HSC English March 2014 Board Paper
Maharashtra State Board - Complete Solved Edition
Section A
(Reading Skills, Grammar, Vocabulary, Note-making and Summary)
Q1. A. Read the following extract and answer the questions given below:
Today, at 29, Michael has discovered the power of another good idea that has helped him rise in just a few years from teen to tycoon. He has become the fourth largest manufacturer of personal computers in America and the youngest man ever to head Fortune 500 Corporation.
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Michael and his two brothers were imbued by their parents, Alexander and Lorraine - he an orthodontist, she a stockbroker- with the desire to learn and the drive to work hard. Even so, stories about the middle boy began to be told early.
Like the time a saleswoman came asking to speak to "Mr. Michael Dell' about his getting a high school equivalency diploma. Moments later, eight-year-old Michael was explaining that he thought it might be a good idea to get high School out of the way.
A few years later Michael had another good idea, to trade stamps by advertising in stamp magazines. With the $2000 he made, he bought his first personal computer. Then he took it apart to figure out how it worked.
In high school Michael had a job selling newspaper subscriptions. Newlyweds, he figured, were the best prospects, so he hired friends to copy the names and addresses of recent recipients of marriage licences. These he entered into his computer, then sent a personalized letter offering each couple a free two - week subscription.
This time Dell made $18000 and bought an expensive BMW car. The car salesman was flabbergasted when the 17-year-old paid cash.
(i) “He has discovered the power of another good idea.” [Rewrite it beginning with “The power of another good idea....”]
(ii) “If you think you have a good idea, try it.” [Use ‘Unless’]
(iii) “This time Dell made $18,000 and bought an expensive BMW car.” [Make it a simple sentence]
(i) filled with a quality = imbued
(ii) understand = to figure out
Q1. B. Grammar: Do as directed:
Q2. A. Read the following extract and answer the questions given below.
I grew up in India in which telephones were both rare and virtually useless. When I left India in 1975 to go to the US for graduate studies, we had perhaps, 600 million residents in the country and just two million landline telephones. Having a telephone was a rare privilege: if you weren’t an important government official, or a doctor, or a journalist, you might languish in a long waiting list and never receive a phone.
Telephones were such a rarity (after all, 90% of population had no access to a telephone line) that elected members of Parliament had amongst their privileges the right to allocate 15 telephone connections to whomever they deemed worthy.
And if you did have a phone, it wasn’t necessarily a blessing. I spent my high school years in Calcutta, and I remember that if you picked up your phone, you had no guarantee you would reach the number you had dialled. Sometimes you were connected to someone else’s ongoing conversation, and they had no idea you were able to hear them; there was even a technical term for it, the ‘cross-connection’ (appropriately, since these were connections that made us very cross). If you wanted to call another city, say Delhi, you had to book a ‘trunk call’ in the morning and then sit by the telephone all day waiting for it to come through; or you could pay eight times the going rate for a ‘lightning call’ — but even lightning struck slowly in India those days, so it only took half an hour instead of the usual three or four or more to be connected.
(i) You could pay eight times the going rate for a ‘lightning call’. (Rewrite it using modal auxiliary showing compulsion)
(ii) I spent my high school years in Calcutta. [Rewrite it using past perfect tense]
(iii) Telephones were a rarity. [Make it a rhetorical question]
Matching Task:
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| (i) Privilege | (i) means to reach or get |
| (ii) Access | (ii) remedy |
| (iii) special right |
Solution:
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| (i) Privilege | (iii) special right |
| (ii) Access | (i) means to reach or get |
Q2. B. Note Making:
Naturally occurring platinum and platinum-rich alloys have been known for a long time. The Spaniards named the metal ‘platina’ or little silver, when they first encountered it in Colombia. The platinum group metals are rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, osmium, iridium and platinum. Of these, platinum is the most important. These metals are very similar in many ways and are extremely rare.
