AHSEC Class 11: 2011 English Solved Question Paper [HS First Year English Solved Paper 2011]

HS First Year English Examination 2011

AHSEC Class 11 English Solved Paper 2011

Full Marks: 100

Time: 3 hours

The figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions.

I. Answer the following in about 30 – 40 words each. (2 x 10 = 20)

Mention three reasons how the author’s grandmother spent her days after he grew up.
Answer: After the author grew up, his grandmother spent her days spinning yarn, reading religious texts, and feeding the sparrows. She devoted herself to prayers and the community, showing no interest in worldly affairs.
Why was it hard for the author to believe that his grandmother was once young and pretty?
Answer: It was hard for the author to believe that his grandmother was once young and pretty because, when he knew her, she was old, bent, and covered in wrinkles. She had a serious, devout nature, which made it difficult to imagine her as young and beautiful.
Who was King Tut? How long did he rule?
Answer: King Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, was an Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. He ruled from 1332 BC to 1323 BC, with his reign lasting approximately 10 years.
What were the results of the CT scan on King Tut?
Answer: The CT scan of King Tut revealed no evidence of foul play, but it showed that he suffered from various health problems, including a cleft palate, scoliosis, and possibly malaria, which contributed to his early death.
Who is Taplow? Who is he waiting for?
Answer: Taplow is a student in the play The Browning Version by Terence Rattigan. He is waiting for his teacher, Mr. Crocker Harris, to arrive and give him a lesson or an assignment.
What makes Mr. Crocker Harris different from other teachers?
Answer: Mr. Crocker Harris is different from other teachers because he is strict, unemotional, and maintains a sense of authority. He is highly professional and does not engage in favoritism or casual interactions with students, unlike other teachers.
Where was Professor Gaitonde going and why?
Answer: Professor Gaitonde was traveling to a remote village to conduct research on folk art and culture. His mission was to document traditional practices and preserve them for future generations.
Who was Khan Sahib? Where was he going?
Answer: Khan Sahib was a character from the story "The Arrival of the Railway." He was a respected man traveling to attend a meeting in another town to discuss his responsibilities and work in his community.
What did Emperor Xuanzong commission Wei D’ Lozi to do?
Answer: Emperor Xuanzong of China commissioned Wei D’ Lozi to paint a portrait of the Empress, aiming to capture her beauty and grace for posterity. Wei D' Lozi was known for his skill in painting imperial portraits.
How has Nek Chand received international recognition?
Answer: Nek Chand received international recognition for his creation of the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, a unique and imaginative collection of sculptures made from industrial and urban waste materials. His work gained global attention for its creativity and environmental sustainability.

II. Answer the following: (3 x 10 = 30)

How is the father’s helplessness brought out in the poem “Father to Son”?
Answer: In the poem "Father to Son," the father's helplessness is shown through his inability to connect with his son, despite his efforts. The father feels a deep sense of frustration and sorrow, as he cannot understand the changes in his son or bridge the emotional gap between them.
What does the father think of his ‘Prodigal’ son?
Answer: The father views his son as a "prodigal," meaning one who has gone astray or been wasteful. He feels a sense of disappointment and grief because his son has distanced himself emotionally and no longer shares the same values or affection that once existed between them.
Describe the poet’s feeling of childhood.
Answer: In the poem "Childhood," the poet reminisces about the innocence, freedom, and simplicity of childhood. He expresses nostalgia for a time when he was unaware of the complexities of life and the loss of innocence, representing childhood as a pure and untainted phase of life.
According to the poet, what could not be found in geography text books in the poem ‘Childhood’?
Answer: According to the poet, the geography textbooks did not contain the "lost world" of childhood. The emotional and imaginative experiences of childhood, such as the sense of wonder and connection with nature, are absent from such factual and academic texts.
How is the cyclic movement of rain brought out in the poem “Voice of the Rain”?
Answer: In the poem "Voice of the Rain," the cyclic movement of rain is represented through the rain's journey from the earth to the sky and back again. The rain rises from the earth, forms clouds, and falls back to nourish the earth, creating a continuous, life-giving cycle.
What does the rain do day and night?
Answer: The rain, in the poem "Voice of the Rain," falls day and night, nurturing the earth, replenishing the dry lands, and providing life to all beings. It is portrayed as a constant and selfless force of nature, working silently to maintain the balance of the world.
Why was the king executed in the poem ‘The Tale of Melon City’?
Answer: In the poem "The Tale of Melon City," the king was executed because he unjustly demanded the execution of an innocent man for the building of an arch. When the king realized the error of his judgment and acknowledged the absurdity of the situation, the people demanded justice, leading to his own execution.
Who did the melon become king?
Answer: In "The Tale of Melon City," the melon became the king after a series of absurd events. When no one could decide who was responsible for the faulty arch, the people decided that the melon, being the most impartial and simple object, should rule, making it the king.
Describe the arrival of the goldfinch to the Lalburrum tree.
Answer: In the poem, the goldfinch arrives at the Lalburrum tree in a vibrant and lively manner. The bird's bright color and joyful song bring a sense of vitality to the tree, symbolizing the renewal of life and the beauty of nature's cycles.
Describe the various sounds of the birds in the poem “The Labour num Top”.
Answer: In "The Labour num Top," the birds produce various sounds that reflect the busy and lively atmosphere of nature. The chirping and fluttering of birds symbolize activity, energy, and the rhythm of life, contributing to the overall soundscape of the poem.

