ENGLISH PAPER 1

(LANGUAGE)
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Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allowed: Three hours
(Candidates are allowed additional 15 minutes for only reading the paper.
They must NOT start writing during this time).
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Attempt all four questions.
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].
(You are advised to spend not more than 45 minutes on Question 1,
55 minutes on Question 2, 30 minutes on Question 3 and
50 minutes on Question 4).
(You should begin each answer on a fresh page.)
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Question 1

Write a composition (in approximately 400 – 450 words) on any one of the following [20]
subjects:
(You are reminded that you will be rewarded for orderly and coherent presentation of
matter, use of appropriate style and general accuracy of spelling, punctuation and
grammar.)

(i) Last year, you visited your grandparents. There, you participated in a local festival.
Describe the way people were dressed, the different cultural events and the food
sold in the stalls. What were your feelings as you returned from the festivities?

(ii) While you were at home during the lockdown due to the pandemic, an exciting
event took place that turned you into a local hero. Narrate the incident.

(iii) Advertisements should only present the truth. Argue for or against this idea.

(iv) Hope

(v) ‘Be the change you want to see.’ Present your reflections on this statement.

(vi) Write an original short story that begins with the following words.:
He stood still in the kitchen, wondering what to do, when…

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Question 2

(i) You are the Head Boy/ Head Girl of The XYZ School and you have been asked to [15]
give a speech at the morning assembly on the topic – Waste Not, Want Not. Use
the following guidelines to write the speech:
Greeting and address to the gathering—importance of resources—careful use of
food—careful use of money—conserving electricity—preserving the environment
for the next generation.

(ii) As the President of the Student Council of The XYZ School, you have been asked [10]
to organise a food festival. The proceeds from the sale will be donated to an animal
shelter nearby. Write a proposal in not more than 150 words, outlining the steps
you would take to make this event a success.

Question 3

Answer sections (i), (ii) and (iii).

(i) In each of the following items, sentence I is complete, while sentence II is not. [5]
Complete sentence II, making it as similar as possible to sentence I. Write
sentence II in each case.
Example:
(z) (I) The heavy showers of rain revived the plants
(II) The plants……..………………………………
Answer: (z) The plants were revived by the heavy showers of rain.
(a) (I) They are repairing my piano at the moment.
(II) My ……………………………………….
(b) (I) If you do not reach the theatre early, you will not get a good seat.
(II) Unless ……………………………………
(c) (I) There were many obstacles, yet she succeeded in her mission.
(II) Although …………………………………
(d) (I) Chocolate cake is the best dessert I have ever eaten.
(II) No ………………………………………..
(e) (I) Scarcely did the famous store open when they all rushed in.
(II) As soon as ………………………………..
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(ii) Fill in each blank with a suitable word. (Do not write the sentence.) [5]

(a) She decided not to give _________ to the pressure.

(b) The teacher asked me to give _________ the worksheets.

(c) The young man set _______ his own business.

(d) The CEO set ________ the rules on the very first day of the year.

(e) When his friends come home, he puts ______ a fake accent.

(f) Do not put ________ for tomorrow what you can do today.

(g) She advised me not to look __________ on what had already happened.

(h) If you look ________ it carefully, you can see the mark.

(i) Go __________ the document carefully before you sign it.

(j) The price of gold is not likely to go _________ anytime soon.

(iii) Fill in the blanks in the passage given below with the appropriate form of the verb [5]
given in brackets. Do not write the passage but write the verbs in the correct order.

As the highway policeman was _________ (1) (watch), he _________ (2) (notice)
a car inching along really slowly. Thinking that an extremely slow car is as
dangerous as a speeding one, he _______ (3) (pull) the car aside. He _________
(4) (approach) it and noticed that there were five old ladies, two in the front and
three at the back, looking wide eyed and white as ghosts. The lady who had been
_________ (5) (drive) said, “Officer, I was not speeding. Why did you pull me
up?"
The officer ________ (6) (reply) that going below the speed limit was also
dangerous for other drivers.
“Slower than the speed limit? No sir, I was ________(7) (do) exactly twenty-two
miles per hour!” the old woman ________ (8) (say) proudly, pointing to a board.
The officer chuckled and said, “Ma’am, that’s the route number, not the speed
limit.”
A bit embarrassed, the woman smiled and ___________ (9) (thank) the officer for
pointing out the error. As she started the car, the officer said, “Before I let you go,
I must ask, are these other ladies ok? They seem to be a bit shaken and have not
____________ (10) (utter) a word.”
“Oh, they’ll be alright in a bit. We just got off route 119.”

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 Question 4

Read the passage given below and answer the questions (i), (ii) and (iii) that follow:
(1) Mrs. Knight’s school, to which Katy Carr went, was a low, one-storey building,
and had a yard behind it, in which the girls played at recess. Next door to it was
Miss Miller’s school, equally large and popular, and with a yard behind it also.
Only a high board fence separated the two playgrounds; and a feud raged constantly
between the two schools as to the several merits of the respective teachers and their 5
methods of teaching.
(2) Mrs. Knight’s had one great advantage over the other; it possessed a wood-shed
with a climbable roof, which commanded Miss Miller’s premises, and upon this
roof the girls used to sit in rows, turning up their noses at the foe in the next yard.
(3) One morning, Katy was late for school. She could not find her things. Her algebra, 10
as she expressed it, had “gone and lost itself” and the string was off her sun-hat.
She ran about searching for these articles and banging doors, till Aunt Izzie was
out of patience.
(4) “As for your algebra,” she said, “if it is that very dirty book with only one cover,
you will find it under the kitchen table; and here is the hat-string. Now, stand still 15
and don’t fidget! You shan’t stir till I have sewed it on properly.”
(5) It was not easy to do so, but Katy bore it as well as she could, only shifting
perpetually from one foot to the other. The minute she was released, she flew into
the kitchen, seized the algebra, and rushed like a whirlwind to the school.
(6) She ran as fast as she could, but time ran faster, and before she was half-way there, 20
the town clock struck nine, and all hope was lost. She marched into school in a very
cross mood.
(7) A day begun in this manner is pretty sure to end badly, as most of us know. All the
morning through, things seemed to go wrong. Firstly, Katy made errors in her
grammar lessons. Then her hand shook so much when she wrote her composition, 25
that the writing could hardly be read and Mrs. Knight said that she had to do it all
over again. This made Katy crosser than ever; the tears came into her eyes from
vexation, and she made a bolt for the yard as soon as the bell rang, climbing up all
alone to the wood-house roof, where she sat with her back to the school, trying to
get her face in order before the rest should come. 30

(8) Miss Miller’s clock was about four minutes slower than Mrs. Knight’s, so the next
playground was empty. It was a warm, breezy day, and as Katy sat there, suddenly
a gust of wind blew, and seizing her sun-hat, which was only half tied on, whirled
it across the roof. She clutched after it as it flew, but too late. Once, twice, thrice it
flapped and Katy saw it lying in a crumpled little heap in the enemy’s yard. 35
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 (9) This was horrible! Not merely losing the hat, but to lose it so! In another minute,
the Miller girls would be out. Was it to be endured? Never! Katy set her teeth, and
sliding rapidly down the roof, seized the fence, and with one bold leap, vaulted into
Miss Miller’s yard.
Adapted from: What Katy Did
By Susan Coolidge

(i) (a) Given below are three words and phrases. Find the words which have a [3]
similar meaning in the passage:

(1) Break time

(2) Prolonged quarrel or dispute

(3) A feeling of being annoyed

(b) For each of the words given below, write a sentence of at least ten words [3]
using the same word unchanged in form, but with a different meaning
from that which it carries in the passage:

(1) cross (line 22)

(2) bolt (line 28)

(3) school (line 29)

(ii) Answer the following questions in your own words as briefly as possible:

(a) Explain the phrase, ‘turning up their noses’. State how this feeling is brought [2]
out in the passage.

(b) Describe the uniqueness of Katy Carr’s school. [2]

(c) What made Katy late to school one day? [2]

(d) How did Aunt Izzie help her out? Explain whether this served the purpose. [2]

(iii) Summarise all the things that went wrong for Katy in school, ultimately forcing her [6]
to jump into Miss Miller’s playground (paragraphs 6 to 9). You are required to
write the summary in the form of a connected passage in about 100 words. Failure
to keep within the word limit will be penalised.

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 ENGLISH PAPER 2 (LITERATURE IN ENGLISH)
(Prescribed Textbooks)
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Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allowed: Three hours
(Candidates are allowed additional 15 minutes for only reading the paper.
They must NOT start writing during this time).
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Answer all questions in Section A and Section B.
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].
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SECTION A – 20 MARKS

Question 1

Choose the correct options for the following questions: [10]

(i) What is Ferdinand doing at the beginning of Act III Scene I?

(a) Cursing Prospero.

(b) Gathering wood.

(c) Planning to escape.

(d) Sighing deeply.

(ii) What is Ferdinand willing to become for Miranda in Act III Scene I?

(a) King of Naples.

(b) A patient log man.

(c) Her beloved.

(d) A traitor to Prospero.

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 (iii) In the masque scene, whom does Iris tell Ceres not to be afraid of?

(a) Dis

(b) Cupid

(c) Juno

(d) Venus

(iv) Where had Ariel confined the “three men of sin” in the beginning of Act V?

(a) In Caliban’s cave.

(b) In the wrecked ship.

(c) In the line-grove.

(d) In Prospero’s cave.

(v) What are we told about Louise Mallard right at the beginning of the short story,
The Story of an Hour?

(a) She is proud.

(b) She is lonely.

(c) She has a weak heart.

(d) She cannot tolerate noise.

(vi) In the short story, To Build a Fire, who advises the Man not to travel alone in the
cold weather?

(a) The old timer at Sulphur Creek.

(b) His mates.

(c) Another traveller.

(d) His dog.

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 (vii) In the short story, The Singing Lesson, what did Mary Beazley give Miss
Meadows as the latter entered the music hall?

(a) Her music books.

(b) A yellow rose.

(c) A yellow chrysanthemum.

(d) A letter from Basil.

