(i) How did Sunil begin playing cricket? Who helped to develop his talent
as a cricketer? (My First Steps)
(ii) Which is more important, wisdom or knowledge? What should education
do for us? (Father, Dear father)
(iii) When and how is wind energy used in India? (Fuel of the Future)
(iv) Was the doctor right in turning Evans out in the cold? Give logic to your
answer. (A case of Suspicion)
(v) What things does a normal child like to see? Was Ved’s childhood different
from that of other children? (My Son will no a Beggar be)
(vi) What brings the Intruder to Gerrards house? (If I were you)
(vii) Baldeo finds himself in a dangerous situation. How does he deal with it?
(The Tiger in the Tunnel)
(viii) What is it that Aradhana wants to know? Why does her grandmother
not tell the truth? (I Must Know the Truth)
(ix) Nehru is both pleased and disappointed with modern India. What pleases
him and what are his fears? (India Her Past and Future)
(x) How Bholi showed her confidence and her decision making faculty?
(Bholi)
2. Do as directed.
(a) Fill in the blanks with the correct rhyming words and complete the lines
from a poem ‘Leisure’?
What is this life if full of _____
We have no time to stand and stare?
No time to stand beneath the boughs.
And stare as long as sheep or _____.
No time to see when woods we pass
Where squirrels hide their nuts in _____.
ENGLISH
(b) What is the name of the poet of the poem ‘My Grand Mother’s House’?
(c) What was the period and overall scenario when the poem ‘Where the
Mind is Without Fear’ was written?
Notes (d) Pick out the lines from the poem ‘The Road Not taken’ which say that
both the roads looked similar that morning?
(e) What is the scorpion referred to in the third line?
3. Do as directed
I. (a) We went to Banaras last month.
(b) I love to play cricket.
(Rewrite the above sentences in the negative)
II. (a) He is my English teacher.
(b) Radha went for the picnic.
(Rewrite the above sentences in the Interrogative)
III. Fill in the blanks using the passive form of the verbs given in brackets.
Wind energy ________ (derive) through a process where wind _________
(use) to generate mechanical power or electricity. Since recorded history,
wind power _____ (use) to move ships, grind grain and pump water. There is
evidence that wind energy _____ (use) to propel boats along the Nile as
early as 5,000 B.C.
IV. Change the following questions into indirect speech:
i. She said, “Did you see my sister yesterday?”
ii. My teacher said, “What is your father doing these days?”
V. Fill in the blanks using the infinitive form of the verb given in the box
help, report, sleep
(a) I shall be glad _______ you.
(b) She asked her ________ the progress of the work.
(c) She pretended _________.
4. (a) Use the following phrasal verbs in your own sentence
put off, put by, put on
(b) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the pair of words given:
weather, whether
l The ___________ has been cold and damp all month.
ENGLISH
l Baldeo was responsible for signaling _________ the tunnel was free
of obstruction or not.
(c) Give the antonyms of the following words:
improvement, timidity, forward Notes
(d) Use the correct form of the underlined words and fill in the blank.
a. She was very gentle.
She_____ picked up the baby.
b. Mr Singh is a very firm person.
He spoke very ______ to the rowdy boys.
5. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
I can’t believe mothers can do this to their children- Sania Mirza
Female foeticide! I had never heard about it previously. I cannot believe that
some mothers can do this to their children. It’s shocking.
I should consider myself lucky and I really owe it to my parents, who also
have my sister... making it ‘two’ girl children. I own my family a lot for two
reasons; being supportive and more so accepting that fact that children –
male or female – are just children.
Throughout my life my parents have never shown any sign of unhappiness at
not having a son. Hats off to them. Having understood what female foeticide
is all about, accepting the cause to fight against it has become my priority.
Girls can match boys in all aspects so why this reluctance to have a daughter?
After all, life begins in a woman.
More than just being an ambassador, in my individual capacity I want to do
whatever I can to support such a good cause as that of fighting female foeticide.
I do not know in what way I could be of help... but know that the best way is
to do my bit on the tennis court. The more I win the more I can help the cause.
I will talk to as many players as I can, asking them to help fight these acts that
are against Allah’s will.
- Sania Mirza
Questions:
1. Sania says ‘I had never heard it previously’ what is she referring to?
2. Mention the two factors about Sania’s parents that made her feel lucky?
3. What is Sania’s own opinion about a girl-child?
ENGLISH
4. What’s Sania’s earnest desire towards society?

5. What she thinks she can do to fulfil that desire?
6. Write the name of the game she has excelled in.
Notes
7. Choose the right option and complete the sentences:
A. How could a mother do this to her children” This refers to ______
i. Pre-natal killing of a girl child.
ii. Refusal to accept a girl child in the family.
iii. Giving a girl child her right to education.
B. Sania decides to talk to players in order to ______
(a) make friends with them
(b) advise them how to play efficiently.
(c) motivate them to fight against the unethical practices such as female
foeticide.
8. Find words from the passage which means similar to the following:
i) fortunate (para 2)
ii) helpful (para2)
iii) preference (para 3)
iv) purpose (para 5, 6)
ENGLISH
Notes
QUESTION FOR PRACTICE
Option-I (English for Receptionists)