On an average, there is only a gramme of ruthenium in each tonne of the rock and barely a gramme of rhodium in over a 1000 tonnes of rock! Platinum’s wear and tarnish resistance characteristics are well suited for making fine jewellery. Other distinctive properties include - resistance to chemical attack, excellent high temperature characteristics and stable electrical properties. These metals are uniquely durable and can be used extremely efficiently - meaning that a very little goes a very long way. When recycled, over 96 percent can be recovered. The platinum group metals - or PGMS - plays an important role in our everyday life, for they are used in so many things from fountain pens to aircraft turbines. In fact, one in four of the goods manufactured today either contain one or the other of these metals. The catalytic converter - a pollution control device - is the largest application of platinum group metals.
Original Note-Making Task (Fill in the blanks):
| First encountered: | ___________ in Columbia. |
| Platinum group metals include: | ________________________ iridium and ______________ |
| Nature: | Similar in many ways, extremely rare. |
| Availability: | ____________________________________________________barely a gramme of rhodium _________________ |
| Distinctive Properties: | ______________________ resistant to chemical attack durable, long lasting ______________________ |
| Platinum group metals used in : | ________________________________________________ |
Completed Notes:
Title: The Platinum Group of Metals
| First encountered: | By Spaniards in Colombia; named 'platina' (little silver). |
| Platinum group metals include: | Rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum. |
| Nature: | Similar in many ways, extremely rare. |
| Availability: | - Ruthenium: 1 gramme per tonne of rock. - Rhodium: 1 gramme per 1000 tonnes of rock. |
| Distinctive Properties: | - Wear and tarnish resistant. - Resistant to chemical attack. - Durable, long-lasting, and efficient. - 96% recoverable when recycled. |
| Platinum group metals used in: | Jewellery, fountain pens, aircraft turbines, catalytic converters. |
Q3. A. Read the following extract and answer the questions given below:
We often hear this statement that “many of our young people spend more time before their T.V. sets, than they do in their classrooms or with their textbooks.“ A bit exaggerated though it may sound, it is nearly true and our teenagers are being considerably influenced by the electronic media, particularly the T.V. The television has become the single most powerful influence in the lives of many of our youngsters today. Too often this happens to us much before we realise it ourselves.
I am in no way trying to deny the many advantages of T.V. or minimise its manifold contributions to our world. On the other hand, I consider T.V. as one of the greatest scientific achievements of our times, bringing people closer than ever before.
Television’s use of the modern satellite technology brings today even the remotest regions of the world to us in seconds, making the world a small (global) village. As we know, television also provides us with a fuller and more impressive coverage of current events than any other media.
The T.V. does serve. In addition, as medium of education as well as entertainment. Besides, helping us to learn subjects taught in schools, college in greater depth, it enables us (National Geographic, Discovery channel etc.) to see and appreciate from close quarters (without having to go there, which is very expensive or even impossible for most of us) the wonders of God’s creation in any part of the world.
- It brings the world closer, turning it into a "global village" through satellite technology.
- It serves as an excellent medium for both education and entertainment, allowing us to learn about various subjects and see wonders of the world from our homes.
(i) Our young people spend more time before their T.V. set than in their classrooms. (Rewrite it using positive degree)
(ii) The T.V. does serve as medium of education as well as an entertainment. (Rewrite it using ‘not only ......... but also’)
(iii) I consider T.V. as one of the greatest scientific achievements of our times. (Rewrite it using the noun form of the underlined word.)
(i) refuse = deny
(ii) an activity designed to give pleasure = entertainment
Q3. B. Summary
The Pervasive Influence of Television
Television is arguably the most powerful influence on today's youth, who often spend more time watching it than reading. While this influence can be negative, the T.V. itself is a monumental scientific achievement with numerous benefits. It has turned the world into a global village by providing instant access to remote regions and comprehensive coverage of current events. Moreover, it serves as a powerful tool for education and entertainment, helping students learn and allowing everyone to appreciate the world's wonders from home. Thus, despite its potential for overuse, television's role in connecting and educating society is undeniable.
