MAHARASHTRA HSC Model Activity Sheet for the Board Exam Practice Marks: 80 Sub. English Time: Three Hours |
SECTION I – PROSE
(Reading for Comprehension, Language Study, Summary, Mind Mapping)
Q.1 A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below. (12)
There was a pause as cars hooted on the road, jutka drivers swore at their horses and the babble of the crowd agitated the semi-darkness of the park. The other sat down, sucking his cheroot, puffing out, sat there ruthlessly. The astrologer felt very uncomfortable. "Here, take your anna back. I am not used to such challenges. It is late for me today….. He made preparations to bundle up. The other held his wrist and said, "You can't get out of it now. You dragged me in while I was passing." The astrologer shivered in his grip; and his voice shook and became faint. "Leave me today. I will speak to you tomorrow." The other thrust his palm in his face and said, "Challenge is challenge. Go on." The astrologer proceeded with his throat drying up. "There is a woman ……. "Stop," said the other. "I don't want all that. Shall I succeed in my present search or not? Answer this and go. Otherwise I will not let you go till you disgorge all your coins." The astrologer muttered a few and replied, "All right. I will speak. But will you give me a rupee if what I say is convincing? Otherwise, I will not open my mouth, and you may do what you like." After a good deal of haggling the other agreed. The astrologer said, "You were left for dead. Am I right?" "Ah, tell me more." "A knife has passed through you once?" said the astrologer. "Good fellow!" He bared his chest to show the scar. "What else?" "And then you were pushed into a well nearby in the field. You were left for dead." "I should have been dead if some passerby had not chanced to peep into the well," exclaimed the other, overwhelmed by enthusiasm. |
A1. Order (2)
Rearrange the jumbled order sentences as per the events happened.
1) The passer-by saved the stranger.
2) The astrologer gave secret information of the stranger.
3) The stranger insisted the astrologer to give answer to his question.
4) The astrologer refused to accept the challenge.
A2. Give information (2)
The astrologer gives information of the events happened in the life of the stranger. Write it.
A3. Give proof (2)
The astrologer feared due the encounter with the stranger. Give its proof from the extract.
A4. Personal Response (2)
Imagine you were in the place of the astrologer. Give your ways to deal with the stranger.
A5. Language Study (2)
(Do as directed)
a) The astrologer felt very uncomfortable.
(Make exclamatory sentence)
b) He made preparations to bundle up.
(Use – so that)
A6. Vocabulary (2)
Write antonyms of the following words from the extract:
a) agitated
b) uncomfortable
c) like
d) dead
B) Language Study (4)
1) Do as directed / Transformation of Sentence (3)
a) You should wear your uniform.
(Rewrite the sentence choosing the correct modal auxiliary showing ability.)
1) must
2) can
3) will
4) may
b) Begging is a curse on humanity.
(State whether the underlined word is gerund or present participle.)
c) Before we left the class, we (complete) our assignments.
(Rewrite the sentence using the correct verb for of the word given in the bracket.)
2) Spot the error (1)
I am agree with you in this matter.
Q.2 A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below. (12)
When shoes were first made, they were made flat without a heel. Since normal walking requires that the heel of the foot should strike the ground before the toes, these early shoes used to wear out quickly at the heel, prompting shoemakers to reinforce the heel, and so creating heeled shoes. Women have been wearing high- heeled shoes for centuries in the pursuit of fashion. However, regularly wearing shoes with high heels can be hazardous. The biggest risk, perhaps, is losing your balance and breaking an ankle. Wearing high heels interferes with your normal gait. They throw your weight forward, making it difficult to sustain upright balance. They force you to use a lot of extra muscular effort to keep from falling forward. Much of this extra effort is concentrated in the lower back arch, which can lead to back pain. Experts warn that high heels can also result in a variety of foot problems, including metatarsalgia, which is pain in the ball of the foot. Another condition called Morton's neuroma, which is 10 times more common in women than men, is caused by the thickening of tissue around a nerve between the third and fourth toes. It usually envelops in response to imitation and excessive pressure, such as the burden of weight high heels place on the ball of the foot. However, if one cannot resist wearing 'heels, the following tips can help to keep your feet healthy. Always wear the correct fit. Have both feet measured the next time you buy shoes. You will probably find that one foot is larger than the other – always buy shoes to fit the larger foot, never buy shoes that are too tight. Buy shoes later in the day when your feet are a bit swollen. Never wear a heel higher than 6.5 cm. Only buy heels that you are comfortable in. |
A1. True / False (2)
Rewrite the following statements and state whether they are true or false.
1) Initial shoes were without a heel.
