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2023
Time: 3 Hours
Max Marks: 50
PART – A
Answer the following questions in one sentence each. (10 x 1 = 10)
Q1. Name the individual who comes to meet the astrologer.
Ans. Guru Nayak came to meet the astrologer.
Q2. Munshi Premchand is pen name of which Indian writer.
Ans. Munshi Premchand is the pen name of Dhanpat Rai Srivastava, one of India’s most celebrated Hindi–Urdu writers.
Q3. How much money did Della have at the onset of the story?
Ans. Della had one dollar and eighty-seven cents ($1.87) at the onset of the story.
Q4. What do you mean by the line 'delicate, bright, Rainbow-tinted circles of light'?
Ans. In the poem “Bangle Sellers,” the line “delicate, bright, rainbow-tinted circles of light” refers to beautiful, colourful bangles that shine like tiny rainbow-coloured circles when they catch the light. It highlights their fragility and vibrant beauty.
Q5. Define Sonnet.
Ans. A sonnet is a 14-line poem written in a specific rhyme scheme and metre (often iambic pentameter), traditionally expressing a single theme or emotion.
Q6. Write the major theme of the poem 'Success is counted sweetest'.
Ans. The major theme of the poem "Success is counted sweetest" is that success is best appreciated by those who have experienced failure or lack it entirely.
It argues that the value of an achievement is most intensely understood through the lens of deprivation or defeat.
Q7. What do you mean by 'the dreary desert sand of dead habit' in the poem 'where the mind is without fear'?
Ans. In the poem “Where the Mind is Without Fear,” “the dreary desert sand of dead habit” refers to lifeless, rigid customs and habits that limit freedom, creativity, and progress.
Q8. Name the two mythical Greek Gods mentioned is Wordsworth's "The World is too much with us'.
Ans. The two mythical Greek gods mentioned in Wordsworth’s “The World Is Too Much with Us” are Proteus and Triton.
Q9. Who is the writer of 'My Financial Career"?
Ans. The prose, “My Financial Career”, is written by Stephen Leacock.
Q10. Why did Gopal think that he could write a book on envy?
Ans. Gopal thought he could write a book on envy because he had seen and experienced so much jealousy among people in India that he felt he knew the subject thoroughly.
PART – B
Answer the following questions in 4-5 lines each. Each question carries 4 marks. (4 x 4 = 16)
Q11. Transform the following sentences from Active to Passive:
1. I gave him a book for his birthday.
Ans. A book was given to him by me for his birthday.
2. Someone sent her a cheque for a thousand euros.
Ans. A cheque for a thousand euros was sent to her by someone.
3. His grandmother looked after him.
Ans. He was looked after by his grandmother.
4. They will send him away to School.
Ans. He will be sent away to school by them.
Q12. Explain the following Legal terms:
1. 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.
2. Mortgage - A legal agreement where a lender provides a loan to a borrower, and the borrower pledges their real property as collateral for that loan. The property serves as security, giving the lender the right to take possession of and sell it through foreclosure to recoup the debt if the borrower fails to make the agreed-upon payments.
3. Valid - Acceptable in law or legally binding or effective.
4. Void - Having no legal force or binding effect.
5. Bailment - A bailment is the temporary transfer of possession of personal property from one person (the bailor) to another (the bailee) for a specific purpose, with the understanding that the property will be returned to the bailor once the purpose is completed or otherwise disposed of according to the bailor's directions.
Q13. Fill in the blanks with suitable tense forms of the verbs given in the brackets.
1. When the thief entered the house, the inmates _ in the hall. (sleep)
Ans. were sleeping
2. The thief explained how he _ from the jail. (escape)
Ans. had escaped
3. Ramappa _ as the Mayor of the town and he will assume charge this Friday. (elect)
Ans. has been elected
4. The officer _ the car to speak to the driver. (stop)
Ans. stopped
Q14. Punctuate the following sentences with punctuation marks:
1. What are you doing next week.
Ans. What are you doing next week?
2. The girls father sat in a corner.
Ans. The girl's father sat in a corner.
3. Oh my god that is some great news.
Ans. Oh my God, that is some great news!
4. She ordered Burger wrap fries and Coke at the restaurant.
Ans. She ordered burger, wrap, fries, and Coke at the restaurant.
