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Maharashtra HSC Board English Question Paper Solution March 2024 (N 580) - Complete Answer Key

Section I: Language Study
Q.1 (A) A1. Do as directed (any four):
(1) Pick out the infinitive from the following sentence: Every child is free to grow.
Answer: to grow

(2) Write the collocations for the following:
ticket ...................................
Answer: ticket collector / railway ticket / movie ticket
................................... drizzle.
Answer: light drizzle / steady drizzle

(3) Punctuate the following sentence: dr kalam sat contemplating deeply
Answer: Dr. Kalam sat contemplating deeply.

(4) Write any two present participles in which the last letter is doubled.
Answer: running, sitting, swimming, cutting, putting (Any two)

(5) Find out any two hidden words of minimum four letters from the given word: reverberated.
Answer: ever, rate, date, tear, bear, rare, beat, treat, breed (Any two)
A2. Do as directed (any two):
(1) Identify the verb in the given sentence and state whether it’s finite or non-finite: He gave the reward to none.
Verb: gave
Type: Finite Verb

(2) Make two meaningful sentences to bring out the difference between the given two homophones: ware, wear
Answer:
  • Ware: The shop sells pottery and ceramic ware.
  • Wear: I like to wear comfortable clothes while traveling.

(3) Rewrite the sentence using ‘as soon as’: No sooner is the bill passed than it will become an act.
Answer: As soon as the bill is passed, it will become an act.
(B) Do as directed (any one):
(1) Use the given two words into one meaningful sentence: Rest; routine
Answer: After following a strict routine for months, I finally took some rest.
(2) Change the following sentence into a compound sentence: I awoke late next morning to find that Anil had already made the tea.
Answer: I awoke late next morning and found that Anil had already made the tea.

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Section II: Textual Passages
Q.2 (A) Read the following passage and do the given activities:
A1. Name the following with reference to the passage:
Activity Name
(i) The company started by the narrator and Woz. Apple
(ii) The second company started by the narrator. Next (or NeXT)
(iii) An amazing woman the narrator fell in love with. Laurene
(iv) World’s most successful animation studio. Pixar
A2. Complete the following web diagram:
Advice given by Steve Jobs
Don't lose faith
Love what you do
The theme of Jobs' second story
Love and Loss
A3. Fill in the blanks choosing the correct phrases in their proper form from the bracket: (to get fired, devastating, begin to dawn on)
(i) On committing persistent mistakes the employee ........................ from his post.
Answer: got fired
(ii) When the teacher explained the solution of the problems in Maths, it ....................... the students that the problems were easy.
Answer: began to dawn on
A4. Do as directed:
(i) Identify the tense of the underlined verb: If you haven’t found yet, keep looking.
Answer: Present Perfect Tense
(ii) "I found what I loved to do early in life." (Identify the main and subordinate clause.)
Main Clause: I found
Subordinate Clause: what I loved to do early in life (Noun Clause)
A5. ‘Failure is the key to success.’ Explain in your own words.
Sample Answer: Failure is often considered a stepping stone to success because it teaches us valuable lessons that success cannot. When we fail, we analyze our mistakes, build resilience, and strive to improve. As seen in Steve Jobs' life, getting fired from Apple led him to his most creative period, founding Pixar and Next. Thus, failure provides the experience necessary for future triumphs.

