Series REN Code No. RSPL/3 eee eee eae eee | Candidates must write the Code on the Roll No. ttl page ofthe answer-book, « Please check that this question paper contains 20 printed pages. «The code number given on the right-hand side of the question paper should be written on the title page of the answer-book by the candidate. * Please check that this question paper contains VIII questions. * Please write down the Serial Number of the question before attempting it. ENGLISH (Core) Time allowed: 3 Hours Maximum Marks: 80 General Instructions: (i) 15-minutes prior reading time allotted for question paper reading. (ii) ‘The Question Paper contains THREE sections-READING, WRITING and LITERATURE, (iii) Attempt questions based on. specific instructions for each part. Write the correct question number in your answer sheet to indicate the option/s being attempted. RSPLIS 1 P.T.OSection A—READING SKILLS (20 Marks) I. Read the passage given below. RSPLS 1. Self-respect is very different than relying on one’s ego or False Self persona that serves as a cover to show the world only “the good stuff” of a person’s personality. It is the gift we give ourselves when we become less motivated to please others in order to get their approval and more motivated to live a life of authenticity and personal integrity despite whatever anyone else thinks about us. 2. The dismal fact is that self-respect has nothing to do with the approval of others—who are, after all, deceived easily enough; has nothing to do with reputation which is something that people with courage can do without. It is to know the difference between the price of things and their value and the courage to own your mistakes. 3. In brief, people with self-respect exhibit a certain toughness, a kind of moral nerve; they display what was once called character, a quality which, although approved in the abstract, sometimes loses ground to other, more instantly negotiable virtues. Its slipping prestige is dismissed when one sees people coveting success or money or fame at all costs. Nonetheless, character—the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life—is the source from which self-respect springs. 4. To live without self-respect is to lie awake some night, beyond the reach of warm milk, phenobarbital, and the sleeping hand on the coverlet, counting up the sins of commission and omission, the trusts betrayed, the promises subtly broken, the gifts irrevocably wasted through sloth or cowardice or carelessness. However long we postpone it, we eventually lie down alone in that notoriously uncomfortable bed, the one we make ourselves. Whether or not we sleep in it depends, of course, on whether or not we respect ourselves. 2 105. To have that sense of one’s intrinsic worth which, for better or for worse, constitutes self-respect, is potentially to have everything: the ability to diseriminate, to love and to remain indifferent. To lack it is to be locked within oneself, paradoxically incapable of either love or indifference. If we do not respect ourselves, we are on the one hand forced to despise those who have so few resources as to consort with us, so little perception as to remain blind to our fatal weaknesses. On the other, we are peculiarly in thrall to everyone we see, curiously determined to live out—since our self-image is untenable— their false notions of us. We flatter ourselves by thinking this compulsion to please others an attractive trait: a gift for imaginative empathy, evidence of our willingness to give. (430 Words) Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. 1x10 (a) Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option. According to the author, False Self persona in a person is nothing but carefully cultivated EEE (i). selfrespect (ii) a person’s true personality Gii) unauthentic mask (iv) ‘real good stuff” (b) Comment on the writer's reference to self-respect as a gift we give ourselves, (c) List two ways as stated by the author, people without personal integrity suffer. s) pesseeetsenasesasssuaszeetoszee ieee (d) Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘logical’, from words used in paragraph two. (@ intrinsic (ii) paradoxical Gi) consort (iv) untenable RSPLI3 3 PTORSPLI3 fe) ® (g) (h) w. @ The writer would not agree with the given statements based on paragraph three, EXCEPT @) Self-respect is a virtue not appreciated in modern times. Gi) Tt used to be a non-negotiable virtue. iii) Selérespect has stood its ground come what may. (iv) It is losing ground to more instantly negotiable virtues. Based on your understanding of paragraph four, interpret the metaphor used by the author in the given statement. ‘However long we postpone it, we eventually lie down alone in that notoriously un- comfortable bed, the one we make ourselves.’ Why is it fair to say that the intrinsic worth of a person and self-respect have to go hand-in-hand? Complete the given sentence with an appropriate inference, with respect to the following. To live without self-respect is to lie awake some night, beyond the reach of warm milk, phenobarbital, and the sleeping hand on the coverlet, counting up the sins of commission and omission How does a person negotiate inter-personal relationships according to paragraph 5? Which one of the given options is a mismatch? G) We cannot love others who are any less than us. (ii) We cannot even be indifferent to ourselves. (iii) We strain ourselves living up to a false image. (iv) We remain blind to our flaws. Select the most suitable title for the above passage. (@ If you don’t stand for something, you'll fall for anything. (ii) Handsome is as handsome does. Gii) Putting backbone into someone. (iv) Neither fish, nor fowl. 4Il. Read the passage given below. 10 1. Inbound tourism the world over was closed for two years. India was no exception and this has taken its toll on the tourism economy. The DefExpo 2022 scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar has been postponed citing the Russia-Ukraine war. It may be but it points to a larger picture of the Indian hospitality industry losing out due to such postponement. 2. So, let’s put a perspective on this thinking. In 2019, which was a normal year for tourism arrivals, India received over 10.9 million foreign tourists as per government data. On average, foreign tourists spend seven nights in India and this means at least fifty million room nights were consumed in India, at a conservative level, the bulk of this spending is in star-rated hotels in India. They are bigger spenders and consume services of local guides, dine in the hotels and pay a higher room rent compared to domestic tourists. 3. The year 2020 was a washout for inbound into India, there was a slight recovery in 2021 but nothing economically significant. Is domestic tourism the panacea of the tourism economy in India? At the most, it can act as a band-aid to the tourism economy. 4. Indian domestic tourists do not spend much on destination shopping as they are on a tight budget with inflation eating into their savings. They avoid spending on good hotels too, For the last two years, all hotels-be they top or average ones, have slashed their rates as were in 2017-18. Only deep-pocketed hotels are going to survive because around 40% of hotels closed shop by early 2021 and the situation has only worsened. Even hotels in metros are charging rates prevalent in 2017-18 5. Domestic tourists book last-minute scouting for discounts whereas foreign visitors lock their rates at least six months in advance. It’s the foreign tourists that drive the tourism economy as they consume all forms of services when visiting RSPLS 5 P.T.ORSPLI3 India and no amount of domestic numbers can make up for the shortfall in terms of value. This is the best time for the government to open its doors fully to international tourism. To encourage tourism, the goods and service tax (GST) on tour operators should be levied at about 1.8% instead of the current 5%. TOP 10 COUNTRIES EARNING THE MOST FROM TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY 2019 T&T CONTRIBUTION TO GDP ($ BN} 6. Despite its rich treasure trove and high rankings in cultural and natural resources as well as price competitiveness, India still ranked 34th in the ‘Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index 2019’ and could only capture 1.24% of the world’s international tourist arrivals. The country’s share is evidently a fraction of its potential. We, regrettably, have failed to realize the true impact of Tourism and convert our natural advantages into potential economic benefits. (449 Words) 6Based on your understanding of the passage, answer the questions given below. 1x10 (a) Does the following statement agree with the information given in paragraph 1? The author believes that the Indian hospitality industry has consistently and solely been losing out due to unfortunate events in the world Select from the following (i) True—if the statement agrees with the information (ii) Falsc—if the statement contradicts the information iii) Not Given—if there is no information on this (iv) Can't say—Information is not clear. (b) Do you think the author doubts the potential of domestic tourism to lift the entire tourism sector in India out of the doldrums directly or indirectly? Support your answer with reference to the text. {©) Select the option that displays the most likely reason for the author saying that ‘This is the best time for the government to open its doors fully to international tourism’ 1. India received over 10.9 million foreign tourists in 2019, a normal year for tourism. 