Kerala Plus One English Previous Year Question Paper March 2017 with Answers
| Board | SCERT |
| Class | Plus One |
| Subject | English |
| Category | Plus One Previous Year Question Papers |
Time Allowed: 21/2 hours
Cool off time: 15 Minutes
Maximum Marks: 80
General Instructions to Candidates:
- There is a ‘Cool off time’ of 15 minutes in addition to the writing time of 21/2 hrs.
- You are neither allowed to write your answers nor to discuss anything with others during the ‘cool off time’.
- Read the questions carefully before answering.
- All questions are compulsory and the only internal choice is allowed.
- When you select a question, all the sub-questions must be answered from the same question itself.
- Electronic devices except nonprogrammable calculators are not allowed in the Examination Hall.
Question 1.
“There were white wires hanging down from their ears or tucked into pockets, purses or jackets. The eyes were a little vacant. Each was in his or her own musical world…”
Looking at the i-Pod people, Andrew Sullivan commented like this in his essay, ‘Is Society Dead’. You would like to post a similar comment in your social networking site. Draft the comment about the new generation, who has become addicts of mobile phones and such gadgets. (2)
Answer:
You see them talking to themselves, making gestures, smiling, shaking their heads or nodding even as they walk on the roads. You may think they are crazy people but on close examination you find that they have a mobile phone in their hands and they are talking to someone. They are so immersed in the talk that they don’t even seem to notice what is happening around them.
Question 2.
Read the following notice. Certain words are left blank. Complete the notice by supplying the correct form of the verbs given in brackets.
Notice
All students of Plus Two ………… (ask) to return the library books on or before 28th February. Those who fail to return books …………. (not give) admit cards for the Final Examination. (2)
Answer:
are asked, will not be given
(Q. 3 to 5): Read the following excerpt from the story, “The Serang of Ranaganji” and answer the following questions.
“The huntress from Cheltenham swung round, bent her wit, her fascinations upon me. Where did you keep him during the entire voyage. Doctor dear? In a special cage?”
Question 3.
Who is referred to as ‘huntress’ here? (1)
Answer:
Jope-Smith
Question 4.
Who does she speak about in the passage? (1)
Answer:
Hassan/The serang
Question 5.
What do you learn about the lady’s character from this comment? (2)
Answer:
She was very wise and very beautiful. She looked like a huntress seeking a prey.
Question 6.
On seeing his friends Ivan and Bourkin, Aliokin made the following comments. Report the dialogue.
You cannot imagine how glad I am to see you, gentlemen’, said Aliokin, coming after them into the hall. ‘Pelagueya’, he said to the maid, ‘give my friends a change of clothes’. Then, walking to the bathing shed he asked, ‘wouldn’t you like to come to the bathing shed?’ (3)
Answer:
Coming after Ivan and Bourkin into the hall, Aliokin told them that they could not imagine how glad he was to see them. He then told Pelagueya, the maid, to give his friends a change of clothes. Then walking to the bathing shed, he asked them whether they wouldn’t like to go to the bathing shed.
Question 7.
Bring out the message of the lines from the poem, ‘If by Rudyard Kipling’.
“If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop to build them up with worn-out tools
…. you’ll be a Man, my son!” (3)
Answer:
If you can tolerate the truth you have spoken twisted by some smart guys to make a trap for fools or watch the things which you built with hard work broken and still you try to build them up again, using old and worn-out tools, my son, you will be a real Man. In other words, don’t be daunted by the misinterpretations people give to your words and the ruin they cause to the things you have built up.
Question 8.
Most people believe that walking is a good physical exercise. They raise the following arguments to substantiate their view.
- Walking strengthens heart and reduces risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Walking helps lose weight as 75 calories of fat are burned by walking at 2mph for 30 minutes.
- Walking gives energy and a brisk walk is one of the best natural energizers around
But you support Max Beerbohm who objects walking for walking’s sake. What arguments would you raise to contradict those who support walking? Write three points which explains why you hate walking. (3)
Answer:
- Walking merely for the sake of walking is a waste of time as you can use that energy for something more useful and get the exercise to your body.