1. Read the following conversation and write a message in the prescribed form
accordingly.
Caller : Is it lovely Bags office?
Receptionist : Good Morning, Yes it is. May I know who is calling?
Caller : This is Mrs. Renu Sharm Sales Manager of Perfect Enterprises,
could I talk to Mr. Salman, your Manager.
Receptionist : Sorry, Mr. Salman is out of station for a day. Could I take the
message if you don’t mind.
Caller : Thank you. It is in connection with the order of 200 leather
bags. I want to negotiate the price, discount and other terms and
condition also. Its an urgent matter. We need the bags at the
earliest. Could he talk to me on my cell phone 9961554953.
Receptionist : Certainly, as soon as I can get in touch with him. I will convey
the message.
Caller : Thank you, thank you indeed.
Telephone Message Form
To: _____________
_____________________________________
From _____________ Time _______________ Date ________________
Phone No: ________________
Message : _______________________________________
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
Taken by: ______________________
ENGLISH
2. Select 7 digit phone numbers of different areas. Group them correctly and
write how will you say these number. Indicate the pause with ‘/’.
3. Match the column A with column B.
Notes A B
cut off - write something down
find out - call again
get through - connect
hold on - replace (a receiver)
look up - lift something up
ring up - make a telephone call
pick up - find, eg. in a reference book
put down - discover
put through - disconnect
ring back - make contact
4. Complete the following sentences with the appropriate words. First letter of
the word in each case is given for your help.
(i) A detailed plan of a journey is called an i _____________.
(ii) Most companies buy tickets through a t_______ a _________.
(iii) I’ve already b_______ the hotel room for him.
(iv) Mr Sharma doesn’t know what flight he’s coming back on, so he’s got an
o__________ ticket.
(v) The f________ n ______ is BA 168.
5. What items a receptionist should keep on her desk to do her job efficiently?
6. A receptionist often does the work of a telephone operator- receiving incoming
calls, transferring out –going calls, helping people to get in touch. And in all
this telephone numbers play a very important part. Mention the general rules
to be followed by her.
7. A telephone conversation goes through certain well-marked stages on receiving
a call and receptionist goes through the following steps:
1. Greets and gives identity
2. offers help
ENGLISH
3. obtain the callers name, designation etc

4. Acknowledge the calls.
5. takes down the message and forwards to the person concerned.
Notes
6. (a) Gives message and asks if the officer/person concerned willing to receive
(b) connects the two parties (The caller and the receiver)
(c) Apologizes to the caller for inability to serve him/her.
Give two examples for each of the above steps (in phrases and expression).
(a) __________
(b) __________
8. Your are a receptionist in a hotel. Your client is staying in the hotel. He asks
the following questions/makes the following enquiries. How will you respond
to the same as under:
1. Q. Why was the breakfast delayed today?
A. _____________________________________________________
2. Q. Can you book a taxi for sight seeing?
A. _____________________________________________________
3. Q. Can you get my room unlocked? I had left my room keys inside the
room self.
A. _____________________________________________________
4. Q. Can I make an ISD call from my room itself?
A. _____________________________________________________
5. Q. Why did the news paper man not supply the Sunday magazine?
A. _____________________________________________________
6. Q. Can you send the TV mechanic to repair my room TV set?
A. _____________________________________________________
7. Q. Do you allow the visitors to come directly to the room?
A. _____________________________________________________
8. Do you have a safe vault to keep my wife’s ornaments?
A. _____________________________________________________
ENGLISH
9. Did someone call up in my absence?

A. _____________________________________________________
10.Shouldn’t you have got my room cleaned after I left?
Notes
A. _____________________________________________________
9. Rewrite the following conversation with corrections in questions and responses
in a humbler manner. Some of the expressions used are not appropriate.
Change them.
Receptionist : Whose there?
Caller : I’m Veena Johri from CPJ Institute of Management, IP Extn. Delhi
R : So!
Caller : I want to talk to the Director Academics.
R : No. he is busy. I cant contact him now.
Caller : Tell him it is urgent.
R : I can’t. Contact after half an hour.
Caller : Do you think he will be free by then?
R : How can I say? Just try.
10. Write a dialogue between the Receptionist and a Caller who is desperate to
speak to his superior officer about some problem in the unit but has failed to
contact him. He wants to get his extension/cell phone number for quick access.
11. l You had received a call from Kenya to confirm the receipt of the supply
made in response to your company’s supply order.
l You had a visitor from TMA Chemicals, Babraula, UP to confirm the
meeting of the visitors to their company. Wanted to meet the PRO
l You had received a letter from M/s Narayan Stationers as a reminder for
the payment of their past bills.
What and how entries will you make in the registers concerned?
12. Write down the requests for which the following are possible answers:
i) Sorry, we don’t accept credit cards against our bills.
ii) No problem. We’ll book hotel accommodation at Udaipur for your visit
on 17th and 18th Sept.
ENGLISH
iii) Sorry, our computer system is down today. You may give the text of the
e-mail. We’ll try to send through some other system.
iv) I’m afraid not. We don’t have any single bed room facing the lake.
Notes
Section II
ESP for Office Use
1. Mr. Sunil would like to send the following message. How should a telegram
to convey this message worded?
“Your sales report for July 07 indicates that you have had no sales for T.M.
Filing cabinets. Is this really the case or has the figures been omitted by
mistakes.”
2. One of David’s overseas subsidiaries has just received this memo from the
accounts department at the company’s headquarters.
Internal memo
To: Sunita Reference: AC/OB
From : Leena Abraham Yours reference:
Date: 12 July 07 your date:
Sub: sales contract
May we draw your attention to the fact that a duplicate copy of all sales
contracts should be sent to the head quarters.
- Leena Abraham
Your boss has instructed you to reply to this memo and has given you the
following outlines:
Reference to the memo received.
Point out that we have been sending duplicate copies of all sales contracts to
H.Q. for last five years.
Clear up misunderstanding-
We’ve been sending them to the law Department.
Suggest to contract the Law Department if they want to refer to old contracts.
Express polite regret.
Assure them we will comply with any instructions they may send us.
ENGLISH
3. You as a manager (sales) of the stores of universal music, Chambur, Mumbai

