English (01) - HSC Board Question Paper Solution 2020
SECTION - I
(Reading Skill, Grammar, Vocabulary, Note-making and Summary)
(Reading Skill, Grammar, Vocabulary, Note-making and Summary)
Q. 1. (A) Read the first activity, read the extract and then do all the activities:
(Extract Summary: The writer, A.J. Cronin, describes his initial attempt to write a novel. He bought cheap exercise books and sat in his cold bedroom at a desolate Highland loch. He felt ill-prepared, recalling his wife's skepticism and the failure of a character in Daudet's book. Despite feeling like a fool and staring at a blank page for three hours, he eventually began to write after lunch, spurred by his old schoolmaster's advice to "Get it down!")
A1. True / False —
State which of the following statements are not true:
State which of the following statements are not true:
- The writer’s stay was in a remote village.
- The writer’s wife was sure about her husband’s ability of writing.
- Doctors usually write only prescriptions.
- The writer began his novel with the phrase – “In a remote valley of Pyrenees......”
Answer:
The statements which are not true are:
(ii) The writer’s wife was sure about her husband’s ability of writing.
(iv) The writer began his novel with the phrase – “In a remote valley of Pyrenees......”
(ii) The writer’s wife was sure about her husband’s ability of writing.
(iv) The writer began his novel with the phrase – “In a remote valley of Pyrenees......”
A2. Find out:
Find out the evidences from the extract which show that the writer was ill-prepared for writing a novel. (At least two evidences)
Find out the evidences from the extract which show that the writer was ill-prepared for writing a novel. (At least two evidences)
Answer:
The evidences showing the writer was ill-prepared are:
- He had not bought paper beforehand; he had to walk to the village to buy two dozen penny exercise books only after deciding to write.
- He realized he had never composed a significant phrase in all his life, except for medical prescriptions.
- He sat for three hours facing a blank page without writing a single word.
A3. Tick:
“..... and tactfully lead me back to talk of Johnnie Smith’s whooping cough.” From this we can conclude that —
(i) The writer’s wife did not want him to write a novel.
(ii) She didn’t take the writer’s wish to write a novel seriously.
(iii) She was concerned about Jonnie Smith’s whooping cough.
(iv) She wanted him to write a novel.
“..... and tactfully lead me back to talk of Johnnie Smith’s whooping cough.” From this we can conclude that —
(i) The writer’s wife did not want him to write a novel.
(ii) She didn’t take the writer’s wish to write a novel seriously.
(iii) She was concerned about Jonnie Smith’s whooping cough.
(iv) She wanted him to write a novel.
Answer:
(ii) She didn’t take the writer’s wish to write a novel seriously.
A4. Vocabulary:
Give one word (from the extract) for the following:
Give one word (from the extract) for the following:
- One who does not die.
- List of medicines written on a paper.
- That seems to be real but does not exist.
- Looked at something continuously.
Answer:
- Immortal
- Prescriptions
- Illusion
- Gazed
A5. Personal response:
Mention at least four abilities that one requires to become a writer.
Mention at least four abilities that one requires to become a writer.
Answer:
To become a writer, one requires:
- Creativity and Imagination: To create compelling stories and characters.
- Observation Skills: To notice details in the world around them.
- Command over Language: Good vocabulary and grammar to express thoughts clearly.
- Patience and Discipline: To sit and write consistently even when it is difficult.
A6. Grammar —
Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:
(i) I had never composed a significant phrase in all my life. (Rewrite as a rhetorical question)
(ii) I could write a novel if I had time. (Rewrite the sentence using ‘unless’)
Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:
(i) I had never composed a significant phrase in all my life. (Rewrite as a rhetorical question)
(ii) I could write a novel if I had time. (Rewrite the sentence using ‘unless’)
Answer:
(i) Had I ever composed a significant phrase in all my life?
(ii) I could not write a novel unless I had time. (Or: Unless I had time, I could not write a novel.)
(ii) I could not write a novel unless I had time. (Or: Unless I had time, I could not write a novel.)
