Kerala SSLC Question Pool 2024 English

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EQUIP - DIET KASARAGOD
SSLC QUESTION POOL

ENGLISH

QUESTIONS

Comprehension - Textual Passages

I Read the following passage from the story, ‘The Best Investment I Ever Made’,
and answer the questions that follow.

I was a young doctor at the time and had just set up a practice in a working - class
district of London. On a foggy November night, towards one o’clock, I was awakened by
a loud banging on the door. Hurriedly, I threw on some clothes and went downstairs.
It was a sergeant of police, in dripping helmet and cape, mistily outlined on the doorstep.
A suicide case, he told me abruptly, in the lodgings around the corner - I had better come
at once.

1. Where had the doctor set up his medical practice?

2. What awakened the narrator?

3. What was the peculiarity of the November night mentioned here?

4. Pick out a word from the passage which means ‘a sleeveless outer garment’.

5. What did the sergeant say to the doctor abruptly?

6. Why was the lady agitated?

II Read the following passage from the story, ‘The Scholarship Jacket’ and
answer the questions that follow.

In May, close to graduation, spring fever had struck as usual with a vengeance.
No one paid any attention in class; instead we stared out of the windows and at each other
wanting to speed up the last few weeks of school. I despaired every time I looked in the
mirror. Pencil thin, not a curve anywhere. I was called ‘beanpole’ and ‘string bean’ and

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13

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I knew that’s what I looked like. That really wasn’t much for a fourteen-year-old to work
with, I thought, as I absent mindedly wandered from my history class to the gym. Another
hour of sweating in basketball and displaying my toothpick legs was coming up. Then
I remembered my P.E shorts were still in a bag under my desk where I’d forgotten them.

7. Why didn’t the students pay attention in the class?

8. Why did the narrator feel despaired?

9. What was the narrator called by others?

10. Why was the narrator called as ‘string bean’?

11. How does Martha describe her legs?

12. Pick out the word from the passage which means ‘to lose hope’.

III Read the following passage from the story, ‘Adventures in a Banyan tree’ and
answer the questions that follow.

Though the house and grounds of our home in India were Grandfather’s domain,
the magnificent old banyan tree was mine-chiefly because Grandfather, at the age of sixty
five, could no longer climb it. Grandmother used to tease him about this, and would speak
of a certain Countess of Desmond, an English woman who lived to the age of 117 and
would have lived longer if she hadn’t fallen while climbing an apple tree. The spreading
branches of the banyan tree, which curved to the ground and took root again, forming a
maze of arches, gave me endless pleasure. The tree was older than the house, older than
Grandfather, as old as the town of Dehra, nestling in a valley at the foot of the Himalayas.

13. What was the narrator’s domain?
14. How did the Grandmother tease the Grandfather?
15. What happened to the Countess of Desmond?
16. What gave the narrator immense happiness?
17. Which word in the passage means ‘kingdom’?
18. Which sentence in the passage gives you the hint about the age of the tree?

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IV Read the following passage from the story, ‘The Castaway’ and answer the
questions that follow.

The day before they were about to depart, the inkstand was missing. Satish was
furious and pounced up on the boy shouting, “You have stolen my inkstand, you thief!”

Nilkanta wobbled towards the wall with a swollen heart and head. Kiran was greatly
distressed at the scene and took him to another room and suggested. “Nilu, if you have
taken it, I shall keep it there and block anyone making further fuss.” To this, Nilkanta
knelt down weeping bitterly. A fierce battle of words followed between Kiran on one side
and Sharat and Satish on the other. Satish wanted to search his room and she responded
violently with tears,” You dare!” That at once settled the matter.

19. Why did Satish become furious?
20. Why was Kiran greatly distressed?
21. How did Kiran console Nilkanta?
22. Which ulterance of Kiran cautioned Satish?

V. Read the following extract from the one act play, ‘The Never Never Nest’ and
answer the questions that follow.

Aunt Jane (relenting a little) : Now I am sorry if I sounded rude. But really I am
shocked to find the way you are living. I have never owned a penny in my life-cash down,
that’s my motto and I want you to do the same. (She opens her handbag) Now look here
is a little cheque. I was meaning to give you, anyway. (She hands it to Jill). Suppose you
take it and pay off just one of your bills - so that you can say one thing at least really
belongs to you.

Jill (awkwardly) : Er. Thank you Aunt Jane. It’s very nice of you.

Aunt Jane : (patting her arm): There ! Now I must be going.

Jack : I will see you to the bus anyway.

Jill : Good bye, Aunt Jane and thanks so much for the present.

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Aunt Jane (kissing her): Good bye, my dear. (She and Jack go out. Jill looks at the cheque
and exclaims “Ten pounds” Then she hurries to the table. Addresses an envelope, endorses
the cheque and slips it inside with a bill which she takes from the bag and seals the
envelope. The she rings the bell in a moment. The NURSE comes in with the baby in her
arms).

23. Why was Aunt Jane shocked to find the way Jack and Jill were living?

24. ‘I want you to do the same’. What did Aunt Jane want them to do?

25. Why does Aunt Jane advise Jill to pay off just one of her bills?

26. What was the amount gifted by Aunt Jane?

VI Read the following passage from the story, ‘Vanka’ and answer the questions
that follow.
‘Nine year old Vanka Zhukov, who had been apprenticed three months ago to
Alyakhin the shoemaker, did not go to bed on Christmas eve. He waited till his master
and mistress and the senior apprentices had gone to church, and then took from the cupboard
a bottle of ink and a pen with a rusty nib, spread out a crumpled sheet of paper, and was all
ready to write. Before tracing the first letter, he glanced several times anxiously at the
door and window, peered at the dark icon, with shelves holding cobbler’s lasts stretching
on either side of it, and gave a quivering sigh. The paper lay on the bench, and Vanka
knelt on the floor at the bench’.

27. What do you know about Vanka?
28. Why did Vanka wait for his master to go out? What did he do then?
29. What did the little boy do before tracing the first letter?
30. Pick out the word from the passage that means ‘look carefully’.

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Comprehension - Textual Poem
I Read the following lines from the poem, ‘Poetry’ and answer the questions.

I did not know what to say, my month

had no way

with names
my eyes were blind,
and something started in my soul.
fever or forgotten wings,
and I made my own way,
deciphering
that fire,
and I wrote the first faint line,
faint, without substance, pure
nonsense,
pure wisdom
of someone who knows nothing.

31. Poetic intuition is like seeing things without eyes. Which line says so?

32. What does ‘fever’ or ‘forgotten wings’ stands for?

33. Do these lines speak about the poet’s confidence? How do you judge it?

34. Which figure of speech is used in the line, ‘pure wisdom of someone who knows
nothing’?

II Read the lines taken from the song ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ and answer the
questions that follow.

Yes, and how many years can a mountain exist
Before it is washed to the sea?
Yes, and how many years can some people exist
Before they are allowed to be free?
Yes, and how many times can a man turn his head
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And pretend that he just doesn’t see ?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.

35. Who are the ‘people’ referred to in these lines?
36. Pick out an example for alliteration?
37. What does the ‘mountain’ indicate?
38. What attitude of the common people is referred to in the refrain, ‘The answer, my
friend, is blowin’ in the wind’?

III Read the following lines from the poem, ‘Lines written in Early Spring’ and
answer the questions that follow.

I heard a thousand blended notes,

while in a grove I sate reclined,

In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts

Bring sad thoughts to the mind

To her fair works did nature link

The human soul that through me ran,

And much it grieved my heart to think

What man has made of man

39. What do you mean by ‘thousand blended notes’?

40. What do you mean by the line, ‘What man has made of man’?

41. How does the poet associate himself with nature?

42. What is the rhyme scheme followed in the poem?

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IV Read the following lines from the poem, ‘Ballad of Father Gilligan’ and answer
the questions that follow.

The old priest Peter Gilligan

was weary night and day

for half his flock were in their beds

Or under green sods lay

Once, while he nodded in a chair

At the moth-hour of the eve

Another poor man sent for him,

And he began to grieve.

I have no rest, nor joy, nor peace,

For people die and die;

And after cried he, ‘God forgive!

my body spake not I!’

