Grammar English (Language & Literature) - Grammar

1. We sit in the last row, bumped about but free of stares. The bus rolls out of the dull crossroads of the city, and we are soon in open countryside with fields of sunflowers as far as the eye can see, their heads all facing us. Where there is no water, the land reverts to desert. While still on level ground, we see in the distance the tall range of the Mount Bogda, abrupt like a shining prism laid horizontally on the desert surface. It is over 5,000 metres high, and the peak is under permanent snow, in powerful contrast to the flat desert all around. Heaven Lake lies part of the way up this range, about 2,000 metres above sea level, at the foot of one of the highest snow-peaks.

2. As the bus climbs, the sky, brilliant before, grows overcast. I have brought nothing warm to wear. It is all down at the hotel in Urumqi. Rain begins to fall. The man behind me is eating overpoweringly smelly goat’s cheese. The bus window leaks inhospitably, but reveals a beautiful view. We have passed quickly from desert through arable land to pasture and the ground is now green with grass, the slopes dark with pine. A few cattle drink at a clear stream flowing past moss-covered stones; it is a constable landscape. The stream changes into a white torrent, and as we climb higher, I wish more and more that I had brought with me something warmer than just the pair of shorts that have served me so well in the desert. The stream (which, we are told, rises in Heaven Lake) disappears, and we continue our slow ascent. About noon, we arrive at Heaven Lake, and look for a place to stay at the foot, which is the resort area. We get a room in a small cottage, and I am happy to note that there are thick quilts on the beds.

3. Standing outside the cottage, we survey our surroundings. Heaven Lake is long, sardine-shaped and fed by snow melt from a stream at its head. The lake is intense blue, surrounded on all sides by green mountain walls, dotted with distant steep. At the head of the lake, beyond the delta of the inflowing stream, is a massive snow-capped peak which dominates the vista; it is part of a series of peaks that culminate, a little out of view, in Mount Bogda itself.

4. For those who live in the resort, there is a small hall by the shore. We eat here sometimes, and sometimes buy food from the vendors outside, who sell kabab and naan until the last buses leave. The kababs, cooked on skewers over charcoal braziers, are particularly good, highly spiced and well done. Horse’s milk is available too from the local Kazakh herdsmen, but I decline this. I am so affected by the cold that Mr. Cao, the relaxed young man who runs the mess, lends me a spare pair of trousers, several sizes too large but more than comfortable.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

(i) One benefit of sitting in the last row of the bus is that:
(A) the narrator enjoyes bumps.
(B) no one stares at him.
(C) he can see the sunflowers.
(D) he avoids the dullness of the city.

(ii) What is the landscape like as the bus ascends to Heaven Lake? Answer in about 40 words.

(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
The lake at the head of Heaven Lake is fed by

(iv) Find word from the passage which means the same as ‘sellers’. (Para 4)

(v) Complete the sentence appropriately:
The bus window leaks inhospitably, but reveals a beautiful view of the ___________.

(vi) What is the landscape like as the bus climbs towards Heaven Lake? Answer in about 40 words.

(vii) Pick the incorrect option.
(A) Heaven Lake lies about 2,000 metres above sea level, at the foot of one of the highest snow peaks.
(B) The narrator wished warmer clothes than he had brought with him as the bus was climbing up.
(C) The lake is intense blue, surrounded on all sides by walls.
(D) The kababs, cooked on skewers over charcoal braziers, are particularly good, highly spiced and well done.

(viii) State the reason why on reaching the destination the narrator felt relieved.

1. Thackeray reached Kittur along with a small British army force and a few of his officers and their family members. He thought that the very presence of the British on the outskirts of Kittur would terrorise the rulers and people of Kittur, and that they would lay down their arms. He was quite confident that he would be able to crush the revolt in no time. During the afternoon and evening of 20th October, the British soldiers were busy making arrangements for these camps.

2. On the 21st morning, Thackeray sent his political assistant to Kittur fort to obtain a written assurance from all the important officers of Kittur rendering them answerable for the security of the treasury of Kittur. They, accordingly, met Sardar Gurusiddappa and other officers of Kittur and asked them to comply with the orders of Thackeray. They did not know that the people were in a defiant mood. The commanders of Kittur dismissed the agent’s orders as no documents could be signed without sanction from Rani Chennamma.

3. Thackeray was enraged and sent the commander of the Horse Artillery to capture the commanders of the Desai’s army. When the Horse Artillery stormed into the fort, Sardar Gurusiddappa, who had kept his men on full alert, promptly commanded his men to repel and chase them away. The Kittur forces made a bold front and overpowered the British soldiers. Rani’s soldiers chased them out of the fort, killing a few of them until they retreated to their camps on the outskirts.

4. The Kittur soldiers captured about forty persons and brought them to the palace. These included twelve children and a few women from the British officer’s camp. When they were brought in the presence of the Rani, she ordered the soldiers to be imprisoned. For the women and children, she had only gentleness, and admonished her soldiers for taking them into custody. At her orders, these women and children were taken inside the palace safely and given food and shelter. Rani came down from her throne, patted the children lovingly and told them that no harm would come to them.5. Seeing the noble gesture of the Rani, Thackeray was moved. He thought of trying to persuade her to enter into an agreement with the British to stop all hostilities in lieu of an inam (prize) of eleven villages. His offer was dismissed with a gesture of contempt. She had no wish to meet Thackeray. That night she called Sardar Gurusiddappa and other leading Sardars, and after discussing all the issues came to the conclusion that there was no point in meeting Thackeray who had come with an army to threaten Kittur into submission to British sovereignty.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

(i) Select the reason/reasons to show that Rani was a noble queen.
(A) She provided food and shelter to women and children.
(B) She was very gentle towards them.
(C) She sent them a word of their safety.
(D) All of the above.

(ii) How did Rani Chennamma respond to Thackeray’s offer to enter into an agreement with the British and what was her conclusion after discussing with the leading Sardars? Answer in about 40 words.