2. Foreign tourists splurge more on star-rated accommodation and services. 3. We rank 34th in the ‘Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index 2019", 4. Indian star hotels are offering rates prevalent in 2017-18. @ only 1 (i) 1 and 3 (ii) 2 and 4 iv) 3 and 4 (d) Analyse the following statement. The author seems to understand why foreign tourists are bigger spenders and shoppers than their domestic counterparts in India. RSPLB 7 P.T.O(e) Select the option that proves that hotel industry had been facing a deep turmoil in the last two years and it is not over yet. @) Only hotels with deep pockets will be able to tide over the tough times. (ii) Most hotels are offering pre-2019 rates in desperation. (iii) Around 40% of hotels have closed shop. (iv) The DefExpo 2022 was postponed due to Russia-Ukraine war. (®) Which of the following should not be in the list if India has to reap potential economic benefits in tourism sector? (i) competitiveness prices (ii) highly-rated cultural resources (iii) GST @ 5 per cent (iv) highly-appreciated natural resources (g) All hotels—from top-end to the budget have reverted back to room rental rates prevalent four years back. What has been the effect on their fortunes? (h) Complete the given sentence by selecting the most appropriate option. ‘At the most, it (domestic tourism) can act as a band-aid to the tourism economy.’ By using the word ‘band-aid’ the author means (i) a workable solution (ii) a mere patch-work (iii) a complete solution (iv) a good short-term solution (i) Complete the sentence appropriately with one/ two words. India’s share of world’s international tourist arrivals is proportional to its actual potential. @ Based on the reading of the text, state a point to challenge the given statement. Domestic tourists are on a tight budget scouting for discounts till the last moment but tour operators are in a better position to serve the cause of tourism industry. RSPLS 8tL. Section B—CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS (20 Marks) All the names and addresses used in the questions are fictitious. Resemblance, if any, is purely coincidental. 1, Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. 5 2. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. RSPL3 (A) @®) (A) (B) As Secretary of the Social Service Club, write a notice inviting volunteers who can share their free time with the senior citizens at Ashray, an Old Age Home that has been doing great service to ease the last years of the elderly. You are Kiranpreet Kaur. OR NASA has announced its 15th Mini Satellite Design Competition’ that intends to motivate the interest of school students in understanding and designing small satellites. As the President of the Space Club of your school, write a notice intended for secondary and senior secondary students to come up with novel ideas. Sign off as Ira/Aryan Chauhan. As the proprietor of the new showroom selling readymade garments for children, Lil Trendz, at the Main Shopping Complex, Panchsheel Enclave, New Delhi, draft an invitation inviting the local residents to the inauguration. Invent all necessary details as required. Your invitation should be in 50 words only. OR You are Soumya Nath. You have been invited to chair a session in a seminar on ‘Genetic Engineering- its Uses and Abuses’ by Dr. Padmanabhan, the Secretary of the Horticulture Institute, Manesar. Write a letter to the organizers informing them of your inability to attend citing a valid reason. Draft your reply in 50 words 9 P.T.O3. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. (A) (B) Ironically on Teacher’s Day, you read in a newspaper that privately owned and managed schools in small towns or even in the suburbs of metropolitan cities exploit their teachers by paying just a fraction of their actual salaries. This affects their performance and lowers their motivation. Indirectly, it also affects their students. Write a letter in 120-150 words to the editor of a national daily raising your voice against such exploitation. Suggest ways to solve this problem, You are VishaVWVaishali Abhichandani. OR Pratham Puri, a resident of Tilak Road, Mumbai read an advertisement for young school boys girls who have recently passed out to market the products of a renowned company in the city. He decides to apply for the same. Write Pratham’s application to the Personnel Manager, Smith and Jones Ltd., Bandra West, Mumbai. 4. Attempt ANY ONE from A and B given below. RSPL3 (Ay ‘The high-pitched sounds caused by human beings and their activities not only threaten the environment but also cause various health issues in animals. Development, urbanization, and industrialization undoubtedly bring comfort to our daily lives in many ways. Still, they also inflate the level of noise pollution in the environment. Write an article on noise pollution and its effects. Suggest some ways to counter the problem. You are Priyank/Priyanka Gupta. 