43. Why was the priest weary night and day?

44. Why do you think, the time is called ‘moth - hour’?

45. The priest was overburdened with his religious duties. Pick out the line in support
of this statement.

46. Why did the priest beg for God’s forgiveness?

47. Pick out a pair of rhyming words from the first stanza?

V Read the following lines from the poem, ‘Mother to Son’ and answer the
questions that follow.

But all the time
I’se been a - climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
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And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light
So, boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps,
‘Cause you finds it’s kinder hard
Don’t you fall now-
For I’se still goin’, honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

48. Pick out any one line that shows the speaker did not give up?
49. What does ‘reachin’ landin’s’ symbolise in the speaker’s life?
50. What does ‘dark times’ suggest here? Quote the line.
51. What advice does the speaker give to the listener?

Appreciation

52. Read the following lines from the poem, ‘The Ballad of Father Gilligan’, and
write an appreciation focusing on the theme, imagery and other poetic devices.

‘And is the poor man dead’? he cried

He died an hour ago

The old priest Peter Gilligan
In grief swayed to and fro.

‘When you were gone, he turned and died,
As merry as a bird.’.
The old priest Peter Gilligan
He knelt him at that word.

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He who hath made the night of stars
For souls who tire and bleed,
Send one of this great angels down,
To help me in my need.

53. Read the lines from the poem, “Mother to Son” and prepare a note of appreciation
focusing on its theme, imagery and other poetic devices.

Well, son, I’ll tell you:

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair

It’s had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor-

Bare.

But all the time

I’se been a -climbin’ on,

And reachin’ landin’s,

And turnin’ corners,

And sometimes goin’ in the dark

where there ain’t been no light

So, boy, don’t you turn back.......

54. Read the lines from the poem “Lines written in Early Spring” and prepare a note of
appreciation focusing on its theme, imagery and other poetic devices.

To her fair works did nature link
The human soul that through me ran;

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And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And ‘tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.

Comprehension - Unseen Passages

55. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.

Sophia is a social humanoid robot developed by Hong Kong based company Hanson
Robotics. She was activated on February 14, 2016. The robot, modelled after actress
Audrey Hepburn, is known for human - like appearance and behaviour compared to
previous robotic variants. According to the manufacturer, David Hanson, Sophia uses
artificial intelligence visual data processing and Sophia imitates facial recognition, human
gestures and facial expressions and is able to answer certain questions and to make simple
conversations on predefined topics.(e.g. on the weather.) Sophia uses voice recognition
(speech - to text) technology from Alphabet Inc. Parent company of Google) and is
designed to get smarter over time. Sophia’s intelligence software is designed by Hanson
Robotics. The AI programme analyses conversations and extracts data that allows it to
improve response in the future. Hanson designed Sophia to be a suitable companion for
the elderly at nursing homes or to help the crowd at large events or parks. Sophia has nine
robot humanoid “siblings” who were also created by Hanson Robotics. Fellow Hanson
robots are Alice. Albert Einstein, Hobo, BINA 48, Han Jules, Professor Einstein, Philip.
K. Dick, Android, Zeno and Joey Chaos.

a) Who is Sophia?
b) What is Sophia known for?
c) How does Sophia resemble human beings?
d) What was the intention of Hanson when he designed Sophia?
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56. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

The world appears to be gloomy in the absence of true friend. Man, by nature, is
a social animal. A man, who lives alone, is either an angel or a beast. Therefore, the need
for a true and honest friend is always important for man. True friends, no doubt, are rare
in this world. A friend is the elixir of life and panacea for many ills. A friend is very
useful at the time of adversity. But there are many persons in this world who are fair
weather friends. When one’s purse jingles with money, they flock around him; otherwise,
run away. I would always like to have friends who possess qualities of both the head and
heart. Do you have any one such friend?
a) When does the world appear to be gloomy?
b) Why does a true friend become important?
c) What does the phrase ‘fair weather friends’ mean?

d) Why should a friend possess the qualities of the ‘head and the heart

57. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

Sarah was hoping to get the lead role in the upcoming school play. Last year she
played the role of Dharma in the school’s production of ‘My Favourite Day’. The audience
loved her performance. She received a huge round of applause at the end of every
performance.

This year the school will be putting on a production called ‘My Crazy week’.
Sarah began to practice her lines three times a day for four weeks before auditions. The
week before the audition she began to practice with two friends. Sarah practiced the part
of Jane, Mike practiced the part of James and Amanda practiced the part of Teresa.
When the auditions started Sarah did an excellent job! Her outstanding performance
won her the role of Jane. As soon as she learned that she won the part, she ran home to
practice for opening night.

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a) What is the name of the play in which Sarah acted as Dharma?
b) How long did Sarah practice her lines?
c) What aspect of Sarah’s character is being revealed in the passage?
d) What did she do as soon as she knew that she had won the part?

Discourses (7 marks)
58. Having met the doctor, Mr. John felt really gratifying because he had been waiting
to meet him since that near fatal incident in his life. Imagine he narrates his second
meeting with the doctor to one of his friends. Write the likely narrative.

59. ‘Adventures in a Banyan Tree’ is a wonderful story that highlights a strong bond
between man and nature. Prepare a review of the story based on your reading.

60. The strange case of the grey squirrel and the white rat astonished the young boy
very much. He started wondering about nature and its ways. Imagine he narrates
the wonderful experiences he had on his favourite place, the banyan tree. Write the
likely narrative.

61. Adolescence is a very important stage in the life of an individual. Do you agree?
Support your views through a speech on the above topic to be delivered in the
school assembly, based on the story The Best Investment I Ever Made, in which Mr.
and Mrs. John had been guiding the derelict adolescents.

62. The homeopath was haunted by the encounter he had with the snake for many days
to come. Imagine he recollects his ordeal as a narrative with one of his friends.
Attempt the likely narrative.

63. “Blessed is an individual who has learned to smile away his pain”. Prepare a review
of the story, ‘The Snake and the Mirror’.

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64. Martha was glad to be honoured with the scholarship jacket by the school authorities.
Imagine she delivers her valedictory speech receiving the award formally.
Attempt the likely speech.

65. The rivalry between the snake and mongoose had a lasting impression on the young
boy who watched the fight among them atop the banyan tree. Imagine he narrates
the fight scene to one of his friends. Write the likely narrative.

Discourses (6 marks)
66. Imagine that Satyajith Ray decides to write a letter to the manager of the Bharath
Circus Company asking him to supply a tiger for the shooting of his film ‘Goopy
Gyne Bagha Byne’. What would he write? Draft the likely letter.

67. Mr. and Mrs. John have been offering selfless service to the society. Imagine their
noble deed gets reported in one of the dailies. Prepare a Newspaper Report of the
work they have been doing.

68. The doctor in the story, The Snake and the Mirror binds the reader with his humorous
mannerisms right through the chain of events. Prepare a character sketch of the
doctor based on your reading of the story.

69. Prepare a short profile of Majid Majidi using the hints given below.

Birth : April 17, 1959, Tehran, Iran
Education : Institute of Dramatic Arts, Tehran
Known as : Film Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Famous Films : The Colour of Paradise (1999), Baran (2001),
The Willow Tree (2005)
Awards : Grand prix Award, Nomination for the Academy Award for best
Foreign Language film.
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70. Imagine that you are a news reporter of English daily. Prepare a News Report on
the first attempt of shooting the scenes with a tiger for Satyajith Ray’s film, Goopy
Gyne Bagha Byne at Notun Gram.

71. Imagine that you got an opportunity to interview Martha, who won the scholarship
jacket. Prepare six questions for the same.

72. Write a short profile of Anton Chekhov using the hints given below.

Full Name : Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

Birth : 29 January 1860, Taganrog, Southern Russia

Parents : Pavel Chekhov and Yevgoniya

Schooling : Greek School in Taganrog Gymnasium

Medical Studies : I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical Univeristy

Profession : Physician

Famous as : master of modern short stories.

