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PART – I
1. Choose the most appropriate Synonym: “This two children had given me a profound lesson”
Answer: d) very great
2. Choose the most appropriate Synonym: “One is liable to put in too much milk”
Answer: a) likely
3. Choose the most appropriate Synonym: “We cramponed along our tracks, spurred by the urgency of diminishing oxygen”
Answer: a) climbing hurriedly
4. Choose the most appropriate Antonym: “Nor can we appreciate warmth if we have never suffered cold”
Answer: a) criticize
5. Choose the most appropriate Antonym: “In those days, they didn’t have sophisticated heart surgery”
Answer: c) primitive
6. Choose the most appropriate Antonym: “We came upon them in the windy and deserted square”
Answer: b) inhabited
7. Form a new word by adding a suitable suffix to the root word ‘comfort’.
Answer: c) able (Comfortable)
8. Replace the underlined word with your suitable phrasal verb: “It is not wise to escape from the problem”
Answer: a) run away
9. Choose the suitable preposition: “Dolphins are regarded as the friendliest ____ the sea creatures.”
Answer: a) among
10. Fill in the blank with the suitable linker: “This is ____ it must be done.”
Answer: a) how
11. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom in the given sentence: “The team does the math carefully so as to reach the summit successfully.”
Answer: a) to think carefully
12. Choose the expansion of ‘IMF’.
Answer: a) Indian Mountaineering Foundation
13. Fill in the blanks with the suitable prepositional phrase: “Expressing gratitude ____ others is common in Vote of thanks.”
Answer: d) on account of
14. Choose the correct combination of the compound word, “Glorious victory”.
Answer: b) adjective + noun
15. Choose the suitable American English word equivalent to the British English word “queue”.
Answer: c) line
16. Choose the word with the correct spelling.
Answer: d) etiquette
17. Choose the right article and fill in the blanks: “Radha is ____ tallest of the three.”
Answer: a) the
18. Choose the correct word: “It was a memorable ____.”
Answer: d) incident
19. Which of the following sentences is of the pattern SVOA.
Answer: b) I ate an apple yesterday
20. Choose the proper question tag: “Leaves wither during autumn.”
Answer: a) don’t they?
PART – II (SECTION – I)
21. Read the poetic lines and answer: “A foothold there, no clever trick / Could take us dead or quick / Only a bird could have got in”
a) What was challenging?
b) Write the rhyming words?
a) What was challenging?
b) Write the rhyming words?
Answer:
(Poem: The Castle by Edwin Muir)
a) Scaling or climbing the steep, high wall of the castle was challenging. It was so difficult that only a bird could have reached the top.
b) The rhyming words are trick and quick.
(Poem: The Castle by Edwin Muir)
a) Scaling or climbing the steep, high wall of the castle was challenging. It was so difficult that only a bird could have reached the top.
b) The rhyming words are trick and quick.
22. Read the poetic lines and answer: “A creeper climbs in whose embraces bound / No other tree could live”
a) Which tree is referred to in the above lines?
b) How does the trees survive the tight hold of the creeper?
a) Which tree is referred to in the above lines?
b) How does the trees survive the tight hold of the creeper?
Answer:
(Poem: The Casuarina Tree by Toru Dutt)
a) The Casuarina tree is referred to in the above lines.
b) The tree does not just survive; it thrives because the creeper (representing the poet’s memories and love) embraces it. The creeper’s tight hold is a metaphor for the deep, enduring connection and affection the poet has for the tree, which keeps its memory alive and beautiful.
(Poem: The Casuarina Tree by Toru Dutt)
a) The Casuarina tree is referred to in the above lines.
b) The tree does not just survive; it thrives because the creeper (representing the poet’s memories and love) embraces it. The creeper’s tight hold is a metaphor for the deep, enduring connection and affection the poet has for the tree, which keeps its memory alive and beautiful.
23. Read the poetic lines and answer: “Then the whining school boy, with his satchel / And shining morning face, creeping like snail / Unwillingly to school….”
a) Which stage of life is being referred to here by the poet?
b) Which figure of speech has been employed in the second line?
a) Which stage of life is being referred to here by the poet?
b) Which figure of speech has been employed in the second line?
Answer:
a) Childhood / the schoolboy stage.
b) Simile (“creeping like snail”).
a) Childhood / the schoolboy stage.
b) Simile (“creeping like snail”).
24. Read the poetic lines and answer: “Little remains: but every hour is saved / From that eternal silence, something more, / A bringer of new things; and vile it were”
a) How is every hour important to Ulysses?
b) What does the term ‘Little remains’ convey?
a) How is every hour important to Ulysses?
b) What does the term ‘Little remains’ convey?
