GOVERNMENT
OF KARNATAKA
DEPUTY
DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF SCHOOL EDUCATION (PRE-UNIVERSITY)
PUC-II
YEAR PREPARATORY EXAMINATION-2025
Time: 3 Hours SUBJECT
ENGLISH (02) MARKS: 80
Instructions:
1) Answer the questions in all the sections
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 30(a-1), 30 B(a-1),
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
1. Answer the following questions by choosing the
right option: 10X1=10
1) Romeo compares Juliet's fellow dancers to in 'Romeo
and Juliet.
a) Crows b) rich jewels c) torches d) night
Ans: a) Crows
2) The total annual expenditure for keeping the
criminal in the prison in Too Dear I came up to …………………….. francs.
a) 16000 francs b)
12000 francs c) 600 francs d) 7000 francs
Ans: c) 600 francs
3) In the poem on 'Children", the word
'arrows" refers to ……………………..
a) parents b) children c)
mother d)
women
Ans: b) children
4) According to Vandana Shiva, the failure to
understand, bio-diversity and its many functions is at the root of ……………………..
a) Impoverishment of nature and culture b) Improvement of nature and culture
c) Reconnecting with nature and culture d) Transformation of nature and culture
Ans: a) Impoverishment of nature and culture
5) The native of Don Gonzalo is ……………………..In 'A Sunny
Morning
a) Maricela b) Beville c) Campamor d) Valencia
Ans: d) Valencia
6) In the poem When You Are Old', the speaker says
…………………….. loved his beloved moments of glad
grace
a) some b) many c)
all d)
none
Ans: b) many
7) In the story, "The Gardener' the old man
narrated his story to……………
a) the owner's wife b) the owner of the plantation
c) Basavalah d)
Lokya
Ans: a) the owner’s wife
8) Borges calls …………………….. 'so intimate and so
essential
a) books b)
metaphors c) poetry d) symbols
Ans: c) poetry
9) Roof-spent…………………….. years as a bicycle repairer's
apprentice in Port Harcourt.
a) Two b)
eight c) five d)
three
Ans: a) Two
10) Identify the right sequence of activities by
Sheela Rani Chunkath in promoting literary drive of Pudukottai district in
"Where There Is A Wheel".
a) got the female activists trained included mobility
as a part of literacy drive pushed banks to give loans monitored personally
b) monitored personally pushed banks to give loans-got
the female activists trained-included mobility as a part of literacy drive
c) pushed banks to give loans monitored personally-got
the female activists trained - included mobility as a part of literacy drive
d) included mobility as a part of literacy drive
pushed banks to give loans - monitored personally got the female activists
trained
Ans: a) got the female activists trained included
mobility as a part of literacy drive pushed banks to give loans monitored
personally
11) Fill in the blanks with the passive form of the
verb given in the brackets: 3X1=3
A speeding lorry
hit a car, yesterday, on the highway. The lorry driver……………………. (arrest) the
police. The passengers in the car……………………. (injure). They ……………………. (admit) to
a near by hospital.
Ans: A speeding
lorry hit a car, yesterday, on the highway. The lorry drive was arrested
the police. The passengers in the car were injured. They were
admitted to a near by hospital.
12) Fill in the
blanks by choosing the appropriate expression, given in brackets: 2X1=2
The king …………………….
the account of his expenditure one day. He decided that the only way …………………….the
criminal was to send him away.
(look
into, look for, get rid of)
Ans: The king look
into the account of his expenditure one day. He decided that the only
way get rid of the criminal was to send him away.
13) Read the
following paragraph and match the pronouns in side 'A' with the nouns/ noun
phrases in side 'B' they refer to: 5X1=5
Mobile phones are
very useful these days. They (a) are very efficient tools for
communication. Youngsters are experts in using mobile phones. Their
(b) skills in using mobile phones are exemplary. They can take a photo of
scenery which (c) they like while travelling. If they like a
song, they can record it (d) on their mobile phone people who
(e) are fond of their mobile phones always keep them in their pockets.
