A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Its loveliness increases, it will never

Pass into nothingness, but will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing

i. According to the passage, what is the lasting effect of beauty? 1

a) It provides wealth and success.

b) It brings temporary pleasure.
c) It offers a source of joy that endures.
d) It creates a feeling of anger and frustration.

ii. State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE, with reference to the extract? 1

The line “its loveliness increases” suggests that beauty’s positive impact grow stronger with time.

iii. According to the passage, what never passes into nothingness? 1

iv. The word “bower” most likely refers to? 1

a) A quiet, shady area.

b) A kind of utensil.
c) A bustling city center.
d) promise

v. The use of the word “quiet breathing” suggests a feeling of …………………….. 1

vi. Who is the writer of this poem? 1

a) John Keats
b) Pablo Neruda
c) Robert Frost
d) Stephan Spender

OR
Aunt Jennifer’s tigers prance across a screen,
Bright topaz denizens of a world of green
They do not fear the men beneath the tree,
They pace in sleek chivalric certainty

i. What is the central theme conveyed in this extract? 1

a) Freedom and power of nature
b) Fear and danger of the wild animals
c) Importance of chivalry.
d) Married life problems
ii. What Aunt Jennifer tigers are doing? 1
iii. The phrase “bright topaz denizens” is used for ……………. 1
 iv. ‘The tigers in the poem are physically real.’ State whether this statement is TRUE or FALSE, with
reference to the extract? 1
v. What might the "men beneath the tree" symbolize? 1
vi. What does the word sleek means? 1
a) well-groomed
b) filthy
c) harmful
d) none of these

8. Read the given extracts and answer the questions for ANY ONE of the two, given.

Antarctica, because of her simple ecosystem and lack of biodiversity, is the perfect place to study how little
changes in the environment can have big repercussions. Take the microscopic phytoplankton- those
grasses of the sea that nourish and sustain the entire Southern Ocean’s food chain. These single-celled
plants use the sun’s energy to assimilate carbon and synthesise organic compounds in that wondrous and
most important of process called photosynthesis .Scientists warn that a further depletion in the ozone layer
will affect the activities of phytoplankton, which in turn will affect the lives of all the marine animals and
birds of the region, and the global carbon cycle. In the parable of the phytoplankton, there is a great
metaphor for existence: take care of the small things and the big things will fall into place.

i. Why is Antarctica considered ideal for studying environmental change? 1

ii. “take care of small things and the big things will fall into place”, What is the relevance of this 1
statement in the context of the Antarctica’s environment?
iii. Which of the following poses the greatest threat to the overall health of Antarctic marine life? 1
a) depletion in the ozone layer
b) The discovery of new mineral resources for extraction.
c) A significant decrease in the human population.
d) The introduction of new plant and animal species to the ecosystem.
iv. What do you understand by the word ‘metaphor’? 1
OR
But the utter pallor of the man’s unconscious face moved him first to stoop and feel his pulse. It was faint
but it was there. He put his hand against the man’s cold breast. The heart too was yet alive. “He will die
unless he is operated on,” Sadao said, considering. “The question is whether he will not die anyway.” Hana
cried out in fear. “Don’t try to save him! What if he should live?” “What if he should die?” Sadao replied.
He stood gazing down on the motionless man. This man must have extraordinary vitality or he would have
been dead by now.

i. What motivates Sadao to consider surgery despite the risks? 1

ii. Pick the idiom that best describes the situation in which Sadao and Hana were in. 1
a. to be like a fish out of water
b. like water off a duck’s back
c. to be dead in the water
d. to be in hot water.

iii. Which lines best describes Hanna state of mind? 1

iv. What does the speaker mean by ‘Pulled the few hairs on his upper lip”? 1
a. That he was worried
b. That he was perplexed
c. That he was baffled
d. All of these.
 d) Both the statements are the effects of independent causes

iv. We can infer from the passage that the people at the Studios: 1
a) Were actively involved in political movements.
b) Had a deep understanding of Gandhian principles
c) Mostly wore western attire.
d) Disliked the term "communism" due to a lack of knowledge.

v. The tone of the passage towards communists is: 1

a) Neutral and objective
b) Curious and investigative
c) Humorous and light-hearted
d) Scornful and judgemental

vi. One word to describe the stereotype of a communist presented? 1

10. Answer ANY FIVE of the following six questions, in about 40-50 words. 5x2=10
i. What had been put up on the bulletin-board?
ii. Imagery was an effective literary device to bring out the contrast between the “merry children”
and mother. Comment.
iii. In a world that is constantly running after ‘more’ chasing the next new thing, would it be fair to
think of Neruda’s call as merely a fanciful idea?
iv. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.
v. What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?
vi. Sophie is caught between the world she lives in and the world she wants to live in. Elucidate

11. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions, in about 40-50 words. 2x2=4

i. Why do you think Charley withdrew nearly all the money he had from the bank to buy old-style
currency?
ii. Why did Derry go back to Mr. Lamb’s garden even after opposition?
iii. What is the author’s indirect comment on subjecting innocent animals to the wilfulness of human
beings?

12. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 5

The poem contrasts the slow, unchanging lives of the stand owners with the fast-moving,
powerful cars. What logical conclusion can be drawn about the power dynamic between the stand
owners and the people in the cars?
OR
How does the story, ‘Lost Spring’ highlight the apathy of society and those in power to end the
vicious cycle of poverty? Support your answer with textual evidence.

13. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions, in about 120-150 words. 5

The king was callous as a ruler and behaved whimsically. Thus, the people in his kingdom suffered
while he fulfilled his desire of killing a hundred tigers. Do you find leaders or politicians in the
world today being indifferent to the needs of the people and behaving in the same way? Comment
with relevant examples.
OR
The story uses vivid imagery to depict the harsh realities of untouchability. Analyze how specific
images contribute to the reader's understanding of the oppression faced by the lower castes.