AHSEC Class 11: 2016 English Solved Question Paper [HS First Year English Solved Paper 2016]

Get the ASSEB/AHSEC Class 11 English Solved Question Paper 2016 for effective exam preparation. Improve your skills with previous year solved papers.

If you are preparing for the HS First Year English exam, using the ASSEB/AHSEC Class 11 English Solved Question Paper 2016 can be very useful. Solved question papers help you understand how the exam is set and what kinds of questions might come. In this article, we will explain how the HS First Year English Solved Question Paper 2016 can help you and why it is important for Assam Board Class 11 English students.

AHSEC Class 11: 2016 English Solved Question Paper [HS First Year English Solved Paper 2016]

AHSEC CLASS 11 ENGLISH QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION 2016 - COMPLETE

H.S. 1ST YEAR EXAMINATION

2016

English

Full Marks: 90

Time: 3 hours

Figures in the margin indicate full mark for the questions

1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

  1. My father gets a far away look in his eye that’s unmistakable. As he looks towards the horizon and his seek out the bright flashes of snow-capped peaks, we all know what he’s thinking. Mountain tops have always had that magnetic effect on him.

  2. As I grew up I inherited some of my father’s restlessness. I know many people think there must be some compulsion for the son of Edmund Hillary to climb mountains. They assume that I need to compete, or measure up as if there was some strong mark on stone that says, “Thou shalt climb mountains” – and in particular Everest, whether you like to or not. But for me it’s simpler than that. I think families are like factories: some manufacture lawyers while others produce landscape gardeners. The Hillary family is a limited production mountaineering establishment.

  3. Today, at the age of 48, I am a determined mountain man: love to climb them, love to dream about them. I have been or more than 30 mountaineering expeditions, from the Himalayas to the Antarctic. And yes, I have climbed Everest twice. I treasure the same things that drew my father to climbing – great feeling of friendship and trust among people who work together, sense of pleasure and excitement, especially in dangerous place where your life depends upon making the right call. I guess I am luckier than most because I can fall back on all that my father has taught me. One devastating day in 1995 this advice saved my life.

  4. Just below the summit of the mountain known as K2 or the “savage mountain” of the Himalayas there is a steep ice channel called “The Bottleneck.” I was among a party of eight climbers heading for the summit, with just 400 meters left to climb. Perched there, 8200 meters above sea-level and looking east along the northern edge of the Karakoram Mountains to the Tibetan Plateau, I noticed curls of ominous cloud began to move in suddenly and quickly with great force.

  5. As the weather worsened, I became concerned. I stopped. Something didn’t feel right. At that moment I clearly heard my father’s voice. Down. Go down. Stick to your guns, Peter.

  6. Then from above me, I heard another voice – a women’s. “Come on up. Use the red rope.” Alison Hargreaves, a fellow climber, was encouraging me to join her. Note for you, peter. Was that my father’s voice again? The unsettled feeling in me grew stronger. Finally I told Jeff Lakes, my climbing partner, that I was going down. He too was feeling unsure, but decided to go on ahead. As I looked back at Jeff a couple of time, until a thick, threatening cloud blocked with view, soon the same fast moving cloud would engulf the summit and plunge me into an isolated world of terror.

  7. Don’t be afraid to make your own decisions. Don’t be afraid to stand alone. That was my father’s voice.

  8. Alone in body but not in spirit I descended. But with fear tapping upon my shoulders, I was caught in the frightening situation of the rising storm. The flanks of the mountain were out of control and so, perhaps, was I.

  9. Fear makes you careful. Fear makes you good. Fear, my father told me, is not something you manage. So I seized on what I could control: a well-clipped descender and a taut rope. For hours I continued to go down rope.

  10. When I awoke in my tent the next morning, it was silent, sunny, still. I alone had successfully descended from the summit pyramid of K2 that night.

The seven above were dead.

  1. Life in a famous family has its advantages and disadvantages. Lunches with Indira Gandhi or a trip to the North Pole with Neil Armstrong are one – although a rather extraordinary – side of the coin. The other can be a battle with identity and independence. When I am 80 years old myself, I know I will more than likely still be greeted with, “Wait a minute, you’re Ed Hillary’s son!” But my father is quite a man and I am proud of him.

Questions:

(a) Answer the following questions briefly:

(i) What does the son read in his father’s eyes? 1

Ans. In his father’s eyes the son read his father’s fondness for the bright flashes of snow capped peaks.

