PU-II YEAR - ENGLISH - SOLVED MID-TERM EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPER - 2024-2025

 

PUC- II YEAR ENGLISH MIDTERM EXAMINATION – 2024-2025

Time: 3 hours                         Subject: English (02)               Marks: 80

Instructions:

1) Answer the questions in all the section.

2) Follow the prescribed limit while answering the questions.

3) Write the correct question number as it appears on the question paper.

4) For multiple choice questions, (MCQ’s) choose the correct answer and rewrite it.

5) Answers to question number (a-j), 30 B (a-i), should be in sequence and at the one place.

6) For question number 30, 31,32 & 36 internal choices are there, hence answer either A or B.

7) For Part- A questions, only the first written answers will be considered for Evaluation.

 

PART –A

I. Answer the following question by choosing the right option:        10x1=10

1) The phrase “face of heaven” refers to ………………..

a) sky                   b) heaven             c) earth                d) mountain

Ans: a) sky

 

2) The similes that are used by Romeo to convey Juliet’s beauty are…………

a) a rich jewel and a snowy dove               b) night and new snow

c) face of heaven and little stars                           d) gentle night and the garish sun

Ans: a) a rich jewel and a snowy dove

 

3) The food for the criminal was brought from ………………

a) France             b) Palace Kitchen          c) Italy                 d) German

Ans: b) Palace Kitchen

 

4) ‘Terra Madre’ means…………….

a) Pluralism                   b) Civilization      c) Mother Earth            d) Reconnecting

Ans: c) Mother Earth

 

5) In ‘A Sunny Morning’ …………….. accompanied Don Gonzalo when he came to the park.

a) Petra                b) Dona Laura              c) Juanito            d) the merchant

Ans: c) Juanito

 

6) W.B. Yeats wants his beloved to dream of the …………. her eyes had once.

a) hatred look       b) angered look    c) cold blooded look      d) soft looks

Ans: d) soft looks

 

7) …………… had become the raison-d ‘etre of Tammanna’s life.

a) singing             b) agriculture                 c) art           d) coconut grove

Ans: c) art

 

8) The foot grows in its own way and feels like a ………………..

a) dumb man       b) deaf man                    c) blind man                  d) wise man

Ans: c) blind man

 

9) Match the words from column ‘A’ with their corresponding metaphors in column ‘B’ with reference to ‘On Children’.

A                          B

A. Parents            i. living arrows

B. Children           ii. the Archer

C. God                 iii. Bow

a) A-iii, B-I, C-ii             b) A-ii, B-iii, C-I   c) A-I, B-ii, C-iii   d) A-ii, B-I, C-iii

Ans: a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii

 

10) According to the poet of ‘On Children’ ……………. Dwell in the house of tomorrow

a) the children’s souls                       b) the parents     

c) the parent’s souls                          d) the children’s bodies

Ans: a) the children’ souls

 

11) Fill in the blanks with the passive form of the verb given in the brackets: 3x1=3

The old man came to the garden one day. Few words……………. (exchange) between the old man and the owner of the garden. The income from the garden …………… (improve). But the owner’s life……………. (change) as he fell prey to umpteen vices.

Ans: The old man came to the garden one day. Few words were exchanged between the old man and the owner of the garden. The income from the garden was improved. But the owner’s life was changed as he fell prey to umpteen vices.

 

12) Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate expressions given in brackets: 2x1=2

The criminal said that the rulers of Monaco had ruined his character and people would ……….. on him and moreover, he had got ……………… of working.

(out of the way, get rid of, turn their backs)

Ans: The criminal said that the rulers of Monaco had ruined his character and people would turn their back on him and moreover, he had got ou o the way of working.

 

13) Read the following paragraph and match the underlined pronouns in side ‘A’ with the nouns/ noun phrases in side ‘B’ they refer to:

Once upon a time a poor woman was walking from one village to another carrying a bundle on (a) her hand. Unable to lift (b) it easily. (c) she rested every now and then. A horseman passed by. She requested (d) him to carry to bundle till next village (e) where she lived.