- Walking makes you tired. Imagine you go to school walking 3 or 4 kilometres in the morning. By the time you reach the school you will be so tired that you won’t understand the lessons. The same is the case with those who go to offices and other places of work, walking.
- Walking on the roads in India can be risky. There are so many instances of people getting killed during their morning walks.
Question 9.
Choose appropriate words form the box to complete the captain’s briefing of a balloon journey.
a) ………. briefing a balloon journey which they were just about to start, the pilot said, ‘there are no seats, forget seat belts, no emergency exits, no engines, no life jackets or oxygen masks; only a landing stance that one must take when told to do so. The destination is unknown,
b) ……….. an open field with no obstructions, some where on the outskirts of the town.
c) ……….. the take off is smooth and (d) …………you know it, you are floating in the air, rising steadily’. (4)
Answer:
a) While
b) Probably
c) After
d) although
Question 10.
Here is a time line of Albert Einstein’s life. Go through it carefully and prepare his short profile.
- 1879 Born to Hermann Einstein and Pauline in Ulm, Germany.
- 1895 Joins High School
- 1896 Graduates from High School and enrolls at the ETH (the Federal Polytechnic School) in Zunch.
- 1900 Graduates from the ETH.
- 1905 Publishes, five groundbreaking papers, miracle year – introduces theory of relativity and another E = MC2.
- 1912 Moves to Zurich, becomes, Professor of Theoretical Physics at the ETH.
- 1915 General theory of relativity.
- 1917 Collapses from exhaustion, falls seriously ill.
- 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics
- 1955 Dies of heart failure on April 18. (5)
Answer:
Albert Einstein was born in Ulm, Germany, in 1879. His father was Hermann Einstein and his mother was Pauline. In 1895, he joined the High School. The following year he graduated from High School and then enrolled himself at the ETH, the Federal Polytechnic School at Zurich.
In 1900 he graduated from ETH. In 1905 he published 5 ground breaking papers. It was a miraculous year for him as he introduced the theory of relativity and the concept E=Mc2. In 1912, he returned to Zurich as a Professor of Theoretical Physics at ETH. In 1915 he thoroughly explained his General Theory of Relativity. He worked very hard, sometimes so hard that it was injurious to his health.
In 1917 he collapsed from overwork and exhaustion and became seriously ill. In 1921 Einstein received the Nobel Prize in Physics. On 18 April 1955, he died of a heart attack. Einstein was the greatest scientist the 20th century.
Question 11.
Greta, in the story, ‘Conceptual Fruit’, reminds us that everything we do every therapy, encouraging word, smile or care will make a difference in the life of differently abled children. What type of schooling, do you think, is good for such children-maintstream schools or special schools? Imagine that you want to communicate your views about this to the public. Draft an e-mail to the editor of a leading newspaper.
(Hints: Not enough adaptive and cognitive skills – fails to follow group instructions – requires greater attention and individual care – need support from allied health professionals) (4)
Answer:
[email protected]
Sub: Special Schools for Differently-Abled Children
Until quite recently differently-abled persons were called disabled or handicapped persons. The term disabled or handicapped is not at all suitable for people with mental or physical conditions which are different from ours. They are differently abled because they possess a unique set of abilities and perspectives. Everybody has ability and everybody matters. It is all about acknowledging it. ‘Differently abled’ doesn’t hide the fact that your loved one has been diagnosed with a condition, but we continue to empower them despite their condition.
Often times, differently abled people see what we can’t, hear what we can’t and think what we can’t. This makes their ability different – not inferior, not superior – just different. The term differently abled recognises talent and value in everybody and treats them equally. While mental conditions like autism can affect certain everyday functions, it need not stop them from enjoying a fulfilling, enriched and loved life.
Many differently people are known to flourish and rejoice in life with the right opportunity, support and love. Let us remember the great differently-abled persons like of Helen Keller and Stephen Hawking. Vaikom Vijayalaksmi, a Malayalam playback singer, is a good example of a highly successful differently-abled person. She is blind.
When we say ‘differently-abled’ people we simply mean to say that they do not have enough adaptive and cognitive skills as the normal people. They often fail to follow group instructions. Therefore they need greater attention and individual care. This attention and care can’t be given to them in a main-stream school.