Notable works : The Seagull, The Cherry Orchard, Ward Number Six,
Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters

Award : Pushkin Prize

Death : 15 July 1904, Badenweiler, Germany

73. Mr. John in the story ‘The Best Investment I Ever Made’, writes a letter to his
friend describing the experience that he had with the doctor on the voyage. Write
the likely letter.

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74. Martha in the story ‘The scholarship Jacket’ is awarded the scholarship jacket by
the Vice Chancellor of the University. Prepare a News Report that may appear in
the newspaper, the next day.

75. Single stories breed stereotypes. Do you agree? Based on the lesson ‘The Danger
of a Single Story’, prepare a write up.

76. Grandfather had a pivotal role in the life of Vanka. Based on the story of ‘Vanka’,
prepare a character sketch of the Grandfather.

77. Write a short profile of Rabindranath Tagore using the details given below.
Name : Rabindranath Tagore
Born : 1861 at Kolkata, West Bengal
Spouse : Mrinalini Devi
Famous as : Author of National Anthem, Novelist, Painter, Playwright,
Philosopher, Social reformer, Freedom Fighter etc.
Awards : Nobel Prize for literature in 1913 for Gitanjali
Death : August 7, 1941 at the age of 80, Kolkata.

78. Martha was very happy to receive the scholarship jacket finally after the Principal
stood in her favour. Imagine she recollects her experience of going through the
turmoil with one of her friends through a letter. Attempt the likely letter.

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Discourses (5 marks)

79. Imagine Ali and Zahra have an angry exchange of words on the issue of the lost
shoes. Write the possible conversation between the brother and the sister.
(5 exchanges)

80. Kiran didn’t want Sharath to search Nilkanta’s box to know more about him.
What were the feelings of Kiran then? Attempt the likely diary entry of Kiran.

81. Adichie’s visit to Fide’s family was a great learning experience for her. After
reaching home, she jots down her feelings in her diary. Write the likely Diary
entry.

82. The English club of your school has decided to stage the one act play, The Never
Never Nest’. Being the convener of the club you are asked to prepare a notice.
Attempt the likely notice.

83. Imagine Ali meets the junk collector the next day and enquires about his lost shoes.
Prepare the likely conversation between Ali and the junk collector. (5 exchanges)

84. Kiran enquired Nilkanta whether he had taken Sathish’s inkstand. Prepare the likely
conversation between Kiran and Nilkanta. (5 exchanges)

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Information Transfer

85. Study the table and answer the questions that follow.

a) Which hotel is within walking distance to the town?

b) What is the similarity between North Sea Hotel and Hawah Beach hotel?

c) Which hotel is supposed to be near the woods?

d) What is the offer to the airport given by North Sea Hotel?

86. Study the table and answer the questions that follow.

Film Year Production Actor

Here comes the Navy 1934 Warner Brothers Lou Edelman

Lost Horizon 1937 Columbia Frank Capra

One Foot in Heaven 1941 Warner Brothers H&B Wallis

The Snake Pit 1948 20th Century Fox Robert Bassier

Roman Holiday 1953 Paramount George Stevens

a) Which production house launched the movie Lost Horizon?

b) Which movies are to the credit of Warner Bothers?

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c) Which movie was made in the year 1948 among the above?

d) When was the movie, ‘Here comes the Navy’ made?
87. Study the table and answer the questions that follow.

International Cricket Matches – 2020
Country Test Match ODI T20
India 15 30 25
Australia 18 24 22
England 16 28 20
Sri Lanka 15 26 27

Pakistan 12 22 25

a) Which country played the maximum number of ODI’s?
b) What is the similarity in the statistics with respect to Test matches played by India
and Sri Lanka?
c) Identify the European country among the above.
d) Which are the neighbouring countries of India that are enlisted in the given table?

Reported Speech

88. Read the dialogue given below and answer the questions that follows.

1) Satyajith Ray : Will the tiger attack any of my actors?

Thorat : No, it won’t attack any one.

a) What did Satyajith Ray ask Thorat?

b) What did Thorat reply?

2) Principal : What did your grandfather say?

Martha : Grandfather will not give the money?

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a) What did the Principal ask?

b) What did Martha reply?

3) Doctor : The snake coiled on my arm.

Friend : Did you kill the snake?

a) What did the doctor tell him friend?

b) What did the friend ask?

Language Elements

89. Complete the following passage using the appropriate phrasal verbs given in
the bracket.
Grandfather ……..(a)...........his cap and ……….(b).........to the market. On the
way he………….(c) ........his friend to whom he…………(d)…..…....his idea of buying
a white rat.
(set out, put across, put on, come across)

90. Complete the following passage using the appropriate phrasal verbs given in
the bracket.

The Homeopath decided to ........(a).......all his duties for the next day and
...........(b).......... a new house for rent. Actually, he wasn’t able to ..........(c)...... the experience
he had. Feeling sleepy, he set the alarm before going to bed, because he wanted to
..........(d)......... early in the morning.

(look for, get up, put off, get over)

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91. Complete the following passage using the appropriate phrasal verbs given in
the bracket.
The homeopath ........(a)......... at the police station to give a complaint. There he
seemed .........(b)……… finding the officer who happened to be one of his childhood
friends. He promised the homeopath to........(c)......... the matter and ..........(d)........... talking
about their school days.
(went on, turned up, taken aback, look into)

92. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given below.
Mr. Thorat reached the location ………(a)………. two well fed tigers in two giant
cages. He wanted………. (b)…….. ensure everyone’s safety as well. But things turned
different. When he opened the door of ………..(c)……….. cage, the tiger sprang
………..(d)……… fiercely.
(the, out, in, with, to)

93. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given below.

In Bharat Circus, usually the tiger was accompanied………(a)…… Mr. Thorat.
But, it could not be allowed in shooting. So, Mr. Thorat said……(b)….. he would tie a
thin wire ………(c)……. the neck of the tiger. But, Mr. Ray suggested to attach the wire
to a collar made ………(d)……… tiger skin to facilitate the shooting.

(around, by, of, for, that)

94. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given below.
One day, Martha had .......(a)........ go back to the classroom to take her PE shorts.
She halted at the door hearing her teachers arguing with each other ..........(b)..........the
room. In fact they were talking ........(c).......her. She was shocked to hear it
.......(d)........stood there learning against the wall.

(about, in, and, but, to)

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95. There are a few errors in the passage given below. Edit the errors appropriately.
When Adichie visited Fide’s family, she is (a) surprised to see a beautiful (b)
woven basket made by his brother. But, what she saw there changed her perception
regarding Fide and his family because it was a (c) entirely different story who (d) Aidchie
had heard about Fide’s family.

96. There are a few errors in the passage given below. Edit the errors
appropriately.

Mr. Cronin think about the paltry sum he had given to the young man. It was only
seven pounds and ten shillings. It helped to bringing the man back to a new life. He
recognised that is was a best investment he had ever maid in his life.
97. There are a few errors in the passage given below. Edit the errors appropriately.
The landlady show the sergeant and the doctor the little attic when lay the body of
a young man. He was apparent lifeless. They began the work of bring him back to life.

98. Complete the following conversation between the homeopath and his friend.
Friend : Somebody entered the room last night,………..(a)………. ?

Homeopath : Yes. Everything has been taken away too.
Friend : ...................…………(b)............................................?
Homeopath : Yes. I had an encounter with the snake.
Friend : ....................…………(c)............................................?
Homeopath : It was on the table enjoying its mirror image.
Friend : Do you think it was a planned robbery?
Homeopath : .........................(d)…………………….
Friend : You had better .......................(e)……………..

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99. Complete the Conversation suitably.

Landlady : Good evening Segeant.

Sergeant : Good evening. ................ (a) ...................?

Landlady : The young man is dying, Sir.

Segeant : He tried to commit suicide, ................ (b) ................?
Landlady : He closed the doors and opened the valve of the gas
cylinder.

Sergeant : .................... (c) .......................?

Landlady : No, I don’t know why he did it. You’d better
............(d)...........

Sergeant : If there is a doctor nearby ....................(e)...................

Landlady : Please bring him quickly. It looks as if ............(f)...........

Sergeant : Ok, I will go immediately.

