FPL- PRACTISE PAPER ANSWER KEY

SECTION A: READING SKILLS (20 MARKS)

I. Answer the following questions based on the passage above.

i) Which of the following best describes the author’s interest in Indian eagle-owl? (1)
(a) Indian eagle-owl’s habits and habitats.
(b) How they thrive on the farmlands.
(c) the features of Indian eagle-owl.
(d) this species has not fully been studied and understood.

ii) In about 40 words explain the tone of the writer with reference to paragraphs 2 & 7. (2)

Ans: The writer is concerned about lack of statistics about Indian eagle-owl as of now and
hopeful of people getting involved to gather a comprehensive data on this population.

iii) Complete the sentence appropriately. (1)

According to the passage, Indian eagle-owl’s habitats are rocky perches and crags nearby open
scrubland and agricultural tracts and mango trees near human settlement.

iv) The author uses some words that are synonyms. (1)
From the sets (a)-(d) below, identify which of the following are correct synonyms:

(i) portend presage (ii) folklore myth

(iii) ferocious delusions (iv) knowledge wisdom

(a) Option (i) (ii) & (iii) (b) Option (i) (ii) & (iv)
(c) Option (ii) (iii) & (iv) (d) Option (i) (iii) & (iv)

v) Explain in about 40 words what Indian eagle-owls forage for and where they find it. (2)

Ans: Their food consists of rats, bandicoots, and even bats and doves which are hunted over
open scrubland and agricultural tracts.

vi) Are their eggs in their nest safe? If not, how they protect them from the predators? (1)

Ans: The nests are not safe as they can be easily approached by any mongoose and human being.
However, these owls show heckling behaviour, and will swoop down on the intruding
person, striking the head from behind with their talons.

viii) How does the Indian eagle-owl differ from the Eurasian eagle-owls? (1)

Ans: The Indian species is an imposing bird. The slightly larger female can reach a total length of
two and a half feet, with a wingspan of six feet. Prominent ear tufts that look like horns are
seen to project from its head. One theory holds that these have evolved to impart a
threatening look that keeps away predators.
 viii) State whether the following lines display an example of a simple or complex or emotionally
charged words to protect this bird. (1)

I am an impressive bird,
Of a formidable kind.
I’m not a diurnal,
So earlier unidentified by all.
Though I don’t depend on forests,
Now I rely on your interests.
Pave the way for us
by consistent sustainable methods.
Ans: Emotionally charged

II. Answer the following questions based on the passage above:

1. Complete the following analogy appropriately, based on your understanding of paragraph 1: (1)

We can say that as a coin has two sides, festivals and pollution are completely in contrast,
yet they stay together.

2. Justify the following with reference to paragraph 4 and the findings of the survey, in about 40 words: (2)
Rather than complete ban of festive activities, stringent regulations are desirable as a solution
for pollution control.

Ans: According to the study, 87% of the respondents are for stringent rules to avoid bursting
of crackers at the time of festival. The study further recommended imposition of strict rules
and regulations that will harness the ill-effects of the pollution.

3. Based on the survey results, on which aspect of bursting crackers the people surveyed almost
equally divided between agreement and disagreement? (1)

Ans: For bursting crackers during festivities as a must, 46% of respondents said ‘yes’ while 50%
said ‘no.’

4. As per the survey, for which question the most percentage of people answer in agreement?
(1)

Ans: 90% of the people answered in the affirmative to the question: ‘Do you feel pressured
to burst crackers during festivals as a display of your social status?’

5. The researchers were able to find from the survey that:

(a) The majority of people think firecrackers are not a must during festivities.
(b) The respondents in general are ignorant of the fact that fire crackers pollute the
atmosphere.
(c) No one was aware of the waste disposal guidelines.
(d) More than half of the people surveyed know that people abuse environmental
resources during festivals.
6. List out the drawbacks as well as perceived benefits of bursting crackers during festival season.
(1)
Drawbacks: i) pollution – air, water, soil and noise
ii) ecological degradation
 Benefits: i) celebration and festivities unite people,
ii) bursting crackers as a display of social status &
iii) bursting crackers for amusements.