Section B: Poetry
Q4. (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions given below:
leaving them in the dark.
They do not fear death,
they died long ago.
Old women once
were continents.
They had deep woods in them,
lakes, mountains, volcanoes even,
even raging gulfs.
When the earth was in heat
they melted, shrank,
leaving only their maps.
You can fold them
and keep them handy :
who knows, they might help you find
your way home.
Q4. (B) Read the following extract and answer the questions given below:
Of empires passed away;
The blood had turned their stones to rust,
Their glory to decay.
And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown
Has seemed to nations sweet;
But God has struck its luster down
In ashes at his feet.
Section C: Rapid Reading and Composition
Q. 5. A. Read the following extract carefully.
I was walking around the camp, around the barracks, near the barbed wire fence where the guards could not easily see. I was alone.
On the other side of the fence. I spotted someone: a little girl with light, almost luminous curls. She was half hidden behind a birch tree. I glanced around to make sure no one saw me. I called to her softly in German, “Do you have something to eat? She didn’t understand.
I inched closer to the fence and repeated the question in Polish. She stepped forward. I was thin and gaunt, with rags wrapped around my feet, but the girl looked unafraid. In her eyes I saw life. She pulled an apple from her woolen jacket and threw it over the fence. I grabbed the fruit and, as I started to run away, I heard her say faintly, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I returned to the same spot by the fence at the same time every day. She was always there with something for me to eat - a hunk of bread or better yet, an apple.
We didn’t dare speak of linger. To be caught would mean death for us, both. I didn’t know anything about her. Just a kind farm girl, except that she understood Polish.
What was her name? Why was she risking her life for me?
Hello, I am Sam. My brother told me a story from his time in the camp that I'll never forget. He was walking around the camp, near the barbed wire fence where the guards couldn't easily see him. He was all alone. On the other side of the fence, he spotted a little girl with bright, luminous curls, half-hidden behind a birch tree. Making sure no one was watching, he called to her softly in German, asking if she had anything to eat, but she didn't understand.
He moved closer to the fence and asked again, this time in Polish. The girl stepped forward. My brother was thin and gaunt, with rags on his feet, but she didn't look afraid. He said he saw life in her eyes. She pulled an apple from her woolen jacket and threw it over the fence to him. As he grabbed it and started to run, he heard her say faintly, "I'll see you tomorrow."
Every day after that, he returned to the same spot, and she was always there with food—a piece of bread or another precious apple. They never dared to speak for long, as being caught would mean death for them both. He never even learned her name, only that she was a kind farm girl who understood Polish and risked her life for a stranger. He always wondered who she was and why she showed him such incredible kindness.
Q. 5. B. Read the following extract carefully.
George: (contemptuously) I wasn’t afraid of the bulldog.
Tom: No, maybe you weren’t; but I’m not sure that the savage beast hasn’t torn off a bit of young Alfie’s suit, and if he has there won’t half be a row! (Alfie fidgets nervously at the mention of his damaged suit)
Tom: (down R.C.) How much money have we collected?
Ginger: (crossing C. to George) let’s have a look under the light. (after counting coppers, with the aid of George’s torch) Eight pence half penny.
Tom: (in a tone of disgust) only eight pence half penny – between four of us – after yelling our heads off all the evening! Crikey! Money’s a bit tight round these parts, isn’t it?
George: I told you it was too early for carol‐singing. It’s too soon after Guy Fawke’s day. (Faint distant scream off R.)
Tom: (startled) What was that?
George: What was what?
Tom: That noise – it sounded like a scream.
George: Nonsense.
Alfie: (L) Let’s go home.
George: You chaps do get scared easily. It wouldn’t do for you to be in the club that Bert Williams and I are running. We go out looking for adventures like this.
Ginger: Club? I thought it was a gang.
