English Medium
Hindi Medium
Academic Year: 2024-2025
Date & Time: 15th February 2025, 10:30 am
Duration: 3h
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General Instructions:
Read the instructions very carefully and strictly follow them:
- This question paper comprises 11 questions. All questions are compulsory
- The question paper contains THREE sections -
Section - A: Reading Skills
Section - B: Grammar and Creative Writing Skills
Section - C: Literature - Attempt questions based on specific instructions for each Part.
Read the following passage carefully:
| (1) | Saffron is a spice that's long been revered across the globe, captivating hearts and palates with its deep-red hue and complex flavour. It is one of the most prized spices that you can find on this planet. Just like gold is among the most valuable metals in the world, saffron means the same in the world of spices. Also known as ‘kesar’ in Hindi, it has a rich history and is often called an ancient spice. Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the royals and the elite as it contains medicinal properties. |
| (2) | Originating from the delicate stigma of the saffron crocus flower, it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, infusing dishes with a subtle, earthy sweetness that adds a special taste to the palate. Saffron has a strong exotic aroma and a unique flavour and is used to colour and flavour many Mediterranean and Asian dishes, particularly rice, fish and English, Scandinavian, and Balkan breads. |
| (3) | Saffron forms the backbone of several iconic dishes from around the world, such as the Spanish rice, seafood dish Paella, the French stew Bouillabaisse, Italian rice dish Risotto Milanese, the Indian ice cream Kesar Kulfi, Pakistani rice dish Biryani, and baked Iranian rice Tachin. Saffron’s rich red colour is attributed to crocin; its bitter taste, to picrocrocin; and its distinctive aroma, to safranal. |
| (4) | Saffron is cultivated chiefly in Iran but is also grown in Spain, France, Italy, and parts of India. A labour-intensive crop, the three stigmas are handpicked from each flower, spread on trays, and dried over charcoal fires for use as a food flavouring and colouring agent. |
| (5) | Most historians speculate it was first domesticated in Iran, but south-western Greek islands remain strong contenders. Traders, conquerors, and world explorers introduced it to China, India and the Middle East. From there, it travelled to Mediterranean Europe. |
| (6) | The high retail value of saffron is maintained in world markets because of labour-intensive harvesting methods, which require some 444,000 hand-picked saffron stigmas per kilogram – equivalently, 150,000 crocus flowers per kilogram. Forty hours of labour are needed to pick 150,000 flowers. Almost all saffron grows in a belt from Spain in the west to India in the east. Iran is responsible for around 88% of global production. Afghanistan comes second, and Spain is the third largest producer, while the United Arab Emirates, Greece, the Indian subcontinent and Morocco are among minor producers. |
| (7) | Given its high price, adulteration is quite common, unfortunately. Adulterants like beetroot or pomegranate are used to enhance red colour; silk fibres, oil, or wax are used to add bulk, and powdered saffron can be adulterated with turmeric and paprika. |
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:
- What is the tone of the writer in the given lines? [1]
Rationalise your response in about 40 words.
“Saffron is being used since ages in various foods made for the royals and the elite as it contains medicinal properties.” [Paragraph (1)] - Which of the following statements best describes the comparison made in the sentence? [Paragraph (1)] [1]
“Just like gold is among the most valuable metals in the world, saffron means the same in the world of spices.”
- Gold and saffron have similar physical properties.
- Gold and saffron have equal monetary value.
- Saffron is considered the most valuable spice, similar to how gold is valued among metals.
- Gold and saffron are both rare commodities in the global market.
- List any two points why saffron is revered across the globe. [Paragraphs (2) and (3)] [2]
- Fill in the blank from the given options: [1]
In the phrase “backbone of several iconic dishes”, the word ‘iconic’ refers to ______. [Paragraph (3)]
- delicately cooked
- widely recognized
- peculiar and rare
- strange and infamous
- Complete the sentence appropriately: [2]
Saffron has a labour-intensive cultivation process which involves ______. [Paragraph (4)] - State whether the following statement is True or False: [1]
According to historians, saffron was first used in the kitchens in Iran. [Paragraph (5)] - Which of the following statements best describes the reason for saffron’s high retail value? [Paragraph (6)] [1]
- Due to its magical or mystical properties.
- Because it can only be grown in specific regions.
- Due to its labour-intensive cultivation process and its relatively low yield per plant.
- Because traders, conquerors, and world explorers hoard it.
