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परमाणु ऊर्ाा शिक्षण संस्था

Atomic Energy Education Society
टमा-1/आवधिक परीक्षा-2 2023-24 Term-I/PT-II Examination 2023 - 24
कक्षा / Class :VIII अवधि / Duration : 3 Hrs.
ववषय / Subject :English अधिकतम अंक/ Maximum Marks :80
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General Instructions:
i) This paper is divided into four sections: A, B, C and D. Each section is for 20 marks. All questions
are compulsory.
ii) Separate instructions and options are given with each section and question, wherever necessary.
Read these instructions very carefully and follow them.
iii) Do not exceed the prescribed word limit while answering the question.
iv) Do not attempt questions more than what is asked.
v) Marks are mentioned for each question against it.
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SECTION A - READING (20 MARKS)

Q1 Read the passage given below. (10 marks)

‘Essential 21st Century Skills for Students’

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, students must equip themselves with a diverse
set of skills to succeed in various aspects of life. These skills go beyond traditional academics and
include abilities that cultivate adaptability, innovation, and collaboration. One such crucial skill is
digital literacy, as technology has taken over almost every facet of modern existence. Proficiency in
navigating digital tools, discerning credible information online, and employing digital platforms for
communication is most important.

Moreover, creativity and problem-solving are essential for addressing the novel challenges that arise.
Students must be encouraged to think outside the box, explore unconventional solutions, and adapt to
the ever-changing circumstances. Equally vital is communication skill, both in person and through
digital means. Clear expression of ideas, active listening, and empathy play a pivotal role in effective
interaction.

Teamwork and collaboration remain absolutely necessary as the world becomes increasingly
interconnected. Students must learn to work harmoniously with diverse individuals, respecting

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differing viewpoints to achieve shared goals. Lastly, adaptability and continuous learning are vital. The
ability to acquire new skills and knowledge throughout life ensures students remain relevant and
responsive to the evolving demands of the 21st century.

1.1 Based on the reading of the above passage, answer the following questions. (1 x 6 = 6m)
I. Which skill is essential for discerning credible information online?
a) Time management b) Digital literacy c) Physical fitness d) Abstract thinking
II. What is a key aspect of problem-solving in the 21st century?
a) Avoiding challenges b) Relying solely on textbooks
c) Employing conventional solutions d) Thinking creatively
III. What does effective communication involve?
a) Isolation b) Passive listening
c) Clear expression of ideas d) Avoiding diverse perspectives
IV. Why is adaptability important for students?
a) To stick to traditional methods b) To avoid challenges
c) To remain responsive to change d) To resist new ideas
V. Which skill promotes effective collaboration?
a) Isolation b) Rigid thinking c) Empathy d) Ignoring others
VI. What does continuous learning ensure for students?
a) Remaining stagnant b) Irrelevance c) Adaptability d) Isolation

1.2 Answer the following questions in about 20-30 words. (2 x 2 = 4m)

I. Why is digital literacy considered an important skill in the 21st century?

II. How does collaboration with team mates enhance problem-solving in the 21st century?

Q2 Read the passage given below. (10 marks)

Rich and Diverse Food Culture of India

India's food culture is a tapestry woven from diverse traditions, flavors, and techniques. With a history
dating back thousands of years, Indian cuisine is a fusion of regional ingredients, spices, and cooking
methods. The country's vast geography and multicultural society have contributed to the incredible
variety in its culinary offerings.

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Indian food is renowned for its bold use of spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom.
Each region boasts its own signature dishes: the spicy curries of the South, the tandoori delights of the
North, the chaats and street food of the West, and the fish-based delicacies of the East. The culinary
diversity extends to the use of vegetables, lentils, rice, and bread, with staples like rice and roti enjoyed
across the nation.

Food in India is more than sustenance; it's a cultural expression and a source of pride. Festivals and
celebrations are marked by special dishes that vary across communities and states. Traditional cooking
methods, like tandoor and dum (slow cooking), showcase the depth of Indian gastronomy.

2.1 Based on the reading of the above passage, answer the following questions. (1 x 6 = 6m)
I. What contributes to the diverse food culture of India?
a) Limited use of spices b) Identical regional ingredients
c) Vast geography and multicultural society d) Limited culinary offerings
II. Which of the following is a commonly used spice in Indian cuisine?
a) Salt b) Black pepper c) Paprika d) Turmeric
III. Which region is known for its tandoori cuisine in India?
a) East b) West c) North d) South
IV. What role does food play in Indian festivals?
a) It has no significance b) It's a source of pride
c) It's purely for sustenance d) It's a way to save money
V. Which cooking methods highlight the depth of Indian gastronomy?
a) Grilling b) Baking c) Slow cooking (dum) d) Steaming
VI. What are rice and roti in Indian cuisine?
a) Rarely consumed foods b) Staple foods c) Exotic ingredients d) Desserts

1.2 Answer the following questions in about 20-30 words. (2 x 2 = 4m)

I. How has India's geography influenced its food culture?
II. What role do spices play in Indian cuisine, besides adding flavour?

SECTION B - WRITING (20 MARKS)

Q3. You are Vaishali/Vaibhav, the Vice Head Girl/Vice Head Boy of Oxford High School, New
Delhi. Your school is organising an inter-class Drawing and Painting Competition for classes 6

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 to 8. Draft a notice in 100 words inviting the students to participate. Give all necessary details.
Put the notice in a box. (5m)

Q4. You recently visited a hill station during winter vacation. Write your experiences in the form of
a letter to your friend. You are Manish/ Manasvi. (7m)

Q5. Given below is the outline of a story in which a disciple is expecting a visit from God. Develop
a complete story on the basis of the input given. Give the story a title and a moral. (8m)

God promises a disciple to visit her - disciple cleans her house and waits for God - poor old
lady knocks on her door - disciple doesn’t help her - tells her not to waste her time - next,
beggar comes at her door step - she doesn’t entertain him either - Finally a child knocks on her
door - she sends him away too – feels disappointed - dreams of God that night - God tells her
that he had come thrice at her door step, but she didn’t bother - lady ashamed of her act.

