1.Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given.

5
1. The fiercely independent people of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. As one
story goes, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and settled here when
return became impractical.
(Glimpses of India)

(i) Why are the people of Coorg known for their fierce independence? Answer in about 30-40
words. 2
(ii) State True or False. 1
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “The fiercely independent people
of Coorg are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent.”
(a) A hypothesis – a proposed explanation for a phenomenon
(b) An observation – a statement about what you notice
(c) A myth – a traditional story about history
(d) A fact – a thing that is known or proved to be true
(iii) The story about Alexander’s army suggests the people of Coorg have a
_____ heritage.
1
(iv)How does the story of Alexander’s army make Coorg more interesting? 1

2. Once again the veil was slipped back from the bride’s face, but this time her eyes were not
downcast. She was looking up, looking straight at her prospective husband, and in her eyes
there was neither anger nor hate, only cold contempt. (Bholi)

(i)Why do you think the bride looked at her prospective husband with cold contempt?
Answer in about 40 words. 2
(ii)State True or False. 1
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “in her eyes there was neither
anger nor hate, only cold contempt.”
(a) A realisation – becoming fully aware of something as a fact
(b) A judgement – an opinion or conclusion about someone or something
(c) An admiration – a feeling of respect or approval
(d) A resentment – a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
(iii) The information in the extract suggests that the bride felt _____. 1
(iv) What does the bride’s cold contempt indicate about her feelings? 1

3. Has given my heart

A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued. (Dust of Snow)
(i)How did the “change of mood” affect the speaker’s day, according to the poem? Answer in
about 40 words. 2
(ii) State True or False. 1
None of the following interpretations can be applied to “saved some part of a day I had rued”:
(a) The entire day was perfect
(b) No part of the day could be improved
(c) The day was completely uneventful
(d) Every moment of the day was regrettable
(iii) The phrase “change of mood” in the poem implies that the speaker’s day became more
_____. 1
(iv) How might the speaker’s interactions with others improve after this shift in mood?

4. And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.

He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,
The epistemology of loss, how to stand up
Knowing what every man must one day know
And most know many days, how to stand up. (Ball Poem)

i) How might understanding “the epistemology of loss” change the boy’s perspective on
future challenges? Answer in about 40 words. 2
(ii) State True or False. 1
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement — “He is learning, well behind his
desperate eyes, the epistemology of loss.”
(a) Existentialism – focuses on individual freedom and choices
(b) Nihilism – believes life is meaningless
(c) Stoicism – teaches self-control and emotional strength
(d) Pragmatism – values practical outcomes
(iii) The boy’s reaction to his loss might show he’s developing
a deeper ____________. 1
(iv) How might the boy’s view of material things change after this loss? 1

5. A. “Yes, I’m travelling alone,” she answered curtly. “And I’ve got a ticket too.” “Yes,
she’s on her way to town,” said the conductor. “With a thirty-paise ticket.”
“Oh, why don’t you mind your own business,” said Valli. But she laughed all the same, and the
conductor laughed too.
But the old woman went on with her drivel. “Is it proper for such a young person to travel alone?
Do
you know exactly where you’re going in town? What’s the street? What’s the house number?”
“You needn’t bother about me. I can take care of myself,” Valli said, turning her face towards the
window and staring out.
I. Valli told the conductor to mind his own business and laughed as well. This shows that Valli
(1)
A. was not really bothered about what the conductor said.
B. didn’t like the conductor speaking about her.
C. disliked what the conductor said but was amused.
D. was impressed with what the conductor said.

II. The elderly woman in the bus keeps enquiring after Valli because Valli is a child. What
assumptions could she have about children? (2)
III. But the old woman went on with her drivel. The word ‘drivel’ means ____________. (1)
IV. How do you think Valli felt on being questioned? (1)

6. Ausable did not fit any description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read.
Following him down the musty corridor of the gloomy French hotel where
Ausable had a room, Fowler felt let down. It was a small room, on the sixth
and top floor, and scarcely a setting for a romantic adventure.
Ausable was, for one thing, fat. Very fat. And then there was his accent.
Though he spoke French and German passably, he had never
altogether lost the American accent he had brought to Paris from Boston twenty years
ago.
“You are disappointed,” Ausable said wheezily over his shoulder.
I. State True or False. (1)
None of the terms (a) – (d) can be applied to the statement – Ausable did not fit any
description of a secret agent Fowler had ever read.
A. A. hypothesis - a proposed explanation for a phenomenon.
B. An assumption - something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true.
C. A hyperbole - exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
D. A premise - a proposition that forms the basis of an argument.
II. State any one reference about a secret agent from the given extract. (1)
III. Why was Fowler disappointed by Ausable when he met him? (2)
IV. Where was Ausable’s room? (1)