A B
a) They
i)
scenery
b)
Their ii)
song
c)
Which iii)
mobile phones
d) It iv)
Days
e) Who v)
Youngster’s
vi)
people
Ans:a) They: iii) mobile phones
b) Their: v)
youngster’s
c) Which: i)
scenery
d) It: ii) song
e) who: vi) people
PART-B
II. Answer any
THREE of the following questions in one or two sentences each: 3X2=6
14) Give any two comparisons made by Romeo to glorify
Juliet's beauty.
Ans: Romeo compares Juliet’s beauty to a rich jewel in
an Ethiop’s ear and to a snowy dove trooping among crows.
15) What do the two terms 'Terra Nullius' and 'Terra
Madre' mean in Every I Need To Know I Learned in the Forest?
Ans: Terra Nullius means "Empty land," while
Terra Madre means "Mother Earth,"
16) In 'When You Are Old' how does the poet want his
beloved to read the book of poems?
Ans: The poet wants his beloved to read the book
slowly and reflect on the love he had for her, remembering his deep and genuine
feelings.
17) Mention any two things in nature which make this
earth heaven?
Ans: The blooming flowers and the serene rivers are
two things in nature that make this earth a heaven.
III. Answer any
FOUR of the following questions in about 60 words each:
4X3=12
18) Write a note on Monaco Kingdom in 'Too Dear'!
Ans: Monaco is a
small kingdom with a population of about 7,000 people. It is governed by a
prince and is too tiny to maintain an army or expensive administrative
machinery. Despite its size, the kingdom manages with limited resources,
relying on income from gambling in its casino. In the story Too Dear!, the
kingdom’s financial limitations are highlighted when it struggles to decide how
to execute a criminal because of the cost involved in maintaining justice.
19) Describe the uniqueness of the poet's love as
expressed in the poem 'When You Are Old'.
Ans: In When You
Are Old, the poet’s love is unique because it is selfless and eternal. Unlike
others who admire his beloved for her beauty and youth, the poet loves her
inner soul and the "sorrows of her changing face." His love surpasses
time and physical appearance, making it deep and pure. Even after her beauty
fades, the poet’s love remains steadfast and undying, emphasizing its
sincerity.
20) What are Borges views on his mother?
Ans: Borges speaks
highly of his mother and regards her as a remarkable woman. He believes she
sacrificed her happiness for his and his father's sake. Despite her modesty,
she played a pivotal role in his life and literary career, helping him when he
went blind by transcribing his works. Borges considers her not only as a loving
parent but also as a great companion who supported him unconditionally
throughout his life.
21) Why does Kuvempu feel that the heaven is on the
earth only in the poem 'Heaven, If You Are Not Here on Earth'?
Ans: Kuvempu feels
that heaven is on earth because of the beauty and richness of nature. He
describes elements like flowing streams, the cool breeze, and the blooming
flowers, which create a heavenly atmosphere. According to the poet, one does
not need to seek heaven elsewhere, as the earth itself provides all the joy,
beauty, and peace that one associates with paradise. This belief reflects his
admiration for nature and its divine qualities.
22) Describe the complicated hierarchy of 'bowing' in
Japan.
Ans: In Japan,
bowing is an intricate cultural practice with a hierarchy that reflects social
status, relationship, and context. The angle, duration, and depth of the bow
vary depending on the situation. For instance, a deeper and longer bow
indicates greater respect, while a casual bow is for equals or informal
occasions. Bowing is a sign of politeness and humility, and the practice is
ingrained in Japanese etiquette, showcasing their cultural emphasis on respect
and harmony.
23) What are the
advantages of riding bicycle for women of Pudukottai as mention in the unit
"Where There Is A Wheel'?