(B) Read the following passage and complete the activities:
B1. State whether the given statements are true or false:
(i) The age of the girl was six. False (She was about sixteen)
(ii) The boy on the bed was fast asleep. False (He was not asleep)
(iii) Pandit Ravi Shankar was a tabla maestro. False (He was a sitar maestro)
(iv) She had seen how the doctors had shaken their heads gravely. True
B2. Complete the following statements giving reasons:
(i) Anant was better than his sister in playing sitar because .................
Answer: he was already able to compose his own tunes to the astonishment of their Guru.
(ii) The girl was excited because ..............................
Answer: she read in the newspaper that Pandit Ravi Shankar was playing tomorrow at Shanmukhananda auditorium.
B3. Vocabulary:
(i) Find any two adverbs from the passage ending with ‘ly’
Answer: excitedly, gravely, endlessly, actually (Any two)
(ii) Find any two compound words from the passage.
Answer: newspaper, table-tennis, lifetime, self-reproach (Any two)
B4. Do as directed:
(i) “I’ve always wanted to hear him and see him,” he said. (Change into indirect speech).
Answer: He said that he had always wanted to hear him and see him.
(ii) His mother sprang to his side. (Add a question tag).
Answer: His mother sprang to his side, didn't she?
B5. Describe your experience of any musical concert that you have attended.
Sample Answer: I recently attended a live concert by A.R. Rahman in Mumbai. The atmosphere was electric with thousands of fans cheering. The lighting effects and the booming sound system created a mesmerizing experience. When he played his famous song "Jai Ho," the entire crowd sang along. It was an unforgettable night filled with energy and emotion.
Section III: Poetry
Q.3 (A) Read the following extract and do the given activities:
A1. Identify the stages in man’s life from the given description and complete the table:
Actions Stage
(i) Full of strange oaths Soldier
(ii) Creeping like a snail Schoolboy
(iii) Sighing like furnace Lover
(iv) Having fair round belly Justice (Judge)
A2. Write down the similarities between the first and the 7th (last) stage of man’s life:
Answer:
  1. Dependence: In both stages, man is helpless and dependent on others (nurse/caretaker).
  2. Physical State: Both stages lack teeth, taste, and general senses ("Sans teeth, sans eyes...").
  3. Unconsciousness: The infant is unaware of the world, and the old man enters "mere oblivion".
A3. Choose the correct alternative to identify the figure of speech used in the following line: "All the world’s a stage."
Answer: (b) Metaphor
(B) Poem Appreciation: The Height of the Ridiculous
Appreciation of the poem 'The Height of the Ridiculous'

Title: The Height of the Ridiculous

Poet: Oliver Wendell Holmes

Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows the rhyme scheme abcb.

Figures of Speech: The poem uses Hyperbole extensively (e.g., "I laughed as I would die", "waistband split"). It also uses Transferred Epithet ("sleepless eye") and Onomatopoeia ("chuckling", "roar").

Central Idea/Theme: The poem is a humorous narrative about the poet writing a poem so funny that it has physically dangerous effects on anyone who reads it. The theme revolves around the power of humor and the poet's mock regret, deciding never to be that funny again because it nearly killed his strong servant with laughter.

Section IV: Non-textual Passage
Q.4 (A) Read the following passage and complete the given activities:
A1. Complete the following web chart: Advantages of tourist destination in Kerala
Ayurvedic massages
Kathakali dance drama
Backwaters / Houseboats
Wildlife Sanctuaries / Nature
A2. Complete the following table:
City Speciality
(i) Kochi Oldest European church, Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Kathakali
(ii) Thekkady Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Plantations (cardamom, tea, coffee)
(iii) Thiruvananthapuram Padmanabhaswamy temple, Napier museum, Puttan Mallika Palace, Kovalam beach
(iv) Alleppey Backwaters, Intricate network of canals
A3. Match the words in Column ‘A’ with their meanings in Column ‘B’:
Column A Answer (Column B)
(i) Charm (c) magical spell (used here as attraction)
(ii) Craggy (d) steep
(iii) Reflect (a) throw back light or heat
(iv) Spellbinding (b) enthralling
*Note: In strict matching based on parts of speech: Charm (Noun) matches Magical Spell (Noun); Spellbinding (Adj) matches Enthralling (Adj).
A4. Do as directed:
(i) You can choose a place of your dreams. (Use the modal auxiliary showing compulsion)
Answer: You must choose a place of your dreams.
(ii) Kerala is the land of magic and ayurvedic massages. (Rewrite using ‘not only ... but also’)
Answer: Kerala is not only the land of magic but also ayurvedic massages.
A5. Why is tourism industry important for the Indian Economy to flourish?
Sample Answer: The tourism industry is vital for the Indian economy as it generates significant foreign exchange and revenue. It creates diverse employment opportunities, from hospitality to transportation. Furthermore, tourism promotes infrastructure development and helps preserve and showcase India's rich cultural heritage to the world.
(B) Summary Writing:
Kerala: A Traveler's Paradise

Kerala offers a diverse range of attractions for tourists, starting with the eclectic city of Kochi, known for its colonial history and Kathakali performances. Visitors can explore the capital, Thiruvananthapuram, with its temples and museums, or relax at Kovalam beach. The state is famous for its backwaters in Alleppey and the scenic beauty of Munnar's tea gardens. For nature lovers, Thekkady offers wildlife sanctuaries and spice plantations. Whether cruising the backwaters or enjoying ayurvedic massages, Kerala provides a unique and refreshing holiday experience.