7. If strolling forth, a beast you view, Whose

hide with spots is peppered, As soon as
he has lept on you, You’ll know it is the
Leopard.
’Twill do no good to roar with pain, He’ll
only lep and lep again.
I. Choose the option that correctly demonstrates the term ‘strolling’ (1)
A. Diya runs with a great speed after being chased by a cow
B. Diya walks in the garden, relaxing while listening to her favourite music
C. Diya skids sharply as she pushes the trolley
D. Diya rushes to switch off the lights as the family moves out.
II. Which option lists the statement that is NOT TRUE according to the extract. (1)
A. the poet asks the reader to hide on seeing the leopard
B. the poet cautions the reader about a leopard when walking through its territory
C. the poet informs the reader that a leopard can launch repeated attacks
D. the poet tells the reader that a leopard attack can result in pain
III. The repetition used in “he’ll only lep and lep again” is an example of (1)
A. poetic justice.
B. satire.
C. allusion.
D. poetic licence.
IV. Choose the option that matches with the rhyme scheme of the extract. (1)
1. proud loud child wild Jungle mingle
2. wild Jungle mingle child loud proud
3. wild proud child loud Jungle mingle

4. loud Jungle wild child mingle proud

A. option 1
B. option 2
C. option 3
D. option 4
V. According to the poet, how does a leopard behave when he sees someone? (1)

8. “Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,

And little mouse Blink strategically mouse holed. But up
jumped Custard, snorting like an engine, Clashed his tail
like irons in a dungeon,
With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm, He
went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.”
I. Match the figures of speech with their correct definitions that have been used by the poet in
the
given extract. (1)
1 words like and like used repetitively
2 Repetition of the sounds ‘k’ and ‘s’
a alliteration b repetition c onomatopoeia 3 Repetition of the sounds ‘n’ and ‘el’
d consonance 4 Use of sounds words like clatter, snorting, jangling…
abcd
A1324
B2143
C3214
D4321
II. Who trickled down to the bottom of the household? (1)
A. Custard
B. Pirate
C. Blink
D. Ink
III. Select the appropriate option that supports the idea in the extract. (1)
A. You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.
B. Fear has a large shadow, but he himself is strong.
C. Fear makes strangers of people who would be friends.
D. Courage doesn’t mean you are not afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.
IV. The extract mentions ’irons in dungeons’…Here irons refer to (1)

V. Select the appropriate option to complete the sentence. (1)

“He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm”.
Just like the Robin catches the worm, _______.
A. Custard attacked the pirate without delay.
B. Custard attacked the pirate stealthily
C. Custard attacked the pirate valourously
D. Custard attacked the pirate after careful observation.

9. Ausable moved to an armchair and sat down heavily. "I'm going to raise the devil with the
management this time, and you can bet on it," he said grimly. This is the second time in a
month that somebody has got into my room through that nuisance of a balcony!

i) Choose the option that best replaces the phrase ‘edged with frustration’ in the sentence:
[1]
a. coated with anger
b. mixed with impatience
c. full of determination
d. tinged with impatience
(ii) Suppose Ausable’s tactic is discovered by an adversary. Predict and describe, in about 40
words, how Ausable might attempt to control the situation to maintain his advantage. [2]
(iii) Mr. Rajan, a property manager, encounters a similar security concern in his building and
decides to "warn the management about the balcony." Which option lists a more effective
action Mr. Rajan could take to resolve the issue? [1]
a. Write an email listing the balcony as a security issue
b. Discuss the balcony with other tenants informally
c. Arrange a meeting with the building management and suggest repairs
d. Complain to a neighbor who has experience with building issues
(iv) If Ausable’s story were to continue, which action would be most consistent with his
character as demonstrated in the extract? a. Filing a formal report to the authorities
b. Complaining repeatedly to the hotel staff
c. Using another clever tactic to mislead his adversary
d. Leaving the hotel to avoid security concerns
[1]
10. So, in order not to shake the writer’s faith in God, the postmaster came up with an idea to
answer the letter. But when he opened it, was evident that to answer it, he needed something
more than goodwill, ink, and paper. But he stuck to his resolution: he asked for money from
his employees, he himself gave part of his salary and several friends of his were obliged to
give something for an act of charity’. It was impossible for him to gather together the
hundred pesos, so he was able to send the farmer only a little more than half. He put the
money in an envelope addressed to Lencho and with it a letter containing only a single word
as a signature: God. The following Sunday Lencho came a bit earlier than usual to ask if there
was a letter for him. It was the postman himself who handed the letter to him while the
postmaster, experiencing the contentment of a man who has performed a good deed, looked
on from his office.
i. Select the most accurate interpretation of the following statement from the passage: [1]
"He put the money in an envelope addressed to Lencho and with it a letter containing only a
single word as a signature: God."
A. The postmaster is attempting to deceive Lencho.
B. The postmaster believes Lencho will be content with just the money.
C. The postmaster wishes to maintain the belief that the money came directly from God.
D. The postmaster is sending a message of hope.
ii. Choose the option that best conveys the tone of the sentence: "But he stuck to his
resolution: he asked for money from his employees, he himself gave part of his salary and
several friends of his were obliged to give something for an act of charity." Explain your
choice.
A. Sarcastic
B. Resolute
C. Indifferent
D. Regretful
iii. How did the postmaster collect money to be sent to Lencho? Complete the sentence with
the appropriate option. He collected money from his employees and gave ______. [1]
A. a part of his salary to send to Lencho.
B. the collected money to Lencho.
C. the contribution to Lencho.
D. his monthly salary to Lencho.
iv. Identify the word from the passage, which is opposite to the phrase 'very few' [1]

11. Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth,

And spikes on top of him and scales underneath,
Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose,
And realio, trulio daggers on his toes.
i. How is Custard the dragon described in terms of his physical appearance? [1]
ii. Complete the sentence with one word: This extract describes Custard’s physical
appearance, showcasing all the features of ________ that would make him powerful, scary,
and brave. [1]
iii. What belief about dragons is contradicted by Custard’s behavior in the extract? a. Dragons
are brave and feared.
b. Dragons can grant wishes.
c. Dragons can become invisible at will.
d. Dragons are soft-hearted and kind.
[1]
iv. Analyze the poet’s use of language in these lines. How does it contribute to the character
of Custard? [2]

12. My head is full of whispers

which tomorrow will be silent.
Listen. The glass is breaking.
The trees are stumbling forward
into the night. Winds rush to meet them.
The moon is broken like a mirror,
its pieces flash now in the crown
of the tallest oak.

i. Why do you think the whispers will be silent tomorrow? [1]

ii. The forest goes through a significant transformation overnight. Explain this with reference
to the poem “The Trees.” [2]
iii. Which word in the stanza has a similar meaning to ‘quiet’? [1]
iv. Identify the poetic device used in the line “its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest
oak.” [1]
a. Simile b. Alliteration c. Imagery d. Personification

13. The jingling thud of his bamboo woke us up from sleep and we ran to meet and greet him.
Why
was it so? Was it for the love of the loaf? Not at all. The loaves were bought by some Paskine or
Bastin, the maid-servant of the house! What we longed for were those bread bangles which we
choose carefully. Sometimes it was sweet bread of special make.
(a) What was special about those bread bangles sometimes?
(i) The sweet bread of special make
(ii) The fresh morning breads
(iii) The maid servant of the house bought the loaves of bread
(iv) Both (i) and (ii)
(b) Whose bamboo is being discussed here?
(i) The baker (ii) Paskine
(iii) Bastin (iv) The watchman
c) What made the narrator and his friends wake up in the morning?
(i) The idea of eating fresh bread bangles
(ii) The idea of choosing the loaves of bread from the basket
(iii) The jingling thud of the bamboo
(iv) All of the above
D) What would happen after the author woke up on hearing the baker’s jingling sound?
(i) Pick up the bread bangles from the basket
(ii) Ran to meet and greet him
(iii) Both (i) and (ii)
(iv) To meet their friend, companion and guide

e) In the olden days baker in Goa was known as:

(i) baker (ii) kabai
(iii) pader (iv) bolinhas

14. Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him.

No one mourned for his pirate victim.
Ink and Blink in glee did gyrate.
Around the dragon that ate the pirate.
(a) Whom does ‘him’ refer to in the stanza?
(i) Belinda (ii) Custard
(iii) Mustard (iv) Pirate
(b) Why did Belinda embrace him?
(i) Out of helplessness (iii) Out of fear (ii) Out of gratitude
(iv) Out of shock
(c) Why were Ink and Blink happy?
(i) Joy of their victory
(ii) Because of the fear of pirate
(iii) Because the pirate was killed
(iv) They were in a good mood
(d) Find a word which means ‘move round in circles’.
(i) Mourn (ii) Gyrate
(iii) Lick (iv) Embrace
E) Which figure of speech/literary device has been used here?
(i) Personification (ii) Enjambment
(iii) Alliteration (iv) All of these

15. In a world of possessions, people will take”

Balls, Balls will be lost always, the little boy
And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.”
(a) Name the poem and the poet.
(i) The Ball Poem, Leslie Norris (iii) The Ball Poem, John Berryman (ii) Animals, John Berryman
(iv) Animals, Walt Whitman

b) Where did the boy lost the ball?

(i) In the harbour water (iii) In the boat (ii) At the dockyard
(iv) In the ground
C)The poet speaks of a ball as a symbol of:
(i) wealth (ii) childhood memories
(iii) property (iv) All of these
D)Why will no one buy a ball back?
(i) There is no money to spare (iii) Lost things cannot be recovered (ii) The ball was rarely found
(iv) Losses and gains are part of life
E)Which literary device is used here?
(i) Personification (ii) Alliteration
(iii) Imagery (iv) Illusion

16. He stalks in his vivid stripes

The few steps of his cage
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
(a) Who is ‘he’ here?
(i) Tiger (ii) Human being
(iii) Lion (iv) Dragon
(b) How does ‘he’ walk?
(i) Angrily (ii) Fiercely
(iii) Steadily (iv) All of these
(c) Which emotion does the tiger not express?
(i) Pride (ii) Dissatisfaction
(iii) Anger (iv) Both (ii) and (iii)
(d) Where is the tiger now?
(i) In the jungle (iii) In the grassland (ii) In the zoo
(iv) In his den
(e) Which literary device is used here?
(i) Personification (ii) Repetition
(iii) Imagery (iv) Allusion

17. Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black. It was impossible to see anything outside
the
aeroplane. The old aeroplane jumped and twisted in the air. I looked at the compass. I couldn’t
believe my eyes : the compass was turning round and round and round. It was dead. It would
not
work ! The other instruments were suddenly dead, too. I tried the radio.
(a) What was causing the plane to jump and twist in the air ?
(i) air pressure
(ii) wind currents
(iii) black stormy clouds
(iv) dead engine

b) Why was the compass turning round and round ?