(B) Grammar — Do as directed:
(1) She was serving as ______ clerk in ______ State Bank of India. (Rewrite it using appropriate articles.)
Answer:
She was serving as a clerk in the State Bank of India.
(2) Nashik city recorded 52.7 mm rain ______ 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm on Friday. (Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions.)
Answer:
Nashik city recorded 52.7 mm rain between 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm on Friday.
(3) Grandpa said to Meenu, “I am going for a walk. Are you willing to come with me?” (Change it into indirect narration.)
Answer:
Grandpa told Meenu that he was going for a walk and asked her if she was willing to come with him.
12th English Board Papers
- English - February 2025 View Answer Key
- English - July 2025 View Answer Key
- English - February 2024 View Answer Key
- English - July 2024 View Answer Key
- English - February 2023 View Answer Key
- English - July 2023 View Answer Key
- English - February 2022 View Answer Key
- English - February 2022 View Answer Key
- English - July 2022 View Answer Key
- English - September 2021 View Answer Key
- English - March 2020 Set A View
- English - March 2020 Set B View
- English - March 2020 Set C View
- English - March 2014 View
- English - October 2014 View
- English - March 2015 View
- English - July 2015 View
- English - March 2016 Set A View
- English - March 2016 Set B View
- English - March 2016 Set C View
- English - March 2016 Set D View
- English - July 2016 Set A View
- English - July 2016 Set B View
- English - July 2016 Set C View
- English - July 2016 Set D View
- English - March 2017 Set A View
- English - March 2017 Set B View
- English - March 2017 Set C View
- English - March 2017 Set D View
- English - July 2017 Set A View
- English - March 2018 Set A View
- English - March 2018 Set B View
- English - March 2018 Set C View
- English - March 2018 Set D View
- English - March 2019 Set A View
- English - March 2019 Set B View
- English - March 2019 Set C View
- English - March 2019 Set D View
Q. 2. (A) Read the first activity, read the extract and then do all the activities:
(Extract Summary: A fable about the "Animal School". The animals organized a school with a curriculum of running, climbing, swimming, and flying. The Duck was good at swimming but poor at running and was forced to practice running until his webbed feet were ruined. The Rabbit had a breakdown from swimming. The Squirrel failed flying because he was forced to start from the ground. The Eagle was a problem child who climbed his own way. The Prairie dogs refused to join.)
A1. Choose —
Choose two sentences that appropriately mention the theme of the passage:
(i) The same scale should not be used for all to measure their performance.
(ii) Private schools are good to develop individual's interest.
(iii) The same curriculum should be given to all for better results.
(iv) Trying for all the subjects irrespective of the individual’s interest may lead to frustration.
Choose two sentences that appropriately mention the theme of the passage:
(i) The same scale should not be used for all to measure their performance.
(ii) Private schools are good to develop individual's interest.
(iii) The same curriculum should be given to all for better results.
(iv) Trying for all the subjects irrespective of the individual’s interest may lead to frustration.
Answer:
(i) The same scale should not be used for all to measure their performance.
(iv) Trying for all the subjects irrespective of the individual’s interest may lead to frustration.
(iv) Trying for all the subjects irrespective of the individual’s interest may lead to frustration.
A2. Complete —
Complete the following statements by giving suitable reasons:
(i) The duck was average in swimming, because....
(ii) The squirrel could score only C in climbing, because ....
Complete the following statements by giving suitable reasons:
(i) The duck was average in swimming, because....
(ii) The squirrel could score only C in climbing, because ....
Answer:
(i) The duck was average in swimming, because he had to drop swimming to practise running, which caused his webbed feet to become badly worn.
(ii) The squirrel could score only C in climbing, because his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of the treetop down, causing him to develop a "Charlie horse" from overexertion.
(ii) The squirrel could score only C in climbing, because his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of the treetop down, causing him to develop a "Charlie horse" from overexertion.
A3. Guess:
Guess the result of the prairie dogs if they had been given admission in the animal school and support your guessing with the facts from the extract.