Ans: For the women
of Pudukottai, riding bicycles brought numerous advantages. It gave them a
sense of independence and mobility, enabling them to travel to markets,
schools, and workplaces easily. It also saved time and reduced their dependence
on male family members. Bicycle riding symbolized empowerment, as it boosted
their confidence and allowed them to break free from traditional restrictions,
thus improving their social and economic status in a patriarchal society.
IV. Answer any
THREE of the following questions in about 100 words:
3X4=12
24) The poem 'On Children' does not focus merely on
the lives of the children but also talks about the responsibilities of parents.
Explain.
Ans: In the poem On
Children by Kahlil Gibran, the poet reflects on the relationship between
parents and their children. While the poem celebrates the innocence and freedom
of children, it also emphasizes the responsibilities of parents. The poet
suggests that children are not possessions of their parents; they are
independent beings with their own destinies. Parents are merely the caretakers
and guides for their children, nurturing them with love and wisdom. The poem
urges parents to offer freedom and support rather than trying to shape or
control their children’s futures. It conveys the idea that children will grow
up to follow their own paths, and parents must accept this with understanding
and grace, fulfilling their responsibility by offering guidance rather than
ownership.
25) Evaluate the methods adopted by Tammanna and
Basavaih to defeat each other.
Ans: In the story ‘Gardener’,
Tammanna and Basavaih engage in a battle of wits and cunning to outsmart one
another, both trying to win the vote. Tammanna uses his intellect and charm to
sway the voters, making promises and leveraging his position to gain influence.
He manipulates the situation by appealing to the emotions of the voters,
presenting himself as a person of integrity and good character. On the other
hand, Basavaih employs more practical methods, using his knowledge of the
people's needs and desires to secure their support. His approach is grounded in
his understanding of the local community, as he promises tangible benefits.
Both characters resort to different strategies—Tammanna focuses on persuasion
and emotion, while Basavaih focuses on practical promises. However, their
methods ultimately illustrate the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by
those vying for power.
26) Trace the path of child's foot after it gets
defeated in the battle in the poem 'To the foot from its child'.
Ans: In the poem To
the Foot from its Child, the foot is described as a metaphor for the child’s
journey through life. The poem describes how the child’s foot is defeated in a
symbolic battle, losing its innocence and freedom. After the defeat, the foot's
journey is traced through pain, struggle, and defeat, as it carries the weight
of life’s hardships. The foot is no longer carefree; instead, it is burdened
with the realities of growing up. It moves from a state of innocence to one
marked by loss, disappointment, and the inevitability of life’s difficulties.
The poem conveys the tension between the child’s innocent perspective and the
adult’s knowledge of hardship. The child’s foot, once full of lightness, is now
weighed down, symbolizing the loss of childhood innocence.
27) Write a note on Roof's character in the story
"The Voter".
Ans: Roof, a key
character in the story The Voter, is portrayed as a simple, yet manipulative
figure. He is a man of strong moral convictions who believes in justice and
equality but is also somewhat naive and unaware of the deeper political
manipulations at play. Roof’s sense of duty and responsibility toward his
community is strong, and he takes the task of voting very seriously. However,
his character is complicated by his vulnerability to external pressures,
including the promises and schemes of the more manipulative characters around
him. He navigates the political landscape with a sense of moral integrity, but
his idealism clashes with the harsh realities of the power struggle, leading to
a realization that there is much more to the game of politics than meets the
eye. Ultimately, Roof is a character torn between integrity and the pragmatism
required to survive in a competitive, corrupt world.
28) Describe the story of Gonzalo as narrated by
himself in 'A Sunny Morning'.
