English Question Paper 2019 | HSLC | SEBA
SECTION - A
Question No 1. (a) Choose the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentences from among the alternatives given in brackets: 1
This land of rolling hills is inhabited by a proud race of martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures.
(having to do with marriage/ having to do with peace/ having to do with war)
Answer: Martial – having to do with war.
(b) State whether the following are true or false: 1+1=2
(i) Tea came to Europe only in the eighteen century and as used as a medicine more than as beverage.
Answer: False.
(ii) Tea came to Europe only in the sixteen century and was used as a medicine more than as beverage.
Answer: True.
(c) Choose the correct answer from among the alternatives given and complete the sentence: 1
No one really knows who discovered tea but______
(iv) There are two legends
(v) There is one legend
(vi) There are many legends
(2) “The only thing the earth needed….” What ‘only thing’ did the earth need? 2
Answer: The only thing the earth needed a downpour or at least a shower.
(3) What did Mandela say about the wealth of his country? 2
Answer: Undoubtedly, South Africa is very rich in minerals and gems, but for Mandela, the greatest wealth of the country is its people because they are finer and truer than the purest diamonds.
(4) What did Lencho write in his letter to God? 2
Answer: Lencho’s field was completely damaged by the hailstorm. He thought he and his family would go hungry that year. But he had faith in God. So, He wrote a letter to God asking for a hundred pesos so as to sow his field again.
(5) When does the season of joy commence in Coorg? Till what time does it continue? 1+1=2
Answer: The season of joy lasts from September and continues till March in Coorg. The weather remains perfect. A few showers pour for good measures. The breath of coffee surrounds the air.
(6) Mention the story that support the view that the people of Coorg are of Greek origin. 2
Answer: As per a story, a part of Alexander’s army moved south along the coast and got settled there when return became impossible. They later married amongst the locals and so their martial traditions, marriage and religious rites are apparently different from the Hindu mainstream. Thus, they are of Greek origin.
(7) What type of man was the Postmaster? 1
Answer: The postmaster was a kind-hearted and amiable man.
(8) Give a brief description of Dhekiabari tea garden. 2
Answer: Pranjol and Rajvir were driven by Pranjol’s father along the Dhekiabari tea garden. A gravel road went up through the garden. On both the sides of the garden there were acres of neatly pruned tea bushes. The tea pluckers were plucking tea wearing plastic aprons. Pranjol’s father had to give way to a tractor with a load of tea leaves, while driving through the garden.
(9) What was the distance from Valli’s village to the nearest town? What was the bus fare for a trip from Valli’s village to the town? 1+1=2
Answer: The distance from Valli’s village to the nearest town was six miles apart.The bus fare for a trip from Valli’s village to the town was thirty paise a round.
(10) Give a description of the bus in which Valli travelled. 2
Answer: The bus in which Valli was travelling was a new bus. The outside was white with some green strips. Inside, the overhead bars shone like silvers. Above the windshield there was a clock. The seats were soft and luxurious.
SECTION - B
(11) Choose from the box given below the words that rhyme with the following: 1X2=2
feet, harbor
bit, beat, sit, hour, honour, armour
Answer: (a) feet – beat (b) harbour - armour
(12) Choose the meaning of the Underlined words from the alternativesgiven in the brackets: 1X2=2
(a) In a quiet rage.(noisy/silent/worst)
Answer: Quiet - silent
(b) At the jungle’s edge. (border/side/centre)
Answer: Edge – side.
(13) How old is Amanda? How do you know this? 1+1=2
Answer: Amanda must be a teen girl because she is a very moody girl and her mind is day dreaming. Moreover, she has acne.
(14) Why does Walt Whitman feel more at home with animals than humans? 2
Answer: The animals are placid and self-contained. They never complain of their condition. The poet is fedup with the ever-complaining nature of human beings. So, he feels more at home with animals.
(15) How did Belinda and her pets behave when they saw the Pirateclimbing the window? 2
Answer: When Belinda and her pets saw the pirate climbing the Window, Belinda cried for help. Mustard, the dog fled with a terrified yelp. Ink, the cat ran down to the bottom of the house. Blink, the mouse took shelter in the mouse hole. But the cowardly Custard, the dragon dared to face the pirate.
(16) Give a description of the fight between Custard dragon and the Pirate. 2
Answer: When the pirate broke into Belinda’s house, the brave animals were afraid. But the cowardly dragon jumped up and attacked the pirate. The pirate hit two bullets but the bullets missed. Finally, the dragon gobbled the pirate to death.
