HSC ENGLISH MARCH 2018 SET A BOARD QUESTION PAPER

Maharashtra State Board
HSC English (01) 2018

Complete Solution for Question Paper Set J-201/A

SECTION A
(Reading Skill, Grammar, Vocabulary, Note-making and Summary)

Q. 1. (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions

(Extract source: "Prominent among the urges that inspire... The word 'bog' is significant...")

(1) What is the main idea of the extract?

Answer The main idea of the extract is to contrast the urge to become a "somebody" (famous and admired) with the peace and freedom of being a "nobody" (humble and obscure). It highlights that the pursuit of fame can lead to stagnation, while humility allows for continuous personal growth.

(2) Why is it important for one to remain a temporal nobody? How?

Answer It is important to remain a temporal nobody to sustain one's development in absolute terms. By not thinking one has "arrived," one avoids stagnation and decline. This is achieved by viewing oneself merely as an agent of a superior power, rather than the source of power itself.

(3) What does Emily Dickinson declare with pride? Why?

Answer Emily Dickinson declares, "I'm nobody!" with apparent pride. She does this because she sees the life of a "somebody"—who must constantly tell their name to an "admiring bog"—as dreary, public, and stagnating, whereas obscurity offers freedom.

(4) What would you like to be in your life – Somebody or nobody? Why?

Answer I would like to be a 'somebody' in terms of my contribution to society, as I want to make a positive impact on the world. However, I would strive to remain a 'nobody' in terms of ego, ensuring I stay humble and grounded like the extract suggests, to keep learning and growing.

(5) Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:

(i) This requires an exercise of will. (Rewrite it using the Simple Future tense.)

This will require an exercise of will.

(ii) You have to constantly watch out and talk to yourself. (Rewrite it using another modal auxiliary showing 'compulsion'.)

You must constantly watch out and talk to yourself.

(iii) You begin to stagnate. (Rewrite it using the noun form of the word underlined.)

You begin stagnation.
(Alternative: Your stagnation begins.)

(6) Find out the words from the extract which mean –

(i) danger = pitfall
(ii) praise = adulation / laurels / admiration

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Q. 1. (B) Grammar: Do as directed

(i) He wanted to become ____ artist and live in ____ Himalayas. (Fill in the blanks with the appropriate articles.)

He wanted to become an artist and live in the Himalayas.

(ii) She was able to talk ____ the group ____ her experience. (Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions.)

She was able to talk to (or 'with') the group about her experience.

(iii) "Why are you crying?" said the woman to a little boy. "I want a balloon," he said. (Change it into Indirect Speech.)

The woman asked the little boy why he was crying. He replied that he wanted a balloon.

Q. 2. (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions

(Extract source: "But even in a poverty-free world... Can we really create a poverty-free world?...")

(1) What is the extract about?

Answer The extract is about the vision of a "poverty-free world," distinguishing between temporary poverty caused by disasters and chronic poverty. It discusses how market mechanisms can handle temporary issues while ensuring no citizens are left in a "third-class" or "under-class" state.

(2) How will the poverty-free world take care of natural disasters?

Answer In a poverty-free world, problems arising from natural disasters (like floods or earthquakes) would be handled by market mechanisms such as insurance, other self-paying programmes, and assistance from social-consciousness-driven enterprises.

(3) According to the writer, what would 'the world without poverty' be like?

Answer According to the writer, a world without poverty would still have differences in lifestyle and income levels (like first and second-class carriages), but it would be a world without "third-class" or "fourth-class" citizens. There would be no hungry, illiterate, or barefoot under-class.

(4) What can we do to help the poor in our society?

Answer We can help the poor by donating to credible NGOs, volunteering our time for education and skill-development programs, treating them with dignity, and supporting businesses that engage in fair trade practices.

(5) Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:

(i) Temporary problems could be taken care of by market mechanism. (Rewrite the sentence beginning with 'Market mechanism......')

Market mechanism could take care of temporary problems.

(ii) In the nineteenth century, there were third-class carriages. (Form a Wh-question to get the underlined part as an answer.)

When were there third-class carriages?

(iii) There would still be situations of temporary poverty. (Rewrite it using 'can'.)

There can still be situations of temporary poverty.

