COMMON HALF YEARLY EXAMINATION - 2024
PART I (14 x 1 = 14)
Answer all the questions.
Choose the appropriate synonyms
1. How cranky he was?
Answer: b) strange
2. He was delirious
Answer: a) sick (Contextually related to medical state/troubled mind)
3. The spoilt child of affluent parents
Answer: d) wealthy
Choose the appropriate antonyms
4. Technology is a boon
Answer: b) bane
5. He uttered a delightful scream.
Answer: d) sorrowful
6. His mother swooped upwards
Answer: d) very slow
Grammar & Vocabulary
7. Choose the correct plural form of Syllabus
Answer: c) syllabi
8. Form a derivative by adding the write prefix to the word understand
Answer: c) mis (misunderstand)
9. Choose the correct expansion of GPS
Answer: b) Global positioning system
10. Complete the following sentence with the most appropriate phrasal verb given below.
Walking helps to ________ the calories
Walking helps to ________ the calories
Answer: d) burn off
11. Choose the suitable option to pair it with the word moon to form a compound word
Answer: b) light (moonlight)
12. Fill in the blank with the most appropriate preposition
Peter close the whole ________ his finger
Peter close the whole ________ his finger
Answer: b) with
13. Complete the following sentence using the most appropriate tense form
After he ________ his lunch he went across to the window
After he ________ his lunch he went across to the window
Answer: d) had finished
14. Choose the most appropriate linkers from the given four alternatives
Women are strong brave, resolute ________
Women are strong brave, resolute ________
Answer: c) and
PART II
SECTION 1 (Prose Short Answers)
Answer any three of the following questions in a sentence or two. (3 x 2 = 6)
15. Why did the seagull fail to fly?
The young seagull failed to fly because he was afraid that his wings would not support him. He felt certain that his wings would never support him, so he bent his head and ran away back to the little hole.
16. What does INSV stand for?
INSV stands for Indian Naval Sailing Vessel.
17. Where was Nagen uncle's shop?
Nagen uncle's tea shop was located next to a grocery shop and opposite a Shiva temple in the village of Bramhapur (from the lesson "The Attic").
18. What did Mr. Hamel say about the french language?
Mr. Hamel said that French was the most beautiful language in the world—the clearest and the most logical. He urged the people to guard it among them and never forget it.
SECTION 2 (Poetry Appreciation)
Read the following sets of poetic lines and answer any three of the following. (3 x 2 = 6)
19. Let me but live my life from year to year
With forward face and unreluctant soul
With forward face and unreluctant soul
20. It sat alone
What Happened there is still today unknown
What Happened there is still today unknown
21. And now, if you will set us to our task
We will serve you four and twenty hours a day
We will serve you four and twenty hours a day
22. A woman is beauty innate
A symbol of power and strength
A symbol of power and strength
SECTION 3 (Grammar Exercises)
Answer any three of the following. (3 x 2 = 6)
23. Rewrite the following sentence in other voice:
You are requested not to use mobile phones here.
You are requested not to use mobile phones here.
Answer: Please do not use mobile phones here.
24. Rewrite the sentence in reporter speech:
"Where are we going, sir?" asked the aero-coachman.
"Where are we going, sir?" asked the aero-coachman.
Answer: The aero-coachman respectfully asked where they were going.
25. Punctuate the following sentence:
Stand back stand right back he cried
Stand back stand right back he cried
Answer: "Stand back! Stand right back!" he cried.
26. Combine the following into compound sentence:
Radha was ill. She was not hospitalized
Radha was ill. She was not hospitalized
Answer: Radha was ill, but she was not hospitalized.
27. Rearrange the words in the correct order to make meaningful sentences:
a) as / I / healthy / are / you / am / as
I am as healthy as you are.
b) these / of / was / the / Ariel / chief
Ariel was the chief of these.
I am as healthy as you are.
b) these / of / was / the / Ariel / chief
Ariel was the chief of these.
