English Question Paper 2017 [AHSEC Class 11 English Question Papers]

English Question Paper 2017
[AHSEC Class 11 English Question Papers]

Full Marks: 90

Time: 3 hours

SECTION – A (Reading)

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

Look at the opposition between the pen and the sword. The sword can only destroy, ideas also can destroy – the ideas of Bolshevism destroyed Czarism; the ideas of Voltaire and Rousseau destroyed the French aristocracy. But ideas can also build, whereas the sword can only destroy.

It is in fact the power of ideas which has brought us out of barbarism into such civilization as we have been able to achieve. “In what”, asked Aristotle, “Does man differ from the animal?” and answered, “it is by virtue of a reason.” The greatness of man consists in his thinking. The universe is vast, and man is tiny, but man has one advantage over the universe. He knows it is vast and he is tiny, but the universe does not.

In this sense, that it is to ideas and not to violence, to the pen and not to the sword, that man owes whatever has distinguished him from animals, whatever has enabled him to rise above a purely savage condition. For the pen is the vehicle of thought, and it is by thought that man is enabled to voyage through the infinite in philosophy, to unlock the secrets of the universe, to create beauty and to commune with God,

Questions:

(a) (i) What destroyed Czarism? 1

Ans: The ideas of Bolshevism destroyed Czarism

(ii) Who were responsible for the fall of the French aristocracy? 1

(iii) What has brought humankind out of barbarism into civilization? 1

(iv) What does the pen represent here? 1

(v) How do ideas and the sword differ from each other? 2

(vi) What, according to Aristotle, makes man different from the animal? 2

(vii) What is the one advantage that man has over the universe? 2

(b) Pick out words from the passage that mean the following: 1x2=2

(i) People of noble birth or rank.

(ii) Primitive condition.

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

1) How does television affect our lives? It can be very helpful to people who carefully choose the shows that they watch. Television can increase out knowledge of the outside world; there are high-quality programmes that help us understand many fields of study such as science, medicine, the arts, and so on. Moreover, television benefits very old people who cannot often leave the house as well as patients in hospitals. It also offers non-native speakers the advantage of daily informal language practice. They can increase their vocabulary and practice listening.

2) On the other hand, there are several serious disadvantages of television. Of course, it provides us with a pleasant way to relax and spend our free time, but in some countries, people watch the ‘boob-tube’ for an average of six hours or more a day. Many children stare at a television screen for more hours each day than they do anything else, including studying and sleeping. It’s clear that the tube has a powerful influence on their lives and that its influence is often negative.

3) Recent studies show that after only thirty seconds of television watching, a person’s brain ‘relaxes’ the same way that it does just before the person falls asleep. Another effect of television on the human brain is that it seems to cause poor concentration. Children who view a lot of television can often concentrate on a subject for only 15 to 20 minutes.

4) Another disadvantage is that television often causes people to become dissatisfied with their own lives. Real life does not seem as exciting to these people as the lives of actors on the screen. To many people, television becomes more real than reality and their own lives seem boring. Also, many people get upset or depressed when they cannot solve problems in real life as quickly as television actors seem to.

5) Before a child is 14 years old, he or she views eleven thousand murders on the tube. He or she begins to believe that there is nothing strange about fights, killings and other kinds of violence. Many studies show that people become more violent after certain programmes. They may even do things that they have seen in a violent show.

6) The most negative effect of the ‘boob tube’ might be people’s addiction to it. People often feel a strange and powerful need to watch television even when they do not enjoy it. Addiction to a television screen is similar to drug or alcohol addiction. People almost never believe they are addicted.

Question:

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. 5

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

SECTION – B

(Writing)

3. You are arranging an excursion trip to Shillong planned in the last week of April. Write a paragraph on your preparations to your classmates in about 100 words given all relevant details. 6

Ans: Excursions and outings are the important means of recreation. So we decided to recreate something by arranging a picnic to Shillong. 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 shillong we will also go to Air Force Museum, Ever Living Museum and Elephant falls. For this purpose we will hire a guide. So that we could have a pleasant trip at a world heritage site of shillong. 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 Shillong was welcomed by my classmates with shouts of applause.