had ordered for the supply of certain stationery items for your office with
M/s Dyal stationery Ltd. Mumbai. But the supplier is not in a position to
supply the goods as per your terms and conditions and has asked for extension
Notes of deadline for supply.
Write a latter to the supplier in response to the request made. You want to
cancel your order.
4. Give full form of the following E-mails acronyms.
BRB ______ IMO _______ TIA ________ BBL _______
BTW ______ NBD _______ IVI _______ HSIK _______
5. You want to apply for a job. Prepare your curriculum vitae in an effective
way.
6. You have to appear for an interview. Give brief points for your answer to the
following questions:
(1) Why should the company hire you?
(2) What is important to you in a job?
(3) What are your strengths?
7. You are deputed to conduct a survey of the share market in Bhiwani to open
a showroom of the prestigious products of your company, Paeron ki Sajavat,
‘easy walk and cushion under your feet’
Write your report to be submitted to the Manager (sales) of Raja Shoes,
Hissar, starting that the Bhiwani market might be a suitable market for the
purpose. Give necessary reasons. You are senior sales executive of your
company.
8. Read the given advertisement published in the Hindustan Times, Lucknow
and write a forwarding letter addressed to the advertiser.
Wanted
Public Relation Officer
In
Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, Faizabad. Must have proficiency and fluency
in spoken English along with a degree of graduation from any of the Indian
universities.
Apply before 3rd Sept. along with necessary enclosures and latest passport
sized photograph. Apply to the chairman.
ENGLISH
9. Write a memo to the security officer of your company Ananya Musical

Instruments co. Nai Sarak, Delhi about the negligence of his boys in security
measures. You are General Manager (Personnel).
10. Write a letter of enquiry addressed to the Hotel ‘Aaram’, Jaipur to enquire Notes
about availability of 20 rooms and four suites in connection with a big
conference Hall to accommodate 200 representatives for annual Dealer’s
Conference of Nagar Electrical Cable company of Delhi. Also enquire the
charges for all. You are PS to the Manager (Sales).
11. Write an e-mail addressed to Mr Sarin SK the Auditor General of the state
coming to your company for audit. He wants information about your company’s
area of operation and main business. You are PRO of your company, Swaran
Garments, Dawrka, Delhi.
Mr. Sarin’s e-mail ID is sarinsk@rediffmail.com. Your e-mail ID is
swarang@hotmail.com.
12. Mention five duties of a Front office assistant.
13. Mention five items that an office assistant needs for effective and efficient
working in a front office.
14. Are these statements true? Write ‘T” if it is true. In case any statement is
False, write ‘F’ and correct it.
i) Every formal letter should close with thanks.
ii) Letters of enquiry should have reference to the previous communication.
iii) The interviewee need not carry the testimonials about his previous work.
iv) CV of an applicant should have names of two or more references.
v) A memo doesn’t have a formal close.
ENGLISH
Sample Question Paper Sample Question Paper
Question Paper Design

Subject: English Class : Senior Secondary Notes
Marks : 100 Duration – 3 hours
1. Weightage by Objectives
Objective Core Optional Total % of the
Section A Section B Total Marks
Knowledge 23 5 28 28%
Comprehension 41 4 45 45%
Expression 21 6 27 27%
85 marks 15 marks 100 marks
2. Weightage by type of Questions
Type Core Optional Section B Estimated Time

Section A a candidate is
B1 B2 Expected to take
Core Optional
Module Module
Long 5 × 3 = 15 6×1=6 30 mins
Answer 6×1=6 4×1=4 10 mins
Questions
Short 4×1=4 40 mins 30 mins
Answer 2 × 13 = 26 15 mins
Questions
Very Short 1 × 34 = 34 ½×4=2 1×5=5 35 mins
Answer 1 × 13 = 13
Questions
85 marks 15 marks 15 marks 160 minutes
52 17 Questiosn 8 Questions 20 minutes for
Questions B1 B2 reading and
85 marks 15 marks 15 marks revision
Total 180 minutes
3. Weightage by Content
S. No. Units/Sub-unit Marks
1. Prescribed Texts (Prose + Poetry) 25
2. Non Prescribed Text 25
3. Grammar 15
4. Functional Writing Skills 20
5. Optional Modules 15
Total 100 marks
ENGLISH
Notes
ENGLISH
Notes
ENGLISH
Sample Question Paper