Guess the result of the prairie dogs if they had been given admission in the animal school and support your guessing with the facts from the extract.
Answer:
If the prairie dogs had been admitted, they likely would have failed or faced severe frustration because the curriculum did not include their natural talents like digging and burrowing. Like the other animals, they would have been forced to do things they weren't designed for (like flying), leading to poor performance or injury.
A4. Vocabulary —
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words given in the box and rewrite:
[valedictorian, curriculum, frustration, administer]
(i) Varun who topped the college was declared .....
(ii) The .......... of the school should involve more activity subjects.
(iii) Poor performance in the exams develop ........... among the students.
(iv) It’s necessary to ........... the programme, so that it will be successful.
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words given in the box and rewrite:
[valedictorian, curriculum, frustration, administer]
(i) Varun who topped the college was declared .....
(ii) The .......... of the school should involve more activity subjects.
(iii) Poor performance in the exams develop ........... among the students.
(iv) It’s necessary to ........... the programme, so that it will be successful.
Answer:
(i) Varun who topped the college was declared valedictorian.
(ii) The curriculum of the school should involve more activity subjects.
(iii) Poor performance in the exams develop frustration among the students.
(iv) It’s necessary to administer the programme, so that it will be successful.
(ii) The curriculum of the school should involve more activity subjects.
(iii) Poor performance in the exams develop frustration among the students.
(iv) It’s necessary to administer the programme, so that it will be successful.
A5. Personal response:
Suggest in about 50 words at least two ways to make the learning enjoyable.
Suggest in about 50 words at least two ways to make the learning enjoyable.
Answer:
To make learning enjoyable, schools should adopt a practical approach rather than just theory, using audio-visual aids and field trips. Additionally, gamification of lessons can make studying fun, and allowing students to choose subjects based on their natural aptitudes and interests prevents frustration.
A6. Grammar —
Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:
(i) The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely. (Make it a complex sentence.)
(ii) An abnormal eel could swim exceedingly well. (Rewrite the sentence using ‘able to’.)
Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:
(i) The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely. (Make it a complex sentence.)
(ii) An abnormal eel could swim exceedingly well. (Rewrite the sentence using ‘able to’.)
Answer:
(i) Because the eagle was a problem child, he was disciplined severely. (Or: Though the eagle was a problem child, he was disciplined severely.)
(ii) An abnormal eel was able to swim exceedingly well.
(ii) An abnormal eel was able to swim exceedingly well.
(B) Note-making
Read the following extract and complete the notes given below regarding Sudha Murthy.
Answer:
Sudha Murthy
B1. Early life and education —
(i) Birthplace : Shiggaon in Karnataka
(ii) Education :
♦ B.E. from B.V.B. College of Engineering, with gold medal.
♦ M.E. in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science, with gold medal.
B2. Career :
♦ First female engineer at TELCO (TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company).
♦ Senior System Analyst in Walchand Group of Industries, Pune.
♦ Started Infosys Foundation (1996) / Visiting Professor at Bangalore University.
B3. Social activities :
♦ Set 50,000 libraries
♦ Several hundred toilets in Bangalore
♦ Built 10,000 public toilets in rural areas.
♦ Built 2,300 houses in flood-affected areas.
B1. Early life and education —
(i) Birthplace : Shiggaon in Karnataka
(ii) Education :
♦ B.E. from B.V.B. College of Engineering, with gold medal.
♦ M.E. in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science, with gold medal.
B2. Career :
♦ First female engineer at TELCO (TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company).
♦ Senior System Analyst in Walchand Group of Industries, Pune.
♦ Started Infosys Foundation (1996) / Visiting Professor at Bangalore University.
B3. Social activities :
♦ Set 50,000 libraries
♦ Several hundred toilets in Bangalore
♦ Built 10,000 public toilets in rural areas.
♦ Built 2,300 houses in flood-affected areas.