A (pronouns)       B (Nouns / Noun Phrase)

a) her                    i) village

b) it                       ii) horsemen

c) she                    iii) poor woman

d) him                  iv) bundle

e) where                v) poor woman’s

 

Ans:

a) her           -        v) poor woman’s

b) it                       iv) bundle

c) she                    iii) poor woman

d) him                   ii) horseman

e) where                i) village

 

PART-B

II. Answer any Three of the following questions in one or two sentences each: 3x2=6

14) Mention any two expressions that Juliet uses to glorify Romeo’s charm in ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

Ans: The two expressions that Juliet uses to glorify Romeo’s charm in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ are Juliet compares Romeo stating that he is whiter than the new snow and he lights up the gentle night as he comes on the ravens back. She also calls him a black browed night which refers that he is so gloomy in the dark night.

 

15) Name the commodities taxed in Monaco in ‘Too Dear’.

Ans: The commodities taxed in Monaco in “Too Dear” are tobacco, wine and spirits and poll tax.

 

16) Write any two metaphors used by the speaker in ‘On Children’.

Ans: The two metaphors used  by the speaker in ‘On Children’ are: Parents are compared to bows and children are compared to living arrows.

 

17) Write briefly about Vandana Shiva’s parents as she has mentioned in her essay.

Ans: Vandana Shiva describes her parents as deeply connected to nature and the environment. Her father was a forest conservator, which instilled in her a strong appreciation for ecology and sustainability. Her mother, a farmer, nurtured her understanding of the land and its importance, influencing her later work in environmental activism.

 

III. Answer any four of the following questions in about 60 words each: 4x3=12

18) Describe Romeo’s feelings for Juliet in the poem ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

Ans: Romeo is enchanted by Juliet’s beauty when he first sees her, saying she "teaches the torches to burn bright." He compares her to a jewel because she shines and stands out in the dark, much like a precious stone. He also compares her to a snowy dove among crows, which shows how she stands out among everyone at the party. These comparisons reveal how unique and beautiful Romeo finds her compared to others.

 

19) Why was the Earth University started by Vandana Shiva? Who inspired her to do so?

Ans: Vandana Shiva started Earth University to promote sustainable practices and environmental consciousness. She aimed to provide education that reconnects people with nature and emphasizes ecological balance. Inspired by her experiences and the teachings of her parents, particularly her mother, a farmer, she recognized the need for an institution that empowers individuals to understand and protect the environment. Earth University serves as a platform for learning about biodiversity, organic farming, and the importance of local ecosystems, encouraging a holistic approach to education and environmental stewardship.

 

20) Why did Dona Laura accuse Don Gonzalo as an ‘ill natured man’ in the beginning of the play ‘A Sunny Morning’.

Ans: Dona Laura accuses Don Gonzalo of being an “ill-natured man” because of his behavior and attitude. She perceives him as arrogant and dismissive, particularly in the way he interacts with her and others. His insistence on showing off his wealth and status frustrates her, and she finds his arrogance unappealing. This initial tension sets the stage for their complex relationship, where past grievances and personal conflicts come to light. Dona Laura’s accusation reflects her desire for authenticity and genuine connection, contrasting with Don Gonzalo’s superficiality.

 

21) Describe the uniqueness of the poet’s love as expressed in the poem ‘When You are Old’.

Ans: In the poem “When You Are Old,” the poet’s love is characterized by its depth and sincerity. He urges the beloved to reflect on her life and recognize the true nature of love that he offered—steadfast and unwavering. Unlike the fleeting admiration from others, his love is profound, rooted in understanding and acceptance. The poet emphasizes that true love sees beyond physical beauty and values the essence of the person. This uniqueness lies in the acknowledgment of love’s endurance, suggesting that true affection transcends time and societal standards, ultimately leading to fulfillment and contentment.

 

22) What were Basavaiha’s ways of investing his home with meaning in ‘The Gardener’?

Ans: As Tammanna’s popularity grew, Basavaiah felt a sense of humiliation and began to diminish in his own eyes. To restore his self-esteem, he turned his focus to accumulating material wealth. He had a lavish mansion constructed for himself and hired several people solely to praise him. In his quest for status, he adorned himself with gold, diamonds, and other precious gems. Additionally, he started inviting scholars, poets, and musicians to his home, attempting to fill his life and surroundings with deeper significance and meaning. Through these actions, Basavaiah sought to elevate his own status and distract from his feelings of inadequacy.

