ENGLISH

SECTION A – READING
I. Read the passage carefully and answer the question.
1.On December 5, Cyclone Michaung (pronounced mig-jaum) struck
Nellore in Andhra Pradesh as a super-cyclonic storm, following
significant rainfall in north Tamil Nadu a day earlier. The precipitation
prompted the evacuation of thousands from low-lying areas in both
the states, leading to flooded residential zones and floating cars.
2. The cyclone made landfall between Nellore and Kavali in Andhra
Pradesh, with wind speeds initially forecasted at up to 110 km/h (68
mph) by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Approximately
9,500 people in Andhra Pradesh sought refuge in 211 relief camps.
3. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the director-general of IMD, reported that
extremely heavy rainfall would persist in Andra Pradesh, with
expectations of the storm weakening into a depression by Wednesday
morning. Red alerts were issued in specific areas of Tamil Nadu and
Andhra Pradesh, prompting widespread closures of schools, colleges,
and offices. The aftermath included cancelled flights and trains, along
with reports of crop damage.
4. Rain and wind warnings were extended to Telangana and Odisha
along the Bay of Bengal coast. Fishermen were strongly advised to
avoid the rough seas, anticipating potential threat to lives. In Tamil
Nadu, nearly 7,000 individuals were evacuated from coastal districts
due to the adverse weather conditions. Chennai airport, a crucial
transportation hub, briefly closed on Monday due to a flooded runway
but resumed operation on Tuesday as the cyclone moved northwards,
leading to reduced rainfall.
5. Chennai, a major electronics and manufacturing hub, experienced
factory closures, including iPhone production facilities, according to
Reuters. Even after the rains ceased, water-logging persisted in
several parts of the city, causing transportation challenges. Residents
informed BBC Tamil reporters about the on-going struggles with
power outages and water supply disruptions following the heavy
rainfall.People in Chennai have slowly started recovering from the
disastrous effects of the severe cyclonic storm.
Answer the following
1.What was the primary impact of Cyclone Michaung in Andra
Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu?
(a) strong tremors in urban areas
(b) significant rainfall and flooding
(c) earthquake activity
(d) agricultural developments
2. Why were thousands of people evacuated from the low-lying areas
in Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu?
(a) to participate in a weather awareness program
(b) due to the threat of a super-cyclonic storm which would cause a
severe damage
(c) to take part in a protest
(d) to conduct rescue operations in flooded areas
3. What was the initial forecasted wind speed of Cyclone Michaung
when it made landfall between Nellore and Kavali in Andhra
Pradesh?
(a) up to 50 km/h (31 mph)
(b) up to 80 km/h (50 mph)
(c) up to 110 km/h (68 mph)
(d) up to 150 km/h (93 mph)
4. What does red alert signify?
5. According to the passage, what was the expected change in the
cyclone's intensity after landfall?
(a) intensification
(b) dissipation
(c) stabilization
(d) acceleration
6. List two types of disruptions mentioned in the aftermath of Cyclone
Michaung in the paragraph 5.
7. True or False:
The evacuation of thousands from low-lying areas in Andhra Pradesh
and north Tamil Nadu was solely based on the forecasted wind speeds
of Cyclone Michaung and not influenced by the preceding significant
rainfall.
8. Rain and wind warnings are to coastal areas as__________ is to
aviation.
(a) storm shelters
(b) flights take off
(c) airport closure
(d) evacuation routes
9. What challenges persisted in several parts of Chennai even after the
rains ceased?
10. _________refers to a central point or a focal point that is
significant and serves as a major center for a particular activity or
industry. (para 5)
2.Read the following passage carefully and answer the question:
TITLE
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEES IN ECOSYSTEMS AND FOOD
PRODUCTION
1.Bees, small flying insects known for their ability to collect nectar
and pollen, play a crucial role in ecosystems and food production.
These industrious creatures are not only fascinating but also provide
invaluable services that support biodiversity and agricultural systems
worldwide.

