1. Read the passage given below.
i. The reason why living on the edge has become popular, is because of the
a) constant need for something different.
b) population being much younger.
c) exhausting effort to make changes.
d) strong tendency to stay within our limits.
(1) It's all about quality oflife and finding a happy balance between work and friends. --Philip Green
(2) To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short. --Confucius
(3) Life is like riding abicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving --Albert Einstein
(4) Balance is notsomething you find, it's something you create. -- Jana Kingsford
b) Option (2)
c) Option (3)
d) Option (4)
iii. Which of the characteristics are apt about the writer in the following context: “I know I have limits and that I’ve reached them, but I’m going to ignore them and see if or how long I can get by with it.” ?
1. negligent
2. indecisive
3. spontaneous
4. reckless
5. purposeless
6. patient
a) 2 and 5
b) 3 and 6
c) 1 and 4
d) 2 and 3
a) Much too soon
b) Enough is enough
c) How much is too much?
d) Have enough to do?
(a) certainly be dangerous.
(b) be fairly dangerous.
(c) be possibly dangerous.
(d) seldom be dangerous.
vi. Select the option that makes the correct use of “unsustainable”, as used in the passage, to fill in the blank space.
a) In the long run, the ______ officials followed emergency procedures.
b) Emergency procedures were _______ by the officials.
c) Officials reported an ________ set of events during the emergency.
d) Officials admit that the emergency system is _______ in the longer run.
a) rebuke
b) question
c) offer aid to
d) offer advice to
viii. The author uses colloquial words such as “yeah” and “Woo-hoo!”. Which of the following is NOT a colloquial word?
a) hooked
b) guy
c) stuff
d) stress
a) To resume our lives.
b) To organize our lives.
c) To rebuild our lives.
d) To control our lives.
1. A person’s evaluation of life
2. A person’s experiences in life
3. A person’s point of view towards life
4. A person’s regrets in life
5. A person’s general attitude to life
a) (1) and (4)
b) (2) and (3)
c) (3) and (5)
d) (4) and (5)
xi. The author explains the importance of discipline and boundaries in our lives using the example of
a) road accidents.
b) traffic rules.
c) lines on the highway.
d) safe driving.
The UN’s 2017 International Year tells that sustainable tourism is an important tool for development, most importantly in poor communities and countries. Today sustainability – environmental, social, and economic – is increasingly recognised as the benchmark for all tourism business. As noted by the UN World Tourism Organisation, 57% of international tourist arrivals will be in emerging economies, by 2030. The various ‘Tourism Terms’ are defined as follows:
Age: 35 - 54 years old, although age varied with activity and other factors such as cost. Gender: 50% female and 50% male, although clear differences based on activity were found.
Education: 82% were college graduates, a shift in interest in ecotourism from those who have high levels of education to those with less education was also found, indicating an expansion into mainstream markets.
Household composition: No major differences were found between general tourists and experienced ecotourists**
Party composition: A majority (60%) of experienced ecotourism respondents stated they prefer to travel as a couple, with only 15% stating they preferred to travel with their families, and 13% preferring to travel alone. (** experienced ecotourists = Tourists that had been on at least one “ecotourism” oriented trip.)
Trip duration: The largest group of experienced ecotourists- (50%) preferred trips lasting 8-14 days. Expenditure: Experienced ecotourists were willing to spend more than general tourists, the largest group (26%) .
Important elements of trip: Experienced ecotourists top three responses were: (a) wilderness setting, (b) wildlife viewing, (c) hiking/trekking.
Motivations for taking next trip: Experienced ecotourists top two responses were (a) enjoy scenery/nature, (b) new experiences/places.
i. In the line “……recognised as the benchmark”, the word “benchmark” DOES NOT refer to
a) a basis for something.
b) the criterion required.
c) the ability to launch something new.
d) a standard point of reference.
ii. The World Tourism Organisation of the UN, in an observation, shared that
a) emerging economies of the world will gain 57% of their annual profits from International tourists.
b) countries with upcoming economies shall see maximum tourist footfall from all over the world in the next decade.
c) a large number of international tourists in 2030 will be from developing countries.
d) barely any tourist in the next decade shall travel from an economically strong nation to a weak one.
a) wild and untouched surroundings.
b) cultural exchange.
c) car and bus rides.
d) fully furnished flats.
