🌐 CSM-2017 English | Model Answers & Scoring Guide
Time: 3 hours | Answer all questions
1. Write an essay in about 1,000 words on any one of the following 100 marks
- (a) Impact of Television on Society
- (b) Environmental Pollution
- (c) Harmful Effects of Fast Food
- (d) Road Safety
(a) Impact of Television on Society
Television has been one of the most powerful agents of social change in human history. Since its mass adoption in the mid-twentieth century, it has transformed how people receive information, form opinions, entertain themselves, and relate to one another. In India, where television reached the masses in the 1980s and 1990s, its impact has been particularly dramatic—shaping everything from language and fashion to politics and family life. The impact of television on society is a complex mixture of benefits and harms, and it deserves careful scrutiny.
On the positive side, television has been a powerful tool for education and awareness. Educational programmes, documentaries, and news broadcasts have brought the world into millions of homes. For rural populations, television has been a window to the wider world, exposing them to new ideas, new places, and new possibilities. Public health campaigns—on polio vaccination, sanitation, and family planning—have reached vast audiences through television. The medium has also been a source of entertainment and relaxation, bringing families together in shared viewing experiences.
Television has also played a significant role in democratic life. Election coverage, political debates, and investigative journalism have made citizens more informed and more engaged. In India, the rise of 24-hour news channels has created a vibrant, if often noisy, public sphere. Television has given a platform to marginalized voices and has exposed corruption and injustice.
However, the negative impacts are equally significant. The first is the promotion of consumerism. Television is dominated by advertising, which creates artificial needs and encourages materialistic values. The constant bombardment of images of wealth and consumption can breed dissatisfaction and envy.
The second is the spread of violence and vulgarity. Studies have shown that exposure to violent content on television can desensitise viewers, especially children, to violence in real life. The objectification of women in television programming and advertising is a serious social problem.
The third is the decline of family interaction. When family members sit passively in front of the television, conversation and interaction decline. The television becomes a substitute for meaningful human connection.
The fourth is the spread of misinformation. Television news, especially in a competitive environment, often prioritises sensationalism over accuracy. The result is a public that is entertained but not informed.
The remedies require both regulation and responsibility. Broadcasters must adhere to content standards. Parents must monitor what their children watch. Schools must teach media literacy. And viewers must become active, critical consumers of television rather than passive recipients.
In conclusion, television is a powerful medium with immense potential for good and harm. It has transformed society in profound ways, some positive and some negative. The task before us is to harness its potential while mitigating its harms. In an age of digital media, the lessons we learn about television will be crucial for the future.
(b) Environmental Pollution
Environmental pollution is one of the gravest challenges facing humanity in the twenty-first century. It is the contamination of the natural environment—air, water, soil—by harmful substances, and it affects every living organism on the planet. India, with its rapid industrialization and urbanization, is among the most polluted countries in the world. The consequences for public health, economic development, and ecological stability are severe.
The main types of environmental pollution are air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, and noise pollution. Air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions, industrial smokestacks, and the burning of fossil fuels. It is responsible for millions of premature deaths every year, especially in Indian cities where particulate matter levels routinely exceed safe limits. Water pollution is caused by industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage. It contaminates rivers, lakes, and groundwater, causing waterborne diseases. Soil pollution is caused by the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and by the improper disposal of industrial and domestic waste. Noise pollution, though less visible, causes stress, hearing loss, and other health problems.
The causes of pollution are rooted in our economic model. Industrialization prioritises production over environmental protection. Urbanization concentrates people and vehicles in small areas, intensifying pollution. Consumerism encourages the use of disposable products. Weak enforcement of environmental laws allows polluters to escape accountability.
The consequences are devastating. Air pollution causes respiratory diseases, heart attacks, and cancer. Water pollution causes cholera, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases. Soil pollution reduces agricultural productivity. Pollution also contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
The remedies require a comprehensive approach. First, we need stricter enforcement of environmental laws. Second, we need to transition to clean energy—solar, wind, and hydro power. Third, we need to improve public transport and promote electric vehicles. Fourth, we need to invest in waste management and recycling. Fifth, we need to educate citizens about the importance of environmental protection.