Q. 3. (A) Read the first activity, read the extract and then do all the activities:
(Extract Summary: The passage discusses the health hazards of soil pollution. Contaminants like chromium, lead, and pesticides infiltrate groundwater and cause diseases. Chronic exposure can lead to leukemia, kidney damage, and liver changes. Specific chemicals like benzene and mercury are highlighted for their severe effects.)
A1. True or False —
State whether the following statements are true or false:
(i) Animal manure does not have any evil effect on groundwater.
(ii) Pollution related health consequences depend on the immunity of the exposed population.
(iii) Only mercury is to be blamed for kidney damage.
(iv) Soil contamination is a potential health hazard.
State whether the following statements are true or false:
(i) Animal manure does not have any evil effect on groundwater.
(ii) Pollution related health consequences depend on the immunity of the exposed population.
(iii) Only mercury is to be blamed for kidney damage.
(iv) Soil contamination is a potential health hazard.
Answer:
(i) False (Nitrate and ammonia from manure are hazards)
(ii) True (Depends on vulnerability/immunity)
(iii) False (Cyclodines also cause kidney damage)
(iv) True
(ii) True (Depends on vulnerability/immunity)
(iii) False (Cyclodines also cause kidney damage)
(iv) True
A2. Explain:
Explain from the given extract how soil pollution affects drinking water.
Explain from the given extract how soil pollution affects drinking water.
Answer:
Soil pollution affects drinking water through the infiltration of soil contaminants into groundwater aquifers. Potentially greater threats are posed by this process, as industrial chemicals and naturally occurring substances like nitrate from manure end up in the water table, resulting in pollution-related diseases for those who drink it.
A3. Find out:
Find out the reasons from the passage why we should avoid chemicals to kill insects.
Find out the reasons from the passage why we should avoid chemicals to kill insects.
Answer:
We should avoid chemicals (pesticides/herbicides) because constant exposure to them can be carcinogenic (cancer-causing), can cause congenital disorders, and can lead to chronic health conditions. They may also induce headaches, nausea, skin rashes, and neuromuscular blockage.
A4. Vocabulary —
Match the pairs of the words in column ‘A’ with their meanings in column ‘B’:
Match the pairs of the words in column ‘A’ with their meanings in column ‘B’:
| Column ‘A’ | Column ‘B’ |
|---|---|
| (i) infiltration | (a) process of eating, drinking or using |
| (ii) inhalation | (b) action of increasing strength of solution |
| (iii) consumption | (c) passing of liquid through |
| (iv) concentration | (d) breathing air in |
Answer:
(i) infiltration — (c) passing of liquid through
(ii) inhalation — (d) breathing air in
(iii) consumption — (a) process of eating, drinking or using
(iv) concentration — (b) action of increasing strength of solution
(ii) inhalation — (d) breathing air in
(iii) consumption — (a) process of eating, drinking or using
(iv) concentration — (b) action of increasing strength of solution
A5. Personal response:
Suggest two steps to keep away from the use of chemicals in home.
Suggest two steps to keep away from the use of chemicals in home.
Answer:
1. Use Natural Cleaners: Replace chemical floor cleaners and sprays with natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon.
2. Organic Pest Control: Use herbal repellents like neem oil or citronella instead of chemical insect sprays to keep insects away.
2. Organic Pest Control: Use herbal repellents like neem oil or citronella instead of chemical insect sprays to keep insects away.
A6. Grammar —
Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:
(i) Potentially greater threats are posed by the infiltration of soil contamination. (Begin with – ‘The infiltration of soil contamination ........’ and rewrite.)
(ii) There is an entire spectrum of further health effects. (Rewrite, using Present Perfect Tense)
Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed:
(i) Potentially greater threats are posed by the infiltration of soil contamination. (Begin with – ‘The infiltration of soil contamination ........’ and rewrite.)
(ii) There is an entire spectrum of further health effects. (Rewrite, using Present Perfect Tense)
Answer:
(i) The infiltration of soil contamination poses potentially greater threats.
(ii) There has been an entire spectrum of further health effects.