100. Complete the following conversation between Adichie and Fide.
Adichie : This is a wonderful piece of art, ............(a)..............?
Fide : Yes. I think so.
Adichie : ...........................(b)...............................?
Fide : My brother made it.
Adichie : .............................(c)....................................?
Fide : No. It is made of dried raffia leaves.
Adichie : Will he sell it?
Fide : Sure. If you like it, .................(d).......................
Adichie : Thank you. ..................... (e) ........................

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101. Go through the given sentences and their corresponding sentence pattern.
Write four other sentences in the same pattern.

1. Jill smiled. S+V
2. Jack bought a car. S+V+O
3. Aunt Jane gave her a cheque. S+V+O+O
4. She advised them well. S+V+O+A

102. Examine the following word pyramid and construct a similar word pyramid
with the word, ‘garden’.

Room
A room
A rented room
A small rented room
A small rented room where I lived

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EQUIP - DIET KASARAGOD
SSLC QUESTION POOL

ENGLISH

ANSWERS

Comprehension - Textual Passages
I
1. The doctor had set up his medical practice in a working class district of London.
2. The narrator was awakened by a loud banging on the door.
3. The night in the month of November was foggy.
4. Cape
5. The Sergeant told him that there was a suicide case in the lodgings around the
corner and he should go with him.
6. The land lady was agitated because the young man tried to commit suicide and his
body lay stretched on the narrow bed.

II
7. The students paid no attention in the class because it was the month of May,
close to graduation.
8. Martha felt despaired because every time she looked in the mirror, she felt that
she was not at all pretty to look at.

9. She was called ‘bean pole’ and ‘String bean’.

10. She was pencil thin, having not a curve anywhere in the body.

11. Martha describes her legs as tooth pick

12. Despair

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III

13. The banyan tree was the narrator’s domain.
14. Grandmother teased the Grandfather telling about his inability to climb trees.
15. Countess of Desmond fell down from the apple tree and died.
16. The spreading branches of the banyan tree which curved to the ground and took
root again forming a maze of arches, gave the narrator immense happiness.
17. Domain
18. The tree was older than the house, older than Grandfather, as old as the town of
Dehra, nestling in a valley at the foot of the Himalayas.

IV
19. Satish was furious because his ink stand was missing.
20. Kiran was greatly distressed to see Nilkanta wobbling towards the wall with a
swollen heart and head.
21. Kiran told Nilkanta that she would keep back the inkstand in its place and won’t
allow anyone to make any further fuss about it.
22. You dare!

V
23. Aunt Jane was shocked to find the way Jack and Jill were living because they were
leading a luxurious life by borrowing everything through the instalment scheme.
24. Aunt Jane wanted them to follow her motto ‘cash down’ that cash should be paid
while purchasing something.
25. Aunt Jane advises to pay off one of her bills so that she can say one thing at least
really belongs to her.
26. Ten pounds

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VI
27. Vanka Zhukov was a nine year old boy who had been apprenticed three months
ago to Alyakhin, the shoemaker.
28. He waited till his master and mistress and the senior apprentices had gone to church.
To write a letter.
29. Before tracing the first letter, he glanced several times anxiously at the door and
windows, peered at the dark icon, with shelves holding cobbler’s lasts stretching
on either side of it, and gave a quivering sigh.
30. Peer
Comprehension - Textual Poem
I
31. ‘My eyes were blind and something started in my soul.’
32. The sudden changes happening to the poet when he was fired by poetic inspiration.
33. He was lacking confidence in the beginning.
34. Paradox.

II
35. ‘People’ referred to here are the ones who are denied of their civil rights.
36. Yes, and how many years can a mountain exist or Yes, and how many times can a
man turn his head
37. Mountain stands for the mighty people in power.
38. The indifferent attitude of the people is reflected here.

III
39. A variety of mixed sounds made by birds and animals.
40. Man has made of man his own enemies unmindful of nature’s holy plan for a
peaceful co-existence.
41. The poet realises that his own innate soul is linked with the universal soul of
nature.
42. abab
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IV
43. The Priest was weary night and day as he was busy attending the people of
his parish. They were either in bed or dead due to an epidemic.
44. The time is called ‘moth-hour’ because people used to predict time based on
the changes in nature.
45. I’ve no rest, nor joy, nor peace
for people die and die.
46. He seeks God’s forgiveness because he feels guilty of himself for making
such irresponsible utterances.
47. day-lay

V
48. I’se climbin’ on /
I’se still goin’ honey /
I’se still climbin’
49. ‘reachin’ landin’s’ symbolizes magical moments in the life of the speaker.
50. Unfortunate moments of her life. ‘And sometimes goin’ in the dark’
51. Not to give up or turn back but move on with patience and confidence.

Appreciation

52. The Ballad of Father Gilligan - An Appreciation.

The Ballad of Father Gilligan by W.B. Yeats is a touching narrative that illustrates
Gods everlasting benevolence and how he intervenes in the life of an affirmation of a
loving and kind god who showers his blessings on all his creations.
Father Gilligan was tired carrying out his priestly obligations. Since his parishioners
were dying due to an epidemic. One day he fell asleep in prayer leaning on the chair and

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he could not attend one sick man’s last moments. Realizing that he failed to do his duty,
the next day morning in great grief, he rode on his horse to the man’s house. His wife told
the priest that her husband had already died and asked why he came again. From her
question he understood that in his absence, God has sent an angel to do his duties. He
knelt and cried in repentance and thanked God for his mercy. The poet presents in the
poem a powerful but merciful God and a pious and dutiful priest and that is the theme of
the poem.
This poem is written in the form of a Ballad. It is written in four lined stanzas
keeping a regular rhyme-scheme of abcb. The poem is rich in imageries. Brilliant use of
visual images like ‘green sods’, the ‘moth - hour’ and auditory images like ‘sparrow
chirping’ makes the poem enchanting. The line, “he turned and died /As merry as a bird”
is an example for simile. The repetition of the line ‘The old priest Peter Gilligan’ constitutes
for the use of Refrain in the poem.
sd/

53. Mother to son - An appreciation.
‘Mother to son’ is a straight forward and politically relevant poem, written by
Langston Hughes. It is structured in the form of a conversation between a mother and her
son. The mother advises her son that he will face many adversities in life, all of which he
must overcome and keep going. The poet uses the ‘stair- way’ as a metaphor to represent
life. The mother, to whom life has not been kind, reminds her son that life is not a crystal
stair. Rather it was quite tough with ‘tacks and splinters’ in it. She says ‘I’ se been a
climbin’ on’. She encourages her son by giving examples of her own perseverance.

The poet wishes to convey that one has to display steady persistence to go up the
stairway of life. Obstacles may be harsh but one has to move on with patience. The brilliant
use of imagery helps the readers to understand the message of the poem. To the African –
Americans, the stair-way could be seen as path to their liberation and freedom. The
descriptive tone in which the mother expresses her progress up the stairway helps the
reader to visualize what she would have endured in her life time.

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The poem is written in free verse and has a lyrical quality. It is a monologue
written in Afro-American dialect which gives it a colloquial touch. The poem symbolizes
the racial oppression suffered by the black people in America. This experience is passed
on to the younger generation. Although the poem is an Afro - American mother’s advice
to her son, it has a universal appeal also. Hughes conveys ‘the idea of hope through the
poem’.

54. Lines Written in Early Spring - An Appreciation

“Lines Written in Early Spring” is a poem which celebrates the relation between
man and nature. It is written by the most celebrated poet of nature, William Wordsworth.
The poet enjoys the sights and sound of nature and at the same time laments on what man
has made of man.

The poet declares that man is a part of nature and can never be away from it. The
poet personifies nature in these lines. He appreciates nature for her God like abilities of
linking human soul to her. But, he also grieves while thinking about how cruelly man has
separated himself from Mother Nature. The poet observes nature, at its peak, in all its
splendour and beauty. He tells about his dynamic development when he describes how
the periwinkle trails its branches through the grass. He feels that the flowers rejoice at
their existence. He finds delight in the green bowers and has faith that the beautiful flowers
enjoy every ounce of the air they breathe, they are thankful for living in the lap of nature.