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 critical appreciation of the sonnet 'when in disgrace'.
Ans. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 29 is a deeply moving exploration of human despair, self-doubt, and the redeeming power of love. The poem begins with the speaker in a state of emotional collapse, feeling isolated, disgraced, and envious of others. His tone is one of intense frustration as he laments his “outcast state,” suggesting that he feels excluded from society and weighed down by personal failure. Shakespeare effectively captures this mood through a series of comparisons, where the speaker imagines others being blessed with friends, skills, opportunities, and social recognition that he does not possess. This exaggerated sense of inferiority reflects a universal human experience, moments when we measure ourselves harshly against others and conclude that we fall short.
The turning point of the poem arrives with the line “Haply I think on thee,” which shifts both the mood and the emotional direction of the sonnet. Here, Shakespeare shows how a single sincere thought of a beloved person can restore inner peace and dignity. The speaker’s earlier despair melts into gratitude, and the imagery transforms from dark and heavy to uplifting and radiant. The comparison of his renewed joy to a lark rising from the “sullen earth” at daybreak brilliantly symbolizes emotional rebirth. This simple but powerful metaphor reinforces the idea that love has the ability to elevate the human spirit beyond worldly disappointment.
Structurally, the sonnet follows the traditional Shakespearean form, three quatrains leading to a rhyming couplet. The progression mirrors the speaker’s journey from anguish to hope. The final couplet, where he declares that the mere thought of love makes him feel “rich” beyond kings, beautifully concludes the poem with a sense of triumph. It shows that emotional wealth can surpass material or social success, a theme that continues to resonate even today.
What makes Sonnet 29 especially appealing is its honesty. Shakespeare does not present love as a perfect cure-all; instead, he acknowledges the reality of human insecurity before revealing how affection and connection can restore a sense of worth. The poem strikes a delicate balance between vulnerability and optimism, making it relatable across centuries. Ultimately, Sonnet 29 stands as a celebration of love’s transformative strength and its ability to provide comfort during life’s lowest moments. Through its expressive language, emotional depth, and hopeful resolution, the sonnet remains one of Shakespeare’s most heartfelt reflections on the redemptive power of human relationships.
Q16. Summarize Nehru's seminal speech given on the occasion of India's Independence.
Ans. Jawaharlal Nehru’s famous speech delivered at the stroke of midnight on 14th August 1947 is one of the most iconic moments in India’s history. In this address, often remembered as “Tryst with Destiny,” Nehru captures the emotions of a nation that had finally freed itself from British rule after years of struggle. His speech beautifully blends pride, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility as India prepares to step into a new era.
Nehru begins by describing independence as the fulfilment of a long-standing promise, a destiny that India had been waiting to claim. He reminds the listeners that this moment is not accidental but the result of decades of tireless efforts by countless freedom fighters. Many had suffered imprisonment, hardship, and even given their lives, and Nehru pays heartfelt tribute to them. He especially highlights Mahatma Gandhi’s role, acknowledging him as the guiding force of the freedom movement.
While the speech celebrates the joy of independence, Nehru also stresses that freedom brings new challenges. He urges the nation not to think of independence as the end of a journey, but rather the beginning of a much greater responsibility. According to him, the real task ahead is to build a nation where poverty, inequality, and social divisions no longer hold people back. He dreams of an India where every citizen can live with dignity, opportunity, and justice.
Nehru places great emphasis on unity. In the backdrop of partition and communal tensions, he reminds Indians that progress is only possible when people rise above hatred and work together. He calls for compassion, harmony, and a renewed commitment to national integration. Democracy, he says, can thrive only when citizens uphold the values of freedom, equality, and mutual respect.
Towards the end of his speech, Nehru expands his vision beyond India. He speaks of India’s role in shaping a peaceful world. As a newly independent nation, India must contribute to international harmony and support the global fight against oppression and injustice. He expresses hope that India will stand as a symbol of peace, goodwill, and human dignity.
In conclusion, Nehru’s speech is much more than a celebration of independence. It is a guiding blueprint for the future. It inspires citizens to take pride in their freedom while reminding them of the duty to build a just, united, and progressive nation. His words continue to echo because they reflect the aspirations and hopes of a country beginning a new chapter in history.