(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
British women and children came to Kittur to _____________.

(iv) Which words convey the meaning of ‘captured’? (para 3)

(v) Complete the sentence appropriately:
Thackeray sent his political assistant to Kittur fort to obtain a written assurance from all the important officers of Kittur, rendering them _____________ for the security of the treasury of Kittur.

(vi) What was Thackeray’s reaction when Rani Chennamma dismissed his offer to enter into an agreement and stop hostilities in exchange for eleven villages? Answer in about 40 words.

(vii) Which of the following sentences convey the meaning of ‘issues’ in the same manner as it is used in the above passage, (para 5)?
(A) She is expecting an issue.
(B) Last night, she issued a statement, denying the allegations.
(C) Staff will be issued new uniforms.
(D) All are free to express their views on political issues.

(viii) According to the above passage, why did Rani admonish soldiers?

1. The art of living is learnt easily by those who are positive and optimistic. From humble and simple people to great leaders in history, science or literature, we can learn a lot about the art of living, by having a peep into their lives. The daily routines of these great men not only reveal their different, maybe unique life styles, but also help us learn certain habits and practices they followed. Flere are some; read, enjoy and follow in their footsteps as it suits you.

2. A private workplace always helps. Jane Austen asked that a certain squeaky hinge should never be oiled so that she always had a warning whenever someone was approaching the room where she wrote. William Faulkner, lacking a lock on his study door, detached the doorknob and brought it into the room with him. Mark Twain’s family knew better than to breach his study door – they would blow a horn to draw him out. Graham Greene went even further, renting a secret office; only his wife knew the address and the telephone number. After all, everyone of us needs a workplace where we can work on our creation uninterruptedly. Equally we need our private space too!

3. A daily walk has always been a source of inspiration. For many artists, a regular stroll was essentially a creative inspiration. Charles Dickens famously took three hour walks every afternoon, and what he observed on them fed directly into his writing. Tchaikovsky could make do with a two-hour jaunt but wouldn’t return a moment early; convinced that doing so would make him ill. Ludwig van Beethoven took lengthy strolls after lunch, carrying a pencil and paper with him in case inspiration struck. Nineteenth century composer Erik Satie did the same on his long hikes from Paris to the working-class suburb where he lived, stopping under street lamps to jot down ideas that came on his journey; it’s rumoured that when those lamps were turned off during the war years, his music declined too. Many great people had limited social life too. One of Simone de Beauvoir’s close friends puts it this way, ‘There were no receptions, parties. It was an uncluttered kind of life, a simplicity deliberately constructed so that she could do her work”. To Pablo, the idea of Sunday was an ‘at home day’

4. The routines of these thinkers are difficult. Perhaps it is because they are so unattainable. The very idea that you can organise your time as you like is out of reach for most of us, so I’ll close with a toast to all those who worked with difficulties. Like Francine Prose, who began writing when the school bus picked up her children and stopped when it brought them back; or T. S. Eliot, who found it much easier to write once he had a day job in a bank than he had as a starving poet and even F. Scott Fitzgerald, whose early books were written in his strict schedule as a young military officer. Those days were not as interesting as the nights in Paris that came later, but they were much more productive and no doubt easier on his liver.

5. Being forced to follow someone else’s routine may irritate, but it makes it easier to stay on the path. Whenever we break that trail ourselves or take an easy path of least resistance, perhaps what’s most important is that we keep walking.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

(i) The writers in the past:
(A) followed a perfect daily routine.
(B) enjoyed the difficulties of life.
(C) can teach us a lot.
(D) wrote a lot in books.

(ii) How can studying the daily routines and habits of great thinkers and artists inspire individuals to improve their own art of living and find inspiration in their daily lives? Answer in about 40 words.

(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
Composer Erik Satie used to ___________.

(iv) Find word from the passage which mean the same as ‘noisy’. (Para 2)

(v) Complete the sentence appropriately:
Beethoven took along with him during his long walk ___________.

(vi) According to the passage what unconventional method did William Faulkner employ to ensure privacy in his study while writing? Answer in about 40 words.

(vii) Pessimistic : Pessimism :: Humble : ?
(A) Humility
(B) Humbility
(C) Humbler
(D) Humbling

(viii) According to the above passage, what is the central idea of the above passage?

1. The difference in the ways of thinking and perception in the people of two different generations, which results in behavioural differences and sometimes, conflict among them is usually called generation gap.

2. Generation gap is generally seen in the family between parents and their children. It is not only because of the gap in age but also because of the way parents react to a particular situation. Children, being very young and immature, do not understand the way of thinking of their parents. In many cases, the parents, even if they are matured, do not emphasise with the changing values and thinking pattern of the modern world. This creates a communication gap between the two generations.

3. Generation gap between parents and children is mostly caused by parents themselves. They do not talk openly to their children and do not take part in solving their problems. This behaviour gives the impression about parents being authoritative person, because they only dictate without understanding the problems faced by their children. As a result, the children become mentally isolated from their parents. Some parents become so busy with their work that they do not spend quality time with their family, which makes them completely unaware about how their children are growing, what kind of mentality is being developed in them, and so on. This ultimately creates a gap between them. They only realise it when it is too late.

4. Changes in technology have led to the generation gap in this modern world. Children tend to spend most of their time with their digital devices and are so busy with social media, that they do not discuss their problems with their parents. The internet provides solutions to most of the worldly problems. So, children, instead of contacting their own parents, seek the help of internet in case of any problem, thus again reducing the communication, leading to a generation gap between them.

5. The generation gap has greatly increased these days because the time is changing fast and people find it difficult to cope up with this change. To overcome this problem, the parents should show some interest in all matters of their children and deal with them positively instead of just scolding them and leaving them alone to deal with their problems. Giving time to the children, having open communication and allowing the child to feel free and not in any kind of pressure, will eventually reduce the generation gap to a tolerable extent.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

(i) With the advancement of technology, children spend most of their time
(A) with their friends
(B) in educational surfing
(C) with digital devices
(D) communicating with parents

(ii) What are some factors contributing to the generation gap between parents and children according to the passage? Answer in about 40 words.

