11 English C Annual Exam 2024 25 MS
11 English C Annual Exam 2024 25 MS
of Printed Pages:13
CLASS XI
ANNUAL EXAMINATION 2024-25
ENGLISH CORE (301)
SET C1/C2
MARKING KEY
2. There are more activities at the park that aim to inculcate healthy habits. Along with the kids,
parents love to visit the park as it enriches their awareness about cleanliness. Known as the
Dettol Hygiene Play Park, it is a first-of-its-kind initiative to promote play-based behaviour
change around hygiene.
3. There is no denying the fact that educating children about disease prevention through games
and physical activities is among the most positive ways of inculcating healthy habits. Given
this context, Apollo Foundation’s Total Health, a CSR initiative of Apollo Hospital, and
Reckitt collaborated to create healthy communities by driving behaviour change among key
stakeholders, especially children and teachers. The park was born out of this thought process
in 2019.
4. What drove the two partners to work on a hygiene play park is that today, in post-Covid
scenario, children face digital fatigue due to pandemic-enforced lockdowns and online
learning. At the same time, as schools open up, the fears from the spread of virus intensify, and
remain a worry. The lives of the children cannot be compromised. Anneysa Ghosh, CEO, Total
Health, says, “It is the first play park in India that gamifies understanding of hygiene and
sanitation messages. The idea is that cognitive growth is something we don’t take into
consideration when we design interventions in rural areas.”
5. K.V. Samantha Kumari, Headmaster, MPPS Patrapalli School, which is located near the
park, highlights its importance and feels the need to have more of them, especially in rural
areas. She explains, “There is a saying, ‘If I hear, I forget, if I see, I remember, if I do, I will
understand’. If children practise hygiene while playing games, they will understand and
remember it.
6. Apollo Foundation wishes to focus on rural areas to develop such parks because kids in
urban settings have access to recreational opportunities, which are not available to their rural
counterparts. Ghosh feels that city schools are developed and equipped with facilities to teach
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and train kids in a recreational environment. She adds, “If you see the health index, issues such
as infant mortality rate, maternal malnutrition, and child stunting are caused due to poor
hygiene. If awareness is spread, people will be aware of preventive care.”
1. Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below:
i. Based on Paragraph 1, complete the following statement:
that children play games and have fun in a healthy manner/ each game reminds them
about the importance of cleanliness.
iii. Mention in around 40 words, the two reasons which motivated the two partners to work on
a hygiene play park. 2
iv. Give two examples of games which remind the children about the importance of cleanliness.
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One such game is germs and ladder. If one chooses healthy habits, he/she gets to climb
higher. If not, there are snake bites that lead to great falls.
The other game is the one where one can ring the worms and kill them.
vi. Choose the meaning of the saying “If I hear, I forget, if I see, I remember, if I do, I will
understand”. 1
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vii. Fill in the blank with a word from paragraph 4: 1
1. India, the world's fastest-growing major economy, has been prioritizing rapid
industrialization and infrastructural development. However, this push for business expansion
is coming at a tremendous cost to the environment. The country’s natural ecosystems are being
exploited, and its environmental policies often sidestepped to favour corporate interests,
resulting in the degradation of forests, air, and water resources.
2. One of the most pressing concerns is deforestation. Vast tracts of forests, many of them rich
in biodiversity and home to indigenous communities, are being cleared for mining, industrial
projects, and infrastructure development. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change has often relaxed environmental clearances for projects, prioritizing industrial growth
over ecological protection.
4. Water resources, too, are under threat. Rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, once considered
sacred, are now heavily polluted due to untreated industrial discharge. Agricultural runoff,
combined with rampant construction, has also led to water shortages in many regions. Yet,
instead of tackling these challenges, businesses in India often receive lenient regulations that
enable the over-extraction of water and the contamination of natural resources.
5. While economic development is crucial for India’s future, its current model is unsustainable.
The relentless pursuit of profit, if left unchecked, will leave the country environmentally
crippled, jeopardizing both its biodiversity and the quality of life for future generations.
