Section A: Reading Comprehension (20 Marks)

1. Passage Questions:
1. The central idea of the passage is that life is a journey filled with challenges
and opportunities for growth, and it is important to appreciate the journey
itself.
2. The author describes the difficulties faced during life’s journey as obstacles
that present opportunities for growth and lessons to be learned.
3. The phrase "to bend with the winds of change" means to adapt to changes and
challenges in life.
4. The significance of the line "the challenge is not just to reach the destination,
but to appreciate the journey itself" is that it emphasizes the importance of
valuing the experiences and lessons learned along the way, not just the end
goal.
5. The author suggests we find strength during difficult times by holding on to
dreams, hope, or the support of friends.
2. Extract Questions:

1. The message conveyed by the author in this extract is that true success is
measured by how we handle obstacles and failures with resilience and a
positive outlook.
2. The phrase "The true test of character is not how easily we succeed" means
that character is tested by how we respond to challenges and failures, not by
our successes.
3. The literary device used in the phrase "confronting them with grace,
determination, and a positive outlook" is parallelism.
4. The author emphasizes the importance of how we handle obstacles to
highlight that growth and strength come from facing and overcoming
challenges.
5. The author’s perspective on failure is that it is an essential part of growth and
learning, and it should be faced with courage and a positive attitude.

Section B: Literature (40 Marks)

3. Short Answer Questions:

1. In the story "The Last Leaf," the last leaf symbolizes hope and the will to live.
It represents the idea that even in the darkest times, there is something to hold
on to.
2. In "A Tiger in the Zoo," the poet depicts the tension between freedom and
captivity by contrasting the tiger’s natural instincts with its confinement in the
zoo.
3. In "The Letter," Mrs. Dorling decides to visit the narrator’s house to return the
belongings of the narrator’s mother. Her visit brings back memories and
emotions, affecting the atmosphere in the story.
4. In "The Diary of Anne Frank," Anne describes the role of hope in sustaining
her by writing about her dreams and aspirations, which help her cope with the
hardships of hiding.
5. "The Ballad of Puran Singh" reflects the themes of sacrifice and duty by
narrating the story of Puran Singh, who sacrifices his life for his duty and
principles.
 6. In "The Story of the Dog," Mrs. Pumphrey plays the role of a loving and
caring owner who is deeply concerned about her dog, Tricki’s, health and
well-being.
7. "The Hundred Dresses" teaches us about the impact of bullying and peer
pressure by showing how Wanda Petronski is affected by the teasing and
exclusion she faces from her classmates.
8. In "The Patriot," the poet uses irony to depict the change in the protagonist’s
fate by showing how the once-celebrated hero is now being led to his
execution.
4. Long Answer Questions:

1. In "The Last Leaf," the last leaf symbolizes hope and sacrifice. It represents
the idea that even in the darkest times, there is something to hold on to. The
leaf, painted by Behrman, becomes a symbol of his selfless sacrifice to save
Johnsy’s life.
2. In "A Tiger in the Zoo," the poet contrasts the tiger’s natural instincts with its
confinement in the zoo by using imagery and tone. The poet describes the
tiger’s natural behavior in the wild and contrasts it with the tiger’s restricted
and unnatural behavior in the zoo, highlighting the loss of freedom and the
impact of captivity.

Section C: Writing Skills (20 Marks)

5. Short Writing Tasks:

1. Letter Writing:

Sample letter:

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Date]

The Editor

[Newspaper Name]

[Newspaper Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Concern about Increasing Number of Stray Animals

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my concern about the increasing number of stray animals in our city.
This issue has become a significant problem, affecting both the animals and the residents.
Stray animals often suffer from hunger, disease, and injuries, and they can also pose a threat
to public safety.

I urge the authorities to take immediate action to address this issue. Some measures that can
be taken include setting up more animal shelters, conducting sterilization programs, and
promoting adoption of stray animals. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can help
educate people about responsible pet ownership and the importance of caring for stray
animals.

I hope that the concerned authorities will take prompt action to resolve this issue and ensure
the well-being of both the animals and the residents.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

2. Article Sample:

The Importance of Eco-Friendly Practices in Schools

In today’s world, where environmental issues are becoming increasingly critical, it is

essential for schools to adopt eco-friendly practices. Schools play a vital role in shaping the
minds of young students, and by promoting sustainable practices, they can instill a sense of
responsibility towards the environment.

Some eco-friendly practices that schools can adopt include reducing plastic usage,
implementing recycling programs, and encouraging the use of renewable energy sources.
Schools can also organize environmental awareness campaigns and activities to educate
students about the importance of protecting the environment.

By adopting these practices, schools can contribute to a greener and healthier planet, while
also teaching students the importance of sustainability and environmental conservation.
Long Writing task :

The Role of Social Media in Shaping the Opinions of Young People

Good morning everyone,

Today, I would like to talk about the role of social media in shaping the opinions of young
people. Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and it has a significant
influence on the way we think, behave, and interact with others.

Social media platforms provide a space for young people to express their opinions, share their
experiences, and connect with others. However, it also has its drawbacks. The constant
exposure to curated content and the pressure to conform to certain standards can affect the
mental health and self-esteem of young people.

It is important for parents and teachers to guide young people in using social media
responsibly. They should encourage critical thinking and help them understand the difference
between reality and the often idealized world presented on social media.

In conclusion, while social media has its benefits, it is essential to use it mindfully and
responsibly. Let us work together to create a positive and supportive online environment for
young people.

Thank you.