Notes English (Senior Secondary)
Time : 3 hours Maximum Marks: 100
General Instructions:
1. This paper has been divided into Two sections namely, ‘A’ and ‘B’
1.1 Section ‘A’ is compulsory for all the students. It carries 85 marks and
contains questions based on the prescribed text (Prose and Poetry) and
also questions for Comprehension of unseen passages, Functional Writing
Skills and Grammar.
2. Section ‘B’ has a choice according to the Options – B1 English for
Receptionists and B2 English for Office Use. It carries 15 marks. Questions
on only one option have to be attempted.
Section – A
1. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:
(4 marks)
(a) To endeavour to understand and describe the India of today would be
the task of a brave man. To describe tomorrow’s India would verge on
rashness. What is India? That is a question which has come back again
and again to my mind. The early beginnings of our history filled me with
wonder. It was the past of a virile and vigorous race with a questing
spirit and an urge for free inquiry, and even in its earliest known period
giving evidence of a mature and tolerant civilization. Accepting life and
its joys and burdens, it was ever searching for the ultimate and the
universal.
(i) What according to the Speaker would be the task of a brave man?
(1)
(ii) What is it that has come back again and again to the speaker’s
mind? (1)
(iii) What impact did the early history of India have on the speaker’s
mind? (1)
(iv) Pick out only two expressions from the extract that describe the
early civilization of India (1)
ENGLISH
Or
The end of the short-lived age of fuels like oil and coal is already in sight;
soon – in one or two centuries at the most – we will have wasted all the
world’s resources of oil and coal. This no longer means disaster, for
atomic energy can take their place to save our civilization from dying Notes
through lack of power. We are thus moving into a brighter and cleaner
age, as the smoke of millions of fires and furnaces and automobiles ceases
to darken the sky. But for that very reason, it may also be a colder age.
(i) Why has the age of fuels like oil and coal been referred to as a
short lived age? (1)
(ii) What would save our civilization from dying through lack of power?
(1)
(iii) What would make the future age, a brighter and a cleaner age?
(1)
(iv) What changes in the weather are expected in the age referred to as
‘a brighter and a cleaner age’? (1)
(b) Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow :
( 4 marks)
“Aradhana”, my mother said quietly, “we love you, my child, and believe me
we will always love you. You are my child. For almost eighteen years I have
cared for you. I have laughed with you and I have cried for you. I have
given you eighteen years of my life. Don’t you think that counts more than
being carried nine months inside my womb? Tell me, dear”.
(i) Why did the mother feel the need of answering Aradhana about her love
for her (Aradhana)? (1)
(ii) What makes the reader conclude that Aradhana was her adopted child?
Pickup the lines concerned. (1)
(iii) What does mother mean when he says, “ I have laughed with you and I
have cried for you”. (1)
(iv) Which word in this extract means ‘of great significance’? (1)
Or
It was good that I lost my sight when I did, because having no memories of
seeing there was nothing to look back to, nothing to miss. I went blind in
November, 1937. At that time we were living in Gujrat, in the province of
Punjab in northern India. After my sickness we moved to Lahore, a few
miles away, but the number of relatives who come to sympathise made my
father ask for another transfer, this time to Karnal, where we had neither
friends nor relatives. There we got a cottage on the canal bank built in very
ENGLISH
peaceful and quiet surroundings.

(i) Which sentence tells us that the author was not born blind? (1)
(ii) When and where did it happen? (1)
Notes
(iii) Why was his father eager for a transfer? (1)
(iv) Which word in the passage mean the same as “expressing a feeling of
concern”. (1)
2. Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words each. (Any three)
2 x 3 = 6 marks
(i) Why did the tiger attack Baldeo fatally? (Tiger in the Tunnel)
(ii) Why did the Intruder in the play ‘If I were you want to assume Gerrard’s
identity?
(iii) What did Ved Mehta’s father do to get his son’s blindness cured? Give
reason if you agree with his approach? (My son will not a beggar be)
(iv) Why does Sunil Gavaskar give credit to his uncle Madhav Mantri for
his success in life as a cricketer? (My First Steps)
3. Answer the following question in about 60 words. (6 marks)
(a) Describe the circumstances in which Dr. Benson and Evans met. Why
did they part with each other abruptly and unceremoniously? (A Case
of Suspicion)
Or
(b) Rahul in his letter to his father appreciate the education imparted during
his grandparents time and is critical of modern education. Why does he
do so? Do you agree with Rahul? Why?
4. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
(5 marks)
(a) There is a house now far away where once
I received love…. That woman died,
The house withdrew into silence, snakes moved
Among books. I was then too young
To read, and my blood turned cold like the moon.
How often I think of going
There, to peer through blind eyes of windows or
Just listen to the frozen air ……………………..
ENGLISH
(i) Who does the phrase ‘that woman’ refer to? What happened after her
death? (2)
(ii) How did the poet feel when she visited that house? Why did she want
to go back to the house? (2) Notes
(iii) After reading the extract, what do you infer about the poet? Express in
one sentence. (1)
Or
(b) What is this life if full of care
We have no time to stand and stare?
No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see when woods we pass

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass
No time to turn at beauty’s glance

And watch her feet, how they can dance.
(i) What does the poet want to convey when he says, ‘no time to stand
and stare’? (2)
(ii) What is the central idea of the above extract? (2)
(iii) In the line, ‘to turn at beauty’s glance’ what does the word ‘beauty’
refer to, a beautiful girl or beauties of nature or both? (1)
5. Read the passage and answer the following questions: (8 marks)
The Flag Code of India, 2002, lays down guidelines that should be followed
by the general public and educational institutions while displaying the Indian
National Flag.
Here are a few points that need to be kept in mind:
• Whenever the flag is displayed, it should be distinctly placed. A damaged
flag should not be displayed.
• The flag should not be used as a badge or in any other manner for
decoration.
• Flags made of paper may be waved by public on important national,
cultural and sports events. Such flags should not be thrown on the
ground after the event. They should be destroyed as a whole in private.
ENGLISH
• When a flag is displayed in the open, it should, as far as possible, be