(i) because it was dead
(ii) because it couldn’t find any signal
(iii) because the plane was out of control
(iv) because there was a storm
(c) The narrator couldn’t see outside the aeroplane because :
(i) it was too bright to look outside.
(ii) he was too high in the clouds to see anything clearly.
(iii) everything was black inside the storm clouds.
(iv) there was too much lightening.
(d) Choose an option that is a synonym of the word ‘dead’.
(i) barren (ii) broken-down
(iii) deserted (iv) not useful
(e) Over which country was the pilot flying at this moment ?
(i) Germany (ii) Spain
(iii) United Kingdom (iv) France
18. It was green, green everywhere. Rajvir had never seen so much greenery before. Then the
soft
green paddy fields gave way to tea-bushes.
It was a magnificent view. Against the backdrop of densely wooded hills a sea of tea bushes
stretched as far as the eye could see. Dwarfing the tiny tea plants were tall sturdy shade-trees
and
amidst the orderly rows of bushes busily moved doll-like figures. In the distance was an ugly
building with smoke billowing out of tall chimneys.
“Hey, a tea-garden !” Rajvir cried excitedly.
Pranjol, who had been born and brought up on a plantation, didn’t share Rajvir’s excitement.
(a) Pranjol did not share Rajvir’s excitement about the view outside because :
(i) he saw it too often.
(ii) there was nothing exciting outside actually.
(iii) he was born and brought up in that area.
(iv) he was more interested in the book he was reading.
(b) Why has the building been called ugly ?
(i) because it was an old building
(ii) because the construction was bad
(iii) because smoke was coming out of its tall chimneys
(iv) because it didn’t have a good history
(c) Why did Rajvir cry excitedly ?
(i) because he saw too much greenry
(ii) because he saw a tea-garden
(iii) because he saw a plantation
(iv) because he saw an ugly building
(d) Which of the following options tells the meaning of the word ‘billowing’ ?
(i) aggressively shooting upwards
(ii) rolling outward
(iii) moving at a great speed
(iv) gathering at a place

e) What has been called ‘magnficent’ in the extract ?

(i) the tall chimney throwing smoke into the air
(ii) the tea bushes covering a huge area
(iii) the hills surrounding the train
(iv) the green green view of Assam’s tea gardens

19. Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink,
And the little grey mouse, she called him Blink,
And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.
(a) Who is ‘she’ ?
(i) Amanda (ii) Belinda
(iii) Wanda (iv) Peggy
(b) What was the little kitten called ?
(i) Mustard (ii) Blink
(iii) Ink (iv) Custard
(c) What was the characteristic of the dragon ?
(i) he was brave (iii) he was very wise (ii) he was clumsy
(iv) he was a coward
(d) The little dog was called Mustard because :
(i) he was yellow in colour.
(ii) he talked quite harshly.
(iii) he was as yellow and sharp as mustard.
(iv) he had a muddy colour and a muddy mood.
(e) Choose an option that is an antonym of the word ‘coward’.
(i) weakling (ii) scaredy cat
(iii) aggressor (iv) master

20. So they show their relations to me and I accept them,

They bring me tokens of myself, they evince
them plainly in their possession.
I wonder where they get those tokens,
Did I pass that way huge times ago and negligently drop them ?
(a) Who does ‘they’ refer to ?
(i) animals
(ii) humans
(iii) nature
(iv) pets
(b) Choose an option that states the meaning of the word ‘evince’.
(i) to reveal the presence of or to show
(ii) to think things over
(iii) to measure the value of something
(iv) to show the love and affection

c) Which figure of speech is used in ‘wonder where’ ?

(i) personification (ii) alliteration
(iii) metaphor (iv) anaphora
(d) Who is ‘I’ ?
(i) Ogden Nash (iii) Robin Klein (ii) Walt Whitman
(iv) Leslie Norris
(e) Choose an option that is NOT a synonym of the word ‘negligently’.
(i) carelessly (ii) indifferently
(iii) poorly (iv) attentively

21. The baker made his musical entry on the scence with the ‘Mang jhang’ sound of his
specially made
bamboo staff. One hand supported the basket on his head and the other banged the bamboo on
the
ground. He would greet the lady of the house with ‘Good morning’ and then place his basket on
the vertical bamboo. We kids would be pushed aside with a mild rebuke and the loaves would
be
delivered to the servant. But we would not give up. We would climb a bench or the parapet and
peep into the basket.
(a) The baker would make his musical entry on the scene with the ‘jhang jhang’ sound of :
(i) a bell in his hand. (ii) his specially made bamboo staff.
(iii) his bracelet which is made of bells. (iv) a bell on his basket.
(b) How would the baker greet the lady of the house ?
(i) by saying good morning (iii) by bowing his head (ii) by saying hello
(iv) by jingling the bamboo stick
(c) What is the antonym of ‘vertical’ ?
(i) slanted (ii) straight
(iii) horizontal (iv) diagonal
(d) Choose an option that states the meaning of the word ‘rebuke’
(i) a backlash of using an instrument
(ii) to investigate something to a great extent
(iii) an expression of disapproval or a scolding
(iv) a scream to ward off something

e) Name the author of the story.

