AHSEC| CLASS 11| ENGLISH| SOLVED PAPER - 2024| H.S. 1ST YEAR
2024
ENGLISH
Full Marks: 90
Pass Marks: 27
Time: 3 hours
The figures in the margin indicate
full marks for the questions.
SECTION-A
(Reading)
1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
1. The old lady
was glad to be back at the block of flats where she lived. Her shopping had
tired her and her basket had grown heavier with every step of the way home, In
the lift her thoughts were on lunch and a good rest; but when she got out at
her own floor, both were forgotten in her sudden discovery that her front door
was open. She was thinking that she must reprimand her daily maid the next
morning for such a monstrous piece of negligence, when she remembered that she
had gone shopping after her maid had left, and she had turned both the keys in
their locks. She walked slowly into the hall and at once noticed that all the
room doors were open, yet following her regular practice, she had shut them
before going out. Looking into the drawing room, she saw a scene of confusion
over by her writing desk.
2. It was as
clear as clear as daylight then that burglars had forced an entry in her
absence., Her first impulse was to go round all the rooms looking for the
thieves, but then she decided that at her age it might be more prudent to have
someone with her, so she went to fetch the porter from the basement. By the
time her legs were beginning to tremble, so she sat down and accepted a cup of
very strong tea, while she telephoned the police. Then her composure regained,
she was ready to set off with the porter's assistance to search for any
intruders who might be still lurking in her flat.
3. They went
through the rooms, being careful to touch nothing, as they did not want to
hinder the police in their search for fingerprints. The chaos was inconceivable.
She had lived in the flat for thirty years and was a veritable magpie at
hoarding; and it seemed as though everything she possessed had been tossed out
and turned over and over. At least sorting out the things she should have
discarded years ago was now being made easier for her. Then a police inspector
arrived with a constable and she told them of her discovery of her ransacked
flat. The inspector began to look for fingerprints, while the constable checked
that the front door locks had not been forced, thereby proving that the
burglars had either used skeleton keys or entered through the balcony.
4. There was no
trace of fingerprints, but the inspector found a dirty red bundle that
contained jewellery which the old lady said was not hers. So their entry into
the flat was apparently not the burglars' first job that day and they must have
been disturbed. The bris inspector then asked the lady to try to check what was
2smo missing by the next day and advised her not to stay not alone in the flat for
a few nights. The old lady thought that he was a fussy creature but since the
porter agreed with him, she rang up her daughter and asked for her help in what
she described as a little spot of bris bother.
Questions:
(a) Why did
the old lady feel glad to be at her flat? 2
Ans:- The
old lady was happy to be back at her flat because she was tired from shopping
and was looking forward to lunch and a good rest.
(b) Why was
the old lady surprised to find her front door open? 2
Ans:- The
old lady was surprised to find her front door open because she had locked it
herself before going shopping. She remembered that she had turned both the keys
in their locks.
(c) What made
her realize that burglars had entered her flat? 2
Ans:- She
realised that thieves had broken into her flat when she saw that all the doors
of the rooms were open, even though she had locked them before leaving. Also,
she saw the scene of confusion in the drawing room.
(d) Why did
she go to the basement? 1
Ans:- She
went to the basement to fetch the doorman, as she thought it would be prudent
to have someone with her while checking the flat for intruders.
(e) Why did
the inspector conclude that the thieves had used the skeleton keys? 2
Ans:- The
inspector concluded that the thieves had used skeleton keys because there were
no marks of forced entry on the lock of the front door. This suggests that the
thieves must have entered either from the balcony or by using skeleton keys.
(f) What did
the police inspector find while searching for fingerprints? 1
Ans:- The
police inspector found a dirty red bundle full of jewellery that did not belong
to the old lady.
(g) Pick out
the words/phrases from the passage which are the synonyms of the following: 2
(i)
enormous (Para 1)
Ans:- Enormous
(para 1): The word “enormous” can mean something being more cumbersome or
solid, but in the context of the passage no close synonym of “enormous” is
clearly given. However, “chaos” and “all that she had” in the subsequent
paragraph convey a sense of enormity.
(ii)
indication (Para 4)
Ans:- Indication
(para 4): The phrase "as clear as daylight" (from para 2) can serve
as an indication, but in para 4, the phrase "apparently" suggests a
sign or evidence of something. Another synonym could be "proof" or
"evidence", but "apparently" is closest in terms of an
indication.