SECTION - C
(17) (a) How does Ausable manage to make Max believe that there is a balcony attached to his room? 5
Answer: Ausable was a secret agent who was spying a report on missile. He did not look smart and intelligent but he proved his intelligence by misguiding Max. Max was another secret agent. He tried to collect the report from Ausable at gun point. Ausable was staying in a hotel. But in spite of Max’s appearance he sat heavily and calmly on the chair and he chided the management for not correcting the balcony. The balcony was constructed for the other apartment, a portion of it was extending adjacent to Ausable’s room. So, anyone could enter his room from the other apartment. However, Max said that he had to find some other way to enter the room. And he was not aware of the Balcony. Meanwhile the doorbell rang and Ausable said that he had called the police for security reason. Max was frightened. He then jumped out of the window to escape and hide himself on the balcony.
OR
(17) (b) How did the lady trick Horace Danby? 5
Answer: Horace Danby met a lady at the house of Shot over Grange. The lady introduced herself to be the wife of the owner of the house. Horace was very much afraid of being caught red handed by the lady of the house. But the lady behaved very sociably without showing much fear and surprise of meeting a thief in her house. Horace saw a good chance to convince the lady for his escape. But the lady proposed that she would let him go only if he broke the safe for her.
The lady acted so confidently that Horace Danby could not have the slightest doubt that she was not the lady of the house. She had firmness in her voice. She invented a false story and told him that she wanted to wear the jewels as she had to go to a party that night. She also threatened him with the idea of prison. Thus, Horace Danby fall prey to the lady who was actually another thief. She stole the jewelry with the help of Horace Danby. Horace was arrested in charge of stealing the jewelry at the house in Shotover Grange. His fingerprints on the box worked as proof against him.
(18) (a) How and why did Griffin come to the village of Iping? Why does Mrs. Hall find him eccentric?
Answer: Griffin was a brilliant scientist. He recently invented a drug which can make people invisible. He swallowed a few drops of the drug and he became invisible. He was an expert but a lawless person. He put his landlord’s house on fire. By becoming invisible he stole in a shop in London and another in Drury Lane. But he got into trouble because of the crowd. He wanted solitude to keep him visible by wearing clothes as there was extreme cold outside. So, he went to the village of Iping in search of solitude and silence.
Arrival of a guest in Iping in the winter was very uncommon. Griffin had bandage over his face all the time. Griffin was very unsociable. Mrs. Hall tried to become friendly with Griffin. But Griffin said that he liked solitude. So, the odd look and behavior made Mrs. Hall believe Griffin to be eccentric.
OR
(18) (b) Describe the meeting between Bill and the young lawyer? 5
Answer: The young lawyer was sent to New Mullion to serve a summon on Oliver Lutkins. Lutkin could be a veryImportant witness in a case for the law firm. They sent several letters, but received no response. At the station Bill introduced himself as Bill but not as Lutkins. If he wished he could do that at the very first instance. Then he made lawyer to hire his hack for two dollars an hour. Bill took to every possible location where Lutkin could possibly be. He moved him around the city for six hours and pocketed the fare but did not reveal his real identity. Bill did not allow the lawyer to enter the shop where Lutkins could be and asked them all by himself if they had seen Lutkins. Thus, he managed his locals to act as if they had not seen Lutkins and Lutkins might be at a different place. So, they had to follow him to a different location, and they missed him just by a few minutes. Actually, his confident behavior, support from his local friends and his cleverness made the lawyer a fool. It was quite interesting that he was such a foolish lawyer that he took an unknown man into his confidence so easily and got victimized.
SECTION – D
(19) Fill in the blanks with the right determiners: 1/2X4=2
(a) My brother had gone an hour ago.
(b) A busy person has little time to waste.
(c) The classes started after the bell had rung.
(d) Much of their property was lost in the flood.
(20) Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition from the choices given in the brackets: 1/2X4=2
(a)The train is bound for Delhi. (to/upon/for)
(b) Assam is rich in minerals. (for/in/about)
(c) I met him on the street. (in/on/upon)
(d) Happiness consists in speaking the truth. (of/in/at)
(21) Rewrite the following sentences putting the verbs in the brackets in their correct tense form: 1X3=3
(a) They have been living in Delhi for ten years. (live)
(b) When he came, it was all over. (be)
(c) He will stay here until you return. (stay)
(22) Change the form of narration of the followings: 1X2=2
(a) She asked me why the teacher had punished me.