- Support the writer's view with evidence from the text that saffron is often adulterated. [Paragraph (7)] [1]
Chapter:
Read the following passage carefully:
| (1) | Silk is a natural protein fibre, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. Silk has a long history in India. It is known as Resham in eastern and northern India, and Pattu in the southern parts of India. India is the second largest producer of silk in the world after China. |
| (2) | Silk is renowned for its luxurious qualities with a natural soft and smooth texture that feels comfortable on the skin. One of its unique qualities is to absorb and release moisture, regulating the body temperature, and keeping the wearer cool and dry. |
| (3) | Silk is one of the strongest natural fibres, but it loses up to 20% of its strength when wet. Its elasticity is moderate to poor; if elongated, even a small amount, it remains stretched. It can be weakened if exposed to too much sunlight. It may also be attacked by insects, especially if left dirty. |
| (4) | The process of silk production is known as sericulture. Silk is produced by several insects, but, generally, only the silk of moth caterpillars has been used for textile manufacturing. To produce 1 kg of silk. 104 ke of mulberry leaves must be caten by 3000 silkworms. |
| (5) | So what makes silk so costly? Firstly, cultivation of silk is a labour-intensive work. Secondly, the silk fabric is carefully derived from the larvae of the silkworms which spin silk threads around themselves to make cocoons from natural sources. This makes the production limited due to factors like – climate, availability of quality mulberry leaves and time required by silkworms to complete their lifecycle. Thirdly, the intensive work can only be carried out with specialized knowledge and expertise by skilled artisans and craftsmanship. Lastly, superior-quality silk fabrics are made from long and uniform silk fibres giving them a smooth and lustrous appearance. Thus, production requires careful selection, adding to the cost. In 2021, Karnataka was the highest producer of raw silk at 8483 metric tonnes followed by Andhra Pradesh at 5520 metric tonnes with Assam close behind at 5038 metric tonnes. At the other end of the spectrum there was Chhattisgarh (248 metric tonnes), Nagaland (230 metrictonnes) and UP trailed behind at 179 metric tonnes. |
Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:
- What does the phrase ‘luxurious qualities’ in paragraph (2) tell you about the silk fabric? Write in 40 words with evidence from the text. [2]
- Select the option that is true for the assertion and reason given below. [1]
Assertion: Silk production requires careful selection.
Reason: Long and uniform silk fibres give silk a glossy apperance.
- Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
- Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
- The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
- The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
- Justify the following statement: [1]
Silk whispers luxury! Its price reflects not just its rarity but the value of the meticulous process behind its creation. - According to the passage, mention the top two countries that produce silk. [1]
- “Factors like climate, availability of quality mulberry leaves and time required by silkworms to complete their lifecycle are important factors for the production of silk.”
State any one inference that can be drawn from this. [1] - Complete the following with a suitable reason from the text: [1]
Though silk is considered one of the strongest fibres, it is ______. - Based on the given text, mention the states which produced the most and the least amount of raw silk in India in the year 2021. [1]
- Complete the sentence suitably. [1]
104 kgs of mulberry leaves eaten by 3000 silkworms results in ______. - With reference to the given passage, give one reason why silk production is considered labour-intensive. [1]
Chapter:
Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the brackets, for the given portion of a letter.
Thank you for ______ (consider) my application. I look forward to working in your organization.
Chapter:
Read the given sentence. Identify the error and supply the correction in the sentence.
Ninety-seven percent of the Earth’s water is salty ocean water and another two percent is trapping in the Earth's ice caps and glaciers.
| Error | Correction |
Chapter:
Yukti and Sanjay had a conversation about going to a restaurant. Report Yukti’s question. “Does this restaurant serve good South Indian food?”
Chapter:
Read the dialogue between Amit and his sister Ananya, regarding her travel to the railway station.
| Amit: | Are you sure you can manage to go to the railway station on your own? |
| Ananya: | Oh yes! I have already booked a cab. |
Select the correct option to report the above dialogue.
Amit asked Ananya ______ to go to the railway station on her own. Ananya replied in the affirmative and said that she had already booked a cab.
if she is sure she can manage
if she was sure she could manage
if she surely can manage
if she was sure to managing
Chapter:
Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the sentence taken from a book about ‘Birds’.
Each year, thousands of birds ______ southwards to avoid the harsh winter, embarking on an incredible journey that spans thousands of miles.
migrate
immigrate
emigrate
Chapter:
Identify and correct the error in the given line taken from an agency's advertisement.