 

23) How does Neruda describe the busy life of the individual as represented by the foot?

Ans: In his writings, Neruda describes the busy life of the individual through the metaphor of the foot, symbolizing movement, purpose, and the journey of life. The foot represents the everyday struggles and triumphs of individuals as they navigate their environments, constantly in motion. It embodies the labor, effort, and relentless pace of modern life, highlighting how people often rush through their days without pausing to appreciate the beauty around them. Through this imagery, Neruda captures the essence of human experience—both the weariness and resilience that come with the pursuit of dreams and aspirations in a bustling world.

 

IV. Answer any three of the following questions in about 100 words: 3x4=12

24) Write a note on Monaco Kingdom in ‘Too Dear’.

Ans: Monaco was referred to as a "toy kingdom" due to its extremely small landmass. The area was so limited that if the land were divided among its seven thousand residents, there would be less than an acre for each person. Despite its size, Monaco imposed taxes on certain commodities, including tobacco, wine, and spirits. Additionally, the citizens were subject to a poll tax. These taxes contributed to the kingdom's economy, allowing it to maintain its unique status despite the challenges posed by its small geographic footprint and limited resources. This combination of size and governance adds to Monaco's intriguing character.

 

25) Describe the views of the prophet about children in the poem ‘On Children’.

Ans: According to the Prophet, children are a precious gift from the abundance of life and represent eternal existence. They come into the world as a reflection of life's desire to continue. Parents do not truly create their children; rather, they act as a means to bring them into the world. Each child has their own thoughts and free will, allowing them to choose their own paths. While parents belong to the past, their children are connected to the future. Children will develop their own beliefs and values, so parents should offer love without imposing their own thoughts or expectations. Instead of passing down their past experiences, parents should support their children in growing according to their unique potential.

Gibran uses the metaphor of an archer, bow, and arrows to describe the role of parents. In this image, God is the archer, parents are the bow, and children are the living arrows. Just as an archer bends the bow to launch the arrows toward a target, God shapes parents to help guide their children. The archer determines the target, which represents a journey filled with infinite possibilities, and bends the parents so that their arrows can soar swiftly and far.

26) How do the ideas of Vandana Shiva and Rabindranath Tagore complement each other?

Ans:  The author explains that Earth University, located at Navdanya farm, was inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s ideas from his essay "Tapovan" (Forest of Purity). Tagore emphasizes that many of India’s greatest ideas originated in the forests, where people could connect with nature—trees, rivers, and lakes—far from busy crowds. He believes that the tranquility of the forest has played a vital role in the intellectual growth of humans and has influenced Indian culture.

The culture emerging from the forest is shaped by the various processes of life that occur there, changing with different species and seasons, as well as the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. This rich diversity leads to a unifying principle of life, representing democratic pluralism, which has become a foundational aspect of Indian civilization.

27) How is the speaker’s passionate love for his beloved brought out in the poem “When You are Old”?

Ans:  In “When You Are Old,” the poet expresses a deep and unforgettable love for a woman, highlighting his concern for her future. Instead of focusing on their present or past, he looks ahead to a time when they will be separated. He imagines her as an old woman, sitting by the fire, reflecting on her life and regretting the rejection of his true love.

The poem starts with the image of an elderly lady, gray-haired and contemplative. As she thinks back to her youth, she remembers the soft look in her eyes and the many suitors who admired her beauty. While acknowledging that others were drawn to her physical appearance, the speaker emphasizes that he loved her inner self—the “pilgrim soul” within her. He wants her to realize that his love is unique because it is based on who she truly is, and it will remain steadfast even as she ages. The speaker reminds her that her beauty will fade over time, and she will face the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and a weary face, which reflect the challenges she has endured. He concludes by envisioning her as she bends down beside the dying fire, whispering regretfully that her true love has gone, hidden among the stars.

28) The rivalry between Tammanna and Basavaiha keeps moving from the visible domain to the invisible comment.