The poem becomes much appealing because of the sublimity of its theme and
beauty of lines and the abundant use of various poetic devices. The lines follow a rhyme
scheme abab with the use of rhyming words like link-think, ran - man, bower - flower and
wreaths-breathes. The use of alliteration can be seen in the line ‘What man has made of
man”. “Periwinkle trailed its wreaths” is as example of personification. Tactile image
could be found in the line “And t’is my faith that every flower, Enjoys the air it breathes’’
The poem consists of six quatrains.

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Comprehension - Unseen Passages

55. a) Sophia is a social humanoid robot
b) Sophia is known for human like appearance and behaviour compared to
previous robotics.
c) Sophia imitates facial recognition, human gestures and facial expression
and is able to answer certain questions.
d) Hanson designed Sophia to be a suitable companion for the elderly at nursing
homes or to help a crowd at large events or parks.

56. a) The world appears to be gloomy in the absence of a true friend.

b) A man, who lives alone, is either an angel or a beast and needs to be loved,
advised or controlled.

c) A friend who cannot be relied /not a good friend / any sensible answer.

d) A friend should possess the qualities of wisdom and empathy to guide a
person.

57.
a) My favourite day.
b) Three times a day for four weeks
c) Her dedication and love towards art.
d) She ran home to practice for opening night.

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Discourses (7 marks)

58. Narrative - Second Meeting
It is often said, we meet people by chance and it couldn’t have been more precise
when I think of my life. But this second meeting, although only by chance, once again
seemed very gratifying indeed. Let me tell you how.
Actually my wife and I onboard the ship from New York to England came across a
man whom I recognised very well. He was the same doctor who had changed the course
of my life. But I couldn’t make up my mind to go forward and speak since I couldn’t
gather the courage to do so. Finally, my wife insisted and I tried to introduce myself. I
gave my visiting card too but that didn’t work either. He just looked at me unchanged. I
told him that I had been on a visit to the New England States studying the methods employed
in bringing the derelict adolescents back on track. When he knew this, he seemed impressed
by my work but the veils parted only when I spoke into his ear.
In fact this paved the way to our memories of that foggy November night. It is
only because of those three noble people that I am alive. Otherwise, I would have been
dead. I had made up my mind then and there that my life is going to be for a cause
henceforth. Luckily, I am just continuing that. It is just the plight of umpteen people like
me who take to some unlawful means and finally have to surrender to their fate.
But, fortunately I survived and had a chance of meeting my saviour once again. He
is equal to God for me and I am indebted to him for life. So, seeing him and meeting after
twenty five years is something I hadn’t expected ever. Ultimately, it is those things that
gratify us. In fact, I will remember this moment for the rest of my life and try to give back
to society what it needs in a befitting manner.

59. Review - Adventures in a Banyan Tree.
Adventures in a Banyan Tree, is a story written by Ruskin Bond, a well known
Indian author of British descent. The story is about a boy who marvels at the endless

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pleasures of nature. A magnificent banyan tree, as old as the city of Dehra is the setting of
the story. The narrator, a boy, banyan tree, grandfather, grandmother, mongoose and a
cobra are the major characters of the story. A grey squirrel, a myna and a crow appear as
minor characters.
The boy builds a platform half away up the banyan tree and spends his afternoons
either reading his favourite books or enjoying the scenes down through the leaves. The
boy gets a golden opportunity to observe some of the wonders of nature up on this platform.
In the first part of the story we see the boy developing a spectacular relationship with a
small grey squirrel. The presence of grandfather makes the story more homely.
The story next focuses on the pleasures of the boy being in company with a variety
of birds on the banyan tree during the fig season. What marvels the boy most was an
encounter between a mongoose and a huge black cobra! There follows a fight between
the two soon. The fight becomes aggressive. The crow and the myna are the other witnesses.
They are also excited to take part in the fight. A detailed eye-witness account of the fight
makes the story more exciting and lively.
The boy’s acquaintance with the white rat is another chapter of pleasure that the
boy describes from nature. The friendship of the white rat with the squirrel and the
appearance of white baby squirrels are all some of the excitements in the story.
The experience narrated in the story are the clear watermarks of some of the
pleasures that man can nourish being in harmony with nature. Had there been thousands
of such banyan trees and boys, our world would have been a heavenly place to live in. The
story is an eye opener as it kindles love for nature and its lives.

60. Narrative - Nature and its Wonders

Nature and its ways are truly wonderful. Even though I was aware of it, having
hands on experience is what brings a world of difference in our thought process.

My banyan tree also gave me a similar experience. It was my domain as compared
to the house that belonged to my grandfather. I had made a small platform mid way up the

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tree. Moreover, the cushions made me feel comfortable too, when I went through my set
of books like The Treasure Island and others.

The tree was in fact a second home for me and umpteen other beings that were the
usual visitors to my banyan tree. The first among them was a squirrel which didn’t bother
to befriend me. The birds also made the place lively during the fig season. All this made
it a busy location as well. This in turn made me wonder whether a tree could give such an
opportunity to all. But it was a reality and I felt it. Although there was a harmony all over,
yet the fight between the two, the cobra and the mongoose was a proof of the existing
rivalry or the rule that decides the supremacy in nature. Ultimately, the mongoose won
but it showed that nature gives a chance to balance as well.

But, the truly astonishing aspect was the strange case of the grey squirrel and the
white rat. I had only seen white rats and to my astonishment, here I came across three
white baby squirrels. Even my grandfather hadn’t seen such white squirrels. He was amazed
too. Hence, the only inference we could finally make was that this nature is full of wonders
and we as humble beings try to live peacefully according to its ways.

In fact nature is one of the biggest gifts of God and we being a part of it have all
the reasons to wonder about it no matter whatsoever.

61. Speech - Adolescence - A Crucial Stage

Respected Headmaster, teachers and my dear friends, today I stand before you to
speak on a very important topic. Yes. It is none other than the very stage of our life that
some of us are in. Any guesses? Let me tell you. I am going to speak on Adolescence, a
very important stage of life.

As all of you know, we are in a very important juncture of our lives. Yes,
Adolescence in fact is the most significant phase of one’s life. This is the age that makes
or breaks an individual. Everything begins when we enter the teenage, trying to find an
identity in this huge world. Most often we try to establish ourselves among others either
by imitating or by doing something different. But, sometimes these times become quite

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crucial in the long run. The highly unstable mind at this stage makes us fall prey to even
some unlawful or illegal means. It is the fault of the age. So it becomes obvious that we
need to control our mind and accordingly the body, thereby the habits. Whenever we
think about the bad habits that an adolescent falls into, drug addition, betting, alcoholism
etc come to our mind. Now why do we develop such habits? It is a grave issue. These are
the important times of life when we nurture the dreams of our lives. If we are able to
judge things ethically, we may not indulge ourselves into unlawful means. Discretion of
right and wrong becomes a mandatory trait at such a stage. The clear knowledge of the
anti social elements and its consequences could guide us on the right path on the way to a
glorious future.

So, I would like to plead with each one of you to ponder over this issue very
seriously, since we are the future citizens of this country. It is our responsibility to secure
our future in turn to secure the future of this world. This world would definitely be a
happy dwelling place for all, when an adolescent imbibes the importance of his life.

I truly believe that adolescence is the most important stage in the life of an individual.
With these words, I would like to conclude my speech. Thank you one and all.

62. Narrative - The Homeopath’s Ordeal

Every incident that happens in our life may have some lasting impact in one way
or the other. Here too, I had one such experience which I won’t like to have ever after.

It was just one such hot summer night. As usual, I had my dinner at a nearby
restaurant and returned to my room, the rented one. Since it was not electrified, I had to
bear the hot climate. So I changed my clothes and opened the windows to have some
fresh air but even the wind gods seemed to have taken time off. Eventually, I went out to
have some fresh air.

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In those days, my earnings were meagre and I didn’t possess many things either.
My belongings were just limited to a suitcase with sixty rupees and a few dhothis and
shirts, a black coat other than the not so yellow vest that I was wearning then.