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India’s tree cover loss 2000- 2018
2. Based on your understanding of the above passage, answer the questions given below:
ii. Explain in your own words the long-term consequences if India continues prioritizing
economic growth over environmental protection? 1
If India continues to prioritize economic growth over environmental protection, it risks
long-term damage to biodiversity, air quality, and water resources, threatening the
quality of life for future generations.
iii. What is the main reason for pollution in rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna? 1
a. Deforestation
b. Industrial discharge and agricultural runoff
c. Increased rainfall
d. Global warming
v. On the basis of the image provided, choose the correct option with reference to the two
statements given below: 1
I. India experienced the highest loss of tree cover in 2017, as shown in the image.
II. According to the data in the given image, 951 sq km of tree cover was lost in 2012.
a. (II) can be inferred from the extract but (I) cannot.
b. Both (1) and (II) cannot be inferred from the extract.
c. Both (I) and (II) can be inferred from the extract.
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d. (I) can be inferred from the extract but (II) cannot.
vi. Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blanks: 1
The tree cover loss in 2017 was ____________ (more/less) than that in 2014.
More
vii. Name the cities with the highest levels of air pollution in the world. How has
industrialization contributed to air pollution in these cities? 2
Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are the cities with highest levels of air pollution in the world.
Industrialization, especially through coal-based power plants, vehicle emissions, and
industrial waste, has worsened air pollution in these, making urban air unbreathable.
3. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow: 8
1. English has emerged as the global lingua franca, playing a pivotal role in various spheres of
modern life, from business and education to diplomacy and the internet. As globalization
connects people from different linguistic backgrounds, English serves as a common platform
for communication, facilitating international cooperation, commerce, and cultural exchange.
2. One of the primary reasons for English’s prominence is its dominance in science, technology,
and research. Many groundbreaking discoveries and academic papers are published in English,
making it essential for scholars and professionals to have proficiency in the language. For
example, a scientist working on an international research project must communicate their
findings in English to reach a global audience. Similarly, industries like software development,
aviation, and medicine heavily rely on English to share innovations and ensure clarity in
technical terminology.
3. In business, English has become the preferred language for multinational corporations and
global trade. A business executive in Japan negotiating with a partner in Germany will likely
conduct discussions in English. Fluency in English not only enhances career prospects but also
enables individuals to access a wealth of opportunities beyond their national borders.
4. The internet, as a major driver of information and communication, is also largely English-
dominated. Most websites, social media platforms, and online resources use English, making
it the key to unlocking vast amounts of knowledge and staying connected in the digital age. In
today’s interconnected world, proficiency in English is no longer just an asset—it’s a necessity
for participation in the global community.
i) On the basis of your reading of the above passage make notes on it, using headings and sub-
headings. Also use recognizable abbreviations, wherever necessary. Supply an appropriate title
to it. 5
Title – 1 / Numbering and Indenting – 1 / Notes – 2 / Key - 1
ii) Write a summary of the above passage in about 50 words. 3
Content – 2 / Expression – 1
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SECTION B – GRAMMAR AND CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
(23 Marks)
4. Fill in the blanks by writing the correct form of the verb given in the brackets: 1x4=4
Too many parents these days can’t say no. As a result, they find themselves (a) ____________
(raise) children who respond greedily to the advertisements aimed right at them. Even getting
what they want doesn’t (b)___________ (satisfy )some kids; they only (c)___________ (want)
more. Now, a growing number of psychologists, educators and parents think it’s time to stop
the madness and start (d)_________ (teach) kids about what’s really important: values like
hard work, contentment, honesty and compassion.
5. Arrange any three out of the four of the following jumbled sentences to form meaningful
sentences: 1x3=3
A. You want to sell your washing machine as you are moving to another city. Draft a classified
advertisement to be published in the local newspaper.
Set C2: A. You want to sell your Smart TV. Draft a classified advertisement to be
published in the local newspaper.
OR
B. You wish to sell your residential property. Draft a classified advertisement to be published
in the local newspaper.
A. On behalf of Delhi Traffic Police, design a poster to create awareness about Road Safety.
Highlight the importance of following traffic rules and using safety gear like helmets etc.