1020 100 80 60. 40 Noise Pollution Level (LNP) Commer AeosRoad Junctions Incustial eat” Passergets "High Oensiy’” Low Densty Pats Ren. Avene Res. areas OR (B) Uliteracy is a major roadblock to development, often resulting in the disempowerment of vulnerable communities. Iliterates are unable to read any signs, or health warnings and obtain the benefit of government services and programs. They often fail to see the value of education for their own children resulting in the perpetuation of the poverty cycle that afflicts most illiterates. The Cultural Society of Sunflower Public School, Nellore has been actively involved in adult education, Recently, it organized an adult literacy camp. Write a report as S Venugopal. Waiting THE THREE RSPL3 n P.T.OSection C—LITERATURE (40 Marks) IV. Read the given extracts to attempt the questions with reference to context. 1. Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given. (1x6=6) (A) Perhaps the Earth can teach us As when everything seems dead And later proves to be alive Now T'll count up to twelve And you keep quiet and I will go. (Keeping Quiet) (a) According to the poet, the lesson Earth will teach us is that (@ productivity is best nurtured in silence. (ii) we should keep moving in life. (iii) we should remain active like the earth. (iy) the process of regeneration should not be hampered. (b) The figure of speech used in ‘the Earth can teach us’ is (©) What is the irony in ‘everything seems dead’? (@ The Earth seems to be dead and lifeless. (ii) Man has caused havoc on earth by his harmful activities. Gii) The Earth is vibrant and alive. (iv) The Earth, the biggest creator, regenerates silently. (d) The poet wishes to leave the readers and go away because (e) Which of the following options is incongruous in its ability to complete this statement? The speaker says that he will count up to twelve because @ counting is part of meditation. (ii) he is teaching us the art of meditation. Gii) he wants us to value the power of silence. Gv) it, will make us understand the mistakes of others. (® The aim of introspection, contemplation and deep thinking is three-pronged RSPLS 12OR (B) Sometimes I feel myself I can hardly bear The thought of so much childish longing in vain, The sadness that lurks near the open window there, That waits all day in open prayer For the squeal of brakes, the sound of a stopping car Of all the selfish cars that pass Just one to inquire what a farmer's prices are And one did stop, but only to plow up grass In using the yard to back and turn around, : And another to ask the way to where it was bound. (A Roadside Stand) (a) Complete the statement given below. ‘The poet says that he can hardly bear the longing of the roadside stand farmers and finds it ‘childish’ because it is ____________ in its expectation. (b) Which of the given options would complete the blank given below? The poor farmers standing and waiting with their ordinary produce are ‘longing in vain’ because the city folk are too and to their plight. 1, indifferent 2. callous : 3. unrehearsed 4. easy-going 5. discourteous 6. blind (@ 1 and 2 (ii) 3 and 6 (iii) 3 and 4 (iv) 1 and 5 (©) In the line ‘The sadness that lurks near the open window there’ the literary device used is : (d) Complete the statement based on your understanding of the given extract. ‘The prayers of the poor farmer family get answered because RSPL3 13 P.T.O(e) The mood of the poet in the stanza is (i) apprehensive and sympathetic (ii) disappointed and grumpy (iii) casual and dismissive (iv) angry and opinionated (® ‘And one did stop, but only to plow up grass In using the yard to back and turn around’ The lines written above point at the driver was turning his vehicle around in a rush. (ii) the driver was asking for directions. (ii) the driver was perhaps rehearsing to reverse the car. (iv) the driver in annoyance damaged the grass in the yard. 2. Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given, (1x4=4) (A) From that day onwards it was celebration time for all the tigers inhabiting Pratibandapuram. The state banned tiger hunting by anyone except the Maharaja. A proclamation was issued to the effect that if anyone dared to fling so much as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property would be confiscated. The Maharaja vowed he would attend to all other matters only after killing the hundred tigers. Initially the king seemed well set to realise his ambition. Not that he faced no dangers. There were times when the bullet missed its mark, the tiger leapt upon him and he fought the beast with his bare hands. Each time it was the Maharaja who won: (The Tiger King) (a) On the basis of this passage, pick the best combination of options that enumerates the characteristics of the king. 1, fearless 2. credulous 3. conceited 4, wilful 5, disparaging 6. apathetie (@) 1, 2 and 4 ii) 2, 8 and 5 (iii) 2, 8 and 6 (iv) 3, 4 and 6 RSPLIS 14(b) The tone of the author when he says, ‘it was celebration time for all tigers’ is (i) sympathetic Gi) humourous (iii) sareastic (iv) solemn (c) What does the statement ‘A proclamation was issued to the effect that if anyone dared to fling so much as a stone at a tiger, all his wealth and property would be confiscated’ tell us about the plight of the citizens? (@) How would you explain the incongruity in the statements given below? ‘There were times when the bullet missed its mark’ ‘Each time it was the Maharaja who won.’ OR (B) You lose all earthly sense of perspective and time here. The visual scale ranges from the microscopic to the mighty: midges and mites to blue whales and icebergs as big as countries (the largest recorded was the size of Belgium). Days go on and on and on in surreal 24-hour austral summer light, and a ubiquitous silence, interrupted only by the occasional avalanche or calving ice sheet, consecrates the place. It’s an immersion that will foree you to place yourself in the context of the earth’s geological history. And for humans, the prognosis isn't good. (Journey to the End of the Earth) (a) Answer in a word or two only. : ‘The range of the ‘visual scale’ in Antaretiea as mentioned by the author is ioe : (b) Choose the correct option with respect to the statements given below. Statement 1: It’s an immersion that will force you to place yourself in the context of the earth's geological history. Statement 2: And for humans, the prognosis isn’t good. (i) If Statement 1 is the cause, Statement 2 is the effect. i) Tf Statement 1 is the effect, Statement 2 is the cause. (iii) Both the statements are the effects of a common cause. (iv) Both the statements are the effects of independent causes. RSPL3 15 P.T.O(c) The ubiquitous silence that sanctifies Antarctica is unsettled occasionally by the sporadic (d) Which word would not appropriately describe the atmosphere of tranquillity in Antarctica? (@ pervasive Gi) omniseient Gii) omnipresent (iv) universal 3. Attempt ANY ONE of the two extracts given. (1x6=6) (A) She still has bangles on her wrist, but no light in her eyes. “Ek waqt ser bhar khana bhi nahin khaya.” she says, in a voice drained of joy. She has not enjoyed even one full meal in her entire lifetime-that's what she has reaped! Her husband, an old man with a flowing beard says, “I know nothing except bangles. All I have done is make a house for the family to live in.” Hearing him one wonders if he has achieved what many have failed in their lifetime. He has a roof over his head! The cry of not having money to do anything except carry on the business of making bangles, not even enough to eat, rings in every home. The young men echo the lament of the elders. Little has moved with time, it seems in Firozabad, years of mind-numbing toil have killed all initiative and the ability to dream. (Lost Spring) (a) What do the bangles symbolise for both the men and the women of Ferozabad who are engaged in the bangle-making industry? (b) What is the attitude of the author towards the old man’s words? The author finds it G) admirable Gi)_pessimistie (iii) modest (iv) boastful RSPL3 16(c) Pick out the option that does not correctly interpret the phrase ‘rings in every home’. (@ Poverty among bangle-makers is all-pervasive. (i) The people are themselves responsible for getting trapped in poverty. ii) Poverty has killed all initiative and dreams. (iv) It is the plight of every family in Firozabad. (d) The author’s take on the lives of the bangle-makers as reflected in the words ‘that's what she has reaped!’ is (e) Replace the underlined word with a synonym that perfectly resonates with it. “The young men echo the lament of the elders.’ (f) Which of the given options best encapsulates the part that would complete the statement given below? The words ‘carry on the business of making bangles’ means that (i) it is an inescapable fate for the bangle-makers. Gi) that’s the only occupation they know. Gii) it is a part of their daily routine. (iv) it is slowly becoming a profitable business for them, OR (B) Then I started down a third time. I sucked for air and got water. the yellowish light was going out. Then all effort ceased. I relaxed. Even my legs felt limp; and a blackness swept over my brain. It wiped out fear; it wiped out terror. There was no more panic. It was quiet and peaceful. Nothing to be afraid of. This is nice... to be drowsy... to go to sleep... no need to jump... too tired to jump... it’s nice to be carried gently... to