(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
The generation gap between parents and children is often caused by a lack of ____________ and ____________ leading to a communication gap and misunderstanding.

(iv) Which word or phrase from the passage means the same as ‘engrossed’?

(v) Complete the sentence appropriately:
Most of the parents do not spend __________ time with their family.

(vi) According to the above passage how does the rapid pace of change in society contribute to the increasing generation gap, and what steps can individuals take to bridge this gap and foster better understanding between different generations? Answer in about 40 words.

(vii) How do children generally view their parents?
(A) As dictatorial
(B) As authoritative person
(C) As friend
(D) As a mental support

(viii) What step(s) should be taken by parents to bridge the generation gap?

1. Many.of us believe that ‘small’ means ‘insignificant’. We believe that small actions and choices do not have much impact on our lives. We think that it is only the big things, the big actions and the big decisions that really count. But when you look at the lives of all great people, you will see that they built their character through small decisions, small choices and small actions that they performed every day. They transformed their lives through step-by-step or day-by-day approach. They nurtured and nourished their good habits and chipped away their bad habits, one by one. It was their small day-to-day decisions that added up to make tremendous difference in the long run. Indeed, in matters of personal growth and character building, there is no such thing as an overnight success.

2. Growth always occurs through a sequential series of stages. There is an organic process to growth. When we look at children growing up, we can see this process at work: the child first learns to crawl, then to stand and walk and then finally to run. The same is true in the natural world. The soil must first be tilled and then the seed must be sown. Next, it must be nurtured with enough water and sunlight and only then will it grow into trees laden with ripe fruits.

3. Gandhi understood this organic process and used this universal law of nature to his benefit. Gandhi Grew in Small Ways, in his day-to-day affairs. He did not wake up one day and find himself to be the ‘Mahatma’. In fact, there was nothing much in his early life that showed signs of greatness. But from his mid-twenties onwards, he deliberately and consistently attempted to change himself, reformed himself and grew in some small ways every day. Day-by-day, hour-by-hour, he risked failure, experimented and learnt from mistakes. In small as well as large situations, he took up the responsibility rather than avoiding it.

4. This is a common factor in the lives of all great people: they exercise their freedoms and choices in small ways that make great impact on their lives and their environment. Each of their small decisions and actions, add up to have a profound impact in the long run. By understanding this principle, we can move forward, with confidence, in the direction of our dreams. Often when our ‘ideal goal’ looks too far from us, we become easily discouraged, disheartened and pessimistic. However, when we choose to grow in small ways, by taking small steps one at a time, our achievement becomes easy.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

(i) What does the writer mean by saying ‘chipped away at their bad habits’?
(A) Steadily gave up bad habits.
(B) Slowly produced bad habits.
(C) Gradually criticised bad habits.
(D) Did not like bad habits.

(ii) How did Gandhi grow and become the Mahatma? Answer in about 40 words.

(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Gandhi understood the organic process of growth and used it to his benefit by ____________

(iv) Which word/phrase is similar in meaning to ‘purposely’. (Para 3)

(v) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Growth occurs through a sequential series of stages, just like how a child first learns to crawl, then ____________

(vi) What is the common factor in the lives of great people according to the passage? Answer in 40 words.

(vii) Which of the following statements is true in the context of the third paragraph?
(A) Gandhi became great overnight.
(B) Gandhi showed signs of greatness in childhood itself.
(C) Every day Gandhi made efforts to change himself in some small ways.
(D) Gandhi never made mistakes.

(viii) According to the above passage what is done by great people to transform their lives?

1. Man suffers from a distorted complex. He always considers animals as inferior beings only fit for exploitation. Man has been using domestic and wild animals for his selfish ends. Many animal lovers joined together to form the ‘Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’.

2. The society has been working for the well-being and welfare of animals for many years. Its main aim is to change the attitude and thinking of people towards animals. It is quite sad that animals continue to be ill-treated, tortured and killed according to the whims of the people. About 15% of the people entertain the belief that animals are man’s slaves. They use, misuse and torture them accordingly. About 50% of the people exploit animals for selfish ends.

3. Horses and oxen are used for transport, carrying loads and in agricultural activities. Dogs, cats and many birds are domesticated for fun, entertainment and convenience. Wild animals like elephants, tigers, lions and deer are victims of poaching and killing. Animals are forced to do acrobatic feats in circus shows. Unfortunately, about 35% of people don’t think about the animals at all. They are totaLly indifferent to them. 4. The Government and the animal lovers must work together to bring a change in the attitude of the people. Animals should not be killed and poached for fun, furs or financial gains. They should be treated with kindness, care and sympathy. Cruelty towards animals must be legally punished.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals aims to ___________

(ii) Fill in the blanks with an appropriate response.
Animals such as horses and oxen are used for ___________.

(iii) Justify the following statement: “Animals should be treated with kindness, care, and sympathy.”

(iv) What is the role of the government in addressing animal cruelty according to the passage?

(v) Infer from the passage: How might the formation of the “Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals” impact the treatment of animals?

(vi) In the line “………………. fit for exploitation”, the word ‘exploitation’ does not refer to:
(A) abuse
(B) ill-treatment
(C) oppression
(D) utilisation

(vii) What is the paradoxical behaviour observed in some people regarding animals, as mentioned in the passage?

(viii) For what activities do people use horses and oxen?
(A) Carrying loads
(B) Transport
(C) Agricultural activities
(D) All of these

1. Over 80% of fatalities in road accidents in India happened due to speeding and dangerous or driving a comparative analysis of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data since 2014 shows. While this careless corroborates the popular perception of how people drive on the road in a country where getting a driving licence is often said to b be too easy. Experts said most of the fatal accidents are recorded by police under speeding and dangerous driving categories in the FIR as there are no other provisions in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for such offences.