They need to be taught in special schools. They also need the support of allied health professionals for their proper development. So instead of feeling sorry for them, let us do what we can to make them contribute to their own welfare and also the welfare of the society.
Question 12.
The passengers on board the ship, Titanic, were really moved by the heroism of the crew, who were duty-bound even at the face of death. Narrate the tragic end of the Titanic, from the point of view of one of the passengers who got escaped the wreck. (4)
Answer:
We started our voyage in the Titanic from Southampton. The ship was a sea dream. She was the largest and the grandest of all the ships made until then. There were thousands of passengers on the ship. They felt very secure and happy. But suddenly a huge iceberg appeared and it collided with the shipwrecking it.
It soon began to sink and people knew it was sinking. Captain Smith was the commander. He was brave. Not even for one moment he thought of saving his life. He stood on the bridge and told his crew that they were British and they should remember their country and should do their duty. They decided to send the women and children in the lifeboats. The crew had no hope of saving themselves.
The Titanic sank from sight, and the band played “Nearer my God to Thee”. There was never a scene grander or more tragic than this. The ship was sinking and the band was playing. All credit goes to Smith, the crew and the men of Titanic. They showed such courage and nobility during the great tragedy.
Question 13.
“Then Jovis nudges me; he fears to frighten his happy, quiet passengers, for he knows full well that a storm is pursuing us”, says Maupassant. Here we see the trait of an ideal leader in the captain. What other traits of the captain, as a good team leader, do you find in the story, The Trip of Le Horla”? Sketch the character of captain Jovis in about sixty words. (4)
Answer:
Captain Jovis is a good example of an efficient and cool-headed captain. Any captain of such an adventurous trip has to be calm, composed and coolheaded. Even when the writer tells Jovis that the balloon is in the midst of a roaring wind, Jovis nudges him to keep quiet.
Jovis does not want to frighten his happy, quiet passengers. If the passengers come to know there is a storm, they will panic and there can be confusion aboard the balloon. So the captain does the right thing to pretend as if nothing serious is happening. Jovis also shows his coolheaded thinking while landing.
It was not an easy job but he manages the things so well that the landing is safe in spite of the dangers around. This shows how efficient Jovis is. I think the greatest quality of Jovis is his cool-headedness, his ability to be calm and composed amidst even great risks.
(Q. 14 to 16): Read the following passage and answer the questions given below.
There is a famous expression in English: “Stop the world. I want to get off!” This expression refers to a feeling of panic, or stress. ‘Stress’ means pressure or tension. It is one of the most common causes of health problems in modem life.
There are numerous physical effects of stress. Stress can affect the heart, the respiratory system and the stomach. Emotions are also easily affected by stress. Stress can make people angry, moody, or nervous, Long-term stress can lead to a variety of serious mental illnesses. Addictions often develop as a result of one’s efforts to relieve stress.
It is obvious that stress is a serious problem. It attacks the body. It affects the emotions. Uptreated, it may eventually result in mental illness. Stress has a great influence on the health and well-being of our bodies, our feelings, and our minds.
Question 14.
Which one of the following is NOT a common problem caused by stress? (1)
a) Physical problems
b) Mental problems
c) Anecdotal problems
d) Emotional problems
Answer:
c) Anecdotal problems
Question 15.
Choose the best answer to explain how alcoholism is caused by stress. (1)
a) Alcohol is used to relieve stress
b) Alcohol is popular
c) Alcohol is a chemical
d) Alcohol is similar to medicine
Answer:
a) Alcohol is used to relieve stress
Question 16.
Why is it said that one should reduce stress and rest for sometime? (3)
Answer:
One should reduce stress and rest for sometime because:
- Stress causes health problems as it badly affects the heart, the respiratory system and the stomach.
- Stress can make people angry, moody and nervous.
- Long term stress can lead to a variety of mental illnesses and addictions can develop as one’s efforts to relieve stress.
Question 17.
Wordsworth’s poem “To Sleep’tells us how important it is to have a sound sleep in order to remain mentally and physically fit. But we know that getting a good night’s sleep requires more than crawling into bed and closing your eyes. Write a short article on ‘Sleep’, in about seventy-five words, for your school magazine. (4)
Answer:
Importance of Sleep
William Wordsworth is quite right in saying that without sleep the morning’s wealth is nothing. Sleep, according to him, is the mother of fresh thoughts and joyous health.