George: Gangs are getting too common. We have turned ours into a club – “The Do and Dare Club” we call it and no one in it must ever show a sign of fear.
Tom: I shouldn’t think you’d have many members. Why, everybody’s afraid of something – if it’s not one thing, it’s bound to be another.
George: (in a very superior tone) Ours isn’t a club for kids; it’s for daring young fellows keen on adventure.
George contemptuously stated that he wasn't afraid of the bulldog. Tom retorted that while George may not have been scared, he was worried the "savage beast" might have torn young Alfie's new suit, which would cause a huge row. At the mention of his suit, Alfie fidgeted nervously. Tom then asked how much money the group of carol-singers had collected. Ginger counted their earnings under the light of George's torch and announced a meager eight pence halfpenny.
Tom expressed his disgust at the small amount, but George reasoned it was too early for carol-singing. Just then, a faint scream startled Tom. George dismissed it as nonsense, but a scared Alfie suggested they go home. George mocked their fear, boasting about his "Do and Dare Club," which was meant for daring fellows keen on adventure, not for kids who get scared easily.
How happy that daisy was! No one had the least idea. The bird kissed it with its beak, sang to it and then rose again up to the blue sky. It was certainly more than a quarter of an hour before the daisy recovered its sense. Half‐ashamed, yet glad at heart, it looked over to the other flowers in the garden, surely that had witnessed its pleasure and the honour that had been done to it; they understood its joy. But the tulips stood more stiffly than ever, their faces were pointed and red, because they were vexed. The peonies were sulky; it was well that they could not speak; otherwise they would have given the daisy a good lecture. The little flower could very well see that they were ill at ease and pitied them sincerely.
Despite their jealousy, the daisy decided to spread her own happiness. Instead of basking alone in her glory, she began to sway gently in the breeze, her bright white petals seeming to smile at her neighbors. "Isn't it a wonderful day?" she seemed to whisper. "The sun is warm, and the sky is so blue!" Slowly, her infectious cheer began to work its magic. A few of the less stubborn tulips relaxed their stiff posture, and even the sulky peonies seemed to soften their deep red hue. The daisy realized that joy wasn't something to be hoarded, but something to be shared. By extending kindness, she found that the entire garden became a more beautiful and harmonious place, and her own happiness grew even more.
Section D: Writing Skills
Q.6 (A) Letter Writing:
(1) Application for a Job
ADVERTISEMENT
WANTED: COMPUTER OPERATOR for a leading company in Aurangabad. Candidate must be a graduate with good typing speed and knowledge of MS Office. Experience preferred. Apply with full C.V. to The Manager, Zenith Infotech, MIDC, Aurangabad.
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Name: Saurabh Akolkar
Address: 25, Parth Society, M. G. Road, Aurangabad – 431001
Age: 24 years
Nationality: Indian
Experience: Working as a Computer Operator at ‘Wonder Travels,’ Mumbai.
Academic Achievements:
| Exams. Passed | University / Board | Year of Passing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Com | Mumbai | March - 2010 | 64% |
| MSCIT | MKCL | 2011 | 82% |
| Diploma in Information Technology | MKCL | 2012 | 90% |
Saurabh Akolkar
25, Parth Society,
M. G. Road, Aurangabad – 431001
Date: March 10, 2014
The Manager,
Zenith Infotech,
MIDC, Aurangabad - 431005
Subject: Application for the post of Computer Operator
Dear Sir/Madam,
In response to your advertisement for the position of Computer Operator, I wish to submit my application. I am a highly motivated professional with the qualifications and experience that match your requirements.
I hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree, a Diploma in Information Technology, and am MSCIT certified. For the past year, I have been working as a Computer Operator at 'Wonder Travels' in Mumbai, where I have honed my skills in data entry, document management, and office software. I am confident that my efficiency and dedication would make me a valuable asset to your team at Zenith Infotech.
