SSC English October 2014 Board Paper
ENGLISH KUMARBHARTI
Time : 3 hrs. OCTOBER. 2014 Marks: 80
SECTION I: READING SKILLS, VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR
Q.I.(A)Read the following passage carefully and complete the activities that follow:
A 1. True or False :
State whether the following statements are true or false :
(1) Rocks take the shape that the water commands.
(2) The spider webs are delicate as well as weak.
(3) Our problems are big and so are we,
(4) The teamwork and perseverance of ants was impressive.
ANS. A. 1. (i) True, (ii) False, (iii) False, (iv) True.
We went to a rocky beach and saw the spread of the majestic ocean and the rocks alongside, carved, sculpted and shaped by the water. Water is so gentle, rock so hard, yet, as the water flows over it every day, for years, the rock gives in. It takes the shape that the water commands. Our problems are so colossal and we are so small, yet if we persist...
We saw a small bits of grass peeping through the small cracks in a concrete pavement. It left us thinking : however impossible things may look, there is always an opening....
We saw a tree bare of all leaves in the cold winter months. We thought its chapter was over. But three months passed, spring set in and the tree was back to its green majesty once again, full of leaves, flowers, birds and life. What if we too had the conviction that, however difficult things are right now, it will not remain so for ever. Remember, this too shall pass.
We saw an army of ants lugging a fly which was at least ten times the ant's size. The ants organized themselves around the fly, lified it on frail feelers and carried it to quite a distance. Their teamwork and perseverance were impressive. What if we too are consistent, organized, focussed. Spider webs are delicate, yet very strong. A rainbow colours the entire sky.
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A2. Complete : (2)
(1) Bits of grass leaves us thinking that _________
(2) If we have the conviction, then _________
(3) The rock is formed by _________
(4) Ants teach us_____________
Ans.
(i) Bits of grass leave us thinking that however impossible things may look, there is always an opening.
(ii) If we have the conviction, then difficult things too shall pass.
(iii) The rock is formed by the command of water.
(iv) Ants teach us teamwork and perseverance.
A3. Frame meaningful sentences with the given words: (2)
impressive, passion.
Ans. (i) Impressive: My friend had an impressive look at the meeting when we met first time.
(ii) Passion: My sister has a passion for new designed fashioned clothes.
A. 4. Past perfect tense.
(a) Choose the sentence with Past Perfect Tense from the sentences given below.
(i) The ants had organized themselves around the fly.
(ii) The ants organized themselves around the fly.
(iii) The ants have organized themselves around the fly.
Ans. (i) The ants had organized themselves around the fly.
(b) A rainbow colours the entire sky. (Begin the sentence with ‘The entire sky...’)
Ans. The entire sky is coloured by a rainbow.
A. 5. Personal response.
How has Nature inspired you?
Without nature we are nothing. We can imagine a peaceful world without human beings but we cannot imagine a world without trees, rivers, mountains and each and every aspects of nature. We should protect and preserve our nature.
Q. I (B) Read passage and complete the activities given below: 10
B1. Guess and Write: Complete the following: (2)
(i) Strong physical, mental and technical qualities helped her ___________
(ii) A never say-die attitude helped her _______________
(iii) Author had high regard for Indian sportswomen because ____________
(iv) Her performance is more creditable because _________________
Ans.
(i) Strong physical, mental and technical qualities helped her to be the best in the world.
(ii) A never say - die attitude helped her not to give up easily even when the odds are against her.
(iii) The author had high regard for Indian Sports Women because they face a lot more challenges compared to men.
(iv) Her performance is more creditable because the game is physically so demanding.
For Indian badminton, it is one of the best occasions in recent times to raise a toast. For Saina Nehwal, personally, it has been three great weeks of consistent performance. Basically there are three aspects that go into the making a badminton star like in most other sports - technical, physical and mental. Abundance of all three attributes is vital to be among the best in the world. She has it all. That is the major difference between her and the other Indian girls. Most often, they have just two of these qualities.