(6) What do the following words in the extract mean –

(i) devastated = destroyed / ruined
(ii) hay = dried grass

Q. 2. (B) Note-making

(Extract about Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan)

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Birth	5th September, 1888
Qualifications	B.A. and M.A. with majors in philosophy
Introduced thinking of	Western idealist philosophers like Plato, Plontinus, and Bergson into Indian thought.
Work	Translated Indian Philosophy into standard academic jargon
Ambassador	: to the Soviet Union
Honours	National: Bharat Ratna (1954) International: Templeton Prize, Peace Prize of German Book Trade, Order of Merit

Q. 3. (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions

(Extract source: "Kalpana Chawla was extremely proud of her birth-place...")

(1) What is the extract about?

Answer The extract is about the astronaut Kalpana Chawla, highlighting her deep affection for her birthplace and India, her humble nature, her concern for the Earth's environment, and the fulfillment of her wishes after her tragic death.

(2) How was Kalpana connected with India and Indians?

Answer Kalpana was proud of her birthplace and pointed it out from space. She tracked down former teachers and friends, stayed in touch with them, and had a cherished desire to visit India again. Even after death, her connection remained as her husband scattered her ashes over the Himalayas.

(3) How was Kalpana concerned about the well-being of the earth?

Answer Kalpana was concerned about the Earth's well-being and urged young people to listen to the sounds of nature and take care of the fragile planet. During her space trips, she took many breathtaking photographs of Earth for various terrestrial studies.

(4) What would you like to do for India?

Answer I would like to contribute to India's development by becoming a responsible citizen. I aim to work in the field of education to help improve literacy rates in rural areas and promote environmental awareness to keep our country clean and green.

(5) Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:

(i) She took many breathtaking photographs of the earth. (Rewrite it using the Present Perfect Continuous tense.)

She has been taking many breathtaking photographs of the earth.

(ii) He scattered her ashes over the Himalayas. (Rewrite it beginning with 'Her ashes......')

Her ashes were scattered over the Himalayas (by him).

(iii) Kalpana was extremely proud of her birth-place and made every effort to bring it into limelight. (Rewrite it using 'not only ..... but also'.)

Kalpana was not only extremely proud of her birth-place but also made every effort to bring it into limelight.

(6) Give the antonyms from the extract for –

(i) collected × scattered
(ii) forgot × remembered

Q. 3. (B) Summary

Write a summary of the above extract with the help of the following points and suggest a suitable title: (Points: Kalpana’s affection towards India... humble nature... love for the earth... Harrison’s visit)

Kalpana Chawla: The Humble Star of India

Kalpana Chawla, despite her celebrity status as an astronaut, remained a humble person deeply affectionate towards her Indian roots. She took pride in her birthplace, actively maintaining ties with her teachers and friends in India. Beyond her national love, she was a global citizen who cared deeply for the fragile earth, urging youth to protect nature and contributing to terrestrial studies through her photography from space. Although her tragic death prevented her return to India, her husband, Harrison, fulfilled her wish by visiting her family and scattering her ashes over the Himalayas.

SECTION B (Poetry)

Q. 4. (A) Read the following extract and answer the questions

(Poem: "By this time, I felt very small... I quietly went and knelt by her bed...")

(1) Why did the mother go to her daughter's room?

Answer The mother went to her daughter's room because she felt guilty ("very small") for yelling at her daughter earlier and wanted to apologize.

(2) How can the mother be a friend to her daughter?

Answer The mother can be a friend to her daughter by understanding her feelings, admitting her own mistakes, apologizing when she is wrong (as she did in the poem), and treating her daughter with patience and love rather than anger.

(3) Name and explain the figure of speech in the following line: "..... they're pretty like you".

Answer Simile.
The daughter compares the flowers to her mother using the word "like" to express that both are beautiful.

(4) What is the effect of dialogues in the poem?

Answer The use of dialogues makes the poem more realistic and dramatic. It brings out the genuine emotions of the characters and allows the reader to directly hear the innocence of the child and the remorse of the mother.

Q. 4. (B) Read the following extract and answer the questions

(Poem: "And then they came to its massive trunk... Fifty men with axes...")

(1) What did the rings of the trunk of the tree reveal about its age?

Answer The rings of the trunk revealed that the tree was two hundred years old.