Unable to sleep, I took out my book, The Materia Medica and started reading
when I happened to see myself in the mirror kept over there. I, being an admirer of
beauty, obviously found myself quite handsome. I decided to shave daily and sport a thin
moustache and also have a neat parting to make myself an eligible bachelor because I
want to marry a woman doctor with a lot of money and good practice. All this while, the
regular traffic of rats was on as usual which I didn’t bother much because we shared the
room anyway.

But, meanwhile there was a thud and when I turned I found a full blooded cobra face to
face. I was just four inches away. I felt it was my end. Death was so near me. Literally,
I was a stone image. The snake had coiled round my arm. So, I stayed as it is, because I
knew if I moved it could be deadly. I stayed still and felt the presence of God.

But all of a sudden things changed for the better. The snake saw itself in the mirror.
I felt that it was admiring its own beauty, planning to look more appealing. Whatever it
may be, to my surprise the snake slowly slithered and moved away.

Suddenly, I was a man of flesh and blood. I got up and ran for my life into the
veranda. I didn’t stop and went straight to my friend’s house, smeared oil and took a bath.

I don’t want to recollect those times any day again. In fact, that ordeal still haunts
me and will do so for a long time to come.

63. Review of the story ‘The Snake and the Mirror’.

The short story, ‘The Snake and the Mirror’ is written by Vaikom Muhammed
Basheer, popularly known as Beypore Sulthan. Basheer is known for his peculiar style
and here too it has been emphatically presented. It is a humorous story about a doctor, a

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snake and a mirror. The narrator of the story is a homeopath. A snake and a mirror are two
most important entities in the story. The humorous anecdote revolves around the theme of
human vanity and fears and how they affect the people.

The story revolves around the ordeal of the doctor when he comes face to face
with a full blooded cobra on a hot summer night. The life of a doctor who had just started
his medical practice has been presented humourously. The craft of words make it humorous
from beginning to the end and bind the reader. A recollection of an incident which was
horrible for the narrator yet makes the reader enjoy the funny aspect within. The use of
humour makes the story distinct. Even the style of narration makes one experience the
plight of the homeopath on that eventful night. But, his aspirations being a bachelor bring
all the difference in the story, when he equates the snake with himself which seems to
have taken aback by its own beauty.

Basheer has followed his own innovative style of writing as usual in the story. So
obviously, it is a wonderful read. The language used in the story seems simple too. We
feel at home when we go through the content. It satisfies the elements of a short story very
well too. This is truly a Basheer’s masterpiece indeed.

.

64. Speech

Respected dignitaries, Principal, teachers and my dear friends, it is indeed a moment
that I will cherish all through my life.

Today I stand before you as a proud winner of the prestigious scholarship jacket.
But it is not a mere jacket for me. It is something I have dreamt of since my initial days in
this school; yes my Texas school. In fact, my sister Rosie showed me the way. She inspired
me. Her proud possession of a scholarship jacket always motivated me. All the time the
green and gold shade of the jacket has fancied me. To be frank, every year I had looked
forward to accomplishing the task to maintain a straight A grade to qualify myself and
thereby make myself eligible. Eight years of perseverance paved the way. Actually, I am
indebted to all who helped me in the course of action.

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The scholarship jacket is really a concept that instills a feeling of hard work and
dedication for an aspirant. I think such awards should always be promoted. Every child
irrespective of any background can aspire to grab it. Since it doesn’t differentiate one on
the basis of caste, colour or status rather than recognises the efforts of excellence and
acknowledges it.

I would like to thank all my teachers, friends and well-wishers who supported me
in the time of need even when the things weren’t favourable. But, I know challenges
make us stronger and the success becomes even sweeter in the event of a few bitter
experiences. So, I don’t have any complaints. Moreover, I am extremely happy to receive
this coveted prize.

So formally on this occasion, I would like to thank all the jury members, the board,
my teachers and all the authorities who found me eligible for this award. I shall remember
this for my lifetime and hope to justify this award in my future as well.

With these words I would like to conclude my speech.

Thank you.

65. Narrative - The Fight Scene

The fight of the champions always lives up to its expectations and the afternoon of
April proved it emphatically before my eyes.

During summers as usual, I was atop the banyan tree either reading books or just
passing time in my own way watching things underneath. So it just happened that I saw
the two born enemies coming face to face with each other. Won’t you like to know who
the enemies were? Yes, they were none other than a huge black cobra and the mongoose.
What else could I have expected for! The rivalry between them is known to the world and
stood up to its ground as well.

Although the mongoose was just three feet long, it was a superb fighter being
clever and aggressive. On the other hand, the cobra was skilful and an experienced fighter

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as well. He could move swiftly and strike with the speed of light with the sharp fangs full
of deadly venom.

The fight started. Both fought intensely. The cobra was hissing and striking and
the mongoose in turn was tackling the strike equally well. Meanwhile, I had a company of
two new spectators, the myna and the jungle crow. Both were very keen too. Even the
combatants were aware of them. The second round followed with the cobra trying to raise
three feet above the ground and trying to strike at the mongoose, which jumped and
evaded it, in turn biting the snake on the back. A few drops of blood were visible on the
cobras back as well. Even in the third round, a similar tussle continued but with a difference.
Meanwhile, the cobra struck the jungle crow hurling it away making the myna take all
cautions and staying away.

Finally, the mongoose overcame the cobra with all its tactical moves being swift,
dragging its opponent into the bushes. The cobra couldn’t do much and had to accept the
defeat at the end. Even the myna looked too wise to hop away quickly.

At the end it was the grandfather’s mongoose, although not tamed by him, that had
been victorious in the deadly fight. I had seen my grandfather befriending the mongoose
but never knew it was so good at keeping the snakes away. The fight was indeed a fight
of the champions and it made my day. I will remember this experience for the rest of my
life.

Discourses (6 marks)

66. Satyajith Ray
No. 83 Lane
Hill Palace, Calcutta

20 June 1953.

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The Manager
Bharath Circus
Culcutta
Sir,
Sub : Providing a tiger for shooting a movie - reg

We are engaged in producing a new film ‘Goop Gyne Bagha Byne’. The
shooting site is set in Shiuri in Birbhoom. In the story, a tiger plays a dominant role. We
learned that your company is holding shows at Marcus Square with tigers. It would be
great help if you provide a trained tiger for shooting.
Hope you will co-operate in our new venture. We would be much obliged
if you do so.
Thanking You.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
Satyajith Ray

67. SELFLESS SERVICE
NewYork, April 5 : The world of selfishness is bowing before Mr. an Mrs. John, a
couple who have chosen to live for others. They have been offering selfless service for 15
years in the field of youth welfare. Mr. John is a solicitor by profession. He lives in New
York with his wife.
Mr. John is devoted to the welfare of boys and girls from the slums that had fallen
under the ban of law. They take the derelict adolescents from the juvenile courts and
place them in a healthy environment. They not only rescue them but also give training in
handicraft, rehabilitate them and make them worthy members of the community. They
visit settlement houses to study the methods to deal with backward, maladjusted youth.
They are a real blessing to our society. Mr. John finds time to act as the director of a

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charitable organisation devoted to the youth welfare. Hearing about this noble work
many eminent persons have offered their support to the mission.

68. Character sketch
The doctor in the story, Snake and the Mirror was a homeopath, who had just
started his medical practice. He lived all alone in a small rented room in a village. The
room was not electrified and he had to share the room with rats. His income was meagre
and had only few assets. He had only a black coat, few shirts, dhothis and a not so white
vest along with a suitcase having sixty rupees.
The doctor was a bachelor and a great admirer of beauty. He felt himself to be
quite handsome and decides to grow a thin moustache, shave daily, comb his hair neatly
and sport an attractive smile so as to find a woman, he could marry. He also felt that being
a young doctor with the above qualities would make him put forward his claims more
confidently. He wanted to marry a fat lady doctor with a good medical practice for a valid
reason, because according to him if he made any silly mistake and ran, the wife should
not be able to run after him and catch.
The sense of humour of the doctor is visible when he comes face to face with a
snake. His reactions on snake’s landing and coiling around his arm show it. He terming
himself as a foolish doctor while thinking about the medicines he had to treat the snake
bite speaks of one’s ability to laugh at oneself. He even compares the snake to him while
it watches itself from close quarters. ‘My life companion is thin reedy person with the gift
of a sprinter’, supports our views on doctor’s sense of humour.
Overall, the character of the doctor binds the reader.

