CBSE ENGLISH CORE: 2014 [All India] Set I
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Q1
Read the passage carefully.
1. I remember my childhood as being generally happy and can recall experiencing some of the most carefree times of my life. But I can also remember, even more vividly, moments of being deeply frightened. As a child, I was truly terrified of the dark and getting lost. These fears were very real and caused me some extremely uncomfortable moments.
2. Maybe it was the strange way things looked and sounded in my familiar room at night that scared me so much. There was never total darkness, but a street light or passing car lights made clothes hung over a chair take on the shape of an unknown beast. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw curtains move when there was no breeze. A tiny creak in the floor would sound a hundred times louder than in the daylight and my imagination would take over, creating burglars and monsters. Darkness always made me feel helpless. My heart would pound and I would lie very still so that 'the enemy' wouldn't discover me.
3. Another childhood fear of mine was that I would get lost, especially on the way home from school. Every morning, I got on the school bus right near my home - that was no problem. After school, though, when all the buses were lined up along the curve, I was terrified that I would get on the wrong one and be taken to some unfamiliar neighbourhood. I would scan the bus for the faces of my friends; make sure that the bus driver was the same one that had been there in the morning, and even then ask the others over and over again to be sure I was in the right bus. On school or family trips to an amusement park or a museum, I wouldn't let the leaders out of my sight. And of course, I was never very adventurous when it came to taking walks or hikes because I would go only where I was sure I would never get lost.
4. Perhaps, one of the worst fears I had as a child was that of not being liked or accepted by others. First of all, I was quite shy. Secondly, I worried constantly about my looks, thinking people wouldn't like me because I was too fat or wore braces. I tried to wear 'the right clothes' and had intense arguments with my mother over the importance of wearing flats instead of saddled shoes to school. Being popular was very important to me then and the fear of not being liked was a powerful one.
5. One of the processes of evolving from a child to an adult is being able to recognise and overcome our fears. I have learnt that darkness does not have to take on a life of its own, that others can help me when I am lost and that friendliness and sincerity will encourage people to like me. Understanding the things that scared us as children helps to cope with our lives as adults.
(a) On the basis of your reading of the above passage, make notes using headings and subheadings. Use recognizable abbreviations wherever necessary.
(b) Make a summary of the passage in not more than 80 words using the notes made and also suggest a suitable title.
Marks:8View AnswerAnswer:
Title: Note-making
1. Memories of Childh’d
1.1 generally happy and carefree
1.2 but always deeply fright’ned
2. fear of darkness
2.1 Saw
2.1.1 Clothes hanging
2.1.2 Curtains moving
2.1.3 Heard loud sounds
2.2 felt
2.2.1 helpless
2.2.2 heart pounding
3. Fear of getting lost
3.1 while walking home
3.2 taking a wrong bus
3.3 of being left alone
4. Worst fear
4.1 of not being accepted
4.2 of not looking good
4.3 tried to wear it
4.4 clothes watched wt.
5. Evolving as an adlt/ Growing up.
5.1 to recognise and overcome fear
5.2 realise that
5.2.1 others will help
5.2.2 being fondly and sincere will pay.
5. 2.3 underst’ng the childh’d fears.
Abbreviations used
Childh’d – Childhood
Fright’nd – frightened
Wt – weight
Adlt – adult
Underst’g -understanding
(a) Summary: Memories of Childhood
My childhood was generally happy and carefree, but I was always deeply frightened. In my fear of darkness, I saw clothes hanging, curtains moving, heard loud noises and felt helpless. While walking home, I feared getting lost or take a wrong bus, or fear of being left alone.
My worst fear was of not being accepted. I was conscious of not looking good, so I tried to wear the right clothes and watched my weight.
While evolving as an adult, I learnt to recognise and overcome fear. I learnt to realize that others would help. Being friendly and sincere would definitely pay. All this helped me in understanding the childhood fears and this helped in coping with life as an adult.