(ii) There has been an entire spectrum of further health effects.
(B) Summary
Summarise the above extract with the help of the points given and suggest a suitable title:
Health and groundwater problem – bad effects of chemicals – industrial and man-made concentration – pollutants related diseases.
Health and groundwater problem – bad effects of chemicals – industrial and man-made concentration – pollutants related diseases.
Answer:
Hazards of Soil and Groundwater Pollution
Soil pollution poses severe health risks through direct contact, inhalation, and infiltration into groundwater aquifers. This contamination, caused by industrial pollutants like lead and petroleum, as well as agricultural nitrates, leads to serious diseases. Chronic exposure to chemicals like benzene, mercury, and pesticides can result in leukemia, kidney damage, liver failure, and congenital disorders. The effects range from headaches and nausea to fatal conditions, making soil contamination a critical public health hazard.
SECTION - II
(Poetry)
(Poetry)
Q. 4. Read the given extract and then do all the activities that follow:
I ran into a stranger as he passed by...
"Oh, excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too; wasn't even watching for you."
...
But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My daughter stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked her down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.
She walked away, her little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
"Oh, excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too; wasn't even watching for you."
...
But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My daughter stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked her down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.
She walked away, her little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
A1. Table —
Complete the following table about the mother’s treatment:
Complete the following table about the mother’s treatment:
| Persons | Occasion | Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Stranger | ||
| Daughter |
Answer:
| Persons | Occasion | Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Stranger | Ran into him / He passed by | Polite apology ("Oh, excuse me please") / Said good-bye |
| Daughter | Stood beside mother while she was cooking / Nearly knocked down | Scolded harshly ("Move out of the way") / Frowned |
A2. Poetic device —
Figure of speech:
Identify and explain the figure of speech in the line given below:
“We went on our way and we said good-bye.”
Figure of speech:
Identify and explain the figure of speech in the line given below:
“We went on our way and we said good-bye.”
Answer:
Alliteration: The sound of the letter 'w' is repeated in the words 'We', 'went', and 'way' for poetic effect.
(Also: Repetition - The word "we" is repeated.)
(Also: Repetition - The word "we" is repeated.)
A3. Personal response —
Mention at least two occasions when your parents scolded you and write the reason behind scolding.
Mention at least two occasions when your parents scolded you and write the reason behind scolding.
Answer:
1. Once, my parents scolded me when I returned home very late at night without informing them. The reason was their concern for my safety.
2. Another time, they scolded me for spending too much time playing video games instead of studying for my exams, as they were worried about my academic performance.
2. Another time, they scolded me for spending too much time playing video games instead of studying for my exams, as they were worried about my academic performance.
A4. Creativity —
Compose two rhyming lines of your own, expressing your love towards your friend.
Compose two rhyming lines of your own, expressing your love towards your friend.
Answer:
Through every storm and sunny day,
You guide me with your friendship's ray.
You guide me with your friendship's ray.
SECTION - III
(Rapid Reading and Composition)
(Rapid Reading and Composition)
Q. 5. (A) Read the extract and do the activities that follow:
(Extract Summary: Set in a concentration camp, the narrator spots a little girl across the barbed wire. He asks for food. She doesn't understand German, but responds to Polish. She throws him an apple. He grabs it and runs, hearing "I'll see you tomorrow." She returns daily with bread or an apple. Her kindness gives him hope.)
A1. Select —
Select two most appropriate statements that describe the extract exactly:
(i) The extract describes how a girl helped the narrator.
(ii) The girl could understand the narrator’s need as she knew German.
(iii) Everyday the girl gave an apple to the narrator.
(iv) The unafraid and kind girl gave the narrator hope of life.
Select two most appropriate statements that describe the extract exactly:
(i) The extract describes how a girl helped the narrator.
(ii) The girl could understand the narrator’s need as she knew German.
(iii) Everyday the girl gave an apple to the narrator.
(iv) The unafraid and kind girl gave the narrator hope of life.