2. Bees are essential pollinators, facilitating the transfer of pollen

from male to female flower parts, leading to fertilization and the
production of seeds and fruits. Approximately 75% of globally
important food crops depend to some extent on pollinators like bees.
These include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and oilseeds. Bees contribute to
the diversity and abundance of these crops, enhancing their yield,
quality, and nutritional value.
3. The decline in bee populations, a phenomenon known as colony
collapse disorder (CCD), has raised concerns among scientists and
agricultural experts. Multiple factors contribute to CCD, including
habitat loss, pesticide use, diseases, parasites, and climate change.
The loss of bee populations poses a severe threat to food security and
ecological balance.
4. Beyond their role in food production, bees are vital for maintaining
the stability and health of ecosystems. They contribute to the
pollination of wildflowers, which in turn provide habitats and food
sources for numerous other organisms. Bees also play a key role in
the reproduction of plants that form the foundation of many terrestrial
ecosystems, supporting diverse wildlife populations.
5. Bees have unique characteristics that make them effective
pollinators.
They have specialized body structures, such as hairy bodies and
pollen-carrying structures, which help in the collection and transfer of
pollen. Bees' foraging behaviour and their ability to remember floral
traits and locations contribute to efficient pollination.
6. Efforts are being made worldwide to protect and conserve bees and
their habitats. Conservation initiatives focus on creating and
preserving bee-friendly landscapes, promoting sustainable agricultural
practices, reducing pesticide use, and raising awareness about the
importance of bees among farmers, gardeners and the general public.
7. In conclusion, bees are crucial pollinators that have a profound
impact on ecosystems and food production. Their role in pollination
ensures the availability of diverse and nutritious crops while
supporting the overall biodiversity of our planet. Conservation efforts
and sustainable practices are essential to safeguard bee populations
and secure the future of our ecosystems and agricultural systems.
Answer the following question:
1. What is the primary role of bees in ecosystems and food
production?
(a) seed dispersal
(b) water collection
(c) pollination
(d) preying on other insects
2. What approximate percentage of globally important food crops
depends on pollinators like bees?
(a) 25%
(b) 50%
(c) 75%
(d) 100%
3. Pick out a word from the passage which means hardworking and
diligent.
4. What is the phenomenon known as the decline in bee populations?
(a) Honey Scarcity Syndrome (HSS)
(b) Pollination Deficit Disorder (PDD)
(c) Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)
(d) Insecticide Resistance Syndrome (IRS)
5. What are some factors contributing to colony collapse disorder?
(a) human interference and breeding
(b) overpopulation and overcrowding
(c) climate change and habitat loss
(d) improper nutrition and food scarcity
6. Based on the picture, can you identify and explain the various
factors that influence bee visitation?
7. What are some unique characteristics of bees that make them
effective pollinators?
(a) long lifespan and slow metabolism
(b) high resistance to diseases and parasites
(c) hairy bodies and pollen-carrying structures
(d) ability to tolerate extreme temperatures
8. What is the impact of bees' pollination on crop yield and quality?
(a) decreased yield and poor quality
(b) no impact on yield or quality
(c) increased yield and improved quality
(d) moderate increase in yield but no effect on quality
9. What is the purpose of creating bee-friendly landscapes?
(a) enhancing honey production
(b) promoting bee aggression
(c) providing suitable habitats for bees
(d) reducing the need for pollination
10. Why are conservation efforts and sustainable practices important
for bee populations?
(a) to control bee populations
(b) to ensure proper bee nutrition
(c) to protect biodiversity and secure food production
(d) to develop new technologies for bee breeding
 SECTION B – GRAMMAR AND WRITING SKILLS
1.Attempt any ten of the following twelve questions:
1.Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the
following news line.
The Uttarakhand Chief Minister reaches Joshimath next week, where
he ___________ bridge for the convenience of the people of the area.
(a) is inaugurated
(b) will inaugurate
(c) would inaugurate
(d) inaugurated
2.Complete the given narrative, by filling in the blank with the correct
option:
The government _________an advisory to the people to wear mask
and maintain social distancing in the wake of omicron BF7.
(a) is issued
(b) has issued
(c)issuing
(d) are issued
3.Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction
for the given line.
The 2023 G20 Delhi Summit are the upcoming eighteenth meeting
of the Group of Twenty, a summit scheduled to take place at
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Option No Error Correction
A are is
B of on
C scheduled schedule
D a The
4.Report the conversation between Neeta and her teacher. Complete
the sentence by reporting the dialogue.
Teacher: "You must try to speak in English at the classroom".
Neela: "I am afraid of making mistakes."
When the teacher told Neeta that (a)_____________ at the classroom,
she confessed that (b)______________of making mistakes.
5. Fill in the blank with a suitable determiner.
The cash prize will be awarded to ______________student who
scores the highest marks in Mathematics and Science.
(a) those
(b) an
(c) the
(d) all
6. __________costume are you wearing on your birthday?
(a) why
(b) what
(c) who
(d) whom
7. Select the correct option.
Pollution ______________one of the highly debated issue.
(a) is
(b) has
(c) have
(d) have had
8. The candidate ____________ be at least 21 years old to fulfil the
eligibility criteria of India Administrative Services Examination.
(a) need
(b) can
(c) must
(d) may
9. Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction.
Hackers often trick people into clicking on fake links that closely
resemble links for real websites.
Use the following format for your answer
ERROR CORRECTION
10. Complete the dialogue by choosing the correct answers from the
options given below
Anant: The new smart phone (A) ______________is amazing. I
purchased it last week.
Krish: Wow! That's wonderful. Did you get it from shop (B)
_____________?
(A)
(a) which were launched last week
(b) which was launched last week
(c) which are launched last week
(d) which are launched last week
(B)
(a) where any offer is going on
(b) where one offers are going on
(c) where many offers are going on
(d) where no offers are going on
4. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below:
A. Your sister and you decide to give your mother a day off from the
kitchen on her birthday. Write a diary entry on how you managed to
run the kitchen without your mother's assistance. You are
Pradeep & Prabha.
B. You are Abhinav, you recently participated in the All India CBSE
National Quiz competition and reached the finals. The final round was
telecast over the national channel where you and your team won the
quiz. Describe your feeling through a diary entry.
5. Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below:
A. Your father has been transferred from his job to another city and
you also are shifted to your new school. How was your first day in
your classroom? Write your experience in a paragraph of about 100-
120 words.
B. Write a story developing the idea further given in the outline in
your own words.
Outline: Window display in toy shop - Diwali season- theft - alarm
sounded - no clues found - police nonplussed - little boy spots the
difference in window display- rolling eyes- leading to arrest.
 SECTION C – LITERATURE
6.Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below:
So, she decided to fight the system in her own quiet way when the
right moment arrived. And the right moment came when she turned
sixteen. At sixteen, most of the girls in her village used to get married.
Santosh was also under pressure from her parents to do the same. A
marriage as early as that was the last thing on her mind. She
threatened her parents that she would never marry if she did not get a
proper education.
1.In this extract, who is she and which system did she
choose to challenge?
2.She decided to rebel against the system but how and why?
3.Which of the following events marked the "right moment"?
a) when she was graduated from high school
b) when she turned sixteen and was compelled by her parents to get
married
c) when she started a new job in the city
d) when she celebrated her birthday with her family
4.What did she do at that moment when the parents persuaded her to
marry?
5.Which word is an antonym for "quiet" as used in the passage?
a) noisy
b) silent
c) peaceful
d) serene
B. It takes much time to kill a tree,
Not a simple jab of the knife
Will do it. It has grown
Slowly consuming the earth,
Rising out of it, feeding
Upon its crust, absorbing
Years of sunlight, air, water,
And out of its leprous hide
Sprouting leaves.