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Q2
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
1. Too many parents these days can't say no. As a result, they find themselves raising 'children' who respond greedily to the advertisements aimed right at them. Even getting what they want doesn't satisfy some kids; they only want more. Now, a growing number of psychologists, educators and parents think it's time to stop the madness and start teaching kids about what's really important: values like hard work, contentment, honesty and compassion. The struggle to set limits has never been tougher - and the stakes have never been higher. One recent study of adults who were overindulged as children, paints a discouraging picture of their future: when given too much too soon, they grow up to be adults who have difficulty coping with life's disappointments. They also have distorted sense of entitlement that gets in the way of success in the work place and in relationships.
2. Psychologists say that parents who overindulge their kids, set them up to be more vulnerable to future anxiety and depression. Today's parents themselves raised on values of thrift and self-sacrifice, grew up in a culture where no was a household word. Today's kids want much more, partly because there is so much more to want. The oldest members of this generation were born in the late 1980s, just as PCs and video games were making their assault on the family room. They think of MP3 players and flat screen TV as essential utilities, and they have developed strategies to get them. One survey of teenagers found that when they crave for something new, most expect to ask nine times before their parents give in. By every measure, parents are shelling out record amounts. In the heat of this buying blitz, even parents who desperately need to say no find themselves reaching for their credit cards.
3. Today's parents aren't equipped to deal with the problem. Many of them, raised in the 1960s and '70s, swore they'd act differently from their parents and have closer relationships with their own children. Many even wear the same designer clothes as their kids and listen to the same music. And they work more hours; at the end of a long week, it's tempting to buy peace with 'yes' and not mar precious family time with conflict. Anxiety about future is another factor. How do well intentioned parents say no to all the sports gear and arts and language lessons they believe will help their kids thrive in an increasingly competitive world? Experts agree: too much love won't spoil a child. Too few limits will. What parents need to find, is a balance between the advantages of an affluent society and the critical life lessons that come from waiting, saving and working hard to achieve goals. That search for balance has to start early. Children need limits on their behaviour because they feel better and more secure when they live within a secured structure. Older children learn self-control by watching how others, especially parents act. Learning how to overcome challenges is essential to becoming a successful adult. Few parents ask kids to do chores.
4. They think their kids are already overburdened by social and academic pressures. Every individual can be of service to others, and life has meaning beyond one's own immediate happiness. That means parents eager to teach values have to take a long, hard look at their own.
(a) Answer the following questions:
(1) What values do parents and teachers want children to learn?
(2) What are the results of giving the children too much too soon?
(3) Why do today's children want more?
(4) What is the balance which the parents need to have in today's world?
(5) What is the necessity to set limits for children?
(b) Pick out words from the passage that mean the same as the following:
(1) a feeling of satisfaction (para 1)
(2) valuable (para 3)
(3) important (para 4)
Marks:12View AnswerAnswer:
(a)
(i) Parents want their children to learn values like hard work, contentment, honesty and compassion.
(ii) The result of giving the children too much too soon is that they grow up to be adults who have difficulty in coping with life’s disappointments.
(iii) Today’s children want more because there is much more to want.
(iv) The balance which the parent needs to have in today’s world is the balance between the advantages of an affluent society and the critical life lessons that come from waiting, saving and working hard to achieve goals.
(v) The necessity to set limits for children is to teach them that life has meaning beyond one’s own immediate happiness.
(b)
(1) Contentment
(2) Precious
(3) Essential -
Q3
You were very upset about the reports on communal riots in various parts of the country. As a concerned social worker, design a poster in not more than 50 words, highlighting the importance of communal harmony. You are Vinay/Vineeta.
Marks:4View AnswerAnswer:
Communal Harmony - The Need of the Hour
Want a secular and a strong India???
'respect all religions'
live and let live
SHUN - communal riots
SPREAD -peace and love
'Issued in public interest'
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Q4
The Literary Club of your school is putting up the play ‘Waiting for Godot’. As secretary of the club, draft an invitation inviting the famous writer Sudeesh Gupta to be the guest of honour at the function. Write the invitation in not more than 50 words. You are Govind/Gauri.