Answer:
a) Every hour brings something new and saves time from eternal silence (death).
b) It conveys that very little time is left in his life.
a) Every hour brings something new and saves time from eternal silence (death).
b) It conveys that very little time is left in his life.
25. Read the poetic lines and answer: “O sweet companions, loved with love intense, / For your sakes, shall the tree be ever dear”
a) Why is the tree dear to poet’s heart?
b) What is the meaning of the word “Companions”?
a) Why is the tree dear to poet’s heart?
b) What is the meaning of the word “Companions”?
Answer:
a) Because it reminds him of his sweet companions (the birds).
b) Friends or associates.
a) Because it reminds him of his sweet companions (the birds).
b) Friends or associates.
26. Read the poetic lines and answer: “All the world’s a stage, / And all the men and women merley players”
a) What is the world compared to?
b) Identify the figure of speech employed in the first line.
a) What is the world compared to?
b) Identify the figure of speech employed in the first line.
Answer:
a) A stage.
b) Metaphor.
a) A stage.
b) Metaphor.
SECTION – II
27. Change into indirect speech: The manager said, “I will speak to you on Friday”.
Answer: The manager said that he would speak to me on Friday.
28. Change the voice: By whom will the new stadium be built?
Answer: Who will build the new stadium?
29. Rewrite as a compound sentence: Besides being a singer she is also a dancer.
Answer: She is not only a singer but also a dancer.
30. Begin with Had: If I had come earlier, I would have attended interview.
Answer: Had I come earlier, I would have attended the interview.
PART – III (SECTION – I)
31. Explain with reference to the context: “They seemed no threat to us at all”
Answer:
Context: From “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes. The poet refers to the goldfinch bird.
Explanation: The bird’s arrival and movements do not harm the tree. It appears to be a symbiotic relationship where the tree provides shelter and the bird brings life to it, posing no danger.
Context: From “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes. The poet refers to the goldfinch bird.
Explanation: The bird’s arrival and movements do not harm the tree. It appears to be a symbiotic relationship where the tree provides shelter and the bird brings life to it, posing no danger.
32. Explain with reference to the context: “Therefore I fain would consecrate a lay”
Answer:
Context: From “The Castle” by Edwin Muir. The poet speaks about the ruins of the castle.
Explanation: The poet expresses his desire to dedicate a song or poem (“lay”) to the ruined castle. He wants to honor the memory of the fortress and its former glory.
Context: From “The Castle” by Edwin Muir. The poet speaks about the ruins of the castle.
Explanation: The poet expresses his desire to dedicate a song or poem (“lay”) to the ruined castle. He wants to honor the memory of the fortress and its former glory.
33. Explain with reference to the context: “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”.
Answer:
Context: From “Ulysses” by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
Explanation: This concluding line represents Ulysses’ unyielding spirit. Despite old age, he will continue to strive, seek, and find new adventures, and never give up.
Context: From “Ulysses” by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
Explanation: This concluding line represents Ulysses’ unyielding spirit. Despite old age, he will continue to strive, seek, and find new adventures, and never give up.
SECTION – II
34. What made the boys work so hard? (Not more than 30 words)
Answer: The boys worked hard because they were determined to achieve their goal of climbing the mountain, spurred on by the urgency of diminishing oxygen and the challenge of the summit.
35. Does the author like drinking tea with sugar. Give reasons. (Not more than 30 words)
Answer: No, the author does not like tea with sugar. He finds it too sweet and prefers the natural taste of tea without added sugar, which he believes ruins the flavor.
36. Dr.Barnard couldn’t find any nobility in suffering. Why? (Not more than 30 words)
Answer: Dr. Barnard couldn’t find nobility in suffering because he witnessed the intense physical and emotional pain of patients. He believed that suffering was cruel and destructive, not noble.
SECTION – III
37. Study the pie-chart and answer:
a) Which is the coolest place of all?
b) Which place has the second highest temperature?
c) Which places are hotter than Kanyakumari?
a) Which is the coolest place of all?
b) Which place has the second highest temperature?
c) Which places are hotter than Kanyakumari?
Answer:
a) Kodaikanal (14°C)
b) Trichy (35°C)
c) Madurai (38°C), Trichy (35°C), and Chennai (32°C)
a) Kodaikanal (14°C)
b) Trichy (35°C)
c) Madurai (38°C), Trichy (35°C), and Chennai (32°C)
38. Extend the conversation with two more relevant exchanges.
Student: Good morning sir. May I come in?