(viii) In the poem, Crossing the Bar, which voyage is the poet referring to?

(a) A voyage of discovery.

(b) The voyage from life to death.

(c) The voyage of self-discovery.

(d) The voyage of the imagination.

(ix) What does the word “coppice” mean in the poem The Darkling Thrush?

(a) Grassland

(b) Dense Forest

(c) Woods

(d) Trees

(x) In the poem We are the Music Makers, where are the creative people usually
found?

(a) Palaces.

(b) In crowded cities.

(c) Near streams and sea- breakers.

(d) Markets.

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 Question 2

Complete the following sentences by providing a reason for each: [10]

(i) In Act III Scene I of The Tempest, Miranda disobeyed her father and crept out to
meet Ferdinand because ______________________________.

(ii) At the end of Act III of The Tempest, Prospero is not surprised at the love that
has bloomed between Miranda and Ferdinand because ____________________.

(iii) In Act III Scene II of The Tempest, Caliban is annoyed with Trinculo because
______________________________.

(iv) In Act V of The Tempest, Prospero embraces Alonso because ______________.

(v) In the short story, To Build a Fire, the man carried his lunch wrapped in a
handkerchief, next to his skin because ______________________________.

(vi) In the short story The Story of an Hour, Richards hurried to give the news of
Bently Mallard’s death to Mrs. Mallard because _________________________.

(vii) In the short story, The Sound Machine, Mrs. Saunders turned and ran up the
garden into her house because ______________________________.

(viii) In the poem, The Darkling Thrush, all humankind had sought their household
fires because ______________________________.

(ix) In the poem, Birches, the poet often dreams of going back to his childhood
because ______________________________.

(x) In the poem, We are the Music Makers, the poet declares that music makers are
considered failures because ______________________________.

SECTION B – 60 MARKS
The Tempest: William Shakespeare

Question 3

(i) Referring closely to Act IV of the play, explain why Prospero ends the masque [5]
suddenly? What does he tell Ferdinand about the impermanence of the world?

(ii) With close reference to Act III Scene II of the play, describe the plot that Caliban [5]
hatches to murder Prospero.

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 (iii) (a) Referring closely to the masque presented by Prospero for Ferdinand and [10]
Miranda, explain the purpose of the masque.

OR

(b) Referring closely to the interaction between Prospero and Alonso in [10]
Act V of the play, describe the changes that you notice in both these
characters.

ECHOES: PROSE

Question 4

(i) Referring closely to the short story The Sound Machine, describe the events that [5]
occurred when Klausner went to the park with his sound machine.

(ii) Describe the interaction between Miss Meadows and the Science Mistress in the [5]
short story The Singing Lesson. Comment on the behaviour of Miss Meadows.

(iii) (a) What do you conclude about the struggles and challenges faced by women [10]
from the short story, The Story of an Hour?

OR

(b) The cold becomes a character in the short story, To Build a Fire. Do you [10]
agree? Give your views by referring to the story.

Question 5

(i) In the poem, Crossing the Bar, discuss why the thought of death poses no fear [5]
for the poet.

(ii) Music makers are change makers. How is this conveyed in the poem We are the [5]
Music Makers?

(iii) (a) How does the poet resolve the crisis in his mind in the poem The Darkling [10]
Thrush? What are his thoughts at the end of the poem?

OR

(b) Dover Beach combines beautiful natural description with a commentary [10]
on the contemporary situation. Discuss.

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 HINDI
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Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allowed: Three hours
(Candidates are allowed additional 15 minutes for only reading the paper.
They must NOT start writing during this time).
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Answer Questions 1, 2 and 3 in Section A and four questions from Section B on
any three out of the four prescribed textbooks.
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].
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SECTION A
LANGUAGE - 40 MARKS

Question 1 [15]

Write a composition in approximately 400 words in Hindi on any one of the topics
given below.

किसी एि किषय पर किबन्ध किकिए जो 400 शब्दों से िम ि हो ।

(i) आपको अपने एक करीबी मित्र के घर पर दस ददन रहने एवं उसके पररवार से बहुत
कुछ सीखने का िौका मिला। आपने उसके पररवार से क्या-क्या सीखा, उसका वर्णन
करते हुए मलखखए कि आपको उस पररवार की कौन सी एक बात सबसे अच्छी लगी।

(ii) एक बार हवाई यात्रा के दौरान आपका सट

ू केस ककसी के साथ बदल गया। आपने
अपने सट
ू केस को वापस पाने के मलए क्या ककया? आपको ककन-ककन परे शाननयों
का सािना करना पडा? इसका वर्णन कीजिए।

(iii) "िो घर के बडे बि

ु ग
ु ों की परवाह नहीं करता, संस्कारों को ग्रहर् करने िें पपछड
िाता है" – इस पवषय पर अपने पवचार स्पष्ट करते हुए पवश्व िें बि
ु ग
ु ों की दशा
तथा बढ़ते हुए वद्
ृ धाश्रिों के बारे िें बताइए।

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 (iv) "पढ़ाई के मलए स्िाटण फोन की िहत्ता को दे खते हुए पवद्यालयों िें पवद्यार्थणयों को
स्िाटण फोन के इस्तेिाल की अनुिनत दी िानी चादहए" - इस पवषय के पक्ष या
पवपक्ष िें अपने पवचार प्रस्तुत कीजिए।

(v) "िो व्यजक्त अपनी आकांक्षाओं का तीर जितना ऊँचा चलाता है , वह उतना ही सफल
होता है ” - इस कथन को ककसी सफल व्यजक्त के िीवन का उदाहरर् दे ते हुए
मलखखए कक आप अपने िीवन िें इस कथन की साथणकता कैसे मसद्ध करें गे?

(vi) ननम्नमलखखत िें से ककसी एक पवषय पर िौमलक कहानी मलखखए:

(a) 'िाता-पपता के प्यार की कोई तल

ु ना नहीं की िा सकती'

(b) ननम्नमलखखत वाक्य से अन्त करते हुए एक कहानी मलखखए:

“……. और िैं अपनी बेवकूफी पर हँसे बबना न रह सका/सकी।”

Question 2

Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow, using
your own words in Hindi:

नीचे दिए गए गद्ाांश िो ध््ान से पदिए और अपने शब्िों िा प्र्ोग िरते हुए ननम्नललखित
प्रश्नों िे उत्तर दहांिी में िीजिए:

एक बार एक मशक्षक सम्पन्न पररवार से सम्बन्ध रखने वाले अपने एक युवा मशष्य के
साथ कहीं ननकले। उन्होंने दे खा कक रास्ते िें पुराने हो चुके एक िोडी िूते उतरे पडे हैं, िो
संभवतः पास के खेत िें काि कर रहे ककसी गरीब ििदरू के थे। उन्होंने सोचा कक वह
ििदरू काि पर िाने के पहले िूते वहाँ उतार कर रख गया होगा और अपना काि ख़त्ि
कर घर वापस िाने के सिय पहन कर चला िाएगा।

मशष्य को ििाक सूझा। उसने मशक्षक से कहा, “गुरु िी क्यों न हि ये िूते कहीं नछपा कर
झाडडयों के पीछे नछप िाएँ; िब वह ििदरू इन्हें यहाँ नहीं पाकर घबराएगा तो बडा ििा
आएगा!”
मशक्षक गंभीरता से बोले, “ककसी गरीब के साथ इस तरह का भद्दा ििाक करना ठीक नहीं
है। हिें बेविह ककसी गरीब को सताना नहीं चादहए। ककसी की भावनाओं के साथ खखलवाड
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 करना अच्छी बात नहीं। क्यों ना हि इन िूतों िें कुछ मसक्के डाल दें और नछप कर दे खें
कक इसका ििदरू पर क्या प्रभाव पडता है !”

मशष्य ने ऐसा ही ककया और दोनों पास की झाडडयों िें नछप गए। वे उस ििदरू की प्रतीक्षा
करने लगे। वे यह दे खना चाहते थे कक उन मसक्कों को पाकर ििदरू की क्या प्रनतकिया
होगी?

ििदरू िल्द ही अपना काि ख़त्ि कर िूतों की िगह पर आ गया। उसने िैसे ही एक
पैर िूते िें डाला उसे ककसी कठोर चीि का आभास हुआ। उसने िल्दी से िूते हाथ िें मलए
और दे खा कक अन्दर कुछ मसक्के पडे थे। उसे बडा आश्चयण हुआ और वह मसक्के हाथ िें
लेकर बडे गौर से उन्हें अलट - पलट कर दे खने लगा। उसके चेहरे पर खुशी के साथ भय
का भाव भी था।

वह सोचने लगा, "पता नहीं ये मसक्के ककसके हैं? कहीं कोई िुझे चोरी के इल्जाि िें तो
नहीं फँसाना चाहता?"

कफर वह इधर -उधर दे खने लगा। िब दरू -दरू तक कोई नजर नहीं आया, तो उसने मसक्के
अपनी िेब िें डाल मलए। अब उसने दस
ू रा ित
ू ा उठाया, उसिें भी मसक्के पडे थे। ििदरू
भावपवभोर हो गया, उसकी आँखों िें आँसू आ गए, उसने हाथ िोडकर ऊपर दे खते हुए
कहा–

“हे भगवान ्, सिय पर प्राप्त इस सहायता के मलए उस अनिान सहायक का लाख -लाख
धन्यवाद। उसकी सहायता और दयालुता के कारर् आि िेरी बीिार पत्नी को दवा और
भख
ू े बच्चों को रोटी मिल सकेगी।"

ििदरू की बातें सुन मशष्य की आँखें भर आयीं। मशक्षक ने मशष्य से कहा – “क्या तुम्हारी
ििाक वाली बात की अपेक्षा िूते िें मसक्का डालने से तुम्हें कि ख़ुशी मिली?”