In conclusion, environmental pollution is a crisis that demands urgent action. It is caused by human activity, and it can be solved by human action. The choice is ours: we can continue on the current path of destruction, or we can choose a path of sustainability. The future of our planet depends on the choice we make today.
(c) Harmful Effects of Fast Food
Fast food has become an integral part of modern life. Burgers, pizzas, fries, and soft drinks are consumed by millions of people every day, especially in urban areas. The fast food industry has grown exponentially, driven by convenience, affordability, and aggressive marketing. But the harmful effects of fast food on health, society, and the environment are increasingly well-documented and impossible to ignore.
The most direct harm is to physical health. Fast food is typically high in calories, saturated fats, sugar, and sodium, and low in essential nutrients. Regular consumption of fast food is a major cause of obesity, which has become a global epidemic. Obesity, in turn, increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and certain cancers. In India, the rise of fast food consumption has been accompanied by a sharp increase in lifestyle diseases, especially among children and young adults.
Fast food also affects mental health. Studies have linked diets high in processed foods to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. The high sugar content of fast food causes spikes and crashes in blood sugar, leading to mood swings and fatigue.
The social effects are also significant. Fast food has contributed to the decline of family meals. When families eat fast food instead of home-cooked meals, they lose the opportunity for conversation, connection, and the transmission of cultural traditions. Fast food also encourages a culture of instant gratification, where convenience is valued over quality and health.
The environmental effects are substantial. The fast food industry is a major contributor to deforestation (for beef production), plastic waste (from packaging), and greenhouse gas emissions. The production of fast food is resource-intensive and unsustainable.
The remedies require both individual and collective action. Individuals can reduce their consumption of fast food and choose healthier alternatives. Parents can model healthy eating habits for their children. Schools can provide nutritious meals and teach students about healthy eating. Governments can regulate fast food advertising, especially to children, and impose taxes on sugary drinks. The food industry can be encouraged to offer healthier options.
In conclusion, fast food is a convenient but harmful part of modern life. It contributes to obesity, chronic disease, mental health problems, and environmental degradation. The task is not to ban fast food, but to promote a culture of healthy eating. The choices we make about food are choices about our health, our environment, and our future.
(d) Road Safety
Road safety is a matter of life and death. Every year, more than 1.3 million people die in road accidents worldwide, and another 20-50 million are injured. India has one of the worst road safety records in the world, with over 1.5 lakh deaths annually. These are not just statistics; they are fathers, mothers, children, friends—people whose lives are cut short or changed forever. Road safety is a public health crisis that demands urgent attention.
The causes of road accidents are well understood. Human error is the leading cause: speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving (especially mobile phone use), and violation of traffic rules. Poor road infrastructure—potholes, inadequate signage, lack of pedestrian crossings—is another major factor. Vehicle defects—faulty brakes, worn-out tyres—contribute as well. And the absence of timely emergency care means that many accident victims who could have been saved die instead.
The consequences are devastating. Road accidents cause immense human suffering—physical pain, psychological trauma, and the loss of loved ones. They also impose a heavy economic burden on families and on the nation, through healthcare costs, lost productivity, and funeral expenses. The poor are disproportionately affected, as they are more likely to walk or cycle, less likely to have access to safe vehicles, and less likely to receive timely medical care.
The remedies are known and proven. The first is enforcement of traffic laws. Speeding, drunk driving, and mobile phone use must be strictly penalized. The second is improvement of road infrastructure—better roads, clear signage, footpaths, pedestrian crossings, and cycle lanes. The third is vehicle safety standards—mandatory airbags, anti-lock braking systems, and regular vehicle inspections. The fourth is emergency care—ambulances that can reach accident sites quickly, and hospitals equipped to handle trauma. The fifth is education—road safety must be taught in schools and public campaigns must raise awareness.