Answer:
The correct statements are:
(i) The extract describes how a girl helped the narrator.
(iv) The unafraid and kind girl gave the narrator hope of life.
(i) The extract describes how a girl helped the narrator.
(iv) The unafraid and kind girl gave the narrator hope of life.
A2. Provide imaginary ending:
Provide a different ending to the extract in about 50 words.
Provide a different ending to the extract in about 50 words.
Answer:
One day, the girl did not appear. I waited by the fence, heart pounding with worry. Suddenly, a guard shouted, and I ran. Years later, as a free man, I visited that village. I found an old apple orchard and a woman with the same luminous curls. She smiled; she had survived too.
(B) Read the extract and do the activities that follow:
(Extract Summary: George and Bert run "The Do and Dare Club" for brave fellows. Tom and Ginger want to join. George says no one must show fear. They are in a strange, dark house. A scream is heard. George pretends not to be scared and sets a condition: they can join if they investigate the noise without showing fear. Ginger challenges George, asking what if *he* gets scared. George admits if he gets scared, he'll let them join anyway.)
B1. Complete —
Complete the following sentences:
George is ready to let his friends join ‘The Do and Dare Club’ if—
(i) ____________________
(ii) ____________________
Complete the following sentences:
George is ready to let his friends join ‘The Do and Dare Club’ if—
(i) ____________________
(ii) ____________________
Answer:
(i) they don't show a sign of fear while investigating the queer noise.
(ii) he gets scared himself.
(ii) he gets scared himself.
B2. Convert dialogue into a story:
Convert the extract into a story in about 50 words.
Convert the extract into a story in about 50 words.
Answer:
George boasted about his "Do and Dare Club," claiming it was only for the brave. When Tom and Ginger asked to join, they were interrupted by a scream. George, trying to maintain his bravado, proposed they investigate the noise together. He promised to admit them if they showed no fear—or if he ended up getting scared himself!
SECTION - IV
(Written Communication)
(Written Communication)
Q. 6. (A) Letter Writing
(1) Mohan / Mohini Pande, Roll No. 74, of class XII (Arts) has to attend his / her sister’s wedding ceremony held at his / her hometown and needs a leave of absence for 5 days. Imagine yourself to be Mohan / Mohini and write a letter to the Principal, SPW Arts and Commerce College, Akola, requesting him to grant the leave of absence for 5 days.
Mohan Pande,
Roll No. 74, Class XII (Arts),
SPW Arts and Commerce College,
Akola - 444001.
21st February, 2020.
To,
The Principal,
SPW Arts and Commerce College,
Akola - 444001.
Subject: Application for leave of absence for 5 days.
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Mohan Pande, a student of Class XII (Arts), Roll No. 74. I am writing this letter to request a leave of absence from college for five days.
My elder sister’s wedding ceremony is scheduled to take place at our hometown in Nagpur next week. Being the only brother, my presence and participation in the arrangements and ceremonies are essential. Therefore, I will need to be away from Akola from 25th February to 29th February 2020.
I assure you that I will complete all my missed lessons and assignments promptly upon my return. I humbly request you to grant me leave for these five days. I have attached the wedding invitation card for your reference.
Thanking you.
Yours obediently,
(Signature)
Mohan Pande
(Roll No. 74)
OR
(2) Your junior college is situated on a narrow but busy road causing traffic congestion and pollution. Noisy horns and constant traffic disturb the classes. Write a letter of complaint to the Chief Officer, Municipality of your town and suggest some solutions.
A-12, Green Avenue,
M.G. Road,
Pune - 411001.
21st February, 2020.
To,
The Chief Officer,
Pune Municipal Corporation,
Pune - 411001.
Subject: Complaint regarding traffic congestion and noise pollution near City Junior College.
Dear Sir,
I am writing to bring to your urgent attention the severe issue of traffic congestion and noise pollution on the narrow road outside City Junior College.
The road is constantly jammed with vehicles, leading to incessant honking and high levels of exhaust fumes. This environment is extremely detrimental to the students. The noise disrupts lectures, making it difficult for students to concentrate, while the pollution poses a health hazard to both staff and students.