मशष्य बोला, “आपने आि िुझे िो पाठ पढ़ाया है, उसे िैं िीवन भर नहीं भूलँ ग
ू ा। आि िैं
उन शब्दों का ितलब सिझ गया हूँ जिन्हें िैं पहले कभी नहीं सिझ पाया था कक लेने
की अपेक्षा दे ना कहीं अर्धक आनन्ददायी है। दे ने का आनन्द असीि है, दे ना दे वत्व है।
सचिुच ककसी को कुछ दे ने से बढ़कर और कोई सुख नहीं है।"

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 हिें इस कहानी से मशक्षा लेते हुए अपनी-अपनी क्षिता के अनुसार जरूर कुछ-न-कुछ दान
दे ना चादहए और जरुरत िंदों की हर संभव िदद करनी चादहए! इससे हिें आजत्िक खुशी
मिलती है। इससे िानवता पवकमसत होती है।

(i) मशक्षक अपने मशष्य के साथ कहाँ िा रहे थे? रास्ते िें उन्होंने क्या दे खा? उसे [3]
दे खकर मशष्य के िन िें क्या पवचार आया?

(ii) मशष्य की आँखें क्यों भर आयीं? इस घटना से उसने क्या सीखा? [3]

(iii) दान क्यों दे ना चादहए एवं दान दे ने से हिें क्या मिलता है? [3]

(iv) "आि िेरी बीिार पत्नी को दवा और भूखे बच्चों को रोटी मिल सकेगी।"

(a) इस कथन से वक्ता के ककस भाव का पता चलता है ? [1]

(1) दयालुता का भाव

(2) िानवता का भाव

(3) कृतज्ञता का भाव

(4) दीनता का भाव

(b) वक्ता की आँखों िें आँसू क्यों आए? [1]

(1) भावुकता के कारर्

(2) भूख के कारर्

(3) रोटी मिलने के कारर्

(4) चोरी करने के कारर्

(c) उसने हाथ िोडकर ककसका धन्यवाद ककया? [1]

(1) भगवान का

(2) अनिान सहायक का

(3) मशक्षक का

(4) मशष्य का
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 (v) "आपने आि िुझे िो पाठ पढ़ाया है , उसे िैं िीवन भर नहीं भूलँ ग
ू ा।"

(a) मशक्षक द्वारा पढ़ाए गए पाठ से मशष्य का कौन सा दृजष्टकोर् बदला? [1]

(1) दे ने से बढ़कर कोई सुख नहीं है।

(2) दे ने से बढ़कर कोई दख

ु नहीं।

(3) दे ने से बढ़कर कोई कष्ट नहीं है।

(4) छीनने से बढ़कर कोई सुख नहीं है।

(b) 'दृजष्टकोर्' शब्द का अथण मलखखए। [1]

(1) नजर

(2) नजररया

(3) दे खना

(4) ननगाहें

(c) “आपने आि िुझे िो पाठ पढ़ाया है , उसे िैं िीवन भर भूलँ ग

ू ा नहीं।” [1]
रे खांककत शब्द के मलए एक शब्द मलखखए।

(1) आिन्ि

(2) आिीवन

(3) आिरर्

(4) आजिन्दगी

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 Question 3

(A) Correct the following sentences and rewrite as per the instructions given:

ननम्नमलखखत वाक्यों को ननदे शानस

ु ार किकिए:
(i) ननम्नमलखखत वाक्य का शुद्ध रूप मलखखए। [1]

यह सुनकर िैं पवस्िय हुआ।

(ii) ररक्त स्थान िें सही शब्द भररए। [1]

गुलाब के ________ पर िैंने कई फूल दे खे।

(iii) ननम्नमलखखत वाक्यों िें से शुद्ध वाक्य का चयन कीजिए। [1]

(a) यह तो वही बात हुई 'िैसी लाठी वैसी भैंस'।

(b) यह तो वही बात हुई 'जिसकी लाठी उसकी भैंस'।

(c) यह तो वही बात हुई 'जिसकी भैंस उसकी लाठी'।

(d) यह तो वही बात हुई 'जिसका लाठी उसका भैंस'।

(iv) ननम्नमलखखत वाक्यों िें से अशुद्ध वाक्य का चयन कीजिए। [1]

(a) आपका एक-एक शब्द प्रभावशाली है।

(b) इस वषण गेहूँ की फ़सल अच्छी हुई।

(c) ऐनतहामसक घटनाएँ अपने पीछे अपनी यादें छोड िाती हैं।

(d) आपसे मिलकर िुझे अनत प्रसन्नता हुई।

(v) ननम्नमलखखत वाक्य िें रे खांककत शब्द के मलए सही शब्द का चयन कीजिए। [1]

प्रधानाचायण ने बच्चों को प्रशजस्त पत्र अपपणत ककया।

(a) सिपपणत

(b) प्रत्यापपत

(c) सत्यापपत

(d) प्रदान

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 (B) Use the Idioms in the sentences as per the instructions given:

ननदे शानुसार िुहावरों का वाक्यों िें प्रयोग कीजिए:

(i) ननम्नमलखखत िुहावरे से वाक्य बनाइए। [1]

हाथ-पाँव फूल िाना।

(ii) ननम्नमलखखत िह
ु ावरे को शद्
ु ध कीजिए। [1]

अंग-अंग गीला होना।

(iii) ननम्नमलखखत वाक्य िें ररक्त स्थान की पूनतण के मलए एक सटीक िुहावरे [1]
का चयन कीजिए ।

रिा ने अपनी पढ़ाई पूरी करते ही, नौकरी के मलए __________ शुरू कर
ददया।

(a) घास काटना।

(b) दौड-धूप करना।

(c) िुँह की खाना।

(d) नाकों चने चबाना।

(iv) ननम्नमलखखत वाक्य के मलए एक सटीक िुहावरे का चयन कीजिए। [1]

सोहन के सािने अचानक एक शेर आ गया जिसे दे खकर वह बहुत भयभीत

हो गया।

(a) खून सूख िाना।

(b) खून िें उबाल आना।

(c) खून ठण्डा पड िाना।

(d) खून सफेद होना।

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 (v) ननम्नमलखखत िुहावरे के सही अथण का चयन कीजिए। [1]

दाल न गलना।

(a) ककसी काि िें पवघ्न आना।

(b) दाल न पकना।

(c) काि खराब होना।

(d) युजक्त सफल न होना।

SECTION B
LITERATURE - 40 MARKS

Answer four questions from this section on any three out of the four prescribed
textbooks.
पाठ््क्रम में ननर्ााररत चार पुस्तिों में से किनहीां तीन पुस्तिों िे चार प्रश्नों िे
उत्तर इस भाग से िीजिए ।

गद्य सि
ं िि (Gadya Sankalan)
Question 4

"खबरदार, िो उसे छुआ। नीचे उतरो, नहीं तो तुम्हारा मसर चूर ककए दे ता हूँ। वह िेरी शरर्
आया था।"

(i) उक्त पंजक्तयों से सम्बजन्धत पाठ तथा लेखक का नाि मलखखए। [1]

(ii) शरर् िाँगने वाला व्यजक्त कौन था? उसे शरर् क्यों चादहए थी? सिझाकर मलखखए। [2]

(iii) यहाँ ककसका मसर चरू करने की बात हो रही है और क्यों? क्या वक्ता ने उसका मसर [2]
चरू ककया? सिझाकर मलखखए।

(iv) पाठ के आधार पर भारतीय संस्कृनत से कोई एक उदाहरर् दे कर शरर्ागत वत्सलता [5]
पर अपने पवचार प्रस्तुत कीजिए।

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 Question 5

'सती' कहानी िें लेखखका मशवानी ने िदालसा के िाध्यि से एक ऐसी स्त्री का वर्णन ककया [10]
है िो अपनी छल-फरे ब की प्रकृनत से िानवता को शिणसार करती है।क्या आप इस कथन
से सहित हैं? कहानी के आधार पर अपने पवचार व्यक्त कीजिए।

Question 6

‘संस्कृनत क्या है?’ पाठ िें लेखक ने ककन लक्षर्ों का उल्लेख कर संस्कृनत को सिझाने का [10]
प्रयत्न ककया है? सिझाकर मलखखए तथा यह भी बताइए कक ककस दृजष्टकोर् से भारत और
भारतीय संस्कृनत िहान है?

िाव्य मंजरी (Kavya Manjari)

Question 7

“भाग्यवाद आवरर् पाप का और शस्त्र शोषर् का,

जिससे रखता दबा एक िन से भाग दस
ू रे िन का।
पूछो ककसी भाग्यवादी से,यदद पवर्ध-अंक प्रबल है ,
पद पर क्यों दे ती न स्वयं वसध
ु ा ननि रतन उगल है ?”

(i) भाग्यवाद को पाप का आवरर् क्यों कहा गया है? [1]

(ii) कपव ने ककसे शोषर् का शस्त्र कहा है और क्यों? सिझाकर मलखखए। [2]

(iii) आप 'पवर्ध-अंक' और 'परू

ु षाथण' िें से ककसे प्रबल िानते हैं? उदाहरर् द्वारा अपनी [2]
बात को पुष्ट कीजिए।

(iv) 'यह संसार उद्यिी लोगों के बल पर ही चलता है, और सुख पाता है।' इस पंजक्त [5]
की तकण सदहत व्याख्या कीजिए।

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 Question 8

‘कबीर की वार्ी अज्ञानता के अंधकार से ननकाल कर ज्ञान के सच्चे प्रकाश की ओर ले [10]

िाती है।’ 'साखी' पाठ के आधार पर इस कथन की सिीक्षा कीजिए।

Question 9

'नदी के द्वीप' एक प्रतीकात्िक कपवता है। कपवता के प्रतीकों को स्पष्ट करते हुए उनके [10]
पारस्पररक सम्बन्धों पर प्रकाश डामलए। आि के सन्दभण िें कपवता की प्रासंर्गकता पर
अपने पवचार मलखखए।

सारा आिाश (Sara Aakash)

Question 10

"क्यों रे सिर, तूने तो शायद दस तारीख से काि करना शुरू ककया था?"

(i) उक्त कथन का वक्ता कौन है?उसने श्रोता से यह प्रश्न क्यों ककया था? [1]

(ii) श्रोता ने इसका क्या िवाब ददया? श्रोता की बातें सुनकर वक्ता ने ककस प्रकार अपनी [2]
प्रनतकिया व्यक्त की?