7. Why do the researchers feel that environmental groups and eco-clubs are fighting a losing battle
in the given scenario? (1)
Ans: The observations made in the study pointed to the environmental groups and eco-clubs
fighting a losing battle due to city traffic issues, disposal of plastics, garbage dumping and all
sorts of ecological degradation.

8. What do you think is a good solution for the second objective of the survey namely, observing
festivities without causing ecological damage? (2)
Ans: When you segregate the waste and dispose it properly, ecological damage is harnessed.

3. Attempt any 10 of the following: 10 x 1 =10

1. (b) would
2. to come to his swimming club the next day
3. (a) is
4. Error: were, Correction: was
5. (a) have studied
6. he was not in his office.
7. brings
8. needs to
9. (b) have learnt
10. Interviewer asked Santosh whether shooting in Kashmir had been challenging.
11. (c) me
12. (b) is

IV. Attempt ANY ONE of the following: 1x5=5

Delhi Public School, FORMAT – 1 mark (full credit if all aspects included.
Gujarat Partial credit (½ mark) if one-two aspects are
missing. No credit if more than two aspects are
24th February 2024 missing)

The Manager CONTENT – 2 marks (½ mark for each content Point

Teen-Toggle Games Pvt Ltd. area addressedsuggestion, importance, implication,
Gujarat recommendation)
ORGANISATION OF IDEAS - 1 mark (Highly effective
Dear Sir style capable of conveying the ideas convincingly
with appropriate layout of a formal letter viz.
Subject: Competition for educational board games addresses, salutation, subscription, and ending)
ACCURACY -1 mark
I, Jasmine, a student of class X, have recently seen
your advertisement on the subject cited above. I (Spelling, punctuation and grammar
find it very exciting to take part in this competition. consistently/largely accurate, with occasional minor
errors, that do not impede communication)
To facilitate my participation, kindly arrange to let
me have the following information.
a) Rules and regulations governing the event
b) Details of scholarships available
c) Specifications for solo participation and group
entries
d) Participation fee, if any payable
e) Any other relevant information

Along with the above particulars, kindly send me any

brochure on the event.

Looking forward to receiving your early reply.

Yours sincerely
(Signature)
Jasmine

B)
# 412, Emerald Villa,
Kota Rajasthan

24th February 2024

The President
Residential Welfare Association
Emerald Heights
Rajasthan

Dear Sir

Subject: Serving citizens’ award

In our neighbourhood some unfortunate elderly

beggars used to be roaming about on the
streets without any shelter or even proper food.
Recently they were not seen and I became
curious. On enquiry I am surprised to find it is
due to a couple of philanthropic boys’ initiative
they’ve found a new lease of life.

The boys are actually studying grade X and are

resident in our locality. Looking at the beggars’
sorry state they scouted around for a right place
to accommodate them. They managed to
source the help of the Municipal Administration
to find an orphanage run by a foreign NGO.

With the boys’ noble efforts, the unfortunate

mendicants are now comfortably harboured in
the NGO to run a decent life. So, I strongly feel
it is our duty that the boys get due recognition
for this noble deed. Please take steps to
recommend to the government authorities for
conferring serving citizens’ award on these
wonderful boys.