Research has shown that people don’t get enough sleep at night and go to school or work, tired. Some experts believe the cause is biological. Others believe that people stay up causing lack of enough sleep. Adults need 8 hours of sleep, teenagers need a bit more.
So why aren’t people getting enough sleep? For one thing, they are staying up late. A variety of things can contribute to this night-owl tendency among people, including social life, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, electronic media such as computers, TVs and mobile phones. Other factors include procrastinating on work, and even depression.
Lack of sleep affects people’s ability to function normally. A recent study showed that “sleep deprivation can affect mood, performance, attention, learning, behaviour and biological functions.” Too little sleep may contribute to mood swings and behavioural problems. And sleepy persons who get behind the wheel may cause serious — even deadly — accidents.
To get proper sleep we can do the following: regular bed time, cutting out late night phone calls, avoiding arguments before sleep, not going to bed with full stomachs, not taking caffeinated or alcoholic drinks prior to sleeping, and filling the mind with refreshing, pleasant and reassuring thoughts.
Question 18.
Mr. Gupta, in the story, ‘The Price of Flowers’ attracts everybody’s attention. Imagine that he visits your town for an official meeting of the civil service officers. He has consented to give you an appointment to interview him. Prepare five questions you would like to ask him. (5)
Answer:
- Mr. Gupta, when Mr. Clifford asked you what kind of a country India was and if it was safe to live there, you answered her that India was a beautiful country and it was quite safe to live there. Did you really mean what you said?
- When Mrs. Clifford asked you what kind of a place Punjab was, you said it was a fine place and there was no fever there. Do you really think that there is no fever in Punjab?
- You said that superstition was not limited to India. We could see that from the belief of Mrs. Clifford and Maggie about the ring with a crystal sent to them by Frank. Oen you tell us another example of a superstition of the local people of England that you found while you were living there?
- When you told Clifford that you saw her son in the crystal and also what he was doing, did you not feel guilty at telling an outright lie?
- Did you place the flowers at the grave of Frank as desired by Maggie?
Question 19.
Certain highlights of a terrorist attack, sent by a reporter from aborad, are given below. Imagine that you are a journalist in the bureau. Develop the highlights into a news report to be published in your newspaper.
OR
Natural Disasters usually creates havoc and misery. This year monsoon turns out be a bad omen for the poor residents of Kuttanad.
Certain highlights of the flood affected Kuttanad, sent by a reporter, are given below. Imagine that you are a journalist in the bureau. Develop the highlights into a news report to be published in your newspaper. (6)
Answer:
a)
TERRORIST ATTACK ON PARIS
A terrorist attack was carried out in the city of Paris. The terrorists wanted to destroy the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. It was a kind of serial attack at 6 places. 128 people are reported dead and many are injured. The blasts did lot of damage to shops and properties. Fortunately, nothing happened to the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. Police and the fire force are in hectic activity rushing the victims to hospitals and clearing the debris.
Different NGOs are also participating in the rescue operations. An Organization called “Anti-Imperialist Group” claimed the responsibility for the blasts. The mastermind behind the blast has been identified. Intelligence reports suggest that there will be further attacks of this kind. Citizens are warned to watch out for suspicious looking characters. They are asked not to touch any packet lying unattended and call the police if they see anything suspicious.
OR
b)
FLOODS RAVAGE KUTTANAD
It was terribly hot in the month of May in Kerala and people were complaining about the lack of rain. People were even praying for rains. And rains came with a vengeance! This year the Monsoon has been terrible flooding the places as never before. Kerala’s Rice Bowl, Kuttanad, is hit by huge floods.
The nonstop rains have made the fields look like a sea. Two persons have already died and more than 2000 hectares of land are underwater, destroying nearly 50% of the crops in the area. Roads have been washed away and the sewage system and drainage are overflowing with waste from toilets. Electricity has been cut off and there is no drinking water. People are panicky and they are worried about the possible outbreak of contagious diseases. Many have lost their homes and have taken refuge in the local schools and churches. Rescue work is in progress.
