Board Question Paper: July 2023 - English Yuvakbharati Solution
SECTION – I: PROSE
Q.1. (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below:
A1. Read and rewrite the following sentences and state whether they are True or False:
- (a) A lady missionary has presented Soapy a black bow on Thanksgiving Day.
Ans: True - (b) The head-waiter’s eye did not fall upon his tattered trousers and decadent shoes.
Ans: False - (c) A policeman was in the lead when people came running round the corner.
Ans: True - (d) The officer did not inquire about the man who broke the glass.
Ans: False
A2. Match the incidents given in column ‘A’ with the consequences given in column ‘B’:
| Column A (Incident) | Column B (Consequence) |
|---|---|
| (1) Soapy tried to enter a cafe. | Strong and ready hands of the head-waiter turned him around. |
| (2) Soapy broke a glass window. | The cop ran after another man. |
| (3) Two waiters pitched Soapy on the callous pavement. | He stood up slowly beating the dust from his clothes. |
| (4) Soapy stood silent with his hands in his pockets. | He wanted to get arrested by the police. *(Implied context of his inaction)* |
A3. Complete the following sentences:
(i) Here ‘Island’ means Blackwell’s Island (the prison).
(ii) The island is ‘Coveted’ because it offered food and shelter from the cold winter for three months.
A4. ‘Students should stay away from crime’. Write your opinion on the above sentence.
Ans: I strongly agree that students should stay away from crime. Crime not only destroys a student's future and career prospects but also brings shame to their family. Instead, students should focus on education and character building to become responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.
A5. Do as directed:
(i) Soapy turned off Broadway. (Identify the correct tense form)
Ans: (b) The simple past tense
(ii) ‘Soapy took a stone and dashed it through the glass. (Make it a simple sentence)
Ans: (a) Taking a stone Soapy dashed it through the glass.
A6. Find the synonyms of the following from the extract:
- (i) jail: limbo / island
- (ii) old and worn out shoes: decadent shoes
- (iii) dishonourable: ignoble
- (iv) nervous manner: agitatedly
B1. Language Study
(1) There were no boats to take the people across. (Rewrite beginning with ‘If...’)
Ans: (c) If there were boats, they would have taken people across.
(2) He simply abandoned his sack by the stream. (Rewrite beginning with ‘His sack...’)
Ans: (c) His sack was abandoned by him by the stream.
(3) She said, “I have worked hard from childhood.” (Indirect narration)
Ans: (a) She said that she had worked hard from childhood.
B2. Spot the error
India pays tribute to Gandhiji for his birth anniversary.
Ans: India pays tribute to Gandhiji on his birth anniversary.
Q.2. (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below:
A1. Arrange the following statements in a proper sequence:
1. (iii) Gopal explained timidly that it was his birthday.
2. (i) The director was impressed.
3. (iv) His lips were red with the chewing of betel leaves.
4. (ii) Their faces were blurred beyond the shadows.
A2. Give reasons:
(i) Gopal's forty-ninth birthday was a peculiar one because astrologers had predicted that he might not see this birthday, and he had lived in secret terror of this day all his life.
(ii) He felt stuffy because he was not allowed to shift his position to maintain continuity, and the big lamp scorched his face.
A3. 'All of them are my Yamas'. Explain the statement.
Ans: 'Yama' is the God of Death. Gopal felt that the director, the boss, and the writer, who were forcing him to perform a death scene on the very day he feared he would die, were essentially agents of death (Yamas) bent on ensuring the astrologer's prediction came true.
A4. 'Superstition poison our minds.' Explain in your own words.
Ans: Superstitions act as a mental poison because they instill irrational fear and anxiety, as seen in Gopal's case. They prevent logical thinking and can ruin moments of happiness by creating imaginary dangers, making a person a prisoner of their own beliefs.
A5. Do as directed:
(i) He laughed aloud on hearing of the problem. (Use ‘would’)
Ans: (c) He would laugh on hearing of the problem.
(Note: Depending on context 'would have laughed' implies counterfactual, but 'would laugh' implies habit. Given options, (c) is structurally sound for habitual past).
(ii) They all stood around and looked at him. (not only ... but also)
Ans: (a) They all not only stood around but also looked at him.
A6. Find out the antonyms for the following from the extract:
- (i) bravely x timidly
- (ii) pleasant x unpleasant
- (iii) accept x refuse
- (iv) moving x unmoving
(B) Summarising
The Fear of Death
Gopal's forty-ninth birthday was marred by fear as astrologers had predicted he might not survive the day. While he wished to spend it safely, he was stuck on a film set. The director was impressed by his acting, but the story-writer refused to change the script where Gopal's character dies. Trapped under scorching lamps and unable to move, Gopal felt the film crew were like 'Yamas' (Agents of Death) determined to fulfill the prophecy.