(iii) क्या आपके पवचार से वक्ता की प्रनतकिया उर्चत थी? यदद आप वक्ता की िगह [2]
होते, तो आपकी क्या प्रनतकिया होती? तकण सदहत उत्तर दीजिए।

(iv) उस वक्त श्रोता की िनःजस्थनत कैसी थी? उसकी इस िनःजस्थनत का क्या कारर् [5]
था?क्या वह पररजस्थनत िन्य थी या उसका स्वभाव ही ऐसा था? सिझाकर उत्तर
मलखखए।

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 Question 11

रािेन्र यादव िी ने अपने पवचारों तथा िान्यताओं को वार्ी दे ने के मलए 'सारा आकाश' [10]
उपन्यास िें जिस पात्र का सि
ृ न ककया है, वे हैं मशरीष भाई साहब। उक्त कथन को
उदाहरर्ों द्वारा स्पष्ट करते हुए मशरीष भाई साहब का चररत्र र्चत्रर् कीजिए।

Question 12

सिर ने प्रभा की चूडडयाँ क्यों तोडीं? उस सिय उसकी िनोदशा कैसी थी? सिर के इस [10]
कृत्य के पीछे उसकी पवकृत िानमसकता थी या कोई और कारर् था? अपने पवचार प्रकट
कीजिए।

आषाढ़ िा एि कदि (Ashad Ka Ek Din)

Question 13

"िैं िानती हूँ तुि पर आि अपना अर्धकार भी नहीं है। ककन्तु… इतना बडा अपवाद िुझसे
नहीं सहा िाता है।"

(i) उक्त कथन ककसने, ककससे कहा? दोनों के िध्य क्या ररश्ता है? [1]

(ii) वक्ता यहाँ ककस अपवाद की बात कर रही है? वह इसे अपवाद क्यों कहती है ? तकण [2]
सदहत उत्तर दीजिए।

(iii) वक्ता को अपने घर पर ककसका आना अच्छा नहीं लगता था और क्यों? क्या घर [2]
आए व्यजक्त के प्रनत उसका यह व्यवहार उर्चत था? अपने पवचार मलखखए।

(iv) 'वक्ता भावक

ु होने के साथ-साथ एक सिझदार और यथाथणवादी स्त्री है ' - इस कथन [5]
की पुजष्ट सन्दभण के आधार पर कीजिए।

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 Question 14

'िोहन राकेश' ने अपने नाटक का शीषणक 'आषाढ़ का एक ददन' क्यों रखा? शीषणक की [10]
साथणकता मसद्ध करते हुए बताइए कक इस नाटक का क्या कोई और शीषणक रखा िा सकता
था?यदद हाँ, तो तकण सदहत प्रिाखर्त कीजिए।

Question 15

"आपके कारर् िैं थकूँगा? िुझे आप ददन-भर पवणत-मशखर से खाई िें और खाई से पवणत- [10]
मशखर पर िाने को कहती रहें , तो भी िैं नहीं थकूँगा। िातुल का शरीर लोहे का बना है,
लोहे का।" उक्त कथन के आधार पर िातुल का चररत्र र्चत्रर् कीजिए और यह भी स्पष्ट
कीजिए कक िातुल की इस नाटक िें क्या भूमिका है ?

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 MATHEMATICS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Marks: 80
Time Allowed: Three hours
(Candidates are allowed additional 15 minutes for only reading the paper.
They must NOT start writing during this time).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Question Paper consists of three sections A, B and C.
Candidates are required to attempt all questions from Section A and all questions
EITHER from Section B OR Section C.
Section A: Internal choice has been provided in two questions of two marks each,
two questions of four marks each and two questions of six marks each.
Section B: Internal choice has been provided in one question of two marks and
one question of four marks.
Section C: Internal choice has been provided in one question of two marks and
one question of four marks.
All working, including rough work, should be done on the same sheet as,
and adjacent to the rest of the answer.
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].
Mathematical tables and graph papers are provided.
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SECTION A - 65 MARKS

Question 1

In subparts (i) to (x) choose the correct options and in subparts (xi) to (xv), answer the
questions as instructed.

(i) Which of the following is NOT an equivalence relation on Z? [1]

(a) 𝑎𝑅𝑏 ⇔ 𝑎 + 𝑏 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟

(b) 𝑎𝑅𝑏 ⇔ 𝑎 − 𝑏 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟

(c) 𝑎𝑅𝑏 ⇔ 𝑎 < 𝑏

(d) 𝑎𝑅𝑏 ⇔ 𝑎 = 𝑏

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
1
(ii) Let A be the set of all 50 cards numbered from 1 to 50. Let 𝑓: 𝐴 → 𝑁 be a function [1]
defined by 𝑓(𝑥) = card number of the card ‘𝑥’. Then the function ‘𝑓’ is:

(a) one to one but not onto.

(b) onto but not one to one.

(c) neither one to one nor onto.

(d) one to one and onto.

(iii) The value of tan−1 √3 − sec −1 (−2) is equal to [1]

(a) 𝜋
3
(b) 2𝜋
3
(c) −𝜋
3
(d) 𝜋
4

1 𝑏 [1]
(iv) If 𝐴 = ( ), then 𝐴𝑛 (𝑛 ∈ 𝑁) is equal to
0 1
(a) 1 𝑛𝑏
( )
0 1
(b) 1 𝑏𝑛
( )
0 1
(c) (1 𝑛𝑏 )
0 1
(d) 1 𝑛𝑏
( )
0 0

3 0 0 [1]
(v) If 𝐴 is a 3 × 3 matrix such that 𝐴(𝑎𝑑𝑗 𝐴) = (0 3 0), then the value of |𝐴𝑇 |
0 0 3
will be

(a) 27

(b) 9

(c) 3

(d) -3
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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
2
 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 [1]
(vi) If |𝑥 + 𝑎 𝑦 + 2𝑎 𝑧 + 3𝑎| = |𝑥 𝑦 𝑧 | + |𝐵|, then the value of |𝐵| is equal to
1 2 3 1 2 3
(a) 𝑎 + 2𝑏 + 3𝑐

(b) 𝑎 − 𝑏 + 2𝑐

(c) 0

(d) 3𝑎

𝜋 𝑑𝑦 [1]
(vii) If sin−1 𝑥 + sin−1 𝑦 = , then 𝑑𝑥 is equal to
2

(a) 𝑥
𝑦

(b) 𝑥
−
𝑦

(c) 𝑦
𝑥
(d) 𝑦
−
𝑥

(viii) 4−𝑥 2 [1]

If 𝑓(𝑥) = then the function is:
4𝑥−𝑥 3

(a) discontinuous at only one point.

(b) discontinuous at exactly two points.

(c) discontinuous at exactly three points.

(d) discontinuous at exactly four points.

𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 2 𝑑2 𝑦 [1]
(ix) The degree of the differential equation 𝑑𝑥 2 + 3 (𝑑𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2 log (𝑑𝑥 2 ) is:

(a) 2

(b) 1

(c) 3

(d) not defined

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
3
 ̅
(x) If A and B are two events such that 𝑃(𝐴) > 0 and 𝑃(𝐵) ≠ 1 , then 𝑃 (𝐴⁄ ̅ ) is [1]
𝐵
̅
(a) 1 − 𝑃 (𝐴⁄𝐵 )

(b) 1 − 𝑃(𝐴⁄𝐵 )

(c) 1 − P(𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)
𝑃(𝐵̅ )

(d) 𝑃(𝐴̅)
𝑃(𝐵)

(xi) Write the smallest equivalence relation on the set 𝐴 = {𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐} [1]

(xii) 3 5 [1]
If ( ) = 𝑋 + 𝑌, where 𝑋 is skew- symmetric matrix and 𝑌 is symmetric
7 9
matrix. Find |𝑋|.

(xiii) If ∫ log 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥log2𝑥 − 𝑘 + 𝑐 where 𝑘 is a function of 𝑥, then find 𝑘. [1]

(xiv) 50 tickets in a box are numbered 00, 01, 02 , .. .. , 49. One ticket is drawn randomly [1]
from the box. Find the probability of the ticket having the product of its digits 7,
given that the sum of the digits is 8?

(xv) A speaks truth in 60% of cases and B speaks truth in 90% of the cases. In what [1]
percentage of cases are they likely to contradict each other in stating the same fact?

Question 2 [2]

(a) 𝑑𝑦
If 𝑦 = √sin 𝑥 + 𝑦 , then find .
𝑑𝑥

OR
(b) Find the point on the curve 𝑦 2 = 4𝑥 + 8 for which the abscissa and ordinate changes
at the same rate.

Question 3 [2]

Let 𝑓: 𝑅 → 𝑅 defined as 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3. Find

(i) 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)

(ii) domain and range of 𝑓 −1 (𝑥)

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
4
 Question 4 [2]

The function 𝑓 is defined for all x ∈ R . The line with equation 𝑦 = 6𝑥 − 1 is the tangent
to the graph of 𝑓 at 𝑥 = 4.

(i) Write down the value of 𝑓 ′ (4).

(ii) Find 𝑓(4).

Question 5 [2]

(i) Evaluate: ∫[sin(log 𝑥) + cos(log 𝑥)] 𝑑𝑥

OR
𝜋
(ii) 𝑎 sin 𝑥+𝑏 cos 𝑥
Evaluate:∫0 2 𝑑𝑥
sin 𝑥+cos 𝑥

Question 6 [2]

Solve the differential equation: (1 + 𝑦 2 )(1 + log 𝑥)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥𝑑𝑦 = 0

Question 7 [4]
𝑥 𝑦 𝑥2 2𝑥𝑦 𝑦2
If cos−1 𝑎 + cos −1 𝑏 = 𝛼, prove that 𝑎2 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝛼 + 𝑏2 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝛼
𝑎𝑏

Question 8 [4]
𝑛 𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑𝑦
If 𝑦 = (𝑥 + √1 + 𝑥 2 ) , then prove that (1 + 𝑥 2 ) 𝑑𝑥 2 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑛2 𝑦.

