Question Paper
HSC English Question Paper 2020 Solved (Set J-301/A)
SECTION - I
(Reading Skill, Grammar, Vocabulary, Note-making and Summary)
A1. Choose —
Choose the correct options which are required basically to develop the cities :
(iv) Requirement of social infrastructure.
The first requirement for a city is a pragmatic plan. Many of our cities such as Delhi and Bhubaneswar and even Port Blair in the Andamans have reasonably good master plans. Many also have City Development Plans which have been made an essential requirement to draw funds from the government’s Urban Renewal Programme (JNNURM). But they should be updated frequently based on the changing needs of its people.
And let’s not forget its citizens - they need to be more pro-actively involved when evolving master plans. But often, there’s lack of planning and inadequate implementation of systems. This applies to all essential components of a city – streets, public transport system, traffic management, affordable housing, cars and parking, drainage, water supply, sewerage and garbage. Any deficiency in these will lead to poor quality cities which won’t be able to handle the pressure of increased population and changing needs.
The second requirement of a good city is good social infrastructure such as parks and places for leisure such as rivers and sea fronts. It needs to preserve and protect its heritage. We are a nation with a rich diversity in culture, arts and crafts and cities are great platforms for that, given the right facilities. And let’s not forget good and affordable educational and healthcare facilities too.
We don’t have to look far. There are enough cities worldwide which have managed to radically improve the quality of life of its citizens. Take Singapore. It has managed to limit cars and has a very efficient transport system. Shanghai has wonderful footpaths everywhere. New York is actively developing cycling facilities in large parts, while Holland, Denmark and other Scandinavian countries have developed cities around a bicycling infrastructure, creating a complete culture around them which is humane and ecological. There is Tokyo, the world’s most populous city, which has a metro system used by 80% of the population.
A2. Complete —
Complete the following statement by choosing two correct alternatives:
Many cities in the world have managed to radically improve the quality of life of its citizens, because......
(ii) They have controlled the use of cars and encouraged the public transport system.
A3. Give reasons :
State the reasons why some major Indian cities are polluted, with evidences from the extract.
- There is often a lack of planning and inadequate implementation of systems.
- There are deficiencies in essential components such as traffic management, drainage, sewerage, and garbage disposal.
- These deficiencies result in poor quality cities unable to handle the pressure of increased population.
A4. Vocabulary —
Match the words in column ‘A’ with their antonyms in column ‘B’ :
| Column ‘A’ | Column ‘B’ |
|---|---|
| (i) preserve | (a) insufficient |
| (ii) enough | (b) fulfilment |
| (iii) essential | (c) damage |
| (iv) deficiency | (d) useless |
| Word | Antonym |
|---|---|
| (i) preserve | (c) damage |
| (ii) enough | (a) insufficient |
| (iii) essential | (d) useless |
| (iv) deficiency | (b) fulfilment |
A5. Personal response :
Write your opinion in about 50 words about the role of rivers and sea fronts in bringing society close.
A6. Grammar —
Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed :
(1) Choose the option which is the correct positive degree of the given sentence :
Tokyo is the world’s most populous city.
(2) New York is actively developing cycling facilities in large parts.
(Frame Wh-question to get the underlined answer.)
Do as directed :
(1) She was serving as ______ clerk in ______ State Bank of India.
(Rewrite it using appropriate articles.)
(2) Nashik city recorded 52.7 mm rain ______ the four hours ______ 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm on Friday.
(Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions.)
(3) Grandpa said to Meenu, “I am going for a walk. Are you willing to come with me?”
(Change it into indirect narration.)
Book Keeping and Accountancy
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A1. Choose —
Choose two sentences that appropriately mention the theme of the passage :
(iv) Trying for all the subjects irrespective of the individual’s interest may lead to frustration.
Once upon a time, the animals decided they must do something heroic to meet the problems of a “new world”, so they organized a school. They adopted an activity curriculum consisting of running, climbing, swimming and flying. To make it easier to administer the curriculum, all the animals took all the subjects.
The duck was excellent in swimming. In fact, better than his instructor. But he made only passing grades in flying and was very poor in running. Since he was slow in running, he had to stay after school and also drop swimming in order to practise running. This was kept up until his webbed feet were badly worn and he was only average in swimming. But average was acceptable in school so nobody worried about that, except the duck.