Q17. Attempt a character sketch of the Astrologer.
Ans. In R.K. Narayan’s short story “An Astrologer’s Day,” the astrologer is portrayed as a complex and fascinating character whose life is shaped by both fate and personal choices. At first glance, he appears to be an ordinary roadside astrologer sitting under a tamarind tree, offering predictions to passersby. But as the story unfolds, we discover that he carries a troubled past and uses his skills not merely for livelihood but also for survival. His character is a blend of intelligence, street-smart behaviour, fear, guilt, and deep human insight.
The astrologer is not a learned scholar or a man born into the profession. In fact, he has no traditional training in astrology at all. Instead, he relies on keen observation, an understanding of human psychology, and the ability to read people’s expressions to impress his clients. His sharp mind and quick wit help him thrive in a bustling marketplace where each customer must be convinced. This shows his resourcefulness. He creates an identity that allows him to earn a decent living after being forced to leave his village in fear.
His outward appearance also adds to his persona. He wears a saffron-coloured turban and carries various props like sacred ash and charts that give him an aura of authenticity. These details reveal how cleverly he constructs an image of wisdom and mystery to attract customers. Despite the artificial nature of his profession, he approaches his work with seriousness and confidence, showing his ability to adapt and reinvent himself.
Beneath this calm exterior, however, lies a man burdened by guilt. Years earlier, he had stabbed a man named Guru Nayak in a quarrel, assuming he had killed him. This incident drove him away from his home and forced him to build a new life in anonymity. The turning point of the story comes when Guru Nayak unknowingly approaches him for advice. At that moment, the astrologer’s fear resurfaces, yet he handles the situation with remarkable presence of mind. He uses his “astrological” skills to escape danger and even guides Nayak away from seeking further revenge.
This encounter reveals his deepest humanity. Though frightened, he feels relieved to learn the man he thought he had killed is alive. His prayer of gratitude at the end highlights the weight he has silently carried for years.
In essence, the astrologer is a survivor: clever, intuitive, practical, and deeply human. The author crafts him as a character who hides a painful past beneath an adopted identity, making him one of the most memorable figures in the story.
Q18. Write a paragraph on ‘India or Bharat’.
Ans. India, or Bharat as it is traditionally known, is a nation that beautifully blends ancient heritage with modern progress. It is a country where every region, tradition, and community adds its own colour to the vast cultural mosaic that defines the nation. What makes Bharat truly unique is the way it holds together incredible diversity: hundreds of languages, multiple religions, and countless customs, while still nurturing a deep sense of unity. This unity is not forced but grows naturally out of shared history, common values, and a collective dream for a better future.
Bharat’s story stretches back thousands of years, shaped by powerful kingdoms, great thinkers, and timeless scriptures. Civilisations flourished along its rivers, philosophies like Buddhism and Vedanta emerged here, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata shaped the moral ideas of generations. These ancient roots continue to influence the country even today, giving Indians a strong sense of identity and continuity. At the same time, modern India is dynamic and forward-looking. It has made remarkable strides in science, technology, space research, medicine, and education. Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai reflect India’s growing global presence, while rural India continues to be the heart of its culture and tradition.
What truly defines Bharat, however, is the warmth and resilience of its people. Whether in moments of celebration or hardship, Indians find strength in cooperation and compassion. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, Gurpurab, and Christmas bring people together, reminding us that happiness grows when shared. Even during tough times, whether natural disasters or social challenges, people across the country come forward to help one another. This spirit of humanity and solidarity is one of India’s greatest strengths.
India is also the world’s largest democracy, and its Constitution stands as a guiding light, promising justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity to all citizens. Though the nation faces issues like poverty, inequality, and social divisions, it continues to move forward with determination. The youth of Bharat play an important role in this journey, contributing creativity, innovation, and fresh perspectives that help shape the country’s future.
In essence, Bharat is not just a geographical entity; it is an emotion, a blend of ancient wisdom and youthful energy, of deep-rooted traditions and modern aspirations. It teaches us that real strength lies in embracing differences and growing together. India or Bharat is a living example of how unity can thrive amid diversity and how a nation can hold its past close while confidently stepping into the future.