Ans: In "A Sunny Morning", Don Gonzalo recounts the tragic and
noble tale of his cousin’s love for Laura. He describes how his cousin, a
gallant lover, had engaged in a duel with a merchant for her affection, but the
duel's consequences led him to seek refuge in Don Gonzalo's home. The young
man, scared of the consequences of duelling with someone of high stature in the
locality, took refuge under Gonzalo’s roof. Afterward, he left for Seville and
then Madrid, writing many letters to Laura, which were intercepted by her
parents. Don Gonzalo states that Laura never responded to these letters, which
ultimately led his cousin to despair. In his sorrow, believing he had lost his
love forever, the cousin enlisted in the army, went to Africa, and found
himself in a trench. There, he met a glorious death while bravely holding the
flag of Spain, all while whispering Laura's name. This story reveals the deep
and unrequited love of Gonzalo’s cousin, showcasing the romantic ideal of love,
honor, and sacrifice. The gallant lover’s death, grasping the flag and calling
out Laura’s name, symbolizes his eternal devotion to her, despite the distance and
rejection. Don Gonzalo's narration effectively highlights the tragic yet heroic
nature of his cousin’s love.
29) Write a note on 'Navadanya Form' as described by
Vandana Shiva.
Ans: Vandana
Shiva’s Navadanya is a movement aimed at promoting biodiversity, traditional
farming methods, and sustainable agriculture. It focuses on preserving
indigenous seeds, supporting organic farming, and ensuring food sovereignty. In
the Navadanya form, Shiva emphasizes the importance of protecting local
agricultural knowledge, which is often threatened by industrial farming
practices and genetically modified crops. She advocates for a more harmonious
relationship with the earth, one that values ecological sustainability over
profit. Through Navadanya, Shiva calls for a shift in how society approaches
food production, encouraging a return to more natural, diverse, and sustainable
methods. This movement not only seeks to protect the environment but also to
empower local farmers, especially women, who are often the caretakers of
biodiversity. By focusing on seeds and agricultural diversity, Navadanya
represents a holistic approach to environmental conservation and social
justice.
PART-C
V. 30)A. Read the following Passage and answer the
questions set on it. 9X1=9
Survival is the
most essential factor for every living organism. People resort to different
tricks to make both ends meet. One such instance is mentioned here. Villagers
of Makhrada village believed that a witch lived in the dense forest near
Makhrada.
The passer-by were
harassed by the witch who used to frighten them and also took their belongings.
In the village there lived a young man named Dhiru who was fond of adventures.
When he heard about the witch, he did not believe the story. There was something
else about the witch, which made Dhiru curious. She did not eat flesh as others
did but stole the belongings of the people. Therefore he was keen to solve this
mystery.
He set out with a
bag of mangoes. He walked through the forest midway, he took shelter under a
shady tree and pretended to be fast asleep. After some time, he really fell
asleep. After a while, he felt that someone was trying to snatch his bag of
mangoes. He woke up and caught hold of the person. It was the witch who tried
to frighten Dhiru and run away. But Dhiru was strong and bold enough not to let
her go. Finally the witch surrendered. Dhiru forced her to tell him who she really
was. The witch removed her mask and narrated her story. She said that she was a
poor old widow and she had nobody to look after her. Therefore, she used to
live in the forest, wearing a fearful-looking mask. People passing through the
forest got frightened by her appearance and took her for witch. She then robbed
the people of their belongings to make both ends meet. Dhiru took pity on her
and gave her the bag of mangoes.
a. What is the most essential factor for every living
organism?
Ans: Survival is the most essential factor for every
living organism.
b. Where did the witch live?
Ans: The witch live in the dense forest of Makhrada.
c. Why did Dhiru enter the forest?
Ans: Dhiru entered the forest to solve the mystery.
d. What was Dhiru doing when the witch came to snatch
away the bag of mangoes?
Ans: Dhiru was asleep when the witch came to snatch
away the bag of mangoes.
e. What did the witch do soon after Dhiru caught her?
Ans: The witch tried to frighten soon after Dhiru caught
her.
f The poor widow pretended to be a witch because…………………….
i) She wanted to
make both the ends meet
ii) She had an
ugly face
iii) She had a
flesh-eating habit
Ans: i) She wanted to make both the ends meet
g. Dhiru gave the old widow…………………….
Ans: the bag of mangoes
h. Which word in the passage mean a covering worn over
the face to hide identity?