Ans: In the beginning, there seemed to be a friendly competition between Tammanna and Basavaiah. Tammanna didn’t see Basavaiah as a rival, so he didn’t notice when Basavaiah gained fifteen admirers while he had only ten. Tammanna continued to do his own thing without worrying about Basavaiah. However, Basavaiah was not content. When he learned that Tammanna owned one thousand acres of land and he only had eight hundred, he couldn’t accept this. He asked Tammanna to sell him two hundred acres, but Tammanna refused.

Instead, Tammanna offered to buy all of Basavaiah’s land. In response, Basavaiah and his supporters forcefully took two hundred acres of Tammanna’s land and built a fence around it. Tammanna found this invasion unacceptable. When his supporters suggested legal action or using force to reclaim his land, Tammanna declined. He believed that fighting Basavaiah with physical strength would lead to endless conflict, as it would depend on who had more support. He understood that relying on muscle power had its limits and would involve many people.

While they were openly competing, Basavaiah appeared to have more land, friends, and wealth. Tammanna, however, acted out of his own natural inclination and not to harm Basavaiah. Realizing the futility of physical competition, Tammanna decided to end the unhealthy rivalry by using a different approach. He began singing ballads to tell people about Basavaiah’s cruelty and meanness, opting for a more creative and subtle way to challenge him.

29) Examine how Neruda’s poem works out the contrast between colourful dreams and humdrum reality of life.

Ans:  The poem “To the Foot from its Child” explores the contrast between colorful dreams and the dull reality of life. The poet uses the foot as a metaphor to illustrate how a child’s spirit is crushed by the challenges and limitations imposed by society. The poem criticizes how children are forced to conform and often forget their dreams and imaginations as they grow up. At the start, the poet points out that the child’s foot, unaware of its purpose, wishes to be a butterfly or an apple. This suggests that a child’s spirit longs for unlimited freedom and joy. However, as the child matures, they realize that achieving such freedom is difficult, and they must navigate various obstacles.

The poem describes how stones, bits of glass, streets, and ladders represent the harsh realities of life that the foot encounters. As the child grows into a teenager and then an adult, they face many challenges that remind them of their limitations. The line “that it cannot fly” indicates that the individual learns they cannot escape their responsibilities and must conform to societal norms. The “shoe” symbolizes the constraints of human society that govern the individual’s thoughts and actions. When the child becomes an adult, they experience life within these confines, losing touch with the outside world and only seeing it through societal lenses. This leads to a life filled with restrictions.

As an adult, the foot continues to toil in its shoe, hardly taking time for love or rest. The line “this foot toils in its shoe” emphasizes that once a person realizes they must live in society, they confront the monotonous realities of life. They become like prisoners, working tirelessly until they die. After death, the spirit loses its awareness and regains the freedom it had as a child.

PART –C

V. 30) A. Read the following passage and answer the questions set on it. 9x1=9

Mowgli is an imaginary character and protagonist in Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. The book was published in 1894. Kipling proceeded to write the stories of Mowgli’s childhood in detail. The stories are set in a forest. Raksha, who is mother wolf of Mowgli called him Mowgli because of his lack of fur on his body. Sher Khan, the tiger demands that they give him the baby as wants to kill Mowgli. But the wolves refuse. Mowgli grows up with the pack, hunting with his brother wolves. He learns he is able to stare down any wolf and his unique ability to remove the painful thorns from the paws of his brothers is deeply appreciated as well. Bagheera, the black panther makes friendship with Mowgli as both of them have parallel childhood experiences, as Bagheera was raised in cages at Udaipur. This, he knows the ways of man. Baloo, the bear teaches Mowgli the laws of the jungle.

The story of Mowgli has inspired scores of people around the world. The story has been inspired by a 19^th Century Indian man named Dina Sanichar, often called the real life Mowgli. He was raised by wolves and spent the first few years of his life thinking he was one. The hunters discovered him lying in a cave in Uttar Pradesh in February 1867. They took him to a nearby Sikanda Mission Orphanage in the city of Agra. Since he had no name previously, the missionaries christened him as Dina Sanichar after the Hindi word for Saturday- the day he arrived. He was taught the ways of human beings. But he never fully adjusted to life at the orphanage. He died of tuberculosis in 1985 at the mere age of 35.