SECTION IV (Compulsory)
28. A stranger wants to go to a book shop. Guide him to reach his destination. (1 x 2 = 2)
[Image of Road Map: Start point, Bus Stand, Pharmacy, Play ground, Book shop]
Directions:
1. Go straight along the road.
2. Turn left near the Pharmacy.
3. Walk past the Bus Stand on your left.
4. The Book shop is on your right, opposite the Playground.
1. Go straight along the road.
2. Turn left near the Pharmacy.
3. Walk past the Bus Stand on your left.
4. The Book shop is on your right, opposite the Playground.
PART III
SECTION 1 (Prose Paragraph)
Answer any two of the following in a paragraph. (2 x 5 = 10)
29. Describe the struggles under went by the young Seagull to overcome its fare of flying
Solution Summary: The young seagull was afraid to fly because he thought his wings would not support him. His parents, brothers, and sister had all flown away. He was left alone on the ledge without food. His mother tempted him with a piece of fish but stopped just out of reach. maddened by hunger, he dived at the fish, falling into space. Terror seized him, but soon his wings spread outwards, and he began to soar. He flapped his wings and flew, overcoming his fear.
30. Highlight the factors responsible for the all women in the Navy crew to carry out their expedition.
31. "Technology is a boon to the disabled" -justify.
32. Give an account of the last day of Mr.Hamal in school.
SECTION 2 (Poetry Paragraph)
Answer any two of the following. (2 x 5 = 10)
33. Compare and contrast the attitude of the ant and the cricket.
34. Write a paragraph on 'The Grumble family' and their attitude towards other Folks.
35. Read the following stanza and answer the questions given below
It sat alone.
What happened there is still today unknown.
It is a very mysterious place.
And inside you can tell it has a ton off space
36. Paraphrase the following stanza.
"Strong is she in her faith and belief... She's strong in her faith, firm in her belief!"
Paraphrase: The woman is described as being extremely strong in her convictions. Her faith and beliefs are her foundation. Persistence is the key to everything she does. Even when faced with difficulties, sighs, groans, and moans, she does not give up. She remains resolute and firm in her faith and belief.
SECTION 3 (Supplementary)
37. Rearrange the following sentences in coherent order. (1 x 5 = 5)
- "Make rope of twisted 'straw'" she said.
- The entire province trembled in fear of hearing the order of Emperor.
- On the second day she told him what to do.
- One night, in great distress, the son whispered the news to his hidden mother.
- "Wait" she said, "I will think, I will think".
Correct Order:
1. (ii) The entire province trembled in fear of hearing the order of Emperor.
2. (iv) One night, in great distress, the son whispered the news to his hidden mother.
3. (v) "Wait" she said, "I will think, I will think".
4. (iii) On the second day she told him what to do.
5. (i) "Make rope of twisted straw" she said.
1. (ii) The entire province trembled in fear of hearing the order of Emperor.
2. (iv) One night, in great distress, the son whispered the news to his hidden mother.
3. (v) "Wait" she said, "I will think, I will think".
4. (iii) On the second day she told him what to do.
5. (i) "Make rope of twisted straw" she said.
38. Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
(Passage about Francis Bennett waking up in bad temper, wife in France, using phonotelephote...)
SECTION 4 (Writing Skills)
39. Prepare an attractive advertisement using the hints given below. (4 x 5 = 20)
Homemade taste- Hygiene -Family restaurant- Fresh juice- available -Free home delivery- card accepted.
TASTY BITES FAMILY RESTAURANT
~ Homemade Taste ~
- 100% Hygienic Preparation
- Fresh Juice Available
- Cards Accepted
FREE HOME DELIVERY
Visit us for a delightful meal!
40. You are Raja. You are upset about the bad influence of TV channels on the young children. You decide to write a letter to the editor of a leading newspaper suggesting measures to upgrade the standard. Write this formal letter in about 100 -120 words.
41. You are the coordinator of the science forum of your school. An event had been organized on account of National Science Day for the members of the forum. Now, write a report on the observation of "National Science Day" at your school.
42. Look at the following picture and express your views on it in about five sentences.
[Picture of a disabled person/wheelchair user]
Views: The picture depicts a person in a wheelchair, highlighting the importance of accessibility and inclusion for the differently-abled. Disability is not an inability; with the right support and infrastructure, everyone can achieve their goals. Society must ensure that public spaces are ramp-accessible. We should treat people with disabilities with respect and dignity. Technology and determination can overcome physical limitations.
43. Make notes or write summary of the following passage.
(Passage about Dragon tales in many cultures...)
Title: Dragon Tales
1. Origin & Spread:
- Known in many cultures (Americas, Europe, India, China).
- Unclear when stories first emerged.
2. Description:
- Huge, flying serpents described by ancient Greeks & Sumerians.
3. Etymology:
- Word 'dragon' from Greek 'draconta' meaning 'to watch'.
4. Role:
- Responsible for guarding valuables (gold, gems).
1. Origin & Spread:
- Known in many cultures (Americas, Europe, India, China).