Saina is exceptional. She is technically sound, physically fit and mentally strong which gives her an edge over others. Another great quality is her self-belief and "never say-die' attitude. She does not give up easily even when the odds are against her. In a sport like badminton, her performances are all the more creditable since the game is physically so demanding.
Personally, I have a very high regard for Indian sports women who excel at the highest level since they face a lot more challenges compared to men because of the nature of our society. This is more so during the early phase of their career and the parents have to make a lot of sacrifices to travel with them for their practice sessions well as tournaments.
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B. 2. Web,
Complete the following web.
Ans. Qualities of Saina 
B. 3. Phrases
Write from the passage, phrases that mean:
(i) to cheer someone for a great achievement.
(ii) to give one an over someone else.
Ans. (i) to raise a toast.
(ii) to give an edge over others.
B. 4. (a) Preposition
Pick out the prepositions:
(i) That is the major difference between her and other Indian girls.
(ii) I have a very high regard for Indian sportswomen.
Ans. (i) between
(ii) for
(b) Select
She has it all. (Select the correct interrogative form of the given statement)
(i) Doesn’t she have it all?
(ii) Hasn’t she had it all?
(iii) Doesn’t she has it all?
Ans. Doesn’t she have it all?
B. 5. Personal Response
What are the challenges faced by Indian Sportsmen/Sportswomen.
Ans. Political influences in Indian sports is a major problem. Lack of proper guidance, direction, coaching, family support, finance, etc are also the major problems faced by Indian Sportsmen/Sportswomen.
Q 2. A. 1. Properties
Mention any 4 properties of Haldi in the following diagram.
Ans. 
This plant, with its high resistance to insects, pests and fungi and its adaptability to various soils and climates, is extensively cultivated in Sri Lanka, Indo-China and parts of China. India is by far the largest producer and consumer of turmeric in the world. In the country, the States of Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala form the main turmeric growing belt, often cultivating the plant in rotation with rice or sugarcane or as a mixed crop with vegetables (this is not widely practised as it is believed that it affects yields). Over the last few decades, turmeric has ranked third, after black pepper and cardamom, as a spice export from India.
Because this spice contains essential oils that exude a distinct aroma and flavour, enriching the sumptuousness of food and its antioxidant properties help to preserve pickles and chutneys, it is very important to the rice-eating people of south and south-eastern Asia. In fact, the people of Asia consume the largest quantity of turmeric as it is used as an additive in many vegetables, meat and fish preparations.
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A. 2. Answer. [2]
(i) What are the requirements necessary for turmeric plant to grow?
Ans. Air, water, soil and sunlight are the requirements necessary for turmeric plant to grow.
(ii) Why is turmeric used in pickles and chutneys?
Ans. To preserve them for a span of time turmeric is used in pickles and chutneys.
A3. Pick out Antonyms from the passage for the following. [2]
Ans. (i) import x export
(ii) unclear x clear
(iii) before x after
(iv) acceptance x resistance.
A4. Articles.
(i) India is largest producer and consumer of turmeric in world.
(Insert articles wherever necessary in the given sentence)
Ans. India is the largest producer and consumer of turmeric of turmeric in the world.
(ii) Turmeric helps to preserve pickles and chutneys.
(Rewrite using the noun form of the underlined word)
Ans. Turmeric helps in the preservation of pickles and chutneys.
A 5. Personal Response
You have read about turmeric and its uses. Think of any other plant and write its uses.
Ans. Neem is a tree. The bark, leaves, and seeds are used to make medicine. Less frequently, the root, flower, and fruit are also used.
Neem leaf is used for leprosy, eye disorders, bloody nose, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, fever, diabetes, gum disease, and liver problems. The leaf is also used for birth control and to cause abortions.
Neem leaf is used for leprosy, eye disorders, bloody nose, intestinal worms, stomach upset, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, fever, diabetes, gum disease, and liver problems. The leaf is also used for birth control and to cause abortions.
B. Read the following passage and complete the activities given below. [10]
B1. Tick the correct group with the help of the following passage in the given table: [2]
Word
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Cave
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Language
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Brahmi
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Jogimara
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Prakrit
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Sita Bengra
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Ans.