2. According to the latest NCRB report on accidental deaths, 83.2% of road fatalities were on account of these two types of violations and the rest 16.8% of fatalities were due to reasons including drunk driving, bad weather conditions and mechanical defect. In 2014, when such causes of fatal crashes were first compiled, 89.4% of the deaths were due to speeding and dangerous or careless driving as per the police records and this was the highest ever.

3. “We face a host of challenges ranging from poor system of issuing driving licences to almost zero scientific investigation of fatal crashes, which are provided in the law. Most of our national highways and state highways, which pass through villages, have no pedestrian crossings. On the top of this, in all fatal cases, police automatically registers them under section 279 (negligent driving resulting death) of the IPC,” said mad safety expert Rohit Baluja, who has been a regular guest faculty at Indian Police Academy, Hyderabad.4. Confirming this, traffic adviser in Punjab, government, Navdeep Asija said in case of all fatal accidents, the provisions of IPC are slapped. “In IPC, any crime or offence has to be lodged against a human being and hence there cannot be any charge against a road, vehicle or any other object. That’s why police data may not indicate the exact reason of crashes. But it is also a fact that violation of traffic rules is rampant on roads and only electronic surveillance can put a check on them,” he added



5. Baluja said there is a need to define what is dangerous driving and the norms for fixing speed limits. “In Delhi, the speed limit is same across major roads, residential areas and markets during day lean time and at night as well. No authorities are held responsible for deficiencies on their part,” he pointed out. Though the amended Motor Vehicle Act has included a provision to hold road owning agencies, contractors and consultants in case of fatal accidents due to faulty road construction or design, the government is yet to notify the process for this.

(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
According to the latest NCRB report on accidental deaths, _____________ % of road fatalities were due to speeding and dangerous driving, while the remaining _____________ % were attributed to other factors such as drunk driving, bad weather conditions, and mechanical defects.

(ii) Fill in the blanks with an appropriate response.

In all fatal cases, the police automatically registers them under section 279 of the IPC, which pertains to _____________ resulting in death.

(iii) Justify the statement that poor system of issuing driving licenses and lack of scientific investigation of fatal crashes contribute to road fatalities in India, as mentioned in the passage.

(iv) As per the amended Motor Vehicle Act, who among these are also held responsible for fatal road accidents?

(v) Based on the information provided in the passage, what can be inferred about the need for electronic surveillance to curb the rampant violation of traffic rules on Indian roads?

(vi) According to the latest NCRB report, what percentage of total fatal road accidents occur due to high-speed driving and rash driving?
(A) 16.8%
(B) 32.3%
(C) 27.5%
(D) 83.2%

(vii) According to the passage, why might the police data on road fatalities not provide the exact reason for crashes?

(viii) According to NCRB, which of these factors is/are responsible for fatal road accidents?
(A) High speed driving
(B) Rash driving
(C) Both (A) and (B)
(D) Neither (A) nor (B)

1. Natural calamities generally bring death and disaster on a large scale. Tsunami waves, earthquakes, floods, droughts and epidemics have taken a heavy toll of human lives, particularly the children. The children who survive these disasters suffer the most. They are condemned to lead a life full of misery, insecurity, want and fear. Only the concerted efforts of the Government and the agencies involved in disaster management can help them lead normal lives again.

1,093 – live in general fear
16 – don’t speak
839 – fear water and sound
110 – withdrawn socially
460 – can’t sleep at night
43 – become asthmatic
20 – become deaf
21 – become blind
566 – have frequent headache and stomach ache
1,164 – can’t concentrate
117 – refuse to go to school
276 – are in shock

2. The natural calamities have tragically affected the lives of about 15,000 children in recent years in India. The tsunami waves and earthquakes created havoc on a large scale. About 5,430 children became homeless due to the tsunami and 5,438 were the victims of the earthquakes. Floods displaced 2,602 and droughts affected 2,036 children. Epidemics affected 1,313 children.

Out of these figures, 1,093 children live constantly in general fear; 110 children have withdrawn socially; 20 children have become deaf and 16 of them can’t speak any more. More than 450 children can’t sleep at night while 1,164 can’t concentrate on anything. The tragedy is that 21 of them have become blind, 43 asthmatic and 276 are still in shock. 566 suffer from frequent headache and stomach ache. About 850 children fear water and sound and 117 have refused to go to school.

3. Disaster management programmes have not proved up to the mark and up to the task. The Government and the concerned agencies should provide comprehensive aids and help to the survivors, particularly the children. They must provide nutritious food, clothes, shelters and medical aids to them. More efforts should be made to wipe out the scars left by these disasters.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above. (i) Complete the sentence appropriately. The children who survive natural calamities are condemned to lead a life full of misery, insecurity, want, and fear unless ___________.

(ii) Fill in the blanks with an appropriate response.
The tragedy is that among the affected children, 21 have become blind, 43 are asthmafic, and 276 are still in shock, indicating the ___________.

(iii) Justify the statement that disaster management programs in India have not been up to the mark and up to the task, as mentioned in the passage.

(iv) As per the histogram, what is the most disastrous natural calamity for children?"

(v) Based on the information provided in the passage, what can be inferred about the long-term effects of natural calamities on children’s mental health?

(vi) Who should be responsible for providing the disaster affected children with nutritious food, clothes, shelters and medical aids?
(A) The Government
(B) The concerned agencies
(C) Both (A) and (B)
(D) Neither (A) nor (B)

(vii) In the context of the passage, what is the significance of the number 117 mentioned?

(viii) The number of children suffering from frequent headache and stomach ache is:
(A) 839
(B) 1,164
(C) 110
(D) 566

1. More than 87,000 healthcare workers have been infected with Covid-19, with just six states – Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, West Bengal and Gujarat – accounting for three-fourths (around 74%) of the case burden and over 86% of the 573 deaths due to the infection, official data showed. Maharashtra alone, with the highest number of over 7.3 lakh confirmed Covid cases so far, accounts for around 28% of the infected healthcare workers and over 60% of the total deaths, according to the data.

