English - II : Previous Year Questions (2020)

PART – A

Q1. Which were two official languages of International Court?

Ans. English and French were the two languages, spoken in the international court.

Q2. Which articles were suspended during Emergency?

Ans. Article 14, 21 and 22 were suspended during the emergency.

Q3. What is the duty of the lawyer according to Mr. Chagla?

Ans. According to M.C. Chagla, the primary duty of an advocate is to maintain intellectual integrity. An advocate’s duty is not merely to "convert the judge to his point of view," but to ensure the judge fully understands and appreciates their side of the case and arguments.

Q4. What kind of lawyer Jinnah was?

Ans. Jinnah wasn’t a great lawyer, but a superb advocate. He had a very striking personality and the presentation of a case as he handled, it was a piece of art. He was also a first rate cross examiner. Jinnah was absolutely impeccable in his professional etiquette.

Q5. Who was the Magistrate when the Meerut Conspiracy Trial was going on?

Ans. Mr. R. Milner White was the magistrate when the Meerut conspiracy trial was going on.

Q6. What was Chagla's opinion regarding secularism?

Ans. Chagla’s view on secularism was that real secularism means judging a person on merit and ability, not on community or religion; therefore, a less qualified person should not be preferred merely because he belongs to a minority community.

Q7. Who said that "If Bhabha did not have to devote so much time to administration, and had confined himself solely to science, he would have become one of the greatest scientists in the World"?

Ans. Professor Patrick Blackett.

Q8. Which Act was abhorred by Chief Justice Chagla?

Ans. Preventive Detention Act was abhorred by Chief Justice Chagla.

Q9. Who was Earl Warren?

Ans. Earl Warren was the Chief Justice of the United States.

Q10. What was Chagla's only object while writing a judgement?

Ans. Chagla’s only object while writing a judgement was to be brief and to be clear, precise and lucid in whatever views he expressed.

PART – B

Q11. Explain the following terms:

1. Judicature - Administration of justice as by judges or courts.

Sentence: The Indian judicature plays an important role in protecting rights.

2. Addendum - Something that has been added to a book, speech or a document as an addition

Sentence: The lawyer attached an addendum to the contract before it was signed.

3. Virtuoso - A person who is extremely skilled at something, especially at playing instrument or performing.

Sentence: The pianist was a virtuoso whose performance amazed the entire audience.

4. Vis-à-vis - Compared with / In relation to.

Sentence: The new policy was discussed vis-à-vis the old rules.

5. Synopsis - A summary giving a general view of the whole.

Sentence: The teacher asked the students to prepare a synopsis of the chapter.

6. En Route - On the way to or from somewhere.

Sentence: We stopped for tea en route to Shimla.

Q12. Explain the following idioms:

1. At one’s fingertips – To have complete knowledge or control of something.

Sentence: The experienced lawyer had all the legal provisions at his fingertips during the case.

2. Blow one’s trumpet – To praise oneself; to boast.

Sentence: He is always blowing his own trumpet about his achievements.

3. As fit as a fiddle – In very good health.

Sentence: After regular exercise, he is as fit as a fiddle.

4. Take up the cudgels – To support or defend a cause or person strongly.

Sentence: The teacher took up the cudgels for the students’ rights.

5. Under the cloud – In disgrace or under suspicion.

Sentence: The official was under the cloud after the corruption allegations.

6. Cry over spilt milk – To feel sorry about something that cannot be changed.

Sentence: There is no use crying over spilt milk after losing the opportunity.

Q13. Write one word for the following:

1. One who is recovering health after illness – Convalescent
2. One who acts against religion – Heretic
3. A story that express ideas through symbols - Allegory
4. A statement accepted as true without proof -
5. A belief that God pervades nature - Pantheism
6. A remedy for all ills – Panacea

Q14. Write two words using the following affixes:

1. Prefixes:

Dis – disrespect, dislike   

Non – non-veg, non-stop

In – incapacity, inanimate

2. Suffixes:

age – savage, shortage

dom – wisdom, kingdom

ity – nationality, purity

PART – C

Q15. Write a letter to the Editor of The Hindu on the rising number of Road accidents due to reckless driving.