In conclusion, road safety is a matter of life and death that deserves far more attention than it currently receives. The solutions are available, but they require political will, investment, and a change in public attitudes. Every death on the road is a preventable tragedy. It is time to act.
2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow 6×5 = 30 marks
(a) Does the writer like examinations? Why do you think so? [6]
→ No, the writer does not like examinations. He describes them as “a great trial” and calls the “regions of examinations” “inhospitable.” He says that the subjects dearest to the examiners were invariably those he fancied least, and that the examiners tried to expose his ignorance rather than allow him to display his knowledge. His dislike is evident from his tone of frustration and disappointment.
(b) What subjects were dearest to the examiners? [6]
→ The subjects dearest to the examiners were Latin and Mathematics. The writer says the examiners were “partial to Latin and Mathematics,” and that their will prevailed.
(c) Which subjects did the writer like most? [6]
→ The writer liked history, poetry, and writing essays most. He says he “would have liked to have been examined” in these subjects.
(d) Why did the writer not do well in the examinations? [6]
→ The writer did not do well because the examiners asked questions on subjects he disliked (Latin and Mathematics) and specifically on topics he did not know. They tried to expose his ignorance rather than allow him to display his knowledge. He says, “This sort of treatment had only one result: I did not do well in examination.”
(e) How old was the writer when he was going to appear at the examinations? [6]
→ The writer was just over twelve years old. He says, “I had scarcely passed my twelfth when I entered the inhospitable regions of examinations.”
3. Make a précis of the following in about 350 words 40 marks
Fact is essentially different from fiction. Fact is the reality of life and fiction is the dream of life. Fact makes us sad sometimes and fiction gives us pleasure. One should try to know the fact of life in order to judge human life in time perspective. In India, life in a big city is not worth living. Perhaps life in a hell would be better than the life in a big city at present. India is primarily a land of villages. The real India can be seen in villages and not in cities, much less in big cities. Two or three decades ago, life in a big city like Delhi, Allahabad, Bombay or Calcutta was a happy one and those persons who lived in villages always yearned for city life. But now the conditions of living in cities or big cities have deteriorated so much that one would like to go to any ordinary village if he or she could have some income and the same work. The reason of this deterioration is the rising prices of commodities of daily life. During the last one or two decades the villagers have shifted from their village homes to cities and have settled down there. Consequently, the population of cities has multiplied and they are overcrowded. The problem of housing has become acute in cities.
Life in a big city has some advantages. In a big city, there is every kind of facility for education. Any kind of education, liberal or vocational or technical is within the reach of the persons living in big cities. An ordinary man living in a big city can afford for his children that education which a rich man in a village cannot afford easily. Good and well equipped educational institutions are the permanent assets of big cities. A boy or girl living in a big city has a better general knowledge than a village boy or girl has and is well-informed about the affairs of the world. Thus a child born and bred in the city is more enlightened than a child born and brought up in rural atmosphere.
Life in a big city is free from ailments and diseases because ample medical facilities are available there. Hospitals, well equipped with latest medical instruments are the source of medical relief to every person living in a big city. In addition to the Government hospitals we find well qualified and highly competent private medical practitioners in big cities. Such facilities are not available in a village.
Life in a big city is not dull and drab because there are countless means of recreation there. The picture halls, theaters, the beautifully illuminated markets, the well furnished and well maintained hotels and restaurants, the charming parks and gardens and the good looking and heart captivating towns of new styled buildings give immense pleasure to everybody living in a big city. From time to time exhibitions, conferences, functions, seminars, symposia, sports meet and test matches are held in big cities which lend colour and variety to the city life.
Life in a big city is more secured because there are considerable avenues of employment there. In a village the people depend on agriculture for livelihood, but in a big city, one can find employment in factories, mills, private shops, Government offices and educational institutions. If a person has tact and push, a big city is full of employment for him or her.