2. While Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had tested over one lakh healthcare workers each till August 28, Karnataka reported only 12,260 infected healthcare workers – almost half the burden in Maharashtra.Tamil Nadu reported 11,169 cases that included doctors, nurses and Asha workers. The three states together accounted for 55% of the total cases among health workers. Risk to frontline workers can jeopardise India’s Covid fight – the three states also reported the highest number of deaths in healthcare professionals, though with a wide gap between Maharashtra and the other two. While Maharashtra reported 292 deaths among healthcare workers, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had 46 and 49 deaths, respectively.



3. A large number of infections and even deaths of healthcare workers in particular states is being viewed with concern by officials and public health experts, who say risks to frontline workers can jeopardise India’s fight against the pandemic. The issue, discussed in a review meeting headed by the cabinet secretary on Thursday, saw the Centre cautioning states about the need to protect a crucial resource. The possible factors responsible for high infections, officials said, were lax infection control in hospitals and the need for stringent containment measures in areas where health professionals reside to safeguard them.

4. Despite the high number of cases, the government has received only 143 claims since April under the 50 lakh Covid-19 insurance scheme for healthcare workers engaged in Covid mitigation activities. Official sources said the wide gap between the number of deaths and claims could be because all the casualties may not be eligible under the scheme. Besides, the claims are a bit slow in coming as families of the dead take time to apply and do the required paperwork.

5. ‘Solidarity with health workers cannot be met with mere words of encouragement but by concerted efforts to strengthen the health workforce. Safety net for their families should be provided including a term insurance cover of overt 2 crore, with the government as sole guarantee/ said Giridhar Babu, epidemiologist at the Public Health Foundation of India. ‘Protecting healthcare workers is of paramount importance to make sure we have a large enough force to take care of patients who need their services’, said Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, chairman, Manipal Hospitals, who said such workers may be at risk because of a large number of asymptomatic patients and lack of proper use of PPEs.

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
Among the six states mentioned in the passage, __________ alone accounts for around 60 % of the total deaths among infected healthcare workers.

(ii) Fill in the blanks with an appropriate response.
The wide gap between the number of deaths and claims under the Covid-19 insurance scheme for healthcare workers could be due to the fact that __________.

(iii) Justify the statement that protecting healthcare workers is crucial for India’s fight against the pandemic, as discussed in the passage.

(iv) On how many healthcare workers have COVID-19 tests been conducted in Punjab?

(v) Based on the information provided in the passage, what can be inferred about the response of healthcare workers’ families towards the Covid-19 insurance scheme?

(vi) Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists the factors responsible for high infection in healthcare professionals.
1. Careless infection control in hospital
2. Negligence by healthcare professionals
3. Lack of stringiest containment measure
4. The lack of healthcare professionals
(A) 1 and 2
(B) 2 and 4
(C) 1 and 3
(D) 3 and 4

(vii) Considering the high number of Covid-19 cases among healthcare workers, what could be a potential reason behind the relatively low number of claims received under the Covid-19 insurance scheme?

(viii) Choose the option that lists statement that is NOT TRUE.
(A) Maharashtra was the worst sufferer of Covid-19.
(B) Karnataka had less number of Covid-19 cases as compared to Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
(C) The deaths of healthcare workers are disregarded by officials.
(D) 50 lakh under Covid-19 insurance scheme.

1. Though the Covid-19 situation seems to be under control and the overall positivity rate has remained between 0.08% and 0.12% in the past one week, New Delhi has reported the highest positivity rate of 0.29% among all 11 districts. While North West and South West have reported a positivity rate of 0.21 % and 0.19% , respectively, all other districts have comparatively lower numbers. North East district has nil cases and a zero positivity rate. While there is no clear indication of Covid-19 cases rising again in the capital, the numbers are rising in some parts of the country. Delhi also needs to be on alert because the recent highest positivity rate of 0.12%, (85 new cases) over the past 24 days was reported on 1st August, 2021.

2. According to the district-wise performance report, on July 31, Central district reported six cases with a positivity rate of 0.09 %, East had five cases and 0.08 % positivity rate, New Delhi 19 cases and 0.29 %, North seven cases and 0.13 %, North West 12 cases and 0.21 %, Shahdara two cases and 0.03 %, South four cases and 0.06 %. South East seven cases and 0.11 %,, South West 15 cases and 0.19 %, and West nine cases and 0.12 %, positivity rate. All districts are conducting 4,000 to 6,000 tests every day, a majority of them being RT-PCR.

3. A health department official said the positivity rate was far lower than the target of 5%, that the districts were supposed to maintain. “It’s difficult to pinpoint the reasons behind some districts reporting a higher positivity rate than others. Only experts can highlight the causes after a detailed analysis,” added the official.

4. Officials from the districts reporting higher positivity rates said they were conducting a maximum number of tests in places like containment zones, slums, middle-class areas and villages. A government hospital doctor involved in Covid-19 management said, “If more tests are conducted in containment zones and adjoining dusters and among the contacts of Covid-positive people, then the positivity rate is likely to be slightly higher. More tests in super-spreader areas also pushes up the positivity rate. It has been observed that more tests conducted in slums and under privileged areas throw up a lower positivity rate. That is why it is suggested to use mixed locations for carrying out the tests.”

 

Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.

(i) Complete the sentence appropriately.
According to the district-wise performance report, on July 31, Central district reported ____________ cases with a positivity rate of ____________%.

(ii) Fill in the blanks with an appropriate response.
It has been observed that more tests conducted in ____________ and underprivileged areas throw up a ____________ positivitv rate.

(iii) What evidence from the passage justifies the statement that conducting more tests in containment zones and adjoining clusters, as well as among the contacts of Covid-positive people, can lead to a slightly laigher positivity rate?

(iv) According to the above passage, officials were conducting a maximum number of tests in places like containment zones, slums, middle-class areas and villages. What does it reveal?

