Read the passage given below:

1. Hiking is a great source of pleasure for us besides being beneficial for our health. Once we leave the crowded streets of a city and go out for a walking tour away from the mad world, we really feel free. The open-air has a bracing effect on the mind. The congestion of the city, the uproar and tumult, the intolerable noise of traffic, the hectic daily routine, all these are forgotten and the mind is at ease. We then feel like running, leaping, singing, and laughing. We travel merrily mile after mile in the company of friends and associates.

2. Hiking takes us into the midst of nature. The sight of waterfalls, flowers, streams, trees, and bushes is pleasing. A connection is established between us and nature. Various sounds of nature, like the murmur of a brook or the song of a bird, acquire a new meaning and significance to us.

3. You enjoy the beauty of nature. Minute observations like a snake casting its slough, a mouse peeping out of its hole, a squirrel leaping about on the branches of a tree, a bird flying past us, all these are noticed and they arouse our interest. We have no business worries, no fear of the examination, and no anxiety about the home. We have the leisure to stand, walk and talk. It is more thrilling and pleasurable to hike in a mountainous region than in the plains. The excitement of climbing up to the top of a hill, the adventure of coming down a slope, the grandeur of sunset behind a mountain – All these sights lend a rare charm and interest to our journey.

4. We walk along a zigzag motor road or out across a mountain path in search of adventure. We may have bright sunny weather or might get caught in a shower of rain. We may look below us into the yawning chasm or up at the mountain peak.
The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap with joy.

5. Hiking is one of the healthiest sports. It ensures a complete escape from the urgent and busy activities of life and therefore gives solace to our brain. It regains its lost energy and is able to do twice as much work as before.

6. The fresh air, beautiful mountains, majestic trees, the chirping sound of birds make one’s mind and soul at peace with nature

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions below :

(i) To go out for a walking tour is
(a) to stroll.
(b) to ramble.
(c) to hike.
(d) to saunter.

(ii) Why does the writer say that the mind is at ease when you hike?
(a) because hiking is an inexpensive activity.
(b) because it brings families together.
(c) because of the intolerable noise of traffic.
(d) because the depressing daily routine is forgotten.

(iii) Complete the following with a phrase :
The various sounds of nature acquire……….

(iv) Infer one reason for the following based on information in paragraph 2.
A contact is established between us and nature.

(v) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word from paragraph 2.
aroma: cooking: fragrance:…………………..

(vi) Give one reason why it is a pleasure to hike in the mountains than in the plains.
(a) because observation is sharpened.
(b) because of the excitement of climbing up and the adventure of coming down.
(c) because it is leisure to stand, to walk.
(d) because there are no worries.

(vii) Hiking gives the brain, the rest it needs because
(a) it is a short time activity.
(b) it is one of the healthiest sports.
(c) it makes us sleep peacefully.
(d) it is an escape from our busy schedule.

(viii) List any two examples of minute observations you make while on a hike

(ix) Supply one point to justify the following:
Hiking gives us a feeling of unlimited joy.

(x) Substitute the word leap with joy’ with one word similar in meaning in the following sentence from the passage.
The feeling of unlimited freedom makes our hearts leap with joy.

Read the extract given below :

1. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortages, life didn’t grind to a halt. Why 2 Beenuse a retired civil engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir Government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.

2. Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000 – 3,500 meters above sea level, has a low average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water Agriculture is completely dependent on glacier melt, unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the years, with the increasing effects of climate change, rainfall, and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortages and drought situations. Given the extreme winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.

3. It is located between the natural glacier above and the village below. The one closer to the village and lowest in altitude melts first, providing water during April-May, the crucial sowing season. Further, layers of ice above melt with the increasing temperature, thus ensuring continuous supply to the fields. ‘Therefore, farmers have been able to manage two crops instead of one. It costs about 1,50.000 and above to create a glacier.

4. Fondly called the glacier man, he has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort, he was conferred the Padma Shri by ‘The President of India

5. There are a few basic steps followed while creating an artificial glacier. River or stream water at high altitudes is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where a ridge or a mountain range blocks the winter sun.
At the start of winter ie, in November, the diverted water is made to flow on sloping hills facing distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools that freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an ‘artificial glacier’.

Based on your understanding of the extract, answer the questions below:

(i) Infer one reason for the following, based on information in paragraph 1.
Areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortage but life didn’t grind to a halt.

(ii) Select from the passage the appropriate option to fill in the blanks:
Agriculture is completely dependent on ………….. unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India.
(a) rainfall pattern
(b) climate change
(c) glaciers melt
(d) extreme winter conditions

(iii) Complete the following analogy correctly with a word/phrase from paragraph 3 :
icing: cake:: layers: …………..

(iv) Select the correct option to complete the following sentence:
At the start of winter, the diverted water is made to flow………….
(a) on sloping hills facing distribution channels.
(b) on high altitude.
(c) on the ice-cold water level.
(d) on the mountain range.

(v) From the chart select the months of water surplus.
(a) January, February.
(b) November, December.
(c) July, August, September.
(d) March, April.