Word
|
Cave
|
Language
|
Brahmi
|
✅
| |
Jogimara
|
✅
| |
Prakrit
|
✅
| |
Sita Bengra
|
✅
|
The Ramgiri hills have two main caves, Sita Bengra and Jogimara. On the walls of the latter are the earliest love verses in Brahmi script. The language, curiously, is not Sanskrit but Prakrit, which was spoken by the masses then. The translations reads: "Roopdaksh Devdin is enamoured by Devdasi Sutunuka." Roopdaksh is a sculptor, Devdasi a dancer.
Brahmi is one of the oldest scripts of the Asian subcontinent. Contemporary of the Mauryan, dynasty, its specimens are visible on several rock-cut structures that date back to the 3rd and 4th century B.C. The Ramgiri inscriptions date back to around 2nd century B.C. Little is known about the origins of Devdin or Sutunuka, except a probability that the sculptor belonged to Varanasi, around 350 km away.
The Jogimara cave also has multi-coloured paintings, which eminent cultural critic Anand Coomaraswamy dated back to 1st century. “Coomaraswamy called these the oldest historical paintings in India. These are older than the Ajanta paintings,” Raipur museum director and noted archaeologist Rahul Singh says.
B. 2. Select the correct alternatives from the bracket and rewrite the sentences: [2]
(i) The Jogimara has _________ coloured paintings. (multi - / single)
(ii) Roopdaksh is a _____________ (writer/ sculptor)
(iii) Sutunuka was ______________ (singer / dancer)
(iv) Rahul singh is an __________ (Archaeologist / Geologist)
Ans.
(i) The Jogimara has multi - coloured paintings.
(ii) Roopadaksh is a sculptor.
(iii) Sutunuka was a dancer.
(iv) Rahul Singh is an archaelogist.
B. 3. Complete the following cross - words with the help of the the clues given below: [2]
Down:
(1) Mode of communications
(2) The beginning point of something.
Across:
(3) One of the oldest languages of the World
(4) A natural hollow inside a hill
Ans.
B. 4. (i) Brahmi is one of the oldest scripts of the Asian sub - continent. (Start with ‘Very few’ and rewrite the sentence) (1)
Ans. Very few scripts of the Asian subcontinent are so old as Brahmi.
(ii) Ramgiri hills have two main caves. (Select the correct tag)
(a) don’t they?
(b) doesn’t they?
(c) aren’t they?
Ans. Ramgiri hills have two main caves, don’t they?
B. 5. Historical monuments are often defaced by visitors. Do you think it is right to do so? Why?
Ans. It is not right to deface our historical monuments. Since, they are the true faces of our culture represented through monuments. If we deface them it will spoil their beauty, significance and their grandeur. It will also spoil our culture.
SECTION II : POETRY
Q. 3. A. Read the following extract carefully and complete the activities given below. [5]
A. 1. Web.
Complete the following web with the activities of birds and animals as mentioned in the poem. [2]
Ans.
There was a roaring in the wind all night,
The rain came heavily and fell in floods,
But now the sun is rising calm and bright,
The birds are singing in the distant woods,
Over his own sweet voice the Stock-dove broods,
The Jay makes answer as the Magpie chatters;
And all the air is filled with pleasant noise of waters.
All things that love the sun are out of doors,
The sky rejoices in the morning's birth,
The grass is bright with rain drops on the moors
The hare is running races in her mirth,
And with her feet she from the plashy earth
Raises a mist, that, glittering in the sun,
Runs with her all the way, wherever she doth run
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A. 2. How does the poet describe the following? [2]
rain grass air mist
Ans. (i) heavy rain
(ii) bright grass
(iii) air filled with noise of the waters
(iv) glittering mist
A. 3. Poetic Device: (1)
The sky rejoices in the morning’s birth
The sky is given human quality
The figure of speech is -
Ans. The figure of speech is Personification.
(B) Read the following extract of the poem and complete the activities given below: [5]
B. 1. Find Proof.
Find the lines from the given extract to prove the following statements. [2]
(i) Mother is repenting for not giving time to the child. (Ans. _________)
(ii) The child is now an adult. (Ans. __________)
(iii) Mother would walk noiselessly. (Ans. ___________)
(iv) Mother makes excuses. (Ans. ______________)
Ans.