Answer: She said to me, “Why has the teacher punished you?”
(b) Anita said to Ravi, “Please lend me your pen.”
Answer: Anita requested Ravi to lend her his pen.
(23) Change the voice of the followings: 1X2=2
(a) I have lost my English textbook.
Answer: My English textbook has been lost by me.
(b) He was punished for his misconduct.
Answer: They punished him for his misconduct.
(24) Combine each of the following pairs of sentences into a single sentence:1X2=2
(a) The earth is round. We can prove it.
Answer: We can prove that the earth is round.
(b) Where does he live? Do you know it?
Answer: Do you know where he lives?
(25) Choose the correct alternative from the choices given in the bracket and fill in the blanks: 1X2=2
(a) She narrated the matter briefly. (shortly/briefly)
(b) Please listen to what he says. (listen/hear)
(26) Make sentences to illustrate the meaning of any two of the following: 1x2=2
(a) far and wide – Participants are coming from far and wide to participate in the competition
(b) broke out – Suddenly cholera broke out in the village.
(c) give up – People should never give up the hope.
(d) fall out – The two boys fell out over a mango.
(27) Correct the errors in any three of the following sentences: 1X3=3
(a) It can rain tonight.
Answer: It may rain tonight
(b) The cattles were grazing in the field.
Answer: The cattle were grazing in the field.
(c) Each of the boys play cricket.
Answer: Each of the boys plays cricket.
(d) How much money you need?
Answer: How much money do you need?
(e) When you do your homework?
Answer: When do you do your homework?
(f) I do not know to do it.
Answer: I do not know how to do it.
SECTION – E
(28) Translate into English: (Group-From Assamese to English) 1X5=5
(a) যদুৱে মোক সুধিছিল, “ৰাজু ইংৰাজীত ভালনে?”
Answer: Jadu asked me, “Is Raju good in English?”
(b) দোকমোকালিতে শোৱাৰ পৰা উঠাটো তেওঁৰ অভ্যাস ।
Answer: He has the habit of waking up early in the morning.
(c) মিছা কথা কোৱা উচিত নহয় ।
Answer: We should not tell a lie.
(d) সৌ গছডাল ইমান ওখ !
Answer: What a tall tree that is!
(e) কিতাপখন টেবুলৰ ওপৰত আছে ।
Answer: The book is on the table.
OR
Give the substance of the following passage:
The work which Gandhiji took up was not only the achievement of political freedom but also the establishment of a social order based on truth and nonviolence, unity and peace, equality and universal brotherhood and maximum freedom for all. The unfinished part of his experiment was perhaps more difficult to achieve than achieving of political freedom. In the political struggle against a foreign power all one could do was either join it or wish it success and give it their moral support. In establishing a social order of this pattern. There was a likely possibility of a conflict arising between groups and classes of our own people. Experience shows that man values his possessions even more than his life because in the former he sees the means for continuity and survival of his descendants even after body is reduced to ashes. A new order cannot be established without changing the mind, for at some stage or the other rich have to yield place to the poor to achieve a kind of egalitarian society.
Answer: Gandhi’s greater goal was not mere achieving political freedom but rather reforming the society cementing humane values like truth and nonviolence etc. However, achieving that goal was not easy. Because of the differences amongst the communities, there was every possibility of arising conflicts. Human beings are more enthusiastic to their possessions than their lives and therefore a social reform is not possible without changing the minds. The differences between the rich and the poor can be removed only if the rich opens up a place for the poor.
(29) Write, in about 150 words, an essay on any one of the following topics:
(a). Punctuality
Time and tide wait for none. Time management and maintaining regularity are essence of every successful man. Human life is full of duties and responsibilities and he who perform his part of duty on time, he makes his own destiny. Punctuality is the habit of doing one’s activity within stipulated time period and on regularly basis.
OR
(29) b. The festival you like most [H.S.L.C.2016, 2019]
Modern people follow a busy schedule and they get little time to spend time joyfully with the famililies. But a festival puts a halt to this and gives a chance to rejoice the life. Of course, being an Assamese, my favourite festival is Bihu. Bihu is the national festival of Assam which pours divine joy in the hearts of the Assamese people.