My detailed Curriculum Vitae is enclosed for your review. I am eager to discuss how my abilities can benefit your organization and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Saurabh Akolkar
(Encl: Curriculum Vitae)
(2) Complaint Letter
Students of [Your College Name]
C/O [Your Name]
[Your Address], Mumbai
Date: March 11, 2014
The Depot Manager,
[Local] Bus Depot,
Mumbai.
Subject: Grievance regarding infrequent and delayed bus services
Dear Sir,
We, the junior college students and daily commuters of this area, are writing to express our serious concern over the inadequate bus service during peak morning hours.
Every morning, between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, there are very few buses on our route. The ones that do arrive are invariably late, often by 15 to 30 minutes. This erratic schedule causes immense inconvenience, forcing hundreds of students and office workers to be late for their respective institutions. The resulting overcrowding in these few buses creates an unsafe and stressful travel environment.
We urgently request you to investigate this matter and take immediate action by increasing the frequency of buses on our route during morning hours and ensuring strict adherence to the timetable.
We look forward to a swift resolution.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
(On behalf of the students and passengers)
Q.6 (B) Write on any ONE of the following items as directed:
(1) Tourist Leaflet
Discover Mahabaleshwar: The Queen of Hill Stations!
How to Reach There?
Mahabaleshwar is well-connected by road. The nearest major city is Pune (120 km), from where you can hire a cab or take a state transport bus. The nearest railway station is Wathar (60 km), but Pune is a more convenient railhead.
Where to Stay?
From luxury resorts with valley views to cozy guesthouses and budget-friendly hotels, Mahabaleshwar offers accommodation for every traveler. Many options are available near the main market and Venna Lake.
What to See?
Don't miss the breathtaking panoramic views from Arthur's Seat and Elephant's Head Point. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Venna Lake or visit the ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple. The cascading Lingmala Waterfall is a must-see.
Shopping Attractions
Take home the taste of the hills! The town market is famous for fresh strawberries and raspberries. You can also buy delicious jams, honey, jellies, and unique wooden handicrafts and leather goods.
Special Tip: Visit Mapro Garden for their iconic strawberry cream and to sample a wide variety of delicious fruit-based products!
(2) News Report Writing
(i) Intro: The All Mumbai Doctors’ Union has announced a one day token strike on 25th February to protest against beating of a Residential Medical Officer (RMO) at KEM Hospital.
Doctors Announce One-Day Strike After RMO Assaulted
MUMBAI, Feb 24: The All Mumbai Doctors’ Union has announced a one-day token strike on February 25th to protest against the recent brutal assault on a Residential Medical Officer (RMO) at KEM Hospital. The strike is expected to affect Out-Patient Department (OPD) services across the city's government hospitals, though emergency services will remain operational.
The union has demanded stricter security measures and the immediate arrest of all individuals involved in the attack. This event has once again highlighted the vulnerability of medical professionals and the urgent need for a safer working environment in hospitals.
(ii) Intro: Santacruz police have arrested three people in a case of cheating. The accused are ex-employees of a Parle based fitness centre called Yogpower Studio.
Three Ex-Employees Arrested for Cheating Fitness Centre
MUMBAI, Feb 24: Santacruz police have arrested three people in a significant case of cheating involving a Vile Parle based fitness centre, Yogpower Studio. The accused have been identified as former employees of the establishment who allegedly conspired to siphon funds from the company.
According to police sources, the trio manipulated client membership records and payment systems over several months, diverting a substantial amount of money into their personal accounts. The fraud came to light after a recent internal audit by the studio's management revealed major financial discrepancies. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the fraud and to ascertain if other individuals were involved.