III. Answer the following: (5 x 4 = 20)

Did the boys return the horse because they were conscience-stricken or because they were afraid?
Answer: The boys returned the horse because they were afraid, not conscience-stricken. They realized that they could face severe punishment for stealing the horse. Their fear of the consequences, rather than any sense of guilt, led them to return it.
What was the narrator’s plan to get Ranga married? What did Ranga think about marriage?
Answer: The narrator’s plan to get Ranga married was to find a suitable bride and then use clever matchmaking tactics to make him realize the importance of marriage. Ranga, however, was initially skeptical about marriage, believing it to be a serious commitment and unsure if he was ready for it.
What was Einstein’s idea of education? What kind of a student was he?
Answer: Einstein believed that education should encourage curiosity and independent thinking, rather than rote learning. He valued creativity and the ability to ask questions over memorizing facts. As a student, he was considered rebellious and often did not conform to traditional teaching methods, preferring self-directed learning.
Give an account of Andrew’s efforts to save the life of the child.
Answer: Andrew made every possible effort to save the life of the child in distress. He was a dedicated and caring doctor who tried various medical interventions, including surgery, to heal the child. Despite his tireless efforts, the child’s condition remained critical, and he faced the emotional challenge of accepting the limitations of his medical skills.

IV. Write a report on a one-day cricket match played between Cotton College and B. Boruah College in about 100 words. (5)

Answer: Report on One-Day Cricket Match Between Cotton College and B. Boruah College

A thrilling one-day cricket match was played between Cotton College and B. Boruah College at the university ground on January 15, 2025. Cotton College won the toss and opted to bat first. They posted a challenging total of 250 runs in 50 overs, with Rajesh Sharma scoring a brilliant 85 runs. B. Boruah College, in response, fought valiantly but fell short, managing only 220 runs in 48 overs. The match concluded with Cotton College winning by 30 runs. The game saw excellent performances from both sides, but Cotton College’s all-round effort secured them the victory.

Write an article on the health dangers of excessive use of mobile phones in 100 words. (5)

Answer: Health Dangers of Excessive Use of Mobile Phones

Excessive use of mobile phones poses significant health risks. Prolonged screen time can lead to eye strain, headaches, and poor posture, resulting in neck and back pain. The blue light emitted from screens may also disrupt sleep patterns, causing insomnia. Moreover, excessive phone use has been linked to increased stress and anxiety, as constant notifications and social media engagement can negatively impact mental health. Long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation is also a concern, with studies suggesting potential links to brain tumors. To mitigate these risks, it's essential to limit screen time and take regular breaks.

V. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verb given in brackets.

He has been ill for a month.
I wish I were a king.
My friends came to meet me yesterday.
If it rains, he will not come.
It has been raining since morning.

VI. Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners.

We have very little information.
A European tourist met me yesterday.
Do you have any complaint against me?
The few friends he had, have left him.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

VII. Choose the right alternative from the following.

May you please lend me your scooter?
If I were you, I would not do it.
We should respect our elders.
She can speak English well.
May I come in?

VIII. Write a paragraph on any one of the following: (10)

Write in 100-150 words.

The importance of exercise for a healthy life.

Answer:

The Importance of Exercise for a Healthy Life

Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining good health and improving overall well-being. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and enhances lung capacity, reducing the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. It helps in maintaining a healthy weight, improving flexibility, and boosting energy levels. Exercise also has a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It stimulates the release of endorphins, often known as "feel-good" hormones, which improve mood and promote a sense of happiness. Additionally, regular exercise improves sleep quality and boosts the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections. Whether it's walking, running, swimming, or yoga, incorporating exercise into daily routines is essential for leading a long, healthy, and active life.

The role of youth in nation-building.

Answer:

The Role of Youth in Nation-Building

The youth play a vital role in the process of nation-building. They are the future leaders, innovators, and the backbone of a country's workforce. With their energy, creativity, and enthusiasm, young people can bring about positive changes in society. Education and skill development among the youth contribute to the growth of the economy and the advancement of technology. Moreover, the youth are active participants in social movements, fighting for justice, equality, and environmental sustainability. Their involvement in politics, volunteering, and community work strengthens the nation’s democratic fabric. A nation’s progress largely depends on how effectively the youth are nurtured and empowered to contribute to various sectors like education, health, and infrastructure. In this way, the youth are the driving force behind the country's development and future prosperity.

Your favorite book and why you like it.

Answer:

My Favorite Book and Why I Like It

One of my favorite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This novel explores the journey of Santiago, a shepherd boy, who embarks on a quest to find treasure, only to discover that the real treasure lies within himself. I love this book because it inspires readers to follow their dreams, listen to their hearts, and trust the journey of life. The themes of destiny, personal growth, and perseverance resonate deeply with me. The writing is simple yet profound, and the philosophical messages are both timeless and universal. The Alchemist reminds me of the importance of hope, courage, and pursuing one's passion in life, no matter the challenges faced along the way.

The impact of social media on society.

Answer:

The Impact of Social Media on Society

Social media has significantly impacted society in both positive and negative ways. On the positive side, it connects people from different parts of the world, fostering communication and the exchange of ideas. Social media platforms also serve as tools for raising awareness about social issues and spreading important information. However, excessive use of social media can lead to addiction, decreased face-to-face interactions, and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The pressure to maintain an idealized image on social media can also contribute to low self-esteem and body image issues, especially among young people. Despite these drawbacks, when used responsibly, social media can be a powerful tool for education, networking, and social change.

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