 

a. Choose the statement which is wrong according to the given passage.

i) Mowgli is a real character’s name

ii) Rudyard Kipling wrote ‘The Jungle Book’.

iii) Mowgli is an imaginary character featured in Kipling’s stories.

iv) Kipling was inspired by Dina Sanichar’s childhood life.

Ans: i) Mowgli is a real character’s name

 

b. Name the protagonist of ‘The Jungle Book’

Ans: Mowgli

 

c. Who wanted to kill Mowgli?

Ans: Sher Khan

 

d. What did Baloo teach Mowgli?

Ans: The laws of the jungle

 

e. Who is regarded as the real life Mowgli?

Ans: Dina Sanichar

 

f. Who discovered Dina Sanichar?

Ans: Hunters

 

g. What is the meaning of ‘Sanichar’?

Ans: Saturday

 

h. What was Dina Sanichar taught in the orphanage?

Ans: The ways of human beings

 

i. Add suitable prefix  to the word ‘able’ so as to make it an antonym.

Ans: unable

 

OR

B. Read the following poem and answer the questions set on it. 9x1=9

Reverie of the Poor Susan by William Wordsworth

At the corner of Wood street, when daylight appears, Hangs a Thrush that sings loud, it has sung for three years:

Poor Susan has passed by the spot, and has heard. In the silence of morning the song of the Bird.

‘Tis a note of enchantment; what oils her? She sees A mountain ascending, a vision of trees; Bright volumes of vapour through Lothbury glide, And a river flows on through the vale of Cheapside.

Green pastures she views in the midst of the dale, Down which she so often has tripped with her pail, And a single small cottage, a nest like a dove’s. The one only dwelling on earth that she loves.

She looks, and her heart is in heaven; but they fade. The midst and the river, the hill and the shade: The stream will not flow, and the hill will not rise, And the colours have all passed away from her eyes!

 

a. Name any one of the birds mentioned in the poem.

Ans: Thrush

 

b. Where does the river flow?

Ans: Through the vale of Cheapside

 

c. Which phrase in the poem also means that poor Susan is not alive.

Ans: Her heart is in heaven

 

d. What time of the day is mentioned in the poem?

Ans: Daylight

 

e. What is compared to a nest in the poem?

Ans: A single small cottage

 

f. What does Susan carry when she goes down the green pastures?

Ans: A pail

 

g. Choose the odd combination out:

i. Mountain and hill      ii. Vapour and mist        iii. River and stream      iv. Earth and morning

Ans: iv. Earth and morning

 

h. Complete the analogy: Sees: Trees::……………: shade

Ans: Looks

 

i. Which is the antonym of noise in the poem?

Ans: Silence

 

PART –D

31) A. Rewrite as directed. 4x1=4

i) I reached Vijayapur…………night. (Use appropriate preposition)

Ans: i) I reached Vijayapur at night.

 

ii) Own/ every/ its/ language/ country/ has (rearrange the above segments into a meaningful sentence)

Ans: ii) Every country has its own language.

 

iii) His father and grandfather ……………. (have/ has) arrived.

Ans: iii) His father and grandfather have arrived.

 

(choose the verb that agrees with the subject)

iv) The ministers…………… (met/ meet) in the assembly yesterday.

Ans: The ministers met in the assembly yesterday.

 

OR

B. Fill in the blanks with the right linker: 4x1=4

Logging had led to landslides and floods……………. Scarcity of water, fodder and fuel. …………… women provide these basic needs, the scarcity meant longer walks to satisfy the needs. They knew that the real value of forests was not the timber from a dead tree……………… the springs and streams………………….. they hugged the trees when the loggers arrived. (since, but, and, so)

 

Ans: Logging had led to landslides and floods and scarcity of water, fodder, and fuel. Since women provide these basic needs, the scarcity meant longer walks to satisfy the needs. They knew that the real value of forests was not the timber from a dead tree but the springs and streams so they hugged the trees when the loggers arrived.

 

32.  A. Rewrite as directed: 2x1=2

i) Lata can win the match today. (Add a suitable question Tag)

Ans: Lata can win the match today, can’t she?