Teacher: Good morning. Why are you late today?
Student: Good morning sir. May I come in?
Teacher: Good morning. Why are you late today?
Answer:
Student: I am sorry sir. I missed the bus.
Teacher: You should have started earlier. Don’t let it happen again.
Student: Yes sir, I will be punctual from tomorrow.
Teacher: Good. Now go to your seat.
Student: I am sorry sir. I missed the bus.
Teacher: You should have started earlier. Don’t let it happen again.
Student: Yes sir, I will be punctual from tomorrow.
Teacher: Good. Now go to your seat.
39. Describe the process of preparing Mixed Fruit Salad.
Answer: To prepare a mixed fruit salad, first wash and peel fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces and put them in a large bowl. Add a dressing made of lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt to prevent browning and enhance flavor. Gently toss the fruits so they are well coated. Finally, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes and serve it fresh.
40. Complete the proverbs with the correct word.
a) ____ is impossible.
b) ____ die many times but the brave die only once.
c) ____ is the best teacher.
a) ____ is impossible.
b) ____ die many times but the brave die only once.
c) ____ is the best teacher.
Answer:
a) Nothing
b) Cowards
c) Experience
a) Nothing
b) Cowards
c) Experience
PART – IV
41. a) Summarize George Orwell’s distinctive ideas in “A Nice Cup of Tea”. (OR)
Answer: George Orwell’s essay “A Nice Cup of Tea” offers distinctive, opinionated rules for making the perfect cup. He argues that tea is one of the mainstays of civilization and provides eleven golden rules. Key ideas include using Indian or Ceylon tea, warming the pot beforehand, using loose tea leaves rather than bags, and pouring boiling water directly onto the leaves. He strongly advocates for adding milk *after* the tea to control the amount, and controversially insists on removing the teapot’s lid to let the leaves swirl. Finally, he asserts that sugar should not be used, as it ruins the flavor. His witty, dogmatic approach turns a simple domestic task into a matter of great principle.
41. b) How did a Casual Incident in a hospital help doctor Barnard perceive a new dimension of life? (OR)
Answer: In “A Visit to a Hospital,” Dr. Christiaan Barnard describes how a casual incident—meeting a young girl with a severe heart condition—transformed his perspective. Initially, he viewed patients as medical cases. However, seeing the girl’s courage and her family’s quiet dignity in the face of suffering made him realize that medicine is not just about repairing bodies. He perceived a new dimension: the profound emotional and spiritual resilience of the human spirit. This experience taught him that doctors must treat the whole person, understanding their fears and hopes, rather than just focusing on the physical ailment. It deepened his empathy and commitment to holistic care.
42. a) Human greed led to the mighty fall of the citadel. Explain. (OR)
Answer: In Edwin Muir’s poem “The Castle,” the mighty fortress is initially impregnable due to its strategic position and strong defenses. The soldiers are confident and well-prepared. However, their downfall is not caused by external military might, but by internal human greed. The poem implies that the defenders became complacent and selfish, neglecting their duties or betraying their cause for personal gain. This moral decay weakened the citadel from within. When the enemy finally attacked, the fortress fell swiftly. The poem serves as a powerful allegory, illustrating that no stronghold, no matter how fortified, can withstand the corrosive power of greed and moral corruption.
42. b) Describe the various stages of man’s life picturized in the poem “All the world’s a stage”. (OR)
Answer: In William Shakespeare’s poem “All the world’s a stage,” human life is depicted as a seven-act play. The first stage is the infant, mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms. Second is the whining schoolboy, creeping unwillingly to school. Third is the lover, sighing like a furnace with a woeful ballad. Fourth is the soldier, full of strange oaths, jealous in honor, and seeking the bubble reputation. Fifth is the justice, full of wise saws and modern instances, with a formal beard. Sixth is the pantaloon, a foolish old man with spectacles and a pouch, whose voice turns to a childish treble. The final stage is second childishness, a state of mere oblivion, sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
43. a) Develop hints into a paragraph: Pi Patel – Indian boy – 227 days Richard Parker – hyena – Bengal tiger – search water – succeeded – cans of drinking water left Richard Parker – in a Jungle – reunited. (OR)
Answer: Pi Patel, an Indian boy, survived a shipwreck and spent 227 days on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Initially, a hyena was also on board, but the tiger killed it. Pi had to establish dominance and find a way to coexist. His primary challenge was searching for fresh water and food. He succeeded by using his ingenuity to collect rainwater and catch fish. He found cans of drinking water left in the lifeboat, which sustained him. Eventually, the boat drifted to a jungle where Richard Parker disappeared. Pi was reunited with civilization, but he always remembered the tiger that kept him alert and alive.