flown from sunrise to sunset, irrespective of weather conditions.
• In schools and colleges, those present should ideally be in the attention
position and should salute the National Flag for a brief period while it is
Notes
unfurled. This should be followed by the National Anthem.
• No other flag should be placed higher than or by the side of the National
Flag.
• The length to height (width) ratio of the National Flag should be 3:2.
(i) What is the length to height (width) ratio of the National Flag?
What is the guidelines for displaying it in the open? (2)
(ii) What is the guideline for the audience when the National Flag is
unfurled during functions organized in schools and colleges? What
is the appropriate time for the National Anthem in such functions?
(2)
(iii) What are the guidelines regarding the National Flags made of
paper? (2)
(iv) (a) Pick out the word from the passage which mean the same
as…. ‘very untidy’. (1)
(b) Which word in the passage is opposite in meaning to
‘public’. (1)
6. Read the passage and answer the questions that follow: (8 marks)
Individuals together form a society. Any form of substance abuse does not
affect the individual alone but adversely affects his family, friends and thereby
the society as well. Children of parents addicted to drugs are neglected and
abused. This leaves a deep emotional scar in them and leads to disorder like
anxiety, phobia, under-confidence, and depression.
Youth involved in drug abuse mostly indulge in unlawful activities such as
theft, violence and road rage which has negative effects on the society they
grow up in. They cannot positively contribute to the development of the
society.
Drug abuse is prevalent across all sections of the society. The rich are mainly
involved in use of drugs such as marijuana, heroin and other substances
which are expensive. They do it mainly to get a feeling of ‘high’. The street
children are addicted to smoking, drinking illicit liquor, and in the smelling of
gum, paints, and fuel. It is found that the smelling of these toxicants help
them to overcome hunger pangs.
ENGLISH
(i) Pick out two instances from the passage that highlight the sufferings of
children whose parents are addicted to drugs. (2)
(ii) How does addiction to drugs affect youth adversely? (2)
(iii) Complete the following statements Notes
(a) The rich are addicted to drugs like ………. They do so to…….
(b) The poor are addicted to …………… It helps them to…….
(1+1)
(iv) Write the words in the passage which mean:
(a) The same as ….. ‘something that exists or occurs to a great extent’.
(b) The opposite of ‘Confidence’. (1+1)
7. Read the passage and complete the table given below: (4 marks)
An HIV infected person (medically known as an HIV positive person) is
one who has the HIV virus in his body. Such a person remains infected and
is infective for the rest of his/her life. However, he/she will appear to be
perfectly normal and healthy for many years. HIV infected person does not
have AIDS. But when an HIV positive person’s T Lymphocyte count falls
to 200 or less, he/she starts developing symptoms. AIDS is only the end
stage of HIV infection.
There is no cure or vaccine for the AIDS so far. A few weeks after the virus
enters the body, some people have flu-like symptoms such as fever, body
ache and headache. These symptoms disappear after a while and there is a
long phase of 3 to 12 years when it goes undiagnosed. After that, when the
immune system starts failing AIDS sets in. The early symptoms are fatigue,
unexplained loss of weight in a very short time, chronic diarrheoa, prolonged
fever, cough, night sweats.
Insert sterilized equipment when you go in for any invasive procedure. Always
use disposable needles whenever you have to take an injection. The blood
that you get during blood transfusion should be screened for AIDS.
Traits of HIV Symptoms of Early Symptoms Precautions to

positive person Infection of AIDS be taken
(a) (a) (a) (a)
(b) (b) (b)
(c)
ENGLISH
8. Make a summary of the following passage in about 100 words.

(5 marks)
Puzzling over crosswords and Sudoku games may keep mental illness at
Notes bay, a recent study shows. Maintaining an agile mind can help ward off a
host of conditions, ranging from depression to schizophrenia.
Scientists believe the mental manipulation needed to solve Sudoku puzzles
nourishes the mind, leaving it better placed to cope with mental illness.
The study also showed that those with the highest IQs tended to suffer from
milder forms of mental illness than their less intelligent counter parts. The
research from University of Cambridge scientists, adds to growing evidence
of the importance of exercising brains as well as bodies.
Other studies have shown lawyers, doctors and others with mentally
demanding jobs have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s, as do fans of
crosswords and other puzzles, such as Sudoku.
‘It has been known for some time that intelligence can protect you against
dementia and the consequences of head injury’ said a university spokesman.
“They have demonstrated that the symptoms of schizophrenia are less severe
and the ability to function in daily living is better for those with a higher IQ.”
It is thought that the most intelligent either have a greater number of nerve
connections in their brains, or the nerve connections they have are more
efficient, raising their ability to cope with any psychiatric problems.
9. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with appropriate passive form of
the verbs given in brackets. (3 marks)
Last Saturday on the occasion of the school’s annual prize distribution function
prizes (a) ____________ (give) by the Chief Guest. Ten plants (b)
___________ (plant) by the Chief Guest. On this occasion all the prize
winners (c) ___________ (award) special prizes by the Chief Guest. A
special prize was given to the best student of the year.
10. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with appropriate form of the
verbs given in brackets. (4 marks)
My Father (a)__________ (give) up smoking after his retirement. He
(b)____(go) for a morning walk regularly. He (c) ___________ (start) this
activity before he (d)____________________ (retire).
11. Combine the following pairs of sentences using the connectors given against
each pair. (4 marks)
ENGLISH
(a) (i) I have bought a dictionary from the Book Fair.

