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Class XI English CT1 Exam Paper

The document is an English examination paper for Class XI at G D Goenka Public School, covering various literary extracts and comprehension questions. It includes tasks such as identifying authors, explaining phrases, and comparing educational experiences. The exam consists of multiple sections with varying word count requirements for responses.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
57 views2 pages

Class XI English CT1 Exam Paper

The document is an English examination paper for Class XI at G D Goenka Public School, covering various literary extracts and comprehension questions. It includes tasks such as identifying authors, explaining phrases, and comparing educational experiences. The exam consists of multiple sections with varying word count requirements for responses.

Uploaded by

classykomal902
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

G D GOENKA PUBLIC SCHOOL

CT1 ENGLISH 2021-22


CLASS XI
TIME: 50 MIN M.M-25

1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:
10 marks
A. When I decided to go abroad for further studies, I was sure my grandmother would be
upset. I would be away for five years, and at her age one could never tell. But my
grandmother could. She was not even sentimental. She came to leave me at the railway
station but did not talk or show any emotion. Her lips moved in prayer, her mind was
lost in prayer. Her fingers were busy telling the beads of her rosary. Silently she kissed
my forehead, and when I left I cherished the moist imprint as perhaps as the last sign
of physical contact between us.

a) Name the author.


b) Explain “One could never tell.”
c) Why did the author think his grandmother would be upset?
d) Why was the grandmother silent while coming to the station?
e) For how long had the author been away?

B. “Suppose,” said Albert, “that I had a nervous breakdown. Suppose a doctor would say
it’s bad for me to go to school, and I need to get right away from it?” “I can’t imagine a
doctor saying that,” said Yuri. “I must try,” said Albert, “to find a doctor who specialises
in nerves.” “There are plenty of them,” Yuri told him. He hesitated for a moment, and
then added, rather reluctantly, “I’ll ask some of the students if they know one, if you
like.”

a) From where did Albert want to get away?


b) Which doctor did Albert want to consult?
c) Who was Yuri?
d) What made Albert hate his present circumstances?
e) What would Albert do once he was out of this school?

2. Answer the following questions in 40 to 60 words each:


4 marks
a) “This was the turning point in our friendship.” What was the turning point?
b) Do you think Albert was being impolite while answering the history teacher’s
questions? Why/why not?
3. Answer the following questions in 60 to 80 words each: 6 marks

a) Draw a comparison between the author’s village school education and city
school education
b) Describe Albert’s meeting with Ernst Weil.

4. Answer the following questions in about 100 to 120 words 5 marks

Draw a contrast between the lifestyle of the author’s grandmother in the village and
the city. What could be the reasons?
OR
Why was Albert miserable in Munich?

Common questions

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Albert's desperation to consult a neurologist underscores his severe dissatisfaction and distress caused by the oppressive school environment. Feeling cornered without any viable escape or support, he considers using a medical condition as a legitimate reason to leave school. This implies not only severe emotional turmoil but also highlights the societal pressures that leave him seeking an unconventional escape route through medical intervention .

The author cherishes the grandmother's last physical imprint as a sentimental treasure, symbolizing the enduring nature of human connections that transcend physical presence. This act signifies a deep appreciation for the non-verbal and subliminal aspects of relationships, reflecting an intrinsic need for emotional continuity and memory as a bond. It underscores how small gestures become significant markers of love and attachment within familial connections, particularly in moments of anticipated separation .

The author perceives the village school education as limited and traditional, focusing primarily on religious instruction provided by priests, which lacked any progressive or diverse curriculum. In contrast, city school education is depicted as more modern and comprehensive, offering a variety of subjects and fostering intellectual development . This difference highlights the author's acknowledgment of broader educational opportunities available in the city, which are absent in the village setting.

Albert's perception of education as rigid and rote, focusing on memorization rather than understanding, led him to openly challenge and question the methods and relevance of what was taught. This critical view contributed to friction with authority figures, particularly his history teacher, whom he perceives as enforcing a system counter to his values of learning through inquiry and critical thinking. Albert's perspective intensifies his rebellious attitude and fuels his desire to escape the educational constraints .

The grandmother's lifestyle shifts significantly from being socially active and engaged in community religious activities in the village to leading a more isolated and sedentary life in the city. This change could be due to the urban environment's lack of communal bonds and religious community activities prevalent in her village. Additionally, the absence of her traditional role as a family educator replaced by formal schooling in the city reduces her influence and activity .

The grandmother's demeanor during the school drop-off is portrayed as stoic and rooted in cultural traditions. Her outward silence coupled with her inward prayerful focus illustrates her resilience and spiritual reliance, reflecting a cultural context of reserved expressiveness and reliance on faith. Her actions demonstrate a deep emotional strength and acceptance, showing a cultural expectation of maintaining composure and dignity in emotional situations .

Albert's inquiry reflects the contemporary societal tendency to undervalue or inadequately address mental health concerns, framing them as secondary to physical ailments. His search for a doctor specializing in nerves indicates a lack of readily accessible mental health care and societal reluctance to recognize stress or unhappiness as legitimate reasons for school absence. This echoes broader historical attitudes, where psychological issues were less understood and often neglected, underscoring the scarcity of support for mental well-being .

Albert's strategy to fabricate a medical condition to escape school contrasts with typical student responses, which might involve passive acceptance or minor rebellious actions within the system. His approach is more radical, unveiling a deep rejection of the educational framework. This contrast highlights his critical stance and unwillingness to conform, driving him to create an elaborate exit plan. This reveals a profound dissatisfaction not commonly expressed so overtly by peers of his era .

Albert's meeting with Ernst Weil is significant as it marks a point of intellectual camaraderie and emotional support. Weil's empathetic understanding and willingness to assist Albert in finding a doctor offer him a sense of validation and a practical solution. This interaction alleviates Albert's isolation and provides a critical support system that emboldens him to pursue his intended actions to escape school, influencing his personal resilience and academic decisions .

The grandmother's emotional resilience during the author's departure—disguising her emotions in prayer—demonstrates a strength that defines their relationship. Her composed exterior, while possibly signifying emotional toughness, also implies a cultural and personal expectation of withholding overt emotional expression. This resilience offers the author a lasting memory, framing their bond with a sense of unspoken understanding and depth. Her attitude suggests reliance on spiritual means rather than on visible emotional exchanges, strengthening their connection .

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