Life in a big city has many disadvantages too and particularly in the modern India. The remark of the English poet Cowper, “God made the country and man made the town” is very apt. Life in a big city is artificial and sophisticated because man is divorced from nature. He lives, grows and dies in the lap of artificial agents and machines. He does not come to know how a waterfall dances, how a river glides smoothly, how the cow-bird drives his catties and how Nature herself nourishes her countless children through various agencies. In a big city, man is cut off from the nursing, educative and formative aspects of Nature.
Life in a big city is exceedingly unhealthy. Here men live like pigeons in holes. The filthy and nasty atmosphere of dirt, smoke and trains makes life poisoned at the root. The smoke emitted by chimneys pollutes the natural purity of environment day and night. Fresh air, golden sun light and clean water are rare in a big city. Here men live on tinned food, refrigerated water and conditioned air with the result that their body and soul become hollow from within and are polluted since their infancy.
Life in a big city during the recent past has gone from bad to worse. Here, there is tasteless American wheat to eat, dirty smoke to inhale, contaminated water to drink, showy clothes to be worn and fraudulent persons to deal with. Artificiality, sophistication, vulgarity verging on obscenity—these are the hall marks of life in a big city. Rising prices have created many problems for a middle class man in a big city. For him now it is a question of existence. Besides rising prices, everybody in a big city is groaning under the weight of tax and sex. In a big city the majority of persons have empty pockets and vain show. They, therefore, do not enjoy the real peace of mind. There is too much rush in life here. From morning till evening a person is required to work like a machine. Owing to this rush of life, heart attacks and nervous exhaustion have become very common in cities. Despite the material advantages of city life, I would prefer a small, neat and unsophisticated village to a big city. Man is always happier in the lap of nature than he is under the artificial shadow.
Fact is the reality of life, while fiction is its dream; fact sometimes saddens us, while fiction pleases us. In India, life in a big city has deteriorated so much that it is hardly worth living. Two or three decades ago, city life was happy, and villagers yearned for it. Now, rising prices and overcrowding have made cities unbearable. The population has multiplied as villagers have migrated to cities, making housing acute.
City life has advantages. Educational facilities of all kinds—liberal, vocational, technical—are available, and even an ordinary city dweller can afford education that a rich villager cannot. City children have better general knowledge and are more enlightened. Medical facilities are ample, with well-equipped hospitals and competent private practitioners. There are countless means of recreation—cinemas, theatres, markets, hotels, parks, exhibitions, conferences, and sports events. Employment opportunities are abundant in factories, mills, shops, government offices, and educational institutions.
However, city life has serious disadvantages. It is artificial and divorced from nature; man does not experience the beauty of waterfalls, rivers, and natural life. It is unhealthy—people live in overcrowded, polluted conditions, breathing smoke and drinking contaminated water. Rising prices, heavy taxes, and the rush of life have made existence difficult, causing heart attacks and nervous exhaustion. Despite the material advantages, the author would prefer a small, neat village to a big city, for man is happier in the lap of nature than under the artificial shadow of the city.
4. Expand the idea contained in one of the following 20 marks
(a) Every cloud has a silver lining
The proverb “Every cloud has a silver lining” is a message of hope and optimism. It means that even in the darkest and most difficult situations, there is always something positive to be found. Just as a dark cloud is often edged with a bright silver line from the sun behind it, so every hardship carries within it the possibility of something good.
The proverb is rooted in a profound truth about human experience. Suffering and adversity are universal; no one escapes them. But suffering is not the whole story. In every difficulty, there are lessons to be learned, strengths to be discovered, and new opportunities to be found. The person who loses a job may find a better one. The person who falls ill may learn to appreciate health. The person who suffers a setback may develop resilience and wisdom.
The proverb is not a denial of pain. It does not say that the cloud is not dark, or that suffering is not real. It says that within the darkness, there is light. The silver lining is not always obvious; it may require patience, faith, and perspective to see it. But it is always there, waiting to be discovered.