(i) I wish I’d stayed a minute more.
(ii) No longer is he at your side.
(iii) The tiptoe softly to the door.
(iv) A little later, son.
My hands were busy through the day,
I didn't have much time to play.
The little games you asked me to.
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me please to share your fun.
I'd say, "A little later, son."
I'd tuck you in all safe at night
and hear your prayers, turn out the lights,
Then tip toe softly to the door.
I wish I'd stayed a minute more.
For life is short, the years rush past.
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side
His precious secrets to confide.
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B. 2. Complete from the poem the mother’s activities: (One has been done for you) [2]
- She would tuck him in bed.
(i) Mother would ____________
(ii) Mother would ____________
(iii) Mother would ____________
(iv) Mother would ____________
Ans.
(i) Mother would wash clothes and sew and cook.
(ii) Mother would tiptoe softly to the door.
(iii) Mother would hear her son pray.
(iv) Mother would turn off the light.
B. 3. Rhyme Scheme: [1]
The rhyme scheme for the first four lines is:
(i) aabb (ii) abab (iii) bbab
Ans. The rhyme scheme for the first four lines is aabb.
SECTION III : RAPID READING
Q . 4 . (A) Read the following passage carefully and complete the activities given below:
A. 1. Match (1 marks)
Characters
|
Their Actions
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(i) Doctor
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gratitude
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(ii) Patient
|
a stern look
|
bewilderment
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Ans.
Characters
|
Their Actions
|
(i) Doctor
|
A stern look
|
(ii) Patient
|
bewilderment
|
He sent away the assistant and sat beside the patient. At about eleven the patient opened his eyes and smiled at his friend. He showed a slight improvement, he was able to take in a little food. A great feeling of relief and joy went through the household. They swarmed around the doctor and poured out their gratitude. He sat in his seat beside the bed, gazing sternly at the patient's face, hardly showing any signs of hearing what they were saying to him. The sick man's wife asked, "Is he now out of danger ?" Without turning his head the doctor said, "Give glucose and brandy every forty minutes, just a couple of spoons will do." The lady went away to the kitchen. She felt restless. She felt she must know the truth whatever it was. Why was the great man so evasive 2 The suspense was unbearable. Perhaps he could not speak so near the patient's bed. She beckoned to him from the kitchen doorway. The doctor rose and went over. She asked, "What about him now? How is he?” The doctor bit his lips and replied, looking at the floor, "Don't get excited. Unless you must know about it, don't ask now." Her eyes opened wide in a terror. She clasped her hands together and implored, "Tell me the truth." The doctor replied, "I would rather not talk to you know." He turned round and went back to his chair. A terrible wailing shot through the still house, the patient stirred and looked about in bewilderment. The doctor go up again, went over to the kitchen door, drew it in securely and shut of the wail.
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A. 2. Complete (2)
(i) A great feeling of relief and joy went through the household because __________
(ii) The lady was restless because ____________
Ans. (i) A great feeling of relief and joy went through the household because the patient showed slight improvement.
(ii) The lady was restless because she wanted to know the truth about the condition of her husband from the doctor.
A. 3. Personal Response [2]
The doctor was not ready to share any information about the patient to his wife. Give the reasons.
Ans. The doctor really don’t want the patient’s wife to get shock by knowing her husband's critical conditions. Thus the doctor was not ready to share any information about the patient to his wife as he did not want to put her through stress.
SECTION IV: WRITING SKILL
Q.5. (A) Letter Writing:
A 1. Letter:
Imagine Prithvi as your classmate and write a letter congratulating him on the grand success. Take points from the following news:
OR
A. 2. Letter Writing: Look at the following news and write a letter to the forest officer, Marathwada region, Aurangabad to take strong action to increase the number of birds.
Q.5.(B) B 1. OR B2. : Do any one of the following activities:
B1. Report Writing:
B2.
Take the help of the above hints and prepare a report.