Your school/college observed the Human Rights Day recently. Prepare a report on the daylong programme in about 80 words to be published in a local daily. 6

Ans: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY CELEBRATION

Tinsukia, 10^th Dec,2017: Tinsukia College celebrated the Human Rights Day on 10^th Dec 2017 to honor the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption and proclamation of the UDHR, The first global enunciation on Human Rights. On this auspicious occasion Principal of Tinsukia College Dr. S.D. Sharma shared his views on human rights as well as fundamental rights. Students as well as faculty members participated in the celebration. Under the leadership of Prof. R.N Dasan easy writing completion was organized on Human Rights. A peace rally in the town was also organized to give awareness on Human Rights to the society The rally started at 1.00 pm and it ended by 3.00pm. During the rally, time the young adults distributed hand-outs of 30 articles printed in local language to the Public. Around 1000 hand-outs were distributed to the public received with happiness..Many cultural programs were also organized in college like singing , dancing etc. The programme ended with national anthem.

4. Write a speech to be delivered in the school/college assembly on ‘Importance of Discipline in Life’.

Ans:

Discipline

Respected Principal sir, teachers and dear friends.

I am Mohini of class XI. Today I will speak on the value of discipline in life. It is rightly said by Swami Dayanand, that “Discipline is necessary not only in schools and colleges, but in all walks of life. Absence of discipline will lead to chaos and confusion in life”.

Discipline is the key to keeping things in order. It is absolutely essential for the growth and development of an individual and a healthy society. It is indispensable for everyone in all spheres of life, i.e., at home, school, playground, society, in service, public life and everywhere.

Discipline must be inculcated early in life. If the child is allowed unchecked freedom, it becomes wayward. Student life is the seed time of life. Hence, the value of discipline in academic life cannot be underestimated.

Proper counselling and guidance by parents and teachers can help the students to maintain discipline. Punishment, physical or financial, cannot be a corrective measure.

Thank you!

Write an article for your school/college magazine on the need to fight environmental degradation in our country.

Ans: Environmental Degradation

Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of physical components of the environment brought in by human activities to such an extent that it cannot be set right by self regulatory mechanism of environment. It is the result of developmental processes of economic and technological activities of man. It is caused by several forms of pollution, depletion of natural resources; increasing dependence on energy consuming and ecologically damaging technologies, depletion of forest cover has become a global concern.

The environmental crisis is ascribed to exponential growth in human population, fast expanding industries and philosophical religious outlook of society. Man’s cruel behaviour with environments accelerated the pace of scientific and technological advancement.

Environmental degradation is divided into two categories on the basis of factors responsible for lowering of environmental quality. They are Extreme Events or Hazards and Pollution.

Resources are meant not only for utilisation of present but for future generation also. So it is very necessary to maintain a balance between growth of population and utilisation of resources which will ensure the continuity of the human race.

Any imbalance in either of the two may disrupt the continuity of our economic, social and cultural environment. To consume natural resources, renewable sources must be enhanced and used and non renewable sources must be used as economically as possible. Various environmental programmes have been set up to conserve the environment

5. You are Ranjan/Ragini. You have seen an advertisement in The Assam Tribune for the post of Assistant Teacher in an L. P. School in Goalpara. Write an application to the Headmaster of the school in response to the advertisement. Mention all relevant details. 8

Ans:

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

23^rd Febuary, 20XX

The Headmaster

L. P. School, Goalpara

Subject: An application for the post of Assistant Teacher in Mathematics

Sir,

This is in esponse to your advertisement in ‘The Assam Tribune’ dated 22/2/20XX regarding the post of a ‘Assistant Teacher in Mathematics’. I wish to apply for the same post.

I am outgoing, deligent and open to learning and have good command over English speaking. I have all the requisite qualification and experience. I did my graduation from Sri Ram College, Delhi in Commerce stream. I worked as a maths teacher in A New High School, Tinsukia for 1 year. I wish to bring difference in the lives of people through education.

As regard my qualification and experience , I am enclosing my bio- data for your kind consideration. I shall be available for an interview on any day of your convenience.

If selected I shall discharge my duties with utmost devotion and sincerity to your full satisfaction.

Yours sincerely

Arunabh

ENCLOSURE:

1.Testimonials

2.Bio- data

BIO-DATA

NAME : Sourabh/Rimpi

FATHER NAME : X

ADDESS : North Lakhimpur( Assam)

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 2^ND YEAR	AHSEC	TINSUKIA COLLEGE	86%	I
20XX	B.COM	DELHI UNIVERSITY	SRI RAM COLLEGE	76%	I

WORK EXPERIENCE:

S.No	Organisation	Position held	From	To
1	A New High School, Tinsukia	Maths 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 Ranjan/Ragini.

Place: Tinsukia Signature

Write a letter to the Editor of a local English Daily drawing attention of the authorities concerned to the nuisance of loudspeakers in your area.

Ans:

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

15^th Febuary,2017

The Editor

The Telegraph

Guwahati- 781001

Sub: Complaining about nuisance of loudspeakers.