(C) Mind Mapping
Topic: My Future Goals
- Career
- Complete Degree (B.Tech)
- Secure a job in MNC
- Start a side business
- Personal
- Learn guitar
- Travel to Europe
- Maintain fitness
- Social
- Volunteer at NGO
- Sponsor a child's education
SECTION II: POETRY
Q.3. (A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below:
A1. Describe the scene in the beginning of the poem.
Ans: The scene describes a very calm and quiet ocean. There was no wind stirring in the air, the sea was motionless, and the ship stood still with its keel steady in the ocean.
A2. Give reasons:
(i) The ship was still at sea because there was no wind to move its sails ("No stir in the air").
(ii) The Abbot of Aberbrothok had placed the bell on the Inchcape Rock so that it would ring with the movement of waves during storms and warn mariners of the dangerous rock.
A3. Write two incidents/ occasions on which you helped other people.
Ans: 1. I helped a visually impaired person cross a busy street near my college.
2. I donated my old books and clothes to an orphanage last Diwali.
A4. Give the rhyming pairs and rhyme scheme from stanza 2 from the extract.
Rhyming pairs: shock - Rock; fell - Bell.
Rhyme Scheme: aabb
A5. Compose four lines of your own on 'Sea'.
The vast blue sea, so deep and wide,
With waves that dance and roll and slide,
A home for fish and coral reef,
Its beauty is beyond belief.
(B) Appreciation
Appreciation of the poem 'Money'
About the poem and poet: The poem 'Money' is written by William H. Davies. It reflects on the poet's experience with wealth and poverty.
Theme: The central theme is the dual nature of money. It highlights how wealth attracts false friends, while poverty, though difficult, brings true friends and genuine happiness.
Poetic Style/Language: The poem uses simple narrative language. It employs rhyme (aabb in some stanzas) and rhythm to convey a profound message.
Poetic Devices: The poet uses Inversion ("Came knocking all day at my door"), Simile ("Then felt I like a child"), and Repetition ("Money, money, O!") to emphasize his points.
Message/Values: The poem teaches us that money is not essential for happiness. True joy lies in simplicity and genuine relationships, which are often found among the poor rather than the rich.
SECTION – III: WRITING SKILLS
Q.4. Complete the activities as per the instructions given below: [16]
(A) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities: (4)
(1) Drafting a Virtual Message
Date: 25th July 2023
Time: 4:00 PM
To: Piano Teacher
Message:
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to inform you that I will be late for today's Piano class by approximately 30 minutes. My school bus has broken down on the way, causing an unexpected delay. I apologize for the inconvenience and will join the class as soon as I reach.
From: [Student Name]
(2) Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Statement of Purpose for B.B.A.
From managing school events to observing my father’s retail business, I have always been fascinated by the dynamics of management and commerce. My goal is to become a successful entrepreneur, and I believe a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) is the crucial first step.
I have consistently performed well in my academics, particularly in Economics and Commerce. Beyond books, I served as the Cultural Secretary of my college, which honed my leadership and organizational skills. I am eager to learn about marketing strategies, human resource management, and global business trends.
Your university is renowned for its practical approach to business education and industry exposure. I am confident that the B.B.A. program at your esteemed institution will provide me with the necessary skills and exposure to succeed in the corporate world. I am committed to contributing positively to the university community while pursuing my academic goals.
(3) Group Discussion
Topic: Save Water ('No water, No life')
Evaluator: Good morning everyone. Today the topic for our group discussion is 'Save Water'. As we know, water is the essence of life. I invite you to present your views.
Participant 1 (Arjun): Hello everyone. I would like to start by saying that "No water, No life" is not just a slogan but a scary reality. Despite 71% of Earth being water, freshwater is scarce. We are facing a global water crisis due to pollution and wastage.
Participant 2 (Sneha): I agree with Arjun. The situation is alarming. We need to focus on solutions. I believe rainwater harvesting is a crucial step. Every housing society must implement it to recharge groundwater levels.
Participant 3 (Rahul): True, Sneha. Along with that, we need to fix domestic wastage. Simple things like fixing leaking taps and using buckets instead of showers can save liters of water daily. Agriculture also consumes a lot of water; drip irrigation should be mandatory.
Participant 1 (Arjun): Yes, and industries must treat water before dumping it into rivers. Water conservation must become a mass movement.
Evaluator: Thank you all. We had a very healthy discussion. It is concluded that while the crisis is real, a combination of technology like rainwater harvesting and personal responsibility can help us 'Save Water'.
(B) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities: (4)
(1) E-mail
To: owner@sportsstore.com
Subject: Inquiry regarding sports equipment and bulk purchase discount
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you as the Sports Secretary of my local club. We are planning to upgrade our sports inventory for the upcoming season and are interested in purchasing equipment from your store.