Bihu is celebrated in three different shades – Bohag Bihu, Kati Bihu and Magh Bihu. Bohag Bihu is observed in the middle of the month of April. It is the beginning of new Assamese year and the season of spring. They worship cows in this Bihu and prepare different bakeries (Pithas). The younger take blessings of the elderly people. They enjoy Bihu dance and songs. It is also called as Rongali Bihu, (Bihu of Joy).
Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu is observed during the middle of the month of October. As the farmers dry their stock of paddy by the middle of the Assamese year, they pray under the Tulsi trees to the almighty for robust growth of their crops. As the farmers become penniless, this Bihu is called Kongali Bihu (Bihu of Impoverished).
Magh Bihu is observed during harvesting season that is in the middle of the month of January. As the farmers have harvested their paddies, they arrange grand feasts. They make a thatched hut called BhelaGhar and set fire at the Meji as a customary practice. This Bihu is called Bhogali Bihu, (Bihu of Lavishness).
The series of Bihu bring great joy amongst the Assamese community. I like to be a part of my local Bihu Dance group. I put on new dresses and have fun with my friends. I like the most about Bihu is that Bihu is not mere a celebration but a tradition to express tenderly love to the friends and families and to show respect to the elders. It is all about joy of togetherness. Perhaps this festival teaches how people can share humanity, tenderness in a joyful way amongst the greatest community of human beings.
OR
(29) c. Your favourite hero in history.
similar to Life of a great man [H.S.L.C. 2003]
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi was a one of his kind legendries who is replica of truth and non-violence himself. He lived for his nation and put forward a role of a national leader. He is popularly known as the Father of the Nation.
Gandhiji was born at Porabandar, in Gujrat on October 2, 1869. His father was Karam Chand Gandhi who was the Dewan of Rajkot state and his mother was Putlibai Gandhi. His mother was very religious who had influenced him in his childhood. He was a Barrister at Law from London.
Gandhi went to South Africa to defend one of his clients. His destiny took a sharp turn there. He was deprived of journeying in the first-class cabin of a train. He saw his countrymen being treated inhumanely. He launched Satyagraha there and become successful to restore the honor of his people.
Gandhiji came back to India in 1914. He applied his tricks of Satyagraha to fight against the British. He started the famous nonviolent movement to make India free from foreign rule. He joined the Indian National Congress and in a short time he became its leader. In 1930 he started the famous Civil Disobedience Movement and inspired his countrymen to make India free from British rule. In 1942, he started the “Quit India Movement” and the British had to quit India. India became independent in 1947.
Gandhiji worked hard to establish the supremacy of truth and nonviolence. He tried not only to free from the British rule, but also tried to free the Indian from social oppressions and differences. He worked for social changes, cleanliness and social awareness on many issues. Gandhi devoted his life for the greater cause of the society. He is rightly called the Father of the Nation. He is a man of the century.
OR
Write a story in about 150words using the outlines given belowand adding a title to it:
{Outline: A car hits an old man and escapes – he is injured badly – crowd gather on the spot – only show sympathy – they speak about the evil of rash driving – nobody comes forward to help the man – two school boys arrive – feel sorry for the man – take him to hospital.}
Better to light a Candle than curse the Darkness
Mehta uncle, at the age of sixty, was as old as his age. He lived at the outskirt of the town in a solitary house. He was a retired pensioner. Every month he used to go to the town to collect his pension.
So, Mehta uncle’s this month’s visit to town was not an exception, apart from the fact that this time his bad luck was also with him. He travelled to the town in a public bus and got out off the bus in front of the bank. He tried to cross the road to reach the bank. But lo! He did not reach the other side. People heard a crashing sound and after a blink of an eye, Mehta uncle was seen lying on the road with blood stains all around. There was a hue and cry. The car which hit him, disappeared after the road took a curvy shape, a few yards away from the accident spot. The crowd gathered and stood helpless. They started gossiping about the reckless driving and cursed the driver. Meanwhile, two school boys Ram and Sham were also going to school through the road. They saw Mehta uncle and understood that his condition was serious. Making no further delay, they called the ambulance and took him to a hospital.
Mehta uncle was totally cured now. He thanked Ram and Sham for saving his life. He blessed the boys and said, “People are more curious to know who did the mistake, but no one is interested to make it correct. It is easier said than done.”
(30) Answer either (a) or (b): 5
Write a letter to the Editor of a local daily expressing your concern over the incidents of crime against women in Assam.
To,
The Editor
The Assam Tribune
Dated: 16th Feb, 2020
Sub: Crime against women in Assam.