Ans: mask
i. Give the synonym of the word "curious"
(inquisitive, attraction, different)
Ans: curious - inquisitive
-OR-
B. Read the
following poem and answer the questions set on it. 9X1=9
CHILD,
'PLAY
THINGS'
- By
Rabindranath Tagore
Child, how happy you are sitting in the dust,
Playing with a broken twig all the morning!
I smile at your play with that little bit of a broken
twig.
I am busy with my accounts, adding up figures by the
hour.
Perhaps you glance at me and think "What a stupid
game to spoil your morning with" !
Child, I have forgotten the art of being absorbed in
sticks and mud-pies. I seck out costly playthings and gather lumps of gold and
silver.
With whatever you find you create your gold games.
I spend both my time and my strength over things I can
never obtain.
In my frail canoe I struggle to cross the sea of
desire, and forget that I too am playing a game.
a. Whom is the poet addressing to in the poem?
Ans: The poet addressing to in the poem is child.
b. Where is the child sitting?
Ans: The child is sitting in the dust.
c. What does the child do in the morning?
Ans: Playing with the broken twig.
d. Give the synonym of the word "happy" from
the poem.
Ans: happy- glad, joyful
e What is the poet busy with?
Ans: The poet is busy with his accounts, adding
figures after figures.
f. What has the poet forgotten now?
Ans: The poet has forgotten the art of being absorbed
in sticks and mud-pies.
g. Complete the analogy. child: ……………………. :: poet/
Adult: Unhappy
Ans: happy
h. Name the costly things mentioned in the poem.
Ans: gold and silver.
i. The poet is struggling to cross the…………………….
Ans: sea of desire.
PART-D
31) A. Rewrite as directed. 4X1=4
i) Anne Frank is one of……………………. most discussed Jewish
Victims.
(Use proper articles)
Ans: i) Anne Frank is one of the most
discussed Jewish Victims.
ii) not be/ Food/ wasted/ must/ not/ and water
(Rearrange the above segments into a meaningful
sentence)
Ans: Food and water must not be wasted.
iii) Neither she nor the brother……………………. (was/ were)
ready.
(Choose the right verb that agrees with the subject)
Ans: Neither she nor the brother was
ready.
iv) My neighbour……………………. (be+drive) Yesterday. When
the accident took place.
(Use appropriate form of verb)
Ans: My neighbour was driving yesterday.
When the accident took place.
-OR-
B. Fill in the blanks with the right linkers (even
though, if, which, but) 4X1=4
Borges believes
that metaphors …………………….they are truly metaphors, exist from the beginning of
time. ……………………. we express them differently he asserts. In his view, all
metaphors can be reduced to five or six …………………… seem to be essential
metaphors. He says that the poet’s tasks is to discover metaphors …………………….
they may already exist.
Ans: Borges
believes that metaphors if they are truly metaphors, exist from
the beginning of time. But we express them differently he
asserts. In his view, all metaphors can be reduced to five or six which
seem to be essential metaphors. He says that the poet’s tasks is to discover
metaphors even though they may already exist.
32) A Rewrite as directed: 2X1=2
i) The sportsmen returned yesterday…………………….?
(Add a suitable
question Tag)
Ans: i) The sportsmen returned yesterday, didn’t
they?
ii) Reading newspaper everyday is a good
habit.
(Frame a 'wh' question to get underlined word as
answer)
Ans: What everyday is a good habit?
-OR-
B. Rectify the errors in the following sentences and
rewrite them. 2X1=2
i) Why you are so early?
Ans: i) Why are you so early?
ii) People drunk alcohol by mistake.
Ans: ii) People drink alcohol by mistake.
33 ) Read the following passage and make notes by
filling in the boxes given below: 4X
½ = 2
Population growth
is a matter of concern in Asian countries. The true man components of population
growth are births, deaths and migration.
Ans:
34) Report the following conversation: 5X1=5
Dona Laura :
Have you been in America?