(ii) It has been published by Oxford University Press for Indian students
exclusively. (which)
(b) (i) Aarush will not accompany us on tour to Australia. Notes
(ii) He is very busy preparing for entrance examinations. (because)

(c) (i) I got a call from my father.
(ii) I started for Bhopal to attend to my ailing mother. (as soon as)
(d) (i) Our tour to Kochi has been postponed
(ii) Our class teacher informed us last evening. (that)
12. Read the following dialogue between two friends. Complete the passage
given below based on the dialogue as reported by Ravi. (4 marks)
Sonia : Are you coming to visit the International Book fair? It is going
to be fun.
Noori : I’m afraid I cannot. My mother is quite unwell.
Ravi told me that Sonia asked Noori ______________________________
Noori told her ______________________________________________
13. Write a paragraph of about 100 words any one of the following topics:
(5 marks)
(a) How I celebrated my grandmother’s/grandfather’s 80th birthday.
(b) Big cities have housing problem and problem of heavy traffic.
(c) When I was refused admission in a regular school.
14. You had placed an order with M/s. Swastik Electronics, Madhu Vihar, Delhi
– 110 092 for supply of a Washing Machine to be delivered at your new
house at Dwarka (Sector 10, House No. 173B). But the delivery has not
yet been made. Write a letter to the Manager Sales complaining about non-
receipt of the machine and inconvenience being experience. You are Rohit
Ahuja. (5marks)
15. The following passage has seven (7)mistakes of spelling, use of inappropriate
words, incorrect grammar. (6 marks)
Spot the errors and write the correct forms as shown below. One is done
for you to serve as an example.
ENGLISH
Alexander is famous for having treeted women with respect. The clearest
example of his regard for women take place when he defeated a persian
forces. The Persian King has to fled for his life. He departed in such a haste
that the royal family was left behind. This included even the queen.
Notes
1 × 6 = 6 marks
Error Correct form
1. e.g. treeted 1. treated
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.
6. 6.
7. 7.
16. Read the following passage carefully. Make notes in points only, using
appropriate headings and sub-headings. Also use at least two recognizable
abbreviations. (4 marks)
Some 200 million people, or 5 percent of the global population age 15-64,
have used illicit drugs at least once in the last 12 months. Among this
population are people from almost every country on earth. More people are
involved in the production and trafficking of illicit drugs and still more are
touched by the devastating social and economic costs of this problem.
Partially a consequence of its pervasiveness and partially a consequence of
the illicit and hidden nature of the problem, reliable analysis and statistics on
the production, trafficking and use of illicit drugs are rare.
The World Drug Report 2006 endeavours to fill this gap. It provides one of
the most comprehensive overviews of illicit drug trends at the international
level. In addition, it presents a special thematic chapter on cannabis, by far
the most widely produced, trafficked and used drug in the world. The analysis
of trends, some going back 10 years or more, is presented in Volume 1.
Detailed statistics are presented in Volume 2. Taken together, these volumes
provide the most up-to-date view of today’s illicit drug situation.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is in the process of further
enhancing the World Drug Report.
ENGLISH
Section –B
Option I (English For Receptionists)
17. Read the following conversation and write a message accordingly.(4 marks) Notes
1. Caller : Is it 67934600?
2. Receptionist : Good Morning, yes it is Packers and Movers Ltd. May I
know who is calling?
3. Caller : This is R.K. Dhawan, Sr. Sales Manager of Dwarkesh
Sugar Mills, Dwarkesh Nagar. Could I talk to Mr. S.
Singh, your Sales Supervisor.
4. Receptionist : Sorry Mr. Dhawan. Mr. Singh is not in today and tomorrow
too.
Could I take the message, if you don’t mind.
5. Caller : Thank you. It is in connection with the supply of 20,000
empty sugar bags already ordered last month. I want to
know the status of the order. We are in dire need of the
urgent supply. Could he talk to me on my cell phone
9813796701. It is urgent.
6. Receptionist : I can understand. I’ll convey the message at the earliest.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
7. Caller : Thank you, thank you indeed.
Telephone Message Form
To: ___________________
__________________________________________________________
From: ______________ Time:______________ Date:______________
Phone No.______________
__________________________________________________________
Message: __________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Taken by: __________________________________
ENGLISH
18. What are the four steps that a receptionist has to go through on receipt of a
call? (½ × 4 = 2 marks)
19. (i) What is the purpose of maintaining a Register for callers?
Notes (ii) What two important pieces of information are needed in the register for
callers for future reference of the visitors? (1×2 =2 marks)
20. How will you repeat the following telephone number to the caller? Indicate
pauses by using a stroke (/) before every pause.
(i) 344010
(ii) 9810337609 (½ x 2 =1 mark)
21. Write responses to the following questions of the occupant of a hotel.
(6 marks)
1. I want to talk to your manager.
(a) _____________________________________________________
2. Why have you not sent my breakfast to my room?
(b) _____________________________________________________
3. When will you get my T.V. set repaired? Don’t you think you have
delayed it too long?
(c) _____________________________________________________
(d) _____________________________________________________
4. Why haven’t you got my bill ready yet?
(e) _____________________________________________________
5. There is no hot water in the taps. What should I do now?
(f) _____________________________________________________
Option – II
ESP For Office Use
17. Write an e-mail message to the Hotel Lake View, Udaipur to cancel your
room booking for 26th December. (1 mark)
18. What do the following signals send by a speaker mean? (1 x 2) =2marks
(a) Shall we get started?
(b) Don’t you think we should call it a day?
ENGLISH
19. Read the given memo and find out what is missing in it. (1 x 2) =2marks
From - The M.D.
To - The I/c Security
Notes
It has been observed that the stores are not locked properly. This results
into thefts.
Strict measures will be taken against violators of Instruction.
20. You had ordered for the supply of certain sports item for a Boys school with
M/s Bharat Sports Ltd. Delhi. But the supplier is not in a position to supply
the goods as per your terms and conditions and has asked for extension of
deadline for supply.
Write a letter to the supplier in response to the request made. You want to
cancel your order. You are Manager Sales/Purchase, Govind Sports
Emporium. (4 marks)
21. You were appointed by the M.D. of your company Raghav Leather Shoes,
Ludhiana to survey and report about possibility of starting a new showroom
of your ladies leather shoes in Sonepat. Write a report addressed to the MD
of your Company about your findings. You feel it will not be viable to start a
show room.
Write the details of your survey and reasons for the conclusion you have
drawn. You are R.K. Kapoor, GM Sales. (6 marks)
ENGLISH
Marking Scheme
Section – A
Q. EXPECTED VALUE POINTS FOR EACH STEP Distribution Total
Notes No. of Marks Marks
SECTION—A
1. (a) (i) To try to understand and describe the India of today 1