Ans.

XYZ

GokulDham Colony, Mahesh Marg

Bapu Nagar, Jaipur

26 April, 2026

To

The Editor

The Hindu

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Subject: Rising Road Accidents Due to Reckless Driving

Respected Sir/Madam,

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the alarming increase in road accidents caused by reckless driving. This has become a serious concern in both urban and rural areas.

Every day, we read reports of accidents resulting in loss of innocent lives. The main causes include overspeeding, careless overtaking, violation of traffic rules, use of mobile phones while driving, and drunken driving. In many cases, young and inexperienced drivers show negligence towards road safety regulations.

Despite strict traffic laws, enforcement remains weak in several areas. Lack of proper road discipline and insufficient awareness among the public further worsen the situation. Poor road conditions in some regions also contribute to the increasing number of accidents.

It is high time that the authorities take strict measures to control this growing problem. Regular traffic checks, heavy fines for violations, strict licensing procedures, and awareness campaigns in schools and media should be implemented. Road safety education must also be made compulsory.

I hope the concerned authorities will take immediate action to ensure safer roads for all citizens.

Thanking you.

Yours faithfully,

XYZ

Q16. What are the key points which we need to keep in mind while writing a report?

Ans. A report is a document written to share information about a specific topic, event, or problem in a clear and organized way.

Unlike an essay or a story, a report does not focus on your personal opinion or creative writing style. Instead, its main goal is to present facts. When you write a report, you are giving the reader a summary of what happened, why it matters, and what steps should be taken next.

Essentials of Report Writing:

Writing a report requires clarity, accuracy, and proper organisation. The following points should be kept in mind:

1. Before Writing the Report

1. Correct Information:
   A report must be based on proper research. All facts and data should be accurate; as wrong information can mislead readers.
2. Clarity of Topic:
   The purpose and topic of the report should be clear. A brief introduction should help the reader understand the subject before going into details.
3. Proper Structure:
   The report should follow a logical order such as introduction, body, conclusion, and suggestions/recommendations.
4. Good Presentation:
   The report should look neat and professional. Headings, subheadings, bullet points, tables, and graphs can be used to make it clear and effective.
5. Completeness and Objectivity:
   The report should be complete, unbiased, and based on facts rather than personal opinions.

2. While Writing the Report

1. Use clear, simple, and to-the-point language.
2. Maintain a formal tone and avoid unnecessary details.
3. Prefer active voice and correct grammar and punctuation.
4. Present information in a systematic manner using headings and subheadings.
5. Include suggestions or recommendations wherever required.
6. Ensure the report is strictly related to the topic and not opinion-based.

3. After Completing the Report

1. Proofread carefully to correct spelling, grammar, and factual errors.
2. Ensure that all important points have been covered.
3. Check whether conclusions and suggestions are logical and relevant.
4. Make final adjustments to improve clarity and presentation.

Thus, a good report is well-researched, clearly structured, objective, and neatly presented.

Q17. What were the views of Chagla about the concept of Kismat and Karma?

Ans. M.C. Chagla expresses strong and thoughtful views on the concepts of Kismat and Karma, especially in the context of social reform and human responsibility.

Chagla refers to a speech he delivered in November 1947 at the All-India Conference of Social Workers in Bombay, where he was the Chairman of the reception committee. In his speech, he criticises the way traditional religious beliefs such as Karma in Hinduism and Kismat in Islam were interpreted by people in society. According to him, these beliefs often created a passive attitude towards suffering and social injustice.

He explains that the doctrine of Karma led many Hindus to believe that a person’s present suffering is the result of sins committed in a previous life. As a result, poverty, illness, and hardship were seen as something predetermined and unavoidable. Similarly, the concept of Kismat among Muslims was interpreted to mean that whatever is destined by fate must be accepted without protest or effort to change it.