Set C2 A. On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, design a poster on the
theme ‘Digital Detox.’ Highlight the benefits of reducing screen time and engaging in
offline activities.
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OR
B. Your school is organising a Winter Carnival in the month of March. Draft a poster informing
the students about it.
Format: 1 / Content: 1 / Expression: 1
8. Attempt any one of the two of the following questions in 120-150 words: 5
A. It is said that failure is the stepping stone to success. Write a speech on the topic ‘Embrace
Failure and Learn from It’ to be delivered during your school's morning assembly. You may
discuss how failure can be a valuable learning experience. Share examples of famous
individuals who turned their failures into success.
Set 2: A. Write a speech on the topic ‘The Importance of Hard Work and Discipline’ to
be delivered during your school's morning assembly. Discuss why both qualities are
essential for achieving success in life. Highlight how students can apply these values in
their studies and daily routines.
OR
B. Write a speech on the topic ‘The Importance of Empathy and Kindness in Today’s World’
to be delivered in your school assembly. Discuss the importance of these values in building
strong relationships and communities. Suggest ways students can practice empathy and
kindness in their daily lives.
9. Attempt any one of the two of the following questions in 120-150 words: 5
A. On one hand, peer pressure frequently drives teens toward risky behaviours like smoking,
consuming alcohol, or skipping school, as they may feel compelled to fit in with their peers;
on the other hand, the influence of supportive peers can inspire positive habits encouraging
teens to excel in academics, sports, or avoid harmful behaviours. As Vedant/Vedika, write a
debate for/against the topic ‘Peer Pressure Does More Harm Than Good in Shaping Teen
Behaviour’.
OR
B. Smartphones offer quick access to a wealth of information, educational content, and learning
tools, allowing individuals to expand their knowledge and skills more effectively. However,
excessive use of smartphones can lead to distractions and dependence on technology, which
may weaken critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As Ashna/ Ashish, write a debate
for/against the topic ‘Smart Phones are Making us Smarter’.
SECTION C – LITERATURE
(31 Marks)
10. Answer any one of the following with reference to the context: 1x3=3
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(The Voice of the Rain)
ii. The poetic device used in ‘I am the poem of Earth’ is the same as used in:
a. Time is a thief that steals our moments.
b. Her smile was as bright as the sun.
c. Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers.
d. She danced like a leaf in the wind.
iii. Complete the following analogy with a suitable word from the above extract:
without beginning or end: eternal :: something that cannot be touched: _______________
impalpable
OR
ii. Fill in the blank with a word from the given extract:
She ____________________ talking when the teacher entered the room.
ceased
iii. What is the quality acquired by the poet at this stage of his life?
The poet has become rational at this stage.
11. Answer any one of the following with reference to the context: 1x3 =3
A. As he emerged from the station, Gangadharpant found himself facing an imposing building.
The letters on it proclaimed its identity to those who did not know this Bombay landmark:
EAST INDIA HOUSE HEADQUARTERS OF
THE EAST INDIA COMPANY
Prepared as he was for many shocks, Professor Gaitonde had not expected this.
(The Adventure)
i. What unexpected sight does Professor Gaitonde encounter upon emerging from the station?
a. A statue of a British officer
b. The Taj Mahal
c. East India House, the headquarters of the East India Company
d. A crowded marketplace
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ii) Which station did Gangadharpant emerge from?
Gangadharpant emerged from Victoria Terminus.
iii). Find a word from the given extract which means the same as ‘impressive’.
imposing
OR
B. Hor was a grim, miserable place. There was no vegetation whatsoever, just dust and rocks,
liberally scattered with years of accumulated refuse, which was unfortunate given that the town
sat on the shore of Lake Manasarovar, Tibet’s most venerated stretch of water.