In conclusion, “Every cloud has a silver lining” is a call to hope. It reminds us that no situation is entirely hopeless, and that even in our darkest moments, there is something to be grateful for, something to learn, and something to look forward to. The person who cultivates this perspective is better equipped to face life’s challenges with courage and grace.
(b) All that glitters is not gold
The proverb “All that glitters is not gold” is a warning against superficial judgment. It means that things that appear attractive and valuable on the surface may not be so in reality. Just as a piece of shiny metal may look like gold but be worthless, so people, opportunities, and possessions may appear desirable but turn out to be disappointing.
The proverb applies to people. A person who is charming, well-dressed, and eloquent may be insincere or manipulative. A person who is plain and unassuming may be honest and trustworthy. We should not judge people by their appearance or their first impression, but by their character and their actions.
The proverb applies to opportunities. A job that promises high pay and glamour may be stressful and unfulfilling. A business venture that seems like a sure thing may be a scam. A relationship that begins with passion may end in heartbreak. We should evaluate opportunities carefully, looking beyond the surface to the underlying reality.
The proverb applies to possessions. The latest smartphone, the designer clothes, the luxury car—these things may glitter, but they do not necessarily bring happiness. True value lies in things that last: love, health, integrity, and peace of mind.
In conclusion, “All that glitters is not gold” is a reminder to be discerning. It is a call to look beyond appearances, to question first impressions, and to seek true value. The wise person is not dazzled by glitter; they look for substance.
(c) Honesty is the best policy
The proverb “Honesty is the best policy” is one of the most widely quoted and least practised pieces of wisdom. It means that honesty—telling the truth, being sincere, and acting with integrity—is not just morally right but also practically beneficial. Honesty may sometimes seem disadvantageous in the short term, but in the long run, it is always the best strategy.
Honesty builds trust. The person who is known for honesty is trusted by others. Trust is the foundation of all relationships—personal, professional, and social. The honest person is trusted with responsibilities, with secrets, with resources. The dishonest person may gain short-term advantages, but they are eventually found out and lose everything.
Honesty brings peace of mind. The dishonest person lives in constant fear of being caught, of being exposed, of being punished. The honest person has nothing to hide and nothing to fear. They can sleep at night, look at themselves in the mirror, and face others without shame. This peace of mind is worth more than any material gain.
Honesty is also a form of respect for others. When we are honest with someone, we are treating them as a person worthy of the truth. Dishonesty is a form of contempt; it says that the other person cannot handle the truth or does not deserve it.
In conclusion, “Honesty is the best policy” is not just a moral platitude; it is a practical truth. The honest person may face difficulties, but they ultimately flourish. The dishonest person may prosper temporarily, but they ultimately fail. In a world that often rewards the opposite, this is a truth we must never forget.
(d) He makes no friends, who never made a foe
The proverb “He makes no friends, who never made a foe” is a profound observation about the nature of human relationships. It means that a person who has never made any enemies is likely a person who has never stood up for anything, never expressed strong opinions, and never taken risks. Such a person may be liked by everyone in a superficial way, but they will never be truly respected or loved.
The proverb is rooted in the truth that friendship and enmity are two sides of the same coin. When we take a stand—for justice, for truth, for our values—we inevitably make some people unhappy. Those who disagree with us may become our opponents. But the same commitment that creates enemies also creates friends. People are drawn to those who are sincere, courageous, and principled.
The person who avoids making enemies at all costs often does so by being bland, non-committal, and inoffensive. They agree with everyone, never criticize, never challenge. They may be pleasant company, but they are not trusted. No one knows what they really believe. They are not the kind of person you would rely on in a crisis.
In conclusion, “He makes no friends, who never made a foe” is a reminder that true friendship requires courage. We cannot be loved and respected by everyone; we must choose whom to please and whom to disappoint. The person who is afraid of making enemies will never make true friends.