The rabbit started at the top of the class in running but had a nervous breakdown because of so much make up work in swimming.
The squirrel was excellent in climbing until he developed frustration in the flying class where his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of the treetop down. He also developed a “Charlie horse” from overexertion and then got a C in climbing and D in running.
The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely. In the climbing class, he beat all the others to the top of the tree but insisted on using his own way to get there.
At the end of the year, an abnormal eel that could swim exceedingly well and also run, climb and fly a little, had the highest average and was valedictorian.
The prairie dogs stayed out of school and fought the tax levy because the administration would not add digging and burrowing to the curriculum.
A2. Complete —
Complete the following statements by giving suitable reasons :
(i) The duck was average in swimming, because....
(ii) The squirrel could score only C in climbing, because ................
A3. Guess :
Guess the result of the prairie dogs if they had been given admission in the animal school and support your guessing with the facts from the extract.
A4. Vocabulary —
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words given in the box and rewrite :
[ valedictorian, curriculum, frustration, administer ]
(i) Varun who topped the college was declared ......
(ii) The .......... of the school should involve more activity subjects.
(iii) Poor performance in the exams develop ............ among the students.
(iv) It’s necessary to ........... the programme, so that it will be successful.
(ii) curriculum
(iii) frustration
(iv) administer
A5. Personal response —
Suggest in about 50 words at least two ways to make the learning enjoyable.
A6. Grammar —
Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed :
(i) The eagle was a problem child and was disciplined severely.
(Make it a complex sentence.)
(ii) An abnormal eel could swim exceedingly well.
(Rewrite the sentence using ‘able to’.)
Read the following extract and complete the notes given below:
Sudha Murthy was born on 19 August, 1950; in Shiggaon in Karnataka. She and her siblings were raised by her parents and maternal grandparents. She completed B.E. in Electrical Engineering from B.V. B. College of Engineering and Technology, standing first in her class and receiving a gold medal from the Chief Minister of Karnataka. She completed M.E. in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Science, standing first in her class and receiving a gold medal from the Indian Institute of Engineers.
Sudha Murthy became the first female engineer hired at India’s largest auto manufacturer TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO) as a Development Engineer. She later joined Walchand Group of Industries at Pune as a Senior System Analyst. In 1996, she started Infosys Foundation and has been a Visiting Professor at the P. G. centre of Bangalore University.
Sudha Murthy’s work covers the healthcare, education, empowerment of women and public hygiene at the grassroot level. Her vision of a library for each school has resulted in the setting of 50,000 libraries so far. She is helping out rural areas by building 10,000 public toilets and several hundred toilets in the city of Bangalore. Infosys Foundation is a public charitable trust founded in 1996 and Sudha Murthy is one of the trustees. Through the foundation she has built 2,300 houses in the flood affected areas.
Sudha Murthy
B1. Early life and education —
(i) Birthplace : Shiggaon in Karnataka
(ii) Education : ♦ B.E. from B.V. B. College of Engineering, with gold medal.
: M.E. in Computer Science from Indian Institute of Science, with gold medal from Indian Institute of Engineers.
B2. Career
: ♦ Senior System Analyst in Walchand Group of Industries, Pune.
♦ First female engineer at TELCO / Started Infosys Foundation / Visiting Professor at Bangalore University.
B3. Social activities
: ♦ Set 50,000 libraries
♦ Several hundred toilets in Bangalore
♦ Built 2,300 houses in flood affected areas / Built 10,000 public toilets in rural areas.
A1. True or False —
State whether the following statements are true or false :
(ii) True
(iii) False
(iv) True
Contaminated or polluted soil affects human health through direct contact with soil or via inhalation of soil contaminants which have vaporized. Potentially greater threats are posed by the infiltration of soil contamination into groundwater aquifers. This tends to result in the development of pollution-related diseases.
Health hazards cause due to soil contamination very greatly depending on the pollutant type and vulnerability of the exposed population. Constant exposure to chromium, lead, petroleum, many pesticides and herbicide formulations can be carcinogenic and can cause congenital disorders or other chronic health conditions. Industrial or man-made concentrations of naturally occurring substances, such as nitrate and ammonia associated with livestock manure has also been identified as health hazards in soil and groundwater.