Sir,

Through the esteemed columns of your newspaper, I want to draw the attention of the authorities towards the noise created by loudspeakers and vehicles.

Not a single day passes, when one cannot escape from the noisy atmosphere. The blaring( loud unpleasant noise) of loudspeakers at the time of religious ceremonies, birthday parties or wedding ceremonies adds to the noise in the area. People use the loudspeakers at a high volume, which harms our ears and other sensitive parts of the body. The vehicular pollution too disturbs our health. The patients are unable to have a sound sleep. The attention of the students is affected due to loud noise, and thus, puts a direct impact on their health and studies.

I request the authorities to take remedial steps in this regard and instruct to use the loud speakers at the lower pitch. This will definitely bring a relief to all. I hope my voice will reach to the authorities and the residents would be protected.

Thanking You

Yours faithfully Mohan/Anjali.

SECTION – C

(Grammar)

6. (a) Fill in the blanks with suitable determiners: ⅛ x 2 = 1

i. Do you need ____ help? (some/any)

ii. ____ of the boys was given a pen. (Every/Each)

(b) Rewrite the following sentences with the correct form of the verb given in brackets: ⅛ x 2 = 1

i. Football (play) all over the world.

ii. She behaves as if she (know) everything.

(c) Fill in the blanks with appropriate model auxiliaries (the sense of the sentence is indicated in the bracket): ⅛ x 2 = 1

i. He ____ pay his dues before he can be allowed to sit at the examination. (compulsion)

ii. He ____ listen to what his parents say. (moral duty)

(d) Correct the following: ⅛ x 2 = 1

i. Guwahati is one of the oldest city in the country.

ii. This city is known for its beautiful sceneries.

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

I said to her, “____ (How/When) are you?” She replied, “I’m fine. It’s so nice to see you ____ (returned/back/come) in our village again.”

(b) Rewrite the following sentences as directed: 1x2=2

i. Stephen Hawking is the most famous scientist of this generation. (use the comparative degree of ‘famous’)

ii. She Knows my address. (Make it a complex sentence)

8. Rearrange the words in the following to form meaningful sentences: 1x2=2

a) Shyam not know swim does to how.

b) He came I had left after place the.

SECTION – D

(Textual Questions)

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

a) The cardboard shows me how it was

When the two girl cousins went paddling

Each one holding one of my mother’s hands,

And she the big girl – some twelve years or so,

All three stood still to smile through their hair

At the uncle with the camera,

i. What does the cardboard show the poet? 1

ii. How did the girls go to the sea beach? 1

iii. Why did the two girl cousins hold one of the poet’s mother’s hands? 1

iv. Who clicked the three girls in the cardboard? 1

v. What kind of the childhood do the quoted line project? 4

b) I do not understand this child

Though we have lived together now

In the same house for years, I know

Nothing of him, so try to build

Up a relationship from how

He was when small.

i. Where do these lines occur? 1

ii. Why does the speaker say that he does not know this child? 1

iii. For how long have the father and son lived together? 1

iv. What does the speaker try to build? 1

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

10. Answer any two of the following questions: 3x2=6

a) How is the cyclic movement of rain brought out in the poem, The Voice of the Rain’?

b) The poet’s mother laughed at the snapshot. What did this laugh indicate?

c) What, according to the poem, Childhood, is involved in the process of growing up?

d) How is the father’s helplessness brought out in the poem, Father to Son?

11. Answer any five of the following questions: 2x5=10

a) What are the different ways in which we come to know that the author’s grandmother was a deeply religious person?

b) Contrast the Chinese view of art with the European view.

c) What does the notice ‘The world’s most dangerous animal’ at the cage in the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia, signify?

d) Why did the author Verrier Elwin say that he was an unconventional visitor?

e) Mention three ways in which the author’s grandmother spent her days after he grew up.

f) What does the Verrier Elwin have to say to the hill people of Assam?

12. (a) “The earth’s vital signs reveal a patient in declining health.” Elucidate. 6

(b) Describe the changing relationship between the author Khushwant Singh and his grandmother. Did their feeling for each other change?

13. (a) “English integrates India as a nation.” Discuss with examples from the story, Ranga’s Marriage. 6

(b) What do you make of Einstein’s nature from his conversations with his history teacher, his mathematics teacher and the head teacher?

14. Answer any two of the following in brief: 2x2=4

a) Why does Einstein think that learning facts is no education at all?

b) What were Ranga’s views on marriage?

c) How does the example of Einstein prove that the school system ends up by curbing individual talent?

English Question Paper 2017 [AHSEC Class 11 English Question Papers]