2) Women have been wearing high- heeled shoes for centuries to get comfort.
3) High heels can create a variety of foot problems.
4) Always wear a heel higher than 6.5 cm.
A2. Give information (2)
Write any four drawbacks of regularly wearing shoes with high heels.
Drawbacks of regularly wearing shoes with high heels are:-
1)-----------------------------------------------
2)-----------------------------------------------
3)-----------------------------------------------
4)-----------------------------------------------
A3. Guessing (2)
Guess the intention of writing this extract.
A4. Personal Response (2)
To wear shoes with high heels is good or bad.
(Give your opinion)
A5. Language study (2)
Do as directed.
1) They throw your weight forward, making it difficult to sustain upright balance.
(Make it compound sentence.)
2) Always wear the correct fit.
(Choose the correct alternative that shows the type of this sentence)
a) Interrogative sentence
b) Imperative sentence
c) Exclamatory sentence
A6.Vocabulary (2)
Write the correct meaning of the following words from the given alternatives.
1) Centuries
a) Thousands of years
b) Hundreds of years
2) Hazardous
a) Dangerous
b) Hard
3) Gait
a) Style of giving
b) Style of walking
4) Pursuit
a) Carrying purse and suit
b) To achieve something
B) Summary Writing (3)
Write a brief summary of the above extract with the help of the points given bellow. Suggest a suitable title for it.
Earlier shoes, need of high heels, drawbacks of wearing high heels regularly, suggestions about wearing shoes etc. |
C) Mind Mapping (3)
Develop a 'Mind Mapping' frame / design to show the 'Benefits of games and sports' to the students.
You can take the help of the following points in order to develop each of them into further branches: Fitness and stamina, team spirit and sportsmanship, group behaviour, killer's instinct, will to win etc. |
SECTION II – POETRY (POETRY AND APPRECIATION)
Q.3 A) Read the extract and complete the activities given below. (10)
The Sun in the heaven was shining gay, All things were joyful on that day; The sea-birds scream’d as they wheel’d round, And there was joyaunce in their sound. The buoy of the Inchcpe Bell was seen A darker speck on the ocean green; Sir Ralph the Rover walk’d his deck, And fix’d his eye on the darker speck. He felt the cheering power of spring, It made him whistle, it made him sing; His heart was mirthful to excess, But the Rover’s mirth was wickedness. His eye was on the Inchcape Float; Quoth he, “My men, put out the boat, And row me to the Inchcape Rock, And I’ll plague the Abbot of Aberbrothok.”
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A1. Pick out (2)
Pick out the two lines from the extract that show the joyful atmosphere.
A2. Intention (2)
Write the intention of Ralph to sail near the Inchcape Rock.
A3. Personal response (2)
Give your any one experience of journey by sea or river.
A4. Poetic device (2)
a) Write rhyming words of each stanza.
b) He felt the cheering power of spring.
(Name and explain the figure of speech used here)
A5. Poetic creativity (2)
Add your two poetic lines to continue the theme of the stanza.
He felt the cheering power of spring,
It made him whistle, it made him sing;
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B) APPRECIATION (4)
Read the extract and write as per the instructions:
Is anybody happier because you passed his way? Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today? This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through; Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you? Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along? Or a churlish sort of "Howdy" and then vanish in the throng? Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way, Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today? Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast, That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed? Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said; Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead? Did you waste the day, or lose it; was it well or sorely spent? Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent? As you close your eyes in slumber do you think that God would say, You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today? |
Write an appreciation of the poem - ‘Have You Earned Your Tomorrow’ using the following points.
a) Theme of the poem
b) Poetic device
c) Message of the poem
d) Special feature
SECTION III – Writing Skills
Q.4 A) Complete the activities as per the instructions given below.
1) Drafting a Virtual Message (4)
Read the given conversation between Rakesh and Mrs. Sarkar. Draft the message in 50 words. Do not add any new information. Rakesh : Hello, may I speak to Dr. Sarkar? Mrs Sarkar : He has gone to the hospital to attend the OPD. May I know who is speaking?
Rakesh : Yes. I am Rakesh Sood. My wife has been having a severe headache since yesterday. Since this morning she has also developed a high temperature. I would be very grateful if the doctor could come over to our place to examine her. Mrs Sarkar : Of course. Please let me note down your address. Rakesh : It is B-49, New Colony. Mrs Sarkar : I will give him your message as soon as he returns. Rakesh : Thank you. |
OR
2) Statement of Purpose (4)
Write a Statement of Purpose as a part of your application to join nursing college. (Write in 100 words) You have visited a hospital and saw the work of nursing. You liked the service and dedication of them. Your favourite subject in junior college is Biology. You desire to join the nursing course. |
OR
3) Group Discussion (4)
Have a group discussion on the following topics: Clean India Evaluator: Anita, Tushar, Mahendra - you all have been given few minutes to think on your topic for today’s group discussion, which is ‘Clean India’. You may now begin the discussion. Who would like to start? |
Q.4 B) Complete the activities as per the instructions given below.