(v) Based on the information provided in the passage, what can be inferred about the suggested strategy of conducting tests in mixed locations for Covid-19?

(vi) Based on the graphical chart in the passage, choose the option that correctly depicts the number of positive cases in North West Delhi and West Delhi.



(A) Option (1)
(B) Option (2)
(C) Option (3)
(D) Option (4)

(vii) Why is it important for Delhi to remain on alert despite no clear indication of rising capital?

(viii) In the line “If more tests are conducted in containment zones and adjoing clusters clusters’ refers to:
(A) areas which have Covid-19 positive cases.
(B) the villages nearby a village which has Covid-19 positive case(s).
(C) the areas nearby an area which has Covid-19 positive case(s).
(D) the buildings in which there is a person with Covid-19 positive.

(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket.
I hope they ___________ this road by the time we come back next summer. (repair)

(ii) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:
Every people went to welcome the Indian Cricket team.

Error	Correction

(iii) Transform the following direct speech into reported speech:

(iv) Which option highlights the correct change of the speech of the following sentence?
The spectators applauded the young athlete saying that he had broken all previous records.

(v) Fill the blank by choosing the correct option
Is there ___________ food left in the fridge? (many/any)

(vi) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:
Sita could not understands what the teacher was saying.

Error	Correction

(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line: Louis Braille was three years old where he lost his eyesight as a result of an accident.

Error	Correction
(A) was	is
(B) his	her
(C) where	when
(D) an	a

(viii) Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Rakesh and Sunita.
Rakesh : Did you complete the assignment?
Sunita : Yes, I did. I finished it yesterday.
Rakesh asked Sunita if/whether she had completed the assignment. Then Sunita replied in the affirmative and also added that ___________.

(A) she finished it yesterday
(B) she had finished it previous day
(C) she has finished it yesterday
(D) she had finish it yesterday

(ix) Read the conversation between a mother and her daughter. Complete the sentence by reporting daughter’s reply correctly.
Mother : Why are you looking so worried?
Daughter : My exams are approaching.
Mother asked her daughter why she was looking very worried. The daughter replied that ___________.

(x) Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option to complete the statement.
In a few years we all ___________ in the houses heated by solar energy.
(A) will live
(B) shall be living
(C) lived
(D) shall have been living

(xi) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line to complete the statement.
I met Mohan when he ___________ to the post office.

(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction for the following sentence:
Do you know the importance for clean water?

Error	Correction

(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket.
A black cow that _____________ in the field for some time did not return home in the evening. (graze)

(ii) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:
The teacher called me on 12 o’clock.

Error	Correction

(iii) Transform the following direct speech into reported speech:
Gihan exclaimed: “We have had too many prohibitions.”

(iv) Which option highlights the correct change of the speech of the following sentence? They told us that they had waited at the station for a long time.
(A) They told us, “We had been waiting at the station for a long time”.
(B) They told us, “We are waiting at the station for a long time”.
(C) They told us, “We wait at the station for a long time.”
(D) They told us, “We waited at the station for a long time”.

(v) Fill the blank by choosing the correct option
The book belongs to _____________. (her/hers)

(vi) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:
The sweets were distributed between all the children.

Error	Correction

(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line: The actor, known for his versatility, have received several awards for his performances.

Error	Correction
(A) The	A
(B) actor	actors
(C) has	have
(D) for	with

(viii) Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Punit and Aradhya.

Punit : Are you good at playing the guitar?
Aradhya : Yes, I am. I have been playing it for five years.
Punit asked Aradhya if/whether she was good at playing the guitar. Then Aradhya replied in the affirmative and also added that _____________.
(A) she has been playing it for five years
(B) she played it for five years
(C) she had been playing it for five years
(D) she had play it for five years

(ix) Read the conversation between a boss and his employee. Complete the sentence by reporting employee’s reply correctly.
Boss : Why are you stressed out?
Employee : I have a heavy workload this week.
The boss asked the employee why he was stressed out. The employee replied that _____________.

(x) Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option to complete the statement.
A temple _____________ in the middle of the village.
(A) situates
(B) is situated
(C) is situating
(D) none

(xi) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line to complete the statement. When I out, the sun was shining brightly.
(A) sets
(B) is setting
(C) set
(D) setted

(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence: The teacher was teaching an important lesson on the class.

Error	Correction

(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket.
To his horror, he found that he ___________ for nearly 24 hours, (sleep)

(ii) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:
Ramu is a honest man.

Error	Correction

(iii) Transform the following direct speech into reported speech:
The young lady said: “I did not make such a mistake.”

(iv) Which option highlights the correct change of the speech of the following sentence? Mr. Rao told Mr. Mehta that he had to go to the town that day.
(A) Mr. Rao said, “Mr. Mehta I have to go to the town that day.”
(B) Mr. Rao said, “Mr. Mehta, I have to go to the town today.”
(C) Mr. Rao said, “Mr. Mehta I will have to go to the town today.”
(D) Mr. Rao said, “I have to go to the town today.”

(v) Fill the blank by choosing the correct option
Sam stood ___________ in the class, (first/one)

(vi) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:
Bread and butter are Sheldon’s favourite breakfast.

Error	Correction

(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line: The restaurant, known for its delicious cuisine, is always crowd with diners.

Error	Correction
(A) The	A
(B) restaurant	restaurants
(C) its	it’s
(D) crowd	crowded

(viii) Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Abhishek and Sarika.

Abhishek : Did you watch the latest movie?
Sarika : Yes, I did. I saw it yesterday.
Abhishek asked Sarika if / whether she had watched the latest movie. Then Sarika replied in the affirmative and also added that ___________.
(A) she saw it yesterday
(B) she had seen it the previous day
(C) she has seen it yesterday
(D) she had see it yesterday

(ix) Read the conversation between Johnson and Sarah. Complete the sentence by reporting Sarah’s reply correctly.
Johnson : What’s bothering you? You seem upset.
Sarah : I lost my wallet on the way home.
Johnson asked Sarah what was bothering her. Sarah replied that ___________.