Marks:4View AnswerAnswer:
Invitation
60, Theatre Road,
Calcutta,
20th April, 2014
Vivekanand School,
New Calcutta
Dear Mr. Sudeesh Gupta
This is to cordially invite you to preside as the guest of honour at the play ‘Waiting for Godot’ which the Literary Club of our school is putting up for the literary fest of the school.
Venue: S K Memorial Hall
S K Nagar
Time: 6 p.m.
The play shall last for an hour.
You are requested to kindly partake in a dinner organized to honour you. Your presence shall boost the morale of our students.
Thank you
Yours Sincerely
Gauri
Secretary, Literary Club
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Q5
Last week the newly built auditorium of your school was inaugurated. As Deepak/Deepti Saha, the head boy/girl of the school, write a factual description of the auditorium in 125 – 150 words.
Marks:10View AnswerAnswer:
The Newly Built Auditorium
Head Boy: Deepak Saha
I feel privileged to be addressing this august assembly from the stage of the newly constructed auditorium of our school which, I dare say, is the pride of our campus. Inaugurated Last week, the newly built auditorium is a rectangular hall, which can accommodate two thousand people. The spacious stage, fitted with state of the art acoustics and lights etc provides the best ambience for presenting plays and conducting programmes. The stage opens into the green room which can be entered on both sides.The walls are fitted with sound-absorbent tiles. The seats have been fitted with in built head-phone making the viewing very much comfortable.It will be very convenient for the school to hold various functions, programmes and special assemblies.
So, many times our school programmes have been marred by rains or bad weather, now they can be held in a covered area.
A school auditorium is definitely a boon for any school.
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Q6
You attended a workshop on personality development for students. Many eminent people were present. Write a report in 125 – 150 words on how the workshop proved to be beneficial. You are Rajesh/Rajshree.
Marks:10View AnswerAnswer:
Personality Development Workshop for Student
Report by Rajesh
A Personality Development workshop was conducted for the students last week at the Air Force Station. A team arrived and took over the stage. The resource persons belonged to an ‘Overall Personality Care' from Delhi.
They stressed the need for personal grooming. Personal cleanliness is the basis for a good personality. Health and hygiene are equally important. Short talks were delivered by the team members. They mainly highlighted the fact that attitude of a person is responsible for a good personality. One must try to develop a positive attitude.
Students were also called one by one, they were made to walk and talk on the stage. They also stressed the need for a good dress sense. Qualities of Body and mind combined to give a good personality. -
Q7
You are Anand/Arti of 14, Model Town, Delhi. You have seen an advertisement in The Hindu for the post of Chief Chef in a 5-Star Hotel. Apply for the job with complete bio-data. Write in 125 – 150 words.
Marks:6View AnswerAnswer:
14, Model Town,
Delhi
14.03.2014
The Manager,
Hotel Oberoi,
Sir,
Sub: Application for the post of a Chief Chef
With reference to your advertisement in 'The Hindu' of 12th March 2014 for the post of a Chief Chef in your hotel, This is to apply for the same. With my experience in this field, I feel I am suitable for the post.
Kindly find my resume, which details my educational qualifications and relevant experience, attached along.It also includes reference of two honourable persons (not related to me). If given a chance I assure you of my best services.
Kindly, consider my candidature and let me know as soon as possible. My Bio Data is attached herewith.
Thank you
Yours Sincerely,
Anand
Bio Data
Name : Anand Shankar
Father's Name : Murli Manohar Shankar
Address : 14, Model town, Delhi
Educational Qualification: Hotel Management, Pusa,
Delhi
Experience: 1.Worked at various Restaurants such as Le Meridien Hotel, Delhi
Salary Expected : 6 to 8 Lacs per month.