1. Asha Mathew, an NRI, loves animals and wishes to travel to places that safeguard their rights and inculcate awareness of their rights. What kind of tourist is she?
2. Gurdeep Singh from UK is an environmental scientist and has always chosen to travel to places that are examples of a symbiotic relationship between man and nature. What kind of tourist is he?
a) (1) is an ecotourist and (2) is a geotourist
b) (1) is an ethical tourist and (2) is a geotourist
c) (1) is a sustainable tourist and (2) is a pro-poor tourist
d) (1) is a geotourist and (2) is a responsible tourist
1. showcases adventure sports
2. promotes landscape appreciations
3. promises luxurious travel
4. includes being environmentally responsible
5. believes in commercializing forests
6. initiates donations for the underprivileged
b) 5&6
c) 2&4
d) 3&5
a) female ecotourists were more than the male ecotourists.
b) the activity preferences were varied in females and males.
c) the choice of things to do on a trip were quite similar for both the genders.
d) male ecotourists were frequent travellers.
a) mainstream market trends were popular with undergraduates.
b) ecotourists were only those who had basic education.
c) mainstream markets were popular tourist destinations for educated ecotourists.
d) ecotourism was no more limited to the small group of highly educated travellers.
viii. According to the survey conducted by the Travel Bureau, the total percentage of experienced ecotourists who DID NOT prefer to travel alone was
a) 60%.
b) 75%.
c) 15%.
d) 13%.
ix. According to the survey, one of the most powerful driving forces leading experienced ecotourism to invest in new trips was
a) setting up work stations in new places.
b) the chance to go camping in the wild.
c) competing with other ecotourists as frequent travellers.
d) the opportunity to travel to new places.
a) Economically backward countries will benefit from sustainable tourism.
b) The tourism business currently recognizes sustainability as an important factor.
c) Emerging economies will receive negligible international tourists in the near future.
d) The sustainability factor in tourism is a significant means for development.
xi. The survey clearly showed that the age range of ecotourists: a) remained the same for the choice of tourist- attractions to visit.
b) changed with the monetary requirements for the trip.
c) fluctuated due to male-female ratio.
d) was constant across various features of the trip.
a) The person who has travelled as an ecotourist once earlier.
b) The person who is yet to travel even once as an ecotourist.
c) The person who is a regular ecotourism enthusiast and traveller.
d) The person who is not regularly travelling on ecotourism trips.
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LITERATURE (10 marks)
3. Read the extracts given below and attempt ANY ONE, by answering the questions that follow. (5x1) (A)
Suddenly she was startled by a voice. “Listen, child,” said the voice, “you shouldn’t stand like that. Sit down.” Sitting down, she looked to see who had spoken. It was an elderly man who had honestly been concerned for her, but she was annoyed by his attention. “There’s nobody here who’s a child,” she said haughtily. “I’ve paid my thirty paise like everyone else.” The conductor chimed in. “Oh, sir, but this is a very grown-up madam. Do you think a mere girl could pay her own fare and travel to the city all alone?” Valli shot an angry glance at the conductor and said, “I am not a madam. Please remember that. And you’ve not yet given me my ticket.” “I’ll remember,” the conductor said, mimicking her tone. Everyone laughed, and gradually Valli too joined in the laughter.
a) Rather shocked
b) Somewhat happy
c) Fairly displeased
d) Quite embarrassed
ii. Choose the option that lists the set of statements that are NOT TRUE according to the given extract.
