English Language & Literature
(Code No. 184)
CLASS X – SA-II-(2014-15)
Time: 3hrs. Sample Questions M.M.70
SECTION - A
READING – 20 MARKS
VSAQ - 1 MARK
Q.1. Read the passage given below: 8 Marks
Big, bold and beautiful, the Rafflesia arnoldii boasts the title of the largest flower in the world
and can grow to massive proportions, with a flower diameter of up to one meter (three feet) and a
hefty weight of up to 11 kilograms (24 lbs). It might seem like a great gift for that special
someone except that it's nicknamed the corpse flower and smells like rotting meat, so may not be
quite as endearing as expected.
Resembling the coiled tentacles of an octopus up close, the stinky flower leaves such a lasting
impression that it was once described by Swedish zoologist Eric Mjöberg in 1928 as having “a
penetrating smell more repulsive than any buffalo carcass in an advanced stage of
decomposition.” Nice. Technically a plant, although it has no leaves, stems or roots that the eye
can see, the corpse flower relies on its strong perfume to attract insects that help with pollination.
The other not so pleasant qualities of the flower are its parasitic tendencies; by living off the
water and nutrients from the hapless Tetrastigma vine, the corpse flower is able to grow as large
as it does. And whether it's considered a beauty, beast, or both, the lure of this bewitching
flower is hard to resist. However, to be successful in a quest to find it, a few stars need to align.
Found only in the dwindling rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo, pollination is rare and the bud
death rate is high at 80-90%. The few buds that actually bloom take many months to do so, and
when they do they last no more than a few days before dying. The good news is that there are
great conservation efforts in place to protect the habitat of the Rafflesia species so future
generations can experience the sight and smell of the largest flower on Earth. (314 words)
Page 1 of 7
, On the basis of your reading of the passage answer the following questions:
1. Why is Rafflesia called the largest flower in the world? 1
2. What is the nickname given to Rafflesia and why? 1
3. Why cannot Rafflesiat be used as a gift for someone? 1
4. How is its smell useful for the flower? 1
5. Why is Rafflesia called a parasite? 1
6. Where are the flowers Rafflesia generally found? 1
7. Why is a Rafflesia in full bloom a rare sight? 1
8. What efforts are being done to protect the flower and why? 1
VSAQ – 1 MARK
Q.2. Read the passage given below: 12 Marks
According to a survey, out of the world’s hundred richest people today, 27 are heirs and 73 are
self-made. Of the self made 18 have no college degrees and 36 are children of poor parents, but
some billionaires had neither a degree nor wealthy parents. In other words, super-achievers are
not born, they are self- made people. It is not external favour that makes one a super-achiever,
but one’s own struggle. Super achievement is not got through inheritance, but is self- acquired
success.
No one is a born billionaire, but everyone is a potential billionaire. It is the unfolding of one’s
own potential that makes one a billionaire or super achiever. Nature does not discriminate
between one person and another. Nature’s gifts come to everyone equally. It is the receiver
himself who either utilizes them or not. So called deprived persons are in fact privileged
persons. Their state of deprivation serves as inner motivation when they see others are
progressing, it creates a strong incentive in their mind. It is this incentive that makes a person
super. It inculcates strong urge in the individual to make something of his life.
Any state of deprivation brings about a kind brainstorming which enhances inner spirit. They
enter the world of competition working to their full capacity. They develop the spirit of do or
die. It is this spirit that leads them to success.
There are numerous examples of one rising to a high position through one’s own struggle, while
one’s children might have turned ‘dull’. The reason is simple. The parent started his life with
Page 2 of 7
(Code No. 184)
CLASS X – SA-II-(2014-15)
Time: 3hrs. Sample Questions M.M.70
SECTION - A
READING – 20 MARKS
VSAQ - 1 MARK
Q.1. Read the passage given below: 8 Marks
Big, bold and beautiful, the Rafflesia arnoldii boasts the title of the largest flower in the world
and can grow to massive proportions, with a flower diameter of up to one meter (three feet) and a
hefty weight of up to 11 kilograms (24 lbs). It might seem like a great gift for that special
someone except that it's nicknamed the corpse flower and smells like rotting meat, so may not be
quite as endearing as expected.
Resembling the coiled tentacles of an octopus up close, the stinky flower leaves such a lasting
impression that it was once described by Swedish zoologist Eric Mjöberg in 1928 as having “a
penetrating smell more repulsive than any buffalo carcass in an advanced stage of
decomposition.” Nice. Technically a plant, although it has no leaves, stems or roots that the eye
can see, the corpse flower relies on its strong perfume to attract insects that help with pollination.
The other not so pleasant qualities of the flower are its parasitic tendencies; by living off the
water and nutrients from the hapless Tetrastigma vine, the corpse flower is able to grow as large
as it does. And whether it's considered a beauty, beast, or both, the lure of this bewitching
flower is hard to resist. However, to be successful in a quest to find it, a few stars need to align.
Found only in the dwindling rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo, pollination is rare and the bud
death rate is high at 80-90%. The few buds that actually bloom take many months to do so, and
when they do they last no more than a few days before dying. The good news is that there are
great conservation efforts in place to protect the habitat of the Rafflesia species so future
generations can experience the sight and smell of the largest flower on Earth. (314 words)
Page 1 of 7
, On the basis of your reading of the passage answer the following questions:
1. Why is Rafflesia called the largest flower in the world? 1
2. What is the nickname given to Rafflesia and why? 1
3. Why cannot Rafflesiat be used as a gift for someone? 1
4. How is its smell useful for the flower? 1
5. Why is Rafflesia called a parasite? 1
6. Where are the flowers Rafflesia generally found? 1
7. Why is a Rafflesia in full bloom a rare sight? 1
8. What efforts are being done to protect the flower and why? 1
VSAQ – 1 MARK
Q.2. Read the passage given below: 12 Marks
According to a survey, out of the world’s hundred richest people today, 27 are heirs and 73 are
self-made. Of the self made 18 have no college degrees and 36 are children of poor parents, but
some billionaires had neither a degree nor wealthy parents. In other words, super-achievers are
not born, they are self- made people. It is not external favour that makes one a super-achiever,
but one’s own struggle. Super achievement is not got through inheritance, but is self- acquired
success.
No one is a born billionaire, but everyone is a potential billionaire. It is the unfolding of one’s
own potential that makes one a billionaire or super achiever. Nature does not discriminate
between one person and another. Nature’s gifts come to everyone equally. It is the receiver
himself who either utilizes them or not. So called deprived persons are in fact privileged
persons. Their state of deprivation serves as inner motivation when they see others are
progressing, it creates a strong incentive in their mind. It is this incentive that makes a person
super. It inculcates strong urge in the individual to make something of his life.
Any state of deprivation brings about a kind brainstorming which enhances inner spirit. They
enter the world of competition working to their full capacity. They develop the spirit of do or
die. It is this spirit that leads them to success.
There are numerous examples of one rising to a high position through one’s own struggle, while
one’s children might have turned ‘dull’. The reason is simple. The parent started his life with
Page 2 of 7
