Sample Paper - 1
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The question paper is divided into three section:
Section A: Reading 20 marks
Section B: Writing and Grammar 30 marks
Section C: Literature 30 marks
80 marks
All question are Compulsory
You may attempt any section at a time.
All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.
Marks are indicated against each questions.
Section ‘A’ Reading
[20 Marks]
1. Read the following passage carefully:
[8]
Most of us take life for granted. We know that one day we must die, but usually we picture that one day as far in the
future. When we are in buoyant health, death is all but unimaginable. We seldom think of it. So we go about our
pretty task, hardly aware of our listless attitude towards life.
The same lethargy, I am afraid, characterizes the use of all our faculties and senses. Only the deaf appreciate hearing,
only the blind realize the manifold blessings that lie in sight.
This observation applies to those who have never suffered impairment of sight or hearing. They seldom make the
fullest use of these blessed faculties. Their eyes and ears take in all sights and sounds hazily, without concentration,
and with little appreciation. It is the same old story of not being grateful for what we have until we lose it, of not being
conscious of health until we are ill.
I have often thought it would be a blessing if each human being were stricken blind and deaf for a few days at some
time during his early adult life. Darkness would make him more appreciative of sight; silence would teach him the
joys of sound.
[4x1=4]
(i) On the basis of your reading of the above passage answer the following questions:
(a) Death is unimaginable when ______
(b) We know that one day we must die, but_______
(c) Give the meaning of: (a) lethargy (b) buoyant
(d) State the word class of' stricken'.
[1x2=2]
(ii) Change the voice:
(a) We seldom think of it.
(b) The same lethargy characterizes the use of all our faculties and senses.
(iii) What does the writer mean by 'most of us take life for granted?
[2]
, 2. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
One of the greatest advances in modern technology has been the invention of computers. They are widely used in
industries and in universities. Now there is hardly any sphere of human life where computers have not been pressed
into service of man. We are heading fast towards the day when a computer will be as much part of man's daily life
as a telephone or a calculator.
Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of learning. They can solve the most
complex mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated facts in order. These machines can be put to varied
uses. For instance, they can provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams. This whole process by which
machines can be used to work for us has been called 'automaton.' In the future, automation may enable human
beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The coming of automation is bound to have important social
consequences. Some years ago an expert in automation. Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed out that it was a mistake to believe
that these machines could 'think.' There is no possibility that human beings will be "controlled by machines."
Though computers are capable of learning from their mistakes and improving on their performance, they need
detailed instructions from human beings to operate. They can never, as it were, lead independent lives or "rule of
world" by making decisions of their own. Sir Leon said that in future, computers would be developed which would
be small enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people would then be able to use them to obtain valuable
information. Computers could be plugged into a national network and be used like radios. For instance, people going
on holiday could be informed about weather conditions. Car drivers can be given alternative routes when there are
traffic jams. It will also be possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people who do not share a
common language to talk to each other without any difficulty or to read foreign publications.
(i) Answer any four of the following questions:
[4x2=8]
(a) Why can't computers lead independent lives or rule the world?
(b) What complicated works are computers capable of doing?
(c) Write one use of computer.
(d) How would computers as translating machines help people?
(ii) Find out the antonyms of the following from the passage: [2]
(a) ancient (b) impossible
(iii) Pick the word from the passage which means the same as: [2]
(a) Example (b) Common
Section 'B' Writing and Grammar
[30 Marks]
3. Imagine that you are N.C. Jain, the President of Friends Apartments Society. The water reservoir of the colony is to
be cleaned on 28th Aug 20XX, therefore the water supply will be affected on 28th & 29th August, inform the residents
of your colony about the same. [4]
4. Write a paragraph in about 100-200 words on the given topic : Fashion Among Students [6]
OR
You are of Preeti St. Columbus School, Nainital. You have to speak on the topic 'Modernisation does not mean
aping westernisation' Write the same in about 150 words.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The question paper is divided into three section:
Section A: Reading 20 marks
Section B: Writing and Grammar 30 marks
Section C: Literature 30 marks
80 marks
All question are Compulsory
You may attempt any section at a time.