Chronic exposure to benzene at sufficient concentration is known to be associated with higher incidences of leukemia. Mercury and cyclodines are known to induce higher incidences of kidney damage and some irreversible diseases. Organophosphates and carbonates can induce a chain of responses leading to neuromuscular blockage. Many chlorinated solvents induce liver changes, kidney changes and depression of the central nervous system. There is an entire spectrum of further health effects such as headache, nausea, fatigue, eye-irritation and skin rash for the above cited and other chemicals. At sufficient dosages a large number of soil contaminants can cause death by exposure via direct contact, inhalation or ingestion of contaminants in groundwater contaminated through soil.
A2. Explain:
Explain from the given extract how soil pollution affects drinking water.
A3. Find out :
Find out the reasons from the passage why we should avoid chemicals to kill insects.
A4. Vocabulary —
Match the pairs of the words in column ‘A’ with their meanings in column ‘B’ :
| Column ‘A’ | Column ‘B’ |
|---|---|
| (i) infiltration | (a) process of eating, drinking or using |
| (ii) inhalation | (b) action of increasing strength of solution |
| (iii) consumption | (c) passing of liquid through |
| (iv) concentration | (d) breathing air in |
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| (i) infiltration | (c) passing of liquid through |
| (ii) inhalation | (d) breathing air in |
| (iii) consumption | (a) process of eating, drinking or using |
| (iv) concentration | (b) action of increasing strength of solution |
A5. Personal response :
Suggest two steps to keep away from the use of chemicals in home.
2. Opt for organic fruits and vegetables to reduce exposure to pesticide residues and wash all produce thoroughly before consumption.
A6. Grammar —
Rewrite the following sentences in the ways instructed :
(i) Potentially greater threats are posed by the infiltration of soil contamination.
(Begin with -‘The infiltration of soil contamination ........’ and rewrite.)
(ii) There is an entire spectrum of further health effects.
(Rewrite, using Present Perfect Tense)
Summarise the above extract with the help of the points given and suggest a suitable title :
Health and groundwater problem - bad effects of chemicals - industrial and man-made concentration - pollutants related diseases.
The Hazards of Soil Contamination
Soil contamination poses severe risks to human health, primarily through direct contact, inhalation, or the infiltration of pollutants into groundwater aquifers. This contamination, stemming from industrial chemicals, pesticides, and livestock manure, leads to pollution-related diseases. Exposure to substances like benzene, mercury, and lead can cause cancer, kidney damage, congenital disorders, and neuromuscular blockage. Ultimately, these man-made and industrial pollutants can be fatal if ingested through contaminated groundwater.
SECTION - II
(Poetry)
A1. Web —
Complete the web by listing the activities brave men do for their nation :
A2. Poetic device —
Figure of speech : 'Is it sword?'
Identify the figure of speech in the above line and find out one more example of the same figure of speech and write it.
Another example: "And is it pride?"
A3. Personal response :
Explain, in about 50 words, what your contribution would be to make India great.
A4. Creativity :
Men who for truth and honor’s sake
stand fast and suffer long
...........................................................
...........................................................
Add two lines of your own maintaining ‘abab’ rhyme scheme.
stand fast and suffer long
For them the earth will never shake,
And history acts as their song.
SECTION - III
(Rapid Reading and Composition)
The little daisy was as happy as if the day had been a great holiday, but it was only Monday. All the children were at school, and while they were sitting on the forms and learning their lessons, it sat on its thin green stalk and learnt from the sun and from its surroundings how kind God is, and it rejoiced that the song of the little lark expressed so sweetly and distinctly its own feelings. With a sort of reverence, the daisy looked up to the bird that could fly and sing, but it did not feel envious. “I can see and hear,” it thought; “the sun shines upon me, and the forest kisses me. How rich I am!”