(ii) The question of reality of India 1
(iii) Filled his mind with wonder and awe 1
(iv) - mature and tolerant civilization
- Civilization ever searching for the ultimate and the ½ +½
universal truth
Or
(i) Soon oil and coal will be exhausted 1
(ii) Atomic energy 1
(iii) Absence of smoke from fire, furnaces and automobiles 1
(iv) Colder weather. 1 4
1(b) (i) Aradhana was upset at the news that she was
an adopted child. 1
(ii) Mother said, ‘I have given you eighteen years of
my life. Don’t you think that counts more than being
carried nine months inside my womb? 1
(iii) That she had shared happy and sad moments
with Aradhana. 1
(iv) Counts 1
Or
(i) Because having no memories of seeing there was
nothing to look back to, nothing to miss 1
(ii) November 1937, Gujrat 1
(iii) Too many relatives came to sympathise with them. 1
(iv) “sympathise” 1 4
2. (i) It was hurt when Baldeo hit him in self-defence. It was
a threat to both but the tiger felt insecure. The attack
had enraged him. He took it as a challenge. 2
(ii) To avoid police arrest as he was wanted in certain
crimes. Gerrard was a respectable man. No one would
ever doubt the Intruder, if he lived as Gerrard. 2
(iii) - He (Father) forbade his wife to contact the hakims
and use for surmas.
- He read a lot of literature on blindness
- He corresponded with prominent educational
authorities for their advice.
- He contacted Dr. Halder, the Principal of Dadar
School for the Blind in Mumbai. (Any two) 1+1
(iv) Madhav Mantri inspired Sunil to first deserve and then
demand. Thus he fixed his target for working very hard
to earn the distinction. He was made to realise that
there was no short cut to success. 2 6
ENGLISH
3. (a) (i) Dr. Benson was traveling at the dead of night to

attend his patient. Evans stood on the road shivering
and all alone at that moment. Evans wanted a lift.
Dr. Benson out of human consideration offered
him a ride. 2
(ii)Dr. Benson felt Evans had picked his pocket and Notes
had stolen his watch. In utter angry mood he asked
Evans to get down. 2+2=4
Or (Exp.)
(b) Old education system focused on application of
knowledge. It stressed on living and experiencing.
Modern education is not practical. It focuses on
amassing information, facts: very little on application.
It honours the person who scores the highest and 2+2+2
creativity is brushed aside. Yes because literacy and (=4
education should help the child to develop confidence Exp.)
and gut feelings that he can be right. 6
4. (i) The poets grandmother. 1

(ii) It became a desolate and silent house with snakes
moving about among books 1
(iii) She felt extremely sad and depressed - She wanted
to relive the past moments/she felt nostalgic/ wanted
to feel the stillness of the house. 2
(iv) She was missing her grandmother whom she loved
very much/the poet is very sensitive and cannot
think of life with out her grandmother. 1
Or
(b) (i) we are too engrossed with our lives to enjoy nature
around us. 2
(ii) we do not know how to enjoy leisure 2
(iii) the word ‘beauty’ may refer to ‘beauties of nature’
or ‘a beautiful woman’ 1 5
5. (i) 3:2. - should be flown from sunrise to sunset 1+1

(ii) The audience should be in the ‘attention’ position
and salute the national flag. - The national anthem
follows the unfurling of the flag 1+1
(iii) Not to be thrown on the ground after the event -
should be destroyed as a whole in private. 1+1
(iv) Dishevelled, private. 1+1 8
6. (i) are neglected and abused - develop personality

disorders like anxiety, phobia, lack of confidence
and depression. 1+1
(ii) indulge in unlawful activities like theft, violence
and road rage - Cannot make any contribution to
the development of society. 1+1
(iii) (a) marijuana, heroin; get a feeling of ‘high’ ½+½
(b) smoking, drinking illicit liquor, smelling of gum,
paints and fuel (any two); overcome hunger
pangs ½+½
ENGLISH
(iv) (a) prevalent 1

(b) under confidence 1 8
7. 1. Traits of a HIV Positive person
(a) the person remains infected throughout his life ½+½
(b) the person is a source of infection for the rest
Notes of his/her life.
2. Symptoms of Virus Infection
Flu like symptoms such as fever, body ache and
headache. ½+½
3. Early symptoms of AIDS
(a) Fatigue
(b) Unexpected loss of weight in a very short time
(c) Chronic diarrheoea ½×3
(d) Prolonged fever
(e) Cough
(f) Night sweats (any three)
4. Precautions to be taken
(a) use sterilized equipment for any invasive procedure
(b) use disposable needles to take an injection
(c) blood for blood transfusion should be screened.
(any two) ½×2 4
8. Coverage of main points 3

Expression 2 5
9. (a) were given

(b) were planted 1×3 3
(c) were awarded
10. (a) gave up

(b) goes
(c) had started
(d) retired 1×4 4
11. (a) I have bought a dictionary from the Book Fair which
has been published by Oxford University Press for
Indian students exclusively.
(b) Aarush will not accompany us on tour to Australia
because he is very busy preparing for entrance
examinations.
(c) As soon as I got a call from my father, I started for
Bhopal to attend to my ailing mother.
Or
I started for Bhopal to attend to my ailing mother as
soon as I got a call from my father.
(d) Our class teacher informed us last evening that our
tour to Kochi has been postponed.
12. Sonia asked Noori if she was coming to visit the International
Book fair. She further added that it was going to be fun. 2
Noori told her with regret that she would be unable to do so.
Her mother was quite unwell. 2 4
ENGLISH
13. Unity of thought/relevance to the topic/theme 1