The Chief Minister is visiting the area and is overseeing the assistance given to the flood victims. The Kerala Government is requesting aid from the Centre to overcome the immediate financial crisis. Indian Agriculture is said to be a gamble on monsoons. The floods are proving the veracity of this statement.
Question 20.
“I shall work for an India in which … all communities shall live in perfect harmony. This is the India of my dreams’, says Mahatma Gandhi. How far has his dream been realized? Keeping in mind the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s dreams in the present scenario, prepare an essay on the topic ‘Importance of religious tolerance in national integration’.
OR
“I shall work for an India in which … there can be no room for the curse of intoxicating drinks and drugs. This is the India of my dreams”, says Mahatma Gandhi. How far has his dream been realized? Keeping in mind the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s dreams in the present scenario, prepare an essay on the topic ‘Increasing drug abuse-a menace of the day’. (6)
Answer:
Importance of Religious Tolerance in National Integration
Religious tolerance very essential for national integration. Ours is a nation of diversities. Nehru, our First Prime Minister, always boasted about our unity in diversity. In India we have all kinds of religions. We have Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Jews and Zoroastrians. So if we are to progress we have to work like the children of the same mother by being tolerant of the religions of others.
It would be good to remember that “One man’s religion is another man’s madness” and “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.” We should not expect everybody to believe in what we believe, and eat and drink what we eat and drink.The main reason for national disintegration is intolerance. The situation of intolerance may occur because of economically depressed and politically charged situation among the people of different groups.
In such situation, people find it hard to tolerate those different from themselves. It harms everyone badly and most importantly the nation. The country where intolerance exists may be the home of discrimination, repression, dehumanization, and violence.
Intolerance is the lack separation of unity which creates the condition of dislike, refusal and quarrel among the people of various groups. Tolerance appreciates unity in diversity and develops understanding to live in a peaceful manner. Tolerance is the ability which develops positive attitude in the people’s mind towards those with different religions, practices, opinions, nationality, customs, etc.
Intolerance is the condition of failure which motivates people to dislike the practices, opinions and beliefs of people related to another group. For example, a high degree of intolerance exists between the Israeli Jews and the Palestinians. Intolerance gives rise to the inter-group violence in the society.lt was intolerance that caused the Partition of India into two – Pakistan and India.
If the people of I ndia do not learn to live in harmony and cooperation, tolerating one another’s creed, there will still be troubles and again we may face problems that we faced in 1947. Let that not happen. We are all children of the same God and we should live like brethren. No religion teaches violence. Tolerance should be out watchword.
OR
INCREASING DRUG ABUSE – A MENACE OF THE DAY
In the India of Gandhiji’s dreams, there is no curse of intoxicating drinks and drugs. But unfortunately, in present day India there are many people who abuse alcohol and drugs. This essay concentrates on the issue of drug abuse and its increase in our society as it has become a major menace threatening our well-being. Drug abuse has both mental and physical impacts.
The drug addict experiences sensory deprivation. He has a general feeling of physical discomfort, and there are personality changes in him. The addict feels depressed. He fails to respond either to his environment or to other people. His mental disturbance can be like paranoia. The addict knows he has a problem. But he does not know the source of his problem, and he looks for its cause everywhere except in himself. He looks upon external objects with suspicion, Anything outside scares him and he withdraws further and further into himself. There are also drug-related physical disorders.
Dirty needles and solutions used for injecting drugs can cause abscesses in the arms and veins. They can cause liver disease, venereal disease and infection of the kidneys and brain. Sniffing cocaine and amphetamines can damage the tissues of the nose. Marijuana and tobacco smoking can cause lung diseases. Babies of women addicted to opiates are likely to be born addicted and to suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Cocaine and amphetamines cause hair fall. Marijuana can damage cells.
A drug addict can easily get pneumonia, tuberculosis, malnutrition and weight loss. An overdose of any sensual drug can cause respiratory or cardiac failure and instant death. It is a pity that drug addiction is more among the youths. Even school going children are addicts! I believe peer influence is the main reason for the growing drug addiction among teenagers and adolescents.
Question 21.