(2) According to you, how do trees help mankind?

Answer Trees help mankind by providing oxygen, shade, fruits, and wood. They maintain the ecological balance, prevent soil erosion, and offer habitat to various birds and animals.

(3) Give an example of 'Repetition' from the extract.

Answer "Fifty men with axes chopped and chopped"

(4) The poem has picturesque expressions. They make the poem lively. Pick out such expressions from the extract.

Answer Examples of picturesque expressions are:

• "massive trunk"
• "aerial roots Looking for ground to strike"
• "raw mythology"

SECTION C (Rapid Reading and Composition)

Q. 5. (A) Rewrite the extract from the point of view of the mother

(Original text: "Yes, there was a skeleton in the cupboard... I played a small part...")

Instruction: Begin with "My son never saw the skeleton in the cupboard..."

Answer

My son never saw the skeleton in the cupboard, and although he never saw it, he played a small part in the events that followed its discovery. He was fifteen that year, and he was back in his boarding school in Simla after spending the long winter holidays in Dehradun. I was still managing the old Green's hotel in Dehra – a hotel that was soon to disappear and become part of Dehra's unrecorded history. It was called Green's not because it purported to the spread of any greenery (its neglected garden was choked with lantana), but because it had been started by an Englishman, Mr Green, back in 1920, just after the Great War had ended in Europe.

Q. 5. (B) Dialogue Writing OR Extension

Option 1: Convert into a dialogue between Charles and Oliver.

(Context: Charles the wrestler asks Oliver to persuade his brother Orlando not to fight.)

Answer (Dialogue)

Charles: Hi Orlando! Wait, pardon me, I mean good sir Oliver. I am the famous wrestler, Charles, from the Duke's court.

Oliver: Good day to you, Charles. What brings a champion wrestler to my door?

Charles: Sir, I have come to speak to you about your younger brother, Orlando. I hear he has decided to try his strength against me in tomorrow's match.

Oliver: Is that so? The boy is foolish.

Charles: Indeed. I am a professional wrestler, sir, and I must always fight to win to keep my reputation. Anyone who fights me runs the risk of being badly hurt. Please, I beg you, warn your younger brother and persuade him to change his mind.

Oliver: (Smirking cunningly) I appreciate your concern, Charles. But I must tell you the truth. Orlando is bad and ungrateful. He deserves any punishment you could give him. I would rather you broke his neck than his finger.

Charles: If that is your wish, sir. If he comes to the fight tomorrow, I'll give him his payment. If he can walk away after I have finished with him, I'll never wrestle again.

Oliver: You have my permission to do what you like with the boy.

OR

Option 2: Extend the extract by adding an imaginary paragraph.

(Context: Immigrant story, brother Sam in America, electronics shop, friend Sid calls about a blind date.)

Answer (Extension)

But Sid kept pestering me, and a few days later we headed up to the Bronx to pick up his date and her friend Roma. I was reluctant the whole subway ride, adjusting my tie and checking my watch. When we arrived, Roma opened the door. She had the kindest eyes I had ever seen, and her smile instantly melted my apprehension. We spent the evening walking through the park, talking about everything from the old country to the new transistor radios I was repairing. She listened with genuine interest. By the time I dropped her home, I knew this wasn't just a blind date; it was the beginning of my American dream's next chapter. That night, I didn't think about the shop or the past, only the future.

SECTION D (Written Communication)

Q. 6. (A) Letter Writing

(1) Application Letter in response to advertisement for Purchase Officer.

Answer

Aruna Anil Shinde
B1-104, Rose Parade,
S. B. Road, Nagpur.

21st February 2018

To,
The Managing Director,
Cosmos Ltd.,
72-E Industrial Area,
Andheri (E), Mumbai – 400093.

Subject: Application for the post of Purchase Officer.

Dear Sir/Madam,

With reference to your advertisement published in 'The Times of India' dated 20th February 2018, I wish to apply for the post of Purchase Officer in your esteemed organization.

I possess the required qualifications, holding a B.E. in Electrical Engineering with Distinction (78%) from Nagpur University. Additionally, I have successfully completed a Computer Diploma from NIIT, Nagpur. I have relevant work experience, having worked as a Purchase Officer at Login Private Ltd., Nagpur, where I gained valuable skills in correspondence and supply chain management.