In the garden close by grew many large and magnificent flowers, and strange to say, the less fragrance they had the haughtier and prouder they were. The peonies puffed themselves up in order to be larger than the roses, but size is not everything! The tulips had the finest colours, and they knew it well, too, for they were standing bolt upright like candles, that one might see them the better. In their pride, they did not see the little daisy, which looked over to them and thought, “How rich and beautiful they are! I am sure the pretty bird will fly down and call upon them. Thank God, that I stand so near, and can at least see all the splendour.” And while the daisy was still thinking, the lark came flying down, crying “Tweet”, but not to the peonies and tulips - no, into the grass to the poor daisy. Its joy was so great that it did not know what to think. The little bird hopped round it and sang, “How beautifully soft the grass is, and what a lovely little flower with its golden heart and silver dress is growing here.”
A1. Complete —
Complete the following sentences :
(i) The daisy was learning the lesson that ______.
(ii) The names of the flowers without fragrance were ______.
(iii) For daisy, the lark would come down to the tulips and peonies, because they were _____
(iv) The lark praised ______ and ______ .
A2. Write a gist :
Write a gist of the extract in about 50 words.
Charles had just fought three other young men and had nearly killed them. It seemed certain that Orlando would be treated in the same way. And so the two girls spoke to the tall, good-looking young man, begging him not to fight.
‘You have seen cruel proof of this man’s strength’, said Celia. ‘We pray you for your own sake to give up this fight. Do not run such a risk!’
‘Please do what we ask, young sir,’ said Rosalind. ‘No one will call you a coward. We will ask the Duke to stop the wrestling’.
But Orlando answered : ‘Please do not be angry if I refuse to do what you ask. It is not easy to say no to ladies who are so beautiful and gentle. But let your fair eyes and gentle wishes go with me to my trial. No one will be sorry if I am killed, because I have no friends to love me. I fill up a place in the world which may be better filled by another man if I leave it empty’.
‘I wish I could give you the little strength I have,’ said Rosalind, and Celia added : ‘And mine, too, to help out hers.’
The wrestler Charles arrived and Celia looked at him angrily. ‘I wish I were invisible, to catch that strong fellow by the leg!’ she whispered to her cousin.
The wrestling match began, and everyone expected the Duke’s wrestler to win. He was a huge man, and Orlando looked like a young schoolboy beside him. But to everyone’s surprise, Orlando, after a struggle, lifted Charles in his arms and threw him onto the ground.
B1. Complete —
Complete the following chart :
| Characters | Appearance | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| Charles | — | — |
| Orlando | — | — |
| Characters | Appearance | Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| Charles | Huge man | Cruel / Strong |
| Orlando | Tall, good-looking, looks like a young schoolboy | Gentle / Brave / Humble |
B2. Provide imaginary ending :
Provide a different ending to the extract in about 50 words.
SECTION - IV
(Written Communication)
Write any ONE of the following letters :
(1) Mohan / Mohini Pande, Roll No. 74, of class XII (Arts) has to attend his / her sister’s wedding ceremony held at his / her hometown and needs a leave of absence for 5 days. Imagine yourself to be Mohan / Mohini and write a letter to the Principal, SPW Arts and Commerce College, Akola, requesting him to grant the leave of absence for 5 days.
OR
(2) Your junior college is situated on a narrow but busy road causing traffic congestion and pollution. Noisy horns and constant traffic disturb the classes. Write a letter of complaint to the Chief Officer, Municipality of your town and suggest some solutions.
Mohan Pande,
Roll No. 74, Class XII (Arts),
SPW Arts and Commerce College,
Akola.
18th February 2020
To,
The Principal,
SPW Arts and Commerce College,
Akola.
Subject: Application for leave of absence for 5 days.
Respected Sir,
I am Mohan Pande, a student of Class XII (Arts), Roll No. 74. I am writing to respectfully request a leave of absence from college for five days, from 20th February to 24th February 2020.
My elder sister's wedding ceremony is scheduled to take place at our hometown during this period. As a family member, my presence and participation in the ceremonies are essential. I need to assist my parents with the arrangements and attend the various functions.
I assure you that I have completed my current assignments and will cover any missed lessons promptly upon my return. I humbly request you to grant me leave for these days.
Thanking you,
Yours obediently,
Mohan Pande
(Class XII Arts, Roll No. 74)
(1) Appeal —
In the horrible flood situation, the Kerala state sufferred a huge loss. Your organisation has arranged a rally to raise funds to help the flood-affected people in Kerala. Prepare an appeal for the people to contribute to the funds with the help of the following points :
OR
(2) News writing —
Draft a news on any ONE of the following headlines, giving dateline, intro and a continuing paragraph :
(i) Teacher’s Day celebrated in Adarsh School
(ii) Strike of Bus Drivers Paralyses State
HELP KERALA RISE AGAIN!