(i) Liam O’Flaherty (iii) Frederick Forsyth
(ii) Lucio Rodrigues
(iv) Lokesh Abrol

22. No use to say ‘O there are other balls’ :

An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where
His ball went. I would not intrude on him;
A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now
He senses first responsibility
In a world of possessions. People will take
Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.
(a) Where did the ball go ?
(i) into the water (iii) towards the poet (ii) away from the owner
(iv) (i) and (iii)
(b) Name the poem from which the above extract is taken.
(i) Fire and Ice (ii) The Ball Poem
(iii) Fog (iv) The Trees
c) Which figure of speech is used in the above lines ?
(i) metaphor (ii) personification
(iii) anaphora (iv) simile
D)Choose an option that shows the meaning of the word ‘rigid’.
(i) flexible (ii) stoic
(iii) lenient (iv) stiff
E) Which of the following is NOT a meaning one can signify with the word ‘ball’ in this poem ?
(i) innocence
(ii) irreplaceable memories
(iii) precious things
(iv) darker path of life

23. He hears the last voice at night,

The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.
(a) Name the poet.
(i) John Berryman (iii) Leslie Norris (ii) Walt Whitman
(iv) William Butler Yeats
(b) Who is ‘he’ ?
(i) a lion (iii) a jaguar (ii) a tiger
(iv) a leopard
(c) At what does he stare ?
(i) the visitors (iii) the guards (ii) the bright stars
(iv) other animals
(d) What is the last thing ‘he’ hears at night ?
(i) the voice of a watchman
(ii) his own desperate cries
(iii) patrolling cars
(iv) shutting down of doors
(e) Why has the poet used the word ‘brilliant’ twice ?
(i) to create a sense of rhyme in the poem
(ii) to catch the attention of the reader
(iii) to lay more stress on the brightness of the eyes and the stars
(iv) there is no deeper meaning behind the usage

24. CHUBUKOV [interrupting] : My dear fellow... I’m so glad, and so on... Yes, indeed, and all
that
sort of thing. [Embraces and kisses LOMOV] I’ve been hoping for it for a long time. It’s been
my continual desire. [Sheds a tear] And I’ve always loved you, my angel, as if you were my own
son. May God give you both—His help and His love and so on, and so much hope... What am I
behaving in this idiotic way for ? I’m off my balance with joy, absolutely off my balance ! Oh, with
all my soul... I’ll go and call Natalya, and all that.
(a) Why is Chubukov so glad ?
(i) because Lomov came to meet him
(ii) because Lomov wanted to marry his daughter
(iii) because Lomov did not want his property
(iv) because Lomov did not come to borrow anything
(b) What had been Chubukov’s continual desire ?
(i) to give back the oxen meadows to Lomov
(ii) to return the money he had borrowed from his neighbour
(iii) to see his daughter marry Lomov
(iv) to join both of the adjacent properties and make it one big farm
C)Whom does ‘both’ refer to ?
(i) Chubukov and Natalya (iii) Stepan and Natalya (ii) Lomov and Natalya
(iv) Chubukov and Lomov
D)Choose an option that is similar in meaning to the word ‘balance’.
(i) composure (ii) stabilizer
(iii) nervousness (iv) similarity
E) Which of the following are the adjectives that can be associated with Chubukov ?
1. greedy 2. loving
3. patient 4. cruel
5. selfish 6. materialistic
(i) 1, 5 and 6 (ii) 2, 3 and 4
(iii) 1, 2 and 4 (iv) 2, 5 and 6

25. As they gazed, a remarkable sight met their eyes. A fresh footmark appeared from
nowhere !
Further footprints followed, one after another, descending the steps and progressing down the
street. The boys followed, fascinated, until the muddy impressions became fainter and fainter,
and
at last disappeared altogether.
(a) Whom did the footprints belong to ?
(i) Mr Jaffers (ii) Mrs Hall
(iii) Griffin (iv) the landlord
(b) Where did the boys first see the footprints ?
(i) on a footpath (iii) on a busy street (ii) on the steps of a house
(iv) on the snow covered ground
C)Choose an option that is a synonym of the word ‘progressing’.
(i) developing (ii) managing
(iii) gathering (iv) moving
D) What remarkable sight did the boys witness ?
(i) a naked man walking in the snow
(ii) fresh muddy footprints appeared in front of them out of nowhere
(iii) an invisible person hit them and left only his footprints behind
(iv) footprints walking down the street in the middle of a snowstorm
e) Name the author.
(i) Guy de Maupassant (iii) Sinclair Lewis (ii) H.G. Wells
(iv) Robert W. Peterson

26. He should be lurking in shadow,

Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
(a) Who is ‘he’ ?
(i) leopard (ii) jaguar
(iii) tiger (iv) cheetah
(b) What is ‘he’ actually doing instead of lurking ?
(i) prowling in the forest (iii) is left inside a cage (ii) resting in a cave
(iv) is growling at a deer
(c) Why is he waiting in hiding ?
(i) to stay away from the eyes of a hunter
(ii) so that he can attack a plump deer
(iii) so that his prey does not notice him
(iv) to track the movements of an intruder
(d) From which poem has this extract been taken ?
(i) How to Tell Wild Animals (iii) A Tiger in the Zoo (ii) Animals
(iv) Dust of Snow
(e) Choose an option that is similar in meaning to the word ‘plump’.
(i) slender (ii) lanky
(iii) stout (iv) chubby

27. Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,

And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,
Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,
But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
(a) What quality of Ink and Blink is mentioned ?
(i) they were as brave as a tiger in a rage
(ii) they were as brave as a barrel full of bears
(iii) they chased lions down the stairs
(iv) they cried for safety and a cage
(b) Which adjective is suited for Custard according to his friends ?
(i) brave (ii) coward
(iii) selfish (iv) valiant
C) Which figure of speech is used in the third line ?
(i) metaphor
(ii) anaphora
(iii) alliteration
(iv) simile
(d) What is the meaning of ‘rage’ ?
(i) passion (ii) indifference
(iii) anger (iv) harmony
(e) What is the poet trying to say with the lines ‘barrel full of bears’ ?
(i) a person who takes a lot of chances with his life
(ii) a person without fear or anxiety about what may happen
(iii) a person who is always looking for another adventure to pursue
(iv) a person without any thoughts about what the future may bring

28. Let me put it more clearly, since no one will believe that a thirteen-year-old girl is completely
alone
in the world. And I’m not. I have loving parents and a sixteen-year old sister, and there are
about
thirty people I can call friends. I have a family, loving aunts and a good home. No, on the
surface
I seem to have everything, except my one true friend. All I think about when I’m with friends is
having a good time. I can’t bring myself to talk about anything but ordinary everyday things. We
don’t seem to be able to get any closer, and that’s the problem. Maybe it’s my fault that we don’t
confide in each other. In any case, that’s just how things are, and unfortunately they’re not liable
to
change. This is why I’ve started the diary.
(a) Who is ‘I’ ?
(i) Amanda (ii) Wanda Petronski
(iii) Anne Frank (iv) Natalya
(b) What does she want to have despite having everything ?
(i) a good family
(ii) a loving father
(iii) one true friend
(iv) a diary
(c) T started writing a diary because :
(i) she did not want to tell anyone her secrets.
(ii) she did not have any true friend to confide in.
(iii) she was lonely.
(iv) she was incapable of talking openly in front of people.

d) Give noun forms of—confide.

(i) confidential (ii) confirm
(iii) confidence (iv) conform
(e) Choose an option that is similar in meaning to the word ‘liable’.
(i) inclined (ii) unaccountable
(iii) deserving (iv) reliable

29. There is a languid, emerald sea,

where the sole inhabitant is me-
a mermaid, drifting blissfully’.
(a) Which of the following is NOT a feature associated with the sea and its experience ?
(i) emerald (ii) languid
(iii) mermaid (iv) calmness
(b) Whom does a ‘mermaid’ represent here ?
(i) mother (ii) freedom
(iii) Amanda (iv) solitude
(c) Which of the following is NOT a synonym of the word ‘sole’ ?
(i) only (ii) solitary
(iii) collective (iv) lone
(d) Name the poet of the poem from which this extract has been taken.
(i) Carl Sandburg (ii) Ogden Nash
(iii) Walt Whitman (iv) Robin Klein
(e) Which of the following states the meaning of the word ‘drifting’ ?
(i) talking effortlessly (ii) floating smoothly
(iii) moving casually (iv) waving continuously

30. No use to say ‘O there are other balls’ :

An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down.
All his young days into the harbour where
His ball went.
(a) (b) (c) Which of the following is NOT a feature that tells you that the boy is affected by his
loss ?
(i) body is trembling
(ii) tears are rolling down the cheeks
(iii) eyes are staring down
(iv) stands rigidly
What does ‘rigid’ mean ?
(i) flexible (ii) stoic
(iii) lenient (iv) stiff
Where did the ball go ?
(i) into the water (iii) towards the poet (ii) away from the owner
(iv) (i) and (iii)

d) Why does the poet say the line ‘No use to say ‘O there are other balls’ ?
(i) because it eventually won’t be the same thing
(ii) because lost things should not be thought over
(iii) because losing something makes you gain more things
(iv) because what’s already done cannot be undone
(e) Choose an option that is a synonym of the word ‘fixes’.
(i) gathers (ii) grips
(iii) threatens (iv) subdues

31. But presently up spoke little dog Mustard,

I’d have been twice as brave if I hadn’t been flustered,
And up spoke Ink and up spoke Blink,
We’d have been three times as brave, we think,
And Custard said, I quite agree
That everybody is braver than me.
a) What had happened before Mustard spoke up ?
(i) the entrance of the pirate
(ii) joyful celebration of their survival
(iii) the death of the pirate
(iv) praising of the dragon’s bravery
B)Who had been flustered ?
(i) Custard (ii) Ink
(iii) Blink (iv) Mustard
C)According to Custard, everyone was .......... than him.
(i) stupider (ii) braver
(iii) crazier (iv) bolder
D)What does the word ‘flustered’ mean ?
(i) agitated (ii) composed
(iii) calm (iv) settled
(e) Name the poet.
(i) Carl Sandburg (iii) Robert Frost (ii) John Berryman
(iv) Ogden Nash

32. Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda !

Remember your acne, Amanda !
Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you,
Amanda !
(a) What is Amanda asked not to eat ?
(i) junk food (ii) chocolate
(iii) cakes (iv) sweets
B)What is Amanda asked to remember ?
(i) that she has acne
(ii) that she is not healthy
(iii) that she slouches
(iv) that she disbehaves
C)Who is speaking the above lines ?
(i) Amanda’s grandmother
(ii) Amanda’s mother
(iii) Amanda’s sister
(iv) Amanda’s aunt
D)Amanda is not looking at the speaker because
(i) she is thinking about something more important.
(ii) she does not want to hear anything being said.
(ii) she is bored of the talk already.
(iv) she is not paying attention to the instructions.
E)Which of the following is NOT a synonym of the word ‘look’ ?
(i) stare (ii) gaze
(iii) peep (iv) glow
Answers:

### **Answers**

---

### **1. Glimpses of India**

(i) The people of Coorg are known for their fierce independence due to their martial traditions,
unique culture, and valor. They have a proud heritage that sets them apart from others, making
them independent and courageous.

(ii) **True**
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied to the statement.

(iii) The story about Alexander’s army suggests the people of Coorg have a **Greek** heritage.

(iv) The story of Alexander’s army adds a fascinating historical and cultural dimension to Coorg,
making it more intriguing for readers.

---

### **2. Bholi**

(i) The bride looked at her prospective husband with cold contempt because she realized he
was greedy and heartless, as he demanded dowry despite knowing her family’s financial
struggles. This act destroyed any respect or acceptance she might have had for him.

(ii) **False**
The term **"admiration"** cannot be applied to the statement.

(iii) The information in the extract suggests that the bride felt **disrespectful and indifferent**.

(iv) The bride’s cold contempt indicates that she no longer respected or feared her prospective
husband, reflecting her courage to stand up against injustice.

---

### **3. Dust of Snow**

(i) The “change of mood” positively affected the speaker’s day by uplifting his spirits and
transforming a day he had regretted into a more meaningful one, giving him a new perspective
on life’s small joys.
(ii) **True**
None of the given interpretations apply.

(iii) The phrase “change of mood” in the poem implies that the speaker’s day became more
**hopeful and positive**.

(iv) After the shift in mood, the speaker’s interactions with others might improve as he feels
calmer, more understanding, and empathetic.

---

### **4. The Ball Poem**

(i) Understanding “the epistemology of loss” teaches the boy resilience and maturity, helping
him cope with future challenges by accepting that loss is an inevitable part of life and learning
how to move forward.

(ii) **True**
None of the terms (a)-(d) can be applied.

(iii) The boy’s reaction to his loss might show he’s developing a deeper **emotional
understanding**.

(iv) After this loss, the boy might value material things less, focusing more on emotional
experiences and memories.

---

### **5. Madam Rides the Bus**

(i) **C.** Valli disliked what the conductor said but was amused.

(ii) The elderly woman assumed children cannot travel alone, lack awareness of their
destination, and are not capable of being responsible.

(iii) The word **“drivel”** means **silly or meaningless talk**.

(iv) Valli likely felt irritated and offended but confident enough to assert her independence.

---

### **6. Midnight Visitor**

(i) **True**
None of the terms apply.

(ii) A reference about a secret agent: **Ausable was very fat, spoke with an American accent,
and did not fit the stereotype of a secret agent.**

(iii) Fowler was disappointed because he expected a glamorous, action-packed experience with
a secret agent but found Ausable to be unremarkable and unadventurous.

(iv) Ausable’s room was on the **sixth floor** of a gloomy French hotel.

---

### **7. How to Tell Wild Animals**

(i) **B.** Diya walks in the garden, relaxing while listening to her favorite music.

(ii) **A.** The poet does not suggest hiding from the leopard.

(iii) The repetition “lep and lep” is an example of **poetic license**.

(iv) **C.** The rhyme scheme is **wild, child, loud, Jungle, mingle, proud.**

(v) The leopard behaves aggressively and repeatedly leaps to attack when it sees someone.

---

### **8. The Tale of Custard the Dragon**

(i) **D.** 4 (onomatopoeia), 3 (alliteration), 2 (repetition), 1 (consonance).

(ii) **C.** Blink trickled down to the bottom of the household.

(iii) **D.** Courage doesn’t mean you are not afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.

(iv) The term **“irons in dungeons”** refers to **chains or shackles used in prisons**.

(v) **A.** Custard attacked the pirate without delay.

---

### **9. Midnight Visitor**

(i) **D.** Tinged with impatience.

(ii) If Ausable’s tactic were discovered, he might use another clever lie or manipulation to
mislead his adversary, showcasing his wit and presence of mind to maintain his advantage.

(iii) **C.** Arrange a meeting with the building management and suggest repairs.

(iv) **C.** Using another clever tactic to mislead his adversary.

---

### **10. A Letter to God**

(i) **C.** The postmaster wishes to maintain the belief that the money came directly from God.

(ii) **B.** Resolute. The postmaster’s determination to help Lencho despite challenges reflects a
tone of persistence and dedication.

(iii) He collected money from his employees and gave **a part of his salary to send to Lencho**.

(iv) The word opposite to “very few” is **several**.

### **11. Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth...**

**i.** Custard the dragon is described as having big sharp teeth, spikes on his back, scales
underneath, a mouth like a fireplace, a chimney-like nose, and dagger-like toes.
**ii.** *power*
**iii.** *(a) Dragons are brave and feared.*
**iv.** The poet uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to emphasize Custard’s fearsome
physical traits, which ironically contrast with his cowardly behavior. The rhyming structure adds
a playful tone, contributing to the humorous portrayal of Custard.

