2021-2022
GENERAL ENGLISH
FULL MARKS: 90
PASS MARKS: 27
TIME: 3 HOURS
SECTION- A
1.(a) Choose the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentence
from among the alternatives given in the brackets: 1
Send me the rest, since I need it very much.
(relaxing / remaining part / remaining idle)
Answer:
Rest – remaining part
(b) State whether the following statements are True or False: 2
(i) Lencho was a trader.
Answer: False
(b) Lencho was a farmer.
Answer: True
(c) Choose the correct answer from among the alternatives given and
complete the sentence: 1
The field was white, as if covered with ___
(i) snow
(ii) flour
(iii) salt
Answer: (iii) The field was white, as if covered with salt.
2. How many cups of tea are drunk everyday throughout the world? 1
Answer: Over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk everyday throughout the
world.
3. Write the names of two patriots before Mandela. 1 + 1 = 2
Answer: Two patriots of South Africa before Mandela are-
(a) Oliver Tambo
(b) Walter Sisulu
4. Why did Lencho go out when the big drops of rain were falling? 2
Answer: Lencho went out for no other reason than to have the pleasure of
feeling the rain on his body and when he returned he exclaimed with joy that
the raindrops falling from the sky were new coins for him.
5. Who is the writer of Tea from
Assam ? Who is Mr. Barua mentioned in the lesson? 1+1=2
Answer: Arup Kumar Datta (Born 1946) is the writer of Tea from
Assam.
Mr. Barua, meantioned in the lesson, is Pranjol’s father. He is the manager
of a tea-garden in Upper Assam, named ‘Dhekiabari’.
6. Why did Lencho become angry when he counted the money? 1
Answer: Lencho became angry when he counted the money, because there was only
seventy pesos in the envelope, instead of a hundred pesos which he had
requested from the God.
7. “Freedom is indivisible.” How does Mandela explain this observation of
his? 2
Answer: According to Nelson Mandela, “Freedom is indivisible.” He explains
that the chains on anyone of his people were the chains on all of them, the
chains on all of his people were the chains on him (Mandela).
8. What does Mandela mean by courage? Who, according to him, is a brave
man? 1+1=2
Answer: Mandela means by courage is not the absence of fear, but the
triumph over it.
According to him, a brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he
who conquers that fear.
9. What does Mandela say about the inauguration gathering? 2
Answer: Mandela says that the inauguration would be the largest gathering
ever of international leaders on South African soil. As, the dignitaries and
world leaders, from more than 140 countries around the world, were coming to
pay their respects on the inauguration.
10.Give a description of Dhekiabari Tea Estate as seen by Rajvir. 3
Answer: The Dhekiabari Tea Estate was reached after
crossed a cattle-bridge. On both sides of the gravel road, there were acre upon
acre of tea bushes. The tea bushes were all neatly pruned to the same height.
With bamboo baskets on backs and wearing plastic aprons, the groups of
tea-pluckers were plucking the newly sprouted leaves.
These are the beautiful scenery as seen by Rajvir in the Dhekiabari Tea
Estate.
SECTION – B
11.
Choose from the box given below the words that rhyme with the following: 1 x 2
= 2
Wagon,
ink
Canon, dragon, ring, blink, king
Answer:
Word – Rhyme
Wagon – Dragon
Ink – Blink
12. Where should the tiger be snarling around and how should it be terrorizing
the village? 1 + 1 = 2
Answer: The tiger should be snarling around the houses at the jungle’s
edge.
It should be terrorizing the village by baring his white fangs and his
claws.
13. Why did Custard cry for a nice safe cage?
Answer: As mentioned in the poem, the dragon, Custard was a coward. Belinda
and the entire pets or animals in the Belinda’s white house are braver than
Custard. For his cowardice and to be safe in case of some danger came up,
Custard cried for a nice safe cage.
14. “He stalks in his vivid stripes.”
Who is meant by “He” in the above line? What is meant by ‘vivid stripes’?
Answer: The Tiger in the Zoo is meant by ‘He’ in the mentioned or above
line line.
The yellow and the black stripes on the tiger’s body is meant by ‘vivid
stripes’.
15. How did Custard the Dragon attack the pirate?
Answer:
Custard faced the pirate boldly. He jumped up, snorted like an engine and
clashed his tails like irons in a dungeon. Then, making a clattering and
clanking sound and squirming, he attacked the pirate like a robin at a worm.