43. b) Develop hints into a paragraph: Robert Baldwin and honest man – fraud in a bank – Gresham arrested – pressurized Baldwin – to falsely declare – offered huge bribe – Baldwin refused – family members tempered – ashamed of greed – stood for justice – Gresham confessed – Baldwin rewarded. (OR)
Answer: Robert Baldwin, an honest man, was caught in a web of fraud at a bank involving a man named Gresham. Gresham was arrested for the crime. To save himself, Gresham pressured Baldwin to falsely declare his involvement and offered him a huge bribe. Baldwin bravely refused. Gresham then threatened Baldwin’s family members to temper his resolve. However, Baldwin, ashamed of the greed and corruption around him, stood firm for justice. Eventually, Gresham confessed to his crimes. Baldwin’s integrity was recognized, and he was rewarded for his honesty and courage.
44. a) Write a summary (or) make notes of the passage about Education and Games.
Answer:
Summary: The passage emphasizes that education aims for the holistic development of a person—both mind and body. Games are essential for physical fitness, as a healthy body is necessary for a healthy mind. Regular play builds muscles, ensures sound sleep, and maintains overall good health.
Notes:
– Aim of Education: Overall development (mind + body).
– Role of Games: Keep body fit, build muscles, ensure sound sleep.
– Connection: Healthy body is required for a healthy mind.
– Conclusion: Games are indispensable for good health.
Summary: The passage emphasizes that education aims for the holistic development of a person—both mind and body. Games are essential for physical fitness, as a healthy body is necessary for a healthy mind. Regular play builds muscles, ensures sound sleep, and maintains overall good health.
Notes:
– Aim of Education: Overall development (mind + body).
– Role of Games: Keep body fit, build muscles, ensure sound sleep.
– Connection: Healthy body is required for a healthy mind.
– Conclusion: Games are indispensable for good health.
44. b) Write a paragraph about an interesting news item that you have read or heard about in recent times. (OR)
Answer: Recently, I read an inspiring news item about a group of young students in a remote village who built a low-cost, solar-powered drone to deliver medicines to inaccessible areas. The story highlighted how these teenagers, despite limited resources, used recycled materials and open-source technology to create a device that could carry up to two kilograms of medical supplies. Their invention successfully completed a test flight, delivering vaccines to a nearby hilltop clinic. This news was interesting because it showcased the power of youth innovation and how technology can be harnessed to solve real-world problems, proving that age is no barrier to making a significant social impact.
45. a) Letter writing: Write a letter to the Headmaster requesting a duplicate marksheet of Class XII lost while travelling. (OR)
Answer:
Subject: Request for Issuance of Duplicate Class XII Marksheet
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your kind attention that I, [Your Name], a former student of your school, have misplaced my Class XII marksheet while travelling last week. I have searched for it extensively but have been unable to locate it.
I require the marksheet urgently for my higher education admission process. Therefore, I kindly request you to help me obtain a duplicate marksheet. I am willing to pay the necessary fees and complete any formalities required.
I would be highly grateful if you could process my request at the earliest.
Thanking you,
Yours obediently,
[Your Name]
Subject: Request for Issuance of Duplicate Class XII Marksheet
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to bring to your kind attention that I, [Your Name], a former student of your school, have misplaced my Class XII marksheet while travelling last week. I have searched for it extensively but have been unable to locate it.
I require the marksheet urgently for my higher education admission process. Therefore, I kindly request you to help me obtain a duplicate marksheet. I am willing to pay the necessary fees and complete any formalities required.
I would be highly grateful if you could process my request at the earliest.
Thanking you,
Yours obediently,
[Your Name]
45. b) Letter writing: Write a letter to a college enquiring about pilot training course details. (OR)
Answer:
Subject: Enquiry regarding Pilot Training Course
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to enquire about the details of the pilot training course offered by your esteemed college. I am deeply interested in pursuing a career as a commercial pilot.
Could you please provide me with the following information:
1. The total duration of the course.
2. The detailed fee structure, including any additional charges.
3. Information regarding scholarships or financial aid available for meritorious students.
4. Details about hostel accommodations and facilities provided.
I would appreciate it if you could send me a prospectus or direct me to the relevant section of your website. I look forward to your prompt response.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
Subject: Enquiry regarding Pilot Training Course
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to enquire about the details of the pilot training course offered by your esteemed college. I am deeply interested in pursuing a career as a commercial pilot.