Question 9 [4]
2
(i) Evaluate : ∫−1|𝑥 3 − 𝑥| 𝑑𝑥

OR

(ii) Evaluate: ∫ √cosec 𝑥 − 1 𝑑𝑥

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
5
Question 10 [4]

(i) A student answers a multiple choice question with 5 alternatives, of which exactly
1
one is correct. The probability that he knows the correct answer is 5. If he does not
know the correct answer, he randomly ticks one answer. Given that he has answered
the question correctly, find the probability that he did not tick the answer randomly.

OR

(ii) A candidate takes three tests in succession and the probability of passing the first test
1 1 1
is 2. The probability of passing each succeeding test is 2 or 4 depending on whether
he passes or fails in the preceding one. The candidate is selected, if he passes at least
two tests. Find the probability that the candidate is selected.

Question 11 [6]
1 2 0
Find 𝐴 , if 𝐴 = (−2 −1 −2). Using 𝐴−1 , solve the system of linear equations:
−1
𝑥−
0 −1 1
2𝑦 = 10, 2𝑥 − 𝑦 − 𝑧 = 8, −2𝑦 + 𝑧 = 7

Question 12 [6]

(i) Find the particular solution of the differential equation given below
(1 + 𝑥 2 )𝑑𝑦 = (tan−1 𝑥 − 𝑦)𝑑𝑥, given that 𝑦 = 1 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 0

OR
1
(ii) Evaluate: ∫ 𝑑𝑥
sin4 𝑥+ cos4 𝑥

Question 13 [6]

(i) Find the maximum volume of the cylinder which can be inscribed in a sphere of radius
3√3 𝑐𝑚. (find the answer in terms of 𝜋)

OR

(ii) Find the coordinates of a point on the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 2 which is closest to the
straight line 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 3.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
6
 Question 14 [6]

A biased four-sided die with faces labelled 1, 2,3 and 4 is rolled and recorded. Let 𝑋 be the
result obtained when the die is rolled. The probability distribution for 𝑋 is given in the
following table where p and 𝑞 are constants.

𝑥 1 2 3 4

𝑃(𝑋 = 𝑥) 𝑝 0·3 𝑞 0·1

For the probability distribution, it is known that 𝐸(𝑋) = 2. Find 𝑝 and 𝑞.

Also, find 𝑃(𝑋 > 2).
Ajay plays a game with this four-sided die. In this game he is allowed a maximum of five
rolls. His score is calculated by adding the results of each roll. He wins the game if his score
is at least 10. After 3 rolls, Ajay has score of four points. Assuming that rolls of the die are
independent, find the probability that Ajay wins the game.

SECTION B - 15 MARKS

Question 15 [5]

In subparts (i) and (ii) choose the correct options and in subparts (iii) to (v), answer the
questions as instructed.
(i) If 𝑎⃗ = 𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗⃗ = -𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ and 𝑐⃗ = 3𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂, find 𝑡 such that 𝑎⃗ + 𝑡𝑏⃗⃗ is
perpendicular to 𝑐⃗ is

(a) 0

(b) 5

(c) 4

(d) 2

(ii) The planes 2x – y + 4z = 5 and 5x – 2·5y + 10z = 6 are

(a) parallel

(b) intersect on y axis

(c) perpendicular

(d) 5
pass through (0, 0, 4)

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
7
(iii) Find a vector of magnitude of 10 units and parallel to the vector 2𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂.

(iv) Find the position vector of a point R which divides the line joining the two-points 𝑃
and 𝑄 with position vectors 2𝑖̂+𝑗̂ and 𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ respectively in the ratio of 2:1 externally.

(v) Find the equation of the plane with intercept 3 on the 𝑦 − axis and parallel to
𝑥𝑧 −plane.

Question 16 [2]

(i) Find the area of the triangle whose adjacent sides are 𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂ – 𝑘̂ and 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂.

OR

(ii) For any two non-zero vectors 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗, if | 𝑎⃗.𝑏⃗⃗ |=|𝑎⃗ ×𝑏⃗⃗|, then find the angle between
them.

Question 17 [4]
4−𝑥 𝑦+3 𝑧+1 𝑥−1 𝑦+1 𝑧+10
(i) Show that −1 = −4 = 7 and = = intersect each other. Also find out
2 −3 8
the point of intersection.

OR

(ii) Find the equation of the plane passing through the points (0,4, −3) and (6, −4,3) if
the sum of their intercepts on three axes is 0.

Question 18 [4]
1
If the area is bounded by the parabola 𝑦 2 = 16𝑥 and the line 𝑦 = 4𝑚𝑥 is 12 sq units, then
using integration, find the value of 𝑚. (𝑚 > 0).

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
8
 SECTION C - 15 MARKS

Question 19 [5]

In subparts (i) and (ii) choose the correct options and in subparts (iii) to (v), answer the
questions as instructed.

(i) Which relation is correct for breakeven point where 𝑅(𝑋) is revenue function and
𝐶(𝑥) is cost function?

(a) 𝑅(𝑋) > 𝐶(𝑋)

(b) 𝑅(𝑋) < 𝐶(𝑋)

(c) 𝑅(𝑋) = 𝐶(𝑋)

(d) 𝑅(𝑋) = 2𝐶(𝑋)

(ii) If correlation coefficient 𝑟 = 0, then regression lines are

(a) parallel to each other.

(b) not mutually perpendicular.

(c) parallel to coordinate axis.

(d) overlapping lines.

(iii) Average revenue of a commodity is given by 𝐴𝑅(𝑥) = 𝑎 + 𝑏

. Find the demand
𝑥
function when marginal revenue is zero.

(iv) If 𝑅(𝑋) = 36𝑥 + 3𝑥 2 + 5 then find actual revenue from selling 50th item.

(v) For a given bi-variant distribution, the mean of variable 𝑥 = 4 and the mean of
variable 𝑦 = 6. Find the point of intersection of two regression lines.

Question 20 [2]

(i) The total revenue function R(x) = x + 2x3 – 3·5x2. Find the point where marginal
revenue curve cuts the co-ordinate axis.

OR

(ii) 𝑏𝑥
For the revenue function 𝑅(𝑥) = 𝑎+𝑥 , show that the marginal revenue function is
increasing for all 𝑏 < 0 and 𝑎 > 0.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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 Question 21 [4]

The line of regression of marks in Maths (𝑋) and marks in English (𝑌) for a class of 50
students is 3𝑌 − 5𝑋 + 180 = 0. The average score in English is 44 and variance of marks
9
in Maths is 16 𝑡ℎ of the variance of marks in English. Find the average score in Maths. Also,
find out the coefficient of correlation between marks in Maths and English.

Question 22 [4]

(i) Solve the following linear programming problem graphically and interpret your result
of 𝑍 = 2𝑥 – 5𝑦 subject to the constraints 𝑥 + 𝑦 ≥ 2, 𝑥 − 𝑦 ≥ 0, 𝑥 ≤ 1, 𝑥 ≥
0, 𝑦 ≥ 0.
OR

(ii) The standard weight of a special purpose brick is 5 kg and it must contain two basic
ingredients B1 and B2 . B1 costs ₹ 5 per kg and B2 costs ₹ 8 per kg. Strength
considerations dictate that the brick should not contain more than 4 kg of B1 and
minimum 2 kg of B2 .Since the demand for the product is likely to be related to the
price of the bricks, find the minimum cost of the brick satisfying the above conditions.
Formulate this situation as an L.P.P. and solve it graphically.

(NOTE: The total weightage of each Unit covered in the question paper shall be as specified in
the syllabus, covering all the chapters of each Unit. The weightage of each question in the
Question Paper shall be as indicated in this Specimen Paper. However, the number of MCQs
given in Question Nos. 1, 15 and 19 may vary from year to year.)

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
10
 PHYSICS PAPER 1
(THEORY)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Marks: 70
Time Allowed: Three hours
(Candidates are allowed additional 15 minutes for only reading the paper.
They must NOT start writing during this time).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This paper is divided into four sections – A, B, C and D.
Answer all questions.
Section A consists of one question having sub-parts of one mark each.
Section B consists of seven questions of two marks each.
Section C consists of nine questions of three marks each, and
Section D consists of three questions of five marks each.
Internal choices have been provided in two questions each in Section B,
Section C and Section D.
The intended marks for questions are given in brackets [ ].
All working, including rough work, should be done on the same sheet as and
adjacent to the rest of the answer.
Answers to sub parts of the same question must be given in one place only.
A list of useful physical constants is given at the end of this paper.
A simple scientific calculator without a programmable memory may be used for
calculations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION A – 14 MARKS

Question 1

(A) In questions (i) to (vii) below, choose the correct alternative (a), (b), (c) or (d) for
each of the questions given below:

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
1
 (i) The surface charge density of a large conducting sheet is 17·7 × 10-6 Cm-2. [1]
The electric field intensity at a point outside the sheet but close to it is:

(a) 1×104 NC-1

(b) 5×104 NC-1

(c) 1×105 NC-1

(d) 1×106 NC-1

(ii) If R1 and R2 are filament resistances of a 100W bulb and a 50W bulb [1]
respectively, designed to operate on the same voltage, then:

(a) R1 = R2

(b) R1 = 4R2

(c) R2 = 4R1

(d) R2 = 2R1

(iii) Magnetic flux density (B) of the magnetic field at a point on the axis of a [1]
long straight solenoid is given by:

(a) B = 𝜇𝑜 𝑛𝐼

(b) 𝜇𝑜 𝐼
B= 2𝑟

(c) 𝜇 𝐼
𝑜
B = 4𝜋𝑟

(d) B = 𝜇𝑜 𝐼

(iv) Two thin lenses having optical powers of -8D and +12D are placed in contact [1]
with each other. The focal length of this combination is:

(a) + 0·25 m

(b) - 0·25 m

(c) + 0·25 cm

(d) - 0·25 cm

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
2
 (v) Cylindrical wavefronts are produced by: [1]

(a) a point source of light

(b) a line source of light

(c) a source at infinity

(d) all types of sources of light

(vi) The graph of de-Broglie wavelength (λ) of a moving electron versus its [1]
velocity (v) is:

(a) λ

(b)
λ

(c) λ

(d) λ

(vii) ‘n’ type semiconductor is that which has [1]

(a) holes as majority carriers.