At
that time, the pirate gaped at Custard. He drank some wine from the bottle in
his pocket. He fired two bullets, but the bullets did not hit Custard.
At
last, the Dragon gobbled the pirate and he was died.
Thus, Custard had saved Belinda and
other pets from the Pirate.
16.What is meant by ‘quiet rage’?
Answer: The silent anger or rage and the extent of the tiger’s fury for
being locked up in a cage is meant by ‘quiet rage’.
17. Where did Belinda live? 1
Answer: Belinda lived in a little white house.
SECTION-C
18. (a) Briefly describe how Ausable
defeated Max’s scheme to take away the report. 5
Answer:
The Midnight visitor was Max who had an appointment with Ausable
for twelve-thirty. He came to Ausable’s room to collect the important report
concerning some new missiles.
To save from Max, Ausable informed the false information of the
balcony which extended his window and the information of the visitor in the
month. He also suspected Max in entering his room by the balcony. Ausable
also technically informed about the knocker as a police whom he expected to
some extra protection for the report and observe everything was alright or not.
When the knocking sound was going more and more, and the doorknob turned then
Max jumped down from the window. Actually, there was no any balcony under the
window. So, Max was died at last and Ausable and Fowler saved from Max. Thus,
Ausable defeated Max’s scheme to take away the report.
Or:
(b) How does Ausable make Max believe that there is
a balcony attached to his room? 5
Answer:
To save from Max (the
other secret agent holding pistol), Ausable technically informed about the
balcony. He said that that was the second time in the month that somebody got
into his room through the balcony. He said that the balcony belonged to the
next apartment. He also narrated that the room used to be part of a large unit.
The next room through that door there used to be the living room. The balcony
extended under his window and somebody entered his room through that.
Ausable description of a balcony made it a convincing story.
He convinced and believed Max that there was a balcony. The information of the
balcony and the management were provided the techniques to believe the false
information. This story is totally a convincing story because if Ausable could
not convince Max that he and Fowler might be face in danger.
19.
(a) Briefly describe the extraordinary behavior of Mrs. Hall’s furniture. 5
Answer:
Apart from the study room, other some extraordinary things had
happened in the inn. One day, the land lord and his wife saw the scientist’s
door open. But, it often remained closed. So, they entered his room. They saw
that his clothes and bandages were lying in the room. At that time, they heard
a sniff close to their ear.
Later, they saw that the hat kept up from the bedpost and dashed
itself into her face. Then, the bedroom chair became visible. Springing
into the air, it charged straight at her, legs foremost. When they turned away
in terror, the extraordinary chair pushed them both out of the room and then
appeared to slam and lock the door after them.
Or
(b) Who was Griffin? Why and how did he
become invisible? How did he become a homeless wanderer? 1+2+2=5
Answer:
Griffin was a brilliant scientist.
After
many experiments, he carried out that the human body could become
invisible. After that, he swallowed some certain rare drugs and became
transparent like a sheet of glass and became invisible. It also remained as
solid as glass. In this work, we surely say that he is a brilliant scientist
because; it is not possible for any ordinary man. After that, he could become
invisible when he faced any danger situation.
Griffin was a brilliant scientist, but he was rather a
lawless person. His landlord did not like(disliked) him and tried to eject him.
So, he set fire to the house to take revenge. After that, he had to remove his
clothes to get away without being seen. From then, he became a homeless
wonderer the streets, without clothes, without money and quite invisible.
SECTION-D
20. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with right determiners: ½ x 4 = 2
(a) Mr. Barua is a man of ___ words.
Answer: Mr. Barua is a man of few words.
(b) Ms. Manisha married ___ European gentleman.
Answer: Ms. Manisha married a European gentleman.
(c) I want only ___ encouragement from you.
Answer: I want only a little encouragement from you.
(d) ____ of the participants will be given a certificate.
Answer: Each of the participants will be given a certificate.
21. Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition from among the choices given in the brackets:
(a) They are sitting ____ the dining table. (on/at/upon)
Answer: They are sitting at the dining table.
(b) Ravi is senior _____ me by two years. (from/than/to)
Answer: Ravi is senior to me by two years.
(c) He was prevented ____ going to Delhi. (for / from / with)
Answer: He was prevented from going to Delhi.
(d) Flour is made ___ wheat. (from/by/with)
Answer: Flour is made from wheat.