Coherence in arrangement of sentences in an orderly
and logical way 2
Language/grammatically correct expressions 2 5
14. Format of letter 2 Notes

Thematic content 2
Expression 1 5
N.B. – Marks for the format are to be awarded only if the
letter is completed.
15. Error Correct Form

take took
a the
persian Persian
has had
fled flee
bihind behind 1×6 6
16. Heading and sub headings 1

Notes in Points 2
Abbreviations 1 5
SECTION—B
B1 - ESP Receptionist
17. (a) to Mrs. Singh/Sales supervisor ½

(b) from Mr. Dhawan of Dwarkesh Sugar ½+½
(c) Message - order for supply of empty sugar
bags still pending ½
- wants to know the status of the supply ½
- wants Mr. Singh to contact him ½
(d) Taken by - Receptionist ½
(e) Date and Time ½ 4
18. The four steps are:

1. Greets
2. Discloses self identity and offers help
3. Enquires about the caller’s identity and
telephone number
4. Asks for message if the person to be contacted
is not available and notes it down
Or
Contacts the person concerned in the office to tell
about the caller and connects the two ½×4 2
19. To maintain relevant information about the visitors/callers

for future reference. 1
Personal Identity:
1. Name
2. Nationality
3. Passport No. – if a foreigner
ENGLISH
4. Place from where one has come

5. Person to meet
6. Purpose – Personal/official (Any two) ½+½ 2
20. 34/40/10 three four/four 0/one 0

Notes 98/10/33/76/09 nine eight/one 0/three three/seven six/0 nine ½+½ 1
21. (a) You’re welcome/Sorry he’s not in.

(b) I’m extremely sorry, I’ll arrange right now
(c) I’ve already instructed the mechanic. May be he is on
way to your room. Sorry for the delay.
(d) I agree. I’m sorry indeed.
(e) It’s done sir. The boy is on his way to your room.
Or
I’m sorry, our computer is not functioning. It might take
ten minutes more. Sorry for inconvenience.
(f) It’s strange. I’ll just send some one to check. 1×6 6
English for Office use

th
17. Cancel booking for 26 December. Ravi Khanna
[Only message has to be evaluated. Other entries
such as to whom addressed or his e-mail not required here.]
Marks for content + senders name ½+½ 1
18. (a) We should start discussion without any delay 1

(b) It’s time to wind up now./Let’s finish our discussion. 1 2
19. 1. Date of issue 1

2. What is the action required 1 2
20. (a) Addresses (sender +Receiver)
(b) Date ____________
(c) Reference of the file _____________
(d) Subject _______________________
(e) Salutation _____________________
(f) Ref. Of the previous communication (order) and the
letter of the addressee.
(g) Your unhappiness over delay. Information that you
want to cancel
(h) Closing
(i) Signature
Format 2 (a, b, c, d, e) 2
Content 2 (f, g and h) 2 4
21. Format
To –
From –
Date –
Subject
Content - status and observation
- action required
(conclusion)
Signature
ENGLISH

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NIOS/Acad/2020/302/01/E

National Institute of Open Schooling

a) Who is ‘he’ in the above lines?

a) The birds refused to eat the bread crumbs.

b) My neighbour is a very good-tempered and helpful lady.

c) He is a big trouble maker and should be punished.

7. Rewrite the following sentences in the negative:

b) Ravi rushed back home after the match.

c) He returned the book on time.

8. Rewrite the following sentences in the interrogative:

b) Shikhar jumped over the fence.

c) Mitali finished reading the book today.

3. How many rhyming couplets are there in the poem?

4. Write down the simile which is used to describe streams.

5. What does Beauty do in the poem?

2. What are ‘boughs’?

4. How many rhyming couplets are there in the poem?

5. Write down the simile that is used to describe the streams. 

6. Who or what do you think is ‘Beauty’?

What is this life if, full of care

No time to stand beneath the boughs

No time to see, when woods we pass

No time to see, in broad daylight

No time to turn to beauty’s glance

No time to wait till her mouth can

A poor life this is, full of care

3. Give two themes of the poem.

4. Give an example of simile found in the poem.

5. In your opinion, how do you make your life meaningful?

Answer the following questions according to your understanding of the passage:

1. What does mindfulness promote?

2. What has been found to be a key element in happiness?

3. According to the passage, mindfulness has its root in which religion?

4. How do we know that mindfulness improves physical health?

5. What effect does mindfulness have on mental health?

6. Why is mindfulness being combined with psychotherapy these days?

Important points from the text:

Learn new words:

Extend your horizon.

Maximize your marks

National Institute of Open Schooling

a) What do you understand by clean energy?

National Institute of Open Schooling

National Institute of Open Schooling

The house withdrew into silence, snakes moved

National Institute of Open Schooling

Answer the following questions;

• When was Savarkar born?

B) Read the following extract and answer the following questions:

• When was Swami Vivekanand born?

1. Why is the story named ‘A Case of Suspicion’?

a. How did the wind feel like?

c. When did the wind appear to be surgeon’s knife?

d. Name the figure of speech used in the above lines.

a. Who is the speaker and who is the listener?

b. Why did he say these words?

c. What was the profession of the speaker?

6. What made the doctor reach for his pistol?

5. Write down the simile that is used to describe the streams.