Q.6 (C) Write on any ONE of the items as directed:
(1) Paragraph Writing from a Graph
Organ Donation: A Gap Between Awareness and Action
The provided graph highlights a significant and concerning gap between awareness and action regarding organ donation. An overwhelming majority of the population, ranging from 70% to 90%, is aware of the concept, indicating that public campaigns have been successful in educating people. However, this high level of awareness does not translate into practice. The willingness to actually donate organs drops sharply to just 30%. The disparity becomes even more stark when considering tangible actions: only 20% of people have discussed their wish to donate with their families, a crucial step for the process. Most alarmingly, less than 1% of the population has officially signed up as registered organ donors. This data clearly shows that while people know about organ donation, deep-seated inhibitions, lack of motivation, or procedural hurdles are preventing them from taking the life-saving step of pledging their organs.
(2) View – Counter-View
Counter-View: Homework is an Essential Tool for Learning
To suggest that homework does not help students is to overlook its fundamental role in the learning process. While some may see it as a burden, homework is the primary tool for reinforcing concepts taught in the classroom, allowing students to practice and internalize knowledge at their own pace. Far from killing creativity, it can foster it by presenting new problems to solve independently. It is instrumental in developing essential life skills such as discipline, time management, and responsibility, which are crucial for all-round development. Rather than hampering development, homework is a bridge between instruction and mastery, empowering students to take ownership of their education.
Q.7 (A) Framing Interview Questions
Interview Questions for a Social Worker
- Good morning, and thank you for your time. What was the initial spark or personal experience that motivated you to dedicate your life to social work?
- Your organization has achieved remarkable success. Could you share one of the most significant challenges you faced and how you overcame it?
- Many people want to help society but don't know where to start. What is your advice for the average person looking to make a meaningful contribution?
- How do you stay motivated and avoid burnout when constantly dealing with difficult and heart-wrenching social issues?
- In your opinion, what is the most pressing social issue our country faces today, and what is the first step we should take to address it?
- How do you balance the administrative side of running an NGO with the hands-on fieldwork that you are so passionate about?
- Could you tell us about a particular person or success story that has stayed with you and continues to inspire your work?
- Looking towards the future, what is your biggest dream or goal for the community you serve?
Q.7 (B) Speech Writing
(1) Air, water and noise pollution. (2) Depletion of natural resources. (3) Trees prevent soil erosion. (4) Live in harmony with nature.
Speech: The Sacred Duty of Tree Conservation
Respected Principal, beloved teachers, and my dear friends,
Today, on the occasion of World Earth Day, I want to talk about our planet's silent guardians: the trees. We live in an age where our cities are choked by air, water, and noise pollution. This is a direct result of the rapid depletion of our natural resources, especially our precious forests.
Trees are our best defense. They are the lungs of our planet, purifying the air we breathe. Their roots hold the earth together, preventing the devastating soil erosion that turns fertile land into desert. They are a vital part of the ecosystem that sustains us.
Let us pledge today to live in harmony with nature. Let us plant a tree, care for it, and teach others to do the same. Because when we save a tree, we are not just saving a life—we are saving our own future. Thank you.
Glossary of Terms
Catalytic converter
An exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases and pollutants in engine exhaust into less-toxic substances.
Contemptuously
In a scornful way that shows disdain, disrespect, or the feeling that something is worthless.
Depletion
A significant reduction in the number or quantity of something.
Equivalency diploma
A credential that is officially recognized as being academically equivalent to a high school diploma.
Flabbergasted
Greatly surprised, shocked, or astonished.
Gaunt
Lean and haggard in appearance, often because of suffering, hunger, or age.
Imbued
To inspire or permeate with a feeling, quality, or idea.
Invariably
In every case or on every occasion; always.
Languish
To suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant place or difficult situation.
Luminous
Emitting or reflecting a bright, shining light.
Orthodontist
A type of dentist who specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting malpositioned teeth and jaws.
Rarity
The state or quality of being very uncommon, scarce, or infrequent.
Tarnish
To lose luster, brightness, or shine, especially as a result of exposure to air or moisture.
Tycoon
A wealthy, powerful, and influential person in business or industry.