Yours sincerely
Signature
Mackenzie

A)
Business offer – Good or Bad CONTENT – 2 marks
Though the business is found profitable, the All points included & Well-developed with
profit margin is very thin as the cost of sustained clarity
acquiring customers’ accounts for erosion of
ORGANISATION OF IDEAS -2 marks
profit. In spite of the automated processes
(Effective style capable of conveying the ideas
help cut expanses, we have to spend a lot to convincingly
rope in and retain customers. Again, sales • Carefully structured content with an
are facilitated by SEO efforts, but there is no organised single paragraph, presented
evidence sales happened on a large scale to cohesively, formal tone and vocabulary)
make use of this initiative. The vacuum
supposed to be created by a key competitor ACCURACY-1 mark
need not cater to our e-commerce business. (Spelling, punctuation and grammar
Similarly, how far TV appearance and consistently/largely accurate, with occasional
affiliate & influencer marketing will reach minor errors, that do not impede
communication)
out the target customers remains to be
proved. On the other hand, the third-party
selling platforms and the adverse sentiment
of the market environment will pose huge
challenge for running the business. Last but
certainly not the least, eradicate shipping
will pose further problems to establish
credibility. In conclusion, considering
present weakness and insurmountable
threats, the current strengths and probable
opportunities do not justify continuing with
the e-commerce business. Hence, it is wise
to accept the offer from the competitors and
sell the business to them.

B) The table illustrates the annual rainfall (in CONTENT – 2 marks

mm) recorded in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, All points included & Well-developed with
and Chennai from 2020 to 2023. A close sustained clarity
analysis of the data indicates a clear upward
ORGANISATION OF IDEAS -2 marks
trend across all four cities during this period.
(Effective style capable of conveying the ideas
Mumbai consistently recorded the highest
convincingly
rainfall, rising steadily from 2000 mm in
2020 to 2300 mm in 2023, thereby
 demonstrating a significant increase. Kolkata • Carefully structured content with an
ranked second, with rainfall figures climbing organised single paragraph, presented
progressively from 1500 mm to 1800 mm. cohesively, formal tone and vocabulary)
Similarly, Chennai exhibited a moderate yet
ACCURACY-1 mark
consistent growth, increasing from 1200 mm
(Spelling, punctuation and grammar
to 1350 mm over the four years. In contrast,
consistently/largely accurate, with occasional
Delhi registered the lowest rainfall minor errors, that do not impede
throughout, although it also showed a communication)
gradual rise from 800 mm to 950 mm.
Overall, the data highlights a uniform
pattern of increasing rainfall, with Mumbai
leading and Delhi remaining the driest city
during the given timeframe.

SECTION C: LITERATURE TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING TEXT (40 MARKS)

VI. Select either ONE of the following extracts (A) or (B) and answer the questions thereon:
5X1=5
i) Select the option that correctly captures the usage of the word ‘sense’ in para 3 of the extract.

(A) The bear has a keen sense of smell which enables it to hunt at dusk.

(B) She has a sense of being a political outsider.

(C) With the first spell of rain, they could sense a change in the weather.

(D) I wished for him to suffer but not in this sense.

ii) Complete the analogy by selecting the suitable word from the text.

frown : approve :: lose: win

iii) How did Richard Ebright develop his passion?

Ans: Richard was immensely inspired by his social science teacher Mr. Weiherer. He said
that his teacher opened his mind and motivated him to reach great heights.

iv) According to the extract, Mr Weiherer thought that Richard was a hard worker because…………
Select the correct option.

1. His mind was totally focussed on the research rather than on any personal gains.

2. He was an aggressive competitor.

3. In addition to his research into butterflies and other areas, he spared nocturnal
hours to do debate research.

4. He had a wavering scientific curiosity.

(A) Option 1, 2 and 3 (B) Option 1 and 3 (C) Only 3 (D) Option 2 and 4
 v) What was the watershed moment in Richard Ebright’s life?

ANS: When Ebright’s mother gave a book ‘The Travels of Monarch X’, it opened the world
of science to him, after that he never lost his scientific curiosity. This was the watershed
moment in Richard’s life.

i) Choose the option that correctly identifies the tone of the characters in the given extract.
(1) antagonism (2) humour (3) contempt (4) sarcasm
Select the appropriate option:

(a) 1, 2 & 3 (b) 2, 3 & 4 (c) 1, 3 & 4 (d) 2 & 3

ii) The playwright’s intention in the given extract is to satirise the superficiality of the upper
class in Russian society.

iii) If according to Chubukov and Natalya, Lomovs are not ‘honourable people,’ why do they still
consider Lomov’s proposal?