(ii) What is “The Bottleneck”? 1

Ans. A steep ice-channel below the summit of the ‘saving mountain’ of the Himalaya’s is called “The Bottleneck.”

(iii) What was the fate of the seven companions who climbed the K2 summit? 1

Ans. The seven companions who climbed the K2 summit were dead.

(iv) In what way does the author consider himself more fortunate than other mountaineers? 1

Ans. The author considered himself more fortunate than other mountaineers because he alone had successfully descended from the summit pyramid of K2 while his other companions were dead.

(v) State any two qualities that the speaker has inherited from his father. 2

Ans. Two qualities that the speaker had inherited from his father (a) Great feeling of friendship and trust among people who work together, (b) Sense of pleasure and excitement especially in dangerous places where life depends upon making the right call.

(vi) “The Hillary family is a limited production mountaineering establishment.” What does the speaker mean by this? 2

Ans. As per speaker “The Hillary family is a limited production mountaineering establishment” because when he grew up many people thought that there must be some compulsion for the son of Edmund Hillary to climb mountains. He thought that families like factories which manufacture a person either as a lawyer, mountaineer or some other professional.

(vii) What was the father’s opinion about ‘fear’? How did it help the author? 2

Ans. As per the speaker’s father “fear makes you careful, fear makes you good”. According to father fear is not something that you manage. It helped the author in saving his life. When he was going in a mountaineering expedition and was caught in the frightening situation of the rising storm, he was fearful. His father’s opinion helped him to descend with the help of a taut rope and was saved.

(b) Pick out words in the passage that mean.

(i) Sitting on a high and dangerous position. (Para 4) 1

Ans. Perched.

(ii) Tight and completely stretched. (Para 3) 1

Answer: The phrase "tight and completely stretched" means the rope was "taut," pulled tightly to ensure safety and control.


Certainly! Here is the answer without the horizontal line:

2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

There are two problems that cause great worry to our educationists – the problem of religious and moral instruction in a land of many faiths and the problem arising out of a large variety of languages.

Taking up the education of children we see that they should be trained to love one another, to be kind and helpful to all, to be tender to the lower animals and to observe and think right. The task of teaching them how to read and write, count, and calculate is important, but it should not make us lose sight of the primary aim of moulding personality in the right way.

For this, it is necessary to call into aid culture, tradition, and religion. But in our country, we have, in the same school, to look after boys and girls born into different faiths and belonging to families that live diverse ways of life and follow different forms of worship associated with different denominations of religion. It will not do to tread the easy path of evading the difficulty by attending solely to physical culture and intellectual education. We have to evolve a suitable teaching method for serving the spiritual needs of school children professing different faiths. We should thereby promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, a fuller understanding, and helpful cooperation among the different communities in our society. Again we must remain one people and we have therefore to give basic training in our schools to speak and understand more languages than one and to appreciate and respect the different religions prevailing in India. It is not right for us in India to be dissuaded from this by considerations as to overtaking the young mind.

Any attempt to do away with or steamroll the differences through governmental coercion and indirect pressure would be futile as it would be unwise. Any imposition of a single way of life and form of worship on all children or neglect of a section of the pupils in this respect or barren secularization will lead to conflict between school and home life which is harmful. On the other hand, If we give due recognition to the providing prevailing faiths in the educational institutions by providing suitable facilities for religious teaching of boys and girls of all communities, this may itself serve as a broadening influence of great national value.

Questions:

(a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes on it, using recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary. Add a suitable title to it.

Answer:

Title: Problems in Education and Religious Instruction

(i) Problems causing worry to our educationists:

  • Problem of religious and moral instruction.

  • Problem arising from the variety of languages.

  • India is a land of many faiths.

(ii) Primary aim of education:

  • Mould the personality of children in the right way.

  • Children should be trained to love one another.

  • They should be kind and helpful to all.

  • They should be tender to lower animals.

  • They should observe and think right.

  • While teaching how to read, write, count, and calculate is important, moulding personality is equally important.

(iii) Necessity of culture, tradition, and religion in education:

  • In the same school, students belong to different faiths and follow diverse ways of life and forms of worship.

  • We cannot solely focus on physical culture and intellectual education.

  • A suitable teaching method should be evolved to serve the spiritual needs of children from different faiths.

  • Promoting mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among different communities is crucial.