1) E-mail Writing (4)
Write an e - mail to the S.T. Depot Manager using the following points. Your college is 15 km away from your native place. You go to college by S.T.bus. The bus timings are not convenient for you and other students. Write an e- mail to the S.T. Depot Manager of your area. Write an e - mail to: depot.manager@yahoomail.com Use proper template to write e- mail. |
OR
2) Report Writing (4)
Write a report of the celebration of Maharashtra day in your junior college. (Write in 100 words) Hints: The time students assembled in college, the arrival of the chief guest and others dignitaries, flag – hoisting, Speeches, detailed program, cultural programme, vote of thanks etc. |
OR
3) Framing Interview Questions (4)
Imagine that you are a representative of your college. You want to publish an interview of a social worker in the college magazine. Prepare questions to take his interview. (Eight to ten questions) Hints: questions about his career, memorable incident and work Give introductory statements and sum-up statements. |
Q.4 C) Complete the activities as per the instructions given below.
1) Speech Writing (4)
Prepare a speech to be made before your class appealing students to make a will to donate eyes. (Write in 100 words) Use the following points: Make an appeal to donate eyes, show its need and importance, use slogans, use rhetorical questions, give process to donate eyes. |
OR
2) Compering (4)
Imagine that you are a compere of a ‘Prize Distribution Ceremony’ of your college. Write a script of the same. (Write in 100 words) Use the following points- 1) Introduction 2) Lighting the lamp 3) Welcome song 4) Introductory speech 5) Felicitation 6) Main event 7) Speech of the guest 8) Vote of thanks |
OR
3) Expansion of Ideas (4)
Expand the idea inherent in the following statement- “One should eat to live, not live to eat – Franklin.” (Write in 100 words) Use the following points:- Explain the statement, Give examples, Give message given in the statement. |
Q.4 D) Complete the activities as per the instructions given below.
1) Blog Writing (4)
Write a blog using proper format on the topic- Communication Skills. Hints: Explain the term, Give its benefits, Suggest ways to improve this skill, add your own points, give header, footer etc. (Write in 100 words) |
OR
2) Review Writing (4)
1) Write a film review that you have seen recently using the following points. a) Story b) Characterisation c) Music and songs d) Theme e) Action f) Special features g) Weak points h) Your opinion about the film (Write in 100 words) |
OR
3) Appeal Writing (4)
Sharda Social Club, Kolhapur arranged a save water – save earth drive for five days. Prepare an appeal to the people to join it. Hints: 1) Give programmes 2) Time and date 3) Contact information 4) Use picture/decorative frame. |
SECTION IV – Literary Genre
Q.5 (A) Complete the activities given below as per the instructions.
A1. Match the column ‘A’ with ‘B’. (2)
A | B |
1) Theme | a) The struggle between the opposite forces in the story |
2) Style | b) The background in which the story takes place |
3) Setting | c) The central idea in the novel which can be expressed in a nutshell. |
4) Conflict | d) The language and the techniques used for the narration of the course of events |
A2. Pick out the odd element from the group. (2)
(i) Arun Joshi, Vikram Seth, Graham Greene, Kiran Nagarkar
(ii) Place, Period, Theme, Climate, Lifestyle
(iii) Theme, Plot, Character, Novella
(iv) Billy Budd, The Turn of The Screw, Pearl, Joseph Conrad, Death in Venice
(B) Answer in about 50 words to the questions.
A1. Language: (2)
Read the dialogue and find out who the speaker is, his/her tone, the style, significance etc. of the dialogue.
“Then why do we have to do P.T.? Why don’t they take only the kids who need it?”
A2. Character: (2)
Give a brief character-sketch of – Miss Phillips
(C) Answer in about 50 words to the questions.
A1. Theme: (2)
Write 4-5 sentences on the 'Time' as a theme of the extract.
A2. Setting: (2)
Describe the importance of the following place in the development of the plot and behaviour of the characters.
‘Place: Liverpool’
(D) Answer in about 50 words to the questions.
A1. Language (2)
Elaborate the following line in the light of the novel/extract, "The Sign of Four"-
"You really are an automation- a calculating machine"
A2. Character: (2)
Describe the character of Sherlock Holmes.
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