Ans: It is stated in the play that Lomov belonged to a well-to-do family that had good reputation in
the society. So, both Chubukov and Natalya were ready to accept Lomov’s proposal to marry
Natalya.

iv) Imagine you found the playwright’s notes for each scene in the play and noticed that some of
the words are missing. Select the option from (a) to (d) that has the words to fill in the blanks
correctly

A conversation that starts pleasantly quickly turns into (1)……………….. argument. With
the (2)……………………….. of Oxen Meadows at the heart of the matter, Lomov and Natalya
quarrel and are later joined by Chubukov. Thus, begins a (3)………………………….. of insults,
accusations and name-calling. All their (4)………………. Disappears. Eventually, Lomov
leaves clutching at his heart, his foot numb.

(a) (1) petty; (2) history; (3) series; (4) politeness

(b) (1) vicious; (2) ownership (3) circus; (4) civility
(c) (1) curious; (2) land; (3) outpouring; (4) laughter
(d) (1) ugly; (2) neighbourhood (3) barrage; (4) goodness

(v) Find the option that uses the word “embezzlement” as meant in context.
a) The cashier was charged with ____________ of company funds.
b) The School’s letter of offer for a job sets out the terms and conditions of ___________.
c) The film I saw last week end is a good family ___________.
d) She has been trying my ____________ for quite a while with silly questions.

VII. Select either ONE of the following extracts (A) or (B) and answer the questions thereon:
5X1=5
A. The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
 over harbour and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on. (Fog)

(i) Which of the options bring out the qualities of the cat that Carl Sandburg applies to the fog?
1. Cats are independent animals, they don’t follow rules, they slip and slide in and out of our
lives as they please.
2. Cats are distrustful of strangers and can be jealous and moody.
3. Cats movements are imperceptible, slow and soft at times and mysterious.
4. Cats often communicate with a combination of a distinctive sound and body language.
5. Cats like to move on at their own pace and before you know it, they disappeared.

(a) Only 1 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 5 (d) Only 4

(ii) The poet has used short lines to compose the given poem. Choose the option that lists the most
appropriate explanation for the same.
(a) By keeping the lines short, the poet keeps the liberty in stepping away from rule, traditional
form, logic, or fact, in order to produce a desired effect.
(b) By keeping the lines short, the poet wants the reader to omit some parts of a sentence, which
gives the reader a chance to fill the gaps while reading it out.
(c) By keeping the lines short, the poet wants to introduce ambiguity or contradiction into an
otherwise straight forward sentence.
(d) By keeping the lines short, the poet is controlling the pace to make the reader slow down
thereby reflecting the slow rolling in of the fog.

(iii) State whether the following statement is TRUE or FALSE:

The intention of the poet in the given extract is to criticize the atrocities of human being
against nature in a clever and amusing way. False

(iv) Imperceptible is an important aspect of fog. Two instances from the poem ‘Fog’ that suggest the
same are: (1) fog comes on little cat feet (2) fog comes and silently moves away

(v) What is the poetic device employed in the penultimate line of the poem?
(a) metaphor
(b) metonymy
(c) synecdoche
(d) transferred epithet

OR

B. Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,

And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.

But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,

Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,

With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,

He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm. (A Tale of Custard the Dragon)
(i) Which option lists the quotes that support the ideas in the extract?

(1) Fear makes strangers of people who would otherwise be friends.

(2) If you’re brave enough to start, you’re strong enough to finish.
(3) Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.
(4) You get in life what your courage asks for.
(5) Fear has a large shadow, but fear itself is strong.

(a) 1 and 5 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 3 and 5

(ii) What is the poet’s purpose of using the onomatopoeic words in the poem?

Ans: The poet’s purpose of using the onomatopoeic words to bring in vivid and dramatic
narration.

(iii) Pick out the option that best fits the usage of the word ‘trickled’ as used in the stanza.

(a) It shows Ink, the kitten is black in colour.