All questions of that particular section must be attempted in the correct order.
Marks are indicated against each questions.
Section ‘A’ Reading
[20 Marks]
1. Read the following passage carefully:
[8]
Most of us take life for granted. We know that one day we must die, but usually we picture that one day as far in the
future. When we are in buoyant health, death is all but unimaginable. We seldom think of it. So we go about our
pretty task, hardly aware of our listless attitude towards life.
The same lethargy, I am afraid, characterizes the use of all our faculties and senses. Only the deaf appreciate hearing,
only the blind realize the manifold blessings that lie in sight.
This observation applies to those who have never suffered impairment of sight or hearing. They seldom make the
fullest use of these blessed faculties. Their eyes and ears take in all sights and sounds hazily, without concentration,
and with little appreciation. It is the same old story of not being grateful for what we have until we lose it, of not being
conscious of health until we are ill.
I have often thought it would be a blessing if each human being were stricken blind and deaf for a few days at some
time during his early adult life. Darkness would make him more appreciative of sight; silence would teach him the
joys of sound.
[4x1=4]
(i) On the basis of your reading of the above passage answer the following questions:
(a) Death is unimaginable when ______
(b) We know that one day we must die, but_______
(c) Give the meaning of: (a) lethargy (b) buoyant
(d) State the word class of' stricken'.
[1x2=2]
(ii) Change the voice:
(a) We seldom think of it.
(b) The same lethargy characterizes the use of all our faculties and senses.
(iii) What does the writer mean by 'most of us take life for granted?
[2]
, 2. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
One of the greatest advances in modern technology has been the invention of computers. They are widely used in
industries and in universities. Now there is hardly any sphere of human life where computers have not been pressed
into service of man. We are heading fast towards the day when a computer will be as much part of man's daily life
as a telephone or a calculator.
Computers are capable of doing extremely complicated work in all branches of learning. They can solve the most
complex mathematical problems or put thousands of unrelated facts in order. These machines can be put to varied
uses. For instance, they can provide information on the best way to prevent traffic jams. This whole process by which
machines can be used to work for us has been called 'automaton.' In the future, automation may enable human
beings to enjoy more leisure than they do today. The coming of automation is bound to have important social
consequences. Some years ago an expert in automation. Sir Leon Bagrit, pointed out that it was a mistake to believe
that these machines could 'think.' There is no possibility that human beings will be "controlled by machines."
Though computers are capable of learning from their mistakes and improving on their performance, they need
detailed instructions from human beings to operate. They can never, as it were, lead independent lives or "rule of
world" by making decisions of their own. Sir Leon said that in future, computers would be developed which would
be small enough to carry in the pocket. Ordinary people would then be able to use them to obtain valuable
information. Computers could be plugged into a national network and be used like radios. For instance, people going
on holiday could be informed about weather conditions. Car drivers can be given alternative routes when there are
traffic jams. It will also be possible to make tiny translating machines. This will enable people who do not share a
common language to talk to each other without any difficulty or to read foreign publications.
(i) Answer any four of the following questions:
[4x2=8]
(a) Why can't computers lead independent lives or rule the world?
(b) What complicated works are computers capable of doing?
(c) Write one use of computer.
(d) How would computers as translating machines help people?
(ii) Find out the antonyms of the following from the passage: [2]
(a) ancient (b) impossible
(iii) Pick the word from the passage which means the same as: [2]
(a) Example (b) Common
Section 'B' Writing and Grammar
[30 Marks]
3. Imagine that you are N.C. Jain, the President of Friends Apartments Society. The water reservoir of the colony is to
be cleaned on 28th Aug 20XX, therefore the water supply will be affected on 28th & 29th August, inform the residents
of your colony about the same. [4]
4. Write a paragraph in about 100-200 words on the given topic : Fashion Among Students [6]
OR
You are of Preeti St. Columbus School, Nainital. You have to speak on the topic 'Modernisation does not mean
aping westernisation' Write the same in about 150 words.