(iv) Language and Religious Respect:

  • We must give basic training in school to understand and speak more than one language.

  • It is important to appreciate and respect the different religions in India.

(v) Governmental approach to religious instruction:

  • Imposing a single way of life or worship on all children will lead to conflict.

  • Neglecting a section of students or barren secularization may cause harm.

  • Recognizing and providing suitable facilities for religious teaching according to the children's faiths can have great national value.

Abbreviations used:

  • Eduist: Educationist

  • Prob: Problems

  • Reln: Religion

  • Inst: Instruction

  • Imp: Important

  • Cult: Culture

  • Trad: Tradition

  • Sch: School

  • Diff: Different

  • Foll: Following

  • Phy: Physical

  • Won’t: Will not

  • Spirit: Spiritual

  • Co-opn: Cooperation

  • Recogn: Recognition

  • Infl: Influence

(b) Make a summary of the above passage in about 80 words. 3

Ans:- How to serve the spiritual needs of school children summary: Our educationist are worried due to the problems of religious and moral instructions in a land of many faiths and variety of languages. The primary aim of education is to mould the personality of the students in a right way. So it become necessary to call into aid culture, tradition and religion and cater to serve the spiritual needs of school children having different faiths. Any attempt to steamroll the differences through governmental coercion and indirect pressure would be futile and unwise. To solve it due recognition should be given to the different prevailing faiths in the educational institutions and suitable facilities should be provided for religious teachings the students of all communities it might influence the great national value.

SECTION B – Writing

3. You are arranging a picnic to Kaziranga next Sunday. Describe your preparations to your classmates in about 100 words. 6

Ans. Excursions and outings are the important means of recreation. So we decided to recreate something by arranging a picnic to Kaziranga. I suggested my friend that for picnic we should take sweets, fruits and lunch with us. For this we most go to market and buy some fruits and other eatables. We will also take a stove, a tea pot ,a dozen cups and a kettle. I suggested that in Kaziranga we will also go for safari and also see different animals along with one horned Rhino. For this purpose we will hire a guide. So that we could have a pleasant trip at a world heritage site i.e. Kaziranga. I also suggested to make bookings and necessary advance payments. Then I asked my friend to take his camera, so that we can have some memorable shots. My proposal of preparation for arranging a picnic to Kaziranga was welcomed by my classmates with shouts of applause.

Or

A distinguished person visited your school/college recently. Prepare a report on the visit in about 800 words to be published in “The Assam Tribune”. 6

Ans. Visit by Exchange Programme Participants

Four teachers and twenty students from Edwin University, British Columbia, Canada, visited the Happy School, Subhash Nagar last Friday. In this programme students of Indian schools and colleges visit schools abroad and vice-versa to broaden their awareness and outlook. The school was wearing a festive look on the occasion. Decorations and posters welcoming the visitors were everywhere. At the school gate, our Principle himself was present to welcome the delegates. After touring the classrooms and laboratories to observe the facilities in the school, the delegates had an hour-long interaction with teachers and students on education in India and how students can help society with their positive outlook and enthusiasm. The visit concluded with a delicious ‘high tea’ in honour of the delegation.The visitors were seen off by the Principal and senior teachers.

Reported by –Brijesh

4. Young boys and girl hardly show any respect to rules and regulations these days. They often end up by creating problems for themselves and for their parents. Your Principal has called for a special session to discuss this issue. Prepare a speech to be delivered in the session as a representative of the students. (100 – 150 words) 6

Ans. Good morning principal ma’ am, Guardians, teachers and my dear friends today I am going to say a few words on the youngsters who hardly show any respect to rules and regulations days. In fact percentage is an age of competitions. Each and every field is biased with the thought of running ahead. But it is not possible for all the students to come-up with flying colours. Parents and teachers keep on forcing children to run ahead which has caused tremendous irritation among the students. They are forced to lead a disciplined life. And now result is at your court. They hardly listen to their parents and teachers because they feel that they are nagging them with do’s and don’ts. They are not only creating problems for themselves out of irritation and but also affecting lives of their parents. If they are forced, they are liable to do any mischievous activity. Even they don’t feel offended. For them their freedom is more important than anything else. As I think we must reconsider the matter and children or students should be given equality opportunities to discuss their thoughts and aspirations then only they will be honored and may change their way of life. Parents and teachers should feel their condition and allow them to reach on their own heights. It may bring change is us, and then there will be no chaos on this topic. They will surely, pay their respect to rules and regulations.