22. Rewrite the sentences given below putting the verbs in the brackets in their correct tense form: 1 x 3 = 3
(a) He (ring) the bell when I was reading.
Answer: He rang the bell when I was reading.
(b) Nobody (know) where he lives.
Answer: Nobody knows where he lives.
(c) The guests (arrive) before the dinner was set.
Answer: The guests had arrived before the dinner was set.
23. Change the narration of the following: 1 x 2 = 2
(a) Mitali asked me if I had a pen to spare.
Answer: Mitali said to me, “ Have you a pen to spare?”
(b) Mother said to Rafique, “Do not keep evil company in your life.”
Answer: Mother advised Rafique not to keep evil company in his life.
24. Change the voice of the following sentences: 1 x 2 = 2
(a) Shakespeare wrote the play, Hamlet.
Answer: The play, Hamlet was written by Shakespeare.
(b) My pen has been stolen.
Answer: Someone has stolen my pen.
25. Combine each of the following pairs of sentences into a single sentence: 1 x 2 = 2
(a) He is not sincere. He is not honest.
Answer: He is neither sincere nor honest.
(b) The earth moves round the Sun. Everybody knows it.
Answer: Everybody knows that the earth moves round the Sun.
26. hoose the correct alternatives from the choices given in the brackets and rewrite the sentences: 1x 2 = 2
(a) Nobody likes his (child-like / childish) behavior.
Answer: Nobody likes his childish behavior.
(b) The two men arrived at an (amiable/amicable) settlement.
Answer: The two men arrived at an amicable settlement.
27. Make sentences to illustrate the meaning of any two of the following: 1 x 2 = 2
Deal in, bring up, put up, look after
Note: ! Don’t write assamese in the exam.
Answer:
Deal in (ব্যৱসায় কৰা)
- He deals in tea.
Bring up (লালনপালন কৰা )
- The children were brought up with great care.
Put up (উপস্থাপন কৰা)
- They have put up a tent.
Look after (যতন লব’লৈ)
- I have to look after my old parents.
28. Correct any three of
the following sentences: 1 x 3 = 3
(a) Haren was appointed in the post.
Answer: Haren was appointed to the post.
(b) It is raining since last night.
Answer: It has been raining since last
night.
(c) How much money you need?
Answer: How much money do you need?
(d) Five kilograms are not so heavy to
carry.
Answer: Five kilograms is not so heavy
to carry.
(e) The old man died from COVID-19.
Answer: The old man died of COVID-19.
29. Translate into English (any
one group) of the following: 1 x 6 = 6
Assamese
(a) অসমৰ চাহপাত জগত বিখ্যাত ।
Answer: The tea of
Assam is famous in the world.
Or Assam’s tea is world famous.
(b)মানুহজন
সিমান চহকীও নহয় নাইবা সিমান দুখীয়াও নহয় ।
Answer: The man is
neither so rich nor so poor.
(c) গুৱাহাটীত এখন চিৰিয়াখানা আছে ।
Answer: There is a zoo in Guwahati.
(d) ৰমেন ক’ত থাকে তুমি জানানে?
Answer: Do you know where Ramen lives?
(e) চোৰটোক গাঁৱৰ পৰা
খেদি দিয়া হৈছিল ।
Answer: The thief was driven out of the village.
(f) ৰূপ সোণৰ সমান মূল্যবান নহয় ।
Answer: Silver is not as valuable as gold.
Or
Give the substance of the
following passage: 6
Examinations are an integral
part of academic life. They have been the traditional and conventional ways of
testing a person’s talent, level of understanding and his range of study. One’s
performance in examinations generally determines one’s ability and career
prospects.
Examinations are there in the
schools, colleges and universities to be faced by one to prove his/her learning
abilities. Examinations are there to be faced to get oneself selected for any
employment. Even the university toppers need to pass all-India level
competitive examinations to get themselves selected to any administrative
service. Such being the importance of examinations, one should face them with
proper preparation and conviction. One should not take the consolation from the
old adage, “failures are the pillars of success”. No doubt, repeated failures help
one in gathering experience. But it must not be forgotten that student live covers
a limited period of time in our life. Since student life provides the basis for
a future career, one should take it seriously and try to come out successful in
the successive examinations. Good results in examinations ensure a better prospect
in future life.