5. Write the correct spelling of ten words written incorrectly in the given paragraph 1×10 = 10 marks
There is an enemy beneath our feet – an enemy more deadly for his complete impartiality. He recognizes no national boundaries, no political parties. Everyone in the world is threatened by him. The enemy is the earth itself. When an earthquake strikes, the world trembles. The power of a quake is greater than anything man himself can produce. But today scientists are directing a great deal of their effort into finding some way of combating earthquakes, and it is possible that at some time in the near future mankind will have discovered a means of protecting itself from earthquakes. An earthquake strikes without warning. When it does, its power is immense. If it strikes a modern city, the damage it causes is as great as if it has struck a primitive village. Gas mains burst, explosions are caused and fires are started. Underground railways are wrecked. Buildings collapse, bridges fall, dams burst, gaping crevices appear in busy streets. If the quake strikes at sea, huge tidal waves sweep inland. If it strikes in mountain regions, avalanches roar down into the valley. Consider the terrifying statistics from the past 1755: Lisbon, capital of Portugal—the city destroyed entirely and 450 killed. 1970: Peru: 50,000 killed. In 1968 an earthquake struck Alaska. As this is a relatively unpopulated part, only a few people were killed. But it is likely that this was one of the most powerful quakes ever to have hit the world. Gelogists estimate that during the tremors, the whole of the state moved over 80 feet farther west into the Pacific Ocean. Imagine the power of something that can move an entire subcontinent ! This is the problem that the scientists face. They are dealing with forces so intense that man cannot hope to resist them. All that can be done is to try to pinpoint just where the earthquake will strike and work from there. At least some precautionary measures can then be taken to save lives and some of the property.
| No. | Incorrect Word | Correct Spelling | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| (i) | Gelogists | Geologists | Scientists who study the earth |
| (ii) | impartiality | impartiality | (Correctly spelt in passage) |
| (iii) | recognizes | recognises | (British spelling; both accepted) |
| (iv) | tremors | tremors | (Correctly spelt in passage) |
| (v) | avalanches | avalanches | (Correctly spelt in passage) |
| (vi) | statistics | statistics | (Correctly spelt in passage) |
| (vii) | precautionary | precautionary | (Correctly spelt in passage) |
| (viii) | subcontinent | subcontinent | (Correctly spelt in passage) |
| (ix) | primitive | primitive | (Correctly spelt in passage) |
| (x) | underground | underground | (Correctly spelt in passage) |
6. Write the synonyms of the following 1×5 = 5 marks
| No. | Word | Synonym |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | Capture | Seize (or: Catch / Apprehend) |
| (b) | Danger | Peril (or: Risk / Hazard) |
| (c) | Enmity | Hostility (or: Hatred / Animosity) |
| (d) | Fraud | Deception (or: Cheating / Swindle) |
| (e) | Gay | Cheerful (or: Joyful / Merry) |
7. Write the antonyms of the following 1×5 = 5 marks
| No. | Word | Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | Halt | Proceed (or: Continue / Advance) |
| (b) | Icy | Warm (or: Hot / Friendly) |
| (c) | Jest | Seriousness (or: Earnestness) |
| (d) | Keen | Indifferent (or: Apathetic / Blunt) |
| (e) | Labour | Rest (or: Leisure / Idleness) |
8. Write single-word substitutes for the following 1×5 = 5 marks
| No. | Expression | One-Word Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | A person who lives at the same time as another | Contemporary |
| (b) | One who eats human flesh | Cannibal |
| (c) | One who makes maps and charts | Cartographer |
| (d) | A person who studies the form and structure of the earth | Geologist |
| (e) | The scientist who covers the entire fields of words and language | Linguist |
9. Make sentences using the given words as directed 1×10 = 10 marks
(a) Annihilate as noun
→ The annihilation of the enemy fleet was complete and swift.
(b) Balance as verb
→ She managed to balance her career and her family responsibilities.
(c) Cause as noun
→ The cause of the fire was later found to be a faulty wire.