Now, I give my sincere thanks to all for listening me with rapt attention.

Thank you all.

Or

You are concerned about the reckless feeling of trees leading to environment degradation. Write an article on “Crow more trees” to be published in a local newspaper. (100-150 words) 6

Ans.

Title: Plant More Trees: A Solution to Environmental Degradation

The reckless felling of trees has become a growing concern, leading to severe environmental degradation. Deforestation not only contributes to climate change but also results in habitat loss, soil erosion, and air pollution.

To combat this alarming trend, it is imperative that we prioritize tree planting initiatives. Planting more trees can help mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation by absorbing carbon dioxide, stabilizing soil, and providing habitats for wildlife.

Moreover, trees play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and enhancing the quality of life for communities. They provide shade, improve air quality, and contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of our surroundings.

Therefore, it is high time that we take collective action to plant more trees and safeguard our environment for future generations. Let us join hands to replenish our forests and create a greener, healthier planet for all.

[Your Name]

 You are Gautam/Gargi, living at 12 Hill View Colony, Dibrugarh. There are frequent power cuts and voltage fluctuations in your area causing great inconvenience to its residents. Write a letter to the editor of “the Sentinel” drawing attention of the authorities concerned to the problem. 8

Ans.

Gautam/Gargi

12 Hill View Colony

Dibrugarh

[Date]

The Editor

The Sentinel

[Dibrugarh Address]

Subject: Urgent Attention Needed to Address Power Cuts and Voltage Fluctuations

Dear Editor,

I am writing to draw your attention to a pressing issue that has been plaguing the residents of Hill View Colony in Dibrugarh – frequent power cuts and voltage fluctuations. This persistent problem has caused significant inconvenience and frustration among the residents, disrupting our daily lives and affecting essential services.

The erratic power supply not only disrupts household routines but also poses risks to electrical appliances and equipment. Moreover, voltage fluctuations can lead to damage to electronic devices, posing financial burdens on the residents.

We urge the concerned authorities to take immediate action to address this issue and ensure reliable and stable electricity supply to our locality. Measures such as infrastructure upgrades, maintenance of power lines, and increased monitoring of the power grid are essential to mitigate the problem and provide much-needed relief to the residents.

We hope that through your esteemed publication, our concerns will be brought to the attention of the authorities, prompting swift action to resolve this longstanding issue.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Gautam/Gargi

[Your Contact Information]

Or

You are Ranjana/Ranjan. You have seen advertisement in a local daily for the post of a science teacher in Pub Guwahati High School. Write a letter to the Headmaster of the school in response to the advertisement applying for the post. 8

Ans.

Examination Hall (* Whenever sender’s address is not given, we may write ‘’Examination Hall ‘’as sender’s address)

Ranjana/Ranjan

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Date]

The Headmaster

Pub Guwahati High School

[School Address]

Guwahati

Subject: Application for the Post of Science Teacher

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Science Teacher advertised in [Name of the Local Daily] dated [Date]. With a strong background in science education and a passion for nurturing young minds, I believe I am well-suited for this role.

I hold a [Degree/Diploma] in [Subject] from [University/Institution Name] and have [mention any additional qualifications or certifications, if applicable]. Additionally, I have [mention any relevant teaching experience, if applicable], which has equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively engage with students and create a stimulating learning environment.

My approach to teaching emphasizes hands-on experiments, interactive demonstrations, and real-world applications, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for science among students. I am committed to promoting inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and scientific curiosity among my students.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the academic excellence of Pub Guwahati High School and to inspire and empower students to pursue their interests in science.

Enclosed with this letter are my resume and relevant documents for your perusal. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further how my qualifications and experiences align with the requirements of the position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the educational journey at Pub Guwahati High School.

Yours sincerely,

Ranjana/Ranjan

BIO-DATA

NAME : Ranjana/Ranjan

FATHER NAME : X

ADDESS : Examination Hall

CONTACT : 9987XXXXXX

DATE OF BIRTH : 11/10/19XX

NATIONALITY : Indian

RELIGION : Hindu

MARITAL STATUS : Unmarried

GENDER : Male

AGE : 28 years

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION

YEAR

EXAMINATION

BOARD/UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE

PERCENTAGE

DIVISON

20XX

HSLC

SEBA

A NEW HIGH SCHOOL

79%

I

20XX

H.S 2ND YEAR

AHSEC

TEZPUR COLLEGE

86%

I

20XX

B.Sc

DELHI UNIVERSITY

SRI RAM COLLEGE

76%

I

WORK EXPERIENCE:

S.No

Organisation

Position held

From

To

1

A New High School, Tezpur

Science Teacher

1/11/20XX

1/12/20XX

SKILLS:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Working knowledge of Tally, Excel, MS-Word.