---

### **12. My head is full of whispers...**

**i.** The whispers will be silent tomorrow because the trees will have moved out of the forest
by night, symbolizing freedom or transformation.
**ii.** Overnight, the trees undergo a metaphorical transformation as they break free from
human control, signified by the breaking glass and stumbling forward into freedom.
**iii.** *Silent*
**iv.** *(c) Imagery*

---

### **13. The jingling thud of his bamboo woke us up...**

**a.** *(i) The sweet bread of special make*
**b.** *(i) The baker*
**c.** *(iii) The jingling thud of the bamboo*
**d.** *(iii) Both (i) and (ii)*
**e.** *(iii) Pader*

---

### **14. Belinda embraced him...**

**a.** *(ii) Custard*
**b.** *(ii) Out of gratitude*
**c.** *(iii) Because the pirate was killed*
**d.** *(ii) Gyrate*
**e.** *(ii) Enjambment*

---

### **15. In a world of possessions...**

**a.** *(iii) The Ball Poem, John Berryman*
**b.** *(i) In the harbor water*
**c.** *(ii) Childhood memories*
**d.** *(iv) Losses and gains are part of life*
**e.** *(iii) Imagery*

---

### **16. He stalks in his vivid stripes...**

**a.** *(i) Tiger*
**b.** *(iii) Steadily*
**c.** *(i) Pride*
**d.** *(ii) In the zoo*
**e.** *(iii) Imagery*

---

### **17. Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black...**

**a.** *(iii) Black stormy clouds*
**b.** *(i) Because it was dead*
**c.** *(iii) Everything was black inside the storm clouds*
**d.** *(ii) Broken-down*
**e.** *(iv) France*

---

### **18. It was green, green everywhere...**

**a.** *(iii) He was born and brought up in that area*
**b.** *(iii) Because smoke was coming out of its tall chimneys*
**c.** *(ii) Because he saw a tea-garden*
**d.** *(ii) Rolling outward*
**e.** *(ii) The tea bushes covering a huge area*

---
### **19. Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink...**
**a.** *(ii) Belinda*
**b.** *(iii) Ink*
**c.** *(iv) He was a coward*
**d.** *(iii) He was as yellow and sharp as mustard*
**e.** *(iv) Master*

---

### **20. So they show their relations to me...**

**a.** *(i) Animals*
**b.** *(i) To reveal the presence of or to show*
**c.** *(ii) Alliteration*
**d.** *(ii) Walt Whitman*
**e.** *(iv) Attentively*

### **Answers**
---

### **Q21.**
(a) **(ii)** his specially made bamboo staff.
(b) **(i)** by saying good morning.
(c) **(iii)** horizontal.
(d) **(iii)** an expression of disapproval or a scolding.
(e) **(ii)** Lucio Rodrigues.

---

### **Q22.**
(a) **(i)** into the water.
(b) **(ii)** The Ball Poem.
(c) **(ii)** personification.
(d) **(iv)** stiff.
(e) **(iv)** darker path of life.

---

### **Q23.**
(a) **(iii)** Leslie Norris.
(b) **(ii)** a tiger.
(c) **(ii)** the bright stars.
(d) **(iii)** patrolling cars.
(e) **(iii)** to lay more stress on the brightness of the eyes and the stars.
---

### **Q24.**
(a) **(ii)** because Lomov wanted to marry his daughter.
(b) **(iii)** to see his daughter marry Lomov.
(c) **(ii)** Lomov and Natalya.
(d) **(i)** composure.
(e) **(i)** 1, 5, and 6.

---

### **Q25.**
(a) **(iii)** Griffin.
(b) **(ii)** on the steps of a house.
(c) **(iv)** moving.
(d) **(ii)** fresh muddy footprints appeared in front of them out of nowhere.
(e) **(ii)** H.G. Wells.

---

### **Q26.**
(a) **(iii)** tiger.
(b) **(iii)** is left inside a cage.
(c) **(ii)** so that he can attack a plump deer.
(d) **(iii)** A Tiger in the Zoo.
(e) **(iii)** stout.

---

### **Q27.**
(a) **(iii)** they chased lions down the stairs.
(b) **(ii)** coward.
(c) **(iv)** simile.
(d) **(iii)** anger.
(e) **(ii)** a person without fear or anxiety about what may happen.

---

### **Q28.**
(a) **(iii)** Anne Frank.
(b) **(iii)** one true friend.
(c) **(ii)** she did not have any true friend to confide in.
(d) **(iii)** confidence.
(e) **(i)** inclined.
---

### **Q29.**
(a) **(iv)** calmness.
(b) **(iii)** Amanda.
(c) **(iii)** collective.
(d) **(iv)** Robin Klein.
(e) **(ii)** floating smoothly.

---

### **Q30.**
(a) **(ii)** tears are rolling down the cheeks.
(b) **(iv)** stiff.
(c) **(i)** into the water.
(d) **(i)** because it eventually won’t be the same thing.
(e) **(ii)** grips.

---

### **Q31.**
(a) **(iii)** the death of the pirate.
(b) **(iv)** Mustard.
(c) **(ii)** braver.
(d) **(i)** agitated.
(e) **(iv)** Ogden Nash.

---

### **Q32.**
(a) **(ii)** chocolate.
(b) **(i)** that she has acne.
(c) **(ii)** Amanda’s mother.
(d) **(iv)** she is not paying attention to the instructions.
(e) **(iv)** glow.