(x) Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option to complete the statement.
If it rains the match ___________ cancelled.
(A) be
(B) will be
(C) will
(D) will have been

(xi) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line to complete the statement.
Unless I have a quiet room I ___________ successful.
(A) would not be
(B) shall not be
(C) have not been
(D) had not been

(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:
Birds of feathers flock together.

Error	Correction

(i) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket.
When I saw him he ____________ a portrait. (paint)

(ii) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:
Laugh is the best medicine.

Error	Correction

(iii) Transform the following direct speech into reported speech:
A farmer said : “If the situation goes on like this, we will lose the consumers’ confidence for ever”.

(iv) Which option highlights the correct change of the speech of the following sentence?
He said to Raina, “I cannot marry you now but I shall surely do so next year.”
(A) He told her that he could not marry Raina then but would surely marry her next year.
(B) He told Raina that he could not marry her then but he would surely do so the following year.
(C) He told Raina that he would not marry her then but would surely do so the next year.
(D) He told Raina that he cannot marry her now but would surely do so the following year.

(v) Fill the blank by choosing the correct option
Do you know ____________ scarf this is? (whose/their)

(vi) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:
The flock of sheeps blocked the road.

Error	Correction

(vii) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line:
A little political thinkers think that liberty and equality can’t go together.

Error	Correction
(A) can’t	couldn’t
(B) think	thinks
(C) A little	Some
(D) go	goes

(viii) Select the correct option to complete the narration of the dialogue between Tom and Tina.Tom : Are you familiar with coding?
Tina : Yes, I am. I learned it during my college years.
Tom asked Tina if/whether she was familiar with coding. Then Tina replied in the affirmative and also added that ____________.
(A) she has learned it during her college years
(B) she learned it during her college years
(C) she had learned it during her college years
(D) she had learn it during her college years

(ix) Read the conversation between a father and his son. Complete the sentence by reporting son’s reply correctly.
Father : What’s the matter? You seem upset.
Son : I didn’t perform well in the soccer match.
Father asked his son what the matter was. The son replied that ____________.

(x) Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct option to complete the statement.
He ____________ us to go out in the boat yesterday.
(A) does not allow
(B) allows
(C) did not allow
(D) has not allowed

(xi) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line to complete the statement.
The thief will have run away before the police ____________
(A) comes
(B) had come
(C) came
(D) None of these

(xii) Identify the error and supply the correction, for the following sentence:
The children was playing in the Giant’s garden.

Error	Correction

	Incorrect	Correct
A. It was a hot summer night above ten o’clock.	_______________	_______________
B. I had my meal and returned to mine room.	_______________	_______________
C. I heard a noise for above as I opened the door.	_______________	_______________
D. The sound was a familial one.	_______________	_______________
E. One feel tempted to look into a mirror when it is near one.	_______________	_______________
F. I take a look.	_______________	_______________

	Incorrect	Correct
A. In those days I was a great admirer for beauty.	_______________	_______________
B. I believes in making myself look handsome.	_______________	_______________
C. I am unmarried and I was a doctor.	_______________	_______________
D. I want to make my presence felt.	_______________	_______________
E. He was a round little man of a red face.	_______________	_______________
F. A hole box of tools with dials and wires.	_______________	_______________

	Incorrect	Correct
A. He take the mechanical teacher apart and then set him up.	_______________	_______________
B. Our television screen must had a million books in it.	_______________	_______________
C. is good of plenty more	_______________	_______________
D. I wouldn’t threw it away	_______________	_______________
E. Margie agreed to him.	_______________	_______________
F. Margie’s grandfather ones said That when he is a little boy	_______________	_______________

	Incorrect	Correct
A. An time when all stories were printed.	_______________	_______________
B. A time when all stories were printed in paper.	_______________	_______________
C. She had being doing worse and worse.	_______________	_______________
D. Until her mother send for the county inspector.	_______________	_______________
E. Margie is disappointed.	_______________	_______________
F. Hoping they will take the teacher away altogether.	_______________	_______________

	Incorrect	Correct
A. Month because a history teacher had Blank out completely.	_______________	_______________
B. Evelyn was determined to led a	_______________	_______________
C. Normal life and pursure her interest of music	_______________	_______________
D. She never look back from that point onwards	_______________	_______________
E. She toured a united kingdom with a youth	_______________	_______________
F. Orchestra and by the time she were sixteen	_______________	_______________

He ran towards his parents gaily and _____(1)_____ abreast of them _____(2)_____ a while, however, he was soon left behind as he was attracted _____(3)_____ the little insects and worms _____(4)_____ the footpath that _____(5)_____ teeming out _____(6)_____ their hiding places to enjoy the sunshine.

A man stood holding a pole _____(1)_____ yellow, red, green and purple balloons flying _____(2)_____ it. The child was simply _____(3)_____ away by the rainbow glory _____(4)_____ their silken colours and he _____(5)_____ with _____(6)_____ overwhelming desire to possess them all.

A snake-charmer stood playing _____(1)_____ flute to a snake _____(2)_____ was coiled _____(3)_____ a basket, its head raised in a graceful bend like the neck of a swan, while _____(4)_____ music stole _____(5)_____ its invisible ears like the gentle rippling of _____(6)_____ invisible waterfall.

Grandfather _____(1)_____ Toto _____(2)_____ a tonga-driver for the sum of five rupees. The tonga-driver used to keep the little monkey _____(3)_____ to a feeding-trough and the monkey _____(4)_____ so out of place there that Grandfather _____(5)_____ he would add the little fellow _____(6)_____ his private zoo.

If there is a part _____(1)_____ the brain especially _____(2)_____ to mischief that part was largely developed in Toto. He was always _____(3)_____ things to pieces. Whenever one of _____(4)_____ aunts came near him, he _____(5)_____ every effort to get hold of her dress and tear a hole _____(6)_____ it.

On the page headed 7 May 257 she wrote today Tommy found a real book.