Achievements:

  • Winner of Inter –college Debate Competiton (2014-2015)

Hobby: Interacting with people, reading books, cricket etc.

Language Known: Hindi, English, Bengali, Assamese.

Declaration:

I solemnly declare that all the above information are correct to the best of my knowledge.

Date: 23/02/20XX Ranjana/Ranjan

Place: Examination hall 

Signature

SECTION C

6. (a) Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners: ½ x 2=1

(i) We have very ____ information. (few/little)

Ans. little.

(ii) Do you have ____ question? (Some/Any)

Ans. any.

(b) Rewrite the following sentences with the correct form of the verb given in brackets:

½ x 2=1

(i) English (speak) all over the world.

Ans. English is spoken all over the world.

(ii) If it (rain), we will not go.

Ans. If it rains we will not go out.

(c) Fill in the blanks with appropriate model auxiliaries: (The sense of the sentence is indicated in brackets) ½ x 2=1

(i) We ____ love our country, (moral duty)

Ans. should.

(ii) I ____ pay my loan. (compulsion)

Ans. must.

(d) Correct the following: ½ x 2=1

(i) My mother never listens what I say.

Ans. My mother never listen to what I say.

(ii) It is raining since morning.

Ans. It has been raining since morning.

7. (a) Complete the following piece of conversation by choosing the correct alternative from the brackets: 2

I said to him, “____ (what/when) are you doing now?”

He replied, “I am writing a few essays as part of my ____. (Preparing/Preparation) for the examination.”

Ans. I said to him, “what are you doing now?” he relied, I am writing a few essays as part of my preparation.

(b) Rewrite the following sentences as directed: 1×2=2

(i) She is the most intelligent girl in the class. (use the comparative degree of ‘intelligent’)

Ans. She is more intelligent than any other girl in the class.

(ii) He knows what my name is. (Make it a simple sentence)

Ans. he knows my name.

8. Rearrange the words in the following to form meaningful sentences: 1×2=2

(i) Slowly and we near silently the target moved.

Ans. We moved near the target slowly and silently.

(ii) Talking please stop you will?

Ans. Will you please stop talking?

SECTION D – Textual Questions

9. Read one of the stanzas given below and answer the question that follow:

  1. “And who art thou?” Said I to the soft-falling shower.

Which, strange to tell, gave me an answer, as here translated :

“I am the Poem of Earth, said the voice of the rain

Eternal I rise impalpable out of the land and the bottomless sea”.

(i) Where do these lines occur? 1

Ans. These lines occur in the poem “voice of the rain”.

(ii) How does the shower fall? 1

Ans. The shower fell softly.

(iii) Where does the rain rise from? 1

Ans. The rain says that it rises eternally from the ground and from the bottomless sea.

(iv) Find a word in the passage that refers to “Something that cannot be touched”? 1

Ans. Impalpable.

(v) Why does the rain describe itself as the Poem of Earth? 4

Ans. The rain describes itself as the poem of earth as it is eternal having no end and no limit of life. Just like the poem of a poet, it blesses the earth with a new life. It rejuvenates everything on earth and makes it beautiful. When it rains the seeds regenerates and sprout into new plants. It is the harbinger of life and beauty on earth, so it is termed as the poem of earth.

Or

  1. Silence surrounds us. I would have

Him prodigal, returning to

His father’s house, the home he knew,

Rather than see him make and move

His world, I would forgive him too,

Shaping from sorrow a new love

(i) Why does the father say that silence surrounds them? 1

Ans. Father said that silence surrounds as because his relation with his son has almost diminished.

(ii) Does the speaker want his son to belong to a different world? 1

Ans. No, the speaker does not want his son to belong to a different world.

(iii) What can be shaped out of sorrow? 1

Ans. Love can be shaped out of sorrow.

(iv) Find a word in the passage that means “Extravagant” 1

Ans. Prodigal.