Could you please provide me with the following information:
1. The total duration of the course.
2. The detailed fee structure, including any additional charges.
3. Information regarding scholarships or financial aid available for meritorious students.
4. Details about hostel accommodations and facilities provided.
I would appreciate it if you could send me a prospectus or direct me to the relevant section of your website. I look forward to your prompt response.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
46. a) Identify the error in each sentence and correct them:
i) Two weeks are a long holiday.
ii) Many a student were awarded at the function.
iii) Sixty miles are a long distance.
iv) Subiksha has taken half day leave.
v) Kiruthika was senior than Niswarni college. (OR)
i) Two weeks are a long holiday.
ii) Many a student were awarded at the function.
iii) Sixty miles are a long distance.
iv) Subiksha has taken half day leave.
v) Kiruthika was senior than Niswarni college. (OR)
Answer:
i) Error: are | Correction: is
ii) Error: were | Correction: was
iii) Error: are | Correction: is
iv) Error: half day | Correction: a half-day
v) Error: senior than | Correction: senior to
i) Error: are | Correction: is
ii) Error: were | Correction: was
iii) Error: are | Correction: is
iv) Error: half day | Correction: a half-day
v) Error: senior than | Correction: senior to
46. b) Fill in the blanks appropriately:
i) Let us close our eyes and meditate for sometime ____. (question tag)
ii) The laudable thoughts were apparent ____ many scholars in a conference. (preposition)
iii) I wish you ____ tell me the truth. (modal auxiliary)
iv) We ____ hire some furniture for the party. (semi modal)
v) This ____ an easy quiz so far. (be)
i) Let us close our eyes and meditate for sometime ____. (question tag)
ii) The laudable thoughts were apparent ____ many scholars in a conference. (preposition)
iii) I wish you ____ tell me the truth. (modal auxiliary)
iv) We ____ hire some furniture for the party. (semi modal)
v) This ____ an easy quiz so far. (be)
Answer:
i) shall we?
ii) to
iii) would
iv) ought to
v) has been
i) shall we?
ii) to
iii) would
iv) ought to
v) has been
47. a) Construct a readable story using outlines: Big cotton merchant – owned the factory – many employees – one day a heap of cotton stolen – no clue – merchant’s secretary assured to find out – asked him to host dinner – invite all workers – merchant agreed – middle of feast – secretary suddenly shouted – cotton sticking to hair of thieves – the guilty dusted their heads – tried to clear – caught in the trap punished. (OR)
Answer:
The Clever Secretary and the Stolen Cotton
A big cotton merchant owned a large factory with many employees. One day, a huge heap of cotton was stolen from the warehouse, but there was no clue as to who the thief was. The merchant was worried. His clever secretary assured him that he would find the culprit. He asked the merchant to host a grand dinner and invite all the workers.
The merchant agreed. In the middle of the feast, the secretary suddenly stood up and shouted, “Look! The cotton is sticking to the hair of the thieves!” Hearing this, the guilty workers instinctively raised their hands to dust their heads, trying to clear the imaginary cotton. Thus, they caught themselves in the trap. The guilty employees were identified and punished for their theft.
The Clever Secretary and the Stolen Cotton
A big cotton merchant owned a large factory with many employees. One day, a huge heap of cotton was stolen from the warehouse, but there was no clue as to who the thief was. The merchant was worried. His clever secretary assured him that he would find the culprit. He asked the merchant to host a grand dinner and invite all the workers.
The merchant agreed. In the middle of the feast, the secretary suddenly stood up and shouted, “Look! The cotton is sticking to the hair of the thieves!” Hearing this, the guilty workers instinctively raised their hands to dust their heads, trying to clear the imaginary cotton. Thus, they caught themselves in the trap. The guilty employees were identified and punished for their theft.
47. b) Read the passage and answer the questions:
a) Write any one prime cost for the decline of the house sparrows?
b) When do we celebrate world sparrow day?
c) Mention the peculiar behaviour of house sparrow?
d) “Sparrows bath in both dust or water” True or False.
e) Pick out the word from the passage that means the same as “Interesting”. (OR)
a) Write any one prime cost for the decline of the house sparrows?
b) When do we celebrate world sparrow day?
c) Mention the peculiar behaviour of house sparrow?
d) “Sparrows bath in both dust or water” True or False.
e) Pick out the word from the passage that means the same as “Interesting”. (OR)
Answer:
a) Lack of nesting places and lack of food.
b) March 20th.
c) Dust bathing.
d) True.
e) Enchanting.
a) Lack of nesting places and lack of food.
b) March 20th.
c) Dust bathing.
d) True.
e) Enchanting.