69. MAJID MAJIDI
Majid Majidi is an Iranian filmmaker who has established himself in the world of
cinema with his own credentials. He was born on April 17, 1959 in the capital city of
Tehran. Being interested in arts, he took to it seriously and graduated from the institute of
Dramatic Arts, in Tehran. Having accomplished a formal degree, he tried his luck in film
making. Since then, there has been no looking back. Now, the world knows him not only

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as a film maker but also a producer and even a screen writer. Some of his famous films
include The Colours of Paradise made in 1999, Baran in 2001 and The Willow Tree that
he made in the year 2005. All his works stand recognised. He was awarded the Grand prix
Award and got nominated for the Academy Award under the category of Best Foreign
language too.
Such a great personality is bound to achieve applause. Majid Majidi will definitely
make a mark in the world of cinema in the future too.

70. A Tiger Leap Shatters Shoot

Notun Gram, Feb 12 : The shooting location of Satyajith Ray’s film ‘Goopy Gyne
Bagha Byne’ offered the villagers a free and spectacular show by a tiger from Bharath
Circus, yesterday. There is a scene in which heroes of the film Goopy
and Bagha meet a tiger in the forest. To get it filmed, a well fed and robust tiger from the
Bharat Circus was brought to the shooting location. When the trainer opened its cage, the
ferocious animal suddenly turned violent and charged at the spectators.

Mr. Thorat, the pathetically helpless trainer, could not bring it under control even
though he made many strenuous attempts. After a while, the tiger became calm and Mr.
Ray and his crew managed to take their required shots successfully. When asked about
the incident, Mr. Ray expressed his relief and said, “We were very much frightened and
disappointed at the unexpected behavior of the tiger. We had to take much pain to get
hold of a tiger and bring it to the shooting location. For a while we thought all our efforts
went in vain. Anyhow, we managed to take the shots and we will see the quality of the
pictures once we reach back to Kolkata”.

71. 1) How did you maintain the first rank in all the classes?

2) How much time in a day do you spend for studies?

3) What time of a day is best for studies in your opinion?

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4) Who inspired you in studies?

5) Who supported you in your achievement?

6) Do you dedicate this achievement to anyone?

72. ANTON CHEKHOV

One of the most famous Russian writers, Anton Pavlovich Chekhov was born on

29 January in the year 1868 at Taganrog in Southern Russia. He was a physician by

profession but has made a name for himself in the world of writings as a master of modern

short stories. His parents are Pavel Chekhov and Yevgoniya. Having been schooled at

Greek School in Taganrog Gymnasium, he continued his studies at I.M. Sechenov, the

first Moscow State Medical University and graduated as a doctor. He has enriched the

world of literature with some outstanding writings. His notable works include the Seagull,

The Cherry Orchard, Ward Number Six, Uncle Vanya and Three Sisters. Even the world

recognised his efforts and awarded him the prestigious Pushkin Prize. But, the world of

literature lost this eminent soul in the year 1904 on July 15 when he left all of us as he is

reported to have died at Badenweiler, Germany. No matter whatsoever, we remember

Chekhov as a prolific writer.

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73. Letter

London
3 November 1970

My dear Christy,
How are you? Hope you are fine. After our visit to the settlement houses in the
New England States, we are returning to our home land. This time our trip was really
fruitful.
I had a great surprise this morning. I found Dr. A.J. Cronin today in the ship. You
know my past life. Don’t you remember the doctor who saved my life? He appeared
before me today morning. I couldn’t believe my eyes. He was the man who gave me a
second life. He was the one who brought my life back and touched my heart with kindness.
But he couldn’t recognise me today. When I told him about the past he could recall
everything. He was really happy to know about my works. He told me that the money he
spent for me was the best investment he had ever made. I longed to meet him for the past
twenty five years. Now I am satisfied. I could express my heartfelt gratitude to him.

Next week I plan to meet him again. You can also join us.

With love and warm regards,

Yours John

Sd/-

74. MARTHA WINS TEXAS SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP JACKET

Texas, 10 February 2022: Martha, an eighth grade student bagged the scholarship
jacket of Texas school this year. The scholarship jacket is a prestigious award given every
year to the valedictorian as a tradition during the eighth grade graduation. It is a very
beautiful green and gold jacket awarded to the student, who gets the highest grade from

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the first grade to the eighth grade. Martha got a straight A+ average right from her first
grade.

The Jacket was awarded to Martha by the Vice-Chancellor of the Texas University
in the presence of the school Principal, teachers and students. The teachers praised her
skills and added that she was the right model to all the students. ‘It is like my dream has
come true which, I thought once slipped between the cup and the lip’, jubilant Martha
said.

75. Single Stories Breed Stereotypes

Single stories are deceptive since they fail to see the complete story. Adichie in her
speech shares her personal experiences of how she became a victim of her room- mate’s
single story of Africans. Her room-mate had very low perception of the potentialities of
Africans. She grew up in a world where she was forced to infer that the country Africa has
only troubles and turmoils to share with. According to her perception, they aren’t skilled
enough to fight for and protect their interests. They would be looking for those superior
Whites to save them from their eternal doom. This preconceived notion has prevented her
from perceiving thousands of other stronger stories that define the very existence of each
African. Adichie felt very uncomfortable at her room-mate’s perception of her as uncultured
and unsophisticated. Adichie herself was biased when she was too young. She too had a
single story to share. Her mother would force her to have food pointing at Fide, their
domestic help and his family’s inability to feed all the members. Hence in her eyes Fide
and his family was a picture of suffering. She could never imagine them being happy or
skilled.

People tend to form opinions regardless of the existing facts. To them a story lives
a thousand lives. Adichie says that sticking to a single story has prevented her room-mate
from seeing the truth. She felt alienated from the world and her cultural identity was at
stake. She wished to shout to the world that she is not just an African, she is more. Many

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of us still believe in single stories. They are dangerous because one would never be able
to have a clear picture or the true identity.

76. Konstantin Makarich

Konstantin Makarich is the grandfather of Vanka, the protagonist in the story Vanka.
He is a night watchman on the estate of Zhivarev. He is a small, lean, old man about
sixtyfive years of age. He is remarkably lively and agile with a smiling face and eyes
bleary with drink. He is a fun-loving man. In the day time either he sleeps in the back
kitchen or spends time cracking jokes with the cooks and other kitchen maids. In the
night he does his watchman duty walking round and round the estate, sounding his rattle,
wearing a large sheepskin coat and felt boots. He has two dogs named Kashtanka and Eel.
He will always be in the company of his beloved dogs. He has the habit of snuffing
tobacco and he will offer the snuff to kitchen maids and even to his dogs. He enjoys
seeing them sneeze, breaking out into jolly laughter. This grandfather is the only relative
of Vanka now remaining in this world for him. When we read about Vanka’s miserable
plight at Alyakhin’s house, we might ask ourselves why this man has sent the boy to such
a cruel person. But we cannot blame the old, innocent and illiterate man. We are sure that
while sending Vanka to Moscow, he must have in his mind only the thought that his
grandchild should learn a trade and earn a living!

77. RABINDRANATH TAGORE

India has been blessed with some of the greatest personalities and one of the names
that can never be forgotten is Rabindranath Tagore, a name associated with the hearts of
Indians. The honour of having written the national anthem goes to him only. He was not
only a poet but also a novelist, painter, playwright, philosopher as well as a social reformer.
Being born in pre - independent India, Rabindranath Tagore is also termed as the one who
participated actively in the freedom struggle as well. He was born in the year 1861 at
Kolkata in West Bengal. His wife’s name was Mrinalini Devi. The world of literature

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was enriched with the thoughts and writings of Tagore. Among his famous compositions,
stands Gitanjali that fetched him the prestigious Nobel Prize in literature, which was
formally awarded to him in the year 1913 as well. In fact, he was the first non European
to achieve that honour. Although the world lost this famous personality on August 7, 1941
at the age of 80, yet the name lives in the hearts forever.