(d) Detonate as noun
→ The detonation of the bomb could be heard miles away.
(e) Enforce as adjective
→ The enforceable provisions of the law were implemented immediately.
(f) Back as adverb
→ He stepped back to avoid the oncoming car.
(g) Down as adjective
→ The down train was delayed by an hour.
(h) Iron as verb
→ She had to iron her dress before the meeting.
(i) Tender as adjective
→ The tender coconut was sweet and refreshing.
(j) Wrong as verb
→ He felt that he had been wronged by his colleagues.
10. Use the following pairs of words in sentences to bring out their meaning clearly 2×5 = 10 marks
(a) Altar; Alter
→ The priest placed the offerings on the altar.
→ We had to alter our plans because of the rain.
(b) Ascent; Assent
→ The ascent of the mountain took four hours.
→ The president gave his assent to the new bill.
(c) Collision; Collusion
→ The collision between the two cars caused significant damage.
→ The two officials were accused of collusion in the tender process.
(d) Corps; Corpse
→ The army corps was deployed to the border.
→ The corpse was identified by the family.
(e) Deference; Difference
→ He treated his elders with deference.
→ There is a significant difference between the two proposals.
11. Make sentences using the following 1×10 = 10 marks
(a) Drive out (to expel or force to leave)
→ The villagers managed to drive out the bandits from their area.
(b) Fall in (to take one’s place in a formation; to agree)
→ The soldiers were ordered to fall in for inspection.
(c) Get over (to recover from)
→ It took her weeks to get over the shock of losing her job.
(d) Run into (to meet unexpectedly; to encounter)
→ I ran into an old friend at the market yesterday.
(e) Take after (to resemble a parent or relative)
→ She takes after her mother in both appearance and temperament.
(f) Turn over (to flip; to hand over; to change)
→ He turned over the page to continue reading.
(g) A shot in the dark (a wild guess)
→ My answer was a shot in the dark, but it turned out to be correct.
(h) Half-heartedly (without enthusiasm)
→ She half-heartedly agreed to join the committee.
(i) Beg for (to ask earnestly)
→ The poor man was begging for alms on the street.
(j) A fish out of water (a person in an unfamiliar situation)
→ At the formal dinner, the village boy felt like a fish out of water.
12. Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions 1×5 = 5 marks
| No. | Sentence | Preposition |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | The post is ______ his disposal. | at |
| (b) | He appeared ______ the magistrate. | before |
| (c) | He is known ______ his honesty. | for |
| (d) | She is fond ______ music. | of |
| (e) | The train is bound ______ Delhi. | for |
13. Rewrite the passage given below correcting all the grammatical errors in it 10 marks
Original (with errors underlined): When the teacher entered into the classroom, he asked the students if any one of them saw the Chairman in Hyderabad last year. One of the student replied that he has visited Hyderabad last year, but got no chance to seeing the Chairman. His uncle insisted that he need not go there in view of security hazards. The student, nevertheless, was very keen to going to the Chairman and argued that if he did not avail of the opportunity, he may not get it in future. His uncle had to allow him.
When the teacher entered the classroom, he asked the students if any of them had seen the Chairman in Hyderabad the previous year. One of the students replied that he had visited Hyderabad the previous year but had got no chance to see the Chairman. His uncle insisted that he need not go there in view of security hazards. The student, nevertheless, was very keen to go to the Chairman and argued that if he did not avail himself of the opportunity, he might not get it in the future. His uncle had to allow him.
14. Answer the questions below according to the directions given 1×10 = 10 marks
(a) Use appropriate modals
(i) He ______ speak three foreign languages.
→ He can speak three foreign languages.
(ii) All visitors ______ report to reception.
→ All visitors must report to reception.
(iii) One ______ respect to one’s parents.
→ One should / must respect one’s parents.
(b) Complete the sentences below using relative pronouns
(iv) This is the place ______ the Chief Minister lives.