(v) What idea do you form about the relationship between father and son from the quoted lines? 4

Ans. The father cannot know anything about his son because the son stays away in his won world and does not care for the father’s feelings. So, the father wishes to build up a relationship which existed between them when the son was a little child.

10. Answer any two of the following questions: 2×3=6

(a) Whose transient feet is the poet talking about? Why are they transient?

Answer: The poet is talking about the transient feet of a young girl in the poem "A Photograph" by Shirley Toulson. The feet are transient because they belonged to the poet's mother when she was a child, and now they are no longer there as the mother has passed away.

(b) Why is the age of eleven so important for the poet?

Answer: The age of eleven is important for the poet because it was the age when the poet's mother had her photograph clicked, a moment frozen in time. It marks a moment of innocence and youth, which the poet remembers fondly.

(c) Why would the poet’s mother laugh at the snapshot?

Answer: The poet’s mother would laugh at the snapshot because it was taken when she was a young, carefree child. The photograph reminds her of a time of innocence and happiness, which would make her smile and laugh when looking at it.

11. Answer briefly any five of the following questions: 2×5=10

(a) Mention three reasons why the author’s grandmother was disturbed when he started going to the city school.

Answer:

  1. The grandmother was disturbed because she was used to the author being at home and close to her.

  2. She was worried about the author being influenced by the city’s ways, which were very different from the village's traditional lifestyle.

  3. She was also concerned about the author’s education, as she did not approve of the modern education system that was being taught in the city school.

(b) What did Wu Daozi paint for the Emperor?

Answer: Wu Daozi painted a mural of a dragon for the Emperor. The painting was so realistic and lifelike that it amazed everyone. It was believed that the dragon was so vivid that it could fly off the wall.

(c) What is the Green Movement and what are its aims?

Answer: The Green Movement is a social and political movement that focuses on environmental protection and sustainability. Its aims are to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and raise awareness about the importance of nature.

(d) What did Elwin notice about our attitude towards wild animals?

Answer: Elwin noticed that people in our society often treat wild animals poorly, either by hunting them for sport or destroying their habitats. He observed that there is a lack of respect for wild animals and nature.

(e) How did the sparrows react to the death of the author’s grandmother?

Answer: The sparrows reacted to the death of the author’s grandmother by gathering around her lifeless body. They did not chirp or show any signs of movement. The author’s family offered them crumbs of bread, but the sparrows did not eat, symbolizing their mourning for the grandmother.

(f) How is man the most dangerous animal in this world?

Answer: Man is the most dangerous animal because unlike other animals, humans have the ability to think, plan, and destroy in a way that harms the environment and other species. Human activities such as war, deforestation, and pollution make man a threat to the planet and its inhabitants.

12. Compare and contrast the Chinese and the European concepts of painting. 6

Answer: The Chinese and European concepts of painting differ in various ways, reflecting the cultural and philosophical beliefs of each region.

  • Chinese Painting: Chinese painting emphasizes harmony with nature, inner beauty, and spiritual expression. It often focuses on landscapes, flowers, birds, and animals. Chinese paintings tend to be more symbolic, with the use of brush strokes to convey movement and emotion. The style is fluid and flexible, and the medium often includes ink on silk or paper. In Chinese painting, the artist's brushwork is more important than the subject matter itself, emphasizing the skill of the artist in expressing emotion.

  • European Painting: European painting, particularly during the Renaissance period, focused more on realistic representation, with an emphasis on perspective, proportion, and human anatomy. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo sought to create lifelike images, often using oil paints on canvas. European paintings also emphasized detailed backgrounds and the portrayal of historical, religious, and mythological themes.

Contrast: While Chinese painting prioritizes fluidity and spiritual connection with nature, European painting often focuses on realism and precise details. Chinese artists sought to capture the essence of subjects with brush strokes, while European artists aimed for physical accuracy and depth.

Or

“We have not inherited this Earth from our forefathers; we have borrowed it from our children”. Justify this statement. 6

Answer: This statement emphasizes the responsibility we have towards the Earth and its future generations. It suggests that we do not own the planet, but we are merely caretakers for future generations. The environment we inherit today is the result of the actions of those who came before us, but it is our responsibility to maintain it for the benefit of our children and future generations.

  • Environmental Responsibility: The statement highlights the need for sustainable living, where we focus on preserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and protecting biodiversity. We cannot take Earth’s resources for granted, as they are finite and need to be preserved for the future.