SECTION C - GRAMMAR (20 MARKS)

Q6. In the following passage each line has an error. Edit the passage by identifying the
wrong word in each sentence, then write the incorrect and the correct word in your
answer sheet as shown in the first example of the passage. (1/2 x 8 = 4m)

Incorrect Correct

A debate is a contest between two

people to show their skill but ability in (a) ………… …………

argument. For participate in a (b) ………… …………

debate it must prepare for it. (c) ………… …………

The debaters must prepare a outline of (d) ………… …………

the main points to be spoken.

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Q7. Fill in the blanks using the correct form of the verbs in the brackets. (4 x 1 = 4m)
My little sister is very naughty. When she 1)__________ (come) back from school yesterday, she
2)__________ (tear) her dress. We 3)__________ (ask) her how it 4)__________ (happen). But she
didn’t tell us.
1. a) come b) came c) had come d) none
2. a) tear b) tore c) had torn d) not tear
3. a) ask b) asked c) will ask d) none
4. a) happen b) had happened c) will happen d) none

Q8. Write the antonym of the word “inclusion”. (1m)

a) exclusion b) addition c) exhaustion d) compassion

Q9. Answer the following underlined words with suitable prefix/suffix. (3 x 1 =3m)

1. An Ideal student is (1) care about his responsibilities.

2. He ate his food (2) hungry as he was famished.
3. She behaved like an (3) educated girl with no manners.

Q10. Rearrange the following words in a meaningful order. (4 x 1 = 4m)

1. as you listen / to note / points / is important /it /down

2. most / of his career / match / This / important /was / the
3. are/in the/ many/ city / gardens / There
4. old / individual / man / was/ honest/ an/the

Q11. Choose the correct option of reported speech for the following questions (2 x 1 = 2m)
1. The manager said to the servant, “Go and post this letter.”
a. The manager ordered the servant to went and post that letter.
b. The manager ordered the servant to gone and post that letter.
c. The manager ordered the servant to going and post that letter.
d. The manager ordered the servant to go and post that letter.

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2. The teacher said to the students. “Study regularly.”
a. The teacher advised the students to study regularly.
b. The teacher advised the students to have been study regularly.
c. The teacher advised the students ought to be study regularly.
d. The teacher advised the students to must being study regularly.

Q12. Complete the given dialogue by choosing from the options given below. (2 x 1 = 2m)
Customer: I want some olive oil.
Shopkeeper: 1) How much__________
a) do you need? b) are you needed c) did you need? d) none
Customer: I need ten litres of it.
Shopkeeper: 2) I am sorry, I ___________ that much available.
a) will not have b) are not have c) has not d) do not have

SECTION D-LITERATURE (20MARKS)

Q13. Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow. (1 x 3 = 3m)
A silly young cricket, accustomed to sing
Through the warm, sunny months of gay summer and spring,
Began to complain when he found that, at home,
His cupboard was empty, and winter was come.
Not a crumb to be found
On the snow-covered ground;

1. The cricket began to complain when __________

(i) His cupboard was full (ii) His cupboard was empty
(iii) His house was burnt (iv) None of the above
2. During which season, the crickets cupboard were empty?
(i) Summer (ii) Monsoon (iii) Spring (iv) Winter
3. Which quality of the Cricket is highlighted in the poem?
(i) Laziness (ii) Cleverness (iii) Hard working (iv) Charming

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 OR
When the jet sprang into the sky,
it was clear why the city
had developed the way it had,
seeing it scaled six inches to the mile.
There seemed an inevitability
about what on ground had looked haphazard,
unplanned and without style
When the jet sprang into the sky.

1. What sprang into the sky?

(i) Rocket (ii) Helicopter (iii) Jet (iv) None of these
2. What can we view from the sky?
(i) River (ii) City (iii) Bridge (iv) House
3. ‗Seeing it scaled —– inches to the mile,‘
(i) Two (ii) Four (iii) Eight (iv) Six

Q14. Answer ANY THREE questions from the following. (3 x 2 = 6m)

1. What did the author find in a secret drawer? Who do you think had put it in there?
2. How many people and animals died in Yala National Park?
3. Who is an artisan? Why do you think the artisans suffered?
4. Mention any three (or more) things that Parimal Ghose knew about Bepin Babu.
5. What were the ―symbols of reverence‖ left by members of the team on Everest?

Q15. Answer ANY THREE questions from the following. (3 x 2 =6m)

1. Why did the camel live in the middle of the desert?
2. Velu travelled without a ticket. Why?
3. On one occasion, the children said, ―How happy we are here!‖ Later they said, ―How happy we
were there!‖ What are they referring to in both the cases? (The Selfish Giant)
4. ―… that year I did not step out onto the field.‖ What was Hafeez Contractor busy doing that
year?
5. Why were the Princesses named after the months of the year?

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Q16. Answer ANY ONE of the following questions. (1 x 5 = 5m)
1. Based on your understanding of the poem ―The Ant and the Cricket‖, do you think the ants
were right in their approach? Why/Why not? Justify in your words.
2. Based on your understanding of the lesson ―The Tsunami‖, write how you would help the
victims, if a disaster occurred in your locality or city.

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