Sir,
Through this column of your esteemed daily I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authority towards a serious issue faced by our state i.e. crime against women.
In today’s world, the woman has discrete role to play towards the growth and development of the country. In ancient days, women had to face many odd social conventions which curtailed the freedom of women. Even though, the modern society has opened its doors to women, yet the environment in which they have to survive is not as much more favorable than the one they had ages back.
Reportedly there has been shocking growth of crimes against women in Assam. There is at least one news seen published in newspapers reporting such pathetic crimes. Everyday women have to be a subject of the rapists, chain snitchers, acid attackers and what not? Witchcraft is a myth. But, in Assam every year many women are lynched in suspect of witchcraft practice. Dowry death has become very common now a days in Assam. Very unfortunately the numbers of cases registered of such crimes are increasing day by day. The interesting part here is that many offences are not reported and go unheard.
The society must wake up now. When they talk about equality, they must also provide an unpolluted society for women. The police force must be active and there must be more numbers of women police in the police department. There must be installation of CCTV cameras in the prone areas. The society must remember that if women are not safe then the society will also be at stake.
Yours Faithfully
Mr. Karan Rumali
…..Locality
OR
Write a report for a local daily on the basis of the information given below:
(i) 10-11-2018
(ii) Guwahati
(iii) Annual Guwahati Book Fair commenced. The Hon’ble Chief Minister declared it opened at 6:00 p.m.
(iv) Many publishers from Assam and outside participated
(v) To be continued for ten days; large gathering expected
The glorious book fair of Guwahati began
Guwahati, 10th Nov; “Books are the mirrors of the society.” said Hon’ble Chief Minister XYZ inaugurating the glorious book fair of Guwahati which began yesterday with new glazing. At about 6 PM, he lighted candle in the opening ceremony. According to the organizing committee, Publishers from Assam and other states like West Bengal, Punjab, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh etc. are participating in the book fair. On the very first day there was a heavy rush of book lovers. To see the response from the public, the organizing committee as well as the publishers were excited. Prominent author Dr. Saber Sharma commented that that was a good sign for the culture. The book fair shall continue for ten days.
(31) (a) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
A good book always teaches us something, in fact many things directly or indirectly if the mind is willing to learn. Books are the best companion; they also give us the best society. They help us in establishing contact with many great men. We hear what such men said and did; through books we even see them as if they were alive. As we read, we share great thoughts with great minds, we hope and grieve with great men. The scenes in which they appeared are described for us and as we turn the pages, we come to know what nobleness is. Books work as agents and help us in being better than we are. Books should, therefore, be treated as friends and guides.
(a) How can books teach us? 1
Answer: Books teach us many things directly or indirectly.
(b) How can one share the great thoughts through books?2
Answer: Great books are the mirrors of the minds of the great people. So, by reading their books, one can share great thoughts with great minds. It helps to experience what great men said and did, by establishing contact with many great men.
(c) Why should books be treated as friends and guides? 2
Answer: Books help people to know what nobleness is. Books also helps people to improve themselves so that they can become better than they are. So, books should be treated as friends and guides.
(b) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
“No one really knows who discovered tea but there are many legends.”
“What legends?”
“Well, there is one about the Chinese Emperor who always boiled water before drinking it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into the water giving it a delicious flavor. It is said they were tea leaves.”
“Tell me another!” scoffed Pranjol.
“We have an Indian legend too, Bodhidharma, an ancient Buddhist ascetic, cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepyduring meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk banished sleep.”
“Tea was first drunk in China,” Rajvir added, “as far back as 2700 BC ! In fact, words such as tea, ‘Chai’ and ‘Chini’ are from Chinese. Tea came to Europe only in the sixteenth century and was drunk more as medicine than as beverage.”
(a) How was tea drunk in Europe in the sixteenth century? 2
Answer: Tea came to Europe in the sixteenth century. It was drunk more as medicine than as a beverage in Europe.
(b) What is the Chinese legend about tea? 2
Answer: The first legend is called the Chinese legend. According to this legend regarding discovery of tea that one of the Chinese emperors always used to drink water by boiling it. One day a few leaves of the twigs burning under the pot fell into water. Then the water gave a delicious flavour. It is said the leaves were tea leaves.
(c) What is the Indian legend about tea? 2
Answer: Indian legend tells that once upon a time there was an ancient Buddhist ascetic named Bodhidhama in India. He cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Then the plants grew out of the eyelids. The leaves of these plans when put into hot water and drunk vanished sleep.
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