float along in space... tender arms around me... tender arms like Mother's... now I must go to sleep... I crossed to oblivion, and the curtain of life fell. (Deep Water) RSPL3 a7 P.T.ORSPL3 (a) (b) io) (d) {e) (f Choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below. Statement 1: The author tried his best to reach the surface of the water. Statement 2: After a while, Douglas gave up being anxious and fearful in water, (i) If Statement 1 is the cause, Statement 2 is the effect. (ii) If Statement 1 is the effect, Statement 2 is the cause, (iii) Both the statements are the effects of a common cause. (iv) Both the statements are the effects of independent causes. ‘The author ends the given paragraph about the seemingly long struggle of little Douglas with the words ‘and the curtain of life fell’ How does he involve the reader into it? In the lines given below, whose arms are being referred to? ‘it’s nice to be carried gently... to float along in space... tender arms around me... tender arms like Mother's...” @ his mother’s (ii) his swimming instructor's (iii) the prankster teenager's (iv) a rescuer’s arms Which of the following words will complete the blank given in the sentence below? When the curtain of life fell, Douglas surrendered before death and with crossed to oblivion. (i) fear Gi) anxiety (ii) serenity (iv) panie The author in the given extract shows gradation of various stages of fear. Complete the chain given below. Fear : Terror : Panic : The author has used this figure of speech with this meaning in - tender arms around me... tender arms like Mother's...’ (i) simile, comfort (ii) metaphor, softness (iii) repetition, anxiety (iv) paradox, the arms don’t belong to his mother 18,V. Answer ANY FIVE of the following in about 40-50 words each. (5x2=10) (a) Why did Sophie like her brother Geoff more than any other person? From her perspective, what did he symbolise? (b) There is a saying ‘Kindness pays, rudeness doesn’t. In the story, ‘The Rattrap’ Edla’s attitude towards life differed from her father’s. How do the values of kindness and compassion help her help the peddler? (©) We smile when we meet someone and do the same while saying goodbye. The poet also smiles as she bids farewell to her mother and assures her that they would meet again. But her smile is neither genuine, nor sincere. Bring out the significance and irony of the smile of the poet at the airport. (@ ‘Prose writing is not and cannot be the true pursuit of a genius’, says the author. Explain the statement with reference to the chapter ‘Poets and Pancakes’ (e) Why does aunt Jennifer find ‘the ivory needle hard to pull’? (f) What images does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the Earth in ‘A Thing of Beauty’? VI. Answer ANY TWO of the following in about 40-50 words each. (2x2=4) {a) Do you agree with the statement and observation of the American professor, ‘Ignorance of the human body is the surgeon’s cardinal sin’? Which essential trait is he emphasizing? (b) People may profess love for plants but they have different attitudes towards weeds and ornamental flowering plants. Why is one green growing plant called a weed and another flower? What truth of life does Mr Lamb wish to highlight by this statement? (©) De you agree with the Maharaja's statement, ‘You may kill even a cow in self-defence.’ Does it have any association with the killing of the tigers by the Tiger King? RSPLIS 19 PeVII. Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (1x5=5) (A) “Oh, how sorry I was for not learning my lessons, for seeking birds’ eggs, or going sliding on the Saar! Education plays an imperative role in breaking down barriers of poverty, ignorance and social prejudice. Write a note on the importance of education in our lives. OR (B) The lesson ‘Indigo’ records how Gandhi showed patriotism as not merely proclaiming love for the nation in slogans and | songs; it entails respect for the values and laws of a nation | and above all love for its people in deeds. Express your views regarding the need for inculcating patriotism in youth today and how it has changed in its essence. VIIL Answer ANY ONE of the following in about 120-150 words. (1x5=5) (A) “The modern world is full of insecurity, fear, war, worry and stress”, And to overcome them, Charley, Sam and Louisa adopted their own ways- they all wanted to escape to Galesburg which existed in 1894. What do you think of this human tendency to constantly desire to move between the past, the present and the future? ‘ OR (B) Although both the stories in ‘Memories of Childhood’ are set in different parts of the world and in two distant cultures, they still have a similar theme. They show the hardships and sufferings of the marginal communities in different parts of the world. Comment. RSPLIS 20