Answer:
Substance of the passage:
Examinations play a vital role in academic life as they test a student’s knowledge, understanding, and abilities. Performance in examinations largely determines one’s career prospects and opportunities for higher studies and employment. Since even top students must clear competitive exams, examinations should be faced with seriousness and proper preparation. Student life is limited and forms the foundation of future success; therefore, repeated failures should not be taken lightly. Good examination results lead to better prospects in life.
(*This answer is generated
through https://chatgpt.com/
)
30. Write, in about 150 words,
an essay on any one of the following topics: 6
(a) Obedience to Parents
(b) Covid-19
(c) Spring Season in Assam
Answer:
(a) Obedience to Parents
Obedience to parents is the foundation of a disciplined
life and a primary moral duty.
·
(i)
Moral Value: It is the first lesson in
ethics, teaching children respect and gratitude for their upbringing and care.
·
(ii)
Practical Wisdom: Parents possess vast
life experience; their guidance helps children navigate challenges and avoid
common pitfalls.
·
(iii) Character Building: Following parental advice fosters humility and
self-control, which are essential for future professional and personal success.
·
(iv)
Safety and Protection: Most parental
restrictions are designed to shield children from negative peer pressure and
harmful environments.
·
(v)
Reciprocity of Love: Obeying parents is
a meaningful way to acknowledge their selfless sacrifices and unconditional
love.
·
(vi)
Social and Spiritual Growth: Culturally,
children who respect their parents are viewed as responsible citizens. Many
traditions also believe that honoring parents brings spiritual blessings and
inner peace.
Thus, ‘Obedience
to Parents’ is must necessary for every human being in their lives.
(b) Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented global health
crisis that reshaped modern society.
·
(i)
The Virus: It was caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus,
which primarily targets the human respiratory system and spread globally in
2020.
·
(ii) Preventive Protocols: To curb the spread, the world adopted "New
Normal" habits like wearing masks, sanitizing hands, and social
distancing.
·
(iii)
Global Lockdown: Governments imposed
lockdowns to prevent medical systems from collapsing, which significantly
impacted the global economy.
·
(iv)
Digital Revolution: The pandemic
accelerated the shift toward online education, telehealth, and remote working
environments.
·
(v)
Medical Achievement: The rapid
development and distribution of vaccines, such as Covishield and Covaxin, were
crucial in saving millions of lives.
·
(vi)
Future Preparedness: Covid-19 taught
humanity the vital importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure and
maintaining personal hygiene to prevent future outbreaks.
Thus, COVID-19 made a long lasting impression for every human being in
this world.
(c) Spring Season in
Assam
Spring Season in Assam, popularly known as 'Basanta', is a
season of color, melody, and cultural fervor.
·
(i)
Natural Transformation: After the dry
winter, the landscape turns emerald green with new leaves and blooming flowers.
·
(ii)
Floral Beauty: The arrival of spring is
marked by the blooming of the Kopou Phul (Foxtail
Orchid), which is integral to Assamese culture.
·
(iii)
Nature’s Music: The melodious call of
the Kuli (Cuckoo)
resonates through the air, signaling the start of the season.
·
(iv)
Rongali Bihu: This season hosts the most
significant festival, Bohag Bihu, celebrating the
Assamese New Year and the seeding season.
·
(v)
Folk Traditions: The atmosphere is
filled with the rhythmic beats of the Dhol, Pepa, and Gogona as people
perform Bihu dances.
·
(vi)
Community Spirit: Spring fosters unity
as people visit neighbors to share traditional snacks like Pitha and Laroo, celebrating
the joy of life.
Thus, ‘Spring
Season’ in Assam is most significant for the Assam and the Assamese people.
(*This answer is generated
through https://gemini.google.com/ )
Or
Write a story in about 150 words
using the outlines given below and add a title to it: 6 Marks
A speedy car hit an old man -----
escaped ---- the old man was grievously injured --- a crowd of people gathered ---
spoke about the evils of rash driving --- no one bothered to help the injured man
--- two school boys arrived --- took the old man to the nearest hospital.
Answer:
**Title: A Lesson in
Humanity**
A speedy car hit an old man
who was walking along the road. The driver did not stop and escaped
immediately. The old man was grievously injured and lay on the roadside, crying
in pain. Soon, a crowd of people gathered around him. They looked at the
injured man and began speaking about the evils of rash driving. Some blamed
careless drivers, while others discussed road safety. However, no one bothered
to help the injured old man or take him to a hospital. They only talked and
watched. After some time, two school boys arrived at the spot. They saw the
condition of the old man and felt pity for him. Without wasting time, they
helped him to stand and took him to the nearest hospital. Their kind act showed
true humanity and concern for others.