(b) free electrons as majority carriers.

(c) holes and free electrons equal in number.

(d) trivalent element as an impurity.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
3
 (B) Answer the following questions briefly:

(i) In an electric dipole, what is the locus of a point having zero potential? [1]

(ii) Name the conservation principle implied in Kirchhoff’s Junction law for [1]
electric circuits.

(iii) Give any one reason why efficiency of a transformer is always less than 1. [1]

(iv) Give an example of coherent sources of light. [1]

(v) In Young’s double slit experiment, what is the path difference between the [1]
two light waves forming 5th bright fringe on the screen?

(vi) State the function of a moderator in a nuclear reactor. [1]

(vii) In semiconductors, what is meant by “doping”? [1]

SECTION B – 14 MARKS

Question 2 [2]

(i) You are provided with many identical capacitors each of capacitance 100μF.
How will you connect a minimum number of them to obtain a capacitance of 75μF?
Draw a diagram in support of your answer.

OR

(ii) Three point charges of 50nC each are kept at the vertices of an equilateral triangle
having each side = 3m. Calculate electrostatic potential energy of the system.

Question 3 [2]

(i) With reference to free electron theory of conductors, define:

(a) Drift velocity

(b) State any one use of a potentiometer.

Question 4 [2]

Explain why a blue coloured spark is often seen in a switch when a circuit containing an
electric iron/geyser is switched off.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
4
 Question 5 [2]

(i) Two long straight wires A and B are kept parallel to each other, 5 cm apart, in
vacuum. They carry currents of 5A and 10A respectively in the same direction as
shown in Figure 1 below. Calculate the force per unit length acting on the wire B
due to the current flowing in the wire A.

A B

5A 10A

Vacuum

5 cm

Figure 1

OR

(ii) An electron moving with a velocity of 8 × 106 m/s enters a uniform and transverse
magnetic field of 3 × 10-3T. Calculate the radius of the circular path described by it.

Question 6 [2]

Name the electromagnetic radiation:

(i) used for viewing through haze and fog.

(ii) which has the wavelength of 0·1 nm.

Question 7 [2]

Draw a neat and labelled ray diagram to show the formation of a primary rainbow.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
5
 Question 8 [2]

With reference to a semiconductor diode, explain the terms:

(i) Depletion region

(ii) Potential barrier or barrier p.d.

SECTION C – 27 MARKS

Question 9 [3]

Obtain an expression for intensity of electric field at a point in end on position i.e. on an
axial line of an electric dipole.

Question 10 [3]

(i) In a meter bridge circuit, resistance in the left gap is 4Ω and an unknown resistance
R is in the right-hand gap as shown in Figure 2 below. The null point is found to
be 40 cm from the left end of the wire.

4Ω R

• • • • •

A B•
•
0 cm 40 cm 100 cm

(•)

Figure 2
(a) Calculate the value of the unknown resistance R.

(b) What change will you make in R to bring the null point to the midpoint of the
wire AB?

OR

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
6
 (ii) A circuit is used to determine the internal resistance and the emf of a cell. It consists
of the cell, a variable resistor, an ideal ammeter A and an ideal voltmeter V.
Figure 3 shows part of the circuit with the ammeter and voltmeter missing.

Figure 3
The variable resistor is set to be 1·5Ω. When the cell converts 7·2mJ of energy.,
5·8mC of charge moves completely around the circuit. The potential difference
across the variable resistor is 0·55V.
(a) Redraw the diagram showing the positions of the ammeter and the voltmeter.

(b) Calculate the emf of the cell.

Question 11 [3]

Obtain an expression for magnetic flux density B at the centre of a current carrying circular
coil.

Question 12 [3]

Using Huygen’s wave theory, prove Snell’s law of refraction of light.

Question 13 [3]

(i) Obtain Prism formula i.e. prove that

𝑆𝑖𝑛{(𝐴 + 𝑑𝑚)/2}
𝑛=
𝐴
𝑆𝑖𝑛 ( 2 )

Where the terms have their usual meaning.

OR

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
7
 (ii) Derive Lens Maker’s formula.

Question 14 [3]

(i) Calculate the angular width of the central maxima obtained in Fraunhofer single
slit diffraction experiment, when a monochromatic light of wavelength 550 nm
falls normally on a rectangular slit of width 1·1×10-4 cm.

(ii) How will its value change if the experiment is repeated with monochromatic light
of greater wavelength?

Question 15 [3]

(i) With reference to photoelectric effect, plot a labelled graph of stopping potential
(Vs) versus frequency (f)of the incident radiation.

(ii) State how will you use this graph to determine the value of Planck’s constant.

Question 16 [3]

(i) State any two differences between Nuclear fusion and Nuclear fission.

(ii) What is the essential difference between the working of a fission bomb and a
nuclear reactor?

Question 17 [3]

What is meant by reverse biasing of a semiconductor diode? Draw a labelled

characteristic curve i.e. I - V graph for a semiconductor diode during reverse bias.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
8
 SECTION D – 15 MARKS

Question 18 [5]

(i) An 80Ω resistor, a 1·0 H inductor and a 40 𝜇F capacitor are connected in series to
an a.c. supply of 220V such that the circuit draws the maximum current. At this
stage, calculate:

(a) Resonant frequency of the circuit.

(b) Capacitive reactance of the circuit.

(c) Impedance of the circuit

(d) Current flowing through the circuit.

(e) Phase difference between capacitive and inductive voltages.

OR

(ii) Figure 4 below shows two thick metallic rails CD and GH kept parallel to each
other 0·8m apart. They are joined to each other by a resistance wire R having a
resistance of 5Ω. A thick metallic rod PQ rests on the rails. There is a uniform
magnetic field B = 0·2T, which is perpendicular to the plane of the rails, pointing
into the paper.

D P C

x x x x

R 0·8m

x x x x

G Q H
Figure 4

(a) Calculate magnitude and direction of the current induced in the rod PQ if it is
moved towards right with a constant velocity v = 36 km/hr.

(b) The rod PQ is now made to perform simple harmonic motion with a
frequency of 3Hz and an amplitude of 4cm. Calculate the maximum value of
the emf induced in the rod.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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 Question 19 [5]

(i) (a) Using Bohr’s theory of hydrogen atom, obtain an expression for the radius of
the nth orbit of an electron in an atom.

(b) Draw a labelled graph of binding energy of a nucleus per nucleon versus its
mass number. Mark the region where nuclei are relatively more stable.

OR

(ii) (a) State the postulate of Bohr’s theory regarding

(1) Quantisation of angular momentum of an electron.

(2) Emission of energy by an atom.

(b) What is meant by the following terms?

(1) Mass defect of a nucleus.

(2) Binding energy of a nucleus.

State how these two are related to each other.

Question 20 [5]

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.
Optical instruments are of great utility. They help us in studying very tiny objects as well
as very large heavenly bodies. Scientists have developed microscopes like electron
microscopes which aid in studying tiny molecules of matter. They have also devised giant
telescopes like Hubble telescope and James Web Space telescope which have enabled us to
view distant galaxies hitherto unknown.

(i) Which optical instrument is used to study detailed structure of a virus?

(ii) What is the ability of an instrument to form an enlarged image of an object called?

(iii) Hubble telescope orbits around the earth like a satellite. What is the advantage of
such a telescope over a similar one on earth’s surface?

(iv) An astronomical telescope consists of two convex lenses having focal length of
200cm and 4cm. When it forms final image at infinity, calculate its
(a) Magnifying power

(b) Length.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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Useful Constants & Relations:

1 Permittivity of vacuum ε0 8·85 × 10-12F/m

2 Constant for Coulomb’s law (1/4π ε0) 9 × 109 m/F

3 Constant in Magnetism (μ0/4π) 1 × 10-7H/m

4 Elementary charge e 1.6 X 10-19C

5 Mass of an electron m 9 x 10-31kg

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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 CHEMISTRY PAPER 1
(THEORY)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Marks: 70
Time Allowed: Three hours
(Candidates are allowed additional 15 minutes for only reading the paper.
They must NOT start writing during this time).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This paper is divided into four sections – A, B, C and D.
Answer all questions.
Section A consists of one question having sub-parts of one mark each.
Section B consists of ten questions of two marks each.
Section C consists of seven questions of three marks each, and
Section D consists of three questions of five marks each.
Internal choices have been provided in one question each in Section B,
Section C and Section D.
All working, including rough work, should be done on the same sheet as, and
adjacent to the rest of the answer.
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].
Balanced equations must be given wherever possible and diagrams where they
are helpful.
When solving numerical problems, all essential working must be shown.
In working out problems, use the following data:
Gas constant R = 1987 cal deg-1 mol-1 = 8314 JK-1 mol-1
= 00821 dm3 atm K-1mol-1
1 l atm = 1 dm3 atm = 1013 J. 1 Faraday = 96500 coulombs.
Avogadro’s number = 6023  1023.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SECTION A – 14 MARKS

Question 1

(A) Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate word(s) from those given in the [4×1]
brackets:
[two, Williamson’s synthesis, three, anisole, toluene, Friedel-Crafts alkylation,
iodoform, sec-1, mol-1L sec-1, Lewis base, acetone, Lewis acid, chloroform,
formaldehyde]
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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
1
 (i) Sodium phenoxide reacts with methyl chloride to give _______. The
reaction is known as ________.

(ii) When the concentration of a reactant of first order reaction is tripled, the
rate of reaction becomes ________ times. The unit of rate constant (k) for
the first order reaction is ________.

(iii) In coordination complexes, the central metal atom or ion behaves as

________ and the ligands behave as ________.

(iv) Calcium acetate on dry distillation gives ________ which gives _______
on heating with iodine and alkali.

(B) Select and write the correct alternative from the choices given below: [4×1]

(i) An alkyl isocyanide on complete reduction gives :

(a) Primary amine.

