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2018
Time: 3 Hours
Max Marks: 50
PART – A
Answer the following questions in one sentence each. (10 x 1 = 10)
Q1. What mark did Guru Nayak have on his chest?
Ans. Guru Nayak had a scar on his chest from the knife wound he had sustained during his fight with the astrologer years ago.
Q2. Who wrote "The Gift of the Magi"?
Ans. "The Gift of the Magi" is written by O. Henry.
Q3. What was different about learning in America?
Ans. Learning in America was different because it emphasized analysis, critical thinking, and questioning rather than rote memorization. It was a more encouraging environment where students were celebrated for their original ideas and curiosity.
Q4. What did Della buy for Jim?
Ans. Della bought a beautiful platinum fob chain for Jim’s pocket watch. It was simple, elegant, and perfectly suited to the treasured watch Jim had inherited from his father and grandfather.
Q5. When did the astrologer usually start his day's business?
Ans. The astrologer would usually start his day's business at midday or noon. It can be said so because the first line of the story is,” Punctually at midday he opened his bag and spread out his professional equipment…”.
Q6. Name the mythological figures referred to in the description of Gangu's joy at bringing the child to the Narrator.
Ans. The narrator describes Gangu’s happiness by comparing him to mythological figures from the story of Lord Krishna. Gangu is compared to Vasudeva carrying baby Krishna, symbolising a sense of divine responsibility, joy, and protection as he brings the child to safety. His affection and pride are also likened to Yashoda’s motherly love for Krishna, highlighting the tenderness and emotional fulfilment Gangu feels for the baby.
Thus, the mythological figures referred to are Vasudeva and Yashoda, both central to the childhood tales of Lord Krishna.
Q7. How long was Gangu married when the child was born?
Ans. Gangu had been married for six months when the child was born, which led the narrator to question the paternity of the child.
Q8. How much money does the Narrator want to deposit?
Ans. The narrator wanted to deposit fifty-six dollars in the bank.
Q9. Who has written "My Financial Career"?
Ans. The prose, “My Financial Career”, is written by Stephen Leacock.
Q10. What are the bangles "token" off?
Ans. The bangles are a token of a woman’s marital status and her emotions, symbolizing joy, love, and the different stages of her life.
PART – B
Answer the following questions in 4-5 lines each. Each question carries 4 marks. (4 x 4 = 16)
Q11. Give the meaning of the following legal terms:
1. Monogamy - It means a person can have only one spouse at any given time, and any marriage entered into by someone with a living spouse is typically considered bigamous and illegal.
2. Contract - A contract is an agreement between two or more parties that is legally binding and enforceable by law, creating obligations for each party to perform or refrain from performing a specific action.
3. Litigation - Litigation is the formal process of resolving disputes by initiating a lawsuit and taking legal action through the court system.
4. Plaintiff - Plaintiff is the person or entity who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint against another party (the defendant) in a court of law to seek a legal remedy.
Q12. Change the following sentences into Passive Voice:
1. Who has broken the glass?
Ans. By whom has the glass been broken?
2. She gave her sister the car.
Ans. The car was given to her sister by her.
3. The box contains books.
Ans. Books are contained in the box.
4. I know your father.
Ans. Your father is known to me.
Q13. Punctuate the following sentences:
1. mr ashok was arrested on a charge of murder.
Ans. Mr. Ashok was arrested on a charge of murder.
2. a thing of beauty is joy forever Keats.
Ans. "A thing of beauty is a joy forever," Keats.
3. my sister who lives in delhi is a scientist.
Ans. My sister, who lives in Delhi, is a scientist.
4. forget the past think of the future.
Ans. Forget the past; think of the future.
Q14. Correct the sentences:
1. I am too glad to see you
Ans. I am so glad to see you.
2. This tea is very hot to drink
Ans. This tea is too hot to drink.
3. He is very much sorry
Ans. He is very sorry.