31. Answer either (a) or (b): 5 Marks
(a) Suppose your are the General
Secretary of the Students’ Union of your school. Write an application to the
Headmaster/Principal requesting him to grant a half-holiday to enable the students
to enjoy a cricket match that will start at 1 p.m. in the school field.
Answer:
To,
The Principal,
[Name of your School],
[Name of your Place].
Subject: Request for a
half-holiday for a cricket match.
Respected Sir,
I am the General
Secretary of the Students’ Union of our school. I would like to inform you that
a cricket match has been scheduled to take place in our school field today. The
match is set to start at 1 p.m.
All the students are
very excited and wish to watch and cheer for the players. Therefore, I kindly
request you to grant us a half-holiday after
the recess to enable the students to enjoy the match.
We shall be very
grateful to you for your kind consideration.
Yours obediently,
[Your Name]
General Secretary,
Students’ Union
[Date]
31. (b) Write a report for a local daily on the
information given below: 5 Marks
(i) 15-03-2021
(ii) Nalbari, 2.30 p.m.
(iii) Devastating fire near Bata Chawk
(iv) More than ten shops gutted
(v) Firefighters and local people doused
the fire
(vi) Property worth about three crores burnt
to ashes -- no human life lost.
Answer:
Devastating Fire at Nalbari
*15
March 2021, Nalbari at 2.30 p.m.*
A devastating fire broke out
near Bata Chawk in Nalbari at about 2.30 p.m. More than ten shops were gutted
in the incident. Firefighters, with the help of local people, managed to douse
the fire after great effort. Property worth about three crores was burnt to
ashes. However, no human life was lost in the incident.
(*This answer is
generated through https://chatgpt.com/ )
32. (a) Read the following
passage and answer the questions that follow:
Electric power has proved
itself to be the life-force of modern civilization all over the world. As the
body of any animal, including man, is kept animated by the life-force, so is
the modern civilization kept animated by electric power. Michael Faraday
discovered electric power. After him many scientists contributed to gathering
electric power from various sources for its use for different purposes.
Now-a-days, power is tapped from various sources. Among them hydropower
projects and thermal power projects are widely prevalent. In hydroelectric
power projects wheels are run with the help of water currents of rivers and
streams. The wheels propelled by water current generate electric power. In
thermal power projects, electric power is generated by burning coal. Portable
generators also produce electric power when they are run burning diesel or
kerosene. Since recent times electric power is gathered from sunshine and wind also.
(i) Who discovered electric power?
1 Mark
(iii) What are the other sources of generating electric power? Name at least two sources. 2 Marks
Answer:
(i) Who discovered electric power?
Answer: Michael Faraday discovered electric power.
(ii) How is electric power
generated through hydroelectric power projects?
Answer: In hydroelectric power projects, electric
power is generated by using the water currents of rivers and streams to run
wheels. These wheels, propelled by the force of the water current, generate the
power.
(iii) What are the other
sources of generating electric power? Name at least two sources.
Answer: Apart from hydropower, other sources
mentioned in the passage include:
· (a) Thermal
power projects (generated by burning
coal).
· (b) Portable
generators (using diesel or kerosene).
· (c) Sunshine (Solar power).
· (d) Wind.
(*This answer is
generated through https://gemini.google.com/ )
32. (b) Read the following passage
and answer the questions that follow:
TENTH May dawned bright
and clear. For the past few days I had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries
and world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration.
The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders
on South African soil.
The
ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings
in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it
was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the
installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.
(i)
Where were the Union Buildings situated? 1 Mark
(ii)
How did the speaker remain busy during the ‘past few days’? Why were the dignitaries
and world leaders coming? 1+1= 2 Marks
(iii)
What was the seat of white supremacy for decades? 2 Marks
Answer:
(i)
The Union Buildings were situated in Pretoria.
(ii)
During the past few days, the speaker remained busy meeting dignitaries and
world leaders.
They
were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration.
(iii)
For decades, the Union Buildings were the seat of white supremacy. But, from 10th
May, 1994 the seat of white supremacy was turned over and installed South
Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.
(*This answer is
generated through https://chatgpt.com/ )
Thanking
all of you……
God
Blessing you …….towards Truthfulness, Peace & Happy at every moment
-Podmeswar