(Silk Road)
i. Choose the correct option:
The author seems to emphasize the ___________________ (connect/ disconnect) between
the town’s spiritual importance and its present condition.
disconnect
ii. Complete the given analogy by choosing a word from the extract given above.
blissful: miserable :: joined-up: ____________
scattered
12. Answer any one of the following with reference to the context: 1x4 =4
A. As he gazed at the still form a shiver of horror passed over Andrew. After all that he had
promised! His face, heated with his own exertions, chilled suddenly. He hesitated, torn between
his desire to attempt to resuscitate the child, and his obligation towards the mother, who was
herself in a desperate state. (Birth)
ii. Along with Andrew, Susan Morgan and the new born child, who else was present in the
room?
a. Susan’s mother and Joe Morgan
b. Susan’s mother and a midwife
c. Christine and a midwife
d. Joe Morgan and Christine
iii. Find a word in the above lines which means the same as ‘revive’.
The word is ‘resuscitate’.
iv. What dilemma did Andrew face immediately after the delivery?
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The dilemma before the doctor was whether to save the mother first or her child.
OR
B. As I walked slowly back to the station I thought about my mother, who had given me the
address years ago. It had been in the first half of the War. I was home for a few days and it
struck me immediately that something or other about the rooms had changed. I missed various
things. My mother was surprised I should have noticed so quickly. Then she told me about Mrs
Dorling. I had never heard of her but apparently, she was an old acquaintance of my mother,
whom she hadn’t seen for years. She had suddenly turned up and renewed their contact.
(The Address)
i. What was the address of Mrs. Dorling’s home?
House no. 46, Marconi Street
iv. ‘She had suddenly turned up and renewed their contact.’ What does this line reveal about
Mrs Dorling’s character?
opportunistic, selfish, clever (any other suitable response)
13. Answer any two of the following questions in not more than 40-50 words: 3x2=6
i. In the poem ‘Father to Son’, why does the father feel that he and his son are like strangers to
each other?
The father feels that he and his son are like strangers to each other because there is no
interaction between the father and the son. As there is no love, warmth or understanding
between them, they do not even share any common interest. They have a communication
gap though they have been living under the same roof for years.
ii. What injuries did Sue sustain? What does her behaviour after getting injured reveal about
her? (We’re Not Afraid to Die…..if We Can All Be Together)
Sue had an alarmingly swollen head, two enormous black eyes and a deep cut on her arm.
She showed remarkable maturity for a seven-year-old when she said that she didn’t want
to worry them when her father was trying to save all of them.
iii. Describe the narrator’s experience at Darchen Medical College. (Silk Road)
Tsetan took the narrator to Darchen Medical College. It looked like a monastery from the
outside and had a large courtyard inside. The consultation room was dark and cold. Inside
was a Tibetan doctor who looked like any other Tibetan and wore a fur coat. He gave the
narrator some medicine to get better.
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Set C2: Describe the narrator’s meeting with Norbu. (Silk Road)
The narrator was feeling lonely in Darchen as Tsetan had left for Lhasa. No one knew the
English language much in that place. There were no pilgrims at that time of year. He met
Norbu at local café. Norbu was an academician from Beijing who worked for the Institute
of Ethnic Literature. He was at Darchen to complete the kora.
iv. Explain the line, ‘And the Laburnum subsides to empty’. (The Laburnum Top)
‘And the Laburnum subsides to empty’ is the last line of the poem. It describes that when the
goldfinch abandons the Laburnum tree, it falls lonely and silent once again. The tree was
energetic and lively when the goldfinch and its chicks lived there, but it reverted to its earlier
silent self after they took off.
14. Answer any one of the following questions in not more than 40-50 words: 3x1=3
i. What impression do you form about Uncle Khosrove? (The Summer of the Beautiful White
Horse)
Khosrove was Mourad and Aram’s uncle. He had acquired the special characteristic of the
family i.e. the crazy streak. He was a massive man with a thick head of black hair and the
largest moustache in the entire San Joaquin Valley. He was an irritable man who easily lost
his cool when someone lamented his loss. His most frequently repeated words were “It is no
harm; pay no attention to it.”
Set C2: i. What traits of the Garoghlanian family are highlighted in this story? (The Summer of the
Beautiful White Horse)
The Garoghlanian family, though now poor, were famous for their honesty. They were proud
of their family first, honest next and after that, they believed in right and wrong. None of them
would take advantage of anybody in the world. They would not steal. No member of the
Garoghlanian family could be a thief.
