Ariyalur District
Half Yearly Examination - 2024
Note: Answer all the questions. Choose the appropriate synonyms for the underlined words: (14x1=14)
Choose the appropriate antonyms for the underlined words.
The question asks for an antonym (opposite word), but the options provided do not include a correct antonym. Instead, option (a) provides the synonym (same meaning).
Here is the breakdown:
Underlined Word: grabbed
Meaning: To seize, grasp, or take hold of something suddenly or roughly.
Correct Antonym: released, let go, freed.
Analysis of Options:
a) snatched suddenly: This is a synonym. "Snatch" means the same as "grab".
b) used forcefully: Incorrect.
d) shot carefully: Incorrect.
d) catch quickely: Incorrect (and misspelled).
Conclusion: The question likely contains a typo and intended to ask for the synonym. If you must choose from the given options, the best choice is:
a) snatched suddenly (as a synonym)
If you are strictly looking for the antonym, none of the options are correct. The answer would be released.
General Grammar and Vocabulary
Many students _______ of schools due to poverty.
He dropped his legs to stand _______ the green sea.
She _______ in this house for five years.
_______ the teacher enter the class then the boys stood up
Here is the step-by-step breakdown:
Verb Form Clue: The verb used in the sentence is "enter" (base form).
Auxiliary verbs like "had" require the past participle form (i.e., "entered"). This eliminates option (c) Hardly had.
Auxiliary verbs like "did" function with the base form (i.e., "did enter"). This leaves us with options (a) and (d).
Option (b) As soon as would typically be followed by "the teacher entered" (past tense) to match "stood up", so it is grammatically incorrect with "enter".
Conjunction Pairing:
"No sooner" is always paired with "than".
"Hardly" and "Scarcely" are paired with "when".
The sentence uses the word "then". In many exam papers, this is a common typo for "than". Since "then" is phonetically and visually closest to "than", it points to the "No sooner... than" structure.
Corrected Sentence: "No sooner did the teacher enter the class than the boys stood up."
Note : Answer any Three of the following questions in a sentence or two (3x2=6)
Read the following sets of poetic lines and answer any THREE of the following (3x2=6)
From what the future veils; but with a whole
b) No, the poet is not afraid of the future.
It never grows leaves.
b) The tree is a mystery because it never grows leaves in any season, yet it never decays or dies.
Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war’s long winter starved
b) We are fed by peaceful harvests (crops grown during peace).
Whatever comes, there is something amiss;
b) They find everything amiss because it is their nature to find fault with everything; they are never satisfied.
Answer any Three of the following (3x2=6)
Raja will teach the mother tongue to him
Rajiv said to Arivu, “Where will you be tomorrow , in case I have to ring you?”
Who is this maid said he
Though Ramya is sick, she attends the school
b) Could the students answer the questions correctly?
Answer the following question (1x2=2)
2. Turn left onto Rajaji Road.
3. Walk past the Government School and the Temple on your left.
4. You will find the Marriage Hall on your left side.
Answer any two of the following questions given below: (2x5=10)
- Devices like the Liberator Communication Device help people like Alisha (cerebral palsy) communicate.
- David, with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, uses the ECO2 to speak, control his computer, and manage his environment (lights, TV).
- Dragon Dictate helps people type by speaking.
- Technology removes barriers, allowing education, employment, and social interaction.
- His family encouraged, scolded, and even starved him to make him fly.
- Maddened by hunger, he dived at a piece of fish in his mother's beak.
- He fell outwards and downwards into space, seized by terror.
- Suddenly, his wings spread out, he felt the wind, and began to soar, realizing he could fly.
- The village elders were present to pay respect.
- He taught with great patience and emotion, calling French the most beautiful language.
- He blamed the parents and himself for neglecting education.
- At the end, unable to speak due to emotion, he wrote "Vive La France!" on the board.
- He lost his family and eyesight (partially) but had a sharp memory.
- He was self-respecting; he demanded the return of his medal, not charity.
- He held a grudge against Aditya for stealing his medal years ago.
- He finally felt vindicated when Aditya returned the medal.
Answer any two of the following : (2x5=10)
- They are never satisfied with anything (weather, food, life).
- They find fault in everything and everyone.
- Their attitude is contagious; anyone who stays with them starts grumbling too.
- The poet advises us to avoid their company to keep our spirits high.
- They have no feelings (love, pity, forgiveness).
- They can only perform tasks they are programmed for.
- If mishandled, they can destroy their creators.
- Despite their power and size, they depend entirely on human intelligence.
So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O'er rough or Smooth, the journey will be joy?
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown,
ii) Rhyming scheme: a b b a.
iii) Figure of speech (First line): Contrast (up the hill or down). Or Metaphor (Life compared to a journey/road).
iv) Alliterated words (Third line): seeking - sought; when - what (less likely, 's' is prominent).
36. Paraphrase the following stanza. (1x5=5)
I drive past the house almost every day.
The house seems to be a bit brighter
On this warm summer day in may.
It plays with your mind.
To me I say, it is one of a kind
Answer any one of the following
1. (ii) That morning Francis Benet awoke in a rather bad temper.
2. (iii) The telephone, completed by the telephoto, is another of our time’s conquests. (Context: He usually speaks to his wife first).