Tell us much about your project and we'll select suitable candidates for you to hire.
Use the given format for your response.
| Error | Correction |
Chapter:
Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction for the following line taken from an article about growing obesity.
Obesity in teenage children is a major concern between parents today.
| Error | Correction |
| teenage | teenagers |
| Error | Correction |
| concern | concerns |
| Error | Correction |
| between | among |
| Error | Correction |
| today | now |
Chapter:
Complete the given narrative with the correct option to fill in the blank.
Yesterday, Tanu walked to the park and ______ a breezy evening.
to enjoying
will enjoy
enjoyed
did enjoyed
Chapter:
Report the dialogue between two friends by completing the sentence.
| Bhawna: | I finished the project yesterday. |
| Sohail: | That's great! Are you going to present it tomorrow? |
Bhawna told Sohail that ______. Sohail responded that it was great and asked if she was going to present it the next day.
Chapter:
Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option to complete the notice on a school notice board.
We are pleased to announce that our Annual Sports Day ______ on 30th April, 2025 at the school playground from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
is held
will be held
had been held
to be held
Chapter:
Complete the slogan on “Save Earth”, by filling in the blank with the correct option.
Let’s join hands, cultivate conservation, and ______ a greener tomorrow for generations to come.
ensuring
ensure
ensures
ensured
Chapter:
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Identify the error and supply the correction for the following note in an air purifier’s instruction manual.
The plug should fit upto the outlet. If it doesn’t fit, do not force it in.
Use the given format for your response.
| Error | Correction |
Chapter:
You are Soumya Hansal/Sumit Hansal living at F-32, Shanti Nagar, Vayugarh. Seeing the inadequate healthcare infrastructure in your town, write a letter to the MLA of your area, in about 120 words, suggesting the need for improving existing healthcare facilities and creating more “Wellness Centres” including a specialized hospital for children and women.
Chapter:
You are Risha Khan/Zuhaan Khan, the sports captain of Highrise Public School, New Line, Rai Nagar. You believe that games and sports are an integral part of a student’s life. Write a letter to the editor of a national daily, in about 120 words, sharing your views on the importance of physical education and suggesting the need to establish a dedicated sports university, so that students can pursue and focus on their favourite sport.
Chapter:
In the past few years, the teaching-learning process has taken a leap and gone beyond the four walls of the classroom. Today, it has become possible to learn not just by sitting in a physical classroom but from anywhere. Given below is a chart depicting the differences between e-learning and classroom learning. Write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words, assessing the benefits and drawbacks of both by selecting features that support your analysis.
| E-learning | Classroom learning | |
| accessible anytime anywhere | same place, same time | |
| at your own pace | caters to the needs of the class | |
| no travel costs, saves time | transportation cost and time consuming | |
Chapter:
Read the given details of a computer.
|
Analyse the details and write an analytical paragraph in about 120 words about the description and role of computers in today’s world.
Chapter:
Read the following extracts and answer the questions.
|
Not a leaf remained on the trees. The corn was totally destroyed. The flowers were gone from the plants. Lencho's soul was filled with sadness. When the storm had passed, he stood in the middle of the field and said to his sons, “A plague of locusts would have left more than this. The hail has left nothing. This year we will have no corn.” That night was a sorrowful one. (A Letter to God) |
- Why were there no leaves left on the trees? (1)
- The locusts ate them up.
- An earthquake had occurred.
- There was a hailstorm.
- The animals grazed on them.
- Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets. (1)
Lencho felt ______ (jubilant/devastated) when he saw his destroyed corn fields. - ‘When Lencho says, “All our work, for nothing,” what does he refer to? Explain in about 40 words. (2)
- ‘Why would Lencho have preferred a plague of locusts to a hailstorm? (1)
Chapter:
Read the following extracts and answer the questions:
|
Later, he patted me on the head and said, never mind, he’d teach me to cook. He also taught me to write my name and said he would soon teach me to write whole sentences and to add numbers. I was grateful. I knew that once I could write like an educated man, there would be no limit to what I could achieve. It was quite pleasant working for Anil. I made the tea in the morning and then would take my time buying the day’s supplies, usually making a profit of about a rupee a day. I think he knew 1 made a little money this way, but he did not seem to mind. (The Thief s Story) |
- ‘What does the following line tell us about the character of Anil? [1]
“I think he knew I made a little money this way but he did not seem to mind.” - Which of the following best describes the realization Hari Singh had while working for Anil? [1]
-
That he would become a rich person one day.