For Visually impaired candidates

(v) Describe the number of months which result in a large accumulation of ice.

(vi) Fill in the blank by selecting from the passage the correct option:
The ……………. have been the only source of water in areas in and around Ladakh.
(a) glaciers
(b) rivers
(c) streams
(d) water springs

(vii) The word ‘located* in paragraph 3 means :
(a) found
(b) locally found
(c) situated
(d) adapted

(viii) Write any two steps followed while creating the glaciers.

(ix) List one reason why artificial glaciers seem the best option.

(x) Select the most suitable title from the following for the passage :
(a) Water Shortage.
(b) New Ways to Pool Water.
(c) Artificial Glacier.
(d) River Beds.

SECTION – B
GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS

3. Attempt ANY TEN of the following questions :

(i) Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete a school advisory.
Parents must……. their children’s leisure activities.
(a) look at
(b) look into
(c) look away
(d) look up

(ii) Read the conversation between the Chief Guest and the student. Complete the sentence by reporting the reply correctly.
Chief guest: Who inspired you to learn classical dance.
Student: I was inspired by my grandfather who was a renowned dancer.
The Chief Guest asked the student who had inspired the student to learn classical dance. The student replied………………..

(iii) Select the correct option to fill in the blank for the given line on a save the environment poster:
Keep the environment clean. Do not litter.
You ……………. follow rules.
(a) should
(b) may
(c) must
(d) will

(iv) Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line:
The sounds of laughter were echoing in the corridor.

Option	Error	Correction
(a)	sounds	sound
(b)	laughter	laughing
(c)	was	were
(d)	in	of

(v) Complete the given narrative by filling in the blank with the correct option:

In times of trouble you can always …… your parents for help.
(a) turn in
(b) turn to
(e) turn on
(d) turn away

(vi) Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket:
The students with the help of their teacher (create) a beautiful poster.

(vii) Report the dialogue between the receptionist and the customer by completing the sentence :
Receptionist: When would you like to check into the hotel.
Customer: I will send you an email and give the details.
In response to the question regarding when he would like to move in, the customer replied

(viii)Identify the error in the given sentence and supply the correction :
The children were excited when they saw the leopard.
Use the given format for your response :

Error	Correction

(ix) Samiksha shared some information with Sameer regarding the annual blood donation camp. Report Sameer’s question :
How did you feel when you were donating blood?

(x) The doctor………….examined the patient when the family arrived.
(a) was
(b) had
(c) has
(d) have

(xi) Select the correct option to complete the narration of a dialogue between a passerby and a farmer.
Passerby: Can you tell me the way to Rampur.
Farmer: Drive for four kms and then turn right.

The passerby asked the farmer if he could tell him the way to Rampur. The farmer replied that………………
(a) he may drive for four kms and then turn right.
(b) he should drive for four km and then turn right.
(c) he might drive for four kms and then turn right.
(d) he had to drive for four kms and then turn right.

(xii) Identify the error in the statement given below and supply the correction. Use the given format for your response.
Water was vital to human health and fitness.

Error	Correction

 

4. Attempt any one from A and B given below:
(A) Stakeholders associated with the education of children are concerned about the poor reading habits of students today. There are multiple reasons for this disinterest in students.
Academic pressure, technology, and distraction, social media, parents don’t read, children don’t visit libraries, lack of leisure time are some of the reasons.
As a concerned parent write a letter to the editor in about 100-120 words, expressing your concern. Suggest innovative ways in which children can be brought back to books. You are Sahil/Sushila.

OR

(B) You are Aruna/Arjun C.C.A. in charge of St. Joseph’s High School. You have read an advertisement in a newspaper regarding admission into a foreign languages institute.
Write a letter in about 100-120 words to the Director of the institute ‘Lingua for All’ making relevant inquiries:
(a) Eligibility
(b) Duration of Course
(c) Time Schedule
(d) Fee Structure
(e) Faculty
(f) Placement

5. Attempt any one from A and B given below :

(A) The given pie-chart shows how water is consumed in households in a metropolitan city in India. Study the information carefully and write a paragraph of about 100-120 words drawing a comparative analysis of water consumption: Emphasize wasteful water consumption and suggest possible ways to save water.

5. (A) For Visually impaired candidates.
List three ways in which we waste water and the ways how we can save water.

OR
5. (B) The chart below gives the percentage of social media users by age in India in 2020. Write a paragraph analyzing the given information, drawing comparisons among different age groups in 100-120 words.

Internet Activities by Age Group

			Age Group
Activity
Get News
Online Games
Downloads
Product Research
Buying a Product
Searching for people

 

SECTION C
LITERATURE
6. (A) Read the extract given below and attempt the questions that follow :

Inside the clouds, everything was suddenly black. It was impossible to see anything outside the airplane. The old airplane 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 was suddenly dead, too. I tried the radio. “Paris Control? Paris Control? Can you hear me?” There was no answer. The radio was dead too. I had no radio, and no compass, and I could not see where I was. I was lost in the storm.