3. (iv) He quickly jumped out of the bed and went into his mechanized dressing room.
4. (i) Francis Bennet went on into the repeorter’s room.
5. (v) “well, cash, what have you got?”
b) Zigzag worked for the African witch doctor and Dr. Somu.
c) The clinic transformed from a noisy sea of tears into a calm, orderly place.
d) Zigzag scolded the naughty ones.
e) No, Zigzag never slept or snored even for a second (while at the clinic).
Answer any Four of the following (4x5=20)
CREED, KUK Farm – Fruits, plants arid vegetables – avail organic fertilizer – Healthy – Fresh – Tasty – 100% organic – low price - CREED, KVK, Cholamadevi, Ariyalur.
CREED, KUK FARM
Nature's Best at Your Doorstep!
- Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
- Arid Plants Available
- 100% Organic & Healthy
- Tasty & Nutritious
SPECIAL OFFER: Avail Organic Fertilizer!
Low Price - High Quality
Visit Us:
CREED, KVK, Cholamadevi, Ariyalur.
[Your Name],
[Your Address].
To:
The Executive Engineer,
PWD Department,
Ariyalur.
Sir,
Sub: Complaint regarding poor maintenance of Children’s Park.
I am writing to bring to your attention the deplorable condition of the Children’s Park in our locality. The park is littered with garbage, and the play equipment is rusted and broken, posing a danger to children.
There is no proper lighting, and stray animals frequent the area. I request you to take immediate action to clean and renovate the park for the safety of the children.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Name]
You are the school pupil Leader. You have been asked to write a report on the Inaugural ceremony of English Literary Association of your school. Which was held recently.
Inauguration of English Literary Association
By [Name], School Pupil Leader
Ariyalur, Nov 20: The Inaugural ceremony of the English Literary Association of Govt. Hr. Sec. School was held on 15th November 2024 in the school auditorium. The program began with a prayer song.
The Headmaster presided over the function. The Chief Guest, Dr. R. Sharma, Professor of English, lit the traditional lamp. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of English communication skills. Students presented a skit and recited poems. The vote of thanks was proposed by the Secretary of the Association. The event ended with the National Anthem.
2. Two students, a boy and a girl, are planting a sapling.
3. The boy is digging the soil while the girl is pouring water.
4. They are wearing school uniforms, showing that schools promote environmental awareness.
5. Trees are essential for our survival as they provide oxygen and rain.
The Power of Motivation
Rough Draft: Motivation changes positive thoughts into action. It affects the world. Some people lack motivation and doubt themselves saying they can't do it. Being demotivated is like being a worn-out machine. Life becomes dull. To get peace and satisfaction, we must stay motivated always.
Fair Draft: Motivation acts as a catalyst, transforming positive thoughts into action and impacting the world. However, self-doubt often hinders people. A lack of motivation renders life mechanical and dull, akin to a worn-out machine. Therefore, maintaining motivation is crucial for achieving inner peace and life satisfaction.
b) We bought some furniture. (Furniture is uncountable)
c) I have great confidence in you.
d) Look at this beautiful picture.
e) Each one of you has to write diary daily. (Spelling: dairy -> diary)
45. Quote from memory : (1x5=5)
To : ……….. Her faith and beliefs.
She says, "Spring will come again, my dear.
Let me care for the ones who're near."
She's The Woman - she has no fear!
Strong is she in her faith and beliefs.
46. Write a paragraph of about 150 words by developing the following hints (2x8=16)
Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, lived on an island with his daughter Miranda after being exiled by his brother Antonio. Using magic and the spirit Ariel, Prospero raised a storm to shipwreck Antonio, the King of Naples, and his son Ferdinand. Ariel brought Ferdinand to the cave, where Miranda, seeing a young man for the first time, was amazed. They fell in love. To test Ferdinand's love, Prospero set him hard tasks. Miranda pleaded for him, but Prospero chided her. Eventually, Ariel brought the King and Antonio to Prospero. They realized their mistake and repented. Prospero forgave them, his dukedom was restored, and he agreed to the marriage of Miranda and Ferdinand.
Holland is a land below sea level, protected by dikes. Years ago, a boy named Peter lived there. His father tended the dike gates. One day, Peter's mother gave him cakes to take to an old blind friend across the dike. On his return, he heard the sound of trickling water. He found a small hole in the dike. Realizing the danger, he called for help, but in vain. He put his finger in the hole to stop the water and stayed there throughout the cold night. In the morning, passers-by found him numb but holding back the water. The people were alerted, the hole was fixed, and Peter saved Holland.
b) It was constructed by the Chola King Karikalan in 150 CE.
c) He constructed it to divert the river to the delta districts to boost irrigation.
d) It is the fourth oldest water regulator in the world and the oldest in India still in use.
(OR)
And idly fashioned it, one day.
And as my fingers pressed it, still,
It moved and yielded to my will
I came again, when days were passed
That bit of day was hards at last
The form I gave it, still it bore,
And I could change that form no more
b) The clay was plastic (soft/moldable) and yielded to the poet's will.
c) When he returned, the clay had become hard.
d) Yes, it retained the same form he gave it, but it could not be changed anymore.