"A little help goes a long way."
The devastating floods in Kerala have left thousands homeless and helpless. It is time for humanity to stand together.
Join the 'Relief Rally'
Organized by: Youth For Change
Date: 25th February 2020
Time: 9:00 AM
Venue: Azad Maidan to Town Hall
Chief Guest: Famous Social Worker, Mr. A. K. Sharma
We appeal to all citizens to join us in large numbers. Please contribute generously:
- ✔ Money (Cheque/Cash)
- ✔ Clothes & Blankets
- ✔ Dry Food & Medicines
Every rupee counts! Let's rebuild lives together.
Contact: 9876543210 for donations.
(1) Counter-view —
Read the following View Section and develop a Counter-view Section in about 120 words. Suggest a suitable title :
‘Mobiles should be allowed in classrooms’
- Mobiles are good source of information
- They are easy to handle
- They provide videos to understand the topic
- Information can be easily exchanged.
OR
(2) Information transfer —
Look at the tree diagram given below and write a short paragraph about Kaldhari in about 120 words. Suggest a suitable title :
1. Cleanliness -> cement concretised central road
2. Energy sources -> Solar and wind energy -> tap water
3. Milk Co-operatives -> Milk chilling centres
4. Rainwater harvesting -> tree plantation -> public lavatories
5. Massive awareness drive -> anti-alcohol drive
(Note: Diagram depicts Kaldhari's achievements in Cleanliness, Energy, Milk Co-ops, Water Harvesting, and Awareness)
Mobiles in Classrooms: A Distraction, Not a Tool
While some argue that mobile phones facilitate learning, allowing them in classrooms is detrimental to the educational environment. Firstly, mobiles are a massive source of distraction. Instead of focusing on the lecture, students are likely to check social media or play games. Secondly, the 'ease of handling' often translates to ease of cheating during exams. Furthermore, while videos can explain topics, relying on screens reduces direct interaction between teachers and students, which is vital for character building. Lastly, not every student can afford high-end smartphones, creating an economic divide and inferiority complex among peers. Therefore, classrooms should remain a gadget-free zone to ensure discipline and focus.
Your college has invited a dietitian on the occasion of ‘World Health Day’. Imagine you are the editor of your college magazine, taking interview of the dietitian. Frame a set of 8 to 10 questions to interview him / her.
Interview with a Dietitian on World Health Day
- Good morning, Sir/Madam. Could you please tell us what inspired you to become a dietitian?
- On this World Health Day, what is the most important message you would like to give to our students?
- In today's fast-paced life, students often skip breakfast. How harmful is this habit?
- What constitutes a 'balanced diet' for a teenager?
- Junk food addiction is a major issue today. How can students overcome cravings for fast food?
- Is it necessary to take health supplements, or can natural food provide all nutrients?
- How much water should an average student drink daily to stay hydrated and focused?
- Does diet play a role in managing exam stress and improving concentration?
- What is your opinion on the 'fad diets' that are popular on social media?
- Lastly, could you suggest a simple, healthy snack that students can carry to college?
Imagine your college is organising a speech competition on the topic ‘Disappearing Birds’. Prepare a speech in about 100 words with the help of the following points :
Save Our Winged Friends
Respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends,
Today, I stand before you to speak on a concerning issue—'Disappearing Birds'. Birds are not just beautiful creatures; they are the farmers of nature. They control pests, pollinate flowers, and spread seeds, maintaining the ecological balance.
However, we see fewer of them today. Why? The rampant cutting of trees has destroyed their homes. Excessive use of pesticides poisons their food, and the radiation from mobile towers interferes with their navigation. Urban noise and pollution are driving them away.
But it’s not too late. We can call them back. Let us plant more native trees, keep water bowls on our balconies, and stop using chemical pesticides in our gardens. Let us pledge today to protect our winged friends before they vanish from our skies forever.
Thank you.
Solutions
Answer Key: Below are the official board papers with solutions.