4. We scarcely see a lion
Ans. We rarely see a lion.
PART – C
Answer the following questions in 400 words each. Attempt any three. Each question carries 8 marks. (3 x 8 = 24)
Q15. Write a paragraph on Women and Law.
Ans. The relationship between women and law has been a subject of social reform and legal development for many decades, reflecting both progress and the challenges that still exist. Laws affecting women are not just rules on paper; they are a reflection of society’s respect for women’s dignity, rights, and equality. Historically, women in many societies were denied basic rights such as property ownership, education, and freedom of choice. Over time, legislation has been introduced to protect women from discrimination, domestic violence, harassment, and exploitation, and to ensure equal opportunities in education, employment, and politics. Laws such as the Dowry Prohibition Act, Domestic Violence Act, and provisions against sexual harassment at workplaces in India are designed to provide safety and justice, but they are meaningful only when society supports them and women feel empowered to claim their rights. Beyond protective laws, women have also benefited from constitutional guarantees that affirm equality before the law and prohibit discrimination based on gender. The legal system, therefore, serves as both a shield and a tool for empowerment. However, challenges remain: societal attitudes, lack of awareness, and procedural delays often prevent women from fully exercising their rights. Legal reforms must be accompanied by education, awareness campaigns, and cultural change to ensure that laws are not just theoretical protections but practical safeguards. Women’s access to justice also depends on creating an environment where they can speak without fear and seek help without stigma. Moreover, laws are constantly evolving to address new issues, such as cybercrime against women, trafficking, and workplace harassment, showing that legal systems are beginning to recognize women’s changing roles in society. Ultimately, the link between women and law is about more than just legislation; it is about respecting women as equals, valuing their contribution to society, and ensuring that justice is accessible to all. When laws are enforced effectively and combined with social awareness, they have the power to transform society, promote equality, and make women feel safe, respected, and empowered in every aspect of life.
Q16. Give a summary of "My Financial Career" by Stephan Leacock.
Ans. Stephen Leacock’s short sketch, "My Financial Career," is a brilliant piece of humorous writing that satirizes the common person's fear and intimidation when dealing with large, impersonal financial institutions like a bank. The narrative follows the unnamed narrator, a man who openly admits that banks make him feel like an "irresponsible idiot" and "rattle" him completely.
The story begins with the narrator resolving to open a bank account after receiving a slight salary increase, bringing his total funds to a modest fifty-six dollars. His anxiety immediately manifests in a series of blunders. Convinced that opening an account requires consulting the highest authority, he asks to see the Manager and, for reasons he can't explain, insists on seeing him "alone." This air of secrecy leads the bank staff to assume he is a wealthy person making a massive deposit or perhaps even a detective from Pinkerton's agency.
The Manager, a grave and serious man, leads the narrator into a private room and locks the door for security. The heightened atmosphere, however, only serves to intensify the narrator’s panic, rendering him speechless. When he finally blurts out that he only intends to deposit fifty-six dollars and fifty dollars monthly, the Manager's serious demeanour instantly vanishes, replaced by unconcealed annoyance and disdain. He curtly hands the narrator over to a junior clerk to complete the trivial transaction.
The narrator's humiliation continues at the clerk’s wicket. In his confused state, he accidentally walks into the massive iron safe. Once the account is finally open and the money deposited, he wishes to withdraw a small amount, six dollars, for immediate use. However, his nervousness causes him to mistakenly write a check for the entire fifty-six dollars. Too mortified and rattled to explain his simple error, he rashly decides to withdraw the whole amount, leaving his account empty just moments after opening it.
When asked how he would like the money, he replies in a daze, "In fifties," even though he only has fifty-six dollars. The clerk hands him a fifty-dollar bill and asks about the remaining six; the narrator foolishly responds, "In sixes," causing the clerk to hand over the change dryly. He rushes out of the bank in utter misery, hearing a collective "roar of laughter" echo behind him. The story concludes with the narrator stating he never banked again, preferring to keep his money in his trousers pocket and his life savings in a sock.