2. Read the passage given below and answer the questions that
follow:
Today, India is
one of the fastest growing economies in the world. A key contributor to this
success story is the growing middle class. The liberalization in 1990s opened
the gates to foreign goods and services, investments and technologies. This led
to a growth in disposable incomes and a burgeoning middle class with rising
consumption levels.
There are many
aspects which can be looked at when discussing increasing consumption of the
middle class. One of the key aspects is the rise in globalization and exposure
to a vast range of products and services. In addition, access to
telecommunications and internet has provided new avenues for consumers with
online retailers offering a mindboggling choice at low prices. Moreover, a rise
in incomes, social media and awareness is leading to an increased expenditure
on health, education, communication, transport and entertainment. Increasing
urbanization too is a factor affecting increased consumption. Another aspect de
leading to higher consumption is the rise in nuclear families, which spend more
per person than joint families.
The growth of
middle class consumption is good news for economists as this leads to demand
led growth resulting in creation of jobs and higher incomes. At the same time,
increasing incomes and exposure to global media are leading to changes in
consumption behaviours. The younger affluent middle class is spending more on
aspirational goods such as branded apparel and gadgets leading to lesser investment
in assets. Another fallout of the changing consumer behaviour is the increased
use of online purchasing resulting in losses for small neighbourhood shops.
While the
industry continues to adapt to changes in consumption patterns, an increase in
overall consumption by middle class is a sign of higher income and prosperity.
Moreover, it can certainly lead to creation of more jobs and be an engine for
growth in the future.
Questions:
(a) On the
basis of your reading of the above passage, make note on it, and add a suitable
title to it. 5
Ans:-
"India's Growing Middle Class and Consumption Patterns"
(i) Economic
Growth: India is one of the fastest growing economies, driven by its
expanding middle class.
(ii)
Liberalisation Effect: The liberalisation of the 1990s increased disposable
income and consumption.
(iii)
Globalisation and Digitalisation: Exposure to global products and digital
access have expanded consumer choices.
(iv) Increased
Consumption: Rising incomes, urbanisation and nuclear families contribute
to higher spending.
(v) Change in
Consumer Behaviour: The affluent youth spend on aspirational goods, while
online shopping impacts local businesses.
(vi) Economic
Benefits: Increased consumption leads to demand-driven growth, job creation
and higher incomes.
(b) Make a
summary of the above passage in about 80 words.
Ans:-
India's economic growth is driven by its growing middle class, which has
expanded since the liberalisation of the 1990s. Globalisation and digitisation
have increased consumer choices, while rising incomes, urbanisation and nuclear
families have boosted spending. Changes in consumer behaviour include spending
on aspirational goods and online shopping, which is having an impact on local
businesses. Overall, increased consumption drives economic growth, job creation
and higher incomes, which indicate prosperity and future economic potential.
SECTION-B
(Writing)
3. You are arranging a picnic party to Kaziranga next
Sunday. Describe your arrangement of the picnic party to your classmates in
about 100 words. 6
Ans:-
Picnic arrangements at Kaziranga
National Park:-
"Hey classmates, I am very happy to inform
you that we are planning a picnic at Kaziranga National Park next Sunday! To
make this trip memorable, we will pack several local Assamese dishes like Jadoh
and Masoor Dal. We will also bring plenty of water and snacks. We will wear
comfortable, plain coloured clothes to blend in with the surroundings. After
reaching Kaziranga, we will visit the Kakochang waterfall and enjoy a guided
jeep safari to see the iconic one-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife. Let us
make sure that we follow the rules of the park to respect the environment and
wildlife."
OR
You are
Partha/ Prarthana, Cultural Secretary of XYZ Public School, Tezpur. Your school
observed National Unity Day to recognize the endeavours of Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel to unite the country. Prepare a report in about 100-125 words for your school
magazine. 6
Ans:-
National Unity Day
Celebration at XYZ Public School, Tezpur
On October 31, 2023, XYZ Public School, Tezpur
celebrated National Unity Day to honour the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel in the unification of India. The event began with a special assembly
where students delivered speeches on Patel’s life and his role in the freedom
struggle. A peace march was organised, followed by a collaborative oath on
peace and solidarity. Students participated in poster making and slogan writing
activities to spread the message of unity. The day concluded with a quiz
competition, which emphasised Patel’s legacy in integrating the diverse regions
of India. The event was a grand success, promoting the spirit of national unity
among students and staff.
4. You are really worried about environmental
degradation. Pollution is increasing day-by-day and is posing a great threat to
the environment and mankind. Ozone layer is getting depleted. Write an article
on ‘Environmental Pollution-a Global Problem’ for your school magazine in about
150-200 words 6
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