I would like to suggest a few solutions to alleviate this problem:
1. Declare the zone as a "Silent Zone" and enforce strict penalties for honking.
2. Deploy traffic police during college hours to manage the flow of traffic.
3. If possible, divert heavy vehicles to alternate routes during peak school hours.
4. Install speed breakers to slow down traffic and discourage speeding.
I hope the municipality will look into this matter seriously and take immediate action to provide a conducive learning environment for the students.
Yours faithfully,
XYZ
(Concerned Citizen/Student)
(B) Write on any ONE of the following items:
(1) Appeal —
In the horrible flood situation, the Kerala state suffered a huge loss. Your organisation has arranged a rally to raise funds to help the flood-affected people in Kerala. Prepare an appeal for the people to contribute to the funds with the help of the following points:
In the horrible flood situation, the Kerala state suffered a huge loss. Your organisation has arranged a rally to raise funds to help the flood-affected people in Kerala. Prepare an appeal for the people to contribute to the funds with the help of the following points:
- Purpose of the rally
- Time and place of the rally
- Leading personalities
- Request for donation
- Add your own points
STAND WITH KERALA!
Rally for Relief & Rehabilitation
The devastating floods in Kerala have left thousands homeless and in despair. Humanity calls! Are you listening? The "Youth for Change Organization" is organizing a massive SOLIDARITY RALLY to raise funds and collect essential supplies for our brothers and sisters in Kerala. Date: Sunday, 1st March 2020 Time: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM Venue: Starting from Azad Maidan to Gateway of India. Leading the Rally: Distinguished Social Activist Mr. Anna Hazare & Renowned Actor Mr. Nana Patekar will grace the occasion. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! Join us in large numbers. Your presence is our strength. Donate generously - Cash, Clothes, Dry Food, Medicines. "Every penny counts, every hand helps." For donations and details contact: Secretary, Youth for Change Mobile: 9876543210OR
(2) News writing —
Draft a news on any ONE of the following headlines, giving dateline, intro and a continuing paragraph:
(i) Teacher’s Day celebrated in Adarsh School
(ii) Strike of Bus Drivers Paralyses State
Draft a news on any ONE of the following headlines, giving dateline, intro and a continuing paragraph:
(i) Teacher’s Day celebrated in Adarsh School
(ii) Strike of Bus Drivers Paralyses State
Strike of Bus Drivers Paralyses State
MUMBAI, Feb 22: The state-wide indefinite strike called by the State Transport Bus Drivers' Union has brought public transportation to a grinding halt, leaving thousands of commuters stranded across Maharashtra since early Monday morning.
The strike, aimed at demanding a wage hike and better working conditions, has severely affected daily life. Office goers, students, and inter-city travelers were seen waiting helplessly at bus depots in major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. While private bus operators have hiked their fares taking advantage of the situation, the government has appealed to the drivers to call off the strike and come to the negotiating table. "We will not return to the wheel until our demands are met," stated the Union leader. The administration has deployed extra local trains and allowed private vehicles to operate as passenger transport temporarily to ease the chaos.
(C) (1) Counter-view
Read the following View Section and develop a Counter-view Section in about 120 words. Suggest a suitable title:
View Section: ‘Mobiles should be allowed in classrooms’
View Section: ‘Mobiles should be allowed in classrooms’
- Mobiles are good source of information
- They are easy to handle
- They provide videos to understand the topic
- Information can be easily exchanged.
Mobiles in Classrooms: A Distraction, Not a Tool
While many argue that mobile phones facilitate learning, allowing them in classrooms would do more harm than good. The primary concern is distraction; instead of focusing on the lecture, students are likely to be engrossed in social media, games, or chatting, disrupting the discipline of the class.