78.
New Mexico
10 February, 2022

Dear Sandra,
Hope this letter finds you in the best of your spirits and health. I am fine as always.
In fact, I am here to share the realization of my long awaited dream. Finally, it happened.
Won’t you like to know what it is? Let me tell you.
So finally, I have the coveted scholarship jacket. It’s mine now. The one for which
I had to wait eight long years was awarded to me. Although, there was much of a fuss in
the meanwhile yet things got solved later. But I shall be ever thankful to Mr. Schmidt, my
history teacher who stood by me. He favoured me. Otherwise, the management or a few
other teachers like Mr. Boone, my Math teacher who was adamant on awarding it to
Joann. But, it didn’t happen. Even the Principal had opined the same but later he changed
of policy when I overheard my teachers Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Boon talking about me.
Consequently, the Principal called me and informed about the change and asked me to
pay fifteen dollars if I wanted the scholarship Jacket or else it would be awarded to the
next one in the line.
Now you can understand the plight. Since I stay with my grandparents I ought to
ask for the money from my grandpa. So even though I couldn’t control my sadness and
had cried a lot, I went to my grandpa and asked him for the money but had no way out.
You know my grandpa is a strict disciplinarian and doesn’t like these things. He even
questioned me about the genuineness of a scholarship. I didn’t have any answer. I stood

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motionless only to return to the Principal’s room to inform him of my helplessness or
rather my grandpa not agreeing to pay the requisite fifteen dollars.
But, when I informed him of the matter, to my astonishment I found a different
person in front of me. He informed me that they would abide by the previous policy and
the Jacket will be awarded to me as per the existing norms.
My joy knew no bounds. I became ecstatic. Immediately, I ran out of the cabin. I
cried in joy. On the way, I met Mr. Schmidt. He looked happy too. I gave him a quick hug
and straight away ran to the bus. It’s a moment I will cherish all through my life.
I think I have written a lot about myself. Do share something from your side. I am
waiting to hear from you. Let’s have the rest in the next letter. Please convey my regards
to your parents.

Yours lovingly,
Martha.

Discourses (5 marks)
79. Zahra : Where are my shoes, Ali?
Ali : I lost them in the market, dear. I am very sorry.
Zahra : How dare you! They were the only shoes I had.
Ali : Don’t shout. I didn’t lose them purposefully.
Zahra : Why shouldn’t I shout? How can you be so careless?
Ali : I had kept them in front of Akbar Aqa’s shop.
But they were not there later.
Zahra : Don’t give excuses. You always tell something or the other.
Ali : I am not giving excuses. If you don’t believe me, it’s not my fault.
Zahra : I will tell Abba jaan. Wait. You will get from him.
Ali : Do whatever you want. I don’t bother.

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80. Diary
Wednesday, 15 January 2022
Thank God. Sharat agreed. If he had seen the things in Nilu’s box, he would have
been furious. Luckily, I was able to convince him. I know Nilu had not stolen those things
as a thief. It was just because of his emotional state. A homeless kid! Poor guy..... What
could he do? I know he has no one else. If he is cornered as a thief, he will have a horrible
time. That’s why I restricted Sharat from searching Nilu’s box. Nilkanta used to be a real
entertainer. I am going to miss him anyway. But people like him too have an existence. If
we suspect them every time, it may be quite demanding too. Moreover, people like Nilu
are not able to prove their innocence as well. Oh God! Take care of him. Bless him
wherever he is. That’s my only prayer to you.

81. Diary

10 March 2022

Monday

What a fool I was! I thought poor people like Fide and his family had nothing but
poverty. Today I realised that my idea was utterly wrong. Poor may lack comforts and
luxuries in life. But, they are rich in many other aspects of life. At Fide’s home I could
find that in creativity and craftsmanship, they are equal or better than others. What a
beautiful basket they have made! In their expertise even raffia strings became beautiful
patterned baskets. I couldn’t believe that it was made by his brother. I had only a single
idea about Fide. A wrong idea or having a single idea about a person will lead us to
misunderstanding. Thank God I could visit Fide’s family today. So I could realise my
mistake. The visit to his house has taught me a great lesson - to have a single story about
anybody or anything is dangerous. We remain ignorant about many things around us if we
believe that the single story about anything is the only story. Today I realised that single
idea about anything is not wrong but they are incomplete.

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82.

NOTICE

ABC SCHOOL, KASARAGOD

ENGLISH CLUB

Dear friends,

Drama is something that everyone likes. To fulfill the wish of many, The English
Club of our school has decided to stage the play, ‘The Never Never Nest’ in the
school Auditorium on 16th March 2022 at 10.00 a.m.

Do join us in time……….

All are invited.

Convener

Texas Sd/

06.03.2022 English Club

Programme Details

Prayer

Welcome Speech

Inauguration

Presidential address

On Stage Performance – The Never Never Nest

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83. Ali : Uncle, I think you collect junk from Akbar Aqa’s shop,

don’t you?

Junk Collector : Yes. I do it regularly.

Ali : Did you find a pair of shoes yesterday among the rags?

Actually, I lost my sister’s shoes yesterday.

Junk Collector : Is it? I don’t remember exactly. Did I pick it up?

Ali : Yes, I think so since you had come near Akbar Aqa’s

shop when I was there.

Junk Collector : Where had you kept the shoes?

Ali : Among the pile of boxes.

Junk Collector : Then, I might have picked them up. But, I usually dump

the waste in the processing area.

Ali : Ok. Where is the processing area?

Junk Collector : It is near the ground, just a kilometer away from here.

84. Kiran : Nilu, did you take the inkstand?

Nilkanta : No. I didn’t. Why should I take it?

Kiran : Nilu, If you have taken it please tell me.

Nilkanta : I said no.

Kiran : If you tell me the truth I will stop all others from making any

further fuss.

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Nilkanta : No one trusts me.

Kiran : Don’t say like that. I have faith in you.

Nilkanta : You are the only one, who treats me well here.

Kiran : I have always stood beside you and will do so. But, you have to tell me

the truth.

Nilkanta : What will I do with an inkstand? It is useless for me.

Kiran :It might be useless for you but it is very dear to Satish.

Nilkanta : May be.

Information Transfer

85. a) Spellock hotel
b) Both have luxurious king-sized rooms
c) North Sea Hotel
e) Free Shuttle from airport

86. a) Columbia
b) Here comes the Navy and One Foot in Heaven

c) The Snake Pit

d) One Foot in Heaven

87. a) India
b) Both have played equal number of test matches.
c) England
d) Sri Lanka and Pakistan

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Reported Speech

88.

1) a) Satyajith Ray asked Thorat whether the tiger would attack any of his actors.

b) Thorat replied negatively and added that it would not attack any one.

2) a) The Principal asked Martha what her grandfather had said.

b) Martha replied that grandfather would not give the money.

3) a) The doctor told his friend that the snake had coiled on his arm.

b) The friend asked the doctor if he had killed the snake.

Language Elements

89. a) put on
b) set out
c) came across
d) put across

90. a) put off
b) look for
c) get over

d) get up

91. a) turned up
b) taken aback
c) look into
d) went on

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92. a) with
b) to
c) the
d) out

93. a) by
b) that
c) around
d) of

94. a) to
b) in
c) about
d) and

95. a) was
b) beautifully
c) an
d) that

96. a) What happened?
b) didn’t he?
c) Do you know why he did this?
d) Call a doctor
e) I will call him
f) he is dying.

97. a) showed
b) where
c) apparently
d) bringing
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98. a) didn’t they ?
b) Did you have an encounter with the snake?
c) Where was the snake then?
d) No, I don’t think so.
e) lodge a complaint.

99. a) What happened?
b) didn’t he?
c) Do you know why he did this?
d) Call a doctor
e) I will call him
f) he is dying

100. a) isn’t it ?
b) Who made it ?
c) Is it made of palm leaves ?
d) you can buy it.
e) I am very much pleased to have it.

101. (a) Ramu runs.
(b) Madhu likes chocolates.
(c) My friend gave me a pen.
(d) The boy played the guitar beautifully.

102. Garden
A garden
A beautiful garden
A small beautiful garden
A small beautiful garden which looks attractive

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