She said where did you find it.

He said to her mother it’s not the little girls fault Mrs Jones.

So she said to Tommy why would anyone write about school.

Margie said how could a man be a teacher.

Ustad Bismillah Khan said, "That is why whenever I am in a foreign country, I keep yearning to see Hindustan. While in Mumbai, I think of only Benaras and the holy Ganga. And while in Benaras, I miss the unique mattha of Dumraon."

Khansaab said, "All I would like to say is: Teach your children music, this is Hindustan's richest tradition; even the West is now coming to learn our music."

Father said, "Bring my tea into the drawing room... Hasn't the paper come yet? Mother, go and see if my paper's out there - and bring me my slippers."

"Kezia," Mother would call to her; "if you're a good girl you can come down and take off father's boots." Father said "Well, Kezia, hurry up and pull off these boots and take them outside.

Have you been a good girl today?" "I d-d-don't know, Father." "You d-d-don't know? If you stutter like that Mother will have to take you to the doctor."

They called her name and she didn't move. (Use Hardly)

They called her name and she didn't move. (Use As soon as)

The mother was too tired to keep awake. (Remove too)

I can't come to terms with the artificiality and glamour of the film world. (Make it Affirmative)

The seamstresses are so lazy that they don't complete their work on time. (Use too)

Write a short description of Shivaji, the Great Maratha. Use the hints given below :

Born in 1627… in the hillfort of Shivner… father-Jagirdar, Mother – Jijabai – a religious lady… influenced i by Guru Ramdas;… learnt horse riding, swimming, use of weapons at a young age… won the fort of Toran, built a strong fort at Durg… killed Afzal Khan… Aurangzeb sent Shaista Khan but lost battle… became independent king… source of inspiration.

Write a short descriptive paragraph on the famous Indian scientist Sir CV Raman in 100-120 words on the basis of the following inputs.

Born on 7 November 1888 in Madras – Physician by profession – worked in the field of light scattering – the discovery is known as ‘Raman Effect’ – won Nobel Prize in 1930 for his discovery – elected ‘Fellow of the Royal Society’ in 1924 – in 1954 India honoured him with its highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’ – breathed his last on 21 November 1970.

Write the description of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Developing the paragraph on the hints given below:

Birth : 31st October 1875, Nadiad, Gujarat; brought up in countryside; influential leader; united 565 princely states; ordered to reconstruct Somnath Temple; health decline in 1950, died on December 15,1950; awarded Bharat Ratna in 1991.

Write a descriptive paragraph on Koneru Humpy, the Grandmaster. You can take help from the clues given below:

Born on March 31,1987… ‘Hampi’ means champion… Koneru-family name… father – first coach, 4th place in Indian under 18 championship in 1995, IM title in 1992 and May 2002, record – 2002 to 2008 – youngest woman to became grandmaster… Awards – Arjuna Award 2003; Padmashri Award 2007 and Raja Lakshmi Award 2008… Queen of 64 squares.

Given below are the notes on the life of Mother Teresa. Write a descriptive paragraph using the hints given below:

MOTHER TERESA

Birth : Mecedonia, August 26,1910
1922 : Decided to be a missionary
1928 : Joined Sisters of Loreto
May 24, 1931 : Became a nun
1948 : Taught in Koltata
1931 to 1948 : Worked in slums of Kolkata
Oct. 7, 1950 : Started – The Missionaries of Charity
Today : Society of Missionaries – all over the world. Over one million co-workers in more than 40 countries.
Aim : To help the poor and the suffering.

Awards and distinctions:

• Pope John XXIII Peace Prize (1971)
• Nehru Prize for Promotion of International Peace and Understanding (1972)
• Balzan Prize (1979)
• Templeton and Magsaysay Awards
• Nobel Peace Prize (1979)

Write a brief description of a live cricket match you once saw. Give a brief account of description in about 100 – 120 words.

Write a descriptive paragraph in about 100 to 120 words on the notion, “Do you think a robot should replace the human teacher?”

Write a descriptive paragraph in about 100 to 120 words on the notion: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.

Write a paragraph describing a journey, imaginary, or you have undertaken.
You can follow the steps given below:
1. Prepare an itinerary.
2. You can make use of the following expressions. phrases and proverbs frequently used by the travellers.
Jet lag, itchy feet, hit the road, time table, on the home stretch, call it a day, book in advance, travel over, travel through, travel light, any port in a storm, stopover, etc.

Write a brief description on – A Day of Election’. Give a brief account of celebrations in about 100-120 words.

Today you were invited to a Christmas Party. Write a Diary Entry in about 100-120 words about the party.

Write a Diary Entry about your experience of a concert which you attended in about 100 – 120 words.

You along with your friends went for river rafting in Rishikesh. Write a Diary Entry in about 100-120 words describing about your experience.

Write a Diary Entry in about 100 – 120 words describing your experience of your visit to a Flower Exhibition.

Write a Diary Entry in about 100-120 words about your experience in a blind school.

Write a story using the following hints in about 100-120 words. Give it a suitable title.

Sakshi driving, busy road, late for college, attends a call, becomes absent minded and careless for a moment, CRASH a pedestrian, seriously injured.

Write a short story on the basis of given clues in about 100 – 120 words:

Some friends at a party talked about ghosts. One of them was particularly loud in his scorn of such things. The rest resolved to pay a joke on him. They went to a nearby tree in the evening and ………………

Every drop counts. Let’s not waste so that others may survive. Develop a story in about 100-120 words with a suitable title.

Write a short story on the basis of given clues in 100 – 120 words :

Robert Bruce, king of Scotland – often fought for the freedom of the country – no success – hiding in a cave – dejected – a spider drops by its thread from the ceiling – tries to get back to its web – again drops – succeeds in ninth attempt – inspired by the example, Bruce tries again.

Complete the story with the following beginning in about 100-120 words. Also give it a suitable title.
Madhuka is Radhika’s constant companion. She met him in the train in a very unusual way when ……………..