Marital Status : Married
Age : 38 Years
Languages known : English, Hindi, Japanese, French and Punjabi
References : 1. Dr. Bharat Sinha
Delhi Institute of Hotel Management
2. Shri M.L. Siddhart
Finance Secretary, Govt. of India 12, Barakhambha, New Delhi.
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Q8
You are Prem/Parul of 16, TT Nagar, Bhopal. You would like to apply for the post of Marketing Manager in a reputed firm in Mumbai. Write a letter to the Public Relations Officer, Chantac Enterprises, Mumbai, applying for the job. Write the letter in 125 – 150 words giving your bio-data.
Marks:10View AnswerAnswer:
16. TT Nagar,
Bhopal
14. April, 2014.
Public Relations Officer
Chantac Enterprises
Mumbai
Sub: Application for the post of a Marketing Manager
Sir,
This is to apply for the post of a Marketing Manager with your firm. Through reliable sources I have come to know of the vacancy for the same in your firm.
This is to request you to consider my candidature for the same. I am qualified and suitable for the post.
I assure my best services if considered for the post. Please find my resume attached along.
Thank you
Yours sincerely,
Parul
Enclosed: Bio-data
Name : Parul Sharma
Father’s Name : Mr. Anil Sharma
Address : 16, TT Nagar Bhopal
Date of Birth : 21st September, 1984.
Educational Qualification : B.Com with Economics-2006
Delhi University
Experience : Worked with different concerns
as Sales Manager
Salary Expected : 35000 P.M.
Marital Status : Unmarried
Height : 167 cms
Age : 30 years
Hobbies : Photography and Gardening
Languages known : English, Hindi, and French References : 1. Mr. P. K. Singh
Proprietor - Kay Jay Sons Pvt. Ltd.
New Delhi
2. Shri M. Shetty
Sr. Marketing Manager
Kapoor & Sons Pvt. Ltd. Delhi.
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Q9
Last week as you were coming back from school you happened to see a huge plastic bag full of leftover food being flung into the middle of the road from a speeding car. You wondered how people can be so devoid of civic sense. Write an article in 125 – 150 words on why we lack civic sense and how civic sense can be inculcated in children at a very young age. You are Shiva/Shamini.
Marks:10View AnswerAnswer:
Why Do We Lack Civic Sense
Last week as I was walking back from school I was shocked to see a plastic bag full of leftover food being flung into the middle of the road from a speeding car.
I wondered how people can be so devoid of civic sense. I felt that, in general, people do not attach much value to civic sense as an important value. Moreover, it is not practised or encouraged at home. Our society definitely lacks role models.
Certain steps need to be taken. Right from the school level, civic education should be made compulsory. Awareness can be created through talks, NGOs or other means. Use of dustbins should be encouraged. People practicing civic sense should be given incentives. All these changes will definitely be effective in bringing about the required change.
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Q10
You saw a stray dog beaten to death by a group of boys. Their act infuriated you and you scolded them for their cruel act. You decided to write an article on cruelty to animals. Write the article in 125 – 150 words. You are Nikhil/Naina.
Marks:10View AnswerAnswer:
Cruelty to Animals
Very often, while walking along the roads of your locality, you might have come across the sight of utter negligence and ill-treatment in general to the animals around us which is heart-rending and appalling. It is not just negligence; the ill-treatment amounting to willful cruelty is the most pathetically alarming situation around us.
It is the duty of every individual to look around and see that animals are not mal-treated. If one cannot himself take care of the animals, he should at least not participate in any activity that causes harm to the animals. There are a number of organizations that can be informed about the stray animals of the locality as and when the need arises.
There are government run shelters for the animals which might not be sufficient in number for all of them. Societies and NGOs are also running such homes. Dog clinics are also coming up near every locality, which can be contacted in times of need.
Awareness is the most important aspect for solving any problem. Through campaigns, drives and street-plays, etc. it can be created among the people. Observing animal rights day is another way which will remind us time and again about the rights of the animals. They cannot speak for themselves but they are there in front of our eyes asking for help and care from us always.