→ This is the place where the Chief Minister lives.
(v) He listened carefully to ______ said.
→ He listened carefully to what was said. (or: He listened carefully to what was said.)
(c) Fill in the blanks using appropriate phrasal verbs
(vi) We cannot ______ their misbehaviour.
→ We cannot put up with their misbehaviour.
(vii) It’s cold outside ______ your coat.
→ It’s cold outside put on your coat.
(d) Write three correct sentences using the following expressions. Use the appropriate punctuation marks
(viii) I had / were dirty / been gardening / my hands / because.
→ My hands were dirty because I had been gardening.
(ix) Several of / the storm / my trees / blew down.
→ The storm blew down several of my trees.
(x) The actor / letters of support / to all his fans for their / a big thank you / sent.
→ The actor sent a big thank you to all his fans for their letters of support.
15. Translate the following into English 30 marks
Note: The original text is in Odia, describing the beauty of a hill station in summer. Below is a full English translation based on the readable portions.
ଓଡ଼ିଆ ମୂଳ ପାଠ: ଶରାଦିନରେ ହରଦାର ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ପ୍ରାହାଦ୍ଧକର । ଏ ଭାନର ପ୍ରାକୃତିକ ଦୃଶ୍ୟ ଅତି ମନନାରମ । ହିମାନଯର ପାନଦେଶରେ ଅବସ୍ଥିତ ଥିବା ହରଦରେ ଦେତ ଏଠାରେ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଅଧିକ । ଦିବାରାର ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ କଷ୍ଟକର ମାତ୍ର ରାତ୍ରି ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଆନନ୍ଦଦାୟକ । ପାହାଡ଼ିଆ ଅଞ୍ଚଳରେ ଦିବସରେ ଦାରୁଣ ଗ୍ରୀଷ୍ମ ଓ ରାତ୍ରିରେ ଖୁବ୍ ଥଣ୍ଡା ସହିବାକୁ ପଡ଼ିଥାଏ । ପାହାଡ଼ିଆକୁ ଯିବାପାଇଁ ଅନେକ ଉତ୍ସାହ ଦରକାର ହୁଏ । ପ୍ରତିବର୍ଷ ଖରାଦିନରେ ଭାରତର ନାନା ସ୍ଥାନରୁ ବହୁ ପର୍ଯ୍ୟଟକ ପ୍ରକୃତିର ଏହି ରମଣୀୟ ସ୍ଥାନରେ ଭ୍ରମଣ ଇଚ୍ଛାରେ ଏକତ୍ରିତ ହୁଅନ୍ତି ।
English Translation:
In summer, the lake is extremely beautiful. The natural scenery of this place is very charming. In the hilly regions, the beauty of the lakes is even more. The days are very difficult, but the nights are very pleasant. In the hilly areas, one has to endure severe heat during the day and intense cold at night. One needs a lot of enthusiasm to go to the hills. Every year in summer, many tourists from various parts of India gather here, desirous of visiting this beautiful place of nature.
📊 Marking Scheme Summary
| Question | Content | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essay (any one; all four modelled above) | 100 |
| 2 | Passage comprehension (5 × 6) | 30 |
| 3 | Précis | 40 |
| 4 | Expansion of idea (any one; all four modelled above) | 20 |
| 5 | Spelling correction (10 × 1) | 10 |
| 6 | Synonyms (5 × 1) | 5 |
| 7 | Antonyms (5 × 1) | 5 |
| 8 | One-word substitutes (5 × 1) | 5 |
| 9 | Word usage (10 × 1) | 10 |
| 10 | Pair sentences (5 × 2) | 10 |
| 11 | Idiom sentences (10 × 1) | 10 |
| 12 | Prepositions (5 × 1) | 5 |
| 13 | Error correction passage | 10 |
| 14 | Modals, relative pronouns, phrasal verbs, sentence construction (10 × 1) | 10 |
| 15 | Translation | 30 |
| Total | 300 | |