(b) Secondary amine.

(c) Tertiary amine.

(d) Carboxylic acid.

(ii) For a spontaneous reaction Eocell and ∆Go will be respectively:

(a) -ve and -ve

(b) -ve and +ve

(c) +ve and -ve

(d) +ve and +ve .

(iii) Which of the following pairs of transition elements have exceptional

electronic configuration?

(a) Sc and Cu

(b) Fe and Ni

(c) Cr and Cu

(d) Mn and Zn

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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 (iv) For a first order reaction, when 100g of the reactant is taken, 75g of the
reactant reacts in 8 minutes. If 200g of the same reactant is taken, in how
much time 150g of the reactant will react?

(a) 8 minutes

(b) 16 minutes

(c) 20 minutes

(d) 24 minutes.

(C) Match the following: [4×1]

(i) Phenol (a) Osmotic pressure

(ii) Ethylenediamine (b) Zwitter ion

(iii) Colligative property (c) Neutral FeCl3 solution

(iv) Amino acid (d) Bidentate ligand.

(D) [2×1]

(i) Assertion: Specific conductance of all electrolytes decreases on dilution.

Reason: On dilution, number of ions per unit volume decreases.

(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct
explanation of assertion.

(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct
explanation for assertion.

(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.

(d) Assertion is false but reason is true.

(ii) Assertion: Nitration of chlorobenzene leads to the formation of m-nitro

chlorobenzene.
Reason: Nitro (-NO2) group is a m-directing group.

(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct
explanation of assertion.

(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct
explanation for assertion.

(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.

(d) Assertion is false but reason is true.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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 SECTION B – 20 MARKS

Question 2 [2]

The osmotic pressure of 20g haemoglobin in 500ml of solution is 0·016atm at 25oC.

Calculate the molecular mass of haemoglobin.

Question 3 [2]

Give reason for the following:

(i) Transition metals form large number of complex compounds.

(ii) Transition elements show variable oxidation states.

Question 4 [2]

Identify compounds [A] and [B] in the following reactions.

+
+HOH/H
(i) CH3Br + KCN(alc) [A] [B]
(complete hydrolysis)

o
0-5 C Cu2Cl2/HCl
(ii) C6H5NH2 + HNO2 + HCl [A] [B]

Question 5 [2]
State reasons for the following:

(i) Ethylamine is soluble in water whereas aniline is not soluble in water.

(ii) Aliphatic amines are stronger bases than aromatic amines.

Question 6 [2]

Calculate the standard free energy change (∆Go) for the following chemical
reaction:

(i) Cd(s) + 2Ag+ Cd2+ + 2Ag(s)

(ii) EoCd2+/Cd = - 0·40V, EoAg+/Ag = +0·80V

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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 Question 7 [2]

Complete and balance the following chemical equations:

(i) KMnO4 + H2SO4 + FeSO4 ______ + _____ + _____ + _____

(ii) K2Cr2O7 + KI + H2SO4 ______ + _____ + _____ + _____

Question 8 [2]

(i) How will the following be obtained? (Give chemical equation)

(a) Picric acid from phenol

(b) Ethanol from formaldehyde

OR

(ii) Write the chemical equations for the dehydration of ethanol with conc. H2SO4 at
140oC and 170oC.

Question 9 [2]

A solution of urea in water has boiling point 100·128oC. Calculate the freezing point of
the same solution. Molal constants for water are Kb = 0·512 K kg mol-1 and
Kf = 1·86 K kg mol-1 respectively.

Question 10 [2]

Give one chemical test for each to distinguish between the following pair of compounds.

(i) Formaldehyde and acetic acid

(ii) Acetaldehyde and acetone

Question 11 [2]

Why are Zn, Cd and Hg not regarded as transition elements?

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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 SECTION C – 21 MARKS

Question 12 [3]

The rate constant for a first order reaction becomes six times when the temperature is
increased from 350 K to 410 K. Calculate activation energy (Ea) for the reaction.

Question 13 [3]

An organic compound ‘A’ on treatment with [Link] produces compound ‘B’.

Compound ‘B’ on reduction with Na/C2H5OH gives compound ‘C’ with molecular
formula C2H7N. Compound ‘C’ reacts with NaNO2 and HCl to form compound ‘D’.
Compound ‘D’ on treatment with acetic acid in presence of conc. H2SO4 produces a sweet
smelling compound ‘E’.

(i) Identify the compounds ‘A’ to ‘E’.

(ii) Name the reaction for the formation of compound ‘E’ from compound ‘D’.

Question 14 [3]

(i) Name the four bases present in DNA. Which one of these is not present in RNA?

(ii) Deficiency of which vitamin causes the following diseases.

(a) Scurvy

(b) Night blindness

Question 15 [3]

An aqueous solution containing 12·48g of barium chloride in 1000g of water boils at

373·0832K. Calculate the degree of dissociation (α) of barium chloride.
Kb for H2O = 0·52K kg mol -1, molecular mass of BaCl2 = 208·34 g mol -1

Question 16 [3]

Write the chemical equation for the following named organic reactions.

(i) Haloform reaction

(ii) Reimer - Tiemann reaction

(iii) Kolbe - Schmidt reaction or Kolbe reaction

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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 Question 17 [3]

(i) Identify the compounds A, B and C in the following reactions:

Sn + HCl NaNO2 + HCl H2O
(a) C6H5NO2 A B C
273K -278K

H2O / H+ NH3 / heat Br2 + KOH

(b) CH3CN A B C

OR

(ii) How will the following be converted? (Give chemical equations)

(a) Benzenediazonium chloride to Benzene

(b) Ethylamine to ethyl alcohol

(c) Methylamine to methyl isocyanide

Question 18 [3]
Suppose 50 bacteria are placed in a flask containing nutrients, so that they can multiply.
A study at 35oC gave the following results:

Time 0 15 30 45 60
(in minutes)
Number of 100 200 400 800 1600
bacteria

Answer the following questions:

(i) This multiplication of bacteria follows:
(a) Zero order reaction
(b) First order reaction
(c) Second order reaction
(d) Third order reaction

(ii) The rate constant for the reaction is:

(a) 0·0462 min-1
(b) 0·462 min-1
(c) 4·62 min-1
(d) 46·2 min-1
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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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 (iii) The half life period (t1/2) of the reaction is:

(a) 1500 minutes

(b) 150 minutes
(c) 15 minutes
(d) 1·5 minutes

SECTION D – 15 MARKS

Question 19 [5]
(i) Starting with methyl magnesium bromide, how will the following compounds be
synthesised?

(a) Acetaldehyde

(b) Acetone

(c) Acetic acid

(ii) Explain the following:

(a) Chloroacetic acid is stronger acid than acetic acid.

(b) Formic acid reduces Tollen’s reagent but acetic acid does not.

Question 20 [5]
(i) Name the type of isomerism shown by the following pairs of coordination
compounds.

(a) [Pt(H2O)4Cl2]Cl2.H2O and [Pt(H2O)3Cl3]Cl.2H2O

(b) [Co(NH3)4Cl2]Br2 and [Co(NH3)4Br2]Cl2

(c) [Cr(H2O)5(SCN)]Cl2 and [Cr(H2O)5(NCS)]Cl2

(ii) Consider the complex ion [Co(CN)6]3- and answer the following questions:
(atomic number of Co = 27)

(a) Type of hybridisation of central metal atom

(b) Magnetic nature

(c) Geometry of the complex ion

(d) Low spin complex or high spin complex

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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 Question 21 [5]

(i) A 0·06 molar CH3COOH solution offers a resistance of 55 ohms to a conductivity

cell at 25oC. If the cell constant is 0·45cm-1 and the molar conductance of
CH3COOH at infinite dilution is 398·5 ohm-1cm2mol-1. Calculate:

(a) Specific conductance

(b) Molar conductance

(c) Degree of dissociation

(ii) Calculate the number of coulombs of charge required to deposit 24·35g of

aluminium from a solution containing Al3+ ions.
(Atomic weight of Al = 27)

OR

(i) Write the Nernst equation for the cell reaction given below and calculate the emf
of the cell at 298K.
2Cr(s) + 3Fe2+(0.1M) 2Cr3+(0.01M) + 3Fe(s)
Given Eo(Cr3+/Cr) = -0·74V, Eo(Fe2+/Fe) = -0·44V

(ii) Calculate the molar conductance at infinite dilution (ꓥ∞m) for NH4OH. Given that
ꓥ∞m for Ba(OH)2, BaCl2 and NH4Cl are 457 ohm-1cm2mol-1,
240 ohm-1cm2mol-1 and 129 ohm-1cm2mol-1 respectively.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
9
 COMPUTER SCIENCE PAPER 1
(THEORY)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Marks: 70
Time Allowed: Three hours
(Candidates are allowed additional 15 minutes for only reading the paper.
They must NOT start writing during this time).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answer all questions in Part I (compulsory) and six questions from Part-II,
choosing two questions from Section-A, two from Section-B and
two from Section-C.
All working, including rough work, should be done on the same sheet as the
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets [ ].
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART I – 20 MARKS
Answer all questions.
While answering questions in this Part, indicate briefly your working and reasoning,
wherever required.
Question 1

(i) The law which states a + (b.c) = (a+b) . (a+c) is: [1]

(a) Associative Law

(b) Distributive Law

(c) Involution Law

(d) Commutative Law

(ii) The dual of ( P + P' ) • ( Q + 0 ) = Q is: [1]

(a) P.P’ + Q.1 = Q

(b) P.P’ + Q.0 = Q

(c) P.P + Q.1 = Q’

(d) P+P’ + Q+1 = Q

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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(iii) The complement of the Boolean expression (P·Q)′ + R′ is: [1]

(a) (P+Q).R

(b) PQR

(c) (P’+Q’) .R’

(d) (P’+Q’).R

(iv) If ( x => ~y ) then, its inverse will be: [1]

(a) x => y

(b) y => x

(c) ~y => x

(d) ~x => y

(v) Transitive nature of inheritance is implemented through [1]