Section V: Writing Skills
Q.5 (A) Letter Writing
A1. Formal Letter (To the Editor)

Soham Dargan
208, Swarnadham, Hira Colony,
Mumbai - 400052.

15th March, 2024

To,
The Editor,
The Times of India,
Mumbai - 400001.

Subject: Awareness about the role of sports in a student's life.

Sir,

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw attention to the diminishing importance of sports in the daily lives of students today. In an era driven by academic competition, physical activities are often sidelined.

Sports and games are not mere recreational activities; they are essential for holistic development. Participating in sports enhances capability and efficiency. It serves as an excellent stress buster, removing mental exhaustion caused by long study hours. Scientifically, sports improve blood circulation throughout the body, which contributes significantly to both physical and mental well-being.

Schools and parents must encourage students to dedicate time to outdoor games to ensure they grow into healthy, capable individuals. I hope this letter helps spread awareness about this crucial topic.

Yours truly,
Soham Dargan

Q.6 (A) Information Transfer: Verbal to Non-Verbal
Process of Sugar Manufacturing
Harvesting Sugar Beet (Autumn/Winter)
Washing the Sugar Beet
Slicing into thin strips (Cossettes)
Mixing with hot water (Extraction)
Adding lime solution (Removing impurities)
Filtering, Heating, and Seeding with crystals
Washing, Drying, and Cooling the crystals
Delivery to customers (Industrial/Retail)
(B) B1. Drafting a Speech
Speech: Nothing is more important than self-study

Respected Principal, Teachers, and my dear friends,

A very good morning to all. Today, I stand before you to share my views on the topic, ‘Nothing is more important than self-study.’

While classroom teaching provides us with the foundation of knowledge, it is self-study that truly cements that knowledge. When we study on our own, we learn more efficiently because we can focus on areas where we are weak and skim through what we already know. Unlike a classroom setting where the pace is set by the teacher, self-study allows us to learn at our own pace.

Furthermore, self-study encourages curiosity. When we explore a topic ourselves, we tend to dig deeper, ask questions, and find answers, which leads to better retention. Most importantly, mastering a subject through one's own effort boosts a student's self-esteem and confidence. It makes us independent learners, a skill that is vital for success in higher education and life.

Therefore, I urge everyone to dedicate time daily to self-study. Thank you.

Section VI: Creative Writing
Q.7 (A) Attempt any one:
A2. News Report

CHILD LABOURERS RESCUED FROM STONE QUARRIES

Nagpur, March 14: In a major crackdown on illegal child labour, the local police, in collaboration with the NGO 'Bachpan Bachao', rescued 25 children from stone quarries on the outskirts of the district yesterday.

Acting on a tip-off, the raid was conducted early in the morning. The children, aged between 10 and 14, were found working in hazardous conditions, breaking stones under the scorching sun without any protective gear. Most of them were malnourished and suffering from respiratory issues due to constant exposure to stone dust.

"The quarry owners have been arrested under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act," said Senior Inspector Patil. The rescued children have been moved to a shelter home where they are receiving medical attention and counseling. The district administration has promised to ensure their rehabilitation and education.

(B) Developing a story / Narrating an experience:
B2. Narrating an experience (Ending with forgotten wallet)

A Dishwasher's Dilemma

It was my best friend's birthday, and since he was out of town, I decided to treat myself to a fancy dinner at the 'Grand Royale', the most luxurious hotel in the city. I dressed in my finest suit and walked in with confidence.

The ambience was breathtaking. I ordered a three-course meal—lobster bisque, grilled lamb chops, and a decadent chocolate truffle cake. The food was divine, and I savored every bite, feeling like royalty. As I finished the last crumb of the cake, I signaled the waiter for the bill.

The bill arrived in a sleek leather folder. I reached into my coat pocket to pull out my wallet, but my hand met empty space. My heart skipped a beat. I checked my trouser pockets, then the coat again. Panic set in as I realized the horrifying truth. I had left it on my dresser. I looked at the waiter smiling at me and felt cold sweat trickle down my back. After the sumptuous meal in a luxurious hotel, I discovered that I had forgotten my wallet at home.

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