(b) Ink valiantly chases lions down the stairs.

(c) To show Custard the dragon is not comparable to Ink’s bravery.

(d) Ink’s reaction of scampering for safety.

(iv) Complete the given analogy:

Ink : terrified :: Blink: bolted

(v) “He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.” Explain the simile used in the line.

Ans: Just like the robin catches the worm, Custard attacked the pirate without delay.

VIII. Answer ANY FOUR of the following five questions in about 40-50 words: 4 x 3 = 12

Content – 2 Award 2 marks for inclusion of any one impact with explanation. Award 1mark if the
impact is listed without explanation. No credit of ½ mark Expression – 1 mark when both given
aspects are included. Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the error density is high (more than
a total of 2 spellings and/or grammatical errors).

i) The baby seagull was terrified though his siblings and parents were flying smoothly all
around. The height and the vast sea frightened him. He went without food for hours
together. His hunger made him mad at his mother tearing a piece of fish. He begged her for
food. She flew close to him with food but when he is about to catch the fish, she kept a
distance. Irresistibly tempted, the baby seagull dived and fell into the space. As he was
terrorised by the fall, his wings spontaneously spread restraining his fall. He flapped his
wings and to his delight soured high. Thus, he came out of the fright of flight.

ii) Wild animals like a tiger are supposed to be free in a jungle having their food and water at
their free will and threating the people close by. As against this the imprisoned animal is
frustrated as it is confined to narrow space of a cage. It could not show its anger of
 imprisonment or the teasing visitors to the zoo. It longs for a escape to freedom looking at
the vast blue skies and the sound of patrolling cars outside.

iii) Gavin Maxwell received a surprise gift of an otter from his friend, commencing a life full of
excitement. Its looks and movements are so unlike a normal pet. Understanding its needs
and life style took lot of time and efforts. He became so attached to it. He gave it a pet name.
He was mesmerized by its playful nature. His attempt to transport him to England was an
episode of totally unexpected occurrences. After managing to reach London, otter was
completely intertwined in his life.

iv) The extended metaphor of trees probably means the fair gender of woman longing for
liberation. Adrienne Rich describes how the entire tree from top branches to roots break the
constricting celling and walls to move towards their abode of forests. She envisages that the
trees will have gone out by the morning to fill the empty forest leaving the house empty and
silent. Similarly, the supressed women may find freedom from the shackles of the society.

v) The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in South Africa. All the people
spend many years, if not generations, recovering from that profound hurt. But the decades
of oppression and brutality had another, unintended, effect, and that was that it produced
the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, the Chief Luthulis, the Yusuf Dadoos, the Bram
Fischers, the Robert Sobukwes of our time— men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom
and generosity that their like may never be known again. Perhaps it requires such depths of
oppression to create such heights of character.

IX. Answer ANY TWO of the following three questions in about 40-50 words. 2x3=6

Content – 2 Award 2 marks for inclusion of any one impact with explanation. Award 1mark
if the impact is listed without explanation. No credit of ½ mark Expression – 1 mark when
both given aspects are included. Deduct ½ mark from the overall score if the error density
is high (more than a total of 2 spellings and/or grammatical errors).

i) When Tricki reached James Herriot’s surgery, it was overfed clumsy and sick. At the
doctor’s place, his pack of pet dogs was all over Tricki with curiosity. Food was not given free
like every dog Tricki had to be brisk to compete for food without any medical treatment it
started playing vigorously with his companions. Soon Tricki was enjoying his life as vibrant as
other dogs. Thus, exercise played a crucial role in convalesce of Tricki.

ii) Hari, a petty thief is always on the lookout for people to cheat. His tricks for the first time
did not work with Anil who was affable and empathetic. Anil even accommodated him and
taught him how to write and dabble in the kitchen. The incorrigible Hari Singh, one day took
Anil’s money and escaped but he underwent a change of heart because he realized Anil can’t
be faulted in any way as he was not expected to be accept but rather sad due to loss of trust.
Thus, reformed Hari Singh returned to Anil and started living an honest life.
 iii) Griffin chanced upon finding the concoction that makes one invisible. Instead of making
this magic liquid for the benefit of the humanity, he attempted to steal, cheat and torment
others. His invisible body should be clothed so his invisibilities is hidden. His wickedness and
selfishness lead to earning the wrath of the people. To escape from them, he had to remove
the clothes and become invisible. However, people came to know of his mystery and nabbed
him. Thus, his mystery liquid instead of benefiting him and others led to his suffering of
fleeing from the society and getting caught for punishment.

X. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 100-120 words: 1 x 6 = 6
Content 3 Expression 2 Accuracy 1

i) Anne: Hey, how come you are here?

Valli: Just an adventure to see the town.

Anne: I don’t want to go out to meet anybody.

Valli: Going out gives me a lot of excitement. What do you at home?

Anne: Paper has more patience than people. I pour my feelings into Kitty.

Valli: Who’s Kitty?

Anne: That’s my diary. Why do you want go the town?

Valli: The passengers in the bus and the people outside along with the scenery and
happening are enchanting.

Anne: Do you know, I talk to my friends a lot in my class.

Valli: So, you have good time.

Anne: No, my teacher doesn’t like my talking and give me punishment.

Valli: I won’t allow anybody to scold me.

Anne: You know what, now my teacher has become my friend. Ok, Bye.

Valli: Oh, that’s nice to know. Bye, Bye…

ii) John Berrymen uses the extensive metaphor of a ball for possession. When the ball bounces away
from the boy and lost in the water, he becomes miserable. Nobody can console him that the lost ball
is useless and there are other balls to be had. Money worth nothing and balls lost remain lost
forever. In consequence, the boy learns the lesson of facing the loss and standing up to face the
world. Accordingly, we all have losses of things and people which actually bring in life’s experience to
face the world with equanimity. This is the basis for moving towards achievement.

XI. Answer ANY ONE of the following two questions in about 100-120 words: 1 x 6 = 6
 Content 3 Expression 2 Accuracy 1

i) Matilda suffered incessantly from the thought that she was born for all the delicacies and luxuries.
Her endeavours to give a false appearance as an aristocrat in a party was an immediate success; the
borrowed diamond necklace of Madame Forestier made heads turn, men danced with her but for
vain.

Matilda had invested Mr. Loisel’s savings of 400 Francs, crushing his dream to live her dream which
brought ruins to herself and family. Her improvident use of money resulted in chaos and loss. In
order to replace the lost necklace, Loisel had to give away all that his father left for him, a 18000
Francs and borrow heavily from many people by giving ruinous promises to pay 36000 Francs to the
Shop at Royal Palais. Before she could restore the situation, she had turned into a crude woman of
the poor household with a bad dress, uncombed hair, awry skirts, red hands and loud tone.

To add insult to the injury, at the end of the story she learns from Madame Forestier that the lost
jewellery was worth only 500 Francs and that it was false. So, Matilda invited all the unwanted
troubles only because of false pride.

ii) Park Avenue

French Hotel
Paris

24th February 2024

The Director
XYZ Detective Agency
Paris

Dear Sir

Subject: Ausable an asset

You’ll be thrilled to know how intelligent our secret agent Ausable is. We have entrusted him
with the task of receiving a top-secret document as required by our client. Somehow our
rival Max got the scent of this and ambushed Ausable in his room. To make things worse,
Max trained a gun at Ausable to threaten him. Unperturbed, Ausable spun a story of a
balcony leading to his room from the neighbouring portion. When there was a knock on the
door, Ausable contrived to make Max believe that it was policemen who was there by prior
arrangement. In order to escape, Max fell further trap set by Ausable by jumping through the
window onto the non-existence balcony and perished.
Not only Ausable fulfilled the assignment of getting secret but also deftly handled an
antagonist. I strongly recommend him for promotion as a reward for his meritorious service.

Yours sincerely
Robert Tyman
(The Manager)