(a) Single inheritance

(b) Multiple inheritance

(c) Hybrid inheritance

(d) Multilevel inheritance

(vi) Write the canonical sum of product form of the function y(A,B) = A + B. [1]

(vii) Name the basic gate that is equivalent to two NOR gates connected in series. [1]

(viii) State any one purpose of using the keyword super in Java programming. [1]

(ix) Define Interface with respect to data abstraction. [1]

(x) What is a linked list? [1]

Question 2

(i) Convert the following infix notation to postfix form. [2]

(P/Q–R) *(S+T)

(ii) A matrix N[11][8] is stored in the memory with each element requiring 2 bytes of [2]
storage. If the base address at N[2][3] is 2140, find the address of N[7][5] when the
matrix is stored in Row Major Wise.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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(iii) With reference to the code given below answer the questions that follow.
void Solve(int n)
{ int a=1,b=1;
for (int i=n;i>0;i=i/10)
{ int d=i%10;
if (d%2==0)
a=a*d;
else
b=b*d;
}
[Link](a+" "+b);
}
(a) What will the function Solve( ) return when the value of n=3269? [2]

(b) What is the method Solve( ) computing? [1]

(iv) The following function quiz( ) is a part of some class. Assume ‘n’ is a positive
integer, greater than 0. Answer the given questions along with dry run / working.
int quiz( int n)
{
if ( n <= 1 )
return n;
else
return (--n % 2) + quiz(n/10);
}

(a) What will the function quiz( ) return when the value of n=36922? [2]

(b) State in one line what does the function quiz( ) do, apart from recursion? [1]

PART II – 50 MARKS
Answer six questions in this part, choosing two questions from
Section A, two from Section B and two from Section C.
SECTION - A
Answer any two questions.

Question 3

(i) Given the Boolean function F(A,B,C,D) = ∑(0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13).

(a) Reduce the above expression by using 4-variable Karnaugh map, showing the [4]
various groups (i.e. octal, quads and pairs).

(b) Draw the logic gate diagram for the reduced expression. Assume that the [1]
variables and their complements are available as inputs.
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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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(ii) Given the Boolean function F(A,B,C,D) = π(0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15).

(a) Reduce the above expression by using 4-variable Karnaugh map, showing the [4]
various groups(i.e. octal, quads and pairs).

(b) Draw the logic gate diagram for the reduced expression. Assume that the [1]
variables and their complements are available as inputs.

Question 4

(i) A family intends to purchase a smart phone depending on the criteria given [5]
below:
• Quad core processor with internal memory of 64 GB or more but not a
resale phone
OR
• Resale phone with quad core processor but without warranty
OR
• Processor is not a quad core but with a warranty of 1 year and the internal
memory is of 64 GB or more
The inputs are:

INPUTS

P Quad core processor

M Internal memory of 64 GB or more

R Resale phone

W Warranty of 1 year

(In all the above cases, 1 indicates yes and 0 indicates no.)
Output: X [1 indicates purchased, 0 indicates not purchased for all cases]
Draw the truth table for the inputs and outputs given above and write the SOP
expression for X(P,M

(ii) What is a half adder? Draw the logic circuit for the SUM and CARRY expression [3]
of a half adder using only NAND gates.

(iii) Simplify the following expression using Boolean laws: [2]

F = PQ + ( P + Q ) • ( P + PR ) + Q

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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Question 5
(i) What is a decoder? How is it different from a multiplexer? Draw the logic circuit [5]
for a 2 to 4 decoder and explain its working.
(ii) Verify if the following proposition is valid: [3]
( P => Q ) ∧ ( P => R ) = P => ( Q ∧ R )
(iii) Write the maxterm and minterm for the function F(A, B,C,D) when, A=1, B=1, [2]
C=0 and D=1.

SECTION – B
Answer any two questions.
Each program should be written in such a way that it clearly depicts the logic of the problem.
This can be achieved by using mnemonic names and comments in the program.
(Flowcharts and Algorithms are not required.)
The programs must be written in Java.
Question 6
Design a class Pronic to check if a given number is a pronic number or not. [ A number is [10]
said to be pronic if the product of two consecutive numbers is equal to the number]
Example: 0 = 0 × 1
2=1×2
6=2×3
12 = 3 × 4
thus, 0, 2, 6, 12... are pronic numbers.
Some of the members of the class are given below:
Class name : Pronic
Data members/instance variables:
nnum : to store a positive integer number
Methods / Member functions:
Pronic( ) : default constructor to initialize the data
member with legal initial value
void acceptnum( ) : to accept a positive integer number
boolean ispronic(int v) : returns true if the number ‘num’ is a pronic
number, otherwise returns false using
recursive technique
void check( ) : checks whether the given number is a pronic
number by invoking the function ispronic()
and displays the result with an appropriate
message
Specify the class Pronic giving details of the constructor( ), void acceptnum( ),
boolean ispronic(int) and void check( ). Define a main( ) function to create an object and
call the functions accordingly to enable the task.
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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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Question 7
Design a class OddEven to arrange two single dimensional arrays into one single [10]
dimensional array, such that the odd numbers from both the arrays are at the beginning
followed by the even numbers.
Example: Array 1: { 2, 13, 6, 19, 26, 11, 4 }
Array 2: { 7, 22, 4, 17, 12, 45 }
Arranged Array = { 13, 19 11, 7, 17, 45, 2, 6, 26, 4, 22, 4, 12 }
Some of the members of the class are given below:
Class name : OddEven

Data members/instance variables:

a[ ] : to store integers in the array

m : integer to store the size of the array

Methods / Member functions:

OddEven(int mm) : parameterised constructor to initialize

the data member m=mm

void fillarray( ) : to enter integer elements in the array

OddEven arrange(OddEven P, OddEven Q ) : stores the odd numbers from both the
parameterized object arrays followed
by the even numbers from both the
arrays and returns the object with the
arranged array

void display( ) : displays the elements of the arranged

array

Specify the class OddEven giving details of the constructor( ), void fillarray( ),
OddEven arrange(OddEven, OddEven) and void display( ). Define a main( ) function to
create objects and call the functions accordingly to enable the task.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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Question 8 [10]

A class Encrypt has been defined to replace only the vowels in a word by the next
corresponding vowel and forms a new word. i.e. A → E, E → I, I → O, O → U and U → A
Example: Input: COMPUTER
Output: CUMPATIR
Some of the members of the class are given below:

Class name : Encrypt

Data members/instance variables:

wrd : to store a word

len : integer to store the length of the word

newwrd : to store the encrypted word

Methods / Member functions:

Encrypt( ) : default constructor to initialize data members

with legal initial values

void acceptword( ) : to accept a word in UPPER CASE

void freqvowcon( ) : finds the frequency of the vowels and

consonants in the word stored in ‘wrd’ and
displays them with an appropriate message

void nextVowel( ) : replaces only the vowels from the word stored
in ‘wrd’ by the next corresponding vowel and
assigns it to ‘newwrd’, with the remaining
alphabets unchanged

void disp( ) : Displays the original word along with the

encrypted word

Specify the class Encrypt giving details of the constructor( ), void acceptword( ),
void freqvowcon( ), void nextVowel( ) and void disp( ). Define a main( ) function to
create an object and call the functions accordingly to enable the task.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
7
 SECTION – C
Answer any two questions.
Each program should be written in such a way that it clearly depicts the logic of the problem
stepwise.
This can be achieved by using comments in the program and mnemonic names or pseudo codes
for algorithms. The programs must be written in Java and the algorithms must be written in
general / standard form, wherever required / specified.
(Flowcharts are not required.)

Question 9

Holder is a kind of data structure which can store elements with the restriction that an element
can be added from the rear end and removed from the front end only.
The details of the class Holder is given below:

Class name : Holder

Data members/instance variables:

Q[ ] : array to hold integers

cap : maximum capacity of the holder

front : to point the index of the front end

rear : to point the index of the rear end

Methods / Member functions:

Holder(int n ) : constructor to initialize cap=n, front= 0 and

rear=0

void addint( int v ) : to add integers in the holder at the rear end if
possible, otherwise display the message
“ HOLDER IS FULL ”

int removeint( ) : removes and returns the integers from the

front end of the holder if any, else returns
−999

void show( ) : displays the elements of the holder

(i) Specify the class Holder giving details of the functions void addint(int) and int [4]
removeint( ). Assume that the other functions have been defined.
The main( ) function and algorithm need NOT be written.

(ii) Name the entity described above and state its principle. [1]

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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Question 10 [5]

A super class Bank has been defined to store the details of the customer in a bank. Define a
subclass Interest to calculate the compound interest.
The details of the members of both the classes are given below:

Class name : Bank

Data members/instance variables:

name : to store the name of the customer

acc_no : integer to store the account number

principal : to store the principal amount in decimals

Methods / Member functions:

Bank( ... ) : parameterized constructor to assign values to the

data members

void display( ) : to display the customer details

Class name Interest

Data members/instance variables:

rate : to store the interest rate in decimals

time : to store the time period in decimals

Methods / Member functions:

Interest( ... ) : parameterized constructor to assign values to the

data members of both the classes

double calculate( ) : to calculate and return the compound interest

using the formula [ CI = P ( 1 + R/100 )N − P]
where, P is the principal, R is the rate and N is
the time

void display( ) : to display the customer details along with the

compound interest

Assume that the super class Bank has been defined. Using the concept of inheritance,
specify the class Interest giving the details of the constructor(...), double calculate( ) and
void display( ).
The super class, main function and algorithm need NOT be written.

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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Question 11

(i) A linked list is formed from the objects of the class: [2] [4]
class Node
{
int num;
Node next;
}
Write an Algorithm OR a Method to insert a node at the beginning of an existing
linked list.
The method declaration is as follows:
void InsertNode( Nodes starPtr, int n )

(ii) Answer the following questions from the diagram of a Binary Tree given below:

B F

D G

E H

(a) Write the in-order traversal of the above tree structure. [1]

(b) Name the children of the nodes B and G. [1]

(c) State the root of the right sub tree. [1]

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ISC SPECIMEN QUESTION PAPER 2023
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