The King killed himself due to some bizarre situation. He could not find who was guilty of his
embarrassment and therefore could not decide whom to punish. He, however, was afraid of
the rebellion of the people as he ordered them to execute anyone. Nobody could fit in the noose
except the King and therefore he hanged himself.
15. Answer any one of the following questions in not more than 120-150 words: 6
A. Both ‘The Portrait of a Lady’ and ‘A Photograph’ talk about remembering loved ones who are
no longer with us. How do the authors show the close bond between family members and feeling of
loss in these two texts?
In The Portrait of a Lady, Khushwant Singh shows the narrator’s close bond with his
grandmother through their everyday interactions, such as her feeding him and reciting prayers.
The narrator describes her with deep admiration, painting a picture of a loving, wise figure
who was a constant presence in his life. Her death leaves a profound void, symbolised
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by the sparrows mourning her in silence.
Similarly, in A Photograph, Shirley Toulson conveys a strong connection between herself and
her mother through an old photograph capturing her mother’s youth. Toulson reflects on
her mother’s laughter and joy, and later, her grief after her mother’s passing. The
photograph becomes a symbol of her mother’s lasting presence in her memory.
Both texts highlight the close family bonds and express the inevitable sorrow and loss when
loved ones are gone.
OR
B. List the deeds that led Ray Johnson to describe Akhenaten as “wacky”. How did the ‘boy king’
restore the old ways in Egypt? (Discovering Tut)
Amenhotep IV (later known by the name of Akhenaten) led to one of the aberrant periods
in the history of ancient Egypt. He made many unpleasant changes in the social and political
order of the country. He promoted the worship of the Aten, the sun disk, and changed his
name to Akhenaten or ‘the servant of the Aten’. He moved the religious capital from the old
city of Thebes to the new city of Akhetaten. He destroyed the images and temples of Amun,
a major god.
After his reign, the young pharaoh Tutankhamun reversed these changes. He restored the
worship of Amun and other gods, signaling a return to the traditional religious practices.
Tutankhamun also changed his name to reflect his commitment to re-establishing the old
ways, thereby stabilizing Egypt and undoing the disruptions caused by his predecessor.
16. Answer any one of the following questions in not more than 120-150 words: 6
A. As the narrator of ‘The Address’, write a letter to a cousin explaining why you decided to let
go of your mother’s possessions rather than reclaiming them. Discuss how visiting the address
helped you gain closure and move on.
[Your Address]
[Date]
They were just things; without the love and memories my mother and I shared.
By letting them go, I felt an unexpected sense of peace. I think that visit helped me understand
that my connection to her lives in my memories, not in objects. I finally feel ready to move
forward, carrying her memory in my heart instead of her possessions.
Take care, and give my love to everyone.
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Yours affectionately
[Your Name]
OR
B. Imagine Mrs. Pearson meets another woman Mrs Beth, who is struggling with a lack of respect
and acknowledgment in her family. Draft a conversation between the two where Mrs. Pearson
advises her based on her own experiences. Include at least two of dialogues for each speaker. You
may use the following clues:
Mrs Beth: fears backlash or upsetting family members/ doubts about whether change is possible.
Mrs Pearson shares her own experience of being disrespected and overlooked/ explains how she
asserted herself/ emphasizes the importance of self-respect
(Mother’s Day)
Mrs Wilson: I feel like I’m stuck in this cycle, doing everything without a thank you.
Mrs. Pearson: I know how it feels to be taken for granted. I used to do everything for my
family, and they barely noticed. It wasn’t until I made a change that things improved.
Mrs. Pearson: I simply stopped. I told them my time and comfort mattered too. At first, they
were stunned, even annoyed, but I didn’t budge. I wanted them to see that I deserved respect.
Mrs. Pearson: A little, but it was necessary. When they realized I wouldn’t continue as
before, they changed.
Mrs Pearson: They began helping and even started thanking me. Remember, respect often
starts with us—stand up for yourself, and they’ll come around eventually.
(Any other suitable response).
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