  • Impact of Human Actions: Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and overconsumption are threatening the planet’s health. The consequences of our actions will affect future generations, who will inherit a planet that may be less habitable if we do not act responsibly.

In conclusion, the Earth is not an inheritance but a loan that must be returned in better condition, or at least not worse, to the future generations.


13. Comment on the influence of English – the language and the way of life – on Indian society as reflected in Iyengar’s story “Ranga’s Marriage”. What is the narrator’s attitude to English? 6

Answer: In the story "Ranga’s Marriage" by R. K. Narayan, English plays a significant role in shaping the character and behavior of the protagonist, Ranga.

  • Influence of English on Ranga: Ranga, who has returned to the village after studying English in the city, is seen as someone who has gained a new perspective on life. His education in English influences his thoughts, behavior, and even his attitude towards marriage. He seems more modern, sophisticated, and reluctant to follow traditional customs, reflecting how English education introduces new ideas and ways of thinking.

  • The Influence of English on Indian Society: The story subtly portrays the tension between modernity (represented by English) and tradition (represented by village customs). English is seen as a tool for upward mobility and cultural change. However, it also creates a divide between the educated and the uneducated, with the latter being seen as less refined or backward.

  • Narrator’s Attitude towards English: The narrator of the story seems to view English with a sense of admiration, but also with some skepticism. While he acknowledges the role of English in making people like Ranga more sophisticated, he also subtly critiques the way English changes the attitudes of the village people. The narrator uses humor to show that even though English is important for progress, traditional customs and values still hold importance in Indian society.

Or

“The school system often curbs individual talent” – Discuss with reference to Einstein’s experience at school. 6

Answer: Albert Einstein, the famous physicist, had an unconventional experience with the traditional school system, which often did not nurture individual talent.

  • Einstein’s Struggles with the School System: As a young student, Einstein struggled in a rigid school system that emphasized rote learning and conformity. He was often criticized for his lack of interest in subjects that did not appeal to him, such as languages and history. He found it difficult to adapt to the strict and structured environment that demanded obedience rather than creative thinking.

  • Lack of Encouragement for Individual Talent: The school system at that time did not recognize Einstein’s unique talents in mathematics and physics. Instead, it focused on subjects that he did not connect with. This discouragement from the traditional education system led Einstein to question the value of formal schooling and pursue self-study.

  • Einstein’s Perspective: Einstein’s experience reflects how the school system can sometimes suppress the creativity and curiosity of individuals. Instead of fostering innovation and independent thinking, traditional schools often prioritize conformity and uniformity, which can limit the potential of talented students.

In conclusion, Einstein’s experience highlights the drawbacks of a rigid education system that does not cater to individual talents and learning styles. It suggests that education should be more flexible and encourage creative exploration.

14. Answer briefly any two of the following questions: 2×3=6

(a) What was Einstein’s idea of education?

Answer: Einstein believed that education should focus on developing critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity rather than memorizing facts. He thought the school system stifled individual talent by emphasizing rote learning and conformity. He valued independent thinking and self-study, and believed that education should encourage exploration and a deep understanding of concepts rather than just following rules.

(b) What did Ranga think about marriage?

Answer: Ranga, after returning from the city, was initially indifferent to marriage. He thought that marriage was not a necessity unless one found a partner who met certain intellectual and emotional criteria. His views on marriage were more modern and individualistic, influenced by his education in the city.

(c) How did Ranga and Ratna react when they saw each other?

Answer: When Ranga and Ratna saw each other for the first time, they both felt a sense of connection and attraction. Ranga, initially reserved, was struck by Ratna's beauty and grace, while Ratna, shy and innocent, was impressed by Ranga’s personality. Their reactions were subtle but showed the beginning of a mutual respect and affection.

-000000-


Also Read PYQs Solutions:

1. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2011
2. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2012
3. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2013
4. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2014
5. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2015
6. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2016
7. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2017
8. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2018
9. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2019
10. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2020
11. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2022
12. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2023
13. QUESTION PAPER SOLUTION: 2024

Post a Comment

Study Materials

Cookie Consent
Dear Students, We serve cookies on this site to analyze traffic, remember your preferences, and optimize your experience.
Oops!
It seems there is something wrong with your internet connection. Please connect to the internet and start browsing again.
AdBlock Detected!
We have detected that you are using adblocking plugin in your browser.
The revenue we earn by the advertisements is used to manage this website, we request you to whitelist our website in your adblocking plugin.