We require the following items:
- Cricket Bats (English Willow) - 5 units
- Leather Cricket Balls - 20 units
- Badminton Rackets (Professional grade) - 10 units
- Football (Size 5) - 10 units
Could you please provide a quotation for these items? Additionally, since this is a bulk order, we would appreciate it if you could inform us about any discounts applicable for sports clubs. Please also let us know your warranty policy and delivery timelines.
Looking forward to your prompt response.
Regards,
XYZ
Sports Secretary
(2) Report Writing
Grand Success of Annual Prize Distribution Function
By Student Editor, XYZ College Magazine | July 26, 2023
Mumbai: XYZ Junior College celebrated its Annual Prize Distribution Function yesterday with great zeal and enthusiasm. The event was held in the college auditorium, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion.
The program began at 10:00 AM with the lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Mr. A.K. Sharma, a renowned educationist. The Principal presented the annual report, highlighting the college's achievements in academics and sports. Cultural performances, including a folk dance and a skit on social awareness, mesmerized the audience.
The highlight was the prize distribution ceremony. Meritorious students were felicitated with trophies and certificates. The 'Student of the Year' award was bagged by Miss Riya Singh for her all-round excellence. The Chief Guest, in his speech, emphasized the importance of discipline and hard work. The function concluded with a vote of thanks followed by the National Anthem.
(3) Interview
Name of the interviewee: Mr. Ruskin Bond (Famous Author)
Field/Reputation: Literature / Renowned Short Story Writer
Date/Venue/Time: 25th July 2023, XYZ College Hall, 11:00 AM
Duration: 1 Hour
Questions:
- Good morning, Sir. Could you tell us a little about your early life and the struggles you faced during your childhood?
- What were the major hurdles you faced during your education, and how did you overcome them?
- Who has been your role model or biggest inspiration in the field of writing?
- How crucial was your family's support in your decision to become a full-time writer?
- Can you share the memory of your first success or achievement that made you believe in your talent?
- What is your definition of a successful plan for writing a captivating story?
- Despite such a celebrated career, are there any dreams that remain unfulfilled for you?
- Finally, what message would you like to give to the aspiring young writers of our college?
(C) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities: (4)
(1) Speech
Importance of Science and Technology
Honorable Judges, Respected Teachers, and my dear friends,
A very good morning to all. Today, I stand before you to speak on the topic "Importance of Science and Technology".
We live in an era where science and technology are the driving forces of our existence. From the smartphone in our pocket to the satellites in space, technology has revolutionized the way we live, communicate, and work. Science has given us the cure for deadly diseases, increasing our life expectancy, while technology has turned the world into a global village.
It has made education accessible through the internet and made travel faster and safer. However, we must remember that technology is a double-edged sword. While it offers solutions, its misuse can lead to destruction. It is our responsibility to use science for the betterment of humanity and the protection of our environment.
To conclude, science and technology are the wings that allow humanity to fly high. Let us use them wisely.
Thank you.
(2) Compering: World Environment Day
1. Prayer:
"Good morning everyone. Let us begin this auspicious occasion of World Environment Day by invoking the blessings of the Almighty. I request everyone to stand for the prayer."
2. Welcome & Introduction:
"Welcome to our college's celebration of nature! Today, on World Environment Day, we gather to pledge our allegiance to Mother Earth. The theme for this year is 'Ecosystem Restoration'. We are honored to have Mr. Green, a noted environmentalist, as our Chief Guest."
3. Felicitation:
"I request our Principal to felicitate our Chief Guest with a sapling, a symbol of life and growth. Thank you, Sir."
4. Speakers’ Participation:
"Now, let us hear from our students. First, I invite Miss Anjali to share her views on plastic pollution... [After speech] Thank you Anjali for those eye-opening facts."
5. Presidential Address:
"I now request our Principal to address the gathering."
6. Vote of Thanks:
"As we come to the end of this program, I thank our guests, teachers, and students for making this event a success. Let's not just celebrate today, but act every day. Thank you!"
(3) Expansion of Idea
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
The proverb "Actions speak louder than words" emphasizes that what a person actually does is more important than what they say they will do. People often make grand promises or boast about their abilities, but without action, these words are meaningless.
In every field of life, results are achieved through hard work and execution, not just planning or talking. For instance, a politician may promise development, but the citizens believe him only when they see actual progress. Similarly, a student cannot top exams by just talking about studying; they must put in the hours of work.
Trust is built on actions. When our behavior matches our words, we gain respect. Therefore, instead of wasting energy on empty boasts, we should focus on our actions. Let your success make the noise, rather than your voice. Ultimately, history remembers doers, not just talkers.