-
That Anil was a very intelligent master but a miser.
-
That he would be able to accomplish a lot if he gets educated.
-
That Anil made a lot of money from his job.
-
- What did Anil promise to teach Hari Singh, and how did Hari Singh feel about the opportunity to learn? Answer in about 40 words. [2]
- Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets. [1]
The narrator earned extra money by making a/an (profit/investment) of about a rupee a day.
Chapter:
Read the following extracts and answer the questions. (5)
|
“I heard an old religious man (For Anne Gregory) |
(i) Complete the sentence appropriately: (1)
The speaker addresses the person he is speaking to as “my dear” because ______.
(ii) Answer in about 40 words. (2)
The poet mentions “yellow hair”. What is its significance in the context of the statement?
(iii) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the brackets. (1)
The poet suggests that God's love in comparison to that of a human being is ______. (selfish/selfless)
(iv) As per the above extract, what attributes does God not love a person for? (1)
- Wealth
- Physical appearance
- Intelligence
- Inner qualities
- Youth
Select the correct option.
- 1 and 4
- 3, 4, and 5
- 2 and 4
- Only 4
Chapter:
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
|
He stalks in his vivid stripes (A Tiger in the Zoo) |
- Identify and name any one figure of speech in the above extract. [2]
- Fill in the blank with one word. [1]
The tiger’s stalking on ‘pads of velvet’ suggests a movement that is ______. - Based on the given lines from the poem, which words would best describe the feelings of the tiger? [1]
- Calm and content
- Both subdued and angry
- Both frustrated and happy
- Both angry and famished
- Select the option that applies the same rhyme scheme as the first four lines of the given extract. [1]
- The people along the sand
All turn and look one way
They turn their back on the land
They look at the sea all day - Along the sand, the people
All turn and look one way
They turn back on the sand
They look at the sea all day - The people along the sand
Look one way and all turn
Their backs on the land
They look at the sea all day - The people along the sand
They turn their back on the land
They look one way
At the sea all day.
- The people along the sand
Chapter:
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Answer the following question in 40 - 50 words.
Mandela in his speech says, “The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my people.” Explain the significane of the word “wound” as used by Mandela.
(Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 40 - 50 words.
‘Dust of Snow’, by Robert Frost is a poem about nature and simplicity. Elaborate.
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 40 - 50 words.
Explain the reasons for Rajvir’s excitement on seeing the plantation and Pranjol’s lack of enthusiasm.
(Glimpses of India - Tea from Assam)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 40 - 50 words.
Analyze how Wells employs humour, rhyme, and exaggerated traits to not only entertain, but also educate readers about various wild animals. Explain.
(How to Tell Wild Animals)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 40 - 50 words.
Mijbil’s transportation to England was no less than a nightmare for the author. Justify the statement using incidents from the lesson.
(Mijbil the Otter)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 40-50 words.
Analyze how Herriot uses Tricki and Mrs. Pumphrey's relationship to comment on societal attitudes towards pets and the responsibilities associated with their care.
(A Triumph of Surgery)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 40-50 words.
Today, reading books is on the decline because of the prevalence of electronic media. Contrarily, earth is saved by a ‘Book’ in the chapter “The Book That Saved the Earth”. Elaborate.
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 40-50 words.
Discuss the character development of Griffin, as he grapples with the repercussions of his actions and attempts to navigate a world, where his once extraordinary abilities have become a burden.
(Footprints without Feet)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 100-120 words:
Amanda and Valli both represent a longing for freedom. Examine the above observation with reference to the two texts.
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 100-120 words:
In The “Ball Poem”, Berryman explores the themes of loss, growing up, and transformation. Mandela also experienced loss of freedom and suffering along with his countrymen during his growing years on the basis of his race and colour. Compare and contrast the commonality of themes in both the texts.
(The Ball Poem and Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom)
Chapter:
Answer the following question in 100 - 120 words:
What plan did Horace Danby make to rob the house at Shotover Grange?
(A Question of Trust)
Chapter:
Answer the following two questions in 100 - 120 words:
Were the sacrifices made by the Loisels in vain? Justify your answer with reference to the text.
(A Question of Trust)
Chapter:
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