Don Gonzalo :
Several times
Dona Laura :
You must have gone with Columbus
Don Gonzalo :
I am old. But I did not know Ferdinand and Isabella
Dona Laura :
Thank you
Ans: Dona Laura
asked Don Gonzalo if he had been in America. Don Gonzalo replied Dona Laura that
he had been there several times. Dona Laura told Don Gonzalo that he must have
gone with Columbus. Don Gonzalo replied Dona Laura that he was old. But he had
not known Ferdinand and Isabella. Dona Laura thanked Don Gonzalo.
35) Complete the following conversation: 3X1=3
(Two sisters at a shop)
Kaveri :
Shall we buy this red dress?
Anusha :
……………………. (disapproving)
Kaveri :
……………………. (giving with other option)
Anusha :
Yes, this is nice.
Kaveri :
OK, ……………………. (enquiring on the price)
Anusha : Its
1500/-
Ans:
Kaveri: Shall we buy this red dress?
Anusha: No, I don’t like it.
Kaveri: How about this blue one?
Anusha: Yes, this is nice.
Kaveri: OK, can you check the price?
Anusha: It’s 1500/-.
PART-E
36A. Write a letter of application in response to the
following advertisement which appeared in "TIMES OF INDIA" on 30th
December 2024 1X5=5
BMS COLLEGE
requires
Science and Language lecturers to teach PUC students
Apply
within 21 days to: The Secretary.
BMS
College, Vijayanagar,
VIJAYAPUR
[ Write
XXX for name and YYY for address]
Ans:
XXX
YYY
17th January, 2025
The Secretary
BMS College
Vijayanagar
Vijayapur
Subject: Application for the Post of Science/Language
Lecturer
Ref: Times of India dated 30th December
2024
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to
express my interest in the position of Science/Language Lecturer as advertised
in The Times of India dated 30th December 2024. I am confident that my academic
qualifications, teaching experience, and passion for education make me a
suitable candidate for the role.
I hold M.Sc. in Physics/MA in English and have five
years of teaching experience at the PUC level. My teaching methods emphasize
conceptual understanding and interactive learning to help students excel
academically.
I have attached my resume for your reference and would
be happy to provide additional details or attend an interview at your
convenience.
Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
Sd/-
XXX
Resume
Name: XXX
Address: YYY
Educational Qualifications:
|
Degree/ Course |
Board / University |
Percentage |
|
MSc/ M.A. |
KUD |
92% |
|
BSc/ B.A. |
KUD |
94% |
|
PUC |
PU Board Bangalore |
95% |
Experience: Five years
Skills: Strong
communication and classroom management skills.
·
Proficient in using teaching aids and modern
technology.
Languages Known: English,
Kannada, Hindi
Hobbies/Interests: Reading,
teaching, and attending workshops to enhance teaching methodologies.
I hereby
declare that the above information is true to my knowledge.
XXX
-OR-
B. Your college is celebrating "International
Women Day". Prepare a speech in about 100 words. with the following
points.
5
·
Women's empowerment
·
Women's education
·
Equal salary and opportunities
·
Gender equality
Ans: Good morning, everyone,
It is a great
honor to stand before you as we celebrate International Women’s Day.
Today, we acknowledge the immense contributions of women to society and strive
for a world that ensures their empowerment and equality.
Women’s
empowerment is the key to building stronger communities and a more inclusive
world. When women are empowered, they uplift families, businesses, and entire
nations.
Education is a
vital tool for this empowerment. Every girl deserves access to quality
education, which unlocks her potential and allows her to contribute
meaningfully to society.
We must also
ensure equal salaries and opportunities for women. Gender should never
determine one’s pay or prospects—it’s time to break these barriers.
Finally, true
progress requires gender equality. It’s about treating men and women as equals,
sharing responsibilities, and respecting individuality.
Let us pledge to
create a world where every woman feels empowered, valued, and celebrated.
Thank you.
