ENGLISH SAMPLE PAPER

SECTION - A READING SKILLS 10 Marks

1. Read the passage given below. 10 m

(1) Have you ever failed at something so miserably that the thought of attempting to do it
again was the last thing you wanted to do?

(2) If your answer is yes, then you are ‘‘not a robot.” Unlike robots, we human beings have
feelings, emotions, and dreams. We are all meant to grow and stretch despite our
circumstances and our limitations. Imagine you're working really hard to make your dreams
come true, but things don't always go perfectly. Sometimes you might fail, even after putting in
a lot of effort. Now, when faced with failure, do you just give up and accept that you can't
succeed, or do you keep trying over and over until you're happy with the outcome? If you're the
type of person who keeps going even when things are tough, that quality is called "grit,"
according to experts. It means you're determined and don't easily give up, no matter what
obstacles come your way.
(3) Falling down or failing is one of the most agonizing, embarrassing, and scariest human
experiences. But, it is also one of the most educational, empowering, and essential parts of
living a successful and fulfilling life. Did you know that perseverance is one of the seven
qualities that have been described as the keys to personal success and betterment in society?
The other six are: curiosity, gratitude, optimism, self-control social intelligence, and zest.
Thomas Edison is a model for grit for trying 1000 times to invent the light bulb. If you are
reading this with the lights on in your room, you know well he succeeded. When asked why he
kept going despite his hundreds of failures, he merely stated that what he had were not
failures. They were hundreds of ways not to create a light bulb. This statement not only reveal
his grit but also his optimism for looking at the bright side.
(4) Grit can be learned to help become more successful. One of the techniques that helps is
mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice that helps the individual stay in the moment by bringing
awareness of his/her experience without judgment. With this practice of mindfulness,
individuals have the ability to stop the self-sabotaging downward spiral of hopelessness,
despair, and frustration.
(5) What did you do to overcome the negative and self-sabotaging feelings of failure? Reflect on
what you did, and try to use those same powerful resources to help you today.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above.
(A)Support the writer's idea that perseverance and grit are essential qualities for achieving success
despite setbacks. 2
(B) List any one point stating how the author's portrayal of Thomas Edison's approach to inventing the
light bulb contribute to the overall tone of the passage? 2
(C) Complete the following with the correct option from the two given. The author's use of vivid
imagery in "Falling down or failing is one of the most agonizing, embarrassing, and scariest human
experiences." greatly affects the readers because ............. 1
(a) It minimizes the emotional impact of failure by portraying it as a routine part of life.
b) It helps readers vividly understand and relate to the intense emotions associated with failure, making
the concept more impactful and engaging.
(D) In paragraph 2, what does the line, 'If your answer is yes, then you are ‘‘not a robot.' emphasize?1
(E) Fill in the blank with the correct option from those given. 1
The author's mood towards falling down or failing is a blend of ................ .
(a) indifference and dismissal (b) pessimism and resignation
(c) frustration and avoidance (d) empathy and encouragement
(F) The writer talks about the practice of mindfulness in paragraph 4. Which of the following is an
example of this practice? 1
(a) Planning a week’s worth of tasks in advance while multitasking on your computer.
(b) Taking a few minutes to focus on your breath and observe your thoughts without judgment.
(c) Watching a TV show while scrolling through your phone and checking emails.
(d) Attending a meeting while thinking about what you’re going to have for lunch.
(G) Select the option that best reflects the author's attitude towards failure from the passage: 1
(a) failure is something to be ashamed of.
(b) failure is an inevitable part of life's challenges.
(H) State whether the following statement is True or False.
The passage display an example of persuasive text. 1

SECTION – B 20 Marks
WRITING SKILLS & GRAMMAR

2. Complete ANY TEN of twelve of the following tasks, as directed. 1 × 10 = 10

(A) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket.
The company's new marketing strategy has greatly ............... their online presence and brand visibility.
(a) enhanced (b) enhancing (c) enhances (d) enhance

(B) Read the given sentence carefully. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence.
Her desire to visit foreign countries were driven by her love for experiencing new cultures and meeting
people. Use the given format for your response. Error Correction

(C) Rohan had just returned from Bangalore. Kiara and Rohan are having a conversation about his
experience. Report Kiara’s question How did you enjoy your visit?

(D) Complete the following dialogues by reporting their speech:

Mom: Keep this room clean
Janki: I’’ll do it soon. Select the correct option to complete the reporting of Janki’s mom's dialogue.
Janki's mom ............................... Janki replied by saying that she would clean it.

(E) Fill the blank by choosing the correct option.

"Please pass me ........... (a/an/the) salt from the kitchen cabinet. We seem to have run out of it."

(F) Read the given sentence carefully. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence.
The blood donation camp was setted up to aid the neighborhood hospitals in scaling up their blood
banks. Use the given format for your response. Error Correction

(G) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the closing line, from a
historical research paper.
The Battle of Waterloo, fought in 1815, marked a significant turning point in European history,
ultimately leading to the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte and the end of his reigns as Emperor of France.
Option No. Error Correction
(a) fought fight
(b) leading lead
(c) reigns reign
(d) of his reigns in his reigns

(H) Complete the given narrative, by filling the blank with the correct option
Have you ever encountered a situation where you had to make a decision without ........ guidance or
assistance?
(a) any (b) few (c) many (d) little

(I) Read Shruti's reply to Rohit regarding her visit to Delhi.

I came here yesterday. I have been offered a job here.
Rohit told Shruti that he was surprised to see her in Delhi and asked when she had come. Shruti replied
that ........................ .

(J) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option for the sentence given below:
I am taking driving lessons now. Hopefully, I ........... my driving test by November.
(a) will take (b) would pass (c) will have taken (d) will be taking

(K) Fill the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the live feed on a school news channel.
Attention, viewers! We are excited to announce that the school debate team ……………… the national
championship.
(a) had won (b) will win (c) has won (d) is winning

(L) Read the conversation between Garima and Neha about film industry:
Garima: So, after a year in the industry, are you happy?
Neha: I love the film industry. Report Neha's response by completing the following:
Garima asked Neha if after a decade in the industry she was happy. Neha told her ..... .

3. Answer the following :

1.You are Naresh / Nandini of Safdarjung, New Delhi. You are deeply saddened by the attacks
on elderly persons who live alone. Write a letter to the editor of ‘The New India News’ making
people aware of the authorities to guarantee that such attacks do not occur.
2. You are Neena / Navin, a student of Max Public School, Mumbai. You are concerned about
the lack of awareness around animal rights. Write a letter to the editor about the need to raise
awareness about animal rights among the public.

3.You are Kushal living at 123, Gaur City, Bengaluru.The continuous leaking of drain pipes in
your colony is causing diseases and health complications for the residents. Write a
complaint letter to the Municipal Commissioner to take necessary actions regarding the
same.

4. Write a short story in 200 – 250 words, with the help of the cues given below. Give a
suitable title to the story.
Going to Mumbai by train to attend the marriage of a friend ….. got stuck in a traffic jam …..
reached the railway station late ….. boarded a wrong train ….. realised after two hours …..
now you … … …

5.You met your old friend in the market today after five years. Write a diary entry expressing
your thoughts and emotions on the meeting.

6.You attended the Annual Function held at your sister’s school. Describe the event in 100-
120 words.

7. Last summer you went to your’s friends village. His grandmother looked after you as if you
were her grandchild. Describe her in 100-150 words.