OR
B. 2. Interview Writing:
With a proper beginning and conclusion prepare a list of 10 questions to interview Dr. Narverkar, the chief guest at the science exhibition.
Ans.
The following questions formed part of the interview the interviewer
had with Dr Narverkar, the Chief Guest at the recently held Science
exhibition held in the city.
1. Who inspired you to become a scientist?
2. What was your dream as a young student?
3. To what extent have you achieved your dream?
4. Whom do you attribute your success to?
5. What is your take on the role of Science in human life today?
6. How would you rate the success of the exhibition that you have just visited?
7. What is your view about the working models prepared by the students?
8. Please express your views about the level of Science input given at the school level.
9. With regard to the field of Science, what kind of a future do you desire for India?
10. Please share your message of motivation to our young students.
Dr Narverkar was delighted to share his mental space with the interviewer by answering the above questions at the recently concluded interview.
Q. 6. (A) Information Transfer:
A 1. Transfer the information about the Water-cycle given in the flow chart into a paragraph:
Ans.
Water-Cycle
It is common knowledge that the sunrays absorb water from the surface of the Earth — namely seas, streams, rivers and other such water bodies. This gets converted into water vapour and thus rises. As it goes higher, it becomes cooler and begins to move. Various particles ofvapour collect together and condense to form clouds which when become too heavy are difficult to sustain. The condensed vapour in these clouds then comes down in the form of rains and fills the various water bodies from where once again it evaporates with the heat of the Sun and thus, the cycle of water is maintained.
OR.
Q. 6. (B) B.1. or B. 2. Do any one of the following activities. [5]
B. 1. Prepare a speech to be delivered by you on the occasion of Independence Day laying stress on Value of Freedom: [5 marks]
Ans.
My dear teachers and fellow students,
Good morning to all my respected teachers, parents and dear friends. Today we have gathered here to celebrate this great national event. As we all know that Independence day is an auspicious occasion for all of us. India’s Independence Day is the most important day to all the Indian citizens and has been mentioned forever in the history. It is the day when we got freedom from the British rule after many years of hard struggle by the great freedom fighters of India. We celebrate independence day every year on 15th of August to remember the first day of freedom of India as well as remember all the sacrifices of the great leaders who have sacrificed their lives in getting freedom for India.
Teachers and leaders assemble in a public place to give their patriotic speeches to the people, promising to save the sovereignty and integrity of our vast country. The great sacrifice of great Indian leaders who dedicated their valuable lives for the cause of the country's freedom in the past, is reverently remembered. The tri-colour flag is unfurled by the Prime Minister with the National Anthem being sung vocally or played on musical instruments. A salute of 31 guns is fired and from the sky, petals of red roses are showered from the army helicopters in the city streets, Every Indian must take an oath on the Independence Day to remain loyal and patriotic and to save his beloved motherland from any outside attack or humiliation, even at the cost of their lives.
We are so lucky that our forefathers have given us a land of peace and happy where we can sleep whole night without fear and enjoy whole day in our school or home. Our country is developing very fast in the field of technology, education, sports, finance and various other fields which were almost impossible before freedom. India is one of the countries rich in nuclear power. We are going ahead by actively participating in the sports like Olympics, Commonwealth games and Asian games. We have full rights to chose our government and enjoy largest democracy in the world. Yes, we are free and have complete freedom however we should not understand ourselves free of responsibilities towards our country. As being responsible citizens of the country, we should be always ready to handle any emergency condition in our country.
OR
Ans. internet is the need of Independent India.
A couple of decades ago, the internet was considered a luxury. Today, it is a necessity. Not only does it provide exposure, it has made the world a global village. Every possible field extracts valuable use from the internet, and it also generates innumerable employment opportunities. In our world of today, marked by scientific progress and technologcal advancement, the internet is one of the most desirable means of communucation. In addition to the great speed at which one can access information, it offers global connectivity in an instant thus bridging the geographical gap. It is also an extensive storehouse of information in various formats. Further, the internet enables one to download music, songs, movies and opens up a world of wonder and magic before us. Thus, it is indeed the need of Independent India.
Q. 7. Expansion of an idea (Any one): [ 5 Marks]