(D) Attempt ‘Any One’ of the following activities: (4)
(1) Review
Film Review: 3 Idiots
- Title: 3 Idiots
- Subject/Plot: The movie revolves around the lives of three engineering students—Rancho, Farhan, and Raju—and their journey through the pressures of the Indian education system. It highlights the importance of pursuing one's passion over rote learning.
- Presentation/Music: Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film is a visual treat with excellent cinematography capturing the scenic beauty of Ladakh. The music by Shantanu Moitra is soulful, with songs like "All is Well" becoming anthems of optimism.
- Message: The film delivers a powerful message: "Don't chase success; chase excellence, and success will follow." It encourages students to think beyond grades and follow their hearts.
(2) Blog
Title: Unlocking Your Best Self: The Art of Personality Development
In today's competitive world, having a degree is not enough. The need for personality development has never been greater. It is not just about looking good, but about developing a strong character and confidence.
One of the most critical aspects is the importance of communication skills. Being able to express your thoughts clearly can set you apart in a job interview or a social gathering. It bridges the gap between talent and success.
Other aspects of personality development include body language, emotional intelligence, and a positive attitude. Finally, one must not ignore dressing sense. As they say, "First impressions are lasting impressions." Dressing appropriately for the occasion shows respect for yourself and others.
Start working on yourself today, for the biggest investment you can make is in yourself!
(3) Appeal
FIGHT THE VIRUS, SAVE HUMANITY!
PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CORONA VIRUS
Your Safety is in Your Hands!
😷 WEAR A MASK - Protect yourself and others.
🧼 SANITIZE HANDS - Wash frequently with soap.
📏 SOCIAL DISTANCING - Keep a safe distance (6 feet).
🍎 EAT HEALTHY - Boost your immunity.
Let's break the chain together!
Issued in public interest by:
Health Club, XYZ College
SECTION-IV (LITERARY GENRE - NOVEL)
Q.5. (A) Complete the activities given below:
(i) Match the columns:
| Column A (Novel) | Column B (Author) |
|---|---|
| (a) The Heart of Darkness | (iii) Joseph Conrad |
| (b) The Turn of the Screw | (iv) Henry James |
| (c) Death in Venice | (ii) Thomas Mann |
| (d) Pearl | (i) John Steinbeck |
(ii) Choose the correct alternatives:
- (a) The central idea in the novel is theme.
- (b) The main character in the novel is referred to as protagonist.
- (c) The struggle between the opposite forces in the story is called conflict.
- (d) Language and techniques used in the novel is known as style.
(B) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below:
(i) Explain how the setting of the extract “To Sir, with Love” contributes to the theme.
Ans: The setting of the Greenslade School in London’s East End reflects the gritty social reality of the students. The rough environment highlights the challenges of racism and class prejudice that Braithwaite faces. The transformation of these students within this setting underscores the theme that education and respect can overcome social barriers.
(ii) Describe in brief the plot of the extract from "To Sir, with Love".
Ans: The extract covers the half-yearly report of the Students' Council. Students present reports on their subjects, showing remarkable maturity. Braithwaite’s class, led by Fernman and Miss Joseph, impresses everyone. They confidently question the teachers, and Denham critiques the P.T. syllabus, showcasing the students' development.
(C) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below:
(i) Describe the character-sketch of Phileas Fogg from the extract.
Ans: Phileas Fogg is a wealthy English gentleman who is cool, calm, and mathematically precise. He is extremely punctual and unemotional. In the extract, despite the chaos of the arrest and delays, he remains composed and focused on his goal, representing the ideal of a rational Victorian gentleman.
(ii) Compare the characters Passepartout and detective Fix.
Ans: Passepartout is Fogg's loyal, emotional, and somewhat naive servant who provides comic relief and physical aid. In contrast, Detective Fix is suspicious, deceptive, and determined to arrest Fogg, believing him to be a bank robber. While Passepartout acts out of loyalty, Fix acts out of duty and self-interest.
(D) Answer in about 50 words to the questions given below:
(i) Arrange the sentences in correct sequence as per their occurrence in the extract ‘The Sign of Four’.
1. (d) Mary Morstan was a well-dressed young lady. (Narrator describes her entry)
2. (c) Mary's father was an officer in an Indian regiment. (Part of her story)
3. (b) Mary received a large and lustrous pearl through the post. (Part of her story)
4. (a) Holmes put a revolver in his pocket. (Preparation to leave)
(ii) Discuss the importance of the following statement: "The trio-Holmes, Dr. Watson and Mary decide to visit Lyceum Theatre."
Ans: This decision marks the turning point in the story from exposition to action. By agreeing to accompany Mary to the Lyceum Theatre to meet the anonymous letter-writer, Holmes and Watson formally accept the case. It sets the adventure in motion and brings the three characters together for the mystery that follows.