I am a hardworking and dedicated professional looking for better career prospects. I assure you that if given an opportunity, I will work with sincerity to contribute to the growth of your company.

My C.V. is enclosed herewith for your kind perusal.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,

(Signature)
Aruna Anil Shinde

Encl: Curriculum Vitae

Q. 6. (B) Tourist Leaflet OR Report Writing

(1) Write a short tourist's leaflet about any Hill Station.

Answer (Leaflet)

Welcome to Mahabaleshwar: The Queen of Hill Stations

🚗 How to Reach There

• By Road: Excellent connectivity from Mumbai (260 km) and Pune (120 km) via State Transport buses and private taxis.
• By Rail: Nearest railway station is Wathar (60 km), but Pune station is more convenient.
• By Air: Nearest airport is Pune International Airport.

🏨 Accommodation Facilities

• Luxury resorts and 5-star hotels (e.g., Brightland Resort).
• Budget-friendly lodges and MTDC holiday cottages.
• Heritage bungalows for a colonial experience.

👀 What to See

• Wilson Point: The highest point for sunrise.
• Arthur's Seat: Spectacular views of the valley.
• Venna Lake: Boating and horse riding.
• Pratapgad Fort: Historical significance nearby.

🍓 Shopping Attractions & Specialties

• Famous for fresh Strawberries, mulberries, and carrots.
• Mapro Garden for jams, crushes, and syrups.
• Leather goods (Kolhapuri chappals) and honey.

Come, breathe the fresh air and lose yourself in nature's lap!

Q. 6. (C) Information Transfer OR Counter-View

(2) Prepare a paragraph for the Counter-View Section on: "Facebook is a user-friendly device."

(Task: Write the Counter-View, i.e., arguments AGAINST Facebook being user-friendly/excellent, using the View points as context for what you are opposing.)

Answer (Counter-View)

Facebook: A Web of Distraction and Risk

While Facebook is touted as an excellent networking site, it is increasingly becoming a platform fraught with dangers rather than friendliness. Though it connects people, it often disconnects them from reality, fostering addiction and eating into productive time. The claim that it "allows information with people far and wide" ignores the rampant spread of fake news and misinformation that misguides users. Furthermore, the ability to create profiles often leads to identity theft and the creation of fake accounts used for cyberbullying and stalking. Instead of true relationship building, it often encourages superficial interactions and social anxiety, proving that it is not as "user-friendly" or harmless as it appears.

Q. 7. (A) Framing Questions

Frame 8-10 questions to interview a well-known sports personality (Chief Guest).

Answer

Interview with a Sports Personality

1. Good morning, Sir/Madam. It is an honor to have you here. How does it feel to be back in a college atmosphere?
2. What inspired you to choose this particular sport as a career?
3. Who was your role model or mentor during your early training days?
4. What do you consider the biggest achievement of your career so far?
5. Could you share a challenging moment or injury you faced and how you overcame it?
6. How do you handle the pressure of expectations from millions of fans?
7. What is your daily fitness and diet routine like?
8. What message would you like to give to the aspiring young athletes of our college?
9. How important is the balance between academics and sports for a student?
10. What are your future goals or plans for the next five years?

Q. 7. (B) Speech Writing

Topic: 'Save Trees, Trees Save' (Elocution Competition)

Answer

Honorable Judges, Respected Teachers, and My Dear Friends,

Good morning to one and all. Today, I stand before you to speak on a topic that is not just a slogan but a lifeline for our future – "Save Trees, Trees Save."

Friends, imagine a world without trees. No shade from the scorching sun, no fruits to eat, and most importantly, no clean air to breathe. Trees are the primary providers of human needs. They give us oxygen, food, timber, and medicine. But their role goes far beyond material goods.

Trees are the guardians of our ecological balance. They hold the soil together, preventing erosion, and play a crucial role in the water cycle, attracting rainshowers that feed our rivers and farms. In today's time, when global warming is a looming threat, trees act as the earth's lungs, absorbing carbon dioxide and cooling the planet.

Yet, we cut them down recklessly for urbanization. If we destroy trees, we destroy ourselves. It is high time we realize that if we save trees today, they will save us tomorrow. Let us pledge to plant at least one tree each and nurture it.

Thank you.