Chagla strongly disagrees with this attitude. He argues that such beliefs encourage people to tolerate social evils instead of fighting against them. According to him, poverty, illiteracy, and disease are not the result of fate but are social problems created by human negligence and can be removed through collective effort and reform.

He further points out that this philosophy of fatalism is often used by privileged sections of society to justify inequality. Those who live in comfort and luxury find it convenient to believe that suffering is “destined,” as it removes their moral responsibility towards the poor and oppressed. In this way, the idea of fate becomes a tool to ignore injustice.

Chagla strongly asserts that this mindset must be challenged. He believes that human beings have the power and responsibility to change society. Social progress cannot be achieved unless people reject fatalism and actively work to remove poverty, ignorance, and inequality.

Thus, Chagla’s views on Kismat and Karma in Roses in December reflect his rational and reformist outlook. He emphasises that human effort, not destiny, is the key to social change, and that accepting suffering as fate only delays progress and justice in society.

Q18. Sketch the character of M.C. Chagla.

Ans. In Roses in December, M.C. Chagla emerges as a highly intellectual, principled, patriotic, and humane personality. His autobiography not only narrates the events of his life but also reveals the qualities of his character, values, and outlook towards society, law, politics, and the nation. Through his experiences and reflections, Chagla presents himself as a man deeply committed to justice, secularism, nationalism, and professional ethics.

One of the most striking qualities of M.C. Chagla was his nationalism and love for India. He strongly believed in the unity of the country despite its diversity of religions, cultures, and languages. In his speeches and writings, he repeatedly emphasized that India’s history showed a continuous movement towards unity. He rejected communal divisions and firmly supported the idea of a secular and integrated India. His patriotic outlook is also reflected in his disappointment over the partition of the country, which he viewed as a tragic event against the spirit of Indian unity.

Chagla was also a man of high intellectual ability and clarity of thought. As a lawyer and judge, he valued logic, lucidity, and precision. His admiration for clear reasoning can be seen in the way he described eminent personalities like Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Chagla himself possessed the same qualities of clear expression and rational thinking. His autobiography reflects deep scholarship and thoughtful analysis of historical, political, and social issues.

Another important aspect of his character was his commitment to professional ethics and discipline. During his early legal career under Jinnah, he learned the highest traditions of the legal profession. He respected honesty, dignity, and fairness in legal practice. Chagla believed that law was not merely a profession for earning money but a noble institution meant to uphold justice and morality. Throughout his career, he maintained integrity and independence in his judgments and conduct.

Chagla was also broad-minded and secular in outlook. He strongly believed that religion should never divide people or interfere with national unity. His writings reveal his faith in liberal and democratic values. He admired leaders and thinkers who promoted tolerance, justice, and harmony among communities. This broad humanistic vision made him respected across different sections of society.

At the same time, Chagla was humble and self-reflective. In Roses in December, he does not merely praise himself or others blindly. He critically examines events, political developments, and personalities with honesty and balance. Even while admiring Jinnah’s brilliance as an advocate, he openly discusses his coldness and later political role in partition. This balanced approach shows Chagla’s fairness and intellectual honesty.

Another admirable quality of Chagla was his deep respect for history and education. He believed that history teaches valuable lessons and acts as a safeguard against the misuse of political power. According to him, education and historical understanding were essential for building a responsible democracy and enlightened citizenship.

Chagla also appears as a cultured and sensitive human being. His language is elegant, thoughtful, and refined. Through his autobiography, readers can see his emotional attachment to friends, mentors, and national ideals. Even while discussing serious political and legal matters, he writes with warmth, wisdom, and sincerity.

In conclusion, M.C. Chagla emerges in Roses in December as a distinguished jurist, nationalist, secular thinker, and man of integrity. His devotion to justice, clarity of thought, professional ethics, and national unity made him one of the most respected public figures of his time. His autobiography reflects not only the story of his life but also the ideals and values he stood for throughout his career.