The sketch thus serves as a witty satire on the intimidating nature of large financial institutions and the often-absurd disconnect between their serious, formal procedures and the simple needs of the average individual.
Q17. Give a character sketch of Jim and Della.
Ans. In O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi,” Jim and Della are portrayed as a young, loving couple whose characters reflect selflessness, devotion, and the true spirit of giving. Della is shown as a tender, affectionate, and deeply devoted wife. Despite having very little money, she demonstrates remarkable courage and determination when she decides to sell her most prized possession, i.e., her long, beautiful hair, to buy a special Christmas gift for Jim. This act is not driven by obligation but by pure love and a desire to make her husband happy. Her character reveals a rare combination of simplicity and generosity: she values emotional fulfilment over material wealth and finds joy in expressing her love through sacrifice. Della’s selflessness highlights her emotional depth and her ability to understand what truly matters in life, making her a symbol of quiet heroism and unconditional love.
Jim, on the other hand, embodies sensitivity, kindness, and equal devotion to Della. Like Della, he faces financial constraints but is willing to make personal sacrifices to bring happiness to his beloved. His decision to sell his treasured gold watch to buy combs for Della’s hair mirrors her gesture, showing that his love is selfless and heartfelt. Jim’s reaction upon receiving Della’s gift, initially a mixture of surprise and admiration, reveals his deep emotional understanding and appreciation of her sacrifice. Both characters share a strong sense of mutual respect and empathy, which strengthens their bond and allows them to face hardship with grace and humour.
Together, Jim and Della exemplify the essence of true love, which is not measured by material possessions but by the willingness to give and sacrifice for each other. Their story teaches readers that the greatest gifts are those that come from the heart and that love and selflessness hold far more value than wealth or luxury. Through their actions, the author celebrates human kindness, emotional generosity, and the magical, transformative power of love. Jim and Della’s characters remain timeless reminders that the beauty of life lies in caring for others and finding joy in shared devotion.
Q18. Give a central idea of the poem Bangle-Sellers.
Ans. The central idea of Sarojini Naidu’s poem “Bangle-Sellers” revolves around the beauty, emotions, and different stages of a woman’s life, symbolized through the sale and wearing of bangles. On the surface, the poem appears to describe the colourful trade of wandering bangle-sellers who call out their wares in the villages. However, a deeper reading reveals that the bangles are not merely ornaments; they are tokens of a woman’s emotions, social customs, and the experiences that shape her life. Through this simple imagery, the poet celebrates the journey of womanhood, portraying it as both tender and resilient. Each type and colour of bangle in the poem reflects a particular phase of a woman’s life, from the carefree innocence of childhood to the romantic excitement of youth, the hope and devotion of married life, and the wisdom and dignity of later years.
The poem highlights how small, everyday objects like bangles carry emotional and cultural significance. The cheerful cries of the bangle-sellers symbolize the vibrancy of Indian life, the continuity of tradition, and the connection between women and society. Naidu’s careful choice of colours, bright and soft for young girls, red and orange for brides, deeper hues for older women, evokes emotions associated with each stage, suggesting that life is a colourful tapestry of experiences. While the poem exudes joy and musicality, it also subtly reflects social realities, such as the expectations and roles placed upon women, without being judgmental. It captures the essence of celebration, devotion, and the quiet strength that women exhibit in embracing life’s responsibilities.
Ultimately, the central idea of “Bangle-Sellers” is to honour and dignify womanhood. By using the metaphor of bangles, the poet conveys that each stage of a woman’s life, whether playful, passionate, or serene, is valuable and beautiful in its own way. The poem emphasizes that true beauty lies not just in physical adornments but in the emotional depth, resilience, and grace with which women live their lives. Through lyrical imagery, musical rhythm, and cultural symbolism, Naidu celebrates women, their experiences, and the colourful continuity of life that binds society together.