The literary club of your school has decided to celebrate Dr. Kalam’s birthday as World Students’ Day. In connection with the celebrations, the club is conducting an oratory training programme for higher secondary students to develop their skill and eloquence in public speaking. You, being the secretary of the club, are asked to deliver a speech to motivate them. Draft the script of the speech you would like to deliver there in the light of your reading of the story, ‘His First Flight’. (8)
Answer:
My dear students,
You are soon going to appear for your+1 Examination which is considered to be a big turning point in your life. Some students get panicky before the examination and spoil their chances to do well. There is no need to fear. The examinations are simply to test your understanding of the things that you have been taught in the class. Millions of students before you have taken this kind of examination. So this is nothing new or terrifying.
Be confident. Don’t be nervous. Be optimistic. Be cool, calm and composed. Fear will not help you. It will only make you forget what you already know. You have been reading your lessons regularly and doing the assignments. The teachers have been testing your knowledge every now and then. You already know what types of questions are coming in the examination and the time you have to answer them. So read the instructions and questions carefully and make a plan to answer them in the most appropriate manner.
You have read the story ‘His First Flight’ by Liam O’Flaherty. The seagull was reluctant to take his first flight. But goaded by his mother, he takes his flight and then he finds it is smooth and he experiences no problem. In a similar fashion, you go courageously and confidently to take your examination and everything is going to be fine. Keep your mind happy with encouraging thoughts. Be optimistic. You are not the first or the only one going to write this examination.
Life is full of examinations. The people who face them with confidence and courage will succeed in life. You don’t have to compare yourself with others. Kalam has told you to be unique, you to be you. You know you have done your best during the preparation time. Now you simply have to do your best as you write the examination without being unduly worried about the result. Do your best and leave the rest to God.
I wish you all resounding success in the forthcoming examinations!
Question 22.
Read the poem Azure and Gold by Amy Lowell and prepare a note of appreciation.
Azure and Gold
by Amy Lowell
April had covered the hills
With flickering yellows and reds,
The sparkle and coolness of snow
Was blown from the mountain beds.
Across a deep-sunken stream
The pink of blossoming trees,
And from windless apple blooms
The humming of many bees.
The air was of rose and gold
Arabesqued with the song of birds
Who, swinging unseen under leaves,
Made music more eager than words.
Blue-birds so blue, ‘t was a dream,
An impossible, unconceived hue,
The high sky of summer dropped down
Some rapturous ocean to woo
Such a colour, such infinite light!
The heat of a fabulous gem,
Many-faceted, brilliant and rare.
Centre Stone of the earth’s diadem!
Centre Stone of the Crown of the World,
“Sincerity” graved on your youth!
And your eyes hold the blue-bird flash,
The sapphire shaft, which is truth.
(azure = bright blue colour; flicker = shine; arabesque = dancing posture; hue = colour; rapturous = joyous; woo = try to gain a woman’s love; diadem = jeweled crown) (8)
Answer:
Azure and Gold
This is an exquisite poem by Amy Lowell. It effectively displays the theme of beautiful nature. Lowell compares nature to “The heart of a fabulous gem” which is brilliant and colourful, giving the reader great visuals with words. Excellent use of words to create images and soft rhymes in the poem efficiently appeal to our eyes and ears.
The theme of the poem is well expressed and supported with alliteration, rhymes and imagery. The poet is describing April. It has covered the hill with yellow and red flowers. There is snow. Across a deep stream, we can see the pink of the flowering trees. We can see bees fluttering from flower to flower on a windless day. There is the beautiful melody of the birds singing coming from the leaves.
The birds cannot be seen but they can be heard. The blue birds were bluer than the sea. All beautiful colours were mingling exquisitely. The place looked the centre stone of the world like a diadem shining on a crown. In such beauty all sorrow and pain vanish and it is joy and happiness everywhere.
There are many examples of alliteration in the poem: Blue-birds so blue” and “made music more eager”. The imagery is superb. Imagery depicting the “Azure and Gold”, appealing strongly to visual senses. “Such a colour, such infinite light! The heart of a fabulous gem” gives a fine picture.
Another picture is seen in “April had covered the hills/with flickering yellows and reds”. The poem has a fine rhythm and it has rhyme. The rhyming scheme in the first stanza is abcb.