 

ii) The old man was narrating his story to the owner’s wife.

(frame a ‘WH’ question to get underlined word as answer)

Ans: Who was narrating his story to the owner’s wife.

 

OR

B. Rectify the errors in the following sentences and rewrite them. 2x1=2

i) Students were prepare well for their exam.

Ans: Students were prepared well for their exam.

 

ii) Guru adviced his sister.

Ans: Guru advised his sister.

 

33) Read the following and make notes by filling in the boxes given below: 4x ½ =2

The term ‘resource’ is derived from French and it means tools. Natural sources of energy present on Earth are coal, crude oil and natural gas.

 

 Ans: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34) Report the following conversation:                                                     5x1=5

Don Gonzalo: My cousin never forgot her

Dona Laura: How do you account for his conduct?

Don Gonzalo: My cousin died in the war whispering her name.

Dona Laura: My friend waited for three years for his return. But at last, she committed suicide in despair.

Ans: Don Gonzalo told Dona Laura that his cousin had never forgotten her. Dona Laura asked Don Gonzalo how he accounted for his conduct. Don Gonzalo replied Dona Laura that his cousin had died in the war whispering her name. Dona Laura told Don Gonzalo, his friend had waited for three years for his return. She told him that at last, she had committed suicide in despair.

 

35) Complete the following conversation (Dialogue): 5x1=5

(Two friends in a library)

Jospeh: …………… How do you do? (greeting)

Sam: I’m good. Are you borrowing English books from here? (Responding)

Jospeh: ………………….. (Responding)

Sam: Where did you find him?

Joseph: ………………………. (giving information)    

Ans:      

Joseph: Hi, Sam! How do you do?
Sam: I’m good. Are you borrowing English books from here?
Joseph: Yes, I am. I need them for my assignments.
Sam: Where did you find them?
Joseph: I found a great selection in the back section of the library.

 

PART – E

36.A. Write a letter of application in response to the following advertisement which appeared in “The Times of India” dated 22^nd October 2024. 1x5=5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ans:

XXX

YYY

 

28^th October, 2024

 

The HR Manager
RSLV's Institutions
Ramnagar, M.G. Road
Haveri

 

Respected Sir/Madam,

Subject: Application for the Post of Lecturer in English

Reference: The Times of India dated 22^nd October, 2024

 

I am writing to apply for the position of Lecturer in English as advertised in "The Times of India" on 22nd October 2024. With a Master’s degree in English and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), along with my proficiency in both English and Kannada, I believe I am well-suited for this role.

 

In my previous teaching experiences, I have successfully engaged students with interactive lessons, incorporating modern technology and digital resources to enhance the learning experience. I am well-versed in using computers and various educational software, which I believe will contribute positively to the teaching environment at your institution.

 

I am passionate about teaching and dedicated to fostering a positive and productive learning atmosphere. I am confident that my skills and enthusiasm will be an asset to your team.

 

I have attached my resume for your consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further. Thank you for considering my application.

 

Yours sincerely,

Sd/-
(XXX)

 

Enclose: Resume

 

(OR)

B. Imagine that you are the secretary of the college student union.           5

You are asked to speak on the importance of World Wild Life Day at the assembly. Prepare a speech in about 120 words using the following information:

Importance of coexisting with other species- Decreasing forests- Animals entering the villages- The role of citizens in conversing wild life- Informing the Forest Department about smuggling of parts of animals.

 

Ans: Speech on the Importance of World Wildlife Day

Good morning, everyone.

 

Today, we gather to celebrate World Wildlife Day, a vital occasion to reflect on our relationship with nature. As we know, our forests are decreasing at an alarming rate, leading to habitat loss for countless species. This destruction has consequences—wild animals are increasingly entering our villages, creating conflicts and posing risks to both their safety and ours.

 

Coexisting with wildlife is not just a choice; it's our responsibility. As citizens, we can play a pivotal role in conservation efforts. We must educate ourselves and others about the importance of protecting our wildlife and their habitats. Additionally, we should remain vigilant against illegal activities, such as the smuggling of animal parts, and promptly report any such incidents to the Forest Department.

 

Let us commit today to fostering harmony with our environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and diversity of wildlife. Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you.