Furthermore, the claim that information can be easily exchanged often translates to academic dishonesty, with students sharing answers during tests. Not all students can afford high-end smartphones, which creates a complex of inferiority and inequality within the classroom. Relying on videos for understanding topics undermines the role of the teacher and reduces the habit of reading books. Additionally, prolonged screen time causes health issues like eye strain. Therefore, classrooms should remain a gadget-free zone to ensure focused and disciplined learning.
OR
(2) Information transfer —
Look at the tree diagram given below and write a short paragraph about Kaldhari in about 120 words. Suggest a suitable title.
(Diagram content: Kaldhari -> Cleanliness (cement road, tap water, toilet blocks, public lavatories), Energy sources (Solar and wind), Milk Co-operatives (Milk chilling centres), Rainwater harvesting (tree plantation), Massive awareness drive (anti-alcohol drive))
Look at the tree diagram given below and write a short paragraph about Kaldhari in about 120 words. Suggest a suitable title.
(Diagram content: Kaldhari -> Cleanliness (cement road, tap water, toilet blocks, public lavatories), Energy sources (Solar and wind), Milk Co-operatives (Milk chilling centres), Rainwater harvesting (tree plantation), Massive awareness drive (anti-alcohol drive))
Kaldhari: A Model Village of Development
Kaldhari has emerged as a shining example of rural development through a holistic approach to self-sufficiency and sustainability. The village's progress is categorized into key sectors: cleanliness, energy, co-operatives, environmental conservation, and social awareness.
In terms of cleanliness and infrastructure, the village boasts a cement-concretised central road, tap water for households, and the construction of toilet blocks and public lavatories to ensure hygiene. For its energy needs, Kaldhari has embraced renewable sources, utilizing solar and wind energy. The economic backbone is strengthened by Milk Co-operatives which have established milk chilling centres. Environmental responsibility is evident through rainwater harvesting initiatives coupled with extensive tree plantation. Furthermore, the village exhibits strong social consciousness through a massive awareness drive, specifically focusing on an anti-alcohol campaign. Kaldhari truly represents an ideal model for modern rural India.
Q. 7. (A) Interview questions:
Your college has invited a dietitian on the occasion of ‘World Health Day’. Imagine you are the editor of your college magazine, taking interview of the dietitian. Frame a set of 8 to 10 questions to interview him / her.
Answer:
Interview Questions for Dietitian:
- Good morning, Doctor. What inspired you to choose dietetics and nutrition as your career path?
- On World Health Day, what is the most important message you would like to give to our students?
- In today's fast-paced life, how important is breakfast, and what constitutes an ideal breakfast for a student?
- Many teenagers are addicted to junk food. What are the long-term health risks associated with this?
- Could you suggest some natural foods that help improve memory and concentration during exams?
- Is it necessary to take health supplements, or can a balanced diet fulfill all nutritional needs?
- How much water should an average student drink daily to stay hydrated and healthy?
- What is your opinion on the 'crash diets' that are popular on social media for quick weight loss?
- How does stress affect our eating habits, and how can we manage it through food?
- Finally, what are some simple, healthy snacking habits we can adopt starting today?
Q. 7. (B) Speech drafting —
Imagine your college is organising a speech competition on the topic ‘Disappearing Birds’. Prepare a speech in about 100 words with the help of the following points:
- Role of birds
- Causes behind their disappearance
- Ways to call them back
- Add your ideas.
Disappearing Birds: A Silent Crisis
Respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends,
Good morning. Today, I stand before you to speak on a topic that demands our immediate attention—‘Disappearing Birds’.
Do you remember waking up to the chirping of sparrows? That sound is becoming a rare luxury. Birds are nature’s farmers; they control pests, pollinate flowers, and spread seeds. Without them, our ecosystem would collapse.
However, rapid urbanization, deforestation, and the excessive use of pesticides are driving them to extinction. The radiation from mobile towers is also a suspected silent killer.
But it is not too late. We can call them back. Let us plant more fruit-bearing trees, place water bowls on our balconies, and stop using chemical pesticides in our gardens. Let us be the voice for these voiceless creatures before the skies fall silent forever.
Thank you.