- Unclear when stories first emerged.
2. Description:
- Huge, flying serpents described by ancient Greeks & Sumerians.
3. Etymology:
- Word 'dragon' from Greek 'draconta' meaning 'to watch'.
4. Role:
- Responsible for guarding valuables (gold, gems).
44. Identify the errors in the following sentences and rewrite them correctly.
SECTION 5 (Memoriter)
45. Quote from Memory (1 x 5 = 5)
A woman is beauty.......
........ to see in spring
A woman is beauty innate,
A symbol of power and strength.
She puts her life at stake,
She's real, she's not fake!
The summer of life she's ready to see in spring.
A symbol of power and strength.
She puts her life at stake,
She's real, she's not fake!
The summer of life she's ready to see in spring.
PART - IV
46. Write a paragraph of about 150 words by developing the following hints. (2 x 8 = 16)
a) Uncle Philip – cunning- living alone - interest collecting stones - death bed calls Tom - sole heir- hands over iron box - gems –warns- opening –Dynamite- headache- Tom- read books- consults- technicians –doctors- priest –salary- reduce afraid tax- failure –donates- human –vivisection centre.
(The Dilemma)
Uncle Philip was a cunning man who lived alone and had a passion for collecting precious stones. On his deathbed, he called his nephew Tom, his sole heir. He handed over an iron box, claiming it contained valuable gems. However, he warned Tom that the box was rigged with dynamite and would explode if opened incorrectly. This put Tom in a terrible dilemma. He became obsessed with the box, suffering from headaches. He read books, consulted technicians, doctors, and even a priest, but no one could help him open it safely. The fear of the box ruined his life; he had to pay taxes on the inheritance but couldn't use the wealth. Finally, fearing failure and poverty, he donated the box to a human vivisection centre, passing the dangerous burden to someone else.
Uncle Philip was a cunning man who lived alone and had a passion for collecting precious stones. On his deathbed, he called his nephew Tom, his sole heir. He handed over an iron box, claiming it contained valuable gems. However, he warned Tom that the box was rigged with dynamite and would explode if opened incorrectly. This put Tom in a terrible dilemma. He became obsessed with the box, suffering from headaches. He read books, consulted technicians, doctors, and even a priest, but no one could help him open it safely. The fear of the box ruined his life; he had to pay taxes on the inheritance but couldn't use the wealth. Finally, fearing failure and poverty, he donated the box to a human vivisection centre, passing the dangerous burden to someone else.
(OR)
b) Holland-dikes –lie below level - Peter- prevent seawater - walks – besides the cana - I small hole in the dike –put his finger- Holland drowned while I am here. the little fellow- and screamed -next morning -a man - notice Peter - alarm -people mended - brave hero
(The Little Hero of Holland)
Holland is a land that lies below sea level, protected by dikes that prevent seawater from flooding the country. One day, a young boy named Peter was walking beside the canal. He noticed a small hole in the dike through which water was trickling. He realized the danger; if the hole expanded, Holland would be drowned. He bravely put his finger into the hole to stop the leak. He stayed there all night, cold and alone, determined that "Holland shall not be drowned while I am here." The little fellow screamed for help, but no one heard him. The next morning, a man walking by noticed Peter. He raised an alarm. The people came, mended the dike, and hailed Peter as the brave hero who saved their country.
Holland is a land that lies below sea level, protected by dikes that prevent seawater from flooding the country. One day, a young boy named Peter was walking beside the canal. He noticed a small hole in the dike through which water was trickling. He realized the danger; if the hole expanded, Holland would be drowned. He bravely put his finger into the hole to stop the leak. He stayed there all night, cold and alone, determined that "Holland shall not be drowned while I am here." The little fellow screamed for help, but no one heard him. The next morning, a man walking by noticed Peter. He raised an alarm. The people came, mended the dike, and hailed Peter as the brave hero who saved their country.
47. a) Read the following paragraph and answer the questions given below.
(Passage about Olympic Games, Roman stoppage, Pierre de Coubertin, Paralympics, Sir Ludwig Guttmann)
(OR)
b) Read the following poem and answer the questions given below:
A bird came down the walk
He did not know I saw
He bit an Angel worn I halves
And ate the fellow raw
And then he drank a Dew
From a convenient Grass-
And then hopped sidewise to the wall
To let a Beetle pass-
He glanced with rapid eyes
That hurried all abroad
They looked like frightened Beads, I thoughts,
He stirred his Velvet Head,