(i) As soon as the pilot was inside the cloud………
(a) his ears got blocked.
(b) he choked with fear.
(c) his vision was obstructed.
(d) he was jumping up and down.

(ii) The devices in the airplane were
(a) malfunctioning.
(b) broken completely.
(c) giving wrong readings.
(d) stopped responding completely.

(iii) The Paris air control did not reply to the pilot’s call because …………

(iv) Select the option that correctly captures the application of the word twisted’ as used in the extract.
(a) Ragini twisted Raghav’s wrist.
(b) Ragini twisted the story to suit the occasion.
(c) Ragini did not appreciate Raghav’s twisted bent of mind.
(d) Ragini matched the swimmer as he twisted twice in the air before diving into the water.

(v) Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only :
The narrator’s………..comes through clearly when he sees the compass turning round and round.

OR

6. (B) Read the extract given below and attempt the questions that follow :
Lomov: But you can see from the documents, honored Natalya Stepanovna. Oxen Meadows, it’s true were once the subject of dispute, but now everybody knows they are mine. There’s nothing to argue about. You see my aunt’s grandmother gave the free use of these Meadows in perpetuity to the peasants of your father’s grandfather, in return for which they were to make bricks for her. The peasants belonging to your father’s grandfather had the free use of Meadows for forty years and had got into the habit of regarding them as their own when it happened that…….
Natalya: No, it isn’t at all like that! Both grandfather and great-grandfather reckoned that their land extended to Burnt Marsh – which means Oxen Meadows were ours. I don’t see what there is to argue about, it’s simply silly.

(i) The subject of dispute was regarding
(a) free use of Meadows.
(b) making of bricks.
(c) peasants using Meadows.
(d) ownership of Meadows.

(ii) Find the word from the extract which means ‘continuance’:
(a) dispute
(b) perpetuity
(c) belonging
(d) reckoned

(iii) Lomov’s aunt’s grandmother gave Oxen Meadows to Natalva’s father’s grandfather in lieu of ……….

(iv) According to Natalya why did Oxen Meadows belong to them?

(v) Fill in the blank with ONE WORD only:
The peasants had free use of Meadows for…………years.

7. (A) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
Don’t eat that chocolate Amanda !
Remember your acne, Amanda!
Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you Amanda !
(I am Rapunzel, I have not a care; life in tower is tranquil and rare, I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair)
(i) The Speaker’s tone is
(a) loving.
(b) hopeful.
(c) instructive.
(d) indifferent.

(ii) Complete the analogy with a word from the extract:
rare: uncommon:: peace …

(iii) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE:
Amanda did not want anyone to invade her privacy and silence.
Select the appropriate option :
Amanda’s mother is continuously …….. Amanda.
(a) encouraging
(b reprimanding
(c) motivating
(d) disappointing

(iv) Which word in the extract is opposite in meaning to the word ‘dull’?
(a) dreary
(b) shady
(c) bright
(d) angry

OR

7. (B) Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage, On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
He should be lurking in shadows,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.

(i) ‘Quiet rage’ refers to the tigers……………
(a) helplessness
(b) he has not been able to hunt
(c) his prey has not come to the water hole
(d) he is not free

(ii) He is lurking in the shadows because……………

(iii) Complete the sentence appropriately:
It is clear that metaphor is the poetic device used for pads of velvet’ because…………..
(clue-explain how metaphor applies here).

(iv) Find a word from the extract which means – to walk with measured, stiff or haughty strides:
(a) steps
(b) lurking
(c) pads
(d) stalk

(v) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE:
The tiger is stealthily waiting for the deer to come to the water hole.

8. Answer ANY FOUR of the following in about 40-50 words each :
(a) Why did the night after the rains turn sorrowful for Lencho? (A letter to God)
(b) Describe the young seagull’s first flight. (Two stories about flying)
(c) Who are paders and why are they friends of children? (Glimpses of India)
(d) How did Valli save money to travel by bus ? (Madam rides the bus)
(e) What character trait is revealed of Custard when he accepts that the other animals are braver than him. (The tale of Custard the Dragon)

9. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each :
(a) How did Mrs. Pumphery treat Tricki? (The Triumph of Surgery)
(b) How did Ausable get rid of Max without using a weapon. (The Midnight Visitor)
(c) Why did Richard Ebright raise a flock of butterflies? (Making of a scientist)

10. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words :
(a) “As ripe fruits are in danger of falling early, so mortals, when born, are always in danger of death’. With this statement of the Buddha find out the moral values that Kisa Gotami learned after the death of her child.

OR

(b) No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background or his religion”. Do you agree?
Elaborate on the basis of the chapter “Nelson Mandela – Long walk to freedom’

11. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 100-120 words:
(a) Contentment in one’s life is very important to lead a peaceful life. We should be happy with what we have and should not crave what we don’t have. Matilda suffered in life because she was not content in her life. Her desires led to her disaster. What do you learn from her mistake in life?

OR

(b) Trust and compassion can reform a person. Justify this statement in the light of the lesson ‘The Thief’s Story’.