1. Valli was travelling without a guardian.
2. The conductor was bullying Valli.
3. Valli was nervous in her interactions.
4. Valli was a child passenger.
5. Valli followed the elderly man’s advice.
6. Valli’s response to the elderly man was respectful.
7. It took Valli some time to participate in the jocular conversations.
a) 2, 3, 4
b) 5, 6, 7
c) 3, 5, 7
d) 2, 3, 6
b) F - 2,3,4 and O - 1
c) F - 2,4 and O - 1,3
d) F - 3 and O - 1,2,4
a) Intervened
b) Interrupted
c) Intersected
d) Interjected
v. Choose the characteristic displayed by the conductor when he addressed Valli and declared that she couldn’t be ‘a mere girl’.
a) encouragement
b) indulgence
c) embarrassment
d) authority
The baker or bread-seller of those days had a peculiar dress known as the kabai. It was a single piece long frock reaching down to the knees. In our childhood we saw bakers wearing shirt and trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants. Even today, anyone who wears a half pant which reaches just below the knees invites the comment that he is dressed like a pader!
b) Option (2)
c) Option (3)
d) Option (4)
ii. When the writer says, ‘Baking was indeed a profitable profession in the old days.’, he means that
a) baking isn’t as popular in Goa currently.
b) bakers have chosen to adopt other professions.
c) baking, as a job, isn’t as gainful as it used to be.
d) bakers’ goods were of a better quality in earlier times.
a) The baker received payment on a daily basis.
b) The baker was paid for his services at the end of the month.
c) The baker insisted that customers pay before the month-end.
d) The baker chose to receive payment any day of the month.
a) a tight-fitting apparel.
b) too colourful.
c) made of unsuitable materials.
d) a dress-like attire.
v. The extract uses the phrase, ‘invites (the) comments’. Which of the following expressions is incorrect with respect to the word ‘invites’ ?
a) Option (1)
b) Option (2)
c) Option (3)
d) Option (4)
b) Option (2)
c) Option (3)
d) Option (4)
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(A)
But he’s locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
He hears the last voice at night,
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars
a) restless.
b) reckless.
c) resilient.
a) abcb; abcb
b) abcb; abcd
c) abcd; abcd
d) abcd; abcb
a) zoos and cities.
b) strength and weakness.
c) freedom and captivity.
d) visitors and patrolling cars.
a) “Stop staring”.
b) “Set me free”.
c) “Join me".
d) “Go away”.
v. The tiger’s ‘brilliant eyes’ reveal that he
a) hopes to be free and in the wild, someday.
b) is looked after well and is nourished and healthy.
c) enjoys staring at the bright stars each night.
d) is well-rested and hence, wide-awake.
b) is looked after well and is nourished and healthy.
c) enjoys staring at the bright stars each night.
d) is well-rested and hence, wide-awake.
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(B)
I saw it go Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then
Merrily over — there it is in the water!
No use to say ‘O there are other balls’:
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbour where
His ball went
a) sense of adventure.
b) carefree childhood days.
c) ability to bounce back.
ii. The poet feels that there is no point consoling the boy as
a) it would give him false hope.
b) he might demand for a new ball.
c) it might distress him further.
d) whatever he has lost is irretrievable.
GRAMMAR (10 marks)
I saw Supanddi standing in the field. When I -(i)- doing there, he -(ii)- he was trying to win a Nobel prize. I was confused and enquired how standing in the rice field would help him do so. He stumped me by saying that he -(iii)- won Nobel prizes had all been outstanding in their fields!
Venu: Suppandi, what are you doing standing all alone here? Suppandi: Uncle, I’m trying to win a Nobel prize.
(iv) It was …………… historic day for the organisation when ……………. honour was bestowed upon its employees.
(B) You are Vaijanthi/Vijay from Prakasham Nagar, Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Write a letter to Book Haven Store, requesting home delivery of the books, stationery and art materials you had ordered telephonically. Share the reason for being unable to pick up the goods in person. Confirm your address details and a convenient time slot.