1. Which poem does this extract belong to?

2.Can a few blows from an axe kill a tree? Why?
3.How does a tree gain its strength?
4.Where do the leaves come from?
5.Identify the poetic device in the first line of the poem.
7.Attempt any one from (A) and (B) given below:
A.Read the following extract and answer the questions that
follow:
What is the use of a statue if it cannot keep the rain off ?" he said. "I
must look for a good chimney pot," and he determined to fly away.
But before he had opened his wings, a third drop fell, and he looked
up, and saw - Ah! What did he see? The eyes of the Happy Prince
were filled with tears, and tears were running down his golden cheeks.
His face was so beautiful in the moonlight that the little swallow was
filled with pity. "Who are you?" he said. "I am the Happy Prince."
"Why are you weeping then?" asked the swallow. "You have quite
drenched me."
1.Where were the water droplets coming from?
2.What made the happy prince cry?
3.Where did the swallow put up?
4. Find a word from the given extract which means the same as "wet
thoroughly"
5.What is the synonym for "pity" as expressed in the passage?
(a) empathy
(b) joy
(c) indifference
(d) laughter
B. From time to time he stands the pole on the ground, selects a flute
and plays for a few minutes. The sound rises clearly above the noise
of the traffic and the hawkers' cries. He plays slowly, meditatively,
without excessive display. He does not shout out his wares.
Occasionally he makes sales, but in a curiously offhanded way as if
this were incidental to his enterprise. Sometimes he breaks off playing
to talk to the fruit seller. I imagine that this has been the pattern of his
life for years.
1. The sound of the flute rises clearly above the noise of :_________
2. How does he play the flute?
3.True or false
He does not shout out his wares.
4. Why does he break off playing?
5.Which of the following is a synonym for "offhanded" as used in the
passage?
a) careless b) thoughtful
c) deliberate d) methodical
8. Answer any four of the following questions in about 40 - 50
words each:
1. What were the qualities that Abdul Kalam admired in his parents?
2.Where did the writer stay in Kathmandu? Which two different
places of worship did he visit and with whom?
3. What made Santosh Yadav achieve fame and greatness?
4, Which of the two roads did the poet choose and why?
5. How does the wind deal with the weaklings?
9. Answer any two of the questions in about 40 – 50 words each:
1. “Iswaran used to read Tamil Thriller.” Do you think this affected
his behaviour in any ways?
2. Why did the swallow not leave the prince and go to Egypt?
3. How did Johnsy associated herself with the falling leaves?
10. Answer any one of the questions in about 100 – 120 words
each:
1. Give a brief analysis of the poem ‘ A Slumber did my Spirit Seal’ in
your own words.
2. Why did Margie hate school? Why did she think the old kind of
school must have been fun?
11. Answer any one of the questions in about 100 – 120 words
each:
1. How was Toto an expensive deal for grandfather? Do you think it
was a lesson for grandfather?
2, Describe in brief the strange case brought to the king and the king’s
judgement.