(B) Read the following excerpt from an article that appeared in the magazine section of a local daily:
(A) (any two) (2x2=4)
i. Annie writes that it was fortunate that Mr. Keesing took the joke the right way. Why does she feel so?
a) some familiar experience.
b) a feeling of excitement.
c) a sense of unexpected interruption.
d) some thoughtful moments.
a) worthless.
b) shaking.
c) trembling.
d) rigid.
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GRAMMAR (10 marks)
5. Choose the correct options to fill in the blanks to complete the note about the Wangala Festival of Meghalaya. (3x1)
The Wangala -(i)- festival for the Garo in Meghalaya, Assam and Nagaland. It is a postharvest festival -(ii)- the end of the agricultural year. It is popularly known as ‘The Hundred Drums’ festival. During the signature dance, the leading warrior -(iii)- with synchronised dance steps and specific hand-head movements.
(i)
a) is important
b) are an important
c) was the important
d) is an important
(ii)
a) being celebrated for marking
b) celebrated to mark
c) celebrated to marking
d) being celebrated for mark
(iii)
a) leads the youngsters
b) is lead the youngsters
c) was leading the youngsters
d) had leads the youngsters
Text to be used for Visually Impaired Candidates.
Venu: How will standing in my rice field help you win a Nobel?
Suppandi: because, that’s how it’s won. I’ve heard that the people who have won Nobel prizes were all out standing in various fields.
Venu: Oh!
(i)
a) exclaimed what he was
b) told him what he was
c) asked him what he was
d) says to him about what
(ii)
a) ordered that
b) refused that
c) questioned that
d) replied that
(iii)
a) has heard that people who has
b) was hearing that people who were
c)had heard that people who had
d) did hear that people who had
7. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct options for ANY FOUR of the six sentences given below. (4x1)
(i) You …………………… consult the Thesaurus if you need groups of synonyms for those words.
(iii) The good news is that…………… volunteers dropped out this month than the last two.
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7. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct options for ANY FOUR of the six sentences given below. (4x1)
(i) You …………………… consult the Thesaurus if you need groups of synonyms for those words.
a) had to
b) need to
c) used to
d) might
a) are
b) has
c) is
d) were
a) fewer
b) less
c) few
d) a little
(iv) It was …………… historic day for the organisation when ……………. honour was bestowed upon its employees.
a) a; an
b) an; the
c) the; a
d) an; a
a) are presenting
b) shall be presenting
c) have been presenting
d) will have presenting
a) must
b) will
c) could
d) may
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(B) You are Vaijanthi/Vijay from Prakasham Nagar, Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Write a letter to Book Haven Store, requesting home delivery of the books, stationery and art materials you had ordered telephonically. Share the reason for being unable to pick up the goods in person. Confirm your address details and a convenient time slot.
(A) The chart below displays data about the number of digital devices purchased in Rishunagar across the years 2015-2019. Write a paragraph analyzing the given data.
The ban on single-use plastic is impractical. The purpose of articles like bags and packaging is ultimately to make human life easier. Plastic articles do this well, so they shouldn’t be banned.
Write a paragraph to analyse the given argument.
You could think about what alternative explanations might weaken the given conclusion and include rationale / evidence that would strengthen / counter the given argument.
(A) (any two) (2x2=4)
i. How did Peggy justify her cruel behavior towards Wanda?
(B) (any two) (2x2=4)
i. Why did Oliver Lutkin’s mother laugh as she chased him and Bill away?
ii. Why was it important for Mrs. Pumphrey to be a little cruel in order to be kind towards Tricki?
iii. List any one characteristic of Bholi’s teacher with reference to her first day at school. Give a reason for your answer. i. Why did Oliver Lutkin’s mother laugh as she chased him and Bill away?
ii. The use of symbolism in the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ conveys the poet’s message
effectively. Expand with reference to the poem.
iii. Justify the poet’s allusion to Rapunzel in ‘Amanda’.
i. Griffin’s brilliance as a man of science fades before his darker traits. Comment.